Busy hurricane season expected, Aloha Stadium plans approved, Kapolei middle-schooler arrested after gun brought to school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Central Pacific region expects 4 to 7 cyclones. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has predicted a near- to above-normal season for the region this year due to El Nino conditions. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Maui Now.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu’s Lawsuit Against Big Oil Over Sea Level Rise Just Got A Boost From The Supreme Court. The city is involved in one of more than two dozen lawsuits over the cost of climate change. Civil Beat.

Top State Officials Were Behind A Secretive Process That Steered Millions To A First Responders Center. Here's how $50 million got into the new state budget for a facility that had been rejected earlier in the session. Civil Beat.

MCBH commander hands over the reins. At a Thursday ceremony on the edge of Kaneohe Bay, outgoing Marine Corps Base Hawaii commander Col. Speros Koumparakis handed over the reins to his successor, Col. Jeremy Beaven. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium project gets OK to go with single developer. There was an air of celebration at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Stadium Authority. It was announced that Gov. Josh Green and the state are moving forward with a modified version of the public-private partnership plan that has been in the works since 2018. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapolei middle student arrested after gun brought to school. Kapolei Middle School was locked down for an hour and 20 minutes Thursday morning after a student allegedly showed off a handgun on campus, according to police and the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu Officers Who Arrested 10-Year-Old Want Protection From Lawsuit. Three Honolulu police officers believe they shouldn’t have to be part of a lawsuit that contends they used excessive force and wrongfully arrested a 10-year-old girl at school over a supposedly offensive drawing in 2020. Civil Beat.

Scheduled field maintenance closes 2 of Oʻahu's largest parks through June. The parks will receive intensive field maintenance including aerating, verticutting, soil cultivation, power washing, irrigation repairs and road renovations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Community group on why they intend to sue the County of Hawaiʻi over sewage. Hui Mālama Honokōhau is a group of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and fishers who use Honokōhau Harbor in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim connects the past with present at veterans memorial event. The soldiers served in the Hawaii National Guard 29th Infantry Brigade and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

How Maui's property tax system could serve as a model for other islands this budget season.  As property assessments and value increase, so does a homeowner’s tax bill. Councils across the state have been trying to balance that by expanding existing exemptions or segmenting tiers. Hawaii Public Radio.

161-lot homestead project in Waikapu breaks ground. Project is first to be funded through historic $600M allocation to DHHL. Maui News.

Kauai

Native Hawaiian group receives $85k grant to revitalize Hawaiian language. Native Hawaiian organization Papahana Kuaola has received a nearly $85,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as part of a multi-organizational effort to revitalize ‘olelo Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian language, from keiki to kupuna. Garden Island.

Below average hurricane season predicted, masks urged as COVID soars, Korean firm bids on Makaha Valley, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Below-average hurricane season predicted for Central Pacific region. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Wednesday predicted that the region will see two to four tropical cyclones during the hurricane season that starts June 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials urge masking, boosters as COVID-19 cases surge in Hawaii. On Wednesday the DOH reported the state’s seven-day average for new cases had climbed to 925 — up from 722 on May 11, and marking the eighth consecutive weekly increase. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, jumped to 16.9%, up from 14.3% last week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

Kaiser Permanente’s Hawaii mental health clinicians strike. Kaiser Permanente’s Hawaii mental health clinicians launched a three-day strike Wednesday amid stalled contract negotiations. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today.

Governor: Japan’s tough COVID restrictions hindering Hawaii tourism rebound. Gov. David Ige recently traveled to Japan and he says many Japanese want to come to Hawaii, but returning to Japan is a huge hassle due to COVID. Hawaii News Now.

New partnership uses technology to prove origins of Hawaiʻi coffee — and stop counterfeits. The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association has signed an agreement with product traceability company Oritain to build a statewide coffee origin database. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A Look At The 4 Finalists For Honolulu’s Police Chief. The four finalists — Scott Ebner, Mike Lambert, Joe Logan and Ben Moszkowicz — are set to answer questions from the public during a televised forum Thursday on PBS Hawaii, marking the first time the community will hear from the men still in the running to lead the city’s police force of nearly 2,000 officers. Civil Beat. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Korean firm bids to buy Makaha Valley resort site. A South Korean conglomerate branching into the resort business has made a bid to buy much of Makaha Valley where development plans linked with golf superstar Tiger Woods fizzled in recent years. Star-Advertiser.

