Showing posts with label tsunami. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tsunami. Show all posts

Monday, January 17, 2022

State can't accurately count COVID cases, closes quarantine facilities amid omicron surge, Hawaii legislative session to start Wednesday, Kauai seeks to outlaw feral cat feeding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Feeding feral cats in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News
Legislative session opening with hopes for Hawaii’s working families. The Legislature begins its third consecutive session on Wednesday with the state Capitol closed to the public because of the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, while members of the state House and Senate feel pressure to do more to help working families and low-income residents as the economy rebounds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Chart of members of the state Senate and House for the 2022 session. pdf.

Hawaiʻi State Senate announces priorities for 2022 Legislative Session. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present new challenges for the state, the Hawaiʻi State Senate is focused on addressing these concerns and more in the upcoming legislative session. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige seeks to create new law enforcement agency. Gov. David Ige is proposing the creation of a statewide law enforcement agency to streamline and help coordinate multicounty investigations, public-safety activities and training. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Education strives to provide more local food. A strategy is developing to use centralized kitchens to replace processed food imports currently served in student meals with fresh, local ingredients. Civil Beat.

Another call for investigation on UH athletics by Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The university continued to deal with the controversy that involved now-former head football coach Todd Graham, who resigned Friday, Jan. 14, amid player accusations of verbal abuse and a lack of cultural awareness, among other things. KHON2.

Federal funds to help ‘rebuild bridges across Hawaii’: State to receive $339M for repairs, improvements. Hawaii will receive $339 million in new federal funding over five years to repair and improve the state’s bridges, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced in a Friday statement. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Clean-up efforts underway following tsunami surge triggered by Tonga eruption. While a tsunami advisory has been canceled for Hawaii, people across the islands are now cleaning up the mess left behind by wave surges triggered by a large eruption in Tonga. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Availability of Hawaii COVID-19 quarantine facilities dwindling.
The availability of COVID-19 quarantine and isolation facilities has been drastically reduced since the state handed over the responsibility for providing them to the counties of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

DOH: Overwhelming surge in COVID tests delays reporting of both positive and negative counts. The state’s electronic data collection system for COVID-19 cases has become overwhelmed by the number of test results that it is trying to process. As a result, state health officials say they will stop processing negative test results beginning Saturday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 3 new coronavirus-related deaths, 3,878 additional infections.
The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 2,285 new cases on Oahu, 585 on Hawaii Island, 700 on Maui, 230 on Kauai, 28 on Molokai, 28 on Lanai and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy Gives New Dates For Families Displaced By Water Crisis To Return Home. The Navy continues to flush petroleum-tainted water from homes and neighborhoods, with most residents expected to be able to return starting later this month. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian organizations, community groups seek to restore, preserve historic lands in Luluku. The plan calls for restoring the agricultural terraces and loi systems in Luluku, creating community partnerships and educational opportunities, and starting programs that steward the land for future generations. Star-Advertiser.

Security under fire at Honolulu’s airport following rash of car thefts. State lawmakers grilled airport officials over a recent rash of car thefts at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and urged them to invest in more consumer-friendly upgrades at the airport. Hawaii News Now.

Public can attend virtual meeting discussing Ala Wai Flood Risk study. The community will be able to attend a virtual meeting to learn about and discuss the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management General Reevaluation study on Thursday, Jan. 20. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

East vs. West: Who should get the eighth House seat? The addition of a new Big Island seat in the state House has set up a battle about whether it should go to East Hawaii or West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Shortage of volcanic black cinder in Hawaii triggers emergency search.
The situation has prompted the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, at the direction of the Legislature, to pay a research team to find big deposits of black cinder on public or private land that is well suited for commercial excavation on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Tsunami triggered by volcanic eruption in Tonga causes minor damage in West Hawaii.
A Keauhou Bay business sustained heavy damage Saturday morning as an approximately 3-foot tsunami surge tore through the Sea Quest retail store. West Hawaii Today.

First cruise ship since March ‘20 arrives in Kailua Bay.
The first cruise ship to make call since March 12, 2020, in Kailua-Kona arrived in Kailua Bay Sunday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Mayor Victorino announces bid for re-election, aims to revitalize Maui County. Victorino, a former Maui County Council member, was sworn into office as mayor Jan. 3, 2019, after defeating Elle Cochran, also a former council member. He is slated to finish his first mayoral term at the end of this year. Maui Now. KITV4.

Discovery of mysterious substance oozing from ground in West Maui draws concern. The tar-like material was found on the site of a long-shuttered sugar mill in Lahaina. Hawaii News Now.

Two people survive Hāna plane crash. The incident was reported at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, approximately 100 yards west of the Hāna Airport runway in heavy foliage. Maui Now.

Kauai

Feral-cat bill moves at county council; prohibits feeding, abandonment. A cat-centric county bill that would tighten up compliance with seabird-protection mandates passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday. Garden Island.

HSTA requests collective bargaining again. Kaua‘i teachers and administrators are struggling to keep schools open for in-person learning. Garden Island.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Tsunami warning system restored after almost weeklong outage, NOAA employees claim gag order, House budget relies on federal bailout, state moving to 10-digit dialing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA
Tsunami alert buoy off the Kona coast PC:NOAA

Tsunami warning system is restored. The system of ocean buoys that helps warn Hawaii and the rest of the nation about tsunamis is back working after being knocked out of commission for nearly a week. Star-Advertiser.

Watchdog blames NOAA for lack of transparency on tsunami tracking system outage. There are new allegations that the staff at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was told to keep quiet about an outage of a key data system that had been down for days. Hawaii News Now.

