Cloud over the Capitol: Calls for independent investigation as Governor's Office caught up in $35k bribery scandal; Big Island businessman sentenced in affordable housing credit scam; Japanese archery range draws opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$35K Case: New Development Sparks Calls For Independent Probe.  Because Attorney General Anne Lopez is appointed by the governor’s office, she and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke are both part of the executive branch. The Clean Elections Hawai‘i Coalition, made up of 40 pro-democracy organizations, said in a press release on Tuesday afternoon that an “impartial special prosecutor” is now needed to ensure public trust in the investigation.  Civil Beat. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Gov. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke comes under more scrutiny. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission will investigate whether Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke violated state law when she failed to report $16,000 in campaign contributions, including $10,000 tied to a businessman involved in a high-profile bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Sylvia Luke Quietly Took Thousands From This Lobbyist Linked To Cullen. The lieutenant governor is only now reporting money she received four years ago as a bribery scandal continues to roil the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. 

Luke’s campaign spending reports fuel more questions, uncertainty.  Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will have a cloud over her whenever she fills in as acting governor — and heading into the August Democratic primary election — as long as she is tied to the case of the “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a bag in 2022, said current lawmakers who served with Luke at the time, and others. Star-Advertiser.

Speed-limiting devices could be coming for Hawaii repeat offenders. A bill moving through the Legislature would let judges order speed-limiting devices in the cars of habitual offenders, similar to ignition interlocks for drunk drivers. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Doctor Shortage Has Patients Paying Fees For Fast Care. Direct primary care is a burgeoning business model that bypasses insurance. If widely adopted, it could lessen the state’s dire shortage of primary care doctors — or make things worse. Civil Beat.

‘It Is Not A Fraud’: Schatz, Murkowski Blast Attack On Native Contracting. The two senators are leading a bipartisan push to protect the SBA’s 8(a) program amid the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to eliminate DEI initiatives. Civil Beat. 

Oahu

State affordable-housing project fails to gain traction. The endeavor to develop one leasehold condo tower on state land in Kakaako as a pilot project for envisioned replication ran into trouble several months ago over concerns that unit prices and use restrictions would deter buyers, who would receive 99-year leases instead of fee-­simple ownership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i Pacific Health, HMSA partnership plans proceeding. Hawaii Medical Service Association insures more than 750,000 people statewide, while HPH operates major hospitals including Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center and Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Council urges city to secure lower cost ambulance services. The Honolulu City Council is urging the city to work with state officials to establish a federally funded program aimed at reducing the city’s cost of ambulance serv­ices for low-income people. Star-Advertiser.

Plan for Japanese archery range draws some opposition from Kaimukī neighbors. For decades, the 125-year-old Hawaiʻi Kyudo Kai club has been looking for a permanent home. The search may soon be over as the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation and the city announced last year that it would build a kyudojo at the Mauʻumae Nature Preserve, located on 16th Avenue and Claudine Street. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Another Big Island man sentenced for affordable housing scam. Rajesh Budhabhatti,  65-year-old Big Island businessman who prosecutors said “played a central role in the conspiracy and scheme” to earn millions of dollars illegally using Hawaii County affordable housing credits, was sentenced Friday in Honolulu to 7 1/2 years in federal prison. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to provide feedback on HTA’s destination management plan. The Hawaii Tourism Authority's  Hawaii Island virtual meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. this Thursday. Registration is required to receive the Zoom links to the virtual meeting. Register at: hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/events/ Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Care Choices is expanding services, care options to North Hawaiʻi this month.  Beginning this month, the Kupu Palliative Care Program will be available through a dedicated clinic space within the North Hawaiʻi Hospice office, extending palliative care services to residents of Hāmākua, Waimea, North Kohala, and South Kohala. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Cops Could Still Aid Feds Despite Council Immigration Concerns. A Maui County Council committee on Tuesday voted to kill a bill that would have authorized Mayor Richard Bissen to re-up a now-controversial agreement between the county’s police department and the FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force. But the council committee’s 8-0 recommendation on Tuesday that the full council file Bill 92 did not alter or overturn the existing agreement with the FBI task force, which has been in place for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court ruling deemed ‘huge milestone’ for Maui wildfire settlement. A ruling from the Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday could allow for the more than 21,000 Maui fire survivors in a $4 billion settlement to begin receiving payments in a matter of weeks, an attorney for the victims said. Hawaii News Now.

Budget priorities topic of discussion at South Maui community town hall on Feb. 24. Maui County Council member Tom Cook will host a South Maui town hall at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Suite 5, to gather input on the community’s budget priorities. Maui News.

Power restored to ~10,000 in West Maui after safety shutoff.  Hawaiian Electric says it has re-energized all West Maui circuits impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Approximately 10,000 customers in West Maui had been out of power for approximately 24 hours. Hawaii News Now.

West Maui schools to reopen Wednesday. Department of Education officials say electrical service has been restored following required utility inspections, and water intake has been cleared. With utilities restored, campuses are able to safely resume normal school operations. Maui Now. KITV4. 

Kauai

Free tax preparation opens. Due to the large amount of people needing tax returns — both federal and state — hours have been extended on opening day for several of the sites. Garden Island.

