Showing posts with label Haleakala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haleakala. Show all posts

Friday, January 12, 2024

Seaglider plans interisland travel alternative, lawsuit alleges Sunshine Law violations in agency hirings, Honolulu balks at bailing out businesses in rail's path, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Seaglider Initiative hopes to provide low cost, accessible kamaʻāina transportation. Seagliders are all-electric, zero-emission vessels that would operate exclusively over water at speeds up to 180mph, drastically reducing the time and cost of transporting people and freight between coastal communities.  Maui Now.

Lawsuit Alleges Two State Entities Improperly Hired Their Leaders Behind Closed Doors. The Public First Law Center alleges that the Agribusiness Development Corp. and Defender Council violated Hawaii's Sunshine Law. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi House majority outlines top priorities for 2024 legislative session. In advance of the start of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature on Jan. 17, the House Majority Caucus has outlined its top priorities for the upcoming session. Kauai Now.

5 months after Lahaina disaster, state still lacks emergency response plan for wildfires. Don Aweau started as executive officer of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in June. He said other priorities dominated the agency’s to-do list, but it’s now getting to the work of creating a wildfire plan. Hawaii News Now.

Panel sees jump in Hawaii tax revenue. Hawaii’s Legislature and Gov. Josh Green could have close to a half-billion dollars of additional state general fund revenue at their disposal over the next 18 months, according to a new projection that guides state spending. Star-Advertiser.

Professionals discuss impacts of climate change to Hawaii at briefing. Several professionals gathered at the state capitol Thursday for an informational briefing to alert people to the immediacy and magnitude of the threat that climate change poses to Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Keeps Losing State Biosecurity Workers As Invasive Species Gain Ground. The Department of Agriculture has more than 100 job vacancies. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bill to aid small businesses near rail disputed. A Honolulu City Council measure meant to give financial aid to eligible small businesses grappling with plummeting revenues due to rail-related construction has garnered little support from the city’s administration. Star-Advertiser.

City council asks HPD, other first responders to get critical info to media, public more quickly. HPD plans to establish 24/7 safety notification system. Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said Thursday he is not opposed to sharing information with the public. However, Logan does not believe access to police and first- responder radio communications should be restored. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Would Developers Build More Affordable Housing If They Could Charge Higher Rents? Maximum rents may go up for many new apartments reserved for Honolulu residents who aren’t considered low income but can’t afford housing without help. Civil Beat.

EPA probe eyes plumbing concerns after Navy confirms diesel in 4 Pearl Harbor homes. Navy water testing has confirmed a trace amount of diesel in four homes at Pearl Harbor, but it’s not jet fuel. The level is low and doesn’t spark any official warnings. Hawaii News Now.

Bike path connecting West Oahu to Manoa to cost tens of millions. A bike path that will connect West Oahu to UH Manoa will cost tens of millions according to the city. They said it’s a timeless investment. KHON2.

Video Of Makiki Ditch Debris Flow Sparks Discussion Of Who’s To Blame.
Heavy rain this week led to a deluge of household items flowing down waterways toward the ocean, and residents say the problem has gotten worse. Civil Beat.

Kayak excursion leader cited, disputes commercial activity.
The organizer of a kayak group cited by state officials over the weekend for allegedly engaging in commercial activity in state waters without a permit says he was simply leading a club on an excursion. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth to run for reelection: Mayor cites successes, challenges of first term while gearing up to fight for a second. The current mayor and former Hawaii County prosecutor announced his candidacy Thursday evening at an event at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

County Council accepts of $13M federal grant for repairs at former Hilo Memorial Hospital. Repairs at the former Hilo Memorial Hospital should begin later this year now that the Hawai‘i County Council has accepted $13 million in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Big Island Now.

Council passes bill targeting flavored tobacco products. Victory is sweet for health advocates after the Hawaii County Council passed a pending ban on flavored tobacco products, but the battle will continue at the state Capitol. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kate Blystone Selected As Next Maui County Planning Director. Mayor Richard Bissen picks the program officer for the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Initiative for the role. Civil Beat.

Newly completed management plan reduces air tours by 54% at Haleakalā. The National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration have completed an Air Tour Management Plan for Haleakalā National Park, which authorizes up to 2,224 air tours per year, a 54% reduction from the existing average of 4,824 flights per year. Maui Now.

New community land trust seeks to 'keep Lahaina lands in Lahaina hands'. Board member Carolyn Auweloa of Lahaina says the organization was born out of concern for the community after the fire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials say axis deer landowner incentive is not a bounty. Efforts to get a handle on Maui County’s axis deer population continue with a new project that will pay landowners for eradicating deer on their property. KHON2.

Kauai


Nareit helps Permanently Affordable Living Hawai‘i with roof.  A $75,000 grant will be used to replace an aging 53-year-old roof and install rooftop solar panels that will help lower utility costs for the kauhale’s residents, and also reduce the impact of the building’s energy usage on Kaua‘i’s environment. Garden Island.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Mountains topped with snow make a winter wonderland, federal money flows to Red Hill, Honolulu rail, teachers unsure how to take bonus holiday leave, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It’s a Winter Wonderland on Big Island’s Maunakea; but roads are unsafe. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship expects the road to the summit will remain closed for at least the next couple of days.  Big Island Video News.

