Hawaii is the second safest state, officials mull who should get vaccinated next, nurses could perform abortions, gambling bill dies in Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Whale watching in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Survey: Hawai‘i is the 2nd Safest State During COVID-19. Hawaiʻi was ranked number two on a list of the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, second only to Alaska. Maui Now.

State leaders mull who should be prioritized in next phase of vaccine distribution. As COVID vaccination hubs continue to immunize front line workers and kupuna 75 and over, state leaders are trying to decide who should be next. Hawaii News Now.

Some want a unified Hawaii travel program, critics argue it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. While business owners and travel industry experts express the dire need to have a consistent program throughout the state, critics argue it’s not the safest solution. Hawaii News Now.

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Gambling proposal dies in Legislature; question remains on Hawaiian Home Lands funding of homes for more than 28,000 beneficiaries. State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, chairwoman of the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee, shelved Senate Bill 1321, which had divided the committee, Native Hawaiians, the community at large and the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which voted 5-4 to refer the casino concept to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Should Hawaii Nurses Be Allowed To Perform Abortions? Lawmakers are considering a bill that would expand access to abortions by expanding the pool of providers beyond physicians. Civil Beat.

Three minimum wage bills fail to pass committee. All but one of the bills in the state Legislature that would raise the minimum hourly wage appear to be dead. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii to restore executive salaries due to furloughs delay. The University of Hawaii announced today that the salaries of all executive-managerial employees — which were reduced for two months to reduce costs — will be restored. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii school board votes to keep pay hikes for special-education teachers, other shortage areas. The Board of Education voted Thursday to assure that teachers in special education and other shortage areas continue receiving up to $10,000 in extra pay annually despite the fiscal crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Contrary to board vote, superintendent says department can’t afford extra pay for hard-to-recruit teachers. Currently, about 4,000 teachers are receiving higher pay, which costs the state about $33 million. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Mazie Hirono To Chair Senate Subcommittee On Military Seapower. Hawaii is a central hub for Navy and Marine Corps operations as tensions rise between the U.S. and China. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu, Maui lawsuits against oil companies will proceed in state court. Both Honolulu and Maui counties are among dozens of jurisdictions that have filed suit against a long list of fossil fuel companies, seeking damages for the mounting costs of dealing with climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed Luxury Tax on Expensive Gas Cars Would Pay for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. The proposed measure, HB 1142, would apply a 1 percent general excise tax surcharge on cars with a manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP, of more than $60,000. Hawaii Public Radio.

Could Hawaii’s Fossil Fuel-Powered Cars Soon Be A Relic Of The Past? The electric vehicle market is growing and state leaders want to help phase out gas-powered cars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmaker Pushes Expanded Role for Hydrogen Fuel. Both Governor Ige and state lawmakers are pushing policies to increase the use of electric vehicles and produce more green energy. Hawaii Public Radio.

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State says 3rd case of highly contagious UK COVID variant detected in Hawaii. The third B.1.1.7 variant case was found in an individual on Oahu. Officials say the patient was a close contact with another individual in Hawaii who contracted the UK variant. Both individuals had no recent history of travel. Hawaii News Now.

Lieutenant Governor believes COVID-19 variants can be controlled in Hawaii. Despite the variant of COVID-19 first detected in the United Kingdom and recently recorded here in Hawaii, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green believes it can be controlled here. KITV4.

Civil Beat Is Ending Its Daily Virus Tracker. Here’s Why. Experts agree that tracking trends is more useful than focusing on daily infection counts. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 18: 67 New COVID-19 Cases And 1 Death. Hawaii health officials reported 67 new COVID-19 infections statewide on Thursday, including 45 on Oahu, eight on Maui, seven on the Big Island, one on Kauai, one on Molokai and five residents diagnosed outside of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi hopes to reward Oahu residents for good COVID-19 behavior. With COVID-19 case numbers on the decline and vaccinations rising among Oahu’s most vulnerable populations, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said today he is ready to “reward” residents for their actions in curtailing the spread of coronavirus on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu could move to Tier 3 as soon as Feb. 25. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said, the numbers look good and Oahu could shift to Tier 3 as soon as Thursday, Feb. 25, if they continue to remain low. KHON2.

