Hawaii libraries, newspaper face job cuts, UH system grows enrollment, Bezos donates $3M to Habitat for Humanity Maui, U.S. Army preps for war with China at Pohakuloa, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Job Cuts Could ‘Permanently Impact’ Hawaii’s Struggling Libraries. Maintaining regular branch hours and keeping patrons safe is already a challenge for stretched-thin library workers. After years of staff shortages and budget cuts, the Hawaii State Public Library System could lose funding for 37 hard-to-fill positions next year, which could lead to reduced branch hours and fewer resources for the public. Civil Beat.

OHA Wants Out From Under Hawaii’s Sunshine Law. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is considering asking the Legislature to exempt meetings of its board of trustees from Hawaii’s Sunshine Law. The proposal is part of OHA’s bill package for the 2025 legislative session. The board is scheduled to discuss it in committee meetings Wednesday morning.  Civil Beat.

Attorney General: Here Are The Top 10 Ways To Protect Hawaii From Wildfires. Ten priorities to help protect Hawaii from wildfires were laid out at a legislative hearing Tuesday by the Attorney General’s Office and the national Fire Safety Research Institute . Civil Beat.

Hawaii Voting On Pace To Exceed Dismal Primary Turnout. But early returns of ballots suggest turnout may fall well short of the record set in 2020. It was less than three months ago that Hawaii saw the worst voter turnout in any primary election since statehood in 1959. Civil Beat.

In-person voters complain daily about mail-in ballots. State Election Chief Scott T. Nago said no Hawaii elections workers have been threatened, unlike some incidents on the mainland. But county and state officials are working with federal officials to protect election workers, especially following increasing threats on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green Fills Vacancy On Water Resource Commission. V.R. Hinano Rodrigues will serve in an interim capacity until confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Enrollment at UH’s 10 campuses surpasses 50,000. Enrollment across the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii has exceeded 50,000 students for the first time since 2018. For the fall 2024 semester, the UH system reported a head count of 50,418 students, marking a 3% increase over fall 2023. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Oahu

13 Honolulu Star-Advertiser staff affected in recent round of layoffs. Photographers who covered Maui wildfires among latest round of newspaper layoffs. The publisher of the Star-Advertiser intends to lay off thirteen employees that include six newsroom staffers. This all comes after a round of job cuts there last summer that led to buyouts for four editorial employees. The paper’s publisher, Oahu Publications, said the cuts are meant to strengthen the company’s financial future so that it can continue to serve Hawaii. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses struggle as smash-and-grab burglaries surge with more than 100 in past year. Smash-and-grab thieves continue to terrorize Oahu businesses, with over 100 destructive break-ins in the last year. It’s a crime trend that seems to happen in ebbs and flows. Recently, law enforcement sources tell HNN Investigates there’s been another spike in activity. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of residents soon to be displaced for redevelopment of public housing in Kalihi. About 60 families living at the Kuhio Park Terrace public housing complex will be displaced starting in January. KITV4.

Honolulu YMCA Ends Rental Subsidies For Long-Term Tenants. The organization said it failed to reach its fundraising goal this year and can't afford to maintain the housing program at the Central Y. Civil Beat.

City panel mulls future of historic Ordy Pond. An ancient sinkhole that might hold archaeological evidence to Hawaii’s earliest Polynesian past is a topic of concern for the city-run Oahu Historic Preservation Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Yellow tang fish bred in captivity to be released near Windward Oʻahu. Shaun Moss, the executive director of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Oceanic Institute, said aquaculturing yellow tang in captivity has been a 20-year journey, full of solving fertilization and food issues.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

New vehicles, face paint and a 1,200-foot fall: The US Army prepares for war with China. Early one morning this month, 864 Army paratroopers bundled into C-17 transport planes at a base in Alaska and took off for a Great Power War exercise between three volcanic mountains on the Big Island. New York Times.

Hilo’s “Singing Bridge” Project To Begin Construction In 2027. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation recently provided an update on the project, following U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s announcement of a $33 million federal grant for the effort.  Big Island Video News.

New Playground At Kamehameha Park In Kapa‘au Set To Open. Hawaiʻi County Parks & Recreation is inviting the community to reopening and blessing event at the playground that Saturday at 11 a.m. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Habitat for Humanity Maui receives $3 million from Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez to support affordable housing. According to Habitat Maui, the donation stands as one of the largest in the organization’s history, and the money will directly support Habitat Maui’s ongoing efforts to address Maui’s urgent need for affordable housing, especially in light of the recent wildfires and the worsening housing crisis on the island. Maui News. Maui Now.

New date set for community feedback meeting on King Kamehameha III Elementary’s future. The community meeting to gather feedback on a new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. Maui Now.