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House Spending Plan Fills State Budget Holes — And Then Some. Money from the $1.6 billion from the American Rescue Plan could be used to continue paying into state employees’ retirements fund, something the governor had suspended. Civil Beat.

Committee to investigate Rep. Sharon Har in DUI case.
The state House will consider sanctions against one of its own after House Speaker Scott Saiki on Wednesday ordered the creation of a special committee to investigate state Rep. Sharon Har’s arrest on suspicion of drunken driving last month. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers consider a bill to allow any county employee to cite illegal parking. A new proposal aims to help police with parking enforcement in Hawaii.. House Bill 605 would allow any county employee to cite people for traffic violations along state highways. Hawaii News Now.

Come October, phone calls won’t work unless you dial ′808′ first. A change is coming to all local phone calls starting in October. All phone service providers will be implementing mandatory 10-digit local calling. Hawaii News Now.

Relics Of Sugar’s Past, Hawaii Dams Will Take Years To Fix Or Remove. The majority of Hawaii’s dams trace their roots back to the sugar cane plantation days, but the industry has left the state. And so has the money to maintain them. Civil Beat.

Coffee Leaf Rust ‘Emergency’ Prompts Request For New Fungicide, Threatens Organic Farming. To combat it effectively, the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture on Tuesday filed a request for a specific exemption from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The exemption would allow Hawai`i coffee growers to use a fungicide called Priaxor Xemium to help manage the ever-more prevalent infestations. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

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State vaccinations exceed 500,000. Hawaii has reached a significant milestone in the battle against COVID-19, administering more than a half-million vaccines as of Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

March 17, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 69 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 38 on O‘ahu, 23 on Maui, one on Lānaʻi, four on Hawai‘i Island, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu rail project’s price tag hits $12.4B. The board that oversees the city’s troubled rail project expects to be told today that the cost has now ballooned to $12.449 billion, the projected shortfall stands at $3.577 billion and the completion date has been pushed to March 2031. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council advances measure to incentivize building affordable rental units. The Honolulu City Council advanced a measure that aims to increase affordable rental housing by offering financial grants to private developers. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s Medical Center opening mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic at West Oahu location March 24. The hospital will immunize residents 65 and older, those with high-risk medical conditions and hotel, restaurant and bar workers in phase 1c in the Clinical Service Center Building from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except on Mondays. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Consider Shifting Police Funds To Social Services, Police Commission Says. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard agrees with the idea of social services workers handling calls involving homelessness and mental illness. Civil Beat.

113 Oahu homes were impacted by last week’s torrential rains, City says in initial report. The City and County of Honolulu released new numbers on Wednesday, March 17, identifying how badly the community was impacted by last week’s torrential rains. KHON2.

Online Platform Lets Low-Income Shoppers Buy Local Farm Products. Farm Link Hawaii connects food stamp beneficiaries with local farmers. The next step: taking those transactions on line. Civil Beat.

Scenic platform on Koko Crater Trail to remain in place for now. After meeting with city officials over the past week and a half, the group Kokonut Koalition reports the plan is now to rebuild it, instead of removing it. KITV4.

A dozen gambling machines seized in Wai'anae illegal game room raid. The Narcotics/Vice Division with the assistance of the District 8 Crime Reduction Unit and Specialized Services Division executed the search. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay remains closed on Thursday as crews continue to troubleshoot sewage pipe failure. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will remain closed on Thursday as crews continue working on a malfunctioning sewage pump, Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation announced today. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A shot in the arm: Money, vaccines headed to Hawaii Island. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Wednesday described a shot in the arm for Hawaii County, both literally and figuratively. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County police make history with promotions of 2 women. Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira made two historic promotions this week, with two female captains becoming majors, the Hawaii County police department announced today. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Parks and Rec plans to reopen additional facilities. The county Department of Parks and Recreation is gradually returning to normal operations after a year of COVID-19 restrictions. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea telescope to conduct analysis of asteroid.
An asteroid wider than the Empire State Building is tall will make a “close” pass by the Earth on Sunday, when astronomers will use a Maunakea telescope to attempt to determine the object’s composition. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New S. Maui affordable apartments moving ahead. A nonprofit housing developer is proposing a new 63-unit affordable rental project in South Maui with monthly rates starting at just over $500. Maui News.

Leilani Farm Sanctuary Seeking Donations to Rebuild Fencing Destroyed by Dam Overflow. Record heavy rainfall on Maui last week caused a dam to overflow and destroy fencing for acres of habitat in the lower reaches of Leilani Farm Sanctuary, an all-volunteer, non-profit facility for rescued animals in Hāʻiku. Maui Now.

TNC Publishes Coral Reef Atlas for West Maui. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has released the Atlas of the Reefs of West Maui, a comprehensive report compiling 20 years of data detailing changes in the abundance and diversity of marine life in West Maui. Garden Island.

Kauai

Sheltered from virus, Kauai plans cautious return to tourism.
As the coronavirus ravaged other parts of the U.S., residents of this rural Pacific island watched safely from afar. Associated Press.

Waimea Canyon Middle School playground dedicated. Waimea Canyon Middle School principal was glad the dedication of the school’s covered playcourt could proceed, Wednesday at the school’s far end of its parking lot. Garden Island.

