Hawaii's digital divide identified, Maui police chief admits to hit and run, Supreme Court nominee Todd Eddins heads to full Senate today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii internet connectivity October 2020 by island Source: DBEDT

State plan seeks to expand broadband connectivity across Hawaii. The 45-page Hawai‘i Broadband Strategic Plan 2020 offers what state officials say is a fresh look at ways to boost broadband connectivity at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is showing how important it is for education, health and economic prosperity. Star-Advertiser.

Recognizing the need; State addresses ‘digital divide’ in Hawaii Broadband Strategic Plan 2020. The so-called “digital divide” driven home during this year’s COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the need for improved broadband internet connectivity for education, health and economic prosperity are the subjects of a report released Wednesday by the state. Tribune-Herald.

Read the full Broadband Strategic Plan here.

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Hawaii Supreme Court nominee Todd Eddins heads to full Senate for confirmation. The nomination of Circuit Court Judge Todd W. Eddins to the Hawaii Supreme Court is scheduled for a full Senate confirmation vote this morning. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii inspectors find small garter snake, Pacific tree frog in shipping container of Christmas trees. A small garter snake and Pacific tree frog were among the pests found by state agricultural inspectors in a shipping container of Christmas trees on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Garter Snake Found in Christmas Tree Shipment to Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i’s ecosystem is a delicate one that can be hypersensitive to foreign invaders. So when news of a reptile finding its way to the islands, it’s news across the entire state. Big Island Now.

Agricultural inspectors find snake in shipment of Christmas trees. Last year, about 93,000 Christmas trees were imported to Hawaii. Officials expect about the same number of trees to be imported this year. Hawaii News Now.

Live snake found in shipping container of Christmas trees. KITV4.

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More than 1 month after tourism relaunch, mayors say traveler testing program is flawed. It has been more than a month since Hawaii relaunched tourism to trans-Pacific travelers. But mayors say they still have concerns about the state’s pre-travel testing program. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific Islanders Can’t Return Home During COVID-19 — Even To Bury Their Loved Ones. Indigenous burial traditions were already threatened by economic pressures and changing cultures. Then the pandemic struck. Civil Beat.

2020 CEO of the Year Micah Kāne. Magazine gives Kane top honor for work with the Hawaii Community Foundation. Hawaii Business magazine.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 18: 71 New COVID-19 Cases and 1 Death. Health officials reported 71 new COVID-19 cases and one death on Wednesday, including 59 on Oahu, two on the Big Island, two on Maui, and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City projecting a $400 million operating budget shortfall. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration is wrestling with what officials estimate will be a $400 million-plus shortfall in the upcoming city operating budget, acting Budget and Fiscal Services Director Manny Valbuena told a Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commission Seat To Be Filled By New Mayor. Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi will have an opportunity to shape the group in charge of holding the Honolulu Police Department accountable. Civil Beat.

New testing initiative identifies COVID-19 clusters in Oahu’s homeless camps. The program launched three months ago and is already playing a critical role in identifying clusters of the coronavirus in some of Honolulu’s homeless camps. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Native Hawaiians Overrepresented Among Unsheltered. A report released in July shows nearly half of O'ahu's homeless who are reached by social service providers are successfully rehoused. The study shows continuous churn on the streets of Honolulu, but one segment of the population is consistently overrepresented. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii investors Fergus & Co. buy land near Honolulu airport for $16M. Fergus & Co. closed on the acquisitions from Tomchi Group LLC on Nov. 2. Pacific Business News.

DCCA conditionally approves transfer of control of Hawaiian Telcom's in parent co. merger. The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Cable Television Division conditionally approved the transfer of control of Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc.’s Oahu cable franchise at the parent company level from Cincinnati Bell Inc. to Red Fiber Parent LLC last week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Roth building his cabinet: Mayor-elect taps Lord as managing director. Hawaii County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth announced key members of his Cabinet Wednesday as he prepares to take office Dec. 7. Roth is tapping Lee Lord, of Volcano, long-time business manager at the Prosecutor’s Office, as his managing director and second-in-command. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor-Elect Roth Announces Cabinet Members. Hawaiʻi County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth today announced a partial list of cabinet appointees, described as a “mixture of familiar names and new faces from all over Hawai‘i Island”. Big Island Video News.

Mayor-Elect Appoints First Members of Cabinet. A new administration is moving into the Hawai‘i County Building next month, but some of the faces and names are familiar ones. Big Island Now.

Action on disaster relief funding resolution postponed again. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted again to postpone action on a resolution that would permit Mayor Harry Kim to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more than $83 million in federal disaster relief funding. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief admits to hit-and-run that damaged man’s motorcycle. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu admitted Wednesday to leaving the scene of an accident in the parking lot of a shopping center without stopping. Hawaii News Now.

Maui police chief accused of leaving scene after hitting parked motorcycle. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu apparently hit a parked motorcycle in a Kahului shopping center and then left the scene without stopping. Star-Advertiser.

Details of Motor Vehicle Accident Involving Maui Police Chief Surface After Demand Letter and Video Surfaces. Maui police have released information on a motor vehicle accident involving Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu after receiving a demand letter earlier this week from an unknown source, and a video of the incident surfaced online today. Maui Now.

Maui Police Chief involved in hit-and-run incident. Chief Tivoli Faaumu says he didn't feel a thing but a local attorney says that might be irrelevant. KITV4.

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Mayor Victorino Responds to Council’s Resolution to Establish Rapid-Response COVID-19 Task Force. Mayor Michael Victorino released a statement today in response to the Maui County Council’s recent resolution urging the mayor to establish a rapid-response COVID-19 task force. Maui Now.

Staff: Fear lingering until final decision on Guzman’s removal. Committee recommended prosecuting attorney’s removal Nov. 6. County employees said they’re living in fear as they await “delayed” action by the full council on a resolution to remove Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney after an independent report found he violated the county’s violence in the workplace policy. Maui News.

Maui County could be dealing with another cluster of COVID-19 cases. Maui County could be dealing with another cluster of COVID-19 cases, according to Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday. KITV4.

Schools slowly bringing students back. Lanai High & Elementary remain in distance learning. Maui County public schools are slowly welcoming back more general population students to campuses, though Lanai High & Elementary School remains in virtual learning mode after a COVID-19 breakout on the island last month affected at least 32 students. Maui News.