State Supreme Court rules against insurance companies in $4B Lahaina fire settlement, bill would ban non-medical vaccine exemptions, big salary hikes slated for state officials, Honolulu CEO indicted on false name campaign contributions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court rules against insurance companies in Maui wildfire, allowing $4B settlement to proceed.  Maui wildfire victims are closer to sharing a $4 billion settlement, possibly before the disaster’s second anniversary in August, after a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Governor, Japanese official sign pact to ease entry for visitors. Gov. Josh Green and the consul general of Japan in Honolulu, Yoshinori Kodama, have signed an action plan to bring more Japanese visitors to Hawaii to enhance economic benefits and spark more people-to- people exchanges through an expanded VIP entry program, which now includes school groups, and promotion of other programs that ease entry such as the mobile passport control program and a global entry program. Star-Advertiser.

State officials could see big pay raises soon. A proposal to increase salaries for Hawaii's state executives, judges and legislators is facing pushback, with some questioning whether elected officials deserve a pay hike while ongoing state issues remain unresolved. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, judges, legislators and more could see raises as high as 61%. KHON2. KITV4.

Heated debate surrounds Hawaiʻi measure to ban non-medical vaccine exemptions in schools. A bill that would repeal non-medical vaccine exemptions for Hawaiʻi students received about 1,300 pages of written testimony. The controversial House Bill 1118 passed through the House Committee on Health on Friday with the two Republican members voting "no." Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Legislature is considering a measure that would stockpile 1,000 doses of the abortion drug mifepristone. The bill is meant to protect Hawaiʻi's inventory of the drug in case federal laws or court rulings limit access. Hawaii Public Radio.

Citizens videoing police bills move in Legislature. Companion bills that acknowledge the right of private citizens to video law enforcement activities without interfering and to sue if those rights are violated are making their way through committees in the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Seek Tougher Fireworks Enforcement, But No Statewide Ban. State senators declined to move forward with a statewide ban on all fireworks on Monday, and instead are working to significantly strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute fireworks cases. Civil Beat.

Bill requiring medical students to stay in isles dies in House. A Senate bill remains alive that would require University of Hawaii medical school students to remain in Hawaii for two years after they complete their residencies, but the House version has died. Star-Advertiser.

Committee to hear bills aimed at fixing Hawaii school bus system. In response to parents’ pleas for reliable school transportation, the House Education Committee today will consider bills aimed at preventing a repeat of the abrupt cancellations of 108 bus routes at the start of this year’s school year, which was a repeat of the start of the 2023 school year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers look to regulate commercial dog breeders. SB593 would require licensing for more than 10 breeding dogs, impose standards of care, and ban anyone from owning more than 30 breeding dogs. Hawaii News Now.

Biosecurity bill could move invasive species council under Agriculture Department. State lawmakers are moving along a bill that would bring a host of biosecurity improvements to the state — but stakeholders feel uneasy about a provision that could have a significant impact on the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric surges to 36% renewable energy on grids. Boosted by new grid-scale and rooftop solar capacity, Hawaiian Electric achieved a 36% consolidated renewable portfolio standard in 2024, accelerating progress toward the 2030 RPS milestone of 40%. Maui Now.

Oahu

CEO indicted for alleged illegal campaign donations. An Oahu grand jury Friday indicted JL Capital CEO Timothy Lee, 48, on nine counts of false-name contribution for allegedly making $13,000 in campaign contributions in another person’s name in 2020 to the mayoral campaigns of Keith Ame­miya and Kymberly Pine. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

City Council’s budget panel to review sponsorship bill. Reestablishing the city’s ability to obtain private sponsorships for publicly owned facilities in order to secure non-property tax revenue is the focus of new legislation now under Honolulu City Council review. Star-Advertiser.

Laie farmer’s arrest stirs controversy amid crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Last Thursday, farmers held a rally to support 60-year-old Hanjun Shen of China. He’s the owner of JM Farm in Laie. He had been in Hawaii since 2009 and was detained by federal agents last month even though he has no criminal record. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Self-Storage Warehouse Plan Replaces Proposed Hilo Water Bottling Plant. A draft environmental assessment has been published for the proposed Talon 1 Properties Self-storage Warehouse between the Hoʻolulu Complex and the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona condo complex settles federal disability lawsuit for $162,500. A Kona condominium association and its managing agent will pay $162,500 to settle a federal lawsuit that alleged the condo association and the managers of the complex discriminated against an individual with paraplegia. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina Disaster Still A ‘Relentless Presence’ In Fire Survivors’ Lives. Court documents filed in a wildfire compensation lawsuit give an unprecedented look at the struggles fire survivors continue to face. Civil Beat.

Maui County Mayor signs tobacco bill. On Friday, youth from several local schools and supporters of a tobacco-free Hawaii gathered in a room where Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen signed a bill that brings the county one step closer to a potential tobacco ban.  Maui News.

Open house on Lahaina ash and fire debris transfer to Central Maui. The public is invited to learn more about the transfer of Lahaina’s ash and fire debris from the temporary storage site in Olowalu to the Permanent Disposal Site in Central Maui during an open house Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at the County of Maui’s Lahaina Resource Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hale Lihue marks milestone. In a joint announcement on Monday, Hawaiian Telcom and Hale Lihue announced that Hawaiian Telcom will be the exclusive technology partner for the new community center that will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Garden Island.

