10k public housing units proposed, child abuse cases rise, Oahu jail funding uncertain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

10,000 more homes planned at Hawaii public housing projects. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority anticipates picking a private master developer partner within 60 days to redevelop nine of the agency’s low-income rental housing subdivisions on four islands where all 1,187 existing apartments would be replaced while also adding potentially 10,880 more homes for low- and middle-income households. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority faces critical week. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority faces its most critical week since its 1998 creation as lawmakers consider a state budget that could zero out its funding or drastically reduce it, and begin the final push in advance of Friday’s decking deadline on two bills that could repeal the agency. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii concerned with Senate version of budget. The House version of the state budget fully restores funding to the University of Hawaii, unlike the Senate version, which only partially restores funds cut during COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Latest sequel to Hawaii film tax credit program pending at Legislature. Hawaii lawmakers have written several different scripts this year to dramatically alter the state’s ever-changing film industry tax credit program, and one controversial draft is still pending at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Bill protecting sexual assault survivors awaits Governor Josh Green's signature. Senate Bill 1267 will help survivors obtain a restraining order against their offender regardless of what state they live in. KITV4.

Child abuse cases in Hawaii rose to 2,114 in 2022 as pandemic unwound. In a news conference Sunday, the Children’s Justice Centers of Hawaii said that in 2022 they tracked 2,114 cases of abuse in children ranging in age from infants to 17 years old. The cases were up 332 from 2020 and 54 from 2021. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Teenagers Go To Court To Force Climate Action. Lawsuits in Hawaii and Montana shine light on how climate chaos threatens their adult lives. Hawaii presents another opportunity to test a constitutional guarantee to a “clean and healthful environment.” What does that mean? The plaintiffs, represented by Our Children’s Trust and Earthjustice, are determined to find out.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s water systems tackle ‘forever chemicals’. PFAS, an acronym for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been found in water systems throughout the country, particularly those that rely on surface water. In Hawaii, most of the state’s drinking water comes from groundwater. Star-Advertiser.

UH Sea Grant Program receives over $5M for ocean debris cleanup. Efforts to keep waters around Hawaii pristine are getting some welcome funding. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

Hawaii Residents Are Struggling Even More With High Interest Rates. But Good News May Be Looming. Many people and small businesses racked up debt during the pandemic and are "in catch-up mode," according to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Civil Beat.

US Rep. Jill Tokuda Refuses To Take Corporate PAC Money. Does It Matter? The first-term congresswoman doubled down on her campaign pledge in a recent fundraising email. Experts say it's all about political messaging. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Debate Over A New Hawaii Jail Heats Up In The Final Days Of The Legislature. The Senate proposed spending $25 million to plan and solicit bids to replace the aging Oahu Community Correctional Center. The House offered nothing. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail safety plans include security cameras, patrols. A federally mandated rail safety plan identifying the city Department of Transportation Services as the final responsible party for the coming rail system has rolled toward official approval. Star-Advertiser.

The Battle Against Cockfighting In Hawaii: Lax Enforcement Helps Foster An Attitude Of ‘What’s Wrong With It?’ HPD used to do weekly raids and undercover ops to tackle cockfighting. Now, police haven’t made any arrests in over a year.  Civil Beat.

Chinatown Walmart Could Be Converted To Housing If City Council Bill Passes. The measure would make it easier to transform commercial spaces into residential. Some say the measure goes too far. Civil Beat.

Dorm to be UH Manoa’s second housing partnership. A newly approved University of Hawaii student housing project on Dole Street will be a landmark in a couple of ways, becoming the second public-private student housing project on the Manoa campus and housing a child care facility supported by the state’s new preschool initiative. Star-Advertiser.

Project aims to kick-start Waikiki coral reefs. The REEFrame project, as it is being called, is a partnership of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Conservation International, the state Division of Aquatic Resources, ocean technology firm Natrx, ocean engineering firm Oceanit and ClimbHI, a workforce development nonprofit. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

DLNR to monitor monk seal Kaiwi, pup around the clock. DLNR said its Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers will help keep people safe by directing them away from where the seals are in the water. Anyone who ignores the DOCARE officers’ directions can be cited or arrested. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State to open new pre-K classrooms: Big Island to receive a total of 13 by 2024. Eleven new pre-kindergarten classrooms are set to open throughout the state by August, including one at Waimea Elementary School. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Wastewater Service Options Examined In Draft EIS. The County of Hawaiʻi is considering options for wastewater systems in Puna, including sending the wastewater to Hilo for treatment. Big Island Video News.

Pohoiki Bay Restoration Draft Environmental Assessment Published. Public comments are being accepted on a plan to dredge the accumulated volcanic debris and restore access to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Big Island Video News.

Lawyers in Boy Scout shooting case express frustration. Lawyers for the family of an 11-year-old Boy Scout killed last August when an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle was accidentally discharged at a shooting range wrangled in court Friday with lawyers for the Boy Scouts of America and its Aloha Council. Tribune-Herald.

Food Basket working to establish ag innovation campus. With newly acquired 24.5 acres of land, The Food Basket is working to create the Hawaii Island Agricultural Innovation Park and Food Systems Campus, which will help alleviate food insecurity, lift barriers to pursuing agriculture, and respond to the current economic downturn by providing the capital needed to create a robust agricultural economy. Tribune-Herald.