Kauai

If cases continue to rise, Kauai could see more restrictions on social gatherings. Since travel has opened up, Kauai has seen a rise in cases. Currently, the county is in Tier 4, but if cases remain above the threshold then Kauai will see additional restrictions in Tier 3. KHON2.

County still waiting on Ige’s answers to Safe Travels rules. Two local rules proposed by Mayor Derek Kawakami to the state remain in limbo, with hopes diminishing on getting approval from Gov. David Ige. Garden Island.

Council-elect discusses upcoming term. Laying it all out to have a smooth transitional Inauguration Day next month, Kaua‘i County Council-elect met for an organizational meeting yesterday morning. Garden Island.

Hawaii schools superintendent says students' COVID-19 vaccine should be voluntary, 100+ legislators head to Maui conference despite pandemic, Hawaii National Guardsman, 52, dies from coronavirus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto

Hawaii DOE Optimistic Students Will Return To Class In January. In a briefing with legislators, school leaders said they were also encouraged by the low rate of teacher vacancies during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Should a COVID-19 vaccine be required for students to attend school? State superintendent says it should be “personal choice." The House Higher and Lower Education Committee held a meeting with the Department of Education (DOE) Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, including whether a blanket decision about learning modes should be implemented and if a COVID-19 vaccine should be required for students. KHON2.

State House committee discusses several COVID-related topics with DOE officials. State Superintendent of Education Christina Kishimoto said that as public schools hope to move to full in-person instruction at some point during the second semester this school year, more than 90% of the students in grades K-12 statewide are receiving at least a portion of their classes virtually. Tribune-Herald.

Pay boost attracts more special-education teachers in Hawaii. The teacher shortage eased in Hawaii’s public schools this fall, propelled in part by a $10,000 annual pay boost for special-education teachers that went into effect in January. Star-Advertiser.

DOE reports that more of its teachers are moving into Special Education. The DOE reported on Tuesday that more of its teachers are moving into Special Ed and more teachers already in Special Ed are staying put. The position comes with shortage differential pay of $10K on top of a teacher's salary. KITV4.

There’s a new tool to help Hawaii students plan for their future career. Most good-paying jobs require a post-secondary credential, like a college degree or an industry-recognized certificate. Now, a first-of-its-kind analysis called Promising Credentials in Hawaii is pinpointing which of those credentials matter most to Hawaii employers. Hawaii News Now.

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Mainland COVID-19 surge leaves would-be Hawaii travelers scrambling to find available tests. The recent spike in coronavirus cases on the U.S. mainland is making it harder for visitors to fly to ― and residents to return to ― Hawaii. With more than 100,000 new cases reported daily nationwide, many of Hawaii’s trusted partners ― the pharmacies, diagnostic labs and clinics that provide tests for travelers to Hawaii ― are having trouble keeping up with demand for the tests. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-positive pre-arrival results are a blind spot for Hawaii travel program. The state tells Always Investigating they can’t make their trusted testing partners tell them which out-of-state travelers came up positive on a pre-arrival test. Only a few dozen people have self-reported positives since the Safe Travels program began last month. KHON2.

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Hawaii National Guard loses its first member to coronavirus. A 52-year-old airman, who tested positive earlier in the week and died Sunday, was a part-time reservist assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser.

A pilot who was in Hawaii to celebrate the anniversary of the end of WWII has died of COVID-19. One of the pilots who was in Hawaii to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II has died of COVID-19. KITV4.

Public health expert says new statewide mask mandate still has a loophole. The new statewide mask mandate issued Monday eliminates some confusion by having the same exceptions for all counties. But some people say it’s not much better because certain provisions make it hard to enforce. KHON2.

DOH: Reporting of new COVID-19 cases will remain two days behind, with lack of resources to blame.  Hawaii’s reported coronavirus case count numbers will continue to be delayed, with each day’s release from the Department of Health representative of the COVID-19 laboratory test results returned a full two days prior, officials said Tuesday. That means the 53 new cases reported Tuesday are actually Sunday’s totals. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 17: 53 New COVID-19 Cases. Fifty-three new COVID-19 cases were reported statewide on Tuesday, including 37 on Oahu, six on the Big Island and two on Maui. Eight cases were among Hawaii residents diagnosed out-of-state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell: Rail cost now $11B, won’t be completed until 2033. Honolulu’s financially troubled rail project will cost up to $1.1 billion more and not be completed until 2033, eight years longer than now projected, according to estimates that are part of a preliminary plan Mayor Kirk Caldwell and other city officials sent Friday to the Federal Transit Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How One Honolulu Cop Got His Job Back After He Was Fired For Misconduct. Ofc. William Suarez crashed his car and fled the scene of the accident. He was fired but an arbitrator sided with the police union and gave him his job back. Civil Beat.

Oceanfront property tied to Obama granted exemption from Hawaii’s environmental laws. Officials in Honolulu have granted the developers of a luxury, oceanfront estate tied to Barack Obama a major exemption from environmental laws designed to protect Hawaii’s beaches. Star-Advertiser.

City Strives To Keep Transit Safe As More Bus Drivers Test Positive For COVID-19. Most of the drivers’ positive tests were attributed to factors outside of work. Three drivers, however, have filed workers’ compensation claims. Civil Beat.

New Ewa Beach housing project provides dozens of affordable rentals to residents. There are 318 apartments for lease ― including 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units ― starting at about $1,500. About 60 of those units are deemed “affordable” and are reserved for people making less than 80% of the area median income. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless project to welcome new residents. The first occupants will move into the city’s new Punawai Rest Stop studio apartments in Iwilei around Thanksgiving, months ahead of schedule, offering outgoing Mayor Kirk Caldwell and outgoing City Councilman Joey Manahan an opportunity to bookend their five-year-long partnership to reduce homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian blessing marks full completion of a rest stop providing homeless services. A blessing on Tuesday marked the completion of Construction at Punawai Hale and Rest Stop in Iwilei. The former garment factory has actually been open for two years now, and its helped more than 2,500 people struggling with homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

‘A top priority’: Mass Transit hopes to get donated buses rolling next month. Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira hopes to have 10 minibuses donated from Honolulu running routes next month on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Council committee advances bill that would close part of Waipio Valley Road to foot traffic. The Public Works and Mass Transit Committee on Tuesday unanimously voted to move to the full council a bill that would close to foot traffic a portion of the steep, one-lane road from the Waipio Valley lookout to the valley floor. Tribune-Herald.

