Showing posts with label Land Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Land Board. Show all posts

Monday, January 15, 2024

Hawaii creates recreational fishing license, new ocean fee; Legislature sets session priorities, feral chickens targeted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Fishing Rules Approved By Hawaiʻi Land Board. New recreational and commercial fishing rules have been approved by the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources, which include the establishment of a non-resident recreational fishing license and a license for commercial marine vessels. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

New ocean stewardship fund established: $1 will be charged for each customer of commercial vessels, tours. A bill passed into law in 2021 establishing an ocean stewardship special fund became effective Jan. 1. All operators of commercial vessels, water craft, or water sports equipment that are required to have a commercial operator permit are now mandated to charge a $1 user fee from each customer for the fund. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers eye help for Maui, housing and ethics ahead of 2024 session. The rebuilding of Lahaina from the tragic Maui wildfires and shortage of homes for thousands of survivors have put into sharper focus the need in Hawaii for affordable housing to help keep local residents from moving to the mainland — issues that will weigh heavily as state lawmakers convene Wednesday for the opening of the 2024 legislative session. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.

Ginoza, Devens Sworn In As Hawaii Associate Justices. Lisa M. Ginoza and Vladimir P. Devens are officially associate justices of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Civil Beat. 

Ryan Kanaka‘ole Named Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources First Deputy. Governor Josh Green on Friday announced his nomination of Ryan Kanaka‘ole, who is currently a Deputy Attorney General, to fill the DLNR position that is being vacated by Laura Kaʻakua, who is moving to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Big Island Video News.

Feral chicken legislation again to be reviewed. The state Legislature once again will consider bills to tackle a feral chicken problem that continues to generate complaints while some people continue to feed them. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs faces large staffing shortage ahead of 2024 legislative session. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is facing a large staff shortage going into this legislative session with nearly one-third of its positions currently unfilled, according to its new CEO Stacy Ferreira. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian homestead leaders gather at 36th annual convention. The convention  covered an array of topics including Act 80, which would lower the minimum Hawaiian blood quantum requirement for successorship of Hawaiian home lands to one thirty- second, as well as conversations over the spending of funds allocated under Act 279, and the various challenges around reducing the 29,000-person waitlist. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Board of Water Supply rejects $75M offer to reopen Halawa Shaft. The BWS says the Nov. 29 proposal by the state Department of Health, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to tap into a portion of the $400 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for money to reopen the Halawa Shaft is premature. Star-Advertiser.

City Council pushes for public access to first responder radio transmissions.
The island-wide police chase of an armed suspect on Oʻahu on New Year’s Day has prompted calls to the City and County of Honolulu to give the public more access to first responders’ radio communications. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents left scrambling after West Oahu affordable housing complex announces closure
. Scores of Leeward Oahu residents who were once homeless are worried they’ll soon be living on the streets again after they say the management of  Ulu Ke Kukui in Maili announced its closure. Hawaii News Now.

City conducts hearing on proposed amendments to Affordable Housing Requirement Rules
.  The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting held a public hearing to discuss affordable housing requirements on Friday. KITV4.

Three long-delayed Oahu public housing redevelopment projects took big steps forward last week and could produce 554 new homes in 2026 and 911 more in 2028. Star-Advertiser.

Sunset Beach homeowners fined about $1M for unauthorized work. The homeowners, whose properties both on Ke Nui Road front Sunset Beach, were fined by the Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday on the recommendation of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Jury pool whittled down as public corruption trial for ex-city prosecutor nears
. Keith Kaneshiro, Dennis Mitsunaga, Terri Otani, Aaron Fujii, Chad McDonald and attorney Sheri Tanaka are charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to defraud the government and conspiracy against rights of citizens. Hawaii News Now.

Miske’s Daughter-In-Law Agrees To ‘Fully Cooperate’ In Last-Minute Plea Deal. Delia Fabro-Miske's agreement with prosecutors leaves only two defendants in the federal trial as jury selection continues. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Alameda officially launches campaign to oust Roth.  More than 100 community members crowded the sidewalk in front of the King Kamehameha statue in Hilo on Saturday to support Kimo Alameda and his candidacy for Hawaii County mayor. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Big Island traffic fatalities plummet in 2023. Big Island roads saw a significant decrease in traffic fatalities in 2023 compared to 2022, from 34 official traffic deaths to 16, a 53% drop. Tribune-Herald.

2023 drier than normal for much of the island. December brought rainfall to most of the windward Big Island, but most of the gauges islandwide registered less than the average amount of precipitation for the final month of the year. Tribune-Herald.

