Showing posts with label water rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water rights. Show all posts

Friday, August 25, 2023

Hawaiian Electric suspends dividends, draws down $370M credit lines amid flurry of lawsuits, Maui releases names of 388 still missing, Supreme Court denies DLNR petition claiming fire-fighting water denied, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Maui County sues Hawaiian Electric. The county claims that negligent Hawaiian Electric operations caused the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina, Kula and Olinda and that the power company should pay for damage to public property, lost revenue and expenses for emergency response and recovery. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now.

Investors Sue Hawaiian Electric For ‘Misleading’ Them About Potential Liability For Wildfire. The latest suit targets top HEI leaders who said they believed the company had addressed environmental conditions in the field. Civil Beat.

Family files first wrongful death lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric. The first wrongful death lawsuit was filed on Thursday in connection with the Maui wildfires. The family of 79-year-old Lawrenzo "Buddy" Mornaon Jantoc II is suing Hawaiian Electric (HECO), claiming the utility is responsible for his death. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric suspends dividend, draws down credit lines. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. drew down on revolving credit lines and said it would suspend its quarterly dividend as it seeks to shore up cash following the deadly wildfires on Maui. Bloomberg.

High Court rejects petition claiming insufficient water. The state Supreme Court on Thursday quickly denied a Board of Land and Natural Resources petition that claimed a judge’s ruling prevented enough water from being available to fight the Upcountry wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

HIEMA head: It took hours for state to understand full scope of Lahaina disaster.
The scope and severity of what was happening in West Maui on the evening of Aug. 8 wasn’t communicated to key leaders at the state level during the first 12 to 15 hours of the wildfire disaster, according to the head of the state’s Emergency Management Agency. Hawaii News Now.

AG to ‘go where the facts lead’ in Lahaina fire probe. The state Department of the Attorney General clarified that a comprehensive review of the Lahaina fires that killed at least 115 and caused about $5.5 billion in damage will not be limited “in scope or subject matter.” Star-Advertiser.

Frustrated parents and teachers confront Board of Education. Dozens of public school educators and parents from Maui poured out their anguish, anger and frustration Thursday over what they feel have been slow and confusing actions by state education officials in the wake of the wildfire disaster. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Why Many Patients Are Stuck In Hospitals Waiting For Long-Term Care Beds.
The average wait was 123 days in May, up from 78 in November, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

 Access Is Major Issue When Fighting Oahu’s Wildfires, City Council Told. Honolulu’s emergency managers will be learning from the response to the Maui fires and make adjustments in coming months, its Director of Emergency Management Hiro Toiya said Thursday. Civil Beat. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

 Kona post office to change location. Postal customers in Kona received notice of the proposed change in the mail over the past week which indicated the new retail space would be “within two miles of the current location”. West Hawaii Today.

27 UH-Hilo students impacted by Maui wildfires.  Additional support is being offered by UH-Hilo, which includes the division of student affairs working with counterparts across the UH system to help support students. Tribune-Herald.

Update: Retest shows bacteria levels at Kailua Pier do not exceed threshold level. High levels of bacteria were found at the Kailua Pier, with levels of 591 per 100 mL detected. Big Island Now.

Maui

 MPD releases identities of 8 more victims; death toll remains 115. Of the 115 confirmed fatalities, 35 have been identified and their families notified, while 11 have been identified but their families have not been located or notified, MPD said Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.


Gov. Josh Green hopes Lahaina fire fatalities have peaked. Green said the number of unaccounted for people will drop “very significantly” today as the FBI continues to work with Maui police and other agencies to go through the list of people reported missing.  Star-Advertiser.

Maui Releases List Of 388 People Unaccounted For After Lahaina Fire. Police ask for anyone who recognizes a name on the list to contact the FBI. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KHON2.  KITV4.  Hawaii News Now.

Initial water tests for Lahaina, Kula show trace amounts of chemicals. The initial water samples tested at Lahaina and Kula following the Maui fires earlier this month have shown just trace amounts of contaminants, although Maui County said an ongoing unsafe water advisory for the areas will stay in place. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Upcountry Maui Disaster Recovery Center opens Aug. 25. Specialists from the US Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, will also be at the Disaster Recovery Center. Maui Now.

At least 49 sunken vessels counted in Lahaina harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific Strike Team said they have counted about 49 sunken vessels in the Lahaina Harbor as they work to mitigate maritime environmental impacts from the burn zone.  KHON2. 

Kauai

DHHL breaks ground on Hanapēpē Phase II; 82 new homes to be created by 2024. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands broke ground Wednesday to mark the beginning of the Hanapēpē Phase II housing project on Kauaʻi’s west side, where 82 single-family residential lots will be developed on a location of more than 28 acres. Kauai Now.

Public meeting planned to discuss Kekaha Landfill vertical expansion project. The meeting will be an open-house format and include stations providing information about the vertical expansion, Kaua‘i’s landfill history, current landfill operations and community benefits and waste diversion. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Maui water wars exacerbated Lahaina wildfire disaster, state begins notifying families of lost loved ones, Hawaiian Electric stock plunges 34% on lawsuit fears, Hurricane Fernanda, Tropical Storm Greg advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A State Official Refused To Release Water For West Maui Fires Until It Was Too Late.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources delayed releasing water requested by West Maui Land Co. to help prevent the spread of fire, sources familiar with the situation said. Civil Beat.

