Showing posts with label DLNR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DLNR. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Pilot project gives DLNR more power to ticket, Red Hill defueling plan clears last hurdle, Maui County still not saying who was in charge during deadly Lahaina wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pilot project will allow on-the-spot tickets, fines for resource violations in Hawaiʻi.  The Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources is putting together a three-month pilot project that will allow state conservation enforcement resource officers to issue on-the-spot tickets and/or fines for rule violations.  Big Island Now.

Document details state’s strategy to improve internet accessibility. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism recently published a draft of its Digital Equity Plan, a document that establishes a multiyear series of strategies to improve internet connectivity throughout Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

UH announces 3 finalists in the running to become the next CTAHR dean. Three finalists have been named in the search for a dean of the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green orders U.S. and Hawaiʻi flags at half-staff to honor lives lost in attacks on Israel. To honor the lives of those lost, including Americans, that began with the attacks on Israel over the weekend, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the United States and Hawai‘i state flags be flown at half-staff at state facilities. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hawaii Health Department approves Red Hill defueling plan. The state Department of Health announced Tuesday that it has conditionally approved the military’s plan to defuel the main tanks of the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility beginning Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Traffic safety proposal could mean less parking in Kaimuki. Waialae Avenue from First through 11th Avenues is a bustling stretch. Those who live or work here are all too familiar with the dangers on the roadways. KHON2.

New commander of 25th Infantry Division hits ground running amid Pacific tensions. The new commander of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks has been busy from Day One of his new assignment after taking command in August. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island police to begin enforcing street vending rules. In a collaborative effort between the Hawaii Police Department, the State Department of Transportation and the County of Hawaii Planning Department, the police department is notifying the public of an islandwide enforcement initiative to clear state highways and county roadways of illegal commercial activities that include street vendors. Spectrum News.  KHON2.

To help the hardest to house, they start with a simple question
: How are you feeling today? Hawaii Island’s largest homeless service provider is working to reestablish the critical resource in an attempt to take some of the burden off hospitals. The reboot comes at a critical point: Hawaii Island’s homeless population now stands at more than 1,000 people — up nearly 50% in the past five years, according to the latest point in time count. Hawaii News Now.

Former Konawaena Middle School teacher pleads no contest to sexual assault. John Lee Franks of Ocean View was indicted Feb. 23, 2022, on two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor less than 14 years old and one count of continuous sexual assault of a minor stemming from alleged incidents committed against a girl between November 2021 and mid-February 2022. West Hawaii Today.

Free or reasonably priced parking in Kona’s Historic Kailua Village getting difficult to find. Over the past several years, privately owned parking lots that used to be free so people could patronize restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses now are charging rates ranging from $9 to $15 per hour.  Big Island Now.

New nonprofit works to help control population of cats, dogs. A new animal rescue and advocacy group is working to get more dogs and cats adopted to help control the animal population on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County won't say who was in charge during Lahaina fire. On the afternoon of Aug. 8, an incident commander in Maui County should have been directing the emergency response to the Lahaina fire. Neither Maui County's communications director, nor the Joint Operations Center working on behalf of Maui County, will disclose who was calling the shots; or if anybody was at all. KITV4.

Maui police identify Lahaina resident, 57, as latest fire fatality. Maui police released the name today of one Lahaina resident as among the 98 confirmed Aug. 8 wildfire fatalities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

It could be weeks more before all Upcountry Maui residents have safe drinking water. The tap water has been declared safe for drinking in about 75% of the Upcountry Maui area impacted by the Kula wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertainty over Lahaina fire survivors’ unemployment claims persists. Two months after the deadly Maui wildfires, widespread confusion and uncertainty continue over whether survivors will be denied weekly unemployment payments if they’re too traumatized to work. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina tour, charter fishing operators appeal to state for solutions to get them back to work. Lahaina’s thriving commercial tour and charter fishing community was decimated by the Aug. 8 wildfire. And now those who lost their businesses say the state is failing to help some of them get back to work. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists install water quality sensors off Lahaina to study impacts to ocean. Over the weekend, teams from UH Manoa and the Pacific Whale Foundation installed water quality sensors in areas around the Lahaina impact zone. The sensors will look at the presence of contaminants and reef health. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County lifting restrictions for owners and residents of Zone 6C and 15A on Oct. 13. Zone 6C: Kahoma Village Loop and Hoe Kawele Drive. Zone 15A: Puapihi Street, Pualima Street, Pualima Place, Pualoke Place, Puapake Place, Front Street. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Could A Community Land Trust Give Locals More Control Of Lahaina? Concerns over the potential loss of land in the town began almost immediately. Civil Beat.

Crews continue daily patrols for hot spots in 1,000-acre Olinda fire.  Daily patrols for hot spots and still-smoking areas are continuing Upcountry, two months after the start of the roughly 1,000-acre Olinda fire.  Maui News.

American Lung Association’s chief doctor warns of fire exposure.
The American Lung Association’s chief medical officer Tuesday encouraged West Maui residents who are returning to the Lahaina burn zone to wear protective gear. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i visitors spend mightily in August. Visitor spending on Kauai eclipsed $200 million for the eighth straight month in August, as tourists continued to plow big bucks into the local economy while on the island. Garden Island.

