Almost half of Emergency Management Agency positions vacant, Inouye's son to run for state Legislature, raises in store for public schools executives, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency Struggles To Fill Many Key Jobs. About 45% of HIEMA's civil service jobs are vacant, forcing the agency to use temporary and exempt employees to fill in. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public school executives’ maximum salaries raised to $192K to $206K.  Seven months after angry public testimony helped to compel the state Department of Education to scale back a proposal to raise salaries of officials at the top levels of Hawaii’s public school system, the state Board of Education has approved salary increases of 4.6% to 6% for the 2023-2024 fiscal year for 21 out of 25 of its “subordinate superintendents.”  Star-Advertiser.

Inouye’s son making first run at House seat against La Chica. The son of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye plans to make his first foray into politics at the age of 59 by challenging fellow, first-time Democratic state Rep. Trish La Chica for the House seat representing Waipio-Mililani in 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Late state Sen. Sam Slom to be celebrated at Capitol. Friends, family and legislative colleagues have planned the only public “celebration of life” for state Sen. Sam Slom, who died in May at the age of 81 after serving 20 years in the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

State Central Committee of Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi votes to oust chairperson Jung. The State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i on Sunday voted to remove Chairperson Dennis Jung and begin the process to elect new party leadership. Maui Now.

Hawaii Ethics Commission Steps Up Training Of Government Employees. Since a new law requiring state legislators and employees to complete live or online ethics training classes every four years went into effect Jan. 1, the number of people taking the course has increased significantly as compared to 2021. Civil Beat.

50,000 acres of state farmland set to move under Department of Agriculture management. About 50,000 acres of Hawaiʻi farmland managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are set to be transferred to the Department of Agriculture. The move is two decades in the making. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Waikiki climate change study underway, city says. The city Department of Planning and Permitting says it’s kicked off a nearly $400,000 pilot project to study the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on Oahu’s prime tourist zone. Star-Advertiser.

Cesspool Conversions: Honolulu Seeks To Connect More Homes To Main Sewer System. A proposal to install sewer lines for a section of Ewa Beach is shaping up as a litmus test for the effort as homeowners say they need more help covering the costs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to be first to offer Filipino History Culture course in public school curriculum. Waipahu and Farrington high Schools will be the first in the nation to offer a student created Filipino Studies class in a public school curriculum. Hawaii News Now.

Teaching Kids To Read In Hawaii Is Going Back To Basics. Makakilo Elementary is one of about 80 schools in the state to receive funding from a roughly $50 million federal grant awarded in 2019 to improve literacy among the country’s youngest readers. Civil Beat.

Tour helicopter makes ‘precautionary landing’ on small island near Honolulu‘s airport. Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a helicopter that had made a “precautionary landing” on a small island near the Honolulu Airport Saturday morning. Honolulu EMS officials say the incident happened just after 10:00 a.m. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

County delays Waikoloa siren installation. HI-EMA Communications Director Adam Weintraub Weintraub acknowledged that Waikoloa Village is a particularly at-risk community — the village only has one way in or out for about 7,000 residents — he added that HI-EMA, responding to personnel shortages, has prioritized installing emergency sirens for coastal communities that currently do not have redundant sirens in case of tsunami. Tribune-Herald.

County hopes water study will shed light on Hilo Bay contaminants. After the bay was found to not meet state water standards in 2009, county, state and federal agencies have investigated various methods for improving it. Tribune-Herald.

Surf schools to find out Nov. 17 if they can operate at Kahalu‘u Beach Park. After years of public meetings, draft rules with numerous amendments and jurisdictional disputes, surf schools wanting to operate at Kahalu‘u Beach Park will find out on Nov. 17 if they are awarded one of four coveted spots determined by a lottery. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Inmate Serving Two Life Sentences Dies In An Arizona Prison. Richard Keokeo Taylor Jr., 51,  a Big Island man who spent nearly 28 years in prison for the robbery of a downtown Hilo Pizza Hut in 1995 has died at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona. Civil Beat.

Maui

State Land Board OKs Olowalu For Ash And Debris Disposal From Maui Fires. The site would be monitored for 30 years for any leakage of contamination into the groundwater and ocean. Civil Beat. Maui News.  Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Deadlines near to receive FEMA wildfire disaster aid. On Friday, federal officials reported that more than $236.8 million already has been approved for 6,505 Maui households affected by the high winds and wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Immigrants on Maui hesitant to apply for disaster assistance. The deadline is approaching for Maui residents impacted by the August fires to apply for FEMA assistance, but there is some concern that many in the Latino community have not yet applied. KHON2.

Maui’s struggling small businesses driven by the spirit of aloha. Dreams shattered. Shops burned to the ground. Irreplaceable losses. These are the realities that small business owners in Lahaina are dealing with as the three-month mark of the devastating Aug. 8 fires draws near.  Star-Advertiser.

Gift drive, celebration aim to lift spirits of young Maui fire survivors. Kanani Oury aunched “Makana no na Keiki” — an online Christmas gift drive and in-person holiday event for children directly affected by the Maui wildfires — to spark joy for that community, but she aches for the stories pouring into her email inbox from families asking for presents for their kids. Star-Advertiser.

Dispute shuts down a major community hub in West Maui. There is one thing that both sides agree on -- that state Rep. Elle Cochran started the hub in the Kelawea Mauka subdivision of Lahaina. But volunteer managers asked her to leave -- and when she didn’t, they decided to dismantle the hub. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Next tool for saving Kaua’i forest birds from extinction introduced. A dozen researchers and technicians on Thursday began releasing incompatible male mosquitoes to try and stop the near-certain extinction of at least four species of Native Hawaiian honeycreepers. Kauai Now.

