Showing posts with label Fissure 8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fissure 8. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Hawaii poised to become state with highest income tax, highly infectious COVID-19 variant detected, flood over-tops Maui dam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from video
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino at video press conference

Hawaii lawmakers consider nation’s highest income tax. Hawaii is considering overtaking California as the state with the highest income tax rate in the nation, under legislation slated for a vote this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii Could Lose Access To Next Generation Broadband Internet.
Technological advances allow the next generation of undersea fiber optic cables to traverse the Pacific without stopping in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

House Speaker Seeks Hawaiian Nominees For Mauna Kea Group. The 15-member working group has until December to come up with a new management structure for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive over $6.1B in federal funds. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed Saturday by the Senate and poised for imminent passage in the House will provide over $6.1 billion in estimated funding for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Convention Center charges state millions for unemployment call center. Hawaii lawmakers are looking to expand the governor’s powers to assume control over any state facility during an emergency and not have to worry about paying rent to the agency that controls it. Star-Advertiser.

South Africa COVID-19 Variant Detected On Oahu. A new COVID-19 strain originating in South Africa that is both highly contagious and able to evade antibodies was detected in an Oahu resident, state health officials announced Monday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: ‘Vaccine passport’ program unlikely until May.
Vaccinated travelers could be exempt from COVID-19 travel restrictions by May, said Gov. David Ige on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Resolutions urge Ige to ease travel quarantine on vaccinated persons. A pair of resolutions will be introduced today by state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, an Oahu Democrat, that would ease travel restrictions in Hawaii for vaccinated individuals. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Hawaii plans brand-specific vaccination sites to allow people to pick their shot. People getting vaccinated could soon have the option to pick which brand of COVID shot they want. Hawaii News Now.

March 8, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 45 additional COVID-45 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 21 on O‘ahu, 11 on Maui, 10 on Hawai‘i Island, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Feds Examining Honolulu Police CARES Spending On ATVs, Robot Dog. The Honolulu Police Department is facing questions from the federal government about its spending of millions of dollars of pandemic relief funds on ATVs, pickup trucks and a robot dog. Civil Beat.

Free COVID-19 tests offered for Oahu restaurant workers. Honolulu’s restaurant workers will be able to take a free COVID-19 test starting today. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

There Are 10 Community Gardens On Oahu. None Of Them Are On The Westside. Unequal access to community gardens has some people calling for a revamp of the decades-old program. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Governor approves Roth’s emergency rule amendments. Gov. David Ige approved COVID-19 emergency rule amendments for the Big Island signed into effect Monday by Mayor Mitch Roth, which ease certain restrictions. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Ahu‘aila‘au proposed for county land buy: Neighbors seek purchase of ’Fissure 8’ with PONC funds. Neighbors of Puna’s internationally famous “Fissure 8” want the still smoldering volcanic vent preserved for future generations, and they’re asking a county land-buying commission to purchase it using taxpayer money. West Hawaii Today.

Another push for a new hospital in North Kona. Legislators are pushing forward the conversation about constructing a new hospital in North Kona with a pair of resolutions requesting the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation conduct a feasibility study. West Hawaii Today.

Three Finalists For Hawaiʻi County Seat On UH Board Of Regents. Wayne S. Higaki, Peter S. Hoffmann, and Eric S. Takamura are the names of the candidates, one of whom will fill the five-year appointment beginning on July 1. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Flash flood warning expires for heavily-soaked Maui, but threat of torrential rain continues.  Evacuation orders stretched into the night for Haiku residents who fled the life-threatening flooding downstream of the Kaupakalua Dam. Hawaii News Now.

Overtopping dam spurs evacuation in Maui’s Haiku area. Nearly 14 inches of rain Monday led to the overtopping of the Kaupakalua Reservoir and Dam, forcing the evacuation of some 150 downstream homes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

State issued notice of deficiency to Kaupakalua Dam last year. The Kaupakalua Dam is one of the oldest agricultural dams and was built more than a hundred years ago. KHON2.

Hana Highway reopens though extreme caution still urged.
The heaviest of showers are slowly subsiding on Maui, though some emergency closures and operations are still in place. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Outreach at ‘Anini; community faces ouster. Thinking about where to go once the ‘Anini Beach Park closes to the houseless community in less than a month has been stressful for Ceci Lindsey. Garden Island.

DOE announces 4th quarter school schedules. The Kaua‘i Complex Area Department of Education Office announced the Kaua‘i revisions of school learning models will cover the fourth quarter that runs from March 22 through May 28. Garden Island.