Video shows snow atop Haleakalā; Summit remains closed to the public. An accumulation of snow was observed along the roadsides near the summit of Haleakalā Tuesday.  Maui Now.

Feds Ramp Up Efforts To Save Hawaii’s Endangered Forest Birds In A Race Against Time. Federal wildlife officials aim to direct some $14 million from the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law toward the urgent, ongoing effort to save 12 native Hawaiian forest bird species battered by avian malaria and headed toward extinction. Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green’s offer of 2 extra days off confuses Hawaii teachers.
While Gov. Josh Green has gifted state employees with two extra days of paid time off work for the holidays, Hawaii’s 12,600 public school teachers are still unsure how they’ll benefit since contractually they are already on vacation during the schools’ winter break. Star-Advertiser.

Good news for your budget: Economists predict a rapid drop in inflation for Hawaii next year. Carl Bonham, of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, said the global war on recession is already having traction in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hotels offering local deals during slow holiday season.  Typically, Christmas to New Year’s is oversold at Hawaii hotels with occupancy above 100% and sky-high room rates. This year Hawaii’s festive season, especially on Oahu, is not delivering, with a few hotels even reporting occupancy as low as 40% in the days leading up to Christmas. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Congress set to give another $1 billion for Red Hill.  Congress is poised to allocate another $1 billion to shutting down the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility. The funding is expected to cover major repairs to the facility’s pipelines and other infrastructure that will facilitate the safe draining of approximately 104 million gallons of fuel from aging underground tanks, as well as remediating the soil and groundwater that’s been polluted by past fuel spills. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz Snags Another $64 Million For Honolulu Rail Project. Hawaii’s senior senator, who sits on the Appropriations Committee, says he’s secured more money for the beleaguered project, which is years behind schedule and massively over budget. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Graveyard Shift: Honolulu Pays Police $1 Million In Overtime To Guard Morgue Trailers. The city is paying up to five times the cost of private security but says it’s worth it. Civil Beat.

Oʻahu's free COVID testing program ends Dec. 30.  For nearly two years, the City and County of Honolulu, in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiʻi, operated a testing site at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Then came other sites, such as at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu nonprofit aims to build $25M ‘resilient’ hurricane community shelter. Oahu’s storm shelters, which are mostly Hawaii schools, are not built to withstand a powerful hurricane. Hawaii News Now.

HPU researching types of limu to clean up effluent from fish ponds. Hawai‘i Pacific University is using a federal grant for research on seaweed — or limu — that could potentially lead to commercial-scale cultivation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Kudos for KOA: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport takes No. 2 spot in analysis of 100 busiest airports.  Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole was ranked by Forbes Advisor as the second-best airport for holiday travel in the nation, the financial media outlet announced last week. West Hawaii Today.

Delay sought in affordable housing trial. A co-defendant in a federal criminal case involving alleged fraudulent use of Hawaii County affordable housing credits is seeking a postponement of the trial. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui nearshore water initiative seeks ocean advocates for new team.  The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources has launched a first-of-its-kind community effort to manage Maui’s marine resources. DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources is looking for about 20 Maui residents to join its navigation team. Hawaii Public Radio.

Plane crash victim loved adventures and travel.
A nurse aboard a Hawaii Life Flight plane that went missing off Maui was remembered as funny and passionate about her job, as a private search was underway for the medical transport aircraft. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i will break ground on 400 new affordable housing units in 2023.
  Over the course of 2023, the County of Kaua‘i and its private development partners expect to break ground on 400 new affordable apartments and homes that will eventually house more than 1,000 people. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

COVID-19 clusters at Waikiki restaurant, Honolulu nursing home; Pompeo talks coronavirus with Chinese officials in Hawaii; Legislature to convene Monday despite staff testing positive, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART screen grab
HART video game screengrab
Video game getting $190,000 in Honolulu rail money. It will likely be some time next year when people can first ride the rail in Honolulu, but meanwhile you can play a video game you helped pay for. KHON2.

State House staff member tests positive for coronavirus. House Speaker Scott State House staff member tests positive for coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Some elements of the governor's emergency proclamations could be adopted by state Legislature. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 has a meeting scheduled with the attorney general on Thursday to discuss which stipulations should be adopted. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Democrats Elect National Convention Delegates. A 33 member National Delegation has been elected by the Democratic Party of Hawai’i to represent the state at the Democratic National Convention. Maui Now.

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COVID-19 response among topics in meeting between Pompeo, Chinese officials in Hawaii. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged China to reveal all it knows about the coronavirus outbreak in a meeting with a top Chinese official in Hawaii on Wednesday as new revelations about President Donald Trump and China rocked Washington. Associated Press.

Three employees at Doraku Sushi in Waikiki test positive for COVID-19. Three employees at Doraku Sushi in Waikiki have tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii’s largest nursing home confirms at least 5 new COVID-19 cases. Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has confirmed a small outbreak at the state’s largest nursing home with at least four residents and one staff member now testing positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Growing Covid-19 Cluster at Oahu Nursing Home Sets Off Warning Signs. Nursing homes account for 40% of all virus deaths nationwide, but there have been very few cases in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Nearly 800 tested as COVID-19 cluster at state’s largest nursing home grows. Health experts are growing increasingly concerned about a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to the state’s largest skilled nursing facility. So far, at least five people connected to the nursing home have tested positive. Hawaii News Now.

