Showing posts with label Abigail Kawananakoa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abigail Kawananakoa. Show all posts

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Public election financing bill revived, Green seeks $2.2M to fight climate change lawsuit, Zuckerberg plans to raise beef on mac nuts and beer at Kauai ranch, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Full Public Financing Of Elections Is Being Revived At Hawaii Legislature. State Sen. Karl Rhoads will resurrect a bill that would establish a comprehensive campaign financing system intended help attract a more diverse pool of political candidates. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii Budget Request Faces Backlash From Senators. Senators and University of Hawaii leaders clashed over funding for student housing during a budget hearing Wednesday, even as both groups recognized an urgent need to address a years-long facilities problem.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Firm fighting climate lawsuit accused of aggressive tactics. Gov. Josh Green’s administration is requesting an additional $2.25 million to fight the climate lawsuit brought by 14 Hawaii youths claiming that the state Department of Transportation has violated their constitutional rights “to live healthful lives in Hawai‘i now and into the future.”  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Senate majority announces legislative priorities for 2024, including fires recovery support. With the 32nd State Legislature set to begin on Jan. 17, the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority said in a press release on Wednesday it is focused on addressing a range of issues, with a key focus on supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts following the devastating Maui wildfires. Maui Now. Garden Island.

Feds Announce $2.6 Million In Grants To Fortify Hawaii’s Food Supply Chain. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funding will focus on small- and medium-sized producers. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu’s Rolling Blackouts Stemmed From A Series Of Unfortunate Events. They occurred as the island grows more dependent on solar energy. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Kapi’olani and its unionize nurses prepare for weeklong strike.
Unionized nurses at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children said they will go on a weeklong strike later this month, and management assured the public that they have a plan to maintain the hospital’s quality of care. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Battle for heiress’s estate comes to an end. The prolonged and contentious battle over the estate of the late Abigail Kawananakoa has come to an amicable end with the spouse of the late Campbell Estate heiress walking away with at least $40 million and the heiress’ foundation charity for Native Hawaiians expected to clear at least $100 million. Star-Advertiser.

‘Rescue tubes’ installed at local beaches, city says. A Wednesday morning news conference to announce the installation of 20 bright yellow foam flotation devices called “rescue tubes” on city-owned beaches was briefly interrupted with a real-time ocean rescue. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement talks continue in sex assault case against former Saint Louis School football stars.
The attorneys for Saint Louis School, two former high school football stars and a woman suing them for sex assault have not come to settlement terms — despite three days of mediation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bill to fund study of Puna alternate route postponed.
  A study investigating possibilities for a new roadway into Puna has been put off a little longer after questions about how to protect Hawaiian homestead land. Tribune-Herald.

$3.2 Million Released For Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Improvements. $3.2 million in state funds has been released by Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green for improvements at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor. The money will go toward design and construction costs. Big Island Video News.

Kaʻūmana Caves in Hilo to reopen next week.
  Kaʻūmana Caves in Hilo, which have been closed since Sept. 23, 2023, because of a rock fall and partial collapse, will reopen to the public Jan. 16. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Maui


Heavy Rain Washed Fire-Related Contaminants Into The Ocean Off Lahaina.
A massive brown plume has scientists worried despite protective measures aimed at preventing toxic runoff. Civil Beat.

'I’m not homeless, I’m from here': Unsheltered Maui fire survivors navigate alternative living. Volunteers from A Cup of Cold Water are continuing to accept donations to fill the growing need. John Hirashima said the organization is now serving about 40 people in Kīhei, 80 to 100 in Central Maui, and 60 to 80 in West Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

County to host Right-of-Entry workshops for owners who lost properties in Maui fires. Workshops will feature presentations by County of Maui and US Army Corps of Engineers officials, along with community experts, who will offer crucial information about the fire debris cleanup process, options available for residential and commercial property owners and an opportunity to ask questions.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Facebook founder says he’s working on a ‘delicious’ new project on Kauai.
Billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced a cattle-raising project on Kauai in an official Facebook post on Wednesday.  Zuckerberg’s plan is to feed the cows exclusively macadamia meal and beer. This plan would require him to plant many macadamia trees. Hawaii News Now.

Above-average rainfall recorded on Kaua‘i despite persistent drought conditions in December statewide.
In December, windward gauges had near to above-average rainfall, while most of the leeward gages had below-average rainfall.  Kauai Now.

Monday, January 23, 2023

More Native Hawaiians flee Hawaii for Vegas, thousands flock to Eddie surf contest, Gov. Green to deliver first State of the State today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Native Hawaiians flock to Las Vegas for affordable living. According to 2021 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the biggest growth of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander populations was in Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, and Sacramento County, Calif. The biggest decline of Native Hawaiian residents was in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Advocates Say It’s No Longer Whether Hawaii Should Charge A Green Fee, But How.
Hawaii's new governor supports a visitor-impact fee, and supporters say they're more organized than ever. But it will be up to state legislators to decide. Civil Beat.

Senators put Hawaii Tourism Authority in the hot seat again. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is headed for another rough round in the Legislature, but the stakes are higher this session, when for the first time, the agency’s future is entirely dependent on getting a share of general funds from state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Green to deliver inaugural State of the State address this week.
The governor will deliver his speech at 10 a.m. Monday to a joint session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature in the House chamber at the state Capitol in Honolulu. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now

Proposed $1 Billion Hydrogen Fuel Hub Signals A New Start For Reenergized Hawaii Agency. Hawaii’s bid marks a fresh start for an economic development department that was plagued by challenges under former Gov. David Ige’s director, Mike McCartney. Civil Beat.

Darker window tint might be allowed on Hawaii vehicles.
Hawaii’s vehicle tinting businesses could see a boom if a bill becomes law allowing vehicle owners to have darker window tinting. Star-Advertiser.

‘One Health’ stresses link between humans, environment.
The health of humans is interconnected with the health of other animals, which are both interconnected with the health of the environment. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Thousands flock to Waimea Bay to see Luke Shepardson win the ‘Eddie’.  The surf had blasted sand and water across Kameha­meha Highway. The Ke Nui bike path, in places, was inundated and sandy. The beach extended into Ehukai Beach Park’s parking lot. Pipeline, looking like rolling hills, was unrecognizable. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. KHON2.

