Showing posts with label Hawaii Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaii Travel. Show all posts

Friday, November 24, 2023

Hawaii seeks to limit barriers for Japanese tourists, new Supreme Court justice helped put Green in office, huge surf could peak at 50 feet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green wants to make it easier for travelers to visit from Japan. State leaders want to make it easier for tourists from Japan to visit Hawaii by creating a pre-­clearance program allowing travelers from the country to save time at the Honolulu airport by completing immigration, customs and agricultural inspections before departure. Associated Press.

Special fares and chartered flights aim to reignite Japanese tourism to Hawaii. As the state’s visitor arrival numbers recover post-COVID, the Japanese market is a critical piece that’s still missing. Hawaii News Now.

New Hawaii Justice Recently Held A Top Position In The Super PAC That Helped Put Gov. Green In Office. Vladimir Devens, who on Tuesday was unanimously confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate to fill one of two vacancies on the Hawaii Supreme Court, was a director of Be Change Now from April 2019 until April 2023, according to business registration filings with the state. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Will Be Stuck With Its Outdated Unemployment System At Least 3 More Years. The antiquated computer mainframe that caused so many problems with unemployment insurance claims during the Covid-19 pandemic will need to stay in use several more years, even though the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations hoped to be finally rid of it last year. Civil Beat.

Huge warning-level surf for most north and west shores. A large northwest swell will bring huge and dangerous waves that could peak at 40 to 50 feet for most north and west facing shores into Friday. A high surf warning has been issued until 6 a.m. Saturday for the north and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, and the north shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii law enforcement community opposes state’s plan to legalize recreational marijuana. Hawaii’s Law enforcement community, led by Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, is lining up against the attorney general’s plan to legalize recreational marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

‘Bad actor’ nurseries targeted by officials over little fire ant infestations. Sharon Hurd, state Board of Agriculture chair, told a state Senate informational briefing Wednesday that the department is seeking court orders to enter the properties of the offending nurseries and will seek to quarantine any infested plants. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

How Hong Kong and Singapore could inspire Hawaii’s transit-oriented development plans. Experts say Hawaii’s housing crisis isn’t just about construction. Public services, schools, commutes — they all play a role. That’s why a Hawaii housing delegation made certain to ride the rail on their recent trip to Asia. Hawaii News Now.

Alleged Waianae gang leader remains detained. A 46-year-old Waianae man accused of coordinating chicken fights, running illegal game rooms and selling methamphetamine will be detained before trial, a U.S. magistrate judge ruled Wednesday as prosecutors continue to argue that he presents a danger to the community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Waianae Cockfighting ‘Pavilion’ Once Hosted Hundreds. Now It’s Quiet. Six Waianae residents are facing gambling charges in a federal case some community members say shows the extreme side of cockfighting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Parks Seek Mobile Vending Stand Operators. The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting operators to submit bids for lease concessions to operate at five County parks. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Chain Of Craters Road Reopens After “Brief Seismic Crisis”. 
The National Park Service announced the reopenings as unrest and seismicity return to normal levels in Kīlauea volcano’s upper East Rift Zone. Big Island Video News.

Neighborhood Place of Puna awarded $2.5 million to help East Hawai‘i families. Neighborhood Place of Puna, a family-focused nonprofit, has received a $2.5 million grant from Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Day 1 Families Fund — the largest private gift in the organization’s history. Big Island Now.

Maui


Wailuku rental housing project nears completion. Demand far outstripped supply for nearly 200 affordable rental apartments under construction on Maui that were offered to lucky applicants this week via lottery. Star-Advertiser.

Maui fire relief housing program calls for help. Gov. Josh Green and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. are renewing their call for homeowners to offer their unoccupied rooms, units or houses to help Maui wildfire survivors. Star-Advertiser.

Housing Shortage for Maui Fire Survivors Puts Focus On Short-Term Rentals. Mayor Richard Bissen called for "shared sacrifice" but said a moratorium on vacation rentals would likely bring costly legal challenges and unintended consequences. As the search for housing for thousands of people displaced by the Maui wildfires becomes more desperate, officials are mulling proposals to incentivize long-term rentals and enable counties to convert more short-term rentals into units for locals, even though past efforts to do so have had limited success. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

West Maui vacation rentals plunged in October.
The availability of short-term vacation rentals in West Maui was 49.1% lower in October compared with the year before, with Maui struggling to find long-term housing for survivors of the Aug. 8 wildfires. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

High surf warning extended for north- and west-facing shorelines of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, surf of 25 to 35 feet is forecast in the warning areas. Surf will likely reach warning levels and hold through the day Friday. Kauai Now.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Costly TSA line-skipping service coming to Hawaii, more legislative power plays exposed, nude 'Zoom-bomb' forces meeting cancellations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Airport security line-skipping service coming to Hawaii airports, but some urge caution. The high-tech security company called “CLEAR” has made a deal with the state Department of Transportation to serve Honolulu and Maui airports. At 53 airports across the country, CLEAR representatives — called “ambassadors” — approach travelers facing long security lines and offer to help them jump the line. They pitch a 60-day free trial followed by an automatic $189 annual charge to travelers’ credit cards. Hawaii News Now.

