Honolulu rail could stop short of Ala Moana Center, Hawaii Supreme Court mulls redistricting process, interim HPD chief withdraws candidacy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Current rail route PC:Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

New rail plan would end construction shy of Ala Moana Center. The new plan for the city’s troubled rail project would stop construction two stations short near the Circuit Court at South and Halekauwila streets in Kakaako and still receive the federal government’s final share of $1.55 billion in funding, or $744 million. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Supreme Court mulls reapportionment process. How much discretion the state Reapportionment Commission has in drawing political maps was a central theme Tuesday, when Hawaii Supreme Court justices grilled attorneys for the state and a citizen coalition challenging the maps. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers resistant to $1B for rainy day fund, but Ige remains ‘hopeful’ the money will be allocated. A $1 billion allocation to the state’s emergency fund proposed by Gov. David Ige might end up smaller than he hoped as it faces resistance in the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Senate committee advances distracted driving bill. A bill that would increase the fine for using a mobile device while driving cleared its first Senate committee Tuesday after crossing over from the House. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community Health Centers To Split $23 Million In Federal Funding. The newest round of funding follows over $40 million in federal dollars distributed to Hawaii’s 14 health centers during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Drugs In Hawaii Prisons: ‘We Are Swimming In Spice, And Nobody Cares’ Inmates and staff say use of synthetic cannabinoids in the state’s largest prison is rampant. The drugs have caused two deaths. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s longline community scrambles to outfish false killer whales. Those at the forefront of managing Hawaii’s deep-sea fishing industry are meeting this week in hopes of figuring out how to deal with their catch being seized off their lines. It’s one of the issues facing the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which oversees Hawaii’s longline vessels that bring in the ahi supply for the state and parts of the U.S. mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Affordable housing, transportation and public safety at the forefront for Honolulu mayor. Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday ranked affordable housing, public safety and transportation among top priorities in his State of the City address. Star-Advertiser.

HPD’s interim chief withdraws from list of candidates for permanent job. Interim Honolulu Police Chief Rade Vanic has asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration for HPD’s next chief. Vanic reportedly told his five assistant chiefs Tuesday morning that he was not seeking the job permanently anymore and cited personal reasons. Hawaii News Now.

Navy orders ‘supplemental investigation’ of Red Hill. Commanders at the Pentagon determined that an investigation by the Hawaii­-based U.S. Pacific Fleet into contamination of the Navy’s water supply on Oahu “did not include a sufficient review” of previous spills from the Red Hill fuel farm — ordering a “supplemental investigation.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council measure would require permit, license for commercial drones at parks. The Honolulu City Council is introducing a bill that would create a process for television and film production crews to use drones at city parks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Laniakea parking might reopen this week, officials say. The parking area across the highway from the North Shore’s popular “Turtle Beach” might finally reopen following work scheduled for today through Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Owners of Former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Hotel Seeking State Money to Knock Burned Structure Down. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources told Big Island Now on Tuesday, March 15 that it will cost around $13.5 million to knock the structure down and it will make a request this session from the Legislature to fund the work. Big Island Now.

Hundreds turn out for Ho‘ike tickets: All 2,000 were snatched up by noon on Tuesday. Tickets for the 2022 Ho‘ike at the Merrie Monarch Festival sold out Tuesday in about four hours. Hundreds of people lined up at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in the morning to buy tickets for the Ho‘ike, a noncompetition exhibition of hula and dance from around the Pacific Rim. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui council urged to raise tax on second homes, short-term rentals to raise money for affordables. Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan outlines ways to create 5,000 affordable homes for residents below 120% over the next five years. Portions of the plan continue to be discussed in the Affordable Housing Committee. Maui Now.

Shortage of homes on Maui amplifies demand, spurs bidding wars, report says. Median price for homes over $1M in February, over $730K for condos. A shortage of homes available on the market continues to amplify the demand for Maui real estate, with economists saying that bidding wars are common even as home prices continue to rise. Maui News.

BlackSand Capital makes three-year commitment to affordable housing on Maui. BlackSand Capital has entered into a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui, a Hawaiʻi Community Foundation initiative working to create a sustainable housing market for local families on Maui. Maui Now.

Maui business shares how it plans to help reduce the axis deer population. Lawmakers and community leaders continue to look for solutions to the axis deer overpopulation problem on Maui. One business that harvests and sells axis deer meat, Maui Nui Venison, released step three of its four-step plan for growth this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Erosion-mitigation project for Wailua Beach gets CIP funding. The state Department of Transportation plan to rebuild the Wailua Beach shoreline using patented technology have gotten a shot in the arm. Garden Island.

Multi-agency effort may save Kaua‘i endemic plant from extinction. A years-long project that may save an endangered Kaua‘i plant from extinction is about to take its next step, when recently collected DNA samples are sent to China for analysis. Garden Island.

Proposed legislative districts draw fire, state GOP chairwoman resigns, inmates to get $50 to vaccinate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Odd-shaped districts in proposed Oahu House map PC:Hawaii Reapportionment Commission

New Hawaii Election Districts Are Drawing Fire. Some lawmakers say they feel targeted by the new plans while the Hawaii Reapportionment Commission also faced accusations of gerrymandering certain districts. Civil Beat.