The Maui Agency That Could Answer Pressing Wildfire Evacuation Questions Has Been MIA.  The Maui Emergency Management Agency hasn't participated in media updates, and officials haven't offered specifics on what happened leading up to the deadly blaze. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric’s stock plunges 34% on fears of wildfire liability. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s stock plunged by a record on concern that its power lines may be linked to the deadly Maui wildfires. Shares fell $10.94, or 34%, to close at $21.46 today on Wall Street, after earlier tumbling as much as 42%. Bloomberg.

Residents had moments to make life-or-death choices. 
There were no sirens, no one with bullhorns, no one to tell anyone what to do: They were on their own, with their families and neighbors, to choose whether to stay or to run, and where to run to — through smoke so thick it blinded them, flames closing in from every direction, cars exploding, toppled power lines and uprooted trees, fire whipping through the wind and raining down. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Families of first 3 victims identified in Maui fire to be notified today.  Three victims of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire have been identified, and their families will get the grim news today that their loved ones are official casualties as the death toll grew to 99 on Monday, and will likely continue to rise. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Seeks Moratorium On Property Sales In Lahaina. The search through the rubble continued as the death toll from the wildfires rose to 99. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Focus moving to pollution, water hazards on Maui, Coast Guard says. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday that it’s shifting its focus from combing the waters around Lahaina for bodies to cleaning up debris and pollution in the sea after a deadly wildfire destroyed much of the historic town. Star-Advertiser.

Obama posts video urging support for Lahaina. Former President Barack Obama took to social media Monday to urge his followers to help rebuild Lahaina. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Major Hurricane Fernanda, Tropical Storm Greg Churning In Pacific. Tropical Storm Greg has formed in the Central Pacific and is about 1,050 miles east-southeast of Hilo, while Hurricane Fernanda maintains its category 4 strength in the Eastern Pacific, about 2,380 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Oahu

State Failed To Heed Warnings Of Waimanalo Girl’s Abuse, Lawsuit Alleges. The lawsuit by the estate of Isabella Kalua says the state advocated her adoption by her foster parents despite multiple reports of suspicious injuries by doctors and others. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ocean View students stranded after being denied bus service. An incident last Friday involved more than two dozen students from the Ocean View area who attempted to take a Hele-On bus to Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary.  The students were stranded when a Hele-On bus driver told them seats were being reserved for other commuters at upcoming stops and they were not able to board. Tribune-Herald.

Nonprofit offers wildfire risk assessments in Hawaii County.  In the wake of the deadly Maui wildfires and the blazes that damaged properties in West Hawaii, a Waimea-based nonprofit organization is conducting community wildfire risk assessments using home assessors-in-training. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Again Showing Signs Of Elevated Unrest.  Earthquakes peaked at 100 on Sunday, August 13, including a magnitude-4.3 event that was felt across Hawaiʻi Island.   Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

FEMA Money For Maui Disaster Relief May Get Caught Up In A Partisan Fight Over Ukraine. Federal funding is kicking in on Maui but a budget shortfall looms in Washington. Civil Beat.

Federal help ramped up for Maui fire relief.
New levels of federal assistance for Maui fire survivors who suffered losses rolled out Monday, including free hotel lodging and one-time $700 payments per household for any critical needs. Star-Advertiser.

For some Maui teachers, fires took 2 places they called home.  At least six of the teachers with lost or greatly damaged homes worked at King Kamehameha III Elementary, the one public school that officials have deemed a loss in the West Maui fires. Star-Advertiser.

On the ground in Lahaina town: Sadness, searching, signs of hope. In the smoldering ruins of Lahaina town, a stream of water casts through the air onto the blackened branches of the 150-year-old banyan tree.  Maui News. KITV4.

Maui police suspend placard program after ‘non-essential’ people flood distribution sites. Just hours after launching it, Maui police have suspended a placard program designed to speed up access into West Maui after distribution areas were flooded with people. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Senator Hirono gets a taste of agriculture in Wailua. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono was pleasantly surprised on Monday when she was presented with a 4-H certificate during her stop at the University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Agricultural Research Center during a day trip to the Garden Island. Garden Island.

Invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles spread to Wailuā, Kīlauea – but experts are optimistic. Three months after invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles were first reported on Kauaʻi near the Līhu‘e Airport, more of the species have been found in Kīlauea and Wailuā.  Kauai Now.

Friday, May 27, 2022

Shenanigans behind the scenes at state Legislature, Ige signs taro farmers' water rights into law, Elemental Excelerator gets $32.5M Navy grant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How A Powerful Lawmaker Forced Through A Contentious Energy Bill. When Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz’s pet legislation faced opposition from Rep. Nicole Lowen, he suddenly intervened with the power to make or break her bills. Civil Beat.

U.S. visitors to Hawaii in April top 2019 levels for 12th consecutive month. Some 818,268 visitors came to Hawaii in April, representing a 96.3% recovery from April 2019, according to preliminary visitor data released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of Hawaii’s frontline workers out sick as COVID surge continues. A COVID surge and a rising number of flu cases are driving up sick calls among Hawaii’s frontline workers, leaving hospitals struggling to meet patient needs, health care officials said. Across the state on Thursday, some 600 frontline workers were out sick. Hawaii News Now.

South African COVID-19 variants found in Hawaii. The omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, currently the dominant lineages of the coronavirus circulating in South Africa, have recently been detected in Hawaii, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer severe cases during this COVID-19 surge compared to delta, omicron. Healthcare Association of Hawaii President Hilton Raethel said there were 151 COVID patients hospitalized Wednesday across the state, but only 13 of them were in intensive care. As of Thursday, 160 people were hospitalized. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

High-balance special funds stow millions meant for good causes. Hundreds of millions of your tax dollars are sitting in special funds intended for everything from affordable housing to clean water, parks and roads. KHON2.

