Hawaii Legislature to take up police misconduct bill, Ige asks participants in Black Lives Matter rallies to self-isolate, military travel restrictions lifted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Police on parade, file photo, ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii House Speaker Says Cop Misconduct Bill Is ‘On Our Radar’. The House and Senate are reviewing a measure requiring more disclosure on the part of police agencies that stalled last year after passing both chambers. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige asks protesters from weekend Black Lives Matter rallies to voluntarily self-isolate. Gov. David Ige today requested that participants in Black Lives Matter protests over the weekend consider self-isolating a few days in order to protect others from possibly getting the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Ige concerned about how gatherings such as recent protests will impact the state’s COVID-19 case counts. Gov. David Ige is asking those who rallied during recent Black Lives Matter protests throughout Hawaii to self-isolate as the state continues its fight against COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

More push to require a negative COVID test before flying to Hawaii. A group of UH experts is warning the state that opening up to mainland tourism - without required testing before travel - will overwhelm Hawaii's health care system. Hawaii News Now.

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State loosens restrictions and announces reopenings of camping, parks. The state is loosening up restrictions and reopening state parks in conjunction with each county’s specific rules and guidelines, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced this afternoon, providing updates on the latest changes. Star-Advertiser.

LIST: Hawaii State parks to reopen in phases by July 1. DLNR says most overnight state facilities will reopen by July 1. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR Lessens State Parks Restrictions. The DLNR Division of State Parks is lessening restrictions and reopening park areas in conjunction with various county-specific rules and guidelines. Big Island Now.

Some Hawaii State Parks Still Closed, But Restrictions Lessening. Big Island Video News.

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Pentagon OKs increased travel to Hawaii amid unclear rules. A total of 1,125 military members arrived in the first week of June. Another 1,191 came to Hawaii in the last two weeks of May. The transition of service members to Hawaii is normally much greater during spring and summer, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Travel restrictions lifted for military service members in Hawai'i. The Department of Defense is lifting travel restrictions for military service members in Hawaii because of the low number of COVID-19 cases here. KITV4.

Federal funding for National Guard at Hawaii airports will end in August. The federal government says it will stop paying for the National Guard to screen passengers in Hawaii airports on August 10. Hawaii News Now.

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King Kamehameha celebrations canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic. This year there will be no Kamehameha Statue lei draping or floral parade. All King Kamehameha celebration events have been canceled statewide because of the pandemic. KHON2.

Doctors worry that patients are neglecting their regular visits as well as their health. Despite fears surrounding the new coronavirus, Hawaii health officials are urging the public to go to the doctor for routine checkups, vaccinations and to manage chronic diseases to prevent a spike in other ailments. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gets 1 new virus case; 667 visitors fly into the state. State Department of Health officials said Monday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 676, up one from Sunday. The lone infection case is on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 8: 1 New COVID-19 Case In Hawaii. The case was found on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department reviewing vascular neck restraint policy in wake of Minneapolis. A submission hold known as a “vascular neck restraint” used by Honolulu police officers was halted pending a review of the department’s use-of-force policy, Police Chief Susan Ballard said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police To Temporarily Halt Use Of Vascular Neck Restraints. George Floyd’s death prompted HPD to review its use of force policy.Civil Beat.

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Mayor Caldwell nominates Michael Broderick and Doug Chin to Honolulu Police Commission. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s two newest nominees to the Honolulu Police Commission say they support some measure of police reform but also stress that they value the work of police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii AG who fought Trump’s travel ban picked for police panel. If confirmed by the Honolulu City Council, Doug Chin will replace one of the two commissioners who recently resigned. Hawaii News Now.

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Iolani Palace reopens June 19. It will start off with self-guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays with more days added in the future. KHON2.

Hawaii teachers union endorses Hanabusa plus Council candidates. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is backing former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa for mayor, its first endorsement ever in a county-level election. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers Union Endorses Hanabusa For Honolulu Mayor. This marks the first time HSTA has endorsed a candidate for mayor, the union said. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu To Repair Structures Atop Koko Head But Not Tramway. The tramway leading up to the Koko Head summit will be closed from June 15 through the end of July as workers repair “deficient structures” at the top that pose a public safety risk, the city said in a news release on Monday. Civil Beat.

