Native Hawaiians take over tourism marketing, state's 3 polluted beaches, 800 front-line workers out amid COVID surge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

These 3 Hawaii Beaches Have Chronic Pollution Problems. Surfrider Foundation shares its top 10 list of popular U.S. beaches that fail to meet health standards for recreational users. Of the 8,532 water test results reported in 2021, 36% of the samples collected from Maliko Bay on Maui, 95% from Chocolates Surf Break on Oahu, and 100% from Nawiliwili on Kauai, failed to meet the state health standard for recreational waters. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau loses contract to Hawaiian nonprofit. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has awarded the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement its lucrative contract to market the state to U.S. visitors — a major blow to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, which has held the job for years and was originally chosen to retain the post in a multiyear, $100 million deal. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. KHON2.

Native Hawaiians urge congressional committee to meet its trust obligation by opening more access to funding. Native Hawaiian leaders told U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs this week that more funding and program access is needed from Washington to better fulfill the government’s federal trust responsibility. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

State announces extension of digital currency innovation lab. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced a two-year extension of the Digital Currency Innovation Lab on Thursday. The pilot program is a joint effort to gauge public interest in crypto as well as ease entry into the marketplace, said the department. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

‘Big win for girls’: State to spend $60M to construct locker rooms for female athletes. In an effort to bring fairness to girls sports, the state Department of Education will receive more than $60 million over the next two years to build new locker facilities for female athletes. Hawaii News Now.

US Coast Guard ushers in ‘new era’ of operations with updated fleet of aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard is welcoming a new fleet of aircraft to better serve Hawaii and the greater Pacific region. The military branch is recognizing the “end of an era” with an event celebrating the transition from the HC-130H aircraft to the HC-130J. Hawaii News Now.

Amid ongoing surge, more than 800 frontline caregivers in Hawaii out sick with COVID. Amid Hawaii’s ongoing COVID surge, some 800 frontline caregivers in Hawaii called out sick Thursday due to the virus, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii said. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 5 nearing final OK. State Department of Health officials have said vaccines for children ages 6 months up to 4 years may be authorized soon, and they are advising parents to ask their pediatricians whether they will offer the vaccine and be ready when they are available. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More permit delays cause frustration at city planning department. Changes to the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting were supposed to expedite the process. But applicants said it’s taking longer than ever to get a permit — and they said multiple industries are suffering because of it. KHON2.

How to stop sand erosion on Waikīkī coastline? That’s the $2 billion question. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are making beach maintenance an ever more costly challenge. Hawaii Public Radio.

OSHA: ‘Disabled’ Red Hill Firefighting System Put Employees In Danger. The Navy said it turned off the automatic deployment of firefighting foam after a leak in the system. Civil Beat.

McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Library reopens after 2-year closure for repairs. Workers replaced the roof, installed a solar panel system, and repaired water damage throughout the library. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wooden swing removed at Sacred Falls State Park to discourage trespassing. State law enforcement officers have removed a wooden swing at the foot of the falls at Sacred Falls State Park, which has been closed to the public for more than 20 years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

No property tax relief: Council approves $785.3M spending plan. There will be no tax breaks for Hawaii County property owners this year, after the County Council on Thursday shot down attempts by three council members to divvy up for property owners a budget windfall stemming from a booming economy that sent property values skyrocketing. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Court Rules For State In Latest Aina Leʻa Decision. The United States District Court in the District of Hawai‘i has ruled in favor of the State of Hawaiʻi in a regulatory-taking lawsuit concerning the Villages at Aina Leʻa project in Waikōloa. Big Island Video News.

Big Island energy firm seeks Public Utilities Commission review. Honua Ola Bioenergy filed a motion Thursday for reconsideration, clarification and a further hearing with the state Public Utilities Commission in an attempt to reverse the agency’s 2-1 decision May 23 that rejected the company’s renewable energy project on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Ige talks return of Japanese visitors. Gov. David Ige said he’s expecting Japan Airlines to start service between Japan and Kona on Aug. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Major outdoor lighting rules to protect Maui County seabirds move ahead. With widespread support from environmental groups, a Maui County measure meant to dim lights that can be lethal for Hawaiian seabirds advanced Wednesday. Maui Now.

Public scoping on proposed Kīpahulu Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. The proposed Kīpahulu CBSFA is from Kālepa Gulch in the southwest to Pua‘alu‘u Gulch in the northeast, and covers roughly 5.7 miles of coastline. Maui Now.

Maui Solar Panel Owners Can Get Cash Incentives For Upgrading Energy Storage. Hawaiian Electric’s Battery Bonus program can provide Maui customers with a one-time cash incentive and monthly bill credits. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Council approves $260.3M budget. It was a total increase of more than $40 million over the current budget (a $243.3 million operating budget and $24.8 million CIP tab), with the majority of the additional funds going towards CIP projects. Garden Island.

