Showing posts with label Ikaika Anderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ikaika Anderson. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

$25M initiative to restore coral health, monk seal pup found dead on North Shore, Big Island to quit spraying glyphosate on county roadsides, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$25M initiative to restore health of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Arizona State University on Monday announced the creation of a new $25 million initiative that aims to preserve and restore the vitality to Hawaii’s declining coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Monk Seal Pup Found Dead On Oahu’s North Shore.
The discovery comes after officials disclosed another young seal was most likely killed intentionally on the island in March. Civil Beat. Big Island NowKHON2.

State school board shake-up raises questions. No one who knows why Gov. Josh Green removed Bruce Voss as chair of the state Board of Education is talking openly about the reasons.  Star-Advertiser.

Inflation is stabilizing, but Hawaii food costs high. Honolulu’s inflation rate is easing, but prices for some items are still higher than they were last year, according to federal data. Star-Advertiser.

Hotels offer applicants perks amid staffing shortages. More than 80% of hoteliers across the nation are reporting staffing shortages, and Hawaii is no exception with this year’s projection for state hotel jobs expected to be nearly 12% below pre-pandemic levels. Hawaii’s projected hotel job decline is tied for 20th worst along with Arizona and Minnesota.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii On The Hill: Hirono Talks K-Pop, Cats And Carrying On At DC Event. The U.S. senator from Hawaii talked about a wide range of issues during the 7th Annual Hawaii on the Hill event in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ex-Council chair pleads not guilty to abuse charge. Former Honolulu City Council member Ikaika Anderson has pleaded not guilty to allegations of domestic abuse levied by his 34-year-old girlfriend. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

New HPD Budget Adds Potential Hiring Bonuses, Boosts Chinatown And Community Policing.
Recruiting incentives for new officers and civilian hires are under discussion. Civil Beat.

Portal for City’s rent, utility relief program closes after surge in applications. Due to extraordinary demand from Oahu renters, the City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) application portal closed again Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

The patient numbers at Red Hill's clinic are low
. Why are civilians seeking care elsewhere? Earlier this year, the military opened the Red Hill Clinic to provide treatment to those facing long-term health effects from the November 2021 jet fuel water crisis. Hawaii Public Radio.

City to start major improvement project on Kalākaua Avenue. Honolulu's Department of Design and Construction announced that they will be renovating the roads and curbs for the next nine months. The project also includes adjusting manhole covers and utility boxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vandals Nearly Destroyed This Central Oahu Cemetery
. Now The Community Is Standing Up For The Dead. The state has stepped in to untangle legal issues and create a long-term plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

 
County announces changes for own pesticide use
. The County of Hawaii Public Works Department announced Tuesday plans to end the use of glyphosate-based herbicides on County roadsides, drainage structures, rights-of-ways, and easements by July 1. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Charges against two women — cited in a dispute over nene conservation— were dropped by a judge Tuesday. “It’s a win for the cats.” That was the reaction by Nancy Charles-Parker after misdemeanor charges of the taking of endangered and threatened species against her and fellow Waikoloa resident Ferol Kolons were dismissed without prejudice Tuesday by South Kohala District Judge Jill Hasegawa. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to learn about Wailuku hydroelectric project on Big Island. The public is invited to a meeting this week to learn more about a project that has provided clean, renewable electricity for more than 30 years on the Big Island and plans for its continued operation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Mayor, Ex-Mahi Pono Exec Now Want To Steer East Maui’s New Water Board. The council is considering the additional applicants as DHHL scraps its initial recommendation of Jonathan Likeke Scheuer. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green moves to increase healthcare opportunities. 
Governor Josh Green, M.D. announced that he has signed legislation that will expand access to healthcare on Maui. KHON2.

Wailuku parking structure to open in September
. The four-story, 393-stall parking structure that aims to clear up street parking in Wailuku town is set to open Sept. 1, according to Maui County and construction officials. Maui News.

USPS seeks to fill 47 job openings at four Maui post offices; Job Fair Blitz on June 15. The US Postal Service is hosting job fairs on June 15 at the Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina and Wailuku Post Offices.  Maui Now.

Maui parents want more mental health help for woman who allegedly tried to take child. A Maui woman accused of trying to kidnap a child last month is now facing a new charge. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Owning pepper spray on Kauaʻi may get easier with new law. Unlike other counties in the state, to legally own pepper spray on Kauaʻi, a resident needs a permit. A new bill at the Kauaʻi County Council seeks to change that. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapa‘a Swimming Pool estimated to reopen August. With renovations to the pool beginning in August 2022, the project’s scope of work includes replacing and upgrading the pool filtration, recirculation and chlorination systems. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Ikaika Anderson vows to fight abuse charges, bill requiring private businesses to disclose salaries on Green's desk, Health Department investigates effluent discharges in Kailua Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Facing questions about his political future, Ikaika Anderson vows to fight abuse charge. The prominent politician was arrested at his Waimanalo home Monday night after a woman who was visiting him told police he injured her during an altercation. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Hawaiian Independence Day Is Officially Recognized. La Kuokoa is not an official state holiday, but is designated as a day of remembrance on the islands. Gov. Josh Green recently signed a new bill into law acknowledging that Hawaiian Independence Day will be held annually on Nov. 28. Civil Beat.

