Showing posts with label Red Hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Red Hill. Show all posts

Thursday, February 8, 2024

State could employ cameras to nab speeders, school facilities director resigns after legislative backlash, shaka advances as official gesture, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Bills focus on cameras to cite speeding drivers. A bill proposing a traffic enforcement system using cameras at fixed locations with posted warning signs and possibly managed by private contractors was advanced Tuesday by an initial House of Representatives committee and is scheduled for a second public hearing Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Police Chiefs, Honolulu Mayor And Prosecutor Join Forces Against Legalizing Recreational Weed. Proponents of a bill that would legalize recreational use of marijuana in Hawaii say support from the Attorney General's Office means it may actually pass this year. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Health Department monitoring proposed ban on sale of menthol cigarettes. According to the DOH, most recent cigarette-use data shows that nearly 87% of Native Hawaiians and 84% of Filipinos who smoke use menthol cigarettes. Maui Now.

Hawaii School Facilities Authority Director Chad Farias Steps Down From Post
. Riki Fujitani will serve as interim executive director of the School Facilities Authority, tasked with overseeing the construction and completion of school projects. Civil Beat.

New Deputy Director for Correctional Institutions appointed in Hawai’i. The Hawai’i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced the appointment of the new Deputy Director for Correctional Institutions, Pamela Sturz. Maui Now.

State Buildings, UH Campuses May Provide Period Products For Free. Supporters say it would be an important step toward gender equity since too many people aren't able to buy menstrual products. Civil Beat.

A bill to claim the shaka as Hawaii’s official state gesture moves forward. Historians trace the most well-known origin story back to the 1940s ′s when Sugar mill worker Hamana Ka-lili used to wave with only his pinky and thumb after losing his three right middle fingers in an industrial accident in Laie. Hawaii News Now. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Board of Water Supply drills new well to monitor aquifer. The Board of Water Supply began drilling a new monitoring well in Halawa Valley this week that will help determine how much contamination there is in the aquifer from the Red Hill fuel leak. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Navy holds final community open house as defueling nears end, closure process begins.
More than two years after the disastrous fuel spill at Red Hill, the military is in its final weeks of cleanup. Hawaii News Now.

How Much Housing Should Be Allowed In Oahu’s Business Districts? The City Council is considering a bill that would expand the number of mixed-use districts in Honolulu amid a worsening housing crisis. Civil Beat.

Planners mull extension to find new landfill site
. The Honolulu Planning Commission says it will soon decide on the city’s request for a two-year extension to find an alternate site for the 34-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

HPD plans to appoint officer as spokesperson. The Honolulu Police Department once again will use a uniformed officer as official spokesperson as part of Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan’s plan to improve transparency and public communication. Star-Advertiser.

UH selects developer to design new film studio in West Oʻahu. Island Film Group's team, which has local and national expertise, will work with SHM Partners, Hawaii Media Inc. and CR50 Production Ventures to design, build and finance the private film studio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cultural reaction spurs new name, Ka La‘i, for ex-Trump hotel in Waikiki.
Trump’s surname came off the Trump International Hotel, Waikiki, and was replaced Wednesday by a new name Ka La‘i Waikiki Beach, which references the feeling of calm, serenity and tranquility that homeowners and guests feel through the aloha of the property’s ohana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New Bill Funding Puna Alternate Routes Study Advanced By Council.
After a previous bill to fund a Puna Makai Alternate Route study failed at the previous council meeting, Bill 131 was given a positive recommendation. Big Island Video News. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Vistas draws more opposition: Concerns raised during meeting of state Land Use Commission. The proposed 450-unit Kona Vistas multiple-family housing project planned mauka of Queen Kaahumanu Highway, between Kona Vistas and Pualani Estates subdivisions, includes 174 two- and three-bedroom rental units with a manager’s unit in two-story units and an additional 274 two- and three-bedroom for-sale units in clusters of two- and three-story buildings, also with a manager’s unit. West Hawaii Today.

The State Placed A Foster Teen With A Young, Single Man — And Failed To Tell Her Mom
. Sarah Coultas only found out about the placement by chance two and a half months later, despite a state regulation requiring parents to be informed. Civil Beat.

Settlement reached in Hilo case involving DLNR officer: Assault will cost state $1.25M.
Companion bills in the state Legislature that appropriate money to settle claims against the state and its employees contain $1.25 million for a Hilo woman who was sexually assaulted when she was a teenager on a Hilo beach by a Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui wildfire survivors mark six months since the deadly disaster.
Six months after the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire, survivors today are likely to reach an emotional low that could last for months. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4.

Council panel recommends confirmation of Kate Blystone as planning director.
Kate Blystone won a recommendation for confirmation as Department of Planning director in an 8-1 vote Tuesday afternoon from the Maui County Council’s Government Relations, Ethics and Government Transparency Committee. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County releases list of verified firearm instructors. Those interested in obtaining a license to carry a firearm or permit to acquire a firearm may now find a list of verified firearm instructors on the Kaua‘i Police Department webpage. Kauai Now.

Public invited to workshop for Waimea 400 Affordable Housing project.
This workshop will share more information and gather input from the community on the different types of housing the public would like to see at Waimea 400. Kauai Now.

A peaceful coexistence at Barking Sands.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Louis Lea of the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands said there has been a significant comeback of the nene through the help of statewide conservation efforts. PMRF has documented as many as 637 individual nene. Garden Island.

 

Friday, December 22, 2023

Schools superintendent to reorganize department following $2B construction fund backlog, Kaneshiro bribery trial set, Red Hill fuel lingers in water, volcano air tours limited, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With $2B in unspent construction money, schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi pledges to overhaul process. Hawaii’s school superintendent is promising to reorganize his department to deal with a huge backlog of school construction projects. Hawaii News Now.

Leadership roles in limbo as Hawaii Tourism Authority preps for Legislature. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has less than a month to shore up uncertainties surrounding its budget, leadership for the agency and for some key contractors before the state Legislature convenes its 2024 session. Star-Advertiser.