This Honolulu Architect Admitted To Bribery. But He Still Has His License. Despite pleading guilty to a job-related felony, William Wong was able to renew his license for another two years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Says A New Mask Mandate Is A ‘Possibility’. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blackgirdi said Wednesday that he might consider implementing a mask mandate after the Covid-19 case count rose for the eighth week in a row. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Man, 28, who refused to wear mask, convicted of felony for punching Waikiki security guard, 71. An Oahu Circuit Court jury on Tuesday found a 28-year-old man, who refused to wear a mask at a COVID-19 testing site, guilty of second-degree assault in the beating of a 71-year-old security guard. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation Shows Hawaii Prison Officials Tried To Cover Up Errors Leading Up To An Inmate’s Death. The internal affairs report claimed staff had been trained in suicide prevention policies, and a guard made the required cell checks. Neither was true, and an inmate died. Civil Beat.

City worker who may have been exposed to radiation hired attorney days before his death. A city maintenance worker who may have been exposed to radiation while fixing a tire on a garbage truck hired a high-profile attorney just 10 days before his death. The development comes as investigations into Charles Kuailani’s cause of death continue. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing measures pass, fail: Council approves new programs, but not charter amendment to pay for them. A bill adding eligible programs for county housing funds was passed on final reading Wednesday by the County Council, but a companion measure proposing a charter amendment to lock in funding was shot down by a council majority. West Hawaii Today.

DHHL breaks ground on Kaʻu water system improvements. Improvements by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to an existing Hawaii County Department of Water Supply system in Kaʻu will soon connect pastoral homestead lessees in the Kamaʻoa Homestead to water service. Tribune-Herald.

Sniffing out COVID: Schools take part in pilot program starring Cobra the canine. Three Hawaii Island public charter schools have a new tool for detecting COVID-19 on campus — an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois named Cobra. Tribune-Herald.

As COVID cases climb, HMC sees increase in keiki infections. As COVID-19 cases rise throughout Hawaii for the eighth consecutive week, Hilo Medical Center reported a significant increase in pediatric cases. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission to review final report and voter guide. The Maui Charter Commission will meet this Thursday,  May 19, to review and approve its Draft Final Report detailing eleven proposed amendments to the County Charter.  Maui Now.

With funds running dry, temporary Maui homeless shelter to shut down. A temporary homeless shelter on Maui is out of money and may soon be out of time as it prepares close down its services. Wahi Hoomalu O Wailuku off Waiale Road is Maui’s temporary homeless shelter. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

‘Save Koloa’ sues county, condo developer. Local nonprofits are suing Kaua‘i County and a mainland property developer, escalating controversy surrounding a planned condominium complex on the island’s South Shore. Garden Island.

Powerful police union drives state policy, Pacific Fleet launches probe into Red Hill fuel spills, developer withdraws Kauai glamping plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police ©2021 All Hawaii News

The Power Of SHOPO: Here’s How The Police Union Contract Drives Public Policy. The statewide police union plays an outsized role in everything from police shootings to investigating officer misconduct. But the public is kept in the dark about important issues being negotiated in the contract. Civil Beat.

151 WWII veterans are expected to attend event at Pearl Harbor. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro will be the keynote speaker for the 80th anni­versary of the Pearl Harbor attack, an auspicious milestone that is planned to include a large number of aged survivors and World War II veterans — 151 total — despite the relentlessness of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island mayors announce relaxing of COVID rules. Their actions follow Gov. David Ige’s latest emergency proclamation signed Monday granting the counties the authority to make their own pandemic emergency orders and rules without prior approval by the governor or the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

State economy might grow faster than expected this year. Hawaii’s economy is expected to slow in the second half of this year but still grow at a faster pace than earlier projected. Star-Advertiser.

Lackluster hurricane season ends with no threat to Hawaii. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said it was likely to be an underwhelming hurricane season, and 2021 turned out to be just that. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Hawaii Health Officials: All Adults Should Get Covid-19 Boosters. Scientists fear a new variant of coronavirus may be more contagious than previous versions. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 79 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 87,664. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 36 new cases on Oahu, two on Hawaii Island, 11 on Maui, 26 on Kauai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy cuts access to aquifer at Red Hill. The Navy on Sunday quietly shut down its Red Hill shaft, which pulls water from the aquifer below, as military families around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam began to call in complaints about a fuel or chemical smell coming from their tap water. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Fleet brass launches probe into Red Hill spills. The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet has ordered an investigation into two recent fuel spills related to the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, focusing on causes and whether the two incidents are connected. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Board of Water Supply: Our water system not impacted by possible fuel contamination. The Board of Water Supply confirms its water system is completely separate from the Navy’s and so has not been impacted by possible fuel contamination. But officials add they are closely monitoring the situation. Hawaii News Now.

