Hawaii traveler quarantine likely to be extended again, state epidemiologist takes leave as Health Department leadership flounders, group threatens legal action over contact tracing fail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn ©2020 All Hawaii News

When will tourism in Hawaii reopen? One expert predicts it might not be until 2021. The trans-Pacific quarantine rules for travelers to Hawaii remains in effect until at least Oct. 1, but one travel expert thinks that will be pushed back again. Hawaii News Now.

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Embattled state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park put on paid leave. The turmoil at the top of the state’s public health organization reflects deep frustration with Hawaii’s inability to halt the spread of the coronavirus in the past two months. Star-Advertiser.

Sarah Park Is Stepping Aside At Hawaii Department Of Health. The embattled state epidemiologist is taking a leave of absence, health department officials announced late Thursday. Civil Beat.

Shake-up in DOH leadership continues amid global pandemic.  Late Thursday afternoon, Sept. 3, the Hawaii State Department of Health confirmed Dr. Sarah Park will be taking a paid leave of absence from her position, Park’s decision comes after officials have called for her to step down from her duties. KHON2.

DOH: Embattled state epidemiologist Sarah Park takes leave of absence. Dr. Sarah Park, the state’s embattled epidemiologist, has taken a leave of absence, the state Health Department confirmed Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

Dr. Sarah Park takes leave of absence from Department of Health. Dr. Sarah Park is taking a leave of absence from her work at the Department of Health. KITV4.

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How Hawaii’s Reliance On ‘Labor Intensive’ Fax Machines Hampers Contact Tracing. Before asking to go on leave, the epidemiologist helping to lead the effort to identify how COVID-19 is spreading in the islands was trying to make the process more efficient. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers want Gen. Hara to take the lead on contact tracing. There are renewed calls for the governor to make more changes at the Department of Health after recently hired Dr. Emily Roberson took an abrupt leave of absence. KHON2.

Failure To Communicate: State Provides Inadequate COVID-19 Outreach, Services To Pacific Islanders. Pacific Islanders have been hardest hit by COVID-19 in the islands. They are catching the virus in disproportion to their small numbers in the population. One reason is that -- as with young people -- public information on how to avoid the virus has been failing to reach them in ways they can act on it. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Analysis: Hawaii Students Most At Risk Of Learning Loss. The study was based off a one-week snapshot of U.S. Census Bureau data from May during nationwide school closures. Civil Beat.

Survey seeks input from families about distance learning. A nonprofit organization created for parents, educators and policymakers for public schools in Hawai‘i is looking for parents statewide to fill out an online survey by Tuesday, Sept. 8. Garden Island.

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Kupuna advocacy group threatens Health Department with legal action over Hawaii contact tracing. A group that advocates for senior citizens has begun legal action to increase the number of contact tracers in Hawaii and to require the Department of Health to provide translation services. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Discusses Hawai‘i’s New Safe Travels Program. Governor David Ige and Douglas Murdock, Enterprise Technology Services Chief Information Officer, participated in a Facebook live Thursday, to discuss the new Safe Travels mandatory online form. Maui Now.

New Safe Travels app explained. Safe Travels Hawaii, the web application intended to manage travel to the state, went live Tuesday and has replaced paper documentation for arriving airline passengers. Tribune-Herald.

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Uncertainty over new federal unemployment benefits. Unemployed workers who receive at least $100 per week in state unemployment benefits will be eligible for another $300 per week for four weeks, but when they’ll get the money is unclear. Star-Advertiser.

$300 in extra benefits good only through Aug. 22. State officials are developing a plan to distribute additional unemployment benefits from the Lost Wages Assistance Program, a new federally funded unemployment insurance plan. Tribune-Herald.

State has paid out nearly $3 million in unemployment. Since March 1, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has paid out nearly $3 billion in unemployment insurance benefits for 3,015,688 weeks claimed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Thursday press release. Garden Island.

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University Of Hawaii Regents Reject ‘Shell Game’ Budget Proposal. The administration says it is in “triage” mode, facing $138 million in lost revenues. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii athletic department projecting a $9.3 million deficit for fiscal year due to the impact of COVID-19. The price tag on the pandemic for the University of Hawaii athletic department could be a $9.3 million deficit for the current fiscal year, doubling its previous record shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 puts University of Hawai'i football and volleyball on hold. COVID-19 has put a hold on two of the program's biggest money makers football and women's volleyball. KITV4.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 3: 211 New Cases And 4 Deaths In Hawaii. More than 2,400 Hawaii residents under the age of 30 have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Thursday, Sept. 3rd: 211 New Cases, 4 Deaths. There were 211 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi as of noon on Thursday, health officials announced. Big Island Video News.

DOH Reports 211 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide, 4 Deaths. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 211 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 8,991. DOH also reported four new COVID-related deaths bringing the death toll to 79. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Campaign Spending Commission Investigating Anti-Amemiya PAC. People who donated to the PAC are not among Hawaii’s typical political contributors. Civil Beat.

Some quarantine violators are being told to leave quarantine again to answer to a judge. Travelers charged with violating the mandatory 14-day quarantine are being ordered to leave their isolation location — in some cases, violating the mandatory quarantine order again — to appear for court proceedings. Hawaii News Now.

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H-3 testing turnout rises as state flouts the feds again. Surge testing for COVID-19 continued on the H-3 Freeway on Thursday with more than 5,000 signing up in advance and vehicles lining up for miles on both sides of the Koolau mountains. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands participate in free ‘surge’ coronavirus testing site on H-3 Freeway. The Honolulu Fire Department reported more than 5,000 people registered for Thursday’s testing. Hawaii News Now.

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Here’s What Honolulu Is Doing To Test Hard-Hit Communities For COVID-19. City officials say they are trying to get testing sites up and running quickly, and plan to keep improving outreach efforts. Civil Beat.

Labor Day weekend to test Oahu’s ‘social gathering’ ban. The three-day Labor Day weekend represents a major test of how people across Oahu comply with — or ignore — Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s ban on nearly all indoor and outdoor social gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

State sees increase in calls for homeless outreach on Oahu. Hawaii State Homeless Coordinator Scott Morishige said their office has been getting more calls from the public asking for outreach services to go out to homeless camps that have been popping up around Oahu. KHON2.

Illegal game rooms, booming amid the pandemic, are moving into residential areas. The Honolulu Police Department said it is conducting more raids of illegal gaming in residential areas on Oahu during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

DOH Closes, Fines Illegal Adult Care Home. The Grateful ARCH in Honolulu must pay $249,000. The Hawaii Department of Health on Thursday shuttered an illegal adult residential care home at 4416 Ukali Street in Honolulu and assessed it a large fine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council leaders call for lockdown: Chung, Eoff worry virus is getting out of control. The Hawaii County Council leadership is asking Mayor Harry Kim to institute a temporary stay-home order to stem the rising tide of coronavirus infections on the island. West Hawaii Today.