NELHA Science Park In Kona Reopens To Public Tours. The Keahole Center for Sustainability restarts public tours at NELHA’s Hawai‘i Ocean and Science Technology Park on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Big Island Video News.

HOPE Services Hawaii receives $131K in CARES act funding to expand telehealth, broadband service. The nonprofit's project will facilitate immediate access to primary and specialty care via telehealth and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for the homeless population on Hawaii Island. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Legislators’ Maui meeting undergoes pandemic travel backlash. The four-day event, which includes legislators from California, Texas and Washington, is taking place this week at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Critics say the IVP event, which generally includes policy discussions and schmoozing with corporate sponsors, was ill-timed. Some critics are bashing politicians who are attending an annual conference on Maui hosted by the nonprofit Independent Voter Project. Star-Advertiser.

100+ Flying to Maui for Pandemic Political Conference. The Independent Voter Project's yearly conference on Maui is scaled back this year, but is currently happening on Maui. The organization admitted it booked roughly 50 rooms for around 120 guests this week at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. KITV4.

Charges Dropped in Maui Protests Over Burial Protections. Maui County has dropped all charges related to protests over construction on known historic burial grounds in Kaua’ula Valley. Five native Hawaiian women with familial ties to the area on Maui’s west end have been refunded their bail and are calling for a halt to the project after human remains were uncovered. Hawaii Public Radio.

Protesters say that charges against them were dropped. Five Lahaina women who stood in a trench in protest over a waterline project said Monday that charges against them have been dropped and their bail refunded. Maui News.

Water use plan could be delayed to 2021. A council committee recommended Monday to push by six months the deadline for the council to adopt updates to the Maui Island Water Use Development Plan. Maui News.

Kauai

Survey: County employees efficient. In a recent survey of county employees, County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig said only two to three are not currently meeting productivity standards set by the county. Garden Island.

Nakamura chairs House Housing Committee. Two of Kaua‘i’s state representatives will hold influential leadership roles in the upcoming 2021 legislative session, with Rep. Dee Morikawa continuing as the majority floor leader and Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura elevated to chair of the Committee on Housing. Garden Island.

Ige's 15th proclamation clarifies mask mandate, Honolulu Thanksgiving gatherings likely limited to five people, military shoots down Aegis SM-3 missile in test off Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige wearing Aloha mask PC:State of Hawaii

Full Text: Gov. David Ige's 15th Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency. Governor's Office.

Masks rules clarified, Gov. David Ige imposes new decrees. A wide-ranging emergency proclamation on COVID-19 makes clear that mask-wearing is “mandatory” on every island, and imposes new statewide rules for hotels and other businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Issues New Mask Mandate, But Most Rules Remain The Same. People who don’t wear a mask in most public settings still face a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail. Civil Beat.

Governor Issues Order Making State Mask Mandate Clear. Gov. David Ige today issued a new COVID-19 emergency proclamation—his 15th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige issues mask mandate, responding to concerns his previous order was unclear. In a bid to cut down on confusion about when masks are required, the governor on Monday issued a single statewide mask mandate for the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Statewide mask mandate set. Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation Monday to codify and clarify Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate. Tribune-Herald.

Governor’s New COVID-19 Rules Clarify Mask Mandate. Governor David Ige issued his 15th COVID-19 emergency proclamation, extending the statewide mask mandate he says has been in place since April. Big Island Video News.

Gov. Ige Issues 15th COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation that Extends Statewide Mask Mandate. Maui Now.

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Hotel Operators Responsible for Guests who Become COVID Positive New Mandate States. A new emergency proclamation from Gov. David Ige indicates that hotel operators are required to accommodate guests (on- or off-site) who become COVID-19 positive or have been identified as a close contact of someone positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Hotels to post health and safety plans online. With Governor David Ige giving clarity on the mask mandate, his new proclamation also adds safety protocols and guidelines for hotels. KHON2.

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County Mayors say new statewide mask mandate will continue to be hard to enforce. Governor David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on Monday, extending and clarifying the statewide mandate requiring face coverings to be worn in public. KHON2.

Under latest emergency proclamation, no rental evictions until at least 2021. For months now, landlords across Hawaii have been unable to evict tenants who are late on rent under the state’s eviction moratorium. Gov. Ige’s 15th and latest COVID-19 emergency proclamation extends that moratorium, banning evictions until at least Dec. 31. Hawaii News Now.

Exceptions to Ige’s statewide mask rule. Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation issued Monday makes it mandatory for all individuals within the state to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public settings. Tribune-Herald.

Dept. of Health Director: Hawaii is not surging … yet. Department of Health Director Dr. Libby Char told KITV4 Monday she doesn’t believe Hawaii’s COVID-19 case rates are “surging,” but said statewide numbers could get there if proper precautions are not taken. KITV4.

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Child sex-assault case overshadows hearing for judge’s nomination. Questions over Circuit Judge Todd Eddins’ handling of a plea agreement in a child sex abuse case dominated his nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Dig In To Hawaii Supreme Court Nominee’s Positions. The legal community heaped praise on Todd Eddins as state lawmakers examined how he might react to certain situations on the high court. Civil Beat.

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Gov Appoints New Deputy Director for Corrections. Tommy Johnson was appointed by Gov. David Ige to serve as the Deputy Director for Corrections in the Department of Public Safety, effective Nov. 16, 2020. Big Island Now.

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Duke Kahanamoku’s nephew among 8 suing Kamehameha over alleged sex abuse, negligence. Eight adults filed suit Monday against Kamehameha Schools, alleging its psychiatric consultant had repeatedly sexually abused them as students but that their pleas for help were ignored by school authorities. Star-Advertiser.

New Lawsuit Filed In Kamehameha Schools Abuse Case. Sexual abuse allegations mount after the school paid an $80 million settlement agreement in 2018. Civil Beat.

Eight former students filed sex assault lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools. The school already paid out $80 million dollars in a case involving that same doctor two years ago. KITV4.