For the first time, women compete in The Eddie Big Surf Competition. For the first time ever, women were included in the lineup to catch the monster waves out at Waimea Bay. KITV4.

Viewing of Kawananakoa’s casket draws crowd to Iolani Palace. 
Lines of people thronged the sidewalk in front of Iolani Palace on Sunday for a chance to pay their respects to Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa, the first member of a Native Hawaiian royal family to lie in state for a public viewing at Iolani Palace in more than a century. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Police chief outlines goals; community survey to go live Feb. 1. After a private swearing in ceremony Jan. 11 for Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz in Hilo, the new Hawaii County top cop took the oath again in a public affair Friday at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Bone dry: County spigots busy as E. Hawaii residents on catchment see tanks dwindle.
The prolonged dry spell that’s thus far been the story of the wet season on the Big Island’s windward side has caused long lines at the county’s public water spigots for residents who rely on water catchment. Tribune-Herald.

Update On Formation Of New Maunakea Authority.
The Hawaiʻi House Committee on Finance heard from interim members of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Decommissioning of Caltech observatory on Maunakea summit on track for this year. It is one of two Maunakea telescopes currently in the final stages of the decommissioning process mandated in the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan. Big Island Now.

Coolant Leaks At Maunakea Telescope Investigated. Two fluid leaks from the chilling system of the UH 88-inch observatory on the summit of Maunakea are being investigated by the University of Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Home sales slow in 2022: Interest rate hikes chill Big Island housing market.
Big Island real estate agents are hopeful the housing market will stabilize in 2023 after sales slowed in 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Octopus farm is ordered to halt illegal activity. The Kailua-Kona concern — which fell under a national media spotlight in December that suggested the operation and its methods were cruel to the octopuses — was ordered to discontinue its activities last week after the state Division of Aquatic Resources declared it was operating without required permits. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules Incumbent Maui Councilwoman Alice Lee Won Seat. Her opponent Noelani Ahia had filed a lawsuit challenging the election. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill on residential workforce housing deed restrictions and resale surfaces for review. A bill relating to residential workforce housing deed restrictions and resale, will be reconsidered at the Maui County Council meeting on Jan. 27. Maui Now.


East Maui Residents Endured A Month Without Phone Or Internet After Storm. Hawaiian Telcom says the area is remote and rugged, making it more challenging to do the repair work. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Advocates for Native Hawaiian women, girls push legislators to tackle sex trafficking. Advocates address Kaua‘i councilmembers, law enforcement officials, service providers and community members during the public meeting prompted by the recent publication of “Holoi ā nalo Wāhine ‘Ōiwi.” Kauai Now.

Hawai‘i kupuna watchdog head says program in need of expansion. For some of Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable kupuna, a little-known government position known as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman can mean the difference between torment and safety. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

'Last Hawaiian Princess' dies at 96, Green names Dawn Chang to head DLNR, 16 others to top posts, gives state employees two holiday bonus days' leave, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Abigail Kawananakoa, Considered ‘Last Hawaiian Princess,’ Dies At 96. Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa, following her death at age 96, was described as a champion of the Hawaiian people and an alii who carried herself with dignity and humility. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Big Island Now.  Maui Now.  Kauai NowHawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Gov. Green adds to Cabinet appointments. The nominees include former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson, who unsuccessfully ran to become lieutenant governor this year and was appointed to head the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Dawn Chang, who runs a consulting company that specializes in building community support for economic development projects and is drawing some early opposition as the appointed new head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Video News.  Maui Now.

Gov. Green stuffs state workers’ stockings with 2 days off.  Many workers will have four-day weekends surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Day by receiving Friday Dec. 23 and Friday Dec. 30 off. Star-Advertiser.

Ambitious State Plan For Expansion Of Pre-K Hinges On Boosting Workforce. Hawaii Lt Gov. Sylvia Luke has so far declined to commit to wage increases for early educators this coming session. Civil Beat.

State partners with nonprofit group for upgrades to school playgrounds. The state Department of Education is partnering with Hawaii 3R’s to fix, replace or build anew about 100 playgrounds at a cost of  $18 million. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Hawaii Tourism Marketing Chief Hopes For New Mainland Contract By March. The state Senate Ways and Means Committee grilled tourism officials about a major tourism marketing contract that has been mired in the procurement process for more than a year. Civil Beat.

Annual conference focuses on shifting the future of Hawaiʻi tourism. Sessions at last week's Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference included Native Hawaiian cultural workshops and discussions, and updates on important tourism markets. But the main focus was changing state tourism for the future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Honeycreepers Evolved Over 6 Million Years. Now They’re Barely Hanging On. As mosquitos move into higher elevations, they kill off endemic species. A UH Hilo specialist is working to save them. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Oahu

Community pushes for more answers on Red Hill spill.  Federal and state environmental regulators Monday ducked out of a Honolulu Board of Water Supply meeting early, leaving the board and community members frustrated that they couldn’t get more answers to questions they have about a recent spill of toxic fire suppressant chemicals at Red Hill and a host of other issues relating to the Navy’s underground fuel facility that is being shut down. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

HPD chief: 10 of 600 concealed-carry apps complete, permit issuance pending. Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan joins KHON2 in-studio to talk about the status of concealed-carry applications, violent crime and expanding body-worn cameras for officers.  KHON2.

$30M available for Oʻahu nonprofits affected by the pandemic.  Oʻahu nonprofits that were impacted by the pandemic will soon be able to apply for a grant of up to $100,000. The City and County of Honolulu has offered up to $30 million in funds to help cover daily expenses and Personal Protection Equipment for nonprofits that are eligible for relief.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Japanese group buys Queen Kapiolani Hotel. The 315-room Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel in Waikiki has been acquired by Financial Products Group Co., a financial services group in Japan that is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Finalists for police chief talk leadership, service. The public had its first opportunity Monday to testify about the four finalists to vying to become Hawaii County police chief and see them answer questions from the Police Commission in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

No new visitor center for HVNP; 60-stall parking also scratched. “People didn’t want to see so much rainforest lost to build a new parking lot and visitor center,” said Danielle Foster, environmental protection specialist for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Board of Appeals rules against neighbors in short-term rental case.  The county Board of Appeals has determined that laws governing state and county agriculture project districts don’t prohibit landowners from using their farm dwellings for short-term rentals, as long as they also live on the property. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kekuhaupio “Keku” Akana named Managing Director under Mayor-elect Bissen administration. Akana, a 25-year Maui County career Police Officer who retired as deputy chief in 2006, will now head the Department of Management and oversee County departments.  Maui Now.

