Activists protest Red Hill in Washington, Ige nixes Aloha Stadium contracts, 111k Hawaii students to get student loan forgiveness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Activists Travel To DC To Demand Action On Red Hill. The Oahu Water Protectors organized a rally outside the White House to keep up pressure on the U.S. Navy to shut down the WWII era fuel farm that’s sickened thousands on the island. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Here’s how county charter amendment proposals are created for your ballot. The 2022 general election ballot won’t have any state constitutional amendments, but each county will have plenty to choose from. Hawaiʻi Island residents will see three proposals, while Oʻahu and Kauaʻi residents will each see four. Maui County, on the other hand, will see a few more. Hawaii Public Radio.

How many Hawaii student loan borrowers will benefit from Biden’s plan? Here’s a look. Over 111,000 student loan borrowers in Hawaii are eligible for Biden’s student debt relief program. That’s according to a fact sheet released by the White House on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Visitor restrictions loosen across Queen's Health System hospitals. Visiting hours will be expanded at The Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl and Molokai General Hospital to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Queen's Medical Center West Oʻahu to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Queen's North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Governor halts work on stadium construction proposals. Gov. David Ige has halted requests for proposals to build a new Aloha Stadium and will announce in three weeks different plans for its construction, a state official said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

The Struggle Over Towering Wind Farms Is At The Center Of A Honolulu City Council Debate. A backlash has arisen against industrial wind turbines, with Kahuku residents leading the charge, raising an alarm about the problems the 40-story towers constructed there have created for them and for their children — pulsating noises, flickering shadows, and what they say are sleep disruptions, depression and new neurological ailments. Civil Beat.

First red-light camera under construction at Vineyard and Palama. Honolulu’s first red-light camera is going up at the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Palama Street, with the monitoring system issuing its first warnings in two weeks when it catches cars that run through traffic lights. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm declares 2019 fatal police shooting justified. A Honolulu police officer was justified in firing three shots that killed a 27-year-old man who lunged at him with a hunting knife following a foot chase, said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm at a news conference Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Liquor commission’s public trust questioned by City Council. The Honolulu City Council is urging the Honolulu Liquor Commission to take steps to restore public trust, after the commission and its investigators have faced criticism over alleged discrimination and violations over the years. KHON2.

The Son Of A Slain Oahu Jail Inmate Is Suing The State Over Lax Practices. Oahu Community Correctional Center failed to follow “common sense correctional practices” and placed the 62-year-old prisoner in jeopardy, the lawsuit says. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Historic Preservation Bill Is Gaining Traction. Losses of historic sites, including the destruction of the home that inspired the song “Aloha Oe,” have spurred support for a city agency to monitor and protect Oahu’s ancient places. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council unimpressed by latest proposals to tackle homelessness. Hawaii County Council members on Tuesday were skeptical of a plan to address rampant homelessness on the island. Tribune-Herald.

County yet to issue a gun carry permit. Fewer than a dozen applications have been received by the Hawaii Police Department for a permit to carry a concealed weapon on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Court records detail teen’s kidnapping ordeal. A 52-year-old man accused of abducting a 15-year-old girl from a beach in Waikoloa allegedly forced her to smoke crystal methamphetamine, sexually assaulted her and shackled her inside a bus on his property, according to court documents that detail the teen’s terrifying experience. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Big Isle police say fatal shooting of Boy Scout was accidental; prosecutor to review possible firearm charges against 3 adults. “The investigation concluded that an unsupervised male minor picked up a loaded firearm and as he placed it back down, it discharged, subsequently shooting the victim,” the police department said today in a news release. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

‘Plan and prepare’. Ironman officials offered the following advice to West Hawaii residents ahead of the first-ever two-day running of the world championship triathlon: plan ahead and be prepared for delays, particularly on race days. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Voters To Decide If County Should Operate As A Bilingual Government. The measure would require the county to issue all official notices in English and Hawaiian, the endangered language of Hawaii’s native people that, after generations of decline, is experiencing a revival. Civil Beat.

The Maui County Council on Tuesday confirmed Rogerene “Kali” Arce as the first director of the county’s Department of Agriculture. The department is charged with supporting local farmers and ranchers while boosting food security. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Despite mounting criticism, bill to limit outdoor lights on Maui moves forward. Before clearing an 8-1 vote in front the Maui County Council Tuesday, Bill 21 saw staunch support and criticism. The measure proposes to limit the blue light content in outdoor fixtures to 2 % or less, as well as have lights pointed down and covered. KITV4.

Maui Council endorses Johnson’s proposal to allow counties to set own minimum wage. Councilmember Gabe Johnson announced Tuesday that the council endorsed his proposal for state legislation to empower counties in Hawaiʻi to set minimum wages that are higher than the state and federal minimum wage. Maui Now.

Maui County’s sunscreen ordinance takes effect on Oct. 1. Maui County’s ban on the sale, use or distribution of nonmineral sunscreens without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider, takes effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi event features dishes made with invasive species to raise awareness of environment. Venison, pig, mango, apple snails and tilapia are some of the invasive species on the menu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii's digital divide identified, Maui police chief admits to hit and run, Supreme Court nominee Todd Eddins heads to full Senate today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii internet connectivity October 2020 by island Source: DBEDT

State plan seeks to expand broadband connectivity across Hawaii. The 45-page Hawai‘i Broadband Strategic Plan 2020 offers what state officials say is a fresh look at ways to boost broadband connectivity at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is showing how important it is for education, health and economic prosperity. Star-Advertiser.

