Ige and mayors disagree over COVID-19 quarantine laws, $400M biomass plant in jeopardy, ballots hit mailboxes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach fun ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii, like other destinations, struggling to reopen tourism. Destinations across most of the U.S. and in many foreign countries have reopened tourism, but so far none have figured out how to get large numbers of tourists to return to the skies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige faces public and personal challenges caused by coronavirus pandemic. Ige, who is nearly halfway through his second term, talks with the mayors of Hawaii’s four counties three times a week, and even they’re not always in agreement on issues including when to lift Hawaii’s 14-day self-quarantine for incoming travelers, which he extended to Sept. 1 in his 10th emergency proclamation Friday. Star-Advertiser.

State won’t be ready to reopen Sept. 1, Kim says. The state isn’t ready to reopen to tourists Sept. 1 and it’s not ready to bring out-of-state college students back to campus Aug. 24, Mayor Harry Kim said in an hour-long interview Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

State releases new details on modified quarantine rules for out-of-state college students. As many as 8,000 out-of-state students are expected to attend university classes in Hawaii this fall and will be eligible for modified quarantine rules if they test negative for COVID-19 just before arriving in the islands or shortly afterward. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Signs 10th Emergency COVID-19 Proclamation. The latest proclamation keeps the mandatory 14-day quarantine in effect for travelers entering the State of Hawai‘i, and extends the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent. Big Island Video News.

New lawsuit takes aim at governor’s emergency powers. A new lawsuit seeks to overturn the governor’s emergency powers during much of the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-restricted campaigning, mail-in votes make for historic election. Hawaii’s Aug. 8 statewide primary election will be unlike any other, with the first mail-in voting being conducted across the islands as COVID-19 prevents candidates from traditional door-to-door, face-to-face campaigning. Star-Advertiser.

80 Hawaiʻi Inmates in Quarantine at Saguaro As Precautionary Measure. Saguaro’s parent company, CoreCivic, confirms that 69 offenders from Nevada, housed in a separate part of the facility, tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

People are saving money in pandemic, survey finds. People in Hawaii appear to be saving more even as higher unemployment and income loss grips the islands during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Rise in Hawaii coronavirus cases not as bad as feared. Hawaii’s COVID-19 new case count hit its highest level in four days Sunday, but officials found some relief in that the number was still well below what they feared it would be in the wake of the Fourth of July holiday. Star-Advertiser.

A new COVID-19 testing method shows promise as the state prepares to implement it. About 106,000 people in Hawaii have been tested for coronavirus, so far. With that, Hawaii has a positive result rate of 1.3 percent. But with limited testing capacity, state officials hope a new, FDA approved method will increase the number of test available, and who gets one. Hawaii News Now.

28 new cases of COVID-19 reported as number of people hospitalized jumps by 10. The state reported 28 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, pushing the total number of cases statewide to 1,381. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Updates: 28 New Cases; State Sued Again For Quarantine Order. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials report 28 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,381. Today’s new cases include 26 on Oahu, and two on Hawaii island, according to the state Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Veteran politicos and newcomers vie for Honolulu mayor. The 15 candidates vying to become Honolulu’s next mayor can be divided into two camps: those trying to persuade voters that these unprecedented times require a leader with political experience and those who argue the COVID-19 crisis demands fresh and creative thinking from someone outside government. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Honolulu’s Mayoral Candidates Want To Help The Economy. Mayoral candidates differ on taxes and growing the economy, but agree that tourism had grown too big before the COVID-19 crisis. Civil Beat.

Karaoke Bar Penalized For Violating Emergency Order. Bars in Honolulu have to stop serving liquor at midnight, according to emergency rules aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

State’s routine maintenance of a major irrigation ditch raises environmental concerns. Environmental watchdogs are raising alarms about the state’s use of the herbicide Roundup in one of Oahu’s largest irrigation systems. Hawaii News Now.

Dorms planned for former YMCA. While the University of Hawaii is cutting a third of student housing beds offered on its Manoa campus this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a project continues to move forward to redevelop the former Atherton YMCA property to include a sizable dormitory space on the edge of a residential neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku nickname stirs emotions in rival petitions. The tomahawk chop and the accompanying chant by thousands of Kahuku football fans has the desired effect. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Isle biomass plant is down but not out. Honua Ola Bioenergy spent more than six years and over $400 million building a biomass plant on the Big Island that is now 99% completed. Star-Advertiser.

Honua Ola seeks a way forward following crippling PUC ruling. The president of Honua Ola Bioenergy — an almost completely built 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant — said he’ll likely ask the state Public Utilities Commission to reconsider a July 10 order that nixed a waiver of the competitive bidding process for a power purchase agreement between the project and Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

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545 Kona Community Hospital employees test negative for COVID-19. Kona Community Hospital said Saturday that all but three of the 548 COVID-19 tests administered to staff on Thursday have come back negative for the virus. West Hawaii Today.

548 Tested At Kona Hospital, 545 Negative For COVID-19. Kona Community Hospital has confirmed that most of the results from the hospital’s facility-wide COVID-19 testing have been received. Big Island Video News.

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Police arrest and charge Glendon, others, in Home Depot parking lot incident. A 38-year-old Big Island mayoral candidate who admitted on Facebook to arranging a July 7 blockade of the parking lot at the Hilo Home Depot store has been arrested and charged with four offenses in connection with that incident. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Mayoral Candidate Arrested For Assault. A Big Island mayoral candidate with a checkered legal past was arrested on Friday following an assault earlier in the month in the parking lot of Home Depot in Hilo. Civil Beat.

Mayoral Candidate Arrested in Reported Assault at Home Depot. A mayoral candidate was among three Puna residents arrested and charged in connection to a reported zip-tie hoax in Hilo’s Home Depot parking lot earlier this month. Big Island Now.