State seeks to end Lawa‘i Stream diversion. After more than a century, baseflow, or fair-weather flow, of the Lawa‘i Stream will now be able to pass continuously without obstruction. Garden Island.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Douglas strengthens to first hurricane of Pacific season, no Hawaii tsunami threat from 7.8 Alaska quake, teachers union calls halt to Aug. 4 reopening, 90 Honolulu police on leave after COVID-19 case, Ironman canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News
Hawaii ballot testing ©2020 All Hawaii News
Is Hawaii Ready To Vote By Mail? As ballots go out, concerns linger over the potential for disenfranchisement but officials say they have adopted lessons from other states and will learn from the primary election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials hope mail-in vote means fewer glitches. With just about everything different in Hawaii’s 2020 primary, state election officials anticipate that glitches, if any, on Aug. 8 could come from the eight real- time, old-school “voter service centers” in the new era of statewide, mail-in voting. Star-Advertiser.

A look at many options to cast a 2020 vote, and how it’s counted. The 2020 elections are under way and they’ll look a lot different in Hawaii due to the shift to mostly mail-in system. KHON2.

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Hawaii officials urge residents to prepare for hurricane season. Gov. David Ige reminded Hawaii residents to be prepared as the peak of hurricane season arrives and as Tropical Storm Douglas, which was expected to strengthen into a hurricane by today, heads toward Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Officials urge hurricane preparedness amid ongoing pandemic; Tropical Storm Douglas expected to impact island sales. With Tropical Storm Douglas strengthening in the Eastern Pacific as the cyclone marched toward Hawaii Tuesday, state officials took to social media to emphasize the importance of being prepared for a hurricane amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Rules are being rewritten as Hawaii prepares for a hurricane amid a pandemic. Tropical Storm Douglas is the first named storm of the season to come near Hawaii – and the first ever during a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 presents new challenges for storm preparations. Emergency officials say the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges in preparing for a storm. So planning ahead is even more critical than ever. KHON2.

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Douglas strengthens, becoming first hurricane of Eastern Pacific season. As of the 5 a.m. Wednesday update, Douglas was about 1,785 miles east-southeast of Hilo or 1,500 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical storm Douglas strengthens to a category 1 hurricane. This is the first hurricane of the 2020 eastern Pacific season, with wind speeds up to 75 mph. KHON2.

Douglas Five-Day Track Updated, Becomes First Hurricane of 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Hurricane preparedness is top of mind this week as Douglas strengthened to Hurricane status today and is now considered the first hurricane of the 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Maui Now.

Tropical Storm strengthening. Newly formed Tropical Storm Douglas was strengthening over the open Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, and forecasters projected it would grow into the region’s first hurricane of the season. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forecast Tracks Towards Hawaii. Tropical Storm Douglas is moving due west with no change in strength, the National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday, adding that the system is expected to become a hurricane soon. Big Island Video News.

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7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska; No tsunami threat to Hawaii. A tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake. KHON2.

PTWC clears Hawaii, no threat from strong 7.8 mag earthquake off Alaska. Officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a strong earthquake off the Alaskan Coast Tuesday night no longer poses a threat to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii teachers union calls for delay in students’ return to school. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is urging the Board of Education to postpone the return of students to public school campuses, saying educators need more time to prepare to work in the COVID-19 era. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers Union Wants School Reopening Postponed. The teachers union is calling for an indefinite delay to the Aug. 4 start date. Civil Beat.

Teachers union says it has ‘no confidence’ that public schools can reopen safely Aug. 4. The teachers union said Tuesday it has “no confidence” that school campuses can reopen safely in two weeks and urged the state to delay a plan to bring students back for in-person instruction until more is done to allay concerns from teachers and parents. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers union pushes back against state’s plan for reopening schools. The Hawaii State Teachers Association on Tuesday urged state leaders to delay students’ Aug. 4 return to school. Tribune-Herald.

Public school teachers' union wants state to delay bringing back students to campus. The Hawaii State Teachers Association says teachers need more time to prepare their classrooms and help ensure the safety of the students. KITV4.

HSTA Wants A Delay In Reopening Hawaiʻi School Campuses. The Hawaii State Teachers Association today said it has no confidence that classrooms will be able to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 by August 4. Big Island Video News.

Teachers Union Says School Openings Should be Delayed. Hawai‘i public schools will reopen classroom doors on Aug. 4, but the Hawai‘i State Teacher’s Association (HSTA) says that’s not enough time to make schools safe for the return of its members or their students. Big Island Now.

Schools reopening face opposition. Hawaii State Teachers Association voiced concerns on Tuesday about bringing students back to classrooms, citing a lack of preparation and insufficient pandemic training. Garden Island.

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Ige: State not at point to require roll back of recovery plans. Gov. David Ige thinks his plan to allow trans-Pacific travelers to skip the two-week quarantine requirement will be able to go forward in September, despite reservations from the state’s mayors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s hotel occupancy improved slightly in June, but further shocks are expected. Occupancy at isle hotels about doubled in June to 15.7% from a coronavirus-related low of 8.4% in April. Star-Advertiser.

‘Geofence’ could help tourists roam: County explores allowing ‘resort bubbles’ to allow quarantiners out of hotel rooms. Hawaii Island is joining Maui and Kauai in exploring a new concept in gradually reopening their doors to tourists — a “resort bubble” where quarantining visitors would be allowed freedom to roam within the confines of a geofence. West Hawaii Today.

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Why Ige Vetoed Two Bills And Allowed Three More To Become Law. Newly released messages show the Hawaii governor’s thinking behind actions he took on five major bills approved by lawmakers in May. In an unusual move, Gov. David Ige found technical defects in all five bills state lawmakers passed in May to try to cope with the state budget shortfall and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to notices recently released by the Legislature. Civil Beat.

