Big bonuses for Hawaii health insurer HMSA amid worker layoffs, what still lives and dies entering Legislature's final week, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HMSA President and CEO Mark Mugiishi

HMSA execs saw big pandemic pay raises as workers lost their jobs. Executives at the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, received hefty pay raises and bonuses during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the company’s board voted to begin compensating itself for the first time in the nonprofit’s history, with its highest paid directors receiving about $100,000 annually beginning in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Green Wanted Tax Relief, Housing and Action On Homelessness. Lawmakers Mostly Agreed. But the "green fee" to slap extra charges on tourists failed, and bills to change the state tax code turned out to be more modest than the governor proposed in January. Civil Beat.

Broad tax relief proposals nixed. Hawaii taxpayers can expect less generous tax relief than proposed earlier this year, under legislation positioned for final votes this week at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Green Fee Proposal Dies At The Last Minute — Again. Hawaii lawmakers opted not to pass what would have been a novel visitor-impact fee during this year’s legislative session, despite broad support for the initiative by local environmental groups and polls showing that most state voters supported it. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Legislature slashes nearly all funding for proposed clean elections program. In a matter of days, Senate Bill 1543 — a bill to promote clean elections through public campaign financing — was transformed from a radical shift in Hawai‘i’s politics to a one-year pilot program to a dead bill with no explanation as to why it died. Garden Island.

Anti-vaping advocates win nine-year battle to tax vape products similar to tobacco. Anti-vaping advocates won a nine-year battle to tax vape products like tobacco — with a 70% surcharge. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless kauhale villages in Hawaii supported at Legislature. The Legislature has backed expanding Gov. Josh Green’s “kauhale” efforts to create permanent villages of tiny homes for homeless people across the islands, along with Hawaii’s first-ever effort to provide affordable rental units for teachers and other public school employees. Star-Advertiser.

Expanded Hawaii preschool subsidies clear major legislative hurdle. A bill to greatly expand access to preschool for Hawaii children by making more and larger state subsidies available, and by allowing families with children as young as 3 to apply, has passed its last major hurdle at the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island Hospitals Are Set To Receive ‘Drastically Needed’ Funding In New State Budget. Hawaii lawmakers are steering millions of dollars to facilities on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai for capital improvements. Civil Beat.

Food, agriculture bills appear to fail in final hearing. On the final day to get funding for bills that needed it, some popular food and agriculture bills that had made it through most of the legislative session gantlet didn’t get a hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Are Trying To Make It Safer For Children To Get To School. In response to more than 100 cases of traffic-related fatalities in 2022, many near schools, the Legislature is in the final steps to reestablish the Safe Routes to School Program as a new government initiative called the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee. Civil Beat.

The Problem With Hawaii’s Secret Court Files. In confidential lawsuits, a select few can keep sometimes embarrassing legal disputes hush-hush in ways that experts say may violate the First Amendment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Cockfight Economy Is Worth Millions Of Dollars A Year. Prize-fighting chickens battle for six-figure purses while the sale and export of prize birds is a lucrative business. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council chair Tommy Waters offers budget insights. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed $3.41 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2024 sees a $200 million increase over last year’s city budget, but Waters is questioning whether city officials, including members of the Council, should receive pay raises while thousands of city positions like the 390 unfilled spots on the police force remain vacant. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Blangiardi energized to pursue second term. Taking the oath of office in 2021, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi recently posted he's seeking a second term. KITV4.

Bleachers, no shade in revamped Aloha Stadium plan. Gov. Josh Green’s revamped effort to replace Aloha Stadium is betting that a private developer will help pay for more than an economy-class venue. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless man accused of $737K fraud in COVID-19 relief funds. A homeless man who allegedly founded a diabetes nonprofit, a web company and a crypto currency mining operation to fraudulently obtain $737,802 in Paycheck Protection Program funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds made his initial appearance in federal court Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Drag story hour at park went on as planned despite protest. Tensions flared on Saturday at a Keiki Community Fair at a public park that featured drag performers, but organizers say they considered the event a success despite the controversy. The event was organized by the nonprofit Family Promise of Hawaii, which has helped homeless families and children for almost two decades. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona Coffee Farmers, ABC Stores Settle Labeling Lawsuit For $12 Million. The farmers alleged in early 2019 that more than 20 defendants — including MNS Ltd., which operates ABC Stores — were selling mislabelled ground coffee and beans, claiming they came from Kona.  Civil Beat.

Solemsaas out as HCC chancellor. Hawaii Community College Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas will be stepping down from her role following the spring 2023 semester, citing personal matters on Friday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Staffing shortages leading Big Island public defenders to withdraw from cases. There are 15 public defender positions on Hawai‘i Island — nine in Hilo and six in Kona — and four (26%) are vacant. Two each in Hilo and Kona. Big Island Now.

Groundbreaking and blessing ceremony held for new Koloko Heights project. The Kaloko Heights Affordable Housing Project will feature 99 family units, including 58 3-bedroom units and 41 2-bedroom units, in addition to one 3-bedroom manager’s unit. The 10.75-acre site is located on the Kohala (north) side of Hina Lani Street, approximately 2.3 miles mauka (east) of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Document outlines solutions for Puna’s wastewater. In a draft environmental impact statement published last week, the county Department of Environmental Management explains that there are no wastewater collection or treatment facilities in the district, and there were an estimated 16,000 cesspools in the region discharging more than 8.5 million gallons of sewage daily in 2010. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Committee passes out county budget. The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee passed out a $1.07 billion county budget on Thursday. Maui News.

Treatment of fuel spill area may begin in 2024.  It could be a year before treatment begins on the contaminated soil and cinder from an approximate 700-gallon diesel fuel leak at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex atop Haleakala.  Maui News.

