Kilauea volcanic eruption resumes, NTSB releases deadly air ambulance crash report, out of state home buyers increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea volcano eruption PC:USGS

Lava flows once again from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano. Kilauea roared back to life Thursday afternoon with fountains of lava spewing within Halemaumau Crater, nearly a month after the volcano went silent. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Traffic-related fatalities in Hawaii surged in 2022. By the end of the year, the number of traffic-related fatalities, 117, was higher than for 2021, 2020 and 2019 but even with 2018, according to statistics from the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Final moments of missing Hawaii plane detailed in NTSB report. A witness saw a medical transport plane that disappeared on a flight between Maui and the Big Island go into a spiraling descent and hit the ocean, according to a preliminary report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Air Ambulance Crash Exposes Vulnerability In Neighbor Island Health Care. Gov. Josh Green agrees that Hawaii needs a major health care build-out on the neighbor islands so that the state can wean itself off its dependency on medical air transport. Civil Beat.

Bringing students home to fix Hawaii’s doctor shortage. Hawaii needs about 800 doctors, according to the Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Report. KHON2.
 To address staffing shortfalls, 12-hour shifts proposed for adult corrections officers. Christin Johnson, the coordinator for the Correctional Systems Oversight Commission, is proposing 12-hour shifts in a bid to cut down on sick time and reel in new applicants.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi sees more out-of-state homebuyers; Canadians, Californians purchase on Maui. A state report showed about 25% of single-family homes from January to September of 2022 were bought by out-of-state residents. Of those, 23% of purchases were from the US Mainland and 2% were from international residents. Maui Now.

Public input sought about adding 100 land parcels to Hawaiʻi nature reserve systems. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking comments on a proposal to protect nearly 100 unencumbered state land parcels across Hawai’i as part of the State Forest Reserves, Natural Area Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries systems.  Maui Now.

State of Hawai’i has a new poet laureate, succeeding Kealoha. Brandy Nālani McDougall has been selected as the second Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate, succeeding Kealoha, who served from 2012-2022. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Interim chair of the Honolulu Liquor Commission resigns, blaming ‘baseless accusations’. In less than a year, two chairs and a vice chair have resigned amid accusations of corruption and discrimination. Hawaii News Now.

Semi-sub in fraud case missing from harbor. Semisub One, the vessel belonging to Curtiss Jackson, a tour boat company co-founder charged with federal securities fraud and released on pretrial bond in October, was gone from its slip in Kewalo Harbor on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds Of Honolulu Parking Meters Disabled By Verizon 3G Shutdown. The city knew the shutdown was coming but didn’t upgrade the meters quickly enough. An estimated 2,200 digital parking meters in Honolulu suddenly stopped accepting credit cards on Wednesday after Verizon shut down its 3G network, according to the Department of Transportation Services. Civil Beat. KHON2.

State adds more ‘No Right Turn On Red’ signs at major intersections. No right on red! Oahu drivers are seeing more of those signs at major intersections. The state said it’s a renewed effort to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. But it’s not sitting too well with some drivers. Hawaii News Now.

Former health director suggests water storage for Red Hill tanks, staying at Kapolei landfill. In a column for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, former state Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson suggested the tanks could be used to store drinking water for emergency use. Hawaii Public Radio.

Macy’s to close Windward Mall store on Oahu. Macy’s at Windward Mall in Kaneohe is among four Macy’s stores nationwide that are slated to close this year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bills aim to add new parking rules, standardize hours at county parks.  Stricter parking controls and other rules might be coming to Hawaii County beach parks under a series of bills proposed Thursday at a County Council committee hearing. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s New County Council Struggles To Get Moving Amid 4-4 Split. Some people worry that the current 4-4 split could hinder the legislative body’s ability to get things done. Civil Beat.

‘Record-breaking’ demand for healthcare takes toll on workers at Maui hospital. Employees at Maui’s only acute care hospital are crying out for help. They say they can’t keep up with the current demand for healthcare. Hawaii News Now.

Investigative Reporter May Have To Testify Despite Journalist Privilege. A federal judge said Hawaii News Now’s Lynn Kawano did not waive her privilege when reporting about a Maui police officer accused of sexual misconduct. Civil Beat.

Kauai

COVID-19 cases remain stable on Kaua‘i but effects linger. While COVID-19 has surged through the mainland United States during the holiday season, case counts on Kaua‘i have been holding relatively stable. Garden Island.

