Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies to go on despite shooting, Board of Education OKs teacher pay raises, Big Islanders fight free Wi-Fi, 21 cattle die on Kauai-bound barge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:U.S. Parks Service

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemoration will continue as planned Saturday. The annual commemoration ceremony marking the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor will continue as planned Saturday, three days after a US sailor killed two civilian workers and injured another before killing himself at the US naval base. CNN.

Navy sailor who killed 2 at Pearl Harbor shipyard was facing disciplinary proceeding. The U.S. Navy sailor who fatally shot two at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday and wounded a third was having disciplinary problems at work and had been enrolled in anger management courses, multiple sources confirm. Hawaii News Now.

Many questions hang over Pearl Harbor shooting. The troubled 22-year-old Pearl Harbor sailor identified as shooting three shipyard workers Wednesday and then killing himself may have come from a troubled ship. Star-Advertiser.

Gunman, two victims identified following Pearl Harbor shooting. The gunman and the two victims that died in Wednesday’s shooting incident at Pearl Harbor has been identified. KHON2.

30-year-old Wai'anae man identified as a victim in the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting. One of the two men killed by a US sailor at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard was identified on Thursday as 30-year-old Vincent Kapoi Junior. KITV.

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School board approves plan to boost pay for special ed, Hawaiian immersion teachers. The Board of Education voted Thursday to give qualified, licensed teachers in the most critical shortage areas a big pay boost starting Jan. 7 to try to keep them on the job and attract more educators. Star-Advertiser.

BOE OKs pay increase for teachers in hard-to-fill positions. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved a proposal to address Hawaii’s continuing teacher shortage by increasing pay for classroom teachers in areas that have faced the most severe staff shortages. Tribune-Herald.

BOE Passes Teacher Pay Increases 7-2. Educators in specialized fields and hard-to-staff geographical areas are on track to receive extra compensation by January. Big Island Now.

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‘One Giant Pediatric Measles Ward’: A Samoan Hospital Is Overwhelmed. Some of Hawaii’s medical team in Samoa are providing care at the hospital, which is strapped for equipment, space and manpower. Civil Beat.

Samoans grateful for Hawaii medical team. An emergency medical team from Hawaii, along with Samoan volunteers and aid workers from other countries, immunized more than 20,000 residents on the first day of a mandatory vaccination campaign. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Trustees Differ Over New Audit’s Analysis. Colette Machado says it confirms the office is moving in the “right direction” but Kelii Akina sees fraud and abuse. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New HART Analyses Show Millions Of Dollars In Added Rail Costs. The projected costs to complete Honolulu’s 20-mile rail transit system have grown by about $70 million in the past four months, based on the local rail agency’s ongoing analyses of risks to the project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms support for plastics ban. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Thursday reaffirmed that he will likely sign a bill approved by the City Council Wednesday that would ban most food-service type, single-use plastics on Oahu by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Wi-Fi fears: Some don’t want free Wi-Fi at county facilities. Fear of radio wave exposure and a desire not to be around cellphone users inspired more than 50 people to send the County Council testimony opposing free Wi-Fi at county parks and facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Police operations on Mauna Kea are expensive ‘speed trap,’ county chairman says. Hawaii County police stationed on Mauna Kea have issued more than 7,600 traffic citations during the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, and a frustrated Hawaii County Council Chairman Aaron Chung is now describing police operations on the mountain as an enormously expensive “speed trap.” Star-Advertiser.

HELCO celebrates 125 years. At the end of the 19th century, Akima Brown Akui began working for the newly founded Hilo Electric Light Company. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Opponents become backers of West Maui development. Pulelehua plan with bump to 500 affordable units hammered out at meeting. The state Land Use Commission on Wednesday credited community engagement with producing an agreement that may finally help move forward a West Maui housing and commercial development project that’s stagnated for more than a decade. Maui News.

PUC contested case hearing underway for Paeahu Solar project. The state consumer advocate Wednesday warned about “pursuing clean energy goals at any cost” and allowing the pursuit of renewables that could leave developers and neighbors “fighting against each other.” Maui News.

New Ban on Maui: Commercial Ocean Recreation Activities Prohibited on Sundays and Holidays. Starting on Jan. 1, 2020, the County of Maui will prohibit Commercial Ocean Recreation Activities at County beach parks on Sundays and holidays. Maui Now.

Kauai

County hires Mel Rapozo. Former county councilmember Mel Rapozo has been hired as an investigator for the Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, according to a county spokesperson. Garden Island.

Critics: Deaths of 21 cattle on barge bound for Kauai ‘cruel and inhumane’. State Agriculture Department officials said 21 cattle died while they were being transported on a Young Brothers barge bound for Kauai last month. Hawaii News Now.

Let the healing begin. Teenagers struggling with substance abuse will soon be able to get the treatment they need without leaving the island. Garden Island.

Rail work snarls, state's renewable energy grade slides, Honolulu wants $250k back from Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dillingham Boulevard PC:HART

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will present a community update today on the utility relocation work taking place along Dillingham Boulevard (Middle Street to Kaaahi Street) and discuss residential and business outreach mitigation programs. HART press release.

