Hawaii travelers stranded in Southwest Airlines schedule meltdown, Green renews emergency proclamation for air ambulance services, Kauai plans massive multi-source energy project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Travelers scramble to get home after Southwest Airlines cancels thousands of flights. Hawaii travelers impacted by winter flight cancellations.  Major U.S. airlines broadsided by the massive weekend winter storm that swept across large swaths of the country had largely recovered heading into Monday, except for Southwest, where problems have continued to snowball. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Southwest cancels more flights, draws federal investigation. Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers. Associated Press.

Green extends emergency proclamation in response to air ambulance accident. The extension of the emergency proclamation allows the state to continue providing staffing and aircraft needed to ensure availability of emergency transportation for critically ill medical patients.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

COVID impact to linger: Schools chief says it will be years before students recover academically.  It could take three to five years for students to fully recover behaviorally and academically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to state Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Tribune-Herald.

UH Study: Local farmers struggle with depression in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiian farmers 45 years old or younger are going into 2023 facing unprecedented mental stress, with a recent University of Hawaiʻi study finding 48% have experienced depression and 14% have struggled with suicidal thoughts.  Big Island Now.

Critical habitat to be declared for threatened iiwi bird.  Hawaii’s most iconic forest bird, the iiwi, will receive an added level of federal protection as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday that it plans to designate more than 275,000 acres as critical habitat for the threatened honeycreeper. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu to issue 4-year licenses for kupuna.  Starting Tuesday, Oahu residents between 72 and 79 years old will have to renew their driver’s license only every four years. Residents in that age range — more than 75,000 — currently have to renew every two years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Critics sound off after Navy paves toxic foam spill area while still awaiting test results. In an update posted on Tuesday, military officials said that they have “successfully” removed the contamination and paved over the excavated areas. Hawaii News Now.

Troubled Beijing developer sells Kapolei land. Some 484 acres of land in Kapolei have been sold at a loss by a financially distressed Beijing-based developer that, at one point, wanted to create a residential development of 2,500 “upscale homes” including a lake for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and other water activities. Star-Advertiser.

Commercial activities to resume at Hanauma Bay on Jan. 4.  Entry for licensed motor vehicle carriers, commonly referred to as tour vehicles, and permitted scuba/snorkel guides will once again be allowed in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve beginning next year. Maui Now.

Inquiry into board of Bishop Museum is sought. An art dealer and an anthropologist have filed a complaint with the state Department of the Attorney General accusing Bishop Museum’s board of directors of breaching their fiduciary duties and squandering the museum’s charitable assets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Officials urge safety as fireworks sales take off ahead of New Year’s festivities.  It’s that time of year when blowing off fireworks will light the Big Island skies Saturday night, although not everyone is excited about the long-held tradition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bissen Announces More Appointments To Maui Administration. Maui County Mayor-elect Richard Bissen has announced a number of new picks to head departments in his administration, many of whom are already serving under the leadership of Mayor Michael Victorino. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

State taking steps to address PFAS impacted soil at Kahului Airport Fire Training Pit.  The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is taking steps to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) impacted soil in the vicinity of the Kahului Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Pit.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

West Kaua’i Energy Project clears environmental regulatory hurdle.  The West Kauaʻi Energy Project is an innovative pumped-storage hydro and irrigation project, coupled with solar and battery storage, that is being undertaken by the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and its renewable energy partner, AES.  Kauai Now.

Fireworks season starts with a bang. County officials remind people that fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. Garden Island.

Navy wants to keep Red Hill infrastructure in place, Honolulu council mulls Waikiki noise levels, Maui County employees awarded COVID hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navy wants to find alternative uses for Red Hill as part of its closure plan. The Navy wants to keep its Red Hill fuel facility, including the 20 cavernous fuel tanks, surge tanks and pipelines, in the ground after it permanently retires the facility from fueling operations, according to a plan it submitted Tuesday to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Corrections By The Numbers: Incarceration Declined In 2020, And So Did Crime Rates. Data made public recently by the state Department of Public Safety shows Hawaii reduced its inmate populations in 2020 by more than most people realized at the time, and state crime statistics show Honolulu’s crime rates actually dropped that year. Civil Beat.

Struggles Of Micronesian Students Point To ‘Significant Issues’ In Hawaii School System. Many Micronesian students – especially in high school – have been struggling for years, but the pandemic widened existing achievement gaps.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department issues nearly $110K in fines for air pollution violations. The Hawaii Department of Health has fined six entities, including several major companies and the U.S. military nearly $110,000 for air pollution control permit violations in the state. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Oahu

Environmentalists, engineers urge local leaders to prepare for coastal erosion. A group of environmentalists, engineers and academics have urged state leaders and community members to take steps in addressing coastal erosion. The foundation, UH Sea Grant, and engineering firm SSFM International formed the North Shore Coastal Resilience Working Group to address the future of coastal management. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

City acquires university dorms and classrooms to create affordable housing. The city has acquired a building that Hawaii Pacific University currently uses for dorms and classrooms in hopes of adding another 100 units to its 1,500-unit affordable housing portfolio. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Consultant, Rail Engineer At Odds Over Station Cracking. Those investigating the cracks have disagreed about their severity, but the final report still isn’t out. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Health Employees Fired After Protesting Bathroom Limits Get Back Wages. The community health center offered jobs back to three employees who were fired a week after complaining about losing access to a unisex bathroom. Civil Beat.

Gap Parks raise interest. Parks over the freeways, it is an idea that’s floating around and could be implemented on Oahu. They’re called Cap Parks.  KHON2.

City Council looks into street speaker noise ordinance for Waikiki. The streets of Waikiki could soon get quieter, if a bill before the Honolulu City Council passes. The measure would restrict the use of speakers on the streets. KITV4.

Hanauma Bay begins accepting JCB payments for reservations. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will accept the Japan Credit Bureau, or JCB, credit card for reservations starting Tuesday, Nov. 1. And starting Wednesday, JCB cards will be accepted for in-person admission payments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii’s high court hears arguments tied to Mauna Kea. The justices heard arguments on the question of whether, in this case, it is the government that must prove its rules are reasonable and do not unduly limit the rights conferred by the state Constitution, or whether the burden is on the challenger to prove the opposite. Star-Advertiser.