Virtual meetings to discuss shared solar projects in Piʻiholo and Makawao on Maui. Nexamp will host virtual community meetings in January to discuss two planned Community Based Renewable Energy shared solar projects on Maui.  Maui Now.

The world’s most powerful solar telescope atop Haleakalā on Maui marks milestone with data release.  The US National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope atop Haleakalā on Maui, announced the release today of its first set of publicly available datasets.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Hāʻena shuttle on Kaua’i hits bump in road to success.  In recent weeks, hundreds of cars have been turned away at Hāʻena State Park, the gateway to the world-famous Nā Pali Coast on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, with reports of upset visitors not knowing they needed to go through the reservation and shuttle system. Kauai Now.

Monday, August 29, 2022

Hawaii celebrates Little League world championship, Honolulu mulls shoreline setbacks, Hawaiian Princess Kawananakoa near death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Brian Schatz Facebook 
Honolulu wins Little League World Series, beating Curacao 13-3. For a week and a half at the Little League World Series, no team came close to Hawaii. The championship Sunday was no different. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. KHON2.


Survey finds strong support for visitor education efforts, access fees to parks. Visitor access fees to state parks and trails are just one of the many tourism management efforts supported by Hawaii residents. That’s according to a recent Resident Sentiment Survey by the State of Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism for Spring 2022. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Changes in affirmative action may have little impact on Hawaii schools. University officials say the impact in Hawaii would be minimal should the U.S. Supreme Court strike down racial affirmative action in school admissions. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer Native Hawaiian Men Are Going To College. The Repercussions May Last Generations. Overall college enrollment in the state shrank 20% over the last decade, but the drop was steeper for Native Hawaiian men, with 30% fewer male students enrolled last spring than there were a decade ago. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Top Campaign Contributor Is Backing Republicans This Election Cycle. The GOP saw an uptick in donations as well as stronger voter turnout in the Aug. 13 primary election. Civil Beat.

‘An Epic Fail:’ Hawaii Inmate Medical Records System Hasn’t Worked Right For Months.
A top prison official said computer updates weren’t done for the system, and health workers at Hawaii’s jails and prisons lost access to thousands of records. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Hospitalized And Gravely Ill, This Hawaiian Princess Is Intent On Sharing Her Wealth. Abigail Kawananakoa has made clear in the past that she wants her fortune to be used to benefit Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council considering increasing shoreline setbacks. The Honolulu City Council is considering increasing the general shoreline setback distance for structures and development from 40 feet to between 60 and 130 feet, depending on the location and size of the property. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Liquor Commission May Be Headed For An Overhaul. In justifying the need for change, a City Council resolution outlines a decades-long pattern of malfeasance. Civil Beat.

End in sight for foam and plastic take-out containers. Starting on September 6, single-use plastic and foam take-out containers can no longer be used. KHON2.

Ambulance safety questioned on Oahu following deadly explosion in Kailua
. The Honolulu City Council is planning a special hearing with the head of Honolulu Emergency Services Department to figure out what changes may need to be made to ensure public safety. KITV4.

University of Hawaii reorganization merges 5 academic units into 1. Five academic units from three different colleges — each with related yet distinct approaches to communication and information — have been combined to establish the  School of Communication and Information  in one of the largest reorganizations in the university’s history. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii study focuses on detecting mutations as a predictor of future COVID-19 variants. UH researchers led by Tao Yan, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, are analyzing wastewater collected from Oahu during the pandemic to determine if the presence of a mutation could be an indicator of virus evolution. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless encampments along Nimitz Highway reduced for now. As Oahu’s summer tourism season comes to its traditional Labor Day end, the main Nimitz Highway corridor that visitors use to get from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport into Waikiki last week was unusually clear of homeless encampments. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers remove trash and paint over graffiti in Chinatown. The improved look is thanks to the more than 300 volunteers who picked up trash and added fresh layers of paint to the exteriors of businesses, traffic control boxes and nearby bridges Saturday during the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s second annual “Chinatown Cleanup.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Survey: Locals feeling a little friendlier toward tourists. Big Island residents are reporting an increasingly favorable view of the visitor industry, with East Hawaii residents expressing a more positive opinion than their West Hawaii counterparts. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioners mull cesspool alternatives
: Waste management master plans in the works. Tax incentives and low-interest loans as well as the creation of an enterprise fund through a utility surcharge are three options being bandied about to help the state convert its 88,000 cesspools into something less harmful to the environment by 2050. West Hawaii Today.

How to catch up? Pandemic’s impact has stunted development for many young keiki. Preschool and elementary teachers on the Big Island have reported alarming behavioral changes in young keiki following the pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed bottling plant hopes to give back to community. Hawaiian Kingdom Brands plans to build a 30,000-square-foot water bottling and coffee roasting facility on a lot at the intersection of Mililani and Piilani streets. Tribune-Herald.

Another boat ramp option floated for Pohoiki. State engineers are investigating whether to remove most of a beach in order to reopen the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor transmits two resolutions to council in an effort to finalize A&B land acquisition. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino transmitted two resolutions to the Maui County Council on Friday to accept the dedication of 45 acres of land from A&B Properties for parks and open space.  Maui Now.

Maui hate crime case hinges on use of term ‘haole’. The central question that jurors will be asked to decide is whether the men attacked the victim because he was white or because he was a newcomer who disrespected their community, court documents show. Star-Advertiser.

Maui hospital receives zero “Condition Level Findings” from accrediting body. Maui Memorial Medical Center received zero “Condition Level Findings” during an unannounced visit by surveyors with The Joint Commission in July. This marked the hospital’s highest scores to date, according to a Maui Health press release. Maui Now.