Three Kauaʻi towns named in top 8 “most neighborly” in Hawaiʻi. Hanalei, Hanapepe and Kōloa were all featured in a list of the “Top 8 Most Neighborly Towns in Hawaiʻi,” which was put together by WorldAtlas to give readers a glimpse into close-knit towns that embrace the spirit Aloha. Kauai Now.

Elder care added to accepted campaign expenditures, feds mum on cause of Lahaina fire, 13 school bus routes restored, Kapiolani nurse strike set for today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Candidates running for office in Hawaiʻi will now be able to use their campaign funds for adult dependent care expenses. The Hawaiʻi Campaign Spending Commission approved an advisory opinion that says campaign funds can be used to care for elderly relatives or dependents if it is directly related to campaign activities. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Budget 101: New handbook simplifies process for curious citizens. A handful of state lawmakers have teamed up with the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice to present a primer in a first step to simplifying the state budget as best they can. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Investigators Still Won’t Say What Caused The Lahaina Fire. The state plans to release phase two of its fire report Friday, but the ATF is withholding its findings. Two months after the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shared its findings on the cause of the Lahaina wildfire with Maui County officials, the agency continues to withhold that information from the public. Civil Beat.

Additional 13 school bus routes return to Oahu and the Big Island on Monday. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced that 13 suspended school bus routes on Central Oahu and the East Hawaii Island will be reinstated on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.  KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Nisei military units to be honored at Punchbowl.  Nisei military units that fought heroically in World War II will be honored Sept. 29 at the 19th annual Joint Memorial Service, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

BWS’ $1.2B Red Hill claim still under review. It’s been nearly a year since the Honolulu Board of Water Supply filed a $1.2 billion claim against the Navy to recover costs for its response to massive jet fuel leaks at the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Kapi‘olani union nurses strike set for today as lockout looms. Hundreds of union nurses at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children are holding a one-day strike starting this morning after talks failed to yield a new contract. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

State grapples with uncertainty over Kakaako affordable condo project debt. The board of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. on Thursday approved using up to $500,000 to recover the bad debt through options that include taking over the midrise project, called The Block 803 Waimanu, through foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council eyes new e-bike classifications, safety rules. With the popularity of electric bikes, or e-bikes, increasing in Hawaiʻi, the Honolulu City Council is taking up legislation in an effort to better regulate the motorized bicycles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor says its wrong to blame city property enforcement for Waianae mass shooting. With some in the Waianae community blaming lack of property law enforcement for the tragic mass shooting. Mayor Blangiardi called together administration leaders Thursday afternoon, a meeting that reinforced that the city’s powers are limited. Hawaii News Now.

Flags at half staff in remembrance of Twinkle Borge. The Native Hawaiian activist, affectionately known as "Mama" or "Aunty Twinkle," passed away on Aug. 5, 2024. She led the Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae homeless encampment and is credited with turning it into a community. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Commission On Efficiency Wants Voters To Help It Be More Efficient. A charter change on the November ballot would give the Hawaii County Cost of Government Commission  more time to study county operations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Is Considering Whether To Release Investigative Files In Dana Ireland Case. A Hawaii County deputy prosecutor told the Hawaii Supreme Court Thursday that two brothers who have been exonerated of the murder of Dana Ireland are still suspects in the 33-year-old case. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Six previously suspended school bus routes restored in East Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced Thursday that 13 previously suspended school bus routes in Central Oʻahu and East Hawaiʻi Island will be reinstated starting Monday, restoring service for nearly 300 student bus riders at eight schools. Big Island Now.

Search And Rescue Exercise Completed Off Kawaihae. Participants in the exercise – which simulated an overdue boat and missing persons – included Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Hawaii Ocean Safety and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Ethics Board Says Water Authority Appointee Has No Conflict of Interest. Gina Young sought the ethics opinion after three County Council members declined to vote on moving her appointment forward, voicing concern that she may have had unfair advantages in the job application process — and a conflict of interest because she helped draft the charter amendment that led to the water authority’s creation. Civil Beat.

Plumbing the depths of Maui’s housing shortage: Can small changes have a big impact? Maui County’s water-fixture-unit regulations and related fees have not been updated since 1995 and are at least partially responsible for driving up costs for building much-needed housing, according to a policy brief by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Maui Now.

Maui rent stabilization topic of special committee meeting on Monday. The Housing and Land Use Committee will have a special meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber to discuss the possible effects of rent stabilization in Maui. Maui Now.

Debris cleared from 100% of residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone. Months ahead of the original January 2025 deadline, debris has been cleared from 100% of the 1,390 residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Council bill aims to grow housing supply by allowing more guest units. Bill 2919 would allow one guest house to be built per dwelling unit on properties in certain zoning areas, including agricultural, commercial and most residential districts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pacific Missile Range Facility releases draft assessment on land-based training, testing impacts in West Kaua‘i. The U.S. Navy will hold a public meeting for Kaua‘i residents to review the potential environmental impacts of conducting land-based training and testing at launch areas and other locations in areas managed by the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Kauai Now.