Hotels on Kaua‘i exceed 80 percent occupancy in August. Hotels on the island of Kauai put up big numbers in August with occupancy exceeding 80 percent, in turn generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue for lodging establishments. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Biden visits, offers support in wake of Lahaina fire, ACLU challenges Honolulu homeless sweeps, Hawaiian Homes report eyes geothermal on Mauna Kea, Kohala, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

President Biden offers message of support, hope after touring Lahaina. President Joe Biden described the devastation in Lahaina as “overwhelming” on Monday as he and First Lady Jill Biden toured the charred remains of the historic, seaside town, leveled in the worst U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press.  Big Island Video News.  Maui News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Video of Biden visit whitehouse.gov

For Gov. Green, a balancing act with no margin for error.  The  53-year-old governor, a Democrat less than a year into his first term, is confronting the horrific wildfires on Maui that have killed at least 114 people and perhaps many more. In a state where political decisions are often a balancing act among factions — from progressives to pro-development Democrats to powerful labor unions — some worry that the rush to rebuild will shred hard-won environmental and cultural protections. New York Times.

Lawsuit seeks to upend reassignment of water deputy.  A lawsuit filed Monday seeks to overturn the reassignment of state Water Commission Deputy Director M. Kaleo Manuel, who was given a new job after he apparently delayed permission to allow stream water to be made available for water control during the Lahaina wildfire. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Gov. Green encourage travel to parts of Maui not impacted by wildfires. While travel to West Maui continues to be discouraged following a deadly wildfire that decimated Lahaina’s historic Front Street, government officials emphasized the importance to visit other parts of Maui and neighboring Hawaiian Islands. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Legal experts refute rumors about FEMA aid and eminent domain.
  Posts and comments circulating on social media claim that signing up for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency can give the government control of your land through eminent domain. FEMA’s powers are laid out in the Stafford Act — and eminent domain is not among them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii ACLU files motion to stop Honolulu homeless sweeps. Honolulu’s use of homeless sweeps constitutes cruel or unusual punishment under Hawaii’s constitution and should therefore cease immediately via a court order, according to an ACLU legal motion filed Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu District Court reopens after construction mishap. Honolulu District Courthouse will reopen today after a structural assessment found its parking garage, damaged the night of Aug. 15 by a contractor, and the courthouse are safe for occupancy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiian Homes Report Eyes Geothermal On Maunakea, Kohala. Potential geothermal resources near Maunakea and Kohala mountains on Hawaiʻi island have the “highest probability of viable electricity generation” according to a new report provided to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Big Island Video News.

‘Third try’ at starting master plan for Pahoa.  A survey has been sent in the mail and online to Pahoa property owners to help determine the future of the historic village. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor to host seventh town hall on Thursday. The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 pm. Thursday at the Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui death toll at 115; search moves to multi-story structures.
Maui County officials said that 100% of burned single-story residences have been searched for Lahaina wildfire victims, and now search crews and their cadaver-detecting dogs will concentrate on multi-story properties. Star-Advertiser.

Toxic Debris From The Lahaina Fire Will Be Shipped To The Mainland.
The contaminated waste includes a unique Hawaii building material made of sugarcane fiber and termite poison. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Details are still not available on people missing in Lahaina. Two weeks after a wildfire killed at least 115 people and destroyed Lahaina, no official list of the names and number of people missing is publicly available. Star-Advertiser.

New Prefab Homes Are Arriving On Maui. A local group has transported 60 fold-up structures to use as temporary homes. Civil Beat.

Your 2023 Maui County Council Guide: Everything You Need To Know. Here's how you can make your voice heard in local government by attending a council meeting or submitting testimony. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance closing clinic.
The head of the Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance (KCHA) has announced the North Shore medical provider will permanently close its doors in the coming weeks due to circumstances, including low insurance reimbursement rates and labor shortages. Garden Island.

County and federal agencies partner for Kekaha Road Brownfields Study. County and federal agencies are partnering to revitalize brownfields along the Kekaha Road corridor, between Amakihi Road and Pueo Road, as a means to improve the quality of life for Kekaha residents. Kauai Now.

Water use plan update meetings set. The public is invited to attend the county Department of Water’s (DOW) second round of meetings for the Kaua‘i Water Use and Development Plan (KWUDP) update being held at various locations island wide, now through Aug. 31. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Maui water wars exacerbated Lahaina wildfire disaster, state begins notifying families of lost loved ones, Hawaiian Electric stock plunges 34% on lawsuit fears, Hurricane Fernanda, Tropical Storm Greg advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A State Official Refused To Release Water For West Maui Fires Until It Was Too Late.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources delayed releasing water requested by West Maui Land Co. to help prevent the spread of fire, sources familiar with the situation said. Civil Beat.

The Maui Agency That Could Answer Pressing Wildfire Evacuation Questions Has Been MIA.  The Maui Emergency Management Agency hasn't participated in media updates, and officials haven't offered specifics on what happened leading up to the deadly blaze. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric’s stock plunges 34% on fears of wildfire liability. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s stock plunged by a record on concern that its power lines may be linked to the deadly Maui wildfires. Shares fell $10.94, or 34%, to close at $21.46 today on Wall Street, after earlier tumbling as much as 42%. Bloomberg.

Residents had moments to make life-or-death choices. 
There were no sirens, no one with bullhorns, no one to tell anyone what to do: They were on their own, with their families and neighbors, to choose whether to stay or to run, and where to run to — through smoke so thick it blinded them, flames closing in from every direction, cars exploding, toppled power lines and uprooted trees, fire whipping through the wind and raining down. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Families of first 3 victims identified in Maui fire to be notified today.  Three victims of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire have been identified, and their families will get the grim news today that their loved ones are official casualties as the death toll grew to 99 on Monday, and will likely continue to rise. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Seeks Moratorium On Property Sales In Lahaina. The search through the rubble continued as the death toll from the wildfires rose to 99. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Focus moving to pollution, water hazards on Maui, Coast Guard says. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday that it’s shifting its focus from combing the waters around Lahaina for bodies to cleaning up debris and pollution in the sea after a deadly wildfire destroyed much of the historic town. Star-Advertiser.