One man dead following officer involved shooting on Molokaʻi. One man is dead after a confrontation with officers on Molokaʻi who were responding to a report of a Temporary Restraining Order violation on Sunday morning. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

State might remove Wailua Dam Reservoir. The Wailua Reservoir Dam was built a century ago to provide water for a thriving sugar industry on Kauai. With the sugar plantations long gone and agriculture on the decline, the reservoir and dam — now run by the state — no longer serve their original purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi utility cooperative’s new $8.5 million Anahola Service Center receives blessing. The facility replaces the Kapa‘a Service Center after more than 60 years of operations.  Kauai Now.

Tough opening quarter for home sales on Kaua‘i. Single-family home sales on Kaua‘i moved at a molasses-like pace in the first quarter of the calendar year, as evidenced by a more than 55 percent drop in transactions when compared with the same period a year ago. Garden Island.

Trump Jones Act waiver could save Hawaii shipping billions, scrambling at state Capitol as legislative session nears end, UH volleyball coach Wade accused of sexual misconduct, Maui mulls $832M budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson shipping courtesy photo

Possible Trump waiver to Jones Act watched closely. The Trump administration is said to be considering a 10-year waiver to the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged vessels to deliver natural gas to Puerto Rico — and possibly nationwide — creating the latest dust-up over the controversial century-old maritime law. Star-Advertiser.

A Flurry Of Deal-Making At The Hawaii Legislature As End Of Session Looms. Stay tuned. More decisions are coming Friday, the deadline for bills to clear conference committee. Civil Beat.

State Senate poised to accept a proposal to allow vacation rental platforms to collect Hawaii taxes. The state Senate appears poised to accept a bill tonight that would authorize vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state, a development that triggered a last-minute lobbying push at the state Capitol today by the hotel industry and the hospitality workers union Unite HERE Local 5 to try to block the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to Expand DUI Law Dies. State lawmakers chose to kill a bill that proposed expanding Hawaii’s impaired driving laws after they failed to reach an agreement on the measure in the waning hours of conference committee hearings Thursday. Civil Beat.

Stricter DUI penalties may be on the horizon. The Legislature is set to pass a bill that would significantly stiffen penalties for drunken driving offenses, including making it a felony if a driver is convicted three times of driving under the influence within 10 years — a charge that carries the possibility of up to five years’ imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agreed to $19.7 million of extra funds for positions and other programs at state departments over the next two fiscal years. The agreement reached Thursday in House Bill 116 is in addition to a $16 billion spending plan lawmakers approved in March. Civil Beat.

=====

Funding passes for multiple construction projects. Hawaii lawmakers unveiled a state construction budget for the next two years that totals more than $3.4 billion in projects to be funded with state, federal and other funds, including injections of funding into affordable housing, airport projects and school construction. Star-Advertiser.

$3.4 billion budget agreed for renovations, repairs, construction, land acquisition statewide. Over $3.4 billion was agreed on by the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Conference Committee today. The bill for the 2020-2021 fiscal years will now move to the full House and Senate for a final vote. KHON2.

House & Senate Committee Agree on $3.4 Billion CIP Budget. The bill now moves to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Big Island Now.

=====

Fight Over Coffee Labeling Stalls at State Capitol. Hawaii’s coffee farmers have failed again to gain additional protections for their crop. Hawaii Public Radio.

Internal affairs case opened after Public Safety’s head trainer accused of puffing up resume. The Public Safety Department has launched an internal investigation the head of training for more than 1,000 deputy sheriffs and corrections officers statewide. Hawaii News Now.

As HMSA Changes Doctors' Pay To Lower Costs, State Isn't Monitoring. Some of Hawaii doctors say they are struggling financially under the Hawaii Medical Service Association's new payment model, arguing it is exacerbating the state's serious physician shortage and extending wait times for patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

The leadership team of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations held a roundtable with Lieutenant Governor Josh Green on April 23, 2019 at the State Capitol. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green asked Hawaiian homeland leaders to identify two sites per island where his office and homestead associations can collaborate to build kauhale, or transitional group homes and affordable rentals. Maui Now.

Ed Case: Some PAC Money Is OK As Long As He Knows Where It’s Coming From. As Democrats renounce corporate PACs, the Hawaii congressman still takes their cash so long as their interests align with his own. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Volleyball Coach Accused Of Sexual Misconduct. A nonprofit organization that investigates sexual misconduct for the U.S. Olympic Committee has been looking into allegations that University of Hawaii men's volleyball coach Charlie Wade engaged in sexual misconduct with a former female player. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii stands by volleyball coach accused of misconduct. The University of Hawaii is standing by volleyball coach Charlie Wade as it reviews allegations of misconduct against him. Star-Advertiser.

'Bows volleyball coach ‘strongly denies’ allegations of sexual misconduct. The head coach of the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team “strongly denies” decades-old allegations of sexual misconduct that have resurfaced in recent days. Hawaii News Now.

UH Manoa responds to allegations against men's volleyball coach. A week ahead of the National Championship tournament, UH men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade is accused of possible misconduct against a female athlete. KHON2.

UH men's volleyball head coach under investigation for sexual misconduct. Trouble for the head coach of the top-ranked UH Manoa men's volleyball team. Charlie Wade's under investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport regarding an allegation of misconduct with a female athlete. KITV.

=====

Cost of repairing convention center’s roof soars to $50M. That’s almost double what Hawaii Tourism Authority had anticipated it would cost to complete the circa-1998 center’s largest deferred maintenance project. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo split over changes to park. Waimanalo residents are being asked to show up at a community meeting tonight to voice support or opposition for athletic fields and other planned improvements at the 75-acre Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwood Forest. Star-Advertiser.

