Showing posts with label Agribusiness Development Corp.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agribusiness Development Corp.. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Federal judge requires pandemic protocols in Hawaii prisons and jails, Jill Biden to visit the state, conservation and Hawaiian groups sue over aquarium collecting rule, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilo jail  ©2021 All Hawaii News

Federal Judge Rules Prison System Has Failed To Protect Inmates From COVID-19. Prison officials must immediately provide sanitary living conditions and take appropriate measures to protect inmates. Civil Beat.

Jill Biden to hold events in Hawaii, bookending trip to Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony. Biden is expected to hold official events in Alaska and Hawaii on the way to and from Japan. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Federal legislation seeks to lower blood quantum for Hawaiian homestead successors. New federal legislation introduced by Hawaii Congressman Kai Kahele would pave the way for more Hawaiians to succeed family members’ homestead leases. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Centennial Commemorations Reflect on Origins, Urgency in Fulfilling the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. DHHL plans to develop 1,500 homestead lots in the next five years. At that pace, it will take another 95 years to address the Hawaiian Home Lands waitlist—which currently includes nearly 29,000 Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers to begin investigation on Agribusiness Development Corporation. State lawmakers investigating the Agribusiness Development Corporation will have their first meeting Wednesday to establish the rules of its probe. Hawaii News Now.

Trial date set for Hawaii lawmaker arrested for drunk driving. Following a Zoom court appearance Tuesday, state Rep. Sharon Har received her trial date in connection with a drunk driving arrest in February. The judge said Har’s trial will begin on August 10. Hawaii News Now.
 
Hawaii Restaurants Got $414 Million In Pandemic Aid. More than 1,100 of Hawaii’s restaurants, bars and bakeries received $414 million through a federal grant program aimed at offsetting revenue losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to newly released data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Civil Beat.

Hawaii missile defense system gets $75M from House Appropriations Committee in FY 2022. The Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii — which the Pentagon zeroed out two years in a row in its funding requests — is back with $75 million approved by the House Appropriations Committee today in the fiscal year 2022 defense funding bill. Star-Advertiser.

Distance learning still up in the air
leaving public school teachers worried about additional challenges this school year. On Thursday, the Hawaii Board of Education will vote on whether or not distance learning will be offered this school year. KHON2.

Can Hawaiʻi's Public Schools and Universities Reach Their Green Energy Goals by 2035? In 2015 the state passed legislation requiring the two organizations to produce as much energy as they consume. As of 2020, the DOE was able to produce 18.5% of its energy through solar power. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Outgoing Hawaii DOE Superintendent To Launch Equity-Focused Company. Christina Kishimoto, who has led the Hawaii Department of Education for the past four years, will be starting a company called Voice for Equity and its focus will be on “preparing women as policy leaders,” she said. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

COVID-19 delta variant spreading across Hawaii, Health Department says. The delta variant of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across Hawaii, according to a recent Department of Health report, with 53 additional cases detected since June. Star-Advertiser.

Delta variant now accounts for 40% of all new COVID infections in Hawaii. Health officials are monitoring a worrisome increase in new COVID infections and hospitalizations in Hawaii, saying almost all the cases are unvaccinated people. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 61 new coronavirus cases,
bringing statewide total to 38,605. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 41 new cases on Oahu, one on Maui, seven on Hawaii Island, four on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Judge to hear motion to dismiss case against 3 officers charged in teen’s fatal shooting.
The motion to dismiss will be argued on July 20 ― ahead of the preliminary hearing for Officers Geoffrey Thom, Zachary Ah Nee, and Christopher Fredeluces. Hawaii News Now.

Federal appeals court allows third trial for federal agent Christopher Deedy. There could be a third trial for federal agent Christopher Deedy after a federal appeals court gave the ok on Tuesday, July 13. KHON2.

Psychological evaluation of Honolulu police chief candidates deters consultant applicants. Only two consulting firms bid to help the Honolulu Police Commission sift through 24 applicants to find finalists for commissioners and the public to consider because they have to determine candidates’ psychological makeup after having no role in the recruitment process. Star-Advertiser.

Church group cited for building tiny homes for Waianae homeless. A citation by the city's Department of Planning and Permitting has put the project on hold. City planning and permitting department cited the farm, owned by Hawaii Cedar Church in Kalihi, after receiving several complaints about the group not obtaining a building permit. KITV4.

Maunawili Falls Trail closes for two years on July 15. Wednesday, July 14 is the last day to hike Maunawili Falls Trail before it closes for at least two years on Thursday, July 15.  KHON2.