Endangered Blind Spiders And Ancient Burials Spur Angst Over Luxury Condo Project. No one knows for certain what all lies underground at a vacant parcel that’s being developed on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Hawaii scores highly for coastal protection, Honolulu mulls massive law enforcement, first responder campus, Zuckerberg donates $4.9M to Kauai Habitat for Humanity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii shoreline ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii gets a ‘B’ for coastal protection in Surfrider Foundation’s national report. The Surfrider Foundation’s 2021 State of the Beach Report gives Hawaii a grade of “B,” moving up from the “C” it received last year and ranking better than 67% of the coastal states surveyed, the national nonprofit environmental group announced last week. Star-Advertiser.

Future USS Daniel Inouye to Pass by Hawaiian Islands on its Way to Homeport on Oʻahu. The future USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) is scheduled to arrive at its new homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Thursday, Nov. 18, following a two-day voyage around the Hawaiian Islands. Big Island Now.

More French visitors expected in Hawaii. With travel restrictions still in place by the Japanese government, some believe it's the French that could soon provide an economic boost to the Aloha state. KITV4.

Attorney: Lawsuit over alarming spread of COVID in Hawaii prisons prompted change. Civil rights attorneys said a recent settlement of a lawsuit over the spread of COVID in the state’s prison system is starting to pay off. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii libraries seek upgrade in security following coronavirus pandemic crime wave. Hawaii’s 51-branch public library system is looking to beef up security following a rough patch of vandalism and violent confrontations including an attempted kidnapping. Star-Advertiser.

Gary Gill Returns To Politics In Bid For State House. The former Honolulu City Council chair is seeking to fill the seat held by Sylvia Luke. Civil Beat.

Troubled United Public Workers Union Holds A Pivotal Election. Amid an ongoing federal investigation, members of one of the most influential unions in Hawaii are electing a new state director. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Strike Averted After Workers, Company Reach Agreement. The national health care company Kaiser Permanente concluded contract negotiations with unions representing nearly 50,000 employees nationally, including more than 1,800 employees in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Says 93% Of Those Who Died Of Covid Through September Weren’t Vaccinated. Newly released data on breakthrough hospitalizations and deaths shows they’re especially rare for people younger than 60. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 81 additional infections. The  new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 42 new cases on Oahu, eight on Hawaii Island, 16 on Maui, six on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Dream campus envisioned for 19 government agencies on Oahu. The First Responder Technology Campus is being planned to be built on 243 acres of former agriculture land in Mililani. The complex will be an operations and training base. It is envisioned to include office space, classrooms, an auditorium, lodging for visitors and apartments for employees. The project could begin next year and take 15 years to complete. Star-Advertiser.

Why Isn’t Affordable Housing In Kakaako More Affordable? The trendy Honolulu neighborhood is a designated special “community development district.” But critics say it has done little to ease the island’s affordable housing crisis. Civil Beat.

Fewer visitors to Oahu in 2020 did not cause significant drop in electricity, water and sewer consumption. Based on the Oahu numbers, state Chief Economist Eugene Tian extrapolated that if tourism were completely shut down in the state, statewide electricity sales in terms of dollars would decrease by only 14.7%, while water charges would only decrease by 10.7%. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium owners face steep costs to comply with fire safety measures. A bill under consideration by the Honolulu City Council would extend the deadline for condominiums to install fire sprinklers to 2033 — three years beyond the current deadline established in response to the deadly 2017 Marco Polo fire. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Radio telescopes could be built on Big Island. Three additional radio telescopes could be built on the Big Island as part of a nationwide telescope array. Tribune-Herald.

Stanford Carr slated to build workforce housing at Waikoloa. Developer Stanford Carr has been selected to partner with Waikoloa Land Co. to build the workforce housing component of a residential and timeshare project coming before the Leeward Planning Commission next week. West Hawaii Today.

County approves master plan for Hilo mixed-use development. The development, on 171.5 acres of land between Komohana and Mohouli streets, has been on the drawing board since 2009. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

ACLU sues Maui County over homeless encampment sweep, claims violation of constitutional rights. Maui officials said concerns regarding health, safety, access, and wildlife in the Kanahā Beach area led to the action. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s largest solar project gets green light. Kuihelani Solar would cover nearly 450 acres in Central Maui. Noting the reduction in fossil fuels, greenhouse gases and electricity costs, the Maui Planning Commission gave the state’s largest solar photovoltaic project the green light for development in Central Maui. Maui News.

