Hawaii governor holds fast on travel testing requirements, surfing contests canceled, only 500,000 COVID vaccinations expected through May, Maui beach closed after naked, mask-less parties, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach fun ©2021 All Hawaii News

Ige has no plans to ease testing rules for visitors, despite calls to do so from tourism industry. With Hawaii’s visitor industry slow to rebound, tourism and business leaders are asking the state to modify its pre-travel testing program to make it easier for visitors to come. The response from the governor so far: That’s not going to happen. Hotel industry officials said the recent surge of the virus on the mainland has made it difficult for many travelers to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

State has no plans to change the Safe Travels Program until the CDC releases further guidance. Right now the state has no plans to change the Safe Travels Program at least not until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases new guidelines for travelers who have been vaccinated. KITV4.

The Continuing Clout Of Hawaii’s Public Worker Unions. Pushing back against Gov. David Ige’s threatened furloughs, government worker unions showed they still have ample political influence despite a 2018 Supreme Court decision some said would weaken the organizations. Civil Beat.

Citing concerns about crowds, state suspends surf contests in Hawaii until further notice. Citing health and safety concerns caused by the pandemic, the state pulled the plug on all surf contests Tuesday until further notice. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii facing largest recession in history. Hawaii's state economist believes it will be years before the negative financial effects of the pandemic disappear, even though conditions are expected to dramatically improve later this year. KITV4.

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Hawaii seniors, front-line workers next in line for COVID-19 vaccine shots. Hawaii has administered roughly a third of the nearly 83,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses the state has received so far. Star-Advertiser.

State Details List Of Who’s Next In Line For COVID-19 Vaccine. State officials said Tuesday they’re starting to offer COVID-19 vaccines to people older than 75 and a long list of essential workers, including child care workers, teachers and first responders as part of a newly refined Phase 1b. Civil Beat.

State to expand eligibility for COVID vaccine to those 75 and up, more essential workers. The state is preparing to launch a significant new phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, opening up eligibility to those 75 and older along with a host of essential workers ― from teachers to those who work on utilities to corrections officers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii begins second round of vaccinations for healthcare workers. It has been 21 days since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Hawaii and hospitals on Oahu are beginning to administer the second dose to healthcare workers to build-up protection against the virus. KHON2.

The state describes next phase of Hawaii's COVID-19 vaccination plan. Governor David Ige on Tuesday said more people in the state need to get vaccinated. KITV4.

Rollout of COVID vaccine for general population eyed for May. State officials hope to administer more than 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine throughout Hawaii by the end of May. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Vaccine Program Soon Available to Expanded Groups. High-ranking government and health officials convened in Honolulu Tuesday to detail the plan as it is outlined over the next several weeks, making two primary requests of the public during that time. Big Island Now.

Vaccination Update: Details on Rollout Outlined. Governor David Ige provided an update today on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts saying healthcare workers, residents and staff at nursing homes are currently getting vaccinated. Maui Now.

Air Force C-17 delivers vaccinations to National Guard troops. Hundreds of Hawaii National Guard personnel with the joint task force responding to COVID-19 are getting vaccinated, with some on neighbor islands receiving the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday from the back of a C-17 cargo aircraft during a brief stop. Star-Advertiser.

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As teachers look ahead to vaccinations, thousands of students return to classrooms. In-person learning resumed Tuesday for many schools across the state. The state Department of Education said the maximum capacity is 50% at one time on campus, but many schools put a cap even lower. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii will need to pay $59 million in interest to cover unemployment. Hawaii continues to borrow from the U.S. Treasury Department to cover island unemployment claims but has not figured out how to cover $59.8 million in interest payments that will come due. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed State Budget Would Cut 30% From Sex Abuse Treatment Funding. Lawmakers were briefed Tuesday on some ugly proposed state budget reductions, including a plan to cut $1.4 million from treatment services to sexual assault victims over the next two years, and another that would “eviscerate” state enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. Civil Beat.

Unidentified GIs who died in Philippines returned to Hawaii. The remains of some U.S. military personnel who died during World War II and were buried anonymously in the Philippines have been returned to Hawaii to try to determine their identities. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 5: 124 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 124 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 74 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, 12 on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and 16 state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell’s Top Aide Lands City Council Gig To Cash In On Retirement Benefits. The six-month job will set up former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya for benefits he can access for the rest of his life. Civil Beat.

