Hawaii GOP commits to Trump, Big Island ethics board to investigate Mauna Kea road blockade, Ala Moana park plan moved to Kakaako, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elephants at Honolulu Zoo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit raises concerns about donation record-keeping, outdated facilities at zoo. A blistering audit of the troubled Honolulu Zoo is drawing mixed reactions from elected officials. The zoo lost its accreditation in 2016 and since then it has been an uphill battle to get it back. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii GOP commits all delegates to Trump. The Hawaii Republican Party has canceled plans for its statewide presidential preference poll and committed all 19 of its national convention delegates to back the reelection of President Donald Trump, the party announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Pleased With Hawaii’s High Credit Rating. Fitch Ratings has upgraded the state’s general obligation bond rating from AA to AA+. Civil Beat.

Paid Family Leave Likely For Nearly 20,000 Federal Workers In Hawaii. The legislation is part of bipartisan defense authorization negotiations. Civil Beat.

The New NextEra? HECO Is Fighting This Mainland Firm’s Bid For Control. Hawaiian Electric Industries faces an aggressive campaign by a $15 billion hedge fund used to getting its way. Civil Beat.

Sailor’s suicide while on armed watch preceded deadly shipyard shooting.  A week after a deadly shipyard shooting in which a sailor opened fire and then killed himself, HNN is learning of another submariner’s suicide weeks earlier that also happened while the service member was on armed sentry duty. Hawaii News Now.

Divers use WWII-era gear for interment of USS Arizona crew member. Two Army divers gave a unique World War II sendoff to USS Arizona crew member Lauren Bruner when his ashes were interred on the sunken battleship Saturday, the 78th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Proposed Ala Moana playground headed to Kakaako. A group that has been planning to build an “inclusive” public playground at Ala Moana Regional Park is bowing to public pressure and agreeing to work with the community to instead place the facility on Kakaako park lands recently obtained by the city. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses, Company Reach Settlement On Kakaako Roads. The state attorney general isn’t part of the deal, so the suit continues toward its April trial date. Civil Beat.

Cyber Attack Halts Radiation Treatment By Oahu Cancer Center. Cyber attacks like those suffered by the Cancer Center of Hawaii in November have grown in frequency against medical providers in the state and nationwide. Civil Beat.

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City unveils mobile outreach center to help move homeless off the streets. The city unveiled new tents that are part of a mobile project to help homeless individuals and families transition into shelter and permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Inflatable structures unveiled to handle homelessness issues. Hawaii’s newest idea to reduce homelessness by quickly inflating portable structures to triage homeless people’s issues went up to applause on the lawn next to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday before it moves to Waipahu Culture Garden Park Friday night for no longer than 90 days. Star-Advertiser.

City shows off new equipment for homeless hub. In a few days, new, inflatable tents will go up in the Waipahu Cultural Garden to help get people off the streets and into shelters or permanent housing. KITV.

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Medical waste, including used needles, causes major traffic slow-down. Drivers heading west near the Campbell Industrial Park off-ramp ran into a major slow-down during Wednesday’s pau hana commute. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board to investigate Maunakea road blockade. Is it an ethics matter if some people break the law with apparent impunity while others get punished? West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board: No conflict for Roth to prosecute TMT cases. Mitch Roth does not have a conflict of interest prosecuting cases from the standoff on Maunakea, but he should remove himself from any involvement in the cases to allay public concerns, the county Board of Ethics said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board Says No Maunakea Conflict For Prosecutor Roth. The Hawaiʻi County Board of Ethics decided Wednesday that there is no conflict of interest for Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth when it comes to prosecuting the arrests of those opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

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Green discusses Hawaii health care at cancer summit. Lt. Gov. Josh Green discussed health care in Hawaii during the 2019 Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition Summit on Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui Landfill to Accept Residential Green Waste on Sundays. Beginning Dec. 15, the Central Maui Landfill will be open on Sundays to accept residential green waste disposal only, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Trace amounts of soil fumigants found in private Haiku water system. Health Department says water from well is still ‘safe to drink’. Maui News.

Museum expansion gets its green light. ‘Feel-good request’ comes amid lean times for nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

Watershed Monitoring Project gives students stewardship roles. A team of students and teachers from Waimea High School convened Friday at Kiki A Ola Bridge in Waimea Valley. Garden Island.

Feds could take over missile alerts, Big Island prosecutor running for mayor, Honolulu installs artificial turf on media strips, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii emergency response session ©2019 All Hawaii News

Missile alerts would fall to feds under defense bill. The federal government is poised to take over responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat under a provision authored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that was inserted into the proposed National Defense Authorization Act. Star-Advertiser.

Congress Expected to Pass Legislation Aimed at Improving Emergency Alerts. Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act, legislation authored by Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

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Navy releases service record of Pearl Harbor shooter. The man who survived last week's deadly shooting at Pearl Harbor was released from the Queens Medical Center. KITV.

Navy investigators were still looking for answers today as to why a 22-year-old submarine sailor on a security detail opened fire on Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers last week, killing two and wounding a third before turning a gun on himself — all in the span of less than 30 seconds. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii congressman says he’s not ready to support impeachment. U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday he is not ready to jump on the impeachment bandwagon, unlike most of his fellow Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

Deadly Samoa measles outbreak triggers concerns over Hawaii’s low vaccination rates. The state Department of Health said Tuesday it is “definitely concerned” with the immunization rate of students starting public school. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Low-Income Earners Could Lose Aid Under Proposed Federal SNAP Rule Change. President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed rule changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that could make it more difficult for low-income families in Hawaii to qualify for assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

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HECO Names New CEO As It Begins Major Renewable Energy Push. Scott Seu will replace Alan Oshima as president and chief executive of Hawaiian Electric Co., marking a significant leadership change at one of Hawaii’s largest firms as the company embarks on a major series of renewable energy projects slated for Oahu and neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Names New CEO. Scott Seu, a senior vice president at Hawaiian Electric Company, will succeed Alan Oshima as president and chief executive officer of the company. Maui Now.

