Hawaii shows that mail-in voting can work. Record turnout, smooth election. Plus latest COVID-19 counts and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More than 406,000 ballots were cast. That’s a record number for a Hawaii primary. More than half of Hawaii’s registered voters, about 51 percent, cast their ballots in the state’s first mail-in primary. According to Political Analyst, Colin Moore, the last time we saw a turnout like this was in 1996. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees more than 40 percent increase in voter turnout with all mail-in primary. This year's primary saw a record turn out in voters for the state. Over 400,000 ballots were cast in this election compared to 286,000 in the 2018 primary, a 42 percent increase in voters. KITV4.

The Primary That Upset Hawaii’s Mango Cart. A desire for new blood felled or threatened political veterans and fueled the campaigns of hungry newcomers, all under a new system of voting. Civil Beat.

2020 Primary Election Results. KITV4.

Primary Election: Official state and county votes can be found here.

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How Bad Is Hawaii At Social Distancing? Here’s What The Data Shows. Mobility data gives us a clearer picture of just how much people have been moving around during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s weak contact tracing effort is hindering the control of coronavirus’ spread. Jendrick Paul, president of the Marshallese Community Organization of Hawaii, said Sunday that he’s worried state Department of Health contact tracers can’t keep up with the surge of coronavirus cases in Hawaii’s tightknit Pacific Islander community. Star-Advertiser.

The State Has A Plan For When To Reopen Or Reclose. Why Aren’t We Following It? Available data suggests Oahu should impose stricter measures, according to the state’s plan. Civil Beat.

‘We are super spreaders,’ says Dr. Scott Miscovich. Hawaii is veering into “super spreader” territory with the rise in COVID-19 cases. Hawaii health officials reported 152 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, raising the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 3,498. Star-Advertiser.

152 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (O‘ahu 147, Big Island 3, Maui 1, Kaua‘i 1). Hawai‘i has recorded another triple-digit day for new COVID-19 cases in the state.  Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 9: 152 New Cases. Nearly all the cases were on Oahu, where hospitals are preparing for a surge in patients. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 152 New Cases; Health Director: Expect More Deaths As Surge Continues; 3 Inmates Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Updated results confirm November runoffs for Blangiardi and Amemiya, and Alm and Kau. Honolulu mayoral candidates Rick Blangiardi and Keith Amemiya are headed to a Nov. 3 runoff with 25.6% and 20.2% of the vote respectively. Colleen Hanabusa remained in third place with 18.4% of the vote. Star-Advertiser.

Voters set up runoff for mayor between political newcomers: Blangiardi and Amemiya. Oahu voters, apparently fed up with the status quo and facing an uncertain economic outlook, threw their support in Saturday’s primary election behind two first-time political candidates who have promised change and a fresh perspective to old problems. Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi and Amemiya discuss plans heading into Hawaii’s general election. Two mayoral candidates will be moving on to Hawaii’s general elections in November.  KHON2.

Tupola, Say win City Council seat outright; Espero and Augie T. advance to general. Former state representative and one-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Andria Tupola shot out to an insurmountable lead in her race for the Honolulu City Council’s District I seat early on Saturday night, handily winning the seat. Hawaii News Now.

Alm, Kau proceed to general election runoff in race for city prosecutor. Retired Judge Steve Alm and defense attorney Megan Kau will proceed to a general election runoff in the race for city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

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Total of 6 inmates, 3 adult corrections officers at OCCC test positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety confirms the number of COVID-19 cases at OCCC continues to grow. Hawaii News Now.

Liquor Commission shuts down 10 establishments for violating Mayor’s rules. The Honolulu Liquor Commission is strictly enforcing the mayor’s latest orders for bars to close down for three weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Several Hawaii breweries disagree with liquor commission shutting them down. Under Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s order issued at the end of July, he ordered the shut down of all bars for at least three weeks. KHON2.

Walmart Keeaumoku closes for cleaning; will reopen on Tuesday. The company confirmed the closure began at 2 p.m. on Sunday and will remain in place through Monday. It will reopen at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Walmart would not confirm if this was in response to a positive case in an employee or not. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth, Marzo face runoff after defeating Kim for mayor. A countywide elected official with experience running a large government agency, or a fresh face with no government experience at all? That’s the choice facing Hawaii County voters in the Nov. 3 general election when they decide who will be the county mayor. West Hawaii Today.

Waltjen wins prosecutor’s race, narrowly avoids November runoff. Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen narrowly averted a runoff in the race for Hawaii County prosecutor after the second printout of primary election results was released Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

County mulls suing companies for damage caused by climate change. While the Hawaii County Council passed a resolution last Wednesday to join a lawsuit by the City and County of Honolulu against a collective of fossil fuel companies, Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela said last week that the county will likely not join the Honolulu lawsuit but instead consider pursuing its own lawsuit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Incumbents easily take top spots in council races. Maui County Council incumbents easily captured the most votes in three separate three-way races Saturday night. Maui News.

DeCoite leads Ritte by 91 votes in latest tally, though recount pending. Rep. Lynn DeCoite staved off a strong challenge from activist Walter Ritte in a Democratic race for House District 13 in a contest, though both candidates were awaiting the results of a mandatory recount Monday before calling the race. Maui News.

Hawaii 2020 Primary Election Results: Fourth Printout (11:44 a.m. Update). Maui Now.

Medical, work exemptions for quarantine order can be requested for trips to Maui County. Starting August 11, the partial quarantine order will take place. KHON2.

Kauai

On to the general election. Kaua‘i voter turnout was slightly less than the statewide turnout for the primary election, but 49% of registered voters had their ballots counted on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

County directors weigh in on housing resources. On Kaua‘i, there are 716 individuals receiving direct rental assistance through the county. Garden Island.

Solid Waste Division OT over budget again. The county Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division had a total overtime budget of $227,000 in fiscal year 2020. Garden Island.

