Friday, September 30, 2022
Minimum wage hike put into place, tourists spend more but visit less, gun laws take shape, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Local tourism businesses reliant on Japanese market continue to tread water. Japan is set to relax more restrictions for inbound and outbound travelers on Oct. 11, but some businesses aren’t banking on an influx of visitors just yet. Industry watchers say Japan’s yen has dropped to its lowest in nearly three decades and that's a problem. Hawaii Public Radio.
Spending soars, but arrivals lag behind 2019 level. Visitor spending in Hawaii is soaring, though arrivals have continued to lag behind pre-pandemic counts and could see further slowdowns given the possibility of a U.S. recession and ongoing global economic challenges. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii’s attorney general declines to prosecute SHOPO leadership. The state Department of the Attorney General has declined to charge two leaders of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers with misdemeanor extortion in connection with allegations contained in a civil suit filed by an ousted board member. Star-Advertiser.
In a dangerous trend, aircraft in Hawaii are increasingly being targeted with laser lights. Aviation officials confirm there are more laser strikes happening in Hawaii per capita than anywhere else in the country. Hawaii News Now.
Kaiser Mental Health Workers Not Backing Down From Demands For Better Patient Care. The union and health care provider will try to meet again next week to negotiate an agreement. Civil Beat.
Oahu
Mayor Rick Blangiardi proposes banning guns in schools, parks and other locations. In preparation for the issuance of permits for Honolulu citizens to carry guns in public, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said today he is proposing prohibiting firearms in schools, government buildings, parks, voting locations, and public transportation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.
Navy Releases Another 1,000 Gallons Of Raw Sewage Into Pearl Harbor. The leak comes as community members are increasingly critical of the military’s treatment of Hawaii’s environment. More than 1,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Pearl Harbor on Thursday from a 12-inch wastewater line that broke, the Navy announced Thursday afternoon. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.
More than 100 repairs to pipelines at Red Hill fuel facility are needed. A new military assessment has identified 153 repairs that need to be made to the pipelines at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility in order to safely defuel it. That’s on top of 43 critical repairs identified five months ago by Simpson, Gumpertz &Heger, a third-party contractor, only five of which have since been completed. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Island
Recently completed UH-Hilo College of Pharmacy building finally in full use. Shortly after the award-winning Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy building at the University of Hawaii at Hilo was honored with a blessing ceremony in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing many students to miss out on the innovative new structure. Tribune-Herald.
Tensions remain high over ocean access at Waipio Valley. 10 days after the mayor reopened Waipio Valley Road on a limited basis, no one seems to be happy about how it’s working. Hawaii News Now.
Maui
Hotly debated Maui County affordable housing sales price guidelines approved. Despite objections from local for-sale affordable housing developers and Maui County’s administration, rules that establish new affordable housing sales price guidelines narrowly passed second and final reading Tuesday at Maui County Council. Maui Now.
Maui County public schools get more than $5.8M to support low-income communities. Hawai‘i K-12 schools will receive $58,193,270 in new federal funding for the 2022-2023 school year to support programs aimed at helping educate students in low-income communities. Maui Now.
Mexican consulate to visit MEO to process passports, documents. The Mexican Consulate returns to Maui Economic Opportunity for the second time this year from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, to process passports, voter credentials, and other documents by appointment. Maui Now. Maui News.
Labor Dispute Spurs Media Union To File Complaint Against The Maui News. The unfair labor practices claim alleges that union members were not allowed to observe contract talks. Civil Beat.
Kauai
Kauaʻi Mayor Signs Bill To Increase Benefits to Farmers. Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed a bill on Monday that updates the county’s Agricultural Dedication program to provide increased benefits to farmers and lessen the burdensome red tape. Kauai Now.
Thursday, September 29, 2022
COVID reinfections rising, GOP team solidifies stance, doctors seek solution for physician shortage, Kauai police morale low, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Doctors seeking solutions for state’s physician shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the need for more healthcare workers in the state, meanwhile, doctors said the physician shortage is an issue that has been in need of solutions for many years now and they said the shortage will only deepen if more is not done to attract and retain doctors. From last year’s physician workforce numbers, the state is short roughly 750 doctors. KHON2.
COVID-19 reinfections are rising, Department of Health says. The Hawaii Department of Health says COVID-19 reinfections have risen to account for about 10% of new confirmed cases in the state. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.
Oahu
Big Questions Loom For Honolulu In Coming Years. New City Council Members Will Help Shape That Future. Honolulu voters will have tough choices on the ballot this year as they decide on four council races. But there’s a lot to consider. Civil Beat.
Pearl Harbor wastewater treatment plant needs fixes to avoid future 'catastrophic failure'. The U.S. Navy has yet to say if it will appeal a nearly $9 million fine from state health regulators due to sewage discharge violations near Pearl Harbor. Hawaii Public Radio.
As Defense Secretary arrives on Oahu, families sickened by fuel-tainted water demand help. Some 93,000 water users along the Navy’s system couldn’t drink the tap water for months until it was cleared by the state Health Department earlier this year. Military medical teams saw 6,000 people during the crisis. Hawaii News Now.
Redevelopment of Aloha Stadium to face further delays with Gov. Ige’s new direction, officials say. Two officials behind the state’s long-running effort to redevelop Aloha Stadium pushed back today against Gov. David Ige’s recent decision to move in a new direction with the project. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.
Former IT professional pleads guilty to sabotaging computer network of financial company. Casey Umetsu, 40, as part of his guilty plea in U.S. District Court, admitted to changing the online traffic of a Hawaii-based financial company that he had worked at shortly after he cut ties with the company, where he had worked from 2017-2019. Star-Advertiser.