Prisons Director And Corrections Commission Agree To Keep Talking And Meeting.
After a brief impasse, Department of Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson is once again participating in meetings. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Judge denies ex-city prosecutor’s last ditch effort to have public corruption case thrown out. A bribery trial is set to begin in February for Keith Kaneshiro, Honolulu’s longest-serving city prosecutor, and his campaign donors from an engineering firm. Hawaii News Now.

Petroleum From Red Hill Leaks May Be Lingering In Pearl Harbor Drinking Water. A new EPA report lends credence to complaints that residents say were otherwise falling on deaf ears. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State crews continue slope assessment following Pali Highway landslide. Pali Highway’s townbound lanes remains closed following a landslide Wednesday, and state officials say assessments of the slope are ongoing. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

HVNP air tours limited: New management plan puts substantial restrictions on overflights.
Air tours above Hawaii Volcanoes Natural Park will be cut by nearly 90% under a long-awaited new Air Tour Management Plan. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope removed from Caltech Submillimeter Observatory atop Maunakea; decommissioning paused until spring. The Leighton telescope has been taken out of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and removed from Maunakea on the Big Island for shipment to Chile for re-use. Big Island Now.

$18M federal grants slated for Big Island road and sidewalk safety improvements. The Big Island is slated to receive a share of more than $18 million in federal grants to the State of Hawaii from the U.S. Department of Transportation for projects to improve safety on roads and sidewalks. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County of Maui launching online portal to improve public records request process.
The County of Maui aims to make it easier for residents to request and receive public records in accordance with Hawai’i law, thanks to software technology modernization, the county Department of the Corporation Counsel announced Thursday. Maui Now.

Maui lawmakers outline latest measures aimed at averting wildfires. During a press conference Thursday, Maui county council members discussed three bills they hope will help prevent wildfires on the island.  KITV4.

Maui Starts Building Temporary Landfill For Wildfire Ash And Debris Despite Public Concerns. The county has proposed making Olowalu the permanent site to store 400,000 cubic yards of contaminated material but the mayor will make the final decision. Civil Beat.

Options Expanding For Displaced Maui Families Struggling To Find Housing. A philanthropic partnership led by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is offering a direct leasing program and increased stipends for hosts. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Kauai


State intends to declare traffic emergency zone on Kaua‘i due to instability of slope by ‘Opaeka‘a Falls Scenic Lookout. A traffic emergency zone designation allows the state to expedite procurement and permitting to take action to construct improvements to protect access to the state road. Anyone wishing to comment on the designation may do so through a virtual public meeting to be conducted within 24 hours of the designation. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Red Hill working group seeks $750M in military remediation, governor proposes Maui tax breaks, short-term rental ban as 850 Lahaina fire victims displaced by tourists, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Officials Demand Navy Clean Up Red Hill Fuel Spilled Since The 1940s. A coalition of public officials say that as much as 2 million gallons of petroleum threatens Oahu's drinking water and that it could cost $750 million to clean up. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. Hawaii News Now. Spectrum News.

Full Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative report can be found here.

Hawaii Governor Wants To Entice Maui Property Owners To Rent To Fire Victims. Gov. Josh Green is proposing using taxpayer and private funds to build new housing and to pay home owners well above market value if they rent long term. Short-term rentals would simply be banned. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

‘We’re Winging It Right Now’: Hawaii State Hospital Struggles Despite $160M Upgrade. Construction of a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital was supposed to mark a new era in worker and patient safety. Instead, a familiar set of problems emerged. Civil Beat.

Jeff Bezos donates $5M to fight homelessness in Hawaii. Jeff Bezos donated $5 million to two nonprofits in Hawaii — Ka Mana O Na Helu on Oahu and Neighborhood Place of Puna — that help houseless families, according to a news release. Spectrum News.

Hurricane season was average but deadly. The 2023 hurricane season officially draws to a close Thursday, extending to five years a run of average to below-average Central Pacific hurricane seasons. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

$125M approved for ‘Skyline’ as leaders look toward major expansions.
A new rail funding agreement could free up in federal money to help build the line through town. With more federal funding approved to get the Honolulu Skyline to Kaka’ako, leaders are dreaming of future extensions all the way to Kahala. Hawaii News Now.

City rental, utility relief program reopens in December. The City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program will temporarily reopen for applications in December, starting this Saturday. The reopening is for new applicants only. Star-Advertiser.

Special Education Teacher Accused In Sexual Abuse Case. A lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges that a special education teacher at Kaiser High School sexually abused and molested a 14-year-old student over a period of several months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Medical Center gets $1M grant. Hilo Medical Center will receive $1 million to alleviate a shortage of health care workers in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Glenwood Park reopens after four years
. Glenwood Park, located on Highway 11 in Mountain View, was closed in March 2019 after a 3,000-gallon water tank, which supplies water to the park’s restrooms, was stolen. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor Bissen proposes bill amendment to make short-term rentals available for displaced wildfire survivors. Mayor Richard Bissen submitted to the County Council a bill to amend a section of the County Code in an effort to immediately increase the inventory of housing available to survivors of the August wildfires. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of wildfire evacuees prepare to relocate again as West Maui tourism rebounds
. Some 850 Lahaina evacuees will move out of three Kaanapali hotels starting Wednesday into other properties — a harsh reality of tourism’s return to West Maui. Hawaii News Now.

23 acres of north shore Maui coastline to be focus of management plan in the new year. In early 2024, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will begin working on a management plan for 23 acres of newly acquired county land on Maui’s north shore, which includes Wawau Point, often referred to as “Baby Beach.” Maui Now.

First Major Rains Of Wet Season May Test Runoff Measures In Lahaina. County, state and federal agencies say steps have been taken to mitigate the threat of toxic runoff entering the ocean. Civil Beat.

