Showing posts with label Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Show all posts

Monday, September 23, 2024

Offshore wind farm plan gets blowback, UH president candidates begin statewide forums, Big Island mayor contest heats up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Offshore wind farm plan gets blowback. Aukahi Energy LLC, a joint venture involving a subsidiary of French utility giant EDF Group, in recent months has publicly shared its vision to put 22 to 30 floating wind turbines — each taller than a football field — between Oahu and Molokai to supply about 25% of the electricity used on Oahu at an estimated cost of over $1.8 billion. Star-Advertiser.

David Lassner advises next UH president to work on building relationships.  Lassner, who just turned 70, has led a 10-campus system that touches Hawaii and its residents in ways unlike any other state department or agency, and he has exceeded the average career life span of typical university presidents across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Next UH president to face ‘autonomy’ with strings attached. University of Hawaii officials have to defend their annual budget requests to the state Legislature every year because tuition, donations, endowments and other revenue sources aren’t enough to keep the 10-campus system running on a budget of over $1 billion. The institution employs nearly 8,000 people while educating 46,000 students. Star-Advertiser.

Meet the two candidates for UH President at a public forum near you. The public will have the opportunity to meet the two finalists for UH President on Maui, Kauai, Big Island and Oahu starting Monday, Sept. 23. KHON2.

Convention Highlights New Prominence Of Hawaiian Leadership. This year's Native Hawaiian Convention focused on how Hawaiians have played a much bigger role in shaping policy. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian council seeks to develop economic opportunities.  The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement already has gotten a firm foothold in tourism products, especially in Waikiki, since securing a multiyear, $27 million contract for stewardship services in 2023 from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Data consultant on how Native Hawaiians are getting priced out of paradise. The Conversation talked to data and technology consultant Matt Jachowski about his conference presentation titled “Aloha Means Goodbye": why Native Hawaiians have left the islands in droves. Hawaii Public Radio.

Investors push for better deal in Territorial merger. On Tuesday, Blue Hill and other bank investors reaffirmed their commitment to a $12-per-share cash offer for Territorial, initially announced April 29, that would allow up to 30% of current shareholders to remain invested in the state’s fifth-largest bank as it aims for a turnaround under new leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


UH wave energy project with military takes shape off Kāneʻohe. The military has been looking at this wave conversion technology for some 20 years. It's far from perfect, but the possibilities are limitless. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapi‘olani nurses plan protest before talks resume. Unionized nurses, who have been barred from work for over a week, plan to hold a demonstration today outside Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children after contract negotiations ended Sunday with no resolution. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Turtle Bay Developer’s Execs Were Part Of A Global Company With A Questionable Environmental Record.  Top executives at the company behind a major residential development near Turtle Bay Resort previously were high-ranking officers with an international developer that has frequently come under fire for environmental practices and community complaints. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth, Alameda face off: Mayoral candidates spar while fielding questions during forum. Hawaii County’s two remaining mayoral candidates took potshots at each other in between setting out their own policy plans at a forum on Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

Top Candidates In Tight Big Island Mayor’s Race Offer A Study In Contrasts. While they agree on some issues and diverge on others, Mitch Roth and Kimo Alameda differ sharply in style and presentation. Civil Beat.

Council approves ohana regulation changes.
Bill 123’s most significant change allows up to three ohana units — now called “accessory dwelling units” or ADUs — to be built on a single lot, as long as that lot is within a zoning districts that permits ohana units.  Tribune-Herald.

Bid for overhaul of Hilo wastewater plant could be approved next month. Hawaii County next month could approve a bid for contractors to begin the long-awaited overhaul of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Delays Hamper State Effort To Better Manage West Maui’s Limited Water. The Lahaina wildfire and staffing shortages stymied the state's review of new and existing water users. Civil Beat.

Maui Voters To Decide Whether To Extend Terms For Board And Commission Members. If approved, a charter amendment on the November ballot would allow citizens to serve two consecutive terms or 10 years, whichever is greater. Civil Beat.