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Trace levels of contaminants found in drinking wells on Maui and Big Island. The state Health Department said this morning that trace levels of organic chemicals were detected in water samples collected at two sites during routine sampling in the Hawaiian isles — one at Haiku, Maui and one on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

2 Wells With Contaminants Still Meet Safe Drinking Standards, DOH Says. The Department of Health’s routine water testing has found small traces of contaminants in the water at two Maui and Big Island wells, but officials say the water is still safe to drink. Civil Beat.

Laysan albatross Wisdom and mate return to Midway nest site. Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known banded wild bird, has marked another milestone. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City installing artificial turf on median strips. With winter rains upon us, city crews will be busy keeping up with weed control and other landscaping while a pilot project to replace small plots of grass with artificial turf across Oahu is seeing mixed results. Star-Advertiser.

A five-year legal battle challenges the control of the streets by a private company that charges for parking and provides little road maintenance. The private company that claims to own about 2 1/2 miles of crumbling streets in Kakaako said Tuesday that it’s poised to finally settle the lawsuit challenging its claim to those roads. Civil Beat.

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Biki Gets Temporary Pass Under New Law Charging For City Parking Spaces. Companies that rent small mobility vehicles such as bicycles will soon have to pay to operate in City and County of Honolulu parking spaces. But it won't immediately affect Biki Hawaii, the city's partner in a pilot program testing shared bicycles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Companies renting bikes, e-bikes can lease city parking space. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday signed a bill that allows the leasing of city parking stalls as docking stations to companies that rent bicycles and — possibly in the future — other types of “shared micromobility” vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

New law signed, aimed at regulating ‘micro-mobility’ companies on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law that charges ‘micro-mobility’ companies a fee to do business on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

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City to introduce roving tents to help homeless population. A new pilot project is offering a more immediate but temporary approach to getting homeless people off the streets. KHON2.

Oahu property tax assessments up 1.7%. The total value of Oahu properties increased by only 1.7% this year, and that likely will have a negative impact on the city’s budget next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth running for mayor.  Mitch Roth is giving up an almost assured third term as county prosecutor in order to run for mayor of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth announces candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth announced Tuesday his candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Star-Advertiser.

Mitch Roth Announces Run For Mayor. Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth is setting his sights on Hawaiʻi County Mayor in 2020. Big Island Video News.

Mitch Roth Announces Mayoral Campaign. Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth on Tuesday announced officially that he is running for Big Island mayor. Big Island Now.

Mitch Roth, Hawaii County Prosecutor, announces mayoral run. Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth has taken the first step down a potential new career path. Hawaii News Now.

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Big Island Solid Waste Management Plan Outlined, Headed for Testimony. Attendees at Monday’s information session complained that beyond just keeping the doors open, employee shortages make using transfer stations more confusing and less convenient. Big Island Now.

‘We are guinea pigs’: Protesters sign wave against 5G in South Kohala. While a debate into the safety of 5G technology takes place in communities across the world, a group of people waved signs in front of Waikoloa Beach Resort on Tuesday to warn the public of potential health hazards — as they see them. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Native Laid To Rest With Full Military Honors. Hundreds of people in northern Utah including the Patriot Guard, military personnel and law enforcement officials have attended the funeral service and burial of a 25-year-old Army helicopter pilot killed in a crash in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

Maui

Stalled 1,200-home Maui project gets approved. A developer won state approval last week to proceed with a long-stalled Maui housing project after agreeing to provide community benefits and reverse a move to deliver fewer affordable homes. Star-Advertiser.

Water From Haʻiku Well Deemed Safe to Drink After Contaminants Found. 1,2-Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) were detected in the Haʻikū Town Association, Inc. HT-1 Well. Maui Now.

New South Maui gym opening blessed. Two-decade wait for the facility is over. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC committee selects candidates for election. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative nominating committee has selected four candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 14. Three of the nine director positions are up for election annually. Garden Island.

Suit: Kauai police failed to monitor woman who took an hour to kill herself with blanket. The family of a Kauai woman who killed herself in view of surveillance cameras that were supposed to be monitored by officers is suing the police department, saying a mother and grandmother would still be alive today if someone had stepped in to help her. Hawaii News Now.

Hanalei business owners worry about road closures. Business has been slower in Hanalei since the April 2018 floods, and periodic road closures along Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge haven’t helped. Garden Island.

Holiday season tests new fireworks ban, Honolulu council takes free lunch, Gabbard moves to New Hampshire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New law makes homeowners and renters liable for illegal fireworks on their property. According to the law the fireworks don’t have to be ignited. Just having them in your house is enough for police to bust you. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green continues mission to help Samoa battle measles outbreak. After returning from a medical mission to help contain the measles outbreak in Samoa last week, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green is already planning a return trip. KITV.

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Tulsi Gabbard, 1 poll short of qualifying, says she won’t attend presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she won’t attend this month’s presidential debate, even if she were to qualify. Star-Advertiser.

Invited Or Not, Gabbard Will Skip December Debate. The presidential candidate from Hawaii says she will focus instead on primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Civil Beat.

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Deadly Mosquitoes Are Killing Off Hawaii’s Rare Forest Birds. Scientists are racing to eradicate disease-carrying mosquitoes from forests, but to some a solution still feels like forever away. Civil Beat.

Navy releases photo of suspected Pearl Harbor gunman. The Navy’s Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois released the photo of the 22-year-old sailor suspected of fatally shooting on Wednesday two Pearl Harbor Shipyard workers and injuring a third man before shooting himself. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council Voted On Company’s Project Then Let It Buy Lunch. Ethics guidelines advise government agencies against accepting free food if the company has business before the city. Civil Beat.

