Mauna Loa lava flows slow, Red Hill leaks again an issue, state Supreme Court hands victory to Native Hawaiians in land battle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Loa Fssure 3 on Nov. 30, 2022 PC:USGS

Lava slows on Mauna Loa, but busy highway vulnerable. On the third day of Mauna Loa’s historic eruption, lava began to slow down, spread out and inflate as it entered the relatively flat saddle region of Hawaii Island. Next stop: one of the Big Island’s busiest highways. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Mauna Loa eruption update website. USGS.

How The Fight For Tribal Rights In North Carolina Could Reshape Native Hawaiian Housing. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz is trying to cut a last minute deal that could bring tens of millions of dollars in new funding to the islands for Native Hawaiian housing. Civil Beat.

Federal grant will pave way for rural internet. Nearly $5.6 million in federal funding is designed to provide the first phase of high-speed internet access to “unserved and underserved” communities such as Native Hawaiian homesteads, Lanai and Molokai to create an “internet for all,” Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hurricane season comes to a quiet end. Hurricane Darby was the only tropical cyclone to enter the Central Pacific during the 2022 hurricane season, which ran from June 1 to Nov. 30. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Health Department to receive $14M for public health programs. The funding is part of the newly developed Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program, which is supported in part by the American Rescue Plan. Star-Advertiser.

Triple threat: COVID, RSV, flu circulating this holiday season. On Wednesday the state Department of Health reported the state’s seven- day average of new COVID- 19 cases at 137 — a dip from 149 reported on Nov. 23. The state’s average positivity rate, however, increased to 6.3% compared with 5.5% the previous week. Star-Advertiser.

Nov. 24-30, 2022 COVID-19 update: 5 deaths, 1,012 new infections in Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health reported 1,012 new COVID-19 cases for the week of Nov. 24-30, 2022. This is well below the last peak of 8,924 new infections reported during the week of May 19-25, 2022. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Navy says it still doesn’t know cause of latest Red Hill leak. The Navy continues to conduct cleanup operations at its Red Hill fuel facility where an estimated 1,100 gallons of concentrated fire suppressant containing hazardous chemicals was released into the ground. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City hires contractor to evaluate Koko Head shooting range amid lead concerns. The city and the Honolulu Police Department are issuing a $55,000 emergency contract to Kramer One — a Scottsdale, Ariz. architectural and planning firm specializing in firing ranges — to evaluate and review the range, which has been closed since September. Hawaii News Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs renames 30 acre land in Kakaʻako. Hakuone — which translates to “sands of creation” — is the new name for a 30 acre swath of industrial land in Kakaʻako owned by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sinkhole fix complicated by ‘a lot of unknowns’. A sinkhole in Kakaako that led city officials to close the intersection at Halekauwila and Cooke streets in October is months away from a fix. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Planning ahead: Officials, utilities, transportation companies look to lava flow for clues. Daniel K. Inouye Highway, known to many government officials as DKI and the locals as Saddle Road, is more than just a strip of pavement nearly bisecting the island. It’s a lifeline, carrying workers, goods and even trash from one side of the island to the other. West Hawaii Today.

Ironman to split venues in 2023. Under the new format, the women will race Oct. 14, 2023, in Kailua-Kona. The the men’s race date and location outside of Hawaii is still being evaluated and expected to be announced in January 2023. For 2024, the men and women would exchange locations, meaning the men would race in Kona while the women would travel elsewhere for the grueling 140.6-mile triathlon. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Supreme Court hands win to Kauaʻula Valley kuleana family; case continues on Maui. The Hawai’i Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to Keʻeaumoku Kapu and his family regarding his claims to a kuleana parcel that his house sits on in Kauaʻula Valley, but the case is not over as it returns to the Circuit Court on Maui.  Maui Now.

Ke Ao Hāli’i receives $100,000 grant to support Native Hawaiians in Hāna. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded Ke Ao Hāli‘i a $100,000 grant over two years to manage more than 90 acres of coastal land south of Hāna town that has been recently returned to community ownership and stewardship. Maui Now.

Public informational meetings set for the Honoapiʻilani Highway improvement project. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will host two virtual and one in-person public informational meetings, to discuss the Honoapiʻilani Highway Improvement project, from Pāpalaua Beach Park to Launiupoko. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i drug treatment center lawsuit tossed as former operator faces legal challenge. At a hearing in Lihu‘e Circuit Court on Tuesday, Chief Judge Randal Valenciano tossed out the lawsuit from Hope Treatment Services over the county’s termination of its contract to operate the embattled adolescent drug treatment center. Garden Island.

County launches online liquor license application platform. The Kaua‘i Department of Liquor Control has launched a new online licensing platform meant to improve the application experience and decrease processing times for new liquor license applications. Kauai Now.

Mauna Loa eruption inches toward Saddle Road, Honolulu City Council advances gun limits law, mayor vetoes Waikiki noise bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Loa looms behind Hilo Town ©2022 All Hawaii News

Mauna Loa eruption continues, creating spectacle from afar. Mauna Loa’s first eruption in nearly 40 years marked its second day Tuesday with lava continuing to march across the mountain’s remote northeast rift zone toward Hawaii island’s saddle region. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Associated Press. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Mauna Loa eruption update website. USGS.

Resolving tourism marketing dispute will fall to incoming governor. Incoming Gov. Josh Green says he will broker a deal to end the dispute over how to market tourism to Hawaii. That’s despite the Ige Administrations last-ditch effort to have the contracts rebid. Hawaii News Now.