Death Of Hawaii Tech Agency Funding Is A Blow For Diversification. Gov. Josh Green stopped senators from axing a tech agency board member; now small businesses must pay the price.  Business accelerators, small manufacturers and firms researching and developing new technologies are assessing a potentially rocky path over the next year after a bill to provide grant funds for economic development died following a fractious legislative session. Civil Beat.

Second OHA trustee supervises daughter in violation of new nepotism law. A second Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee who supervises her daughter has been looking for a new position for her to comply with Hawaii’s new anti-nepotism law that applies to all state employees except the state Legislature and Judiciary. OHA Trustee Luana Alapa, who was elected in 2020 to represent Molokai, supervises her daughter, who works as an aide. Star-Advertiser.

More permit requirements coming for gun users in Hawaii starting in '24. Gun advocates are calling it another roadblock to legal gun ownership. In order to buy a handgun in Hawaii you'll need to get a permit by either taking a handgun safety class or a hunter's ed class. KITV4.

‘Zoom-bomb’ forces cancellation of 2 public meetings.  Full nudity during an online public meeting is what caused the Hawaii School Facilities Authority to cancel an agenda meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The executive director called the incident a “Zoom-bomb.” KHON2.

Gov. Green, Department of Human services appoint new DHS 2nd Deputy Director
. Governor Josh Green and the Department of Human Services have appointed Trista Speer to serve as the 2nd Deputy Director for the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services, where she joins Director Cathy Betts, and Deputy Director Joseph Campos II in their respective leadership roles. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Hansen’s disease cases remain steady. Hawaii still records new cases of Hansen’s disease every year, but the numbers have remained steady, according to health officials. Star-Advertiser.

3 Hawaiʻi leaders selected for Obama Foundation program. Whitney Aragaki is a teacher leader at the state Department of Education. Aragaki was named the 2022 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. Ashley Mariko Johnson is the founder of Mohala Eyewear. The inclusive eyewear brand also sends girls to school by donating to Room to Read. Scott Nishimoto is the executive director of Ceeds of Peace, a non-profit with a mission to raise peacebuilding leaders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HPD approves 409 concealed-carry licenses, making headway on backlog.  The Honolulu Police Department approved 409 concealed-carry weapon licenses for 599 firearms through Wednesday, and officers hope to clear the current list of applicants by August, according to Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief’s Decision On Cops In Makaha Pursuit Case Remains A Mystery. Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan has decided what discipline to mete out to the four officers charged with felonies for their alleged role in a 2021 pursuit in Makaha that injured six people, but he has yet to make it public. Civil Beat.

Council amends planning department permit backlog bill. A measure meant to temporarily increase the use of outside professionals at the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting and reduce the months-long backlog of building permit applications was amended to focus on tenant improvements, small solar projects and affordable rental housing developments. Star-Advertiser.

Future looks brighter for two Waikiki commerical landmarks. Two Waikiki commercial landmarks, T-Galleria by DFS and the Kyo-ya Restaurant site, are in various stages of reopening and poised for further development. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Is Hu Honua’s Energy Future Tied To Hydrogen? Newly reissued county permits and the mayor's recent remarks have left Big Island community members wondering what's next. The idled tree-burning power plant, also known as Honua Ola Bioenergy, has been coming back into compliance with more than dozen county permits even after the state Supreme Court rejected its proposal to sell power to Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

Tokuda visits Hilo, talks story with curious residents. What began as an event to help East Hawaii residents file federal paperwork became an impromptu town hall with a U.S. congresswoman Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Queen’s Health System acquires land in N. Kona. The Queen’s Health System and Lanihau Properties, LLC jointly announced Tuesday that Queen’s has acquired a 31.15-acre parcel of land at Honokohau Nui (West Hawai‘i Business Park) in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

An especially cruel twist of fate’: Daughter of fatal dog attack victim called father ‘an animal lover’.  Shannon Matson, daughter of Bob Northrop, said Wednesday on Facebook that her father was walking to a friend’s house when the fatal attack occurred on the Outrigger Drive roadway. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County tightens regulations for air and replica guns. A new ordinance tightening up regulations on air and replica guns in Maui County will go into effect on Nov. 1. KHON2.

Maui County buys Trask building for $3.8 million. Maui County has completed the $3.8 million purchase of the David K. Trask Jr. building next to the county’s Kalana O Maui building in Wailuku, as part of ongoing efforts to cut millions of dollars it pays each year for rent, the county said Tuesday.  Maui News.

Molokaʻi residents encouraged to attend meeting on Destination Management. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, and Moloka‘i task force are encouraging the public to attend its upcoming community meeting on Aug. 15, at the Mitchell Pauʻole Community Center in Kaunakakai from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Maui Now.

