Showing posts with label Breene Harimoto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breene Harimoto. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Spike in COVID-19 cases, holes in testing protocol threaten Hawaii reopening plans, doctor calls for halt to quarantine lifting, governor to meet with mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Health
COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, Department of Health
Experts say Hawaii on track to see more spikes in COVID-19 cases. With COVID-19 cases spiking and mask wearing mixed, some experts are concerned that the new number of new infections will continue to swell. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s CVS trans-pacific testing partnership leaves holes for 72-hour window. To help with testing travelers, the state has partnered with CVS, but there may be some issues with the program, including a requirement that would make the partnership practically useless to Hawaii residents. KHON2.

Mayors to meet with governor on plans to lift travel quarantine amid COVID-19 spike. On Wednesday, Governor David Ige will meet with county mayors to discuss plans moving forward. KHON2.

Prominent Hawaii doctor says state should delay plan for trans-Pacific visitors. One of Hawaii’s most visible physicians on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic said Tuesday that Gov. David Ige should rethink the state’s plan to allow out-of-state visitors who arrive with a negative COVID-19 test in hand to bypass a 14-day quarantine starting Aug. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says spike in new COVID-19 infections is manageable, but warns that could change. The governor sought Tuesday to reassure residents that an alarming spike in new COVID-19 infections is “manageable right now,” but warned that could change quickly and said more surges in infection might close some businesses or delay tourism’s reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige says Hawaii is ‘well prepared’ to deal with coronavirus spike as the state marks its highest daily increase in new cases. Hawaii officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the state marked its highest daily surge in new coronavirus cases since the start of the outbreak in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials react to highest case count in a single day since COVID-19 pandemic began. Governor David Ige claims the numbers are expected and manageable and that the state is prepared, while Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson calls the trends disturbing. KITV4.

State reports highest daily number of new COVID cases since March. Tuesday’s total was the largest reported daily number of cases since the state’s pandemic emergency was declared March 4, eclipsing the previous high of 34 cases on April 3. Tribune-Herald.

41 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i Marks Largest Single Day Increase. There are 41 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hawaiʻi today, marking the largest single day increase in cases since the pandemic began. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 7: 41 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. A record number of COVID-19 cases were confirmed Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, July 7th: 41 New Cases Reported. The majority of the newly reported COVID-19 cases are on Oʻahu, state health officials announced today at noon. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: 41 New COVID Cases Set Record; Bar, Gym Clusters May Prompt Reopening Rollback. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported 41 new cases of COVID-19, a state record for daily cases since the pandemic began. Thirty-eight cases are on Oahu, 2 on Kauai and 1 on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

A colored placard system could soon identify businesses abiding by COVID precautions. The Health Department's Food Safety Branch said once the plan is approved by the Attorney General’s office, details will be released. But it could very well be similar to the health inspection placard system for restaurants and food safety. Hawaii News Now.

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Kouchi business gets PPP funds. A company that Hawaii Senate President Ronald Kouchi owns shares in and is employed by received a small business coronavirus relief loan from the U.S. government, according to data released by the Small Business Administration. Associated Press.

Lawmaker honored at memorial service held at state Capitol. Precautions to curb the spread of COVID-19 might have kept crowds of mourners away from Tuesday’s memorial service for state Sen. Breene Harimoto at the state Capitol, but legislative colleagues and other officials were there to offer ample praise for a man they described as humble and courageous. Star-Advertiser.

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U.S. steps up firepower as China consolidates gains in South China Sea. The USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike groups recently demonstrated what the Navy called “unmatched sea power” while conducting rare dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea, as military muscle flexing continues on both sides of growing discord in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Aggressive seaweed smothers one of world’s most remote reefs. Researchers say a recently discovered species of seaweed is killing large patches of coral on once-pristine reefs and is rapidly spreading across one of the most remote and protected ocean environments on earth. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates offer ideas for tackling homelessness. A dozen candidates for Honolulu mayor presented a wide variety of approaches to the vexing issue of homelessness on the island during an early morning forum Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mufi Hannemann: He Was Mayor Once Before. Will That Help Or Hurt With Voters? In the Honolulu mayor’s race, a seasoned politician like Hannemann can tout his successes but also has a long record ripe for scrutiny.  Civil Beat.