Endangered ‘Akikiki Birds to Travel from Kaua’i to Maui to Join Breeding Program. The interisland transfer of Halehaha’s remaining ‘akikiki is intended to be a temporary reprieve while biologists work to restore the birds’ forest habitat. Maui Now.

Kauai

DOH raises alarms after at least 36 COVID cases linked to Kauai church. Officials are urging the congregation of King’s Chapel in Nawiliwili to participate in virtual services and to avoid in-person church activities until the cluster is contained. The state said anyone who attended the church’s Halloween “Trunk or Treat” event or youth group activities are encouraged to get tested for COVID. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauaʻi to use old irrigation system to store electric power. Kauaʻi’s electric utility plans to use an irrigation system dating to sugar plantation days to help store solar power for use at night. Officials say the project will provide about one-quarter of Kauaʻi’s energy needs and allow the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative to obtain 80% of its power from renewable sources by 2025. Associated Press.

$40 million restoration of a Kauai bridge completed after three years. Drivers going through Kauai’s historic Hanapepe Town will be routed onto the new Hanapepe River Bridge starting around noon Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Chan, Zuckerberg donate $4.85M to Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity. The Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i Community Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation have awarded $4.85 million in grants to the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity to be used toward the construction of affordable housing units in Kaua‘i Habitat’s Waimea Huakai subdivision, Anahola, and the upcoming Kauhale O Waipouli project. Garden Island.

Free Marine Wildlife identification posters available at public libraries. The posters were distributed at four sites around the island were made available for families and individuals, despite the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery remaining closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

Tidal erosion forecast, Kealoha trial continues, Maui $823.6M budget scrutinized, bank agrees to take over Kawananakoa trust, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crowded beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Summer tides increase likelihood of Hawaii shoreline erosion. Hawaii’s big waves and high tides will make shoreline erosion and flooding likely this summer, officials said. Associated Press.

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Ex-officer testifies at Kealoha trial that he ‘perpetuated a lie’ in mailbox theft case. Retired police officer Niall Silva admitted repeatedly lying to the FBI, federal prosecutors, grand jurors and in court testimony in connection with the alleged theft of the mailbox of retired Honolulu Police Chief Louise Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

‘My Heart Sank’: Former Officer Details His Role In Mailbox Conspiracy. Niall Silva, who pleaded guilty in 2016 for his part in the alleged framing of Gerard Puana, testified Tuesday that he falsified police reports and lied to the FBI. Civil Beat.

‘I perpetuated the lie’: Former officer testifies against Kealohas in mailbox trial. A retired police officer who pleaded guilty in connection with the public corruption case against Honolulu’s former police chief and his wife detailed on the stand Tuesday how he participated in the alleged conspiracy to frame one of the police chief’s in-laws. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Week two is underway, get updates here. KHON2.

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State Makes No Conclusion On Whether DPS Deputy Director Violated Ethics Code. But some employees felt coerced to support Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda’s confirmation, the Ethics Commission writes in a guidance letter to Jodie Maesaka-Hirata. Civil Beat.

Push to move more Hawaiians into trade industry. A recent economic study found 57% of Native Hawaiians do not earn enough to survive in Hawaii. But local non profit, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is working to change that. KITV.

Housing Costs Put A Crimp On Keeping Teachers In Hawaii. DOE is partnering with a developer to help educators with down payments, but other states are going much further by building teacher housing. Civil Beat.

Controversy over a cannabis compound remains amid a state 'crackdown'. The Hawaii Department of Health says cannabidiol (CBD) products sold without a prescription and outside of licensed medical cannabis dispensaries may be pulled from sale by health inspectors at any time. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Bank agrees to take control of Kawananakoa trust. First Hawaiian Bank in a court filing has conditionally agreed to take over as trustee of the Kawananakoa Trust, saying it recognizes the importance to the Native Hawaiian community. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brian Schatz addresses Ala Wai Canal, climate change, abortion during town hall. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said it wasn’t possible to pause a $345 million project aimed at safeguarding Waikiki and other Honolulu neighborhoods from catastrophic flooding from the Ala Wai Canal without risking federal funding, during a town hall Tuesday evening at Washington Middle School in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Can HPD’s New Training Program Reduce Domestic Violence Within Its Ranks? After a “bad month” for officers being arrested on abuse allegations, the department talks about a new initiative. But not everyone thinks it will help. Civil Beat.

Suspect charged in attack of Honolulu police officer appears in court. Remington Troy Guyton was charged Monday with first-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, first-degree attempted theft and contempt of court. Hawaii News Now.

Former HPD officer ordered to pay $11,654 for taxes. Retired Honolulu Police Department Lt. Eric Yiu is not going to jail or prison for tax evasion and is even getting the opportunity to keep his criminal record clean. Star-Advertiser.

