Showing posts with label Lehua Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lehua Island. Show all posts

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Hospitals could mandate coronavirus vaccinations for employees, state has lowest COVID-19 rate in nation, DOD expected to deny funding for Hawaii missile defense, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A hospital in Hawaii

Hawaii's Hospitals Could Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine for Employees. Hilton Raethel, President and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii says he was "disappointed" that more than thirty percent of hospital employees did not want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine according to an internal survey they conducted earlier this year.  KITV4.

Hawaii has nation’s lowest COVID-19 case rate, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. The state’s rate of new cases over the past seven days — 39.1 cases per 100,000 population — edged California’s at 40.4 and was far lower than the nationwide rate of 135.3. Michigan fared the worst at 483 cases per 100,000 residents, the CDC data showed. Star-Advertiser.

Economists: Hawaii could reach herd immunity by July. Hawaii could approach herd immunity from COVID-19 by early July if the rate of vaccinations remains consistent, economists with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization predict. Tribune-Herald.

As state prepares to roll out inter-island vaccine passport, some learn they won’t qualify. The state said that’s because their system can only verify vaccinations given in Hawaii ― at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

Travel demand for Hawaii is continuing to rise among U.S. visitors. Occupancy at Hawaii hotels rose to 43% in March, up from about 31% in February and 23% in January, according to data from Nashville-based STR released Wednesday. It was Hawaii’s highest statewide occupancy in the last 11 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Why are visitors cruising around in U-Hauls?
Blame the pandemic. Another pandemic ripple effect is the high cost of rental cars. As the state reopens and many tourists come back — there are not enough rental cars to meet the demand. Hawaii News Now.

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House Speaker Expects Pay Raises For Lawmakers Will Be Deferred. But the House and Senate haven’t yet reached a formal agreement to delay raises for judges, cabinet members and the Legislature. Civil Beat.

The Minimum Wage Bill Still Alive At The Hawaii Legislature. Senate Bill 793 would repeal the exemption of individuals with disabilities from minimum wage requirements. Civil Beat.

Automatic Voter Registration Bill Nears Final Approval. A measure that advocates say will make it easier than ever to register to vote in Hawaii cleared a key hurdle Wednesday at the state Legislature. Civil Beat.

Bail Reform Stalls In Hawaii Legislature. But lawmakers reached agreement Wednesday on a bill to limit the governor’s emergency powers. Civil Beat.

Tougher penalties could be on the way for extreme DUI convictions. Although the measure to lower blood alcohol content to 0.05 stalled, another bill to crack down on extremely intoxicated drivers is still alive. Hawaii News Now.

Pentagon expected to deny funding for Hawaii radar.
For the second year in a row, the Defense Department is reportedly planning to zero out funding for the $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii — a move that could represent a death knell for the costly radar that’s now seen as less of a priority among evolving missile threats and competing demands. Star-Advertiser.

April 21, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 73 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 45 on O‘ahu, 15 on Maui, six on Hawai‘i Island, three on Kaua‘i, one on Moloka‘i, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Commissioners unsatisfied with Honolulu Police Department refusal to release shooting video. Two Honolulu police commissioners — including one who was state attorney general — are dissatisfied with the Honolulu Police Department’s refusal to release body camera footage from a fatal confrontation with Iremamber Sykap, 16, who was shot and killed this month following a series of alleged crimes that involved a police pursuit and a car careening into a canal. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu's vehicle 'recon' inspection program close to shutting down. Starting next year, more lifted trucks, dropped cars, and other modified vehicles could be back on Oahu's roads. KITV4.

City Council Considering Handi-Van Fare Increase. The City Council’s budget committee passed Bill 87 (2020) Wednesday with some modifications. It proposes raising the fare by 25 cents to $2.25 starting next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Health Department Orders Hauula Assisted Living Facility To Close. The state Department of Health has revoked the license of a Hauula assisted living facility, informing the facility that it must shut down by the end of the month — a move that left the fate of dozens of residents in limbo. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Now hiring: Employers struggle to find new workers. Job advertisements aren’t hard to find on the Big Island. Tougher to find, as businesses are discovering with the rebound of tourism, are workers to fill the plethora of available positions. West Hawaii Today.

No-trailers policy at transfer stations draws criticism. Trailers will continue to be banned at county transfer stations for safety reasons, despite complaints from residents and county officials. Tribune-Herald.

Community support propels PONC purchases. An hour and a half of impassioned testimony extolling the importance of saving West Hawaii shoreline and preserving Hawaiian culture ended Tuesday with the County Council Finance Committee unanimously forwarding four prospective land purchases to the council for a final vote. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution passes lava zone insurance matter to state commissioner. A County Council resolution seeks the aid of the state insurance commissioner to reduce home insurance costs in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Improper stacking from a Young Brothers barge led to loss of shipping containers in waters off Hilo Bay. Twenty-one shipping containers were improperly stacked when they toppled into the ocean from a Young Brothers barge near Hilo Bay on June 22, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a recently released report. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Three People Arrested on Maui in Separate Incidents for Alleged Violations of COVID-19 Rules.  The incidents involved: a Pennsylvania man who allegedly refused to wear a face mask; an Oʻahu man who did not have a negative pre-travel test or secured lodging in which to complete the state’s mandatory 10-day travel quarantine; and a California man with an outstanding warrant who is accused of violating the state’s rules and orders related to quarantine. Maui Now.