A former Navy man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for child sex assault is now suing the city, the law enforcement officers who prosecuted him, and his accuser. Roynes Dural II ― who spent nearly a decade behind bars ― filed a federal lawsuit claiming false arrest, malicious prosecution, wrongful conviction and imprisonment, and negligence. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s first and only female mayor, Eileen Anderson, dies at 93. Former Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson, the first and only woman ever elected to hold the mayor’s seat in Honolulu, was known as a trailblazer and role model. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County mayor shares a snapshot of COVID-19 vaccinations, changes to social gathering rules. Roth said he intends to increase the number of people allowed at large gatherings, and lift other restrictions. But he’s keeping a close eye on case counts and news of the Omicron variant. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Hilo investor who raised $116M is looking for a company with potential. A Hilo venture capitalist who raised $116 million is looking for a company with growth potential to invest in and take public. Dustin Shindo is with Pono Capital, what some may refer to as a blank check company looking for a match. Pono Capital was just listed on the stock exchange in August and Shindo is on the prowl for a partner. Hawaii Public Radio.

Funding eyed to improve old Hilo bridge. There could be relief in the works for motorists who use a well-traveled one-lane bridge in Hilo to access Highway 11. Tribune-Herald.

First snow: Big Island summits dusted. The summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa received a blanketing of snow overnight Monday into Tuesday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County dropping distancing requirements at restaurants on Wednesday. On Wednesday, patrons at restaurants and bars in Maui County may dine indoors with proof of full vaccination, verification of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours or a signed letter from a medical provider confirming full recovery from a COVID-19 infection. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

“Butts off the Beach” Study Finds Cigarette Debris Remains Problematic Despite Laws. Researchers from Pacific Whale Foundation have released a study showing that beach goers on Maui are still littering their used cigarette filters despite the prohibitive law passed by the state of Hawai‘i and Maui County in July 2015 and April 2014. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County to increase gathering sizes, rules. Effective Wednesday, social gatherings and events on Kaua‘i will be limited to 40 indoors and 100 outdoors. Events with over these capacity limits must have an event coordinator verifying full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours of the event from all attendees. Garden Island.

Starwood Hits Brakes On Controversial Kauai Glamping Resort. The hotel developer said it plans to withdraw its county permit application to transform three holes of golf into a luxury glamping resort. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Fewer storms predicted this hurricane season, Honolulu cuts down Portlock gate and opens beach access, Kaimuki church tried to cover up COVID-19 outbreak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical cyclones over the years PC:NOAA

Fewer storms predicted for Hawaii’s 2021 hurricane season. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Wednesday predicted that the region will see two to five tropical cyclones during the hurricane season that starts June 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii poised to change unemployment rules to get more people back to work. Among the changes is requiring the unemployed to look for work in order to keep getting benefits.  KHON2.

Federal Bureau of Investigation taps Steven B. Merrill to lead Honolulu office.  Prior to arriving in Hawaii, Merrill most recently served as a financial crimes section chief in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he led the FBI’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19, including pandemic-related scams, vaccine fraud and other offenses. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Looking To Fill Seats On State Land Board. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is recruiting “qualified and dedicated people” interested in serving on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

This New Federal Program Is Expected To Help Hundreds Of Thousands Of Hawaii Kids. Hawaii’s high cost of living means many families need the money, but it won’t go as far here as in many other states, advocates say. Civil Beat.

Retailers deal with mask-mandate confusion. Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate requires customers — fully vaccinated or not — to continue wearing masks when in public settings, including retail stores. Outdoors, Hawaii’s law requires people to wear masks if 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained from a person outside of one’s household. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Coronavirus Count Rises As State Adds ‘Probable Cases’ To Its Total. Epidemiologists say including the unconfirmed cases will provide a better picture of how the coronavirus is spreading in the islands. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii sees 73 total coronavirus cases as state health officials begin including probable infections to counts. State health officials reported 58 new confirmed and 15 probable cases today. By island, Oahu had 50 new cases, Hawaii Island had nine, Maui had seven, Molokai had four, Kauai had one, and there were five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City cuts down gate blocking beach access in Portlock. A new beach right of way on Portlock Road in Hawaii Kai was officially opened to the public Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

COVID-19 cluster at Unified Hawaii church in Kaimuki covered up by congregation, text messages show. ext messages were provided to the newspaper showing lengthy exchanges between church leaders and members who discussed the growing COVID-19 case count among the congregation and their success at evading the state Department of Health’s contact tracers. Star-Advertiser.

Special Series: Will The $12B Honolulu Rail Project Make It To Ala Moana? The Honolulu rail, planned to stretch from Kapolei to Ala Moana, is projected to cost $12.4 billion--more than double the original estimate of about $5 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police crack down on illegal gambling houses. Honolulu police are shutting down illegal gambling houses at the fastest pace in four years, seizing firearms, drugs, and digital gaming machines in neighborhoods from Waikiki to Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Accuses HPD Officer Of Bias In Favor Of Business Partner. In a letter sent to HPD on Wednesday, the ACLU says its client Robin Hall was assaulted by her boss in June 2019 and that an HPD officer who responded failed to arrest him because the officer is a friend and business partner of the alleged suspect. Civil Beat.