Bill on salary transparency to Green’s desk. A bill requiring Hawai‘i employers to disclose hourly rates or salary ranges in job postings was passed by the state Legislature earlier this month and is now awaiting final approval from Gov. Josh Green. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Legislature passes bill to create fireworks task force. The state Legislature earlier this month approved Senate Bill 821, which would establish a multiagency task force dedicated to combating the widespread sale and use of illegal fireworks across the state. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu Council's latest property tax bills aim to confront rising home values. Honolulu City Council continues to discuss providing tax relief to Oʻahu residents by overhauling the city's real property tax code. Proposals include measures that set real property tax rates, and the administration's proposed one-time $300 property tax credit for homeowners receiving a city exemption. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would make Honolulu first jurisdiction to require that nightclubs, bars keep Narcan on hand. As the number of fentanyl overdoses soars on Oahu, the City Council is debating whether to arm bartenders with Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. Hawaii News Now.

Energy storage farm might rise in place of Oahu coal power plant. The owner of an idle Oahu power plant that burned coal for 30 years until September has plans that could include an electricity storage facility possibly with a solar farm after 2025 when work to dismantle the coal power plant, owned by AES Corp., is projected for completion. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Health Department says Kailua Bay bacteria levels are ‘very concerning’.  Thirteen days total. That was the number of days that a city wastewater plant exceeded limits for enterococcus bacteria in its effluent in April and May, which prompted the state Department of Health to issue an advisory for all of Kailua Bay. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.  KITV4.

Defueling Red Hill planned for October under latest timeline. The U.S. Department of Defense has once again sped up its timeline for defueling the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility and now says that it expects to begin draining approximately 104 million gallons of fuel from the underground tanks in mid-­October, largely completing the process in three months. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

City workers clearing out homeless camp in Kalihi.  A homeless encampment near the Kalihi Transit Center will soon be removed as city crews work to clear out the area this week. KITV4.

Five Honolulu divers cited for fishing and safety violations. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement issued the citations after receiving multiple complaints from nearby residents and community members.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona gymnastics team special permit hearing to take place Friday. An application for a special permit to operate a gymnastic and sports fitness facility at a long contested parcel in North Kona is being heard Friday by the Leeward Planning Commission, nearly two years after originally submitting the request. West Hawaii Today.

Roadwork continues in Hilo. Drivers in Hilo are advised to expect delays this week as construction work continues on major roads. Tribune-Herald.

HCC ag project a ‘win-win’ for students and community. After three years of hard work, students from Hawaii Community College’s agriculture program harvested their first fruits and vegetables Tuesday from an agroforestry project in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Naniloa again seeks permission to refinance. A manager of the Grand Naniloa Hotel pleaded to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday to give him a third chance to settle the hotel’s financial problems. Tribune-Herald.

End of an icon? Cafe 100 building put up for sale. Hilo’s historic “Home of the Loco Moco” likely is going on an indefinite hiatus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Property tax rates to be lowered for some homeowners. Council passes new rates, to consider full budget next week. Maui News.

Children seen playing with snake before its capture on Maui.  A live, non-venomous snake was captured on the side of the road near the Pukalani Golf Club on Maui Monday, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture said. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Molokai Medical Clinic Opens To Fill Dire Doctor Shortage. Dr. Ka‘ohimanu Dang Akiona, a Big Island physician and advocate for equity in health care, has opened the doors to Molokai Family and Urgent Care Clinic, a primary care, urgent care and street medicine practice located in Kaunakakai. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Restoration project uses artificial sounds to lure seabirds back to Kauaʻi's remote coast. The Division of State Parks, nonprofits and private companies have joined forces to restore native seabirds back to the Nāpali Coast of Kauaʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

County blesses newly-renovated playcourt at Kōloa Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation held a blessing ceremony on Tuesday, commemorating the completion of the playcourt renovations at Anne Knudsen Park, also known as Kōloa Park, in Kōloa. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Helicopter tours could be reduced, tourism authority gets new life, Honolulu ex-councilman Anderson arrested on domestic abuse charges, army chiefs meet on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Reduction of air tours over Hawaii national parks is proposed. Noisy air tours would be greatly reduced over Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park under draft plans unveiled Monday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority Just Won’t Die Despite Some Lawmakers’ Best Efforts. Gov. Josh Green plans to spend $60 million to keep the agency alive -- for now. Civil Beat.

Thousands could have their arrest records expunged after state Supreme Court ruling. A Supreme Court of Hawaii ruling could give thousands of people a chance to have their arrest records expunged. The decision affects those who were arrested for a crime, but were actually convicted of a violation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature dials back aid grants. Hawaii lawmakers, working with a revenue surplus for a second straight legislative session, dialed back grant awards to nonprofits this year but maintained a higher level of giving than in other recent years. Star-Advertiser.

Army chiefs from 3 nations meet on Oahu. The chiefs of the U.S., British and Australian armies met Monday on Oahu as the three countries pursue closer ties amid boiling geopolitical tensions in both Europe and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric finalizes Integrated Grid Plan to decarbonize its energy systems by 2045. Hawaiian Electric filed its “Integrated Grid Plan: A pathway to a clean energy future” with the Public Utilities Commission, outlining steps the company will take in the coming years to ensure its system will achieve net zero carbon emissions and use 100% renewable resources by 2045. Maui Now. KITV4.

Hawaiian Air unveils Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin design. Hawaiian Airlines, which plans to begin service in early 2024 with its new 300-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, unveiled Monday the interior of the aircraft and introduced a new class of premium service: the Leihoku Suites. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council committee meets over real property tax bills. The Honolulu City Council’s subcommittee meant to sort through a slew of largely Council-initiated real property tax measures to aid homeowners affected by the approximately 10% or greater increase in real property tax assessments on Oahu is scheduled to hold its first meeting today. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Still Answers Mental Health Calls With Force, Data Shows. The number of use of force incidents by HPD has more than tripled in the past decade, but police might just be better at reporting. Civil Beat.

