Showing posts with label air quality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label air quality. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Navy wants to keep Red Hill infrastructure in place, Honolulu council mulls Waikiki noise levels, Maui County employees awarded COVID hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navy Times
Navy wants to find alternative uses for Red Hill as part of its closure plan. The Navy wants to keep its Red Hill fuel facility, including the 20 cavernous fuel tanks, surge tanks and pipelines, in the ground after it permanently retires the facility from fueling operations, according to a plan it submitted Tuesday to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Corrections By The Numbers: Incarceration Declined In 2020, And So Did Crime Rates. Data made public recently by the state Department of Public Safety shows Hawaii reduced its inmate populations in 2020 by more than most people realized at the time, and state crime statistics show Honolulu’s crime rates actually dropped that year. Civil Beat.

Struggles Of Micronesian Students Point To ‘Significant Issues’ In Hawaii School System. Many Micronesian students – especially in high school – have been struggling for years, but the pandemic widened existing achievement gaps.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department issues nearly $110K in fines for air pollution violations. The Hawaii Department of Health has fined six entities, including several major companies and the U.S. military nearly $110,000 for air pollution control permit violations in the state. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Oahu

Environmentalists, engineers urge local leaders to prepare for coastal erosion. A group of environmentalists, engineers and academics have urged state leaders and community members to take steps in addressing coastal erosion. The foundation, UH Sea Grant, and engineering firm SSFM International formed the North Shore Coastal Resilience Working Group to address the future of coastal management. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

City acquires university dorms and classrooms to create affordable housing. The city has acquired a building that Hawaii Pacific University currently uses for dorms and classrooms in hopes of adding another 100 units to its 1,500-unit affordable housing portfolio. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Consultant, Rail Engineer At Odds Over Station Cracking. Those investigating the cracks have disagreed about their severity, but the final report still isn’t out. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Health Employees Fired After Protesting Bathroom Limits Get Back Wages
. The community health center offered jobs back to three employees who were fired a week after complaining about losing access to a unisex bathroom. Civil Beat.

Gap Parks raise interest. Parks over the freeways, it is an idea that’s floating around and could be implemented on Oahu. They’re called Cap Parks.  KHON2.

City Council looks into street speaker noise ordinance for Waikiki. The streets of Waikiki could soon get quieter, if a bill before the Honolulu City Council passes. The measure would restrict the use of speakers on the streets. KITV4.

Hanauma Bay begins accepting JCB payments for reservations. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will accept the Japan Credit Bureau, or JCB, credit card for reservations starting Tuesday, Nov. 1. And starting Wednesday, JCB cards will be accepted for in-person admission payments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii’s high court hears arguments tied to Mauna Kea. The justices heard arguments on the question of whether, in this case, it is the government that must prove its rules are reasonable and do not unduly limit the rights conferred by the state Constitution, or whether the burden is on the challenger to prove the opposite. Star-Advertiser.

Police Commission holding special meeting to discuss police chief vacancy.
The Hawai‘i County Police Commission has scheduled a special meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday to continue discussing the applicants for police chief. The meeting will be held online via Zoom. Big Island Now.

Gun carry permits granted; police raise concerns over training. With 19 licenses to carry a concealed firearm issued and another 58 pending approval in Hawaii County, some Hawaii Island police officers are concerned they haven’t received proper training on encountering permit holders. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Bill aims to provide tool to revitalize downtown Hilo. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee, Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung introduced Bill 230, a recreation of a bill he introduced in 2020 that would have allowed member businesses in a downtown Hilo Business Improvement District to finance upgrades to the area’s infrastructure and other services. Tribune-Herald.

Council members urge state to help solve traffic and road woes. The Hawaii County Council is urging the Legislature to take steps to improve ailing roadway infrastructure on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui resort agrees to reduce bright lights to protect Hawaii seabird. The Grand Wailea resort on Maui has reached an agreement with several conservation groups to reduce its bright lights to protect endangered Hawaiian petrels, resolving a lawsuit filed earlier this year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

In contentious race for Maui mayor, water is a key issue — with few solutions. The general election is one week away and the candidates for Maui County mayor are vowing to improve the island’s water system. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County employees entitled to temporary hazard pay for working during pandemic. Employees who worked during Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation period from March 4, 2020, to March 25, 2022, can get up to 25% of their base salary. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui venison could soon stock local grocery stores. Efforts to manage the axis deer population in Maui County are working, and their plans to use the meat to feed the community and create economic opportunities are moving in the right direction. KHON2.