Mayor vetoes affordable housing bill. Saying a new affordable housing bill will only intensify housing scarcity for Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino vetoed the measure on Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Council approves Waipouli land condemnation. Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council decided to move forward with the condemnation of land between the Island on the Beach Resort and ocean, ensuring another section of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae shared-use coastal path can be completed in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Hawaii officials say Lehua Island, a state bird sanctuary, is rat-free. State officials today declared Lehua Island rat-free following years of eradication efforts. The rats, an invasive species, wreaked havoc on the state seabird sanctuary for decades by preying on the eggs and chicks of native birds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Garden Island.

California variant on Kaua‘i. The COVID-19 variant known as the “California variant” was confirmed on the island Wednesday by the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office. Garden Island. Maui Now. KHON2.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tulsi for president? Plus, Hawaii braces for Hurricane Lane, elections lawsuit filed, community colleges get good grade, Fissure 8 shows new lava life, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard campaigning in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News
Gabbard’s Climate Stance Gets Her Listed As A Presidential Contender. An environmental publication lumped the Hawaii congresswoman into a field of possible Democratic challengers to President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii and Maui counties as Hurricane Lane continues barreling toward the state as a powerful Category 4 storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane watch issued for Maui, Big Isle; Lane remains a Category 4 storm. Star-Advertiser.

Cat 4 Lane expected to make turn toward Hawaii, hurricane watch issued for Hawaii, Maui Counties. KHON2.

The time to prepare for Hurricane Lane is now. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips and Checklists. Maui Now.

Luke P. Meyers, a Certified Emergency Manager who most recently served in a variety of posts in the Pacific Northwest, has joined the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency as Executive Officer, announced HI-EMA Administrator Tom Travis. Garden Island.

Elections Suit Accuses State Lawmaker Of Voter Fraud And Intimidation. The complaint is premised, in part, on a surge of last-minute absentee ballots that pushed Rep. Romy Cachola of Kalihi to a 51-vote primary victory. Civil Beat.

How This Political Rookie, 72, Pulled Off A Big Senate Upset. Sharon Moriwaki beat state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria by 20 percentage points in a district full of high-rise condos. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s community college system was ranked in the top 20 of WalletHub’s 2018 list, placing 15th. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

With Hurricane Lane forecast this week to follow a Hurricane Iniki-like path toward the Hawaiian islands, Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants residents and visitors to keep track of Lane’s progress. Star-Advertiser.

The costs to ride TheBus and TheHandi-Van would go up in most categories under a proposal now before the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s “Complete Streets” program is hosting a public meeting on Aug. 29 on three, new bikeways proposed for portions of S. King, Punchbowl, and Bishop streets in downtown Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Heat causes thousands of fish to suffocate in golf course ponds. KHON2.

Construction of the Ke Kilohana condominium tower in Kakaako has reached its high point, 43 stories, or roughly 400 feet above ground. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has topped off the 43-story Ke Kilohana mixed-use tower, the developer’s mostly workforce condominium project at Ward Village. Pacific Business News.

Condominium resales in the Ala Moana-Kakaako area, where new buildings have added hundreds of new units over the past couple of years, rose by 34 percent last month as the median price declined by 12 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noticed something at the Fissure 8 vent on Monday that may be a sign the eruption of Kilauea is not completely finished. Big Island Video News.

Even with a $4 million hit from Puna property tax revenues swallowed by the lava flow, the County Council is about to approve a bill effectively setting the annual budget at a historic high, thanks to a general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

The warden and supervisor at Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island are being charged with theft by the state attorney general’s office. Tribune-Herald.

State transportation officials are assessing safety concerns at a popular West Hawaii lava tube — Huehue — that sits just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A gate to limit vehicular access and restrictions on snow play are among the proposals found in a set of rules being offered up for the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Maui


Residents, County Council members and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Monday criticized a project in Honuaula that residents say did not undergo proper archaeological review and only came to light when the process of grading and grubbing began. Maui News.

A total of 27,749 procedures worth $1.6 million took place during the Tropic Care clinics, according to Washington Air National Guard Capt. Hans Zeiger, public affairs officer for Tropic Care Maui County, who called it a “tremendous success.” Maui News.

The Royal Canadian Navy crew members could have spent their day off at the beach — instead, they chose to come to Hospice Maui to help clear the property and deliver a $10,000 check to the Wailuku nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

People were scrambling in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Lane Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

The Department of Public Works is announcing that fencing will be installed in the vicinity of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei this week to secure the construction site, as crews begin repairs of the area damaged by the April flood. Garden Island.

