Incentives on the way for Hawaii vaccinations, Oahu battles for ag land, opponents renew Thirty Meter Telescope fight, bedbugs, maggots and roaches close establishments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Gov. David Ige gets vaccinated in this Feb. 22, 2021 courtesy photo

Hawaii poised to join a growing list of states offering incentives for people to get vaccinated. To help Hawaii get there, the state and local businesses are set to offer up prizes in an effort to motivate people to roll up their sleeves. Specific details are still in the works. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Victorino offers sneak peak of Governor Ige’s Tuesday press conference. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino recommends Maui County residents watch Governor David Ige’s press conference at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, May 25 to learn about imminent changes to state emergency rules related to youth ocean sports and mask-wearing. KITV4.

HTA Hopes New Tourism Action Plans Will Address Resident Concerns. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is in the final phase of developing and implementing its new plan for tourism management in the state. The hope is that it will not only make the industry more sustainable, but also address community concerns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal warnings discourage traveling to Japan, make it harder for Hawaii to recoup arrivals. Hawaii’s dreams of cashing in on the first Olympic surfing competition and seeing a quicker Japan tourism rebound were “blown out” again Monday when U.S. health officials and the State Department warned Americans against travel to Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii unemployment assistance call center remains closed. The call center has been closed since Thursday after bedbugs were found in certain areas of the third floor of the convention center in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Asks Delinquent Customers To Set Up Payment Plans. The company says thousands of customers who don’t volunteer may have their outstanding balances automatically rolled into plans. Civil Beat.

Lifting the eviction moratorium too early would ‘overwhelm’ the courts, advocates say. The statewide moratorium on evictions, which has protected renters hard hit by the pandemic for more than a year, is set to expire on June 8. And Gov. David Ige has not yet decided if he’ll offer an extension. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines hiring more than 400 workers. The state’s largest carrier, which said it saw a rebound in demand during the first quarter, has been rebuilding its network and workforce to accommodate an increase in travel. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii has prime view for celestial combo. The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years coincides with a supermoon this week for quite a cosmic show. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

‘Studying all of our options’: Lassner talks looming budget cuts for UH. Although looming budget cuts will pose challenges for the University of Hawaii, President David Lassner said Monday that UH is considering its options and ways to handle the reductions. Tribune-Herald.

How Biden And Hawaii Could Address COVID-19 Disparities Among Pacific Islanders. Federal agencies should actively reach out to Pacific Islander communities who have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii and elsewhere, according to the Hawaii advisory group to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 34 new coronavirus cases as the statewide tally climbs to 35,901. There were 23 new infection cases on Oahu, five on Hawaii Island and six on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Fight Over Hawaii’s ‘Important Agricultural Lands’. Many Oahu property owners are angry and worried their lives could be suddenly upended by a major land use proposal that has been in the works for decades. Civil Beat.

Memorial Day ceremony at Punchbowl goes hybrid. About 38,000 small U.S. flags will be placed on graves at the Veterans Affairs cemetery, also known as Punchbowl, for Monday’s commemoration. Star-Advertiser.

Long-shuttered Paradise Park site in Manoa Valley is up for sale. A plan to turn Manoa Valley’s long-shuttered Paradise Park botanical and zoological garden into a new visitor attraction appears relinquished seven years after being announced. Star-Advertiser.

Union Says Ongoing Closure Of Health Clinic In Nanakuli Is ‘Equity Issue’. Kaiser patients on the Waianae Coast are being redirected to facilities in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Waikiki publication racks are a ‘source of trash and trouble,’ but getting rid of them isn’t easy. Publication racks in Waikiki have become a high-maintenance blight. And despite being wrecked and often filled with garbage, the city says they are almost impossible to remove. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

TMT foes challenge declaration that work has begun. The same folks who challenged the Thirty Meter Telescope in a lengthy contested case hearing in 2016 and 2017 are now following a new line of attack in questioning the recent determination that construction of the $2.4 billion project has already begun. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island renewable energy plant wins appeal. The Hawaii Supreme Court, giving new life to Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC’s nearly completed biomass plant on Hawaii island, ruled unanimously Monday in favor of the company’s appeal and sent back the case to the state Public Utilities Commission with clear instructions on how to proceed. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Voyaging canoes stop in Kona to receive master navigator’s ashes. Hokule‘a made a stop outside Keauhou Bay Sunday to receive the ashes of the late Chad Kalepa Baybayan to join the crew on its first major training voyage since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. West Hawaii Today.

HCCC back in quarantine after inmates test positive for COVID-19. Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo has been placed in quarantine after two recently admitted inmates tested positive for COVID-19. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Maui

Pizza in Paradise restaurant in Kahului shut down by Hawaii Department of Health. The Kahului restaurant known as Pizza in Paradise has been shut down by the state Department of Health because it was considered an imminent health hazard. Maggots, roaches and risks for cross contamination were among the hazards found that prompted health inspectors to shut down Pizza in Paradise on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

New program aims to find sustainable solutions for Maui. A new local initiative is seeking a “complete change” in traditional methods of thinking in order to achieve true sustainability in Maui County by 2040. Maui News.

Maui man says he was punched at eatery after reminding a Florida family to wear masks. A West Maui man says he was punched in the face over the weekend after reminding visitors to wear their masks. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua‘i restructuring tier system for fewer restrictions. The county is working on restructuring the tier system again, Mayor Derek Kawakami said Monday, and vaccination rate may soon become a trigger for a not-yet-established Tier 5. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

$500K distributed through Kaua‘i rental, utility assistance program. At the end of week two of Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program, officials reported that 800 households have applied, and $520,000 in rental assistance has been deployed. Garden Island.

Hawaii vaccine passports on hold, Honolulu mayor 'dead set' against tightening restrictions in wake of coronavirus upsurge, Kauai joins Safe Travels program, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige from Zoom

Vaccine passports for Hawaii on hold, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said the state is testing the technology needed for a vaccine passport with CommonPass and CLEAR but that they still aren’t ready. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines Hopes State Reconsiders Safe Travels Program Amid New CDC Guidelines. Hawaiian Airlines hopes the state will reconsider its Safe Travels Program after new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that fully vaccinated people can travel domestically at low risk to themselves. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials wait to see how Easter weekend gatherings will impact COVID cases. Authorities got an uptick in complaints about illegal gatherings over the long Easter weekend. Some feel it was a mix of complacency over COVID, pandemic fatigue and mixed messaging over what’s allowed. Hawaii News Now.

