Douglas strengthens to first hurricane of Pacific season, no Hawaii tsunami threat from 7.8 Alaska quake, teachers union calls halt to Aug. 4 reopening, 90 Honolulu police on leave after COVID-19 case, Ironman canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii ballot testing ©2020 All Hawaii News

Is Hawaii Ready To Vote By Mail? As ballots go out, concerns linger over the potential for disenfranchisement but officials say they have adopted lessons from other states and will learn from the primary election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials hope mail-in vote means fewer glitches. With just about everything different in Hawaii’s 2020 primary, state election officials anticipate that glitches, if any, on Aug. 8 could come from the eight real- time, old-school “voter service centers” in the new era of statewide, mail-in voting. Star-Advertiser.

A look at many options to cast a 2020 vote, and how it’s counted. The 2020 elections are under way and they’ll look a lot different in Hawaii due to the shift to mostly mail-in system. KHON2.

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Hawaii officials urge residents to prepare for hurricane season. Gov. David Ige reminded Hawaii residents to be prepared as the peak of hurricane season arrives and as Tropical Storm Douglas, which was expected to strengthen into a hurricane by today, heads toward Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Officials urge hurricane preparedness amid ongoing pandemic; Tropical Storm Douglas expected to impact island sales. With Tropical Storm Douglas strengthening in the Eastern Pacific as the cyclone marched toward Hawaii Tuesday, state officials took to social media to emphasize the importance of being prepared for a hurricane amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Rules are being rewritten as Hawaii prepares for a hurricane amid a pandemic. Tropical Storm Douglas is the first named storm of the season to come near Hawaii – and the first ever during a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 presents new challenges for storm preparations. Emergency officials say the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges in preparing for a storm. So planning ahead is even more critical than ever. KHON2.

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Douglas strengthens, becoming first hurricane of Eastern Pacific season. As of the 5 a.m. Wednesday update, Douglas was about 1,785 miles east-southeast of Hilo or 1,500 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical storm Douglas strengthens to a category 1 hurricane. This is the first hurricane of the 2020 eastern Pacific season, with wind speeds up to 75 mph. KHON2.

Douglas Five-Day Track Updated, Becomes First Hurricane of 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Hurricane preparedness is top of mind this week as Douglas strengthened to Hurricane status today and is now considered the first hurricane of the 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Maui Now.

Tropical Storm strengthening. Newly formed Tropical Storm Douglas was strengthening over the open Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, and forecasters projected it would grow into the region’s first hurricane of the season. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forecast Tracks Towards Hawaii. Tropical Storm Douglas is moving due west with no change in strength, the National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday, adding that the system is expected to become a hurricane soon. Big Island Video News.

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7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska; No tsunami threat to Hawaii. A tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake. KHON2.

PTWC clears Hawaii, no threat from strong 7.8 mag earthquake off Alaska. Officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a strong earthquake off the Alaskan Coast Tuesday night no longer poses a threat to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii teachers union calls for delay in students’ return to school. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is urging the Board of Education to postpone the return of students to public school campuses, saying educators need more time to prepare to work in the COVID-19 era. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers Union Wants School Reopening Postponed. The teachers union is calling for an indefinite delay to the Aug. 4 start date. Civil Beat.

Teachers union says it has ‘no confidence’ that public schools can reopen safely Aug. 4. The teachers union said Tuesday it has “no confidence” that school campuses can reopen safely in two weeks and urged the state to delay a plan to bring students back for in-person instruction until more is done to allay concerns from teachers and parents. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers union pushes back against state’s plan for reopening schools. The Hawaii State Teachers Association on Tuesday urged state leaders to delay students’ Aug. 4 return to school. Tribune-Herald.

Public school teachers' union wants state to delay bringing back students to campus. The Hawaii State Teachers Association says teachers need more time to prepare their classrooms and help ensure the safety of the students. KITV4.

HSTA Wants A Delay In Reopening Hawaiʻi School Campuses. The Hawaii State Teachers Association today said it has no confidence that classrooms will be able to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 by August 4. Big Island Video News.

Teachers Union Says School Openings Should be Delayed. Hawai‘i public schools will reopen classroom doors on Aug. 4, but the Hawai‘i State Teacher’s Association (HSTA) says that’s not enough time to make schools safe for the return of its members or their students. Big Island Now.

Schools reopening face opposition. Hawaii State Teachers Association voiced concerns on Tuesday about bringing students back to classrooms, citing a lack of preparation and insufficient pandemic training. Garden Island.

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Ige: State not at point to require roll back of recovery plans. Gov. David Ige thinks his plan to allow trans-Pacific travelers to skip the two-week quarantine requirement will be able to go forward in September, despite reservations from the state’s mayors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s hotel occupancy improved slightly in June, but further shocks are expected. Occupancy at isle hotels about doubled in June to 15.7% from a coronavirus-related low of 8.4% in April. Star-Advertiser.

‘Geofence’ could help tourists roam: County explores allowing ‘resort bubbles’ to allow quarantiners out of hotel rooms. Hawaii Island is joining Maui and Kauai in exploring a new concept in gradually reopening their doors to tourists — a “resort bubble” where quarantining visitors would be allowed freedom to roam within the confines of a geofence. West Hawaii Today.

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Why Ige Vetoed Two Bills And Allowed Three More To Become Law. Newly released messages show the Hawaii governor’s thinking behind actions he took on five major bills approved by lawmakers in May. In an unusual move, Gov. David Ige found technical defects in all five bills state lawmakers passed in May to try to cope with the state budget shortfall and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to notices recently released by the Legislature. Civil Beat.