Chair of the Hawaii Republican Party resigns, shifts focus to recruitment. The chair of the Hawaii Republican Party resigned from the position Thursday, but said she would remain active in the group. Signe Godfrey, a former small business owner, endorsed First Vice Chair Lynn Finnegan to assume the role of Interim Chair. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. pushing colleagues to lift all outdoor COVID restrictions by Nov. 1. That means no limits on how many people can gather at events outside. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Sells Upwards of $1.9 Billion in GO Bonds. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday, Oct. 14 that the State of Hawaiʻi has sold $1.88 billion in general obligation (GO) bonds, the highest amount of bonds ever sold by the state. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Hawaii inmates to receive $50 if they get COVID-19 vaccine. The state Department of Public Safety announced Thursday that it will pay $50 to certain inmates who get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

New Legal Clinic Aims To Give Prisoners A Second Chance. A new legal clinic expected to launch in January will provide free legal help to people who have been incarcerated or are in prison now. Civil Beat.

Amid failed contract negotiations, Kaiser workers begin vote on possible strike. After months of failed contract negotiations, nearly 2,000 workers at Kaiser Permanente began voting Thursday on whether to authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaiʻi study shows mandates boosted vaccination rate. The study was conducted by the University of Hawaii Economics Research Organization and the Pacific Alliance Against Covid-19, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and others. It surveyed nearly 2,000 businesses about the impact vaccination mandates had on them. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH investigated 2 COVID clusters linked to Hawaii records 6 new coronavirus-related deaths, 164 additional infections. The  new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 87 new cases on Oahu, 14 on Maui, 46 on Hawaii Island, eight on Kauai, one on Molokai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City and state ask judge to dismiss COVID vaccine mandate lawsuit. The city and state asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the COVID vaccine mandate for public workers. A federal court charge is expected to make a decision on the case on Friday. KHON2.

Honolulu rail officials not counting on city tourism tax to fix $3.5 billion shortfall. Officials with the city’s troubled rail project are waiting for the City Council to decide whether to impose a new city hotel tax that could benefit the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, but do not expect it to plug their $3.5 billion deficit — and have no alternative hopes of outside funding. Star-Advertiser.

Rail board to spend up to $23M in legal fees in dispute with Kakaako land developer. The rail board is preparing to spend up to $23 million in legal fees in a dispute with the developer of multiple high rise projects in Kakaako. The Howard Hughes Corporation owns land needed for the project along the route and near the proposed Kakaako rail station. Hawaii News Now. Civil Beat.

City begins planting trees in Downtown, Chinatown as part of revitalization effort.  In an effort to revitalize the area, city crews planted the first batch of new trees in Downtown and Chinatown on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable rental property, PenseMetro, breaks ground in Makiki. A new rental housing development, PenseMetro, broke ground Thursday as one of the earliest users of the city’s new affordable-­housing incentives. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Planning underway for 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival, but uncertainty looms. “So far, we’re going ahead.” That was the word Thursday from Merrie Monarch Festival President Luana Kawelu concerning the festival’s hula competition, Hilo’s signature event, returning to its usual schedule next year. Tribune-Herald.

High School Fall Sports Season Kicks Off Saturday, Talks on Live Crowds Ongoing. Officials hope to have live crowds back for student-athletes as they return to the field after nearly two years of no high school sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Maui

Planned march on Maui panned for promoting misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic. Doctors who have been panned on the mainland for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic are set to headline a Saturday march on Maui opposing COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates. Star-Advertiser.

Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers is Recipient of $25K Donation. Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Inc., a shelter for homeless individuals on Maui, received two substantial donations totaling $25,000 from Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Charitable Trust to assist with their mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Use & sale of polystyrene foam food containers restricted on Kauai effective Jan. 1. Kauai county officials are notifying food providers that effective January 1, 2022, the use and sale of polystyrene foam food containers will be restricted per ordinance 1079 Article 27, Chapter 22. KITV4.

Kukui‘ula harbor getting new dock. Work to repair the boat ramp at Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor started Tuesday when a team from Sea Engineering of Honolulu arrived on Kaua‘i with equipment and materials. Garden Island.

West Kaua‘i plan wins statewide award. The County of Kaua‘i’s West Kauai Community Plan was recently awarded the 2021 Outstanding Planning Award by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the American Planning Association. Garden Island.

Triple-digit COVID increase won't bring back restrictions, children now 20% of infected, Kauai sewer problems contaminate beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery COVID precautions ©2021 All Hawaii News

Return of restrictions not planned as coronavirus infections surge in Hawaii. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is surging, and remained in the triple-digit range for the fifth day in a row Monday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Restaurant association head calls for end to state restrictions. The chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association said it’s time for Gov. David Ige and the counties’ mayors to lift restrictions on the state’s eateries and retail outlets. Tribune-Herald.

Vaccinated state employees who traveled to the mainland are learning about a new policy that’s keeping some out of the office ― and forced to use personal time. The mandate for all 55,000 state workers ― even those are fully vaccinated ― requires approval from their department directors prior to return to the workplace. Hawaii News Now.

As new school year approaches, plans to bring students back remains unclear. The Hawaii Department of Health is currently revising school guidance, but with two weeks until school starts, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. KHON2.

How Hawaii Schools Are Helping Kids Who Struggled During The Pandemic. Schools are implementing programs to foster “social and emotional well-being” in students as well as academic progress. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports uptick in number of kids testing positive for COVID. Officials said Monday that those under 18 now make up about 20% of all Hawaii cases. Hawaii News Now.