Honoulu Police Department takes steps to form Micronesian alliances. Honolulu police began a series of meetings recently with officials and Hawaii residents from the Federated States of Micronesia after allegations of racial profiling and protests following the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Dry times ahead: Drought forecast to worsen over leeward areas. Drought conditions are forecast to worsen over leeward areas of the Big Island as the state heads into the dry season. West Hawaii Today. Tribune-Herald.

Landfill lawyers’ money approved: Council OKs another $200k for contract negotiations. Contract negotiations with Waste Management Inc. have already resulted in some savings, a county official told the County Council on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo faces budget cuts. The state budget, currently before Ige for consideration, calls for UH-Hilo’s operating budget to be reduced by $2.28 million in each year of the coming biennium. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee supports zoning amendment for Hilo Iron Works building. A Hawaii County Council committee voted in support of a zoning amendment that aims to make the historic Hilo Iron Works more attractive to investors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The cost to visit Maui could go up as mayor eyes new taxes, fees for tourists. As the Valley Isle sees an influx of travelers, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino eyes new taxes and fees directed at visitors. On Tuesday alone, nearly 5,000 visitors arrived on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Commission split over allowing ex-chief to retire in ‘good standing’. The Maui Police Commission reviewed an investigation into former Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu’s conduct in a traffic accident last year, but there’s disagreement over what to do. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Department to Continue Mask Mandate Enforcement. The Maui Police Department today issued a statement saying that officers will continue enforcement of the mandatory mask mandate throughout the county as outlined in Maui Mayor Michael Victorino’s Public Health Emergency Rules. Maui Now.

Local businesses already see mask mandate pushback. Some local businesses have already experienced mask pushback after the federal government last week relaxed guidelines on facial coverings for vaccinated people. Maui News.

Kauai

Rental Cars are booked until early August. A car rental manager from Honolulu on Wednesday, who requested anonymity because of his company’s protocols, said 70% of his rental cars had to be sent back to their mainland warehouse because they were getting charged $8 a day for each car. Garden Island.

Repairs completed, Loop Road reopens. Earlier this week, Loop Road reopened after three years since its initial closure and damage from the April 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Feds give green light to test incoming tourists, COVID-19 complicates hurricane response, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park opens some trails, libraries reopen book drops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Downtown Hilo during Hurricane Lane 2018 file photo

Hawaii Braces For A Dual Threat: Hurricanes And COVID-19. The pandemic will make Hawaii’s response to a natural disaster even more daunting, officials say. Civil Beat.

State grapples with preparing for hurricane season amid COVID-19 pandemic. The National Weather Service is predicting two to six tropical cyclones over the course of the 2020 hurricane season in the Central Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane season could be complicated by coronavirus response. The Central Pacific is expected to see two to six tropical cyclones for the annual hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, events that could be complicated by the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Masks and hand sanitizers essential in hurricane supply kit. Add on masks and hand sanitizers to your 14-day hurricane supply kit. That’s according to emergency officials, who say COVID-19 also poses unique challenges if evacuations are needed. KHON2.

As pandemic continues, Hawaii readies for hurricane season. The Big Island’s Civil Defense chief said his agency is “ramped up as much as we can be” for the upcoming start of hurricane season because of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Virus prompts changes for hurricane evacuation shelters. New requirements will be in place at Hawaii’s hurricane evacuation shelters, should they need to be used amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Hurricane season ahead: Forecast calls for 2-6 tropical cyclones in Central Pacific. Forecasters are calling for near- to below-normal tropical cyclone activity within the Central Pacific this hurricane season. West Hawaii Today.

2 to 6 tropical cyclones forecast for Central Pacific in 2020. The Central Pacific is expected to see two to six tropical cyclones for the annual hurricane season that runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

2020 hurricane season prediction: 2-6 cyclones. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting between two and six tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific hurricane region in the upcoming 2020 hurricane season. Garden Island.

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Feds give green light to test tourists prior to their arrival in Hawaii. Nothing in the Federal Aviation Administration or the United States Department of Transportation regulations that prohibits the state from requiring such testing. KITV4.

A negative COVID-19 test before landing in Hawaii? Some lawmakers push the idea. Hawaii lawmakers are discussing multiple efforts to restarting tourism while keeping the coronavirus out. Passengers could avoid quarantine by testing negative for the virus before coming to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

More lawmakers call for COVID-19 tests in passenger screenings. U.S. Transportation officials have told state lawmakers the federal government cannot prevent a COVID-19 testing program for travelers, but the state cannot stop someone who does not want to be tested from boarding a plane. KHON2.