Plug Pulled On Solar Farm Planned For South Maui. Paeahu Solar was proposed five years ago but faced opposition from local residents. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Disaster Area residential restrictions lifted for Zones 11B, 11D, 11E, 11F and 13D. County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents beginning Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, for Zones 11B, 11D, 11E, 11F and 13D. Maui Now.

Kauai

'We're on the right track': Hāʻena's community subsistence fishing area sees positive results. An experiment in community-based fishery management on Kaua‘i’s north shore appears to be working, according to a five-year assessment by University of Hawaiʻi researchers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Lawmakers mull Maui recovery plan, Honolulu water utility seeks $1.2B from Navy over Red Hill leaks, restless Kilauea prompts closures, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers Discuss Draft Report On Maui Business And Jobs Recovery. Hawaii lawmakers should look beyond construction and tourism for job creation, consider on-site solar and battery storage as a way to safely rebuild Maui’s power grid and press Congress to provide pandemic loan forgiveness to businesses affected by fires, concerned citizens on Tuesday told the Hawaii House of Representatives Jobs and Business Working Group. Civil Beat.

Maui Wildfire Lawyers Try To ‘Manage The Unmanageable’.
With billions of dollars at stake and the potential for thousands of lawsuits, lawyers are trying to bring order to the chaos of litigation sweeping into Hawaii courts. Civil Beat.

Senate Confirms Ginoza, Devens To Hawaii Supreme Court.
The terms are for 10 years and subject to renewal before mandatory retirement at age 70. By a unanimous vote, 21 members of the Hawaii State Senate on Tuesday confirmed Lisa Ginoza and Vlad Devens to serve on the state’s highest court. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Total Force Integration in the Pacific makes history with Hawai‘i’s largest airdrop. Total Force Integration in the Pacific makes history with Hawai‘i’s largest airdrop. Joint Forces from across the United States and the Pacific participated in a large-scale joint training exercise Nov. 1-10 that included the largest airdrop in Hawai‘i history. Kauai Now.

State health department extends AMR ambulance contract for Kauaʻi and Maui. The current contract for ground ambulance transportation on Kauaʻi and Maui counties has been extended through the end of September 2024. Hawaii Public Radio.

After 15-year pause, state resumes free pesticide takeback program for businesses.
Accepted substances include insecticides, fungicides, boric acid, antifoulants, swimming pool treatments and more. Items such as explosive materials, motor oil, paint, and fertilizers will not be accepted. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Water Utility Demands Navy Pay $1.2 Billion For Red Hill Costs. Whether or not the Navy pays up, water users are likely to pay higher rates in the coming years. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii lobbyist wants her DEA statements suppressed.
A veteran lobbyist who pleaded not guilty to federal charges that she used a Wisconsin veterinarian’s identity to import large quantities of opioids for a mobile clinic run by her nonprofit organization wants the statements she made to two U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents suppressed. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental concerns arise as U.S. Navy plane sits in Kaneohe Bay. A large U.S. Navy plane remained in Kaneohe Bay Tuesday,  the morning after it overshot a runway and landed in the water, raising concern about environmental damage and questions over how the military would remove the aircraft. Associated Press. KHON2.

Blaisdell Arena reopens after $9 million renovation.
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena reopened Tuesday morning with a blessing ceremony after a $9 million renovation that began in May.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Restless Kilauea prompts closures.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park expanded area closures Tuesday after Kilauea Volcano began showing increased signs of unrest in the upper East Rift Zone. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Wanted individuals arrested during Big Island warrant sweep. An inter-agency warrant sweep conducted in the Hilo and Puna districts Nov. 15 through Nov. 17 resulted in the arrest of 18 wanted individuals for a total of 28 outstanding warrants. Big Island Now.

State to introduce legislation to address fairness in permit selection at Kahaluʻu surf spot. The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation plans to introduce legislation again in 2024 to try and address the issue of fairness when issuing permits for surf instruction companies to operate at the popular Kahaluʻu Bay surf spot on Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

Maui

Housing Shortage for Maui Fire Survivors Puts Focus On Short-Term Rentals.
State and county leaders are considering measures, voluntary and otherwise, to help bring more vacation units into longer term service for displaced families. Civil Beat.

Free Thanksgiving meals available on Maui. Prior to the fires, Maui Food Bank served about 17,000 people per month. In the months following the fires, the organization served 27,163 people in August, 30,577 in September and more than 40,000 in October and November. December is expected to be around the same, the nonprofit said. Star-Advertiser.

$40M emergency stormwater capture system to be installed in Lahaina.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, County of Maui, and the Federal Highway Administration is installing an emergency stormwater capture system in Lahaina to reduce the environmental impact from silt, ash and other disaster debris potentially entering storm drainage systems. Maui Now.

Uniting community with federal, state and local leaders for Lahaina’s long road to recovery. Rebuilding Lahaina remains at the forefront for state and city leaders, as well as community advocates. Hawaii News Now.

Nonprofit to develop Kahului project with 300 housing units. Transit hub, civic complex, housing will make up Kahului Civic Center. Maui News.

Community ownership now protects over 8 acres in Hāna from future development. More than 8 acres of Hāna land will now be protected for preservation and cultural stewardship in perpetuity because of a partnership purchase. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

How a massive all-granite, hand-carved Hindu temple ended up on Kauai. It is the only all-granite, hand-carved Hindu temple in the West built without power tools or electricity, and it’s nestled on one of the smaller islands in Hawaii surrounded by lush gardens and forests. Associated Press.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Marcos describes Pacific tensions during Honolulu visit, Maui fire lawsuit defendant seeks change of venue, 22% raises mulled for Big Island officials, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tensions in Pacific ‘more dire,’ Marcos says in Waikiki speech. Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.  arrived Saturday in Honolulu for a stop on the way back to Manila after attending the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco. He spent Sunday morning with Adm. John Aquilino, the U.S. military’s top commander in the Pacific, to discuss concerns about Chinese military encroachment in waters and reefs that the Philippines has claimed for generations. Star-Advertiser. Associated PressHawaii News Now.

