Hawaii GOP chair resigns in QAnon Twitter backlash, Court: Mauna Kea police presence warranted, unemployment snags persist, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Republican Party Chairwoman Shirlene Ostrov via LinkedIn

Hawaii GOP chair resigns following backlash over tweets defending QAnon followers. The head of Hawaii’s Republican Party is stepping down. The party announced late Sunday that Shirlene Ostrov resigned after four years as chair. Hawaii News Now.

Who’s Leading The Hawaii House GOP? Nobody Knows. The four minority members are split 2-2 on who should represent the chamber. Meanwhile, the party’s chair has resigned over controversial tweets. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii telework bill among measures backed by the Women’s Legislative Caucus. Government workers would be given greater flexibility over their work schedules under a bill that would require all state departments to come up with telework and alternative work schedule policies. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

‘Overpayment’ Reviews Causing Latest Delays To Hawaii Jobless Benefits. Many locals, still unemployed in the pandemic, are getting stuck as they try to secure extended benefits from federal COVID-relief packages. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State Health Department Is Mum On Former Epidemiologist’s Departure. The department says that Dr. Sarah Park, criticized for her leadership during the pandemic, left the department the last day of 2020. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s electricity most expensive in the nation, but tax credit extension could help. Rooftop solar installations in Hawaii were up 55% in 2020, despite the economic turmoil brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Can You Make Money Being A Farmer In Hawaii? Often lost amid the talk of growing more food in Hawaii is that Hawaii’s biggest crops aren’t foods eaten here, but things grown mainly to export. According to the UDSA, the state’s three biggest cash crops in 2017 were seed crops, coffee and macadamia nuts. The seed crops, mostly corn shipped to farmers elsewhere, were valued at $120.8 million; macadamia nuts, $53.9 million and coffee, $43.8 million. Civil Beat.

Some Expectant Mothers In Hawaii Are Steering Clear Of Hospitals During the Pandemic. Midwives say they’ve been so busy that they’ve sometimes had to turn away clients. Civil Beat.

Officials discuss various ways vaccinations are happening in Hawaii. There are four major ways the state Department of Health is working to get COVID-19 vaccines out to the public, state Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char told lawmakers last week during a joint informational briefing with the House Committee on Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness and the state Senate Committee on Health. Tribune-Herald.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 31: 82 New COVID-19 Infections And 3 Deaths. Sunday’s cases included 59 on Oahu, nine on Maui, 10 on the Big Island and four residents diagnosed out of state. Two of the deaths were on Oahu and one was on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Looking to revitalize Oahu’s economy, Honolulu mayor considers easing restrictions. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is looking to loosen restrictions on bars, restaurants, and youth sports. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat Sues Honolulu Police To Make Officer Overtime Data Public. Honolulu Civil Beat filed a lawsuit Friday to get data from the Honolulu Police Department on the amount of overtime each officer has worked in the past five years. Civil Beat.

State seeks innovative ways to finance and build new OCCC. State officials are asking construction contractors, financiers and investors around the world to come up with innovative ways to pay for and build a new, cost-effective and efficient Oahu Community Correctional Center that would ideally provide a template for future state construction. Star-Advertiser.

DOCARE Academy’s first cohort of graduates is ready to serve. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has added 12 new Conservation and Resource Enforcement officers to its team due to a new collaboration with Honolulu Community College. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore wind farm settlement offers added funding, protections for endangered species. The operator of the Kawailoa Wind farm in the hills above Waimea Bay has agreed to pay for greater protections for endangered species as part of a contested case hearing settlement announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

OHA trustees launch new effort to develop Kakaako Makai property. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday took the first step toward kick-starting the stalled development of its waterfront holdings in Kakaako, valued at $200 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua’s Kawainui Marsh to undergo major 2-year restoration. An East Oahu wetland is getting some much-needed improvements thanks to a new restoration effort. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu developer takes plunge into COVID-tinged housing market. The developer of a planned twin-tower condominium project near Ala Moana Center is preparing to sell units after holding off last year because of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Appellate court affirms police presence on Maunakea. Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira had the legal authority to request police officers from other counties to help maintain order on Maunakea during 2019 protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, the state Intermediate Court of Appeals said Wednesday in an opinion upholding a ruling by 3rd Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto. West Hawaii Today.

Change in opinion: HPD to comply with Act 47, ID officers fired, suspended for misconduct. A day after stating the Hawaii Police Department would not submit until court-ordered the names of officers suspended or fired for misconduct, pursuant to a law that went into effect last fall, the county has changed its stance. West Hawaii Today.

Planning for the future; Proposed capital improvements measure includes bond funding for HMC expansion project. A proposed expansion of Hilo Medical Center is a capital improvement priority for one local legislator. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would allow luxury property owners choice to send tax money to county or charity. The tax, approved last year, imposes $13.60 tax per thousand dollars worth of property value over $2 million for property in the residential category, compared to $11.10 in tax per thousand for the portion of the property under $2 million. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Harbor Lights COVID-19 cluster is now ‘stablilized’. Residents, community groups band together to assist complex. Maui News.

Five Maui Coast workers test positive for virus. Five employees at the Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei have tested positive for COVID-19, though three have already recovered and are back at work and the other two are expected to return shortly, according to the hotel’s general manager. Maui News.

County considers purchase of Maui News property. Maui County is considering the purchase of a 6.3-acre parcel that includes The Maui News offices in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Council passes enhanced shoreline-setback ordinance. The county Planning Department isn’t completely satisfied with new additions to the county’s shoreline-setback ordinance that were recently passed through the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

County requests proposed Westside beach access bill be modified. A hearing notice proposing a pilot permit program at Polihale State Park and Kekaha Beach Park to allow for beach driving was the first time the County of Kaua‘i heard of such a proposal. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige's State of the State address today, Hawaii GOP official resigns after defending QAnon, House speaker targets auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Officials balk at near-doubling of price of Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. The cost of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project has nearly doubled to $651 million, potentially stalling the two-decades-old project once again. Star-Advertiser.

