Showing posts with label Bank of Hawaii. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bank of Hawaii. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Hawaii House leadership faces upheaval with Luke's LG candidacy, recall petition filed against Maui mayor Victorino, floating wind turbines mulled off Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sylvia Luke

Sylvia Luke’s Bid For LG Will ‘Shake Things Up’ At The Legislature. As Finance Committee chairwoman, Luke controls the money, has command of the details and has made a lot of friends. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 vaccinations for younger children in Hawaii could begin Nov. 8, Ige says. David Ige expects the first round of COVID-19 vaccines for Hawaii children ages 5 to 11 to begin around Nov. 8, following expected federal approval. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Once vaccine for younger kids gets OK, more than 100 schools to host vaccination sites
. State Department of Health spokesperson Brooks Baehr said 113 schools have already agreed to become vaccination sites. Hawaii News Now.

Senator Kurt Fevella seeks halt to vaccine incentive payments to prisoners. The state Senate minority leader is seeking an immediate stop to an incentive program that offers $50 pay­ments to inmates in Hawaii’s prisons and jails if they accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

Bank of Hawaii earnings jump 64% amid improving economy. Bank of Hawaii Corp.’s earnings surged 64% in the third quarter as the company hit a record $23 billion in total assets and released $10.4 million from its loan-loss reserve amid an improving economy. Star-Advertiser.

Ige eyeing tweaks to Safe Travels program. Gov. David Ige has no plans to end the Safe Travels program, but is considering adding more options for users. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News  Now.

Hawaii sees 97 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 83,448. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 42 new cases on Oahu, 28 on Hawaii Island, eight on Maui, seven on Kauai, and 12 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Electricity generated by proposed floating wind turbines off Oahu is feasible, new study finds. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently completed a cost and feasibility analysis for floating wind farm power in federal waters at least 3 nautical miles from the shoreline of Hawaii’s most populous island. Star-Advertiser.

Alleged Hawaii crime boss seeks September trial date. Michael Miske, the alleged leader of a Honolulu crime syndicate that used legitimate businesses to conceal drug dealing, murder, arson, fraud and other offenses is seeking a later start to his trial to allow his attorneys more time to review evidence and prepare a defense. Star-Advertiser.

Retired public defender in Kealoha mailbox trial details drama, interagency tensions in new book. Federal public defender Alexander Silvert, now retired, represented that innocent man — Gerard Puana, who wept after his name had been cleared. But it would take seven years and several trials to finally get the convictions of the former chief and his wife Katherine Kealoha, a former high-ranking Honolulu prosecutor. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Video Allegedly Shows Honolulu Police Leaving Scene Of Makaha Crash. The attorney who provided the video says it shows three police vehicles pursuing a Honda at a high rate of speed on the Farrington Highway. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneohe Marines say wastewater released into ocean exceeds acceptable bacteria levels. Effluent water from Marine Corps Base Hawaii is combined with treated water from the city’s Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is then discharged some two miles off-shore of MCBH at 110 feet below the surface of the ocean into a mixing zone, where direct risk of exposure is low. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Residents protest failed injunction against COVID restrictions. Native Hawaiian activist Gene Tamashiro filed a petition in August in Third Circuit Court calling for an end to all vaccination and mask mandates in the state. On Monday, Judge Henry Nakamoto dismissed the petition with prejudice, arguing that the petition had no merit. Tribune-Herald.

$300,000 coming to coffee farmers to battle leaf rust. The  is coming from the state Department of Agriculture, thanks to a bill passed by the state Legislature extending and enhancing the state’s Coffee Berry Borer Pesticide Subsidy program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

“Recall Mayor Victorino” Initiative Aims to Obtain 21,586 Signatures in 30 Days. Group leaders say they are seeking Mayor Victorino’s removal as they stand in opposition to ongoing emergency health mandates, calling the county government practices an “overreach” of powers. The group submitted an affidavit with the County Clerk’s office on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 to begin the legal process of seeking a recall. Maui Now. Maui News. KITV4.