Family of Marco Polo fire victims launching pet safety project. The project will provide free pet fire safety information and free stickers that pet owners can place on their windows or doors to alert first responders that there are pets inside the home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources hit with aquarium fishing lawsuit. A hui of cultural practitioners and conservation groups has filed a lawsuit against the state’s Board of Land and Natural Resources to invalidate an environmental review asking to reopen the aquarium fishing industry in West Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

Maunakea VIS reopens Thursday. The Maunakea Visitor Information Station will reopen Thursday after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

‘A great tribute’: NG-16 Cygnus spacecraft after NASA astronaut Ellison Onizuka
. Kona’s own homegrown hero, the late astronaut Ellison Onizuka, is being honored by having a spacecraft named after him. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County seeks to build affordable homes as median prices soar over $1M. The median sales price for a single-family home in Maui County reached an all-time high of $1,117,500 last month. Because of this, Hawaiian Community Assets has come up with a plan to build 5,000 affordable homes for Maui County residents in the next five years. Hawaii News Now.

Community Groups Flag Concerns on Further Corrections Needed at Nā Wai ‘Ehā. Maui community groups Hui o Nā Wai ‘Ehā and Maui Tomorrow Foundation, who started legal action 17 years ago to restore Nā Wai ‘Ehā stream flows diverted by plantations for 150 years, are expressing concerns about key parts of a commission decision they are hoping can be clarified or improved. Maui Now.

North Carolina Visitor Arrested on Maui for Alleged Travel Quarantine Violation. Police say Kenneth Smith, 57, was arrested on Monday, July 12, 2021 upon arrival from Seattle, Washington. According to police reports, Smith did not have a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test from an approved facility and did not have approved lodging in which to complete the state’s mandatory 10-day travel quarantine. Maui Now.

Kauai

Commission defers glamping bill. Starwood Capital Group, which in part owns the Makai Golf Course in Princeville and the forthcoming 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, proposed a luxury glamping development in Princeville on the course last summer, and has faced harsh community resistance. Garden Island.

Group prepares for county pavilion reopenings.
Residents are celebrating the recent reopening of some county park pavilions, describing the development as a much-needed step toward normalcy in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

Monday, February 22, 2021

State edges toward vaccinating 70+, charging for hikers' rescue, $1M Honolulu homes may be classified affordable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Daring view of Waimea Canyon, Kauai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Charging illegal hikers for rescue costs considered again by Hawaii lawmakers. Renewed efforts are underway in the state Senate to allow county first-responders to charge outlaw hikers for the cost of rescuing them — and issue criminal fines as well — at a time when government spending is under stress from the fallout of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Is The End In Sight? And How Will We Know It?
Vaccinations are key to how soon state and local officials will feel comfortable easing back restrictions on travel as well as business and social activities. Civil Beat.

DOH: Seniors 70 And Older To Get COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Soon’. As of January, Hawaii’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan had aimed to start vaccinating people 65 and older in March. Instead, officials with the Department of Health said Friday they plan to expand the pool of vaccine recipients to include people 70 and older sometime soon. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

State extends testing window for domestic travelers. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Sunday confirms it is extending the testing window for inbound domestic travelers through Wednesday, February 24.  This in response to the severe weather across the mainland that has canceled or delayed flights. KITV4.

Hawaii Always Had A Hard Time Recruiting Teachers. The Pandemic Made It Harder. Hawaii is rethinking its teacher recruitment strategies, including virtual job fairs, but it’s a hard sell when even preexisting successful initiatives face a shaky future. Civil Beat.

Prison reform advocates worry key bills won’t survive legislative session. Prison reform measures, which gained momentum during the COVID pandemic, are now faltering in the state Legislature, advocates said. Hawaii News Now.

Gender Wage Gap Narrower In Hawaii, But Pandemic Greatly Impacting Women In The Workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Hawaii eighth in the country when it came to the overall amount women earned compared to men. Based on 2019 data, for every dollar men were paid -- women earned roughly 85 cents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suicides In Hawaii Have Declined During The Pandemic.
Calls to crisis hotlines and hospital admissions for psychiatric problems increased in 2020, but preliminary data shows no evidence of a spike in suicides. Civil Beat.

Critics say Agriculture Development Corporation should be shut down. State Rep. Richard Onishi said Friday scathing reports from the state auditor and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization led to legislation that would abolish the Agriculture Development Corporation. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Farmers Need Better Data To Make Decisions. Federal and state budget cuts, combined with challenges in gathering data, have led to a shrinkage of up-to-date, accessible and comprehensive agricultural data in Hawaii in recent years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii first to get new warships that can pull up onto beaches. The Marine Corps later this year plans to activate in Hawaii its first-ever Marine Littoral Regiment — the centerpiece of a sweeping force redesign enabling troops to operate in small units with ship-killing missiles from the islands that dot the Western Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Feb. 21, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 68 New Cases (33 O‘ahu, 28 Maui, 4 Hawai‘i Island, 3 Out-of-State). Maui Now.