Protesters show up for Marcos visit to Hawaii. About 25 protesters gathered Saturday outside the doors of the Hawai‘i Convention Center waiting for the arrival of visiting Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., where he was scheduled to attend a large dinner gathering. Star-Advertiser.

Spectrum Seeks To Move Lahaina Fire Case To Honolulu Court. The vast majority of Lahaina fire victims are not citizens of Maui or even Hawaii, a major internet and cable TV provider is arguing, in a move that could prevent a Maui jury from determining whether the company and other utilities were liable for the Aug. 8 fires. The outcome could have broad implications for the wildfire litigation, which consists of more than 65 separate lawsuits, with more being filed continually. Civil Beat.

U.S. fire official warns of risks for Hawaii, strain on firefighters. A top federal fire official warned that Hawaii’s firefighters are under considerable strain and that Hawaii residents need to be aware of the risks and begin making fire survival plans for themselves and their communities as the risks become more evident. Star-Advertiser.

Maui wildfire recovery costs prompt state spending cuts. Gov. Josh Green recently informed leaders of all state agencies that he is using his emergency power to redirect $173 million in appropriations for about two dozen projects and programs, including long-overdue repairs to a leaky Hawai‘i Convention Center roof, so that the state can cover near-term costs responding to the biggest disaster in recent Hawaii history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s State-Run Psychiatric Hospital Is So Crowded Patients Sleep In Conference Rooms. The killing of a nurse last week happened outside the main secure facility, but it cast a spotlight on concerns about staff safety. Civil Beat.

Inclusion Of Special Education Students Still Eludes Hawaii Schools. Hawaii DOE wants more special education students in general education classrooms, but staffing and limited resources make implementation a challenge. Civil Beat.

OHA approves $6M for Hawaiian-focused charter schools. Public charter schools that serve Native Hawaiian students are getting a boost in funding to help with curriculum and facilities maintenance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Crime on Oahu down overall, but hot spots persist. Sharing the latest crime statistics last week, Honolulu Police Department Deputy Chief Keith Horikawa told the Honolulu Police Commission that HPD has started a data dashboard — an online searchable display of updated crime statistics, clearance rates, shootings involving officers, crime mapping and other comparable data. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill Texts Show Navy Officials Worried About Groundwater Months Before Crisis. The messages, released as part of a lawsuit, also document a commander drastically underestimating the volume of the first of two spills. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu Liquor Commission’s New Administrator Plans Changes. New administrator Sal Petilos assumes the helm as the commission faces staff shortages, a backlog of license applications and a federal lawsuit. Civil Beat.

State proposes Waiahole bridge substitute. The replacement proposal comes following structural deficiencies on the bridge, which is located on Kamehameha Highway in Waiahole Valley, south of Waiahole Valley Road. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore residents propose hub for first responders in place of a long-planned retail development. North Shore residents propose hub for first responders in place of a long-planned retail development. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Pay hikes of more than 22% recommended for county administrators. Under a proposal by the county Salary Commission, those individuals would receive a 22.44% pay increase, effective Jan. 1, 2024, and another 5% effective July 1, 2024. Tribune-Herald.

Honua Ola sues Hawaiian Electric for $1B. Honua Ola Bioenergy is seeking more than $1 billion in damages from Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., claiming in federal court that the electric utility has used monopolistic measures to keep Honua Ola’s completed but idle biomass power plant from going online. Tribune-Herald.

‘It’s a huge punch in the gut’: Surf school lottery ends with three of four permits awarded to one owner. Emotions were running high Friday at Makaeo Pavilion as the Department of Land and Natural Resources held a lottery to determine which four surf schools could operate at Kahalu‘u Beach. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Regenerative tourism seen as key to future of Hawaii’s visitor economy.
A vibrant rainbow burst from the clouds as Kamalei and Cierra Kawa‘a performed at the Haleki‘i-Pihana Heiau — the first stop on a tour of historical and cultural sites on Maui during the 22nd annual Native Hawaiian Convention in a showcase of what regenerative tourism looks and feels like from a Native Hawaiian perspective. Star-Advertiser.

State proposes public hunting area in Kanaio.
The state is seeking to establish a mixed-used public hunting area in Kanaio that it hopes could help reduce axis deer herds and allow for the construction of firebreaks on the southeast slope of Haleakala where fire potential has increased in recent years, according to state documents. Maui News.

Hana nonprofit acquires more land in mission of preserving East Maui coast. A Hana-based nonprofit has completed the purchase of 8.6 acres of Hamoa lands for permanent cultural preservation and stewardship, the latest step in the organization’s long-term plan to preserve 150 acres of East Maui coastal lands. Maui News.

New Wailuku parking garage set to open next month with 393 stalls. A blessing ceremony was held Friday for the new Wailuku parking garage, as the contractor handed off the new facility to the County of Maui. The four-story, 393-stall parking structure is scheduled to open in early December.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Rainy season affecting water quality on Kaua‘i.
The Surfrider Foundation has released its Nov. 11 water quality results for the island, with its senior scientist attributing higher than average bacteria levels at many of the tested sites to the beginning of the rainy season. Garden Island.

Brush fire scorches 10 acres in Hanapepe, put out by firefighters, landowner. Multiple firefighting personnel from the Hanapepe and Kalaheo stations responded around 6:45 p.m. to the scene of the brush fire, which was located on property owned by Gay &Robinson. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Veterans Day honors those who serve, Green names Rep. Hashimoto for state Senate, Honolulu gay bar alleges death threat from liquor control board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State House lawmaker transfers to Senate. Gov. Josh Green picked Rep. Troy Hashimoto (D, Wailuku- Waikapu) to fill an empty seat in the Senate following the recent resignation of Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran (D, Wailuku-Kahului-Waihee). Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric Has Ample Cash For Now But Few Answers To Key Questions. An earnings call with investors highlighted uncertainties surrounding Hawaii's electric utility and its parent following the Maui wildfires. Civil Beat.