International Ships On Their Way To Hawaii For RIMPAC. But you won’t be seeing Japanese or Australian sailors in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele Says He Wants Police Reform, But His Vote Says Otherwise. The presumptive Democratic nominee for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District has a clear path to Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

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In search for hidden COVID-19 cases, state program tracks surge of virus in Hawaii. A state program designed to search for hidden cases of coronavirus has revealed an alarming new surge of virus in the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii counts 25 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,418. Hawaii health officials reported 25 new confirmed coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak to 1,418. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 21: 25 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,418 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nearly 90 police officers, recruits on leave after a single COVID-19 case at HPD. Nearly 90 Honolulu police officers and recruits will be tested for the coronavirus on Wednesday after a former recruit tested positive over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

How Kym Pine Is Using the ‘Power Of Incumbency’ In Mayor’s Race. The term-limited Honolulu councilwoman is making use of her city platform as she seeks higher office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

California couple arrested after being accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. Investigators with the Attorney General's office arrested a couple from California on Tuesday accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. KITV4.

Second COVID-19 Lockdown Could Make Homeless Vulnerable To Arrest, Legal Spiral. Among those who received citations the most for violating the stay-at-home order in the spring were the homeless.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Nearly 900 businesses in Honolulu closed March - July. New data finds nearly 900 businesses closed - both temporary and permanent - amid the pandemic. The closures were between March 1st and July 10th in Honolulu. KITV4.

Kalihi residents say they weren’t consulted on a proposed homeless prevention center. Kalihi residents are protesting a proposed facility aimed at providing homeless prevention services. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship canceled for first time in race history. The 2020 edition of the annual 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run was originally postponed from its Oct. 10 date to Feb. 6, 2021. However, because of health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of the future of international travel, The Ironman Group announced Tuesday the 2020 race will not take place. West Hawaii Today.

IRONMAN Cancels 2020 World Championship in Kona. The 2020 version of the Big Island’s premier sporting event will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Out-of-state students coming to UH-Hilo next month required to quarantine for 14 days. Out-of-state students returning to the University of Hawaii at Hilo next month will still be required to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Hawaii, although UH last week announced modified quarantine procedures for such students attending universities on Oahu and Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

County explores joining lawsuit against fossil fuel companies. Hawaii County might join the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit seeking financial reparations from more than a dozen fossil fuel companies for their role in causing climate change and rising sea levels. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Reported crimes in 2019 at 44-year low. Violent crimes ticked up from 2018 while property crimes fell. After Maui County recorded a record-low crime rate in 2018, crime reported in the county declined again last year to its lowest level in more than 40 years, according to a state report. Maui News.

Maui Lani roundabout set to open July 30 or even earlier. Victorino urges to remain vigilant even with no new COVID cases in 8 days. Maui News.

Kauai

After 2 months of a 4-day work week, Kauai county offices to shift back. County offices and employees are returning back to their normal 5-day work week. The county said starting next week Monday, most county offices will once again open Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

An emotional mayor’s luncheon. Mayor Derek Kawakami addressed members of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday in an emotional, virtual mayor’s luncheon that touched on the plan to bring students back to public schools and the hardships COVID-19 has brought to the community. Garden Island.

Deployed at home. Stationed in Kapa‘a, the Hawai‘i National Guard has assisted the county in pandemic response. Garden Island.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Commentary: The public has a right to tsunami inundation maps

wikipedia commons
1946 Hilo Bay tsunami PC: Wikipedia Commons
Tsunami maps drawn by scientists or tsunami maps drawn by the government?

I chose the former. And you should, too.

I am almost at the end of a more than four-year wait for copies of Hawaii Island's tsunami inundation maps, after the state Office of Information practices on May 10 overturned the then state Department of Defense's denial of the records. The opinion, No. 18-02, has not yet been posted online.

UPDATED June 10, 2018: Opinion No. 18-02 can be found here.

Almost at the end of the wait, that is, unless the state Emergency Management Agency decides to request reconsideration or appeal. The agency has until May 24 to ask OIP for reconsideration; it has until June 9 to appeal to circuit court.

The state argued an exemption under the state Uniform Information Practices Act that the records must be confidential in order to avoid the frustration of a legitimate government function. Releasing the maps, state officials said, would only "confuse" people. I argued there is no confusion exemption in the UIPA, and the public has the right to see maps purchased with their tax dollars.

The county uses the scientists' inundation maps to create evacuation maps, which are made public.

"The requested documents are used for the development of emergency management and/or emergency response plans, which include instructions to help ensure the safety of the public. The disclosure of the tsunami inundation maps, which are not disclosed to the public, but are used to help establish tsunami evacuation zones, would endanger the life and/or physical safety of members of the public who may be confused by the difference between the inundation limits and the tsunami evacuation Lines developed by the county," the state argued.

OIP said that's not enough reason to withhold the maps. All of the other states bordering the Pacific Ocean publish the maps online, OIP said in its opinion.

Here's how California does it. The state even allows the public to download the spatial data, so they can make their own maps.

"OIP understands the tsunami inundation maps to be essentially factual, representing the current scientific understanding of how a tsunami would affect the area mapped, whereas the tsunami evacuation zone maps represent a governmental policy decision as to what portions of the area mapped should be evacuated in the face of a tsunami warning," OIP said in its opinion.

"CDD's argument that, in essence, the public cannot safely possess such factual information about the likely horizontal measurement of the path of a tsunami, contradicts the purposes of the UIPA," the opinion added.

