New law bans gubernatorial moonlighting, LANPAC resumes in Hawaii, Waters to stick with Honolulu City Council position, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Law bans side jobs for next Hawaii governor. A new law that goes into effect just before the November general election prevents Hawaii’s next governor from holding a second job, forcing future employment decisions for Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician, and Congressman Kai Kahele, who flies for Hawaiian Airlines and serves in the Hawaii Air National Guard. Vicky Caye­tano, a business entrepreneur and former first lady, already has stepped aside from her previous role as head of Hawaii’s largest commercial laundry service. Star-Advertiser.

Ige weighs in on the race to replace him and ‘concerning’ frustration with government. The pandemic unleashed frustration with government and Ige acknowledges gaps between the state and county, but he defends his polices and the role of government. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige discusses his final months in office, the bail reform bill, and his trip to Japan. Gov. David Ige has just over six months left in office. December 5 is his last day as governor. One of his biggest tasks left is to make a decision on the bills that were passed by the Legislature. KITV4.

Ige’s Japan visit draws international travel momentum. Ige said, “My commitment to the Prime Minister was that we would do everything we could to support expanding travel to implement or help them implement testing requirements so that we could increase travel between Hawaii and Japan.” KHON2.

The Board of Education is preparing to select the next Department of Education superintendent in front of the public. The finalists for the superintendent position are Darrel Galera, a long-time education leader in Hawaii; Caprice Young, president of an education consulting group in Los Angeles; and interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi, who has led the department since Aug. 1. Civil Beat.

New leader of Hawaiʻi teachers union has over 40 years of experience in education. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association board of directors has chosen Ann Mahi as its new executive director. She starts Aug. 1. Hawaii Public Radio.

As opposition grows over bail reform bill, advocates say many fears are unfounded. Business owners are pressuring the governor to veto a bill that would eliminate bail for certain defendants, but some advocates worry that misinformation is clouding the debate. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific is back at center stage as LANPAC resumes after hiatus. The Association of the U.S. Army on Tuesday kicked off LANPAC 2022, a conference focused on armies and military land power around the Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Suit alleges agency’s failure to protect sharks. A lawsuit filed Tuesday accuses the National Marine Fisheries Service of failing to do its job in protecting the threatened Western and Pacific oceanic whitetip shark. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Tommy Waters to stay on Honolulu City Council. Council Chair Tommy Waters will not seek the Congressional seat representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands but will not rule out a future run, he announced today. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

4 finalists for HPD chief to take viewer questions on public affairs show. In an unusual forum, the finalists for the job will take viewer questions live on a PBS Hawaii public affairs show called “Insights,” a weekly show with each episode addressing a different topic. On Thursday night, all four finalists to be HPD’s new leader will be on the show that airs at 7:30 pm. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu leaders seek to improve public safety and homelessness. Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is co-hosting a virtual town hall meeting about safety in Waikīkī on May 26. Panelists include Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm and Honolulu Police Department Maj. Randall Platt. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-officials to face jury after losing bid for bench verdict. Three former city officials accused of conspiring to defraud the government by structuring a $250,000 retirement settlement for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha will face a jury trial in October after their attempt to have a federal judge decide the case was unsuccessful. Star-Advertiser.

FBI looking for information about explosive device found near H-2 freeway. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for help identifying suspects and circumstances surrounding the discovery of an improvised explosive device near the H-2 freeway. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Officials considering radiation poisoning as possible cause of death for city worker. Multiple investigations are underway to determine if a Honolulu city maintenance worker died of radiation poisoning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Despite reservations, sunscreen ban advances. Hawaii County Council members gave tentative approval Tuesday to a ban on the sale of all but two kinds of sunscreen on the Big Island on the condition that county attorneys can prove the ban is enforceable. Tribune-Herald.

Property assessment cap postponed: Administration warns measure could lead to East-West inequities. A bill capping property assessments could lead to an unfair balance between East Hawaii and West Hawaii, administration officials warned the County Council Finance Committee as a bill aiming to put a 15% ceiling on most commercial classes of property was postponed for the second time. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo man pleads guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud. A Hilo man pleaded guilty to wire fraud today after he submitted fake payroll documents and tax forms to qualify for $937,575 in COVID-19 relief funds. Carey Mills, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to a single-count information, charging him with wire fraud. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui County Council shaves property taxes for owner-occupied homes. Council voted 6-0 on Friday, with members Shane Sinenci, Kelly King and Mike Molina absent and excused, to set real property tax rates for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Maui Now.

Application deadline extended for Director and Deputy of new Agriculture Department. Annual salary for the Director was increased from $90,000 to $114,000 and from $70,000 to $102,600 for the Deputy Director. The new application deadline is on Monday, May 30, 2022. Maui Now.

‘Traffic nightmare’: Maui residents brace for construction of state’s first multi-lane roundabout. A big change is coming to South Maui — literally paving the way for the future Kihei High School. After years of planning, construction is now underway on Hawaii’s first multi-lane roundabout. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Former Kauai police clerk charged with computer fraud, theft. A Kauai grand jury has indicted a former clerk of the Kauai Police Department on charges of computer fraud and theft involving alleged misconduct of funds collected on behalf of the state. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A Judge Took Away These Kids For Good — Until A Higher Court Found A Mistake. It looked at first like a typical Hawaii child protection case. Someone contacted the state Child Welfare Services branch in 2018 to report that a couple on Kauai were doing drugs and couldn’t take care of their two sons. Civil Beat.

Ige plans to leave politics at term end, Kahele joins gubernatorial race, Tokuda aims for Congress, high school proms become COVID clusters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kai Kahele ©2022 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige ending time in office on high note. There are still seven months left in his second term, but Gov. David Ige is ending his final legislative session on a high note, with historic levels of funding in many cases and a potential $500 million in savings for the next “rainy day.” Star-Advertiser.