Friday, December 27, 2019

Two-month truce on Mauna Kea, tour helicopter missing off Kauai, new Oahu vacation rental form spurs more complaints, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Mauna Kea scene showing road-blocking tent in July, 2019. ©2019 All Hawaii News
Officials reach a truce with Mauna Kea protesters. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has struck a deal with the protesters on Mauna Kea, with Kim pledging there will be no construction activity by the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea and no police action to clear out the protesters during January and February provided the protesters move off Mauna Kea Access Road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County, TMT Protesters Agree To Clear The Road To Mauna Kea. Activists will move their encampment off the mountain’s access road in exchange for a county promise not to start more work on the telescope until February. Civil Beat.

Protesters, Kim reach agreement to reopen Maunakea Access Road. For the first time since July, demonstrators opposing the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope will vacate the Maunakea Access Road, thanks to an agreement with Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Summit Road Closed Ahead Of Clearing It To Open Access. Hawaii County is temporarily closing the Mauna Kea Access Road on Hawaii Island until Saturday as the road is cleared and made completely accessible to the public, Mayor Harry Kim announced Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

TMT opponents are declaring Thursday's agreement a victory. Thirty Meter Telescope opponents have agreed to move the kupuna tent to the side and allow full public access on the Mauna Kea Access Road, at least for the next two months, as the planned observatory project has no immediate plans to start construction on the mountain. Big Island Video News.

In major deal, TMT protesters agree to temporarily clear Mauna Kea Access Road. Thirty Meter Telescope protesters say they’ve agreed to move their “kupuna tent” from Mauna Kea Access Road until February under a deal with Hawaii County. But they stressed they’re not leaving their encampment ― or the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

Under agreement with protectors, Mayor Kim announces temporary closure of Maunakea Access Road. Mayor Harry Kim announced on Thursday that the Maunakea Access Road is temporarily closed to the public as the road is being cleared to make it completely accessible to the public. KHON2.

Kia‘i to Move off Road, Remain on Maunakea. Kia‘i, or the self-dubbed protectors of Maunakea, on Thursday responded to an offer from Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim proposing both sides of the Thirty Meter Telescope dispute stand down through the end of February. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii Doctor Shortage Persists But More Training Programs Could Help. Hawaii is gaining doctors, but not enough to keep up with the patient demand, according to a University of Hawaii report on the state’s continuing physician shortage. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Bill Aims to Require Invasive Species Screenings For All Hawaiʻi-Bound Cargo, Baggage. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) recently introduced a bill to require that all baggage and cargo transporting into Hawai’i by air or sea be inspected for invasive species and high-risk agricultural materials. Maui Now.

Hawaii is almost certain to pass the 10M visitors mark by the end of 2019. The number of visitors to Hawaii grew 4% in November compared to the year before. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Gets 40 Complaints On Possible Illegal Rentals As Online Tip Form Launches. Honolulu officials have received 40 complaints of suspected illegal short-term rentals this week, most of them in Kailua. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Launches Online Short-Term Rental Complaint Form. It was mandated by a new law that Honolulu officials expect will increase violation notices. Civil Beat.

With over 17K firecracker permits sold on Oahu, HFD reminds public of laws and safety on New Year’s Eve. Sales of firecrackers on Oahu began Thursday and so far 17,804 firecracker permits have been issued, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. Star-Advertiser.

The Future Of Koko Crater Stables Remains In Limbo. It’s still not clear who will run the island’s last remaining public equestrian center long-term — or whether they’ll even stay in existence. Civil Beat.

Some Kipapa Gulch residents blame development next door for heavy flooding. Some people KITV4 spoke with say they've lived there for more than 30 years and it was the worst flooding they've ever seen. KITV.

Hawaii Island

County considering Naalehu Theater gift. It’s a gift Hawaii County isn’t sure quite what to do with. The Naalehu Theater, a colorful Art Deco landmark built in 1940 along Mamalahoa Highway in Naalehu, needs a lot of TLC. West Hawaii Today.

State deploys new tactic in bid to get suit over Peter Boy Kema’s death tossed. The state appears to be relying on a technicality in a bid to avoid a civil lawsuit over the death of Peter Kema, Jr., known as Peter Boy. Hawaii News Now.

Fissure 8 names to be mulled next month. The question of what to call the most prominent remaining feature from the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption will not be answered for several more months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Partnership Aims to Increase Understanding of Marine Ecosystems. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council has launched a new partnership with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, located in Kihei. Maui Now.

Two visitor reports show strong November for Maui County. County led the state in revenue per room, average daily rate. Maui News.