Obama posts video urging support for Lahaina. Former President Barack Obama took to social media Monday to urge his followers to help rebuild Lahaina. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Major Hurricane Fernanda, Tropical Storm Greg Churning In Pacific. Tropical Storm Greg has formed in the Central Pacific and is about 1,050 miles east-southeast of Hilo, while Hurricane Fernanda maintains its category 4 strength in the Eastern Pacific, about 2,380 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Oahu

State Failed To Heed Warnings Of Waimanalo Girl’s Abuse, Lawsuit Alleges. The lawsuit by the estate of Isabella Kalua says the state advocated her adoption by her foster parents despite multiple reports of suspicious injuries by doctors and others. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ocean View students stranded after being denied bus service. An incident last Friday involved more than two dozen students from the Ocean View area who attempted to take a Hele-On bus to Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary.  The students were stranded when a Hele-On bus driver told them seats were being reserved for other commuters at upcoming stops and they were not able to board. Tribune-Herald.

Nonprofit offers wildfire risk assessments in Hawaii County.  In the wake of the deadly Maui wildfires and the blazes that damaged properties in West Hawaii, a Waimea-based nonprofit organization is conducting community wildfire risk assessments using home assessors-in-training. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Again Showing Signs Of Elevated Unrest.  Earthquakes peaked at 100 on Sunday, August 13, including a magnitude-4.3 event that was felt across Hawaiʻi Island.   Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

FEMA Money For Maui Disaster Relief May Get Caught Up In A Partisan Fight Over Ukraine. Federal funding is kicking in on Maui but a budget shortfall looms in Washington. Civil Beat.

Federal help ramped up for Maui fire relief.
New levels of federal assistance for Maui fire survivors who suffered losses rolled out Monday, including free hotel lodging and one-time $700 payments per household for any critical needs. Star-Advertiser.

For some Maui teachers, fires took 2 places they called home.  At least six of the teachers with lost or greatly damaged homes worked at King Kamehameha III Elementary, the one public school that officials have deemed a loss in the West Maui fires. Star-Advertiser.

On the ground in Lahaina town: Sadness, searching, signs of hope. In the smoldering ruins of Lahaina town, a stream of water casts through the air onto the blackened branches of the 150-year-old banyan tree.  Maui News. KITV4.

Maui police suspend placard program after ‘non-essential’ people flood distribution sites. Just hours after launching it, Maui police have suspended a placard program designed to speed up access into West Maui after distribution areas were flooded with people. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Senator Hirono gets a taste of agriculture in Wailua. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono was pleasantly surprised on Monday when she was presented with a 4-H certificate during her stop at the University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Agricultural Research Center during a day trip to the Garden Island. Garden Island.

Invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles spread to Wailuā, Kīlauea – but experts are optimistic. Three months after invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles were first reported on Kauaʻi near the Līhu‘e Airport, more of the species have been found in Kīlauea and Wailuā.  Kauai Now.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tourist impact fee advances, humpback whale sightings decrease 40%, makeover coming to Blaisdell, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii ‘visitor impact fee’ bill moves forward. A “visitor impact fee” bill that would require any nonresident aged 15 or older to pay for an annual license to visit a state park, beach, forest, hiking trail or other natural area is still alive. Star-Advertiser.

Green’s Cabinet nominees face tough slog in the Senate. There is no shortage of theories swirling in and around the state Capitol to explain Gov. Josh Green’s two failed Cabinet nominees and one whose confirmation ended in a tie — an unusually high rejection count for a popular governor midway through his first legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Past governors also hit roadblocks. Since statehood, no first-term governor has had more Cabinet nominees rejected than Gov. Josh Green. But other governors in their first terms have seen their share of roughed-up nominees. Star-Advertiser.

State reaches settlement in civil lawsuit that accused embattled DLNR boating chief of sexual assault.
A confidential settlement has been reached involving Ed Underwood, the state administrator for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and a female subordinate in a civil lawsuit that accuses the administrator of sexual assault and claims the DLNR was slow to act. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Why 2 Of Hawaii’s Best-Known Brands Are Battling In Court. The local candy company Hawaiian Host Group, which also owns the Mauna Loa macadamia nut brand, is engaged in a bitter lawsuit with its longtime banker, First Hawaiian Bank, in a matter stemming from the darkest days of the pandemic, when Hawaiian Host was on the verge of bankruptcy. Civil Beat.

Humpback whale sightings decreased by almost 40%.  The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Whale Foundation coordinate the research to understand population trends. This is the first year since the pandemic that both programs resumed normal operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii reports 1,263 new COVID-19 cases, 4 more deaths. The state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases was reported at 122 a day, nearly double the 66 a day reported on March 22. The state’s average positivity rate was at 8.9% compared with 5.2% reported on March 22. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

$43.6M makeover to start at Neal S. Blaisdell Center.  The city’s nearly 60-year-old prime venue for live concerts and sporting events, graduations and hula competitions, Broadway shows and exhibitions of all sorts, began renovations in February to address health, safety and deferred maintenance concerns.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

50 years later, Vietnam War veterans finally get a fitting welcome home with Waikiki parade. It was 50 years ago that the U.S. military ended its involvement in Vietnam. And on this day, there was a sense that the veterans who served in that war were finally being welcomed home. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Bills before lawmakers threaten future of 1,000-patient medical marijuana farm on Oahu. Care Waialua offers medical marijuana patients access to grow-their-own sites, and it has more than 1,000 medical marijuana card-holders signed up. Hawaii News Now.