Koko Head to close next week for repairs and improvements. The Koko Crater Stairs in East Oahu will be closed for repairs for about a month and a half. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo judges recuse themselves from hearing former cop’s assault, abuse cases. Both Hilo Circuit judges, Henry Nakamoto and Peter Kubota, filed certificates of recusal for a pair of cases in which the defendant is 56-year-old Ian Lee Loy, the husband of County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Roth alarmed by release of suspect in violent home invasion. A letter from the Big Island’s prosecutor to a special master appointed by the state Supreme Court to oversee an orderly population reduction in the state’s jails and prisons expressed alarm over the release of a pretrial detainee in a violent home invasion after judges twice reduced the man’s bail. Tribune-Herald.

St. Joseph students, faculty, alums thank community for helping school survive. The 151-year-old school, the Big Island’s only Catholic school, announced on its website that it’s nearing the $500,000 in donations and pledges it needs to remain open. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Hospital Begins Universal Testing, Single Person on Maui with COVID-19 in Home Quarantine.  Maui Memorial Medical Center begins universal testing for COVID-19 on all patients admitted through the Emergency Department and Obstetrics patients. Maui Now.

COVID-19 patient at hospital tests negative. The last confirmed patient with COVID-19 at Maui Memorial Medical Center has tested negative for the virus, a hospital spokeswoman said on Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Restart: Business. Tax relief, speedy permitting processes and fresh marketing strategies are a few of the ideas for helping local Kaua‘i businesses recover from pandemic protocols that have heavily impacted bottom lines and closed some doors for good. Garden Island.

Online county council candidacy forum Wednesday. Of the 22 candidates running for a council seat, 16 are participating at the forum sponsored by Just Transition Hawai‘i Coalition, Community Coalition of Kaua‘i and 350Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition. Garden Island.

These Kauai Cops Are Tired Of Racist Police Killings, Too. Kauai’s police chief is encouraging officers to attend protests and have candid conversations with citizens — and each other. Civil Beat.

Officers cite 15 at Kalalau area currently closed due to the pandemic. The state says a team of officers on Sunday issued 15 citations to people who were in a closed-off area of the Kalalau at Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Architect Says Time Is Running Out To Save Kauai’s Coco Palms. The resort is likely headed for the auction block, but the building’s remaining concrete frames could lose their structural integrity before a new owner is in place. Civil Beat.

Shipping firm seeks $25M bailout, 400 National Guard troops coming off COVID-19 duty, Honolulu poised to open salons, gyms, councilwoman's ex-cop husband arrested after alleged domestic abuse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Young Brothers ship nears Honolulu PC:Young Brothers

Young Brothers Seeks Financial Relief From Hawaiʻi. The inter-island shipping company says the COVID-19 slowdown has already forced the company to streamline operations and reduce operating costs. Big Island Video News.

‘Extremely dire’: Young Brothers seeks $25M in CARES funds to stay afloat. Interisland shipper Young Brothers is seeking $25 million in CARES Act funding from the state to keep the nearly 120-year-old company afloat amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Interisland shipping lifeline at risk of shutdown, Young Brothers says. Hawaii’s only regulated interisland ocean cargo company, Young Brothers LLC, is appealing to the state for a bailout it claims is necessary to avoid ceasing operations. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers asks state for $25M in stimulus funds to overcome ‘dire’ financial situation. Inter-island shipping company Young Brothers says it’s facing an “extremely dire” financial situation because of significant drops in cargo volumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is asking the state and the Public Utilities Commission for help to stay afloat. Hawaii News Now.

Young Brothers Asks For $25 Million in Aid. Young Brothers, LLC, a major shipping operation in Hawai‘i, announced Tuesday that it is seeking assistance from the state Legislature and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to alleviate an impending “cash crisis” brought on by a 30% drop in cargo volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Young Brothers Seeks $25M in Financial Relief from State Amid COVID-19 Slowdown. Young Brothers, LLC today announced it is seeking assistance from the Hawai‘i legislature and Public Utilities Commission to alleviate an impending cash crisis brought on by a 30% drop in cargo volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Young Brothers asks legislature for $25 million from CARES Act funding. One the biggest inter-island shipping companies in the state is now considering some drastic cuts. Young Brothers claims it lost millions as cargo loads have dropped. KHON2.

Young Brothers seeks financial relief from the state due to COVID-19 Slowdown. “We hope to avoid any disruption in service. Support from the state legislature would put the company on solid ground while we seek solutions," President of Young Brothers, LLC said. KITV4.

