Eviction moratorium to expire, free meals for all public school students, military reviewing exercises after whale deaths, highest COVID case count since January, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Apartment buildings seen from the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Eviction moratorium in Hawaii to end Aug. 6. A moratorium on evictions that Gov. David Ige imposed in April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began strangling Hawaii’s tourism-based economy will be lifted Aug. 6, paving the way for renters and landlords to tap into federal rental assistance and free mediation serv­ices on all islands intended to make landlords whole and keep families in their homes. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Indoor mask requirement to continue amid COVID-19 surge. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he will maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors as the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant fuels a spike in cases. Associated Press.

Social media posts with tourists behaving badly prompt new calls for visitor education. Following a string of social media posts documenting tourists behaving badly, there’s a push to revive an old visitor education campaign called the Pono Pledge. The pledge informs visitors of general safety precautions and cultural awareness. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii reverses course, will allow unvaccinated to attend classes in fall. The University of Hawaii announced today that it will not require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend in-person classes on its campuses this fall, as originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s public schools preparing distance-learning options. The state Board of Education approved a resolution Thursday asking the state superintendent to develop a plan to offer remote learning to students at the state and complex-area levels rather than on a school-by-school basis. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Weeks before new school year starts, leaders have yet to answer a long list of questions. Two and a half weeks before the new school year starts, there are still a host of unanswered questions ― from masking rules to capacity guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

All Hawaii public school students to receive free meals during 2021-22 academic year. The Hawaii Department of Education announced Thursday that every student enrolled in the state’s 257 public schools will receive free breakfast and lunch meals during the entire 2021-22 academic year. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Navy To Review Impact Of Pacific Training After 2 Whales Die During Exercise. Under threat of a lawsuit, the U.S. Navy confirmed this week that it will review how its exercises in the Pacific might hurt, kill or otherwise change the behavior of marine wildlife. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s jobless rate sinks for fifth straight month. Hawaii’s unemployment rate declined in June to a 15-month low of 7.7%, and nonfarm payrolls rose by 3,000 jobs, amid further signs that the state’s economy is on the mend. Star-Advertiser.

Tax credit could lift Hawaii families out of poverty. The great majority of Hawaii families with children under age 18 should receive monthly payments of up to $300 for each child starting this week as part of a pandemic stimulus package that is expected to provide help to struggling families and potentially propel thousands of children out of poverty. Star-Advertiser.

Rural hospitals receive funding boost for COVID. More than $2.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funding will be divvied among 10 Hawaii hospitals to support COVID-19 response efforts in rural areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Sees Largest Daily Virus Spike in Months. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 166 new cases of coronavirus statewide Thursday, bringing the overall total to 38,819. One new COVID-related death was also reported. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 166 additional infections. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 91 new cases on Oahu, 22 on Maui, 17 on Hawaii Island, 14 on Kauai and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

First Lady Jill Biden to visit Honolulu next weekend. The White House said today that First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Honolulu July 24 and 25, with a stop in Anchorage, Alaska, on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Sykap Case Is ‘No Perry Mason Moment’. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office properly brought murder and attempted murder charges against three officers involved in the fatal shooting of Iremamber Sykap even without securing indictments from a grand jury, the office argued in court documents Thursday. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

City Council Leaders Look To Remove Rail Critic From HART Board. The local board overseeing Honolulu’s troubled rail project is poised to lose one of its most outspoken members — and someone who’s called for a halt to construction — as city leaders aim to replace him. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply to resume water shutoffs due to nonpayment. BWS deferred water shutoffs during the COVID-19 outbreak, but said in a news release today that customers are responsible for all outstanding water and sewer balances on their account. Star-Advertiser.

A New Oahu Jail May Need To Be A Lot Bigger In The Near Future. Consultant projections show hundreds more people will need to be incarcerated if no significant policy changes such as bail reform reduce the number of inmates. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Vows To ‘Play Tough’ On Crime In Chinatown. Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm headlined a fundraiser to bolster the Weed and Seed program. Civil Beat.

City Seeks to Acquire Historic Queen Theater in Kaimuki. A measure at the Honolulu City Council calls for the city to acquire the neglected Queen Theater in Kaimuki by eminent domain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island: The Wrong End of the Real Estate Boom.  Hawaiʻi Island housing inventory is being squeezed up and down the market, and that includes rentals to everyday people. Hawaii Public Radio.

Final Round of Virtual Public Meetings Scheduled for Comments on Transportation Improvement Program. Virtual meetings for the Big Island will take place Thursday, July 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 4. Both meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. Big Island Now.

Planning Commission pushes for Parker School sidewalk. The Leeward Planning Commission wasn’t ready Thursday to give Parker School a pass on a sidewalk it promised in a lawsuit settlement and instead voted 5-0 to defer the issue for a month to give the applicant a chance to pursue a less costly option. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

DOT suggests buying the Road to Hana in order to control overcrowding. As heavy traffic continues to clog the popular Road to Hana on Maui, transportation leaders suggested the state should buy the highway in order to control congestion. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing project gets key permit extension. An hourslong debate with more than 20 testifiers came down to affordable housing benefits versus location flooding risks for a proposed 100-percent workforce development on a roughly 12-acre parcel off Hoonani Street in Kihei. Maui News.

Kula lands meant for housing revert to ag. Lands intended for a Kula housing project that made headlines years ago but never moved forward were reverted to agricultural use on Wednesday, signaling the end of a development that would have generated 70 affordable and 46 market-rate homes. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i moving forward with county TAT discussions. The county administration is pushing forward two bills targeting the visitor industry: one establishing its own transient accommodations tax and another creating a new tax class for vehicle rental operations to be reviewed at first reading next Wednesday, July 21, by the County Council. Garden Island.

State park fees going up, Native Hawaiian skulls returned from England, Caldwell seeks 5.1% budget increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snow atop Mauna Kea March 2, 2020. ©2020 All Hawaii News

Shower activity to slowly decrease as an upper level low moves north of the islands. KHON2.