Recognizing the need; State addresses ‘digital divide’ in Hawaii Broadband Strategic Plan 2020. The so-called “digital divide” driven home during this year’s COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the need for improved broadband internet connectivity for education, health and economic prosperity are the subjects of a report released Wednesday by the state. Tribune-Herald.

Read the full Broadband Strategic Plan here.

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Hawaii Supreme Court nominee Todd Eddins heads to full Senate for confirmation. The nomination of Circuit Court Judge Todd W. Eddins to the Hawaii Supreme Court is scheduled for a full Senate confirmation vote this morning. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii inspectors find small garter snake, Pacific tree frog in shipping container of Christmas trees. A small garter snake and Pacific tree frog were among the pests found by state agricultural inspectors in a shipping container of Christmas trees on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Garter Snake Found in Christmas Tree Shipment to Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i’s ecosystem is a delicate one that can be hypersensitive to foreign invaders. So when news of a reptile finding its way to the islands, it’s news across the entire state. Big Island Now.

Agricultural inspectors find snake in shipment of Christmas trees. Last year, about 93,000 Christmas trees were imported to Hawaii. Officials expect about the same number of trees to be imported this year. Hawaii News Now.

Live snake found in shipping container of Christmas trees. KITV4.

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More than 1 month after tourism relaunch, mayors say traveler testing program is flawed. It has been more than a month since Hawaii relaunched tourism to trans-Pacific travelers. But mayors say they still have concerns about the state’s pre-travel testing program. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific Islanders Can’t Return Home During COVID-19 — Even To Bury Their Loved Ones. Indigenous burial traditions were already threatened by economic pressures and changing cultures. Then the pandemic struck. Civil Beat.

2020 CEO of the Year Micah Kāne. Magazine gives Kane top honor for work with the Hawaii Community Foundation. Hawaii Business magazine.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 18: 71 New COVID-19 Cases and 1 Death. Health officials reported 71 new COVID-19 cases and one death on Wednesday, including 59 on Oahu, two on the Big Island, two on Maui, and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City projecting a $400 million operating budget shortfall. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration is wrestling with what officials estimate will be a $400 million-plus shortfall in the upcoming city operating budget, acting Budget and Fiscal Services Director Manny Valbuena told a Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commission Seat To Be Filled By New Mayor. Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi will have an opportunity to shape the group in charge of holding the Honolulu Police Department accountable. Civil Beat.

New testing initiative identifies COVID-19 clusters in Oahu’s homeless camps. The program launched three months ago and is already playing a critical role in identifying clusters of the coronavirus in some of Honolulu’s homeless camps. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Native Hawaiians Overrepresented Among Unsheltered. A report released in July shows nearly half of O'ahu's homeless who are reached by social service providers are successfully rehoused. The study shows continuous churn on the streets of Honolulu, but one segment of the population is consistently overrepresented. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii investors Fergus & Co. buy land near Honolulu airport for $16M. Fergus & Co. closed on the acquisitions from Tomchi Group LLC on Nov. 2. Pacific Business News.

DCCA conditionally approves transfer of control of Hawaiian Telcom's in parent co. merger. The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Cable Television Division conditionally approved the transfer of control of Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc.’s Oahu cable franchise at the parent company level from Cincinnati Bell Inc. to Red Fiber Parent LLC last week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Roth building his cabinet: Mayor-elect taps Lord as managing director. Hawaii County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth announced key members of his Cabinet Wednesday as he prepares to take office Dec. 7. Roth is tapping Lee Lord, of Volcano, long-time business manager at the Prosecutor’s Office, as his managing director and second-in-command. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor-Elect Roth Announces Cabinet Members. Hawaiʻi County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth today announced a partial list of cabinet appointees, described as a “mixture of familiar names and new faces from all over Hawai‘i Island”. Big Island Video News.

Mayor-Elect Appoints First Members of Cabinet. A new administration is moving into the Hawai‘i County Building next month, but some of the faces and names are familiar ones. Big Island Now.

Action on disaster relief funding resolution postponed again. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted again to postpone action on a resolution that would permit Mayor Harry Kim to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more than $83 million in federal disaster relief funding. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief admits to hit-and-run that damaged man’s motorcycle. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu admitted Wednesday to leaving the scene of an accident in the parking lot of a shopping center without stopping. Hawaii News Now.

Maui police chief accused of leaving scene after hitting parked motorcycle. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu apparently hit a parked motorcycle in a Kahului shopping center and then left the scene without stopping. Star-Advertiser.

Details of Motor Vehicle Accident Involving Maui Police Chief Surface After Demand Letter and Video Surfaces. Maui police have released information on a motor vehicle accident involving Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu after receiving a demand letter earlier this week from an unknown source, and a video of the incident surfaced online today. Maui Now.

Maui Police Chief involved in hit-and-run incident. Chief Tivoli Faaumu says he didn't feel a thing but a local attorney says that might be irrelevant. KITV4.

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Mayor Victorino Responds to Council’s Resolution to Establish Rapid-Response COVID-19 Task Force. Mayor Michael Victorino released a statement today in response to the Maui County Council’s recent resolution urging the mayor to establish a rapid-response COVID-19 task force. Maui Now.