Oahu

‘Bold’ plan to develop leasehold condos on state land renewed. Such homes are intended to be built within a mile of city rail stations, and initially were described as feasibly costing $300,000 for three-bedroom units in buildings with pools and other amenities. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu affordable housing could include $1 million homes under state guidelines, which some have criticized as being ‘out of whack’. A two-bedroom home that costs $1 million technically can be defined as “affordable” for some households eligible for government-subsidized housing. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi asks state to lift some team sports restrictions with COVID cases declining. As COVID case counts continue to drop, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has hinted Oahu is on the verge of loosening restrictions for the first time since October. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s move to Tier 3 is only a step toward recovery
. Oahu is on track to move to Tier 3 of its COVID-19 reopening strategy this week after being stuck in Tier 2 since October, but some businesses are unsure what Tier 3 will mean to them and how much of a change it will bring. Star-Advertiser.

City says new e-scooter company in Waikiki is operating illegally. A new electric scooter company in Waikiki is challenging city laws. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium parking lot events prove popular with more being booked. Aloha Stadium was more or less condemned in December for future events with spectators, but the parking lot around the rusted 50,000-seat complex is being booked for a growing array of attractions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

House introduces resolutions to form working group on Maunakea. A pair of resolutions was introduced Friday on the floor of the House of Representatives to form on working group on the management of Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Long waits loom for licenses: Renewals could take months as division faces backlog. Residents hoping to renew their driver’s licenses can still expect months-long delays thanks to a backlog at the County Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 vaccine ‘mega clinics’ to open in Kona.
The rate at which the COVID-19 vaccine is being administered in West Hawaii should pick up pace thanks to a partnership that will bring “mega clinics” to Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Amphitheater, affordable housing highlight Palamanui deal.
Developer Palamanui Global Holdings sweetened the pot on a rezoning deal Tuesday by promising an outdoor performing arts amphitheater and affordable housing that’s more affordable, winning the massive development preliminary approval from a County Council panel. West Hawaii Today.

Bill introduced to address management of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. A bill that would give a Honokohau Small Boat Harbor working group management authority over the facility with the state’s oversight and assistance is making its way through the state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Fast-track affordable housing bill passes on first reading. A bill that would tighten affordable housing requirements for projects seeking fast-track approval under state law squeaked by with enough votes early Friday evening to pass on first reading before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

‘Maui Wowee’: County Council Sees Potential Financial Boost From Pot Industry.
Council members are hoping other Hawaii counties express support for marijuana legalization too. Legislative leaders and Gov. David Ige have long opposed the idea. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Council resolution urging reopening of schools. County Councilmembers Mason Chock and Luke Evslin have introduced a new resolution, urging the state to reopen schools for full-time, in-person learning and allowing interscholastic sports competitions, as well as organized youth sports to resume for grades kindergarten to 12. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i resorts hope to bounce back from COVID-19 pandemic. Hokuala Resort at Timbers Managing Director Gary Moore is reporting an increase in the occupancy of the luxury resort since the start of January. Garden Island.

Sex-assault services in peril.
In January, the state proposed a $714,000-a-year cut to its contract with the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, which subcontracts for treatment services with the YWCA of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.


Friday, January 22, 2021

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Construction to start Monday on Thirty Meter Telescope, ACLU warns of 'sound cannon' use, Agribusiness Development Corp. charged with polluting Kauai waters, Hilton workers ratify contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Site of Thirty Meter Telescope ©2019 All Hawaii News
Construction of the long-stalled Thirty Meter Telescope will start near the summit of Mauna Kea Monday, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. At a news conference at the state Capitol, Ige and state officials announced that the road to the top of Hawaii’s tallest mountain will be closed starting Monday morning for a period of days as grading and other heavy equipment heads up to the construction site. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope Construction Will Start Next Week. Opponents are still trying to stop the observatory from being built on Mauna Kea and the state is bracing for protests. Civil Beat.

TMT Construction Scheduled To Start Up Next Week. Hawaii Gov. David Ige and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory announced Wednesday that construction of the telescope on Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island will begin next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Work on Thirty Meter Telescope starts next week. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Maunakea will begin next week after nearly five years of delays. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope Begins Construction On Mauna Kea, Week Of July 15. Big Island Video News.