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Labor Leaders Urge Lawmakers To Move Minimum Wage Increase. Teamsters, ILWU and Local 5 leaders ask House Speaker Scott Saiki to schedule a floor vote by Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Consider Adding ‘Coercive Control’ In Domestic Violence Cases. Supporters say the bill will make it easier to prosecute domestic abusers, but critics including law enforcement say its definition is far too broad. Civil Beat.

State parks seek input to update 5-year recreational plan. This spring, for the first time, the division will focus on how to manage competing cultural and recreational interests as part of its regular, five-year reevaluation and updating of its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and is seeking public participation in meetings Wednesday and Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian stilt could shed endangered status. Agency proposing to downlist bird to threatened category. Survey data and a recent population viability analysis indicate that the population of the ae’o, or Hawaiian stilt, has been “stable to increasing for several decades” across the state, with the trend expected to continue as long as conservation efforts are ongoing, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, which is proposing the change in the bird’s status. Maui News.

Hawaii businesses have taken in $1.26 billion from federal program this year. Nearly 16,000 Hawaii businesses have benefited so far this year from potentially forgivable federal loans aimed at maintaining jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

COVID-related unemployment eligibility disputes on the rise, Hawaii lawyers say. When Kailua resident Carol’s workplace reopened in July, she still felt it was too unsafe to return. Hawaii News Now.

April 5, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 95 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 54 on O‘ahu, 23 on Maui, 14 on Hawai‘i Island, and four in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi is ‘dead set against’ city going back to Tier 2 despite rise in cases. Mayor Rick Blangiardi is “dead set against” rolling the city’s reopening plan back to Tier 2 as the number of new cases in Honolulu continue to approach the designated limit of a two-week average of 50 new cases a day. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Under New Leadership, HART Purges Nearly Half Its Staff. The move aims to streamline HART, but some worry such severe cuts could hurt the struggling transit project in the long term. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi working with legal adviser on agency abuses. In response to the federal bribery charges of five Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting employees, Mayor Rick Blangiardi is working with Dana Viola, one of Honolulu’s new chief legal advisers, to curb abuses within the department. Star-Advertiser.

Applications closed for rent relief 4 hours after city program launches. In less than four hours, the city received 8,000 applications for its Rental and Utility Relief Program, maxing out the amount it was willing to accept in this first round. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No big changes recommended in 10-year solid waste master plan. As the county grapples with a pandemic economy, closure of the Hilo landfill and loss of overseas markets for recyclables, there are more general priorities than specific recommendations in a 395-page 10-year solid waste plan slated for consideration by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

EHCC suit seeks removal of endowment trustees. The board of directors of the East Hawaii Cultural Center filed a lawsuit in Hilo Circuit Court asking that a judge remove five trustees of an endowment trust set up in 2009. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

List of Maui COVID-19 Vaccination Sites and Registration Information. The Department of Health Maui District Health office is currently offering Moderna vaccinations to anyone 18-years and older on Maui. Meantime Maui Health is offering the Pfizer vaccine to individuals ages 16 and older. Maui Now.

Covered bus stop for Kahikinui keiki. A new covered bus stop was installed off Piilani Highway near Mile Marker 23 east of Ulupalakua for seven of the children living in the remote community who attend Punana Leo o Maui and Kula Kaiapuni schools. Maui News.

Kauai

County rejoins state’s Safe Travels. Kaua‘i re-entered the state’s Safe Travels program for Trans-Pacific travelers, meaning both out-of-state and inter-island fliers can bypass the 10-day travel quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departing to Kaua‘i. Garden Island. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai elementary schools back to in-person learning. King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School’s Principal Jason Yoshida said they had 466 students returning to face-to-face learning with approximately 100 students still selecting distance learning yesterday. Garden Island.

Travel quarantines to be reduced to 10 days, state preps for COVID-19 vaccine, Hawaiian Airlines plans new U.S. routes, state certifies Biden win, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flying to Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Will Reduce Traveler Quarantine To 10 Days. Gov. David Ige is expected to issue an order with the lowered quarantine requirement next week but it’s unclear when it will take effect. Civil Beat.

Arriving air passengers in Hawaii without COVID-19 test to face 10-day quarantine. With Hawaii leading the nation in fewest new COVID-19 cases, Gov. David Ige plans to reduce the number of days that arriving passengers with no test results will have to remain in mandatory quarantine, to 10 days from the current 14. Star-Advertiser.

Officials: Quarantines will be reduced to 10 days. The mandatory quarantine for trans-Pacific travelers to Hawaii who arrive without a negative COVID-19 test will be reduced to 10 days in the near future, state officials said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

State officials confirm Governor Ige preparing to reduce quarantine restrictions for travelers. State officials confirmed Governor David Ige is preparing to reduce quarantine restrictions for travelers from 14 days to 10 days. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Airlines to debut 3 new routes next year. The state’s largest carrier, which like all airlines has had to reduce service due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tuesday it will launch nonstop service next year to Orlando, Fla.; Ontario, Calif.; and Austin, Texas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines makes strategic decisions for 2021 with new non-stop routes. Hoping business is better next spring, Hawaiian Airlines plans to serve three new destinations across the U.S. mainland. On March 11, the airline will begin twice-weekly service between Honolulu and Orlando, Florida. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines expands routes, what this could mean for 2021 air travel. Starting in March, Hawaiian Airlines will begin service from Honolulu to Orlando, Florida and Ontario, California. Then in April, the company will launch flights between Honolulu and Austin, Texas. There will also be a non-stop flight added from Maui to Long Beach, California. KHON2.

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Vaccines could come to Hawaii as soon as mid-December, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says the first people that will be offered the vaccine in Hawaii will be health care workers and kupuna, who live in long term care facilities and seem to have the highest mortality rate locally. KHON2.

Hawaii Preparing to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Next Monday. Healthcare Association of Hawaii President and CEO Hilton Raethel tells KITV4 the state is preparing to receive shipments of the Pfizer vaccine next Monday. KITV4.

State expects to receive 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month. Hawaii is expecting to receive 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month for health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i hospitals prepare for COVID-19 vaccine. Hawai‘i’s hospitals and health-care systems, in coordination with the state Department of Health, are gearing up to ensure that they are prepared for the arrival and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Garden Island.

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33 Hawaiʻi Nursing Homes Receiving $600,000 in Federal Funding for COVID-19 Protection. Thirty-three nursing homes across Hawai‘i will divide $582,015 in new federal funding as part of an incentive program to reward nursing homes for maintaining COVID-19 infection and mortality rates that were lower than the communities they served. Maui Now.

Changes To Hawaii’s Sunshine Law Could Improve Access To Public Meetings. The new proposal from the state Office of Information Practices gives boards more options, including ways to meet remotely. Civil Beat.