New broiler chicken program brings Molokaʻi closer to sustainability goals.  The eggs came before the chickens for Sustʻāinable Molokaʻi’s education and food sovereignty programs.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development accepting proposals for Innovation Grants. The intent of this grant program is to deploy innovation on island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management and product development.  Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Humane Society at risk of losing no-kill status.  The shelter is able to accommodate about 150 animals, but currently has more than 400.  To keep its no-kill status, the humane society needs to maintain a 90% positive outcome rate over a calendar year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tunnels Beach on Kaua‘i ranks on ‘Best Beaches in the World’ list. Big 7 Travel put Tunnels, also known as Makua, at No. 21 on its list, describing Tunnels as the “ultimate snorkeling spot, with the picturesque backdrop of Mount Makana and lush jungles.” Kauai Now.



Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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

Janice Wei
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.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Slow travel trend seeks cultural experiences, Kauai Civil Air Patrol crash leaves two dead, omicron subvariant BA.2 spreads statewide, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hula lessons ©2022 All Hawaii News

New 'slow travel' trend counters the fast-paced social media motivated visitor. A relatively new travel trend is countering the fast-paced, excitement-driven marketing of destinations. A local research firm says Hawaiʻi could benefit from this concept — called “slow travel.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hotel occupancy starts soft, but momentum is building. Hawaii hotels kicked off the year with a softer start than expected, but this week’s endpoint for the state’s Safe Travels program is expected to help the industry slide into a more robust summer. Star-Advertiser.

Omicron subvariant BA.2 now present in all major Hawaii counties. The omicron subvariant, BA.2, now makes up approximately 13% of the variants circulating in Hawaii, according to the latest report from the state Department of Health State Laboratories Division. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Passes Bill To Clear Up ‘Chaotic Situation’ In State Courts. A Hawaii Supreme Court ruling in December led to the dismissal of dozens of cases as well as confusion among judges over how to interpret it. Civil Beat.

Legislature advances bill giving counties more power to take private property. A bill giving counties the power to take private property where civil fines have accrued and sell it to clear up the debt has passed the state House and its first Senate committee. West Hawaii Today.

Coffee labeling bill headed to final Senate hearin
g. The measure would require coffee blend labels to disclose geographic and regional origins and percentage by weight of the blended coffees. It would also prohibit using geographic origins of coffee in labeling or advertising for roasted or instant coffee that contains less than a certain percentage of coffee by weight from that geographic origin, phased in to a minimum of 51%. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Panel Approves Governor’s Land Board Nominees. The new members will be dealing with a number of hot-button issues, including Mauna Kea management, military leases and  aquarium fishing. Civil Beat.

EPA offers 10 new low-emission school buses to Hawaiʻi public schools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is granting Robert's Hawaiʻi School Bus $200,000 to replace 10 buses running on diesel fuel. The models from 2005 will be replaced with 2022 diesel buses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

New rail route is just ‘first phase,’ Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says. The latest idea to end rail construction at Halekauwila and South streets would cost $9.8 billion and, if approved, assure three years of federal funding that would save about $100 million in financing costs, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

HART CEO Says She Won’t Accept Potential $25,000 Bonus. The executive director leading Honolulu’s struggling rail project now says that she will not accept a $25,000 bonus for her first year on the job, days before the board that oversees her was slated to vote on that award. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers considering regulatory shake-up of Aloha Stadium project. Hawaii senators are pushing to shake up control of an effort in progress to replace Aloha Stadium and redevelop 73 acres of state land around a new facility in Halawa. Star-Advertiser.

To slow ‘monster home’ construction, city revokes permit for Pacific Heights property. The city last year issued to permit to the owners of the home at 2761 Pacific Heights Road, but pulled it because the planned development apparently exceeded the square footage limits. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy Water Crisis Could Halt New Construction On Oahu. If the water system can’t take on new users, it would be “catastrophic,” a construction industry lobbyist said. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Mayor hopes HPD can fill hundreds of vacancies to increase police presence. Right now there are over 320 vacancies in the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii News Now Director Is Blangiardi’s New Spokesman
. The mayor said the city did poorly last year “controlling the narrative.” He hopes a new communications director will change that. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Stewardship measure could imperil astronomy on Mauna Kea, University of Hawaii says. A controversial measure that would remove the University of Hawaii from its role as manager of the Mauna Kea summit will be heard in a public hearing this afternoon before a state Senate committee.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

County officials provide update on Puna roads cut off by 2018 eruption. Work to fully restore Pohoiki Road is now not expected to be completed until late 2025. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Save Maui trip money by camping in a rental? Council may put brakes on the growing practice. Rental vehicles with camping accessories can’t be used as visitor accommodations under a new proposal being considered by county lawmakers.  Maui Now.