Community invited to give input on future projects surrounding Hālawa's rail station. The city's Department of Planning and Permitting is hosting a community meeting to discuss Hālawa's transit-oriented development (TOD) plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-City councilmember Ikaika Anderson charged for allegedly abusing his girlfriend.
Honolulu police have arrested and charged Ikaika Anderson, former Honolulu City Councilmember and candidate for lieutenant governor, for allegedly abusing his girlfriend in Waimanalo on Monday night. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Over 70 Oʻahu public schools dish out lunches with poi this month. The new menu item is part of the state Department of Education's farm-to-school initiative. The campaign aims to promote food sustainability in the islands by supporting local farmers and improving students' health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Pacific Health relaxes masking policy at its facilities. Hawaii Pacific Health said starting today, wearing masks will be optional at all of its medical centers and clinics, except for desginated, high-risk patient care areas. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Survey On Red Hill’s Future Use Closes Soon. What should the military do with the Red Hill fuel facility once it’s empty? Community members have until the end of this month to make their voices heard.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Bill proposes new Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience for Hawaiʻi County. The legislation would establish the new cabinet-level office, which would be responsible for coordinating and managing policies to promote Hawai‘i County’s sustainability and resilience in response to the impacts of climate change and other natural and manmade hazards. Big Island Now.

State Inches Closer To Restoring Access To Big Island Boat Ramp 5 Years After Eruption. A popular boat ramp on Hawaii island is in line to receive $5.4 million for dredging and excavation of volcanic debris left behind from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Fishermen and residents say it's time to reopen the Pohoiki Bay boat ramp to subsistence fishing, cultural practices, recreation and other uses. Civil Beat.

Maui

Project aims to map wetlands for restoration and flood prevention. Maui County’s Department of Planning is creating a public tool that will help reduce flood risk while protecting and restoring important natural wetland ecosystems.  Maui News.

How the County of Maui ended up with 700 public service job vacancies. The police, Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Housing and Human Concerns are in need of new employees on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i economy should stay the course. A stout tourism industry should help keep the County of Kaua‘i economy on course through the rest of the year even if the nation falls into recession. Garden Island.

Restoration project to lure back seabirds launched along remote Nā Pali coast of Kauaʻi. Last week, a seabird restoration project was initiated at Nuʻalolo Kai on the rugged and remote Nā Pali coast of Kauaʻi to help populations that have been lost from the area due to non-native predators. Kauai Now.





Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Breaking up statewide school district again under scrutiny, Green faces more heat over appointees, Maui hospital workers go on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Decades-Old Debate Over Breaking Up Hawaii’s Statewide School System. Hawaii is the only state to have a single school district and no local school boards — a holdover from the plantation-era that places many major decisions about education in the hands of a state board made up of volunteers.  Civil Beat.

Ruling on confirmations could draw political heat. Gov. Josh Green’s appointee for state attorney general has informed state Senate President Ron Kouchi that she agrees with a previous attorney general’s opinion that seven deputy directors of state agencies — including her own — do not have to undergo Senate confirmation. Star-Advertiser.

Anderson Can Remain Interim DHHL Chair, AG’s Office Says. Ikaika Anderson can stay on as interim director until the end of the legislative session in May or until Green appoints a replacement, Deputy Attorney General Ryan Kanaka‘ole told the Hawaiian Homes Commission Tuesday morning. Civil Beat.

Bills and proposals start to dwindle as Legislature hits deadline. With about two-thirds of the legislative session left to go, state lawmakers have whittled down thousands of bills. Hawaii Public Radio.

Local emergency dispatchers seek official 'first responder' title and union rights. During this legislative session, communication dispatchers are advocating for two bills. One, Senate Bill 1059, would add dispatchers to the state's definition of what a first responder is.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Car Insurance Would Cost More Under Legislation Pushed By Trial Lawyers. If passed, it would be the first increase in state-mandated minimum liability coverage since 1998. State lawmakers are seriously considering bills this year to require Hawaii motorists to buy more car insurance, a step the insurance industry warns will be “regressive” because it would impose additional costs on low-income residents. Civil Beat.

Measure would allow exonerees to file suit while also collecting wrongful conviction payout. The exoneration of Albert Ian Schweitzer in the Dana Ireland murder case is prompting lawmakers to change part of a law providing compensation to those wrongfully convicted. Hawaii News Now.

Mazie Hirono seeks reelection to U.S. Senate.  Hirono previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, the state Legislature and as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

State climate commission supports governor's climate fund. The Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission has thrown its support behind Gov. Josh Green's plan to create a $100 million climate fund. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Vacation Rentals Are In The Hawaii Legislature’s Crosshairs. Rep. Daniel Holt and a handful of House members are spearheading efforts this year to rid Oahu of short-term rentals all together in an effort to try to slow the rising price of homes. Civil Beat.

Dillingham businesses hindered by the path to rail line’s terminus. Amid rail-related construction work on busy Dillingham Boulevard ramping up, some area businesses are grappling with plummeting customer foot traffic. Star-Advertiser.

Police chief urges safety after ‘rough’ week on Oahu roads.  After a week in which two police officers were critically injured in separate traffic-­related incidents and a 16-year-old girl was killed in an alleged hit-and-run while on her way to school, Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan on Tuesday called for the community’s help to keep Oahu safe. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

On Hawaii Island, a desperate request to house traveling nurses key to patient care. A lack of affordable housing is hampering Kona Community Hospital’s ability to plug critical staffing shortages ― and prompting officials to think outside of the box to address the crisis. Hawaii News Now.