DOH Struggles To Trace Surge In Big Island Cases To Large Gatherings. A rapid recent growth in the number of infections has many residents wondering exactly what is driving the surge. Civil Beat.

Kim will not isolate Miloli‘i; testing planned Saturday for village residents. Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday said he will not isolate the community of Miloli‘i as requested by island legislators. West Hawaii Today.

“Narnia” Area In Hilo Now Closed Due To Large Group Gatherings. The State of Hawaiʻi says the waterway about the J7 ranch along the Wailuku River has been closed due to concerns over large gatherings. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii County Sets Up COVID-19 Command Center. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has opened a coronavirus Central Command Post near the Edith Kanakaole stadium in an effort to get better communication between county, state and federal agencies. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i County Opens Central Command Post to Combat COVID-19. Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale in Hilo is being converted into an emergency operation center as county officials continue their efforts in combating the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

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Park-goers take word of new restrictions in stride. With COVID-19 cases on Hawaii Island continuing to surge, Mayor Harry Kim announced Wednesday that all county and state beach parks will close today until Sept. 18. Tribune-Herald.

Prosecutors concerned about release of HCCC felons. With two dozen felony inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center set to be released over the next few days, Hawaii County prosecutors have concerns about public safety. Tribune-Herald.

Fake emails plague PUC’s review of Honua Ola Bioenergy project. The state Public Utilities Commission, which is being pressured to reconsider its decision to terminate the Honua Ola Bioenergy deal on the Big Island, said it has received fake emails supporting the project. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A slow return at Haleakala National Park after a phased reopening. Park attendance plunged 97% in June from the same month last year and was down 61% over the first half of 2020, according to National Park Service statistics. Star-Advertiser.

Imua launches texting program. Service offers facts, tips and activities for families. In response to growing concerns of parents over distance and remote learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Imua Family Services launched a free text messaging system for families with young children to provide “useful, safe and timely” lessons and techniques. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD aware of Love Has Won group. The Kaua‘i Police Department is aware of a group currently moving to Kaua‘i that residents have raised concerns about throughout the week. However, KPD states there is no evidence of illegal activity. Garden Island.

CARES Act funding boosts Malama Na Apapa’s visibility. The nonprofit organization primarily focuses on marine-ecology education, community-outreach programs in schools, and surveys to collect data about the health of Kaua‘i’s reefs. Garden Island.

Hawaii's 14-day trans-Pacific quarantine extended to at least October, Honolulu trims crowd size to 5 people, Lt. Gov. Green to talk with Fauci, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige on Aug. 18 from Facebook Live

State extends 14-day quarantine for arriving passengers until Oct. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that the state will push back plans to reopen transpacific travel until “at least” Oct. 1 amid a recent increase in coronavirus cases. Pacific Business News.

Recovery is on pause again for Hawaii’s battered visitor industry. Gov. David Ige said Tuesday that the state will wait until at least Oct. 1 to begin a program to allow passengers with approved negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of their trip to Hawaii to bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day self- quarantine for out-of-state passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism Return Delayed Again. Hawai‘i Gov. David Ige has delayed the return of free-flowing trans-Pacific travel to the state for the second time. Big Island Now.

Ige pushes pretravel testing to Oct. 1 at ‘earliest’. A few days after signaling the pretravel testing program would be delayed for the second time, Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that it will be pushed to Oct. 1 at the soonest. Maui News.

Trans-Pacific quarantine likely extended. The 14-day quarantine for trans-Pacific travel to Hawai‘i will likely continue through at least the beginning of October, according to a Tuesday announcement from Governor David Ige. Garden Island.


DOH 'aggressively' bringing on additional contact tracing staff after public scrutiny. The Department of Health (DOH) has been under fire for not hiring enough contact tracers, but Director Bruce Anderson says he's trying to fix that. KITV4.

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Lt. Gov. Josh Green will talk story with Dr. Anthony Fauci on Aug. 25. The state’s COVID-19 healthcare liaison is getting ready to talk story with the nation’s top infectious disease expert. KHON2.

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Is COVID-19 Spreading Because People Have Gotten Tired Of Restrictions? Economists who track how people move about in their daily lives say government restrictions appear to be necessary to control the spread of the virus. Civil Beat.

Ige to extend eviction moratorium. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday afternoon that the state will extend its moratorium preventing evictions of residents unable to pay rent another month through the end of September. West Hawaii Today.

HSTA Follows Governor’s News Conference With Call For More Action. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association held another online news conference on Tuesday, calling for additional action to keep schools and communities safe. Big Island Video News.

HSTA fights to delay start of in-person classes. Tuesday afternoon HSTA called on the Department of Education to push back the start in-person classes to at least Oct. 2. KHON2.

DOH releases latest details on cases and clusters statewide. The Department of Health has released their most detailed report to date about known cases and clusters in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 18: 134 New COVID-19 Cases And Another Death. Forty-one fatalities have been related to COVID-19 in Hawaii since March. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 18th: 134 New Cases, 1 New Death. There were 134 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi as of noon on Tuesday. 124 of those new cases were identified on Oʻahu, seven (7) on Maui, and three (3) on Hawaiʻi island. One new death was also reported. Big Island Video News.

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DHHL Submits Wireless Spectrum Applications to FCC. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has submitted five applications to the Federal Communications Commission for unassigned Spectrum in response to a Rural Tribal Priority Window that opened Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 and closes on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. Only federally recognized Tribes or Alaska Native Villages could apply for Spectrum in the Window. Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu Crackdown: 5 People Max At Any Social Gathering. In response to the increase in spread of COVID-19 on Oahu, city officials announced Tuesday new limits on social gatherings but said they are allowing businesses such as gyms, retailers and restaurants to remain open. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell use another targeted approach to combat COVID-19 surge on Oahu. Officials used what they called a more targeted approach Tuesday in prohibiting Oahu residents from gathering in groups of more than five. Star-Advertiser.

Instead of a broad shutdown, governor opts to institute further restrictions on gatherings. To address a dramatic, weeks-long surge in new COVID-19 infections on Oahu, the governor and mayor announced new restrictions on gatherings Tuesday but opted not to put in place a broad shutdown, allowing gyms, restaurants, retailers and offices to remain open. Hawaii News Now.

Officials Declare No Social Gatherings On Oʻahu. State and Honolulu County officials today announced the latest restrictions intending to slow the spread of COVID-19 on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Ige, Caldwell announce new restrictions as COVID-19 surge continues on Oahu. Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a joint media conference Tuesday that new gathering-size restrictions imposed in response to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases apply only to Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

HPD still giving out hundreds of citations for COVID-19 violations as new rules take effect. The City and County of Honolulu said strict enforcement of the rules will continue as hundreds of citations continue to be given out to rule breakers. KHON2.