Paving Waikoloa Road – Community meeting explains timeline, process. Nearly 20 community members attended a meeting Thursday evening presented by the county Public Works Division at Waikoloa Elementary School to learn the details of the planned paving of the road that transverses their village from Mamalahoa Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State cracking down on illegal car rentals at airport. Owners say they need help from Turo, state to comply with rules Since early March, the state Department of Transportation has been working “hand in hand” with the Maui Police Department to crack down on peer-to-peer rental car businesses operating without permits at Kahului Airport.  Maui News.

Sports, extracurricular activities moving ahead at Kulanihako‘i. Officials at the new Kihei high school are seeking an athletic director and coaches. Maui News.

Kauai

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda talks climate at first Kaua‘i town hall. On Earth Day, the climate was top of mind for many in attendance, including resident Jimmy Trujillo, who asked about tapping into federal funds to address climate change on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Oahu Land Crunch Leads Aloun Farms To Expand Acreage On Fertile West Kauai. Aloun Farms, one of Hawaii’s most prolific producers of Chinese cabbage, green beans, pumpkin and sweet corn, made a name for itself in Central Oahu in the 1990s as a local food producer focused on edging out vegetable imports. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Tourism Authority could be dissolved, 4 Honolulu police charged in chase crash, Green's cabinet appointees face tough time in Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaii Tourism Authority Is A Step Closer To Being Dissolved. Hawaii lawmakers moved toward dramatically reshaping how the island state markets itself as a tourist destination on Thursday, when a joint House committee voted to approve a Senate bill dissolving the Hawaii Tourism Authority.  Civil Beat.

Senators Reject Governor’s Pick For Economy Chief But Give Thumbs-Up To New DHHL Director. Hawaii lawmakers divided over governor’s latest nominees. Two more of Gov. Josh Green nominees to lead state departments had rough job interviews Thursday by Senate committees, with one receiving a rejection recommendation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick is the latest cabinet confirmation. Ten of Gov. Josh Green's administrative appointees have received Senate committee recommendations so far — a crucial milestone before the nominees appear before the full Senate to be confirmed. Hawaii Public Radio.

House highlights bills to assist families, keiki and environment. The state House passed its version of the state budget and other bills that leaders say will assist struggling families through tax relief, help them finance rooftop solar systems, improve the environment and lead to “a sustainable future for our state.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Following Labor Department pushback, paid family leave proposal dies. Efforts to establish a family leave system in Hawaii similar to unemployment insurance have died again at the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Computer science mandate for Hawaii public schools debated. A bill to require the state Board of Education to determine whether computer science should become a requirement for public school graduation is moving through the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Cops Have Jurisdiction On Homelands, But DHHL Says Policing Is Patchy. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wanted the Legislature to pass Senate Bill 490, which would have given the Hawaiian Homes Commission its own police powers, allowing the chair to hire law enforcement officers dedicated to Hawaiian homelands. The bill died after passing two committees. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 Honolulu police officers charged in crash that paralyzed teen. Four Honolulu police officers face felony charges in connection with a September 2021 police pursuit that ended in a crash that the officers allegedly fled and conspired to cover up. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Honolulu considers allowing some commercial activities at parks, beaches with uniform rules. Honolulu's Bill 19 proposes creating a uniform set of rules for commercial activities at Oʻahu parks — allowing businesses to resume with some restrictions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy discloses another Red Hill spill. Approximately 1,500 gallons of concentrated firefighting suppressant containing toxic chemicals spilled at the Navy’s Red Hill underground fuel facility on Dec. 7, 2019, the Navy disclosed to regulators this week, bringing the number of known spills at the facility to three and elevating concerns that dangerous chemicals, called PFAS, still may be lurking in the environment as a result. Star-Advertiser.

Speeding in Honolulu could cost you hundreds. On Oahu speed is a huge factor with traffic fatalities. The Honolulu Police Department credits half of their traffic fatalities involving a motorist driving over the posted speed limit. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

HVO lowers Mauna Loa alert level. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has downgraded its alert level for Mauna Loa after more than three months of calm. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Loa Observatory “Back in Action." The Mauna Loa Observatory is back measuring the carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere, three months after the end of the lava eruption that forced scientists to abandon the facility. Big Island Video News.

Proposed new HVO site could benefit students. Plans for a new 60,000-square-foot facility on state land at the intersection of Komohana and Nowelo streets in Hilo are taking shape, and could provide for more partnerships between the observatory and university faculty and staff. Tribune-Herald.

Mobile health clinic unveiled. A new mobile health care clinic has arrived on the Big Island courtesy of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, a Hawaii-based nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal, child and family health care. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Michelle L. Drewyer appointed to fill judicial vacancy created by now-Maui Mayor Bissen. With her selection, the Second Circuit Court of Maui County will fully achieve gender parity, with two female and two male judges. Maui Now.

Maui police ramp up foot patrols in Paia amid merchants’ complaints. Police are ramping up enforcement efforts on Maui’s North Shore after repeated complaints from merchants about illegal activity in the area. Hawaii News Now.

Input sought for management of Kīpahulu Forest Reserve. Management efforts on the southeast slopes of Haleakalā aim to gradually restore the native forest ecosystem of Maui’s Kīpahulu Forest Reserve.  Maui Now.