Estranged wife sues Honolulu police officer and HPD. The estranged wife of a Honolulu police sergeant charged with abuse has filed a civil lawsuit against him and the Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Over 8 years, nearly 62,000 more people left Oahu for other counties than came in. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lifeguards have been funded for Kua Bay. Six years after legislators began the effort to bring full-time life-saving personnel to the North Kona state beach known for its beauty and danger, funding was included in the state budget for lifeguards at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Cardiac funding bill stalls. A bill that would further fund Hilo Medical Center’s interventional cardiac program has stalled in the final stages of the legislative process. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects special election. Citing the cost and prospect of a low turnout, the Charter Commission on Thursday rejected the idea of a special election devoted to charter amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Here’s how to watch Merrie Monarch 2019 on air or online. The biggest event in the hula community is here. This week, hula halau across the state will take the stage and compete for top honors in three nights of competition at Merrie Monarch 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council committee releases $832M budget and tax proposals. Budget invests in environmental programs, tourism impacts, is $51M more than mayor’s. Maui News.

Maui County hotels led the state overall in revenue per available room at $337, with an average daily rate of $428 and an occupancy rate of 78.6%. The first quarter of 2019 data was compiled in the latest Hawaii Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tourism takes downward turn. Kauai had 123,730 visitors in March, down 1.3 percent from March 2018. For the first three months of the year, Kauai has welcomed 333,961 visitors, down 1.4 percent from the first three months of 2018. Garden Island.

Public Safety Director Espinda confirmed, no budget surplus tax refunds this year, Maui may withdraw injection well appeal, Kauai officials get raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda, courtesy photo

Hawaii Senate reconfirms Public Safety Department leader Nolan Espinda. Nolan Espinda was confirmed by the Senate to lead Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety for another four years, but he will do so amid numerous internal and external investigations into a recent riot at the Maui jail that took more than three hours to contain, and the fatal shootings of an Oahu jail inmate and homeless man outside the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Senate voted 17-8 on Wednesday to reconfirm Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda for another term. The Senate’s vote came after a tumultuous couple of months for Espinda and his department. Civil Beat.

State Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda was confirmed by the Hawaii Senate Wednesday after critical remarks by several of his opponents. Hawaii Public Radio.

After intense debate, senators vote to reconfirm embattled Public Safety head. Hawaii News Now.

Senate votes to reconfirm Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. KHON2.

=====

Lawmakers decline to issue budget surplus refunds. State lawmakers have decided to make a modest $5 million deposit into the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund instead of issuing taxpayer refunds from the state budget surplus this year. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters, critics of $15 minimum wage make last-minute appeals to lawmakers. The deadline to raising Hawaii’s minimum wage is getting closer and both sides of the debate have strong opinions on the issue. Hawaii News Now.

State To Housing Applicants: Sign Up Online Or Lose Your Spot On Wait List. Nearly 14,000 applicants for public housing in Hawaii must sign up online or risk losing their spot in line for one of about 6,100 federal and state-subsidized low-income housing units. Civil Beat.

Members of AARP urged Hawaii lawmakers to save a bill that would help residents save for retirement. They rallied outside the capitol Wednesday hoping to push Senate Bill 1374, which would create a "Hawaii Saves Retirement Savings Program." KITV.

Lost Your Firearm? You Have To Report It. Hawaii’s governor signed the enabling legislation into law Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Attorney general investigates use of illegal GPS jammers by DOCARE officers. The state Attorney General’s Office is investigating the use of illegal GPS jammers by state conservation officers. Hawaii News Now.

Are Medical Costs Dropping Under HMSA's New Doctor Payment Plan? HMSA now pre-pays primary care doctors with a capped amount per patient. The new system has been in place for two years, and the jury is still out on whether it's met its goal of lowering medical costs and improving the quality of care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu leads state in population loss, Census finds. Honolulu was the biggest population loser over the eight-year period, having posted a net loss of more than 61,700 residents from domestic migration — residents leaving Oahu for other U.S. counties versus newcomers arriving. Star-Advertiser.

A Nonprofit Honolulu Rehab Center Mixes Taxpayer Support With Lavish Pay. The executive director of the nonprofit Sand Island Treatment Center has been paid as much as $500,000 a year — and many counselors make over $100,000 — far in excess of their peers in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Residents run into red tape in push to tackle squatters’ village in Kalihi Valley. Homeless squatters have built a new village in Kalihi Valley, and the city says they can’t evict them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit filed raises allegations of conspiracy and abuse against HPD and several officers. KHON2.

Public input still open for "Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan". The City and County of Honolulu wants to improve pedestrian safety by creating "Oahu's First Pedestrian Plan" to update streets. It's currently taking public feedback of pedestrian areas that need additional safety measures. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

DLNR Chair Gives Pohakuloa, Mauna Kea, TMT Update. During the nomination hearing before the Senate Water & Land Committee, Sen. Kai Kahele asked DLNR chair Suzanne Case for an update on the hot-button land management issues. Big Island Video News.

Council approves software upgrade. The County Council approved a three-year, $320,000 software license Wednesday that the administration said will fix the problem holding up the county’s $2.3 million building permit system as well as improve geographic information systems at the Civil Defense Agency, Mass Transit Agency and other county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Ige Releases $1.9M for New Waikoloa Public Library. Ige released $1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, to buy a 1.750-acre parcel for a new Waikoloa Public Library. Big Island Now.

Maui

Council looks to have final say over injection wells settlement. Chairwoman King wants to see county withdraw appeal from US Supreme Court. Maui News.