Domestic passenger count tops 71,000 in August at Lihue Airport. The domestic passenger count weighed in at its third highest total of the year, as more than 71,000 people flew into Lihue Airport in the penultimate month of summer. Garden Island.

Money flows to incumbents in state races, DOE fails to spend farm-to-school grant, Kauai fire contained as 200 evacuated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Lawmakers Have Big Money Advantages In This Year’s Election Campaigns. Members of the House have spread campaign cash around to newcomers in efforts aimed at coalition building. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s bold tax cuts and its impact on residents. Hawaii recently enacted the most significant tax cuts in its history, which promise to impact residents positively. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE Still Doesn’t Have A Plan For How To Spend Farm-To-School Funds. The Hawaii Department of Education is responsible for spending the bulk of a federal grant that would support local farmers, but it has yet to touch the funding. Civil Beat.

DOA reopens applications for popular micro-grant program. This year, the department received about $3.5 million from the federal government for the program under the 2018 Farm Bill.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Ag Agency Won’t Get All The Money Slated For Pest Management After All. Money to manage feral chickens and educate the public are among the items zeroed out of the budget. Millions of dollars have been cut from other programs for pest management. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Disaster response training at RIMPAC in Hawaii grows.  A task force of nine countries, led by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, has been conducting operations across the Hawaiian Islands practicing search-and-rescue operations, evacuations and medical treatment in partnership with local Hawaii hospitals, emergency agencies and volunteer organizations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More video monitoring on Skyline sought. According to Council staff, Bill 37 ensures that the public would be made aware of the presence of cameras and any video monitoring in or around the city rail system, and the use of data collection. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Merchants have mixed views about county homeless camp. Some downtown Hilo business owners are conflicted about a temporary shelter erected on Ponahawai Street to house the area’s homeless population. Tribune-Herald.

Funds Provided For Fentanyl Task Force, Big Island Substance Abuse Council. $478,400 in National Opioid Settlement Funds are being invested to directly address the growing opioid crisis on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lessons From Lahaina: Upcountry Maui Residents Prepare To Flee As Crater Road Fire Burns. While stronger interagency coordination and better public communication are cited, some residents say they're relying on themselves, neighbors and past experience to stay safe. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui Crater Road fire remains 80% contained. The Maui Crater Road fire remained 80% contained as of 7 p.m. Monday with 574 acres burned and no fire growth, according to the Maui Fire Department. Star-Advertiser.

UH to conduct $3.8 million study of Lahaina wildfires. A five-year, $3.8 million study by a team of UH Manoa’s researchers will look at the government’s response and its impact to the residents affected by the Lahaina wildfires that occurred in August 2023.  KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

200 Residents Evacuate As Fast-Moving Wildfire Rips Through West Kauai. One structure has been destroyed, 1,000 acres have burned and KIUC has de-energized its transmission lines as a safety precaution.  Civil Beat. Kauai Now.

Kauai tour helicopter crash victims’ family wants search to resume. Family members of the victims of Friday’s Kauai tour helicopter crash are urging the public to contact Kauai officials if they find any wreckage following the suspension of search and rescue operations for two of the three victims. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

More than 2,100 backpacks given out to school children at Kukui Grove Center on Saturday. For the 10th year, the Kukui Grove Center partnered with the Department of Education to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students preparing to return to the classrooms at the 10th annual Back to School Bash on Saturday. Garden Island.

Campaign spending bills face uphill battle, OHA sues new Mauna Kea management board, 400 Kapiolani nurses go on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Campaign Spending Laws May Get Sidetracked With The Focus On Maui Fires.  Campaign Spending Commission Executive Director Kristin Izumi-Nitao wants to make sure the state can properly administer proposals designed to clean up politics and encourage newcomers to run for office. Civil Beat.

Wide range of bills aimed at issues broad, specific. New bills introduced this legislative session would allow for a nuclear power plant in Hawaii, guarantee everyone the right to a clean environment and place a cap on ticket prices sold on the open market under the “Bruno Mars Act,” named after the Hawaii-raised superstar. Star-Advertiser.

Green expected to focus on Lahaina, affordable housing in 2nd State of the State. Gov. Josh Green will deliver his second State of the State address Monday and is expected to focus the speech on his administration’s efforts to respond to the Lahaina disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE leaders are urged to cut funds on obsolete programs. Hawaii public school officials are arguing for more money to restore state budget cuts, cover inflation, continue students’ academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and insulate against coming “funding cliffs,” but some state legislators are pressing them to first trim spending on any obsolete and ineffective programs. Star-Advertiser.

Here are the key Native Hawaiian issues facing lawmakers this legislative session. When it comes to Native Hawaiian issues, much of this year’s focus will be on unfinished business. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Big Bill From The Pandemic Is Coming Due: Hazard Pay For State And County Workers. Expected settlements could put a significant dent into county budgets. The state, meanwhile, has yet to enter into negotiations with unions over the issue. Civil Beat.

Hawaii financial management system in need of upgrade after halting botched work. The state Department of Accounting and General Services is seeking more than $60 million rom the Legislature, and received heavy criticism from some lawmakers recently after it was disclosed that $8 million of prior work by a contractor was partially or perhaps largely wasted. Star-Advertiser.

