Showing posts with label Senate President Ron Kouchi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senate President Ron Kouchi. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Subdued lawmakers open grim legislative session, charter school students lagging on test scores, police brutality lawsuit filed against Honolulu force, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Lawmakers Face ‘Urgent Decisions’ As Maui And Housing Woes Loom Over New Session. The House and Senate will also tackle short-term vacation rentals and hiring problems in what promises to be a difficult year. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press. KITV4.

House Speaker Saiki comes into 2024 legislative session with commitment to center Hawai‘i. During the State Legislature’s opening day at the capitol, House Speaker Scott K. Saiki told fellow state representatives during the chamber’s 2024 opening session that the shockwaves from the Maui disaster have not yet subsided. Big Island Now.

Senate president on opening day of 2024 Hawai‘i Legislative Session: ‘Let’s go and fiercely tackle the problems ahead of us’.  Hawai’i state Senate President Ronald Kouchi opened the chamber’s 2024 session Wednesday with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday was celebrated throughout the nation Monday. Big Island Now.

Community gathers at Capitol to advocate for its causes. Hundreds of people from all over the state gathered at the state Capitol on Wednesday for the opening day of the 2024 legislative session to advocate for issues, including increasing funds for Hawaiian immersion schools, paid family leave, better overall health care and improving the lives of unionized workers across the state. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii U.S. senators offer bill to aid evacuation route planning. With August’s wildfire disaster in Lahaina in mind, Hawaii’s U.S. senators joined a pair of Senate colleagues Wednesday to introduce legislation that seeks to develop transportation guidelines for state and local governments to improve emergency evacuations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii attorney general calls for ban on menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars.  Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has joined a multistate coalition urging the Biden administration to move forward on its ban of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Star-Advertiser.

Gun Violence Remains A Consistent Problem In Hawaii. The number of deaths involving law enforcement in Hawaii was higher than in 2022. Civil Beat.

Hawaii charter schools lagging on tests. Test score data suggests that students in Hawaii’s 37 public charter schools as a group are lagging markedly behind regular public school students statewide in core subjects, and that has led some state lawmakers to demand stronger accountability and standards from charter school officials. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Father, son file police brutality lawsuit against HPD.  A man initially identified by police as a possible suspect in the New Year’s Day pursuit and shootouts sued the city Tuesday alleging officers hit him with a car before beating him. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

‘A serious matter’: HPD admits to $575,000 mistake in e-ticketing contract.  The Honolulu Police Department violated rules by working with a vendor after the contract expired — and the services have racked up a bill more than half a million dollars. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii teacher sentenced to 17 years behind bars for producing child porn.
Prosecutors said former Pearl City High School substitute teacher Alden Bunag, 35, was working as a middle school teacher from 2017 to 2018 when he taped repeated sexual activity with a 13-year-old student in a classroom and sent it to others. Hawaii News Now.

Advocates Push For Implementation Of New Management System For Kaena Point. The Waianae community also wants more efforts to restore Makua Beach and Keawaula Beach to their former glory. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

NELHA contributes millions to Hawaii’s economy. Businesses at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park at Keahole Point contributed over $90 million to Hawaii’s economy in 2022, according to a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization analysis. West Hawaii Today.

Cafe 100 site no longer for sale. Hilo’s historic “Home of the Loco Moco” will continue dishing up its signature local delicacy — as well as the rest of its plate-lunch-style menu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


90 members gather as part of the new Maui Economic Recovery Commission. The Maui ERC was formed in response to the wildfires that devastated Lahaina and Kula and is led by co-chairs James Kunane Tokioka, director of the state of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director, and Luana Mahi, director of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development.  Maui Now.

County of Maui opens first floor of the Wailuku Garage. The County of Maui announced the first floor of the Wailuku Garage opened to the public Tuesday, with a two-hour parking time limit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Maui News.

Kauai

Anaina Hou Community Park wants to build disaster-proof domes; learn more Friday.  What if – alongside its established entertainment facilities – Anaina Hou constructed three, two-story “disaster-proof” domes known as the Kaua‘i Resilience Center, for use as a community resource and shelter? Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau leader promoted to statewide position. Longtime executive director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, Sue Kanoho, has been promoted to managing director of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau’s island chapters throughout the state. Kauai Now.