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Kapiolani Medical Center nurses to take strike vote. Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women &Children said they will take a strike authorization vote beginning Thursday after nearly five months of trying to negotiate a new contract with the hospital. Star-Advertiser.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses faced with decision on whether or not to strike. Nurses will vote Thursday on whether or not they will strike in the middle of a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Natalie Iwasa Joins The HART Board. The government-spending watchdog and frequent rail critic known as “Bike Mom” will lend an independent voice, the House Speaker said. Civil Beat.

City and County of Honolulu participates in 2020 National Community Survey. This year’s survey includes questions about the quality of life, city services, policies and management of the City and County of Honolulu, as well as opinions on issues pertinent to O'ahu residents. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council confirmations: Rodenhurst squeaks through first step; Kern postponed. Mayor Mitch Roth’s pick for Public Works director squeaked through a sometimes tense confirmation hearing Tuesday after more than two hours of grilling by a split County Council panel. West Hawaii Today.

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State: ‘Kanaka garden’ at Wailoa park must be removed by 5 p.m. today. The state set a 5 p.m. deadline today for activists who have taken over a portion of Wailoa River Recreation Area in Hilo and planted a “kanaka garden” — as was done in 2012 and 2013 — to remove the plantings and other items or have them hauled away by Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers. Tribune-Herald.

State, Hawaiian Sovereignty Activists Square Off at Wailoa State Park. A showdown is brewing between a group of Hawaiian sovereignty activists and the state of Hawai‘i at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. Big Island Now.

DLNR orders activists occupying Hilo’s Wailoa River State Park to clear out. A group of activist claiming jurisdiction of a portion of land within Hilo’s Wailoa River State Park have been ordered by the DLNR to vacate the area.  Hawaii News Now.

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No decisions yet about how UH-Hilo will address governor’s proposed $5.7M budget cut. While some short-term cost-saving measures have already been implemented, University of Hawaii at Hilo administrators say no decisions have been made about how the campus will address a $5.7 million budget cut proposed by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii vog forecast program reports on latest Kilauea eruption. If you’re wondering whether vog from Kilauea Volcano will be headed to your neighborhood in the next couple of days, or you want real-time air quality on Hawaii island, then the Vog Measurement and Prediction Project can help. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

State shuts down Little Beach over big, maskless parties. After social media posts showing 400 people without masks partying Sunday at Little Beach in Makena, the state decided to shut down the area, known for drum circles, nudity, illegal alcohol and other illicit substances. Maui News.

Pu‘u Ola‘i “Little Beach” at Mākena State Park to Close Temporarily. State officials are implementing an immediate closure of Puʻu Olaʻi “Little Beach,” at Mākena State Park on Maui following reports on Sunday of beach parties with drum circles, nudity, illegal alcohol and other illicit substances, coupled with hundreds of mask-less people in close contact with one another. Maui Now.

State officials shut down Puu Olai Beach, also known as Little Beach, at Makena State Park due to large crowds with maskless dancers, blatant nudity. Officials said that social media posts from last Sunday show an estimated 400 people on the beach, dancing and participating in drum circles without masks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Closes Beach On Maui After Large Mask-Less Parties. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the parties at Puu Olai beach included nude people dancing in drum circles. Civil Beat.

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Mayor’s office employee has COVID-19, county says. The employee is asymptomatic and last worked in the Kalana O Maui county building Thursday. Maui News.

Maui mayor not exposed to COVID-19 after employee in his office tests positive. An employee in the Maui mayor’s office has tested positive for COVID-19, but officials said Tuesday the mayor was not exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County staff member tests positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. One of Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino's staff members tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. KITV4.

Kauai

Kawakami shares 2021 goals, pandemic thoughts. Mayor Derek Kawakami sat down with The Garden Island to discuss reopening, economic recovery, and 2021 goals for his administration. Garden Island.

Marriott changing ownership, 457 laid off. Essex House Condominium Corporation, which operates as the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort &Beach Club, will cease operations in March. Garden Island.

New produce program launched. A Kaua‘i nonprofit, The MonkeyPod, launched their Kauai CSA (community-supported agriculture) Initiative box pick-up location in the middle of last month, at The Local Beet in Koloa. Garden Island.

New tourism chief named, data breach at Marriott, Supreme Court won't reconsider Thirty Meter Telescope ruling, Hawaiian Airlines opening mainland tech office, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines at Honolulu airport ©2018 All Hawaii News

Isle tourism still pacing ahead of 2017. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Thursday that total arrivals in October rose 4.4 percent year-over-year to 770,359. Star-Advertiser.

