Showing posts with label heatwave. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heatwave. Show all posts

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Hot, hot, hot! 2019 breaks records. Plus, Ige seeks instate testing for coronavirus, convicted ex-police chief seeks leniency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Cooling off at Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News
It’s official: 2019 was Honolulu’s hottest year on record. Oahu had a sweltering 2019. In fact, it was the island’s hottest year on record, NOAA has determined. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor says 2019 was Oahu’s hottest year ever and shares heat index mapping results. Last year, Honolulu residents may remember hot, sweltering days, with numerous record high temperatures, as well a summer that seemed to last longer than usual. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Has Mapped Just How Hot Oahu Is Now. Climate change has contributed to record heat throughout Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Honolulu saw its hottest year ever recorded in 2019. Honolulu City and County officials said 2019 was the hottest year ever recorded but they are working on solutions, as they said temperatures will only continue to get hotter. KHON2.

2019: a year of record heat for Oahu. It is official: last year was the hottest year on record for Honolulu. Now the mayor and city leaders want more people to plant trees to help ease the heat. KITV4.

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Gov. Ige wants Hawaii to become a test site for coronavirus test kits. Right now, the only test site in the country is the CDC lab in Atlanta, Georgia and it takes more than a week get results for samples from Hawaii. KITV4.

Ige pushes for Hawaii to be beta-tester for virus kits. Gov. David Ige said he wants Hawaii to be a beta-tester for kits that can screen for COVID-19, the newly identified coronavirus that has infected thousands in China and elsewhere in the world. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says no estimated timeline given on when CDC testing kits will arrive. Governor David Ige is just back from Japan and gave us an update on the Coronavirus or COVID-19. KHON2.

Gov. Ige Discusses Coronavirus, TMT. Following his return from a trip to Japan on Tuesday, Gov. Ige held a press conference earlier today to provide updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak and the status of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Maui Now.

No one in state tested for the coronavirus. Hawaii health officials continue to reassure the public that the coronavirus is not circulating in the islands, but they have not tested a single person in the state for the deadly disease. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that preclearance flights from Japan to Hawaii are at least a year out, but the state is working to shorten that window. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Want More Transparency About Prosecutors’ Charging Decisions. Hawaii’s four county prosecutors worry a proposed bill requires them to provide extra data about defendants without providing their offices any extra funding. Civil Beat.

Bill introduced that would make bestiality against the law in Hawaii. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Hawaii is one of only four states that does not prohibit sex with animals along with New Mexico, Wyoming and West Virginia. KITV4.

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This Helicopter Safety Bill Is Unenforceable. Why Do So Many Lawmakers Support It? Spurred by recent tour helicopter crashes in Hawaii, the proposed legislation would set stiffer state requirements for tour pilots. But the feds, not the state, regulate the skies. Civil Beat.

Legislators take aim at helicopter noise, safety. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 2649 would require that tour aircraft companies seeking a permit to operate in airports under state control equip their aircraft with flotation and tracking devices approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Tribune-Herald.

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Greenhouse Construction Bill Passes Third Reading in House. A bill expanding the permitting exemption for greenhouse construction on agricultural land passed its third reading in the House of Representatives Tuesday. Big Island Now.

Why So Few Kids In Hawaii Get Tested For Lead Poisoning. Only 25% of kids between 1 and 2 years old get tested, in part because it’s not required. A bill in the Legislature would require mandatory testing for the first time. Civil Beat.

State’s largest public worker union endorses Kai Kahele for U.S. House. The Hawaii Government Employees Association Wednesday endorsed state Sen. Kai Kahele in his bid for the U.S. House seat representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, giving a substantial boost to a campaign that already appeared to be quickly gaining momentum. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ahead of sentencing, ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha pleads for leniency. Former Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha believes he should spend less than three years for his crimes. Kealoha’s attorney made the argument in a court document that has since been sealed, citing Kealoha’s “long and distinguished record of service and contribution to the community". Hawaii News Now.