The Power Was Out Before The Fires Started. Then Hawaiian Electric Flipped The Switch
. In congressional testimony, Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura confirmed what some already suspected — that the utility re-energized its lines just before an early morning fire. Civil Beat.

‘The era of complacency is over’: Wildfire planning agency swamped by requests for help. A Hawaii wildfire management nonprofit says only a few communities in the state have prepared for wildfires and now more than 100 are lining up to get protected. The small organization was practically ignored before Maui’s wildfire disaster. Hawaii News Now.

State working group calls for improvements to food reserves and disaster response. A state working group wants Hawaiʻi to improve its food reserves, support backyard farming and fill in the gaps in supply distribution to bolster its disaster response. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Military Members File Lawsuit Over Red Hill Water Contamination. Active service members are challenging a rule that insulates the government from liability for their injuries. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Gay Bar Steps Up Dispute With Liquor Commission. Scarlet Honolulu and Gay Island Guide cited an alleged death threat in requesting a temporary restraining order. The commission's counsel denied the allegation. Civil Beat.

HPD probe launched into handling of officer-involved crash that left motorcyclist injured.  Records reveal a Honolulu police officer arrested for driving under the influence and crashing into a utility pole seven years ago recently slammed his subsidized vehicle into the back of a motorcyclist, seriously injuring the rider. Hawaii News Now.

COVID relief funds mishandled, Honolulu auditor says. Honolulu exposed $387 million in federal COVID-19 relief money it received in 2020 to fraud, waste and abuse as it dispensed business and household relief funding during the pandemic, the Office of the City Auditor says. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea eyed for registers of historic places. At a Thursday meeting of the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority board, Ku‘upua Kiyuna, legal specialist for nonprofit Huliauapa‘a, told the board her organization has filed nominations for a portion of Maunakea, including the mountain’s summit, to be listed as a “traditional cultural property and district” on the National Register of Historic Places and the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. Tribune-Herald.

Bridge Stabilization Near Honoliʻi Beach Park Set To Begin. A bridge along the Honoliʻi Stream will undergo stabilization work next week, and officials warn of some changes to traffic patterns around Honoliʻi Beach Park. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Search For Lahaina’s Missing Spurs Creation Of Cold Case Unit. Two members of a task force specializing in forensic analysis will be assigned to the new detail that will reexamine dozens of unsolved cases. Civil Beat.

State to buy former Kihei hotel to house fire evacuees. A state agency received board approval Thursday to buy the former 229-room Maui Sun Hotel as part of a plan to turn the property into apartments for people who lost homes in the Aug. 8 disaster, which destroyed most of Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking, blessing held for 223-unit Hale O Piʻikea affordable housing in Kīhei. Situated in the southeast portion of the Kīhei Downtown Project, the development aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing. The project will provide 223 affordable rental housing units for individuals, kūpuna, and families whose incomes fall at or below 60% of the area median income. Maui Now.

Upcountry Maui Is Entering The Next Phase Of Fire Recovery.
But Anxiety Persists. Kula residents readily acknowledge their losses are nowhere near the level experienced by Lahaina wildfire survivors but they share many of the same frustrations. Civil Beat.

Worsening water shortage in Upcountry Maui puts Kula Hospital at risk. A dire warning for Upcountry Maui residents -- cut water use by 20% or put Kula Hospital and 80 long term care patients at risk. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Nonprofit details ‘youth mental health crisis’ on Kaua‘i. The head of a community initiative for youths detailed how high schoolers and middle schoolers on the island are “really struggling” with issues, including poor mental health, substance abuse and loneliness, in a presentation to Kaua‘i County Council members this week. Garden Island.

More than 70 volunteers renovate U.S. VETS Barber’s Point.
Home Depot volunteers picked up some gloves and tools at U.S. VETS Barber’s Point to renovate its facilities in honor of Veteran’s Day. KHON2.

Friday, October 27, 2023

1st humpback of the season spotted, Supreme Court clears $328M Hawaiian homestead settlement for distribution, rail could reach Honolulu airport by 2025, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

First humpback whale of season spotted in Maui waters. The Pacific Whale Foundation has sighted its first humpback whale this fall in Maui waters, marking the start of whale watching season. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hitch in $328M homesteads settlement cleared. The state Supreme Court cleared the last hurdle for the 2022 landmark $328 million settlement in the Hawaiian homesteads class-action lawsuit, and the settlement funds can now be transferred to the 2,515 settlement class members in Kalima v. State of Hawaii. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Bill seeks to separate data on Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center announced the reintroduction of the All Students Count Act in a Zoom news conference Thursday.  Star-Advertiser.

Most Hawaii Wildfires Are Started By People, But Arson Cases Are Rarely Solved
. There are too few investigators and insufficient resources to find out who was to blame in most fires. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Contractor provides update to Skyline’s ‘airport’ segment. Under Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration, the city in 2022 truncated the last 1.25 miles of guideways and the planned final two stations near Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Center. That reduced costs from more than $12.45 billion for a 20-mile, 21-station route down to a $9.9 billion system with an 18.9-mile, 19-station line terminating at Halekauwila Street. HART expects to complete testing and transfer of the Airport Guideway and Stations segment in mid-2025. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill class action lawsuit tops 7,000 plaintiffs. There are now more than 7,000 people who have joined a class action lawsuit against the Navy for contaminating the water with fuel at Red Hill. KHON2.

Oahu's electric bus fleet grounded indefinitely due to charging issue. One of the eight chargers at the Middle Street bus yard shorted out about three weeks ago and the heat generated in the incident frayed some of the dispenser cables. KITTV4.

These ‘Affordable’ High Rise Apartments Aren’t Selling. It’s Not For Lack Of Interest. Only about 13% of affordable units in some Honolulu towers have sold after being on the market for over a year. Civil Beat.