Residents and staff at state’s largest nursing home will be re-tested for COVID-19 for two weeks. Hundreds of people are on edge waiting on the first round of test results. KITV4.

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Demand for travel could boost Hawaii’s recovery. Hawaii visitor industry members say there’s still time to recapture part of Hawaii’s peak summer travel season if Gov. David Ige makes a definitive announcement soon that he’s willing to ease restrictions in August for travelers with negative COVID-19 tests. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 17: 5 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The total number of cases in Hawaii now stands at 744. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 5 new coronavirus cases as statewide total climbs to 744. Hawaii recorded five new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total infections since the start of the outbreak climb to 744, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

State still breaking large capacity cesspool ban. It has been 15 years since large capacity cesspools have been banned. But they are still being found on private and public lands and that ends up costing taxpayers. KITV4.

Oahu

City’s $2.9B budget becomes law amid revenue uncertainties. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed to become law a $2.92 billion general operating budget that’s only about $60 million less than the one he submitted to the City Council in March when the state’s economic forecast was much rosier. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards among workers approved for pay raises by city council. Oahu lifeguards, sheriffs and conservation officers are up for a decent bump in pay. An arbitrator awarded four-and-half percent raises for this year and last year, which are more than double the pay hikes for other government workers. Hawaii News Now.

Singers say masks are no problem after Honolulu mayor bans live performances. Two days to go until Oahu bars can re-open – but some will be missing their main attraction. Live singing is banned to keep COVID-19 germs from spreading. Hawaii News Now.

Waimanalo bucks COVID-19 trends with no confirmed cases. While Hawaii has had a much lower infection rate of COVID-19 cases than the rest of the country, we're far from immune. KITV4.

Honolulu police chief Susan Ballard backed committee to address HPD issues. Honolulu’s police chief is convening a committee to revise its use-of-force policy, among many changes in store or already underway following weeks of public outcry globally for sweeping police reforms and an end to bias in policing. Star-Advertiser.

City park playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment reopening this Friday. Our phased reopening of park facilities continues with the reopening of city park playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment this Friday. KITV4.

Honolulu playgrounds, exercise equipment, reopen to public on Friday. City officials announced today that playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment — closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic — will reopen for public use this Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would increase Hanauma Bay’s visitor entry price to $10 but free for residents. Out-of-state visitors to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will need to pay more for entry and parking under a bill moving through the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Body cameras coming for police. The Hawaii Police Department will become the last department in the state to equip its officers with body cameras, following a unanimous County Council vote Wednesday to spend $1.8 million to purchase 340 video cameras. West Hawaii Today.

County Council Approves 5-Year Contract for HPD’s Body Camera Program. On Wednesday, Hawai‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing HPD to enter into a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., which allows for the acquisition of body cameras and provides maintenance and cloud-based storage at the price tag of $1.8 million. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Will Review Its Police Practices In Wake Of Protests. The review will be performed by the department itself and experts such as training instructors. Civil Beat.

Four doctors graduate from HMC’s medical residency program amid pandemic. Four doctors on Friday graduated from Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Island Family Residency program, finishing their last months of residency as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on around the world. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Humane Society Will Not Seek New Animal Control Contract. The Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Board of Directors has decided to not respond to the County of Hawaii’s Request for Proposals for Animal Control Services for Hawaiʻi island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Haleakalā National Park Restarts Sunrise Reservations. The National Park Service is following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, as it continues to increase recreational access and services. Maui Now.

Expeditions Lāna‘i Ferry Resumes Operations Today. The Expeditions Lānaʻi Ferry has opened for passengers to and from Lānaʻi starting TODAY, Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Maui Now.

HDOT receives $7.8M in federal funds to support Maui Bus system. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has received more than $7.8 million in federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration to support the Maui Bus system amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

Three GoAkamai Cameras Added in Central Maui. The GoAkamai camera network is meant to serve as a source for live traffic information for travelers to help them plan their daily commutes and improve their quality of life. Maui Now.

Study: Without crowds, bigger fish back at Molokini. More fish and larger predators, such as ulua, omilu and reef sharks, have returned to the waters off Molokini in the few months that commercial boat traffic has been halted due to COVID-19 emergency orders, said a researcher who was part of a survey team of the preserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Learn about Kaua‘i resiliency. The County of Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency invites the public to join the County’s planning team and Steering Committee as they update the County’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Plan. Garden Island.

Careful when entering the forest. Researchers have found more diseased ‘ohi‘a trees on Kauai and in several of the other Main Hawaiian Islands since the COVID-19 pandemic curbed forest activity, and experts ask people to take care when reentering the forests as the state reopens. Garden Island.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Elections officials update legislators on all-mail voting, term limits sought for Honolulu prosecutor, Kauai councilman indicted on felonies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii ballot testing ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii election officials to ask voters to update signatures for vote-by-mail. Election officials will soon invite more than 760,000 registered voters to update their signatures on file with the county clerks as part of the preparations for Hawaii’s new all-mail voting system, lawmakers were told Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

How The Counties Are Preparing For All-Mail Voting. The state will switch to an all-mail voting system for the 2020 elections. Civil Beat.