State agency set to take over Aloha Stadium redevelopment. The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency primarily focused on facilitating redevelopment in Kakaako is preparing to assume leadership of the effort to replace Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders gather to temper the bonds made after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On Monday on Ford Island, within close proximity to the USS Arizona Memorial, the closeness that now joins the United States and Japan as much as it separated the nations 78 years ago was once again recognized in a remembrance of not only the 2,390 American casualties, but also the death of 65 Japanese service members. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu post gains in November. Sales of single-family homes on Oahu rose 11% in November, compared to a year ago, while sales of condominiums increased slightly and prices remained flat, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Who is taxedtodeath? That was the question of the day Friday, as attorneys for county Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto, former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, the county and the unknown individual faced off in Kona Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers have few options for fighting two-lined spittle bug. County, state and federal agencies are still seeking solutions to an invasive insect that threatens much of the Big Island’s livestock industry. Tribune-Herald.

Kalanianaole work still on track for 2020 completion. Roadwork and safety improvements along Kalanianaole Avenue are still on track to be completed in the latter part of 2020, the county Department of Public Works said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Overlooked county cesspool to cost taxpayers. Oh, poo. The county missed one. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Business Turns Plastic Trash Into Sales. Upcycle Hawaii owner Mattie Mae Larson talks about how she got into the business of repurposing material that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Property tax changes discussed. A community meeting on the real property tax changes recently approved by the Maui County Council will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Maui County Business Resource Center, Suite B-9 near IHOP at the Maui Mall. Maui News.

County inventory for single-family homes descends to new low. Median sales prices for those homes fell by 1.4 percent; Condo prices drop 5.9 percent. Maui News.

Maui home sale prices fell in November. Single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for $730,000 in November, down 1% from $740,398 in the same month last year, while sale volume slipped 7% to 71 from 76 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

New South Maui Gym to Take Permit Applications. The county will be accepting requests from the public to use the new South Maui Community Park Gymnasium for the winter/spring 2020 season for a limited period this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anahola woman cited for attempting to sell prohibited ivory. This is the first conviction for whale bone in Hawaii under the new wildlife trafficking statute that took effect on July 1, 2017. Garden Island.

Woman is ordered to pay fines for trafficking illegal whale items. 73-year-old Vivian Satow of Anahola was ordered to pay $250 on Tuesday, December 3 due to her trafficking illegal whale items. KITV.

New, $630K fire engine blessed. The Kauai Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on Monday fronting the Historic County Building in Lihue for its new Engine 3 fire apparatus. Garden Island.

Hawaii state bird no longer endangered, OHA audit finds $7.8M possible fraud, Honolulu B&B tax hiked, mixed results in Kauai sonar study, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nene in Hawaii wetlands ©2019 All Hawaii News

Nene Downlisted From “Endangered” To “Threatened”. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt traveled to Oʻahu on Sunday to announce that the nene can safely be "downlisted" under the Endangered Species Act. Big Island Video News.

Nene’s status to be downgraded from endangered to threatened. Hawaii’s state bird is no longer on the edge of extinction. West Hawaii Today.

Feds: Nene Is Still Threatened But Not Endangered. The Interior Department has reduced the level of protection for Hawaii’s state bird. Civil Beat.

The Nene species is on the road to recovery. Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene, is on the road to recovery. That’s according to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. KHON2.

Hawaiian nene taken off endangered species list. 52 years ago, there were only 50 Hawaiian nene birds in the state and had to be declared endangered species. There are now 3,000 birds in Hawaii thanks to an intensive breeding program. KITV.

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OHA investigation identifies $7.8M of possible fraud. An independent financial review of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has identified transactions worth $7.8 million as potentially fraudulent, wasteful and abusive. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Trustees Differ Over New Audit’s Analysis. Colette Machado says it confirms the office is moving in the “right direction” but Kelii Akina sees fraud and abuse. Civil Beat.

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Lawsuit: DOE Retaliated When Staffer Reported Misuse Of Federal Funds. Carol Young says her troubles began when she blew the whistle on faulty payments to a DOE office worker. Civil Beat.

New Solicitor General Named. Kimberly Tsumoto Guidry has been named the new Solicitor General for the State of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Health officials urge travelers to stay away from Samoa as measles death toll rises to 70. At least 70 people have died from the infectious virus in Samoa, while nine cases have been reported in American Samoa. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council approves B&B property tax increase. Owners of bed-and- breakfast vacation rentals will likely pay more in property taxes starting next year after the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved a bill creating a new B&B tax category. Star-Advertiser.

How The Gas Company Plans To Fight A Bill Banning Gas Water Heaters. Hawaii Gas, the 115-year-old supplier of natural gas for Hawaii now at a crossroads amid the state’s shift from fossil fuels, is considering creating a separate community organization as part of a campaign to fight a Honolulu City Council bill. Civil Beat.

Nonplastic foodware might cause problems — or not. A bill banning the use of nearly all plastic plates, forks, knives and other food service items on Oahu was passed Wednesday by the Honolulu City Council, but there’s sharp disagreement about whether there will be enough nonplastic replacement goods available at a reasonable price when the prohibition takes full effect in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa has struggled since the collapse of the pineapple industry. But new projects, some supported by political leaders, are giving city leaders new hope. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County throwing away more, recycling less. Hawaii County’s rate of recycling or otherwise diverting garbage from the landfill has dropped 48% in the past decade, according to a comprehensive report released Friday by a commission that meets once a decade to evaluate solid waste practices. West Hawaii Today.

Fujino named interim chief judge of Third Circuit. In addition to his criminal and civil court caseload, drug court and veterans court, Kona Circuit Court Judge Melvin H. Fujino is taking on a whole lot more. West Hawaii Today.