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Hawaii Prosecutors Want COVID-19 Inmate Releases Stopped. The state has released more than 800 inmates since early March. Three county prosecutors say the public safety risk outweighs COVID-19 dangers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police already have rearrested 47 people who were released from jail in recent weeks as part of the effort to reduce the inmate population to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state correctional system, lawmakers were told Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Waipahu hit hard by joblessness, stats show. A breakdown of nearly 150,000 initial unemployment claims by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations also shows that four of the 10 ZIP codes with the highest number of claims in the tally are on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel occupancy plunged 88% in April compared to 2019. Fewer than one out of every 10 hotel rooms was occupied in Hawaii in April as the coronavirus lockdown devastated one of the nation’s top hotel markets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Summer School to Include Some In-Person Instruction. The Hawaii State Department of Education will begin offering summer school on June 1. The classes will be provided with a mixed approach of both distance learning and in-person instruction. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii’s libraries prepare to start a new chapter as branches slowly resume service. All 51 branches of the Hawaii State Public Library System have been closed for more than two months. Hawaii News Now.

Library book drops are open. The Hawai‘i State Public Library System announced that library book drops are now open to return library materials. Garden Island.

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VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 20: 2 More COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. New coronavirus cases were confirmed in Hawaii County and on Oahu Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Two new coronavirus cases in Hawaii bring statewide total to 643. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen by two cases to a total of 643, the state Department of Health announced today. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 2 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. Two new COVID-19 cases — one in Honolulu County and one in Hawai‘i County —  brings the state total of cases to 643, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Health. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Solar heaters, EV-ready stalls to be required in new houses. Requiring new houses come installed with solar hot water heaters and mandating that all new buildings set aside parking stalls that can be used to recharge electric vehicles are among the changes in a planned revamp of Honolulu’s energy code that won final approval from the City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Pay Keeps Flowing For Accused Honolulu Officials On Leave. Accused workers are presumed innocent, but some question whether they should continue to be paid as months turn into years. Civil Beat.

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Hanabusa Officially Running To Be Honolulu Mayor. The former congresswoman says her federal and state experience is critical in the wake of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Colleen Hanabusa touts political experience as she enters Honolulu mayoral race. Former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa has officially filed her papers to run for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Former Representative Colleen Hanabusa running for Honolulu Mayor. It is official, former Hawaii U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa is running for Honolulu Mayor. KITV4.

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Queen’s resumes non-emergency surgeries at main Honolulu operating room. The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu resumed non-emergency surgeries today at its main operating room after gradually reopening clinics and other outpatient services over the past three weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Coal Plant Vows To Reduce Carbon Emissions. AES Hawaii’s announcement came after the Sierra Club filed suit asking the state to impose a lower standard required by law. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Developing A Major Expansion Of COVID-19 Testing. The city is working with health centers across Oahu to expand testing in targeted communities, hoping to augment the state’s programs. Civil Beat.


Oahu retailers struggling to climb out of slump from COVID-19 closures. Although many shopping malls and retailers reopened their doors Friday, the abrupt closures due to the coronavirus pandemic have taken a toll. Star-Advertiser.

Marilyn Bornhorst, former Honolulu city councilwoman, dies at age 93. Marilyn Bornhorst, a forward-thinking former Honolulu City Council woman who helped preserve open views along the Ka Iwi coastline, promoted the idea for what today is Kakaako’s largest public green space and helped community organizations navigate the political landscape, has died. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New tax tier for luxury homes. Council also approves raises for some employees while prepping for budget work. With serious work on the coronavirus-stricken county budget set to begin today, the County Council on Wednesday set up a property tax structure that would allow it to tax $2 million-plus second homes at a higher rate than other residential property. West Hawaii Today.

Council supports grant award to reopen access to Puna farms. The Hawaii County Council voted in support of a resolution to award a $50,000 grant to a Puna nonprofit to reopen access to Puna farms isolated by lava. Tribune-Herald.

Ruderman won’t seek third Senate term. State Sen. Russell Ruderman of Puna announced today he would not seek a third term. Tribune-Herald.

Public Comment Sought On Draft Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The comment period runs from May 19 to June 2, and the County is planning a virtual presentation over the internet set for May 27. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Reopens Sections For Public Use. Some areas of the park have been reopened following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local authorities. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park begins phased reopening. Parts of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have reopened to the public for limited use as the park begins its phased reopening plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center declares COVID-19 outbreak ‘closed’. Hawaii’s largest coronavirus outbreak at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Kahului is now considered over. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

CARES Act funding for Kaua‘i housing. The county’s Housing Agency received community development funds to soften the blow of the coronavirus crisis across public services and by providing new facilities, including the first of a series of tiny house villages. Garden Island.

