Showing posts with label Hawaii Democratic Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaii Democratic Party. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Government employees lose retiree benefits lawsuit, property tax surcharge for education bill revived, Hawaii Democrats announce presidential primary candidates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawai‘i AG prevails in class-action lawsuit involving state retiree health benefits. After nearly 18 years in court, the Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General has prevailed in a class-action lawsuit in which retired government employees sought to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in claims relating to retiree health benefits provided by the Hawai‘i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.  Big Island Now.

AG swamped with hundreds more cases after city prosecutor’s ‘unilateral’ decision. Honolulu City Prosecutor Steve Alm has ended the practice of prosecuting cases from state law enforcement agencies — a decision made late last year that’s resulted in about 600 additional cases for the state Attorney General’s Office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Democrats announce presidential primary candidates for March 6 ballot. President Joe Biden and four other candidates will be on the March 6 Democratic Party presidential primary election ballot, the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi announced. Maui Now.

Bipartisan Maui wildfire legislative package focuses on prevention and preparedness. After the last legislative session, House Speaker Scott Saiki created six working groups to evaluate topics related to the Maui wildfires. The bipartisan group issued a package of 10 bills and two resolutions that aim to prevent wildfires statewide and be more prepared. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment Would Let Hawaii Use Property Taxes To Fund Schools. A measure that would have Hawaii voters decide on whether residential investment property valued at $3 million or more should be subject to a surcharge in order to increase funding for local public education passed out of the state House Education Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

House Majority introduces bill package for 2024 Hawaiʻi Legislative Session.
The majority caucus of the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives has introduced nine bills aimed at addressing several critical issues throughout the state as part of its bill package for the 2024 Hawaiʻi Legislative Session. Big Island Now.

Working Families Legislative Caucus sponsors several bills aimed at boosting economic justice.
A group of 14 state lawmakers focused on helping Hawai’i’s working families is sponsoring several bills during the 2024 legislative session intended to boost financial security for the state’s vulnerable residents. Big Island Now.

Republican bill would let only current, former residents buy Hawaii homes.
Only current and former residents would be allowed to purchase homes under a House Republican bill designed to lower prices and make Hawaii housing more affordable across the state. Star-Advertiser.

State Health Department determines awa, also known as kava, to be safe.
The traditional elixir is known as awa in Hawaii and was brought to the islands by the early Polynesian settlers. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Officials say Hawaiʻi needs more plant quarantine inspectors. Officials who oversee the inspection of goods coming to Hawaiʻi say they can’t do it properly because of a staffing shortage. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Condemned Waikiki walk-up is eyed for affordable housing. Following nearly two years of condemnation proceedings, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration said in a news release Tuesday that the city finally assumed ownership of the derelict, 9,454-square-foot property at 1615 Ala Wai Blvd. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Rolling Power Outages On Hawaiʻi Island As Generators Trip Offline. 30-minute rolling power outages were initiated across the Island of Hawaiʻi on Tuesday, due to the unexpected loss of several large generators. Big Island Video News.

Bills introduced for dangerous dogs, involuntary manslaughter. Big Island lawmakers have introduced a pair of bills in the state House that would make the owners of a dangerous dog or dogs that fatally maul a person subject to felony charges. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Presentation on Permanent Disposal Site on agenda for Lahaina meeting, Jan. 31.
The community is encouraged to learn more about the status and process of selecting a Permanent Disposal Site for ash and debris from the Lahaina wildfire at the County of Maui Disaster Recovery Community Update meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Lahaina Civic Center. Maui Now.

Maui’s Martin gets new post as Public Affairs Director;
Abraham to lead Communications and Government Affairs. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen announced today that Mahina Martin, his Chief of Communications and Public Affairs, will take on a new role as Director of Public Affairs. He also appointed his legislative liaison and executive assistant, Laksmi Abraham, as Director of Communications and Government Affairs.  Maui Now.

FEMA Is Developing A ‘Last Resort’ Plan To House Maui Fire Survivors In Kaanapali. Hawaii Sen. Angus McKelvey said "dignified" modular housing should be installed in this area near Lahaina to keep the community together. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Bill To Speed Construction Of Ohana Houses On Maui Adopted.
The legislation will make it possible for homeowners to get paid to build accessory dwelling units on their properties. Civil Beat.

Grand Wailea spa shakes up amid court fight
. Counsel for spa workers who are part of an “upcoming mass layoff” of independent contractors at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf-­Astoria Resort, said workers had until this morning to decide whether they would sign an arbitration agreement to keep their jobs, which are converting into W-2 positions. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Businesses Are Supposed To Have Priority For Wildfire Cleanup Jobs. Do They? The mainland contractor overseeing the work doesn't have to reveal who is getting hired even though it's a taxpayer-funded job. Civil Beat.