Elemental Excelerator Gets $32.5 Million Navy Grant. Elemental Excelerator, a Honolulu-based organization that funds innovative enterprises addressing climate change, has received a $32.5 million grant from the Office of Naval Research. Civil Beat.

Survey details ills from Navy’s fuel-tainted water. Approximately 2,000 people reported that they had experienced health effects ranging from skin rashes to vomiting following exposure to jet fuel in the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam drinking water system in November, according to results of a survey released Thursday by the state Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Star-Advertiser.

Incoming police chief’s son allegedly terrorized Waikiki homeowner. The incoming police chief’s son and the ex-girlfriend he was arrested with Tuesday allegedly brought violence and property damage to the Waikiki home of a 70-year-old retiree and his wife, who rented a room to the woman for six years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki town hall meeting to discuss concerns about public safety, homelessness
. City Council Chair Tommy Waters is hosting the town hall with area legislators and city agencies including EMS and the prosecutor’s office. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Tour company ordered to pay nearly $35K in back wages after denying workers overtime. The Department of Labor said Ocean Journeys LLC — operating as And You Creations — denied 14 crew members overtime wages on its Waianae tour boat. Hawaii News Now.

Job openings are plentiful at Oahu summer programs for children. Despite competitive wages and a promise of “awesome, fun-filled opportunities,” the pandemic-era labor shortage has extended to two of Oahu’s largest summer programs for kids. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County, Roth seek dismissal of Waipi‘o lawsuit. The Corporation Counsel has filed a motion seeking dismissal of a lawsuit filed last month against the county, Mayor Mitch Roth and Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst over the closure of Waipi‘o Valley Road to all but a handful of people. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed 2022-23 CIP budget includes $64M for two West Hawaii roads
. Mayor Mitch Roth’s CIP budget for fiscal year 2022-23 as currently amended would allocate for repaving and rehabilitation some $42 million for Waikoloa Road in South Kohala and $22 million for Hina Lani Street in Kailua-Kona. Bill 126, draft 2, is set for its second reading on Thursday during a special meeting of the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Lava buyout program seeks to limit payouts
: Maximum for undeveloped properties would be set at $22K. Despite concerns from residents, the county’s proposed changes to its housing buyout program in Lower Puna have been submitted to the federal government. Tribune-Herald.

Two lawyers appointed to District Family Court bench. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald on Wednesday appointed two individuals to fill judicial positions in the District Family Court of the Third Circuit on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Kahaluʻu Bay is Hawaiʻi's second Mission Blue 'Hope Spot,' critical to ocean health. The Hawaiʻi Island bay and its surrounding waters are home to several endangered and threatened species, such as Hawaiian monk seals, humpback whales, and turtles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui council may adjust metrics to make affordable housing actually affordable. With soaring housing prices in Maui County, council members are looking at ways to update the county’s sales price guidelines so affordable housing can actually be affordable. Maui Now.

Bill would extend exemption for farmers during drought. Department of Water Supply is concerned this would take resources from other essential needs. Maui News.

Maui County visitor arrivals last month exceed pre-pandemic highs. There were 254,398 visitors to Maui last month — a nearly 3% increase from April 2019, when visitors numbered 247,984, according to preliminary visitor statistics released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

North Shore hui celebrates end of four-year journey with new law. Members of the Wai‘oli Valley Taro Hui watched as Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 1768 into law Wednesday, at Waipa outside Hanalei. The bill, now Act 27, recognizes and protects their rights to water for traditional taro cultivation. Garden Island.

CDC moves Kauai County back to yellow, medium-risk level for COVID-19 impacts. Two weeks ago, Kauai County had been bumped up to a red, high-risk community based on a set of metrics that measures hospitalization rates and cases per 100,000 people. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Expansion Plan For Lihue Airport Is Riling Residents Already Tired Of Over-Tourism. The governor said it’s unfortunate that the consultants hired by the state Department of Transportation may be “tone deaf” to the community’s concerns. Civil Beat.


Friday, June 21, 2019

Thirty Meter Telescope approved for Mauna Kea, Honolulu, Hawaii County mayors allow budgets to pass without signatures, appeals court overturns Maui water restrictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Courtesy TMT International Observatory
Thirty Meter Telescope conceptual, Courtesy TMT International Observatory
Thirty Meter Telescope’s construction is approved. After more than a decade of planning, delays and controversy, the cutting-edge Thirty Meter Telescope has been issued a “notice to proceed” with construction, state officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Construction Of TMT On Mauna Kea Can Begin. The Hawaii governor issued a “notice to proceed” on the giant telescope even as one protester is arrested. Civil Beat.

Hawaii gives notice to proceed for $1.4B Thirty Meter Telescope. The state of Hawaii on Thursday issued a notice to proceed for construction to start on the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project on the Big Island after four “unauthorized structures” were removed from the areas near the telescope’s site on the summit of Mauna Kea. Pacific Business News.

After years of protests and legal battles, officials have announced that a massive telescope which will allow scientists to peer into the most distant reaches of our early universe will be built on a Hawaiian volcano that some consider sacred. Associated Press.

Construction of Thirty Meter Telescope expected to take 10 years to complete. Construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope could start at any time, but TMT officials aren’t yet saying when that will happen. Hawaii News Now.

Government officials find controversial telescope project atop Mauna Kea 'lawful to proceed'. The State Attorney General, Governor Ige and other state officials made the announcement Thursday saying the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued the University of Hawaii a permit to allow the project to proceed. KITV.