This HPD Officer Quit In The Face Of Discipline.
But The Story Didn’t End There. Officer Mason Jordan left the force in 2021 as he was under investigation. He was later arrested on separate charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

More funding proposed for Hawai’i Fire Department to prevent, battle wildfires. Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz will introduce Resolution 333 on Oct. 31 during a meeting of the Council Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, urging Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth’s office to increase the Fire Department’s capacity and funding to enhance its ability to respond, prevent and mitigate wildfires and other emergencies. Big Island Now.

Military Training Exercise Will Involve Hilo Airport, Pōhakuloa. Tropic Lightning Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division will be training at Pohakuloa and will periodically use the airfield at Hilo International Airport. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Goodwill Hawaii acquires Hilo property for future hub. Goodwill Hawaii has acquired about 67,000 square feet, or roughly 1.5 acres, in Hilo to create a hub for team members, according to a news release from real estate firm Colliers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii family working for auntie’s safe return from war-torn Gaza. Ramona Okumura, a prosthetics expert, was volunteering with Palestine Children’s Relief Fund in Gaza when the hostilities broke out Oct. 7. She has been stuck there ever since. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

House Finance Committee visits Lahaina wildfire disaster zone to identify priorities. Members of the House Finance Committee, led by Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12, Upcountry Maui), visited various sites in the Lahaina wildfire disaster zone on Thursday to receive an update on recovery efforts from Federal and County officials, and identify key priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Maui Now.

Green plans to extend Maui renter protections. Gov. Josh Green plans to extend renter protections that are set to expire next month, his office said Wednesday following a rally by tenants earlier this week calling for a continued eviction moratorium and rent freeze. Maui Now.

Wildfire impacts result in unavailable vacation rental units on Maui in September. Unit night supply and unit night demand were inactive for the entire month of September in West Maui, according to the latest Hawaiʻi Vacation Rental Performance Report compiled by the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. Maui Now.

Shipment of 90 tiny homes for wildfire survivors arrives on Maui from Europe. A shipment of 90 tiny homes for wildfire survivors have arrived on Maui from Europe. They will be part of the 10-acre Ohana Hope Village off Kuihelani and Maui Veterans Highway. Developers hope to welcome the first round of residents before Thanksgiving. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina fire debris burial site proposed in West Maui. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is scheduled to consider at a meeting today whether to grant permission for Maui County to use 53 acres of state land in Olowalu, about 5 miles from Lahaina in a former cinder quarry, to exclusively and permanently store the debris. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Hazardous waste from over 85% of Lahaina properties removed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that it has removed hazardous waste from over 85% of the burned properties in Lahaina. That includes more than 1,300 parcels. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

‘It was a failure’: Member of wildfire advisory team says Maui can’t miss key lessons again. A member of the advisory team helping guide Lahaina’s recovery is calling on state and county leaders to bolster Maui’s disaster plan to prevent future disasters. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Transportation agency accepting applications for its Kaua‘i Bus Pass Outreach Program. The County of Kaua‘i Transportation Agency will be accepting applications from Kaua‘i-based non-profit organizations for its Kaua‘i Bus Pass Outreach Program beginning Nov. 1. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

More schools qualify for free meals, 8 Hawaiian birds listed as extinct, Red Hill defueling commences, Lahaina students return to school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More Hawaii Schools Qualify For Free Meal Programs But The State May Not Participate. Recent changes to a federal program could allow for a significant expansion of free school meals in Hawaii, but it's unclear if the state will opt in. Civil Beat.

Food prices increase going into the holidays. Food prices have increased from this time last year, and it is likely prices will remain high going into the holidays, so how much will people be paying for some holiday staples? KHON2.

Federal government lists 8 Hawaiian birds as extinct. The eight bird species, all forest honeycreepers, include the Kauai akialoa, Kauai nukupuu, Kauai oo, kamao or large Kauai thrush, Maui akepa, Maui nukupuu, Molokai creeper and poouli, also known as the black-faced honeycreeper. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

High surf warning posted for first huge swell of the winter surf season. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the warning will be in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, and the north shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

WWII Marine and hero laid to rest at Punchbowl 80 years after his death. Nearly 80 years after Marine Sgt. Arthur Ervin died fighting on Saipan, he was laid to rest Monday in a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HECO Seeking $2M From HART For Work Done On Canceled Substation.
The substation is no longer needed based on the rail authority's latest projections on power usage and deferral of the Pearl Highlands parking garage. Civil Beat.

Red Hill defueling operation officially underway.
On Monday morning Joint Task Force Red Hill, the military organization responsible for draining the tanks at the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, officially began the defueling process. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Newly-unearthed letter from Akaka offers evidence of Red Hill leaks 2 decades ago. In 2006, the late U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka questioned a high ranking military official about the viability of the Red Hill underground fuel storage tanks. Hawaii News Now.

New homeless program in ʻEwa aims to serve children and their families. Hale Kipa unveiled Thursday the 'Ohana Resilience Services program at Hale Kū Ola, located at Renton Road. The goal is to provide children and their families with a place of refuge and additional services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Did construction start at TMT site? Land board to mull the question next month. After months of delays, the question of whether construction work on the Thirty Meter Telescope has begun will be answered in November. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR approves transition of Hilo lots into affordable housing. About 35 acres of state land around Hilo and Kalaoa will be set aside to Hawaii County for affordable housing development. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County seeks information on vehicles damaged or destroyed in wildfires. Maui County is requesting information from vehicle owners to help identify fire-damaged or destroyed vehicles found on public roadways and other right-of-way areas following the August wildfires.  Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Lahainaluna High School Students Are Met With Celebrations As They Return To Campus.
Classes resumed despite lingering concerns about air quality due to the nearby burn zone. Lahaina's intermediate and elementary schools also are reopening this week. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric extends moratorium on disconnections for Maui customers. Hawaiian Electric has extended the suspension of service disconnections for all Maui customers through at least Nov. 6. Maui Now.

