Mayors battle bail reform bill, FBI nabs trio on gambling, drug charges, Taiwanese F-16 crash lands at Honolulu airport, more news from all he Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii jail cell ©2022 All Hawaii News

Mayors put more pressure on Gov. Ige to veto bail reform bill. There’s more pressure for the governor to veto the bail reform bill. Hawaii’s four county mayors will hold a rally that will include the police officers union as well as unions from other cities where bail reform laws have passed. KHON2.

Could Employer-Provided Rentals Help Solve Hawaii’s Housing Crisis?. While government and private employers in other locales are increasingly stepping up to build homes to address housing shortages, the idea has not caught on in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A Progressive Super PAC Seeks To Change Hawaii Politics. Our Hawaii Action is creating a super PAC and 501(c)4 dark money group to influence voters in favor of progressive candidates. Civil Beat.

3 Men Indicted on Charges Related to Drug Trafficking Between Maui and Oʻahu. More than 50 special agents from the FBI and Maui Police Department arrested three individuals in Maui and Honolulu counties on Friday, June 3, for their alleged roles in an elaborate drug trafficking and illegal gambling operation. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu water use up amid drought and brush fire worries. Despite a call for a voluntary 10% reduction in water use on Oahu, consumption is up slightly from a year ago amid concern about drought, brush fires and the potential for mandatory water rationing ahead of what’s expected to be a drier-than-average summer. Star-Advertiser.

Standoff In Waipahu: Hawaiian Rights ‘Army’ Has Illegally Occupied A Private Pot Farm. The owners of the 5-acre site intended to grow medical marijuana have a court order to remove the activists who are refusing to leave. Civil Beat.

Crackdown at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor nets illegal live-aboards. The state has fined the owner of a boat moored at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor $30,000 for allowing a family to live aboard the boat without the required permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Taiwanese F-16 jet crash lands at Honolulu airport with minor damage, no injuries. A fighter jet made a crash landing at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Monday afternoon, after its front landing gear did not deploy. KITV4. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Single-family home sales dip slightly, but that’s not stopping prices from hitting new highs. The median price for a single-family home on Oahu is now at $1,153,500, according to the latest figures released by the Honolulu Board of Realtors Monday. Median condo prices hit $516,500. Both figures are new record highs for Oahu’s real estate market. Hawaii News Now.

HFD welcomes 9 new fire trucks with Hawaiian names honoring aliʻi and the places they’ll serve. In an expansion of their fleet, the Honolulu Fire Department now has nine new trucks. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Inaba tries again on property tax cuts. It’s hana hou for county property tax relief efforts next week as North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba gives it another shot. Inaba’s attempts to reduce taxes for homeowners and affordable rentals fell flat last week amid a rush by council members to distribute revenue windfalls to county projects and accounts. West Hawaii Today.

North Kona Water Restriction Issued After Well Failure. A 25% percent water restriction applies to certain areas of North Kona, following the failure of Hualālai Deepwell. Big Island Video News.

Public comment period closing for environmental study on Pōhakuloa training area. The U.S. Army has held a lease on lands at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island for decades. The public has one more day to comment on the Army’s draft environmental impact statement regarding its proposed plans to continue training at Pōhakuloa beyond 2029. Hawaii Public Radio.

No imminent construction for Thirty Meter Telescope planned after key permit is ended. On Friday, the state Health Department got a notice of cessation from TMT for its NPDES permit, which authorizes discharges of stormwater. That means TMT will not be allowed to do further construction unless a new permit is issued. Hawaii News Now.

Maunakea rangers inspect brakes on descending vehicles in effort to prevent accidents. The rangers, a program managed by the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship, began conducting brake checks earlier this year after a series of accidents on the road, including one in January that caused the death of a 9-year-old Kailua-Kona girl. Tribune-Herald.

Keauhou HOA Fines Condo Owner $26K (and Counting) for Feeding Cats. A Keauhou condo owner is facing upwards of $26,000 in fines from her homeowner’s association for feeding two wild cats who have lived in the condo complex for years. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui’s native birds and bees getting protection money from the feds. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources will receive $1.7 million from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect native forest birds, waterbirds, seabirds and yellow-faced bees. The federal funding will support several conservation projects, including three on Maui. Maui Now.

Maui companies aim to grow through Mana Up’s program. Environmentalism, culture and conservation are what three Maui entrepreneurs have in common as they push to grow their businesses through Mana Up’s accelerator program. Maui News.

Kauai

Radar lab to survey Kauaʻi’s endangered seabirds, monitor declining population. Starting now until the middle of July, the Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project mobile radar lab will be surveying island’s two endangered seabirds all around Kauaʻi. Maui Now. Garden Island.

Ige ties Hawaii reopening to vaccination rates, extends eviction moratorium; convicted murderer works in Child Welfare Services; new Honolulu radio system shuts out the public, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige

Gov. Ige to further ease COVID-19 restrictions once Hawaii is 60% vaccinated. Gov. David Ige announced today that the state will ease restrictions on social gatherings and restaurants once 60% of Hawaii residents are fully vaccinated, adding to the growing list of incentives for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige extends ban on evictions in Hawaii for 60 days. Isle residents who are past due on rent and mortgages will have another two months before Gov. David Ige plans to lift the state’s ban on evictions in early August. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Convicted murderer’s hiring in Child Welfare Services exposes background check gaps. Advocates for victims of domestic violence are calling for change in the way the state hires people with access to vulnerable victims after a man who was convicted of and served time for murder in another state is now an employee of Hawaii’s Child Welfare Services. Hawaii News Now.

Officials step up efforts to expand COVID-19 vaccine access to underserved communities. The data, released Monday by DOH, showed that respondents least likely to be vaccinated included Native Hawaiians, Filipinos and those living in lower-income households.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island. KHON2.

