Ige cautious about loosening travel rules in light of mainland COVID-19 cases, union education critic wants top superintendent job, most Hawaii residents in poll want vaccine, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach beauties ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige says coronavirus infections are elevated and he won’t change mask and travel rules now. Gov. David Ige said he is concerned that recent COVID cases appear to be stuck at an elevated level and doesn’t expect to ease restrictions to the state’s mask mandate or travel entry requirements soon. Star-Advertiser.

Lack of herd immunity on the mainland could extend Safe Travels program.  Getting herd immunity on the mainland was once seen as a key to reviving Hawaii’s tourism economy. But with vaccination rates slipping in the U.S., scientist and medical experts think that’s now an unreachable goal, forcing state officials to extend Hawaii’s Safe Travels program. Hawaii News Now.

A week before scheduled launch, state, county officials ironing out plans for vaccine passport program. The Department of Transportation said the screening process at airports will be different from island to island -- and it appears some may be further ahead than others. KITV4.

Ige Rules Out Vaccine Passports For Trans-Pacific Travelers For Now. The governor also said Hawaii’s decision to maintain mask mandates isn’t inconsistent with CDC guidance. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige mulls vaccination mandate. Gov. David Ige said he has considered requiring state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but has no definite plans to impose such a mandate. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Most People Surveyed In Hawaii Say They Will Get Vaccinated. Only 12% say they have chosen not to be immunized for COVID-19. There is also support for vaccine passports and employer mandates. Civil Beat.

Fear Of Side Effects, Government Mistrust Among Reasons For Vaccine Hesitancy. Health authorities fear a wane in demand for COVID-19 vaccines could jeopardize Hawaii’s ability to achieve mass immunity needed to stamp out the disease. Civil Beat.

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Marines in Hawaii restructure to deter China. The radical restructuring of the Marine Corps in Hawaii to better deter China in the western Pacific includes the planned removal of all 16 tanklike amphibious vehicles and elimination of all cannon artillery. Star-Advertiser.

Head Of Hawaii’s Teachers’ Union Is Vying To Be Interim Superintendent. The leader of the teachers union, who leveled strong criticism against Superintendent Christina Kishimoto over her leadership of the public school system during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now vying for her job after she announced she won’t seek a new term. Civil Beat.

While the class of 2021 will not have completely "normal" graduations, many high schools will hold in-person ceremonies with only students or limited guest attendance, the Department of Education announced Monday. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

May 3, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 74 Cases (49 O‘ahu, 11 Maui, 4 Hawai‘i Island, 7 Kaua‘i, 3 Out-of-State); 1 Death on Maui. Maui Now.

Oahu

Following huge response, city closes application portal for aid program after just 20 minutes. A federally-funded program for Oahu residents who need help covering rent, utility and other bills stopped taking applications 20 minutes after coming online Monday afternoon because of tremendous demand. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approves Kapolei Energy Storage project, with conditions. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved a major energy storage project in Kapolei to ensure that the lights stay on when Oahu’s coal power plant retires in fall 2022. Star-Advertiser.

McCully neighborhood selected for city pilot project called ‘Shared Streets’. The city has selected Waiola and Hauoli streets for this pilot. KHON2.

UH Hosting International Esport Tournament Is 'Major Milestone' For The University And State. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is a host site for the Overwatch League's East vs. West tournament this week. This is the first time a mainstream international esports tournament is being held in the state, and it could help launch a major economic opportunity for Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Keawaula gates to be reopened weekends only, for now. Although the beach and trail reopened in September, the gates remained closed in an effort to discourage large, unruly gatherings, bonfires, overnight camping, vandalism and other illegal behavior in the remote areas, which together with Makua Beach lie within Kaena Point State Park at the end of Farrington Highway, and because there has been no funding for more than a part-time park caretaker and part-time contract lifeguards. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fewer food drops ahead: The Food Basket says they are not sustainable at the current frequency. Fewer food drops ahead: The Food Basket says they are not sustainable at the current frequency. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Strong grant recipients named. Nearly 30 organizations were named Monday as recipients of a $380,000 award through the Puna Strong grants program. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Leader of cult that caused COVID-19 huff on Maui found mummified in Colorado home. Authorities have arrested several people after the mummified body of the leader of the spiritual group “Love Has Won” was found wrapped in a sleeping bag and decorated with Christmas lights in a southern Colorado home. Associated Press.

State officials aim to move parts of Maui road inland as seas rise. Hawaii officials have proposed moving parts of a Maui coastal highway that experts say are among the roads most vulnerable to erosion and rising sea levels in the state, but some community members say the plan doesn’t go far enough. Associated Press.