Housing shuffle vexes Lahaina fire evacuees.  Paul Maloney, his wife, Sandra, and their Pomeranian, Zeus, are about to move for the eighth time since the Aug. 8 wildfire that swept through Lahaina killing up to 98 people and destroying about 2,200 buildings, mostly homes. Star-Advertiser.

Maui police identify Lahaina resident, 61, as latest fire fatality.  The 97th victim out of 98 confirmed fatalities from the Aug. 8 wildfire has been identified as Michael Misaka, 61, of Lahaina — leaving just one victim’s identity yet to be announced. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Shark bites surfer at Hanalei Bay on Sunday. The first confirmed shark attack of the year on Kaua‘i was reported on Sunday afternoon after a surfer’s leg was bitten by a large shark at Hanalei Bay. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

State, feds one step closer to protecting native forest birds on Kauaʻi from mosquito-borne diseases.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are one step closer to protecting native forest birds on Kauaʻi from mosquito-borne diseases with their proposal to employ the incompatible insect technique to reduce mosquito populations. Kauai Now.




Friday, October 13, 2023

State concerned about worker safety as Red Hill defueling poised to begin Monday, Maui council passes Lahaina cleanup plan, Mala Wharf to open Saturday, 2k athletes gather in Kona for second phase of Ironman, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Safety worries persist before Red Hill defueling begins Monday. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent a letter Tuesday to the Navy notifying the service of alleged workplace hazards in Red Hill’s main operations tunnel. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Wanted: New Executive Director For Hawaii Fisheries Council. Kitty Simonds, one of the most influential people in the Pacific in U.S. fishing policy, says she’s actively seeking someone to replace her as executive director of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, a post she’s held for 40 years.  Civil Beat.

UH president looks back at a decade of leading the university system.  As he embarks on his final year as president of the University of Hawaii System, KHON2 News spoke with David Lassner about what he’s accomplished in more than a decade at the helm. KHON2.

Oahu


After Lahaina, Makakilo Residents Press Harder For Another Exit Off Their Hill. The dry West Oahu neighborhood has just one way in and out. A decades-long push to build another route has failed to gain traction. Civil Beat.

Makiki affordable rental project to break ground. Although the city touts affordable housing development under Bill 7, the pace of development under the measure — which had a goal of producing 500 affordable rental units per year — has been markedly slow. Star-Advertiser.

Construction begins on affordable housing units in Chinatown's Hocking Building. The units constructed under the Hocking Building Affordable Housing Project will provide rental housing for households earning up to 30-50% of the area median income level. Hawaii Public Radio.

Glitch leads to a lot of extra time on some of the city’s new parking meters.
In a statement, the city’s Department of Transportation Services said about 200 of the city’s 4,200 parking meters experienced the issue, which was related to the recent upgrade to 4G. The meters cost nearly $4 million and were installed just this past summer. Hawaii News Now.

‘Mother of Honolulu City Lights’ Carol Costa was dedicated to holiday event.  Costa was so dedicated to the Honolulu City Lights event and the all-volunteer crew that put it together each year, she continued on as a volunteer for the celebration until just a few years ago, long after she retired in 2004 after three decades as an employee of the City and County of Honolulu, serving Mayors Frank Fasi, Eileen Anderson and Jeremy Harris.  Costa, 80, died Tuesday under hospice care on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea “Traditional Cultural Property” Nomination Discussed. An effort to designate all Maunakea lands above 6,500 ft. as a Traditional Cultural Property was discussed by the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority board. Big Island Video News.

World’s top athletes gear up in Kona to compete in grueling Ironman championship. Just over 2,000 of the globe’s top endurance athletes are in Kona this week for the Ironman World Championship. This year is the first for a new format with only one day of racing as the men had their event in September in France. Hawaii News Now.

EPA awards county, UH $2.1M in effort to reduce disposable foodware.
A program that would replace disposable foodware with reusable items at Hilo restaurants and other places that sell or serve food will take shape later this month. Tribune-Herald.

HPD to crack down on illegal vendors: Enforcement on street-side sales to start in December
. The Hawaii Police Department on Monday announced upcoming enforcement of laws related to illegal roadside vending and commercial activities on state and county roadways islandwide. West Hawaii Today.

Jim Kauahikaua, former head scientist at HVO, dies at 72.  Jim Kauahikaua, a research geophysicist at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the federal facility’s former scientist-in-charge, died Sunday at home in Hilo.  Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

In major step forward, council approves plan for clearing fire-ravaged properties in Lahaina. In a big step toward recovery for Lahaina. the Maui County Council has approved a plan for removal of fire debris. Property owners will be given a choice of cleaning up themselves or having the Army Corps of Engineers do the work. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Bissen proposing 3 water bill categories for customers affected by Maui fires. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen will submit a proposal developed by the Department of Water Supply to the County Council that would establish three categories for customer billing to address impacts of the August 8 wildfires in Lahaina and Upper Kula. Maui Now. KHON2.

Federal aid available for unemployed Maui workers. Maui employees too traumatized to work following the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century could be eligible for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance with the help of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

How Will The Maui Strong Fund Be Spent?  The amount raised for the Maui Strong Fund — nearly $140 million — greatly exceeded expectations, according to the foundation’s CEO Micah Kane. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Māla Wharf reopening to recreational boaters Saturday — earlier than expected after Lahaina fire. People will be able to use the facility to access vessels moored offshore.  Maui Now.

'Voluntourism' after the fires could be a regenerative force for Maui — if done right. In the wake of the wildfires, malihini who want to give back may be the kind of visitor Maui could use, according to Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Chief Branding Officer of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. HTA partnered with Kanu Hawaiʻi to create an online booking platform for voluntourism activities that is set to launch at the end of October. Hawaii Public Radio.

911 calls from Lahaina wildfire show residents’ terror and panic. Audio of 911 calls from a deadly August wildfire released late today by Maui County authorities reveals a terrifying and chaotic scene as the inferno swept through the historic town of Lahaina and people desperately tried to escape burning homes and flames licking at cars in gridlocked traffic. Associated Press.