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Pentagon says it shot down unarmed missile in sea-based test off Hawaii. In Tuesday’s test, the latest version of an Aegis SM-3 missile built by Raytheon Missiles & Defense was fired from a U.S. Navy destroyer situated in the Pacific, northeast of Hawaii. Associated Press.

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State adds 13 new ‘trusted partners’ for pre-travel testing. The new partners join dozens of others that previously were approved for testing. Tribune-Herald.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 16: 95 New COVID-19 Cases. Ninety-five new COVID-19 cases were reported statewide on Monday, including 76 on Oahu, eight on the Big Island, seven on Maui and two on Kauai.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

We’re Entering A New Era In Honolulu Politics. It’s the biggest turnover in city leadership in many years. Who will hold the power on the new City Council is still an open question. Civil Beat.

Restrictions on social gatherings unlikely to be eased on Oahu by Thanksgiving, mayor says. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Oahu is unlikely to move to Tier 3 by Thanksgiving, which means gatherings for the holiday can’t have more than five people. Hawaii News Now.

Hunker down and get tested against COVID, Caldwell says. The mayor said, things weren’t looking good for a move from Honolulu’s current Tier 2 stage of reopening to Tier 3, which would allow social gatherings of 10 people, up from the current limit of five, by Thanksgiving if Oahu’s coronavirus case numbers aren’t rapidly brought down. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell provides an update on the city’s free COVID-19 testing program. A reminder from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday that free surge testing across the island runs for another ten days. KITV4.

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Businesses want Oahu’s plastic utensils ban delayed. With only weeks to go before the first phase of Oahu’s wide-ranging disposable-foodware ordinance is set to take effect Jan. 1, restaurant owners and food industry leaders are renewing their call for more time to comply. Star-Advertiser.

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iHeartRadio partners with Paula Fuga on campaign to end hunger, cuts 2 DJs who mocked her from morning crew. Management at iHeart—Radio removed two Island 98.5 radio deejays from the station’s morning drive-time show after they mocked singer Paula Fuga at an on-air fundraiser for the Hawaii Foodbank. Star-Advertiser.

Radio station pulls DJs from morning show after comments about musician’s struggle with homelessness. The radio station Island 98.5 has pulled two of its morning drive DJs off the air following backlash over insensitive comments made about a local musician’s struggle with homelessness and hunger as a child on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

City & County of Honolulu to buy 2 acres next to transit center for $21M. The city says it is using federal funds for the purchase. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Building code upgrades delayed until next summer. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works on Thursday granted an administrative grace period to a state-mandated deadline to upgrade its building codes, a move that will reduce confusion and allow for more public outreach before aligning the county’s building codes with state standards, according to a county news release. Tribune-Herald.

A different approach: 808 Homeless Task Force working to address homeless crisis in Kona. Regina Weller, founder of the nonprofit 808 Homeless Task Force, is using her more than 25 years experience helping the homeless in Los Angeles to address the crisis here in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kona hospital reports fifth COVID-19 death. Hawaii Island reported eight new cases of COVID-19 and a new death on Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County looks to make repairs along Front Street. Maui County is looking to replace the iconic wooden railing along Front Street, put in new beach access stairs and repair a seawall and other structures long battered by waves and saltwater. Maui News.

County of Maui Thanksgiving Giveaway Set for Nov. 19-20. Vouchers were sent to some 6,000 individuals and families impacted by COVID-19 on Maui as part of a Thanksgiving giveaway from the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami proposes two new rules to safeguard island. Monday evening, Mayor Derek Kawakami sent up two proposed local emergency rules for Gov. David Ige’s approval in an attempt to fill in gaps on the state’s Safe Travels program. Garden Island.

Kauai requesting state travel mandate be made stricter. Kauai County is pushing for additional measures that would require travelers to have their test results before coming to the island. KHON2.

Council-elect to meet Wednesday. Tomorrow, the Kaua‘i County Council-elect will convene for an organizational meeting at 9 a.m. to discuss shared goals and structures, but some aspects seem to be already worked out. Garden Island.

About 70-80% face mask compliance in Hawaii, Honolulu Fire chief to justify OT, Pearl Harbor ceremony closed to the public, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Masks are worn at Hawaii farmers market ©2020 All Hawaii News

Lt. Governor: Current facemask rules 'too difficult’ to enforce, suggests revisions. With the holidays approaching, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said the current mask mandate is not enough to control a potential winter surge. He adds that mask wearing rates have ranged between 70-80%, but if the state can’t get over 90% consistently, he said there will be a spread of COVID. Hawaii News Now.

Health experts warn lawmakers about holiday surge. There are alarming projections from local health experts of a possible surge in COVID cases as we head toward the holidays. They say it emphasizes the need to strictly follow all the necessary precautions. KHON2.

Hawaii’s COVID numbers are climbing more slowly than the rest of the U.S. The 14-day change in Hawaii cases was up 36% through Saturday. For the nation as a whole, that number was up 80%. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii Eases Travel Restrictions, Military Maintains Quarantines. Military spouses and their children can bypass the state’s 14-day quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test but are urged not to. Civil Beat.

Time Is Running Out For Hawaii To Spend $877 Million In Coronavirus Relief Funds. Money set aside to help struggling renters and small businesses will be used to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund if the cash isn’t spent by Dec. 31. Civil Beat.

Pension fund climbs 5.3% despite challenges. The state Employees’ Retirement System portfolio — which includes contributions and distributions — rose by more than $900 million to finish the quarter that ended Sept. 30 at $18 billion and mark its second robust quarter in a row after posting a 6.2% return in the quarter that ended June 30. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate mulls Char’s judicial appointment. The state Senate is scheduled to convene a special session Wednesday to review Gov. David Ige’s appointment for a vacancy on the Hawai‘i Supreme Court and Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald’s appointment of Stephanie Char to the District Family Court of the Fifth Circuit. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor Commemoration Ceremony To Be Closed To Public. The annual Remembrance Day ceremony to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor will be closed to the public this year and streamed online as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony will begin at 7:50 a.m. on Dec. 7 at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s Contemplation Circle in Hawaii. Associated Press.