Lahaina evacuees urged to vote in burn zone addresses. Lahaina residents whose homes were destroyed in the fire are still able to vote using their old address in the burn zone. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Maui delegation connects with other fire-stricken counties at wildfire summit. Mayor Richard Bissen joined Maui’s state, county and community leaders at After the Fire USA’s 2024 Wildfire Leadership Summit last week in Sonoma, Calif. Together, they shared updates on Maui’s wildfire recovery efforts and gathered valuable insights from other jurisdictions affected by similar disasters. Maui Now.

Kauai

‘A huge moment’ for Kaua‘i reefs: Coral nursery coming to island with federal funding. A much-needed facility to protect coral reefs, one of the Hawaiian Islands’ most precious natural resources, will be built on Kaua‘i due to a recently awarded grant of nearly $200,000. Kauai Now.

Want to farm on the Garden Isle? AgXposure course still accepting applications on Kaua‘i.  Potential farmers on the Garden Isle have until Sept. 30 to submit applications to AgXposure, a month-long course introducing participants to the ins and outs of small-scale commercial farming. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Alaska Airlines purchase of Hawaiian Airlines executed, new leader named; Honolulu nixes federal land for landfill, Native Hawaiian convention kicks off, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Biden administration is letting Alaska Airlines buy Hawaiian Air but with conditions. The administration is letting Alaska Airlines complete its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines after the carriers agreed to certain conditions, including maintaining current customer reward miles and service on routes between Hawaii and the continental U.S. where they don’t have much competition. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. New York Times. Hawaii News Now.

Alaska Air Group announces interim Honolulu leadership team to guide merger with Hawaiian Airlines. When the combination was announced, it was shared that Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram would step down from his role following the transaction close. Current Alaska Airlines regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific, Joe Sprague, will be named chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. Maui Now.

Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian; here’s what you need to know. As of Wednesday morning, the corporate merger has already been completed. The acquisition was executed in just a matter of hours after getting final federal permission to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Future Of Hawaii’s Lands Is On The Agenda For Native Hawaiian Convention. Lively discussions on land use and finding ways to insert Hawaiians and cultural practices into public policy decisions punctuated the first day of the 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention.  Civil Beat. KHON2.

Media Council Hawaiʻi weighs in on artificial intelligence in journalism.
The Garden Island newspaper on Kauaʻi is using artificial intelligence-generated hosts in its new, online broadcast "TGI Today." To further dive into the use of AI in journalism, HPR talked to Gerald Kato, a former real-life newscaster and retired University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa journalism professor. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City nixes federal lands for next site to replace Waimanalo landfill. The Honolulu Planning Commission is expected today to receive the city’s latest update regarding its ongoing search to find an alternate site for Oahu’s next municipal landfill before the end of this year. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa setting enrollment records. The University of Hawaii’s flagship Manoa campus eliminated application fees and increased scholarships for local high school students, helping to drive a new record for freshmen enrollment this fall — and sending overall enrollment to its highest level in 12 years. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Fire Report Heightens Fears That Manoa Development Will Increase Risk There
. The home builder says 93 new homes — and 360 parking stalls — will actually mean less traffic in a densely populated corner of the valley. Civil Beat.

Waiʻanae community reflects on recent shootings and offers culture-based solutions. The recent shootings on the Waiʻanae Coast have residents on high alert. Some said their community has never experienced this severity of violence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor, Kapiolani Medical Center respond as nurses march over lockout. Dozens of nurses from Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children marched through downtown Honolulu Tuesday, having been locked out by the hospital for a fourth day. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Corporal charged with false reporting after crash that seriously injured motorcyclist. A Honolulu police corporal has been charged with False Reporting to Law Enforcement Authorities after crashing his subsidized vehicle into the back of a motorcyclist near Aloha Stadium last September, seriously injuring the rider. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Council considers asking state lawmakers to expand midwifery practices. The Hawaiʻi County Council is moving a measure to its top legislative priorities for the state’s 2025 session, which will be included in the Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties’ legislative package and delivered to the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava erupts from Napau Crater: Fountains are reportedly as high as 30 feet. Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is erupting again in a remote part of a national park. One of the world’s most active volcanoes is erupting again in a remote part of a Hawaii national park. Eruptive activity increased early Tuesday but there is no immediate threat to homes or infrastructure, U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s Last Dairy Is Under Fire For Allegedly Violating Environmental Law. The Center for Food Safety says that Cloverleaf Dairy on the Big Island has been knowingly polluting the ocean with animal and milk waste for years. Civil Beat.