The National Wildlife Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture has provided the Department of Land and Natural Resources with a final report of its monitoring efforts relating to the presence of diphacinone, an anticoagulant rodenticide, used as part of an effort to restore native species habitat on Lehua Island. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has received a final report from The National Wildlife Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture of the ecological effects of diphacinone, an anticoagulant rodenticide, used as part of an effort to restore native species on Lehua Island. Maui Now.

Pono Home, with funding and support from Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and the County of Kauai, will be offering free home efficiency services for qualified residents on Kauai this fall. Garden Island.

Hawaii-based energy consulting firm Pono Home will be offering free home efficiency services for qualified residents on Kauai this fall. Pacific Business News.

Kahoolawe

After 32 years, remains of a juvenile humpback whale have been returned to the island of Kahoolawe. Maui Now.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Kilauea volcano hits Hawaii farmers hard, state Supreme Court to hear Thirty Meter Telescope case Thursday, Honolulu's 'monster house' builder back in business, Maui council members OK'd to run, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Flowers at farmers market ©2018 All Hawaii News
Flower growers seek help as lava flow continues. For more than 20 years, Hawaiian Tropicals Direct grew numerous varieties of orchids on 10 acres in Kapoho, but as of June 3, the entire property and the owner’s home were ravaged by lava. Star-Advertiser.

The ongoing eruption on Kilauea’s lower East Rift Zone has displaced a few thousand people and altered the landscape. For farmers and ranchers in the area, it’s also taken away their livelihood. Tribune-Herald.

Starting January, volunteer health professors can get tax credit for training future doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. KITV.

Conference offers glimpses into Hawaii’s clean energy future.  report called “Transcending Oil” says that 12 years into the future we can get 84 percent of our electricity from renewable sources. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Hotels Help Their Workers Buy Homes? Hawaii has record visitor spending but many hotel employees still can’t afford to buy homes. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The city’s Department of Planning and Permitting is again under scrutiny, this time for having given approvals to a contractor tied to 17 projects — some of them “monster homes” — despite licensing issues the company had with the state. Star-Advertiser.

Delays have big impact on Oahu domestic violence cases. The crowded dockets are especially evident on Oahu, particularly with misdemeanors and temporary restraining orders in domestic disputes. Star-Advertiser.

Justice Delayed Part 2: More infractions, more gridlock. Star-Advertiser.

Kawananakoa dispute puts estate’s horse farms at risk. Many know her as a descendent of Hawaiian royalty, a philanthropist and an activist known for freely giving to Native Hawaiian causes and institutions. Fewer know Abigail Kawananakoa as a champion racehorse breeder and owner. Star-Advertiser.

She’s Back! Hawaii’s Most Notorious Candidate Returns. Along with her friend “Jesus,” Angela Kaaihue is now vying for Andria Tupola’s Leeward Oahu seat. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The saga of the Thirty Meter Telescope will return to the state Supreme Court this week as oral arguments are held for the project’s land use permit. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether to approve a building permit for a telescope on Mauna Kea, the grand volcano on Hawaii island. Associated Press.

The public will have two opportunities to weigh in on a proposed quarter-percent increase to the general excise tax before the County Council takes its final vote Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea eruption, management dominate gubernatorial forum in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The response to the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano and the future of astronomy on Mauna Kea were some of the topics discussed by the four top candidates for Hawaii governor, during a public forum in Kona Friday evening. Big Island Video News.

A moderated Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Governor Candidate Forum was held on Friday at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and Community Forums. Big Island Video News.

Three federal emergency response teams have been deployed to Puna to help those affected by the eruption. Hawaii News Now.

AmeriCorps has deployed three teams of members to Hilo to join assistance efforts for survivors of the recent Kilauea volcanic eruption. Star-Advertiser.

The eruption along Kilauea volcano’s lower East Rift Zone that started May 3 continued with fissure No. 8 continuing its vigorous production of lava late Sunday, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii island residents warned of fallout following Kilauea ash eruption. Star-Advertiser.

New numbers from Hawaii County Civil Defense officials says that at least 533 homes have been destroyed in the ongoing eruptions in lower Puna. Hawaii News Now.

The state Public Utilities Commission, acting at the request of Gov. David Ige, has met with the Hawaiian Electric Cos. and the nonprofit Hawaii Energy to develop a series of rapid-response actions to address the loss of renewable generation from the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant due to the lava flow on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of displaced Puna residents visited a Disaster Recovery Center on Friday at Keaau High School to apply for assistance with rebuilding their lives. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Last Hippie Holdouts May Not Survive The Eruption. The lava is doing a number on counterculture havens, and it’s hard to imagine some of these “Punatics” fitting in anywhere else. Civil Beat.

With new courthouse, prosecutor offices coming, public defenders still looking for place to go. West Hawaii Today.

Cyanotech Corp, which produces nutrition and health products from microalgae on Hawaii island, posted a wider loss in its fiscal fourth quarter as several events curtailed its spirulina production. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council veterans allowed to run. Deputy county clerk deems ‘consecutive’ as deciding term in law. Maui News.

County settles ex-film commissioner suit. Payout was nearly $157,000 in legal fees and settlement. Maui News.

Parks department unveils options for county pools. Repairs, more lifeguards, new relocated pools are envisioned. Maui News.

