33 swimmers nabbed for alleged dolphin harassment, union leader's wife headed to prison, audit finds lots of credits but little housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

33 swimmers accused of “aggressively pursuing” a dolphin pod on Hawaiʻi Island.  Authorities today say they have referred 33 people to U.S. law enforcement after the group allegedly harassed a pod of wild dolphins in waters off the Big Island. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Bills to transform Hawaii’s school meals die in Senate. The bills aimed to provide cheaper and more locally sourced meals to the nearly 170,000 public and charter school students in Hawaii, although all appear to have been blocked in the state Senate Committee on Education. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘All Hawaiian’ coffee labeling in lawmakers’ crosshairs. To widely popular support, several bills in the state Legislature would prohibit coffee distributors from advertising their products using Hawaiian place names if an insufficient percentage of those products actually originated from those places. Tribune-Herald.

How each Hawaiʻi mayor plans to tackle the housing crisis on their island. From growing development funds to building housing for specific groups of people, mayors across the Hawaiian Islands are focusing their attention on housing initiatives this upcoming fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Union Leader’s Wife Headed To Prison For Fraud. Federal prosecutors said Marilyn Ahakuelo enjoyed an inflated salary and first-class travel on the union's dime. Ahakuelo who was convicted alongside her husband for embezzling from a local union and helping to fraudulently increase membership dues was sentenced on Tuesday to nearly six years in prison. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium Has Already Cost Taxpayers $20M. Where’s All The Money Gone? The state and its consultants promised to deliver a world-class facility for uses beyond University of Hawaii football games, surrounded by a vibrant entertainment district that boasted housing, hotels, restaurants and stores. Instead, taxpayers were left footing ever-growing bills as the future of the stadium became increasingly unclear.  Civil Beat.

4 rail stations in project’s airport segment expected to be done by year’s end. The joint venture company that nearly seven years ago got an $875 million Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation contract to build elevated rail and stations from areas east of Halawa to Kalihi outlined its efforts this week. Star-Advertiser.

Federal review underway into handling of sick homeless man who spent days on ER sidewalk. The federal government is launching a review of how the Queen’s Medical Center responded to a homeless man who spent days on the sidewalk outside its ER in need of care. Hawaii News Now.

Service members sue over toxic Red Hill water. Three active-duty service members filed legal claims against the U.S government this week seeking compensation for health impacts and other damages they say they suffered when jet fuel from the Navy’s Red Hill facility contaminated their drinking water in 2021. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Resolution working towards making The Ocean Safety Division its own department. The Honolulu Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Division is currently part of Honolulu's emergency services department. But now in discussion: House Concurrent Resolution 21, which would make ocean safety its own department. KITV4.

Plans to convert office space into condos. A plan to bring hundreds of residential apartments to Downtown Honolulu by converting office space into condos has led to a push to change the City’s housing code in order to move along the project. KHON2.

Hawaii Kai bridge in need of emergency repairs among dozens islandwide in poor shape. The Keahole Street Bridge in Hawaii Kai — between Costco and Safeway — is deteriorating, and the city says it’s looking into an emergency procurement to fix it. But the problems don’t stop here. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County’s audit finds most affordable housing credits not resulting in new units. A new Hawaiʻi County audit revealed that of the 1,811 affordable housing credits issued since 1988, only 336 credits have resulted in the intended construction of affordable housing units, Hawai‘i County Auditor Tyler Benner recently told the County Council. Big Island Now.

Early morning blaze destroys bathroom at Old Kona Airport Park. Hawaii County announced that a structure fire has destroyed the only working bathrooms at the Old Kona Airport BeachPark. The Fire was reported at 3:51 a.m. and caused an estimated $750,000 in damages. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Clerk Rejects Petition Over Riki Hokama’s Residency. Questions about whether the County Council candidate met eligibility requirements to run for the Lanai seat lingered for months after the election. Civil Beat.

Phase 1 excavation complete at Haleakalā following 700 gallon fuel spill. Phase 1 of excavation at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex was completed March 22, 2023, according to an update provided by the US Space Forces. This comes following a 700 gallon diesel fuel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex in January. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi’s sole electric provider seeking 9.4% rate increase; public hearing March 28. Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve an increase of $16.7 million in its electric revenues, which currently is $177 million at present rates. Kauai Now.

Robots helping save lives on Kauai. Robots can be lifesavers, and that’s especially true for the Kauai Fire Department, which started using CPR robots. KHON2.

Coin honoring Edith Kanakaole enters circulation, Legislature delays managed retreat plan, gun control bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

U.S. Mint releases Edith Kanaka‘ole quarter into circulation. Kanaka‘ole, who died in 1979, was an award-winning composer, chanter, master instructor for hula, and venerated cultural icon who taught at Hawaii Community College (1971-1974) and the University of Hawaii at Hilo (1974-1979). Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Kauai Now.  KHON2.