Staff: Fear lingering until final decision on Guzman’s removal. Committee recommended prosecuting attorney’s removal Nov. 6. County employees said they’re living in fear as they await “delayed” action by the full council on a resolution to remove Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney after an independent report found he violated the county’s violence in the workplace policy. Maui News.

Maui County could be dealing with another cluster of COVID-19 cases. Maui County could be dealing with another cluster of COVID-19 cases, according to Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday. KITV4.

Schools slowly bringing students back. Lanai High & Elementary remain in distance learning. Maui County public schools are slowly welcoming back more general population students to campuses, though Lanai High & Elementary School remains in virtual learning mode after a COVID-19 breakout on the island last month affected at least 32 students. Maui News.

Kauai

If cases continue to rise, Kauai could see more restrictions on social gatherings. Since travel has opened up, Kauai has seen a rise in cases. Currently, the county is in Tier 4, but if cases remain above the threshold then Kauai will see additional restrictions in Tier 3. KHON2.

County still waiting on Ige’s answers to Safe Travels rules. Two local rules proposed by Mayor Derek Kawakami to the state remain in limbo, with hopes diminishing on getting approval from Gov. David Ige. Garden Island.

Council-elect discusses upcoming term. Laying it all out to have a smooth transitional Inauguration Day next month, Kaua‘i County Council-elect met for an organizational meeting yesterday morning. Garden Island.

Hawaii challenged by high cost of living, stagnant population, 325 jobs cut at Pearl Harbor as new drydock planned, Maui council shakeup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Economists: High Living Costs Continue Driving Hawaii Residents Away. A new UH study predicts tourism to drive moderate growth in 2020, despite recent population declines. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Do Hawaii Folks Really Work 91 Hours A Week? A new study’s methodology is skewered, but our cost of living in general and housing in particular are certainly out of reach for many. Civil Beat.

Federal Policies Threaten Hawaii’s Flora, Fauna. Lack of scrutiny over invasive species threatens the Aloha State’s native wildlife. U.S. News and World Report.

New pot law goes into effect Jan. 11. Legislation passed by lawmakers earlier this year that decriminalizes the possession of three grams or less of marijuana and allows such past possessions to be expunged from criminal records will take effect early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Case throws liability for Hawaii charter schools in doubt. A $75,000 payment to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman who tripped and fell at Waimea Middle School is raising questions about who is liable for accidents at charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

Six Hawaii Companies Cited For Air Pollution Violations. Six Hawaii companies — half of which are electric companies — were fined for violating emission standards. Civil Beat.

Comedian Mel Cabang, who entertained Hawaii for decades, dies at age 77. Mel Cabang, one of Hawaii’s comedic legends, died Saturday in Las Vegas at age 77. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor could get first new dry dock since 1943. A surge in demand for attack submarines and the lengthening of Virginia-class subs to carry more missiles has the Navy examining building its first new dry dock at Pearl Harbor since World War II or creating a 650-foot floating dry dock to better maintain its Pacific- based undersea fleet. Star-Advertiser.

Change in Navy contracting eliminates jobs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Defense giant BAE Systems is exiting the surface ship repair business at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard after a more than 10-year run, eliminating about 325 jobs and leaving some uncertainty whether the work sometimes topping $50 million per ship can be fully retained in Hawaii under new Navy contracting terms. Star-Advertiser.

Sweep at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor uncovers hundreds of violations. Illegal homeless encampments, derelict and sinking boats, and piles of smelly trash were back at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor only weeks after the state finished a November enforcement sweep that netted 550 violations. Star-Advertiser.

Irritated neighbors want to lower the boom on illegal fireworks. Oahu has long had a problem with illegal fireworks, especially the aerials that temporarily transform many neighborhoods into dazzling landscapes on New Year’s Eve but terrorize pets, frighten small children and stress residents — especially those with health problems — who aren’t into the booming celebrations. Star-Advertiser.

City auditor slams Honolulu Zoo. Despite the city’s efforts to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki attraction continues to be plagued by an ineffective and ill-defined relationship with the Honolulu Zoological Society, as well as operational deficiencies and staff shortages that have led to unnecessary overtime costs, according to a report released by the city auditor this month. Star-Advertiser.

Low Pay, Reputation Of Corruption Hinders Hiring at Honolulu Liquor Commission. The city agency charged with regulating Oahu’s liquor industry is struggling to fill positions. Civil Beat.

HPD to propose ban on so-called ‘ghost guns’ amid increase in gun violence. Ghost guns have no serial numbers so they’re impossible to track and you don’t need a background check to get one. And right now, they’re completely legal in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

In Waimanalo, residents battle illegal dumping blocks from free city trash center. Waimanalo residents say their neighborhood is being plagued by a series of illegal dump sites. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island continues to lead the state in population growth, but some of the 42 small towns that dot the island have seen population drop, according to detailed estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Status Report Given To BLNR After Follow-Up Audit. The annual report on the status of the implementation of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan, or CMP, was on Friday’s agenda of the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Video News.

