Hawaii bans unlicensed vaping imports, reward offered for identification of monk seal killer, Oahu median home price again tops $1M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii law bans import of e-cigarettes, e-liquids. It is now illegal to import electronic smoking devices and e-liquids into the islands after Gov. Josh Green signed a bill into law Tuesday as part of a years-long and continuing effort to prevent children from becoming addicted to nicotine.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now

Hawaii lawmakers take steps to prevent fentanyl deaths. The deaths of two men from Hawaii following a suspected fentanyl overdose involving five people in a Waikiki hotel room over the weekend has spurred Hawaii lawmakers, including Gov. Josh Green, to move forward on measures designed to prevent deaths from the potent synthetic opioid. Civil Beat.  KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Attorney General prevails in federal challenge to hemp regulations. The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi entered judgment in favor of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Director of Health in a lawsuit challenging the Department’s regulations prohibiting the sale of Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC products processed from hemp. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.

Gov. Green signs 22 bills into state law. The bills cover a myriad of issues, including raising salaries and pay for benefits of Hawaiʻi’s public employees. Big Island Now.

NOAA offers reward to help find Hawaiian monk seal killer. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to a successful prosecution of those responsible. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Report: High levels of bacteria detected at multiple Hawaii beaches. The Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force released its latest clean water report that identified three Hawaii waterways as priority beaches with high bacteria rates. Hawaii News Now.

State’s Embattled Ag Corporation Has Chance For A Reset As It Seeks New Leadership. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is taking steps to fill the leadership vacuum left by the sudden death of executive director James Nakatani in April. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council to review mayor’s proposed $3.41B budget.  The Honolulu City Council is expected today to review and consider approval of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed $3.41 billion executive operating budget and a nearly $1.1 billion capital improvement plan for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Amid outrage over proposed 64% raise, council to consider measure that would ban outside income. The controversial 64% raise for City Council members is still slated to take effect without a vote in about three weeks. But a related plan ― to ban outside income ― is on the agenda at Wednesday’s council meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Computer Glitches Are Causing Concerns Over The Integrity Of Oahu’s Neighborhood Board Elections. Questions are flying about the results of the recent Honolulu Neighborhood Board elections, with some people complaining they were unable to vote online because of computer glitches amid surprisingly low voter participation in areas known for high levels of civic engagement. Civil Beat.

Environmental risks will persist after Red Hill tanks are drained. Ever since thousands of gallons of jet fuel spewed from a pipeline at Red Hill in November 2021 and made its way into the Navy’s drinking water system, sickening military families, environmentalists and water officials have had their sights set on ensuring that the fuel in the facility’s massive underground tanks that sit just 100 feet above an aquifer is permanently removed. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu median home price tops $1M again amid high rates. Single-family resales fetched $1,109,000 in May, up 10.9% from $999,995 in April and down just 3.9% from the record $1,153,500 in the year-earlier period, according to data released Tuesday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island EV charging plan withdrawn after criticism. A proposal to require some Big Island gas stations to install electric vehicle charging stations was roundly rejected Tuesday after criticism from gas station owners. Tribune-Herald.

Managing director defends sweep of homeless at Kona park. Hawaii County on Tuesday responded to the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii regarding concerns raised in a letter that demanded the county stop evicting people from homeless encampments without first providing adequate shelter. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Group to sue over Kailua-Kona sewage discharges.  A group of citizens intends to file a civil suit against Hawaii County over the discharge of sewage into a popular local harbor in Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Sheriff recruitment open on Maui. Deputy sheriff recruitment is now open through June 12 on Maui and Oahu, the state Department of Law Enforcement announced Monday.  Maui News.

Woman sent to prison for embezzling $59K to feed addiction. A Wailuku woman who embezzled at least $59,000 from her former employer to support her opioid addiction was sentenced in federal court on Oahu last week to one year and one day in prison. Maui News.

 
/Kauai

Solid Waste Division leaders to provide Kekaha Landfill update. Local environmental groups will tackle Kaua‘i’s ongoing landfill crisis with guest speakers from the Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division on June 14, at this month’s Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. Kauai Now.

Domestic arrivals dropping. The number of people getting off domestic flights at Lihu‘e Airport dropped 7.5 percent in May, as passenger counts fell further behind the record-setting pace of 2022. Garden Island.

Big bonuses for Hawaii health insurer HMSA amid worker layoffs, what still lives and dies entering Legislature's final week, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HMSA President and CEO Mark Mugiishi

HMSA execs saw big pandemic pay raises as workers lost their jobs. Executives at the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, received hefty pay raises and bonuses during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the company’s board voted to begin compensating itself for the first time in the nonprofit’s history, with its highest paid directors receiving about $100,000 annually beginning in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Green Wanted Tax Relief, Housing and Action On Homelessness. Lawmakers Mostly Agreed. But the "green fee" to slap extra charges on tourists failed, and bills to change the state tax code turned out to be more modest than the governor proposed in January. Civil Beat.

Broad tax relief proposals nixed. Hawaii taxpayers can expect less generous tax relief than proposed earlier this year, under legislation positioned for final votes this week at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Green Fee Proposal Dies At The Last Minute — Again. Hawaii lawmakers opted not to pass what would have been a novel visitor-impact fee during this year’s legislative session, despite broad support for the initiative by local environmental groups and polls showing that most state voters supported it. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Legislature slashes nearly all funding for proposed clean elections program. In a matter of days, Senate Bill 1543 — a bill to promote clean elections through public campaign financing — was transformed from a radical shift in Hawai‘i’s politics to a one-year pilot program to a dead bill with no explanation as to why it died. Garden Island.