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Bids in for Kilauea Ave project. Bids received for a road rehabilitation project to improve a 1.5-mile stretch of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo came in higher than anticipated. Tribune-Herald.

Impacts Of Kona Sewage Spill Discussed. Rick Bennett talks about the possible health and environmental impacts of the recent spill that dumped 20,000 gallons of sewage into Kailua Bay. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Victorino announces COVID-19 economic recovery task force. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a new task force Friday that will help to create an economic recovery plan in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Maui News.

Hana Highway reopens, traffic management plan in the works. The Road to Hana reopened to the public on Thursday, July 16. KHON2.

Maui DMV Update: Safety Check and Road Test Information. The State announced that all safety check certificates and stickers that expired prior to June 1, 2020, will remain valid until Aug. 31, 2020. Maui Now.

Paid benefit for hospital employees is extended. Maui Health is extending through Sept. 30 a paid benefit for employees who must stay home while awaiting COVID-19 test results or have been feeling ill, hospital officials said this week. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Candidates Differ On How To Reopen For Tourism. Only one candidate said the state should welcome tourists immediately without requiring some kind of testing or quarantine. Civil Beat.

Report: Plastic most common beach pollutant. The first annual Beach Cleanup Report has been issued by the Surfrider Foundation, analyzing results from all of the coastal cleanups done nationwide by the organization in 2019. Garden Island.

Hawaii delays reopening as COVID-19 cases and deaths rise, businesses concerned but poll shows majority of residents support cautious approach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces reopening delay, via Facebook Live

Hawaii Governor Delays Plan To Reopen To Tourists. All travelers — visitors as well as residents — will not be able to bypass quarantine with a negative test result until September. Civil Beat.

Ige delays plan to reopen tourism until Sept. 1 amid COVID-19 surge on the mainland. In a major blow to the tourism industry, the governor has announced plans to delay until Sept. 1 a program that would allow trans-Pacific travelers to skip quarantine in Hawaii if they test negative for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige extends start date of pre-travel testing of trans-Pacific arrivals until Sept. 1. Gov. David Ige said today that he is pushing back plans to use a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Ige To Extend Quarantine Another Month; 3 More Deaths, 23 New Cases Today. Gov. David Ige said today the state will extend the travel quarantine another month, delaying plans to ease restrictions on visitors if they test negative before taking their flights to the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige delays implementation of plan for trans-Pacific travelers. A program that would allow out-of-state travelers to avoid a two-week quarantine upon arriving in Hawaii has been delayed until September, with officials saying the state requires more time to prepare for an influx of visitors. Tribune-Herald.

Gov postpones reopening tourism date to Sept. 1. Three more Hawaii residents have died from the coronavirus. This as the state announces it’s pushing back the reopening of tourism. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Delays Start Of Transpacific Pre-Travel Testing Program. Governor Ige confirmed that the State will push back the program that will allow travelers from outside Hawaiʻi to bypass the 14-day quarantine with an approved pre-travel test. Big Island Video News.

Pre-Travel Testing Program Delayed to Sept. 1. For the past four months, a 14-day quarantine has been in place for travelers in an effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Traveler quarantine extended until Sept. 1. State officials will postpone a plan to permit tourists to travel to Hawai‘i if they obtain a negative test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure for at least 30 days, until Sept. 1. Garden Island.

State’s pretravel plan postponed to Sept. 1, Ige says. Governor points to surge in cases nationally and locally, break in test supply chain. Maui News.

Hawai‘i Trans-Pacific Travel Plans Delayed Amid COVID-19 Concerns, Spikes. Gov. David Ige this afternoon announced he is delaying the launch of the state’s pre-travel testing program by a month to Sept. 1, 2020. He also announced the extension of Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine on trans-Pacific travel to the end of August. Maui Now.

Hawaii to extend 14-day quarantine for arriving passengers through end of August. The state is postponing plans to reopen travel, Gov. David Ige announced in a press conference on Monday afternoon. Pacific Business News.

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3 more Hawaii residents with coronavirus die, bringing statewide death toll to 22. Hawaii’s coronavirus death toll rose to 22, with three new fatalities reported Monday as the number of cases continue to surge locally and on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Has Three More COVID-19 Deaths. The state recorded 86 new COVID-19 cases since last Friday and says most are in previous clusters associated with community-spread. Maui Now.

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Survey: 8 in 10 residents say they aren’t ready to welcome tourists back. The poll from the University of Hawaii Public Policy Center asked 600 residents for their thoughts on the state’s response to coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Survey: A Majority Of Hawaii Residents Support Coronavirus Restrictions. People in Hawaii think closing down vacation rentals and schools makes sense in the event of a serious surge, but don’t want restrictions on beach access and doctor visits. Civil Beat.

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Over 150 visitors have been sent home, VASH reports. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH) says it has sent home 156 visitors since the COVID-19 Flight Assistance Program started on April 6. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige’s decision to delay plans to reopen Hawaii tourism extends economic woes. Reaction was mixed Monday following Gov. David Ige’s decision to push back plans to use a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

‘We’re really struggling’: Tourism-dependent businesses wonder if they can make it to September. The rising coronavirus cases both in Hawaii and on the mainland have prompted Governor David Ige to delay reopening tourism until September 1st. The delay comes at a significant cost for tourism-dependent businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige to extend ban on housing evictions as growth in state slows. A ban on housing evictions across Hawaii will be extended through the end of August as a result of the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its on-going economic devastation across the islands. Star-Advertiser

Desperation grows as some have yet to see any unemployment benefits to make ends meet. As Hawaii's unemployment rate grows, so does the desperation of those who still have yet to receive any unemployment benefits to make ends meet. KITV4.