Kauai

Coast Guard searching off Kauai for overdue tour helicopter with 7 people aboard. Coast Guard crews are searching by air and in the water for an overdue helicopter with seven people aboard that failed to return from a tour off Kauai’s Na Pali coast. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard searching for overdue helicopter off Kauai. The Coast Guard is searching tonight for a tour helicopter overdue on Kauai with seven people aboard. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard searching for overdue tour helicopter on Kauai, 7 on board. The Coast Guard is searching for seven people overdue aboard a tour helicopter on Kauai, Thursday. KITV.

Coast Guard searching for tour helicopter off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. The Coast Guard is searching for seven people overdue aboard a tour helicopter on Kauai, Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai visitors spend $1.7B. The tourism industry held steady statewide and on Kauai in November, according to the latest report from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Garden Island.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Elections officials update legislators on all-mail voting, term limits sought for Honolulu prosecutor, Kauai councilman indicted on felonies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii ballot testing ©2019 All Hawaii News
Hawaii election officials to ask voters to update signatures for vote-by-mail. Election officials will soon invite more than 760,000 registered voters to update their signatures on file with the county clerks as part of the preparations for Hawaii’s new all-mail voting system, lawmakers were told Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

How The Counties Are Preparing For All-Mail Voting. The state will switch to an all-mail voting system for the 2020 elections. Civil Beat.

Election officials iron out changes to voting system. Elections officials say next year’s voting results could take even longer to verify. That’s because it’s the first year nearly all the ballots will be sent by mail. Hawaii News Now.

Lingering concerns as state pushes forward with mail-in voting. Next year’s election will be the first time a statewide election will be done by mail. Lawmakers met with elections officials Wednesday to see how the process is going. KHON2.

Ready for voting by mail? Hawaii County Clerk Jon Henricks told state legislators Wednesday that the county will have a high-speed ballot sorting machine by February, which he said will give Hawaii Island elections workers “plenty of time” to prepare for the new voting-by-mail system that will be in place for the 2020 primary and general elections. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii state pension fund begins fiscal year with a gain. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund has started off its new fiscal year on a positive note amid the ongoing U.S.-Chinese trade war and global uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The strange lights returned to Hawaii skies. The lights are believed to be part of SpaceX’s Starlink Mission which is made up of dozens of mini satellites. The goal of the project is to provide high-speed broadband internet across the globe. Hawaii News Now.

Bankruptcy not expected to affect Meadow Gold. Hawaii’s supply of milk isn’t expected to be affected by Tuesday’s move by the owner of Meadow Gold filing bankruptcy.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii home sales to foreign buyers drop in first half of 2019. The number of homes and condominiums in Hawaii sold to buyers from Japan declined by 15% during the first half of 2019, but the total dollar volume of those sales dropped by 31%, as overall sales volume for foreign buyers fell by 27%, according to data from Title Guaranty. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Resolution seeks to limit years Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney can serve. Right now, there’s no limit, but Honolulu City Council Member Ron Menor wants to change that to two consecutive four-year terms, like the mayor and city council members.  KHON2.

Mo'ili'ili community frustrated over returning homeless camp. It's been 2 weeks since the city of Honolulu did a sweep of a homeless encampment along the Manoa-Palolo Drainage Canal but residents said it has not stopped the homeless from coming back. KITV.

Robbery Suspect Fatally Shot In Fifth Honolulu Officer-Involved Shooting Of The Year. Honolulu police officers shot about 20 rounds at the 30-year-old man as he was driving his car toward them, the Honolulu police chief said. Civil Beat.

Lauren Bruner to be last crew member interred on USS Arizona. More than 900 men who perished when a 1,760-pound Japanese armor-piercing bomb found its mark, igniting a million pounds of gunpowder, were never recovered from the battleship. Star-Advertiser.

USS Boxer group with 4,500 sailors and Marines arrive at Pearl Harbor for port call. The USS Boxer amphibious ready group and more than 4,500 sailors and Marines pulled into Pearl Harbor Wednesday for a port visit following a six-month deployment which included downing an Iranian drone that military officials said was “threatening the safety” of the Boxer in the Strait of Hormuz. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

FEMA deadline expires. While the deadline to apply for a federal program providing individual assistance to Kilauea eruption victims has passed, other programs continue to provide support for those affected by last year’s disaster. Tribune-Herald.