UH provides guidance on burial site preservation. The University of Hawaii has provided guidance for preserving a Native Hawaiian burial site in Puna near UH land after multiple incidents in which the graves were desecrated. Tribune-Herald.

Former Kona Seaside Hotel to reopen April 1 as Pacific 19 Kona.
Nine Brains Big Island LLC obtained the lease for the Kona Seaside Hotel last year and has been remodeling the 122-room hotel with an anticipated April 1 opening day. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Maui

Judge: West Maui Developer Broke The Law When Digging Up County Road. Second Circuit Judge Kirstin Hamman recently ruled that development companies broke the law when they tore through an old roadway in West Maui while trenching a water line, a project that fueled fierce protests from community members and had previously struck a burial site. Civil Beat.

Workers at three Maui County hospitals reject offer, will strike today. United Public Workers members rejected Maui Health’s “last, best and final offer” and will go on strike at three Maui County hospitals beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Grounded yacht accidentally pumped fuel into Honolua Bay, owner says. An effort to remove the 94-foot luxury yacht that ran aground Monday on the reef at Honolua Bay during high tide failed this morning and accidentally pumped diesel into the water, according to owner Jim Jones.  Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Maui News.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

County exploring solutions to manage waste as landfill approaches maximum capacity.  As the County of Kauai‘s only landfill approaches maximum capacity, plans for a solution are still uncertain. Garden Island.

Luke Evslin sworn in as new Kaua‘i representative. New Kaua‘i state Rep. Luke Evslin took his seat in House chambers for the first time on Tuesday, joining the largest freshman class of representatives in 28 years. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Green nominee Anderson withdraws after negative Senate committee vote, 2 appointed to fill legislative vacancies, tax cut plan needs tweaks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green facing more contentious nominee hearings.  As many as three more of Gov. Josh Green’s Cabinet appointees are also likely to face intense scrutiny at their confirmation hearings after Ikaika Anderson withdrew his nomination to lead the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on Wednesday following a blistering — and sometimes personal — confirmation hearing. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Tax Deduction For Mortgages On Second Homes Could Disappear This Year. Critics of the longstanding tax break say the state has no reason to subsidize second homes. The Hawaii Association of Realtors strongly disagrees. Civil Beat.

Economist: Green’s Proposed Tax Plan For Struggling Families Needs Some Tweaking.
State tax officials say language has already been drafted to address concerns that lawmakers will need to add to the bill. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  Tribune-Herald.  Maui Now.  Maui News.

Proposed tax increase to fund homeless services not likely to advance in Legislature. A bill that would have raised a tax to support affordable housing and homeless services isn't likely to be heard this session.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Funding proposal for ʻOhana Zones advances at the state Legislature. An effort that would allocate $30 million in funding for a large state homelessness initiative has received lawmaker approval to move forward in the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Would Pay To Fly Homeless People Back Home Under New Bill. Hawaii is considering offering homeless people one-way tickets to leave the state and never come back.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Advocate And Kauai Councilman Appointed To House. Gov. Josh Green announced Wednesday that he is appointing public health advocate Trish La Chica to fill an empty House seat representing parts of Mililani and Kauai Councilman Luke Evslin to a vacant seat that covers Eastern Kauai. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Laser over Hawaii might be environmental monitoring. Five days before a Chinese spy balloon was spotted over Alaska, a Mauna Kea telescope captured video of a row of green lasers beaming down from space like a picket fence in the cloudy sky above Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s daily average of COVID cases falls.  Hawaii’s daily average of new COVID-19 cases fell into the two-digit range for the first time in nearly a year, according to the latest statistics from the state Health Department. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Agency denies free parking at Ala Wai harbor targeted.  The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation on Wednesday said it had no immediate plans to eliminate free parking at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor in advance of a legislative hearing on preserving 300 free parking stalls there. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

McKinley High School student killed in hit-and-run. A McKinley High School student was killed in a hit-and-run collision while she and another student were crossing Kapiolani Boulevard near the school Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Red Hill families forced to stay in hotels amid tainted water crisis hit with huge tax bills. Some Red Hill families who were forced to live in hotels for months because of the Navy’s tainted tap water are now getting hit with huge tax bills. The families are finding out the reimbursements from the military are considered income. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown leaders see continued improvements.  Two local leaders active in the Chinatown community say they see glimpses of hope where the crises of crime, homelessness and drug addiction have flourished for years. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR clears Makua Beach encampment of ‘Brother Sam’. The campsite, which had been at the beach since June, belonged to Samson Souza, who considers himself as a protector of the area. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County, MTM Transit Partner On Island-Wide Paratransit Services. MTM Transit will operate the Hele-On paratransit services program, under a new partnership with the County of Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Scientist: Tuesday’s temblor unrelated to recent eruptions. An earthquake that rattled the Big Island on Tuesday evening had nothing to do with any current or recent volcanic eruptions, experts say. Tribune-Herald.

Army: Keamuku wildfires ‘100% contained’.  The Keamuku Maneuver Area fires are 100% contained, with between 1,500 and 1,800 total acres burned between the two fires, the Army said in a Wednesday statement. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video NewsBig Island Now.

Maui

Paltin to administration: Set up homeowner’s assistance program before federal money is lost. With more than $8 million in federal funds that need to be used by Sept. 30, 2025, Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin is urging the administration to set up a program in order to administer a homeowner’s assistance fund. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric sees brisk pace of solar installations, bringing Maui total to 15,390. The number of private solar systems on Hawaiian Electric’s grids rose to nearly 97,000 last year, fueled by customer incentives offered by the company, an extension of federal tax credits for solar and rising electricity rates, according to the company. Maui Now.