BLNR approves parks fee increase proposal. Land Board members on Friday approved unanimously a State Parks proposal to increase an array of parks-related fees in an effort to increase revenue. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Lawmakers Hamstrung By Their Own Law On Special Funds. The auditor determined that none of the 63 special funds that legislators wanted to create this session met the high legal bar they set for themselves in 2013. Civil Beat.

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20 Native Hawaiian skulls are returned from England. Human remains taken from Hawaii in the name of science have been returned to the islands after more than a century in a museum in England. Star-Advertiser.

OHA, Hui Secure Return of 20 Iwi Kupuna. After a decade-long struggle, ancient Native Hawaiian remains housed in a foreign land have returned to Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

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How Prepared Are Hawaii Hospitals For Coronavirus? Past training for outbreaks such as Ebola have hospitals equipped to deal with infectious diseases like the new coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Leahi Hospital being considered for quarantines. State officials are considering using Leahi Hospital in Kaimuki to quarantine any people in Hawaii who contract the deadly new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Additional hospitals adding virus screening. Local hospitals are ramping up their screening for anyone who walks in the door to make sure they don’t spread any viruses. KHON2.

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Weather dampens statewide efforts to count whales. Hundreds of volunteers counted 191 humpback whales on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island over the weekend, but heavy rain and wind resulted in challenging sighting conditions. Star-Advertiser.

More whales than most. Despite the blustery weather, Kaua‘i island with just 11 sites operating, posted the most average number of whales viewed per 15-minute count period at 2.4 whales “counted”, Saturday during the Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count for February. Garden Island.

Pacific Media Group is moving into television. PMG has acquired the Paradise Television Network in a transaction that took effect on March 1, 2020, the company announced Monday. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell’s $2.8B budget calls for 5.1% increase. There is a relatively flat property tax picture on Oahu and a need to find $71 million to pay for the first half-year of rail operations as well as other increasing expenses. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Ethics Commission Scrubs Financial Disclosures From Website. The records are now only available for inspection at Honolulu Hale and officials are charging for copies — even if that’s just taking photos with your phone. Civil Beat.

City Seeks Comments On Proposed $3 Fare, Free Transfers Between Bus and Rail. The Honolulu transit fare review body wants to raise the price of a bus ride by 25 cents to $3, but provide free transfers between the rail and bus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Glider Tours Get Federal Scrutiny After Dillingham Airfield Crash. Officials are looking more closely at the use of towplanes to get gliders aloft. Civil Beat.

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COVID-19 keeps L.A. Clippers from returning to Hawaii and postpones FESTPAC. The Los Angeles Clippers, who played in Hawaii the last three years, won’t return to the islands this year due to uncertainty over the spreading coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

FESTPAC international festival has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns. The 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture — or FESTPAC — has been postponed due to concerns of the coronavirus. KHON2.

Pacific Arts Festival Postponed Over Coronavirus Concerns. Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture was planned for June but event organizers are putting it off as concern about COVID-19 grows. Civil Beat.

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Tents in Old Stadium Park offer temporary stay to the homeless. Honolulu officials said tents could be part of the solution in tackling homelessness on Oahu, the Old Stadium Park is the new location for the Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons or HONU that hopes to take hundreds off the street. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council reacts to mayor’s proposed budget. Nonprofit organizations are set to get a $1 million raise in Mayor Harry Kim’s proposed budget, but County Council members will see their individual contingency accounts shrink from $100,000 to $20,000 each. West Hawaii Today.

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TMT opponents ask Japan to end involvement with project. Protesters in opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea presented a letter to the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu urging the Japanese government to cease its involvement in the project. Tribune-Herald.

TMT opponents seek Japanese support as hiatus for telescope continues. As a pause in the Thirty Meter Telescope project at the summit of Mauna Kea continued, telescope opponents calling themselves kiai, or protectors of the mountain held sacred by many Native Hawaiians, took a break from their Big Island vigil to travel to Oahu on an outreach mission. Star-Advertiser.

TMT Opponents Visit Japan Consul, Refute Governor’s Claims. TMT opponents say there is no hoʻoponopono process taking place with Maunakea kiaʻi, and requested that Japan withdraw support for the planned observatory. Big Island Video News.

TMT opponents voice opposition outside of Japanese Consulate-General. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope took their message to the Japanese Consulate-General in Nuuanu Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea protectors ask Japanese government to stop supporting the Thirty Meter Telescope. Protectors of Mauna Kea -- or kia'i -- took their fight against the Thirty Meter Telescope to the Japanese government. KITV4.

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Five Big Island residents self-monitoring for COVID-19. The Big Islanders are among 91 across the state — including 83 on Oahu, two on Kauai and one Maui — keeping tabs for symptoms of the coronavirus that’s sickened more than 88,000 worldwide and killed more than 3,000, the vast majority in mainland China. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Iron Works Rezoning Requested. The property owners want to rezone the current Open zoning designation to an Industrial-Commercial Mixed Use, in order to maintain the existing uses and structures at the site. Big Island Video News.

Maui

As Maui Weighs Countywide Vacation Rental Ban, Molokaʻi Is Divided On Impacts. Molokaʻi may become the first island in Hawaiʻi where new short-term vacation rentals are banned and old ones phased out. Hawaii Public Radio.

Haleakala summit dusted with snow. Winter weather brings cold rain, winds to isle. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Residents Surprised, Disappointed After Councilman Brun's Arrest. The arrest on Thursday of Kauaʻi Council Member Arthur Brun has surprised and disappointed residents across the small island, while charges that he led a major drug ring selling methamphetamine has shaken the image of the tranquil, laid-back community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Organizations monitor COVID-19 spread. Kaua‘i officials said Monday there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Kaua‘i, but some on-island resorts say they’re starting to see cancellations, some people who work with the public are donning masks and there have been reports of busy lines at local stores. Garden Island.