Lahaina Housing & Resource Fair: You’re Not Forgotten, set for Saturday. For Lahaina wildfire survivors and those who continue to struggle with returning to a sense of “normalcy,” Hope Worldwide and Maui Christian Church will host the free Lahaina Housing & Resource Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai property owner target of ‘threats’ after iwi found at construction site. At least six iwi kupuna were discovered during a cesspool conversion project, said those with cultural ties to the area. Hawaii News Now.

Voting explainer: 2024 Kauaʻi charter amendment ballot questions. The questions are related to its police commission, cost control recommendations, expansion of the open spaces fund, county financial loss protection and youth civic participation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Efforts underway for permanent Hanapēpē Massacre memorial on Kauaʻi 100 years later. The state is looking to build a permanent memorial to honor the 1924 Hanapēpē Massacre, a tragic turning point in Hawai‘i’s labor movement that led to the deaths of 16 Filipino strikers and four police officers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Road closures slated at Nāwiliwili harbor starting Oct. 30. The closures are necessary for paving work near the pier. Kauai Now.

Vacation rental bill likely to spur lawsuit on Maui, state to reconsider liquefied natural gas, Amemiya, Leong, Sword public corruption trial delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui County’s Move Against Vacation Rentals Likely To Bog Down In Court. tempts by Maui County to convert short-term vacation units into long-term rentals will be confronted by a lawsuit, according to the Honolulu attorney who plans to file it. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said that legal action was likely when he announced the bill that would change the zoning designation of over 7,000 short-term units, a move intended to open up more long-term rentals.   Civil Beat.

Green: Hawaii Should Consider Liquefied Natural Gas As A ‘Bridge’ To 100% Renewable Energy. Liquefied natural gas must be considered as Hawaii works to meet its clean energy goal of being completely renewable by 2045, Gov. Josh Green said this week at the Hawaii Energy Conference. Civil Beat.

Millions In Grants To Nonprofits Put On Hold After OHA Board Raises Concerns About Fairness. On Wednesday, the OHA Board of Trustees put off approving more than $11 million in grant disbursements after raising issues over how the funding was allocated.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Public corruption trial centered on Kealoha payout delayed. Trial for three former Honolulu administrators accused of conspiracy has been delayed from October to next March. Donna Leong, Honolulu’s former corporation counsel, ex-Managing Director Roy Amemiya and Max Sword, once the Honolulu Police Commission chair, are all facing criminal charges of conspiracy to defraud the US in connection with a $250,000 payout. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Health probe in February didn’t detect petroleum in water. A recent investigation by the state Department of Health into the Navy’s Oahu drinking water system found no petroleum or jet fuel compounds in drinking water samples collected in February but did not rule out the possibility of residual fuel in the system after fuel from the Navy’s Red Hill storage facility contaminated it in November 2021. Star-Advertiser.

HPD says illegal game rooms down, as legislation aims to target landowners. Honolulu Police said the District 5 Crime Reduction Unit, assisted by the Narcotics Vice Division, executed a search warrant on Wednesday in Palama. KHON2.

Farm operator, 53, indicted in labor trafficking. A 53-year-old Oahu woman was indicted May 17 for allegedly deceiving a man into working for more than eight years and keeping his government identification so he could not leave. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers create ‘catalog’ of exoplanets: ‘Surveys like this are really a labor of love’.  A years-long survey using W. M. Keck Observatory was able to identify 126 confirmed and likely exoplanets — planets outside our solar system — from data collected by a NASA satellite. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo researcher studies bacteria levels at 6 popular coastal spots. A new study by University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researcher Maria Steadmon looks at bacteria levels at six of Hilo's popular swimming and surfing spots.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Lahaina Teachers Say More Help Is Needed For Struggling West Maui Schools. The teachers' union is asking for more pay and leave benefits as educators continue to deal with the aftermath of the wildfires. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s youth hope to come back after graduation. Will the economy let them? Students are graduating at a time when median home prices on Maui are $1.3 million and thousands of Lahaina families struggle with displacement.  Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Journalism Initiative launches nonprofit newsroom on Maui. The donor-supported organization will operate in partnership with Pacific Media Group, which runs the online breaking news websites Maui Now, Big Island Now and Kaua‘i Now, as well as radio stations across the state. Maui Now.

State releases performance report: Maui has largest vacation rental supply; average daily rate is up. In April 2024, Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply at 246,500 available unit nights (+4.7% vs. 2023, -4.4% vs. 2019), and Maui vacation rental unit supply continued to be impacted by the Aug. 8 wildfire. Maui Now.

