Maui Now — Wildfire survivor and advocate Kai Pelayo and the Stupski Foundation, which gifted Maui Economic Opportunity $450,000 for early childhood programs, were named Volunteer and Benefactor of the Year.

Hawai‘i News Now — Annalisa Burgos talks to Josh Wisch of nonprofit Holomua Collective, who says the outmigration of middle-income workers negatively impacts the local economy.

Pacific Business News, Aloha State Daily — L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the largest Hawai‘i-based restaurant chain, has been named to Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking.

Hawai‘i Business Magazine — Government leaders including Gov. Josh Green and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura have made cesspool conversions a top priority of the state. Officials say they are creating a cesspool conversion implementation group to find solutions, but the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is working to come up with a clear strategic plan.

Civil Beat — State lawmakers are taking up a bill this week that would create a low-interest loan program.

Maui Now — The students were among nine winning student teams at seven local public schools to earn honors from across the state.