$2.7 Million In Fireworks Intercepted At Honolulu Port. The shipment of 13,449 pounds of unpermitted fireworks was sent back to the mainland and then destroyed, the Coast Guard says. Big Island Video News.
Kalaeloa homeless encampment demolished to protect public safety, but dozens are now displaced. Dozens of homeless people living here in the old Barber's Point air strip were recently displaced and now they say they have no place to go. KITV4.
City to reopen applications for rent and utility relief next week. The program launched in April 2021 to distribute more than $225 million in pandemic-related federal funds to ensure renters continue to have housing. Eligible households can receive up to $2,500 monthly in relief funds for up to 18 months. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Island
Panel to consider bill to curb rezoning time extensions. A bill that would require full County Council approval for time extensions of rezoning applications on Hawaii Island will be considered by the Windward Planning Commission next week. West Hawaii Today.
New Maunakea board could be confirmed sooner than expected. Gov. David Ige named eight nominees for the 11-member board of the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, a new state agency that will take over management of the summit lands from their current steward, the University of Hawaii, in 2028. Those names were then forwarded to the state Senate for confirmation. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Maui council a step closer to buying Lahaina apartments in bid to save workforce housing. Maui County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve on first reading a budget amendment that would allocate up to $11 million of the county’s Affordable Housing Fund for the purchase of 20-unit Lahaina Crossroads. The bill now heads to second and final reading. Maui Now. Maui News.
County Council passes bill to restore and protect wetlands. Under the new law, wetland areas will be identified and mapped if they contain at least two indicators of hydrology (evidence of groundwater, hydric soils and hydric vegetation). Maui Now.
Kauai
Kawakami signs Bill No. 2875, Draft 2, overhauls ag dedication. Bill No. 2875, Draft 2, introduced by County Councilmembers Billy DeCosta and Luke Evslin, repeals the county’s current agricultural dedication program and enacts a comprehensive revision, which proponents hope will improve the incentive system for agriculture. Garden Island.
SHOPO survey shows low morale in Kaua‘i Police Department. Citing poor communication between leadership and rank and file, lack of adequate training and heavy caseloads, respondents gave employee morale an average rating of 3.58 out of 10. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.
First humpback whale of the season surfaces. Numerous Port Allen harbor based boats were present to view the first whale of the season around sunset, Tuesday afternoon off Pakalas. Garden Island.
Annual Vehicle, Equipment Auction Now Live Online. To view the list of items in the auction and instructions on how to submit a bid, go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov and click on “Bids and Proposals” and refer to 2023-SA-1. Kauai Now.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins caught up in Hawaii military contractor scandal, DOH fines Navy $8.7M for Pearl Harbor sewage discharges, Maui County workers to receive pandemic hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii state senators want to see draft bill before deciding on special session. State senators want to review draft legislation that would give prosecutors more options to charge major crimes before they decide whether to convene a special session of the Legislature, according to Senate leadership. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.
A step toward the future: State to receive $6.4M for new EV charging stations. The state is getting about $6.4 million in federal funding to be matched by state funds to build five new charging stations on the Big Island, one on Maui, one in Honolulu and another on Kauai. Hawaii currently has about 800 charging ports. Hawaii News Now.
DOH encourages flu vaccine for upcoming season. As Hawaii enters flu season in October, the state Department of Health already has reported a slight uptick in outpatient visits from influenza-like illness. Tribune-Herald.
Hawaii’s monkeypox case tally grows to 37. The number of monkeypox cases in Hawaii has grown by three more to 37, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu
Navy fined $8.7 million for sewage discharges into ocean around Pearl Harbor. The Hawaii Department of Health has fined the Navy $8.7 million for discharging sewage, or partially treated sewage, into the ocean, as well as related maintenance failures at its wastewater treatment plant near Pearl Harbor. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Garden Island. KITV4.
Stressing urgency of project, Pentagon says emptying Red Hill tanks will cost $280M. Emptying the Red Hill Bulk Storage Fuel Tanks will cost at least $280 million, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. Next month, crews plan to take out jet fuel from the pipelines before extensive repairs. Hawaii News Now.
Taxpayers To Cover Legal Expenses For Honolulu Police Officers Involved In Makaha Crash. Commissioners made no conclusions on accusations that the officers caused and fled the scene of a car crash but said state law mandates that they deserve legal representation. Civil Beat.
Rising Prices, Increasing Poverty, Slowing Job Growth. When Oahu residents open their electric bills in October, they could be in for the latest in a long series of unpleasant surprises. The average bill is expected to be up 4%, or about $9 per household – following a yearlong rise that already has people complaining. Civil Beat.
UH Mānoa researcher receives $3.4M to study fungi-bacterial relations in climate change. Some of the earthʻs smallest organisms could cut the impact of climate change. Understanding how is the goal of work by a researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Hawaii Public Radio.
Hawaii Island
Council to consider bill restricting carry of firearms in ‘sensitive places’. A bill to restrict the carrying of concealed and unconcealed firearms in “sensitive places” in Hawaii County, including medical and government facilities, schools and parks, establishments that serve alcohol, as well as several other locations, is set to be considered by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.
Feds warn of new batch of fentanyl on island. A new batch of fentanyl has made its way to the Big Island, the Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area revealed Monday via a Threat Bulletin. The agency added the suspected powdered fentanyl has resulted in a high number of overdoses, with multiple fatalities. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.