Police commission rejects complaint by retired sergeant. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday found insufficient evidence to support the allegations in a complaint made by a retired Hawaii Police Department sergeant concerning enhanced traffic enforcement that occurred on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Aug. 15 and Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Group shows interest in opening new Ookala dairy. Although Big Island Dairy has “satisfactorily completed” all closure requirements set forth in an agreement with the state Department of Health, others have shown interest in the Ookala property for future dairy operations. Tribune-Herald.

Mass Transit moves forward with Pahoa bus hub. The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency is taking the next steps for a new bus hub in Pahoa and will seek additional funding for the project from the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council Chair Kelly King to step down; Alice Lee tabbed to takeover. Her resignation comes on the heels of reports of dissatisfaction with her leadership. Maui News.

Maui Under the Influence Tow Bill Signed Into Law. With five days until Christmas and already 22 fatalities on Maui County roads, lawmakers passed an ordinance Friday aimed at keeping the roads safe from drunk and impaired drivers. Maui Now.

Lahaina gets a new $10M chocolate factory and cacao farm, with all the profits going to charity. It would be too indulgent to say that Hawaii is about to be drenched in locally made chocolate, but the fledgling industry is on the verge of a sweet surge with a $10 million factory slated for a public opening next month on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

‘Where am I gonna go’. Laws prohibiting unpermitted camping are enforced by county park rangers during frequent early morning raids at public spaces and ignored by prosecuting attorneys, who refuse to pursue cases against people whose only crime is not living in a house. Garden Island.

There's a free way to get around Kauai until Christmas. It's an offer that's part of recovery efforts after historic flooding on the island last year. KITV.

Hemp Growers Battle Both State Restrictions And Medical Skeptics. They hope the Legislature will move decisively to liberalize regulations that limit the marketing of hemp products. Civil Beat.

Saving Kanaele. Water was running in peaceful streams out of Kanaele after days of rains drenched Hawaii’s last, intact, lowland bog, protected on all sides by steep mountains and the Kauai Watershed Alliance’s first predator-proof fence. Garden Island.

Avain botulism taking a toll on endangered waterbirds. Since July, the team has found 140 sick or dead birds in the refuge, the majority being koloa ducks. Garden Island.

Visitor spending up as tourism nears 10M mark, Honolulu firearms crimes rise, news photographer alleges UH coach assaulted him, Hilo jail expansion controversial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers ©2019 All Hawaii News

Visitor spending, arrivals up in October. Both visitor spending and arrivals went up slightly in October when compared to the same time last year, according to recent data on visitor statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii could have more than 10M annual visitors for 1st time. Hawaii tourism stayed on pace in October to easily top the 10 million mark for visitor arrivals this year and extend a decade-long string of annual gains. Star-Advertiser.

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Rep. Case Demands Hawaii Be Paid Millions More For COFA Costs. If not, the congressman says renewal of the U.S treaties with three Micronesian nations may be at risk. Civil Beat.

Hurricane season ends with above-average number, below-average impact. At five tropical cyclones, the 2019 hurricane season in the Central Pacific was technically an above-average year. Star-Advertiser.

Thanksgiving weekend gas prices remain steady for residents and incoming Thanksgiving holiday tourists, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.66 a gallon, which is the same as last week, also the same as a month ago and eight cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to AAA. Maui Now.

Oahu

Crimes involving firearms are on the rise, HPD says. With a recent string of high-profile violent crimes on Oahu, the Honolulu police chief reassured the public that there is no increase in crime overall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Kai residents are upset over the removal of crosswalks. City workers removed two crosswalks at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kalanipuu Street in Hawaii Kai a few weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

New tiny home community for the homeless now under construction in Kalaeloa. Ground was broken Thanksgiving Day in Kalaeloa on a master-planned community for the homeless made up of tiny homes and shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Assault at UH game alleged by Star-Advertiser photographer. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser photographer said he was assaulted at last week’s University of Hawaii football game and suffered injuries after being shoved by the head coach and then knocked to the ground by a UH employee. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of luxury homes on Oahu rise in October as median price declines. Oahu’s luxury home market saw a small increase in sales in October, compared to a year ago, but the median price for homes selling or $1.5 million or more declined by 4%, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Relief for overcrowded jail on the way. When Hawaii Community Correctional Center Warden Peter Cabreros started the job in 1975, he had one inmate. Nowadays, there are considerably more. West Hawaii Today.

Free Wi-Fi coming to parks. Free Wi-Fi is coming to seven Hawaii County parks, thanks to an agreement between Spectrum Oceanic LLC and the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

Kalapana Without Well Service Until at Least Early Next Year. Roughly 100 households in Kalapana will make do without a working County deepwell until at least early next year. Big Island Now.

Alligator Lizard Found In Christmas Tree In Hilo. A Hilo resident spotted the large lizard on top of the Christmas tree, which was imported from Washington State. Big Island Video News.

Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according  to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaii Water Commission Ruling Could Mark Change In Stream Stewardship. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases has come to an end on Maui, possibly signaling a turning point in the stateʻs management of public streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA, state alerted to pesticide found in wastewater. Banned chemical was detected in 2016 test, part of Monsanto case. Maui County notified federal and state officials Wednesday of the presence of a banned pesticide at the heart of a criminal case against Monsanto Co. in wastewater at three treatment plants during testing in 2016. Maui News.