ʻĀina kupuna bill aims to help long-time Maui families keep ancestral lands amid rising property taxes. Maui County Council members are considering a measure to help long-time families keep their ancestral lands — properties that have been passed down for at least three generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

For some on Maui, bike tours are a ‘nuisance on the roads.’ They want new regulations. The Kula Community Association wants more regulations on the bike tour companies. They want to regulate the hours of the tours, size of the groups, even set an age requirement. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Surfrider seeks hearing on shrimp farm permit. Kaua‘i Shrimp, the island’s only shrimp farm, is seeking a new pollutant permit, which is raising concern from some environmentalists. Garden Island.

Namolokama Canoe Club hale’s future still to be determined. County officials and residents have been assured the Black Pot Beach Park Master Plan is not set in stone, after the Namolokama Canoe Club raised objection to the potential demolition of the old Hanalei Canoe Club buildings near the park. Garden Island.

 

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Hawaii not ready to reopen yet, residents chafe against beach restrictions, federal payments to hit unemployment checks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Health
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hawaii per state Department of Health
Gov. David Ige expects Hawaii stay-home order to be extended beyond April 30. Gov. David Ige said Monday that Hawaii’s stay-at-home order probably will be extended past April 30, but said the state is looking at loosening some local restrictions on specific activities such as delays in elective surgeries. Star-Advertiser.

Despite decline in new cases, Ige says he’s not ready to ease stay-at-home restrictions. Hawaii is reporting just four new COVID-19 cases on Monday ― in more strong evidence that the state’s stay-at-home order is working to stop the spread of the virus. But in a news conference, Gov. David Ige said Hawaii isn’t yet ready to begin re-opening its economy. Hawaii News Now.

Gov not looking to ease restrictions: ‘We are not there yet’. Despite the low number of new cases and high recovery rate, the governor is not poised to loosen the stay at home order which is set to expire at the end of the month. KHON2.

Gradual lifting of Hawaii’s lockdown could start in a month. Certain places in Hawaii closed to curtail COVID-19 could begin to reopen within a month. However, lifting restrictions that have crushed the state economy is expected to be a gradual process that takes place at different times for different parts of the state, establishments and industries. Star-Advertiser.

Plan To Reopen Hawaii Economy Presented. Alan Oshima, the state Economic Recovery and Resiliency Navigator, explained the framework for the plan to reopen the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

State Discusses ‘Soft Reopening’ as Unemployment Funds Dwindle. Hawai‘i may not begin reopening in May as initially planned, but discussions on what a reopening would look like are well underway. Big Island Now.

Governor COVID-19 Update: Including Economic Recovery & Resilience Plans. Oshima laid out a three-phase plan for reopening Hawai‘i’s economy. Phase 1 is stabilization – focus on stabilizing the number of COVID-19 cases. Phase 2 consists of reopening and recovery, which begins with gradual, sequenced reopening of normal activities; and Phase 3 is building a resilient economy with strong business and job growth. Maui Now.

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Hawaii sees 2-month low of 4 new coronavirus cases, with none on Oahu. Hawaii has reached an apparent milestone in the coronavirus pandemic with just four new cases — the lowest daily increase in two months — and zero new infections on the most densely populated island, Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Reports 4 New COVID-19 Cases. On Monday, Oahu reported no new coronavirus cases for the first time since the virus appeared in the islands. Civil Beat.