Rail construction on Dillingham delayed. Major rail-related construction along congested Dillingham Boulevard is being delayed until early next year to give the city more time to finalize its traffic management plan, and the city is considering providing tax relief to property owners and their tenants during what is expected to be a hellish two years of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses along busy urban corridor prepare for a hit as rail construction moves east. As construction for the rail project heads east, businesses along a major roadway are bracing for a drop in sales. Crews have been relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kaaahi Street since July 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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The State Receives a C Grade in its Progress to 100% Renewable Energy. The Blue Planet Foundation, an environmental non-profit, lowered Hawaii’s overall clean energy grade from a B- to a C. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marine Scientists Track Coral Bleaching in Real Time. In Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay, researchers with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to document coral reefs as they undergo bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

An extreme future. New research out of the University of Hawaii forecasts more frequent and extreme El Nino events, and that could mean more unpredictable rainfall, hurricane activity, sea-surface temperatures and changes in sea levels around Hawaii. Garden Island.

Most UH Students Are People Of Color But Their Teachers Are Mainly White. But the percentage of non-white faculty is increasing, going from 44% in 2013 to about 50% in 2018. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to seek repayment of $250K from Louis Kealoha. The city said Wednesday it plans to demand that former police Chief Louis Kealoha repay the $250,000 severance he received upon retirement in 2017 now that Kealoha has been convicted of multiple felonies and waived his right to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

City will have to stand in line to get Kealoha’s $250k payoff back. Ex police chief Louis Kealoha owes city taxpayers a quarter of a million dollars, and the city is sending him a letter demanding payment. Hawaii News Now.

City sending demand letter to Louis Kealoha for $250,000 severance payback. The city is demanding Louis Kealoha pay back a $250,000 severance, now that the former police chief has pled guilty to federal felony bank fraud, and earlier was found guilty of conspiracy. KHON2.

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Farmers see a first glimpse of a wind turbine under construction in Kahuku. Since Thursday, there have been at least 107 arrests as protesters try to stop the transport of wind turbine parts for AES Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku. Police say some protesters are attaching themselves with PVC pipe and handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Teen says police punched and used Taser on him at Kalaeloa protest. The estimated 150 to 175 law enforcement officers outnumbered the 125 or so opponents of the AES Corp.’s wind turbine project again at Kalaeloa Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

AES Chief Operating Officer talks about controversial wind farm project. "We know we'll be visible. I can't hide a wind farm". KITV.

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New exemptions to plastic bill in City Council. A bill to expand the plastic ban on Oahu will be brought up once again at the Honolulu City Council, but there’s been some changes. KHON2.

Council resolution advises rejection of Navy’s proposal for Red Hill tanks. Despite concerns by the Navy, a Honolulu City Council committee unanimously passed an updated resolution Wednesday asking regulators to reject Navy plans to pursue single-wall tank upgrades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

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City to stop enforcing vacation rentals law at Waikiki tower whose owners sued. The city has agreed to stop enforcing the new vacation rentals law on a Waikiki condo tower that it previously accused of having hundreds of illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Banyan gets temporary stay from short-term rental enforcement. Waikiki Banyan condominium owners have received a courtroom stay temporarily preventing the city from enforcing a new law designed to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu County sells $497M in wastewater system revenue bonds. The City and County of Honolulu sold about $497 million of its wastewater system revenue bonds at a 2.95% interest rate, the county announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County to loosen energy code restrictions. Changes to the county’s energy code aimed at making home construction more affordable, while still becoming more energy-efficient, are the subject of public “speakout” sessions for design and construction professionals early next week. West Hawaii Today.

With recycling changes, county braces for landfill impact. Thousands of tons of recyclables once diverted from the waste stream will enter the Big Island’s landfills each year under changes implemented last week to Hawaii County’s recycling program. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses suit in connection with controversial Ka‘u sewer plants. A lawsuit against two county officials over two planned Ka‘u sewer plants was dismissed earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Draft EA Posted For New Rock Quarry In Hilo. Yamada and Sons, Inc. is looking to acquire a license to develop a 37-acre portion of a State property near the Hilo landfill for use as a rock quarry. Big Island Video News.

Construction of new College of Pharmacy building nearly finished. Three years after breaking ground on the new building for the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, work is nearing completion and classes are slated to start there next semester. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Water Fight Has Become A Major Power Struggle. The mayor won’t settle a case with national implications despite the council’s instruction to do so, spurring a new lawsuit to sort out the separation of powers. Civil Beat.

Compliance Concerns Linger as Maui Water Rights Case Wraps Up. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases is coming to a close on Maui next month after more than 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally for water rights as case draws to close. With chants of “aloha aina,” hundreds of people rallied Tuesday evening at the State Building to protest a possible Mahi Pono move that rally organizers say could derail one of Hawaii’s significant water rights cases. Maui News.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes for traffic tickets. Until a couple weeks ago, drivers on Kauai who either didn’t have a valid license or an auto insurance policy could get penalized twice — once for being uninsured or unlicensed and again for not being able to prove otherwise. Garden Island.

OHA records subpoenaed over TMT Thirty Meter Telescope, tourism expected to drop with vacation rental crackdown, new HART board chairman selected, Kealoha sentencing delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Protest sign at Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Subpoena issued to learn how OHA is helping protesters. The state Attorney General’s Office has slapped a subpoena on the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs demanding detailed infor­mation about support that OHA has provided to the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who are blocking Mauna Kea Access Road, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has learned. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Previews Path Forward On Mauna Kea. The Hawaii County Mayor testified before the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees during a meeting held Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Mayor Kim says his plan includes building TMT, but that is a nonstarter for protesters. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim confirmed Thursday that his long-awaited blueprint for the future of Mauna Kea will include a plan to build the Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit, but the TMT opponents said that is still unacceptable to them. Star-Advertiser.

OHA trustees meet with protesters, offer support. Three trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs met with protesters at Maunakea Access Road Thursday in support of their opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

Kaleikoa Kaʻeo, one of the leaders in the movement opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, gave passionate testimony at Thursday's Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting. Big Island Video News.