An open forum on the county Department of Liquor Control will be held this month as part of a performance audit of the department, according to an announcement from Maui County Council Chairman Mike White. Maui News.

The public is advised to stay out of the coastal waters north of Mala Boat Ramp in West Maui due to a wastewater spill originating from the Lahaina Wastewater Pump Station. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County is launching a new effort to help quickly rebuild homes in the wake of April's historic floods. Hawaii News Now.

The Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division is initiating enhanced absentee mail voting services for registered voters of the North Shore directly impacted by the April flooding. Garden Island.

Narrowing the field of candidates. The crowded field in this year’s local elections might warrant asking for anyone who is NOT running for County Council to raise his or her hand. Garden Island.

Two rat-sniffing dogs found three areas last week where rats could still be living on Lehua island in the latest operation to rid the seabird sanctuary of invasive rodents, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said. Star-Advertiser.

Two rat-sniffing dogs recently wrapped-up work at Lehua island. KHON2.

Two Border Terriers spent most of last week crisscrossing the rugged, hot, wind-swept terrain of tiny Lehua Island. Garden Island.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Hirono says cancer battle won't keep her from Senate duties, state ballot order set, Souki apologizes for sexual harassment, gut-and-replace proliferates in Legislature, thieving employees sink Molokai credit union, Maui police chief gets high marks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by Nanea Kalani
Hirono announces re-election bid, courtesy photo
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono says her ongoing cancer treatment has not affected her Congressional duties, and that she’s running for re-election to continue fighting for Hawaii’s families and kupuna. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hirono Fired Up To Take On Cancer And Trump In Campaign. As her re-election bid begins, the Hawaii senator says immunotherapy will not prevent her “from doing my job” and speaking out against the president. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono officially launched her re-election campaign on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) made it official on Wednesday morning, with her husband and supporters at her side, she filed the paperwork for re-election. KITV.

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Luck puts Constitution Party at top of Hawaii's primary election ballot. On Wednesday, the state Elections Office held a random drawing (think plucking names from a lauhala basket) to decide the order of political preferences on the ballot. Hawaii News Now.

Former House Speaker Joe Souki has paid a fine and submitted a letter apologizing for his behavior after several women including former state Director of Human Services Rachael Wong accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. Star-Advertiser.

Full text of Souki's short apology letter to the speaker can be found here.

What’s Up With All The Gut-And-Replace Trickery At The Legislature This Year? More and more dramatic last-minute changes in bills are being made with a minimum of public notice this legislative session. Civil Beat.

The governor is set to sign a bill legalizing medical aid in dying. Not everyone is happy about it. Over 18,000 people signed a petition to try to deter him from signing the bill, which he said he would do Thursday. KHON2.

A group of church and community leaders hand delivered a petition opposing physician-assisted suicide to Governor David Ige on Wednesday. More than 18,000 people across Hawaii signed the petition. KITV.

Ige bypasses lawmakers to pay for HI-EMA plans. More than a month after Gov. David Ige announced he would ask lawmakers for millions of dollars to upgrade the state’s emergency preparedness systems in the wake of the statewide false missile alert, the administration has decided it does not need that extra money after all. Star-Advertiser.

New chorus of voices questions plan to block sale of some sunscreens. A bill that would ban the sale — but not the use — of sunscreen with chemicals believed to kill coral reefs is advancing at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Feral Cat-Friendly Measure Dies In The Senate. The Humane Society supported the bill to maintain cat colonies, but opponents pointed to the damage they do to other species. Civil Beat.

Bill Calls For Hawaii To Protect Students Who Allege Harassment. The measure would establish a state corollary to the federal Title IX law prohibiting gender discrimination. Civil Beat.

Ige appoints three members to Hawaii State Board of Education. Pacific Business News.

Solar permits up on Big Isle, down in Maui County. The number of solar permits issued in Hawaii and Maui counties moved in opposite directions during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Critics warn plan to turn over Kakaako parks to city opens door to commercialization. A state plan to transfer Kakaako’s parks to the city ran into resistance at a Hawaii Community Development Authority board meeting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbors concerned by development carving into Waialae Iki hillside. At the base of Waialae Iki in East Honolulu, a hillside has been undergoing a dramatic re-contouring with excavators cutting deep benches and leaving scarred rock faces visible from Kalanianaole Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Calls for Legalization and Regulation of Transient Accommodations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mixed reactions Wednesday after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed a plan that could turn virtually any home on Oahu into a bed and breakfast. KITV.

Owner of alleged 'monster house' in Manoa fires back at neighbors. Tensions have been escalating over the home built in 1919 for the founder of Straub Clinic since Grant Shen purchased it in 2016. Neighbors say he has illegally converted the single-family residence into an apartment building with as many as 15 to 20 people living there. Hawaii News Now.

A Kailua home is turning a lot of heads lately. A shipping container has been installed above it. KHON2.

Workers at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Hotel cast their votes Tuesday to make the property the first Hawaii hotel to join the Unite Here Local 5 union through a National Labor Relations Board election in two decades. Star-Advertiser.