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Mother and son among 4 city employees with positive coronavirus tests. Four city employees have now tested positive for COVID-19, including the latest: an employee who works out of a Halawa base yard clearing sewage wastewater drains and his mother, who works for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, city officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

4th Honolulu Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19. A mother and son tested positive as Hawaii hit its highest number of daily cases yet. Civil Beat.

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New program hopes to keep fishing afloat. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced a new “fish to dish” program to help Hawaii’s ailing fishing industry. Star-Advertiser.

City throws a line to the longline fishing industry with a new program. Nearly 350,000 fish portions will be distributed to Oahu families over the next five months. Hawaii News Now.

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Voters who miss registering online still have options. With the state this year switching to a “vote by mail” format, Oahu residents who don’t register online may register at voter service centers at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale from July 27 through Aug. 8, primary election day. Star-Advertiser.

New stadium plan expected to pass Senate. State lawmakers are poised this week to pass the last major piece of stadium legislation before the state begins soliciting bids for a public-private partnership in the development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. Star-Advertiser.

Iwilei ballrooms fall victim to pandemic. The Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery — dependent on large gatherings that are no longer allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — closed for good Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 Positive Individuals Visited Big Island on Business Trip, State Says. Details on the cluster were sparse and did not include the name of the business that planned the trip, the location from which the group traveled to the Big Island, or how many people were part of the group. Park did say that the interisland travelers in question visited both sides of Hawai‘i Island and that a few have already tested positive for COVID-19. The rest are currently under self-quarantine. Big Island Now.

Factory-built housing raises concerns: Council committee advances 197-page construction code revamp. A County Council panel tried to balance affordable housing and jobs Tuesday before advancing the framework for a revamped construction code folding in building, plumbing, electrical and energy components. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution calls for halt to controversial 5G development. The Hawaii County Council will consider pursuing action to bar 5G cellular network development on the Big Island until the controversial technology is proven to be safe. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would incentivize conservation, reforestation of native trees. As part of an effort to stimulate reforestation efforts on the Big Island, the County Council will consider a bill that would lower property taxes for owners of certain forest lands. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County not looking at furloughs, pay cuts. Governor said cuts may be inevitable as federal funds run out. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Monday that pay cuts and furloughs for county workers are not being considered at this time, but added that “nothing’s off the table” as Hawaii continues to feel the economic effects of COVID-19. Maui News.

Proposed Charter Amendments on Friday’s Council Agenda. Six proposals to reform the structure of Maui County’s government will be considered for passage on first reading on Friday at 9 a.m., Councilmember Michael J. Molina announced today. Maui Now.

Maui restaurants plead for rule changes to stay in business. The Maui Restaurant Hui estimates that there are 10,000 unemployed chefs, cooks, and staff members from the more than 150 eateries in the group. Hawaii News Now.

Maui home sales down 20% in June, but new listings increase. Home sales on Maui declined by more than 20% in June, compared to the same month last year, but new listings for both single-family homes and condominiums increased, and pending sales for single-family homes rose by 22%, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KVB offers insights to reopening efforts. Part of Gov. David Ige’s announcement to reopen August 1 included a point that travelers may bypass the state-mandated 14-day quarantine by showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of landing. Garden Island.

Texas man, 36, arrested at Kauai hotel for violating quarantine rules after insisting on a taxi. Kauai police have arrested a Texas man for violating Hawaii’s mandatory, 14-day quarantine rule for out-of-state visitors after he insisted hotel staff call a taxi for him. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Food Businesses Persist During Pandemic Thanks To Grant. With money from Common Ground, two companies are finding ways to scale up and pivot away from tourism despite COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Hawaii Department of Education sets back-to-school protocols, Caldwell expands mask order, Senate committee advances COVID-19, public monitoring bills, tax director steps down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Hawaii  Department of Education
Social distancing students PC:Hawaii Department of Education
State’s public schools unveil plans for reopening amid pandemic. Hawaii’s public schools will welcome back students Aug. 4 with new protocols and a mix of traditional in-school instruction and distance learning in a move to limit the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Hawaii Plans To Bring Kids Back To School This Fall.
Individual public schools have until Wednesday to decide whether students will be on campus full time in the fall, or whether they will offer a different learning model. Civil Beat.