Maui hotels were tops in revenue, last in occupancy in July.
Report shows less of a summer travel surge than last year. Maui News.

Could The End Be Near For Hawaii’s Resort Penguins? For nearly 40 years, guests arriving at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa have been greeted by a group of penguins that, while perhaps charming in their feathery faux tuxedos, aren’t exactly associated with Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Police Department backed up Vice President Kamala Harris on vacation. KPD provided services both for the Vice President’s Aug. 15 arrival and the Aug. 25 departure, along with backing up her movements when necessary. Garden Island.

Bird Rescuers ‘Desperately’ Seek Kauai Honeycreepers As The Species Faces Extinction. Crews are in the remote forest seeking three ‘akikiki birds, part of a last-ditch attempt to protect them from the mosquito-borne illness that’s devastated their numbers. Civil Beat. Garden Island.


Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Hawaii residents not staying home much, COVID-19 vaccinations not delivered equally, Maui promises vaccines for everybody by Labor Day, Blangiardi picks Cabinet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


courtesy UHERO
Hawaii mobility map PC:UHERO

People in Hawaii have stopped staying home as much following the surge in COVID-19 cases this summer, and have started going back to restaurants and shops, new mobility data shows. Civil Beat.

UHERO mobility dashboard details can be found here.

The number of residents leaving Hawai'i doubles in 2020. 2020 has taken a toll on many across the globe, including those in the Aloha State. The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii says the state say the highest rates of population decline in the country. KITV4.

Some healthcare workers not associated with hospitals are still waiting for vaccine. Medical professionals are in group 1-A, the first group designated to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But many are still waiting for their first dose. That’s even though the state Department of Health has already started vaccinating people in group 1-B. Hawaii News Now.

This New Ad Campaign Aims To Win Over Hawaii’s COVID-19 Vaccine Skeptics.
Persuading enough residents to roll up a sleeve for the vaccine for the state to achieve herd immunity is expected to be a challenge. Civil Beat.

Hawaii heiress Abigail Kawananankoa got $142,000 federal bailout loan. Her attorney Bruce Voss said the 94-year-old Kawananakoa needed the Paycheck Protection Program loan because the three-year legal battle over her $215 million fortune had drained her bank accounts. Hawaii News Now.

Plenty of ahi available for New Year’s Eve celebrations during a challenging year. There should be plenty of ahi available for New Year’s Eve at a reasonable price, according to purveyors, as a year besieged by pandemic-related challenges winds down to a close. Star-Advertiser.

King's Hawaiian Rolls not made in Hawaii, class action lawsuit filed. The company has been hit with a class action lawsuit after a New York resident claimed fraudulent marketing misleads shoppers by hiding where the products is really made. KITV4.

Saving Hawaii’s Koa Industry — And The Environment. The private sector and state are coming together to ensure an abundance of koa far into the future. Civil Beat.

Ige delays furloughs until ‘at least July 1’. Gov. David Ige said Tuesday he is delaying the implementation of furloughs for state employees through at least July 1, 2021. West Hawaii Today.

The start of state worker furloughs has been postponed, but remains on the minds of many. Federal funding has pushed back the start date of the furloughs, but they still could happen in 2021. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 29: 76 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 76 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 55 on Oahu, 10 in Maui County, seven on the Big Island and four residents who were diagnosed out of the state. There were no new fatalities reported. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi’s transition team announces Cabinet selections. The longtime leader of the company that runs TheBus, a former state senator and the one-time head of the pro-development think-tank Land Use Research Foundation are among a slate of nominees to Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi’s Cabinet that his transition team announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor-Elect Blangiardi Announces Key Appointments. They include Laura Thielen for Parks and Recreation and Dean Uchida for Planning and Permitting. Civil Beat.

Blangiardi announces key cabinet appointments ahead of January inauguration. Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi has released his list of cabinet members ahead of his inauguration next month. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell says coronavirus response was too slow. In a reflection of the city’s handling of its COVID-19 outbreak, outgoing Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he would have responded to the virus earlier and done more to properly inform the public if he had the chance. Star-Advertiser.

Essential workers traveling to Oahu now subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing. Essential workers traveling to Oahu who get exemptions to the state’s quarantine rules will now be subject to new testing requirements. The new rules were included in an emergency proclamation, approved by the governor Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Card usage is extended through Jan. 31. Those several thousand people receiving or scheduled to receive $500 debit cards from the city now have until Jan. 31 to spend the money to pay for food and other necessities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, city officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

New HART CEO taking on rail at high-stakes stage for lower pay.
Honolulu Rapid Rail Authority (HART) has a new CEO, Lori Kahikina, taking the helm at a crossroads for the final leg of the project. She has just one year to prove whether she can turn the troubled agency around. KHON2.

Brigham Young University to Require Free Weekly COVID Tests for On-Campus Students and Faculty. Hawaii universities have been largely distance learning due to COVID-19. However, Brigham Young University-Hawaii hopes expanded testing will put the institution on the path to reopening. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 exposure notification app now available to residents of Hawaii County. AlohaSafe Alert, the state of Hawaii’s official COVID-19 exposure notification app, is now available to Hawaii County residents and is expected to launch statewide next week. Tribune-Herald.

Todd, 2 political newcomers to vie for Kahele’s seat. A state representative and two political newcomers made the cut Wednesday night from a list of seven Democrats vying for Gov. David Ige’s nomination to fill the remaining two years of the state Senate seat vacated by Congressman-elect Kai Kahele. West Hawaii Today.

Waipio Valley pedestrian ban booted.
It’s back to the drawing board for a bill prohibiting pedestrian access to Waipio Valley, after County Council members Wednesday raised constitutionality issues and the effect closing hiking there would have on other valleys, such as Pololu Valley in North Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Council approves Kailua-Kona development. An agreement worked out by two council members negotiating with developers of a Kailua-Kona project was approved by the County Council last week and then sent to the mayor, despite three council members’ assurances that the public would have one more opportunity to comment at a council forum. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor to seek scaled back gatherings, other restrictions. Maui County is seeking to tighten up rules such as scaling back the number of people in gatherings and imposing other restrictions as Maui continues to see double digit positive cases daily. Maui News.