Ige begins consideration of new bills at end of legislative session. Following the closure of the state Legislature on Thursday, Gov. David Ige remained coy over what will leave his desk signed or vetoed in the coming weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi legislators get a B-plus for their work this year, local public policy expert says. While state lawmakers are congratulating themselves for infusing large funds into Native Hawaiian issues and raising the minimum wage, a local public policy expert says he would give their work a B-plus grade. Hawaii Public Radio.

Reflections on Hawaii’s ‘historic’ legislative session shine bright. It’s only 60 days long, but Hawaii’s legislative session this year was a monumental affair featuring some self-reform, historic spending and a return to in-person public participation, all largely in the wake of a bribery scandal, a budget deficit and peak coronavirus infections. Star-Advertiser.

Will Former Lawmakers’ Bribery Charges Lead To Broader Government Reform? The Legislature made some progress this year in increasing government transparency, but leading politicians say there is still much more work to be done. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige to lead Hawaii delegation to Japan. Ige will be accompanied by First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige; Mike McCartney, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; John De Fries, president of the Hawaii Tourism Authority; George Kam, chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority; and House Speaker Scott Saiki. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

It’s official: Kai Kahele leaving Congress for Hawaii governor’s race. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele ended months of speculation Saturday by announcing that he is running for governor in the Aug. 13 Democratic primary. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Jill Tokuda makes congressional run official. Former state Sen. Jill Tokuda today plans to officially launch her candidacy for the congressional seat held by Rep. Kai Kahele after returning from Washington, D.C., where she protested in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building along with hundreds of other abortion rights supporters. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Tax rebate awaits governor’s approval. A potential $300 credit on most taxpayers’ 2021 tax returns is still alive, with the proposal awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature or veto. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would OK agricultural lease extensions. Farmers whose land leases are set to expire within the next 15 years will be able to apply for extensions under a bill passed last week by the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Officials Urge Caution After Covid Cases Are Linked To Proms. The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed several Covid and flu cases after high school proms on Oahu. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to leave state on personal leave until Friday. Blangiardi is scheduled to return to Honolulu Friday evening. Managing Director Michael Formby will serve as acting mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell’s former chief of staff testifies before federal grand jury. The chief of staff to former Mayor Kirk Caldwell testified as a witness before a federal grand jury Thursday, a month after receiving a subpoena as part of an ongoing public corruption investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health order requires plan and schedule for Red Hill defueling. The DOH today issued the emergency order, which says that the Navy must provide it with its independent contractor’s assessment on the facility operations by May 15; a plan and schedule to defuel the storage tanks by June 30; and a plan for the closure of the facility by Nov. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Coalition aims to bring crime reduction programs to Waikiki. At a public-safety coalition meeting held last week, public- and private-sector officials responded to a call to beef up crime-fighting initiatives in Waikiki, where several high-profile violent crimes have put the community on alert. Star-Advertiser.

Owner of home that fell onto beach could face big fine. The owner, with the help of a contractor, pulled the home off the beach and stacked it atop pallets next to the lot’s main house, where it has awkwardly remained for weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Housing subsidies advance: Council likes the plan, just unsure how to pay for it. The County Council’s commitment to subsidize affordable housing was expanded last week to include moderate-income families making up to 120% of the average median income, meaning a family of three earning up to $92,520 annually could qualify for a two-bedroom home costing up to $539,000. West Hawaii Today.

The Food Basket plans to build agricultural park to help ease food insecurity, help isle businesses. The proposed four-component innovation park will allow The Food Basket to expand its ongoing efforts to promote the purchase and consumption of locally grown foods from a strategic location on a collaborative campus. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala ahupuaa to become living scientific laboratory. The ‘Iole Stewardship Center has been operating quietly for years on 2,400 acres of Kohala with the goal of restoring the land using the ancient wisdom of the Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Kau confirmed as water director for remainder of mayor’s term. Helene Kau was confirmed by the Maui County Council Friday as director of the county Department of Water Supply for the remainder of Mayor Michael Victorino’s current term, which ends this year. She served as deputy director under Jeffrey Pearson, who left for a state job. Maui News.

Bill setting rules for electric gun sellers in county passes. County facing litigation over delay in enacting law after electric gun sales legalized Jan. 1. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric May Have To Build A New Oil-Fired Power Plant On Maui. The shutdown of a spare parts supplier in Japan is threatening the ability of Maui’s electric utility to keep a series of 1980s generators firing. Civil Beat.

State funds to aid council efforts for Maalaea wastewater plan. Maui lawmakers have secured funds in the state budget to help move the Maalaea community away from its decadeslong reliance on injection wells, Rep. Angus McKelvey announced Friday. Maui News.

Kāʻeo residential project at Mākena set to start. The 47 acre project will consist of a 103-unit mixed-use community with 30 multi-family units, including 4 workforce housing units, 18 single-family cottages, 32 single-family custom lots, and 14 condominium units. There’s also approximately 27,300 square feet of commercial space planned, that is the home of a future Mākena Cultural & Heritage Center and public retail village. Maui Now.

Election-Year Scramble Looms As Veteran Hawaii Lawmakers Retire. Sen. Roz Baker, one of the Hawaii Senate’s longest-serving members, is retiring this year. Baker, who has represented parts of west and south Maui for more than three decades in both the Senate and the House, is one of Maui’s most seasoned politicians. Civil Beat.

Kauai

County grant recipients announced. The County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development announced the recipients of its Innovation Grants for fiscal year 2021-22. Garden Island.