Anti-vaping advocates win nine-year battle to tax vape products similar to tobacco. Anti-vaping advocates won a nine-year battle to tax vape products like tobacco — with a 70% surcharge. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless kauhale villages in Hawaii supported at Legislature. The Legislature has backed expanding Gov. Josh Green’s “kauhale” efforts to create permanent villages of tiny homes for homeless people across the islands, along with Hawaii’s first-ever effort to provide affordable rental units for teachers and other public school employees. Star-Advertiser.

Expanded Hawaii preschool subsidies clear major legislative hurdle. A bill to greatly expand access to preschool for Hawaii children by making more and larger state subsidies available, and by allowing families with children as young as 3 to apply, has passed its last major hurdle at the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island Hospitals Are Set To Receive ‘Drastically Needed’ Funding In New State Budget. Hawaii lawmakers are steering millions of dollars to facilities on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai for capital improvements. Civil Beat.

Food, agriculture bills appear to fail in final hearing. On the final day to get funding for bills that needed it, some popular food and agriculture bills that had made it through most of the legislative session gantlet didn’t get a hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Are Trying To Make It Safer For Children To Get To School. In response to more than 100 cases of traffic-related fatalities in 2022, many near schools, the Legislature is in the final steps to reestablish the Safe Routes to School Program as a new government initiative called the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee. Civil Beat.

The Problem With Hawaii’s Secret Court Files. In confidential lawsuits, a select few can keep sometimes embarrassing legal disputes hush-hush in ways that experts say may violate the First Amendment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Cockfight Economy Is Worth Millions Of Dollars A Year. Prize-fighting chickens battle for six-figure purses while the sale and export of prize birds is a lucrative business. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council chair Tommy Waters offers budget insights. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed $3.41 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2024 sees a $200 million increase over last year’s city budget, but Waters is questioning whether city officials, including members of the Council, should receive pay raises while thousands of city positions like the 390 unfilled spots on the police force remain vacant. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Blangiardi energized to pursue second term. Taking the oath of office in 2021, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi recently posted he's seeking a second term. KITV4.

Bleachers, no shade in revamped Aloha Stadium plan. Gov. Josh Green’s revamped effort to replace Aloha Stadium is betting that a private developer will help pay for more than an economy-class venue. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless man accused of $737K fraud in COVID-19 relief funds. A homeless man who allegedly founded a diabetes nonprofit, a web company and a crypto currency mining operation to fraudulently obtain $737,802 in Paycheck Protection Program funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds made his initial appearance in federal court Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Drag story hour at park went on as planned despite protest. Tensions flared on Saturday at a Keiki Community Fair at a public park that featured drag performers, but organizers say they considered the event a success despite the controversy. The event was organized by the nonprofit Family Promise of Hawaii, which has helped homeless families and children for almost two decades. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona Coffee Farmers, ABC Stores Settle Labeling Lawsuit For $12 Million. The farmers alleged in early 2019 that more than 20 defendants — including MNS Ltd., which operates ABC Stores — were selling mislabelled ground coffee and beans, claiming they came from Kona.  Civil Beat.

Solemsaas out as HCC chancellor. Hawaii Community College Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas will be stepping down from her role following the spring 2023 semester, citing personal matters on Friday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Staffing shortages leading Big Island public defenders to withdraw from cases. There are 15 public defender positions on Hawai‘i Island — nine in Hilo and six in Kona — and four (26%) are vacant. Two each in Hilo and Kona. Big Island Now.

Groundbreaking and blessing ceremony held for new Koloko Heights project. The Kaloko Heights Affordable Housing Project will feature 99 family units, including 58 3-bedroom units and 41 2-bedroom units, in addition to one 3-bedroom manager’s unit. The 10.75-acre site is located on the Kohala (north) side of Hina Lani Street, approximately 2.3 miles mauka (east) of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Document outlines solutions for Puna’s wastewater. In a draft environmental impact statement published last week, the county Department of Environmental Management explains that there are no wastewater collection or treatment facilities in the district, and there were an estimated 16,000 cesspools in the region discharging more than 8.5 million gallons of sewage daily in 2010. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Committee passes out county budget. The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee passed out a $1.07 billion county budget on Thursday. Maui News.

Treatment of fuel spill area may begin in 2024.  It could be a year before treatment begins on the contaminated soil and cinder from an approximate 700-gallon diesel fuel leak at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex atop Haleakala.  Maui News.

One man dead following officer involved shooting on Molokaʻi. One man is dead after a confrontation with officers on Molokaʻi who were responding to a report of a Temporary Restraining Order violation on Sunday morning. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

State might remove Wailua Dam Reservoir. The Wailua Reservoir Dam was built a century ago to provide water for a thriving sugar industry on Kauai. With the sugar plantations long gone and agriculture on the decline, the reservoir and dam — now run by the state — no longer serve their original purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi utility cooperative’s new $8.5 million Anahola Service Center receives blessing. The facility replaces the Kapa‘a Service Center after more than 60 years of operations.  Kauai Now.

Tough opening quarter for home sales on Kaua‘i. Single-family home sales on Kaua‘i moved at a molasses-like pace in the first quarter of the calendar year, as evidenced by a more than 55 percent drop in transactions when compared with the same period a year ago. Garden Island.