Japan tourism falling behind expectations. Visitors from Japan to Hawaii are only about 18% recovered from pre-­pandemic times, sparking concern that what was once the islands’ largest international market will drag down the state’s tourism economy into 2023. Star-Advertiser.

After-School Programs Have More Funding But Staffing And Enrollment Remain Challenges. Beneficial after-school programs received millions in pandemic-relief funding, but more than 1,000 Oahu families are still waitlisted because of staffing shortages. Civil Beat.

State Board of Education framing early multiyear strategic plan. An early version of a new strategic plan to steer Hawaii’s mammoth public school system for the next five years or longer has been drafted and will be discussed Thursday at a special meeting of the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Climate Change Experts Are Taking Lessons From Indigenous Knowledge. As the effects of climate change intensify, researchers and leaders in the Pacific say they’re increasingly looking to Indigenous knowledge to help face the growing crisis. A climate-related training for a United Nations delegation this week at Chaminade University will largely focus on such Indigenous-based approaches. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bill on gun-free areas on Oahu passes first reading. The first reading of a city bill detailing where firearms cannot be carried on Oahu drew opposition Tuesday from those who believe there should be no restrictions for law-abiding firearm owners who want to carry a gun in public. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Blangiardi vetoes Waikīkī noise amplification bill. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has vetoed a bill that would have limited amplified noise in Waikīkī, according to a Nov. 22 letter to the City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

1,100 gallons of toxic foam spilled at Red Hill. About 1,100 gallons of toxic fire suppressant was spilled Tuesday at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility, an incident that state Department of Health officials described as “egregious.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

USDA awards $750K to Hawaiʻi Island farm for veteran support. A farm in Hilo will receive more than $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a pilot program helping military veterans. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘A big pat on the back’: Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary receives prestigious award. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries recently presented to Three Ring its annual Outstanding Sanctuary Award to recognize excellence in humane and responsible animal care; professionalism and ethics; organizational sustainability; public engagement; and contributions to, and leadership within, the sanctuary field. Hawaii’s only accredited animal sanctuary was selected from more than 200 GFAS-certified sanctuaries worldwide for this honor. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Alleges This TV News Reporter Crossed A Line In Covering A Case Of Police Misconduct. Maui County has subpoenaed Hawaii News Now’s chief investigative reporter Lynn Kawano as part of a case involving a former police officer previously convicted for a child sex offense. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit seeks to void race results, hold new election. A candidate and 30 voters have filed a complaint with the Hawaii Supreme Court asking that the results of the Maui County Council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat race be voided and a new election be held over alleged violations of duties and state law by the county clerk, including improperly notifying those with deficient return envelopes. Maui News.

Kauai

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands opens new Kaua‘i office. The state Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands held a blessing, dedication and opening ceremony on Monday for its new Kaua‘i district office in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Mauna Loa volcano erupts, Honolulu landfill plans rejected, Maui voters sue, seek to overturn election, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Loa begins to erupt: Ashfall advisory posted, shelters open in Ka‘u, Kona; no immediate threat to nearby communities. Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island is erupting with lava flows at the summit region visible from Kona, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Sunday night. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Official Mauna Loa Eruption Webpage. USGS.

Hawaiian Independence Day celebrated Monday. Lā Kūʻokoʻa is observed annually on Nov. 28. It was on that day in 1843 that Hawaiʻi was formally recognized as an independent nation by other world powers, including England, France and the United States of America. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

‘I Worked Very Hard’: Hawaii Gov. David Ige Looks Back At 8 Years Leading The State. The Hawaii governor gets mixed reviews from other top state officials on how well he governed. Ige thinks he did just fine. Civil Beat.

First lady Dawn Amano-Ige’s work is not done. Even though Dawn Amano-Ige, the first lady to Hawaii’s outgoing governor, insists that she doesn’t know yet whether she really will seek an elected office herself someday, she already possesses that statesman’s ability to delicately deflect a news reporter’s questions with aplomb. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Rep. Ed Case Looks Ahead To A Divided Congress In 2023. Case says he’s hopeful he’ll be able to navigate the political split even in the minority, but he’s concerned about the anti-democratic leanings of some of his GOP colleagues. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Gov.-elect Josh Green’s staff has diverse skill sets. Gov.-elect Josh Green has staffed his office with a diverse group of women with backgrounds in government and the private sector, including a new Cabinet-­level position focused on workforce and affordable housing, homelessness and social service policies. Star-Advertiser.

Optimism high for progress with Hawaii affordable housing. The political will and millions of dollars of funding are in place, leading to high hopes for the upcoming legislative session that Hawaii will see real progress in developing badly needed affordable housing for kupuna, working families, Native Hawaiians and young people — all who could use encouragement to stay home. Star-Advertiser.

GET Petition effort finds support. A petition urging the state Legislature to exempt medical services from the state’s general excise tax, or GET, has collected more than 1,100 signatures, according to Joe Kent, vice president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Farmers Struggle As Worldwide Macadamia Market Goes Nuts. Ad campaigns and DNA testing seek to drive buyers toward real Hawaiian macadamias. Hawaii’s most iconic macadamia nut brands are significantly scaling back their purchases of Hawaii-grown nuts. Instead, shipping records indicate, South Africa and Kenya have become big suppliers. Civil Beat.