PMRF site of ‘forever chemical’ release. The U.S. military has reported two releases of a toxic chemical in Hawai‘i in the past two years. Both incidents, the last of which occurred in February, were located at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua‘i’s Westside. Garden Island.

Conference committee proposes record $8.7B state budget, minimum wage hike still undecided, Hawaii transitioning from pandemic emergency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers Lay Out A Record-Setting $8.7 Billion State Budget. House and Senate negotiators also gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a $6 billion construction budget that funds new schools on Maui and Oahu. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Friday deadline looms for Hawaii lawmakers to raise minimum wage. Supporters rallied in events across the islands to urge lawmakers to agree on a final version by Friday. If they do not agree on terms, the measure will be killed. The sticking point has been how much the raises will be and how fast they will be implemented. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Reach Agreement On Cash Bail Reform. A measure to let people accused of nonviolent misdemeanors go free without bail will be put to a final vote in the House and Senate next week. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers adopt resolution apologizing for ban on Hawaiian language in schools. The state Legislature has adopted a resolution that apologizes to Native Hawaiians for a law that effectively banned the use of the Hawaiian language in schools. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Supreme Court Diminishes the Power of Non-Compete Clauses. An employment attorney says the ruling, which follows a national trend, should persuade business owners and employers to review non-compete agreements.  Hawaii Business Magazine.

Mounting speculation about a Kahele run for governor triggers ‘grand chess game’. Freshman Congressman Kai Kahele isn’t talking about it, but there’s growing anticipation that he’ll run for governor ― and he hasn’t denied it. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii transitioning from COVID-19 emergency, but pandemic continues. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that the state’s response to COVID-19 is transitioning from an emergency mode to public health management. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawai‘i records 11 new coronavirus-related deaths, 3,370 new infections. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, jumped to 9.1%, up from 7.1% last week. It is the sixth week in a row that DOH has recorded an increase in the positivity rate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

$96 million federal grant to replace Mokapu Elementary. The state is receiving a $96 million federal grant to help replace Mokapu Elementary School because of “capacity and facility condition deficiencies,” Marine Corps Base Hawaii announced this week. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor declines to charge HPD corporal following domestic violence arrest in Kaneohe. Cpl. Roland Masao Kam, 49, was arrested April 17 on suspicion of misdemeanor abuse of a family or household member, second- degree unlawful imprisonment and interference with reporting an emergency or crime, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Officers Involved In Makaha Crash Want Public-Paid Attorneys. A contested case hearing will be held to determine if two HPD officers accused of causing a serious crash will get a city-funded legal defense. Civil Beat.

One less candidate in the running for the next Honolulu police chief. The next step will be three days of testing, which starts on May 9. The commission expects to pick the next chief by June. KITV4.

Inside The ‘Frantic’ Push To Shorten Rail And Keep Its Federal Funding. Project officials stress that they’re still fully committed to getting rail to Ala Moana, but it’s still not clear financially how that would happen. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Meeting about PTA lease extension draws mostly opponents. The U.S. Army found few supporters at a Monday public discussion about whether part of the Pohakuloa Training Area should remain under Army control. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope Project Names New Executive Director. Robert P. Kirshner succeeds Edward C. Stone as executive director of TIO, or TMT International Observatory LLC. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Panel pulls requirement for N. Kīhei affordable housing project so it can move ahead. Saying that a much-needed affordable housing project in North Kīhei shouldn’t be held up over county roadway requirements, Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday morning voted to pull the condition, allowing Hale Kaiola to move full-steam ahead. Maui Now. Maui News.

Maui hospital system still reliant on funds from government. Maui Memorial Medical Center and its health care affiliates in Kula and on Lanai continue to struggle financially six years after the state turned over the cash-strapped hospital system to Kaiser Permanente in a bid to save the state tens of millions of dollars annually. Star-Advertiser.

‘We Cannot Afford To Be Careless’: Lahaina Residents Want More Water Oversight. Locals are asking state regulators to do more to protect the supply of water for future generations. Civil Beat.

Kauai

State grants $230M for Kaua‘i capital projects. The state budget that was approved Wednesday by a conference committee made up of representatives from both houses appropriated a historic $230 million for capital improvement projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

New Wainiha center design addresses community concerns. Planners unveiled the Wainiha Community Resilience Center’s final design Wednesday, reviewing changes made since preliminaries were presented to the public two years ago. Garden Island.

Masks now optional at airports, airlines, public transportation, still required at public schools, Blangiardi to sign short-term vacation rental limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport pre-COVID ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Airports, Airlines And Public Transportation Drop Mask Mandates. Masks will no longer be required at Hawaii’s airports and on public transportation after a federal judge struck down a national mandate that had been extended through May 3.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Indoor masking to continue in Hawaii public schools through end of school year. Indoor masking to protect against COVID-19 will continue to be required at all Hawaii public schools through the end of the school year, state schools interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi has confirmed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Local COVID modeling group projects new variant will not cause hospitalization surge. The Hawaiʻi Pandemic Applied Modeling Group, or HiPAM, is projecting that a new subvariant of COVID will not produce a surge in hospitalizations like other strains before it. A COVID-19 omicron variant hybrid called XE has been detected in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Working class tax credit still alive. After taking a long, winding path through the Legislature, a bill making the Earned Income Tax Credit permanent and refundable has made it through both the House and the Senate, though disagreements over amendments mean that the bill will now go before a conference committee. Garden Island.

Bill to ban use of drones for fishing moves forward. Senate Bill 2065, which would prohibit the use of the “unmanned aerial vehicles” on, in or near state waters to take aquatic life, passed out of the House of Representatives on April 8 and will be discussed in conference hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials pursue stronger deterrents for illegal game rooms. A proposal before state lawmakers would elevate misdemeanor gambling offenses associated with game room activity to felonies. Star-Advertiser.

