Merrie Monarch canceled, Hawaii coronavirus testing lags far behind, Hawaiian heiress Kawananakoa found unfit to manage $215M estate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch hula ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii has tested only 32 for coronavirus. Hawaii health officials have contacted roughly 350 people who have been exposed to the new coronavirus, but only 32 individuals have been tested. Star-Advertiser.

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Merrie Monarch canceled. The 57th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo has been canceled, marking the latest and one of the most anticipated events in Hawaii to be suspended in the wake of the spreading COVID-19 disease. Star-Advertiser.

Organizers cancel Merrie Monarch Festival, citing ongoing coronavirus fears. The Merrie Monarch Festival, the biggest stage for hula in the world, will be canceled this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Merrie Monarch Festival Canceled Over Coronavirus Fears. It’s the latest in a series of cancellations across Hawaii and the nation. Civil Beat.

Merrie Monarch Festival 2020 Cancelled. The world's premier hula festival will not take place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Merrie Monarch Festival Officially Canceled. The 57th annual Merrie Monarch Festival — the most renowned celebration of hula in the world, held every year on the Big Island — has been canceled in response to fears surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic. Big Island Now.

“This was such a hard decision to make,” Organizers cancel 2020 Merrie Monarch Festival. After heavy consideration, organizers and sponsors of the 2020 Merrie Monarch Festival announced that the event will not be held. KHON2.

Decision to cancel Merrie Monarch praised. The hula competition, while the crown jewel of Merrie Monarch week, is just one aspect of the weeklong festival. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii braces for possible recession as economic fallout of virus grows. Even if the coronavirus does not become widespread in Hawaii, business leaders said the pandemic is already hurting Hawaii businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Isle lawmakers hear dire forecasts. The newly created House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness heard a grim assessment Thursday morning of the near-term prospects for the Hawaii economy, and was also warned that unemployment claims are already beginning to increase. Star-Advertiser.

Can Hawaii’s Construction Industry Make Up For Slumping Tourism? A task force on COVID-19 floated ideas to boost the state economy through an outbreak. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Coronavirus Impact Committee Handed Grim Prognosis. The first meeting of a state House advisory committee looking at a possible downturn in the Hawaii economy in the wake of the coronavirus heard what many suspected: the impact is here and it's worse than projected. Hawaii Public Radio.

Flurry of blows to tourism. The shutdown of a major cruise line in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is salt in the wounds of many struggling tourism-related businesses in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Bleak Economic Future Ahead Amid Growing COVID-19 Fears, State Leaders Say. Economy experts say it looks like Hawai‘i is headed into a recession as COVID-19 concerns continue to worry communities worldwide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Coronavirus Updates: State Reduces Growth Forecast, UH To Go Online, Merrie Monarch Canceled. Hawaii Public Radio.

The visitor industry braces for layoffs and lawmakers rush to help. People with jobs related to tourism are already suffering from the drop in visitor arrivals. KHON2.

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Government Steps Up Effort To Sanitize Public Spaces. Both the State and the County of Hawaiʻi are taking extra steps to help fight COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

State Spends $260K on Hand Sanitizing Dispensers/Supply at Hawai‘i Airports. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is installing 250 hand sanitizing dispensers with more than 12,000 boxes of anti-bacterial solution that will be placed in high passenger volume areas throughout the airports statewide. Maui Now.

Coronavirus prompts correctional facilities to suspend inmate visits. All correctional facilities are suspending personal visits starting Friday in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease, Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Correctional Facilities Suspend Inmate Personal Visits. Effective today, March 13, 2020, and until further notice, all correctional facilities in Hawaiʻi will suspend inmate personal visits. Maui Now.

Will Hawaii Turn Cruise Ships Away? Cruise ships continue to dock in Hilo and elsewhere in Hawaiʻi, despite the declared pandemic due to COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Keeping Hawaii’s Homeless Safe From Coronavirus. Without housing to self-quarantine in, the homeless population is at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and dying from it. Civil Beat.

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Judge: Hawaiian Heiress Is Not Capable Of Managing Her Own Affairs. A state judge says the $215 million estate of Abigail Kawananakoa is being wasted and has said a conservator needs to oversee it. Civil Beat.

Kawananakoa found unfit to manage financial affairs. A judge ruled Thursday that Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is mentally unfit to handle her own financial affairs. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Minimum Wage Bill Clears First Senate Hurdle. Some lawmakers still think $13 an hour is too low though. Civil Beat.

Rebuffed By Legislature, Hawaii Counties Seek Solutions To Mounting Abandoned Car Problem. Hawaiʻi’s mayors are not getting the help they’ve sought from the state Legislature this year to tackle a growing problem – abandoned cars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Coronavirus Top Of Mind As Honolulu Budget Committee Begins Review Of Caldwell's Budget Plan. A Honolulu City Council committee kicks off a review of Mayor Kirk Caldwell's multi-billion dollar budget plan on Thursday as the threat of the coronavirus pandemic looms. Caldwell is proposing a $2.98 billion operating budget and $1.27 billion capital improvements budget for fiscal year 2021. Hawaii Public Radio.

Virus Outbreak Is No Excuse To Not Pay Your Property Tax. Property owners who don’t pay could lose their homes to foreclosure, the city’s budget director says. Civil Beat.

Amid outbreak, state’s first regional treatment center opens in Kaneohe. New safety procedures are now in place at Kaneohe's largest medical office building. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center turns ‘disaster tents’ into outdoor coronavirus triage center. The Queen’s Medical Center opened two “disaster tents” outside in its ambulance bay today to evaluate and test patients for the novel coronavirus while keeping them separated from Queen’s emergency room patients. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘I’m just worried’: Continued cruise ship visits have Lt. Gov. concerned about patient surge capacity. While the decision to halt cruise ship visits is out of Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s hands, the West Hawaii doctor is worried that neighbor islands may not have the capacity to handle a surge of presumptive positive COVID-19 cases from a vessel making call. West Hawaii Today.