Estimated price tag for Ala Wai flood prevention project doubles to $650M. The cost estimate for the Ala Wai flood prevention project has nearly doubled in another major blow to the effort. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii GOP official resigns after using party Twitter account to support QAnon conspiracy theorists. On Sunday night, Hawaii GOP vice Chair of communications Edwin Boyette resigned through a Facebook post. In his statement, he wrote the discussion of the Q-Conspiracy was an error of judgement. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii GOP deletes Twitter thread defending QAnon supporters. The Hawaii Republican Party is under fire for a series of tweets that appear to defend supporters of the QAnon conspiracy. KITV4.

=====

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to damage Hawaii’s struggling economy, state House and Senate leaders have a long list of ideas that they either hope or expect to hear from Gov. David Ige during his State of the State address today. Star-Advertiser.

Ige expected to outline his economic recovery plan in State of the State. As the pandemic drags on, Gov. David Ige will deliver his State of the State to cameras Monday rather than an assembled audience of lawmakers and dignitaries. Hawaii News Now.

Host of safety protocols in place to prevent COVID outbreak during legislative session. The legislative session kicked off this week, but state business will be conducted much differently during the pandemic in an effort to keep the building safe. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Proposed Budget Cuts Would ‘Basically Gut’ Hawaii State Auditor’s Office. Days after he ordered an investigation into the office, the House Speaker wants to cut the watchdog agency’s budget in half — far more than any other state agency. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Tourism Authority readies for defunding. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for leading tourism recovery across the isles, is in dire financial straits and has already started running “doomsday scenarios” in the event that it faces defunding. Star-Advertiser.

Isle labor market not likely to see major gains in short term. Hawaii’s travel demand hasn’t returned as strongly as some had hoped when the state introduced Safe Travels Hawaii, a travel entry program aimed at creating a safe way for travelers to return to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Celebration plans for the Queen Lili‘uokalani home and many Hawaii governors could cost $53,000. Gov. David Ige proposes spending $53,000 to commemorate the anniversary of the longtime residence of Queen Lili‘uokalani and a dozen Hawaii governors, which became a museum and state reception venue nearly two decades ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Rep. Ed Case Tries Again To Rein In Helicopter Tour And Skydiving Operations. Noise and safety are at issue in federal legislation the congressman is still pursuing. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

No vaccines for seniors’ companions. Hawaii Pacific Health officials said Sunday they will continue to honor COVID-19 vaccination appointments to companions of seniors (age 75 and older) made prior to the Department of Health’s decision to end the practice. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 24: 153 New COVID-19 Cases. The cases announced Sunday included 105 on Oahu, 34 on Maui, six on the Big Island, and eight residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

She Was About To Lose Her Job. Then Her Dad’s Department Hired Her. Two weeks before Honolulu’s former budget director Manny Valbuena left office, his department hired his daughter for a six-month gig that was not advertised and for which no other candidates were considered. Civil Beat.

New HART Board Member Wants A Fraud Hotline. An outside auditor for HART describes Natalie Iwasa’s idea for a hotline as a best practice. Civil Beat.

Permit for Red Hill fuel tanks stirs controversy. A contested case hearing is scheduled for Feb. 1-5 to debate the Navy obtaining a state operating permit for the Red Hill fuel farm, with the Sierra Club of Hawaii hoping it leads to stricter controls in the short term and relocation of the controversial underground tanks longer-term. Star-Advertiser.

In Kaimuki, residents worry monster homes are taking over the community. Kaimuki resident say the pandemic has not slowed down the construction of monster homes in their neighborhood. And they’re fighting back. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Oahu’s 2nd mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic to open at Blaisdell. So far, more than 12,000 people have made an appointment to receive the Moderna vaccine at the clinic run by The Queen’s Health Systems. Hawaii News Now.

More than 12,000 appointments already booked for second large vaccination site on Oahu. The state says as of last week, about 70,000 people got vaccinated statewide. KHON2.

=====

Tab to fix Waiea luxury condo tower in Kakaako tops $100M. The developer of the most luxurious condominium tower in Kakaako has decided to pony up over $100 million to fix defects that have vexed homeowners in the 4-year-old building. Star-Advertiser.

Maili low-income homes receiving first tenants. The developer of the $22.7 million project called Hale Makana O Maili held a low-key blessing Jan. 15 because of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

After 180 years, St. Ann’s Catholic School to close its doors. Leaders of St. Ann’s said declining enrollment and rising financial challenges led them to close the school at the end of the academic year on June 4. They announced the closure in a letter to families Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County: COVID-19 app won’t be mandatory for travelers. Hawaii County has no plans to make the state’s official COVID-19 exposure notification application mandatory on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Teaching telescope project to proceed at Halepohaku. Despite receiving predominantly negative feedback from community members, the Office of Maunakea Management will seek to proceed with constructing a telescope facility at Halepohaku. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee again pans Travalino for Leeward Planning Commission. It was deja vu Tuesday for Mark Travalino, who once again faced a County Council Planning Committee opposed to his appointment to the Leeward Planning Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Health director: Intended second doses went to 1st doses instead. Maui’s COVID-19 vaccination sites may have been giving intended second doses of the vaccine to people seeking their first shot, though Hawaii’s health director said this was completely appropriate. Maui News.

Maui still behind on vaccine rollout. As the vaccination rollout continues statewide, the only island not accepting first dose registrations is Maui. KHON2.

Nominee for Maui Prosecuting Attorney to be Vetted Tuesday. The Maui County Council’s Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. to vet the nomination of Andrew H. Martin for prosecuting attorney. Maui Now.

University of Hawai‘i Maui College Achieves Net-Zero Goal. Through a combination of solar photovoltaic energy, distributed energy storage and energy efficiency measures, UH Maui College has reduced the campus’ use of fossil fuel for energy by an estimated 100%. Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society to temporarily close following COVID-19 exposure. Maui Humane Society announced it will temporarily close its facility from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31 after management discovered possible COVID-19 exposure among staff. KHON2.