Operation Face Mask Results in 24-Hour Closure of Two Lahaina Bars. ask Force Officers from the Maui Police Department and the Department of Liquor Control conducted Operation Face Mask on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui District Health Office on Vaccine Rollout: Everybody Should Get a Dose if they want it by Labor Day. Health officials on Maui are asking the public to be patient by waiting their turn in the distribution timeline, and continue health care precautions as the state carries out its vaccination plan. Maui Now.

Push to get independent doctors, staff vaccinated. Dentists and staff included in Phase 1; more doses on the way. Maui News.

Kauai

County leaving single-use plastics in 2020. Starting Friday, a policy prohibiting county funds from being used for single-use, disposable plastics will go into effect. Garden Island.

Lihu‘e post office safe from closure. On Sunday night, the U.S. Congress passed the COVID Relief Bill, which among other things approved the transition of a $10 billion loan to the U.S. Postal Service in March and into a grant with conditions. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Hawaii PPP recipients include Trump hotel, hospitals, newspapers; police reform bill passes Legislature; Ige warns of financial crisis, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyrihgt 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Trump hotel in Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News
Trump Hotel In Waikiki Received Millions From Small Business Bailout. While President Donald Trump doesn’t own the property, he does license his name to the California company that does. Civil Beat.

Over 3,000 Hawaii PPP loan recipients named in transparency effort. A jewelry store chain, two hospitals and a private school are among the biggest Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients in Hawaii, according to data released Monday. A condominium-hotel tower in Waikiki affiliated with President Donald Trump also has benefited from the program, the data shows. Star-Advertiser.

These Hawaii Businesses Got Federal Loans During The Pandemic. The U.S. government finally released the names of companies participating in federal coronavirus relief programs after months of obfuscation. Civil Beat.

Federal loans helped keep thousands of Hawaii businesses afloat during pandemic. More than 24,000 Hawaii-based businesses and non-profit organizations applied for federal loans to help keep employees paid during the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on Monday. Hawaii News Now.


Explore the SBA data on businesses that received PPP loans. Washington Post.

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Does Hawaii Have A Grip On COVID-19? Health officials are expressing concern over a recent spike in cases, but say Hawaii has the capacity it needs to scale back the travel quarantine. Civil Beat.

Surge in cases elsewhere forcing state leaders to reassess reopening plan set for Aug. 1. Hawaii is still planning on allowing tourists without a mandatory quarantine on August 1, provided they get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of landing and that test is negative. But Governor David Ige admitted in a press conference Monday afternoon that the surge in cases from other states is concerning. Hawaii News Now.

Ige outlines features of new financial plan to cope with COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the looming financial challenges, Ige said the state is seeking a loan from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, implemented a hiring freeze, is working with state agencies on possible reductions and wants to stop non-personnel expenditures. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s state government is facing a ‘financial crisis’. Hawaii’s state government is facing a $2.3 billion loss in revenue over the next two fiscal years as it prepares to invite trans-Pacific travelers back to the islands Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

State facing $2.3B in lost tax revenue due to coronavirus pandemic. The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hawaii is beginning to come into focus, Gov. David Ige said Monday ― and the picture isn’t pretty. Hawaii News Now.

State facing massive projected budget shortfalls, increasing to $6.4 billion in 2026.  Governor David Ige warned the state of Hawaii Monday that there is a budget shortfall of $2.3 billion looming in the fiscal year 2021, but projections forward are more daunting. KHON2.

Governor Warns Of Future Financial Challenges. Hawaiʻi revenues are expected to drop by $2.3 billion in fiscal years 2020-21, says the Council of Revenues, forcing the State to consider potential cuts. Big Island Video News.

‘Looming Financial Crisis’ Ahead for Hawai‘i as Tax Revenues Plummet. The Council on Revenues predicts Hawai‘i will lose out on $2.3 billion in tax revenues over the next 12 to 15 months. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige Outlines How COVID-19 Has Impacted the State’s Finances. During the pandemic more than 200,000 residents lost their jobs and filed for unemployment. Maui Now.

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Police reform bill passes; law would require county departments to disclose identity of an officer upon suspension. The Legislature passed a police reform bill Monday that would make public the identities of police officers who have been suspended or discharged, putting them on equal footing with other public agency employees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature Removes Police Exemption For Misconduct Cases. The bill now goes to Gov. David Ige who can approve it, veto it or let it become law without his signature. Civil Beat.

Police accountability bill headed to Ige’s desk. A bill that would identify fired or suspended county police officers is headed to Gov. David Ige’s desk. West Hawaii Today.

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Hawaii Senate committee rejects Gov. Ige’s pick for state director of finance. The Senate Ways and Means Committee this morning voted to reject the appointment of state Director of Finance Craig Hirai, the second time in a week that one of Gov. David Ige’s cabinet appointments has been jeopardized by Senate push-back. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee recommends rejection of Ige’s BLNR nominee. A state Senate committee voted Monday to recommend against confirming Gov. David Ige’s nominee to represent Hawaii Island on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

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Substitute teachers’ unemployment benefits in limbo in Hawaii. When public schools shut down in Hawaii in March, substitute teachers were able to file for unemployment insurance, but that money stopped flowing in June. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates: Lack Of Interpreter Services At Unemployment Office Is Illegal. Immigrants and people who don’t speak English have had a hard time accessing unemployment benefits. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 clusters form after people skip masks, distance. State health officials said Monday that recent clusters of the coronavirus detected in Hawaii have been associated with people not wearing masks and not social distancing. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Updates: 7 New COVID-19 Cases; Mayor Says Spike In Oahu Cases 'Concerning'. The state's total case count now stands at 1,030 with 19 deaths. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Monday, July 6. One new case of COVID-19 was reported on Hawaiʻi Island at noon on Monday, part of the 7 new cases reported statewide. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Warnings, citations given on Oahu for face mask violations.  On Oahu, Honolulu Police tells us from July 3-5 it has issued 108 warnings and 2 citations for face mask violations. KHON2.

Local security companies say they're being asked to help enforce COVID-19 guidelines. Star Protection Agency and Securitas tell KITV4 that they're being asked to help make sure customers wear face masks and follow other guidelines issued by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. KITV4.