Tax credit, early childhood education bills remain alive. Do not expect a direct cash rebate from the state this legislative session, but several bills in motion would offer tax credits, helping keep more money in your pocket. KHON2.

Hawaii Lawmakers Grappling With Sea Level Rise Say It’s ‘Not The Right Time’ For Managed Retreat. The task of moving people away from the coast faces a hurdle: economic complexities. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers inch closer to eliminating Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. State lawmakers advanced measures in both chambers last week that would disband the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and place some of its functions under a new office at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hawaii Public Radio

Hawai‘i gun control bill moves forward. A bill aimed at restricting who can obtain firearm permits and where they can carry them passed its second reading in the state House of Representatives, moving it one step closer to becoming law. Garden Island.

Push To Lower The Legal Alcohol Limit For Hawaii Drivers Runs Out Of Gas Again. A push to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration for Hawaii drivers fell short again this year, as it has for the past five years. Civil Beat.

Coast Guard to send additional cutter to Hawaii. The service announced that it has selected the CGC Harriet Lane as its new “Indo-Pacific Support Cutter” and that the vessel will move from Portsmouth, Va., to Honolulu early in fiscal year 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Feds seek prison for wife of convicted former union boss. The wife of the former business manager of a Hawaii labor union convicted of rigging a vote to raise dues and using members’ money to live a luxurious lifestyle should spend 70 to 87 months in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

As manufacturers pay for e-waste, local recyclers see huge demand. Hawaii’s new system for collecting old computer equipment and televisions is moving into high gear, three months after electronic companies began footing the bill. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Bill aims to regulate commercial activity at Oahu public parks. An effort to get away from allowing commercial activities at city and county parks around Oahu on a park-by-park basis has met resistance from the public as well as local officials. Star-Advertiser.

Tiny Homes Proposed For DHHL Lands In West Oahu. However, the chairs of the Senate and House Hawaiian affairs committees are proposing two different approaches to providing housing options to certain DHHL beneficiaries. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail moves step closer to opening as HART expands trial run.  The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation released new drone video showcasing the Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s latest trial run.  Hawaii News Now.

Questions remain over future of Concealed Gun Carry policies in Honolulu. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is expected to sign into law soon -- a bill aiming to protect sensitive places, such as schools, from gun violence. KITV4.

Patients armed with weapons: Gun scare at Straub highlights disturbing trend. A patient armed with a ghost gun was arrested at Straub Medical Center after sources say staff discovered the firearm along with a high capacity magazine hidden in the man’s backpack. Hawaii News Now.

Environmentalists criticize health department for delayed toxic chemical reporting in Kunia Village. Environmental advocates are criticizing the Department of Health for the delay in telling the public that a drinking water well in Kunia Village was contaminated with toxic forever chemicals. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Launches New Website. The Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Agency on Monday announced it has launched a new website to improve the way in which riders connect with the Hele-On bus service. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Court dismisses challenge against the state on lease revision. Lessees of state land within the Kanoelehua Industrial Area in Hilo were allowed in 2018 to apply with the Department of Land and Natural Resources for lease extensions of up to 40 years, so long as they made certain improvements to their properties. Tribune-Herald.

Community receives $10 million for new Papa‘aloa Community Center Gym. There is a bright future on the horizon for Papa‘aloa and the Hamakua Coast with the newly acquired $10 million for a new community gym. Tribune-Herald.

The former Country Club Condominium Hotel is up for new development. The former Country Club Condominium Hotel may become a hotel again under new management. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui councilmembers vote against exemptions for Waiehu affordable housing project. An affordable housing project on the Valley Isle that needed Maui County Council's approval to move forward is facing complications. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rep. Tokuda to host first community town hall on Maui, April 6. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced her first community town hall on Maui, Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, Pāʻina building. Maui Now.

Kīhei Community Association president hopes to overcome funding road blocks. Kīhei Community Association president Michael Moran points out that his group has had its measure of successes in pushing forward projects that benefitted South Maui from Māʻalaea to Mākena.  Maui Now.

Expansion plan at Grand Wailea hits permitting complication.  A Maui Planning Commission hearing officer has recommended denying the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort’s applications for a planned development and special management area permits, which are needed for the luxury resort to complete its plan to add about 137 more units. Star-Advertiser.

Mokulele adding planes to aid scheduling for Lanai and Molokai. Southern Airways, the parent company of Mokulele Airlines, announced Monday that it will deploy $10 million in additional aircraft to Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Kauai

Farmers market vendors encouraged to take part in nutrition program. The Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i is encouraging vendors in farmers markets to participate in the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, SFMNP. Garden Island.