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Local colleges to implement ‘bubble quarantine’ for out-of-state students to attend class. Major colleges and universities in Hawaii will be introducing what is called a “modified bubble quarantine” for students flying in. The Hawaii Department of Health worked with universities to create the program. KHON2.

College students coming to Hawaii may qualify for modified quarantine. Students traveling to Hawaii to attend college next month may qualify for a modified quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 and meet other health requirements, officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

HSTA and DOE reach agreement that students will be spaced six feet apart when schools reopen. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and The Hawaii Department of Education announced the agreement on Monday after a dispute over three-foot distancing that was previously announced. KITV4.

State, teachers union come to agreement on what social distancing will mean at public schools. Under a deal announced Monday, public schools will need to get special approval if they want to configure meeting spaces or classrooms with less than 6 feet of social distancing ― and those requests must be submitted as contract exceptions no later than July 21. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Charter Schools Are Listening To Parents When It Comes To Reopening. The state’s 37 charter schools are relying heavily on parent feedback for reopening in the fall but are also worried about funding if the state cuts back its budget. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii DOH cites masks, avoiding tight quarters to eliminate COVID-19 cluster spread. Recently the Centers for Disease Control added four new symptoms of COVID-19, making the list 11. KHON2.

China blasted by U.S. for unlawful bullying in South China Sea. The United States stepped up its rhetoric and maybe its game Monday in a condemnation of what it called China’s unlawful bullying in the South China Sea. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawai‘i's Pacific Island Ocean Observing System will receive $4,260,603 in federal funding to observe and monitor sea levels, tides, currents, waves, and temperatures.  $4.2 million in federal funding will help improve forecasting of severe weather events, like king tides and hurricanes, in the Central Pacific. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Electric submits request to expedite electric bus pilot program. Hawaiian Electric is asking the Public Utilities Commission to speed the adoption of electric buses in public, private and school bus fleets on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island, with the approval of what the utility calls an eBus Make-Ready Infrastructure Pilot Project. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Coronavirus Cluster At Hawaiian Airlines Ignites Outbreak At Oahu Gyms. At least two dozen Hawaiian Airlines employees contracted COVID-19 at a training in late June. One infected employee who visited a pair of Oahu gyms set off a second disease cluster. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Department of Health traces 44 COVID-19 cases to a single person. The Hawai'i State Department of Health has traced 44 cases of COVID-19 on O'ahu to a single person. KITV4.

Surfrider Foundation challenges Hawaii military sea wall. Marine Corps Base Hawaii conducted an environmental assessment that found the wall at its Puuloa Range Training Facility would have no significant impact on the human or natural environment at Ewa Beach. KITV4.

City posts warnings at Diamond Head oceanfront path. The saga of the public access to transit the shoreline on the walkway topping the Diamond Head sea wall seems to have reached closure, at least for now. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki’s Halekulani Hotel announces closure until mid-2021. Management at Waikiki’s famed Halekulani Hotel informed employees on Monday that the property was closing until July 2021 for a series of renovations it says it can no longer wait to complete. Hawaii News Now.

Rick Blangiardi says he can lead Oahu out of crisis, but he’s still crafting the specifics. Among the five front-runners vying to become Honolulu’s mayor, three have spent years serving in public office and two — Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi — are trying to convince voters why that’s not a prerequisite for the job. Hawaii News Now.

Money chest best for Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi in race for Honolulu mayor. First-time political candidates Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi reported the largest war chests for this year’s Honolulu mayor’s race, but former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and City Councilwoman Kym Pine also have raised significant amounts of funds for the hotly contested campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kona Community Hospital employee tests positive for COVID-19. A Kona Community Hospital employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the hospital confirmed Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. A Kona Community Hospital employee was positively diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday and is currently in quarantine at home. Big Island Now.

Public pools reopen amid pandemic. From dedicated swim team members getting in lap time to kupuna enjoying some water aerobics, the Kona Community Aquatic Center was bustling with action — that is as much action as permitted amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Charges dropped in bizarre Home Depot incident. Video evidence reportedly cleared a Pahoa man arrested July 7 after a 24-year-old Volcano woman reported finding a zip tie on her vehicle in the Hilo Home Depot parking lot, leading her and others to use vehicles to block the lot’s entrances and exits. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Ritte outraises incumbent DeCoite. House District 13 candidate and prominent Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte has amassed nearly $40,000 in donations since launching his campaign to unseat Rep. Lynn DeCoite, including contributions from the Hawaii State Teachers Association and controversial actress and comedian Roseanne Barr. Maui News.

Ballots to be mailed starting Tuesday. Ballot packages for the primary election are set to be mailed out beginning Tuesday, County Clerk Kathy Kaohu announced. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i resident dies of COVID. The Department of Health’s Disease Outbreak Control Division reports an elderly Kaua‘i resident is the 22nd recorded COVID-19 death. Garden Island.

Virtual County Council candidate forum Thursday. County Council candidates will be discussing key issues on Thursday, July 16 in a virtual forum set to run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Art Cafe Hemingway facing eviction. A once-bustling cafe and its owners are now on the brink of eviction facing a back rent of over $25,000 and less than 10 days to either pay that sum or turn in their keys. Garden Island.

Hawaii rethinking reopening to tourists, Health Department to shut down noncomplying restaurants, shipper Young Brothers seeks 47% rate increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn ©2020 All Hawaii News

County Mayors To Ige: We’re Not Ready To Welcome Back Tourists. With new surges of COVID-19 cases in key states and a sudden disruption in Hawaii’s testing capacity, Hawaii’s county mayors want the state to rethink its planned Aug. 1 tourism reopening date. Civil Beat.