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Biden Presidential Win In Hawaii Officially Certified. Biden, the former vice president, defeated President Donald Trump, a Republican, 63% to 34%. Civil Beat.

Hawaii certifies Biden’s win of state’s presidential vote. President-elect Joe Biden won 63.1% of Hawaii’s vote, compared to President Donald Trump’s 34%, according to the final summary report from the state Office of Elections. Hawaii has four electors in the Electoral College, which is due to meet Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii's election office has officially certified 2020 presidential election results. KITV4.

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First-quarter grades reveal Hawaii public school students’ struggles in adapting to learning during the pandemic. A first look at how Hawaii’s public school students are faring academically during the pandemic shows roughly 1 in 10 secondary students received a failing grade in English or math during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Why 1 In 6 Hawaii Residents Struggle To Read. The state rolled out a new plan to address literacy in Hawaii schools and among Hawaii adults last month that’s full of broad recommendations. Civil Beat.

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State Puts New Limits On Aquarium Fishing, But Existing Licenses Valid Until They Expire. The new terms and conditions reflect a court ruling in state environmental court last month. Civil Beat.

DLNR adds new court ordered requirements for commercial fishing licenses. The update is part of a First Circuit Court ruling made on Nov. 27 which bans commercial aquarium fishing pending a final environmental review. KHON2.

New Requirements Added To Hawaiʻi Commercial Marine Licenses. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources has added court-ordered requirements to reflect a full statewide ban on commercial aquarium fishing. Big Island Video News.

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Despite pandemic shutdown, Hawaii’s film industry execs optimistic about future.  COVID-19 restrictions sidelined 89% of the industry’s technical workforce. Despite the grim numbers, the industry remains positive as the state will always be an ideal film location and it’s projected the state will see an increase in local productions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Funding Extended, What Comes Next? On average, about 800 national guard members work each day throughout the state, assisting with tasks from contact tracing to the safe travels program to COVID-19 testing. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 8: 53 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 53 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 39 on Oahu, three on Molokai, six on Maui and five on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 Honolulu officers face criminal probe linked to COVID-19 enforcement overtime. Four Honolulu Police officers are being investigated for suspected theft and other crimes linked to an overtime probe. The department alleges that the officers got paid for overtime hours that they did not work. Hawaii News Now.

HPD commanders ask for investigation into spending of CARES Act money. In an anonymous letter, a group of Honolulu Police Department commanders asked the Honolulu Police Commission to investigate mismanaged CARES Act funding and planning by Police Chief Susan Ballard’s office during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief defends department following accusations of ‘fiscal misconduct’. Police Chief Susan Ballard took to social media Tuesday to respond to accusations the department mismanaged millions of dollars of federal CARES funds. Hawaii News Now.

In scathing report, city auditor rips Honolulu Department of Prosecuting Attorney for its lack of controls. Few steps have been made to improve policies, procedures and controls at the Honolulu Department of Prosecuting Attorney despite the recent, high-profile controversy that led to the conviction of one of its top lawyers. That’s the conclusion of a scathing 50-page report issued by the Office of the City Auditor over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

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City says it's still awaiting approval on an alternative to state's mandatory quarantine for those who did not receive a negative test result pre-travel. Tier Three allows more businesses to reopen, but it requires a seven-day average positivity of 2.5% for at least two weeks and a seven-day average case count of below 50. KITV4.

Defense Bill Calls For Red Hill Safety Reviews Every Five Years. The 2021 iteration of the National Defense Appropriations Act requires the Navy to conduct regular reviews of technology to contain potential leaks. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo’s former front entrance in Waikiki to undergo $2M in renovations. A $2 million restoration of the former entrance to the Honolulu Zoo will get underway in the coming weeks, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Star-Advertiser.

2nd Olive Garden set to open at Ka Makana Ali‘i, Ala Moana location begins take-out orders. A second Olive Garden restaurant is making its way to Ka Makana Ali’i Mall. The eatery is expected to open to the public in the summer of 2021 next to the AT&T and Macy’s stores. KHON2.

The 2021 Sony Open in Hawaii tees off the week of Jan. 11, and will be the first Sony played under pandemic protocols. No spectators will be allowed at Waialae Country Club. Hawaii News Now.

Star-Advertiser joining Report for America effort. Report for America places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities, and is an initiative of the nonprofit media organization, The GroundTruth Project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HMC ready for vaccine: Hospital could begin vaccinations as early as next week. Hilo Medical Center could begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to some front-line employees as early as next week, should emergency use of the immunization be approved. Tribune-Herald.

Where the money went: Council members disburse $900,000 in CARES funds. Hawaii County Council members focused on food and social and educational programs in divvying up $100,000 in coronavirus relief funds each of the nine members received last summer for projects in their communities. West Hawaii Today.

More than $6.5 million spent at Big Island eateries, thanks to restaurant cards. The state’s restaurant card program comes to an end next week, after residents used it to spend more than $6.5 million at Big Island restaurants alone over two months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hospital to hold vaccine drill. Maui Memorial Medical Center will hold a drill Thursday to prepare for the process of distributing and managing the COVID-19 vaccine once it arrives in Hawaii’s hospitals, a spokeswoman for Maui Health said Monday. Maui News.

Sexual assault medical exam room remodeled.  A remodeled medical examination room will offer a more peaceful setting for children and adults, as a program moves forward with more nurses trained to do forensic examinations of sexual assault victims, officials say. Maui News.

Florida Man with No Lodging or Pre-Flight COVID Test Arrested for Quarantine Violation on Maui. A Florida man was arrested and charged with a Rules and Orders violation related to quarantine after arriving on Maui without a valid place of lodging or a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test, police said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kouchi announces release of CIP funds. State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi recently announced the release of $4,775,000 in funding for capital improvement projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

State Gives Nearly $5M For Kauai School, Bridge Repairs. Nearly $5 million in state funding is headed to Kauai for repairs and improvements to the Wailua River Bridge, Kapaa High School, Kilauea Elementary School and the road to Kokee State Park. Civil Beat.

Asbestos treatment at Kapa‘a, Lihu‘e fire stations. Portions of the floors of the Kapa‘a fire station were being held together by duct tape, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Steven Goble reported to the Fire Commission Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Legislature won't take up mask mandate in special session, Hawaii's only volcano-powered electric plant resumes operations, Hawaiian Airlines allows frequent flyer miles for COVID-19 tests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines at HNL ©2020 All Hawaii News

HawaiianMiles now redeemable for a pre-travel COVID-19 test. Hawaiian Airlines now allows members to redeem HawaiianMiles for a pre-travel COVID test as part of the company's loyalty rewards program. KITV4.