Governor announces start date for Thirty Meter Telescope construction. With a years-long legal battle in the rear view mirror, construction of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea will begin Monday, authorities announced in a press conference Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Construction for the Thirty Meter Telescope to begin on July 15. KHON2.

TMT construction to begin next week, Gov. Ige says. Just last month, Governor Ige announced that a notice to proceed was issued to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for the TMT on Mauna Kea. KITV.

TMT Construction to Begin July 15; Expect Road Closures. Big Island Now.

Governor’s Office – Joint News Release – Thirty Meter Telescope set to start construction. Governor's Office.

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ACLU Threatens Lawsuit Over Possible LRAD Use On Mauna Kea. The non-profit American Civil Liberties Union sent a demand letter to state officials, expressing concerns over a recently acquired Long Range Acoustic Device. Big Island Video News.

BLNR chair: LRAD is not a weapon. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday concerns expressed in a Tuesday letter by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii that a long-range acoustic device will be used as a “sound cannon” against Thirty Meter Telescope protesters on Maunakea is based on “a lot of misinformation on that equipment.” Tribune-Herald.

State says Weapons won’t be used against protesters on Mauna Kea, but agencies still preparing. The first effort to build the Thirty Meter Telescope in 2015 was met with mass protests that helped stall construction. This time the state plans to be much better prepared. Hawaii News Now.

Hunting to be halted at three Maunakea sites. Hunting in certain areas on Maunakea will be prohibited until mid-August in order to ensure security during the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Prosecutor Job May Draw Crowded Field Of Candidates. In the wake of the Kealoha corruption imbroglio, the issue of integrity will dominate the 2020 campaign. Civil Beat.

As Bike, Car-Sharing Take Hold, Issues Arise About City Space Reserved For Them. The Honolulu City Council recently approved 160 designated parking stalls for car-sharing services, but some council members have raised questions about whether the city's policies on the reserved spots for ride-sharing operations are fair to companies and taxpayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Company in fatal Mokuleia plane crash didn’t have permit for skydiving. The company whose skydiving plane crashed June 21 at Dillingham Airfield killing all 11 aboard, had a permit to conduct parachute rigging at the state airport, not skydiving operations. Star-Advertiser.

Army Shadow drone crashes in Waianae Range. In one of the first large military drone crashes in Hawaii, an Army RQ-7B Shadow aircraft out of Wheeler Army Airfield went down in the mountains behind the base Wednesday afternoon, causing a brush fire, the 25th Infantry Division said. Star-Advertiser.

Downed Army drone sparks a brush fire in mountains above Schofield Barracks. Hawaii News Now.

How Kailua Became A Tourist Town. Stunning beaches, Airbnbs and new developments transformed the town into a tourist hot spot — leaving some locals bemoaning a lost sense of community. Civil Beat.

Councilwoman presses for more lifeguard hours. Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine wants Oahu lifeguards to stay on the beach longer — from dawn to dusk. Star-Advertiser.

Newly ratified union contracts now provide nearly 2,000 employees at Hilton Hawaiian Village with better wages and other benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers ratify new contract for better wages, working conditions. Hawaii News Now.

Hotel workers at Hilton Hawaiian Village ratify new contract. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council mulls zero-emission bus choices. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for zero-emission hydrogen-powered buses, but it’s a long road ahead before they become a staple of Hawaii County’s Hele-On fleet. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo landfill to stop accepting construction waste. Effective Aug. 1, the county will no longer accept construction and demolition debris or grading and grubbing materials at the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill, the Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Molokini tour boat limits, Manele harbor privatization vetoed. Maui News.

Mahi Pono kicks up some dirt. Mahi Pono purchased 41,000 acres of former sugar cane lands from Alexander & Baldwin in December. In May, the company announced the first crops to be planted include avocados, bell peppers, potatoes, papaya, guava, lilikoi, white pineapple, oranges, mandarin oranges, lemons, limes, coffee and macadamia nuts, as well as cover crops such as alfalfa. Maui News.

Water tank empty in Honokohau Valley. Customers in Honokohau Valley, West Maui are without water service while Department of Water Supply crews respond to a probable break in a 4-inch waterline that fills a water tank that serves the area. KHON2.

Kauai

Judge: Ocean illegally polluted. The state Agribusiness Development Corporation has been illegally polluting Kauai’s ocean waters since 2015, according to a Tuesday ruling by U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson. Garden Island.

