Green's housing plan scrutinized, school bus driver shortage impacts 4 islands, Hilo vet home fined again for infractions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green’s emergency order is under scrutiny.  The sweeping set of new rules largely waives or modifies parts of several state and county regulatory procedures in an effort to produce more housing at lower prices without significant negative impact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii school bus driver shortage interrupts service. A worsening shortage of school bus drivers is leading to the partial or complete suspension of bus services at 14 public schools on Oahu and Kauai for the new school year, adding to transportation woes already long plaguing public schools on Hawaii island and Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Native Hawaiian Contractors Take A Back Seat To Alaskans And Tribes For Lucrative Jobs. Hawaii's congressional delegation is hoping to make it easier for Native Hawaiian-owned businesses to compete with other Indigenous contractors. Civil Beat.

EVs will be first to join pilot program for road usage charges. A pilot program to charge motorists based on their mileage is about to kick off. Electric vehicle owners will be part of the first test run. Ed Sniffen, director of the state Department of Transportation, said the program is part of an effort to move away from a gas tax in order to fund highways. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Did Misconduct Allegations Spur State’s $2M Settlement In Case Already Won? A federal court judge announced in May she would probe allegations of misconduct by state lawyers in a lawsuit over sex assaults of inmates by staff at the Hawaii women’s prison. Weeks later, the state Attorney General’s Office announced it had agreed to pay $2 million to settle the case. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines posts $12.3M loss.  Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, on Tuesday reported a $12.33 million loss in the second quarter but still surpassed Wall Street expectations, as strengthening from Japan added to robust leisure travel demand. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considers demolition of ‘monster homes’ as possible penalty.  A bill meant to prohibit giving false statements to city planners as a means of cracking down on “monster homes” might see more penalties given to violators beyond potential monetary fines and imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

City Council eyes big tax break for homeowners who have a landfill for a neighbor. While the Honolulu City Council is looking for ways to soften the bite of a property tax spike for homeowners, it’s also considering a tax break for another reason: To make amends for those who have to live with a landfill as their neighbor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs bill requiring bars, nightclubs to carry life-saving overdose treatment. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 28 Tuesday, which will require the overdose antidote, Narcan, to be available in Oahu bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4

4 major crashes a year required to change traffic signal: City. Kailua residents have been asking for a left turn arrow at an intersection they claim is notoriously dangerous for years. But the city said the intersection does not warrant the change. KHON2.

Kapolei wholesaler must pay $73K for overtime pay violations. The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a Hawaii food wholesaler to pay $73,000 in back wages and penalties for denying overtime pay to 11 warehouse employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Abandoned boat from California drifts onto Oahu beach.  A boat that washed ashore in Punaluu last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo veterans home fined again for failing to meet standards. Staffing shortages and health and safety problems have continued to plague the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, two years after the state took over the nursing facility and fined the company that was managing it over $510,000 for numerous violations following a COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 80% of residents, killing 27. Star-Advertiser.

County finance committee tackles housing crisis. Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced to full council the acceptance of $10 million in federal funds for the vertical construction of Kukuiola emergency shelter in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Council calls on U.S. Postmaster to improve Puna postal service. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the United States Postal Service to expand or rebuild the Pāhoa Post Office in Puna on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Report: Single WWII relic recovered from area in Waimea.  A single piece of military hardware has been recovered from an 11,000-acre area in Waimea over the last 17 years, according to a report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Threatens Crackdown On Controversial Monster House In Napili. Permitted as a single-family residence, Greg Brown's home has been advertised as a vacation rental for up to $20,000 per night. Civil Beat.

Senate Ways and Means Committee to tour Maui and Molokaʻi facilities. The Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Maui on Wednesday into Thursday, July 26-27, and Molokaʻi on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28, 2023. Maui Now.

Hotel data reflect slower summer start than last year. Room revenue, hotel occupancy in Maui County lag behind last summer. Maui News.

Kauai

Parents call for ouster of Waimea Canyon Middle School principal. Representatives from the state Department of Education heard parents and teachers call for the immediate removal of Waimea Canyon Middle School Principal Melissa Speetjens at a meeting at Hanapepe Neighborhood Center on Monday evening, where Speetjens was accused of multiple forms of negligence and creating a toxic school environment for students and staff. Garden Island.

School bus driver shortage to impact four schools, 250 students on Kauaʻi.  The continuing shortage of qualified school bus drivers in Hawaiʻi will completely or partially suspend bus transportation services at four schools on Kauaʻi and 10 of Oʻahu’s 24 high schools when the new school year begins for students on Aug. 7.  Kauai Now.