June 7, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 33 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 18 on O‘ahu (-1 probable); three on Hawai‘i Island; 12 Maui; -1 on Kaua‘i; and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Public access to Honolulu police and fire scanners to end. The public’s long-standing access to routine radio communications by Honolulu police and firefighters is coming to an end as the city nears completion of a $15 million system overhaul that will encrypt the frequencies used by nine city departments, preventing objective monitoring of the transmissions. Star-Advertiser.

New special agent in charge steps into role at FBI’s Honolulu field office. Steven B. Merrill, the new special agent in charge of Honolulu’s FBI field office, said he learned early on in his career the incredible value of working with the community. Hawaii News Now.

Activists Hit New Roadblock In Efforts To Reroute Farrington Highway At Makaha Beach. Efforts by community activists to move Farrington Highway mauka of Makaha Beach park — in accordance with a decades-old plan — have hit a roadblock after an Oahu agency decided to halt a feasibility study and redirect the funding to a traffic study in Ala Moana instead. Civil Beat.

Audit calls for more data on domestic violence. Streamlined data collection on domestic violence cases was the center of a report released Monday by the Honolulu Office of the City Auditor. Star-Advertiser.

An Accountant Is The Latest To Be Charged In The Miske Case. The charges filed last week against Tricia Ann Castro were the first to target a professional accused of aiding the Honolulu business owner in concealing his alleged criminal activities. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's Rental Car Crisis Is Sending More Riders To Biki And TheBus. Honolulu also appears to be part of a nationwide trend in which the appetite for Uber and Lyft rides is growing but not enough drivers are returning to meet that demand. Civil Beat.

Median sales price of Oahu single-family homes close in on $1 million. Previously owned single- family houses on the island sold for $978,000 in May, according to a Honolulu Board of Realtors report released Monday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Oversight Commissioner Concerned With Overcrowding as COVID-19 Cases at Hilo Jail Rise to 154. According to the latest data from the state Department of Public Safety, 137 inmates and 17 staff at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center have tested positive for the coronavirus since the outbreak began on May 24. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Public asked to help prioritize federal transportation spending. The state has organized a survey for people to prioritize which federally funded road projects should be tackled over the next four years as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP. West Hawaii Today.

Paauilo brush fire burns 1,400 acres. The fire, which was reported on Friday, took more than a day to be contained, despite occurring on the typically wet Hamakua Coast. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Public opinion weighed as search for Maui’s next police chief begins. Applications are being accepted for the Valley Isle’s next police chief. Island residents say values of honesty and transparency should be key in the search. Hawaii News Now.

Maui holds only in-person graduation in UH system. Class of 2021 endured full school year under pandemic. Maui News.

Two arrested for violating travel rules. A Massachusetts man was arrested for violating travel quarantine rules when he arrived from Los Angeles on Friday without an approved negative pre-travel COVID-19 test and without approved lodging for the mandatory 10-day quarantine, police said. Police also arrested a Virginia woman on Saturday for violating travel quarantine rules. Maui News.

Kauai

The pa‘u rider lives on; museum exhibit on with COVID-19 protocols. Pa‘u riders have always been integral to regal parades such as the King Kamehameha Day celebration, Aloha Week celebration and more. Garden Island.

Fewer storms predicted this hurricane season, Honolulu cuts down Portlock gate and opens beach access, Kaimuki church tried to cover up COVID-19 outbreak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical cyclones over the years PC:NOAA

Fewer storms predicted for Hawaii’s 2021 hurricane season. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Wednesday predicted that the region will see two to five tropical cyclones during the hurricane season that starts June 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii poised to change unemployment rules to get more people back to work. Among the changes is requiring the unemployed to look for work in order to keep getting benefits.  KHON2.

Federal Bureau of Investigation taps Steven B. Merrill to lead Honolulu office.  Prior to arriving in Hawaii, Merrill most recently served as a financial crimes section chief in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he led the FBI’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19, including pandemic-related scams, vaccine fraud and other offenses. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Looking To Fill Seats On State Land Board. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is recruiting “qualified and dedicated people” interested in serving on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

This New Federal Program Is Expected To Help Hundreds Of Thousands Of Hawaii Kids. Hawaii’s high cost of living means many families need the money, but it won’t go as far here as in many other states, advocates say. Civil Beat.

Retailers deal with mask-mandate confusion. Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate requires customers — fully vaccinated or not — to continue wearing masks when in public settings, including retail stores. Outdoors, Hawaii’s law requires people to wear masks if 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained from a person outside of one’s household. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Coronavirus Count Rises As State Adds ‘Probable Cases’ To Its Total. Epidemiologists say including the unconfirmed cases will provide a better picture of how the coronavirus is spreading in the islands. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii sees 73 total coronavirus cases as state health officials begin including probable infections to counts. State health officials reported 58 new confirmed and 15 probable cases today. By island, Oahu had 50 new cases, Hawaii Island had nine, Maui had seven, Molokai had four, Kauai had one, and there were five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City cuts down gate blocking beach access in Portlock. A new beach right of way on Portlock Road in Hawaii Kai was officially opened to the public Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

COVID-19 cluster at Unified Hawaii church in Kaimuki covered up by congregation, text messages show. ext messages were provided to the newspaper showing lengthy exchanges between church leaders and members who discussed the growing COVID-19 case count among the congregation and their success at evading the state Department of Health’s contact tracers. Star-Advertiser.

