FBI raids public access TV station, Hawaii imports more health-care workers as tourist reopening nears, ballots going out in the mail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FBI confers with Na Leo CEO Stacy Higa as agent holds back reporters ©2020 All Hawaii News

FBI Searches The Offices Of Cable Public Access Headquarters In Hilo. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant Thursday morning on the offices of Na Leo ‘O Hawaii public access television, which provides public access programming to Hawaii County cable television subscribers. Civil Beat.

FBI raids Na Leo offices in Hilo. Few details were available late Thursday following an FBI raid earlier in the day at Na Leo ‘O Hawaii’s TV studios and offices in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

FBI raids Hilo offices of Na Leo TV amidst ongoing investigation. The FBI raided the Hilo offices of public access broadcast station on Hawaii Island on Thursday, temporarily impacting business operations and forcing the postponement of a political forum. Hawaii News Now.

FBI Executes Search Warrant At Nā Leo TV Station. Nā Leo TV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving as Hawai‘i Island’s public access TV station. Big Island Video News.

FBI Raid Nā Leo TV Station in Hilo. The FBI executed a search warrant at Nā Leo TV, located at 91 Mohouli St. in Hilo, this morning. Big Island Now.

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Green calls for a clear statewide mask mandate ... and a fine for violators. While masks have been proven to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, rules on when they should be worn are different depending which island you’re on. With the relaunch of tourism one week away, Lt. Gov. Josh Green is proposing a statewide mask mandate that makes the rules consistent across the board. Hawaii News Now.

Key players in Hawaii's fight against COVID-19 could be sidelined come 2021. Hilton Raethel, President and CEO of Healthcare Association of Hawaii tells KITV4 they have a contract with the state to bring in roughly 240 traveling healthcare workers to help bolster the state's hospital capacity. KITV4.

Contact tracers facing obstacles with contacting COVID-19 positive patients. Contact tracing is one of the tools that the state is using to help control COVID-19 spread. KHON2.

Group busting quarantine breakers prepares for visitor influx. In exactly a week the state will launch its pre-travel testing program allowing visitors to bypass the mandatory 14-day quarantine if they test negative within three days before departure. KITV4.

Tourism resumes next week but some say ‘we are not prepared’. The countdown has begun. On Oct. 15, the state will resume tourism with the new pre-travel testing program but there are concerns over enforcement for those who choose not to get tested. KHON2.

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27,000 Hawaii workers exhausted their state jobless benefits in September. The good news: A federally-funded program will pay up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits, as long as they apply for it, and then a state extended benefit program will kick in. Hawaii News Now.

Matson projects an increase in third-quarter profit. Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo transportation firm announced Thursday that it expects its profit for the three months ended Sept. 30 will be between $67.2 million and $69.4 million. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 8: 101 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. Of the new cases documented Thursday, Hawaii County reported 14, Maui reported one, and Oahu reported 86 cases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell says Oahu could move to the next reopening level in two weeks. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday said Oahu was on track to move to the next level of economic reopening in two weeks, but that residents need to remain vigilant to make it happen. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell says ‘Honolulu is two weeks away from entering Tier 2’. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference on Oct. 8 that Oahu is just two weeks away from reaching Tier 2 of Oahu’s reopening process. KHON2.

As tourism relaunch approaches, Oahu moves closer to second phase of reopening. As Oahu keeps its case count low, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city is moving toward the next phase of reopening. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail CEO: ‘We Can’t Quit’ On Final Construction Contract. Despite strong opposition from Honolulu’s mayor and other top city officials, rail’s executive director says he’ll still try to salvage a deal out of the latest effort to award the project’s last, major construction contract. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell tells HART to put heat on CEO Andrew Robbins. There was little aloha between the head of the city’s troubled rail project and Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday, with Caldwell calling on the rail project’s governing board “to step it up and put the heat on the CEO” on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Candidates Say They’d Finish Rail As Planned But Not How They’d Pay For It. But the situation with the more than $9 billion project is so fluid right now that both Amemiya and Blangiardi struggle to say how they’ll handle it. Civil Beat.

Mayor: bids for City Center leg of rail project way “out of the ballpark”. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the bids for the final and most expensive leg of the rail project came in too high. Hawaii News Now.

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City issues violation notice to Ko Olina Resort for parking closure. The months-long closure of public parking lots that provide access to the Ko Olina Resort’s lagoons is a violation of the resort’s Special Management Area Minor Permit and must be corrected immediately, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting said today. Star-Advertiser.

City works to contain COVID-19 outbreak at Kapolei Hale. The city is monitoring a COVID-19 outbreak at Kapolei Hale and the mayor says he’s looking to implement additional protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. Officials said four city workers at Kapolei Hale have tested positive for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Nursery-grown corals find new home at Hanauma Bay. A team of divers from the state Division of Aquatic Resources today planted five, nursery-grown corals in the waters at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve as part of a pilot project to restore the reef. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County voter rolls swell by another 5,000: Ballots should show up in mailboxes today or Saturday. Interest is growing in the upcoming election. West Hawaii Today.

Kailua-Kona COVID-19 Outbreak Shakes Community's Sense Of Security. Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is seeing its largest spike in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona hospital reports first COVID-19 death. A woman in her 40s is West Hawaii’s first coronavirus-related death, a hospital spokesperson confirmed Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County General Election Places of Deposit Open Oct. 8. Maui County’s Places of Deposit, except for those located at Voter Service Centers, will open on Oct. 8, County Clerk Kathy Kaohu announced. Maui Now.

Maui opens general election places of deposit for registered voters. Maui began mailing general election ballots Thursday morning as part of the county’s efforts to encourage mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Paeahu Solar is OK’d by PUC. A South Maui solar and battery project that’s run into opposition from Maui Meadows neighbors has gotten the go-ahead from the state Public Utilities Commission. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor proposes tier system. Mayor Derek Kawakami has proposed a four-tiered system outlining when businesses and activities can be operational based on coronavirus case counts, including a point at which Kaua‘i would opt out of the state’s pre-travel test program that begins next week. Garden Island.

Kauai’s mayor proposes tiered system for welcoming trans-Pacific travelers back. Kauai’s mayor is proposing a tiered system for welcoming trans-Pacific travelers back that would reinstate the full 14-day quarantine if cases spike on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua'i Mayor proposes four tier system for reopening. Mayor Derek Kawakami proposed his own four tier system on Thursday. KITV4.

