Outdoor dining coming to Honolulu, ethics reform slips off candidates' radar, teaching telescope could open to the public, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki sidewalk scene ©2022 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Hale poised to issue outdoor dining permits. Under the two-year pilot program, six-month permits are available for establishments that are on the ground floor connecting to city sidewalks. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Why Ethics Reform Hasn’t Been A Bigger Issue In The Hawaii Governor’s Race. You might think the stunning parade of criminal wrongdoing in state, city and county government in recent years would inspire a robust slate of reform proposals. But that hasn’t happened in the campaign for governor so far. Civil Beat.

Staffing shortage cited as latest delay in fully opening Hawaii’s new psychiatric hospital. State health officials say that a staffing shortage at the Hawaii State Hospital is preventing the opening of the last of six units at its new 144-bed psychiatric facility, which was completed last year, leaving 16% of beds empty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s East-West Center ‘Is Undergoing A Renaissance’ With More Eyes On Pacific Affairs.The growing threats from climate change and geopolitical tensions with China are underscoring EWC's role in strengthening U.S.-Pacific relationships.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Is Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters ‘Unbeatable’? Waters promises to continue his focus on providing more affordable housing on Oahu. But homelessness has worsened in his district. Civil Beat.

City urges more park activities to curb vandalism. Over the past six years, the cost of vandalism to city parks has surged, dipped slightly and is on the rise again. Star-Advertiser.

Shortened rail route means more buses needed for Kakaako station. Kakaako’s relatively sleepy Halekauwila Street between South and Keawe streets will transform into a bustling bus and rail transit hub when the Civic Center rail station opens there in less than two years. Star-Advertiser.

Makaha bridges’ makeover criticized by some residents. The state Department of Transportation in 2021 began replacing two bridges near Makaha Beach that the state considers most urgently in need of repair, but residents now are worried that a contractor’s recent installation of small rock dams in the stream beds below both bridges could cause flooding to neighborhoods or damage to the reef. Star-Advertiser.

New affordable housing project to serve large families. The Honolulu City Council has granted approval for Kealahou West Oahu to run a new affordable housing project for those earning 60% of the annual median income on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH-Hilo observatory could be available to the general public. At an open house Wednesday about the proposed development of an educational observatory at the midlevel facility on Maunakea, Rene Pierre Martin, director of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Educational Observatory, said he hopes the telescope will be usable by people ranging from public school teachers to amateur astronomers, in addition to astronomy students at UH. Tribune-Herald.

Roth touts joint Waipi‘o effort: Says long-term solution should come from both community, county. Hundreds braved a rainy Wednesday night to attend a meeting at Honokaa Gym about Waipi‘o Valley Road with Mayor Mitch Roth, Public Works Director Steve Pause and Heather Kimball, District 1 councilwoman. Tribune-Herald.

Closures Planned For Laʻaloa, Magic Sands Beach Parks.Beginning on Monday, October 31, the two popular Kona beach parks will be temporarily closed for construction that could take up to 8 months. Big Island Video News.

Housing buyout program enables victims of 2018 Kilauea eruption to get on with their lives. The buyout program allows owners of impacted primary or secondary homes to receive a payout based on assessed land values before the eruption, up to $230,000. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor says 2-day running of Ironman World Championship in 2023 not set in stone, though race officials are moving forward. Though Roth said a two-day running hasn’t been finalized, Ironman officials said Sunday that the Florida-based company is already planning — and awarding slots — for races on Thursday, Oct. 12, and Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In wake of primary, Victorino emerges as top fundraiser. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is leading in campaign fundraising following the primary election in August with more than $100,000 raised, though he spent much less than his challenger, Richard Bissen. Maui News.

Maui journalists to question mayoral candidates in live debate. Maui County mayoral candidates Richard Bissen and Michael Victorino will answer questions from a panel of Maui reporters on Oct. 15 during a live debate broadcast on Akaku Community Media from Seabury Hall. Maui News.

Maui Voters Weigh A Ballot Proposal To Create A Separate Housing Department. The move to split up the county’s Department of Housing and Human Concern comes as residents increasingly struggle to find affordable homes on the Valley Isle. Civil Beat.

Maui boaters blast state cutting spigots at harbors, urge water enforcement instead. Local recreational boaters said water spigot reductions at state harbors are fueling frustrations over water distribution — especially when thirsty hotel users continue to irrigate their properties.  Maui Now.

Maui County unveils new electric buses. The County of Maui Department of Transportation unveiled six new GILLIG BAE hybrid electric buses. The 35-foot ADA low-floor, energy-efficient buses will initially be deployed within Central Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Deadline Monday for comments on KIUC’s West Kauai Energy Project. Public comments on the draft environmental assessment for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s West Kaua‘i Energy Project are due by close of business today, Monday, Oct. 10. Garden Island.

Council candidate forums are Oct. 13, 14. The YWCA of Kaua‘i announced County Council candidate public forums Thursday and Friday, Oct. 13 and 14 from 5 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.