Back to school Aug. 4, Tropical Storm Douglas expected to strengthen, quarantine cheaters fly to neighbor islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Governor: Reopening Hawaii’s public schools is safe and necessary. The governor on Monday sought to reassure parents and teachers about the state’s plan to reopen public schools Aug. 4, saying health and safety are the top priority for the Education Department and that protective measures are in place to keep people safe. Hawaii News Now.

Starting school before tourists return will set up students for success, officials say. With tourists not expected to return in force until after Sept. 1, officials believe Aug. 4 is a safe time to open public schools in Hawaii so teachers and students can get rolling on the new academic year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Confirms Public School Reopening Plan. Gov. David Ige and state school officials say appropriate precautions have been taken to reopen schools safely. Civil Beat.

Ige, education leaders stress importance of reopening schools Aug. 4. State leaders are continuing to work toward reopening schools Aug. 4 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Return to In-Person Instruction at Public Schools Vital on Several Levels, Officials Say. Hawai‘i is heading back to school in two weeks, and the classrooms are going to look, feel, and operate differently than they ever have before. Big Island Now.

School officials announce Aug. 4 reopening date. Hawai‘i officials Monday announced plans to reopen schools to students on Aug. 4. Teachers are set to return July 29. Garden Island.

State Moves Forward with Reopening of Public Schools on Aug. 4. Ige cited the state’s decision to push back the pre-travel testing program to Sept. 1 as one of the reasons to move forward with HIDOE’s reopening date. Maui Now.

‘Our teachers are scared': Union, parents cast doubt on school’s plan to reopen. Two weeks before the fall semester, the Department of Education said it will hire more nurses and will buy thousands of digital devices for needy students who may end up stuck at home. But some teachers and parents are questioning the DOE’s plan to keep everyone safe. Hawaii News Now.

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Investigator: Visitors are skipping out on quarantine rules by going inter-island. Visitors are trying to skirt Hawaii quarantine rules by hopping on inter-island flights, an investigator with the Kauai County Prosecutor’s Office said. Rapozo says owners of residential vacation rentals are also skirting the law to rent to visitors. Hawaii News Now.

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Financial aid to come from lawmakers and counties after unemployment bonus expires. Next week marks the end of the month, and the extra $600 the federal government has been providing to those on unemployment is set to expire. A push to extend the payout is still being debated on Capitol Hill. KHON2.

DOH Receives $3.3 Million For Infectious Disease Response. The funds will help bolster testing, contact tracing and COVID-19 surveillance. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotels battling for jobs. Hawaii’s organized hotel union workers don't support some of the details championed by the American Hotel &Lodging Association last week as part of its “Stay Safe” guest checklist, which union workers say ultimately could cost jobs. Star-Advertiser.

National Guard members start conducting temp, health checks at state courthouses. National Guard members are now conducting temperature checks and basic health screenings at eight state courthouses. The measures come as courtrooms begin reopening to the public. Hawaii News Now.

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Tropical Storm Douglas to become hurricane before entering Central Pacific, forecasters say. Tropical Storm Douglas in the eastern Pacific continued to strengthen Monday night and is expected to be a hurricane by Wednesday as it heads toward the Central Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forms, Expected To Strengthen. Tropical Storm Douglas is expected to become a hurricane in a couple of days, as it heads into the Central Pacific. Big Island Video News.

Tropical Storm Douglas, Tropical Depression 7-E churning in eastern North Pacific. Two tropical cyclones have formed in the eastern North Pacific, far to the east of the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Updates: 12 New Cases; Health Director: Returning Residents Bringing Back Virus. Hawaii's top health officials are advising residents to not travel to other states unless it’s necessary. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 20: 12 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,393 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Replaces Head Of COVID Recovery Agency Hired Just Weeks Ago. Rick Keene was hired in early June to lead a new office. Now he’s out. Civil Beat.

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Vacation rental permits could be delayed. The city’s plan to issue roughly 1,700 short-term vacation rental permits will be postponed under a bill moving through the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rental owners urge Honolulu mayor to allow reopening. An attorney representing some 60 property management companies and 1,500 legal vacation rentals in Hawaii is asking Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to allow legal vacation rentals on Oahu to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic, just as they are allowed to operate in Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties. Pacific Business News.

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5,500 Soldiers Complete War Games On Oahu Amid Pandemic Concerns. For the past two weeks, the hills above Oahu’s famous North Shore have echoed with the sound of rotor blades and automatic gunfire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

UH’s Leeward Oahu campus reaches ‘Net-Zero’ energy efficiency. The University of Hawaii’s Leeward Community College is one of the first virtually net-zero energy campuses in the country, according to the school. That means the campus is generating the same amount of energy as it uses.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Honua Ola asks PUC to reconsider decision. Honua Ola Bioenergy has filed a motion requesting that the Public Utilities Commission reconsider an order that could potentially halt its long-delayed power plant project for good. Tribune-Herald.

Energy company amped to save plant, jobs. Honua Ola Bioenergy held a rally Monday morning with about 100 employees and supporters on the Big Island to protest the potential loss of jobs, and later in the day filed a motion for reconsideration with the state Public Utilities Commission after the agency struck down an amended power purchase agreement to build a biomass plant in Pepeekeo. Star-Advertiser.

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Court orders mental examination for Home Depot blockade suspect. A Big Island mayoral candidate facing criminal charges for a July 7 blockade of the Hilo Home Depot store parking lot will receive a court-ordered mental examination. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center chief nursing officer to retire. Spokeswoman says Kienbaum’s decision unrelated to petition calling for his ouster. Maui News.

To keep Hana residents safe, locals set up their own highway checkpoint. Just days after the state reopened Hana Highway to non-residents, locals are taking precautions into their own hands. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Lani Roundabout to Open Earlier Than Planned, Ahead of School. The Maui Lani Roundabout will open earlier than planned, by July 30, if not sooner, according to Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, Director of the Maui Department of Public Works who spoke at an afternoon press briefing on Monday. Maui Now.