Errors discussed in river fish kill. Water panel reflects on fish ladder project. Improved community engagement, better communication among stakeholders and unrestricted water flow were among lessons that state water commissioners discussed in the wake of a pilot project that accidentally killed hundreds of native fish in Wailuku River last month. Maui News.

Kauai

County Admits It Wrongly Allowed A Divisive Brush Cutting Project. Critics say a homeowner was allowed to cut down trees and brush along a popular trail in order to improve his view. Civil Beat.

Companies respond to outage inquiry. Efforts are underway to repair the undersea cable responsible for islandwide internet outages in late October and early November, but the problem is 10 miles offshore, over a half mile deep and is expected to take several more weeks to fix, according to an executive with the company responsible for maintaining the fiber optics line. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court weighs in on Honolulu council race, complaint filed over GOP campaign finance, media weigh in on top 2018 stories, new laws for 2019, more top state and local government news from all the Hawaiian islands

Diamond Head aerial view ©2018 All Hawaii News

No fishing at Waikiki to Diamond Head shoreline in 2019. Environmental advocates like the idea of a closure, but think the time frame needs to be longer for it to be effective. KITV.

More than two years after Gov. David Ige’s administration unveiled a 10-year, $378 million plan to escalate the state’s fight against invasive species, much of it remains unfunded and the governor plans to ask the Legislature to provide only a fraction of what was envisioned for the next two fiscal years. Star-Advertiser.

A longtime critic of the Hawaii Republican Party is alleging top state GOP leaders violated federal campaign spending laws by illegally funneling excess contributions to Cam Cavasso during his campaign for the U.S. House this year, but Republican Party Chairwoman Shirlene Ostrov says the party assistance to the Cavasso campaign was legal. Star-Advertiser.

A new law that goes into effect Tuesday aims to put a tighter leash on dog owners who fraudulently try to pass their pets off as service animals. Star-Advertiser.

With the 2018 hurricane season now behind us, the state has mailed out surveys to some Hawaii residents asking how prepared they are to face a major hurricane. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Ceded Lands Revenue Debate Simmers At Capitol. Big Island Video News.

Ahi prices are up as tradition is coming at a higher cost. KHON2.

The year that was 2018 might best be known in Hawaii for its explosions — the ones that did happen and the big one that didn’t. Star-Advertiser.

As the year comes to an end, Hawaii News Now takes a look back at the impressive and unforgettable stories of 2018 in this digital documentary. Hawaii News Now.

Star-Advertiser photographers pick their photos of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State Supreme Court to decide fate of City Council race with razor-thin win. Nearly eight weeks after the general election, one of the closest races still hasn’t officially been decided. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court says elections of Ozawa, Fevella uncertified. On Friday, the five Justices ordered state and city election officials to provide the following to Waters and LoPresti: information setting forth the margin of error for the electronic vote counting machines when applying the tabulation procedures, and -information setting forth how the intent of the voter is ensured in a close election without a hand count. KHON2.

Impeachment Waits While City Considers Paying Kaneshiro’s Legal Fees. A judge puts the case on hold to give the City Council time to decide if taxpayers must provide the prosecuting attorney with a lawyer. Civil Beat.

The petition to oust Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is being described as uncharted waters. KHON2.

A new report by Honolulu Auditor Edwin Young concludes that a ban on foam or polystyrene food containers on Oahu would not reduce litter on the island, but would negatively affect some smaller businesses. Star-Advertiser.

More than 100,000 residents and visitors are expected to view the annual Fireworks by Grucci display that will begin at 11:55 p.m. tonight from a barge in waters off Waikiki Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Leilani Estates residents are giving up on a lawsuit they filed against Hawaii County that would have returned a security checkpoint to the neighborhood devastated by lava. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii County Council is being asked to add projects related to damage caused by recent disasters to the capital budget and accept funds for a recovery plan for Puna. Tribune-Herald.

The partial closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park does not appear to be keeping tourists away from Volcano, to the relief of businesses that depend on them. Tribune-Herald.

With a new year just around the corner, improvements at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole continue. West Hawaii Today.

Aloha, 2018! The Tribune-Herald’s top stories of the year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Fate of Fong land in Keokea now up in the air. Dispute over water meters, subdivision puts Grandma’s site in question. Maui News.

Applications and proposals for a recycling grant program through the county Department of Environmental Management are being accepted for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Maui News.

A project to honor Maui County’s Mayors and Managing Directors was unveiled Thursday afternoon featuring a Wall of Mayors and a Wall of Managing Directors on the 9th Floor of the County Building in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO, will be the keynote speaker at the Jan. 15 meeting of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Top 10 stories: A look back at 2018. Garden Island.

Harbor fees to rise, Oahu beach erosion uncovered, vets lose free access to Kilauea Military Camp, Land Board denies contested case for Maui water access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Ala Wai boat harbor ©2018 All Hawaii News

The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation got the green light Friday to move forward with public hearings on proposed fee hikes at small boat harbors that, if approved, will affect more than 10,000 boaters. Star-Advertiser.

Hearings on New Fees Proposed at Small Boat Harbors. The Board of Land & Natural Resources voted on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, to approve a proposal by the DLNR Division of Boating & Ocean Recreation to move forward with public hearings on new proposed fees at small boat harbors. Big island Now.

Census: The Gap Between Rich And Poor In Hawaii Is Growing. Home values and household income in Hawaii vary widely depending on where you live. Civil Beat.

