Showing posts with label Health Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Department. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins caught up in Hawaii military contractor scandal, DOH fines Navy $8.7M for Pearl Harbor sewage discharges, Maui County workers to receive pandemic hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ex-Hawaii Contractor Pleads Guilty To Making Illegal Donations To US Sen. Susan Collins. The hearing came about three weeks after Martin Kao admitted to obtaining more than $12.8 million in pandemic relief loans under false pretenses in a separate case. He pleaded guilty to pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges Tuesday in federal court for funneling nearly $200,000 in illegal campaign contributions to political action committees supporting Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in her 2020 bid for reelection. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii state senators want to see draft bill before deciding on special session. State senators want to review draft legislation that would give prosecutors more options to charge major crimes before they decide whether to convene a special session of the Legislature, according to Senate leadership. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

A step toward the future: State to receive $6.4M for new EV charging stations. The state is getting about $6.4 million in federal funding to be matched by state funds to build five new charging stations on the Big Island, one on Maui, one in Honolulu and another on Kauai. Hawaii currently has about 800 charging ports. Hawaii News Now.

DOH encourages flu vaccine for upcoming season. As Hawaii enters flu season in October, the state Department of Health already has reported a slight uptick in outpatient visits from influenza-like illness. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s monkeypox case tally grows to 37. The number of monkeypox cases in Hawaii has grown by three more to 37, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy fined $8.7 million for sewage discharges into ocean around Pearl Harbor. The Hawaii Department of Health has fined the Navy $8.7 million for discharging sewage, or partially treated sewage, into the ocean, as well as related maintenance failures at its wastewater treatment plant near Pearl Harbor. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Garden Island. KITV4.

Stressing urgency of project, Pentagon says emptying Red Hill tanks will cost $280M. Emptying the Red Hill Bulk Storage Fuel Tanks will cost at least $280 million, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. Next month, crews plan to take out jet fuel from the pipelines before extensive repairs. Hawaii News Now.

Taxpayers To Cover Legal Expenses For Honolulu Police Officers Involved In Makaha Crash
. Commissioners made no conclusions on accusations that the officers caused and fled the scene of a car crash but said state law mandates that they deserve legal representation. Civil Beat.

Rising Prices, Increasing Poverty, Slowing Job Growth. When Oahu residents open their electric bills in October, they could be in for the latest in a long series of unpleasant surprises. The average bill is expected to be up 4%, or about $9 per household – following a yearlong rise that already has people complaining. Civil Beat.

UH Mānoa researcher receives $3.4M to study fungi-bacterial relations in climate change. Some of the earthʻs smallest organisms could cut the impact of climate change. Understanding how is the goal of work by a researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council to consider bill restricting carry of firearms in ‘sensitive places’.
A bill to restrict the carrying of concealed and unconcealed firearms in “sensitive places” in Hawaii County, including medical and government facilities, schools and parks, establishments that serve alcohol, as well as several other locations, is set to be considered by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Feds warn of new batch of fentanyl on island. A new batch of fentanyl has made its way to the Big Island, the Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area revealed Monday via a Threat Bulletin. The agency added the suspected powdered fentanyl has resulted in a high number of overdoses, with multiple fatalities. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Prince Kuhio Plaza seeks long-term lease extension. Prince Kuhio Plaza is seeking a 40-year extension of its lease for almost 39 acres of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Payday: Some essential Maui County workers to receive hazard pay. United Public Workers members in Maui County can expect compensation for working during the pandemic. Now, Maui County has settle with the union over temporary hazard pay for 700 UPW employees. The pay will be 20% of their hourly salary. KHON2.

Next phase of major Wailea development with 1,000-plus homes gets green light. After a marathon contested case, Maui Planning Commission today gave a green light to the next phase of long-debated Honuaʻula, a master planned community with more than 1,000 homes slated for 670 acres in Wailea. Maui Now.

Voting explainer: Maui County charter amendment ballot questions. There will be 13 charter amendment questions on the Maui County general election ballot — the most of any county — with two alternative proposals, for a grand total of 15 questions to sift through. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaopala Bay erosion puts shoreline at risk. Realigning a roadway and relocating utilities are some of the proposals to salvage a small shoreline in West Maui as sea level rise and erosion put properties and streets in jeopardy. Maui News.

High-end Maui hotel rates, especially in Wailea, expected to remain high. Maui County hotels continue to have lowest occupancy, highest revenues. Maui News.

DOD’s largest telescope atop Haleakalā on Maui gets mirror recoat,
preserves space domain awareness. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hanamā‘ulu Man Arrested Following Bomb Threat to Kōloa Elementary. According to a preliminary report, on Monday, at 12:06 p.m., Kōloa Elementary School administration received a call from a male, later identified as 20-year-old Lopaka Santos, who said a bomb was set to detonate after school was finished. Kauai Now.

Ha‘upu View workforce-housing complex blessed. The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, in partnership with the Ahe Group, held a blessing ceremony Monday for the completion of Ha‘upu View, the county’s newest workforce-housing complex on Pua Loke Street. Garden Island.

Family of Christmas Eve car-crash victims file lawsuit. Along with his active criminal case, the Lawa‘i driver who caused a fatal 2020 Christmas Eve car crash is facing a new lawsuit in civil court. Garden Island.




Monday, January 17, 2022

State can't accurately count COVID cases, closes quarantine facilities amid omicron surge, Hawaii legislative session to start Wednesday, Kauai seeks to outlaw feral cat feeding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Feeding feral cats in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News
Legislative session opening with hopes for Hawaii’s working families. The Legislature begins its third consecutive session on Wednesday with the state Capitol closed to the public because of the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, while members of the state House and Senate feel pressure to do more to help working families and low-income residents as the economy rebounds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Chart of members of the state Senate and House for the 2022 session. pdf.

Hawaiʻi State Senate announces priorities for 2022 Legislative Session. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present new challenges for the state, the Hawaiʻi State Senate is focused on addressing these concerns and more in the upcoming legislative session. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige seeks to create new law enforcement agency. Gov. David Ige is proposing the creation of a statewide law enforcement agency to streamline and help coordinate multicounty investigations, public-safety activities and training. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Education strives to provide more local food. A strategy is developing to use centralized kitchens to replace processed food imports currently served in student meals with fresh, local ingredients. Civil Beat.