2020 Hawaii Legislature opens with speeches, rallies; mayors seek congestion pricing, vehicle registration increase; Honolulu councilwoman seeks 4-day workweek; Big Island parks to get corporate sponsors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2020 opening day for Hawaii House PC:House Majority

Lawmakers open 2020 session with big plans for taxes, preschool, housing. Hawaii lawmakers thumped the gavels to open the 2020 session of the state Legislature Wednesday with an unusually detailed plan for the laws they plan to pass this year, and with a large demonstration by Hawaiian activists rumbling in the background. Star-Advertiser.

Can Hawaii’s Elected Leaders Save The State From ‘Drowning?’. Legislators kicked off their 2020 session united with the governor to tackle the cost of living. The question is whether their bold ideas will become reality. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers vow to address high cost of living. Lawmakers opened a new session of the Hawaii Legislature on Wednesday with vows to address the state’s punishingly high cost of living so families don’t have to abandon the islands for cheaper places. Associated Press.

Optimism Abounds Going into the 2020 Legislative Session. Lawmakers and Gov. David Ige entered the first day of the 2020 legislative session with optimism and big goals. Big Island Now.

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Transportation issues top priorities of Council of Mayors. A $25 increase in vehicle registration fees to pay for removing abandoned vehicles, a charge to drive on certain roads during peak hours and a surcharge on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are three of a largely transportation-related package the Hawaii Council of Mayors presented Wednesday to legislative money committees. West Hawaii Today.

‘Congestion pricing,’ fee for abandoned cars dominate mayors’ requests to Legislature. Hawaii’s four county mayors made their annual appearance before the money committees of the state house and senate, seeking ways to relieve traffic congestion and to fund ways to clear away abandoned vehicles. Hawaii News Now.

Mayors Want State Action On Traffic, E-Scooters, Rideshare . Hawaii’s four mayors have transportation initiatives on the brain in 2020, their latest requests to state lawmakers show. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposes study of traffic congestion pricing. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants state lawmakers to begin studying the idea of charging motorists a fee for driving on key roads during peak traffic hours, a concept known as congestion pricing that’s been in effect in London and other cities and was recently approved by New York state. Star-Advertiser.

All four County Mayors in Hawaii addressed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday afternoon. The Mayors were making their financial requests to the State Legislature and one topic they all agreed on was the need for funding to remove abandoned vehicles. KITV4.

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Hundreds with the Hawaii Rising movement gathered at the State Capitol. Hundreds with the Hawaii Rising movement gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 15, for the opening of the Legislature. KHON2.

Hawaiian protests move to state Capitol on opening day of business. Months of frustration on the part of Native Hawaiian activists at Mauna Kea, Kahuku and Waimanalo coalesced in a passionate rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday for the opening day of the 2020 Legislature, but key lawmakers said they were unclear about the rally’s message. Star-Advertiser.

Movement aimed to change political landscape to a future rooted in Aloha Aina. Thousands showed up for Hawaii Rising, a movement to change the political landscape to a new future rooted in Aloha Aina. KITV4.

Maunakea Unrest Discussed At Legislature Opening Day. Big Island Video News.

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Over 100 rally at state Capitol to support fight against human trafficking. Over 100 people attended the Ho‘ola Na Pua Walk and Fair at the state Capitol this afternoon to recognize January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Star-Advertiser.

Could ‘pop-up preschools’ help solve Hawaii’s child care woes? Legislators think so. An increase to the minimum wage, tax credits, affordable housing and universal preschool. Lawmakers say those are their priorities this legislative session. Hawaii News Now.


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Hawaii’s Office of Elections to send postcard reminders of vote-by-mail transition. The state Office of Elections will be mailing over 658,000 postcards to active registered voters in Hawaii to raise awareness of its transition to by-mail voting in the 2020 elections. Star-Advertiser.

Elections Officials Announce Voting by Mail. The Office of Elections will be sending out over 658,000 notification postcards to active registered voters in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Check your mail for important information on voting in 2020. The election is quickly approaching, and election officials want to make sure the transition to mail-in voting is a smooth one. Hawaii News Now.

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Fewer criminal cases taken to court statewide. In every county statewide, a suspect busted on the street is increasingly less likely to come before a judge and jury. KHON2.

Staffing And Facility Upgrades Among Top Priorities For Public Safety Department. State Department of Public Safety administrators outlined the department's budget priorities to lawmakers Tuesday at the state Capitol, including a request for $8.4 million over two years for staff on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Hawaii Correctional Facilities Ban Contact Visits Despite Potential Benefits. Studies suggest non-contact visits can be harmful for families, especially children. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A 4-day work week ... every week? A city councilwoman toys with the idea. Some city workers could be getting four-day weekends every week, if a new resolution catches on. Hawaii News Now.