Former hotel housekeeper and executive is tapped to lead HTA. A former hotel housekeeper, who went on to become a top Marriott hotel executive, will be the first hotelier ever to lead the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Chris Tatum named new CEO of Hawaii Tourism Authority. Tatum, the area general manager at Marriott International in Hawaii, was elected by the tourism agency’s 12-member board on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s board of directors on Thursday unanimously confirmed the appointment of longtime tourism executive Chris Tatum as its new president and CEO. Garden Island.

Massive, extended data breach at Marriott’s Starwood hotels. The information of as many as 500 million guests at Starwood hotels has been compromised and Marriott said that it’s discovered that unauthorized access to data within its Starwood network has been taking place since 2014. Associated Press.

Marriott announced Friday a hack of its Starwood guest reservation database system. The hack potentially affects the information of up to 500 million guests. Reuters.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has allocated nearly $3.6 million in funding to support 130 programs in 2019 that it says “perpetuate Hawaiian culture, protect natural resources, and showcase community events.” Star-Advertiser.

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Ige Spent $3.2 Million On Re-Election Campaign, New Reports Show. The incumbent governor, who won in a landslide, spent spent six times as much as his Republican challenger. Civil Beat.

Ige to be sworn in to second term next week. After winning his re-election bid earlier this month, Gov. David Ige is set to be sworn in for his second term next week at the rotunda in the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Governor seeking team players. Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov.-Elect Josh Green are recruiting qualified and dedicated individuals who are interested in working for state government in various positions across Hawaii. Garden Island.

Lieutenant Governor-Elect Plans Homelessness Strategy. After fourteen years in the State Legislature, Dr. Josh Green is going to be sworn in as Lieutenant Governor next Monday. Although many consider the Lieutenant Governor’s job to be minimal — change of name, IDs and marriage licenses and such — Green has big plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

In ‘game-changer,’ Hawaii given approval to use Medicaid dollars to help chronically homeless. Hawaii is one of the first states in the country given the go-ahead to use federal Medicaid dollars — typically reserved for health care costs — to help homeless people move into housing. Hawaii News Now.

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Gabbard’s New Hampshire trip marks possible presidential run. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is scheduled to speak Sunday to progressive Democrats in New Hampshire as part of a series of discussions with prospective Democratic presidential candidates, a further indication that she is indeed looking at running for the Oval Office in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

A presidential run for U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard? Her travel schedule hints at the possibility. KITV.

2018 Central Pacific hurricane season wraps up today. The 2018 Central Pacific hurricane season officially ends today. However, a developing El Nino could potentially fuel some offseason action. West Hawaii Today.

A destructive 2018 Hawaii hurricane season comes to a quiet end. Hawaii News Now.

The 2018 Central Pacific hurricane season set a record. Forecasters call the year "unprecedented" with six tropical cyclones. KITV.

Marijuana might reverse heart failure, University of Hawaii study finds. Alexander Stokes, assistant professor in cell and molecular biology at the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine, said the potential medical benefits of cannabis to treat heart disease are promising. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to open IT center in Arizona. Hawaiian Airlines said Thursday it will open a technology center in the Phoenix area in the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council: "No" to Franken Poles. The Honolulu City Council is putting the brakes on a proposal to improve cellphone coverage and generate millions in non-taxpayer revenue. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Council to take up emergency measures for building permits. A resolution urging Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration to implement emergency procedures to help with building permit delays passed the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Housing Committee, a day after the mayor announced initiatives to speed up the permit process. Pacific Business News.

A Plan To Keep Homeless Offenders Out Of Jail In Honolulu. Police and the prosecuting attorney’s office are still deciding what nonviolent crimes qualify the homeless to participate in a diversion program. Civil Beat.

After years of legal wrangling, judge dismisses Kealohas' civil suit against city Ethics Commission. A judge has dismissed a years-long case against the city Ethics Commissions, brought by ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, a former deputy prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium upgrade plan moves forward. The process of determining a successor to Aloha Stadium will enter its most significant phase in more than five years next month, when work on a stadium master plan and environmental impact statement is scheduled to commence. Star-Advertiser.