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About 40% of Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates tested for coronavirus are positive. Four out of every 10 Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates tested for COVID-19 have received positive results since mass testing began at the Kalihi facility a week ago, according to numbers extrapolated from the daily totals issued by the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

24 inmates will be released into the community amidst COVID-19 outbreak at OCCC. Inmates will be released into the community on Wednesday as the state works to control the spread of COVID-19 at OCCC. Hawaii News Now.

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Mayor Caldwell asks Honolulu City Council to confirm acting corporation counsel to permanent appointment. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has asked the Honolulu City Council to make Paul Aoki the city’s permanent corporation counsel. Star-Advertiser.

Parents stunned after Nanakuli charter school disenrolls more than 270 students. A Nanakuli Charter School was enjoying a boom in online enrollment this fall due to the pandemic. But the Ka Waihona o ka Na’auao Public Charter School is now turning away hundreds of those students. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Revamp Ala Wai Flood Control Plan After Community Opposition. Critics question how the previous designs for the $345 million project advanced so far based on faulty modeling. Civil Beat.

Ala Wai flood control plan gets major overhaul. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Tuesday a revised plan for the Ala Wai Flood Control Pro­ject with significantly fewer impacts on the natural streams and residential properties within the watershed, but the plan retains a large controversial pump and wall on the canal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim withdraws Fire Commission nominee: Selection of HGEA rep draws controversy. An irked Mayor Harry Kim appeared Tuesday before a County Council panel and withdrew his nomination of a union representative for a seat on the Fire Commission after denouncing a process he said became politicized. West Hawaii Today.

County Supports Water Quality, Circulation Study in Hilo Bay. Hawai‘i County is hoping to un-muddy the waters of Hilo Bay. Big Island Now.

County eyes projects to stimulate economy, encourage low-income housing. In an effort to support local businesses, the Hawaii County might introduce a paid parking scheme in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County urges eligible residents to apply for rent, mortgage assistance. Hawaii County is partnering with six non-profits to launch the Hawaii County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. Hawaii News Now.

Some local businesses say 46% hike in shipping prices could be devastating. Because the cost of shipping drastically increased, KTA Superstores on the Big Island is forced to bump its prices and they're not the only ones. KITV4.

Maui

Maui Hospital COVID-19 Count Rises to 36. The number of COVID-19 cases at the Maui Memorial Medical Center has risen to 36 as of noon today.  Maui Health confirmed that there are 19 health care workers and 17 patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui Memorial faces uptick in COVID-19 cases, concern within its ranks. The number of COVID-19 patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center has risen to 17, with 1 in the intensive care unit, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii said. Hawaii News Now.

Hospital: Current 28-case surge different than previous outbreak. MMMC, Hale Makua each discuss their responses to uptick. Maui News.

Several clusters on Maui are being tracked by the state Department of Health, including small clusters arising from activity at a construction site. In another cluster, DOH officials say five Maui residents held a party on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Kauai

Disputing path to beach access. Police were called on a group clearing a path commonly used for beach access that crosses private property yesterday. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i business owners who receive their goods weekly through Young Brothers shipping company are bracing themselves as Hawaii Public Utilities Commission announced on Monday their approval of Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46% over the next 12 months. Garden Island.

Hawaii may prolong travel quarantine as COVID-19 cases surge, Ige shuffles Health Department staff, teachers union threatens lawsuit if schools reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki sunset with airplane ©2020 All Hawaii News

Visitor industry braces for another pre-arrivals testing delay. Some signs of Hawaii’s fledgling tourism recovery are flying away as the state’s visitor industry braces for another delay in the start of a pre-arrivals testing program. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige to revisit stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases in Hawaii spike.  With a record 355 cases of COVID-19 recorded today, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he’s looking at the possibility of re-establishing the stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-Travel Program in Peril, as Hawai‘i Mulls Partial Lockdown. A return to lockdown is back on the table after Hawai‘i reported a record 355 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and two coronavirus-related deaths for the third consecutive day. Big Island Now.

The governor acknowledged Thursday that a rapid spread of coronavirus on Oahu may trigger a delay to the state’s plan for rebooting tourism. The state had hoped to launch a pre-testing traveler program on Sept. 1, after delaying it from Aug. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige considers bringing back stay-at-home order. Health officials say Oahu hospitals are close to the point of being overwhelmed, and Governor David Ige is considering bringing back more restrictions for Oahu, like the stay-at-home order. KHON2.

Ige says state is moving in the ‘wrong direction,’ but opts not to institute new restrictions. On a day that the state saw 355 new COVID-19 infections, the governor on Thursday said Hawaii is “moving in the wrong direction” but he stopped short of instituting any new mandates aimed at reining in the spread of the virus. He did pledge, however, to bring back new mandates if cases remain high. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: ‘We are headed in the wrong direction’. Despite a record-high 355 new COVID-19 cases reported Thursday, Gov. David Ige stopped short of delaying a plan to allow out-of-state travelers with a negative COVID-19 test to arrive in Hawaii on Sept. 1 without being subject to a 14-day quarantine. Tribune-Herald.

Record 355 cases; more restrictions possible. “We have some very bad news to report today,” Gov. David Ige said at the start of his Thursday news conference. Garden Island.

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Controversial State Health Official Ousted From Leading Virus Tracing Effort. With cases spiraling out of control, State Epidemiologist Sarah Park has been replaced as head of Hawaii’s contact tracing program. Danette Wong Tomiyasu is taking over. Civil Beat.

Dr. Park replaced as head of contact tracing program. Department of Health recently announced that the new Disease Investigation Branch Chief, Dr. Emily Roberson, would take over contact tracing at DOH. KITV4.

Anderson, Park absent from COVID briefing as governor puts deputy in charge of contact tracing. State Health Director Bruce Anderson and State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park have been the health department’s two most visible faces in the fight against COVID-19. The two were nowhere to be seen at the governor’s press briefing Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

As it struggles to respond to COVID-19, the state is again refusing help for contact tracing. The state Health Department continues to reject offers for funds and workers to help with contact tracing. Hawaii News Now.

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As COVID-19 Cases Rise, Hawaii Hospitals Plan For Day They Exceed Capacity. Some Hawaii hospitals are getting hit harder than others with the surge in COVID-19 cases. But the Healthcare Association of Hawaii that represents hospitals has a plan: it will re-distribute patients if needed so facilities aren’t overrun. Hawaii Public Radio.

Union warns of nurse shortage with rise of coronavirus cases. Hospitals in Hawaii are able to expand their number of intensive care units if the number of COVID-19 patients goes beyond capacity, but now some are worried there will not be enough nurses to care for those sick patients.  KHON2.