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Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Stop Virus Even If Economy Crumbles. A clear majority says it’s more important to stop COVID-19 from spreading than stop the economy from declining. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat-HNN poll: Amid state’s pandemic response, voters have negative view of Ige. A new Civil Beat-HNN poll found that 54% have a negative opinion of the governor. Just 1 in 5 have a positive view, while the rest said they weren’t sure. Hawaii News Now.

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400 Hawaii National Guard troops coming off coronavirus duty. The number of Hawaii National Guard troops on federal active duty for the coronavirus pandemic will drop early next week to 800 from 1,200 as part of a Pentagon “right-sizing” ahead of a “hard stop” set for June 24 for the deployment of almost 46,000 citizen soldiers nationwide, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige hopes to end interisland travel quarantine soon. Gov. David Ige hopes to end the 14-day quarantines for passengers on interisland flights “very soon” as a test for an eventual full reopening of out-of-state travel. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Says Interisland Quarantine to End ‘Soon’. Gov. David Ige implied Tuesday that the end to the state’s interisland travel quarantine will soon be rolled back and that reopening Hawai‘i to tourism won’t be far behind. Big Island Now.

Hawaii hits public health benchmarks, but reopening plan requires longer wait. Hawaii has hit all the public health benchmarks on a color-coded plan to reopen more parts of the economy with minimal disruption. Star-Advertiser.

State Issues Guidance For Hawaiʻi Restaurants In Time Of COVID-19. The State of Hawaiʻi is listing the various stipulations for dine-in service in order for restaurants to get back to business across the islands. Big Island Video News.

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State tourism forecast predicts it will take 6 years for arrivals to recover. As Hawaii's economy slowly begins reopening in phases, government officials are mapping out just how long it will take to return Island tourism, and the state economy, to what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

DBEDT Report: “It Will Take Six Years for Visitor Arrivals to Recover to the 2019 Level”. “It will take six years for visitor arrivals to recover to the 2019 level,” based on the 2009 great recession pace.  This is one of the facts and assumptions outlined in a 2nd Quarter 2020 report issued by the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, which was used in detailing the outlook for Hawaiʻi’s economy going forward. Maui Now.

In 2019, Hawaii saw 10M visitors. This year, arrivals are projected to top out at 3.5M. As the governor seeks to reboot Hawaii’s economy, the question of how to reopen tourism safely remains unanswered. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s True Jobless Rate Is A Mystery. Neither the official figure nor the number of unemployment insurance claims offer a clear picture of how many here are out of work. Civil Beat.

Lack of Internet Access Creates Disparity Among Public School Students. Hawaii’s public school students have been learning remotely since March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, some elementary schools are having an easier time than others because so much depends on a student’s access to the internet. Civil Beat.

State issues strict new child care facility requirements to cope with COVID-19 threat. State officials released strict new guidelines Tuesday for Hawaii child care facilities that are operating now or plan to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also announced $11.9 million grant funding to try to stabilize and support child care operators. Star-Advertiser.

New Guidance for Child Care Facilities Puts Limit on Child to Staff Ratio at 9:1. The Department of Human Services has released new guidelines for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 to children, staff and families when resuming or continuing child care operations. The guidelines are based on public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawai’i Department of Health. Maui Now.

As more parents head back to work, the need for childcare services in Hawaii grows. Hawaii’s Department of Services released new guidelines Tuesday for childcare providers that are resuming or continuing operations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Announces $11.9M For Child Care Providers. The deadline to apply the federal grant money is July 31. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige, Dept. of Human Services discuss guidelines for reopening childcare facilities. According to the state, these guidelines will set qualified childcare in place for the children of Hawai'i. KITV4.

The Other Coronavirus Crisis: Escalating Mental Health Problems. Calls to crisis hotlines and hospital admissions for psychiatric problems are up as the economy unravels and many feel isolated by public health restrictions. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 26: No New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii has gone three days without a new COVID-19 case. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell announces timeline to reopen hair salons, gyms and museums. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced plans to seek the governor’s approval to allow personal services — such as hair salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors — to resume Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Hair Salons, Offices, Gyms Will Reopen In Waves Starting Friday. Small gatherings can resume soon as Mayor Kirk Caldwell called on businesses to protect their customers. Civil Beat.

Mayor proposes ambitious timeline for reopening salons, museums and other businesses. Honolulu’s mayor has proposed an ambitious new timeline for reopening a number of “medium-risk” businesses on Oahu, including salons, museums and theaters. Hawaii News Now.

