Showing posts with label tourism jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tourism jobs. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Universities, stores set to reopen, tourists to be welcomed back by July, mass jail releases include violent offenders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
UH Hilo campus earlier this year ©2020 All Hawaii News
University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade to resume in-person instruction for fall semester. Star-Advertiser.

UH Plans To Resume In-Person Classes This Fall. The university is still working on what those classes will look like. Civil Beat.

UH announces plans to resume in-person instruction in August across its 10 campuses. The University of Hawaii plans to resume in-person classes across its 10-campus system on August 24, with the start of the fall semester, but stressed that it won’t be business as usual. Hawaii News Now.

In-person instruction at UH campuses will resume this fall — with a host of caveats. The president of the University of Hawaii said Monday all 10 campuses plan to resume in-person instruction for the fall 2020 semester. Tribune-Herald.

UH to Resume On-Campus Education This Fall. University of Hawai‘i students will attend classes on campus this fall, or at least that’s the plan as of Monday, May 4. Big Island Now.

UH Plans for Return to In-Person Instruction at All 10 Campuses in Fall 2020. UH will deploy a “COVID-19-aware approach to providing a safe, high-quality education” for new and returning students, faculty and support staff as the semester begins as scheduled on Monday, August 24. Maui News.

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Gov. David Ige is poised to allow some retailers to reopen their doors. Gov. David Ige said he plans to sign an emergency proclamation today that will allow “low-contact” retailers to reopen as long as they can minimize contact between employees and customers to protect them against the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Ige says he plans to give green light to resume ‘low-contact retail’ operations in Hawaii. The governor said he plans to give more Hawaii businesses the OK to resume operations as the number of new COVID-19 cases in the islands remains low. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige says ‘low-contact retail,’ could re-open very soon. Governor David Ige said he plans on re-opening more Hawaii businesses like retail soon. KHON2.

Local retailers preparing new guidelines for reopening. With just one new case of COVID-19 Monday, Governor David Ige said in a press conference that he will issue another order that would allow retailers to open. However, there are a lot of factors that come with that including safety, and security when everyone is wearing a mask. KHON2.

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Hawaii economy not likely to fully recover this year. In a best-case scenario, Hawaii’s economy should start to slowly recover this month, but 2020 will end with double-digit unemployment and the return of only about 75% of the economic activity lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state House Select Committee on COVID-19 was told Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Reshaping Hawaii’s Economy For A Post-Pandemic World. Hawaii’s long-term economic plan is a blank slate by design to be filled in by an ensemble cast, says Alan Oshima, Hawaii’s economic recovery chief. Civil Beat.

Leaders expect 'unified plan' to restart Hawaii economy by end of this week. However economists say tourism is unlikely to start returning to Hawaii before late July and the local economy is expected to regain by year's end only three-quarters of the activity lost to the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

UHERO Projects 75% of Local Hawai‘i Economy Could Be Regained by End of Year. The House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness today reviewed estimates of when jobs may start returning to the state, talked about how the retail and restaurant industries can adapt to health measures and still survive, and discussed the growing number of people that may become homeless. Maui Now.

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Economists say tourism could restart in late July. Experts say tourism can start picking up by the end of July. Along with that, more than 100,000 people unemployed could be back to work by the end of the year. KHON2.

When will tourists be welcomed back? The best-case scenario is predicting the end of July. Government officials, economists and business experts are working on a comprehensive plan to restart more businesses that cater to Hawaii residents. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism leaders urge state recovery plan. Hawaii’s visitor industry is adopting new safety protocols to begin tourism’s recovery, but leaders say they can’t reopen until the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state passengers is lifted. Star-Advertiser.

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Recalling workers presents challenge in unemployment policy. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations anticipates having to deal with appeals from displaced workers who are receiving unemployment checks that exceed what they can earn when employers decide to restore their pay. Star-Advertiser.

The Long Wait For Unemployment Checks Is Taking A Personal Toll. The state’s huge backlog of jobless claims has left many waiting weeks for benefits. For some, the loss of work has derailed dreams for starting over. Civil Beat.

Flattening the Next Curve, Homelessness In Era Of COVID-19. Hawaiʻi is likely to experience a wave of housing instability and homelessness in the coming months. Big Island Video News.

Federal loans might limit bankruptcies — for now. Federal loan programs to small businesses may be temporarily curbing an expected increase in Hawaii bankruptcies. Star-Advertiser.

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Prosecutors say dangerous offenders are being released to free up space in Hawaii correctional facilities. In the last two months, state prisons have reduced their populations by nearly 38-percent all to socially distance inmates despite there being zero positive cases in any state correctional facility. Hawaii News Now.

1 New COVID-19 Case Confirmed On The Big Island. Four other recoveries from COVID-19 were announced by state health officials on Monday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is reporting just one new COVID-19 case Monday, bringing the statewide total to 621. The new case is on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture preparing for possibility of "Murder Hornets" landing in Hawaii. "Murder Hornets" are being spotted in Washington State and the Department of Agriculture is preparing for the possibility of them landing in Hawaii. KITV4.

Oahu

Queen’s Medical Center takes down coronavirus triage tent as Hawaii’s infection rate remains low. The outdoor triage tent was erected seven weeks ago on March 12 to evaluate, test and separate COVID-19-infected patients from the rest of the hospital population. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Medical Center removes COVID-19 screening tents at Punchbowl. The hospital will still be screening patients but with fewer people needing the service, operations have moved indoors. KHON2.