As COVID-19 infections surge on mainland, mayor casts doubt on plan to reopen tourism. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell cast doubt Thursday on the feasibility of the state’s plan to reopen tourism Aug. 1, saying he no longer thinks allowing visitors to avoid quarantine starting next month if they test negative for COVID-19 is safe for everyone. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the decision to reopen Hawaii tourism may be pushed back. Caldwell said it’s an agonizingly painful balancing act of public health and safety and economic viability and survival, and he is unsure of the best course. Star-Advertiser.

Kim says he cannot support Ige’s plan for trans-Pacific visitors. Mayor Harry Kim said Thursday that he will not support a plan by Gov. David Ige to loosen out-of-state travel restrictions on Aug. 1 without significant improvements. Tribune-Herald.

Reservations about reopening. Gov. David Ige and Hawai‘i’s four county mayors met Thursday for the third time this week to try to address the increasingly urgent question of whether the state can safely reopen to tourists on Aug. 1. Garden Island.

State and County Leaders Evaluate Timing of Hawai‘i’s August 1 Pre-Test Program Rollout. Two weeks ago, the state announced plans to start a pre-travel COVID-19 testing program on Aug. 1, 2020.  Maui Now.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says state should delay lifting mandatory quarantine. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made it clear on Thursday that she wants the state to delay lifting the 14-day quarantine for travelers. KITV4.

Shortage of COVID-19 tests nationally throws cold water on Hawaii’s tourism reopening plan. The program is still set to begin Aug. 1, and would allow incoming travelers to avoid the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before they land. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 test supply could affect reopening of trans-Pacific travel. Hawaii’s influx in COVID-19 cases has state and county lawmakers reconsidering plans to move forward with a pre-travel testing program set for August. KHON2.

Mainland supplier of coronavirus testing equipment says it reduced, but not cut off, supplies to Hawaii lab. The mainland supplier of one of Hawaii’s largest COVID-19 testing laboratories said today that it has not cut off the supplies of chemicals needed to continue to run tests locally, but has temporarily reduced the volume of test kits due to a surge in coronavirus cases across the country. Star-Advertiser.

"We need more testing immediately" Hawaii doctor cautions against testing complacency. The Hawaii Department of Health reports the state's capacity is 2,400 tests per day. KITV4.

How postponing lifting travel restrictions could affect workers in the tourism industry. The governor and the mayors met for the second day to discuss plans to lift the quarantine on August 1. KHON2.

Frustrated Hawaii businesses feel a further delay could result in “economic catastrophe”. Hawaii residents and businesses are worried they won’t survive a delay in the planned reopening of tourism on Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Health Department to shut down restaurants and bars flouting coronavirus precautions. The Department of Health Food Safety Branch will issue red placards temporarily suspending the operations of restaurants, bars and other eateries that do not comply with rules that include physical distancing and the wearing of masks. Under state law, health inspectors can temporarily close food establishments that pose a danger to public health. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept Cracks Down On COVID Safety In Restaurants. The Health Department is handing out color-coded placards to help the public identify which restaurants are in compliance with guidelines. Civil Beat.

DOH, county work to enforce virus mitigation rules. The state Department of Health will take a tougher stance against restaurants not following COVID-19 mitigation policies as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

DOH Will Temporarily Close Restaurants, Bars Not Complying With Social Distancing. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is taking new steps to ensure rood establishments implement appropriate social distancing guidance. Big Island Now.

DOH to issue color-coded placards. Restaurants could be shut down by the state if they don’t enforce social distancing or other pandemic guidelines, and the Hawaii Health Department issued a press release Thursday reminding food establishments of the “serious consequences” should they fail to follow the emergency rules. Garden Island.

Health Dept. to Issue Red Placards to Restaurants and Bars that Violate COVID-19 Mandates. The Hawai‘i Department of Health today announced it will begin issuing red placards to restaurants and bars that violate physical distancing and other mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maui Now.

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Gun control bills hang in the balance as lawmakers wrap up the legislative session. Some key bills hang in the balance today as lawmakers try to wrap up this year’s unprecedented three-part legislative session where much of the work was done inside a locked state Capitol that was closed to the public because of the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Bills Relating to Firearm Registration and Ag Buildings Pass Final Reading. The Hawai‘i State Senate passed final reading SB3054 SD2 HD1 and SB2701 HD2 relating to firearm registration and agricultural buildings, respectively. Maui Now.

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Lawmakers debate testing for nursing homes. State lawmakers held an informational briefing Thursday to discuss how COVID-19 outbreaks such as the ones that occurred at the state’s largest nursing home last month and at smaller care homes can be prevented. Star-Advertiser.

Plans For Increasing COVID-19 Testing At Care Homes On Hold. A shortage of testing supplies at private labs is forcing the state department of health to shift gears and be more strategic in its testing plan, health officials said. Civil Beat.

Legislative members, healthcare workers on preventing the spread of COVID in nursing homes. House committee members met Thursday, July 9, with health officials and health care workers to discuss how to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in nursing homes. KHON2.

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Bill would make Rep. Takayama eligible to run for Sen. Harimoto’s seat. Twelve days after the death of state Sen. Breene Harimoto, the House Judiciary Committee proposed a change in state election law that would make committee member Rep. Gregg Taka­yama eligible to run to serve out the last two years of Harimoto’s term. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige appoints Bennette Misalucha to the late Breene Harimoto’s Hawaii Senate seat. Gov. David Ige has appointed Bennette Misalucha to fill the late Sen. Breene Harimoto’s state Senate seat until the general election, according to a statement today from the governor’s office. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Appoints Bennette Misalucha To State Senate. The former lobbyist replaces Breene Harimoto, who died last month. Civil Beat.

