Hawaii educators lay out school reopening guidelines, mayors unclear on pre-travel COVID-19 testing, Caldwell looks to loosen Honolulu lockdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Public schools will make ‘gradual’ transition to blended learning in October. Public school parents should prepare for distance learning to continue into the second quarter, but schools will slowly transition to a blended model that includes some in-person instruction starting in mid-October, schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto announced Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Some students could return to Hawaii public schools after fall break. Some public schools may offer blended learning later this fall under new Health Department benchmarks, but families should expect to start the second quarter Oct. 12 still in distance learning. Star-Advertiser.

New Guidance Shows When Hawaii Schools Should Go In-Person, Blended Or Learn-From-Home. Under the new guidance, Hawaiʻi island schools would return to in-person learning for elementary school students and blended learning for secondary students. Big Island Video News.

State unveils metrics for school reopening. There is still no set reopening date for classrooms in Hawaii, but the state health and education departments on Thursday provided metrics for how they plan to handle instruction based on the COVID-19 infection rate on each island. Tribune-Herald.

DOH Provides Metrics on HIDOE’s Learning Parameters for Second Quarter. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education will use newly released guidance from the Hawai‘i State Department of Health to plan for appropriate learning models for the remainder of the academic year. Big Island Now.

HIDOE: COVID-19 benchmarks in place for gradual transition to blended learning. It follows guidance developed by the Department of Health and applies to both public and private schools. KITV4.

Gradual Rollout of Blended Learning Expected in 2nd Quarter at Hawai‘i Schools. Governor David Ige joined superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto with the state Department of Education and Dr. Sarah Kemble, Asst. Hawai‘i State Epidemiologist today in announcing updated COVID-19 guidance for Hawai‘i’s schools. Maui Now.

Islands to decide on school reopenings. Via Gov. David Ige’s Thursday press conference, the state Department of Education announced they will use a newly released guidance from the state Department of Health to plan for appropriate learning models for the remainder of the current school year. Garden Island.

HSTA Against New District Metrics Presented by HIDOE, DOH. The Hawai‘i State Teachers Association is adamantly against the new metrics presented by the Department of Health Thursday, which provide guidance for appropriate learning models for the remainder of the academic year. Big Island Now.

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Governor Ige looking into establishing 'international travel bubbles'. On Thursday Governor Ige said he's still looking into establishing "international travel bubbles." KITV4.

Hawaii Will Reopen Without Quarantine To Those Who Test Negative But Some Think It's Unsafe. Mainland travelers may be able to avoid quarantine if they get a negative COVID-19 test before arriving in Hawaii starting October 15th. But some say the one-test plan is unsafe for Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

A day after announcing the launch of a testing program on Oct. 15 for trans-Pacific travelers, the governor said he is working with county leaders on inter-island travel. An inter-island quarantine continues through at least Sept. 30, but is expected to be extended. Hawaii News Now.

Plans for interisland travel unclear as state poised to welcome back visitors. The governor said he is looking to launch a pilot pre-testing program for interisland travel, but is concerned about testing capacity across the islands. KITV4.

Neighbor island mayors say more details needed before pre-testing program begins. The inter-island quarantine remains in effect through Sept. 30, just two weeks before the pre-travel testing program is set to begin. KHON2.

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Civil Beat Economy Panel: ‘We Don’t Survive’ Without Reopening Tourism. Hawaii may not see 10 million tourists in a year land on its shores again soon — or ever — but the economy won’t fully recover until at least some tourists return, a panel of tourism and business leaders said Thursday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines to cut one-third of workforce. Hawaiian Airlines’ pre-pandemic payroll will be cut by one-third, or 2,501 jobs, as of the start of next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines says more furloughs could come if pre-travel testing program is extended again. A total of 2,501 jobs were cut from Hawaiian Airlines. KHON2.

Qualified workers in Hawaii to get extra week of unemployment benefits from FEMA. Hawaii workers eligible for an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will receive an extra week of benefits. Star-Advertiser.

State launches its loss wage assistance program. New unemployment numbers released on Thursday show nearly 80,000 people were without a job in August. KITV4.

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University of Hawaii athletic department counts 4 positive test results. Out of 373 tests conducted for the University of Hawaii athletic department, there have been four positive results to date, the school’s Board of Regents was told on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 17: 160 New COVID-19 Cases And 5 Deaths In Hawaii. At least 120 people have died from the virus in Hawaii to date, though the state’s official tally is lower because of reporting lags. Civil Beat.

DOH Reports 160 Cases, 4 New COVID-Related Deaths. The total number of cases statewide since the pandemic began now stands at 11,105. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Mayor: New order will allow small household gatherings on beaches, parks. The city’s stay-at-home order remains in effect for another week, but the mayor is pledging to ease some restrictions on gatherings and businesses with his next proclamation. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council chairman’s departure and search for his replacement stirs ethics complaints. City Councilmembers calling for more transparency surrounding the departure of Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson have filed complaints with the Honolulu Ethics Commission and have asked to pause the search for his replacement. Star-Advertiser.

Councilwoman Files Ethics Complaints Over Chair’s Departure To Union Job. Councilwomen Heidi Tsuneyoshi and Kym Pine are requesting a more open process to choose Anderson’s replacement. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail P3 Bidder Wants More Than $2 Billion For The Final Stretch. Local officials have remained tight-lipped on what’s happening with the long-anticipated award for the project’s final leg. Civil Beat.

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Mayor Caldwell announces additional $75 million in grants for Oahu small businesses. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has announced an additional $75 million in additional financial support for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Offering Additional $75 Million In Aid To Businesses. Up to $50,000 is available to individual local businesses. Civil Beat.

City makes an additional $75M in aid available to struggling Oahu businesses. Since the fund launched in May, it has distributed more than $50 million to over 5,500 small businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Additional $75 million in grants soon to be available for Oahu's small businesses. This is a reimbursement program, and the city wants business owners to know that every invoice they submit needs to come with a receipt and proof of payment to qualify. KITV4.

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Sewage leak forces temporary closure of Sand Island Beach Park.  The state has temporarily closed the Sand Island State Recreation Area due to a large sewage spill. The state Health Department said the spill came from a broken line connecting a pump station at the park to the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ballots to be mailed Oct. 7. The Hawaii County Elections Division announced Thursday that it will begin mailing ballots for the Nov. 3 general election on Oct. 7. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo’s Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home has history of problems. The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home was a source of concern for federal regulators even before the pandemic, earning an overall “below average” rating and a citation for failing to provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Star-Advertiser.

