Showing posts with label Jeff Bezos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Bezos. Show all posts

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Raise proposed for state schools chief, flags at half staff for Pearl Harbor Day, protected birds nesting in Skyline construction path, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pay raise, expanded evaluation proposed for state schools chief.  Proposals to raise state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi’s annual salary by $10,000 to $250,000, and to expand his annual evaluation criteria to include performance in high-priority areas such as school facilities and Maui emergency response, are scheduled to be considered today by a state Board of Education committee. Star-Advertiser.

House Abruptly Cancels Hearing On Plans To Lapse School Construction Funds. Lawmakers had planned to have a public discussion about the unpopular decision to delay or even scrap an array of public school projects, but then called it off. Civil Beat.

Major takeaways from Gov. Josh Green's 1st year in office address. Gov. Josh Green reflected on his one year in office with a video message released Tuesday, specifically noting the "difficult challenges" the state has faced over the past several months. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Governor orders flags to fly at half-staff today in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. At the direction of the U.S. President Joe Biden, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today at the state Capitol in Honolulu, all state offices and agencies and the Hawaiʻi National Guard in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Kauai Now.

USS Pearl Harbor makes Hawaii pit stop. The USS Pearl Harbor stopped in its namesake port this weekend as it concluded a Pacific deployment — its last for a while as the ship prepares for a round of repairs and upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

‘I owe them’: At 103, Pearl Harbor survivor makes trip to honor comrades lost in Dec. 7 attacks. Pearl Harbor survivor “Ike” Schab is back in Honolulu. The 103-year-old was greeted with applause Sunday as he got off his flight from Portland. Hawaii News Now.

New funding program for commercial farmers to start agroforestry. Commercial farmers have a chance at the gift of a federal grant aimed at building food security with agroforestry practices. The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative and The Nature Conservancy are shepherding the program. Hawaii Public Radio.


Oahu

Federally protected birds are nesting in path of future Skyline rail route. As the rail project moves into the next section of Oahu, a group of bird advocates says it's concerned about white terns, because hundreds of the native Hawaiian birds have nests in urban Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers want habitual bad drivers off the road.
A state lawmaker and City Council chairperson Wednesday urged Oahu motorists to slow down and asked for a renewed focus on getting habitual bad drivers off the road. Star-Advertiser.

Personal lockers on beaches proposed to prevent beach theft
. According to tourism officials, the Waikiki Safe and Sound Campaign from September 2022 dramatically lowered rates of property and violent crimes. KHON2.

Home sale volume down, prices mixed on Oahu in November.
Oahu’s housing market experienced relatively small and mostly negative changes in sales and prices of previously owned homes last month. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae town hall provides updates on game rooms, crimes. At a public meeting Tuesday on crime on Oahu’s West Side, officials provided updates on ongoing efforts related to illegal game rooms and crime prevention at public parks and in schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council approves hiring outside counsel for defense against civil lawsuit claiming Clean Water Act. The Hawai‘i County Council approved hiring outside counsel to defend the County in a civil lawsuit filed by a local nonprofit that accuses the County of violating federal laws by discharging treated sewage into waters around Honokōhau Bay through groundwater. Big Island Now.

Kia’s rezoing request rejected: Millie’s Deli, New Saigon won’t be replaced by auto dealership. After impassioned support from community members, a pair of Keaukaha restaurants have been spared eviction and won’t be replaced by a car dealership in two years. Tribune-Herald.

HPD detective pleads not guilty.  A Hawaii Police Department detective accused of lying to a Hilo grand jury in March pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of perjury and tampering with a government record. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Blessing marks construction of new Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia affordable housing and Bezos Academy preschool. An estimated 200 affordable rentals are under construction in Lahaina as part of the Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia project, which includes Hawaiʻi’s very first Bezos Academy preschool.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Housing project’s timing depends on Lahaina recovery. The timing of construction for the next phase of the Villages of Leiali’i subdivision mauka of the Lahaina Civic Center “will follow recovery of the project’s surrounding area” impacted by the fires, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands said in a report last month. Maui News.