International Ships On Their Way To Hawaii For RIMPAC. But you won’t be seeing Japanese or Australian sailors in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele Says He Wants Police Reform, But His Vote Says Otherwise. The presumptive Democratic nominee for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District has a clear path to Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

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In search for hidden COVID-19 cases, state program tracks surge of virus in Hawaii. A state program designed to search for hidden cases of coronavirus has revealed an alarming new surge of virus in the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii counts 25 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,418. Hawaii health officials reported 25 new confirmed coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak to 1,418. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 21: 25 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,418 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nearly 90 police officers, recruits on leave after a single COVID-19 case at HPD. Nearly 90 Honolulu police officers and recruits will be tested for the coronavirus on Wednesday after a former recruit tested positive over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

How Kym Pine Is Using the ‘Power Of Incumbency’ In Mayor’s Race. The term-limited Honolulu councilwoman is making use of her city platform as she seeks higher office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

California couple arrested after being accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. Investigators with the Attorney General's office arrested a couple from California on Tuesday accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. KITV4.

Second COVID-19 Lockdown Could Make Homeless Vulnerable To Arrest, Legal Spiral. Among those who received citations the most for violating the stay-at-home order in the spring were the homeless.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Nearly 900 businesses in Honolulu closed March - July. New data finds nearly 900 businesses closed - both temporary and permanent - amid the pandemic. The closures were between March 1st and July 10th in Honolulu. KITV4.

Kalihi residents say they weren’t consulted on a proposed homeless prevention center. Kalihi residents are protesting a proposed facility aimed at providing homeless prevention services. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship canceled for first time in race history. The 2020 edition of the annual 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run was originally postponed from its Oct. 10 date to Feb. 6, 2021. However, because of health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of the future of international travel, The Ironman Group announced Tuesday the 2020 race will not take place. West Hawaii Today.

IRONMAN Cancels 2020 World Championship in Kona. The 2020 version of the Big Island’s premier sporting event will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Out-of-state students coming to UH-Hilo next month required to quarantine for 14 days. Out-of-state students returning to the University of Hawaii at Hilo next month will still be required to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Hawaii, although UH last week announced modified quarantine procedures for such students attending universities on Oahu and Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

County explores joining lawsuit against fossil fuel companies. Hawaii County might join the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit seeking financial reparations from more than a dozen fossil fuel companies for their role in causing climate change and rising sea levels. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Reported crimes in 2019 at 44-year low. Violent crimes ticked up from 2018 while property crimes fell. After Maui County recorded a record-low crime rate in 2018, crime reported in the county declined again last year to its lowest level in more than 40 years, according to a state report. Maui News.

Maui Lani roundabout set to open July 30 or even earlier. Victorino urges to remain vigilant even with no new COVID cases in 8 days. Maui News.

Kauai

After 2 months of a 4-day work week, Kauai county offices to shift back. County offices and employees are returning back to their normal 5-day work week. The county said starting next week Monday, most county offices will once again open Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

An emotional mayor’s luncheon. Mayor Derek Kawakami addressed members of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday in an emotional, virtual mayor’s luncheon that touched on the plan to bring students back to public schools and the hardships COVID-19 has brought to the community. Garden Island.

Deployed at home. Stationed in Kapa‘a, the Hawai‘i National Guard has assisted the county in pandemic response. Garden Island.

Schools release pandemic reopening plans, candidates report campaign war chests, churches get millions in federal PPP grants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Social distancing at a Hawaii school PC:Wheeler Elementary School

Most Hawaii public schools will blend in-person and distance learning when classes resume. Principals selected different learning models in consultation with their staff and communities, campus by campus, for the new academic year. Star-Advertiser.

‘Learning models’ selected: Big Island schools choose plans for handling instruction when classes resume. With less than a month before students return to class, Hawaii’s public schools have made decisions about how to deliver instruction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii COVID-19 Forecast Tool Launched. A new online tool gives a 14-day prediction about how many cases, hospitalizations and fatalities Hawaii is facing. A new forecasting tool estimates Hawaii could see between 248 and 285 new COVID-19 cases confirmed within the next two weeks. Civil Beat.

Shuttered Churches, Temples Got Millions From Feds. A federal program designed to help small businesses also helped bail out hundreds of churches and other religious organizations that were largely shut down amidst stay-at-home orders. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Close Legislative Session Upended By Virus. Hawaii lawmakers on Friday wrapped up a legislative session upended by the coronavirus pandemic that forced weekslong breaks in proceedings, the state Capitol building to close and some meetings to be held via teleconference. Associated Press.

Hawaii Lawmakers Salvage Bills Despite Pandemic. Some priority measures to protect the environment and expand access to preschool advanced but others to regulate Uber and Lyft and reform gun laws died at the last minute. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Pass Bill That Phases Out Coal-Powered Energy in State. Lawmakers passed a bill that will phase out the use of coal in Hawai‘i by the end of 2022. Big Island Now.

Bill that would’ve expanded evidence against alleged domestic abusers is deferred. A measure aimed at protecting survivors of Domestic Violence was deferred at the Capitol Friday. House Bill 2610 would have allowed prosecutors to use some of the victim’s statements to first responders against alleged abusers. Hawaii News Now.

Incumbents Maintain Money Advantage In Hawaii Legislative Races. Several seats have opened up though as some lawmakers decide to seek other elected posts or leave public office. Civil Beat.

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There’s good news for besieged ohia trees. Researchers for the first time have shown that ohia seedlings can survive for at least a year in forests afflicted by rapid ohia death — a glimmer of hope for a beleaguered species that has lost more than a million individuals since the disease was discovered in Hawaii a decade ago. Star-Advertiser.