Moriyama connects with Kaua‘i. Three high school students from Moriyama, Japan, all winners of an English language proficiency contest sponsored by Moriyama, arrived on Kaua‘i on Sunday and met their respective host families. Garden Island.



 

Hospital questioned over Spam promotion, Army rangers train for jungle warfare, Pearl Harbor parking fees begin soon, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Local favorite Spam draws health scrutiny as processed meats are linked to cancer.  The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in February drafted a letter to The Queen’s Medical Center questioning its sponsorship of the Waikiki Spam Jam Festival set for April 29. Star-Advertiser.

Elite Army rangers train in Hawaii as Pacific interest grows. Members of the Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment who have been in Hawaii the past two weeks. The Pentagon has been shifting its attention to the Pacific amid tensions with China, and soldiers are training for the potential of a very different sort of war. Star-Advertiser.

Military in Hawaii face possible pay reduction. Most military service members in Hawaii are facing a possible pay cut of around 4.6% amid persistent high inflation as the Department of Defense contemplates amending its cost of living allowance for armed forces personnel outside the contiguous United States. Star-Advertiser.

Government transparency bills go before Hawaii governor. Bills aiming for greater transparency from lawmakers and state boards have gone to Gov. Josh Green. Four bills are on Green’s desk, and 11 are still alive and have crossed over to their opposite chamber. Star-Advertiser.

Senate rejects Gov. Green’s cabinet nominations for DBEDT, Office of Planning. Lawmakers did not confirm Scott Glenn as the head of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Senators also voted against Chris Sadayasu, the Gov.'s pick to lead the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Potential raises for Dept. of Education executives draws concern from Hawaii residents. The State Board of Education's working on considering, approving and finalizing pay increases for many executives, including superintendents. KITV4.

Lawmakers reject proposal to make Indigenous Peoples' Day a state holiday.  Instead, legislators are proposing a day of observance — meaning no time off from work. Hawaii Public Radio.

Henry Curtis Has Been A ‘Thorn In The Side’ Of Developers And Power Company Execs For 30 Years. The inside baseball of energy policy goes way over the heads of most people. In-the-weeds details about microgrids, transmission lines, tariffs, grid stability, fuel supply and price volatility can lull even the most chronic insomniacs to sleep. But for Henry Curtis, energy policy minutia has the opposite effect. Civil Beat.

Proposed farm bills could usher in new era for Hawaiʻi's food system. Roughly every five years, federal lawmakers have the opportunity to take a hard look at the country's agricultural policy and update their vision for the U.S. food system.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Pandemic delays reporting on Hawaii’s hospital infections. The state Department of Health has fallen several years behind in producing annual reports detailing infections patients acquire during hospital stays, leaving the public with less information about how well health care facilities are doing in controlling the spread of pathogens that can prove deadly. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate remains at 3.6%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.6% in February as the state’s labor market remained virtually unchanged. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Miscommunication creates confusion as scrutiny is raised for Ala Wai project. The plan for a multimillion-dollar flood control project that aims to prevent a disaster in Waikiki and the Ala Wai watershed now will include a more comprehensive environmental study, according to a notice filed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed Honolulu High Rise Is Pitting Residents And Neighborhood Boards Against City Officials. The Kobayashi Group is moving ahead with a 43-story residential high rise that will take the place of 124 rental units on Kapiolani Boulevard. Civil Beat.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial parking fees to begin April 15. Parking fees at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial will be $7 per day. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki tourism rebounding from pandemic lows. COVID-19 has created lingering challenges as well as permanent business losses and closures. It also created opportunities for those waiting to break into Waikiki’s normally tight commercial real estate market.  Star-Advertiser.

Palolo residents brainstorm boulder mitigation strategies. After a boulder crashed through a Palolo home in January, residents mulled over possible measures to prevent more rocks from breaking loose from the valley’s ridges above and causing further damage and even serious injury. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

City’s schedule for Prince Kūhiō Day. City and County of Honolulu offices will be closed in observance of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day, Monday, March 27. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Judge: ‘Seeing Is Believing’ When It Comes To ‘Atrocious’ Conditions At The Hilo Jail. Big Island Chief Judge Judge Robert Kim, who toured the packed facility in January, has been refusing to send some defendants to the jail, letting them await trial at home. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i County finally nearing finish line to make all beach parks ADA compliant. Several county-owned parks have undergone or are currently being renovated to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Big Island Now.

‘Losing momentum’ in albizia battle: Officials look for solutions as funding dwindles. As funding for albizia removal on the Big Island dries up, the invasive trees — and the danger they pose — are spreading again. Tribune-Herald.