South Korean navy training group arrives in Hawaii. The Republic of Korea navy’s cruise training task group arrived Friday at Pearl Harbor for five days of classes and cultural events for sailors and the South Korean navy’s future leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

BWS chief blocks mayor’s landfill request over aquifer concerns. Honolulu Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau has rejected Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s request to locate the city’s next solid-­waste landfill in an area where a chemical leak might foul the island’s water resources. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gun permit ruling sides with ‘homesick’ Navy officer. A U.S. Navy officer stationed in Hawaii cannot be denied a firearms permit solely because he sought counseling for feeling depressed and homesick, a federal judge ruled. Associated Press.

Mayor Blangiardi to move forward with historic preservation panel. Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced his intent to staff the Oahu Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, three decades after the City Council created it without filling its ranks. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hitachi: Two Trains Hit Each Other At Low Speed During Rail Yard Exercise. Two of Honolulu’s driverless trains knocked together in what’s known as a “hard coupling” during what rail officials said was a routine maintenance exercise Monday at the Pearl City rail yard. Civil Beat.

Oneula irrigation project prompts criticism. The city plans to reconstruct the irrigation system at Oneula Beach Park in Ewa Beach, but community members say funds should instead go toward a new comfort station. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors Roll The Dice On New Enforcement Measures Targeting Illegal Gambling Rooms. Increased criminal penalties are intended to give investigators an ace up their sleeve in their efforts to stifle the operations and the anti-social activity that can accompany them. Civil Beat.

2 Oahu schools fight for survival as enrollment shrinks. Waiahole and Ka‘a‘awa each are just over one-fifth the size of the average Hawaii elementary school of about 485 students, according the National Center for Education Statistics in the U.S. Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Homeward Bound: Hawaii Program Flies Homeless People To The Mainland. The Institute for Human Services’ relocation program has served nearly 600 people experiencing homelessness on Oahu since 2015. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Rental regulations: New rules — and fees — proposed for hosted and non-hosted transient rentals. A proposed revamp of the county’s vacation rental law includes registration — for the first time — of hosted accommodations and new regulations and fees for both hosted and non-hosted rentals. It also paves the way for the creation of vacation nodes, where new short-term rentals could crop up in areas they’re currently banned. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Defrauding Covid-19 Relief Programs. Carey Mills is the first person sentenced for Covid-19 fraud in Hawaii and must pay $957,575 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. Civil Beat.

Waipiʻo Valley Road Closure Advisory Committee Being Formed. Mayor Mitch Roth has announced that he will stand up a Mayor's Advisory Committee for Waipiʻo Valley's Emergency Road Closure, with diverse public representation. Big Island Video News.

Native Hawaiians are still waiting for the military to remove unexploded bombs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is leading the remediation effort, has been plagued by shoddy work and multiple regulatory disputes. Star-Advertiser.

$14.4M bond funding approved for Kaloko Heights affordable housing. The county could be posting the paperwork as early as this week to sell $14.4 million in bonds to provide sewer service to a 100-unit affordable housing project at Kaloko Heights. West Hawaii Today.

No easy fix for complaints about homeless. Hawaii County agencies, the police department and business associations all seem to be waiting for one another to propose solutions to alleviate complaints about the homeless on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

From homeless to a Big Island police officer; Hope Services provided ‘break’ his family needed. In 2016, Damien Grace was working two jobs, at Safelite Auto Glass and at Foodland in Hilo doing security, desperately trying to support his wife and five young children, including an 8-month-old. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Lawsuit Seeks New County Council Election For Wailuku. The lawsuit alleges that hundreds of uncounted ballots could have swayed the outcome of a race decided by 513 votes. A lawsuit filed Friday with the Hawaii Supreme Court by more than 30 Maui County voters, including a candidate for office, is asking for a new election for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu seat on the County Council, alleging that “irregularities and mistakes” meant that more than 800 voters weren’t given proper notice that their ballots weren’t being counted. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui has the largest vacation rental supply in Hawaiʻi with 211,900 available unit nights. Vacation rentals across Hawaiʻi reported increases in supply, demand, and average daily rate, with lower occupancy in October 2022 compared to October 2021. Maui Now. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i county council votes in new leadership. In a Wednesday meeting, the new Kaua‘i County Council tapped member-elect Mel Rapozo to serve as chair for the next two years. Garden Island.

Public invited to attend inauguration of Kaua’i Mayor and County Council on Dec. 1. The public is invited to attend the inauguration of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and the Kaua‘i County Council at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall at 1 p.m. on Dec. 1. Kauai Now.

October: Strong hotel revenue, occupancy. A banner month for passenger counts at Lihu‘e Airport proved fruitful for the local hotel industry, which put up strong revenue and occupancy numbers in October. Garden Island.

Kilauea erupts again, Oahu commission approves residential vacation rental restrictions, Maui mayor seeks to relax pandemic rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea eruption USGS photo taken by M. Patrick on September 29, 2021

Lava returns to Kilauea Volcano’s Halemaumau Crater. Kilauea Volcano has started erupting again — just four months after the last eruption ended. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii public schools gear up for COVID-19 testing program. At least 165 schools across the state have registered for training to join Operation Expanded Testing, and 67 of those schools are already actively testing with more schools signing up every day, officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Spending Less On Public Infrastructure Than In Recent Years. The latest round of state spending for capital improvement projects is about half what it’s been the last few years. Civil Beat.

State auditor-House panel battle continues. Auditor Les Kondo wrote a blistering, six-page letter to the eight members of the special House Investigative Committee on Tuesday, calling its investigation of him and his office illegitimate, inappropriate, outside of the committee’s scope and a continuation of “the Speaker’s (Scott Saiki’s) attack against me and my office.” Star-Advertiser.