Pacific Princess cruise ship returns to Honolulu for fuel and provisions. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reports that the Pacific Princess cruise ship is scheduled to arrive at Honolulu Harbor on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 7 a.m. and depart at approximately 2 p.m. the same day. There are no passengers on the ship and no crew members will disembark in Honolulu. KITV4.

A Prominent Developer Was Charged With Assault. Then The Case Languished For A Year. A politically connected Honolulu real estate mogul didn’t receive a summons until Civil Beat started asking questions. Civil Beat.

Residents report stinky smell coming from Waimanalo Beach Park. City officials say its Maintenance Support Services crews applied an organic fertilizer made at Sand Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lawyers Demand Hawaii Island Stop Homeless Sweeps. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and another civil rights law firm are demanding Hawaii County immediately cease the sweeping of homeless encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

County seeks site in Kona for homeless housing units. Eighteen temporary housing units are ready to be built for the homeless in Kona, but where they will be built remains to be seen. West Hawaii Today.

South Kona Water Conservation In Effect After Equipment Failure. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply issued an urgent message for residents in Kainaliu, Keʻei, Honalo, Kealakekua, Napoʻopoʻo, Hōnaunau, and Hoʻokena. Big Island Video News.

DWS Issues South Kona Water Conservation Request. The Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply is asking all South Kona customers to begin water conservation processes immediately. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaii Supreme Court To Hear Historic Remote Arguments In Maui Water Case. The Carmichael v. Board of Land and Natural Resources case involves a decades-long battle over water flowing from the East Maui mountains. Hawaii Public Radio.

Jail population in Wailuku drops below 300 with inmate releases. At 283, count is below the facility’s operational capacity. The number of inmates held at the Maui Community Correctional Center dropped below 300 last week and was less than the Wailuku jail’s operational capacity, as part of a “substantial reduction in the jail population across the state,” according to the state Department of Public Safety. Maui News.

Kauai

Two caught sneaking onto Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i Police Department is currently investigating an incident involving an unauthorized small plane from Maui that dropped off two passengers in Kaua‘i on Sunday. Garden Island.

Opening the doors. St. Catherine School principal David Adams said the reopening of the preschool Thursday is a sure sign of hope during these times of COVID-19. Garden Island.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Honolulu TSA worker tests positive for COVID-19, state mulls inter-island quarantine, some make masks, others buy guns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu TSA workers ©2020 All Hawaii News
TSA worker in Hawaii tests positive for COVID-19. A Transportation Security Administration worker at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii Interisland Travel Restrictions Next. Now that a 14-day self-quarantine is in effect for all arrivals to the State of Hawaiʻi, officials are going ahead with restrictions on interisland travel, too. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: Case Total Now At 175; State Plans Tighter Interisland Travel. The Hawaii emergency management agency says it is planning tighter restrictions on interisland travel after state senators called for quarantine requirements to be applied to travelers who arrive at interisland airports and small boat harbors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 175. Hawaii Department of Health officials said Sunday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 175, up 24 from 151 Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Cases Now At 175. The state reported 24 new cases since Saturday. About 8,100 tests have been conducted to date. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Cases Climb to 175 in Hawai‘i. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i jumped by 24 overnight, bringing the statewide total of positive test results up to 175. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases total 175; 24 new cases reported. The state reported 24 new cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 175. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases now total at 175, 49 have recovered. The State Department of Health announced 24 new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, bringing the state total to 175 on March 29. KHON2.

Doctors: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii communities at a wider scale than being reported. The medical professional community estimate there could be 800 to 1,000 unidentified cases statewide. KITV4.

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Suspension Of Hawaii’s Open Government Laws More Extreme Than Other States. Gov. David Ige has alarmed government watchdogs with his proclamations that shut the public out of public meetings and eliminates the release of public records. Civil Beat.

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Will Feds’ Relief Package Be Enough To Keep Hawaii’s Small Businesses Afloat? The package includes $377 billion for small businesses. Loan money spent on payroll and rent for the next two months doesn’t have to be paid back. Civil Beat.

Senator Schatz Releases Resource Guide For Small Businesses. The U.S. Senator from Hawaiʻi says the guide can help businesses access new funding and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Housing woes escalate. Close to 100,000 Hawaii residents lost work this month, and for many the fear of losing their home has also arisen or may not be far off. Star-Advertiser.

Many homeowners, tenants suffering from COVID fallout are eligible for federal relief. Homeowners with government-guaranteed mortgages who fall behind on their monthly payments because of the coronavirus pandemic can postpone their payments by up to a year, according U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners And Renters Could Benefit From Coronavirus Aid Package. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz released a new resource guide to help residents figure out if they qualify for mortgage deferrals and eviction protection. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii researchers identify drug that may help COVID-19 patients. Sleep-inducing drugs may be beneficial in treating patients infecting with COVID-19, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and colleagues in Wuhan, China. Star-Advertiser.

UH Researchers Need Your Help To Track COVID-19 In Hawaii. They’re looking to trace the spread of the disease in the community. Civil Beat.

Volunteers Step Up To Fill Shortage Of Protective Gear. Multiple health clinics and hospitals have reported they are running short on supplies and the community is responding. Civil Beat.

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While unemployment claims have skyrocketed, some essential businesses are looking to hire. Both Lowe’s and Securitas tell us they’ve been looking to hire workers before the pandemic started and that search continues. Both businesses say they’re looking to fill about 100 positions each. KHON2.

Securitas to hire 200 people amid Coronavirus outbreak. Security company Securitas says it is planning to hire 200 people to meet the increase demands it's getting. KITV4.