Gyms battle germs as officials consider rollbacks of high-risk businesses. There’s a cluster of 9 coronavirus cases that has been linked to an unnamed but temporarily closed Oahu gym, and Governor Ige said Monday that gyms may be the type of business that could shut down down again if positive tests continue to rise. Hawaii News Now.

Judge blocks auction of Abigail Kawananakoa’s belongings. An auction of 94-year-old Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa’s belongings can’t go forward until a conservator is named to handle her finances, a judge ruled Monday. Associated Press.

Punahou School prepares to welcome back students on-campus in August. Due to COVID-19, instruction went online back in March and it has remained that way during the summer. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Plea deal still on table in alleged child starvation. A plea deal is still in the works for a 52-year-old Hilo man accused of starving his 9-year-old daughter to death more than four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Dairy milks any business it can get. As sales decline during pandemic, Surfing Goat Dairy fights to stay afloat. Maui News.

Kanaha Hotel opening pushed back a year. Public meeting to be held on formerly named Windward Hotel. Maui News.

Kauai

Newest cases travel related. Two new positive cases of COVID-19 were announced by the Kaua‘i District Health Office on Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 42 cases, with the number. Garden Island.

New life for Alekoko Fishpond. For the first time in over half a century, The Alekoko Fishpond is clear of adult mangrove. Garden Island.

Monday, June 29, 2020

COVID? What COVID? Hawaii survey shows residents less concerned as cases spike, teachers' union OKs school reopening plan, union tries to stem Honolulu newspaper layoffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilo Farmers Market vendor without a mask on June 27, 2020. ©2020 All Hawaii News
Many residents no longer see COVID-19 as a threat, DOH survey says. An increasing number of Hawaii residents no longer see COVID-19 as much of a threat as they did in the earlier stages of the pandemic, according to a follow-up survey commissioned by the Hawaii State Department of Health. KHON2.

DOH survey shows ‘alarming’ decrease among Hawaii residents who follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines. An increasing number of Hawaii residents no longer see COVID-19 as much of a threat as they did in the earlier stages of the pandemic, according to a follow-up survey commissioned by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Follow-Up Survey Shows Decline in Concern Over COVID-19. In less than two months, residents who viewed the virus as a “very serious” health concern has fallen from 73% to 54%, according to a follow-up survey commissioned by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii public schools to reopen with safeguards. Hawaii public schools will reopen with students and teachers on campus for the new school year, according to an agreement reached between the Board of Education and the teachers’ union. Star-Advertiser.

HSTA, DOE agree to key safety protocols for schools this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association says it has agreed on a deal with the state Department of Education to return to the classroom this upcoming school year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers, Superintendent Spar Over Plans For Schools' Fall Reopening. The state Department of Education is expected to issue its plans on how classes will run for the new school year on Thursday. But lawmakers say they are deeply concerned about the DOE’s lack of a clear financial proposal for the fall reopening. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teachers struggle to reach students during Hawaii schools’ shutdown. New survey results show that secondary school teachers in Hawaii had little success in keeping students on track academically after public schools shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Funds Proposed to Assist With Child Care Relief. The Chair of the Ways and Means Committee has proposed child care relief as an important part of the CARES Act federal funding initiative for Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii lawmakers approve public worker raises worth more than $150M. The state House and Senate on Friday approved public worker raises worth more than $150 million for tens of thousands of public employees even as hundreds of thousands of private sectors workers have lost their jobs, but lawmakers noted that public employees may still face furloughs or layoffs in the months ahead. Star-Advertiser.

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COVID-19 Cases Among Pacific Islanders Surge In Hawaii. State health officials say Pacific Islanders are likely more at risk for the disease because they have high poverty rates and often live in overcrowded conditions. Nearly a quarter of all confirmed coronavirus cases in Hawaii involve Pacific Islanders, who make up just 4% of the state’s population. Civil Beat.

DOH: New cluster of COVID-19 identified, 27 new cases reported statewide. In a significant spike Sunday, the Department of Health reported 27 new cases statewide. Majority of those cases, 23, were on Oahu. Kauai had two, and Maui and Hawaii island each had a single case. Hawaii News Now.

Aggressive contact tracing by state identifies new COVID cases. A spike in COVID-19 case numbers on Sunday are largely due to a cluster of 17 Honolulu cases all associated with attending a funeral, according to the State’s Covid-19 joint information center. KHON2.

Hawaii health officials report 27 new coronavirus cases, including 17 associated with Oahu funeral. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Sunday, June 28: Spike In Cases Reported. A spike in reported COVID-19 cases on Sunday is largely due to a cluster of 17 Honolulu cases, all associated with attending a funeral. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Oahu’s first in-person city operator to test positive drove a week with symptoms. A Honolulu bus operator, who has tested positive for COVID-19, continued to drive buses for about a week with symptoms of an illness before being tested for the virus Friday, a bus official said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu city bus driver tests positive for COVID-19, officials confirm. A city bus driver is confirmed to have COVID-19, Honolulu city officials confirmed Sunday. Oahu Transit Services Inc. received confirmation Saturday night that the worker had tested positive. Hawaii News Now.

First in-service bus driver tests positive for COVID-19, TheBus confirmed. A bus operator for TheBus has tested positive for coronavirus, TheBus and TheHandi-Van confirmed on June 28. KHON2.

A driver for TheBus tests positive for COVID-19. A sick Oahu bus driver tested positive for COVID 19. KITV4.

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Oahu vacation rental restrictions remain as other counties ease up.  Oahu’s vacation rentals are still sidelined by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s emergency orders prohibiting them from operating as essential businesses. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu police chief says department doesn’t need reforms despite recent spike in fatal shootings by officers. Despite the long list of changes in the works to comply with a presidential executive order and the anticipated passage by the state Legislature of police reform bills, Police Chief Susan Ballard said she doesn’t think those measures are necessary at the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief Says There’s Less Racial Bias In Hawaii. She’s Wrong. HPD data says Black, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities experience force at the hands of police at higher rates than white and Asian communities. Civil Beat.