$103M bond issue breezes through council committee. The County Council has nothing but aloha for a $103 million bond measure to raise money for road construction. West Hawaii Today.

Island’s nine care facilities implement no-visitor policies. Hawaii Island’s long-term nursing and care facilities have implemented unified no-visitor policies in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Outlines Actions to Protect Maui from Coronavirus. Mayor Michael Victorino said he would be seeking a moratorium of 60 days minimum on cruise ship travel to Maui County. Maui Now.

Cancellations rise with novel coronavirus worries. Off-island school trips halted, Kalaupapa tours suspended to protect elderly patients. Maui News.

Makena project may need broader environmental study. Plan proposes 53 luxury home lots near South Maui’s Makena coastline. Maui News.

Kauai

County closes various facilities for 60 days. The Department of Parks &Recreation announced the closure of various county facilities and events starting Monday, March 16, and continuing for a period of 60 days. Garden Island.

Combating the new coronavirus. Cruise ships docked on Thursday at Nawiliwili, releasing the usual flood of passengers onto Kaua‘i for shopping, tours and beach outings, just as the Grand Princess cruise ship did on Feb. 26. Garden Island.

State budget latest COVID-19 victim, Public Access Room closed after traveler tests positive, University of Hawaii classes going online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

Virus may cut state spending by $225 million. The state Council on Revenues slashed its projection for the fiscal year that begins July 1 from 4% growth to zero growth, predicting that state tax collections will be flat next year. That means the state will have about $225 million less to spend next year than Gov. David Ige expected when he prepared the new state budget. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus Forecast To Take $300 Million Bite Out Of Hawaii Tax Revenues. The new projections by the state Council on Revenues mean the state has less money to spend in the years ahead. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Forecasters Drop Tax Revenue Estimates, But Coronavirus Uncertainty Dominates. Tax revenue coming into Hawaii state coffers is now expected to be $48 million to $80 million less than previous estimates for the rest of 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii economists lower state revenue forecast to zero growth next fiscal year. The Hawaii Council on Revenues lowered its forecast on Wednesday to zero growth for the state’s fiscal year that starts July 1 and lowered its projection for the last three months of the fiscal year because of the fallout from the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

State braces for sharp decline in revenue due to coronavirus pandemic. The State is being told to brace itself for a sharp decline in revenue, meaning lawmakers will need to look for areas to cut spending. It’s largely due to coronavirus. KHON2.

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Hawaii Capitol’s Public Access Room closes due to connection to Canadian doctor with coronavirus. The Public Access Room on the fourth floor of the Hawaii State Capitol has been closed “out of an abundance of caution” until March 18 after a roommate of an employee in the office reportedly had contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Isle visitor from Canada tests positive for virus. A Canadian doctor who visited Hawaii last week has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but state health officials are not currently tracking those who may have been exposed through close contact with her in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Public Access Room Closes, Canada Visitor Tests Positive, Leahi Limits Visits. The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu, Maui councils encourage remote public interactions over coronavirus fears. The Honolulu City Council intends to hold scheduled meetings in the coming days as planned but Chairman Ikaika Anderson on Wednesday encouraged people to watch the proceedings remotely and to submit their testimony online. Star-Advertiser.

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UH prepares for switch to online classes. The closure of student housing on the Manoa and Hilo campuses of UH is not being considered at this time. Star-Advertiser.

UH announces classes to move online after spring break amid coronavirus concerns. The University of Hawaii on Thursday announced that it will move all classes online after spring break amid coronavirus concerns. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii classes to move ‘online’ due to Covid-19 concerns. University of Hawaii President David Lassner announced all classes will move online after spring break. KHON2.

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Hawaii DOE Cancels All School Travel Outside State. The order, which comes as spring break nears, does not impact inter-island travel. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i DOE Cancelling All US and International Travel Through End of School Year. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education is cancelling all school and department-related travel to the US mainland and international destinations until the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Maui Now.

Hawaii students flew across the country for a convention that was suddenly canceled. Hawaii students eager to compete in a national media convention flew to Washington D.C. this week only to be met with a sudden cancellation. Hawaii News Now.

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State: Closing ports up to federal government. The state has no jurisdiction to determine whether or not to close ports in Hawaii amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay said. Tribune-Herald.

Are We Banning Cruise Ships? According to Gov. David Ige, Hawaii state government does not have the authority to ban cruise ships. That decision lies with the federal government and the U.S. Coast Guard. Civil Beat.

Hotel workers facing cuts to work hours as travel restriction on Europe is announced. Hotel workers in Hawaii already say they’re worried about the impacts this could bring, especially with work hours already being cut. KHON2.

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Trust run by her ‘arch-enemies,’ heiress says. Abigail Kawananakoa reaffirmed her commitment to the Hawaiian people Wednesday but said she would like to control the direction of her charitable foundation, in part because the people running it now are her “arch-enemies.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii agents arrest alleged cartel member in nationwide drug bust. A man in Hawaii was arrested and charged in an interagency operation targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as the JNGC. Star-Advertiser.

Sea turtles are mistaking plastic for food. A new study published in the Journal Current Biology says sea turtles eat ocean-soaked plastic because it smells like food. KHON2.

