Thirty Meter Telescope almost 20% done, UH Board of Regents approves group to study Mauna Kea management, money in politics, police salaries, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Depression Flossie at 5 a.m. Aug. 5 NOAA

Tropical Depression Flossie Continues to Weaken. At 5 a.m., Tropical Depression Flossie was located about 155 miles E of Hilo and 225 mile ESE of Hana, Maui (near latitude 19.7 North, longitude 152.7 West). Maui Now.

Tropical Depression Flossie expected to bring high surf, heavy rain and thunderstorms. KHON2.

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TMT almost 20% done: Despite ongoing protest on Maunakea, work continues around the world. Although no construction equipment has been able to ascend Maunakea for three weeks due to the ongoing protest by some Native Hawaiians, the Thirty Meter Telescope is nearly 20% complete. Tribune-Herald.

UH Board of Regents Approve Forming Investigative Group For Mauna Kea. A new University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents group will be investigating the school's role in managing Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fact-Checking Environmental Concerns About The Thirty Meter Telescope. TMT officials say the world’s largest telescope will be a zero-waste facility, while the state has determined  it doesn’t pose a risk to the Big Island’s water supply. Civil Beat.

Claims about TMT’s impact on watershed are just plain false, according to expert, EIS. The most vocal opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope project has come from the perspective of the rights of indigenous people and the cultural significance of the site. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea protests seen as generational shift, pivot point. As they enter their fourth week, the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope are beginning to look like something new and powerful in Hawaii politics, a magnetic and growing movement that has captivated thousands, including even some committed Hawaiian supporters of the TMT. Star-Advertiser.

Mauna Kea Radio Broadcasts Defy FCC. A low power radio station broadcasting from the base of Mauna Kea is just one of the many media efforts supporting the opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope. Big Island Video News.

Conflict on Mauna Kea 'Where it Stands’ mini-documentary. The conflict on Mauna Kea is about to enter its fourth week with no end in sight. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s homegrown teachers step up to the plate as efforts target teacher shortage. As students head back to public schools across Hawaii today, the first cadre of newly licensed teachers in the “Grow Our Own” initiative are stepping to the front of their classrooms. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Efforts To Stop Youth Vaping Stalls As Use Increases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks Hawaii number two among states for children grades 6 to 12 who are vaping. Hawaii Public Radio.

$2.7B Weinberg Foundation re-balancing Hawaii real estate empire. Recently, leaders of the Baltimore-based Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation have made major changes to the organization’s Hawaii operations, leading some local business leaders to worry whether the foundation’s historic role in the state would be diminished. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Councilwoman’s use of city funds to pay PR firm is scrutinized. Honolulu City Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi is using her taxpayer-funded Council contingency account to pay a Honolulu public relations and advertising firm for community and media outreach and marketing. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Faces More Uncertainty As Council Leader Tries To Abolish HART. After years of missteps it’s time for the rail agency to be replaced by city control, Honolulu’s City Council chairman argues. HART says that’ll only make things worse. Civil Beat.

DHHL land deal under fire. Two parties are raising questions about the commission practice of turning over land from the department’s 203,000-acre land trust to nonbeneficiaries, typically through long-term leases or short-term rights of entry. Star-Advertiser.

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In wake of pedestrian crash, state to look at building parking for Laniakea Beach Park. Under pressure from the North Shore community, the state Department of Transportation said it will now look at moving parts of Kamehameha Highway near Laniakea Beach inland to provide limited parking on the makai side of the highway. Hawaii News Now.

Laniakea task force urges state to improve pedestrian safety. Members of the Laniakea Task Force are urging the state to prioritize adjustments to Kamehameha Highway to help avoid future accidents like the one involving a 10-year-old boy just days ago. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Salary Database 2020: We’re Kicking Off This Year’s Report With HPD. A legal challenge by the police union held up release of officers’ names for years but a recent court ruling found disclosure is required under public records law. Civil Beat.

Fort Street Mall satellite city hall relocating to bigger location. The city says the location will close this coming Friday and will reopen Monday around the corner at the Chinatown Gateway Plaza. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Money in politics: Lawmakers fundraise during legislative session. Elections are more than a year away — and for some senators three years away — but that hasn’t kept state lawmakers from holding fundraisers during the legislative session and collecting money from the very people who are trying to influence their votes. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR declines settlement offer for grave damage. More than a year after the state Department of Land and Natural Resources sought to fine the Edwin C. Olson Trust No. 2 for damage allegedly done to a plantation camp cemetery by heavy machinery, a settlement still has not been reached. Tribune-Herald.

New marketplace to open next year. A larger Safeway being built as part of the Niumalu Marketplace is on track to open up in summer 2020, the project’s developers said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

More than the mountain: New tours offered to fill stargazing gaps. Big Island tour companies are increasingly learning not to put all their eggs in one basket, as even temporary closures of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Maunakea summit play havoc with tour groups’ plans. West Hawaii Today.

University of Washington starting physician assistant program in Hawaii. The UW School of Medicine’s MEDEX physician assistant program is investing up to $1 million to open a training center at the former Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

HIOSH ordered Maui Police Department to conduct internal investigation. The letter states that MPD had until July 30th to conduct an internal investigation. KITV.

New Partner Joins Maui-Based Consulting Firm. Skog Rasmussen LLC, a Maui-based consulting firm, announced that Melissa Unemori Hampe has joined the firm as a partner. Maui Now.

Fire fully contained; work to quell hot spots in 5,300-acre Pukalani blaze will continue. Maui News.