July 19, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 132 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 81 on O‘ahu (+7 probable); 22 on Hawai‘i Island (-1 probable); eight on Maui (+1 probable); four on Kaua‘i; and nine in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (+1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu restaurants and bars have the option to do away with social distancing if customers provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. But many restaurant operators aren’t doing so because diners don’t want to show their vaccination cards or present test results. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu electricity customers to pay for rooftop solar battery program. Hawaiian Electric customers on Oahu can help ensure sufficiency of the island’s power supply — and get paid for it — by adding battery storage to existing or new rooftop solar systems. Star-Advertiser.

As council determines whether to replace him, HART board member say he’s being ‘punished’ for his views. The Honolulu City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to replace a controversial voice on the rail authority’s board: Member Joseph Uno. Hawaii News Now.

Study tries to revive Ala Wai flood project, which has lost more than $200 million in federal support. Hawaii has lost hundreds of millions in federal funding for the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project, but the city has signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a study aimed at getting the 2-decade-old project moving again. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Navy Says Pearl Harbor Friday Fuel Leak Contained, Sheds Light on March 2020 Leak. A weekend fuel line leak of an estimated 100 gallons at Pearl Harbor has been contained, the Navy said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Would Join A National Trend With A Commission On Social Justice And Equity. But details would have to be worked out, such as whether such a commission would have real power. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County reinstates free COVID-19 testing amid uptick in cases. The County of Hawaii will reinstate its free community COVID-19 testing program to address the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and help better prepare for the transition to the upcoming school year. KITV4.

Zoo debut: Panaewa reopens after 16-month closure. On Monday morning, Hawaii County Parks and Recreation hosted a blessing ceremony to signify the reopening of the zoo after nearly 16 months of closure. Tribune-Herald.

Pololū Valley Trail Steward Program Hopes to Manage Visitor Impact. A new program funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority hopes to ease some popular trails — and some tension between residents and visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona subdivision seeks council permission. Owners of a 4-acre North Kona parcel are seeking a rezoning from agriculture to urban and permission to subdivide it into six residential lots. West Hawaii Today.

$3.4M in capitol improvements for Honokaa, Honomu. The state has released nearly $3.4 million for capital improvement projects in Honokaa and Honomu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council Chair Lee Seeks Unity as Injection Well Case Proceeds Through Courts. Hawai‘i Federal Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway last week issued an order requiring Maui County to get discharge permits for Lahaina injection wells under the Clean Water Act. Maui Now.

Public Comment Period Underway on DHHL’s Honokōwai Master Plan. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands engaged its beneficiaries in a master planning process to determine appropriate land uses for DHHL’s approximately 850 acres of lands at Honokōwai including new agricultural homesteads, multi-family homes, and individual or community farming. Maui Now.

Despite The Pandemic, A Molokaʻi Charter School Improves Curriculum. Like all schools, Kualapuʻu Charter went to remote learning in the spring of 2020, with its challenges ranging from internet and technology issues to support at home. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Wailua beach-goers warned of wastewater issues. The county Department of Public Works Wastewater Division is currently out of compliance with state Department of Health standards at its Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant. Garden Island.

Vegas, churches cause of Kaua‘i COVID uptick. Kaua‘i officials are pointing to Las Vegas travel and places of worship for a recent spike in COVID-19 infections. Garden Island.

County receives $40K toward reducing systemic racial disparities. The county’s seeking to reduce systemic racial disparities by at least 20%, and now has some of the means to do so. Garden Island.

Hawaii businesses struggle to accommodate tourism wave, Tui to head teachers' union, 3 vie for Maui House seat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki at night ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii businesses, tourists struggle with pandemic-induced changes. Overall visitor satisfaction during the pandemic is trending downward as more arrive in the islands, according to the Visitor COVID-19 study, an online survey conducted in June for the Hawaii Tourism Authority by Anthology Group. Star-Advertiser.

Osa Tui Jr., the new head of Hawaii teachers’ union, has different approach. Corey Rosenlee, the outgoing president of the teachers’ union, has been an outspoken, assertive and activist leader, eager to take a stand and do battle on behalf of his members. His successor, Osa Tui Jr., is equally passionate about the Hawaii State Teachers Association, but he is cut from a different cloth. Star-Advertiser.

VA Wants A Review Of Hawaii’s Veterans Cemeteries After Finding Two In Rough Shape. VA inspectors found “critical deficiencies” at veterans cemeteries on the Big Island and Maui. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i DOH: “Delta” Variant Expected to Become Dominant Strain in a Month. The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is expected to double every two weeks, and will likely become the dominant variant in the islands in about a month or so, according to Hawai‘i Department of Health State Laboratories Division Administrator Dr. Edward Desmond. Maui Now.  KHON2.

With vaccination rate at just over 57%, Hawaii sees 51 new COVID cases. Of the new cases, 23 were on Oahu, 13 on Hawaii Island, seven on Maui, three on Kauai and five were out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Uncertainty remains for rail project, board chairman. State Sen. Kurt Fevella today plans to follow up with federal and state officials on his request that they investigate the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on various issues while the troubled rail project continues to face uncertainty and a $3 billion budget deficit. Star-Advertiser.