TMT enforcement effort nets 547 citations, 11 arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 547 traffic citations and arrested 11 suspects in the week between Sept. 12-18, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii economy approaching standstill, report finds. Brace yourselves, Hawaii residents. The state economy is expected to slow to a near “standstill” for the next three years, according to a new University of Hawaii analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Pay Increase Approved For Hawaii School Officials. The salary adjustments impact three leadership tiers below the top-level superintendent and will help with recruitment challenges, according to the DOE. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente study reveals healthy Hawaiians still at higher risk of developing diabetes. Kaiser's study found even at a normal weight, Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have a rate of diabetes three times higher than Caucasians. KITV.

Why The Growing Demand For AC Threatens Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Goals. Far more residents now have air conditioning to deal with a warming climate.Civil Beat.


Oahu

Federal Judge Postpones Sentencing Of The Kealohas For Two Weeks. The couple will now be sentenced on Oct. 31. Civil Beat.

Kealoha Conspiracy Sentencing Re-Scheduled For Halloween. Associated Press.

Sentencing for Kealohas delayed until Halloween. District Chief Judge J. Michael Seabright agreed Thursday to delay the sentencing of Katherine and Louis Kealoha for their conspiracy and obstruction convictions while settlement talks continue related to the couple’s upcoming trial on bank fraud charges and a later drug-related trial involving Katherine Kealoha and her brother. Star-Advertiser.

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HPD: No one will be disciplined after emergency sirens were mistakenly set off. Honolulu’s police chief says no one will disciplined after an employee participating in a training exercise at the main station Wednesday accidentally set off emergency sirens on Oahu, sending people scrambling for information on what was going on. Hawaii News Now.

Faster corrections and training changes called for after latest false emergency scare. Figure out how to tell the public immediately that there is no danger after false alarms. That’s what the mayor and lawmakers want from anyone able to trigger emergency sirens and alerts. KHON2.

Economists: Airbnb Crackdown Will Likely Cause Big Drop In Oahu Tourism. The expected decline could cost the island more than $30 million per month in direct spending, based on state tourism data. Civil Beat.

Caldwell: Delay Of Dillingham Rail Plan Reaching ‘Crisis’ Level. Rail officials admit progress on a utility relocation plan has been too slow. Civil Beat.

Caldwell voices frustration over rail’s utility relocation. Honolulu rail officials are now wrestling with what they’ve said all along is the most difficult part of the $9.2 billion, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana mass transit project: the relocation of a multitude of utility lines along the congested and key commuting corridor known as Dillingham before actual rail construction begins. Star-Advertiser.

HART Gets Its First New Board Chair In About Three Years. Toby Martyn joined HART as a state appointee. Now, he’s the agency’s board chairman. Civil Beat.

Manahan’s Chief Of Staff Running For City Council Seat. Radiant Cordero wants to represent the greater Kalihi area at Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

City Unsure of Trees Already Planted To Reach Its 100,000 Goal. Despite having an ambitious goal to plant 100,000 trees by 2025, the city has been unable to keep count of exactly how many have already been planted. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Committee signs off on Mass Transit multi-year contract request. Finance Committee members on Tuesday gave favorable recommendation to Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira’s request to fast-track approval for a multi-year contract for Hele-On bus service with no financial information attached. West Hawaii Today.

Council mulls electric buses. Members of the Hawaii County Council met with a representative of an electric bus manufacturer Tuesday to discuss the possibility of converting the county’s bus fleet to electric vehicles. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor: Injection well settlement could cost county $800 million. Supporters of ending suit call this ‘Chicken-Little’ predictions. Maui News.

An ethics complaint has been filed against Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin, alleging that she should not be voting on the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection wells case – because she was once on the board of one of the plaintiff organizations which originally filed the lawsuit. Maui Now.

Maui siren was not supposed to be triggered by Honolulu Police. KHON2.

DOE seeks input on teacher compensation Wednesday. Two meetings to discuss changes to the teacher compensation system, staged by the state Department of Education, will be held on Maui from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Baldwin Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

Judge rules for Water Department. Kia‘i Wai O Wai‘ale‘ale is well on its way to losing its lawsuit against the county Department of Water, but a lawyer representing the water-rights organization said the legal battle over a proposed 18-inch water main in the Wailua watershed has broader implications, and believes the case will ultimately be settled in the Hawaii Supreme Court. Garden Island.

HTA rolls out campaign to educate visitors. Sharing the dos and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands is the goal of a campaign launched through a partnership between the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Garden Island.

Feds approve Honolulu rail recovery plan, HART staffer keeps job despite vote-rigging conviction, Ala Moana Park upgrades progressing, Kauai still seeks auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

Rail recovery funds get federal approval. The Federal Transit Administration finally has approved the city’s recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, a development that rail authority Executive Director Andrew Robbins called a “significant milestone” for the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Approve Rail’s Recovery Plan, Signaling Continued Support. The FTA won’t release rail’s remaining $744 million, however, until the project’s actual costs are clearer. Civil Beat.

In ‘milestone,’ feds approve recovery plan for city’s beleaguered rail project. Despite ongoing concerns over construction of Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the rail authority’s revised recovery plan. Hawaii News Now.

Feds approve recovery plan for Honolulu rail project. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration approved HART's recovery plan for rail on Thursday. KITV.

FTA Approves of HART Honolulu Rail Recovery Plan. The approval clears the way for the remaining $743+ million in federal funding for the project to be released as outlined in the Full Funding Grant Agreement. Maui Now.

Federal rail payout depends on City Center bid prices. After years in limbo and federal money frozen for Honolulu’s rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the project’s recovery plan. KHON2.