Head of state’s new corrections agency looks to reinvent Hawaii’s jails and prison system. The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) has a new name and new approach. Since the old Department of Public Safety spun off its law enforcement functions, DCR is hoping to reinvent itself, and address the bad rap often associated with managing the state’s jails and prisons. Hawaii News Now.

Push underway to make Hawaii relevant in space again. State Sen. Glenn Wakai  introduced Senate Bill 2081 Thursday requiring a partnership with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to establish an Aerospace and Aeronautics Development Program. Star-Advertiser.

Public hearing on invasive species rules set. A long-awaited public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 30 on proposed amendments to state rules that would strengthen the clout of enforcement over the movement of infested nursery plants within an island.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council mulls use of $39M in COVID federal funds. The City Council is considering legislation outlining use of nearly $40 million in federal funds Honolulu received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Medical response to improve as EMS opens fourth district. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services announced the new addition of a fourth district aimed to increase the number of operational staff to both support EMS crews and improve medical response to Oahu’s visitors and tourists.  KHON2.

Kapi‘olani using temp staff to fill in as 400 nurses strike.  Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children brought in several hundred temporary nurses Sunday to fill nursing jobs after unionized nurses walked off the job and hit the picket line to start a weeklong strike — the first Hawaii Nurses Association strike in about a half-century at the hospital. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Urgent Efforts To Keep Dillingham Airfield Open Are Ongoing. The state previously set a Dec. 31 deadline to reach a deal but it now says enough progress has been made to keep negotiations going. Civil Beat.

Miske Is Set To Stand Trial Alone When His Brother Takes A Last-Minute Deal. Opening statements in the high-profile case are expected to begin Monday in federal court in Honolulu. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

OHA Challenges Constitutionality Of New Mauna Kea Oversight Authority. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the new authority that is slated to take over management of Mauna Kea in 2028, alleging the state-mandated board is unconstitutional and some of its members have conflicts of interest. Civil Beat.

‘Enforcement action’ conducted: Camps of homeless and others cleared by county, state. Hawaii County and the state combined forces Thursday and Friday for a sweep of a homeless encampment at Russell Carroll Mo‘oheau County Park in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Bill casts spotlight on short-term rentals. The Hawaii County Council’s Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development on Tuesday will unveil Bill 121, a measure that will establish new regulations on transient accommodation rentals, or TARs, throughout the county. Tribune-Herald.

HOVE residents ‘very upset’ over cell tower approval. The fight over a planned cell tower in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates has ended before it ever began. Tribune-Herald.

Bill seeks to ban bike tour groups on certain roads. Bill 125 — which Kohala Councilwoman Cindy Evans will introduce Tuesday during a meeting of the council’s Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development — would prohibit commercial bike tours on Kohala Mountain Road and the roughly eight miles of Akoni Pule Highway stretching east from Kohala Mountain Road to Pololu Valley Lookout. Tribune-Herald.

Historic Big Island Hotel Is Set To Become Workforce Housing. Mental Health Kokua will purchase the Manago Hotel, in Captain Cook south of Kona, with $5.5 million in affordable housing funds awarded by Hawaii County, according to a county news release. Civil Beat.

Maui

Unity walk draws 4,000 to support Lahaina as it steps closer to rebuilding after fire. A community that proved its mettle throughout the devastating Aug. 8 fire that wiped out historic Lahaina town and left at least 100 confirmed dead took a significant step forward together Saturday during the Ho‘ulu Lahaina Unity Gathering. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.

Portion of Lahaina removed from unsafe water advisory. The Department of Water Supply amended the Unsafe Water Advisory for Lahaina to remove area L-4D.  Maui News.

Maui businesses impacted by wildfires urged to take online survey. The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is using the questionnaire to assess the current health of businesses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Suspect In Threat To Kauai Councilman Arrested. The county hired private security guards this week after Billy DeCosta received a threat at his council office. Civil Beat. Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.

KPD rolls out new online verification form for firearm instructors.  The application was created as an interim measure to implement the recent changes in the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes regarding firearm instructor verification. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i supports disaster-proof domes at debut public meeting; organizers want concept to go statewide and beyond. The interconnected concrete structures – dubbed the Kaua‘i Resilience Center – would be fireproof, capable of withstanding 290 mph-plus winds, and earthquake, hurricane and tsunami resistant. Kauai Now.

Greater tolerance for tourists, Legislature may tighten contractor campaign contribution ban, ex-Maui official gets 10 years for taking bribes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii residents’ view of tourism improves slightly.  In the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Fall 2022 Resident Sentiment Survey, released Wednesday, 57% of participating residents rated the question “Tourism has brought more benefits than problems” as at least 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 — up from 54% in Spring 2022. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

‘Pay To Play’: Hawaii Moves To Expand The Ban On Contractor Campaign Donations. The Legislature is setting its sights on campaign donations from state and county contractors that have been the subject of public corruption cases in recent decades. Right now, a law banning donations from government contractors only applies to the contracted business, not the owners, officers or employees of those companies as the result of a loophole written more than a decade ago. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Lawmakers eye review of Hawaii’s ‘redundant’ process of setting minimum sentences. Hawaii is the only state with a two-step process for determining a prisoner’s sentence. But that could soon change.  Hawaii News Now.