Only 4 new Hawaii COVID-19 cases, including 2 new on Hawaii Island. Meanwhile, Gov. David Ige said Hawaii’s stay-at-home order will probably be extended past April 30 because the islands aren’t yet ready to relax restrictions put in place to control the spread of the coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green Gives Hawaii Situation Update. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green shared an encouraging message with the public on Monday concerning the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Beach restrictions prompt pushback from residents and confusion for mayors. Governor David Ige’s move to make beaches off-limits is getting some pushback. People are frustrated and confused, which includes at least two of Hawaii’s mayors. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s first $600 extra unemployment payments should go out Wednesday. The state is poised to send out the first of many thousands of weekly $600 “plus-up” unemployment payments to laid-off workers, according to Scott Murakami, director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Those getting unemployment benefits in Hawaii start seeing extra $600 payments. Those receiving unemployment benefits in Hawaii are starting to see extra $600 payments, which were part of the federal relief package. The increase is a weekly payment from March 29 through the end of July — and it is retroactive. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers step up to deal with avalanche of unemployment claims in Hawaii. Hundreds of state employees are volunteering to help process Hawaii’s crushing backlog of unemployment claims in hopes of speeding up checks to workers idled by COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

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Amid threats to supply chain, officials say Hawaii’s farmers need help. The executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau told lawmakers Monday both COVID-19 and the upcoming hurricane season present dual threats to the islands’ food supply. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii farmers may shut down due to hardships. Hawaii farmers are running out of money and could wind up shutting down, which would hurt our local food supply. KHON2.

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COVID-19 Crisis Poses Risks For Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Plans. Even the most optimistic solar developer said extended disruptions to projects will have unavoidable consequences. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines to get $650M in federal aid to continue operating. Hawaiian Airlines says it’s getting more than $650 million in federal aid to keep operating. CEO Peter Ingram told a state legislative committee that federal authorities have approved $290 million in grants and loans to cover its payroll, and a low interest loan of $364 million for operations. Hawaii News Now.

Bank of Hawaii sets aside $33.6M for possible loan defaults amid coronavirus shutdown. Bank of Hawaii Corp. revealed Monday the first look at how COVID-19 is affecting local financial institutions. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Still Has More Than $500,000 In Presidential Cash. Federal Election Commission reports show that the congresswoman still had lots of money left over in her bank account at the end of March. Civil Beat.

Oahu

No walking or running on Oahu beaches. As of Monday, Honolulu Police Department officers had issued approximately 7,700 warnings and 2,800 citations for violations of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s emergency order of March 18 that closed city beach parks. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for walk-in COVID-19 testing for Oahu homeless scrapped. The city and state Department of Health are directing all coronavirus-related homeless cases to its CARES hotline 832-3100. KITV4.

HPD shifting from warnings to citations for violations of the emergency order. On Oahu, the Honolulu Police Department says it does not compare the number of new tickets issued each day, but there was a shift from warnings to citations about a week ago. As of Monday, officers issued about 7,700 warnings and 28-hundred citations for violations of the emergency order. KHON2.

Honolulu Fire Department acquires land for new Waialua station. After nearly a century the Waialua community will be gaining a new fire station. KITV4.

Kaimuki businesses convince city to postpone renovation of municipal parking lot. A major parking lot renovation in Kaimuki has been rescheduled for January 2021 after business owners — already struggling amid the pandemic — complained. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Cluster of cases associated with Kona fast-food eateries remains at 30. A total of 18 McDonald’s employees and 12 household members have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since the first week of April, said Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Victorino wants beach exercise to be allowed. Mayor reaching out to Ige to allow running, walking on beaches. Maui News.

Maui Brewing Co. under investigation by Maui liquor commission for hand sanitizer giveaways. Maui Brewing Co., which has donated more than 1,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to first responders and others since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, is being investigated by the Maui County Liquor Control Commission for giving away the product with purchase to customers. Star-Advertiser.

Liquor control investigating Maui Brewing Company for giving away sanitizer. A Maui company's good deed has led to an investigation. Maui Brewing Company has been making hand sanitizer to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Asking for Quick Resolution on Liquor Dept. Investigation into Sales with Free Hand Sanitizer. The Maui Liquor Department is reportedly investigating a complaint against the Maui Brewing Company for allegedly using the sales of products, in which patrons were reportedly given free hand sanitizer with purchase, Mayor Victorino said. Maui Now.