Prince Kuhio Plaza seeks long-term lease extension. Prince Kuhio Plaza is seeking a 40-year extension of its lease for almost 39 acres of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Payday: Some essential Maui County workers to receive hazard pay. United Public Workers members in Maui County can expect compensation for working during the pandemic. Now, Maui County has settle with the union over temporary hazard pay for 700 UPW employees. The pay will be 20% of their hourly salary. KHON2.
Next phase of major Wailea development with 1,000-plus homes gets green light. After a marathon contested case, Maui Planning Commission today gave a green light to the next phase of long-debated Honuaʻula, a master planned community with more than 1,000 homes slated for 670 acres in Wailea. Maui Now.
Voting explainer: Maui County charter amendment ballot questions. There will be 13 charter amendment questions on the Maui County general election ballot — the most of any county — with two alternative proposals, for a grand total of 15 questions to sift through. Hawaii Public Radio.
Kaopala Bay erosion puts shoreline at risk. Realigning a roadway and relocating utilities are some of the proposals to salvage a small shoreline in West Maui as sea level rise and erosion put properties and streets in jeopardy. Maui News.
High-end Maui hotel rates, especially in Wailea, expected to remain high. Maui County hotels continue to have lowest occupancy, highest revenues. Maui News.
DOD’s largest telescope atop Haleakalā on Maui gets mirror recoat, preserves space domain awareness. Maui Now.
Kauai
Hanamā‘ulu Man Arrested Following Bomb Threat to Kōloa Elementary. According to a preliminary report, on Monday, at 12:06 p.m., Kōloa Elementary School administration received a call from a male, later identified as 20-year-old Lopaka Santos, who said a bomb was set to detonate after school was finished. Kauai Now.
Ha‘upu View workforce-housing complex blessed. The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, in partnership with the Ahe Group, held a blessing ceremony Monday for the completion of Ha‘upu View, the county’s newest workforce-housing complex on Pua Loke Street. Garden Island.
Family of Christmas Eve car-crash victims file lawsuit. Along with his active criminal case, the Lawa‘i driver who caused a fatal 2020 Christmas Eve car crash is facing a new lawsuit in civil court. Garden Island.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Green and Aiona sharpen differences in gubernatorial race, House has consensus for special session, SecDef to visit Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Green calls out Aiona to give clear stance on abortion. On Monday, the Democratic candidate running for governor, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, called out his opposing ticket to release details on how its party intends to protect the reproductive rights of Hawaii women. KHON2.
State House has consensus for special legislative session on Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. The state House of Representatives has the consensus necessary to move forward with a special session of the Legislature to address the Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that preliminary hearings are not a lawful method for charging major felonies including murder. In a letter to Senate President Ron Kouchi and all House members obtained by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, House Speaker Scott Saiki informed senators that over two-thirds of House members agree to convene a special session to address the State v. Obrero decision handed down by the Hawaii Supreme Court Sept. 8. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii lawmakers are drafting bill to create more ways to charge serious felonies. State lawmakers are working on a bill that would give prosecutors more than one way to charge serious felonies after a Sept. 8 Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that preliminary hearings are not a lawful method for charging major crimes, including murder, robbery and sex assault. Star-Advertiser.
Nonprofit raising awareness about diaper insecurity in the islands. Governor David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi both signed proclamations recognizing this week as "National Diaper Need Awareness Week". KITV4.
Hawaii public libraries to reopen Tuesday after closing due to ‘unspecified threat’. Hawaii public libraries are expected to reopen Tuesday after an “unspecified threat” closed all locations today, a spokesperson for the Office of the State Librarian said this afternoon. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.
Hawaii Has A Shortage Of School Psychologists. National Research Says That’s A Problem. Students in Hawaii were struggling with mental health challenges long before the pandemic, but the state has few school psychologists to help address their needs. Civil Beat.
Russia Gives Citizenship To Ex-Hawaii NSA Contractor Edward Snowden. U.S. intelligence officials have accused him of putting U.S. personnel at risk and damaging national security. He currently faces charges in the United States that could result in decades in prison. Civil Beat.
A ‘very impressive’ feat: Hawaii astronomers laud success of NASA’s asteroid-redirection mission. University of Hawaii astronomers observed with keen interest as a small, unmanned NASA spacecraft purposely crashed into an asteroid in an unprecedented dress rehearsal for the day a killer space rock menaces Earth. Tribune-Herald.
Hawaiian language speakers are raising the visibility of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through social media. The growing number of Hawaiian language accounts on social media is sparking discussions on how ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi can take advantage of platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Hawaii Public Radio.
New methods of control: State’s proposals to introduce insects to combat invasive weeds clear environmental hurdle. The state departments of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources are planning to release on state lands a butterfly with gregarious larvae, Euselasia chrysippe, for biological control of miconia, and a beetle (Syphraea uberabensis) for control of cane tibouchina. Miconia and cane tibouchina are noxious weeds threatening Hawaii’s forests and watersheds. West Hawaii Today.
Seabird fallout season has begun in Hawaii. Seabird fallout season is officially underway, and the Hawaii Wildlife Center is once again asking for the public’s help getting grounded fledglings in flight again. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu
Honolulu City Council Puts Controversial Land-Use Bill On Hold Amid Criticism. The city’s Department of Planning and Permitting says it needs to review the measure after complaints from property owners about potentially disastrous effects on businesses. Civil Beat.
Defense secretary to visit Red Hill this week. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week will visit the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel facility as the military prepares to defuel and shut down the World War II-era fuel farm, the Pentagon announced Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
Drills will test first responders with Oahu rail emergency scenarios. First responders will be tested today and Thursday in how they respond to a potential emergency on the city’s rail line in a run-up to even bigger hypothetical scenarios as the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation conducts drills ahead of paid ridership tentatively planned for early next year. Star-Advertiser.