State to pay $550K to family of inmate who hanged herself at Maui jail. The state has agreed to pay more than half a million dollars to the family of a Maui inmate. The lawsuit claims guards did nothing to prevent the mother of four from committing suicide back in 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Food hub grows beyond expectations. Nonprofit Maui Food Hub expanded operations and services after securing a new facility with warehouse partner SunFresh Hawaii LLC in Kahului last month. Organizers say this space doubles their previous capacity. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

2 volunteer pilots killed in Civil Air Patrol crash. Two volunteers with the Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol were killed when their plane crashed Sunday afternoon a few thousand feet below the Kalalau Lookout on Kauai during a training exercise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Rebecca Like swears in as Prosecuting Attorney. County of Kaua‘i Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca “Becky” Like was sworn into her position by Judge Randal Valenciano during a private ceremony in the Fifth Circuit Court. Garden Island.

Incumbents sweep KIUC board election. The makeup of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board of directors will remain the same for another year, following KIUC’s annual board election concluded Saturday. Garden Island.

Omicron variant detected in wastewater.
The state Department of Health recently added testing wastewater samples on Kaua‘i to its various methods of monitoring variants, state DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office Deputy Director Lauren Guest said Monday. Garden Island.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Hawaii welcomes all vaccinated domestic travelers back to the state, Oahu tackles general plan, Hawaii council favors hotel tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige

Gov. David Ige ready to welcome fully vaccinated domestic travelers back to Hawaii Nov. 1. Ige's announcement comes nearly two months after he asked travelers to avoid Hawaiʻi because case counts were surging with the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 80 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 82,591. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 42 new cases on Oahu, 14 on Maui, six on Hawaii island, two on Kauai and 16 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Nearly 90% of Honolulu city workers are partially vaccinated. Almost 90% of city workers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to an update on compliance with Honolulu Hale’s mandate requiring all employees to be vaccinated, unless granted a medical or religious exemption. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Honolulu City Council seeks public input for the Oʻahu General Plan. The Honolulu City Council is encouraging residents to provide input for what the city should focus on in the coming years. Resolution 21-23 outlines the Oʻahu General Plan, a document providing an updated focus on the quality of life of residents and supporting strong communities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Police commission pledges plenty of sunshine in process for picking new HPD chief.
It has been six months since Susan Ballard announced that she was retiring as Honolulu’s police chief. And the Honolulu Police Commission is still struggling to name her replacement. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers seek answers about Navy’s handling of Pearl Harbor fuel leak. A dozen state lawmakers are asking a top U.S. Navy official to support an independent investigation into whether people under his command sought to hide details about a fuel leak into the waters of Pearl Harbor from state health officials and the public out of concern it could jeopardize the Navy’s permit to continue operating its Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

TMT foes march to University of Hawaii president’s home.
Dozens of opponents to the Thirty Meter Telescope project on Mauna Kea walked by the University of Hawaii president’s Palolo residence in a display against the telescope project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu shifting to victim-focused domestic violence prosecutions.
A 30-year-old policy that prevented Honolulu prosecutors from dropping domestic violence prosecutions no matter what a victim said is over, and law enforcement will partner with a local nonprofit to help ensure survivor safety. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Favorable reception for new TAT tax. Most — if not all — County Council members support tacking an extra 3% tax on hotel, timeshare and transient vacation rental charges, but a bill to do that was postponed two weeks by the Finance Committee on Tuesday to work out more of the details. West Hawaii Today.

County: ‘Love Island’ got a free pass. Doug Adams, the county’s research and development director, said the Big Island Film Office, which is managed by Research and Development, did not do proper diligence in connecting the “Love Island” production with various county agencies that would have required permits. Tribune-Herald.

Council roasts bad-faith coffee producers. A resolution presented to the County Council Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations and Economic Development on Tuesday urges the state legislature to pursue new laws that would require coffee blends to be at least 51% Hawaii-grown in order to use Hawaii geographic names on their labels. Tribune-Herald.

Council chair criticizes speakers for promoting ‘dangerous views’ about COVID. Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters blasted several speakers Tuesday for promoting what he called “dangerous views” about COVID treatments. The speakers were invited to Honolulu Hale by Councilmember Andria Tupola, who opposes the city’s vaccine mandate. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

New Rules Announced for Maui Parks Concessions. New rules for parks concessions have been finalized and certified, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced today. Maui Now.

In a first, president of Maui water company says he’s willing to work with kalo farmers. After a decades-long battle over water on Maui, the president of Wailuku Water Company says he is willing to work with kalo (taro) farmers for better solutions moving forward. Avery Chumbley admitted to avoiding collaboration in the past because he said the farmers were too confrontational. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Council to vote today on fast-track housing.
Members of the Kaua‘i County Council will consider a resolution today that would implement a fast-track permitting process for workforce-housing development, a step that is hoped will help to address the housing crisis on the island. Garden Island.

Rare birds breeding in restored wetlands. Endangered waterbirds are flocking to the island’s South Shore, following ongoing wetlands-restoration efforts at Makauwahi Cave Reserve. Garden Island.