Marine Institute receives $15K to recycle fishing nets. Nonprofit will collect the nets and ship them to Oahu to be converted to energy. Maui News.

Kauai

Local projects receive CARES Act green-light. At least 36 projects have been selected by the county to receive federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help the community bounce back during the coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

First day opening. Robin Wong, a teacher at Kaua‘i High School, said shopping was made more challenging, Monday because she had no idea of how the classroom is going to be like when school starts, her first day in the classroom being Aug. 3, according to the state Department of Education academic calendar. Garden Island.

Ige shares budget-balancing plan, Hawaiian Airlines scales back mainland service proposal, teachers and state strike back-to-school distancing deal, Molokai vacation rental owners sue over limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pandemic reopening navigator

How This Special Legislative Committee Has Worked To Keep Hawaii’s Economy Afloat. The House COVID committee has drawn on the expertise and clout of its members to work behind the scenes and help the Ige administration work through the state’s biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Governor details how he plans to shore up $2.3B budget shortfall. With tourism at a standstill and other sectors of the state’s economy just hobbling along, Hawaii is facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that the governor says he plans to shore up with a big loan from the US Treasury and budget cuts to state agencies. It’s the first time Gov. David Ige has offered specifics on how he plans to address the shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to scale back plans to resume service. Reinstating several North America routes remain on hold but its current schedule stays on track. KITV4.

More military contracts could aid Hawaii economy. The federal government inked about $2.3 billion in defense contracts in Hawaii in 2019, with about $1.3 billion going to local businesses, an official with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Most Hawaii parents want kids in school at least part time, survey shows. About 70% of families report that their children learned “much less” or “somewhat less” when public school campuses were closed last quarter to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, new survey results show. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education and teachers’ union agree on six feet of separation in classrooms. Hawaii’s public schools and the teachers’ union have agreed that students desks will be spaced six feet apart in classrooms in the new academic year, with anything less requiring a special exception. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE, Teachers Union Agree To 6-Feet Spacing Rule. The teachers union and DOE came to an agreement that 6 feet of spacing in classrooms will be the norm, with anything less than that requiring a contract exception. Civil Beat.

Teachers union, DOE agree to keep students farther apart this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Department of Education reached an agreement on physical distancing in classrooms as schools prepare to start the new academic year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Funding cut for pre-K program leaves families scrambling for care. State lawmakers cut the funding for seven positions at campuses involved in the Executive Office on Early Learning's Public Prekindergarten Program for at-risk and underserved families. Hawaii News Now.

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June bankruptcies in Hawaii surged amid COVID crisis. The anticipated increase in Hawaii bankruptcies finally might be emerging as the state’s extended tourism lockdown and severe unemployment crisis take their toll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s massive unemployed population dependent on soon-expiring federal assistance. Nearly 250,000 Hawaii residents remain out of work, and will have their $600 weekly unemployment insurance payment from the federal government expire on July 31. KHON2.

Securitas is hiring, and they’re hosting a virtual job fair. While many in Hawaii face unemployment, few companies are looking to hire. One of those companies is Securitas. They’re hosting a virtual job fair Wednesday and Thursday for interested applicants. Available are more than hundred officer positions statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Hawaii visitor arrivals sinks to lowest level since June. The tourists keep coming even though the state still hasn’t officially reopened Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Residents snub reopening for tourism, survey finds. A majority of Hawaii residents oppose reopening tourism amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawmakers question whether more contact tracers are needed as more cases linked to clusters found. On Tuesday, 22 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) officials say many cases are tied to clusters. KHON2.

Hawaii inmate Tests Positive For COVID-19. The defendant and any exposed staff at the federal facility are in quarantine for 14 days. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 14: 22 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The quarantine remains in place for all incoming travelers, but schools are still on schedule to open next month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: 22 New Cases Today. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. Nineteen cases are reported on Oahu, and three are on Hawaii Island. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

To date, Oahu has recorded 960 positive tests, followed by Maui County with 135 cases, Hawaii County with 105 and Kauai County with 43. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Oahu bars, restaurants not allowed to serve liquor after midnight. Oahu bars and restaurants on Tuesday were ordered to stop serving liquor after midnight effective immediately in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

New mandate forces bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight in Honolulu. With cases increasing every day, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is looking at ways to curb the spread of the virus. KHON2.

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Clusters blamed as Hawaii sees 22 new coronavirus cases. A pau hana gathering among construction workers, workplace training at Hawaiian Airlines, exercise in indoor gyms, birthday parties, barbecues and other social gatherings are to blame for a surge in coronavirus cases, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns grow over schools reopening after infection at summer fun program. A 6-year-old attending a summer fun program in Aiea tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, raising concerns about Hawaii schools reopening in just a few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kym Marcos Pine says her top priority as mayor would be putting tourism in its place. Kym Marcos Pine has a vision for Oahu with far less tourism and far more homegrown jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Traveling Physician at Ka‘ū Hospital Tests Positive for COVID-19. Lt. Governor Josh Green confirmed Tuesday to Big Island Now that a traveling doctor hired at Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for the coronavirus last week. A town hall featuring Green and Mayor Harry Kim was held in Pahala Monday night to assuage the fears of the community there. Big Island Now.

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Lee Loy amendment to fix ‘lame’ requirement of permits for window AC units. In the wake of a Department of Public Works press release that drew scorn when it was re-posted on Mayor Harry Kim’s official Facebook page, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has written an amendment to the construction code clarifying that building permits are not required to install a window air conditioning unit. West Hawaii Today.

County Considers Dropping Permit Requirement For Window-Mounted Air Conditioners. The Hawaiʻi County Council will consider amending the construction code at an upcoming meeting, following a social media stir over the permit requirement. Big Island Video News.