Council OKs moving jail to Halawa. A permit clearing the way for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center to Halawa from Kalihi won an 8-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday, but the contentious project still needs funding from state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

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City Council approves bill to catch trash dumpers. A bill making it easier for the city to catch and fine people who throw bulky items and other trash along roadsides or other public areas won an 8-0 final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council passes bill to allow residents to report illegal dumpers. If passed into law, people would be able to send pictures or video to the City’s Department of Environment Services and they would be able to fine that person. KHON2.

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Kawananakoa hearing will be open to public. A judge ruled Wednesday that a hearing to determine whether Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is capable of handling her own financial affairs will be open to the public except for when the discussion turns to medical and financial information. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Princess Can Testify In Public But Info About Finances, Medical Issues Will Be Kept Secret. A state court judge on Wednesday said medical and financial evidence about millionaire heiress Abigail Kawananakoa will be kept from the public. Civil Beat.

Legal fees in fight over heiress Kawananakoa’s fortune continue to mount. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of ratcheting up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Charter Commission Director Steps Down For New DOE Role. Sione Thompson was nominated to be the next complex area superintendent for Nanakuli-Waianae. Civil Beat.

New hotel planned near Honolulu airport. Some new hospitality industry competition is planned for part of Oahu where a new hotel hasn’t been built in nearly a half-century. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Governor David Ige says he recently told Japanese officials that the state is committed to the rule of law in regards to the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Maunakea. Governor Ige said he met with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Big Island Video News.

Council declines to indemnify fire chief in employment lawsuit. The Hawaii County Council isn’t ready to put taxpayers on the hook for disciplinary actions Fire Chief Darren Rosario took in 2014 that are now the subject of a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal Funding Coming to Kona International Airport. The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is set to receive $3.7 million in federal funding for safety improvements, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Federal funds are heading to Kona’s airport for improvements. The international airport will receive more than $3.7 million to repair taxiways and runway lighting. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Company faces $25K fine over alleged water wasting. Wailuku Water Co. is facing nearly $25,000 in state fines over claims of wasting a “considerable amount” of state-protected water from its ditch system that poured into a gulch in multiple incidents late last year into January. Maui News.

Maui County Addresses Illegal Encampments at Kanahā Beach Park. The County of Maui departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Management, Public Works and Housing and Human Concerns began work today with the Maui Police Department to address illegal encampments and public health and safety concerns at Kanahā Beach Park and in surrounding areas. Maui Now.

Longtime Native Hawaiian Activist Announces Run For House Seat. Walter Ritte has led some of the most iconic cultural movements in modern Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Japanese visitor had symptoms while on Maui. Coronavirus victim originally thought to only be symptomatic during Oahu leg of stay. Maui News.

As virus spreads, face masks sell out. Face masks are flying off the shelves of local hardware stores as residents seek out protection against the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, that’s been spreading around the globe. Maui News.

Kauai

Council considers polystyrene. A measure to ban most polystyrene food containers from Kaua‘i passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday and is set for public hearing Tuesday, March 25. Garden Island.

Anderson is new county department head. The County of Kaua‘i’s Civil Service Commission announced the selection of Annette Anderson as the new director for the county Department of Human Resources. Garden Island.

Groups look to fortify North Shore disaster resilience. Kaua‘i County and two community organizations are working on separate initiatives to harden the North Shore’s defenses in the event of a natural disaster by creating permanent infrastructure to be used if disaster strikes. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Hot, hot, hot! Record temperatures, warming seas. Plus, news on Honolulu rail, OHA, U.S. Conference of Mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii sunrise ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii wilts under sweltering temps and there’s little relief in sight. Forecasters say the state has broken or tied 35 heat records since mid-May. The reason: Warmer sea surface temperatures and weak tradewinds. Hawaii News Now.

Blistering heat keeps setting records for Honolulu and Kahului. More record high temperatures have been set in early June, including 92 degrees on June 10 in Honolulu that broke the record set in 1982, according to weather officials. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight to the sunshine and light trade showers for the islands. High pressure north of the islands will keep light to moderate trades in place through the remainder of the work week, with showers favoring windward and mauka areas, mainly at night and through the early morning hours. KHON2.

The world’s oceans will likely lose about one-sixth of their fish and other marine life by the end of the century if climate change continues on its current path, according to a new study. Associated Press.