Conceptual plans for Holualoa Elementary unveiled. Holualoa Elementary held a School Community Council meeting to discuss plans for the future and new possible school designs amid concerns of mold and other potential health hazards at the 128-year-old school. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor’s $1B budget request calls for a slight increase. Proposal includes a decline in some real property taxes, rise in monthly water rates. Maui News.

Maui Solar Project Stokes Concerns About Climate-Fueled Fire And Flooding Risks. The Paeahu solar farm, located in a dryland forest, would operate a short distance from a residential subdivision. Civil Beat.

Final EA Approved For Mosquito Suppression Technique To Save Native Birds. The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources voted in favor of a Final Environmental Assessment to use an Incompatible Insect Technique on Maui. Big Island Video News.

MFD working on planning, design of Haiku fire station. The Maui Fire Department hopes to finalize funding for a Haiku fire station by 2025 and have it operable by around 2026 in a “best-case scenario” for the long-stalled project, Fire Chief Brad Ventura said.  Maui News.

Kauai

Koloa Rum to build new facility in Koloa. The Kaua‘i-based rum company is planning on moving its operations to an 18.5-acre parcel of land across from Anne Knudsen Park in Koloa.  Garden Island.

Coco Palms Resort to be rebuilt. The latest developer of Kaua‘i’s infamous Coco Palms Resort is officially prepping for the site’s demolition and reconstruction, and he says people can expect the new resort to be completed in about three years. Garden Island.

Board of Education reduces exec raises, students bounce back from pandemic learning loss, LGBTQ flag flap at Ewa Middle School, Oahu $100M first responder complex unlikely, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed raises for Hawaii DOE executives reduced.  A proposal to dramatically raise salary ranges for 25 top state Department of Education executives had to be scaled back after it drew angry reactions Thursday not only from scores of school-level employees and their union, but several state Board of Education members as well. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Student Recovery From Pandemic Learning Loss ‘Exceptional’ Analysis Finds.  The analysis done by the mainland consultant Center on Assessment found overall that students learned at a faster rate after the pandemic than they did before, and that mathematics needs a “steeper recovery” than English in public schools.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Climate Experts Highlight Positive Points In An Otherwise Dire International Report. Scientists, activists and policymakers in Hawaii say they are not surprised by the heightened warnings contained in the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change but they have some reasons for optimism. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Pushes For Ban On Deep-Sea Mining. Sea mining could bring adverse effects on the marine floors of Hawaii, creating clouds of mud that push away fish, destroying seabeds and imposing irreversible damage on the seafloor, environmental advocates argue.  Civil Beat.

Foodborne illness complaints, yellow placard violations up. Health officials have been increasing their restaurant site inspections, leading to an uptick in violations. KHON2.

Deadly fungus detected in Hawaii patient. There has been one confirmed case in Hawaii of Candida auris, a deadly fungus that has sparked national concern as it’s spread rapidly through hospitals and other health care facilities in about two dozen states.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The First Responders Park Bill Is Dying. Rep. Amy Perruso says she won't advance a bill to fund the state's first responders campus amid questions about the project's relevance. When Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi introduced a measure to provide at least $100 million to build a campus for first responders on 243 acres of agriculture land in central Oahu, the Kauai senator hailed the controversial project as necessary for Oahu’s law enforcement and public safety workers. Civil Beat.

4 Honolulu police officers plead not guilty in Makaha crash. Four Honolulu police officers accused of chasing a vehicle with six Maili Beach Park partygoers in September 2021 entered not-guilty pleas Thursday to charges that they caused a crash, fled the scene and conspired to cover it up. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

After spate of tragedies on Oahu roads, city prosecutor pushes for jail time in more traffic cases. In the wake of several high-profile fatal crashes, Honolulu’s prosecutor has changed his policy on plea agreements in traffic court in hopes of making the roads safer. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Honolulu councilors paid the least compared to neighbor islands. A 60% salary increase for Honolulu City Council Members and its Chair, recommended by the salary commission, is renewing interest in the process.  KHON2.

Lawmaker’s post questioning LGTBQ flags at Hawaii school draws backlash. Freshman state Rep. Elijah Pierick recently paid a visit to Ewa Makai Middle school, something that public officials often do. What was less usual — and what’s drawing broad criticism — is a video he posted on his Instagram page about that visit. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Ownership of historic Waiāhole Valley up for debate after proposed 600% rent increase.  Rent lease negotiations between the state and nearly 100 tenants in Waiāhole Valley are sparking conversations about the future of this rural, agricultural community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Woman Cited For Taking Nēnē Gosling From Hilo Park. A 57-year-old woman was cited this morning after allegedly taking a nene gosling from Wailoa River State Recreational Area in Hilo and driving away with it. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Community College opens student center stocked with basic necessities. The Kahuaola Basic Needs Center is located at the Manono Campus and is stocked with food, hygiene products and clothes available for pickup. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Waiehu rental project’s fate remains undecided. After four meetings, a Maui County Council committee on Wednesday was unable to come to a decision on a 120-unit rental housing project in Waiehu, whose fate could now be determined by the Department of Housing and Human Concerns director. Maui News.