Federal Judge Rules Toxic Water Discharged Off Kauai Is Illegal. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. violated the federal Clean Water Act and beached public trust by discharging millions of gallons of polluted water containing pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins into the ocean off of Kauai’s west side. Civil Beat.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Hawaii telescopes help with first black hole image; Legislature mulls vacation rental tax, minimum wage, tax credits; Maui corporation counsel resigns after arrest, homeless count mixed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration
First black hole PC: Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration
Hawaii telescopes help create first image of black hole. “It’s a historic moment,” declared Jessica Dempsey, deputy director of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, one of two Mauna Kea observatories that joined six others from across the globe to collect the imaging data two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii telescopes play key role in creating first image of black hole. Two of the world’s most powerful telescopes atop Mauna Kea played a key role in producing the first image ever made of a black hole. Hawaii News Now.

Two telescopes located at the top of Maunakea helped to capture the very first image of a black hole, and a renowned Hawaiian language and cultural practitioner helped name it. Big Island Video News.

Proclamation by Gov. David Ige celebrating Hawaii's role in the discovery. Governor's Office.

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Hawaii closer to forcing Airbnb to collect taxes on rentals. Hawaii lawmakers eager to gather tax revenue from the state’s flourishing, yet mostly unpermitted, vacation rental sector today passed legislation that would require websites like Airbnb to collect and pay taxes on behalf of short-term rental hosts. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmakers hope a recent ruling will play in their favor in regulating vacation rentals. There is a new push to start taxing thousands of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii. A recent court ruling means this could be a breakthrough year. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Wage Increase Among Hundreds Of Bills Moving Forward. But there was no action on a controversial measure — stymied for now — that would allow continued diversion of stream water. Civil Beat.

Minimum Wage: How High Is Too High? A university economic think tank ponders the most effective level for a minimum wage. Civil Beat.

Ige having a rough year at the Legislature. With the state Legislature entering the final weeks of the 2019 session, this is shaping up to be a notably lousy year for Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

As confirmation looms, lawmakers grill Public Safety director. Just two days before the Senate Public Safety Committee will make a decision about his reconfirmation, Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda faced tough questions from lawmakers trying to dig deeper into last month's riot at the Maui Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Nolan Espinda was back in the hot seat as lawmakers try to find out more about recent high profile incidents under his watch. KHON2.

Film industry officials say productions may not come to Hawaii amid tax credit cap. In January, the law changed, putting a cap on the amount of tax credits productions can claim. This is currently set at $35 million dollars. KHON2.

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Neighbor island homelessness drops 2%. While homelessness overall was down on the neighbor islands, a snapshot from January shows a wide range for each county compared with the data collected in 2018 — from a wild 51% increase on Kauai to a 21% drop on Hawaii Island to a 1% decrease on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Big Swings In Homelessness on Kauai, Hawaii Island. New homeless count numbers are out. Civil Beat.

Recent Point In Time Count Reveals Overall Decline In Neighbor Island Homelessness. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. to face audits: Bill ties corporation funding to a look at the books. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Ozawa-Waters votes continue to increase. The City Clerk’s Office reported that as of 4 p.m. Tuesday it had received 29,785 votes via mail while 301 walked into Honolulu Hale to cast their ballots. Votes are being collected through Saturday, when the envelopes are opened and the ballots counted. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 30,000 Have Voted In Special Election For City Council. The long campaign for the right to represent East Honolulu finally ends Saturday for Trevor Ozawa and Tommy Waters. Civil Beat.

More than 30,000 ballots already cast in special election for city council. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Police Corruption: ‘Don’t Try To BS’ The Judge. U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright is known for his intelligence, fairness and outstanding legal ability. Civil Beat.

Trial of former HPD officer delayed as more info tied to Kealoha is sought. The swirling Katherine Kealoha scandal leads to another delay in the DUI trial of former Honolulu Police Sergeant, Albert Lee. Hawaii News Now.

City to test scheduling bulky trash pick-ups to solve illegal dumping problem. Curbside bulk trash dumping is an ongoing issue in many neighborhoods. KHON2.

Almost a year after damage from record rainfall and flooding forced its closure, Aina Haina Public Library reopened Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu home sales drop in March. The number of homes and condominiums sold on Oahu dropped last month, compared to March a year ago, while the median price of a single-family home rose 3 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Residents speak out on possible road usage charge. While some residents say they could see how an idea for a road usage charge could work as a “revenue neutral replacement” for the existing state fuel tax that helps fund state road projects, not all of them are so confident in the state’s ability to manage such a switch. West Hawaii Today.