Restaurants Prepare For Dining On June 5 Under Conflicting Rules. Oahu restaurants can reopen on June 5 for dine-in services, although under state and city regulations and guidelines that sometimes conflict with each other, an issue that may prove challenging for the establishments and their customers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Businesses prepare for reopening dates announced by City. City and County Mayor Kirk Caldwell has submitted a proposal to the governor’s desk to reopen barbershops and salons Friday, as well as the Honolulu Zoo on June 5th. He’s also proposing to reopen theaters and museums on June 19th. KHON2.

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Promoter, alcohol vendor under investigation after large, illegal beach parties broken up on Oahu. The Honolulu Liquor Commission and law enforcement agencies are investigating two businesses that may have organized and profited from massive parties that violated COVID-19 emergency rules, liquor, and permitting laws, over Memorial Day weekend at Waimea Bay Beach Park and Kaena Point State Park. Star-Advertiser.

Giant batteries for electric grid are slated for Kapolei. Plus Power, announced Tuesday that it has been selected by Hawaiian Electric to develop what would be the largest battery system for storing electricity in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Battery Farm Could Replace Coal Plant. The proposed project would occupy eight acres near an industrial park. Civil Beat.

2 more candidates in mayoral, council race file nomination papers. Another mayoral contender has officially entered the race. Businessman Keith Amemiya filed nomination papers at Honolulu Hale on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Amemiya Calls For Rejecting ‘Same People, Same Ideas’ In Mayoral Bid. The Honolulu businessman hopes to succeed Kirk Caldwell, who is completing his final term this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Retired detective arrested for allegedly abusing councilwoman. A retired Hawaii Police Department detective pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor domestic abuse charge for an alleged Memorial Day attack on his wife, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy. Tribune-Herald.

Legislators talk CIP projects. East Hawaii will get its share of state capital improvement funds if the $5.1 billion capital improvement budget approved last week by lawmakers is signed by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman triathlon in Kona delayed again due to coronavirus concerns. The 2020 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii triathlon, already postponed once because of the global coronavirus pandemic, has been pushed back a second time and is now scheduled to take place on November 21, the company said Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui mayor seeks approval for more businesses reopen come June 1. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has submitted a request to Gov. Ige to allow more businesses to reopen on the Valley Isle at the start of June. Hawaii News Now.

County eyes opening most businesses, facilities Monday. Mayor Michael Victorino said he’s planning the reopening of most county parks, fitness gyms, pools, recreation facilities, clubhouses, dog parks, playgrounds, along with restaurants and other food establishments, as of Monday, pending Gov. David Ige’s approval. Maui News.

Hairstylists, barbers, nail techs happy to be back. Hair and nail salons and barber shops are being “more cautious and careful” about how they operate amid COVID-19 as they adjust to the new Maui County health and safety rules required for reopening Monday. Maui News.

Increased Public Access in Haleakalā National Park to Begin Wednesday. The National Park Service today announced that it will begin increasing public access to Haleakalā National Park on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Junior Lifeguard program canceled, safety tips are online. The Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau would normally be hosting up to 600 keiki and junior lifeguard participants over the next few months. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor working on summer fun details. Kawakami says more information on the county’s summer fun program will be announced in the coming days. KHON2.

Bursting with regrowth. A Kaua‘i diver has reported a successful coral spawn on Kaua‘i, as well as new baby corals from about four inches wide to 12 inches wide in ‘Anini Bay. Garden Island.

House budget cuts police actions against demonstrators on Mauna Kea, elsewhere; Hawaii County Councilman's husband arrested for allegedly slugging county official, plastics ban mulled on two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

House cuts funding for TMT enforcement from state budget. House lawmakers approved a rough draft of the new state operating budget Tuesday that cut more than $65 million in funding that Gov. David Ige requested for law enforcement operations to cope with disturbances such as the ongoing protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke. Star-Advertiser.

Want To Build Affordable Housing More Quickly? This Bill Would Sidestep Public Input. Affordable housing developers would be allowed to sidestep a process designed to protect Hawaii’s lands if a bill backed by Hawaii’s top political leaders becomes law. Civil Beat.

Prison overcrowding targeted in proposed law reducing ‘dangerous drug’ penalty. Senate Bill 2793 proposes to reduce the penalty of controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor, it would reduce the sentence for people who get caught. KHON2.