Portable, Window-Mounted Residential Air-Conditioning Units Exempt From Permit Requirements. An amendment is coming to legislation that will develop the framework for Hawai‘i County’s updated construction code. Big Island Now.

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New physician assistant program could boost Big Isle health care. A physician assistant program from Washington will expand to West Hawaii this fall, but ultimately will improve access to medical care throughout Hawaii Island and the state. Tribune-Herald.

Free Financial Navigator Service Tackles COVID-19 Troubles. The County of Hawaiʻi has partnered with the national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help resident navigate COVID-related financial issues. Big Island Video News.

Maui


Old UHMC Dorms Repurposed for Emergency Housing Project. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. Maui Now.

Emergency Housing Project in Kahului blessed on Tuesday. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. KITV4.

Kauai

Discounts bringing locals out. With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension. Garden Island.

Free emergency water containers. There are two more days when people have the opportunity to get free emergency water containers from the county Department of Water — today at the Waimea High School grab-and-go meal site, and Thursday at the Kapa‘a High School grab-and-go meal site. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Vacation Rental Owners File Lawsuit To Lift Restrictions. A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Property owners sue over Molokai rental ban action. Permits set to expire at end of year; owners look to get them reinstated. Maui News.

Hawaii delays reopening as COVID-19 cases and deaths rise, businesses concerned but poll shows majority of residents support cautious approach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces reopening delay, via Facebook Live

Hawaii Governor Delays Plan To Reopen To Tourists. All travelers — visitors as well as residents — will not be able to bypass quarantine with a negative test result until September. Civil Beat.

Ige delays plan to reopen tourism until Sept. 1 amid COVID-19 surge on the mainland. In a major blow to the tourism industry, the governor has announced plans to delay until Sept. 1 a program that would allow trans-Pacific travelers to skip quarantine in Hawaii if they test negative for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige extends start date of pre-travel testing of trans-Pacific arrivals until Sept. 1. Gov. David Ige said today that he is pushing back plans to use a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Ige To Extend Quarantine Another Month; 3 More Deaths, 23 New Cases Today. Gov. David Ige said today the state will extend the travel quarantine another month, delaying plans to ease restrictions on visitors if they test negative before taking their flights to the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige delays implementation of plan for trans-Pacific travelers. A program that would allow out-of-state travelers to avoid a two-week quarantine upon arriving in Hawaii has been delayed until September, with officials saying the state requires more time to prepare for an influx of visitors. Tribune-Herald.

Gov postpones reopening tourism date to Sept. 1. Three more Hawaii residents have died from the coronavirus. This as the state announces it’s pushing back the reopening of tourism. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Delays Start Of Transpacific Pre-Travel Testing Program. Governor Ige confirmed that the State will push back the program that will allow travelers from outside Hawaiʻi to bypass the 14-day quarantine with an approved pre-travel test. Big Island Video News.

Pre-Travel Testing Program Delayed to Sept. 1. For the past four months, a 14-day quarantine has been in place for travelers in an effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Traveler quarantine extended until Sept. 1. State officials will postpone a plan to permit tourists to travel to Hawai‘i if they obtain a negative test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure for at least 30 days, until Sept. 1. Garden Island.

State’s pretravel plan postponed to Sept. 1, Ige says. Governor points to surge in cases nationally and locally, break in test supply chain. Maui News.

Hawai‘i Trans-Pacific Travel Plans Delayed Amid COVID-19 Concerns, Spikes. Gov. David Ige this afternoon announced he is delaying the launch of the state’s pre-travel testing program by a month to Sept. 1, 2020. He also announced the extension of Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine on trans-Pacific travel to the end of August. Maui Now.

Hawaii to extend 14-day quarantine for arriving passengers through end of August. The state is postponing plans to reopen travel, Gov. David Ige announced in a press conference on Monday afternoon. Pacific Business News.

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3 more Hawaii residents with coronavirus die, bringing statewide death toll to 22. Hawaii’s coronavirus death toll rose to 22, with three new fatalities reported Monday as the number of cases continue to surge locally and on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Has Three More COVID-19 Deaths. The state recorded 86 new COVID-19 cases since last Friday and says most are in previous clusters associated with community-spread. Maui Now.

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Survey: 8 in 10 residents say they aren’t ready to welcome tourists back. The poll from the University of Hawaii Public Policy Center asked 600 residents for their thoughts on the state’s response to coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Survey: A Majority Of Hawaii Residents Support Coronavirus Restrictions. People in Hawaii think closing down vacation rentals and schools makes sense in the event of a serious surge, but don’t want restrictions on beach access and doctor visits. Civil Beat.

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Over 150 visitors have been sent home, VASH reports. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH) says it has sent home 156 visitors since the COVID-19 Flight Assistance Program started on April 6. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige’s decision to delay plans to reopen Hawaii tourism extends economic woes. Reaction was mixed Monday following Gov. David Ige’s decision to push back plans to use a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

‘We’re really struggling’: Tourism-dependent businesses wonder if they can make it to September. The rising coronavirus cases both in Hawaii and on the mainland have prompted Governor David Ige to delay reopening tourism until September 1st. The delay comes at a significant cost for tourism-dependent businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige to extend ban on housing evictions as growth in state slows. A ban on housing evictions across Hawaii will be extended through the end of August as a result of the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its on-going economic devastation across the islands. Star-Advertiser

Desperation grows as some have yet to see any unemployment benefits to make ends meet. As Hawaii's unemployment rate grows, so does the desperation of those who still have yet to receive any unemployment benefits to make ends meet. KITV4.

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Local colleges to implement ‘bubble quarantine’ for out-of-state students to attend class. Major colleges and universities in Hawaii will be introducing what is called a “modified bubble quarantine” for students flying in. The Hawaii Department of Health worked with universities to create the program. KHON2.