2 month road closure between Alelele and Lelekea Bridge in East Maui due to erosion. Motorists are advised that the highway in the Kīpahulu area of southeast Maui is closed near Mile 39 from Alelele Bridge to Lelekea Bridge due to erosion damage to the road caused by recent heavy rains.  Maui Now.

Kauai


Kauai Residents Want Next County Budget To Address Housing, Disaster Preparedness, Environment. The public can weigh in on county spending priorities at six listening sessions scheduled islandwide through early March. Civil Beat. Kauai Now.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Hannemann named tourism chairman, Tam to lead state Democratic Party, developer with sketchy past seeks to rebuild Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hannemann appointed as HTA chair as agency prepares for tough legislative session. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, which ended last year’s contentious legislative session without a budget, is headed into this one with a controversial new HTA board chairperson — former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.  Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Rep. Adrian Tam picked to serve as Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi's interim chair. Rep. Adrian Tam has assumed the interim chair position of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, finishing Dennis Jung’s term after the party ousted him due to a lack of confidence following challenges in fundraising and filling party officer vacancies. Hawaii Public Radio.

Study: Low wages a threat to ‘heart and soul’ of society in Hawaii. A new study finds more than half of Hawaii’s households are living from paycheck to paycheck, one financial hardship away from poverty. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly 600 EBT cardholders in Hawaii victimized by fraud. Cybercriminals have accessed funds from nearly 600 Electronic Benefits Transfer cards in Hawaii, more than double the number recently reported, as food insecurity intensifies during the holidays. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric to start new customer power supply program. The utility company announced Wednesday that it has reached a customer participation limit for one such program on Oahu, and is starting a new one for customers on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Island.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Inmate In Arizona Prison Died With Meth In His System. Other prisoners were seen entering the cell of Richard Taylor Jr. before his body was found at the Saguaro Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

Oahu

‘Horrible situation’: Erosion along Oahu’s North Shore brings hefty fines and few easy solutions. A North Shore homeowner facing almost $1 million in fines for illegal erosion barriers has told the state that he had no idea the surf could take his house. Hawaii News Now.

‘Every last drop’ of fuel will be removed, Red Hill commander says.  Joint Task Force Red Hill began removing the fuel in October after more than a year of making repairs and upgrades to the World War II-era facility and the pipelines that connect it to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Since then just over 104 million gallons have been removed, which the military says is 99.9% of what is in the facility. Star-Advertiser.

US Senate approves $1.6B defense spending bill addressing Red Hill crisis. Millions of dollars are set aside to improve the water systems at Fort Shafter, Schofield Barracks, the Kaneohe Marine base, and Aliamanu and Helemano Military Reservations. Hawaii News Now.

Former Oahu corrections officer sentenced to 42 months for smuggling meth. 52-year-old Richard Ascencio has been sentenced to 42 months for possession and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Round 2 of the plan to protect the Ala Wai Canal area from flooding. The 2-mile-long canal is key to the vitality of neighborhoods around Waikīkī, which harbors much of the visitor industry.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Gun safety and tips to get concealed carry permits highlight unique town hall in Kapolei. Hawaii’s Minority Leader brought police and residents together to talk about self-defense.Amid a recent rash of violent crimes in West Oahu, State Lawmaker Diamond Garcia, who represents portions of Varona Village, ‘Ewa, and Kapolei, said residents have flooded his office with calls asking for information to apply for a license to carry. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Native Hawaiians, astronomers cherish Mauna Kea. Shane Palacat-Nelsen’s voice drops to a reverent tone as he tells the story of the snow goddess Poliahu who Native Hawaiians believe inhabits the summit of Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Public comment sought for how to improve accessibility at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The National Park Service is seeking public feedback on a draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in an effort to make the Big Island park easier for people with disabilities to access. Big Island Now.

North Kohala acreage purchased for preservation. Over 600 acres in North Kohala will be preserved thanks to Hawaii Land Trust and partners Na Kalai Wa‘a, federal, state and county agencies, and the Kohala community. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.  Big Island Video News.