No One Is Raising Money Yet To Run Against Kahele, Case Or Schatz. Contributions to Kahele fell off in the first quarter of 2022 while Case saw more donations to his campaign and Schatz continued to bring in significant sums. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters Eyes Run For Congress. He has pulled papers for the 2nd Congressional District seat in case it becomes open. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi to sign short-term rental bill, return to work after recovering from COVID-19. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he plans to sign a measure that would tighten rules for short-term rentals on Oahu as he announced he would return to Honolulu Hale today after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

No salary increase this year for Council members, mayor and department heads. The mayor and City Council members will not get salary increases this year after a unanimous vote Monday by the Honolulu Salary Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopters to drop citric acid solution over remote Waimanalo area to eradicate coqui frogs. Helicopters will spray a citric acid solution over a remote mountain area of Waimanalo on Wednesday in an attempt to eradicate invasive coqui frogs, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council to talk taxes: Breaks for drivers, homeowners and businesses on agenda this week. Resolutions lowering gas taxes by a dime a gallon and granting homeowners a $250 credit on their property taxes, as well a bill capping property values for other classes of property, will all be considered by the council today and Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on Phase 2 of Bayfront Trails begins. Work on the second phase of the Hilo Bayfront Trails project began Monday after years of delay. The first phase of the project was completed in 2016, and connected Mooheau Park, Pauahi Street, the Bayfront canoe hale, and the Bayfront soccer fields. Tribune-Herald.

Closing arguments to begin in trial of prominent doctor accused of drug crimes. Closing arguments are set to begin Tuesday morning in the federal drug trial against prominent Big Island physician Rudy Puana. Puana’s attorneys will get one last chance to convince jurors he was not illegally dealing drugs. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Plans for warehouse in Maui Business Park move forward. Despite concerns over drainage and runoff, a 20,000-square-foot warehouse to be located near Costco in Kahului received approval of a special management area use permit on Tuesday. The Maui Planning Commission granted West Maui Construction Holdings LLC the permit to develop the warehouse building and conduct improvements on approximately 4.7 acres in the Maui Business Park at 72 Lauo Loop. Maui News.

Cat colony at the Grand Wailea resort may be eradicated amid lawsuit. The nonprofit Earthjustice recently filed a lawsuit against the resort, sighting lighting problems for endangered seabirds at the Grand Wailea. KITV4.

Kauai

Driver licensing, motor vehicle registration offices close early this week. The county Finance Department’s divisions of motor vehicle registration and driver licensing are closing at 3 p.m. all this week to accommodate staff training for a planned integration project. The integration project involves the combination of both the drivers licensing and motor vehicle registration divisions into one, full-service Department of Motor Vehicles. Garden Island.

Agents foil cyberattack against undersea cable, vacation rental rules up for Honolulu council vote, Hirono tours Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Homeland Security agents stop cyberattack targeting Hawaii undersea communications cable. A cyberattack targeting an underwater cable that could have shut down telephone services, financial transactions, internet and cable connectivity in Hawaii was foiled last week by federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Illegal fishing surfaces as a top threat to maritime, food security. Last week, while en route to a major conference set to begin today in Palau — where President Joe Biden’s climate czar, John Kerry, will meet with regional leaders to discuss ocean policy — U.S. State Department officials touched down in Hawaii to meet with military officials to discuss efforts to curb illegal and unreported fishing. Star-Advertiser.

Local Fishermen and women are on the hook for high costs as seafood prices continue to rise. People may have noticed the price of poke and seafood is on the rise. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric’s 2021-22 sustainability report details renewable energy progress. Hawaiian Electric said it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22% last year compared to 2005 baseline levels. Maui Now.

Donations tied to figure in bribe cases handed off. So far about one-third of donations affiliated with Milton Choy have been returned. KHON2.

Questions Raised Over Kai Kahele’s Job With Hawaiian Airlines. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele’s nearly four-month absence from the nation’s capital is now raising questions about whether he has violated House ethics rules regarding his employment as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. Civil Beat.

In victory for anti-vaping advocates, Hawaii is on the verge of banning flavored vape products. After more than seven years of the trying, the state is on the verge of banning flavored vaping products. But vape shop operators say the ban will put hundreds of small retailers out of business. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Fight to lower legal limit for drunk driving in Hawaii hits roadblock. A proposal to lower the blood alcohol content level officially died this legislative session. However, advocates for the change say they are not giving up and will be back next year. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Short-term rental rules up for final vote at City Council. The proposed rules, which were introduced at the request of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, notably would increase the required minimum stay at short-term rentals to three months from the current 30 days. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Hirono, Senate Armed Services Committee chair tour Red Hill. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee were to have toured the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility Tuesday. The visit comes as the Navy prepares to permanently shut down operations at the site. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Army to conduct controlled burn to reduce wildfire threat. The Army announced Tuesday that it will conduct a controlled burn next week at the Schofield Barracks training range complex to reduce the risk of summer wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Police Misconduct Records Lawsuit Costs Honolulu Taxpayers Another $83,000. The city and Honolulu Police Department have been ordered to pay attorney’s fees and costs totaling more than $83,000 in the latest round of legal sparring over whether police misconduct records should be available for public scrutiny. Civil Beat.