Ranchers want more land, Hirono pushes for Hawaii missile defense, Hawaiian Airlines accounts for 11% of state GDP, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Local ranchers say they need more land available for agricultural use to stay in business.  Hawaiʻi’s ranchers say they need help to stay in business. A group was set to meet with state lawmakers Monday, seeking their support for a number of measures before the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono concerned about lack of missile defense for Hawaii. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono wants answers from military leaders about missile defense in the islands amid rising tensions in the Pacific, asking senior military brass about the Pentagon’s strategy for defending Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: OHA is falling short on its development, investment promises. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs isn’t sticking to its development and investment promises, according to a new critical state audit that suggests is missing out on revenue. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air a major player in state economy, report shows. Hawaiian Airlines in 2022 wasn’t even back to pre-COVID-19 performance levels and still was associated directly and indirectly with more than $10 billion worth of economic activity in Hawaii — 11% of the state’s gross domestic product, according to an independent report by ICF, a global consulting services company commissioned by the airline to assess its economic impact in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bank stocks tumble, but execs say money is safe. The fallout from the shutdowns of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank spilled over to regional banks Monday and sent the shares tumbling for publicly traded Hawaii financial institutions. Star-Advertiser.

Erosion rulings send clear message: Landowners must come to terms with rising seas. With recent decisions, the state Land Board has sent a clear message to shoreline landowners: They’ll have to start dealing with rising seas and shouldn’t expect government bailouts. That’s an about-face for the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senate Committee Green Lights New Ag Director Sharon Hurd. Sharon Hurd received kudos for being “most improved” from the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee on Monday as the committee approved her appointment to run Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture despite a bumpy initial appearance. Civil Beat.

Patients are settling in at Hawaiʻi State Hospital, but construction fixes are ongoing. Demand remains high for mental health services at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital. The new facility on the windward side of Oʻahu just opened last spring, and officials say it is operating at full capacity — all of its 277 beds are taken. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

In The Line Of Duty? Kealoha Ruling Raises Questions About Public’s Obligation To Cops. The Hawaii Supreme Court decided March 7 that the Honolulu Police Commission erred in 2019 when it decided to provide former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha with taxpayer-funded legal representation after his federal indictment. Civil Beat.

HPD Chief talks about his plan to deal with violent crime. Honolulu Police Department Chief Joe Logan’s, five year plan touches on everything from crime to improving communications. KHON2.

Ex-Mililani athletic director pleads not guilty in theft case. The former Mililani High School athletic director accused of stealing over $400,000 from the school’s nonprofit sports booster club pleaded not guilty Monday to theft charges. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters who ‘reclaimed’ DHHL land step up pressure campaign — and make plans to stay. Frustrated by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Land’s growing waitlist, Native Hawaiian activists are increasing the pressure on the department. Over the weekend, one protester ― De Mont Manaole ― used an excavator to clear a long-vacant, four-acre DHHL parcel that was overrun by weeds and nonnative trees. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed Ward Village development includes nearly 500 units, retail space.  Ward Village has submitted a planned development permit application for its latest residential project — called Launiu Ward Village. The 11th proposed development in Ward Village will be located at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Zoo ticket prices could increase for the first time since 2011. The Honolulu Zoo may raise its kamaʻāina and military admission rates for the first time in over a decade. Honolulu City Council’s Bill 7 proposes increasing tickets by $2. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic victims’ survivors push for new laws to make streets safe.  In the wake of February’s death of a 16-year-old McKinley High School student killed in a crosswalk, lawmakers, advocates for safer streets and families of victims of traffic fatalities gathered Monday at the state Capitol to advocate for new laws. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth gives progress report in State of the County address. Halfway through his first term, Mayor Mitch Roth reflected on his administration’s challenges, successes and hopes for the future at his State of the County address Monday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

State begins Maunakea transfer from UH with newly nominated stewardship team. Gov. Josh Green has nominated the eight members of the new Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. On July 1, a transition period begins, transferring control over Maunakea to the authority, and away from the University of Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court again rejects Big Island biomass plant. The state Supreme Court on Monday once again dashed Honua Ola Bioenergy LLC’s hopes of bringing its $520 million Hawaii island biomass plant into operation burning trees for renewable energy. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.

Gov. Green requests state funding for Kohala Ditch, Kona hospital, Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has included in his budget request to the State Legislature funding for three long-desired Big Island infrastructure projects. He transmitted these requests in a March 10 letter to the State Legislature. Big Island Now.

TSA ‘equipment failure’ causes long lines for passengers at Hilo airport. Travelers waited in hourslong lines at Hilo International Airport over the weekend and Monday due to an “equipment failure,” according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Maui

Maui Settles Civil Suit Tied To Officer Convicted Of Sex Crimes.  Maui County tax dollars will be used to pay three women victimized by former Maui Police Officer Brandon Saffeels, who is now serving a 10-year prison term for child enticement and fraud. Civil Beat.

Mayor Bissen to deliver State of the County address, March 21. Mayor Richard Bissen will deliver his first State of the County address at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 on the front lawn of Kalana O Maui, the County Building in Wailuku. Maui Now.

County of Maui solicits applications for Economic Diversification grants. The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is soliciting applications for proposals for grants to create and implement plans for business development and economic diversification. Maui Now.