Dispute cresting over Kamaaina Kids’ commercial use of Kaneohe Bay. A state agency is trying to stop a local nonprofit focused on child care from selling ocean adventure activities at Kaneohe Bay after years of complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Surfrider Foundation volunteers band together to check for beach-water bacteria levels. Surfrider reorganized its beach-water testing program in February 2018 with the goal of adding frequency and new sites to the water quality monitoring already being done by the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County preps for all-mail election. Hawaii County, like the rest of the state, is preparing for a totally mail-in election next year, and the first step is to acquire new machinery to handle it. West Hawaii Today.

Airport to benefit from capital improvement funds. The Hilo International Airport will have a new air-conditioning system thanks to a $23.8 million capital improvement project. Tribune-Herald.

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Affordable housing proposed for Waikoloa Village. A partnership between a California-based company and a Hawaii nonprofit both dedicated to developing affordable housing options is aiming to bring 60 rental units to Waikoloa Village. West Hawaii Today.

60 Affordable Rental Units Proposed For Waikoloa. A draft environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact has been published for the planned Kaiaulu O Waikoloa project. Big Island Video News.

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Green waste being accepted at Keei Transfer Station. Hawaii County is again accepting green waste at the Keei Transfer station in South Kona after a three-month closure, with some new guidelines. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Former, current budget heads disagree over spending hike. $823.6M budget up for second and final reading today. Maui News.

Na Hale O Maui blesses project, pours foundation on first lot. Na Hale O Maui blessed its affordable housing project in Lahaina on May 20 and poured a foundation on what will be the first of 12 lots on Wednesday. Maui News.

Water department seeking input on plan. The county Department of Water Supply is asking the public to participate in an online survey aimed at developing a strategic plan. Maui News.

Kauai

Explore Kalalau -- without going there. There’s a way to explore the sheer cliffs and vibrant greens of the Kalalau Trail that have off limits to hikers for the past year. Garden Island.

12% more homeless on Oahu streets, former governors back Kahele over Gabbard, Southwest preps for Hawaii routes, state doesn't know how many vaccinated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless in Honolulu ©2019 All Hawaii News

The number of homeless living on Oahu streets jumped 12 percent in the past year while the overall number, including those living in shelters, dropped by 4 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Unsheltered homeless population up 12% on Oahu from last year. Despite a number of city efforts to push people living on the streets to shelters, the number of unsheltered homeless people on Oahu is up 12 percent from a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Fewer homeless on Oahu. There are fewer homeless on Oahu. But efforts to get them into shelters are falling short. KHON2.

Partners In Care provides 2019 Oahu Point in Time Count fact sheet. KITV.

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Former Govs. Neil Abercrombie and John Waihee are throwing their support behind state Sen. Kai Kahele in his bid for the congressional seat occupied by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, an indication that Kahele — while a relative newcomer to politics — could prove a formidable candidate in next year’s race. Star-Advertiser.

How Many Kids In Hawaii Have Been Vaccinated? The State Doesn’t Know. The state Department of Health says a high percentage of schools haven’t reported the number of kindergarten students who’ve received vaccination waivers. Civil Beat.

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 1368 that would create a collective bargaining unit for graduate assistants. Civil Beat.

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Southwest Airlines received Federal Aviation Administration approval Wednesday to begin making long, over-water flights to Hawaii. The carrier said Wednesday it would publish its schedule in the “coming days.” Star-Advertiser.

Southwest Gets FAA Approval For Flights Between Hawaii And California. The Dallas-based airline plans to fly to four islands from the mainland, with the option  of adding inter-island flights later. Associated Press.

Southwest Airlines plans to announce its inaugural flights to Hawaii when it publishes its schedule in the coming days after the Federal Aviation Administration gave the airline approval to run flights between California and the islands. West Hawaii Today.

Southwest Gains FAA Authorization for Hawaii Flights. Maui Now.

Southwest Airlines has decisions to make and announcements to prepare, after finally winning federal regulatory permission to run revenue service to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Ticket sales for Southwest Airlines should be announced in the coming days. That's because the FAA has finally approved the company to serve Hawaii. KHON2.

Oahu

New crime-fighting plan rolled out for Waikiki amid cries to beef up security. Flanked by Waikiki stakeholders and members of Hawaii’s visitor industry, Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Honolulu Police Maj. Dagan Tsuchida this morning unveiled a new Waikiki crime-fighting plan. Star-Advertiser.