Kauai could opt out of pre-travel testing program under new proposal.  Hawaii is just a week away from partially reopening the economy and welcoming tourists back to the islands, but Hawaii Island and Kauai still have pending proposals that would add more safeguards. KHON2.

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KPD officer arrested. A Kaua‘i Police Department officer was arrested Wednesday afternoon for disorderly conduct and criminal property damage while off duty. Garden Island.

Kauai police officer arrested for disorderly conduct, property damage. Officials identified the officer as 38-year-old Officer Tyrus Contrades, of Hanamaulu. Hawaii News Now.

Meet the candidates: Ed Justus. Business at the Talk Story Bookstore dropped at least 70% since the start of lockdown, said Ed Justus, 37, of Kalaheo, bookstore owner and Kaua‘i County County candidate. Garden Island.

Molokai

Food Distributions to be Held Every Friday in October for Moloka‘i Residents. Food Distributions to be Held Every Friday in October for Moloka‘i Residents. Maui Now.

Ige says state on track to open Oct. 15 but not all islands are on board, Fauci says wear your mask, Hilo High grad wins Nobel Prize, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige at Honolulu airport Wednesday

Pre-travel testing program on track. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that the state’s pre-travel testing program is on track to start Oct. 15 and will include random COVID-19 testing of 10% of incoming passengers four days after arrival in a move to determine the program’s effectiveness. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Hawaii Is Still On Track For Oct. 15 Tourism Reopening. Hawaii plans to move forward with a plan to reopen to tourists on Oct. 15, Gov. David Ige said on Wednesday, ending days of uncertainty about the governor’s plan amidst a storm of objections by neighbor island mayors and the Honolulu City councilman who represents Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Ige says traveler testing to launch as scheduled, despite safety concerns. The governor said Wednesday he’s “confident” the state’s much-touted testing plan for trans-Pacific travelers will launch as scheduled Oct. 15, but acknowledged that Neighbor Island mayors still aren’t sold on the safety of the program aimed at rebooting tourism. Hawaii News Now.

Ige says Oct. 15 opening of trans-Pacific travel is essential for state’s economy. Gov. David Ige remained insistent Wednesday that the state is committed to opening up trans-Pacific travel on Oct. 15 without requiring quarantines for arriving passengers who tested negative for COVID-19 by using a “trusted partner” of the state within 72 hours prior to departure. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Reopening Tourism Update. On Wednesday, State officials unveiled the "trusted testing partners" who can help provide visitors to Hawaiʻi with the necessary, pre-travel test. Big Island Video News.

Gov. Ige Provides Update on October 15 Pre-Travel Testing Program. Gov. Ige said the state does not expect an immediate flood of travelers, but is using Oct. 15 as a deadline to bring testing and contact tracing capabilities to the highest levels of readiness and effectiveness achieved so far. Maui Now.

Post-Arrival Surveillance Testing of Tourists Won’t Carry Quarantine Penalties. One of the major potential pitfalls of the program is that those people who test positive as part of second-wave surveillance testing won’t be subject to quarantine if they return a positive result. Neither will participants be made aware of their test results unless they explicitly ask for them, under the current configuration of the plan. Big Island Now.

State launches second surveillance testing program. With a week left before reopening, the state is committing to a surveillance testing program that will randomly select 10% of travelers to take a state-funded second test. Garden Island.

County mayors in disagreement over the state’s tourism relaunch plan. Just eight days before Hawaii reopens for trans-Pacific travel, the state is still nailing down key details for its pre-travel testing program, including which counties will drop the 14-day quarantine for visitors who get tested. Hawaii News Now.

Maui, Kauai Weighing Whether To Opt Out Of Pre-Test Program Following Big Island. Maui and Kauai haven’t decided whether they will follow the lead of the Big Island and opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, leaving the 14-day quarantine in place. Hawaii Public Radio.

State urged to implement second COVID test or postpone its pre-travel testing reopening. The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved Resolution 20-253, which urges the Governor to adopt and implement a two or more test system for COVID-19 for all incoming passengers who intend to bypass Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine. KITV4.

Maui Moving Forward with Pre-Travel Testing Program. Mayor Michael Victorino is requesting support from the Governor, visitor industry and businesses to urge transpacific travelers to voluntarily take a second test after they arrive in Maui County, under the State’s pre-travel testing program. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island mayor stands behind decision to keep 14-day quarantine in effect. Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim is standing by his decision not to participate in the state’s pre-travel testing program unless the governor approves a two-test option for the island that has seen coronavirus cases surge in recent weeks. Star-Advertiser.

‘Misinterpreted’ Mayor Kim says he has a commitment of 50,000 visitor arrival COVID-19 tests. “When you come through Hawaii Island you will be going through a second test.” KHON2.

Mayor Harry Kim clarifies his position on state's pre-travel testing program. Seemingly more confusion along with more details released on Wednesday about the state's scheduled reopening of Trans-Pacific travel on October 15th. KITV4.

A week to go, officials weigh-in on reopening. The county has not ruled out opting out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig briefed the Kaua‘i County Council Wednesday. Garden Island.

Inter-island travelers want option to bypass quarantine similar to pre-travel testing program. While the state is preparing for mainland visitors to come in with the pre-travel testing program set to launch on Oct. 15, many are questioning why inter-island travelers don’t have the same option. KHON2.

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Fauci: Hawaii can reopen to tourists, but should do so gradually and carefully. As the state prepares to launch a pre-travel coronavirus testing program next week, it’s inevitable that COVID-infected people will slip through the cracks and into Hawaii, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says prudent measures needed for Hawaii tourism to recover.  Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, also said Hawaii can revive its tourism- dependent economy if done prudently and carefully. Star-Advertiser.

Green talks COVID-19, tourism with Fauci. “The reality is, no matter what you do, there are going to be infected people who slip through the cracks,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, about the planned Oct. 15 reopening of Hawaii to tourism. Tribune-Herald.

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Surgeon General Jerome Adams responds to Hawaii emergency order citation. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams spoke publicly for the first time on Oct. 7 about getting a COVID-19 emergency order citation when he was on Oahu in August. KHON2.

Uncertainty lingers over safety of welcoming back students to in-person learning. With classes resuming for public school students on Monday, the Department of Education has yet to release a clear plan for reopening classrooms to in-person learning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii House Lawmakers Look To Capture Open Senate Seats. Rep. Chris Lee, a Windward Oahu lawmaker and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Joy San Buenaventura, who represents Puna and chairs the House Human Services and Homelessness Committee, are both leaving the House for the chance to win seats left open by the departures of Sens. Laura Thielen and Russell Ruderman, who are not seeking reelection. Civil Beat.