Struggling with declining business, Maui’s largest mall faces foreclosure. Queen Kaahumanu Center hasn’t been seeing much foot traffic lately and many shops are vacant. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. sells utilities after first-quarter loss. The company announced Monday that it sold two subsidiaries operating water systems at Kapalua Resort. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Still no change in tier status for Kauai, but rising COVID counts may alter that. Kauai is now on track to reinstate Tier 3 restrictions this week, which would mean smaller crowd sizes, and a pause on organized sports, but that is if the county sticks to the tier rules. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai sees spike in COVID-19 cases following relaxed travel restrictions. The small island has weathered the pandemic remarkably well with low case numbers and just two deaths. But health officials say loosened travel restrictions, the introduction of more transmissible variants and a growing laxness among the community is likely contributing to the rapid rise in cases. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 testing at all-time high on Kauai to curb community spread. Demand for COVID-19 testing is at an all-time high on Kauai where case numbers are expected to increase after four locations were linked to positive cases. KHON2.

Mass testing, quarantine at KCCC. A Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center employee has tested positive for COVID-19, a result which has meant a suspension of inmate movement and mass testing at the facility, the state Department of Public Safety announced Monday morning. Garden Island.

Visitors turned away at Ha‘ena. Employees have turned away over 700 cars the past two Sundays at Ha‘ena State Park. Garden Island.

New management structure for Mauna Kea, in-person graduation ceremonies allowed, Kaui to vaccinate hotel workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian ceremony prior to 2019 protests over Mauna Kea ©2021 All Hawaii News

House advances measure for new Mauna Kea management. A measure that aims to form a working group to develop a new management structure for Mauna Kea was advanced Thursday in the state House of Representatives. According to the resolution, the failure of the university to properly consult with Native Hawaiians has led to mistrust and polarization within the community, a situation that must be reconciled. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii public schools allowed to hold graduations in 2021 with strict protocols. Graduation ceremonies may be held at Hawaii public schools this year under strict safety guidelines that include limits on the number of guests and no physical contact during the celebration. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Standardized Pandemic Travel Rules. Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that would standardize the state's pandemic travel restrictions across the islands, a departure from the current system that allows individual counties to opt out of a state pre-flight testing program or add their own modified safety measures. Associated Press.

Proposal Would Streamline Involuntary Treatment Of Those With Severe Mental Illness. Public defenders are obliged to fight involuntary treatment for their clients. Lawmakers are considering cutting them out of the process. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmakers Mull Mediation To Prevent Mass Evictions After Moratorium Lifted. A bill would require landlords to enter mediation upon a tenant’s request, but some advocates say the measure doesn’t do enough to protect renters at risk of eviction. Civil Beat.

New commander named for Pacific Fleet sub force in Hawaii. The acting secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced today that Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Jablon will be assigned as commander of the sub force in the Pacific, replacing Rear Adm. Blake Converse. Star-Advertiser.

Feb. 25, 2021 COVID-19 Update: There were 45 new COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 24 on O‘ahu, 18 on Maui, one on Hawai‘i Island, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out-of-state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council seeks audit of HPD overtime policies, procedures. The Honolulu City Council wants an audit conducted of the Honolulu Police Department to examine the department’s overtime policies, protocols and procedures following overtime abuse that was detected months ago. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Changes to Honolulu EMS could mean higher ambulance fees.  Lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to let the City control its own funding for Honolulu Emergency Medical Services. KHON2.

Retail stores allowed back at full capacity as O'ahu officially enters Tier 3. Again retail shops at 100% but they do still have to have social distancing and other protections in place. KITV4.

Some Honolulu businesses already see an increase in customers under the new reopening phase. Businesses were able to serve more people as Honolulu moved into Tier 3 of its reopening plan. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii wants greater say in new stadium project. As companion bills to bolster the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District advanced through the Legislature this week, the University of Hawaii has stepped up its campaign to gain a larger voice in the facility’s future. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kīlauea Recovery Housing Survey Launched. The County of Hawai‘i is surveying residents affected by the 2018 eruption to help guide recovery investments and projects, including an upcoming Voluntary Housing Buyout Program. Big Island Video News.

“Bark Ranger” Program Unleashed At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. The new, self-guided "Bark Ranger" program will help dogs and their humans to have a "pawsitive" experience in the park, the park service says. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lt. Gov.: 10,000-12,000 Administered Doses Unaccounted for in Maui’s Vaccine Rates. There are 10,000 to 12,000 vaccine doses that were administered and are unaccounted for in Maui’s vaccine rates being reported by the Department of Health, according to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green who was a guest during a talk story webinar hosted by Councilmember Kelly King on Tuesday evening. Maui Now.

Green: Vaccine counts lagging. Lt. Gov. Josh Green estimated that there are about 10,000 to 12,000 undercounted doses in Maui County, which ranks last in the state in the percentage of the population vaccinated. Maui News.