City says if O'ahu meets Tier Three criteria next Wednesday more restrictions will lift next week. The city says if the island of O'ahu meets the Tier Three criteria again next Wednesday more restrictions will lift starting next Thursday. KITV4.

Police seize more than a dozen gambling machines, cash in Sand Island raid. Honolulu police seized more than a dozen gambling machines and cash in a raid at an illegal game room in the Sand Island area Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Council supports broadband plan: Unanimous vote comes despite inclusion of 5G. A resolution passed unanimously Wednesday by the County Council refers to 5G technology as an option in bridging the digital divide, but council members, most of whom had previously approved two resolutions attempting to limit 5G on the island, don’t see it as a conflict. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands could be vaccinated Saturday during large-scale clinic for UH, DOE employees. According to Hilo Medical Center spokeswoman Elena Cabatu, the POD is ready to administer 2,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to employees of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Community College, the state Department of Education and other educational entities. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island’s Coronavirus Decline Not Linked to Less Testing. COVID-19 cases are way down on the Big Island while the number of vaccinations continues to grow, but the County says those two developments are not entirely linked. Big Island Now.

More Travelers, Fewer COVID-19 Cases on Hawai'i Island. The Big Island is seeing nearly half of its pre-COVID arrival numbers, while cases and hospitalizations are falling. KITV4.

Maui

COVID-19 vaccines to be administered at jail. Maui Community Correctional Center inmates will be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting next week amid efforts to tamp down an outbreak at the jail, the state Department of Health said Wednesday. Maui News.

Mainland Couple Grants $400,000 to Help Grand Wailea Workers on Maui. A mainland couple, who frequently visits the Valley Isle, donated $400,000 toward the Maui Mālama Project to assist workers at the Grand Wailea Maui with rent/mortgage, utility, child care and other expenses. Maui Now.

Report: One officer fired, two others demoted last year. Police release names of disciplined officers under new state law. Maui News.

Council mulling purchase of Maui News buildings in Wailuku. Testifiers and financial advisers used the county’s decision not to purchase One Main Plaza in arguing Wednesday that Maui County could save rent money by acquiring a 6.3-acre, $9.8 million parcel in Wailuku that includes The Maui News offices. Maui News.

Kauai

An end to houseless beach park camping. Beginning next month, the county will be suspending its “Shelter in Place” program that had issued permits to houseless individuals and families to live at county-owned beach parks. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i’s Shelter in Place program unique in state. The Kauai “Shelter in Place” program was the first in the state when it started six months ago to help provide a place for houseless individuals during COVID-19. Garden Island.

Hawaii Plans For Post-Pandemic Tourism, Starting With Kauai.  Hawaii has released a new blueprint for redefining tourism in the post-COVID-19 era by mitigating community concerns over traffic and overcrowding on Kauai while maintaining the benefits from the state’s dominant industry. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Legislature convenes without pomp, federal recognition for Hawaiians back on the table, Honolulu mayor names chief of staff, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Taro farmers offer free cuttings at Capitol as Hawaii Legislature convenes PC: Ka Leo o Hawai'i via Facebook, Ethan Weil

State Legislature opens without the usual revelry. The coronavirus pandemic and the shock waves it has sent through the economy, as well as heightened security as a result of the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, combined to create somber, austere ceremonies as lawmakers gathered on Wednesday to kick off this year’s legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

New legislative session opens with little fanfare, lots to get done. State lawmakers started the new legislative session Wednesday, but there wasn’t much of the usual fanfare. Because of the ongoing pandemic, members of the public could not attend and plexiglass separated lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature Launches ‘Laser Beam’ Session In A Locked Down Capitol. Traditional festivities and speeches were all canceled amid security concerns and the threat of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Legislature Convenes Under Heightened Security Concerns. Although the state capitol has already been closed to the public for several months in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, that ban is now more physically apparent. Hawaii Public Radio.