Third Lawsuit Filed Against City Alleging Honolulu Police Caused Crash. The Honolulu prosecutor’s office also has opened an independent investigation into the crash. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council digs into budget: Unknown if property tax relief is on the horizon. It remains to be seen whether Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration will be able to provide property tax relief while still balancing its budget, officials told the County Council on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Queen's hospital nurses on Hawai'i Island paid nearly 20% less than Oʻahu counterparts. The Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea has been struggling to employ nurses even before the pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava recovery update given: Dozens turn out for Puna meeting; boat ramp could reopen next year. Construction on the Pohoiki Boat Ramp could begin by mid-2023, if all goes well. Tribune-Herald.

Millions In State CIP Funds Released For Big Island Projects. Governor David Ige on Tuesday announced the release of $276,557,732 for CIPs that will be administered by various state departments. Big Island Video News.

Katherine Kealoha won’t be taking the witness stand to testify against her brother after all. Katherine Kealoha will not be called to testify against her brother in a federal drug trial, despite being transferred back to Hawaii from a prison in California to take the stand. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Deer woes return for local farmers as Maui County drought intensifies. For the third straight month, Maui County rain gauges were below half of what’s average, and some local farmers are seeing the impacts. Maui Now.

$6M in funds released for Maui CIP projects in February and March. Governor David Ige announced the release of $276,557,732 for Capital Improvement Projects that will be administered by various state departments. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi voters will get new election notification postcards after some got the wrong ones. Kauaʻi voters received postcards last week which were supposed to contain information about the upcoming primary and general midterm elections. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai deputy police chief stopped at airport after issued firearm found in carry-on bag. Kauai Police Department Deputy Police Chief Stan Olsen was stopped at Lihue Airport after his department-issued firearm that he “failed to remove” was found in his carry-on bag. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Supreme Court ends pandemic prison release program, Oahu opens vaccinations to age 16+, Legislature approves fines for COVID rule breakers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii Supreme Court ©2021 All Hawaii News

State Supreme Court concludes COVID-19 inmate release case. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday terminated a case which led to an order requiring the state’s correctional facilities to release certain inmates because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele Eyes Overdue Hawaii Projects For Biden’s Jobs Plan. Kahele, like other Democrats, has been stumping for Biden’s American Jobs Plan, which aims to upgrade the nation’s ports, railways and bridges while investing in green energy. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers OK Fines For Pandemic Rule Violators. Law enforcement in Hawaii may soon be able to write up tickets for individuals caught breaking emergency rules set by Gov. David Ige and the four county mayors. Civil Beat.

As state hopes to implement vaccine passports, some raise concerns over privacy. Lt. Gov. Josh Green hopes to roll out a pilot program for vaccine passports for inter-island travel by May 1, but not everyone is on board with the idea. Hawaii News Now.

‘We Keep Trying’: Hawaii Sees Spike In School Absenteeism Due To The Pandemic. The challenge of this year is reflected in new statewide data showing 20% of Hawaii’s students are at “high risk” for chronic absenteeism. Civil Beat.

Advocates warn of underreported child abuse. here has been a significant drop in reports of child abuse statewide during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s SNAP program 1 of 6 states to receive national grant.  Hawaii is getting extra funds from a national program to expand efforts to reduce childhood hunger across the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Heightened Financial Challenges for Neighbor Island Nonprofits. Neighbor Island nonprofits have been in a tough spot through the COVID-19 economy. Their services are needed more than ever, but their funding has been harder to come by. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Host is accused of false advertising for mainland-made treats. Two law firms filed a lawsuit in California late last year alleging a Hawaii company that claims to be the original producer of chocolate-covered mac nuts misled mainland customers about where many products were made. Civil Beat.

April 18, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 111 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 93 on O‘ahu, six on Maui, 10 on Hawai‘i Island, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

COVID-19 vaccinations open to those 16 and older today on Oahu. President Joe Biden announced April 6 that he was setting today as the day when all states were required to make the vaccine available to those 16 and older. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Commission under scrutiny with chief Susan Ballard’s exit. It’s been a trying year for the Honolulu Police Department, which has found itself time and time again in the spotlight, whether it be for its poor financial decisions, disparities in arrests and use of force, flawed internal policies or lack of transparency. Star-Advertiser.

Police Killing Of Micronesian Teen In Hawaii Prompts Grief And Questions. Nearly two weeks after the shooting, Honolulu police still haven’t explained why the teenager was shot or released officers’ body camera footage. Civil Beat.

'We feel betrayed': dozens of Kaiser Permanente workers protest proposed job cuts. Tensions are escalating over Kaiser Permanente's proposal to outsource nearly five dozen financial services positions on O'ahu to California. KITV4.

Hawaii’s ‘million-dollar reefs’ need more funding to protect us, study finds. The study, published Thursday in the journal Nature Sustainability, estimates the Diamond Head, Waikiki and Kakaako reef on Oahu saves an estimated $154.3 million in damage a year, while another half-dozen Hawaii reefs each block more than $50 million in flood damage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State floats temporary night closure of Kailua Pier to address homelessness, illegal activities. A temporary closure of the Kailua Pier is being floated as a means to address homelessness and illegal activities taking place at the public facility. West Hawaii Today.

PONC purchases planned: Council Finance Committee set to discuss four Kona land buys. Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas is trying to get the ball rolling on purchases from the $18.4 million sitting in the county’s dedicated open space fund and she’s sponsored four resolutions to be considered Tuesday by the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Doug Simons to lead University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. Simons, executive director of the Canada-France- Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea, will bring his passion to the University of Hawaii as the next director of the Institute for Astronomy. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL Offers Rent-With-Option-To-Purchase In Kona. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands initiated the project with sixty homes within the Villages of Laʻi ʻŌpua. Big Island Video News.

12 new efficiency studios to be available by early fall in Pahoa for homeless kupuna. HOPE Services Hawaii plans to have 12 small modular units — efficiency studios that have a full kitchen and bathroom — available for homeless kupuna 62 and older by early fall. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hotel moratorium garners early support. A proposal to place a moratorium on hotel building permits is garnering early support from residents who say it will help balance an unfettered industry that reached record numbers before the pandemic. Maui News.