Salvaging Shipwrecks Is A Tough Business. Just Ask The Company That Towed The Maui Yacht. The crashed vessel in Honolua and a wave of groundings during last week's storms put a focus on just how hard it is to haul away grounded boats. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County ‘scrambling’ to collect $230K in homelessness funds. The County of Kaua‘i is rushing to receive at least $230,000 in federal funds for homelessness prevention after a sudden shift by the state upended the county’s access to a grant program. Garden Island.

The Kaua‘i Bus getting a rebrand. In an effort to modernize the look of the fleet, two ribbons of light blue and teal will replace the ‘90s-era, sugarcane industry-inspired, green hatching that currently lines the side of the vehicles. Garden Island.

Severe turbulence injures 36 on Hawaiian Airline flight, search called off for Hawaii Life Flight workers who crashed off Maui, shelters open as severe storm approaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

36 treated after Hawaiian flight hits severe turbulence. Thirty-six people on a Hawaiian Airlines flight required medical treatment and 11 were seriously injured Sunday as part of a “mass casualty emergency” caused by weather-related turbulence. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Residents urged to prepare for power outages, possible damage as cold front moves in. The National Weather Service warns a powerful cold front in Hawaii from Sunday through Tuesday could cause significant damage. Hawaii News Now.

Virtual briefing planned for Hawaiian Homelands. The Association of Hawaiians for Homestead Lands, a federal office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is hosting a virtual national briefing about the beneficiary $600 million spending plan for the State of Hawaiʻi’s Act 279.  The briefing will be held via Zoom on Dec. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Kauai Now.

Hawaii Medicaid enrollment up 40% since start of pandemic.  The number of Hawaii residents on Medicaid has jumped 40% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of the state’s children and about one-third of the total population are now covered by the government health insurance program for people with low income. Star-Advertiser.

A Gag Order In A Foster Death: When Child Welfare Secrecy Goes Too Far. The child welfare system is shrouded in secrecy to protect children. Does it also block scrutiny and reform? Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ala Wai flood plans approach final form. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city last week unveiled their latest flood risk management planning efforts during a virtual online workshop. The project has been narrowed to three action proposals.  Star-Advertiser.

No Car? No Problem. Car Rentals Cater To Honolulu Residents Who Don’t Really Need One. As more companies compete to offer short-term car-renting options, living without a car in Honolulu could get easier and bring down the cost of living. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police recruits on pace to exceed retirements.  The number of recruits working their way through the Honolulu Police Department’s training regimen is on pace to exceed the number of officers retiring this year as the department works to fill 375 vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

EPA takes action on 2021 Kailua sewage plant discharge to prevent future spills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a consent order with the city over the discharge of millions of gallons of wastewater from the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Work to restore Waimanalo beach near estate tied to Obama faces hurdles.  As 2020 drew to a close, developers of an oceanfront estate in Waimanalo tied to former President Barack Obama were awaiting a critical decision from the City and County of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Wastewater discharged in Pālolo Stream. The location is below Waiʻalae Avenue to the Ala Wai Canal. The discharge took place at 3110 Waiʻalae Avenue. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Moszkowicz selected as Big Island police chief. The Hawaii County Police Commission has selected Honolulu Police Maj. Benjamin Moszkowicz as the new top cop for Hawaii Island.  West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

‘My life changed’: Property owners appeal steep increases in taxes. More than twice as many property owners appealed their tax assessments this year than last year, according to the 2022 report of the county Real Property Tax Board of Review. West Hawaii Today.

Maunakea telescope to gather data while Mauna Loa observatory is down. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Mauna Loa Observatory lost power two weeks ago after lava from Mauna Loa cut off the sole access road to the facility. That observatory collected atmospheric measurements for more than six decades that allow scientists to track global climate change through carbon dioxide measurements. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Kalanianaole Street finally reopens to both lanes of traffic.  After nearly five years, Kalanianaole Street is now open to both lanes of traffic. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Kona Royal Vistas condo/apartment project heads to Cultural Resources Commission. A long-dormant $170 million Kona project has returned to the Leeward Planning Commission, who on Thursday heard more than 20 residents express their concerns before punting the project to the county Cultural Resources Commission after a four-plus-hour meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Coast Guard suspends search for missing aircrew off Maui.  The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its active search for the missing three-person Hawaii Life Flight crew whose aircraft disappeared off Maui on Thursday night. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Shelters open in Central and South Maui, Flooding closes road between Kīpahulu and ʻUlupalakua. As of 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, emergency shelters have opened in Central and South Maui at: War Memorial Gym, (700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku); and Kamaliʻi Elementary School Cafeteria, (180 Alanui Ke’Alii Dr., Kīhei). Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui County Considers Leasing Land On Lanai That Larry Ellison ‘Won’t Have A Say In’. The opportunity for a leaseholder change on 100 undeveloped acres could revive long stalled plans for a promised agricultural park on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Maui residents vow to pursue legal action over massive Nāpili home. Nāpili residents said they will take legal action against the county after the Maui County Council failed to follow through on an investigation into approvals for a massive Nāpili home. Maui Now.