Kauai

An infrastructure project to replace the Hanapepe River Bridge is well behind schedule, and construction has been at a virtual standstill for months. Garden island. Construction on a replacement for the 80-year-old bridge began earlier this year, and already the project has been delayed five or six months, said Larry Dill, district engineer with the state Department of Transportation. Garden Island.

Bridge meeting set. The state Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and WW Clyde and Co., has scheduled a public meeting to provide an update on the construction of the Hanapepe River Bridge replacement. Garden Island.

Crackdown on Honolulu vacation rentals, Gabbard sues Google, TMT protest simmers, rail fares discussed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell screenshot from video

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. The city has sent out approximately 5,000 “courtesy” letters to owners and operators of illegal vacation rentals, warning them to cease advertising or risk paying hefty fines starting Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Sends Warning Letters To 5,000 Owners Of Suspected Illegal Rentals. More aggressive enforcement of laws against unpermitted short-term rentals begins Aug. 1, but some potential violators are hearing from the city now. Civil Beat.

City sends warning letters to 5,000 owners of suspected illegal vacation rentals. The city has mailed out letters to 5,000 property owners who are suspected of running illegal vacation rentals. Hawaii News Now.




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Gabbard sues Google for $50 million. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google alleging that the tech giant harmed her bid for the presidency and infringed on her free speech when it briefly suspended her campaign’s advertising account after the first Democratic primary debate in June. Star-Advertiser.


Gabbard sues Google for $50M, claiming ‘interference’ in her presidential bid. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is suing Google, claiming the internet behemoth suspended her Google Ads account in the hours immediately after the first Democratic presidential debate last month in a deliberate act of “election interference.” Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard is going after Google. Her presidential campaign has sued the tech giant. KHON2.

Tulsi Gabbard, the most searched candidate during debate, sues Google. Representative Tulsi Gabbard's presidential campaign sued Google on Thursday after the company suspended the candidate's Google Ads account following last month's Democratic presidential debate. KITV.

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A new law that took effect July 1 is providing for tougher penalties for DUI offenders. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Veto Means Some Eligible Patients Still Can’t Get Medical Cannabis Legally. The bill to allow interisland transport of the medicine would have been especially helpful for patients on Molokai and Lanai, which have no dispensaries. Civil Beat.

State Aims To Reduce Unnecessary ER Visits By Empowering Paramedics. Hawaii is creating a community paramedicine program that officials hope will mean fewer ambulance trips to hospitals. Civil Beat.

Six weeks after Kaiser Permanente filed suit against The Queen’s Health Systems after the latter informed the former it would begin billing Kaiser members for the balance of emergency services it provides, Queen’s has yet to file a response in court. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

City Kick-Starts Public Discussion On Future Rail Fares. Commissioners will consider whether the fares should be a flat rate or distance-based, as well as how much the interim service should cost. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rate Commission wants your input on future rates for the rail once it begins operations. The Honolulu Rate Commission is requesting input and testimony from the public on the future policies and rates for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project once the system begins operations. KITV.

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About 100 to 150 supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project rallied in front of the Capitol during the evening rush hour Thursday.  Associated Press.

TMT supporters rally at the Capitol. Organizers of the two-hour rally in Honolulu said they wanted to show the world Hawaii appreciates astronomy, that its edu­ca­tional and economic benefits are welcomed and that Hawaiian culture and science can coexist on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief faces council over Mauna Kea deployment; police-powers suit in legal ping-pong. Honolulu’s police chief told lawmakers today, public safety on Oahu was never compromised during their absence. KHON2.

Hawaii

‘We are not willing to negotiate,’ Thirty Meter Telescope opposition leader vows. A key leader of the effort to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope says it is clear that neither the state nor Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has the power to stop the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT opponents say no deal; Kim’s office says offer not made. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope rejected an offer by mayor Harry Kim Thursday that would temporarily suspend construction efforts — a proposal that Kim’s office later said was never made. Tribune-Herald.

Despite talk of negotiation, both sides make clear there’s little middle ground in TMT conflict. The Thirty Meter Telescope insisted Thursday that it has no plans to pull out from building at Mauna Kea. Hours earlier, activists protesting at the base of the summit reiterated their demand: They’ll take down the human barricade only if TMT leaves. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Talks: Kim Clarifies Role, Gabbard Sends Ige Letter, OHA Votes. Big Island Video News.

Day 11 of TMT: Hawaii County mayor acts as bridge between Kiai and TMT construction. KHON2.

OHA Board Calls on Governor to Rescind Emergency Proclamation for Mauna Kea. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the OHA Board approved a resolution that both calls for the governor to rescind the proclamation, as well as authorizes the OHA administration to advocate for the rights, safety and well-being of Native Hawaiian protectors and provide related-assistance as appropriate, according to an OHA press release. Big Island Now.

OHA approves resolution to advocate for health, safety of protectors. All nine trustees unanimously voted Thursday to approve a resolution that supports a proclamation retraction and allows OHA to advocate for the health and well being of demonstrators. KITV.

Hawaii Island Mayor Clarifies Role in TMT Dispute. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says “he has no authority to intervene or make any kind of deal regarding TMT.” Instead, Kim says his role is “to work with all sides to find a better way forward for everyone concerned.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Dozens of TMT supporters turn out for rally. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige’s official website now has a form that you can fill out to let him know whether you support the TMT project or not on Mauna Kea. As of Wednesday afternoon, we’re told that his office has received more than 14,000 responses. KHON2.