Another call for investigation on UH athletics by Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The university continued to deal with the controversy that involved now-former head football coach Todd Graham, who resigned Friday, Jan. 14, amid player accusations of verbal abuse and a lack of cultural awareness, among other things. KHON2.

Federal funds to help ‘rebuild bridges across Hawaii’: State to receive $339M for repairs, improvements. Hawaii will receive $339 million in new federal funding over five years to repair and improve the state’s bridges, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced in a Friday statement. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Clean-up efforts underway following tsunami surge triggered by Tonga eruption. While a tsunami advisory has been canceled for Hawaii, people across the islands are now cleaning up the mess left behind by wave surges triggered by a large eruption in Tonga. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Availability of Hawaii COVID-19 quarantine facilities dwindling.
The availability of COVID-19 quarantine and isolation facilities has been drastically reduced since the state handed over the responsibility for providing them to the counties of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

DOH: Overwhelming surge in COVID tests delays reporting of both positive and negative counts. The state’s electronic data collection system for COVID-19 cases has become overwhelmed by the number of test results that it is trying to process. As a result, state health officials say they will stop processing negative test results beginning Saturday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 3 new coronavirus-related deaths, 3,878 additional infections.
The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 2,285 new cases on Oahu, 585 on Hawaii Island, 700 on Maui, 230 on Kauai, 28 on Molokai, 28 on Lanai and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy Gives New Dates For Families Displaced By Water Crisis To Return Home. The Navy continues to flush petroleum-tainted water from homes and neighborhoods, with most residents expected to be able to return starting later this month. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian organizations, community groups seek to restore, preserve historic lands in Luluku. The plan calls for restoring the agricultural terraces and loi systems in Luluku, creating community partnerships and educational opportunities, and starting programs that steward the land for future generations. Star-Advertiser.

Security under fire at Honolulu’s airport following rash of car thefts. State lawmakers grilled airport officials over a recent rash of car thefts at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and urged them to invest in more consumer-friendly upgrades at the airport. Hawaii News Now.

Public can attend virtual meeting discussing Ala Wai Flood Risk study. The community will be able to attend a virtual meeting to learn about and discuss the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management General Reevaluation study on Thursday, Jan. 20. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

East vs. West: Who should get the eighth House seat? The addition of a new Big Island seat in the state House has set up a battle about whether it should go to East Hawaii or West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Shortage of volcanic black cinder in Hawaii triggers emergency search.
The situation has prompted the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, at the direction of the Legislature, to pay a research team to find big deposits of black cinder on public or private land that is well suited for commercial excavation on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Tsunami triggered by volcanic eruption in Tonga causes minor damage in West Hawaii.
A Keauhou Bay business sustained heavy damage Saturday morning as an approximately 3-foot tsunami surge tore through the Sea Quest retail store. West Hawaii Today.

First cruise ship since March ‘20 arrives in Kailua Bay.
The first cruise ship to make call since March 12, 2020, in Kailua-Kona arrived in Kailua Bay Sunday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Mayor Victorino announces bid for re-election, aims to revitalize Maui County. Victorino, a former Maui County Council member, was sworn into office as mayor Jan. 3, 2019, after defeating Elle Cochran, also a former council member. He is slated to finish his first mayoral term at the end of this year. Maui Now. KITV4.

Discovery of mysterious substance oozing from ground in West Maui draws concern. The tar-like material was found on the site of a long-shuttered sugar mill in Lahaina. Hawaii News Now.

Two people survive Hāna plane crash. The incident was reported at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, approximately 100 yards west of the Hāna Airport runway in heavy foliage. Maui Now.

Kauai

Feral-cat bill moves at county council; prohibits feeding, abandonment. A cat-centric county bill that would tighten up compliance with seabird-protection mandates passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday. Garden Island.

HSTA requests collective bargaining again. Kaua‘i teachers and administrators are struggling to keep schools open for in-person learning. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Native Hawaiians hard hit by COVID, Health Department denies researchers data, local hotel tax advances on Oahu and Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian ohana ©2021 All Hawaii News

Surge in COVID deaths took heavy toll on Native Hawaiian community. Experts say in the past two weeks, Native Hawaiians have accounted for up to 40% of the state’s COVID deaths. Hawaii News Now.

Local researchers say Department of Health officials have refused to collaborate and share COVID-19 data. Local epidemiologists and researchers say the Hawaii Department of Health has continually rebuffed their requests for data throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and that the department’s latest decision to scale back the information it has been releasing to the public daily on COVID-19 deaths is just the latest example of the department’s lack of openness. Star-Advertiser.
 
State Auditor Les Kondo faces ‘illegal’ act or prosecution. State Auditor Les Kondo told a House committee investigating his handling of two critical audits that a subpoena forces him to commit an illegal act or face a possible criminal contempt charge. Star-Advertiser.

Jill Tokuda Makes Official Her Bid To Be Hawaii Lt. Governor. The former state senator will be part of what is expected to be a large Democratic Primary field. Civil Beat.

Tourism leaders urge Ige to declare it’s OK to visit Hawaii. The president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association said Hawaii’s visitor industry is “in jeopardy if we don’t get a positive statement soon from the governor that we’re ready to open up again.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 168 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 100 new cases on Oahu, 18 on Maui, 34 on Hawaii Island, 11 on Kauai, one on Molokai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council advances proposal for Oahu visitor tax. Bill 40 would levy a 3% city transient accommodations tax on visitor accommodations. It would be imposed in addition to the state’s current 10.25% visitor tax. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Oahu’s ban on large gatherings will likely be allowed to expire Oct. 19, as long as COVID cases don’t surge again. The policy prohibits any gatherings larger than 25 people outdoors or 10 indoors. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Salary Data Show Hundreds Of Honolulu City Employees Earn Well Over The State Average. The medical examiner and the top executives at HART are making the biggest salaries. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Commission Hears From HPD Whistleblower
. A Honolulu Police Department whistleblower who accused her superiors of retaliation and discrimination told the Honolulu Police Commission Wednesday that the department is “broken” and said her complaints have been “completely ignored” in the past. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Department seeks city help with inquiry on Major Stephen Gerona
. The Honolulu Police Department asked the city administration for help with an internal investigation into allegations that a major harassed and bullied subordinates who did not agree with his management style and decision-making. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City Council Approves Dave Matlin To Honolulu Fire Commission
. But the new commissioner says he will abstain from the current deadlock over hiring a new fire chief. Civil Beat.