Kauai

This Innovative Kauai Medical Clinic Is Struggling To Survive. The collapse of tourism on the island is causing economic hardship in many business sectors, including health care. Civil Beat.

KIUC, AES agreement pending. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Communications Manager Beth Tokioka said there is still no time frame for the state Public Utilities Commission to approve the purchase-power agreement between AES Corporation and KIUC. Garden Island.

Significant changes to Kaua‘i Bus schedule coming. In an effort to improve service to the public, The Kaua‘i Bus has announced multiple significant changes to its islandwide mainline and shuttle routes starting Sunday, Feb. 7. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai’s Fabled Axis Deer Are Starving To Death In Droves. The crisis, triggered in part by drought, exposes rifts in the community and raises questions about how to manage the herd in the future. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials and party leaders condemn Capitol violence, state DOE warns 1,300 teachers could be cut, vaccination hubs open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump supporters rally at Hawaii Capitol Jan. 6, 2021 PC:Hawaii News Now

Trump supporters, detractors gather in Hawaii; most condemn pro-Trump mob in DC. About 200 supporters of President Donald Trump demonstrated at Hawaii’s Capitol building on Wednesday, but they kept their demonstration peaceful and most rejected the acts of mob violence by Trump supporters who swarmed on Congress. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Blames President Trump For Violence At US Capitol. Peaceful protesters gathered outside the Hawaii Capitol to support the president and object to the pandemic response. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Issues Statement Amid News of Protestors Storming of the US Capitol. Maui Now.

Governor Ige releases statement in response to ongoing situation at U.S. Capitol. KITV4.

Our DC Reporter Had A Close-Up View Of The Mob Taking Over The Capitol. Nick Grube was on his way to the Electoral College ceremony when events of the day overtook him. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers condemn uprising. The unprecedented assault on the U.S. Capitol Wednesday by a mob of angry Donald Trump supporters drew incredulity and condemnation of the president’s inflammatory run-up to the violence that saw one woman shot and killed, a lockdown and a police standoff with protesters in the normally august U.S. House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation recount a terrifying day in DC. Some of Hawaii’s congressional members were hunkered down inside their offices when rioters breached the US Capitol building on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii delegation reacts to storming of US Capitol. Lawmakers were forced to evacuate as they worked to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Delegation Safe as Violence Erupts in Capitol. “This is a sad day in America’s history,” Hawai‘i Governor David Ige told local reporters after calling an unscheduled press conference Wednesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i lawmakers respond to Capitol riot. Gov. David Ige called the protests to undermine the presidential election an assault on democracy and everything this country stands for. Garden Island.

Hawaii Republican, Democratic parties issue joint statement calling for calm. The chairs of the Hawaii Republican and Democratic parties issued a joint statement Wednesday condemning the violent mob that stormed the US Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii political party leaders set differences aside, condemn violence at US Capitol. Republican and Democratic leaders in Hawaii put their political differences aside and condemned the violence in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. KHON2.

Hawai'i Republican Party and Democratic Party of Hawaii release joint statement on ongoing situation at U.S. Capitol. KITV4.

=====

House Speaker Scott Saiki to push uniform travel rules. House Speaker Scott Saiki plans to introduce legislation that would create statewide, uniform COVID-19 travel rules to reduce confusion for both residents and tourists. Star-Advertiser.

State Finance Director Says Carbon And Sugar Taxes May Be Among Increases. Craig Hirai stressed that nothing is settled but dropped some hints about possible tax increases in a House Finance Committee hearing. Civil Beat.

‘In crisis’: Superintendent says 1,300 teaching positions could be cut by end of year. The state Department of Education is expecting a budget cut of $400 million and officials warn that could mean 1,300 teaching positions could be cut. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Education reports a plan is in the works to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to 44,000+ employees. Educators and childcare employees are listed on Phase 1B of the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. KHON2.

Hawaiian Affairs Committee Lacks Native Hawaiian Legislators. Gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands, greater burial protections, and OHA election reform are just some of the top Native Hawaiian issues up for debate among state lawmakers this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

AlohaSafe app aims to slow COVID-19 as deaths increase. The state Health Department officially launched its new AlohaSafe Alert app, along with a new media campaign targeting Hawaii’s youth on Wednesday as the daily COVID-19 case count and death toll continued to rise. Star-Advertiser.

State launches AlohaSafe Alert app. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health in partnership with aio Digital and the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative have launched AlohaSafe Alert, an exposure notification app to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Garden Island.

A new app could warn you if you’ve been possibly exposed to COVID-19. The AlohaSafe Alert, which is now available in Maui, Honolulu, Hawaii and Kauai counties, anonymously tracks signals in relation to other devices with the application. Hawaii News Now.

Catholic Charities Hawai'i to provide additional rent relief through state assistance program. Catholic Charities Hawaii and the State of Hawaii announced on Wednesday the launch of a new rent relief program that will begin accepting applications next week. KITV4.

New Rent Relief Program Announced. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and the State of Hawai‘i announced Wednesday the launch of a new rent relief program that will begin accepting applications next week. Big Island Now.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian to suspend air service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will discontinue ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai next week. This move will suspend all operations by the interisland carrier. Star-Advertiser.

Vaccination Hubs Open for Healthcare Workers. As a way to continue to rapidly administer COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers, the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i are working with hospitals in each county to ensure independent healthcare providers and their staff can obtain the first dosage of their vaccine this month. Big Island Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 6: 143 New COVID-19 Cases And 10 Deaths. Health officials reported 10 deaths and 143 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 85 on Oahu, 29 on Maui, eight on the Big Island, three on Kauai, one on Molokai and 17 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Chair Announces Committee Assignments. Councilmen Calvin Say and Brandon Elefante will be in powerful roles. Civil Beat.

Queen’s Medical Center reports cluster of 39 COVID-19 cases. The Queen’s Medical Center reported today a cluster of 39 COVID-19 cases at its main Punchbowl location. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Medical Center found 27 caregivers, 12 patients positive with COVID-19. Dozens of staff and patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at The Queen’s Medical Center at Punchbowl. KHON2.