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Young Bros. seeks 47% emergency rate increase. Without a financial lifeline from the state, Young Brothers has requested regulators approve an emergency or temporary rate increase of nearly 47% — or $30.4 million — to sustain interisland cargo services through year’s end. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers seeks emergency increase in rates. Young Brothers LLC, which has been seeking a $25 million bailout from the state to avoid insolvency, has ratcheted up its plea for aid by filing a motion with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for an emergency rate increase that would boost the company’s revenue by about $30 million and keep its interisland cargo transport services afloat. Star-Advertiser.

Young Bros. Requests Rate Increase. Young Brothers, LLC made an emergency request of the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Tuesday asking for a temporary rate increase for the remainder of 2020. Big Island Now.

Young Brothers asks for temporary rate increase. The company made an emergency request to the Public Utilities Commission. KHON2.

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Public schools identify which teaching models they’ll use come fall. The state Department of Education has released new details on what the upcoming school year will look like at individual campuses, but some concerns are being raised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii schools select learning models, but teachers union raises concerns. The Board of Education heard from concerned teachers and parents on Thursday, July 9, about the state’s plans to reopen schools. KHON2.

Hawaii school board members hear thousands “speak with one voice”. More than 2,000 people flooded the Board of Education with written testimony Thursday, most pleading to keep students 6 feet apart and require they wear masks when they return to school next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii debates how close kids can get after school reopening. Hawaii public schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto drew opposition when she said children’s desks could be as close as 3 feet (0.91 meters) if facing forward. KITV4.

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Hawaii records 36 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,130. Hawaii health officials added 36 new confirmed coronavirus cases today to the statewide total number of infections, which now stands at 1,130 since the start of the outbreak in February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Updates: 36 New Cases; Survey: 40% Unable To Pay June Rent; Arrivals Exceed 700. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Thursday, July 9th: 36 New Cases. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Senate bill paving way for new Aloha Stadium dies in Hawaii Legislature. A bill crucial to the progress of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District suffered an 11th-hour death at the state Legislature, which is sure to delay the project for at least a year and drive up already-escalating costs, lawmakers said today. Star-Advertiser.

‘Monumental error’ could delay Aloha Stadium redevelopment another year. After years of debate and planning, the Aloha Stadium redevelopment might be delayed another year. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Prison Oversight Commission: ‘Maybe We’ve Been Forgotten’. Commissioners say the state is stalling the hiring process of a director, while pushing forward to pursue a public-private partnership for a new Oahu jail complex. Civil Beat.

Multiple COVID-19 cases connected to Hawaii State Hospital temporarily halt construction at site. Health officials say there are now nine COVID-19 cases related to the Hawaii State Hospital and some of those cases temporarily halted construction at the Kaneohe campus. Hawaii News Now.

Keith Amemiya: Political Outsider Or Establishment Insider?. Despite deep political ties to numerous state and local officials, Keith Amemiya says he has the fresh perspective that Honolulu needs in the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Candidate RJ Brown: 'Better Days Are Ahead For The Office'. Honolulu's prosecutor's office has been operating under a cloud since a federal probe targeted Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro as part of a corruption scandal that ensnared former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

PUC dismisses power purchase agreement between Honua Ola, Hawaiian Electric. The state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday dismissed an amended power purchase agreement between Hawaiian Electric Co. and Honua Ola, formerly known as Hu Honua. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua bioenergy project fails to get PUC approval. The state Public Utilities Commission has rejected a request from Hawaii Electric Light Co., the Big Island power company, to waive competitive bidding on the long-stalled and nearly completed $350 million Hu Honua Biomass Project. Star-Advertiser.

Hu Honua Bioenergy Project Fails To Get Needed Approvals. The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission has dealt another regulatory blow to the planned bioenergy project on the Hāmākua coast. Big Island Video News.

Utilities commission rejects Hu Honua’s deal to provide energy for HECO. The state Public Utilities Commission rejected a proposal by Hu Honua Bioenergy on Thursday to provide electricity to Hawaiian Electric Co. in a move the company says will lead to the loss of more than 200 jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Home, sweet home: Prosecutors move into new digs in Kona. The West Hawaii Civic Center welcomed the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to its campus this week as the long-awaited building was finally ready for occupancy. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Agreement reached on Pi‘ilani Promenade. LUC OKs plan that returns to original concept, nixes ‘megamall’. Maui News.

Community input is being sought for an upcoming solar project on Maui. Developers are holding a virtual open house Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. on the proposed plan in Kihei. Hawaii News Now.

Input Sought on Creating Safer Maui Roads. The public is invited to attend Vision Zero Maui’s Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 4 p.m. to learn about Maui roadway safety concerns and priorities in developing an action plan to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. Maui Now.

Person treated for COVID-19 visits DMVL office. Individual not a risk but Kihei site closed for cleaning. Maui News.

Kauai

Anti-Styrofoam bill amended. A bill first introduced in February that would restrict the use and sale of styrofoam foodservice containers is being amended and pushed off due to economic uncertainty sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

Council debriefed on climate change. Former Mayor Bernard Carvalho had a 10-year county-wide goal of reducing emissions from county government operations by 30% by 2023. Garden Island.

Trump signs disaster declaration for Kauai storm damage. President Donald Trump today signed a disaster declaration for Kauai in connection with the heavy rain and flooding that occurred on March 27 and 28, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced. Star-Advertiser.

Spike in COVID-19 cases, holes in testing protocol threaten Hawaii reopening plans, doctor calls for halt to quarantine lifting, governor to meet with mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, Department of Health

Experts say Hawaii on track to see more spikes in COVID-19 cases. With COVID-19 cases spiking and mask wearing mixed, some experts are concerned that the new number of new infections will continue to swell. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s CVS trans-pacific testing partnership leaves holes for 72-hour window. To help with testing travelers, the state has partnered with CVS, but there may be some issues with the program, including a requirement that would make the partnership practically useless to Hawaii residents. KHON2.