County acquisition of Lahaina Crossroads Apartments is final. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today that the County of Maui’s acquisition of the Lahaina Crossroads Apartment Building on Luakini St. is final.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i graduates 16 new Emergency Medical Technicians.  Sixteen new emergency medical technicians are now ready to help save lives after graduating on Thursday night at Kaua‘i Community College. Garden Island.

Pacific Media Group to expand on Kaua‘i with purchase of KFMN. Hawai‘i-based Pacific Media Group, which owns and operates 17 radio stations throughout the state, plans to expand and add one more station to its roster. Big Island Now.

Electric seaglider mulled for Hawaii, ticket-less tourists turned away from Diamond Head, Honolulu announces 4 police chief finalists, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Seaglider concept plane PC:REGENT

Hawaiian Airlines investing in electric seaglider. Hawaiian Airlines has invested in an all-electric, no-emission, propeller-driven plane that would take off from sea, fly just the length of a wing over the surface of the ocean and land at neighbor island docks without touching land. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii gas prices continue to increase statewide. The AAA Hawaii said the average regular unleaded gas price for Hawaii was $5.31 on Thursday, May 12. KHON2.

Federal Report: Boarding Schools And Intergenerational Trauma In Hawaiʻi. The United States Department of the Interior on Wednesday released the first volume of an investigative report as part of a “comprehensive effort to address the troubled legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies,” that included schools in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Kaiser’s mental health clinicians say they are ready to strike. Mental health professionals employed by Kaiser Permanente say they are ready to strike next week as contract negotiations drag on, four years after they unionized. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii at Manoa graduation ceremonies shift to require masks. The University of Hawaii at Manoa has made a rule change to require masking at the three commencement ceremonies this weekend, officials have announced. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Presence of omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 on the rise in Hawaii. The proportion of BA.2.12.1, a descendant of the BA.2 subvariant of the coronavirus, has increased in the state, according to the Hawaii Department of Health’s latest variant report. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Some visitors turned away from Diamond Head on first day of new reservation system. Many Tourists Unaware Of New Diamond Head Reservation System On First Day. Almost half of the visitors arriving at Diamond Head crater when it opened at 6 a.m. Thursday were unaware of a new rule requiring reservations for out-of-towners, according to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu Police Commission Names 4 Finalists For Police Chief. On Wednesday, Commission Chair Shannon Alivado identified the finalists as Scott Ebner, Mike Lambert, Joe Logan and Ben Moszkowiz. They are expected answer questions from the public during a live televised forum on May 19 on PBS Hawaii. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Ex-Honolulu Officials Charged With Conspiracy Will Face A Jury In The Fall. A trial that was scheduled for June has been pushed to at least October after the judge granted a continuance. Civil Beat.

Judge defers sentence for man behind ‘email bomb’ attack on HPD’s network. Authorities said 31-year-old Christian Grado allegedly sent thousands of emails to a server that police used to help report and enforce COVID lockdown orders.Officials called the attack an “email bomb.” Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu's recycling program has completed most of its audit recommendations. The Honolulu Auditor’s office made 10 recommendations about the city’s recycling program in 2017. The auditor recommended advocating for changes in the law to allow recyclable materials at H-Power, and to remove the white bin community recycling program. Hawaii Public Radio.

BWS scrambles to get wells online in hopes of avoiding mandatory restrictions. The Board of Water Supply has been busy replacing old pumps to bring wells in Kalihi and Aiea that were out of service back online. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Friday night fireworks’ return on Land Board agenda. Friday night fireworks off the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort might soon return in what could be seen as another sign of recovery from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

First image of Milky Way’s black hole produced. A global collaboration of telescopes, including two observatories on Mauna Kea, helped produce the first image of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Ethics Board dismisses complaint against Waltjen. The county Board of Ethics on Wednesday dismissed a complaint against Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen by a group opposing vaccines, masks and other pandemic protocols who said Waltjen ignored their petitions and compilations of documents they assert prove their case. West Hawaii Today.

Despite renovated quarters, federal firefighters on Hawaii Island say they’re living in Quonset huts. Federal inspectors are investigating health and safety complaints made by firefighters at the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Report shows rent prices spiked 41% on Maui; residents worry about finding a place. Rent prices spiked over the first few months this year, with Maui seeing a 41% surge in asking prices compared with the same time last year, according to a new report from University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization. Maui Now.

The Debate Over This Maui Housing Project Is Still Going Strong 35 Years Later. Critics point to decades of broken promises by developers, who say those in opposition will do anything to delay. Now it’s up to the planning commission to decide. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i test positivity rate highest in State. Kaua‘i County’s test positivity rate is now the highest among all counties in Hawai‘i, at 20.3%. That means every fifth individual who takes a test for COVID-19 on Kaua‘i, tests positive. Garden Island.