Maui’s mayor wants to buy company that controls water flow to thousands of acres.  Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen says he is reviving a long talked about plan to buy a company that controls the water flow to thousands of acres. Hawaii News Now.

Maui vacation rental supply and unit demand up from 2022, but down from pre-pandemic. While gains were realized in month-over-month data, Maui’s vacation rental supply, unit demand and occupancy in February remained down double-digits from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.  Maui Now.

Maui doctor charged in federal prescription drug investigation. A 74-year-old Maui doctor faces four federal counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances after he allegedly illegally prescribed hydrocodone, Xanax and Valium to an undercover federal agent on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Mosquito release plan aims to save forest birds on Maui. State and federal officials are moving forward with a plan to release millions of incompatible male mosquitoes into the East Maui wilderness in an effort to save the region’s threatened and endangered forest birds. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami administration breaks down $402 million Kaua‘i budget proposal.  The budget process opened Thursday with a display of goodwill between the Kaua‘i County mayor and Kaua‘i County Council chair. Garden Island.

Coast Guard leads multi-agency exercise at Kukuʻiula Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi. At Kuku’iula Small Boat Harbor near Po’ipū, the U.S. Coast Guard and several state, county and volunteer agencies conducted a full-scale search and rescue drill on Thursday morning to practice working collaboratively during emergencies. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Green signs abortion protection bill, parental rights, flavored tobacco bills die in Legislature, gubernatorial appointees having a tough time getting Senate confirmation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Hawaii laws protect abortion providers, restore ways of charging defendants. Abortions are protected across the islands and so are the health care workers who perform them — even on women from states that ban the procedure, under a new law signed by Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News.  KHON2.

Lawmakers Agree On The Need To Address Hawaii’s Housing Crisis — But Not On How. The Legislature is considering a rash of vastly different strategies, while Gov. Josh Green's bills are struggling for traction. As the Legislature approaches a key deadline on Friday during a session that promised to address Hawaii’s critical housing shortage, one thing has become clear: there is no miracle cure. Civil Beat.

Legislature Kills Measures To Protect Parental Rights In Child Welfare Cases. The bills would have required authorities to get orders from judges in most cases before taking children from a parent suspected of abuse or neglect, in contrast to the current practice in Hawaii of almost never seeking court orders. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bill to ban flavored tobacco products goes up in smoke. A legislative fight against flavored tobacco products has likely gone up in smoke, as Hawaii lawmakers have not scheduled a hearing for a bill proposing to ban the devices ahead of Thursday's deadline.  Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate Delays Vote On Planning Director Nominee. Senate President Ron Kouchi said no members came forward to say they were coerced to vote against Scott Glenn's nomination. The Senate delayed until Friday a vote on Scott Glenn’s nomination to lead the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development in part due to accusations that senators have been pressuring colleagues to vote one way or another. Civil Beat.

Governor’s Embattled DBEDT Nominee Opts To Face A Full Senate Vote. Green expects Sadayasu to get an up-or-down decision within days as he urges lawmakers to let him form his team. Chris Sadayasu received a 4-1 vote in the Senate Energy, Economic Development and Tourism Committee against his appointment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s pandemic learning loss recovery could take years.  A new independent analysis has found that learning loss among Hawaii’s public school students during the COVID-19 pandemic has ranged from moderate to severe, and the state will need a “multiyear effort” to catch them up to where they should be, a consultant told state Department of Education officials on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gets $14.2M grant for public health response.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the state $14.2 million as part of its Public Health Infrastructure Grant Opens in a new tab, which is supported in part by the American Rescue Plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 513 new COVID-19 cases, 5 more deaths. The state’s average positivity rate was at 5.2% compared with 4.2% the previous week. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Board overseeing Aloha Stadium briefed on new redevelopment plan. Board members of the state agency long driving Aloha Stadium redevelopment plans were briefed Wednesday on a new plan from Gov. Josh Green, and could take action on it next week. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s proposed land use ordinance raising concerns. Owners of horses, cattle and other farm animals are questioning a small section about raising livestock in the more than 230-page document. KHON2.

Neighborhood board’s attempt to force power lines underground is short circuited — for now. An attempt by a neighborhood board to force a developer to put 46kV power lines underground in a Kapolei development has been put on hold. Hawaii News Now.