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Legislative leaders talk priorities at session midpoint, DHHL director sued by surfer after canoe crash, Native Hawaiians scheduled for sentencing in Maui hate crime, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s legislative leaders assess big issues at session midpoint. As the state legislative session nears its midpoint next week, the two leaders of the Hawaii House and Senate offered some assessments Wednesday that included uncertainty over how to provide residents with tax relief and charge tourists fees that benefit the environment. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

New DHHL Director Aims To Speed Up The Development Of Homestead Lots. But first Kali Watson, an affordable housing developer who is the governor’s second pick for the job, must be confirmed by the Senate. Civil Beat.

Surfer files lawsuit against DHHL director nominee Kali Watson.  A surfer who said he almost died after being hit by a canoe has filed a civil lawsuit against the paddlers. One of them is Kali Watson, who was recently nominated to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Rhoads ‘guardedly optimistic’ about Hawai‘i clean elections bill. If passed, Senate Bill 1543 would allocate $30 million to a newly-formed public campaign financing fund, allowing candidates to avoid private funds entirely. Garden Island.

Fight to lower legal limit for drunk driving in Hawaii receives opposition. A push to lower Hawaii’s blood alcohol content limit is moving forward at the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Body and Digital Cameras Could Be Required at State Correctional Facilities. A bill moving through the State Legislature would authorize funding for body and digital cameras in all correctional facilities. KITV4.

Hawaii midwives stage sit-in, saying their services could be banned without legislative action. In order to remain alive, bills must pass out of final committees this week to the full House or Senate and then cross over to the other side. If not, they die ― and that could happen to a bill meant to allow midwives to continue providing birth support services. Hawaii News Now.

Matson warns first quarter will be weakest of the year. Matson Inc.’s chief executive officer is warning that the current quarter will be the weakest of the year as the company deals with reduced shipping demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hospitals, clinics continue to embrace masks. Although Hawaii has no statewide mandate or federal rules that require masks, most hospitals and health clinics are independently requiring them for their clinical settings where patients are seen. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 positivity rate at 4.4%; 12 more deaths. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported the state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases fell to 70 compared with 89 on Feb. 15. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

New center will address ‘gap’ in homeless treatment. The Institute for Human Services on Wednesday unveiled a facility for a new approach to treating Oahu’s most troubled homeless people — a 24-hour triage center. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu prison struggles to find staff for nonessential programs, chapel services. Staffing shortages over the years have presented the need to prioritize security over some other nonessential services, including chapel. Hawaii Public Radio.

Civilian Red Hill families plead for relief after being hit with huge tax bills for reimbursements
. Civilian Red Hill families are furious about getting huge tax bills after getting reimbursed by the Navy for staying in hotels for months. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

HECO announces four ‘shared solar’ projects for Big Island. Hawaiian Electric Co. on Tuesday announced the selection of four new Hawaii Island solar farm projects. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Kona coffee farmers cash in on labeling claims. Hawaiian coffee farmers will get an additional $6.15 million to settle their class action accusing a coffee roasting and wholesale company of selling ordinary coffee under the name “Kona,” as part of an agreement approved Feb.21 by a Washington federal judge, Law360 reported Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano observatory eyes new Hilo headquarters.  A $60 million-plus, three-story Hawaiian Volcano Observatory headquarters and research building is being proposed in Hilo to replace its Hawaii Volcanoes National Park facility, which was damaged by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui hate crime case spotlights Hawaii’s racial complexity. In a case that reflects Hawaii’s nuanced and complicated relationship with race, two Native Hawaiian men are scheduled to be sentenced Thursday for a federal hate crime in the brutal beating of a white man who tried to move into their remote, traditional fishing village. Associated Press.