Coco Palms debate continues as demolition nears. As the developer of the Coco Palms Resort reported being just weeks away from commencing demolition of the deteriorated site and constructing a 350-room resort, county officials and members of the public continued to debate the possibility of halting the project in two separate meetings this week. Garden Island.

2-mile-long fence on Kauai ready to protect seabirds.  Pono Pacific Land Management LLC built the $1.7 million fence along the perimeter of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai’s north shore. Star-Advertiser.

15 North Shore landowners cited for clearing native plants, Hawaii tourism could benefit from Mideast tensions, Maui fire fatality list grows to 99, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

North Shore Landowners Cited For Clearing Native Plants Along Beach. State coastal land officials issued notices of alleged violation Thursday to 15 North Shore property owners on Oahu for cutting down native vegetation and trees, as well as moving dirt and spreading mulch in a designated conservation district along the shoreline. Civil Beat.

State unveils interactive map of warning sirens. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, or HI-EMA, on Wednesday unveiled an interactive map showing the location of 418 alert and warning sirens across the state, as well as their operational status as of the most recent monthly test. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Expert: State’s delay in activating emergency hub for wildfire likely hindered response. For nearly two months, HNN Investigates has tried to nail down exactly who was in the emergency operations centers for Maui County and the state on the day of the Lahaina wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Middle East tensions ramp up travel concerns that could benefit Hawaii, experts say. Events half a world away from Hawaii may have spurred a worldwide caution on travel. And while it may have a lot of Hawaii residents jittery about traveling abroad, experts say it could have a benefit in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Cops Want Guns Off The Streets. But Are Buyback Programs The Way? A gun buyback is coming to Honolulu for the first time in decades as hundreds of gun owners have new licenses to carry. Civil Beat.

Natural disaster shelter proposed for Koʻolauloa residents in Windward Oʻahu. A first-of-its-kind hurricane shelter could be coming to Windward Oʻahu. A 5-acre plot in Hauʻula is the site of the proposed Koʻolauloa Resilience Community Hub. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore Residents Concerned about the Development of McCully's Corner. The development of McCully's Corner, on Oahu's North Shore, just received its third extension to continue its project. However, not everyone is happy about it. KITV4.

Utah developer buys 1,000+ acres of North Shore Oahu land for $45M from Dole Food Co. Public documents show that Oahu Property Owner LLC, which includes a mix of Hawaii-based and Mainland-based investors including Salt Lake City-based Woodbury Corp., recently purchased the agriculturally-zoned land from Dole Food Company. KITV4.

Honolulu Awarded Up To $1 Million For Public Art. The City and County of Honolulu announced Thursday that it received an award through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

TMT: First-time $6.5M funding from National Science Foundation isn’t construction commitment. There’s first-time funding for the embattled Thirty Meter Telescope from the National Science Foundation, but officials say the new infusion of cash doesn’t mean construction is imminent. Hawaii News Now.

Fate of West Hawaii commericIal aquarium fishing hangs on state High Court judgment. Oral arguments over the fate of commercial aquarium fishing in West Hawaii waters will be heard by the Hawaii Supreme Court on Dec. 5. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2021 by Earthjustice on behalf of a coalition of conservation groups, Native Hawaiian fishermen and cultural practitioners. West Hawaii Today.

Top-ranked E.B. de Silva school eyes expansion as it nears 500 students. Dennis O’Brien, principal of E.B. de Silva Elementary School in Hilo, noted in a recent letter to the school’s parents and guardians that the school has received $3 million in design and planning funds “for four or five additional classrooms.” Tribune-Herald.

Suspect in firearms arrest that caused school lockdown was free pending trial for auto theft. Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii went briefly into a “soft lockdown” Thursday morning as police officers arrested a 52-year-old man walking along Highway 11 near the school with a handgun. Tribune-Herald.   Big Island Now. Big Island Video News

Maui

Lahaina Fire Death Toll Rises To 99. The additional death is attributed to the discovery of human remains last Thursday in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, according to Mahina Martin, a spokesperson for Maui County.  Civil Beat.  KITV4.  KHON2.

Maui’s unemployment rate surges for second straight month. Unemployment on Maui jumped to 8.4% in September from 4.7% in August, according to a state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism report issued Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

3 more burn zones opening in Lahaina. More than 10 weeks after the Aug. 8 fires, Lahaina residents and business owners will have access to three more areas in the burn zone starting Monday, including parts of historic Front Street. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds Still Without Power As Hawaiian Electric Rebuilds Lahaina Infrastructure. Extended power outages are expected to continue in neighboring communities as the work continues. Civil Beat.

EPA’s removal of hazardous materials is 75% complete. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it has removed hazardous materials from more than 75 percent of the burned properties in Lahaina, nearly completing the first phase of the federal cleanup efforts after the August wildfires on Maui.  Maui News. Maui Now.

‘Things have shifted’: Maui farmers applaud in-person visit from powerful land executive. In a move that’s being well-received by traditional Maui farmers who have long felt ignored by the state and big companies,  Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang met with traditional taro farmers and the landowner who controls their stream on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Preservationists Move Fast To Shore Up Baldwin House And Other Historic Sites.  The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is forging ahead with plans to protect and rebuild historic structures in the fire-ravaged town, cheered by support from state archaeologists and historic preservation experts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Civil Beat.