TMT Gets Notice To Proceed, DLNR Takes Action On Mauna Kea. The state took action on Mauna Kea Thursday, and later held a press conference, after granting the Thirty Meter Telescope project a notice to proceed with the building of the observatory. Big Island Video News.

According to Governor Ige, the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued a notice to the University of Hawaii at Hilo to proceed, begin construction on the Thirty-Meter Telescope. Ige said that construction is expected to begin this summer. KHON2.

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
©2019 All Hawaii News
State Takes Down TMT Protest Structures As Mauna Kea Telescope Construction Gets Green Light. In preparation for construction to resume on the Thirty Meter Telescope, state officials Thursday dismantled four structures erected by project opponents and restricted access to the Mauna Kea summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Construction of TMT authorized; opponents vow to ‘fight for our rights’. Public officials and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope are bracing for a potential showdown after construction of the project was authorized by the state. Tribune-Herald.

Activists pledge more protests as Thirty Meter Telescope construction given green light to proceed. Activists say hundreds are planning to protest Mauna Kea construction when it begins, and they say they’re ready to be arrested if that’s what it takes. Hawaii News Now.

For Those Working On Mauna Kea, Safety Concerns Rise With Tensions. For the men and women who work in support of astronomy on Mauna Kea, the appearance of another confrontation on the mountain is an added worry. Big Island Video News.

Kaho'ohaki Kanuha Arrested On Mauna Kea As Police Dismantle Ahu. Kanuha was arrested for trying to record police in the area where, four years ago, two ahu were constructed on the site of the planned-Thirty Meter Telescope. Big Island Video News.

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Paying taxes doesn’t make vacation rentals legal, state attorneys say. The state’s top attorneys say a contentious bill approved by this year’s Legislature and sitting on Gov. David Ige’s desk does not legalize thousands of vacation rentals in noncompliance with county laws or bar the counties from enforcing its laws against the owners of such units. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs appoints interim CEO. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees appointed today OHA Chief Operating Officer Sylvia Hussey as the agency’s interim chief executive officer until a new CEO is hired. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has The Lowest Health Care Costs, Thanks To Strong State Laws. Costs of employee contributions to health plans are among the nation’s lowest, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Police Shooting Board Won’t Release Its Findings — At Least For Now. The new board wants advice from the state AG’s office before deciding whether to reveal what its concluded about officer-involved deaths and injuries. Civil Beat.

Fewer Bus Rides for Low-Income Kids? DOE officials said the departments needs to cut eligibility because the expansion of a federal free meal service to low-income students “inadvertently” made made free bus rides more widely available. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor lets budget go without signing. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday allowed the city’s $2.83 billion operating budget and other parts of the fiscal 2020 budget package to become law without his signature, the seventh consecutive year he’s taken such action. Star-Advertiser.

City budget for nearly $3 billion approved without mayor’s signature. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Thursday he’s allowing a nearly $3 billion city budget to go into law without his signature. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell: Tax Hikes On Hotels, Investment Homes Can Cover Rail Operations. Those increases, coupled with appreciating property values on Oahu, should be enough to make it work, the mayor asserted Thursday. But the proposal is light on specifics. Civil Beat.

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KEALOHA TRIAL: Prosecutors presenting rebuttal case this morning. KHON2.

Final witnesses testify in Kealoha conspiracy trial. The final three witnesses testified today in the conspiracy trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha and three co-defendants, ending 16 days of testimony from nearly 80 people. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors Say Katherine Kealoha’s Civil Attorney Lied On The Witness Stand. Kevin Sumida represented Kealoha in a series of lawsuits, including one in which she was accused by her uncle and grandmother of financial fraud and elder abuse. Civil Beat.

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Second urgent care clinic that caters to homeless set to open in Kaneohe. An urgent care clinic that caters to the homeless is in the works for Kaneohe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Workers Need $39.75 Per Hour To Rent A 2-BR. That’s according to a new study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Civil Beat.

Here’s Why Student Absenteeism Is Plummeting At Waipahu Elementary. The school pursues some simple strategies for getting kids to school: home visits, phones calls to parents, emergency supplies of clean clothes and rewards like extra recess. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Budget becomes law without Mayor Harry Kim’s signature. Saying the County Council’s $585.5 million budget isn’t conservative enough, Mayor Harry Kim is letting it become law without his signature. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A&B may get water permit in the end. Appeals court overturns ruling at heart of E. Maui diversion controversy in Legislature. Maui News.

Iwi Protection Hui Gets Contested Case Hearing. a hui dedicated to protecting Hawaiian iwi (remains) – will be able to make their case in a contested court hearing before the State Historic Preservation Division according to the group’s attorney. Maui Now.

Fast-track housing projects come under fire. Residents say Launiupoko is not a good location for projects. Maui News.

No hotel, water company in Waikapu town project. Developers dispel rumors as project is deferred. Maui News.

Environmental Court celebrates four years. Celebration was held for anniversary and retirement of its judge. Maui News.

Kauai

First annual Pride Parade and Festival set for June 22. There will be pride displayed in Lihue from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday as Kauai will host its first Kauai Pride Parade and Festival. Garden Island.

Kauai PRIDE Parade information and road closures. The Kaua‘i PRIDE Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, at 9 a.m. KITV.