Election officials iron out changes to voting system. Elections officials say next year’s voting results could take even longer to verify. That’s because it’s the first year nearly all the ballots will be sent by mail. Hawaii News Now.

Lingering concerns as state pushes forward with mail-in voting. Next year’s election will be the first time a statewide election will be done by mail. Lawmakers met with elections officials Wednesday to see how the process is going. KHON2.

Ready for voting by mail? Hawaii County Clerk Jon Henricks told state legislators Wednesday that the county will have a high-speed ballot sorting machine by February, which he said will give Hawaii Island elections workers “plenty of time” to prepare for the new voting-by-mail system that will be in place for the 2020 primary and general elections. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii state pension fund begins fiscal year with a gain. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund has started off its new fiscal year on a positive note amid the ongoing U.S.-Chinese trade war and global uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The strange lights returned to Hawaii skies. The lights are believed to be part of SpaceX’s Starlink Mission which is made up of dozens of mini satellites. The goal of the project is to provide high-speed broadband internet across the globe. Hawaii News Now.

Bankruptcy not expected to affect Meadow Gold. Hawaii’s supply of milk isn’t expected to be affected by Tuesday’s move by the owner of Meadow Gold filing bankruptcy.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii home sales to foreign buyers drop in first half of 2019. The number of homes and condominiums in Hawaii sold to buyers from Japan declined by 15% during the first half of 2019, but the total dollar volume of those sales dropped by 31%, as overall sales volume for foreign buyers fell by 27%, according to data from Title Guaranty. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Resolution seeks to limit years Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney can serve. Right now, there’s no limit, but Honolulu City Council Member Ron Menor wants to change that to two consecutive four-year terms, like the mayor and city council members.  KHON2.

Mo'ili'ili community frustrated over returning homeless camp. It's been 2 weeks since the city of Honolulu did a sweep of a homeless encampment along the Manoa-Palolo Drainage Canal but residents said it has not stopped the homeless from coming back. KITV.

Robbery Suspect Fatally Shot In Fifth Honolulu Officer-Involved Shooting Of The Year. Honolulu police officers shot about 20 rounds at the 30-year-old man as he was driving his car toward them, the Honolulu police chief said. Civil Beat.

Lauren Bruner to be last crew member interred on USS Arizona. More than 900 men who perished when a 1,760-pound Japanese armor-piercing bomb found its mark, igniting a million pounds of gunpowder, were never recovered from the battleship. Star-Advertiser.

USS Boxer group with 4,500 sailors and Marines arrive at Pearl Harbor for port call. The USS Boxer amphibious ready group and more than 4,500 sailors and Marines pulled into Pearl Harbor Wednesday for a port visit following a six-month deployment which included downing an Iranian drone that military officials said was “threatening the safety” of the Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

FEMA deadline expires. While the deadline to apply for a federal program providing individual assistance to Kilauea eruption victims has passed, other programs continue to provide support for those affected by last year’s disaster. Tribune-Herald.

Effort to name Kilauea eruption spot fissure 8 nears completion. A Hawaiian volcano deity whose name means “forest eater” is among 17 public suggestions submitted to a state board to become the official name of the most prominent source of lava during last year’s eruption of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea activists ‘hope for the best and prepare for the worst’. As the protest at Mauna Kea heads into its fifth month, the encampment has become like a small town including everything from decontamination supplies to county crossing guards. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Commission wants affordable housing from hotel developers. Members provide comments on draft EIS for Windward Hotel. Maui News.

Wildfire and Sediment: Addressing Two of the Biggest Threats to Maʻalaea Bay. A unique pilot project on Maui will use oysters to filter water at Maʻalaea Bay in an attempt to improve water quality at the location. Maui Now.

Haleakala looks into electric bike policy. Haleakala National Park is considering a new policy that would allow the use of electric bikes on all roads where traditional bicycles are currently permitted, park spokesperson Jin Prugsawan said Tuesday. Maui News.

Fighting To Save This Rare Maui Forest Bird From Extinction. A team of biologists brought 13 critically endangered Maui parrotbills to the other side of Haleakala to save the species from extinction. But less than a month later, only three birds have survived. Civil Beat.

Avian malaria suspected cause of kiwikiu deaths. Officials hopeful that remaining birds will survive in reserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Councilmember charged. Kauai County Councilmember Arthur Brun was indicted Wednesday on felony charges for allegedly running from police during a traffic stop two weeks ago and hitting an officer with his car in the process. Garden Island.

Kauai Springs back in business. A family-owned water-bottling company in Koloa may have won its 13-year legal battle with the county Planning Commission. Garden Island.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Poll shows Tulsi in trouble, Caldwell raising money for gubernatorial bid, first humpback of the season spotted, Sherwood on hold after artifact found, Mauna Kea police price tag rises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Tulsi Gabbard, Kai Kahele
Poll: Gabbard’s Constituents Want Her To End Presidential Campaign. The Hawaii congresswoman might be in trouble, too, if she decides to run for re-election to keep her House seat. Civil Beat.

Caldwell Schedules Campaign Fundraiser For Governor’s Race. It’s the first time the Honolulu mayor has officially sought cash for a run for Hawaii’s top job. Civil Beat.