Forest Restoration After Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death May Be Possible, Study Shows. Scientists have found that native ʻōhiʻa seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas that have active mortality from Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii Updates: 21 New Cases After Record-Setting Day. Hawaii saw 21 new reported COVID-19 cases today after yesterday's record-setting 42 infections. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 12: 21 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Once again, most of the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Amemiya, Alm Lead Campaign Money Races For Mayor, Prosecutor. Primary election voting by mail starts in just over a week. Civil Beat.

Colleen Hanabusa: ‘You Don’t Need Someone Who Needs Training Wheels’. The former congresswoman has two decades of political experience and government service behind her. Now she wants to be Honolulu’s mayor. Civil Beat.

Voting machines tested for accuracy ahead of this year’s primary election.  In just over a week, the state will begin mailing out the ballots for this year’s primary election. Ahead of that, state election officials on Saturday tested the voting machines for accuracy. Hawaii News Now.

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Many maskless people enjoy ‘Open Street Kalakaua’ in Waikiki while COVID-19 continues to spread. Hundreds of people — many without masks — flooded onto Waikiki’s shuttered Kalakaua Avenue on foot, bicycles, skateboards and roller skates to enjoy a traffic-free Sunday while worries of contracting COVID-19 lingered in the backdrop. Star-Advertiser.

Despite hesitance from some, city holds a ‘Dine in Chinatown’ event. An effort to boost business in Chinatown went took place this past weekend, despite criticism from some. Hawaii News Now.

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6 COVID-19 cases tied to a cluster at the Pearl City Nursing Home. A total of six cases have now been reported at the Pearl City Nursing Home. Officials say the cluster began when a staff member found out they tested positive on Thursday and immediately notified the facility. Hawaii News Now.

Four residents, two workers test positive for COVID-19 at Pearl City Nursing Home. Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group Hawaii said his team was brought in to Pearl City Nursing Home to test about 100 residents and 200 workers on Friday and Saturday. Four residents and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

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Proposed Ewa Beach sea wall raises concerns. An August 2019 environmental assessment by MCBH said the proposed 10-foot-high, 1,500-foot-wide steel wall would have no significant impact on the human or natural environment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth leads the pack: Mayoral candidates report campaign contributions. Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth charged ahead of the pack raising money in the race for the county’s top spot, collecting more than $148,000, primarily from big-money donors. West Hawaii Today.

Pro-business donors step up for County Council challengers: Incumbents Villegas and Kanealii-Kleinfelder outspent. Two freshman County Council members face formidable opposition in the campaign fundraising department, with pro-business challengers to both Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas and Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder raising twice as much as the incumbents. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Mayor’s Race Could Hinge On Winning The Leeward Vote. More than a dozen candidates are vying to unseat Mayor Harry Kim and lead the county through the economic crisis. Civil Beat.

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Sewage Discharge Enters Kailua Bay, Closes Aliʻi Drive. 20,000 gallons of sewage entered Kailua Bay due to a broken sewer line, health officials reported on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

Sewage spill closes Kailua Bay. It was unknown how much sewage entered Kailua Bay, but swimmers were told to get out of the water and signs were immediately posted warning of contaminated water. West Hawaii Today.

County Pools Reopen Monday, With New Rules. The County of Hawaiʻi will be posting COVID-19 Modified Pool Rules at each facility, which will operate on modified schedules with interim rules in place. Big Island Video News.

Maui
Mayor: ‘We are looking at a later date’. Victorino addresses Aug. 1 easing of travel rulesDespite the state’s recent announcement that it will relax requirements to enter Hawaii come Aug. 1, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday that the reopening may be delayed due to rising COVID-19 cases on Oahu and the U.S. Mainland. Maui News.

Maui Trans-Pacific Flights Increase to Four on Saturday. On Saturday, 2,296 people arrived in Hawaiʻi, including 600 visitors and 635 returning residents, according to new data compiled by the state Department of Transportation and released by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Stricter term limits, Agriculture Department pass its first test. Dividing up Department of Housing and Human Concerns fails. Maui News.

Maui County starts economic recovery task force. The Mayor's Economic Resiliency Task Force aims to provide help and hope to struggling County merchants. KITV4.

Wildberger, Couch in rematch for South Maui district seat. Incumbent state lawmaker defends seat against former council member. Maui News.

Kauai

2020 Primary Election ballots to go out to Kauai voters on July 14. Ballots for the 2020 Primary Election will be mailed out on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, to Kauai voters. KHON2.

Path easement moving forward. For a portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal pedestrian and bicycle path, the county is seeking to use eminent domain on a piece of property an owner wants to sell for over 10 times the appraised value. Garden Island.

‘Innovative’ dusk. The drive-in format marked the reopening of the Coconut Marketplace’s free family movie night program following a period of closure due to COVID-19 guidelines and rules. Garden Island.

Volunteers net tons of nets. With a depleted group of volunteers because of COVID-19, the Surfrider Foundation continues to conduct giant Net Patrols every Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases top 1,000, Senate staffer, Summer Fun worker test positive, Kauai man arrested for refusing to wear mask, voter registration deadline nears, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Yellow tang on Hawaii reef, story below  ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Senate worker tests positive for coronavirus but legislative session to resume Monday. The Hawaii State Senate will reconvene on Monday, despite learning Saturday that a Senate staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases top 1,000 as lifting of some lockdowns leads to more spread. Coronavirus infections in Hawaii topped 1,000 on Sunday, the fourth day in a row with more than 20 new cases. Star-Advertiser.