Tsuhako approved as housing director. Lori Tsuhako was unanimously approved as director of Housing and Human Concerns on Tuesday by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Kauai

Raises get green light. Raises for some county officials and employees were approved Wednesday. Garden Island.

Homeless camp cleared. In what is the start of an islandwide homeless encampment sweep, government agencies began removing unauthorized property and persons on a parcel of state land along Rice Street Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

Research rockets launched from PMRF. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and Sandia National Laboratories launched two research rockets this week from the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Garden Island.

Szigeti out as tourism chief, 'tough love' for Honolulu homeless, media tour Halemaumau crater as Kilauea eruption persists, US EEOC sues HMSA, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO George Szigeti © 2018 All Hawaii News

The Hawaii Tourism Authority board voted today to fire the agency’s president and CEO George Szigeti without cause. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority leader leaving amid growing scrutiny. The authority's board voted unanimously Thursday to terminate "without cause" George Szigeti, the authority's president and CEO for the past three years. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Tourism Authority leader on contract termination: 'I'm going to respect that decision'. KHON2.

Thursday marked the final Hawaii Tourism Authority board meeting for departing members Denise Yamaguchi, Donna Domingo and Gerald de Mello. Pacific Business News.

=====

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Hawaii Medical Service Association for discriminating against a group of disabled workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest health insurance provider is facing a class-action lawsuit after denying intermittent leave to employees with disabilities without discussing other options. Hawaii News Now.

HMSA, Hawaii's largest medical insurance provider, being sued for denying medical leave to employees. KHON2.

=====

Sex abuse victims from decades ago will have another chance to file claims. Gov. David Ige will not veto Senate Bill 2719, which means it will become law on July 9. Hawaii News Now.

Hirono Bill Aims To Strengthen Unions. Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono was joined by Democratic leaders a day after the Supreme Court ruled against organized labor to try to shore up membership. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC pursues interoperability. During this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise, it’s possible for a Japanese soldier to work for an Australian battalion commander who works for a U.S. Marine Corps commander who works for an Australian task group commander who works for a Chilean maritime component commander. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC 2018 has officially begun — without a familiar face. China was originally invited to the exercise, until the nation militarized contested islands. Hawaii News Now.

25,000 Participants Arriving in Hawaii for 2018 RIMPAC. Maui Now.

Retired Adm. Harry Harris, former head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Oahu, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said. Star-Advertiser.

A new report released today by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism shows that Hawaii’s economy will grow at 1.7% per year between 2016 and 2045. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s economy, measured by real gross domestic product, will grow at 1.7 percent per year between 2016 and 2045, according to a new report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Mayor to introduce 'tough love' bills aimed at getting homeless people off sidewalks. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell Wants To Make Sit-Lie Ban Islandwide At All Hours. The existing bans for sidewalks in business areas are insufficient to address public homelessness, the Honolulu mayor said. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is proposing two new bills that redoubles the city’s efforts to clear the homeless and others off city sidewalks. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is ramping up efforts to clear the homeless from the sidewalks. He's asking the city council to approve to new bills that would expand the sit-lie ban across Oahu. KHON2.

New rules keep affordable housing affordable in Kakaako. KHON2.

Governor Approves HCDA Affordable Housing Rules. Governor David Ige approved new rules today to guide future development in Kakaako. Hawaii Public Radio.

The 15 cent bag fee goes into effect this Sunday. Unless you want to fork over the extra change at check-out, make sure to bring your own bag. KHON2.

There is a proposal to increase fares for the Honolulu city bus and TheHandi-Van. The Honolulu Rate Commission says fares should go up 25 cents in the beginning of next year. KHON2.

The police are offering a different kind of service in Chinatown: Health care. Hawaii News Now.

More enforcement coming to the Fourth of July Waikiki 'floatilla'. KITV.

Former cop admits to staging burglary and burning own car. Former Honolulu police officer Travis E. Copeland pleaded guilty in state court today to two counts of insurance fraud. Star-Advertiser.

Buzz’s Original Steak House in Pearl City will not reopen following a forced shutdown due to health code violations earlier this month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Volcano park’s future 'a huge unknown'. Halemaumau Crater at the Kilauea summit is double its former size and continuing to expand at a rate unseen in modern times, according to scientists who accompanied journalists to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park today. Star-Advertiser.

Summit’s unprecedented change, volcanic activity to engross scientists for years to come. Tribune-Herald.

Inside the park at Waldron Ledge, officials gave a comprehensive update on Kilauea Volcano and the status of the National Park. Big Island Video News.

Drastic changes at summit reshape future of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. KHON2.

Kilauea eruption changes much: landscape, park operation, science's understanding. KITV.

PHOTOS: Take a tour of Kilauea's dramatically changed summit. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Big Isle tourism drop-off raises concerns. Tourism numbers were up statewide in May, but the Hawaii island market is finally showing the softening that the visitor industry has been dreading since the Kilauea eruption began May 3. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island tourism numbers remained reasonable through the month of May, but it will be June and the summer months to follow that tell the tale of Kilauea volcano’s true impact on the county’s most lucrative industry. West Hawaii Today.

Spending increases offset drop in Big Island arrivals last month. Pacific Business News.

Tallying The Growing Cost Of A Multimillion-Dollar Eruption. Taxpayers have spent nearly $10 million, not counting damage to roads and parks. The value of private property lost, damaged or isolated is $372 million. Civil Beat.

Sen. Mazie Hirono successfully included a provision in the 2018 Senate Farm Bill that would allow volcano-impacted farmers to retroactively apply for coverage under the Non-insured Crop Assistance Program. Big Island Now.

Police: Persistent claims about looting are mostly just rumors. Tribune-Herald.