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Humpback whale spotted off Kauai a month ahead of official start of whale season. Whale season in Hawaii doesn’t officially start for another month, but the first humpback sighting has already been reported. Hawaii News Now.

Humpback whale season begins with first apparent sighting off Kauai. It’s official. Humpback whale season in Hawaii is here, with the first sighting of one off the northwest coast of Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

First Humpback of Season Sighted Off Kaua‘i. It’s officially whale season again in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

First whale spotted. Tuesday started out as just another day on the water for Holo Holo Charter captains Aaron Pearlman and Casey Heaton, but they got quite a surprise when they reached the waters offshore of Ke‘e Beach. Garden Island.

Humpback Sighting Marks Start of Whale Season. Captains aboard a tour boat off the coast of Kauaʻi may have spotted the first humpback whale of the season. Maui Now.

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Record Heat Thrusts Hawaii Corals Into ‘New Era’ Of Bleaching. The reefs have never had to endure such conditions. Marine scientists remain optimistic but warn that time is running out for society to step up. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants strike vote count planned for November. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants are gearing up for a strike vote. The workers say they’ve been fighting for almost three years for a new contract. KHON2.

Oahu

Caldwell halts work at Sherwood. The city will halt further work on its contentious improvements project at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park until it hears back from the State Historic Preservation Division and the Oahu Island Burial Council about an object that was found at the site over the weekend, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell Hits Pause On Controversial Waimanalo Park Project. State historic preservation officials are taking another look at what Native Hawaiians say is a historic and sacred site that was torn up to build a ball field. Civil Beat.

Waimanalo park redevelopment on hold as authorities investigate possible artifact. A controversial Waimanalo park redevelopment project is on hold as government agencies investigate a possible stone artifact found at the site. Hawaii News Now.

Construction paused at Sherwoods during artifact investigation. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has paused construction of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park or Sherwoods. KHON2.

Controversial Sherwood Forest redevelopment project on hold. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell made the decision on Tuesday after a possible artifact was found at the construction site on Monday. KITV.

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Attorneys Who Requested Honolulu Rail Subpoenas No Longer At DOJ. It’s not clear how the departures have impacted the federal probe that’s ensnared the rail project, if at all. Civil Beat.

Texas buyer sues seller of illegal vacation rental. A Texas man who bought a home in Portlock earlier this year for $2.3 million as an investment is suing the seller and broker for not disclosing that he cannot legally rent out the property for periods shorter than 30 days. Star-Advertiser.

United Nations climate study daunting for Hawaii, but City planning is ahead of the research. The City and County of Honolulu was warned of this in June of 2018 by the Climate Change Commission, whose similar figures noted that a sea-level rise of 3.2 feet would displace 13,300 Honolulu residents and cause $12.9 billion dollars in structure and land loss locally. KHON2.

Chinatown Board To Take Up Yellow Trash Bag Mandate After Complaints. Some Chinatown merchants are not happy with the new garbage bag mandate that requires their trash be disposed of in city-required yellow bags for pickup by city trash collectors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Soaring electric bills raise alarm at Kapilina Beach Homes. Many residents of Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach were recently shocked to receive huge electrical bills — some $1,000 or more — that are significantly higher than earlier, sizzling summer power costs. Star-Advertiser.

53,000 streetlights on Oahu converted to bright, energy-efficient LEDs. The streets of Oahu are a little bit brighter thanks to the city’s partnership with Johnson Controls. Hawaii News Now.

Switching to LEDs nets city a big rebate. The city on Tuesday received a $1.9 million rebate check from the ratepayer­-funded Hawai’i Energy program for converting more than 53,000 city streetlights across Oahu to more energy-­efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

TMT response costing Hawaii County $50K daily. Hawaii County police have spent nearly $4.2 million on overtime, fringe benefits and other costs so far in connection with 11 weeks of protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, members of the Hawaii County Council were told Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Update on TMT standoff-related expenses raises reimbursement questions. The ongoing standoff at Maunakea Access Road has now cost Hawaii County more than $4 million, but the county might be on the hook for more. Tribune-Herald.

Anti-TMT forces step up their campaign off the mountain. Sensing new momentum for the cause, opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope have turned up their outreach campaign this week to rally against the $1.4 billion project and push for Native Hawaiian rights. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters: Kim’s proposal is dead on arrival. Leaders of the ongoing protest against the Thirty Meter Telescope said they are not satisfied with Mayor Harry Kim’s proposal for Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii County’s 2-Bin recycling program will no longer accept paper, plastics. Starting mid-October, paper and plastics will no longer be accepted for recycling at transfer stations on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Council sees climate as emergency. At the urging of some 50 testifiers, a County Council panel Tuesday advanced a resolution committing to implement a “just, equitable, countywide emergency climate mobilization effort.” West Hawaii Today.

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$95.8M Keahuolu Courthouse dedicated. Scores of people, including legislators, dignitaries and current and retired judges and employees, gathered Tuesday to bless and celebrate the opening of the 140,000-square-foot Keahuolu Courthouse, which began operations Sept. 3. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawai‘i Dedicates New Kona Courthouse. Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday morning outside the new Kona courthouse to celebrate its completion and join in dedicating the newly-finished project to the service of justice. Big Island Now.