Oxygen tank found to be origin of Kailua ambulance fire. The source of a fatal ambulance fire in Kailua last year was an oxygen tank, an investigation found, but its cause remains unclear. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials warn of high bacteria levels at popular beach on Oahu’s North Shore. During a routine beach monitoring on Tuesday, health officials detected fecal contamination at Sunset Beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s first deep-water standing wave to debut at West Oahu. A 52-acre recreational lagoon and shoreside commercial development called Wai Kai featuring a surfing wave pool with the world’s largest standing wave opens Saturday in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Nurses point to systemic problems in case of sick homeless man who spent days on hospital sidewalk. Medical professionals and community health providers are evaluating the plight of a homeless man who says he was disregarded by Hawaii’s largest hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County awards grants to address homelessness. Hawaii County announced 16 grants totaling $7.5 million will be awarded to organizations around the island to address homelessness. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

This former ‘Hilo boy’ has big renovation plans for Hawaii Island hotel owned by state. A developer who was born in Hilo plans to invest up to $30 million to restore a 152-room Country Club Condominium Hotel on Banyan Drive. The proposal with developer Peter Savio goes to a vote Friday before the state Land Board, which owns the hotel. Hawaii News Now.

County to dedicate new ambulances. Seven new ambulances are joining Hawaii County’s emergency vehicle fleet after years of COVID-19-related delays. Tribune-Herald.

New Vietnam War Memorial To Be Dedicated In West Hawaiʻi. A new Vietnam War Memorial will be unveiled at the West Hawaiʻi Veteran Cemetery next week, as America recognizes the 50th anniversary of the war closure marked as Vietnam Veterans Day. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Gov. Green announces Kūlanihāko‘i High opening agreement. New South Maui High School Likely To Welcome Students In August, Governor Says. Buses will transport students on an interim basis as the state builds a $25 million pedestrian bridge. over the next three years. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Maui News

Applications open for East Maui water board. A Maui County Council committee is now taking applications for an 11-member board that will oversee water operations in East Maui.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i seeks funding for pre-planning of new road and trail. The Kaua‘i County Council approved a move to apply for $800,000 in funding for the initial planning of two infrastructure projects aimed at constructing a major road and trail system on Kaua‘i.  Garden Island.

Wai’ale’ale Project provides chance for Kaua’i, Ni’ihau youth to attend college for free. The Waiʻaleʻale Project has helped nearly 1,000 students from Kaua’i and Ni’ihau — who otherwise would not have gone to college — to successfully navigate the college system with financial assistance, counseling and mentorship. Kauai Now.

Biden to create new Pacific marine sanctuary, huge raises approved for Honolulu officials, first set of ethics reform bills sent to governor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hokule‘a and Hikianalia to sail on 4-year voyage. The Polynesian Voyaging Society announced Tuesday that the Hokule‘a is scheduled to embark June 15 on a 43,000-nautical-mile journey circumnavigating the Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Biden To Create New Marine Sanctuary In Pacific. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that he would expeditiously expand and increase environmental protections for a group of remote atolls and islands in the Central Pacific and the nearly 777,000 square miles of waters around them. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Bills on campaign contributions, lobbying, gifts pass Hawaiʻi Legislature; headed to governor. House Speaker Scott K. Saiki introduced HB99, HB137 and HB142 that were recommendations made by the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, which was established by the House in 2022. Big Island Now. Maui News. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Senate President Remains Mum On The Turmoil In His Caucus. Sen. Ron Kouchi isn't talking about whether longtime members of his caucus are bullying their peers over a political appointment. Civil Beat.

Bill could track drivers’ mileage, tax them by the mile. With more electric vehicles hitting the roads, revenue from the state’s fuel tax is dropping, which is money that’s supposed to help repair Hawaii’s roads. Now, a bill is moving through the legislature looking to replace the state fuel tax with a road usage charge program. KHON2.

Required active shooter training in schools could become a reality for Hawaiʻi. House Bill 1329 would require the state education department to develop and implement an active shooter training program in all schools. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Senate Bill that would charge outlaw hikers for their rescues moves forward. A measure that would allow county first responders to charge outlaw hikers for the cost of their rescue passed with amendments out of the the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 786 will now be heading to the House Finance Committee. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke seeks solutions to 'antiquated' office duties. Without a secretary of state, the lieutenant governor's office takes on some necessary, core functions. Namely, the office has three statutory functions: facilitating name changes, certifying international documents called apostilles, and processing administrative rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Panel endorses pay raises for top Honolulu officials. The Honolulu Salary Commission on Tuesday recommended pay boosts of 12.5% and greater for the city’s mayor and department heads and a 60.2% pay jump for the leader of the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Bill to fund OHA land repairs dies. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs criticized state House of Representatives leadership Tuesday for not hearing a bill appropriating $65 million to repair harbor infrastructure on land in Kakaako the Legislature gave OHA in 2012 to settle a $200 million debt. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Special meeting on New Aloha Stadium. On Wednesday, the Stadium Authority will hold a special meeting to discuss Gov. Josh Green’s new plan for the project. KHON2.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi kicks off town hall series in Ewa. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi hosted a town hall Tuesday night at Ewa Makai Middle School, where he committed to a site visit at Makakilo Drive following calls from residents to extend the road and alleviate local traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Closure of last big downtown retailer, Walmart, prompts fears. First the downtown Walgreens closed about a year ago, followed six months later by the shuttering of the neighborhood Longs, and now the last major retailer, Walmart, plans to shut its doors after April 21 — leading to fears that the Fort Street Mall area will become a magnet for even more crime, homeless activity and graffiti. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