State House seeks solutions to fill budget gap without tax hike. Although Hawaii faces a massive budget deficit, leaders of the state House of Representatives said Wednesday that they have no desire to raise taxes. Tribune-Herald.

State Senate faces funding shortfall while trying to prop up economy. State Senate leaders said after the Legislature reconvened Wednesday that two of the biggest challenges during the 2021 session will be to decide what can be funded and whether taxes will need to be increased in order to contend with Gov. David Ige’s proposed budget cuts. Tribune-Herald.

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Taro farming group makes peaceful splash at Hawaii Capitol amid inauguration security worries across country. A sizable security force that tried to be as low key as possible loomed over the Hawaii Capitol Wednesday as a taro farming sustainability group peacefully took center stage with 10,000 Hawaii state flags planted on the lawn, a band and the give-away of 10,000 taro plantings. Star-Advertiser.

Activists Rally At Capitol To Support Local Farmers. Participants handed out taro cuttings and called on lawmakers to invest in agriculture. Civil Beat.

Some are renewing a push for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians under Biden administration. The new administration is opening the door for federal recognition for Native Hawaiians, allowing greater self-determination and control similar to other Native American tribes. KITV4.

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Ige appointee called for his impeachment. Gov. David Ige’s appointee to the District 1 state Senate seat pushed for Ige’s impeachment less than a year and a half ago through a change.org petition she posted on her public Facebook page. West Hawaii Today.

Senator Appointed By Ige Had Called To Impeach Him. In a statement, Gov. David Ige said he knew about Sen. Laura Acasio’s background opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope when he appointed her. Civil Beat.

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Biden order to help Hawaii renters, but expert requests more assistance. Of the 17 executive orders that President Biden signed on his first day of office Wednesday, an extension on the federal moratorium on evictions until the end of March will have a large impact on Hawaii’s propped-up rental market. KHON2.

Stranded American Samoans Are Finally Going Home After A Hawaii Quarantine. Hawaii is helping to coordinate with a testing and quarantine center in Waikiki to facilitate the first repatriation effort since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

LIST: How and where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the state of Hawaii. KHON2.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 20: 75 New COVID-19 Cases And One Death. Hawaii health officials announced one death on Maui and 75 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, including 50 on Oahu, 14 on Maui, four on the Big Island, one on Kauai and six residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Sam Moku, Hawaii Pacific athletic director, to serve as Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s chief of staff. Hawaii Pacific University announced today that senior administrator Sam Moku will leave the university at the end of the month to become Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s chief of staff. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Hires HPU Athletics Director As Chief Of Staff. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced on Wednesday that he has selected Sam Moku to be his chief of staff. Civil Beat.

Mayor Blangiardi picks HPU athletic director as Chief of Staff. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has announced his new Chief of Staff. Blangiardi selected HPU Athletic Director Sam Moku to fill the key role. Hawaii News Now.

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Longtime Honolulu fire chief Neves to retire. Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves announced Wednesday he will retire Feb. 28 after 42 years of servi­ce — eight years as chief, holding the position longer than 14 of his predecessors. Star-Advertiser.

After 8 years on the job, Honolulu’s fire chief to retire next month.  After eight years on the job, Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves has announced he will retire in February. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium: Meetings seek public comment. Two virtual community meetings on the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District next week highlight the final two weeks of the public comment period on the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Star-Advertiser.

Most city surveillance cameras in Chinatown are broken ― and won’t be fixed. The cameras and infrastructure are obsolete so broken pieces cannot be repaired. They have to be replaced. The city’s technology department, which maintains the equipment, previously estimated a new system would cost about $200,000. Hawaii News Now.