COVID-19 Data: Dashboards Galore, But Key Data Still Sparse. People in Hawaii have plenty of COVID-19 dashboards to choose from, but important information sought by researchers and policymakers is still missing. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 14: 108 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 108 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Saturday, including one on Maui, three on Kauai, 12 on Hawaii Island and 90 on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council to hear from HFD chief on OT issues. A Honolulu City Council committee on Wednesday will hear from Fire Chief Manuel Neves and other Hono­lulu Fire Department brass on what progress they’ve made to shore up fiscal policies in response to a report on overtime payments issued in June by the city’s Internal Control Division. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed walkway over Ala Moana Boulevard in Kakaako raises cost concerns. State plans to build a $30 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge across Ala Moana Boulevard in Kakaako near the site of a horrific crash that killed three pedestrians and seriously injured four other victims is drawing criticism from some community members who say the costly project will largely benefit the upscale Ward Village development and doesn’t address more urgent safety concerns at other busy intersections nearby. Star-Advertiser.

State finalizes sale of affordable-housing tower for $35 million. Local developer Stanford Carr and a California-based partner have completed a delayed purchase of a low-income housing tower in Kakaako from the state. Star-Advertiser.

City of Honolulu honors Ala Moana affordable housing project. The City and County of Honolulu presented an honorary certificate to the developer of an affordable housing project in the Ala Moana area on Nov. 15. KHON2.

New affordable rental units ready for residents in Waikiki. The “Lilia Waikiki” is the first new, for-rent development in the area in decades. Rent ranges from $1,400 to about $2,000 a month. Hawaii News Now.

Waianae farm embarks on ‘a future of plenty’. MA‘O Organic Farms, a nonprofit organic farm in Waianae that helps young adults, largely from the area, develop skills and go to college has secured $11.5 million to grow operations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council to get update on mayoral transition. Hawaii County’s outgoing and incoming mayors are set to provide Hawaii County Council members with an update on transition plans this week. West Hawaii Today.

Pay to park in downtown Hilo? Proposed project would help fund area revitalization. Paid parking and other changes could be coming to downtown Hilo under a proposed model for a Business Improvement District. Tribune-Herald.

382 Abandoned Vehicles Removed From Hawaiian Homestead In Puna. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Hawaiʻi County partnered to removes the vehicles - and tires - from Makuʻu. Big Island Video News.

Airport construction continues: Nan Inc. awarded $8.3M USDA inspection building contract. Construction is anticipated to begin next year on a new USDA inspection building at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawai‘i COVID Surge Shows No Signs of Slowing. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense reported nine new cases of coronavirus on the Big Island Sunday. Maui Now.

Maui

Whistleblower details hostile work environment allegations against Maui prosecutor. As a longtime victims rights advocate and deputy prosecutor on Maui, Leslee Matthews has seen hundreds of cases of domestic violence and household abuse. But she never thought she would be a victim of workplace abuse — allegedly at the hands of own her boss, Maui Prosecutor Don Guzman. Hawaii News Now.

BLNR OKs E. Maui water for Mahi Pono. Following staff recommendations, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday unanimously approved another round of one-year permits, allowing the diversion of water from East Maui streams on state land in 2021 for Mahi Pono crops. Maui News.

Kahului Power Plant shutdown plan presented. Hawaiian Electric has developed a plan to shut down the power generation capability of the 72-year-old oil-fired Kahului Power Plant in 2024, while maintaining some of its power distribution capabilities, and building a new switchyard off Pulehu Road. Maui News.

Two administrators leaving Maui Health. Two Maui Health administrators will be leaving by the end of this month, the hospital operator announced. Mike Swanson, assistant administrator of hospital operations, is retiring effective Nov. 27. Debbie Walsh, chief operating officer, is also leaving Maui Health to be with her family on the Mainland. Her last day will be Nov. 30. Maui News.

Kauai

Input sought on housing. The County Housing Agency will hold a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 30, on proposed rules and regulations governing the certification of affordable Additional Rental Units. Garden Island.

Kauai counting new group of cases not identified by state. Since travel restrictions eased in mid-October, Kauai has reported 30 new COVID-19 cases. KHON2.

More Travel-Related Kauai Cases Reported, Could Trigger Additional Restrictions. Kauai officials yesterday reported three new cases on the island, two related to travel, including one who tested negative in a pre-flight test and then tested positive. The continuing increase in cases on the island could trigger more restrictions under the county's reopening plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Over 400 tested in Kapa‘a. The free, COVID-19-surge-testing program offers residents, especially those involved with the hospitality industry and the uninsured, an opportunity to get tested for the novel coronavirus. Garden Island.

Legislature won't take up mask mandate in special session, Hawaii's only volcano-powered electric plant resumes operations, Hawaiian Airlines allows frequent flyer miles for COVID-19 tests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines at HNL ©2020 All Hawaii News

HawaiianMiles now redeemable for a pre-travel COVID-19 test. Hawaiian Airlines now allows members to redeem HawaiianMiles for a pre-travel COVID test as part of the company's loyalty rewards program. KITV4.

Senate Judiciary Committee to convene, but no plans for legislative mask mandate. The state Senate’s Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet in special session Monday to review two judicial appointments but has no plans to discuss whether to clarify that masks are mandatory across the state to curb the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

No Hawaii hospitals have what’s needed to properly store the leading COVID-19 vaccine. There are currently no Hawaii hospitals with the proper equipment to store one of the leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates, according to Healthcare Association of Hawaii President and CEO Hilton Raethel. Hawaii News Now.

Millions in housing aid promised to Hawaii families either diverted or expected to go unspent. Tens of thousands of residents in the islands are behind on rent and unsure how they’ll catch up. But a new analysis finds a key state program that set aside $100 million in federal funds for those struggling families is falling well short of what was promised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii auto sales skid 15.9% in quarter. Tight inventories and COVID-19 restrictions left Hawaii auto dealers spinning their wheels in the third quarter as sales plunged 15.9% amid a struggling economy. Star-Advertiser.

DOH releases its first COVID-19 'cluster report' on Thursday. Acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble on Thursday says over the last two weeks there have been three clusters centered around schools, and if we're not careful she's says we could see more as the holidays approach. KITV4.