Army Corps of Engineers making progress on temporary elementary school in Lahaina. The US Army Corps of Engineers is making progress on the project to design and install modular buildings for a temporary elementary school in Lahaina, which will fill the void created by the loss of King Kamehameha III Elementary that was destroyed in the Aug. 8 fire. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Weak Biosecurity Is Threatening Maui’s Recovery Efforts. The work requires a ton of compost and mulch. But without a local composting facility, that will have to be shipped in — a gateway for invasive species. Civil Beat.

FEMA invites Maui property owners to Direct Lease informational event. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is inviting short-term rental property owners to its Direct Lease Industry Day this Friday.  Star-Advertiser.

Parcel on Honokohau Bay purchased. Na Mamo Aloha ‘Aina o Honokohau, a Honokohau-based nonprofit organization, in partnership with the County of Maui and Hawai’i Land Trust has completed the purchase of 1.447 acres on Honokohau Bay in Kaanapali.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i rancher accused of cattle theft. A cattle company owned by a billionaire Idaho businessman is suing a former Kaua‘i ranch employee for allegedly stealing nearly 200 cows and having them slaughtered without authorization. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Red Hill working group seeks $750M in military remediation, governor proposes Maui tax breaks, short-term rental ban as 850 Lahaina fire victims displaced by tourists, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Officials Demand Navy Clean Up Red Hill Fuel Spilled Since The 1940s. A coalition of public officials say that as much as 2 million gallons of petroleum threatens Oahu's drinking water and that it could cost $750 million to clean up. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. Hawaii News Now. Spectrum News.

Full Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative report can be found here.

Hawaii Governor Wants To Entice Maui Property Owners To Rent To Fire Victims. Gov. Josh Green is proposing using taxpayer and private funds to build new housing and to pay home owners well above market value if they rent long term. Short-term rentals would simply be banned. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

‘We’re Winging It Right Now’: Hawaii State Hospital Struggles Despite $160M Upgrade. Construction of a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital was supposed to mark a new era in worker and patient safety. Instead, a familiar set of problems emerged. Civil Beat.

Jeff Bezos donates $5M to fight homelessness in Hawaii. Jeff Bezos donated $5 million to two nonprofits in Hawaii — Ka Mana O Na Helu on Oahu and Neighborhood Place of Puna — that help houseless families, according to a news release. Spectrum News.

Hurricane season was average but deadly. The 2023 hurricane season officially draws to a close Thursday, extending to five years a run of average to below-average Central Pacific hurricane seasons. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

$125M approved for ‘Skyline’ as leaders look toward major expansions.
A new rail funding agreement could free up in federal money to help build the line through town. With more federal funding approved to get the Honolulu Skyline to Kaka’ako, leaders are dreaming of future extensions all the way to Kahala. Hawaii News Now.

City rental, utility relief program reopens in December. The City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program will temporarily reopen for applications in December, starting this Saturday. The reopening is for new applicants only. Star-Advertiser.

Special Education Teacher Accused In Sexual Abuse Case. A lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges that a special education teacher at Kaiser High School sexually abused and molested a 14-year-old student over a period of several months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Medical Center gets $1M grant. Hilo Medical Center will receive $1 million to alleviate a shortage of health care workers in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Glenwood Park reopens after four years
. Glenwood Park, located on Highway 11 in Mountain View, was closed in March 2019 after a 3,000-gallon water tank, which supplies water to the park’s restrooms, was stolen. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor Bissen proposes bill amendment to make short-term rentals available for displaced wildfire survivors. Mayor Richard Bissen submitted to the County Council a bill to amend a section of the County Code in an effort to immediately increase the inventory of housing available to survivors of the August wildfires. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of wildfire evacuees prepare to relocate again as West Maui tourism rebounds
. Some 850 Lahaina evacuees will move out of three Kaanapali hotels starting Wednesday into other properties — a harsh reality of tourism’s return to West Maui. Hawaii News Now.

23 acres of north shore Maui coastline to be focus of management plan in the new year. In early 2024, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will begin working on a management plan for 23 acres of newly acquired county land on Maui’s north shore, which includes Wawau Point, often referred to as “Baby Beach.” Maui Now.

First Major Rains Of Wet Season May Test Runoff Measures In Lahaina. County, state and federal agencies say steps have been taken to mitigate the threat of toxic runoff entering the ocean. Civil Beat.

Plug Pulled On Solar Farm Planned For South Maui. Paeahu Solar was proposed five years ago but faced opposition from local residents. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Disaster Area residential restrictions lifted for Zones 11B, 11D, 11E, 11F and 13D. County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents beginning Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, for Zones 11B, 11D, 11E, 11F and 13D. Maui Now.