Hawaii residents prefer to keep their masks on, wave of bills sent to governor, state leads the nation in building permit delays, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Farmers Market ©2022 All Hawaii News

Survey: Support strong among Hawaii residents for continued mask-wearing for travel, other activities. More than half of Hawaii residents recently surveyed said they would still wear a face mask even if there are no COVID-19-related mandates requiring them to do so, according to SMS Hawaii, a market research and consulting company. Star-Advertiser.

HiPAM model shows possible surge in COVID-19 cases in every county. The Hawaii Pandemic Applied Modeling (HiPAM) workgroup has released its two-week COVID-19 forecast for all Hawaii counties. The forecast shows the weekly average positivity rate is on the rise. Plus, cases are spreading at a greater rate than what is being reported due to many residents taking at-home tests. KITV4.

Wave of bills that could become law sent to Gov. David Ige. Legislators sent about 250 bills to Gov. David Ige for consideration, including an $8.7 billion state operating budget engorged by a record revenue increase and a personal income tax refund bill. Also included were highly divisive measures to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage and restructure management of Mauna Kea, where astronomy is under fire. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Lawmakers Pass Ban On Flavored E-Cigarettes Despite Intense Opposition. Hawaii’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes will land on the governor’s desk, having survived a rollercoaster legislative session that saw the bill near death on multiple occasions. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Lawmakers approve changes to cash bail system. A proposal approved by state lawmakers on Tuesday is raising concerns that Hawaii’s crime rate could go even higher. A bail reform bill sent to the governor for approval would allow those arrested for non-violent crimes, including felonies, to be released without having to pay bail. KHON2.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs on cusp of ceded-land revenue boost. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs stands to receive a lot more proceeds from the state’s public land trust, including $64 million retroactively, under a bill sent to Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Bill targeting plastic microbeads passes. Senate Bill 2290, which passed final reading Tuesday, would prohibit the manufacture of products containing microbeads — plastic particles less than 1 millimeter wide — beginning in July, and would ban their sale beginning next year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i’s Building Permit Delays Top the Nation, Study Shows. A recent publication by Hawaiʻi economists found the state to be the most heavily regulated in the nation when it comes to homebuilding and that the average delay in issuing building permits is three times longer than the sample average. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Interest in Rep. Kai Kahele’s congressional seat grows. Several isle politicians have filed federal election papers to run for Kahele’s seat in the Aug. 13 Democratic primary, including Council Chair Tommy Waters, state Rep. Patrick Branco (D, Kailua-Kaneohe) and former state Sen. Jill Tokuda. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considering stricter term limits for city elected officials. The Honolulu City Council is considering proposed charter amendments that would impose stricter term limits for Council members, the mayor and the prosecuting attorney, closing off a provision that has allowed some to hold office for more than eight years. Star-Advertiser.

Effort to unionize first Starbucks store in Hawaii fails. Employees at the Mililani Town Center Starbucks voted 8 to 7 Monday against joining the roughly 50 locations nationwide that have unionized. Associated Press.

Lawmakers appropriate $14M for state Lab plagued by leaky roof, mold problems. State lawmakers Tuesday appropriated $14 million for the state Department of Health’s laboratory in Pearl City, which critics say has fallen into disrepair. Hawaii News Now.

A Mysterious Lawsuit Is Raising Concerns Over The Public’s Right To See Court Records. In an unusual example of government censorship, a state court judge has issued a gag order preventing a public interest lawyer from sharing details of a case that the lawyer says the judge improperly sealed. Civil Beat.

Hit by supply chain issues, Ted’s Bakery to take their pies off the grocery shelves. Ted’s Bakery announced Tuesday that by the end of this month, you’ll only be able to get their famous pies at their Sunset Beach Bakery on Oahu’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Tax relief unlikely: Council told tax cuts unlikely. There will be no property tax credit for homeowners this year, and in fact, there’s very little chance property owners in any tax category will see their tax bills go down, following advice Tuesday from the county Corporation Counsel and Finance Department director. West Hawaii Today.

Permit request for satellite receiver project withdrawn. The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics submitted to the Windward Planning Commission a request for a special permit to build an array of 10 satellite dishes on a one-half acre rural lot in the sparsely populated area of Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Preserving Kohala: BLNR approves subgrant of funding for trust to purchase Mahukona acreage. Hundreds of acres in North Kohala, rich in cultural sites and once slated for development, have been approved for purchase to be preserved and protected. Tribune-Herald.

Waipiʻo Valley Road To Close To All Traffic, May 9 to 13. The County of Hawaiʻi is requesting that all Waipiʻo residents plan for the temporary road closure accordingly. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Judge Bissen Is Top Fundraiser In Race For Maui Mayor. Former Judge Richard Bissen leads the Maui mayoral field with more than $176,000 in fundraising so far this year, according to new reports filed Monday with the state Campaign Spending Commission. Civil Beat.

Survey: Over half of employees in Maui County worked remotely during pandemic. Over half of Maui County workers transitioned to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are still at their home desks, a survey of more than 300 businesses and nearly 1,000 employees in Maui County has found. Maui News.

Kauai

$600M bill will help fund Hanapepe DHHL project. A historic amount of funding for the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands means more Native Hawaiians getting off the waitlist and into new homesteads on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Pentagon guards military COVID-19 numbers, visiting vets grounded, coronavirus threatens hospital capacity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HMAS Stuart, Royal Australian Navy, cruises Hawaii shore Aug. 22, 2020, ©2020 All Hawaii News

Military COVID-19 Rates Are Public in Guam, Japan And Korea. Why Not In Hawaii?. Commanders initially released COVID-19 cases numbers on Hawaii bases until the Pentagon ordered them to stop. The state Department of Health as agreed to keep numbers secret, too. Civil Beat.