Kauai

Small Business Administration lends a helping hand to flood victims. Many island residents continue to navigate through an overflow of obstacles after the intense April flooding event that damaged about 177 residences and 26 businesses on the Garden Island. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i District Health Office to assess emergency preparedness among residents. The Kaua‘i District Health Office will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response, also known as CASPER, survey to assess the emergency preparedness level of Kauaʻi households. Kauai Now.

Future of Hawaii newspapers uncertain amid parent company court-supervised restructuring, new state law triggers decline in gun sales, Kona airport to reopen today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Owner of Star-Advertiser, other island newspapers, undergoing court-supervised restructuring, sale of company in the works. The owner of the Star-Advertiser, MidWeek, The Garden Island, Hawaii Tribune-Herald and West Hawaii Today and various specialty magazines  has entered a court-supervised restructuring to reduce debt and to position the company for a possible sale to a partnership. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Full CCAA (Canadian bankruptcy court) filings on Hawaii newspapers owner Black Press Ltd. can be found here.

Will A New Order Shut The Door On Future Rooftop Solar Across Hawaii? Hawaii’s solar industry leaders are butting heads with the state’s largest utility company over a recent Public Utilities Commission order that sets new rates for energy customers who want to sell the solar power they generate at home for use on the grid. Civil Beat.

New Gun Safety Training Rules May Be Hurting Sales. Supporters Say That’s A Good Thing. Firearms instructors must get re-certified under a new law that requires gun applicants to get training on mental health, suicide prevention and domestic violence. Civil Beat.

House, Senate Democrats share their legislative priorities. The Democratic majority caucuses in the state House and Senate have some different priorities heading into Wednesday’s start of the legislative session but agree on the need to address the effects of the Maui wildfires and prevent future ones across the state, increase affordable housing, reduce homelessness and add more health care workers. Star-Advertiser.

1 month remains for survey on UH presidential search. A survey asking what ought to be the top priorities for the University of Hawaii and its next president is open for only one more month, and UH leaders are urging all stakeholders — students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community members — to participate. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu

City Council pursues resolution urging action on Oʻahu's invasive species management. Local leaders want the City and County of Honolulu to be more involved in managing Oʻahu’s invasive species. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Residual fuel,’ environmental mitigation top priorities for Red Hill closure task force. With the bulk of the fuel removed from the Red Hill underground storage facility, crews are now turning their attention to 4,000 gallons of “residual fuel” and sludge. The Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill, which is now leading the closure efforts, is also focused on removing 10 miles of pipeline from the facility and tackling environmental remediation.  Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: OHA Backs Off On Its Push To Develop Kakaako Makai, At Least For Now. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it lacks the support in the Legislature to lift a ban on development and appears to be repositioning itself. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i Island lawmakers talk priorities ahead of the 2024 State Legislative session. The recovery of Maui following the devastating wildfires last August will be the focus of the Hawai‘i State Legislature’s 2024 session, however, Hawai‘i Island lawmakers are committed to ensuring that Big Island’s needs don’t get lost in the shuffle. Big Island Now.

Kona airport to reopen today after cracks fixed on runway. The Hawaii Department of Transportation issued a news advisory late Monday afternoon saying that Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole was “closed until further notice due to cracks on the runway.” Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Kaumana Caves To Reopen Today. The caves have been closed since September of last year when a rock fall required an immediate closure. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Wildfire debris removal to begin in Lahaina. Fire debris removal begins in Lahaina on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 under a collaborative effort between the County of Maui, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers.  Maui Now. KHON2.

Second attempt to re-introduce ‘alala into the wild gets the go ahead. The Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved plans by the DLNR, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a pilot release of captive-bred ʻalalā onto forest reserve lands in east Maui. Maui News. KHON2.

After the Fire, Lahaina’s Whales Are Left in the Lurch. The August 2023 blaze torched the town’s harbor, disrupting a spotting network crucial to saving entangled whales. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom says fiber-optic internet is available to 95% of Molokaʻi. Hawaiian Telcom says it has expanded fiber-optic internet access to 95% of Molokaʻi, four of the island's five ZIP codes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Jobless rate plunges to 2.3 percent on Kaua‘i. A stout labor market posted its lowest unemployment rate since the infancy of the COVID-19 era, amid a pop in employment rolls on the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.



 

COVID? What COVID? Hawaii survey shows residents less concerned as cases spike, teachers' union OKs school reopening plan, union tries to stem Honolulu newspaper layoffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo Farmers Market vendor without a mask on June 27, 2020. ©2020 All Hawaii News

Many residents no longer see COVID-19 as a threat, DOH survey says. An increasing number of Hawaii residents no longer see COVID-19 as much of a threat as they did in the earlier stages of the pandemic, according to a follow-up survey commissioned by the Hawaii State Department of Health. KHON2.