Maui Ecosystem To Get Help From Fire Victims. The Hawaii Land Trust has received $1.1 million from the Hawaii Community Foundation to create 48 temporary jobs for unemployed fire survivors that can bolster the organization’s land conservation projects.  Civil Beat.

3 Lahaina public schools to reopen are 500 students short. The number of public school students who showed up for their first day back at Lahaina’s three remaining public schools as they reopened this week was almost 500 short of the schools’ latest official enrollment, according to data presented Thursday to the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i hotels at 66.4% occupancy for September 2023. Kaua‘i hotels earned revenue per available room (RevPAR) of $322 (+15.4% vs. 2022, +94.2% vs. 2019), with average daily rate (ADR) at $398 (+9.7% vs. 2022, +67.0% vs. 2019) and occupancy of 80.9% (+4.0 percentage points vs. 2022, +11.3 percentage points vs. 2019). Kauai Now.

‘A‘o gets help reaching the sea. Waimea High School science teacher Charles Folks and Commander Kacee Jossis of the Pacific Missile Range Facility were among the guests invited to the blessing and release of a trio of endangered Newell’s Shearwater birds, or ‘a‘o, at Lydgate Park in Wailua on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Floating body found near Waika‘ea Canal. A badly decomposed body was found floating in the water off Waika‘ea Canal on Tuesday morning. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

HI-EMA: use sirens to warn of fire, Congressional inquiry today on Lahaina fire cause, Kona coffee brand wins in court, Hokulea returning to pay Maui tribute, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA clarifies that sirens can be used to warn of fire. A review of outdoor warning siren protocols following the Lahaina fire disaster has led the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to reiterate that fire is indeed one of the hazards that can prompt siren activation. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Congressional inquiry to focus on the cause of the deadly Lahaina fire. Members of Congress today will attempt to get to the bottom of what led to the deadly Lahaina firestorm — including questions that to date have gone largely unanswered about the timeline of what happened Aug. 8, Hawaiian Electric Co.’s electrical grid, and wildfire mitigation measures. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

An old car tire, burnt trees and a utility pole may be key in finding how the Maui wildfire spread. Though findings of a cause are not expected for months, the focus on Hawaiian Electric’s role in managing brush in its right-of-way could strengthen claims of negligence against the utility, which is facing an onslaught of lawsuits blaming it for failing to proactively cut electricity in the face of high-wind warnings, upgrade its power poles and clear foliage from around its lines. Associated Press.

Nominees announced for Hawaii State Supreme Court vacancies: Vladimir Devens, of the Law Offices of Vladimir Devens LLC. Lisa Ginoza, state Intermediate Court of Appeals chief judge. Summer Kupau-Odo, Oahu District Court judge. Karen Nakasone, state Intermediate Court of Appeals associate judge. Catherine Remigio, Oahu Circuit Court judge. Clyde Wadsworth, state Intermediate Court of Appeals associate judge. Star-Advertiser.

Lassner setting goals for final 15 months as UH president. University of Hawaii President David Lassner says that when he recently announced that he’ll retire in late 2024 and wrote that meanwhile “anyone who expects me to act like a ‘lame duck’ will be sorely disappointed,” he did not mean that as any metaphorical shot fired across the bow of certain state lawmakers who have publicly said they want him to resign. Star-Advertiser.

Hokule‘a announces return to Hawaii due to Maui wildfires. The Hokule‘a has made a major change to its sail plan — an unexpected return home to Hawaii in late December before continuing its circumnavigation of the Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Council’s Tulba seeks more film studios for Oahu. On Tuesday, Augie Tulba introduced Bill 59, which would, if adopted, provide greater real property tax incentives for eligible film studio facilities to locate on the island. Star-Advertiser.

New Wahiawa civic center to emerge from rich history. The $76 million Wahiawa Civic Center on the California Avenue site of the old one is scheduled to open in mid-2026 and reunite state and city functions, said state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Mililani-Wahiawa- Whitmore Village). Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Another legal win for Kona coffee. In another win for Kona Coffee Farmers, a Washington federal judge Thursday approved convenience store chain MNS Ltd.’s (ABC Stores) $12 million settlement over claims that the chain sold products that were falsely advertised as authentic Kona coffee. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i County Council gives nod to measures that will further Big Island broadband connectivity initiatives. The Hawai‘i County Council wants all Big Island residents to have equitable access to high-speed internet connectivity and recently moved ahead with four measures aimed at getting the county closer to that goal. Big Island Now.

Another delay for lower Puna. The restoration of roads and waterlines in lower Puna is delayed yet again after a federal agency told Hawaii County earlier this week it needs to review comments from the community.  Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Holds Town Hall In Pāhoa. The Roth administration took questions from the public on various topics, including alternate routes, housing, geothermal permitting, and eruption recovery projects. Big Island Video News.

Maui

West Maui tourism to return in phases. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen on Wednesday announced the staggered reopening of tourism in West Maui, starting Oct. 8 with the northernmost resort area of Kapalua. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism Executives Campaign To Bring Needed Visitors To Maui. With West Maui's famous resorts set to re-open to travelers Oct. 8, local residents are telling their own stories to convince visitors to come back. Civil Beat.