Kauai


State rules in question. At 6 p.m. on Monday, a County of Kaua‘i spokesperson said they’ve pursued clarifications on that order and are awaiting response from the Governor’s office. Garden Island.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Hawaii's best beaches, plastic ban advances, USS Arizona reopening delayed, Maui mayor hires rejected department heads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki beach ©2019 All Hawaii News
Seven locations in Hawaii are among the top 25 beaches in the United States, according to TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, but Florida put 10 on the list and claimed the No. 1 spot. Star-Advertiser.

Seven Hawaii beaches named 'Best in the U.S.' Travel website TripAdvisor came out with it's 2019 Travelers' Choice Awards for beaches. KITV.

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways and Means committee passed SB522, which calls for an outright ban of single-use plastic products including plastic food packaging, single-use beverage containers like plastic water and juice bottles, and utensils. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers discuss aggressive new proposal on banning plastic usage. There's an aggressive bill moving through the Senate that bans the use and sale of plastics. We're talking about plastic bottles, utensils, and straws to name a few. KHON2.

Key to coping with climate change lies in Hawaii’s past, study finds. As climate change promises to alter our world in the coming decades, a new study suggests that Hawaii would be wise to look to traditional Native Hawaiian agriculture to help cope with an uncertain future. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. nearing 30% renewable energy. Hawaiian Electric Cos. said it is on track to achieving its next renewable- energy milestone despite the loss of Hawaii island’s geothermal resource for most of 2018 following the Kilauea volcanic eruption. Star-Advertiser.

A Bank of Hawaii Corp. board of directors committee has approved a $2 million cash incentive award for Chairman, President and CEO Peter Ho, along with a 3 percent increase in his base salary, following a 19 percent increase in the bank’s profits last year. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial won’t be restored by the end of March, as previously announced by the National Park Service, and it may be many more months before access resumes, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Repairs to USS Arizona Memorial dock to take longer than expected. Repairs to the dock at the USS Arizona Memorial won’t be completed by next month as originally hoped, and it’s unclear when the dock will be safe to use again. Hawaii News Now.

The USS Arizona will not reopen in March. KITV.

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State Will Take Over Some City Prosecutor Cases. Defense attorneys want authorities to expand their review of Katherine Kealoha’s involvement to other cases. Civil Beat.

Turning the Blaisdell into a federal courthouse for the Kealoha trial. The Blaisdell Center is set to host an event unlike any other held there before. Jury selection for Louis and Katherine Kealoha's trial will likely take place at the Blaisdell in March. KHON2.

Bill to fund Ala Wai flood control advances. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed a bill Tuesday with amendments to allocate funds for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to lessen flood risks at the Ala Wai Canal. Star-Advertiser.

Extension of Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve. An irreplaceable coastline on Oahu's northwestern shore is now protected forever. KHON2.

Beach goers protest new ‘No Parking’ signs at popular east Oahu surf spot. “No Parking” signs appeared in the area between Sandy Beach Park and Makapuu last week – and since then – more than 30 vehicles have been ticketed. Hawaii News Now.

How effective is the city's park protection plan? Paying to play in city parks...whether of not they use the recreation areas, residents foot the bill. KITV.

An elementary school teacher found guilty of stealing more than $30,000 in lunch money, has been sentenced to four years probation. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Water rates are expected to go up 5 percent this year in a $55.7 million Department of Water Supply budget that got a preliminary nod Tuesday from the Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

Bills aim to give neighbors more power to battle albizias. Two bills in the state Legislature seek to allow property owners to remove potentially dangerous albizia trees on adjacent properties. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaii Community Veterans Center Draft EA Published. The $12 million facility planned for state land in Kailua-Kona will provide space to meet community needs, a document states. Big Island Video News.

To address noise complaints, tour helicopter company offers a compromise. Safari Helicopters sent a letter to elected officials and community leaders announcing that it would halt Sunday flights on Hawaii Island during a trial period that started on Feb. 17. Hawaii News Now.

Drivers might face significant delays along the Hamakua Coast this week as several construction projects reduce Highway 19 traffic to one lane only at multiple points. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor names 3 rejected directors on interim basis. Victorino says charter allows temporary appointments, though Goode lacks end date. Maui News.