DOH survey shows ‘alarming’ decrease among Hawaii residents who follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines. An increasing number of Hawaii residents no longer see COVID-19 as much of a threat as they did in the earlier stages of the pandemic, according to a follow-up survey commissioned by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Follow-Up Survey Shows Decline in Concern Over COVID-19. In less than two months, residents who viewed the virus as a “very serious” health concern has fallen from 73% to 54%, according to a follow-up survey commissioned by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii public schools to reopen with safeguards. Hawaii public schools will reopen with students and teachers on campus for the new school year, according to an agreement reached between the Board of Education and the teachers’ union. Star-Advertiser.

HSTA, DOE agree to key safety protocols for schools this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association says it has agreed on a deal with the state Department of Education to return to the classroom this upcoming school year. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers, Superintendent Spar Over Plans For Schools' Fall Reopening. The state Department of Education is expected to issue its plans on how classes will run for the new school year on Thursday. But lawmakers say they are deeply concerned about the DOE’s lack of a clear financial proposal for the fall reopening. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teachers struggle to reach students during Hawaii schools’ shutdown. New survey results show that secondary school teachers in Hawaii had little success in keeping students on track academically after public schools shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Funds Proposed to Assist With Child Care Relief. The Chair of the Ways and Means Committee has proposed child care relief as an important part of the CARES Act federal funding initiative for Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii lawmakers approve public worker raises worth more than $150M. The state House and Senate on Friday approved public worker raises worth more than $150 million for tens of thousands of public employees even as hundreds of thousands of private sectors workers have lost their jobs, but lawmakers noted that public employees may still face furloughs or layoffs in the months ahead. Star-Advertiser.

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COVID-19 Cases Among Pacific Islanders Surge In Hawaii. State health officials say Pacific Islanders are likely more at risk for the disease because they have high poverty rates and often live in overcrowded conditions. Nearly a quarter of all confirmed coronavirus cases in Hawaii involve Pacific Islanders, who make up just 4% of the state’s population. Civil Beat.

DOH: New cluster of COVID-19 identified, 27 new cases reported statewide. In a significant spike Sunday, the Department of Health reported 27 new cases statewide. Majority of those cases, 23, were on Oahu. Kauai had two, and Maui and Hawaii island each had a single case. Hawaii News Now.

Aggressive contact tracing by state identifies new COVID cases. A spike in COVID-19 case numbers on Sunday are largely due to a cluster of 17 Honolulu cases all associated with attending a funeral, according to the State’s Covid-19 joint information center. KHON2.

Hawaii health officials report 27 new coronavirus cases, including 17 associated with Oahu funeral. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Sunday, June 28: Spike In Cases Reported. A spike in reported COVID-19 cases on Sunday is largely due to a cluster of 17 Honolulu cases, all associated with attending a funeral. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Oahu’s first in-person city operator to test positive drove a week with symptoms. A Honolulu bus operator, who has tested positive for COVID-19, continued to drive buses for about a week with symptoms of an illness before being tested for the virus Friday, a bus official said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu city bus driver tests positive for COVID-19, officials confirm. A city bus driver is confirmed to have COVID-19, Honolulu city officials confirmed Sunday. Oahu Transit Services Inc. received confirmation Saturday night that the worker had tested positive. Hawaii News Now.

First in-service bus driver tests positive for COVID-19, TheBus confirmed. A bus operator for TheBus has tested positive for coronavirus, TheBus and TheHandi-Van confirmed on June 28. KHON2.

A driver for TheBus tests positive for COVID-19. A sick Oahu bus driver tested positive for COVID 19. KITV4.

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Oahu vacation rental restrictions remain as other counties ease up.  Oahu’s vacation rentals are still sidelined by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s emergency orders prohibiting them from operating as essential businesses. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu police chief says department doesn’t need reforms despite recent spike in fatal shootings by officers. Despite the long list of changes in the works to comply with a presidential executive order and the anticipated passage by the state Legislature of police reform bills, Police Chief Susan Ballard said she doesn’t think those measures are necessary at the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief Says There’s Less Racial Bias In Hawaii. She’s Wrong. HPD data says Black, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities experience force at the hands of police at higher rates than white and Asian communities. Civil Beat.

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‘It was hamajang’: East Oahu residents sue the city over shoddy road work. Niu Valley residents are suing to halt a road construction job, accusing the city of shoddy work. Hawaii News Now.

Union Workers Hope to Stop Job Cuts at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Union workers at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser offered a proposal to the company Thursday in the hopes of reaching an agreement to stop layoffs at Hawaiʻi’s largest newspaper, which are set to go into effect on Monday. Maui Now.