Monday, October 4, 2021

Ige extends pandemic restrictions to Nov. 30, Maui mayor defies Ige's order and allows spectators at sporting events, Kaiser health workers to vote on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki shoppers @2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

Hawaii’s tourism industry anticipates a gradual return of visitors from Japan. As Japan officials ease COVID restrictions across the nation, Hawaii’s tourism industry can expect a rebound. But industry leaders anticipate the return of Japanese travelers will be a gradual one, and it will be some time before Hawaii’s economy sees the positive impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Governor extends mask rules, travel regulations for another 60 days, through Nov. 30. Gov. David Ige said Friday he would extend emergency orders requiring masks and regulating travel amid ongoing concerns about high numbers of COVID-19 infections. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's latest emergency proclamation can be found here.

State health department to end daily breakdown of Hawaii’s COVID-related deaths.
Sunday’s email with the breakdown of deaths was the final one from the DOH for the foreseeable future, according to DOH spokesperson Brooks Baehr. Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser health care workers to vote on strike following failed contract negotiations. After months of failed contract negotiations, nearly 2,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente are set to vote on whether to authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Saving Hawaii’s Banana Industry ‘One Good Banana’ At A Time Gabriel Sachter-Smith is on a mission to find the perfect banana for Hawaii. He’s already got 200 varieties in the works. Civil Beat.

State bankruptcies plummet 31% to 15-year low.
Around the state, bankruptcies were mixed in the four major counties last month. Honolulu County filings dropped to 65 from 91, Maui County filings declined to nine from 23, Hawaii County filings remained at seven and Kauai County filings ticked up to five from four. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businesses concerned, affected by COVID restrictions, survey finds. An anonymous Chamber of Commerce Hawaii survey of 217 members — conducted Sept. 10 of mostly Oahu businesses before Safe Access O‘ahu rules went into affect — found that 53% of respondents were still experiencing a workforce shortage, compared with 86% from a similar survey conducted in May. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 277 additional infections. The  new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 161 new cases on Oahu, 21 on Maui, 65 on Hawaii island, 29 on Kauai and one Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

As COVID crisis eases, mayor to propose that Oahu bars be allowed to serve alcohol until midnight. Honolulu’s mayor says he soon hopes to make changes to the city’s rules for bars, allowing them to serve alcohol until midnight rather than halting service at 10 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

City says at-home rapid tests can be used for entry to restaurants, gyms. At-home rapid COVID tests ― like the ones the city is giving away ― can be used for patrons or workers at restaurants, gyms and other businesses. But they’re not allowed for other government mandates. Hawaii News Now.

Embattled HPD commander reassigned after another officer files complaint against him. HPD Major Stephen Gerona has been the subject of multiple Hawaii News Now reports after four veteran officers came forward, accusing him of bullying, retaliation, harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials join in chorus calling for Gov. Ige to allow fans at UH football.
UH remains the lone FBS college football team without in-person fans. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Convention Center rooftop terrace needs repair. The Hawaii Tourism Authority plans to ask Gov. David Ige to add $64 million to the state’s capital improvements budget so that it can finally fix a leaky rooftop deck at the Hawai’i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Virtual public forum on new Maunakea Master Plan set. The University of Hawaii will host a virtual forum Wednesday evening during which the public can ask questions via email about the draft of a new Maunakea Master Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Lava from Kilauea volcano remains contained.
Lava continues to erupt from multiple vents along the floor and western wall of Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Maui Now.

Bay Clinic, West Hawaii Community Health Center announce merger. Bay Clinic and West Hawaii Community Health Center will consolidate operations next year to form a new health care organization serving patients islandwide. Tribune-Herald.

New Deputy Director Of Department of Research and Development Named.
Robert “Bob” Agres, who recently served as the Manager for Disaster Recovery Community Engagement and Collaboration under the Planning Department and was familiar to the residents of Puna who were impacted by the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea, will fill the position. Agres succeeds Sulma Gandhi. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County visitor lodging tax set to roll out next month. Maui leaders will charge full 3% in wake of state call to pull county TATs. With more time needed to prepare, especially for smaller accommodations, the Maui County Council on Friday passed a new visitor lodging tax but put off enacting it until Nov. 1. Maui News.

Fans allowed to go back to some games, Victorino says
. Mayor Michael Victorino bucked the governor’s denial of his proposed rule changes, moving ahead Friday with looser restrictions that will allow spectators to attend certain youth sporting events. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Six aging structures along the historic Hana Highway on Maui are chosen for major improvements.
Many of the one-lane bridges were built more than a century ago and are obsolete by modern traffic safety and load standards.  Star-Advertiser.

Maui officials are seeking proposals on how to manage the county's overwhelming deer population. A county survey estimated there are currently 50,000 deer on the Valley Isle, and predicts the population could reach 210,000 in the next decade. KITV4.

Kauai

Future of Eastside water system uncertain. Nearly two years after management of the East Kaua‘i Irrigation System passed to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, no solution has been successfully implemented to prevent the system’s decommissioning. Garden Island.