Businesses continue changing with growing coronavirus outbreak. As the growing COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily living in Hawaii, stores still open for business have also been forced to continue adjusting in response to government orders, the spread of the virus and changing customer habits. Star-Advertiser.

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Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Postponement of Hawaii dental appointments recommended during coronavirus outbreak.  Most dentist appointments for regular checkups and cleaning have been postponed during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.


DOE wants to modify graduation criteria. The state Department of Education is seeking approval from the state Board of Education to modify high-school graduation and commencement requirements under Board Policy 102-15 for the class of 2020. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Voters Asked to Update Signatures. Every registered voter in the state should be on the lookout for a signature capture card in their mailbox. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Axes Caldwell Budget Increases As Virus Concerns Grow. Items considered nonessential in the mayor’s budget were nixed and one member is proposing millions in new funding to tackle homelessness. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed except for essential business starting Monday. Access to Honolulu Hale will be limited to only those city employees and members of the public who are there on official business starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Once filled with visitors, Waikiki has turned into a ‘ghost town’. Prior to government crackdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19, Waikiki was the heartbeat of the state’s economy, contributing 6% to the state’s gross domestic product. Star-Advertiser.

Despite statewide restriction on mass gatherings, large groups continue to meet. Some people — both tourists and local — aren’t obeying the statewide order to avoid mass gatherings. And they’re not hiding it either. Hawaii News Now.

About 260 people screened in Waipahu as drive-thru coronavirus testing ramps up. About 260 people were tested Saturday for coronavirus at a drive-thru screening site at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex, one of two pop-up screening events this weekend on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism grinds to halt as virus restrictions tighten. Like many cities across the world, Honolulu came to an eerie standstill this weekend as officials implemented measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 confusion: County parks being evaluated for reopening. West Hawaii Today.

Even in Hilo, demand for guns, ammo soars. As people across the nation stocked up on toilet paper and cleaning supplies in preparation for the coronavirus lockdown, demand for guns and ammunition also spiked in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testing continues as virus case count rises. A second pop-up drive-through testing clinic for COVID-19 was set up at the Old Kona Airport Park on Saturday as the state’s number of presumptive or positive cases reached 151. West Hawaii Today.

Keep calm and sew on: Community comes together to make masks. Making cloth masks to help compensate for shortages at local hospitals and care homes is a burgeoning occupation for sewing circles and community huis, especially now that the governor issued a stay-at-home order to reduce casualties from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Working To Gather, Or Make, Needed Supplies. Medical logistics Airmen with Hawaii Air National Guard and PhD students UH Mānoa are working to keep Hawaiʻi healthcare workers supplied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui beach, outdoor activities clarified in ‘stay at home, work from home’ order. The County of Maui released Saturday afternoon supplemental guidance to the Public Health Emergency Rules that went into effect last Wednesday, mandating that people stay at home and work from home and shuttering nonessential businesses and activities to protect against coronavirus spread. Maui News.

Maui Ranks #2 in US of Areas by Share of Jobs in Industries at High Risk from COVID-19. A new study by Brookings Institution ranks the metro area of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina on Maui at number two in the nation by share of jobs in industries at high risk from COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 drive-through tests Monday; state spikes to 175 cases. Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will take place again Monday at War Memorial Gym parking lot, 700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku. People with respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with other ill individuals must call to make an appointment. Maui News.

Kula seamstress threads masks for first responders. More than 400 completed; some go to MPD. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric proposes ‘self build’ battery storage in Pulehu. Interactive hearing on Akaku April 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Virtual screenings. Kaua‘i nurse practitioner Marghee Maupin is offering COVID-19 screenings to patients with or without insurance, and is conducting virutal exams via online video platforms to consult with her patients. Garden Island.

The Kukui Grove Cinema in the heart of Lihue will close its doors for good. A cinema in the heart of Lihue will soon close its doors for good — an apparent business fatality of the COVID-19 crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Hawaii tourism, jobs in COVID-19 jeopardy, state doubles down on testing, Honolulu ex-police chief Kealoha faces enhanced sentencing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kona beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News
Virus scare could cost Hawaii 6,000 jobs, economists warn. A new report by University of Hawaii economists predicts the coronavirus scare will cause visitor spending in Hawaii to fall by more than 10% and wipe out nearly 6,000 jobs, but acknowledges there are a “wide range of other possible outcomes.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Visitor Spending Will Drop 10% From Coronavirus. The latest report from UH economists says a more prolonged spread of the virus means greater economic tolls. Civil Beat.

UH economists predict ‘significant’ job losses in Hawaii as economic fallout of coronavirus widens. A new University of Hawaii forecast predicts the economic impacts of coronavirus to the islands will be significant and long-lasting, resulting in at least 4,000 job losses before year’s end as visitor arrivals decline sharply. Hawaii News Now.

UH research predicts COVID-19 could cause “nearly 4000” job losses this year. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) released an updated economic forecast based on recent COVID-19 developments, predicting “significant economic impacts” and the loss of thousands of jobs. KHON2.

Tourism industry plagued by COVID-19. Hawaii's top industry is reeling as COVID-19 concerns are impacting travel plans. KITV4.

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Gov. David Ige, Hawaii health officials announce enhanced testing for coronavirus. Hawaii health officials will begin broad community testing this week to find out whether the state has a more severe coronavirus problem than it thinks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Updates: UHERO Updates Economic Forecast, Community Tests To Begin This Week. The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Hawaii Public Radio.

State unveils ‘proactive’ testing for coronavirus. State health officials on Tuesday announced the launch of a COVID-19 “surveillance testing program” that will help identify cases of community spread of the disease — cases that cannot be traced back to a traveler or contact with an individual with the coronavirus. Tribune-Herald.