Some of Abigail Kawananakoa’s items are going up for auction. That’s raising concerns.  More than 400 items belonging to Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa are headed for the auction block. They include furniture, works of art, silverware and Polynesian artifacts like a Maori jade war club where bidding begins at $185 and a ceremonial stone ax which has a starting price of $104. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii, Aloha Stadium considering social distancing measures for football games. Re-opening seating in the long-closed upper deck end zone sections is among the considerations as the University of Hawaii and Aloha Stadium study possible scenarios for social distancing this football season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council Resolution To Urge Young Brothers, PUC To Find Solutions. Hawaiʻi County Councilmembers Sue Lee Loy and Tim Richards want the parties to seek out sources of funding that will ensure long-term continuation of interisland cargo shipping in Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Ige’s Big Island Hawaiian Homes Commission nominee scrutinized. After the Big Island’s second seat on the Hawaiian Homes Commission sat vacant for more than a year, Gov. David Ige’s pick to fill that post has encountered resistance in the state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioners at odds over Kealakehe sewer plant. A delay in design plans for the $75 million Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant frustrated members of the county Environmental Management Commission, who grilled the administration Wednesday about why the county can’t simply stop illegal discharges altogether. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino announces retirement. After 31 years in government service, 3rd Circuit Court Judge Melvin Fujino has announced his retirement and is ready to open a new chapter in his life. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle nursing homes still virus free. Clusters of COVID-19 have been found in nursing homes on Oahu, but the Big Island’s long-term care facilities have so far remained free of the disease and are continuing their efforts to keep it out. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

High court rules in favor of county on timeshare taxes. The Hawaii Supreme Court issued a ruling in favor of Maui County in a seven-year-old lawsuit over the county’s timeshare property tax classification, a decision which removes the risk of the county paying $34 million or more in damages. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Authorizes Deferral of 10% Penalty on Real Property Taxes Due Aug. 20. Mayor Michael Victorino has authorized a one-time deferral of the 10 percent penalty for Real Property Taxes due on Aug. 20, 2020, because of the financial impacts of COVID-19. Maui Now.

State set to reopen Hana Highway to public. The road to Hana, known for its picturesque views, bridges and hairpin turns, is now a flashpoint with the state planning to reopen access to East Maui to the general public Wednesday. Maui News.

Options to remove unexploded ordnances off Molokini stir community concern. The state says two World War II era bombs were discovered off the islet, and have been there for about 70 years. Activists say they were told the state and U.S. Navy planned to detonate the ordnances, which they fear would have damaging impacts on the wildlife above and below the water’s surface. Hawaii News Now.

Maui TV and film production: a Hollywood happy ending? There’s a lot of talk in Hawaii about diversifying the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 disaster. Nowhere is that talk louder than on Maui, where unemployment figures are some of the highest in the nation due to the island’s hyper-dependence on the battered and bruised tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai County, Expedia partners to advertise legal vacation rentals to visitors. The County of Kauai and Expedia Group are partnering up to advertise legal vacation rentals to visitors. KHON2.

It’s official: Jean Morris is CKMS principal. Jean Morris starts as the new principal of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on July 1. Garden Island.

Pompeo to meet Chinese officials in Hawaii, vacation rentals reopening on three islands, state's largest newspaper threatens to lay off half of newsroom, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo official photo

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet with Chinese officials in Hawaii as tensions escalate. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning a trip to Hawaii this week to meet with Chinese government officials as tensions continue to mount between China and the United States, according to multiple media reports. Star-Advertiser.

Pompeo Plans To Meet In Hawaii With China Officials. Politico and CNN are reporting that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to meet with China officials at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu early this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Bankruptcies decline thanks to federal loan program. Federal aid programs appear to be keeping a lid on statewide bankruptcies despite the pandemic, but one of the state’s top economists says that could change after the end of this month when the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program ends. Star-Advertiser.

Ige named in COVID suit. A civil lawsuit against Gov. David Ige alleges his COVID-19-related orders violate state and federal constitutions, and requests the courts declare those rules unconstitutional and void. Garden Island.

Traveling inter-island after June 16? Mandatory forms available online. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: ‘No increased risk’ for travelers as Oahu cases mount. Oahu tallies nearly 50 cases since beginning of June. Maui News.

Vacation rental owners, managers say they're suffering from COVID-19 changes. State says in April 2020, the total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 319,500 unit nights and monthly demand was just 16,000 unit nights. KITV4.

Hawaii’s long-term care homes have lowest COVID-19 rate in the nation. Even as COVID-19 cases rise again in Hawaii, state officials assured residents Friday that the island’s long-term care facilities remain safe. Tribune-Herald.

