From The Garden Island:

The corporation overseeing Kauai’s two public hospitals will seek $7.3 million in emergency funding at a public hearing today before the state Legislature to keep the state-funded public health system afloat.

The request, outlined in House Bill 3, is nearly triple the $2.5 million amount that Hawaii Health Systems Corp. officials were planning to ask legislators before the special session began on Monday.

In a written testimony submitted to the House Committees on Health and Finance on Monday, HHSC Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Alice Hall said $2.5 million “will not be sufficient to cover the overdue bills and obligations of the region.” Read more.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Several sightings signal start of whale watching season

Police sued in mistreatment of Kihei lawyer

Commission OKs pay raises for 12 Hawaii County officials

Lahaina Halloween: street closures, transportation, enforcement

Yamagata represents Kauai at 2014 State Teacher of the Year

Laaloa work on time, budget, DPW says

Upcountry urged to conserve water

Ocean View Food Pantry reopens after short hiatus

The poop scoop: What happens after you flush on Molokai

Helicopter makes hard landing at airport

Collapsed cemetery wall expected to be replaced by end of the year

Appraisal an issue for council in Launiupoko land purchase

Photo: Kauai memorial. (Doug Brown 37)

—Chad Blair