West Maui residents call on county council to put tourism second in Lahaina’s future. Hundreds of West Maui residents jammed into a hotel ballroom in Kaanapali on Wednesday to share their vision for rebuilding Lahaina with the Maui County Council. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina’s Filipino Community Mourns The Loss Of 9 Family Members. Those who died included store employees, a janitorial service worker and a pair of dishwashers who worked hard to take care of their families, friends recalled. Civil Beat.

Maui Fire Survivors Plead With County Council For Help And Accountability. Struggling with financial and emotional stress, community members sought rent and property tax relief and voiced concerns over school evacuation routes. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Police await DNA results from human teeth found in Kalalau.  More than 8 months after roughly a dozen partially decomposed teeth were discovered near the Kalalau trail, the Kaua‘i Police Department says the investigation is still ongoing — as DNA results have yet to be obtained. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Agency on Elderly Affairs symposium to focus on fraud and scam prevention. Kaua‘i County will host its 5th annual Agency on Elderly Affairs symposium on Oct. 4 at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e. Kauai Now.

Relentless Kilauea volcano threatens more homes, emergency workers caught sleeping, Trump expands Oahu and Kauai emergency declaration, OHA trustee sues Ethics Commission, prostitution rises with RIMPAC, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USGS scientist studies Kilauea volcano on June 25 PC: USGS

Fresh lava oozes in Kapoho Beach Lots, expands south along shoreline. Fissure 8 continues to be very active, feeding the lava channel flowing into the ocean in Kapoho. Star-Advertiser.

Fissure 8 Lava Flow is Expanding South. Hawaii Public Radio.

At least two more homes in Kapoho Beach Lots are expected to be damaged or destroyed today. Tribune-Herald.

Lt. Col. Charles Anthony, the voice and face of the state Department of Defense for nearly 24 years, is retiring and will become director of public affairs for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser.

Workers At Agency That Sent False Alert Were Seen Sleeping. Emails released by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency also indicate concerns were voiced about how to cancel an alert. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is holding open houses to educate the public on its plans for disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, severe flooding, and wildfires. KHON2.

The Trump administration has expanded its response to the April flooding on Kauai and Oahu to include federal disaster assistance for individuals. Star-Advertiser.

People whose homes were damaged or destroyed in April's historic flooding disaster will now be able to receive federal help. Hawaii News Now.

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Supreme Court Deals A Major Blow To Public Sector Unions. The high court rules that unions can’t force nonmembers to pay membership dues, saying it violates the First Amendment. Civil Beat.

Union leaders say they don't expect members to opt out after Supreme Court ruling. KHON2.

Economists: Public Employee Union Membership Is Bound To Drop. Compulsory union dues are a thing of the past due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. But some say a pro-union culture in the islands will prevail. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision that government workers cannot be required to contribute to labor unions came as no surprise to the state’s largest union, the Hawaii Government Employees Association. Star-Advertiser.

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Political Intrigue: What This Consultant Is Doing In Hawaii Is A Mystery. Strategies 360 won’t reveal a single client or issue it’s supporting in the islands. But the company has assembled a stable of well-known local talent. Civil Beat.

Republican gubernatorial contenders’ views differ in debate. If there is one thing that Andria Tupola and John Carroll agree on it’s that Gov. David Ige did a poor job handling Hawaii’s now infamous false missile alert. Star-Advertiser.

'Message of change': Republican candidates for governor square off in debate. Hawaii News Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Rowena Akana had vowed to fight ethics charges filed against her, and on Wednesday she did just that, filing a lawsuit that aims to block the effort. Star-Advertiser.

The state ethics commission is now facing a new lawsuit from an Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee. Hawaii News Now.

Are Hawaii's government computers ready for ransomware? IT departments wage a constant battle to keep cyber threats out, safeguarding sensitive information and preventing services from shutting down. KITV.

69 public schools offer free summer meals. But most kids don't claim them. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii pesticide ban. Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide that’s in wide use around the world; it’s legal in 49 US States, and its use was legal in Hawaii until a couple of weeks ago, when Hawaii became the first state in the nation to ban its use. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday advanced a resolution urging Honolulu’s rail board to seek a private partner to help build the final segment of the 20-mile transit line. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution designating Chinatown as a slum. It sounds ugly and negative, but it could bring federal help if it’s done. KITV.

City leaders consider criminal charges for monster home violators. Hawaii News Now.

Demand for prostitution increases in Honolulu while RIMPAC is in town. Honolulu becomes a home base to military members from 25 nations during RIMPAC, the Rim of the Pacific. KITV.

Union kicks off hotel talks with rally. Organized labor took a beating on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., but you wouldn’t have known that by the show of force exhibited by the 1,500 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers who kicked off bargaining talks with a rally Wednesday in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Teacher Training on Houseless Students Conducted. There are an estimated 300 children in Hawaii believed to be houseless. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vietnam veterans to be recognized at Fort Shafter. Forty-six years ago this Friday, the 196th Light Infantry was the last U.S. Army combat brigade to leave Vietnam as part of the withdrawal from the war. Star-Advertiser.

A Pearl City restaurant shuts down after roach infestation discovered. The Department of Health has issued a red placard to Buzz's Original Steakhouse in Pearl City. Hawaii News Now.

Roach infestation shuts down popular Pearl City restaurant. KHON2.

Walmart is hosting a celebration at 7:45 a.m. today to recognize the grand opening of the Hawaii Walmart Academy and the program’s inaugural graduating class. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Looting and squatting in vacant houses is a growing problem in some of the Puna neighborhoods that have been evacuated and closed off to the public because of the Kilauea eruption, according to area residents. Star-Advertiser.