Judge denies Hawaiian Airlines employees request to stop vaccine mandate, Navy sues over Red Hill mandate, Schatz amasses $3.9M campaign war chest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Judge Denies Request By Hawaiian Airlines Employees To Halt Vaccine Mandate. District Court Judge Jill Otake’s ruling did not dismiss the lawsuit brought by a group including pilots and flight attendants. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii rebounded 150% last year. Hawaii’s tourism industry attracted nearly 6.8 million visitors last year to post a 150% gain over the prior year. Star-Advertiser.

‘You need to protect it’: Lawmakers renew efforts to strengthen coffee labeling requirements. State lawmakers have renewed efforts to set tighter limits on using Hawaii location names to sell coffee. However, only one of five bills introduced this session aimed at protecting the $60 million industry has gained traction. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers Weighing Tougher Criminal Penalties For Assaults Of Retail Workers. Employees say they are scared of some customer reactions while enforcing Covid-19 health requirements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bill looks to outlaw small complimentary toiletries at hotels. Lawmakers are looking at a bill that would do away with single-use plastic toiletries at hotels and instead encourage them to provide things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap in bulk dispensers. KHON2.

Hawaii Lawmakers Seek To Rein In Unpaid Internships. Students would largely be barred from working for free outside academic settings under a measure introduced in the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Project Reset: Lawmakers push for program that gives criminals a second chance. The Project Reset bill is moving through the legislature and aims to offer better opportunities for those in prison looking to put a reset on their life. KHON2.

Missing master keys lead to an expensive security fiasco at the state Capitol building. In an expensive security fiasco at the state Capitol, state lawmakers are spending $250,000 to change every lock in their offices because master keys have gone missing. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz Enjoys $3.9M Campaign War Chest For Senate Reelection. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is not up until 2024, has more than $800,000 in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

Vicky Cayetano stepping aside from business responsibilities to focus on Hawaii governor’s race. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano plans to step down as the head of Hawaii’s largest commercial laundry company to focus on her campaign, she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Spotlight Hawaii” livestream show Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New NOAA satellite to monitor weather in Hawaii region. Officials say the GOES-T satellite and will focus on monitoring the western continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska. They say it will provide fast, accurate data for tracking destructive wildfires, lightning, dense fog, and Pacific Ocean-based storm systems. KITV4.

New specialty license plate features Hokuleʻa. About 18,000 plates were made available for purchase at satellite city halls on Oahu, starting this week. According to the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the plates are also available on Hawaii Island. They’ll be released in Kauai County on Monday, and in Maui County in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 10 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,177 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 775 new cases on Oahu, 74 on Hawaii Island, 179 on Maui, 68 on Kauai, seven on Molokai, six on Lanai and 68 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Feds take Hawaii to court over Red Hill defueling order. The federal government is taking Hawaii to court over its emergency order requiring the Navy to drain its massive, underground fuel tanks at Red Hill, filing appeals in state and federal courts on Wednesday that argue the state overstepped its authority when it tried to shutter the aging fuel farm that has contaminated Oahu’s groundwater. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Top EPA official visits Hawaiʻi to oversee Navy flushing process and ensure accurate water sampling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's number two official arrived in Honolulu from Washington this week to see firsthand the cleanup of the fuel-tainted water at Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Police Department releases summary report on 2020 Hibiscus Drive killings. Two years after two Honolulu police officers responding to a 911 call of suspicious behavior were ambushed and killed by a sniper, the department released the official account of what happened that morning on Hibiscus Drive. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

State Approves 390-Unit Affordable Housing Development In Kapolei. A portion of the households would be set aside for family’s earning 140% of the area median income. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Campaign fundraising off to a slow start: Local candidates begin gearing up for the 2022 elections. The last half of 2021 was generally a sluggish period for local campaign fundraising, with the exception of two candidates seeking new offices. West Hawaii Today.

Bill aims to speed up lease extension approvals in Kanoelehua Industrial Area. With some Hilo business owners having a hard time getting their leases of state land extended, a bill in the state Legislature seeks to cut the Board of Land and Natural Resources out of the process entirely. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Commission suggests salary bump for Chief from $158,000 to $205,000. The Maui Police Commission voted unanimously to recommend a $47,000 bump in pay for the Maui Police Chief. The recommendation requests an increase in pay from the current $158,851 to $205,000 (+29%) as a new base salary. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Charter Commission holding public meeting Feb. 3 on updated draft report. The Maui Charter Commission is holding a virtual public meeting Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. to hear public testimony about revisions to the draft report, which has 40 proposed amendments to the County Charter that are under consideration for the November 2022 ballot. Maui Now.