U.S. says 8 Hawaii birds among nearly two dozen extinct species. Death’s come knocking a last time for the Kauai ‘o‘o and 22 more birds, fish and other species: The U.S. government on Wednesday declared them extinct. Associated Press. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Coffee, Macadamia Protections Sought By Hawaii’s DC Reps. The federal legislation would enable research funding to be used to address current and emerging threats to the crops. Civil Beat.

Senators Reintroduce Bill to Adjust Medicare Payments for Hawai’i, Alaska Nursing Homes. The bipartisan Equitable Payments for Nursing Facilities Act will authorize a cost-of-living adjustment at skilled nursing facilities in those states to take into account the higher costs of delivering care. Maui Now.

In a worrisome measure of need, half of Hawaii’s keiki are now on Medicaid. Since March 2020, when the pandemic began, more than 100,000 people have signed up for coverage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records highest COVID death toll in September since start of pandemic. The Hawaii State Department of Health recorded 181 COVID-related deaths in September — it’s the highest death toll connected to the virus since the onset of the pandemic. KHON2.

Hawaii reports 13 new coronavirus-related deaths, 230 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 144 new cases on Oahu, 37 on Hawaii island, 18 on Maui, 13 on Kauai, two on Molokai, and 16 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning commission proposes new short-term rental rules for residential areas only. The Honolulu Planning Commission voted Wednesday to recommend the new short-term rental rules proposed by the city Department of Planning and Permitting to the Honolulu City Council, but only for residential areas. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 100 city bus drivers remain unvaccinated, union working on deal to grant exemptions. The union says the unvaccinated drivers are standing firm on their stance to not get vaccinated. KITV4.

West Oahu Residents Are Wary Of Possible Marine Corps Expansion. As the Marine Corps moves forward with an ambitious restructuring of its entire force and repositioning of forces around the Pacific, military leaders are scouting locations in the Ewa Plains and other areas in West Oahu for new training grounds and potential housing for troops and their families. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

New University of Hawaii Astronomy Director Seeks Balance On Mauna Kea. Doug Simons is taking over the Institute for Astronomy at a critical time for the agency and for astronomy in the state. Civil Beat.

Department mourns loss of two Big Island firefighters. The Hawaii Fire Department is mourning the loss of two firefighters who died within two months of each other. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Proposes Changes to Relax Maui’s “Safer Outside” Rules. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has sent a request to Governor David Ige to relax Maui’s Safer Outside Emergency Health Rules, which went into effect on Sept. 15, 2021. Maui Now.

Panel at odds over proposed visitor lodging moratorium. Members vote to recommend denial and back different version. After many hours of public testimony, panel discussion and a split vote, the Maui Planning Commission moved Tuesday on a highly debated proposal to pause new visitor transient accommodations in an effort to curb overtourism. Maui News.

Here’s How Maui Police Chief Candidates Answered Exam Questions. The Maui Police Commission is expected to select the Maui Police Department’s next police chief Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Maui police detective breaks code of silence, claiming corruption and abuses of power at MPD. A Maui police detective is breaking the code of silence to expose what he says is corruption and abuse of power in the Maui Police Department. The allegations include the kidnapping of a patrolman for interrogation by other officers. Hawaii News Now.

Managing deer, sustainable food is mission of business. Maui Nui Venison to receive funding to help move processing on-island. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Board of Water Supply appoints Tait as new chief engineer. The Kaua’i Board of Water Supply has appointed Joseph Tait to the position of Manager and Chief Engineer at the Department of Water. Garden Island.

2 Los Angeles travelers arrested on Kauai for falsified travel documents. Two travelers from Los Angeles were arrested around noon Tuesday for uploading falsified documents into the Hawaii Safe Travels portal in an attempt to avoid the state’s travel quarantine requirements. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Critically Endangered Fern Rediscovered On Kauai. Scientists had not seen the imperiled native fern in the wild for years, leading some to believe it could be extinct. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Kilauea volcano erupts, residents distrust tourists, Caldwell warns of Oahu lockdown amid COVID-19 surge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crowd watches Kilauea erupt Dec. 20, 2020 PC: Janice Wei

Kilauea volcano lava flows inside Halemaumau Crater; Hawaii island officials warn of possible ash fallout. Scientists are monitoring a new lava eruption of Kilauea volcano inside the Halemaumau Crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Star-Advertiser.

New eruption at Kilauea Volcano. Hawaii County Civil Defense said the eruption that commenced shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday remains confined to the Kilauea Volcano’s summit caldera. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea Erupts After Earthquakes Shake Hawaiʻi. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirms an eruption began at the summit of Kilauea Sunday evening. Big Island Video News.

Kīlauea Erupts on Sunday Night. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. HST, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected glow within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Big Island Now.

Unexpected overnight eruption in Halemaumau Crater leads to new lava lake. Authorities are closely watching an eruption that started Sunday night at Kilauea’s Halemaumau Crater, sending plumes of smoke into the air and prompting concerns about ashfall. Hawaii News Now.

New Kilauea eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu. Halemaumau is erupting again according to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. KHON2.

New eruption at Kilauea inside Halema'uma'u. Sunday night the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park confirmed a new eruption of Kilauea inside Halema'uma'u. KITV4.

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U.S. Sen. Schatz: Hawaii could see at least $1 billion from stimulus agreement. Senator Schatz says Congress is trying to get the bill enacted by Monday night and that the Treasury Department plans to send the stimulus checks out right away. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i could receive $1B as Congress agrees on nearly trillion dollar relief package. Both the House and Senate are set to vote on the bill Monday night. KITV4.