New bill would require bars, nightclubs to carry life-saving overdose treatment. City Councilmembers are considering a bill that would require high-risk venues like bars and nightclubs to carry life-saving overdose treatment Narcan in an effort to tackle Hawaii’s ongoing opioid crisis. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Red light cameras are nabbing hundreds of red-light runners. According to the Department of Transportation, there have been 1,793 citations issued in just the first four months of the program.  KHON2.

Hawaii Prisoner Dies After Serving More Than 59 Years For 1963 Murders. Alfred Joy Tai, who served more than 59 consecutive years in prison for the murders of two Honolulu police officers in 1963, died earlier this week in an Arizona prison, according to Hawaii corrections officials. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Pre-Fab Housing May Finally Be A Viable Option For Big Island Farmers Trying To House Workers. Despite the global popularity of prefabricated housing, it barely had a footprint in the state until local building supply outfit Hawaii Planing Mill pre-built housing for those displaced by the 2018 Kilauea eruptions which destroyed 700 homes in Puna. Civil Beat.

Delays Reported In Kilauea Recovery Road, Waterline Projects. An Environmental Assessment for the Kīlauea Eruption Recovery Pohoiki Roads project, originally planned to be completed in January, will take another 6 months to finalize. Big Island Video News.

Vietnam Veterans memorial unveiled. On Wednesday, Vietnam Veterans Day, as America recognized the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, a group of dedicated veterans unveiled a new Vietnam War Memorial at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Ola Brewing eyes new venue. The Hawaiian Ola Brewing Corporation has submitted to the county Planning Department an application for a special management area use permit to renovate the 12,000-square-foot building to house a micro-distillery and agricultural processing facility, in addition to a restaurant and bar area seating up to 60 people. Tribune-Herald.

Proposal seeks to designate 122,000 acres as critical habitat.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed that more than 122,000 acres of Big Island land be designated a critical habitat for 11 native endangered plants and one native endangered fly. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Plans underway to make Kapāpala forest a long-term source for koa canoes. More than 30 years ago, the state set aside about 1,200 acres of forest in Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island to address a significant decline in koa trees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

West Maui to hold first evening budget meeting Thursday, March 30.  The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee will receive testimony on the fiscal year 2024 budget on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Lahaina Civic Center’s Social Hall. Maui Now.

Plan to widen Puunene Avenue moves forward. The state Department of Transportation is proposing to add two additional vehicle lanes and shared shoulders to Puunene Avenue between Wakea Avenue and Kuihelani Highway.  Maui News.

Amid mounting challenges, Maui’s only private obstetrics practice will soon close its doors. In a major setback is coming for women’s healthcare on Maui, the island’s only private obstetrics doctors will deliver their final babies this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Department of Liquor Control to accept License renewal applications April 1.  Applications can be submitted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the department’s office at 110 Alaʻihi St., Room 212, in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi event invited landlords to 'overcome stigma' of low-income renters. The nonprofit Leadership Kauaʻi partnered with the county's housing agency to host the island's second Landlord Summit last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ana Mo Des elected chair of Kaua‘i Republican Party. With the goal of team unity, the Kaua‘i Republican Party selected its new executive committee during the Kaua‘i County Republican Party County Convention held Saturday afternoon at the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center. Garden Island.

Monday, August 30, 2021

Pandemic rules flouted as COVID cases spike, experts advise but Ige holds fast against lockdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaiwi party broken up by DLNR PC:DLNR

Hawaii officials consider stay-at-home order over Labor Day weekend as COVID-19 cases soar. Hawaii had its highest COVID- 19 count ever reported in one day on Sunday, and if the trajectory continues, officials warn that it could lead to a 72-hour stay-at-home order over the Labor Day holiday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

How close is a lockdown? At least one doctor says it’s time. Medical experts say despite major event cancellations and new gathering limits, Hawaii’s COVID crisis is about to get much worse. Hawaii News Now.

Ige takes to social media to refute lockdown rumors: ‘No plans to shut down’. Gov. David Ige on Sunday night dismissed “rumors circulating” about a shutdown in Hawaii amid an ongoing surge in COVID infections. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Visitor industry discounts abound, even as Gov. David Ige asks travelers to stay away. You wouldn’t know that Hawaii tourism is supposed to be shut down by all the specials in the market, including great kamaaina deals, which have been absent for most of the summer travel surge. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Confirms Sonja McCullen To Intermediate Court Of Appeals. A Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney will be the first Native Hawaiian appointed to a Hawaii appellate court in decades. Civil Beat.

Hawaii distance-learning students might get their instruction from teachers out of state. The state Department of Education may be moving to loosen the requirement that teachers reside in Hawaii after members of the state Board of Education last week urged administrators to look at changing the residence qualification to help meet the growing demand for remote learning. Star-Advertiser.

Latest testing backlog a result of systems being ‘pushed to their limits,’ DOH says. The health department says as always, trends are more important than single day counts and right now Hawaii continues to trend in the wrong direction. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 2 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,678 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,239 new cases on Oahu, 147 on Maui, 214 on Hawaii island, 55 on Kauai, one on Molokai, two on Lanai, and 20 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Enforcement Officers say Large Party at Kaiwi was “Outrageous and Irresponsible”. Four people were cited and as many as 300-400 others were cleared from Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department officers late Saturday afternoon. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Homeless Sweeps Or Sanitation Activities? Advocates Say There’s No Difference. Honolulu’s mayor promised to end sweeps of homeless encampments, but his administration says it still needs to clear the “sidewalks, streets and parks.” Civil Beat.

Two Honolulu Police Officers Are Under Investigation For Assault Of Prisoner. Two Honolulu police officers could face criminal charges for allegedly injuring a prisoner in January. Civil Beat.