Another Questionable Million-Dollar Honolulu Rail Contract? Documents suggest a contract for federal lobbying services was already a done deal before it was put out to bid. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Officers Charged In Police Shooting Appear In Court. Hundreds of police union members and other supporters gathered at an early morning rally outside the downtown courthouse. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Why Oahu Neighborhoods Have Such Sharp Differences In Vaccination Rates. The North Shore and West Oahu lag significantly behind other parts of the island in terms of COVID-19 vaccination rates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii cruises to resume. After 15 months in dry dock because of the coronavirus pandemic, the passenger cruise industry is gearing up to make Hawaii port calls before the end of the year. Tribune-Herald.

County decades behind on ADA compliance at parks. Almost a quarter-century after Big Island resident Alexa Russell sued Hawaii County to enforce Americans With Disabilities Act mandates in county parks, only six of the 16 facilities the county agreed to upgrade have been done, and the County Council will be asked to float $25.5 million in bonds to pay for the rest. West Hawaii Today.

Accepted by default: BLNR’s tie vote opens the door for aquarium fishing EIS. A revised final environmental impact statement proposing the reopening of West Hawaii’s coastal waters to aquarium fishing is poised to gain acceptance from the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

Public Works in talks with contractor to finish Kalanianaole Avenue work. Hawaii County Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst said Friday that his department has been negotiating with contractor Goodfellow Bros. for the past several months to get the project — which was once scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018 — back on track. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three names emerge for DeCoite’s former seat. A former Maui County Council member, a Hana activist and a former Peace Corps member are among those interested in filling former state Rep. Lynn DeCoite’s House District 13 seat. Maui News.

Ongoing Complaints Along Maui’s Scenic Hāna Highway Lead to 387 Parking Citations. The Maui Police Department issued 387 parking citations and 83 warnings to violators on Hāna Highway between Haʻikū and Hāna town over a three week period from June 1 and June 23. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Committee to Discuss Hāna Traffic Management and South Maui Wastewater. The Infrastructure and Transportation Committee will meet Monday at 9 a.m. to receive presentations on nature-based wastewater solutions for South Maui and challenges related to traffic management on the Road to Hāna. Maui Now.

Recording devices to be used in study of spinner dolphins. Scientists have dropped listening devices into the water at some of Hawaii’s best sheltered bays for a study that aims to better understand spinner dolphins and how humans might be affecting them. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Haena State Park to be managed by community-based nonprofits. After 20 years of private management, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a community-based management structure to oversee Haena State Park on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Crowded beach parks studied. The county has allocated funding to perform a parking study at Po‘ipu, Lydgate and Hanalei’s Black Pot beach parks. Garden Island.

Appointments still needed for motor-vehicle, licensing services. The county Department of Finance reminds customers of current procedures when visiting the Lihu‘e Civic Center Kapule Building for drivers licenses and motor-vehicle services. Garden Island.

Gas prices increase, vaccine passport program problematic, Maui condos falling into the ocean, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo gas station on May 12, 2021 ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii gas price second highest amid mainland disruption. Hawaii’s geographic isolation protected consumers from gasoline shortages in many southeastern states caused by the forced shutdown of a massive pipeline that lasted five days and began reopening Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

With inter-island vaccine passport set up, state now turns attention to trans-Pacific travel. Without an automated method for verifying with local vaccine providers, the cards are individually checked by screeners. Gov. David Ige hopes that will be fixed by June 1, potentially opening up vaccine passports for residents traveling from the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii employers can mandate a coronavirus vaccine, workers can request an exemption. A Hawaii attorney says employers can mandate a COVID-19 shot but need to be careful to allow exemptions, especially under the vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization. KHON2.

As part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief program, the state announced $4 million in grants will be available to help Hawaii’s education system recover from the pandemic. Gov. David Ige said the grants are aimed to fund initiatives to help students, families and educators who have been impacted by COVID. Hawaii News Now.

Training Underway in Remote Ready Hawaiʻi Pilot Program. Training is underway for the first cohort of the Remote Ready Hawaiʻi Pilot Program, which matches unemployed residents with remote work offered by companies outside the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-Hawaii CEO, Martin Kao, pleads not guilty to loan fraud. Martin Kao, who was CEO of Martin Defense Group LLC, formerly known as Navatek LLC, is charged with bank fraud and money laundering. Authorities say he defrauded banks of more than $12.8 million through the Paycheck Protection Program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Rated 'Mostly Closed' in 50-State Analysis of Police Misconduct Record Laws. In an analysis of public record laws in all 50 states, Hawai‘i received the rating "Mostly Closed." The 50-state list was based on an analysis of statutes and court opinions as well as interviews with experts. Associated Press.

‘Golden Week’ comes and goes as Japan visitors face COVID hurdles when traveling to Hawaii. More than a third of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, but in Japan, fewer than 3% of people have had their first shot. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines to more than double its Hawaii trans-­Pacific service. The Dallas-based carrier currently operates 16 round trips daily between Hawaii and the mainland. Its summer schedule, due out today, increases trans-­Pacific offerings to 37 round trips, including direct flights between Las Vegas and Hawaii’s four major islands. Star-Advertiser.

School-based vaccine clinics step up outreach as younger kids start to roll up their sleeves. At Nanakuli High & Intermediate on Wednesday, about 40 people arrived and rolled up their sleeves. The school is one of several around the state serving as community vaccine clinics. Hawaii News Now.

May 12, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 47 Cases (30 O‘ahu, 8 Maui, 1 Hawai‘i Island, 8 Out-of-State); 1 Death. Maui Now.