City councilmember introduces resolution that could give some City workers a four-day work week. Honolulu City Councilmember and Mayoral candidate Kymberly Pine introduced a resolution on Wednesday urging the administration to consider giving certain City and County of Honolulu workers a four-day, 40-hour work week. KITV4.

1,700 gallons of wastewater spills at Pearl Harbor. U.S. Navy personnel responded to a wastewater spill resulting from three overflowing manholes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Former KITV sportscaster Rick Quan returns to station as news anchor. KITV4 Island News announced today the return to the station and to Hawaii of veteran broadcast journalist Rick Quan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County mulling business sponsorships for parks. County parks may soon be “brought to you by” local businesses and other sponsors thanks to a proposed new county rule. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit: Slug Found In Sandwich Exposed Family To Rat Lungworm Disease. Two Hilo parents are suing the health food store that served them an avocado and lettuce sandwich that contained a two-and-a-half-inch long slug that they fear has exposed them and their infant to rat lungworm disease. Civil Beat.

Millions Requested For Future Maunakea Enforcement Operations. The Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Land and Natural Resources are both asking for a total of $8.7 million over the next two fiscal years for "Public Safety Operational Requirements". Big Island Video News.

Tents, other items remain on mauna. Anti-Thirty Meter Telescope protesters intend to remove abandoned property left behind following the months-long occupation of the Maunakea Access Road within the coming days. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Chair Delivers Legislative Package of 15 Bills. The Maui package includes 15 bills covering a wide range of issues, including the taxation authority and revenue, roadway safety, the regulation of hosting platforms for unpermitted vacation rentals and environmental issues like invasive species and sea-level rise. Maui Now.

Chairwoman to deliver bill package to legislators. 2020 Maui County Legislative Package includes 15 bills covering a wide range of issues, including taxation authority and revenue, roadway safety, the regulation of hosting platforms for unpermitted vacation rentals and environmental issues like invasive species and sea-level rise. Maui News.

West Maui Hui Sues Condo Over Blocked Shoreline Access. West Maui community groups Nā Papaʻi Wawae ʻUlaʻula and the West Maui Preservation Association filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Mahinahina condominium Kuleana II alleging blocked shoreline access. Maui Now.

$8M Alloted to Maintain Kahului, Kaunakakai Harbors. The US Army Corps of Engineers in Hawaiʻi received more than $8 million in federal funding to maintain the Kahului Deep Draft Harbor and the kaunakakai Deep Draft Harbor. Maui Now.

Leath named interim publisher of The Maui News. Bart Leath has been appointed interim publisher of The Maui News. Longtime Editor and Publisher Joe Bradley retired last month. Maui News.

Kauai

Copter crash Report: Visibility low. Safari Helicopters pilot Paul Matero flew the route of the fatal Dec. 26 tour flight successfully seven times the day of the crash that killed all passengers aboard the Airbus AS350 B2 chopper. Garden Island.

NTSB Report: Visibility Low When Kauai Tourist Helicopter Crashed. The preliminary report also said that the helicopter’s pilot was on his eighth and final scheduled 50-minute tour flight of the day. Associated Press.

NTSB says adverse weather conditions was a factor in the Kauai helicopter crash that killed 7. A witness hiking along a nearby trail reported heavy rain and fog at the time a tour helicopter crashed into a cliff face on Kauai in December, killing all seven people aboard, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases preliminary report on Kauai tour helicopter crash. The pilot of a Kauai tour helicopter that crashed Dec. 26 was on his eighth and final flight of the day, according to a preliminary NTSB report on the incident. Hawaii News Now.

NTSB releases preliminary report of fatal Kaua'i helicopter crash detailing eyewitness account. The National Transportation Safety Board released their preliminary report on what led up to that fatal helicopter crash on Kaua'i in December, killing all seven people on board. KITV4.

NTSB Preliminary Report Released into Kaua‘i Tour Helicopter Crash. A preliminary accident report released by the National Transportation Safety Board was released today, detailing initial findings involving a fatal tour helicopter crash on Kauaʻi that claimed the lives of seven on board last month. Maui Now.

Hearing set on Young Brothers rate hike request. The state Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public meetings relating to its review of Young Brothers LLC’s request for approval of a general rate increase of approximately 34% over revenue at present rates. Garden Island.