Study of Hilo Bay breakwater expected to begin in early 2020. A state and federal study to determine whether the Hilo Bay breakwater should be modified likely will begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Demonstration project seeks to reduce reliance on Christmas conifer imports. After five years of growing, an ongoing project to establish a Christmas tree farming industry on the Big Island is closer than ever to completion. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County bill wants police to tow cars from drunken drivers. It's a bill some lawmakers hope could save lives. KITV.

Inventory for single-family homes in Maui falls to new low. Maui County’s inventory for single-family homes dropped to a new low in November, with 442 properties available for sale in active status at the end of the month, according to the Realtors Association of Maui monthly report. Maui News.

DMVL is set to move into new service center in late 2020. The bottom floor of the new two-story Maui County Service Center — which will include the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing — in Alexander & Baldwin’s Maui Business Park II is set to be operational by the end of 2020, a county spokesman said. Maui News.

Kauai

Mixed results in sonar study. Scientists studying sonar’s effect on marine mammals near the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands have released another report in an ongoing study for the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet, and it’s showing the same kind of mixed results they’ve been documenting since 2011. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies to go on despite shooting, Board of Education OKs teacher pay raises, Big Islanders fight free Wi-Fi, 21 cattle die on Kauai-bound barge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:U.S. Parks Service

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemoration will continue as planned Saturday. The annual commemoration ceremony marking the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor will continue as planned Saturday, three days after a US sailor killed two civilian workers and injured another before killing himself at the US naval base. CNN.

Navy sailor who killed 2 at Pearl Harbor shipyard was facing disciplinary proceeding. The U.S. Navy sailor who fatally shot two at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday and wounded a third was having disciplinary problems at work and had been enrolled in anger management courses, multiple sources confirm. Hawaii News Now.

Many questions hang over Pearl Harbor shooting. The troubled 22-year-old Pearl Harbor sailor identified as shooting three shipyard workers Wednesday and then killing himself may have come from a troubled ship. Star-Advertiser.

Gunman, two victims identified following Pearl Harbor shooting. The gunman and the two victims that died in Wednesday’s shooting incident at Pearl Harbor has been identified. KHON2.

30-year-old Wai'anae man identified as a victim in the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting. One of the two men killed by a US sailor at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard was identified on Thursday as 30-year-old Vincent Kapoi Junior. KITV.

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School board approves plan to boost pay for special ed, Hawaiian immersion teachers. The Board of Education voted Thursday to give qualified, licensed teachers in the most critical shortage areas a big pay boost starting Jan. 7 to try to keep them on the job and attract more educators. Star-Advertiser.

BOE OKs pay increase for teachers in hard-to-fill positions. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved a proposal to address Hawaii’s continuing teacher shortage by increasing pay for classroom teachers in areas that have faced the most severe staff shortages. Tribune-Herald.

BOE Passes Teacher Pay Increases 7-2. Educators in specialized fields and hard-to-staff geographical areas are on track to receive extra compensation by January. Big Island Now.

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‘One Giant Pediatric Measles Ward’: A Samoan Hospital Is Overwhelmed. Some of Hawaii’s medical team in Samoa are providing care at the hospital, which is strapped for equipment, space and manpower. Civil Beat.

Samoans grateful for Hawaii medical team. An emergency medical team from Hawaii, along with Samoan volunteers and aid workers from other countries, immunized more than 20,000 residents on the first day of a mandatory vaccination campaign. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Trustees Differ Over New Audit’s Analysis. Colette Machado says it confirms the office is moving in the “right direction” but Kelii Akina sees fraud and abuse. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New HART Analyses Show Millions Of Dollars In Added Rail Costs. The projected costs to complete Honolulu’s 20-mile rail transit system have grown by about $70 million in the past four months, based on the local rail agency’s ongoing analyses of risks to the project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms support for plastics ban. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Thursday reaffirmed that he will likely sign a bill approved by the City Council Wednesday that would ban most food-service type, single-use plastics on Oahu by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Wi-Fi fears: Some don’t want free Wi-Fi at county facilities. Fear of radio wave exposure and a desire not to be around cellphone users inspired more than 50 people to send the County Council testimony opposing free Wi-Fi at county parks and facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Police operations on Mauna Kea are expensive ‘speed trap,’ county chairman says. Hawaii County police stationed on Mauna Kea have issued more than 7,600 traffic citations during the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, and a frustrated Hawaii County Council Chairman Aaron Chung is now describing police operations on the mountain as an enormously expensive “speed trap.” Star-Advertiser.

HELCO celebrates 125 years. At the end of the 19th century, Akima Brown Akui began working for the newly founded Hilo Electric Light Company. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Opponents become backers of West Maui development. Pulelehua plan with bump to 500 affordable units hammered out at meeting. The state Land Use Commission on Wednesday credited community engagement with producing an agreement that may finally help move forward a West Maui housing and commercial development project that’s stagnated for more than a decade. Maui News.

PUC contested case hearing underway for Paeahu Solar project. The state consumer advocate Wednesday warned about “pursuing clean energy goals at any cost” and allowing the pursuit of renewables that could leave developers and neighbors “fighting against each other.” Maui News.

New Ban on Maui: Commercial Ocean Recreation Activities Prohibited on Sundays and Holidays. Starting on Jan. 1, 2020, the County of Maui will prohibit Commercial Ocean Recreation Activities at County beach parks on Sundays and holidays. Maui Now.

Kauai

County hires Mel Rapozo. Former county councilmember Mel Rapozo has been hired as an investigator for the Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, according to a county spokesperson. Garden Island.

Critics: Deaths of 21 cattle on barge bound for Kauai ‘cruel and inhumane’. State Agriculture Department officials said 21 cattle died while they were being transported on a Young Brothers barge bound for Kauai last month. Hawaii News Now.