Lahainaluna’s stadium to undergo renovations. Project will impact the track and field season; graduation ceremony is moved. Maui News.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health issues red placard to restaurant in Pā‘ia. The Hawai‘i Department of Health issued a red “Closed” placard to Café Mambo to protect public health. The restaurant, owned and operated by Betham Pacific LLC, is located at 30 Baldwin Avenue in Pā‘ia.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i county council to stop accepting Zoom testimony. Starting next week, the Kaua‘i County Council will no longer be accepting testimony via Zoom. Officials say the change was prompted by state statutes, which might require meetings that use interactive conference technology to be repeated if the connection gets interrupted. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Hazelton appointed as Kaua‘i governor’s representative. In her new role with the Gov. Josh Green administration, Dana Hazelton will be the governor’s “eyes and ears” for the Kaua‘i community. Garden Island.

Senate committee nixes Anderson bid for DHHL, tax relief clears 2 committees, feds seek removal of Leong defense attorney in Honolulu corruption case, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Senate panel impairs DHHL leadership bid. Ikaika Anderson failed to win an endorsement from a Senate committee Tuesday to lead the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands over issues that included mistrust. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Tax Relief Bill Clears 2 House Committees. The House Education and Economic Development committees unanimously approved a bill Tuesday aimed at providing tax relief to lower- and middle-income families, but it is still unclear if the measure will survive the legislative session. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Legislature Looks To Tweak Internal Rules To Accommodate Ethics Reform. The Senate has committed to livestreaming hearings while the House looks to clarify conflicts of interest for its members. Civil Beat.

HTA puts out third call for U.S. tourism contract. The Hawaii Tourism Authority kicked off its third procurement for a U.S. tourism contract by soliciting bids for a contractor to provide Hawaii tourism destination brand management and marketing services for the U.S. market. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

State bill targets legal short term rentals. The bill does more than just allow counties to change the zoning. It also allows counties to phase out permitted, nonconforming, or otherwise allowed short-term rentals in any zoning classification. KITV4.

Free community college? Legislation seeks to cover tuition for Hawaii residents at 10 campuses. House Bill 78 and its companion, Senate Bill 172, would expand the Hawaii Promise program, a “last dollar” scholarship providing free in-state tuition for University of Hawaii community college students. Tribune-Herald.

Convicted felons can’t serve on Hawaii juries. This lawmaker says it’s time to change that. The proposal could open up jury duty for nearly 5,000 residents with a criminal past. Hawaii News Now.

Midwives Will Soon Need A License To Practice In Hawaii. Many Are Pushing Back. Regulators want to standardize practices, but some people fear mandatory licensure could hurt rural and Native Hawaiian communities. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

State bill hopes to boost money for rural broadband.  Hawaii could receive up to $250 million in order to build out broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii legislator concerned by distribution of Chinese newspaper. State Rep. Gene Ward questions why free copies of the Chinese Communist Party’s China Daily newspaper are delivered to House members given China’s ongoing provocations, including suspicions that China flew an intelligence-gathering balloon over Kauai in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Feds Move To Disqualify Attorney In Honolulu Corruption Case. The U.S. Attorney’s office said it’s a conflict of interest for defense attorney Thomas Otake to represent former Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong because Otake’s law partner Loretta Sheehan is a “significant government witness,” according to a motion to the U.S. District court filed on Tuesday.  Civil Beat.

EPA gives Navy more time for Red Hill spill data. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will grant the Navy’s request for more time to turn over information about spills of toxic fire suppression chemicals at its Red Hill underground fuel facility, but only if military officials agree to speed up release of some of the requested material. Star-Advertiser.

‘A lot of paperwork’: 5 months in, flaws apparent in city program to ban repeat offenders from Waikiki.  In September, the city made a big splash in launching “Waikiki Safe and Sound,” a program billed as taking a harder stance on crime in the state’s no. 1 tourism destination. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmaker seeks alternatives to OHA residential development in Kakaʻako. State Sen. Sharon Moriwaki is calling for a “meeting of the minds” over a bill that would reverse a ban on residential development in Kaka’ako Makai, an Oʻahu area in her district. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapiolani opens new center for youngest heart patients. Kapiolani Medical Center for Women &Children celebrated Valentine’s Day on Tuesday with the opening of its new Pediatric Heart Center. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

Greg McMackin, former UH football coach, dies at 77.  McMackin spent more than four decades in coaching, including four seasons as Warriors head coach. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes off Hawaii Island. The USGS said the quake struck at 9:27 p.m. and was centered about 7.5 miles southeast of Pahala at a depth of about 20 miles. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiian Springs Water sued. The lawsuit  alleges Hawaiian Springs has defaulted on a power purchase agreement with Hawaii Brewery Development Co. o buy all the electricity produced by a 300-kilowatt solar energy facility installed by the landlord. Tribune-Herald.

County: Unclear when HOVE well will be repaired. There’s no estimated repair date for the county’s Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well, which has been out of service the past few days. Tribune-Herald.

Small plane crashes at Kona airport; no serious injuries. There were no serious injuries when a small passenger plan with five people aboard crashed off a runway Tuesday morning at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Resident survey: Quality of life takes back burner to tourism. Maui County residents are slightly more receptive to the tourism industry as a driver of economic benefits, but still feel that the quality of life is on the back burner, according to a recent survey. Maui News.