Kauai

'We're on the right track': Hāʻena's community subsistence fishing area sees positive results. An experiment in community-based fishery management on Kaua‘i’s north shore appears to be working, according to a five-year assessment by University of Hawaiʻi researchers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Green appoints first staffers, Bezos donates $7.5M to Oahu and Maui homeless efforts, new women's dorm coming to Maui jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor-elect Green appoints 8 women to key positions in his administration. Hawaiʻi Governor-elect Josh Green announced Tuesday evening the appointments of eight “strong women” to his administration. They include chief of staff, Brooke Wilson, who had served in the same position when he was Hawaiʻi’s lieutenant governor. Big Island Now. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.


Josh Green Names Longtime Advocate To Be New Hawaii Housing Chief.
Some two weeks before he is due to be sworn in, Gov.-elect Josh Green said Tuesday that longtime advocate Nani Medeiros will be the state’s new housing chief as his new Cabinet starts to take shape. Civil Beat.

Jeff Bezos donates $7.5M to fight homelessness in Hawaii. Two Hawaii nonprofits have received a total of $7.5 million in grants from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s Day 1 Families Fund. On Oahu, Family Promise of Hawaii received $2.5 million — the largest private grant the organization has ever received. Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Maui’s largest homeless shelter provider, received a $5 million grant. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Space Force establishes its first regional command in Hawaii. The newest branch of the U.S. military opened its first regional command Tuesday in Hawaii: U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Thanksgiving travel bustling, but Hawaii eyeing weak festive season. The holiday rush is back this year with travelers nationwide expected to catch planes for Thanksgiving and the festive season in numbers not seen in years — although Hawaii’s visitor industry reports that fewer visitors are headed here for vacations. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.

Discussion progresses on UH tuition increase. The University of Hawaiʻi will hold two more meetings to discuss raising tuition for both residents and non residents at three of its campuses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Gov.-elect Green, Mayor Blangiardi team up on housing push. Gov.-elect Josh Green and Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday asked the owners of thousands of illegal Oahu rental units to help ease the island’s affordable housing and homeless crises by renting to local families instead of tourists as both named new housing directors to lead state and city housing efforts. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu to get new affordable housing chief. State Finance Director Craig Hirai will be joining the city of Honolulu in a new position known as chief of affordable housing policy and strategy, it was announced today. Star-Advertiser.

With a long local waitlist, ‘portability’ of Section 8 vouchers from other states draws concern. Anton Krucky, director of Community Services for the city, said there are currently 532 people on Oahu that are waiting for a Section 8 voucher. Hawaii News Now.

Rules for concealed-carry weapon license are finalized. Honolulu police will process applications and likely issue a first batch of concealed-carry weapon licenses before the City Council votes on legislation that outlines where guns can and cannot be carried on Oahu, police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan confirmed Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hundreds Of Honolulu Residential High Rises Fail To Meet ‘Acceptable’ Fire Safety Standards. A new report on the results of comprehensive safety evaluations was recently shared with the Honolulu City Council. Very few high rises have fire sprinkler systems. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Top cop search down to 5. The number of candidates in the running to become Hawaii County’s top cop is down to five. Charisse Correa, secretary for the Hawaii County Police Commission,  said Tuesday the commission is “seeking permission right now to unmask their names.” Tribune-Herald.

Solar projects to benefit low- and moderate-income electric customers. A trio of solar projects slated for West Hawaii will be the first on Hawaii Island to offer Hawaiian Electric’s shared solar program. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will host two meetings next week on the Big Island. Through a pair of public meetings, HTA will present the agency’s progress in fulfilling the goals of its Destination Management Action Plan for the Big Island, which it released in early 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor Renovations Begin Next Week. The boat ramp will remain open during the work, which includes new asphalt pavement, drainage improvements, and new, solar powered streetlights. Big Island Video News.

Maui

New women’s dorm at MCCC is expected to help alleviate overcrowding at the Maui jail. The state Department of Public Safety held a ceremonial groundbreaking today to mark the start of construction of a new medium security housing structure for female inmates at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Maui Now.