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HART Boss Sees No Reason To Fire Staffer Convicted In Union Vote Rigging. The rail agency’s top executive won’t say who’s advising him to keep Russell Yamanoha at HART after his plea deal. Civil Beat.

Despite conviction, rail spokesman allowed to stay on the job. A rail official who pleaded guilty earlier this week to falsifying the results of an election when he worked for a Hawaii union will keep his job for now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Caldwell gives update on Ala Moana Regional Park’s master plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday hailed the completion of key renovations at Ala Moana Regional Park and took aim at critics of his far-ranging master plan for Oahu’s most popular recreational stop, calling the critics “a very small group of people.” Star-Advertiser.

City shows off much-needed upgrades to Honolulu’s most popular park. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell showed off improvements to Ala Moana Beach Park on Thursday, including newly-renovated bathrooms at the Ewa end of the park. Hawaii News Now.

Kirk Caldwell holds presser to discuss Ala Moana Regional Park improvement projects. At a press conference earlier today, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell discussed progress at Ala Moana Beach Park and future renovation projects. KHON2.

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Board balks at landfill plan. A community panel Wednesday night took a stand against expanding a construction debris landfill in Nanakuli after two hours of sometimes heated testimony. Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood board supports banning helicopter tours over Kailua. Kailua neighborhood board members passed a resolution on Thursday requesting the FAA to ban all helicopter tours over their community. Hawaii News Now.

New ambulances raise safety concerns for paramedics. New ambulances for EMS on Oahu had to be taken off the road after complaints were filed to the state labor department. KHON2.

Alleged legal tours to Haiku Stairs faces push back. But the Board of Water Supply, the owner of the stairs and some land surrounding it says there's no legal way. KITV.

A new $310 million Mauka Concourse underway at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is designed to increase the number of passengers boarding a plane at the state’s largest airport by about another 1.5 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales decline, prices mixed, over 12 months ending in August. Sales of single-family homes and condominiums on Oahu declined by 8% over the last 12 months as median prices were mixed, with single-family homes rising by 2% and condos declining by 2%, according to a report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Upped Traffic Enforcement on Maunakea. Police efforts during the new weeklong period covering last Thursday, Aug. 29 to Thursday, Sept. 5 has resulted in the issuance of an additional 566 traffic citations and three suspects arrested for five offenses. Big Island Now.

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Kilauea lava triggered massive algae bloom. In the midst of the destruction during last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano, scientists from the University of Hawaii and the University of Southern California observed how one of nature’s most devastating forces can also create and sustain life. Tribune-Herald.

During the 2018 eruption, heat from the lava ocean entry caused nutrient-rich deep waters to rise, which led to a phytoplankton bloom, researchers say. Big Island Video News.

Here’s how rivers of lava flowing into the ocean created a massive algae bloom. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava stimulates phytoplankton bloom off Hawaii Island. KHON2.

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Team that captured first image of a black hole wins international award. About 30 scientists and engineers from two Maunakea observatories have won an international award for their involvement in the project that captured the first image of a black hole. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii scientists net ‘breakthrough’ award for first image of black hole. The team that captured the first image ever of a black hole has received a prestigious Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics. Hawaii News Now.

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Flu hitting Big Island schools; vaccination program starts next month. Big Island schools have been back in session for a month, and already cases of influenza are being reported among the student population and staff members. West Hawaii Today.

Kuawa Street park completion date still uncertain. The completion of the Kuawa Street park is delayed yet again despite county officials in July saying the new ballfields were on track to open in August. Tribune-Herald.

Single-family home sales, prices jump on Hawaii Island in August. Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii Island jumped by 22% in August, compared to last year, and the median price rose 13%, while condominium sales and prices both declined for the month, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Hike in illegal rental fines moves forward. Planning, vendor make enforcement progress. Maui News.

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New Maui traffic cameras now live on GoAkamai.org. Free for public use, the cameras provide real-time footage of traffic conditions at 10 key intersections on Maui. Maui News.

New Maui Traffic Camera Images Now Available Online. Department officials say the images will also provide additional tools for the state and counties to manage the roadway system. Maui Now.

New Maui traffic camera images available on GoAkamai.org. KHON2.

Kauai

Council still seeks an auditor. The Kauai County Council is still seeking qualified candidates for county auditor in the Office of the County Clerk. Garden Island.

County Council continues recruitment for County Auditor position. The Kauai County Council is continuing its ongoing recruitment and acceptance of applications for the position of County Auditor. KITV.

Who is responsible for regulating the number of passenger flights that arrive on the island every day? That was one of the main questions brought up at a recent County Council meeting during a discussion of the Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan 2019-2021, which aims to mitigate the effects of “overtourism.” Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices jump 32% in August as sales drop. The median price of a condominium on Kauai soared by 32% last month even as sales dropped, compared to a year ago, while single-family home prices declined, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Public asked to weigh in on Honolulu rail fares, Saiki named NCSL president-elect, Waikiki pavilions to be locked down, tilapia invasion off Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

HART Served More Subpoenas, Council Defers Abolishing Agency, Public Asked About Rail Fares. A few Honolulu rail employees have been served federal subpoenas, the latest in several rounds issued in the ongoing probe of the $9.2 billion rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Rate Commission seeks public input on rail transit fares. Some of the topics to be covered include whether bus and rail fares should be the same, with no charge for transfers, as well as whether there should be flat rates or distance-based rates and the categories for rates. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Officials Won’t Say Much About New Round Of Subpoenas. The latest federal orders were served to an unspecified number of HART employees. The rail agency won’t say who or how many staff members got them. Civil Beat.