State to investigate as Maui residents, mansion owner clash over shoreline access. Cliff House draws community in solidarity over access dispute. A popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, Hawea Point this weekend also became a meeting place for hundreds of people to stand together in solidarity against alleged actions by a neighboring mansion owner to control access to the area.  Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Real Estate Market starts 2022 with new record median home price $1,160,000. The Maui real estate market started the new year off with the median price for single-family homes rising to a record $1,160,000 – the previous high was set in June 2021 at $1,105,000. Maui Now.

Days after getting evictions, Lanai teachers are told they can stay in state-run housing. A big sigh of relief for some teachers on Lanai who were told they were being evicted from state-run housing. After several days of confusion and fear, state Department of Education officials said they can stay. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

OPA candidates Like and Iseri discuss policy ahead of election. With ballots for the county prosecutor special election sent out in the mail last week, candidates Rebecca Like and Shaylene Iseri took to the airwaves to share their vision for criminal justice on the island. Garden Island.

How This Kauai Community Is Benefiting From Hosting The Island’s Landfill. The west Kauai community has received more than $2 million through a benefits fund that residents have used for solar projects, youth sports and more. Civil Beat.

Hawaii recovery slow, drastic changes in Honolulu redistricting, lava buyout program expands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaiian Airlines at HNL ©2021 All Hawaii News

Despite Momentum, Hawaiian Airlines Forecast Signals Slow Recovery. In a sign of the challenge Hawaii tourism companies face recovering from the Covid-19 travel drought, Hawaiian Airlines said Tuesday it expects revenue to be down 32% to 37% during the last three months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Nominations of female judges to Hawaii Circuit Court applauded. Leaders of the state Senate’s Women’s Caucus today applauded Gov. David Ige’s nominations of four women to Hawaii’s Circuit Courts. A fifth woman also has been nominated by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope protesters oppose Biden’s U.S. attorney pick for Hawaii. Some Native Hawaiians are objecting to President Joe Biden’s choice for U.S. attorney for Hawaii, saying Clare Connors treated dozens of elders like criminals when her office prosecuted them for blocking a road while protesting the construction of a telescope in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Chemical Shortages Are Hitting Hawaii From Pools To Breweries. Supply chain snafus caused by the pandemic have pinched chemical supplies, leaving the city and businesses scrambling for alternatives or ways to get by with less. Civil Beat.

Central Pacific Bank triples earnings. Central Pacific Bank more than tripled its net income in the third quarter, increased its dividend and repurchased more of its shares as it continued to distance itself from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 74 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 83,522. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 36 new cases on Oahu, 19 on Hawaii Island, two on Maui, 12 on Kauai and five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New City Council district map drastically moves neighborhoods. The Honolulu Reapportionment Committee on Tuesday night selected a map that would would drastically change the voter makeup of Council districts beginning in 2022. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Human error, not aging Red Hill tanks, caused May fuel spill, Navy says. The U.S. Navy has concluded that a May 6 spill at its Red Hill underground fuel farm was due to a control room operator’s failure to follow correct procedures. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club wants transparency, emails, answers about recent Navy fuel leaks and Red Hill. The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi has filed a public records complaint with the state Department of Health after learning of an email trail it believes could change the outcome of a contested case hearing for the U.S. Navy’s permit to operate the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council wants to hike traffic fines to raise money for Honolulu Police Department. Currently, money collected from the fines goes to the state, all of it. Council members are looking to raise the fines in order for the city to get some of that. KHON2.
 
Initial phase of a three-tower senior housing project in Liliha-Palama will break ground in 2022. A state agency has committed to finance the first of three affordable senior housing towers planned on the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s outdated Liliha­-Palama administrative campus. Star-Advertiser.

5 Honolulu Police Department officers unjustly shot and killed car theft suspect, complaint alleges. The family of a 30-year-old man who was shot and killed by plainclothes police officers at a gas station in Kapolei in 2019 is suing the Honolulu Police Department for negligence and wrongful death. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Water power charges to increase. An increase in electric rates is leading to the highest power cost surcharge on county water bills in at least two years, with the Water Board on Tuesday approving a 16% hike in the power cost charge. West Hawaii Today.

Phase 2 of lava buyout program set to begin. Owners of secondary residences that were isolated, damaged or destroyed during the 2018 Kilauea eruption will be able to apply next week for the county to buy their properties. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Maui

Marine Institute has Documented 201 Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles So Far This Year. The Maui Ocean Center’s Marine Institute has documented 201 sick, injured or dead sea turtles on Maui so far this year. According to the organization, 89% of the incidents involved turtles with injuries from fishing gear interactions. Maui Now.

Upcountry water shortage ends, but drought remains. A nearly four-month-long water shortage declaration for Upcountry came to an end due to recent rainfall, though many areas across Maui County are still experiencing severe drought and concerns over enforcement of water restrictions remain. Maui Now.

GoFundMe Account Set Up for Repairs of StoneWave Skate Park in Pā‘ia. A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise about $8,000 for fence restoration and repairs of the StoneWave Skate Park, a part of the Pāʻia Youth & Cultural Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Controversial Seacliff development deferred again. A wave of resident testimony on the potential cultural and ecological impacts of a development within the gated Seacliff Plantation subdivision has caused the Planning Commission to defer any decision on the application until December. Garden Island.