I wanted the maps in order to compare what scientists thought were critical inundation areas to what the government ultimately created as evacuation zones.

I'm not saying our own government would do this, but I can imagine a scenario where an important official or major campaign donor could be left out of a zone. A slight wiggle of the map lines here or there could translate into millions more dollars in property resale value or thousands less in property insurance.

The most common conflicts of interest in local government happen when officeholders face a vote on real property/land use issues that affect their own holdings, according to the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics program in Government Ethics at Santa Clara University.

Bottom line, the public has the right to compare the two maps. With the current volcano and earthquake emergency on the Big Island, it's more important now than ever that we know where inundation zones are.

Major mahalos to the nonprofit Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest and its director, Brian Black, for helping me with this appeal. The Law Center, incidentally, is the 2018 winner of the Big Island Press Club's Torch of Light award, given to an individual or entity who brightens the public’s right to know.

Government records belong to the public, not the government. We have a right to know.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Kilauea spews ash as lava eruptions continue, Legislature mulls special session to help residents in volcano crisis, Akaka to lie in state Friday, Waikiki beachboys don't give up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by Janice Wei
Ash spews from Kilauea volcano PC: J. Wei
Hawaii Legislature might reconvene to address lava crisis. The housing and transportation crisis caused by lava from Kilauea volcano have some state legislators considering a special session to find and fund potential solutions. Tribune-Herald.

As ash billows from summit, geologists say ‘big one’ still possible. An enormous ash cloud towered above Kilauea’s summit Tuesday and dusted downwind communities, but the expulsion was short of the “big one” that could eject boulders inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Plumes of ash shoot miles into air at summit crater, but 'big one' hasn't happened yet. Hawaii News Now.

The Kilauea summit stole the show Tuesday as volcanic activity within Halemaumau Crater launched an ash cloud that sent debris 12,000 feet into the air and prompted warnings for aircraft in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Ashfall Advisory For Kau Lingers Into Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

The number of fissures related to the ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island increased to 20 on Tuesday, while authorities issued an ashfall advisory for a second consecutive day for the area on the island southwest of the volcano's summit amid concerns about air quality. Pacific Business News.

Live webcam photos from Halemaumau Crater at Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser.

Don't believe the rumors, officials say major tsunami 'extremely unlikely'. KHON2.

Eruption-induced tsunami unlikely, experts say. The threat of a deadly tsunami — to residents of Hawaii island and the rest of the state — appears to be the least of the concerns amid eruptions, spewing lava and all of the seismic activity rocking Lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

==More VOLCANO news under Hawaii Island category below==

Late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka to lie in state before private burial. Senator Akaka will lie in state in the Hawaii State Capitol rotunda for 24 hours, from Friday, May 18 at 10 a.m. until Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. KHON2.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund rode out the recent stock market correction with a 0.7 percent loss in its fiscal third quarter to remain on track to hit its 7 percent investment target for the fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii firearm permits, registrations decreased by over 20 percent in 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Firearms registered statewide dropped nearly 24 percent last year and mirrored national statistics, the state Attorney General’s Office reported Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA loses $17.6M in quarter; Kaiser posts smaller profit. Hawaii Medical Service Association continues to blame its financial losses on the federal Affordable Care Act, which has expanded the number of people with health insurance across the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council leaders have hashed out a plan to cover the city’s $44 million share of rail costs next year, with a budget maneuver they say will spare Oahu from millions of dollars in service cuts and appease the transit project’s federal partners. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail officials explore public-private partnership options for project. Pacific Business News.

Latest city budget draft includes new positions. Funding to hire additional paramedics, firefighters, zoning inspectors and stream cleaners is included in the latest draft of the city’s $2.61 billion operating budget, which was passed Tuesday by the City Council Budget Committee. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Budget Committee Funds Ambulance, Pensacola Bike Lane and DPP Inspectors. The Honolulu City Council conducted a special budget committee meeting on the executive branch financial plan today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supporters of two operators of Waikiki beachboys stands held a peaceful protest this morning after the city ordered them to vacate their concessions. Star-Advertiser.

'We're going to fight': Beach boys defy city's order to leave Kuhio Beach. Hawaii News Now.

East Oahu residents say city failed to document dozens of flood-damaged homes. Hawaii News Now.

Electric scooter rental company Lime continued a fourth day of Honolulu operations with a depleted fleet Tuesday along with a hope that police will stop impounding the vehicles Lime leaves on sidewalks for rent. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of luxury properties on Oahu — defined as single-family homes and condominiums selling for $1.5 million and more — nearly doubled in April, when compared to the same month in 2017, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Ward Village developer breaks ground on central plaza. Star-Advertiser.

Former Delaware death row inmate Isaiah McCoy told a federal judge Tuesday that he will not pursue the insanity defense in his upcoming trial for sex trafficking after all and that he wants the judge, not a jury, to decide his case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Volcano blasts through county budget. It’s all hands on deck during a lava emergency, and there’s plenty of overtime, too. West Hawaii Today.

The Volcano Is Wiping Out Property Values And County Coffers. Losses are mounting in the hundreds of millions of dollars as Kilauea pushes molten lava through neighborhoods. Civil Beat.

Big Island businesses face layoffs, losses as visitor cancellations mount. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: Updates from the Kilauea Volcano eruption. KITV.

DOT: Highway 130 partially reopened past Malama Street. Tribune-Herald.

6 pm Eruption Update: Fissure 6 Near Leilani And Pohoiki Active Again. Big Island Video News.