Active hurricane season predicted, Ige seeks to hire top officials, Kealoha trial begins, firefighter killed in crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iniki NOAA

Hawaii braces for another busy hurricane season. With El Nino conditions expected to persist into the fall, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting a 70% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the upcoming hurricane season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and the Central Pacific could experience more storms than normal during this year's hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted Wednesday there will be five to eight named tropical cyclones in the region from June 1 through Nov. 30. Hawaii Public Radio.

Forecasters warn of above-average 2019 hurricane season in Central Pacific. In a news conference Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said they are predicting five to eight tropical cyclones. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA forecast active hurricane season, 5-8 tropical cyclones. This number includes tropical depressions, named storms and hurricanes. A near-normal season has four to five tropical cyclones, and an above-normal season has six or more tropical cyclones. KITV.

Officials: Start preparing now for above-normal hurricane season. Forecasters and government officials on Wednesday urged Hawaii residents to prepare now to weather the effects of a tropical cyclone during hurricane season — which starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Tribune-Herald.

El Nino Will Foster Above-Normal 2019 Hurricane Season, NOAA Predicts. Big Island Video News.

Predictions are for five to eight tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific for the 2019 hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Garden Island.

NOAA predicts an 'above normal' hurricane season. KHON2.

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State announces job openings with Ige administration. The Governor is seeking forward-thinking team players with a wide range of experiences and expertise. KITV.

UH Lab Gets $77M Contract For Defense Research. Core subjet areas for the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii Manoa include ocean science, astronomy, sensor development and renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kealohas On Trial: Conspiracy Or Just A ‘Conspiracy Theory’? Opening statements kicked off one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii history Wednesday, the first of what could be three trials facing the former HPD chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

In an hour-long opening statement Wednesday, a federal prosecutor sought to lay the foundation for the public corruption case against former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha, saying “this story neither begins or ends with a mailbox.” Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha trial begins. The first Honolulu trial in decades involving accusations of corruption by high-ranking public officials began Wednesday with retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha hoping to convince the jury they did not fake the theft of their mailbox as part of a family fight over money. Star-Advertiser.

The Kealoha trial starts today, get the latest updates here. KHON2.

Opening statements made in Kealoha corruption case, next comes the defense. KITV.

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HPU prepares for a big move, which could change the dynamic of Downtown. The state’s largest private university is creating a centralized campus, closer to its dorms at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

New lawsuit filed over deadly Marco Polo fire. Another lawsuit has been filed over the worst high-rise fire in Hawaii’s history. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneohe residents fighting a plan to develop homes near a flood-prone preservation area. The area of Kaneohe behind their homes has a large stream that neighbors say is prone to flooding. KITV.

Airport parking may reach capacity this summer. The Department of Transportation is urging those traveling during the summer to be dropped off at the airport rather than park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter Dies In Highway 190 Vehicle Crash. 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was killed following a three- vehicle collision on Wednesday on Highway 190. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island police have identified the man killed in a crash on Highway 190 Wednesday morning. Police said 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was riding his motorcycle on Highway 190 when he was hit by an S.U.V. just after 6:30 a.m. south of the 14-mile marker. Hawaii News Now.

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Council adds golf course vouchers, whistle-blower hot-line, more to annual budget. The first round of County Council budget amendments brought treats for West Hawaii, more money for council members to spread around their districts, a whistle-blower program and a discussion about whether the county should spend every cent it collects. West Hawaii Today.

Whistle Blower Program Added To County Budget. During its budget discussion on Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council voted to dip into the fund balance from the previous year to pay for the independent program. Big Island Video News.

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DOH shuts down Genki Sushi in Kona due to roach infestation. Multiple complaints of cockroaches at Genki Sushi has prompted the state Department of Health to shut down the chain’s Kona Commons restaurant. West Hawaii Today.

Roach infestation results in temporary closure of Kona sushi restaurant. One customer reported a roach in their bento box. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s second-largest retail property owner, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., wrapped up a recent real estate buying binge with the resort shopping complex Queens’ MarketPlace. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lotteries were held for applicants of the Waiale Elua workforce housing subdivision. The 70 unit development is located on land north of the Waikapu Gardens subdivision in Central Maui and features three or four bedroom options. Maui Now.

General manager of Mahi Pono resigns. Larry Nixon came aboard in January; Darren Strand to serve as interim GM. Maui News.