Oahu

3 urgent care facilities now offering drive-through coronavirus testing. Urgent Care Hawaii is the first private facility in the state to offer drive-through testing for the coronavirus. There are three locations on Oahu offering tests: Pearl City, Kapolei and Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Councilwoman calls for more hygiene centers. Honolulu City Councilwoman Kym Pine is urging the Caldwell administration to set up more mobile hygiene centers across the island to help the island’s homeless population in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

There are still many unanswered questions regarding the corona virus that has spread worldwide, and Hawaii’s top government officials met with people to ease their fears. One of those meetings was a town hall Wednesday night at Hahaione Elementary School in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Hapalua half-marathon postponed until September due to coronavirus concerns. The Honolulu Marathon Association announced today that it will postpone the 2020 Hapalua half-marathon due to coronavirus concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Want Judge To Throw The Book At Kealohas. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard and the city’s top civil attorney have submitted letters to a federal judge that could be used to increase the sentences for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Environmental assessment completed for controversial Ewa Beach seawall. A final environmental assessment for a seawall found there would be no significant impact to the environment, geology, cultural or biological resources. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim creates multi-agency COVID-19 task force. The mayor described a balancing act that weighs keeping the public informed while not alarming them and offsetting the island economy against community safety. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island COVID-19 Pandemic Response Detailed. Mayor Harry Kim introduced the Hawaiʻi County Council to the multi-agency COVID-19 task force, and delivered an unscheduled, hour-long briefing. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Affirms County’s Continued Efforts Against COVID-19. Mayor Harry Kim came before Hawai‘i County Council to provide an update on where the county is on its efforts to handle the impacts of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Mayor Issues Proclamation To Stop Price Gouging. Mayor Harry Kim issued a Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on Wednesday in order to prohibit increases in the selling price of any commodity in the area covered by Hawai‘i County’s Emergency Proclamation regarding Coronavirus. Big Island Video News.

Hoarding of cleaning and sanitation products frustrates customers, triggers purchase limits. While there has still been no confirmed case of COVID-19 infection on the Big Island, that hasn’t stopped shortages of vital hygiene and cleaning supplies from frustrating shoppers. Tribune-Herald.

Final EA released for Pahala wastewater plant. The plant, when completed, will replace two large-capacity cesspools that have served the community since the sugar plantation era. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Chair Encourages Civic Engagement Online. State Representative Angus McKelvey established a YouTube channel for this purpose and Council Chair Alice Lee said today she encourages the public to provide testimony and view meetings of the council and the council’s committees online. Maui Now.

Bill proposes Hawaii purchase, conserve Maui watershed land. Thousands of acres of watershed land in the West Maui Mountains are up for sale and state lawmakers are considering buying the property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Couple stopped at airport over COVID-19 suspicions. They test negative for the novel coronavirus. Maui News.

Kauai

County has $2M to battle COVID-19. Kaua‘i’s mayor and County Council released $2 million in emergency funds for Kaua‘i response to COVID-19 on Wednesday, the same day the World Health Organization declared a pandemic of the virus and the state Department of Health said the number of people self-monitoring in Hawai‘i crept up to 41. Garden Island.

HI5 recycle site in Kekaha moves. The Kekaha HI5 redemption site operated by Kaua‘i Community Recycling Services will be relocated to its former location across from the old Kekaha sugar mill site on Kekaha Road on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Tours Temporarily Suspended at Kalaupapa. DOH has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park until April 11, 2020 as a public health measure to protect the vulnerable population of patients. Maui Now.

Tours suspended to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai. The Health Department has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai until April 11. KHON2.

Hawaii House panel named to study COVID-19 economic effects, Nadamoto seeks Honolulu prosecutor job, $82M FEMA agreement for lava-stricken Puna, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii cruise ship scene ©2020 All Hawaii News

‘Floating germ factories’: Anxiety within cruise ship industry puts spotlight on Hawaii’s ports. As the coronavirus spreads, more government officials want to stop vessels from entering Hawaii's ports. Hawaii News Now.

Grand Princess docks in Oakland with 4 isle residents to be quarantined. Four Hawaii residents were among the 3,500 people aboard the Grand Princess that docked Monday at the Port of Oakland, Calif., but state health officials did not have details on them or where they will be quarantined. Star-Advertiser.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki appoints members of Hawaii coronavirus committee. House Speaker Scott Saiki has appointed 26 members of the Select House Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, which is scheduled to hold its first meeting this week. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Names Business Leaders To Coronavirus Committee. The 26-member committee will have its first public meeting Thursday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii House Speaker names panel on virus’ economic effects. Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki on Monday said he has appointed 25 people plus himself to serve on a committee that will advise House members on the potential financial and economic fallout of the new coronavirus. Associated Press.

Hawaii House Speaker names panel on virus’ economic effects. Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki on Monday said he has appointed 25 people plus himself to serve on a committee that will advise House members on the potential financial and economic fallout of the new coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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The state is scrambling to get in touch with people who had close contact with an elderly Oahu man who caught the coronavirus on a trip to Washington state. State scrambles to get in touch with those who had contact with patient. Hawaii News Now.

State tourism hit hard as virus reaches Hawaii. COVID-19 has infected Hawaii’s visitor industry, which is starting to see symptoms ranging from travel cancellations and anemic bookings to declining air seats to plummeting hotel occupancies — some as low as 10%. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 testing in Hawaii comes under fire. The state confirmed its first case Friday and a second on Sunday, though doctors have been frustrated at the lack of widespread testing in the community and say the Health Department has denied testing for some patients who physicians suspect might have the disease. Star-Advertiser.

5 Kaiser employees linked to coronavirus care under ‘self-monitoring’ at home. Kaiser Permanente says five of its employees are now self-monitoring at home because they were involved in the care of two people with coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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Minimum Wage Hikes Have Had Little Long-Lasting Effect On Business. Minimum wage hikes might be tough for some local businesses, but a recent state study of the impacts of the 2014 minimum wage increase shows few effects on the labor market. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Want To Subsidize Big Rate Increases By Hawaii’s Only Interisland Shipper. But the state Department of Transportation opposes House Bill 2475, saying it unfairly benefits just one company. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Acting prosecutor Nadamoto formally announces run for the position. Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor, Dwight Nadamoto, on Monday formally kicked off his campaign for election to the job. Star-Advertiser.