Could 2023 be the year recreational marijuana is legalized in Hawaiʻi?  Several bills relating to the cultivation and sale of cannabis have passed their first readings and are awaiting committee hearings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ahead of Super Bowl, effort to legalize online sports betting fails in state Legislature. The sports gaming industry and supporters came in with the argument that thousands of people are already illegally betting on sports in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

2 state departments say they are working together on land transfers. The leadership for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture announced that they are working together to move thousands of acres of pasture land between the departments — and suggested that they were against legislation that would mandate the transfer of those lands. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Free school bus legislation rolls on. New legislation could make school bus transportation free for working families in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Rate increase will bring in $8 million per year to feed Hawaiʻi’s keiki. The US Department of Agriculture this week announced that Hawaiʻi’s reimbursement rates for school lunch and other federal child nutrition programs will be increased by 13%. Maui Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Consider High Taxes For E-Cigs. Rep. Scot Matayoshi has been trying to fight e-cigarettes for four years. This year, Matayoshi and other lawmakers have a new approach: tax electronic smoking devices and e-liquid products at a rate of 70%. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 8 Covid deaths, over 700 new cases in past week. The latest number brings the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 378,481.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Views clash in Legislature over housing on Kakaako peninsula. Two committees in Hawaii’s Legislature were inundated Wednesday by divergent views on a bid by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to largely reverse a 2006 state law prohibiting residential development in Kakaako Makai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hirono Will Lead Subcommittee With Oversight Of Red Hill. The Hawaii senator has made defueling the WWII era tanks a priority ever since a 2021 leak sickened thousands on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Mayor Blangiardi on finding a new landfill site, improving permitting department. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Wednesday that he's looking at a few possible locations on military or agricultural grounds that would not impact Oʻahu's water table. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu Hotels Have Deep Pockets And Now More Local Food Is On Their Shopping Lists. Fresh research reinforces that the majority of tourists to Hawaii will pay a premium to experience local fare. That could make food produced here more affordable for residents. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex Punahou coach allegedly ‘a prolific and aggressive child predator’.  Federal prosecutors said Wednesday Dwayne Yuen, 49,  a former Punahou School girls basketball coach Opens in a new tab should remain jailed until trial to protect the public because he is allegedly “a prolific and aggressive child predator.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Man, 49, sentenced to 10 years for Waikiki surfboard rack arson. A circuit judge sentenced a 49-year-old man Tuesday to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of setting fire to surfboard racks in Waikiki in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Business district pushback: Property owners, tenants voice concerns about proposal for downtown Hilo.  A Downtown Hilo Business Improvement District encountered significant resistance from tenants and property owners alike, all of whom agreed that the downtown is in dire need of improvement, but that the improvement district will hurt more than it will help. Tribune-Herald.

New rigs needed: County looks to lease semi-trucks for cross-island rubbish hauling.  Resolution 47-23 authorizes the Department of Environmental Management to spend $25,800 per month, or nearly $1.5 million over the next five years, to lease six semi-trucks to transport rubbish from the East Hawaii Regional Sort Station to the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu. West Hawaii Today.

Academic adviser calls menstrual products law a success. The law was implemented July 1, 2022, and according to Robin Valencia, complex academic adviser for the Hilo-Waiakea area, it has been a success. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Maui official is sentenced to 10 years in bribery scheme. The former director of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management who took more than $2 million in bribes in exchange for steering at least 56 sole source contracts to a Honolulu wastewater company was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Lawsuits against MPD claim gender discrimination, retaliation. Alleging gender discrimination and retaliation from the Maui Police Department chief and his former deputy, three female employees — two officers and one police department administrator — recently filed separate lawsuits in 2nd Circuit Court against the department. Maui News.

Voting Opens For Kauai Food Access Plan Targets. Over the course of eight community meetings, more than 200 Kauai food producers, community leaders and concerned citizens identified 27 key ways to fill a larger portion of the plates of the island’s roughly 74,000 residents with locally grown and produced fare. Civil Beat.

$195,000 awarded to Maui County for medical outreach for unsheltered homeless.  The County of Maui was awarded $195,000 in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that will be used to provide basic medical care to the unsheltered homeless, officials announced. Maui News.

Kauai

New questions about mysterious Kauai balloon. A Pentagon announcement Wednesday raises new questions about a mysterious balloon that appeared off Kauai last year that prompted U.S. fighter jets to scramble in response and comes as media reports emerge of several other apparent spy balloons making their way through U.S. airspace — including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature to consider legalizing recreational cannabis, state campaign commission investigates Kahele, Cayetano, Maui auditing Choy contracts, Honolulu mulls increasing density, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Plan to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use in Hawaii takes shape. The most comprehensive strategy yet to legalize adult recreational cannabis use in Hawaii is being prepared for state lawmakers ahead of next year’s legislative session starting four months from now. Star-Advertiser.

This New Dairy Owner Says Local Cows Can Bring Down Hawaii’s Milk Prices. Bahman Sadeghi, chief executive of Meadow Gold Dairies, which Sadeghi acquired in 2020, has a long-range goal of bringing back Hawaii’s dairy industry. He reckons that by producing milk locally, Meadow Gold can lower the price of a gallon of milk by 20%. Civil Beat.