County mulls options for housing of lava evacuees as grassroots efforts continue. During public meetings in Pahoa, Hawaii County officials have mostly been vague about what a housing plan for those displaced by the Kilauea eruption might look like. Tribune-Herald.

Ige’s comments create confusion over possible lava viewing site. Gov. David Ige said at a news conference Monday that a much-discussed lava viewing area might be built outside of the Puna district — comments that were clarified Wednesday by Ige’s staff. Tribune-Herald.

Ocean Robots Collect Data From Kilauea Flow. Big Island Now.

Incredible video captures the rescue of stranded farm animals from isolation on the other side of the giant lava channel flowing in Puna. Big Island Video News.

A bill authorizing the county to pick up abandoned vehicles on private roads soon will be back before the County Council after a unanimous endorsement Wednesday by the Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

“Love Activates” is the theme for Saturday’s Hawaii Island LGBTQ Pride Parade and Festival in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Fire Chief Jeffrey A. Murray retires on June 30th, 2018, after 10 years at the helm of the department. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Department Chief Jeff Murray will retire Saturday after 29 years with the department. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County’s abandoned vehicles staff does not see many major problems with a new state law requiring counties to remove and dispose of abandoned vehicles along public roads within 10 business days of being declared abandoned. Maui News.

A new study includes two Maui locations on a top 10 list of the best ocean beach towns in the US. Maui Now.

Two Hawaii beach towns crack top 10 in new national ranking. Pacific Business News.

Maui County website lists legal vacation rental developments. Maui News.

Kauai

Biggest Local Election In A Generation. New political blood is assured as six candidates seek the mayorship and a whopping field of 24 seek posts on the County Council. Civil Beat.

Counseling, unemployment assistance and a Disaster Relief Center are all coming to Kauai, courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Garden Island.

There was no shortage of heroes in the aftermath of the storm that dumped a record-breaking four feet of rain on Hanalei in April. Garden Island.

Employee behind false missile alert outed, officials react to Trump v. Hawaii travel ban loss, state abortion info law in jeopardy, public-private rail partnership mulled, lava viewing area likely, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA informational briefing © 2018 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has “inadvertently” released the name of the so-called button pusher, Scott Harrison, the employee they blamed for the incident and later fired, who sent a false ballistic missile alert Jan. 13 that plunged Hawaii residents and visitors into 38 minutes of uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

Five months after a false missile alert was sent to all Hawaii cellphones, the state has released a trove of emails related to the incident. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Votes To Give Missile Alert Authority To Feds. Legislation being pushed by Hawaii’s federal delegation would take the task of warning about incoming missiles away from the state. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s congressional and government leaders reacted with dismay at the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Donald Trump’s third version of a travel ban for individuals from several mostly Muslim countries. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Tuesday decision in the case of Trump v. Hawaii, which affirmed broad executive powers to restrict or prohibit travel from majority-Muslim countries for national security purposes, inspired universal rebuke among Hawaii politicians and activist groups. West Hawaii Today.

Lt. Gov. calls U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Trump travel ban "hurtful". Hawaii led the nation contesting President Donald Trump's revised travel ban. KITV.

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A Hawaii law aimed at making religious-based pregnancy centers give women information about abortion as an option could be deemed unconstitutional, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision Tuesday that said a similar law enacted in California likely violates the First Amendment’s protection of free speech. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court rules in favor of pro-life groups; The decision may apply to Hawaii laws. Hawaii News Now.

How Hawaii Governor Candidates Would Handle Burgeoning Pension Debt. Whoever wins the race for governor will have to balance a budget that includes billion-dollar payments for retired state workers. Civil Beat.

The two leading Republican candidates for governor of Hawaii will square off Wednesday night in a Hawaii News Now debate. The event will feature state. Rep. Andria Tupola and former state Sen. John Carroll, and touch on a host of issues facing the islands. Hawaii News Now.

RIMPAC expected to boost Hawaii's economy. The big guns have arrived for Rim of the Pacific exercises known as RIMPAC. KITV.

Thousands of sailors streamed off warships Tuesday while tons of food was loaded back on as Pearl Harbor continues to fill up ahead of big Rim of the Pacific war games. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel performance in May helped keep industry growth strong during the first five months of 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertain Future for High Speed Internet Access in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Farm-to-school program to be implemented at all 256 public schools. Hawaii News Now.

New law requires change to public school curriculum. Lawmakers and educators want more students to learn about computer science, so they will be better equipped in the future. This also means teachers need to be trained in the field. KHON2.

Why Hawaii Doesn’t Publish An Official Voters’ Guide. In many other states, pamphlets with information about candidates and issues on the ballot are sent to voters before an election. Civil Beat.

A new report says Hawaii is one of the best states in the nation for LGBTQ families to live in. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is inching closer toward finding a private partner to help complete the $8.165 billion rail project despite lingering reservations by some HART board members. Star-Advertiser.

New Dialysis Clinics Finally Open. The facilities have been mainly idle for years while waiting for state inspections. Civil Beat.

An Oahu family of four bringing in $93,300 or less this year is considered "low income" under newly-released U.S. Housing and Urban Development guidelines. These guidelines are used to determine who can qualify for affordable and subsidized housing programs. Hawaii News Now.

The state is investigating the death of 50 to 100 baby hammerhead sharks found on land near the La Mariana Sailing Club at Keehi Lagoon, according to officials. Star-Advertiser.