Special Series: Will The $12B Honolulu Rail Project Make It To Ala Moana? The Honolulu rail, planned to stretch from Kapolei to Ala Moana, is projected to cost $12.4 billion--more than double the original estimate of about $5 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police crack down on illegal gambling houses. Honolulu police are shutting down illegal gambling houses at the fastest pace in four years, seizing firearms, drugs, and digital gaming machines in neighborhoods from Waikiki to Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Accuses HPD Officer Of Bias In Favor Of Business Partner. In a letter sent to HPD on Wednesday, the ACLU says its client Robin Hall was assaulted by her boss in June 2019 and that an HPD officer who responded failed to arrest him because the officer is a friend and business partner of the alleged suspect. Civil Beat.

Honoulu Police Department takes steps to form Micronesian alliances. Honolulu police began a series of meetings recently with officials and Hawaii residents from the Federated States of Micronesia after allegations of racial profiling and protests following the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Dry times ahead: Drought forecast to worsen over leeward areas. Drought conditions are forecast to worsen over leeward areas of the Big Island as the state heads into the dry season. West Hawaii Today. Tribune-Herald.

Landfill lawyers’ money approved: Council OKs another $200k for contract negotiations. Contract negotiations with Waste Management Inc. have already resulted in some savings, a county official told the County Council on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo faces budget cuts. The state budget, currently before Ige for consideration, calls for UH-Hilo’s operating budget to be reduced by $2.28 million in each year of the coming biennium. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee supports zoning amendment for Hilo Iron Works building. A Hawaii County Council committee voted in support of a zoning amendment that aims to make the historic Hilo Iron Works more attractive to investors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The cost to visit Maui could go up as mayor eyes new taxes, fees for tourists. As the Valley Isle sees an influx of travelers, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino eyes new taxes and fees directed at visitors. On Tuesday alone, nearly 5,000 visitors arrived on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Commission split over allowing ex-chief to retire in ‘good standing’. The Maui Police Commission reviewed an investigation into former Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu’s conduct in a traffic accident last year, but there’s disagreement over what to do. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Department to Continue Mask Mandate Enforcement. The Maui Police Department today issued a statement saying that officers will continue enforcement of the mandatory mask mandate throughout the county as outlined in Maui Mayor Michael Victorino’s Public Health Emergency Rules. Maui Now.

Local businesses already see mask mandate pushback. Some local businesses have already experienced mask pushback after the federal government last week relaxed guidelines on facial coverings for vaccinated people. Maui News.

Kauai

Rental Cars are booked until early August. A car rental manager from Honolulu on Wednesday, who requested anonymity because of his company’s protocols, said 70% of his rental cars had to be sent back to their mainland warehouse because they were getting charged $8 a day for each car. Garden Island.

Repairs completed, Loop Road reopens. Earlier this week, Loop Road reopened after three years since its initial closure and damage from the April 2018 floods. Garden Island.

FBI raids public access TV station, Hawaii imports more health-care workers as tourist reopening nears, ballots going out in the mail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FBI confers with Na Leo CEO Stacy Higa as agent holds back reporters ©2020 All Hawaii News

FBI Searches The Offices Of Cable Public Access Headquarters In Hilo. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant Thursday morning on the offices of Na Leo ‘O Hawaii public access television, which provides public access programming to Hawaii County cable television subscribers. Civil Beat.

FBI raids Na Leo offices in Hilo. Few details were available late Thursday following an FBI raid earlier in the day at Na Leo ‘O Hawaii’s TV studios and offices in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

FBI raids Hilo offices of Na Leo TV amidst ongoing investigation. The FBI raided the Hilo offices of public access broadcast station on Hawaii Island on Thursday, temporarily impacting business operations and forcing the postponement of a political forum. Hawaii News Now.

FBI Executes Search Warrant At Nā Leo TV Station. Nā Leo TV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving as Hawai‘i Island’s public access TV station. Big Island Video News.

FBI Raid Nā Leo TV Station in Hilo. The FBI executed a search warrant at Nā Leo TV, located at 91 Mohouli St. in Hilo, this morning. Big Island Now.

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Green calls for a clear statewide mask mandate ... and a fine for violators. While masks have been proven to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, rules on when they should be worn are different depending which island you’re on. With the relaunch of tourism one week away, Lt. Gov. Josh Green is proposing a statewide mask mandate that makes the rules consistent across the board. Hawaii News Now.

Key players in Hawaii's fight against COVID-19 could be sidelined come 2021. Hilton Raethel, President and CEO of Healthcare Association of Hawaii tells KITV4 they have a contract with the state to bring in roughly 240 traveling healthcare workers to help bolster the state's hospital capacity. KITV4.

Contact tracers facing obstacles with contacting COVID-19 positive patients. Contact tracing is one of the tools that the state is using to help control COVID-19 spread. KHON2.

Group busting quarantine breakers prepares for visitor influx. In exactly a week the state will launch its pre-travel testing program allowing visitors to bypass the mandatory 14-day quarantine if they test negative within three days before departure. KITV4.

Tourism resumes next week but some say ‘we are not prepared’. The countdown has begun. On Oct. 15, the state will resume tourism with the new pre-travel testing program but there are concerns over enforcement for those who choose not to get tested. KHON2.

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27,000 Hawaii workers exhausted their state jobless benefits in September. The good news: A federally-funded program will pay up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits, as long as they apply for it, and then a state extended benefit program will kick in. Hawaii News Now.

Matson projects an increase in third-quarter profit. Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo transportation firm announced Thursday that it expects its profit for the three months ended Sept. 30 will be between $67.2 million and $69.4 million. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 8: 101 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. Of the new cases documented Thursday, Hawaii County reported 14, Maui reported one, and Oahu reported 86 cases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell says Oahu could move to the next reopening level in two weeks. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday said Oahu was on track to move to the next level of economic reopening in two weeks, but that residents need to remain vigilant to make it happen. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell says ‘Honolulu is two weeks away from entering Tier 2’. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference on Oct. 8 that Oahu is just two weeks away from reaching Tier 2 of Oahu’s reopening process. KHON2.