Molokai, Kauai Groups Recognized For Restoring Sustainable Fisheries. This is the first time the prestigious Equator Prize has been awarded to indigenous communities in the United States. Civil Beat.

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Deaths in Hawaii from suicide, alcohol and drugs have spiked over the past 12 years. Deaths from suicide, alcohol and drugs have climbed substantially over the past 12 years in Hawaii, though the state tops the nation for overall health care, a new study shows. Star-Advertiser.

The Problem With Hawaiian Homestead Land? Much Of It Can’t Be Developed. Some senators question why the agency charged with providing homes for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries must also manage so much land where building can’t occur. Civil Beat.

Homestead Leaders Applaud OHA for Housing Program Investment. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs awarded a 2-year grant of $484,114 to the nonprofit, Homestead Community Development Corporation also known as the Homestead Housing Authority. Maui Now.

OHA trustee in trouble for alleged disloyalty. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Board of Trustees has a code of conduct policy that requires trustees to publicly support a board decision even though he or she might disagree with it personally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu is prepping for a national gathering of mayors. But who’s footing the bill?  The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held on Oahu later this month. It’s expected to cost the city about $5 million to put on. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell and Anderson optimistic after FTA meeting about rail funding. Following a meeting with federal transit officials Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson said they’re optimistic that a recovery plan for the city’s over-budget $9.2 billion rail project will be approved. Star-Advertiser.

Some council members concerned with cost of Blaisdell renovations. After gathering input and ideas for years, the Final Environmental Assessment for the Blaisdell Center Master Plan is out. However, will construction be put on the back burner because of rail? KHON2.

City-funded domestic violence shelter that was barely used is slated to close down. The decision came after the City Council rejected a funding request for the facility, a pet project for embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who has since gone on leave amid a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents Wary Of Subdivision After Bulldozers Damage Cemetery. They say some burial sites may remain undiscovered in the 1920s-era plantation graveyard near where a residential development is proposed. Civil Beat.

Complaint served to ‘two main individuals’ involved with problem homeless commune in Hilo. A lot located between Ponahawai and Mamo streets behind Agasa Furniture and Music Store near Hilo Farmers Market has become a fenced-off community of tents and other temporary structures, in defiance of multiple orders by county agencies to clear the lot. Tribune-Herald.

Injured hiker rescued on Maunakea. A 68-year-old grandfather from Arizona who suffered a broken thighbone while hiking off a Maunakea trail below the W.M. Keck Observatory was rescued Monday night. Tribune-Herald.

Man With Broken Leg Rescued From Mauna Kea Summit. Rescue crews located the injured man - said to be in his 60's, with an apparent femur fracture - approximately 1 mile from the nearest trail at the 12,500 foot elevation. Big Island Video News.

Charges dropped against former Hilo doctor accused of drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors are dropping all 40 charges against a Hilo doctor accused of ordering fake opioid prescriptions. Court-appointed doctors say Dr. Ernest Bade is not mentally competent to stand trial. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Victorino issues line-item vetoes to council budget. Mayor displeased spending not kept in check, requests more information. Maui News.

Hotel official: Time to ‘diversify tourism’. Hannemann says there is no other industry offering as many jobs. Maui News.

Warm oceans, no trades lead to heat wave on Maui. There have been 16 record-breaking days since May 16. Maui News.

Kauai

County attorneys push courts on TVR issue. County attorneys are taking increasingly aggressive legal action against the owners of short-term vacation rental properties who failed to renew annual permits on time. Garden Island.

A wedding at an off-limits area on Kauai’s North Shore is now under investigation. On Kauai, as the county continues to recover from last year's historic flooding, it has opened an investigation after an apparent wedding ceremony was held illegally at a popular North Shore beach park. Hawaii News Now.

Friday, May 24, 2019

$100M in federal disaster relief passes U.S. Senate, high marks for state school superintendent, urban Honolulu population drops, Hawaiian Airlines error nets $12 Mainland fares, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (center right) perches on the edge of expanded caldera ©2019 All Hawaii News
 Senate approves disaster funding bill with more than $100M for Big Island, Kauai. A measure that provides nearly $100 million to relocate the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was approved by the U.S. Senate on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii School Superintendent Gets High Marks In Year 2. Christina Kishimoto received a positive evaluation from the state Board of Education. Civil Beat.