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Residents’ sentiment toward tourism has worsened. Even after enduring a collapse of the state’s economy this year, most Hawaii residents aren’t eager for a return to the 2019 tourism numbers. Star-Advertiser.

Lackluster Hawaii tourism widens losses for hotels. Holiday traffic in November — the first full month of the Hawaii Safe Travels pre-arrivals testing program — didn’t help Hawaii hotels much. Star-Advertiser.

Safe Travels Fails To Lure Many Travelers From Japan To Hawaii. An average of 131,000 people came from Japan each month last year. In the first month of Safe Travels, 1,350 came. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Gov. David Ige: There’s No Money To ‘Sustain Government As It Existed’. The governor, anticipating a slow economic recovery, likely will present lawmakers with a much-reduced conservative spending plan. Civil Beat.

Hawaii teachers union files complaint with labor board over furloughs. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is challenging the governor’s plan to furlough teachers and other school employees by turning to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Star-Advertiser.

HSTA Files Complaint With Labor Board After Announcement of Furloughs. The Hawai‘i State Teachers Association is challenging the state’s decision to impose furloughs on its 13,000 union employees. Big Island Now.

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Congress Poised To Restore Medicaid For Micronesians. It’s been more than two decades since citizens of Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia were stripped of Medicaid access. Civil Beat.

Promised Land: The government promised to return ancestral Hawaiian land, then never finished the job. Over the years, the U.S. government has provided about 900 acres as compensation for its unauthorized takings. But none of the land conveyed, almost all of it on Oahu, was suitable for residential use, according to DHHL. And the federal government still owes additional land under the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act. Star-Advertiser.

Pandemic Hits More Than 1,475 Hawaiʻi Inmates This Year. The coronavirus pandemic has reached deep into Hawaiʻi's criminal justice system -- infecting nearly 1,500 inmates and 170 staff. Hawaii Public Radio.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 20: 204 New COVID-19 Cases. The new cases included 180 on Oahu, 13 on the Big Island, and 11 on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu may revert to Tier 1. Oahu reported 180 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warned that the island could revert to the more restrictive Tier 1 activity and business limits if the trend continues. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell worries case spikes will force city back to tier 1 by year’s end. In a news conference Sunday afternoon, Mayor Caldwell expressed his worries that Honolulu, on its current case track, is at risk of reverting to tier one of the reopening plan. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to remove inmates from Honolulu’s COVID-19 count. With Oahu’s rising coronavirus cases headed in the direction of another shutdown, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urgently petitioning the state Department of Health and Gov. David Ige to consider allowing him to remove inmate coronavirus counts from the island’s reopening metrics. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell urges Gov. Ige to remove inmates from City’s case count. A substantial number of Oahu’s case count on Sunday is connected to the Halawa Correctional Facility, according to Honolulu City and County officials. KHON2.

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Covert Honolulu Police Unit Targeted Former Medical Examiner. Former Honolulu medical examiner Dr. Christopher Happy was tailed by an elite intelligence unit at the request of the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

Mayor-elect Blangiardi completes interviews for senior cabinet positions. The mayor-elect’s transition team announced it has completed the initial application process to fill executive-level positions with the incoming administration of the City and County of Honolulu. KHON2.

Struggling families still waiting for city grocery cards plagued by delays. A federally funded city program to help feed families devastated by the pandemic has run into major delays. But the city hopes today’s stimulus deal in Congress will help it extend the program. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown conditions worsen in pandemic. From his second-floor office window at the corner of Maunakea and Pauahi streets, Oren Schlieman has seen his share of problems in a neighborhood he has invested in, including public urination and street brawls. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kierkiewicz on board of company receiving CARES funds. Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz steered taxpayer money to a not-yet nonprofit corporation on whose board she sits, records show. West Hawaii Today.

Seven Democrats Apply To Replace Kahele At Legislature. They include Big Island notables Chris Todd, Wil Okabe and “Fresh” Onishi. Civil Beat.

Many appeal their property assessments. More than twice as many property owners appealed their tax assessments this year than last year, according to the 2020 report of the county Real Property Tax Board of Review. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County lacks hundreds of physicians needed to sustain the population. Hawaii’s physician shortage has loomed large for years but worsened in 2020 — and on the Big Island, the lack of doctors became even more dire. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Economy Is ‘Getting By’ As The Pandemic Persists. While tourism-fueled businesses struggle from tighter travel restrictions, the housing market has remained healthy and aquaculture continues to grow. Civil Beat.

Maui

Some frontline workers look forward to COVID-19 shot. They’re slated to be first on Maui to be vaccinated once doses arrive. Maui News.

New DNA technology helps identify shark species in fatal attack. Researchers believe 14-foot tiger shark attacked Robin Warren. Maui News.

Kauai

County backs nation’s first feminist economic recovery plan. The economic hardship of the novel coronavirus has disproportionately affected women in terms of profession, childcare and household responsibilities, a Kaua‘i County Council resolution states. Garden Island.

Getting food out before the holidays. The urgency of the final weekend before Christmas helped push cars smoothly through the drive-thru, no-contact food distribution Saturday at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center. Garden Island.