COVID ‘crisis’ in Leeward Oahu as area leads island with case counts. The Leeward coast of Oahu is in crisis mode, with some of the highest coronavirus case counts on the island, which continue rising and spreading like wildfire among household members. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi Seeks To Avoid ‘Lockdown’ As Hawaii Logs Record Number Of Covid Cases. Honolulu mayor also says city is considering a “vaccine passport” program for restaurants. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County COVID rules approved; parks to remain open with restrictions. The new rule also limits social gathering sizes to 10 people, both indoors and out. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Big changes likely for council districts: Population growth not equal for West, East Hawaii. Population shifts across the island could mean big changes to County Council districts next year, with West Hawaii population increases likely to outweigh population changes in most of East Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

County: NAS pool upgrades to begin soon.
Hawaii County officials are hoping construction can begin soon on court-ordered Americans With Disabilities improvements at the NAS Swimming Pool near the Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Work on senior housing facility to begin in 2022. Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc. has secured funding to build a 92-unit housing facility — located on Kawili Street across from the lower end of the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus — in early 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Board files complaints against Maui health officer, physician. The Hawaii Medical Board has filed complaints against Maui’s top health official and a Valley Isle physician following reports that they backed COVID-19 treatments that state and federal health agencies advise against. Maui News.

Maui’s 21 Day Lockdown is Voluntary, Stricter Rules Still on the Table
. While a health pass or vaccine passport for certain restaurants and gyms surfaced for discussion as a potential mitigation measure during the Mayor’s last press briefing, the program concept is still under review. Maui Now.

Affordable housing on Lanai aimed at mid-income households. A planned affordable rental housing project on Lanai won’t be quite as affordable as previously envisioned by the island’s management company owned by billionaire Larry Ellison. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Face mask litter on rise, Surfrider says. A growing number of face masks are littering Kaua‘i, leading to pollution of island waters, according to a local nonprofit. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Humane Society flies nearly 200 animals to Seattle. An EvoJets private charter departed from Lihu‘e Airport early Sunday morning with a very special passenger manifest. Garden Island.



Tuesday, January 28, 2020

House Speaker Saiki resurrects state property tax bill, groups sue DLNR over aquarium collectors, coronavirus hits Hawaii tourism, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News
School of fish in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News
State agency has not protected reef fish, lawsuit says. Earthjustice filed suit Monday against a state agency it says is sidestepping the law when it comes to the regulation of tropical fish taken from Hawaii’s reefs for the commercial aquarium pet trade. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR draws lawsuit. The State’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is drawing a lawsuit from the environmental law firm Earthjustice, claiming the agency has created loopholes for the aquarium fishing industry to continue unregulated. Garden Island.

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Saiki Proposes Tax Funding Measure To Raise Teacher Pay. Under the House Speaker’s plan, voters could approve a constitutional amendment giving the Hawaii Board of Education power to increase property taxes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers seek to add new property tax to fund teacher pay. The bill comes a little more than a year after the Hawaii Supreme Court struck down a similar ballot question less than three weeks before the 2018 general election. Pacific Business News.

Bill introduced to better pay Hawaii's teachers. Speaker of the House Scott Saiki introduced the bill that would allow the public to vote on whether or not the Board of Education should be able to raise property taxes to fund teacher salaries. KITV4.

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Bill: Don’t Let State Workers Access Online Porn. Government facilities that provide free WiFi would also require blocking filters. Civil Beat.

A bevy of marijuana bills: Full legalization, dispensary improvements among proposed measures. After 2019 brought several changes to marijuana management at both the state and county level, dozens of new marijuana-related bills have been proposed in 2020. Tribune-Herald.

OHA Submits Package of Proposed Bills. As part of its mandate to advocate for Native Hawaiians, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs submits a package of proposed bills to the Hawai`i State Legislature each year. Maui Now.

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Agencies scramble as trips to and from China are scrubbed amid the coronavirus outbreak. The outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus is hitting travelers between Hawaii and China as well as Hawaii companies that rely on their business. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Two-Thirds of Hawaii Residents Struggle Financially. Residents cope by working multiple jobs, living with relatives and tapping savings, a new study shows. Civil Beat.

Major Decrease In Hawaii’s Cost Of Living Unlikely, But A Little May Be Enough. According to Peter Fulekey, an economist with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, the price of goods and services in Hawaii are 18.5 percent higher than the national average. Hawaii Public Radio.

Midwives prepare for licensing. Midwives in Hawaii are gearing up for new licensing requirements that will go into effect this summer. Tribune-Herald.

New suitor comes forward to buy Hawaiian Telcom’s parent company. An unsolicited potential acquirer has upped the ante for Hawaiian Telcom’s parent company, and investors are speculating that the offer may have fueled a bidding war. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii posts 7.8% earnings increase and announces 4 new branches. Bank of Hawaii Corp. reported today that its net income rose 7.8% in the fourth quarter amid solid loan and deposit growth. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kalama vigil tonight, Enriquez funeral Thursday. A candlelight vigil will be held tonight at Sandy Beach to honor the memory of Honolulu police officer Kaulike Kalama, whom friends and family have described as a “quiet hero,” whose calm presence made him the “rock” that others looked to as a source of strength. Star-Advertiser.

City considers creating a new utility (and fee) for tackling storm water. The city is considering a new utility ― and a fee for residents ― in order to better manage storm water runoff. Hawaii News Now.

Renewed calls for law enforcement on central O'ahu ag-land. Hawaii State Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (D) is calling for a security presence on state agricultural lands in Wahiawa. KITV4.