As tourism relaunch approaches, Oahu moves closer to second phase of reopening. As Oahu keeps its case count low, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city is moving toward the next phase of reopening. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail CEO: ‘We Can’t Quit’ On Final Construction Contract. Despite strong opposition from Honolulu’s mayor and other top city officials, rail’s executive director says he’ll still try to salvage a deal out of the latest effort to award the project’s last, major construction contract. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell tells HART to put heat on CEO Andrew Robbins. There was little aloha between the head of the city’s troubled rail project and Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday, with Caldwell calling on the rail project’s governing board “to step it up and put the heat on the CEO” on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Candidates Say They’d Finish Rail As Planned But Not How They’d Pay For It. But the situation with the more than $9 billion project is so fluid right now that both Amemiya and Blangiardi struggle to say how they’ll handle it. Civil Beat.

Mayor: bids for City Center leg of rail project way “out of the ballpark”. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the bids for the final and most expensive leg of the rail project came in too high. Hawaii News Now.

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City issues violation notice to Ko Olina Resort for parking closure. The months-long closure of public parking lots that provide access to the Ko Olina Resort’s lagoons is a violation of the resort’s Special Management Area Minor Permit and must be corrected immediately, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting said today. Star-Advertiser.

City works to contain COVID-19 outbreak at Kapolei Hale. The city is monitoring a COVID-19 outbreak at Kapolei Hale and the mayor says he’s looking to implement additional protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. Officials said four city workers at Kapolei Hale have tested positive for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Nursery-grown corals find new home at Hanauma Bay. A team of divers from the state Division of Aquatic Resources today planted five, nursery-grown corals in the waters at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve as part of a pilot project to restore the reef. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County voter rolls swell by another 5,000: Ballots should show up in mailboxes today or Saturday. Interest is growing in the upcoming election. West Hawaii Today.

Kailua-Kona COVID-19 Outbreak Shakes Community's Sense Of Security. Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is seeing its largest spike in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona hospital reports first COVID-19 death. A woman in her 40s is West Hawaii’s first coronavirus-related death, a hospital spokesperson confirmed Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County General Election Places of Deposit Open Oct. 8. Maui County’s Places of Deposit, except for those located at Voter Service Centers, will open on Oct. 8, County Clerk Kathy Kaohu announced. Maui Now.

Maui opens general election places of deposit for registered voters. Maui began mailing general election ballots Thursday morning as part of the county’s efforts to encourage mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Paeahu Solar is OK’d by PUC. A South Maui solar and battery project that’s run into opposition from Maui Meadows neighbors has gotten the go-ahead from the state Public Utilities Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor proposes tier system. Mayor Derek Kawakami has proposed a four-tiered system outlining when businesses and activities can be operational based on coronavirus case counts, including a point at which Kaua‘i would opt out of the state’s pre-travel test program that begins next week. Garden Island.

Kauai’s mayor proposes tiered system for welcoming trans-Pacific travelers back. Kauai’s mayor is proposing a tiered system for welcoming trans-Pacific travelers back that would reinstate the full 14-day quarantine if cases spike on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua'i Mayor proposes four tier system for reopening. Mayor Derek Kawakami proposed his own four tier system on Thursday. KITV4.

Kauai could opt out of pre-travel testing program under new proposal.  Hawaii is just a week away from partially reopening the economy and welcoming tourists back to the islands, but Hawaii Island and Kauai still have pending proposals that would add more safeguards. KHON2.

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KPD officer arrested. A Kaua‘i Police Department officer was arrested Wednesday afternoon for disorderly conduct and criminal property damage while off duty. Garden Island.

Kauai police officer arrested for disorderly conduct, property damage. Officials identified the officer as 38-year-old Officer Tyrus Contrades, of Hanamaulu. Hawaii News Now.

Meet the candidates: Ed Justus. Business at the Talk Story Bookstore dropped at least 70% since the start of lockdown, said Ed Justus, 37, of Kalaheo, bookstore owner and Kaua‘i County County candidate. Garden Island.

Molokai

Food Distributions to be Held Every Friday in October for Moloka‘i Residents. Food Distributions to be Held Every Friday in October for Moloka‘i Residents. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to strike, Big Island council bans herbicides, Gabbard attacks Democratic Party in debate, acting Honolulu prosecutor subpoenaed in FBI probe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket PC:Association of Flight Attendants-CWA AFL-CIO

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to authorize strike. The union representing Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants said today that members have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air flight attendants vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike. After three years of negotiations and no deal, Hawaiian Airlines’ flight attendants Wednesday approved their first-ever strike authorization vote. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air strike possible over holidays. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants voted to strike on Wednesday, making history with 99.9 percent of votes authorizing the strike and 95.1 percent of flight attendants participating. Garden Island.

How will the Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant vote to strike impact your upcoming travel plans? Negotiations are ongoing. If that fails, they will go to mediation, then possibly arbitration. The only time a strike could happen is if the national mediation board gives the flight attendants permission to strike. KHON2.

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Tulsi Gabbard’s fiery exchanges stand out in ‘good-natured’ debate. Tulsi Gabbard sparred with Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg during Wednesday evening’s presidential debate, adding tension to what was a generally collegial event among the top 10 Democratic presidential candidates and highlighting a growing unease among the party with her candidacy. Star-Advertiser.