Identities of Over 400 Pearl Harbor Dead Still Unknown. Technological advancements are allowing forensic scientists at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to determine the identities of hundreds of Americans who were buried as unknowns. Hawaii Public Radio.

About nine of every 10 eviction lawsuits in the state result in tenants losing their homes, an outcome that partly reflects a huge disparity in who gets help from attorneys, according to a landmark study that analyzed a decade of Hawaii court data. Star-Advertiser.

Providing legal help to tenants shows promising results. Star-Advertiser.

In an effort to ensure brown tree snakes never establish themselves in Hawaii, the state Department of Agriculture is taking what appears an ironic step. It’s bringing four of them in. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii had fewer confirmed large whale entanglements than much of the rest of United States waters, according to the recently released National Report on Large Whale Entanglements in 2017. Garden Island.

The Hawaiian-language version of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” will be distributed in DVD format for free to accredited schools across the state following a yearlong production. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Political leaders and land managers are failing to protect Hawaii’s beaches despite policies that call for them to safeguard the natural shoreline. That’s the conclusion of a new study by University of Hawaii-Manoa researchers who documented the disappearance and narrowing of beaches on a section of Oahu’s windward coast over the last century. Star-Advertiser.

Can placing park security at select Honolulu locations be the solution to keep out the homeless and end vandalism? The Mayor says yes through a pilot program that began last month, and  nearby residents agree. KITV.

Reforming DPP: Planning, Permitting and Delays. These are busy days for Oahu’s Department of Planning and Permitting. There are issues with so-called monster homes and the housing shortage. And there’s new attention on the slow turn-around on building permits. Hawaii Public Radio.

45-story condominium in Honolulu’s urban core to welcome new homeowners. The price for the affordable units starts at $272K.  Hawaii News Now.

Dead Bats Are Changing People’s Minds About This Energy Project. North Shore residents used to be mostly OK with the Waimea Bay wind farm. Now they’re not so sure. Civil Beat.

An illegal dump site the length of 13 football fields is ticking off Waianae residents. Waianae residents are complaining about a major illegal dump site. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu home prices rise 3% but sales drop by double digits. Home prices on Oahu rose by about 3 percent last month, compared to November of last year, but the number of single-family homes and condominiums sold fell by more than 10 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Veterans headed to Kilauea Military Camp inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be surprised to find they have to pay a park entrance fee. In the past, veterans who didn’t have a park pass would be allowed to enter for free if they were going to KMC, a military recreation facility on the rim of the Kilauea caldera, and showed a retired military identification card. Tribune-Herald.

Ready for takeoff: UH-Hilo prepares aeronautical science program. After years of effort, a four-year aeronautical science program will finally take flight at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

2 carriers seek Waimea-Kohala Airport contract. In response to a federal request for proposals from the U.S. Department of Transportation, two air carriers are vying to offer federally subsidized flights out of the Waimea-Kohala Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

BLNR denies contested case for A&B water leases. East Maui Irrigation Co. may continue to divert stream water. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously rejected Friday a request from the Sierra Club for a contested case hearing on Alexander & Baldwin’s request for time extensions for water-use permits from streams on state lands in East Maui. Maui News.

County seeks seniors, caregivers for survey. A survey of older adults and their caregivers is being conducted by the Maui County Office on Aging through Feb. 1. Maui News.


Maui condo prices jump 32% in November. Home process on Maui rose last month, compered to November 2017, with the median price of a single-family home rising nearly 8 percent and the median price of a condominium jumping 32 percent, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

New things perking at Kauai Coffee. Darla Domingo and Fred Cowell of Kauai Coffee announced the opening of a new Kauai Coffee shop that will be opening in a matter of days at the Coconut Marketplace in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Molokai

Final approval of Molokai Island Community Plan on Dec. 11 agenda. On Nov. 16, a public hearing, in conjunction with a full County Council meeting, was held at the Kaunakakai Elementary School, where the revisions to the Molokai Island Community Plan were approved. Maui News.

State auditor slams Health Department's oversight of care homes, security guards to patrol Honolulu parks, state tells Hawaiians to take down Mauna Kea access structure, Maui panel recommends $40M bond, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands, seen from GOES-17 at 6:30 a.m. EST, on Nov. 13, 2018. PC:NOAA/CIRA

The GOES-17 Advanced Baseline Imager has sent its first images from the satellite's new vantage point over the Pacific Ocean. NOAA.

State auditor finds licensing of care homes problematic. An inordinate number of Hawaii’s nearly 500 adult residential care homes were operating in 2017 either with no license or with “hastily issued” permits — and sometimes without even being inspected, according to a scathing audit of the agency charged with ensuring health and safety standards. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: Licensing Process For Adult Care Homes Is Seriously Flawed. The state agency overseeing adult care homes says it is improving its practices and there is no risk to the health or safety of the patients. Civil Beat.

A new audit has found major problems within the agency that licenses Hawaii's care homes. It says the office of health care assurance was renewing licenses for care homes even though there were deficiencies found. KHON2.

The Office of the State Auditor released an audit of the Hawaii Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Assurance today, identifying areas for improvement to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents in adult residential care homes. Maui Now.