Green urges caution, mask-wearing as COVID-19 case count hits 1,023. As Hawaii surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 cases Sunday, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he is concerned about a potential surge in cases following this weekend’s holiday festivities. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii continues to see double-digit spikes in COVID-19 cases amid growing concern about community spread. Hawaii saw another double-digit spike in new COVID-19 cases Sunday, with 25 new infections — all on Oahu. The cases put the statewide total at 1,023. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige warns that without more federal aid, public worker pay cuts or furloughs are inevitable. Gov. David Ige is planning to borrow money from the federal government to raise cash to navigate the budget crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but said layoffs, pay cuts or furloughs of Hawaii public employees are inevitable if Congress and President Donald Trump don’t come through with more help. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Among Airlines To Reach Loan Agreements with US. American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and three smaller carriers have reached agreement with the government for billions more in federal loans, a sign of the industry’s desperate fight to survive a downturn in air travel caused by the virus pandemic. Associated Press.

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Public will have a chance to weigh in on the major overhaul of election rules. A big overhaul of election rules is on the table, and the public has a chance to weigh in on Monday, July 6. KHON2.

Voter registration deadline approaching. New Hawaii voters have until Thursday, July 9, to register to vote in the 2020 Primary Election. West Hawaii Today.

State elections office to hold drive-thru voter registration events. Voter registration can be done online at the state Elections website, through a Voter Registration Applications at the county election office, or through one of several drive-thru registration events this week. Hawaii News Now.

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Kahele Can’t Campaign For Congress Right Now. Does It Matter? The Democrat has to sit it out while on active National Guard duty, but he doesn’t face much of a threat anyway — something that has dumbfounded political observers. Civil Beat.

State seeks to give health director power to declare public health emergencies. The state wants to give the state Health director the authority, with the governor’s blessing, to declare public health emergencies to battle the coronavirus and future pandemics. Hawaii News Now.

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Federal judge rules Hawaii’s quarantine is reasonable during coronavirus pandemic. A U.S. judge will not stop Hawaii from enforcing a quarantine on arriving travelers, saying in a ruling that the emergency mandate is reasonable during the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A group of Hawaii, California and Nevada residents tried to stop the quarantine by filing a lawsuit alleging it is unfair and unnecessary. It violates the fundamental right to travel freely, they argued. Associated Press.

Full order from federal court upholding Hawaii's quarantine policy found here.

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Hemp production bill advances, but fate uncertain. A bill that would fully legalize hemp production throughout Hawaii is only a few steps away from becoming law, although many are unhappy with its final form. Tribune-Herald.

Ways and Means passes measure banning flavored tobacco products. The state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday unanimously advanced a bill banning flavored tobacco products. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed solar farms could power 200,000 Hawaii homes. About a dozen solar farm developers are preparing to soon hold community meetings about plans that could power around 200,000 Hawaii homes with photovoltaic panels covering more than 3,000 acres on three islands. Star-Advertiser.

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Breakthrough could boost yellow tang. Scientists in Hawai‘i have made breakthroughs in studies of the popular yellow tang aquarium fish that could lead to a shift to aquaculture for procurement instead of wild catching. Garden Island.

Roi, the misunderstood fish. Research reveals more about disliked, introduced species. Over the years, roi have been labeled as a culprit for the declining fish populations and reef health, but marine specialists say these fish may not be as bad as they seem. Maui News.

18 endangered monk seals born in main Hawaiian islands so far in 2020. A total of 18 monk seal pups have been born in the main Hawaiian islands so far this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Beach Cleanups Prove Popular And Purposeful During Pandemic. People want to help or just stretch their legs, and groups are organizing events with safety guidelines in mind. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Updates: State Exceeds 1,000 COVID-19 Cases; Summer Fun Worker Tests Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Sunday, July 5: 25 New Cases. All of those new cases were reported on Oʻahu, bringing the cumulative total on that island to 744. Big Island Video News.

Number of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is now over 1,000. Twenty-five new cases reported on Sunday, July 5, by the state Department of Health brings the statewide total to 1,023. KHON2.

Oahu

Waipahu Summer Fun employee tests positive for COVID-19. A city park employee who works at a Summer Fun site in Waipahu and had “minimal” contact with participants has tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said. Hawaii News Now.

City park staff member tests positive for COVID-19. The city has confirmed a staffer in the Department of Parks and Recreation has tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Summer Fun employee tests positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

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‘Open Street Sundays’ in Waikiki extended through July. Kalakaua Avenue will continue to be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday mornings, as the city has announced an extension of the ‘Open Street Sundays’ program. Hawaii News Now.

Envisioned vertical public school in Kakaako faces new delays. Three years after unveiling images of what Hawaii’s first vertical public school could look like, the pioneering project envisioned for Kakaako is in limbo. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako condo tower construction upended by COVID-19. Production of a mainly midpriced Kakaako condominium tower has run into trouble because of COVID-19, but the developer believes several planned changes that include pricing more units for less will overcome setbacks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ola Brew expands to mainland: Company’s hard seltzers now available across Southern California. At a time when many businesses are seeing markets shrink, Kailua-Kona’s Ola Brew Co. has managed to extend its reach to the mainland. West Hawaii Today.

Puna retreat’s grant request delayed as pandemic stifles state funding. A battle between a group of Puna residents and a Puna retreat is delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Half of jobless filers had not received checks. More than half of Maui County residents who applied for unemployment benefits as of mid-May had not received payments and nearly half of Maui County households reported a decline in income since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, a Bank of Hawaii Foundation survey released Thursday showed. Maui News.

Kahului Airport’s Runway 2-20 to Temporarily Close for Taxiway Construction. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation advises Maui residents of the closure of Runway 2-20 for a taxiway reconstruction project scheduled to take place at the Kahului Airport on weekends from July 4 to Aug. 1. Maui Now.