Maui Health plans to ramp up vaccine appointments. Hospital nearly finished with rescheduled first-dose patients. Maui News. Maui Now.

Tents offer an innovative solution to schools seeking socially-distanced classroom space. The “Temptation Island” TV show that filmed on Maui recently donated six event tents to Kihei schools: Kamalii Elementary, Lokelani Intermediate, Kihei Elementary and Kihei Public Charter School. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai hotel workers could be next in line for COVID vaccines. Hotel workers in Kauai could soon be receiving their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said. Hawaii News Now.

$22M rental-assistance program coming. The County Housing Agency has been given the OK by the County Council to start up what hopes to be a $22-million, federally funded rental assistance program. Garden Island.

4 lanes for Wailua. Starting Monday, the DOT’s Highway Division will begin construction between Kuamo‘o Road and the Kapa‘a bypass road for a second southbound lane on Kuhio Highway. Garden Island.

Ige says 'drastic actions' such as pay cuts needed to plug $1.5B budget hole, state plans for reopening, high school graduation ceremonies canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige PC: Media pool photo by Cindy Ellen Russell/Star-Advertiser

With tourism at a standstill, governor says he’s preparing for $1.5B in cuts to state’s budget. The governor says the shutdown of tourism is Hawaii will have a significant impact on the state’s budget — and could lead to up to $1.5 billion in cuts. The entire operating budget for the state is about $8 billion. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers looking at department cuts and ways to restore local economy. Only the governor has the power to cut state worker pay and institute furloughs, but Senator Donovan Dela Cruz tells KHON the legislature is also trying to see what they can do to balance state general funding. KHON2.

Public employee pay cuts mulled. Pay cuts for state employees are on the table, but increases in state general excise or personal income taxes are not at this time, Gov. David Ige said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Rep. Case disputes Ige’s claims on federal funds to help proposed pay-cuts. Hawaii’s US Representative Ed Case is at odds with Governor David Ige’s message Wednesday about federal funding being used to help with the state’s billion-dollar budget shortfall. KHON2.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s plan for public worker pay cuts gets pushback. Gov. David Ige’s plan to impose 20% pay cuts for teachers and many other public workers quickly encountered resistance Wednesday from both the public worker unions and some leading state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers, Union Officials Are Pushing Back Against State Pay Cuts. Other options like eliminating vacant positions or tapping the rainy day fund should be considered first. Civil Beat.

Unions plead with governor to reconsider proposed pay cuts of up to 20% for state workers. Union leaders and state lawmakers urged the governor Wednesday to reconsider proposed pay cuts of up to 20% for state employees, saying that slashing salaries so drastically at a time when many families are already struggling with layoffs or reductions in hours would do widespread harm. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige considering a pay cut for teachers and most state employees. Facing a 20% cut in pay, experienced teachers are worried about their financial future heading to retirement. KITV4.

State Workers Would Face Pay Cuts up to 20% Under Ige’s Plan to Offset Budget Hit of Coronavirus. Hawai‘i state employees may be looking at pay cuts across the board, as tax revenues shrink amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige proposes pay cuts. Governor David Ige is considering a 20% pay cut for state workers due to a drop in tax revenue triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, but hasn’t made any decisions on the proposal. Garden Island.

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More than 2,600 visitors have come to Hawaii since quarantine began. More than 500 trans-Pacific passengers came to Hawaii on Tuesday — including some visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials intestigating a half-dozen coronavirus clusters. Hawaii health officials are investigating half a dozen COVID-19 clusters throughout the islands as the number of cases continues to creep up. Star-Advertiser.

More Than Half Of Hawaii’s 530 COVID-19 Cases Have Recovered. On Wednesday, 13 more cases of coronavirus were confirmed, taking Hawaii’s COVID-19 infections to a total of 530. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Wednesday, April 15. As of noon on Wednesday, there have been 530 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi, an increase of 13 from the day before. Big Island Video News.

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HEMA chief says time to plan for reopening state’s economy is now. Gov. David Ige’s point man on economic and nonmedical logistic response to the COVID-19 pandemic told lawmakers Wednesday now is the time to plan for reopening the state for business. Tribune-Herald.

Loosening stay-at-home orders could come as early as May if people follow the rules now. After four consecutive days of fewer positive cases, officials are discussing how they will begin our recovery, and gradually start loosening some of the stay-at-home mandates. KHON2.

New rapid antibody tests ‘could be the key to re-opening Hawaii’. As doctors and scientists continue to wage war against this invisible enemy, the rapid antibody test has emerged as the latest tool in their arsenal. KHON2.

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More money to flow to Hawaii’s unemployed. After being overwhelmed by more than 200,000 Hawaii unemployment claims since March, state officials have begun to ramp up payments. Star-Advertiser.