Oahu

Problems piling up for the Honolulu rail project. When the too-narrow wheels on the city’s trains and too-wide track finally fit properly, it’s going to be critical to get trains running to Aloha Stadium as soon as possible or face a whole new series of costs and delays, the head of the rail project said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Chief Says Ridership Projections Have Dropped. Rail authority CEO Lori Kahikina provided no details, but said she believes public interest in riding the train is still high. Civil Beat.

Police arrest suspect in alleged arson at Supreme Court building. Honolulu police arrested a homeless man in connection with Monday’s fire at Aliiolani Hale which houses the Hawaii Supreme Court in downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Proposes Funding The Removal of Ha‘iku Stairs. The Honolulu City Council advanced a bill that would fund $1 million to the Division of Urban Forestry to remove the Haʻiku Stairs, commonly known as Stairway to Heaven. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ambassador wants public disclosure in shooting of Lindani Myeni. South Africa’s ambassador to the United States requested the return of her deceased citizen’s wedding ring, clothes and mobile phone and called on Honolulu, U.S. officials and departments across the country to be more transparent about police shootings and how race relations affect law enforcement practices. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha ‘Mailbox Case’ co-conspirator asks to remain free while he pursues appeal. Just weeks away from his June 1 date to self-surrender at a mainland prison, Kealoha mailbox co-conspirator Derek Hahn wants a judge to let him stay in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State, city step in to protect Niu Valley archaeological site. State and city officials have taken action to protect historic Hawaiian archaeological features on a hillside residential lot being redeveloped in Niu Valley. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Rainbow Rangers moves into full services for animal control contract. Nine months after being awarded the contract, Hawaii Rainbow Rangers has finally transitioned into conducting full animal control services in Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Five-story, six-unit condomium proposed on Alii Drive. An Alii Drive landowner is proposing to construct a five-story condominium on a vacant lot about a quarter-mile north of the thoroughfare’s intersection with Royal Poinciana Drive in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A proposal to save almost a dozen properties from falling into the ocean in west Maui is getting pushback from the community. Layers of sand bags are now helping to stabilize several structures along the coastline in Kahana. Hawaii News Now.

Panel OKs next step for Wailea luxury condo plans. Despite lengthy community testimony calling for a more in-depth study, the Maui Planning Commission voted Tuesday to accept the final environmental assessment for a 57-unit luxury condominium project proposed for Wailea. Maui News.

Median Sales Price for Single Family Home on Maui Increased to $983,500 in April. April 2021 was another strong month for home sales on Maui, with the median sales price for a single home increasing 30.3 percent from a year ago to $983,500 and for condominium homes the median sales price increased 15.4 percent from a year ago to $695,000. Maui Now.

Kauai

Iwi discovered during cesspool conversion. Last week, while switching a cesspool over to a septic tank, an inadvertent discovery of iwi kupuna on Weke Road occurred. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a, Wailua road resurfacing scheduled. Lane closures are scheduled for portions of Wailua and Kapa‘a May 13 to May 25. Garden Island.

Most oppose costly Honolulu rail project in poll, Maui ex-cop pleads guilty in sex-for-perjury case, American Rescue Plan funds on the way, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Honolulu rail route as planned, courtesy HART

Majority oppose rail project in poll. The largest public works project in Hawaii history is opposed by 53% of registered voters on Oahu, with just 34% expressing support for Honolulu rail. The numbers are similar when voters living on the neighbor islands are factored in — 50% and 35%, respectively. Civil Beat.

HART's interim CEO believes parts of Honolulu rail line can open by December. According to HART, since construction started more than 10 years ago, only 60 percent of the 20 mile system sits complete. The portion of the Honolulu Rail Transit Project from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium could be open and operating as early as December. KITV4.

HART spent nearly $300K for laptops — most of which aren’t being used. Back in September when the second stay-at-home order was still in place, the rail authority paid $293,000 to purchase about 200 Dell laptops. But months later, most of the computers are still sitting in their unopened boxes at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s downtown office. Hawaii News Now.

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Federal program will provide low-income Hawaii residents with broadband subsidies. Low-income Hawaii residents will be eligible to receive federal subsidies for internet service and the purchase of new laptops, desktops and tablets beginning May 12 under a federal program aimed at helping households struggling to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Announces Appointment of New Majority Leader and Committee Changes. Following the retirement of former Senator Leader J. Kalani English on May 1, 2021, the Hawaiʻi State Senate on Wednesday announced the appointment of Senator Dru Kanuha (District 3 – Kona and Kaʻū) as the new Senate Majority Leader. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

More than 20,000 Hawaii hotel jobs could be lost despite travel demand. Hawaii hotels are getting ready for a strong summer — but travel demand won’t be enough to get all employees back to work. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public high schools to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics for students 16 and up. The Department of Education is working with all the medical providers to stage the vaccination clinics, including HPH, Queens Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Adventist Health Castle and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

May 5, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 64 Cases (40 O‘ahu, 8 Maui, 2 Hawai‘i Island, 6 Kaua‘i, 8 Out-of-State); 1 Death. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu to stay in Tier 3 as it waits for Gov. David Ige’s decisions on modifications to reopening plan. The less-restrictive Tier 3 allows social gatherings of up to 10 people, lets bars and restaurants seat groups of up to 10 people and lets gyms operate at 50%. Outdoor weddings of up to 100 people are permitted and outdoor sports have been able to resume. Star-Advertiser.

