Fewer Hawaii residents comply with mask order, Pompeo meets Chinese counterpart in Honolulu today, inter-island travel begins, cult leaves state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Discarded mask on Hawaii roadside ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii officials notice a worrisome trend: Fewer residents wearing masks. The governor’s emergency order requires face masks at most public settings. Hawaii News Now.

Retailers report resistance to the in-store mask requirement. Gov. David Ige’s Ninth Supplemental Proclamation related to the COVID-19 emergency specifically instructs employees and customers to wear masks and engage in social distancing. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Quarantine for neighbor island travel ends today. The state is lifting the 14-day interisland travel quarantine for Hawaii residents today, but trans-Pacific travelers won’t likely be welcomed back until August amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Interisland quarantine requirement is lifted. Though the two-week quarantine for interisland travelers has been lifted, Gov. David Ige warned Monday that it may be reinstated if the number of COVID-19 cases in the state rises too high. Tribune-Herald.

Planning to fly inter-island? Arrive at the airport early and don’t come if you’re sick. After two and a half months of mostly empty airports in Hawaii, the state is ending the 14-day mandatory quarantine for inter-island travelers on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige’s Update on Travel Requirements for Air Transportation. Maui Now.

=====

Hawaii Economy Faces ‘A Long Slow Road Back’. A wave of restaurant failures and bankruptcies is expected in the fall. When Hawaii finally opens for tourism, it’s likely to take years to build the visitor base to anything close to what it was before the COVID-19 crisis shut down the state’s travel industry, experts in that business say. Civil Beat.

Expanding Local Agriculture Into Major Economic Industry Poses Challenges. Sales of farm products currently represent just 0.6% of Hawaii gross domestic product. Experts say there are opportunities for it to grow, but substantial challenges as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

With some improvising, state agencies welcome thousands of workers back to the office. Tens of thousands of government employees are returning to the office as their administrators improvise to allow for social distancing. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit challenges Gov. David Ige’s emergency powers. Hawaii residents from Kauai and the Big Island have filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamations related to the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofits urge lawmakers to quickly commit federal funds to cope with social needs. With the state Legislature poised to meet again in less than a week, Hawaii’s nonprofit social service agencies are urging lawmakers to commit hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent federal funds to health care, housing, mental health services and other support for families that are struggling to survive the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Over 23,000 Hawaii small businesses tap $3 billion in federal aid. Federal financial aid for Hawaii small businesses affected by COVID-19 has grown to just over $3 billion, according to new U.S. Small Business Administration data. Star-Advertiser.

Face Masks, Temperature Checks: The New Reality For Summer School Students. The Department of Education’s in-person, summer learning hubs offer a trial run for how many schools may operate when they reopen in the COVID-19 era. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet Chinese counterpart in Hawaii on Tuesday. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will travel to Hawaii Tuesday for meetings with his Chinese counterpart, according to two people familiar with the plans, as tensions between the countries run high over trade, coronavirus, the future of Hong Kong and other issues. Bloomberg News.

The new normal: Hawaii National Guard training this year includes social distancing, masks. The Hawaii Air National Guard just completed its first unit training under COVID-19 guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

Over 200 Marshallese Stranded in Hawaiʻi Since March. The Marshall Islands is among only a few countries left in the world that are COVID-19 free. This is due in part to a strict travel ban that has left more than 200 Marshallese citizens stranded since March here in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

8 new coronavirus cases raise Hawaii’s statewide total to 736. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Monday: 8 New Cases. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

In race for mayor, Hanabusa clinches endorsement of ILWU. Honolulu mayoral candidate Colleen Hanabusa has picked up another big endorsement. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 is backing Hanabusa in her run for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii News Now.

2 possible COVID-19 cases being looked at in state-run public housing. The state announced eight new cases of COVID-19 Monday, June 15. Officials say three of the new cases are linked to a new income housing facility, but did not say exactly where. KHON2.