Ige's approval rating tanks in poll as more voters oppose Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, flag flap at Keaau high school, Honolulu council seeks corruption audit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian cultural practitioners on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Public support for TMT drops sharply, according to a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll. Public support for the Thirty Meter Telescope has declined sharply after more than two months of peaceful but determined protests on Mauna Kea, and most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward, according to a new Honolulu Star- Advertiser poll. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s job approval rating tanks amid TMT debacle. Gov. David Ige’s job approval rating has sunk to a new low amid the ongoing standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, though Hawaii voters have an even lower opinion of the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Tulsi Gabbard Earns Spot In October Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman will be back on the stage after missing the September debate. Civil Beat.

Audit: DOE misses millions in revenue. State auditors found that the Hawaii Department of Education has failed to collect millions of dollars in fees over the past decade and has no written policies or procedures in place to implement the process necessary to do so in the future. Garden Island.

Frustration, Desperation As Teachers Convene To Discuss Pay Issues. Consultants hired by the Hawaii Department of Education are meeting with educators around the state, seeking ways to improve compensation. On the first night they heard from many barely hanging on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Police commissioner calls out city council during talk on public corruption scandal. Honolulu city council members want an audit done of local law enforcement agencies including the Honolulu Police Department, prosecuting attorney’s office and the ethics commission. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu officer charged with failure to report in urinal licking case. A Honolulu police officer has been charged with covering up for another officer in a case that involved forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal. Hawaii News Now.

FBI raid of city records tied to Kealoha case, lawyers say. Members of a Honolulu City Council committee were told Tuesday that a raid of city computer servers earlier this year involved emails apparently tied to the federal corruption case that centered around former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Another Candidate Running For Manahan’s Council Seat. Jacob Aki is currently chief of staff to the Senate majority leader. Civil Beat.

Councilmembers question affordability of $773 million Blaisdell makeover. County lawmakers pressed for answers today on whether the city can afford to take on a $773 million redevelopment of Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center. KHON2.


How much of the Blaisdell’s redevelopment will taxpayers pay for? The city isn’t sure. The city say plans for the projected $772 million redevelopment of the aging Blaisdell Center are moving along, and officials are working to secure a public private partnership for the project. Hawaii News Now.

Rent high? Don't blame short term rentals said expert. Oahu's shortage and higher costs of housing have been blamed on illegal short term rentals, but expects said that is not the case. KITV.

Chinatown Neighborhood Board Chair wants city to pack yellow bag rule. The Downtown-Chinatown rule for businesses to use new thick yellow trash bags isn’t popular among some in the community. KHON2.

Slopes of Diamond Head cleared of squatters in 2-week-long sweep.  After months of complaints, squatters are being forced off of the Diamond Head State Monument. Hawaii News Now.

Group elaborates on ideas to fix Koko Crater Trail. A non-profit group revealed its $100,00 plan to temporarily fix the dilapidated Koko Crater Trail. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Keaau High causes social media backlash after telling students not to wear flags as clothing. Officials at Keaau High School caused a stir online Monday after telling students not to wear Hawaiian Kingdom or Hawaii state flags on campus. Tribune-Herald.

Honua Ola gets go-ahead to drill deeper. The state Department of Health granted approval to Honua Ola Bioenergy, formerly known as Hu Honua Bioenergy, to drill three underground injection control wells to 800 feet at its power plant under construction at Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Is Aina Lea finally ready to be built? A South Kohala developer says it is moving forward with the Town of Aina Lea, while the county is reminding the company that all requirements must be met should the long-delayed project actually want to get off the ground. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Molina Addresses ‘Crisis-Level’ Affordable Housing Need. Councilmember Michael J. Molina has a new plan that might expand affordable housing opportunities for Maui families. Maui Now.

2 Dolphins Euthanized After Stranding On Maui Beach. There was another mass stranding in the same area less than a month ago. Civil Beat.


Two More Stranded Whales Euthanized Near Maui Beach. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists euthanized two pygmy killer whales Tuesday after the mammals stranded themselves on Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two whales in separate pod euthanized after Sugar Beach stranding. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that two pygmy killer whales stranded at Kihei’s Sugar Beach on Tuesday morning had to be euthanized based on their health. Maui News.

Two Stranded Whales Euthanized, Second Stranding Incident in Recent Weeks. Maui Now.

Wildlife officials euthanize 2 whales that were stranded on Maui beach. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA Fisheries responds to stranded pygmy killer whales near Sugar Beach. NOAA Fisheries responded to two pygmy killer whales (a member of the oceanic dolphin family) stranded on shore near Sugar Beach, Maui on Tuesday. KITV.

ABC Stores to build distribution center in Maui Lani Village. Owner purchases 40,000-square-foot lot for about $2M. Maui News.

A&B seeks 30-year water lease. It would allow EMI to divert water from East Maui streams. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor heads delegation to Japan. A contingent from Kauai led by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami is headed on a good-will mission to Japan. Garden Island.

Council to meet today. Among the agenda items, it will consider a resolution to accept a public access easement to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Residents unhappy with state officials in poll, Ellison plans $340M Lanai project, Taniguchi dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

Most Hawaii residents say state elected officials don’t care about them. A majority of Hawaii residents say the state is moving in the wrong direction and expressed little confidence in the state’s elected officials, a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll shows. Star-Advertiser.

Money the state budgeted for educational composting programs is given to an engineering company. Over the summer, eight public school principals wrote cover letters for what they thought was an application for grants to run their school composting programs. Star-Advertiser.

Tour operators start ban on full-face snorkel masks. The Pride of Maui, a company that offers snorkel tours and cruises, has recently announced it will no longer allow the use of full-face snorkel masks on its catamarans due to safety concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Is This The New Normal? Hawaii Wrestles With Record Heat. Climatologists are frustrated by the lack of action in response to manmade global warming, but there are some simple solutions that could provide relief. Civil Beat.