Acting Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto Announces Run For The Job. He filed his paperwork back in December but withheld his announcement until now. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor wants the job permanently. Acting city Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto announced Monday he wants the job permanently. Hawaii News Now.

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In trial for control of her fortune, heiress Abigail Kawananakoa takes the stand. Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa took the witness stand for the first time in the two-a-half year legal battle over her fortune. Hawaii News Now.

Kawananakoa takes witness stand in her defense. Abigail Kawananakoa denied she had a stroke, accused her former attorney of lying and disputed the need for independent oversight of her financial affairs during more than an hour of court testimony that was open to the public Monday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus concerns prompt downtown Honolulu bar to cancel popular St. Patrick’s Day block party. Murphy’s Bar & Grill announced today it is canceling its 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day block party over concerns of spreading the novel coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales strong in first two months of 2020. Oahu single-family home sales for the first two months of the year were 13% higher than the same period a year ago, while the median price declined slightly, and condominium sales in January and February rose 7% as the median price increased by nearly 4%, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County reaches agreement with FEMA on lava-covered roads. The agreement under FEMA’s Public Assistance program identifies about $82 million worth of damage to county-owned roads, excluding Highway 132. Tribune-Herald.

Pohoiki Road Restoration Part Of $82 Million FEMA Agreement. The County will cover a quarter of the cost of recovering various county roads covered by lava during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea. Big Island Video News.

FEMA to Provide Tens of Millions in Volcano Recovery Aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending more than $60 million to Hawai‘i County to help repair public roads devastated by lava during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Big Island Now.

FEMA, Hawaii County reach agreement to replace roads destroyed by Kilauea eruption. FEMA and Hawaii County have reached an agreement on the cost of replacing public roads inundated by lava during 2018’s Kilauea eruption — $82 million. KHON2.

Bill would establish guidelines for distribution of disaster funds. A County Council committee will hear a bill today that will determine how to disburse millions of dollars of Kilauea eruption recovery funds. Tribune-Herald.

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20 nominations considered by PONC: Commission kicks off land-buying program for 2020. Three stretches of Alii Drive oceanfront property are on a list of properties the county will consider purchasing this year under its open space land-buying program. West Hawaii Today.

Kona’s Simmy and Lokelani McMichael made the trip to Hilo on Monday to testify before the Hawaiʻi County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission on behalf of some treasured coastal lands along Aliʻi Drive. Big Island Video News.

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Hospitals button up: HMC, others implement new visitor restrictions, screenings. New visitor restrictions and screenings are now in place at Hilo Medical Center, Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua, Ka‘u Hospital, Extended Care Facility and HMC’s outpatient clinics in response to ongoing developments with COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

EPA assesses fines, requires closure of 12 large-capacity cesspools. The owners of a dozen large-capacity cesspools in North and South Kona have agreed to pay fines and replace them with compliant systems. West Hawaii Today.

Marzo running for mayor. Ikaika Marzo, a Puna tour operator who became a social media phenomenon during the monthslong 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano, is running for mayor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Sen. English Announces $204 Million for Projects in 7th Senatorial District. Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English of Maui announced that over $204 million in Capital Improvement Project funds were released by Governor David Ige for the senator’s District 7, which covers Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe. Maui Now.

Maui Departments Increase Sanitization, Urge Precautions Against COVID-19. While there are no confirmed cases in Maui County, all county departments and personnel have increased sanitization efforts and are taking additional precautions amid statewide concerns relating to COVID-19. Maui Now.

Home sales on Maui rise on mixed prices in February. Home sales on Maui rose in February, compared to a year ago, but the median price for single-family homes declined by 5% even as the median price for condominiums rose by about the same amount, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Some Brun charges dismissed. Felony charges of assault on a police officer and resisting arrest against County Councilmember Arthur Brun—originally filed by Kauai County authorities—have been dismissed, apparently because they were superseded by Brun’s federal indictment for running an island-wide methamphetamine ring. Garden Island.

How rulebreaking is impacting professional photographers. Many places on Kauai are completely off-limits for professional photography and videography — places like the bottom of Wailua Falls and Waimea Canyon and Koke‘e. Garden Island.

Kauai median condo price soars as sales grow by double digits. Home sales grew by double digits on Kauai last month along with prices, compared to a year ago, with the median price of a condominium rising 89%, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hot, hot, hot! 2019 breaks records. Plus, Ige seeks instate testing for coronavirus, convicted ex-police chief seeks leniency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cooling off at Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News

It’s official: 2019 was Honolulu’s hottest year on record. Oahu had a sweltering 2019. In fact, it was the island’s hottest year on record, NOAA has determined. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor says 2019 was Oahu’s hottest year ever and shares heat index mapping results. Last year, Honolulu residents may remember hot, sweltering days, with numerous record high temperatures, as well a summer that seemed to last longer than usual. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Has Mapped Just How Hot Oahu Is Now. Climate change has contributed to record heat throughout Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Honolulu saw its hottest year ever recorded in 2019. Honolulu City and County officials said 2019 was the hottest year ever recorded but they are working on solutions, as they said temperatures will only continue to get hotter. KHON2.

2019: a year of record heat for Oahu. It is official: last year was the hottest year on record for Honolulu. Now the mayor and city leaders want more people to plant trees to help ease the heat. KITV4.

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Gov. Ige wants Hawaii to become a test site for coronavirus test kits. Right now, the only test site in the country is the CDC lab in Atlanta, Georgia and it takes more than a week get results for samples from Hawaii. KITV4.

Ige pushes for Hawaii to be beta-tester for virus kits. Gov. David Ige said he wants Hawaii to be a beta-tester for kits that can screen for COVID-19, the newly identified coronavirus that has infected thousands in China and elsewhere in the world. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says no estimated timeline given on when CDC testing kits will arrive. Governor David Ige is just back from Japan and gave us an update on the Coronavirus or COVID-19. KHON2.