KITV4 Island News announces new owner: Allen Media Broadcasting. Allen founded Entertainment Studios in 1993 and has a growing portfolio of media companies, including 17 broadcast television stations across the country. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Big Island mayor released from hospital 11 days after heart attack. In addition to the stent surgeons implanted hours after the 56-year-old mayor was stricken on Jan. 9, Roth on Tuesday had a procedure to install an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Roth Released From Hilo Medical Center. On Tuesday, doctors implanted a pacemaker and defibrillator into Mayor Roth, after his January 9th heart attack. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Roth Released from HMC. Mayor Mitch Roth was released from Hilo Medical Center this afternoon in good health after suffering a heart attack earlier this month. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth discharged from hospital after heart attack. Hawaii News Now.

Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On Dicey Road. The Hawaii County Council deferred action on a bill to ban most pedestrians on the Waipio Valley Road, but residents believe a compromise may be near. Civil Beat.

Maui

Andrew Martin Appointed Maui Prosecuting Attorney. Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his appointment of Andrew Martin as Maui County prosecuting attorney. Martin’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Maui County Council. Maui Now.

Gym members mask up for new rules. New rules that went into effect on Tuesday limit business capacity to 30 percent and require gyms, yoga studios and similar fitness venues to ensure participants wear masks at all times, whether indoor or outdoor. Maui News.

Kauai

Survey: over 4K furloughed employees will lose health insurance. According to a recent survey of Kaua‘i businesses, 49% of respondents stated that their business will not survive more than 90 days without the significant return of tourism. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i celebrates Biden/Harris inauguration. Pockets of local inauguration celebrations joined the national event that took place in Washington, DC as President Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. Garden Island.

Security ramped up at government buildings, Proud Boy leader out on bond, mass coronavirus vaccination centers planned on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii stepping up security at state Capitol and all government buildings. Gov. David Ige said Monday that Hawaii’s law enforcement agencies are taking appropriate steps to ensure security at the state Capitol and all government buildings after the FBI issued a warning that armed protests are possible at state capitols across the country in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii ‘Proud Boy’ Released From Custody, Still Faces Charge In DC. Nicholas Ochs is a self-professed member of a violent, far-right extremist organization that stormed the U.S. Capitol along with other supporters of President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Judge grants bond for ‘Proud Boys Hawaii’ founder. The founder of “Proud Boys Hawaii” accused of unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol building in connection with Wednesday’s siege was released from federal custody today. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Grants Release For Hawaii Proud Boys Leader Charged In Capitol Insurrection. The Hawaii man arrested in connection with last week's armed riot at the U.S. Capitol made his first appearance in federal court today and was released on bail. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Proud Boys Hawaii” leader released on bond, not allowed to travel out of Oahu for alleged involvement in US Capitol riot. Nicholas Ochs, the founder of Proud Boys Hawaii, has been released from custody. KHON2.

Federal judge grants Hawaii Proud Boys leader release from prison, restricts travel. One of the people in custody for their involvement in last week's riot at the nation's Capitol, Nick Ochs -- the founder of the Hawaii Proud Boys, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday. KITV4.

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Effort to expand local share of Hawaii's military spending. While Hawaii's tourism industry was hit hard during the pandemic, the state's second largest sector of the economy is going strong. Now some want even more effort to draw in defense spending. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Tech Workers Earn a Median $79,040 Per Year. Hawaiʻi employs 10,890 tech workers who earn a median annual wage of $79,040, which is 78 percent more than the median annual wage for all occupations in Hawaiʻi at $44,400, according to researchers at Spanning, a company that provides backup and recovery for software applications. Maui Now.

DOE finds a way to spare hundreds of teaching positions, but hundreds more at risk. Education Department officials have revised downward the number of teaching positions that will to be slashed amid the ongoing fiscal crisis. But even the rosier picture calls for hundreds of jobs lost. Hawaii News Now.

New legislation could be coming to stop illegal fireworks from entering the state. State lawmakers say they have gotten calls from constituents since November asking for something to be done to stop them from going off through all hours of the night. KHON2.

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Local leaders step up to protect children from human trafficking. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Child and Family Service say families seeking help for sex abuse has increased since the pandemic by about 20%. Hawaii News Now.

Local officials and nonprofits remind public of the dangers of human trafficking. Monday is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. KHON2.