No isle residents found to have extended, close contact with infected pair. State health officials have not found any Hawaii residents who came into “prolonged close contact” with a Japanese couple who visited the islands more than a week ago and was subsequently diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii auto sales keep losing traction. Hawaii auto sales are projected to keep softening in 2020 as they appear headed for a third straight year of declines. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City bill would let citizens help bust trash dumpers. An inspector would not need to witness an illegal dumping violation for the city to fine someone under a bill up for a final vote today by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Will Espero Looks To Return To Public Service. The former state senator is running for the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Red Hill fuel storage deadline in doubt. Hopes to shut down the Navy’s underground fuel tanks at Red Hill in 2028 were in doubt Tuesday after the chairwoman of a critical Senate committee removed the revised version of Senate Bill 2774 from scheduled decision making on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The city considers charging property owners a new fee for a project that could turn storm water runoff into drinking water. The city and county of Honolulu wants to take on a massive new endeavor to overhaul its storm drain system. Hawaii News Now.

Should Hawaii Build An Underwater Tunnel Between Ewa And Downtown? State lawmakers may ask the DOT to study the idea as a way to alleviate traffic, even as a rail line is still being built. Civil Beat.

Worries of misdirected funds swirl as trial over Princess Kawananakoa’s fortune set to begin. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of racketing up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Tattoo Expo fined $120K for using 12 unlicensed artists. The state Health Department has fined promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to participate in its event. Star-Advertiser.

State slaps expo organizers with big fine for allowing unlicensed tattoo artists to work. The state has fined Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to ink clients at an event in January. Hawaii News Now.

Unlicensed artists at Honolulu Tattoo Expo had not completed blood-borne pathogen transmission prevention class. Health officials are calling it a complete disregard for public health rules, resulting in the maximum fine to the Honolulu Tattoo Expo. KHON2.

Tattoo expo promoters receive $120k fine. The Department of Health has issued a $120,000 fine to Erin Carillo and Thomas Hernandez, the promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo for aiding and abetting 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to tattoo at the recent event held at the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Ex-cop charged in attack: Husband of councilwoman arrested for allegedly assaulting county official. The felony information complaint filed Feb. 7 in Hilo Circuit Court charges Ian Lee Loy with second-degree assault, a Class C felony that carries a possible five-year prison sentence upon conviction. Tribune-Herald.

Frustration with traffic flow: Council members seek answers about congestion, timing of signals. Hawaii County Council members were unhappy with the Department of Public Works’ efforts to relieve traffic congestion across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances Kaloko sewer improvement district. Neighbors of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights development will get a free ride on sewer hookups, thanks to an improvement district initiated by the developers. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers’ livestock shipping changes raise concerns. Proposed changes to livestock shipping procedures by interisland ocean shipper Young Brothers have some concerned that all but the largest ranchers might be priced out of the market. Tribune-Herald.

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No Timeframe for TMT construction on Maunakea, Officials Say. As an agreement to hold off construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope comes to an end, TMT officials say they don’t have a timeframe for beginning work on Maunakea. Big Island Now.

TMT truce might be extended 2 months. Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for a two-month extension of the current moratorium that has kept the peace on Mauna Kea over the last few months. Star-Advertiser.

A truce at Mauna Kea is almost up, but Big Island Mayor Kim wants more time. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for an additional delay on construction. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council Considers County-Wide Ban on Single-Use Plastics. County council members met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a bill aiming to ban the use and sale of single-use disposable plastics throughout Maui County. Maui Now.

Maui mayor urges people to remain vigilant amidst coronavirus fears. While Maui County continues to have no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, Mayor Michael Victorino urged people to remain vigilant and take precautions against the spread of disease. KITV4.

Kula meeting to cover water, energy. The upcoming auction of four East Maui watershed lease areas will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor moves to prohibit disposable plastics.  Just one day before the Kauai County Council is set to consider a bill that would ban most polystyrene food containers from sale and use on Kauai, Mayor Derek Kawakami signed an administrative policy aimed at the same thing. Garden Island.

Niihau

Why is Ni'ihau Hawaiian Language So Different? One could argue that Niʻihau Hawaiian is the closest we’ve got to early forms of the language spoken in the islands. It’s been passed down from generation to generation uninterrupted largely because of Niʻihau’s isolation. Hawaii Public Radio.