College students coming to Hawaii may qualify for modified quarantine. Students traveling to Hawaii to attend college next month may qualify for a modified quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 and meet other health requirements, officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

HSTA and DOE reach agreement that students will be spaced six feet apart when schools reopen. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and The Hawaii Department of Education announced the agreement on Monday after a dispute over three-foot distancing that was previously announced. KITV4.

State, teachers union come to agreement on what social distancing will mean at public schools. Under a deal announced Monday, public schools will need to get special approval if they want to configure meeting spaces or classrooms with less than 6 feet of social distancing ― and those requests must be submitted as contract exceptions no later than July 21. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Charter Schools Are Listening To Parents When It Comes To Reopening. The state’s 37 charter schools are relying heavily on parent feedback for reopening in the fall but are also worried about funding if the state cuts back its budget. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii DOH cites masks, avoiding tight quarters to eliminate COVID-19 cluster spread. Recently the Centers for Disease Control added four new symptoms of COVID-19, making the list 11. KHON2.

China blasted by U.S. for unlawful bullying in South China Sea. The United States stepped up its rhetoric and maybe its game Monday in a condemnation of what it called China’s unlawful bullying in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawai‘i's Pacific Island Ocean Observing System will receive $4,260,603 in federal funding to observe and monitor sea levels, tides, currents, waves, and temperatures.  $4.2 million in federal funding will help improve forecasting of severe weather events, like king tides and hurricanes, in the Central Pacific. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Electric submits request to expedite electric bus pilot program. Hawaiian Electric is asking the Public Utilities Commission to speed the adoption of electric buses in public, private and school bus fleets on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island, with the approval of what the utility calls an eBus Make-Ready Infrastructure Pilot Project. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Coronavirus Cluster At Hawaiian Airlines Ignites Outbreak At Oahu Gyms. At least two dozen Hawaiian Airlines employees contracted COVID-19 at a training in late June. One infected employee who visited a pair of Oahu gyms set off a second disease cluster. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Department of Health traces 44 COVID-19 cases to a single person. The Hawai'i State Department of Health has traced 44 cases of COVID-19 on O'ahu to a single person. KITV4.

Surfrider Foundation challenges Hawaii military sea wall. Marine Corps Base Hawaii conducted an environmental assessment that found the wall at its Puuloa Range Training Facility would have no significant impact on the human or natural environment at Ewa Beach. KITV4.

City posts warnings at Diamond Head oceanfront path. The saga of the public access to transit the shoreline on the walkway topping the Diamond Head sea wall seems to have reached closure, at least for now. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki’s Halekulani Hotel announces closure until mid-2021. Management at Waikiki’s famed Halekulani Hotel informed employees on Monday that the property was closing until July 2021 for a series of renovations it says it can no longer wait to complete. Hawaii News Now.

Rick Blangiardi says he can lead Oahu out of crisis, but he’s still crafting the specifics. Among the five front-runners vying to become Honolulu’s mayor, three have spent years serving in public office and two — Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi — are trying to convince voters why that’s not a prerequisite for the job. Hawaii News Now.

Money chest best for Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi in race for Honolulu mayor. First-time political candidates Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi reported the largest war chests for this year’s Honolulu mayor’s race, but former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and City Councilwoman Kym Pine also have raised significant amounts of funds for the hotly contested campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kona Community Hospital employee tests positive for COVID-19. A Kona Community Hospital employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the hospital confirmed Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. A Kona Community Hospital employee was positively diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday and is currently in quarantine at home. Big Island Now.

Public pools reopen amid pandemic. From dedicated swim team members getting in lap time to kupuna enjoying some water aerobics, the Kona Community Aquatic Center was bustling with action — that is as much action as permitted amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Charges dropped in bizarre Home Depot incident. Video evidence reportedly cleared a Pahoa man arrested July 7 after a 24-year-old Volcano woman reported finding a zip tie on her vehicle in the Hilo Home Depot parking lot, leading her and others to use vehicles to block the lot’s entrances and exits. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Ritte outraises incumbent DeCoite. House District 13 candidate and prominent Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte has amassed nearly $40,000 in donations since launching his campaign to unseat Rep. Lynn DeCoite, including contributions from the Hawaii State Teachers Association and controversial actress and comedian Roseanne Barr. Maui News.

Ballots to be mailed starting Tuesday. Ballot packages for the primary election are set to be mailed out beginning Tuesday, County Clerk Kathy Kaohu announced. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i resident dies of COVID. The Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division reports an elderly Kaua‘i resident is the 22nd recorded COVID-19 death. Garden Island.

Virtual County Council candidate forum Thursday. County Council candidates will be discussing key issues on Thursday, July 16 in a virtual forum set to run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Art Cafe Hemingway facing eviction. A once-bustling cafe and its owners are now on the brink of eviction facing a back rent of over $25,000 and less than 10 days to either pay that sum or turn in their keys. Garden Island.

Schools release pandemic reopening plans, candidates report campaign war chests, churches get millions in federal PPP grants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Social distancing at a Hawaii school PC:Wheeler Elementary School

Most Hawaii public schools will blend in-person and distance learning when classes resume. Principals selected different learning models in consultation with their staff and communities, campus by campus, for the new academic year. Star-Advertiser.

‘Learning models’ selected: Big Island schools choose plans for handling instruction when classes resume. With less than a month before students return to class, Hawaii’s public schools have made decisions about how to deliver instruction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii COVID-19 Forecast Tool Launched. A new online tool gives a 14-day prediction about how many cases, hospitalizations and fatalities Hawaii is facing. A new forecasting tool estimates Hawaii could see between 248 and 285 new COVID-19 cases confirmed within the next two weeks. Civil Beat.