Coronavirus Community Testing Program to Begin This Week. Hawai‘i will no longer test only those patients who meet the criteria for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

COVID-19 Surveillance tests initiated. Hawai‘i officials said Tuesday they plan to begin randomly testing negative flu samples taken in the state for the new coronavirus. Garden Island.

COVID-19 Daily Update: State Launches Surveillance Initiative. Maui Now.

State launches program to identify community spread of COVID-19. The State Health Department is stepping up its efforts to test for COVID-19 in our islands in an effort to identify possible cases of community spread of the virus. KHON2.

2 more coronavirus tests come back negative, DOH says. The state Health Department said two more tests for coronavirus came back negative Tuesday night. Hawaii’s confirmed cases remains at two. Hawaii News Now.

Private laboratories begin testing for coronavirus. A private lab began its testing for COVID-19 on Tuesday with more labs to come online soon. KHON2.

Hawaii's two largest private medical labs can now test for COVID-19. In the medical community allowing Diagnostic Laboratory Services and clinical labs to work up doctor-collected samples is seen as a game-changer. KITV4.

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Many Hawaii private schools cancel mainland and international travel due to coronavirus concerns. Several private schools in Hawaii, including Punahou and ‘Iolani, have announced the cancellation of school-­related travel for the rest of the academic year due to the novel coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Elderly Care Facilities Prepare For Coronavirus But It's Not Clear If All Are Ready. Hawaii senior care facilities are preparing for a coronavirus outbreak in Hawaii, spurred on by the nursing home deaths in states like Washington. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s largest industrial distributor of sanitizers ‘basically wiped out of product’. Fears about the coronavirus significantly increased orders from customers and emptied the warehouse. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 precautions for dining out. COVID-19 is already affecting the restaurant industry. Local restaurants are stepping up disinfecting common areas. KHON2.

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At least 1 dead in Hawaii from multistate listeria outbreak from enoki mushrooms. A company is recalling its enoki mushrooms after they were linked to dozens of cases of listeria infections and four deaths, including at least one from Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

CDC issues recall alert for enoki mushrooms following listeria outbreak. Don’t eat enoki mushrooms. That’s the message the CDC put out Tuesday after the mushrooms were linked to a listeria outbreak that stretches all the way back to November 2016. Hawaii News Now.

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Jobs In Hawaii: The Future Looks A Lot Like The Past. Many of the state’s fastest-growing areas of employment remain in service and tourism jobs that make it tough to get by in Hawaii’s pricey economy. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Concerned Homesteaders Could Bear Brunt of Telecom Fiasco. Sandwich Isles Communications began auctioning off its assets last week to pay off hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. The once-exclusive provider of telecom services to Hawaiian home lands also faces legal trouble, and Hawaiʻi lawmakers are worried services to homesteaders could be interrupted. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers May Ban Side Hustles For State and County Executives. Both chambers of the state Legislature have passed some form of a prohibition on the governor and county mayors earning income from employment other than their elected office. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Conservationists urge caution in the water as number of whales injured by boats rise.  Humpback whale season in Hawaii is only at its midpoint, but so far nine collisions between ocean vessels and whales have been reported. Hawaii News Now.

At Least Nine Vessel-Whale Collisions Since December. At least nine instances of vessel/whale collisions have been reported since December in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and nearby waters, according to new information from the organization. Maui Now.

Sanctuary reports vessel/whale collisions. At least nine instances of vessel/whale collisions have been reported since December in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and nearby waters. Ocean users are asked to use caution when navigating shared waters. Garden Island.

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Journalism Conference To Focus On Indigenous Issues. Regional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists will gather at UH Manoa March 20-21. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police Chief Susan Ballard supports enhanced sentence for her predecessor. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard is calling for a harsher sentence for former Police Chief Louis Kealoha, and two other former officers. Hawaii News Now.

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Ewa Makai Middle School teacher Miki Cacace wins $25,000 Milken Educator award. The award for excellence from the Milken Family Foundation is given to 40 teachers each year across the nation, none of whom know they are even being considered. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa Makai Middle School teacher scoops up prestigious Milken Educator Award. An Ewa Makai Middle School teacher just won an award regarded as the Oscar of teaching. Hawaii News Now.

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Kaimuki parking lot repaving work delayed for 2 weeks. Kaimuki business owners and their customers will get at least a two-week reprieve from an initially scheduled Monday start date for an eight-month-long parking lot repaving project they believe will wreak havoc on their businesses. Star-Advertiser.

8 Months To Pave A Parking Lot? Kaimuki Businesses Are Outraged. The city says it will take months to repave the lot at Waialae and 12th Avenue but worried business owners are pushing back. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Yagong seeks his old council seat. Former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, who held the District 1 Hamakua seat for 12 years, said Tuesday he plans to run for the seat again. West Hawaii Today.

Residents cut off by lava in Puna urge county to work faster to clear roads. Dozens of Puna residents urged faster and more transparent action from the county on clearing lava-inundated roads in Puna after Monday’s announcement that Pohoiki Road will be restored. Tribune-Herald.

ACLU Backs KAHEA, File Amicus Brief. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i is stepping into the conflict between KAHEA, an environmental nonprofit, and the State Department of the Attorney General. Big Island Now.

Outburst Disrupts Council Hearing On Kohala Shoreline. An outburst that resulted in an unplanned recess of the Hawaiʻi County Council on Tuesday was not enough to stop the advance of a bill to change the zoning of 37-acres of shoreline land in North Kohala. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lt. Governor Green is 'Confident' in Maui Hospital Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. As concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus escalate, state and county officials gathered at the Maui Memorial Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon to discuss preventative measures and potential emergency response. Maui Now.