Police Commission holding special meeting to discuss police chief vacancy. The Hawai‘i County Police Commission has scheduled a special meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday to continue discussing the applicants for police chief. The meeting will be held online via Zoom. Big Island Now.

Gun carry permits granted; police raise concerns over training. With 19 licenses to carry a concealed firearm issued and another 58 pending approval in Hawaii County, some Hawaii Island police officers are concerned they haven’t received proper training on encountering permit holders. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Bill aims to provide tool to revitalize downtown Hilo. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee, Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung introduced Bill 230, a recreation of a bill he introduced in 2020 that would have allowed member businesses in a downtown Hilo Business Improvement District to finance upgrades to the area’s infrastructure and other services. Tribune-Herald.

Council members urge state to help solve traffic and road woes. The Hawaii County Council is urging the Legislature to take steps to improve ailing roadway infrastructure on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui resort agrees to reduce bright lights to protect Hawaii seabird. The Grand Wailea resort on Maui has reached an agreement with several conservation groups to reduce its bright lights to protect endangered Hawaiian petrels, resolving a lawsuit filed earlier this year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

In contentious race for Maui mayor, water is a key issue — with few solutions. The general election is one week away and the candidates for Maui County mayor are vowing to improve the island’s water system. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County employees entitled to temporary hazard pay for working during pandemic. Employees who worked during Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation period from March 4, 2020, to March 25, 2022, can get up to 25% of their base salary. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui venison could soon stock local grocery stores. Efforts to manage the axis deer population in Maui County are working, and their plans to use the meat to feed the community and create economic opportunities are moving in the right direction. KHON2.

Kauai

Army trains at Barking Sands. The window of opportunity was small, but the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana, or Barking Sands, figured prominently Tuesday during the Kaua‘i segment of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center large-scale training exercise, referred to as JPMRC 23-01. Garden Island.

They’re ‘holding space’ at a popular Kauai beach to protest commercialization on the sand. On Kauai, there are growing concerns that residents are getting pushed out of a popular surfing and beach spot. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i jobless rate falls to 4 percent. Employers ramped up hiring in the final days of summer and into early fall on Kaua‘i, in turn helping send the unemployment rate for September to its lowest level in three years. Garden Island.

Blessing commemorates completion of Waimea rockfall mitigation project. The Department of Public Works held a blessing on Tuesday to commemorate the completion of the $1.6-million Waimea Rockfall Mitigation Project. Kauai Now.

Hawaii officials evaluate Omicron risk, Meadow Gold sued over marketing, Maui firm's no-locals hiring policy draws outcry, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hanauma Bay to require online payments for nonresidents. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Wednesday will begin requiring non-Hawaii residents, ages 13 and up, to confirm their reservations with an online fee. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Private Schools May Miss Out On Federal Covid Relief Funds. Gov. David Ige’s office increased the percentage of low-income students private schools must serve before they can participate in the program. Civil Beat.

Suit claims Meadow Gold is falsely marketing its mainland milk as a local product. A Hawaii food supplier has filed a federal lawsuit against Meadow Gold and its partner dairies, saying they are falsely marketing their mainland milk as a local product. Chad Buck, the head of the Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, says Meadow Gold’s milk is imported to Hawaii from California. Hawaii News Now.

Omicron variant a concern but no reason to ‘overreact’. Officials in Hawaii said there are no plans to tighten restrictions. They stress the Omicron variant hasn’t been detected in the islands. They also say while the mutation is a concern, Hawaii has a vaccination rate and low infection and hospitalization rates. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 3 new coronavirus-related deaths, 169 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 107 new cases on Oahu, 22 on Hawaii island, 10 on Maui, 10 on Kauai and 20 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu

Can The Hawaii Reapportionment Commission Solve This Political ‘Jigsaw Puzzle’? Residents have drafted proposed reapportionment plans ahead of a public comment period set to start Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Ambulance charges may increase on Oahu as city seeks to close budget gap. Top officials with the Honolulu Emergency Services Department say they are looking at more aggressive debt collection, charging for more services, such as treating people at the scene even if they aren’t transported in an ambulance, and potentially raising fees. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Vacation Rental Crackdown May Hurt The North Shore Surfing Scene. Critics say the Blangiardi administration’s effort to control illegal rentals could cost legal short-term operators a bundle in higher taxes and fees. Civil Beat.

New $377 million car rental facility at Honolulu airport opens Wednesday. A $377 million Honolulu Consolidated Rental Car Facility officially opens for business Wednesday to mark the completion of all major Honolulu projects in a $2.6 billion statewide airport modern­ization plan. Star-Advertiser.

New HART Report Floats Some Cheerier Budget Possibilities. Report by a committee of HART board members claims there may be hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue or cost savings to be had. Civil Beat.

Major Stephen Gerona denies violating Honolulu Police Department policies. An HPD major accused of intimidating and harassing subordinates says his accusers have weaponized HPD’s internal complaint process to avoid taking responsibility for casework because he flagged overtime abuse and standard of conduct violations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s first tiny home project for the homeless ready for residents. The final touches are being applied to Hawaii’s first “kauhale” of 100-square-foot homes in Kalaeloa, providing permanent housing for some of Hawaii’s chronically homeless and most-troubled people living on the street and in shelters. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Hawaii Journalist Bob Jones Dead At 85. His extensive career included work as a print reporter, foreign correspondent, TV anchor and columnist. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth: New rules to take ‘a measured approach’. As Mayor Mitch Roth prepares to take over as primary emergency rule maker for Hawaii County from Gov. David Ige, he and his rules committee are “trying to take a measured approach.” Tribune-Herald.

Monday meetings to showcase political maps. New political boundaries for federal, state and county elective offices are almost complete, and today, Hawaii County residents have an opportunity to weigh in on all of them. West Hawaii Today.