40 More Security Cameras To Be Installed in Waikiki Area. Government and private business partners announced stepped up security efforts in Waikiki - the state's major economic engine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Forty new security cameras. A greater police presence. And removals of benches and walls where criminal elements are known to gather. Those are among the public safety strategies the city is taking ― with the help of a number of private groups ― as part of a bid to address rising crime in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

More cameras are being put up in Waikiki in an effort to curb crime. It's just one of the things the city is doing to make the area safer for locals and visitors alike. KHON2.

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A dismissed 2015 DUI is among the ways Kealoha allegedly helped her friends. The federal investigation into public corruption at some of Honolulu’s highest levels includes traffic court favors for friends of ex-deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

Protest outside HPD Headquarters after three officer-involved shootings. KITV.

City council resolution for forensic HART audit deferred. The chair made the recommendation to give HART a chance to discuss the resolution at Thursday's board meeting, and also give them a chance to respond. KHON2.

Feds cite multiple Oahu restaurants for not paying overtime, violating child labor laws. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Dept. of Labor finds overtime, minimum wage, and child labor violations at Oahu malls. KHON2.

Already hit by rail, Waipahu businesses are dreading another city project. In order to prepare Waipahu for rail, the city has several construction projects planned to revitalize the old plantation town. Hawaii News Now.

The National Institutes of Health Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence awarded researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa a $10.4 million grant to create an interactive center for environmental microbiomes and human health. Maui Now.

A 20-year-old Marine infantryman at Kaneohe Bay is being investigated for “derogatory online” comments tied to a slew of neo-Nazi Twitter posts, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Some Ka'u residents face hefty bills for mandated sewer connections. While the projects will eliminate sources of groundwater pollution, they also are leaving affected residents wondering how they are going to pay for it. Tribune-Herald.

County mulls potential users of recycled water. At some point in 2020, the Department of Environmental Management will have to find somewhere to put the 1.8 million gallons of recycled water (R1 water) its Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant will pump out every day. West Hawaii Today.

Erosion undermines Alii Drive in Kailua Village. County crews are working to address erosion issues on Alii Drive across from Bongo Ben’s Island Cafe in Kailua Village. West Hawaii Today.

In an effort to restore the Waimea River's natural discharge into the ocean, crews plan to remove 15,000 cubic yards of sand from the existing river mouth and restore its natural depth. DLNR is hosting a public information meeting on Wednesday March 6, 2019, to provide a brief overview of the planned construction activities. KHON2.

Maui

Maui County Council leadership expressed surprise and displeasure with Mayor Michael Victorino’s move to appoint three directors whom the council had rejected days ago to temporarily lead the departments. Maui News.

A metals and electronics recycling event in Hana has been set for Thursday through Saturday for East Maui residents. Maui News.

Kauai

Abandoned cars were on the table at Wednesday’s Kauai County Council Parks and Recreation/Transportation Committee meeting, with councilmembers voicing concerns about the high number of banged-up vehicles appearing along roadsides, in county parks and on beaches. Garden Island.

Project may extend landfill. The Kekaha Landfill, which is Kauai’s only landfill and was built in 1953, is projected to reach its capacity by 2026. Garden Island.

The Kauai Republican Party County Convention will be held Saturday, March 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lihue Missionary Church on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Surfrider removes tons of trash from beaches. From cleaning beaches and marine debris education to publishing scientific papers, Kauai’s Surfrider chapter was busy in 2018. Garden Island.

Surfrider grades beaches, Oahu getting major military projects, Alexander & Baldwin sells 41k acres of Maui sugar land, Big Island residents oppose vaccinations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Girl playing on Waikiki beach ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii received a C-plus in the Surfrider Foundation’s annual State of the Beach Report Card, which grades 30 U.S. states and the territory of Puerto Rico on policies that address climate change, shoreline erosion and extreme weather. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has joined forces with various marine and animal protection organizations to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii-based marine and animal protection organizations have joined forces with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to make it easier for people to report illegal aquarium collecting activity across the state. Garden Island.

NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds the public that humpback whale season in Hawaii is underway. Maui Now.

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights now supports federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. In a major reversal, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is supporting federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pentagon awards contract for powerful missile radar defense system on Oahu.  The Missile Defense Agency has awarded Lockheed Martin a $585 million contract to design and build a powerful ballistic missile radar defense system on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

New $680M Coast Guard cutter arriving in Honolulu. The first of two new $680 million Coast Guard cutters is expected to arrive in Honolulu Saturday, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Police Chief: Sharing Information With Kaneshiro Not In City’s ‘Best Interest’. Mayor’s office is “seriously considering” Susan Ballard’s request that the prosecuting attorney be excluded from public safety meetings because of reports he’s under investigation. Civil Beat.

Here’s the email the police chief sent to the city about Honolulu’s prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Citing what it said were the lowest fees in conferences it competes in, the University of Hawaii athletic department began laying the ground work for raising the mandatory athletic fee it charges students. Star-Advertiser.