The Public Utilities Commission issued a decision and order Thursday to prioritize new regulations designed to lower electricity costs, improve customer service, expand customer choices and cost-effectively meet the state’s clean- energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu’s Population Fell In 2018. Oahu is getting less crowded while more people are living on the neighbor islands according to 2018 census data. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s population declined for a 4th consecutive year in 2018. At a time when people are moving to cities in droves, Urban Honolulu appears to be an exception. Hawaii News Now.

Zero-miles flights really were too good to be true. A computer coding error at Hawaiian Airlines led to an online flood of ticket sales Monday. It looked like flights could be purchased for zero HawaiianMiles, with customers paying only the taxes on the fares. KHON2.

Oahu

Kealoha trial jurors are shown a mailbox and more surveillance video. Prosecutors in the federal conspiracy trial of retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, showed the jury Thursday an actual mailbox and more surveillance video of a person taking the Kealohas’ mailbox. Star-Advertiser.

‘Why Us?’ Homicide Detective Wondered As He Was Assigned To Mailbox Case. Testifying during Day 2 of the Kealoha trial, Dru Akagi said he thought it was a “conflict” to take on a theft case in which his boss the police chief was an alleged victim. Civil Beat.

Homicide detective who helped investigate Kealoha mailbox theft asked ‘Why us?’ A homicide detective who investigated the theft of the Kealohas’ mailbox was among six witnesses who took the stand Thursday in the second day of a public corruption trial against Honolulu’s ex-police chief, his wife and three officers. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: "Why us?" Homicide detective takes the stand. KHON2.

Testimony continues as the Kealoha Trial enters Day Two. After her attorney labeled this trial simply a misunderstanding from a fighting family, prosecutors presented evidence they feel showed Katherine Kealoha was the mastermind behind this conspiracy. KITV.

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Equipment torched amid conflict over Waimanalo park. An excavator and a bulldozer were set on fire near the entrance of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwoods and Sherwood Forest, where preliminary work for a much- protested city project is underway. Star-Advertiser.

Police suspect heavy equipment blaze at controversial development was intentionally set. Honolulu police officials believe heavy-duty machinery that was being used to clear ironwood trees at Sherwood Forest were intentionally set ablaze late Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kailua Beach Park again picked as best in the U.S. Hawaii's Kailua Beach Park has been selected as the best stretch of sand for an annual list of top U.S. public beaches compiled by Florida International University Prof. Stephen Leatherman, also known as "Dr. Beach." Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Senate Disaster Relief Includes Nearly $70 M For Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Big Island Video News.

Breaking down the budget. Community Forums on Thursday evening hosted a panel of county officials, headed by Mayor Harry Kim, to explain and justify their asks in the wake of a financial calendar year marred by volcanic tragedy, mass transit turmoil and homeless disruption across the island. West Hawaii Today.

Overcrowded Hawaii Community Correctional Center is moving closer to expansion, with the publication Thursday of an anticipated finding of no significant environmental impact for a new building. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Public Safety has issued a draft environmental assessment for a new medium-security unit at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center. Tribune-Herald.

3 Hawaii island visitors confirmed to have contracted rat lungworm disease. The state Health Department has received confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of three unrelated cases of rat lungworm disease diagnosed in visitors to Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Water Quality Group Settles Injection Well Litigation with County. Attorney for the group, Lance D. Collins says that after over a decade of litigation, the Pukoa o Kama Alliance has agreed to settle its case in exchange for the County’s commitment to continue reducing its reliance on injection wells in South Maui. Maui Now.

An update on the Wailuku Civic Complex will be given by the Maui Redevelopment Agency on Friday, May 24, 2019, in the Planning Department Conference Room at 1 p.m. Maui Now.

Kahului Temperature Hits Record for Fourth Time in Five Days. The National Weather Service reports that the temperature at Kahului Airport on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, reached 96 degrees, breaking the old record of 92 degrees set for that day in 2014. Maui Now.

Kauai

$11M for wildlife refuge. The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is getting federal money for repairs and is one step closer to establishing a new lookout so people can see the restored refuge. Garden Island.