Work to replace Pauahi Street Bridge on schedule
. Construction on the Pauahi Street Bridge is on schedule, according to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

3,152 Burned Vehicles Have Been Removed From Lahaina, But More Than 350 Remain. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided an update on debris removal, which also included 141 boats. Civil Beat.

Rent stabilization considered to slow runaway post-disaster housing costs. Maui County Council members heard Monday evening from more than two dozen testifiers, most of whom favored putting brakes on runaway rental costs. Maui Now.

Maui single-family home sales rise, median prices increase in August.
Maui’s housing market saw an increase in home sales in August of 2024, with single-family homes experiencing both a rise in sales and an increase in median prices, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Structure fire causes $1.2 million in damages.
An evening structure fire on Kauai’s Eastside prompted the partial closure of Ulu Street on Tuesday. Garden Island. Kauai Now. KHON2.

40 years ago, Kauai’s Mokihana Festival was a kane-only hula contest
. Now, it’s much more. Kauai’s Mokihana Festival is set for Sept. 22 to Sept. 28 with various events scattered around the islands. Ka Makahiki O Na Mea Ho’okani, or year of instruments & implements, is the theme for this year’s celebration. Hawaii News Now.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Safety stand-down at state psychiatric hospital after fatal stabbing, Maui managing director resigns, Maui Strong exec defends spending only 20% of $150M fund on fire victims so far, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fatal stabbing triggers safety stand-down at Hawaii State Hospital.  State psychiatric hospital operations are in a 48-hour safety stand-down with heightened staffing after officials said a nurse employed by the state in a transitional group home on the hospital’s campus in Kaneohe was fatally stabbed by a patient Monday evening . Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Members of Hawaii police union’s board cleared of wrongdoing. Six current and one former board member of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers were cleared of any wrongdoing by the Honolulu Police Department after allegations of misdemeanor extortion were levied by an ousted union leader. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Department of Education seeks local food vendors for public schools. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education is inviting interested vendors such as farmers and distributors to provide product information and feedback to assist in increasing locally sourced food in public schools. Maui Now.

Climate change report highlights health impacts, Hawaii’s wildfire risks. With altered rainfall patterns, rising ocean and air temperatures, and sea level rise, access to clean water and healthy food will become more challenging, researchers said. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian summit kicks off on Maui.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement on Tuesday kicked off its 22nd annual Native Hawaiian Convention at the Maui Arts &Cultural Center in Kahului. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


Planners to mull Oahu urban center plan updates. 
The Honolulu Planning Commission is expected to hold a public hearing today to consider updates to a nearly 20-year-old development document focused on the city’s prime urban areas. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae Wildfire Sparked After Hawaiian Electric Pole Falls In Heavy Winds. The utility says its new safety plan helped crews respond faster to the fire, but the incident raises more concerns about the lack of a power safety shutoff program. Civil Beat.

Waianae health center opens updated dental clinic. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center unveiled a large expansion to the Harry &Jeanette Weinberg Dental Clinic at a grand opening ceremony Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Water safety advocates seek exception to commercial ban on North Shore. A restriction on commercial activities on certain Hawaii beaches is having a negative impact on businesses that teach water survival skills on the North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County Considers Acquisition Of Federal Property In North Kohala. The community has identified the Old Coast Guard Road as a priority to secure public access to the Honoipu/Puakea portion of the Ala Kahakai trail system. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County Water Supply Prepares For Extended Drought
. Water Supply officials shared their drought strategy, as Severe Drought conditions persist across most of the Big Island. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Pōhakuloa Training Area brush fire at 300 to 500 acres, 60% containment. Pōhakuloa Training Area firefighters and Public Works continue efforts to apply wet lines and create firebreaks to manage the flow of the fire.  Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Maui

Maui Managing Director, Kekuhaupio “Keku” Akana retiring. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced the retirement of Maui Managing Director, Kekuhaupio “Keku” Akana, effective Dec. 31, 2023. He was Mayor Richard Bissen’s first cabinet appointment following the 2022 elections.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Latest Lahaina victim, 78, identified as death toll grows to 100. Maui police released today the name of a Lahaina resident as among 100 confirmed Aug. 8 wildfire fatalities. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Executive overseeing $150M Maui Strong fund defends phased approach to disbursing aid. The foundation executive overseeing the $150 million “Maui Strong” fund is defending its careful approach to releasing the money. About 80% of its money is still in the bank, while some feel many people need more money now. Hawaii News Now.

