Hawaii all-mail balloting deemed a success, more money earmarked for public schools, 20% of traffic tickets go unpaid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Voters line up in Hilo on Nov. 3, 2020 ©2021 All Hawaii News

Commission sees election success in all-mail balloting. Despite a 2020 general election when some Oahu polls closed almost four hours late and some Hilo voters spent three hours in line, the state Elections Commission is sending the Legislature a rosy review in its required biennial evaluation of the conduct of the election. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Gov. Ige says DOE’s budget shortfall is $123M less than feared, but teachers union contends hundreds of layoffs still looming. Ige had originally directed all state departments including the DOE, to reduce their overall budgets by a target of 10% to deal with shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This morning, he said the DOE could now revise that target reduction to 2.5%, or $123 million less will have to be cut. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: DOE budget cuts won’t be as steep as anticipated. While the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will require the state Department of Education to make wide-ranging budget cuts during the next year, those cuts might be less extensive than initially thought. Tribune-Herald.

Governor: Public schools to face smaller budget cut than previously thought. The  state Department of Education is now facing a 2.5% cut to its budget instead of the 10% it had previously anticipated. Gov. David Ige announced plans for the smaller cut Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Governor earmarks more money for education, union said hundreds of jobs will still be lost.  Gov. David Ige released additional funds to offset budget cuts to the Department of Education. KHON2.

=====

Gov. Ige to deliver State of the State address Monday. Governor Ige will lay out his plan for the year and share where we stand as a state in this COVID-19 pandemic. KITV4.

Economists: Agribusiness Development Corp. Is A “Fiasco”. A week after a scathing audit concluded that the Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. is failing to fulfill its mission to transform Hawaii’s agriculture industry, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization reached the same conclusion in a report released Thursday. Civil Beat.

Biden Signs Order Fully Reimbursing Hawaii National Guard For COVID-19 Operations. The Trump administration had previously agreed to pay for 75% of costs associated with the historic nationwide deployments of National Guardsmen. Civil Beat.

Two of Hawaii’s own to serve on Biden’s White House communications team. President Joe Biden’s communications team includes some Hawaii representation. Remi Yamamoto will be the senior communications adviser to the White House chief of staff. Michael Kikukawa, of Molokai, will serve as press assistant. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii homeowners face stiff fines for illegal seawalls. Homeowners along Sunset Beach, Punaluu and Portlock on Oahu, as well as a property owner on Molokai, are facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines for allegedly constructing illegal seawalls and boulder revetments along Hawaii’s beaches. Star-Advertiser.

20% of all parking tickets issued over the last 5 years went unpaid, state records show. One out of every five parking tickets issued in Hawaii over the last five years has gone unpaid. That amounts to nearly $11 million in uncollected fines, state records show. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Residents From COFA Nations Can Now Apply For Medicaid. The change is a result of a bill signed by former President Donald Trump restoring federal Medicaid funding for citizens of Compact of Free Association nations. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines Expands Pre-Clear Travel Program. Hawaiian Airlines has begun pre-clearing passengers departing from select US mainland cities to Hawai‘i under a program that allows travelers with a negative COVID-19 test to bypass the airport screening in Hawai‘i. Maui Now.
KHON2.

=====

Like many states, Hawaii isn’t getting the number of COVID-19 vaccines that were promised by the federal government. While the state’s allotment for the vaccine during the Dec. 15 rollout was at near full capacity ― with 58,000 doses ― that distribution has dropped to about 36,000 doses this week. Hawaii News Now.

Advocates worry seniors without computers may be left behind in vaccine distribution. Seniors without computers and email addresses ― or someone who can help ― are struggling to get appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. Hawaii News Now.

LIST: How and where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the state of Hawaii. Hawaii residents over the age of 75 are now qualified to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1B of the state’s tiered COVID-19 distribution plan. KHON2.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 21: 119 New COVID-19 Cases And Three Deaths. Hawaii health officials announced three deaths on Oahu and 119 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, including 66 on Oahu, 30 on Maui, 16 on the Big Island and seven residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Route For Honolulu Rail? Any ‘Hare-Brained’ Scheme Is Being Considered. HART’s new executive director Lori Kahikina says she’s open to any ideas that avoid having to get special utility clearances along Dillingham Boulevard. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale Sees Changes In New Year, But Challenges Remain The Same. The Honolulu City Council has seen several changes to start the New Year. While they give the Council a new appearance compared to previous years, its reponsibilities remain same – and so do its challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Registration open for vaccination clinic in Kane'ohe. Starting next Tuesday, January 26, the Department of Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Kupuna age 75+ in Kaneohe. KITV4.

Respiratory therapists at Kapiolani Medical Center navigate their first union contract. The Hawaii Nurses Association, which expects to ratify a new contract soon for Kapiolani nurses who voted to authorize a strike, is still trying to bargain with the hospital for the smaller group of respiratory therapists who mostly go unnoticed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu retail vacancies projected to surge this year. Commercial real estate firm Colliers International projects that the amount of vacant retail space on Oahu will grow by at least 270,000 square feet this year at shopping centers because of tenant closures, after 107,586 square feet of additional vacant space was added last year. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki beaches to undergo improvement project, expect closures. A new beach maintenance project for Waikiki Beach is set to commence on Jan. 25. Ongoing improvements are expected to lead to a temporary partial closure of Kuhio Beach and Diamond Head swim basin. KHON2.

Beach access coalition plans sign-waving outside Ko Olina over limited parking. Makakilo resident John Shockley is hoping new Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration will ensure Ko Olina fully reopens its four lagoon parking lots after closing them in March due to the COVID-19 shutdown and reopening them — at reduced 50% capacity — when tourism reopened in October. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL seeks beneficiary feedback on casino proposal. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands opened a public comment period for beneficiaries on a draft legislative proposal to authorize a resort and casino on Hawaiian Home lands designated for commercial use in Kapolei, Oahu. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Stevedore finds female skunk at Honolulu Harbor. A team of inspectors managed to safely capture the six-pound animal Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser.Big Island Now. 
 

Hawaii Island

Hospitals Now Offering COVID Vaccine to Kupuna. Big Island hospitals have begun scheduling appointments to vaccinate kupuna for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

HMC begins kupuna COVID vaccinations. After vaccinating staff and local health care providers against COVID-19, Hilo Medical Center is now focused on vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older. Tribune-Herald.

Scores of kupuna receive COVID-19 vaccine in Kona. It’s estimated that there are 14,000 people over 75 on Hawaii Island that need to be vaccinated in Tier 1B. Approximately 6,000 of them are in West Hawaii — though not every single one of them will receive their vaccination from Kona Community Hospital as other facilities and providers are already or will soon administer the vaccine. West Hawaii Today.