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‘It was hamajang’: East Oahu residents sue the city over shoddy road work. Niu Valley residents are suing to halt a road construction job, accusing the city of shoddy work. Hawaii News Now.

Union Workers Hope to Stop Job Cuts at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Union workers at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser offered a proposal to the company Thursday in the hopes of reaching an agreement to stop layoffs at Hawaiʻi’s largest newspaper, which are set to go into effect on Monday. Maui Now.

Some of Abigail Kawananakoa’s items are going up for auction. That’s raising concerns.  More than 400 items belonging to Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa are headed for the auction block. They include furniture, works of art, silverware and Polynesian artifacts like a Maori jade war club where bidding begins at $185 and a ceremonial stone ax which has a starting price of $104. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii, Aloha Stadium considering social distancing measures for football games. Re-opening seating in the long-closed upper deck end zone sections is among the considerations as the University of Hawaii and Aloha Stadium study possible scenarios for social distancing this football season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council Resolution To Urge Young Brothers, PUC To Find Solutions. Hawaiʻi County Councilmembers Sue Lee Loy and Tim Richards want the parties to seek out sources of funding that will ensure long-term continuation of interisland cargo shipping in Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Ige’s Big Island Hawaiian Homes Commission nominee scrutinized. After the Big Island’s second seat on the Hawaiian Homes Commission sat vacant for more than a year, Gov. David Ige’s pick to fill that post has encountered resistance in the state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioners at odds over Kealakehe sewer plant. A delay in design plans for the $75 million Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant frustrated members of the county Environmental Management Commission, who grilled the administration Wednesday about why the county can’t simply stop illegal discharges altogether. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino announces retirement. After 31 years in government service, 3rd Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino has announced his retirement and is ready to open a new chapter in his life. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle nursing homes still virus free. Clusters of COVID-19 have been found in nursing homes on Oahu, but the Big Island’s long-term care facilities have so far remained free of the disease and are continuing their efforts to keep it out. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

High court rules in favor of county on timeshare taxes. The Hawaii Supreme Court issued a ruling in favor of Maui County in a seven-year-old lawsuit over the county’s timeshare property tax classification, a decision which removes the risk of the county paying $34 million or more in damages. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Authorizes Deferral of 10% Penalty on Real Property Taxes Due Aug. 20. Mayor Michael Victorino has authorized a one-time deferral of the 10 percent penalty for Real Property Taxes due on Aug. 20, 2020, because of the financial impacts of COVID-19. Maui Now.

State set to reopen Hana Highway to public. The road to Hana, known for its picturesque views, bridges and hairpin turns, is now a flashpoint with the state planning to reopen access to East Maui to the general public Wednesday. Maui News.

Options to remove unexploded ordnances off Molokini stir community concern. The state says two World War II era bombs were discovered off the islet, and have been there for about 70 years. Activists say they were told the state and U.S. Navy planned to detonate the ordnances, which they fear would have damaging impacts on the wildlife above and below the water’s surface. Hawaii News Now.

Maui TV and film production: a Hollywood happy ending? There’s a lot of talk in Hawaii about diversifying the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 disaster. Nowhere is that talk louder than on Maui, where unemployment figures are some of the highest in the nation due to the island’s hyper-dependence on the battered and bruised tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai


Kauai County, Expedia partners to advertise legal vacation rentals to visitors. The County of Kauai and Expedia Group are partnering up to advertise legal vacation rentals to visitors. KHON2.

It’s official: Jean Morris is CKMS principal. Jean Morris starts as the new principal of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on July 1. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Pretesting of inbound Hawaii passengers urged, Maui bars to reopen, Kauai Foodland to close, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu airport ©2020 All Hawaii News
Experts: Test Passengers To Reopen Hawaii Tourism. People traveling to Hawaii could get a COVID-19 test before boarding the plane at a national pharmacy chain under a deal in the works with state officials. Civil Beat.

UH proposal calls for strict preflight screening of out-of-state passengers. The University of Hawaii is proposing a way to allow for the reopening of out-of-state travel to Hawaii while ensuring minimal spread of COVID-19 from tourists. Tribune-Herald.

6 in 10 mainland travelers say they’d be willing to be tested for COVID-19 to visit Hawaii. A new UH study shows the majority of travelers from the mainland would be willing to take a COVID-19 test prior to landing in Hawaii and after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

As air travel slowly returns, thermal screening at HNL to begin.  A pilot passenger thermal screening project is getting ready to takeoff at the Honolulu Airport. Starting Monday, thermal scanners designed to screen incoming passengers at HNL will individually measure people’s temperatures as they come off their planes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines is hoping to get residents flying again when it starts increased service to the neighbor islands. The airline is offering a 20 percent discount on flights between June 16 – 30. KHON2.

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Hawaii-Based General Confirmed As First Black Air Force Chief Of Staff. Gen. Charles Brown, the current commander of the Pacific Air Forces, accepted the nomination just days after speaking out on institutional racism and the national protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd. Civil Beat.

Hawaii scrambles to prepare for all mail-in voting in primary election. Hawaii elections officials are scrambling to prepare for the state’s first all-mail election: The primary election on Aug. 8. In addition to alerting voters that ballots will be coming in the mail, the COVID-19 crisis means the ballots cannot be counted in the tight confines of the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Bill requiring county police departments to disclose identities of officers suspended, discharged being considered. Hawaii lawmakers will head back into session at the State Capitol on June 22nd. KITV4.

With tourism shut down, sustainable start-ups hope to fuel a new era in Hawaii’s economy. Tourism may be the driving force behind Hawaii’s economy, but a growing number of entrepreneurs and business agree: It doesn’t have to be the only one. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii to receive $30M in federal funding to help homeless during pandemic. Hawaii is set to receive more than $30.8 million in federal funding to help homeless families and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

$30M in federal funds headed to Hawaii to support houseless population amid Covid crisis. More than $30 million in federal funds is being sent to the Aloha State to improve shelters, as well as provide mental health support, job assistance and essential services for Hawaii's houseless amid the Covid-19 pandemic, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

State Homeless Coordinator expects to see steady increase in homelessness due to pandemic. While local economists believe the homeless population in Hawaii will increase in the coming months due to COVID-19 we're getting a clearer picture of the situation before the pandemic. KITV4.