Longs Drugs to launch 9 new curbside COVID-19 testing sites statewide. CVS, the parent company of Longs Drugs, will launch nine new curbside COVID-19 testing sites Friday. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 12: 97 New COVID-19 Cases. The new cases recorded Thursday included 72 on Oahu, 15 in Hawaii County, six on Maui and one on Kauai. Three were residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART Still Pursuing Long-Shot Deal To Finish Rail Despite City Resistance. The rail authority’s executive director refuses to give up on the potential public-private partnership as the agency’s board looks to replace him. Civil Beat.

Final stretch of Honolulu rail line in disarray as board searches for new CEO. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board is searching for a new CEO. The current CEO, Andrew Robbins, is urging his critics not to change the plan for the final four miles and eight stations. Hawaii News Now.

HART board again voices frustration at Robbins. Rail Chief Executive Officer Andrew Robbins said Thursday that he and his staff will submit to Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Honolulu City Council in the coming days a report detailing why the city should continue pursuing a third-party partner to complete the troubled $10 billion-plus project. Star-Advertiser.

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O'ahu has two weeks to reduce number of COVID-19 cases in order to move into Tier 3. People on O'ahu have two weeks to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases or the city's recovery plan will not move into a less restrictive Tier Three. KITV4.

Oahu Turns To Community Health Centers To Boost COVID-19 Efforts. Clinic directors say coronavirus relief funds will help cover testing and contact tracing costs as well as provide families with direct financial relief. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes CARES Act extended. The city is spending up to $10 million to ramp up COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and support services at Oahu’s community health centers ahead of a looming deadline to expend millions of dollars in federal coronavirus aid. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell says he is hopeful that federal CARES Act spending deadline can be extended. There's concern the city might run out of federal CARES Act funding by the end of year. KITV4.

City launches new partnership to help Oahu’s COVID-19 patients and their families. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a new partnership with the Hawaii Primary Care Association and Oahu’s seven community health centers that will work to help Oahu’s COVID-19 patients and their families during the recovery process. KHON2.

Health department cites COVID-19 cases in Hawaii schools, university dorms. A student at a private middle school on Oahu contracted COVID-19, prompting a Health Department investigation and contact tracing of more than 100 people — but only one other student ultimately tested positive. Star-Advertiser.

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Bank of Hawaii adds brand to Stan Sheriff Center with $5 million deal. More than 35 years after University of Hawaii athletic director Stan Sheriff first rolled out plans for an on-campus arena, a final element of his vision will be realized with the addition of a naming sponsor. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii is donating millions of dollars to UH's athletic program. As the University of Hawaii battles with budget cuts amid the pandemic the Bank of Hawaii is donating millions of dollars to the school's athletic program. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Puna Geothermal back in action more than 2 years after Kilauea eruption. A volcano on Hawaii Island that partially destroyed a power plant more than two years ago is back to producing electricity at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

PGV back online. Puna Geothermal Venture has resumed operations, more than two years after the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano forced the power plant to stop producing electricity. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Geothermal Venture Goes Back Online. Two and a half years after the eruption of the Kīlauea volcano on the Lower East Rift Zone, the geothermal power plant is back in operation. Big Island Video News.

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State Department of Health begins releasing weekly ‘cluster reports’. Two clusters of COVID-19, stemming from social gatherings on the Big Island, have resulted in 63 cases, according to a new “cluster report” released Thursday by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Potential flood of eviction cases could be too much for county mediation program. The Rapid Response Landlord Tenant Mediation Program began in May to solve disputes between tenants and landlords struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

County wins coveted award for financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Finance Department for its comprehensive annual financial report. Tribune-Herald.

Hilton Waikoloa Village To Reopen Nov. 13. The largest outdoor resort area on Hawaiʻi island reopens on Friday, November 13. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Council urges mayor to create COVID-19 task force. The Maui County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution urging the mayor to establish a rapid-response COVID-19 task force. Maui News.

Call for Guided Astronomy and Hiking Tour Applicants in Haleakalā National Park. Up to four astronomy tour permits and up to six guided hiking tour permits will be issued. Maui Now.

Hyatt Regency Maui, Andaz, Hāna-Maui Resort, Wailea Beach Villas Resume Operations. Several Hyatt properties on Maui and across the state announced today they are resuming operations as  Hawaiʻi begins its next steps toward the return of tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

County sees flaws in state’s Safe Travels program. The county is attempting to fill gaps in and improve the state’s Safe Travels program that allows travelers to bypass a mandatory, two-week quarantine. Garden Island.

Kauai sees highest COVID-19 case count since June.  Five new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Kauai County on Nov. 12, the largest daily increase for the Garden Isle since June. KHON2.

5 new cases highest in five months. Three of the cases are Kaua‘i residents, and two are visitors. Garden Island.

Cost of COVID-19-related county labor. County officials are estimating it’ll cost about $300,000 a month to continue emergency operations, support and other COVID-19-related procedures come the start of the new year. Garden Island.

 

Hawaii ICU beds at 60% capacity, SHOPO sues Kauai to halt disciplined officers' names release, 1-year-old hospitalized with COVID-19, shuttle planned to top of Mauna Kea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ala Wai flood control project tweaks add costs, pump station. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made dramatic changes to its Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project, which increase costs and add a four-story pump station to the historic Ala Wai Canal, where controversial walls and berms already are planned. Star-Advertiser.

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DOH releases new data showing current capacity at intensive care units. New data released by the Department of Health on Wednesday shows intensive care units across the state are almost at 60% capacity. But only 16 of the 143 beds occupied are being used for patients who tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

State COVID cases tied to clusters. Hawaii’s contact tracing program has identified clusters of the coronavirus spreading among households, workplaces and gatherings among friends and family. Star-Advertiser.

Vet learns the hard way that the VA isn’t a 'trusted partner’ in pre-travel testing program. There are more than 1,200 Veterans Affairs clinics and hospitals nationwide, but a negative COVID-19 test result from any of those won’t help a visitor or returning resident avoid Hawaii’s quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Residents React to Nearing COVID Vaccine. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said Hawai‘i’s expected timeline for the arrival of the first vaccines remains late December 2020 or early January of next year. Big Island Now.

Local COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial subjects excited about results. 400 participants of the trial are from Hawaii. KHON2.