Scathing audit says office charged with licensing care homes failing to ensure health, safety of patients. The state Office of Health Care Assurance is required by law to oversee the health, safety and welfare of care home residents by licensing and inspecting care homes and holding them to standards. Hawaii News Now.

Read full audit on adult care homes here.

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Harm Reduction Hawaii: Change State Laws for Sex Workers. Community advocates and sex workers in Hawai’i are mobilizing to be heard at the State Legislature next session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Back In Washington Ed Case Gets Ready For ‘A Wild Ride’. The congressman will join one of the most diverse freshman classes in U.S. House history, one that must decide if Nancy Pelosi will still lead them. Civil Beat.

UH Regents Approve New Leadership Organization. The recombining of the University of Hawaii system president with the Manoa chancellor is among other bureaucratic shifts coming to UH. Civil Beat.

A ‘time bomb’ waiting to happen: New figures highlight critical shortage of special ed teachers. Teachers sound alarms over worsening shortage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s teacher shortage has reached “crisis proportions,” according to Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee, who appeared before the Board of Education Thursday to address the state’s ongoing struggles to retain qualified educators. Garden Island.

Isle jobless rate edges up to 2.3%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate rose in October for the second straight month to a 16-month high of 2.3 percent as the labor force slightly contracted. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART to pay $13 million for rail claims. In what is being praised as a significant milestone for the troubled Honolulu rail project, the rail authority has reached an agreement that will finally allow it to close out major contracts with the company that built the first half of the elevated rail guideway. Star-Advertiser.

HART Approves Rail’s Recovery Plan – Again. The move is intended to free up more than $700 million withheld by the project’s federal partners. Civil Beat.

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City hires 24/7 security guards to curtail homeless in 9 Honolulu parks. Pairs of unarmed, private security guards Thursday began rotating among nine city parks around the clock to clamp down on illegal homeless activity. Star-Advertiser.

City to implement new security program to patrol Honolulu parks 24/7. The one-month pilot project will cost the city $44K. Hawaii News Now.

Security guards coming to nine Honolulu parks. KHON2.

Honolulu Rolls Out Ankle Bracelet To Monitor Drunken Drivers. Repeat drunken drivers in Honolulu can soon be made to wear a SCRAM CAM anklet that detects alcohol consumption through a wearer’s sweat and notifies the courts. Civil Beat.

The Prosecutors Office unveiled a new tool aimed at cracking down on habitual drunk drivers. These alcohol monitors can detect alcohol through sweat. KHON2.

Honblue hopes to fill void after Hagadone Hawaii closes. Printing company Honblue hopes to take over as many clients and employees as it can from Hagadone Hawaii, which announced last week it will stop commercial printing operations. KITV.

Exotic bengal cats confiscated in Honolulu. A pair of exotic animals got confiscated at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu in September. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

State tells group to take down structure at Mauna Kea access road. They say they are Native Hawaiian beneficiaries looking after the aina. But the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands says they are trespassing and that their unauthorized structure next to the Maunakea Access Road has to go. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii Island peace activist is raising concerns about an apparent U.S. Navy plan to expand non-invasive, or no live fire, training activities into the Mauna Kea Recreation Area along Saddle Road. Big Island Video News.

Ha steps down as cannabis dispensary CEO. The CEO of Lau Ola LLC, one of only two Big Island medical cannabis dispensaries, announced his retirement Wednesday, before the dispensary has brought any product to market. Tribune-Herald.

Former Big Island farmer and medical marijuana advocate Richard Ha, CEO of Lau Ola, is resigning today, two weeks after the state gave the startup the green light to begin growing pakalolo. Star-Advertiser.

Effective Monday, Richard Ha, the head of Big Island medical cannabis company Lau Ola is retiring. KITV.

Little Fire Ants Discovered in Hawaii Volanoes National Park. Park officials announced today they have discovered the presence of the invasive ants in the popular Steam Vents area and Mauna Ulu parking lot. Hawaii Public Radio.

Little fire ants invade Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Unwanted visitors: Little fire ants discovered at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The invasive species is hazardous to the health of humans, native ecosystems. Hawaii News Now.

The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee met in Pahoa on Wednesday evening, and eruption recovery was on the agenda. Big Island Video News.

Weather, water hit Cyanotech hard. Limited access to fresh water, inclement weather and a volcanic eruption has resulted in growing pains for Cyanotech Corp., forcing the company to post a loss for a third consecutive quarter. West Hawaii Today.

Estate in Hawaii's Kukio to be auctioned as part of China portfolio by Concierge Auctions. An estate in the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii’s Big Island will be sold at auction online and in a live auction in Hong Kong next month as part of a portfolio of 18 luxury homes around the world marketed by Concierge Auctions to buyers in China and across the globe. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Panel recommends approval of $40M bond for project. Some council members say additional funding for Wailuku Civic Center plan is ‘premature’. Maui News.

Seabury Hall trims new headmaster list down to three. Maui News.

Updated Molokai Island plan to get public hearing Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

County officials with the Mayor’s Office, Office of Economic Development, as well as representatives from Kauai Community College and Hawaiian cultural practitioners are visiting Kauai’s sister city in Portugal for the first time. Garden Island.

Nearly 100 people gathered Thursday to learn about the rapid rise in popularity of e-cigarettes among Kauai teenagers, a trend affecting communities nationwide, recently described by the Food and Drug Administration as having reached “epidemic proportions.” Garden Island.