 Study finds feral animals increase risk of disease in ʻōhiʻa lehua trees. Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi found that cattle and pigs play a fatal role in the spread of disease for ʻōhiʻa lehua trees on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

 Hawaiʻi County breaks ground on Lālāmilo 10 Million-Gallon Reservoir Project. Hawaiʻi County officials and the state Department of Water Supply broke ground on the Lālāmilo 10 Million-Gallon Reservoir Project last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

This Developer Wants Public Money To Build Maui’s Future.
Has He Come Clean About His Own Past? Paul Sau-Ki Cheng says he was exonerated of his financial crimes in the 1980s. The public record does not show that. Civil Beat.

Maui Is Using An Old Job Description In Its Search For A New Emergency Administrator. Maui County’s job description for the new head of its Emergency Management Agency is recycled from 13 years ago, and salary data shows the next administrator may end up being the lowest-paid out of all such agency directors in the state. Civil Beat.

Lahaina residents to stay in current hotels through holiday season. Residents affected by the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires who were scheduled to relocate to new Red Cross non-congregate shelter locations between Friday and next Monday will stay in their current hotel shelter locations until after the holidays, the American Red Cross of Hawaii announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New technology used to design recovery plan as Phase 2 in Maui wildfire response begins. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and the County of Maui are using the 3D technology to better visualize the extent of damage in Lahaina as they design a recovery plan.   Maui Now.

Kauai

Ambulance services issue gets clarity. The state Department of Health met with the Kaua‘i County Council regarding the future of ambulance services on Wednesday, nearly two months after protests led the department to cancel its decision to change emergency medical providers. Garden Island.

Community-led effort preserves Kauaʻi fishpond access into perpetuity. The Trust for Public Land facilitated the purchase and transfer of Halulu Fishpond Access from Waioli Corp. to the Waipā Foundation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai nurse attacked in emergency room recovering from extensive injuries. Sonia, a registered nurse at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, said it was a shift she’ll never forget. KHON2.

Monday, December 4, 2023

Hawaiian Airlines sale to Alaska Airlines will impact Hawaii travelers, state Democratic Party names interim chairman, Japanese tourists staying away, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian and Alaska airlines to merge. Hawaiian Airlines, a kamaaina company that has served the islands for 94 years, has agreed to be bought by Alaska Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal that has raised questions and concerns for customers, workers and local leaders. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Airline analysts, experts tout deal between Alaska, Hawaiian. Hawaiian Airlines’ pending $1.9 billion sale to Alaska Airlines was praised by industry analysts and experts as a positive development that is expected to receive clearance by the U.S. Department of Justice and benefit the flying public. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii governor’s emergency housing panel resumes work. An emergency working group established in July by Gov. Josh Green to speed delivery of affordable housing in Hawaii has gotten back to work after initial setbacks that included legal challenges and the resignation of its leader. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii conference tackles North Korean human rights situation, amid Kim Jong Un’s ongoing threats. On Monday, Dec. 4, the diplomatic community is hosting a North Korean Human Rights Hawaii Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center focused on the situation in North Korea, which human rights advocates say is dire and often ignored in global conversations. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Elects Interim Party Chair. The State Central Committee, the governing body for the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, voted in Adrian Tam as their new interim Party Chair at a special meeting that was held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. Maui Now.

Japanese Travelers Are Steering Clear Of Hawaii. Once Hawaii's top international tourist market, Japanese visitors are staying away from the islands amid inflated prices and a weak yen. Civil Beat.

Condo Task Force Facing Deadline May Punt To State Auditor Instead. A condominium task force established to identify issues related to condo associations and the systems in place to resolve disputes with unit owners is supposed to submit an interim report of its findings and recommendations by the end of this month.  Civil Beat.

New Lawsuit Against Former Hawaii Defense Contractor Alleges Charity Fraud. Martin Kao, who's pleaded guilty to numerous criminal charges already, faces a barrage of lawsuits seeking to recoup money he's alleged to have stolen or misspent. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Charter Schools Say Test Scores Don’t Tell The Whole Story. While charter schools fall below the state average in reading and math proficiency, leaders and advocates look to alternate ways of measuring success. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council anti-bribery bill fades in committee. Bill 36, in its original form, had one purpose: to end corruption within the troubled city Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Navy ‘safely’ recovers military spy plane stuck in Kaneohe Bay for almost 2 weeks. Navy confirms P-8A plane successfully removed from Kaneohe Bay. U.S. Navy officials confirmed Sunday that a team of military and civilian experts has successfully raised the P-8A Poseidon airplane from Kaneohe Bay and back onto the Marine Corps Base Hawaii runway. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Waipahu High School Opens New Academy Learning Center. The $29 million center aims to promote collaboration among students on different career pathways. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Bill targets flavored vapes: Measure aims to reduce use among teens. A bill to be discussed at this week’s County Council Policy Committee on Health, Safety and Well-Being would prohibit retailers from selling, marketing or advertising any tobacco or nicotine product that tastes or smells like anything other than tobacco. Tribune-Herald.