New $50 registration fee for electric vehicles, NTSB investigating fatal Kauai tour helicopter crash, Honolulu officials enjoy contractor-paid lunches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Electric vehicle at Hawaii charging station ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii joins states charging more for electric cars as new laws kick in. The new year will bring new charges for some owners of electric vehicles, as an increasing number of states seek to plug in to fresh revenue sources to offset forgone gas taxes. Associated Press.

Sun shines for solar PV, despite tax credit step-down. Solar companies are rushing to finish up installations as part of the usual end-of-year crunch, but are particularly busy this year due to a step-down in federal tax credits for residential solar PV systems set to begin in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Congressman Ed Case Renews His Crusade Against The Jones Act. Case’s attempt to exempt Hawaii from the 1920 maritime law isn’t supported by others in the state’s federal delegation. Civil Beat.

$30 million in ‘ohana zone’ funding has led to multiple state projects. In the 2018 legislative session, lawmakers approved a whopping $30 million to fund a homeless concept that started out as tent cities, then morphed into undefined “safe zones” and finally became law under the banner of “ohana zones.” Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Free Lunch From A Contractor Is Annual Tradition at Honolulu Hale. The Ethics Commission is considering a zero-tolerance policy on “tokens of aloha.” Civil Beat.

ACLU says Honolulu's "midnight homeless sweeps" unconstitutional, cruel during holidays. Civic groups call for end to enforcements they say are ineffective, inhumane and illegal, citing a federal ruling that applies to Hawaii. KITV.

Barbers Point air museum files suit to stay in business. The nonprofit Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, which maintains that it is being wrongfully evicted by state airport officials over a convoluted contract history, has filed a lawsuit claiming it has an “implied agreement” with the state to occupy certain space at what is now known as Kalaeloa Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe Cemetery Expansion Threatens Rare Damselfly. State officials will decide at a hearing that starts next month if the developer’s mitigation plan adequately protects this endangered species. Civil Beat.

Wahiawa residents say planned homeless shelter is unsafe. Alea Bridge’s Resource and Navigation Center will provide showers, hygiene and laundry facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimuki residents: City isn’t doing enough to rein in monster home builder. Kaimuki residents are up in arms about another monster home proposed in their neighborhood. The city is still investigating but neighbors said it isn’t doing enough. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

GET increase to take effect Jan. 1. For the second time in two years, the new year will bring another increase to the county’s general excise tax. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea road cleared as protesters shift focus. The Mauna Kea Access Road was finally cleared of tents and protesters Saturday for the first time since mid-July, but the opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope vowed to shift the focus of their protest campaign to the mainland during a two-month pause in the standoff on the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

$90M penciled in for Saddle extension. State transportation officials are targeting a new source of funding to help cover some of the cost of extending Daniel K. Inouye Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

$4 million for Kukuiola, Village 9 road project. The county is poised to receive $4 million from the Hawaii Housing Finance &Development Corp. to build a road accessing the Kukuiola emergency shelter project and Village 9 affordable rental community project on Kealakehe Parkway. West Hawaii Today.

Plotting the road to recovery: Disaster task force to review strategies at meeting. Hawaii County’s Disaster Recovery Task Force will begin reviewing proposed strategies related to recovery efforts from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano at its meeting next month. Tribune-Herald.

Inaba to run for County Council. A contender for the County Council District 8 seat being vacated by Karen Eoff is poised to announce his candidacy. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Alice Lee new council chairwoman. Committees reorganized in wake of King's resignation as chair. Maui News.

King’s Term as Chair Cut Short: Lee Pledges “Unifying” Style. The Maui County Council voted 7-2 on Friday in favor of changing council leadership from the current chair, Kelly King, to the selection of Alice Lee, who will take over chairmanship on Jan. 2, 2020. Maui Now.

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County Council overrides Victorino’s property tax veto. New classifications to take effect July 1. Maui News.

Extra care goes into Iao Valley grounds. Maui Native Hawaiian Club members and volunteers worked on the grounds surrounding the foundation of the Hawaiian Hale at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Iao Valley on Saturday morning. Maui News.

Kauai

NTSB arrives on Kauai to investigate fatal tour chopper crash. An NTSB team arrived on Sunday to launch their investigation of what caused the tour helicopter crash on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast that left no survivors. Hawaii News Now.

No survivors in Kauai helicopter crash; tours scrutinized. Tour helicopter operations in Hawaii have come under increased scrutiny after the deadly crash this week, one of several recent accidents in the state, with a congressman calling the trips unsafe and lacking proper oversight. Associated Press.