Governor’s budget requests include $9 million for Kahului Civic Center. Funding for housing, health care, education and other projects across the state — including $9 million for the Kahului Civic Center — are among the additional budget requests Gov. Josh Green made to the state Legislature on Monday.  Maui News.

Hawaiian Telcom invested $160M to expand fiber infrastructure in 2022. An additional 55,000 homes and businesses were enabled with fiber-to-the-premise service in 2022, including parts of Wailuku, Maui, Hawaiian Telcom reports. That’s the highest number of locations the company has enabled in a single year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Councilmember Luke Evslin to fill empty Hawai‘i House seat. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has tapped Kaua‘i County Councilmember Luke Evslin to fill a vacant Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives seat. Kauai Now.

Hanapepe’s Aloha Theatre to be restored as multi-use boutique hotel. A landmark of Hanapepe’s history is getting new life under a $4 million restoration plan that will see Kaua‘i’s biggest little town gain multiple new businesses and a 16-room boutique hotel. Garden Island.

Legislators advance repeal of excise tax on groceries, some health care; battle ensues over loosening development rules for affordable housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers eye tax relief proposals as residents grapple with rising costs for medical care, groceries. Hawaii lawmakers began giving preliminary approval to major tax breaks Friday, including repealing the excise tax on groceries and on doctors who serve low-income and elderly patients in small clinics. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Affordable Housing Law Sparks Battles At The Capitol. At a time when housing is a priority for the island state, some lawmakers are pushing back against a law that eases development. Civil Beat.

1 of 3 bills to repeal Hawaii Tourism Authority advances. Three bills are seeking to repeal the embattled Hawaii Tourism Authority this legislative session, which may prove one of the more contentious for the agency since state lawmakers gave it life in 1998. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Hawaii DBEDT director getting down to business.  On a whiteboard in the top-floor corner office in Hono­lulu’s historic No. 1 Capitol District building, several objectives are charted out that could have big implications for Hawaii’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Partial public financing for elections could see boost, with substantial benefits for OHA. Hawai‘i lawmakers are considering legislation that would boost the amount of partial public financing available to candidates for the first time since the mid-1990s. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill proposes making Native Hawaiian language a required course. A recently introduced bill in the Legislature would make Native Hawaiian language classes a required course in Hawaii public schools for grades elementary through high school, just as English is a required course. Star-Advertiser.

A generational ban on tobacco? Senate Bill 148 proposes the ban on tobacco for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2003. The ban includes traditional cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and vapes. Tribune-Herald.

Empty shelves for kids’ medicines continue. Many retail drugstores have bare shelves in the over-the-counter cold medicine area, particularly for the most popular brands of fever- and pain-reducing medication for children under 12. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council growing impatient waiting for Honolulu housing plan. Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is frustrated: For two years he’s asked, waited and asked again for Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration to divulge a previously promised housing plan as well as a strategy on dealing with a growing homeless population on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Waitlist opening for rent subsidy program. The City and County of Honolulu is opening its waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which provides rental assistance to eligible households with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hawaii News Now.

Battle over Kakaako housing continues on Oahu. For nearly two decades in urban Honolulu, an ideological battle line over housing has been fixed along Ala Moana Boulevard dividing mauka and makai segments of Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Farmers interested in Savio’s Waialua ag condo project. More than 100 people turned out Sunday to hear about Orchard Plantation, a farming project by Peter Savio, which will offer local farmers the opportunity to own fee-simple land in Waialua. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Tackling teacher shortages: Bill aims to ease licensing process for out-of-state educators.  As of June 2022, the state Department of Education reported Hawaii County was short 196 classroom teachers, with 41 vacancies in the Hilo-Waiakea complex, 50 in the Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa complex, and 105 in the Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena complex. Tribune-Herald.

Few Big Island schools have undergone vulnerability assessments meant to ID campus weaknesses. Despite an increase in threats reported at state Department of Education schools, just 14 of 41 Big Island campuses have completed a vulnerability assessment since 2017. Tribune-Herald.

‘An incredible partnership’: School-Based Health Centers open in West Hawaii.  Hawaii Island Community Health Center has launched School Based Health Centers to provide care on-site in three local schools.  West Hawaii Today.

The Tragic Life And Death Of A Hilo Homeless Woman. The woman who died in a Banyan tree fire last month was once an award-winning coffee farmer. But she struggled with mental illness. Civil Beat.

Maui

Prosecutors Seek Nearly A Decade In Prison For ‘Brazen’ Maui Official Who Took Bribes. Stewart Stant, a former Maui environmental director who pleaded guilty to taking nearly $2 million in bribes, directed more than $19 million worth of sole-source contracts for improvements to Maui’s wastewater system to H2O Process Systems between 2012 and 2018. Civil Beat.

Maui Council Confirms Lutey As Clerk. The Maui County Council confirmed Moana Lutey, the county’s former top attorney, as clerk in a 9-0 vote. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Fuel spill reignites debate over military’s land lease. Mayor visits Haleakala, calls for community engagement. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Maui firefighter dies after being sucked into storm drain. 24-year-old Tre’ Evans-Dumaran died Saturday after he was swept into a storm drain on Jan. 27 while responding to flooding in Kihei. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Predator-proof fence installation begins at Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary. Work is currently underway to replace an old, rusty fence that surrounds the sprawling Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui. The old fending is being replaced with predator-proof fencing to keep rats, cats, mongoose, and dogs from attacking ground-nesting birds.  Maui Now. Maui News.