Contractor breaks ground on Hilo High’s new football field, track. Construction work on a new football field and track at Hilo High School — a project that has long languished on the drawing board — is underway. Tribune-Herald.

Funds allocated for ‘overall replacement’ of Laupahoehoe ramp. The deteriorating boat ramp has been sorely in need of restoration for years, because the pounding surf has worn away much of its concrete and exposed rebar, which could damage any boat launching from the site. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Is Still Searching For Someone To Lead Its Emergency Management Agency. With the expiration of interim administrator Darryl Oliveira's three-month contract, a selection committee is considering 15 candidates. Civil Beat.

Maui councilmembers float idea of forming a commission for tourism management. The Maui County Council is moving Bill 138 to create the commission, focusing on reducing the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing its benefits. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Relief TANF Program outreach for noncitizens to be held Dec. 10. An outreach event to reach noncitizen families with dependent children, who could be eligible for Maui Relief TANF Program benefits, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, in Lahaina. Maui Now.

DHHL awards 25 pastoral lots in Kahikinui, Maui. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands awarded 25 pastoral lots Saturday as part of the department’s Kuleana Program.  Maui Now.

Unexploded ordnance forces road closures, evacuations. Some classes were relocated to another portion of the Lihikai School campus and lunch and recess were held indoors at the school as police handled a report of an old unexploded ordnance at a nearby residence in Kahului, school and police officials said Friday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i DMV announces new requirement to schedule Type 3 Road Tests. Customers under age 18 must now complete their required driver’s education courses prior to scheduling a road test. Kauai Now.

Monday, October 30, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Monday, September 11, 2023

Kilauea volcano erupts, Dems call for state party chairman resignation, Maui relief donations top $494M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano Eruption Starts At Summit With High Lava Fountains. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said the Kilauea eruption that began Sunday continues with lava-fountain heights up to 82 feet but that no unusual activity has been observed along volcano’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.   KHON2

Dozens Of Leading Democrats Call For State Party Chairman Dennis Jung to Resign. Critics are frustrated by controversial staffing decisions and the party's dwindling cash reserves. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to offer $30M in loan repayment to medical professionals.
Governor Unveils Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. The "HELP" program will provide $30 million in educational loan debt repayment to health professionals in Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Josh Green to extend controversial housing panel. Gov. Josh Green plans to extend his emergency proclamation that created a controversial emergency housing development approval panel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii AG to review independent probe into Maui fires before releasing to public. As an investigation into government’s emergency response the day Lahaina burned continues, questions about transparency continue. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Josh Green outlines future for Lahaina. The governor said Friday he plans to address the United Nations on Sept. 17 when he will connect the Lahaina wildfire to other climate-related disasters around the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii governor proposes ‘Lahaina Fund’ for victims as an alternative to lawsuits.
During his address marking one month since the Lahaina tragedy, Gov. Josh Green on Friday, repeatedly criticized lawyers who have come to the island seeking plaintiffs for lawsuits. Hawaii News Now.

Communities across Hawaii wary of becoming ‘the next Lahaina’. In fact, 94% of Hawaii’s populated areas are vulnerable because they are either built into the wildland-urban interface or lie adjacent to vacant land overrun by highly flammable weeds, said Elizabeth Pickett, co-director of the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization. Star-Advertiser.

State abruptly cuts program seen as key to boosting number of paramedics trained in Hawaii. A state Department of Health program aimed at encouraging more EMTs to become paramedics was suddenly cancelled this summer, and onlookers say the move is expected to have an immediate impact on the first responder population. Hawaii News Now.

DOH suspends new ambulance contracts to weigh protests. Support for American Medical Response is growing as the state moves to resolve the company’s protests of the bidding process for ambulance services for Maui and Kauai counties. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Cost Of A New Oahu Jail Is Now More Than $900 Million. The Department of Public Safety is now estimating that the proposed new Oahu jail will cost more than $900 million, a dramatic increase from previous forecasts after years of delays. Civil Beat.