Shuttered Churches, Temples Got Millions From Feds. A federal program designed to help small businesses also helped bail out hundreds of churches and other religious organizations that were largely shut down amidst stay-at-home orders. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Close Legislative Session Upended By Virus. Hawaii lawmakers on Friday wrapped up a legislative session upended by the coronavirus pandemic that forced weekslong breaks in proceedings, the state Capitol building to close and some meetings to be held via teleconference. Associated Press.

Hawaii Lawmakers Salvage Bills Despite Pandemic. Some priority measures to protect the environment and expand access to preschool advanced but others to regulate Uber and Lyft and reform gun laws died at the last minute. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Pass Bill That Phases Out Coal-Powered Energy in State. Lawmakers passed a bill that will phase out the use of coal in Hawai‘i by the end of 2022. Big Island Now.

Bill that would’ve expanded evidence against alleged domestic abusers is deferred. A measure aimed at protecting survivors of Domestic Violence was deferred at the Capitol Friday. House Bill 2610 would have allowed prosecutors to use some of the victim’s statements to first responders against alleged abusers. Hawaii News Now.

Incumbents Maintain Money Advantage In Hawaii Legislative Races. Several seats have opened up though as some lawmakers decide to seek other elected posts or leave public office. Civil Beat.

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There’s good news for besieged ohia trees. Researchers for the first time have shown that ohia seedlings can survive for at least a year in forests afflicted by rapid ohia death — a glimmer of hope for a beleaguered species that has lost more than a million individuals since the disease was discovered in Hawaii a decade ago. Star-Advertiser.

Forest Restoration After Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death May Be Possible, Study Shows. Scientists have found that native ʻōhiʻa seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas that have active mortality from Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii Updates: 21 New Cases After Record-Setting Day. Hawaii saw 21 new reported COVID-19 cases today after yesterday's record-setting 42 infections. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 12: 21 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Once again, most of the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Amemiya, Alm Lead Campaign Money Races For Mayor, Prosecutor. Primary election voting by mail starts in just over a week. Civil Beat.

Colleen Hanabusa: ‘You Don’t Need Someone Who Needs Training Wheels’. The former congresswoman has two decades of political experience and government service behind her. Now she wants to be Honolulu’s mayor. Civil Beat.

Voting machines tested for accuracy ahead of this year’s primary election.  In just over a week, the state will begin mailing out the ballots for this year’s primary election. Ahead of that, state election officials on Saturday tested the voting machines for accuracy. Hawaii News Now.

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Many maskless people enjoy ‘Open Street Kalakaua’ in Waikiki while COVID-19 continues to spread. Hundreds of people — many without masks — flooded onto Waikiki’s shuttered Kalakaua Avenue on foot, bicycles, skateboards and roller skates to enjoy a traffic-free Sunday while worries of contracting COVID-19 lingered in the backdrop. Star-Advertiser.

Despite hesitance from some, city holds a ‘Dine in Chinatown’ event. An effort to boost business in Chinatown went took place this past weekend, despite criticism from some. Hawaii News Now.

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6 COVID-19 cases tied to a cluster at the Pearl City Nursing Home. A total of six cases have now been reported at the Pearl City Nursing Home. Officials say the cluster began when a staff member found out they tested positive on Thursday and immediately notified the facility. Hawaii News Now.

Four residents, two workers test positive for COVID-19 at Pearl City Nursing Home. Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group Hawaii said his team was brought in to Pearl City Nursing Home to test about 100 residents and 200 workers on Friday and Saturday. Four residents and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

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Proposed Ewa Beach sea wall raises concerns. An August 2019 environmental assessment by MCBH said the proposed 10-foot-high, 1,500-foot-wide steel wall would have no significant impact on the human or natural environment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth leads the pack: Mayoral candidates report campaign contributions. Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth charged ahead of the pack raising money in the race for the county’s top spot, collecting more than $148,000, primarily from big-money donors. West Hawaii Today.

Pro-business donors step up for County Council challengers: Incumbents Villegas and Kanealii-Kleinfelder outspent. Two freshman County Council members face formidable opposition in the campaign fundraising department, with pro-business challengers to both Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas and Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder raising twice as much as the incumbents. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Mayor’s Race Could Hinge On Winning The Leeward Vote. More than a dozen candidates are vying to unseat Mayor Harry Kim and lead the county through the economic crisis. Civil Beat.

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Sewage Discharge Enters Kailua Bay, Closes Aliʻi Drive. 20,000 gallons of sewage entered Kailua Bay due to a broken sewer line, health officials reported on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

Sewage spill closes Kailua Bay. It was unknown how much sewage entered Kailua Bay, but swimmers were told to get out of the water and signs were immediately posted warning of contaminated water. West Hawaii Today.

County Pools Reopen Monday, With New Rules. The County of Hawaiʻi will be posting COVID-19 Modified Pool Rules at each facility, which will operate on modified schedules with interim rules in place. Big Island Video News.

Maui
Mayor: ‘We are looking at a later date’. Victorino addresses Aug. 1 easing of travel rulesDespite the state’s recent announcement that it will relax requirements to enter Hawaii come Aug. 1, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday that the reopening may be delayed due to rising COVID-19 cases on Oahu and the U.S. Mainland. Maui News.

Maui Trans-Pacific Flights Increase to Four on Saturday. On Saturday, 2,296 people arrived in Hawaiʻi, including 600 visitors and 635 returning residents, according to new data compiled by the state Department of Transportation and released by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Stricter term limits, Agriculture Department pass its first test. Dividing up Department of Housing and Human Concerns fails. Maui News.

Maui County starts economic recovery task force. The Mayor's Economic Resiliency Task Force aims to provide help and hope to struggling County merchants. KITV4.

Wildberger, Couch in rematch for South Maui district seat. Incumbent state lawmaker defends seat against former council member. Maui News.