Fresh lava continues to block Kapoho residents from entering their homes. Star-Advertiser.

Mental Health Is Another Casualty In The Ongoing Volcanic Eruption. The state health department is staffing shelters and opening clinics to help people affected by the disaster. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court overturns gag order in case of child who died in foster care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Licensees critical of liquor department, panel. Testifiers cite fear of retribution, changing rule interpretations; audit is underway. Maui News.

Visitors to Maui County spent a total of $403.1 million in May 2018, an increase of 13.7 percent compared to last year, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

With their contract with the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa set to end, union members from Unite Here! Local 5 are joined by retirees and supporters for a sign-waving event along Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina near the Lahaina Cannery Mall on Wednesday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

Tourism reaching new heights on Kauai. Despite a flooding disaster in April that devastated much of Kauai’s North Shore, tourists kept coming. Garden Island.

Resurfacing continues through the summer near the Coco Palms corridor. Garden Island.


Molokai

Molokai residents are on high alert after a coqui frog was discovered in Kalae on June 20. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea spews ash as lava eruptions continue, Legislature mulls special session to help residents in volcano crisis, Akaka to lie in state Friday, Waikiki beachboys don't give up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ash spews from Kilauea volcano PC: J. Wei

Hawaii Legislature might reconvene to address lava crisis. The housing and transportation crisis caused by lava from Kilauea volcano have some state legislators considering a special session to find and fund potential solutions. Tribune-Herald.

As ash billows from summit, geologists say ‘big one’ still possible. An enormous ash cloud towered above Kilauea’s summit Tuesday and dusted downwind communities, but the expulsion was short of the “big one” that could eject boulders inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Plumes of ash shoot miles into air at summit crater, but 'big one' hasn't happened yet. Hawaii News Now.

The Kilauea summit stole the show Tuesday as volcanic activity within Halemaumau Crater launched an ash cloud that sent debris 12,000 feet into the air and prompted warnings for aircraft in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Ashfall Advisory For Kau Lingers Into Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

The number of fissures related to the ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island increased to 20 on Tuesday, while authorities issued an ashfall advisory for a second consecutive day for the area on the island southwest of the volcano's summit amid concerns about air quality. Pacific Business News.

Live webcam photos from Halemaumau Crater at Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser.

Don't believe the rumors, officials say major tsunami 'extremely unlikely'. KHON2.

Eruption-induced tsunami unlikely, experts say. The threat of a deadly tsunami — to residents of Hawaii island and the rest of the state — appears to be the least of the concerns amid eruptions, spewing lava and all of the seismic activity rocking Lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

==More VOLCANO news under Hawaii Island category below==

Late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka to lie in state before private burial. Senator Akaka will lie in state in the Hawaii State Capitol rotunda for 24 hours, from Friday, May 18 at 10 a.m. until Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. KHON2.

Hawaii’s largest public pension fund rode out the recent stock market correction with a 0.7 percent loss in its fiscal third quarter to remain on track to hit its 7 percent investment target for the fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii firearm permits, registrations decreased by over 20 percent in 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Firearms registered statewide dropped nearly 24 percent last year and mirrored national statistics, the state Attorney General’s Office reported Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA loses $17.6M in quarter; Kaiser posts smaller profit. Hawaii Medical Service Association continues to blame its financial losses on the federal Affordable Care Act, which has expanded the number of people with health insurance across the nation. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council leaders have hashed out a plan to cover the city’s $44 million share of rail costs next year, with a budget maneuver they say will spare Oahu from millions of dollars in service cuts and appease the transit project’s federal partners. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail officials explore public-private partnership options for project. Pacific Business News.

Latest city budget draft includes new positions. Funding to hire additional paramedics, firefighters, zoning inspectors and stream cleaners is included in the latest draft of the city’s $2.61 billion operating budget, which was passed Tuesday by the City Council Budget Committee. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Budget Committee Funds Ambulance, Pensacola Bike Lane and DPP Inspectors. The Honolulu City Council conducted a special budget committee meeting on the executive branch financial plan today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supporters of two operators of Waikiki beachboys stands held a peaceful protest this morning after the city ordered them to vacate their concessions. Star-Advertiser.

'We're going to fight': Beach boys defy city's order to leave Kuhio Beach. Hawaii News Now.

East Oahu residents say city failed to document dozens of flood-damaged homes. Hawaii News Now.

Electric scooter rental company Lime continued a fourth day of Honolulu operations with a depleted fleet Tuesday along with a hope that police will stop impounding the vehicles Lime leaves on sidewalks for rent. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of luxury properties on Oahu — defined as single-family homes and condominiums selling for $1.5 million and more — nearly doubled in April, when compared to the same month in 2017, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Ward Village developer breaks ground on central plaza. Star-Advertiser.

Former Delaware death row inmate Isaiah McCoy told a federal judge Tuesday that he will not pursue the insanity defense in his upcoming trial for sex trafficking after all and that he wants the judge, not a jury, to decide his case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Volcano blasts through county budget. It’s all hands on deck during a lava emergency, and there’s plenty of overtime, too. West Hawaii Today.

The Volcano Is Wiping Out Property Values And County Coffers. Losses are mounting in the hundreds of millions of dollars as Kilauea pushes molten lava through neighborhoods. Civil Beat.

Big Island businesses face layoffs, losses as visitor cancellations mount. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: Updates from the Kilauea Volcano eruption. KITV.

DOT: Highway 130 partially reopened past Malama Street. Tribune-Herald.

6 pm Eruption Update: Fissure 6 Near Leilani And Pohoiki Active Again. Big Island Video News.