General frowns on using Guard to process Hawaii jobless claims. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara said that he is against using Hawaii National Guard personnel to help process the overflow in unemployment claims caused by the closure of businesses due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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Traditional High School Graduations in Hawaii Canceled This Year. Those will be replaced by alternative ceremonies to be determined by each school, according to the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Given the circumstances, pomp taken from Hawaii graduations. Add another victim to the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii: traditional public high school graduation ceremonies. Star-Advertiser.

DOE cancels traditional high school graduation ceremonies statewide. The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that “alternative celebrations” will take the place of traditional commencement ceremonies this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Traditional public school commencement ceremonies canceled this year. “Alternative celebrations” will be held in place of traditional commencement ceremonies at public and public charter schools amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, education officials announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

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Hotel for Heroes tweaks program as demand grows. Demand for the Hotel for Heroes program, which houses working health care employees and first responders in free hotel rooms, was so great in its first week that it outstripped supply. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii small businesses start getting federal emergency funding. An auto repair shop in Waipio is one of the small businesses in Hawaii benefiting from the federal CARES Act, meant to help the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

$1M raised for new fund aimed at helping struggling UH students. The University of Hawaii has raised $1 million to help struggling students pay for tuition. The funds will help many continue their education during the pandemic. The university says donors from across the state came together to help students on all 10 campuses. Hawaii News Now.

UH Medical School Seeks Funding To Develop New COVID-19 Blood Tests. A test to confirm workers’ immunity to COVID-19 could put them safely back to work and help Hawaii’s economic recovery, says a medical school professor. Civil Beat.

Zoom Replaces Hugs For Hawaii Parents With Children In Foster Care. Hawaii, like many states, has called off in-person visits because of the coronavirus pandemic, though some think the ban goes too far. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu rail agency now expects $80M for project. Rail officials now project that the $9.2 billion, 20-mile project will suffer an $80 million loss in state tax revenue as a result of the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa Health confirms third case of COVID-19. The employees who tested positive are currently in quarantine. KITV4.

Coronavirus Site For Oahu’s Homeless Will Not Offer Testing. There is no widespread COVID-19 screening or testing of homeless people in Hawaii after a facility set up to help has backed off from part of its original mission. Civil Beat.

With fewer cars on the roads, HPD sees uptick in speeding, jaywalking citations. Honolulu police have noticed an increase in speeding and jaywalking in recent weeks as fewer vehicles take to the roads following the stay-at-home order. Hawaii News Now.

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Dillingham Airfield tenants get a reprieve as Hawaii delays shutdown. The state is pushing back by a year its plan to terminate its lease at Dillingham Airfield — giving airport tenants “a little reprieve” in the view of one business owner there. Star-Advertiser.

State DOT postpones action at Dillingham Airfield. The DOT says it notified tenants that it has rescinded the termination of their permit at the facility. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Civilian police employee in Hilo tests positive for COVID-19. A civilian who works in the Hawaii Police Department Records Division tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Chief Paul Ferreira confirmed Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

No new COVID-19 cases reported on Big Island. No new COVID-19 cases were reported in Hawaii County on Wednesday as the number of cases associated with two Kona McDonald’s restaurants held steady at a dozen, state health officials reported. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kaiser Coronavirus Experts Fly In For Damage Control At Maui Hospital. The Kaiser team from the mainland is expected to significantly bolster the hospital’s efforts to control the spread of the virus. Civil Beat.

Hale Makua Health Services Impacted by COVID-19 Positive Cases. Hale Makua Health Services received word from the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health that one Home Health patient has tested COVID-19 positive, and that one nursing home resident at the Kahului facility tested positive for COVID-19 as well. Maui Now.

Two with Hale Makua have COVID-19; one possibly exposed at MMMC. A Hale Makua nursing home resident who was potentially exposed to a cluster of coronavirus cases at Maui Memorial Medical Center tested positive for COVID-19, along with a separate Hale Makua home health patient, according to state health officials. Maui News.

Kula Hospital worker tests positive for virus. Extra precautions taken at long-term care facility. Maui News.

Hotels for Heroes Provides 192 First Responders and Health Care Workers on Maui. The statewide Hotels for Heroes program is providing complimentary rooms for health care workers and first responders during the COVID-19 crisis. Maui Now.

Kauai

No new cases on Kaua‘i. County of Kaua‘i announced a full transition to conducting board and commission meetings remotely on Wednesday and will continue to accept written testimony from the public, as is part of the public process. Garden Island.

Planning the replanting. Kaua‘i County is in the process of planning what kind of native plants they’ll be putting along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path between Kealia Beach and Kuna Beach, now that ironwood trees illegally felled in the area have been cleared. Garden Island.