In face of officer accounts, MPD chief again denies he knew about Lahaina deaths until following day.  Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is doubling down on the claim he was unaware anyone died in the Lahaina disaster until the day after the town burned. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Council considers lower water rates for residents affected by disasters. Recently introduced legislation would create new rates for residents whose homes were destroyed and for those in an area affected by an Unsafe Water Advisory. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui’s Shorthanded And Underpaid 911 Dispatchers Improvised During Lahaina Fire. A small team did their best to juggle a wave of calls and radio transmissions simultaneously. Despite their best efforts, many callers’ questions went unanswered.  Civil Beat.

Nascent Lahaina Land Trust Starts Building A Base Of Support. A panel discussion on opening day of the Native Hawaiian Convention on Maui explored ways to provide affordable housing by purchasing properties burned in the Aug. 8 wildfire. Civil Beat.

Kīhei fire extinguished, no structures damaged.  Maui fire crews quickly worked to knock down flames at brush fire reported in an empty lot in Kīhei on Tuesday afternoon.  Maui Now.

Disaster Area Residential Restrictions to be lifted for Zones 6B and 7A in West Maui. County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18, for owners and residents with vehicle passes in Zones 6B and 7A. Maui Now.

Kauai

Jobless rate plunges to 2.4 percent on Kaua‘i. The unemployment rate on the island of Kaua‘i plunged to 2.4 percent in September from 3.7 percent in September 2022, according to monthly data released by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Garden Island.

Waimea Athletic Field restrooms closed from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15. The closure of the restrooms is necessary for renovations. During this period, portable toilets will be available for use. Kauai Now.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Senate committee mulls Hawaii nominees to US District Court, Native Hawaiian Convention moved to Maui, Hawaiian Electric liability insurance a small fraction of damages, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi nominees to US District Court considered at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Micah Smith, an assistant U.S. attorney, and Judge Shanlyn Park, State of Hawaiʻi court judge, were introduced by US Sen. Brian Schatz on Thursday to the US Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing to consider their nominations to the US District Court for the District of Hawai‘i. Maui Now. Kauai Now.

22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention moved to Maui to ‘uplift local voices’.
  In a significant decision aimed at amplifying the voices of the people of Maui, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has chosen to relocate its highly anticipated 22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention from Oʻahu to Maui.  Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric’s insurance is fraction of potential fire claims. Hawaiian Electric has $165 million in annual general liability insurance, according to a filing with state regulators, compared with the $4.9 billion in potential claims estimated by research firm Capstone. Bloomberg News.

Hawaii school board OK’s requests for bigger operating, facilities budgets. The state school board on Wednesday approved requests to the state Legislature for an additional $198.2 million for the Hawaii public schools’ operating budget and an added $273 million for capital improvement projects for next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Ag Corp. Is Putting Up Remainder Of Its Land For Lease. Just over 3,000 acres of unused land owned by the Agribusiness Development Corp. will soon be up for lease, as it opens up the remainder of its land portfolio.  Civil Beat.

Interim rule restricts movement of palms from Oahu. A new interim rule restricting the interisland movement of palms and other plant materials in Hawaii is now in place to help contain the destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

EPA declares end to consent degree requiring upgrades at Kapolei landfill. The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced the completion of required upgrades to the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, ending a dozen years of federal scrutiny and oversight aimed at bringing Oahu’s only municipal landfill into compliance with laws designed to protect public health and natural ecosystems. Star-Advertiser.