Kauai

Taxable property value rises. In a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, the Kauai County Council — missing members KipuKai Kuali’i, Arthur Brun and Felicia Cowden, who were excused — held a hearing Wednesday on proposed amendments to Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Garden Island.

As Crowds Grow, Tourists Will Start Paying to Visit The Most Popular Parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources also hopes to cut in half the number of daily visitors to Haena State Park and its famed beaches and trails. Civil Beat.

While recovery from April 2018 floods continues on the North Shore, the Westside is looking at severe drought conditions through September. Garden Island.

Molokai

The beautiful island of Molokai is in dire need of one thing: Medical professionals. For a place most would consider just a sleepy little town, Molokai General Hospital sees a lot of action. Hawaii News Now.

Cat 4 Hurricane Lane bears down on Hawaii, state and counties governments closing, supplies running low at stores, what you need to know to be prepared, plus news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Lane 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Hurricane Lane weakened slightly overnight but continues its march toward the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Clocking in with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, Hurricane Lane was located around 315 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 460 miles south-southeast from Honolulu and was headed west-northwest at 9 mph at 5 a.m., according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

More islands under watches, warnings as Lane bears down on state. Hurricane Lane has weakened slightly, but forecasters warn the massive Category 4 Central Pacific cyclone remains a threat to the entire island chain.  Hawaii News Now.

Here are all the active weather alerts associated with Hurricane Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Weather service details potential life-threatening impacts from Lane, and how to prepare. Star-Advertiser.

The governor has issued an emergency proclamation to speed up the state's response to potential impacts from Hurricane Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation this afternoon in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Lane, the Category 4 storm approaching the state from the southeast. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige isn't taking any chances when it comes to preparing for Hurricane Lane. Ige said Tuesday that Hurricane Lane is behaving unlike any other hurricane he's seen before. KITV.

State emergency officials: Identify a safe room in your home now. Hawaii News Now.

Ahead of Lane, Young Brothers cancels sail of barges to most neighbor islands. Hawaii News Now.

As Hurricane Lane strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane Tuesday, the state’s visitor industry prepared to care for 270,000 tourists in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Closures, cancellations due to threat of Hurricane Lane. Hawaii News Now.

All University of Hawaii campuses and all non-essential university operations on Hawaii island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai will be closed today until further notice due to the approach of Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County, Hawaii island courts closed for the rest of the week. KHON2.

Governor David Ige has granted administrative leave for non-essential state employees in Hawaii and Maui counties, as the state prepares for severe weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Lane. State offices on Hawaii Island and Maui will be closed from Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018 through Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. Maui Now.

Red Cross looking for volunteers in light of approaching hurricane. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii doesn't have enough hurricane shelter space to meet the "estimated demand" of the population. Hawaii News Now.

Outreach workers across the Hawaiian Islands are going to homeless encampments near streambeds and along coastlines to inform homeless people about Hurricane Lane. Civil Beat.

The State Department of Transportation makes Statewide preparations. KITV.

Film Industry Fears Tax Credit Cap Will Drive Away Future Business. Last year was a big one for the film industry here in the island-- generating more than $300 million into the economy according to state’s own business figures. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines, which expected great promise from China and spent about a decade trying to get the green light to initiate service, has suspended its only route there after about four years due to low demand. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City releases extensive ‘Hurricane and tropical storm preparedness’ guide. Star-Advertiser.

Tour boats to the USS Arizona Memorial have been suspended, and ships and planes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam are expected to be moved from the harbor and airport ahead of Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane preparedness just got real. Costco Hawaii Kai shoppers wiped out 21 pallets of water in 20 minutes just before 6 p.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Shorthanded Honolulu Police Department Tries To Speed Up Hiring. The HPD streamlines its application process and revamps recruitment messages to get more people to consider a career in law enforcement. Civil Beat.

Hawaii-based Army soldier to plead guilty in terrorism case. Birney Bervar, one of Sgt. 1st Class Ikaika Kang’s attorneys, told the AP that Kang will plead guilty as charged in the indictment, which accuses him of providing material aid to terrorists. Associated Press.

Some changes, some resistance in hindsight report on Marco Polo fire. More than a year after the deadly Marco Polo blaze, KHON2 has obtained the fire department's internal review. KHON2.


Hawaii Island

Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles was twice asked to leave council committee meetings Tuesday, after she abruptly announced she would not be voting because of her concerns over Native Hawaiian sovereignty and whether her votes constitute war crimes. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Councilwoman Jen Ruggles surprised her fellow councilmembers Tuesday, when she announced before a committee hearing that she “will be refraining from participating in the proposing and enacting of legislation” until county lawyers are able to assure her that she “is not incurring criminal liability under international humanitarian law and U.S. law.” Big Island Video News.