Senate Judiciary Committee to convene, but no plans for legislative mask mandate. The state Senate’s Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet in special session Monday to review two judicial appointments but has no plans to discuss whether to clarify that masks are mandatory across the state to curb the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

No Hawaii hospitals have what’s needed to properly store the leading COVID-19 vaccine. There are currently no Hawaii hospitals with the proper equipment to store one of the leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates, according to Healthcare Association of Hawaii President and CEO Hilton Raethel. Hawaii News Now.

Millions in housing aid promised to Hawaii families either diverted or expected to go unspent. Tens of thousands of residents in the islands are behind on rent and unsure how they’ll catch up. But a new analysis finds a key state program that set aside $100 million in federal funds for those struggling families is falling well short of what was promised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii auto sales skid 15.9% in quarter. Tight inventories and COVID-19 restrictions left Hawaii auto dealers spinning their wheels in the third quarter as sales plunged 15.9% amid a struggling economy. Star-Advertiser.

DOH releases its first COVID-19 'cluster report' on Thursday. Acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble on Thursday says over the last two weeks there have been three clusters centered around schools, and if we're not careful she's says we could see more as the holidays approach. KITV4.

Longs Drugs to launch 9 new curbside COVID-19 testing sites statewide. CVS, the parent company of Longs Drugs, will launch nine new curbside COVID-19 testing sites Friday. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 12: 97 New COVID-19 Cases. The new cases recorded Thursday included 72 on Oahu, 15 in Hawaii County, six on Maui and one on Kauai. Three were residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART Still Pursuing Long-Shot Deal To Finish Rail Despite City Resistance. The rail authority’s executive director refuses to give up on the potential public-private partnership as the agency’s board looks to replace him. Civil Beat.

Final stretch of Honolulu rail line in disarray as board searches for new CEO. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board is searching for a new CEO. The current CEO, Andrew Robbins, is urging his critics not to change the plan for the final four miles and eight stations. Hawaii News Now.

HART board again voices frustration at Robbins. Rail Chief Executive Officer Andrew Robbins said Thursday that he and his staff will submit to Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Honolulu City Council in the coming days a report detailing why the city should continue pursuing a third-party partner to complete the troubled $10 billion-plus project. Star-Advertiser.

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O'ahu has two weeks to reduce number of COVID-19 cases in order to move into Tier 3. People on O'ahu have two weeks to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases or the city's recovery plan will not move into a less restrictive Tier Three. KITV4.

Oahu Turns To Community Health Centers To Boost COVID-19 Efforts. Clinic directors say coronavirus relief funds will help cover testing and contact tracing costs as well as provide families with direct financial relief. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes CARES Act extended. The city is spending up to $10 million to ramp up COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and support services at Oahu’s community health centers ahead of a looming deadline to expend millions of dollars in federal coronavirus aid. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell says he is hopeful that federal CARES Act spending deadline can be extended. There's concern the city might run out of federal CARES Act funding by the end of year. KITV4.

City launches new partnership to help Oahu’s COVID-19 patients and their families. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a new partnership with the Hawaii Primary Care Association and Oahu’s seven community health centers that will work to help Oahu’s COVID-19 patients and their families during the recovery process. KHON2.

Health department cites COVID-19 cases in Hawaii schools, university dorms. A student at a private middle school on Oahu contracted COVID-19, prompting a Health Department investigation and contact tracing of more than 100 people — but only one other student ultimately tested positive. Star-Advertiser.

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Bank of Hawaii adds brand to Stan Sheriff Center with $5 million deal. More than 35 years after University of Hawaii athletic director Stan Sheriff first rolled out plans for an on-campus arena, a final element of his vision will be realized with the addition of a naming sponsor. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii is donating millions of dollars to UH's athletic program. As the University of Hawaii battles with budget cuts amid the pandemic the Bank of Hawaii is donating millions of dollars to the school's athletic program. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Puna Geothermal back in action more than 2 years after Kilauea eruption. A volcano on Hawaii Island that partially destroyed a power plant more than two years ago is back to producing electricity at the facility. Star-Advertiser.

PGV back online. Puna Geothermal Venture has resumed operations, more than two years after the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano forced the power plant to stop producing electricity. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Geothermal Venture Goes Back Online. Two and a half years after the eruption of the Kīlauea volcano on the Lower East Rift Zone, the geothermal power plant is back in operation. Big Island Video News.

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State Department of Health begins releasing weekly ‘cluster reports’. Two clusters of COVID-19, stemming from social gatherings on the Big Island, have resulted in 63 cases, according to a new “cluster report” released Thursday by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Potential flood of eviction cases could be too much for county mediation program. The Rapid Response Landlord Tenant Mediation Program began in May to solve disputes between tenants and landlords struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

County wins coveted award for financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Finance Department for its comprehensive annual financial report. Tribune-Herald.

Hilton Waikoloa Village To Reopen Nov. 13. The largest outdoor resort area on Hawaiʻi island reopens on Friday, November 13. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Council urges mayor to create COVID-19 task force. The Maui County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution urging the mayor to establish a rapid-response COVID-19 task force. Maui News.

Call for Guided Astronomy and Hiking Tour Applicants in Haleakalā National Park. Up to four astronomy tour permits and up to six guided hiking tour permits will be issued. Maui Now.

Hyatt Regency Maui, Andaz, Hāna-Maui Resort, Wailea Beach Villas Resume Operations. Several Hyatt properties on Maui and across the state announced today they are resuming operations as  Hawaiʻi begins its next steps toward the return of tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

County sees flaws in state’s Safe Travels program. The county is attempting to fill gaps in and improve the state’s Safe Travels program that allows travelers to bypass a mandatory, two-week quarantine. Garden Island.

Kauai sees highest COVID-19 case count since June.  Five new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Kauai County on Nov. 12, the largest daily increase for the Garden Isle since June. KHON2.

5 new cases highest in five months. Three of the cases are Kaua‘i residents, and two are visitors. Garden Island.

Cost of COVID-19-related county labor. County officials are estimating it’ll cost about $300,000 a month to continue emergency operations, support and other COVID-19-related procedures come the start of the new year. Garden Island.

 

Masks are mandatory in Hawaii, but state sends mixed signals, Lanai under shutdown as COVID-19 cases surge, parents sue Honolulu Police Department over arrest of 15-year-old schoolmate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Masks are worn at a Hawaii farmers market ©2020 All Hawaii News

 Confusion about rules on mask wearing is widespread across counties for residents and tourists. Better communication is needed to inform tourists and residents that wearing masks is “mandatory,” said Gov. David Ige, who on Monday encouraged “everyone (to) continually remind people that masks are required in Hawaii.” Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige admits state needs to do a better job on mask wearing rules. Governor David Ige admits that the state needs to send a stronger message about wearing masks. This, after some expressed frustration that there’s no clear communication sent out to the public. KHON2.