Firm to pay delinquent Kakaako housing fees. Affordable rental apartments in Kakaako serving low-income seniors could shift from state to private ownership as part of an effort to address financial challenges with the property. Star-Advertiser.

Council unanimously votes to take over ownership of embattled Diamond Head road. The Honolulu City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday to have the city take over ownership of Leahi Avenue near Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now. 

Lawmakers, stakeholders weigh in on future of AES coal plant. There are different opinions on whether the Barbers Point facility and its 180 megawatts of generating capacity should be allowed to retire, or be converted into biomass power — a firm renewable form of energy from burning wood, but one that has generated controversy, in part because it still involves releasing carbon emissions.  Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea forum measured
: Moderated update on master plan features more information than interaction. A tightly moderated forum about the University of Hawaii’s updated Maunakea Master Plan was informative Wednesday, but left participants little opportunity to interact. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor signs tax bill. Mayor Michael Victorino signed Bill 101 on Tuesday establishing a 3 percent transient accommodations tax. Maui News.

Proposal before Maui council would phase out thousands of short-term rentals. The Maui County Council is considering phasing out all short-term rentals in apartment districts on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Charter Commission Discussion Continues on Proposed Charter Amendments. The Maui Charter Commission will meet again on Thursday at 9 a.m. to receive testimony and discuss additional proposed revisions to the Maui County Charter. Maui Now.

Father and son on Maui charged after officer finds dead turtle in fishing net. Randall Del Castillo Sr., 57, and Randall Del Castillo Jr., 33, were cited for taking and possessing a green sea turtle, which is a protected species. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KITV4.

Kauai

County to use eminent domain for affordable housing in Kilauea.
The Kaua‘i County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to proceed with the acquisition of 23.5 acres of property in Kilauea using the process of eminent domain. Garden Island.

Monday, October 12, 2020

Possible data breach in travel software, racial data missing in state COVID-19 counts, tech billionaire donates 1M masks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian family in an ocean pond ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii COVID-19 Data For Race And Ethnicity Is Missing. Leaders across many Pacific Islander communities have been working to prevent COVID-19 infections from increasing. Civil Beat.

Advocates worry immigrant, working families struggling to get by amid pandemic woes. A new advocacy group said that the backlog in unemployment claims is hitting immigrant and working-class families hard. Hawaii News Now.

Potential data breach exposed in state’s travel exemption request system. The state is investigating a potential breach of data within one of their systems tied to the Attorney General’s office. Nearly 150 individuals who applied for a travel exemption through the state Attorney General’s website were notified Friday about the potential breach. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertainty around traveler testing program has many taking ‘wait-and-see’ approach. Visitors will face testing requirements that still aren’t finalized, with different rules on every island. Hawaii News Now.

What to expect at the airport when the pre-travel testing program begins. Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program will begin on Thursday, Oct. 15. KHON2.

Kauai, Maui mayors wait for Gov. Ige's approval of pre-travel testing proposals
. Pretravel testing plans differ for other counties. KITV4.

Will Hawaii Finally Be Able To Break Its Dependence On Tourism? The state is about to reopen its tourism industry, the heart of Hawaii’s economic engine. Is it time to find another way forward? Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings continue to tick downward. Hawaii bankruptcies continue to decrease even as individuals and businesses struggle to make ends meet in the slowing economy. Star-Advertiser.

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QAnon Conspiracies, Proud Boys And The Future of Hawaii’s GOP. The party has struggled for the past decade to gain a meaningful foothold in the islands. The rise of Donald Trump and the radical right has only made the situation more dire. Civil Beat.

Election officials run tests of ballot machines ahead of the general. Official observers tested voting machines on Oahu Saturday morning. Neighbor island machines were tested this past week. Hawaii News Now.

Voting machines tested ahead of general election, helps to ensure election integrity. With the general election less than four weeks away, the state Office of Elections is busy gearing up for the big day. KHON2.

Connie Chun / 1928-2020: She was the first nurse and Filipina to serve in state House. Connie Chun, the first Filipina and first nurse elected to the state House of Representatives, was also a lawyer, philanthropist, marathon runner and matriarch of the “Hunky Bunch.” Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Service To Lanai and Molokai. Hawaiian said it is committed to resuming the service but didn’t say when. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines to suspend ‘Ohana service. The airline announced Friday that starting Nov. 1, it would temporarily suspend passenger flights between Honolulu and Molokai and Lanai, as well as cargo-only service within the Hawaiian islands. Maui News.

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Hawaii school board chief Catherine Payne urges dropping Acellus online curriculum. Board of Education Chairwoman Catherine Payne wants Hawaii’s schools to stop using the Acellus distance-learning program by the end of the academic year and allow parents to opt out immediately. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ed Board Chair Expects Acellus To ‘Drop Dead’ By End Of School Year. The online curriculum, which some principals have rejected for racist content, is likely on its way out. Civil Beat.

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Hundreds of Hawaii’s shelter animals to be relocated to the mainland. Hundreds of shelter animals are getting a second chance at adoption. On Oct. 29, the group Wings of Rescue plans to airlift some 600 animals from around the pacific to the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 11: 103 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. In the last week, an average of 92 cases a day were identified in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ballot Questions Could Bolster Ethics Watchdog’s Staffing And Spending. Oahu voters are being asked to make changes to the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council: A Veteran Lawmaker Vs. A Comedian. The candidates running to replace Councilman Ron Menor in Honolulu’s District 9 have vastly different agendas and experience. Civil Beat.

Neglected Varona Village plantation community in Ewa awaits redevelopment plans. Today, 46 homes remain, including several that are boarded up after being ravaged by time and poor city upkeep after Oahu Sugar shut down in 1995. Star-Advertiser.