Kakaako tower facing extraordinary maintenance fee hike. Living in Kakaako was supposed to be pretty affordable for several hundred moderate-income Hawaii residents who bought into a condominium tower via lottery last year at Ward Village. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly one year after fatal Kakaako crash, new plans to improve safety at intersections. Tuesday, Jan. 28 will mark one year since the deadly Kakaako crash that injured six people and killed three pedestrians, local doctor, Travis Lau, Reino Ikeda from Japan and Casimir Pokorny from Pennsylvania. KHON2.

Major make-over for Ewa Beach park set to begin. Nightly closure signs have gone up at One'ula Beach Park, just the start of major multi-million dollars improvements. KITV4.

How These Makaha Neighbors Saved A County Park From Crime And Weeds. When police and social services agencies couldn’t help, this small band of neighbors took matters into their own hands. And it worked. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Construction ongoing: Kona prosecutor’s office delayed, completion now set for March. Hawaii County prosecutors will have to wait a couple more months before they can move into their new home at the West Hawaii Civic Center. West Hawaii Today.

Stinky problem points to need for sewer solution. A sewer system for Naalehu has been talked about for decades, but it can come none too soon, as a stinky problem last week demonstrated. West Hawaii Today.

County begins Alii Drive sinkhole repair work. Work is underway to repair damage to Alii Drive caused by a sinkhole that opened late last year fronting Coconut Grove Marketplace. West Hawaii Today.

Aliʻi Drive Sinkhole Repair Project Begins. The county says traffic on Ali‘i Drive fronting Coconut Grove Marketplace will be reduced to one lane during daylight hours as crews work to repair damage caused by sinkhole. Big Island Video News.

National Park Works To Reopen Popular Lava Tube. The unpaved Escape Road will close while repairs continue at Nāhuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, damaged during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea. Big Island Video News.

Escape Road at HVNP to Close Temporarily. An unpaved emergency route between Highway 11 and the comfort station at Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) will be closed to the public starting Tuesday, Jan. 28 while repairs to a faulty electrical line are made. Big Island Now.

Maui

Kaiser Permanente No Longer Has Contract For Med-QUEST Coverage On Maui. Med-QUEST, the state’s health and medical coverage for low-income individuals, has awarded healthcare providers HMSA, United Healthcare, AlohaCare and Ohana Health Plan contracts that take effect in July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Stubbs Named Kihei Charter Head of School. Stubbs replaces former Head of School John Colson, who has been with the school for several years and will now serve as an educational consultant. Maui Now.

Fewer turtles found stranded in 2019 than in year previous. Fishing gear – mainly nets – continues to be the greatest cause of marine entanglements. Maui News.

Pro-life marchers take to the streets in Kahului. A sign-waving crowd of about 190 people makes its way along Puunene Avenue in Kahului Saturday morning while taking part in the annual Maui March for Life. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai United Way funding being considered. Nonprofit organizations that provide human services to the people of Kauai can now apply for Kauai United Way funding covering the period from July 2020 through June, 2021. Garden Island.

Small group rallies against abortion on Kauai. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Hawaii pushes new road usage charge, ex-Schofield Army range director pleads guilty in bribery scandal, Kauai giving affordable rental tax breaks, relocated rare Maui birds die, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights rerserved
Hawaii roadwork ©2019 All Hawaii News
Survey: Hawaii’s Roads Third Worst To Drive. Only South Carolina and Louisiana scored worse than the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

Survey shows Hawaii has third worst roads in the country. A survey released Tuesday by Consumer Affairs, shows Hawaii has the third worst roads in the country. KITV.

HDOT Continues Study on Road Usage Charge. Beginning this month, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will mail driving reports to thousands of vehicle owners across the state in an effort to research the feasibility of adjusting to a per-mile road usage charge. Big Island Now.

Check your mail: HDOT sends out info on proposed road usage charge. Starting this week, thousands of vehicle owners across Hawaii will be receiving driving reports in their mailboxes. Hawaii News Now.

DOT looks to switch from gas tax to road usage charge for road maintenance funding. One third of the state’s funding for road and bridge maintenance comes from our 16 cents-per-gallon gas tax. KHON2.

DOT has a long-term fix for Hawaii’s roads. The Department of Transportation has a solution that could double the life of their roads. It’s called stone matrix asphalt, a stronger and more flexible aggregate that could last up to 25 years.  KHON2.

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Companies Vie to ‘Accelerate’ Clean Energy Transition. The Hawaiian Electric Companies have received more than 75 proposals after its call for more renewable energy resources to “accelerate the state’s transition off fossil fuels used for generations of electricity.” Maui Now.

Public Safety Deputy Director For Corrections Is Retiring. Jodie Maesaka-Hirata is leaving in December and will be replaced by a top DPS administrator. Civil Beat.

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State consumer office warns of email phishing scam. The state Office of Consumer Protection warns local businesses about fraudulent emails that have been going out with its letterhead and a spoofed account. Star-Advertiser.

Phishing scam imitating state agencies sent to local businesses. The fraudulent email says a claim has been submitted against the business and provides a link for the business to reply. KHON2.

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Mazie Hirono Gets A Book Deal To Tell Her Life Story. The U.S. senator from Hawaii will detail her upbringing as an immigrant, her recent bout with kidney cancer and her political life in the Trump era. Civil Beat.

Gabbard enlists high-profile law firm with roster of colorful clients in claims against Clinton. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is being represented by the law firm Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht in her claims that Hillary Clinton defamed her by making comments about Russian support for Gabbard’s presidential bid. Star-Advertiser.

White Nationalists Try To Claim Aloha Spirit As Their Own. David Duke endorsed an ultra-right radio show on social media with the caption “the aloha spirit will set you free.” Civil Beat.