Maui County’s 5,000-home goal could take much longer. Maui County’s goal of building 5,000 affordable homes in five years could end up taking 15 years if more is not done to help move forward affordable housing, the organization behind the county’s Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan said Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County Sat On $8 Million That Could Have Helped Struggling Homeowners.
Housing advocates worry about the bandwidth of local government to get the program going before it’s too late. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council to decide on contested Waiehu affordable housing development. The Maui County Council's Housing and Land Use committee discussed a resolution on Tuesday that would advance the proposed Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua project in Waiehu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pesticide band detection study on leeward Maui.
A study is now underway using absorbent bands to detect organic pollutants at 18 sites around West and South Maui.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police retrieve homicide suspect’s body from canyon. County of Kaua‘i agencies and volunteers recovered what they believe to be the body of Kody Gardner from a steep cliffside in Koke‘e on Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Camouflaged Humvee stolen from Maui’s National Guard Armory. The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle was stolen between 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, according to the Maui Police Department. Kauai Now.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Sunlight is the best disinfectant: Political will needed for true ethics reform

A fresh new populist governor, brand-new legislative session and a comprehensive roadmap from a blue-ribbon panel showing us how to get from Point A to Point B. Throw in some political will, backbone and a little intestinal fortitude and we have the makings for real ethics reform this year.

 Some might say the recent rash of arrests that sent public leaders, policy setters, rank and file government bureaucrats and a couple state legislators to federal prison was a wake-up call. I won’t bother naming the guilty; you’ve all heard the stories.

 It’s hard to set and implement public policy when bad actors at all levels of state and county government are filling their pockets rather than their constitutional mandates.

 It’s a wakeup call, but don’t hit that snooze button quite yet.

 Federal prosecutors have set the ball rolling. People were shocked/not shocked when the nefarious dealings were exposed. The angst is still fresh in people’s minds.

 Props to House Speaker Scott Saiki for recognizing the deep-seated malaise that has led so many to further distrust a government that wasn’t all that trusted to begin with. Last year, he immediately did what government does best: He commissioned a study.

 But rather than any old study – you can’t swing a dead cat at the Capitol without knocking the dust off hundreds of shelf-bound studies -- Saiki peopled that Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct with some hard-hitters and go-getters and named retired Associate Judge Dan Foley of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals to chair it.

 The result? A 396-page report with 31 proposals, plus the accompanying bill language, all set for the 2023 Legislature that convened Jan. 18. The full report can be accessed on the House webpage under Special Committees, https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/house.aspx.

 Five of the commission's 15 recommendations in an interim report were passed by the 2022 Legislature and became law, including a tightening of campaign finance laws, required ethics training for all legislators and state employees and prohibition of campaign fundraisers for elected state and county officials during legislative sessions. Two others, capping fees for access to public records and requiring electronic audio or video recordings of public board meetings be maintained as a public record and posted, were passed by the Legislature but vetoed by then-Gov. David Ige.

 The 2023 list is long, but it can be divided into some broad categories. The recommendations include proposals to further open public records to public scrutiny, to limit legislators' terms in office to 16 years, to strengthen investigation and prosecution of fraud, including prohibiting those convicted from seeking public office for 10 years and to give the Campaign Spending Commission more power.

 In addition, measures boosting openness and transparency are proposed, including greater disclosure about lobbyists' involvement with lawmakers and lawmaking, allowing immediate viewing of testimony as soon as it is submitted, continuing the live-streaming of legislative sessions that began during the COVID-19 lockdown and requiring explanations when measures are not scheduled for hearings by committee chairmen or when they are deferred indefinitely.

 The vetoed bills are back in action as well.

 With Jan. 25 being the last day for bill introductions, bills are slowly trickling in, but so far, only a few from the so-called Foley Commission have been entered into the system. Never fear. It’s standard practice for bills covering similar measures to be added onto during the ongoing negotiations of legislative leaders. In the words of Yogi Berra, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over. There’s still a lot of horse-trading until sine die.

 Despite the urgency of these proposals in the eyes of the public, legislative leaders so far don’t seem to be embracing them. Saiki mentioned the issue after a list of other priorities during his opening remarks last week: “This House takes reset and reform seriously and will take up the recommendations in earnest this session.”