New Army unit at Fort Shafter will focus on Pacific theater. A new unit focused on the Pacific theater will support the U.S. Army’s operations. The Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force was activated at Fort Shafter on Oʻahu on Friday. Hawaii Public Radio.
With upgrades at Sand Island wastewater facility, city keeps rising seas in mind. Construction is currently underway on a new warehouse at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment plant. Hawaii News Now.
Newly Unsealed Documents In Miske Case Tell A Grisly Tale Of Kidnap, Torture And Murder. A federal judge recently ordered prosecutors to make public dozens of search warrants and other documents in the conspiracy and murder trial of alleged crime boss Mike Miske. Civil Beat.
Former TV Anchor And Longtime Activist Face Off In Rural Oahu Senate Race. Gil Riviere and Brenton Awa live about as far apart as political opponents can get on Oahu. Riviere, an incumbent Democrat, has a home in Waialua, about 40 miles away from where Awa, a Republican, lives in Kaneohe. Civil Beat.
Honolulu Council Race: Candidates Vie To Represent Pearl City After Close Primary. Voters will choose between a veteran of Democratic politics in Hawaii and a newer Republican state lawmaker. In the Honolulu City Council election for the area surrounding Pearl City, Republican state Rep. Val Aquino Okimoto is pitching herself as the fresh face voters want while longtime Democratic politician Ron Menor says his decades as a city and state lawmaker will allow him to be effective. Civil Beat.
Hawaii Island
Shifting state lease terms frustrates Hilo business owner. A Hilo business owner is pursuing legal action against the state after the Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to change the terms of his lease agreement. Tribune-Herald.
‘Quite a Jewel:ʻ County Offered Chance to Buy Keauhou Bay Property in Kona. Fifteen years ago, Ed and Rhonnie Rapoza could have built two beach homes on waterfront property they owned off Ali‘i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona. But the owners of Island Land Co. thought the prime real estate should be sold to a particular buyer: the County of Hawaiʻi Big Island Now.
Ironman donates $240K to county for police OT during 2-day race. Ironman is donating almost a quarter-million dollars to the Hawaii Police Department to cover the cost of officer services during the 2022 Ironman World Championship next month. West Hawaii Today.
Waiakea Uka Park draft EA released. The public has until Oct. 24 to submit comments about proposed improvements to Waiakea Uka Park. Tribune-Herald.
Crisis at Hilo Medical Center puts new spotlight on staffing, bed shortages at Hawaii hospitals. The patient care crisis at Hilo Medical Center is drawing the attention of lawmakers and helping spur a broader conversation about staffing and bed shortages at hospitals statewide. On Tuesday, state Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Jarrett Keohokalole. will tour the Hawaii Island facility to get a first hand look at the overcrowding and staffing shortages. Hawaii News Now.
Maui
New sunscreen ban to take effect Saturday. Maui mineral sunscreen companies are seeing boost in business. Mineral suncare business owners with a passion for the environment are getting excited for when Maui County’s sunscreen ordinance takes effect this week, another push toward protecting the offshore marine habitats. Maui News.
Council appoints new Hawaiian language communications specialist. Following the spring’s annual budget session, the Maui County Council approved the appointment of a Hawaiian Language Communications Specialist on Aug. 5, providing ‘olelo Hawaii as a medium in the council’s public-information efforts. Maui News.
Kauai
Supreme Court: DOW study Flawed. The state Supreme Court turned the tables in the case between the Kaua‘i Department of Water and Kia‘i Wai O Wai‘ale‘ale last week, issuing a ruling in favor of the community group. Garden Island.
Kauaʻi Humane Society: We Need Help. Enter the no-kill Kaua’i Humane Society and you are met with a cacophony of howls and anxious meows from about 200 animals that are crammed inside the 70-year-old facility that is now understaffed and overcapacity. Kauai Now.
Completely senseless’: Kauai crash that killed woman in marked crosswalk spurs state action. A Kauai family plans to take legal action following a crash that killed a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. Hawaii News Now.
Monday, September 26, 2022
Uncertainty over tourism plan as contract expires, student shun school, DLNR confiscates boats and lay net, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Waikiki Beach scene ©2022 All Hawaii News |
Pandemic leads to shrinking enrollment at Hawaii schools. An unexpected “disappearance” of thousands of students from school enrollment in Hawaii during the COVID-19 pandemic has some education officials concerned that parents might have withdrawn their children without following procedures mandated by state law, technically making them truant. Star-Advertiser.
Missing school: Chronic absenteeism spikes across state. The state Department of Education reported chronic absenteeism, or students missing 15 or more days of school, more than doubled for the state during the 2021-22 school year. Tribune-Herald.
Prosecutors and lawmakers split on need for immediate fix to felony charging law. The Hawaii State Judiciary is increasing grand jury panels in each county to deal with an influx of cases in the wake of a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that preliminary hearings before a judge do not suffice for bringing charges in cases involving serious felonies, including murder. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
‘You Need A Warrant!’: Hawaii’s Dubious Practice Of Taking Children Without A Court Order. More than 80% of children taken into protective custody in Hawaii are removed from their families without a judge’s approval. That’s not how it works in many other jurisdictions. Civil Beat.
New report shows crime rates up in Hawaii, but low compared to mainland. Violent crime is up in major cities across the country, including Honolulu, according to a new report by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. KITV4.
Islands’ population decline still tilts toward Las Vegas. Hawaiʻi has been one of several states that has had a declining population in recent years. When it comes to people leaving the islands, Honolulu has been hardest hit, with a recent net loss of tax filers. Hawaii Public Radio.