7 P.M. UPDATE: Civil Defense Update on Kilauea Eruption. Big Island Now.

Displaced residents at Red Cross shelter make do in tents. Star-Advertiser.

As lava destroys Hawaii homes, owners ask, Am I covered? Associated Press.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to approve administrative fines against Henry K. Pomroy, Bill A. Fujimoto and Ho‘okupu Fish Co. LLC, regarding instances of illegal commercial lava boat tours on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Firearm Permits Down 26%, Registrations Drop 27%. Maui Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health has identified a case of mumps in a Maui resident who reportedly traveled to Oahu. Maui Now.

Kauai

The discovery of Rapid Ohia Death on Kauai has kicked up the timing on statewide surveillance efforts, and invasive species groups across the main Hawaiian Islands are increasing the time spent on research into the disease. Garden Island.

Meeting eyes 253-lot subdivision. A program on Kealia Mauka Homesites is on tap for Saturday. Garden Island.

Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall is set to reopen Friday, for limited use. Garden Island.

Flood insurance policy holders impacted by the recent disaster are getting answers about their claims. Garden Island.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson immediately put his hands to work when he landed on Kauai last week, helping with flood relief efforts. Garden Island.

Kauai faith leaders, along with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., met Tuesday afternoon at Aloha Church to unload a gift for flood victims. Garden Island.

Legislative panel grills economists as state surplus grows, Ige hedges re-election bet, Honolulu homeless park-hop, rental prices drop, few appeal property assessments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate and House money committee hearings kickoff Tuesday, courtesy House Democrats

Economists: Financial Challenges Are Looming For Hawaii. Economists caution legislators about the housing shortage, the possibility of lower tax revenue and reduced tourist spending. Civil Beat.

Housing push would boost state’s economy, expert says. If Hawaii were to spur the development of 33,000 additional new homes between now and 2025 to address the state’s housing shortage, that extra economic activity would increase the number of construction jobs by 13 percent and boost the gross state product by more than 0.5 percent, according to a University of Hawaii economist. Star-Advertiser.

The state's surplus has grown to $893M. Here's what lawmakers plan to do with it. Hawaii News Now.

Governor asks Legislature to cover possible transition, vacation payouts. The governor’s office is asking the state legislature for $742,285 in case Gov. David Ige is not re-elected later this year. KHON2.

Department of Health Audited Over Disease Response. Hawaii wrestled with three big public health scares linked to mosquitos, bad scallops, and bad seaweed. A legislative audit uncovered weaknesses in record keeping and the state’s response to the outbreaks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Local Stocks Had a Mixed 2017. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser, HMSA hike insurance premiums. Most health insurance policyholders began paying higher premiums this week. The increases range from 5.9 percent to nearly 25 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Matson increases Neighbor Island barge capacity. Matson Inc. Tuesday said it replaced one of its three barges dedicated to serving Hawaii's Neighbor Island ports with a newer, larger barge in order to improve service levels. Pacific Business News.

Kamehameha Schools releases video apology to sex abuse victims, outlines plans to make school safer. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mother Waldron Park closure prompts homeless to return to Kakaako waterfront. The city planned to shut down Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park in Kakaako for a month beginning late Tuesday night, prompting some homeless people like Al Saenz to try to sneak back into the shuttered Kakaako Waterfront Park where he started from. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities are closing another Kakaako park amid complaints about homeless encampments. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu city officials are asking residents to give panhandlers a special business card instead of cash. Associated Press.

Honolulu falls out of the top 10 cities with highest apartment rents. The median asking rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Honolulu has fallen by 7.1 percent since January of last year, knocking Hawaii’s largest city out of the top 10 for cities with the highest rents, according to a new report by the online real estate site Zumper. Pacific Business News.

Analysis suggests Honolulu rents could be cooling off. Hawaii News Now.

Hunt, Hawaii public housing officials ink master development agreement for Mayor Wright project. Hunt Cos. and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority have signed a master development agreement for the $1.3 billion redevelopment of the Mayor Wright Homes in Honolulu, putting the 2,500-unit project on a path to a groundbreaking by the end of 2019. Pacific Business News.

Beachgoers encountered vast heaps of marine debris at Kailua Beach early Tuesday, and volunteers jumped into action to clean it up while the state and city pondered jurisdictional questions. Star-Advertiser.

Kualoa Ranch wants to expand visitor activities. After 32 years of tours and activities, Kualoa Ranch wants to make major changes to its special use permit under proposed expansion plans. KITV.

What’s Up With All The Fake Brides On Hawaii Beaches? Honolulu is full of Japanese tourists in wedding attire, but many are there just for the photos. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Appeals of property values at all-time low. The Real Property Tax Review Board heard just 195 appeals last year, compared to 399 in 2016. The count hovered at about a thousand before that, with an all-time high of 1,516 cases in 2008. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Springs LLC, which distributes natural artesian water from the Big Island, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Friday as the state was wrapping up a seventh straight year of declining bankruptcy cases. Star-Advertiser.

Sex assault victim sues DLNR, fired state cop. A woman who was a minor when she was sexually assaulted by an on-duty state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer two years ago on a Hilo beach is suing the officer, since fired, and the state agency. Tribune-Herald.

The Hazards Of Swimming Near A Sewage Plant. A Big Island group documented at least 10 cases of infections contracted by people swimming near industrial sites. Civil Beat.

Tenants move into Kamakana Villages as master developer moves on. West Hawaii Today.

Leading IT professionals to descend on Big Island for HICSS conference. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Maui beachgoers say they're being pushed out — by beach chairs and cabanas. Now the state Land Department is investigating after multiple complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Popular Junk Vehicles Program On-Hold, More Funds Needed. County officials say that due to the popularity of the program, budgeted funding has been expended. Maui Now.