DOH approves third medical cannabis retail dispensary for Pono Life Sciences on Maui. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has issued a formal notice to proceed to retail to Pono Life Sciences Maui, LLC (PONO LIFE MAUI) after it passed a final on-site inspection for its third retail facility on the Valley Isle. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric selects 3 solar projects on Maui to benefit low/moderate income customers. The program, which also is known as community-based renewable energy or CBRE, also is for customers who are unable to install privately-owned rooftop solar. Maui Now.

Kauai

Millions released for Kaua‘i improvement projects. Outgoing Gov. David Ige announced on Monday the release of $392 million in funds for capital improvement projects, including millions for a range of projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

DMV customers encouraged to make appointments. In a move aimed at providing more efficient service through the holiday season, the county Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging customers to make an appointment. Garden Island.

Friday, April 8, 2022

Tourism management bill advances, Captain Cook name change clears House, Bezos tours Maui food bank, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kailua-Kona pool party pre-COVID ©2022 All Hawaii News

State tourism management bill advances. Anticipating resident backlash against over-tourism as the industry rebounds, state lawmakers today advanced a bill that would set money aside to study and implement tourism management. Maui Now.

No legislation after months of Hawaii land management hearings. Six months of special House investigative hearings — ostensibly over mismanagement of state agricultural lands — have failed to produce any legislation addressing problems identified in two state audits that were amplified during the hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sheriffs Training Chief Arrested On Charges Of Falsifying Records. J. Marte Martinez, who oversees training for the state Department of Public Safety, also is accused of perjury and lying to authorities. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Homeless Survey Reveals Pandemic Effects On Neighbor Islands. The 2022 point-in-time count shows a decrease in homelessness on Maui, while the Big Island and Kauai saw an uptick in people living on the streets or in shelters. Civil Beat.

Order of political parties on ballot announced. The state Office of Elections has announced the order in which political parties will appear on the 2022 primary ballot. The order was determined at random in a drawing on Wednesday. Maui News.

Candidate familiarity overshadows policy details in race for Hawaii governor. The three Democratic Party candidates for governor agree on some key challenges facing Hawaii and provide differing levels of specifics in an election that will ultimately come down to favorability over details, according to longtime political observers. Star-Advertiser.

Bill commemorates 1843 restoration of Hawaiian kingdom. A bill at the state Legislature would declare July 31 an official state day of observance commemorating King Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III’s accomplishments in restoring the Hawaiian kingdom after a British navy captain seized control in 1843. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ige considers emergency water order as conflicting statements cloud contamination issue
. Both the Navy and state Health Department have said there’s no indication that the Navy’s fuel contamination at Red Hill is spreading. But at a meeting last month of the state Commission of Water Resource Management, Navy engineers revealed data shows there is a possibility. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senate Budget Proposal Puts $350M Toward New Stadium. The Legislature is looking to speed up development of the new Aloha Stadium. Civil Beat.

DOT proposes plan for roundabout at a busy Kahaluu highway intersection. The state Department of Transportation has announced plans to build a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Kahekili and Kamehameha highways in Kahaluu. Hawaii News Now.

Laniakea parking reopens, but some residents say long-term solution needed. For decades, North Shore residents and visitors have complained about a traffic bottleneck at popular Lania­kea Beach, where beach­goers darted haphazardly across two-lane Kameha­meha Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Captain Cook Name Change Adopted By Hawaiʻi State House. The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives voted on Thursday to adopt a resolution, HCR27 HD1,  which requests “the United States Census Bureau to re-designate the census-designated place known as Captain Cook on the island of Hawaii as Ka‘awaloa.” Big Island Video News.

Prosecution calls law enforcement witnesses on Day 3 of drug trial for Big Island doctor. The prosecution in the federal drug trafficking trial of Dr. Rudy Puana, the brother of former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, called several members of law enforcement to the stand on Thursday. KITV4. Civil Beat.

Coast Guard identifies victim of fatal boating incident; nearly $29K raised to support victim’s family. Theresa “Reesa” Butts, a crew member aboard the vessel 40-foot Uhane Nui o Naia, which is operated by Sunlight on Water, died in an accident reported about 6 p.m. in waters about 10 minutes out of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, U.S. Coast Guard officials said Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos tours Maui Food Bank. Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos was spotted earlier this week at the Maui Food Bank, one of the many organizations he made personal donations to in the second half of 2021. Maui Now.