Community unites to restore and clean Waianae Japanese Cemetery. The Waianae community pulled together, and on Oct. 4 well over 50 people — from keiki to kupuna — showed up, armed with weed whackers, chainsaws, rakes and trash cans to clean up the old cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

Plans moving forward on new Oahu jail despite economic woes. Since at least 1964, none of the efforts to build a new site for the Oahu Community Correctional Center has gotten this far. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua brewing company ordered to shutdown calls for more transparency from liquor commission.
Lanikai Brewing Company was ordered to shut down for 24 hours by the liquor commission Friday evening for violating the mayor’s emergency order and failing to operate as a restaurant. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

2nd test tentatively approved for travelers to the Big Island. Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim said Friday that out-of-state passengers arriving on the Big Island will be taking a second COVID-19 test to supplement the state’s pre-travel testing program. Star-Advertiser.

1 million masks: Big Island benefits from Benioff connections. A San Francisco tech billionaire with a home on the Kona coast wants to make sure the Big Island doesn’t run out of masks. West Hawaii Today.

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Report: Hilo veterans home employee stayed on the job for 3 days after COVID-19 exposure. The coronavirus outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo may have begun with an employee who worked ― despite being linked to a large cluster. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Health rescinds citation given to operator of Hilo veterans home. The Hawaii Department of Health on Thursday cited the private operator of a state veterans nursing home for deficiencies leading to a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year in which 27 residents died. Star-Advertiser.

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Big Isle’s Na Leo TV resumes operations after FBI raid as board meets with CEO. The board of directors of Na Leo o Hawaii announced this weekend it met with Na Leo TV president and CEO Stacy K. Higa, who assured the board that management and staff are fully cooperating with an investigation being conducted by the FBI. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbors win a round: Board of Appeals overturns Walua Road vacation rental permit. Neighbors of a Kailua-Kona vacation rental won a round Friday, when the county Board of Appeals overturned the Planning Department and revoked the nonconforming use and vacation rental permits of a part-time resident who claimed a homeowner’s property tax exemption. West Hawaii Today.

Zoo renew pushed back: County targets February for reopening of Panawea animal park. The reopening of Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens has been delayed to early 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui officer accused of soliciting sex from women he met on the job indicted. A U.S. Attorney has indicted a former Maui police accused of harassing women by sending them suggestive messages to solicit sex. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Struggling Tourism Industry Prepares For Return of Transpacific Travelers. All across Maui, hotels, vacation properties, car rental companies, restaurants, retail shops and other businesses that cater to the island’s 3 million or so annual travelers are preparing for the return of non-quarantining tourists, beginning Oct. 15. Maui Now.

County Council sends water plan back to committee. The Maui County Council voted unanimously Friday to send back to committee the Maui Island Water Use Development Plan, a dense blueprint for protection, management and use of water over a 20-year period. Maui News.

West Maui Taxpayers Association Hosting Candidates Night Webinar Oct. 15, 2020. The West Maui Taxpayers Association will host a virtual Candidates Night webinar on Oct. 15, 2020 at 5:30 pm with candidates for the following: State Representative District 10, Maui County Councilmember – all districts and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Charter amendments explained. The first side of the state general election ballot has federal, state and county office elections. The second side gives residents the opportunity to vote on proposed amendments to the Kaua‘i County Charter. Garden Island.

Felicia Cowden. As Cowden’s first term as a councilmember comes to an end, she shares what she learned from her radio career. Garden Island.

Volunteers continue work on Kalalau Trail. While the pandemic has lessened the number of volunteers helping to keep the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail clear for hikers, Mark Hubbard and a few other faithful Kaua‘i residents are still hard at work, clearing fallen branches and fortifying the trail on a regular basis. Garden Island.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Health Department whistleblower forced out, Honolulu mayor extends stay-at-home order, Hilo jail inmates riot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from KITV4 video
Health Department investigator Jennifer Smith PC:KITV4 video
Whistleblower at Department of Health says she was placed on leave. Whistleblower at the Department of Health and case investigator Jennifer Smith says that she was placed on leave. KITV4.

Hawaii Dept Of Health Whistleblower Forced Out As Shakeup Continues. After revealing flaws in the state’s contact tracing program, Jennifer Smith, a state DOH case investigator, was put on leave on Friday. Civil Beat.

DOH whistleblower placed on leave for firearm allegations. Another shakeup at the Department of Health, as KHON2 has learned Tuesday that the DOH whistleblower who brought to light the state’s contact tracing program was understaffed, is now on leave. KHON2.

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Failure To Communicate: How The State Lost The Public's Trust And How It Can Get it Back. The departures of top leaders from the state Department of Health follow disclosures of major shortcomings in the state’s response to COVID-19. These events have diminished public confidence in what officials say. However, trust is crucial in maintaining the public’s health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kokua Council Wants Court To Order DOH To Hire Contact Tracers. A community organization has petitioned the Hawaii Supreme Court to order the state health department to hire more contact tracers. Civil Beat.

Elizabeth “Libby” Char named interim director of the Hawaii Department of Health. Elizabeth “Libby” Char appointed by Gov. David Ige to serve as interim director of the Hawaii Department of Health, effective Sept.16. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii Gov. David Ige unveils $100M program to help renters affected by pandemic. Hawaii renters who are at risk of eviction due to the coronavirus pandemic may be eligible for financial help under a new $100 million rent relief and housing assistance program announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

State Makes Rental Assistance Available For Hard Hit Residents. Payments will go directly to landlords, not tenants. Civil Beat.

State launches $100 million housing assistance program. The state is launching a $100 million program designed help Hawaii residents pay for and stay in their current housing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that’s put thousands out of work. West Hawaii Today.

Governor Announces Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program. The new program will provide federal assistance for Hawai‘i renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State says. Big Island Video News.

Ige announces $100 million in rental assistance. The state’s moratorium on evictions is valid through the end of the month, but any missed payments during this pandemic are still owed to landlords. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige Announces Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program. Governor David Ige announced the launch of a new program that will provide federal assistance for Hawai‘i renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

State to provide qualified residents rent money. The state announced on Sept. 8 it will provide $100 million to renters and eventually homeowners. KHON2.

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‘Special master’ to oversee Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety. The embattled state Department of Public Safety went under a new level of oversight and scrutiny in the era of COVID-19 on Tuesday after Gov. David Ige announced that he has appointed the chairman of the state Hawaii Paroling Authority as Ige’s “special master” over DPS. Star-Advertiser.