Effort to name Kilauea eruption spot fissure 8 nears completion. A Hawaiian volcano deity whose name means “forest eater” is among 17 public suggestions submitted to a state board to become the official name of the most prominent source of lava during last year’s eruption of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea activists ‘hope for the best and prepare for the worst’. As the protest at Mauna Kea heads into its fifth month, the encampment has become like a small town including everything from decontamination supplies to county crossing guards. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Commission wants affordable housing from hotel developers. Members provide comments on draft EIS for Windward Hotel. Maui News.

Wildfire and Sediment: Addressing Two of the Biggest Threats to Maʻalaea Bay. A unique pilot project on Maui will use oysters to filter water at Maʻalaea Bay in an attempt to improve water quality at the location. Maui Now.

Haleakala looks into electric bike policy. Haleakala National Park is considering a new policy that would allow the use of electric bikes on all roads where traditional bicycles are currently permitted, park spokesperson Jin Prugsawan said Tuesday. Maui News.

Fighting To Save This Rare Maui Forest Bird From Extinction. A team of biologists brought 13 critically endangered Maui parrotbills to the other side of Haleakala to save the species from extinction. But less than a month later, only three birds have survived. Civil Beat.

Avian malaria suspected cause of kiwikiu deaths. Officials hopeful that remaining birds will survive in reserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Councilmember charged. Kauai County Councilmember Arthur Brun was indicted Wednesday on felony charges for allegedly running from police during a traffic stop two weeks ago and hitting an officer with his car in the process. Garden Island.

Kauai Springs back in business. A family-owned water-bottling company in Koloa may have won its 13-year legal battle with the county Planning Commission. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Hawaii requires HPV and other new vaccines, Amemiya announces Honolulu mayoral bid, names narrowed for Fissure 8, dead horse removed from Kauai beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ala Moana Beach Park ©2019 All Hawaii News
Ala Moana Sand Replenishment Will Kill Sand-Dwelling Creatures, Researchers Say. The only question is how fast populations will recover, one researcher said. Civil Beat.

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Students will have to meet new vaccine requirements next school year. Hawaii students will have to meet new immunization requirements in the upcoming school year, including showing evidence of having received the HPV vaccine by the time they enter seventh grade, the state Health Department announced. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health updates school vaccine requirements. For the first time in nearly two decades, the state Department of Health has updated its vaccine requirements for students. Tribune-Herald.

New shots required for new school year – from preschool through college. Starting next school year, kids will need additional immunizations. KHON2.

DOH to require Hawaii students obtain additional vaccinations. Starting July 2020, the State Department of Health is requiring all students undergo additional immunization requirements which includes all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. KITV.

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Gabbard falling short in polls for third round of debates. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is on the verge of not qualifying for the third Democratic primary debate next month, putting at risk her campaign for the presidency. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard to return to campaign trail after National Guard training. After a two-week break from the presidential campaign trail, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is expected to return on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Congressman Ed Case to hold press conference on tour helicopter legislation. Congressman Ed Case will hold a press conference on Wednesday, August 28th, to discuss details of his proposed federal legislation to regulate commercial tour aircraft. KHON2.

Southwest’s interisland expansion is pau for now. Southwest Airlines will have completed its anticipated build-out of neighbor island flights come January with the carrier’s next big Hawaii growth spurt expected to focus on new trans-Pacific service. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Amemiya announces run for Honolulu mayor. Former Hawaii High School Athletic Association Executive Director Keith Amemiya announced his run for the Honolulu 2020 mayor’s race, emphasizing the need to restore trust in government and improve conditions for the public. Star-Advertiser.

‘Stop The Scandals’: Businessman Keith Amemiya Says He’s Running For Mayor. Amemiya is getting out ahead of what could be a crowded field for Honolulu’s top job. Civil Beat.

Business executive throws his name in the race for Honolulu mayor. Surrounded by supporters Wednesday, Keith Amemiya announced his bid for Honolulu Mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Keith Amemiya to run for mayor. From high school sports to city hall Honolulu businessman Keith Amemiya announced Tuesday, he’s running for mayor. KHON2.

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USS Arizona Memorial repairs near completion. The long wait for the USS Arizona Memorial to reopen to walk-on visits is ending soon, with a new anchoring system drilled firmly into the seafloor to keep a formerly wayward floating access dock in place, officials say. Star-Advertiser.

City Leaders: Plans For Rail Work Along Dillingham ‘Not Acceptable’. Impacts to businesses and homes near the narrow, busy street could be severe. City leaders say HART still hasn’t sufficiently prepared for that. Civil Beat.

Could changing lifeguard schedules save more lives? Honolulu Councilmember says yes. New bill would establish a program to provide extended lifeguard services at all city beach parks and state parks that are currently monitored by lifeguards. KITV.