Ala Wai pedestrian bridge proves unpopular at community meeting. Community members had their say Saturday about a proposed 18-story-tall pedestrian/bike bridge spanning the Ala Wai Canal at a meeting held by state senators representing the  area that will be affected by the structure. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council pushes fines, jail for shopping cart violations.  The Honolulu City Council is considering legislation proposing fines and imprisonment to keep supermarket shopping carts on store properties rather than out on city streets, parks or sidewalks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘The shortage is expected to get worse’: Presentation outlines how lack of doctors is impacting isle. A shortage of physicians on the Big Island is a mounting threat to healthcare on the island, according to a Hawaii County Council presentation on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Bayfront roundabout plan moves forward. A plan to install a roundabout at the Hilo Bayfront moved one step forward Friday despite reservations from residents. Tribune-Herald.

Public input sought on future of old hospital. The County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development is developing a master plan for the future of the former hospital property at 34 Rainbow Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Money Continues To Pour In For Maui’s Recovery. More than $494 million in relief funds for Maui has been pledged in the form of government assistance, private donations and nonprofit efforts since the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina.  Civil Beat.

Nearly $95M in federal aid coming for Maui fire relief. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide nearly $95 million to cover the cost of temporary housing at hotels, meals and other services for evacuees of the Maui fires through November, U.S. Brian Schatz announced Sunday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Maui Now.

The federal government wants to hire Maui residents displaced by the Lahaina fire, but lack of expertise could mean specialized workers from outside Maui come in and end up competing for already tight housing along with fire survivors. Star-Advertiser.

Governor lifts suspension of Water Code on Maui.
Gov. Josh Green announced Friday that he has lifted the suspension of the state Water Code, a move he originally made as part of his emergency proclamation in response to the Lahaina fire. Star-Advertiser.

Two more Lahaina wildfire disaster victims identified Sunday, bringing the total to 57. There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 57 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. Maui Now.

Inside The Frustrating And Painful Search For Lahaina’s Missing People. The effort to identify who is truly missing after the Lahaina fire is a massive undertaking that has shifted numerous times, leaving many families exhausted. Civil Beat.

Health risks remain high for people returning to Lahaina. More than a month after deadly wildfires ravaged Lahaina, all that remains is a wasteland of ash, debris, charred homes, melted metal and burned-out husks of cars. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

$2M released to fund improvements at Līhuʻe Airport on Kauaʻi. Governor Josh Green has released capital improvement project funds to support necessary enhancements to Līhuʻe Airport in the amount of $2 million for financing an optimization plan. Maui Now.

Visitor spending sets new high in July on Kaua‘i. The spending total climbed to $264.5 million in July, compared with $245.5 in July 2022 and $201.3 million in pre-pandemic July 2019, according to a monthly report from the state of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism.  That marked gains of 7.7 percent and 31.4 percent, respectively. Garden Island.



Monday, October 24, 2022

Hawaii Supreme Court applicants to be made public, Democrats hold grand rally in Hilo, developers seek subsidies for midpriced housing, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii Supreme Court applicants to be made public. For the first time, the names of applicants to sit on the Hawaii Supreme Court will be made public when the Judicial Selection Commission considers who will replace retiring Associate Justice Michael D. Wilson. Star-Advertiser.

State to subsidize midpriced rental housing projects. Developers have blitzed a state agency to tap a special $150 million legislative appropriation for funding new rental housing aimed largely at middle-income Hawaii households. Seven developers submitted applications for 11 projects with a combined 1,416 rental homes, of which between 600 and 800 can probably be financed with the available $150 million. Of the 11 proposed projects, seven are on Oahu, two are on Kauai and one each is on Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Large exercise will be noisy, Army leaders say. Army leaders want people on Oahu and Hawaii Island to be prepared for increased traffic and noise as the Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division prepares for a large exercise at training sites across the two islands for an exercise involving 6,350 soldiers between Oct. 31 and Nov. 9. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public school math, reading scores relatively stable as national results suffer pandemic drop. While a coronavirus pandemic drop-off in nationwide reading and math scores on “The Nation’s Report Card” is being called “appalling” by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Hawaii’s public-school scores surprised local officials by holding relatively steady in three out of four categories, declining significantly only in eighth grade math. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Charter School Oversight Is Still A Source of Contention In Hawaii. Hawaii’s only charter school authorizer is charting a path to progress, but some school leaders remain skeptical about the commission’s ability to both regulate and support the schools. Civil Beat.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary advocates blast $600 million spending plan. Two advocacy groups for existing and future Hawaiian homesteaders are challenging a tentative state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plan to spend a recently appropriated historic $600 million helping beneficiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii football star accused of conspiring to sell methamphetamine. A former star University of Hawaii linebacker and high school football coach will plead guilty to federal drug charges for his alleged role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring that operated for three years on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Man Who Promoted Erotic Maternity Photos Is Suing The Women Who Called Him ‘Creepy’. Danny Gallagher’s lawyer acknowledges he advised women on how to sell nude photos and videos on line but says he never coerced or groomed anyone, as defendants say. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Short-term rental law could hurt Oahu’s economy. Economist Paul Brewbaker estimates if not for the pandemic, vacation rentals on Oahu could have been worth as much as $500 million in Hawaii’s recent economy. Without those tourism receipts, Brewbaker said, job losses and loss of income for many on Oahu are inevitable, especially when tourism spending adjusted for inflation is still running behind 1989 levels. Star-Advertiser.