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University professor apologizes for making ‘inappropriate’ remarks. A University of Hawaii professor apologized Sunday for comments about the quality of education at Kamehameha Schools that he made during a symposium on the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

UH professor behind controversial comments against Kamehameha schools apologizes. The UH professor at the center of controversial comments against Kamehameha Schools has issued an apology. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council won’t pay for HART employees’ lawyers. Rail authority employees who have been subpoenaed as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation into Honolulu’s train project will each have to hire their own lawyer if they think they need one, according to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Executive Director Andrew Robbins. Star-Advertiser.

City lawyers admit Council passed erroneous bill. A Honolulu City Council measure approving more money for a controversial and mysterious city contract with a California-based law firm contains erroneous information, a situation that could force Council members to redo their vote. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL Offers 37 Kapolei Homes To Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries. In an effort to reduce a long wait list for homestead lots, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands offered 37 "turn-key" homes in Kapolei to native Hawaiian beneficiaries, the agency announced Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Developer seeks record $35M for planned Kapiolani penthouse. The developer of the planned Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences tower announced Thursday that it intends to offer a penthouse for $35 million among 99 residential units that start at $3.5 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

KTA CEO Barry Taniguchi dead at 72. “The Taniguchi family would like share that Barry K. Taniguchi passed away Friday at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, due to medical complications,” his family said in a statement to the Tribune-Herald earlier today. Tribune-Herald.

Chairman and C.E.O. of KTA Super Stores Barry Taniguchi dies. According to the company, the 72-year-old died of cardiac arrest Friday night. Hawaii News Now.

Remembering Barry Taniguchi. A generational community staple has passed away. KHON2.

Hawaii Leaders Issue Statements On Death Of Barry Taniguchi. Big Island Video News.


CEO of KTA Super Stores Dies. Barry K. Taniguchi, board chairman and CEO of KTA Super Stores, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu as a result of medical complications. Big Island Video News.

KTA Superstores CEO, Barry Taniguchi, dies. Many are mourning the loss of a major community leader. Barry Taniguchi, the CEO and board chair of KTA Super Stores. KITV.

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County receives extension for Highway 132 work. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works has received a three-month extension from the Federal Highway Administration to complete reconstruction of Highway 132 in lower Puna, although the department anticipates work will be finished well before the new deadline. Tribune-Herald.

PGV officials discuss ongoing facility repairs at meeting. Puna Geothermal Venture is continuing its work toward recovery, plant officials said during a community meeting Wednesday afternoon in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island wind farm allowed ‘incidental take’ of 3 endangered species. Pakini Nui Wind Farm operator Tawhiri Power LLC’s request for incidental take of three endangered species has been been approved by state and federal officials. West Hawaii Today.

DHHL lets delinquent lease swell to $242,000. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for years allowed a Big Island man to make sporadic lease payments on a parcel in Hilo, with the past due amount eventually growing to six figures. Star-Advertiser.

‘Standing up for our rights’: 28 of those arrested at TMT protest plead not guilty. Twenty-eight of the 38 people arrested on Mauna Kea during the first week of the Thirty Meter Telescope protest in July made their first appearances in court Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Council Approves Water Pollution Settlement But Mayor May Have Final Word. The Maui County Council voted 5-4 on Friday to settle a Clean Water Act lawsuit headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. But a last-minute revelation from county attorneys has set up a showdown between councilmembers and Mayor Michael Victorino. Hawaii Public Radio.

Stranded Whales Suffered From Lung Abnormalities. All five of the pygmy killer whales that died after stranding themselves on Sugar Beach last month had abnormal lungs and lymph nodes, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Maui Now.

NOAA: Whales that stranded themselves on Maui appeared to have infections. The pygmy killer whales that stranded themselves on Maui last month had some degree of lung abnormalities and enlarged lymph nodes, NOAA researchers said. Hawaii News Now.

Program improves Maui area’s security and maintenance. Like many places in Hawaii, Maui has seen a growing number of vagrants, the mentally ill, substance abusers and homeless on the streets, and nowhere is the problem more apparent than Wailuku town. Star-Advertiser.

Maui judge, lawyer among finalists for Circuit judgeship. Second Circuit Deputy Chief Judge Kelsey Kawano and Wailuku attorney Lance Collins are among four nominees for a vacancy on the 2nd Circuit Court bench. Maui News.

Kihei Beach Cleanup Clears Over Hundred Pounds of Trash. Hawaiian Paddle Sports organized the effort for International Coastal Cleanup Day, an annual world-wide effort that rallies nearly 12 million volunteers to remove over 220 million pounds of trash from waterways and beaches. Maui Now.

Kauai

Thousands in federal funds set aside for Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery. Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe will be getting thousands of dollars in federal funding for an expansion. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz announced the funding Saturday. He said the cemetery will get nearly $310,000. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands in federal funds set aside for Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery. Kauai’s Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe will be getting thousands of dollars in federal funding for an expansion. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Larry Ellison plans 30-year, $340 million project for Lanai. The billionaire who owns nearly all of Lanai is moving forward with another piece of a broad plan to diversify the economy on the island where luxury tourism reigns. Star-Advertiser.

Citations climb in Mauna Kea crackdown, Honolulu council advances plastics ban, Maui mayor seeks stiff vacation rental fines, 11-14 years in prison recommended for Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

TMT opponents gather at Hilo courthouse Aug. 23, 2019 ©2019 All Hawaii News

Governor Sees Progress In Mauna Kea Talks, But Protest Nears 7th Week. Gov. David Ige says he’s pleased with progress made so far by Big Island Mayor Harry Kim in engaging the native Hawaiian community in efforts to resolve the conflict on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic citations, criminal charges increase in second week of Maunakea enforcement. Police say 630 citations were issued in the weeklong period starting Aug, 22, compared to 610 the week starting Aug. 15. In addition, nine individuals were arrested with 16 charges filed among them. That compares to seven individuals arrested for a total of 13 charges the previous week. Tribune-Herald.

Traffic enforcement efforts on Daniel K. Inouye Highway results in 1240 issued citations, 16 arrested. KHON2.

Concerns arise over Big Isle prosecutor’s son’s job. The man responsible for prosecuting the mostly Native Hawaiian elders arrested for protesting construction of a giant telescope said there is no conflict of interest, even though his son works for one of the embattled project’s partners. Associated Press.