Learning curve; Lessons from pandemic help shape DOE guidelines for 2020-21 school year. The state Department of Education is planning to “Return to Learn,” releasing on Thursday its school reopening plan for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi DOE Releases School Reopening Plan. The Hawai‘i Department of Education says public schools are preparing to safely welcome back students and staff in the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Big Island Video News.

‘Return To Learn’ HDOE plans Aug. 4 reopening.
Public schools are set to reopen on Aug. 4 with a plan to blend distance learning and face-to-face instruction, the Hawai‘i Department of Education announced Thursday. Garden Island.

DOE Unveils Return to Learn Plan for Hawai‘i Public Schools.
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education today unveiled its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan that public schools are using to prepare for the “safe and healthy” return of students and staff during the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Maui Now.

Return to Learn: Hawai‘i public schools preparing to safely welcome back students and staff. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education has released its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan that public schools are using to prepare safe and healthy learning environments and worksites for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. KHON2.

Department of Education introduced a plan to welcome back students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The one constant in every model is social distancing, weather in a classroom or cafeteria. KITV4.

Teachers union isn’t on the same page as DOE on what ‘social distancing’ means. HSTA demands the DOE adhere to a 6 foot rule. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA expresses dissatisfaction with social distancing guidelines set forth by DOE. The Hawaii State Teachers Association expressed its dissatisfaction with the social distancing which would require students to be six feet apart when facing each other, but three feet apart when facing the same direction. KITV4.

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Interim Hawaii tax director withdraws from state Senate confirmation process. In a new sign of strains between state senators and Gov. David Ige’s administration, interim state Tax Director Rona Suzuki said today she has asked Ige to withdraw her name from consideration after learning the Senate Ways and Means Committee planned to recommend that she not be confirmed to the permanent post. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature Advances Vaping Ban, Police Reforms, Vacation Rental Crackdown. Dozens of bills met the Thursday deadline to pass before the 2020 session ends next week. Civil Beat.

Controversial pandemic powers bill moves forward. A Big Island state senator was the lone dissenting vote in the Ways and Means Committee on a controversial measure that would give the state health director sweeping powers to declare a public health emergency and, with authorization of the governor, to screen, test and monitor travelers. Tribune-Herald.

‘Place of stay declaration form’ draws concerns: Vacation rental bill clears last Senate committee. The inclusion of a “place of stay declaration form” for all travelers in Hawaii in a gut-and-replace bill about vacation rentals raised eyebrows among some who otherwise support the bill. West Hawaii Today.

Ban On Side Gigs For Mayors, Governor Clears Legislature. House Bill 361 now goes to Gov. David Ige for approval or veto. Civil Beat.

State Senate to hold memorial service for late Sen. Breene Harimoto. The Hawaii State Senate will hold a memorial service for the late Sen. Breene Harimoto on Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. Star-Advertiser.

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Native Hawaiian health care systems to see $17M in federal aid.
Native Hawaiian Healthcare centers across the Islands are set to receive almost $17 million in federal aid, congressional officials announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 2: 20 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. A new cluster of infections is associated with a flight attendant training at the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters. Civil Beat.

20 New COVID-19 Cases. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 20 new cases today. Seventeen cases are on Oahu, most tied to identified cases or clusters, and three cases are on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

New COVID-19 cases, including 8 at Hawaiian Airlines, hit as state begins monthlong push to reopen tourism. Eight Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants and a Hawaii State Hospital contractor are among the new COVID-19 cases the state is grappling with as officials begin the monthlong push to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

8 Hawaiian Airlines Employees Diagnosed With COVID-19. The report of eight Hawaiian Airlines employees diagnosed with COVID-19 will not impact the company’s plans to resume more routes to its US mainland gateway cities in the coming weeks. Big Island Now.