Mayors to meet with governor on plans to lift travel quarantine amid COVID-19 spike. On Wednesday, Governor David Ige will meet with county mayors to discuss plans moving forward. KHON2.

Prominent Hawaii doctor says state should delay plan for trans-Pacific visitors. One of Hawaii’s most visible physicians on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic said Tuesday that Gov. David Ige should rethink the state’s plan to allow out-of-state visitors who arrive with a negative COVID-19 test in hand to bypass a 14-day quarantine starting Aug. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says spike in new COVID-19 infections is manageable, but warns that could change. The governor sought Tuesday to reassure residents that an alarming spike in new COVID-19 infections is “manageable right now,” but warned that could change quickly and said more surges in infection might close some businesses or delay tourism’s reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige says Hawaii is ‘well prepared’ to deal with coronavirus spike as the state marks its highest daily increase in new cases. Hawaii officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the state marked its highest daily surge in new coronavirus cases since the start of the outbreak in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials react to highest case count in a single day since COVID-19 pandemic began. Governor David Ige claims the numbers are expected and manageable and that the state is prepared, while Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson calls the trends disturbing. KITV4.

State reports highest daily number of new COVID cases since March. Tuesday’s total was the largest reported daily number of cases since the state’s pandemic emergency was declared March 4, eclipsing the previous high of 34 cases on April 3. Tribune-Herald.

41 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i Marks Largest Single Day Increase. There are 41 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hawaiʻi today, marking the largest single day increase in cases since the pandemic began. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 7: 41 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. A record number of COVID-19 cases were confirmed Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, July 7th: 41 New Cases Reported. The majority of the newly reported COVID-19 cases are on Oʻahu, state health officials announced today at noon. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: 41 New COVID Cases Set Record; Bar, Gym Clusters May Prompt Reopening Rollback. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported 41 new cases of COVID-19, a state record for daily cases since the pandemic began. Thirty-eight cases are on Oahu, 2 on Kauai and 1 on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

A colored placard system could soon identify businesses abiding by COVID precautions. The Health Department's Food Safety Branch said once the plan is approved by the Attorney General’s office, details will be released. But it could very well be similar to the health inspection placard system for restaurants and food safety. Hawaii News Now.

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Kouchi business gets PPP funds. A company that Hawaii Senate President Ronald Kouchi owns shares in and is employed by received a small business coronavirus relief loan from the U.S. government, according to data released by the Small Business Administration. Associated Press.

Lawmaker honored at memorial service held at state Capitol. Precautions to curb the spread of COVID-19 might have kept crowds of mourners away from Tuesday’s memorial service for state Sen. Breene Harimoto at the state Capitol, but legislative colleagues and other officials were there to offer ample praise for a man they described as humble and courageous. Star-Advertiser.

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U.S. steps up firepower as China consolidates gains in South China Sea. The USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike groups recently demonstrated what the Navy called “unmatched sea power” while conducting rare dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea, as military muscle flexing continues on both sides of growing discord in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Aggressive seaweed smothers one of world’s most remote reefs. Researchers say a recently discovered species of seaweed is killing large patches of coral on once-pristine reefs and is rapidly spreading across one of the most remote and protected ocean environments on earth. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates offer ideas for tackling homelessness. A dozen candidates for Honolulu mayor presented a wide variety of approaches to the vexing issue of homelessness on the island during an early morning forum Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mufi Hannemann: He Was Mayor Once Before. Will That Help Or Hurt With Voters? In the Honolulu mayor’s race, a seasoned politician like Hannemann can tout his successes but also has a long record ripe for scrutiny.  Civil Beat.

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Mother and son among 4 city employees with positive coronavirus tests. Four city employees have now tested positive for COVID-19, including the latest: an employee who works out of a Halawa base yard clearing sewage wastewater drains and his mother, who works for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, city officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

4th Honolulu Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19. A mother and son tested positive as Hawaii hit its highest number of daily cases yet. Civil Beat.

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New program hopes to keep fishing afloat. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced a new “fish to dish” program to help Hawaii’s ailing fishing industry. Star-Advertiser.

City throws a line to the longline fishing industry with a new program. Nearly 350,000 fish portions will be distributed to Oahu families over the next five months. Hawaii News Now.

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Voters who miss registering online still have options. With the state this year switching to a “vote by mail” format, Oahu residents who don’t register online may register at voter service centers at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale from July 27 through Aug. 8, primary election day. Star-Advertiser.

New stadium plan expected to pass Senate. State lawmakers are poised this week to pass the last major piece of stadium legislation before the state begins soliciting bids for a public-private partnership in the development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. Star-Advertiser.

Iwilei ballrooms fall victim to pandemic. The Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery — dependent on large gatherings that are no longer allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — closed for good Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 Positive Individuals Visited Big Island on Business Trip, State Says. Details on the cluster were sparse and did not include the name of the business that planned the trip, the location from which the group traveled to the Big Island, or how many people were part of the group. Park did say that the interisland travelers in question visited both sides of Hawai‘i Island and that a few have already tested positive for COVID-19. The rest are currently under self-quarantine. Big Island Now.