New Fees Go Into Effect at State Parks on Friday. Park Visitors will now pay $10 per vehicle and $5 for walk-ins at eight parks on the four major islands. Previously fees were $5 per vehicle and $1 for walk-in visitors. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 7: 110 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of the new cases diagnosed, 18 were on Hawaii island. Two Hawaii residents were diagnosed out of state. The remaining new cases were reported on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City Council passes entrance fee increase at Hanauma Bay. Two Honolulu City Council measures to help restoration efforts at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, including a significant increase in entrance and parking fees for visitors, were passed on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Leaders Advance Bill To Withdraw Rail Construction Dollars. The Honolulu City Council took a notable first step Wednesday toward revoking the city’s remaining $144 million that has been committed to help complete rail. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Candidates Say They’d Finish Rail As Planned But Not How They’d Pay For It. But the situation with the more than $9 billion project is so fluid right now that both Amemiya and Blangiardi struggle to say how they’ll handle it. Civil Beat.

Rick Blangiardi shares ‘90 Day Roadmap to Recovery’ that calls for accountability, new oversight. The plan calls for new job descriptions for city officials, greater accountability and pledges to work cooperatively with state officials, the City Council and other critical officials should he be elected mayor on Nov. 3. Star-Advertiser.

Ko Olina bans public from lagoon beaches. Ko Olina Resort plans to ban the public from using three of its four lagoons starting next month, reserving their use for hotel guests and condominium owners. Star-Advertiser.

More LED lights to be installed at city parks under new energy efficiency initiative. The City and County of Honolulu launched a new initiative on Wednesday designed to ramp up efficiency efforts at parks and facilities across Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief: Case Closure Stats Are Not As Bad As They Look. HPD’s chief rejects FBI data that shows the department is failing to solve the vast majority of crimes but said she is taking steps to improve the clearance rate anyway. Civil Beat.

Board of Water Supply asks Oahu residents to conserve water due to drought conditions. For the past five months, officials said rainfall has been less than 50% of the normal average on Oahu, which prevents the adequate recharge of the isle’s aquifers. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 case forces closure of Kapolei Satellite City Hall, but Kapolei Hale remains open. The Satellite City Hall at Kapolei Hale is closed for deep cleaning and the remaining employees are in self-quarantine, city officials said today.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo High graduate one of 2 Nobel Prize winners in chemistry. Hilo is all abuzz about one of its own, Jennifer A. Doudna, sharing the Nobel Prize in chemistry with co-researcher Emanuelle Charpentier of France. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo High graduate Jennifer A. Doudna wins Nobel in chemistry. Jennifer A. Doudna, who grew up on the Big Island, became the second female scientist in two days with ties to that island to receive a Nobel Prize. Associated Press.

Jennifer Doudna Wins 2020 Nobel Prize In Chemistry. Doudna, who grew up in Hilo, shares the prize with colleague Emmanuelle Charpentier for their genome editing breakthrough that has revolutionized biomedicine. Big Island Video News.

Challenges remain in response to Life Care Center COVID outbreak. Although an extensive COVID-19 response plan has been in place at Life Care Center of Hilo since the early days of the pandemic, staff and administrators are still working to contain an outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Panel denies 59-unit Olowalu housing project. An Olowalu housing project awash with debate was voted down by the County Council Affordable Housing Committee in a close 5-4 decision on Monday. Maui News.

Maui planning commissioner at center of debate over alleged shoreline pollution. On Maui, multiple state and county agencies are investigating alleged pollution at Olowalu on the west shore. At the center of the controversy is the chair of the county’s planning commission. Hawaii News Now.

7 more Roselani residents test positive. Seven more residents at Roselani Place have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total case count to 36 residents and 31 staff, Roselani Place management said Tuesday. Maui News.

Ka‘ahumanu Theatres are planning to reopen Friday. The movie theaters at Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center will reopen Friday after Maui County gave cinemas the green light to resume operations. Maui News.

Kauai

Pacific Current purchases Port Allen Solar facility on Kauai from A&B. Pacific Current and its wholly owned subsidiary, Kaieie Waho Company, LLC, acquired the Port Allen Solar facility on Kauai from Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.’s McBryde Sugar Company, LLC. Pacific Business News.

Celebrating late Senator Spark ‘Sparky’ Matsunaga. Celebrate the 104th birthday of former U.S. Senator Spark “Sparky” Matsunaga in a garden made in his honor, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Storybook Theatre of Hawai‘i in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

A Labor of Love at the Friendship House. Friendship House is a Clubhouse Model Psychiatric Rehabilitation program, providing mental health services to adults with mental illness on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

U.S. surgeon general cited for COVID-19 lockdown violation, Fauci meets with Lt. Gov. Green, islands seek to opt out of state tourism reopening, Keck Observatory astronomer wins Nobel Prize, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keck Telescopes and others on Mauna Kea ©2020 All Hawaii News

U.S. surgeon general cited for being in closed Oahu park. The U.S. surgeon general was cited for being in a closed Oahu park in August while in the islands helping with surge testing amid a spike in coronavirus cases, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. Associated Press.

Surgeon General among thousands cited for violating emergency orders. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has a court date pending here in Hawaii. Turns out, when he was here helping the city with surge testing, he went to a park while they were off-limits and an officer cited him. KHON2.

U.S. Surgeon General cited for allegedly violating Mayor Caldwell's emergency rules. According to court documents the U.S. Surgeon General was observed in Kualoa Regional Park with two other men standing and taking pictures. KITV4.

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Dr. Anthony Fauci to join Lt. Gov. Josh Green for live talk story session 7 a.m. Wednesday. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, will participate in a live talk story session Wednesday morning with Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, Dr. Josh Green. Hawaii News Now.

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Keck Observatory astronomer wins Nobel Prize in physics. Longtime W.M. Keck Observatory astronomer Andrea Ghez has won the Nobel Prize in physics for research proving the existence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Tribune-Herald.

Keck Astronomer Andrea Ghez Wins Nobel Prize. Longtime W. M. Keck Observatory astronomer Dr. Andrea Ghez has won the Nobel Prize in Physics 2020 for her research on the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Big Island Video News.

Winner of Nobel Prize in Physics is longtime user of Hawaii’s Keck Observatory. U.S. astronomer Andrea Ghez, of the University of California, Los Angeles, has been studying the Galactic Center — the central region of the Milky Way galaxy — at the Keck Observatory on Hawaii island since 1995. Star-Advertiser.