Maui Resort, Earthjustice Look To Resolve Lawsuit Over Lights Injuring Seabirds. Jay Penniman, who manages Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, is advocating for the creation of an islandwide seabird habitat conservation plan like Kauai has. Civil Beat.

Kīhei roundabout sparks Maui residents’ traffic, project concerns. Construction on the Kīhei roundabout — the first multilane roundabout on a state highway — is sparking several concerns among area residents. Maui Now.

Traffic Is A Mess In South Maui. Residents Say These 2 Projects Could Help. With the new Kihei high school set to open its doors next year, community members worry things will only get worse if nothing is done. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Brun associate, Haidee Sueyasu, pleads guilty. The final associate named in the federal indictment against former Kaua‘i County Councilman Arthur Brun pled guilty to a drug charge Wednesday. Garden Island.

Homeowner assistance programs expand on Kauaʻi. Island homeowners in financial hardship can apply to an expanded assistance program. Garden Island.




Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Reapportionment Commission upending old plans, Green seeks mass vax sites ahead of worsening coronavirus surge, someone's shooting endangered monk seals on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rep. Sylvia Luke

Rep. Sylvia Luke’s District May Be Dissolved To Help Calm The Reapportionment Furor. After some intense lobbying by critics, the state Reapportionment Commission now wants to overhaul the proposed House district maps that might have set up primary election contests between as many as 10 incumbent Democrats. Civil Beat.

November hotel occupancy in Hawaii stays below 60%.
Occupancy at Hawaii hotels in November was still significantly below the 2019 pre-pandemic level. Star-Advertiser.

Green urges other state officials to sign off on large-scale booster clinics ahead of Christmas. Lt. Gov. Josh Green believes the best way to knock back this latest surge is to make it as easy as possible for people to get a booster shot. Hawaii News Now.

Rapid rise in COVID-19 cases prompts Hawaii hospitals into crisis preparation mode. Hawaii’s hospitals are gearing up for a rise in COVID-­19 patients as the omicron variant takes hold in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 707 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 94,293. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 647 new cases on Oahu, nine on Hawaii Island, 24 on Maui, 10 on Kauai, one on Molokai, one on Lanai and 15 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

‘The Stakes Are High’: Why The Navy Doesn’t Want To Defuel The Red Hill Tanks. Public pressure to remove jet fuel from more than a dozen Navy underground storage tanks on Oahu comes as the U.S. military feels increasing pressure from China to strengthen its presence in the Pacific region. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy now says major release from Red Hill tank in May may be source of water contamination. A top Navy official now says that as much as 19,000 gallons of fuel may have been released from a Red Hill fuel tank May 6, eventually migrating last month into the Navy’s drinking water system and the faucets of thousands of military families. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules forfeitures of sweepstakes machines improper. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and the Honolulu Police Department may be forced to return hundreds of sweepstakes machines under a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

$120 million clinic will treat Leeward vets. The Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System officially broke ground Tuesday on its long-planned community clinic for the Leeward side. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Water Board frustrated by slow PVC project: Solar plans stuck in building permit backlog. First the pandemic lockdown orders and then delays getting permits from a backlogged Department of Public Works have led to a 382-day delay in the county Department of Water Supply being able to transition some of its electrical use to solar power. West Hawaii Today.

Forecasters: Expect a wet Christmas. East Hawaii residents should expect the wet weather that’s drenched the windward side of the island for much of the month to continue through Christmas weekend. Tribune-Herald.

USGS: Eruption at Halemaumau Crater has paused, break could last several days. The eruption that began months ago at Halemaumau Crater has paused, the U.S. Geological Survey said Tuesday. Geologists said based on the length of recent breaks, this one could last several days. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Maui

Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos Makes Donation to Maui Hospital. Maui Memorial Medical Center today announced a donation from Amazon Founder and Executive Chair, Jeff Bezos. The donation will be used to expand the hospitalʻs Emergency Department. The amount is undisclosed and was received in full by MMMC, according to a Maui Health spokesperson. Maui Now.

Kalama Intermediate Dedicates Long Awaited Outdoor Playcourt. The newly covered playcourt will be used for Physical Education classes and will provide the school with a new outdoor space with rain protection. Maui Now. Maui News.