Fixes slated for Wailoa boat harbor: $3.2M allocated for the project.
The harbor, which is one of the only functioning boat launches in East Hawaii after the blockage of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp during the 2018 Kilauea eruption, has not been dredged for years, leading to a buildup of sediment in the mouth of the harbor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council OKs Olowalu As Dump Site For Lahaina Wildfire Waste. The Maui County Council voted 6-2 on Friday to approve the Olowalu site to temporarily store an estimated 400,000 tons of debris and toxic ash from the Aug. 8 wildfire in Lahaina.  Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui Has A Bunch Of Community Plans But A Patchy Record Of Following Them. A fresh community plan for South Maui is outlining a vision for some of the last areas available for growth in Kihei. Civil Beat.

Significant finds made at Lahaina’s historic sites.  Numerous artifacts have been recovered by  Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which serves as steward for 14 historic sites in Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

Kīpahulu to become third community-based subsistence fishing area. The remote Kīpahulu area on the southeast side of Maui will become the third Community-Based Subsistence Fishing (CBSFA) area in Hawai‘i, following previous designations of Hā‘ena on Kaua‘i and Miloli‘i on Hawai‘i Island. Maui Now.

Maui Has An Axis Deer Problem. So The State Has Put A Price On Their Tails. Landowners will get paid for killing the deer as part of a new animal control program run by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

Sudden Deluge Does Little To Move The Needle On Maui Drought
. The disruptive storm forced many roads and schools to close. But it wasn't enough to erase Maui's persistent drought. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Man wanted in connection with assault on Kaua‘i police officer turns himself in. Kaua‘i police say 24-year-old Travis Bonachita of Kōloa, who was wanted in connection with an assault on a police officer, was taken into custody. Kauai Now.

Serving the houseless at Martin Luther King gathering. The Kaua‘i Soto Zen Temple will be hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. birthday gathering on Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. Garden Island.

Monday, January 16, 2023

Green faces tough Legislature, government closed today for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, crowds return to Chinatown for new year festivities, bag limits increased for Puna pig hunters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by Melissa Chang via Facebook
Chinese New Year in Chinatown, Oahu PC:Melissa Chang via Facebook
Hawaii Lawmakers Are Usually a Cautious Bunch, But The New Governor Wants Action. Emboldened lawmakers who are accustomed to the unassuming style of former Gov. David Ige are about to mix it up with a new governor known for making his pitches directly to the public. Gov. Josh Green is no Ige, and he appears to be already advancing his political agenda without worrying too much about what the other players think. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature already testing Gov. Josh Green’s agenda. The relationship between the state Legislature and new Gov. Josh Green’s administration is off to a bumpy start even before the 32nd legislative session begins Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii housing woes top agenda as lawmakers return next week. Affordable housing, expanding pre-K education and addressing corruption are top of the agenda as Hawaii lawmakers return to the state Capitol for opening session Wednesday. Associated Press. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i Sen. Gabbard to push for Green Amendment
. State Sen. Mike Gabbard announced plans to introduce a proposed constitutional amendment that would add environmental rights to the state’s Bill of Rights this legislative session beginning Wednesday. Garden Island.

Planned bill would ban TikTok app on state-issued devices.  State Rep. Gene Ward plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session to prohibit the wildly popular TikTok app from state-issued devices, part of a national push intended to prevent breaches of sensitive information to China. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: More Transparency In The Hawaii Legislature? It Won't Be Easy. A review of candidates answers to Civil Beat's Q&As this past election show lawmakers weren't all that enthused about changing the way business is done at the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Rocks Or Glass? Hawaii Weighs Alternatives To Water In Capitol Pools. The state Department of Accounting and General Services is asking lawmakers for $33.5 million for the pool rehabilitation project. Civil Beat.

Bounty offered for derelict fishing gear. Under a new program launched by Hawaii Pacific University, eligible commercial fishers can be paid for removing this derelict fishing gear Opens in a new tab — basically, some of the most harmful litter of the seas — from the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

What’s open, closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this Monday and various places will be closed. Here is everything you need to know about the departments and services that will be affected. KHON2.

Oahu

Chinese New Year festivities return to Chinatown, boosting culture and commerce. It’s not just a celebration for Chinese New Year, it’s a long-awaited restart in Chinatown. Fireworks, the beat of the drums and lion dances are what many Chinatown businesses have been waiting to hear and see for the last three years. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

New Safe and Sound Waikiki program has over 450 arrests so far. Safe and Sound Waikiki has referred 456 arrests to city prosecutors in its first four months — progress that has been overshadowed by a recent series of violent crimes. Star-Advertiser.

City Council considers tougher ‘sit-lie’ enforcement near Oahu schools. A story told of parents dropping their children off at Waipahu Elementary School only to be threatened by a knife-wielding couple living at a homeless encampment next to the campus has prompted one elected official to seek even greater enforcement of the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ordinances. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health no longer wants 2 Oahu hospitals.  An effort to transfer two Oahu hospitals to the state Department of Health to help fill the island’s desperate need for treatment options for residents suffering from mental health and substance abuse problems is on the brink of failing, with DOH officials now saying it would be cumbersome and cost too much. Star-Advertiser.