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Neighbor Islands not sold on plan to welcome visitors back; Big Island opts out. Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim said he plans to opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, and Maui and Kauai appear to be considering a pullout, too. The defection of Neighbor Islands from the program ― seen as a major step in rebooting the tourism industry and the state’s economy ― could be disastrous for its prospects and even trigger a delay. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. says mayors can ‘opt out’ of pre-travel testing program. Just a day after the governor denied Kauai’s request for a post-arrival test, there is some uncertainty over what happens next for the neighbor islands. KHON2.

Hawaii Island Mayor stands behind decision to keep 14-day quarantine in effect. Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim is standing by his decision not to participate in the state’s pre-travel testing program unless the governor approves a two-test option for the island that has seen coronavirus cases surge in recent weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Kim wants more tests; Big Island mayor might opt out of governor’s plan for trans-Pacific travelers. Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday he thinks the county can provide a second or even a third COVID-19 test to arriving trans-Pacific passengers on the Big Island without draining the state’s “limited amount of test kits.” Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim: “We Have To Have A Second Test” For Visitors To Hawaii. Mayor Harry Kim clarified his position after it was reported that he planned to opt out of the State's pre-travel testing program. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Pitching Two-Test System to Reopen Big Island to Tourism. One test simply won’t do. Big Island Now.

Mayor Harry Kim confirms Hawai'i County will not take part in state's pretravel testing program. Mayor Kim said he wants a multi-test system. Until then, people who travel to the Big Island will be required to quarantine for 14 days, even if they have a pre-arrival negative result. KITV4.

Hawaii County Mayor Kim calls for two-test policy for arriving passengers. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Kim said that he wants travelers to undergo a second round of testing after they arrive in the Islands. Pacific Business News.

Kaua'i Mayor: A decision has not yet been made on whether Kaua'i will opt-out of state's pre-travel testing plan. Kaua'i Mayor Derek Kawakami says he hasn't made a decision yet on whether the Garden Isle will opt-out of the state's plan. KITV4.

Honolulu City Councilmember urges Governor Ige to adopt additional testing for travelers. With the state slated to reopen next week, a Honolulu City Councilmember is urging Governor David Ige to adopt additional testing for travelers. KITV4.

10 Days to Go: Ironing Out County Options Ahead of Pre-Travel Testing Launch. With just 10 days to go before the state’s Oct. 15 launch of its pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, counties across the state are ironing out how much they will or will not be involved. Maui Now.

As Hawaii prepares to welcome visitors back, input sought on tourism management plans. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is seeking input for new plans aimed at crafting the future of tourism management in the islands. A destination management action plan is being developed for each county. Hawaii News Now.

‘We’re In A Really Tough Place Right Now’: Can Hawaii’s New Health Director Make A Difference? Dr. Libby Char has directed some of the largest emergency agencies in the state. Her supporters say she offers a badly needed collaborative approach to leadership. Civil Beat.

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Ballots going out for Hawaii’s first all-mail general election. The ballots — the first of many more sent to registered voters across the state this week — are being mailed early to ensure timely delivery before the Nov. 3 general election. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Elections begins mailing out general election ballots. While Election Day is still weeks away, ballots will soon be showing up in your mailbox. KHON2.

Health Department urges safe Halloween with household members at home and not trick-or-treating. DOH recommends celebrating with household members at home and avoiding trick-or-treating door to door or wherever treats are handed to children or taken from a shared bucket. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 6: 83 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of the cases diagnosed on Tuesday, two were in Maui County, 14 were on Hawaii island and 67 were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Agencies Asked To Identify Potential Budget Cuts Up To 10%. The City Council budget chair says property tax increases may be necessary in a year or two if revenue continues to drop. Civil Beat.

Voters Will Have Their Say On A Proposed Honolulu Youth Commission. If approved by voters this year, the new panel would advise the mayor and Council on issues critical to younger residents such as climate change. Civil Beat.

Delays, Lack of Transparency Among Reasons For City Withdrawal From Critical Rail Partnership. Officials had described the P-3 private-public partnership as a way to ease the financial burden on city taxpayers for the last, and most difficult, part of the rail project -- the stretch into the urban core from Middle Street to Ala Moana. Hawaii Public Radio.

$332K project to rebuild the Maunalua Bay loading dock begins. Workers will be installing a new loading dock at Maunalua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

2 more of Oahu’s Irish pubs close up shop for good amid pandemic woes. Bar owner Bill Comerford confirmed Tuesday that he’s closing two of his four Irish pubs on Oahu. Irish Rose in Waikiki and Anna O’Brien’s in Moiliili will no longer welcome back customers ― even after Oahu reaches the tier 4 level of reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

In or out? West Hawaii’s businesses await Mayor Kim’s decision on pre-travel testing program. Conflicting messages regarding Hawaii County’s participation in the state’s pre-travel testing program, scheduled to begin Oct. 15, have prompted unease among West Hawaii businesses on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Questions surround county composting plans. The future appeared muddy Tuesday for a county compost project, leaving members of a County Council committee frustrated that the long-awaited project may never be completed. West Hawaii Today.

26 UH-Hilo, HCC employees to have salaries reduced. Eighteen University of Hawaii at Hilo and eight Hawaii Community College employees will be among 216 executive-managerial staffers throughout the UH system to have their salaries reduced Nov. 1 as UH braces for budget shortfalls amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

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University of the Nations Kona confirms 4 new COVID-19 cases as 492 undergo testing. Four new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by the University of the Nations Kona on Tuesday as hundreds of staff members and their families underwent testing for the novel coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

Testing reveals 4 new COVID cases at the University of the Nations Kona campus. New cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at a faith-based college on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Four additional people from University of the Nations Kona, already identified through contact tracing and in quarantine, have tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. KITV4.

Maui

Maui County Voters Weigh In On Top Election Issues, Charter Changes Among Them. Maui County residents will be casting ballots for state representatives, county councilmembers, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees and seven county charter amendments. Hawaii Public Radio.

"Habitual DUI" Arrests up 500% in Maui County. Despite nearly two million fewer tourists, the Maui Police Department has made nearly the same number of DUI arrests as they did in 2019. KITV4.

New pediatrics clinic opens. A nonprofit health care center has launched a new pediatrics clinic in hopes of increasing drop-in visits and child immunizations, both of which have declined during the pandemic. Maui News.

Four Seasons Maui Welcomes Guests Back with Specialized Travel Solutions, Nov. 20. General Manager Marc Bromley said the Resort’s new Safe on Maui program is aimed at helping to protect guests and ultimately, employees. Maui Now.