More park space and fewer gentleman’s estates. Draft community plan covering next 20 years finished. Designating 500 more acres in West Maui for parks and open space and restricting gentleman’s estates and fast-track affordable housing projects in certain West Maui areas, are some of the highlights of the updated draft of the West Maui Community Plan. Maui News.

Kauai

Man arrested after refusing to wear face mask. Kaua‘i police arrested Ryan Buley, 34, of Kapa‘a, Saturday afternoon, for terroristic threatening and harassment following his refusal to wear a mask in a North Shore store. Garden Island.

Kauai man arrested for harassment after refusing to wear a mask. Kaua‘i police arrested Ryan Buley, 34, of Kapa‘a, Saturday afternoon for terroristic threatening and harassment following his refusal to wear a mask in a North Shore store. KITV4.

Kauai County, Airbnb Inc. agree to limit rentals. Kauai County has partnered with Airbnb Inc., the online travel platform, to help weed out illegal vacation rental properties on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii to lift quarantine for those passing COVID-19 test, hospitals ready for anticipated virus surge, police discipline disclosure bill advances, Senate President: Zuckerberg didn't break quarantine, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii government officials announce reopening travel PC:Governor's Office

Ige: Hawaii’s Quarantine Will Be Lifted For Those Who Show Proof Of Negative COVID-19 Test. Gov. David Ige said officials expect to see a rise in virus cases, but Hawaii hospitals are equipped with the capacity to handle new infections. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announces trans-Pacific testing program as alternative to quarantine. Starting Aug. 1, passengers with approved negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of their trip to Hawaii may bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for out-of state passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Aug. 1, pre-testing program will allow Hawaii travelers to avoid quarantine. Starting Aug. 1, travelers who test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before arriving in Hawaii will be able to avoid the state’s mandatory quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Travelers With A COVID-19 Test May Skip Quarantine Starting In August. As of August 1st, travelers coming to Hawaii will be exempt from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they first get tested for COVID-19 and are negative for the virus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Don’t want to quarantine? Travelers will need to test negative for COVID-19 before coming to Hawaii. Hawaii Governor David Ige announced on Wednesday that a pre-travel testing program will be available to travelers coming to Hawaii as an alternative to the mandatory 14-day quarantine order. KHON2.

Hawaii to launch Covid-19 pre-testing program for travelers starting Aug. 1. Starting Aug. 1, travelers will have the option to get tested for Covid-19 prior to arriving in Hawaii as an alternative to the 14-day mandatory quarantine, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

No Quarantine For Pre-Tested Out-Of-State Travelers To Hawaiʻi, Starting August 1. The announcement was made by Governor David Ige at a news conference held on Wednesday at the Honolulu International airport. Big Island Video News.

Travel to Reopen to Visitors with Pre-Travel Testing Program. Trans-pacific travel will reopen to visitors Aug. 1 under a pre-travel testing program as an alternative to a 14-day quarantine. Big Island Now.

State to launch COVID-19 pre-travel testing program for out-of-state travelers August 1. Travelers will have option to pre-test or quarantine. KITV4.

Ige to visitors: Get tested. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday plans to reopen Hawaii to more visitors, months after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted mandatory two-week quarantines for those arriving from out of state. Tribune-Herald.

State plans for lifting quarantines. Beginning Aug 1, the state will implement a pretravel testing program for travelers to Hawai‘i as an alternative to the 14-day quarantine, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige: Hawai‘i to Implement Pre-Travel Testing Option on Aug. 1 as Alternative to Quarantine. Governor David Ige today announced that as of Aug. 1, the state will implement a pre-travel testing option for travelers to Hawaiʻi as an alternative to the 14-day travel quarantine. Maui Now.

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Officials say Hawaii is ready for more COVID-19 cases. As state officials announced plans to allow in more air travelers as part of the next major step in opening Hawaii’s economy, they said the islands are well prepared to deal with the growing risk of additional COVID-19 cases and a possible second wave. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economic Chief: Tourism Is ‘Who We Are’ And Must Be Rebuilt. But Mike McCartney acknowledged his agency still has not come up with a plan to address the short-term economic crisis facing the state. Civil Beat.

Hotel industry gears up for lift of trans-Pacific travel restrictions. Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO, Mufi Hannemann, has anticipated for weeks, and he said the industry has been preparing with new best practices. KHON2.

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Hawaii lawmakers advance police reform bill that’s been years in the making. Amid nationwide calls for change, Hawaii state lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would make the names of police officers suspended or fired public. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Move To Eliminate Exemption That Has Hidden Police Misconduct For 25 Years. House Bill 285 will now go to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Civil Beat.

House bill calling for public transparency, police reform passed. The bill requires the disclosure of the identity of officers who are suspended or discharged for misconduct in a report to the Legislature. KHON2.

Police accountability bill heads for final vote. A bill to release the identities of fired or suspended county police officers is headed back to the full Legislature for a final vote. West Hawaii Today.

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Proposed public worker pay raises would cost more than $150 million. The public worker pay raises being advanced by House and Senate leaders would total more than $150 million in general funds, an expensive package that is raising questions among lawmakers who wonder how the state can possibly pay those raises and also cope with a $2.3 billion general treasury budget shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

House bill under fire after "gut and replace". HB2502 SD1, set for testimony Thursday morning in the Senate, is a far cry from its original draft in January. KITV4.

Local Businesses Re-examine Relationship with Kamaʻāina Customer. Businesses across the state are continuing to re-open after months of COVID-19 closures.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Local Restaurants Still Have Rough Recovery Ahead of Them. Hawaii Restaurant Association chairman estimates 40% of local restaurants will close by the end of the year. Hawaii Business magazine.