Gov. Ige Discusses Coronavirus, TMT. Following his return from a trip to Japan on Tuesday, Gov. Ige held a press conference earlier today to provide updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak and the status of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Maui Now.

No one in state tested for the coronavirus. Hawaii health officials continue to reassure the public that the coronavirus is not circulating in the islands, but they have not tested a single person in the state for the deadly disease. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that preclearance flights from Japan to Hawaii are at least a year out, but the state is working to shorten that window. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Want More Transparency About Prosecutors’ Charging Decisions. Hawaii’s four county prosecutors worry a proposed bill requires them to provide extra data about defendants without providing their offices any extra funding. Civil Beat.

Bill introduced that would make bestiality against the law in Hawaii. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Hawaii is one of only four states that does not prohibit sex with animals along with New Mexico, Wyoming and West Virginia. KITV4.

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This Helicopter Safety Bill Is Unenforceable. Why Do So Many Lawmakers Support It? Spurred by recent tour helicopter crashes in Hawaii, the proposed legislation would set stiffer state requirements for tour pilots. But the feds, not the state, regulate the skies. Civil Beat.

Legislators take aim at helicopter noise, safety. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 2649 would require that tour aircraft companies seeking a permit to operate in airports under state control equip their aircraft with flotation and tracking devices approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Tribune-Herald.

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Greenhouse Construction Bill Passes Third Reading in House. A bill expanding the permitting exemption for greenhouse construction on agricultural land passed its third reading in the House of Representatives Tuesday. Big Island Now.

Why So Few Kids In Hawaii Get Tested For Lead Poisoning. Only 25% of kids between 1 and 2 years old get tested, in part because it’s not required. A bill in the Legislature would require mandatory testing for the first time. Civil Beat.

State’s largest public worker union endorses Kai Kahele for U.S. House. The Hawaii Government Employees Association Wednesday endorsed state Sen. Kai Kahele in his bid for the U.S. House seat representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, giving a substantial boost to a campaign that already appeared to be quickly gaining momentum. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ahead of sentencing, ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha pleads for leniency. Former Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha believes he should spend less than three years for his crimes. Kealoha’s attorney made the argument in a court document that has since been sealed, citing Kealoha’s “long and distinguished record of service and contribution to the community". Hawaii News Now.

Council OKs moving jail to Halawa. A permit clearing the way for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center to Halawa from Kalihi won an 8-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday, but the contentious project still needs funding from state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

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City Council approves bill to catch trash dumpers. A bill making it easier for the city to catch and fine people who throw bulky items and other trash along roadsides or other public areas won an 8-0 final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council passes bill to allow residents to report illegal dumpers. If passed into law, people would be able to send pictures or video to the City’s Department of Environment Services and they would be able to fine that person. KHON2.

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Kawananakoa hearing will be open to public. A judge ruled Wednesday that a hearing to determine whether Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is capable of handling her own financial affairs will be open to the public except for when the discussion turns to medical and financial information. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Princess Can Testify In Public But Info About Finances, Medical Issues Will Be Kept Secret. A state court judge on Wednesday said medical and financial evidence about millionaire heiress Abigail Kawananakoa will be kept from the public. Civil Beat.

Legal fees in fight over heiress Kawananakoa’s fortune continue to mount. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of ratcheting up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Charter Commission Director Steps Down For New DOE Role. Sione Thompson was nominated to be the next complex area superintendent for Nanakuli-Waianae. Civil Beat.

New hotel planned near Honolulu airport. Some new hospitality industry competition is planned for part of Oahu where a new hotel hasn’t been built in nearly a half-century. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Governor David Ige says he recently told Japanese officials that the state is committed to the rule of law in regards to the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Maunakea. Governor Ige said he met with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Big Island Video News.

Council declines to indemnify fire chief in employment lawsuit. The Hawaii County Council isn’t ready to put taxpayers on the hook for disciplinary actions Fire Chief Darren Rosario took in 2014 that are now the subject of a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal Funding Coming to Kona International Airport. The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is set to receive $3.7 million in federal funding for safety improvements, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Federal funds are heading to Kona’s airport for improvements. The international airport will receive more than $3.7 million to repair taxiways and runway lighting. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Company faces $25K fine over alleged water wasting. Wailuku Water Co. is facing nearly $25,000 in state fines over claims of wasting a “considerable amount” of state-protected water from its ditch system that poured into a gulch in multiple incidents late last year into January. Maui News.

Maui County Addresses Illegal Encampments at Kanahā Beach Park. The County of Maui departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Management, Public Works and Housing and Human Concerns began work today with the Maui Police Department to address illegal encampments and public health and safety concerns at Kanahā Beach Park and in surrounding areas. Maui Now.

Longtime Native Hawaiian Activist Announces Run For House Seat. Walter Ritte has led some of the most iconic cultural movements in modern Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Japanese visitor had symptoms while on Maui. Coronavirus victim originally thought to only be symptomatic during Oahu leg of stay. Maui News.

As virus spreads, face masks sell out. Face masks are flying off the shelves of local hardware stores as residents seek out protection against the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, that’s been spreading around the globe. Maui News.

Kauai

Council considers polystyrene. A measure to ban most polystyrene food containers from Kaua‘i passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday and is set for public hearing Tuesday, March 25. Garden Island.

Anderson is new county department head. The County of Kaua‘i’s Civil Service Commission announced the selection of Annette Anderson as the new director for the county Department of Human Resources. Garden Island.

Groups look to fortify North Shore disaster resilience. Kaua‘i County and two community organizations are working on separate initiatives to harden the North Shore’s defenses in the event of a natural disaster by creating permanent infrastructure to be used if disaster strikes. Garden Island.