Multi-million dollar courthouse opens in West Hawaii. Leaders held a blessing Tuesday for the new Keahuolu Courthouse in Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Judge Ronald Ibarra Tells Old Kona Courthouse Stories. After his speech, Ibarra was surprised by the naming the of Self-Help Center in the new courthouse in his honor. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Woman shares inappropriate images she says Maui officer at center of misconduct case sent her. Maui County prosecutors say the Maui police officer in the center of a misconduct and abuse of power case is facing a federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Mahi Pono replaces HC&S on water application. Contested case on stream diversions drawing to an end. Maui News.

Study: Maui, Molokai coastal roads among those most vulnerable. 10 highways in county make UH erosion list. Maui News.

Off-road Vehicle Damages Silverswords and Trail at Haleakala Summit. On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, Haleakala  National Park law enforcement rangers observed tire tracks leaving the paved road at Haleakala’s summit. Maui Now.

Kauai

County fires deputy attorney. A deputy county attorney was fired earlier this month and says she may sue the county for retaliation and workplace discrimination. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s and Kauai’s birthrates declining. Kauai is following the national trend with birthrates dipping over the past decade in the midst of a statewide trend of declining resident population, too. Garden Island.

Monday, April 1, 2019

Reducing plastic straws, lawmakers look to tax hikes, two Cabinet members out, flavored vape bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News
A new bill would require customers to ask for plastic straws. A bill making its way through the state Legislature would require restaurants in Hawaii to provide customers with straws only if they ask for them, or face a fine of $25 a day. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii Taxes And Fees Are Almost Certain To Rise. The leaders of the Legislature’s money committees say more revenue is essential, and there’s a raft of proposals to raise more cash. Civil Beat.

Ige Decides Not To Renominate Two Cabinet Members. Jobie Masagatani, chair of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Rod Becker, director of the Department of Budget and Finance, will not be nominated to serve new four-year terms. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Considers Flavored E-Cigarette Ban To Curb Teen Vaping. The first state to limit tobacco and electronic cigarette sales to people 21 and older is contemplating a new nicotine crackdown: outlawing flavored electronic cigarette liquids and flavored tobacco to combat a spike in teenage vaping. Associated Press.

Oahu


UH law instructor under fire for speaking to media about Kealoha corruption case. The defense attorney for Louis Kealoha says the school should fire the employee if he continues to make statements to the media about the proceedings. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha Attorney Wants UH Instructor Muzzled Or Fired. Rustam Barbee says that UH law school instructor Ken Lawson has crossed a line. But Lawson says Barbee is trying to bully him into silence about the case. Civil Beat.

"I won't shut up" - legal analyst responds to job threat from Kealoha's lawyer. A legal analyst says he will not be intimidated by Louis Kealoha's lawyer. KITV.

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‘Bring it on’: Judge issues stern warning to city Prosecutor’s Office. Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo did not hold back in court Friday after the Honolulu prosecutor’s office ignored an order to turn over the personnel records of former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

It would save the city about $450 million to halt construction of the rail project at Middle Street, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

A move to save some trees is stalling the construction of a new school library in Manoa. Environmentalists are upset because the original plans did not call for any tree removal. KITV.

Atlantis resort not ready to rise out of the sea, but work progressing. A Chinese firm is moving its estimated $1.5 billion Atlantis resort at Ko Olina closer to construction after more than two years of planning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The U.S. Geological Survey is looking for a new home for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory after it became displaced because of the Kilauea volcano eruption last year. Associated Press.

Legislature Approves $60M In Volcano Disaster Relief. It includes $20 million in grants and $40 million in loans that the federal money is expected to cover. Associated Press.

Hawaii Legislature Passes $60 Million Kilauea Disaster Relief Bill. Big Island Video News.

Funding For Hawaii County Volcano Recovery Heads To Governor's Desk. Hawaii County is on track to receive up to $60 million in state funds for recovery efforts from last year’s Kilauea eruption. Hawaii Public Radio.

County awaits word from contractor about readiness of fields at long-delayed Kuawa Street park. The new baseball and multipurpose ball fields in Hilo were first estimated to be open in 2016, but the discovery of contaminated soil pushed the timeline back a year. Tribune-Herald.

NOAA assessment finds Kona crab fishery healthy, room for catch to increase. Despite fishermen seeking out the crabs for more than a century, it wasn’t until February that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center published a 2018 stock assessment of the main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab fishery. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor’s budget proposes upgrades to landfill. 19-acre expansion, other improvements could extend its life by as much as 10 years. Maui News.

MECO to pay for some fossil fuel cost. PUC OKs new base rate hike of 3.8% Maui News.

Maui is front and center for its focus on green energy efforts. MEDB’s Hawaii Energy Conference attendance up by 25 percent. Maui News.

Haleakala park visitor count down 6.1% in 2018. Trend continues into the first two months of 2019. Maui News.

Kauai

Old plantation fuel tanks removed. While visitors were walking back and forth from the Pride of America Cruise Ship on Thursday afternoon, workers with Kauai-based Pacific Concrete Cutting &Coring Inc. were making a ruckus. Garden Island.