Recent spike in COVID-19 cases will test Hawaii’s preparations. There were 15 new cases Friday and 17 cases reported Saturday, which were the biggest single-day increases in the islands in nearly two months. Later Sunday the state Department of Health reported five new cases, raising the statewide total of infections to 728.  Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 14: 5 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. With a total of 728 cases of the virus reported in the state, Hawaii has one of the lowest per capita rates of infection in the country. Civil Beat.

5 new cases of COVID-19 reported from Oahu, Big Island, total now 728. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidates talk post-coronavirus sustainability. Half a dozen candidates for Honolulu mayor have promised to make a sustainable and livable Hawaii, but Friday at a forum gave only broad, general statements without going too deep into details on key questions. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell disagrees on extent of Police Commission’s authority. The differences in opinion of the commission’s true authority are coming to light as the call for reform of police departments across the U.S. has heightened following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers on May 25. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii's largest daily newspaper may lay off half its newsroom staff. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has told about half of its newsroom staff that they will be laid off at the end of the month as Hawaii’s largest newspaper deals with the economic effects of Covid-19, but the newspaper's publisher said he is negotiating with the editorial guild to avoid laying off the 29 editorial workers. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser staffers push back against impending layoffs. Workers, community members and reporters are reacting with shock to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s announcement Thursday it is laying off half of the newsroom. KITV4.

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City Council resolution seeks to condemn derelict Waikiki building for affordable housing. A Honolulu City Council member wants the city to condemn a derelict Waikiki apartment building sandwiched between the Watermark, one of Oahu’s toniest condominiums, and freshly renovated walk-up apartments. Star-Advertiser.

Shuttered Meadow Gold plant in Honolulu goes on sale. The Texas-based owner of the Meadow Gold Hawaii dairy processing plant in Honolulu is seeking to sell the property for $25 million after shutting down the facility in April. Star-Advertiser.

Bill could impact Aloha Stadium demolition, landfill operator says. The company that operates the only public construction and demolition landfill and recycling facility on Oahu said a proposal that would require a buffer zone around the construction or expansion of disposal facilities “would be a disaster for the construction industry” and “drive up costs for construction projects of all sizes, including the new Aloha Stadium development.” Star-Advertiser.

Makiki nursing home employee tests positive for coronavirus. A staff member at a Makiki nursing home has tested positive for the coronavirus, the fourth case of the virus at a long-term care facility in a week on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hundreds rally in Honolulu for Breonna Taylor. From the classic “No Justice, No Peace” to the more contemporary “Wrong Generation to (expletive) With,” the mostly homemade signs and placards borne by nearly 500 people who participated in Sunday’s Justice for Breonna Taylor Women’s March attested both to the diversity of the crowd and the singularity of their purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds participate in Oahu march for Breonna Taylor. Protests nationally and here in Hawaii continued this weekend with more people bringing attention to racial inequality. Hawaii News Now.

First open street event on Kalakaua Ave. draws hundreds. Hundreds, if not thousands, filled Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki Sunday morning. A portion of the road was closed to cars so people could exercise and support businesses in the area that hasn’t seen activity because of COVID-19. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Fire Department and volunteers erect homeless shelters. The access road behind Old Kona Airport Park became the newest homeless shelter as 18 tiny houses were constructed Saturday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers Construct 19 Emergency Homeless Units in Single Day. Na Lamakū will serve as an emergency shelter living space, complete with wraparound services, for up to 30 adult homeless individuals looking to take the first step toward self-sufficiency. Big Island Now.

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New ‘primary airport’ classification sought for KOA. The state Department of Transportation wants a 150-room hotel and conference center at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and is seeking new zoning for that airport as well as Hilo International Airport for a variety of travel-related uses. West Hawaii Today.

Safety improvements eyed for Highway 130. The state Department of Transportation wants to further improve safety and mobility along Highway 130 between Keaau and Pahoa by using capital improvement funding recently allocated by lawmakers. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Fire Department Scrambles To Plug A Budget Hole. The state’s economic crash hit the department hard. But leaders are confident they can find money to keep lifeguards at popular Hapuna Beach on the job. Civil Beat.

New Kona Brewing Co. brewery eyes summer launch. Originally slated for an opening in early 2019, Kona Brewing’s construction — one with a thorough focus on sustainability — has been hit by a handful of delays along the way. Kona’s remote location presented difficulties procuring the right equipment and materials for the brewery’s sustainability projects. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vacation rentals allowed to reopen. Reservations can be taken now for stays beginning Tuesday for guests who are not under quarantine. Maui News.