Palehua Windfarm Announced for Leeward Oahu. Over Thanksgiving week Hawaiian Electric announced it reached an agreement to purchase power from Eurus Energy America. The company will build and operate a windfarm on Palehua Ridge above the existing fossil fuel powerplant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Huge swell saves homes threatened by erosion, changes beaches. The biggest swell of the season has come and gone with another one on the way next week. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Supreme Court Will Not Reconsider TMT Ruling. With the exception of changes to some footnotes in the original order, the Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday denied a motion for reconsideration filed by the petitioners in the case of the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Find Hawaii Supreme Court opinions on the Thirty Meter Telescope issue here and here and here.

Tourism sluggish in Volcano. The reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has brought visitors back to nearby Volcano, but perhaps not as quickly as some expected. Tribune-Herald.

Lava checkpoints nixed: Last two manned barriers will be removed next week. Hawaii County will remove its remaining checkpoints on roads in lower Puna next week, but some restrictions may still apply for nonresidents entering Leilani Estates. Tribune-Herald.

Private company plans lava viewing area in Puna. The public could soon have authorized — and unauthorized — access to see firsthand the aftermath of Kilauea Volcano’s Puna eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board on Geographic Names received three name proposals to rename fissure 8. The board plans on giving a status report in the next seven to 10 days. KITV.

Hawaii island mayor honored for keeping community safe. He was named a Homeland Heroes Mission Awardee by the Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today for his ongoing efforts during Kilauea's latest eruption. KHON2.

The Mokupapapa Discovery Center was filled with concerned fishermen on Wednesday night, who wanted to know more about a study that looks at possible non-commercial fishing regulations. Big Island Video News.

Marni Herkes dies after long illness. A tireless community volunteer best known for her long service as the chamber’s executive director died recently, leaving behind a legacy of civic-minded engagement. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Audit critical of liquor department and commission. Lack of transparency, ‘arbitrary’ rules among issues raised. Maui News.

The Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management has adopted instream flow standards for Kahoma and Kanaha streams in West Maui. Maui Now.

Age of utility scale solar has begun on Maui County. Projects in Lahaina, Kihei blessed with larger ones on horizon. Maui News.

Two large scale solar farms were blessed on Maui in separate ceremonies on Wednesday in Lahaina and Kihei. Maui Now.

Workers at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali will be returning to their jobs today after going on strike Oct. 8, according to a union official. Maui News.

Kauai

Kawakami names cabinet. Mayor-elect Derek Kawakami announced plans Thursday to replace a number of county government officials, including Managing Director Wallace Rezentes, who will now serve as deputy director of parks and recreation. Garden Island.

Kauai visitors spending more. Kauai welcomed 103,089 visitors in October, up 2.4 percent from October 2017, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s report released Thursday. Garden Island.

A Kauai elementary school became first DOE school to serve taro. This is part of Aina Pono, the Hawaii State Farm to School Program. KITV.

Organic farm next to Facebook CEO's Kauai property on the market for $23M. A Kauai farm that grows organic ginger and turmeric and is adjacent to land that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently acquired to add to his Hawaii holdings is on the market for sale for $22.95 million. Pacific Business News.

Gubernatorial debate a go, Marriott workers strike, first humpback of season spotted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and GOP challenger Andria Tupola ©2018 All Hawaii News

Tupola agrees to include lieutenant governor candidates in debate. Democratic Gov. David Ige and his Republican challenger, Rep. Andria Tupola, will participate in a live televised debate hosted by KHON at 9 p.m. Oct. 15 that will include their lieutenant governor running mates. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige is offering a second plum judicial appointment to his high school friend and former campaign manager Keith K. Hiraoka, nominating Hiraoka to one of six seats on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals. Star-Advertiser.

Marriott workers strike for higher wages. In Hawaii’s largest hotel strike in nearly 30 years, 2,700 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers from five Marriott-operated hotels in Waikiki and on Maui walked off the job Monday, demanding better wages and job security. Star-Advertiser.

2,700 Workers Strike At Popular Waikiki Hotels. The work stoppage comes despite management agreement to subsidize worker housing. Civil Beat.

2,700 Marriott Hotel workers went on strike this morning in Waikiki and Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands of Marriott Hotel workers on strike across Maui and Oahu. KHON2.

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Hawaii Immigrants Seek Legal Help to Secure U.S. Citizenship. More than 50,000 immigrants in Hawaii are eligible to become American citizens but have not yet applied. Hawaii Public Radio.