2 high-profile attorneys for alleged crime boss Mike Miske could be disqualified from murder case. A high-profile attorney representing alleged crime boss Mike Miske has asked to withdraw from the case that accuses the Honolulu businessman of murder, kidnapping, racketeering and other crimes. Hawaii News Now.

New central Oʻahu solar and battery farm said to benefit 7,600 homes. The state’s latest solar farm has been completed in Central Oʻahu. Clearway Energy Group announced Thursday that its 36-megawatt solar farm in Waiawa is ready for commercial operations.  Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Lawmakers share priorities: Next session of the state Legislature convenes this week. State lawmakers who represent the Big Island plan to address affordable housing, Hilo Medical Center’s expansion, a Banyan Drive revitalization, the General Excise Tax, marijuana and other topics during the legislative session that starts Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Name change raises eyebrows: Captain Cook Fire Station will be renamed the Kealakekua Fire Station without public input. The official change of the station’s name, which also appears on the fire trucks and ambulances it houses, comes without public input, a move that elected and other county officials say is permitted, but has raised eyebrows among some community members, including a former councilwoman and two lawyers familiar with council and government procedure. West Hawaii Today.

Input sought on zoning codes: Four open houses scheduled this week. Big Island residents are encouraged to attend a pair of public meetings this week to discuss updates to Hawaii County’s zoning and subdivision codes. Tribune-Herald.

‘Shared solar’ program could benefit 1,500 households.  As many as 1,500 Big Island households could receive credits to lower their energy bills through an effort to develop solar installations in Naalehu and North Kona. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR loosens pig hunting restrictions in 3 Puna forests.  Hunters will be able to take more feral pigs more frequently in certain Puna forest reserves under new regulations passed Friday by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As session nears, Maui lawmakers mixed over Gov. Green’s proposals. As Maui County’s state lawmakers head into the new legislative session on Wednesday, some already have mixed feelings about the governor’s proposals for a possible tax rebate for middle- and low-income families along with eliminating the general excise tax on food and some medicine.  Maui News.

Opening of Kulanihako‘i High School delayed; no date given. The opening of Kulanihako’i High School has been pushed back from its tentatively scheduled date of Jan. 18, the state Department of Education announced Friday afternoon. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

State looking into toxic chemicals in soil at Maui airport.  A group of toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam has been detected in soil at Kahului Airport and in the groundwater below, according to the state Department of Transportation, with testing for the substances underway at other airports across the state. Star-Advertiser.

US military returns land on Molokai to Hawaii. The U.S. military and Hawaii officials said Friday the Air Force has returned 363 acres it leased on Molokai Island to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, opening the possibility Native Hawaiians could move onto the land. West Hawaii Today. Maui News.

Rally speaks out against proposed mosquito release on Maui to battle avian malaria.  A sign waving rally was held Saturday in Kahului, asking the state to complete a full Environmental Impact Statement for their planned “Mosquito Control Research Using Wolbachia-based Incompatible Insect Technique” project. Maui Now.

Kauai

Land Board is sued over permits for former Coco Palms site.  A civil complaint recently filed by a community group against the state Land Board claims the board failed to comply with environmental review law and violated public-trust duties when it recently granted annual revocable permits to a defunct company to build a new hotel at the former Coco Palms Resort property on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Brue Baukol lays out plans for 18,000 acres of newly acquired Kaua‘i land.  With the exchange of more than $250 million, Colorado-based investment firm Brue Baukol Capital Group became Kaua‘i’s third-largest private landowner in June 2022. Garden Island.


Thursday, July 2, 2020

Hawaiian Airlines booking mainland routes, University of Hawaii reopening Aug. 24, Blangiardi's past scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian Airlines loaded for service ©2020 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian Airlines to resume most U.S. mainland routes, increase interisland schedules. Hawaiian Airlines announced today that it is resuming most of its U.S. mainland routes and will increase its neighbor island schedule — although international service will remain suspended due to restrictions on inbound travel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume Most US Mainland Routes. Hawaiian Airlines is set to resume a reduced schedule between Hawaiʻi and most of its US mainland gateway cities after months of suspended flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume Most US Mainland Routes in August. Hawaiian Airlines today announced it will resume a reduced schedule between Hawaiʻi and most of its US mainland gateway cities on Aug. 1, when the state of Hawai‘i begins welcoming travelers who choose to participate in a pre-travel COVID-19 testing program being developed. Maui Now.

United resumes nonstop service to Kona. Major airlines are increasing direct service between Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and the U.S. mainland. West Hawaii Today.