Japanese travel plan nearly set. Gov. David Ige said Monday his administration is “very close” to being able to announce plans for the return of Japanese visitors to the state. Tribune-Herald.

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The state is sitting on $90M for housing aid and time is running out to distribute it. A program to help struggling families stay in their homes is sitting on more than 90% of the $100 million it’s supposed to distribute. The Ige administration announced the program in early September. Eligible applicants can get up to $2,000 a month through the end of the year ― paid directly to their landlord. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii unemployment benefits get a new 13-week extension. As Hawaii’s unemployment plight nears the nine-month mark, state officials are activating a second extension of jobless benefits for out-of-work residents. Star-Advertiser.

Rent Falls Sharply in Large Cities, Hold Steady In Hawaii. The trend on the Mainland U.S. appears to be driven by an exodus of workers fleeing high-density neighborhoods in large cities, for suburbs and smaller towns; where they're now working remotely. University of Hawaii economist Carl Bonham says that while there is not great data on Hawaii's rental market, there so far does not appear to be a major change in local rents. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Molokai, Lanai air service gets reprieve from ‘Ohana by Hawaiian. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will continue ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai through at least mid-January. Star-Advertiser.

'Ohana by Hawaiian service to stick around through mid-Jan. 2021. In a statement, Hawaiian said they were alerted by the U.S. Department of Transportation that they are contractually obligated to provide service to Molokai and Lanai because it is essential. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to maintain 'Ohana by Hawaiian service to Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. A lifeline between Moloka'i and Lana'i will not be disrupted. KITV4.

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Mass Testing To Begin In Arizona Prison After 7 Hawaii Inmates Are Hospitalized. The COVID-19 outbreak at a privately run prison is the second largest cluster among Hawaii inmates. Civil Beat.

Number of Hawaii inmates at Arizona prison with active COVID-19 cases swells to 52. There are 1,082 Hawaii inmates at Saguaro in Eloy, Ariz. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 26: 38 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 statewide Monday, including 26 on Oahu, nine on Hawaii island and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell again calls for HART to nix P3 process. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday again called on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to nix its two-year quest to find a private partner to help build the final leg of the $10 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana line and focus on other ways of ensuring that $250 million in promised federal funding won’t lapse by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawsuit accuses isle police of abusing power. A federal lawsuit was filed Monday against the City and County of Honolulu and its police department alleging abuse of power stemming from an incident two years ago in which an officer arrested a 15-year-old boy who had been fighting with the officer’s son. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit: Honolulu officer arrested teen as vengeance for son. The officer had the boy arrested in violation of his civil rights because the teen and the officer’s son were at odds and had fought after school, said the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Lawsuit alleges HPD officer abused power by arresting son’s school-aged ‘enemy’. The parents of a 15-year-old boy who was arrested by a Honolulu police officer after getting into a fight with the officer’s son filed a lawsuit Monday, alleging that the officer acted in a retaliatory fashion and abused his police powers for personal gain. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu family files civil liberties lawsuit against City and HPD. An abuse of power complaint filed by Jennifer and Jorge Rivera claims that their son, J.R., was bullied by an HPD officer’s son. KHON2.

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Hawaii Law Enforcement Rescues 5 Kids From Sex Trafficking. A task force made up of the FBI, AG’s office, the Honolulu Police Department and other federal, state and county agencies found the minors during an operation that started Friday that centered around Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Mayor urges residents to celebrate Halloween safely to prevent COVID-19′s spread. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging residents to celebrate Halloween safely, avoiding gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Four Seasons Oahu sold to Hong Kong company. Ko Olina master developer Jeff Stone’s company, The Resort Group, announced Monday that it has sold its interest in the Four Seasons Resort Oahu to its partner, Hong Kong-based Henderson Land Group. Star-Advertiser.

State master plan for E. Kapolei would add retail, industrial space, 1,000 new rentals. The board voted at its Friday meeting to approve a draft plan by R.M. Towill Corp. for the project, and to procure an environmental impact statement for the East Kapolei project, which is envisioned to be developed in phases over the next 20 or more years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County coffers contain an extra $40M. Hawaii County ended the last fiscal year with $40 million left over to be applied to the current budget, according to an Oct. 15 report to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island’s aggressive testing leading to high case count. The governor says Mayor Harry Kim has developed an aggressive testing schedule and identified the communities where they had anticipated there would be clusters of cases. KHON2.

13 traveling nurses assigned to Life Care Center of Hilo. As part of a $17 million allocation of federal coronavirus relief funding, about 50 out-of-state health care workers recently arrived to help Hawaii respond to the pandemic, including 13 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who will be headed to Life Care Center. Tribune-Herald.

Bids for Bayfront Trails come in too high. The second phase of the Hilo Bayfront Trails will be rebid after initial bids for the project came in over budget. Tribune-Herald.

It’s only October, but the snow is already falling atop Mauna Kea. A light dusting was captured by cameras at the Mauna Kea Weather Center on Monday around 4 p.m.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Mayor Victorino announces launch of free COVID-19 community testing program for residents. Mayor Michael Victorino announced the launch of a free COVID-19 community testing program sponsored by Maui County. KITV4.

Vehicle demonstration at airport for enhanced COVID-19 measures. About 10 vehicles circled through Kahului Airport on Saturday in a call for the implementation of a four-point COVID-19 prevention plan — including the forming of a pandemic task force and distribution of a voluntary smartphone contact tracing app — to safely reopen to tourism and prevent a future shutdown. Maui News.

Kapalua Homeowners Distribute Food Boxes to 1000 Families in Need. Homeowners of the Kapalua residential communities held a Community Giveback on Oct. 17 and raised more than $100,000 to help more than 1,000 families in need. Maui Now.

Volunteers sought to deliver essential items to kupuna. A nonprofit that helps kupuna stay safe at home during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering food and other essential items directly to their doors needs more volunteers. Maui News.

Maui’s Surfing Goat Dairy Reopening Thanks to Successful Adopt a Goat Fundraiser. The Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula will reopen thanks to a successful “GOat Fund Me” campaign in which 50 of its 100 goats, including Chili Chicken, Maybelline and Edelweiss, were adopted. Maui Now.