Hawaii Enters Next Phase Of Eruption Recovery, FEMA Talks Set. There are a number of upcoming initiatives and public meetings scheduled in regards to the 2018 Kilauea volcano eruption recovery effort. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Offshore Sand Sought to Mitigate Erosion at Kahana Bay. A 157-page Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice has been filed to address erosion mitigation at Kahana Beach in west Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Adds New Traffic Safety Initiatives As Death Toll Increases. The Maui Department of Public Works is trying to decrease the county’s traffic-related death toll through various safety initiatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

MPD officers return to Maui after being called to Mauna Kea. Officers assisted Hawaii County police with safety, road congestion. Maui News.

Summit brings new solutions for landlords. Annual event dispels myths about housing subsidies; offers tips to solve issues between landlords and tenants. Maui News.

Kauai

100 come to meeting on EIS for Kealia Mauka subdivision. The Land Use Commission held a packed meeting in the Moikeha Building conference room Thursday where 38 public testimonies were taken and over 100 people attended. Garden Island.

Hawaii Life acquires Kauai real estate brokerage. Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers has acquired Kauai real estate agency Hanalei Country Brokers, giving the growing firm an office in the place where it began. Pacific Business News.

Astronomers evacuate Mauna Kea as police presence builds, Ige seeks new energy chief, Honolulu rail hazard could cost extra $10M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

All Observatory Staffers Evacuated As TMT Protest Continues. As hundreds of telescope opponents gather for a second day at the base of Mauna Kea, others descend on the office of Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Observatories Close, Personnel Withdrawn. The observatories at the summit of Mauna Kea are shutting down, and taking their personnel off the mountain, as the standoff over the planned Thirty Meter Telescope continues. Big Island Video News.

Maunakea Observatories Withdraws Personnel, Suspends Summit Activities. The Maunakea Observatories today announced the withdrawal of all personnel from their telescope facilities atop Maunakea on Hawaii Island amid safety concerns. Maui Now.

Observatory Personnel Withdraw From Mauna Kea. Big Island Now.

Scientists escorted off of Mauna Kea. Just around 4 p.m., a long caravan of vehicles packed with scientists were escorted off of Mauna Kea. They were being led by sheriffs. KHON2.

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Talks between TMT opponents, law enforcement to resume after another day of no arrests. The directors of existing telescopes atop the mountain have evacuated their employees over safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea negotiations are largely unsuccessful as protesters brace for police intervention. Two days into the announced construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, foes held their ground without arrest and claimed victory once again. Star-Advertiser.

Latest On Protest Against TMT Construction on Mauna Kea. State officials estimated about 200 protesters gathered near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road on Tuesday, day two of the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kupuna stand firm; Deal for no arrests eases tension between TMT protesters, law enforcement. A tense standoff between Thirty Meter Telescope protesters and law enforcement ended with jubilation after officers assured they would make no arrests Tuesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Two days of 'roller coasting,' and no arrests have been made. They waited hours then heard the news that because of safety concerns, they would not be taken into custody. KITV.

Mauna Kea Update – Day Two. Day two of the scheduled construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope began quiet, but ended with a dramatic truce with police. Big Island Video News.

Construction of TMT poses conflict for those who want science to progress but also respect culture. KHON2.

Former Gov. Abecrombie: TMT opponents are being hypocritical by blocking project. He says while opponents have the right to protest and are entitled to be treated respectfully under law, he says the TMT also has a right to be on Mauna Kea under law. Hawaii News Now.

TMT says it’s not responsible to reimburse law enforcement. State officials say it’s too early to estimate how much it could cost law enforcement agencies to provide protection and help pave the way for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope as protesters attempt to block the project. Star-Advertiser.

TMT files response to opponents’ TRO petition. TMT International Observatory on Monday filed a response to an application by opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope for a temporary restraining order to halt construction of the project. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists say possibilities of space observation from TMT would be out of this world. Dr. Adamson believes there is a deeper space the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope can discover. KITV.

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Gabbard Lags Behind Presidential Race Frontrunners In Fundraising. The Hawaii congresswoman raised less money in the second quarter of 2019 than she did in the first part of the year. Civil Beat.

Gabbard’s presidential campaign fundraising numbers show quarterly dip. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s presidential campaign raised less than half the amount of money in the second quarter of this year as it did in the first, according to campaign finance records that were released earlier this week. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Seeking State Energy Chief. The state is taking job applications until the end of the month. Civil Beat.

State cultivating Hawaii's future farmers. Next month, another crop of Hawaii students will get a chance to experience running their own small farm, in the GoFarm Hawaii program. KITV.

Hawaii Struggles To Maintain Its Worn-Out Hiking Trails. “Honestly, we’re just trying to keep up with demand,” the state’s trails manager said. Civil Beat.

Humpback Whale Calls Heard In Mid-Ocean Basin. The results of the first leg of an autonomous humpback whale acoustic survey have been released. Maui Now.

Oahu

A hazardous discovery could cost the rail authority $10 million. Rail construction near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport stalled for about five months back in December after contaminants found in solvents were found in the groundwater, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation said. Hawaii News Now.

Reopening of Arizona Memorial moves closer. Twelve new synthetic straps are anchoring the USS Arizona Memorial’s boat landing dock in place, and a contractor has 30 days to adjust the tension, leaving the National Park Service optimistic that the reopening of the iconic memorial to walk-on traffic is getting closer. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor is in capital to talk climate change. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is scheduled to testify before a Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis in Washington, D.C., this morning. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on a community noise variance application for a project to install pavement markings and milled rumble strips at various locations on Oahu. KHON2.