Council Chair Seeks Legal Opinion on Interim Director Appointments. Maui Now.

Emergency Proclamation Extended to Maui County For Roadwork. The state has extended an emergency proclamation to cover Maui County so that funds can be used to restore parts of Honoapiilani Highway affected by landslides in the recent heavy rains. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Disaster Declaration Extended to Maui County. Maui Now.

Haleakala Ranch is applying for a permit to aid the recovery of the endangered nene on more than 3,000 acres of ranchland. Maui News.

Proposed fees and rules for use of Hawaii’s small-boat harbors — including a nearly threefold hike in catwalk mooring fees at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor — offshore moorings, landings and wharfs will be the subject of a public hearing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 6 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Over 140 community members from the private, nonprofit, and government sectors gathered at the county’s inaugural Housing Summit on Friday at the Kauai Veterans Center. Garden Island.

Gates to the newly-improved Kauai Raceway Park will open to the island’s drag racers and fans, Saturday hosted by the Garden Isle Racing Association, and Napa PS&D Kauai. Garden Island.

Here’s A Place That Got Pounded With 519 Inches Of Rain Last Year. The island’s highest point received monumental precipitation in 2018, and it wasn’t even ground zero for the rain bomb that caused April flooding. Civil Beat.

Lanai

1500 lb Net Mass, Plastic Trash Removed on Lanai. A mass of plastic trash and tangled fishing nets weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds and measuring about 30 feet in length was removed from a remote coastline on Lanai. Maui Now.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Aquarium fishing ban still afloat, employees allege retaliation in Honolulu prosecutor probe, 4-year council terms mulled on Big Island, Haleakala still closed after record snowfall, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Moorish idols off Kona coast ©2019 All Hawaii News
Bill to Ban Aquarium Fishing Heard by Senate Committee. Senate Bill 931 would prohibit the collection of aquarium or ornamental reef fish because their capture is incompatible with Kanaka Maoli values. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Senate panel Friday deferred a decision on whether to advance a controversial bill that would shut down the commercial collection of aquarium fish in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering allowing Alexander &Baldwin Inc., the state’s electrical utilities on Kauai and Hawaii island and a number of farming and ranching operations to continue using public water for another seven years even if they haven’t completed environmental reviews, consultations with Native Hawaiians about water needs, appraisals and, in some cases, public auctions — requirements envisioned by Hawaii’s laws protecting the state’s water resources. Star-Advertiser.

Attorney says another state hospital patient has confessed to giving Randall Saito fake ID's. Attorney Michael Green says the patient provided Saito with the fake ID's that allowed him to fly all the way to California. KHON2.

The number of bankruptcy filings in Hawaii increased by more than 40 percent to 149 cases last month, marking the highest level for January in seven years, according to U.S. Bankruptcy Court records. Associated Press.

Bank of Hawaii has been ranked fourth among U.S. financial institutions and 40th overall in the 2019 “100 Most Sustainable Companies list,” published Friday by Barron’s magazine. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Women say city prosecutor retaliated against them for testifying in corruption probe. Two women who testified against their boss — city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro — as part of an ongoing federal probe claim they’re now being retaliated against and face disciplinary action. Hawaii News Now.

Former Pearl Harbor Navy Spokesman Sentenced In Corruption Scandal. The former director of public affairs took money for authoring emails to top Navy officials on behalf of a contractor convicted of bribery and fraud. Civil Beat.

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Motorists in need of street parking in downtown Honolulu on Monday generally aren’t happy about the city’s announcement that on-street parking meter rates will be doubling in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses unhappy with doubled parking meter rates. KHON2.

The price of most metered parking doubled on Oahu Monday. The increase was approved back in 2017. KITV.