7 P.M. UPDATE: Civil Defense Update on Kilauea Eruption. Big Island Now.

Displaced residents at Red Cross shelter make do in tents. Star-Advertiser.

As lava destroys Hawaii homes, owners ask, Am I covered? Associated Press.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to approve administrative fines against Henry K. Pomroy, Bill A. Fujimoto and Ho‘okupu Fish Co. LLC, regarding instances of illegal commercial lava boat tours on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Firearm Permits Down 26%, Registrations Drop 27%. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health has identified a case of mumps in a Maui resident who reportedly traveled to Oahu. Maui Now.

Kauai

The discovery of Rapid Ohia Death on Kauai has kicked up the timing on statewide surveillance efforts, and invasive species groups across the main Hawaiian Islands are increasing the time spent on research into the disease. Garden Island.

Meeting eyes 253-lot subdivision. A program on Kealia Mauka Homesites is on tap for Saturday. Garden Island.

Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall is set to reopen Friday, for limited use. Garden Island.

Flood insurance policy holders impacted by the recent disaster are getting answers about their claims. Garden Island.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson immediately put his hands to work when he landed on Kauai last week, helping with flood relief efforts. Garden Island.

Kauai faith leaders, along with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., met Tuesday afternoon at Aloha Church to unload a gift for flood victims. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

More Ige agencies oppose NextEra buyout of Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Independence Day set, tsunami money coming to Hawaii, monk seals increase, Maui defines dancing, Kakaako homeless sweep continues, median Honolulu home surges to $730l, coral bleaching worries Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Hawaiian Electric Co. worker courtesy photo
Gov. David Ige’s administration said Wednesday it is not in favor of NextEra Energy Inc.’s purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries even after NextEra revised its proposal in August, adding more than 50 new binding commitments. The state Office of Planning; the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; and the state Consumer Advocate filed more than 480 pages Wednesday with the Public Utilities Commission, saying that even with Next­Era’s revised commitments, the sale is not in the public interest. Star-Advertiser..

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would improve tsunami preparedness and provide more money for research to protect coastal communities from the giant waves. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Thursday that both the House and Senate have given the nod to a new bill he has co-sponsored which will increase tsunami readiness and improve the accuracy of alarms and forecasts. West Hawaii Today.

Some 148 monk seal pups were born in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2015. That’s up 22 percent from the 121 documented births in 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Scientists recently returned from a months-long deployment monitoring the monk seal population, tallying births and intervening with sick and injured animals, according to a NOAA Fisheries update. They reported that 148 pups were born in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 2015, a 22 percent increase over the previous year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Education is recommending changes to its school calendar after parents and lawmakers urged the state to consider starting school later due to high temperatures this summer. Associated Press.

An independent court master is recommending that Probate Judge Derrick Chan not reappoint Janeen-Ann Olds to a second term as a Kamehameha Schools trustee because she’s lost the support of her fellow trustees in the wake of scandals involving telecommunications company Sandwich Isles Communications and its parent company, Waimana Enterprises. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu
Discussion on a bill extending the 0.5 percent excise tax surcharge for rail on Oahu through the end of 2027 will be heard by a Honolulu City Council committee in the coming weeks, Council Chairman Ernie Martin said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu received $9.8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat homelessness last year, but any future funding could be in jeopardy. That’s because HUD is wielding the power of federal purse-strings to crack down on efforts to criminalize homelessness — something critics say Honolulu is doing with its expanding sit-lie ban. Civil Beat.

As the city prepares its final push to clear out the last of the Kakaako homeless encampment today and Friday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said some homeless people have simply moved next door and set up an illegal camp on state land at Kewalo Basin. Star-Advertiser.

With final sweeps set to begin Thursday, people in the densest parts of the Kakaako homeless encampment were preparing Wednesday for their looming eviction. Civil Beat.

State homelessness coordinator Scott Morishige says there is shelter space available for all the residents.  Efforts of a different kind are continuing for another segment of the homeless population: military veterans. Hawaii Public Radio.

The median sales price of a single-family home on Oahu rose by more than 7 percent in September to hit a record-shattering $730,000 on a 3.5 percent jump in sales, according to Multiple Listing Service data compiled by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

There’s been no food served at the Honolulu Community College cafeteria for the last 13 months as school officials struggled to find a new vendor and brought in food trucks to temporarily serve the campus. Hawaii News Now.

University officials confirm that after Thursday, classes will no longer be held in Building 1 on UH's College of Education campus. This comes less than 24 hours after Hawaii News Now exposed what faculty said were unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

A popular Waialua bakery known for its “snow puffies” pastries has closed after the state Health Department temporarily suspended its food safety permit due to improper temperature controls. Under the state’s color-coded food safety inspection program, the Health Department’s Sanitation Branch on Tuesday issued Paalaa Kai Bakery a red placard — the first one to be issued to a food establishment in Hawaii since implementation of the system in July 2014. Star-Advertiser.

The developer of a condominium tower that opened in Kakaako earlier this year made its argument Wednesday to a state board for why the firm should be excused for violating an ineffective rule aimed at limiting reflectivity of high-rise building glass. Star-Advertiser.

State agricultural pest officials are refocusing efforts to eradicate a beetle that has touched off the deaths of more than 100 coconut and palm trees on Oahu, shifting traps to an area stretching to Nanakuli from Iroquois Point. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The Hawaiian Kingdom’s most important national holiday — La Kuokoa, or Independence Day — was officially recognized Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council in a nonbinding resolution asking the state Legislature to add Nov. 28 to its list of state holidays. West Hawaii Today.