String of major storms proved fatal blow to popular Nalo Farms. Repeated bouts of severe weather has lead to the closure of Nalo Farms. Hawaii News Now.

Nalo Farms closes business after being impacted by April's heavy rains. A well-known Waimanalo farm impacted by last April's heavy rains is now shut down for good. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Public testifiers spoke out in opposition to immunization and examination requirements for school attendance in Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

It's a Big Island power plant, but now an Oahu County political party is getting involved. Thursday night, the Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities is holding a public event to talk about Hu Honua Bioenergy power plant. KITV.

A crew is working to remove a derelict boat that’s been sitting on the makai side of Queen Kaahumanu Highway, south of Kua Bay, for more than a month. West Hawaii Today.

Charter Commission chairman to speak in Honokaa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A&B sells all of its farm holdings for $262 million. Alexander & Baldwin, which grew sugar cane on Maui for 150 years and ceased operations in 2016, is leaving agriculture behind on the island, announcing the sale of its 41,000 acres of farm land for $262 million to a farming venture between a California investment group and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Maui News.

New Era of Ag on Maui: A&B Sells 41,000 Acres to Mahi Pono. Alexander & Baldwin today announced an agreement that will launch a new era of agriculture on Maui.  According to company executives, the agreement provides for the sale of the former Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company lands to Mahi Pono LLC for purposes of cultivating a variety of food and energy crops, ensuring the continued agricultural use of these lands, the preservation of green, open space in Central Maui, and a consistent and long-term source of revenue for the local economy. Maui Now.

A&B sells 41,000 acres of former Maui sugar lands. Alexander & Baldwin has sold about 41,000 acres of former Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company lands on Maui as part of a $262 million deal aimed at boosting local food production. Hawaii News Now.

Former HC&S land on Maui sold for $262 million. KHON2.

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The Maui County Planning Department will hold a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Department’s Administrative Rules for the Agricultural District. Maui Now.

MPD seeks recruits to fill more than 40 vacant positions. Some police officers have been reassigned to work patrol shifts, and some promotions are being delayed, as police continue recruiting officers to fill more than 40 vacant positions. Maui News.

Kauai

Community-Focused Rebuilding on Kauai's North Shore. A new community-driven initiative on Kauai's North Shore aims to ensure residents have a say in rebuilding their coast after the massive flooding earlier this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai woman pleads guilty to stealing almost $365K from US government. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu picks first female police chief, prosecutors prepare to seize former chief's house, legislative leaders pick rail board members, lieutenant governor race gets crowded, Monsanto drops Molokai land plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard

Maj. Susan Ballard became Honolulu’s first female police chief today, taking over a department mired in a scandal that deposed her predecessor and cast a cloud over the entire force. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard, a major with three decades of policing experience, will be the new chief of the Honolulu Police Department, the first woman to hold the top job in its 85-year history. Civil Beat.

'A new day': HPD major selected to lead department in crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Police Major Susan Ballard has been chosen to become the next Honolulu Police chief. KITV.

Four Honolulu police commissioners have selected the City and County’s next chief of police: Maj. Susan Ballard. KHON2.

Video: Honolulu Police Chief Selection Press Conference. Civil Beat.

In picking Maj. Susan Ballard as the island’s new police chief, the Honolulu Police Commission chose someone who’s been a commander within the Honolulu Police Department but — by several accounts including her own — was outside of the inner circle that flanked now-indicted and retired Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Maj. Susan Ballard: A closer look at Honolulu's next police chief. Of the seven finalists chosen for the Honolulu police chief position, current Maj. Susan Ballard was the only applicant currently still employed with HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Excitement surrounds pick for Honolulu’s next chief of police. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors are moving forward to have the Hawaii Kai home of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his city prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha forfeited to the government. Star-Advertiser.

Covert Honolulu Police Unit Has Long History Of Troubles. The CIU is again under scrutiny, with five officers recently arrested as part of a federal investigation into police corruption. Civil Beat.

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Race for lieutenant governor gets more crowded, while congressional race remains quiet. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. announced today he will run in what is shaping up to be a crowded race for lieutenant governor next year. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Mayor Wants To Be Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor. Stressing education and family issues, Bernard Carvalho Jr. joins a crowded field of candidates for the state’s No. 2 job. Civil Beat.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced his candidacy for 2018 lieutenant governor of Hawaii in front of the State Capitol on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has his eye on a new job. He announced Wednesday that he’s planning to run as a Democrat for lieutenant governor in 2018. KHON2.