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A planned wind farm is getting opposition from an unusual source: Environmentalists. The developers of the Palehua Wind project say it’s one of the last and best sites to build a wind farm on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Cleanup gets underway after powerful gusts and high surf. The crumbling Royal Hawaiian groin, between the Waikiki Sheraton and Royal Hawaiian hotels, was still standing Monday despite facing threats from a weekend storm. Star-Advertiser.

Weeks of work may be ahead for windstorm cleanup. The weekend windstorm resulted in 90 tree-related calls and nearly 80 blown roofs reported. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore was hit hard by the storm on Sunday. KHON2.

These Rare Seabirds Are Having Babies On Oahu’s North Shore. Years of chopping down invasive trees, replanting native species and controlling predators may be paying off for albatross threatened by sea level rise. Civil Beat.

Noa Botanicals is preparing to open its second medical cannabis dispensary on Oahu this week. The company is expanding into a 1,700-square-foot retail center across from Windward Mall behind Zippy’s in Kaneohe at the Windward Centre. Star-Advertiser.

Armed with search warrants, the city Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu police raided two massage parlors Monday morning. They were raided on suspicion of promoting prostitution. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council terms could be extended from two to four years under a ballot measure advanced by the Charter Commission last week, but under another measure, council members could be docked a month’s pay if they don’t show up. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioners last week delayed making any recommendations on a developer request to alter the conditions for the planned Wailani Development in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Loss Of Slaughterhouse Cripples Specialty Meat Industry. The island’s only full-service slaughterhouse has quit taking smaller animals, leaving farmers, butchers and lovers of fresh kalua pork with no place to turn. Civil Beat.

Power disruption affects 45,000. The loss of the Spectrum Communications line resulted in Monday’s closure of the Vehicle Registration and Driver’s license Services in Waimea and the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Snow closes Haleakala National Park. At least six inches to a foot of snow fell at Haleakala summit Saturday night into Sunday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Foster. Star-Advertiser.

Additional Snow Accumulation at Haleakala; Closed Until Further Notice. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park closed due to extreme weather conditions. KITV.

Power restored to most customers; Haleakala still closed. Maui News.

Auwahi Wind Farm Draft Habitat Hearing, Feb. 15. An opening hearing will be held to receive testimony on the Auwahi Wind Farm draft Habitat Conservation Plan amendment. Maui Now.

Kauai

The aftermath. Jill Lowry just came on board as executive director of Anaina Hou Community Park — in time for the weekend storm that hit the North Shore hard. Garden Island.

Tickets are selling fast for the 15th annual Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon on March 9 at Kilohana Luau Pavilion. Garden Island.

Future teachers get financial aid. Growing Our Own Teachers on Kauai relies on donations and fundraising events to provide these financial awards. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Lava overtaking popular boat ramp, park; affordable housing spurs campaign accusations; suspects charged with abetting cop killer; Honolulu airport upgrades proceeding; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USGS United States Geological Survey
Lava flow July 22, 2018 PC:USGS
Big Island residents are watching in horror as a lava flow from fissure 8 creeps steadily closer to a popular and beloved boat ramp in Pahoa. Hawaii News Now.

Lava flow from fissure 8 may go on for months or years. That’s the conclusion of a recent U.S. Geological Survey report prepared for Hawaii County Civil Defense. Star-Advertiser.

The eruption of Kilauea Volcano along the lower East Rift Zone, which scientists said could last for “months to years” in a new report, continues. Big Island Video News.

Turtles, marine life found dead in Pohoiki after lava approaches area. Hawaii News Now.

Passengers Recount Moments After Lava Hit Tour Boat. A couple from Portland who both suffered burns still managed to shoot video of the mishap. Associated Press.

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Credit for affordable housing sparks political clash. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, who is seeking to beat Gov. David Ige in the Aug. 11 Democratic primary, has accused the governor of taking undue credit for the $200 million in funding, saying that it’s the Legislature that should be applauded. Star-Advertiser.