A man in need of medical treatment spent days on a sidewalk right outside Queen’s Medical Center. Good Samaritans have been helping 59-year-old Timothy Walker, who’s been on the sidewalk outside the Queen’s Medical Center ER for the past week — surrounded by flies and ants. Hawaii News Now.

Red-light safety camera to issue warnings at Kapiolani intersection. The red-light safety camera at Kapiolani Boulevard and Kamakee Street — the intersection where a teen was fatally struck by a pickup truck — begins issuing warnings on Wednesday, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

A large care home wants to move into a tiny neighborhood. Residents aren’t happy. Residents along Kaneohe Bay are raising alarms about a planned care home that they say looks like a monster home. But the developer says it’s a mischaracterization — and that he scaled down the project to meet community opposition. Hawaii News Now.

Pint-Sized Plants Could Be Our Secret Weapon In Fight Against Invasive Beetle. Hawaii’s invasive species experts announced in January that Oahu had lost its fight to eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle, after years of trying to keep their expansion at bay. Civil Beat.

Behind the conversion of a Bishop Street high-rise from offices to housing. The building at 1132 Bishop St. is in the home stretch — now The Residences at Bishop Place. It's still home to the federal bankruptcy courthouse, but the floors above are largely apartments for rent. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council takes action on sewage plant. A Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday recommended passage of a bill that would split a rehabilitation project for the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant into two phases. Tribune-Herald.

2 Hawai‘i police detectives involved in fatal shooting in Kona to return to full duty. Two Hawai‘i police officers involved in a fatal shooting 11 days ago of a 32-year-old man in Kailua-Kona were cleared to return to full duty on Tuesday, although two separate investigations are still underway, according to Hawaiʻi Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz. Big Island Now.

Two High-Altitude Balloons To Be Launched On Hawaiʻi Island. The Sierra-Nevada Corporation and World View will be launching the balloons near Waimea between March 23 and 25. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Kohala agriculture event invites Hawaiʻi Island farmers to plan their future. Members of an agricultural community on Hawaiʻi Island will gather this week to discuss the future of sustainable farming and ranching. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pacific Tsunami Museum reopens: ‘Through stories, we can teach people how to survive’.  The Pacific Tsunami Museum has reopened for visitors and locals alike with a change of leadership and plans for new exhibits. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Housing, water, deer and controversial high school discussed in Maui State of the County address. Mayor Richard Bissen said with just 78 days in, his team is focused on “common-sense priorities” which include water, affordable housing, infrastructure, economic diversification and protecting our environment. Hawaii News Now.

Bissen delivers State of the County address tonight, Budget presentation on Friday. Mayor Bissen’s proposed budget highlights his administration’s priorities of water, housing, infrastructure, economic diversification and environment. Maui Now.

Maui Council tradition of evening budget meetings returns starting March 30. The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee will hold evening meetings throughout the county to receive community input on the fiscal year 2024 budget from March 30 through April 13. Maui Now.

New Kihei High School Will Finally Open Under Deal With Governor, Maui Mayor Says. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced Tuesday that he has reached a deal with Gov. Josh Green that will allow a long-awaited high school in Kihei to open. Civil Beat.

Sust’āinable Molokaʻi's new food box program connects local farmers to kūpuna. A new program on Molokaʻi offers residents the opportunity to support kūpuna and local farmers at the same time.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Swimming through sewage — study shows high bacteria count in Kaua‘i waters. Environmental organization Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force found large amounts of bacteria in several of Kaua‘i’s waters this month, suggesting that ongoing concerns over fecal contamination of the Garden Island’s streams and beaches are far from over. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i jobless rate tumbles to 3.0 percent. Local businesses continued to beef up employment rosters to start the year, in turn sending the jobless rate on Kaua‘i to its lowest level for the month of January since the pre-pandemic era. Garden Island.