A food pantry that has operated out of a building on the St. Catherine Church and school campus is closing after nearly a decade of service to the community. Garden Island.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

Businesses unhappy with doubled parking meter rates. KHON2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Hawaii tourism depends on vacation rentals, Honolulu council leadership questioned in election dispute, new laws in effect, Molokai mule trail closed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii beach scene ©2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Addicted To Airbnb: Hawaii’s Tourism Economy Depends On Illegal Vacation Rentals. While calls for a crackdown on short-term rentals grow louder, their rapid expansion accounts for a big chunk of the recent growth in the state’s largest industry. Civil Beat.

When the final numbers roll in for 2018, it's likely to be another record year for visitor arrivals to Hawaii. But as people consider what that sector may look like in 2019 and beyond, there may be a developing niche: medical tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Medical aid in dying law takes effect. For the first time, certain terminally ill patients in Hawaii will have the right to end their lives, but it won’t be easy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Medical Aid In Dying Law Now In Effect, Guidance Issued. Big Island Video News.

Fake service dogs, foam food containers and equal pay: These laws took effect Jan. 1. Hawaii News Now.

New laws address pay gap, sexual assault. Beginning today, employers are prohibited from asking prospective hires about their salary and wage history under a new law that seeks to help bridge the gap between how much men and women earn. Star-Advertiser.

Employers in Hawaii no longer will be allowed to inquire about prospective employees’ salary histories thanks to a law passed in July. Tribune-Herald.

Some road shoulders to open for motorcycles. In the new year, motorcyclists in Hawaii might have their travel time reduced by a law that will designate the shoulders of some roads as traversable by motorcycle. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers: After a noisy start to the new year, it’s time to crack down on illegal aerials. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: No, Killing A Special Fund Doesn’t Kill People. Some state agencies need to understand that the money in these funds isn’t “their” money. It comes from taxpayers. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Three topics sure to grab headlines in 2019 are the city’s rail project as construction moves through the congested downtown corridor; the housing crisis as policy makers wrestle with vacation rental laws and monster home rules; and the federal investigations involving Honolulu’s former police chief, his ex-prosecutor wife and the city prosecutor.  Star-Advertiser.

Council leadership remains in question. City Council members and their aides on Monday were trying to figure out ways to deal with the possibility that Councilman Trevor Ozawa may not be sworn in for a new term on Wednesday, the same day he had been expected to be voted Council chairman by his colleagues. Star-Advertiser.

On the eve of inauguration day for the Honolulu City Council, there's a big question mark hanging over the District 4 seat. The Supreme Court is weighing in after an opponent filed a challenge. With that Supreme Court decision pending, and the race not certified, Councilman Trevor Ozawa may not be sworn into office. KHON2.

Honolulu City Councilman Trevor Ozawa may miss being sworn in to another term on Wednesday along with his colleagues if the Hawaii Supreme Court is still undecided on a legal challenge to his election win. Civil Beat.

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The state attorney general is opposing a change made to Abigail Kawananakoa’s trust that ensures her wife will receive $40 million and all of her personal property. Star-Advertiser.

Community leaders in Leeward Oahu are voicing opposition to the Palehua Wind project proposed for the Waianae range above their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Watch your water bills. That's the warning from some Pearl City residents who caught the Board of Water Supply billing them for more water than they used. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

The owner of the Hilo Farmers Market submitted plans last month for permanent canopies over the open-air market in an attempt to comply with the county’s fire, building and zoning codes. Tribune-Herald.

The long-discussed East Hawaii Organics Facility will be constructed on the north side of the W.H. Shipman Business Park in Keaau, and will have no significant impact according to the final environmental assessment document published for the project. Big Island Video News.

A discharge of about 66,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was discharged into the ocean this weekend at the county’s Kulaimano wastewater treatment plant in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

The Vog Is Gone — For The First Time In Decades. Kilauea didn’t just stop spewing lava. It ceased emissions that have been constant since 1983. Civil Beat.

Maui

Since securing support from her colleagues, Council Member Kelly King has been the de facto chair of the incoming Maui County Council, making decisions on the inauguration ceremony, proposing committees and even moving into the chair’s office on Monday. Maui News.

A year of climate and political change 2018. Storms of all persuasions, even an actual firestorm, descended upon the county. Maui News.

Unlike past government shutdowns, Haleakala National Park is still open. Access to most areas continues, services limited. Maui News.

Maui County’s purchase of 262 acres of A&B agriculture land in the lower Pulehu/Omaopio area of Kula has closed escrow, according to information released today by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

Maui County purchases 262 acres from Alexander & Baldwin. Maui County closed on a $6 million purchase of 262 acres of Alexander & Baldwin’s agriculture land in the lower Pulehu/Omapio area on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Reopening the Road to Haena. This past April, Kuhio Highway on Kauai’s North Shore was devastated by heavy flooding. Road repairs are now nearing completion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Though the U.S. Navy recently announced it was moving forward with testing and training in the Hawaii-Southern California training area, the public still has a chance to weigh in on some other pending training. Garden Island.

Molokai

A steep trail to the remote Kalaupapa settlement in Hawaii has been closed indefinitely after a landslide took out a bridge along one of the switchbacks. Associated Press.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Hawaii retirement home balks at assisted suicide, Hawaii legislative leadership to stay the same, more teachers flee the state, Honolulu bus fares and Hawaii Island sewer fees, to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hanauma Bay ©2018 All Hawaii News
Are people loving Hanauma Bay to death? A new study is trying to answer that question. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature: Leadership Will Stay The Same Despite New Faces. The House and Senate plan to install new judiciary chairs but keep the current heads of each chamber and their respective money committees. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii retirement home says residents in its independent living wing may take advantage of the state’s new medically assisted suicide law if they wish. But Kahala Nui told residents this week that those in its assisted living and nursing center may not do so. Associated Press.

