Federal grant cuts, lawsuit threaten Native Hawaiian education, millions in Superferry debt still lingers, city leaders want Skyline to extend to university, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Colleges Face Loss Of Federal Grants For Minority Students. The U.S. Department of Education terminated several grant programs on Wednesday supporting universities with high proportions of minority students, including Asians and Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Amid backlash, lawmakers defend mainland trip over Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy. State Sen. Brenton Awa and Rep. Diamond Garcia traveled to Virginia to try to convince conservative activist Edward Blum not to challenge Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii still paying millions for Superferry debt 16 years after closure. The Hawaii Superferry has been out of commission for over 15 years, but its financial wake is still hitting the State. KHON2.

Surge In Inmate Suicides Take Toll On Hawaiʻi Taxpayers, Too. Six legal claims are pending over people who killed themselves behind bars, with more to come. Civil Beat.

Data project provides public with information about U.S. immigration enforcement. The Deportation Data Project is a group of professors and lawyers who successfully sued the federal agency for the data on ICE encounters, arrests, and detentions across the country. They’ve made their data accessible to the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community meetings at public libraries to discuss Hawaiʻi’s Climate Plan this month. Community meetings at public libraries to discuss Hawaiʻi’s Climate Plan this month. he Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) is partnering with state libraries this month to host a series of community talk-story sessions on the draft Climate Action Pathways (CAP), a plan designed to guide Hawaiʻi toward a safer, healthier and more affordable future. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Green orders flags to fly at half-staff for Patriot Day. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the United States and Hawaiʻi state flags to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol, all state agencies and offices, and at Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities across Hawaiʻi in honor of Patriot Day. Big Island Now.

E-bike bill veto leaves road safety gap, House Transportation panel chair says. House Transportation Committee Chair Darius Kila says he’s deeply disappointed with Gov. Josh Green’s veto of House Bill 958, which would have encouraged safe riding of electric bicycles on Hawaiʻi roadways. Maui Now.

Diana Birkett Rakow named new Hawaiian Airlines CEO. Birkett Rakow, who is currently serving as Alaska Airlines’ senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, will take over  on Oct. 29 and will be based in Honolulu, the second largest hub for Alaska Airlines. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Can This Tree Still Save Us? In Some Places It’s Barely Hanging On. ʻUlu, bia, uru, mā: Breadfruit has been lauded as a climate-resilient solution to world food security. That’s not proving true in the Marshall Islands, where some have relied on it for centuries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council bill pushes for Skyline to reach UH Manoa.  Bill 60, which the Council recently adopted on the first of three readings, would authorize the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to conduct planning and preliminary engineering for the rail line to possibly branch for another 3.2 miles beyond its current terminus in Kakaako, to a spot near UH’s 2500 Campus Road address. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii considering anti-squatter law to protect homeowners, cut eviction times. An Oahu landlord who won a court ruling in July to get his delinquent tenants evicted is still waiting for sheriffs to kick them out. His ordeal is shining a light on a problem with Hawaii’s laws to prevent squatting. Hawaii News Now.

City plans for massive crowd in Waikiki for Saturday concert. City officials and Honolulu police are preparing for over 30,000 people to descend on the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell and Kapiolani Park on Saturday for the “Fiji Tribute Concert” honoring the late singer George “Fiji” Veikoso. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

'Return, reconnect, and remember': Native Hawaiian ʻohana gets ownership of ancestral land. A Native Hawaiian nonprofit has successfully preserved Hawaiʻi Island land for generations to come. ‘Anaeho‘omalu Kapalaoa, a 27-acre plot of land in Waikoloa Beach Resort, will now be permanently protected by Nā ‘Ōiwi O Pu‘uanahulu, a Native Hawaiian descendant-led nonprofit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Scientists search West Hawaiʻi for fresh water beneath the ocean floor. Scientists recently completed a two-week expedition along the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island. Their goal is to see if there is fresh water below the ocean and, if so, how much. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drought continues to grip Hamakua; brush fire mostly contained. According  to Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, the drought is a factor — perhaps the most significant one — in a brush fire that has burned in Hamakua, including the Manowaiale‘e Forest Reserve, the past several days. Tribune-Herald.

Drones Treat Palm Trees At Kohanaiki To Stop CRB Spread. The battle to prevent the coconut rhinoceros beetle from becoming established on Hawai‘i Island continues in Kona. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Land & Pineapple looks at selling Valley Isle water assets. Maui Land &Pineapple Co. is looking to sell or lease its water sources and infrastructure assets amid a historic drought and a lawsuit over irrigation access, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court reaffirms water advocates' rights to challenge stream water diversion permits. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has ruled that the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi was improperly denied the ability to contest one-year revocable permits that allow the diversion of millions of gallons of water from east Maui streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

State leaders scramble to save Sentry golf tournament at Kapalua. State leaders say they’re scrambling to try to keep the PGA’s Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua. Or at the very least, keep it in Hawaii. Meanwhile, the landowner involved in the dispute is open to giving up the land. KHON2.

Hawaiian homestead agency amps up ‘paper lease’ program. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plans to award more than 1,000 leases for future homesteads on Maui later this year, representing the agency’s biggest move yet to provide beneficiaries with residential lots using a historic 2022 legislative appropriation. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now. 