Nanakuli residents are fed up over proposed landfill expansion. Officials with the PVT Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Nanakuli say it needs to expand its landfill because its current location is close to filling up. Hawaii News Now.

Hitting The Road To Stem Summer Hunger. On the Waianae coast, the state DOE deploys a food truck to distribute free, freshly packaged meals to kids in need. Civil Beat.

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Historic Spalding House to be put up for sale. The Honolulu Museum of Art announced Tuesday that its board of trustees has decided to put the historic Spalding House in Makiki Heights up for sale. Star-Advertiser.

HoMA’s Spalding House to go on sale. KHON2.

A picturesque Makiki Heights home with ties to art is going up for sale. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

In-depth look at 2018 eruption’s economic impact part of county’s recovery efforts. As the Big Island continues recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, the county Department of Research and Development selected the Institute for Sustainable Development to do an in-depth assessment of the eruption’s economic impacts and draft an economic recovery plan. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County issues surveys to help shape future eruption recovery efforts. Hawaii County officials are asking for public input on last year’s Kilauea eruption response so that they can better shape how recovery efforts for future eruptive events are handled. Hawaii News Now.

Officials looking to limit, avoid transfer station closures attributed to ‘staff shortages’. With the closures of three West Hawaii transfer stations Tuesday that sent residents to Waimea and Kailua-Kona to dispose of their rubbish because of staff shortages, local officials say they’d like to see some solutions. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Telescope protest draws county residents to protect Mauna Kea. Walter Ritte and Kaleikoa Kaeo, both from Maui County, chain themselves to cattle guard in roadway. Maui News.

Keopuolani Park Closed July 18-19 to Address Health and Safety. Maui Now.

Maui County is seeking public input on options for 50 Maui Lani lots that the county acquired through a settlement with a developer in 2011. Maui News.

Maui County condominium prices spike to decade high. The median sale price for Maui County condominiums spiked in June to $552,000, its highest mark in a decade. But inventory reaches all-time low. Maui News.

Kauai

In Tuesday’s early afternoon heat, kupuna and kanaka gathered at the intersection of Ahukini and Kapule Highway, known as the airport corner. The group was rallying support to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, where hundreds are gathering in protest. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has implemented new rules for after-hours use of Weke Boat Ramp. Garden Island.

Confidential KPD records to be used in trial. Records related to an internal police investigation could be used to determine the credibility of officers set to testify in the upcoming trial of a man accused of killing a 19-year-old Kapaa woman in a hit-and-run accident two years ago. Garden Island.

Councilwoman balks at paying HART legal fees, skydiving company had been ordered grounded before fatal crash, county police to enforce state action on Maunakea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honouliuli station construction PC:HART

HART should pay its own legal fees, councilwoman says. Honolulu Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi says the agency tasked with building the $9.2 billion East Kapolei-to- Ala Moana Center rail line shouldn’t use additional city taxpayer money to hire a lawyer to deal with three federal subpoenas that are looking into wrongdoing at the agency. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu councilmember wants answers from rail officials about what she says is the use of $50,000 in taxpayer money for an outside attorney. Hawaii Public Radio.

Resolution introduced urging HART to pay its own outside legal counsel. A move by the Honolulu rail authority to have city tax payers pay for its legal fees isn’t sitting well with one council member. KHON2.

Resolution introduced ensuring HART pays for its own outside legal council. Council Member Heidi Tsuneyoshi introduced a resolution Friday urging HART to use the $3.7 million it has allocated for legal expenses to pay for counsel related to three federal grand jury subpoenas. KITV.

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State Sends Residents New Survey As It Assesses Foodborne Illnesses. People chosen randomly are being asked about their diets and where they purchase or grow their food. Civil Beat.

Abandoned tax licenses set to be purged. The state Department of Taxation announced July 1 that it has published a notice to revoke tax licenses due to abandonment. Maui News.

Oahu

Company was told to stop skydiving before fatal crash; now ordered to vacate.The company in charge of the airplane that crashed in Mokuleia last month, killing 11 people, had been ordered to stop its skydiving operation well before the fatal crash. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor Approves Funding For New Aloha Stadium. The new law allocates $20 million in general funds to improve the dstrict for public use. It also approves issuance of up to $180 million in revenue bonds and $150 million in general obligation bonds to build a new stadium. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige signs into law bill that kicks off the redevelopment of Aloha Stadium. Governor David Ige signed into law Monday a bill that kicks off the process of redeveloping the 44-year-old Aloha Stadium into a mixed-use sports and entertainment district. Hawaii News Now.

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Petition for Kaneshiro’s impeachment dismissed. A setback Monday in state Circuit Court won’t discourage Oahu businessman Tracy Yoshimura from going back to the starting line in his quest to have Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro impeached, his attorney said Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Judge dismisses petition to impeach City Prosecutor Kaneshiro. Oahu Businessman Tracy Yoshimura collected more than 500 signatures through his online petition, but a judge ruled the online signatures could not be verified. KITV.

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Council resolution demands agencies say how they’ll prevent more Kealoha-esque incidents. In the wake of the Kealoha corruption verdicts, one leading Honolulu councilman says he has grave concerns about the ability of city agencies to police their own employees ― and he’s demanding they prove they are capable of preventing corruption in their departments. Hawaii News Now.