Presidential Debate Puts Gabbard At Odds With Harris, Buttigieg. In addition to candidates, she took on her own party. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard joined nine other Democratic candidates for the White House on Wednesday for the fifth presidential debate in Atlanta. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto is expected to appear before a federal grand jury today after being subpoenaed by the FBI earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Top Honolulu Attorney Served With Federal Subpoena. Acting City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto, who received a federal subpoena on Monday, said on Thursday that he has done nothing wrong and intends to comply with it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Acting city prosecutor gets FBI subpoena to testify in ongoing criminal probe of his boss. City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto confirmed Wednesday that he’s received a subpoena to testify before the federal grand jury investigating his boss: Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

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Delivery of Kahuku wind turbine parts complete. The last of the large turbine parts for the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project in Kahuku arrived Wednesday, developer AES Corp. announced. Star-Advertiser.

Transport of wind farm equipment wrapped up ahead of schedule. The company behind a controversial wind farm project says they’ve finished the transport of equipment to the North Shore a week early. Hawaii News Now.

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New Snags Hold Back Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Both the city and a state court judge have issues with the environmental impact reports, halting the controversial flood control project. Civil Beat.

Short-staffed and overcrowded. And for the state’s largest jail, that’s just the start. Oahu Community Correctional Center is the state’s largest jail facility, with more than 1,000 detainees. And like the state’s other jails, it’s over-capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Community Calls For Red Hill Tanks To Be Moved Now. Members of the public packed Moanalua Middle School cafeteria last night, many calling for the Navy to move its Red Hill fuel tanks away from drinking water aquifers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Finally, satellite city halls on Oahu start taking credit and debit cards. “Cash or checks only” is a thing of the past at Oahu’s satellite city halls. Hawaii News Now.

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Shawn Ching to depart as Hawaii News Now 5 p.m. co-anchor. Emmy Award-winning news anchor Shawn Ching is departing Hawaii News Now to return to his law practice and spend more time with his wife and young son, General Manager Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

News anchor Shawn Ching leaving Hawaii News Now to spend more time with ohana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council bans county herbicide use. Urged on by new mothers, beekeepers, organic farmers and a soccer coach, the County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the county’s use of herbicides on public property, making Hawaii County the first local government in the state to do so. West Hawaii Today.

Council Passes Ban On County Herbicide Use. A bill that prohibits the use of herbicides in Hawaii County parks, roads, and waterways was approved by the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday, after it passed by a 6-3 vote. Big Island Video News.

County to Ban All Herbicide Use by 2024. The Hawai‘i County Council voted Wednesday afternoon to ban the use of herbicides on any County managed or maintained property — including parks, roadways and waterways — beginning in 2024. Big Island Now.

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Roy Takemoto appointed county managing director. Roy Takemoto has been selected managing director effective Dec. 2. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim Appoints New Managing Director. Roy Takemoto is set to replace Managing Director Wil Okabe, who announced his resignation Monday. Civil Beat.

Roy Takemoto Named Managing Director After Okabe Departure. Takemoto, appointed by Mayor Harry Kim, will be before the Hawaiʻi County Council for a confirmation hearing on December 4. Big Island Video News.

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6K+ Mauna Kea citations called ‘misconduct’ by retired officer. A retired Hawaii county police officer has launched a complaint against his ex-boss, Chief of Police Paul Ferreria, because of beefed up traffic enforcement at Mauna Kea. Police have issued 6,585 citations since August 15 according to HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Council passes resolution urging collaboration on waste reduction strategies. The Hawaii County Council passed a resolution urging county agencies to work together to reduce waste and generate more clean energy. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Excluded From North Kohala Enterprise Zone. The Hawaiʻi County Council is advancing the renewed Enterprise Zone designation for North Kohala, before the previous designation expires in April 2020. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Dengue fever confirmed in Kahului resident. Person no longer infectious, but mosquito control still encouraged. Maui News.

Eighteen inmates penalized in March fire, riot at Maui jail. Repairs from the disturbance at MCCC are almost complete. Maui News.

Mahi Pono, hui reach water pact. Officials: Plan may create new chapter in ag history. Maui News.

Kauai

More dead birds found. Another seven wedge-tailed shearwaters have been found dead along the Maha‘ulepu coast, about a week after 35 birds were killed on the cliffs above Shipwreck Beach. Garden Island.

FBI investigating mass shooting threat at state Capitol as TMT battle intensifies, 6-year property record backlog, Kauai company to increase beef production, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

FBI investigating online threat of a mass shooting at State Capitol. The FBI is investigating a threat that was made in a Facebook comment which appears to be a threat for a mass shooting at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

FBI responds to shooting threat at Capitol. Facebook comment threatening a shooting at the Capitol sends FBI and HPD on alert. KITV.

Hawaii Resident Threatens ‘Mass Shooting’. The rhetoric surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope dispute atop Mauna Kea continues to ratchet up, as one Hawaii resident took the conversation to the topic of mass shootings. Big Island Now.

Some experts believe online death threats on the rise due to increased social media usage. Some tech experts aren't shocked at Saturday's FBI alert on the online threat of a possible shooting.  KITV.

State Puts Pressure On TMT Protesters Over Environment, Threats To Officials. The protesters say they are being vilified in an attempt to discredit the Mauna Kea movement. Civil Beat.

State, Anti-TMT Leaders Condemn Social Media Threats. Top state leaders are denouncing threatening social media posts directed at Hawaii law enforcement officers involved in the standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Homes Chair Seeks Private Counsel Amid Mauna Kea Access Road Dispute. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is requesting to "hire private counsel to advise the Commission on the valuation of compensation through funds and land owed to DHHL, pursuant to Act 14." Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Seeks Thousand Acre Transfer. Maui Now.

Twitter Troll Impersonates TMT Account. An unverified Twitter account has closely copied the appearance of the official Thirty Meter Telescope account and is sending out derogatory and culturally insensitive posts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor Served “Judicial Summons” By Group, “Arrest Warrants” Threatened. A group claiming to represent the Hawaiian Kingdom went to the County building on Tuesday, some wearing tactical vests, to serve the mayor their written demand. Big Island Video News.