Interisland travel quarantine returns, Honolulu closes parks and beaches, hospitals near capacity as COVID-19 climbs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard, Facebook live

14-day interisland quarantine returns. COVID-19 cases rising rapidly — including 152 cases and two deaths announced Thursday — Gov. David Ige imposed a partial 14-day quarantine on interisland travel effective Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Interisland Travel Quarantine Is Coming Back, Oahu Beaches And Parks To Close Again. Oahu crackdown begins Saturday, with partial interisland travel quarantine to follow on Tuesday. Gov. David Ige says an announcement on schools and colleges is coming soon. Civil Beat.

Inter-island quarantine reinstated for neighbor island travel after Oahu cases spike. On Thursday, Gov. David Ige said the 14-day interisland quarantine will be reinstated for all inter-island travelers. KHON2.

Ige reinstates quarantine; Anderson warns virus cases could top 500 daily. State officials are clamping down on interisland travel in an effort to steer Hawaii away from the precipice of a medical crisis. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Inter-Island Travel Quarantine To Go Back In Effect. As COVID-19 cases surge on Oʻahu, the governor announced the mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone traveling interisland will be reinstituted effective next Tuesday, August 11. Big Island Video News.

Interisland Travel Quarantine Reinstated, as Restrictions Return in Force to O‘ahu. Big Island Now.

Interisland quarantine coming back. Governor David Ige on Thursday announced the reinstatement of a partial interisland travel quarantine effective Tuesday, Aug. 11, prompted by a statewide surge of COVID-19 cases and discussions with county mayors. Garden Island.

Interisland travel quarantine to restart Tuesday, Ige says. Gov. David Ige announced today that the mandatory 14-day interisland travel quarantine will be reinstated beginning Tuesday. Maui News.

Governor Reinstates Interisland Quarantine for Arrivals on Neighbor Islands, Starting Aug. 11. Governor David Ige this afternoon announced he is reinstating the mandatory 14-day interisland travel quarantine for anyone traveling interisland. Maui Now.

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Governor Ige and officials take action, implement restrictions to combat spread of COVID-19. Governor David Ige, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard, and Honolulu's Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto held a press conference on Thursday to discuss the actions the state plans to take to combat the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

The Latest: 2 More Deaths, 152 Cases; Governor OKs Rollback On Interisland Travel, Oahu Reopening. Starting Tuesday, the 14-day mandatory quarantine for interisland travel will be reinstated, Gov. David Ige announced today. Restrictions on Oahu also will return, including closure of city and state parks and beaches starting tomorrow at midnight and extending to Sept. 4. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor noncommittal on next steps for schools, trans-Pacific travel plans. During a news conference Thursday, as coronavirus cases across the state continue to soar, Gov. David Ige declined to address how the latest set of measures designed to prevent large gatherings would apply to Hawaii’s public schools, or to his plans to re-open trans-Pacific travel, with new testing protocols in place, on Sept. 1. Hawaii News Now.

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Oahu doctor says hospitals are near capacity. The impact of coronavirus on Hawaii hospitals was gradual compared to other states, but the latest spike in cases is now being felt among doctors and nurses. KHON2.

The decision to close parks and beaches on Oahu and reinstate an inter-island traveler quarantine was fueled by alarms set off by Hawaii’s hospitals. Hilton Raethel, CEO and president of Healthcare Association of Hawaii, said Kaiser Moanalua was at maximum capacity two days with both COVID-19 and regular patients in every ICU bed. Hawaii News Now.

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COVID-19 Has Overwhelmed One Essential Strategy To Control The Virus. State and local officials who warned months ago that the state needed more contact tracers are frustrated and angry with the state health department. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials update COVID-19 figures to 152 new coronavirus cases following deaths of 2 Oahu residents. The Hawaii Department of Health reported late this afternoon that today’s statewide new coronavirus case tally is 152, with 148 of those on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 6: 2 Deaths And 152 Cases. UPDATED: The state initially reported 53 cases because it was missing test results from a private laboratory. Civil Beat.

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State has paid $2.6B in jobless claims. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Thursday announced updated unemployment insurance claims information, including paying $2,620,848,963 for 2,464,674 weeks claimed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 1. Garden Island.

Thousands Languish Without Unemployment Checks Months Into Pandemic. The state labor department says it can’t just ramp up staffing overnight, but applicants are growing more desperate. Civil Beat.

Do you have the right to know if a coworker tests positive for COVID-19? With the recent spike in coronavirus cases, legal experts say more and more employees want to know what their rights are if a co-worker tests positive. Hawaii News Now.

Mail Voter Turnout Already Exceeds 2016 Primary, Edging Pass 2018. Voter turnout for the 2020 primary is on its way to surpassing participation in both the 2016 and 2018 elections across the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

HEI posts profit as customers struggle to make payments. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s net income rose 15% in the second quarter as it postponed utility maintenance work and made accounting adjustments to make up for customers behind on their electricity bills and homeowners in arrears on their mortgages. Star-Advertiser.

Major Hawaii retail landlord A&B takes hit on unpaid rent. Honolulu-based A&B on Thursday reported a $4.7 million net loss for the three months ended June 30, up from a $1.2 million loss in the same period last year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu beaches, parks and team sports will be halted once more. Oahu parks and beaches, which reopened in May, will be closed again, starting 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Parks and beaches to close, partial inter-island quarantine reinstated amid COVID-19 surge. An inter-island traveler quarantine will be reinstated, Oahu beaches and parks will be closed, and Honolulu police will dramatically dial up enforcement of emergency orders as part of a broad new push to rein in the island’s surge of COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

New restrictions with more enforcement on Oahu as COVID cases surge. On Oahu, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that all parks, beaches, and other places where large gatherings take place will be closed starting Saturday until September 4. KHON2.