YMCA investing $1.5M to give new life to a Honolulu park once a source of concern. For years, downtown residents have complained that Kamamalu Park was a magnet for the homeless and drug use in a neighborhood surrounded by schools and businesses. Hawaii News Now.

UH students protest TMT in campus sit-in. University of Hawaii-­Manoa students opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope have launched a sit-in at the Bachman Hall administration building, demanding that the university drop its support for the controversial $1.4 billion astronomy project. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu police officer gets probation in sex assault of 5-year-old girl. Deputy Prosecutor Loren Haugen said in state court today that he offered fired Honolulu police officer Teddy Van Lerberghe a plea deal in the sexual assault case against him involving a victim who was 5-year-old when the sexual assaults started because that’s what the victim wanted. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Kim Asked For One Month Delay Just Before TMT Construction Start. Mayor Harry Kim wrote to Governor David Ige, asking him to delay the July 15th start date, three days before, a document shows. Big Island Video News.

Narrowing down names for fissure 8. The question of what to name fissure 8 will move closer to an answer next month at a public meeting where community members can discuss 21 proposed names for the landmark. Tribune-Herald.

State releases updated list of potential names — and meanings — for Fissure 8. State officials are hoping to narrow down the choices for a new name for the mountainous remains of the volcanic Fissure 8. Hawaii News Now.

Puakea Guest Ranch Publishes Draft EA For Special Permit. Owners of Puakea Ranch are planning to increase vacation rental occupancy on the site, which is listed on the State Register of Historic Places. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County looks to cut permitted business at Kamehameha Iki Park. With eight operators, beach park already over two-permit limit. Maui News.

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Maui Officer Placed on Leave Without Pay, Released on Bail. Maui Police Officer Brandon Saffeels has been placed on leave without pay and his police authority has been restricted. Maui Now.

Maui police seek to restore trust after officer accused of ‘repulsive acts’ is charged. Officer Brandon Saffeels, 34, was released on $50,000 bail Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui police release officer accused of inappropriate conduct, abuse of authority. Maui police released this afternoon a police officer, who was arrested Monday night at Kahului Airport, after posting $50,000 bail. Star-Advertiser.

Maui police officer released after posting bail. Last week the department was made aware of the allegations and said it obtained text messages and voice recordings supporting them. KITV.

At least three women accuse Maui police officer of abusing his power. KHON2.

Maui Mayor Condemns Police Misconduct After Charges Filed in Officer's Attempted Perjury Case. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Tuesday condemned police misconduct after an officer was arrested on charges stemming from a woman's complaint that he contacted her after arresting her in a DUI case and suggested he could help her out. Hawaii Public Radio.

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2 different pest infestations found at retail center on Maui. Another food establishment on Maui has closed down because of a roach infestation. KHON2.

Kauai

Horse removed from beach. A horse carcass has been removed from the shoreline at Aliomanu, thanks to a little lime from County of Kauai and workers hired by locals. Garden Island.

Friday, July 5, 2019

NOAA to survey coral reefs, lawmakers mull veto overrides, Honolulu rail project leaks leaders, Maui rejects affordable housing plan, names proposed for Fissure 8, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Coral reef with wrasse ©2019 All Hawaii News
NOAA To Assess Reefs for Coral Bleaching, Map Sea Floor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will set sail on the research vessel Oscar Elton Sette Tuesday to search the waters around the Hawaiian Islands for coral bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

Spikes in bacteria at Hawaii beaches raise concern. In this summer of record heat and rain, beachgoers might want to do a water-quality check before diving in. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative Leaders Counting Votes In Case They Try To Override Vetoes. There’s no solid plan for a special session Monday, but a Senate memo lists measures lawmakers may try to enact even if Gov. David Ige rejects them. Civil Beat.

Community activists urge governor to allow real estate tax bill to become law. Community activists paid Gov. David Ige a surprise visit at the State Capitol on Wednesday, urging him not veto a bill that would tax some of Hawaii’s largest landowners. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘It’s A Struggle’: Rail Project Loses More Top Deputies At A Crucial Time. Key personnel continue to leave the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation as rail construction nears its most critical crossroads. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Suspends Ex-Prosecutor's Law License. The Hawaii Supreme Court is suspending the law license of a former high-powered Honolulu prosecutor after a U.S. jury convicted her of conspiracy. Associated Press.