Hawaiʻi Telescopes Watching Monday’s Asteroid Collision. University of Hawaiʻi astronomers will track the impact of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, using telescopes on Maunakea and Haleakalā. Big Island Video News.
Oahu
EPA report reveals long list of violations at Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility. New federal records reveal a long list of violations by the Navy at the Red Hill fuel facility in the aftermath of the drinking water crisis. The violations include the lack of a spill response plan for Red Hill’s pipeline system and the failure to operate that system in line with good engineering practice. Hawaii News Now.
Department of Planning and Permitting hopes new technology will cut time for permit applications. The city has closed its solicitation period for vendors to bid on installing a new automated system that is expected to shorten the Department of Planning and Permitting’s permit approval process by almost three months. Star-Advertiser.
Raised crosswalk installations scheduled to extend into Kailua and Kaneohe. The Department of Transportation is extending raised crosswalks onto the windward side of Oahu. Construction will begin Monday, September 26th in Kailua and Kaneohe. KITV4.
Hawaii conservation officers confiscate 2 boats, illegal lay net from man in Kaneohe Bay. State officers confiscated more than 1,000 feet of lay net and two small boats from a man near the Ahu o Laka sandbar in Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Police Department working to fill 69 sworn positions. More than 14% of the Hawaii Police Department’s budgeted sworn positions were unfilled as of mid-September. West Hawaii Today.
Instructors Asking for Feedback on Maunakea Teaching Telescope Plan. Draft EA predicts no impact for teaching telescope. The assessment, which was published Friday in the state’s Environmental Notice, outlines UH’s plan to erect a telescope at the midlevel facility on Maunakea within an 18-foot-diameter dome on a platform connected to an existing building. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.
Future Puna Wastewater Service EISPN Notice Issued. The County of Hawai‘i does not provide any wastewater collection and treatment facilities in the Puna area, but plans are being made to change that. Big Island Video News.
12 months of fury: Current eruption of Kilauea began a year ago this week. Scientists and residents alike on Thursday will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the current volcanic eruption of Kilauea. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Popular Maui beachwalk, trees fall into ocean, triggering calls for managed retreat. Popular Kāʻanapali Beach was a far cry from paradise on Friday. A concrete section of Kāʻanapali Beachwalk was crumbling into the ocean, tall coconut trees crashed in the high surf and a stretch of walkway pooled with minor flooding and debris. Maui Now.
War Memorial Stadium, track to close for seven months for repairs. The War Memorial Football Stadium and Satoki Yamamoto Track and Field Facility in Wailuku will be closed from Oct. 2 through May 4 while it undergoes repair projects, the county Department of Parks and Recreation announced Friday. Maui News.
A ‘School Within A School’ Is Building Community And Food Security In Hana. It’s not uncommon for schools to have gardens, but what’s taking place at Hana School is of an entirely different scale. Civil Beat.
Cost, location of school crossing options weighed. Residents support shuttling students to campus as one temporary solution. Maui News.
Kauai
State seeks hefty fine against owners of Kauai dam, claiming years of inaction on safety threats. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking to fine the owners of a Kauai dam at least $5,000 a day, alleging the potential collapse of the dam could endanger lives. Hawaii News Now.
County Announces Auction of Used Equipment, Supplies at Department of Water. The county will conduct a sealed bid auction of items no longer being used by the Department of Water. Kauai Now.
Not forgetting the 100th Infantry Battalion. The West Kaua‘i Club 100, named for veterans of the U.S. Army’s famed 100th Infantry Battalion, presented the 47th 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Service Sunday at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery. Garden Island.
Friday, September 23, 2022
Kahele fined for misusing mailing lists, Honolulu airport gets low marks, UHERO warns of recession, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Fishery council rebukes effort to expand Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. A Hawaii-based coalition’s effort to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument is getting pushback from the fishery council crated by Congress to oversee that area of the Pacific. Hawaii News Now.
U.S. recession will weigh on Hawaii’s recovery, UHERO forecast reports. Hawaii might escape the worst of the looming U.S. recession, but its economy is not expected to start making satisfactory progress until 2024, according to a new forecast released Thursday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.
The Return Of Japanese Visitors May Be Just In Time To Save Hawaii’s Economy. A day after Japan’s prime minister lifted all travel restrictions, UH economists issued a report saying the return of Japanese travelers could help spare Hawaii’s economy. Civil Beat. KHON2.
Public input sought on transportation infrastructure preferences for planning future infrastructure. The DOT is developing a 2045 Hawaiʻi Statewide Transportation Plan. The plan will map out the state’s public transportation construction projects for the next two decades. Hawaii Public Radio.
Bill would significantly boost funding to battle ohia disease. A federal bill that would more than double the state’s annual funding for rapid ohia death abatement has exciting implications, say state researchers. Tribune-Herald.
Residents are urged to get latest COVID-19 booster. They have been available in Hawaii since Labor Day weekend. As of Wednesday, 23,354 bivalent boosters had been administered in the state, according to DOH. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu
Honolulu’s Innovative Idea For More Solar Power. Honolulu Bill 46 aims to encourage new rooftop solar by allowing 12-foot high canopies with solar panels on top and gardens and gathering spacies underneath. Civil Beat.
Illegal structures still erected on Oahu’s North Shore. An imperiled stretch of coastline between Sunset Beach and Rocky Point on Oahu’s famed North Shore has increasingly become a free-for-all as owners of multimillion-dollar properties disregard Hawaii’s beach protection laws and scramble to save their homes from the unrelenting threat of powerful waves. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
The state has poured $1B into Honolulu airport upgrades, but travelers aren’t impressed. The 2022 North America Airport Satisfaction Study ranks the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as the second worst large airport in the continent. Only Philadelphia International Airport ranked worse. Hawaii News Now.