Kauai

2020 Primary Election ballots to go out to Kauai voters on July 14. Ballots for the 2020 Primary Election will be mailed out on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, to Kauai voters. KHON2.

Path easement moving forward. For a portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal pedestrian and bicycle path, the county is seeking to use eminent domain on a piece of property an owner wants to sell for over 10 times the appraised value. Garden Island.

‘Innovative’ dusk. The drive-in format marked the reopening of the Coconut Marketplace’s free family movie night program following a period of closure due to COVID-19 guidelines and rules. Garden Island.

Volunteers net tons of nets. With a depleted group of volunteers because of COVID-19, the Surfrider Foundation continues to conduct giant Net Patrols every Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii Department of Education sets back-to-school protocols, Caldwell expands mask order, Senate committee advances COVID-19, public monitoring bills, tax director steps down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Social distancing students PC:Hawaii Department of Education

State’s public schools unveil plans for reopening amid pandemic. Hawaii’s public schools will welcome back students Aug. 4 with new protocols and a mix of traditional in-school instruction and distance learning in a move to limit the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Hawaii Plans To Bring Kids Back To School This Fall. Individual public schools have until Wednesday to decide whether students will be on campus full time in the fall, or whether they will offer a different learning model. Civil Beat.

Learning curve; Lessons from pandemic help shape DOE guidelines for 2020-21 school year. The state Department of Education is planning to “Return to Learn,” releasing on Thursday its school reopening plan for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi DOE Releases School Reopening Plan. The Hawai‘i Department of Education says public schools are preparing to safely welcome back students and staff in the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Big Island Video News.

‘Return To Learn’ HDOE plans Aug. 4 reopening. Public schools are set to reopen on Aug. 4 with a plan to blend distance learning and face-to-face instruction, the Hawai‘i Department of Education announced Thursday. Garden Island.

DOE Unveils Return to Learn Plan for Hawai‘i Public Schools. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education today unveiled its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan that public schools are using to prepare for the “safe and healthy” return of students and staff during the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Maui Now.

Return to Learn: Hawai‘i public schools preparing to safely welcome back students and staff. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education has released its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan that public schools are using to prepare safe and healthy learning environments and worksites for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. KHON2.

Department of Education introduced a plan to welcome back students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The one constant in every model is social distancing, weather in a classroom or cafeteria. KITV4.

Teachers union isn’t on the same page as DOE on what ‘social distancing’ means. HSTA demands the DOE adhere to a 6 foot rule. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA expresses dissatisfaction with social distancing guidelines set forth by DOE. The Hawaii State Teachers Association expressed its dissatisfaction with the social distancing which would require students to be six feet apart when facing each other, but three feet apart when facing the same direction. KITV4.

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Interim Hawaii tax director withdraws from state Senate confirmation process. In a new sign of strains between state senators and Gov. David Ige’s administration, interim state Tax Director Rona Suzuki said today she has asked Ige to withdraw her name from consideration after learning the Senate Ways and Means Committee planned to recommend that she not be confirmed to the permanent post. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature Advances Vaping Ban, Police Reforms, Vacation Rental Crackdown. Dozens of bills met the Thursday deadline to pass before the 2020 session ends next week. Civil Beat.

Controversial pandemic powers bill moves forward. A Big Island state senator was the lone dissenting vote in the Ways and Means Committee on a controversial measure that would give the state health director sweeping powers to declare a public health emergency and, with authorization of the governor, to screen, test and monitor travelers. Tribune-Herald.

‘Place of stay declaration form’ draws concerns: Vacation rental bill clears last Senate committee. The inclusion of a “place of stay declaration form” for all travelers in Hawaii in a gut-and-replace bill about vacation rentals raised eyebrows among some who otherwise support the bill. West Hawaii Today.

Ban On Side Gigs For Mayors, Governor Clears Legislature. House Bill 361 now goes to Gov. David Ige for approval or veto. Civil Beat.

State Senate to hold memorial service for late Sen. Breene Harimoto. The Hawaii State Senate will hold a memorial service for the late Sen. Breene Harimoto on Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. Star-Advertiser.

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Native Hawaiian health care systems to see $17M in federal aid. Native Hawaiian Healthcare centers across the Islands are set to receive almost $17 million in federal aid, congressional officials announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 2: 20 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. A new cluster of infections is associated with a flight attendant training at the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters. Civil Beat.

20 New COVID-19 Cases. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 20 new cases today. Seventeen cases are on Oahu, most tied to identified cases or clusters, and three cases are on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

New COVID-19 cases, including 8 at Hawaiian Airlines, hit as state begins monthlong push to reopen tourism. Eight Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants and a Hawaii State Hospital contractor are among the new COVID-19 cases the state is grappling with as officials begin the monthlong push to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

8 Hawaiian Airlines Employees Diagnosed With COVID-19. The report of eight Hawaiian Airlines employees diagnosed with COVID-19 will not impact the company’s plans to resume more routes to its US mainland gateway cities in the coming weeks. Big Island Now.

Contractor at Hawaii State Hospital tests positive for COVID-19. The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed today that a Hawaii State Hospital contractor has tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Delays Ruling On Request To Lift Quarantine. The case appears to turn on how much discretion the federal court will give Gov. David Ige to respond to a public health crisis. Civil Beat.

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Survey Shows Harsh Financial Realities Facing Many Hawaii Residents. A recent survey shows 45% of residents have experienced a decrease in household income and 13%  received help from a food bank or drive. Civil Beat.

Survey: 45% of Hawaii households have seen their incomes decline during the pandemic.  Forty-five percent of Hawaii households have seen their incomes decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and 1 in 4 are past due on some bills, according to a large new survey that underscores the scope of economic pain families in the islands are experiencing. Hawaii News Now.