Kauai

Army trains at Barking Sands. The window of opportunity was small, but the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana, or Barking Sands, figured prominently Tuesday during the Kaua‘i segment of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center large-scale training exercise, referred to as JPMRC 23-01. Garden Island.

They’re ‘holding space’ at a popular Kauai beach to protest commercialization on the sand. On Kauai, there are growing concerns that residents are getting pushed out of a popular surfing and beach spot. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i jobless rate falls to 4 percent. Employers ramped up hiring in the final days of summer and into early fall on Kaua‘i, in turn helping send the unemployment rate for September to its lowest level in three years. Garden Island.

Blessing commemorates completion of Waimea rockfall mitigation project. The Department of Public Works held a blessing on Tuesday to commemorate the completion of the $1.6-million Waimea Rockfall Mitigation Project. Kauai Now.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Mail-in voting awaits Ige's signature, Oahu monster house bill becomes law, man falls into Kilauea crater, Honolulu-Princeville flights commence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
How people fall into Kilauea crater ©2019 All Hawaii News
 Man Rescued After Fall Into Kilauea Caldera. A man fell in from a location by Steaming Bluffs Wednesday evening, and was later rescued and airlifted from the park. Big Island Video News.

Man who fell into Kilauea Caldera rescued after hours-long mission. Multiple rescue parties from the park and county worked together in the rescue operations. Nightfall and windy conditions reportedly made the rescue challenging. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Pass All-mail Elections, Automatic Recounts. Hawaii lawmakers have passed bills instituting all-mail voting and automatic recounts for races with narrow victory margins, measures lawmakers hope will boost voter turnout and confidence in elections. The bills now go to the governor, who hasn't indicated whether he'll sign them. Associated Press.

Mail-in voting bill OK’d. A bill that would require all statewide elections to be conducted by mail beginning with the 2020 primary is headed to Gov. David Ige for consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii is on the verge of a major increase in parking fines along state highways. The new surcharge is meant to keep sightseers from pulling over in dangerous areas. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday posted an interactive map online to help visitors and residents learn of air quality conditions throughout the state. Civil Beat.

CBD products seem to be everywhere, and that’s got the state worried. The Health Department is warning businesses in the islands that sell cannabis-derived products that they risk “regulatory actions and penalties.” Hawaii News Now.

CBD in food and beauty products aren't FDA approved and could post health risks. KHON2.

Oahu

‘Monster house’ bill becomes law without mayor’s signature. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday allowed a bill designed to be a comprehensive policy on large-scale houses to become law without his signature, warning that it may go too far and have unintended consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Asks City Council To Amend ‘Monster Homes’ Bill. The Honolulu mayor approves Bill 79 but points to Department of Planning and Permitting concerns. Civil Beat.

New limits on the construction of so-called "monster homes" will take effect immediately after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed a regulatory measure to become law without his signature. Hawaii Public Radio.

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19 Army helicopters circle Oahu in rare flyover. An Army AH-64 Apache unit at Wheeler Army Airfield made some history Wednesday — and gained a lot of attention from the shore — by flying 19 of the wasp-like attack helicopters in formation around Oahu to celebrate an anniversary and demonstrate the squadron’s capability. Star-Advertiser.

A&B buys another Kapolei industrial property. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. continued its buying spree of industrial real estate on Oahu with the purchase of 36 acres used by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to mold concrete. Star-Advertiser.

Upcoming conference to generate millions in visitor spending. The Hawaii Convention Center will host nearly 2,500 participants from 32 countries for an annual scientific and educational conference for radiology professionals May 5-10, generating an estimated $9.4 million in visitor spending. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

2nd round of hearings set for revised Maunakea rules. Members of the public will have a second chance to weigh in the University of Hawaii’s proposed Maunakea administrative rules during a series of hearings next month. Tribune-Herald.

Farming slow to regrow after Kilauea eruption. Almost 14 square miles of Lower Puna was covered by lava, wiping out producers of papaya, ornamental flowers, nursery plants, macadamia nuts, avocados, coffee, noni, cacao, breadfruit, ginger, turmeric and more. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Nurses Association — which represents more than 70 nurses at North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea — is preparing for an informational picket on Saturday. The union says Queen's nurses at the Punchbowl and West Oahu hospitals earn $59.63 per hour while North Hawaii nurses get $47.45 which is about 20% less. Hawaii News Now.