Annual Point In Time Count shows decrease in homelessness on Big Isle. While homelessness statewide decreased only slightly, homelessness on the Big Island dropped from 869 to 690 this year, a substantial decrease. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless Count Results Revealed On Hawaii Island. The Big Island experienced the largest overall decrease with a 21% drop in homelessness, according to data collected during the annual Point in Time Count conducted in January. Big Island Video News.

Council set to settle Waimea rezoning. With the planning director saying “yes” and the Leeward Planning Commission saying “no,” it’s up to the County Council to decide if a Waimea property owner can split a 10-acre plot in two. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island homes sales drop by double digits in March. Home sales on Hawaii’s Big Island fell by double digits in March, compared to a year ago, while the median price of a condominium declined and single-family home prices remained flat, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui County attorney resigns from post following abuse allegations. Maui County Corporation Counsel Patrick Wong resigned today after allegations of abuse of a household member, the Office of Mayor Michael Victorino announced. Star-Advertiser.

Maui corporation counsel embroiled in domestic violence scandal resigns. Maui County’s top civil lawyer resigned Tuesday amidst the swirling controversy from his recent domestic violence arrest, a county spokesperson said. Hawaii News Now.

Wong Resigns, Lutey Named Maui Corporation Counsel. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today his nomination of Moana Lutey to serve as corporation counsel for the County of Maui, replacing Patrick Wong, who submitted his resignation today. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Names Deputy Corporation Counsel To Head Office. Moana  Lutey, a county deputy corporation counsel, was nominated to the top post after the resignation of Patrick Wong and a decision by the state attorney general's office to drop domestic abuse charges against Wong. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Affordable rents for tenants extended with stay. Rents at Front Street Apartments will remain affordable beyond an August deadline and possibly into next year, said an attorney for the renters who are fighting efforts by developers to raise rents to market levels. Maui News.

Maui condo sales, prices jump in March. Condominium sales on Maui jumped last month, along with the median price, compared to March of last year, while single-family home sales declined and the median price rose by 5 percent, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Homeless count rises. A January survey found Kauai’s homeless population rose 51 percent from 2018, but officials behind the report say that’s due to improved planning and execution, not more homeless moving here. Garden Island.

Number of homeless living on Kauai streets nearly doubled since last year. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Humane Society seeks $1.2M budget. With a room full of staff and board members behind her, Kauai Humane Society Executive Director Mirah Horowitz asked the Kauai County Council on Tuesday for a $110,000 increase in funding. Garden Island.

Nearly one year after record floods hit Kauai's North Shore highway set to reopen. Nearly one year after record floods wrecked the only way in and out of Kauai's north shore, tensions are high as the state prepares to reopen the highway. KITV.

Kauai single-family home price drops as condo prices jump 18%. The median price of a single-family home on Kauai fell 17 percent last month as the number of homes dropped by more than 50 percent, compared to a year ago, while the median price of a Garden Island condominium rose by 18 percent despite fewer sales, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Kauai Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Hiker rescue reimbursement bill advancing through Legislature, Ige not worried about federal rail funds, 'lava bomb' tour boat victim sues, Maui development fight, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hiker on Kilauea volcano ©2019 All Hawaii News
A bill that would require public safety agencies to seek reimbursement from hikers who are rescued while trespassing on public trails is making its way through the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

More security could be coming to the state Capitol, but how will that affect access? Hawaii News Now.

Legislators are considering a bill to require licensing or accreditation of all private schools in Hawaii because of fears unlicensed operations may be falling short of basic safety and other standards. Star-Advertiser.

Be Audited Or Die: New Budget Process Cracks Down On State Agency. The Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. manages about 3,300 acres of land and infrastructure acquired with $71.4 million in taxpayer money. Civil Beat.

Film industry leaders worry tax credit limit will turn away potential filmmakers. KITV.

Tobacco tax clears final Senate committee. After a decision by the state Senate Committee on Ways and Means Thursday, a new tobacco tax is one reading shy of heading to the House of Representatives for consideration. West Hawaii Today.

Statewide hotel occupancy dropped to its lowest January level in four years, as every major Hawaii isle began the year with fewer occupied hotel rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Moving Ourselves Away From The Shoreline Is Hard But Doable. A new report sheds light on some of the critical factors for the state to consider when implementing a managed retreat strategy. Civil Beat.

Amazon spreading its wings in Hawaii. The online retail giant established a package receiving and distribution facility at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport nearly a year ago after deciding to fly its own cargo planes to Honolulu from Riverside, Calif. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ige Doesn’t Think HART’s Federal Funding Is Threatened. For now, Hawaii’s governor expects the funding will go forward despite an investigation into the rail project and the state’s recent lawsuit against the Trump administration. Civil Beat.