HTA balks at UFC’s $6M price for isle title card. The Ultimate Fighting Championship made the Hawaii Tourism Authority an offer it could refuse, leading to the collapse of talks that had been aimed at bringing a UFC card starring Max Holloway to Aloha Stadium this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism officials in Hawaii say that the UFC demanded a $6 million sponsorship fee in order to host a pay-per-view fight card at Aloha Stadium this summer – an amount even higher than what the agency once paid the NFL in order to host the Pro Bowl. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu tops the nation for solar capacity per capita. The new report released by Environment America found Honolulu also ranks third in the nation for total solar installed in a city. KITV.

No other city in the United States has more installed solar photovoltaic capacity per capita than Honolulu, according to a new report from Environment America. Pacific Business News.

Oahu condo prices jump 10% in March to new record. The median price of a condominium on Oahu rose 10 percent in March, compared to last year, to reach a record $440,000, while the median price of a single-family home nudged up by 1 percent. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Lance Niimi, executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s homeless coordinator, has resigned his post. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless housing fast tracked. Roy Takemoto, executive assistant to Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, was in Honolulu Wednesday meeting with Ford Fuchigami, Ige’s administrative director, and others to discuss an emergency proclamation Kim requested from the governor in March. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s beleaguered bus system is getting a little boost from the federal government, thanks to a $576,000 grant announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Hospital will receive much-needed renovations following the release of capital improvement project funds that were recently released by Gov. David Ige, an April 4, 2018, press release announced. Big Island Now.

Hilo mural with armed hula dancer painted over amid complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Dispute leaves DirecTV customers without hula coverage. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief receives high marks in annual evaluation. KHON2.

Kaiser expands footprint on Maui. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has acquired 6.2 acres under its Wailuku Medical Office for $22 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii paid $22 million to buy the 6.2 acres of land beneath its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui from Alexander & Baldwin. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has purchased 6.2 acres of land under its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui. Maui Now.

Two “Meet and Greet” events will be held to discuss the Waiehu Clubhouse Master Plan & Feasibility Study. Maui Now.

It’s the end of the road for Maui Downhill. Pioneer of mountain downhill bike tours calls it quits. Maui News.


Kauai

The state’s spotlight has swung toward Hanalei because of recent landslides, but locals say it’s the streets, not the slopes, with the major problem. Garden Island.

The question of what makes a community was the center of a heated discussion about the West Kauai Community Plan during the County Council’s Planning Committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Dogs have joined the fight against invasive rats on Lehua Island. The Department of Land and Natural resources started a project in 2017 to get rid of the rats by dropping rat poison in phases. KHON2.

Monitoring teams are observing more albatross on Lehua Island than they have in a long time, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

Workers’ thefts sank Molokai credit union. The government says over at least nine years, two employees stole more than $1 million from the credit union, leading to First Hawaiian Homes Credit Union’s insolvency, closing and liquidation. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Audit blasts state energy office, Hanabusa more popular among business leaders, new U.S. attorney named, dialysis clinics vacant as inspections awaited, rats return to Lehua Island, Kealoha accused of coercing witness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy University of Hawaii Sea grant college
Waikiki king tides July 2017, courtesy UH Sea College Grant program
For the past two years, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program has been recruiting citizen scientists from across the Pacific. They were trained to document high water levels or King Tides in an effort to understand and adapt to sea level rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Auditor’s report blasts energy office. The Hawaii State Energy Office awarded a contract for more than $250,000 to plan a “state-of-the-art” energy innovation center last year, and then seven months later commissioned another consultant to assess whether that center is actually needed, according to an audit of the office. Star-Advertiser.

Read full audit here.

Auditors couldn't figure out what this state office does — or plans to do. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: State Energy Office ‘Is Not Doing Its Job’ A scathing report cites the office’s failure to document what it’s doing to help Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy resources. Civil Beat.

Why Colleen Hanabusa Can’t Sit Still. The Hawaii congresswoman talks about ambition, office-hopping and her quest for the Hawaii governor’s office. Civil Beat.

BOSS Asks Business Leaders: Ige or Hanabusa? Hawaii Business.

Kenji Price — a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger who is now a director at the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing — has been appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army Ranger Named Temporary US Attorney For Hawaii. Kenji Price has been focusing on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation at a Honolulu firm. Associated Press.

Delays in clinic inspections hurt dialysis patients. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions to a three-year delay in inspections for some dialysis clinics that largely remain closed as the number of residents with kidney failure continues to climb. Star-Advertiser.

One aspect of the homeless crisis: State realizes policing encampments is pricey. DLNR is requesting $330,000 in related funds. Gov. David Ige's administration also wants $419,302 to pay for eight new deputy sheriffs that could respond to complaints about illegal camping and trespassing on state lands. There is also a $5 million lump sum request in the state Department of Human Services' budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii joins 'tele-abortion' pilot amid debate about procedure's safety. Hawaii is one of only four states taking part in a "tele-abortion" pilot project, and the politically-charged issue is riling up abortion foes. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool Open Door Program Open for Enrollment. Low and moderate-income families in Hawaii can tap a state subsidized program to give their keiki a head start in early learning. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for mumps outbreak. In addition to containing clusters of mumps cases, the state is gearing up for the peak of flu season. KITV.