County to replace Old Terminal Building with new comfort station. The Old Terminal Building at the Old Kona Airport Park will soon be a sight of the past. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Anaergia plan for waste-processing, energy-producing plant hits setback. Judge rules project at Kahului wastewater plant needs new EIS. Maui News.

Rampant Fireworks Use Sparks Concern, Discussion on Maui. An estimated 60 people attended a meeting on Tuesday night at Pomaikai School, focused on illegal fireworks and the rampant use in residential neighborhoods. Maui Now.

This Native Hawaiian Taro Farmer Has Been Fighting A&B For Decades. The result has been bittersweet. Stream water was restored to his East Maui land three years ago, but so many others gave up traditional taro farming during the long battle. Civil Beat.

Haleakala National Park’s stream monitoring system in Kipahulu has been repaired and the area known as the Pools of Oheo is now open. Maui Now.

Kauai

Makani Kai Air begins flights. The landing marks the first time in over 22 years Princeville will have constant direct flights to Honolulu. Makani Kai Air is offering two daily flights between Kauai and Honolulu. Garden Island.

Makani Kai Air today launched its new Honolulu to Princeville service today, making it the first carrier in 22 years to provide regulary scheduled service between the two destinations. Hawaii News Now.

TSA is hiring at Lihue Airport. The Transportation Security Administration is hosting a two-day recruitment event to hire Transportation Security Officers to work at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Rats! All over Waikiki. GMO state override bill fails, tour company death lawsuit settled, Hawaiian Home Lands wants pass from public records laws, greenhouse gas, toxic emissions regulations mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News
Waikiki (c) 2014 All Hawaii News

Waikiki's rodents in residence. Budget cuts have let rats proliferate in the tourist mecca, much to residents' dismay. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Education will again review Pono Choices after complaints from a state House lawmaker and several parents that the sex education curriculum is medically inaccurate and not age-appropriate for middle-schoolers. The department informed the state Board of Education on Tuesday that it is in the final stages of putting together a working group of educators, medical and public health professionals, parents and community leaders to review the curriculum. Star-Advertiser.

A bid to override county regulations on genetically modified crops failed to make it past a crucial Senate committee Tuesday. Hawaii Sen. Clarence Nishihara, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, originally introduced the bill amending the state's Right to Farm Act through Senate Bill 3058 last month. That bill would bar counties from enacting laws that limit farmers’ use of certain biotechnology. Both the Big Island and Kauai approved laws last year that, among other things, imposed regulations on genetically modified crops. Civil Beat.

Right-to-farm legislation is likely dead for this session after the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday failed to get enough votes for a procedural move to keep the idea afloat. Sen. Clarence Nishihara, the committee's chairman, tried to insert right-to-farm language into a bill that was carried over from last session, a tactical move intended to get a public hearing. But the committee was split 3-3, so the move failed. Star-Advertiser.

With little or no warning, a second bill aimed at stripping the ability of counties to restrict farming beyond state and federal law popped up in the Hawaii Senate this week. Same language. Different approach. Both pushed forward by Sen. Clarence Nishihara. But the new measure, which some quickly called political maneuvering, died just as quickly as it was introduced. Garden Island.

The Senate committee on agriculture held a public decision-making session on whether to “insert substantive provisions” into short-form bill SB110 earlier today. The vote ended in a tie, meaning the measure died in committee. By amending the Hawaii’s Right to Farm Act to “ensure that counties cannot enact laws, ordinances, or resolutions that limit the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices,” SB110 would have prevented any county legislation that would prevent biotech companies from creating GMO seeds and growing plants from them from being passed. Hawaii Independent.

A bill that would allow Hawaii lawmakers and citizens to better scrutinize police officer misconduct in annual reports to the Legislature cleared its first hurdle Tuesday. But there were also glimpses of possible future barriers to the measure, particularly from the state’s powerful police union. The Senate Public Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 2591 late Tuesday afternoon 3-1, with Republican Sen. Sam Slom the only dissenting voice. Civil Beat.