Long-awaited hydrogen buses on the way: Transit administrator predicts first bus in service by end of year. It’s been a long road, but the county’s first hydrogen bus — and possibly even three buses — should be traveling Kona streets before the year is out. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Businesses Continue to Close and Struggle as Pandemic Drags On. At least 15 other Maui businesses, including eight restaurants, already have shuttered for good due to the economic woes of the pandemic. Maui Now.

Community clinic pharmacy to close for lack of patients. Malama I Ke Ola Health Center, which services the poor and those without health insurance, will be closing its pharmacy Wednesday, the community clinic announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Two solar power, battery storage projects are submitted to PUC. Price for renewable energy among the lowest on island. Two Maui solar and battery storage projects, which are slated to charge among the lowest rates for renewable energy on Maui, have been submitted to the state Public Utilities Commission for review and approval, Hawaiian Electric announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Property tax exemptions, credits available. The County of Kaua‘i is announcing that 2021 real property tax exemptions or tax credits are available. Garden Island.

HDOH hopes UDSA federal funding will prevent food contamination. Earl Kashiwagi feels the $370,000 grant the state Department of Heath received from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enhance Hawai‘i’s food emergency response network microbiology lab could benefit safety for food consumers. Garden Island.

Health Department whistleblower forced out, Honolulu mayor extends stay-at-home order, Hilo jail inmates riot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Health Department investigator Jennifer Smith PC:KITV4 video

Whistleblower at Department of Health says she was placed on leave. Whistleblower at the Department of Health and case investigator Jennifer Smith says that she was placed on leave. KITV4.

Hawaii Dept Of Health Whistleblower Forced Out As Shakeup Continues. After revealing flaws in the state’s contact tracing program, Jennifer Smith, a state DOH case investigator, was put on leave on Friday. Civil Beat.

DOH whistleblower placed on leave for firearm allegations. Another shakeup at the Department of Health, as KHON2 has learned Tuesday that the DOH whistleblower who brought to light the state’s contact tracing program was understaffed, is now on leave. KHON2.

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Failure To Communicate: How The State Lost The Public's Trust And How It Can Get it Back. The departures of top leaders from the state Department of Health follow disclosures of major shortcomings in the state’s response to COVID-19. These events have diminished public confidence in what officials say. However, trust is crucial in maintaining the public’s health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kokua Council Wants Court To Order DOH To Hire Contact Tracers. A community organization has petitioned the Hawaii Supreme Court to order the state health department to hire more contact tracers. Civil Beat.

Elizabeth “Libby” Char named interim director of the Hawaii Department of Health. Elizabeth “Libby” Char appointed by Gov. David Ige to serve as interim director of the Hawaii Department of Health, effective Sept.16. Pacific Business News.

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Hawaii Gov. David Ige unveils $100M program to help renters affected by pandemic. Hawaii renters who are at risk of eviction due to the coronavirus pandemic may be eligible for financial help under a new $100 million rent relief and housing assistance program announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

State Makes Rental Assistance Available For Hard Hit Residents. Payments will go directly to landlords, not tenants. Civil Beat.

State launches $100 million housing assistance program. The state is launching a $100 million program designed help Hawaii residents pay for and stay in their current housing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that’s put thousands out of work. West Hawaii Today.

Governor Announces Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program. The new program will provide federal assistance for Hawai‘i renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State says. Big Island Video News.

Ige announces $100 million in rental assistance. The state’s moratorium on evictions is valid through the end of the month, but any missed payments during this pandemic are still owed to landlords. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige Announces Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program. Governor David Ige announced the launch of a new program that will provide federal assistance for Hawai‘i renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

State to provide qualified residents rent money. The state announced on Sept. 8 it will provide $100 million to renters and eventually homeowners. KHON2.

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‘Special master’ to oversee Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety. The embattled state Department of Public Safety went under a new level of oversight and scrutiny in the era of COVID-19 on Tuesday after Gov. David Ige announced that he has appointed the chairman of the state Hawaii Paroling Authority as Ige’s “special master” over DPS. Star-Advertiser.

Ige selects Department of Public Safety insider to assess DPS in wake of COVID-19 outbreak. In the wake of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the state’s largest jail, the governor has appointed the chairman of the Hawaii Paroling Authority as a special master to assist in overseeing the state Department of Public Safety. West Hawaii Today.

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Senate Committee Requests Pre-Testing Pilot Program for Interisland Travel. A Hawai‘i Senate Committee is calling for a program that would require coronavirus testing for those wishing to travel between the Hawaiian Islands. Big Island Now.

Senate Special Committee Calls for Pre-Testing Pilot Program for Travel Between Neighbor Island Counties. Members of the Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 sent a letter to Governor David Ige calling for neighbor island counties to serve as Pilot Program testing sites for exclusive travel between neighbor island counties. Maui Now.

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Hawaii surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 cases. The state Department of Health on Tuesday reported 66 new cases of the novel coronavirus bringing Hawaii’s total case to 10,025 cases since Feb. 28. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, Sept. 8th: 66 New Cases Lift State Over 10,000 Total. Big Island Video News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 8: 66 New Cases And 2 Deaths. It was one of the lowest daily counts seen in more than a month. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell extends stay-at-home, work-from-home order. Oahu’s stay-at-home, work-from-home order to curb a surge in new daily coronavirus cases will continue for at least the next two weeks, with changes to allow for limited outdoor activities. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Parks, Beaches To Reopen – But Only For Solo Activity. Parents are not allowed to bring their kids to the beach, the mayor said. Civil Beat.

Mayor extends stay-at-home order, but reopens parks and beaches for solo activities. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is extending Oahu’s stay-at-home order for two more weeks ― through Sept. 23 ― but will reopen parks and beaches for individual activities. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor extends stay-at-home order for 2 more weeks. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced an extension to the stay-at-home order which will now end on Sept. 23. KHON2.

Rules for going solo on Oahu outdoor pursuits raise safety concerns. In the mayor’s latest order, city parks and trails will reopen for limited uses such as walking, running and biking, but only by oneself. Group activities will not be allowed. Star-Advertiser.