Visiting vets grounded as program commemorating end of WWII is slashed due to virus. Coy Pfaff’s graceful 1943 PBY Catalina has been flying for at least the past three days from Honolulu airport to Kaneohe Bay, taking military, VIPs and media out to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the flying boat in conjunction with the upcoming 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Star-Advertiser.

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Lt. Gov. Green repeats call for stronger mandates as Hawaii sees another day with 200-plus cases. Sunday was the fifth straight day that Hawaii saw more than 200 new COVID-19 cases. It’s an alarming situation — and one that Lt. Gov. Josh Green says is unsustainable. Hawaii News Now.

Officials say continuing triple-digit rise in COVID-19 cases will put a strain on hospitals. Hawaii Department of Health officials reported 248 new coronavirus cases Sunday, adding to a surge of COVID-19 cases that health officials warn is putting a strain on the health care system, especially hospitals. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials reveal Oahu hospitals are becoming full. As of Sunday, there were 253 COVID-19 patients in the hospital and healthcare workers and doctors are warning hospitals on Oahu could be at maximum capacity by the end of the week. KHON2.

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IHS worker is the latest fatality as Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases climb by 284. Hawaii’s latest reported death from COVID-19 was a 36-year-old front-line worker at the Institute for Human Services who helped the homeless and others in need. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 cluster at Institute for Human Services hits 66% of those exposed. The COVID-19 outbreak at the Institute for Human Services, which took the life of a staff member on Friday, also has resulted in positive tests for about 66% of the clients who were exposed at the men’s shelter. Star-Advertiser.


Family remembers Willie Reopoamo Talamoa who passed away from coronavirus. Willie Reopoamo Talamoa worked at Institute for Human Services in Iwilei. KHON2.

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$10M in federal relief money to go to nontourism jobs in Hawaii. A section within Senate Bill 126, which breaks down how the relief money will be spent, allocates $10 million for “retraining and workforce development programs” to help Hawaii transition from its tourism-heavy economy. Star-Advertiser.

The Tremendous Cost Of Feeding The Hungry In Hawaii. The Hawaii Foodbank is shutting down expensive large distribution events as costs have climbed from $400,000 in 2019 to $5.1 million so far during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

As public schools move fully online, DOE says some students don’t have needed equipment. Full distance learning will begin for most public schools Monday. But officials admit some students won’t have the equipment they need to connect to online classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

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Governor considers layoffs, program cuts to address budget crisis. Gov. David Ige is asking department heads to plan for budget cuts of up to 20% by identifying programs and employees that can be eliminated. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige declines to address open-records request. Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s office declined to provide copies of communications about the coronavirus that his staff exchanged with the state Department of Health, the tourism industry and other organizations. Associated Press.

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Since April, Hawaii nonprofit has sent 200 quarantine violators home. A local nonprofit says it has helped send more than 200 quarantine violators back home since April. Through the COVID-19 Flight Assistance Program, the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii has arranged flights for people who come to the islands and don’t follow the rules. Hawaii News Now.

Teen vaping on the rise: Nearly half of high schoolers have tried e-cigarettes. Nearly half of Hawaii high school students and a third of middle school students have tried e-cigarettes, data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. West Hawaii Today.

Vaping rises to alarming rates among Hawaii youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 48.3% of Hawaii's high school students and 30.6% of middle school students have tried e-cigarettes. KITV4.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 23: 248 New Cases In Hawaii. There have been 6,600 cases confirmed in Hawaii since the start of the pandemic. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 248 New Cases Today; IHS Worker Dies Of COVID-19. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 248 new COVID-19 cases today. That brings the state's total to 6,600 cases. Total deaths remain at 47. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH Reports 248 New COVID-19 Cases Sunday. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 248 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 6,600 since DOH began tracking the pandemic in late February. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Beaches, Parks, Trails Closed? Honolulu Mayor’s COVID-19 Rules Defy Science, Experts Say. Epidemiologists say keeping beaches, parks and hiking trails shut down without justification could backfire, driving people indoors and increasing distrust in government at a critical time. Civil Beat.

2 coronavirus cases reported at UH-Manoa as campus begins fall semester. As the University of Hawaii at Manoa gets ready to start the fall semester Monday, two more coronavirus cases have been reported on campus. Hawaii News Now.

Minor at Kapolei juvenile detention center tests positive for COVID-19. A minor recently admitted to the Hale Hoomalu Juvenile Detention Facility in Kapolei has tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim expresses doubts about ‘bubble’ resorts. While the mayors of Maui and Kauai discussed a “bubble” policy to reduce quarantine requirements, Hawaii County will for now pursue other options. Tribune-Herald.

Leeward Planning Commission gives OK to airport hotel proposal. A new land use designation paving the way for a hotel to be built at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport was passed unanimously Thursday by the Leeward Planning Commission and now makes its way to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Airport screener: ‘You can kind of tell’ who plans to skirt rules. Quarantine breakers offer telltale signs right off the airplane. Maui News.

Maui Contact Tracing Includes 24 Health Investigators and 20 National Guard Soldiers. Contact tracing on Maui includes 24 health investigators and 20 Hawaiʻi National Guard soldiers, according to a spokesperson with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Maui Now.

Maui Council Committee to Consider Improvements to Sunshine Law. The Governance, Ethics and Transparency Committee will consider whether to ask the state Legislature to amend the Sunshine Law to allow for remote meetings.  The committee meeting will take place online on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Maui Now.