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"We're concerned" Lieutenant Governor keeping tabs on mainland COVID-19 surges. "We’re concerned about what that impact is going to be on Hawaii," Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said. KITV4.

Lots Of Questions Surround Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program. The proposal requires travelers get a COVID-19 test before departure to Hawaii to bypass quarantine, creating concerns about who would provide the testing. Civil Beat.

Come Aug. 1, will Hawaii residents who take short mainland trips have to quarantine? Maybe. A Hawaii resident who travels out-of-state after Aug. 1 could still be required to quarantine after returning home. The state hasn’t yet said how they’ll handle residents who go to the mainland for short trips after quarantine restrictions have eased. Hawaii News Now.

Return of domestic airlift will be boon for Hawaii tourism. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines are reinstating service in time for the Aug. 1 launch of a COVID-19 passenger testing program that will allow Hawaii’s tourism industry to reopen to out-of-state visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Recent study shows fewer Hawaii residents believe management of COVID-19 is 'heading in right direction'. Over the past month there has been a drop in the number of residents who believe the state's management of the pandemic is "heading in the right direction. KITV4.

Mandatory Interisland Travel Form Now Online. The form may not be completed or submitted outside of the 24-hour flight departure time frame, state officials advise. Big Island Video News.

Mandatory interisland travel and health form now online. The State of Hawai'i mandatory interisland travel and health form can now be submitted online within 24 hours of flight departure. KITV4.

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University of Hawaii to open Aug. 24 with social distancing. The University of Hawaii’s 10-campus system plans to start classes on Aug. 24 with accommodations in the era of COVID-19, including still-evolving social distancing requirements, masks for everyone and a one-third reduction in on-campus housing at UH-Manoa and UH-Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

UH Releases Plan For ‘Unprecedented Semester’. The university is working closely with state health officials to keep students safe, but said coronavirus cases on campus were almost inevitable. Civil Beat.

UH lays out COVID-19 guidelines for upcoming academic year. The University of Hawaii released on Wednesday interim COVID-19 guidelines for the upcoming academic year. Tribune-Herald.

UH Announces Interim COVID-19 Guidelines. The university says the top priority is the health, safety and well-being of its students, employees and visitors. Big Island Video News.

UH Releases COVID-19 Guidelines For All Campuses. The University of Hawai‘i on Wednesday released its interim COVID-19 guidelines for the 2020-21 school year. Big Island Now.

Hawaii DOE set to announce reopening plans Thursday. The Hawaii State Department of Education is scheduled to announce its reopening plans on Thursday morning. KITV4.

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COVID-19 Puts Short-Term Rentals Back Under Microscope. The pandemic has brought changes to the industry that may have a lasting impact. Hawaii Public Radio.

Complaints rise about COVID risks at work. COVID complaints to the state’s occupational safety division doubled in June and outnumber all other categories of concerns combined.  KHON2.

Some 11,000 people in Hawaii still haven’t gotten unemployment payments. Many laid-off Hawaii workers are growing desperate as they wait for their unemployment benefits. The state has paid out more than $1 billion in the last four months – but thousands of claimants still haven’t received a penny. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s TV and film await the start of production. It has been a longer hiatus than expected for television and movie production, the Island Film Group’s co-founder said there is a high demand to produce content but it is a matter of making sure the sets are safe during the pandemic. KHON2.

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Lawmakers, public question BLNR member’s intentions. State lawmakers and hundreds of individuals questioned the intentions of longtime Board of Land and Natural Resources member Christopher Yuen ahead of a vote that could extend his term. Star-Advertiser.

BLNR nominee Yuen grilled by Senate committee. The state Senate Committee on Water and Land took Board of Land and Natural Resources nominee Christopher Yuen into political rough water during a Wednesday hearing concerning his proposed confirmation. Tribune-Herald.

Agreement Reached To Protect Dwindling Shark Species. Thousands of oceanic whitetip sharks have died in commercial fishing off Hawaii. Now, WESPAC will have to devise a plan to better protect them. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Updates: 9 New Cases; Study Says Hawaii Testing Suppressing COVID. The Hawaii Health Department announced 9 new cases of COVID-19 today. Seven cases are on Oahu and two on Maui. Oahu's case count stands at 659, Maui County's at 125, Hawaii County's at 87 and Kauai's at 38. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 9 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 926. Hawaii health officials reported nine new coronavirus cases today as the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 926. Star-Advertiser.

9 new COVID-19 cases reported, bringing statewide total to 926. Hawaii News Now.

Another Resident Of Hawaii’s Largest Nursing Facility Contracts COVID-19. A dozen residents of Hale Nani have been infected so far, along with six staff members. Civil Beat.