Friday, May 10, 2019

Senate working group to study water rights, NTSB releases preliminary copter crash report, Maui clears homeless camp, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Pipe brings water down from mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News
Senators convene working group to address water use. Sens. Kai Kahele and Jarrett Keohokalole will begin overseeing monthly meetings with officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources in an effort to ensure ranchers and farmers on the neighbor islands, as well as the electric utilities, don’t lose access to public water after the year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

Rod Becker Will Stay At State Budget Agency — But Not In The Top Job. He is the second Ige Cabinet member who the governor had hoped would continue to lead an agency but whose appointment ran into trouble in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Cops, Prosecutors Want Gov To Veto Seized Property Bill. The reform measure changes whose property can be seized and where the proceeds from its sales will go. Civil Beat.

For Hawaii businesses, an increase of tariffs on China would not be so sweet -- because those price increases would be passed on to island consumers. Higher tariffs on more than $200 billion of imports could impact thousands of goods -- from electronics to cars to clothes. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard introduces sunscreen legislation in U.S. House. Two Hawaii politicians are taking the issue of reef safe sunscreens national. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Menor chairs 2 committees under new Council plan. Ron Menor emerged as among the most influential — if not the busiest — of the nine Honolulu City Council members under a revamped committee assignment plan released by new Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Wind Farm Submits Study On Endangered Species Impacts. North Shore windmills expect to kill more endangered bats and birds than originally expected. Civil Beat.

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Witnesses Saw Helicopter Break Apart In Mid-Air Before Kailua Crash. A preliminary federal report provides key details about the crash as investigators continue to examine the wreckage. Civil Beat.

Witnesses saw nose down and vertical descent in Kailua helicopter crash, preliminary report says. The National Transportation Safety Board today released its preliminary report on the fiery helicopter crash in a residential neighborhood of Kailua in late April. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases preliminary report on Kailua helicopter crash. KHON2.

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Relatives of OCCC inmate killed during escape to sue state for wrongful death. Relatives of an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate killed during an escape in February plan to sue the state for wrongful death. Hawaii News Now.

Housing Advocates Might Love This Project, But The Neighbors Don’t. A private developer wants to “get some of the homeless people off the streets.” Maili residents are concerned about traffic and infrastructure. Civil Beat.

State seeking farm tenants in Central Oahu. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is offering to rent six parcels ranging from 10 acres to 194 acres for up to 35 years at prices starting between $100 and $200 a year per acre. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki residents fed up with unsafe sidewalk. Plywood covered repair work that has long gone uncompleted on a stretch of heavily trafficked sidewalk. Star-Advertiser.

Mother, son found guilty of animal cruelty at no-kill shelter. A state jury found David “Lanny” Moore guilty this afternoon of 24 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and his mother June Moore guilty of one count in connection with the seizure of more than 300 dogs from their Friends for Life no-kill animal shelter in Makaha. Star-Advertiser.

Mother-son duo found guilty in animal cruelty case involving hundreds of animals. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council budget process to remain public. The County Council has dropped its plan to work on the budget out of public view, after the state Office of Information Practices issued an opinion saying a subcommittee as structured would violate the Sunshine Law. West Hawaii Today.

Construction of phase two of Bayfront trails project expected to begin later this year. A  small group of Hilo Bayfront Trails board members, county leaders and donors gathered Thursday on a section of trail near Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street — completed during the first phase of the project — to announce phase two. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Bayfront Trails Phase II Begins. The next segment of the trail will wind behind the Bayfront soccer fields, and even has a spot for a future playground. Big Island Video News.

$243 Million For Big Island Projects, Region-By-Region. The lion's share of Capital Improvement Project funds are going toward Hilo-based projects, but tens of millions have been allocated for projects in other areas, too. Big Island Video News.

State House capital improvements list includes nearly $250M for Hawaii County projects. The majority of the county’s improvement projects are school-related, with 22 schools receiving funding for various improvements and repairs in the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Homeless Cleared from Kahului Encampment. Truckloads of personal belongings were removed this morning as 30 individuals were evicted today from a homeless encampment in Kahului where authorities say complaints have surfaced over illegal activity. Maui Now.

Panel defers rule change extending liquor-to-go hours. Residents oppose rule; department says it’s already a state law. Maui News.

The state land board approved a Legacy Land Conservation Program grant of $2.2 million to a Hana nonprofit group to acquire 27 acres in East Maui at Mokae-Makaalae. Maui News.

Former Maui County clerk and councilman says 'mahalo' to Vegas first responders after health scare. Danny Mateo and his family were at the LINQ Hotel when things took a turn. KITV.

Maui home sales plunged in April. A report from the Realtors Association of Maui said the number of single-family home sales fell 17% to 76 in April from 92 in the same month last year, and the number of condominium sales sank 22% to 137 from 176 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

More Trouble For Hanalei As Unstable Hillside Forces Traffic Delays. Only one lane of the Kuhio Highway will be open on the stretch approaching the North Shore community for months. Civil Beat.

One lane near Hanalei Bridge to remain closed. The North Shore town already hammered by the flooding in April 2018 that damaged stores and homes, still slowly but surely recovering, is about to take another punch in its economic gut that could leave some down and out. Garden Island.

Kauai receives $89M from state. Kauai receives $89M from state. Garden Island.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Legislature passes vacation rental tax bill, REIT tax; water rights bill dies, Maui mulls property tax hike, pilot in deadly copter crash was a newcomer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Hawaii Senate Majority
Senators listen to debate PC: Hawaii Senate Majority
Vacation rental bill awaits Ige’s signature. A bill that critics say will aid the proliferation of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday following an emotional floor debate that centered on whether the state was forsaking good public policy to go after $46 million in potential revenue from unpaid transient accommodation taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Narrowly Votes To Tax Vacation Rentals. If signed by the governor, Airbnb and HomeAway could act as tax collectors on behalf of the state. Civil Beat.