Council to consider fishing rules in marine monument. Possible changes to fishing regulations within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument could allow cultural fishing practices, although such changes are also viewed as “harmful” to Native Hawaiian traditions. Star-Advertiser.

State blames shrinking enrollment at public schools on declining birth rate, outmigration. Hawaii public schools lost nearly 3,000 students this school year compared to the year before, according to new enrollment figures released Friday. It’s the fourth school year with declining enrollment. Hawaii News Now.

Kai Kahele, Vicky Cayetano are subjects of campaign spending complaints. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele and business entrepreneur Vicky Cayetano are the subjects of separate investigations by the state Campaign Spending Commission related to their unsuccessful campaigns to become Hawaii’s next governor. Star-Advertiser.

It’s Tough To Win An Election As An Independent Candidate In Hawaii. This year, two nonpartisan candidates in partisan races have advanced to the general election. They’re approaching it with different expectations. Civil Beat.

A dozen protesters show up at elections meeting to find it being conducted via Zoom. About a dozen people showed up at the state Elections Office hoping to speak to commissioners in person but were disappointed to find the meeting was on Zoom. They say it’s another reason they don’t trust the current voting process. Hawaii News Now.

‘A game of chicken’: Inter-island fare war takes off between Hawaiian, Southwest airlines. Hawaiian Airlines and its latest competitor, Southwest, are engaged in an air fare battle, and flyers may be taking advantage. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Increasing Waikiki building height and density might be on table for first time in half century. A movement is underway to increase building height and density in the Waikiki Special District for the first time in about 50 years to allow smaller parcels to be turned into affordable housing and make the district more resilient to climate change and sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser.

City to open free wound clinic to address needs of homeless. The city plans to open a free wound-care clinic in Chinatown in November to primarily serve the homeless. The clinic would be the first official collaboration between the city and the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Homeless Outreach &Medical Education, or H.O.M.E., program. Star-Advertiser.

HART Leaders Are Concerned That Feds Still Haven’t Approved Rail’s Recovery Plan. More than three months have passed since the city submitted its latest plan to rescue rail, and the Federal Transit Administration has yet to approve it. Civil Beat.

Toilet paper shortage causes major clogging at public parks. It’s the end of a roll for Oʻahu parks’ toilet paper shortage. The hygiene product company Veritiv secured a more steady supply of toilet paper for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Niu Valley Middle School on Oahu cools new building without AC. The new building uses no AC to keep students and teachers cool, instead relying on a unique design and purposeful positioning to create “passive ventilation.” It is the state’s first public school building specially created to harness and maximize Hawaii’s signature tradewinds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Search for police chief continues. Hawaii County Police Commission members have yet to learn the names of applicants or the number of people who applied to be the next leader of the Hawaii Police Department. West Hawaii Today.

Road Block Planned Sept. 19 To Protest Updated Rules for Waipiʻo Valley Road. Waipiʻo Valley kūpuna, farmers, ʻohana and their supporters plan to block the 1.5-mile road that leads to the black sand beach and agricultural community on Monday in protest of Hawaiʻi County’s updated rules that allow some four-wheel drive vehicles to use the road that is dangerous and in need of repair. Big Island Now.

Deadline to submit comment on proposed investment in TMT near. Both critics and supporters of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) are calling on the public to share their thoughts on the project. At stake is $800 million, as the National Science Foundation (NSF) decides whether to invest in the controversial telescope. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Study finds high levels of staph in soil around Hilo Bay. High concentrations of harmful bacteria lurk in the Hilo watershed, according to a study by University of Hawaii researchers. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

HMC faced with overcrowding despite low COVID numbers. There are currently seven COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Hawaii Medical Center. Of those seven, two are in the ICU, a number slightly above average. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County to audit contracts awarded to Choy’s companies. Mayor Michael Victorino is ordering an audit of all no-bid contracts awarded to companies owned by Milton Choy, a Honolulu businessman who was recently charged with providing more than $2 million in bribes to a former Maui County official to influence wastewater contracts. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

First South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee meeting announced. The South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lokelani Intermediate School cafeteria at 1401 Līloa Drive, Kīhei. The event kicks off the next phase of the South Maui Community Plan update. Maui Now.

West Maui Taxpayers hold candidates night, Oct. 13. The West Maui Taxpayers Association is holding a “General Candidates Night” at the Lahaina Civic Center’s Social Hall on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Maui Now.

Kauai

Federal funding at stake for elderly plans. The county Agency on Elderly Affairs is reminding the public to participate in two surveys that will help assess the needs of the county’s aging population. Garden Island.

Ni‘ihau High and Elementary is the state’s smallest school. Enrollment at Hawai‘i’s public and charter schools for the 2022-23 school year decreased to 168,634 students, compared with an enrollment of 171,600 students at the start of last school year — a difference of 1.7%. Garden Island.