HPD Hiring New Police Officers. The starting salary for an officer is $65,652 annually. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission Workshop on Shoreline Rule Amendments Due to Sea Level Rise. The County of Maui Department of Planning will host a virtual workshop on proposed Special Management Area and Shoreline Rule amendments that could affect properties near the shoreline on the island of Maui. Maui Now.

Some Moloka'i residents push to restart Maui-Moloka'i ferry for more travel options after 'Ohana Air pulled out. Ferry owner says the same challenges that drove him to close the service in 2016, still exist. KITV4.

Longtime deputy tapped to be next top prosecutor. Position open after former prosecuting attorney was fired. Maui News.

Maui County Council Seeks Charter Commission Applicants by Feb. 1. A charter amendment approved at last year’s general election requires the mayor to appoint two members and the council to appoint nine members of the 11-member charter commission by March 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

Input sought on Waimea parcel use. Over 400 acres on the Westside the county owns are now the focus of a new master plan. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Foodbank serves hundreds in first distribution of the new year. Motorists observing the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines and rules snaked through the distribution points where more than 22,200 pounds of food were passed out in no-contact fashion. Garden Island.

Thursday was a day to reload for the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, which wrapped up its day with contributions totaling more than $4,000 from two organizations — Kaua‘i Coffee Company and the Kaua‘i Paramedics Association. Garden Island.

Green calls for mask mandate as COVID-19 cases climb, Maui prosecutor ousted, Kahuku 'Red Raiders' mascot nixed, more new from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige and Lt. Gov. Green welcomes Japan tourists PC:Sate of Hawaii

Law mandating masks needed, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green insists. Coronavirus cases are rising again, and Lt. Gov. Josh Green is seeking to stop the spread by asking Hawaii’s legislators to pass a statewide mandatory mask-wearing law during a special session this month. Star-Advertiser.

Five days of triple-digit daily case counts have created mounting concerns that the state, particularly Oahu, could be slipping back into another surge in infections that would force a retreat in reopening efforts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige Planning To Defer $1.85B In Health Fund Payments, Furloughs Still On The Table. Negotiations with unions are already underway as furloughs could begin in December. Gov. David Ige’s financial plan also includes a big loan from the feds. Civil Beat.

Senate Panel To Consider Hawaii Supreme Court Nominee Nov. 16. A second special session for the Senate is scheduled for Nov. 18. Civil Beat.

Japan helps diversify Hawaii’s tourism recovery. Only a few thousand visitors from Japan are expected to come to Hawaii during the remainder of this year. But that trickle is important to supporting Hawaii’s economy, which has a large part of its visitor industry infrastructure built around catering to Japanese tourists. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Safe Travel Program is Luring Tourists Back, But Very Slowly. For the first 23 days of the Safe Travel Program, Maui has had a total of 31,715 trans-Pacific travelers; the Big Island has had 15,953; Kauai has had 14,379; and Oahu has had 82,549. Maui Now.

‘How to Gather, For Real’. Large gatherings are the primary cause of COVID-19 clusters, a problem exacerbated by the arrival of this year’s holiday season. To demonstrate how to gather safely with ‘ohana, friends, and co-workers, the Hawai‘i Department of Health has produced a new campaign called “How to Gather. For Real.”  Big Island Now.

Executives Foresee Long-Term Changes To The Workplace After COVID-19. Even after the pandemic passes, some industries may need fewer workers, business executives say. Civil Beat.

=====

HMSA faces a lawsuit over its status as a ‘non-profit’. An Oahu nutritionist is suing HMSA in a lawsuit designed to weaken the insurer’s power in the health care marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

Some Hawaii public schools shift gears for students foiled by online learning. At Waialua High &Intermediate School, administrators noticed as early as September that the seventh graders were floundering in distance learning — and they took quick action. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Withdraws From Paris Global Climate Deal, But Hawaii Persists. The role local governments play in fighting climate change “has never been greater,” the state’s top energy official said. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii Trump supporters react to election results. On Saturday, more than 100 Hawaii Trump supporters stood on the street for what organizers called a "Stop The Fraud" event. KITV4.

'We got his back’: Trump supporters in Hawaii rally after president loses election. Several dozen Trump supporters rallied outside the state Capitol building on Saturday, hours after learning the president had lost re-election to Joe Biden. Hawaii News Now.

Trump strongholds in Hawaii: A map comparison of votes by precinct in 2020 and 2016. All Hawaii News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 8: 128 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases included 20 on the Big Island, 105 on Oahu, two in Maui County and one reported out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Lots Of Finger Pointing As Honolulu Rail Runs Out Of Money. The rail line — one of the nation’s most expensive per capita — may have to end a long way from both downtown and the hotel district in a nondescript light industrial area featuring a bus depot and a highway interchange. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi to eliminate ‘compassionate disruption’ homeless approach. Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi wants to eliminate the city’s current “compassionate disruption” philosophy to address homelessness on Oahu, including the frequent sweeps of homeless camps. Star-Advertiser.

State removes 42 illegal camps, tons of trash from Sand Island. The State of Hawaii cleared out 42 illegal campsites and removed 190.5 tons of trash from Nov. 3 to Nov. 6 at the Sand Island State Recreation Area. KHON2.

Honolulu On Track To Spend All CARES Act Funds, City Says. Households experiencing a pandemic-related hardship can still apply for relief funds up to $2,500 a month. Civil Beat.

=====

Bar fight: Lawsuit claims bias in regulating Hawaii businesses. But Oahu bar and nightclub owners — whose businesses have been closed for all but six weeks since late March because of COVID-19 emergency orders — are fighting back against what they say is unfair treatment by the government. Star-Advertiser.

Discerning restaurants from bars a matter of interpretation. Laws for selling and serving alcohol on Oahu are enacted by the Legislature, then enforced by the Honolulu Liquor Commission and sometimes the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

=====

The Fish — And Fishermen — Are Back At Ala Moana Beach. Swimmers Are Not Happy. The pandemic brought more fish to Oahu’s nearshore waters and sparked conflict among ocean users. Now, boundaries are being proposed at Ala Moana. Civil Beat.

An affordable-housing segregation issue is rising in Kakaako. The developer of Ward Village presented a plan last week to dramatically accelerate moderate-price condominium production in the neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Engineering firm faces a hefty fine for allegedly altering part of Manoa stream. Last year, the state Health Department fined the owners the home at 3148 East Manoa Rd. $40,000 for allegedly dumping nearly ten dump trucks full of construction material into the Manoa Stream to repair a retaining wall. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Kahuku 'Red Raiders' mascot nixed, deemed 'disrespectful and potentially discriminatory' toward Native Americans. A complaint called the longstanding logo, mascot, and "tomahawk chop" tradition during athletic events "disrespectful and potentially discriminatory toward Native Americans." KITV4.