Kalihi’s Saint John the Baptist School to close after 60 years. After 60 years in Kalihi, Saint John the Baptist School is closing. In a letter to its school community earlier this month, administrators said the pandemic “significantly worsened” its already troublesome financial situation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Carbon Nation leader pleads no contest to violating quarantine; group to leave state. A self-professed cult leader pleaded no contest Monday to violating the state’s mandatory 14-day coronavirus quarantine in a deal that would allow him and 20 followers to leave the state. Tribune-Herald.

Reported Cult Leader Sent Back to Mainland. Big Island Now.

Self-professed cult member, 20 followers leave for mainland after quarantine arrests. Hawaii News Now.

Group of travelers charged for violating quarantine order decide to leave Hawai'i. KITV4.

=====

Mayor explains why public swimming pools remain closed. While most businesses, operations and activities were permitted to reopen June 15 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, public swimming pools were not. The facilities have been closed since March. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Explains Why Public Swimming Pools Remain Closed. Big Island Video News.

Northbound traffic flow change on Alii Drive starts Wednesday. Northbound traffic on Alii Drive will be shifted to a temporary bridge in the vicinity of the Kona Tiki Hotel starting Wednesday as work progresses to replace a deteriorating culvert on the Waiaha Drainageway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Launches Financial Opportunity Center to Help Residents Into Housing. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino today announced a partnership with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets to launch a Financial Opportunity Center to help thousands of residents into housing. Maui Now.

24 Hour Fitness on Maui closes as company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The 24 Hour Fitness chain announced Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief due to the “disproportionate impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers rally for safe reopening, health care. Properties making changes that include more cleanings, shift to keyless entry. Maui News.

Maui hotel workers demonstrate for worker safety, reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

EPA closes 16 Kauai cesspools and issues $55K in fines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today said it has shut down 16 large-capacity cesspools on Kauai and issued $55,182 in fines to a resort management association. Star-Advertiser.

EPA to close 16 large cesspools on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

CASPER COVID-19 survey results announced. More than half, 57%, of Kaua‘i households have at least one person living in their home who has lost their job as a result of the pandemic, and the resulting economic strain is affecting the mental health of Garden Island residents. Garden Island.

Hawaii missile radar back in budget, cult leader 'Nature Boy' Bishop, 20 others arrested on charges of violating quarantine, Kaiser Permanente allows hospital visits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medium-range ballistic missile target launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Aug. 29, 2017. PC: Latonja Martin; Department of Defense

U.S. Senate Approves Funding for Hawaii Missile Radar System. The $162 million authorization for the system reverses the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the program’s funding. Civil Beat.

$1.9B Hawaii radar part of defense policy measure. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021 also puts the formerly sidelined $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii back on track with $162 million in funding. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii regulators question Young Brothers on viability. Prices for interisland shipping might need to rise 25% next year to keep tug-and-barge operator Young Brothers LLC solvent even if the company receives a $25 million state bailout. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s group recommends screening travelers for the coronavirus. A hui led by Lt. Gov. Josh Green is trying to organize a plan to reopen Hawaii tourism this summer with a test-based travel policy that gives incoming passengers an alternative to the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii opens first COVID-19 clinical trials to treat patients. Researchers at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine are seeking 40 adults with active COVID-19 to participate in the state’s first outpatient clinical trial to find an effective treatment for the virus that has sickened more than 2 million and killed more than 100,000 in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

The eviction moratorium has been extended through July 31. Then what? The governor’s decision to extend the eviction moratorium for non-payment of rent through July 31 is a relief for tenants. Hawaii News Now.

International Students Facing Daunting Financial Challenges Due To COVID-19. Even before the crisis, college students from abroad were having a tough time making ends meet. Now, some are hanging on by a thread. Hawaii Public Radio.

Unable to fill their dining rooms, several popular restaurants call it quits. Restaurants statewide are now allowed to operate dine-in services, but many kitchens remain closed. Some say making a profit isn’t possible with all the new social distancing and other restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii marriage registrations down 82% in April 2020. The number of marriages registered with the Hawaii Department of Health dropped significantly during the pandemic. KHON2.