Hale Makua screening visitors to nursing facilities. Efforts underway to sanitize public buses, other county facilities. Maui News.

Kauai

State of the County Address via video. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami will deliver his second State of the County Address via video, which will be uploaded to the County of Kaua‘i website and Facebook page by noon on Friday, March 13. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Mosquito birth control could save endangered birds; Hawaii No. 1 in state tax withholding; DLNR officer found guilty in rape of 16-year-old; lawmakers mull election recount, tax hikes, commercial fishing; no opposition to HECO rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaua‘i Amakihi, courtesy Lucas Behnke USGS
State wildlife officials will investigate a “birth control method” they hope can be unleashed on the mosquito population that threatens Hawaii’s endangered forest birds. Star-Advertiser.

Scientists are testing what they’re calling “mosquito birth control” to stop a major threat to Hawaii’s most rare endangered birds. Garden Island.

Two Hawaii beaches ranked in Trip Advisor’s 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards for U.S. beaches, including Kaanapali Beach on Maui and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii is ranked No. 1 when it comes to states that take the most in taxes out of your paycheck, based on a $50,000 salary, according to a new study by GOBankingRates. Pacific Business News.

Bill Would Require Recounts In Close Hawaii Elections. The proposal would make recounts automatic if a race’s victory margin is less than 250 votes or less than 1 percent of votes cast. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposal with the potential to cripple the state’s commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found foreign fishermen confined to boats and living in subpar conditions.

State lawmakers are considering pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into research and prevention efforts aimed at combating rat lungworm disease, a condition in which parasitic worm larvae infect people’s brains.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

No one spoke in opposition to Hawaiian Electric Co.’s proposed 6.9 percent rate increase Wednesday night at the only scheduled public hearing on the request. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council advances three bills that could make your commute much more costly. The measures raise vehicle and fuel taxes, plus double metered parking rates. KITV.

A new bill is moving through the state Legislature that would increase the general excise tax on Oahu from 4.7 percent to 5.2 percent. KHON2.

Homeless people in Iwilei and Kalihi may need to pack up their tents if the Honolulu City Council passes two new bills aimed at expanding the city’s sit-lie ban. Civil Beat.

There are no requirements to serve on the board charged with civilian oversight of a scandal-ridden police department. Civil Beat.

Council OKs bill on defibrillators in buildings. Star-Advertiser.

A wave of high-rise development plans on or near Kapiolani Boulevard close to one end of the city’s envisioned rail line just got bigger with a local developer’s purchase Wednesday of three two-story commercial buildings in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Farrington High School’s 2,396 students have been asked to wear Governors maroon today when Farrington dedicates its first football stadium — a facility that Principal Al Carganilla hopes will spur new traditions for his students and the Kalihi community at large. Star-Advertiser.

HPD investigating 'sextortion' crime in which UH student wired hundreds of dollars overseas. Hawaii News Now.

The Army’s 25th Infantry Division says the death of a Hawaii soldier’s infant is under investigation. Associated Press.

The Army did not notify state Child Protective Services, as required by law, after learning that an infant was taken to the hospital recently with suspicious injuries, Hawaii News Now has learned.

Hilton Grand Vacations is looking to fill scores of positions at its new Grand Islander hotel. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

A state conservation officer, who once worked for the Honolulu Police Department, was found guilty Wednesday of raping a 16-year-old girl at a beach park on the Big Island in 2016. Civil Beat.

A Hilo Circuit Court jury of seven men and five women took less than three hours to convict 40-year-old Ethan Ferguson of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault for the Jan. 1, 2016, assault at Lalakea Beach Park in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald.

A state law enforcement officer was found guilty of rape on Wednesday, following a jury trial in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Recent tests of the sewer main along Alii Drive are showing highly elevated levels of chloride, indicating seawater is getting into the line. West Hawaii Today.

Meeting for the first time since November, the Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency took stock of ongoing changes to the local political landscape. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County’s housing department is proposing a 36 percent rent hike at its Kula‘imano Elderly Housing Project in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Demands for Alexander & Baldwin to be more transparent and to disclose the impacts of its proposed 30-year lease for water from East Maui streams were heard Wednesday evening at a crowded Maui Electric Co. community meeting room. Maui News.

The Department of Management has announced the formation of a Cost Reduction Unit aimed at reducing costs for all county operations. Maui Watch.

The House Committee on Health has amended and recommended passage of a bill to provide a state subsidy that would allow Hale Makua Health Services to admit more wait-listed patients who are no longer in need of acute care but are taking up valuable beds at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui News.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday on a Maui man who breached security Saturday at Honolulu International Airport and died after being apprehended. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County councilmembers want to be able to order investigations if they believe they are not getting sufficient answers from the county administration. Garden Island.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Board of Regents plans public meeting on Thirty Meter Telescope, Mauna Kea opposition spreads, teachers' pay hike nears, Ige's water board pick controversial, job forecast rosy, police behavior targeted, Kauai monk seal recovered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy Occupy Hawaii Media
TMT opponents build a Mauna Kea hale, courtesy Occupy Hilo Media
The University of Hawaii Board of Regents will hold a special board meeting to discuss the future of the Thirty Meter Telescope project this Thursday, April 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the University of Hawaii Hilo campus. Hawaii Independent.

Big promises from the University of Hawaii over the Thirty Meter Telescope, which started construction atop Mauna Kea then stalled amidst mounting concerns with the project. The university, which manages observatory activity on the mountain, says this will be the last project for the area. KHON2.