Kahuku’s ‘Red Raider’ mascot soon to be a thing of the past. Changes are coming to the name and look of the Kahuku High and Intermediate “Red Raider” mascot after heated discussions about race and ethnic groups across the nation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island voters not as quick to embrace Trump. While all islands in Hawaii became a slightly lighter shade of blue this presidential election, the Big Island had the smallest increase in Trump voters in the state, according to a West Hawaii Today comparison of votes between 2016 and 2020. West Hawaii Today.

Kim: ‘I need your help’. Mayor Harry Kim told an online conference of island and state visitor industry leaders Friday that he fears what happens when the federal coronavirus funds expire next month and the potential impact on tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Police to begin wearing body-worn cameras. The Axon Body 2 cameras will be worn first by officers in the South Hilo, Kona and Puna districts, said Hawaii Police Department Chief Paul Ferreira. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Island Police Body Cameras Go Live Monday, Nov 9. South Hilo, Kona, and Puna district police will start, and the rest of the island is expected to be outfitted with the body cams before the end of 2020. Big Island Video News.

Big Island group aims to curtail feral rabbit population. Rascally rabbits are wreaking havoc on Hawaii Island, and the Big Island Invasive Species Committee is asking those who spot the animals to report them. Tribune-Herald.

Council passes resolution to seize portions of property to provide access to beach. The Hawaii County Council passed on Friday a resolution to seize portions of a Papaikou property through eminent domain in order to provide public access to Mill Beach. Tribune-Herald.

Rainy season begins with a dry October. Although the long-term forecast is for a wetter-than-average rainy season for most of Hawaii, much of the Big Island, especially East Hawaii, had a drier-than-usual October. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County prosecuting attorney ousted over claims of hostile work environment. Maui’s prosecuting attorney is out of a job tonight as the county council voted unanimously to remove him from office. Hawaii News Now.

Council committee votes to recommend Guzman’s removal. A Maui County Council committee voted unanimously Friday to recommend the removal of Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney, after an independent report and hours of county employee testimony said the leader violated the county’s violence in the workplace policy. Maui News.

Protesters block Maili drainage project. The unhappy neighbors of a housing development under construction in Maili have banded together once again, this time to stop the subdivision’s $300,000 drainage project. Star-Advertiser.

County to resume liquor exams. The Department of Liquor Control will resume certification exams and classes beginning Thursday after the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to be suspended in August. Maui News.

Kauai

The Long-Simmering Feud Over This Kauai Rental Property May Finally Be Coming To A Head. The well-known Chandler family’s property is on the agenda for this week’s Kauai planning commission meeting, signaling a possible end to a 20-year permitting dispute. Civil Beat.

Free virus testing starts. The County of Kaua‘i, in partnership with the Department of Health, launched a free COVID-19 surge-testing program that will be available every Sunday through the end of December at various locations on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Ki‘ilani Arruda is Miss Teen USA. Ki‘ilani Arruda of Kapa‘a, Miss Teen Hawai‘i, has done it. She is the first teen from Kaua‘i, and second from the state, to win a Miss Teen USA title. Garden Island.

Kauai woman wins Miss Teen USA crown on national stage. The last time a contestant from Hawaii won the title was actress and model Kelly Hu in 1985. Hawaii News Now.

Trump strongholds in Hawaii: A comparison of votes by precinct in 2020 and 2016

 

Hawaii elections officials rethink mail-only ballots, long lines spur COVID-19 concerns, Blangiardi and Roth solicit cabinet appointees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii voters line up in Hilo ©2020 All Hawaii News

 Last-minute surge of isle voters flooded election sites. In a last rush to have their opinion count, hundreds of voters showed up just before the 7 p.m. scheduled close of Hawaii voting centers across every county on Election Day, delaying the release of results for more than four hours. Out of 832,466 registered voters — another record — the number of ballots cast represented 69.6% of registered voters. Star-Advertiser.

‘Distrust,’ Enthusiasm And A Hawaii Law Fueled Long Lines On Election Day. Thousands of Hawaii voters waited for hours in lines outside of Hawaii’s eight voter centers Tuesday night, a situation that election officials have promised to remedy but one that citizen groups have been warning against for months. Civil Beat.

Long wait for Hawaii vote spurs call for more voter centers. Voter advocates say Hawaii should set up more voter service centers after a last-minute surge of interest led to hours-long lines for in-person voting on Election Day even as the state switched to a vote-by-mail system for casting ballots. Associated Press.

What worked, what didn’t: Election officials discuss improvements for next election. Election officials said they are reviewing how election-day went after thousands showed-up for in-person voting services on election day. Hawaii News Now.

Near midnight wait leads to call for more voting centers by 2022. Some voter service centers moved like clockwork and mostly by the election clock. Kauai finished in-person voting just after 7 p.m. Maui and Kona closed about an hour after that, and Hilo at 8:30 p.m. But on Oahu, people were still in line at Honolulu Hale until 10:30 p.m. and Kapolei Hale until nearly 11:30 p.m. KHON2.

Local support for Trump grew in 2020, but it didn’t translate into down-ballot wins. Local support for the Republican presidential candidate rose in 2020 to the highest level observed since the 2004 general election, a sign that enthusiasm for incumbent Donald J. Trump across Hawaii was strong despite the state’s reputation as a Democratic stronghold. Hawaii News Now.

=====

In A Divided America Kai Kahele Wants To Find A Place To ‘Fit In’. The Democratic state senator is only the second Native Hawaiian elected to Congress since statehood. Civil Beat.

Kahele hopes to bring neighbor island perspective to Congress. Democratic state Sen. Kai Kahele plans to amplify the voices of the neighbor islands after winning the U.S. House District 2 seat Tuesday night with 63% of the vote. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo’s Kai Kahele Heading To Washington As Next Congressman. Kahele is looking to recruit individuals to serve in key positions on his Congressional staff in Washington D.C. and in his District Office. Big Island Video News.

=====

Tam To Serve As Only Open LBGTQ State Lawmaker. Adrian Tam is the new state House representative for District 22 covering the Kakaako and Waikiki area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suicides In Hawaii Appear To Be Decreasing — Despite Pandemic. Experts say the preliminary data is an encouraging indicator that people are paying closer attention to their mental health and getting help. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 4: 156 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 156 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, including 21 cases on Hawaii Island, one on Lanai, four on Maui, 125 on Oahu, and five out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi’s transition team already underway. Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi said today that he has his sights set on a second-in-command and is putting together a transition group to help him pick others in his cabinet. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s next mayor is ready to hit the ground running. After winning the election, Rick Blangiardi says that he is ready to tackle some of the city’s most important issues. KHON2.