Lifeguards will be at Hanauma Bay longer. Starting Sunday, the popular Hanauma Bay extended its lifeguard hours. It's a pilot program that will be evaluated in a year. KHON2.

City making changes to prevent drownings at Hanauma Bay. KITV.

Retailers who pay top dollar to rent space in one of the nation’s premium shopping districts have joined Waikiki residents in pushing for a city ordinance to limit the number of street closure permits issued for Kalakaua Avenue. Star-Advertiser.

Former sex worker speaks out claiming police officers pressured her to perform sexual acts. This woman claims at least five Honolulu police officers pressured her to perform sexual acts. KITV.

Protesters tell Alexander & Baldwin: ‘Don’t be a deadbeat dad’. Dozens protested at Alexander & Baldwin Inc.'s downtown headquarters Friday, saying A&B and other companies like them are not paying their fair share of taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu libraries start lending ukulele as interest grows. As interest in the ukulele soars across the country, the Aloha State is starting to make the perky little instrument available free to use through its public libraries. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The first sewer fee hike in 17 years squeaked through the County Council on a 5-4 vote this week, but only after it was amended to spread the cost over five years instead of the three requested by the administration. West Hawaii Today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency could end up spending $177 million on the Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The family of an Illinois woman seriously injured last July when a “lava bomb” tore through the roof of a tour boat off Kapoho is suing the tour company and its owner in state court. Tribune-Herald.

A Hilo fire rescue specialist who was transferred to a Kailua-Kona fire station is claiming Fire Chief Darren Rosario retaliated against him after he filed an internal complaint of harassment and workplace violence about two coworkers. West Hawaii Today.

For the first time since Big Island legislators began seeking lifeguards for Kua Bay in 2013, a measure to secure life-saving personnel for the site was heard and passed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. West Hawaii Today.

A resolution urging the county administration to increase funding to add more police officers in Puna is expected to appear on the Hawaii County Council’s Public Safety Committee agenda on March 12 in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Business owners in the town of Volcano are worried a new law regulating short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island will impact their village. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hopes to reopen one of its prime attractions, the Thurston Lava Tube, this year after improving traffic congestion issues in the park. Tribune-Herald.

The Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant is in line for a face-lift. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui resident has sued the state, Maui County and a developer to stop construction of a housing subdivision after learning that at least 182 Native Hawaiian burials have been disturbed by the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Maui County Council on Friday approved eight nominees to respective department directorships, and rejected three appointees. Maui Now.

$257,000 Launiupoko Parking Lot Repaving Project Begins Monday. Maui Now.

Maui’s 12 sites logged nearly 100 whales in a 15-minute time period and 774 whales total during The Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation on Saturday, the second of three monthly counts, according to the foundation. Maui News.

Kauai

In five years Kauai has seen the number of beach goers more than double, yet the number of rescues and drownings over that same period has decreased, according to the Kauai Lifeguard Association. Garden Island.

Species are springing to life on Kauai’s South Shore that haven’t been seen in more than 200 years, and it’s wetland rehabilitation that’s making it happen. Garden Island.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Agribusiness Development Corp. resists audit, cracking down on unlicensed elder care homes, former AG Bennett welcomed by U.S. Senate, Thirty Meter Telescope future up in the air, Kauai to sue Big Pharm over opioid abuse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilo Farmers Market ©2018 All Hawaii News
State Agribusiness Agency Says It’s Too Busy To Be Audited. Lawmakers may expand the power of the Agribusiness Development Corp. even as its officials try to stave off a review of its operations. Civil Beat.

Bill Would Allow Crackdown On Unlicensed Care Homes. The unauthorized facilities proliferated while the Health Department failed to establish rules on which ones need licenses. Civil Beat.

The House Health and Human Services Committee is trying to pass a bill to put illegal care homes out of business. Civil Beat.

New bill looks to close complicated loophole for kupuna care facilities. Hawaii News Now.

The 6th Kupuna Power Day will be held at the State Capitol Thursday. This year's event is dedicated to the late Sen. Daniel Akaka who was a champion for kupuna care across Hawaii. KHON2.

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A controversial bill that has the astronomy community on edge might have violated the state Senate’s own rules since it was crafted without time for a public hearing. But that might have little consequence since legislators say the chamber can bend or ignore them essentially at will. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers discuss sexual harassment complaint reforms. Women lawmakers at the Hawaii state Capitol want the House and Senate to update rules on handling sexual harassment complaints — a push that comes amid high-profile misconduct allegations nationwide and after a former Hawaii House speaker resigned after acknowledging inappropriate behavior toward women. Associated Press.