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2 more city bus operators test positive; last routes driven released. One of the operators last worked on Friday, Aug. 28 and did not have any COVID-19 symptoms while on the job. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi Has The Worst COVID-19 Outbreak In Hawaii. Here’s How The Community Is Responding. Nonprofits are pivoting to help residents in a community facing the worst outbreak of COVID-19 of any zip code in the state, along with high rates of unemployment. Civil Beat.

Community divide over an affordable housing project planned for Kailua deepens. An affordable rental housing project in a Kailua neighborhood continues its uphill battle, despite strong opposition. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu private schools differ on when to bring back students. ‘Iolani School plans to bring all students back to campus Sept. 21 with extensive safety precautions against COVID-19, but some other big private schools remain wary of in-person classes. Star-Advertiser.

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EPA orders Waianae company to stop selling pesticides claiming to kill coronavirus. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a Waianae-based company to stop distributing and selling two pesticides known as “InstaPURE” and “EverPURE” because they are not registered and make misleading claims. Star-Advertiser.

EPA orders Waianae company to stop using unapproved COVID-fighting chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency is ordering a Waianae-based company to stop using two chemicals it allegedly markets as coronavirus killers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Officials: Inmates barricade themselves, set fire and riot at HCCC. The Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Fire Department and state Sheriff’s Division responded late Tuesday afternoon to what police described as a “riot” at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Inmates riot and set fire to housing unit at Hilo jail. Several inmates were injured Tuesday during a riot and fire at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Affray at HCCC Contained After Inmates Start Fire. Authorities have contained an incident at Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center where inmates started a fire and barricaded doors on one of the units Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Photos Show Inmates Rounded Up After HCCC Riot. The situation at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center was contained Tuesday evening, after a riot broke out at the facility. Big Island Video News.

Disturbance at Hilo’s correctional center contained after fire, barricades. A Department of Public Safety spokesperson said the incident began around 3:45 p.m. and was contained by 5:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

‘Public safety has things that need to be corrected,’ a lawmaker says as a riot occurs at HCCC. A jail riot at Hawaii Community Correctional Center is causing concern among some state leaders. KHON2.

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Team from the state to review COVID response at veterans home in Hilo. A state team will be assembled today to conduct a review of the COVID-19 outbreak response at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, and the virus was reported in two more Big Island long-term care facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Army to seek lease extension of state-owned land. The U.S. Army is seeking input for an upcoming environmental impact statement to retain its lease of nearly 23,000 acres at Pohakuloa Training Area. West Hawaii Today.

Kealakekua man fined $5,500 for fish poaching. A Kealakekua resident was sentenced Tuesday to pay $5,500 in fines stemming from the illegal collection of 550 aquarium fish earlier this year from waters off South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Roselani Place COVID-19 Cases Rise to 47 Total Since Aug. 15. The number of COVID-19 positive cases at the Roselani Place assisted living community is now 47–including 28 staff and 19 residents. Maui Now.

New owners bring life back to local brewery. About $1M infused into Kohola Brewery to restart company shuttered by pandemic. Maui News.

Maui Cattle Company Offers COVID-Friendly Drive-Up Sale on Friday. Maui Cattle Company, a local business founded in 2002, hosts a third drive-up sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at their facility located at 106 South Kāne Street (between Kahului Foodland and Sysco) in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign to assist small business extended. The Aloha for Kaua‘i campaign, conducted in partnership with the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the county’s Office of Economic Development, the Kupa‘a Kaua‘i program and Jaxon Communications, has received notice that the program has been extended through the end of the year. Garden Island.

Decision on proposed Hanalei brewery deferred. The proposal for a new brewpub in Hanalei was before the Planning Commission Tuesday, but because of an influx of new public testimony, all action was deferred to next month. Garden Island.

Multiple agencies contain airport fire. Firefighters contained a 100-acre brushfire that broke out near the makai side of Lihu‘e Airport on Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Honolulu vial mislabeling sends 1,000 back for second COVID-19 test, $300 weekly unemployment bonus begins, health inspector fined for ethics violation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID-19 lab testing

About 1,000 Oahu residents told to retake COVID-19 surge test because of mislabeling. Just five days into a federally funded COVID-19 surge testing program on Oahu, about 1,000 people from the Kaneohe testing site have been told they have to retake the test due to a mislabeling error. Star-Advertiser.

Due To Mislabeling, About 1,000 Oahu Residents Told To Re-Test For COVID-19. The tests were part of the two-week federally funded testing surge. Civil Beat.

Due to mislabeling, about 1,000 Oahu residents told to re-test for COVID-19. In the latest coronavirus blunder, officials say about 1,000 people will need to get re-tested because vials weren’t labeled. Hawaii News Now.

About 1,000 surge tests labeled incorrectly, impacted individuals urged to retest. Some  of the tests from the Kaneohe site on Wednesday were not labeled correctly and those who are impacted are being urged to retest. KHON2.

1,000 people need to redo COVID-19 test due to labeling error. Another 500 vials were also incorrectly labeled, but staff managed to match the correct patient information to the vials. KITV4.

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A Frank Conversation With U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz About Hawaii’s ‘Terrible’ Virus Response Effort. Hawaii’s senior senator is extremely troubled by the Ige and Caldwell administrations’ failure to deal effectively with the coronavirus problem in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Contact tracing for the public: Voluntary contact tracing app would allow personal notification. Would a voluntary, free app that lets people know they were within 10-12 feet of someone who later tests positive for coronavirus help stem the rising tide of infections? Could crowd-sourcing — literally putting a tool into the hands of the public — be the solution that government alone can’t seem to reach? West Hawaii Today.

Travelers flying into Hawaii will be required to complete Safe Travels application. The Safe Travels application, starting Tuesday, will become the newest mandatory requirement for travelers flying into Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

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Feds fund unemployment bonus program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Sunday it has approved a $193,933,095 grant to Hawai‘i to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 with an additional $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. Garden Island.

More federal funding is heading to islands to help fulfill unemployment claims. Senator Brian Schatz announces Saturday that the state is getting nearly $200 million in funding from the Lost Wages Assistance Program, which is administered through FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Hawaii News Now.

FEMA Approves Lost Wages Grant for Hawai‘i to Support $300 Per Week Unemployment Benefit. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Hawaiʻi to provide $300 per week, on top of their regular unemployment benefit, to those unemployed due to COVID-19. Maui Now.