Factory-built housing raises concerns: Council committee advances 197-page construction code revamp. A County Council panel tried to balance affordable housing and jobs Tuesday before advancing the framework for a revamped construction code folding in building, plumbing, electrical and energy components. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution calls for halt to controversial 5G development. The Hawaii County Council will consider pursuing action to bar 5G cellular network development on the Big Island until the controversial technology is proven to be safe. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would incentivize conservation, reforestation of native trees. As part of an effort to stimulate reforestation efforts on the Big Island, the County Council will consider a bill that would lower property taxes for owners of certain forest lands. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County not looking at furloughs, pay cuts. Governor said cuts may be inevitable as federal funds run out. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Monday that pay cuts and furloughs for county workers are not being considered at this time, but added that “nothing’s off the table” as Hawaii continues to feel the economic effects of COVID-19. Maui News.

Proposed Charter Amendments on Friday’s Council Agenda. Six proposals to reform the structure of Maui County’s government will be considered for passage on first reading on Friday at 9 a.m., Councilmember Michael J. Molina announced today. Maui Now.

Maui restaurants plead for rule changes to stay in business. The Maui Restaurant Hui estimates that there are 10,000 unemployed chefs, cooks, and staff members from the more than 150 eateries in the group. Hawaii News Now.

Maui home sales down 20% in June, but new listings increase. Home sales on Maui declined by more than 20% in June, compared to the same month last year, but new listings for both single-family homes and condominiums increased, and pending sales for single-family homes rose by 22%, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KVB offers insights to reopening efforts. Part of Gov. David Ige’s announcement to reopen August 1 included a point that travelers may bypass the state-mandated 14-day quarantine by showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of landing. Garden Island.

Texas man, 36, arrested at Kauai hotel for violating quarantine rules after insisting on a taxi. Kauai police have arrested a Texas man for violating Hawaii’s mandatory, 14-day quarantine rule for out-of-state visitors after he insisted hotel staff call a taxi for him. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Food Businesses Persist During Pandemic Thanks To Grant. With money from Common Ground, two companies are finding ways to scale up and pivot away from tourism despite COVID-19. Civil Beat.

BREAKING: Federal judge rules Hawaii quarantine reasonable during COVID-19 pandemic - full order included

Federal courthouse in Honolulu ©2020 All Hawaii News

Federal judge rules Hawaii’s quarantine is reasonable during coronavirus pandemic. A U.S. judge will not stop Hawaii from enforcing a quarantine on arriving travelers, saying in a ruling that the emergency mandate is reasonable during the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A group of Hawaii, California and Nevada residents tried to stop the quarantine by filing a lawsuit alleging it is unfair and unnecessary. It violates the fundamental right to travel freely, they argued. Associated Press.


Full order from federal court upholding Hawaii's quarantine policy found here.

Hawaiian Airlines booking mainland routes, University of Hawaii reopening Aug. 24, Blangiardi's past scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines loaded for service ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian Airlines to resume most U.S. mainland routes, increase interisland schedules. Hawaiian Airlines announced today that it is resuming most of its U.S. mainland routes and will increase its neighbor island schedule — although international service will remain suspended due to restrictions on inbound travel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume Most US Mainland Routes. Hawaiian Airlines is set to resume a reduced schedule between Hawaiʻi and most of its US mainland gateway cities after months of suspended flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume Most US Mainland Routes in August. Hawaiian Airlines today announced it will resume a reduced schedule between Hawaiʻi and most of its US mainland gateway cities on Aug. 1, when the state of Hawai‘i begins welcoming travelers who choose to participate in a pre-travel COVID-19 testing program being developed. Maui Now.

United resumes nonstop service to Kona. Major airlines are increasing direct service between Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and the U.S. mainland. West Hawaii Today.

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"We're concerned" Lieutenant Governor keeping tabs on mainland COVID-19 surges. "We’re concerned about what that impact is going to be on Hawaii," Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said. KITV4.

Lots Of Questions Surround Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program. The proposal requires travelers get a COVID-19 test before departure to Hawaii to bypass quarantine, creating concerns about who would provide the testing. Civil Beat.

Come Aug. 1, will Hawaii residents who take short mainland trips have to quarantine? Maybe. A Hawaii resident who travels out-of-state after Aug. 1 could still be required to quarantine after returning home. The state hasn’t yet said how they’ll handle residents who go to the mainland for short trips after quarantine restrictions have eased. Hawaii News Now.

Return of domestic airlift will be boon for Hawaii tourism. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines are reinstating service in time for the Aug. 1 launch of a COVID-19 passenger testing program that will allow Hawaii’s tourism industry to reopen to out-of-state visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Recent study shows fewer Hawaii residents believe management of COVID-19 is 'heading in right direction'. Over the past month there has been a drop in the number of residents who believe the state's management of the pandemic is "heading in the right direction. KITV4.

Mandatory Interisland Travel Form Now Online. The form may not be completed or submitted outside of the 24-hour flight departure time frame, state officials advise. Big Island Video News.

Mandatory interisland travel and health form now online. The State of Hawai'i mandatory interisland travel and health form can now be submitted online within 24 hours of flight departure. KITV4.

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University of Hawaii to open Aug. 24 with social distancing. The University of Hawaii’s 10-campus system plans to start classes on Aug. 24 with accommodations in the era of COVID-19, including still-evolving social distancing requirements, masks for everyone and a one-third reduction in on-campus housing at UH-Manoa and UH-Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

UH Releases Plan For ‘Unprecedented Semester’. The university is working closely with state health officials to keep students safe, but said coronavirus cases on campus were almost inevitable. Civil Beat.

UH lays out COVID-19 guidelines for upcoming academic year. The University of Hawaii released on Wednesday interim COVID-19 guidelines for the upcoming academic year. Tribune-Herald.

UH Announces Interim COVID-19 Guidelines. The university says the top priority is the health, safety and well-being of its students, employees and visitors. Big Island Video News.

UH Releases COVID-19 Guidelines For All Campuses. The University of Hawai‘i on Wednesday released its interim COVID-19 guidelines for the 2020-21 school year. Big Island Now.

