Hawaii to get up to $40M for 'climate-smart' ag, Kauai youth facility still vacant 3 years after construction, Honolulu charter amendment could restructure planning commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii coalition scores ‘climate-smart’ ag grant. A coalition of Hawaii community groups and government entities has scored a federal grant that will bring to the islands up to $40 million to help farmers, ranchers and foresters implement “climate-smart” agricultural practices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant also aims to establish stronger markets for local commodities produced using methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or store carbon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Commission To Vet New Bills To Boost Public Access To Government. Two measures that were vetoed by Gov. David Ige are among the proposals the panel plans to take up this week in its effort to restore public trust. A commission to increase government transparency is set to vote on several measures Wednesday that would reduce the cost of public records, archive government board meetings, subject lawmakers to term limits, require certain legislative groups to abide by open meetings laws and require the state Office of Elections to publish a voters guide. Civil Beat.

HI-EMA assures Hawaii of no threat from North Korean missile launch. Nearly five years after state emergency officials warned Hawaii about a nonexistent missile attack, causing widespread panic here, they sent out a message on social media Monday about another missile launch, only this time it was to reassure residents there was no threat to the islands. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2

Hawaii to install EV stations along highways. Eleven electric vehicle fast-charging stations are slated for Hawaii highways, according to the state Department of Transportation. Each station is required to offer four 150-kilowatt ports capable of charging four cars simultaneously within 20 minutes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Project to control miconia with butterflies could roll out within year. The insects feed on the invasive plant, which has infested native forests. The state Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources had proposed the field release of the butterfly (Euselasia chrysippe) on state lands as a way to mitigate the growth of the noxious weed native to Central and South America. Maui News.

Addressing mental health in public schools poses a challenge for staff and psychologists. Counselors are often the "go-to" source at schools for helping students academically and addressing mental or behavioral issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Red Hill leader vows community inclusion. The military task force charged with defueling the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility plans to begin draining the pipes to massive underground fuel storage tanks in two weeks — a first step in removing 100 million gallons of fuel. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Voters To Decide If Construction Interests Have Too Much Say In Honolulu Planning. One proposed charter amendment would give voters a chance to weigh in on the makeup of a controversial city commission. The Honolulu Planning Commission, long criticized as an insider-ish clique dominated by construction interests, could get something of a makeover soon, if voters approve a charter amendment that would change the mix of the nine-member board. Civil Beat.

Separate bomb scares disrupt Honolulu airport and Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Authorities are investigating two bomb scare incidents today involving suspicious packages, including one at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that led to the closing of part of several baggage claim areas and a couple of gates. A male suspect was taken into custody at about 6 p.m. in connection with the Pearl Harbor case and turned over to Honolulu police, officials said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Harbor cargo capacity expansion slated for 2024 completion. A new ocean cargo container terminal at Honolulu Harbor long deemed a crucial state project supporting economic growth is on track for completion in early 2024 after nearly two decades of work that has included major delays. Star-Advertiser.

Lead Detected Near Military’s Ewa Beach Shooting Range, Surfrider Says. The Marine Corps expressed skepticism about the findings. The state health department said it would investigate. High levels of lead were detected in soil samples taken near the military’s Puuloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach earlier this year, some with up to 17 times the state safety standard for an industrial area, the Surfrider Foundation said Monday. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Panel to mull gun carry bill today. A bill that would restrict the carrying of concealed and unconcealed firearms in “sensitive places” in Hawaii County has garnered quite a bit of opposition ahead of its first committee hearing. West Hawaii Today.

Ironman’s two races in Kona could pump $100 million into economy — but is it worth it? The Ironman World Championship has called Kona home since 1981. For the first time in its Big Island history, there are two races, on Thursday and Saturday, to accommodate a surplus of athletes who deferred their entries during the pandemic when the race was cancelled. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui group launches Safe Solar Projects effort leading up to Paeahu Solar case. Leading up to a contested case hearing next month, a group of Maui residents is putting a spotlight on concerns over utility-scale solar projects. Safe Solar alleges that Paeahu Solar Project, a solar energy and battery storage plant slated for 150 acres behind Maui Meadows in South Maui, could increase flooding, and spark cultural, archeological and environmental damage, among other issues. Maui Now.

Hāliʻimaile General Store, Gannon’s Pacific View restaurants bought by Wyoming group. The acquisition of Gannon’s at 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive, Wailea, went into effect Saturday, and the sale of Hāliʻimaile General Store at 900 Hāliʻimaile Road, Hāliʻimaile, will finalize next month, according to a news release issued today. Both restaurants will remain open during the transitions. Maui Now.

Kauai

Despite strong need, youth drug treatment center on Kauai sits empty 3 years after it was built. Construction on Kauai’s Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center wrapped up three years ago. But the mostly taxpayer-funded project has yet to help a single child. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea wastewater project wins project award for county. On Friday, Sept. 30, representatives from the county Department of Public Works and its Division of Wastewater Management received the American Society of Civil Engineers Hawai‘i Section 2022 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award for Best Small Project, at the Kahala Hotel and Resort on O‘ahu. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Partners needed to build affordable housing project in ‘Ele‘ele. The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency is seeking a development partner to construct the first 38 single-family homes in the county’s Lima Ola affordable housing subdivision in ‘Ele‘ele. Kauai Now.