Kauai

Meet the candidates: Billy DeCosta. “I think everyone in that council has a good heart, but at this time it’s not enough,” said Billy DeCosta, a candidate for one of seven available seats. Garden Island.

$5M for Veterans Cemetery upgrades. The Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery is scheduled to receive a grant of over $5 million primarily to fund the construction of 215 pre-placed crypts, 407 in-ground cremains gravesites, 640 columbarium niches and a new memorial wall. Garden Island.

Kauai home prices jump by 32% on fewer sales. Home sales on Kauai declined by single digits last month even as the median price of a single-family home jumped by 32.5% and the median condominium price rose 17%. Pacific Business News.

Mayors seek own path: Hawaii Island opts out of pre-travel testing, maintains visitor quarantine; Kauai request for post-arrival COVID-19 test denied; 11k behind on their rent, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island opts out of pre-travel testing program. Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim said he is opting out of the state’s pre-travel testing program starting on Oct. 15, which means mainland visitors going to the Big Island still will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Star-Advertiser.

Ige denies county’s proposed second-test program. Gov. David Ige has declined the county’s plans for a 72-hour post-travel COVID-19 test, or two-test program, for incoming travelers to Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Ige denies Kauai’s request to require second negative COVID-19 test for travelers. The governor has denied Kauai’s proposed pilot program that would require trans-Pacific travelers to get a second COVID-19 test after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Ige denies Kauai’s second test pilot program for travelers. On Monday morning, Governor David Ige denied Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Emergency Rule 18, which would have established a post-arrival testing program for all incoming travelers to Kauai. KHON2.

Gov. Ige shuts down Kauai mayor's proposal for post-travel testing. On Monday, Governor Ige denied Mayor Derek Kawakami's proposed Emergency Rule 18. The rule would require visitors to Kauai to test no sooner than 72-hours after arrival. KITV4.

As tourism’s relaunch nears, details of traveler testing program still being hammered out. Hawaii’s lieutenant governor dismissed calls from county leaders seeking stricter protocols before the state implements its pre-travel testing program next week, saying many of their concerns ― including those surrounding inter-island travel ― were “fear-based.” Hawaii News Now.

Ige talks end of interisland quarantine. Gov. David Ige said Monday that he and Hawaii’s four county mayors are working to end the 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers. Tribune-Herald.

New Hawaii Tourism Authority president discusses plans for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawaii Tourism Authority will be taking the lead when it comes to getting Hawaii’s tourism industry back on track, and its new president and CEO John De Fries will be at the center. KHON2.

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11,000 Hawaii families behind on rent, UHERO survey says. More than 11,000 households in Hawaii are behind on rent, roughly double the number before the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Survey: 9,000 households in Hawaii are 2 months behind in rent or more. A new survey indicates more than 9,000 households in the islands are two months or more behind in rent ― and thousands more are 30 days late. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Tenants and Landlords Alike Are Struggling. A new report from the University of Hawaii suggests Hawaii’s stock of rental housing may shrink as the economy languishes. Civil Beat.

UHERO rental housing survey shows more vacant units, rising rent delinquencies. Data shows Hawaii's rental vacancy rate more than doubled in August and the number of households that fell behind on rent nearly tripled. KITV4.

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Thousands Still Waiting Action On Unemployment Claims. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations launched a call center to address an ongoing backlog of unemployment claims, but delays are pushing some residents to the brink of financial ruin. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cineworld to shutter eight Regal Cinemas in Hawaii as part of nationwide closure on Thursday. Oahu has four Regal movie theaters located at Pearl Highlands, Dole Cannery, Windward Mall and Kapolei Commons. On Maui, Regal has a theater at Maui Mall. On Hawaii island, Regal has theaters at Keauhou, Makalapua and Prince Kuhio Plaza. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii to receive $800K in federal money for vaccine distribution. Of the more than 170 vaccine candidates around the world, eight are in the final stage of human trials. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Set To Receive Nearly $800,000 To Plan For COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution. These federal funds will go to the Department of Health to develop vaccine distribution plans, determine where the vaccine will be administered, and ensure an adequate number of vaccination providers. Maui Now.

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Mauna Kea Divides Candidates In Hawaii Island OHA Race. The statewide contest pits Lindsey, an Office of Hawaiian Affairs employee, against Mangauil, a longtime critic of the agency. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 5: 52 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. There are approximately 2,202 active infections in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell suggests circumventing HART on alternate rail plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell blasted the rail project’s undisclosed plans to build the final segment to Ala Moana, defended his fourth-quarter audible to withdraw the city’s support and, in the process, won the encouragement of several City Council members on Monday to help get the project on track in Caldwell’s final three months in office. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: ‘Phased’ Construction Of Rail If The Project Runs Out Of Cash. Generally, the Honolulu mayor suggested building the line into downtown and then resuming construction to Ala Moana Center once the funding becomes available. Civil Beat.

Mayor urges HART to pull the plug on private-public partnership process. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell urged the rail authority to pull out of the procurement negotiations for a public-private partnership for the final four miles of the project. Hawaii News Now.

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Kapolei Satellite City Hall worker tests positive for coronavirus. The worker, who is in self-quarantine, was last on the job on Saturday, according to a news release by the City & County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard to Test Unmanned Surface Vehicles off Hawaiian Shores. The US Coast Guard Research and Development Center, in partnership with local CG units, will conduct tests and evaluation of unmanned surface vehicles off the south shore of O‘ahu from Oct. 7 through Nov. 5, 2020. Big Island Now.

Oahu median price for a single-family home hits record $880K, Locations says. Homes also sold faster in September — the average days on market for single-family homes was 11 days, a drop of 61% from the time it took to sell in September 2019, while condos took an average of 21 days to sell, which was down 22% from a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Faith-based college in Kona isolating student body after COVID outbreak. Students at a Christian college on Hawaii Island are being told to isolate due to a growing outbreak of COVID cases. The University of the Nations Kona says 22 students and eight staff members are now infected with the virus. Hawaii News Now.

University of the Nations confirms 30 COVID-19 cases; campuswide testing Tuesday. COVID-19 testing will be conducted this week on hundreds of staff and students at the University of the Nations Kona following an outbreak last week of the novel coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

University of Nations Kona Provides Update on COVID-19 Cluster on Campus. There were no new cases on Sunday or Monday, October 4-5. However, due to a record discrepancy over the weekend, there were 22 active cases on campus and 8 active cases off-campus reported on Saturday, Oct. 3. Big Island Now.