COVID-19 Budget Moves Out For Passage, But Not Without Controversy. Hawaii lawmakers have agreed to a plan to set aside millions in CARES Act funds to cover some of the benefits that unemployed workers will lose at the end of July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Board of Education Member’s Re-Confirmation Gets Committee Approval. Kili Namauu’s confirmation to a second term was not automatic, stalling when the Legislature was last back in session in May. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii sees 16 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 835. Hawaii recorded 16 new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 835, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 16 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawai‘i Department of Health has identified 16 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state total to 835. Big Island Now.

Oahu

VIDEO: Honolulu mayoral candidates discuss issues critical to Waikiki. Five Honolulu mayoral candidates discussed issues critical to Waikiki during a Zoom conference call Wednesday evening hosted by the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and the Waikiki Improvement Association. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates debate virtually over issues in the Waikiki district and the economy. Wednesday’s mayoral debate took place virtually, the first in a long line as candidates get closer to election. The forum was hosted by the Waikiki Improvement Association. KHON2.

Karaoke, live performances now allowed at bars, restaurants across Oahu. A karaoke booth is now open for singers at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Struggling restaurants ask city for help. Restaurant industry leaders in Honolulu painted a very bleak picture for their businesses’ survival in testifying Wednesday before the City Council’s Economic Assistance and Revitalization Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana owner details its 400-foot tower plan. The owner of Ala Moana Center is advancing a plan to build its first 400-foot residential tower connected with Hawaii’s largest shopping mall as soon as next year. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa housing crunch to leave 1,000 students looking off-campus. The University of Hawaii at Manoa will be facing a housing crunch for the fall 2020 semester, and possibly further into the future depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Libraries reopen with limited services. The Hawaii State Library System started phased reopenings for libraries throughout the state this month. Tribune-Herald.

DWS to Reopen for In-Person Services. The Department of Water Supply will begin offering in-person services by appointment only effective July 1. Big Island Now.

Maui

Agriculture Department proposal draws testimony. Questions remain over cost, vetting and need. While many agree on the goal of growing diversified agriculture to reduce Maui County’s reliance on the Mainland, the Maui County Council and the agricultural community are debating whether creating another county government department would help or hinder the process. Maui News.

MPD communications tower approved for West Maui site. The Maui Planning Commission approved a communications tower in West Maui that would serve as a backup in emergencies, though they barred the use of 5G at the site. Maui News.

HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report: Maui RevPAR Down 94.5% in May. According to the data, Maui County hotels reported RevPAR at $15 (-94.5%), with declines in both ADR to $117 (-66.4%) and occupancy of 12.6 percent (-63.7 percentage points) in May. Maui Now.

Kauai

Sen. Kouchi: Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg followed quarantine on Kauai. Facebook’s founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been seen on Kauai, where he owns a controversially vast amount of property on the North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

Four new virus cases confirmed on Kaua‘i. Health officials identified another household with positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, resulting in four new positive cases on the island and bringing the confirmed positive total up to 12. Garden Island.

Looking for COVID antibodies. Led by Dr. Tonyi Trpkovski, the Doctors of Waikiki team conducted tests for COVID-19 antibodies in a drive-through format in the parking garage of the Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Emergency housing program maxed out. Five days after announcing a new $400,000 COVID-19 emergency assistance program, the County of Kaua‘i’s Housing Agency said on Tuesday, their emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance program has reached its current capacity of applicants and is no longer accepting new applicants. Garden Island.

Lanai
Four Seasons luxury resorts on Lanai to reopen July 1. The luxury Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort at Koele, both will be reopening July 1 to Hawaii residents, while the quarantine remains in effect for trans-Pacific travel. Maui News.

Military not quarantined, primary ballots set as filing deadline passes, Chinatown homeless center plans dropped, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area ©2020 All Hawaii News

No quarantine for arriving military, but ‘restriction of movement’ required. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the Department of Homeland Security exempted military members traveling on official orders to Hawaii from the state’s quarantine, but the command instituted its own “restriction of movement” — which means service members are prohibited from going out for 14 days except for “essential” trips such as to the grocery store, doctor or pharmacy. Star-Advertiser.

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State health officials build up team of public health workers as Hawaii reopens its economy. State health officials, building up a team of public health workers, plan to train 320 contact tracers by mid-July in anticipation of a surge in coronavirus cases as Hawaii reopens its economy. Star-Advertiser.

More volunteers sought for state’s new contact tracing program. On Monday, the first group of prospective contact tracers in Hawaii ― approximately 300 of them ― will begin training. Hawaii News Now.

Lack of Uniform Guidelines on Data Reporting Presents Incomplete COVID-19 Story. Hawai’i health officials say additional demographic data on COVID-19’s impact in Hawaii is on its way. The state Health Department began providing data a month ago, but critics say the information is incomplete and tells an inaccurate story of the pandemic’s impact on various communities. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Report On Bullying By State Senator Surfaces As Tension Mounts Over Hawaii Recovery Plan. The state’s economic recovery plan appears to be falling victim to bad blood between Sen. Glenn Wakai and top tourism officials. Civil Beat.

District courts across Hawai'i temporarily reopening. District courts across the state are temporarily opening on June 15th for non-jury cases and on June 3rd for jury cases. KITV4.

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What will school look like next fall? The DOE is figuring it out. The Department of Education is using the summer break to formalize the plan for next school year. The DOE says they expect to have a better idea in the coming week of what measures will be taken to protect students from COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

HDOE still finalizing plans for fall but says distance learning will continue for some. Students are scheduled to return to school August 4. KHON2.