Why Honolulu Chose Rick Blangiardi Over Keith Amemiya. First-time candidates Rick Blangiardi and Keith Amemiya couldn’t run on their political records, so experts say it came down to personality. Civil Beat.

A day after election, efforts to reorganize City Council are already underway. There are five newcomers on the nine-member City Council ― its biggest turnover in years. Hawaii News Now.

Some first time politicians have been elected on O'ahu. First time politicians join City Council. KITV4.

=====

Long lines at Oahu polling locations trigger fears of COVID-19 spread. Onlookers are raising concerns about whether the large crowds of voters ― hundreds at several points through the day and into the evening ― could have been exposed to COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

You didn't need a mask to vote in Honolulu. Of the more than 4,200 in-person voters on O'ahu, Honolulu Elections Administrator Rex Quidilla told KITV4 only a "handful" refused to wear a mask. KITV4.

Long Election Day voter lines lead to complaints. Honolulu election officials said they anticipated more Oahu residents would show up on Election Day to vote at one of the two designated voter services centers on the island, just not 4,520 of them during that 12-hour span. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Honolulu appears unlikely to advance to Tier 3. With 125 coronavirus cases reported on Oahu, it appears unlikely that Honolulu will move this month to the next phase of economic reopening. In fact, it could move backward, warns Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Department to deploy COVID-19 quarantine response teams on Oahu. The Honolulu Police Department has created a small unit of police officers to check up on incoming travelers who are supposed to be quarantined on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Ward Village developer plans for 2 more towers. Two towers with 1,243 homes will be in the next phase of Ward Village, according to the developer of the master-planned community in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Lookout reopens to trickle of visitors. A trickle of visitors on Wednesday enjoyed the panoramic view at Nuuanu Pali State Wayside — more popularly known as Pali Lookout — on the first day of its reopening since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth hitting the ground running: Cabinet positions available to be filled by Dec. 7. After a decisive win late Tuesday in his bid for mayor, Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth hit the ground running Wednesday, preparing to close one county office while he begins assembling a cabinet so he’ll be ready to take over the next one Dec. 7. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth wants to change the ‘philosophy of government’. Hawaii County-elect Mayor Mitch Roth will take over on Dec. 7, giving him just over a month to build his cabinet. Star-Advertiser.

Kimball, Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder talk priorities after winning council seats in Tuesday’s election. The District 1 and District 5 contests were the only contested council races on the ballot in the general election. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island to Change Pre-Travel Testing Model, Administer Fewer Second Tests. Hawai‘i County will transition away from its pre-travel testing model, through which all travelers are tested twice, once on the mainland and once upon their arrival to the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino students test positive for COVID-19. Two Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino students recently tested positive for COVID-19, days after the school reopened for limited in-person learning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Voting officials surprised by large Maui precinct turnout. More than 230 voters in line during peakCounty officials and volunteers were surprised with the large turnout of in-person voters on Election Day at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui Now.

MEO Celebrates New Buses with Blessing. The buses will primarily transport Head Start keiki and will supplement MEO Youth transportation services. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i sees 72% turnout for 2020 General Election. Kaua‘i recorded a record 72% voter turnout for the 2020 General Election. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i residents approve six charter amendments. Residents voted in favor of reducing the qualifications required to be considered for the roles of the county’s Department of Public Works County Engineer and Water Board Manager. Garden Island.

Kawakami signs Bill No. 2803. Mayor Derek Kawakami signed Bill No. 2803, amending homestead-exemption status for full-time Kaua‘i residents for property-tax purposes. Garden Island.

Hawaii sends its 4 electoral votes to Biden; Blangiardi, Roth win county mayoral races, Kahele takes Tulsi Gabbard's congressional seat, voter turnout slows results, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ballot sorting ©2020 All Hawaii News

Full Hawaii election results as of 1:13 a.m. HST  Wednesday. Hawaii Office of Elections.

Hawaii picks Biden in race for the White House. As expected, Hawaii voted overwhelmingly to support Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in Tuesday’s general election. In results released about 11 p.m., Biden had secured about 65% of the vote. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s general election voter turnout was the best its been since 1998.  High-profile races both locally and nationally were driving factors for a high voter turnout in this general election. By the second printout early Wednesday morning, election officials reported 557,189 ballots cast, for a 66.9% voter turnout. That’s based off a total of 832,466 registered voters across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Voters endure long lines to cast ballots. Long lines of Oahu voters at both Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale held up the entire state’s release of election results Tuesday to determine key races, including Hawaii’s preference for the next U.S. president. Star-Advertiser.

US House: Democrats Ed Case And Kai Kahele Headed For Landslide Wins. Neither candidate faced a serious challenger in their bids to represent Hawaii in the U.S. House, which is still controlled by Democrats. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele to join fellow Democrat Ed Case in U.S. House. Kai Kahele, a Native Hawaiian who grew up in the fishing village of Milolii and serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Air National Guard, will bring a duality of views to the U.S. House of Representatives as Hawaii’s newest member of Congress. Star-Advertiser.

Kai Kahele wins race for next U.S. Representative Dist. II, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Kahele won 58.4% of votes at 165,031. KITV4.

=====

Hawaii Legislature: GOP Loses A House Seat, Stays Even In The Senate. A fresh crop of younger lawmakers — all of them Democrats — are on track to pick up seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Republican Party lose ground in state House. Hawaii’s Republican Party lost one of its five seats in the state House — already the fewest number of seats it held since statehood in 1959. Star-Advertiser.

Incumbents cruise to easy state Senate victories. Seven incumbent state senators were cruising to victory Tuesday night, including Bennette Misalucha, who was appointed to fill the seat of the late state Sen. Breene Harimoto. Star-Advertiser.

Luana Alapa ousts Colette Machado in Office of Hawaiian Affairs race.  First-time candidate Luana Alapa has ousted Office of Hawaiian Affairs chairwoman Colette Machado from the Molokai seat on the Board of Trustees, according to second printout results releaseds shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rick Blangiardi wins Honolulu mayor’s race. Long-time television executive Rick Blangiardi captured the Honolulu mayor’s office Tuesday night, easily outpointing fellow first-time candidate Keith Amemiya by about a 6-4 margin. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi wins race for Honolulu in tough contest between political newcomers.  Former TV executive Rick Blangiardi handily won the race for Honolulu mayor Tuesday night after a tough general election contest that pitted two political newcomers against one another ― and included no shortage of mudslinging. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor: Rick Blangiardi Declares Victory, Keith Amemiya Concedes. With the majority of votes counted, the results show Oahu voters favored former Hawaii News Now general manager Rick Blangiardi.  Civil Beat.