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Park limitations having impact. One of the sure signs of the new management paradigm for this state park and the adjoining Ha‘ena State Park on Kauai is a truer wilderness experience for people hardy enough to hike 11 miles one-way from Ke‘e Beach to Kalalau Beach. Garden Island.

Rise of EVs. Two sleek cars — one red and the other blue — sit in adjoining parking spaces at Kukui Grove Center in Lihue. They are testimony to the speed with which Kauai is embracing electric vehicles. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanaʻi Veterans Cemetery Improvements Complete. State dignitaries gathered on Saturday to mark the completion of a nine-year, $600,000 project at the Lanaʻi Veterans Cemetery. Maui Now.

Ige may veto vacation rental, REIT taxes, lets marijuana decriminalization bill stand, NTSB dings FAA for lax skydiving regulations, the future of Haiku Stairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces potential vetoes PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige's full veto list and rationale. Governor's Office.

Ige Set To Veto $56 Million In New Taxes On Real Estate Trusts And Vacation Rentals. But bills to decriminalize the use of pot, allow mail-in balloting, create a new state prison oversight commission and provide funds to replace aging Aloha Stadium will all become law. Civil Beat.

Tax bills for vacation rentals and REITs among items on governor’s veto list. Gov. David Ige said he will veto a measure that will allow vacation rental platforms like AirBNB to collect taxes from owners. Hawaii News Now.

Ige says he will veto Senate vacation rental collection bill. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Plans To Veto Short-Term Rental Tax Bill. Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday announced he plans to veto a bill that would require short-term rental booking platforms to collect state taxes. The measure, S.B. 1292, was passed by the state Senate last month by a single vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige unveils "intent to veto" list. Governor David Ige unveiled his intent to veto list Monday. Twenty bills already passed by state lawmakers may not become law. KITV.

Ige plans to veto bill to tax REITs in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would make Hawaii only the second state to tax real estate investment trusts, saying any gain the state might see wouldn’t be worth the “negative impacts to the state’s economic health and business climate.” Pacific Business News.

Ige considering vetoes for Airbnb, industrial hemp billsTwenty bills might be on the chopping block after Gov. David Ige revealed Monday which of them he is considering vetoing. Tribune-Herald.

Hemp, Airbnb, Cannabis, Asset Forfeiture Bills On Ige’s Veto List. Hawaii Governor David Ige notified state leaders and key lawmakers today of his intent to veto the 20 different measures that passed through the Legislature this year. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb Among 20 Bills on Ige’s Intent to Veto List. Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto 20 measures. Maui Now.

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Pot possession decriminalized with new bill. Starting next year, possession of small quantities of cannabis will no longer be a criminal offense in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii airports get $10M in federal funds for safety improvements, upgrades. Four airports in Hawaii will get over $10 million in federal funds to improve airport safety, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gets $10 Million For Airport Improvements. The funding will be used to purchase aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, reconstruct taxiways and install runway lighting at four airports across the state. Civil Beat.

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More regulation urged in crash’s wake. The National Transportation Safety Board is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to increase regulations for aircraft that operate parachuting serv­ices in the wake of Friday’s fatal skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

In wake of crash, investigators put FAA ‘on notice’ over safety concerns with skydiving operations. In an extraordinary news conference Monday, NTSB investigators in Hawaii following Friday’s deadly plane crash in Mokuleia publicly criticized the FAA for failing to adopt tougher oversight of skydiving operations and said the agency is “on notice." Hawaii News Now.

FAA Largely Ignored Calls For Improved Skydiving Flight Safety, NTSB Says. The NTSB called for more stringent standards for skydiving operations more than 10 years ago. On Monday, it called out the FAA for not taking sufficient action on those. Civil Beat.

NTSB calls on FAA to strengthen regulation on parachute operations. According to a National Transportation Safety board member, changes to some Federal Aviation Administration rules could save lives. KITV.

NTSB holds second press conference on Mokuleia plane crash that killed 11. KHON2.

Oahu Parachute Center owner responds for the first time following crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner releases names of 7 victims from Mokuleia plane crash. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office today released the names of seven of the victims of Friday’s skydiving plane that crashed at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard. Star-Advertiser.