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Honolulu Police Department to crack down on rule breakers. Honolulu police will ramp up enforcement starting this weekend for quarantine breakers and violators of newly instituted emergency proclamation orders as Oahu sees a surge in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Police chief says her officers will cite, arrest those who ignore emergency orders. Police Chief Susan Ballard is pledging strong, islandwide enforcement of planned park and beach closures on Oahu that begin at midnight Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Police union president "relieved" by new COVID-19 response unit. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard said Thursday the department is bolstering strategic enforcement of COVID-19-related restrictions with a team of 160 officers. KITV4.

LIST: Here’s what the city and state are closing on Oahu to rein in the spread of COVID-19. City and state parks and beaches on Oahu will be closed at midnight Friday as government officials try to prevent people from gathering and spreading COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Member of Honolulu City Council support staff tests positive for COVID-19. City Clerk Glen Takahashi said the person, whom he declined to identify due to medical privacy issues, works in the Office of City Clerk’s Council Support Services Division on the second floor of Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

3 more coronavirus cases brings HFD total to 11. The Honolulu Fire Department has confirmed another firefighter from the Moanalua Fire Station and two more firefighters from the Kalihi Kai Fire Station have tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Navy confirms positive coronavirus cases. The United States Navy confirmed on Thursday that crew members at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility tested positive for coronavirus. KITV4.

COVID-19 present in wastewater treatment plants on Oahu. Once a week, the city takes samples from its nine waste water facilities, then it's sent to a lab for COVID-19 testing. KITV4.

Mail-in ballots pushing Honolulu votes to historic high. Saturday represents the last chance to drop off your ballot — and even register and vote on the same day — to make sure your vote is counted in the primary election, which is already breaking records on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales still light but showed improvement in July. Oahu’s housing market remained depressed in July, though new sales data shows the severity of the decline is easing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council members get $100,000 CARES money each to give to constituents. A fast-tracked resolution unanimously approved Wednesday gives each County Council member $100,000 in federal coronavirus relief money to distribute to constituents, without competitive bids or public notice. West Hawaii Today.

Judge takes motion for partial summary judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit ‘under advisement’. A motion seeking partial summary judgment against the state over its management of land around the Maunakea Access Road was heard Tuesday in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

South Kohala District Court to Reopen Aug. 18. The South Kohala District Court, which has been closed since Aug. 4 due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19, will reopen on Aug. 18. Big Island Now.

Amazon Air expands operations to Kona International Airport. Hawaii Island residents ordering products via Amazon can expect faster shipping following the start of Amazon Air operations Thursday at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Front Street Apartments case could be decided soon. Decision focuses on whether rents stay affordable or go market rates. Maui News.

Amazon Air Announces New Regional Gateways at Kahului and Kona Airports. Amazon Air begins operations today at Kahului Airport on Maui and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole on Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

Kauai

KFD addresses pension spiking. In February, the Mayor’s Office ordered the Kaua‘i Fire Department to suspend most overtime and nonessential expenditures to curb pension spiking, which has penalized the county consistently over the last few years. Garden Island.

Hawaii hospitals near capacity as coronavirus rages, voters get ballots in early, renters fear evictions, counties pursue resort bubbles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hospital scene PC:Javier Matheu on Unsplash

Hawaii’s hospitals could hit capacity in a week, health care leader warns. If the three-digit surge in novel coronavirus cases over the past week continues for the next seven to 10 days, Hawaii’s existing hospital capacity will be at risk of being overwhelmed, as happened in New York, Ray Vara, CEO and president of Hawaii Pacific Health, said Tuesday, when 144 new cases were announced by the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital CEO Warns Hawaii On Track To Exceed Health System Capacity. After a record-breaking 207 new cases of coronavirus logged by the Department of Health on Monday, the head of a local hospital group warns that Hawaii is on track to outstrip its hospital capacity. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized in Hawaii jumped significantly Tuesday to 138. That’s up from 75 over the last week. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said a surge in new COVID-19 cases are starting to fill up hospitals. Hawaii News Now.

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Lt. Governor Josh Green says another lockdown is imminent. “We’re within ten days of having to have a shutdown,” the Lieutenant Governor said. KITV4.

Officials warn of dire consequences if state cannot get outbreak under control. Lt. Gov. Josh Green suggested Tuesday that Gov. David Ige is likely to push back the loosening of out-of-state travel restrictions as the state buckles under an ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases. Tribune-Herald.

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Illegal eviction threats on rise in Hawaii, groups say. Legal advocates are stepping up efforts against landlords who violate Hawaii’s moratorium on residential renter evictions over unpaid bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Renters being told to pay up or move out during pandemic could get legal aid. Advocacy groups say more landlords are violating the emergency eviction ban that's meant to keep people housed and safe during this public health crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Eviction Moratorium Isn’t Saving These Tenants. Nonprofits say they are being overwhelmed with calls from desperate renters and worry about a public housing rule that mandates social distancing, with the threat of eviction. Civil Beat.

Landlords, tenants clash despite eviction moratorium. A group of tenants’ rights organizations is warning Hawaii landlords they might face legal consequences for attempting to evict tenants during the state of emergency. Tribune-Herald.

Tenant Advocates Raise Concerns Over Violation of Eviction Moratorium. Families statewide continue to be under threat of losing their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic despite the governor’s moratorium on evictions. Big Island Now.

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Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Hawaii Voters Don’t Like School, Tourism Reopen Plans. Most think travel and other restrictions have worked. Meanwhile, Biden is far more popular than Trump, in part because of their very different views on COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Fundraising On Hold During Pandemic For Gubernatorial Contenders. The leading candidates took in a lot of money last year, but have essentially paused fundraising for the governor’s race, records show. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Human Services Director Stepping Down. The governor announced that Cathy Betts will lead the Department of Human Services. Civil Beat.

Director delayed exit to help with pandemic, in latest state helm change. The head of one of the state’s largest departments — Human Services — is stepping down, this after both the labor and tax departments recently had turnover at the top. KHON2.