Island musicians look for creative ways to survive. Virtual concerts, expanding their music while waiting out the coronavirus. Maui News.

Former plantation communities in Hawaii that pivoted to tourism are once again struggling to cope with economic calamity. The dusty sidewalks of Paia are mostly empty these days and there’s parking galore, an eerie sight in the former plantation town that survived the demise of the sugar industry by transforming into a tourism magnet trading on its rural heritage and charm. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Contact tracers prepare for a surge. State Department of Health Kaua’i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman said her office is hiring a few more University of Hawai‘i-trained contact tracers. Garden Island.

Council holds another session for stakeholders. Stakeholders, including developers and affordable-housing advocates, weighed in on what they like and don’t like about the county’s housing policy, and proposals on improving Ordinance 860. Garden Island.

Luxury Camping At $500 A Night On Kauai? A Glamping Resort Could Be Coming Soon. Three holes at the former Princeville Resort Woods golf course are being eyed by the developer for about 50 tent structures under a proposal quietly being discussed. Civil Beat.

Health Department urges 14-day emergency kit in event of coronavirus, Honolulu residents sour on quality of life, Puna boat ramp gets startup funds, coral reef health threatened, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coral reef with wrasse ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ominous conclusion of UH study: The world’s coral reefs could be gone by 2100. The scientists projected that over the next two decades, a staggering 70% to 90% will disappear because of rising ocean temperatures and acidity. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii officials urge preparing 14-day emergency kit in case of coronavirus outbreak. Hawaii health officials are urging the public to prepare for a future outbreak of COVID-19, which has infected nearly 80,000 people across the globe and killed at least 2,700. Star-Advertiser.

State: Residents should have emergency supplies on hand in case of coronavirus outbreak. The state is urging residents to take steps now to prepare for the potential spread of the coronavirus to Hawaii, including by having a 14-day kit of emergency supplies at home. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health warning families to prepare for coronavirus. The Hawaii Department of Health said the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat to Hawaii is low at this time, but they’re asking families to start making plans now in case the coronavirus makes its way to Hawaii in the future. KHON2.

Hawaii doctors flagged 8 for coronavirus symptoms; none tested. Hawaii doctors have alerted the Department of Health at least 8 times about patients they thought could have coronavirus, but none of them were tested. KHON2.

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Bill To Expand Preschool Access Clears Key House Committees. The measure to give Hawaii’s families more affordable preschool and childcare options is now primed for a full House vote. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage boost advances: Rate would go from $10.10 per hour to $13 by 2024. Legislators in the state House Labor and Public Employment Committee and Finance Committee on Friday recommended House Bill 2541 be passed with amendments. Tribune-Herald.

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Proposed Crackdown On Vaping Advances At The Legislature. Four bills that would prohibit sales of flavored vaping products are moving through the state House and Senate chambers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Joins Multi-State Investigation of Juul. Hawaii is among 39 states investigating the company’s marketing business practices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii joins forces with 38 other states to investigate JUUL marketing practices. Hawaii is the latest state to join a bi-partisan, multi-state investigation into JUUL, the biggest manufacturer of vaping devices. KITV4.

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Measure to protect refs, coaches gains momentum. One of two bills introduced in the state Senate seeking harsher penalties for parents, spectators and athletes who assault or terrorize sports officials such as referees, umpires and coaches cleared its only committee hurdle Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Why Hawaii Continues To Keep Fluoride Out Of Its Drinking Water. Nearly 70% of the U.S. population receive fluoride through public water systems. Hawaii remains an outlier, thanks to long-standing opposition. Civil Beat.

‘Inadvertent Mistake’ Deletes Online Evaluations Of Hawaii’s Top Judges. Attorneys are asked to resubmit surveys intended to help justices and judges improve judicial performance. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Residents sour on Honolulu’s quality of life. Oahu residents don’t feel as good about living here as they did in 2006 or even a year ago, according to a recent survey. Star-Advertiser.

City plans $39M Emergency Operations Center to better respond to disasters. The city wants to replace its Emergency Operations Center with a new four-story facility that would be built next to the recently-completed Joint Traffic Management Center and the Alapai Transit Center. Hawaii News Now.

City officials propose stormwater utility fee. City officials want Oahu property owners to provide feedback on plans for a new stormwater utility fee and dedicated fund that would pay for clearing and improving waterways and storm drains. Star-Advertiser.

Residents living near vacant homes are frustrated; City officials say vacancy tax will fix the problem. There are roughly 34,000 vacant homes in Honolulu, a vacancy rate of more than 10 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau. KHON2.

Wait For Appointments To Get 'Gold Star' ID Cards Taking 6 Weeks On Oahu. More than half of Hawaii licenses and IDs are compliant, but for those on Oahu who haven't gotten the approved identifications, the wait for an appointment now stretches to about six weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH researchers went looking for urban gardens ... and found an abundance in Kalihi. University of Hawaii Manoa assistant professor Vanessa Buchthal and a team of graduate assistants combed Kalihi streets and discovered more than a third of parcels they looked at in both residential and industrial areas had food growing on them. Hawaii News Now.

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Groundbreaking marks start of construction of 318-apartment project in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of affordable housing project in Kapolei. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday for new $125 million affordable housing project in Kapolei. 'The Element’ is just off Kualakai Parkway and makai of the H-1 Freeway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Initial funds released for Puna boat ramp. Gov. David Ige has released $500,000 in state funding that will be used for planning and feasibility studies for the possible restoration of the Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

Water managers hold the line on budget. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is holding the line on its budget, projecting a 0.5% decrease compared to this year. West Hawaii Today.