Names Of 7 Oahu Plane Crash Victims Released. Eleven people total died in the Dillingham Airfield incident Friday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 7 Of 11 Victims In Plane Crash. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. During a community meeting Monday, the head of Hawaii’s public schools admitted she’s not sure if the Department of Education is fully compliant with a new law banning certain pesticides on or near campuses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Court expects crowd for Kealoha closings. An overflow crowd is expected today when government and defense attorneys give closing arguments in the corruption and conspiracy trial of Katherine and Louis Kealoha and three co- defendants. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What To Expect At Closing Arguments In The Kealoha Case. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are on trial with three Honolulu police officers for allegedly framing a family member for the theft of their mailbox. Civil Beat.

Unsealed records: Kealoha was prosecuting cases despite ‘serious’ medical condition. Records unsealed Monday by a federal judge show Katherine Kealoha was not capable of prosecuting cases for at least eight months between 2013 and 2014. Hawaii News Now.


Judge to decide on change to Kaneshiro removal petition. A circuit judge will soon decide whether there needs to be a complete do-over of a petition campaign seeking to impeach embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Star-Advertiser.

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Tear it down or reopen it? A new evaluation outlines options for the Haiku Stairs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is offering hope to hikers looking for a legal way to enjoy the scenic — and currently off-limits — Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply considering the future of Haiku Stairs. An environmental impact statement was released on Sunday that shows the stairs could be removed as early as 2022. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen Powered Buses Are Happening On Hawaii Island. Hydrogen buses are on the way and the fueling station in Kona is ready to go, according to County officials. Big Island Video News.

FEMA Wants Its Money Back For Aid To Volcano Victims. FEMA says the agency is required to review disaster assistance payments to ensure the money doesn’t duplicate other assistance, wasn’t inappropriately spent or was provided in error. Civil Beat.

Maui

Kahului Airport Gets $4.29 Million in Federal Funds. Maui’s Kahului Airport will receive $3.6 million to reconstruct its taxiway and $693,750 to purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, according to an announcement today from US Senator Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

Maui vets work to keep Korean War history alive. Veterans remembered through oral histories; candlelight ceremony planned for Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors must pay in Waimea Canyon state parks. Paid parking for visitors and commercial tours is soon to be a common requirement in Kauai State Parks. Garden Island.

Out-of-state visitors to pay parking fees at Kokee, Waimea Canyon State Park. If you’re not a Hawaii resident, be prepared to pay a parking fee come Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai leaders to discuss plans that might impact traditional salt making in Hanapepe. A battle is brewing over Kauai’s famed salt ponds of Hanapepe. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai man among victims of Oahu skydiving crash. Jordan Tehero was a Kauai-raised man in love with skydiving and videography. Garden Island.

NTSB investigates deadly plane crash, Honolulu preps for vacation rental fines, police shortage hits home, TMT protesters fear sound cannon, pesticide foe tours state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NTSB investigator Eliott Simpson briefs NTSB Board Member Jennifer Homendy Sunday at the scene of the Hawaii skydiving crash. PC:NTSB

Federal investigators will review repair and inspection records on the skydiving plane that became inverted before crashing shortly after takeoff on Oahu’s North Shore, killing all 11 people on board in the deadliest civil aviation accident since 2011. Associated Press.

NTSB opens probe into Dillingham Airfield plane crash. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have arrived on Oahu to start their investigation into a plane crash that killed 11 people at Dillingham Airfield on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB: 'This is the deadliest accident involving a civil airplane in U.S. since 2011'. The NTSB has a team of 11 here on Oahu that are investigating the crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner: 10 men, 1 woman died in Dillingham Airfield crash. Official identities of the victims may be released starting Monday, the medical examiner said through a city spokeman Sunday afternoon. Associated Press.

Families, friends mourn 11 victims killed in North Shore skydiving plane crash. The Medical Examiner’s Office may release the identities of some of the 11 victims killed in a skydiving plane crash at Dillingham Airfield as soon as Monday. But some families and friends of the victims are coming forward to talk about their loved ones. Hawaii News Now.

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Ige To Sign A Host Of Traffic Safety Bills Into Law. The signings on Tuesday come as Hawaii is ranked the third most dangerous state for pedestrians over 50. Civil Beat.

Gabbard will speak out on war during televised debate. If U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s somewhat obscure presidential campaign is ever going to catch fire, this week may be the time. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Fines for illegal vacation rentals may begin in August. Advertising of an illegal vacation rental on Oahu would become unlawful starting Aug. 1 under a bill that Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is expected to sign into law Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Legal expert: One witness stands out of the 70 in the Kealoha mailbox trial. In all, 70 people took the stand in the 16-day Kealoha corruption trial. Hawaii News Now.