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Hawaiian Electric sets goal to expedite fleet vehicle electrification. Hawaiian Electric set an ambitious goal to electrify its fleet of more than 400 passenger vehicles across five islands by 2035. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s military COVID-19 case count still a mystery. Amid worsening COVID-19 and ongoing concerns about social distancing, the state Health Department continues to follow the lead of the Pentagon in not releasing statewide coronavirus statistics for the military. Star-Advertiser.

Stricter rules implemented for Hawaii public housing to prevent spread of COVID-19. It's a response to 20 people at ten of its sites on O'ahu receiving positive test results and a cluster at Kuhio Park Terrace Towers. KITV4.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 4: 144 New Cases And 1 Death Reported. The death of a Honolulu man brought the state’s coronavirus-related death toll to 27. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 27th coronavirus fatality, another triple-digit jump in COVID-19 infections. Hawaii reported its 27th coronavirus-related fatality on Tuesday as it also grappled with a worsening surge of new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: 1 Death, 144 Cases; State's Shift On Contact Tracing; City Cracks Down On Big Gatherings. The state Department of Health reported Hawaii's 27th death and 144 new COVID-19 cases today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 4th: 144 New Cases, 1 New Death. The State of Hawaiʻi announced another triple digit day of newly reported COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, as well as the 27th death in Hawaiʻi associated with the coronavirus since the pandemic began. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii records 27th coronavirus-related death and another triple-digit increase in cases. The state Department of Health today announced Hawaii’s 27th coronavirus-related death, a Honolulu man between 40 and 59-years-old who had underlying medical conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of more coronavirus restrictions. With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations climbing dramatically, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday warned that he might have to take further action to close down certain activities and businesses to keep the situation from getting worse. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor pleads with Honolulu residents to lower community spread. An eighth Honolulu firefighter tested positive for COVID-19, while Mayor Kirk Caldwell pleaded with Oahu residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines as the number of cases keeps jumping. KHON2.

Honolulu first responders stretched thin due to COVID-19. With questions arising recently about enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions across the City and County of Honolulu, SHOPO and Mayor Kirk Caldwell say that HPD is going to enforce as many of the mandates as possible. KHON2.

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Caldwell: Top City Official Who’s Subject Of An FBI Investigation Will Remain On The Job. The mayor said Managing Director Roy Amemiya is needed now more than ever. Civil Beat.

Oahu Voters Have Already Cast More Ballots Than In 2016 Primary. Statewide turnout is ahead of early voting in past years as Hawaii conducts its first all-mail election. Civil Beat.

Oahu voter turnout surpasses 2016 total with 4 days to spare. The number of Oahu voters who have turned in their primary election ballots has exceeded the total number of votes cast in the 2016 primary, according to numbers released by the city Elections Division late Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

What To Do If You Haven’t Received Your Mail-In Ballot Yet. Civil Beat.

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Construction Helps Drive the Local Economy in Tourism’s Absence. Projects big and small, public and private, keep construction as the major economic sector with the fewest layoffs. Hawaii Business magazine

Processing of residential building permits on Oahu is expected to be easier under changes that have been put into place by the city Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

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Vlogger arrested for violating Hawaii's quarantine rule ordered to make social media PSA. As part of Mika Salamanca's deferred guilty plea, the court ordered her to do a public service announcement on her social media accounts that Hawaii officials must approve. KITV4.

Kapi'olani Community College reports a student tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last on campus on July 30th. KITV4.

With teachers back on campus, staff member at Iliahi Elementary tests positive for covid. A confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported in a staff member at Iliahi Elementary School in Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ballots pouring in: Elections Division machines sort, count ballots. Deep in the basement of the county building in Hilo, a mammoth machine whizzes through up to 18,000 ballot envelopes an hour, slices them open, time- and date-stamps them, checks the thickness to ensure they contain ballots, verifies signatures and sorts them by precinct. West Hawaii Today.

Conversations on Geofence, Resort Bubbles Move Forward. Conversations between Hawai‘i County and Big Island resort concerns are moving forward on the concept of a resort bubble that could allow tourists to return safely to the island, but questions around the proposal continue to outnumber answers. Big Island Now.

Honua Ola and Life of the Land square off again. Motions are filed with the Public Utilities Commission on both sides in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s continued legal battle to get the almost-completed 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant in Pepeekeo online. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 case tied to Hilo dialysis center confirmed; Waimea courthouse employee also tests positive. A case of COVID-19 associated with Liberty Dialysis in Hilo was confirmed, although officials on Tuesday would not say whether the case was in a patient or staff member. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Hits Kaʻu Coffee Farmers With No Federal Aid In Sight. Harvest season is just around the corner for Hawaiʻi’s coffee farmers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out much of the market to sell what local coffee growers are producing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Visitor officials looking at ‘resort bubbles’. Industry official says it’s the ‘best Plan B’. The visitor industry on Maui is looking at creating “resort bubbles” or “geo-fencing” with visitor arrivals down 99 percent in June and the Sept. 1 lifting of the quarantine requirement for trans-Pacific travelers looking dimmer as new COVID-19 cases statewide hit triple digits daily. Maui News.

Ten of the 23 shelters at Waiale park are occupied. 64-square-foot units holds 2 beds, power and air conditioning. The units, built in May in the park between Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center and Hale Makana O Waiale apartments, are meant to house individuals, couples or families who were displaced as a result of COVID-19. Maui News.

Federal Agent Honored During Final Sendoff at Kahului Airport. A final sendoff was held at Kahului Airport today for Special Agent John Bost III, who died a week ago today in what officials have deemed an accidental death in the line of duty, while serving at the Kihei Police Station in South Maui. Maui Now.

ATF agent killed in accidental shooting honored with final salute on Maui. Members of Maui’s law enforcement community paused Tuesday to remember Special Agent John Bost III. Hawaii News Now.