Makalei ambulance bill advances. An ambulance for the Makalei area moved one step closer to reality Tuesday after a measure to fund and staff the proposal was passed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More repeat races in county on deck. Stacy Crivello pulls papers to run for her old council seat. Maui News.

180 Warnings, 80 Violations for Illegal Maui Vacation Rentals. The County of Maui Department of Planning detailed the findings in its Maui County Transient Vacation Rental Enforcement 2019 Summary, saying “significant progress” has been made in curbing illegal vacation rentals in Maui County. Maui Now.

Median home price climbs to $782,000 in January. Home and condo prices both up about 7 percent over last year. Maui News.

Kaupo community hopes to restart schoolhouse project. The restoration became a demolition, upsetting members of community. Maui News.

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Hawaiian Airlines to hold open house to fill positions in Kahului. Hawaiian Airlines is recruiting for guest service and ramp agent positions in Kahului. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air recruiting for guest service, ramp agent positions in Kahului. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines seeks new hires on Maui. Hawaiian Airlines is hiring for guest service and ramp agents on Maui and will hold an open house for interested candidates on March 7 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC ahead of the production goal. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative estimates renewable energy production reached 55% in 2019; well ahead of its own strategic goal and the State of Hawai‘i’s mandated benchmarks. Garden Island.

Keiki-approved kalo. On Tuesday, a group of Kapa‘a High School’s agriculture students got to taste a taro burger from a local farm as part of the “Farm to School,” program which pairs the Department of Education with local farmers to supply ingredients for school lunches. Garden Island.

Honolulu one of 20 U.S. airports screening for coronavirus, lawmaker wants to study magic mushrooms, Aloha Stadium designs unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2020 All Hawaii News

Passengers from China screened at Honolulu airport for coronavirus. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport began screening passengers from China on Tuesday as part of stepped-up efforts against the coronavirus at 20 U.S. ports of entry. Star-Advertiser.

Health Officials Step Up Coronavirus Precautions At Honolulu Airport. Customs and Border Patrol agents will begin to distribute coronavirus alert notices to certain passengers. Civil Beat.

Enhanced screenings to begin at Honolulu’s airport amid growing concerns about deadly virus.  As concerns grow over a deadly new virus from China, the U.S. government is expanding passenger screenings from five airports to 20, including Honolulu’s airport. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu airport to begin screening for coronavirus. Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is among 20 U.S. airports that will conduct screenings for the virus. Pacific Business News.

Coronavirus Monitoring: Honolulu Among 20 Airports in US with CDC Quarantine Station. The state Department of Transportation is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health in monitoring for the Coronavirus amid the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China. Maui Now.

In light of coronavirus epidemic, people stocking up on masks leaving shelves empty. No confirmed cases of the virus so far in Hawaii, still, that hasn’t stopped people from stocking up on masks. KHON2.

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Governor: Despite Recent Crimes, Hawaii Still Safe. That is supported by data from the Department of Justice, which shows in 2019 Hawaii had one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the past 30 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill: Let’s Study The Benefits Of Magic Mushrooms. A temporary Medicinal Psilocybin Working Group would be established to make recommendations to the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

City councilmember proposes change on how often senior citizens renew their licenses. Kymberly Pine is urging the state to change the rules when it comes to senior citizen drivers. KHON2.

Dozens of new bills aim to shore up biosecurity in Hawaii. A host of bills addressing invasive species and the state’s biosecurity are a part of this year’s legislative session, following a list of recommendations by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

More Oversight Of Vape Shops Expected Under New Federal Ban On Tobacco Sales. Hawaii can expect to see more federal oversight of tobacco and vaping sales beginning this month, now that the federal government has caught up with Hawaii in prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21. Civil Beat.

More Investors Could Mean Increased Affordable Housing. Housing advocates want to open up the state’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to anyone – not just big banks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association said Tuesday it has selected Dr. Mark Mugiishi as its new president and chief executive officer. Mugiishi has been interim president and CEO since August and will assume the permanent position Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Central Pacific’s earnings fall 10.1% amid loan provision maneuvers. The holding company for the state’s fourth-largest bank said today that earnings fell to $14.2 million, or 50 cents a share, from $15.8 million, or 54 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

WATCH: Honolulu Prosecutor debate. Five candidates for the Honolulu Prosecutor took the stage for a debate on Tuesday night. KHON2.

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DHHL buys urban Honolulu apartments for beneficiaries. Native Hawaiians on a wait list for homesteads should have a first-ever opportunity later this year to rent affordable apartments from the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Star-Advertiser.

$7.8M Purchase Of Moiliili Lots Approved For DHHL. The department plans to rehabilitate buildings for affordable rentals to applicants on its wait list. Civil Beat.

DHHL To Buy $8M Property In Moʻiliʻili From Kamehameha Schools For Housing. A new land deal in Mōʻiliʻili struck by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands could take potentially hundreds of Native Hawaiians off the homestead wait list in urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Hawaiian Homelands to purchase property from Kamehameha Schools. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands got the green light to purchase two vacant apartment buildings in Moiliili from Kamehameha Schools. KHON2.

Hawaiian Homes Commission buying two vacant Honolulu apartment buildings from Kamehameha Schools. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which currently plans to redevelop the former bowling alley into a highrise with rental apartments, plans to renovate the 31 units in the two low-rise apartment buildings for affordable rentals. Pacific Business News.