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County Budgets Stable For Now, But Face Uncertain Future. Local governments in Hawaii have not yet faced the acute budget woes being felt at the state level. That may change if local businesses a forced to close. Hawaii Public Radio.

Auditor: DOE Should Be Releasing More Info About COVID-19 In Schools. The State Auditor also criticized Department of Education officials for not cooperating with its investigation. Civil Beat.

DOE reports 20 new COVID-19 cases. This week, 20 people associated with the state Department of Education has tested positive for COVID-19. The DOE's weekly web update says that includes nine employees, five students, four service providers and two parents contracted the virus. KITV4.

Hawaii’s hospitals are in urgent need of nurses to tackle a surge in COVID-19 cases. With an influx in hospitalizations in Hawaii due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, health care officials have put out an urgent call for more nurses to assist. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Inspector Fined $25,000 For Ethics Violation. A state worker admitted to mixing government work with his second job, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission said. Civil Beat.

DOH nurse consultant hit with $25,000 fine for ethics violation. The Hawaii State Ethics Commission fined Roel Salanga $25,000 dollars after they say he used his position for personal gain. Hawaii News Now.

Guess Who In Hawaii Is Donating To Trump And Biden? More than 600 Hawaii residents have contributed cash to the campaigns of the president and his opponent. Civil Beat.

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Bill opens up Hawai‘i to hemp industry. The signing of House Bill 1819 by Gov. David Ige legalizes the growth, processing and sale of industrial hemp in the state, and for Nalu Botanicals Lab, the first and only toll processing facility in the state, this bill opens up new opportunities and business by the ten-fold. Garden Island.

Pandemic renews calls for marijuana legalization in Hawaii. This week, Hawaii took a step forward in legalizing industrial hemp, something the agricultural committee says would be a big boost to the state's economy. KITV4.

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Will Hawaii’s $1.9 Billion Missile Radar System Get Built? Critics argue the costly system may already be obsolete and will needlessly threaten the environment and cultural sites. Civil Beat.

Wespac Reconsiders Rule That Keeps Longliners From Fishing Near Hawaii’s Shores. The zone was created nearly 30 years ago to ease conflicts with smaller boats that fish closer to shore. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric takes on threat of albizia trees. In 2019, Hawaiian Electric spent about $18.6 million on trimming or removing more than 360,000 trees across its five-island territory. Star-Advertiser.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 30: 200 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. There are now more than 5,700 active cases identified in the islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports another coronavirus death on Oahu and 200 new cases statewide. Health officials today reported 174 new cases today on Oahu, 22 on Hawaii island, and four in Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidates log small campaign funding deficits. he top two vote getters in the race reported small deficits in the days leading up to the primary. Hawaii News Now.

Protesters gather in opposition of mayor’s latest stay-at-home order. In an act of defiance against the mayor’s latest stay-at-home order, a large group of people exercised their freedom of speech Saturday in a protest near the grounds of Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists Find Larger Fish, Clearer Water During Hanauma Bay Closure. Scientists anticipate the bay’s vacation from vacationers will bring a much-needed boost to its overall health. Civil Beat.

‘It’s as if a bomb went off:’ Waipahu’s illegal dumping problem worsens. Illegal dumping has been a problem in Waipahu for years. But local businesses and environmental activists say the problem has gotten worse during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Outrage, not a meadow, grows in Royal Kunia subdivision. The condition and use of 132 acres at Royal Kunia once advertised as the spot for a planned golf course has been perturbing much of the roughly 2,000-home community over the past three years, including about 300 residents whose homes border the old golf course site. Star-Advertiser.

Reporter, weekend anchor Lisa Kubota bids aloha to Hawaii News Now. After 20 years in the broadcast journalism industry, Hawaii News Now’s Lisa Kubota is saying aloha to the world of television news. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island records its first 2 coronavirus deaths amid outbreak at Hilo veterans home. Hawaii island has had its first two coronavirus-related deaths following an outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Star-Advertiser.

Two coronavirus-related deaths reported at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Island marked its first coronavirus-related deaths Sunday as the number of positive COVID-19 cases on the island climbed to 340. West Hawaii Today.

Two Deaths, 37 COVID-19 Cases Connected To Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home Outbreak. Six are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center, and 19 are being cared for at the veterans home’s COVID designated area. Big Island Video News.

HMC Reports Two Coronavirus-Related Deaths. Hilo Medical Center reported two coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday afternoon, the first of which was also reported by Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Sunday morning. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Island reports two COVID deaths as case numbers surpass Maui County. On Sunday, Hawaii County had more COVID-19 cases than Maui County. As of Sunday, there are 166 active cases on Hawaii Island. KHON2.

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Five arrested following gathering at Kahaluu. Five people were arrested for violating Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation after Hawaii Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of a more than 20 people gathering at Kahaluu Beach Park. West Hawaii Today.

Police Arrest 5 at Kahalu‘u Beach Park For Violation of COVID-19 Protocol. Hawai‘i County Police on Saturday arrested five individuals for violating COVID-19 protocols as part of a gathering at Kahalu‘u Beach Park in West Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

5 arrested, charged on the Big Island for COVID violations. Not everyone complied and police arrested five people: 53-year-old Gene Tamashiro of Hilo, 48-year-old Stefanie Nolff of Keaau, 65-year-old Diane Ficher of Kailua-Kona, 60-year-old Melody Harris of Kailua-Kona and 53-year-old Michaele Ann Medearis of Holualoa. KHON2.

Maui

More than 5,000 limited quarantine requests. County grants ‘vast majority’ of requests so people can continue to work As of Friday, Maui County officials had received well over 5,000 requests from travelers for a limited quarantine when arriving in the county following interisland travel. Maui News.

Reality series ‘Temptation Island’ to begin filming again on Maui. Maui filming of the reality series “Temptation Island” is back on again after obtaining authorization from Mayor Michael Victorino following a review of the production company’s health security plan and testing protocols. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor green lights reality TV show. ‘Temptation Island’ filming at Andaz allowed beginning Sept. 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Money helps fund Makauwahi Cave Reserve expansion efforts. For the Makauwahi Cave Reserve, nestled on the south coast of Kaua‘i in the Mahaulepu Valley close to Mahaulepu Beach, change has always been constant, even in the pre-COVID era. Garden Island.