Monk seal fatally shot is third death on Molokai this year. An endangered Hawaiian monk seal that was found dead on Molokai in September was shot in the head with a gun, federal officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

Kipu Ranch Adventures turns over $7,170 in proceeds to Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i. The $7,170 total presented to Tisha Ruiz and Michelle Panoke of the foodbank represents what has been collected since the program got underway in June. Garden Island.

Kukulu Kumuhana O Anahola begins Ulupono Anahola planting. As part of KKOA’s three-day ‘Aina to ‘Opu event, yesterday’s day two marked the first day of planting kalo on the Ulupono Anahola Makai site. Garden Island.


Thursday, November 18, 2021

Honolulu rail deficit less than feared, Honolulu advances hotel tax, Hawaii County advances pesticide ban, Bezos gives $2.5M for Maui homeless project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC:HART
Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

Honolulu rail deficit estimate cut to $1.97B. The projected $3.5 billion deficit for the city’s troubled rail project is far less than feared — $1.97 billion, rail officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Electric vehicles are all over Hawaii roads. So why aren’t there more charging stations? In the past year, there was a nearly 32% increase in the number of passenger electric vehicles in Hawaii, according to the state. But there’s a big disconnect when it comes to charging those vehicles up. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific Health ranks second in nation for cost-efficiency. Hawaii Pacific Health ranks second in the country for cost-efficiency among health care systems, according to Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that advocates for making health care more effective and affordable. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 8 new coronavirus-related deaths, 142 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 94 new cases on Oahu, 15 on Hawaii Island, 11 on Maui, 13 on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council committee OK’s Oahu hotel tax proposal. A measure that would establish a 3% city hotel tax advanced to final reading during a Honolulu City Council Budget Committee meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation Rental Bill Could Starve Windward Businesses That Cater To Tourists. Already suffering from Covid-19’s blow to tourism and the continuing shut-down of travel from Japan, small businesses in Kailua are bracing for the impact of a bill to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Civil Beat.

Reasons behind Honolulu's building permit backlog. Building permit applications have been piling up on Oahu, adding to project wait time for thousands of residents. The Department of Planning and Permitting has been hit with high turnover and has an overall vacancy rate of 25%. KITV4.

Honolulu Fire Commission Restarts Search For Department Chief.
A new commissioner could deliver a tie-breaking vote sometime in 2022. Civil Beat.

HPD Says It Will Take A Fresh Look At Its Vehicle Pursuit Policy. Interim Chief Rade Vanic told the Honolulu Police Commission that the department will gather data on vehicle pursuits before deciding on any changes. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

State: Aloha Stadium redevelopment will provide nearly $1.5B economic boost. Construction to build a new Aloha Stadium ― which will begin in early 2023 ― is expected to add 12,660 construction jobs and more than $595 million in construction wages alone. Hawaii News Now.

No opioid epidemic talk at Honolulu ex-prosecutor’s brother’s trial. There will be no mention of the “opioid epidemic” at a trial against the pain physician brother of a former Hawaii prosecutor imprisoned in a corruption case that also took down her former police chief husband. Associated Press.

Oahu grand jury indicts adoptive parents in Isabella Kalua murder case. An Oahu grand jury on Wednesday indicted Lehua Kalua, 44, and Isaac “Sonny” Kalua III, 52, on charges of second-­degree murder, abuse and related charges in the death of their adopted daughter, Isabella “Ariel” Kalua. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Herbicide ban advances.
A County Council panel on Wednesday advanced a measure to ban the use of glyphosate-based herbicides at county Parks and Recreation facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly 100 apply for Phase 2 of buyout program for lava-inundated properties. As of the end of last week, 90 people had applied for the second phase of the county’s Voluntary Housing Buyout Program, said Disaster Recovery Officer Douglas Le at a Wednesday meeting of the County Council’s Government Operations, Relations and Economic Development Committee. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bezos Day One Fund Gifts $2.5 Million to Family Life Center in Kahului
, Maui. Family Life Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving the homeless population on the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi and on Kauaʻi, has been selected to receive a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day One Families Fund—the largest grant in Family Life Center’s history. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Alakoko “Menehune” Fishpond saved
; Chan, Zuckerberg make $4 million donation. The 102-acre Alakoko “Menehune” Fishpond has successfully been purchased by nonprofits The Trust for Public Land and Malama Hule‘ia for cultural and environmental stewardship in perpetuity. Garden Island.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Hawaii awaits $2.8B for infrastructure, Bezos, Oprah buy land on Maui, no third trial for Deedy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Roadwork in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii construction industry to see most of $2.8 billion federal infrastructure funds.  At least $2.8 billion in federal money is now available to improve Hawaii roads, bridges, airports, water systems, broadband internet and more under a congressional bill signed into law Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Despite strong vaccination rates, Hawaii’s Safe Travels program likely isn’t ending anytime soon
. The policy has been in place a little more than a year. It requires anyone entering the state to either be vaccinated or have gotten a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of arrival in order to bypass a 10-day quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