Life Care Center getting help with outbreak. The state is assisting Life Care Center of Hilo with its recent COVID-19 outbreak, which Gov. David Ige described as “unfortunate.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County tries to contain two virus clusters. The Big Island has been seeing a jump in cases lately, but much of this increase is because of a couple of clusters.  KHON2.

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Second family files suit against Avalon Health Care for deadly COVID outbreak. Lawyers for the family of William Zerfuss say he was one of the first residents at the nursing facility to die from coronavirus complications. Hawaii News Now.

Family files lawsuit against operator of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. The Honolulu law firm Davis Levin Livingston confirms on Oct. 5 it filed a claim on behalf of the family of Yukio Okutsu resident William J. Zerfuss alleging medical malpractice and negligence against the Avalon Health Care companies. KHON2.

A second family is suing Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home on Hawai'i Island. A second family of one of the veterans who died at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Hawaii Island is suing the company that used to manage it. KITV4.

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Inmates Allegedly Attack Corrections Officers In Dispute Over Social Distancing At Hilo Jail. Staff members were treated and released for injuries, and intend to press charges against the prisoners. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian crows on Big Isle will be recaptured to ensure survival from predators. Captive-bred Native Hawaiian crows, or alala, that have successfully been released over the years into forests at Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaii island as part of the ‘Alala Project will now be recaptured to ensure their survival, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Released ‘alala to be returned to breeding program. The coalition of conservation partners working to recover the ‘alala, also known as the Hawaiian crow, are looking to the future as they work to address recent challenges that have affected the population of the species living in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Conservationists Move to Protect ‘Alalā. The ‘alalā, or Hawaiian crow, has faced threats to its population living in the Pu’u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve. Big Island Now.

Alala once again facing threats in the wild as biologists work to save species. Recent deaths of the near-extinct Hawaiian Crow are forcing conservationists to recapture the birds in the wild. Hawaii News Now.

State captures endangered Hawaiian crows to preserve the species. Researchers working to help the endangered Hawaiian crow, or alala, recover are changing their strategy. KHON2.

Maui

Maui mayor supports the idea of post-arrival testing. Mayor Victorino has ordered 20,000 rapid COVID-19 tests for the county but has only received a few from the state because of a strong need on the Big Island. KITV4.

Covid-19 Maui County Schedule Changes. The Kalana O Maui county building in Wailuku has reopened to the public, although the County Council chamber and council member offices will remain closed. Maui News.

Another set of Maui businesses, including movie theaters, set to reopen on Tuesday. Under guidelines that were approved by Gov. David Ige last week, movie theaters, bowling alleys and commercial event operators will be allowed to resume operations, with some restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Jail Begins COVID-19 Testing Today on Staff. The testing is part of a mass effort to conduct testing at all correctional facilities statewide after a COVID-19 outbreak at the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center first reported in August. Maui Now.

Viral videos spur sales success for Maui Babe. Locally made lotions in high demand after trend of backyard ‘quarantanning’ hits. Maui News.

Kauai

Meet the candidates: Addison Bulosan. Kaua‘i County Council candidate Dr. Addison Bulosan sits on a couch in his Specific Chiropractic Center office off Umi Street in Lihu‘e, more reserved than his online persona seen daily on Facebook Lives. Garden Island.

This Kauai Tour Guide Now Offers Quarantine Delivery Service. Even when the state reopens to tourism in mid-October, Maria “Coco Maria” Camero said she won’t be able to pick up where she left off with her successful tour guiding business. For now, she’s catering to the needs of quarantined residents and visitors. Civil Beat.

Cruise ships plan Nov. 1 return to Hawaii waters, hospitals brace for 3rd wave of COVID-19, University of Hawaii execs take pay cuts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ah, Hawaii.Cruise ship and umbrella drink ©2020 All Hawaii News

Cruise ships’ return to isles remains in muddy waters. Come Nov. 1, larger cruise ships could return again to Hawaii’s waters — but it’s probably not going to be smooth sailing at first for the floundering cruise ship industry. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green anticipates up to 8K visitors per day to Hawaii with pre-arrivals testing program. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green announced that Hawaii will only be accepting pre-arrivals COVID-19 from its partners to make it easier to verify the accuracy of the tests. Star-Advertiser.

Green: Hawaii could see up to 8,000 visitors a day after pre-travel testing launch. Hawaii could see 5,000 to 8,000 visitors a day shortly after the mid-October launch of the state’s pre-travel testing program, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Continues To Line Up Pre-Travel Test Options. Hawaii’s COVID-19 liaison, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, said the state will unveil more details next week. Civil Beat.

‘Extra layer of security’: Lt. Gov. Josh Green details pre-travel testing program. In one of his first major public appearances since being released from quarantine, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green spent Thursday afternoon laying out key details of the state’s pre-travel testing program, scheduled to begin on Oct. 15. West Hawaii Today.

Airlines’ mail-in tests need to be supervised, state says. Mainland tourism is set to reopen on Oct. 15 and to make it more convenient for travelers, airlines are offering COVID tests that can be mailed to you. KHON2.

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Hawaii hospitals bracing for devastating third wave of virus. Hawaii hospitals are predicting a third and potentially more devastating wave of COVID-19 on the horizon as flu season gets underway, schools and tourism reopen and more people gather during the holidays. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital Workers Are Feeling Pressure As Hawaii Gets Ready To Restart Tourism. Administrators say they can make space for more patients, but health care workers are concerned about intense workloads and staying safe. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii to slash salaries of 216 executive, managerial employees due to budget shortfall. UH President David Lassner has directed a salary reduction of 9.23% for all executive-managerial employees. Any remaining portion of salaries above $200,000 will be reduced by 11%. Star-Advertiser.

University Of Hawaii Executives To Take Pay Cuts. The cuts will come as the state ponders furloughs for public employees. Civil Beat.

UH president, 200 executives to take pay cuts. UH President David Lassner and 200 executives across the 10-campus system will take pay cuts of 9% to 20% as the university faces a growing budget deficit. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Education approves COVID-19 guidelines. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved a set of guidelines to better enable teachers to conduct their classes while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii students will likely be back on campuses by the start of 2nd quarter. Board of Education members expressed concern Thursday about the plan for moving to blended learning at Hawaii’s public schools but opted not to derail the plan. Hawaii News Now.

Free Grab-and-Go Meals Program Launching at 203 Public Schools This Fall. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Grab-and-Go school meals program will be returning for the fall semester at 203 public schools beginning on Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Dec. 18, to provide free meals to children ages 18 and younger. Maui Now.