Let the healing begin. Teenagers struggling with substance abuse will soon be able to get the treatment they need without leaving the island. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor shipyard gunman identified, Honolulu council passes plastics ban, Kilauea eruption costs $800M in damages, Pier 1 Imports leaving the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard PC: Justice Vannatta, Public Affairs Specialist

Gunman in deadly Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting identified as investigation continues. Investigators are still trying to determine why a U.S. Navy sailor opened fire at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday, killing two civilian workers and injuring one other before killing himself. Sources have identified the gunman as Gabriel Romero, an active duty sailor assigned to the USS Columbia. Hawaii News Now.

3 Dead, 1 Wounded In Shooting At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam said the shooter, a U.S. sailor, killed himself after shooting three Department of Defense civilian workers. Civil Beat.

Navy sailor fatally shoots two civilian workers, injures another, then kills himself at Pearl Harbor. A sailor from a U.S. submarine shot three civilian employees of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Wednesday afternoon, killing two and leaving another in stable condition, before killing himself. Star-Advertiser.

Shooter identified as U.S. Sailor, kills two before killing self at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, victim identified. In a press conference held Wednesday evening, Rear Admiral Robert Chadwick said that the shooter had been identified as an active-duty U.S. Sailor assigned to the USS Columbia. KHON2.

3 dead, 1 wounded in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting. Three people are confirmed dead by the US Navy, one of them is the shooter. KITV.

Navy: Sailor Shooter Dead After Killing Two, Injuring One At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. A sailor killed himself after shooting three male civilian workers, two of whom were dead, at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Wednesday afternoon, the Navy said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sailor kills 2 civilians, self at Pearl Harbor shipyard. An active duty U.S. sailor whose submarine was docked at Pearl Harbor opened fire on three civilian employees Wednesday, killing two and then taking his own life just days before dignitaries and veterans descend on the base for the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack. Associated Press.

Three Confirmed Dead in Shooter Incident at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Three people are confirmed dead following what was described as an active shooter incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now.

Shipyard workers play key role in U.S. defense. With more than 6,000 employees, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is one of the busiest places to work in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

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Feds: Chinese Industrial Spies Have Great Interest In Hawaii. U.S. Justice Department officials this week are briefing Hawaii business and academic leaders on Chinese espionage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Delegates Complain About $17M COFA Funding Error. The four members of Congress say the state was significantly under-compensated to help Micronesians. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard maintains her permanent residence in Hawaii. Despite recent reports of her moving, Hawaii US Representative and Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard's permanent residence remains here in Hawaii. KITV.

Craig Hirai appointed to lead Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance. Gov. David Ige has appointed Craig Hirai to lead Hawaii’s Department of Budget and Finance, replacing Neal Miyahira who will return to his prior position as the department’s budget division administrator. Star-Advertiser.

2020 U.S. Census to be accessible online, and your response is key. For the first time, the upcoming U.S. Census will be online. And there’s added effort to make sure Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are counted. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii one of worst states in distracted driving deaths. Let’s Talk, made up of a team of writers and editors that covers phone plans, found that the state ranks fifth in the category, behind Louisiana, Kentucky, Kansas and New Mexico, which had the highest rate of deaths for distracted driving. Star-Advertiser.

Pier 1 Imports closing all its stores in Hawaii. Pier 1 Imports is pulling out of Hawaii and closing all seven of its remaining stores. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council passes ban on single-use plastics in 7-2 vote. The Honolulu City Council today voted 7-2 to pass a bill that would bar the distribution of single-use plastic plates, bowls, and other foodware and serviceware in Oahu restaurants by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Council Passes Landmark Bill Restricting Single-Use Plastics On Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signaled he supports the bill. Its restrictions on food-vendor plastics would roll out in the next two years. Civil Beat.

Single-use plastics on Oahu on-track to be outlawed after a council vote. After several changes and hours of testimony, the Honolulu City Council approved a sweeping ban on single-use plastics on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Strict Oahu plastic ban will start to take effect in 2021. A stricter ban on plastic will become law on Oahu after it has seen its fair share of revisions. KHON2.

Bill 40 banning single-use plastic passed by Honolulu City Council. Bill 40 which bans plastic takeout containers and utensils is now headed for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's desk. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Roy Takemoto confirmed as new managing director. It was rough going for a while, but the County Council on Wednesday ultimately unanimously confirmed Roy Takemoto as Mayor Harry Kim’s second in command. West Hawaii Today.

Eruption did nearly $800M in damage. Last year’s Kilauea volcano eruption cost the county nearly $800 million in economic damage, according to an estimate from the Kilauea Eruption Recovery Team. Tribune-Herald.

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$31 Million UH-Hilo College Of Pharmacy Building Opens. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy celebrated the dedication of its permanent building on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Dignitaries gather to celebrate completion of College of Pharmacy building. A misty rain came down Wednesday morning as hundreds gathered for the blessing of Kiho‘iho‘i, the new home of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo Dedicates Permanent Pharmacy School Building. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) dedicated the college’s new permanent building in Hilo’s University Research Park on December 4. Big Island Now.

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State: Hawaii County not affected by new food stamps rule. The state Department of Human Services administrator for the division in charge of Supplemental Nutrition Program, known as SNAP benefits, said Wednesday that fewer than 1,000 people in Hawaii — all on Molokai — will be affected by a new Trump administration order that will tighten work requirements for recipients. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Holiday Express may be on its last tracks. Owners are trying to work out deal to run Lahaina train full time. The Sugar Cane Train’s “Holiday Express” may reach the end of the line after this year with the owners saying they currently are unable to secure a deal from a major landowner to keep the train running. Maui News.

Maui Electric Seeks Renewable Energy Projects on Moloka‘i, Lana‘i. The company is issuing a request for proposals for renewable energy paired with energy storage from developers locally and globally. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police double down on ‘No-Shave November’. After participating in “No-Shave November” to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Kauai branch, the Kauai Police Department is extending the drive during “Double-Down December.” Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Green, medical delegation off to Samoa to fight measles, pay hikes for hard-to-place teachers, Kauai councilman refuses to step down after arrest, more news from all the Hawaii Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green M.D. with child. Screen grab from campaign video.