Experts ask for tougher laws after baby hammerhead sharks found dead near Keehi Lagoon. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Lava viewing area on the table; county also receives requests to reopen roads. As the lower Puna eruption continues, the county is evaluating ways to safely reopen roads in the area and even allow people to view the lava. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Residents Set Up This Awesome Center For Volcano Refugees. With no end to the disaster in sight, the “Hub” serves up food, supplies, hot showers, massages and a chance to talk story. Civil Beat.

The Bodacious Women of Pahoa are living up to their name by running a relief center and other services for Puna residents affected by the Kilauea eruption, while making sure their own community is prepared for the next calamity. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Labor has given the State of Hawaii  permission to offer Disaster Unemployment Assistance in Hawaii County as part of the joint state-federal response to the ongoing seismic activity and volcanic eruption on Hawaii Island. Maui Now.

Incumbent state Sen. Lorraine Inouye and challenger Heather Kimball faced off Monday night in a wide-ranging forum touching on repairing the Big Island’s post-eruption economy, shortages of doctors and teachers, cesspools, money in politics and making government more efficient. West Hawaii Today.

Glenn Gray, principal of Holualoa Elementary School, will take over as principal of Kealakehe High School on July 2, the Department of Education confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo will establish a new academic college when the Division of Natural Sciences, School of Nursing and Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences merge to become the College for Natural and Health Sciences on July 1. Tribune-Herald.

Temporary canopies approved as Hilo Farmers Market makes progress to comply with codes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rep. Kaniela Ing Apologizes for Campaign Violations, Vows to Move Forward. Maui Now.

Charges are pending against an alleged poacher of rare Haleakala silversword plants. Star-Advertiser.

Charges are pending against two visitors to Haleakala National Park after they were accused of picking the rare silversword plant. Hawaii News Now.

Haleakala National Park Law Enforcement Rangers and Maui Police Department recovered rare Haleakala silversword plants or “ahinahina” that had been removed by a visitor from Haleakala’s summit.  Maui Now.

Kauai

While people on Oahu set to the streets on Tuesday opposing the Supreme Court’s decision backing President Donald Trump’s travel ban, Kauai folks say it’s more fodder for Saturday’s Families Belong Together rally. Garden Island.

All systems were restored at the County of Kauai’s Drivers License Division and Motor Vehicle Registration Tuesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui Electric crews have restored all power to customers on Molokai after an outage Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Ige signals he may veto 11 bills, lava toll now 657 homes, Honolulu city error stops drivers license offices statewide, plus lots of politics, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Screenshot of Gov. David Ige announcing possible vetoes

 Gov. David Ige is considering vetoing 11 bills passed by lawmakers this session, including a measure that would authorize the use of medical marijuana to treat drug addiction; a bill that would create minimum, statewide standards for law enforcement officers; and a bill that would allow motorcycles to drive in designated shoulder lanes.  Star-Advertiser.

Gov Ige to consider vetoing up to 11 new bills. KITV.

Gov. David Ige held a news conference in Honolulu today, after notifying lawmakers of his intent to veto 11 measures. Big Island Video News.

Gov. David Ige has notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto list, which includes 11 measures. Maui Now.

Read the governor's full intent-to-veto list here.

Ige: Hawaii Not Ready For Police Standards Board. A bill to create the board passed unanimously, but if the governor follows through on his intent-to-veto list, Hawaii will remain the only state without one. Civil  Beat.

Governor rejects measures related to medical cannabis, motorcycles. Hawaii News Now.

Some members of the state’s visitor industry are applauding Gov. David Ige’s decision to place a bill that would have increased visitor taxes on his intent-to-veto list. Star-Advertiser.

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How Hawaii Governor Candidates Would Handle Burgeoning Pension Debt. Whoever wins the race for governor will have to balance a budget that includes billion-dollar payments for retired state workers. Civil Beat.

There are a lot of choices in the race for lieutenant governor, and on Monday evening, five Democrats, two Republicans and one Green Party candidate tried to stand out from the crowded ballot during a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Race Still Matters In Hawaii Politics. When an analyst said Ed Case has an advantage as the only white Democrat running for Congress, many of us were taken aback. We shouldn’t have been. Civil Beat.

Businessman Runs For Senate In Hawaii — And Several Other States. The California millionaire says he loves Hawaii, but he’s also running in Florida, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Civil Beat.

Hawaii leaders are weighing in on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Tuesday to uphold President Donald Trump’s travel ban, a policy that put the state at the forefront of a months-long legal challenge. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is inviting the public to submit input for the state's multi-hazard mitigation plan update in a series of open houses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City to double Saturday staff at some driver licensing centers, satellite city halls after outage. KHON2.

A widespread outage affected hundreds of people who wanted to renew their drivers licenses, get a state ID or pay their property taxes at the city's 10 satellite city halls Monday. Hawaii News Now.

City repairs outage at Honolulu satellite city halls and statewide driver’s licensing centers. Star-Advertiser.

A statewide computer outage Monday prevented Department of Motor Vehicle customers from obtaining driver’s licenses, state of Hawaii identification cards, registrations, renewals and titles. Garden Island.

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A 47-year-old woman changed her plea to "no contest" on Monday to first-degree theft charges for allegedly selling diabetic test strips on the black market. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Army Hawaii will be hosting its 47th annual "4th of July Spectacular" event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Independence Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported Monday that 657 homes have been destroyed by the massive volcanic flow that began May 3 in Lower Puna and has since covered 6,164 acres with lava. Star-Advertiser.