Complications expected for registration of Oahu short-term rentals. Enforcement of city Ordinance 22-7, a controversial bill to regulate short-term rentals, is supposed to start today. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts To Reform Honolulu’s Troubled Permitting Office Face An Uphill Battle. Here’s Why. Contractors and property owners describe bureaucratic hurdles and delays in the application process that sometimes last years. Civil Beat.

New project is aimed at making the state’s no. 1 tourist destination more pedestrian-friendly. The state is kicking off a new pilot project to increase pedestrian safety in Waikiki. Ala Moana Boulevard and Hobron Lane along with Ena and Kalia Road were turned into all-pedestrian crossings on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Housing and infrastructure dominate District 2 City Council race. Housing and infrastructure are key issues in Honolulu City Council District 2 — an area that covers Royal Kunia, Wahiawa, along the North Shore to Kahaluu. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor Elementary School Water Sample Tests Positive For Coliform Bacteria. No illnesses have been reported, according to the Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Punaluu homeowners face high risk of shoreline enforcement. A growing number of coastal homeowners have been selling properties with expired sandbags and other illegal shoreline hardening structures as DLNR tries to increase enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency crews respond to a mock derailment and mass casualty drill in Kapolei. Honolulu police, firefighters and city and private paramedics responded to a mock train derailment in East Kapolei on Saturday that led to hypothetical mass casualties. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Democrats Hold General Election Grand Rally In Hilo. Speakers included former Governor Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, candidate for governor Lt. Gov. Josh Green, candidate for lieutenant governor Sylvia Luke, candidate for US Representative Jill Tokuda, and others seeking to represent the Big Island in the State House or State Senate. Big Island Video News.

County election office’s mistake sends voters scrambling: Clerical error tells voters their ballots were received before they were sent. Erroneous text messages Thursday afternoon confused and alarmed some Big Island voters who were told their ballot had been “received, validated and accepted for counting,” even though many had not even received their mailed ballot when the notice went out. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Loa meeting draws concerns. Hundreds of citizens packed into the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday to hear a presentation about the likelihood and contingencies for an eruption of the volcano, following weeks of elevated seismic activity, including a magnitude-5.0 earthquake near Pahala on Oct. 14. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Search for Big Island’s next top cop narrows to 21; identities of applicants remain secret.
Commission hopes to find new police chief by end of year. “The Police Commission still does not know the names of the individual applicants,” said John Bertsch, the commission’s chairman. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Extension of lease for mall in question: Legal issue clouds long-term future of Prince Kuhio Plaza. A 40-year lease extension sought by Prince Kuhio Plaza is in a legal quagmire between the state and federal governments, and most who testified last week at the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s monthly meeting opposed extending the lease for almost 39 acres of homestead land. Tribune-Herald.

Public frustrated by ban on trailers at transfer stations
; department says new rules could be in place next year. County officials are once again hopeful that trailers could be allowed at certain county transfer stations by early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Maui law caps rent for subsidized units to one-third of a tenant's income. County-subsidized housing on Maui will soon follow new pricing guidelines. It's the county’s attempt to define affordable housing. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui County Voters Asked To Boost Transparency Between The Police Chief And Commission.
There is no requirement at present for the chief to tell the commission when he or she disagrees with its findings. Civil Beat.

‘Oiwi department proposal is in voters’ hands. Some say it would bring more Native Hawaiian input in planning, others question need for new department. Maui News.

UH-MC enrollment down 9.3%. University of Hawaii Maui College’s enrollment dropped 9.3 percent this year compared to last year for the largest drop in the UH system, according to information released this week by the university. Maui News.

Kauai

Repaving project to resume at Lihu‘e Airport. The second phase of a repaving project at Lihu‘e Airport is scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 24, the state Department of Transportation Airports Division said in a statement. Garden Island.

County median home price falls in September. A steep drop in sales of single-family homes, likely brought on by rising mortgage interest rates, helped keep the median price of home under $1 million in the County of Kaua‘i last month. Garden Island.