Governor Denied Mayor’s TMT Delay Request In July 15 Letter. The letter dated July 15, obtained by Big Island Video News after we first reported on Mayor Kim’s July 12th letter, offers further insight into the decision-making process of state and county leaders during the pivotal, early days of the construction start, and the opposition movement that organized to stop TMT on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea Is The Latest In Long History Of Native Hawaiian Protests. Civil disobedience and arrests have been a key part of Native Hawaiian activism since the 1970s. Civil Beat.

Three Young Protesters, Three Different Paths To Mauna Kea. They all felt stirrings of Hawaiian identity as youngsters, but these three protesters were shaped by pivotal experiences as young adults. Civil Beat.

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Management of tourism key as visitors keep climbing. Visitor arrivals and spending rose in July to mark the second month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

Health care shortage leaves Hawaii hurting. The state is facing shortages in 76 medical professions, with nearly half — 44% — of the unfilled positions in hospitals, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s first jobs report measuring vacant nonphysician positions between the last quarter of 2018 and this year’s first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

10% of Hawaii healthcare jobs go unfilled due to lack of in-state training. There are over 2,200 open healthcare positions in Hawaii. KITV.

Doctors Are Still The Top-Paid Public Employees In Hawaii. The Hawaii Health Services Corp. and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have big changes atop their pay scales, but the highest-salaried physician hasn’t changed. Civil Beat.

National nonprofit raises alarms about dearth of drug treatment in islands. The national leader of a nonprofit that specializes in treating drug addiction says to get a handle on the state’s homeless crisis, more drug treatment is needed. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard, off National Guard duty, rules out running as independent. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, back on the campaign trail after 15 days of duty with the Hawaii National Guard, said Thursday she won’t run as an independent if she doesn’t win the Democratic presidential nomination. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City ban on single-use plastics moves forward. A bill that would ban foam containers and plastics used for serving food on Oahu passed out of the Honolulu City Council’s Public Safety and Welfare Committee on Thursday, buoying the hopes of the environmentally conscious who worry plastics are polluting beaches, breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by sea life and contributing to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Ban on Plastics Takes Next Step At City Council. The ongoing effort to ban use of plastic bags, utensils and styrofoam containers moved forward at the Honolulu City Council Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Styrofoam, plastic straws and utensils may be banned on Oahu. If Bill 40 is passes, it would prohibit restaurants from using everything from Styrofoam containers, plastic utensils and even plastic straws. KITV.

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Court report recommends Katherine Kealoha spend 11-14 years in prison. A pre-sentence report from a federal probation officer recommends that former deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha be locked up for more than a decade. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fighting Disclosure of Records, Emails Seized by Feds, Councilman Says. The city is seeking authorization to spend $225,000 to make sure privileged information is not released. Civil Beat.

More weight on climate change, managed retreat in Honolulu pre-disaster mitigation plan. The City and County of Honolulu updated a federally required disaster plan, and this time around it focuses more on climate change and moving away from the shoreline. KHON2.

Pali to open both directions for most of day. Windward residents are looking forward to accessing Pali Highway in both directions to ease the stress of putting in extra miles to get to town and back on alternative routes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New Keahuolu Courthouse opens Tuesday. The gavel is set to strike the block next week at the new Keahuolu Courthouse as court operations scattered across several sites in North Kona and South Kona finally converge under one roof. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Courthouse Opens Doors in September. The Hawaii State Judiciary will open its new West Hawaii courthouse early next week. Big Island Now.

The Panaewa Equestrian Center Rodeo Arena will be closed from September 2 to approximately December 9, 2019, for restoration work, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Draft Ordinance Proposed Seeking New Fines for Illegal Vacation Rentals. The administration of Maui Mayor Michael Victorino submitted a proposed ordinance to the Maui County Council seeking to implement new fines in an effort to strengthen enforcement against illegal vacation rentals. Maui Now.

Initial fines for illegal vacation rentals on Maui could jump from $1K to $20K. The measure was referred to the Planning & Sustainable Land Use Committee. KITV.

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Feds are taking over prosecution of police officer. Brandon Saffeels had been disciplined in previous case. Maui News.

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Small whales euthanized after 10 stranded alive on Kihei’s Sugar Beach. Authorities on Thursday sedated and euthanized four small whales after 10 of the animals were stranded alive on a beach on Maui’s south shore. Maui News.

4 Stranded Whales Euthanized On Maui Beach. The remaining six stranded melon-headed whales were floated back to sea, though authorities said two of those were likely to be euthanized. Associated Press.

4 whales die in mass stranding on Maui beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it is investigating why at least 10 small whales stranded themselves on a Maui beach Thursday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Ten Whales Beached at Sugar Beach in North Kihei. Maui Now.

4 of 11 whales beached on Sugar Beach in Kihei dead. KHON2.

Four of ten whales stranded in Sugar Beach area on Maui have died. NOAA Fisheries is responding to 10 melon-headed whales that have stranded along the coast in the Sugar Beach area of Maui. KITV.

Scientists scramble to find cause of stranding that left 4 whales dead on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Open houses set on West Kauai plan. The County of Kauai Planning Department has released a “Discussion Draft” of the West Kauai Community Plan for public review and comment. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen Mazie Hirono drops by Kauai High pantry. She was on-island to visit the North Shore and see the rehabilitation progress after the 2018 floods, and also made a stop by the school to check out their new food pantry program. Garden Island.

UH rules would restrict Mauna Kea access, Hawaii on alert as Hurricane Lane to shift northwest, officials tackle vacation rentals as resort home sales hit records, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea looms over Hilo town ©2018 All Hawaii News

UH requests public input on Mauna Kea land management. The University of Hawaii is asking for public input on proposed administrative rules for public and commercial activities on land its manages on Maunakea. The current draft rules would prohibit camping, as well as construction or activities involving more than 10 people without a permit. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lane expected to take northwest turn; forecasters warn of heavy rain, flooding. Star-Advertiser.