New EA planned for sewer project. The county is set to prepare another environmental assessment and work closely with the community before constructing a wastewater system to replace gang cesspools in Naalehu and Pahala, Environmental Management Director Ramzi Mansour said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Recent studies show heavy vog can affect levels of rainfall. A study this year compared rainfall and sulfur dioxide emissions from Kīlauea from 1979 to 2017. This research shows what has been observed anecdotally for years is true — days with heavy vog have less rainfall around Kīlauea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Job Posting Seeking Mainlanders Over Locals Prompts Twitter Outcry. Where you’re born and raised isn’t a protected class in Hawaii’s fair employment law, but some say it’s unfair for employers to prefer mainland applicants. Civil Beat.

Senator DeCoite Releases Resources for Maui Residents Dealing with Deer Impacts. In collaboration with State and County agencies, Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) is working to provide the public with information and resources on who to contact regarding axis deer issues. Maui Now. KITV4.

Kauai

County’s insurance premiums rising. There are only three insurance carriers willing to underwrite the county, and costs are rising. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County ePlan down from Dec. 8 to Dec. 12. From midnight Dec. 8 until midnight Dec. 12, the county’s Building Permit Electronic Plan Review System (ePlan) will be down for maintenance, according to the county Department of Public Works Building Division. Garden Island.

Teen suspect killed by Honolulu police had guns, Gluck faces Senate grilling as appellate judge nominee, tensions between vaccinated and unvaccinated as cases rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hanauma Bay ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii residents won’t need reservations to enter Hanauma Bay during new pilot program. The pilot program will start Wednesday and run through Aug. 8, the Honolulu Department of Parks announced today, as the city tries to accommodate residents while maintaining the preserve’s environment, which recovered during the COVID-19 outbreak while closed to the public. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Ige says he’s not ready to institute vaccine mandate for state workers. Gov. David Ige told Hawaii News Now on Tuesday that the state can legally require COVID-19 shots for state workers. But he wants to wait until the FDA gives its full approval to the vaccinations. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Nominee Daniel Gluck, for appeals court faces criticism, praise, questions of inequity. Daniel Gluck’s nomination to the state Intermediate Court of Appeals is scheduled to be voted on today before the Senate Judiciary Committee following more than four hours of disparate testimony Tuesday on Gluck’s relative lack of court experience, his status as a mainland-born transplant and the lack of diversity on Hawaii’s high courts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Micronesian President Discusses Military Issues During Hawaii Visit. The trip to Oahu came as the U.S. seeks to solidify relations with Pacific Island nations amid tensions with China. Civil Beat.

State's plan to enforce evictions unclear. There's an estimated 10,000 people who may be significantly behind in rent when the moratorium ends on Aug. 6. KITV4.

Vacation rentals bounce back to higher occupancy numbers than pre-pandemic levels. Vacation rental occupancy statewide was even better in June than it was during the same month in 2019, a record-setting year before the pandemic shut down the industry in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Concert Promoter Got More COVID Aid Than Carnegie Hall. Jonny Mack and his companies received more money through a federal grant program for shuttered venues than anyone else in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Group calls for distance learning option for all public school students. As COVID-19 cases surge across the state, a group of parents wants the state to offer distance learning options to all public school students. KITV4.

Tally of COVID patients in Hawaii hospitals surpasses 100. The state Department of Health reported 103 COVID- 19 patients in Hawaii hospitals Tuesday, up from 90 on Monday. Of the 103 patients, 20 were in intensive care units, and 11 were on ventilators. Star-Advertiser.

As cases rise, new tensions surface between vaccinated and those who won’t get shot. With the recent surge in COVID infections, frustration is mounting over vaccine holdouts. And some say it’s time to get tough with them. Hawaii News Now.

July 27, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 162 Cases. he confirmed cases included: 106 on O‘ahu; 25 on Hawai‘i Island (+2 probable); 10 on Maui (+1 probable); four on Kaua‘i; and 15 in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department officers describe threat prior to fatal shooting of teen. In the days before his fatal confrontation with police, 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap and the people with him in a stolen white Honda Civic allegedly snatched a purse in Waikiki and committed an armed robbery before brandishing guns during a home invasion minutes before police fired at the youth, according to testimony Tuesday in District Court in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

CDC team coming to Oahu to investigate coronavirus surge in Leeward Oahu. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, within the last two weeks, Waianae saw 129 COVID-19 cases, the highest of any area on Oahu. Now, the only health care facility that directly serves the Leeward Coast is feeling the impact. KHON2.

Train door malfunction idles Honolulu rail fleet. The 20-mile, 21-station rail project is scheduled to run from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center, Hawaii’s largest transit hub, but faces a $3 billion shortfall. The project is currently budgeted at $12.499 billion and is not scheduled for completion until March 2031. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

40 Big Island inmates flown to Oahu on Hawaii Army Guard helicopters. Overcrowding at Hawaii Community Correctional Center — and the need to transport 40 felons from the Hilo jail and Kulani Correctional Facility to the Halawa Correctional Facility on Oahu — prompted the state Department of Public Safety to seek Hawaii Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter transport Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Water well contract delays continue to plague department. Big Island water well installation and repair projects are moving forward more slowly, as everything from cement shortages to site access to permit issues snarls progress. West Hawaii Today.

Vaccine demand rises: Providers see uptick amid Delta variant, approach of school year. As COVID-19 cases climb, so has interest in vaccinations. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Hotel to close after 95-year history. After almost a century of business, the Inaba family on Monday announced the sale of the historic Kona Hotel. The sale closed Monday, July 26. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Fitch Global Ratings for Maui County Improved from Negative to Stable. Fitch Global Ratings, Moody’s Investor Service and S&P Global Ratings assigned ratings of AA+ (stable outlook), Aa1 (stable outlook) and AA+ (stable outlook), respectively, to Maui County’s General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced today.  Maui Now.

Bill could change zoning authority for Wailuku town. Controversy centers on plans for six-story hotel; some say bill needs more vetting. Pushback over plans for a six-story hotel in downtown Wailuku is sparking council consideration over who will have authority to decide height variances, zoning and other rules for about 68 acres at the city’s core. Maui News.

Maui Memorial Medical Center might deny all visitors if COVID-cases, hospitalizations continue to rise. This comes a day after the hospital imposed a new policy requiring visitors to be fully vaccinated. KITV4.