Hawaii DOE set to announce reopening plans Thursday. The Hawaii State Department of Education is scheduled to announce its reopening plans on Thursday morning. KITV4.

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COVID-19 Puts Short-Term Rentals Back Under Microscope. The pandemic has brought changes to the industry that may have a lasting impact. Hawaii Public Radio.

Complaints rise about COVID risks at work. COVID complaints to the state’s occupational safety division doubled in June and outnumber all other categories of concerns combined.  KHON2.

Some 11,000 people in Hawaii still haven’t gotten unemployment payments. Many laid-off Hawaii workers are growing desperate as they wait for their unemployment benefits. The state has paid out more than $1 billion in the last four months – but thousands of claimants still haven’t received a penny. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s TV and film await the start of production. It has been a longer hiatus than expected for television and movie production, the Island Film Group’s co-founder said there is a high demand to produce content but it is a matter of making sure the sets are safe during the pandemic. KHON2.

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Lawmakers, public question BLNR member’s intentions. State lawmakers and hundreds of individuals questioned the intentions of longtime Board of Land and Natural Resources member Christopher Yuen ahead of a vote that could extend his term. Star-Advertiser.

BLNR nominee Yuen grilled by Senate committee. The state Senate Committee on Water and Land took Board of Land and Natural Resources nominee Christopher Yuen into political rough water during a Wednesday hearing concerning his proposed confirmation. Tribune-Herald.

Agreement Reached To Protect Dwindling Shark Species. Thousands of oceanic whitetip sharks have died in commercial fishing off Hawaii. Now, WESPAC will have to devise a plan to better protect them. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Updates: 9 New Cases; Study Says Hawaii Testing Suppressing COVID. The Hawaii Health Department announced 9 new cases of COVID-19 today. Seven cases are on Oahu and two on Maui. Oahu's case count stands at 659, Maui County's at 125, Hawaii County's at 87 and Kauai's at 38. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 9 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 926. Hawaii health officials reported nine new coronavirus cases today as the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 926. Star-Advertiser.

9 new COVID-19 cases reported, bringing statewide total to 926. Hawaii News Now.

Another Resident Of Hawaii’s Largest Nursing Facility Contracts COVID-19. A dozen residents of Hale Nani have been infected so far, along with six staff members. Civil Beat.

Oahu

How Rick Blangiardi Got Caught Up In A 1980s Bank Fraud Scheme. Thirty-five years ago, the federal government sued Rick Blangiardi for his participation in a loan scam. The mayoral candidate says he was duped by criminals. Decades before Rick Blangiardi began his run for Honolulu mayor, he took part in financial schemes in Hawaii and Kansas that led him to file for bankruptcy and landed the scam’s ringleaders behind bars.  Civil Beat.

State says new homes for 32 Waimanalo homeless not allowed. In just three months, “Auntie Blanche” McMillan has created permanent homes for 32 homeless people from Waiminalo and plans to build 100 more on state land at the end of the road on Hilu Street. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless triage center that Chinatown residents rejected may have found a new home. Last month, Chinatown residents opposed the facility. But the program may have now found a home in Kalihi, in a two-story building that’s hard to miss. Hawaii News Now.

Haiku stairs formally transferred to city. The spectacular mountainside staircase known as Haiku Stairs, whose fate has been clouded for more than 30 years, was officially handed over to the city Wednesday with the aim of transforming it into a public attraction. Star-Advertiser.

Free parking for electric vehicles at municipal lots, meters, is over. City officials today reminded the public that electric vehicles will no longer be able to park for free at county as well as state parking lots and meters due to the repeal of those benefits on June 30. Star-Advertiser.

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Chinatown To Get Cleanup In Effort To Boost Commerce. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city will be paying special attention to sanitizing and beautifying the Chinatown area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chinatown, downtown streets are scheduled for repair. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday announced a pair of long- awaited street rehabilitation projects for the downtown and Chinatown areas of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

CARES money to hit the streets in a few months: Council begins process of doling out millions. County Council members are urging Mayor Harry Kim’s administration to push coronavirus relief funds out as quickly as possible to island businesses so they can get residents back to work. West Hawaii Today.

Waipi‘o Valley Road Closed Over July 4 Weekend. Public access to Waipi‘o Valley will be closed over the Fourth of July weekend in an effort to deter large gatherings as Hawai‘i continues to stem the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

High enterococci levels prompt advisory for waters near Anaehoomalu Bay. Health officials on Wednesday issued a high bacteria count advisory for Anaehoomalu Bay in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council panel backs county Agriculture Department creation. Charter amendment recommended for November ballot. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Calls Charter Amendments “Reckless”; Councilmember Calls Mayor’s Statements “Overly Dramatic”. Mayor Michael Victorino issued a statement last night, strongly opposing two proposed amendments by the County Council’s Governance, Ethics and Transparency Committee. Maui Now.

No Firecracker Permits Issued on Maui for Fourth of July. Due to commercial vendors deciding not to sell firecrackers for this holiday, no permits are being issued for firecracker purchases on Maui for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Group wants double testing. A committee of doctors and community leaders is considering a proposal to Gov. David Ige to test a tourist-entry system that would require visitors to Kauai to be tested for COVID-19 before they depart and again after they arrive, with a five- or six-day quarantine in between. Garden Island.

Quarantine violations in court. A couple that allegedly broke the state’s COVID-19 mandatory 14-day quarantine emergency order pleaded not guilty during separate hearings Wednesday morning. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Changes Command. Fire and Ocean Safety Chief Steven Goble took the helm of the Kaua‘i Fire Department Wednesday morning in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Lihu‘e Civic Center. Garden Island.

Goble takes charge of KFD. Steven Goble’s 100-day plan begins with listening. Garden Island.