Kauai

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opens with ceremonial blessing. The long-awaited 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday, ushering in a sustainability-first luxury experience on Kaua‘i after nearly three years of renovations and a complete rebrand. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Senate committee nixes Anderson bid for DHHL, tax relief clears 2 committees, feds seek removal of Leong defense attorney in Honolulu corruption case, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Capitol TV
Senate panel impairs DHHL leadership bid. Ikaika Anderson failed to win an endorsement from a Senate committee Tuesday to lead the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands over issues that included mistrust. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Tax Relief Bill Clears 2 House Committees. The House Education and Economic Development committees unanimously approved a bill Tuesday aimed at providing tax relief to lower- and middle-income families, but it is still unclear if the measure will survive the legislative session. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Legislature Looks To Tweak Internal Rules To Accommodate Ethics Reform. The Senate has committed to livestreaming hearings while the House looks to clarify conflicts of interest for its members. Civil Beat.

HTA puts out third call for U.S. tourism contract. The Hawaii Tourism Authority kicked off its third procurement for a U.S. tourism contract by soliciting bids for a contractor to provide Hawaii tourism destination brand management and marketing services for the U.S. market. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

State bill targets legal short term rentals. The bill does more than just allow counties to change the zoning. It also allows counties to phase out permitted, nonconforming, or otherwise allowed short-term rentals in any zoning classification. KITV4.

Free community college? Legislation seeks to cover tuition for Hawaii residents at 10 campuses. House Bill 78 and its companion, Senate Bill 172, would expand the Hawaii Promise program, a “last dollar” scholarship providing free in-state tuition for University of Hawaii community college students. Tribune-Herald.

Convicted felons can’t serve on Hawaii juries. This lawmaker says it’s time to change that. The proposal could open up jury duty for nearly 5,000 residents with a criminal past. Hawaii News Now.

Midwives Will Soon Need A License To Practice In Hawaii.
Many Are Pushing Back. Regulators want to standardize practices, but some people fear mandatory licensure could hurt rural and Native Hawaiian communities. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

State bill hopes to boost money for rural broadband.  Hawaii could receive up to $250 million in order to build out broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii legislator concerned by distribution of Chinese newspaper. State Rep. Gene Ward questions why free copies of the Chinese Communist Party’s China Daily newspaper are delivered to House members given China’s ongoing provocations, including suspicions that China flew an intelligence-gathering balloon over Kauai in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Feds Move To Disqualify Attorney In Honolulu Corruption Case. The U.S. Attorney’s office said it’s a conflict of interest for defense attorney Thomas Otake to represent former Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong because Otake’s law partner Loretta Sheehan is a “significant government witness,” according to a motion to the U.S. District court filed on Tuesday.  Civil Beat.

EPA gives Navy more time for Red Hill spill data. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will grant the Navy’s request for more time to turn over information about spills of toxic fire suppression chemicals at its Red Hill underground fuel facility, but only if military officials agree to speed up release of some of the requested material. Star-Advertiser.

‘A lot of paperwork’: 5 months in, flaws apparent in city program to ban repeat offenders from Waikiki.  In September, the city made a big splash in launching “Waikiki Safe and Sound,” a program billed as taking a harder stance on crime in the state’s no. 1 tourism destination. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmaker seeks alternatives to OHA residential development in Kakaʻako. State Sen. Sharon Moriwaki is calling for a “meeting of the minds” over a bill that would reverse a ban on residential development in Kaka’ako Makai, an Oʻahu area in her district. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapiolani opens new center for youngest heart patients. Kapiolani Medical Center for Women &Children celebrated Valentine’s Day on Tuesday with the opening of its new Pediatric Heart Center. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

Greg McMackin, former UH football coach, dies at 77.  McMackin spent more than four decades in coaching, including four seasons as Warriors head coach. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes off Hawaii Island.
The USGS said the quake struck at 9:27 p.m. and was centered about 7.5 miles southeast of Pahala at a depth of about 20 miles. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiian Springs Water sued. The lawsuit  alleges Hawaiian Springs has defaulted on a power purchase agreement with Hawaii Brewery Development Co. o buy all the electricity produced by a 300-kilowatt solar energy facility installed by the landlord. Tribune-Herald.

County: Unclear when HOVE well will be repaired. There’s no estimated repair date for the county’s Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well, which has been out of service the past few days. Tribune-Herald.

Small plane crashes at Kona airport; no serious injuries. There were no serious injuries when a small passenger plan with five people aboard crashed off a runway Tuesday morning at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Resident survey: Quality of life takes back burner to tourism. Maui County residents are slightly more receptive to the tourism industry as a driver of economic benefits, but still feel that the quality of life is on the back burner, according to a recent survey. Maui News.

Governor’s budget requests include $9 million for Kahului Civic Center
. Funding for housing, health care, education and other projects across the state — including $9 million for the Kahului Civic Center — are among the additional budget requests Gov. Josh Green made to the state Legislature on Monday.  Maui News.

Hawaiian Telcom invested $160M to expand fiber infrastructure in 2022. An additional 55,000 homes and businesses were enabled with fiber-to-the-premise service in 2022, including parts of Wailuku, Maui, Hawaiian Telcom reports. That’s the highest number of locations the company has enabled in a single year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Councilmember Luke Evslin to fill empty Hawai‘i House seat. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has tapped Kaua‘i County Councilmember Luke Evslin to fill a vacant Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives seat. Kauai Now.