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First Hawaii resident charged with violating traveler quarantine. A 48-year-old Waikiki woman has become the first Hawaii resident to be charged with violating the state’s mandatory traveler quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers, Just Like Other Working Parents, Are In A Bind Over Lack Of Child Care. Many child care centers have shuttered, delayed reopening or increased tuition due to the pandemic. That leaves many teachers who need to return to their classrooms with few options for their kids. Civil Beat.

6 new coronavirus cases on Oahu brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 682. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 682, up six from Monday. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 9: 6 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. All of the new reported cases were on Oahu, according to the state Department of Health. Civil Beat.

Oahu

In the first mass testing on Oahu, Arcadia nursing home tests about 550 of its health care workers. An estimated 550 health care workers at the Arcadia Family of Cos. were tested this week for the coronavirus in Hawaii’s first mass testing program at nursing homes on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Local farmers in need of restaurant and hotel operation, City Council to discuss CARES funds to help. According to the Hawaii Farm Bureau, most of Hawaii’s farmers rely on hotels, restaurants, and schools to stay in business. Honolulu City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi says that Hawaii needs local farmers for the economy to be sustainable. KHON2.

Abigail Kawananakoa’s wife among 4 seeking conservatorship. The wife of Abigail Kawananakoa is among four individuals being considered for appointment as conservator overseeing the personal finances of the 93-year-old Campbell Estate heiress. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Gets $22.3 Million To Address Housing Impacts Of COVID-19. Another round of federal funds is specifically aimed at meeting people’s housing needs. Civil Beat.

Survey Counts Over 4,400 Homeless People On Oahu Before COVID-19. Hawaii’s rate of homelessness was among the worst in the nation pre-pandemic. It’s likely to get even worse. Civil Beat.

City’s summer program for kids free this year, but enrollment to shrink. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday afternoon announced the city would offer a pared-down version of Summer Fun in July for free. Star-Advertiser.

Vehicles won’t be allowed on Kalakaua Ave. for the next 4 Sunday mornings. Waikiki residents are baffled and upset after they say they weren’t consulted when it came to a plan to shut down Kalakaua Avenue for the next four Sunday mornings. Hawaii News Now.

Ko Olina lagoons reopen but parking lot still closed. For more than 25 years, the four man-made beach lagoons at Ko Olina Resort Community on Oahu’s leeward coast have been a favorite seashore recreation spot. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor to Seek Approval from Governor on Larger Gatherings.  Kim said he was working on a proposal to Gov. David Ige that requests a lift from the 10 people or less group size to 50 or less for indoors and 100 or less for outdoors. The mayor hopes to implement the new regulations by next week. Big Island Now.

Vacation rental owners call foul: County rules bar them from renting long-term to locals. County Planning Director Michael Yee said Tuesday the prohibition will continue only while Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation is in effect. West Hawaii Today.

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HPD prohibits use of carotid, neck restraint choke holds. Hawaii County’s police officers have been prohibited for nearly two decades from employing the restraint infamously used by a Minneapolis police officer that led to the death of George Floyd. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island police chief talks George Floyd case, protests. Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira said the viral video of a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the neck of an African-American man, who later died, reflects upon all police officers. Tribune-Herald.

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A retired Hawaii Police Department captain accused of tipping off Hilo arcade owners prior to a 2017 police gambling raid made his initial court appearance Tuesday on refiled charges. Tribune-Herald.

Kim: No July 4 fireworks show. The County of Hawaii canceled all county-sponsored Independence Day festivities because of COVID-19 concerns. Tribune-Herald.

$14.9M released for Kealakehe Elementary School new classroom building. Design work is underway for a new classroom building at Kealakehe Elementary School that’s expected to be ready for school year 2023-24. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bars can reopen, outdoor sports can resume in Maui County on June 15, Victorino says. A county news release today announced that indoor gatherings can be as large as 50 people, while outdoor gatherings can have up to 100 people, which would allow additional businesses to open. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Bars, Paddling, Some Outdoor Sports Set to Reopen on Monday, June 15. The Governor has granted the County of Maui’s request to reopen more businesses and activities on Monday, June 15, 2020.  The reopening will come a day ahead of the planned resumption of interisland travel on June 16, as the state’s 14-day quarantine on interisland travel is lifted next week Tuesday. Maui Now.

Mayor: Maui in good position as life returns to normal. More reopenings expected to be announced this week. Maui News.

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New Report Shows Maui Residents Must Work 56.6 Hours Per Week to Afford Rent. Hawaiʻi residents must work 59 hours per week to afford rent of a single bedroom dwelling, according to a new report by Self Financial. Maui Now.

Home prices up to $800K in May amid pandemic. A decline in sales and new listings during the pandemic pushed single-family home prices to $800,000 and condo prices to their highest levels in 12 months in May, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Foodland to close Kauai store in early August. Foodland Super Market Ltd. today announced it will be closing its store at Waipouli Town Center on Kauai on Aug. 9 after 40 years of business. Star-Advertiser.

End of an era. Pua Pa of Lihu‘e said she is going to miss the poke from the Foodland store in Waipouli Shopping Center. Garden Island.

Foodland to exit A&B's Waipouli Town Center on Kauai. Foodland Super Market Ltd. said Tuesday that it does not plan to renew its lease at the Waipouli Town Center on Kauai with landlord Alexander & Baldwin and will close the store on Aug. 9 after 40 years in business. Pacific Business News.

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Arrests made for quarantine violations. Two men were recently arrested for violating the state’s 14-day quarantine order related to COVID-19. Benjamin McGranahan was arrested at Lihu‘e Airport on June 5 after refusing to abide by the rule that requires all arriving visitors and returning residents to remain at an appropriate quarantine location for two weeks. Garden Island.

Valenciano to rule on Coco Palms foreclosure. A state Circuit Court judge on Tuesday allowed one of the would-be Honolulu redevelopers of the iconic Coco Palms Resort in Wailua to lodge a last-minute objection to a proposed agreement that would send the troubled hotel to the foreclosure auction block. Garden Island.