How To Attract Good Police Officers In The Face Of A Nationwide Shortage. The Honolulu Police Department is trying some innovative ideas to fill hundreds of vacancies. Civil Beat.

Stairway to Heaven Could Be Removed By 2022. The Haiku Stairs have been closed to the public for years, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from trespassing and Instagramming the views. Civil Beat.

Developer wants to build homes on Enchanted Lake acres some call a wetland. Residential development around what was once a more than 200-acre fishpond in Kailua has been controversial since the first homes were built more than 50 years ago in what became Enchanted Lake.  Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood board disputes Diamond Head homeowner’s plan to install a private beach-access tram. One homeowner on the craggy cliff between Diamond Head Road and the uncrowded beach below is causing a community stir with a plan to install a private passenger lift for easier access. Star-Advertiser.

The Only Way To Save This Popular Oahu Park May Be To Close It At Night. Oneula Beach Park in Ewa Beach, a popular spot for local fishermen, is the last park on the island that is still open all night. Civil Beat.

State re-files theft charge against former charter school director. The ousted director of the now-defunct Halau Lokahi Public Charter School has again been charged with one of four felony theft counts that had been dismissed because the state Attorney General took too long to take the case to trial. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Group fears state’s new ‘sound cannon’ could be used against TMT protesters. A Hawaiian and environmental group is asking the head of the state Land Department not to use a sound device that was developed by the military as the state and activists prepare for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Food safety inspections find fewer violations thanks to ‘social pressure’. Tribune-Herald.

Charter proposals head to County Council. Land preservation advocate Debbie Hecht left the county Charter Commission meeting Friday vowing to launch a “just say no” campaign to a 2020 ballot amendment that would allow open space preservation money to be used to pay county staff. West Hawaii Today.

US Senate committee hears from official from PGV parent company. Ormat Technologies committed Thursday to continue its engagement with the Puna community and other Big Island stakeholders as the company proceeds to reopen Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

The Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday voted to give its OK to proposed amendments to the Kona Community Development Plan, or CDP, sending the amendments on for consideration and approval by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Officials Meet Man Who Sued Round Up Manufacturer And Won. Claiming the herbicide Round Up caused his cancer, the man who took the manufacturer to court and won, Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, was in Hilo on Friday to talk to Hawaii County officials about the dangers of glyphosate. Big Island Video News.

Two Acres Provided For Kona Scenic Park. A County Council committee voted last week to advance a resolution accepting the dedication from the Hokulia developers. Big Island Video News.

Korean War Memorial dedicated at Wailoa State Recretion Area. A memorial was dedicated Saturday to 52 Hawaii Island military members killed in action in the Korean War and five others who died of non-combat causes during the bloody conflict. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County works to cut its pesticide use. Departments reduce use in public spaces; councilor plans to propose a wider ban. Maui News.

County Re-Evaluating Original Wailuku Civic Concept. The County of Maui, Department of Management presented the construction schedule for Wailuku Town improvement projects and detailed its efforts to minimize impacts on the surrounding neighborhood during a community meeting held Thursday night at the Iao Theater. Maui Now.

MECO increases renewable power, storage amounts sought in next procurement. RFP targets are 295 GWh of energy, 58 GWh of storage. Maui News.

Wailuku parking structure construction set to begin in August with roads, infrastructure. First phase moving forward; second phase civic center is being re-evaluated. Maui News.

Kauai

The county Planning Commission will hold a hearing June 25 that will begin the process of whether or not to grant Smoky Mountain Helicopters Inc. a class IV zoning permit, which would allow them the ability to make modifications to an existing helicopter tour facility at Port Allen Airport. Garden Island.

Senate working group to study water rights, NTSB releases preliminary copter crash report, Maui clears homeless camp, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pipe brings water down from mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senators convene working group to address water use. Sens. Kai Kahele and Jarrett Keohokalole will begin overseeing monthly meetings with officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources in an effort to ensure ranchers and farmers on the neighbor islands, as well as the electric utilities, don’t lose access to public water after the year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

Rod Becker Will Stay At State Budget Agency — But Not In The Top Job. He is the second Ige Cabinet member who the governor had hoped would continue to lead an agency but whose appointment ran into trouble in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Cops, Prosecutors Want Gov To Veto Seized Property Bill. The reform measure changes whose property can be seized and where the proceeds from its sales will go. Civil Beat.