Oahu

How Rick Blangiardi Got Caught Up In A 1980s Bank Fraud Scheme. Thirty-five years ago, the federal government sued Rick Blangiardi for his participation in a loan scam. The mayoral candidate says he was duped by criminals. Decades before Rick Blangiardi began his run for Honolulu mayor, he took part in financial schemes in Hawaii and Kansas that led him to file for bankruptcy and landed the scam’s ringleaders behind bars.  Civil Beat.

State says new homes for 32 Waimanalo homeless not allowed. In just three months, “Auntie Blanche” McMillan has created permanent homes for 32 homeless people from Waiminalo and plans to build 100 more on state land at the end of the road on Hilu Street. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless triage center that Chinatown residents rejected may have found a new home. Last month, Chinatown residents opposed the facility. But the program may have now found a home in Kalihi, in a two-story building that’s hard to miss. Hawaii News Now.

Haiku stairs formally transferred to city. The spectacular mountainside staircase known as Haiku Stairs, whose fate has been clouded for more than 30 years, was officially handed over to the city Wednesday with the aim of transforming it into a public attraction. Star-Advertiser.

Free parking for electric vehicles at municipal lots, meters, is over. City officials today reminded the public that electric vehicles will no longer be able to park for free at county as well as state parking lots and meters due to the repeal of those benefits on June 30. Star-Advertiser.

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Chinatown To Get Cleanup In Effort To Boost Commerce. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city will be paying special attention to sanitizing and beautifying the Chinatown area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chinatown, downtown streets are scheduled for repair. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday announced a pair of long- awaited street rehabilitation projects for the downtown and Chinatown areas of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


CARES money to hit the streets in a few months: Council begins process of doling out millions. County Council members are urging Mayor Harry Kim’s administration to push coronavirus relief funds out as quickly as possible to island businesses so they can get residents back to work. West Hawaii Today.

Waipi‘o Valley Road Closed Over July 4 Weekend. Public access to Waipi‘o Valley will be closed over the Fourth of July weekend in an effort to deter large gatherings as Hawai‘i continues to stem the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

High enterococci levels prompt advisory for waters near Anaehoomalu Bay. Health officials on Wednesday issued a high bacteria count advisory for Anaehoomalu Bay in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council panel backs county Agriculture Department creation. Charter amendment recommended for November ballot. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Calls Charter Amendments “Reckless”; Councilmember Calls Mayor’s Statements “Overly Dramatic”. Mayor Michael Victorino issued a statement last night, strongly opposing two proposed amendments by the County Council’s Governance, Ethics and Transparency Committee. Maui Now.

No Firecracker Permits Issued on Maui for Fourth of July. Due to commercial vendors deciding not to sell firecrackers for this holiday, no permits are being issued for firecracker purchases on Maui for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Group wants double testing. A committee of doctors and community leaders is considering a proposal to Gov. David Ige to test a tourist-entry system that would require visitors to Kauai to be tested for COVID-19 before they depart and again after they arrive, with a five- or six-day quarantine in between. Garden Island.

Quarantine violations in court. A couple that allegedly broke the state’s COVID-19 mandatory 14-day quarantine emergency order pleaded not guilty during separate hearings Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Changes Command. Fire and Ocean Safety Chief Steven Goble took the helm of the Kaua‘i Fire Department Wednesday morning in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Lihu‘e Civic Center. Garden Island.

Goble takes charge of KFD. Steven Goble’s 100-day plan begins with listening. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

'Kapu Aloha' - opponents block Kahuku wind farm construction, Gabbard's Syria stance could be debate fodder tonight, university enrollment down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
University of Hawaii - Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News
University of Hawaii enrollment dips 2% systemwide. Total enrollment at the 10-campus University of Hawaii system dipped by 2% this semester compared with last fall, with only Windward Community College notching an increase in its student body. Star-Advertiser.

UH Enrollment Down For 7th Year In Face Of Strong Job Market. Enrollment at University of Hawaiʻi campuses fell for the seventh year in a row, and UH is hoping a statewide media campaign can help reverse that trend.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Analysis: Hawaii has nation’s lowest rate of Millennial-owned businesses. Hawaii has the nation’s highest percentage of businesses owned by Baby Boomers, and the lowest percentage owed by Millennials, a new analysis finds. Hawaii News Now.

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Opponents of wind-energy project stall equipment delivery. Protesters gathered Monday night on a road in Kahuku to block an Oahu wind farm developer from delivering heavy equipment to begin construction in a scene reminiscent of the months-long telescope protests on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

No wind farm equipment transported to Kahuku as demonstrators block access. Officials say parts of the wind turbine were scheduled to be transported to Kahuku late Sunday night, but those against the wind farm project have blocked access at Kalaeloa and Kahuku. KHON2.

Kapu aloha protest strategy spreads, causing alarm. New protests aimed at the Kahuku windmill project and the Sherwood Forest park development may be alarming to some state leaders, but among some activists there is a sense that a grassroots momentum has been building as the nonviolent protest strategy known as kapu aloha spreads from one community to the next. Star-Advertiser.