Department of Public Safety confirms three workers at Maui Community Correctional Center tested positive for coronavirus. The Department of Public Safety reports that three workers tested positive for COVID-19 at Maui Community Correctional Center. KHON2.

Kauai

Farmers tackle new threat to island coffee trees. The most-destructive disease known to the coffee plant has arrived on Kaua‘i, putting local growers on high alert. Garden Island.

Mobile testing, vaccination vans deployed. The County of Kaua‘i and state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office are sending out mobile-testing and vaccination vans this week, starting today. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Ige rethinking COVID restrictions again, parents don't want to send their children back to school, Honolulu councilman's blackface video surfaces, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay, pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

The Race Is On To Book A Reservation At Hanauma Bay. As county parks implement online reservation websites, Hawaii is talking about creating a statewide system. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume Tahiti Service as State Opens Pre-Travel Testing to French Polynesia. Starting June 21, travelers from French Polynesia may bypass the state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine if they present a negative COVID-19 test from an approved testing partner. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Governor says he may lift all COVID restrictions earlier than planned. After defending his push to get to a 70% vaccination rate before lifting all COVID restrictions, Gov. David Ige suggested Thursday he may be changing his mind on the matter. Hawaii News Now.

Frustration Grows Among Hawaii Parents Who Aren’t Ready To Send Their Kids Back To Class. The DOE has mandated that all schools be fully open in the fall, but many families want their kids to still attend classes remotely. Civil Beat.

SNAP, FAP recipients have renewal requirements again. In keeping with federal requirements, the state Department of Human Services Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division announced last week that, beginning July 1, the department will resume processing benefit renewals for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) and Financial Assistance Programs. Garden Island.

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council considers steps to protect endangered shark. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, or Wespac, is scheduled this week to decide on potential rule changes that would prohibit the use of wire leaders in Hawaii’s largest fishery and replace them with monofilament nylon leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 2 new coronavirus-related deaths, 69 additional cases. Sunday’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 44 new cases on Oahu, 10 on Maui, 13 on Hawaii Island and two on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

DOJ Issues Target Letter To Former Honolulu Managing Director Amid Ongoing Corruption Probe. Roy Amemiya, who served as city managing director under former Mayor Kirk Caldwell, was already on notice when he received a subject letter last year. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilman’s Old Blackface Video Is Raising Concerns. A 15-year-old comedy skit featuring Augie Tulba in blackface was recently posted on the politician’s Instagram page. Civil Beat.

Power Struggle: A Major Source Of Air Pollution On Oahu Is Also Keeping The Lights On. A new proposal to keep the electric plant operating is drawing strong opposition from clean-energy advocates. Civil Beat.

Homeless in shelters fewest in 10 years. The 2021 Point-in-Time Count of people living in Oahu homeless shelters showed a significant decrease compared with previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic limiting the amount of available shelter space, to account for social distancing. Star-Advertiser.

Crime falls during pandemic but Honolulu police, officials expect a surge as restrictions continue to ease. Crime in the time of COVID-19 decreased in nearly every category last year, but police, prosecutors and other officials worry about the use of weapons and a possible surge in crime as visitor numbers increase and COVID-19 restrictions ease. Star-Advertiser.

New ideas sought on how to revitalize Chinatown and Aala Park. A new approach is underway to crack down on crime in and around Chinatown and Aala Park — and then pump new and positive life into the area — beginning with a new way to document community ideas and then measure any results. Star-Advertiser.

UH Mānoa Closer to Redeveloping Atherton Building for Multi-Use Housing and Innovation Center. A plan to expand the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus by constructing a mixed-use student housing and innovation center at the intersection of University Avenue and Metcalf Street has moved forward. Hawaii Public Radio.

91 homes planned to be built on farmland in Kahuku. A local contractor has revived a more than decade-old effort to expand rural housing in Kahuku on agricultural land behind the community’s main residential subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools envisions phased redevelopment of Kapalama. Kamehameha Schools has set its sights on what can be seen as first steps to make 104 acres of largely contiguous Kapalama real estate, today dominated by industrial uses, a bit more like Kakaako, with high-rise housing and new retail mixed with light industrial business operations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sportscaster Robert Kekaula dies at 56, family confirms. Robert Kekaula, whose outsized personality and generosity made him one of Hawaii’s most recognizable personalities, died Saturday morning. He was 56. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Growing Big Island’s ag industry: Ways and Means Committee chairman pushes leaders to create opportunities. Hawaii lawmakers want to grow and commercialize the Big Island’s agricultural industry to boost the economy, but more and better coordination among private, public and education sectors will be necessary to do so. Tribune-Herald.

Leeward Planning Commission at a crossroads: County Council scrutinizes Roth’s nominees. The spotlight has been on the membership of the Leeward Planning Commission lately, not because of actions they’ve taken, but because of who they are. West Hawaii Today.

KukuiOla homeless village yet to bring construction. A homeless village first discussed in 2017 and expected to be completed in May has yet to begin construction. West Hawaii Today.

New fire chief responds to fatal police shooting on his street. Hawaii Fire Department Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to two fatal police-involved shootings in Hilo within a week — one June 13 in Wainaku and the second Friday at a vacant Kilauea Avenue home on Hilo’s southern outskirts. Tribune-Herald.

Room to heal: New building for cancer center, second cath lab among HHSC improvement projects. The expansion is just one of several capital improvement projects underway in the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Region, which includes HMC. Tribune-Herald.

Out of control: sudden shift in leadership raises concern within Hawaii Rainbow Rangers. Weeks after transitioning into full services for Hawaii County’s animal control contract, abrupt changes have been made in leadership for the Hawaii Rainbow Rangers. West Hawaii Today.

Large earthquake could set off Mauna Loa Volcano, researchers say. Researchers at the University of Miami in Florida have published a paper that says Mauna Loa could be nearing its next eruption and that a magnitude-6 earthquake or greater could set it off. Star--Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Mayor Signs FY 2022 Budget Bill. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino signed the Fiscal 2022 Budget Bill on Friday, but raised questions about the document that was passed by the Maui County Council. He also returned, unsigned, a bill for pay raises in the Office of Council Services. Maui Now. Maui News.