Kauai Businesses Are ‘Hanging On By A Thread’ Without Tourists. The alarming number of businesses facing closure in the next six months should be a warning sign to state leaders, says the head of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. Civil Beat.

Native seabird chicks eaten by single cat. Over the course of three days in a remote area of the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve, one cat (photographed on multiple trail cameras) killed at least nine endangered Hawaiian Petrel (‘u‘au) chicks. Garden Island.

Feds step in to assist, U.S. Surgeon General visits Hawaii as Oahu returns to COVID-19 stay-at-home lockdown, ambulances turned away from overburdened hospitals, Ige applies for $300 weekly unemployment bonus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams at Aug. 25, 2020, press conference, from Honolulu city video

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams was on Oʻahu Tuesday to explain how the surge testing process will be carried out. As the State of Hawaiʻi prepares for the impacts of the increase in COVID-19 cases on Oʻahu, the federal government – represented by the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, who is now in Honolulu – is stepping in to help. Big Island Video News.

Federal program relaxes rules for free COVID-19 testing, available for 2 weeks. The U.S. Surgeon General said asymptomatic people can get tested over the next two weeks without a doctor's note, symptoms or underlying health conditions. The federal "surge testing program" is a partnership with the state and City and County of Honolulu. KITV4.

Free COVID-19 testing being offered on Oahu. The surge tests will be provided to participants beginning today through the U.S. government’s Coronavirus Task Force. Star-Advertiser.

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Governor issues another sweeping ‘stay-at-home’ order on Oahu for 2 weeks. The governor has approved another sweeping “stay-at-home” order for Oahu starting Thursday in a dramatic bid to rein in a surge of new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige approves stay-at-home, work-from-home order. Governor David Ige has approved a stay-at-home, work-from-home order for the island of Oahu. KHON2.

Oahu Goes Back To Stay-At-Home Order While Virus Testing Ramps Up. The federal government is providing up to 5,000 free COVID-19 tests per day for the next two weeks. Civil Beat.

O'ahu issued stay-at-home order for at least two weeks. Exactly five months after issuing a stay-at-home order for the state, Tuesday, a stay-at-home order was issued for O'ahu. KITV4.

Oahu heading back under lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to mount in Hawaii. After more than four weeks of consistent triple-digit daily coronavirus counts, the hammer finally came down on Oahu as Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a stay-at-home order starting 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Retailers, gyms, salons will all have to close under city’s new ‘stay-at-home’ order. Retailers, gyms, salons and other “non-essential” businesses on Oahu will be forced to close their doors Thursday for two weeks under a new “stay-at-home” order. The broad mandate is meant to quickly bring down the number of new COVID-19 infections on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

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As hospitalizations soar, ‘unprecedented’ number of ERs are turning ambulances away. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Hawaii has nearly quadrupled since Aug. 1, leaving some Oahu hospitals so overwhelmed they’re turning ambulances away. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii to apply for $300 federal unemployment weekly benefit program. Hawaii will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance Program, a $300 weekly benefit for unemployed workers that will replace the $600-per-week federal assistance that ended in July. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Applies for New Unemployment Bonus Program, Seeks to Offer $300 Per Week to Eligible Applicants.  Hawaiʻi will apply to participate in a new unemployment insurance plus up program called the Lost Wages Assistance or the LWA Program. Maui Now.

As state seeks additional $300 for unemployed, thousands of claims still left unprocessed. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that the state will apply for federal aid that provides an extra $300 a week for the unemployed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi to Apply for New Unemployment Bonus Program. Hawaiʻi will apply to participate in new unemployment insurance plus up program called the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program, state officials announced Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

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Unions Call For Removal Of Hawaii Prison Chief Espinda. United Public Workers, HGEA say the state is not doing enough to get COVID-19 under control at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Civil Beat.

Union calls for removal of Department of Public Safety director over COVID-19 surge at OCCC. The United Public Workers union has called for the immediate removal for Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda, citing “months of inaction by the State” to stop the spread of COVID-19 at Oahu Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

Pressure mounts for a change of leadership at the Department of Public Safety. In a hopeful sign Tuesday, the Department of Public Safety said there were no new cases of COVID-19 reported among inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Unions demand replacement of director of public safety as five correctional center workers test positive for coronavirus. The Department of Public Safety confirms five new cases of the coronavirus for community correctional center workers. KHON2.

Critics call for changes and firing at Public Safety Dept. The union representing prison guards and workers at OCCC calls for Hawaii's Public Safety Director to be fired. KITV4.

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Hawaii reports 215 new coronavirus cases, pushing statewide total just shy of 7,000. The state saw 215 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, pushing the statewide total for cases since the pandemic began to 6,984. Hawaii News Now.

Coronavirus: 215 new cases brings state total to 6,984. The Department of Health reported 215 new cases of COVID-19 on Aug. 25 for the state: 201 cases are from Honolulu County, 11 cases are from Hawaii County and 3 cases are from Maui County. KHON2.

215 new coronavirus cases as Hawaii’s total tally climbs to 6,984. Hawaii health officials today reported 215 new coronavirus cases in Hawaii, with 52% attributed to community spread, as the statewide total since the start of the pandemic climbed to 6,984. Star-Advertiser.

How An EPA Decision On Trash Could Lead To Cleaner Beaches Across Hawaii. The EPA’s ruling on two beaches overwhelmed by marine debris could eventually force the state to take action elsewhere. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City funds an additional 130 hotel rooms for those seeking COVID-19 quarantine. An additional 130 hotel rooms on Oahu will soon be available to those who need to quarantine away from their families. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki hotels agree to house those under quarantine. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the state Department of Health announced Tuesday that they have retained an entire Waikiki hotel as a COVID-19 quarantine and isolation center — more than doubling the rooms in the district that are available for this purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of virus contact tracers to be hired on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday the city plans to hire between 250 and 500 coronavirus contact tracers to work in coordination with the state on a “more aggressive” approach to tracking the path of the virus. Star-Advertiser.

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TheBus to implement ‘No Mask, No Ride’ policy starting Sept. 1. Transportation officials say a rider’s nose and mouth must be covered for the entire time while on city buses, and they are no longer granting medical exemptions. Hawaii News Now.

TheBus, Handi-Van to require masks starting Sept. 1. Starting Sept. 1, all riders of TheBus and The Handi-Van will be required to wear a mask or face covering while riding, the City and County of Honolulu announced today. Star-Advertiser.