At 5 a.m. Monday, Lane maintained intensity from earlier in the day, packing sustained winds of 125 mph with higher gusts. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Lane was centered about 615 miles southeast of Hilo — or 825 miles southeast of Honolulu — and moving west at 14 mph. Hawaii News Now.

As Hurricane Lane continues its track through the Central Pacific basin, forecasters plan on flying into the eye of the storm to better determine its path — and whether or not it'll hit the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

State forgoing millions in federal reimbursements. The state each year misses out on potentially tens of millions of dollars in federal reimbursements because it fails to aggressively pursue claims related to teaching Medicaid-insured special education students, according to a review of federal data and interviews with legislators and state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Uninsured affected in federal funding feud. Health care clinics that largely serve low-income, uninsured women and college students may have to cut services or absorb losses if Hawaii forgoes more than $2 million in annual federal funding for family planning services. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rental bans firmly in place on Kauai and the Big Island. The shutdown of vacation rentals on Kauai and Hawaii island remains in effect, despite improvements to flood-damaged areas of the Garden Island and an easing of the lava flow on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

Resort home sales rise sharply. The market for vacation homes at Hawaii resorts rebounded last year to its highest level of sales in nearly a decade, according to a recent report. Star-Advertiser.

Should Hawaii Convert To Ranked Choice Voting? Maine and several U.S. cities allow voters to rate candidates in order of preference. Civil Beat.

Studying limu species in the deep. A team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bishop Museum and the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife were awarded $792,021 by the National Science Foundation to describe the new species of limu, or marine algae, from Hawaii’s deep waters. Garden Island.

Oahu

How Caldwell’s Airbnb Bill Could Ease Honolulu’s Housing Crunch. The mayor would crack down on absentee owners who rent entire houses to tourists, but allow anyone to rent out a room in their home. Civil Beat.

Opposition to Honolulu's Biki in Makiki neighborhood. One Honolulu neighborhood is opposed to the popular bikeshare program Biki adding more docking points. KITV.

A bridge linking Waipio and Mililani had to shut down again on Sunday, this time for emergency work. The state has been working on the Kipapa Stream Bridge for more than a year now, but it just found a major problem in one of the supports. KHON2.

North Shore residents hold peaceful protest at Laniakea. Parking at Laniakea Beach on the North Shore was near impossible today. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County nearing purchase of Waikapuna. The county is poised to acquire a large Ka‘u tract that one official calls the “poster child” of lands purchased for preservation. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island mayor pushes his limits amid disaster. Many people worry that leading Hawaii island through the volcanic eruption disaster that began in May could kill Mayor Harry Kim. Star-Advertiser.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a new Volcanic Activity Notice on Friday, announcing that the Alert Level for Kilauea Volcano was being lowered from WARNING to WATCH. Big Island Video News.

Drought in West Hawaii increases risk of wildfires running rampant already. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Not ready for prime time. Ohana candidates unlikely to gain council majority, pundits say. For Ohana Coalition-backed candidates to upset the current 5-4 majority of “establishment” members of the Maui County Council on Nov. 6, they’ll each need to get at least 23,000 votes, based on 2014 and 2016 general election ballot totals for winning council candidates. Maui News.

The Haiku Community Association and Paia Town Association are hosting a candidate’s night forum on Wed., Aug. 22, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Haiku Community Center. Maui Now.

Rooting out, cracking down on illegal short-term rentals. County reviews its options; firm hired to catch scofflaws. The county Planning Department hopes that a company that specializes in rooting out illegal short-term rentals will help them crack down on the problem over the coming months. Maui News.

Lawsuit: Did ADHD Treatment Lead To A Maui Boy’s Suicide? The malpractice suit is one of several filed nationwide in recent years alleging ADHD medication caused violent or suicidal behavior. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Monitoring the melon-heads. Melon-headed whales, rough-toothed dolphins and bottlenose dolphins have all crossed the path of the Cascadia Research Collective boat that’s currently cruising through Kauai’s western waters. Garden Island.

Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant still rebuilding. Four months after torrential rains caused flooding on Kauai’s North Shore, one business is still closed and renovating. Garden Island.

Honolulu suspect dead, police officer injured in Waianae shootout, campaign signs must carry disclosures, Ige's housing claims questioned, lawsuit follows lava loss, more news form all the Hawaiian Islands

HGEA volunteers make campaign signs during 2016 elections ©2018 All Hawaii News

The state Campaign Spending Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to require advertisement disclaimers be included on all campaign committees’ signs and banners, effective Aug. 20. The requirement had been waived because the Legislature voted to eliminate it, but Gov. Ige vetoed the measure. Civil Beat.

A man is dead and a Honolulu police officer was seriously injured during an hours-long standoff in Nanakuli, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Suspect dead, police officer injured in early-morning shootout in Waianae. Star-Advertiser.

Police investigating apparent officer-involved shooting in Nanakuli. KHON2.

Ige’s housing claims questioned. Gov. David Ige says he’s created thousands of new affordable homes as part of his goal of building 10,000 units by 2020 to help address Hawaii’s housing crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa Softens Criticism Of Ige But Stays On Message. The Democratic candidate for governor fields questions on rail, super PACs, homelessness and women. Civil Beat.

Ad Watch: Hawaii Governor’s Race Switches Into Attack Mode. A large construction union is behind an effective ad attacking Gov. David Ige’s response to the false missile alert. Civil Beat.

Carroll Breaks Out Radical New Proposals In His Bid To Be Governor. The Republican candidate calls for eliminating the general excise tax and holding an election on whether to restore the Hawaiian kingdom. Civil Beat.

This Murky Law Could Give The Governor Broad New Powers. A new law on emergency administrative rules could make potentially major changes to a key policymaking process. Civil Beat.

Army fires more missiles during seafaring RIMPAC. The U.S. Army on Tuesday fired a Humvee-mounted Stinger missile at a drone flying over water during Rim of the Pacific, adding to its role in what is largely an exercise for international naval forces. Star-Advertiser.