Food trucks could come to state parks, hospitals still at capacity, sea level rise threatens Waikiki beach clubs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hapuna Beach state park ©2022 All Hawaii News

Agency seeks food truck concessions at state parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is seeking approval to allow mobile food trucks to operate at 18 state parks across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

FBI wants to partner with Hawaii businesses, organizations to deter cyberattacks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to partner with Hawaii businesses as part of a nationwide effort to combat the cyberthreat posed by China and other actors working to undermine the U.S. economy and compromise critical infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

Outside Spending Reaches Historic Levels In Race For Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. With the election just days away, special interest groups keep trying to sway the election in their favor. So far they’ve spent nearly $1.4 million. Civil Beat.

Campaign Spending Commission investigates ‘ghost PAC’ supporting Cayetano. The state Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday voted to conduct further investigation into a so-called “ghost PAC” helping Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano. The political action committee ― Victory Calls 2022 ― ran television ads in May featuring the comedy duo Da Braddahs, saying Cayetano’s opponent Lt. Gov. Josh Green was not a board-certified physician. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Better Access To Public Records Among Proposals From GOP Candidates For Governor. Transparency and government ethics has taken center stage in many races following high profile corruption cases in Hawaii, including the Republican gubernatorial primary. Civil Beat.

Masks optional for children under age 5 in preschool or child care center. Since the beginning of August, K-12 students have had the option of wearing a mask in school. But preschools and child care centers still had to follow the old guidelines. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hospitals still at full capacity despite declining COVID-19 case counts. Hawaii hospitals are still struggling with staffing shortages even as the daily average of COVID-19 case counts appears to be on its way down. Star-Advertiser.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine now available in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Health today announced that scheduling opportunities are now available for the more traditional COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii averaging 50 COVID deaths per month this summer. COVID deaths are still coming in at an alarming rate on the islands. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 14 deaths this week, as the state has averaged 50 deaths per month since May. KHON2.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 3,189 new infections, 14 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, continued its downward trend to 12.4%, compared to 13.8% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between Aug. 2 to 8. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two Of Waikiki’s Oldest Beach Clubs Are Struggling To Come To Grips With Climate Change. In a precursor of business decisions that will become more common, members of the Outrigger Canoe Club have rejected a proposal to extend the club’s lease with its landlord beyond 2055 due to concerns about sea level rise. Civil Beat.

Kailua House Candidates Want To Tame Tourism. A microcosm of the state’s own dilemma, Kailua’s fresh batch of House candidates are strategizing ways to manage guests visiting their slice of paradise. Civil Beat.

Consumer prices still rising in Honolulu, but not as much. Honolulu’s inflation rate ebbed a bit in June and July from the previous two months, but prices for goods and services are still broadly rising, a new government report shows. Star-Advertiser.

In space-cramped Honolulu, community gardens have found new popularity ― and meaning. The city’s community gardens are bursting at the seams and more than 1,000 people are on the waiting list to get a plot of their own, said Honolulu Parks and Recreation spokesperson Nate Serota. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council adopts resolution to enforce rules, address concerns at Keaau Beach Park. Keaau Beach Park, which is past Makaha on the Waianae coast, has its share of problems, including illegal dumping, illegal camping, illegal fireworks, burnouts and street racing. But a city council resolution hopes to address those problems. KITV4.

Fourth graders name monk seal pup born at Kaimana Beach. Two weeks after a seal and her pup teamed up on a woman swimming off Waikiki, fourth grade students from Waikiki Elementary School on Wednesday gave the pup, PO8, a more apt name: Koalani, or “heavenly warrior.”  Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Testifiers blast TMT project: Opponents dominate National Science Foundation meeting to determine whether federal funding will be used. The first public meeting to determine whether to award federal funding to the Thirty Meter Telescope ended Tuesday after four hours of outrage. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Sees Decrease in Processed Firearm Applications. Hawai‘i County had the highest denial rate of firearm applications at 5.6% statewide for 2021, according to data released by the Department of the Attorney General. Big Island Now.

New old buses on the way: County set to accept Honolulu hand-me-downs while awaiting new new buses. Eight more old buses will soon be on their way to the Big Island, with the County Council set to accept the donation of used buses from the City and County of Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Kimball, challenger Martinez discuss issues ahead of primary. With only two candidates on the ballot, the race will be decided during the primary election on Saturday, with the council seat going to whichever candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Warns Lanai Resorts To Not Block Public Beach Access. The company said it closed the park because of flooding. A resident says the gate stayed shut after the water receded. Maui County has issued a warning and told Lanai Resorts, the company owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, to stop blocking access to Hulopoe Beach Park or risk facing a fine of $100,000, plus an additional $10,000 for each day it goes unaddressed. Civil Beat.

Maui County had record 8,149 firearms registered in 2021. In 2021, Maui County had record high numbers for firearm permits processed (2,938), firearms registered (8,149) and firearms imported (3,763), according to an annual report released today by the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Maui Now.

Maui police seek to crack down on law-flouting dirt bikers. The Maui Police Department is warning the public about a growing and dangerous trend around the Valley Isle. Officers are concerned about thrill-seeking dirt bikers who are blatantly breaking traffic laws. Hawaii News Now.

Final EA published for Kēōkea Farm Lots Association community center. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published its final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed Kēōkea Farm Lots Association Community Center in Kēōkea on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

DLNR agrees to audit of all large-capacity cesspools, $105,000 fine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources $105,543 for failing to close an illegal large-capacity cesspool on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.