Mumps booster needed to avoid virus. Even if you had a mumps vaccination, you are being urged to get a booster shot. KITV.

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit. Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessel’s owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking. Associated Press.

Kmart to pay over $84K for overbilling Hawaii Medicaid customers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded share of $227M federal contract. Hawaiian Airlines Inc. on Friday received a share of a $227 million federal contract for international commercial scheduled air cargo transportation services. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha coerced man to lie to grand jury, charges say. The deputy city prosecutor wife of a Honolulu police chief convinced a man whose trust she allegedly stole from when he was a child to lie for her before a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against the couple, according to court documents filed today. Associated Press.

An alleged victim in the case against former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine, is now a suspect. KHON2.

Police Commission Loosens Rules On Legal Fees For Officers. For years, city attorneys have been strict when it comes to paying an officer’s attorney fees in lawsuits and criminal complaints. Civil Beat.

Rise in attacks by state hospital patients prompts call for change. KHON2.

Medical Pot And Veterans: Groups Offer Free Evaluations. The cost of getting evaluated usually far exceeds the price of the actual registration process for cannabis users. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces the need for more money. KHON2.

Warning signs posted after big sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay. The public is being told to stay out of Kaneohe Bay after a spill sent 30,000 gallons of sewage into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana the monk seal is hooked again. Kaimana the monk seal got hooked — a second time. This time, she needed help getting it out. Star-Advertiser.

$500K-plus micro condo units to hit Kakaako market. About 200 studios range from 277 square feet to 373 square feet, with the smallest of those starting between $500,000 and $600,000. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes to open sales office for new Honolulu tower. Pacific Business News.

Petitioners want to preserve monkeypod trees at Manoa Marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases additional $1.3M for outreach, research in battle against rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s lobbyist to the state Legislature appeared before a more local body Wednesday, where he defended his track record and pledged better communication with the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The traffic signals are in place, but it may take until the end of the month before intersection improvements at Shower Drive and Highway 130 in Puna are complete. Tribune-Herald.

A former driver for The Arc of Hilo who sexually assaulted a physically and mentally disabled woman last year in a van owned by the nonprofit organization was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makawao is Highest Priority Area for Cesspools, Public Meeting Announced. Maui Now.

Water Director Taylor remains at home. Water Department leadership in limbo following council vote in support of director. Maui News.

Kauai

Rats! signs of life. A rapid assessment team flew to Lehua Island Tuesday after checks of motion-detecting field cameras showed the presence of two rats. Garden Island.

Housing crisis lingers as additional rental unit bill deferred. A bill aimed at allowing homeowners to build small rental units on their land in order to help meet an affordable housing shortage was deferred to the end of February during a Kauai County committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Senator profits in state contract, Hawaii population declines, Learmont replaces Oshiro in state House, new pier at Hilo harbor, candidates already lining up for 2020 Honolulu mayoral race, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu Ala Wai boat harbor © 2017 All Hawaii News
Conflicts arise over harbor contract. A legislator as well as a member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources have ties to the public relations firm hired by the state to help determine redevelopment of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Used To Hearing About Potential Conflicts Of Interest. Legislators argue there are good reasons to vote even on issues where they may have potential conflicts. Associated Press.

State DOE on track with plan to meet new federal benchmarks. The Hawaii Department of Education says it’s working with federal education officials to finalize the state’s plan for complying with new requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Star-Advertiser.

Appeals court: Trump exceeded authority with travel ban. A federal appeals court panel has ruled that President Donald Trump once again exceeded the scope of his authority with his latest travel ban, but the judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put their decision on hold pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court, meaning the ban involving six majority Muslim countries will remain in effect. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s Population Declines For The First Time In Several Years. Hawaii was one of eight states, plus Puerto Rico, that saw a net decline. Civil Beat.

Health insurance premiums on the rise. More than 320,000 Hawaii workers and individuals will pay higher health insurance premiums starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Learmont
Learmont To Replace Oshiro In Hawaii State House. She is a former legislative aide to the former longtime lawmaker, who resigned to join the labor board. Civil Beat.

Iwamoto seeks lieutenant governor post. Kim Coco Iwamoto says corporations spend millions of dollars to get their voices heard at the Hawaii Capitol. Garden Island.

More Tuna For Hawaii Fishing Boats In 2018. An international commission slightly expanded catch limits for U.S. longliners based in Honolulu but the industry is still hoping for more. Civil Beat.

Attorney General: Landowners must pay for use of their own land once sea rises.  Oceanfront property owners who once were well shy of the protected state shoreline could find themselves having to purchase easements for their existing homes and structures such as seawalls as the sea creeps inland. West Hawaii Today.

California Approves Saito Extradition To Hawaii. The Hawaii State Hospital patient escaped in November and flew to the mainland. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's economy to benefit from preclearance agreement with Canada. Pacific Business News.