Contractor at Hawaii State Hospital tests positive for COVID-19. The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed today that a Hawaii State Hospital contractor has tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Delays Ruling On Request To Lift Quarantine. The case appears to turn on how much discretion the federal court will give Gov. David Ige to respond to a public health crisis. Civil Beat.

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Survey Shows Harsh Financial Realities Facing Many Hawaii Residents. A recent survey shows 45% of residents have experienced a decrease in household income and 13%  received help from a food bank or drive. Civil Beat.

Survey: 45% of Hawaii households have seen their incomes decline during the pandemic.  Forty-five percent of Hawaii households have seen their incomes decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and 1 in 4 are past due on some bills, according to a large new survey that underscores the scope of economic pain families in the islands are experiencing. Hawaii News Now.

Bank of Hawaii Foundation releases findings from COVID-19 research survey. The COVID-19 in Hawaii study is the largest research survey of its kind to provide specific feelings, fears and financial hardships related to the virus during the heart of Hawaii’s shutdown. KITV4.

Bankruptcy filings soar in Hawaii as economic fallout of pandemic widens. Bankruptcy filings in Hawaii soared 21.8% in June as the coronavirus pandemic continued to wreck havoc on the state’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Efforts to combat unemployment fraud create new headaches for filers. Residents seeking unemployment benefits or trying to file weekly certifications are encountering new headaches as the state scrambles to address fraudulent claims. Hawaii News Now.

State releases more updates on unemployment insurance information. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) released more updates on unemployment insurance claims information. KHON2.

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2,424 Air Arrivals to Hawai‘i on Tuesday was Highest Number Since Quarantine Began. A total of 754 visitors and 516 residents were part of the incoming passengers aboard 24 arriving flights. Maui Now.

Wednesday marked Hawaii’s highest count of visitor arrivals since statewide lockdown.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported today that some 754 visitors were among the 2,424 passengers who came to Hawaii Wednesday on 24 flights. The visitor count was the highest since COVID-19 tourism lockdowns began about 14 weeks ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii visitor arrivals reach highest single-day number since the quarantine began. A total of 754 visitors arrived in Hawaii on Wednesday, marking the highest number of visitor arrivals on a single day since the mandatory 14-day quarantine was put in place in late March. Pacific Business News.

State epidemiologist says COVID-19 battle is still not over. Contact tracing continues to be a major tool for the Department of Health in following the steps of the coronavirus within the community, the state’s lead epidemiologist said there are finding a recurring pattern in new cases. KHON2.

Register now to vote in 2020 Primary Election. New Hawai‘i voters have until July 9 to register to vote in the 2020 Primary Election. Registered voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail starting July 21. Garden Island.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell expands Oahu’s face mask requirements. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday announced a new face mask mandate for all indoor public spaces as well as outdoors when physical distancing is difficult to maintain. Star-Advertiser.

Face Masks Now Required In Private Offices In Honolulu. New rules announced Thursday expand when and where people on Oahu are required to cover their face to reduce the risk of transmitting or catching COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Ahead of busy holiday weekend, mayor expands mask order in push to prevent spread of virus. The mayor has strengthened his mask order for Oahu, saying they’re now required in all indoor public settings and outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. Hawaii News Now.

Face masks now mandatory on Oahu. Make sure you have your protective mask or shield when you leave the house because wearing a non-surgical grade protective face covering is now required indoors and in outdoor areas where you are not able to social distance. KHON2.

Castle & Cooke to begin sales for Koa Ridge community. Castle & Cooke Hawaii has announced that it will soon begin sales of its Koa Ridge community in Mililani. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

New Invasive Pest Threatens Big Island Range Lands, Watersheds. A relatively new invasive pest is terrorizing Big Island pastures and moving disturbingly quickly up the Kohala Coast. The two-lined spittlebug, first identified in South Kona in 2016, attacks most types of grasses. Big Island Now.

Maui

Ige OKs extension of Hana roadblock. Access to East Maui to remain limited to residents until July 15. Maui News.

Maui Restaurants Outline 7 Requests to the Department of Liquor Control. The Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association issued an open letter this month on behalf of a hui of restaurants in Maui County to the Department of Liquor Control saying the industry has been “devastated” by the COVID-19 pandemic and needs help. Maui Now.