 Senate President Ron Kouchi didn’t mention them at all. He’s said in past interviews that simply opening up the Capitol following the pandemic lockdowns, along with livestreaming meetings, will bring transparency: "With the Capitol being reopened, I think that is a big statement to have everybody available and the ability to see what we're doing and who's going in and out of whose offices, who's hanging out on the railing and things of that nature."

 Leave it to Gov. Josh Green to devote a big chunk of his State of the State address to ethics in government: “Our state deserves transparent and accountable government.Without good governance, without trust, without ethical standards, how can we truly serve the people and make progress for our state? Corruption must be taken seriously and rooted out — the abuse of power is an affront to the people of Hawaii.”

 Green vowed to sign “any common-sense legislation that achieves meaningful ethics reform in state government. … When it comes to governance, sunlight, open windows, and plenty of fresh air are the best disinfectants.”

 This is our chance. The public says it wants them, the governor said he'll sign them and now it's up to the state Legislature to move them forward. It’s going to take more than lip service to fix this mess.

Nancy Cook Lauer, who’s covered state and local governments for 30 years in Hawaii and Florida, is the publisher of All Hawaii News (www.allhawaiinews.com)


Thursday, December 29, 2022

Legislative leaders skeptical of Green's agenda, HPD chief signs first license to carry firearm, GOP lawmaker to introduce 'Don't Say Gay' bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green’s agenda faces early resistance from Legislature’s leaders. Despite securing an overwhelming mandate from voters in last month’s general election, Gov. Josh Green is already getting pushback from the leaders of the state House and Senate on the eve of the upcoming legislative session. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Vog hurting Hawaii student test scores, study reveals.  Vog from Hawaii’s volcanoes might be hurting students’ ability to think and reason, as indicated by lower test scores, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Hawaii and University College London. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai'i lawmaker looks to introduce bill similar to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' law. Hawai'i's public school teachers are currently required to teach students about healthy relationships, sexual health, and sexuality. Parents may also decide to have their student opt out of instruction considered controversial. KITV4.

Violence Against Women Act amended to support Native Hawaiians. President Joe Biden signed an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act on Wednesday, allowing Native Hawaiians access to resources from organizations supported under the act. Star-Advertiser.

After 122 days on strike, little hope for deal in sight for Kaiser mental health workers. Those on the picket lines say many of them are going into debt and are having to dip into their savings and retirement funds. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 1,095 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths.  The state’s average positivity rate increased to 7.1% compared with 5.9% the previous week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu sees a big dip in fireworks permits, but don’t expect a quiet night
.  It’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s, which means many Oahu neighborhoods are hearing occasional explosions despite laws prohibiting the use of fireworks outside a few hours surrounding New Year’s Eve. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief signs Oahu’s first license to carry a concealed firearm. Rules for concealed carry permits were changed following a Supreme Court ruling that broadened gun rights. HPD said there are 56 applications (for 40 applicants) pending review. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Red Hill defueling process resumes after remediation of toxic fire suppressant. Defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility has resumed this week following a four-week pause, according to the U.S. Navy's Joint Task Force - Red Hill team. Hawaii Public Radio.

On Oahu’s North Shore, state celebrates a rare success story in battle against illegal seawalls. In the fall, homeowner Joshua VanEmmerik created an unpermitted concrete and rebar berm to support a house as erosion threatened to undermine it. Hawaii News Now.

‘Steward’ of remote West Oahu beach to fight charges against him in court. Samson Souza is charged with harassment and terroristic threatening for the way he’s been treating outsiders. Hawaii News Now.

Preventing Prison Rapes: The Fight For Video Cameras At Hawaii’s Women’s Prison Continues.
Lawyers for current and former inmates who were sexually assaulted at the women’s prison in Kailua years ago are again asking a federal court judge to order the state to finally install cameras in the control booths at the prison, where they say many of the assaults occurred. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County receives $2M state homelessness grant. Hawaii County has been awarded a $2 million grant from the state Ohana Zone funds to further homelessness relief programs on the island. West Hawaii Today.