Hanapepe’s Aloha Theatre to be restored as multi-use boutique hotel. A landmark of Hanapepe’s history is getting new life under a $4 million restoration plan that will see Kaua‘i’s biggest little town gain multiple new businesses and a 16-room boutique hotel. Garden Island.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Hotel resort fees scrutinized, Green submits additional budget requests, new homeless chief lived on the streets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2023 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Closer look expected for Hawaii hotel resort fees.  Hotel and tourism executives expect greater scrutiny of resort and airline fees in the wake of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech denouncing “hidden surcharges too many businesses use to make you pay more.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Green outlines new budget requests for housing, healthcare, infrastructure. Gov. Josh Green on Monday sent additional budget requests to the State Legislature that support his long list of priorities. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Proposals could streamline a state law for affordable housing. Chapter 201H is a law that allows project developers to ask for exemptions from a number of county zoning restrictions — and one of the main tools used to support affordable housing in the state.  But it's not an easy process for approval. Hawaii Public Radio.

DHHL nominee Ikaika Anderson to face hearing today.  Gov. Josh Green is scheduled to have the first of 20 department head nominees face confirmation in the state Senate today, in what is expected to be a contentious hearing that amounts to a public job interview.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s New Homeless Chief Is Counting On The Aloha Spirit To Solve This Divisive Problem. James Koshiba has ambitious goals to reduce the number of people living on the streets. Civil Beat.

Hawai’i State Planning Act could be updated for the first time in over 30 years.  House Bill 305 would amend the act, removing language that lists the “viability” of pineapple and sugarcane industries as a top priority for the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

DLNR and HDOA announce plan for progress on pasture lands. The recently appointed leadership teams for the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture are working to resolve a long-standing issue on the management of pasture lands. Maui News.

Hawaii’s Innovative Plan To Manage Marine Resources Is Being Quietly Rolled Back. The fishing community raised concerns but DLNR says the initiative's broader emphasis on place-based planning will remain in effect. Top ocean resource officials under Gov. Josh Green have quietly scrapped the state’s ambitious yet vaguely defined “30×30” marine conservation goal. Civil Beat.

Bill would allow in-state tuition for local high school graduates regardless of residency. HB 919 would allow individuals with a Hawaiʻi high school diploma to qualify for in-state tuition, as long as they are registered to vote in the state and are working toward their first undergraduate degree. Hawaii Public Radio.

Plans to make computer science a state graduation requirement debated in the House. Plans to make computer science a mandatory class for Hawaiʻi high school students could come to fruition if House Bill 503 passes this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Key players look back almost 30 years after Hawaii same-sex ruling.  Thirty years ago, Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Steven Levinson wrote the decision that moved Hawaii, and the nation, closer to marriage equality: To deny same-sex couples the right to marry went against the state Constitution, Levinson wrote, and the state must allow it, without any compelling reason not to.  Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Valentine's Day marks death of James Cook, a significant day for Native Hawaiians.  The anniversary of the death of Captain Cook may not be replacing Valentine's Day celebrations in Hawaiʻi any time soon — but there is a growing awareness of this history and what it means to the Native Hawaiian people. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu


Governor preparing for next New Aloha Stadium step. After delays from former Gov. David Ige last fall to send out requests for proposals on the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, current Gov. Josh Green said he wants an expedited timeline for the NASED project. KHON2.

EPA: Groundwater contamination at Red Hill fuel facility dates back to 2005.  The military is working on repairs to Red Hill to prepare it for defueling as an investigation into the latest toxic fire suppressant spill is still going on. Hawaii News Now.

High rise tensions at Kakaʻako informational meeting. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs said its plans for the land — also known as “Hakuone” — include 250,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and commercial use, plus 2,100 residential units.  KHON2.

After boulders smash into homes, questions about who’s responsible linger. Two homeowners are working with their insurance companies to repair the damage caused by massive boulders that hit their homes in separate incidents recently. Hawaii News Now.

Koko Head shooting complex still addressing safety concerns.  The Koko Head Shooting Complex will remain closed for at least another month while renovations, repairs and safety improvements continue at the facility, city officials said Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu firefighters preparing to carry Narcan to help treat opiate overdoses. O'ahu firefighters are gearing up to start using Narcan when responding to fentanyl overdoses, Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Battalion Chief Michael Jones said. KITV4.

A Hawaii Inmate Serving A Life Sentence Has Died In A Florida Prison. Brandon Lafoga was convicted in the 2015 shooting of a man in Waianae who managed to escape and drive himself to a health center. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Restoring Hapuna Beach: State eyes permanent fix to persistent water-service problem.  The frequent interruptions in water service have been frustrating for visitors to one of the Big Island’s most popular beaches. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

HCC unveils new student-support center.  Hawaii Community College’s Manono campus on Monday opened a new resource center offering students a combination of food, financial assistance and other services. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Feds probe United plane’s December dip near ocean off Maui. Federal investigators are seeking more information about an incident in which a United Airlines plane dropped to within about 800 feet of the ocean surface after taking off from Maui. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Subsidies Proposed For Airlines Flying To Molokai. Molokai Sen. Lynn Decoite is proposing an airline subsidy program in the hopes that providing state funds to companies that fly to the Friendly Isle could help lower ticket prices for residents.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Property sale tax could create $2.1 million for Kaua‘i homeless.  A proposed state tax on home sales could generate millions in revenue for affordable housing and more than $2 million for homeless services on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Gov. Green’s new budget requests include $7.5 million for psychiatric unit on Kauaʻi. Among his healthcare requests are $7.5 million to support the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital New Psychiatric Unit, Phase 1 on Kaua‘i. Kauai Now.

Attorneys sought to serve as per diem judges on Kauaʻi.  The District Family and/or District Court of the Fifth Circuit (Kauaʻi) is accepting applications from attorneys interested in serving as per diem judges. The deadline for submissions is April 21, 2023. Kauai Now.