'The world knows the truth;' Man framed by Kealohas speaks out for first time since historic verdict. Gerard Puana was set up in the famous 'mailbox' incident by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to raise money for Hawaiian Home Lands turns ugly in Kapole. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to develop about 100 acres in Kalaeloa for a solar energy project. Hawaii News Now.

City’s bulky item pickup system has led to mounds of rubbish. As part of the pilot, which is slated to run through the end of January, the city has shifted single-family and multifamily residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai, including Waikiki, from monthly scheduled bulky item collection to an appointment-based program. Star-Advertiser.

Never-Ending Waikiki Sidewalk Project Hurts Businesses, Obstructs Tourists. Work that began a year ago is still disrupting the south end of the bustling district. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council committee hears concerns about police protecting TMT. Prayers, chants and tears — and an outburst or two — marked an afternoon of testimony Monday as more than 50 people shared their mana‘o about Maunakea and the impending construction of a massive telescope there. West Hawaii Today.

Council Questions County Involvement On Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Residents push to preserve 70-acre parcel but landowner still plans to develop off Lako Street. West Hawaii Today.

Desk Duty For National Park Ranger After Hawaii Shooting. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park law enforcement officer who shot the driver of stolen vehicle is on desk duty while local and federal agencies investigate. Associated Press.

Maui

Koieie Fishpond holds community workday. Efforts follow calls to restore historic pond. Maui News.

Ban on Commercial Permit Operators at Hanakaoo Becomes Law. Maui Now.

Kauai

State to explain water study results.The Department of Health is making a trip to Kauai to explain their recent findings regarding the water quality in the Maha‘ulepu and Waikomo watersheds. Garden Island.

Highway to close at Waipa Bridge. The Hawaii Department of Transportation issued a reminder Monday that the upcoming full weekend closure of Kuhio Highway at Waipa Bridge is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and continue through 5 a.m. Monday. Garden Island.

Hawaii to ban 'gay panic' defense, allow 'Gender X,' herbicides banned at schools, Honolulu hires criminal defense in rail probe, Karen Pence to visit military families, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gay pride parade ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii to Become 6th State to Ban “Gay Panic” as Affirmative Defense for Murder. Hawaii's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual community is awaiting the governor’s signature on bills, that when signed into law today, will advance rights and protections of those who identify as such. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige to sign bill allowing ‘Gender X’ on Hawaii driver licenses. In an effort to reduce discrimination against transgender and gender fluid individuals, Hawaii driver licenses will soon sport ‘Gender X’ as an option. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to add more gender categories on Hawaii driver’s licenses to be signed into law. A bill to expand gender categories on Hawaii driver’s licenses will be signed into law today. KHON2.

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Herbicides banned on Hawaii public school campuses, superintendent says. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, after hearing that Roundup was being used on some campuses, sent a memo Tuesday to all principals stressing that herbicides are banned at Hawaii public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. Parents alongside concerned members of the the community are challenging school officials over the chemicals being used to kill weeds on campus. Hawaii News Now.

Two mothers are suing the Hawaii Department of Public Safety on behalf of their children, over what their lawsuit describes as “repeated and deliberate indifference towards the safety and well-being of inmates with serious mental health issues.” Garden Island.

More than 1,000 pieces of stolen mail found in late postal worker’s storage unit. In an email confirming the discovery, the USPS said there were about 1,000 pieces of stolen mail from about 13 to 15 years ago, along with roughly 11,000 USPS Return Receipt post cards. Hawaii News Now.

Karen Pence visits Hawaii. The Second Lady will speak to military families to highlight the Blue Star Museum program, which she serves as honorary co-chair. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell signs vacation rental policy bill. It took roughly three decades, but the city now has a broad-ranging policy regulating vacation rentals. Star-Advertiser.

City Will Use ‘Digital Stings’ To Nab Illegal Vacation Rentals Starting Aug. 1. But the full effect of Oahu’s new law severely limiting Airbnb-type rentals and imposing stiff fines on violators won’t start until late 2020. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Signs Measure To Regulate Short-Term Rentals. Mayor Kirk Caldwell vetoed one short-term rental measure and signed another that will restrict the operation of the rentals on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Caldwell signs ‘historic’ bill regulating vacation rental industry on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law on Tuesday that will enact some of the toughest new regulations for Oahu’s vacation rental industry in nearly 40 years. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell signs vacation rentals bill 89, vetoes bill 85. The mayor signed the bill at a press conference at Honolulu Hale on Tuesday. KITV.

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City hiring lawyer to address rail subpoenas. The city is hiring an outside attorney to help handle issues related to a federal criminal investigation of the Honolulu rail project, and has budgeted up to $50,000 to cover the cost of that legal work. Star-Advertiser.

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Closing arguments in Kealoha corruption trial begin. Prosecutors have said Katherine Kealoha wanted to frame Gerard Puana to keep him from revealing fraud that financed the couple's lavish lifestyle. KITV.

The Kealoha conspiracy case is a story of “greed and manipulation,” a federal prosecutor says. Lawyers for the two remaining defendants, Nguyen and Shiraishi, are scheduled to give their closings this morning; then the government gets the last word with rebuttal remarks. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Conspiracy Trial: ‘Power, Greed And Manipulation’. Closing arguments began Tuesday in the trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha and three Honolulu police officers. Civil Beat.

Defense calls government’s allegations in Kealoha mailbox trial ‘imagination’. In fiery closing arguments Tuesday, a federal prosecutor in the closely-watched public corruption case against the Kealohas told jurors that the case isn’t about a mailbox but about why the defendants would try to frame a Kealoha relative with its theft. Hawaii News Now.