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Military community bristles at Trump campaign claim of voter fraud in Nevada; allegation includes several who moved to Hawaii. Among a list of 3,062 individuals accused of “criminal voter fraud” in Nevada by President Donald Trump’s campaign are at least four people who moved to “JBPHH,” which stands for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and who are almost certainly military members. Star-Advertiser.

Over Half Of Hawaii’s Workers’ Comp COVID-19 Claims Are Initially Denied. Coronavirus-related claims are being denied at higher rates than other claims because it’s hard to prove whether an employee caught the virus at work. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Deputy Sheriffs Finally On Track For National Accreditation. Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety makes progress in accrediting state deputy sheriffs nearly decade after state law required it. Civil Beat.

Charter school commission criticized for ‘erroneous’ rejections of new applicants. At a time when demand for charter schools are on the rise, the agency that regulates charter schools has come under harsh criticism for denying applications from new schools. Hawaii News Now.

State moves to limit spread of coffee fungus. Following the discovery of coffee leaf rust on two islands, the state Department of Agriculture is moving to enact emergency rules aimed at preventing the notorious pest from spreading to the rest of the state. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 11: 118 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of those new cases, 85 were on Oahu, 23 were on the Big Island, six were on Maui, three were on Kauai and one was a resident diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Dozens rally outside Honolulu Hale, call to resume outdoor teams sports on Oahu. About 80 or so people gathered along the sidewalks near or at the intersection of Punchbowl Street and King Street as a growing number of people are now calling for permission to play outdoor sports again. Star-Advertiser.

City Christmas celebration to be smaller, but will still go on says Mayor Caldwell. Normally, by this time of year, the city’s famous holiday tree would have been selected, cut down, delivered and displayed on the front lawn. But with the coronavirus pandemic, Honolulu Mayor Mayor Caldwell says a more cautious approach is needed. KHON2.

340 high rise buildings have to be inspected by May 2021, HFD reports the process hasn't started in nearly half of them. If inspections aren't competed by the deadline, management of those buildings could face citations for not meeting the the fire-code. There's 340 buildings on the island that need to be inspected by May 3, 2021. Honolulu Fire Department Captain Ari Agpaoa says the process hasn't even started at about 160 of those high-rises. KITV4.

Kam Drive-In residential towers plan is recast. A local development partnership has arranged to take over a long-stalled $800 million plan to turn the former Kam Drive-In movie theater site in Aiea into a high-rise housing complex. Star-Advertiser.

Items from Alan Wong’s flagship restaurant up for auction. Alan Wong’s flagship location on King Street shut its doors after 25 years in business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the items from the restaurant are on the auction block. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pilot program proposed for shuttle service to top of Maunakea. The University of Hawaii might develop a regular shuttle service to the top of Maunakea after a proposal for such a program was submitted earlier this week. Tribune-Herald.

New Management at Hilo Veterans Home to Take Over January 1. Veterans Day celebrations in Hilo will be especially meaningful in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak that claimed the lives of 27 residents at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Public Radio.

One-year-old child tests positive for coronavirus on Big Island. A one-year-old child on the Big Island tested positive for COVID-19 and is hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center. KITV4.

Combating coffee leaf rust: Hawaii leaders creating plans to fight new pest. Since the discovery of coffee leaf rust was confirmed on Hawaii Island in October, the coffee community — from individual farmers to the state’s Department of Agriculture — has been working to find ways to combat the spread of the pest. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County homeless bill sparks ‘firestorm’. Introduced by Council Member Tasha Kama, the proposed bill would ban the giving of goods and money to homeless people in county-owned areas without simultaneously providing “wrap-around services” by recognized providers. Maui News.

$500,000 Awarded for Development of West Maui Transit-Oriented Corridor Master Plan. The County of Maui Department of Planning was awarded $500,000 from the State Office of Planning to develop a transit-oriented development corridor master plan for West Maui. Maui Now.

Multi-service veterans center still in the works. In the works for more than a decade, the project had been slated for empty state land next to Maui High School — but is now looking for a new home. Maui News.

Lanai residents to test COVID-19 app. Lanai residents will be the first in the state to participate in a pilot project involving a smartphone application that notifies people that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Maui News.

As lockdown lifts on Lanai, residents are left confused over rules. Local leaders held a zoom meeting for community members Wednesday evening to answer questions about what’s now allowed. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

SHOPO suing to stop release of names of disciplined officers. Hawaii’s police union is suing Kauai’s chief of police over new steps at transparency. The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) wants to keep the names of disciplined officers secret. Hawaii News Now.

Permits granted for renewed ‘Oma‘o hub. New operations are on the horizon for ‘Oma‘o Ranch Lands, LLC. with the approval of new permits from the Planning Commission this past Tuesday. Garden Island.

Kauai reports 4 travel-related coronavirus cases in 2 days. One new, travel-related case of COVID-19 was reported for Kauai today, according to the county’s district health office. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua’i home sales look to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic. The Kaua‘i real estate market experienced a 26.04% drop in sales across every category from 2019 to 2020 at the end of the third quarter, according to information provided by Sirois Kaua‘i, a partner of Corcoran Pacific Properties. Garden Island.

Coral reefs declining, pro surfing returning, Lanai reopening, state restaurant association asks for delay in Honolulu plastics ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s coral reefs in fair shape but declining, report finds. Coral reefs in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, including those in Hawaii, were found to be in “fair” shape in the first-ever nationwide condition status report for U.S. coral reefs released Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Traditional Veterans Day events canceled, but some virtual stand-ins planned. There are no big gatherings planned this year in the islands for Veterans Day, but organizers are still working to honor those who served. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans Day 2020 freebies: Where to get free food (and more). Several restaurants are showing thanks to Veterans by offering free items and meals. KHON2.

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Pro surfing to return to Hawaii — but without fans on the shoreline. Champion surfing is back: The World Surf League’s tour will return to Hawaii for the 2021 season. But surfers and fans can expect big changes when the season starts. Like everyone else, they’ve made adjustments in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic turns popular surfing competition into broadcast-only film production. The World Surf League will kick off its Championship Tour on Oahu and Maui. KHON2.

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15 States Have Now Legalized Recreational Cannabis. What About Hawaii? Hawaii’s attorney general has assembled a team to advise lawmakers on the issues, and how Hawaii might regulate legal use. Civil Beat.