Katherine Kealoha mingles with fellow inmates at Federal Detention Center. Katherine Kealoha, the former deputy prosecutor- turned-convicted-felon, has been moved out of a segregated cell into the general population at the Federal Detention Center, where she has her Bible and rosary beads but still has not seen her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor’s Safe House For Abuse Victims To Close As Questions Swirl. The City Council cut funding for the facility, a favored project of the Honolulu prosecutor, and now it faces allegations of civil rights abuses from residents. Civil Beat.

City denies retaliating against safe house residents and workers. The city has retaliated against residents and employees of a controversial “safe house” for victims of domestic violence after they spoke to government investigators looking into public corruption, according to the American Civil Liberties Union and an attorney with knowledge of the situation. Star-Advertiser.

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Kawaiahao Church members try to right 27 desecrated graves. Nanette Napolean, historian and cemetery expert, guided Kawaiahao Church members and volunteers as they righted the heavy headstones toppled some time early Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Test finds E. coli bacteria in Windward Oahu drinking water source. On Wednesday, the Board of Water Supply announced that a drinking water sample from BWS Waihee Tunnel, which serves Windward Oahu from Kahana to Waimanalo, has tested positive for the presence of E. coli bacteria. Star-Advertiser.

Weather, increased enforcement may have sunk ‘Floatilla’. The Fourth of July “Floatilla” off Waikiki that caused major headaches for ocean safety officials in recent years failed to materialize Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The deadline to submit possible names for fissure 8 has passed, with a total of 20 proposed monikers submitted. The state Board of Geographic Names began soliciting proposed names for fissure 8, one of the most prominent landmarks formed from the 2018 Kilauea eruption, from the general public last year.  Tribune-Herald.

The county is moving forward with plans for a popular Kona beach park, but there’s still a long road ahead. A month after the Department of Parks and Recreation set a May 31 deadline for comments on plans to implement preservation recommendations at Laaloa Beach Park, the agency said it’s now working to compile that data for the State Historic Preservation Division. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Chair Retires After 20 Years of Service. Reeve N. “Bob” Williams, Lt. Col, US Army retired, was presented a memorial plaque from the Board of Director’s at a dinner held June 22, 2019. Big Island Now.

Maui

Affordable project fails in committee. Councilors vote against Launiupoko developments with 96-workforce units. Maui News.

Schatz Discusses Climate Change, Appropriations at Maui Town Hall. US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii held a town hall meeting on Maui on Tuesday afternoon at Kahului Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Money for maintenance. With many of Hawaii’s most popular trails seeing record numbers of hikers, Hawaii Tourism is providing $530,000 to the DLNR Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Little League world champs hailed in Honolulu, lawsuit filed against property tax ballot initiative, the rain from Lane continues to flood state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy governor's office
Gov. David Ige greets Little League world champs at Honolulu airport, courtesy photo
The Little League World Series champs from Honolulu landed Monday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to a hero’s welcome and were praised by Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell for representing their state with humility and sportsmanship during their undefeated run in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Star-Advertiser.

Crowds, cheers welcome Hawaii's Little League World Series champions at airport. KHON2.

Lawsuit Aims To Stop Proposed Ballot Measure On Education Funding. Honolulu’s city attorney says the ballot title misleads voters on a proposed constitutional amendment. Civil Beat.

Why Progressives In Blue Hawaii Face An Uphill Battle. Five of 14 candidates backed by progressive political organizations survived the Aug. 6 primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii schools launch mass texting program for parents. About 200 schools across the Aloha State use SchoolMessenger to communicate important information such as school closures and safety alerts. Hawaii News Now.

The most serious hurricane threat to Hawaii in 26 years brought something else with it — unprecedented cooperation between government agencies and the private industries that help keep the islands running, those involved in the response say. Civil Beat.

Stores discourage hurricane returns. Some retailers took pre-emptive measures to avoid a flood of returns following the rush to buy water and other hurricane-related supplies as Hurricane Lane approached the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Endangered Snails Were Rescued Amid The Threat of Lane. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Heavy rain on Oahu triggers flash flood warning, road closures. Deep tropical moisture associated with Tropical Depression Lane is triggering heavy rain and flooding across Oahu on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply on Monday unanimously gave a final OK to a five-year rate hike schedule that increases water bills for most of its residential users while keeping rates about the same for those who use the bare minimum. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is expected to announce a decision this week on where to locate a replacement for the Oahu Community Correctional Center, after signing off on the $525 million project’s final environmental impact statement. Pacific Business News.

Halawa Correctional Facility Warden and Oahu Community Correctional Center Chief of Security named. The Department of Public Safety (PSD) announced the promotion of Scott Harrington as warden for the Halawa Correctional Facility and Thomas Evans as the Oahu Community Correctional Center chief of security, effective September 4. KHON2.