Bank of Hawaii Foundation releases findings from COVID-19 research survey. The COVID-19 in Hawaii study is the largest research survey of its kind to provide specific feelings, fears and financial hardships related to the virus during the heart of Hawaii’s shutdown. KITV4.

Bankruptcy filings soar in Hawaii as economic fallout of pandemic widens. Bankruptcy filings in Hawaii soared 21.8% in June as the coronavirus pandemic continued to wreck havoc on the state’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Efforts to combat unemployment fraud create new headaches for filers. Residents seeking unemployment benefits or trying to file weekly certifications are encountering new headaches as the state scrambles to address fraudulent claims. Hawaii News Now.

State releases more updates on unemployment insurance information. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) released more updates on unemployment insurance claims information. KHON2.

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2,424 Air Arrivals to Hawai‘i on Tuesday was Highest Number Since Quarantine Began. A total of 754 visitors and 516 residents were part of the incoming passengers aboard 24 arriving flights. Maui Now.

Wednesday marked Hawaii’s highest count of visitor arrivals since statewide lockdown. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported today that some 754 visitors were among the 2,424 passengers who came to Hawaii Wednesday on 24 flights. The visitor count was the highest since COVID-19 tourism lockdowns began about 14 weeks ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii visitor arrivals reach highest single-day number since the quarantine began. A total of 754 visitors arrived in Hawaii on Wednesday, marking the highest number of visitor arrivals on a single day since the mandatory 14-day quarantine was put in place in late March. Pacific Business News.

State epidemiologist says COVID-19 battle is still not over. Contact tracing continues to be a major tool for the Department of Health in following the steps of the coronavirus within the community, the state’s lead epidemiologist said there are finding a recurring pattern in new cases. KHON2.

Register now to vote in 2020 Primary Election. New Hawai‘i voters have until July 9 to register to vote in the 2020 Primary Election. Registered voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail starting July 21. Garden Island.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell expands Oahu’s face mask requirements. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday announced a new face mask mandate for all indoor public spaces as well as outdoors when physical distancing is difficult to maintain. Star-Advertiser.

Face Masks Now Required In Private Offices In Honolulu. New rules announced Thursday expand when and where people on Oahu are required to cover their face to reduce the risk of transmitting or catching COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Ahead of busy holiday weekend, mayor expands mask order in push to prevent spread of virus. The mayor has strengthened his mask order for Oahu, saying they’re now required in all indoor public settings and outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. Hawaii News Now.

Face masks now mandatory on Oahu. Make sure you have your protective mask or shield when you leave the house because wearing a non-surgical grade protective face covering is now required indoors and in outdoor areas where you are not able to social distance. KHON2.

Castle & Cooke to begin sales for Koa Ridge community. Castle & Cooke Hawaii has announced that it will soon begin sales of its Koa Ridge community in Mililani. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

New Invasive Pest Threatens Big Island Range Lands, Watersheds. A relatively new invasive pest is terrorizing Big Island pastures and moving disturbingly quickly up the Kohala Coast. The two-lined spittlebug, first identified in South Kona in 2016, attacks most types of grasses. Big Island Now.

Maui

Ige OKs extension of Hana roadblock. Access to East Maui to remain limited to residents until July 15. Maui News.

Maui Restaurants Outline 7 Requests to the Department of Liquor Control. The Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association issued an open letter this month on behalf of a hui of restaurants in Maui County to the Department of Liquor Control saying the industry has been “devastated” by the COVID-19 pandemic and needs help. Maui Now.

Protocols and Procedures to Protect OB Patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Today’s guest is Dr. Jennifer Mathieu, an OBGYN with Maui Lani Physicians and Surgeons and OB Department Chair for Maui Health. Maui Now.

Kauai

Disconnection suspensions continue. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative has extended its suspension of service disconnections through July 31. Garden Island.

Virus sends Summer school online in Kekaha. Kekaha Elementary School’s summer school program has gone back online because an individual associated with the school is among the existing COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Spring break extended for Hawaii schools, Ala Moana mall cuts back hours, 7th COVID-19 case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Public Schools Spring Break To Be Extended A Week. The state public schools will extend its spring break an extra week, with students now scheduled to return to classes on March 30, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

School closures extended. Hawaii public schools will remain closed for an additional week of spring break to allow school administrators and staff time to evaluate and respond to newly emerging recommendations for controlling the spread of COVID-19, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Extend Spring Break Due To Coronavirus. The state has now confirmed seven cases of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

DOE extends spring break one week for students in light of coronavirus concerns. Classes for public school students in Hawaii won’t resume until March 30 after Gov. David Ige announced spring break was extended an additional week in light of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education extended spring break for public and charter schools through Monday, March 30 on Sunday as the number of presumed positive cases of COVID-19 rose to seven in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

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COVID-19 Cases Hit 7, Schools Close, Businesses Asked to Allow Work From Home. Gov. David Ige at a press conference Sunday afternoon confirmed two major developments in the COVID-19 global pandemic as it relates specifically to Hawai‘i — that a seventh case has been confirmed and that schools statewide will remain closed through the end of March. Big Island Now.

New travel-related cases of coronavirus on Oahu, Maui bring statewide total to 7. The governor reported three new travel-related cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday — bringing the statewide total to seven — and said while there’s still no evidence that the virus is spreading in the community, residents should take steps now to prepare for that in the near future. Hawaii News Now.

7th positive COVID-19 case announced in Hawaii, all cases related to travel. Another presumptive positive case for the coronavirus has been announced, bringing up the state total to seven cases on March 15. KHON2.

Seven total COVID-19 cases in Hawaii as of Sunday. Governor says these patients got sick outside of Hawaii. KITV4.