Protests at other projects empowered by successful anti-TMT protest. Hawaii News Now.

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Gabbard’s stances on Syria could be fodder in presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard could face tough questions about her views on Syria during today’s presidential debate in light of President Donald Trump’s decision last week to pull troops out of northern Syria and abandon America’s longtime Kurdish allies to an attack by Turkish forces. Star-Advertiser.

State solar permits issued jumped in September. Over the first nine months this year across Hawaii’s four counties, there were 4,047 solar electric permits issued compared with 3,387, an overall increase in the state of 19%. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names Three To Hawaii Land Board. The nominations require state Senate confirmation. Civil Beat.

Cannabis dispensaries must comply with vape cartridge ingredients law. Hawaii health officials said they will “strictly enforce” a law prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries from selling vape cartridges made with outside ingredients. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Military Is Pouring Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Into Tiny Wake Island. The historic World War II site is on the front lines again as part of an expanded U.S. missile defense system. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Officials Have Received Big Pay Raises In The Past Year. Civil Beat fills out its salary database with thousands of City and County of Honolulu workers, including those caught up in a federal probe. Civil Beat.

City Mulls Next Steps After Decision to Close Waimanalo Landfill in 2028. The state Land Use Commission last week gave the City and County of Honolulu until March 2, 2028 to close Waimanalo Gulch Landfill when the panel approved a special use permit allowing the solid waste facility to operate for now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Feds to oversee valuation of DHHL land where city built rail hub. The federal government is stepping in to make sure Native Hawaiian beneficiaries get their fair share after the city built rail’s operations hub on about 50 acres of DHHL land that the city does not yet have title to. KHON2.

Smart devices offered to help HECO manage EV charging. Hawaiian Electric Co. is partnering with Elemental Excelerator and Enel X to study how electric vehicle charging during different times of the day affect the power grid. Star-Advertiser.

Defense lawyer levels more accusations against deputy prosecutor. Defense lawyer Myles Breiner says the deputy prosecutor who admitted shoving him tried to have a relationship with a woman who was the complaining witness in two domestic violence cases he was prosecuting, drafted legal documents for her civil case while he was still working as a Maui deputy prosecutor, went to her home in the middle of the night while drunk and assaulted her adult son. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council panel to hear recycling update. Cutbacks to the county’s recycling program have raised concerns throughout the island, and a County Council panel is set to hear about alternatives when it meets today. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island down to one state Land Board member. Nominations announced Monday by Gov. David Ige will leave Hawaii Island with only one member on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Some Hawaii Island residents are disturbed by the amount of trash left behind after the Ironman in Kona. Event organizers say clean up could take a week. KITV.

Maui

Fall Parks & Recreation Permit Office Closure Schedule. The County of Maui Department of Parks & Recreation will have periodic permit office closures for the processing of countywide tri-annual permits this month and in early November. Maui Now.

Kihei Charter, Kekaulike top the county in Strive HI. Program measures schools in academics and other areas. Maui News.

Kauai

Council to discuss cemeteries. Kauai County committees are scheduled to meet 8:30 a.m Wednesday at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

‘When in doubt, throw it out’. Your recycling could be ending up in the landfill if you’re not sorting it right when you drop it off, and a new sign on the Kauai Recycles green drop bins is now reminding the public: “when in doubt throw it out.” Garden Island.

Island’s Biggest Credit Union Grows Bigger In Effort To Remain Independent. Gather Federal Credit Union’s CEO estimates the number of credit unions in Hawaii has shrunk from nearly 100 to slightly more than 50 in the last decade. Civil Beat.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Harbor fees to rise, Oahu beach erosion uncovered, vets lose free access to Kilauea Military Camp, Land Board denies contested case for Maui water access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Honolulu Ala Wai boat harbor ©2018 All Hawaii News
The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation got the green light Friday to move forward with public hearings on proposed fee hikes at small boat harbors that, if approved, will affect more than 10,000 boaters. Star-Advertiser.

Hearings on New Fees Proposed at Small Boat Harbors. The Board of Land & Natural Resources voted on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, to approve a proposal by the DLNR Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation to move forward with public hearings on new proposed fees at small boat harbors. Big island Now.

Census: The Gap Between Rich And Poor In Hawaii Is Growing. Home values and household income in Hawaii vary widely depending on where you live. Civil Beat.

Identities of Over 400 Pearl Harbor Dead Still Unknown. Technological advancements are allowing forensic scientists at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to determine the identities of hundreds of Americans who were buried as unknowns. Hawaii Public Radio.

About nine of every 10 eviction lawsuits in the state result in tenants losing their homes, an outcome that partly reflects a huge disparity in who gets help from attorneys, according to a landmark study that analyzed a decade of Hawaii court data. Star-Advertiser.