HPD: ‘We can only do so much’ when it comes to stopping aerial fireworks. The Honolulu Police Department says they received about 2,000 calls regarding illegal aerial fireworks in the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But out of those calls, just 45 citations were issued, and there was just one arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu housing market ends 2020 with a bang. Oahu’s housing market made a huge recovery in December with a sales spike that followed several months of hefty declines earlier last year after coronavirus impacts began in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH responds to review of Maunakea management. A statement from the university concluded with a promise to use the results of the assessment to continue to improve its stewardship of the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

Life Care Center begins COVID vaccinations. Life Care Center of Hilo on Wednesday began vaccinating residents and employees against COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

Activists clear tents at Wailoa, leave garden. Activists occupying a portion of Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo were expecting state Department of Land and Natural Resource enforcement officers at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Resurrected Kanaka Garden Ordered To Stop. The Kanaka Garden has returned to Wailoa River State Recreation Area, and state law enforcement is already ordering those involved to cease and desist. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Some residents plea for Maui County COVID-19 task force, but Mayor Victorino not interested. 30 new cases of COVID-19 in Maui County reported Wednesday are part of an 81% rise in cases since December 22nd. The outbreak sparked some residents to hold a protest outside of Mayor Mike Victorino’s press conference Wednesday calling on him to accept more help in the form of a COVID-19 task force. KHON2.

Maui health officials focus on two large clusters of COVID cases. One cluster is at Maui Memorial Medical Center where officials said there were 14 positive patients on Thursday. The other cluster at Harbor Lights in Kahului has ballooned to 75 cases, according to county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Harbor Lights Cluster Rises to 75; Mayor Calls for Peace Amid Challenging Times. There are now 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 tied to the Harbor Lights cluster in Kahului, Maui, with more testing slated to get underway today. Maui Now.

Local restaurants and bars adapt to further county restrictions. Local bar and restaurant owners say the ever-changing rules and new restrictions placed on their businesses are growing more difficult, with one owner saying it’s definitely killing us. Maui News.

Kauai

Rise to Work provides nearly 300 jobs. In a Monday video, the County of Kaua‘i Kupa‘a Kaua‘i program announced 280 displayed workers on Kaua‘i were hired by 100 local employers into the Rise to Work program. Garden Island.

Monk Seal Killings On Kauai Highlight Human Threat To Endangered Species. A new study found that human activity was to blame for more than half of all known seal deaths in the islands over the past quarter century. Civil Beat.

Hawaii liked Trump a little more this election, state Legislature organizes for new session, state opens to visitors from Japan today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state senators sworn in PC:Senate Majority

Biden Easily Won Hawaii But Data Shows Support For Trump Has Grown. In this historic turnout, the president’s supporters turned out in larger numbers but not enough to influence state elections. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Trump campaign chair says roving caravans ‘worked against’ the president. The chair of the Hawaii Trump campaign said the recent waves of support for President Trump may have hurt him in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Legislature names leadership, committee chairs. Both chambers of the state Legislature announced their leadership and committee chairs for the 2021 session that begins Jan. 21. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Senate Announces New Committee Assignments. The chamber’s leaders and most committee chairs have retained their posts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii House Announces Leadership, Committee Changes. The House has added two committees, and combined several others. Civil Beat.

=====

State of the Unions. Hawai‘i’s workforce is more unionized than any in the country and it’s facing challenges as the pandemic disrupts tourism, government, shipping and other unionized sectors. Hawaii Business magazine.

Machado Ousted In OHA Race, Pro-Transparency Candidate Elected. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Colette Machado was voted out of office Tuesday, after more than 24 years on the job. Hawaii Public Radio.

Businesses hope for the best as Hawaii prepares to reopen to Japan travelers Friday. Travelers from Japan will be welcomed back to Hawaii on Friday, Nov. 6. KHON2.

=====

It will take 6 months to vaccinate Hawaii residents, state official says. Hawaii health officials are unsure how much of the population will voluntarily get immunized when a COVID-19 vaccine is available to help bring residents back to a somewhat “normal” life. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers updated on state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. The state Department of Health’s immunization chief told lawmakers Thursday that a statewide plan for COVID-19 vaccinations should be ready for public review early in December. Tribune-Herald.

Distribution of COVID-19 vaccine in Hawaii could include mobile teams, drive-thru centers. The state Health Department said Thursday they’re working to develop plans for mobile teams to visit rural areas. They are also considering drive-thru immunizations and mass vaccination sites. Hawaii News Now.

House Health Committee discusses Hawaii’s statewide vaccination program. The State House Committee on COVID-19 continued its series of public health hearings on Nov. 5, where discussion centered around Hawaii’s future statewide vaccination program and concerns and challenges specific to Hawaii. KHON2.

DOH hopes to have a vaccine plan by early December. "We know that vaccines will be a very important part for combating COVID-19 so we're looking forward to what the department is putting together," Representative Della Au Bellati said. KITV4.

=====

Hawaii workers rally for in-person unemployment help. Frustrated with not being able to get questions answered by unemployment officials over the phone, protesters held a sign-waving rally Thursday in front of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations headquarters. Star-Advertiser.

Unemployed workers still waiting for jobless benefits plead with state to expand services. Protestors took their demands for more accessible unemployment services to the lawn of the unemployment office Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Can Hawaii Bring Students Back To The Classroom Safely Yet? Evolving COVID-19 guidelines and a patchwork plan among public and private schools leaves the state without a cohesive strategy. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 5: 100 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 100 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, including 24 cases on Hawaii island, one on Kauai, one on Lanai, one on Maui, 66 on Oahu, and seven out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police commission wants HPD to prohibit officers from cases involving friends, family. Years after scandal took down ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha, the Honolulu Police Commission is demanding HPD ban officers from cases involving family or friends. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighters take their battle over a new rescue unit to Honolulu Hale. Some Honolulu firefighters say those who take greater risks are not being trained well enough to remain safe. Those assigned to rescue units testified Thursday at Honolulu Hale, urging the council to pass Bill 14 ― a measure that has caused a rift in the department. The bill would establish minimum qualifications to be assigned to a rescue unit. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police to begin physically checking on quarantining travelers. Honolulu police will begin physically checking if travelers required to self-isolate for 14 days are actually in their designated quarantine location. Hawaii News Now.