Friday, August 5, 2022

RIMPAC wraps up war games, super PAC spends millions in LG race, petroleum found in Moanalua well, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sea Hunter crewless vessel arrives at Pearl Harborfor 2022 RIMPAC PC:U.S. Navy
Month-long RIMPAC exercises wrap up in waters off Hawaii. RIMPAC concluded Thursday after over a month of war games that united militaries from around the world. RIMPAC’s 2022 return was super-sized, after a smaller 2020 version during the onset of COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

This Hawaii Super PAC Is Spending Millions To Defeat One Political Opponent This Year. Be Change Now has launched an aggressive campaign attacking lieutenant governor candidate Rep. Sylvia Luke. Be Change Now, a super PAC funded by contractors who do business with the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, is spending more than $2 million this year supporting Ikaika Anderson’s run for lieutenant governor with radio, digital and newspaper ads, according to recently filed campaign spending reports. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Meet the GOP candidates looking to flip Hawaii's U.S. House seats. The 1st Congressional District hasn't been in GOP hands in over decade, when it was briefly represented by Rep. Charles Djou.  And the 2nd District has never been represented by a Republican since its creation. KITV4.

Crowded field vying for seats on OHA Board of Trustees. Eighteen candidates are vying for six seats in the primary election for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, including a retired state senator, a former star University of Hawaii football player and all six incumbents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's gay leaders take steps to educate, vaccinate their community against monkeypox. Monkeypox can infect anyone, but the majority of cases in the US outbreak have been among men who have sex with men, including gay and bisexual men and people who identify as transgender. KITV4.

Oahu

Board of Water Supply detects petroleum contamination in Moanalua monitoring well. The Honolulu Board of Water supply says it has detected petroleum-related chemicals in a monitoring well in Moanalua Valley, elevating concerns that fuel contamination from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility is traveling through the aquifer and putting a major source of drinking water for southern Oahu at risk. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Efforts ramp up to reduce crime in Waikiki. A new crime-reduction program called “Safe and Sound Waikiki” is kicking off in the neighborhood where a rash of high-profile violent crimes, including a recent sword attack at a Kalakaua Avenue 7-Eleven, has sharpened community concerns. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said the multiagency program is based on the already established “Weed and Seed” program, which seeks to “weed out” criminals from a particular district and then “seed” communities by investing in social and economic revitalization. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office Won’t Charge SWAT Officer Who Killed Kakaako Man. The department concluded that officers last year did everything they could to de-escalate a tense barricade situation. After an almost yearlong investigation, the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined that the SWAT officer who shot and killed a man in his Kakaako apartment was justified in his actions and will not be charged. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo hospital sees surge in patients: Several factors push it well above capacity. HMC on Thursday reported 13 holds in the Emergency Department, 13 patients in the overflow areas, and 37 patients waitlisted for beds elsewhere. Waitlisted means they are looking for a long-term space to obtain care outside of their homes and HMC. Tribune-Herald.

Crews to soon begin process of dismantling observatory. Caltech Submillimeter Observatory Director Sunil Golwawa said the complete removal of the observatory — the first of five to be removed in exchange for the planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope — should be finished by the end of the year, with deconstruction of the building itself beginning before the end of summer. Tribune-Herald.

2,695 and counting: Hawaii Wildlife Center marks 10 years of saving native birds and bats.
Around 150 different bird and bat species have been seen at the hospital, including 27 rare species. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Money Is Flowing Into Maui County Races As The Primary Election Nears. Developers, real estate investors and business interests are pouring contributions into local campaigns. In the month before voting started for the Aug. 13 primary election, recent campaign finance data shows that almost $282,000 flowed into the campaigns of candidates trying to lead Maui County’s $1 billion government. Civil Beat.

Annalisa M. Bernard appointed to fill judicial position in Maui’s Second Circuit Court. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today appointed Annalisa M. Bernard to fill a judicial position in the District Court of the Second Circuit in Maui County. Maui Now.

Maui County home sales cool in June; single-family home median sales price at $1.1 million. Maui County home sales fell by more than 50% for condos and 20% for single-family houses last month, as rising mortgage rates and record-high sales prices pushed out buyers. Maui Now. Maui News.

Monkeypox case on Maui brings Hawaii’s total to 12. The state Department of Health on Thursday announced an additional case of monkeypox in a Maui resident who traveled outside of the state, bringing the number of cases in Hawaii to 12. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Broken X-Rays lead to long wait times, high stress at Lihu‘e Airport. Faulty X-ray machines at Lihu‘e Airport led to long waits and high tensions this past week. Contracted security manager Charlie Iona estimated that at certain points wait times were two hours. Garden Island.

COVID continues downtrend on Kauaʻi. Kaua‘i’s test positivity rate was 17.3% — higher than the state average of 13.8%. Garden Island.

Monday, July 25, 2022

Green strong in gubernatorial race, voters favor legal marijuana, split on legalizing gambling, mama monk seal attacks swimmer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Approvals still high for Josh Green in Hawaii governor’s race. Registered Democratic voters continue to give Lt. Gov. Josh Green high approval ratings and overwhelmingly said they will vote for him in his run to become Hawaii’s next governor. Green would receive 55% of Democratic Primary votes if the election were held “today,” according to the results of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lieutenant governor’s race deadlocked. State House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke led the poll with 21%, followed by 19% for former mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya and 18% for former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson. Sherry Menor-McNamara, CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, trailed with only 4%. Star-Advertiser.