Rade Vanic, an assistant police chief with 21 years of service, unanimous choice for interim police chief. Rade Vanic, an assistant police chief with 21 years of service spanning every division of the department, was unanimously selected by the Honolulu Police Commission to serve as interim chief starting June 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Approved Council Bill Incentivizes Affordable Rental Developments. Bill 1 gives a grant to developers developing smaller projects or upgrading their buildings for affordable housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Regulator approves $1.3 billion addition to Ward Village. Directors of the Hawaii Community Development Authority board gave the go-ahead for Howard Hughes Corp. to produce 1,243 homes between two very different towers at its expanding master-planned Ward Village community. Star-Advertiser.

City: Personal information belonging to some Oahu rent relief applicants mishandled. The city says six confirmation emails were sent to the wrong applicants. The program, which launched last month, is currently managing a total of 12,000 applications. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Humane Society breaks ground in West Oahu. The Hawaiian Humane Society on Wednesday morning held a groundbreaking celebration and blessing for a second campus in Ewa Beach intended to serve the West Oahu community. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Roth budget tops $609M: No-new-taxes plan relies on property values, grants. Bolstered by rising property values, an increase in grants and more money left over than anticipated, Mayor Mitch Roth on Wednesday released a $609.1 million no-new-taxes budget, a 3.9% increase over this year. West Hawaii Today.

Cost estimate of Hawaiian Acres road plan raises eyebrows. A road improvement plan that could cost Hawaiian Acres residents close to $1 billion shocked County Council members during a committee hearing Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Historic Hawaii valley site of controversial parking lot, residential subdivision proposal. Pololu Valley is a pristine area on the Big Island’s northern coast, where King Kamehameha is said to have spent time as a child. KHON2.

Kona man acquitted of attempted murder of police officer. The jury found Shannon Kaleolani Ke guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, petty misdemeanors, third-degree assault which is a misdemeanor and first-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, a class C felony with a maximum term of five years incarceration. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Guilty Plea: Former Maui Cop Offered To Sabotage Case In Exchange For Sexual Relationship. The former officer could go to prison for offering to perjure himself in exchange for sex, the DOJ said. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

County’s post-travel testing launches with over 400 swabs. Travelers say they don’t mind extra step; variant strains are focus for officials. Maui News.

A Maui Farmer’s Dream: Where Food, Not Fences, Separates The Homes. Facing a shortage of affordable agricultural land, a Maui farmer is forging unique partnerships with high-end homeowners to grow food in their yards. Civil Beat.

Kauai

$14M in federal funds coming. The county should be receiving its first share of American Rescue Plan funds by May 10, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz reported Wednesday. Garden Island.

Food boxes go out despite COVID-19 precautions. Food boxes go out despite COVID-19 precautions. Despite the precautionary safety measures generated by the recent uptick in new cases of COVID-19, the Lili‘uokalani Trust coordinated the delivery of 400 U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families food boxes to families from the Westside to the North Shore Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island.

COVID-19 clusters at Waikiki restaurant, Honolulu nursing home; Pompeo talks coronavirus with Chinese officials in Hawaii; Legislature to convene Monday despite staff testing positive, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART video game screengrab

Video game getting $190,000 in Honolulu rail money. It will likely be some time next year when people can first ride the rail in Honolulu, but meanwhile you can play a video game you helped pay for. KHON2.

State House staff member tests positive for coronavirus. House Speaker Scott State House staff member tests positive for coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Some elements of the governor's emergency proclamations could be adopted by state Legislature. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 has a meeting scheduled with the attorney general on Thursday to discuss which stipulations should be adopted. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Democrats Elect National Convention Delegates. A 33 member National Delegation has been elected by the Democratic Party of Hawai’i to represent the state at the Democratic National Convention. Maui Now.

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COVID-19 response among topics in meeting between Pompeo, Chinese officials in Hawaii. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged China to reveal all it knows about the coronavirus outbreak in a meeting with a top Chinese official in Hawaii on Wednesday as new revelations about President Donald Trump and China rocked Washington. Associated Press.

Three employees at Doraku Sushi in Waikiki test positive for COVID-19. Three employees at Doraku Sushi in Waikiki have tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii’s largest nursing home confirms at least 5 new COVID-19 cases. Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has confirmed a small outbreak at the state’s largest nursing home with at least four residents and one staff member now testing positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Growing Covid-19 Cluster at Oahu Nursing Home Sets Off Warning Signs. Nursing homes account for 40% of all virus deaths nationwide, but there have been very few cases in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Nearly 800 tested as COVID-19 cluster at state’s largest nursing home grows. Health experts are growing increasingly concerned about a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to the state’s largest skilled nursing facility. So far, at least five people connected to the nursing home have tested positive. Hawaii News Now.

Residents and staff at state’s largest nursing home will be re-tested for COVID-19 for two weeks. Hundreds of people are on edge waiting on the first round of test results. KITV4.

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Demand for travel could boost Hawaii’s recovery. Hawaii visitor industry members say there’s still time to recapture part of Hawaii’s peak summer travel season if Gov. David Ige makes a definitive announcement soon that he’s willing to ease restrictions in August for travelers with negative COVID-19 tests. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 17: 5 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The total number of cases in Hawaii now stands at 744. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 5 new coronavirus cases as statewide total climbs to 744. Hawaii recorded five new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total infections since the start of the outbreak climb to 744, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

State still breaking large capacity cesspool ban. It has been 15 years since large capacity cesspools have been banned. But they are still being found on private and public lands and that ends up costing taxpayers. KITV4.