Protocols and Procedures to Protect OB Patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Today’s guest is Dr. Jennifer Mathieu, an OBGYN with Maui Lani Physicians and Surgeons and OB Department Chair for Maui Health. Maui Now.

Kauai

Disconnection suspensions continue. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative has extended its suspension of service disconnections through July 31. Garden Island.

Virus sends Summer school online in Kekaha. Kekaha Elementary School’s summer school program has gone back online because an individual associated with the school is among the existing COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Airport facial recognition draws concerns, Maui lawmaker cited for sitting on beach, container ship loses its load, Oahu to bring back karaoke, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Sen. Kai Kahele
Young Brothers cargo ship in Hilo Harbor PC:Sen. Kai Kahele
At least 21 shipping containers fall off Young Brothers barge. At least 21 containers fell off a Young Brothers barge en route to Hilo Harbor on Monday morning, but the cause has yet to be confirmed. Tribune-Herald.

Multiple containers fall overboard in waters off Hilo. Improper loading and possible overloading of an interisland freight barge and employing practices to avoid paying overtime may have played a role in at least 21 shipping containers going overboard early Monday morning off the Hilo coast, alleges state Sen. Kai Kahele (D, Hilo), who is calling for a Senate investigation into the incident. Star-Advertiser.

Shipping Containers Fall Overboard Near Hilo Harbor. 21 shipping containers were counted as having toppled into the water on Monday, according to a U.S. Coast Guard update. 12 were still missing as of the early afternoon. Big Island Video News.

21 Shipping Containers Fall Overboard Near Hilo. Nine of the 40-foot (12-meter) shipping containers were located and 12 remained missing, the Coast Guard said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Authorities now say at least 21 shipping containers fell off barge in Big Island waters. The Coast Guard says at least 21 shipping containers fell from a Young Brothers barge off the Big Island early Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Young Brothers Cargo Containers Slip Off Barge Into Hilo Bay. At least 21 cargo containers slipped off of a Young Brothers barge and into the waters surrounding Hilo Bay on Monday morning. Big Island Now.

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Plan for opening trans-Pacific travel to come this week. Gov. David Ige is expected to announce the state’s adoption of a COVID-19 testing protocol that would allow some travelers to bypass the mandatory 14-day quarantine soon. Star-Advertiser.

Lieutenant Governor Josh Green provides clarity on COVID-19 confusion. Many are looking for some clarity surrounding COVID-19, as questions arise about a potential second wave, wearing face masks, and testing for the virus. KITV4.

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ACLU raises concern over facial recognition equipment set to be used at airports. As the state tests out thermal screening and facial recognition equipment at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this week. The American Civil Liberties Union is again raising concerns. KITV4.

Facial ID software draws concerns from ACLU. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has “serious concerns” about the state’s planned use of facial recognition software in airport terminals to fight the spread of COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

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Lawmakers poised to tackle COVID-19. After a three-month, COVID-19-induced suspension of this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers rolled up their sleeves and reconvened Monday hoping to adopt a plan to use federal funds to help Hawaii residents and businesses cope with the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Return To Spend Federal Aid, Plug Budget Hole. State lawmakers return to the Capitol today for what is expected to be the final three weeks of this year’s legislative session. Their main focus will be allocation $618 million in federal pandemic assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers work to fix $413M shortfall. State lawmakers are back in session Monday with a daunting task. They’re looking to fix a budget shortfall of more than $400 million. KHON2.

Lawmakers reconvene to appropriate virus relief funds. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday reconvened their 2020 legislative session to flesh out details for how they plan to spend more than $600 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. Hawaii Public Radio.

House Lawmakers Call for Robust Nursing Home COVID-19 Testing. Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair of the House Health Committee, and Representative Rida Cabanilla, a registered nurse, are asking all nursing homes to comply with recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and have COVID-19 testing for all their residents. Maui Now.