Public Invited to Review Maui Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. The public is invited to review and comment on the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s update to the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to address threats such as wildfires, beach erosion and highway rockslides. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua'i County creates Mahalo Green Card Placard program to differentiate between travelers and those subject to quarantine. Mayor Derek Kawakami told KITV4 that it is very difficult to differentiate between interisland travelers and those subject to quarantine. So Kaua'i County created the Mahalo Green Card Placard Program. KITV.

Potential resort bubble idea has governor support. The county is currently forging away on a “Plan B” resort bubble that would confine visitors to a property to quarantine. Garden Island.

How are mail-in ballots counted? Eight volunteers sit about six feet apart at desks with stacks of envelopes in front of them on Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i National Guard troops head home. The evidence of going home was electric in the gathering of Hawai‘i National Guard troops at a nondescript gate at the Lihu‘e Airport, Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Bad behavior, spiraling COVID-19 cases, has Hawaii officials clamping down, rethinking lifting quarantine, may close parks and beaches again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Kai on Sunday. PC:JW Facebook post

Large weekend gatherings cause concern over enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions. Several large gatherings across the state are drawing criticism. KITV4.

A surge in COVID-19 cases causes state officials to consider tighter restrictions. Ige also said he might delay the state’s plan to waive on Sept. 1 the 14-day quarantine for transpacific visitors who test negative for the coronavirus. State officials said Monday they’re aiming to step up enforcement of COVID-19 rules against social gathering — especially at the beaches — following what Gov. David Ige called a tough week of more than 500 cases, including a single-day record of 207 announced on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept.: Hawaii residents acting ‘like there isn’t a pandemic we are dealing with’. With another record-setting number of new cases reported in Hawaii this week, coronavirus is now ‘entrenched in our community,’ state officials said Monday ― and Hawaii residents, they claim, are letting down their guard at the worst possible time. Hawaii News Now.

As state plans reopening, Health Director says COVID-19 ‘endemic’. Gov. David Ige indicated Monday the Sept. 1 date to allow trans-Pacific air travel without a 14-day quarantine for visitors who get a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding a Hawaii-bound plane isn’t written in stone. Tribune-Herald.

State Health Director Warns Coronavirus Is Widespread On Oahu. The governor says more needs to be done to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii, but did not announce any new actions on Monday. Civil Beat.

Quarantine loopholes continue as more visitors, residents enter the state. Despite the state’s ongoing mandatory quarantine, there was a big jump in visitor numbers over the weekend. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 1,701 visitors arrived in the state between Aug. 1-2, 2020. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Health Director on COVID-19: “Weak Link is Prevention”. The governor pointed out it is a result of community spread and that people have been relaxing and letting their guard down. Maui Now.

Gatherings On Oahu Limited To 10 Or Fewer. People who gather in groups larger than 10 risk a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail. Civil Beat.

DOH director meets with Honolulu officials, beach closures could be next. As tens of thousands of tourists would be doing in any other given year, Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson set his sights on beaches Monday. KHON2.

COVID-19 hospitalizations increasing across Oahu. After multiple days of COVID-19 numbers in the hundreds, major hospitals in Oahu like Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii all say they have seen a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past few weeks. KHON2.

Officials threaten to close more state parks if people continue large gatherings. State officials are threatening more enforcement on Hawaii’s beaches and at state parks after seeing large gatherings on shorelines over the weekend.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i counted 207 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, shattering the statewide record for daily coronavirus figures, but it won’t change day-to-day life on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Members of State House of Representatives and state economist say public should know 'where' and 'how' people are contracting COVID-19. On Monday members of the State House of Representatives COVID-19 team stated publicly that they want the Department of Health to release more information about where and how people are getting sick with the coronavirus in Hawai'i. KITV4.

House COVID-19 Committee: We Need More Info From Health Department. House Speaker Scott Saiki says he is concerned that the state Department of Health is refusing to release the kind of information people need to make good decisions. Civil Beat.

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Governor Ige Questioned On Pandemic Restrictions. Representatives of various Hawaiʻi business associations on Monday had the chance to directly question Governor David Ige on some of the State's COVID-19 policies. Big Island Video News.

State needs additional contact tracers, critics say. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 counts surge — there were more than 500 new cases over the past week, including 207 on Monday alone — frustrations are mounting that the state doesn’t have enough contact tracers to prevent officials from reverting to lockdowns to contain the spread. Star-Advertiser.

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State has another record reporting day. The highest, single-day record of new positive COVID-19 cases is being reported by the Dept. of Health today, at 207. Garden Island.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 3: 207 New Cases, More Than Half From Delayed Results. Nearly all the cases are on Oahu, where there have now been 2,083 cases identified since March. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 207 Cases; 9 First-Responders COVID-19 Positive; Lag In Tests Impacting Contact Tracing. Hawaii Public Radio.

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30,000 isle workers may have opted out of job market in July. With COVID-19 cases surging and Hawaii’s economy struggling, as many as 30,000 workers could have taken themselves out of the state’s labor market last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines possible layoffs revealed. Employees could be laid off as early as October. Employees from Daniel k. Inouye, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua-Kona and Lihu'e airport are expected to be affected along with employees from the corporate headquarters in Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii students create a youth-oriented voter guide. A hui of college and secondary school students known as Ho‘ohuli have created an online voter guide geared toward their generation and the mission embodied in their name, which means to turn, to change or to reform. Star-Advertiser.

Vintage warbirds populate Navy flattop for 75th anniversary end-of-WWII events in Hawaii. Fourteen vintage warbirds, including a polished aluminum 1944 B-25 bomber, are headed to Hawaii courtesy of U.S. Navy lift on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex for aerial flyovers commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Blangiardi Holds Double-Digit Lead In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. But Hanabusa and Amemiya are tied for second and will likely force a runoff in November. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Steve Alm Still Ahead In Race For Honolulu Prosecutor. Building on a lead that was clear in May, former judge, prosecutor and U.S. attorney Steve Alm is well ahead of his five main competitors for Honolulu prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Andria Tupola, Calvin Say lead Council candidates in campaign spending. Two candidates for Honolulu City Council who have extensive political track records are the ones collecting and spending the most, according to financial reports filed with the state Campaign Spending Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

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Sacred Hearts Academy confirms student tested positive for COVID-19. Sacred Hearts Academy revealed a student tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 2. KHON2.