Flat tax rate of $40,000 a year for Ni‘ihau proposed. The 47,605-acre island was purchased in 1864 by Elizabeth Sinclair from the kingdom of Hawai‘i for $10,000, equal to about $170,000 in 2021. Garden Island.

Monday, August 15, 2022

Hawaii Democrats unify after bruising primary election, Land Board approves food trucks at state parks, big plans for Waikiki Shell, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from Civil Beat
Hawaii Democratic Party rivals break bread after primary election. Adversaries tried to remember they were friends Sunday during the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Unity Breakfast, a bittersweet ritual held for decades the morning after the primary election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s gubernatorial race should be cordial unless it becomes close.
The campaign to become Hawaii’s next governor should be a genial contest compared with the testy Democratic Party primary gubernatorial campaign — unless the race suddenly tightens between Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser.

General election candidates for Hawaii Legislature include 64 Republicans. Now that Hawaii’s 2022 primary election is over, most voters will have an opportunity to choose between a Democrat and a Republican candidate to represent them in the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

The Number Of Ballots Cast Was Down This Year
. Despite mail-in voting again this election, turnout fell off from the last election which featured a presidential race. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz: New Climate Bill Is ‘An Incredible Economic Opportunity’ For Hawaii. The bill seeks to reduce drug prices and force certain corporations to pay more taxes. It also injects a record $369 billion into the fight against climate change, Schatz’s top policy priority. Civil Beat

Land board OK’s proposal for food trucks in state parks. The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to open solicitations for bids by food truck operators seeking to operate in 18 state parks. Tribune-Herald.

Housing study cites government barriers. High housing demand, heightened by low supply, drives up Hawaii’s home prices, not out-of-state buyers, according to new research released today by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Navy’s deep ship graveyard in Hawaii continues to grow. The service was unable to provide an exact figure when asked how many ships it has sunk in and around the Hawaiian Islands. In an emailed response, a Navy spokesperson said that “since the early 2000’s, the Navy has conducted an average of two SINKEX’s in the Hawaiian Islands Range Complex each even-numbered year, when RIMPAC exercises are held.” Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City proposes more than $11.67 million in upgrades to Waikiki Shell. The city is proposing more than $11.67 million in improvements to the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell that would include installation of a tensile structure over the main seating area and an additional 2,000 fixed seats. Star-Advertiser.

Traffic expected as students move into UH Manoa. The University of Hawaii at Manoa said that there may be traffic delays around the UH Manoa campus as they are expecting about 3,500 students to move in. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Extension frustration: Bill seeks to curb automatic rezoning time extensions. A bill proposed by North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba aims to address a common complaint among West Hawaii residents that developers’ rezoning applications, once approved, get numerous time extensions without regard to how conditions and infrastructure may have changed in the intervening five, 10 or even 25 years. West Hawaii Today.

PGV to Host Community Meeting About Pending EIS Preparation Notice. Puna community members will have the opportunity this week to comment about an environmental impact statement preparation notice being prepared by Puna Geothermal Venture. Big Island Now.

BLNR approves land lease for Waikoloa Public Library. The Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday voted unanimously to approve a request by the state to lease gratis — without charge — about 2 acres from Hawaii County during its semi-monthly meeting in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Judge releases redacted document from Ireland case.
Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota has released a redacted version of a document apparently related to post-conviction DNA testing performed in the Dana Ireland murder case. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Prosecutor’s Alleged Harassment Dates Back Years. In addition to an ongoing harassment dispute with his Paukaa neighbor, deputy prosecutor Winston Albright had allegedly harassed neighbors in the Puna District where he previously lived. Civil Beat.

Maui

With lack of teachers, preschool program keeps some centers closed. A local nonprofit’s preschool program has enough federal funding to serve 219 children this school year but only has the capacity for 160 due to the closure of three centers and lack of teachers. Maui News.

Hawaiian crow may soon soar on Maui.
One of the rarest birds in the world may soon fly through the remote, forested slopes of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Federal law could lead to lower energy prices on Kaua‘i. Climate provisions in the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which passed both chambers of Congress last week, could lead to lower energy prices on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.


Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Hawaii Democrats say Case doesn't represent party values, schools cut COVID quarantines in half, Navy to drain Red Hill fuel tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

U.S. Rep. Ed Case

Hawaii Democrats: Rep. Case Does Not Reflect Party’s Values And Principles
. The Democratic Party of Hawaii has passed a resolution expressing “disappointment” with U.S. Rep. Ed Case over his position on one of President Joe Biden’s top legislative priorities. The congressman is criticized for his stance on Build Back Better, but Case says the party mischaracterizes his position and never bothered to call him. Civil Beat.