Ige selects Department of Public Safety insider to assess DPS in wake of COVID-19 outbreak. In the wake of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the state’s largest jail, the governor has appointed the chairman of the Hawaii Paroling Authority as a special master to assist in overseeing the state Department of Public Safety. West Hawaii Today.

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Senate Committee Requests Pre-Testing Pilot Program for Interisland Travel. A Hawai‘i Senate Committee is calling for a program that would require coronavirus testing for those wishing to travel between the Hawaiian Islands. Big Island Now.

Senate Special Committee Calls for Pre-Testing Pilot Program for Travel Between Neighbor Island Counties. Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 sent a letter to Governor David Ige calling for neighbor island counties to serve as Pilot Program testing sites for exclusive travel between neighbor island counties. Maui Now.

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Hawaii surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 cases. The state Department of Health on Tuesday reported 66 new cases of the novel coronavirus bringing Hawaii’s total case to 10,025 cases since Feb. 28. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, Sept. 8th: 66 New Cases Lift State Over 10,000 Total. Big Island Video News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 8: 66 New Cases And 2 Deaths. It was one of the lowest daily counts seen in more than a month. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell extends stay-at-home, work-from-home order. Oahu’s stay-at-home, work-from-home order to curb a surge in new daily coronavirus cases will continue for at least the next two weeks, with changes to allow for limited outdoor activities. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Parks, Beaches To Reopen – But Only For Solo Activity. Parents are not allowed to bring their kids to the beach, the mayor said. Civil Beat.

Mayor extends stay-at-home order, but reopens parks and beaches for solo activities. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is extending Oahu’s stay-at-home order for two more weeks ― through Sept. 23 ― but will reopen parks and beaches for individual activities. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor extends stay-at-home order for 2 more weeks. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced an extension to the stay-at-home order which will now end on Sept. 23. KHON2.

Rules for going solo on Oahu outdoor pursuits raise safety concerns. In the mayor’s latest order, city parks and trails will reopen for limited uses such as walking, running and biking, but only by oneself. Group activities will not be allowed. Star-Advertiser.

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2 more city bus operators test positive; last routes driven released. One of the operators last worked on Friday, Aug. 28 and did not have any COVID-19 symptoms while on the job. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi Has The Worst COVID-19 Outbreak In Hawaii. Here’s How The Community Is Responding. Nonprofits are pivoting to help residents in a community facing the worst outbreak of COVID-19 of any zip code in the state, along with high rates of unemployment. Civil Beat.

Community divide over an affordable housing project planned for Kailua deepens. An affordable rental housing project in a Kailua neighborhood continues its uphill battle, despite strong opposition. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu private schools differ on when to bring back students. ‘Iolani School plans to bring all students back to campus Sept. 21 with extensive safety precautions against COVID-19, but some other big private schools remain wary of in-person classes. Star-Advertiser.

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EPA orders Waianae company to stop selling pesticides claiming to kill coronavirus. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a Waianae-based company to stop distributing and selling two pesticides known as “InstaPURE” and “EverPURE” because they are not registered and make misleading claims. Star-Advertiser.

EPA orders Waianae company to stop using unapproved COVID-fighting chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency is ordering a Waianae-based company to stop using two chemicals it allegedly markets as coronavirus killers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Officials: Inmates barricade themselves, set fire and riot at HCCC. The Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Fire Department and state Sheriff’s Division responded late Tuesday afternoon to what police described as a “riot” at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Inmates riot and set fire to housing unit at Hilo jail. Several inmates were injured Tuesday during a riot and fire at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Affray at HCCC Contained After Inmates Start Fire. Authorities have contained an incident at Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center where inmates started a fire and barricaded doors on one of the units Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Photos Show Inmates Rounded Up After HCCC Riot. The situation at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center was contained Tuesday evening, after a riot broke out at the facility. Big Island Video News.

Disturbance at Hilo’s correctional center contained after fire, barricades. A Department of Public Safety spokesperson said the incident began around 3:45 p.m. and was contained by 5:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

‘Public safety has things that need to be corrected,’ a lawmaker says as a riot occurs at HCCC. A jail riot at Hawaii Community Correctional Center is causing concern among some state leaders. KHON2.

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Team from the state to review COVID response at veterans home in Hilo. A state team will be assembled today to conduct a review of the COVID-19 outbreak response at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, and the virus was reported in two more Big Island long-term care facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Army to seek lease extension of state-owned land. The U.S. Army is seeking input for an upcoming environmental impact statement to retain its lease of nearly 23,000 acres at Pohakuloa Training Area. West Hawaii Today.

Kealakekua man fined $5,500 for fish poaching. A Kealakekua resident was sentenced Tuesday to pay $5,500 in fines stemming from the illegal collection of 550 aquarium fish earlier this year from waters off South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Roselani Place COVID-19 Cases Rise to 47 Total Since Aug. 15. The number of COVID-19 positive cases at the Roselani Place assisted living community is now 47–including 28 staff and 19 residents. Maui Now.

New owners bring life back to local brewery. About $1M infused into Kohola Brewery to restart company shuttered by pandemic. Maui News.

Maui Cattle Company Offers COVID-Friendly Drive-Up Sale on Friday. Maui Cattle Company, a local business founded in 2002, hosts a third drive-up sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at their facility located at 106 South Kāne Street (between Kahului Foodland and Sysco) in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign to assist small business extended. The Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign, conducted in partnership with the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the county’s Office of Economic Development, the Kupa‘a Kaua‘i program and Jaxon Communications, has received notice that the program has been extended through the end of the year. Garden Island.

Decision on proposed Hanalei brewery deferred. The proposal for a new brewpub in Hanalei was before the Planning Commission Tuesday, but because of an influx of new public testimony, all action was deferred to next month. Garden Island.

Multiple agencies contain airport fire. Firefighters contained a 100-acre brushfire that broke out near the makai side of Lihu‘e Airport on Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Hawaii Supreme Court orders inmate release amid COVID-19 jail outbreak, finger-pointing continues as coronavirus cases escalate, Obama beach house controversy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Prison wire ©2020 All Hawaii News
Court orders some inmates released. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ordered the temporary release of certain pretrial detainees and inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, where COVID-19 cases continue to spread and cause unrest. Star-Advertiser.