Young Brothers’ cargo volume edges up. The state’s largest interisland cargo carrier said in a report due out today that volume edged up 0.3 percent from the year-earlier period and is up just 0.7 percent for the first nine months of 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Anderson, Pine eye 2020 mayor’s race to replace Caldwell. The jockeying has begun at Honolulu Hale over who will take over the third-floor corner office at City Hall after incumbent Mayor Kirk Caldwell leaves when his term runs out in 2020 — if not sooner. Star-Advertiser.

Privately owned memorial tour website under investigation. The state Office of Consumer Protection said it is investigating representations made by a website that touts itself as the “Pearl Harbor Visitors Bureau,” offers tours and says more than 750,000 visitors have been served. Star-Advertiser.

State scales back work on airport space. The state Department of Transportation is building a $40 million to $45 million structure under Gate 6 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that was meant to provide operating space for Island Air, but that space will now be left vacant in the wake of the airline’s bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has fallen short of making its full state reimbursement for the Hawaii Convention Center for the past two years and may extend the facility’s debt repayment schedule again — even though the agency still owes 79 percent of the center’s original $350 million balance. Star-Advertiser.

City sweetens tow deal. Starting New Year’s Day, the city will have a new contract in place to cover the dozens of police-initiated vehicle tows that occur across the island daily. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers Keep One of Makiki’s Best-Kept Secrets Afloat. The state wants to convert Hawaii’s only volunteer-run public library into a state-run facility, but it’s waiting on a lease agreement from the city. Civil Beat.

A woman's struggles after a crash with an HPD officer renew questions over discipline. The renewed attention is coming at a time when a new chief, Susan Ballard, has taken the reins at the department and, according to one of her deputies, has ordered a review of HPD’s entire discipline system to bring more consistency to the process. Star-Advertiser.

Filipino WWII vets help select artist for monument on Oahu. After decades of injustice and neglect, Filipino WWII veterans are finally winning recognition for their dedication to Allied forces during the war. Star-Advertiser.

Preserving Hawaii's Railway History. The Hawaiian Railway Society in Ewa runs the only continuously operating historical railroad in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

State officials and other dignitaries marked the opening of a new pier Friday at Hilo Harbor. The 602-foot-long reinforced concrete pier, built parallel to the shoreline, will allow workers to load and unload barges more safely and efficiently, and separates cargo from the docks used by cruise ships, officials said. Tribune-Herald.

Preserving historic Honokaa. The Historic Honokaa Town Project, which aims to preserve and commemorate the unique plantation buildings of Honokaa, is expected to place a total of 14 Honokaa entries on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places by early 2018, with seven of those properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well, said project coordinator Gerald De Mello. Tribune-Herald.

A draft burial treatment plan for iwi found on lands of the former Moaula Plantation were debated on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

The problem of feral pigs. Although feral pig populations on the Big Island appear to remain steady, for some residents, swine incursions will make the holiday a brown Christmas. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Wind farm seeks OK to ‘take’ more endangered bats. Auwahi Wind wants to increase permitted bat fatalities from 21 to 197 over 25 years. Maui News.

Maui home sales fall amid lower inventory. Sales of single-family homes in Maui County plunged last month amid dwindling inventory while the median price increased. Star-Advertiser.

Life after sugar – a year later. It has been 12 months of transition for former plantation workers. Maui News.

Kauai


Rats are nowhere to be found on tiny Lehua Island four months after the conclusion of an eradication project. Star-Advertiser.

People monitoring the ecosystem recovery on Lehua Island report that four months after the conclusion of a rat eradication project there are still no signs of the invasive Pacific Rats. Garden Island.

Canines used to find human waste in Kauai streams. Three samples were collected at Waiopili stream mouth in October and all samples tested positive for human sewage by both dogs. Garden Island.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Obama on Hawaii holiday, arson suspected in Maui school fire, monster homes under microscope, state unsure why fish died after Lehua Island poison drop, Kamehameha Schools sex abuse allegations unveiled, three vie for Kauai mayor, $12M for Big Island prosecutor building, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Mitch's Sushi Bar
Obama at Oahu restaurant courtesy Mitch's Sushi Bar
Obama returns to islands for sushi, golf. Former President Barack Obama was on Oahu this weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Former President Obama is back in the islands. The 44th president was spotted Sunday at Mitch's Sushi Bar in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Brian Schatz Is In The Hot Seat Now. Hawaii’s senior senator is a member of the Senate Ethics Committee, which is tasked with investigating his own colleagues. Civil Beat.

Push For Airport Authority Divides State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

New state program tracks military spending in isles. Defense contracts have been running at about $2.1 billion a year in Hawaii as part of an estimated $7.8 billion in direct military spending supporting more than 64,000 jobs. Star-Advertiser.

New teachers need 22 years to amass home down payment. The estimates were based on beginning Hawaii teachers with a bachelor’s degree earning an average of $45,963, slightly higher than the national average of $43,806. Associated Press.

Isle substance abuse fatalities on rapid rise. Hawaii’s drug, alcohol and suicide death rate is projected to increase by 39 percent over the next decade, a new report shows. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea telescope details rare supernova. Star-Advertiser.