Four additional people have been charged in connection to assisting a man who evaded capture for three days after reportedly killing a Hawaii Police officer last month. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park could reopen parts of the park by September 22, which is also National Public Lands Day, “as long as the current pause in earthquakes and collapse-explosion events at the summit of Kilauea continues”, officials announced today. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hopes to reopen by next month. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has set a goal to reopen parts of the park by Sept. 22, about four months after it closed as a result of volcanic and seismic activity. Pacific Business News.

Maui

The Office of Council Services and Office of the County Clerk will remain open on Wednesday and the scheduled Land Use Committee meeting will start at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the 8th Floor of the County Building as planned, Council Chair Mike White announced today. Maui Now.

Update 6:45 p.m.: Public schools, UH-MC close Wednesday; Haleakala National Park, county offices shut too. State trails, parks close Wednesday, Thursday. Maui News.

Maui County urges all residents to be prepared for Hurricane Lane as a Hurricane Watch travels closer to our islands. Maui Now.

Enrollment is down 285 students from last year as the fall semester began Monday at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

People rush to buy gasoline, supplies. It was overcast with a slight breeze as people lined the aisles at Home Depot, buying plywood, ducttape, flash lights, batteries and other necessities. Garden Island.

North Shore digs in for storm. As Hurricane Lane approaches, on the North Shore in Wainiha and Haena there’s more than just regular preparation necessary due its isolation. Garden Island.

Blue flames the latest show from Kilauea volcano as National Guard prepares for air evacuations, Pentagon withdraws China's RIMPAC invite, slightly more active hurricane season predicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Blue flames from burning methane are the latest natural phenomena being seen at the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Associated Press.

A blue-burning flame of methane gas was observed in the cracks on Kahukai Street during the overnight hours in Puna just before midnight on May 22, 2018. Tribune-Herald.

National Guard prepares for air evacuations if lava cuts off key Puna highway. An air evacuation of the portions of Lower Puna that are threatened by the Kilauea volcano eruption could be accomplished within four hours if that becomes necessary because of damage to ground transportation routes, according to Hawaii Army National Guard commander Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hara. Star-Advertiser.

Number of structures claimed by lava rises to 50 as eruptions continue. Hawaii News Now.

Officials Expect New Lava Flow to Enter Ocean. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kilauea Volcano on the Island of Hawaii, though best known for its frequent quiet eruptions of lava flows, has erupted explosively many times in its history—most recently in 2011. USGS Report.

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The Pentagon on Wednesday withdrew an invitation to China to participate in a major Pacific naval exercise, citing Beijing’s “continued militarization” of the South China Sea, adding another irritant to relations between the two nations as they jostle over trade and North Korea. Tribune News.

Forecasters Predict Central Pacific Could See Up To 6 Hurricanes This Season. Weak El Nino conditions — water warming on the surface of the ocean along the equator — could make the next few months stormier. Associated Press.

Forecasters are calling for normal to above-normal tropical cyclone activity within the Central Pacific this hurricane season. West Hawaii Today.

Hurricane Season in Hawaii officially starts next month and forecasters are expecting above normal activity. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Decision Delayed On Hawaii Legislator’s Alleged Campaign Violations. Rep. Kaniela Ing faces more than $15,000 in fines for 31 counts connected to prior campaigns. Civil Beat.

The state Campaign Spending Commission this morning postponed hearing a complaint against state Rep. Kaniela Ing until next month. Star-Advertiser.

The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration today to ban two  chemicals from sunscreens and other personal care products that they say are killing precious coral and damaging reefs. Maui Now.

Oahu

The city plans to erase seven crosswalks along busy South King Street. Hawaii News Now.

Ride-hailing apps face price caps under City Council plan. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Despite Kilauea’s worsening volcanic activity, May visitor arrivals are up 25 percent over last year on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

The County is once again distributing free masks for ash protection at various locations, today through Friday. Big Island Video News.

No water restriction yet: New deep well starts pumping in North Kona as 4 remain offline. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui Police Department is the first in the state to be equipped and trained to use a nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Maui News.

A Makena family’s request to continue holding weddings on its property is headed to the Maui County Council after the Maui Planning Commission recommended approval of an after-the-fact permit Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. signed a second emergency proclamation on Wednesday, effectively extending the order prohibiting the operation of vacation rentals in flood-affected areas. Hawaii News Now.

Kahiliholo Road in Kilauea has collapsed after being damaged by Kauai’s April floods, and has created a dam, blocking the waterfall along Kuhio Highway, just before the Kalihiwai River. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Recycling Office announced a free electronic waste recycling event for residents and businesses set for Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Anaina Hou Community Park behind Kauai Mini Golf in Kilauea. Garden Island.