House budget cuts police actions against demonstrators on Mauna Kea, elsewhere; Hawaii County Councilman's husband arrested for allegedly slugging county official, plastics ban mulled on two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

House cuts funding for TMT enforcement from state budget. House lawmakers approved a rough draft of the new state operating budget Tuesday that cut more than $65 million in funding that Gov. David Ige requested for law enforcement operations to cope with disturbances such as the ongoing protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke. Star-Advertiser.

Want To Build Affordable Housing More Quickly? This Bill Would Sidestep Public Input. Affordable housing developers would be allowed to sidestep a process designed to protect Hawaii’s lands if a bill backed by Hawaii’s top political leaders becomes law. Civil Beat.

Prison overcrowding targeted in proposed law reducing ‘dangerous drug’ penalty. Senate Bill 2793 proposes to reduce the penalty of controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor, it would reduce the sentence for people who get caught. KHON2.

No isle residents found to have extended, close contact with infected pair. State health officials have not found any Hawaii residents who came into “prolonged close contact” with a Japanese couple who visited the islands more than a week ago and was subsequently diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii auto sales keep losing traction. Hawaii auto sales are projected to keep softening in 2020 as they appear headed for a third straight year of declines. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City bill would let citizens help bust trash dumpers. An inspector would not need to witness an illegal dumping violation for the city to fine someone under a bill up for a final vote today by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Will Espero Looks To Return To Public Service. The former state senator is running for the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Red Hill fuel storage deadline in doubt. Hopes to shut down the Navy’s underground fuel tanks at Red Hill in 2028 were in doubt Tuesday after the chairwoman of a critical Senate committee removed the revised version of Senate Bill 2774 from scheduled decision making on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The city considers charging property owners a new fee for a project that could turn storm water runoff into drinking water. The city and county of Honolulu wants to take on a massive new endeavor to overhaul its storm drain system. Hawaii News Now.

Should Hawaii Build An Underwater Tunnel Between Ewa And Downtown? State lawmakers may ask the DOT to study the idea as a way to alleviate traffic, even as a rail line is still being built. Civil Beat.

Worries of misdirected funds swirl as trial over Princess Kawananakoa’s fortune set to begin. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of racketing up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Tattoo Expo fined $120K for using 12 unlicensed artists. The state Health Department has fined promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to participate in its event. Star-Advertiser.

State slaps expo organizers with big fine for allowing unlicensed tattoo artists to work. The state has fined Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to ink clients at an event in January. Hawaii News Now.

Unlicensed artists at Honolulu Tattoo Expo had not completed blood-borne pathogen transmission prevention class. Health officials are calling it a complete disregard for public health rules, resulting in the maximum fine to the Honolulu Tattoo Expo. KHON2.

Tattoo expo promoters receive $120k fine. The Department of Health has issued a $120,000 fine to Erin Carillo and Thomas Hernandez, the promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo for aiding and abetting 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to tattoo at the recent event held at the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Ex-cop charged in attack: Husband of councilwoman arrested for allegedly assaulting county official. The felony information complaint filed Feb. 7 in Hilo Circuit Court charges Ian Lee Loy with second-degree assault, a Class C felony that carries a possible five-year prison sentence upon conviction. Tribune-Herald.

Frustration with traffic flow: Council members seek answers about congestion, timing of signals. Hawaii County Council members were unhappy with the Department of Public Works’ efforts to relieve traffic congestion across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances Kaloko sewer improvement district. Neighbors of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights development will get a free ride on sewer hookups, thanks to an improvement district initiated by the developers. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers’ livestock shipping changes raise concerns. Proposed changes to livestock shipping procedures by interisland ocean shipper Young Brothers have some concerned that all but the largest ranchers might be priced out of the market. Tribune-Herald.

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No Timeframe for TMT construction on Maunakea, Officials Say. As an agreement to hold off construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope comes to an end, TMT officials say they don’t have a timeframe for beginning work on Maunakea. Big Island Now.

TMT truce might be extended 2 months. Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for a two-month extension of the current moratorium that has kept the peace on Mauna Kea over the last few months. Star-Advertiser.

A truce at Mauna Kea is almost up, but Big Island Mayor Kim wants more time. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for an additional delay on construction. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council Considers County-Wide Ban on Single-Use Plastics. County council members met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a bill aiming to ban the use and sale of single-use disposable plastics throughout Maui County. Maui Now.

Maui mayor urges people to remain vigilant amidst coronavirus fears. While Maui County continues to have no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, Mayor Michael Victorino urged people to remain vigilant and take precautions against the spread of disease. KITV4.

Kula meeting to cover water, energy. The upcoming auction of four East Maui watershed lease areas will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor moves to prohibit disposable plastics.  Just one day before the Kauai County Council is set to consider a bill that would ban most polystyrene food containers from sale and use on Kauai, Mayor Derek Kawakami signed an administrative policy aimed at the same thing. Garden Island.

Niihau

Why is Ni'ihau Hawaiian Language So Different? One could argue that Niʻihau Hawaiian is the closest we’ve got to early forms of the language spoken in the islands. It’s been passed down from generation to generation uninterrupted largely because of Niʻihau’s isolation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kahuku wind farm project lacks environmental review, Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition, drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm arrests PC:Choon James

PUC’s Former Lawyer Says Approval Of Kahuku Wind Farm Violated Law. A former Public Utilities Commission counsel said regulators needed to complete an environmental review before approving the controversial project. Civil Beat.

Kahuku wind farm ‘arrestables’ say breaking the law is their last option. Over the last two weeks, 111 people volunteered to be arrested for protesting a controversial wind energy farm in Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

Wind farm demonstrators out in Kalaeloa again Sunday night. Wind turbine construction materials are scheduled to move again on Sunday night, leaving from Kalaeloa for the Na Pua Makani wind farm site in Kahuku. KITV.