Board of Land and Natural Resources weighs commercial marine license fee increase: Non-resident fees could rise. A proposal to more than double nonresident commercial marine license fees from $100 to $250 per year will be heard by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

A 28-year-old first-time candidate who won a seat in the state House representing Waikiki and Ala Moana is getting national attention for breaking barriers. Adrian Tam is an openly gay son of Asian immigrants. Hawaii News Now.

90% of Hawaii Restaurant Cards mailed out by the state have been activated. Of the 116,000 Hawaii Restaurant Cards the state mailed out just over 105,000 have been activated, that's about 90%. KITV4.

DOE clarifies: Masks are required for students and staff inside classrooms. The Department of Education is clarifying their policy that face coverings and masks are required in public school classrooms. The DOE sought to erase confusion after outdated text was seen on their website saying classrooms were considered “Ohana Bubbles,” and that masks weren’t required while indoors. Hawaii News Now.

‘Covid Pau’ townhall meeting brings together community members. A town hall meeting is bringing together local leaders to discuss the health, and economic impact of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

State found just 18 COVID-19 positives so far out of more than 15,000 tests of travelers. A surveillance testing program meant to be a key safety net in the reopening of tourism has found 18 COVID-19 positives out of 15,158 tests of travelers to Hawaii since Oct. 19. Star-Advertiser.

Few Visitors Volunteer To Take Maui, Kauai Second COVID-19 Tests. Kauai and Maui are encouraging trans-Pacific travelers to take a free, second COVID-19 test a few days after they arrive on the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 10: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of the 78 cases recorded Tuesday, 62 were on Oahu, four were on the Big Island and five were on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Restaurant Association asks to delay single-use plastics ban due to COVID-19. Restaurant owners agree that the ban is important to help protect the environment, but worry that the coronavirus pandemic, which is already driving up costs, will make it even harder to effect the change. KHON2.

Will putting in fewer parking spaces mean fewer cars on the road? The city hopes so. To reduce the number of cars on the road and cut down the amount of carbon emissions in the air, a bill now moving through the City Council would eliminate the requirement for developers to build a new parking stall for every 800 square feet that they develop. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Honolulu Police Use Of Force Increased Last Year. A new report shows racial disparities persisted in 2019 in the Honolulu Police Department’s use of force. Civil Beat.

Caldwell again voices support for statewide mask mandate, suggests $100 fine for violation. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said once again today he supports a statewide mask mandate, as well as legislative changes to make it more like a traffic infraction than a criminal misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser.

City’s Transportation Director Steps Down Early. The Honolulu’s Transportation Services Director, Wes Frysztacki, is stepping down weeks before his term officially expires. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Arrest Miske Witness On Gun And Drug Charges. Lindsey Kinney says the alleged crime boss tried to kill him after he refused to carry out a hit against Jonathan Fraser. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha refuses to leave jail cell to talk to lawyer about her upcoming sentencing. Convicted former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has refused to come out of her jail cell to meet with her lawyer. Associated Press.

Medal of Honor recipient, new clinic seek to assist veterans. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Child &Family Service had a “soft opening” on Sept. 8 for its 9,000-square-foot mental health facility at 95-1091 Ainamakua Drive. Providers will be able to care for some of the more than 30,000 post-9/11 veterans and and their families and nearly 60,000 family members of active-duty members in Hawaii, the organization said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Reports: Hazardous substances should not be an issue during Hoku Kea demo. The Maunakea Management Board has determined the planned decommissioning of the Hoku Kea observatory on the Maunakea summit will likely not release or otherwise involve hazardous materials. Tribune-Herald.

Pattern of COVID Infections Emerge on Leeward Side of Big Island. Data from the state Department of Health demonstrates the majority of those now being infected on the Big Island are between 1-year and 40-years-old, and are based in West Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Devastating Coffee Leaf Rust Confirmed In Kona, Not Hilo. Coffee leaf rust, the devastating coffee plant pest known to growers around the world, has been found for the first time in the Kona coffee growing region on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Work underway at old Hilo airport. Old structures around the old Hilo airport have been demolished and will be replaced, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Waikapū Park Complex Improvements to Close Park Nov. 16 to Sept. 2021. Improvements and expansion of the Waikapū Community Center are planned, along with the replacement of ball field irrigation and other park upgrades. Maui Now.

DOH allows a Kihei restaurant to reopen after exterminating a roach infestation. The Bale Sandwich & Vietnamese Food in Kihei was shut down last week after an inspection by the Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department Issues Red Placard to Kīhei Restaurant Due to Alleged Roach Infestation. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch issued a red “Closed” placard to Kīhei Bale Sandwich & Vietnamese Food in South Maui after a health inspector reportedly discovered a roach infestation in the kitchen on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Lets Chandler Family Keep Running Their Vacation Rental. The Kauai County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a controversial vacation rental permit after the county attorney held that the permit had gone into force automatically because the county failed to act on it after ordered to do so by the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Civil Beat.

Long-challenged TVR finally gets permits. A contested special permit to manage a transient vacation rental that’s been in operation since the early 2000s was granted by the Planning Commission Tuesday afternoon due to exceeding the statute of limitations on processing the application. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Department of Health report 3 new cases of COVID. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported three new positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, all related to travelers who participated in the state’s Safe Travels pre-testing program. Garden Island.

Lanai

Governor approves ‘safer-at-home’ order for Lanai. The residents of Lanai will shift from a stay-at-home order to a safer-at-home order starting Wednesday. Governor Ige granted approval for the new order after the island completed a 2-week lockdown. It was put into place following an outbreak of more than 100 COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

Lāna‘i Stay-at-Home Order to be Lifted, Transition to ‘Safer At Home’ Starts Nov. 12. Maui Now.

‘Safer At Home’ order approved for Lanai, begins Nov. 12. On Tuesday, Governor David Ige approved what local county officials believe to be a step toward bringing back normalcy amid a raging pandemic. KHON2.

Lanai to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Thursday. Maui County has approved an emergency order to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Lanai starting Thursday, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige asked to ease Lanai virus rules on Thursday. After nearly two weeks, Lanai may be opening up Thursday if Gov. David Ige approves the move from stay-at-home to safer-at-home status following an outbreak of COVID-19 on the island. Maui News.