Oahu

City’s $2.9B budget becomes law amid revenue uncertainties. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed to become law a $2.92 billion general operating budget that’s only about $60 million less than the one he submitted to the City Council in March when the state’s economic forecast was much rosier. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards among workers approved for pay raises by city council. Oahu lifeguards, sheriffs and conservation officers are up for a decent bump in pay. An arbitrator awarded four-and-half percent raises for this year and last year, which are more than double the pay hikes for other government workers. Hawaii News Now.

Singers say masks are no problem after Honolulu mayor bans live performances. Two days to go until Oahu bars can re-open – but some will be missing their main attraction. Live singing is banned to keep COVID-19 germs from spreading. Hawaii News Now.

Waimanalo bucks COVID-19 trends with no confirmed cases. While Hawaii has had a much lower infection rate of COVID-19 cases than the rest of the country, we're far from immune. KITV4.

Honolulu police chief Susan Ballard backed committee to address HPD issues. Honolulu’s police chief is convening a committee to revise its use-of-force policy, among many changes in store or already underway following weeks of public outcry globally for sweeping police reforms and an end to bias in policing. Star-Advertiser.

City park playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment reopening this Friday. Our phased reopening of park facilities continues with the reopening of city park playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment this Friday. KITV4.

Honolulu playgrounds, exercise equipment, reopen to public on Friday. City officials announced today that playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment — closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic — will reopen for public use this Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would increase Hanauma Bay’s visitor entry price to $10 but free for residents. Out-of-state visitors to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will need to pay more for entry and parking under a bill moving through the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Body cameras coming for police. The Hawaii Police Department will become the last department in the state to equip its officers with body cameras, following a unanimous County Council vote Wednesday to spend $1.8 million to purchase 340 video cameras. West Hawaii Today.

County Council Approves 5-Year Contract for HPD’s Body Camera Program. On Wednesday, Hawai‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing HPD to enter into a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., which allows for the acquisition of body cameras and provides maintenance and cloud-based storage at the price tag of $1.8 million. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Will Review Its Police Practices In Wake Of Protests. The review will be performed by the department itself and experts such as training instructors. Civil Beat.

Four doctors graduate from HMC’s medical residency program amid pandemic. Four doctors on Friday graduated from Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Island Family Residency program, finishing their last months of residency as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on around the world. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Humane Society Will Not Seek New Animal Control Contract. The Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Board of Directors has decided to not respond to the County of Hawaii’s Request for Proposals for Animal Control Services for Hawaiʻi island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Haleakalā National Park Restarts Sunrise Reservations. The National Park Service is following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, as it continues to increase recreational access and services. Maui Now.

Expeditions Lāna‘i Ferry Resumes Operations Today. The Expeditions Lānaʻi Ferry has opened for passengers to and from Lānaʻi starting TODAY, Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Maui Now.

HDOT receives $7.8M in federal funds to support Maui Bus system. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has received more than $7.8 million in federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration to support the Maui Bus system amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

Three GoAkamai Cameras Added in Central Maui. The GoAkamai camera network is meant to serve as a source for live traffic information for travelers to help them plan their daily commutes and improve their quality of life. Maui Now.

Study: Without crowds, bigger fish back at Molokini. More fish and larger predators, such as ulua, omilu and reef sharks, have returned to the waters off Molokini in the few months that commercial boat traffic has been halted due to COVID-19 emergency orders, said a researcher who was part of a survey team of the preserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Learn about Kaua‘i resiliency. The County of Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency invites the public to join the County’s planning team and Steering Committee as they update the County’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Plan. Garden Island.

Careful when entering the forest. Researchers have found more diseased ‘ohi‘a trees on Kauai and in several of the other Main Hawaiian Islands since the COVID-19 pandemic curbed forest activity, and experts ask people to take care when reentering the forests as the state reopens. Garden Island.

HART predicts October rail run, herbicide ban dies on Big Island vote, Honolulu Police Commission chairwoman ousted, Sherwood Forest protesters cleared, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail map PC:HART

Rail will start running Oct. 20, Robbins says. Not only will the first 10 miles of the Honolulu rail system be completed by December 2020 as predicted, but it will be ready to run three months earlier, by Oct. 20, announced a sanguine Andrew Robbins, executive director and CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, at a Wednesday press conference overlooking the Halaulani Rail Station at Leeward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

HART sets goal of getting trains moving in October. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says the rail project is on track, and it's full speed ahead to an October opening date. KITV4.

By October, football fans could be riding the rail line to Aloha Stadium. HART’s CEO said Wednesday that trains will be ready for passengers between Kapolei and Aloha Stadium by October 20, and suggested fans of University of Hawaii football games could be among the first enthusiastic customers. Hawaii News Now.

Still no word on what it will cost to ride or operate the Honolulu rail. In an announcement on Wednesday afternoon, HART says that they plan to have the first 10 miles open by October 20. KHON2.