Providing legal help to tenants shows promising results. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to ensure brown tree snakes never establish themselves in Hawaii, the state Department of Agriculture is taking what appears an ironic step. It’s bringing four of them in. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii had fewer confirmed large whale entanglements than much of the rest of United States waters, according to the recently released National Report on Large Whale Entanglements in 2017. Garden Island.

The Hawaiian-language version of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” will be distributed in DVD format for free to accredited schools across the state following a yearlong production. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Political leaders and land managers are failing to protect Hawaii’s beaches despite policies that call for them to safeguard the natural shoreline. That’s the conclusion of a new study by University of Hawaii-Manoa researchers who documented the disappearance and narrowing of beaches on a section of Oahu’s windward coast over the last century. Star-Advertiser.

Can placing park security at select Honolulu locations be the solution to keep out the homeless and end vandalism? The Mayor says yes through a pilot program that began last month, and  nearby residents agree. KITV.

Reforming DPP: Planning, Permitting and Delays. These are busy days for Oahu’s Department of Planning and Permitting. There are issues with so-called monster homes and the housing shortage. And there’s new attention on the slow turn-around on building permits. Hawaii Public Radio.

45-story condominium in Honolulu’s urban core to welcome new homeowners. The price for the affordable units starts at $272K.  Hawaii News Now.

Dead Bats Are Changing People’s Minds About This Energy Project. North Shore residents used to be mostly OK with the Waimea Bay wind farm. Now they’re not so sure. Civil Beat.

An illegal dump site the length of 13 football fields is ticking off Waianae residents. Waianae residents are complaining about a major illegal dump site. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu home prices rise 3% but sales drop by double digits. Home prices on Oahu rose by about 3 percent last month, compared to November of last year, but the number of single-family homes and condominiums sold fell by more than 10 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Veterans headed to Kilauea Military Camp inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be surprised to find they have to pay a park entrance fee. In the past, veterans who didn’t have a park pass would be allowed to enter for free if they were going to KMC, a military recreation facility on the rim of the Kilauea caldera, and showed a retired military identification card. Tribune-Herald.

Ready for takeoff: UH-Hilo prepares aeronautical science program. After years of effort, a four-year aeronautical science program will finally take flight at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

2 carriers seek Waimea-Kohala Airport contract. In response to a federal request for proposals from the U.S. Department of Transportation, two air carriers are vying to offer federally subsidized flights out of the Waimea-Kohala Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

BLNR denies contested case for A&B water leases. East Maui Irrigation Co. may continue to divert stream water. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected Friday a request from the Sierra Club for a contested case hearing on Alexander & Baldwin’s request for time extensions for water-use permits from streams on state lands in East Maui. Maui News.

County seeks seniors, caregivers for survey. A survey of older adults and their caregivers is being conducted by the Maui County Office on Aging through Feb. 1. Maui News.


Maui condo prices jump 32% in November. Home process on Maui rose last month, compered to November 2017, with the median price of a single-family home rising nearly 8 percent and the median price of a condominium jumping 32 percent, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai


New things perking at Kauai Coffee. Darla Domingo and Fred Cowell of Kauai Coffee announced the opening of a new Kauai Coffee shop that will be opening in a matter of days at the Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Molokai

Final approval of Molokai Island Community Plan on Dec. 11 agenda. On Nov. 16, a public hearing, in conjunction with a full County Council meeting, was held at the Kaunakakai Elementary School, where the revisions to the Molokai Island Community Plan were approved. Maui News.

Friday, September 29, 2017

Land Board approves Thirty Meter Telescope permit, Honolulu police chief candidates narrowed to seven, tourism above expectations, Jones Act debated, Kona water woes continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Artist's conception of Thirty Meter Telescope
The state Land Board will require the University of Hawaii to remove three telescopes atop Mauna Kea and create new educational programs as conditions for allowing construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

In a 5 to 2 vote, the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources concurred with the recommendation of contested case hearing officer Riki May Amano, approving a Conservation District Use Permit to build the Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved the application for a permit to build the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, a move that was vehemently opposed by some environmentalists and Native Hawaiians who consider the mountain sacred. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday granted a construction permit for a giant telescope on a mountain that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred, a project that has divided the state. Associated Press.

The state Land Board voted 5 to 2 in favor of approving the construction permit for the controversial telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday approved a permit that will allow construction of the controversial Thirty-Meter Telescope to continue near the summit of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday said it has voted 5-2 to approve a conservation district use permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope, which would allow the $1.4 billion project to begin construction near the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea volcano. Pacific Business News.

A major decision on the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope, the State Land Board says "build it". KITV.

Advocates of the Thirty Meter Telescope applauding the state land board's decision Thursday to move forward with construction atop Mauna Kea. Meanwhile, those against the project vow to continue their fight. Hawaii News Now.