Senate 'bullies' create chaos, Hawaii ranked worst state for doctors, Red Hill families drank fuel and antifreeze, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate ‘Bullies’ Are Creating Chaos At The Capitol This Year. Donovan Dela Cruz and Michelle Kidani have taken political strong-arming to an alarming level as they work to control business and financial issues, their colleagues say.  Two powerful state senators are pressuring colleagues to derail confirmation of Scott Glenn to lead the Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Civil Beat.

Future of DBEDT confirmation up to nominee. The troubled Cabinet nomination of the head of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is up to acting Director Chris Sadayasu to decide whether he wants to take his confirmation vote to the full 25-member Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Republicans Don’t Get Many Bills Passed, But They’re Playing A Long Game. The minority caucus agrees it needs more members to get things done, but there is disagreement on how to get there. Civil Beat.

‘Misleading’ macadamia nut products prompt legislation in Hawaii. A kamaaina company that claims to be the biggest seller of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts has collided at the Legislature with local macadamia producers over whether Hawaii-branded products containing foreign macadamias should say so. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers consider bill that will allow counselors to file restraining orders for minors. A bill to let trained professionals petition for restraining orders on behalf of minors is now being discussed in the Hawaii state house. Senate Bill 45 includes counselors and other mental health professionals. KITV4.

State's newest homelessness coordinator pitches idea for ʻOhana Zone incentives. The state's homelessness coordinator wants ʻOhana Zone developments to get the same exemptions as affordable housing projects. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teacher Housing Has Been Only In Rural Areas, But That Could Change. Proposed legislation would fund a pilot program with locations in urban Oahu. Civil Beat.

Amid ongoing physician shortage, Hawaii ranked worst state for doctors. Analysts from the financial planning website WalletHub looked at all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and evaluated several factors across two key dimensions: “opportunity and competition” and “medical environment.” When it came to opportunity and competition, Hawaii ranked dead last. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. in ‘better place’ since pandemic, CDC director says during Hawaii visit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aims to become more nimble as a result of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Not Just Fuel: Red Hill Families Drank Antifreeze Too, Lawsuit Says. The Pearl Harbor area residents who drank and showered in fuel-tainted water in 2021 were also exposed to antifreeze, which the Navy used as a fuel additive, according to an amended lawsuit complaint filed on Monday.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply confirms trace amounts of PFAS were found in Waipio well. The state's Board of Water Supply announced Friday that trace amounts of perfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, were found in the Waipio Heights Wells Pumping Station last month during a routine test. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health, safety concerns raised over homeless at State Library. A growing homeless encampment by the Hawaii State Library is raising concerns with library users and nearby residents. They’re calling on the state to do a better job in cleaning the area. KHON2.

A New Recipe: This Program Puts Oahu Inmates In College Cooking Courses. Kapiolani Community College has offered courses to women at the Women's Community Correctional Facility since 2008. Civil Beat.

Keeaumoku Street safety in the works. Under the Honolulu “Complete Streets” program, the city Department of Transportation Services proposes a project along Keeaumoku Street — from Kapiolani Boulevard to Wilder Avenue — to include protected bicycle lanes, traffic-calming measures and pedestrian-­crossing improvements. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii AG: Imprisoned Prison Guard Shouldn’t Get His Job Back. The state says the labor board exceeded its authority and made a "clearly erroneous" decision regarding Jonathan Taum. The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office is appealing a decision by the state labor board that requires that a corrections sergeant who is serving a federal prison term be reinstated with back pay to his job at the Hilo jail. Civil Beat.

Funding requests for the Big Isle’s hospitals slashed. Gov. Josh Green requested that $50 million from the state budget be used to expand Hilo Medical Center, but when the House released its initial budget on Thursday, the amount was cut in half to $25 million. Tribune-Herald.

Progress on Hilo sewage plant. A plan to renovate the decrepit Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is now a two-part project. Tribune-Herald.

Community Meeting On Waikoloa Road Project Set For March 30. The pavement removal/replacement project is scheduled to begin in May 2023 and run through April 2024. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Want to fix the food system? Maui’s Polipoli Farms aims to help local farmers do just that. Lehia Apana recently won a $10,000 grant from Dove Chocolate to help grow her food hub project.  Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple announces leadership transition. Maui Land & Pineapple announced today the appointment of Race Randle as CEO and Scot Sellers as Chairman, effective April 1, 2023. Maui Now.

Repairs underway for historic church damaged by storm. Ke‘anae Congregational Church has been closed due to safety hazards since 2021. Maui News.

Kauai

Wilcox earns national patient safety award. The Wilcox Medical Center received the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award that places Wilcox among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute care hospitals nationwide, as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i DOCARE presence nearly doubles as 41 new officers commissioned. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources significantly bolstered its ranks on Monday, as 41 new Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers were deployed for their first assignments Garden Island. Kauai Now.