As COVID-19 rages through state’s largest jail, court orders release of some inmates. With coronavirus raging through OCCC uncontrollably, the state Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the release of certain inmates from the overcrowded facility. The order comes on the same day that the state Public Safety Department announced that the number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 at OCCC had swelled to 170. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court orders the release of some OCCC inmates by Wednesday. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ordered the release of some of its Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates by Wednesday, August 19. KHON2.

Supreme Court orders OCCC jail inmate release due to COVID-19. Releases start Wednesday, and anyone released has to check in with the court in February. KITV4.

Inmates Start Fires Over Quarantine Lockdowns, Cramped Conditions. The state Supreme Court ordered the release of certain inmates because physical distancing is not possible and has the potential to place the inmates and staff at risk of death. Civil Beat.

Inmate unrest reported at OCCC, where number of COVID-19 cases has swelled to 200. Growing tension at Oahu Community Correctional Center led to inmate unrest on Sunday, with detainees setting several small fires. Hawaii News Now.

Inmates causing damage, setting fires as COVID-19 outbreak continues to strain OCCC. “Quarantine lockdowns, and cramped conditions, combined with the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak at OCCC translates to inmates becoming restless and agitated,” said a representative for the Department of Public Safety. KHON2.

OCCC inmates show frustration over lock down second day in a row. For the second day in a row, inmates at Hawaii's largest correctional facility started a fire in the housing module. KITV4.

‘An utter failure': Legal, medical experts fault state for massive outbreak at OCCC. Experts blasted the state for the massive COVID-19 outbreak at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, saying prison officials have not done enough to stop the spread. Hawaii News Now.

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‘This is their fault’: Dr. Miscovich rips Hawaii DOH. Dr. Scott Miscovich was emphatic when placing blame for the surge in positive coronavirus tests on Oahu in recent weeks, many of which he has tested himself. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 16: 220 New Cases As Surge Continues. Most of the cases were on Oahu, where officials are battling an outbreak in the state’s largest jail. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 9 Queen's Workers Positive; 220 New Cases; Positivity Rate Tops WHO Guideline. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 220 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the state's total to over 5,000 at 5,042. These include 4,591 on Oahu, 148 on Hawaii Island, 226 in Maui County, and 54 on Kauai. Twenty-three cases were diagnosed out of state. The death toll stands at 40.  Hawaii Public Radio.

With a benchmark of 3,000 active COVID-19 cases surpassed, another lockdown is on the table. Hawaii’s active corona­virus cases on Sunday went over 3,000 — a benchmark that health care officials have said would warrant a month-long stay-at-home order for Oahu, where most of the infections are. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus Cases in Hawai‘i Top 5,000 Sunday. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 220 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 5,042. Big Island Now.

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State Lawmakers Call For Steps To Blunt Trump Anti-Mail Balloting Moves. The chairs of the Hawaii legislative judiciary committees called for action to prevent the state's highly successful mail-in balloting from being disrupted by President Trump's moves against the U.S Postal Service.  Hawaii Public Radio.

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Amid economic crisis, the state unemployment office is hiring. Hawaii has 27 unemployment claim adjudicators, four of whom are currently on medical leave, plus 11 volunteers from other state agencies, six retirees who came back to help, and 12 new hires, said William Kunstman, DLIR spokesman. Hawaii News Now.

Health Officials Knew COVID-19 Would Hit Pacific Islanders Hard. The State Still Fell Short. As of Friday, 30% of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hawaii affect non-Hawaiian Pacific Islanders — including but not limited to Marshallese, Samoans, Tongans, Chuukese and other Indigenous peoples of the Pacific — even though they make up just 4% of the state’s population. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige calls out senators following Department of Health contact tracing tour. Gov. David Ige has admonished Senate President Ron Kouchi after members of the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 toured the Health Department on Aug. 7 to review contact tracing operations at the invitation of the state epidemiologist — but apparently without enough advance notice. Star-Advertiser.

Ige to Kouchi: Senators’ visit to DOH was ‘neither respectful nor appropriate'. In a newly obtained letter to Hawaii’s Senate president, Gov. David Ige calls out the lawmakers who made an unannounced visit to the health department earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

State Was Lying To Us About Contact Tracing, Gabbard Says. Gabbard was joined by a Department of Health employee whistleblower, and revealed what is really going on with the State's COVID-19 contact tracing tracing efforts. Big Island Video News.

Public schools get unusual start to new academic year. Today is the first day of school for public school students, but rather than offering their traditional warm welcome, many principals advised kids to stay home given the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism officials can’t market Hawaii as ‘the safest place on earth’ anymore. It was just a few months ago when some Hawaii tourism and government officials thought Hawaii had a shot at marketing the state to tourists as “the safest place on earth.” Star-Advertiser.

Auto sales careened downhill 41.8% in the second quarter. Hawaii auto sales plunged 41.8% in the second quarter as the work-from-home labor force, a near standstill in tourism, the closure of most recreational activities and a quarter million people unemployed left the industry parked on the side of the road. Star-Advertiser.

Farmland becoming food vs. fuel battleground. What’s at stake are two competing state policy goals: producing 100% of energy from renewable sources by 2045, and doubling local food production by 2030. Star-Advertiser.

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Moratorium on aquarium trade continues. A decision by the state Environmental Council last week effectively continues a moratorium on commercial aquarium collection along the Kona Coast, an activity long opposed by some Native Hawaiians and marine conservation groups. Star-Advertiser.

Council upholds BLNR’s rejection of aquarium fishing EIS. A May decision by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to maintain a ban on aquarium fish collection off West Hawaii was recently upheld by the state Environmental Council. West Hawaii Today.

Aquarium fishing ban upheld. The state’s Environmental Council has upheld the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ decision to maintain the ban on collecting fish for the aquarium-pet trade off the west coast of Hawai‘i Island, and to reject an environmental impact statement aimed at restarting the destructive practice. Garden Island.

Oahu

Obama and the beach house loopholes. As Barack Obama entered the home stretch of his presidency, his close friend Marty Nesbitt was scouting an oceanfront property on Oahu, the Hawaiian island where the two regularly vacationed together with their families. Star-Advertiser.