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Ige Warns Of Furloughs If Congress Fails To Provide More Aid. While negotiations over additional federal assistance to cities and states remain deadlocked, Hawaii’s chief executive says the state may be forced to furlough workers in the coming months if Congress fails to act. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii sees 2 more deaths and a record 355 new coronavirus cases. Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported a single-day record of 355 new COVID-19 cases, and the coronavirus-related deaths of two Oahu men, both over 60 years old. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 13: 355 New Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii has recorded more cases of COVID-19 in the first two weeks of August than all prior months combined. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 13th: New Record 355 Cases, Two New Deaths. The 355 new cases includes 86 new diagnosed cases of coronavirus at the O‘ahu Community Correctional Facility, officials say. Big Island Video News.

DOH Reports 355 Cases of Coronavirus, 2 Deaths Thursday. For the first time, Hawai‘i has eclipsed 300 coronavirus cases in a single day. Big Island Now.

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70 more OCCC inmates and 12 staff members test positive for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at Oahu Community Correctional Center swelled dramatically on Thursday as inmate advocates rushed to petition the Judiciary to release as many inmates as possible as quickly as possible. Star-Advertiser.

Corrections Staff Describe Jail Conditions That Make Social Distancing Impossible. Staff and inmates alike have been infected as COVID-19 spreads inside Hawaii’s largest jail. Civil Beat.

Surge in COVID-19 cases spurs petition from Office of Public Defender seeking the release of some inmates. The Office of Public Defender on Wednesday petitioned the state Supreme Court, seeking an order to the lower courts, the Department of Public Safety and the Hawaii Paroling Authority to take immediate steps to significantly reduce the population of its … correctional facilities to prevent the massive loss of life and harm that the spread of COVID-19 would cause in such facilities. Tribune-Herald.

California prisons provide Hawaii with lessons in dealing with outbreaks. Hawaii officials dealing with the rapid spread of COVID-19 at the Oahu Community Correctional Center are finding out what many of their mainland counterparts already know: Once the virus has entered a prison, it’s near impossible to contain it without immediate action to ramp up testing and disperse the inmate population. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii teachers union, superintendent spar over schools reopening. The teachers union said Thursday it will file labor complaints against the state to try to stop plans to reopen public schools on Monday that it says could endanger its members. Star-Advertiser.

Union threatens lawsuit over plans for face-to-face meetings with students at start of school year. While public schools will start the fall semester fully online, students are still scheduled to return to campus next week to prepare for online learning. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA seeks legal action to stop public school students from in-person classes. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is taking legal action to stop public school students from returning to campuses on Monday. HSTA president Corey Rosenlee said the Department of Education’s current plan requiring students to report in-person the first week of school is reckless and unsafe. KHON2.


HSTA to launch legal action against State of Hawaii, DOE. Thursday afternoon, the Hawaii State Teachers Association will announce legal action they are taking against the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

DOE pushes back against union’s criticism of reopening plan. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said it will take legal action over school reopening plans it thinks are unsafe and “reckless” amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a surge of cases. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers Union Takes Legal Action On School Reopening Plans, DOE Responds. A union official, a family medicine doctor, and an attorney took part in a new conference today to explain their opposition to the planned reopening of schools in the time of COVID. Big Island Video News.

HSTA takes legal action. Corey Rosenlee, president of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association, announced the union’s intention to file a prohibited-practice complaint with the Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board and a class grievance against the state Department of Education during a Zoom teleconference Thursday afternoon. Garden Island.

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Hawai‘i State Public Libraries Temporarily Suspend Computer Time Amid COVID-19 Concerns. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System will temporarily suspend Computer Time at all library branches statewide, from Aug. 16–31, 2020. Maui Now.

Rising coronavirus cases suspends library computer use. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Hawaii State Public Library System will temporarily suspend Computer Time at all library branches statewide, August 16 – 31, 2020. KITV4.

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20 ships participating in reduced RIMPAC in Hawaii starting Monday. Ten nations, about 20 ships and 5,300 personnel are taking part in Rim of the Pacific maritime exercises starting Monday in Hawaii’s waters. Star-Advertiser.

Over 900 Late Ballots Won’t Be Counted In Hawaii Primary. Officials warned voters to mail those ballots at least three to five days before Election Day. Civil Beat.

Oahu

More restrictions on the horizon to fight COVID-19 on Oahu. With a record number of COVID-19 cases, a festering outbreak at Hawaii’s largest jail and clusters emerging all across Oahu, Gov. David Ige said Thursday that he’s looking at reestablishing a stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Outbreak forces halt to shelter admissions. As the number of positive COVID-19 cases reached record highs on Thursday, officials announced that the Institute for Human Services has seen 20 cases in its men’s shelter in Iwilei, requiring it to be converted into a temporary isolation and quarantine site. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Outbreak Prompts Lockdown At Iwilei Homeless Shelter. At least 20 residents at the Institute for Human Services’ men’s facility on Sumner Street have tested positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail Costs To Climb With Dispute Over Airport Section. Officials are scrambling to speed up construction of stations and the relocation of utilities lines for the future transit line. Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch to reduce guest operations to 4-day weeks, furlough more employees. In a letter to employees dated Wednesday, President and CEO John Morgan said the ranch will be open to guests from Thursday through Sunday starting next week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County can deny STVRs on agricultural land: State Land Use Commission unanimously upholds county vacation rental ban. Short-term vacation rentals do not belong on agricultural land, the state Land Use Commission ruled Thursday in upholding Hawaii County’s authority to deny that use. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor revises terms for reclosing of Maui. South Maui bars test staff, reopen after COVID-19 exposure. Days after warning that Maui County closures may ensue if COVID-19 cases average five to seven a day, Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday softened his approach, pointing instead to “double-digit” average daily case counts as a trigger for rollbacks. Maui News.

Maui Threshold for Closures Revised Upward. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino revised his threshold upward for the number of COVID-19 cases Maui would need in order for him to reinstate closures. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 Contact Tracers Encounter Guilt, Fear of Being Identified. The District Health Office on Maui is reporting some pushback in their contact tracing efforts from individuals who have expressed fear of being identified on Social Media or in the community. Maui Now.

Maui Health Care Worker and Two Patients Test Positive for Covid-19.  Maui Health has confirmed that it has one health care worker and two patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Stolen oysters not recovered, but ‘volunteers’ have been found. Replacements for ocean biofiltering project will be on the way soon. Maui News.

Kauai

Interference pauses Hanakapi‘ai bridge project. The state has temporarily suspended a bridge-building project over the Hanakapi‘ai Stream on Kaua‘i’s North Shore because people have been undoing the work that’s being done, according to a press release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

State halts bridge building in Hanakapiai Valley on Kauai to address opposition. The construction of a footbridge across the stream in Hanakapiai Valley, in Kauai’s rugged Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, has been temporarily halted due to interference at the site, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a press release today. Star-Advertiser.