Former TV executive Rick Blangiardi won the race for Honolulu mayor over Keith Amemiya, the one-time head of the high school athletics organization. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rick Blangiardi wins race for Honolulu Mayor in 2020 General Election. Rick Blangiardi wins the race for Honolulu Mayor over Keith Amemiya after the first printout results. KHON2.

Rick Blangiardi wins the race for Honolulu Mayor. Following the second printout that was released just before 2 a.m., Blangiardi had 58.2% of votes at 216,558 votes. KITV4.

=====

In race for Honolulu prosecutor, retired judge Steve Alm wins election on pledge of reform. Running on a platform of reform, retired Judge Steve Alm defeated defense attorney Megan Kau in the 2020 general election race to become Honolulu’s next prosecuting attorney. Hawaii News Now.

Steve Alm wins race for Honolulu's next prosecutor. Following the second printout from the Hawai'i State Office of Elections, Alm had 52.0% of the votes at 193,772. KITV4.

Steve Alm Is Well Ahead Of Megan Kau In Honolulu Prosecutor Race. This will be the first time since 1988 that the beleaguered office was not held by either Peter Carlisle or Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

=====

Augusto ‘Augie T’ Tulba and Radiant Cordero to join Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council: Kiaaina, Cordero And Tulba Pull Ahead. Honolulu will have five new City Council members on Jan. 2. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Voters Favor Term Limits For Prosecutor. It is one of four charter amendment questions on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth clinches Hawaii Island mayoral seat. Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth beat political newcomer Ikaika Marzo late Tuesday in the race to be the next mayor of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Roth Elected Hawaiʻi County Mayor. Mitch Roth leads Ikaika Marzo in the race for the Hawaiʻi County Mayor. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Casts Familiar Face in New Role as Mayor. Former Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth will assume the mantle of Hawai‘i County Mayor following his victory over fellow challenger and community organizer Ikaika Marzo. Big Island Now.

Veteran prosecutor Mitch Roth clinches victory in Big Island mayoral race. In the race for Hawaii County mayor, Mitch Roth secured a victory over community organizer Ikaika Marzo. By the second printout, Roth garnered 48,895 votes, or 57.4%. Marzo earned 40.1%, or 34,142 votes. Hawaii News Now.

Mitch Roth wins Big Island mayoral race. Mitch Roth, 56, handily defeated political novice Ikaika Marzo in the mayor’s race in what the candidates described an amicable race between “friends.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Races: Mitch Roth Out Ahead In Mayor’s Race. Voters also chose County Council members and decided the fate of numerous charter amendments. Civil Beat.

Mitch Roth wins Hawai'i Island mayoral race. Mitch Roth has won the race for Hawai'i County Mayor following the second printout results on Wednesday. KITV4.

Mitch Roth wins race for Hawaii County Mayor. KHON2.

=====

Kimball beats Yagong in Hamakua council race; Kanealii-Kleinfelder edges Rodenhurst in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Final Printout Shows Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder Winner of District 5 Seat. Big Island Now.

=====

Majority of proposed Charter amendments pass. West Hawaii Today.

Long lines at polling places delay results. Some voters waited in line for nearly three hours Tuesday afternoon as COVID-19 precautions slowed the voting process in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

‘Huge turnout:’ West Hawaii voters flock to make choices in person. Despite a statewide shift to vote by mail, Big Island voters flocked to the voter service center in West Hawaii to cast ballots in person on Tuesday culminating with a big Election Day surge. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council incumbents carrying the day; Johnson leads in vacant Lanai residency seat. Maui News.

Initial results favor county charter amendments except Managing Director. Six of the seven Maui County Charter Amendments are on track to being voted in – with the exception of the Office of the Managing Director, according to the second summary report by the State Office of Elections. Maui News.

Turnout hits highest levels in over 20 years. In a politically charged climate of pandemic and protests, Maui County voter turnout already has reached its highest level in 20 years, according to county and state election data. Maui News.

Lines Long But Manageable on Election Day at Maui’s Voting Service Center. Maui Now.

Voting officials surprised by large Wailuku precinct turnout. County officials and volunteers were surprised with the large turnout of in-person voters on Election Day at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

DeCosta, Carvalho Jr. in line to join council. Preliminary results as of Tuesday night show incumbents outweighing newcomers in the upcoming iteration of the Kaua‘i County Council with a 72.1% turnout. Garden Island.

Former Mayor Bernhard Carvalho On His Way To Kauai Council. The former Kauai Mayor is likely to join at least three council incumbents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii braces for COVID-19 spike from mainland, state hits record voter turnout, Honolulu mulls public transit fare hikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Socially distanced witches celebrate Hawaii Halloween PC: Royelen Lee Boykie from Facebook

 Officials say Halloween parties could lead to small spike in cases. Many people had a relaxing Halloween and followed local health guidance by staying at home, but there were several large parties that officials said could lead to a small spike in cases in the next few weeks. KHON2.

'It's a threat to us': Hawai'i experts urge public to follow restrictions amid mainland Coronavirus crisis. Coronavirus cases are soaring across the country--putting some states in crisis mode--and some fear the surge could spread to Hawai'i. KITV4.

=====

Perfect storm results in record voting in Hawaii. A convergence of forces has turned chronic voter apathy in recent years in Hawaii into record ballots cast — even before Tuesday’s general election. Star-Advertiser.

Fee hikes at state parks are no help without tourists. Tourism is back — somewhat — but it’s going take months before the state parks system is able to enjoy any windfall from an increase in fees that went into effect Oct. 9. Star-Advertiser.

Snail mail no longer only way to alert state of wrongdoing. The Regulated Industries Complaints Office of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has introduced an online portal dubbed “U-Tip” that eliminates the need for the public to mail written complaints or tips about suspected improper regulated work to the agency. Star-Advertiser.

=====

State looks to bridge digital divide with mobile learning hubs. In order to bridge that digital divide, the Department of Education has set up mobile learning hubs in communities on the Big Island and Oahu to ensure all needs are met. Hawaii News Now.

Failing A Class Could Get Your Student Back To School Sooner. Failing marks can now fast-track some kids to in-person instruction so they don’t suffer trying to learn from home. Civil Beat.

‘Stressed And Overwhelmed’: Hawaii’s College Students Confront The Pandemic. Stress, anxiety and trauma have been compounded during an academic year unlike any other. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 1: 83 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 83 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, including one on Kauai, 53 on Oahu, 26 on Hawaii island and three Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Increased fares for Oahu public transit introduced in City Council. The Honolulu City Council will consider increased fares for public transportation after two bills were recently introduced. Star-Advertiser.