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Scientists hope to see trend of increased sightings of humpback whales. The Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales that migrates from Alaska to Hawaii’s warmer waters to mate, calve and nurse their young has been estimated at roughly 10,000 individuals. Star-Advertiser.

How Climate Change Will Affect Hawaii’s Favorite Fish. Hawaii’s beloved bigeye tuna will be smaller, less abundant and farther away for local fishermen to catch as the Pacific heats up with global warming, scientists project. Civil Beat.

Backlog for Hawaii property title certificates now 6 years. Somewhere in the bowels of the Kalanimoku Building behind Hono­lulu Hale is a massive state government paperwork jam for certifying ownership of real estate in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Charter schools show growth in number of students. The number of students in Hawaii’s charter schools rose again this year while overall public school enrollment dipped slightly. Star-Advertiser.

Vanilla, Chocolate Sweeten Hawaii Agritourism. Farmers’ focus on new crops helps mesh two distinct industries in the Aloha State: tourism and agriculture. U.S. News & World Report.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha led criminal case into Board of Water Supply’s billing practices, but was it real? Like so many Hawaii residents, Katherine Kealoha was fed up with her utility bills, especially her bills from the Board of Water Supply. Hawaii News Now.

New Trial For Grandma Who Sued Katherine Kealoha And Lost. A 100-year-old woman who sued her prosecutor granddaughter in a financial dispute and lost is getting a new trial. Associated Press.

Honolulu ranked ninth in a recent ranking of 20 cities with the worst traffic by Insurify, a website that compares auto insurance rates. With a congestion level of 28% and average commute time of 29.1 minutes, Honolulu was not as bad as San Francisco (No. 3), but worse than other cities, including Boston (No. 13) and Portland, Ore. (No. 15). Star-Advertiser.

City tells DOT it has no plans for Laniakea park, urges barriers be put back. Traffic and safety at Laniakea on Oahu’s North Shore is being revisited yet again. KHON2.

UH Receives $5.3M for ‘World-Famous’ Reproductive Lab. The Institute of Biogenesis Research gained its popularity after producing mice that glow a greenish color when placed under ultraviolet light. Maui Now.

Abandoned vessel sinks off Ala Wai Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard said an abandoned vessel that was being towed by the state sank off Ala Wai Harbor Saturday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Bird invasion threatens Waikele community. The community has spent over $140,000 fixing damage caused by these birds. KITV.

Civil Beat Wins National Award For General Excellence. The Online News Association is the world’s largest organization for digital journalism. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council asking county leaders to brainstorm new waste, energy ideas. With Hawaii Island’s zero waste and renewable energy programs only trudging along, it’s time for a major paradigm shift, county officials say. West Hawaii Today.

Funding recovery: County has so far spent nearly $10M in response to 2018 Kilauea eruption. Hawaii County could receive more than $300 million in state and federal funding to support recovery and response efforts stemming from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, but only a portion of funding has so far been obtained and even less has been spent as the county works to cement long-term recovery plans. Tribune-Herald.

Disaster losses - including those from lava and VOG from the the Kīlauea eruption, as well as Hurricane Lane - will be eligible for assistance. USDA Offers Disaster Assistance For Hawaii Farmers, Meetings Set. Big Island Video News.

County asks court to order property owners to clear homeless camp. After the owners of a property that has become a homeless encampment in downtown Hilo failed to appear at a court hearing Friday, a judge granted a motion to compel them to clear the property. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Brewing chugs along on construction of new facility. Construction is moving along at Kona Brewing Co.’s new brewery, with the first kegs and cans of beer targeted to roll off the line next spring. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More testimony expected on Maui appeal to Supreme Court. The Maui County Council is set to receive public testimony Friday about a resolution to drop the county’s appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding its discharge of treated wastewater from its Lahaina plant. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai rancher hopes to expand local beef production through his new company. A major Kauai rancher has new plans to expand the statewide supply of locally raised beef after taking control of Oahu’s only slaughterhouse as part of a business separation. Star-Advertiser.

A farm for everyone. The 11-acre farm at Timbers Kauai at Hokuala isn’t just for luxury owners and vacationers. It’s an amenity for island residents, too. Garden Island.

Island’s hemp industry focus of business group’s meeting. The Lihue Business Association will be focusing on industrial hemp farming and the progress of the pilot programs on Kauai, during its monthly meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Garden Island.

Molokai

$8.5 million bridge in works for Molokai’s south side. Replacement proposed for Makakupaia Bridge built in 1940. Maui News.

Erick now a Cat 3 hurricane, contradictory claims arise from Mauna Kea TMT impasse, Honolulu policeman recovering from gunshot, Ige shuffles staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said Monday he doesn’t want the job to mediate the standoff on Mauna Kea, but will keep working to settle the matter without using physical force. Star-Advertiser.

Kim recaps TMT meeting, reiterates opposition to use of force. A Friday meeting between leaders of the Native Hawaiian community and Mayor Harry Kim regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope project was inconclusive, Kim said at a press conference today. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Leaders Want To Meet Again On Telescope. Many of the leaders the Big Island mayor talked with Monday were from Oahu. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kim Trying To Find Way Out Of TMT Impasse With More Talk. The man tasked with trying to find a way out of an impasse over the construction of a giant telescope in Hawaii says he met with Native Hawaiian leaders Friday. Associated Press.

Mayor Harry Kim called a press conference on Monday to talk about recent meetings he has hosted in regards to the Thirty Meter Telescope project. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Harry Kim said Monday he’s hoping for a peaceful resolution to the TMT conflict without using violence. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea Negotiations Remain at Stand-Still After Initial Talks. Big Island Now.