Elemental Excelerator said it will receive an additional $30 million from the Office of Naval Research, raising the Navy’s total funding commitment to more than $60 million. Pacific Business News.

NOAA issues rule protecting habitat for false killer whales. A federal agency will designate waters around Hawaii as protected critical habitat for endangered false killer whales. Associated Press.

Breaking the Silos: Collective Insights for Community Stewardship in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Central Pacific Financial Corp., parent company of the state’s fourth-largest bank, reported net income of $14.2 million in the second quarter of 2018, up 18.3 percent from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Central Pacific Financial Corp., the Honolulu-based parent of Central Pacific Bank, reported net income of $14.2 million, or 48 cents per diluted share, for the quarter ending June 30, compared to net income of $12 million, or 39 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2017. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Super PAC Be Change Now this week sent a scathing mailer attacking incumbent Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga, who is seeking re-election in District 6. Star-Advertiser.

2 homeless bills stall in committee. Two bills making it illegal for people to “lodge” or otherwise obstruct pedestrians on city sidewalks islandwide were deferred by a City Council committee Wednesday after homeless advocates and council members questioned whether they pass legal muster. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council is advancing a bill to prevent large commercial vehicles from clogging narrow residential streets. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands have discovered Koko Crater Trail. ... And that's the problem. Hawaii News Now.

The city has moved nearly 60 abandoned vehicles that were temporarily stored at two Oahu golf course parking lots. Hawaii News Now.

No court date has been set yet for a 41-year-old Honolulu police officer charged with 16 offenses of abuse of a family member, reckless endangering and terroristic threatening. Star-Advertiser.

Controlled explosions scheduled to destroy dredged military munitions. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Activity in Kilauea Volcano summit area continues to build. Seismic activity at the summit area of Kilauea Volcano steadily increased Wednesday as conditions progressed toward another cyclical collapse at Halemaumau Crater. Star-Advertiser.

Couple who lost home to eruption file lawsuit against their insurer, Lloyd’s of London. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island couple who sued insurer for not covering lava damage could be first of many. Hawaii News Now.

Puna residents are ticked off after getting citations they feel weren't deserved. Hawaii News Now.

DOT crews assessing damage to Highway 11. One lane of Highway 11 was closed Wednesday as state Department of Transportation crews addressed a sinkhole that opened in the road’s surface last week. Tribune-Herald.

Today, the state teamed up with the US. Coast Guard to look for any green sea turtles that could be trapped by lava flowing into the ocean. Big Island Video News.

Coastline Inspected for Turtles Threatened By Lava. Big Island Now.

Puna residents criticize DLNR for turtle deaths. Green sea turtles trapped in ponds and nearshore waters superheated by lava have been dying, Puna residents report, but governmental agencies have ignored their pleas for help. Star-Advertiser.

County puts out urgent call for 20 West Hawaii poll workers. With just over two weeks remaining before the Aug. 11 primary election, the county is still short 20 poll workers at West Hawaii precincts. West Hawaii Today.

Board OKs double-hulled canoe tours at Kealakekua Bay. The Board of Land and Natural Resources earlier this month gave a green light to a local business allowing it to move forward with plans to use Napoopoo Landing for commercial tours at Kealakekua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

13-year-old ‘fast track’ project nears ‘no track’. LUC to consider reverting 116 acres in Waiehu to agriculture. Maui News.

Homeless Sweep in Kihei Comes in Response to Multiple Complaints. Maui police responded to the area below Waiakoa Uka Bridge in Kihei early Friday morning, intending to issue notices to vacate to homeless individuals reportedly using the area as an encampment. Maui Now.

Former MPD captain pleads guilty to sexual misconduct. Former Maui Police Department Capt. Stephen Orikasa pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexually touching a female police sergeant last year. Maui News.

Ecotourism: Maui training program aims at boosting environmental education and awareness. KHON2.

Kauai

It looked like scientists from Cascadia Research Collective found a new species in Kauai waters in August 2017. Now the report is out that confirms that they did, in fact, document the first-ever hybrid between a melon-headed whale and a rough-toothed dolphin during the two-week project. Garden Island.

Honolulu jail site selected, Office of Hawaiian Affairs sues state over Mauna Kea management, Kealoha judge wants proof they can't afford lawyer, Sen. Kim announces congressional bid, high cost to retrofit high-rise sprinklers, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Concertina wire over Hawaii jail © 2017 All Hawaii News

Animal Quarantine Station site marked for new Oahu jail. The preferred location for Oahu’s new jail is the Animal Quarantine Station site in Halawa Valley, and the latest cost estimate for the project is $525 million, according to the project’s draft environmental impact statement. Star-Advertiser.

‘Preferred’ Jail Site Currently Houses Animal Quarantine Station. The Halawa Valley project’s $525 million price tag includes $17.5 million for a new quarantine facility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reveals preferred location for new Oahu jail. An underused animal quarantine facility near the confluence of two freeways on Oahu is the state of Hawaii’s preferred site for Honolulu’s new jail, a $525 million project that would replace the aging and overcrowded Oahu Community Correctional Center. Pacific Business News.

OCCC Relocation: $525M. The state reached a major decision-point in its plan to replace the outdated Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

State selects Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as preferred location for OCCC. Gov. David Ige announced on Wednesday that his administration has selected the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa as the preferred site for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KITV.

Construction at Halawa prison stirs up rats. Recent construction work at Halawa Correctional Facility has stirred up the rat population at the state’s largest prison, but Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda says the department has contracted with exterminators who have the situation under control. Star-Advertiser.

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Why Gov. Ige’s Secret Talks With Airbnb Have So Many People Upset. A backlash is brewing against a potential deal for the company to collect Hawaii taxes — in part, because no one knows what’s in the agreement. Civil Beat.

Donna Mercado Kim enters race for US Congress. Veteran State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim is making another run for U.S. Congress. Hawaii News Now.

Attack Warning Siren Tests Begin in December. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency will begin testing its Attack Warning Signal or “Wailing Tone” next month as they continue preparedness and consequence management plans related to potential attack scenarios. Maui Now.