County mayors seek return of inter-island quarantine as Oahu COVID-19 cases spike, Green warns ICU could be overrun, airports install thermal screening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thermal screening at Honolulu airport PC:Screen grab from HDOT video

New thermal cameras now helping scan passengers in Hawaii’s airports. New thermal screening cameras have been installed at Hawaii airports that welcome trans-Pacific travelers to detect anyone who may have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Hawaii News Now.

Thermal Screening Now In Use At Hawaii Airports. The Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division announced on Wednesday that thermal temperature screening equipment is now in use to help detect passengers with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above. Big Island Video News.

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Pressure builds to impose COVID-19 restrictions. The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to another triple-digit record on Oahu Wednesday, placing further pressure on Gov. David Ige and other top officials to impose tighter restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease. Star-Advertiser.

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Neighbor Island Mayors Want Ige To Reinstate Interisland Quarantine. The mayors also asked the governor to keep schools closed until September. Civil Beat.

Mayors call for further restrictions on neighbor island travel. County mayors in Hawaii are taking action to slow down the spread of the virus within their communities, at least two mayors have requested for the governor to reimpose the two-week quarantine for all arrivals. KHON2.

Inter-island quarantine requested. Mayor Derek Kawakami, along with Mayors Harry Kim and Mike Victorino, are requesting Governor David Ige reinstate the 14-day quarantine for inter-island travel after the state reported 900 new cases of COVID-19 over the past week. Garden Island.

Neighbor Island mayors to governor: Reinstate inter-island quarantine, keep schools closed. Hawaii’s three Neighbor Island mayors are urging the governor to reinstate a mandatory quarantine for inter-island travel and keep public schools closed. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Renews Push for Interisland Quarantine. Citing concern over ongoing triple digit daily COVID-19 counts on the island of Oʻahu, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is renewing his request to reinstate the interisland travel quarantine. This comes after an initial request made nearly two weeks ago on Friday July 24, amid record increases in cases statewide. Maui Now.

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In ‘sobering’ warning, Lt. Gov. Green says Hawaii ICUs could be full by the end of the month. Hospitals in the islands could soon be on the verge of running out of intensive care space as COVID-19 infections surge on Oahu, public health officials warn. Hawaii News Now.

Green warns of COVID-19 hospital surge. An additional 173 new cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday, pushing the state’s total case count to 2,389 as Lt. Gov. Josh Green warned of an impending hospital surge. West Hawaii Today.

Expect COVID-19 hospitalization spike in 1-2 weeks, says health experts. Officials say they are concerned that the consistently high COVID-19 numbers on Oahu may lead to more hospitalizations, and that this could overburden the hospital system. KHON2.

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Hawaii leaders are pleading with residents to help prevent COVID-19 spread. With yet another triple-digit increase in COVID-19 cases, calls to bring back the stay-at-home order are growing. KHON2.

Health expert says a potential second lockdown is not Hawaii's only option to turning things around. Hawaii is again bracing for a possible shutdown. KITV4.

Crucial Public Information Missing To Create A Local COVID-19 Model. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases surge, there is still no direction from Gov. David Ige on what should trigger the restrictions to help stop the virus, and when things can ease again. Hawaii Public Radio.

State To Publish New COVID-19 Prevention And Testing Data. New metrics will include face mask compliance and turnaround times for lab tests. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmaker, union looking into California law regarding COVID-19 reporting. Hawaii House of Representatives Labor Chair Aaron Johanson thinks that Hawaii’s ability to contact trace could be dwindling, prompting him to consider legislation like California. KHON2.

Widespread, Frequent COVID-19 Testing ‘Can Wipe This Off The Planet’. Amid surging cases and widespread dissatisfaction with Gov. David Ige’s plans for schools and tourism, doctors and economists want ramped-up testing. Civil Beat.

Thousands of emergency order citations, many given to homeless, are being dismissed. Prosecutors in Honolulu and Maui county have begun dismissing thousands of citations issued by police for violations of emergency stay-at-home orders. Hawaii News Now.

Petition urging Governor Ige to demand RIMPAC cancellation receives more than 12,000 signatures. Though it will be scaled-back, the world's largest maritime warfare exercise is scheduled to take place in Hawaii's waters this month. KITV4.

Economist Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economics joined Spotlight Hawaii today to talk about the state’s economic outlook in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Brewbaker argued that containing the virus and bringing the case count back down is the only way to ultimately revive the economy, even if that means a temporary shutdown of activity and more economic pain in the short run. Star-Advertiser.

Surge in virus cases highlights disparities for Pacific Islanders. Pacific Islanders make up just 4% of Hawaii’s population but represent 27% of the islands’ latest COVID-19 cases, far more than any ethnic group. Star-Advertiser.

Jury trials postponed to Oct. 2 after ‘concerning spike’ in Hawaii COVID-19 cases. All jury trials have been postponed until after Oct. 2 after a “concerning spike” in COVID-19 cases, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald ordered today. Star-Advertiser.

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Supreme Court Hears Challenge To Lawmakers’ Gut-And-Replace Tactics. Advocates for greater transparency say the process leaves the public in the dark. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments about lawmakers’ use of controversial gut-and-replace tactic. The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday about the Legislature’s practice of stripping a bill of its original content and substituting entirely different content, a process known as gut-and-replace. Tribune-Herald.

Court eyes ‘gut-and-replace’ gambit. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving what is known as a “gut-and-replace bill” that passed the state Legislature in 2018 and was enacted as Act 84. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii top court hears arguments over ‘gut and replace’ laws. Attorneys argued before the Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday over how much lawmakers should allow the public to weigh in on legislation as laws are being drafted and voted on. Associated Press.

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Case, Kahele Raised $1.4 Million Despite A Lack Of Competition. They received hundreds of thousands of dollars from special interest groups and those with strong ties to the business community. Civil Beat.

Iwamoto Challenges Speaker Saiki For Hawaii House Seat. It’s the first time in eight years that the race has been contested in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats Select Lobbyist as New Party Chair. Tyler Dos Santos-Tam succeeds Kate Stanley for a new two-year term. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Homeless Voters Face Hurdles With All-Mail System. In Hawaii and other states, homeless people and the service providers who help them face hurdles when it comes to voting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Community Foundation disburses $721K to local nonprofits. Hawaii Community Foundation is distributing $721,000 in aid to 39 nonprofits across the Islands, using funds from the the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, that will support food security efforts in Native Hawaiian communities statewide. Pacific Business News.