Project has legal right to start, TMT official says. A top official with the Thirty Meter Telescope said Monday that state officials need to find a way to allow construction of the next-generation telescope on Mauna Kea - and soon. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea Protests Leave Observatory Workers Trapped In The Middle. Many telescope staffers are frustrated by not being able to work, but they understand where the protesters are coming from. Civil Beat.

Personal Opinions Crystallize as Hawaii Enters Week Three of TMT Standoff. Compromise may seem like a long shot for those on all sides of the Thirty-Meter Telescope debate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Global human rights group demands Ige put a stop TMT construction. The Hawaii chapter of Amnesty International took their stance straight to the state capitol Monday. KITV.

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Erick becomes a major hurricane in Central Pacific. Packing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph as of 5 a.m. today, the center of Erick was located 920 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,135 miles east-southeast of Honolulu and headed west at 17 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser.

Erick intensifies into a major hurricane far east-southeast of Hawaii. The system’s maximum sustained winds increased to 115 mph, making it a powerful Category 3 hurricane. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige has appointed Rona Suzuki as interim director of the state Department of Taxation. She replaces Linda Chu Takayama who will begin serving as the governor’s chief of staff on Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium Deal Panned By Watchdog Groups. HB 1586 has received the sixth annual Rusty Scalpel award from Common Cause Hawaii and the League of Women Voters of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Federal Leaders Look To Improve Military Housing Conditions. The Department of Defense and congressional members of both parties are pushing for new regulations on the private companies that serve as landlords. Civil Beat.

FBI names new special agent in charge of Honolulu office. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray has named Eli S. Miranda the new special agent in charge of the bureau's Honolulu Field Office. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Kealoha Corruption Case Cost These Two Investigators More Than Their Jobs. Former Honolulu Ethics Commission investigators Chuck Totto and Letha DeCaires speak out about the politics and questionable practices they say clouded one of the most important cases of their careers. Civil Beat.

Proposed HART Resolution Calls For Agency To Stay Alive. Rail board members are poised to approve a resolution pushing back against the proposal to dissolve HART years ahead of schedule. Civil Beat.

Caldwell: 'We Should Be Cautious Moving Forward' on HART Resolution. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he is willing to listen to arguments on a resolution proposing to dissolve the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fired HPD sergeant gets fine in plea deal. A Honolulu police sergeant who was charged with driving drunk and lying about being the driver was instead fined $500 for reckless driving in a plea deal. Star-Advertiser.

Police identify man accused of shooting officer in chest near Pokai Bay. Police said 47-year-old Tony Souza opened fire after a confrontation at the intersection of Pokai Bay Street and Alta Street. Hawaii News Now.

Armed robbery investigation leaves police officer with gun shot. A Honolulu police officer was shot and transported to the hospital in critical condition Monday afternoon. KHON2.

Man who pleaded guilty for role in bribery scheme sentenced. He admitted he took bribes from Oahu engineer Jim Lyons, in exchange for a nearly $8 million government contract. Hawaii News Now.

It’s taken years and millions of dollars, but this Waikiki park is finally taking shape. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday for a long-awaited park project in central Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Request for Qualifications sought for Neal S. Blaisdell Center public-private partnership. The city is currently undertaking an estimated $772 million redevelopment of the 22-acre Blaisdell campus, which is under the control of the Department of Enterprise Services. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

DLNR officials, fisherman continue boat ramp talks. Representatives from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources met last week with Puna fishermen, lawmakers and community members to further discuss possible solutions to the landlocked Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

50 units proposed for Alii Drive. The Leeward Planning Commission next month will consider two applications related to a proposed 50-unit residential community across from Pahoehoe Beach Park in Kailua-Kona with 26 of its units intended to be affordable housing. West Hawaii Today.

Critics Say County Ignores Animal Shelters’ High Kill Rates. Most of the animals brought to the Humane Society’s three facilities are euthanized. Their contract with the county doesn’t encourage saving lives. Civil Beat.

Maui

County Seeks Development of Mahinahina and Kahana Wells. The County of Maui, Department of Water Supply is proposing a West Maui Source Development Project, which involves the development of existing exploratory wells.  Maui Now.

55,000 Maui Jury Questionnaires to be Mailed. Juror questionnaires will be mailed out to 55,000 residents in Maui County starting on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIUC takes ‘critical step’. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is moving toward securing a long-term lease for use of two water diversions in the Wailua watershed. Garden Island.

Hawaii soldier sentenced for planning ISIS mass shooting in Waikiki, counties join education tax lawsuit, Kauai man dies trying to save dog, Maui fire victims say county failed them, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

In this July 8, 2017 file image taken from FBI video and provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Hawaii on July 13, 2017, Army Sgt. 1st Class Ikaika Kang holds an Islamic State group flag after allegedly pledging allegiance to the terror group at a house in Honolulu. (FBI/U.S Attorney's Office, District of Hawaii via AP, File)

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ikaika Erik Kang, who faces 25 years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State group and its campaign of terror, had planned a mass shooting in downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki just after last year’s Fourth of July, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii said Wednesday following Kang’s guilty plea in federal court. Star-Advertiser.

A soldier based in Hawaii pleaded guilty Wednesday to trying to help the Islamic State group, telling a judge he provided secret military information, a drone meant to track U.S. troops and other support to undercover agents he believed were members of the terrorist organization. Associated Press.

35-year-old Hawaii-based soldier, Sergeant 1st Class Ikaika Kang pleaded guilty in Federal court Wednesday of trying to help ISIS. KITV.

A Hawaii-based solider pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of attempting to support ISIS. KHON2.