Judge ‘troubled’ as Island Air seeks cash infusion. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris expressed concern Wednesday about Island Air’s dire financial condition and gave the company a one-week extension to use its cash and provide more evidence of its financial situation before he decides how to proceed with the case. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ballard names 2 HPD captains as her top deputies. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard has named HPD captains John McCarthy and Jonathon Grems as her two deputy chiefs. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys ask to be removed from case; Kealohas to file financial disclosures. A federal judge has continued a hearing to Thursday morning on whether the attorneys representing Louis and Katherine Kealoha should be removed from the couple’s high-profile public corruption case. Star-Advertiser.

Judge To Kealohas: Show Me Your Finances. A federal judge says he won’t consider taxpayer-funded attorneys for the former Honolulu chief and his prosecutor wife until he verifies their financial situation. Civil Beat.

Kealohas claim they can't afford attorneys; judge says prove it. The Kealohas will have to turn over financial information before a U.S. District Court Judge will order taxpayer-funded attorneys for the couple fighting a 20-count federal indictment. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail costs cast shadow over Blaisdell plan. As the plan to make over the Neal S. Blaisdell Center moves ahead, one prominent state lawmaker continues to question whether the city should tackle that nearly $700 million endeavor before it finishes funding rail. Star-Advertiser.

Bringing the Blaisdell Center into the 21st century could cost $530M. Community members had their third and final opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on Wednesday evening. Hawaii News Now.

City holds final public workshop on Blaisdell Center Master Plan. KHON2.

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Fire safety panel recommends retrofitting sprinklers in 150 older Honolulu buildings. Five months after the deadly fire at the Marco Polo Building, an advisory committee formed in response to the tragedy is making a recommendation to the Honolulu City Council. KITV.

Here's what it would cost to retrofit high-rises with fire sprinklers. A residential fire safety panel led by Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves is recommending that only older residential high-rises with interior hallways should be required to install automatic fire sprinklers. Hawaii News Now.

New report whittles down older high-rises in need of new sprinkler systems. In the wake of the deadly Marco Polo fire, the mayor called for older residential high-rises to be retrofitted with sprinklers. KHON2.

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North Shore safety, traffic frustrations continue with solutions overturned, unenforced. The bottleneck on Kamehameha Highway near Laniakea Beach has long been a source of frustration for Oahu’s North Shore residents. KHON2.

Leader of Kakaako development agency resigning. Jesse Souki, head of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, notified the agency’s board and staff last week that he is stepping down Nov. 30 after one year on the job. Star-Advertiser.

NRG Energy seeks $350M in financing to build solar farms in Hawaii. NRG Energy acquired the three solar farm projects from bankrupt SunEdison last November. Pacific Business News.

Cat sterilization non-profit seeks new home after losing lease. After seven years, the non-profit CatFriends lost the lease for their facility in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

OHA sues UH over Mauna Kea; Attorney says agency willing to work with DLNR on new management structure. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Honolulu Circuit Court, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is alleging the University of Hawaii is in violation of its general lease for the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and asks for the agreement to be cancelled. Tribune-Herald.

OHA sues to end UH’s stewardship of Mauna Kea summit. After threatening to go to court for months, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs finally pulled the trigger, accusing the University of Hawaii of aggressively developing the Mauna Kea summit for astronomy at the expense of its environment and cultural significance. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Sues State, UH Over ‘Longstanding Mismanagement’ Of Mauna Kea. The legal action follows a ruling allowing the Thirty Meter Telescope project to go forward on a mountain considered deeply sacred by many Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it is moving forward with its lawsuit over the management of Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

OHA: State incapable of giving Mauna Kea 'level of aloha' it deserves. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state, claiming "longstanding and well-documented mismanagement" of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

OHA sues state over management of Mauna Kea. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the state and the University of Hawaii for what the group calls the "longstanding and well-documented mismanagement of Mauna Kea." KITV.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs sues state, University of Hawaii over Mauna Kea. The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii for what it calls “their longstanding and well-documented mismanagement of Mauna Kea,” and seeks to terminate the university’s lease of the land on the mountain, which is home to a dozen observatories. Pacific Business News.

University Of Hawaii, State Respond To OHA Mauna Kea Lawsuit. Big Island Video News.

Memorial service, music program mark 100th anniversary of Liliuokalani’s death. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Navy expands zone limiting sonar testing around county. The U.S. Navy has expanded its no-sonar-testing zone around Maui County by about 50 percent, according to its latest draft environmental impact statement for personnel and weapons systems training between Hawaii and California, officials said Tuesday. Maui News.

Liquor department faces new gripes. Boys & Girls Clubs ‘Little Chefs’ not allowed with ‘Big Chefs,’ to receive awards on stage; no alcohol allowed at VFW luau. Maui News.

Man On Trans-Pacific Voyage In Ocean Rowboat Rescued Off Maui. He was headed from California to China aboard an 18-foot vessel, according to the Coast Guard. Civil Beat.

Progress made in converting old sugar cane lands. Half of company’s 36,000 acres may be leased more quickly than expected – A&B. Maui News.

Maui home sales jump 35% in October as prices rise. Home sales on Maui increased by more than 35 percent in October, when compared to the same month last year, while median prices rose for both single-family homes and condominiums, according to statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Sammy Hagar Lists Haiku Oceanfront Retreat for $3.3M. Maui Now.

Kauai

Navy outlines plans for future activity. Weapons and whales came head to head in Lihue Wednesday afternoon as the U.S. Navy presented its newest evaluation of the impacts training and testing activities have on the environment. Garden Island.

Housing, safety at forefront of county requests. On Wednesday, the county committee meeting began dialogue regarding the priorities for formulating the 2018 Kauai County Legislative Package. Garden Island.

Fat and molting, Kauai’s yearling Hawaiian Monk Seal RH38 has returned to Kauai waters after spending two months at Ke Kai Ola, a dedicated Marine Mammal Center hospital for monk seals on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.