Moratorium on visitor lodging advances. A hotly debated bill that would pause visitor accommodation development in West and South Maui in order to conduct studies on visitor impacts and updates to community plans passed first reading before the Maui County Council on Friday. Maui News.

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Helps 250+ Maui Households. More than 250 households are receiving help from Maui County’s Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program. Residents have received more than $675,000 to make overdue rent and utility payments. Maui Now.

Kauai

County sets aside $2.5M for housing. The money comes from the county’s cut of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and will pair with about $1.8 million in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Garden Island.

Waimea 400 parcel discussion continues. The County of Kaua‘i Planning Department hosted its second Waimea 400 Master Plan conceptual alternatives community meeting virtually Thursday. Garden Island.

Higher taxes on horizon, court halts aquarium industry, proms canceled, surgeon general seeks charges dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

School of fish in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige ponders higher fuel and wealth taxes. Linda Chu Takayama, chief of staff for Gov. David Ige, informed the House Finance Committee on Tuesday that these two types of taxes are possibilities to increase state revenue and partly offset a decline driven by coronavirus pandemic impacts. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker expects National Guard to help with security in Honolulu for Joe Biden inauguration. State House Speaker Scott Saiki expects the Hawaii National Guard to be called up — and says they should be armed — to help law enforcement deter any violent Donald Trump protesters in Honolulu leading up to Joe Biden’s inauguration next week. Star-Advertiser.

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Court Ruling Halts All Existing Hawaii Commercial Aquarium Fishing Licenses. The latest order compels state officials to cancel all existing commercial aquarium licenses because they lack the proper reviews, environmental advocates say. Civil Beat.

Court: Illegal aquarium-fish collection must stop now. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources improperly sidestepped a court order invalidating commercial marine licenses used for aquarium-fish collection, the state’s environmental court ruled Tuesday. Garden Island.

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Hawaii businesses could see their unemployment insurance triple if leaders don’t rewrite a certain state law. The state owes the federal government approximately $700 million after it took out a loan to shore-up unemployment funds last year. Under current state law, businesses have to pay off the loan. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Vector Control Branch Faces Budget Cuts (Again). The job losses could have serious effects on public health if another disease outbreak occurs. Civil Beat.

Newly Created Caucus Within State Legislature to Address Progressive Ideals. The Progressive Caucus, made up of 16 State representatives and senators, will be pushing an agenda that works to develop and empower public leaders to improve the economic and social conditions in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Now.

Judge to hear motion to dismiss charge against surgeon general. A judge is set to address a motion requesting to dismiss a charge against U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, whom police cited in late August for allegedly violating an emergency order at an Oahu park. Star-Advertiser.

Isle vaccine rollout lagging. State officials are pointing fingers at one another over concerns of a lagging rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii and a lack of coordination in ramping up large-scale immunization clinics to keep the disease under control. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Outlines Member Vaccination Rollout Procedure. Kaiser Permanente today sent information to its members on how it plans to roll out vaccinations on different islands this week, and procedures in place for scheduling appointments. Maui Now.

The DOE Plans To Use Private Tutors To Help Struggling Students Catch Up. Hawaii’s Department of Education requested private tutoring proposals in October to address “unprecedented issues related to student learning” due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

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DOE cancels all proms, large gatherings for remainder of the school year. The DOE says it will announce plans for limited in-person commencement ceremonies by the end of February. Schools are already being encouraged to think of alternative ceremony formats, including drive-by and online festivities. Hawaii News Now.

DOE cancels all large school events, causes more hurdles for businesses. The Department of Education  officially canceled all large school functions for the rest of the school year. KHON2.

Public school proms canceled...again! The Department of Education cancels large in-person social school gatherings through June 1st. KITV4.

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How Single Mothers In Hawaii Are Weathering The Pandemic. Single mothers in Hawaii are coping with virtual learning coupled with expensive child care and a lack of remote jobs. Civil Beat.

No ‘twindemic’ as cases of flu remain scarce. Fears of a “twindemic” — an annual flu season combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — have not been realized. Tribune-Herald.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 12: 114 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Tuesday, including 83 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, four on the Big Island and six state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Alm says his top priority is restoring public’s trust in city Prosecutor’s Office. City Prosecutor Steve Alm said his top priority during his first 100 days in office will be to restore trust in his office. Alm takes over at the Prosecutor’s Office in the wake of years-long corruption scandals. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha files top of Honolulu Prosecutor's to-do list. New Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm says restoring trust in his department is at the top of his 100-day plan. KITV4.

HPD to discuss $100,000 purchase of robot with Honolulu City Council. The first Honolulu City Council meeting of the year will include a discussion on recent purchases made by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), which includes a robotic dog with a six-figure price tag. KHON2.

TheBus, Handi-van drivers call for hazard pay, but OTS says it’s a long shot. So far, Oahu Transportation Services says 42 staff members, including 25 drivers, have contracted COVID — although most are said to be from exposures outside of work. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit alleges businesses are victims of a massive city sewer fee ‘ripoff’. The city would not comment directly on the lawsuit but said that in general sewer fees for businesses are not based on current usage but on usage between 2010 and 2012. Hawaii News Now.

City allows walk-in entry to Hanauma Bay again. After implementing a no walk-in policy over the weekend, the city says it will allow walk-ins again starting Wednesday, Jan. 13. KHON2.

Reversing course, city will once again allow walk-in entry at Hanauma Bay. The city is changing their mind on new rules at Hanauma Bay. They previously announced walk-up entry to the bay wouldn’t be allowed, but that is changing starting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

City crews to repair a Waikiki rock wall, promenade impacted by erosion. Crews are fixing a damaged concrete wall near Queen’s Surf Beach, where king tides took out a lifeguard tower last summer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Youth Challenge Academy To Close. Major General Kenneth Hara made the announcement Tuesday, as he presented the Hawaiʻi Department of Defense budget during a joint State Senate Committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

Cut red tape, but safety first: New Environmental Management director balks at Alii Drive sewer plan. Hawaii County residents who have expressed concern that Mayor Mitch Roth would push a pro-development agenda when he took office may have been reassured last week when his Environmental Management director — who still awaits council confirmation — delayed what seemed a formality accepting a sewer line because he thinks it could be a public health hazard. West Hawaii Today.