State comptroller refuses to pay for setbacks blamed on the rail authority. State Comptroller Curt Otaguro is refusing to authorize payments for delay claims on the city’s rail project if the city rail authority or its consultants were to blame for the circumstances — rejecting already a total of $11.2 million in invoices. Star-Advertiser.

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China tariff increases take effect on local businesses. Tina Yamaki, president of the 200-member Retail Merchants of Hawaii, said the tariffs will affect almost every consumer product, which is especially bad for an island state where most things are imported. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki was named president-elect of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Nashville this week. Civil Beat.

Speaker Saiki Named President-Elect of NCSL. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Proposal to curb crime at Waikiki pavilion gets mixed reviews. To clean up the pavilions in the heart of Waikiki, the city plans on putting gates around them that would be locked at night. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu Prosecutor Wants Court To Decide If He Can Run Again. Under the city charter, Peter Carlisle has been out of the prosecutor’s office too long to qualify for the ballot. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha: Sentencing must be finalized before finding out if new trial is granted. Last month, she filed a motion for a new trial claiming her court-appointed lawyer was ineffective. KITV.

Judge Puts Chill On Lawsuit Over Pesticides At Kaneohe Marine Base Housing. Hundreds of service members alleged they should have been warned about pesticide problem at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. Civil Beat.

Legal battle over rundown Waikiki hotel comes to a head. The so-called “Ebbtide Hotel” on Kuhio Avenue has been a Waikiki eyesore for years. Hawaii News Now.

Millions more to be spent on Kakaako parks after state hands off to city. One of Hawaii’s largest transfers of park land is about to take place, when the state turns over a large portion of Kakaako makai to the city. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea Scientific Toll: 2,000 Observing Hours For 400 Projects Lost. Maunakea Observatories have been been closed for three weeks now – resulting in a loss of more than a year’s worth of discoveries. Scientists say unreliable access to telescopes is preventing them from resuming operations on the summit. Hawaii Public Radio.

$1.1 million grant will help boost UH telescope. The National Science Foundation awarded a $1.1 million grant to a University of Hawaii scientist to install an advanced secondary mirror onto the university’s 2.2-meter telescope. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii’s senior adviser on Mauna Kea has another title. Greg Chun has been named executive director of Mauna Kea stewardship for UH. Hawaii News Now.

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PONC money for nonprofit boards heads to 2020 ballot. A charter proposal allowing the county to pay nonprofit board members to help maintain open space cleared its final hurdle Thursday and is headed to the 2020 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Disciplined officer reason for closed case dismissal request. Officer misconduct apparently sidelined a police witness in a drug case, and now a judge is set to rule today on whether the defendant in the case will stand trial. West Hawaii Today.

‘Carmageddon’: Peak-hour roadwork without prior notice causes major traffic snarl. Lack of public notice about a lane-striping project that started during rush hour Thursday morning on Highway 130 between Shower Drive and Kaloli Drive in Hawaiian Paradise Park caused a massive traffic snarl that frustrated and angered Hilo-bound motorists. Tribune-Herald.

Highway 130 Restriping Brings Traffic Delays To Puna. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Police sent to Mauna Kea accumulate $68,105 in overtime. During today's city council meeting on the Valley Isle, MPD Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu testified the state is reimbursing the county to cover overtime expenses. KITV.

At a Maui County Council meeting Thursday, Maui’s police chief defended his decision to send 27 MPD officers to the Big Island last month to assist with the TMT conflict. Maui police chief defends decision to send officers to Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

The administration’s long-awaited “strategic plan” for affordable/attainable housing was greeted with ridicule and dismay by several members of the Maui County Council attending the Aug. 7th meeting of the council’s Affordable Housing Committee. Maui Watch.

State working on repairing water leak at Maalaea. Harbor users concerned about lost water, also say leak a hazard. Maui News.

Community Meeting on Wailuku Town Improvements, Aug. 19. During this meeting, the department will provide information on the latest construction schedule, updates on temporary parking locations and shuttle transportation, status on the re-examination of Phase 2 of the Civic Complex, planned construction mitigation and communication efforts, and ways the public can support Wailuku Town’s businesses. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kealia subdivision EIS approved. A proposed subdivision is one step closer to fruition in Kealia, after the Land Use Commission accepted the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement Thursday. Garden Island.

Tilapia invasion along Napali Coast concerns state officials. State officials announced Thursday they are working to stop an invasion of black-chin tilapia in the near-shore waters of the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Introduced Tilapia Invade Kauai’s Napali Coast. The state is investigating its fish removal options in order to protect the pristine region. Civil Beat.

Tilapia invade Napali Coast. Thousands of black-chin tilapia have invaded near-shore waters in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. Garden Island.

Huge schools of tilapia crowd near-shore waters on Napali Coast. Hawaii News Now.

The state calls tilapia invasion an emergency. KHON2.

Mauna Kea protest grows as savvy activists enter second week, telescope opponents march in Waikiki, charter proposal would end Honolulu transit authority, islandwide power outage hits Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New arrivals tent at Mauna Kea protest camp ©2019 All Hawaii News

Mauna Kea activists demonstrate savvy in organization, nonviolent protest tactics. The fast-moving events that unfolded last week show the Thirty Meter Telescope protests cannot be dismissed as a bump in the road. Star-Advertiser.

Dispatch from Mauna Kea: The line in the sand. It's not all Woodstockian bliss as a group of more than a thousand Native Hawaiians and their supporters prepare for what seems inevitable conflict over a plan to build a giant telescope on the flank of Mauna Kea. All Hawaii News.