Commentary: The best thing you could say about Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa in 2017 was that he clearly loved his job and was willing to give it his undivided attention 24/7. MauiWatch.

Kauai

County reconsiders rental housing bill. A committee will consider adding a new article to the Lihue planning code that will encourage and accommodate the construction of additional rental units in the Lihue Planning District. Garden Island.

Making Desolate Downtown Lihue Cool Again. A $13.8 million makeover is planned for Kauai’s center of industry and government, and at least one private investor is on board in a big way. Civil Beat.

Prosecutors investigate claims Kauai homeowner killed 4 nene with BB gun. The nene are federally protected and are native to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State reacts to killer's escape from mental institution, 7 employees on unpaid leave, hospital history examined; Honolulu rejects polystyrene ban; neighbor islands tackle homelessness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Hospital courtesy photo

The California capture of an escaped killer from the Hawaii State Hospital resulted in seven hospital employees being suspended without pay on Wednesday as Gov. David Ige ordered an investigation of how Randall Saito was able to get the money and means to escape after 38 years in confinement. Star-Advertiser.

A dangerous psychiatric patient who escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe and flew to California before being captured Wednesday has prompted an investigation into why employees appeared to fail to do their jobs. Associated Press.

Saito

'Fault on our side': State officials take blame for killer's escape. Seven Hawaii State Hospital employees have been put on leave without pay — and others could follow — as authorities investigate why it took 10 hours for personnel to alert authorities of a psychopathic killer's escape Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige on state hospital escapee: "His escape should never have happened" KITV.

Atty Gen: Saito’s Escape was “Premeditated, Intentional and Planned”. The escape of a mental health patient from the Hawaii State Hospital and the lengthy time it took to report the incident is being called “unacceptable,” according to comments made by state authorities this afternoon. Maui Now.

Hawaii State Hospital Wasn’t Built For The Type Of Patients It Serves. Some lawmakers want tighter security at the psychiatric hospital, where seven patients have escaped since 2014, until new facilities are built. Civil Beat.

More than a dozen escapes have occurred over the past eight years at a Hawaii psychiatric hospital where a patient described as dangerous walked off the grounds and made it to California before he was captured this week. Associated Press.

Kaneohe lawmakers: State hospital escape is unacceptable. They want answers, and they want improvements. KITV.

Saito captured, San Joaquin County Sheriffs Dept

Killer's escape shines spotlight on the controversial judge who acquitted him. The Circuit Court judge who deemed Randall Saito mentally unfit to stand trial and committed him to the State Hospital in 1981 was a controversial figure, and one of his decisions even prompted hundreds of people to protest at the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

What will happen to state hospital escapee when he returns to Hawaii? Once Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito is back in Hawaii, he won’t go directly back to the hospital. KHON2.

An alert taxi company employee on Wednesday helped deputy sheriffs in California nab a dangerous Hawaii murderer who had escaped by walking out of the Hawaii State Hospital Sunday — chartering a flight to Maui, and taking a commercial airliner to the mainland before ever being reported missing. Star-Advertiser.

Randall Saito's escape started in a cab and three days later, it ended in one too. A tip from the Yellow Cab Company in Stockton California led to Saito's arrest Wednesday morning near a local gas station. Sheriffs swarmed the cab the 59-year-old was riding in. KITV.

=====

There have been 90 traffic deaths in Hawaii this year through Monday — 10 fewer than reported at the same time last year, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA’s third-quarter profit drops; Kaiser posts loss. The gains of the state’s largest health insurer were down from $17.8 million in the year-earlier quarter. HMSA’s main competitor, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, lost $300,000 in the quarter, reversing a year-earlier profit of $7.7 million. Star-Advertiser.

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii sponsored its 3rd Summit titled, “Still Houseless in Hawaii.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A Honolulu City Council committee on Wednesday deferred a bill that would bar food vendors from using polystyrene foam food containers and require them to instead use compostable ones. Star-Advertiser.

Will Rail Go To Manoa and Waikiki After All? The HART board may be resurrecting a route plan far more ambitious than the one submitted to federal transit officials. Civil Beat.

Council Panel Votes To Prohibit Lying Down At Honolulu Bus Stops. But the committee postponed action on a measure to extend the sit-lie ban to areas around schools and libraries. Civil Beat.

New HPD Chief Shares Her Goals For A Department In Turmoil. Susan Ballard outlined what she wants to accomplish in the coming years in her first regular meeting with the Honolulu Police Commission. Civil Beat.

Starting fresh: Chief Ballard outlines plans to revitalize HPD. Chief Sue Ballard had her first chance to share her new ideas with police commissioners and the public Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Restoring community trust among new police chief’s goals for HPD. KHON2.

The state Senate voted Wednesday to confirm four judges to fill vacancies in Oahu’s circuit and district courts. Star-Advertiser.

Former band director indicted in sex assault. The sexual assault charges against fired Damien Memorial School band director Peter Rucci stem from a three-month relationship the 62-year-old Rucci had with a 15-year-old girl, Deputy Prosecutor Ayla Weiss told a state judge Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Parents claim students reprimanded for speaking up after bleach attack. KHON2.

Ward Warehouse demolition begins; luxury condos slated for site. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaiian Humane Society has appointed Lisa Fowler as its new president and chief executive officer. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Scientist says chemicals create ‘zombie’ coral, add to reef decimation. Craig Downs, a Ph.D. and executive director of Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, gave a presentation on the topic Tuesday night at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Gateway Center at the request of Rep. Nicole Lowen, D — Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa and Honokohau. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community College is looking to either renovate its current campus on Manono Street or move to a larger site elsewhere in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

32 Die on Hawaii Island Roadways So Far This Year. Big Island Now.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel under renovation. The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel will be renamed the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in February after Mauna Kea Resort LLC signed a franchise agreement with Westin Hotels and Resorts in August. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Housing First is making a dent in homelessness. Program’s aim is to get people off the streets first, then provide the needed social and medical services. Maui News.