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HSTA has a gripe over order that deepens divide between public, private schools. The order requires private schools to close their campuses to in-person learning, and students must switch to online distance learning. But at the governor’s request, public schools along with the University of Hawaii will remain open for the limited number of students doing in-person learning. Hawaii News Now.

Three arrested for violating quarantine: Maryland visitor, Aiea resident and Honolulu resident. Three people have been arrested for violating the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine. KHON2.

Concerned resident alleges BOE ignored public input on Kahuku turbines built near schools. Another battle tied to the controversial Na Pua Makani turbines in Kahuku- one resident has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Education. KITV4.

In effort to stay afloat, Honolulu Cookie Company to lay off over 70 workers. Some 71 employees with the Honolulu Cookie Company are being laid off as a result of financial hardship for the business. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim: Stay-at-home order not needed; Caldwell announces more restrictions on Oahu. Mayor Harry Kim said the increase in coronavirus cases on Hawaii Island over the past few weeks doesn’t justify what he called a “shutdown” like the one mandated by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell for Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 work stoppage cost $3.4M: Most employees back at work after several months of paid leave. Hawaii County’s first tumultuous months of the COVID-19 lockdown resulted in an estimated 141,850 lost hours of work from county employees, at a cost of $3.4 million in salaries. West Hawaii Today.

Virus strikes vets home; two Hilo medical clinics also have COVID-19 cases. Three employees and seven residents at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home have tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

HCCC to Release Pretrial Misdemeanor Prisoners. Pretrial detainees at Hawai‘i Community Correctional Facility charged with petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor offenses will be released by Wednesday in an effort to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak. Big Island Now.

Quarantines, online classes kick off UH-Hilo school year. The University of Hawaii at Hilo has so far helped 163 students comply with state quarantine requirements by providing space on campus or at the Grand Naniloa Resort. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Schools still face hurdles going online. Internet connections an issue; some lack computers. Maui County public schools rolled into its second week of school Monday with students waiting for laptops and hot spot internet connectivity devices and some schools, especially in rural areas, facing connectivity issues. Maui News.

20 at Roselani Place test positive. Hospital outbreak grows to 31 patients, 35 staff. Eight residents and 12 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at a senior independent and assisted living community that’s largely escaped the pandemic until now. Maui News.

20 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Roselani Place, Assisted Living Community on Maui. Roselani Place, an assisted living community on Maui has identified 20 COVID-19 positive cases as of Monday. Maui Now.

Kauai

How the county chose CARES Act grant recipients. Using specialized Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, the county recently awarded 44 proposals for projects ranging from direct assistance to jobs to getting food out to the community. Garden Island.

There is still time to fill out the 2020 Census. Donald Bendz, a spokesperson of the U.S. Census Bureau, said more households on Kaua‘i have responded to the 2020 Census than in 2010. Garden Island.

Preventing COVID at KCCC. Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said the county is taking a conscientious approach to the spread of COVID-19 in local correctional facilities. Garden Island.

Hawaii's 14-day trans-Pacific quarantine extended to at least October, Honolulu trims crowd size to 5 people, Lt. Gov. Green to talk with Fauci, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige on Aug. 18 from Facebook Live

State extends 14-day quarantine for arriving passengers until Oct. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that the state will push back plans to reopen transpacific travel until “at least” Oct. 1 amid a recent increase in coronavirus cases. Pacific Business News.

Recovery is on pause again for Hawaii’s battered visitor industry. Gov. David Ige said Tuesday that the state will wait until at least Oct. 1 to begin a program to allow passengers with approved negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of their trip to Hawaii to bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day self- quarantine for out-of-state passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism Return Delayed Again. Hawai‘i Gov. David Ige has delayed the return of free-flowing trans-Pacific travel to the state for the second time. Big Island Now.

Ige pushes pretravel testing to Oct. 1 at ‘earliest’. A few days after signaling the pretravel testing program would be delayed for the second time, Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that it will be pushed to Oct. 1 at the soonest. Maui News.

Trans-Pacific quarantine likely extended. The 14-day quarantine for trans-Pacific travel to Hawai‘i will likely continue through at least the beginning of October, according to a Tuesday announcement from Governor David Ige. Garden Island.


DOH 'aggressively' bringing on additional contact tracing staff after public scrutiny. The Department of Health (DOH) has been under fire for not hiring enough contact tracers, but Director Bruce Anderson says he's trying to fix that. KITV4.

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Lt. Gov. Josh Green will talk story with Dr. Anthony Fauci on Aug. 25. The state’s COVID-19 healthcare liaison is getting ready to talk story with the nation’s top infectious disease expert. KHON2.

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Is COVID-19 Spreading Because People Have Gotten Tired Of Restrictions? Economists who track how people move about in their daily lives say government restrictions appear to be necessary to control the spread of the virus. Civil Beat.

Ige to extend eviction moratorium. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday afternoon that the state will extend its moratorium preventing evictions of residents unable to pay rent another month through the end of September. West Hawaii Today.

HSTA Follows Governor’s News Conference With Call For More Action. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association held another online news conference on Tuesday, calling for additional action to keep schools and communities safe. Big Island Video News.

HSTA fights to delay start of in-person classes. Tuesday afternoon HSTA called on the Department of Education to push back the start in-person classes to at least Oct. 2. KHON2.

DOH releases latest details on cases and clusters statewide. The Department of Health has released their most detailed report to date about known cases and clusters in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 18: 134 New COVID-19 Cases And Another Death. Forty-one fatalities have been related to COVID-19 in Hawaii since March. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 18th: 134 New Cases, 1 New Death. There were 134 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi as of noon on Tuesday. 124 of those new cases were identified on Oʻahu, seven (7) on Maui, and three (3) on Hawaiʻi island. One new death was also reported. Big Island Video News.

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DHHL Submits Wireless Spectrum Applications to FCC. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has submitted five applications to the Federal Communications Commission for unassigned Spectrum in response to a Rural Tribal Priority Window that opened Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 and closes on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. Only federally recognized Tribes or Alaska Native Villages could apply for Spectrum in the Window. Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu Crackdown: 5 People Max At Any Social Gathering. In response to the increase in spread of COVID-19 on Oahu, city officials announced Tuesday new limits on social gatherings but said they are allowing businesses such as gyms, retailers and restaurants to remain open. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell use another targeted approach to combat COVID-19 surge on Oahu. Officials used what they called a more targeted approach Tuesday in prohibiting Oahu residents from gathering in groups of more than five. Star-Advertiser.