Kauai

‘A‘o release goes virtual. The COVID-19 pandemic put restrictions on the annual E Ho‘opoomaika‘i ‘ia Manu ‘A‘o, or A Cultural Release of the Native Newell’s Shearwater, when the annual event attended by school children was relegated to the digital virtual platform, states a release from the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Virus impacting Halloween events island-wide. Halloween is Saturday, but several groups kicked off their Halloween festivals ahead of time in order to be compliant with COVID-19 safety measures. Garden Island.

Lanai

Anatomy Of An Outbreak: Once Unleashed, The Coronavirus Moved Swiftly On Lanai. The virus-free community had relaxed after months of no cases. Now, health officials worry the island could prove to be the ultimate petri dish. Civil Beat.

Lanai stay-at-home order begins today as officials try to contain outbreak. Gov. David Ige on Monday morning approved a stay-at-home order for the island of Lanai, effective today, in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the tight-knit, but vulnerable community. Star-Advertiser.

Stay-at-home order goes into effect for Lanai amid large COVID-19 outbreak. A stay-at-home order is now in effect for Lanai as the island scrambles to bring a large COVID-19 outbreak under control. Gov. David Ige signed the order on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai set for mandatory Stay-At-Home order, starting 12:01 a.m. Governor Ige signed an emergency order approving Lanai’s “Stay at Home” order, which is set to go in effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. KHON2.

Lāna‘i to Lockdown Amid COVID Outbreak. Lāna‘i is headed for a lockdown that will last at least two weeks. Big Island Now.

Lana'i approaching three-digit COVID-19 cases. Lanai Community Health Center and Straub Clinic conducted a mass testing for residents. KITV4.

Hawaii opens travel to trans-Pacific flights, Japan flights coming soon; Ige popularity low in poll; $1B hole in Honolulu rail, more state and local news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines plane at airport ©2020 All Hawaii News

Airlines Predict A Long Slow Recovery Even As Tourism Returns. As Hawaii reopens to tourists with a plan that lets travelers sidestep the state’s 14-day quarantine for arrivals, few companies stand to gain more than Hawaiian Airlines. Then again, few have lost more because of the shutdown. Civil Beat.

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Japan may join Hawaii COVID-19 pre-travel testing once ‘trusted partners’ picked. Japanese visitors, the state’s top international market, won’t be among the first out-of-state travelers coming to Hawaii through a pre-arrivals testing program on Thursday. But they’ll likely be coming soon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Approves COVID Test For Japan Travelers. The Hawaii Department of Health is now working with Japanese medical institutions to find “trusted partners” to administer the tests. Civil Beat.

Visitors from Japan approved for state’s pre-travel testing program, too. Visitors from Japan will soon be able to avoid quarantining upon arrival in Hawaii by participating in the state’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, state officials said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Green light for travelers from Japan. The executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau said the organization Hawaii Tourism Japan “has already got an initial marketing campaign set” for attracting Japanese visitors back to the islands. Tribune-Herald.

Pre-Travel Testing Approved For Japan. Mainlanders will begin returning to Hawai‘i tomorrow with the possibility of a quarantine exemption, and visitors from Japan won’t be far behind. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i Approves Japan’s Procedure for Pre-Travel Testing Program. Proof of a negative test result from trusted testing partners in Japan will allow travelers from Japan to bypass the 14-day quarantine upon their arrival in Hawai‘i. Maui Now.

Health Department approves Japan’s testing procedure for pre-travel testing program. The Department of Health has approved the COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test authorized by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. KITV4.

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State expects 7,000 incoming passengers on first day of traveler testing program. Lt. Gov. Josh Green confirmed the figure Wednesday night and said Hawaii is ready to welcome travelers back. He also asked for patience as the state works some kinks out of the system. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Voters Still Sour On Ige And Caldwell. And yet they also believe those very same leaders made the right call on stay-at-home and quarantine orders. Civil Beat.

Auditors find lack of planning, coordination in traveler quarantine program. As the state prepares to launch a traveler testing program Thursday to reboot tourism, a new audit is raising questions about the state’s oversight of its quarantine mandate and how it will be managed once federal funds run out in December. Hawaii News Now.

Surveillance testing for incoming passengers will start as pre-travel testing program launches. Thousands of passengers are expected to come in on Thursday, which is when the state’s pre-travel testing program launches. KHON2.

Here’s what travelers should know about the state’s pre-testing process. If you have not yet booked your flight to Hawaii and want to avoid quarantine, first step is going to HawaiiCOVID19 and check the trusted testing and travel partners page. Hawaii News Now.

Confused About Hawaii's Travel Tests? Hawaii plans to reopen to trans-Pacific travelers without quarantine starting Thursday if the passengers can show a negative COVID-19 test. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Up to 65% of Hawaii restaurants could close for good, industry leader warns. That estimate comes from a recent survey by the Hawaii Restaurant Association, which represents the roughly 3,600 restaurants across the state. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii prepares to welcome visitors back, 660 airport food service workers laid off. HMSHost, the company that manages the concessions and restaurants at airports, will permanently lay off more than 660 of its employees. That’s more than 80% of concessions staff. The decision impacts airport workers on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

More than 600 HMSHost airport workers to be laid off in Hawaii, union says. More than 660 Hawaii airport workers will be permanently laid off Thursday, the same day that the state is reopening to tourism with the launch of a pre-travel testing program after numerous delays, according to union representative UNITE HERE Local 5. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurant card also accepted at bakeries, catering services. Approximately 116,000 residents in Hawaii who filed for unemployment insurance benefits are expected to receive a $500 prepaid debit card beginning Friday to spend at local restaurants, bakeries and catering services. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige offers clarity to Restaurant Card Program. Gov. David Ige clarified eligibility for a $500 restaurant card and how the state came to that conclusion after the state found out there was much confusion on social media recently. Garden Island.

Qualified residents to begin receiving Hawai‘i restaurant card in the mail beginning October 16. KITV4.

Campaign Spending Commission: Ad Reporting Law Needs Changed. The Campaign Spending Commission levied over $6,900 worth of fines against 20 candidates at a meeting Wednesday. Almost all of the fines came because of a failure to comply with rules over advertising disclosures that many new candidates have found confusing. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 14: 101 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The state said 18 cases were on the Big Island and one case was on Maui. One resident was diagnosed out of state. The remaining 81 cases were reported on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell wants post-travel test for those who don’t get one before arrival. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is proposing an entirely different way to test travelers who want to avoid the state’s 14-day quarantine. He wants to make tests available to those arriving on Oahu if they couldn’t get one before travel. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell questions state’s surveillance testing program. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is questioning the effectiveness of a surveillance testing program meant to be a key safety net in the safe reopening of Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

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Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi trade barbs in KHON debate. During a direct questioning period between the candidates, Blangiardi raised objections to a series of critical campaign ads Amemiya’s campaign has put out against him. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayoral Debate feat. Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi. Honolulu’s next mayor will have the monumental task of handling the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the safety of nearly one million residents, all while figuring out how to revive Oahu’s economy. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council: Young Legislative Staffers Run To Represent Kalihi Area. The District 7 candidates’ backgrounds, résumés and values are similar. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Rail’s New Budget Hole Estimated At More Than $1 Billion. Project leaders will likely struggle to secure more funding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

City’s exit from rail phase equated to a ‘divorce’. Honolulu Councilman Brandon Elefante on Wednesday put the city’s withdrawal from participating in building the final 4.16 miles of the troubled rail project in the terms of a divorce. Star-Advertiser.