Maui TVRs Allowed to Restart on June 16, But Can Only Accommodate Individuals Not Subject to Quarantine. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i Nature Center at ‘Īao Valley Readies for Return of Maui Keiki. A team of volunteers and staff is readying the Hawai‘i Nature Center campus at ʻĪao Valley on Maui for the return of children next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Restart: Agriculture. The Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Team dedicated to the agriculture sector will attempt to revitalize agriculture businesses that experienced financial loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

Barking Sands eyed for $1.98B ballistic missile system, resolution urges media restrictions on reporting suspects, whistleblower says FAA gave Southwest preferential treatment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pacific Missile Range Facility ©2020 All Hawaii News

Kauai military site named as possible site for $1.9B ballistic missile radar. The Missile Defense Agency is now also eyeing Kauai as a potential site for its planned $1.9 billion high powered ballistic missile radar. Hawaii News Now.

PMRF eyed for missile defense system. The U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility is being considered as a new location of a ballistic missile defense radar that would take up between 50 and 80 acres at Barking Sands. Garden Island.

Kauai, not just Oahu, now being considered for $1.9B defense radar. The Missile Defense Agency confirmed it is looking at the possibility of siting a $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai instead of at one of several spots on Oahu that had been considered since 2018. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii lawmakers urge news outlets to use ‘no-notoriety’ approach. State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro of Oahu has introduced a pair of resolutions “encouraging the media, law enforcement, and information officers to adopt a no-notoriety approach to reporting on mass shooters and the perpetrators of other mass crimes.” Tribune-Herald.

Plenty Of Warning Signs But Few Treatment Options In Police Killer Case. Neighbors were well aware of Jerry Hanel’s bizarre behavior, but it’s hard to force unwilling people to get mental health treatment. Civil Beat.

Woman staying with Cain, Hanel Sunday says tragedy at Diamond Head was preventable. Sunday’s tragedy at Diamond Head that saw the deaths of two Honolulu Police Officers was the result of city and state agencies neglecting a warning about Jerry Hanel’s violence according to an acquaintance. KHON2.

Hawaii Eyes Closing Gun Loopholes, Bolstering Mental Health. Hawaii already has some of the nation's strictest gun laws, but the fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers by a man his lawyer and neighbors believe had psychiatric problems has added new urgency to efforts to close gun control loopholes and bolster mental health care treatment. Associated Press.

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Democratic Party of Hawaii announces list of candidates appearing on ballot. Democratic Party of Hawai'i Interim Chair Kate Stanley announced the list of candidates who will appear on the ballot of Hawai‘i’s Party-run Presidential Primary. KITV4.

A dozen Democrats sign up for mail-in Hawaii party voting. A dozen candidates who are seeking the Democratic nomination for president have signed up and paid the filing fee to compete locally for delegates in what will be the Hawaii party’s first-ever mail-in balloting this spring to decide who will win the support of state Democratic Party members. Star-Advertiser.

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FAA gave Southwest Airlines special treatment for Hawaii flights, whistleblower alleges. Southwest Airlines received special treatment from the Federal Aviation Administration in expediting the approval process to begin Hawaii service last year, according to a whistleblower complaint. Star-Advertiser.

Whistleblower: FAA Improperly Rushed Southwest Approvals To Fly To Hawaii. FAA managers engaged in “abuse of authority” last year to help Southwest expedite service to the islands, according to a new Wall Street Journal report. Civil Beat.

Southwest responds after reports it got preferential treatment from the FAA to fly to Hawaii. Southwest Airlines says it followed all the rules to receive approval to fly to Hawaii. KHON2.

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Tour Helicopter Crashes — And Flights — Have Escalated In Recent Years. In Hawaii, 2019 was the deadliest year for tour helicopters in nearly two decades, with 10 people dying in two crashes, a Civil Beat review of federal records shows. Civil Beat.

Report: Fundamentals of Hawaii’s economy would need to change to ease cost of living. In a recent write-up, the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii notes that residents are unlikely to get much relief from the price of paradise ― barring changes to the fundamental factors that drive high costs in the islands and modest incomes. Hawaii News Now.

Little relief from Hawaii’s high cost of living. Executive summary. University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.

Volunteers gather for point-in-time count to get better sense of Hawaii’s homeless population. The point-in-time is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January that helps to determine the funding and resources that are committed to combating homelessness in our community. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii officials urge doctors to be on alert as deadly coronavirus spreads from China. A deadly new virus from China has spread to the U.S., prompting federal officials to expand screenings for the illness at major airports across the country. Hawaii News Now.

No Coronavirus Cases Reported In Hawaii But Officials Advise Flu Shots. Hawaii health officials are advising residents to get flu shots to help in the detection of cases of coronavirus that has affected over 400 people in China and killed nine. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH urges vigilance, not panic as deadly coronavirus spreads. State health officials are urging Hawaii residents to be vigilant but not to panic after a deadly new virus from China reached the U.S. West Coast in recent days. West Hawaii Today.