Lt Gov. Josh Green assembles health care workers for emergency medical mission to Samoa. Lt. Gov. Josh Green has assembled 76 people, including 50 nurses, doctors and other Hawaii health care workers, for an emergency medical mission to Samoa to help vaccinate residents amid a severe measles epidemic sweeping the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sends A Medical Mission To Help Samoa Measles Crisis. A group of at least 65 health care professionals are flying to Samoa early Wednesday morning to administer vaccines. Civil Beat.

Hawaii flying in vaccines, large medical team to Samoa as deadly measles outbreak worsens. Lt. Gov. Josh Green will travel to Samoa with a team of medical professionals early Wednesday to assist with a measles outbreak that’s already killed 55 people. Hawaii News Now.

DOH Advises Travelers: Be On Alert For Measles. The Hawaii Department of Health on Tuesday warned travelers to be on alert for measles “as international outbreaks around the Pacific and elsewhere continue to increase.” Civil Beat.

DOH Alerts Travelers of Measles. The Hawaii Department of Health is advising travelers to be on alert for measles as international outbreaks around the Pacific and elsewhere continue to increase. Big Island Now.

Lawmaker Wants Hawaii To Cap Prescription Drug Prices. The House Health Committee chairman plans to introduce legislation modeled after a new Maryland law that creates a prescription drug price monitoring board. Civil Beat.

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Statewide bankruptcies climb to 4-year high. With one more month still to go, the number of Hawaii bankruptcies in 2019 already has reached its highest total in four years. Star-Advertiser.

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Pay hikes proposed for rural, special education and Hawaiian immersion teachers. The proposal calls for pay differentials of $10,000 a year for special education teachers, $8,000 for Hawaiian immersion teachers, and $3,000 to $8,000 for teachers in hard-to-staff areas, depending on the severity of the need. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige announces 14.5 million dollar plan to raise teacher salaries. There are 800 teacher vacancies that need to be filled, according to the Hawaii Department of Education. KITV.

State unveils teacher pay plan aimed at ending shortage of qualified educators. The schools superintendent, governor and other education leaders pitched what they called a bold plan aimed at ending the teacher shortage. Hawaii News Now.

State proposes pay increase for certain teachers. Officials hope to increase pay for classroom teachers in three areas: special education, Hawaiian language immersion programs, and hard-to-staff geographic locations. KHON2.

A proposal by the state Department of Education aims to address Hawaii’s teacher shortage by increasing pay for classroom teachers in areas that faced the most severe shortages: special education, Hawaiian language immersion programs and geographically hard-to-staff areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Announces Aggressive Plan To Take-On Teacher Shortage. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education, with the support of the governor, today introduced a proposal to tackle the state's teacher shortage through pay incentives. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced its proposal today on its efforts to tackle teacher shortages through increased pay. During a press conference at Central Middle School on O‘ahu, Gov. David Ige spoke about his support to provide extra compensation for teachers in special education, hard-to-staff geographical locations and Hawaiian Language Immersion programs. Big Island Now.

Board of Education teacher increased compensation plan can be found here.

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Former UH regent sues state over ‘gut and replace’ maneuver to downsize board. Jeff Portnoy, in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii, argues that Act 172 unconstitutionally interferes with the university’s autonomy. Star-Advertiser.

New suit claims lawmakers sought to punish UH by reducing number of regents. Former University of Hawaii Regent Jeff Portnoy blasted state lawmakers over a new law shrinking the size of the UH board, calling it vindictive. Hawaii News Now.

Former UH Regent sues state over reduction in regents. A former University of Hawaii regent sues the state after lawmakers reduce the number of regents. KITV.

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Editorial: It’s Way Past Time For Independent Analysis Of The Cost Of Legislation. Nearly 30 years ago Hawaii passed legislation to create an independent legislative fiscal office, but it’s been ignoring the law. Civil Beat.

Oahu

WWII veterans given special welcome ahead of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremonies. Hawaiian Airlines hosted a special welcome for two World War II veterans Tuesday. KHON2.

USS Arizona survivor Lou Conter gets hero’s welcome as he arrives to mark attack’s anniversary. The men of daring and bravery who 78 years ago defended Oahu and fought through the world war that followed are faithfully returning to remember Pearl Harbor and the lives that were lost or forever altered in the deadliest conflict in history. Star-Advertiser.

Oldest living Filipino WWI vet on Oahu receives Congressional Gold Medal for 100th birthday. Francisco Benigno, Sr. survived the Bataan Death March and was 25 years old when he was honorably discharged. KITV.

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A letter sent out to parents Monday from a Wahiawa elementary school saying a student had the measles was wrong. State Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo says there is no new reported case of measles in the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

A measles scare at an Oahu school turns out to be false. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling and even death. KITV.

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Health Officials OK With 2045 Deadline For Red Hill But Many Call For Action Sooner. The Hawaii Department of Health gathered public comments Monday on a proposal to require underground fuel storage tanks like those at the U.S. Navy's Red Hill facility to have a secondary containment system or be moved by 2045. Hawaii Public Radio.

Single-use plastic ban bill scheduled for City Council vote Wednesday. Bill 40 CD1, which bans prepared single-use plastics from food vendors, is set to be voted on Wednesday in the Honolulu City Council. KHON2.

Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation plans community green space in Haleiwa Town. Fallow agricultural lands and two adjacent, historic commercial buildings in the heart of Haleiwa town have been acquired by Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, the nonprofit environmental organization co-founded in 2003 by musician and North Shore native Jack Johnson and his wife, Kim Johnson, a former schoolteacher. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Some council members want more info before approving state funds for reimbursing police costs on Maunakea. Despite deep misgivings from some members, a County Council committee on Tuesday recommended the passage of a resolution that would grant the county $10 million in state funds to pay for police enforcement on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

New building permit system 3 months out. A multi-agency software system designed to streamline the planning and building permit process has been delayed another three months, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. West Hawaii Today.