Maui Seminar Explores How to Increase Exports. The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced the launch of a program designed to help local small businesses increase their exports. Maui Now.

Kauai

The County of Kauai may establish a safe zone to help the homeless population. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines held an open house Wednesday for former Island Air employees who lost their jobs after the airline’s recent shutdown. Garden Island.

Federal appeals court panel hears Hawaii's travel ban lawsuit, bill gives Hawaii unions more power, Hawaii insurer benefits from Obamacare battle, homeless count questioned, mumps hits 16-year high, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Albatross at Papahanaumokuakea, courtesy NOAA

The Trump administration’s review process for 29 national monuments, including the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, is sparking some outrage during the public comment period. Civil Beat.

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump directs Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review 27 national monuments established or expanded by three other presidents since 1996. Associated Press.

An attorney for Hawaii told a federal appeals court Monday that President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban on citizens from six predominantly Muslim countries amounts to establishing Islam as a disfavored religion. Star-Advertiser.

The Trump administration faced tough questioning from a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the second time in four months as it defended its revised executive order on immigration. A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel Monday heard arguments in Hawaii’s lawsuit to block key parts of the executive order restricting travel and immigration from countries. Civil Beat.

Trump confident travel ban is lawful. Associated Press.

Did Hawaii Lawmakers Just Give Public Worker Unions Too Much Power? Government officials fear a bill sitting on Gov. Ige’s desk will strip them of their ability to tell their employees what to do without union interference. Civil Beat.

The state launched a public hearing schedule today to determine the feasibility of growing industrial hemp in Hawai’i. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state has taken $10 million away from a successful energy program -- Hawaii Energy -- to give it to a failing one-- Green Energy Market Securitization. Star-Advertiser.

The Supreme Court has turned away challenges to open primaries in Hawaii and Montana that allow voters to take part in party primary elections regardless of their political affiliations. Star-Advertiser.

Obamacare hasn’t been repealed and replaced yet under the administration of President Donald Trump, but the suspension of an Affordable Care Act fee for insurers greatly benefited the state’s largest health insurer, Hawaii Medical Service Association. Star-Advertiser.

The number of people infected during the current mumps outbreak in Hawaii jumped to 39 Monday with the confirmation of eight new cases on Oahu and another on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health today confirmed nine additional cases of mumps in Hawai‘i residents, bringing the total number of cases in 2017 to 39. Maui Now.

Kamehameha Schools graduates and teachers are criticizing a list of finalists for a $165,000-a-year trustee position that includes the names of two individuals without any Hawaiian heritage. Hawaii News Now.

Following the bloodiest World War II battle of the Pacific at Okinawa, the United States brought some 3,000 prisoners of war to Hawaii, where they were held in detention camps between July 1945 and December 1946. Early next month those POW days will be formally remembered when a delegation from Okinawa, led by a pair of elderly camp survivors, returns to Hawaii to retrace their steps. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Defense on Monday awarded contracts totaling $129 million to several companies for various medically related administrative and programmatic support services across the country, including Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Looking around the disheveled homeless encampments on Oahu, it’s difficult to reconcile some of the more extraordinary numbers that came out of the latest homeless census last week — specifically, a 29 percent reduction in homelessness in Waikiki and East Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

48 fallen officers remembered during 'Police Week' in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Why even the state’s smallest fix-its are facing big delays. KHON2.

Planned Parenthood said Monday it will open a new location in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

The chimpanzee exhibit at the Honolulu Zoo is closed indefinitely after an ape escaped late Sunday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Council will get a crack this week at Mayor Harry Kim’s proposed $491.2 million budget and tax increases that go with it. Tribune-Herald.

The budget proposed by Mayor Harry Kim will add seven new positions to county government. West Hawaii Today.

The hydrologist who studied potential impacts that a development in Kahaluu could have to groundwater said Monday that while the proposed timeshare project could slightly decrease the flow rate of groundwater and slightly increase its salinity, it would also lead to a decrease in the level of unwanted nutrients in the water that discharges at the shoreline. West Hawaii Today.

After years of planning and months of delay, the Hawaii Island Meat Cooperative has started processing local meat at its mobile slaughterhouse unit. Tribune-Herald.

A 36-year-old U.S. solider has died during a training incident on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine announced last week that it plans a residency rotation in obstetrics and gynecology via a partnership with Bay Clinic and Hilo Medical Center, which already hosts primary care medical residency. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island landowner and entrepreneur Edmund C. Olson was recognized by the Hawaii Small Business Administration on Monday with a special lifetime award for his work stimulating the state’s economy, protecting the environment and helping train a generation to follow in his footsteps. West Hawaii Today.

The many friends and family of the late State Senator Gilbert Kahele gathered Monday to dedicate “Kahele Point” on the small, oceanfront dock of the Grand Naniloa Hotel on Banyan Drive. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The 39th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk set a new record for Maui County with events on Maui, Lanai and Molokai bringing in $1,159,053, an increase of $125,670 from last year, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced. Maui News.

Kauai

A recent flurry of activity on social media about illegal goings on in the Kalalau Valley has stirred anti-squatter sentiment on Kauai, and some are calling for a change in the area’s management. Garden Island.

After years of planning and deliberation, Island School’s efforts to reclassify 38.4 acres of land to urban usage could be decided in July. Garden Island.

No evidence tree fungus is here. Garden Island.