Social service workers rally at state Capitol. As the state Legislature reconvened Monday, social service workers rallied at the Capitol asking lawmakers to allocate $362 million of the federal coronavirus relief funds to “vulnerable” families, who need food, housing assistance, health care, child care, domestic violence assistance, kupuna wellness checks and more. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii state senators pay tribute to fallen colleague Breene Harimoto. State senators reconvening for the first time in three months devoted much of their floor session today to speaking about their colleague, Breene Harimoto, who died last Thursday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Negotiations Begin On Hawaii Police Misconduct Bill. The Legislature couldn’t come to an agreement on House Bill 285 in 2019 but public pressure has forced lawmakers to reconsider it again this session. Civil Beat.

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Survey of public school teachers finds many saw low student participation in distance learning. The state Education Department recently surveyed Hawaii teachers in hopes of illuminating how many public school students actually participated in remote learning after campuses closed in March. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers Report Difficulties In Reaching Students, Remote Learning During School Closures. The survey went out to all Department of Education teachers and students, with a parent survey now in progress. Civil Beat.

Distance learning survey results to be used in planning next year. The Department of Education released its results of a recent distance-learning survey. KHON2.

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Interviews with Union Leaders: Randy Perreira, President, Hawai‘i American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. Hawaii Business magazine.

Federal census of isle homeless is rescheduled for September. The once-every-decade federal census of Hawaii’s homeless population — which has been pushed to late September because of the COVID-19 pandemic — has the potential to affect Hawaii’s share of $800 billion in federal spending over the next 10 years, according to federal officials. Star-Advertiser.

Solar applications skyrocket as Hawaii residents seek savings on electricity. With electric bills going up due to people staying home and working from home, it appears more are looking toward other alternatives. According to HECO, applications for solar power in Hawaii are up 40% in 2020. KHON2.

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Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus cases; statewide total now at 816. Hawaii recorded four new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 816, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 22: 4 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. All the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Mayor Caldwell sends request to Governor Ige proposing guidelines for allowing live music to return to restaurants, bars. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has sent a request to Governor David Ige that would allow live music in restaurants and bars on O'ahu. KITV4.

Honolulu karaoke lounges to soon allow singing indoors. The Honolulu mayor is making changes to bar and restaurant COVID-19 guidelines, currently singing is not allowed inside businesses, making it a tough reopening for karaoke establishments, but a new order sent to the governor makes adjustments to the rule. KHON2.

Medical workers and their families inaugurate Waikiki Aquarium’s careful reopening. Monday was the first day of the aquarium’s “soft” reopening, which it was celebrating with a weeklong “Mahalo Medic” program, providing free and exclusive admission to Hawaii medical professionals. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii at Manoa to boost study of life sciences with new facility. The Life Sciences Building just completed at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will unite researchers, professors and students across disciplines in a thriving field where Hawaii has a natural edge, administrators say. Star-Advertiser.

Royal Hawaiian Groin to be finished in July. After helping keep sand on the Waikiki shoreline throughout 93 years of seasonal waves, currents and tides, storms and rising seas, the Royal Hawaiian Groin, a rock-and-concrete jetty that extends out into the blue-green waters of Waikiki before gently curving toward Diamond Head, is now in the midst of its own sea change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Filling a need: Nonprofit steps up to cover sanitation at Kiholo Bay. Hui Aloha Kiholo is working to make a crappy situation better. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly $1 Million in Community Development Block Grants Coming to Big Island. Nearly $1 million in block grant funding is on its way to the Big Island, and the county is asking the public for proposals for its distribution. Big Island Now.

Extraordinary Tenure Ends For USGS HVO Leader. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal is returning to the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lawmaker, candidate cited for emergency rule violations. State House Rep. Tina Wildberger said she and her husband were “actively stretching in the sand” and “socially distanced” when they were issued citations last month for violating Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home order amid the COVID-19 crisis. Maui News.

Sinenci proposes county Ag Department. Maui County Council Member Shane Sinenci has proposed a charter amendment that would create a county Department of Agriculture. Maui News.

Micro Business Loan Program Receives Additional $750,000. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today the extension of the Micro Business Loan Program with an additional $750,000 of funding from the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Bus Wifi Trial Project in Hāna. The Maui Bus will be launching a Wifi Bus on Wednesday for a two-week trial period in East Maui. Maui Now.