Political Analyst Dan Boylan on Congressional District One Race . Hawaii Public Radio hosted a Congressional District One Candidate Forum Sunday Night and asked a political analyst to evaluate the race. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bank of Hawaii Corp.’s second-quarter net income totaled $54.7 million — $1.30 earnings per share, a record high for the state’s second-largest financial institution. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD Hopes Body Cameras Will Reduce Confrontations — And Lawsuits. At a cost of $3.5 million, Honolulu will equip all its officers with body cameras during the next year — following a step taken by many large urban departments. Civil Beat.

HDOT moves forward with $69M renovation project at Honolulu airport. Officials announced the completion of several parts of a $69 million renovation project in the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

New bill could set up future bikeshares to come to Honolulu. The new City Council proposal sets up a permit process with rules to follow, which could open the door for more bikeshare companies to do business in Honolulu. KHON2.

Familiar Faces Return For Another Run At State House Seats. Former legislators try to regain their seats in Waianae and Ewa, while a candidate who narrowly lost in 2016 runs again in Manoa. Civil Beat.

5,000 soldiers participate in Army activity. While naval forces are at sea for Rim of the Pacific, the Army is holding its own big exercise, with lots of troops on the ground, military vehicles on the move and helicopters in the air as they practice against what are known as “near-peer” competitors. Star-Advertiser.

An eight-person crew from Oahu Junk Removal began clearing out tons of metal, rubbish and overgrown foliage from a Pensa­cola Street property, where a fourth vehicle was unexpectedly discovered among the debris Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Two Native Hawaiian practitioners no longer face charges for illegally taking the remains of a small, ailing whale the pair watched over before it died and burying them at sea off Kawaihae. Associated Press.

Safeway to take over old Sports Authority location in Waikele. Safeway has signed a 20-year lease for approximately 50,000 square feet in the former Sports Authority space at Waikele Center in Waipahu. KHON2.

Safeway Inc. will open its first grocery store in Waipahu next year in the former Sports Authority space at Waikele Center. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial won't be accessible to visitors for a couple more months. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii island police have identified four more suspects who may have provided assistance to accused cop killer Justin Waiki before he was gunned down by police in a shootout in Kau Friday. Star-Advertiser.

The manhunt that started when Officer Bronson Kaliloa was fatally shot and culminated with officers shooting and killing the suspect, Justin Waiki, “took up a lot of resources,” said police Maj. Robert Wagner on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for this afternoon for three individuals charged in connection with a shootout Friday at South Point that left a Hawaii Police sergeant injured and suspected cop killer Justin Waiki dead. West Hawaii Today.

Court documents show Waiki's accomplices used Facebook to avoid cops. Four people allegedly involved in the manhunt for Justin Waiki appeared before Judge Margaret Masunaga in Kona Monday. KITV.

Hawaii County government has cleaned up its act regarding its pCard use, according to a report to be discussed today by the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii to receive $3.5M in federal grant funding for clean-up efforts on Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Officials announced on Monday that families displaced by the ongoing volcanic and seismic activity in Kilauea will soon be eligible for food assistance from the state. Hawaii News Now.

Seismic activity causes cracks to form in surface of Highway 11 passing through national park. Tribune-Herald.

Water department requests power cost charge increase despite renewable energy to spare. West Hawaii Today.

Candidates jockeying to win a position on Hawaii’s 2018 general election ballot say at least one Big Island newspaper is requiring them to buy an ad if they want to be included in the newspaper’s primary voter’s guide. Civil Beat.

Maui

$4 M in Grants Released by Maui Economic Development Office. Maui Now.

Volcano dogs: Looking for new homes after Kilauea. Pups displaced by the ongoing eruptions on the Big Island in need of new forever homes on Maui. Maui News.

Animal rescue groups and volunteer pilots are finding new homes on Maui for dogs displaced by the Kilauea volcano eruption on the Big Island. Associated Press.

Kauai

A protest of one stopped the state’s preliminary work on a North Shore bridge Monday morning. Garden Island.

Makaala Kaaumoana, chairwoman of Hui Hoomalu i kaaina, said there is another issue that could delay North Shore bridge work. Garden Island.