Matson finds profit in China amid Hawaii’s economic downturn. The Honolulu-based company said it earned $32.8 million in the period, up from $18.4 million in the same three months last year, while revenue slipped to $524 million from $558 million. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii counts 173 new coronavirus cases, all on Oahu. The state Department of Health reported 173 new coronavirus cases today, all on Oahu, bringing the statewide total since the outbreak began to 2,763. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 173 New Cases. The state Department of Health reported 173 new COVID-19 cases today. All are on Oahu and reflects another triple-digit day of new infections. Hawaii Public Radio.


Oahu

Majority of Honolulu Council Seats Open, Election Could Set City's Future Direction. Five of the nine Honolulu City Council seats are up for grabs and the city’s next four years hinges on this election. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘A few’ employees at Manoa McDonalds have COVID-19, company confirms. Multiple employees at the Manoa McDonalds have tested positive for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii sheriff tests positive for COVID-19. A deputy sheriff for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety has tested positive for COVID-19, representing the first department employee confirmed to have the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy Sheriff Tests Positive for COVID-19 on O‘ahu. A deputy sheriff with Hawai‘i Department of Safety has tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

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52 WWII vets expected for end-of-war commemoration on Oahu as virus worries mount. With a Japanese helicopter destroyer, the battleship Missouri and USS Arizona Memorial behind them, officials announced Wednesday that 52 World War II veterans plan to attend events on Oahu marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the deadliest conflict in human history. Star-Advertiser.

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Ship returns from Great Pacific Garbage Patch with 67 tons of plastic trash. In the fierce midday sun at Kewalo Basin Harbor Wednesday, elephantine mounds of algae-wrapped, tar-stained, red and yellow cordage, poison-green fishing nets and bleached consumer plastics in various stages of decay were being unloaded from the weatherbeaten hull of the tall-masted cargo ship KWAI, which had returned to Honolulu that morning with its hold bearing 67 tons of marine trash collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch during 35 days at sea. Star-Advertiser.

67 more tons of marine debris has been removed from the Pacific. Environmentalists chipping away at the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” returned to land Wednesday after 35 days at sea. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council passes construction code: New framework makes one permit for building, electric, plumbing and energy codes. Factory-built housing will continue to be allowed in Hawaii County’s new construction code, but with extra restrictions following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council after a protracted discussion. West Hawaii Today.

Council approves conservation tax incentive measure. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to provide tax incentives for property owners to set aside land for conservation purposes. Tribune-Herald.

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Five Hawaii Fire Department personnel sidelined after battalion chief tests positive for COVID-19. The battalion chief was headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station and asymptomatic at the time of testing. West Hawaii Today.

HFD Battalion Chief Tests Positive for COVID-19. A Hawai‘i Fire Department Battalion Chief assigned to the 2nd Battalion headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station has tested positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Traveling Physician, Nurse Meant For KCH Test Positive For Coronavirus. Two traveling healthcare professionals meant for employment at Kona Community Hospital have tested positive for coronavirus. Big Island Now.

Maui

South Maui affordable housing project heading to full council. Kilohana Makai plans 28 single-family homes near Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. Maui News.

Maui Police Officer Death Investigation Underway. An investigation is underway into the death of a 44-year-old male officer with the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Maui-built bio lab prepares for second launch in 2021. Mobile SpaceLab was launched in February and returned in April. A mobile space lab designed and largely fabricated in Central Maui successfully returned from orbit in April, and now the team of engineers and biologists are preparing for its second mission to continue conducting experiments on the International Space Station. Maui News.


Kauai

COVID quarantine violation in Wainiha. Kaua‘i police arrested 64-year-old Michael Rowan of Wainiha on Tuesday for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Finding solutions for eroded path. The county is considering four possible courses of action to address erosion on the multi-use Ke Ala Hele Makalae path for a section at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

Lanai

Oahu workers who went to Lanai positive for virus. Pulama Lana‘i employees who may have been exposed now in quarantine Maui News.

Bad behavior, spiraling COVID-19 cases, has Hawaii officials clamping down, rethinking lifting quarantine, may close parks and beaches again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Kai on Sunday. PC:JW Facebook post

Large weekend gatherings cause concern over enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions. Several large gatherings across the state are drawing criticism. KITV4.

A surge in COVID-19 cases causes state officials to consider tighter restrictions. Ige also said he might delay the state’s plan to waive on Sept. 1 the 14-day quarantine for transpacific visitors who test negative for the coronavirus. State officials said Monday they’re aiming to step up enforcement of COVID-19 rules against social gathering — especially at the beaches — following what Gov. David Ige called a tough week of more than 500 cases, including a single-day record of 207 announced on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept.: Hawaii residents acting ‘like there isn’t a pandemic we are dealing with’. With another record-setting number of new cases reported in Hawaii this week, coronavirus is now ‘entrenched in our community,’ state officials said Monday ― and Hawaii residents, they claim, are letting down their guard at the worst possible time. Hawaii News Now.

As state plans reopening, Health Director says COVID-19 ‘endemic’. Gov. David Ige indicated Monday the Sept. 1 date to allow trans-Pacific air travel without a 14-day quarantine for visitors who get a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding a Hawaii-bound plane isn’t written in stone. Tribune-Herald.

State Health Director Warns Coronavirus Is Widespread On Oahu. The governor says more needs to be done to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii, but did not announce any new actions on Monday. Civil Beat.

Quarantine loopholes continue as more visitors, residents enter the state. Despite the state’s ongoing mandatory quarantine, there was a big jump in visitor numbers over the weekend. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 1,701 visitors arrived in the state between Aug. 1-2, 2020. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Health Director on COVID-19: “Weak Link is Prevention”. The governor pointed out it is a result of community spread and that people have been relaxing and letting their guard down. Maui Now.

Gatherings On Oahu Limited To 10 Or Fewer. People who gather in groups larger than 10 risk a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail. Civil Beat.

DOH director meets with Honolulu officials, beach closures could be next. As tens of thousands of tourists would be doing in any other given year, Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson set his sights on beaches Monday. KHON2.

COVID-19 hospitalizations increasing across Oahu. After multiple days of COVID-19 numbers in the hundreds, major hospitals in Oahu like Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii all say they have seen a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past few weeks. KHON2.

Officials threaten to close more state parks if people continue large gatherings. State officials are threatening more enforcement on Hawaii’s beaches and at state parks after seeing large gatherings on shorelines over the weekend.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i counted 207 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, shattering the statewide record for daily coronavirus figures, but it won’t change day-to-day life on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Members of State House of Representatives and state economist say public should know 'where' and 'how' people are contracting COVID-19. On Monday members of the State House of Representatives COVID-19 team stated publicly that they want the Department of Health to release more information about where and how people are getting sick with the coronavirus in Hawai'i. KITV4.