Change of Heart pilot program ends after just $300 diverted from panhandlers.  Signs for the pilot program to divert spare change from panhandlers to nonprofits cost taxpayers $1,533, with funding coming from the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New Maui County Clerk Will Earn More Than Mayor.  Moana Lutey is in line to become the next Maui County clerk at a salary of nearly $157,000. Civil Beat.

Agawa, Aoki and Takamori selected as directors under Bissen administration. Mayor-elect Richard Bissen announced the appointments of directors to three more departments within his administration. Maui Now. Maui News.

DOT: Soil, groundwater at Maui airport pit contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’.  Following soil testing, the state has confirmed the presence of so-called “forever chemicals” at a Kahului Airport firefighting training pit. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai utility seeks 9.42% rate increase. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has asked the state Public Utilities Commission for a 9.42% rate increase that would boost the monthly bill for the average residential customer using 500 kilowatt-hours a month by roughly $19. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Multiple agencies work to free honu trapped between boulders on Kauai. Multiple wildlife agencies and even the fire department were called to Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai after reports of a turtle trapped between large boulders. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Biden makes quick refueling stop in Hawaii, Hawaii County council passes list where guns banned, jury clears warden in prison rape case, jailed ex-police chief Kealoha starts paying restitution, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Biden lands in Hawaii, meets Iges after global tour. President Joe Biden used Gov. David Ige’s cell phone to take a selfie with Ige and First Lady Dawn Ige during a refueling stop today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Iges reflect on their accomplishments and contemplate a future run for office. Ige declared a state of emergency 41 times-- each of them played out in the unforgiving eye of social media criticism often directed at Ige, famous for his methodical thinking and low-key, measured responses. Star-Advertiser.

Kouchi back as state Senate president. The state Senate announced Wednesday that Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8 – Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau) will remain Senate president next session, a position he has held since 2015. Garden Island.

Backlog delays food stamps for hundreds of families. Food stamps also known as SNAP benefits are usually received at the beginning of the month. But there are many who are still waiting. KHON2.

Longs Drugs pharmacists now prescribing Paxlovid. CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, which operates Longs Drugs in Hawaii, said pharmacists at more than 9,000 locations can now prescribe Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials push bivalent boosters ahead of Thanksgiving. While the daily average of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii has become less of a concern, health officials are now keeping an eye on the rise of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections approaching winter. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1,049 new COVID-19 cases, 6 more deaths. The number of cases per 100,000 in the state was at 10.0 compared with 10.9 the previous week. The state’s average positivity rate also declined to 5.1% compared with 5.3% the previous week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

After recount of ballots, Democratic incumbent wins razor-thin state Senate race. In a razor-thin victory, Democratic incumbent Maile Shimabukuro won the state Senate race for District 22 after a recount of ballots. After the ballots were cured Wednesday, the results show Shimabukuro as the winner with just 40 votes over Republican Samantha Decorte.  Hawaii News Now.

The average wait for a residential permit is 10 months. The city hopes ‘bots’ will slash that to weeks. Improvements are in the works for Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, which is grappling with a backlog of 6,000 residential permit applications. Hawaii News Now.

Jury finds state not liable for alleged women’s prison sex assaults. A federal jury on Wednesday returned a verdict finding that the state and a former warden of the women’s prison in Kailua are not liable for alleged sexual assaults committed by guards against six inmates between 2013 and 2016. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Navy stands up information sharing group to discuss Red Hill defueling. The Navy’s Joint Task Force Red Hill has named several elected officials and community members to a Defueling Information Sharing Forum group. Hawaii Public Radio.

VA researching jet fuel, Red Hill effects. Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs told lawmakers Wednesday that they anticipate following the long-term effects of the Red Hill water crisis for many years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would impact theBus and Handi-van services is advancing at Honolulu Hale. The bill over bus fares has one more stop to make before becoming law. KITV4.

Imprisoned Ex-Honolulu Police Chief Kealoha Begins Paying Restitution. Honolulu’s ex-police chief Louis Kealoha has begun paying restitution more than three years after he was convicted in one of Hawaii’s most notorious corruption scandals. Civil Beat.