Human trafficking, sexual violence cases triple amid pandemic. According to John Tobon, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu, the human trafficking industry amasses $150 billion in global profits annually. KITV4.

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ACLU Urges State To Allow At-Risk Inmates To Be Vaccinated Early. Inmates and staff at correctional facilities are being infected at a higher rate than anyone else. Civil Beat.

ACLU calls for prisoner vaccinations. The American Civil Liberties Union Hawaii is urging the state to make sure inmates are included in its vaccination plan. KITV4.

Green: Hawaii ‘doing OK’ despite recent COVID-19 surge. Although the number of COVID-19 cases statewide is still in triple-digit territory amid a post-holiday surge, case counts seem to be on the decline. Tribune-Herald.

Vaccine data added to DOH dashboard. The state Department of Health has added information on the number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Hawaii to its online data portal. Maui News.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 11: 172 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 172 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Monday, including 108 on Oahu, 33 on Maui, 20 on the Big Island, one on Kauai and 10 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mass vaccination centers planned on Oahu to administer COVID-19 doses. Health officials are hoping to administer as many as 100,000 shots this month and up to 150,000 doses monthly in February, March, April and May. Star-Advertiser.

State finalizing plan to launch 2 mass vaccination sites in Honolulu. The state is finalizing a plan to launch two mass vaccination sites in Honolulu ― one at Pier 2 and the other at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said. Hawaii News Now.

Mass COVID-19 vaccinations for Phase 1B expected to start next Monday. KHON2.

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Blangiardi to hold off on tier changes as COVID-19 cases surge. Honolulu’s new mayor will hold off on any changes to the tier system, after a surge in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. KHON2.

Comments sought on Waikiki beach stabilization. A plan is moving forward to keep Waikiki’s existing beaches from disappearing and create a “new” beach near the shoreline of the Halekulani Hotel, which has been devoid of dry sand for years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council committee to consider resolution in support of Dillingham Airfield. A Honolulu City Council committee will consider a resolution Tuesday introduced by Heidi Tsuneyoshi asking the state to work with “interested parties” including legislators, business groups and the Army “to ensure the continuance of general aviation” at Dillingham Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

Dillingham Airfield Still Set to Close in June. With unemployment in Hawaii at some of the highest levels in the country, a group of local business owners are pushing back on a state plan to end commercial operations at Oahu’s Dillingham Airfield. Hawaii Public Radio.

DHHL chair says Kapolei casino would be built on land not zoned for homes.  Defending gambling at the state capitol Monday, the chairman of the Hawaiian Home Lands program was peppered with questions from lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Host company sold to private investors. Some wealthy local and mainland investors have bought financially struggling kamaaina candy maker Hawaiian Host Group. Star-Advertiser.

Pet adoption on the road: Humane Society to launch mobile services van. The Hawaiian Humane Society is preparing to launch their new mobile adoption center which will bring animals in need of home out to the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth remains hospitalized after heart attack. Mayor Mitch Roth remained hospitalized Monday at Hilo Medical Center after suffering a heart attack Saturday evening in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Roth Recovering at HMC After Suffering a Heart Attack. Mayor Mitch Roth remains at Hilo Medical Center where he is recovering after suffering a heart attack on Saturday evening in South Kohala. Big Island Now.

Kern seeks ethics opinion: Planning director to address Board of Ethics on Wednesday. Planning Director Zendo Kern is seeking guidance from the Board of Ethics on potential conflicts of interest in his duties directing the operations of the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo chancellor responds to criticism from Faculty Congress. The University of Hawaii at Hilo Faculty Congress has criticized Chancellor Bonnie Irwin’s tentative budget cut plans as the university faces a potential $5.7 million reduction. Tribune-Herald.

More than 150 residents, staff vaccinated for COVID-19 during Regency at Hualalai clinic. CVS Pharmacy administered the first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to 114 residents and 49 team members, said Executive Director Stephen Hicks. West Hawaii Today.