Today marks the anniversary of the ceremonial groundbreaking celebration for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. The day was so mired in confusion and interrupted by opposition to the project that the actual groundbreaking for the $1.4 billion observatory never happened. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission defined dancing Wednesday after years of pressure from Maui dance advocates, who now hope the ruling will allow customers to bob their heads or tap their toes outside a designated dance floor. Maui News.

Dana Souza was selected as the next director of the Maui County Department of Liquor Control on Wednesday, following the announced retirement of longtime head Franklyn Silva. Maui News.

A newly published study on the health effects of cane burning finds a link between sugar cane burning and acute respiratory illness on Maui, though an official with Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. disputes the findings and methodology of the research. Maui News.

More Upcountry residents may be getting their long-awaited water meters as the Maui County Council passed a bill Tuesday that offers exemptions from expensive street and fire protection improvements for some on the waiting list. Maui News.

County of Maui wants to teach us all Aloha because of the 2014 Kalama Park video guy. MauiTime.

Kauai

Kauai’s colorful corals are going white, a crisis that is spreading and devastating reefs across the globe. Garden Island.

The public is advised that a portion of Waipouli Road, about a quarter-mile from the Hauiki Road junction in Kapaa, will be closed to through traffic next week to allow for a drain culvert replacement. Garden Island.

In preparation for the next application cycle for the Community Development Block Grant funding, the Kauai County Housing Agency will be conducting workshops for those new to the program. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

No tsunami in Hawaii, Mauna Kea protesters face deadline today to remove campsite, married men sue Honolulu restaurant over tank-top policy, no reprimand for Kenoi, ACLU sues over Honolulu homeless, Kauai dairy opponents appeal to governor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Keaukaha daybreak following tsunami alert © 2015 All Hawaii News
Hawaii began to see sea-level changes early Thursday morning and remained under a tsunami advisory but was not expected to see major seismic waves from Wednesday's magnitude 8.3 earthquake off Chile. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Matt LoPresti and House Speaker Joe Souki are quarreling with the state Ethics Commission after the agency’s staff questioned LoPresti about his campaign to solicit fans and air conditioners for Ewa schools. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee this week rejected a proposal by education officials to divvy up nearly $15 million worth of imposed budget restrictions, citing concerns that school-based funding would take the biggest hit. Star-Advertiser.

A broad-based energy insurgency is shaking up the biggest power players in the islands. It is made up largely of renewable energy elements who argue that Hawaiian Electric is so tightly tied to its 20th century business culture that the company is incapable of responding to the state’s fast-evolving electricity needs. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Two married men are suing Nobu Waikiki restaurant for refusing them dining room service because one of them was wearing a tank top. Star-Advertiser.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Honolulu, claiming city officials deprived homeless people of food and other belongings during raids on encampments. Associated Press.

The city said Wednesday it would vigorously defend itself against a class-action lawsuit seeking to block the destruction of personal property from homeless encampment sweeps. Star-Advertiser.

On Wednesday, 15 people — who are or have been homeless — filed a federal class-action lawsuit to prevent the city from carrying out any more sweeps. Civil Beat.

A lawsuit was filed in Federal Court today challenging the City and County of Honolulu’s actions against homeless people and their personal property. Hawaii Public Radio.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation (ACLU) and the law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing filed a class-action lawsuit today against the City and County of Honolulu in federal court. The lawsuit alleges that the city violated the United States Constitution when it destroyed personal property belonging to the plaintiffs—who are or have been homeless—without due process of law. Hawaii Independent.

Some are second guessing their support for rail after officials announced on Tuesday the project is likely another year behind schedule with a shortfall of $1 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu taxpayers will cough up $3.6 million to settle two lawsuits brought by construction companies that installed a sewer pipe underneath the Ala Wai Canal. The City Council approved the settlements with U.S. Composite Pipe South, LLC and Frank Coluccio Construction Co. during a special meeting Tuesday. Civil Beat.

With a mammoth conservation event heading to Honolulu in less than a year, organizers are ramping up to be ready to host up to 10,000 delegates from around the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress is set to meet Sept. 1-10, 2016, marking the first time the United States will host the quadrennial event. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Hawaii County residents love their mayor and forgive him, most testifiers told the County Council Wednesday as it rejected a reprimand for Billy Kenoi on his admitted misuse of his county credit card. West Hawaii Today.

A group of Native Hawaiians protesting the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea will have until this evening to remove their campsite, according to a notice from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

The TMT Observatory Corp. is committed to Mauna Kea as it awaits the Hawaii Supreme Court decision on the validity of its state-issued permit, an official said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee deferred action Wednesday on a proposed fast-track, 184-unit affordable rental housing project in Kihei. Maui News.

After reaching an 18-month peak of $650,000 in June, the median sales price of Maui County single-family homes dropped $100,000, or 15 percent, in August to $550,000, a low point so far this year, according statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

One person who understands Maui's challenges better than most is Albert Perez, who took over as executive director of the nonprofit environmental advocacy organization Maui Tomorrow in May. MauiTime.

Kauai

Opponents of a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu hand-delivered a petition to Gov. David Ige Friday in hopes that he will take notice of community concerns surrounding the proposed Hawaii Dairy Farms operation. Garden Island.