Kauai

8th Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival to showcase Hawaiʻi-grown products.  The festival will celebrate all things chocolate and coffee from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at Kilohana Plantation, located at 3-2087 Kaumualiʻi Highway in Līhuʻe. There will be free pumpkin giveaways for the keiki, lots of sampling, exhibitor booths featuring a variety of chocolate and coffee products from throughout the state featuring plenty of Hawaiʻi-grown products, local crafters and food trucks. Kauai Now.




Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Pilot project gives DLNR more power to ticket, Red Hill defueling plan clears last hurdle, Maui County still not saying who was in charge during deadly Lahaina wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pilot project will allow on-the-spot tickets, fines for resource violations in Hawaiʻi.  The Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources is putting together a three-month pilot project that will allow state conservation enforcement resource officers to issue on-the-spot tickets and/or fines for rule violations.  Big Island Now.

Document details state’s strategy to improve internet accessibility. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism recently published a draft of its Digital Equity Plan, a document that establishes a multiyear series of strategies to improve internet connectivity throughout Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

UH announces 3 finalists in the running to become the next CTAHR dean. Three finalists have been named in the search for a dean of the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green orders U.S. and Hawaiʻi flags at half-staff to honor lives lost in attacks on Israel. To honor the lives of those lost, including Americans, that began with the attacks on Israel over the weekend, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the United States and Hawai‘i state flags be flown at half-staff at state facilities. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hawaii Health Department approves Red Hill defueling plan. The state Department of Health announced Tuesday that it has conditionally approved the military’s plan to defuel the main tanks of the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility beginning Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Traffic safety proposal could mean less parking in Kaimuki. Waialae Avenue from First through 11th Avenues is a bustling stretch. Those who live or work here are all too familiar with the dangers on the roadways. KHON2.

New commander of 25th Infantry Division hits ground running amid Pacific tensions. The new commander of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks has been busy from Day One of his new assignment after taking command in August. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island police to begin enforcing street vending rules. In a collaborative effort between the Hawaii Police Department, the State Department of Transportation and the County of Hawaii Planning Department, the police department is notifying the public of an islandwide enforcement initiative to clear state highways and county roadways of illegal commercial activities that include street vendors. Spectrum News.  KHON2.

To help the hardest to house, they start with a simple question
: How are you feeling today? Hawaii Island’s largest homeless service provider is working to reestablish the critical resource in an attempt to take some of the burden off hospitals. The reboot comes at a critical point: Hawaii Island’s homeless population now stands at more than 1,000 people — up nearly 50% in the past five years, according to the latest point in time count. Hawaii News Now.

Former Konawaena Middle School teacher pleads no contest to sexual assault. John Lee Franks of Ocean View was indicted Feb. 23, 2022, on two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor less than 14 years old and one count of continuous sexual assault of a minor stemming from alleged incidents committed against a girl between November 2021 and mid-February 2022. West Hawaii Today.

Free or reasonably priced parking in Kona’s Historic Kailua Village getting difficult to find. Over the past several years, privately owned parking lots that used to be free so people could patronize restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses now are charging rates ranging from $9 to $15 per hour.  Big Island Now.

New nonprofit works to help control population of cats, dogs. A new animal rescue and advocacy group is working to get more dogs and cats adopted to help control the animal population on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County won't say who was in charge during Lahaina fire. On the afternoon of Aug. 8, an incident commander in Maui County should have been directing the emergency response to the Lahaina fire. Neither Maui County's communications director, nor the Joint Operations Center working on behalf of Maui County, will disclose who was calling the shots; or if anybody was at all. KITV4.

Maui police identify Lahaina resident, 57, as latest fire fatality. Maui police released the name today of one Lahaina resident as among the 98 confirmed Aug. 8 wildfire fatalities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

It could be weeks more before all Upcountry Maui residents have safe drinking water. The tap water has been declared safe for drinking in about 75% of the Upcountry Maui area impacted by the Kula wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertainty over Lahaina fire survivors’ unemployment claims persists. Two months after the deadly Maui wildfires, widespread confusion and uncertainty continue over whether survivors will be denied weekly unemployment payments if they’re too traumatized to work. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina tour, charter fishing operators appeal to state for solutions to get them back to work. Lahaina’s thriving commercial tour and charter fishing community was decimated by the Aug. 8 wildfire. And now those who lost their businesses say the state is failing to help some of them get back to work. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists install water quality sensors off Lahaina to study impacts to ocean. Over the weekend, teams from UH Manoa and the Pacific Whale Foundation installed water quality sensors in areas around the Lahaina impact zone. The sensors will look at the presence of contaminants and reef health. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County lifting restrictions for owners and residents of Zone 6C and 15A on Oct. 13. Zone 6C: Kahoma Village Loop and Hoe Kawele Drive. Zone 15A: Puapihi Street, Pualima Street, Pualima Place, Pualoke Place, Puapake Place, Front Street. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Could A Community Land Trust Give Locals More Control Of Lahaina? Concerns over the potential loss of land in the town began almost immediately. Civil Beat.

Crews continue daily patrols for hot spots in 1,000-acre Olinda fire.  Daily patrols for hot spots and still-smoking areas are continuing Upcountry, two months after the start of the roughly 1,000-acre Olinda fire.  Maui News.

American Lung Association’s chief doctor warns of fire exposure.
The American Lung Association’s chief medical officer Tuesday encouraged West Maui residents who are returning to the Lahaina burn zone to wear protective gear. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i visitors spend mightily in August. Visitor spending on Kauai eclipsed $200 million for the eighth straight month in August, as tourists continued to plow big bucks into the local economy while on the island. Garden Island.

Hotels on Kaua‘i exceed 80 percent occupancy in August. Hotels on the island of Kauai put up big numbers in August with occupancy exceeding 80 percent, in turn generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue for lodging establishments. Garden Island.