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Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties have joined the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit that seeks to strike from the November ballot a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would allow the Legislature to create a “surcharge” on investment properties. Pacific Business News.

Counties sue state to block property tax ballot question. All four counties are suing the state to block a ballot question that would allow a property tax surcharge for schools. KHON2.

The City of Honolulu is seeking to have a question stricken from ballots in the November general election that would give voters the power to amend the Hawaii Constitution to allow the Legislature to tax investment real estate to support public education. Star-Advertiser.

The city wants to strike down a constitutional amendment proposal that would raise taxes on investment properties to help pay for Hawaii's under-funded schools. Hawaii News Now.

Full text of ballot question complaint can be found here.

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Hawaii Supreme Court To Fine-Tune Open Meetings Law. A court opinion in the Honolulu Police Commission’s Kealoha case would also affect the way public boards handle other high-profile staff departures. Civil Beat.

Restocking continues after storm port-closure delays.  Stores across Hawaii are catching up on restocking shelves, following cargo delays from port closures during the storm. KHON2.

Oahu

Prosecutor Appeals Ruling That Barred A Third Trial For Deedy. After two hung juries in earlier trials, a third trial is sought against the federal agent who shot a local man. Associated Press.

Caldwell’s Push To Clear Sidewalks Runs Into Opposition. Honolulu’s mayor wants to ban camping on sidewalks islandwide, but critics insist more housing and services for the homeless are needed first. Civil Beat.

City outlines plans for more bike lanes in downtown Honolulu. The city held a public meeting Wednesday night. KHON2.

The Department of Health is alerting the public of elevated bacteria levels at two Oahu shorelines. The first alert is for those heading to Pokai Bay. The second alert came a day earlier for beachgoers in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii at Manoa proposes higher parking fees. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is proposing to raise parking fees for the first time in eight years and use the money to repair its aging parking facilities. Star-Advertiser.

For years, the trail accessible at Koko Head Regional Park has been deteriorating, according to the group, with many of the cross-ties of the former tramway missing or in disrepair due to wood rot and erosion. At the same time, the trail’s popularity has only grown, spurred by social media posts of the grueling climb and views from the top, at an elevation of 1,200 feet, with panoramic vistas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Keaau could see its population more than double under a master plan W.H. Shipman released for public comment. The EA describes the project as a “walkable, transit-friendly regional town center concept.” Tribune-Herald.

A bill zeroing out property taxes for totally disabled veterans appeared to be cruising toward easy passage until it got stopped in its tracks last week, leading to likely changes when it comes back before the County Council on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Councilwoman Ruggles Unassured By County Regarding War Crimes. Big Island Video News.

Am I A Criminal? Puna Councilwoman Questions Her Legitimacy. Pointing to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Jen Ruggles says functioning as a County Council member may violate U.S. and international laws. Civil Beat.

Federal Emergency Management Director Brock Long is on the Big Island in the wake of Hurricane Lane. Meanwhile, Hawaii Emergency Management Director Tom Travis said he hopes preliminary figures from the ongoing damage assessment statewide can be tabulated by Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hurricane Lane Cleanup, Damage Assessment Continues. Big Island Video News.

On the heels of the apparent halt of Kilauea’s eruption earlier this month comes more good news for the Big Island: Its emergency shelter population has dwindled. Star-Advertiser.

The emergency evacuation shelter in Pahoa, which opened May 3 as eruption activity started in lower Puna, will close next month. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island hotel performance continues to suffer from Kilauea volcano. Big Island properties reported a 6 percent drop in RevPAR to $183 last month, while ADR remained flat at $247, and occupancy decreased 4.7 percentage points to 74.2 percent. Pacific Business News.

Four deep wells remain offline in North Kona, but repairs are likely to commence on at least one of them in the next two months. West Hawaii Today.

Two rescued Hawaiian monk seal pups weathered Tropical Storm Lane on the Big Island together and are now like siblings, marine experts said. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

'You failed us': West Maui residents feel abandoned by county during fires. Complaints turned into cursing at a community meeting in Lahaina on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Residents pack public meeting on Maui: 'Everyone who lost a house, stand up'. On Maui, firefighters say strong winds from Lane fueled two massive brush fires: one in Lahaina and another in Kaanapali. KHON2.

Planning panel gives blessing to Waikapu Country Town project. Atherton’s 500-acre development calls for 1,500 housing units. Maui News.

County mulls challenge to replace road, culvert. Rain from Lane washes out access to Haiku cul-de-sac. Maui News.

The Maui County Council passed a bill Tuesday that extended a moratorium on sand mining in Central Maui, allowing the county time to complete a study on sand availability and to possibly pass new laws. Maui News.

Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol cadets formed the bulk of a Ground Photography Team working on Maui on Tuesday to gather photographic evidence of the flash-flood impact resulting from Hurricane Lane. Maui Now.

The state will close the Kula Forest Reserve, Waipoli Access Road, Kahikinui Forest Reserve–Papaanui Tract, and Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area for two months beginning on Sept. 4, 2018.  The areas will remain closed through Nov. 2. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Stream Restoration Complicated by Diversion Dependent End Users. For nearly 150 years, fresh water on Kauai has been diverted from streams—first to cultivate sugar cane---and more recently to power hydroelectric plants. Now the state Water Commission is considering reducing the amount of water diverted from two streams flowing from Waialeale. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents on Kauai's north shore assess damage from Lane's heavy rains. KHON2.

Floodwaters wash away foundations in Hanalei again. Garden Island.

A 30-year-old Koloa man died after he jumped into a stream to save a dog during a storm Tuesday, Kauai police said today. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters recovered the body of a 30-year-old Koloa man from Waikomo Stream in Koloa Tuesday afternoon. Police have identified him as Joshua Bradbury. Garden Island.