Mayor offers Kalana Pakui Building to council. The Kalana Pakui Building was offered as an olive branch to the Maui County Council on Friday in a monthslong negotiation between the council and the administration over expansion of office space. Maui News.

To help with COVID backlog, Maui DMV to open on Saturdays.  Maui County announced that the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing will be opening on two Saturdays each month to help clear the backlog from COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor: Tourism industry clusters due to employees gathering outside work. COVID-19 clusters in the tourism industry on Maui are due to employees gathering outside of work and others coming back to their jobs too early after getting sick, Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday. Maui News.

Oahu man arrested after arriving on Maui with no COVID-19 pre-test and no lodging for quarantine. Maui police arrested on Friday a 43-year-old Oahu man who flew to Maui without a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test from an approved facility. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Resort now refuses to sell path parcel. On Thursday, the board of directors of Islander on the Beach resort rescinded approval of a plan to sell a parcel fronting the Waipouli property to the county. Garden Island.

The county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs is seeing a 6.9% proposed cut next fiscal year, for a $1.37 million budget, which primarily is due to dollar-funding the Aging Program Planner, according to AEA’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Operations Synopsis, which Kaua‘i County Council members and citizens have expressed concern to lose. Garden Island.

COVID cases rise; weekend ceremonies bring in new congressman, Honolulu mayor, council members; Mauna Kea management plan critiqued, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele displays Hilo painting in his congressional office PC:Kahele Facebook page

Kai Kahele sworn in as U.S. representative, becomes the 2nd Native Hawaiian to serve in Congress. Kahele said that for his swearing-in ceremony, he used the Bible of the first Native Hawaiian congressman, the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. Star-Advertiser.

Kahele becomes second Native Hawaiian sworn into U.S. Congress.  U.S. Congressman Kaiali'i Kahele (HI-02) was sworn in Sunday as a Member of the 117th Congress to become Hawai'i’s newest elected official in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kahele is Hawai'i’s first member of Congress from the Island of Hawai'i. KITV4.

Hawaii delegates sworn in for 117th Congress. U.S. Congressman Kaialii Kahele was sworn in on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 as a member of the 117th Congress. KHON2.

Hawai‘i’s Ed Case and Kai Kahele Sworn in to 117th Congress. US Congressman Ed Case (D-HI/First District) and Kai Kahele on Sunday joined colleagues in the United States House of Representatives in taking their oath of office to serve in the 117th Congress (2021-2023).  Maui Now.

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COVID infection rate on the rise. Hawaii’s rising infection rate now has it listed as the fourth-worst state for spread after Maine, Iowa and New York. Star-Advertiser.

Report shows coronavirus pandemic increases the need for doctors in Hawaii. The Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project Report for 2020 shows that out of 989 doctors offices interviewed about 44% said that the coronavirus pandemic altered the way they do things including more telehealth, early retirement and seeing fewer patients. KHON2.

Hawaii’s ‘Complicated’ COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Will Be Slow To Start. The state received a total of 65,250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines in 2020, down from the 81,825 doses it expected to get. The rest of the vaccine doses will arrive on a delayed schedule sometime after Jan. 1. Civil Beat.

While COVID cases are on the rise, the flu isn’t surging in Hawaii. Cold and flu season normally runs from November to May. And the state Department of Health reports that so far, there have been only five confirmed cases of influenza-A in Hawaii and no flu-related deaths. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 3: 149 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 149 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Sunday, including 88 on Oahu, 30 in Maui County, two on the Big Island, two on Kauai and 27 residents who were diagnosed out of the state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and five newly elected City Council members are sworn in. The page was turned to a new chapter at Honolulu Hale on Saturday when veteran businessman Rick Blangiardi was sworn in as mayor and five Honolulu City Council members took their seats for the first time. Star-Advertiser.

New Honolulu Mayor Warns Road Ahead ‘Is Not Going To Be Easy’. Rick Blangiardi was sworn in Saturday as the chief executive officer of the City and County of Honolulu. Civil Beat.

After taking oath of office as mayor, Blangiardi warns road ahead won’t be easy. Hawaii News Now.

New year, new mayor: Blangiardi inducted into Honolulu's highest office. During his induction ceremony on Saturday, former television executive and first-time politician Rick Blangiardi said he is committed to leading with integrity. KITV4.

5 new Honolulu Council members take office; Tommy Waters elected chairman. Five new members of the Honolulu City Council took their oaths of office today, signaling a new era at Honolulu Hale where new Mayor Rick Blangiardi was also scheduled to take his office a short time later. Star-Advertiser.

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Steve Alm looks to restore trust as Honolulu’s top prosecutor. Retired U.S. Attorney and Circuit Court Judge Steve Alm was sworn in as Honolulu prosecuting attorney on Saturday, along with dozens of deputy prosecutors who were already working in the city’s Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Star-Advertiser.

Steve Alm sworn in as Honolulu prosecutor. Steve Alm began his tenure as Honolulu’s new prosecuting attorney after being sworn in at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. KHON2.

Steve Alm sworn in as Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney. Honolulu's new prosecutor Steve Alm was sworn in on Saturday in a scaled down ceremony at the Blaisdell Center. KITV4.

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Former radio, TV reporter Garett H. Kamemoto was a leader in the community. Kamemoto, 54, died Dec. 6 at Pali Momi Medical Center after a brief illness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

9 Roth appointees face council confirmation. Nine appointees to Mayor Mitch Roth’s Cabinet are scheduled to appear Tuesday before County Council committees, the first step in the approval process before council confirmation. West Hawaii Today.