State Senate Revives Vacation Rental Regulation. The State Senate revoted on and passed SB 1292 imposing short term rental taxes by a margin of 13-12. The bill, already approved by the House of Representatives, now goes to Gov. David Ige for signature or veto. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Senate narrowly passes vacation rental tax bill. The state Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a bill that would require websites such as Airbnb to collect and pay taxes on behalf of short-term vacation rental hosts, sending the measure to the governor. Associated Press.

Hawaii Senate narrowly passes vacation rental tax bill. Hawaii News Now.

Taxing of vacation rentals could become law. KHON2.

Senate votes to allow tax collection on vacation rentals. Pacific Business News.

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Senate Takes No Action On Water Rights Bill. Leaders say House Bill 1326 is dead for certain in the 2019 session, which wraps Thursday. Civil Beat.

Iconic Hawaii Properties Could Soon Pay More Taxes. Hawaii legislators voted overwhelmingly to impose a new corporate tax on real estate investment trusts, but now it’s up to the governor to decide. Civil Beat.

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Investment firm offers to help Hawaii teachers buy homes. A company that helps educators buy homes in high-cost communities has “landed” in Hawaii with a $25 million bankroll envisioned to help improve chronically poor public school teacher retention. Star-Advertiser.

Partnership Aims To Help Hawaii Teachers Buy Homes. A San Francisco company unveiled a new partnership with state education and business leaders to help school teachers afford to buy homes here. Civil Beat.

A new program announced today aims to help K-12 teachers in the state purchase a home. It's the result of a partnership with local leaders and a mainland firm with a connection to Mark Zuckerberg. Hawaii Public Radio.

New program is aimed at helping teachers buy in Hawaii, but union urges caution. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige, schools Superintendent Kristina Kishimoto and leaders with the Hawaii Community Foundation and Hawaii Executive Conference announced a partnership with San Francisco-based company, Landed, which helps a buyer get a shared home. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ballard addresses abuse allegations against 4 officers. The Honolulu Police Department is stepping up counseling and training in the wake of recent arrests of four officers linked to separate misdemeanor domestic violence charges. Star-Advertiser.

Why Is It So Hard To Fire Honolulu Police Sgt. Darren Cachola? Every year, a number of Honolulu police officers are investigated and even charged with domestic abuse. Civil Beat.

HPD officers accused in federal corruption case still getting pay checks. Lieutenant Derek Hahn, Officer Bobby Nguyen and Sergeant Danny Sellers are still paid Honolulu Police Officers, more than two years after the Department of Justice sent target letters and about 18 months after they were indicted by a federal grand jury. Hawaii News Now.

HPD Sergeant Convicted In Corruption Scheme Will Stay On The Job. There’s a limit to the number of days a police officer can go on leave without pay so the chief wants him to perform administrative duties. Civil Beat.
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Pilot in deadly chopper crash had moved to the islands just 20 days ago. Family members said the 28-year-old pilot killed Monday when a tour helicopter slammed into a busy Kailua street had moved to the islands just 20 days ago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses plead guilty to more than 50 tax violations. Nine Oahu businesses pleaded guilty to dozens of counts of tax violations this week, according to the state’s Department of Taxation. Hawaii News Now.

Bulky-item pickup by appointment only debuts from Hawaii Kai to Foster Village. Starting May 15 residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai — including busy Waikiki — will have to go online to schedule appointments for bulky-item pickup service. Star-Advertiser.

High bacteria counts were found at various beaches in the Waikiki area including Kuhio Beach, Lanikai Beach shoreline, Kahanamoku Beach and Kuhio Beach. KITV.

Developer Irongate has set its sights on a lofty new expansion: The company is converting the penthouse floors in the Diamond Head Tower of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, into an exclusive fractional-­ownership club. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

If department heads had their way, there would be 51 new positions added to the county workforce on top of the 72 already proposed by Mayor Harry Kim. But the final budget Kim will send to the County Council on Friday will contain just a fraction of that. West Hawaii Today.

Tentative deal reached in brewery lawsuit. The parent company of Kona Brewing Co. has agreed on a tentative settlement with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed two years ago over allegations that the company’s packaging and advertising misleads customers. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island inmate to receive large settlement in case over a stolen lunch box. The state will pay a Big Island inmate more than $100,000 in a settlement after he claimed guards beat him up over a lunch box. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council budget committee OKs across the board tax hike that nets $17.7M more than mayor’s budget. Public hearing on proposed property tax rates May 10. Maui News.

Maui Court Voids Final EIS Approval for Kahului Sludge Farm. The waste-to-energy project is proposed for development by the County of Maui with Anaergia Services and its subsidiary MANA at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility near Kanaha. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pine reports $1.1 million 1st-quarter loss. Legal costs from lawsuits dating back 10 years contributed to loss. Maui News.

Kauai

BLNR lawsuit moves forward. A Fifth Circuit judge on Tuesday ruled that a lawsuit brought against the state Board of Land and Natural Resources by a Kauai concrete company over $1 million worth of sand can move forward. Garden Island.

County Council to consider audits. The Kauai County Council this morning will discuss authorizing the audits of several departments based on concerns about potentially illegal mismanagement of federal government funds, overtime abuse, pension spiking, low morale and managerial incompetence. Garden Island.

Legal TVRs can resume operations. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami has signed an eighth supplementary emergency proclamation for the County of Kauai, and has amended the emergency rule and order as it applies to legal Transient Vacation Rentals in the Lumahai, Wainiha, and Haena area. Garden Island.