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Nearly A Quarter of Hawaii Homes Are Purchased By Out-Of-State Buyers. Hawaii’s chief economist told lawmakers on Tuesday that 24% of Hawaii homes were purchased by buyers from outside the state. The figure is even higher on the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Lawmakers Pushing For A Crackdown On Vaping. Legislators are drafting bills that include a flavor ban on e-cigarette liquids and a tax on vaping products. Civil Beat.

State Makes Progress in Helping Homeless But Experts Call For Larger Effort. Hawaii is making progress in addressing homelessness, but hasn’t expanded existing programs enough to make a major dent in the problem, state lawmakers were told at a summit on the issue Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Too Many People Are Dying While Waiting For Medical Aid In Dying. Doctors say Hawaii’s mandatory 20-day period is too long in some cases. Civil Beat.

Bristol-Myers, Sanofi countersue Hawaii over Plavix marketing case. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi fought back against an $8 billion lawsuit filed by Hawaii over marketing of their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix, arguing in a counter-suit that the state is trampling on their free-speech rights by demanding unnecessary warning labels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian carries fewer passengers in 2019 despite December bump. The state’s largest carrier transported 11,751,003 passengers in 2019 — a nearly 1% drop compared to 2018. During the same period, Hawaiian’s load factor — the share of seats filled — increased by 1.3 percentage points to 85.6%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission votes out chair Loretta Sheehan. At a commission meeting Wednesday, the Honolulu police commissioners ousted current chair Loretta Sheehan. Hawaii News Now.

Citing flaw in charges, judge dismisses cases for 28 arrested at Waimanalo Sherwoods park protest. The 28 people arrested for blocking the road at the city’s controversial redevelopment project at a Waimanalo park got a big victory Wednesday: A Kaneohe District Court judge dismissed the final petty misdemeanor cases for all those arrested. Hawaii News Now.

Augie T announces his run for Honolulu City Council. Comedian Augie Tulba officially announced his candidacy for Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. KITV4.

Surf park proposed in birthplace of surfing. Hawaii could have its first man-made barreling surf wave suited for skilled board riders as part of an aquatic recreation park proposed on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

State eyes converting a number of stalls to paid parking at a popular surf spot. The group “Save Our Surf” is mobilizing to fight a new state proposal to switch 125 free parking spaces to paid stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless outreach court makes progress, but funding needed. In its first two years of existence, Oahu’s Community Outreach Court that addresses minor, nonviolent crimes committed by homeless “participants” “has made significant progress,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald wrote in a report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Aircraft carrier with 5,000 sailors stops off in state after long deployment. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and more than 5,000 sailors arrived Wednesday in Pearl Harbor for a port call after sailing from Norfolk, Va., and serving unexpected and yeoman duty in the Middle East as an Iranian deterrent. Star-Advertiser.

Amid near record-setting deployment, USS Abraham Lincoln pulls into Pearl Harbor. More than 280 days after deploying from a port in Virginia, sailors from one of the largest ships in the U.S. Navy returned to American soil on Wednesday, docking at Pearl Harbor for what’s believed to be one final stop before heading home to San Diego. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii planning to auction off fishing boat at Ala Wai Harbor. The state is preparing to auction a 112-foot-long fishing boat next week if the owner does not claim it and pay off $1,000 in fees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council fails to override herbicide ban veto. After almost six hours of testimony and debate Wednesday, the County Council came up one vote short of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill banning the use of herbicides by county workers. West Hawaii Today.

Council Vote Fails To Override Veto On County Herbicide-Use Ban. The Hawaiʻi County Council failed to override Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill that would have ended the County’s use of herbicides in maintaining parks and roads. Big Island Video News.

Herbicide Ban Dies as Council Fails to Override Mayoral Veto. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday fell one vote shy of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of Bill 101, which would have eliminated the use of herbicides on county-owned and maintained property across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Council passes bill updating energy conservation code. The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to pass at first reading a bill updating the county’s energy conservation code. Tribune-Herald.

Council approves Hilo Bay breakwater study. The Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday to approve funding for a study investigating how to improve the water quality of Hilo Bay. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL looking to build homes in Kealakehe. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands this year plans to award handful of vacant lots and start construction on more than a hundred homes for beneficiaries at the Villages of Laiopua in Kealakehe. West Hawaii Today.

Staffing shortages disrupt more solid waste services. The Solid Waste Division will hold public informational meetings to discuss transfer stations’ operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule for transfer stations across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Informational Hearings to Discuss Transfer Stations. The county invites the public to attend public informational hearings to discuss residential transfer stations islandwide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County sees progress on homelessness. An executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim told state lawmakers Tuesday the number of homeless people on Hawaii Island is decreasing, but “there is still much work that needs to be done”. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County was short 153 doctors in 2019. Maui County last year was short 153 physicians, up from 141 in 2018, according to the final Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project Report for 2019 conducted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Maui News.

The median price for Maui single-family homes rose to a record last year, marking a second consecutive year for the feat. A report released by the Realtors Association of Maui showed that single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for a median $741,355 last year, up 4% from $710,000 the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Median Home Price in December Increased 4.6% to $740,000. Maui Now.

Kauai

Peep hole gets temporary fix. A peeping hole at Kauai comfort station has been temporarily patched up by three men who said they had enough. Garden Island.

Molokai

Investigation reveals violations at Molokai Community Health Center. The investigation done by the state Health Department shows several critical violations and that the health center had been operating without a physician since August 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Lanai Water Co. seeks test run of increased rates. Company says it’s losing money at current rates. Maui News.