Kauai

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess too-short levees on Kaua‘i, but timeframe unknown. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami said he made headway with military brass last month – nearly one year after hundreds of West Side households were required to purchase flood insurance due to subpar levees constructed decades ago by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i housing market state’s most expensive. A calendar year that featured some eye-popping real estate transactions cemented the County of Kaua‘i as the priciest place for a single-family home in the Hawaiian Islands. Garden Island.

Median home price hits $1.6M in December.  Sales of single-family homes tumbled on Kaua‘i in December 2022, a scenario that played out in each of the previous months of the housing cycle. But the slowdown in transactions didn’t cool prices. Garden Island.

Japan-Hawaii flights restored, Honolulu 3rd most expensive rental market, affordable housing projects planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige, officials celebrate return of JAL PC:HTA

Hawaiian, Japan airlines restore flights to Hawaii. Japan Airlines touched down at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday with 177 passengers from Narita to mark the return of direct Japan flights to Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Here's how a new federal climate package could impact Hawaiʻi. The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a spending package that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for carbon emission reductions and clean energy infrastructure. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Is The Only State Not Seeking Federal Buyouts To Move Residents Away From Floods. The FEMA program could help as the climate crisis worsens. But the public would have to know it exists and overcome outdated building codes and high property values. Civil Beat.

Alleged Russian spies enter pleas of not guilty. The federal investigation into a married couple accused of stealing the identity of dead Texas infants and conspiring against the United States is open and ongoing as agents sift through the mysterious lives and travels of a U.S. defense contractor and his wife who were arrested in July in Ka­polei. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 100,000 Pounds Of Nets, Other Debris Removed From Hawaii National Monument. About 115,000 pounds of additional debris accumulate each year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, researchers say. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Staffing shortages, reinfections: The year of living with COVID isn’t going as planned. The COVID positivity rate in Hawaii is now hovering around 16% and public health officials are worried the islands could be grappling with another wave as the latest variant circulates and reinfections soar. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Housing projects planned from North Shore to town will create 972 affordable units in the next five years. City officials and private developers Tuesday announced six upcoming affordable housing projects designed to create 972 units from the North Shore to town within five years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

7 Oahu schools identified for poorest air quality. The state Department of Education on Tuesday identified seven Oahu schools housing 73 classrooms with the highest levels of carbon dioxide — a sign of poor ventilation, which is a risk factor for the spread of COVID-19 — and said steps to improve conditions already have begun. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

UH Task Force Detects Fuel In Navy Water After It Was Deemed Safe. The Navy and Hawaii’s Department of Health stood by their findings that the water is now safe after last year’s contamination crisis. The findings – contradicting the stance of the Navy and the Hawaii Department of Health, which have maintained since March 18 that the water is free of fuel – were published Tuesday morning with a press release and data dashboard on UH’s website. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

As housing prices soar, Honolulu becomes the third most expensive place to rent in the country. Honolulu is now the third most expensive place to rent in the country, according to new data from online rental firm Apartment List. The analysis showed the median rent for a two-bedroom unit in Honolulu is about $2,500 a month. Only Napa and the Silicon Valley in California had higher rents than Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu parks and recreation activities to launch online registration system. The city Department of Parks and Recreation says its online reservation system will begin accepting payments for all fall park activities, which vary from archery to ukulele to tai chi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric deploys two EV fast chargers in Mililani. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday it has deployed a new fast-charging station at the Town Center of Mililani as part of a pilot program aimed at encouraging greater electric vehicle adoption. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing credits in the spotlight: Council committee questions audit timing during federal investigation. The County Council agrees the county needs to take a closer look at how it dispenses credits for building affordable housing, but members of the Finance Committee who were present Tuesday were unsure the timing was right to undertake a wide-ranging audit. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Council Gets Update About EPIC Permitting System. Hawai‘i County Council members got an update about the county’s new building permit system Tuesday, Aug. 2, during a meeting of the council’s Public Works and Mass Transit Committee, and while challenges still exist, strides are being made. Big Island Now.

EV charging stations bill appears headed for easy passage. A proposal to require owners of public parking lots to install electric vehicle chargers has been recommended for passage by a Hawaii County Council committee. Tribune-Herald.

County Council District 9: Three candidates in the running for open Kohala district. County Council District 9 became an open seat this year when Kohala Councilman Tim Richards vacated after his third term in order to run for an empty Senate seat, and three candidates are vying for the position. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Inside the race for Maui County mayor. The race for Maui Mayor is heating up, as incumbent Mayor Mike Victorino seeks re-election. He's facing some tough competition in a crowded 8-person race: Cullan Bell, Richard Bissen, Kim Brown, Alana Kay, Kelly King, Jonah Lion, and Mike Molina. KITV4.

Three projects get initial approvals for federal funds. Among the projects approved for Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding is the proposed Halau of ‘Oiwi Art Center planned for Wailuku town, which is one of the largest investments earmarked in all Hawaii counties, county administration has said. Other earmarks include $1.4 million in federal funds to help renovate the former GTE Hawaiian Tel Building for the county’s Emergency Operations Center and Maui Police Department’s project to expand radio communications in West Maui. Maui News.