HPD launches new COVID-19 Response Team. The Honolulu Police Department launched its new COVID-19 Response Team on Thursday. KITV4.

Mobile testing lab for virus unveiled at Honolulu airport. The city Thursday unveiled a new mobile COVID- 19 testing laboratory at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu to help expand testing to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

What's the future of Kaapuni Drive beach access? The Ka'apuni Community Association voted 15-14 to keep the three gates locked 24/7. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Fewer travelers arriving at Kona airport to face post-flight coronavirus screening, no change to testing at Hilo airport. The Big Island’s post-flight testing program will be scaled back today because after weeks of testing, only a handful of the thousands of travelers to the island have tested positive for COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

Waipio road bill discussed, postponed. A discussion by Hawaii County Council members about the possibility of closing Waipio Valley Road to pedestrians was impassioned but inconclusive Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Interim services agreement extended for animal control. Interim services agreement extended for animal control. West Hawaii Today.

No more coronavirus infections in Life Care Center of Hilo. Administrators at Life Care Center of Hilo are “ecstatic” that the facility has been free of active COVID-19 cases since Wednesday, but said they will remain vigilant in the fight against the virus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

61 Mask Citations Issued Over Five Days on Maui, Enforcement Continues Through Nov. 15. Maui police issued 61 citations over a five day period as part of an ongoing mask enforcement campaign that runs through the middle part of November. The citations, between Oct. 31 and Nov. 4, included 43 to residents and 18 to visitors. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pine suffers bigger third-quarter loss. A financial loss widened for Maui Land & Pineapple Co. in the third quarter largely due to COVID-19 mitigation impacts that reduced revenue for the owner of 23,000 acres of land on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Free surge testing through end of year starting Sunday.  Beginning Sunday, free community COVID-19 testing will be available every Sunday through the end of the year. Garden Island.

Some hiccups reported with restaurant card program. Since mid-October, unemployed residents on Kaua‘i have been “supporting local” by using their $500 restaurant debit cards issued by the state as part of the Economic Relief Program at local eateries. But restaurant owners say there are a few hiccups with the program that surfaced when the cards were first issued. Garden Island.

Smith’s setting up limited Nov. 11 reopening. Smith’s Tropical Paradise gardens and the Smith’s Motor Boat Tours Wailua River tour to the Fern Grotto will open on a limited basis starting Wednesday, Nov. 11. Garden Island.

Pricey homes sell well on Kauai. Kauai’s median sale price for houses last month almost hit $1 million, according to industry data released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Possible data breach in travel software, racial data missing in state COVID-19 counts, tech billionaire donates 1M masks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian family in an ocean pond ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii COVID-19 Data For Race And Ethnicity Is Missing. Leaders across many Pacific Islander communities have been working to prevent COVID-19 infections from increasing. Civil Beat.

Advocates worry immigrant, working families struggling to get by amid pandemic woes. A new advocacy group said that the backlog in unemployment claims is hitting immigrant and working-class families hard. Hawaii News Now.

Potential data breach exposed in state’s travel exemption request system. The state is investigating a potential breach of data within one of their systems tied to the Attorney General’s office. Nearly 150 individuals who applied for a travel exemption through the state Attorney General’s website were notified Friday about the potential breach. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertainty around traveler testing program has many taking ‘wait-and-see’ approach. Visitors will face testing requirements that still aren’t finalized, with different rules on every island. Hawaii News Now.

What to expect at the airport when the pre-travel testing program begins. Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program will begin on Thursday, Oct. 15. KHON2.

Kauai, Maui mayors wait for Gov. Ige's approval of pre-travel testing proposals. Pretravel testing plans differ for other counties. KITV4.

Will Hawaii Finally Be Able To Break Its Dependence On Tourism? The state is about to reopen its tourism industry, the heart of Hawaii’s economic engine. Is it time to find another way forward? Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcy filings continue to tick downward. Hawaii bankruptcies continue to decrease even as individuals and businesses struggle to make ends meet in the slowing economy. Star-Advertiser.

=====

QAnon Conspiracies, Proud Boys And The Future of Hawaii’s GOP. The party has struggled for the past decade to gain a meaningful foothold in the islands. The rise of Donald Trump and the radical right has only made the situation more dire. Civil Beat.

Election officials run tests of ballot machines ahead of the general. Official observers tested voting machines on Oahu Saturday morning. Neighbor island machines were tested this past week. Hawaii News Now.

Voting machines tested ahead of general election, helps to ensure election integrity. With the general election less than four weeks away, the state Office of Elections is busy gearing up for the big day. KHON2.

Connie Chun / 1928-2020: She was the first nurse and Filipina to serve in state House. Connie Chun, the first Filipina and first nurse elected to the state House of Representatives, was also a lawyer, philanthropist, marathon runner and matriarch of the “Hunky Bunch.” Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Service To Lanai and Molokai. Hawaiian said it is committed to resuming the service but didn’t say when. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines to suspend ‘Ohana service. The airline announced Friday that starting Nov. 1, it would temporarily suspend passenger flights between Honolulu and Molokai and Lanai, as well as cargo-only service within the Hawaiian islands. Maui News.

=====

Hawaii school board chief Catherine Payne urges dropping Acellus online curriculum. Board of Education Chairwoman Catherine Payne wants Hawaii’s schools to stop using the Acellus distance-learning program by the end of the academic year and allow parents to opt out immediately. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ed Board Chair Expects Acellus To ‘Drop Dead’ By End Of School Year. The online curriculum, which some principals have rejected for racist content, is likely on its way out. Civil Beat.