Task force recovers large cache of ghost guns, ammunition at Oahu home. A Waipahu man is facing federal firearms charges after he was allegedly caught with two dozen ghost guns and illegal parts.
Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Island
Some Inmates Were Stuck At The Hilo Jail Because They Couldn’t Post $15 Bail. A state prisons expert says she was surprised by how bad the conditions are at the Big Island corrections facility. Some of the inmates at the packed Hilo jail have been stuck there because they could not post bail in amounts as low as $15, and conditions at the facility are so poor they rival conditions at the infamous Rikers Island in New York City, a Hawaii corrections oversight panel was told Thursday. Civil Beat.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported an uptick in seismicity, ground deformation, and surface lava at the summit for a brief period on Tuesday. Approximately 50 earthquakes were detected beneath Kīlauea summit between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. Big Island Video News.
Laupāhoehoe Gulch Bridge to Undergo Repairs Following Hurricane Lane Damage. Contractors will be at the bridge, located along Laupāhoehoe Access Road in North Hilo, starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday. Roadwork will be performed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Big Island Now.
Mauna Loa reopens Visitor Center. Located in the middle of a 2,500-acre macadamia orchard near Hilo, the center — which was closed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — is one of Hawaii Island’s most popular tourist destinations. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Commission denies appeals of its decision on police chief complaints. An investigative report on a complaint against Maui Police Chief John Pelletier found the claims were not substantiated, according to the Maui Police Commission, which deferred action on a separate complaint and denied appeals on two others on Wednesday. Maui News.
This Is How Sea Level Rise Might Change Your Favorite Maui Beach Park. This summer they dealt with a massive swell that sent water over coastal streets, leading to road closures. In the weeks that followed, accelerated coastal erosion exposed iwi kupuna, or ancestral skeletal remains, along a West Maui shoreline. Civil Beat.
Maui Family Support Services gets continued funding with 5-year, $1M per year award. This five-year, $1 million per year award will allow the MFSS QCHK project to continue child care subsidy assistance to Native Hawaiian children and families on the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, and Lānaʻi. Maui Now.
Grand Wailea property-wide refresh marks its most extensive renovation in 30 years. The 40-acre resort fronting Maui’s Wailea Beach, presents a newly revitalized Botero Lounge, a total revamp of its exclusive Napua rooms, suites and private lounge, and the transformation of two dining venues into brunch restaurant, ‘Ikena, and grab-and-gourmet market, Loulu. Maui Now.
Kauai
Lane Closures Scheduled in Kapa‘a Starting Next Week. Over the next several weeks, traffics control configurations around the Mailihuna Road, Hau‘a‘ala Road, and Kawaihau Road intersection will be changing as construction progresses. Kauai Now.
Additional monkeypox case reported on Kauai, bringing state total to 34. A new case of monkeypox has been reported on the island of Kauai, bringing the state total to 34 cases. KITV4.
Thursday, September 22, 2022
EPA urges caution on Thirty Meter Telescope, Honolulu mulls tax breaks for businesses on rail line, taxpayers may fund abandoned vehicle removal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Handling of OHA funds leads to questions over CNHA’s bid for tourism contract. Allegations that the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement mismanaged a $1.6 million Office of Hawaiian Affairs contract have surfaced as the dispute over a much larger Hawaii Tourism Authority contract heads beyond the four-month mark. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Gov. Ige Rules Out Special Legislative Session To Fix Court’s Grand Jury Ruling. Gov. David Ige issued a statement Wednesday saying that he would not call the Hawaii Legislature into special session to draft a new law to reverse a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that limits prosecutors’ choices when indicting serious criminals. Civil Beat.
Latest Fed rate hike may also increase jitters in Hawaii’s real estate market. The rise in interest rates is just one of the forces on Hawaii’s real estate market. That rise has pushed some buyers to act more quickly to get an affordable mortgage, while sellers are rethinking their asking price. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Wanted: A bunch of mahimahi stomachs. To fishermen in Hawaii, Pacific mahimahi stomachs hold no particular value and are discarded. But to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists researching mahimahi diet, each stomach tells a unique story and provides an opportunity to help the fish and its environment. Tribune-Herald.
Hawaii reports 14 COVID deaths, over 1,100 cases in past week. Hawaii News Now.
Oahu
Council considers property tax exemptions for businesses along rail line. The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure that would give businesses along the rail line incentives such as expedited permitting and tax exemptions for up to 30 years. Star-Advertiser.
Honolulu inching closer to creating historic preservation commission. “Honolulu is the only county in the state that does not have a preservation commission and one of the only major cities in the country without a commission,” councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina said Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.
Private financing not needed to build new stadium, Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that the $350 million the state Legislature provided during the 2022 session is enough money to build a new Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.
Former principal sues Department of Education over threat case. A former principal of Stevenson Middle School has filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court against the state Department of Education, alleging that officials failed to adequately protect her amid violent threats and sexual harassment from an unknown person or people, and retaliated against her for questioning the department’s response. Star-Advertiser.
Honolulu Has Many Vacant Positions Open On Boards And Commissions. Honolulu officials are looking to fill several positions on city panels, including the new advisory Economic Revitalization Commission, according to a Wednesday news release. Civil Beat. KITV4.
Hawaii Island
Bill that would cover cost of removing abandoned vehicles passes first reading. A bill that would allow private property owners to remove free of charge abandoned or derelict vehicles from their land moved one step closer to fruition Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.