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope vowed Thursday to take their case to the Hawaii Supreme Court following the approval of the project’s construction permit by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Full DLNR news release and order on the Thirty Meter Telescope here.

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Hawaii tourism celebrated its best month ever in July, but the fireworks continued into August, which was another boom month for the key state industry. Star-Advertiser.

Monthly visitor spending increased by 6.1 percent year-over-year to $1.39 billion last month as Hawaii welcomed a total of 818,581 visitors, an increase of 4.8 percent, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The figure represents an increase of 6.1 percent compared to August 2016. Pacific Business News.

University of Hawaii economists have weighed in on the state’s economy, and the story is a familiar one: Slowing growth, a tourism industry exceeding expectations and a once-booming construction sector that appears to be leveling out. Star-Advertiser.

Typically, it’s been limited to debate in Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. island territories — but this week the rest of the country is suddenly getting a crash course in the Jones Act. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 300 species of fish, mussels and other sea critters hitchhiked across the Pacific Ocean on debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami, washing ashore alive in the United States, researchers reported Thursday. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s public school students continue to show growth on Advanced Placement Program Exams. Garden Island.

How Hawaii Schools Are Rethinking Social Studies. Teachers supplement history lessons with real-world projects that encourage students to take action in their communities. Civil Beat.

Undercover stings help health officials enforce new age limit for smokers. KHON2.

Oahu

Seven candidates are now left in the closely watched search for Honolulu’s next police chief, a post that’s been vacant since the end of February. The finalists are retired Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Thomas Aiu, current HPD Maj. Susan Ballard, retired HPD Maj. Kurt Kendro, retired HPD Assistant Chief Kevin Lima, retired Pennsylvania State Police Maj. Mark Lomax, current Arlington (Texas) Police Department Deputy Chief Jim Lowery and retired HPD Deputy Chief Paul Putzulu. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission announced Thursday it will interview seven candidates to become the city’s next police chief, a process that will take place behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

The list of candidates considered for the next Honolulu police chief have been narrowed down to seven, the Honolulu Police Commission announced on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Commission has narrowed the field of candidates for Honolulu's top cop down to seven. KITV.

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A judge has at least temporarily blocked the city from releasing the names of current and past undercover officers at the request of the statewide police union. Civil Beat.

Starting Sunday, Honolulu’s bus system will no longer accept paper transfers, asking riders who seek transfers to purchase a 1-Day Pass instead, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

2 years after Accessory Dwelling Units law passes - little to show. To date the city program has produced only 67 units. KITV.

Three nonprofit groups that rely on federal funding administered by the city worry their money could be delayed this year, affecting clients as soon as Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Working to help get Hawaii's homeless off the streets. KITV.

The Army said today that operations to retrieve wreckage and crew from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that crashed at sea off Kaena Point Aug. 15 have ended with only trace remains of the five soldiers aboard recovered. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Alutiiq General Contractors LLC Thursday received a nearly $26.9 million construction contract from the U.S. Department of Defense. Pacific Business News.

The Pacific Beach Hotel will reopen next month as the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach following a $115 million redevelopment that began in 2016. Pacific Business News.
https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2017/09/28/pacific-beach-hotel-transforms-into-the-alohilani.html

The Hawaii Convention Center's new wooden basketball court has a shiny look and smells of fresh lacquer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Water service disruptions threaten North Kona as two deep well repairs progress. West Hawaii Today.

As the Emergency Water Restriction remains in effect for North Kona, officials have started to see a decline in the water level in some tanks. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County is ramping up awareness next month about the threat of little fire ants. Tribune-Herald.

The state Public Utilities Commission announced the end of a popular solar energy incentive program on the Big Island last week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A community meeting is planned to discuss community design as part of the update of the West Maui Community Plan on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center at 788 Pauoa Street, Lahaina. Maui Now.

Ground is scheduled to be broken this morning for the Kalama Kai residential workforce housing condominium project in Kihei. Maui News.

Maui’s visitor arrivals and spending were up in August, one of the state’s traditionally busy summer months, compared with August 2016, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Thursday. Maui News.

Space surveillance experts convene at 18th AMOS conference in Wailea. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige said he’s none too worried about the threat of nuclear attack, but said that as a state, “it’s better to be prepared than not.” Maui News.

Due to crowded conditions at the Maui Humane Society, the organization is seeking immediate short-term foster homes for dogs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai continues to enjoy a strong tourism season. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, visitor arrivals on Kauai totaled 111,904 for August, a 6.7 percent increase over last August. Garden Island.

Sustainable Food Movement Flourishes On Kauai’s North Shore. A community garden and incubator lots are just the beginning, say organizers looking to answer “big questions about things like food security.” Garden Island.