Study Estimates 30% to 50% Learning Loss for Students By Fall. When Hawaii students return to classes in the fall after completing the last months of the school year through distance learning, many may have lost the earlier progress they made for lack of in-person instruction. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Food demands increase as unemployment insurance complaints continue. There's a growing demand for food across the islands while some furloughed and laid-off workers still cannot get unemployment insurance, are appealing their denials or just recently got approved after months of frustration. Star-Advertiser.

New Party Hopes To Give Hawaii Legislative Incumbents A Run For Their Money. The lineup for more than 100 elective offices is shaping up as the 2020 election season gets underway. Civil Beat.

Survey Launched to Assess Local Views on Future of Hawai‘i’s Economy. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Liliʻuokalani Trust and Kamehameha Schools launched a new survey today to better understand what Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians think the state’s economy should look like after the pandemic. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric Details Proposed Projects. Hawaiian Electric on Wednesday posted details of 16 solar-plus-storage or stand-alone storage projects selected in the latest phase of the clean energy transition for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. Civil Beat.

Dentists struggle amid shortage of medical masks, mounting costs of doing business. Many independent dentists are worried about a shortage of medical masks and say time could be running out for their practices because of escalating costs. After being shut down for more than two months, they’re reopening with new risks. Hawaii News Now.

Young Brothers lays out dwindling-cash predicament. Hawaii interisland shipping lifeline Young Brothers LLC expects to run out of cash by the end of July if it can’t get $25 million from the state or other financing. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers Shipping Uncertainties Update. Governor Ige says he is working with the county mayors on the issue, and House Speaker Saiki urged the Hawaiʻi PUC to act immediately upon the company's $25 million funding request. Big Island Video News.

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Queen's to ease visitor restrictions at its hospitals. The Queen's Health Systems will be easing visitor restrictions at all four of its hospitals starting Wednesday, officials with the medical health system announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Queen's Health System easing visitor restrictions in its hospitals across the state. The "Queen's Health System" is easing visitor restrictions at all four of its hospitals across the state starting on Wednesday. KITV4.

One new coronavirus case on Oahu brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 653. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 653, up one new case from Monday. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 2: 1 New COVID-19 Case In Hawaii. The latest coronavirus case confirmed Tuesday was on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: One New Case; Interisland Travel Quarantine Lifts June 16, Out-Of-State Up Next. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral race is set with 15 candidates. The election battles for Honolulu mayor have at times been dramatic over the last few decades, but none come close to the uncertainty and unpredictability of this year’s contest. Star-Advertiser.

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Institute for Human Services drops proposal for homeless facility. In response to vast opposition from area residents and businesses, the Institute for Human Services has canceled its plans to develop a proposed triage and comfort station for the homeless at a building in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

City scraps plan to put homeless triage in Chinatown; Plan B still upsets community. KITV4.

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City creates recovery office with federal funds. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his team unveiled plans Tuesday to use $19 million, or 5%, of the $378 million federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding received by the city to meet short- and long-term economic recovery goals. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu establishes Covid economic recovery office. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday said the city will reorganize its economic development office into an Office of Economic Revitalization to focus on the economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

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For first time in months, dining-in will be an option at Oahu restaurants Friday. Oahu restaurants are getting ready to allow customers to sit down and enjoy their meal instead of getting takeout. There will be many changes, however, once dine-in service is permitted to resume on June 5. Hawaii News Now.

EPA Cracks Down On Cesspools In Kailua. The Hawaii Department of Health and Human Services is being fined $128,000 for two cesspools at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lowen, David, Kierkiewicz unopposed as filing period ends. Victory is all but assured for three Hawaii Island incumbents, despite what seems a renewed interest in politics, with lots of candidates competing for office this election. West Hawaii Today.

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Judge issues fines to fish poacher. An environmental court judge on Tuesday issued $200 in fines to one of two people charged for allegedly illegally collecting 550 aquarium fish earlier this year off South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR ‘disappointed’ over no-contest plea, low fine for fishing violation. A fisherman found with illegal aquarium fish has avoided the most severe penalties. Hawaii News Now.

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Kamehameha Schools sues operators of Volcano golf course. A manager of Volcano Golf and Country Club allegedly vowed to bulldoze the entire property rather than return it to its lessor, Kamehameha Schools. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Will Hold Summer Fun This Year, With Changes. The County of Hawai‘i announced it will be holding a 2020 Summer Fun Program starting on Monday, June 15 and tentatively ending on Friday, July 17. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Not all Maui dine-in eateries open Monday. Even as restaurants were allowed to reopen for dine-in services Monday, not all chose to do so, citing issues with complying with social distancing orders, scheduling and feasibility as reasons to stay shuttered for a little while longer. Maui News.

Blow-drying allowed; more golf opportunities. Blow-drying of hair is now being allowed at salons while the driving range and pro shop at the Waiehu Golf Course reopened Wednesday, county officials said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

22 in the running for 2021 council seat. Twenty-two candidates have officially filed to run for Kaua‘i County Council seats by Tuesday’s filing deadline, alongside the incumbent county prosecuting attorney, candidates for the state House and Senate and some Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates. Garden Island.

Sidewalk sprouting at Kilauea School. Tuesday marked the second day of the week-long project where the club will build and finish a 300-foot-by-four-foot sidewalk around key areas entering the Kilauea School. Garden Island.

Keeping Kaua‘i kupuna safe. Keeping kupuna safe during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a moving target for care-center managers, as staff members adjust to the strict sanitation and screening guidelines from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, state Department of Health and directives from the County of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii economy could be coronavirus victim, UPW audit alleges misspending, Mililani High reopens after student stabbing, Kahoʻolawe fire consumes 5k acres, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2020 All Hawaii News

UH Economists Say Coronavirus Poses Danger To Hawaii Tourism. University of Hawaii economists expected 2020 to be a better year for tourism than 2019, but that may not be borne out because of the coronavirus outbreak. Hawaii Public Radio.