Council panel in search of an auditor. The county has been without its legislative auditor for two months following Bonnie Nims’ resignation, and the County Council has launched a search for a new one. West Hawaii Today.

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DLNR Completes Review Of UH Maunakea CMP Implementation. The State DLNR says while the university has made progress, it has failed to implement the CMP in major process areas. Big Island Video News.

DLNR review of Maunakea management cites successes, failures. An independent assessment of the University of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan found success in some areas and failure in others. Tribune-Herald.

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Public works: Fissure 8 road doesn’t need permit. A newly graded road up the side of Fissure 8 in Leilani Estates is not in violation of any permit requirements, a county agency has determined. Tribune-Herald.

Pohoiki boat ramp unlikely to reopen until fall. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will attempt to expedite the reopening of Pohoiki boat ramp later this month, but the landlocked structure likely will remain unusable until at least the fall. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Alice Lee elected chair of Maui County Council. Also back as vice chairwoman is Keani Rawlins-Fernandez and member Tasha Kama remains as presiding officer pro tempore. Both members were in the same positions last term. Maui News.

Maui Council Approves Leadership and Committees for New 2021-2023 Term. Maui Council leadership remains unchanged as members voted on Saturday to keep the council chair, vice chair and presiding officer pro tempore in place for the new 2021-2023 term. Maui Now.

Harbor Lights Professional Sanitation Takes Place Tonight; County Says they Believe the Cluster Began with Holiday Choir Practice. The Harbor Lights condominium complex in Kahului will undergo professional sanitation this evening (on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021) in response to a COVID-19 cluster that was first reported on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Property-tax deadline extended. The county has extended the deadline to pay the second installment of property taxes from Feb. 20 to April 23, to lessen the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

Economic recovery for Kauai likely to be slow going. A monthlong shutdown of Kauai tourism ends Tuesday, but it’s still too early to tell whether the changes are enough to make a difference for the Garden Island or the rest of the state, which is grappling with additional tourism challenges. Star-Advertiser.

‘Green’ light at Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School. With the school currently on winter break, the green level means all of the school’s learners report to campus Tuesday, Jan. 5. Garden Island.

Ige signs 16th proclamation limiting quarantine-free travel to negative coronavirus tests, Honolulu throws out most COVID-19 citations, Kauai records first COVID-19 death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hotel beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s hotel industry is still struggling despite tourism reopening, and isn’t expected to break even in 2021. A new annual Hawaii hotel forecast prepared by STR for the Hawaii Tourism Authority estimates that by the end of 2021, statewide occupancy will have hit only 46.3%, still short of the 50% to 60% occupancy that the industry needs to break even. Star-Advertiser.

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Concerns raised over state’s new quarantine plan. A new 14-day quarantine that starts today for inbound travelers awaiting results of their COVID-19 tests received pushback Monday from the state House Select Committee COVID- 19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, with several members saying the quarantine could hurt Hawaii’s economy just as it’s showing encouraging signs. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker: Changing Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program ‘Doesn’t Serve The Public’. Business and political leaders criticized the governor for changing a program that seems to be working. Gov. David Ige’s change to Hawaii’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program has caused an outcry among business and political leaders who say Ige made the change abruptly without talking to tourism industry executives, based on a small number of infected travelers who slipped through the cracks. Civil Beat.

Officials worried new virus restrictions will slow tourism. Gov. David Ige’s announcement last week imposing new restrictions for trans-Pacific travelers seeking to avoid quarantine needs to be amended, said several figures in the tourism industry Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Some lawmakers want the governor to rethink the new travel rules. Members of the House Committee on COVID-19 are calling for Gov. David Ige to amend new pre-travel testing rule. Beginning Tuesday, travelers who don’t have their test results before boarding a plane to Hawaii, will need to quarantine for 14 days even if a negative result comes in later. Hawaii News Now.

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Trans-Pacific Travel Changes in Effect Tuesday. Gov. David Ige signed a 16th COVID-19 emergency proclamation Monday, Nov. 23, requiring all transpacific travelers to have a negative test result from a trusted travel partner before their departure for Hawai‘i in order to bypass the 14-day quarantine. Big Island Now.

Governor Ige issues 16th COVID-19 emergency proclamation, tightening restrictions for trans-pacific travelers heading to Hawai‘i. Governor David Ige signed a 16th COVID-19 emergency proclamation requiring all transpacific travelers to have a negative test result from a trusted travel partner before their departure for the State of Hawai‘i, in order to bypass the 14-day quarantine. The new policy takes effect on Tuesday, Nov. 24. KITV4.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 16th Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency can be found here.

Dept. of Health Discouraging Air Travel, Gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving. Dr. Libby Char, Department of Health Director, told KITV4 she is "very concerned" about holiday gatherings leading to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Economics and Economists in the Spotlight. Local public debates often include economic information and analysis, but the pandemic and resulting economic crisis have intensified the demand for real-time data and understanding. Hawaii Business magazine.

Unspent funds won’t need to be returned, Case assures. U.S. Rep. Ed Case expressed confidence that unspent federal funds for COVID-19 relief in Hawaii will not have to be returned at the end of the year, and said he remains hopeful that another round of federal support could come from Congress. Star-Advertiser.

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Keoni Souza Asks Hawaii Supreme Court For Recount In OHA Race. The race fell just outside of the threshold for an automatic recount. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Is Changing ‘The Face Of Hunger’ In Hawaii. The Hawaii Foodbank has distributed nearly 19 million pounds of food since March. The statewide food insecurity rate for 2020 was projected to be 16.8%, but the figure was far greater for children at 29.4%, or 89,050. Civil Beat.