For Hawaii businesses, an increase of tariffs on China would not be so sweet -- because those price increases would be passed on to island consumers. Higher tariffs on more than $200 billion of imports could impact thousands of goods -- from electronics to cars to clothes. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard introduces sunscreen legislation in U.S. House. Two Hawaii politicians are taking the issue of reef safe sunscreens national. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Menor chairs 2 committees under new Council plan. Ron Menor emerged as among the most influential — if not the busiest — of the nine Honolulu City Council members under a revamped committee assignment plan released by new Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Wind Farm Submits Study On Endangered Species Impacts. North Shore windmills expect to kill more endangered bats and birds than originally expected. Civil Beat.

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Witnesses Saw Helicopter Break Apart In Mid-Air Before Kailua Crash. A preliminary federal report provides key details about the crash as investigators continue to examine the wreckage. Civil Beat.

Witnesses saw nose down and vertical descent in Kailua helicopter crash, preliminary report says. The National Transportation Safety Board today released its preliminary report on the fiery helicopter crash in a residential neighborhood of Kailua in late April. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases preliminary report on Kailua helicopter crash. KHON2.

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Relatives of OCCC inmate killed during escape to sue state for wrongful death. Relatives of an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate killed during an escape in February plan to sue the state for wrongful death. Hawaii News Now.

Housing Advocates Might Love This Project, But The Neighbors Don’t. A private developer wants to “get some of the homeless people off the streets.” Maili residents are concerned about traffic and infrastructure. Civil Beat.

State seeking farm tenants in Central Oahu. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is offering to rent six parcels ranging from 10 acres to 194 acres for up to 35 years at prices starting between $100 and $200 a year per acre. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki residents fed up with unsafe sidewalk. Plywood covered repair work that has long gone uncompleted on a stretch of heavily trafficked sidewalk. Star-Advertiser.

Mother, son found guilty of animal cruelty at no-kill shelter. A state jury found David “Lanny” Moore guilty this afternoon of 24 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and his mother June Moore guilty of one count in connection with the seizure of more than 300 dogs from their Friends for Life no-kill animal shelter in Makaha. Star-Advertiser.

Mother-son duo found guilty in animal cruelty case involving hundreds of animals. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council budget process to remain public. The County Council has dropped its plan to work on the budget out of public view, after the state Office of Information Practices issued an opinion saying a subcommittee as structured would violate the Sunshine Law. West Hawaii Today.

Construction of phase two of Bayfront trails project expected to begin later this year. A  small group of Hilo Bayfront Trails board members, county leaders and donors gathered Thursday on a section of trail near Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street — completed during the first phase of the project — to announce phase two. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Bayfront Trails Phase II Begins. The next segment of the trail will wind behind the Bayfront soccer fields, and even has a spot for a future playground. Big Island Video News.

$243 Million For Big Island Projects, Region-By-Region. The lion's share of Capital Improvement Project funds are going toward Hilo-based projects, but tens of millions have been allocated for projects in other areas, too. Big Island Video News.

State House capital improvements list includes nearly $250M for Hawaii County projects. The majority of the county’s improvement projects are school-related, with 22 schools receiving funding for various improvements and repairs in the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Homeless Cleared from Kahului Encampment. Truckloads of personal belongings were removed this morning as 30 individuals were evicted today from a homeless encampment in Kahului where authorities say complaints have surfaced over illegal activity. Maui Now.

Panel defers rule change extending liquor-to-go hours. Residents oppose rule; department says it’s already a state law. Maui News.

The state land board approved a Legacy Land Conservation Program grant of $2.2 million to a Hana nonprofit group to acquire 27 acres in East Maui at Mokae-Makaalae. Maui News.

Former Maui County clerk and councilman says 'mahalo' to Vegas first responders after health scare. Danny Mateo and his family were at the LINQ Hotel when things took a turn. KITV.

Maui home sales plunged in April. A report from the Realtors Association of Maui said the number of single-family home sales fell 17% to 76 in April from 92 in the same month last year, and the number of condominium sales sank 22% to 137 from 176 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

More Trouble For Hanalei As Unstable Hillside Forces Traffic Delays. Only one lane of the Kuhio Highway will be open on the stretch approaching the North Shore community for months. Civil Beat.

One lane near Hanalei Bridge to remain closed. The North Shore town already hammered by the flooding in April 2018 that damaged stores and homes, still slowly but surely recovering, is about to take another punch in its economic gut that could leave some down and out. Garden Island.

Kauai receives $89M from state. Kauai receives $89M from state. Garden Island.