County officials announced that refuse collection services for residents affected by the April flood in the Wainiha and Haena area will continue. Garden Island.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Legislature ponders road taxes, pesticides, kupuna care; Honolulu airport cargo facility mired in litigation; Thirty Meter Telescope hearing officer's contract renewed; Zuckerberg moves to No. 5 on billionaire list, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ala Moana Park © 2017 All Hawaii News
The city of Honolulu is adding more than a dozen full time positions to its Ala Moana park staff. This is just part of the mayor’s plan to improve the park with many projects already underway. KHON2.

Lawmakers are trying to decide which of your taxes to raise to help operate and maintain Hawaii's highway system, including one proposal that would have changed the vehicle tax system entirely. Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Richard Creagan wants to take another shot at passing a bill that would require agribusinesses that use large amounts of pesticides to disclose what pesticides they apply, where and in what amounts. Civil Beat.

A bill that brings relief to kupuna caregivers is gaining momentum at the capitol. Under this legislation, a caregiver can get up to $70 a day to help care for their loved ones. KITV.

Those Tourists Are Actually Good For Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines’ top executive Mark Dunkerley believes visitor spending is what’s going to make up for federal budget cuts. Civil Beat.

A bill that would’ve provided a tax credit for energy storage projects has been shelved. Pacific Business News.

Emergency planners and government officials from across the Pacific are attending a conference on natural disaster and climate adaptation planning this week at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii Chairman, President and CEO Peter Ho earned $167,564 less in total compensation in 2016 than he did the previous year, according to a proxy statement the company filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

More than six years after the state awarded a contract to build a $73 million maintenance and cargo facility at Honolulu Airport, the partially finished project stands vacant and stuck in a legal tangle of disputes among a general contractor, subcontractors and the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

While private money will never pay for a significant part of Honolulu’s stalled rail project, having the private sector shoulder more of the risk might result in a quicker, less costly finish, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s troubled rail project could save as much as $570 million by getting a private sector contractor to finance the final push for the 21-station, 20-mile line, according to a report released Monday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Considers Bill to Prohibit Use of Cell Phones in Crosswalks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige will soon have an opportunity to tweak the makeup of a state board regulating development in Kakaako, and some community members fear that two board incumbents could be replaced by pro-development representatives. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Convention Center predicts it'll lose $1.5 million this year. KITV.

As many as 300 people had to be evacuated from a Kalihi apartment building on Sunday after nearly 40 pipe bombs were discovered inside one of the building's units, according to a Honolulu Police Department spokesperson. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources extended its contract with hearing officer Riki May Amano to complete the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case. Tribune-Herald.

A group of veterans’ organizations left a videoconference meeting with Mayor Harry Kim on Monday optimistic that a laundry list of problems at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery will be addressed. West Hawaii Today.

A lawsuit over whether a state Department of Health official can substitute other physicians for a psychiatrist contracted with Kona Community Hospital will play out in a Kona courtroom starting next week. West Hawaii Today.

John McDermott said if neighbor islands want the best care for their most vulnerable seniors then citizens must do for those people what he’s made a career of doing for the elderly — advocate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui police were seeking the public’s help in identifying two suspects in a robbery and kidnapping at gunpoint of two tourists last week. Star-Advertiser.

Questions surrounding the death of a Maui resident at a prison in Arizona in 2015 are being brought to light in an investigative article, “Prisoners in Hawaiʻi Are Being Sent to Die in Private Prisons in Arizona” that appears in the March issue of VICE magazine. Maui Now.

Camp offers reprieve, hope for children of isle inmates. Maui News.

Kauai

Mark Zuckerberg, who founded Facebook and owns property on Hawaii's island of Kauai, moved up to No. 5 in the annual ranking of the world’s richest billionaires by Forbes magazine, which was released on Monday. Pacific Business News.

80-unit luxury hotel planned; boating limits may be lifted. Garden Island.

There’s a web of secret passageways used by pollutants to reach the reefs that fringe Kauai’s beaches. Garden Island.