Kamehameha Schools starts spring break early in response to coronavirus situation. Kamehameha Schools Kapalama said today it will begin spring break on Tuesday, earlier than scheduled in response to the developing COVID-19 situation. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 concerns prompts Kamehameha Schools Kapalama to start spring break early. Spring break will now start on Tuesday, March 17. Students are currently scheduled to return to school on April 6. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Airlines Cutting Flights Systemwide Due To Virus. Capacity will be reduced up to 10% in April and up to 20% in May, and a hiring freeze is now in place. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Suspends Service to Australia, New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines won’t be flying anywhere down under for the immediate future. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines suspends flights to, from Australia and New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines announced Sunday that it was suspending all routes to and from Australia and New Zealand in response to new restrictions on entry into those two countries. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii inventor creates COVID-19 app to stop people from touching their face. Just say, JalapeNO! with the app that buzzes every time you touch your face, now available on Fitbit Ionic. KITV4.

Social distancing is crucial, Ige says. State officials emphasized again Sunday that “social distancing” will be key in helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Diana Ross Hawaii concerts canceled over coronavirus concerns. Diana Ross’ Hawaii concert dates have been canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, according to Hawaii-based concert promoter, Rick Bartalini Presents. Star-Advertiser.


Hawai‘i Judiciary Limiting Access to Facilities. The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announced today that beginning Monday, March 16, it will restrict access to anyone who has a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms; has traveled outside Hawaiʻi in the past 14 days; or who has had close prolonged contact with a person who has or is suspected to have COVID-19. Maui Now.

Public Safety Department is urged to have plan for prisons and jails during coronavirus pandemic. The Community Alliance on Prisons and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii are urging the state Department of Public Safety and legislators to prepare now for the new coronavirus by having a plan in place for those incarcerated within the state system, including those in Arizona. Star-Advertiser.

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Advocates seek to rid Hawaii of 88,000 cesspools. Two advocates committed to protecting Hawaii’s waters and coral reefs have launched a new nonprofit to help rid the state of cesspools that pose a threat to public health and the marine environment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers review restricting landfill sites. A heavy load of public testimony has been dumped on Hawaii lawmakers this year over a bill that largely aims to distance residential communities from landfills. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gun Violence Commission Would Leave The Public In The Dark. The Legislature has proposed creating a new group to help tackle violent crimes but exempting it from the Sunshine Law. Civil Beat.

Aloha ʻAina Party Now Official In Hawaii. Pua Ishibashi spoke to media at the foot of the Kamehameha Statue in Hilo on Friday afternoon. Big Island Video News.

Heiress said her estate won’t go to Hawaiians. Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa told a psychiatrist in January that she changed her mind about leaving the bulk of her estate to the Hawaiian people, a statement that contradicts her testimony in court last week. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates Want More Emphasis On High Quality Pre-K In Early Education Bill. A proposal to provide more preschool programs for Hawaii’s toddlers passed the House last week. But division remains about what those programs should look like. Civil Beat.

Oahu

‘Iolani School suspending operations Monday, parent in coronavirus testing protocol. ‘Iolani School is suspending on-campus academic operations as of Monday due to coronavirus concerns. Head of school Dr. Timothy Cottrell said ‘Iolani is aware of at least one parent in the COVID-19 testing protocol and is awaiting results. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani School temporarily suspends on-campus classes, moves to online distance learning. In a major first step for large Hawaii private schools, Iolani School announced their decision Sunday to switch to online distance learning as the number cases of coronavirus in Hawaii slowly climbs. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Moana Center to cut hours, open weekdays noon to 7 p.m. Ala Moana Center is cutting back its hours, starting Monday the mall hours will be noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; some restaurants may be open later. Star-Advertiser.

To reduce crowds and contact, Ala Moana Center slashes hours. The world’s largest outdoor mall, Ala Moana Center, is cutting back their hours during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

State's largest mall cuts hours due to COVID-19. The mall is shortening its operating times by almost five hours a day. KITV4.

COVID-19 won’t delay rail’s scheduled opening this year, says the head of HART. The head of Honolulu’s $9.2 billion rail project said he is fairly confident the repercussions from the worldwide coronavirus outbreak will not negatively affect the project’s scheduled opening for the first segment later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Drive-through testing coming: Meanwhile, cruises cancelled; Matson pushes back against rumors; first random virus tests negative. Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday will open a COVID-19 drive-through area to collect samples to be sent away for testing. Tribune-Herald.

North Hawaii Community Hospital to be COVID-19 testing site. Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea will be a testing site for COVID-19 starting this week. West Hawaii Today.

YWAM students returning home. Discipleship Training School students at Youth With a Mission in Kona returning from three months abroad will be monitored at the University of the Nations. West Hawaii Today.

Courts, cops, cells and COVID-19: Criminal justice system in Hawaii wrestles with virus threat. As of Feb. 29, Hawaii Community Correctional Center, which has an operating bed capacity of 226 inmates, had a population of 408 inmates — 325 men and 83 women. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian family claims ownership of Kohala shoreline parcel. A Native Hawaiian family claiming ownership of a Kohala shoreline parcel sparked a heated outburst from a sovereignty activist that temporarily shut down a Planning Committee hearing last week, but ended with the parcel moving forward to a rezoning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Air Canada flight attendant is Maui’s first COVID-19 case. An Air Canada flight attendant who developed symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving on Maui is the island’s first confirmed case of the virus, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday afternoon. Maui News.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center Announces Pause In Programming. In support of current County, State, and Federal governmental and health agency recommendations, and in light of the worldwide efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has postponed all public programming until further notice. Maui Now.

Maui County COVID-19 cancellations, closures, postponements. The Maui News has compiled a list of countywide cancellations, closures and postponements due to novel coronavirus. Maui News.

Kauai

Silent danger lurks. The Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee’s mission continues to evolve with the ever-changing ecosystem, which the Kapa‘a-based nonprofit organization was built to protect. Garden Island.