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Drug companies paid Hawaii doctors $4.3M last year. Hawaii doctors received $4.29 million in total payments from drug companies for promotional talks or consulting work in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Dispensaries stop selling vapes with outside ingredients. Five out of eight Hawaii medical marijuana dispensaries that had been warned by health officials to stop selling vaping products made with outside ingredients say they are now in compliance with state law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants prepare to vote on a possible strike. Starting Monday, more than 2,100 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will begin voting on whether they should authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii kids hit median on Smarter Balanced Assessment. A new analysis shows that Hawaii’s public school students rank in the middle of the pack in both English and math proficiency among the states that use the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Star-Advertiser.

Want a selfie with a Hawaiian monk seal? Don’t get too close. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers recently conducted a study of how social media can play a role not only in monitoring the public’s interaction with endangered monks seals in Hawaii, but in research, education and conservation. Star-Advertiser.

Feds To Audit Wespac’s Handling Of Pacific Tuna Fund. The move by the inspector general comes after a Civil Beat investigation and request from four congressmen. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement late Thursday that she won’t seek reelection to Congress so she can focus on her presidential bid turns what early challenger Kai Kahele saw as a likely mano-a-mano contest into a political free-for-all. But it’s up for debate whether this makes it more or less difficult for the relatively new state senator from Hilo to win the congressional seat. West Hawaii Today.

Tulsi Gabbard’s decision not to seek reelection to Congress and instead focus on her presidential campaign opens an opportunity for familiar and lesser-known potential candidates who might want to run in 2020 to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Why Tulsi Gabbard Should Quit Congress Right Now. The presidential wannabe can show true aloha for the people of the 2nd District by letting them have proper representation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Feds Demanded Rail Information From Honolulu City Hall. Officials investigating the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation have either seized or requested information from the city, the mayor’s communications director Andrew Pereira confirmed. Civil Beat.

Acting city prosecutor faces heat over failure to act in wake of scandals. Acting city Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto continues to dodge questions about the suspected cover-up of crimes by ex-deputy Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

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Pro-Labor Bill Becomes Law Without Mayor’s Signature. Caldwell informed the council he wants to work on “legal concerns.” Civil Beat.

Labor bill favoring unions becomes law without the mayor’s signature. Union workers will essentially get priority for all city projects over $2 million thanks to a bill that is now law. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Wai harbor redevelopment effort falls short — again. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has come up empty-handed after a committee reviewed proposals for redevelopment of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor — rankling some Waikiki residents and boaters who fear the state will never get it right. Star-Advertiser.

State goes ‘back to the drawing board’ for Ala Wai harbor development. Many people consider the area near the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to be the gateway to Waikiki. But for years, that area has included a fenced-off vacant lot. Hawaii News Now.

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Kirk Caldwell, developer of Ala Moana playground reject idea of different site. Moving the site of a proposed inclusive children’s playground from Ala Moana Regional Park to Kakaako Waterfront Park will cause suffering to children with special needs by making them wait longer to enjoy the first such playground in Hawaii, said Tiffany Vara, executive director of Pa‘ani Kakou, a nonprofit that has pledged to build the playground with private money and give it to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Support for an inclusive playground is there. But where should it be built? Dozens on both sides of the controversy over a proposed, privately funded playground at Ala Moana Park attended a rally at the park today. Hawaii News Now.

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Bill 25 standoff reveals difficulty in requiring greener energy as part of Oahu’s building code. Improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings is a key element to reducing global climate heating. And on Oahu, there’s plenty of room for improvement, as our built environment is responsible for some 35% of the island’s carbon pollution, according to the city’s recently established greenhouse gas inventory. Star-Advertiser.

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Financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa may be overseen by conservator. A hearing will be held to determine whether a conservator will be appointed to oversee the financial affairs of Abigail Kawananakoa outside of her $215 million trust, a judge ruled Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian royalty descendant rejects calls for appointment of a conservator. Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa was back in court Friday, rejecting claims she can’t handle her own financial affairs and medical needs. Hawaii News Now.

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Waikiki residents concerned by bikers on sidewalks. Riding a bike on the sidewalk is illegal. KITV.

This Run Down Shopping Center In Hawaii Kai Has Neighbors Begging For Repairs. It’s not the only shopping center in Hawaii that is showing signs of decay. But this community, fueled by a neighborhood social media discussion, is fighting back. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land Use Commission rejects Mauna Kea petition. A petition that challenged the density of development of astronomy observatories on Mauna Kea was denied Friday by the state Land Use Commission, with a majority of the commissioners declaring they have no jurisdiction over the issue. Star-Advertiser.

Land commission votes 5-2 to deny request by two Hilo residents. The state Land Use Commission voted Friday to deny a petition that requested a declaration that the use of land at Maunakea summit is improper for its current zoning. Tribune-Herald.

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Sirens in tsunami-prone areas now ‘highest priority'. Prioritization of emergency warning siren maintenance, repair and installation across the state has changed. West Hawaii Today.

Final review of proposed dolphin swimming ban continues. Federal officials are still working to finalize a rule three years in the making that’ll render it illegal to approach or swim with Hawaiian spinner dolphins in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui continues to discuss how to meet Hawaii’s renewable-energy goals. The months-long, record-breaking heat wave that has caused spikes in Maui’s electricity use underscores why the island — and the state as a whole — has such ambitious renewable-energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

Column: Tax reform legislation moves to the full council on Nov. 8. Five months ago, the Maui County Council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee decided to study options for more equitable taxation by creating a temporary investigative group, or TIG, on real property tax reform. Maui News.

Local Businesses Open Up Shop at Wailea Village. Wailea Village, a new shopping center in South Maui that promises a “different” and “outdoor-focused” retail experience, is now the home of several locally owned stores. Maui Now.