HTA touts plans to cultivate ‘mindful visitors’. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is promising a transition to a new direction, one aimed toward greater environmental sustainability and appreciation of local culture. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai Council Considers Resident-Only Beach Park Access. Crowds at the popular beach park fronting Lanai’s crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay have sparked tensions between local residents and tourists. Civil Beat.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Hawaii governor tells tourists to stay away as coronavirus surges, Honolulu mayor limits crowds, unvaccinated lead hospital overcrowding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands


Gov. David Ige tells visitors to stay away from Hawaii. Tourists should stay away from Hawaii, and residents should restrict travel to essential business only at least through the end of October, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now, KHON2. KITV4.

FDA’s approval of Pfizer shot is expected to boost Hawaii COVID vaccinations. Hawaii health officials said the Food and Drug Administration’s full approval Monday of Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine will likely help boost vaccination rates in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Limit gatherings but don’t curb tourists, Hawaii visitor industry execs say.
The summer surge in visitors that revved up Hawaii’s tourism industry rebound was already slowing due to fall seasonality and growing uncertainty about the safety of travel as COVID-19 cases surge across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Fewer mainland nurses arrive than were expected as Hawaii’s hospital crisis worsens. The number of people sick with the coronavirus who are showing up at Hawaii emergency rooms is climbing at an alarming rate. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 571 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 56,670. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 359 new cases on Oahu, 79 on Maui, 107 on Hawaii island, 23 on Kauai, two on Lanai, and one Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu to suspend large gatherings. As Oahu hospitals reach capacity, Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced that large gatherings will be canceled for four weeks beginning Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

More than 600 Honolulu County workers remain unvaccinated as deadline passes.
The deadline for city employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, apply for an exemption or face possible termination passed Monday with police, firefighters and emergency medical services workers among the more than 640 county employees who have not been inoculated. Star-Advertiser.

UH Mānoa: About 97% of Students Living in Residence Halls Are Vaccinated. According to the school's health and wellness team, around 97% of students living in residence halls are vaccinated, and the remaining students who have exemptions are required to undergo weekly testing. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council Leaders Urge Honolulu’s Mayor To Find More Quarantine Rooms.
Despite high demand, the city hasn’t expanded isolation rooms for Covid patients, citing tourists filling up hotels and transmissibility of the delta variant. Civil Beat.

EMS stretched thin amid coronavirus surge. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services says they’re extremely busy across the board, but especially paramedics. KHON2.

Queen’s Health welcomes nurses from out-of-state to help with COVID-19. Queen’s Health welcomes nurses from out-of-state to help with COVID-19. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

City explores new rules for future vacation rental properties. The city’s pitching a new plan to stop illegal vacation rentals in neighborhoods all across Oahu  Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steven Alm stands by failed attempts to prosecute 3 officers. Prosecuting Attorney Steven S. Alm hasn’t decided whether to campaign for a second term, but he doesn’t believe two failed attempts to put three Honolulu police officers on trial for murder and attempted murder for the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old crime spree suspect will impact his political fortunes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

TMT backup site in Canary Islands in jeopardy; court voids agreement to use public lands. The Thirty Meter Telescope lost a potential backup location after a court in the Canary Islands, Spain, revoked an agreement to use public lands as a site for the contentious observatory. Tribune-Herald.

Plaque stolen from North Kohala heiau.
A plaque denoting Mo‘okini Heiau as a registered national historic landmark was recently cut or pried loose from a boulder and stolen from the centuries-old North Kohala temple. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

California Man Arrested on Maui for Alleged Quarantine Violation. Police say 64-year-old Hugo Monterroso did not have a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test from an approved facility and did not have approved lodging in which to complete the state’s mandatory 10-day travel quarantine. Maui Now.

Occupancy at 81.7% for Maui County Hotels in July 2021. Maui County hotels occupancy was 81.7% for July, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) at $505, up 41.1% from pre-pandemic July 2019, according to the July 2021 Hawaiʻi Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

 Kauai

Kauai Bus riders may have been exposed to COVID-19.
The district health officer reported people who rode The Kaua'i Bus -- route 100 or 200 -- from Kekaha to Lihu'e between August 10 and 12 may have been exposed to COVID-19. KITV4.

Kaua‘i Community College campus opens amidst COVID-19. The population census that normally accompanies the opening of the semester was absent due to late registrations taking place. Garden Island.

Upgrades to state-run nurseries growing plants facing extinction. Plant nurseries dedicated to the propagation of native species are set to receive upgrades, using $150,000 acquired from the state. Garden Island.


Monday, August 23, 2021

COVID crisis could bring new travel restrictions, cases hit record high, vaccine mandates spread to Capitol, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 


Tougher Hawaii travel restrictions possible as COVID-19 surge continues. State and county officials are considering bringing back COVID-19 testing for vaccinated domestic travelers, as well as implementing other requirements aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Vaccine Mandate For State Lawmakers Is Unusual.
The Hawaii Legislature will be one of the few in the country to require all of its members and staff to be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly Covid-19 tests. Civil Beat.