New guidance for Hawaii schools cuts isolation, quarantine in half.
The recommended amount of time that teachers and students should isolate or quarantine for COVID-19 has now been cut from the previous 10 days to five, under new interim state rules for Hawaii K-12 schools. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Is The Hawaii Legislature Ready To Give Teachers A Raise? With a rosier economic outlook, the state teachers union and other advocates are stepping up calls to boost teacher pay as Hawaii’s Legislature prepares to convene in its annual session next week. Civil Beat.

DLNR Asks Hawaii Legislators For An Additional $31.6 Million. The budget boost would help the department hire more people in order to better maintain state parks and trails, officials said. Civil Beat.

Report: Hawaii Voters Support Upgrades to State Online Services, But Not With Tax Hikes. A majority of Hawaii voters surveyed support using taxpayer money to improve online access to state services, but only a quarter would back higher taxes to pay for these upgrades, according to a recent survey from Transform Hawaii Government. Civil Beat.

30 Hawaiian cultural programs receive $1.5 million from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Building on its commitment to support Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is providing $1,475,000 in 2022 to 30 community-based programs in the Aloha State through its Kukula Ola program. Maui Now.

Home prices peaked in 2021 on neighbor islands. All of Hawaii’s neighbor island housing markets set median sale price records in 2021 for single-family homes and condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

COVID test results taking longer to return. The demand for COVID testing has increased in the last few weeks which means some people are having to wait days to get their results. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 2,929 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 150,028. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,999 new cases on Oahu, 208 on Hawaii Island, 496 on Maui, 180 on Kauai, 21 on Molokai, seven on Lanai and 18 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy to drain Red Hill fuel tanks but won’t rule out future legal challenges to Hawaii emergency order.
Navy officials told federal lawmakers Tuesday that they will comply with an emergency order issued by the state of Hawaii to defuel the service’s underground Red Hill tanks.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department expands Red Hill water contamination health survey. The Hawaii Department of Health has expanded its health survey of people affected by the petroleum contamination in the Navy’s drinking water system. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu technology department modernized systems but there's room for improvement, audit says. A new report is making several recommendations to improve a department in charge of the city’s digital infrastructure. But the department’s head disagrees with its findings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Rail Board Members Signal Strong Satisfaction With Kahikina’s Job So Far. An official slide presentation on the new executive director’s performance cites plenty of achievements but no critiques. Civil Beat.

Oahu Emergency Medical Services stressed due to high call volume. Before the pandemic, EMS would receive about 200 to 250 calls a day. Now that number has gone up to over 300. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

West Hawaii May Get House Seat As Reapportionment Shake-Up Continues. The Big Island could have eight seats in the 51-member Hawaii House as the state redistricting process continues and new maps emerge. Civil Beat.

A Grand return to Hilo: Passengers, vendors excited to have cruise ships back; some on social media critical. The first cruise ship passengers have arrived in Hilo since March 2020. Tribune-Herald.

The great gate debate: Lawsuits follow plan to gate Kaiolu Drive. Property owners along a private Holualoa road are embroiled in litigation over a gate some owners are building to try to make the area safer at night. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Renal Care to open new dialysis clinics in Hilo, Kona. The Big Island is slated to get new kidney dialysis clinics in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Charter Commission Is Weighing 85 Changes To County Government.
Later this month members of the public can comment on the proposed amendments, which if approved by voters would reform county elections, policing, zoning and more. Taken as a whole, a preliminary set of 85 proposals assembled by the Maui Charter Commission would dramatically increase the size of government, establishing four new departments and 19 new boards and commissions. The reforms are estimated to cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Upper Kula water now disinfected with chlorine. The Department of Water Supply changed its water distribution disinfectant from chloramines to chlorine in an attempt to clear away the last trace amounts of total coliform bacteria and E. coli from the Upper Kula water system. The change went into effect on Monday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Alaka‘i O Kaua’i Charter School dream up to space with NASA project. Three Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School students are preparing for liftoff. In May, NASA astronauts will assist them in delivering a sugarcane-research project to the International Space Station. Garden Island.

New bill takes look at cat holding period at Kaua‘i Humane Society. KHS is currently required by county law to hold microchipped cats for nine days. However, that may soon change. A new bill being introduced at the Kaua‘i County Council today seeks to shorten the time a cat is held before being put up for adoption to five days. Garden Island.