30 HPD Officers Assigned to Watch Kealohas' Relative, Prosecutor Says In Closing Arguments. A U.S. prosecutor says 30 Honolulu police officers conducted 24-hour surveillance on the uncle of former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha the week she claimed he stole her mailbox in 2013. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

E. Kalani Flores testified in opposition to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit renewal for the Thirty Meter Telescope construction on Mauna Kea, one of many to speak out at a public hearing held Tuesday night in Kona. Big Island Video News.

Kailua-Kona’s first medical marijuana dispensary opens Sunday. Hawaiian Ethos, one of only two businesses licensed to sell medical marijuana products on the Big Island, plans a grand opening celebration Sunday at its Olowalu Street dispensary in the Kaloko Light Industrial Area. West Hawaii Today.

Island’s two major well-diggers have work galore. The Big Island’s two major well-drillers continue to ask for more time to complete their projects, even as new contracts are awarded to them. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Final EIS released for Pulehunui master plan. Plan outlines water, wastewater, roads for major state projects. Maui News.

Maui Bus to Reduce Fares for Seniors, Disabled and Others, July 1. The County of Maui Department of Transportation announced that beginning Monday, July 1, 2019, the Maui Bus is implementing reduced single boarding fares of $1.00 for fixed route service. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hundreds rally for salt ponds. A Kauai County Planning Commission meeting drew a crowd of well over a hundred local residents, who showed up at the county government building in Lihue on Tuesday morning to speak on behalf of their culture, their heritage, their land and their salt. Garden Island.

Chaos at HNL after shooter scare, protesters block newly reopened Kuhio Highway, Hawaii loses NOAA research ship, Katherine Kealoha may testify, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

False reports of shooter at Honolulu airport lead to chaos, evacuation and delayed flights. The main terminal at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was shut down Tuesday after a malfunctioning laptop at a security checkpoint led to false reports of an active shooter, an evacuation of thousands of passengers, and the delay and cancellation of flights. Star-Advertiser.

Active Shooter Scare At Honolulu Airport Delays Flights. Flights were being delayed and hundreds of people were waiting to go through security screening at Honolulu's airport on Tuesday after an active shooter scare. Associated Press.

Chaos erupted at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu after a laptop in a carry-on overheated, causing smoke and popping sounds. KHON2.

No active shooter situation at HNL despite false reports, DOT confirms. Thousands of people are lined up at Terminal 2 and all flights have been delayed because everybody in the entire terminal needed to be re-screened. KITV.

Disgruntled travelers say HNL wasn’t prepared for a security scare. False reports of an active shooter at Honolulu’s airport triggered “pandemonium” Tuesday and then major delays after thousands of outbound passengers were evacuated out of Terminal 2 so they could be re-screened through security. Hawaii News Now.

Passengers caught up in airport delay say they want to see changes. KHON2.

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Loss Of NOAA’s Primary Honolulu Ship A Setback For Research. Stationed on Oahu since 2004, the Hiialakai played a key role in monitoring deep-sea wildlife and cleaning up fishing debris. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Kai Kahele uses profanity when describing congressional race with Tulsi Gabbard. State Sen. Kai Kahele, who is seeking Tulsi Gabbard’s congressional seat, told VICE News that Gabbard has a “f——— tiger on her tail, and she’s gonna be in trouble.” Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit puts blame on the state for high inmate suicide rate. A class action lawsuit alleges that the state isn’t doing enough to prevent prison suicides because of a lack of mental health services for inmates. Hawaii News Now.

UH Gets $8.4 Million Boost To Study Cancer In The Pacific. The National Cancer Institute raised its funding support of the UH Cancer Center. Civil Beat.

Oahu

No decision yet on whether Katherine Kealoha will testify. The question of whether Katherine Kealoha — the central figure in the ongoing public corruption and conspiracy trial — will testify on her own behalf was left unanswered after her lawyers called seven witnesses Tuesday to present her defense. Star-Advertiser.

As Katherine Kealoha’s Defense Unfolds, She Still Considers Testifying. Her attorneys called several witnesses Tuesday in an attempt to punch holes in the prosecution’s criminal conspiracy charges, but they faced tough cross-examination. Civil Beat.

Ex-Prosecutor Undecided About Testifying In Corruption Trial. Ex-Honolulu prosecutor, Katherine Kealoha, hasn't decided whether she will testify in her defense at a trial over allegations she and her police chief husband framed her uncle to keep him from revealing fraud that funded their lavish lifestyle. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Katherine Kealoha may testify in her defense. KHON2.

Fireworks in court when controversial figure in Kealoha mailbox trial takes the stand. Courtroom drama on day 14 of the Kealoha mailbox trial. Hawaii News Now.

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Rail authority must replace 15 canopy arms. The city will redesign and replace portions of 15 metal “canopy arms” that were erected at three rail stations after flaws were discovered in similar arms that were fabricated for the rail line, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

HART Loses Its Last Original Board Member. Damien Kim, who helped oversee the project since HART was formed, asked not to be reappointed. Civil Beat.

Worry over the city council’s vacation rental rules spreads to other businesses. Owners of illegal vacation rentals were too afraid to speak out after the city council passed two bills that toughen regulations, but predict dire consequences to the economy. Hawaii News Now.