Organizers: ’Unmasked flash mob’ canceled. An “unmasked flash mob” planned Saturday at the new Kailua-Kona Safeway has been called off, organizers said Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

New Penn gym could be open by August. Construction to convert the old Hilo Lanes bowling alley property into a commercial center continues, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Approximately Three Dozen People Turned Away from Maui Drive-In Vaccination Clinic, Invited to Return on Wednesday. Out of the 750 people who showed up for the clinic, Maui District Health Officer, Dr. Lorrin Pang said 90 percent were from outside the clinic’s priority group, which was still attempting to finish vaccinations for those in the 1A priority grouping (which includes health care workers and long-term care facility residents). Maui Now.

Maui Health expands COVID-19 vaccine clinic to additional CDC phases. Maui Health is expanding their COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to include Hawaii residents that fall within the CDC identified Phase 1A and Phase 1B vaccine prioritization timeline. KITV4.

Officials hopeful holiday surge is over, Maui asks for modifications to current rules after spike in cases. Maui continues to report double digit case numbers after a cluster broke out at the Harbor Lights Condominium Complex in Kahului in December. To date, there have been 97 cases reported in the county. KHON2.

Maui County Officials: “Closing Business Will Not Solve the Problem of Community Spread”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has requested the approval of new rules for the County of Maui as the number of new COVID-19 cases remain elevated.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Vaccine rollout for educators begins. Groups vaccinated this week include front-line essential workers, including teachers and staff at schools, preschools and daycares, those working in food or agricultural settings, grocery stores, postal workers and residents of small care homes. Garden Island.

Kauai teachers and child care workers are first in the industry to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. On Monday, more than 500 people registered for a shot. KITV4.

Kupuna over 75 can sign up for vaccines. Hospitals around the island are equipping to vaccinate kupuna over 75 beginning this Friday, Jan. 15. Garden Island.

Utah man arrested not once, but twice for violating Kauai’s traveler quarantine. To date, Kauai officials say police have made 192 arrests of quarantine violators. All individuals who are arrested are subject to up to one year in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Realtors See Uptick In People Buying Houses Sight-Unseen. Relocations to Kauai from the mainland have become so common that it’s hard to drive more than a few miles on the island without seeing multiple out-of-state license plates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hospitals could reach capacity in 6 weeks, Kapiolani nurses vote to strike, Proud Boy in court today for role in Capitol riot, coronavirus vaccinations may not be finished until Labor Day, Big Island mayor hospitalized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green administers coronavirus vaccine Dec. 29, 2020 PC:from Facebook

Hawaii Hospitals to Reach Capacity in Six Weeks if Cases Continue to Surge. The holiday surge of COVID-19 cases the state was bracing for has started. Hospitals are expected to be heavily affected in the coming weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

State releases latest COVID vaccine plan. Hawaii health officials expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to all residents by the end of this summer once the top three priority groups are taken care of. Maui News.

DOH: Over 35,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered statewide. As of Friday, health officials said 91,700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been received by the state — 54,600 of those being the Pfizer-BioNTech brand, and 37,100 of the Moderna vaccine. So far, over 35,000 vaccinations have been administered statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Blood Bank of Hawaii asks COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma to help save lives. Only about 200 of the more than 23,000 residents who've tested positive for COVID-19 have donated their plasma, which has antibodies that can help save other patients. KITV4.

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Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children have voted to authorize a strike about six months into bargaining for a new contract in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

After unsuccessful negotiations, nurses of Kapiolani Medical Center vote to strike. The nurses of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children have voted to authorize a strike amid their ongoing negotiations with the hospital, the Hawai’i Nurses Association said Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

What would the impacts be if nurses strike at Kapiolani Medical Center? A total of 93 percent of nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children voted to authorize a strike against the hospital forcing the big question: what happens next and how will this impact the community during a pandemic. KHON2.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses vote to authorize strike, CEO commits to reach a fair agreement. The nurses of Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children have voted by a 93% margin to authorize a strike. KITV4.