Construction of the Joint Management Center in Honolulu is back on. The project abruptly stopped on July 9th after the City issued a Notice of Termination for Watts Construction for failing to fix numerous issues outlined in a warning letter written in February. KITV.

Hurricane Lane dumped record amounts of rainfall on the Big Island and parts of Maui but spared most of Oahu.  But, public utility and city leaders aren’t waiting for another close call. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents’ response to Lane was boom or bust for many businesses. Hawaii didn’t take a direct physical hit from Hurricane Lane, which was downgraded to a tropical storm Friday, but it did dampen performance for some businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Glitzy New Driving Range Proposal At Ala Wai Worries The Regulars. Lounges and microchip balls: The city hopes a public-private partnership will re-energize its golf course. Civil Beat.

The trustee of Abigail Kawananakoa’s $215 million estate has asked a judge to appoint a guardian ad litem for the aging heiress because he believes she is not able to make sound decisions about her ongoing court battle. Civil Beat.

Fighting To Save The Crumbling Koko Crater Trail. A group of devoted hikers is hauling bricks up the steep trail to rebuild crumbling steps. Now they want the city to help. Civil Beat.

They hoped it would be their field of dreams. Instead, it's a dust bowl. Ewa Mahiko District Park's football field is mostly dirt and uneven footing. Hawaii News Now.

Loyal patrons returned to Wailana Coffee House on Sunday to savor their foreshortened time with the modest, Polynesian-themed restaurant, which will soon become a wistful memory. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim told department heads and emergency workers Monday he intends preliminary assessment of the damage done by former Hurricane Lane to be completed expeditiously. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Visitor Information Station to be closed Sundays. The Maunakea Visitor Information Station was closed Sunday and will be closed on Sundays for the foreseeable future as skyrocketing visitor rates overwhelm the facility. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Geological Survey detected a glow coming from deep within the fissure 8 cone Saturday morning, but the glow was no longer observed during Monday morning’s overflight. Star-Advertiser.

No Incandescent Lava Seen In Fissure 8, But Lots Of Steam. Big Island Video News.

National Park Service law enforcement cited 11 people Saturday after they were found illegally entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Woman charged with felony after trying to remove child from school. West Hawaii Today.

Some Waikoloa Village residents will be forced to evacuate their homes over a period of multiple days in September as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hunts for unexploded ordnance in neighborhoods around the village. West Hawaii Today.

Keala Kawaauhau, a member of the seminal Hawaiian rap group Sudden Rush, Hawaiian activist and longtime Hilo morning radio personality died in his sleep Monday. He was 47. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thyne chosen new Maui fire chief. David Thyne, a veteran of more than 30 years with the Maui Fire Department, was selected Monday to be the new fire chief. Maui News.

Maui News, DOH clash over release of reports. Judge to decide whether to make public crash case psychiatric assessment findings. The Maui News is supporting and the state health director is opposing the unsealing of court psychiatric reports that led to the acquittal by reason of insanity of a woman who had been charged with murder in a fatal traffic crash. Maui News.

Maui developer Waikapu Development Venture is asking the Maui County Council to fasttrack an 80-unit workforce housing project in Wailuku. Pacific Business News.

Some Upcountry Maui residents remain stranded by giant sinkhole. What used to be the center of Puu Way is now 20 feet below ground level. KHON2.

Heavy flooding is being reported around Maui including parts of Makawao and Wailuku this afternoon. Maui Now.

Ports open but items missing from store shelves. Barge on the way, but no Costco chicken. Maui News.

Kauaula Valley fire victims have one goal: rebuild. Residents grateful for the generosity shown from across the island. Maui News.

Conditions “Unprecedented” in Battling West Maui Fires During Hurricane Warning. Maui Now.

Mauna Kea hearing on Maui planned for Sept. 28. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai highway, school closed as heavy rains drench the island. The National Weather Services said a rain gauge in Hanalei showed rain rates over 4 inches an hour as moisture from Tropical Storm Lane continues to soak parts of the state. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore faces more flooding. It felt like Hurricane Lane skipped Kauai at first. As it turned out, we aren’t out of the woods yet. Garden Island.