Nearly two months ago, new rules that would curb the state's greenhouse gas emissions landed on Gov. Neil Abercrombie's desk for his signature. The rules are still waiting on the Democratic governor. And so are environmentalists, who worry that Abercrombie's slowness to pick up his pen might be the result of pressure from influential companies that would be affected by the legislation. They're also concerned about two bills introduced last month by state lawmakers that could, they argue, help gut Hawaii’s greenhouse gas law. Civil Beat.

A total of 37 facilities in Hawaiʻi reported a combined 2.7 million pounds of toxic chemical releases during 2012, according to new information provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Maui Now.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is asking the Legislature to create a special exemption to the state's open-records law, making all government documents related to the agency's homestead lessees and applicants confidential if the records include personal information. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to shield most documents and correspondence relating to residential leases issued by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands from public disclosure will get a second look from the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs on Wednesday. Senate Bill 2837, which would prevent public disclosure of most lease records except for the actual lease documents, was proposed by DHHL and is included in Gov. Neil Abercrombie's legislative package. Civil Beat.

Hawaii may be getting ready to spend half a million dollars to remind its aging population: start saving now for long-term care. Lawmakers on Tuesday considered SB2346, a $7.1 million Senate bill for elder care and education. If passed, it will put $4.2 million toward the state’s kupuna care program and $1.9 million toward the disability resource center. It will also pay for a $500,000 public education campaign to encourage Hawaii residents to plan for their long-term care. Associated Press.

State Rep. Mark Takai's campaign distributed an election video last week. He's running in a crowded field for the 1st Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Civil Beat.

At least 10 U.S. states, including Hawaii, are considering bills to legalize or expand Internet gambling this year, according to a group that tracks gambling-related legislation worldwide. Associated Press.

CVS Caremark, the parent company of Longs Drug Stores in Hawaii, is kicking the habit of selling tobacco products at its more than 7,600 drugstores nationwide as it focuses more on providing health care. The company said today that it will phase out cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco by Oct. 1 in its 7,600 stores nationwide, in a move that will help grow its business that works with doctors, hospitals and others to improve customers' health. Star-Advertiser.

The state's public middle and high schools will be legally required to provide at least 990 hours of instruction beginning next school year, the first time in history Hawaii has implemented a minimum number of student learning hours for secondary schools, according to a state Department of Education report presented to lawmakers Friday. Maui News.

State roundup for February 5. Associated Press.

Oahu

About a half dozen federal employees at the historic U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building downtown blame mold there for asthma and other life-threatening health problems they have suffered for nearly three years.  While federal ICE officials denied there are serious environmental problems with the building, some employees said they have faced retribution for filing illness claims. Hawaii News Now.

It's a neighbor's nightmare, hoarders living right next door and the Honolulu City Council is looking to clean up the problem but they're finding it's a sensitive area. Hawaii News Now.

UPS once used it as storage space. Now part of a nondescript Kaka­ako warehouse is slated to be transformed into a pavilion for artistic events and a public gathering place. Star-Advertiser.

Nordstrom, which on Monday confirmed its move to the Ewa end of Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, is expected to have a Whole Foods Market below its new store, sources close to the situation told Pacific Business News.

Hawaii
Mayor Billy Kenoi has a plan to take out the trash. Kenoi told the County Council on Tuesday he will soon begin to pursue a waste-elimination project to address the Hilo landfill’s capacity problems. That could include a waste-to-energy incinerator, an idea the council rejected in 2008 under a previous administration. But Kenoi said he doesn’t intend to pursue any particular technology, an approach that appeared to receive the full support of the council members. Tribune-Herald.

With oo in hand, nine dignitaries, government officials and future homesteaders turned fresh dirt Tuesday signaling the start of construction of infrastructure that will eventually become the home for 117 Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of a New York teenager swept out to sea during a Kealakekua Bay hiking and kayaking tour has been settled. Michael Madoff, the father of 15-year-old Tyler Madoff, said Tuesday he hopes tours will be run more carefully in the future. Associated Press.

Maui

Kaupo, Kahikinui, Kapalua and the Paia-Haiku areas have been identified by an "internationally recognized" energy resource consultant to be potential wind farm sites on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

The Maui-based attorney who filed a protest against Kauai County’s search for pro-bono legal services to defend Ordinance 960 is taking his case to a state agency after a county official rejected his complaint. That protest, filed by Lance D. Collins of Wailuku last week, claimed legal cost requirements outlined in a solicitation to defend the county’s law on genetically modified organisms and pesticides use were unethical and violated state law. Garden Island.