Local Algae May Prove Key to Slashing Livestock Methane Emissions. A tiny lab situated on the Kona Coast could hold the key to naturally reducing massive methane emissions from livestock around the world. Big Island Now.

Maui

As COVID-19 Cases Surge on Maui, County Leaders Balance Public Health vs. Devastated Economy. As COVID-19 surges on Maui, with an average of 30 new cases per day over the past two weeks, County leadership has experienced an even tougher balancing act between protecting public health and not doing more harm to an already devastated economy. Maui Now.

Mayor Victorino asks to limit capacity at big box stores. Due to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino submitted another proposed emergency rule to Governor David Ige Tuesday. KITV4.

Hundreds turn out for vaccine drive. State Department of Health officials were “swamped” at their COVID-19 vaccination site Monday in Kahului, with about 400 more patients than expected due to confusion over the online reservation system. Maui News.

Single-family home prices just shy of record. Median price hits $865,000 in December. Maui County single-family home prices in December came just shy of the all-time record set in October as demand stayed strong despite a surge in COVID-19 cases and a typically slow month, according to the latest report from the Realtors Association of Maui.  Maui News.

Kauai

Less than 4% of CARES funds remaining. The County of Kaua‘i has expended 96.1% of its COVID-19-relief funds, and still has some more time to exhaust the more than $28 million allotted by the state. Garden Island.

Planning Commission moves forward on Ag land use bill. A bill to amend the county’s zoning ordinances related to commercial uses on agriculturally zoned land has moved through the Planning Commission and is headed back to the County Council. Garden Island.

COVID-19 vaccines for kupuna start Friday. Kupuna, or the elderly ages 75 years and older, need an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations that start Friday at Wilcox Medical Center, states an announcement from Hawai‘i Pacific Health. Garden Island.

Committee confirms KIUC board candidates. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s Nominating Committee has confirmed three candidates for its 2021 Board of Directors election on March 13. Garden Island.

Hanauma Bay reopens, schools face deep budget cuts, Health Department to scale back contact tracing, Maui dogs sniff out COVID-19, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay snorkeling spot ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hanauma Bay Is Reopening — But Capacity Will Be Limited. The county nature park is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions, but fewer visitors will be allowed in, face masks will be mandatory and nonresidents will pay more in fees. Civil Beat.

Hanauma Bay Reopening Today Under City Guidelines. Prior to the shutdown, as many as 3,000 residents and tourists entered the marine sanctuary daily. Hawaii Public Radio.

City reopens Hanauma Bay with new restrictions and higher fees. The city reopened Hanauma Bay on Wednesday, but announced new restrictions aimed at ensuring the environmental gains the preserve made while it was shut down aren’t lost when residents and visitors return. Hawaii News Now.

Hanauma Bay reopens to the public, new measures aim to protect nature preserve. Hanauma Bay, which has been closed since March, reopened to the public on Wednesday for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Visitors welcomed back to Hanauma Bay with new fees and restrictions.  A new limit of 720 daily visitors has been set for the reopening in a pilot program seeking to balance conservation with recreation, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the preserve. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii plans to shrink contact-tracing team next year. While health experts are predicting a third wave of infections fueled by the holidays, Hawaii’s contact tracers that track COVID-19-positive residents are set to be reduced after the new year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOH Plans Cuts In Contact Tracing Team Despite Continued COVID-19 Worries. Even as more cases are anticipated, Hawaii is “doing pretty well” a state health official said. Civil Beat.

State's contact tracing team has reached out to more than 66% of individuals who may have come in contact with an infected person. The state's COVID-19 contact tracing team has reached out to more than 66% of all people who may have come in contact with an infected person. KITV4.

Lack of interest in quarantine may be a barrier in contact tracing efforts. The State Department of Health (DOH) has released more results of its contact tracing efforts, including the percentage of cases being reached. KHON2.

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State Education Board Holding Two Virtual Meetings Dec. 3 on Proposed Budget Cuts. The Hawaii State Board of Education will hold two meetings Thursday, Dec. 3, to vote on the proposed Department of Education budget for the 2021-23 fiscal biennium. Due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the proposed budget includes a 10-percent cut for public school operations and positions and consideration of a 9-percent cut to special education. Maui Now.

School Funds, Special Education Programs Face Cuts In DOE Budget Proposal. Hawaii State Teachers Association warns that proposed cuts could mean a loss of 1,000 teacher positions. Civil Beat.

HSTA says DOE budget cuts could result in loss of 1,000 teachers. The Hawaii State Teachers Association this morning expressed grave concerns about proposed budget cuts that would result in the loss of 1,000 teachers, including special education teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed state education budget cuts concern HSTA. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is taking aim at budget reductions proposed by the state Department of Education the union says will undoubtedly affect Hawaii’s students. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi DOE Proposes Budget Cuts, HSTA Responds. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association says the proposed, deep budget cuts will have "damaging impacts" on schools. Big Island Video News.

HIDOE Proposed Budget Cuts Could Impact Student Programs, Special Education, HSTA Says. The Hawai‘i Student Teacher Association fears the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s proposed cuts could result in lost jobs and student programs. Big Island Now. Big Island Now.

Budget crisis won’t spare schools and that has educators worried about the future. With the pandemic squeezing state budgets, public schools are facing as much as $264 million in budget cuts over the next two years. And that’s got the teachers union asking which programs could be slashed. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers union says budget cuts could eliminate jobs and school programs. The Department of Education (DOE) is faced with making more than 200 million in budget cuts thanks to COVID-19. The teacher’s union knows cuts are needed but said they come at the expense of students and teachers. KHON2.

Teachers Union President: Education Budget Cuts Could Cost 1,000 Jobs. Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee said Wednesday that 1,000 teaching positions could be lost if the Department of Education's budget cuts are not reworked. KITV4.