Easy Targets? Some Oahu Homeless Have Been Ticketed Dozens Of Times During The Pandemic. A Civil Beat analysis of court data on HPD’s pandemic enforcement shows homeless people account for nearly 25% of pandemic violations despite making up less than 1% of the population. Civil Beat.

Leadership qualities, rail and COVID-19 dominated mayor’s race. Tuesday’s general election will determine who takes over the third-floor corner office at Honolulu Hale when Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s second term ends Jan. 2. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry slowly reopening. Waikiki wasn’t exactly raining visitors Sunday, but there were some signs that the launch of the state’s pre-arrival testing plan has brought some green shoots. Star-Advertiser.

Bars frustrated at paying liquor license when they've been closed much of the year. They can't use it now, but some bars say it's harder to renew a lapsed liquor license, so they keep paying for a license they can't currently use. KITV4.

With construction tying up coveted spaces, weekend parking at popular park is a bear. Weekend parking has always been a scarce commodity at Ala Moana Regional Paark. But ongoing construction has made it’s even more of a headache. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Three lawsuits filed against PGV. A trio of lawsuits have been filed in Hilo Circuit Court, requesting an environmental review be completed before Puna Geothermal Venture, which was partially destroyed by lava two years ago, is allowed to produce electricity. Tribune-Herald.

Building code won’t meet deadline. Hawaii County is not going to meet a state-imposed deadline to revamp its building code and two county council members are prevailing upon Gov. David Ige to allow an extension. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Asks Governor To Suspend New Building Code Deadline. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Council Requests Extension to Update Building Code. Big Island Now.

Election deadline nears: Host of federal, state and local races to be decided Tuesday. It’s not even Election Day and Hawaii County voters have already surpassed the voter turnout of the last presidential election. West Hawaii Today.

Puna roundabouts could face delays due to pandemic. State legislators had allocated $30 million in capital improvement funding earlier this year to widen Keaau-Pahoa Road, or Highway 130, from two lanes to four lanes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Guzman cites ongoing friction with Victorino. Mayor seeking to remove prosecutor; council to decideMaui County Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking to remove Prosecuting Attorney Don Guzman because he allegedly raised his voice during a meeting to reprimand a deputy prosecutor, amid a backdrop of disagreements between Guzman and Victorino in recent months, Guzman said Friday. Maui News.

State retirement fund abandons plan for Maui golf course redevelopment. The owner of the Royal Kaanapali and Kaanapali Kai golf courses, an investment fund for Hawaii public-­sector worker entitlements, recently notified another state entity that it is no longer pursuing a conceptual plan to add a hotel, about 150 to 250 condominiums and other amenities around reconfigured golf operations. Star-Advertiser.

Retail, restaurants see a sales bump with visitors back. But crowds add to business challenges with pandemic-era rules, safety concerns. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai sees low percentage of mainland visitors participating in post-arrival testing. Post-arrival COVID-19 testing has been taking place at state and county levels for the past two weeks. KHON2.

Kauai Bets Big With CARES Money To Boost Local Beef Industry. Kauai County has committed nearly $4 million of its allocation of $28.7 million in state money under the CARES Act to try to rejuvenate Kauai’s agriculture industry by helping some of the largest operations on the island and some of the smallest. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Rise Initiative gets federal funds. The Trump administration recently announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $966,540 in three projects in the state, including the county Office of Economic Development’s Kaua‘i Rise Initiative. Garden Island.

Still time to register, vote. It requires a trip to the Voter Service Center in Lihu‘e, proper photo identification and a few other requirements, but there is still time to register and vote in Tuesday’s general election. Garden Island.

Lanai

Nearly 400 COVID-19 Tests Administered on Lāna‘i During Mass Testing on Saturday. Well over 3,000 tests have been administered on Lānaʻi since the beginning of the outbreak. There were no positive cases reported today on the island. Maui Now.

Hundreds turn out for Lana'i mass testing event. Nearly 400 COVID-19 tests were administered to Lanai residents on Saturday during a six-hour mass testing event aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. KITV4.

41% of Hawaii voters already voted, Lanai voter center closed amid COVID-19 surge, Eddins appointed to state Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii Voter Turnout Already At 41%. Officials ask that voters mail ballots by Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii elections office begins processing ballots. The state has already received nearly 365,000 ballots by mail. KHON2.

Ballots pouring in: 41% of Hawaii County voters have already voted. Some 41% of Hawaii County’s more than 127,000 registered voters had already voted by Friday, with 11 days to go before the Nov. 3 general election. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Wrong Tests, Weird Exemptions – What The Data Tells Us About Hawaii’s Reopening. In the first full week of Hawaii’s pre-arrival testing program, 86% of the nearly 67,000 people traveling from out of state bypassed quarantine one way or another, but only 63% of arriving travelers had a negative COVID-19 test. Civil Beat.

=====

To reclaim ancestral land, all Native Hawaiians need is a $300,000 mortgage and to wait in line for decades. A 100-year-old program created to provide Native Hawaiians — especially poor ones — land to live on after the U.S. annexed the islands is failing. Thousands have died waiting in line and even more can’t afford the mortgages they’d need. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Home Lands Announces $1 Million in Grant Availability. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has announced the availability of $1 million in grants as part of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan. Big Island Now.

=====

Another Federal Grand Jury In Hawaii? This Time It’s About United Public Workers Union. The U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service have subpoenaed stacks of records from one of the state’s largest unions. Civil Beat.

Judge Todd Eddins Appointed To Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Governor David Ige on Friday announced the appointment of First Circuit Judge Todd W. Eddins to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Big Island Video News.

Why Some Hawaii Parents Now Want Their Kids In Private School. One Catholic school principal said the calls have been nonstop, mostly from families who are tired of doing remote learning as part of the state public school system. Civil Beat.

Big Island coronavirus cases hit 1-day peak and surpass Oahu. The number of COVID-19 cases reported Sunday on the Big Island reached 51, the isle’s largest one-day tally since the start of the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 25: 121 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 121 new cases of COVID-19 statewide Sunday with 49 on Oahu, 51 on Hawaii island and 18 in Maui County, where there is an outbreak on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Deadline looming for HART’s rail plan. It’s been a rocky couple of months for the folks at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the agency tasked with building the city’s embattled $10 billion-plus East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki residents fear Halloween night could turn into COVID-19 super spreader event. Honolulu police and other officials are pleading with residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 restrictions, especially those pertaining to social gatherings and face coverings, as Oahu enters the holiday season, starting with Halloween on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State plans $1.8 billion housing and commercial development for East Kapolei. A thousand affordable rental homes could rise on state land in East Kapolei as part of a new long-range development plan also featuring a hotel, retail, offices and warehouses.  Star-Advertiser.