Palolo Valley Basin Might Be Cut From Ala Wai Flood Project. U.S. Army Corps officials say the move might avoid condemning four private parcels for the flood-control measures. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council excited about hydrogen. Three hydrogen buses will soon be part of the county Hele-On fleet, as the infrastructure comes together to create the fuel for a Mass Transit pilot program on both sides of the island. West Hawaii Today.

Olson Trust Puueo Development Vote Postponed By Council. The Hawaii County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday postponed a vote on two bills that would pave the way for a development in Puueo, located between Clem Akina Park and Dodo Mortuary. Big Island Video News.

More than 100 come out for second community meeting on crime, chronic homelessness. A grassroots effort to put a spotlight on crime and chronic homelessness in Kailua Village is continuing to pick up steam, with a meeting on Monday drawing a crowd of an estimated 130-150 people to the Paina Room at Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill. West Hawaii Today.

2018 eruption dampens use of Pahoa Senior Center. Closed for about three months during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano in lower Puna, the Pahoa Senior Center has since reopened and continues to offer classes for kupuna in the community. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Judge reverses permit approval for archaeological firm. A hui that advocates for the protection of ancient burials is set to get a contested case hearing before the state Historic Preservation Division after a judge reversed SHPD’s granting of a permit to a local archaeological firm. Maui News.

New Ruling In Maui Water Case Still Doesn’t Resolve Old Dispute. The state appellate court has asked a lower court to answer key questions. Civil Beat.

Historic Plaintiff Discusses Pesticide Impacts With Maui Policy Makers. A man noted as being the first plaintiff to win a lawsuit brought against Monsanto/Bayer, met with government land management agencies and policy-makers on Maui. Maui Now.

Kaiser: Queen’s referrals largely unaffected by contract dispute. Hawaii’s two large health care companies haggling over billing. Maui News.

Kauai

Protesters briefly block Kuhio Highway. Protesters blocked Kuhio Highway at Waipa early Tuesday morning before police arrived and reopened the road. Garden Island.

Kauai protesters block visitors from entering Kuhio Highway into Haena State Park. The fragile peace over the reopening of Kuhio Highway and better management of tourism was quickly shattered Tuesday by protesters who formed a human chain to temporarily block the gateway to Haena State Park and other popular community natural resources and popular attractions on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai protestors take matters into their own hands blocking visitor traffic through Kuhio Highway. Dozens of protestors prevented visitor traffic from accessing the re-opened stretch of Kuhio Highway accessing popular sites on Kauai's north shore. KITV.

Westside facing drought. The weather will continue to be hot and dry, perpetuating the current drought on the leeward side of Kauai, according to the National Weather Service. Garden Island.

Hot, hot, hot! Record temperatures, warming seas. Plus, news on Honolulu rail, OHA, U.S. Conference of Mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunrise ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii wilts under sweltering temps and there’s little relief in sight. Forecasters say the state has broken or tied 35 heat records since mid-May. The reason: Warmer sea surface temperatures and weak tradewinds. Hawaii News Now.

Blistering heat keeps setting records for Honolulu and Kahului. More record high temperatures have been set in early June, including 92 degrees on June 10 in Honolulu that broke the record set in 1982, according to weather officials. Star-Advertiser.

No end in sight to the sunshine and light trade showers for the islands. High pressure north of the islands will keep light to moderate trades in place through the remainder of the work week, with showers favoring windward and mauka areas, mainly at night and through the early morning hours. KHON2.

The world’s oceans will likely lose about one-sixth of their fish and other marine life by the end of the century if climate change continues on its current path, according to a new study. Associated Press.

Molokai, Kauai Groups Recognized For Restoring Sustainable Fisheries. This is the first time the prestigious Equator Prize has been awarded to indigenous communities in the United States. Civil Beat.

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Deaths in Hawaii from suicide, alcohol and drugs have spiked over the past 12 years. Deaths from suicide, alcohol and drugs have climbed substantially over the past 12 years in Hawaii, though the state tops the nation for overall health care, a new study shows. Star-Advertiser.

The Problem With Hawaiian Homestead Land? Much Of It Can’t Be Developed. Some senators question why the agency charged with providing homes for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries must also manage so much land where building can’t occur. Civil Beat.

Homestead Leaders Applaud OHA for Housing Program Investment. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs awarded a 2-year grant of $484,114 to the nonprofit, Homestead Community Development Corporation also known as the Homestead Housing Authority. Maui Now.

OHA trustee in trouble for alleged disloyalty. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Board of Trustees has a code of conduct policy that requires trustees to publicly support a board decision even though he or she might disagree with it personally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu is prepping for a national gathering of mayors. But who’s footing the bill?  The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held on Oahu later this month. It’s expected to cost the city about $5 million to put on. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell and Anderson optimistic after FTA meeting about rail funding. Following a meeting with federal transit officials Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Mayor Kirk Caldwell and City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson said they’re optimistic that a recovery plan for the city’s over-budget $9.2 billion rail project will be approved. Star-Advertiser.

Some council members concerned with cost of Blaisdell renovations. After gathering input and ideas for years, the Final Environmental Assessment for the Blaisdell Center Master Plan is out. However, will construction be put on the back burner because of rail? KHON2.

City-funded domestic violence shelter that was barely used is slated to close down. The decision came after the City Council rejected a funding request for the facility, a pet project for embattled city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who has since gone on leave amid a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents Wary Of Subdivision After Bulldozers Damage Cemetery. They say some burial sites may remain undiscovered in the 1920s-era plantation graveyard near where a residential development is proposed. Civil Beat.