Honolulu council cracks down on vacation rentals, prosecution rests in Kealoha case, some lava evacuees told to give FEMA money back, Kauai's Kuhio Highway reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu high rises along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Council OKs vacation rental policy bill. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Monday to impose stiffer fines and harsher regulations on Oahu’s vacation rentals, tossing the entire short-term rental industry on the island on its head. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council Approves Crackdown On Vacation Rentals. Under the measure expected to be signed by the mayor, property owners who rent out entire houses outside of resort zones could face major fines. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Adopts Two Approaches To Short-Term Rental Regulations. The Honolulu City Council on Monday unanimously approved Bill 89 that would implement stiffer regulations for short-term vacation rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council approves pair of tough new regulations for vacation rental industry. After months of debate, the Honolulu City Council on Monday night passed a pair of bills that are considered some of the toughest new regulations for Oahu’s vacation rental industry in decades. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental bills approved by Council. After hours of testimony, the City Council approved two bills that would severely limit the number of rentals, while putting heavy restrictions on those that would be allowed. KHON2.

City Council passes both bills to restrict and regulate vacation rentals on Oahu. KITV.

Emotional day as vacation rental bills pass. KHON2.

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State chipping in for farms’ compost purchases. The state Department of Agriculture wants to help local farmers buy compost under a new pilot program established by Hawaii lawmakers and paid for by tax­payers. Star-Advertiser.

A Growing Number Of Hawaii’s Keiki Live In Economic Insecurity. Hawaii is in the middle of the pack for overall child wellbeing, with keiki falling behind in education and economic security markers but tracking ahead of most states in measures of health, family and community. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks #3 in the country as the most dangerous state for elderly pedestrians. Between 2018 and 2017 a new report by non-profit Smart Growth America shows 226 pedestrians were hit and killed in the state. KITV.

Oahu

Prosecutors rest case in Kealoha trial. Federal prosecutors Monday wrapped up their case in the public corruption and conspiracy trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha, and by day’s end two of the five defendants, including former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, already had completed their defenses. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Trial: ‘A Conspiracy Is A Living, Breathing Thing’. Prosecutors wrap up their case. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha Gets Second Defense Lawyer Late In Trial. Earle Partington joins the former’s prosecutor’s defense team in her public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Police Chief Rests His Defense In Corruption Case. A retired Honolulu police chief charged in a corruption case won't be testifying in his defense. Associated Press.

After 58 witnesses, prosecution rests its case in Kealoha ‘mailbox trial’. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 13: Prosecution rests, defense attorneys call first witnesses. KITV.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Time for Katherine Kealoha's attorney, her first witness is Gerard Puana. KHON2.

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As Sanctuary City Bill Dies, Question Arises: How Progressive Is Hawaii? States, counties and cities across the country have adopted sanctuary policies to protect unauthorized immigrants and limit the role of local law enforcement agencies in immigration enforcement but similar efforts have not gained traction in the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents: Growing piles of garbage in Chinatown may be linked to city rule change. Residents and businesses in Chinatown say there are growing piles of garbage blocking sidewalks and creating health hazards. Hawaii News Now.

Residents: Pieces Of History Could Have Been Lost To Future Ball Fields. City and state officials may have allowed part of Sherwood Forest to be stripped bare without proper archaeological monitoring. Civil Beat.

Enchanted Lake residents fear planned development will destroy wetlands. Developer Lacus LLC plans to build a residential development in the heart of Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

FEMA wants some eruption evacuees to return disaster assistance funds. Dozens of eruption evacuees say a federal agency that gave them funds after last year’s Kilauea disaster is now asking for some of the money back. Hawaii News Now.

Committee to receive update on county’s disaster relief efforts. County administrators will present an update on their plans to continue to provide disaster aid to lava-affected communities during a meeting today of the County Council Finance Committee. Tribune-Herald.

As Emergency Funding Ends, Crisis Counseling Turns To Community Resources. Emergency proclamation funding is no longer available and officially ends June 20, 2019, the health department says, and those in need of crisis counseling services are being referred to local resources. Big Island Video News.

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Is towing the answer? Council unclear on window tinting bill. Should police be able to impound your car because its windows are too dark? West Hawaii Today.

County slates public meeting to discuss Hilo landfill closure. The county Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division will host a public informational meeting next week to discuss the upcoming closure of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill. Tribune-Herald.

Korean War Memorial to be dedicated Saturday in Hilo. A long-envisioned Korean War Memorial in Hilo will be dedicated Saturday, three days prior to the 69th anniversary of the beginning of the three-year-plus conflict known as “The Forgotten War.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In battle over iwi kupuna, Maui judge invalidates license for archeology firm. A Maui judge has invalidated the license for a company accused of desecrating ancient burials in Wailuku’s sand dunes. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Metropolitan Area Designated Most Dangerous in the State for Pedestrians. A new report lists Hawaii as being the third-most dangerous state in the nation for older pedestrians. Maui Now.

Paul Simon to play at MACC Aug. 13-14. Concert benefits two biodiversity groups including Maui Auwahi Forest Restoration. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s Kuhio Highway off to slightly bumpy start. It wasn’t all smooth riding when a 2-mile stretch of Kauai’s Kuhio Highway opened Monday, restoring access to some of the Garden Isle’s most popular tourist attractions under new tourism management guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

It was the moment that many had been waiting for — or dreading — the reopening of Kuhio Highway and reintroducing Wainiha and Haena to the rest of the island. Garden Island.

Haena State Park reopens to little fanfare. Garden Island.

The Hanalei Initiative launched the Kauai North Shore Shuttle upon Monday’s re-­opening of the Waipa–Haena portion of Kuhio Highway to the general public. Garden Island.

Ige, lawmakers face awkward reunion, Honolulu unveils homeless hygiene center, illegal Maui vacation rentals face $20k fine, Bill Gates' toilet could eliminate cesspool problems, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige with Sen. Mazie Hirono, Mayor Harry Kim ©2018 All Hawaii News

Did Hawaii Lawmakers Poison Their Relationship With Gov. Ige? Top legislative leaders, in a rare move, opposed fellow Democrat David Ige and raised money for his opponent in the primary. Civil Beat.