Latest Developments On Mauna Kea TMT Protest. About 2,000 people gathered Sunday near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road, state officials estimated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 7 – Crowd Swells Into The Thousands. The mountain remains closed under a controversial emergency proclamation, although personnel now have improved access to and from Hale Pohaku. Big Island Video News.

Concert and lectures headline Day 7 of Mauna Kea occupation. Mauna Kea turned partly into an outdoor classroom and concert venue Sunday as professors gave lectures and award-winning musicians played for Thirty Meter Telescope opponents whose numbers swelled by 600 to an estimated 2,000 people. Star-Advertiser.

Medics on Mauna Kea treat hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration. A mobile medical clinic treats demonstrators affected by the weather and the protests. KITV.

Day Seven at Mauna Kea, more bodies join the cause. Since the base of Mauna Kea has gotten more congested, organizers have policed themselves to stay clear of oncoming traffic. KHON2.

Day 7 of Mauna Kea/ TMT protests finds activists bracing for state's next move. Demonstrators gird for a showdown with the state on Monday, as they anticipate government's next move. KITV.


Mauna Kea Day 6 – Mayor Kim Visits. The number of people at the encampment below the Mauna Kea Access Road has swelled over the weekend. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim meets with TMT opponents. A day after Gov. David Ige claimed TMT protest organizers have not been able to maintain order, Hawaii county mayor Harry Kim visited operations at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT spokesman: Mauna Kea remains preferred site, no plans to back out. A spokesperson for the Thirty Meter Telescope spoke exclusively with Hawaii News Now Sunday saying project executives have no immediate plans to withdraw from constructing the $1.4 billion telescope atop Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT still wants to build on Mauna Kea, despite protests. Thirty Meter Telescope officials say they still want to build at Mauna Kea. KITV.

A Look At The Science Of The Thirty Meter Telescope. The proposed observatory that is generating mass protests on Mauna Kea seeks to focus on the big unknowns of the universe. Associated Press.


Saturday, Gov. Ige left Hawaii Island without meeting directly with opponents at Mauna Kea. Ige’s decision to not visit Puu Huluhulu and meet directly with opponents isn’t sitting well with those who say his allegations of drugs use, alcohol consumption and rowdy crowds at the site were completely false. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard steps up effort to qualify for fall primary debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard needs to attract about 30,000 more unique donors to her presidential bid to fulfill one of two criteria for making it into the Democratic primary debates in September, an event that’s expected to significantly winnow the crowded field of presidential contenders. Star-Advertiser.


It’s Biden Vs. Harris — And Gabbard — In CNN Debate’s 2nd Night. Sanders will face Warren and Buttigieg in the first round of the DNC forum, which is in Detroit. Civil Beat.

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This Hawaii Entrepreneur Wants To Build The Moon’s First ‘Airport’. Henk Rogers, an early backer of pushing Hawaii toward using 100% renewable energy, has a new idea: use a crew of construction-worker robots to build an underground moon base. Civil Beat.

Higher Per-Capita Distribution of Pain Pills On Neighbor Islands. A database highlights which manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies distributed the most prescription pain pills in the islands from 2006 to 2012. Civil Beat.

A recent study co-authored by a John A. Burns School of Medicine researcher at the University of Hawaii at Manoa highlights why new laws regarding price negotiation between government entities and pharmaceutical companies may be necessary to provide affordable healthcare to the segment of the nation’s elderly population dealing with heart problems. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents protest in Waikiki. Hundreds of protesters marched along Kalauaka Avenue Sunday morning in opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Large anti-TMT march makes is way through Hawaii’s heart of tourism: Waikiki. Hundreds of people turned Waikiki’s sidewalks into a river of red t-shirts and Hawaiian flags Sunday to rally against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

It was one of the biggest demonstrations seen so far, close to 2000 kiai, who call themselves the protectors of Mauna Kea, marched two miles on Sunday from Fort DeRussy to the Honolulu zoo. KHON2.

Thousands march through Waikiki against TMT. Another day of demonstrations on Mauna Kea also saw rallies of support coming from Oahu. KITV.

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Charter amendment proposal would dissolve HART. City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson wants voters to abolish the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and transfer oversight of the island’s troubled rail construction project to an agency that answers directly to the mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Proposal Would Give Honolulu Voters Chance To End HART. The proposal, which rail leaders say comes from Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, would place the city transportation department in charge of the remaining construction. Civil Beat.

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Sweeping Local-Hire Bill Draws Pushback From Nonunion Builders. City Councilman Joey Manahan says the purpose of the legislation is to make sure that union labor is used on any public works project worth over $250,000. Civil Beat.

Farrington Highway Is A Lifeline — And A Big Hazard — For Leeward Residents. The poorly designed highway presents lots of risks to pedestrians — too few crosswalks and sidewalks, narrow shoulders, no medians and speeding cars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Building permits drop as vacation rental applications snarl process. The county’s new vacation rental registration laws are stimulating almost as many questions as applications, as property owners struggle to meet county requirements ahead of a Sept. 28 deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators eye tweaks to pharmacy college. Enrollment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy is expected to decline this fall, university officials say. Tribune-Herald.

New UH-Hilo chancellor makes student success a top priority. Three weeks on the job and University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Chancellor Bonnie Irwin is wasting no time in her new role. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui water board to study buying water diversion system. The governing authority for Maui’s water utility plans to study the feasibility of buying and maintaining an irrigation system that diverts stream water from east Maui and delivers it other parts of the island. Associated Press.

Committee to Meet in Lahaina to Discuss Affordable Rentals. Maui County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee will hold a district meeting in Lahaina on Wednesday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center, located at 788 Pauoa Street in Lahaina. Maui Now.