Instead of a broad shutdown, governor opts to institute further restrictions on gatherings. To address a dramatic, weeks-long surge in new COVID-19 infections on Oahu, the governor and mayor announced new restrictions on gatherings Tuesday but opted not to put in place a broad shutdown, allowing gyms, restaurants, retailers and offices to remain open. Hawaii News Now.

Officials Declare No Social Gatherings On Oʻahu. State and Honolulu County officials today announced the latest restrictions intending to slow the spread of COVID-19 on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Ige, Caldwell announce new restrictions as COVID-19 surge continues on Oahu. Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a joint media conference Tuesday that new gathering-size restrictions imposed in response to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases apply only to Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

HPD still giving out hundreds of citations for COVID-19 violations as new rules take effect. The City and County of Honolulu said strict enforcement of the rules will continue as hundreds of citations continue to be given out to rule breakers. KHON2.

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About 40% of Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates tested for coronavirus are positive. Four out of every 10 Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates tested for COVID-19 have received positive results since mass testing began at the Kalihi facility a week ago, according to numbers extrapolated from the daily totals issued by the state Department of Public Safety. Star-Advertiser.

24 inmates will be released into the community amidst COVID-19 outbreak at OCCC. Inmates will be released into the community on Wednesday as the state works to control the spread of COVID-19 at OCCC. Hawaii News Now.

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Mayor Caldwell asks Honolulu City Council to confirm acting corporation counsel to permanent appointment. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has asked the Honolulu City Council to make Paul Aoki the city’s permanent corporation counsel. Star-Advertiser.

Parents stunned after Nanakuli charter school disenrolls more than 270 students. A Nanakuli Charter School was enjoying a boom in online enrollment this fall due to the pandemic. But the Ka Waihona o ka Na’auao Public Charter School is now turning away hundreds of those students. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Revamp Ala Wai Flood Control Plan After Community Opposition. Critics question how the previous designs for the $345 million project advanced so far based on faulty modeling. Civil Beat.

Ala Wai flood control plan gets major overhaul. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Tuesday a revised plan for the Ala Wai Flood Control Pro­ject with significantly fewer impacts on the natural streams and residential properties within the watershed, but the plan retains a large controversial pump and wall on the canal. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim withdraws Fire Commission nominee: Selection of HGEA rep draws controversy. An irked Mayor Harry Kim appeared Tuesday before a County Council panel and withdrew his nomination of a union representative for a seat on the Fire Commission after denouncing a process he said became politicized. West Hawaii Today.

County Supports Water Quality, Circulation Study in Hilo Bay. Hawai‘i County is hoping to un-muddy the waters of Hilo Bay. Big Island Now.

County eyes projects to stimulate economy, encourage low-income housing. In an effort to support local businesses, the Hawaii County might introduce a paid parking scheme in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County urges eligible residents to apply for rent, mortgage assistance. Hawaii County is partnering with six non-profits to launch the Hawaii County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. Hawaii News Now.

Some local businesses say 46% hike in shipping prices could be devastating. Because the cost of shipping drastically increased, KTA Superstores on the Big Island is forced to bump its prices and they're not the only ones. KITV4.

Maui

Maui Hospital COVID-19 Count Rises to 36. The number of COVID-19 cases at the Maui Memorial Medical Center has risen to 36 as of noon today.  Maui Health confirmed that there are 19 health care workers and 17 patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui Memorial faces uptick in COVID-19 cases, concern within its ranks. The number of COVID-19 patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center has risen to 17, with 1 in the intensive care unit, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii said. Hawaii News Now.

Hospital: Current 28-case surge different than previous outbreak. MMMC, Hale Makua each discuss their responses to uptick. Maui News.

Several clusters on Maui are being tracked by the state Department of Health, including small clusters arising from activity at a construction site. In another cluster, DOH officials say five Maui residents held a party on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Kauai

Disputing path to beach access. Police were called on a group clearing a path commonly used for beach access that crosses private property yesterday. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i business owners who receive their goods weekly through Young Brothers shipping company are bracing themselves as Hawaii Public Utilities Commission announced on Monday their approval of Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46% over the next 12 months. Garden Island.

Honolulu city hall shuts down amid COVID-19 outbreak, Caldwell tests negative, HGEA files grievance against Health Department over contact tracers, labor director resigns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Hale city hall ©2020 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Hale Shuts Down Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is among more than 1,000 city employees being tested for the disease after a cluster surfaced. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed, satellite city halls on limited service. Honolulu Hale is shutting down to the public due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases there, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell tests negative for COVID-19 after cases spread at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was tested for COVID-19 on Monday after a positive case in his office, and many more at Honolulu Hale. By Monday night, his result came back negative. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 test result is negative. There was mass testing at Honolulu Hale after 10 employees had positive COVID-19 test results. KHON2.

Mayor Caldwell tests negative for COVID-19. Mayor Kirk Caldwell received a negative test result for COVID-19 on Monday night. KITV4.

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Experts: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii at a faster rate than anywhere else in the nation. Hawaii is regularly seeing triple-digit increases in COVID-19 infections, a situation that underscores just how fast the virus is spreading in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus crisis worsens with 140 cases, 3 deaths and more closures. Hawaii’s coronavirus crisis continued to mount Monday as Honolulu’s City Hall was shut down, the University of Hawaii football season was postponed at least for the fall and three more people died from COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 140 Cases; Mayor Isolates, Honolulu Hale To Close; 6 OCCC Inmates, 3 ACOs Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 10: 3 Deaths And 140 Cases; Clusters At Honolulu Hale And Oahu Jail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is being tested for the coronavirus after a staffer in his office tested positive. Civil Beat.

DOH Reports 140 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health on Monday reported 140 news cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,638 cases since testing began in late February. Big Island Now.

Military and their family account for 7% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases. In the first acknowledgement of its kind, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said military members and their families in Hawaii represent approximately 7% of the total COVID-19 cases for the state — meaning about 204 as of Thursday’s statewide count of 2,914 since the start of the outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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‘Out of control': Union grievance filed against DOH as criticism of pandemic response builds. The union that represents state contact tracers has filed an official grievance against Health Department management, saying top government health officials have lied to the public how many tracers are actually on the job. Hawaii News Now.