Ahalanui Beach Park might be the next area threatened by lava as the flow front in lower Puna inches southward toward Warm Ponds. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige announced Monday that he is considering opening up a new area for people to view the lava on Hawaii island. KHON2.

The ideal site to safely witness the ongoing Kilauea eruption may not even be close to the source in Hawaii island’s vast Puna district, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopter Tours of Kilauea Volcano are Booked Solid. he Kilauea Eruption on the Big Island has carved a path of destruction in Pahoa but business is booming for tour companies offering an up-close view of the lava flow. Hawaii Public Radio.

State ready to offer financial support, but Hawaii County has to ask. Star-Advertiser.

The Kilauea eruption has taken a toll on many Puna flower farms, leading to limited availability and higher prices for certain items statewide. Hawaii News Now.

NASA has been using satellites to assist first responders dealing with the volcanic eruptions on the Big Island. KITV.

As management of the emergency resulting from the Kilauea volcano eruption that began May 3 transitions from response to recovery mode, the number of Hawaii Army and Air National Guard troops deployed to East Hawaii has declined dramatically. Tribune-Herald.

Inside and outside, Jaggar Museum sees big impacts of Kilauea eruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava channel transports 'lava boats'. Geologists captured this time-lapse video of the perched lava channel issuing from Fissure 8 on Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone on Saturday. West Hawaii Today.

There will be a community meeting Thursday on the ongoing seismic activity at the summit and the continued closure of the Kilauea section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Video News.

Congresswoman and candidate for Hawaii governor Colleen Hanabusa is calling for “immediate action to protect Puna residents’ voting rights”, and to avoid the sort of disaster-related upheaval she witnessed in 2014, in the wake of Hurricane Iselle, during her run for U.S. Senate. Big Island Video News.

Puna Councilwoman Jen Ruggles has withdrawn her candidacy for re-election, leaving two political newcomers as the voters’ choice for the District 5 council seat. West Hawaii Today.

$95M Kailua-Kona development project set for completion in 2020. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa today announced the appointment of Planning Director Will Spence to serve as Director of the Department of Housing & Human Concerns, and Planning Deputy Director Michele McLean as Planning Director. Maui Now.

Housing summit set for landlords, rental managers. Focus aimed on renting to homeless, lower income people. Maui News.

The Maui Department of Environmental Management Wastewater Reclamation Division issued a reminder to customers today that the sewer user fee will increase by an average of 3%, effective July 1, 2018. Maui Now.

East Maui Sees Largest Stream Restoration in Hawaii History. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Hearing set on tax proposal. Shall 3 percent of real property tax revenues be earmarked for the purpose of affordable housing? Garden Island.

Former County Council member and former prosecuting attorney Shaylene Iseri has filed to run for the council again. Garden Island.

A recently approved solar-plus-storage project on Kauai will help the island achieve its 2030 renewable energy goals 10 years ahead of time. Pacific Business News.

Geothermal plant 'essentially safe' from lava inundation, Kim leads Chin for Congress in poll, state halts Manoa Stream plan after protests, volcano burns Big Island budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava spatter from Kilauea volcano PC: Janice Wei

Geothermal plant declared ‘essentially safe’. A geothermal well field next to a volcanic rift that is fountaining lava was declared “essentially safe” Tuesday after measures were taken to prevent uncontrolled releases of underground fluids and gases. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige and the state’s Civil Defense chief expressed confidence Tuesday that the risk of a hydrogen sulfide release at Puna Geothermal Venture has been mitigated as lava creeps onto its property. Tribune-Herald.

State and county officials, including Governor David Ige and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator Tom Travis, told a room full of anxious Puna residents that they have managed to plug up the 11th and final well on the Puna Geothermal Venture property, as lava from the lower East Rift Zone eruption nears. Big Island Video News.

Officials Monitoring Lava Flows and Air Quality; PGV "Essentially Safe". Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava continues to inch toward Puna Geothermal Venture's plant, but officials said Tuesday that efforts to quench or plug all 11 wells at the site were successful and that the risk of hazardous gases being released into the community if lava is low. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii Geothermal site destroyed by lava; PGV says risk of of hydrogen sulfide release ‘minimal’. Tribune-Herald.

"Highly active" eruptions won't let up in lower Puna, where residents whose lives have been upended for nearly three weeks are now facing an increasingly dangerous and multi-faceted threat: Rivers of lava threatening homes and creeping closer toward a geothermal plant, eruptions spitting out elevated emissions, and flows cascading into the ocean and creating clouds of toxic gas, steam and tiny slivers of glass. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat Poll: Kim Leads Chin In Race For Congress. Fukumoto and Ing show strength among younger voters, many of whom remain undecided. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A proposal to give the mayor the power to hire and fire Honolulu’s police chief was killed Tuesday by a City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Won’t Get Power To Hire Or Fire Honolulu Police Chief. Councilman Ikaika Anderson pulls back his proposals to shake up how the city selects police and fire chiefs and commissions. Civil Beat.

The Case Of A Honolulu Cop Fired For Domestic Violence Is About To Go Public. Darren Cachola, a former HPD sergeant, could get his job back four years after he was caught on tape beating his girlfriend inside a Honolulu restaurant. Civil Beat.

City files class-action suit against service members with abandoned cars. In an effort to speed up its ability to dispose of current and future vehicles abandoned by military service members, the city filed a class-action lawsuit today seeking to consolidate required hearings for the owners into one case. Star-Advertiser.