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Hawaii lawyer anticipates release of his client seen in mob that stormed U.S. Capitol. The lawyer for Proud Boys Hawaii founder and Capitol riot participant Nick Ochs said he expects his client will be released from jail this week. Hawaii News Now.

“Proud Boys Hawaii” leader to appear in federal court for alleged involvement in US Capitol riot. “Proud Boys Hawaii” leader and former political candidate Nicolas Ochs is scheduled to virtually “appear” in federal court on Monday, Jan. 11, after being arrested by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the US Capitol riot. KHON2.

Hawaii Proud Boy Charged By DOJ After Raiding US Capitol. Nicholas Ochs, a state House candidate and outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, was an “easy target” for the feds, his attorney says. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Proud Boys Leader Arrested In Connection With Capitol Riot. Nicholas Ochs was apprehended by federal authorities in Hawaii after a warrant for his arrest was issued by a federal judge in Washington DC. Hawaii Public Radio.

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A rise in coronavirus cases on the West Coast could mean fewer travelers visiting the islands. As Hawaii tries to claw its way out of the worst economic decline in decades, California is a key to the revival of tourism. California is the source- market for most of visitors. Star-Advertiser.
Federal labor department to investigate Hawaii’s unemployment insurance system. The Federal Department of Labor is opening two investigations into Hawaii’s unemployment insurance system. One investigation centers around a Legal Aid allegation of discrimination because of nationality or citizenship, while the other is part of a nationwide investigation of fraud and verification procedures. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii businesses fear unemployment tax increases will ruin their economic recovery. Local businesses are bracing for at least a tripling of their unemployment taxes, which without legislative intervention they say would disrupt any statewide economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bankruptcies fell in 2020 despite pandemic. The number of bankruptcy cases ended up plunging 8.6% to 1,524, according to data released last week from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Defense spending ‘incredibly important’ for Hawaii during COVID-19 pandemic. Defense spending in Hawaii — about $5 billion annually in payroll and $2 billion-plus in contracts — has been “an incredibly important stabilizing force” in the state with an economy otherwise wracked by COVID-19, Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, said Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Gaps In Hawaii Eviction Moratorium Leave Some Renters Scrambling For Housing. The state eviction moratorium doesn’t protect every renter. And being kicked out when you’re unemployed makes finding housing much harder. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Teachers Get Their Turn To Receive COVID-19 Vaccines. Teachers on Kauai can start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as Monday, while those elsewhere in Hawaii will be able to get them by the end of the month into early February, the state teachers’ union said Friday. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 10: 200 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 200 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Sunday, including 128 on Oahu, 30 in Maui County, 12 on the Big Island, nine on Kauai and 21 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With triple-digit case spikes, Mayor Blangiardi focuses on how to move the city forward. Despite the steady increase in cases, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the island will remain in Tier 2 for now. Oahu’s current 7-day average daily cases is 124 and a 4.4 percent. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Spent $150,000 In CARES Funds On A Robot Dog. Flush with CARES Act cash, the Honolulu Police Department has spent millions on what one officer called toys. Civil Beat.

Reluctant to go; just a few regrets, Mayor Kirk Caldwell says. Kirk Caldwell handed the keys to the third-floor corner office at Honolulu Hale to incoming Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Jan. 2 — with only a few regrets but not just a little reluctance. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm unveils 100-day plan Tuesday. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm will be unveiling his 100-day plan to reform the Department of the Prosecuting attorney on Tuesday. KHON2.

Longtime Rail Officials Ousted As New CEO Joins HART. Bill Brennan and Joyce Oliveira were two of the longest-serving employees at a tumultuous agency that’s seen heavy turnover. Civil Beat.

Another case of COVID-19 confirmed in a city bus operator. The city said a bus driver tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

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Legislators step into conflict between University of Hawaii and Aloha Stadium. Some legislators say they haven’t closed the door on the Stadium Authority finding a pathway for the University of Hawaii football team to play at crumbling Aloha Stadium and are urging the parties to find common ground. Star-Advertiser.