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Legislative picks to sit on HART board announced. State Legislative leaders have announced their four picks to serve as nonvoting members on the volunteer Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board, a provision of the $2.4 billion rail-bailout package they approved in September. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative Leaders Appoint Four People To Honolulu Rail Board. The state budget director and others are tasked with bringing more accountability to the project, even though they’re nonvoting members. Civil Beat.

State makes its 4 picks for HART board appointees. Under the rail funding bill that passed in the state legislature earlier this year, state leaders were tasked with appointing a total of four non-voting members to the HART board. Hawaii News Now.

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Southwest could face legal hiccup in Hawaii expansion. A union on the mainland is threatening to block the airline's expansion to the islands citing ongoing disputes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii astronomer discovers ‘odd’ space object. A University of Hawaii astronomer discovered what appears to be the first near-Earth space object to have arrived here from beyond our solar system, the university announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Filipino veterans and delegates finally get recognized. Star-Advertiser.

Filipino Veterans Presented Congressional Gold Medals. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined other US Congressional leaders to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans today at the US Capitol. Maui Now.

Hawaii Nonprofit Seeks A Statewide Effort To Fight Hunger. One in five children in the islands deals with hunger, according to a recent report. Civil Beat.

What if the Great Mahele Wasn't a Foreign Imposition? The concept of private property was introduced to Hawaii with the Great Mahele of 1848. That action is often blamed for a lack of land ownership among native Hawaiians…a situation that lasts to this day. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City projects mark 1 year of housing homeless families. While state sheriff’s deputies swept more than 300 chronically homeless people from state land in Kakaako and below the H-1 freeway viaduct this month, the city quietly marked the first anniversary of two housing projects — one in Waianae and one in town — that provide permanent housing for homeless families. Star-Advertiser.

These Kalihi Streets Are A Big Hazard For Bike Riders. Honolulu DOT has plans for improving safety in the area, including repaving North King Street and adding shared-use lanes. Civil Beat.

'Good law' or 'dumb law'? Opinions on new distracted walking measure vary.  Hawaii News Now.

A 55-year-old, male teacher who was fired from all-girls Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of fourth-degree sex assault and three counts of third-degree sex assault, police said. Star-Advertiser.

A former Honolulu private school teacher who was fired after allegations of "inappropriate conduct" with students has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, police say. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Trash talking: Panel to decide solid waste direction for the decade. It’s time for the county to update its integrated solid waste management plan, a document required by state law every 10 years to ensure local governments keep on top of their trash, green waste, compost and recycling issues. West Hawaii Today.

Moon base prototype may be built on Big Island. The United States and other countries are planning to return to the moon. And the road back to the lunar surface may go through Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools deliberate in removal of old Keahou Beach Hotel. West Hawaii Today.

North Hawaii Community Hospital is moving forward with a $25 million emergency room expansion. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Tuesday morning’s severe thunderstorm and floods continued to erode Wailuku River and nearly destroyed a maintenance bridge regularly used by the Hawai’i Nature Center for educational programs in Iao Valley. Maui News.

Lights are back on after largest outage in a decade. More than 160 Maui Electric Co. workers and two contracted crews responded to the county’s biggest power outage in more than a decade early Tuesday morning in the wake of a thunderstorm that rolled through Maui County. Maui News.

The Department of Water Supply announced it has ended its declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district as the forecast indicates that probabilities favor above average rainfall for the upcoming wet season. Maui Now.

Kauai

School boundary changes draw fire. Many have questions about how it could affect students, families. Garden Island.

AES Distributed Energy Inc. and SunPower Corp. are developing a new solar-plus-storage facility on the Garden Isle, set to be the largest in the state. Pacific Business News.

Plastic storage pau. Surfrider Kauai looking for place to store marine debris. Garden Island.

The State Commission on Water Resource Management will be holding a public hearing at the Lihue Civic Center on Nov. 17 on proposed amendments to its administrative rules pertaining to water use, wells and stream diversion works. Garden Island.

Molokai

Monsanto withdraws request to preserve Molokai farmland. The corn seed producer notified the state Land Use Commission on Wednesday that it has withdrawn a petition to designate 1,084 acres for protection under a state law intended to preserve prime farmland. Star-Advertiser.

Taxes for teachers; Legislature mulls polystyrene food container ban, drone restrictions, affordable housing bonds, extending rail tax; Molokai mule rides may shut down, Kauai bridge uproar, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Teachers Association Jan. 21, 2017 Honolulu rally

A number of bills to tax investors and tourists to improve public education are advancing through the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

After postponing making a decision last Friday, a House committee Monday amended and passed two measures that would use taxes to provide more funding for public schools in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Scheduled for a joint committee hearing Wednesday, Senate Bill 1109 would ban food vendors from using styrofoam and other polystyrene containers. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers are advancing an assortment of bills this year to begin collecting state excise taxes that are owed for online sales of retail products, a step that one lawmaker estimates might haul in an extra $80 million a year for the state treasury. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii usually budgets tens of millions of dollars annually to subsidize affordable housing development, but Sen. Will Espero wants to increase that to $2 billion to tackle the state’s severe housing shortage. Civil Beat.