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Subsea connectivity in Pacific, Hawaii expanded. Hawaiki Submarine Cable LP said Wednesday it has signed an agreement with Hawaiian Telcom to secure significant international capacity on the Southeast Asia-United States trans-Pacific fiber cable system from Guam to Los Angeles. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 2: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 78 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 63 on Oahu, one on the Big Island, one on Kauai, four on Maui. Nine residents were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police Commissioner: People Want Answers On HPD’s Low Crime-Solving Rate. Chief Susan Ballard says the FBI data on HPD’s clearance rates is wrong, but her department shared data with a city councilman that reveals similarly troubling numbers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Department switching to new data-reporting system. The Honolulu Police Department will switch to a new, data-rich system for reporting crimes at the start of the new year. Star-Advertiser.

HPD investigation into COVID-19 overtime violations will take months, chief says. It will be months before the Honolulu Police Department can publicly report on the apparent overtime violations within the department’s COVID enforcement teams, according to HPD Chief Susan Ballard. Star-Advertiser.

Some residents have problems with a proposed 30-story tower at Ala Moana Center. The 400-foot Ala Moana Plaza would feature 583 rental units with 20% set aside as affordable. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Monsanto: Roundup did not cause cancer in Big Island men. The men, who range in age from 60 to 77, claim exposure to glyphosate — a herbicide marketed by Monsanto as Roundup — and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, manufactured and marketed by Monsanto in the U.S. until banned in 1979, caused their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tribune-Herald.

Virtual Meeting On Helicopter Noise Set For Dec. 3. The Hawaii Air Noise and Safety Task Force will hold a virtual meeting about the Hilo and Kona regions on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Funding For Airport COVID Testing in Jeopardy; Mayor-Elect Details Possible Changes. A new mayor will take the helm in Hawai‘i County on Monday. Likely accompanying his arrival will be substantial changes to COVID testing policies at Big Island airports, though those adjustments will be more a result of timing than political philosophy. Big Island Now.

You haven’t heard the last of Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim. While Kim’s time in office is coming to an end, the 81-year-old says he’s not preparing to retire. Instead, he’s preparing for his next act. Hawaii News Now.

Group seeks transparency from DOH after virus outbreak at Hilo veterans home. A Hawaii seniors advocacy group has called on the state Department of Health to release more information about nursing home inspections after a coronavirus outbreak at a veterans home caused at least 27 deaths earlier this year. Hawaii News Now.

Life Care Center of Kona employee tests positive for COVID-19. A Life Care Center of Kona employee remains in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. The staff member last worked at the Keauhou care facility on Nov. 11 and remained in isolation, according to the early Tuesday update posted to the center’s website. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

How Maui Dogs Are Learning How To Sniff Out Coronavirus Infections. Perspiration samples from Hawaii residents recently diagnosed with COVID-19 are key to a study of whether dogs can sniff out the virus. Civil Beat.

Meetings Seek Feedback on Maui’s 5,000-Unit Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. Maui nonprofits, Hawaiian Community Assets hosts a series of community meetings from December 2020 through February 2021 to gather feedback from local residents on the development the County’s 5,000-unit Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. Maui Now.

DLNR: Kahakapao Recreation Area on Maui is a “Hot-Spot” for Illegal Trails. A series of legal, planned, and engineered trails at Kahakapao Recreational Area on Maui provide thrills and fun for mountain bikers, as well as for hiking and horseback riding. But illegal trails have become a concern with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources identifying 21 such paths crossing the popular Pineapple Express mountain bike trail alone. Maui Now.

Citizens’ Patrol back on road after COVID delays. Program credited with deterring car break-ins at popular beach parks. Maui News.

Maui home prices reach new highs. Median for single-family units hits $867,500 in October. Maui News.

Kauai

CDC tipped Kauai police about COVID-positive fliers arrested after landing. A tip from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led to the arrest of a Kauai couple on Nov. 29 when they landed on the Garden Isle after boarding a plane in San Francisco knowing they were COVID positive. They had been told by airport quarantine station officials to stay in San Francisco. KHON2.

Protesting COVID restrictions. About 25 people protested the state’s mask mandate and the county’s temporary Safe Travels shutdown yesterday afternoon. Garden Island.

Businesses struggle to stay open. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort &Spa will be closing temporarily on Dec. 7 in a move to further protect its staff. Garden Island.

Hawaii most restrictive state in COVID-19 era, hotel industry pushes Ige for reopening, statewide prison testing to begin, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hanauma Bay is recovering. Some want to limit crowds in the long run to further protect it. Users of Hanauma Bay are pushing for an online reservation system to reduce the number of visitors and protect the bay’s ecosystem. Hawaii News Now.

New study ranks Hawaii as state with most COVID-19 restrictions. A new study by finance website WalletHub ranks Hawaii as the state with the most COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Most states have mask requirements but the analyst involved in the study points out that the tough rules on gatherings, beaches, and trails puts Hawaii "over the top." KITV4.

Hotel industry pushes Gov. Ige to relaunch trans-Pacific travel no later than mid-October. In a letter to Gov. Ige, the HLTA, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation said that if the state can’t lift the 14-day quarantine for transpacific travel on Oct. 1, it favors reopening in stages, with mass travel resuming Oct. 15. Hawaii News Now.

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Ige Signs Domestic Violence Bills, Vetoes 5 Others. The governor also signed several measures put forward by the women’s legislative caucus. A bill that supporters hope could speed domestic violence cases through the court system is among 66 others that are set to become law. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige releases final veto list. Governor Ige has notified House and Senate leaders of his final veto list, which includes five of the six measures that were on the Intent to Veto list submitted to lawmakers on Aug. 31. KITV4.

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Mass COVID Testing to Take Place at Jails, Prisons Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety Health Care Division is working with the Hawai‘i Department of Health to conduct mass testing for COVID-19 at all correctional facilities statewide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor develops COVID-19 symptoms but is still working. Lt. Gov. Josh Green has developed symptoms of the new coronavirus but is continuing to lead the state’s response to stop the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov Josh Green feeling a little bit more worn out due to coronavirus. He says he’s feeling a little worse than on Monday. KHON2.