=====

Hundreds of Hawaii’s shelter animals to be relocated to the mainland. Hundreds of shelter animals are getting a second chance at adoption. On Oct. 29, the group Wings of Rescue plans to airlift some 600 animals from around the pacific to the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 11: 103 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. In the last week, an average of 92 cases a day were identified in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ballot Questions Could Bolster Ethics Watchdog’s Staffing And Spending. Oahu voters are being asked to make changes to the Honolulu Ethics Commission. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council: A Veteran Lawmaker Vs. A Comedian. The candidates running to replace Councilman Ron Menor in Honolulu’s District 9 have vastly different agendas and experience. Civil Beat.

Neglected Varona Village plantation community in Ewa awaits redevelopment plans. Today, 46 homes remain, including several that are boarded up after being ravaged by time and poor city upkeep after Oahu Sugar shut down in 1995. Star-Advertiser.

Community unites to restore and clean Waianae Japanese Cemetery. The Waianae community pulled together, and on Oct. 4 well over 50 people — from keiki to kupuna — showed up, armed with weed whackers, chainsaws, rakes and trash cans to clean up the old cemetery. Star-Advertiser.

Plans moving forward on new Oahu jail despite economic woes. Since at least 1964, none of the efforts to build a new site for the Oahu Community Correctional Center has gotten this far. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua brewing company ordered to shutdown calls for more transparency from liquor commission. Lanikai Brewing Company was ordered to shut down for 24 hours by the liquor commission Friday evening for violating the mayor’s emergency order and failing to operate as a restaurant. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

2nd test tentatively approved for travelers to the Big Island. Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim said Friday that out-of-state passengers arriving on the Big Island will be taking a second COVID-19 test to supplement the state’s pre-travel testing program. Star-Advertiser.

1 million masks: Big Island benefits from Benioff connections. A San Francisco tech billionaire with a home on the Kona coast wants to make sure the Big Island doesn’t run out of masks. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Report: Hilo veterans home employee stayed on the job for 3 days after COVID-19 exposure. The coronavirus outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo may have begun with an employee who worked ― despite being linked to a large cluster. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Health rescinds citation given to operator of Hilo veterans home. The Hawaii Department of Health on Thursday cited the private operator of a state veterans nursing home for deficiencies leading to a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year in which 27 residents died. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Big Isle’s Na Leo TV resumes operations after FBI raid as board meets with CEO. The board of directors of Na Leo o Hawaii announced this weekend it met with Na Leo TV president and CEO Stacy K. Higa, who assured the board that management and staff are fully cooperating with an investigation being conducted by the FBI. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbors win a round: Board of Appeals overturns Walua Road vacation rental permit. Neighbors of a Kailua-Kona vacation rental won a round Friday, when the county Board of Appeals overturned the Planning Department and revoked the nonconforming use and vacation rental permits of a part-time resident who claimed a homeowner’s property tax exemption. West Hawaii Today.

Zoo renew pushed back: County targets February for reopening of Panawea animal park. The reopening of Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens has been delayed to early 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui officer accused of soliciting sex from women he met on the job indicted. A U.S. Attorney has indicted a former Maui police accused of harassing women by sending them suggestive messages to solicit sex. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Struggling Tourism Industry Prepares For Return of Transpacific Travelers. All across Maui, hotels, vacation properties, car rental companies, restaurants, retail shops and other businesses that cater to the island’s 3 million or so annual travelers are preparing for the return of non-quarantining tourists, beginning Oct. 15. Maui Now.

County Council sends water plan back to committee. The Maui County Council voted unanimously Friday to send back to committee the Maui Island Water Use Development Plan, a dense blueprint for protection, management and use of water over a 20-year period. Maui News.

West Maui Taxpayers Association Hosting Candidates Night Webinar Oct. 15, 2020. The West Maui Taxpayers Association will host a virtual Candidates Night webinar on Oct. 15, 2020 at 5:30 pm with candidates for the following: State Representative District 10, Maui County Councilmember – all districts and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Maui Now.

Kauai

Charter amendments explained. The first side of the state general election ballot has federal, state and county office elections. The second side gives residents the opportunity to vote on proposed amendments to the Kaua‘i County Charter. Garden Island.

Felicia Cowden. As Cowden’s first term as a councilmember comes to an end, she shares what she learned from her radio career. Garden Island.

Volunteers continue work on Kalalau Trail. While the pandemic has lessened the number of volunteers helping to keep the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail clear for hikers, Mark Hubbard and a few other faithful Kaua‘i residents are still hard at work, clearing fallen branches and fortifying the trail on a regular basis. Garden Island.

Hawaii GOP commits to Trump, Big Island ethics board to investigate Mauna Kea road blockade, Ala Moana park plan moved to Kakaako, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elephants at Honolulu Zoo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit raises concerns about donation record-keeping, outdated facilities at zoo. A blistering audit of the troubled Honolulu Zoo is drawing mixed reactions from elected officials. The zoo lost its accreditation in 2016 and since then it has been an uphill battle to get it back. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii GOP commits all delegates to Trump. The Hawaii Republican Party has canceled plans for its statewide presidential preference poll and committed all 19 of its national convention delegates to back the reelection of President Donald Trump, the party announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Pleased With Hawaii’s High Credit Rating. Fitch Ratings has upgraded the state’s general obligation bond rating from AA to AA+. Civil Beat.

Paid Family Leave Likely For Nearly 20,000 Federal Workers In Hawaii. The legislation is part of bipartisan defense authorization negotiations. Civil Beat.

The New NextEra? HECO Is Fighting This Mainland Firm’s Bid For Control. Hawaiian Electric Industries faces an aggressive campaign by a $15 billion hedge fund used to getting its way. Civil Beat.

Sailor’s suicide while on armed watch preceded deadly shipyard shooting.  A week after a deadly shipyard shooting in which a sailor opened fire and then killed himself, HNN is learning of another submariner’s suicide weeks earlier that also happened while the service member was on armed sentry duty. Hawaii News Now.