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Kuhio Highway won’t reopen until late May. he reopening date for Kuhio Highway on the North Shore set for today has been postponed until the week of May 20. Garden Island.

Officials Postpone Kuhio Highway Reopening In Wake Of Community Concerns. State transportation officials plan to delay the full reopening of Kauai's Kuhio Highway until the week of May 20 following concerns raised by residents in the area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Controversial reopening of Kuhio Highway on Kauai is delayed. The state’s reopening of a 2-mile-stretch of Kuhio Highway, which has been closed to non-local traffic for more than a year, is now anticipated to take place May 20 — weather permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Full opening of Kuhio Highway is delayed by work on Waikoko bridge. KHON2.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Deadline today to resurrect water bill, more legislative shenanigans as sine die nears, Honolulu council passes vacation rental bills, tour helicopters scrutinized after fiery crash, Kauai's Kuhio Highway reopening uncertain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Flume brings water down from the mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News
Last Chance For The Water Rights Bill. The Senate has only Tuesday to revive the contentious legislation. But a related court case remains in limbo. Civil Beat.

Donovan Dela Cruz Plays Hardball With Foes Of The Airbnb Tax. The Senate Ways and Means chairman is threatening to kill 15 other bills in order to get senators to flip their votes and revive Senate Bill 1292. Civil Beat.

McCartney’s DBEDT nomination heading to Senate. State Sen. Glenn Wakai recommended that the full Senate not confirm Mike Mc­Cartney to lead Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism during a hearing Monday, accusing him of poor communication with the Senate, lacking a vision for DBEDT, being short on details when it comes to policy matters and not following through on commitments. Star-Advertiser.

Ige signs firearms reporting bill. Gov. David Ige signed HB 720 (Act 23), establishing reporting requirements for gun owners. Garden Island.

Red Light Camera Bill Likely To Pass Legislature. A measure that would have implemented red light cameras at intersections will instead call for further study. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Governor George Ariyoshi received one of the state's highest honors Monday. Lawmakers inducted Ariyoshi into the Aloha Order of Merit at the State Capitol. KITV.

Southwest Airlines Announces $29 Interisland Fares. After completing an inaugural flight from Kahului to Honolulu yesterday morning, Southwest Airlines is offering $29 fares for interisland flights. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council committee passes 2 vacation rental bills. One bill would allow for up to about 1,715 newly permitted vacation rentals on the island, while the other would crack down on the thousands of illegal units on the island. Star-Advertiser.

City, Waste Management of Hawaii to pay $425K in settlement with EPA. The city and Waste Management of Hawaii will pay $425,000 as a part of a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu police officer charged in Kealoha mailbox case gets probation. Honolulu police Sgt. Daniel Sellers will not be going to jail for telling former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha information he discovered in an investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Former HPD Sergeant Gets 1-Year Probation In Mailbox Theft Case. The first trial for former chief Louis Kealoha, his wife and two other officers is slated to begin May 13. Associated Press.

‘A humbled man’: Officer sentenced in connection with case against Kealohas. In federal court Monday, Sellers apologized for his actions, choking up as he spoke. Hawaii News Now.

In filings, Katherine Kealoha says she was ordered to tell officer to ‘stand down’. Hawaii News Now.

Confused By The Kealoha Cases? Here's A Catchup On Where Things Stand. He was Honolulu's Rolex-wearing police chief, an avid surfer who chatted with beat cops in Pidgin, Hawaii's creole language. She was his deputy city prosecutor wife, who drove a Maserati and led an elite unit targeting career criminals while showering lunches on colleagues, friends and even the workers renovating her home. Associated Press.

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Why Plans For A New Navy Dry Dock Leave Ship Repair Industry Divided. Proponents say a state plan to help a well-connected maritime firm is needed to save hundreds of jobs. Civil Beat.

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3 Dead In Kailua Tour Helicopter Crash. The aircraft went down on a road in a Kailua neighborhood. Fire and helicopter parts rained from the sky Monday in a suburban Honolulu community as a tour helicopter crashed and killed all three people aboard, officials and witnesses said. Associated Press.

Crash prompts calls for more scrutiny. Hawaii’s tour helicopter industry could face new regulatory head winds in the wake of Monday’s tragic helicopter crash, which killed all three people aboard when it went down in a dense Kailua neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators to examine wreckage of a helicopter crash that left 3 dead. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmaker from Kailua wants all tour helicopters grounded until authorities assess Monday's helicopter crash. KITV.

Windward residents say they've been complaining for years about helicopters flying over their homes. Both Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Sen. Laura Thielen are asking the FAA to immediately halt tour operations in Hawaii until they find out what happened. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Lawmakers again fail to agree on measures for Banyan Drive redevelopment. Redevelopment of Banyan Drive will have to wait until next year once again after the failure of three bills earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects ballot measure abolishing minimum property tax. Some owners of vast Hamakua land holdings don’t pay much more in annual property taxes than an owner of a tiny lot on a Puna lava field, says Kevin Hopkins, who wants to make the county’s property taxes more equitable. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle tourism yet to recover. Visitor arrivals are only creeping back toward pre-eruption levels, prolonging economic pain for many businesses and workers in the state’s biggest industry. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Battle The Rat Lungworm Problem. More funding is leading to new discoveries as the parasite continues to sicken people in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Maui

Public Input Sought on Maui Wind Projects, May 22. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment concerning wind farm projects on Maui and throughout the state. Maui Now.

Threat of plastic pollution focus of presentation. The public is invited to a free presentation titled “Thinking Like an Island: How to Survive the Plastic Pollution Pandemic” that will be offered by Hannah Bernard from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wednesday meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center. Maui News.