Community cat count survey to launch. Maui Humane Society plans to implement an island-wide “Community Cat Count” this month as an effort to better understand and manage the cat population of roughly 40,000 as humanely as possible. Maui News.

Kauai

Po afi coming to Heiva I Kaua‘i on Saturday. The Heiva I Kaua‘i is returning to an in-person format at the Kapa‘a Beach Park following a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Tahitian dance and drumming competition will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Garden Island.

Tourism funding threatened, staff shortages impact hospitality and travel, monster homes irk Honolulu, Maui residents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii volcano at night PC: Janice Wei

Tourism funding again under threat. The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s future is uncertain again. Gov. David Ige has announced his intent to veto House Bill 1147 — the eleventh-­hour solution that state legislators cobbled together at the end of the session to save the agency’s $60 million annual budget. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Lack of workers affecting hospitality and travel. Airlines and travel officials are expecting a busier Fourth of July weekend and summer travel season compared to last year, but the shortage of workers continues to be an issue. KHON2.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Visitor Spending Contributed $117 Million To Local Economy. The National Park Service says a new report finds 2021 spending supported 1,220 jobs mostly in lodging, recreation and transportation. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Anti-vape advocates, tobacco industry applaud Gov. Ige's plan to veto flavored product bill. House Bill 1570 proposes banning flavored tobacco products, including menthol. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s small businesses grapple with rising costs, staffing shortages. National chains are better able to weather the current challenges — including ability to pay a rising minimum wage — than small mom-and-pop shops, according to Tina Yamaki, president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Agriculture Board endorses plan to import millions of mosquitoes to save imperiled birds. The state Board of Agriculture on Tuesday gave the green light to the release of tens of millions of mosquitoes into the wild as part of a plan to help save Hawaii’s endangered forest birds. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Liquor Commission Run Amok? Bar Owners Complaints Are Leading To Change. Bar owners struggled amidst strict restrictions during the pandemic. Now they hope city officials can implement reforms to the Honolulu Liquor Commission. Civil Beat.

City says bacteria levels drop following treated wastewater discharge on West Oahu beaches. An undisclosed problem at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant last Thursday led to excessive discharge of treated wastewater along the Ewa coastline. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Neighbors react to city shutting down Kaimukī 'monster home.' But what's next? Earlier this month, the city's Department of Planning and Permitting revoked three building permits, and issued a stop work order for 3615 Sierra Drive. Officials say the project violates the city's land use ordinance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Staffing shortages a key factor in labor dispute at Hawaii’s largest hotel. Union contracts at the Hilton Hawaiian Village are set to expire in two days and union workers are asking for help to deal with the summer travel rush. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fire Department welcomes new accelerant detection canine. Eve, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is Hawaii’s only accelerant detection canine, according to HFD. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu Hunters Oppose Contraception for Pigs. Pig hunters packed the Department of Land and Natural resources board room Tuesday to speak out against the use of birth control measures on wild animals. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Higher water rates coming down the pipe. Water customers should expect a double whammy on their bills starting Friday, when planned consumption and standby charge increases coincide with an increase in the fluctuating power purchase charge. West Hawaii Today.

Water restrictions could be eased this week. There’s good news for North Kona residents worrying about the area’s drinking water supply — water restrictions could be eased as early as the end of this week. West Hawaii Today.

Judge orders document in Ireland case to be unsealed. Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota on Tuesday ordered that one of two documents apparently related to post-conviction DNA testing performed in the Dana Ireland murder case be unsealed and made public. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Ag Department heads to be picked this week. Maui County’s new Agriculture Department director and deputy are expected to be announced this week by Mayor Michael Victorino as the deadline for the department to be established approaches on Friday. Maui News.

Resolution To Acquire Maui Monster House Passes Committee. The eminent domain resolution now moves to the full County Council for consideration at its July 15 meeting. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Funding, fencing on the horizon for farms, ranches hurt by axis deer. Solutions for feral ungulate control are slowly but surely taking shape as axis deer populations rapidly grow and create havoc for Maui County farmers and ranchers. Maui News.

Kauai

COVID puts damper on Kaua‘i fireworks shows. The U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility is returning with its first fireworks show since the onset of the pandemic. But due to COVID concerns, it will only be open to U.S. Department of Defense ID cardholders and their guests. Garden Island.

Tourism contract in dispute, sea level rise puts focus on coast, Pearl City teacher accused of sex assault, child porn, to remain behind bars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau files protest over tourism contract award. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau filed a protest Tuesday alleging that the Hawaii Tourism Authority violated state procurement when awarding its largest piece of business, the U.S. brand management and global support services contract, to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Star-Advertiser.

Sea Level Rise Intensifies Debate Over How Hawai‘i Uses Its Coastlines. A UH report asks decision-makers: What are the most important values and uses for the remaining oceanfront as the sea continues to rise? Hawaii Business Magazine.

Lieutenant governor candidates forum is showdown over experience. The leading candidates to become Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor were divided at a forum Tuesday between longtime politicians who argued they have the right experience versus outsiders who said current approaches are not working for Hawaii families — and have not worked for years, if not for decades. Star-Advertiser.