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Gov. David Ige appoints temporary acting director for Department of Public Safety. Gov. David Ige announced today that he has appointed Edmund “Fred” Hyun, chair of the Hawaii Paroling Authority, to serve as temporary acting director for the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Appoints Fred Hyun As Acting Public Safety Director. Former director Nolan Espinda retired Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Governor appoints temporary Public Safety director as permanent one is sought. Gov. David Ige has appointed Edmund Hyun to serve as the temporary acting director of the Public Safety Department. The appointment runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii gov. appoints new acting director of public safety department. Hawaii Governor David Ige appointed Edmund “Fred” Hyun as the temporary acting director of the state’s Department of Public Safety. This comes after former department director Nolan Espinda announced his retirement in September. KHON2.

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Lawmakers expect big push for legalizing recreational marijuana. As Hawaii faces a massive budget shortfall, some lawmakers think this is the year the state might legalize recreational marijuana. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 1: 108 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. About 6% of tests conducted in the islands in the past 24 hours were positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Alm vs. Kau: What Divides Candidates For Honolulu Prosecutor. Honolulu election officials should soon be mailing out ballots to Oʻahu voters. One of the races will decide Honolulu's next prosecutor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Beauty businesses aside from hair and nail salons ask for consideration to reopen indoors. The businesses that were allowed to reopen under the tiered system included hair and nail salons, but other beauty services were only allowed to operate outdoors. KHON2.

Two mainland visitors arrested for violating the state's 14-day quarantine. Wednesday, they were seen going to a hotel to swim with dolphins, followed by dinner at a local steakhouse. KITV4.

Navy Expects Reforms To Follow Pearl Harbor Shooting Investigation. The report will help inform a larger military review of mental health and safety policies. Civil Beat.

Prosecutors allege Oahu man was plotting chemical attack. In a shocking indictment made public Wednesday, prosecutors allege a Honolulu man who called himself “Pyro Pelican” on social media was plotting to attack an apartment complex with a chemical weapon ― and had gone as far as purchasing ingredients. Hawaii News Now.

Feds charge Oahu man for allegedly possessing chemical weapon, planning to destroy apartment building. A Honolulu resident, who was charged Wednesday for possessing a chemical weapon and an “unregistered destructive device,” allegedly planned an explosive and chemical attack on a large apartment building on Oahu, federal authorities say. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Planning Commission OKs HPP cell tower permits. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday approved permits for a controversial cell tower in Hawaiian Paradise Park after a September court order to reconsider a previous decision to deny the permits. Tribune-Herald.

CARES money still available: Individuals, businesses and nonprofits urged to apply. As the county continues pushing federal coronavirus relief money out to the public, there are still plenty of opportunities for individuals, businesses and nonprofits to apply for help with bills, rent, mortgages and utilities. West Hawaii Today.

Local Farmers, Ranchers Sought For Program To Feed Community. The Hawaii Farm Bureau says locally-raised food purchased through a CARES Act funded ag program will go to the Hawaiʻi Food Basket and other local organizations. Big Island Video News.

Bridging the gap: Food purchase/distribution program supports farmers, helps hungry. A Big Island program is helping to bridge the gap between local agricultural producers and nonprofits serving residents in need. West Hawaii Today.

COVID-19 hits Hilo nursing home, 15 total test positive. There’s a new outbreak of COVID-19 cases at a nursing home on the Big Island. KHON2.

A Dozen COVID-19 Cases Reported at Life Care Center in Hilo. Officials reported on Thursday they had identified a dozen COVID-19 cases among residents at Life Care Center in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Hilo Singing Bridge Repairs To Impact Traffic In October. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is notifying the public of a traffic pattern shift on the Wailuku Stream Bridge in Hilo, also known as the Signing Bridge, on the first two weekends of October. Big Island Video News.

State Fails Again To Record Video Evidence Of ‘Riot’ At Hawaii Jail. A $4.5 million project to upgrade video surveillance at Hawaii Community Correctional Center won’t be complete until next year. Civil Beat.

Maui

Member Poll: Maui Farmers Say No To Proposed County Department of Agriculture. The Maui County Farm Bureau announced the results of a recent member poll to determine how their farmers felt about the proposed charter amendment to establish a County of Maui Department of Agriculture. Maui Now.

Doctors On Call Maui Opens a Rapid COVID Testing Center. Doctors On Call, Maui’s Urgent Care, is opening a Rapid COVID Testing Center in Kahului. Beginning Oct. 5, 2020, Rapid Tests will be offered Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointments will be needed. Maui Now.

4 finalists named in liquor director search. A Maui County attorney and a county liquor control officer are among four finalists for the county liquor department director job, the county Liquor Control Commission announced Wednesday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

County has spent over half of CARES Act funds. The County of Kaua‘i reported it has spent or earmarked about 65%, or $18,530,182, of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds as Aug. 30. Garden Island.

Hotel reopening adds excitement to distribution. The excitement doubled Thursday for Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach General Manager Chris Machorek during the resort’s food distribution for its employees in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Meet the candidates: Richard Fukushima. A bucket-list dream of his, Richard Fukushima is making his third and final bid to join the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

After years of complaints, advocates coordinate massive cleanup of Kalalau Valley. Allured by the isolation, squatters have lived deep in Kalalau Valley for years and even decades ― leaving illegal campsites, mounds of debris and even a toilet behind. Garden Island.

Officials question readiness to reopen Hawaii to travelers, Ige to pick Supreme Court justice, film and TV production restarting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii Supreme Court building ©2020 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige Mulling Over His First Hawaii Supreme Court Nominee. The governor’s choice will likely be vetted by the Senate in November. Civil Beat.

State Supreme Court Nominees to be Considered. Gov. David Ige has received a list of four nominees from the Judicial Selection Commission for Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. Big Island Now.

Governor’s office seeks input on nominees for state Supreme Court. The Judicial Selection Commission sent Ige a list of four names for associate justice on the Supreme Court. The names include: Todd W. Eddins, David M. Forman, Darolyn Lendio Heim and Benjamin E. Lowenthal. Hawaii News Now.

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Contact Tracing Program Continues To Struggle, Despite Additional Staff. The Hawaii Department of Heath’s troubled contact tracing program is reporting new issues, even after an influx of new staff. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trans-Pacific travel: Ready for prime time? Kim says no. With just two weeks remaining to get it all together, Hawaii’s pretest trans-Pacific travel plan is not ready for prime time, Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday, a sentiment echoed by two recent travelers to the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kawakami wants all visitors to take a COVID-19 test after arriving on Kaua'i Mayor Kawakami sent a proposal for a post-arrival test program to Governor David Ige that would require visitors to get tested within 72 hours after arrival in order to avoid a 14-day quarantine, if Governor Ige grants his permission. KITV4.