Health Department issues China virus medical advisory. The state Health Department sent out a detailed medical advisory for health care providers Tuesday to be on the alert for patients who traveled from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and may have pneumonia contracted from the novel coronavirus. Maui News.

State health department believes there's a small chance Coronavirus will be Hawaii bound. It's sill advising the community to be prepared. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Health Officials Offer Guidance on Novel Coronavirus Outbreak in China. The Hawai‘i Department of Health is providing guidance to healthcare providers in the state for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China, which already includes more than 300 confirmed infections and several deaths in China. Maui Now.

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Hawaii Doctors Hopeful Over-The-Counter Drug Can Fight Rat Lungworm Disease. The Hilo Medical Center is recommending people take pinworm medicine as a precautionary measure if they accidentally eat slugs or snails. Civil Beat.


Oahu

Street where violent rampage happened reopens, but a sense of normal is likely years away. Three days after a man’s deadly rampage in the Diamond Head area, dozens of displaced residents were allowed to return to their homes Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Power restored, roads reopened in Diamond Head neighborhood. A neighborhood in the Diamond Head area continues to repair itself after a tragic event struck on January 19. KHON2.

'Shell shock’: As residents return to Diamond Head, coping with memories among challenges. Three days after triple-murder suspect Jerry Hanel torched his neighborhood in a hail of gunfire, resident Gisela King returned to the home where she was stabbed. Hawaii News Now.

Outpouring of support for grieving HPD. The names of Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama were added Wednesday to the Honolulu Police Department’s “Roll of Honor” plaque at the main police headquarters, joining 48 other officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Star-Advertiser.

Residents on Hibiscus Drive allowed to return to homes. Raymond Teruya Sr. had the widest smile Wednesday as he returned to his family’s Diamond Head home after police pulled down most of the crime scene tape that has surrounded Hibiscus Drive since Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Landlord was quirky, caring. Lois Kiehl Cain was a quirky former belly- dancing University of Hawaii librarian who had a soft spot for taking in strangers to her home on Hibiscus Drive where they lived rent free, including defecting Russian fishermen, a family escaping Asia’s economic downturn and the man suspected of killing her and two Honolulu police officers on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns discussed at Kaneohe cemetery expansion hearing. Supporters and opponents of a controversial Kaneohe cemetery expansion plan sounded off in about equal numbers Wednesday to start a quasi-judicial state hearing over whether forested conservation land can be developed with 30,000 new burial sites for Hawaiian Memorial Park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HELCO seeks OK to rebuild transmission lines to PGV. A public hearing regarding Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s application to construct portions of overhead transmission lines that will reconnect Puna Geothermal Venture to the HELCO grid will be held next week in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

County set to put limit on one load of refuse a day. The county will soon limit the amount of waste residents can dispose at county transfer stations in a single day. Tribune-Herald.

Bus depot land buy paused. The County Council put the brakes Wednesday on a fast-tracked land buy for a bus depot, for at least two more weeks while more information is gathered. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Court: County cannot redefine ‘real property’. Code changed to allow wind turbines to be included in tax assessments. The Hawaii Supreme Court said Tuesday that Maui County did not have the power to include wind turbines as “real property” when it taxed major wind farms on Maui. Maui News.

Judge’s ruling shuts down vacation rental in Paia. Unpermitted Nalu Kai Lodge had $2.7M in fines, penalties. Maui News.

Kauai

Council amends TVR bill 2767. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved amendments to a bill that would increase property taxes for certain vacation-rental owners. Garden Island.

Recycling biz rising. James Higginbotham has been operating Kauai Community Recycling Service for 17 years, the last 10 at 962 Kipuni Way in the Arzadon Industrial Center next to Gather Federal Credit Union. Garden Island.

All Hawaii News wins awards! Here's how you can help keep the news coming

SPJ awards for 2017

Don't take my word for it -- hear what the judges said:

"This site truly is a must-read and a service to the people of Hawaii."

"A worthwhile daily read."

I'm honored and humbled to again be awarded a first-place and a finalist plaque in the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii chapter annual Excellence in Journalism contest.

All Hawaii News, which will celebrate its 9th anniversary later this year, has become for me a labor of love. Journalism, to me, isn't a job. It's a calling.

This blog is how I read the day's news each morning. It's a way for me to share my passion for government and political news with the world.

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Most days, All Hawaii News is a hand-curated compilation of the day's top political and government news from all the Hawaiian Islands. It's a quick one-stop site for an overview of what's happening around Hawaii. Other days, you'll find news stories, videos or audios exploring crucial government issues. And sometimes, there will be a commentary or analysis about a topic of pressing interest.

This blog will never get as many Google hits as someone's grumpy cat. It will never embrace the "If it bleeds, it leads" mentality.

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Mahalo for your kokua!