Volcano skate park repairs in the works. The Volcano community is taking steps to repair and reopen Hawaii County’s only wooden skate park. Tribune-Herald.
Community Meeting Set For Upolu Well Project In North Kohala. A meeting will take place on Thursday, September 29 at the Kohala Village Hub Barn in order provide an Upolu Well project overview and solicit community input. Big Island Video News.
Signs Stolen: Nene Crossing, Tsunami Route, Scenic Byways. Police say the unique Hawaiʻi signs are being removed along Mamalahoa Highway in the areas of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the district of Kaʻū. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Maui
Maui Planning Department seeks applicants to fill 22% vacancy. The Maui County Department of Planning is seeking applicants to fill six newly funded and 12 vacant positions, ranging from clerical to planner and supervisory positions. Maui Now.
Several vacancies in Planning Department delaying permit processing. A 22 percent vacancy rate has contributed to delays in permit processing in Maui County, which is why the Department of Planning is seeking applicants to fill six newly funded positions and 12 vacant positions, ranging from clerical to planner and supervisory positions. Maui News.
Kauai
Facing litigation, Kaua‘i County returns drug treatment facility to Grove Farm. The Kaua‘i County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to deed the facility back to its previous owners, ending the county leadership role in the long struggle to get the center off the ground, which has been marred by struggles finding an operator, legal troubles and a global pandemic. Garden Island.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Activists protest Red Hill in Washington, Ige nixes Aloha Stadium contracts, 111k Hawaii students to get student loan forgiveness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Here’s how county charter amendment proposals are created for your ballot. The 2022 general election ballot won’t have any state constitutional amendments, but each county will have plenty to choose from. Hawaiʻi Island residents will see three proposals, while Oʻahu and Kauaʻi residents will each see four. Maui County, on the other hand, will see a few more. Hawaii Public Radio.
How many Hawaii student loan borrowers will benefit from Biden’s plan? Here’s a look. Over 111,000 student loan borrowers in Hawaii are eligible for Biden’s student debt relief program. That’s according to a fact sheet released by the White House on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Visitor restrictions loosen across Queen's Health System hospitals. Visiting hours will be expanded at The Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl and Molokai General Hospital to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Queen's Medical Center West Oʻahu to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Queen's North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio.
Oahu
Governor halts work on stadium construction proposals. Gov. David Ige has halted requests for proposals to build a new Aloha Stadium and will announce in three weeks different plans for its construction, a state official said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.
The Struggle Over Towering Wind Farms Is At The Center Of A Honolulu City Council Debate. A backlash has arisen against industrial wind turbines, with Kahuku residents leading the charge, raising an alarm about the problems the 40-story towers constructed there have created for them and for their children — pulsating noises, flickering shadows, and what they say are sleep disruptions, depression and new neurological ailments. Civil Beat.
First red-light camera under construction at Vineyard and Palama. Honolulu’s first red-light camera is going up at the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Palama Street, with the monitoring system issuing its first warnings in two weeks when it catches cars that run through traffic lights. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm declares 2019 fatal police shooting justified. A Honolulu police officer was justified in firing three shots that killed a 27-year-old man who lunged at him with a hunting knife following a foot chase, said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm at a news conference Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
Liquor commission’s public trust questioned by City Council. The Honolulu City Council is urging the Honolulu Liquor Commission to take steps to restore public trust, after the commission and its investigators have faced criticism over alleged discrimination and violations over the years. KHON2.
The Son Of A Slain Oahu Jail Inmate Is Suing The State Over Lax Practices. Oahu Community Correctional Center failed to follow “common sense correctional practices” and placed the 62-year-old prisoner in jeopardy, the lawsuit says. Civil Beat.
Honolulu Historic Preservation Bill Is Gaining Traction. Losses of historic sites, including the destruction of the home that inspired the song “Aloha Oe,” have spurred support for a city agency to monitor and protect Oahu’s ancient places. Civil Beat.
Hawaii Island
Council unimpressed by latest proposals to tackle homelessness. Hawaii County Council members on Tuesday were skeptical of a plan to address rampant homelessness on the island. Tribune-Herald.
County yet to issue a gun carry permit. Fewer than a dozen applications have been received by the Hawaii Police Department for a permit to carry a concealed weapon on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.
Court records detail teen’s kidnapping ordeal. A 52-year-old man accused of abducting a 15-year-old girl from a beach in Waikoloa allegedly forced her to smoke crystal methamphetamine, sexually assaulted her and shackled her inside a bus on his property, according to court documents that detail the teen’s terrifying experience. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Big Isle police say fatal shooting of Boy Scout was accidental; prosecutor to review possible firearm charges against 3 adults. “The investigation concluded that an unsupervised male minor picked up a loaded firearm and as he placed it back down, it discharged, subsequently shooting the victim,” the police department said today in a news release. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.
‘Plan and prepare’. Ironman officials offered the following advice to West Hawaii residents ahead of the first-ever two-day running of the world championship triathlon: plan ahead and be prepared for delays, particularly on race days. West Hawaii Today.
Maui
Maui Voters To Decide If County Should Operate As A Bilingual Government. The measure would require the county to issue all official notices in English and Hawaiian, the endangered language of Hawaii’s native people that, after generations of decline, is experiencing a revival. Civil Beat.
The Maui County Council on Tuesday confirmed Rogerene “Kali” Arce as the first director of the county’s Department of Agriculture. The department is charged with supporting local farmers and ranchers while boosting food security. Civil Beat. Maui Now.