Museums and archives are often celebrated as rich repositories of culture and history. But for the communities whose culture and history are on display, having a say over what should become of these items is an ongoing battle – one that some native Hawaiian advocates and scholars are tackling head on. Hawaii Public Radio.

UFO? Satellites? Aircraft? Some across the islands saw strange lights in the night sky. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Proponents of plastics-ban bill hold rally before committee vote. With smiles and cheers beneath a bright morning sun, supporters of Bill 40, which seeks to ban Styrofoam and single-use plastics in the City and County of Honolulu, gathered Tuesday for an educational rally on Honolulu Hale’s front lawn. Star-Advertiser.

Scaled-down version of single-use plastics ban finds support from some businesses. After pushback from food industry leaders, a City Council committee is set to consider a revised version the bill that would target Oahu’s single-use plastics. Hawaii News Now.

Some O'ahu businesses support revised bill of "plastic ban". It's a proposal working it's way through the city council that has many businesses upset. KITV.

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Former Schofield Army range director pleads guilty in bribery scandal. The U.S. Department of Justice says 67-year-old Victor Garo of Mililani admitted to accepting over $100,000 in bribes to steer federal contracts worth more than $18 million to a specific contractor. Hawaii News Now.

Former US Army Range Director Pleads Guilty of Conspiracy. Victor Garo is the third public official to plead guilty as a result of an ongoing investigation into fraud and bribery at Schofield Barracks. Big Island Now.

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Kealoha Drug Plea Results In New Claim Of Prosecutorial Misconduct. Accused drug dealer Tiffany Masunaga wants charges against her dropped because Katherine Kealoha admitted manipulating the case. Civil Beat.

Controversial Ala Moana Playground Is a ‘Gift’ City Council May Refuse. A recent vote suggests the proposal may lack the Honolulu City Council support it needs to proceed at Ala Moana. Civil Beat.

New homeless services hub is expected to open in Waipahu next month. A pilot project involves inflatable, portable tents and the opportunity for unsheltered homeless people to receive medical and counseling services, housing help, hygiene and laundry services, and, if needed, a temporary place to sleep. KITV.

Honolulu City Council considers shortening time Hawaiian Humane Society must keep stray dogs, cats. A Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require registered pet dogs and cats to be microchipped and would shorten the minimum time that strays need to be held by the Hawaiian Humane Society to five days from the current nine. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii thieves target cars’ catalytic converters at huge cost to motorists. At least a dozen vehicles, mostly Honda Elements, have had their catalytic converters stolen in the last six weeks because they contain precious metals such as platinum. Star-Advertiser.

Thieves target a part under cars that could be a costly fix. There is a warning from auto repair shops about an expensive new crime. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Study of Hilo Bay breakwater expected to begin in early 2020. A state and federal study to determine whether the Hilo Bay breakwater should be modified likely will begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Ormat Gives Puna Geothermal Update In Latest Earnings Call. Ormat hopes to have the Puna Geothermal Venture plant in Puna back in full operation by the end of the second quarter of 2020, and has also filed suit against insurers. Big Island Video News.

Kierkiewicz disclosure, Ethics Board presentation planned. It’s been almost three months since the Board of Ethics approved an advisory opinion requiring Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz to file an after-the-fact written disclosure of a possible conflict of interest stemming from a vote she took earlier this year. West Hawaii Today.

‘There’s many laws I don’t like’: Mayor Kim seeks neutrality in dealing with Mauna Kea conflict. During a high-stakes interview with Harry Kim, the 80-year-old Hawaii County mayor repeatedly referred to his commitment in finding a peaceful way forward despite, what appears to be an impossible impasse. Hawaii News Now.

HVO updates webcam network at Kilauea’s summit. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has updated its Kilauea webcam network, adding new cameras and decommissioning old ones that are no longer useful for monitoring purposes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Nine Rare Kiwikiu Birds Die Out of 13 Translocated at Maui’s Nakula Forest. The Kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill birds were part of a larger group of 13 that were translocated from captivity and the wild to the Nakula Natural Area Reserve on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā in East Maui. Maui Now.

Effort to help endangered Maui bird on hold following multiple deaths. A multiagency campaign to establish a second population of one of Hawaii’s most critically endangered birds got off to a dreadful start, with at least nine of 13 kiwikiu apparently succumbing quickly to avian malaria, officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mosquitoes are threatening the population of rare birds on Maui. Mosquitoes are having a negative impact on the efforts to save the Kiwikiu in the forests of Haleakala, the state said. Hawaii News Now.

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Protesters unhappy with mayor, injection well case. Maui News.

Kula Community Association to discuss tax proposals. Proposed changes to Maui County Council’s real property tax system will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday night. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor signs rental bills. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed five Additional Rental Unit bills on Tuesday that would waive permitting fees on additional rental units deemed affordable. Garden Island.

Dive finds healthy corals and plenty of fish. A recent diving outing on the south side of Kauai found an array of colorful corals and fascinating fish. Garden Island.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Navy headed to court on Red Hill fuel tanks, Deedy to be retried for assault, cop killer accomplices sentenced, dog rescued from lava tube, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

In this August 2007 photo, then Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter tours the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility.
PC: Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn P. Eklund / U.S. Navy
Sierra Club Sues To Stop Automatic Approval Of Red Hill Fuel Tanks. Department of Health permits are automatically approved if officials don’t take action on them within 180 days. Civil Beat.