Divers use WWII-era gear for interment of USS Arizona crew member. Two Army divers gave a unique World War II sendoff to USS Arizona crew member Lauren Bruner when his ashes were interred on the sunken battleship Saturday, the 78th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Proposed Ala Moana playground headed to Kakaako. A group that has been planning to build an “inclusive” public playground at Ala Moana Regional Park is bowing to public pressure and agreeing to work with the community to instead place the facility on Kakaako park lands recently obtained by the city. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses, Company Reach Settlement On Kakaako Roads. The state attorney general isn’t part of the deal, so the suit continues toward its April trial date. Civil Beat.

Cyber Attack Halts Radiation Treatment By Oahu Cancer Center. Cyber attacks like those suffered by the Cancer Center of Hawaii in November have grown in frequency against medical providers in the state and nationwide. Civil Beat.

=====

City unveils mobile outreach center to help move homeless off the streets. The city unveiled new tents that are part of a mobile project to help homeless individuals and families transition into shelter and permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Inflatable structures unveiled to handle homelessness issues. Hawaii’s newest idea to reduce homelessness by quickly inflating portable structures to triage homeless people’s issues went up to applause on the lawn next to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday before it moves to Waipahu Culture Garden Park Friday night for no longer than 90 days. Star-Advertiser.

City shows off new equipment for homeless hub. In a few days, new, inflatable tents will go up in the Waipahu Cultural Garden to help get people off the streets and into shelters or permanent housing. KITV.

=====

Medical waste, including used needles, causes major traffic slow-down. Drivers heading west near the Campbell Industrial Park off-ramp ran into a major slow-down during Wednesday’s pau hana commute. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board to investigate Maunakea road blockade. Is it an ethics matter if some people break the law with apparent impunity while others get punished? West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board: No conflict for Roth to prosecute TMT cases. Mitch Roth does not have a conflict of interest prosecuting cases from the standoff on Maunakea, but he should remove himself from any involvement in the cases to allay public concerns, the county Board of Ethics said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board Says No Maunakea Conflict For Prosecutor Roth. The Hawaiʻi County Board of Ethics decided Wednesday that there is no conflict of interest for Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth when it comes to prosecuting the arrests of those opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

=====

Green discusses Hawaii health care at cancer summit. Lt. Gov. Josh Green discussed health care in Hawaii during the 2019 Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition Summit on Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui Landfill to Accept Residential Green Waste on Sundays. Beginning Dec. 15, the Central Maui Landfill will be open on Sundays to accept residential green waste disposal only, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Trace amounts of soil fumigants found in private Haiku water system. Health Department says water from well is still ‘safe to drink’. Maui News.

Museum expansion gets its green light. ‘Feel-good request’ comes amid lean times for nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

Watershed Monitoring Project gives students stewardship roles. A team of students and teachers from Waimea High School convened Friday at Kiki A Ola Bridge in Waimea Valley. Garden Island.

Baby fish eating plastic off Hawaii, $214M bond floated for Honolulu rail, half of workers say they're sexually harassed, Anheuser-Busch buys Kona Brewing Co., more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Scribbled filefish in sea of plastics sampled in surface slicks off Hawaii Island. NOAA/David Liitschwager

Study Confirms Plastics Are Threatening Fish Nurseries. Tiny bits of plastics are threatening fish nurseries in Hawaii, and likely around the globe. That's according to the latest study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

Recent evidence has shown that adult fish are eating plastics in the ocean and suffering from perils such as malnutrition and toxicant buildup. Now, for the first time, a study conducted in Hawaii shows baby fish are ingesting tiny plastics, too. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers find microplastics in the stomachs of baby mahimahi, other species off Hawaii. A new study released Monday says baby fish around Hawaii are eating a large amount of plastic particles. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers find plastic in baby fish on Big Island. A troubling discovery announced on Monday, researchers found plastic in baby-fish in waters off the Big Island. KITV.

Fish in study found to be eating fibers thought to come from everyday laundry. Larval fish off the coast of Kona are eating plastics at an alarming rate, according to a study published Monday in a national scientific journal. Tribune-Herald.

Study: Plastics plague Pacific fish. A new study on the Pacific Ocean’s floating trash indicates not only a significant accumulation of microplastics in the Hawaiian Islands, but that larval fish are eating the debris. Garden Island.

NOAA fisheries report on the plastic research can be found here.

=====

Half of isle adults claim sexual harassment, survey finds. Nearly half of adults have experienced sexual harassment while working in Hawaii, a new statewide survey suggests. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly Half Of Hawaii Workers Say They’ve Been Sexually Harassed. People who grew up in Hawaii were much less likely to report any sexual harassment they experienced. Civil Beat.

=====

Meth Deaths Soar in Hawaii Even As Opioids Grab Public Attention. Meth-related overdose fatalities have significantly outpaced other drug overdose deaths in the the past five years. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council, Caldwell OK rail bond spending. Without the fanfare of past similar votes, the Honolulu City Council and Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed off on a bill clearing the way for the city to spend up to $214 million in taxpayer dollars for the over-budget $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Another push to impeach city Prosecutor Kaneshiro gains traction. Organizers filed more than 500 signatures collected online with docushare and in person. Hawaii News Now.

Who stole the Kealohas’ mailbox? 6 years later, prosecutors could finally find out. Katherine Kealoha’s plea deal requires that she cooperate with federal prosecutors — without limitations or restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center On ‘Losing End’ Of Battle With Meth. Some days, as many 40% of people admitted at the ER in Punchbowl have problems related to meth use, according to hospital officials. Civil Beat.

Republican Party of Hawaii looking forward to 2020. American Conservative Activist Scott Presler promised high energy during his speech. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Will Mayor Harry Kim run for re-election? That’s the question on a lot of people’s minds with the campaign qualifying season set to commence in less than three months. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Anheuser-Busch to buy out Kona Brewing parent company. Kona Brewing Co. is soon to become wholly owned by beer giant Anheuser-Busch. West Hawaii Today.

Anheuser-Busch to acquire all of Kona Brewing Co. Kona Brewing Co. is slated to become wholly owned by beer company behemoth Anheuser-Busch under a deal announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Anheuser-Busch to Take Full Ownership of Kona Brew. Anheuser-Busch currently owns 31% of Kona Brewing Company. Big Island Now.