Inspection data sought on state nursing homes. A senior advocacy group wants more data about inspections of Hawaii nursing homes as long-term care facilities across the nation continue to see record cases of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 23: 114 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials recorded 114 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 80 on Oahu, 10 on Hawaii Island, 11 on Maui and three on Kauai. Ten more Hawaii residents were diagnosed outside of the state, according to the Department of Health. Civil Beat.

Oahu

More than 58,000 citations issued for violating emergency orders have been thrown out. Less than one in 50 citations issued on Oahu since March for violating COVID-19 emergency orders resulted in a conviction, newly-released statistics show. Of the more than 60,000 criminal charges issued by Honolulu police since March that have already gone through the court system, the city Prosecutor’s Office declined to prosecute more than 43,000. Another 15,700 charges were dismissed by a judge or prosecutor, leaving just 962 convictions. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell says HPD COVID Enforcement Team might not return. The department had put it on hold after possible violations of overtime rules. With the investigation ongoing, the mayor says time is running out. KHON2.

City Council leader calls on police chief to bring back COVID-19 enforcement team. Some are calling on Honolulu’s police chief to bring back its COVID-19 enforcement unit, which was suspended following allegations of overtime abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki residents angered by pool party of 30+ people flouting COVID-19 restrictions. Hugs and kisses... loud music and champagne... even a crowded group picture... it looked like a party pre-pandemic. But this happened this past Saturday -- more than 30 revelers celebrated a friend's 26th birthday at The Hawaiian Monarch Hotel and Condos -- with no social distancing. KITV4.

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Mayor-elect Blangiardi favors more aggressive reopening of Oahu. Honolulu mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi indicated today he is willing to be more aggressive in re-opening Oahu to allow for such things as bars, other small businesses and team sports to be open more quickly than under current Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s existing tiered system of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor-elect Blangiardi prepares to take on mounting budget woes. Conditions have gone from bad to worse for Honolulu’s projected budget shortfall, rail project, and COVID outlook. KHON2.

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Mayor Caldwell announces $24M addition to Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund. Oahu bars and nightclubs, gyms and fitness facilities, and arcades will be eligible to tap from $24 million in additional money that’s being infused into the city’s Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Adds $24 Million To Business Relief Fund. Grants up to $20,000 will be available to arcades, bars and nightclubs, gyms and fitness centers and commercial boating operations under an expansion of Honolulu’s Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced on Monday. Civil Beat.

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More than 100 inmates at Waiawa Correctional Facility are now COVID positive. On Monday, the state reported 103 infected inmates and seven infected employees. One prisoners’ rights advocate calls it an “infection factory". Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses ordered to close for violating Emergency Order. Several businesses on Oahu violated the Mayor’s emergency order so the Honolulu Liquor Commission required them to close for 24-hours. KHON2.

Online queues, sanitizer & distancing: Hawaii malls prep for a unique Black Friday. Black Friday 2020 is already poised to be unlike any other before. In recent years, retailers have been hungry to get people in their doors earlier and earlier with deals often starting Thanksgiving night. Hawaii News Now.

A Pearl City park is renamed in honor of a respected community leader. The Manana Community Park in Pearl City has officially been renamed. It is now the Breene Harimoto Manana Community Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

David to lead County Council. Maile David will lead the County Council for the two-year term beginning next month, following an organizational meeting held shortly after the election. The council is also slated to create a new committee to deal with climate change, according to resolutions that will be voted on Dec. 7. West Hawaii Today.

New Nature Trail Opens Off Saddle Road On Hawaii Island. A new nature trail in the shadow of Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island is the latest addition to the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program. Big Island Video News.

The spirit of giving: Ironman Foundation provides Thanksgiving bundles to 600 families. Volunteers worked hard Monday loading 600 Thanksgiving bundles into a seemingly never-ending line of vehicles containing families needing a turkey dinner with all the fixings ahead of the Thursday’s holiday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Large gathering of more than 200 on Maui beach broken up. Conservation enforcement officers on Maui broke up a large gathering of more than 200 people who allegedly flouted COVID-19 rules at Makena’s Little Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Law Enforcement Operation at “Little Beach” in Mākena, Maui. A team of eight officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement conducted a law enforcement operation on Sunday night at Puʻu Ōlaʻi “Little Beach” in Mākena State Park on Maui. Maui Now.

October Tourism Authority Report: Maui County Vacation Rentals at 21% and Hotels at 14.2% Occupancy. Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties with 138,500 available unit nights, which was a decrease of 53.5 percent compared to a year ago. Maui Now.

Maui Hub Approved as a Nonprofit Organization. The IRS has approved the online marketplace MauiHub.org as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Effective June 29, 2020, all donations made to Maui Hub after that date are tax-deductible. Maui Now.

More mobile help coming for Maui people in need. More help is on the horizon for Maui’s needy population as police spearhead an effort to roll out a Mobile Medical Educational Unit possibly by the end of the year. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i records first on-island COVID-19 death. The first on-island COVID-19 fatality was reported Monday morning, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced. The elderly male resident had no travel history. Garden Island.

Kauai reports first COVID-19 fatality since pandemic began. For months, Kauai County has appeared to have had the upper hand on coronavirus, going weeks at a time without any new infections. This death comes as cases are once again ticking up. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai reports first on-island coronavirus related fatality. The Kauai District Health Office reported the first on-island coronavirus-related death on Monday, Nov. 23. KHON2.

Community transmission on the rise on Kaua‘i. The county is seeing a rise in community transmission, and officials are concerned with the holidays coming up. Garden Island.

Congressman-elect Kahele makes first Kaua‘i trip since election. U.S. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele wants to bring more aloha to a divided country. Garden Island.