Some worry ‘there’s no contingency plan’ for COVID at Hawaii’s public housing. An employee at Mayor Wright Public Housing has tested positive for COVID-19 and some are concerned about how the Hawaii Public Housing Authority is handling the situation. Hawaii News Now.

Ward Village condo sales still rising despite COVID-19. Honolulu’s biggest condominium tower producer is selling more new homes despite the coronavirus pandemic that has sapped much of Hawaii’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

South Kohala Court Closes After Employee Tests COVID-19 Positive. The courthouse, located in the Waimea Civic Center complex, will be closed on Tuesday, after the first confirmed case of a Judiciary employee statewide. Big Island Video News.

South Kohala District Court Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. A South Kohala District Court employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawaii State Judiciary announced today. This is the only confirmed case of any Judiciary employee statewide. Big Island Now.

Responsible tourism: County lays out five-year plan for visitors, residents. Hawaii County last week released its five-year strategic tourism plan, a guiding document to help ensure responsible tourism that respects the Big Island’s communities and natural and cultural resources. Tribune-Herald.

Site of former homeless camp draws just one bid at auction. A lot in downtown Hilo that was the site of a troublesome homeless camp received only one extremely low bid at auction last month, but that sale will likely be blocked, a county official said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Interview: “We Need a Few Good Weeks to Get Us Back On Track”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino continued to express frustrations over large gatherings and drum circle activity as the state continues to record new COVID-19 activity.  His comments come on the heels of new rules that went into effect in Maui County on Friday that limit indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people, and prohibit the use of large structures that may attract gatherings, such as tents and pavilions at parks and beaches. Maui Now.

Lanai sees boost in census response. Greater participation is needed in East Maui, on Molokai. Maui News.

Kauai

Sustainability search. The agriculture and tourism industries were two of the hardest hit and are prominent local industries that have a significant economic impact on Kaua‘i’s economy. Garden Island.

Superintendent Paul Zina gets busy with official duties. It’s been a month since Paul Zina started his official duties as the new Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, and he has already given back to the community through various events and faced COVID-19 issues head-on when it came to reopening public schools on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

KHS, COK still negotiating details for FY2021. Kaua‘i Humane Society is currently operating on a short-term contract with the County of Kaua‘i that is extending the Fiscal Year 2020 services through August, and is providing more time for the two entities to negotiate their contract for the FY 2021. Garden Island.

Honolulu grocers hit by COVID-19, Young Brothers threatens to stop interisland shipping without 47% rate hike, Kauai park shut down after bad behavior, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coconut climber at Polynesian Cultural Center ©2020 All Hawaii News

COVID-19 leads to layoffs at The Polynesian Cultural Center. Approximately 30% of the 260 full-time employee workforce may be reduced by September 26, 2020. KITV4.

Shipper asks for ruling on rates by Aug. 17. Young Brothers says it may be forced to discontinue interisland services and furlough employees if the state Public Utilities Commission does not approve its emergency request for a 47 percent rate hike by Aug. 17. Maui News.

Gov. Ige weighs in on Hawaii CARES Act spending. Governor Ige is still deciding whether to sign or veto a bill that outlines how lawmakers want the state’s $635 million in CARES Act money to be spent. KHON2.

Economy: The First ‘Cliff’ Is Almost Here And A Second One Is Looming. Billions in federal relief dollars run out this week while community and political leaders work to soften a second possibly worse blow at the end of the year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Huge Stake In Negotiations Over Federal COVID-19 Aid. Uncertainty surrounds the $600-per-week unemployment payments, virus testing and even public worker furloughs. Civil Beat.


Green talks tourism as virus cases continue uptick. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday there’s “good news, bad news” about the possibility of reopening Hawaii to tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii residents urged to take precautions as clusters of coronavirus cases proliferate. Dozens of COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized following numerous coronavirus outbreaks, including one in Kalihi among Pacific islanders living in large multigenerational households. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric points to financial assistance options as disconnections to resume Sept. 1. Hawaiian Electric is pointing customers to several financial assistance options for those having trouble paying bills during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Workplace Drug Tests Show Less Use of Some Types of Drugs. Workplace drug tests taken in Hawai‘i during the pandemic show a decrease in the use of amphetamines, cocaine and opiates, while marijuana use has been on the rise. Hawaii Business magazine.

Coalition to consider legal action if state does not increase number of polling places. Three voting rights groups have given the state and counties a Friday deadline to commit to increasing the number of voter service centers or face legal action. West Hawaii Today.

Super PAC Spends $188K To Get Kahele To Congress. The nonpartisan With Honor Fund has ties to Jeff Bezos of Amazon and other billionaires. Civil Beat.

Education Spending Drives Races For Hawaii Legislature. The pandemic is spurring candidates to focus on how the Legislature and DOE will use limited funding for safety measures and access to distance learning. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Airlines plans to shrink 15% to 25%. Hawaiian Airlines is moving to raise cash and reduce staffing after reporting a significant second-quarter loss that continued the financial harm that emerged earlier this year from COVID-19 fears and containment policies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to cut workforce. During the company’s second quarter earnings call, CEO Peter Ingram said the recently completed quarter was incredibly challenging citing the 14-day quarantine as well as the recent cluster within the company. KHON2.

After dismal earnings report, Hawaiian Airlines expected to move ahead with layoffs. The company says it must move forward with layoffs after losing more than $100 million in its 2nd quarter earnings report. Hawaii News Now.

Mysterious unsolicited seed packets from China received by Hawaii residents. If you get an unsolicited packet of seeds from China, don’t open it. That’s the message from agriculture officials after multiple people received the mysterious packages. Hawaii News Now.