HPD chief: Officers were chasing motorcyclist moments before critical crash. Plainclothes police officers were chasing a motorcyclist moments before a crash last week that left the man critically injured, the Honolulu Police Department revealed Wednesday. The incident happened Nov. 10 in Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

Parents asked for more pedestrian safety efforts at Oahu’s North Shore — and they got it. The Department of Transportation is responding to parents pleas on Oahu’s North Shore for more action to address pedestrian safety. This week the DOT is installing two raised pedestrian crosswalks to act as speed bumps to reduce speeding in areas of concern. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County Council passes legislation barring firearms in ‘sensitive places’. Bill 220, which defines a list of “sensitive places” on the island where carrying concealed and unconcealed firearms is prohibited, was introduced in late September and has finally been approved after three drafts and dozens of amendments. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Police Report: Mom Says Big Island Prosecutor Threatened To Shoot Her Son. A number of neighbors have had issues with the deputy prosecutor, Winston Albright, but he has kept his job as the cases get dismissed or resolved behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

Kanalani street extension to open soon. Just in time for holiday shopping, the extension of Kanalani Street providing access to the Kaloko Light Industrial Area could be opened as early as next week, thanks to action Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly 2,000-acres In Kaʻū Transferred To Trail Association. Ownership and stewardship of Kiolakaʻa has been transferred from the Trust for Public Land to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Deputy Chief Wade Maeda sworn-in as the Maui Police Department’s second in command. Maeda was promoted to fill the spot vacated by former Deputy Chief Charles Hank III, who announced his retirement in October after 10 months on the job.  Maui Now.

The State Just Cracked Down On This West Maui Water Company. Olowalu Water Co. was accused of taking more water than it was allowed from a stream, a rule that’s aimed at protecting fragile natural ecosystems. Civil Beat.

Lahainaluna farming program for boarders revives orchard. Project, which allows students to grow crops and sell products, gets help from Mahi Pono. Maui News.

Kauai

Council approves affordable housing funding commitment. In a move to set a floor for affordable housing funding, the Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved a measure on Wednesday that would allocate 2 percent of real property tax revenue each year to a housing development fund. Garden Island.

Connecting with the homeless. The House Connect outreach event presented by the County Housing Agency in partnership with community agencies and groups continues on Thursday at The Salvation Army Lihu‘e Corps, starting at 10 a.m. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Teacher absences disrupt public schools, Honolulu mayor cuts crowd size by half, legislative leaders target governor's emergency powers, rainy day fund, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Interim Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi

Staff shortages hit Hawaii public schools with 800 teachers out sick. Hawaii’s public schools are now starting to see disruptions due to rising teacher absences caused by the COVID-19 omicron variant surge, state schools interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi has confirmed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige’s emergency powers, Rainy Day proposal face challenges. Following nearly two years of COVID-19-related emergency proclamations issued by Gov. David Ige, the state House plans to consider legislation that would allow lawmakers to restrict the governor’s ability to issue future emergency proclamations through a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

State tax collections for most months of 2021 surpassed 2019 levels. State general excise tax collections have surpassed 2019 levels for half of 2021. That’s according Eugene Tian, the stateʻs chief economist. He briefed state lawmakers Tuesday on 2021 performance, trends and 2022 forecasts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii State Capitol To Remain Closed, For Now. House and Senate leaders are worried about rising Covid-19 case counts. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

State parks requests $9M budget increase for more staff, maintenance. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks is asking for a budget increase. During the current fiscal year, the State Parks division received about $3 million through special funds. They are requesting $12 million for fiscal year 2023. Hawaii Public Radio.

House Finance Committee Members Grill Tourism Officials On Budget Request. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is asking for $150.5 million for operations and to repair the Hawaii Convention Center roof. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

State Searching For Ways To Avoid Unemployment Tax Spike For Employers
. The Ige administration will introduce a measure to once again adjust how much employers must pay into the unemployment system. Civil Beat.