The Hawaii Department of Health received a $3.9 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant over a two-year period to continue its proactive, voluntary, preventive home visiting program. Garden Island.

The 17th annual "Native Hawaiian Convention" kicked off Monday. The theme this year was Ke'au Hawaii or "Year of the Hawaiian." KITV.

Oahu

Convention Center seeking more cash for maintenance. The Hawaii Convention Center, which opened in 1988, has approximately $53 million worth of repairs to complete by 2024 and will likely need an appropriation this year from the state Legislature to help with the fixes, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker: City moving too slowly on project that would help mentally ill on the streets. One day after an officer-involved shooting that left a homeless man dead, state Sen. Josh Green criticized the city for moving too slowly on a project that would help the mentally ill living on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

The latest fatal shooting by a Honolulu Police officer is igniting a renewed call to do more to get help for homeless people who may be mentally ill. KHON2.

Federal judge awards former OCCC inmate $30K for 2015 beating. A federal judge has awarded a former Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate $30,000 for a December 2015 beating by an adult corrections officer. Hawaii News Now.

Are We Ready? Or Not? Civil Beat explores how vulnerable Hawaii’s most populous island is if a hurricane hits — and what’s being done to make us more prepared. A 7-Part Special Report. Civil Beat.

How The Ala Wai Canal Puts Honolulu’s Most Valuable Real Estate At Risk. Congress has authorized $345 million to strengthen the aging canal to protect against flooding in Waikiki and nearby neighborhoods. Civil Beat.

If The Big One Hits, Honolulu Harbor Is A Fragile Lifeline. The isolated islands would rapidly burn through food and supplies should the port close. Plan B is to bring limited goods through Pearl Harbor. Civil Beat.

Most Of Oahu’s Shelters Are A Long Way From Hurricane Ready. The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow. Civil Beat.

Monkeypod in Moiliili honors Japanese immigrants. City officials held a dedication ceremony Tuesday morning for a monkeypod tree that was planted in place of a banyan removed at Moiliili Triangle two months ago. Star-Advertiser.

A dedication ceremony was held Monday at Moiliili Triangle for a newly planted monkeypod tree. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Leilani residents mull how to control entry into lava-ravaged area. A plan to erect a permanent gate controlling access to Leilani Estates threatens to divide subdivision residents both figuratively and literally. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa Highlands development to face Land Use Commission. A 731-acre project that’s languished for a decade is at risk of being reverted to an agricultural land reclassification. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo equine class pairs students with lava-displaced animals. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman week is upon us. Approximately 2,500 athletes ready to take on the Ironman World Championship joined by their family, friends and crew are piling into Kailua-Kona for the event’s 40th installment that gets underway Saturday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Public access to Maunakea lands will be closed for two days this month while the Department of Land and Natural Resources conducts animal-control activities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Pacific Whale Foundation on Maui said it spotted its first humpback whale of the season Monday morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Explorer vessel reported spotting its first whale sighting of the season with assistance from Maui Diamond this morning, Oct. 8, 2018 at 8:08 a.m. Maui Now.

325 Sheraton Maui Hotel Workers on Strike. More than 2,700 Hawaii hotel workers are on strike in five hotels operated by Marriott and owned by Kyo-ya, including the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali. Maui Now.

Prosecutors reach plea deal with Maui minister in child sex assault case. Hawaii News Now.

A new guided tour in Makawao town is taking a stroll through history. Trial walkabout tours set for the first Sunday of the month through December. Maui News.

Maui home, condo prices soared in September. Real estate prices surged on Maui in September but sales for single-family homes and condominiums were lower than the same time a year ago due to shrinking inventory. Star-Advertiser.

The median price of a single-family home on Maui jumped 16 percent in September, compared to a year ago, and the median price of a condominium jumped 18 percent, compared to September 2017, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Blackstone buying Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui. Blackstone Group, which paid more than $1 billion at the beginning of 2018 to buy the Grand Wailea resort, is continuing its Hawaii buying spree this year with the acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Ready to be counted. Today is the last day to register to vote in the general election. The county’s drive-thru voter registration booth will be in the parking lot behind the Election’s Division office. Garden Island.

The County of Kauai Planning Department was recognized last week for professional excellence in planning by two professional societies regarding its work with the Kauai General Plan Update (2018) and the South Kauai Community Plan (2015). Garden Island.

Sales of 8 condo units help push Kauai median price up 80% in September. Pacific Business News.