MECO reports highest energy demand in decade amid heat wave. Fans, air conditioning, low wind may contribute. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s power is restored after an island-wide outage. At around 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, July 21, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported an island-wide outage after the main generating unit at the Kapaia Power Station experienced a fault. KHON2.

Fault at Kauai power station causes islandwide blackout. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Sunday there was an islandwide power outage at approximately 2:30 p.m., when the main generating unit at its Kapaia Power Station had a problem. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai's Power Company Says Largest Generating Unit Inoperable. An islandwide outage on Kauaii 's has knocked out the power cooperative's largest generating unit and rolling blackouts could be implemented, the utility said Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Islandwide power outage strikes Kauai. Traffic lights turned off Sunday around 1:15 p.m. as an islandwide power outage struck Kauai. Garden Island.

5G Action Kauai holds second meeting. The group will hold a demonstration and rally at the corner of Kapule Highway and Ahukini Road on July 27, starting at 11:45 a.m., as part of a national day of action against 5G. Garden Island.

No human waste at Kauai beaches, study finds, but community groups disagree. The state contracted the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to use its unique DNA sequencing technology to track the source of the high bacteria counts in the area, which have consistently prompted warning signs to go up at Mahaulepu Beach and Waiopili Stream. Star-Advertiser.

Audit blasts state handling of rail money, Aloha Stadium to stay in Halawa, UH president under fire, Health Department reaches settlement with dairy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Train car assembly PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

State Auditor Blasts DAGS For Failure to Verify Rail Invoices. The Office of the Auditor has issued a blistering report on the failure of state accounting officials to adequately verify invoices from the transit agency developing the Honolulu rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest Audit: Agency ‘Arbitrary,’ ‘Inconsistent’ In Reviewing Rail Costs. The Hawaii agency that oversees rail spending lacks the proper rules, training and procedures to make sure its reviews are sound, the latest audit finds. Civil Beat.

The state auditor released another report Thursday relating to Honolulu's $9.2 billion rail project. KITV.

Full audit rail oversight report. Lack of Fundamentals: Review of the Department of Accounting and General Services’ Verification of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Invoices. Hawaii Office of the Auditor.

HART work went off the rails, report says. One of the new Honolulu rail cars was damaged in an “incident,” and another work vehicle that runs on the rail line derailed twice in January, prompting the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to issue a “safety stand-down” letter last month suspending vehicle operations, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Island’s tourism decline contributes to state softening. Tourism performance was mixed across the isles in February with double- digit dips in spending and arrivals from Hawaii island contributing to statewide softening. Star-Advertiser.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Faculty union blasts UH president, but stops short of calling for his resignation.  During a contentious Board of Regents meeting Thursday, members of the University of Hawaii’s faculty union blasted school President David Lassner for his handling of proposed budget cuts that would have forced dozens to lose their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Former high-ranking ILWU official Nate Lum pleaded guilty Thursday to identity theft in federal court. Lum also admitted he failed to file federal tax returns. But under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop a theft charge against him. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Review affirms keeping stadium in Halawa. An alternative site analysis released Thursday by the Aloha Stadium Authority marked a step in the process of replacing the 44-year-old facility and recommended a new stadium and ancillary development be built within the same 98-acre parcel. Star-Advertiser.

Planning For New Stadium Assumes It Would Be Built In Halawa. The current site of Aloha Stadium is the preferred site for construction of a new facility that would include an adjacent business district. Star-Advertiser.

The Stadium Authority marked the beginning of the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a new proposed Aloha Stadium. KHON2.

The Stadium Authority announced Thursday that it is beginning the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a replacement for Aloha Stadium. Pacific Business News.

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Arizona Memorial access to be restored ‘by fall,’ officials say. The National Park Serv­ice said Thursday it has awarded a $2.1 million contract for repairs to a faulty USS Arizona Memorial dock that should be completed “by fall” — in time for the next Dec. 7, 1941, remembrance. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service has awarded the contract for repair of the anchoring system for the USS Arizona Memorial dock.  KHON2.

Homelessness dominates public safety concerns at Waikiki conference. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard pledged to improve public safety by working with Waikiki stakeholders to make the state’s top tourism district “uncomfortable” for homeless people. Star-Advertiser.

Couple defies city by attending to Kakaako homeless. A Kaimuki couple with a new city contract to provide mobile hot showers for Oahu’s homeless are defying the city in two ways: by continuing to operate twice a month next to the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center and by regularly feeding about 50 homeless people in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Moanalua ‘workforce’ housing complex expansion completed. A 50-year-old affordable rental home complex in Moanalua received a blessing Thursday following the addition of nearly 500 new midprice homes. Star-Advertiser.

40 residents, employees at Honolulu senior facility fall ill; officials suspect norovirus. Hawaii News Now.

Library re-stocking shelves a year after flooding damaged contents. The Aina Haina Library has been closed for almost a year now since just after the historic flooding. KHON2.

Summer Palace of King Kamehameha III vandalized again. KHON2.

Oahu Publications Inc. has sold its 152,574-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a $40 million leaseback transaction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide Hawaii County with $60 million to assist with recovery from last year’s Kilauea eruption is expected to have its final vote today in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism official: ‘It hasn’t been that great of a start to the year’. Big Island tourism has fallen to near-2017 numbers in the aftermath of the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory To Move To Oahu? Senator Mazie Hirono pressed the Interior Secretary Nominee to get more feedback before making any decision to relocate the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory HVO to Oahu. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health on Thursday entered into an agreement with the owners of Big Island Dairy as its operations draw to a close. Under the agreement, Big Island Dairy’s owners are required to terminate dairy operations, remove all cows from confinement on the site, clean and remove the existing wastewater system, and pay $79,000 by June of 2019, either as an administrative penalty or to fund an environmentally beneficial project in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Dairy, Health Department Sign Consent Agreement. Big Island Video News.