Kauai

Kuhio Highway reopening delayed? The Hawaii Department of Transportation didn’t confirm with The Garden Island before press time or answer any questions about the project, but several anonymous sources close to the situation said Monday the highway reopening will be delayed. Garden Island.

Friday, April 19, 2019

Ige urges resurrection of water rights bill, vacation rental bills sent to Honolulu mayor, eruption communication criticized, gas prices up 5 cents, homeless rousting continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Pipe brings water down from mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News
Gov. David Ige urges Hawaii Legislature to resurrect water rights bill opposed by environmentalists. Gov. David Ige is prodding state lawmakers to resurrect a controversial bill that would give public water users, including Alexander & Baldwin, the electrical utilities, farmers and others, more time to meet stringent requirements for obtaining long-term leases, a move that has angered opponents of House Bill 1326. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Calls For Reconsideration Of Water Bill. The governor says passage of the stalled measure is in the public interest but critics called it an abuse of Ige’s position. Civil Beat.

Governor Asks Lawmakers to Revive Water Rights Bill. Gov. David Ige has asked state lawmakers to revive a bill that would extend water permits held by private users, a measure that a Senate committee shelved earlier this session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Urges Lawmakers to Take Action on Controversial Water Bill. Maui Now.

Ige accused of trying to bring back ‘zombie bill’ on contentious water rights issue. Gov. David Ige has taken the unusual step of asking lawmakers to revive a hotly debated measure that many thought was dead for the session. Hawaii News Now.

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Aloha State sees increase in gas prices. The average price of gas in the state increased a nickel or more in the past week and 24 cents higher in than a month ago, said GasPrices.AAA.com. KHON2.

Hawaii jobless rate climbs to 2.8%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate, reflecting slowing growth in the state economy, resumed its upward trend in March and climbed to a 28-month high of 2.8%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Battle lines take shape as 2 vacation rental bills advance. When it comes to the thorny issue of vacation rental homes on Oahu, it seems the clearer the issue gets, the more complex the answers appear to be. Star-Advertiser.

Short-Term Rental Regulation Advances at Honolulu Hale. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council held a public hearing on the latest proposals to rein in Oahu’s vacation accommodations, like those rented on Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO. Hawaii Public Radio.

After several years of debate, a measure to regulate monster homes on Oahu is awaiting Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s signature. The bill passed the City Council Wednesday, but the head of the department that will enforce the proposed rules says some details need to be hammered out. Associated Press.

A bill regulating so-called monster homes on Oahu is now in the hands of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. KITV.

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Police investigating reported kidnapping of attorney tied to Kealoha corruption probe. Chris Woo once represented Jesse Ebersole, a Big Island firefighter who told the court he had a long-term affair with Katherine Kealoha and said he lied to the federal grand jury to protect her and hide their romantic relationship. Hawaii News Now.

City plans second interim rail opening. In a significant change to the much-anticipated rollout of the Honolulu rail line, the city is now planning to open new segments of rail in 2020 and in 2023 before finally opening the entire 20-mile line in 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Assures Caldwell Of Ala Wai Flood Control Financing Plan. The latest letter in the saga over canal flood control informs city leaders that at least some dollars have been committed to the project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Councilmember-elect Tommy Waters is eager to hit the ground running. Waters says there's a 20-day waiting period where the City Office of Elections can audit the results from Saturday's District Four Special Election. KITV.

Inspection leads to boat blaze at Honolulu Harbor. U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel Thursday were inspecting a fishing boat at Pier 16 when a neglected stove apparently caught fire, leading to a spectacular blaze. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard: Blaze on fishing vessel started during Customs inspection. Hawaii News Now.

Can A Sustainable Industry Be Built From An Invasive Species? A landmark project on the UH Manoa campus shows the albizia tree’s potential as a building material — and the challenges of developing manufacturing in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Civil Defense on the hot seat. Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno found himself in the hot seat Thursday, as County Council members grilled him about communication lapses during two recent disasters. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano Watch Examines Cause Of 2018 Kilauea Eruption. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is reiterating its position that geothermal drilling did not cause the lower East Rift Zone eruption. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Transfer Station Shutdown After Discovery of Explosive Ordnance. The explosive device was found to be a non-functioning grenade, with no detonation ability. Big Island Now.

Unexploded ordnance scare forces brief closure of Hilo transfer station. Hawaii News Now.

County cleans out more homeless camps. Hawaii County Highways Divisions crews, Hawaii Police officers and HOPE Services Hawaii employees worked to clear more homeless camps Thursday in the village and downtown Kailua-Kona areas. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Blessing Held for $21.7 M Iao Water Treatment Plant. Mayor Michael Victorino took part Thursday in the blessing of the new $21.7 million Iao Water Treatment Plant. Maui Now.

Airport tram making practice runs. The tram connects the airport’s arrivals and departures gates with the $340 million, 1.3 million-square-foot consolidated rental car building scheduled to open May 15. Maui News.

Makawao Public Library celebrates 50 years. Maui News.

Kauai

Costs still rising. According to the County of Kauai, it has received $25 million from the state of Hawaii to help recover from the April 2018 flooding disaster. Garden Island.

No place to go. Homeless to be evicted from camp near homeless shelter. Garden Island.

Settlement reached, payment delayed. Patricia and Michael Kocher Sr. still haven’t been paid the $1 million promised to them by the County of Kauai to settle a lawsuit they filed over the death of their son, who was killed four years ago by a speeding police cruiser. Garden Island.