Virus creates ‘risk of substantial disruption to Hawaii travel’. COVID-19, the recently identified respiratory illness that has infected thousands in China and elsewhere around the world, could bring “considerable” but uncertain risk to Hawaii’s tourism and economy in the coming year, according to a forecast published Monday by the University of Hawaii’s Economic Research Organization. Tribune-Herald.

UHERO releases new report comparing COVID-19 outbreak to SARS epidemic. According to economists at the University of Hawaii our tourism industry could take a hard hit because of the coronavirus. KITV4.

Hawaii consumers wipe out state’s supply of N95 masks. There are no lines winding around the block or manic crowds, but store managers on Oahu report that face masks, particularly N95 masks, are selling out as quickly as they come in, leaving their shelves empty. Star-Advertiser.

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State’s vacation rentals rise despite setback on Oahu. Oahu was the only major island to experience a drop in vacation rental supply and unit demand in January, according to a vacation rental report released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Vacation Rental performance report released. Supply, demand and occupancy for vacation rentals in Hawaii continued to grow last month. KITV4.

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Audit of United Public Workers union reveals concerns over spending. The UPW, or United Public Workers, includes more than 13,000 members in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Labor organization ‘greatly concerned’ about UPW audit. A national labor organization has raised red flags over record keeping and spending by some top staff in the United Public Workers union in Hawaii, citing tens of thousands of dollars in union funds spent on restaurants, airfare and other costs without proper supporting documentation. Star-Advertiser.

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Mililani student allegedly stabs 2 classmates. Students at Mililani High School were outside at recess Monday morning when they heard screams from the second floor of a classroom building where two 16-year-old students, a girl and boy, were apparently stabbed by another student. Star-Advertiser.

Classes at Mililani High to resume, but increased security on campus following stabbing. This comes a day after a teen was arrested for allegedly stabbing two fellow students, sending them to a hospital in serious condition. Hawaii News Now.

Two Teens In Serious Condition After Apparent Stabbing At Mililani High. Two Oʻahu teenagers were transported to an emergency room in serious condition and were being treated for apparent stab wounds. Hawaii Public Radio.

School violence data shows areas of persistent trouble. According to the last complete school year’s data, there were nearly 4,000 “Class a” violence incidents statewide. These are things like assault, fighting, terroristic threatening and sexual offenses. KHON2.

Proposal for pilot program to detect school threats before they happen. A new proposal at the Hawaii State Legislature is looking to establish a pilot program for a team that would be trained to look for and handle a potential school threat before it happens. KHON2.

Oahu

Caldwell Took In $155,000+ From Territorial Bank in 2019. The mayor made at least $342,070 last year between his city job and other income. Civil Beat.

Waikiki lawmakers host town hall to discuss crime in their district. Honolulu City Council member Tommy Waters and state Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, who represent Waikiki, will co-host a crime and safety town hall in their district Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oil Constantly Leaks From The USS Arizona. Is That An Environmental Problem? The USS Arizona and USS Utah have leaked thousands of gallons of oil in Pearl Harbor since the 1941 attack and there’s no plan to stop the flow anytime soon. Civil Beat.

HPD investigating Louis Kealoha’s brother following altercation. The Honolulu Police Department has stripped police authority from the half brother of former Chief Louis Kealoha, following an altercation in the early morning hours over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Pilots in crash died of blunt force injuries. Bill Enoka was serving as instructor pilot, while seasoned pilot Rick Rogers was learning to fly the glider tow plane that crashed Saturday at Dillingham Airfield, said Steve Lowry, fellow pilot and friend of the two. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Seeking the top job: 10 pull papers for mayor. Running for mayor is proving once again to be a popular proposition, with 10 potential candidates pulling nomination papers as of Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Still unclear whether Maunakea ‘truce’ will be extended after Saturday. Saturday marks the end of a temporary promise by the Thirty Meter Telescope to not attempt construction on Maunakea, but it is still unclear what, if anything, will happen in the coming weeks. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly $3 Million in Kohala CIP Project Funding Released. Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye (D-Hilo, Hāmakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona) announced Monday the specific initiatives receiving funding. Big Island Now.

Ways and Means to vote today on Makalei ambulance bill. A bill to fund an ambulance for the Makalei Fire Station remains alive with a make-or-break Senate committee vote scheduled for this afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

HTA: Maui County Leads State in Largest Vacation Rental Supply in Hawai‘i. Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties in January 2020 with 265,400 unit nights, which is an increase of 27.2 percent compared to a year ago. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Language Makes A Comeback In Hana’s Schools — And Homes. The establishment of a popular Hawaiian immersion program several years ago has had an impact on the broader community, says the Hana High & Elementary principal. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Mauka to makai. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources and other partner programs will open the final weekend of the Third Annual Kaua‘i OceanFest starting Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery in the Kukui Grove Center with a theme of “From Mauka to Makai with DLNR and Friends". Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoʻolawe Blaze Burns Over 5,000 Acres. After conducting an aerial survey this morning, fire officials confirmed that a brush fire that ignited on Kahoʻolawe on Saturday has now scorched 5,400 acres. Maui Now.

Kahoolawe fire burns 2,635 acres, spares base camp. Fire crews unable to fight blaze because of unexploded ordnance. Maui News.

Unable to fight flames, firefighters watch Kahoolawe brush fire burn from afar. A brush fire that started on Kahoolawe on Saturday has burned more than 5,400 acres, but firefighters are only able to monitor the conditions from afar. Hawaii News Now.