A measure aimed at expanding telehealth access could end up doing the opposite, critics say. There is growing debate over a bill that could significantly impact Hawaii’s mental health services. It’s called House Bill 1980 and as currently written, it would cover telehealth appointments via digital platforms such as Zoom or Facetime. However, telephone-only appointments would only be covered under certain criteria. Hawaii News Now.

Why So Many Hawaii Nurses Want To Leave The Profession. A survey released last month found that 23% of the nurses who responded had considered quitting. Civil Beat.

Department of Hawaiian Homelands to recieve $22.3 million in federal funds. The $22.3 million is the highest amount the federal government has ever appropriated for Native Hawaiian housing and is $20.3 million more than last year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considering examining city hiring process to address high vacancy rate. The Honolulu City Council is considering auditing the Department of Human Resources to examine its selection and hiring process as the city faces filling about 3,000 vacant positions. There are about 11,600 total positions at the city. Star-Advertiser.

Economy And Housing Are Center Stage In Hot Oahu Senate Race. Carol Fukunaga hopes to defeat upstart Ian Ross in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Senate District 11. Civil Beat.

Woman Dies After Apparent Suicide At Oahu Jail. The death of Diamond Simeona-Agoo at the Oahu Community Correctional Center is the second apparent suicide in a Hawaii jail this month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii teacher accused of child sex assault, child porn crimes to remain behind bars. The Pearl City High School substitute teacher accused of having sex with a 13-year-old boy during school lunch breaks will remain behind bars at least until late July. Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that 34-year-old Alden Bunag is a danger to the community and a flight risk. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Former Navy diver describes Red Hill contamination: ‘We were up against a huge problem’. As the military tries to figure how to safely drain the Red Hill fuel tanks, a retired Navy diver who saw the contamination up close is speaking out. He describes the divers being covered in fuel in a water well, and he worries about the long-term health impacts from that operation. Hawaii News Now.

Performance center to be renamed after longtime band teacher, leader. Try as you might, you will never get Michael Nakasone to agree that he deserves the honor of having the Pearl City Cultural Center auditorium building renamed for him. Star-Advertiser.

Humane society sees increase in animal surrenders as pet owners feel inflation’s squeeze. The Hawaiian Humane Society is seeing an unprecedented number of animal surrenders and soaring need for its pet food bank ― in a situation the nonprofit worries will only get worse as costs continue to rise. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Say bye to HI-5 at Kealakehe, Waimea, Hilo transfer stations. Hawaii Island residents will no longer be able to redeem their HI-5 bottles and cans at three of the most popular transfer stations, and the continuation of redemption service at a fourth is uncertain, as contractors grapple with inflation, fuel price increases and a worker shortage stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

County offering subsidized van rentals for commuters. Under the program, prospective riders can coordinate with each other to select a rental vehicle and a pickup and dropoff point for their daily commutes, distributing the costs among themselves. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Judge denies county’s motion to dismiss Waipi‘o road lawsuit. Waipi‘o Valley Road remains closed to all but a handful of people, but on Tuesday, a judge ruled a civil case to reopen the road which was closed in February via an emergency declaration by Mayor Mitch Roth can proceed. Tribune-Herald. 

Anonymous Donor Gives $3M To UH Hilo And LGBTQ Students. The scholarships will support LGBTQ students and students who are the first in their family to attend college. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County Council Advances Resolutions On Monster House. One of the resolutions calls for a formal investigation into how the house in Napili was allowed to be built despite being in violation of numerous building codes. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi’s first case of rabbit disease found on Maui farm; quarantine ordered. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture confirmed rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, type 2 (RHDV2) in a 4- to 5-year-old neutered male rabbit on a farm in Kula. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Kilauea’s Hale Lea Medicine clinic may close. The Kaua‘i Community Health Alliance receives between 17,000 and 20,000 patient visits each year, providing a range of treatment to largely working-class people from the Ha‘ena to Kapa‘a. They soon may be unable to keep their doors open, their CEO says. Garden Island.

Community hosts appreciation lu‘au for Tropic Care. Tropic Care Kaua‘i 2022 is pau, until the next time. Garden Island.

LGBTQ measures advance, private school tuition climbs, House Speaker Saiki faces primary challenge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gay Pride parade in Hawaii pre-CVID ©2022 All Hawaii News

Lawmakers say 2022 legislative session was a success for LGBTQ community. Lawmakers say they want the community to know this past legislative session was a success for the LGBTQ community. They say three PRO LGBTQ bills passed out of the Capitol. KITV4.

Hawaii Moves To Improve Transgender Health Insurance Coverage. House Bill 2405, which is awaiting the governor’s signature, would prevent insurers from denying gender-affirming treatments due to “cosmetic” exclusions. Civil Beat.

Tuition at Hawaii private schools continues to climb. According to survey data from the nonprofit Hawai‘i Association for Independent Schools, the average annual tuition figures from 92 member private schools for this fall is $12,997 — 3.9% higher than last year and 28% percent higher than the $10,159 average in 2019-2020, the last full school year before the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Gun Enthusiasts Keep Winning In Court. That Could Soon Weaken Hawaii’s Strict Gun Laws. When it comes to gun violence, Hawaii is one of the safest places in the U.S. The state has among the lowest number of registered guns and gun deaths per capita, and some of the nation’s toughest gun laws. Civil Beat.