Haseko plans 1,850 new homes at Royal Kunia in Central Oahu. A third attempt is underway in as many decades to produce roughly 2,000 homes in Central Oahu at the long-stalled second phase of Royal Kunia. Star-Advertiser.

City agrees to a tentative $320,000 settlement over HPD domestic violence case. The suit alleged that officer Darren Cachola choked his wife in 2017 then pushed her against a wall and terrorized two years later after she filed for divorce. The city is on the hook because the suit alleges that HPD officers did not investigate her injuries and tried to talk her out of filing charges. Hawaii News Now.

Tony Roma's Waikiki closing. After 45 years sitting on Kalakaua Avenue, the Tony Roma's Waikiki restaurant is closing up shop. The restaurant, known for it finger-licking baby back ribs, will serve the final customers until Wednesday, October 28. KITV4.

Vintage aircraft face chopping block. A Kalaeloa Airport naval air museum whose vintage aircraft could be auctioned off or chopped up is scrambling to remove some of its collection ahead of the Saturday deadline to vacate the premises. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for a stronger, uniform statewide mask mandate on Sunday as Hawaii Island reported its highest single-day jump in new COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for a stronger, uniform statewide mask mandate on Sunday as Hawaii Island reported its highest single-day jump in new COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Spike in Big Island cases described as an ‘islandwide problem’. The spread of COVID-19 on Hawaii Island is no longer limited to one cluster or one part of the county, and it’s mostly blamed on social or family gatherings. Hawaii News Now.

TMT opponents oppose small teaching telescope at Halepohaku. The public comment period for the proposed relocation of the University of Hawaii’s teaching telescope to a site on Maunakea will end Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Date set for management transition at veterans home. The East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. is preparing to take over the management of Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home Jan. 1, 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor seeks Guzman’s removal as prosecutor. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking the removal of Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney in a resolution submitted to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

County Officials Defend Use of Kamaʻāina Program as Incentive to Visitors who Take Post-Arrival Test. But the extension of offers to visitors via the program’s new Mahalo Card, has prompted criticism from some who say the program was established and intended for residents. Maui Now.

Astronomers Say Cluster of Mysterious Lights in Maui Sky was an Old Rocket Booster. The mysterious lights in the night sky over Maui on Saturday still has many perplexed as to their origin, but astronomers say the believe the lights “in all likelihood” were associated with the reentry of a used up rocket booster from a launch in 2008. Maui Now.

Kauai

14 arrested on Kauai for allegedly breaking quarantine requirements since state’s reopening. Kauai police have arrested 14 people for allegedly violating the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine since the state’s pre-arrivals testing program began on Oct. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Resident tests positive. A Kaua‘i resident has tested positive for COVID-19 following a voluntary post-travel test from the County of Kaua‘i, the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announced Sunday. Garden Island.

County receives $15.5M for water systems, capital improvements. The state allocated the county $15.5 million for a breadth of projects across the island, including capital improvements and water systems. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai voter service center closed due to outbreak. With the outbreak of COVID-19 on Lanai now reaching 95 cases and counting, it isn't just impacting public health on the small island, it's also impacting the election. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Green worries COVID-19 infections could hit triple digits on Lanai. As of last night, the governor had not signed Maui Mayor Mike Victorino’s request for a Stay At Home Order that would start on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai COVID-19 total tops 60 cases. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is expecting to implement a stay-at-home order and travel restrictions for Lanai beginning Tuesday as the island’s COVID-19 case count ballooned to 65 Friday. Maui News.

As Cases Spike On Lanai, School Moves To Distance Learning. Lanai High and Elementary School has switched to distance learning as the COVID-19 outbreak on the island grows and Maui County officials await approval to impose a stay-at-home order on the island starting Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 26% of Hawaii voters have already voted, Kauai restaurants bar tourists from dining rooms, tsunami advisory lifted, DOE revamps school reopening plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 In Hawaii, Your Ballot Has To Be In By 7 p.m. On Election Day. Eighteen other states will still accept a ballot if it’s postmarked by Election Day. More than 900 ballots were not counted during the August primary in Hawaii because of a state law that sets a hard deadline of 7 p.m. on Election Day to return ballots. Civil Beat.

Over 221,000 ballots received prior to opening of voter service centers. As of Monday, elections officials said over 188,000 ballots on Oahu alone have been received. At last check, over 221,000 were received statewide. Officials say that equals a 26.6% turnout so far. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Tsunami advisory for Hawaii canceled after small waves from large Alaskan quake reach islands. Scientists watching the gauges in Hawaii determined the wave heights, though small, were of advisory level in some north-facing harbors, including Kahului (15 inches) and Hilo (12 inches) harbors, and issued a tsunami advisory after the fact. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Ige: Interisland travel could open by end of year. Gov. David Ige said during a news conference Monday that he believes the state may be able to resume unrestricted interisland travel by the end of the year if the number of daily COVID-19 cases continues to drop. Tribune-Herald.

30% of those hospitalized in Hawaii for coronavirus have been under 50. Of the nearly 900 people in the islands who have required hospitalization for COVID-19, about 30% were younger than 50 at the time they were admitted. The statistic underscores what health officials have been trying to drive home: While seniors are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, the virus can also land younger people in the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Travelers with negative COVID results are still forced to quarantine. These travelers said it’s because they’re not able to upload their negative results to the state’s Safe Travels App. KHON2.

Renters In Hawaii Are Struggling. So Are Their Landlords. As tenants fall behind on rent and units sit vacant, some landlords are looking to sell. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii Health Department updates guidance for schools reopening. The Department of Health released updated guidance for public and private schools Monday that aligns better with the new tiered reopening plans at the county level as well as federal guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Releases New Guidance For Reopening Schools. The updated metrics come a month after initial guidelines were first issued. Those were met by pushback from the teachers union. Civil Beat.

New COVID-19 Guidance For Hawaiʻi Schools Released. The health department released the revamped guidance to schools after its first version was heavily criticized by union officials. Big Island Video News.

In fresh effort to reopen campuses, state again revises COVID-19 guidance for schools. As the state begins to transition its focus from reopening to tourists to reopening public school campuses, the Department of Health on Monday released a new set of metrics designed to guide the Education Department’s decision making about when students can return to campus. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health updates COVID-19 guidance for schools. In a matter of weeks, many public schools will begin bringing students back to campus. KHON2.

DOH releases new guidance to help schools safely transition between learning models. Monday, the state Department of Health released updated guidance to elementary, middle and high schools in order to help school administrators make decisions to safely transition between different models of learning. KITV4.

=====

“Talent Roadmap” Declares: Now is the Time to Reinvent Hawaiʻi’s Economy. Enhancing workforce development is the starting point, according to a report from the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative, which is based on input from almost 200 people. Hawaii Business magazine.