Ballistic missile radar coming to Oahu, Kim meets with Ige, Thirty Meter Telescope officials, Honolulu opens traffic center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

This Aug. 29, 2017, photo provided by the Department of Defense shows a medium-range ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. PC:Latonja Martin

Military leaders, community debate merits of high-powered ballistic missile radar on Oahu. Military leaders are talking about the need for a permanent, high-powered ballistic missile radar on Oahu to see threats to Hawaii and our nation. The Missile Defense Agency wants to build a flat facing radar that three times bigger than the one at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii government might collect an additional $74M in taxes. A panel of experts tasked with projecting how much the state will collect in taxes has boosted its projection for next year by 1 percentage point, which means lawmakers should have an extra $74 million to spend. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Traffic center finally opens. At long last, the folks tasked with receiving emergency response calls, monitoring traffic and disasters and related duties will be housed under one roof in the $53.6 million Joint Traffic Management Center on Alapai Street, which was dedicated Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Finally Gets Its Joint Traffic Management Center. The facility was supposed to open three years ago but ran into construction issues. Civil Beat.

City’s $54M Traffic Management Center to welcome its first tenants (finally). A blessing was held Thursday at the city’s Joint Traffic Management Center as it prepares to welcome its first tenants. Hawaii News Now.

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Kamehameha Schools project looks to develop 11,000 homes and cost $4B. About 2,000 acres in Waiawa once largely planted in sugar cane is envisioned for a community with 11,109 homes under a conceptual plan by the state’s largest private landowner. Star-Advertiser.

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After public outcry, city reverses two controversial plans in Waikiki. Plans to ban overnight parking at the Honolulu Zoo parking lot have been postponed “until further notice.” The city also said it would remove one of the two fences that it recently installed on Christmas Eve to block access to the walkway between Leahi and Makalei parks at Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now.

Fence Blocking Diamond Head Seawall Will Be Removed. The city says it will remove one of the two barriers that are blocking the public’s access along the path. Civil Beat.

Makalei Beach Park fence to be removed. The fence installed at Makalei Beach Park between the park and the makai walkway will be removed after public input and discussion. KHON2.

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After months-long delay, EPA to begin removing toxic soil under Kalihi street this month. Efforts to remove lead-contaminated soil under a street in Kalhi will finally begin this month. Hawaii News Now.

E. coli contamination confirmed in Waiahole water system. Residents in Waiahole Valley are being told to boil their tap water before use due to E. coli contamination. KHON2.

Volunteers needed for annual homeless point-in-time count. The survey counts sheltered and un-sheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. KITV4.

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Sheehan Out As Honolulu Police Commission Chair. Loretta Sheehan has led the commission through much of the federal corruption probe. Civil Beat.

Sheehan is replaced as Honolulu Police Commission chairwoman. In the annual election to select the chairman and vice chairman, Sheehan was outvoted 5-2 by Alivado, who was serving as vice chairwoman. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commissioner voted out. The commission that oversees the Honolulu Police Department is moving in a new direction. KHON2.

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Olive Garden to open at Ala Moana Center. Olive Garden is planning its first Hawaii location at Ala Moana Center. Star-Advertiser.

Olive Garden to open first Hawaii restaurant in Bubba Gump space. Restaurant chain Olive Garden Italian Kitchen plans to open its first Hawaii restaurant in Honolulu at Ala Moana Center, where it will replace the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant at the state's largest shopping mall. Pacific Business News.

Olive Garden files for permit to build first Hawaii location at Ala Moana Center. uilding permits applications filed with the City and County of Honolulu this week appear to show that Olive Garden, the popular mainland Italian eatery, is planning to open a restaurant at Ala Moana Center. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime local restaurant, Willows, to be revived. The Willows is being revived by the owners of the restaurant, Da Spot. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim meets with TMT officials, governor; ongoing discussions planned. Two weeks after Thirty Meter Telescope opponents relinquished control of the Maunakea Access Road, both sides are wondering what the next moves will be. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Meets With TMT Officials About Mauna Kea's Future. Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Harry Kim met with Thirty Meter Telescope officials this week to discuss next steps in resolving the Mauna Kea dispute. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Island Has Decades of Landfill Space But Still Faces Challenges In Dealing With Its Waste. Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years of capacity left to take in trash. Hawaii Public Radio.

State taking over surf school setup. The state is now taking the lead on permitting commercial surf schools at Kahaluu Bay, a recently filed report to the state Legislature shows. West Hawaii Today.

Problem spot on Alii has been on county’s radar for years, without success. The undermining of the seawall on Alii Drive at Oneo bay where the latest sinkhole appears has been a problem for over a decade. West Hawaii Today.

Waimea Middle Will Get Back Withheld Settlement Money. The Charter School Commission voted Thursday to reinstate the $75,000. Civil Beat.

Macy’s closing Kings’ Shops location. It is the only Macy’s location in the Aloha State closing. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Alberta de Jetley to run for Lanai council seat. Gabe Johnson to campaign again; Riki Hokama is facing term limits. Maui News.

State Harbors Division Seeks Expansion of Cargo Storage in Kahului. The state Department of Transportation Harbors Division is proposing the acquisition of nine acres from Alexander & Baldwin in Kahului for the expansion of its storage yard for short-term containerized cargo. Maui Now.

Waste-To-Energy Plants Stalled in Maui County While Landfills Approach Capacity. Far from the view of the nearly three million visitors who travel to Maui County each year are two landfills that are filling up fast and approaching the end of their lifespans. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senior center at Hale Mahaolu Ewalu blessed. 22-unit Phase II of housing development’s construction underway. Maui News.

Jan Dapitan was ‘force of nature’ for environment and social causes. Ex-parks director dies after 5-year battle with cancer. Maui News.

Kauai

Housing on LBA agenda. Kauai housing, issues and answers, is the subject of the Lihue Business Association’s meeting 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Duke’s Canoe Club on Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.