Council bans sale of flavored tobacco products. The Honolulu City Council on a split vote Wednesday passed a measure to prohibit sales of flavored tobacco products in an effort to keep them out of the hands of Oahu’s youth. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Earthquake rates increase overnight beneath Kīlauea summit region. The area just south of Kīlauea’s summit is showing signs of elevated unrest as earthquake rates beneath the region increased overnight from less than 10 earthquakes per day to over 140 earthquakes in the last 24 hours, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Thursday. Big Island Now.

Police: Increased presence at Keaau High School after social media threat. Police have initiated a first-degree terroristic threatening investigation after being informed of an anonymous threat made involving Keaau High School. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi County’s new animal control director used to care for frogs, elephants, gorillas. Veterinarian technician Matthew Runnells has worked at prestigious zoos, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Florida, providing care to dart frogs, African elephants and a 345-pound gorilla who needed a pacemaker. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Maui Fires Have Put A $31 Million Hole In This Year’s County Budget. Council members will consider the mayor's plan to fill the gap, which includes proposed cuts to the fire department. Civil Beat.

State Investigation Into Maui Fires Has Been Quietly Moving Along. Now It’s Going Public. The large number of deaths makes understanding what happened in Lahaina a national concern, investigators say. Civil Beat.

Former MPD assistant chief: Agency didn’t follow its own ‘all hazard’ plan in Lahaina disaster. Nearly two months after a ferocious fire tore through Lahaina, a recently retired Maui police commander is raising doubts about whether the Maui Police Department followed its own emergency action plan during the disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Concerns Grow Over How To Control Toxic Ash As Re-Entry To Lahaina Picks Up. The Environmental Protection Agency is awaiting county approval to deploy Soiltac, a dust suppressant with glue-like qualities that the agency says is safe to use. Civil Beat.

High-tech surveys off Lahaina begin as ‘catastrophic’ impact to reef, near-shore waters feared. The devastation in Lahaina isn’t just above ground. And researchers say the waters and reefs off the town could be impacted for years to come. Hawaii News Now.

Disaster Area Restrictions lifted at Zones 3A, 3B & 3C for parts of Wahikuli, ʻĀinakea and Fleming roads. Disaster area restrictions will be lifted on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 9 and 10, for owners and residents of Zones 3A, 3B and 3C. This includes parts of Wahikuli, ʻĀinakea and Fleming roads. Maui Now. KHON2.

Minimal tourists expected for West Maui reopening. People both supporting and criticizing Sunday’s official planned reopening of tourism to West Maui should not expect an “onslaught” of visitors. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

The tourism industry wants visitors to educate themselves before heading to West Maui. Lahaina is still off limits. That’s the message to visitors ahead of West Maui’s tourism reboot Sunday.  Hawaii News Now.

DOE outlines safety plan as Lahaina schools set to reopen. As Lahaina’s three remaining public schools open to teachers today for the first time since the Aug. 8 wildfire, and their students return on a staggered schedule starting Oct. 16, state education officials announced that a new “safety plan” has been created in case of emergencies and evacuations, 300 air filters are being distributed to classrooms and offices, and each campus will have a “designated administrator” responsible for daily monitoring of air quality. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council debates ambulance contract controversy. The Kaua‘i County Council passed a resolution urging the state Department of Health (DOH) to continue with a longtime emergency service provider on Wednesday, Oct. 4, amid protests surrounding the decision to switch to a new provider. Garden Island.

Domestic passenger solid in September at Lihu‘e Airport. The number of people getting off domestic passenger flights at Lihu‘e Airport inched past 63,000 in September, which was enough to mark the second highest total for the month at the transportation hub. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 22, 2022

EPA urges caution on Thirty Meter Telescope, Honolulu mulls tax breaks for businesses on rail line, taxpayers may fund abandoned vehicle removal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Consider TMT changes to lessen impact on Native Hawaiians, EPA urges. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is urging the National Science Foundation to consider alternative construction sites for the Thirty Meter Telescope — and possibly a smaller version of the proposed observatory — in its upcoming environmental review of the controversial project. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Handling of OHA funds leads to questions over CNHA’s bid for tourism contract. Allegations that the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement mismanaged a $1.6 million Office of Hawaiian Affairs contract have surfaced as the dispute over a much larger Hawaii Tourism Authority contract heads beyond the four-month mark. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Ige Rules Out Special Legislative Session To Fix Court’s Grand Jury Ruling. Gov. David Ige issued a statement Wednesday saying that he would not call the Hawaii Legislature into special session to draft a new law to reverse a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that limits prosecutors’ choices when indicting serious criminals. Civil Beat.