With COVID cases at an all-time high, leaders worry about Hawaii’s rural communities. State leaders are showing their concern for rural and suburban areas where COVID cases are on the upswing, and the vaccination rate has plateaued. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kaiser Resumes Paying All Covid Costs In Hawaii As Hospitalizations Rise. Kaiser Permanente is bringing back its cost waivers for Hawaii members who need medical care for Covid-19 as the state scrambles to deal with rising coronavirus-related hospitalizations. Civil Beat.

A New Hoteliers’ Group Hopes To Overcome Hawaii’s Backlash Against Tourism. The Hawaii Hotel Alliance is joining the isle landscape of tourism industry associations. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines gets call to assist with Afghanistan evacuation mission.
Two Hawaiian Airlines aircraft are among 18 activated by the Defense Department as part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet to help with evacuations from the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Could Soon Have Its Own Domestic Garlic Industry. Researchers say Hawaiʻi has the potential to support a domestic garlic production industry despite climate challenges and import competition from the U.S. mainland. Hawaii Public Radio.

COMMENTARY: Gov. David Ige’s handling of COVID-19 hobbled by indecision, inadequate staffers. Moving into our second year of the COVID-19 crisis, you can question whether the rising number of cases, especially those requiring hospitalizations, warns of the end of Gov. David Ige’s ability to run the state or is just a brief bump in the road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hits record at 893 new COVID-19 cases.
Sunday’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island included 596 new cases on Oahu, 83 on Maui, 158 on Hawaii Island, 37 on Kauai, 11 on Molokai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi outlines plan for spending $386M in federal aid. Mayor Rick Blangiardi published a draft of his plans for the $386 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that he must submit to the Honolulu City Council for approval. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu's daily COVID cases are forecast to peak at 3,700 in October. Monique Chyba, a mathematics professor generating regular forecast models of COVID-19 cases, forecasts daily coronavirus cases in Honolulu continuing to grow past 1,000 in September and peaking to about 3,700 cases Oct. 8 if the state remains on course with its current level of mitigations and vaccination rates. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy Is Betting On Wave Energy Research.
The military and civilian researchers in Hawaii have stepped up efforts to harness the powerful waves and ocean currents off Oahu as a source of renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Affordable senior housing complex set to rise in Moiliili. A cluster of nearly century-old homes in Moiliili is slated for demolition next month to make way for high-density affordable housing serving seniors with low incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Why Police Are Supposed To Tell Prosecutors About Dishonest Cops. The U.S. Supreme Court says the accused has a right to know about officers who have credibility issues. But Honolulu defense attorneys say they’re often left in the dark. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police whistleblower alleges retaliation, discrimination in suit
. A Honolulu police detective alleges investigators delayed the pursuit of a missing baby by more than 48 hours and then retaliated against the detective when she tried to bring the negligence to light, according to a civil complaint. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lee Loy hit with ethics complaint
: Kailua-Kona business owner alleges conflict of interest in building code bill. A Kailua-Kona business owner has filed an ethics complaint against Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, alleging she has a conflict of interest in voting on recent construction code measures because her daughter works for HPM Building Supply, which could benefit from provisions streamlining inspections of factory built housing. West Hawaii Today.

Rental assistance program awards more than $4 million. A countywide rental assistance program has issued more than $4 million to county residents and will be extended until the middle of next year. Tribune-Herald.

Crews back to work on Kalanianaole Ave., but frustration lingers. Hawaii County Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst told the Tribune-Herald that the contractor, Goodfellow Bros. has been back on site since July 12 and is working on drainage for the project. Tribune-Herald.

Council postpones North Kona subdivision votes. An Omaha, Nebraska, couple seeking to rezone and subdivide their North Kona property will have more time to meet the neighbors after the County Council on Wednesday postponed a decision so the owners could address community concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Museum aims to expand property, programs.
The Maui County Council’s Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee on Thursday recommended a proposed bill by a 7-0 vote that would ultimately extend the expiration of a conditional use permit another 26 years and expand the A&B Sugar Museum property about 2 acres for additional uses and activities in the master plan. Maui News.

Surfrider Cleans 1,200 Pounds of Trash from West Maui Beach. An estimated 1,200 pounds of trash was cleaned up from West Maui’s Awalua Beach on Saturday, in an effort organized by Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter. Maui Now.

Kauai

Jobless rate drops to 9.6%.
The county’s unemployment rate continues to move toward pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent report from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Garden Island.

KPD makes gambling arrests. The Kaua‘i Police Department, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, executed search warrants and arrest warrants on an industrial complex in the Kawaihau District that contained an illegal game room. Garden Island.

Friday, July 2, 2021

Hawaii governor defends most restrictive COVID regulations in the nation, gas tops $4 a gallon, firearms bills signed into law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Kilauea volcano ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige defends most restrictive COVID regulations in U.S. Gov. David Ige on Thursday defended Hawaii’s COVID-19 rules, the most restrictive in the nation, saying that the Delta variant continues to spread among those who are not vaccinated and that he worries about a repeat of a Fourth of July 2020 spike in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Gas Prices Climb Over $4 Per Gallon Heading into July 4th Holiday Weekend. Leading up to the July 4th holiday weekend, the average price for regular gas in Hawaiʻi climbed above $4 per gallon — the highest July 4th holiday gas prices since 2014, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Maui Now.