Many hoping for strong turnout in general election. The percentage of registered voters on Kauai may have increased in this year’s primary election, but compared with the 2014 election, the number of those who cast ballots decreased. Garden Island.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tulsi for president? Plus, Hawaii braces for Hurricane Lane, elections lawsuit filed, community colleges get good grade, Fissure 8 shows new lava life, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard campaigning in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News
Gabbard’s Climate Stance Gets Her Listed As A Presidential Contender. An environmental publication lumped the Hawaii congresswoman into a field of possible Democratic challengers to President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii and Maui counties as Hurricane Lane continues barreling toward the state as a powerful Category 4 storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane watch issued for Maui, Big Isle; Lane remains a Category 4 storm. Star-Advertiser.

Cat 4 Lane expected to make turn toward Hawaii, hurricane watch issued for Hawaii, Maui Counties. KHON2.

The time to prepare for Hurricane Lane is now. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips and Checklists. Maui Now.

Luke P. Meyers, a Certified Emergency Manager who most recently served in a variety of posts in the Pacific Northwest, has joined the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency as Executive Officer, announced HI-EMA Administrator Tom Travis. Garden Island.

Elections Suit Accuses State Lawmaker Of Voter Fraud And Intimidation. The complaint is premised, in part, on a surge of last-minute absentee ballots that pushed Rep. Romy Cachola of Kalihi to a 51-vote primary victory. Civil Beat.

How This Political Rookie, 72, Pulled Off A Big Senate Upset. Sharon Moriwaki beat state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria by 20 percentage points in a district full of high-rise condos. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s community college system was ranked in the top 20 of WalletHub’s 2018 list, placing 15th. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

With Hurricane Lane forecast this week to follow a Hurricane Iniki-like path toward the Hawaiian islands, Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants residents and visitors to keep track of Lane’s progress. Star-Advertiser.

The costs to ride TheBus and TheHandi-Van would go up in most categories under a proposal now before the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

The city’s “Complete Streets” program is hosting a public meeting on Aug. 29 on three, new bikeways proposed for portions of S. King, Punchbowl, and Bishop streets in downtown Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Heat causes thousands of fish to suffocate in golf course ponds. KHON2.

Construction of the Ke Kilohana condominium tower in Kakaako has reached its high point, 43 stories, or roughly 400 feet above ground. Star-Advertiser.

The Howard Hughes Corp. has topped off the 43-story Ke Kilohana mixed-use tower, the developer’s mostly workforce condominium project at Ward Village. Pacific Business News.

Condominium resales in the Ala Moana-Kakaako area, where new buildings have added hundreds of new units over the past couple of years, rose by 34 percent last month as the median price declined by 12 percent, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noticed something at the Fissure 8 vent on Monday that may be a sign the eruption of Kilauea is not completely finished. Big Island Video News.

Even with a $4 million hit from Puna property tax revenues swallowed by the lava flow, the County Council is about to approve a bill effectively setting the annual budget at a historic high, thanks to a general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

The warden and supervisor at Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island are being charged with theft by the state attorney general’s office. Tribune-Herald.

State transportation officials are assessing safety concerns at a popular West Hawaii lava tube — Huehue — that sits just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

A gate to limit vehicular access and restrictions on snow play are among the proposals found in a set of rules being offered up for the summit of Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Maui


Residents, County Council members and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Monday criticized a project in Honuaula that residents say did not undergo proper archaeological review and only came to light when the process of grading and grubbing began. Maui News.

A total of 27,749 procedures worth $1.6 million took place during the Tropic Care clinics, according to Washington Air National Guard Capt. Hans Zeiger, public affairs officer for Tropic Care Maui County, who called it a “tremendous success.” Maui News.

The Royal Canadian Navy crew members could have spent their day off at the beach — instead, they chose to come to Hospice Maui to help clear the property and deliver a $10,000 check to the Wailuku nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

People were scrambling in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Lane Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

The Department of Public Works is announcing that fencing will be installed in the vicinity of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei this week to secure the construction site, as crews begin repairs of the area damaged by the April flood. Garden Island.

The National Wildlife Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture has provided the Department of Land and Natural Resources with a final report of its monitoring efforts relating to the presence of diphacinone, an anticoagulant rodenticide, used as part of an effort to restore native species habitat on Lehua Island. Garden Island.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has received a final report from The National Wildlife Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture of the ecological effects of diphacinone, an anticoagulant rodenticide, used as part of an effort to restore native species on Lehua Island. Maui Now.

Pono Home, with funding and support from Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and the County of Kauai, will be offering free home efficiency services for qualified residents on Kauai this fall. Garden Island.

Hawaii-based energy consulting firm Pono Home will be offering free home efficiency services for qualified residents on Kauai this fall. Pacific Business News.

Kahoolawe

After 32 years, remains of a juvenile humpback whale have been returned to the island of Kahoolawe. Maui Now.