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Recently formed lake in Halemaumau Crater the largest in at least 200 years. The greenish-blue, 520-foot long lake that recently formed at the bottom of Halemaumau Crater on Kilauea volcano amounts to the largest body of water inside the crater for at least the past 200 years, and U.S. Geological Survey scientists are keeping a wary eye on both the lake and what is happening below it. Star-Advertiser.

Council Gets Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Lake Presentation. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick gave the Hawaiʻi County Council a presentation today on the Halemaʻumaʻu crater lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Big Island Video News.

Entrance fees going up at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The current entrance fee of $25 per vehicle will jump to $30 on Jan. 1, 2020. Those entering on motorcycle will need to pay $25, and the cost of pedestrians or bicyclists will be $15. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Island Humane Society appoints new CEO after unexpected resignation. The Hawaii Island Humane Society has a new CEO following the unexpected resignation of Charles Brown after just four months on the job. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

District tax could help fund erosion project. Council committee discusses levy on Kahana Bay owners. Maui News.

Mobile hygiene center open house held on Maui. On Maui, an open house was held Tuesday for the Ka Hale a Ke Ola mobile hygiene unit in the parking lot of the Kihei Community Center. KHON2.

Mayor’s chief of staff leaving post. Deidre Tegarden’s resignation set to take effect Dec. 15. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park Entrance Fees Increase January 1. Haleakala National Park, along with other national parks across America, will increase its entrance fees on Jan. 1.  Maui Now.

Mokulele contract for Hana extended to Jan. 31. Makani Kai to take over as Essential Air Service carrier. Maui News.

New battery system installed at island’s HI-5 recycling facilities. HiVE renewable energy storage units are providing safe and reliable backup power. Maui News.

Kauai

State AG to prosecute Brun. The Hawaii Attorney General’s office will be taking over for county prosecutors in the case against a Kauai County Councilmember charged with hitting a police officer with his car while fleeing the scene of a traffic stop a month ago. Garden Island.

You Won’t Need A Car If You Live In This New Urban Village. This former sugar town — Hawaii’s first plantation opened here in 1835 — is about to become the unlikely site of Kauai’s first urban village, a pedestrian friendly, small scale mix of shops, offices, restaurants and apartments. Civil Beat.

Ige backs teacher pay hikes, Common Cause worried about all-mail voting, Honolulu B&B tax vote coming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige with schoolchildren PC:Governor's Office

Governor, superintendent seek pay raise to attract special ed teachers. The governor and schools superintendent want to raise the pay of special-education classroom teachers by $10,000 a year to attract more qualified educators and combat a severe shortage in the field. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Plan Would Boost Pay For Hard-To-Fill Teaching Positions. The state is hoping to find extra cash to sweeten the pot for teachers who work in remote areas or in areas that are chronically short staffed. Civil Beat.

Governor, DOE Seek Pay Increases To Keep Teachers In Special Ed, Hawaiian Language. In a news release, Ige's office said he is working with the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to implement "bold retention and recruitment strategies" to address the shortages. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor backs pay hikes to recruit, retain teachers. Hawaii’s governor plans to announce support for pay increases to help recruit and retain teachers in special education, rural schools and Hawaiian language immersion, officials said. Associated Press.

Students join chorus of voices calling for higher teacher pay to tackle shortage. There’s a big push for better pay for teachers ― and it’s not just coming from the teachers themselves. Hawaii News Now.

How To Divvy Up Dollars For Special Needs Kids In Hawaii. A new policy for funding special education in Hawaii is touching off some fears it could mean dramatic cuts for some schools and the ability to provide services to disabled students. Civil Beat.

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More than two dozen WWII vets expected for 78th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack. The 78th commemoration of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is expected to include more than two dozen World War II veterans with the theme “Glimmers of Victory” that includes the United States fighting back with the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, Battle of the Coral Sea and the turning point of Midway. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu summit to address airlines’ impact on climate. Representatives of the major airlines serving Hawaii will join local environmental and transportation industry officials in Honolulu Tuesday for a first-of-its-kind summit to discuss actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

Government group raises alarm as state moves to all-mail voting. Common Cause Hawaii is urging election officials to open more than a handful of voter service centers next year to make sure voting numbers aren’t depressed as the state for the first time begins holding all-mail-in elections. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii's Housing Shortage Can't Be Solved Until Infrastructure Needs Are Addressed. Hawaii will need an additional 65,000 housing units statewide by 2025. Getting there will require more public infrastructure, like water, sewage, and electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Security Deposits Put Housing Out Of Reach For Some In Hawaii. As housing costs rise, renters have to cut bigger and bigger checks just to get in the door. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii lawmaker says money alone won’t ease the overcrowding in Hawaii jails. Instead of spending more money, a key Hawaii lawmaker want to find ways to keep more people out of jail. Hawaii News Now.

Postal Service Releases Hawaii Specific Holiday Mailing Dates. The U.S. Postal Service is offering shipping tips and mail volume information as the holiday shopping season gets underway. Big Island Video News.

Central Pacific rescuer, ex-CEO retiring from board. Turnaround specialist John Dean, who spearheaded the recapitalization of Central Pacific Bank following the recession and returned the company to profitability, plans to retire from the parent company’s board in the spring. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

B&B tax bill up for final vote. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday is scheduled to take a final vote on a bill establishing how owners of vacation rentals are to be taxed, and three Council members have introduced different floor draft proposals to help ease the burden on those now operating previously permitted “whole home” transient vacation units. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Bill 40, banning disposable plastics, up for final vote Wednesday. Environmental groups and local food manufacturers and restaurants remain at odds over how extensive the ban will be and its impact on small businesses. KITV.