Alternative energy is the subject of a panel discussion Tuesday geared at opening up a conversation about what role liquified natural gas might play in Kauai’s future. Garden Island.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Hawaii representatives fight GMO labeling override in Congress, state officials ignore ethics law, Native Hawaiian roll to be published, Brower presses charges against homeless, no bag-tag for Hawaii County, Mauna Kea rules not enforced, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
sign in Hilo organic grocery © 2015 All Hawaii News
Those at the forefront of Hawaii’s movement against genetically modified organisms reacted strongly Thursday against a U.S. House of Representatives measure to block state and local governments from requiring food companies to disclose whether their products contain GMOs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Mark Takai voted against a bill that seeks to stop states from requiring companies to label genetically engineered food. The measure introduced by Rep. Mike Pompeo, a Republican from Kansas, passed the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday with a vote of 275-150. It goes next to the Senate. Civil Beat.

A bill that would allow federal policy on labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms to supersede local efforts passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday went to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to speak against legislation that blocks local attempts to require mandatory labeling of foods made with genetically engineered ingredients. Garden Island.

If passed by Congress, the bill that’s aimed at lifting GMO labeling requirements would become federal law, which also means it would supersede any local laws that are made in Hawaii. KITV4.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission is chasing down state employees and board members who have failed to file their financial disclosure statements for 2015. s of Tuesday, there were 67 state employees and 321 members of boards and commissions who have yet to file their disclosure statement for this year. That’s about 21 percent of everyone who’s required to file by law. Civil Beat.

The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission will soon make public a certified list of names of nearly 100,000 people of Hawaiian ancestry who could form the voting base to create a Native Hawaiian government. Star-Advertiser.

Overcrowding and safety concerns highlight bigger issues the state hospital is looking to address. KHON2.

A Hawaii lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, said that he, along with other lawmakers, are quietly looking at other alternatives should the NextEra Energy Inc. $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. not go through. Pacific Business News.

Venture accelerators have only been in Hawaii for two years, but they’re already having an impact on the local startup and investment community. Pacific Business News.

At $7.75 per hour, Hawaii’s minimum wage is higher than two dozen states. But when you adjust for the high cost of living in the islands, that wage is only worth $6.67, according to a new analysis by the Washington Post. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City emergency officials joined Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday to unveil broadened tsunami evacuation maps for the island, which now include large inland swaths of Oahu vulnerable to rare, extremely strong tsunamis. Star-Advertiser.

Tsunami experts warn if a 9-plus magnitude earthquake occurs in the Eastern Aleutian islands, a tsunami heading to Hawaii could be worse than the 1946 tsunami that ravaged Hilo and killed 159 people. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Ethics Commission voted Thursday to rescind a strict media policy that severely curtailed what its executive director and even the commissioners themselves could say, opting for new guidelines that would allow a little more freedom. Star-Advertiser.

The homeless encampment in Kaka’ako, reportedly with more than 200 tents, was the focus of the state representative who claims he was attacked there and the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

The city plans to open a “safe haven” in the next month to accommodate the growing homeless population in Kakaako, Honolulu Managing Director Roy Amemiya said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii lawmaker said Thursday he will press charges against whoever assaulted him in a homeless encampment in Honolulu last month. Associated Press.

State Rep. Tom Brower announced Thursday that he’s pressing charges against the homeless teens who allegedly attacked him last month in Kakaako. Civil Beat.

After state Rep. Tom Brower told reporters that he plans to pursue criminal charges against at least one of the two cousins who allegedly started the attack June 29, he agreed to speak to Rose Pu‘u at the same street corner of Ohe and Olomehani streets where the attack began. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education and several contractors have been fined $1.45 million for violating solid-waste laws during the renovation of Radford High School’s track field last year. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Breene Harimoto (D, Pearl Harbor-Pearl City-Aiea) says he will undergo surgery soon after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

A pay-as-you-throw bag-tag bill for garbage was trashed by the County Council Environmental Management Committee on Thursday, following public opposition. West Hawaii Today.

More than a week after going into effect, the new emergency rules restricting access on Mauna Kea, which protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope say unfairly target them, have yet to be enforced. Tribune-Herald.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is proposing to subdivide five 10-acre parcels in the Panaewa area of Hilo into approximately 80 half-acre lots for native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are on the wait list “and/or to existing lessees who need to relocate due to lava or other hazards.”  Big Island Video News.

There’s still plenty of room for students in the first classes to be held at Hawaii Community College — Palamanui, but those who want to register better hurry. Registration deadline is Aug. 1. West Hawaii Today.

With one deadline passed and a second looming, a nonprofit organization is a few hundred thousands dollars away from owning a 47-acre swath of sacred and historical grounds in Keauhou. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Maui County Council Land Use Committee recommended first reading approval Wednesday of zoning changes for Ka Lima O Maui to move ahead with an eight-unit rental housing project in Wailuku for adults with disabilities. Maui News.

Aloha House has agreed to pay $45,000 to 19 employees in back wages, damages and penalties, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Maui News.

A pygmy sperm whale was found beached at Keawakapu in South Maui on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2015, according to representatives with the non-profit Ocean Defender Hawaiʻi group. Maui Now.

Kauai
After nearly 20 years of operating Puhi Sewer and Water Co., Kauai engineering firm Aqua Engineers purchased the wastewater treatment facility from Grove Farm Co. Inc. for an undisclosed price, officials from both firms said Thursday. Garden Island.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public comment on proposed management actions aimed at preventing the local extinction of the Hawaiian petrel, also known as the ‘Ua’u, a federally endangered seabird that is endemic to Hawaii. Garden Island.

Kauai residents have three chances to catch a panel discussion about the dangers of Roundup weed killer featuring experts from the United Nations and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Garden Island.