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Eight Thai Soldiers Test Positive For COVID-19 After Training In Hawaii. They were participating in the Army’s first large-scale exercise in Hawaii since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

8 Thai soldiers have virus following training in Hawaii. Asian media reported that eight out of 150 Thai army soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus days after returning to Thailand from participation in a big Schofield Barracks field training exercise on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii sees 47 new coronavirus-related cases as statewide total grows to 1,757. The new cases included 46 on Oahu and one in Maui County, according to the state Department of Health’s daily tally. Star-Advertiser.

DOH reports 28 new COVID-19 cases, pushing statewide total to 1,711. All of the cases were on Oahu, according to the COVID-19 Joint Information Center. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor proposes 3-week shutdown of bars, mandatory mask wearing outside. In a bid to tamp down a worsening surge in new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, Honolulu’s mayor is proposing to shut down all bars on Oahu for three weeks, require mask wearing outdoors at all times, and limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Wants Bar, Mask Crackdown. A recent rash of COVID-19 cases on Oahu has Mayor Kirk Caldwell asking the governor’s permission to close bars and impose more strict mask requirements. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell seeks 3-week closure of Oahu bars. Oahu bars would be forced to shut down for three weeks to allow the city time to “recalibrate” and come up with tighter regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 under a revised guideline that Mayor Kirk Caldwell is seeking from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell asks DOH to be upfront with COVID-19 cases linked to businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference Tuesday morning that he wants the Hawaii Department of Health to be more upfront with COVID-19 cases. KHON2.

Some call mayor’s proposed expansion of mask mandate government overreach. Hawaii News Now.

City employee in Dept. of Design and Construction tests positive for COVID-19.  City officials confirmed Tuesday that an employee who works in the Frank Fasi Municipal Building has tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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3 Hawaii Costco employees contract coronavirus. Three Costco workers have tested positive for the coronavirus — two in Hawaii Kai and one in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

3 Costco employees at 2 Oahu locations test positive for COVID-19. Internal memos confirmed that at least three employees tested positive — one in Iwilei and two others in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Another Foodland employee tests positive for coronavirus. Another Foodland employee has tested positive for the coronavirus, this time at Foodland Farms Pearl City. Star-Advertiser.

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Father, son with COVID-19 forced into facility after breaking quarantine. A father and son who have tested positive for COVID-19 were ordered into quarantine at a facility on Tuesday after being detained at a strip mall in McCully. The state Health Department relied on a rarely-used authority to detain the two. Hawaii News Now.

McCully Shopping Center shuts down after father and son with COVID-19 were arrested in the parking lot. A busy shopping center put on lockdown on Tuesday after a father and son with COVID-19 were arrested for violating quarantine. KITV4.

Oahu businesses want $100M in city grants to pay for rent. A Hawaii business coalition is seeking $100 million in federal coronavirus aid from the city to benefit commercial property landlords and tenants. Star-Advertiser.

New Super PACs Pour Money Into Honolulu Races. The independent expenditure committees are taking out ads for mayoral and council candidates as voters cast their mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

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City buys McCully walk-up for low-income rentals. The city recently purchased a McCully Street apartment building that it will rent out to lower-income families, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Buys 10-Unit Building For Affordable Housing. As of 2019, Oahu needed over 22,000 new housing units by 2025, according to the state. Civil Beat.

City offers affordable housing with McCully Street property. The city unveiled a new affordable housing project on Tuesday. KHON2.

State Legislature sides with Nanakuli landfill opponents. State lawmakers recently passed a highly contested bill that would stop a planned expansion of a landfill in Nanakuli operated by PVT Land Co. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Hundreds who lost homes in 2018 eruption could be eligible for up to $230K. Former Puna residents whose homes were destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption can choose to sell their properties to the county through a nearly $80 million recovery program. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Physician Assistant Program Campus Approved. The new Kona campus of the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington "will be a game changer" for Hawaiʻi, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Big Island Video News.

A whale of a summer: research project continues in Hawaiian waters despite COVID. A unique partnership between marine biologist Dr. Robin Baird at Cascadia Research Collective and Colin Cornforth – the owner of Kona tour company Captain Zodiac – has ensured their summer field project has had a fruitful 21st year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor is asking residents to limit interisland travel. As COVID-19 cases set daily records on Oahu along with an uptick on Maui, Mayor Michael Victorino is advising Maui County residents to postpone interisland leisure travel at this time and only fly between islands for essential business. Maui News.

Man Dies After Taser Struggle with Maui Police, Cause of Death is Undetermined. A 30 year-old Massachusetts man is dead following a taser struggle with Maui police in which he allegedly disarmed an officer of a Taser and proceeded to use the device on three different officers. Maui Now.

Stolen Oysters on Maui are Unfit for Human Consumption. Oysters that were destined for a research project on Maui were stolen last week and may have subsequently been sold at below-market prices on island. Maui Now.

Kauai

HLRB hears temporary workweek trial. County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig testified that the temporary four-day, 10-hour work schedule was an operational decision necessary to reduce movement and the spread of coronavirus yesterday in a Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board hearing on merits via Zoom. Garden Island.

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Large gatherings, trucks driving over Hawaiian burial sites, widespread defecation force closure of Polihale State Park on Kauai. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced it will close Kauai’s Polihale State Park indefinitely, citing bad behavior of residents, with abuse, illegal gatherings and camping. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai State Park Closed Indefinitely. State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said more state parks could face closure as the agency struggles to enforce park rules during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

State closes Kauai’s Polihate State Park, blaming ‘bad behavior’ of locals. The state is closing Kauai’s famous Polihale State Park indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Polihale State Park on Kauai closed due to people’s bad behavior. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s impossible to enforce park rules because of its size and isolated location. KHON2.

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Getting the vote out. The Voter Service Center was scheduled to open Monday, but that opening was delayed by the passage of Hurricane Douglas close to Kaua‘i late Sunday night, and into the early hours of Monday morning. Tuesday, the VSC opened to the public starting at 8 a.m. Garden Island.