Manoa Professors Raise A Stink About Sludge Pits — And Get Results. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say they will postpone a stream dredging plan in Manoa to confer with residents. Civil Beat.

Under pressure from outraged Manoa residents, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources agreed to place a controversial dredging and tree cutting project on hold. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to make improvements to Manoa Stream were put on pause Tuesday after residents in the area voiced their concerns. KHON2.

Campers migrate daily from Kakaako sidewalks to Mother Waldron Park. Star-Advertiser.

Would New Uber And Lyft Rules Hit West Side Drivers Hardest? A lot of drivers live on the Leeward Coast, where incomes are generally lower and driving distances are longer. Civil Beat.

About 82,500 gallons of sewage was spilled in a ditch at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant on Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

About 82,500 gallons of wastewater discharged today at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Aikahi near Kailua Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council members stood firm Tuesday that they’re not ready to raise taxes to plug a $7 million hole in the budget that county officials attribute to an ongoing volcanic emergency in Puna. West Hawaii Today.

On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Council dove into the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, but there are already deep concerns over how the eruption in the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea, only two weeks old, will impact revenues. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim has been diagnosed with walking pneumonia but is continuing his work, Managing Director Wil Okabe said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

After 'lava bomb' hit him, Big Island man feared for his life. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii island man injured by what officials called a lava bomb spoke from his hospital bed Tuesday. KHON2.

Some residents of areas untouched by lava remain despite call to evacuate. Tribune-Herald.

Masks to protect against ashfall to be distributed on Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

From tourism to farming, many industries are taking a big hit because of the eruption. The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce says hotels, bed and breakfasts, and tour operators are seeing a 50 percent drop in business. KHON2.

The arrow-shaped Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &Bungalows, a Hawaii island fixture for nearly four decades, will close this fall for a $100 million renovation triggering temporary layoffs for about 400 employees. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Central Kihei residents can expect intermittent water service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday while contractors work on a waterline tie-in, the Department of Water Supply announced. Maui News.

Stranded hikers are airlifted from Bamboo Forest trail. Maui News.

Kauai

The county’s operating budget and capital improvement projects budget were approved by the Kauai County Council during a committee meeting Tuesday, and a bill offering a real property tax exemption to home owners who install automatic fire suppression systems was moved to the full council. Garden Island.

Kapaa resident Nelson Mukai, 54, has thrown his hat into the race for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Commentary: The public has a right to tsunami inundation maps

1946 Hilo Bay tsunami PC: Wikipedia Commons

Tsunami maps drawn by scientists or tsunami maps drawn by the government?

I chose the former. And you should, too.

I am almost at the end of a more than four-year wait for copies of Hawaii Island's tsunami inundation maps, after the state Office of Information practices on May 10 overturned the then state Department of Defense's denial of the records. The opinion, No. 18-02, has not yet been posted online.

UPDATED June 10, 2018: Opinion No. 18-02 can be found here.

Almost at the end of the wait, that is, unless the state Emergency Management Agency decides to request reconsideration or appeal. The agency has until May 24 to ask OIP for reconsideration; it has until June 9 to appeal to circuit court.

The state argued an exemption under the state Uniform Information Practices Act that the records must be confidential in order to avoid the frustration of a legitimate government function. Releasing the maps, state officials said, would only "confuse" people. I argued there is no confusion exemption in the UIPA, and the public has the right to see maps purchased with their tax dollars.

The county uses the scientists' inundation maps to create evacuation maps, which are made public.

"The requested documents are used for the development of emergency management and/or emergency response plans, which include instructions to help ensure the safety of the public. The disclosure of the tsunami inundation maps, which are not disclosed to the public, but are used to help establish tsunami evacuation zones, would endanger the life and/or physical safety of members of the public who may be confused by the difference between the inundation limits and the tsunami evacuation Lines developed by the county," the state argued.

OIP said that's not enough reason to withhold the maps. All of the other states bordering the Pacific Ocean publish the maps online, OIP said in its opinion.

Here's how California does it. The state even allows the public to download the spatial data, so they can make their own maps.

"OIP understands the tsunami inundation maps to be essentially factual, representing the current scientific understanding of how a tsunami would affect the area mapped, whereas the tsunami evacuation zone maps represent a governmental policy decision as to what portions of the area mapped should be evacuated in the face of a tsunami warning," OIP said in its opinion.

"CDD's argument that, in essence, the public cannot safely possess such factual information about the likely horizontal measurement of the path of a tsunami, contradicts the purposes of the UIPA," the opinion added.

I wanted the maps in order to compare what scientists thought were critical inundation areas to what the government ultimately created as evacuation zones.

I'm not saying our own government would do this, but I can imagine a scenario where an important official or major campaign donor could be left out of a zone. A slight wiggle of the map lines here or there could translate into millions more dollars in property resale value or thousands less in property insurance.

The most common conflicts of interest in local government happen when officeholders face a vote on real property/land use issues that affect their own holdings, according to the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics program in Government Ethics at Santa Clara University.

Bottom line, the public has the right to compare the two maps. With the current volcano and earthquake emergency on the Big Island, it's more important now than ever that we know where inundation zones are.

Major mahalos to the nonprofit Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest and its director, Brian Black, for helping me with this appeal. The Law Center, incidentally, is the 2018 winner of the Big Island Press Club's Torch of Light award, given to an individual or entity who brightens the public’s right to know.

Government records belong to the public, not the government. We have a right to know.