Hawaii has lost half of its recovery since June, analyst says. As restrictive measures were eased, a gradual recovery to Hawaii’s economy began in May, and by late June through the middle of July, the state had regained about 35% of economic activity that had been lost since the April low point, according to UHERO’s gauge. However, in the wake of spiking COVID-19 cases that triggered a second round of business restrictions and a partial interisland travel quarantine, economic activity has backslid to where the recovery as of Sept. 5 was only 19% of what was lost since the April low, UHERO’s latest pulse readout said. Star-Advertiser.

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Health Department Has New Contact Tracing Plan, But Will It Be Enough? The state Department of Health has redesigned its contact tracing program with a new leader to adapt to the surge in COVID-19 cases. It's too soon to tell if the changes will be enough to contain the virus but the program will be closely watched. Hawaii Public Radio.

Is DOH Epidemiologist Jennifer Smith Legally Protected As A Whistleblower? Putting a worker on paid leave soon after she blew the whistle can be enough to establish a case under Hawaii’s law. But legal elements can be hard to prove. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii State Hospital member tests positive for COVID-19. The Department of Health has reported a Hawaii State Hospital staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 15: 66 New Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. The health department is waiting for medical records to confirm 25 coronavirus-related deaths. Civil  Beat.

DOH Reports 66 New Cases, as Death Toll Hits 100. The statewide total of cases reported is now 10,844 since the pandemic began. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Managing Director explains ‘tier plan’ for reopening. As the Honolulu health crisis begins to come under control, city leaders are sparring over past mistakes and the plan for the future. Hawaii News Now.

Officials defend the emergency orders as frustration mounts over Oahu’s reopening plan. City Council members Tuesday called on Mayor Kirk Caldwell to reopen the economy more quickly and allow families to be together on beaches and in parks. Star-Advertiser.

65% of Hawaii restaurants expect to close in six months, HRA meets with Mayor Caldwell. The HRA chair met with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Tuesday evening. KHON2.

CARES-Funded Lab Hitting Delays In Delivering Coronavirus Tests. The University of Hawaii’s lab is a key part of the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s ‘People’s Open Markets’ to resume normal schedule this weekend. Oahu residents will once again have the option to shop at a popular open air market starting this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

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Keith Amemiya Endorsed By Four More Honolulu City Council Members. Five of the nine current council members are supporting Amemiya over former TV executive Rick Blangiardi. Civil Beat.

4 Honolulu City Council members endorse Keith Amemiya for mayor. Four Honolulu City Council members representing much of Central, Windward and East Oahu today endorsed Keith Amemiya for mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidate seeks campaign watchdog action on PAC allegations. Honolulu mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya says his campaign officials found allegedly illegal false name donations to a super-PAC called Aloha Aina Oia’i’o. KHON2.

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Navy Seeks Public Comments On New Submarine Dry Dock. All public outreach will be online due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

The Future of Local News Isn’t What it Used to Be. Some organizations have cut reporters while others have added staff. And everyone is looking for innovative ways to tell the news. Hawaii Business magazine.

University of Hawaii at Manoa mulls possible cuts in programs, degrees. The proposals include eliminating the Public Policy Center and the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and phasing out bachelor degrees in religion, journalism, dance and German along with some advanced degrees that attract few students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County pushes forward on COVID-19 spending: Finance Department outlines $21.8M in expenditures. After spending just $4.4 million of its $80 million federal coronavirus relief allotment from March through July, Hawaii County has stepped up its game and in August reported $21.8 million in expenditures. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses lawsuit over quarantines. A lawsuit by a Waikoloa couple alleging Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim overstepped and overextended their emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been dismissed. Tribune-Herald.

Jumping right into it: MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program opens in Kona. A new school in Kona opened its doors Tuesday to 17 students aspiring to become the latest medical professionals in a field that is facing critical shortages in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

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State investigating alleged illegal dumping in Ookala. Investigators are probing a report of illegal and unauthorized dumping of waste, including animal carcasses and military munitions, in Ookala, the state Department of Health confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Military grade items found at an illegal dump site on Hawaii Island. The dumpsite is located near Ookala on the island’s Hamakua Coast. Hawaii News Now.

Apparent Illegal Dumping Found Near O‘okala. Military munition storage and shipping containers were among items discovered at an apparent illegal dumping site on the Hāmākua Coast, near the town of O‘okala on Monday. Big Island Now.

Maui

Two Residents of Roselani Place Die, Awaiting Coroner’s Report on Cause of Death. Two residents of the Roselani Place assisted living community on Maui who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 have since died. Maui Now.

3 Maui County schools in top 5 enrollment statewide. Maui High, Maui Waena, Kihei Charter among biggest across the islands. There were more than 21,388 students enrolled in 33 public and charter schools in Maui County. Maui News.

New wastewater facility proposed at Pulehunui. Plans also call for expanding existing treatment plantValley Isle Pumping is seeking the green light for a $1.5 million project to construct a new wastewater pretreatment facility and improve an existing wastewater treatment plant, along with related upgrades, on private land in Pulehunui Industrial Park. Maui News.

Proposed Kā‘anapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement Project. The DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands hosts an informational meeting regarding a sand replenishment project at Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach. Maui Now.

Kauai

Governor approves ‘resort bubbles’ for quarantining visitors on Kauai. Kauai is the first island to take a step toward relaunching its tourism sector by giving visitors a little freedom during their 14-day quarantine in “resort bubbles.” Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige approves Kawakami’s ‘Resort Bubble’. Mayor Derek Kawakami has penned a new emergency rule which establishes an enhanced-movement quarantine, or “resort bubble” program. Garden Island.

Kauai gets OK to use resort bubbles for a limited reopening of tourism. Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami announced Tuesday that Gov. David Ige has signed Kauai’s Emergency Rule 16, which would permit visitors at participating resorts to leave their hotel rooms to utilize the resort’s property, including pools and on-site restaurants, during their mandatory quarantine period. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai County moves forward with ‘Resort Bubble’; what it could look like. Kauai county announced Tuesday that Gov. David Ige authorized Emergency Rule 16, which allows for the Enhanced Movement Quarantine, also known as the “Resort Bubble” program. KHON2.

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Mayor Kawakami signs bill to ban polystyrene. Mayor Derek Kawakami Tuesday signed Bill No. 2775 into law, restricting the use and sale of polystyrene foam food-service containers. Garden Island.