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Storm runoff could cost Oahu homeowners. Imagine being charged for the rain that falls on your home. That's what the city is proposing with a new utility. KITV4.

Can Fixing Parking Rules Make Honolulu More Affordable? The Honolulu City Council will consider a bill lifting Oahu’s minimum parking requirements — and let developers decide how much parking their buildings need. Civil Beat.

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Take a look at the 3 proposed designs for the new Aloha Stadium district. Renderings for what the new Aloha Stadium could look like have been released. Lawmakers and developers have been brainstorming what they wanted not just the stadium to look like, but also the grounds surrounding the stadium. Hawaii News Now.

WATCH: three conceptual renderings of potential Aloha Stadium renovations. New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District released three flyover renderings of potential Aloha Stadium renovations. KHON2.

Concepts provide glimpse of possibilities for new Aloha Stadium. In a series of public and community meetings over the past few months, officials of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District have been sharing conceptualized possible options for what the new facility and surrounding development could look like at its scheduled fall 2023 opening and seeking public comment. Star-Advertiser.

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The Honolulu Morgue Is Still A Mess. When Civil Beat asked for a tour of the facility this month, the city rushed to clean up its image. But problems persist. Civil Beat.

Hundreds gather for beachside vigil honoring slain officer. Hundreds gathered as the sun set on Sandy Beach to hold a candlelight vigil Tuesday honoring Honolulu police officer Kaulike Kalama, who was one of two officers killed 11 days ago responding to a landlord-tenant dispute. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds honor fallen HPD officer remembered as a quiet hero. The family of a slain Honolulu police officer who treasured their privacy opened up Tuesday night as a large crowd joined them in mourning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Prosecutors: Employee of Puna charter school overrun by lava embezzled $628,000. There’s more bad news for a Puna charter school devastated by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Federal prosecutors allege that the former financial officer for Kua O Ka La public charter school embezzled $628,000 from the campus between December 2012 and January 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island woman charged with wire fraud for stealing money from a school. A Big Island woman has been charged with wire fraud, after officials say she stole money from the Kua O Ka La Public Charter School. KHON2.

Big Isle hospitals take action following China outbreak. As the United States and the world continues to monitor the outbreak of a new respiratory virus, Big Island hospitals are at the ready for any potential cases. Tribune-Herald.

Paniolo Avenue intersection improvements coming. A worrisome Waikoloa intersection will be getting a $5.5 million upgrade, thanks to action taken by the County Council last week. West Hawaii Today.

DOH Eyes Old Kona Courthouse as New Treatment Center. The old Kona Courthouse in Kealakekua may soon be repurposed for use as a short-term transitional treatment facility for those suffering from drug addiction and/or behavioral health issues, specifically the homeless. Big Island Now.

Maui

State looks to Brazilian beetle to battle with invasive weed. The insect feeds on cane tibouchina, a pesky plant that’s widespread in Maui forests. Maui News.

Proposed Wailuku Hotel Topic of Community Event. Longtime Maui residents and Wailuku property owners, Jonathan Starr and Helen Nielsen, are major partners in Supreme Bright  Wailuku, LLC, an entity proposing a new kamaʻāina business hotel in Wailuku Town. Maui Now.

Maui County prepares to kick off $40M project to relieve parking, traffic woes in Wailuku. County officials say a new $40 million project aimed at addressing the problems could be a boon to businesses in the area — once the work is complete. Hawaii News Now.


Kauai

Construction set for Loop Road. Loop Road construction is set to begin today, after more than a year of muddy conditions, vandalism concerns and the installation of a new gate just past the Keahua Bridge. Garden Island.

Coconut Beach Resort names new general manager. Chris Machorek was recently appointed as the new general manager of the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort. Pacific Business News.

Molokai

800 acres of a Molokai watershed will now be protected by the state. The area is known as Pua’ahala. The Department of Land and Natural Resources along with the East Moloka’i Watershed Partnership purchased the land for nearly $3.2 million. Hawaii News Now.

State buys Puaahala Watershed on Molokai for conservation. On Molokai, a critical piece of land on the island’s east side has been acquired by the state in hopes of protecting an important watershed. KHON2.

Aila DHHL confirmation hearing contentious, Honolulu rail board mulls new contractor, multiple firearms found in ashes at tragedy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aila presides over Oct. 21, 2019 DHHL hearing ©2020 All Hawaii News

DHHL chief nominee draws disagreement. The state Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Thursday decided to defer for a week a vote on the nomination of William J. Aila as Department of of Hawaiian Home Lands chairman after a nearly eight-hour-long hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Delay Vote After Grilling Aila As Head Of Hawaiian Home Lands. The governor’s nominee was applauded for projects he’s moved forward but concerns remain over the agency’s continued backlog. Civil Beat.

State senate panel defers decision on Aila nomination to helm DHHL. William Aila’s nomination to chair the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands hit a speed bump Thursday as a state senate panel deferred a decision on his confirmation until next week. Hawaii News Now.

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Amid rematch bid, Republican Sam Slom accuses incumbent of ‘socialist agenda’. Sam Slom, former Republican senator from East Honolulu, wants his longtime seat back. And he’s coming out swinging, accusing the incumbent of having a “socialist agenda.”.  Hawaii News Now.

12 presidential candidates will appear on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will be among 12 other presidential candidates on Hawaii’s Democratic primary ballot. Hawaii News Now.