Councilman calls on the governor to prove Hawaii is ready to welcome back visitors. A city council member and some residents are calling on the governor to show the state can handle the launch of Hawaii’s trans-pacific travel program. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Prepares For Tourism Increase On October 15. Plans to carefully reopen Hawaiʻi to tourism were discussed on Monday during a virtual meeting of the Hawaiʻi House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness. Big Island Video News.

More hotels announce reopening dates after pre-travel testing takes effect. More hotels have announced plans to reopen after the Oct. 15 pre-travel testing program takes effect, but even with more rooms online, some in the lodging industry are keeping low expectations on the number of visitors. KHON2.

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State: More than 40,000 Hawaii residents have lost private health insurance amid pandemic. According to the state Department of Human Services, enrollment in the state Med-Quest or Medicaid program has jumped 13% to a record 376,000 residents ― from 333,000 in September 2019. Hawaii News Now.

How to register for the Department of Education's virtual job fair on Wednesday. The DOE is looking to fill roughly 400 teacher positions for the current school year at a virtual job fair taking place on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. KITV4.

Despite $420M loan, Hawaiian Airlines job cuts loom. Hawaiian Airlines got a lifeline worth up to $420 million on Tuesday from the Treasury Department, but the CARES Act loan alone won’t stave off the more than 2,500 job reductions that are anticipated at the state’s largest airline. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Is Revealing Problems With How Hawaii’s Government Uses Data. There doesn’t seem to be a clear data strategy for the virus response. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Film, TV Production Restarting Despite Pandemic.There are definite signs of life in Hawai'i's film industry. Season three of "Magnum PI" is underway, and other productions are shooting on Hawai'i island and Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

State plan would dish out free restaurant meals for the unemployed. Unemployed residents and struggling restaurants in Hawaii could soon share $67 million in federal coronavirus aid under a new state plan. Star-Advertiser.

A new program could allow those out of work to eat at restaurants for free. A new program is in the works to help Hawaii’s jobless families and restaurants. Those out of work would eat for free and the federal government would pick up the tab. Hawaii News Now.

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PBS Hawaii President and CEO Leslie Wilcox stepping down. Wilcox, a lifelong Hawaii resident who has been at the helm of the public television station since 2007, will relocate to San Antonio to be with an ailing family member. Star-Advertiser.

Leslie Wilcox stepping down as president, CEO of PBS Hawaii after 14 years. Wilcox leaves behind a 48-year legacy of shaping local media in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Leslie Wilcox to step down as President and CEO of PBS Hawaii. After 14 years, the President and CEO of PBS Hawai’i, Leslie Wilcox, announced she will be stepping down from her position. KHON2.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 29: 87 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 87 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including three in Hawaii County, two on Maui, and two out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Group of bar owners planning to sue city and Mayor for keeping bars closed. The Hawaii Bar Owner's Association says it is planning legal action to force city to let them open again. KITV4.

HPD Crime-Solving Record Is The Worst Its Been In At Least 40 Years. HPD won’t talk about it, but FBI data shows Honolulu has one of the worst records in the country when it comes to solving property crimes as well as violent crimes. Civil Beat.

TheHandi-Van users want fare increase delayed. Testifiers and users of TheHandi-Van voiced support for increasing the fare to ride, but said it should not be implemented now when many people are struggling from the COVID-19 outbreak in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Liliha Healthcare Center tracks COVID-19 cluster with 27 infections reported. The Liliha Healthcare Center reported Tuesday night that 21 residents and six staff have tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Liliha nursing home hit with coronavirus outbreak. A Liliha nursing home is scrambling to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has so far sickened 21 residents and six staff members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Army: State Needs To Renew Lease For Big Island Training Area. Artillery is playing an increasingly prominent role in global conflicts, but opponents say the training there threatens environment and community health. Civil Beat.

$2.2 Million For Ahalanui Park, Taken By Lava In 2018. The new FEMA money may be used to restore the park at its current location, or at an alternate site, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz says. Big Island Video News.

$2.2M heading to Hawaii County to restore park destroyed in 2018 eruption. More federal funding is heading to Hawaii Island to continue recovery efforts from the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Hawaii News Now.

Hopeful in Honokaa: Businesses struggle with lack of visitors, eye Oct. 15 reopening. A mandatory 14-day quarantine for trans-Pacific travelers has all but eliminated out-of-state visitors to the former plantation town, and many business owners wonder how long they can hang on. Tribune-Herald.

Palani Road work nearing completion. Palani Road is anticipated to return to two-lane travel between Kailua Pier and Kuakini Highway next week. West Hawaii Today.

Kim still hopeful breakwater study can start soon. An investigation into whether alterations to the Hilo Bay breakwater can improve the bay’s water quality might still go forward next month despite COVID-related disruptions. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Voters Will Decide 16 County Charter Amendments. The issues include County Council term lengths and giving the council and certain boards more disciplinary powers. Civil Beat.

Maui

Temptation Island Starts Filming This Week, Two Other Productions Planned on Maui. Maui Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett provided an update on the production of the reality TV show, Temptation Island, which starts filming this week at the Andaz Maui at Wailea resort. Maui Now.

Two more projects to film on Maui. Two more productions will film in paradise against the backdrop of the pandemic, joining the reality show “Temptation Island,” which starts filming this week on Maui. Maui News.

Hospital worker who was critical of facility’s administration fired. An outspoken Maui Memorial Medical Center nurse who has criticized the hospital’s handling of two COVID-19 outbreaks as well as its virus protocols for staff and patients has been terminated. Maui News.

Community rallies around longtime Haiku teacher. Monica Nakahashi placed on leave while investigation pending. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor: Kaua’i aims for upscale tourism. Mayor Derek Kawakami participated in a five-person-panel, Zoom discussion Tuesday, “Restarting Hawai‘i’s Tourism Industry.” Garden Island.

Planning Department front counter closed. The county Planning Department’s front counter at the Kapule Building in the Lihu‘e Civic Center is closed now through Monday, Oct. 12, while the area undergoes construction. Garden Island.

Cases not infectious while traveling. Investigation the state Department of Health made into the two active COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i gives officials confidence neither was infectious during travel. Garden Island.