What Salary Records Tell Us About Who Earns The Big Bucks In The Department of Education. Some newer administrative roles in the DOE’s salary records in recent years fetch high salaries. Civil Beat.

Congressmen Seek Reforms After ‘Damning’ Audit Of Pacific Fisheries Fund. The long-awaited federal audit of a secretive fund managed by the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council is “just the beginning” of a congressional inquiry, Hawaii U.S. Rep. Ed Case said in a joint news release Monday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks last for finding lung cancer early. While Hawaii has fared better than most states when it comes to its overall rate of lung cancer, it’s still the most deadly form of cancer in the state, killing on average of more than 500 residents annually. Star-Advertiser.

Push for expanded COVID booster eligibility in Hawaii comes after NYC ruling. So far, 133,557 people have had their boosters in Hawaii. That is just 24% of who would be eligible if the state followed in New York City’s footsteps. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 95 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 85,885. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 33 new cases on Oahu, 25 on Hawaii Island, 16 on Maui, 19 on Kauai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Property tax assessments jeopardize Oahu’s clean energy projects. The Honolulu City Council is weighing a bill that would provide renewable energy projects with substantial relief from an unexpected and steep increase in property taxes. Star-Advertiser.

No third trial for federal agent Christopher Deedy in 2011 fatal shooting of Kollin Elderts. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm on Monday announced he will not proceed with further prosecution of Christopher Deedy, the federal agent who fatally shot a man at a Waikiki fast-food restaurant 10 years ago. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Gas Co. to pay $230K for Clean Air violations. The Gas Co. LLC has agreed to pay a $230,000 fine for Clean Air Act violations at its synthetic natural gas facility in Kapolei, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

New council districts slowly taking shape.
Ever try to share a too-small blanket on a chilly night? Yanking on one side to cover one person leaves the other cold. Trying to drag nine County Council districts over the breadth and width of Hawaii Island is like that. West Hawaii Today.

Report: Expect vehicle shortages to linger. The third quarter report sponsored by the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association predicts that limited availability of new personal vehicles due to microchip shortages and other supply-chain issues related to the novel coronavirus pandemic likely will last ”well into 2022.” Tribune-Herald.

Hilton Waikoloa Village offers cash incentive to attract new employees. Hawaii Island’s largest resort is offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus for new employees. The hotel is hoping to fill nearly a hundred positions, including housekeepers, chefs, restaurant servers and massage therapists. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui County Council to discuss regulating bike tours today. Bicycle tours operating in the Pāʻia-Haʻikū and Makawao-Pukalani-Kula community plan areas will be reviewed. Residents in the area have expressed concerns about bicycle tours crowding the roads. Hawaii Public Radio.

Adding emergency runway lights at Kapalua Airport could benefit west Maui community. The Kapalua Airport was built in the 1980s with a promise to only operate during daylight hours, at the request of nearby residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos Reportedly Shells Out $78 Million on Remote Beachfront Property Off La Perouse. Amazon founder and executive chairman, Jeff Bezos reportedly purchased a remote 14-acre oceanfront estate, 12 miles south of Kīhei. The property is reportedly surrounded by rocky lava fields and state parkland. Maui Now.

Oprah Buys More Property on Maui
. Oprah Winfrey is back again at shopping for Maui real estate, as the billionaire media mogul has recently purchased a three-acre property in Kula on Maui that’s adjacent to the other properties she owns on the Valley Isle, according to public records. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i has highest COVID rate per capita in state. As of Monday, the county has 129 active COVID-19 cases, with 11 hospitalized. Garden Island.