Kauai

Police Chief Calls For New Procedures In Wake Of School Threats. Responding to recent threats against island schools, Kaua'i Police Chief Todd Raybuck described school lockdowns and evacuations as appropriate when the threats are active and imminent, but said they may not be when unconfirmed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai’s police chief urges parents to remind kids about seriousness of making threats. In light of recent threats against DOE schools, Kauai’s Police Chief Todd Raybuck is strengthening the call for the community to work together to prevent future incidents. Hawaii News Now.

Eyes on the reefs. The sediment in Anini’s shallow lagoon could be saturated with heavy metals, according to results from a study conducted through volunteers with the nonprofit Reef Guardians Hawaii. Garden Island.

Tidal erosion forecast, Kealoha trial continues, Maui $823.6M budget scrutinized, bank agrees to take over Kawananakoa trust, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crowded beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Summer tides increase likelihood of Hawaii shoreline erosion. Hawaii’s big waves and high tides will make shoreline erosion and flooding likely this summer, officials said. Associated Press.

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Ex-officer testifies at Kealoha trial that he ‘perpetuated a lie’ in mailbox theft case. Retired police officer Niall Silva admitted repeatedly lying to the FBI, federal prosecutors, grand jurors and in court testimony in connection with the alleged theft of the mailbox of retired Honolulu Police Chief Louise Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

‘My Heart Sank’: Former Officer Details His Role In Mailbox Conspiracy. Niall Silva, who pleaded guilty in 2016 for his part in the alleged framing of Gerard Puana, testified Tuesday that he falsified police reports and lied to the FBI. Civil Beat.

‘I perpetuated the lie’: Former officer testifies against Kealohas in mailbox trial. A retired police officer who pleaded guilty in connection with the public corruption case against Honolulu’s former police chief and his wife detailed on the stand Tuesday how he participated in the alleged conspiracy to frame one of the police chief’s in-laws. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Week two is underway, get updates here. KHON2.

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State Makes No Conclusion On Whether DPS Deputy Director Violated Ethics Code. But some employees felt coerced to support Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda’s confirmation, the Ethics Commission writes in a guidance letter to Jodie Maesaka-Hirata. Civil Beat.

Push to move more Hawaiians into trade industry. A recent economic study found 57% of Native Hawaiians do not earn enough to survive in Hawaii. But local non profit, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is working to change that. KITV.

Housing Costs Put A Crimp On Keeping Teachers In Hawaii. DOE is partnering with a developer to help educators with down payments, but other states are going much further by building teacher housing. Civil Beat.

Controversy over a cannabis compound remains amid a state 'crackdown'. The Hawaii Department of Health says cannabidiol (CBD) products sold without a prescription and outside of licensed medical cannabis dispensaries may be pulled from sale by health inspectors at any time. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Bank agrees to take control of Kawananakoa trust. First Hawaiian Bank in a court filing has conditionally agreed to take over as trustee of the Kawananakoa Trust, saying it recognizes the importance to the Native Hawaiian community. Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Brian Schatz addresses Ala Wai Canal, climate change, abortion during town hall. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said it wasn’t possible to pause a $345 million project aimed at safeguarding Waikiki and other Honolulu neighborhoods from catastrophic flooding from the Ala Wai Canal without risking federal funding, during a town hall Tuesday evening at Washington Middle School in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Can HPD’s New Training Program Reduce Domestic Violence Within Its Ranks? After a “bad month” for officers being arrested on abuse allegations, the department talks about a new initiative. But not everyone thinks it will help. Civil Beat.

Suspect charged in attack of Honolulu police officer appears in court. Remington Troy Guyton was charged Monday with first-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, first-degree attempted theft and contempt of court. Hawaii News Now.

Former HPD officer ordered to pay $11,654 for taxes. Retired Honolulu Police Department Lt. Eric Yiu is not going to jail or prison for tax evasion and is even getting the opportunity to keep his criminal record clean. Star-Advertiser.

Dispute cresting over Kamaaina Kids’ commercial use of Kaneohe Bay. A state agency is trying to stop a local nonprofit focused on child care from selling ocean adventure activities at Kaneohe Bay after years of complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Surfrider Foundation volunteers band together to check for beach-water bacteria levels. Surfrider reorganized its beach-water testing program in February 2018 with the goal of adding frequency and new sites to the water quality monitoring already being done by the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County preps for all-mail election. Hawaii County, like the rest of the state, is preparing for a totally mail-in election next year, and the first step is to acquire new machinery to handle it. West Hawaii Today.

Airport to benefit from capital improvement funds. The Hilo International Airport will have a new air-conditioning system thanks to a $23.8 million capital improvement project. Tribune-Herald.

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Affordable housing proposed for Waikoloa Village. A partnership between a California-based company and a Hawaii nonprofit both dedicated to developing affordable housing options is aiming to bring 60 rental units to Waikoloa Village. West Hawaii Today.

60 Affordable Rental Units Proposed For Waikoloa. A draft environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact has been published for the planned Kaiaulu O Waikoloa project. Big Island Video News.

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Green waste being accepted at Keei Transfer Station. Hawaii County is again accepting green waste at the Keei Transfer station in South Kona after a three-month closure, with some new guidelines. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Former, current budget heads disagree over spending hike. $823.6M budget up for second and final reading today. Maui News.

Na Hale O Maui blesses project, pours foundation on first lot. Na Hale O Maui blessed its affordable housing project in Lahaina on May 20 and poured a foundation on what will be the first of 12 lots on Wednesday. Maui News.

Water department seeking input on plan. The county Department of Water Supply is asking the public to participate in an online survey aimed at developing a strategic plan. Maui News.

Kauai

Explore Kalalau -- without going there. There’s a way to explore the sheer cliffs and vibrant greens of the Kalalau Trail that have off limits to hikers for the past year. Garden Island.