HGEA grievance cites just 15 contact tracers on Oahu, where COVID-19 cases are surging. The Hawaii Government Employees Association has filed a grievance against the state Department of Health alleging that there are only 15 epidemiological specialists on Oahu and three on the neighbor islands to perform contact tracing for thousands of potential COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii governor appoints new directors as labor head resigns. Democratic Gov. David Ige said Monday he appointed a new interim director of the state Department of Taxation and an acting director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Associated Press.

Labor Director Resigns, Former Lawmaker To Head Tax Department. Gov. David Ige announced new cabinet members Monday. Civil Beat.

Head of State Labor Department Resigns After Two Months on Leave. The state director charged with overseeing jobless benefits for Hawai‘i residents has resigned after months of being on leave amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Scott Murakami resigns as head of Hawaii Labor Department after 2 months on leave. Scott Murakami, the director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, resigned his post on Wednesday, Gov. David Ige said today. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii community asked to shift coursework online as much as possible. The University of Hawaii, which already planned for mostly online instruction this fall, asked faculty and students today to reduce in-person coursework as much as possible given the rise in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Corrections Workers Fear Infection As COVID-19 Outbreak Grows. With six inmates and three staff already testing positive, OCCC staff worry the prison system is unprepared to control the virus. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s inter-island travel quarantine will be reinstated on Tuesday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. But the rules are a little different this time. For one, travel to Oahu is not restricted. But if you’re flying to any other island, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Reminder: partial interisland travel quarantine goes into effect Aug 11. Due to rising COVID-19 cases in the state, Governor David Ige has instituted a partial interisland quarantine which goes into effect Tuesday, Aug 11. KHON2.

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State launches Buy Hawaii website to promote local products. The state has launched Buy Hawaii, Give Aloha. KHON2.

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Record primary election sees 99% of votes cast by mail-in ballots. In Hawaii’s largest effort at mail-in ballots, island voters overwhelmingly made their preference known last week, while potentially delivering a death sentence for the time-honored tradition of in-person voting. Star-Advertiser.

Outsider Candidates Win Big In Mayoral Primaries In Two Counties. On both Oahu and Hawaii Island, voters opted for outsiders of experience in contests to narrow down the field of candidates for county mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Post Primary Election Talk With Kai Kahele. Kahele made his remarks following the Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party Unity Breakfast, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Honolulu police issue about 1,350 citations for COVID-19 violations on Oahu. Honolulu police issued about 1,350 citations over the weekend to alleged violators of the newly instituted COVID-19 emergency orders. Star-Advertiser.

A Heart Of Gold’: The Other Side Of Accused Crime Boss Michael Miske. The Hawaii businessman charged with racketeering and murder convinced several people to write letters on his behalf so that he can get out on bail while awaiting trial. Star-Advertiser.

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2 Princeton graduates are trying to turn a Waikiki hotel into a college dorm. It's called "The U Experience," and according to the program's website, it's supposed to help the mental health of students by getting them out of their homes and house them in resorts as they complete their coursework online. KITV4.

Study in paradise? Mainland students are being recruited for a ‘college bubble’ in Waikiki. Community concern is quickly spreading over proposed plans for a so-called “college bubble” at a Waikiki hotel. Hawaii News Now.

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State sweeps Iwilei homeless encampment near Nimitz Highway. A private contractor for the state removed on Monday appliances and other items from the sidewalk along North Nimitz Highway where a homeless encampment has grown to about a dozen tents. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR closes Oahu state hiking trails due to COVID surge. All trails in state forest lands on Oahu are now closed, effective immediately, in response to “12 straight days of triple-digit new positive COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, most of them on Oahu,” the state DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announced today in a press release. Star-Advertiser.

The city advances an $80 million plan to turn Kapalama Canal into a recreation area. The city is advancing plans to turn an old utilitarian flood-control canal in Kapalama into an inviting mile-long public recreation destination. Star-Advertiser.

HTA funding will help restore a palace feature tied to Kalakaua’s 1883 coronation. Some overdue maintenance at Iolani Palace is finally underway thanks to a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Among the projects at the palace: A restoration of the landmark pavilion on the palace grounds. Hawaii News Now.

How Is Oahu’s Trash Impacting the Waianae Coast? Debates within the Nanukuli and Maili community about a possible landfill expansion are heating up. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth sweeps most Big Island precincts: Kim doesn’t win a single precinct, analysis shows. Mayor Harry Kim didn’t prevail in a single one of the Big Island’s 43 voting precincts while coming in third behind two of the 14 challengers for the county’s top elected post. West Hawaii Today.

Interactive precinct web map can be found here.

Kim reflects on his time in office, offers advice to next mayor. When the clock strikes noon on Dec. 7, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will leave the job he’s done for a dozen years in two stretches. Tribune-Herald.

Partial Inter-island Quarantine Begins Today On Hawaiʻi Island. As of Tuesday, all travelers arriving in the County of Hawai‘i must follow a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine, as the State of Hawaiʻi tries to limit the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Miloliʻi Beach Park Improvements Planned, Draft EA Posted. The County wants to bring the South Kona shoreline park into compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lynn DeCoite and Walter Ritte wait out recount in state House race. The state Office of Elections was holding a mandatory vote recount Monday in a too-close-to-call Democratic primary race between incumbent Rep. Lynn De­Coite and challenger Walter Ritte for the state House District 13 representing Lanai, Molokai, and Paia and Hana, Maui. Star-Advertiser.

DeCoite leads Ritte by 91 votes as recount is planned. Incumbent winning on Molokai and Lanai, Ritte takes East Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

West Kaua‘i Community Plan comes with code amendments. Last week, Planning Director Ka‘aina Hull introduced six bills to complement the newly proposed West Kaua‘i Community Plan by amending the Kaua‘i County Code’s comprehensive zoning ordinances. Garden Island.

Public input sought for Kapa‘a skate park.  A new design for the Kapa‘a skate park is on the horizon, and public input is being collected to figure out what exactly the community would like to shred their wheels on next. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a food pantry reopens. The Kaua‘i Community Pantry is now open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for customers who must register and then get help with the no-touch shopping that includes pointing out desired items for the pantry volunteer to package. Garden Island.