In the wake of the deadly rampage in Diamond Head, Honolulu’s police chief says she wants to tighten loopholes in Hawaii’s already tough gun laws. There are now 38 gun proposals moving through the Legislature ― and more than a dozen were introduced since the weekend shooting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Measure Aims To Encourage Guilty, No Contest Pleas In Domestic Violence Cases. Advocates for victims in Hawaii domestic violence cases are backing a proposal to reduce certain domestic violence cases from felonies to misdemeanors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill package addresses wind farms in Hawaii. A host of bills looking to address utility-scale wind energy projects near residential areas in Hawaii has been introduced for this year’s legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

The state Health Department is warning local companies that make, distribute or sell flavored cartridge or pod-based e-cigarettes to stop, or risk enforcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes are smaller, according to the department, and are often called “pods,” “vapes,” or “JUUL,” a popular brand. These hi-tech e-cigarettes are popular with middle and high school students because they are easy to conceal, and users do not emit large plumes when exhaling. Star-Advertiser.

Public Safety’s New Alert System Requires Sign Up. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety is transitioning to a new public notification system called AlertSense, effective Feb. 1, 2020. All alerts that were on the Nixle Alert system will end Jan. 31. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Caldwell Talks Homelessness, HUD and Honolulu Rail In Washington DC. The Honolulu mayor is in the nation’s capital this week for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He’s also meeting with federal officials about the city’s largest ever public works project. Civil Beat.

With rail work running late, city might hire new contractor. Critically important utility work in the city center segment of the Honolulu rail line is still running behind schedule, and the rail authority is preparing to hire a second contractor to ensure the work is finished on time and does not delay construction of the last portion of the 20-mile rail system. Star-Advertiser.

HART Struggles To Keep Critical Utility Work On Schedule. The rail agency is eager for crews to work on Dillingham during the day, but the move is sure to take a heavy traffic toll on Kalihi. Civil Beat.

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Guns found at Hibiscus Drive not registered to homeowner or late husband, Chief Ballard says. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said today that multiple firearms have been recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive, but checks of the names of people who lived at the Diamond Head home showed that the weapons were not registered to the homeowner or her late husband. Star-Advertiser.

Multiple firearms recovered from Sunday’s shooting, arson incident. According to the Honolulu Police Department, multiple firearms were recovered at 3015 Hibiscus Drive. KHON2.

Multiple firearms found in charred remains of the homes along Hibiscus Drive. More evidence surrounding Sunday's tragic events in Diamond Head is being found during the ongoing investigation by Honolulu Police. KITV4.

Possession of guns key to potential lawsuits. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard’s announcement Thursday that multiple firearms were recovered from the debris at 3015 Hibiscus Drive might serve as a linchpin in the likely litigation of a Sunday crime spree that left two police officers dead and seven homes destroyed by fire. Star-Advertiser.

Hibiscus Drive violence could have been prevented, landlord’s friend says. Thursday morning on Hibiscus Drive, after the reopening of the street and restoration of power to homes for the first time since Sunday’s violence and raging fire, a woman and man stood at a window overlooking the field of ashes left where the blaze burned seven homes to the ground, where a few charred fragments and a sturdy white fence remained standing. Star-Advertiser.

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Prosecutor’s office arresting witnesses, victims with warrants ahead of them testifying. Prosecutors recently started looking for warrants of witnesses and victims who are set to testify in upcoming trials. Hawaii News Now.

‘Point in Time’ survey tallies Oahu’s homeless. Outreach workers fanned out across Oahu on Thursday — starting at 4 a.m. — to survey the island’s homeless population in a one-day, compressed census as part of the nationwide Point in Time Count. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa is tops in people surveyed wanting to move elsewhere. 5% of the people in the Ewa area who plan to move over the next few years say they want to relocate to a different part of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County working on new deal for state reimbursement for TMT-related costs. More than a month after the Hawaii County Council rejected a $10 million deal with the state to reimburse police costs related to the standoff at Maunakea Access Road, a new agreement has still not been finalized. Tribune-Herald.

South Kona homeowner facing fine for illegal vacation rental. A South Kona homeowner is facing thousands in fines for reportedly operating an illegal vacation rental a stone’s throw from Pebble Beach. West Hawaii Today.

County wants to seize, sell site of former homeless camp. The former site of a homeless camp in downtown Hilo may be sold off to pay for fines the owners owe the county. Tribune-Herald.

Van Pernis confirmed to Leeward Planning Commission. Mark Van Pernis endured a second round of grilling Wednesday before being confirmed to the Leeward Planning Commission by a 6-3 vote. West Hawaii Today.

Feedback sought on hazard mitigation plan. A small group of individuals turned out Wednesday to learn more about the pending update to the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Plan aims to improve South Maui watersheds. Proposed projects would curb polluted runoff, help to protect plants from livestock. Maui News.

‘Most Hawaiian hotel’ gets makeover: KBH to undergo $65M ‘renewal’. Beachfront restaurant, more parking on tap. The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel will undergo a $65 million “property enhancement project” this spring that will include a new beachfront restaurant, redesign of its 180-room Kauai wing and an additional floor of parking. Maui News.

Former Boys & Girls Club employee gets year in jail. Victoria Satoafaiga sexually assaulted girl when she was assistant director. Maui News.

Kauai

County dumps need work. The County of Kauai is continuing work to get the Kekaha Landfill up to state Department of Health standards after receiving a warning letter from the DOH in November. Garden Island.

Garden Island editor moves on. After nearly seven years on Kauai, we’re returning to our home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Garden Island.