Temporary Waimea skatepark expected to be up by next summer. The Kaua‘i Planning Department is planning to set up a temporary ramp and halfpipe at the Waimea Athletic Field. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court requires anti-TMT nonprofit bank records turned over to Attorney General, 2 Hawaiian Airlines flights turned back when passengers act out, Ironman takes a year in Utah, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian oli on Mauna Kea ©2021 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court partially approves subpoena into bank records of group opposing TMT on Mauna Kea. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a subpoena to access the bank records of a nonprofit organization that has opposed the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, but the ruling also further limits the scope of the subpoena. Star-Advertiser.

2 separate Hawaiian Airlines flights return to Honolulu Airport after two unruly passenger cases. One incident involved an alleged unprovoked attack against a flight attendant on an interisland flight bound for Hilo, while the other involved a passenger who allegedly defied the federal face mask mandate on a flight to Seattle. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii officials seek workers statewide for Safe Travels program. The state is seeking to hire 100 people to help verify Safe Travels program documents at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, the Hilo and Kona International Airports on Hawaii Island, Kahului Airport on Maui, and Lihue Airport on Kauai. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s economy is expected to resume recovery in November. According to a new report by University of Hawaii economists, the Nov. 25 Thanksgiving holiday is likely to be around when the main driver of the local economy — tourism — starts to make a significant recovery after a big tumble tied to the towering delta wave of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s High Cost Of Living Just Keeps Getting Higher. Rising gasoline and housing prices are driving up living costs for isle families, offsetting wage gains that had appeared to offer a bright spot in a tepid economic recovery. Civil Beat.

Vacation rental supply only two-thirds back to pre-COVID days. Vacation rental occupancy across the state was down about a third in August, while hotel supply was almost at the pre­-pandemic level that it was two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital rewrites the rules so loved ones can say goodbye at COVID patients’ bedsides. Partnership between Adventist Heath Castle and Bristol Hospice is allowing exceptions so family members can be at the bedside during those final moments. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 445 additional infections. new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 267 new cases on Oahu, 52 on Maui, 81 on Hawaii Island, 30 on Kauai, seven on Molokai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

US House Passes Bill With Enhanced Standards For Red Hill Fuel Tanks. The bill passed ahead of a highly anticipated decision by the Hawaii health director on the World War II-era tanks, which have leaked into the area’s groundwater. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Commission Seeks Public’s Help In Search For New Police Chief. The Honolulu Police Commission is urging the community to send in presentations and testimony regarding the search for the new police chief. Civil  Beat.

With city vaccine exemptions pending approval, councilwoman proposes alternatives to firing. Andria Tupola has introduced a resolution calling for alternatives to firing and is asking city officials to be clearer about the exemption policies. Hawaii News Now.

Iwilei homeless shelter scrambled to identify and isolate COVID-19 cases. The outbreak affected twenty-six residents and a dozen of its 28 staff, forcing the remaining workers to jump into action. KITV4.

Police Officer Falsely Accused Former State Senator Of Being At Massage Parlor Raid. Officer Chester Desiderio faced an undisclosed administrative action for Facebook comments he made about former Sen. Will Espero. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship moving to Utah, officials plan Kona return in October 2022. The Ironman World Championship will be held outside of Hawaii for the first time in its 40-plus history, race officials announced Thursday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Collaboration allows students to use Hele-On pass to get to school. Hawaii County has formed a partnership with the state Department of Education to help alleviate student transportation issues on Hawaii Island caused by a shortage of school bus drivers and routes. Star-Advertiser.

Water reservior project moves foward: Final EA released for 10 million gallon tank in Kohala. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply proposes to build the 36-foot-tall prestressed concrete water tank on property currently owned by Parker Ranch. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island COVID patient's family wants court to force hospital to give him Ivermectin. The fight to give Ivermectin to coronavirus patients now goes before a state judge. A Big Island man is is "on death's doorstep," according to his family. Now they hope to force the hospital to give him an experimental drug. KITV4.

Maui

Big changes to Wailuku town development rules proposed. Saying they’re up against a wall, Maui County Council members on Wednesday recommended approval for sweeping changes to nearly 70 acres of downtown Wailuku in a step to evade long-term litigation. Maui News.

6th Hawaiian monk seal found dead on Molokai. Wildlife officials reported the death of another Hawaiian monk seal on Molokai, the isle’s sixth so far this year, which they said is unprecedented. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

'It's very devastating': activists decry removal of Maui's largest homeless encampment. The sweep made way for the Department of Transportation to restore a nearby wildlife sanctuary. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i to move away from tier system. The County of Kaua‘i will be moving away from its six-tiered system, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced Thursday, but will continue to enforce strict COVID-19 safety measures. Garden Island.