In Shift, Navy Says It's Weighing Double-Walled Red Hill Fuel Tanks.  The U.S. Navy is now considering double-wall tanks for its fuel storage in Red Hill and says it will relocate the facility if that upgrade can't be done. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Naval Air Museum intends to fight ‘wrongful eviction’ from Kalaeloa Aiport. At the Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, old military vehicles and aircraft stand at attention waiting on visitors and tour groups that visit the Kalaeloa Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Air museum is being evicted over contract issues. A nonprofit air museum that opened 20 years ago and was built on Naval Air Station Barbers Point’s 57-year history is being evicted from state airport land over long-standing contract issues that led to a running dispute with the state Department of Transportation Airports Division. Star-Advertiser.

Naval Air Museum Barbers Point believes it's wrongfully evicted by the state. The non-profit’s administrators also pushing for discussions with the state towards a solution. KITV.

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A top CEO’s prescription for Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy: It’s time to diversify. Ajay Banga believes investments in Hawaii’s technology sector is important and logical because it does not need geographic proximity to enable success. Hawaii News Now.

Searching For New Ways To Keep Hawaii’s Mentally Ill Out Of Jails And ERs. At a mental health summit Wednesday, the judiciary and state agencies explored options for pre-trial diversions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii School System Convenes First-Ever Data Retreat. School officials and state board members got a deep look at statewide student performance, but some left wanting more. Civil Beat.

Sen. Laura Thielen Won’t Seek Re-Election To Hawaii Senate. Thielen said, “I’m going to end my time as a legislator, and get back to the doing.” Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell reaffirms support for Ala Moana playground. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday doubled down on his support for a playground at Ala Moana Regional Park, issuing a statement defending the plan and the nonprofit created to find funding for the project. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Backers Of $3M Ala Moana Playground Carry Lots Of Clout. Donors linked to the non-profit group promoting the project have been large campaign contributors to the mayor and many council members. Civil Beat.

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Christopher Deedy can be re-tried but only for assault. Federal agent Christopher Deedy can be tried a third time in connection with a fight that led to the fatal shooting of a local man in Waikiki 8 years ago. KHON2.

State can retry Deedy for assault, court rules. A federal appeals court says the state can take U.S. State Department Special Agent Christopher Deedy to trial a third time for the November 2011 shooting death of Kollin Elderts in a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant, but not for manslaughter. Star-Advertiser.

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Coast Guard Responding To Cargo Ship Oil Spill In Honolulu Harbor. Officials said about 120 gallons of oil have been recovered so far. Civil Beat.

Officials Responding To Oil Spill From Cargo Ship In Hawaii. The U.S. Coast Guard says a cargo ship has spilled oil into Honolulu Harbor. Associated Press.

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Marine Corps wants to put up a retaining wall in Ewa Beach. The Marine Corps shooting range in Ewa Beach is eroding and in order to stop the damage caused by the ocean, it wants to build a retaining wall. KITV.

Sex assault conviction of wrestling coach thrown out by Hawaii Supreme Court in a case that sheds light on polygraph testing. The Hawaii Supreme Court has thrown out the sexual assault conviction of a wrestling coach accused of inappropriately touching the buttocks of a 14-year-old female wrestler at a tournament in 2012 in a case that could have lasting effects. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Guilty verdict reached on 4 counts in Waiki accomplice trial. Guilty verdicts were handed down Thursday for three defendants accused of aiding cop killer Justin Waiki following a six-week trial. West Hawaii Today.

Dirty recycling dooms program. Garbage in, garbage out. Hawaii County’s recycling program fell apart not because of a lack of markets, but because of dirty garbage dumped into the two-bin system, the Hawaii County Council learned Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Koa forest project proposed for ranch land. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is considering approval of a project that would convert pasture land in Waimea into a koa forest over a span of 50 years. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island businesses ‘somber’ over TMT stalemate at Mauna Kea. Hawaii island’s business community says they’re spooked by what could be an economic warning sign. Hawaii News Now.

Ambient Air Quality Data Website Updated. Kilauea is not erupting and monitoring data have shown no significant changes over the past week, the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui police increasing hiring efforts as more vacancies open up. The Maui Police Department is upping their recruitment efforts because their number of vacancies keeps growing each year due to retirements and officers moving. KHON2.

Maui case gets day in high court. U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Lahaina injection wells caseLawyers on both sides of the longstanding Lahaina injection wells case delivered their oral arguments Wednesday before the U.S. Supreme Court, whose ultimate ruling could determine how the federal Clean Water Act is used to regulate pollution to protected waters. Maui News.

Water Conservation Urged in West Maui Amid Ongoing Dry Conditions. West Maui residents and businesses are being urged to conserve water amid ongoing dry, hot conditions and low surface water flows at treatment facilities in Lahaina and Mahinahina. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police officer accused of domestic abuse. A Kauai police officer is on paid administrative leave following his arrest on suspicion of abuse of a family or household member. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor, others promote walking to school for improved health, learning. About a dozen Kilauea School students, parents, school and public-safety officials joined Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami Thursday along a new route recently created to better guarantee the safety of students walking to school. Garden Island.

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Hawaii botanist rescues pup trapped for six days in 81-foot pit in Kauai forest. When a one-year-old hunting dog named Orange fell 81 feet into a shaft in the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve on Kauai, it was a state botanist who came to his rescue. Star-Advertiser.

A dog named Orange beat the odds thanks to a rescuer in orange. A 1-year-old hunting dog named “Orange” fell into 81-foot deep hole in the Koloa section of the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve last Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Botanist Rescues Dog Trapped in 81-Foot Hole on Kaua‘i. A one-year-old Catahoula hunting dog, Orange, fell into the pit last Saturday, Nov. 2. Big Island Now.
Botanist descends 81 feet to rescue dog. The one-year-old Catahoula fell into the pit Saturday. Garden Island.