Leaders dismiss warnings. Staff at the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 2012 and 2013 warned top managers within the Land Division that its month-to-month property rental program needed major fixes. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono Files Suit Against Trump Over Appointment of Acting AG. The Hawaii senator joined two Senate Democrats in the action, which argues Matthew Whitaker’s appointment is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Leaders Push to Double Food Production by 2020. Leaders hope big agriculture investment from Costco and tech moguls will boost the islands’ food self-sufficiency, but farmers are wary. U.S. News.

Bill Gates wants to bring a new kind of technology to Hawaii: The reinvented toilet. Hawaii environmental leaders say billionaire Bill Gates wants to help Hawaii in its quest to eliminate cesspools. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hotel workers slated to remain on strike through Thanksgiving. Some 2,700 Hawaii hotel workers are expected to remain on strike through the Thanksgiving holiday. Hawaii News Now.

Kyo-ya says Local 5 workers union rejects highest wage offer nationwide. Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts said Monday that the Unite Here Local 5 Union has rejected its latest offer, “which would have been the largest increase in compensation for any of the striking markets nationwide.” Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The city Monday announced it will open a shower and toilet hygiene center on the ground floor of its latest facility to address homelessness — a building in Iwilei that will offer more services than anywhere else in the country, according to Councilman Joey Manahan. Star-Advertiser.

Construction underway in Iwilei for largest hygiene center in the nation. The center, which will serve Honolulu’s homeless population, will be on the first floor of a four-story building in Kuwili Street and will have showers, laundry services, kennels, a mail service and even a bed bug-zapping machine. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu unveiled what it calls the biggest homeless hygiene center in the nation today. Hawaii Public Radio.

City unveils rest stop center for homeless. KHON2.

City shows off Iwilei hygiene center. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell showcased a city facility aimed at getting homeless residents off the streets. KITV.

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The Liliha Public Library will be closed for major renovations starting Saturday, November 24, 2018. KITV

Kakaako Roads Worsen As Ownership Battle Continues. There are roads across the state that are in limbo because no one can agree who owns them. A  drawn-out legal battle over disputed roads in Kakaako has taken a turn and has some questioning why it's taken so long to resolve. Hawaii Public Radio.

New $20.4M visitor center to be built at Punchbowl. A multi-million dollar visitor center is in the works at the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

New $20M visitor center planned for Punchbowl Memorial. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl will receive $20.4 million for the construction of a visitor center, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Sewer fee hikes advanced. Should the burden of keeping the oceans clean fall primarily on those connected to a sewer system? That was the question Monday, before a County Council panel unanimously advanced a bill almost doubling sewer fees over the next three years. West Hawaii Today.

A resolution to temporarily close one of only two roads into Leilani Estates failed to pass a County Council committee Monday after dozens of Leilani residents voiced support for and opposition to the bill. Tribune-Herald.

A judge denied a motion to dismiss a claim brought against Lloyd’s of London by an elderly Puna couple who allege their insurer acted in bad faith by not approving the claim they made after losing their home during the eruption of Kilauea volcano earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

‘Punatics’ Look To Start Rebuilding After The Lava Damage. Hawaii County officials are fast-tracking the permitting of new package homes or repairs of ones damaged during Kilauea eruption. Civil Beat.

Mobile hygiene unit arrives on Big Island. Project Vision Hawaii unveiled its Hawaii Island-dedicated mobile shower unit, HiEhiE, purchased with donations raised during the Puna lava eruption. The event took place at Mooheau Bandstand in Downtown Hilo. KHON2.

Civil Beat Law Center to be Honored at luncheon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Draft form of bill to penalize illegal short-term rentals under discussion. Operators want to make sure measure is not going to unfairly penalize permit holders. On Nov. 6, voters approved a County Charter amendment that would increase the fine for illegal operators from $1,000 to $20,000 initially and $10,000 every day of violation after that. Maui News.

The End Of An Era For Elle Cochran. Longtime Maui councilwoman plans to stay involved in local issues — and do a lot surfing. Civil Beat.

Input Sought on Maui Long Range Transportation Plan. Maui Now.

Forum to focus on climate change, energy resilience. Maui Electric Co. will host a free community forum titled “Energy Resilience on Maui” Nov. 29 at the Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Detour taking toll. For seven months, residents on Kauai’s North Shore have been using a one-mile-long, pitted detour from Kuhio Highway to Kahiliholo Road to get in and out of their homes. Garden Island.

Explosions expected at summit of Kilauea volcano, national park closing Friday, governor asks Trump for more help as geothermal plant at risk, Supreme Court sets Thirty Meter Telescope arguments, Kealoha trial scheduled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors at Kilauea volcano PC: J. Wei

The USGS issued an ominous warning Wednesday about Kilauea: Eruptions at the summit crater could trigger explosions so violent they fling 10-ton boulders as far as a half mile away and send ash columns miles into the sky. Hawaii News Now.

Geologists say the Big Island’s Kilauea volcano could erupt explosively and send boulders, rocks and ash into the air around its summit caldera in coming weeks. Associated Press.

Scientists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory told a packed Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that explosions are likely to occur at the summit in the near future. Big Island Video News.