Maui’s Wailea Blue Course to Close Until Further Notice. The Wailea Golf Club will continue to maintain the Blue Course and intends to reopen it when the economy improves. Maui Now.
Mauians train to aid during pandemic. UH-DOH program equipping health workers, residents to trace, do outreach. Maui News.

Kauai

Coronavirus Has Offered Kauai’s Mayor A Political Breakout Moment. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s decisive handling of the COVID-19 pandemic — and the Garden Isle’s relatively low disease infection count — has won him praise locally and statewide. Civil Beat.

Kauai Mayor on pandemic: “We had to do some unique, out-of-the-box creative solutions to address our challenges”. The island of Kauai boasts more beaches than any other Hawaiian Island, something officials kept in mind when making decisions to keep the “garden isle” free of the coronavirus. KHON2.

Could New Kauai Proposal Be A Model For Bringing Back Tourism?. The plan to test travelers twice with a six-day quarantine in a designated hotel would apply to returning residents as well. Civil Beat.

A Ray of Light. Local Kapa‘a business owner Jeni Kaohelaulii considered creative ways to revive Old Kapa‘a Town, which appeared boarded up and bleak during the COVID-19 lockdown. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai Cat Sanctuary hopes to reopen soon since closing in March. Cat lovers across the country can’t wait until a home for feral cats reopens on Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Monday, June 22, 2020

Hawaii Legislature convenes today to spend CARES money, Honolulu mayoral candidates spar over rail, COVID-19 spikes expected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Iolani Palace ©2020 All Hawaii News
Iolani Palace is ‘hurting badly’ financially following Covid-19 closure. Iolani Palace is facing financial difficulties after being closed for three months due to the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii lawmakers lay out plans to use $635M in federal aid for the unemployed and small businesses. The Hawaii state Legislature has announced plans for how it will spend $635 million from the federal aid package in response to the coronavirus to help Hawaii residents and businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers detail how they'll use federal CARES Act money. $635 million will support unemployed residents, provide housing assistance and job training opportunities, and diversify Hawaii’s economy. KITV4.

Legislature Allocates $635 Million in CARES Act Funds. The Hawai‘i State Legislature’s comprehensive plan to use $635 million in federal CARES Act funds will provide ongoing, immediate relief to residents and small businesses who are suffering from the devastating economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Get Back To Work Monday As Critical Issues Collide. Lawmakers will reconvene amid a budget crisis, pandemic and civil unrest not seen in years, all on the cusp of the primary election. Civil Beat.

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Gov. David Ige reportedly close to announcing testing protocol, loosened quarantine. Gov. David Ige’s administration is poised to adopt a COVID-19 testing protocol similar to one being used by Alaska, and is expected to announce as early as this week that at least some travelers will be allowed to bypass Hawaii’s two-week quarantine requirement this summer if they provide proof of a recent negative test for the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

State: Spike in new COVID-19 cases is cause for concern but won’t slow reopening plans. The state health director said Friday that an increase of 27 new COVID-19 cases on Friday is worrisome, but are manageable and won’t slow reopening plans. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hotels get lift from interisland travel, anxiously await broader reopening. Statewide hotel occupancy in May fell to 14.2%, an 82.1% drop from May 2019. The drop in travel demand also caused the average daily room rate to decline to $126.72, a 50.4% drop from May 2019. Star-Advertiser.

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More financial help on the way for unemployed residents. More financial help is on the way for unemployed Hawaii residents thanks to a new plan that allocates weekly and monthly stipends. KITV4.

With thousands out of work, scammers are targeting the unemployment system. With more than 143,000 Hawaii residents unemployed due to the pandemic, consumer advocates said these scammers are taking money away from the people who need it most. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteer Sleuths Track Down Hawaii's Quarantine Scofflaws. Former longtime television reporter Angela Keen knows how to track people down. During the coronavirus pandemic, she’s putting her skills to use finding tourists who defy Hawaii's mandatory two-week quarantine on arriving travelers. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s Highest Court Is Pushing Back On How Police Interrogate Suspects. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday reined in what police officers can say to suspects in order to elicit confessions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Cesspool Problem Continues To Bubble Up As EPA Cracks Down. EPA is targeting hundreds of the largest disposal pits but Hawaii has about 88,000 cesspools still in use. Civil Beat.