Replacement work avoids funding halt at Aloha Stadium. A state agency has sidestepped what could have been a costly halt in a long- running effort to have a private developer redevelop Aloha Stadium and surrounding state land in Halawa. Star-Advertiser.

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Wahiawa solar farm divides community over food vs. fuel. A developer is proposing a solar farm near Wahiawa that could reduce electricity bills for 1,100 area households, but the project site on fallow prime farmland has drawn community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Miske Case Weaves Together Disparate Strands Of Past Crimes. As information comes out in the case of alleged crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr., it looks like the gang was operating in plain sight. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth hospitalized with chest pains. Roth, 56, who was elected in November, went to North Hawaii Community Hospital, was later transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated and had a stent implanted, according to a county news release. Star-Advertiser.

Roth hospitalized with chest pains: Stent implanted, now under medical evaluation. Mayor Mitch Roth was being evaluated by doctors and Managing Director Lee Lord has taken over as acting mayor after Roth had a stent implanted after suffering chest pain Saturday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Doctors Evaluating Mayor Roth After Hospitalization. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth was taken to the hospital overnight, and is being evaluated by doctors following a medical procedure. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Hospitalized After Emergency Stent Placement. Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth was hospitalized over the weekend with chest pains. Big Island Now.

Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital Saturday night. Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth was taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital in the evening on Saturday, Jan. 9 for what he described as discomfort in his chest. KHON2.

Mayor Mitch Roth hospitalized with chest pain. Mayor Mitch Roth was being evaluated by doctors and Managing Director Lee Lord has taken over as acting mayor after Roth had a stent implanted after suffering chest pain Saturday evening, according to a news release Sunday morning. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth hospitalized for chest discomfort. Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth has been taken to the hospital, according to county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Roth taken to hosptial, Lee Lord acting mayor. Mayor Mitch Roth was taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital last night with discomfort in his chest. KITV4.

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Public unhappy over lack of access: Pandemic, technology and tension during long council session. A heavy and sometimes controversial agenda, coupled with technical problems during a global pandemic, brought a new set of challenges to the County Council last week, during a meeting that saw testifiers grumble about lack of access and a mayor appear to step outside his lane to advise council members on Sunshine Law issues. West Hawaii Today.

Pandemic does little to slow down Big Island home sales. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, home sales on Hawaii Island in 2020 increased from the previous year — the only island in the state where that occurred. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

COVID-19 Surge Is Largely Blamed On Holiday Gatherings. Officials point to holiday-related gatherings including an outbreak at a condo complex that was believed to have started with a choir practice. Civil Beat.

Harbor Lights cluster reaches 92 COVID cases. The COVID-19 cluster at the Harbor Lights condominium complex is now up to 92 cases, with more testing to continue, a county official and a Harbor Lights representative said on Friday. Maui News.

King, panel to discuss COVID-19 rise on Maui. Maui County Council Member Kelly King will host a virtual town hall from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to discuss the recent surge of COVID cases on Maui and the county’s response to the pandemic. Maui News.

Councilmember King to Host Town Hall Webinar on COVID-19, Jan. 11. In response to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Maui County community, Maui County Councilmember Kelly King of South Maui will host a virtual town hall webinar on Monday, Jan. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Maui Now.

Sun rises on new sunscreen era. For eco-friendly sunscreen makers like Maui’s Jenna Davis, Hawaii’s new law banning sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals couldn’t have come at a better time — and the pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse moment. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai utility, AES propose dual-energy project. Kauai’s nonprofit electric utility cooperative anticipates boosting its renewable-energy production by 25% with a proposed hydro and solar electricity project. Star-Advertiser.

Solar-hydro project moves forward. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative signed agreements with The AES Corporation for the development, construction and operation of the cooperative’s solar-pumped, storage hydro project, also known as the West Kaua‘i Energy Project. Garden Island.

Meeting set for Hanalei base yard projects. The County of Kaua‘i invites the public to participate in a virtual public meeting regarding the Hanalei base yard office and garage project. Garden Island.