Complaint served to ‘two main individuals’ involved with problem homeless commune in Hilo. A lot located between Ponahawai and Mamo streets behind Agasa Furniture and Music Store near Hilo Farmers Market has become a fenced-off community of tents and other temporary structures, in defiance of multiple orders by county agencies to clear the lot. Tribune-Herald.

Injured hiker rescued on Maunakea. A 68-year-old grandfather from Arizona who suffered a broken thighbone while hiking off a Maunakea trail below the W.M. Keck Observatory was rescued Monday night. Tribune-Herald.

Man With Broken Leg Rescued From Mauna Kea Summit. Rescue crews located the injured man - said to be in his 60's, with an apparent femur fracture - approximately 1 mile from the nearest trail at the 12,500 foot elevation. Big Island Video News.

Charges dropped against former Hilo doctor accused of drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors are dropping all 40 charges against a Hilo doctor accused of ordering fake opioid prescriptions. Court-appointed doctors say Dr. Ernest Bade is not mentally competent to stand trial. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Victorino issues line-item vetoes to council budget. Mayor displeased spending not kept in check, requests more information. Maui News.

Hotel official: Time to ‘diversify tourism’. Hannemann says there is no other industry offering as many jobs. Maui News.

Warm oceans, no trades lead to heat wave on Maui. There have been 16 record-breaking days since May 16. Maui News.

Kauai

County attorneys push courts on TVR issue. County attorneys are taking increasingly aggressive legal action against the owners of short-term vacation rental properties who failed to renew annual permits on time. Garden Island.

A wedding at an off-limits area on Kauai’s North Shore is now under investigation. On Kauai, as the county continues to recover from last year's historic flooding, it has opened an investigation after an apparent wedding ceremony was held illegally at a popular North Shore beach park. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rentals changing Hawaii economy, empty Kakaako condos, fighting beach erosion, Molokai policeman arrested on drug charges, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii allocates $13M to keep Waikiki Beach from disappearing. The economic impact to Hawaii of Waikiki Beach was recently estimated at $2.2 billion a year, but the crumbling Royal Hawaiian groin and other man-made structures are all that is keeping the state’s most visited beach from being swept away. Star-Advertiser.

HTA: Visitors In Vacation Homes Spend Less. Hawaii Tourism Authority data might seem merely to quantify the obvious, but the data could explain a trend that concerns local economists. Civil Beat.

Vacation rental guests contributing less to tourism economy. Guests staying at vacation rentals in Hawaii aren’t exactly big spenders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air fixes tech glitch that grounded some flights on Saturday. The airlines says it's a software problem that interrupted reception of the Global Positioning Satellite system. KITV.

Oahu

Vacation rental giants look to temper Council bills. Representatives for two of the world’s largest operators of web platforms that broker vacation rentals voiced disappointment at a Honolulu City Council committee’s decision Friday to advance two bills they said will cause thousands of job cuts in Hawaii and severely hurt the visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako’s Empty Condos: ‘At Night, It’s A Ghost Town Down Here'. Merchants say they leased new space in Ward Village expecting to benefit from the proximity of hordes of condo-dwellers. Now they wonder where they are. Civil Beat.

Kakaako homeless group wants state to provide land for a 'safe place'. A group of homeless residents in Kakaako are working towards finding state land to live on permanently.  KITV.

Honolulu Rail Officials Hand-Deliver Recovery Plan To Feds. The trip to San Francisco was made in hopes that the Federal Transit Administration will start releasing more money for the project. Civil Beat.

Scientists hopeful for endangered orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly. Today only one population of the colorful native aquatic insect remains on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

21 charter amendments heading to 2020 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR bounces wells application back to PGV. Applications for two new geothermal wells have been reviewed and returned to Puna Geothermal Venture with comments, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources confirmed this week. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Delays Compound While Waiting For Court Judgement. The bioenergy company says the continued employment of its workers are placed at risk as it awaits the Hawaii Supreme Court Judgement that will reopen the PUC docket. Big Island Video News.

New possibilities for Alii corridor. More than a decade after an effort to develop Alii Parkway stalled, a subcommittee under the Kona Community Development Plan action committee is taking a new look at a possible future for the project. West Hawaii Today.

Legacy still on watch list. Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has shown improvement since being named a special focus facility nearly two years ago, according to a list of such facilities provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that was updated in May. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Problems at Baby Beach. Effort to halt erosion, block access to some wrongdoers backfires. Maui News.

Celebrity couple’s request highlights Maui’s housing woes. A celebrity couple’s request to convert their Hawaii home into a short-term rental is landing them in the middle of a housing debate on the island of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Maui police are reporting that they have arrested one of their long-time police officers on suspicion of multiple drug-related offenses. Star-Advertiser.

MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges. Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department. Maui News.

Kauai

Haena, Wainiha communities prepare to welcome visitors after a year of seclusion. Kuhio Highway on Kauai's North Shore has been closed since April 2018 after devastating flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to the Wainiha and Haena area. KHON2.

A Kapaa man is questioning the county’s actions in the delayed reopening of Black Pot Beach Park in Hanalei. Garden Island.

Trespassing bride and groom. Just as the sun was rising on the first day in June, a wedding planner allegedly held a private and pretty ceremony at Hanalei’s Black Pot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Molokai

Maui police are reporting that they have arrested one of their long-time police officers on suspicion of multiple drug-related offenses. Star-Advertiser.

MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges. Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department. Maui News.