7 new coronavirus cases on Oahu raise Hawaii’s statewide total to 692. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 692, up seven from Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Thursday, June 11.  There were 7 newly identified cases of COVID-19 on the State of Hawaiʻi reported this Kamehameha Day holiday. All 7 were identified on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

DOH Reports 7 New Cases of COVID-19 Thursday. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported seven new cases of COVID-19 overnight, all of which were identified on O‘ahu. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii easing visitor restrictions at Moanalua Medical Center. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said today it is easing visitor restrictions at Moanalua Medical Center and will now allow patients to have one visitor each day. Star-Advertiser.

City Finally Finds A Replacement To Join The HART Board. Cost engineer Joseph Uno is poised to replace John Henry Felix. Civil Beat.

City Takes Steps To Fix Affordable Housing Program. In 2019, the Honolulu City Council passed a bill for a pilot program to build affordable housing units in underdeveloped areas of Honolulu. But after nine months, only two developers had applied to the program. Civil Beat.

Waikiki businesses losing nearly $6B in visitor revenues since lockdown. The governor’s announcement to extend the 14-day quarantine to out-of-state travelers is a staggering blow to businesses. KHON2.

How Effective Is Hawaii’s Key Court-Sanctioned Drug Treatment Program? The state agencies that fund Sand Island Treatment Center focus on how many defendants complete an initial phase of treatment. But only about 1/3 complete the full two-year program. Civil Beat.

How This Hawaiian Homestead’s Swift Response To COVID-19 Paid Off. When the virus spread, a nonprofit in Papakolea Hawaiian Homestead quickly shifted gears to ensuring  kupuna got food, supplies and necessary health care. Civil Beat.

‘Unprecedented’ turtle nesting at Bellows Beach closes campground until Sept. 4. Green sea turtles are nesting at Bellows Beach for the first time in documented history — and humans are being asked to tread lightly around them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Cult leader  Eligio "Nature Boy" Bishop among 21 arrested in Puna for allegedly violating quarantine order. Police have arrested 21 individuals in a pair of sweeps in Puna subdivisions related to Gov. Ige’s COVID-19 emergency proclamation. Tribune-Herald.

Cult leader among 21 people arrested on Hawaii Island for violating emergency orders. It's the largest group of quarantine breakers yet. Hawaii News Now.

Individuals from religious cult arrested for allegedly violating state's quarantine order on the Big Island. The leader of a self-claimed religious cult is among 20 people who were arrested for allegedly violating the state's mandatory 14-day travel quarantine. KITV4.

=====

Council balks at small cell technology: ATT seeks use of county poles for faster internet speeds. A major telecommunications company wants to rent space on Hawaii County utility poles to attach equipment increasing wireless data speeds and reducing dead zones, but community reception has been less than enthusiastic. West Hawaii Today.

Feds Fund Over $1.1 Million For Laupahoehoe Bridge Damaged By Hurricane Lane. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i County will receive $1,195,089.75 in new federal funding to repair the Laupahoehoe Gulch Bridge. Big Island Video News.

Honoring his legacy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic prompted cancellations of the usual lei-draping ceremonies, colorful parades and other events that commemorate King Kamehameha Day, that didn’t stop people from honoring the monarch on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Coach Spencer Shiraishi Memorial Pool and New Wailuku Pool to Reopen June 15. All county pools are open daily, except Kōkua Pool which remains closed for major renovations. Maui Now.

Kanaha park reopens today. Kanaha Beach Park, one of the last county parks still closed to the public, will reopen starting today, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Forum kicks off race for county council. At the top of Wednesday’s Kaua‘i County Council Forum, candidates were told to keep in mind that when surveyed, young people have said, “Kaua‘i is not for us. It is just for the tourists,” forum host Juno Ann Apalla said. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Restart: Education. Hiring an educational liaison, creating neighborhood hubs, providing more devices and hot-spots for families in need are just some of the ideas to get the education system on Kaua‘i back to recovery. Garden Island.

State monitoring ‘Anini reef. Recently monitoring teams observed signs of recovery since a prolific coral disease was recorded in September-October of 2019. Garden Island.