East Side bike path regulars restore damaged signs. A frequent visitor to Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path from Lydgate Beach Park to Ahihi Point, has fulfilled a longtime wish to restore its defaced signage. Garden Island.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Lawmakers grill state over low-cost leases of public land, Honolulu mayor approves removal of Stairway to Heaven, Ige holds firm on no fans in stands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Statewide GIS Program. 2017
Government owned land in Hawaii, Statewide GIS Program. 2017

Lawmakers grill state Land Board over below-market rents for state properties. The director of the state Land Board was asked tough questions Tuesday about whether the department is wasting money by charging below-market rents. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say audit veered from original scope. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources were prepared to talk about contracts related to leased state lands but soon realized that state Auditor Les Kondo intended to go beyond what they thought the Legislature wanted from Kondo’s 2019 audit, DLNR officials Tuesday told a special House Investigative Committee that’s investigating Kondo and his office. Star-Advertiser.

State Ethics Commission Looking For New Executive Director. The state Ethics Commission is looking for a new executive director after Dan Gluck, the current head of the agency, announced his resignation. Gluck was appointed director of the Ethics Commission in 2016 after the Legislature selected the previous director, Les Kondo, to be the state auditor. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian education programs are awarded $28 million in federal funds. The grant money, part of the American Rescue Plan and the Native Hawaiian Education Program, will support 35 programs that offer Hawaiian-language services, professional development. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Whistleblower Lawsuit Claims Hawaiian Airlines Covered Up Sexual Assaults, Security Failures.
A Hawaiian Airlines spokesman called the allegations “stunningly inaccurate.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 423 new coronavirus cases as hospitalizations drop to 357. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 338 new cases on Oahu, 23 on Maui, 41 on Hawaii island, 14 on Kauai, five on Molokai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Gives The Go-Ahead To Remove ‘Stairway To Heaven’. The City Council included $1 million for the project in its budget this year, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi had to agree to release the funds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige stands firm on no-spectators policy for University of Hawaii sports.
Gov. David Ige said today there is no change in the no-spectators policy for University of Hawaii sports, including for Saturday’s home football game at the on-campus Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Teachers rally for more COVID safety measures at Leeward Oahu schools. Members of the teacher’s union, concerned parents, and community members picketed Tuesday afternoon outside the Kapolei State Office building. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Rides for vaccinations: County, Uber partner to provide transportation for shot-seekers. Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency is partnering with Uber to provide access to rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments in as part of the county’s Hele-On Get Your Shot! campaign. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

State senator: Plan to designate Maunakea occupiers as ‘homeless individuals’ is unacceptable. Two Oahu legislators have asked the state Department of Hawaiian Homelands to halt any plans to forcefully remove protesters who remain on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Ethics Board retracts Van Pernis vote. Now that Mark Van Pernis is no longer a commissioner on the Leeward Planning Commission, the Board of Ethics on Monday retracted a prior finding that he violated the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

Charter school project back before land panel.
The Windward Planning Commission is set to decide whether to grant a special permit for Connections New Century Public Charter School to build a new campus on about 70 acres of state land in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission to Consider Proposing Ranked-Choice Voting. The Charter Commission is evaluating substantial changes to our county’s Charter, and at its last meeting voted to propose a Charter amendment to create three voter districts within the County. Maui Now.
 
Amazon Founder Donates Stock Valued at More Than $500,000 to Feed My Sheep. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos has donated stock valued at over $500,000 to Feed My Sheep, a mobile food pantry serving Maui island-wide. Maui Now.

Businesses wrestle with vaccine mandate. Maui businesses are wrestling with the new upcoming county vaccine mandate as establishments say it will put a burden on them to turn the unvaccinated away. Maui News.

Sub-Actions Underway to Fulfill Molokaʻi Destination Management Action Plan. Fourteen “sub-actions” are underway to fulfill the Moloka‘i Destination Management Action Plan approved in December 2020 that aims to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period, according to an update by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Controversial Kauai Glamping Resort Hits Stumbling Block. A bill that would foil the planned luxury campground on a Princeville golf course got the green light from county planning commissioners. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a school bus routes affected by driver shortage.
Kapa‘a Middle and Kapa‘a High School parents were notified that beginning on Tuesday, three bus routes would be suspended, affecting 155 students. The two drivers on these routes have chosen not to drive due to a new state mandate that requires government contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test weekly. Garden Island.