Anheuser-Busch to buy out owner of Kona Brewing Company. Anheuser-Busch, the folks who produce big brands like Budweiser and Stella Artois, announced Monday that they plan to buy out Craft Brew Alliance, the Portland-based craft brewing company that owns Kona Brewing as well as a number of other small brands. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Man arrested following fatal head-on crash had prior DUI conviction. A 25-year-old Waimea man Sunday arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide and DUI following a two-car crash near Ke Kahakai State Park that killed a 35-year-old mother and hospitalized three girls has a prior conviction for drunken driving. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Supreme Court Recordings Reveal Justices Struggling To Find Answer in Maui Case. During an hour-long hearing on the Maui Clean Water Act case, the U.S. Supreme Court justices seemed to be seeking a legal path to keep polluters from skirting the law without ensnaring ordinary homeowners. Hawaii Public Radio.

Farmers convention growing the good stuff. Knowledge-sharing draws hundreds to Puunene event. Maui News.

Kula Community Association Meeting This Wednesday. The Kula Community Association is inviting all Maui residents to its community meeting this Wednesday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Surfrider releases latest water test results. These are the latest results for this month’s Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force sampling of our Kauai waters for Enterococcus, a fecal indicating bacteria, on Nov. 9. Garden Island.

East Kauai Irrigation System to revert to DLNR. In 2001, the East Kauai Water Users Cooperative was formed to take over management of the state-owned irrigation system in our area previously operated by Lihue Plantation. Garden Island.

Fish poop builds beaches, Thielen, one of just 5 Republicans in Hawaii House, not seeking reelection, Haleakala tours to be limited, rat lungworm case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Parrotfish in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Fish Poop: Our Secret Weapon Against Beach Erosion. The uhu fish are “lawnmowers of the sea” and play a vital role in producing sand. But they’re at risk. Civil Beat.

Businesses get a break on state fees after funds go unspent. State officials have reduced or halted collection of a number of business and licensing fees amid concerns that the money being collected wasn’t serving a useful purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Thielen Will Not Seek Re-Election To State House. Thielen, a moderate Republican who has represented Kailua and Kaneohe Bay since 1990, is perhaps best known for her advocacy of industrial hemp. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii Army National Guard Col. Roy J. Macaraeg was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony Tuesday at Washington Place, becoming what is believed to be the first Filipino soldier to attain the rank of general officer in the history of Hawaii’s citizen soldier ranks, Gov. David Ige’s office said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Swears in HIARNG’s First Filipino General Officer. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Colonel Roy J. Macaraeg, who was promoted to brigadier general, in a ceremony held at Washington Place. Big Island Now.

=====

EPA fines Oahu shrimp truck, 2 Hawaii island properties for illegal cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said so far this year it has issued $104,143 in fines and ordered the closure of five, illegal large-capacity cesspools in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Forces Closure Of 5 Hawaii Cesspools. The ongoing enforcement is intended to protect drinking water and coastal resources. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Police Ethics Training Hopes To Stop ‘Misguided Loyalty’. The new program from New Orleans teaches police officers to intervene and prevent mistakes before they happen. Civil Beat.

Councilman wants to audit HPD and prosecutor’s office in light of Kealohas’ conviction. Ron Menor says we need to find out how the corruption involving the Kealohas can be prevented in the future. KHON2.

Labor agreement bill up for final vote. A bill that would require major city construction jobs to employ unionized workers is up for a final vote before the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Officials say less than half of Oahu drivers have REAL-ID compliant licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Project being built at $11.5 million Diamond Head home causing controversy. Real estate website Zillow bills this home as 'the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Beautiful beach views, a pool, and the potential for private beach access is exactly what the owner has planned. KITV.

NOAA investigating death of monk seal pup found on Oahu’s North Shore. A 2-month old, female Hawaiian monk seal pup was recently found dead on Oahu’s North Shore, according to wildlife officials, with the circumstances surrounding her death indicating it was not of natural causes. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy prosecutor ordered to keep distance from defense lawyer. A state judge handed down an order Tuesday prohibiting a deputy prosecutor, who admits that he shoved defense lawyer Myles Breiner in a state courthouse hallway, from approaching or interacting with Breiner. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH Regents Move Vote On Mauna Kea Rules To Hawaii Island. The change from Oahu is meant to allow more residents of the Big Island to be heard by the regents. Civil Beat.

UH Regents Change Maunakea Rules Meeting Location To Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Protesters to Kim: Inclusion of TMT in vision for Maunakea still an obstacle to ‘Way Forward’. After a meeting between Thirty Meter Telescope opponents and Mayor Harry Kim on Monday at the Maunakea Access Road, neither side has any intention of backing down. Tribune-Herald.

=====

County looks to reappropriate $8.4M in unspent fuel tax funds. As more money pumps into county road projects, thanks in part to a 161% increase in the fuel tax rate since 2017, the county is having trouble spending it fast enough. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Unwashed Produce Likely Cause Of 7th Rat Lungworm Case Of 2019. A tourist visiting West Hawaii likely contracted the angiostrongyliasis disease by eating unwashed fresh produce and was the seventh person to be infected this year. Civil Beat.

Seventh case of rat lungworm this year confirmed in visitor to Hawaii island. The state Health Department said Tuesday there has been another laboratory-confirmed case of rat lungworm disease in an adult visitor to Hawaii island, the seventh so far this year. Star-Advertiser.

7th case of rat lungworm disease confirmed on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Reservation system in works for access to Haleakala Trail. It would allow for quarterly guided hikes. Maui News.

Maalaea fire prevention, erosion work funded by grant. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council awarded $300,000. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC seeks input on water diversions. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s draft environmental assessment regarding the Waiahi hydropower plants has been published, and the public has until Nov. 7 to comment on it. Garden Island.

Ocean temps contribute to warmer weather. In the past 30 days, 16 record highs have been tied or broken at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.