Bones found on a property tied to Obama, causing tension with Native Hawaiians. n January, workers had found human remains, or iwi kupuna, as they reshaped a multimillion-dollar oceanfront lot into a luxury compound being developed by Marty Nesbitt, the chair of the Obama Foundation and head of a Chicago-based private-equity firm. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Government Goes Local for Some Transit Technology. Some local tech companies are landing big contracts with the City & County of Honolulu’s for transit work. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

South Kohala resorts show off reopening plans. Representatives from several properties on the Gold Coast Thursday shared with state and county legislators and officials their ever-evolving plans and procedures for reopening with on-site visits at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Grand Vacations. West Hawaii Today.

Sewer replacement project gets underway Tuesday. Traffic patterns on Palani Road, between Kailua Pier and Kuakini Highway, will be altered beginning Tuesday as work begins to replace an aging sewer line. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Big-brand hotels roll out pandemic safety plans. Leaders mull resort bubbles for Neighbor Island resortgoers. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Addresses Rumors Relating to Resort Bubbles and Public Beach Access. Mayor Michael Victorino today addressed “rumors and misinformation” he said is spreading on social media about resort bubbles and public beach access. Maui Now.

Tenants at Lahaina Front Street Apartments Celebrate Federal Court Win to Keep Rent Affordable Until 2051. The 40-page decision by Hawai‘i federal District Court Judge Jill Otake rejected an attempt by the project developer, Front Street Affordable Housing Partners, to end the restrictions set in place to prevent sharp increases in rents or sale of the project unencumbered by the rent restrictions. Maui Now.

Thermal scanners now installed at all arrival gates at Kahului Airport. Facial imaging gear to be added before end of year. Maui News.

Some businesses support Young Brothers rate hike. Several Maui County businesses are throwing their support behind Young Brothers’ request to raise its rates 47 percent, though at least one called for an independent audit of the struggling interisland shipper. Maui News.

Kauai

Festival of Hope sold out again. Novelyn Hinazumi, Child &Family Service Kaua‘i director, was busy stuffing backpacks with digital thermometers Saturday as cars started flowing through the CFS Festival of Hope for Families distribution in the Vidinha Stadium parking lot. Garden Island.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Hawaii may prolong travel quarantine as COVID-19 cases surge, Ige shuffles Health Department staff, teachers union threatens lawsuit if schools reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki sunset with airplane ©2020 All Hawaii News
Visitor industry braces for another pre-arrivals testing delay. Some signs of Hawaii’s fledgling tourism recovery are flying away as the state’s visitor industry braces for another delay in the start of a pre-arrivals testing program. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige to revisit stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases in Hawaii spike.  With a record 355 cases of COVID-19 recorded today, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he’s looking at the possibility of re-establishing the stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-Travel Program in Peril, as Hawai‘i Mulls Partial Lockdown. A return to lockdown is back on the table after Hawai‘i reported a record 355 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and two coronavirus-related deaths for the third consecutive day. Big Island Now.

The governor acknowledged Thursday that a rapid spread of coronavirus on Oahu may trigger a delay to the state’s plan for rebooting tourism. The state had hoped to launch a pre-testing traveler program on Sept. 1, after delaying it from Aug. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige considers bringing back stay-at-home order. Health officials say Oahu hospitals are close to the point of being overwhelmed, and Governor David Ige is considering bringing back more restrictions for Oahu, like the stay-at-home order. KHON2.

Ige says state is moving in the ‘wrong direction,’ but opts not to institute new restrictions. On a day that the state saw 355 new COVID-19 infections, the governor on Thursday said Hawaii is “moving in the wrong direction” but he stopped short of instituting any new mandates aimed at reining in the spread of the virus. He did pledge, however, to bring back new mandates if cases remain high. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: ‘We are headed in the wrong direction’. Despite a record-high 355 new COVID-19 cases reported Thursday, Gov. David Ige stopped short of delaying a plan to allow out-of-state travelers with a negative COVID-19 test to arrive in Hawaii on Sept. 1 without being subject to a 14-day quarantine. Tribune-Herald.

Record 355 cases; more restrictions possible. “We have some very bad news to report today,” Gov. David Ige said at the start of his Thursday news conference. Garden Island.

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Controversial State Health Official Ousted From Leading Virus Tracing Effort. With cases spiraling out of control, State Epidemiologist Sarah Park has been replaced as head of Hawaii’s contact tracing program. Danette Wong Tomiyasu is taking over. Civil Beat.

Dr. Park replaced as head of contact tracing program. Department of Health recently announced that the new Disease Investigation Branch Chief, Dr. Emily Roberson, would take over contact tracing at DOH. KITV4.

Anderson, Park absent from COVID briefing as governor puts deputy in charge of contact tracing. State Health Director Bruce Anderson and State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park have been the health department’s two most visible faces in the fight against COVID-19. The two were nowhere to be seen at the governor’s press briefing Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

As it struggles to respond to COVID-19, the state is again refusing help for contact tracing. The state Health Department continues to reject offers for funds and workers to help with contact tracing. Hawaii News Now.

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As COVID-19 Cases Rise, Hawaii Hospitals Plan For Day They Exceed Capacity. Some Hawaii hospitals are getting hit harder than others with the surge in COVID-19 cases. But the Healthcare Association of Hawaii that represents hospitals has a plan: it will re-distribute patients if needed so facilities aren’t overrun. Hawaii Public Radio.

Union warns of nurse shortage with rise of coronavirus cases. Hospitals in Hawaii are able to expand their number of intensive care units if the number of COVID-19 patients goes beyond capacity, but now some are worried there will not be enough nurses to care for those sick patients.  KHON2.

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Ige Warns Of Furloughs If Congress Fails To Provide More Aid. While negotiations over additional federal assistance to cities and states remain deadlocked, Hawaii’s chief executive says the state may be forced to furlough workers in the coming months if Congress fails to act. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii sees 2 more deaths and a record 355 new coronavirus cases. Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported a single-day record of 355 new COVID-19 cases, and the coronavirus-related deaths of two Oahu men, both over 60 years old. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 13: 355 New Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii has recorded more cases of COVID-19 in the first two weeks of August than all prior months combined. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 13th: New Record 355 Cases, Two New Deaths. The 355 new cases includes 86 new diagnosed cases of coronavirus at the O‘ahu Community Correctional Facility, officials say. Big Island Video News.