House COVID-19 Committee: We Need More Info From Health Department. House Speaker Scott Saiki says he is concerned that the state Department of Health is refusing to release the kind of information people need to make good decisions. Civil Beat.

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Governor Ige Questioned On Pandemic Restrictions. Representatives of various Hawaiʻi business associations on Monday had the chance to directly question Governor David Ige on some of the State's COVID-19 policies. Big Island Video News.

State needs additional contact tracers, critics say. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 counts surge — there were more than 500 new cases over the past week, including 207 on Monday alone — frustrations are mounting that the state doesn’t have enough contact tracers to prevent officials from reverting to lockdowns to contain the spread. Star-Advertiser.

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State has another record reporting day. The highest, single-day record of new positive COVID-19 cases is being reported by the Dept. of Health today, at 207. Garden Island.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 3: 207 New Cases, More Than Half From Delayed Results. Nearly all the cases are on Oahu, where there have now been 2,083 cases identified since March. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 207 Cases; 9 First-Responders COVID-19 Positive; Lag In Tests Impacting Contact Tracing. Hawaii Public Radio.

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30,000 isle workers may have opted out of job market in July. With COVID-19 cases surging and Hawaii’s economy struggling, as many as 30,000 workers could have taken themselves out of the state’s labor market last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines possible layoffs revealed. Employees could be laid off as early as October. Employees from Daniel k. Inouye, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua-Kona and Lihu'e airport are expected to be affected along with employees from the corporate headquarters in Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii students create a youth-oriented voter guide. A hui of college and secondary school students known as Ho‘ohuli have created an online voter guide geared toward their generation and the mission embodied in their name, which means to turn, to change or to reform. Star-Advertiser.

Vintage warbirds populate Navy flattop for 75th anniversary end-of-WWII events in Hawaii. Fourteen vintage warbirds, including a polished aluminum 1944 B-25 bomber, are headed to Hawaii courtesy of U.S. Navy lift on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex for aerial flyovers commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Blangiardi Holds Double-Digit Lead In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. But Hanabusa and Amemiya are tied for second and will likely force a runoff in November. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Steve Alm Still Ahead In Race For Honolulu Prosecutor. Building on a lead that was clear in May, former judge, prosecutor and U.S. attorney Steve Alm is well ahead of his five main competitors for Honolulu prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Andria Tupola, Calvin Say lead Council candidates in campaign spending. Two candidates for Honolulu City Council who have extensive political track records are the ones collecting and spending the most, according to financial reports filed with the state Campaign Spending Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

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Sacred Hearts Academy confirms student tested positive for COVID-19. Sacred Hearts Academy revealed a student tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 2. KHON2.

Some worry ‘there’s no contingency plan’ for COVID at Hawaii’s public housing. An employee at Mayor Wright Public Housing has tested positive for COVID-19 and some are concerned about how the Hawaii Public Housing Authority is handling the situation. Hawaii News Now.

Ward Village condo sales still rising despite COVID-19. Honolulu’s biggest condominium tower producer is selling more new homes despite the coronavirus pandemic that has sapped much of Hawaii’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

South Kohala Court Closes After Employee Tests COVID-19 Positive. The courthouse, located in the Waimea Civic Center complex, will be closed on Tuesday, after the first confirmed case of a Judiciary employee statewide. Big Island Video News.

South Kohala District Court Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. A South Kohala District Court employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawaii State Judiciary announced today. This is the only confirmed case of any Judiciary employee statewide. Big Island Now.

Responsible tourism: County lays out five-year plan for visitors, residents. Hawaii County last week released its five-year strategic tourism plan, a guiding document to help ensure responsible tourism that respects the Big Island’s communities and natural and cultural resources. Tribune-Herald.

Site of former homeless camp draws just one bid at auction. A lot in downtown Hilo that was the site of a troublesome homeless camp received only one extremely low bid at auction last month, but that sale will likely be blocked, a county official said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Interview: “We Need a Few Good Weeks to Get Us Back On Track”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino continued to express frustrations over large gatherings and drum circle activity as the state continues to record new COVID-19 activity.  His comments come on the heels of new rules that went into effect in Maui County on Friday that limit indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people, and prohibit the use of large structures that may attract gatherings, such as tents and pavilions at parks and beaches. Maui Now.

Lanai sees boost in census response. Greater participation is needed in East Maui, on Molokai. Maui News.

Kauai

Sustainability search. The agriculture and tourism industries were two of the hardest hit and are prominent local industries that have a significant economic impact on Kaua‘i’s economy. Garden Island.

Superintendent Paul Zina gets busy with official duties. It’s been a month since Paul Zina started his official duties as the new Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, and he has already given back to the community through various events and faced COVID-19 issues head-on when it came to reopening public schools on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

KHS, COK still negotiating details for FY2021. Kaua‘i Humane Society is currently operating on a short-term contract with the County of Kaua‘i that is extending the Fiscal Year 2020 services through August, and is providing more time for the two entities to negotiate their contract for the FY 2021. Garden Island.

Federal judge strikes down challenge to Hawaii quarantine law, Category 3 Hurricane Douglas approaches islands, Hawaiian airlines flight attendant dies of COVID-19, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Federal courthouse in Honolulu ©2020 All Hawaii News

U.S. District Court judge rules against visitor’s challenge to Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine. U.S. District Court Judge Jill Otake has ruled against a South Carolina visitor whose family is challenging Gov. David Ige’s 14-day travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

South Carolina man’s legal challenge to Hawaii’s traveler quarantine is denied. For a second time, a federal judge has rejected arguments against the state’s mandatory traveler quarantine. Judge Jill Otake denied the motion from a South Carolina man who flew to Hawaii with his family. Hawaii News Now.

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Flight attendant linked to cluster at Hawaiian Airlines training program dies after testing positive for COVID-19. A Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant who participated in a Honolulu training program that resulted in a COVID-19 outbreak died Tuesday night after testing positive in California. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Dies of COVID-19. A long-time Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant is dead after contracting COVID-19, the company confirmed Wednesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

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Lawmaker Worries Ige Is Moving Too Slowly On COVID Relief Plans. The House money committee chair says the governor told state departments to hold off on spending. Civil Beat.

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2 more unions join teachers in calling for delay in reopening public school campuses. In a significant development Wednesday, two more unions joined the Hawaii State Teachers Association in calling for a delay in reopening public school campuses for the fall term. Hawaii News Now.

HGEA, UPW join teachers’ union in call to delay public school reopening. The state’s two largest government-worker unions are joining the Hawaii State Teachers Association in calling for the state to delay its reopening of the state’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Major unions combine to ask for delay in schools re-opening. Just 13 days before Hawaii’s public schools reopen their doors to in-person learning on August 4th, the Hawaii Government Employees Association and United Public Workers unions joined the Hawaii State Teachers Association in asking that opening of school buildings to students be delayed. KHON2.