Trump’s Federal Judge Nominee For Hawaii Gets Warm Reception In DC. Mark Bennett, the former state AG under Hawaii’s last Republican governor, received bipartisan accolades during his Senate confirmation hearing. Civil Beat.

Sen. Schatz Introduces Court of Appeals Nominee Mark Bennett. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Senators participated in the questioning of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Washington on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

While a few governors have said they oppose President Donald Trump’s plan to send up to 4,000 National Guard troops to the border with Mexico, Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s office said he’s taking a wait-and-see approach and that no such request has come in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Health officials confirmed Wednesday there were two additional rat lungworm disease cases in the state. The cases involve an adult Maui resident and an adolescent visiting Hawaii island from New York. Star-Advertiser.

Rat Lungworm Confirmed in Maui and Mainland Resident. Maui Now.

Luxury homes on Hawaii’s Kona Coast sold faster and for a higher average price than on other islands last year, while Oahu has seen a reduction in prices and an increase in the number of days those high-end homes are on the market, according to a market index report by Concierge Auctions. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Council Leaders, Mayor Caldwell Will Talk With Feds In DC About Rail Funding. Honolulu Council Chair Ernie Martin and Budget Chair Trevor Ozawa, who proposed big cuts in the city budget to raise rail funds, will travel with the mayor to the Capitol. Civil Beat.

Oahu farmland purchased by state in 2013 site of massive dump site. Hawaii News Now.

Officials from the city, state, Kamehameha Schools and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration unveiled a dramatic, 10-foot high banner at the steps of Honolulu Hale Wednesday to hammer home the threat that tsunamis can wreak across the islands at any moment. Star-Advertiser.

Some riders of TheBus will begin today to help the city determine if switching to electric buses makes sense. Star-Advertiser.

A demonstration at Iolani Palace Wednesday showcased electric buses that could be considered when the state looks to implement passenger shuttles between the terminal and rental car facility at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport later this year. KHON2.

3-foot tall concrete wall that snakes along Kalakaua Avenue fronting the old Waikiki 3 theater will be knocked down Thursday morning. Police and businesses say the wall has been a magnet for criminal behavior. Hawaii News Now.

The federal government’s dispute with the city for its handling of abandoned vehicles is officially over. A U.S. District judge dismissed the federal government’s lawsuit against the city Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit dismissed after changes made for vehicles of active-duty service members. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Bolstered by a state recalculation that shows a half-cent general excise tax surcharge would give the county twice what was originally thought, Mayor Harry Kim has resumed lobbying the County Council to pass it. West Hawaii Today.

TMT decision faces delay. The TMT International Observatory board, which for months has been saying it would decide by April whether to build the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii, is meeting at its Pasadena headquarters this week. Newspapers in Spain and the Canary Islands — home to TMT’s backup site — last month reported that members of the TMT governing board assured local officials that the decision about where to build the $1.4 billion observatory would be delayed until November. Star-Advertiser.

Employees at Royal Kona Resort aren’t on strike — yet. A few dozen staff members clad in red and waving picket signs rallied on Kahakai Road fronting the hotel Wednesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Large mound of nets that washed up on Maui's Black Sand Beach to be removed. Hawaii News Now.

The state plans to close Waianapanapa State Park in Hana, Maui, on Thursday morning to remove a large pile of cargo nets that washed ashore about two weeks ago during a recent northeast swell, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

East Maui residents at odds over new Paia bypass proposal. Many prefer the use of old cane roads owned by A&B instead of the DOT’s proposed route. Maui News.

A measure vastly different from the one initially introduced that puts the onus on Maui County to recoup government funds expended on the Front Street Apartments affordable housing project passed the state House on Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui High’s day care, teen parents programs in limbo. Nonprofit offers a $20,000 grant, but portable buildings top $100,000. Maui News.


Kauai

The County of Kauai is planning to sue the manufacturers, marketers and distributors of opioids. Reminiscent of lawsuits against big tobacco companies, Kauai County will be the first county in Hawaii to pursue this type of litigation.  Garden Island.

Kauai County is the first in the state to take legal action against the makers, marketers and distributors of opioid pain medications. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai County's "opioid litigation" aims to sue prescription drug companies. KITV.

The Kauai Rural Health Association is bringing the conference “Opioid Crisis: What You Should Know” to Kauai Community College on Thursday, May 17. Garden Island.

KCC Medical Assistant Program gains national approval. Garden Island.

Molokai

Oral Arguments Set on 1993 Water Use Permit for Molokai Ranch Subsidiary. Maui Now.