Hundreds of students walked out of classes at University of Hawaii campuses around the state Monday in a show of support for those protesting the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian advisory councils at eight of the University of Hawaii system’s 10 campuses have taken an official stance against the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

While construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope remains stalled for now, protesters of the project continue to hold vigil on Mauna Kea. What happens next remains unclear. Hawaii Public Radio.

Organizers of the Thirty Meter Telescope launched a new website over the weekend as demonstrations against the $1.5 billion project atop Mauna Kea continue to grow. KITV4.

The union representing Hawaii public school teachers hopes to strike a deal with the state within the next week for additional compensation for its 13,000 members. Negotiation teams for the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state have met three times over the past month and need to reach an agreement in the "next week or so" in order for any increases to be funded by the Legislature this session. Star-Advertiser.

Public opposition to Gov. David Ige’s nominations to the powerful board that administers the state’s water code is mounting ahead of a key legislative hearing Wednesday. An online petition against longtime sugar-plantation boss William Balfour’s appointment to another four-year term on the Commission on Water Resource Management has garnered more than 1,200 signatures since the governor quietly sent his name to the Senate for confirmation. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Bill Balfour's record during his prior term on the Water Commission shows how inappropriate a choice he is; Ige risks a second failed nomination only a month after the Ching fiasco. Hawaii Independent.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige and Speaker of the House Joe Souki have reappointed familiar faces to the state Council on Revenues, which forecasts the state government’s tax revenue for each fiscal year. Pacific Business News.

A measure that could extend sick leave benefit opportunities to more service industry workers is gaining traction in the Legislature, where some lawmakers say more fine-tuning might be needed before it can become law. Garden Island.

Thousands of additional jobs are expected across Hawaii in the coming years. That's according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The department announced Monday it is forecasting statewide employment to expand by 2.9 percent by 2016. That amounts to nearly 20,000 jobs. Associated Press.

Oahu


The Navy said it spent $1.35 million to clean up munitions-related items from Ordy Pond, a 10,000-year-old limestone sinkhole on the old Barbers Point Naval Air Station that's helped point to when Polynesians first colonized Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

State Likely to Pay $30K After Student Forced to Run on Treadmill Collapses. Kailua High staff had special ed student exercise to combat "extreme" behavior, Attorney General's Office tells Legislature. Civil Beat.

All of the $487,044 in cash that former arcade owner Lo Van Ho admitted that he and his wife deposited in their bank accounts in quantities of $10,000 or less over a three-month period last year came from the Products Direct Sweepstakes machines in the arcades, lawyers for the Hos said in federal court Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The public will get its first opportunity today to weigh in on a $434.7 million spending plan Mayor Billy Kenoi has proposed for the budget year that starts July 1. West Hawaii Today.

The feasibility and cost of constructing a small commercial boat harbor and small commercial airport in Puna could be studied by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, if the State House agrees to a resolution passed through the Senate this week. Big Island Video News.

A traffic collision occurred Sunday evening at one of Hilo’s busiest intersections after an on-duty police officer ran a red light, police said Monday. Tribune-Herald.
 
Maui

A former Mainland police chief said he was illegally arrested by Maui Police. In a lawsuit filed in federal court today, Jason Griego, then chief of the Cuba, N.M. Police department, said he and James Sanchez, a former reserve officer with Cuba police, were held for hours in a filthy jail cell in July 2013. No charges were filed and the two men were never given an explanation for their arrest, the suit said. Hawaii News Now.

Legislation allowing Maui's state hospitals to enter into an agreement with a private entity such as Hawaii Pacific Health will go to the state Senate for a vote on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Four public meetings have been scheduled in Maui County for residents to comment on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's proposal to expand the size and sharpen the focus of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to include multiple marine species. Maui News.

A crowd of about 125 dignitaries, staff and community partners joined Maui Economic Opportunity in a blessing celebration for its new transportation facility in Puʻunēnē. Maui Now.

The median sales price of a single-family home in Maui County inched up 2 percent to $599,000 in the first quarter of 2015, compared with the first three months of 2014, and the median price of a condominium went up 8 percent to $440,000 in the first quarter, according to Realtors Association of Maui monthly statistics. Maui News.

Kauai

DLNR Rules Linger in Governor’s Office. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has yet to sign off on aquarium fishing rules and commercial fishing restrictions off Kauai. Civil Beat.

When a large ulua hook became stuck in the left check of the Hawaiian monk seal known as RN44, it put its life in danger. The monk seal was seen later, “strong and healthy, which is good news. Officials hope RN44 stays out of further trouble. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Hawaii unlikely for Obama library, bill seeks to make super PACs more transparent, Haleakala visitor center closes for repairs, Honolulu hotel employees try to unionize, state second in restaurant employees, Big Island mayor holds line on budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ala Moana food court © 2015 All Hawaii News
New data released by the National Restaurant Association shows that Hawaii's restaurant workforce represents 14 percent of the state's overall employment — 88,700 jobs in 2015 to be exact — the second highest in the nation. Hawaii follows behind Nevada at 16 percent, and is ahead of Florida at 10 percent. Pacific Business News.

The foundation developing Barack Obama's future presidential library has commissioned polling in Chicago to determine whether residents support building it on the South Side, people close to the foundation said, in the clearest sign to date that the library likely will go to the University of Chicago. Associated Press.

A bill in the Hawaii Legislature would make it easier for voters to understand who is supporting and funding political action committees. The bill targets super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. Associated Press.