A critically endangered Hawaiian plant that can safely exist only within a heavily managed greenhouse environment has new hope for long-term survival thanks to a novel experiment conducted by botanists from the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The first sitting of the International Commission of Inquiry, initially scheduled for January 16 and 17, 2018 on the grounds of Iolani Palace at the Kanaina Building, has been delayed. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Massive dwellings prove difficult beasts for city to tame. As complaints start to pour in over monster houses springing up in older communities from Pearl City to Hawaii Kai, the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting is coming under scrutiny. Star-Advertiser.

City inspectors cite some for ‘monster’ houses but not others. Star-Advertiser.

The Star-Advertiser looked into eight addresses that neighbors complained about. Star-Advertiser.

Why A Tree In Hawaii Kai Is Raising Questions Of Favoritism. A father’s gift to remember his dead son has become a story of special treatment by the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

More than 7,000 sailors spent their Thanksgiving weekend on Oahu. On Saturday the USS Coronado and the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group docked at Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at West Oahu has received a $2.7 million grant to help more than 500 students in the Waianae Coast area prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education. Star-Advertiser.

A salvage company continued working Sunday to prepare to remove a grounded fishing vessel off Waikiki as early as this week, a Coast Guard spokeswoman said. Star-Advertiser.

This Waikiki Shipwreck Is Proving Tough To Get Rid Of. Salvage crews are readying for another attempt to get the grounded Pacific Paradise off the reef near Kaimana Beach. Civil Beat.

Volunteers sort through waves of marine debris collected from Hawaii's shores. Plastic pollution in the ocean continues to be a big problem washing up on Hawaii's shores. In an attempt to protect the 'big blue,' Sustainable Coastlines, along with several other non-profit organizations and volunteers, took advantage of the long holiday weekend to tackle the growing problem. KITV.

Kamehameha officials failed to report or investigate sex abuse allegations. Star-Advertiser.

These transcript passages are taken from sworn testimony that former Kamehameha Schools officials gave during depositions for a pending lawsuit alleging that a psychiatrist, Dr. Robert Browne, sexually abused students. Star-Advertiser.

How Can We Improve Democracy In Hawaii? This conference focuses on getting more people involved in the public process — and making the conversation more civil. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police have opened an attempted murder investigation after they say a man tried to run down an officer. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Dirt could start flying early next year for a new Kona building for the county prosecutor, three years after the County Council approved the project. West Hawaii Today.

Slightly fewer teaching positions were vacant in Hawaii Island public schools at the start of the current school year, according to data the state Department of Education provided to the Tribune-Herald last week. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii researchers have bred cattle that produce meat rated as high as the top 1 percent in quality in the nation. Tribune-Herald.

Naalehu farmers report upped livestock killings. West Hawaii Today.

After the federal government announced plans to end a subsidy for air service at the Waimea-Kohala Airport, the president of Mokulele Airlines said Wednesday he wants the airline to continue to be able to fly in and out of North Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Resort plans to carve out a small portion of its acreage for a new housing development. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bill would allow people without homes to sleep in their parked cars. County attorneys say they have concerns about the proposal. Maui News.

West Maui hospital construction stalled by tax reform bills. Maui News.

Report: County metro area is state's ‘drunkest city’. But state Health Department said it found the counties not statistically different. Maui News.

Kahului Elementary to close Monday to assess fire damages. Maui Police believe arson was the cause of the fire at Kahului Elementary School that resulted more than $1.2 million in damages.  KITV.
  
Arson Suspected in Kahului School Fire. Kahului Elementary School will be closed on Monday, Nov. 27, to assess the damage from Friday night’s fire. Maui Now.

Maui police suspect arson as the cause of a fire that resulted in $1.2 million in damage to Kahului Elementary School. Star-Advertiser.

Fire blackens Kahului School. Maui News.

An arson investigation has been opened after suspicious fires destroyed classrooms at a Maui school Friday night, causing $1.2 million in damages. Hawaii News Now.

The suspicious building fire at Kahului Elementary School has forced educators to close the school on Monday. KHON2.

Sammy Hagar’s quiet philanthropy will be missed. Maui’s nonprofit community benefited for years from the rocker’s generosity, according to Darby Gill. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department is conducting a citizens survey as a way to improve community services. Maui News.

A Maui resident has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Hawaii Subaru distributor, claiming soy-based insulation in wiring and fuel hoses attracted rats that damaged her car. Maui News.

It’s been more than 15 years since the idea first took root, but Hospice Maui’s dream to add a garden area to its Wailuku site has begun to blossom with the help of a land donation from Maui Lani. Maui Now.

Kauai

Three qualified candidates have announced they will be running for the office of Kauai mayor. Garden Island.

After dozens of dead fish were discovered on Lehua Island after controversial rat poison drops, the state said Monday they there not able to determine what caused the fish to die. Hawaii News Now.

Leaders eye price island pays for robust tourism. Garden Island.

Tourism patterns have changed, but island infrastructure has not. Garden Island.