Study: Marine-management areas can restore state’s depleted fisheries. A recent comprehensive study has found Hawai‘i’s nearshore waters need more effective management, and that a diverse, integrated system of marine-management areas can help restore the state’s declining coral-reef fisheries and boost the resilience of coral reefs in a changing climate. Garden Island.

State Sen. Breene Harimoto Dies At 66. The former legislator and Honolulu City Councilman represented parts of Pearl City, Waimalu, Aiea and Halawa. Civil Beat.

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11 New Cases in Hawai‘i Brings Statewide Total to 814. There are 11 new COVID-19 case reported in Hawaiʻi today–nine on Oʻahu, and two on Hawaiʻi Island–pushing the statewide count to 814 cases in Hawaiʻi over the course of the pandemic. Maui Now.

Hawaii Updates: 11 New Cases; Health Officials Say Lax Practices Led To Recent New COVID-19 Cases. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 today, 9 on Oahu and 2 on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 11 new coronavirus cases as statewide total climbs to 814. Hawaii saw 11 new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total of infections since the start of the outbreak climbed to 814, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 21: 11 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Most of the new cases were reported on Oahu. Civil Beat.

11 new COVID cases reported statewide; 9 of the new cases are on Oahu. Oahu led the state Sunday in the number of new COVID-19 cases reported. Nine of the 11 total cases were that of patients on Oahu. Hawaii Island reported two additional positives. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidates spar over Honolulu’s rail project in forum. The tenor of this year’s Honolulu mayoral campaign turned up a notch last week when candidates at a televised forum began talking, and in some cases finger­-pointing, about the city’s troubled $9.2 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council takes aim at new regulations against monster homes.  Even after the city passed a law regulating monster homes last year, some say the problem still persists. Hawaii News Now.

Planned bridge has Wahiawa and Whitmore Village residents divided. For 73 years, Whitmore Village, with origins as a Central Oahu pineapple plantation community, has been tied closely to Wahiawa town, also rooted in agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu bar owners come up with creative ways to keep patrons separated. After a three-month shutdown, bars are finally back open. But on Friday night, it was anything but booming. Hawaii News Now.

Fire department implements new firecracker permit application system online. The HFD is implementing its new online firecracker permit application system for consumer convenience. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

First installment: $40M in CARES funds hits county coffers. It’s in the bank. Hawaii County on Friday received half of its promised $80 million in emergency coronavirus response money, and the County Council has scheduled a special meeting July 1 to begin the work of spending it. West Hawaii Today.

Maunakea command plan again delayed. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents once again postponed action on a proposed new internal management structure for governance of Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Humane Society to forgo Animal Control Contract. For the first time in decades, animal control services on the Big Island will soon no longer be the responsibility of the Hawaii Island Humane Society. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo museums still largely in limbo. East Hawaii museums, some more reliant on tourist visits than others, are among those businesses working to reopen as restrictions in place to combat COVID-19 are loosened. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens turn out for missing keiki rally. Lopaka Milliora organized the event to simply bring awareness to the public that there are active cases of kids that have been kidnapped or have run away. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor lets budget go into effect without his signature. Citing objections to higher trash and landfill fees and cuts to department budgets, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Friday that he would allow next year’s budget to go into effect without his signature. Maui News.

Committee to Hear Change in Zoning for Kilohana Makai Workforce Housing Project in Kīhei. The Maui Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee will discuss the change in zoning application for the Kilohana Makai Workforce Housing Project in Kīhei, committee Chair Tamara Paltin announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Charter Review Commission meets today. Today, the county’s Charter Review Commission will decide which of seven proposed charter amendments will be added to November’s ballot. Garden Island.

Grove Farm Is ‘Disappointed’ In Planned Changes For Kauai Rehab Facility. In a letter to Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, Grove Farm President and CEO Warren Haruki said he is disappointed that the original vision for the facility was not given a chance to succeed. Civil Beat.