Kahala Nui retirement community has sent a clarification to its independent-living residents saying that they can indeed take advantage of a new law allowing the terminally ill to obtain medication to end their life. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund began its new fiscal year with a solid 2.5 percent first-quarter return that put it on an early pace to exceed its annual investment target. Star-Advertiser.

It’s not just that Hawaii can’t hire enough teachers. Schools also can’t convince them to stay. In 2013, Hawaii schools hired 907 teachers. Five years later, just 467 of them remained in Hawaii public school classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

More immunizations and changes to health exams could be required for school. The list of required immunizations for school-aged children may be getting a little bit longer. The Department of Health said they haven't revised the examination requirements and vaccination list since 2001. KHON2.

Naval Special Warfare plans to triple the amount of small-unit intermediate and advanced training conducted by SEALs and other special operations forces on nonfederal lands in Hawaii, with overall training expanding from Oahu and Hawaii island to Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command has proposed tripling the number of training events allowed on non-federal lands in Hawaii for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. Associated Press.

After focusing on homelessness and affordable housing last year, BIA-Hawaii is tackling building permits, financing and other issues affecting the state’s housing shortage at the organization’s annual housing summit this week. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Bus Fares Will Likely Increase For The Second Year In A Row. Seniors and other adults would see the largest fare jumps, but Handi-Van fares would rise only slightly. Civil Beat.

Homeless continue to skirt Kakaako sweeps despite agreement intended to end cat-and-mouse game. Despite countless sweeps, park closures and even an agreement to let the city take action on both city and state property, homeless encampments continue to spring up in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Transportation is updating the Oahu Bike Plan and they are hosting a community meeting at the Blaisdell Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hawaii Suites. KITV.

Tariffs, Technological Change Led to Hagadone Hawaii Layoffs. The announcement that Hagadone Commercial Printing will layoff 92 workers and close its Hawaii printing operations is still rippling through the community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kokua Market needs some kokua. The natural foods store and cooperative in Moiliili is seeking help after suffering financial difficulties in recent months largely attributed to disruptions from a new neighboring property owner. Star-Advertiser.

A new analysis prepared by the Maui-based Pacific Disaster Center estimates how much wreckage Lane would have caused if it had hit Oahu’s southern shore as a Category 1 hurricane instead of breaking apart hours before landfall. The impact, it found, would have been devastating to many Honolulu homeowners. Civil Beat.

With the spotlight on Aloha Stadium, improvements considered for aging facility. With several high-profile entertainers heading to Aloha Stadium next month, plans for the future of the aging facility are slowly coming together, according to stadium officials. Hawaii News Now.

Cardax Inc.’s revenue jumped 71 percent in the third quarter as sales of its new anti-inflammatory product remained strong in Hawaii and accelerated in California, Nevada and New York. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


County to stop recycling certain types of plastic rubbish starting Dec. 1. The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management announced that, because of changes to global recycling markets, the county no longer can accept No. 5 plastics, plastic grocery bags or any type of clamshell-shaped plastic products in the mixed recyclable bins at the county’s transfer stations. Tribune-Herald.

Closure of Hilo landfill to commence next year. Hawaii County recently advertised the bid process for the closure contract, with bids set to open in late January. The project is estimated to cost about $20 million. Tribune-Herald.

Sewer fees will almost double during the next three years if the County Council agrees with a rate plan submitted by the Department of Environmental Management. West Hawaii Today.


Wood Burning Power Plant May Generate Sustainable Energy, But Environmental Concerns Remain. The State Department of Health is holding a public hearing in Hilo on Wednesday regarding the future of a new power plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Two Maui schools that were forced to close Tuesday due to a water main break will be back open Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hoapili Hale Closed Due to Wailuku Water Main Break. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald issued an order extending deadlines on the court matters that are affected. Maui Now.

Maui County offices at the One Main Plaza are closed along with the rest of the offices in the building due to a watermain break on Central Avenue today. Maui Now.

Haleakala National Park needs volunteers for invasive plant removal. Haleakala National Park and the Pacific Whale Foundation are recruiting local volunteers for Waele ma Haleakala twice-monthly invasive plant removal project. KHON2.

A home on nearly a half acre of beachfront land in Makena on Maui has gone on the market for just under $30 million, the second-highest listing this year on the Valley Isle. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

How The Island’s ‘Hyde Park’ Became A Magnet For Protests. Demonstrations like the March for Science and the Women’s March sometimes attract more than 500 participants at a grassy spot outside the airport. Civil Beat.

Two of the 10 large capacity cesspools targeted for closure by the Environmental Protection Agency are located in Koloa, and both have been fined and ordered to switch over to a wastewater treatment plant. Garden Island.

Starwood Capital Group’s purchase of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Makai Golf Club for $225 million is expected to close this week, leading to a renovation and rebranding of what was Hawaii’s only St. Regis property. Pacific Business News.