Voters give Ige and Biden approval boost, Hawaii Poll shows. Ige received a 41% approval rating in January compared with 44% this month, according to the results of the latest Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Majority in Hawaii oppose people packing firearms in public, poll finds. Most Hawaii residents disagree with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that supports the right to carry a gun in public, while 25% say the state needs stricter firearm regulations, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters support legalizing recreational cannabis, but split on legalizing gambling. A majority of Hawaii residents favor legalizing recreational cannabis to increase tax revenue for the state but are split about legalizing gambling for the same reason, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Housing: Top Democrats See ‘Emergency’ But Differ On How To Build Faster. Vicky Cayetano wants to work with the Legislature to declare a state of emergency in housing, while Josh Green wants to push ahead with 42,000 stalled units. Civil Beat.

Cost Of Living: Here’s How Top Democratic Candidates Say They Could Help. Lt. Gov. Josh Green wants to eliminate the state excise tax on food and medicine and impose a new fee on tourists to shift some of the state tax burden to visitors. Vicky Cayetano is ready to entertain the idea of capping rent increases as a way to provide relief to residents who are struggling with the sky-high cost of living. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency SNAP benefits extended in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige has extended a COVID-19-­related emergency period for additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Hawaii, citing a still-­significant need to address food insecurity in the state. Star-Advertiser.

More Help Is Coming For Hawaii’s Homeless Youth. Act 130, recently signed into law, establishes the Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Program under the Department of Human Services. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi to get $20M in additional federal funds to keep keiki fed. The funding, some of which was authorized in the Keeping Kids Fed Act that Senator Hirono helped pass in both the House and Senate before it was signed into law last month, is meant to help Hawaiʻi address supply chain issues and food inflation in its school meal programs. Maui Now.

Hawaii Will Soon Have A Women’s Court In An Effort To Reduce Recidivism. Advocates hope the three-year pilot program will prevent more women from being incarcerated and re-entering the criminal justice system. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Woman is injured while swimming near nursing monk seal. The incident occurred near a roped-off section of beach that the seal, known as Rocky, has been occupying with the pup since giving birth two weeks ago.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Can The Dems Finally Take Ewa Beach Away From The GOP? With their incumbent vacating his seat to run for U.S. Senate, voters in Ewa Beach and Iroquois Point–-- one of only four Republican House districts in Hawaii – will decide this November whether to keep District 40 Republican or to vote in a Democrat for the first time in a decade. Civil Beat.

Housing and crime dominate Honolulu City Council District 6 election. District 6 covers Downtown through Nuuanu and Kalihi Valley, and the seat is currently held by Council member Carol Fukunaga, who has reached her term limit and is running for a state Senate seat in District 11. Star-Advertiser.

Case pending before Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to look at Kealoha legal fees. The City and County of Honolulu continues to fight a 2019 decision by the Honolulu Police Commission to pay for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha's criminal defense. Hawaii Public Radio.

Engineers give the public a chance to comment on proposals to manage Ala Wai Canal. The latest effort to prevent a Waikiki flooding disaster linked to the Ala Wai Canal is set to advance this week as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gives the public a chance to comment on its preliminary work. Star-Advertiser.

Misdemeanor probe into Honolulu police union leadership forwarded to state Attorney General. Honolulu police have forwarded the findings of a misdemeanor extortion investigation to the state Department of the Attorney General, which will decide whether to charge the president and vice president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. Star-Advertiser.

Your drone is interfering with Hawaii emergencies. In April 2020, the Honolulu Fire Department used drones to enforce then Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 stay-at-home and work-at-home order at beaches around Oahu. The drones played an audio message telling people not to gather or sit on the beach. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island lawmakers react to campaign fundraiser ban. Coronavirus pandemic protocols, a bribery scandal and debate over a bill to make fundraisers illegal during the legislative session all combined this year to keep Big Island lawmakers from holding the Honolulu fundraisers that historically added big boosts to their reelection campaigns. West Hawaii Today.

No fares till 2025: Hele-On to remain free for an additional two years under bill. Some $1.87 million in American Rescue Plan funding has been allocated to the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency for operations and lost passenger fares through Dec. 31, 2025, agency administrator John Andoh told the county Finance Committee Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Tiny houses at NAS Pool being relocated, repurposed. More than a year after serving as an emergency shelter for the homeless during the coronavirus epidemic, 31 of 32 micro-housing units once dubbed Hale Hanakahi are being moved from the parking lot at the NAS Pool in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

ADA improvements ready to begin at NAS Swimming Pool. t appears that long-awaited construction on court-ordered Americans With Disabilities Act improvements at the NAS Swimming Pool near Hilo International Airport is set to begin. Tribune-Herald.

Vision For New Puna Learning Center Campus Pictured In EA. The Final Environmental Assessment illustrates the proposed construction of six new buildings over four phases at the Pāhoa campus. Big Island Video News.

Keauhou development on hold for cultural review. Developers of a planned 65-lot single home project on 11 acres in Kapalaalaea were given an extra assignment Thursday, as the Leeward Planning Commission deferred the oft-delayed project until an updated cultural impact assessment could be produced. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Eight candidates battle for mayor in the most crowded county race. The Maui News is featuring the profiles and platforms of candidates in the lead-up to the Aug. 13 primary election. Maui News.

Kauai


Improvements to homeless shelter will accommodate more people. The improvements project, headed by Keith Suga and Michael Rita of Pacific Concrete Coring and Cutting, eliminated six independent, aging and problematic septic systems and connects the KEO facility to the municipal wastewater system, reducing future maintenance costs and protecting groundwater integrity. Garden Island.

Alternative wastewater treatment system workshop Thursday in Hanalei. Ridge to Reefs and Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations are hosting a workshop on a nature-based wastewater treatment system Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei. Garden Island.