Project seeks to boost local egg production. Farmers have an opportunity to add fresh eggs to their list of wares next year, with tools provided by nonprofit Malama Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Ige announces vaccine passport, Honolulu morgue 83% over capacity, Hawaiian Airlines resumes American Samoa flights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State launches Hawaii SMART Health Card program as businesses prepare to implement new requirements. Fully vaccinated people in Hawaii will soon be able to show digital proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status on mobile phones before entering businesses and other venues that require it. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Highgate mandates COVID-19 vaccinations at its Waikiki hotels. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach and Highgate’s Hawaii collection of seven hotels announced Wednesday that they soon will require full COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees, guests and patrons. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume American Samoa Service After 17 Month Pause. Hawaiian Airlines is reconnecting Honolulu and American Samoa by resuming nonstop flights to the location next week. Maui Now. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Former HSTA President May Seek State Senate Seat. Corey Rosenlee is looking to run for the office currently held by Mike Gabbard. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Landlords Can Now Evict Their Tenants. But Not Many Cases Are Being Filed — Yet. The Biden administration has called on states to enact eviction moratoriums, but Gov. David Ige doesn’t plan to revive Hawaii’s. Civil Beat.

American Civil Liberties Union joins call for early release of certain prisoners. The ACLU of Hawaii is joining the state Public Defender’s call for the early release of certain classifications of prisoners and is urging the Hawaii Department of Public Safety to vaccinate more of its employees as two of several steps needed to stop the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus among the state’s incarcerated population. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Education Department Says 89% Of Employees Have Been Fully Or Partially Vaccinated. The department released the figures after Gov. David Ige required all state and county workers to get vaccinated or submit to weekly Covid tests. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KITV4.

While DOE reports hundreds of COVID cases, leaders insist clusters not linked to public schools. In its most recent cluster report, the state Health Department said four clusters were in educational settings on Oahu and 10 on Maui. However, state officials said these recent clusters were not in DOE schools. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 380 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 69,144. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 203 new cases on Oahu, 54 on Maui, 95 on Hawaii island, 19 on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning Commission closes public testimony on short-term rental bill. After listening to over 200 testifiers, largely against the measure, the commissioners decided to close public testimony, but not make a decision until a Sept. 29 meeting. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Urges Blangiardi Administration to Remove Haʻikū Stairs. The Honolulu City Council has passed a measure urging the city to dismantle the steps at a popular and closed hiking trail known as Stairway to Heaven. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

With morgue full and COVID surge continuing, city moves in 2 more mortuary trailers. As the state continues to grapple with rising COVID hospitalizations and deaths, the city Medical Examiner’s Office is reporting that it’s now 83% over capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu records 2nd coronavirus-related death of City and County of Honolulu employee. A second Honolulu city employee died this week from complications related to COVID-19 , two weeks after the city recorded its first coronavirus-related fatality. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police officer is facing termination for refusing vaccination. A 24-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department must accept a COVID-19 vaccine or lose his career in law enforcement after he was served with termination papers Tuesday for declining to comply with the city’s employee vaccine mandate. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Leaders push state, city to open more COVID testing sites amid growing demand. Currently, there are about nine free testing sites on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Weed and Seed program sees 74 arrests in Chinatown area. In the two months since the city brought back Weed and Seed, a once-federal program meant to target crime in a specific area and then bolster community initiatives, at least 74 people have been arrested for mostly drug-related crimes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land board to consider proposals for Uncle Billy’s, Country Club sites. Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and the Country Club Condo Hotel could be replaced by Hilton franchises under redevelopment proposals submitted to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

State: Removal of two Maunakea telescopes won’t harm environment. The removal of two Maunakea telescopes will have no significant impacts on the environment, according to reports by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Environmental Assessment Required For Pohoiki Road Restoration. FEMA says the additional assessment will take about six months for it to complete, County officials say. Big Island Video News.

Sister City program survives pandemic. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put pause to the customary travel among sister cities, but Hawaii County and local organizations have found workarounds to keep the relationships alive until officials can return to the skies. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

On-Site Oxygen Generator Installed and Tested on Maui, to Supplement Supply. Maui received an on-site Oxygen Generator last week and was able to install and test the unit successfully this week, according to Maui Health. Maui Now.

Miyake-HPM Building Supply Completes Renovation of 4 Rebranded Maui Stores. A year after HPM Building Supply and Miyake Concrete Accessories merged on Maui, the newly combined Miyake – HPM Building Supply has completed the rebranding and renovation of its four stores in Lahaina, Kīhei, Makawao and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

County starts appointment system for COVID-19 testing. Due to high demand for COVID-19 testing, the county’s free testing site at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e is implementing a ticketing system to avoid long wait times. Garden Island.

Groundbreaking Tuesday for Princeville’s Kaua‘i Kupuna Park. The Kaua‘i FitLot, described as the first phase of the Kaua‘i Kupuna Park, is a 42-foot circular platform featuring low-impact equipment designed for kupuna. Garden Island.