Hawaii to be first state to enact pesticide ban with bill signing today, HGEA endorses Hanabusa, Kilauea volcano settles into earthquake pattern, state sued over child death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii agriculture PC:Monsanto Facebook photo

Hawaii will become the first state to prohibit the use of pesticides containing the chemical chlorpyrifos, after Gov. David Ige signs a bill into law on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

President Donald Trump arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Tuesday afternoon aboard Air Force One, and although no one disembarked to greet base residents, the summit with North Korea — if implemented — will have its own impact on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii’s largest union, representing more than 42,000 government workers, took several swipes at Gov. David Ige as it announced Tuesday its decision to support Colleen Hanabusa in the governor’s race. Star-Advertiser.

Why This New Hawaii Super PAC Has Already Changed Its Name. The backlash over using a Hawaiian song title without permission has been building for weeks and surfaced at the state Democratic Convention. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Juvenile Justice Information Committee is working to help as many underage offenders as possible to become productive citizens. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Crusade To Keep Hawaii Kids Fed This Summer. While the Department of Education provides meals on summer school campuses, other efforts are afoot to deliver food to nonschool venues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s mortgage delinquency rate improved by 0.5 percentage points in March, and was a full percentage point lower than the national average for loans that were 30 days or more past due, according to a monthly report by CoreLogic. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Study: Honolulu Workers Need $39 An Hour To Afford A 2-Bedroom Rental. At the state level, Hawaii residents need to earn more than anywhere else in the U.S., researchers say. Civil Beat.

Rents for two-bedroom apartments in Honolulu fell by 3.9 percent from a year ago, ranking Hawaii’s largest city at No. 99 among the 100 largest cities in the U.S. for year-over-year rent growth, according to a report from Apartment List. Pacific Business News.

The "Hawaii Emergency Management Agency" and the City and Council of Honolulu will be conducting siren tests between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday. KITV.

Windy Kaukonahua Road will close from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday as the city converts streetlights along the Wahiawa-­North Shore thoroughfare to LED lamps from traditional lamps. Star-Advertiser.

For the second time this month, a live snake has been captured in Hawaii. KHON2.

State agricultural officials picked up a stowaway snake from Honolulu Harbor on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Large earthquakes and steam explosions at the summit of Kilauea have been occurring on an almost daily basis in the past few days, with one happening approximately 24 hours after the next, and scientists say the activity is in fact following a "fairly reliable pattern." Hawaii News Now.

Lava spewing in 160-foot-high fountains in lower Puna and flowing to the sea has now created at least 250 acres of new land in Kapoho. Hawaii News Now.

With scores of businesses around the island impacted by the Kilauea eruption, county, state and federal agencies are investigating ways to help struggling employers and employees alike. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: Scientist Shares Kilauea Eruption Update. Big Island Video News.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

USGS caldera collapse

Lighter winds toward the end of the week could send vog and sulfur dioxide from Kilauea’s eruption “over more populated areas,” including Hilo, the National Weather Service said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Volcanic gas emissions very high from fissure 8. KHON2.

Influx of new people has brought more crime, shelter residents say. A growing number of people who were homeless or living in unstable situations before the volcano disaster have joined the makeshift community and are responsible for an increase in thefts, domestic disturbances and other trouble that has required police intervention. Star-Advertiser.

As eruptions continue, land swap eyed for hundreds of evacuees. An old idea to relocate part of Puna is getting a new push amid ongoing eruptions, which have destroyed at least 700 homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

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Aunt of girl who starved to death sues state. Star-Advertiser.

The maternal aunt of a 9-year-old Hilo girl allegedly starved to death almost two years ago by her parents and maternal grandmother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the state, the girl’s parents and her maternal grandmother. Tribune-Herald.

A new lawsuit blames the state for the death of a nine-year-old Hilo girl who died of starvation in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

The family of a 9-year-old Big Island girl who starved to death is suing the state of Hawaii as well as her parents and grandmother for wrongful death. KHON2.

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The Board of Ethics on Tuesday cleared a retired county employee to hold a county contract overseeing a project replacing the county’s problematic online building permit application system. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch is evaluating information collected last month during an investigation into wastewater discharges from Big Island Dairy. Tribune-Herald.

The number of photovoltaic permits issued in Hawaii County nearly tripled in May despite Kilauea Volcano erupting and thousands of people evacuating their homes on the east side of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council candidates challenged. Haiku resident maintains term limits disqualify them from seeking council seats. Maui News.

Panel advises settlement in director’s suit. Details not released publicly. The lawsuit filed by Department of Water Supply Director David Taylor against Mayor Alan Arakawa over Taylor’s dismissal last year may be winding down with the parties nearing a settlement. Maui News.

Maui County is preparing to advance $250,000 to help fund an appraisal of the ground lease for the affordable Front Street Apartments, where rents are set to go to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Kauai

Lawsuits behind, Coco Palms rebuild to continue. Garden Island.

Feral conflict rising. Wild Hawaii cats, like the one in this photo, and their impacts to the state’s endangered species are the fodder for FERAL, an upcoming documentary on the Hawaiian cat conversation. Garden Island.

Molokai

Authorities Investigate Death Of Young Monk Seal On Molokai. She’s believed to be the sixth killed by people since 2009. Associated Press.