Latest Fed rate hike may also increase jitters in Hawaii’s real estate market. The rise in interest rates is just one of the forces on Hawaii’s real estate market. That rise has pushed some buyers to act more quickly to get an affordable mortgage, while sellers are rethinking their asking price. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Wanted: A bunch of mahimahi stomachs. To fishermen in Hawaii, Pacific mahimahi stomachs hold no particular value and are discarded. But to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists researching mahimahi diet, each stomach tells a unique story and provides an opportunity to help the fish and its environment. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii reports 14 COVID deaths, over 1,100 cases in past week. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council considers property tax exemptions for businesses along rail line. The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure that would give businesses along the rail line incentives such as expedited permitting and tax exemptions for up to 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu inching closer to creating historic preservation commission. “Honolulu is the only county in the state that does not have a preservation commission and one of the only major cities in the country without a commission,” councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina said Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Private financing not needed to build new stadium, Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that the $350 million the state Legislature provided during the 2022 session is enough money to build a new Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.

Former principal sues Department of Education over threat case. A former principal of Stevenson Middle School has filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court against the state Department of Education, alleging that officials failed to adequately protect her amid violent threats and sexual harassment from an unknown person or people, and retaliated against her for questioning the department’s response. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Has Many Vacant Positions Open On Boards And Commissions. Honolulu officials are looking to fill several positions on city panels, including the new advisory Economic Revitalization Commission, according to a Wednesday news release. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Bill that would cover cost of removing abandoned vehicles passes first reading. A bill that would allow private property owners to remove free of charge abandoned or derelict vehicles from their land moved one step closer to fruition Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano skate park repairs in the works.
The Volcano community is taking steps to repair and reopen Hawaii County’s only wooden skate park. Tribune-Herald.

Community Meeting Set For Upolu Well Project In North Kohala. A meeting will take place on Thursday, September 29 at the Kohala Village Hub Barn in order provide an Upolu Well project overview and solicit community input. Big Island Video News.

Signs Stolen: Nene Crossing, Tsunami Route, Scenic Byways. Police say the unique Hawaiʻi signs are being removed along Mamalahoa Highway in the areas of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the district of Kaʻū. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Maui Planning Department seeks applicants to fill 22% vacancy
. The Maui County Department of Planning is seeking applicants to fill six newly funded and 12 vacant positions, ranging from clerical to planner and supervisory positions. Maui Now.

Several vacancies in Planning Department delaying permit processing. A 22 percent vacancy rate has contributed to delays in permit processing in Maui County, which is why the Department of Planning is seeking applicants to fill six newly funded positions and 12 vacant positions, ranging from clerical to planner and supervisory positions. Maui News.

Kauai

Facing litigation, Kaua‘i County returns drug treatment facility to Grove Farm. The Kaua‘i County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to deed the facility back to its previous owners, ending the county leadership role in the long struggle to get the center off the ground, which has been marred by struggles finding an operator, legal troubles and a global pandemic. Garden Island.


Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Tourism contract in dispute, sea level rise puts focus on coast, Pearl City teacher accused of sex assault, child porn, to remain behind bars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki ©2022 All Hawaii News
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau files protest over tourism contract award. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau filed a protest Tuesday alleging that the Hawaii Tourism Authority violated state procurement when awarding its largest piece of business, the U.S. brand management and global support services contract, to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Star-Advertiser.

Sea Level Rise Intensifies Debate Over How Hawai‘i Uses Its Coastlines.
A UH report asks decision-makers: What are the most important values and uses for the remaining oceanfront as the sea continues to rise? Hawaii Business Magazine.

Lieutenant governor candidates forum is showdown over experience. The leading candidates to become Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor were divided at a forum Tuesday between longtime politicians who argued they have the right experience versus outsiders who said current approaches are not working for Hawaii families — and have not worked for years, if not for decades. Star-Advertiser.