Time running out for those hoping to oust city prosecutor with special election. The December 31 deadline looms for those looking to replace embattled city Prosecutor Attorney Keith Kaneshiro using a special election. Hawaii News Now.

The average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu is down 10%. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu dropped 10% in November compared to a year ago, according to a new analysis from real estate site Zumper. The site said the average rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu last month was $1,600. Hawaii News Now.

Critics still not appeased by state’s proposed changes for Red Hill fuel tanks. With the future of the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility still uncertain, critics on Monday urged the Hawaii Department of Health to dismiss its proposed rule changes for the state's underground storage tanks. Hawaii News Now.

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New health center by Queen’s to offer medical care in Kahala. The new health center is expected to open in the summer of 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s plans to open Kahala urgent care center in summer. The Queen’s Health Systems is opening a health center in Kahala as part of its strategy to increase outpatient services and decrease escalating emergency room visits for non-urgent conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Hospital Struggles In The Wake Of Sexual Misconduct Allegations. The top doctor at Hawaii’s only comprehensive medical rehabilitation hospital was fired this year after allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault on hospital premises. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

More federal disaster funds slated for Big Island. Hawaii will receive another $26 million in new federal disaster relief funding, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday. Tribune-Herald.

County ready to prosecute old rape cases. Hawaii Island’s decade-long backlog of rape test kits have all been processed, and now it’s time to move onto the next step — investigating and prosecuting the cases. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on Kona emergency shelter project to begin next spring. Hawaii County expects to begin construction this spring on the Kukuiola emergency shelter project. West Hawaii Today.

They’ve Watched Our Climate Changing For Decades From High Atop Mauna Loa. For 60 years, scientists have documented the rising trend of carbon dioxide levels as fossil fuel emissions continue to increase. Civil Beat.

Anna Chiotti named Kona hospital CEO. The HHSC West Hawaii Region Board of Directors selected Anna Chiotti as the CEO of the West Hawaii region, which includes Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tegarden Resigns as Mayor's Chief of Staff. Earlier today, the County of Maui announced that Deidre Tegarden has resigned as chief of staff of the Office of the Mayor, effective Dec. 15. Maui Now.

Talk focuses on ‘The Coral Pledge’. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council invites the public to a free talk at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center to learn about the “The Coral Pledge,” a new initiative to reduce human impacts on Hawaii’s reefs year-round. Maui News.

Kauai

New diesel buses for Kauai fleet. The Kauai Bus is set to receive six new diesel buses thanks to a Federal Transit Administration grant, and while it will serve to refresh the current fleet, it’s not bringing Kauai any closer to a full renewable fleet by 2045. Garden Island.

Federal funds for floods. Kauai will be getting $9 million in federal funding for flood relief. Garden Island.

Farms hit hard by natural disasters, Ige to stump for teacher pay hikes, Honolulu plastic ban vote nears, Maui residents fight solar project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market produce ©2019 All Hawaii News

Natural disasters brought huge loss for Hawaii farms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said natural disasters, including the Kilauea eruption, damaged and destroyed nearly 3,900 acres of Hawaii farms in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Governor, DOE Seek Pay Increases To Keep Teachers In Special Ed, Hawaiian Language. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has scheduled a Tuesday press conference to announce his support for pay differentials for certain teachers in key hard-to-fill areas, specifically special education, rural schools and Hawaiian language immersion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser president bemoans insolvency in memo. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, the state’s second-largest medical insurer, has fallen behind competitors in the volatile business of health care. Star-Advertiser.

What Are The Long-Term Impacts of Microplastic Pollution in Hawaii? The amount of microplastics washing up on Hawaiian beaches is expected to double by 2030. Civil Beat.

Child abuse registry case to go before high court. Courtney Bird, who was placed on the registry in 2007 without her knowledge, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that she failed to file a lawsuit against the state Department of Human Services within the two-year statute of limitations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Single-use plastics ban likely to pass. Oahu would have the strictest single-use plastics ban in the state under a bill that is likely to pass a final vote of the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Bill 40, banning single-use plastics, up for final vote Wednesday. A landmark disposable plastic ban bill, known as Bill 40, is scheduled to go before the City Council on Wednesday for a final vote. KITV.

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Rail project copes with new delays at a critical time. The next 100 days likely will determine whether the 20-mile Honolulu rail line will be finished by the city’s latest target date of December 2025, and there are signs there could be trouble ahead. Star-Advertiser.

Disabled Handi-Van Users Face Long Waits To Book Rides. City officials blame heavy call volumes and technological issues for a system that has been problematic for years. Civil Beat.

Graduation rates keep climbing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The on-time graduation rate for students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has doubled in the last decade and now matches the national average for public universities. Star-Advertiser.

City Car Registration Kiosks Closed For Maintenance. The City and County of Honolulu is closing the vehicle registration kiosks Sunday and Monday for maintenance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Aquarium trade proposes reopening West Hawaii fishery. The coastal waters off West Hawaii, closed to aquarium fishing for two years, would reopen to 14 commercial fishermen under a proposal described in environmental documents submitted to the state. Star-Advertiser.

Council to consider 2020 state priorities. As the 2020 session of the state Legislature draws near, county leaders are working to present a united front in advocating bills they think will improve local government. West Hawaii Today.

The final gavel: Judge Greg Nakamura retires after almost three decades on bench. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

PUC to hear contested case on Maui solar project. Residents coalition concerned about proximity and price. Maui News.

Off-the-grid Maui homestead marred by conflict. Multiple controversies have stoked anger, frustration and division within Kahikinui, the only homestead in DHHL’s 203,000-acre land trust in which leases were issued for raw land and management of the area was placed in the hands of homesteaders. Star-Advertiser.

Oysters, retiring old roads mulled to save reef. Maalaea Bay, watershed plan being implemented. Maui News.

Kauai

Golden Rule arrives. The small sailboat with a big mission, the Golden Rule, sailed into Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor Sunday. Garden Island.