Scientists update residents near Volcano on lurking dangers at Kilauea. KITV.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will close Friday and until further notice because of the possibility of an explosive eruption that could blast steam, rock and ash from the Halemaumau lava lake crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are warning that the steady lowering of the Halemaumau lava lake at Kilauea volcano’s summit overlook crater indicates that explosive eruptions are possible in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will close Friday. Officials say it's possible for a steam-induced explosion to occur at the summit of Kilauea Volcano due to the receding lava lake. KHON2.

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Wednesday that a steady lowering of the lava lake at Kilauea volcano’s Overlook crater within Halemaumau “has raised the potential for explosive eruptions” that could happen as soon as next week, while officials from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said they would close the majority of the park on Friday in anticipation of such an event. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has asked President Donald Trump to declare a disaster declaration on the Big Island, which continues to grapple with ongoing quakes and lava flow from the Kilauea volcano. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed a presidential disaster declaration request, in which he asked U.S. President Donald Trump to declare the state of Hawaii a major disaster as a result of the ongoing eruptions of Kilauea volcano. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige has issued a supplemental emergency proclamation for the 2018 Kilauea eruption that, among other emergency management functions, establishes lines of authority that will enable a more comprehensive response to changing and unpredictable risks posed by the current eruption. Big Island Now.

With some 50,000 gallons of potentially explosive solvent still sitting at the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant, Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed an emergency proclamation giving him the authority to do what’s necessary at the plant to protect the community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed a supplemental emergency proclamation due to the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island that will, among other things, include the removal of hazardous material for Puna Geothermal Ventures. Pacific Business News.

Gov. David Ige issued a new emergency declaration Wednesday to move 60,000 gallons of high flammable chemicals from Puna Geothermal Venture by the end of tomorrow. Tribune-Herald.

Gov. David Ige took action Wednesday to mitigate risks to Puna Geothermal Venture in light of Kilauea Volcano's latest eruption. KHON2.

After helping with relief efforts following two major disasters in the past month, the Red Cross of Hawaii is dealing with complaints about the way it manages donations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha will stand trial on bank fraud charges in November, then stand trial again in March with four former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit on charges accusing them of staging the theft of their mailbox and lying about it. Star-Advertiser.

Taxi Companies vs Uber and Lyft Showdown at Honolulu City Council. The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure to regulate ridesharing companies. Hawaii Public Radio.

New law enacts tougher penalties for drift racing. Star-Advertiser.

A bill stopping the city from installing bulb-outs at two key Chinatown intersections won a narrow 5-4 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s largest shopping center had been warned about unsafe conditions on its property 11 years before one young man was killed and another severely injured there in 2016, but it chose to do nothing about it, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The families of two men who fell through a railing at Ala Moana Center in 2016 are now suing the property owner for ignoring concerns they say could have prevented the incident. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit filed against Ala Moana in deadly railing accident. KHON2.

Honolulu police are on the verge of launching an urgent care clinic in Chinatown, where homeless people can see a doctor for free. Hawaii News Now.

Why This Church Breaks The Law Every Sunday. South Shore Christian Fellowship is racking up daily fines for operating in an agricultural area. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

There will be no county surcharge on the state general excise tax this year, following action Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on June 21 regarding the appeal of the conservation district use permit for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea. Pacific Business News.

Water system again down four wells, no restriction yet in effect for North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

State Representatives and Senators to visit Puna lava flow areas. KHON2.

Volcanic activity subsided in Puna on Wednesday evening, but there was little hope for a length reprieve amid new warnings about the potential of explosive eruptions at Kilauea's summit crater the likes of which Hawaii hasn't seen in nearly a century. Hawaii News Now.

A 15th fissure brought lava to the doorstep of Lanipuna Gardens on Wednesday while an ash cloud at Kilauea’s summit warned of more dangers to come. Tribune-Herald.

In addition to the threat of explosive eruptions at Kilauea’s summit, new vents and the wrath of lava, Hawaii island residents also have acid rain to worry about. Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners Face Insurance Dilemma in Lava Prone Areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island police arrested a Pahoa man in connection with the burglary of a home in the Leilani Estates Subdivision, which is an area covered by an Emergency Proclamation declared by the Mayor's Office as of May 3. KHON2.

5 Tips to Protect Your Lungs From Volcanic Ash. Maui Now.

A number of relief efforts are ongoing to support residents affected by the Kilauea volcano eruption in Leilani Estates. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii Community Foundation, together with Anderson-Beck Fund, Jack’s Fund and the Darrin & Darien Gee Family Fund, established the Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund to aid Big Island residents impacted by the recent Kilauea volcano eruption. Pacific Business News.

A charter school near Leilani Estates is relocating to escape lava and fumes like the rest of its neighbors, and another charter more than 25 miles away in Hilo also decided to pick up and move because of the threat of tsunami. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Haleakala Visitors Generated $69.8 Million for Maui Economy in 2017. Maui Now.

Too much of a good thing becomes invasive. Related to the common soybean, glycine was introduced to Hawaii after a massive kikuyu grass dieback in the 1970s, according to the Maui Invasive Species Committee. Maui News.

Kauai

The public had a lot to say Wednesday evening during a public meeting regarding improved bus service and the installation of new charging stations for electric cars across the island. Garden Island.

Renters and home and business owners with National Flood Insurance Program insurance have four chances to get questions answered about policies and claims starting Monday during meetings scheduled throughout Kauai. Garden Island.

The mid-April deluge that damaged hundreds of homes and halted tourism on the farthest reaches of Kauai’s North Shore has revived a red-hot debate over whether vacation rentals should be allowed to operate in hazardous zones. Civil Beat.

A man has been arrested for allegedly killing a green sea turtle on Kauai.  Hawaii News Now.