Pandemic causes shortage of high-end Oahu rentals. Kailua is just one of the hot rental markets, so are high end neighborhoods like Lanikai and Kahala, according to Duke Kimhan, the owner of Hawaii Pacific Property Management. KITV4.

Waikiki retailers prep for anticipated bump in business. Businesses in the heart of Hawaii’s tourism hot spot are eagerly awaiting the anticipated bump in tourists come Thursday. It’s been seven months since tourism screeched to an abrupt halt in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu to get 5 new playgrounds; work starts next week in Waimanalo. City officials said construction for new playgrounds at five Oahu parks is underway, with work expected to begin next week at Waimanalo Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Mililani Middle to transition onto single-track calendar to address overcrowding. A new three-story building at Mililani Middle School will soon house 15 additional classrooms to help ease overcrowding issues at the nearly 2,000-student campus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ready, set, go: A reluctant Mayor Kim opens the island to trans-Pacific travelers. Mayor Harry Kim prefers not to open up the island at all today to trans-Pacific travelers without quarantine, but since he has no choice, he implemented the two-test procedure to reduce the coronavirus infection risk to residents and visitors. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Questioned On Inter-Island Travel Status. Mayor Harry Kim went before the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday to clear up confusion in regard to Thursday’s start of the pre-travel testing program in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

How post-arrival testing will be conducted at Hilo airport. Trans-Pacific travelers to Hilo should expect a relatively smooth arrival as the county implements post-flight COVID-19 tests at Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ready for influx; Improvements to park made during pandemic. With the state loosening travel restrictions for trans-Pacific travelers today, the Big Island’s most popular tourist destination is preparing for an increase of visitors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Drop your ballot here. There are 12 drop-off boxes countywide, and voters may drop off their ballots through 7 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 3. Maui News.

Post-travel testing options are permitted by state. Maui County officials Tuesday afternoon branded their pre- and post-travel testing programs as “Arrive Healthy, Stay Healthy and Return Home Healthy” as the state prepares for an influx of travelers beginning Thursday. Maui News.

 Kauai

Meet the Candidates: Arryl Kaneshiro. Growing up on Kaua‘i, incumbent Kaua‘i County Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro said there was always a desire to live up to expectations. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i starts its reopening on Tier 4.  Mayor Derek Kawakami is urging residents to wear masks as the state makes its long-awaited reopening to trans-Pacific travelers. Garden Island.

Molokai

Hawaiian Telcom Expands Fiber Broadband Service on Moloka‘i. Hawaiian Telcom has expanded its fiber broadband service to nearly 700 new homesteads in East and North Central Moloka‘i, according to the company’s news release. Maui Now.

Lanai

Lanai Oil Company agrees to $71K EPA fine for Clean Water Act violations. The Lanai Oil Company Inc. has agreed to pay a penalty of $71,166 as part of a settlement for Clean Water Act violations at its bulk oil storage facility on the island, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Requires Lanai Oil Co. To Protect Hawaiian Waterways from Oil Spills in Proposed Settlement. Under the agreement, Lanai Oil is required to pay a penalty of $71,166. EPA believes the penalty will reduce the risk of oil spills from their Lanai Oilʻs terminal to Lanai’s Kaumalapau Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Maui Now.

Honolulu grocers hit by COVID-19, Young Brothers threatens to stop interisland shipping without 47% rate hike, Kauai park shut down after bad behavior, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coconut climber at Polynesian Cultural Center ©2020 All Hawaii News

COVID-19 leads to layoffs at The Polynesian Cultural Center. Approximately 30% of the 260 full-time employee workforce may be reduced by September 26, 2020. KITV4.

Shipper asks for ruling on rates by Aug. 17. Young Brothers says it may be forced to discontinue interisland services and furlough employees if the state Public Utilities Commission does not approve its emergency request for a 47 percent rate hike by Aug. 17. Maui News.

Gov. Ige weighs in on Hawaii CARES Act spending. Governor Ige is still deciding whether to sign or veto a bill that outlines how lawmakers want the state’s $635 million in CARES Act money to be spent. KHON2.

Economy: The First ‘Cliff’ Is Almost Here And A Second One Is Looming. Billions in federal relief dollars run out this week while community and political leaders work to soften a second possibly worse blow at the end of the year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Huge Stake In Negotiations Over Federal COVID-19 Aid. Uncertainty surrounds the $600-per-week unemployment payments, virus testing and even public worker furloughs. Civil Beat.


Green talks tourism as virus cases continue uptick. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday there’s “good news, bad news” about the possibility of reopening Hawaii to tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii residents urged to take precautions as clusters of coronavirus cases proliferate. Dozens of COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized following numerous coronavirus outbreaks, including one in Kalihi among Pacific islanders living in large multigenerational households. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric points to financial assistance options as disconnections to resume Sept. 1. Hawaiian Electric is pointing customers to several financial assistance options for those having trouble paying bills during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Workplace Drug Tests Show Less Use of Some Types of Drugs. Workplace drug tests taken in Hawai‘i during the pandemic show a decrease in the use of amphetamines, cocaine and opiates, while marijuana use has been on the rise. Hawaii Business magazine.

Coalition to consider legal action if state does not increase number of polling places. Three voting rights groups have given the state and counties a Friday deadline to commit to increasing the number of voter service centers or face legal action. West Hawaii Today.

Super PAC Spends $188K To Get Kahele To Congress. The nonpartisan With Honor Fund has ties to Jeff Bezos of Amazon and other billionaires. Civil Beat.

Education Spending Drives Races For Hawaii Legislature. The pandemic is spurring candidates to focus on how the Legislature and DOE will use limited funding for safety measures and access to distance learning. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Airlines plans to shrink 15% to 25%. Hawaiian Airlines is moving to raise cash and reduce staffing after reporting a significant second-quarter loss that continued the financial harm that emerged earlier this year from COVID-19 fears and containment policies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to cut workforce. During the company’s second quarter earnings call, CEO Peter Ingram said the recently completed quarter was incredibly challenging citing the 14-day quarantine as well as the recent cluster within the company. KHON2.