Group of Hawaii lawmakers formed to help working families. A diverse group of Hawaii lawmakers has formed a new coalition to elevate legislative efforts aimed at improving economic conditions for much of the local working class, including households with children. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names Aimee Barnes To State Land Board. If approved by the state Senate, she would succeed Samuel Gon III. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Is Beefing Up Its Potential To Produce More Meat Locally. A billionaire’s investment in the state’s biggest slaughterhouses and a shift to more grass-fed operations could help ranchers keep their cattle in the islands after years of sending them to the mainland. Civil Beat.

Traffic returns to pre-pandemic numbers statewide. Traffic volumes have returned to pre-pandemic numbers throughout major state routes. The state Department of Transportation has been monitoring traffic volumes during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Hawaii Public Radio.

Affordable federal internet program underway; 100,000 Hawaiʻi households may qualify. The new federal program will continue providing discounts on internet service for low-income families statewide. It is funded through the $65 billion Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act passed by Congress in November 2021.  Maui Now.

Hawaii hospitalization numbers skew people admitted for COVID-19. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 case counts have surged to triple the level seen since the start of the pandemic, state and local leaders have stressed that the focus should be not on case counts but hospitalization numbers when deciding whether to reinstate restrictions on businesses and gatherings, shut down in-person learning or continue indoor masking requirements. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

When experts talk about COVID one day being ‘endemic,’ here’s what they mean. Ray Vera, president and CEO of Hawaii Pacific Health, said at a news conference Wednesday that there is optimism that Omicron could be moving the world closer to the end of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

Hawaii sees 2,611 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 126,067. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,934 new cases on Oahu, 156 on Hawaii Island, 303 on Maui, 111 on Kauai, 33 on Molokai, 18 on Lanai and 56 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Caps Capacity of Large Indoor Events To Slow Covid Spread. Honolulu will require that all indoor events with at least 1,000 people attending cap attendees to 50% or less of capacity. The rules will be in place for the last three weeks of January, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said during a press conference with several leaders in Hawaii’s health care industry. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HART Board Member Resigns, Becomes HART’s New Finance Director. Dean Hazama had served on the local volunteer rail oversight board for just over two years. Civil Beat.

Visits to USS Arizona Memorial to resume after dock repairs made. Visits to the USS Arizona Memorial are set to resume Thursday after a shoreside dock was delivered and reinstalled today at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial visitor center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Most residents favor tourism: Big Island survey results presented to County Council committee. Most Big Island residents believe tourism is the most important pillar of the island’s economy, according to a 2021 survey. Tribune-Herald.

COVID surge hits Kona Community Hospital: Facility implements contingency and crisis staffing plan amid staffing shortage. In response, Kona Community Hospital on Tuesday activated its contingency and crisis staffing plan, which permits exposed and COVID-positive staffers to continue caring for patients while following DOH and CDC guidelines. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Big Island is experiencing a post-holiday surge of COVID-19, driven largely by Omicron. COVID-19 cases on Hawaiʻi Island took a slight dip Tuesday after four consecutive days of record-breaking numbers and more than 900 cases seen since the New Year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rezoning request for Hilo housing project advances. A proposed 90-unit affordable housing project in Hilo moved one step closer to reality Wednesday after a County Council committee approved a zoning change. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Department of Planning offices to close for renovations, Jan. 6-7. During the two days of office renovations, applications and other documents can be dropped off at the Department’s Current Planning Division Office in Suite 619 at One Main Plaza on Main Street in Wailuku. Maui Now.

ʻUaʻu populations on Lānaʻi are on the rebound, conservationists say. Lānaʻi is home to one-third of the world’s population of ʻuaʻu. But high rates of predation by feral cats and rats have put petrel colonies on Lānaʻi in peril. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Families reel with Waimea landslide blocking a portion of Menehune Road. Frustration over the lack of activity grew among residents affected by the closure of a portion of Menehune Road near the swinging bridge over the Waimea River Wednesday. Garden Island.

Record-high 175 COVID-19 cases Wednesday on Kaua‘i. Wednesday, the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announced 175 new cases of COVID-19, another single-day-high case-count day. Garden Island.