Hurricane Douglas dodges Hawaii, Maui mayor calls for inter-island quarantine as Oahu COVID-19 cases spike, polls kind to Ige, Caldwell, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

C-17 aircraft delivers FEMA supplies to Maui Saturday night ahead of Hurricane Douglas. PC: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Hawaii avoids direct hit from Douglas. Star-Advertiser.

Douglas quickly moving away from state as stubborn Cat 1 hurricane. All hurricane and tropical storm warnings and watches for the Hawaiian Islands have been dropped as Douglas moves away, sparing the islands of any major damage. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige, Mayor Kirk Caldwell beat Trump in handling pandemic, poll finds. While nearly 70% of Honolulu residents disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, they mostly approve of the job by state and county officials. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu opens ballot dropoffs early, neighbor islands protest. Voters on Oahu have greater access to the polls than those on the neighbor islands, as the City and County of Honolulu has already opened its ballot dropoff boxes to the public while neighbor island counties are using the Aug. 3 date set in state law. West Hawaii Today.

Poll shows slice of optimism about Hawaii’s economy. Local economists informed Hawaii residents in May that the state economy won’t likely recover from COVID-19 impacts for more than two years, but a lot of Oahu residents disagree. Star-Advertiser.

Results of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll show that 52% of the 625 Oahu registered voters surveyed had not shopped at a mall since they reopened in May. Star-Advertiser.

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Some Hawaii Teachers Will Still Get An Extra Pay Boost Despite Looming Budget Cuts. Salary increases for teachers in certain hard-to-staff positions that kicked in early this year will remain in place for the upcoming school year. Civil Beat.

DLNR opposes regional fishery council’s request to allow commercial fishing in Papahanaumokuakea. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has sent a letter to President Donald Trump opposing a request by a regional fishery council to allow commercial fishing in the Papahanaumokuakea and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monuments. Star-Advertiser.

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VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 26: 64 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. State officials are discussing whether to return to previous restrictions on activities. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 64 more COVID-19 cases on Sunday. The Department of Health recorded 64 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide number of infections since the start of the outbreak to 1,683. On Saturday there were 73 new cases — the third consecutive day of record cases in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 64 new COVID-19 cases; statewide total swells to 1,683. The surge of new COVID-19 infections in Hawaii continued Sunday, with 64 new COVID-19 cases reported. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Feds Are Back In Hawaii As Corruption Probe Picks Up Steam Again. COVID-19 shut things down for a bit. But prosecutors are back in town and recently called former police commissioner Max Sword before the grand jury. Civil Beat.

Rick Blangiardi, Colleen Hanabusa lead Honolulu mayoral field, poll finds. Blangiardi and Hana­busa are running neck-and-neck atop the poll, with former insurance executive Keith Ame­miya, former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Honolulu City Councilwoman Kym Pine clustered in a second grouping. Star-Advertiser.

Steve Alm out front in Honolulu prosecutor race, poll finds. Steve Alm, a former U.S. Attorney and Circuit Court judge, is the preferred choice to be Honolulu’s next prosecutor, with support from 24% of registered voters participating in the Honolulu Star- Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates In District 7 Race Tout Community Ties To Kalihi. All three candidates to replace Councilman Joey Manahan have experience in government. Civil Beat.

Homelessness, Housing Are Top Issues In District 3 Council Race. The diverse pool of candidates includes those with backgrounds in management, education, government, construction and activism. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 claims 900 Honolulu businesses, survey finds. Nearly 900 businesses in Honolulu have shut down either temporarily or permanently since the beginning of March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State Land Use Commission takes up Hawaii County’s STVR law. The question of whether Hawaii County can prohibit short-term vacation rentals on land classified as agriculture is now in the hands of the state Land Use Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Ready, set, vote! Several options for casting your ballot. Ballots have arrived in Hawaii voters’ mailboxes. Now it’s decision time. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County prosecutor candidate: Jared “Kamaka” Auna. Currently a private defense attorney, Auna has been a deputy prosecutor on Hawaii Island, as well as Maui and Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County prosecutor candidate: Christopher Bridges. The 48-year-old Bridges, who’s been a lawyer for two-plus decades, graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law and has worked as a public defender in San Diego and a deputy prosecutor on Kauai and the Big Island before starting his own private practice as a defense attorney in Hilo in 2011. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County prosecutor candidate: Kelden Waltjen. Asked why he’s running to succeed mayoral candidate Mitch Roth as Hawaii County prosecutor, Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen emphasized he has spent his eight years as a practicing lawyer in the Hawaii County prosecutor’s office. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor seeks renewed interisland travel quarantine. Calling recent Oahu COVID-19 numbers “extremely dangerous,” Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday that he asked the governor to reinstate the 14-day interisland travel quarantine. Maui News.

Maui mayor asks Gov. Ige to restore quarantine restrictions on inter-island travelers. After two consecutive record-setting days when it comes to new coronavirus cases in Hawaii, the mayor of Maui County is asking Gov. David Ige to re-instate a mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone who travels on an inter-island flight. Hawaii News Now.

Farmer takes on veteran Upcountry House member. Voters in the district will have to decide between Makawao resident Simon Russell, a second-generation farmer who advocates for sustainable agriculture and water systems, or Kyle Yamashita, who has held the House of Representatives District 12 seat since 2004. Maui News.

Program helps homeless people get rides, do their laundry. Share Your Mana, MEO offer services to people without transportation. Maui News.

Kauai

County returns to 5-day work week. The county’s implementation of a four-day, 10-hour work week always had temporary intentions. Garden Island.

Island crime down 35%. Crime on the island is down about 35% compared to last year, according to Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck. Garden Island.

Residents frustrated at boating-rule enforcement. Thus far this year, no citations have been issued at Hanalei Bay for breaking boating rules. Garden Island.