After dismal earnings report, Hawaiian Airlines expected to move ahead with layoffs. The company says it must move forward with layoffs after losing more than $100 million in its 2nd quarter earnings report. Hawaii News Now.

Mysterious unsolicited seed packets from China received by Hawaii residents. If you get an unsolicited packet of seeds from China, don’t open it. That’s the message from agriculture officials after multiple people received the mysterious packages. Hawaii News Now.

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Eight Thai Soldiers Test Positive For COVID-19 After Training In Hawaii. They were participating in the Army’s first large-scale exercise in Hawaii since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

8 Thai soldiers have virus following training in Hawaii. Asian media reported that eight out of 150 Thai army soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus days after returning to Thailand from participation in a big Schofield Barracks field training exercise on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii sees 47 new coronavirus-related cases as statewide total grows to 1,757. The new cases included 46 on Oahu and one in Maui County, according to the state Department of Health’s daily tally. Star-Advertiser.

DOH reports 28 new COVID-19 cases, pushing statewide total to 1,711. All of the cases were on Oahu, according to the COVID-19 Joint Information Center. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor proposes 3-week shutdown of bars, mandatory mask wearing outside. In a bid to tamp down a worsening surge in new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, Honolulu’s mayor is proposing to shut down all bars on Oahu for three weeks, require mask wearing outdoors at all times, and limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Wants Bar, Mask Crackdown. A recent rash of COVID-19 cases on Oahu has Mayor Kirk Caldwell asking the governor’s permission to close bars and impose more strict mask requirements. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell seeks 3-week closure of Oahu bars. Oahu bars would be forced to shut down for three weeks to allow the city time to “recalibrate” and come up with tighter regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 under a revised guideline that Mayor Kirk Caldwell is seeking from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell asks DOH to be upfront with COVID-19 cases linked to businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference Tuesday morning that he wants the Hawaii Department of Health to be more upfront with COVID-19 cases. KHON2.

Some call mayor’s proposed expansion of mask mandate government overreach. Hawaii News Now.

City employee in Dept. of Design and Construction tests positive for COVID-19.  City officials confirmed Tuesday that an employee who works in the Frank Fasi Municipal Building has tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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3 Hawaii Costco employees contract coronavirus. Three Costco workers have tested positive for the coronavirus — two in Hawaii Kai and one in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

3 Costco employees at 2 Oahu locations test positive for COVID-19. Internal memos confirmed that at least three employees tested positive — one in Iwilei and two others in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Another Foodland employee tests positive for coronavirus. Another Foodland employee has tested positive for the coronavirus, this time at Foodland Farms Pearl City. Star-Advertiser.

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Father, son with COVID-19 forced into facility after breaking quarantine. A father and son who have tested positive for COVID-19 were ordered into quarantine at a facility on Tuesday after being detained at a strip mall in McCully. The state Health Department relied on a rarely-used authority to detain the two. Hawaii News Now.

McCully Shopping Center shuts down after father and son with COVID-19 were arrested in the parking lot. A busy shopping center put on lockdown on Tuesday after a father and son with COVID-19 were arrested for violating quarantine. KITV4.

Oahu businesses want $100M in city grants to pay for rent. A Hawaii business coalition is seeking $100 million in federal coronavirus aid from the city to benefit commercial property landlords and tenants. Star-Advertiser.

New Super PACs Pour Money Into Honolulu Races. The independent expenditure committees are taking out ads for mayoral and council candidates as voters cast their mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

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City buys McCully walk-up for low-income rentals. The city recently purchased a McCully Street apartment building that it will rent out to lower-income families, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Buys 10-Unit Building For Affordable Housing. As of 2019, Oahu needed over 22,000 new housing units by 2025, according to the state. Civil Beat.

City offers affordable housing with McCully Street property. The city unveiled a new affordable housing project on Tuesday. KHON2.

State Legislature sides with Nanakuli landfill opponents. State lawmakers recently passed a highly contested bill that would stop a planned expansion of a landfill in Nanakuli operated by PVT Land Co. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Hundreds who lost homes in 2018 eruption could be eligible for up to $230K. Former Puna residents whose homes were destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption can choose to sell their properties to the county through a nearly $80 million recovery program. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Physician Assistant Program Campus Approved. The new Kona campus of the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington "will be a game changer" for Hawaiʻi, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Big Island Video News.

A whale of a summer: research project continues in Hawaiian waters despite COVID. A unique partnership between marine biologist Dr. Robin Baird at Cascadia Research Collective and Colin Cornforth – the owner of Kona tour company Captain Zodiac – has ensured their summer field project has had a fruitful 21st year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor is asking residents to limit interisland travel. As COVID-19 cases set daily records on Oahu along with an uptick on Maui, Mayor Michael Victorino is advising Maui County residents to postpone interisland leisure travel at this time and only fly between islands for essential business. Maui News.

Man Dies After Taser Struggle with Maui Police, Cause of Death is Undetermined. A 30 year-old Massachusetts man is dead following a taser struggle with Maui police in which he allegedly disarmed an officer of a Taser and proceeded to use the device on three different officers. Maui Now.

Stolen Oysters on Maui are Unfit for Human Consumption. Oysters that were destined for a research project on Maui were stolen last week and may have subsequently been sold at below-market prices on island. Maui Now.

Kauai

HLRB hears temporary workweek trial. County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig testified that the temporary four-day, 10-hour work schedule was an operational decision necessary to reduce movement and the spread of coronavirus yesterday in a Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board hearing on merits via Zoom. Garden Island.

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Large gatherings, trucks driving over Hawaiian burial sites, widespread defecation force closure of Polihale State Park on Kauai. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced it will close Kauai’s Polihale State Park indefinitely, citing bad behavior of residents, with abuse, illegal gatherings and camping. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai State Park Closed Indefinitely. State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said more state parks could face closure as the agency struggles to enforce park rules during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

State closes Kauai’s Polihate State Park, blaming ‘bad behavior’ of locals. The state is closing Kauai’s famous Polihale State Park indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Polihale State Park on Kauai closed due to people’s bad behavior. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s impossible to enforce park rules because of its size and isolated location. KHON2.

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Getting the vote out. The Voter Service Center was scheduled to open Monday, but that opening was delayed by the passage of Hurricane Douglas close to Kaua‘i late Sunday night, and into the early hours of Monday morning. Tuesday, the VSC opened to the public starting at 8 a.m. Garden Island.