Mandating the use of ethanol as a transportation fuel in Hawaii was supposed to revive the local sugar industry and make the state more energy self-sufficient, but those plans never panned out. Instead, motorists here have been burning imported ethanol for almost a decade, and some state lawmakers want to abandon the ethanol requirement. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could formally establish a statewide public preschool program within the public school system under advancing legislation — but the effort is unlikely to see any boost in funding beyond 21 classrooms set up this school year. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers on Wednesday shelved a bill that would have let voters decide whether the University of Hawaii should remain semiautonomous. Senate Bill 637 proposed a constitutional amendment to remove the "exclusive jurisdiction" the university's Board of Regents has over the "internal structure, management and operations of UH." Star-Advertiser.

It's difficult to find anyone who agrees with Hawaiian Electric Company's recent move to block new rooftop solar systems from going online. KITV4.

Living Hawaii: Warning Signs — Many People Can Earn More Elsewhere. The high cost of living in the islands is almost never factored into how much employers will pay here. Civil Beat.

Opinion: Why Does the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Exist? OHA is a well-funded agency with a big and often misunderstood mission on behalf of Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A two-sentence state law to boost bicycle safety morphed this month to include a $500,000 grant for Honolulu to help run a vanpool program on Oahu. The evolution of Senate Bill 128 provides the latest example of Hawaii lawmakers shortcutting the legislative process, spurring some would-be supporters of the proposal to come out against it. Civil Beat.

Local developer and former politician D.G. "Andy" Anderson wants to expand Haleiwa's commercial core with more businesses and homes, but the project is drawing flak from North Shore residents. Star-Advertiser.

Unite Here Local 5, the union representing many Hawaii hotel workers, held a rally Wednesday outside the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Aston workers are not represented by the union, and the rally was in support of winning union representation for Aston workers. Star-Advertiser.

Decriminalizing Homelessness: Bills Take Aim at City Policies. Hawaii legislators are considering several proposals aimed at helping homeless residents affected by Mayor Kirk Caldwell's "compassionate disruption" policies. Civil Beat.

What happens when UH-Manoa faculty, staff cross the line? KHON2.

Each year, the University Laboratory School in Manoa admits less than 60 new students, earning a reputation for being one of the toughest public schools to get into. But now, the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission says a legal opinion by the Attorney General's office has determined that the school's admissions policy is legally flawed. Hawaii News Now.

Waialua Estate Coffee Farms has been trying since December to meet quarantine requirements imposed by the state in an effort to contain the destructive coffee berry borer, the state Board of Agriculture was told on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Property values are averaging about 3 percent higher than last year, giving Hawaii County government enough breathing room to create a no-frills budget without having to resort to increasing property taxes. West Hawaii Today.

The land leases for Uncle Billy’s Hilo Hotel and the Country Club condominiums will expire next month unless the state Board of Land and Natural Resources approves an extension Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Residents of Puuanahulu are hoping to cut their monthly bills by installing a photovoltaic system to power their water supply. The initiative got an initial green light this week with the release of an environmental assessment that found the project would not significantly impact the landscape. West Hawaii Today.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers recently tested two drones in the waters off the Kohala Coast, hoping to someday being able to use the combined technologies to locate vessels and marine life in distress, conduct wildlife surveys and access hard-to-reach areas. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Haleakala National Park Visitor Center has been closed until further notice due to structural damage, according to a Feb. 25 National Park Service news release. MauiTime.

Funeral services for former state Rep. Mele Carroll will be held on Oahu and Maui. Associated Press.

A Maui mother is on a mission to raise awareness about a dangerous virus and to assure all newborns have a fighting chance at life. Krystyn Aguinaldo-Iokia helped craft “Kulia's Bill” or House Bill 782.  It's aimed to educate pregnant women about the dangers and risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV). Hawaii News Now.

Maui's increase in hotel occupancy, room revenue and room rates last year mirrored overall state increases in all categories, Hospitality Advisors reported Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Although the 11th annual Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon is still a month away, you might need a miracle to get a ticket. People have snapped up 1,050 tickets at $25 each, so the event at the Kilohana Luau Pavilion featuring Christian author Dr. Ravi Zacharias is technically sold out. Garden Island.

A senior engineer with the Department of Water has agreed to an age discrimination settlement with the county. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Hawaii tourism, jobs, economy perking, powerless principals peeved, lawmakers fret over hemp seed supply, state rep charged with campaign spending violations, Hawaii County deputy clerk in hot seat over her campaign, state mental hospital in the cross-hairs, Kauai council hikes fees in budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2014 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii hotel pool party © 2014 All Hawaii News
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism projects stable economic growth in 2014 and beyond. Civil Beat.

Despite a sharp drop-off in room rate growth in March, Hawaii's hotel market hit a first-quarter hotel revenue record of $1.44 billion and ended its first three months with the nation's highest room rates and revenue per available room, and the second best occupancy after Miami/Hialeah, Fla. Star-Advertiser.

The tightening of Hawaii's job market was clearly evident Wednesday at the state's largest job fair. Employer turnout for the WorkForce job fair at the Neal Blaisdell Center was the strongest in more than five years, and several companies' representatives said they were recruiting at the event for the first time because they are having a difficult time finding qualified workers. Star-Advertiser.

Some 3,300 job seekers met up with 187 Hawaii employers Wednesday during the WorkForce 2014 job fair at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

A Hawaii lawmaker hopes U.S. Customs won't stop the shipment of hemp seeds from China that will launch a research project in Hawaii after a hold was put on seeds headed to Kentucky this week. Star-Advertiser.