Release of altered mosquitoes is questioned. A multiagency plan to release tens of millions of imported mosquitoes into the wild to help save Hawaii’s endangered forest birds is generating fears of unintended consequences. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Tourism Authority’s contract reversal leaves longtime marketer HVCB’s future in limbo. The reversal of fortune that has left the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau with a fraction of the tens of millions of dollars in state contracts it enjoyed will become clearer Tuesday after a formal debriefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s decision to award its top U.S. contract to a Native Hawaiian nonprofit. Star-Advertiser.

Rear admiral assumes command of U.S. Coast Guard 14th District. Rear Adm. Michael Day, who presided over a historic maritime mass evacuation during Sept. 11, 2001, assumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District on Friday following a change-of-command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts to improve marine conservation receive state funding. State funding is being provided to two ocean-based efforts in Hawaii — one to help conservation in the Pupukea area on Oahu and another to promote fishing statewide. Star-Advertiser.

New law aims to reel in fishing violations. House Bill 1653, which was signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Wednesday and takes effect July 1, would create a flexible, tiered system of fines based on the type of specimen caught illegally and whether it’s first-time or repeat offense. Maui News.

New group wants corporate money out of Hawaii politics. A local political action committee is hoping a pledge to stop Hawaii’s politicians from accepting large campaign donations from lobbyists and corporations will help solve some of those problems and allow kamaaina to live more comfortably. KHON2.

Oahu

August primary to feature rematch between Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki, Kim Coco Iwamoto. At stake is whether Kaka­ako and Ala Moana voters will return Saiki to the House after 28 years or whether the House will get a new speaker and new leadership team in 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu short-term rental owners sue city over law raising minimum stay to 90 days. The lawsuit alleges the new city ordinance, which goes into effect Oct. 23, is unconstitutional because it interferes with owners’ vested rights to own and rent property and violates state zoning law. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police might limit amount of overtime officers can work, in response to audit. Honolulu police are considering capping the amount of overtime hours officers may work and bringing back a three-days-a-week, 12-hours-a-day work schedule in response to a city audit that detailed HPD’s “ineffective” management of time-and-a-half policies from 2016 to 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Staffing Shortages At The Oahu Jail Are Raising Alarms About Safety And OT Costs. Officers at Oahu Community Correctional Center say they are exhausted from working extra shifts with more frequent lockdowns. Civil Beat.

Oahu Lifeguards Say They Need Help. But City Officials Are Stonewalling. A resolution that would let voters help chart the future course for the city Ocean Safety division has stalled in City Council chambers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu among 3 major U.S. tourist destinations to become coronavirus hot spots. The three sizable urban centers in the United States where the coronavirus is spreading fastest right now have something in common: They are major warm-weather tourist destinations. New York Times.

Iwi kupuna returned to Oahu from New Zealand museum. The remains of three Native Hawaiians, illegally taken from Oahu in 1860, found their way to New Zealand, where they were housed in the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch for more than 150 years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County Council fields set. Villegas wins reelection to Kona council seat. The primary election is still months away, but incumbent Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas has already won reelection. West Hawaii Today.

State legislative races set: Incumbents win four seats without challengers. Sen. Dru Kanuha, a Democrat representing Kona’s District 3; Rep. Mark Nakashima, a Democrat representing Hamakua’s District 1, Richard Onishi, a Democrat representing Hilo’s District 2 and Nicole Lowen, a Democrat representing Kona’s District 7, will appear on their respective ballots without competition. West Hawaii Today.

Homeowner, kupuna exemptions to be considered Tuesday. Bill 182, to be taken up by the County Council Finance Committee at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, doesn’t change tax rates but would increase the value of property that would be taxed. The bill also adds two new categories for kupuna exemptions — 65 years and 75 years — while increasing the amounts exempted. West Hawaii Today.

More questions than answers regarding Naniloa hotel. The Board of Land and Natural Resources determined with some reluctance Thursday that granting a request to WHR LLC, the owner of the Naniloa, to take out a $62 million mortgage to cover its current $50 million mortgage with another lender would not be in the best interests of the state. Tribune-Herald.

Group claims Judges for Justice interfering with exoneration effort. The Hawaii Innocence Project has replied to a motion by a Seattle group seeking to unseal post-conviction DNA testing conducted on a key piece of evidence in the Dana Ireland murder, saying the leader of the group is interfering with HIP’s efforts to exonerate one of the men convicted in the case. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County mulls creation of East Maui Water Authority. Board would oversee water lease agreements; charter amendment could be put on ballot. A County Council committee is considering a charter amendment proposed by Council Member Shane Sinenci that would let voters decide whether the county should establish an East Maui Community Water Authority and Community Board. Maui News.

Campaign begins to raise $2M for fire station in Olowalu. Property and station would be turned over to Maui County once it’s been constructed. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan approved. The plan is aimed at rebuilding, redefining and reseting the direction of tourism over a three-year period. The focus is on stabilization, recovery, and rebuilding to the desired visitor industry for each island.  Maui Now.

Tropic Care Kaua‘i is open. A medical innovative readiness training mission presented by the U.S. Department of Defense, Tropic Care Kaua‘i will be providing mobile clinics at Kilauea School from June 13 through 15, and moving to the Waimea Easter Seals facility on June 17, 18 and 20, all with the same hours as the main clinics. Garden Island.