A measure aimed at expanding telehealth access could end up doing the opposite, critics say. There is growing debate over a bill that could significantly impact Hawaii’s mental health services. It’s called House Bill 1980 and as currently written, it would cover telehealth appointments via digital platforms such as Zoom or Facetime. However, telephone-only appointments would only be covered under certain criteria. Hawaii News Now.

Why So Many Hawaii Nurses Want To Leave The Profession. A survey released last month found that 23% of the nurses who responded had considered quitting. Civil Beat.

Department of Hawaiian Homelands to recieve $22.3 million in federal funds. The $22.3 million is the highest amount the federal government has ever appropriated for Native Hawaiian housing and is $20.3 million more than last year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considering examining city hiring process to address high vacancy rate. The Honolulu City Council is considering auditing the Department of Human Resources to examine its selection and hiring process as the city faces filling about 3,000 vacant positions. There are about 11,600 total positions at the city. Star-Advertiser.

Economy And Housing Are Center Stage In Hot Oahu Senate Race.
Carol Fukunaga hopes to defeat upstart Ian Ross in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Senate District 11. Civil Beat.

Woman Dies After Apparent Suicide At Oahu Jail.
The death of Diamond Simeona-Agoo at the Oahu Community Correctional Center is the second apparent suicide in a Hawaii jail this month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii teacher accused of child sex assault, child porn crimes to remain behind bars.
The Pearl City High School substitute teacher accused of having sex with a 13-year-old boy during school lunch breaks will remain behind bars at least until late July. Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that 34-year-old Alden Bunag is a danger to the community and a flight risk. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Former Navy diver describes Red Hill contamination: ‘We were up against a huge problem’. As the military tries to figure how to safely drain the Red Hill fuel tanks, a retired Navy diver who saw the contamination up close is speaking out. He describes the divers being covered in fuel in a water well, and he worries about the long-term health impacts from that operation. Hawaii News Now.

Performance center to be renamed after longtime band teacher, leader. Try as you might, you will never get Michael Nakasone to agree that he deserves the honor of having the Pearl City Cultural Center auditorium building renamed for him. Star-Advertiser.

Humane society sees increase in animal surrenders as pet owners feel inflation’s squeeze. The Hawaiian Humane Society is seeing an unprecedented number of animal surrenders and soaring need for its pet food bank ― in a situation the nonprofit worries will only get worse as costs continue to rise. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Say bye to HI-5 at Kealakehe, Waimea, Hilo transfer stations. Hawaii Island residents will no longer be able to redeem their HI-5 bottles and cans at three of the most popular transfer stations, and the continuation of redemption service at a fourth is uncertain, as contractors grapple with inflation, fuel price increases and a worker shortage stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

County offering subsidized van rentals for commuters. Under the program, prospective riders can coordinate with each other to select a rental vehicle and a pickup and dropoff point for their daily commutes, distributing the costs among themselves. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Judge denies county’s motion to dismiss Waipi‘o road lawsuit. Waipi‘o Valley Road remains closed to all but a handful of people, but on Tuesday, a judge ruled a civil case to reopen the road which was closed in February via an emergency declaration by Mayor Mitch Roth can proceed. Tribune-Herald. 

Anonymous Donor Gives $3M To UH Hilo And LGBTQ Students. The scholarships will support LGBTQ students and students who are the first in their family to attend college. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County Council Advances Resolutions On Monster House. One of the resolutions calls for a formal investigation into how the house in Napili was allowed to be built despite being in violation of numerous building codes. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi’s first case of rabbit disease found on Maui farm; quarantine ordered. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture confirmed rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, type 2 (RHDV2) in a 4- to 5-year-old neutered male rabbit on a farm in Kula. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Kilauea’s Hale Lea Medicine clinic may close. The Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance receives between 17,000 and 20,000 patient visits each year, providing a range of treatment to largely working-class people from the Ha‘ena to Kapa‘a. They soon may be unable to keep their doors open, their CEO says. Garden Island.

Community hosts appreciation lu‘au for Tropic Care. Tropic Care Kaua‘i 2022 is pau, until the next time. Garden Island.