Officials with the state Campaign Spending Commission charge that state Rep. Romy Cachola misused his campaign funds for an SUV, as well as questionable public relations efforts and meals, and want him to pay reimbursements and fines totaling nearly $70,000. Star-Advertiser.

The state launched a $95 million online eligibility system late last year to streamline the Medicaid process. But state Department of Human Services eligibility workers, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, said the system is not working properly and cannot verify income to determine whether people actually qualify for the program. Star-Advertiser.

An overwhelming majority of Hawaii public school principals who responded to an independent survey about their working conditions say they lack the needed support and autonomy to act in the best interests of their schools, but hesitate to speak out for fear of retaliation. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of rock climbers, para gliders, bikers and other aficionados of extreme sports are feeling a little let down after the latest legislative session. A group of outdoor enthusiasts urged Hawaii lawmakers to strengthen a law that limits the state’s liability for accidents on public land. Civil Beat.

The vetting of allegations of misconduct at the Hawaii State Hospital by the state Senate Special Investigative Committee continued on Wednesday with the questioning of a nursing office clerk whose job is to fill vacancies when staff call in sick and two psychiatric technicians who have been assaulted by patients. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Committee conducting a special investigation of the Hawai’i State Hospital questioned employees about over-time practices today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Elwin Ahu, senior pastor at New Hope Metro church, today announced his candidacy for Hawaii lieutenant governor. Ahu will run in the Republican primary. If he wins, he will likely be on a ticket headed by former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona. Civil Beat.

Leading up to the November election, hundreds of Hawaii Republicans from around the state will gather on Saturday, May 17 to vote on the Party’s platform, listen to Legislative updates from incumbents, and rally with candidates. The “Back to Basics” themed convention, held at the Ko’olau Ballrooms and Conference Center in Kaneohe, is the Hawaii Republican Party’s first major event since former Congresswoman Pat Saiki assumed the Chairmanship in March. Hawaii Reporter.

VIDEO: Controversy Follows UH President Candidate Wiercinski. Big Island Video News.

Dan Inouye and Patsy Mink are two of modern Hawaii's greatest political leaders. To honor their memory, last year the Hawaii Legislature passed a bill calling for the commissioning of works of art of the late U.S. senator and late U.S. representative "to use their examples to inspire current and future generations." Civil Beat.

Scientists say there's a 65 percent chance that El Nino conditions will develop in the central and eastern Pacific this year, increasing the chance for tropical cyclones in the central and eastern Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A new softball stadium and locker room at McKinley High School have been sitting idle even though construction was completed last December. While there’s nothing wrong with either facility, it will be a several more months before they’ll be used, school officials said. KHON2.

Former Kaiser High School Principal John Sosa, who was abruptly placed on leave last fall as the Department of Education conducted an internal investigation, says he still hasn't been told of the accusations against him. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Deputy County Clerk Maile David found herself the topic of discussion on both sides of the hallway Wednesday, as the Ethics Board finalized an advisory opinion allowing her to keep her job while running for election, and the County Council mulled cutting her salary in half because her duties are curtailed. West Hawaii Today.

County road striping crews will continue doing their work the old-fashioned way, following a 2-7 County Council vote Wednesday denying the lease of a road-striping truck. The amendment was one of a handful of amendments council members mulled while moving Mayor Billy Kenoi’s $416.9 million budget forward on a 9-0 vote. West Hawaii Today.

Third Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura issued the final judgment in the Thirty Meter Telescope case May 5. The release of the final judgment, where Nakamura ruled in favor of the Thirty Meter Telescope project, means the six petitioners arguing the state erred when issuing a conservation district land use permit for construction of what is poised to be one of the world’s largest telescopes atop Mauna Kea will have 30 days to file a notice or intent to appeal to the Hawaii Supreme Court. West Hawaii Today.

East Hawaii bowlers are expecting the worst after Hilo Lanes abruptly closed about two weeks ago. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Two meetings are planned on Maui following public concerns raised over a letter sent from the top executive at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to the US Department of State, seeking an opinion on the legal status of Hawai‘i under international law. Maui Now.

Diana Crow, a horticulturist at Ulupalakua Ranch, has helped release more than 10,000 Madagascan fireweed moths and larvae over the past year on Maui to combat a toxic plant overwhelming island pastures. Maui News.

A group gathering signatures for an initiative to ban genetically modified organisms on Maui is being criticized for posting private voter information on its website. Associated Press.

Complaints have surfaced about a SHAKA Movement effort to gather thousands of voters' names on a petition seeking a citizens' initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms in Maui County. Maui News.

After a less-than-60-day closure, West Maui's Mala Ramp is slated to reopen to boaters this morning, state officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

On the third day, increases continued. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved a set of tax and fee hikes intended to balance the county’s budget and avoid projected dips in funding for public access and open space projects over the next fiscal year. Garden Island.

Bees have buzzed their way into the budget. The Kauai County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to fund a measure to protect the island’s black and yellow pollinators. Garden Island.

Atrazine expert and University of California Berkeley professor Tyrone Hayes returns to Kauai to speak on the polarizing issue of pesticides. Known for his research related to Syngenta’s chemical herbicide atrazine, Hayes will take the stage for the free event at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center in Puhi. Garden Island.

An open house and public information meeting will be held next week to discuss a proposed road that would run from Hanamaulu to Puhi. If pursued, it would be built in phases on former cane haul roads. The meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the King Kaumualii Elementary School cafeteria, 4380 Hanamaulu Road. Garden Island.

Molokai

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard visited the Friendly Isle of Molokaʻi on Tuesday where she recognized students, visited with veterans, and talked story with business owners. Maui Now.