Despite mounting criticism, bill to limit outdoor lights on Maui moves forward. Before clearing an 8-1 vote in front the Maui County Council Tuesday, Bill 21 saw staunch support and criticism. The measure proposes to limit the blue light content in outdoor fixtures to 2 % or less, as well as have lights pointed down and covered. KITV4.
Maui Council endorses Johnson’s proposal to allow counties to set own minimum wage. Councilmember Gabe Johnson announced Tuesday that the council endorsed his proposal for state legislation to empower counties in Hawaiʻi to set minimum wages that are higher than the state and federal minimum wage. Maui Now.
Maui County’s sunscreen ordinance takes effect on Oct. 1. Maui County’s ban on the sale, use or distribution of nonmineral sunscreens without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider, takes effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Maui Now.
Kauai
Kauaʻi event features dishes made with invasive species to raise awareness of environment. Venison, pig, mango, apple snails and tilapia are some of the invasive species on the menu. Hawaii Public Radio.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Two more plead guilty in legislative bribery scandal, special session mulled after Supreme Court felony ruling, police officers charged in rapes, more news fro all the Hawaiian Island
Lawmakers eye special session to tackle ruling that’s put hundreds of felony cases at risk. High-profile criminal cases over the weekend had prosecutors on Hawaii Island scrambling in an effort to keep the suspects in custody. That’s because a recent state Supreme Court ruling requires grand jury indictments for felony crimes. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige extends SNAP emergency proclamation once again. Gov. David Ige has signed a fourth emergency proclamation allowing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotment benefits to continue in the state in line with the federal COVID emergency. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KHON2.
A New Sense Of Urgency Is Driving Nonprofits To Grow More Local Food In Hawaii. Some of Hawaii’s busiest food banks are turning to growing their own food rather than waiting for donations as the number of people showing up for help rises. Civil Beat.
Oahu
Honolulu Elections: The Race Is On To Represent Downtown. In the Honolulu City Council race to represent downtown Honolulu and its surrounding neighborhoods, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam is promising new leadership while Traci Noguchi is pledging to continue the work she’s already doing as an aide to incumbent Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga. Civil Beat.
Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office Seeks Special Session to Reverse High Court’s Grand Jury Decision. The Honolulu prosecutor’s office says the Supreme Court ruling could result in 168 convicted felons being released unless indicted by a grand jury. Civil Beat.
HPD Chief Expects to Issue First Concealed Carry Gun Permits in October. HPD is slated to hold final its public hearing Oct. 4 before issuing new rules governing firearm permits and licenses. Civil Beat.
Judge Denies Kealoha Attempt To Sideline Federal Prosecutor. Prosecutors said Kealoha’s attempt to remove Michael Wheat from her case had no merit. The judge agreed. Civil Beat.
Retired Honolulu police sergeant charged with sexual assault of teen. A retired Honolulu police sergeant with 25 years of experience on the force was arrested Friday and charged with continuous sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, according to police booking records. Star-Advertiser.
Honolulu's acting planning department director says staffing is top priority. As Deputy Director, Takeuchi Apuna oversaw the day-to-day personnel operations, while also handling projects addressing oversized residential homes, known as "monster homes," and short-term vacation rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.
Senior affordable housing project planned for condemned Waikiki property. The city is planning new senior affordable rental housing for Waikiki following the condemnation of a derelict apartment building sandwiched between the Watermark, one of Oahu’s toniest condominiums, and freshly renovated walk-up apartments. Star-Advertiser.
Officials: It could take months to determine what sparked a deadly ambulance fire. More than three weeks after a deadly ambulance fire, officials are still working to identify the exact cause.The City Council committee on Public Safety called a special meeting Monday to discuss what exactly sparked the blaze, but the investigation continues. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Island
The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding a three-year-old Maunakea land use case this week. In 2019, Hilo residents Ku‘ulei and Ahiena Kanahele filed a petition with the state Land Use Commission requesting that the Commission declare that the current usage of the land on Maunakea summit is improper for its current zoning. Tribune-Herald.
Hunting rules could be eased. Hunters might be allowed to take twice as many feral pigs per day, seven days a week, in certain Puna forest reserves under new regulations being considered by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.
Protesters Block Access To County Road Leading To Waipio Valley. The group objects to Mayor Mitch Roth’s decision to start allowing limited access again to the famous Big Island valley. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.
Maui
80% of beach parks have ‘low resiliency’ to sea level rise. Solutions could include restoring dunes, relocating parks, acquiring more land, study says. Maui News.
Shoreline erosion along Kahana’s Lower Honoapiʻilani Road topic of public meeting Sept. 22. Maui County’s Department of Public Works will hold an online community meeting to discuss shoreline erosion and mitigation alternatives along Lower Honoapiʻilani Road at Kaʻopala Bay in Kahana via Zoom on Sept. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Maui Now.
Veteran Maui police officer arrested for sex assault. Police say Sgt. Justin Mauliola, 35, of Wailuku has been placed on paid administrative leave, and his credentials and firearm have been temporarily removed. Authorities say his police powers have been temporarily suspended. Maui Now. KHON2.
Kauai
Kaua‘i felonies may be dismissed because Supreme Court ruling in State V. Obrero. Koloa man Kristofer Dwight Bush is facing a range of felony charges, including attempted murder, for an April incident where he allegedly attacked his girlfriend and her family with pepper spray before stabbing her and her brother. Garden Island.
DHHL’s Waimea project wins planning award. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ Pu‘u ‘Opae Kuleana Homestead Settlement Plan was selected as the winner of the American Planning Association Hawai‘i Chapter’s Outstanding Planning Award at the Hawai‘i Congress of Planning Officials Conference awards session Thursday at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort &Spa. Garden Island.