DOH Reports 355 Cases of Coronavirus, 2 Deaths Thursday. For the first time, Hawai‘i has eclipsed 300 coronavirus cases in a single day. Big Island Now.

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70 more OCCC inmates and 12 staff members test positive for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at Oahu Community Correctional Center swelled dramatically on Thursday as inmate advocates rushed to petition the Judiciary to release as many inmates as possible as quickly as possible. Star-Advertiser.

Corrections Staff Describe Jail Conditions That Make Social Distancing Impossible. Staff and inmates alike have been infected as COVID-19 spreads inside Hawaii’s largest jail. Civil Beat.

Surge in COVID-19 cases spurs petition from Office of Public Defender seeking the release of some inmates. The Office of Public Defender on Wednesday petitioned the state Supreme Court, seeking an order to the lower courts, the Department of Public Safety and the Hawaii Paroling Authority to take immediate steps to significantly reduce the population of its … correctional facilities to prevent the massive loss of life and harm that the spread of COVID-19 would cause in such facilities. Tribune-Herald.

California prisons provide Hawaii with lessons in dealing with outbreaks. Hawaii officials dealing with the rapid spread of COVID-19 at the Oahu Community Correctional Center are finding out what many of their mainland counterparts already know: Once the virus has entered a prison, it’s near impossible to contain it without immediate action to ramp up testing and disperse the inmate population. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii teachers union, superintendent spar over schools reopening. The teachers union said Thursday it will file labor complaints against the state to try to stop plans to reopen public schools on Monday that it says could endanger its members. Star-Advertiser.

Union threatens lawsuit over plans for face-to-face meetings with students at start of school year. While public schools will start the fall semester fully online, students are still scheduled to return to campus next week to prepare for online learning. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA seeks legal action to stop public school students from in-person classes. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is taking legal action to stop public school students from returning to campuses on Monday. HSTA president Corey Rosenlee said the Department of Education’s current plan requiring students to report in-person the first week of school is reckless and unsafe. KHON2.


HSTA to launch legal action against State of Hawaii, DOE. Thursday afternoon, the Hawaii State Teachers Association will announce legal action they are taking against the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

DOE pushes back against union’s criticism of reopening plan. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said it will take legal action over school reopening plans it thinks are unsafe and “reckless” amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a surge of cases. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers Union Takes Legal Action On School Reopening Plans, DOE Responds. A union official, a family medicine doctor, and an attorney took part in a new conference today to explain their opposition to the planned reopening of schools in the time of COVID. Big Island Video News.

HSTA takes legal action. Corey Rosenlee, president of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association, announced the union’s intention to file a prohibited-practice complaint with the Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board and a class grievance against the state Department of Education during a Zoom teleconference Thursday afternoon. Garden Island.

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Hawai‘i State Public Libraries Temporarily Suspend Computer Time Amid COVID-19 Concerns. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System will temporarily suspend Computer Time at all library branches statewide, from Aug. 16–31, 2020. Maui Now.

Rising coronavirus cases suspends library computer use. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Hawaii State Public Library System will temporarily suspend Computer Time at all library branches statewide, August 16 – 31, 2020. KITV4.

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20 ships participating in reduced RIMPAC in Hawaii starting Monday. Ten nations, about 20 ships and 5,300 personnel are taking part in Rim of the Pacific maritime exercises starting Monday in Hawaii’s waters. Star-Advertiser.

Over 900 Late Ballots Won’t Be Counted In Hawaii Primary. Officials warned voters to mail those ballots at least three to five days before Election Day. Civil Beat.

Oahu

More restrictions on the horizon to fight COVID-19 on Oahu. With a record number of COVID-19 cases, a festering outbreak at Hawaii’s largest jail and clusters emerging all across Oahu, Gov. David Ige said Thursday that he’s looking at reestablishing a stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Outbreak forces halt to shelter admissions. As the number of positive COVID-19 cases reached record highs on Thursday, officials announced that the Institute for Human Services has seen 20 cases in its men’s shelter in Iwilei, requiring it to be converted into a temporary isolation and quarantine site. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Outbreak Prompts Lockdown At Iwilei Homeless Shelter. At least 20 residents at the Institute for Human Services’ men’s facility on Sumner Street have tested positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail Costs To Climb With Dispute Over Airport Section. Officials are scrambling to speed up construction of stations and the relocation of utilities lines for the future transit line. Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch to reduce guest operations to 4-day weeks, furlough more employees. In a letter to employees dated Wednesday, President and CEO John Morgan said the ranch will be open to guests from Thursday through Sunday starting next week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County can deny STVRs on agricultural land: State Land Use Commission unanimously upholds county vacation rental ban. Short-term vacation rentals do not belong on agricultural land, the state Land Use Commission ruled Thursday in upholding Hawaii County’s authority to deny that use. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor revises terms for reclosing of Maui. South Maui bars test staff, reopen after COVID-19 exposure. Days after warning that Maui County closures may ensue if COVID-19 cases average five to seven a day, Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday softened his approach, pointing instead to “double-digit” average daily case counts as a trigger for rollbacks. Maui News.

Maui Threshold for Closures Revised Upward. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino revised his threshold upward for the number of COVID-19 cases Maui would need in order for him to reinstate closures. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 Contact Tracers Encounter Guilt, Fear of Being Identified. The District Health Office on Maui is reporting some pushback in their contact tracing efforts from individuals who have expressed fear of being identified on Social Media or in the community. Maui Now.

Maui Health Care Worker and Two Patients Test Positive for Covid-19.  Maui Health has confirmed that it has one health care worker and two patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Stolen oysters not recovered, but ‘volunteers’ have been found. Replacements for ocean biofiltering project will be on the way soon. Maui News.

Kauai

Interference pauses Hanakapi‘ai bridge project. The state has temporarily suspended a bridge-building project over the Hanakapi‘ai Stream on Kaua‘i’s North Shore because people have been undoing the work that’s being done, according to a press release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

State halts bridge building in Hanakapiai Valley on Kauai to address opposition. The construction of a footbridge across the stream in Hanakapiai Valley, in Kauai’s rugged Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, has been temporarily halted due to interference at the site, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a press release today. Star-Advertiser.