Building Hawaiʻi’s Technology Sector. Paul Yonamine, CHANGE Economy Committee co-chair and member of the TRUE Committee, says Hawai‘i’s public and private organizations are late adopters of information technology. Hawaii Business magazine.

=====

State matches $500,000 donation to SNAP program for purchase of locally grown food. The state will match a $500,000 donation to a program that doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits spent on locally grown food at participating grocery stores, according to Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

DA BUX food program receives $1M in virus aid. A state food stamp program has temporarily expanded its range of available products for participants struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

State, Private-Sector Partner to Double Food Bucks to Help Families, Local Agriculture. The State of Hawai‘i will match a donation of half a million dollars from a hui of private-sector organizations toward the DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program. Big Island Now.

=====

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 19: 39 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. It’s been nearly two months since Hawaii’s daily COVID-19 case count dropped below 50. Civil Beat.

Oahu

COVID-19 Recovery, Rail, Budget Crisis Face Incoming Honolulu City Council. Voters will fill three of the nine Honolulu City Council seats in the November 3rd general election. Two candidates have already won in the primary. Hawaii Public Radio.

Since tourism relaunch, police have issued 4,500 warnings for violating COVID-19 orders. Thousands of visitors to Oahu have been warned or cited for not wearing masks or failing to social distance. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu: You Need To Wear Masks Outside, Even With Your Own Family. The little-known rule might be changing as soon as this week. But for now, you risk a citation if you’re gathering with household members without a mask. Civil Beat. 

Some visitors still confused about O'ahu's mask mandate. "So it's incumbent on the visitor industry if they want to spread aloha, they have to make sure their guests are following all the required rules," Mayor Caldwell said. KITV4.

=====

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces new COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facilities in Waikiki. The City & County of Honolulu is reserving as many as 221 rooms at the Park Shore Waikiki and is leasing the 46-room Waikiki Beachside Hostel to quarantine and isolate Oahu residents who contract or were exposed to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Secures Two Waikiki Properties For COVID-19 Isolation. First responders and homeless people are among those who will benefit from the isolation facilities, city officials said. Civil Beat.

City secures two Waikiki hotels as quarantine locations. Honolulu has secured 221 rooms at the Park Shore Hotel, along with 46 apartment units at the Waikiki Beachside, for a total of 452 quarantine rooms. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu City Council bill mandates hotel employee callback rules. Oahu hotel operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic are crying foul at a Honolulu City Council bill that would dictate to the managers which employees could be brought back to work as their facilities slowly reopen. Star-Advertiser.

Residents optimistic about state’s economic recovery, Hawaii Poll shows. Many Oahu residents are more optimistic than Hawaii experts about when the state economy will return to normal, a new poll suggests. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Poll says Oahu voters overwhelmingly prefer Joe Biden over Donald Trump in U.S. presidential race. Vice President Joe Biden received 58% support from Oahu voters in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll, while President Donald Trump received 29%. Star-Advertiser.

Convicted ex-prosecutor wants phone hearings during pandemic. A former high-ranking Honolulu prosecutor who is in jail while awaiting sentencing for a conspiracy conviction in Hawaii’s largest corruption case wants to participate in hearings for a lawsuit her uncle filed against her by telephone because of the pandemic. Associated Press.

A church manager for a Filipino televangelist was sentenced Monday for lying about a suitcase that contained hidden cash. Felina Salinas will spend 30 days in prison for the crime, after she attempted to board a private jet with pastor Apollo Quibiloy in 2018. That’s when she told federal agents a suitcase about to be loaded was hers. It turned out that the case hid more than $300,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai'i Island voter receives ballots for dead person, former resident. With election day right around the corner, some Hawai'i voters are continuing to question the state's vote by mail system. KITV4.

Big Island judge earns 2020 Champion for Social Justice Award. After working nearly seven years as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, it would be understandable if Cynthia Tai wanted to kick back, relax and take it easy for a while. West Hawaii Today.

Week Without Violence underway; selfie lovers have a chance to take part today. Hawaii Island residents today can let victims and survivors of sexual violence know they have the community’s support as well as help to raise awareness to end violence against women and girls globally by taking part in YWCA’s a Week Without Violence selfie campaign. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Travel Update: 2,447 Average Daily Arrivals Over First Four Days Since Reopening. Maui County saw average daily arrivals jump to 2,447 in the first four days since the state launched it’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program on Oct. 15.  That’s up from the average daily 530 travelers logged in the 12 days prior between Oct. 3 and 14, before the reopening program took effect; but less than half of the 5,590 average daily domestic arrivals reported in Maui County over the same four days last year. Maui Now.

State announces testing partners in the islands to handle intercounty travel. Quarantine still in effect for arrivals without a negative test result from approved lab. Maui News.

Avoiding a guilty plea, trial possible for former Maui officer in wire fraud case. A former Maui police officer accused of trying to coerce a woman into having sex may now have a trial after not entering a guilty plea with the court. Brandon Saffeels allegedly sent text messages and made phone calls telling a woman he could make her DUI go away if she spent time with him. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i REALTORS® Donate PPE and Cleaning Supplies to Maui Schools. On Maui, REALTORS® donated 2,500 face masks and 910 face shields to Maui High School, and 35 touchless soap dispensers, 148 AA batteries and 27 soap refill containers to Waihe‘e Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

2 Kauai restaurants ban tourists from dining rooms. Two restaurants on the north shore of Kauai have posted social media notices that they won’t be serving visitors, who arrive through the state’s pre-arrivals testing program, in their dining rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Saenz Ohana Breakfast draws ire trying to be safe. The decision to allow visitors to only order online and pick up while serving residents with a Hawai’i identification in person has created a lightning rod of controversy on social media for one Kaua’i food truck. Garden Island.

Some Kauai eateries are asking recent travelers to not dine-in. Saenz Ohana Breakfast food truck on Kauai made a post that has gotten some mixed reactions. But the business owner said it all comes down to safety and protecting his family, community and others. KHON2.

Post arrival testing program for residents kicks off on Kaua'i. A post arrival testing program for residents kicked-off at the War Memorial Convention Hall on Kaua'i on Monday. KITV4.

County revising $261.1 million operating budget. Because of the combination of withheld state taxes and retroactive salary raises, the county is considering several steps to balance its $261.1 million operating budget. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire’s greenhouse now exporting produce statewide. A pioneering hydroponic greenhouse farm on Lanai established by tech billionaire Larry Ellison has begun to export produce statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Lana'i has its own COVID-19 rapid test machine. An anonymous donor made it possible for Lana'i to have its own COVID-19 rapid test machine that's supposed to deliver results within 15 minutes. KITV4.