State supports increasing fines from $250 to $750 for distracted driving. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers are working to tackle the thorny issue of how to regulate drones again this year but have already sidelined one bill while acknowledging that a second measure will likely morph into a permanent working group to further study the issue. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering new restrictions for drones that they say are aimed at helping keep the skies safe. Hawaii News Now.

A new Hawaii bill would add penalties and increase the amount of electric vehicle parking spaces shopping malls and other places would need to dedicate at their respective properties. Pacific Business News.

Legislation introduced Friday would prohibit registered lobbyists from serving on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. But there’s only one target of the bill at this point: Keli‘i Akina. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai representatives have introduced a bill that seeks a stricter sentence for people found guilty of family abuse of keiki. Garden Island.

Representative Beth Fukumoto is weighing whether to stay in Hawai‘i’s Republican Party. It’s a decision that has brought her the attention of national media. Hawaii Public Radio.

The federal court has approved a final settlement in a landmark lawsuit over the religious rights of Native Hawaiian inmates at the Saguaro Correctional Center, an Arizona prison where about 1,700 Hawaii prisoners are housed. Civil Beat.

President Donald Trump Seeks To Put Hawaii Case On Hold. The Trump administration says Hawaii’s challenge of travel ban should wait until a mainland case is resolved. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Key Hawaii state senators are moving against the deal proposed last week that would extend Oahu’s rail tax in exchange for the city relinquishing a share of those rail dollars to the state for neighbor island projects. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Tax Surcharge Measures Face Big Votes This Week. The measures before Hawaii Senate panels call for extending the general excise tax hike on Oahu and returning the state’s skim to the city. Civil Beat.

A state senator held a town hall meeting, Monday night, to address the traffic tie up that left drivers stuck for hours, as they headed toward Hawaii Kai on the H-1. KITV.

A fraud and misspending investigation launched in 2013 at Kaiser High School ended years later without anyone being charged. But now players on both sides of that case are in the middle of an education shakeup. KHON2.

The city finally has come up with proposed new rules to crack down on the illegal vending that’s gone on at Oahu beach parks for decades. Civil Beat.

A new Hawaii bill would provide a major boost to the untapped potential of hydroelectricity on Oahu by pumping millions of dollars into a project that would utilize the Nuuanu reservoir in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

The solar industry continues to dim as the number of solar energy system permits issued on Oahu in January was cut in half from the same period last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The state Department of Transportation will begin swapping out speed limit signs on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, starting today. Tribune-Herald.

A new, increased speed limit is about to take effect on Saddle Road, also known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Big Island Video News.

Another piece of a North Kohala shoreline trail is set to fall into place Wednesday, when the County Council plans to take up resolutions granting pedestrian and vehicle access. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A pilot project to offset carbon emissions and restore forests around Kahikinui has been proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

Abandoned building full of history. A lone two-story cement building standing in the middle of a field on the West Maui Mountains side of Mokulele Highway is a curious but familiar sight for passers-by. Maui News.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill seven primary and alternate seats on its advisory council, according to an announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Maui News.

Kauai

Public outcry over the construction of a $2.7 million, 20-ton bridge Keahua Stream on Kuamoo Road, in an area known as “loop road,” has sparked another public meeting on Kauai about the project. Garden Island.

A health facility, school buildings, affordable housing and park improvements are on the list of capital improvement projects Kauai legislators say are necessary for financing. Garden Island.

A pair of bills related that would change Hawaii law in response to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s “quiet title” actions filed against owners of small pieces of land, or kuleana lands, within his 700-acre oceanfront property on Kauai continue to move ahead in the state Legislature. Pacific Business News.

A next-generation guided missile with ramifications for the protection of Hawaii on Friday successfully intercepted a ballistic missile target west of the Hawaiian Islands in the first such shoot-down attempt, demonstrating a greater defensive capability for the United States and Japan, which jointly developed the missile.  Star-Advertiser.

Surfrider, DOH zero in on Moloa‘a Stream: A distinct odor saturates the area around Moloaa Bay during heavy rains, and it smells like sewage, according to area residents. Garden Island.

Molokai

A popular Molokai mule tour is on the verge of shutting down after more than 40 years in operation. Kalaupapa Rare Adventures guides visitors on mule rides down a 1,600-foot cliff to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. Hawaii News Now.