Faced with COVID uncertainties, some teachers are calling it quits. The Board of Education is scheduled to decide Thursday on the DOE’s plan to reopen schools. As of Wednesday night, four thousand pages of written testimony had been submitted. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii teachers leave classrooms because of COVID-19. As the public school year gets ready to begin, there are concerns the COVID crisis will make Hawaii's teacher shortage even worse. KITV4.

How to register for Thursday's BOE meeting. KITV4.

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How New, Agile Networks of People Are Helping Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i dodged the worst of the pandemic, and we haven’t yet had any riots, but the situation is dire. Massive unemployment, sinkholes in the state budget and crippling uncertainty. Hawaii Business magazine.

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Douglas remains powerful Cat 3 hurricane moving toward Hawaii. Hurricane Douglas remains a powerful Category 3 hurricane Thursday as it churned toward the island chain, bringing the threat of drenching rains and damaging winds. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Douglas Continues To Strengthen, Could Become Major Hurricane. The National Hurricane Center says Douglas is expected to move near or over portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend. Big Island Video News.

Douglas approaching: County prepares for possible strike from tropical cyclone amid pandemic. ecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami say it’s possible Hurricane Douglas could reach Hawaii Island at hurricane strength by Sunday, although forecasts predict it will arrive as a tropical storm. Tribune-Herald.

Hurricane Douglas maintains strength overnight, could grow stronger today. Douglas remained maintained its strength overnight as a Category 3 hurricane and could possibly get even stronger today. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For July 22nd: 17 New Cases, 1 New Death Reported. All of the new cases reported today by the Hawaiʻi health department were identified on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Reports its 25th COVID-19 Death, 17 New Cases on O‘ahu. Maui Now.

Oahu man becomes Hawaii’s 25th coronavirus-related death; 17 new cases also reported. State Department of Health officials reported that the latest coronavirus death was an Oahu man between 40-59 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Union Labor Now Required On Big Honolulu Public Works Jobs. The community workforce agreement is a first of its kind in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

City signs a new agreement with construction unions. Honolulu’s Mayor and Hawaii’s construction unions have signed a new agreement that would give union workers priority for all city projects over $2 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Mayor Caldwell says city is working on finding more shelter space during hurricane season. On Wednesday Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city is still working on the challenge of finding more shelter space during hurricane season. KITV4.

Masks now required at all times in Oahu gyms. Masks are now mandatory at all times in Honolulu fitness facilities, according to a statement from the City and County of Honolulu after Mayor Kirk Caldwell amended a recently approved emergency order related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: Face coverings now mandatory inside gyms, even while working out. Gov. David Ige has approved a request to mandate the wearing of face coverings while inside gyms on Oahu, even while members are working out, city officials said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

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Where Honolulu’s Prosecutor Candidates Stand On Criminal Justice Reform. The acting prosecutor and his three opponents are pitching very different solutions. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Denies Racial Disparities Are Proof Of Profiling. Ballard says it’s “unfair, unfounded and just plain wrong” to say HPD targets people based on their ethnicity. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii at Manoa shares COVID-19 protocols for fall semester. Hawaii’s relatively low rate of COVID-19 cases and stringent emergency rules to prevent the disease’s spread are providing comfort and reassurance to parents of students planning to register for the fall semester at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii at Manoa announces COVID-19 protocols. With classes set to begin in about one month at University of Hawaii at Manoa, the school disclosed how it would handle the situation if a student tests positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii Pacific University ready to welcome students back for fall semester with safety modifications. With classes slated to start Aug. 24 at Hawaii Pacific University — and in-person instruction for the first time since learning went online due to the pandemic shutdown in March — staff members were ready, confident and excited to welcome students back with redesigned facilities and protocols aimed at neutralizing the novel coronavirus, said HPU President John Gotanda on a media tour of the university’s hub campus at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

HPU prepares to welcome back students with new health and safety measure. Hawaii Pacific University implemented new safety measures and technology so local and out-of-state students feel confident as they return to classes this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Kim Issues New COVID-19 Rule On Face Coverings. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim recently signed the COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 10, which clarifies the mandatory requirements for wearing face coverings while in public settings. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Clarifies Mask Wearing Requirements. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim issued his 10th Emergency Rule on Coronavirus Wednesday, clarifying mask-wearing requirements on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Council exercises caution in regard to 5G development. The Hawaii County Council resolved Wednesday to forestall any development of 5G infrastructure on the Big Island until the controversial technology is proven to be safe. Tribune-Herald.

Life of the Land opposing Honua Ola Bioenergy’s bid for reversal. Life of the Land, whose 2017 appeal to the state Supreme Court led to the state Public Utilities Commission rejecting Honua Ola Bioenergy’s power purchase agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co., filed a motion Wednesday with the PUC saying that Honua does not meet the standard for reconsideration. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island Candies may extend temporary layoffs for more than 100 employees. Big Island Candies has plans to possibly extend temporary layoffs for 111 employees in Hilo due to Hawaii's consistent lull in tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related travel quarantines instated by government officials. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Mayor Victorino announces $3 million Recovery and Relief Fund to support Maui County small businesses. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a partnership on Wednesday with federal credit unions to launch of a $3 million recovery and relief fund for local small businesses. KITV4.

Longtime Activist Walter Ritte Challenges Rep. Lynn DeCoite For House Seat. Ritte warns tourism must be controlled, while DeCoite sees a need for jobs. Civil Beat.

Maui Now’s Wendy Osher interviews Governor David Ige on Hawai’i ‘s Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Response. Maui Now News Director Wendy Osher provides a special update focused on the state’s ongoing COVID-19 response effort.  She is joined by  Governor David Ige who just last week issued a 10th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation related to the pandemic. Maui Now.

Two Maui residents hospitalized for COVID-19. Maui Memorial hadn’t seen a coronavirus patient since early June. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park reopened the Kipahulu District from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays starting today. The Pipiwai and Kuloa Point trails will be accessible as well. Maui News.

Kauai

Housing policy targets resort requirements. An amendment establishing a base-percentage of affordable housing units resort developers will need to offer than currently required in the county’s housing policy, which is currently being tweaked by the Kaua‘i County Council, was introduced yesterday. Garden Island.

Forthcoming small business grant program. The county has allocated $5 million in grants for small businesses that will be distributed by local credit unions next month. Garden Island.

Swimmers and fishers asked to share aloha. Following the lifting of certain restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people returned to Hawai‘i’s ocean waters, states a DLNR release from DAR. Akin to “playing well with others in the sandbox,” the DLNR DAR is encouraging swimmers and fishers to share aloha when in the water. Garden Island.