Firearm, kupuna safety bills become law. Two bills aimed at gun violence and a third that increases penalties for crimes against senior citizens became law Thursday with Gov. David Ige’s signature. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Public Utilities Commission approves Microgrid tariff for Hawaii. The state Public Utilities Commission has approved a microgrid services tariff, offering Hawaiian Electric more ways to power its grid during an emergency. The approval was part of a two-year process following the state Legislature’s passage of a bill in 2018 that became Act 200, which directed the development of microgrids in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i to Receive Millions to Build Electric Bus Fleet. Millions of dollars in new federal money is heading to Hawai‘i’s neighbor islands to build up a cleaner system of public transportation. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Owners have reaped record prices for Hawaii oceanfront property in peril of being sucked into the sea. Property owners selling homes, hotels, condos and businesses along Hawaii’s coastlines must disclose whether the properties are susceptible to damage from sea level rise under legislation that’s set to take effect in May. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: Congress Needs To Stop ‘Ignoring The Needs Of Native People’.
The Hawaii senator says Democrats have a unique opportunity to address centuries of racism, in part through funneling more resources to Indigenous communities. Civil Beat.

State investigates COVID clusters linked to places of worship in all but one county. Between Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties, there were 31 cases total linked to a place of worship. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii cluster report highlights COVID-19 transmission in home-based child care settings. The Hawaii Department of Health’s COVID-19 cluster report this week focuses on outbreaks found in child care settings, particularly home-based ones. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports an additional COVID fatality, 49 new cases. Of the new cases, 35 were on Oahu, seven were on Kauai, and two were on Hawaii Island. There were also five residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

OIP To Investigate HART For Possible Sunshine Law Violations. The state’s Office of Information Practices says it will investigate whether local officials overseeing Honolulu’s rail project violated the Sunshine Law when they discussed possibly hiring former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as a consultant in private emails. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police officer who fatally shot Lindani Myeni faced drunk-driving, other charges in 2016. The Honolulu police officer who shot 29-year-old Lindani Myeni three times before activating his body-worn camera was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and fleeing the scene of an accident in 2016, charges that were later dismissed when witnesses did not show up in court to testify against him. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Plans To Increase Police Patrols To Improve Safety In Chinatown. The plan is to provide around-the-clock police coverage in the downtown district, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration gave few details. Civil Beat.

Thousands Of New Rooftop Solar Systems Could Be Going Up On Oahu. Regulators hope new incentives for rooftop solar and battery storage systems will help prevent a future energy shortage. Civil Beat.

TheBus Transitions to 'HOLO' Electronic Card System. As of Thursday, paper passes for Oʻahu’s public bus system are no longer available as TheBus transitions to the HOLO electronic fare card system. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Cargo plane crashes in Pacific Ocean off Hawaii; 2 rescued.
A cargo plane made an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii on Friday morning and both crew members on board have been rescued. KHON2.

Take two: Hawaii officials once again solicit bids to dispose of the historic Falls of Clyde
. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has once again put out a bid for the removal of the 142-year-old Falls of Clyde ship from Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No virus cases reported among HCCC inmates. All inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center are free of COVID-19, the state Department of Public Safety announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

DOT investigates what caused 2 planes to collide at Kona Airport. The state Department of Transportation is investigating the cause of a collision involving two private jets on the Kona Airport tarmac Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Miss Aloha Hula competition kicks off return of Merrie Monarch Festival. The world’s biggest hula event was postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic for the first time in its history. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Five Democrats Vie For Hawaii House Seat Vacancy. The Democratic Party of Hawaii said Thursday it has received five completed applications from interested members who have met all qualifications to fill the vacant Hawaii House of Representatives District 13 seat. Civil Beat.

Proposals Seek Stronger Oversight Of Police On Maui. The Maui Charter Commission and the Maui Police Commission are both looking at ways to provide better accountability for police on the island. Civil Beat.

Shuttles help stranded visitors as summer tourism heats up.
This weekend, visitors to Maui will be able to use a new shuttle service from Kahului Airport to West Maui and Wailea called the Maui Aloha Shuttle. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

New Reservation System at Haleakalā Cabins “Booked Solid” Within Minutes. Outdoor enthusiasts hoping to reserve a wilderness cabin at Haleakalā National Park, found many slots were filled before the much anticipated reservation window was slated to open at 7 a.m. HST today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms auction July 26. The historic Coco Palms Resort will be up for auction at a foreclosure sale later this month in “as-is” condition. Garden Island.

Spike in COVID cases worries DOH. Health officials are unsure if a spike in cases on Kaua‘i is linked to the delta variant of the coronavirus. Garden Island.