A second case of rat lungworm disease has been contracted on Hawaii Island this year, the Hawaii Department of Health announced Thursday. No cases have been reported on any other island in 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Harbor District Office Relocated, Blessed. This work is part of the Harbors Division’s facility improvement projects planned throughout the commercial harbor system that is aimed at supporting the state’s economic growth and maritime industries. Maui Now.

The battle against climate change got a boost Wednesday when Hawaii and California public utility commissions announced that they’ll be teaming up to fight the green fight. Maui News.

Police and courts dealing with more mental health cases. Another round of Crisis Intervention Team training completed. Maui News.

Kauai

Local health clinic awarded $1.4M. A community health center on Kauai focused on providing care to Native Hawaiians will be getting over a million dollars in federal funding. Garden Island.

The Lihue Business Association’s Thursday meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club focused on medical marijuana. Garden Island.

Hawaii could take $452M hit in Trump cuts, plastic ban advances, UH jobs on the line in budget cuts, Honolulu grapples with vacation rentals, how to pay for education, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Quonset huts at Pohakuloa Training Area ©2019 All Hawaii News

Isle projects in Trump’s cross-hairs. The Pentagon on Monday identified $12.9 billion in military construction funding — including $452 million for projects in Hawaii — that could be tapped to help build President Donald Trump’s southern border wall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii weighs first-in-nation plastic bans at restaurants. Hawaii would be the first state in the U.S. to ban most plastics at restaurants under legislation that aims to cut down on waste that pollutes the ocean. Associated Press.

Survey supports more funds for public schools, but how to do it remains a question. There’s support for greater investment in Hawaii’s public schools, according to a new survey commissioned by HawaiiKidsCAN. Hawaii News Now.

The Battle Over Preschool Puts Hawaii Governor On The Hot Seat. Gov. David Ige’s remarks suggest he believes the statewide school administration, not the office delegated to bolster early learning programs, should be in charge. Civil Beat.

Proposed cuts could ‘devastate’ University of Hawaii, officials say. A Senate proposal to slash the University of Hawaii’s budget and eliminate 220 faculty and staff positions is sparking outrage at the university and a flood of calls and emails to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of UH jobs on the line with proposed budget cuts. UH administrators hope to work with legislators to save jobs. KITV.

Proposed legislation would provide funds to open more mobile clinics for Hawaii's homeless. Project Vision Hawaii has seven mobile units statewide that provide medical and hygiene services for the homeless. KITV.

Oahu

Council panel moves vacation rental bill. A bill allowing up to 4,000 new bed-and-breakfast permits to be issued while at the same time strengthening enforcement of residential vacation rentals moved out of the City Council Planning Committee on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The new hire charged with reining in HART’s budget is being paid $85,000 a month. Five months after he was ousted as the head of a Canadian rail project, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has hired veteran rail executive Paul Giannelia. Hawaii News Now.

City to pay $5.25M in firefighter suit. The city has agreed to pay $5.25 million to settle a federal negligence and wrongful death lawsuit filed over the death of Honolulu firefighter Cliff Rigsbee. Star-Advertiser.

Unused vehicles raise spending concerns at EMS. Some workers have complained about specialized vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, which have never been used. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim wants more flexibility so he can stretch the general excise tax farther across the county budget. And, so far, the state Legislature is going along. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Farmers Market clears a permit hurdle. The county Planning Department approved one of three permits required to erect permanent canopies over Hilo Farmers Market. Tribune-Herald.

Abandoned vehicle disposal costly to county in West Hawaii. Abandoned vehicles are more than eyesores, traffic hazards and general nuisances to the county and the taxpayer. They’re also big business. West Hawaii Today.

After Half Century, Endangered Seabird Found On Mauna Kea Again. During the 46th annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group on Kauai, Bret Nainoa Mossman with the University of Hawaii at Hilo presented the first documentation of the 'ua'u, or Pterodroma sandwichensis, on Mauna Kea since 1963. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Meetings will be held next month in all Maui County community plan areas on the proposed fiscal year 2020 budget, Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, chair of the council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee, announced today. Maui Now.

New Maui Housing Director Announcement Due This Week. Interim Housing and Human Concerns Director William Spence completed his temporary appointment in the department on Friday. Maui Now.

Transportation options in South Maui and a road user charge system will be the topic of presentations at the Kihei Community Association’s meeting on Tuesday. Maui News.

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Maui Community Correctional Center assessing riot damage. The Department of Public Safety released photos Monday of the damage caused by inmates during the riot at Maui Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

Armed Perimeter Remains at Maui Jail, Mood Has “Calmed”. Maui Now.

A week after a riot at MCCC, crews are still working to clean up the mess. On Monday, the state released new images from inside MCCC. Hawaii News Now.

The maintenance staff at the Maui Community Correctional Center continue to clean up and repair the damage left behind by last week's riot. KHON2.

The median sales price for single-family homes and condominiums in Maui County spiked in February while the number of sales and inventory continued to decline. Maui News.

Kauai

Police look to improve efficiency. The Kauai Police Department on Monday launched its Online Crime Reporting System, offering the public a new way to submit a police report. Garden Island.

Kauai Police Department Launches New Online Crime Reporting System. The new website aims to make filing a non-emergency police report easier and more convenient for residents. Hawaii Public Radio.