Wildfires Create Long-Term Academic Challenges For Students. Students’ academic progress since the 2018 California wildfires indicates that Lahaina schools may face a long road to recovery. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Proposals for Kauaʻi Innovation Grants for FY 2025-2026 are available for public review.  Proposals submitted for the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Innovation Grants program now are available for review and feedback from the public as part of the selection process, the Kauai’i County Office of Economic Development announced.  Kauai Now.

Kaua’i residents advised to prepare for temporary water service shutdown. The Department of Water has scheduled a temporary water service shutdown for parts of Hauaala Road (valley side), Makamaka Street, and Keapana Road in Kapa’a. The shutdown is scheduled for Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kauai Now.

Hurricane Kiko maintains northwest track, group targets Kamehameha Schools admission policy, East-West Center to receive $6.5M federal funds previously withheld, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Kiko expected to approach Hawaiʻi in early to middle part of next week. As of 5 a.m. on Friday, it was about 1,245 miles south-southeast of Hilo. It is expected to cross into the central Pacific basin Friday night. Maui Now. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

‘Subdued’ economic growth for Hawaii forecast through 2026.  High global import tariffs and federal government policy uncertainties are expected to keep Hawaii’s economy in slow-growth mode for the next few years, according to a new state forecast from the  state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii joins West Coast Health Alliance to form own policies. Hawaii has joined forces with the newly launched West Coast Health Alliance, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools’ Admission Policies May Face Legal Challenge. An anti-affirmative action group wants the school to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Oahu

East-West Center to receive federal funds before end of fiscal year. The East-West Center (EWC) is set to receive some of its federal funding that was previously held by the Trump Administration.The center said $6.5 million in funding that was allocated by Congress is expected to arrive before the end of the fiscal year. Hawaii News Now.

Navy and NPS begin removing platforms from USS Arizona.  The U.S. Navy and National Park Service began operations to remove two World War II-era mooring platforms from the USS Arizona on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Man pleads not guilty to starting Kunia Road fire. A 70-year-old arson suspect Thursday pleaded not guilty to second-degree arson in a wildland fire along Kunia Road that broke out Aug. 23, but he has not been charged with a Haleiwa fire that was set the same day. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu EMS Director Defends Decision To Drive Wrong Way On H-1 Freeway. Honolulu Department of Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland was driving an official EMS vehicle toward Thomas Square and the Blaisdell Center to follow up on homeless complaints when he witnessed a man get hit by a car on Ward Avenue at around 11 a.m. on Aug. 27, Ireland said Thursday. Civil Beat.

Oahu homeowner shares costly eviction process after dealing with tenants who refuse to pay rent. A costly lesson for an Oahu man who used Facebook Marketplace to rent out a family property and has spent months in court to get it back from tenants who refuse to pay rent. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Marathon entries race past last year's numbers. The Honolulu Marathon is just three months away, but it’s already on track for record-breaking numbers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

County likely to delay STVR registration law until March. Hawaii County’s new law to regulate short-term vacation rentals — rentals lasting less than 180 consecutive days — is set to take effect Dec. 20 but will likely be pushed back to the end of March to give operators more time to comply. Tribune-Herald.

The weather theme for Hawaiʻi in August is ‘dry, drier and driest’. Most of Hawaiʻi Island was below average rainfall for August, with the seasonable exception of the leeward coast/slopes of the Kohala and Kona districts which turned in another month with many sites near to above average, according to the National Weather Service. Big Island Now. 

Big Island council and public testimony want Pōhakuloa military training to stop. The Hawaiʻi County Council has passed a resolution signaling that it wants to end the military’s presence at the Pōhakuloa Training Area — or at least task the military with taking better care of the land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Island grant program invites food security organizations to apply. The Food Basket and Hawaiʻi County’s Department of Research and Development announced a $500,000 grant program to fight the island’s food insecurity issue. Grants are available to existing projects that strengthen food security and economic resilience. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Community College announces two new deans. Carrie Mospens has been named dean of career and technical education, and Jace Saplan has been named dean of liberal arts. Tribune-Herald. 

Maui

Water restrictions put starting of 2026 PGA Tour in question. The billionaire owner of Kapalua Golf said Maui Land & Pineapple Co.’s move to cut off irrigation water Aug. 29 puts preparations for the start of the 2026 Professional Golfers Association Tour at the Plantation Course in jeopardy. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

Maui council seeks solutions to address homelessness in new bill. Maui County leaders are taking another look at how to handle homeless encampments. Councilmember Gabe Johnson says his new proposal, Bill 111, is designed to bring more compassion and consistency to the process. Hawaii News Now.

Nonprofits Want To Help Maui Fire Victims — If They Can Reach Them. Limited communications and continued grief have made it more challenging for nonprofits to connect with survivors who could most benefit from their services. Civil Beat.

Theft of shipping container stalls ocean cleanup efforts. A 20-foot long shipping container used as a key link for removing marine debris from Maui’s beaches has been stolen. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

Office of Elections pushes back on allegations it overcounted hundreds of 2024 Kauaʻi ballots. Earlier this summer, a permitted interaction group, or PIG, within the state Elections Commission put out a report accusing the Office of Elections of overcounting 600-plus ballots received in Kauaʻi County during the 2024 election. Hawaii Public Radio.

$51M+ federal grant funding heading to Līhuʻe Airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Hawaiʻi $51,315,736 in federal grant funding for improvements on Kaua‘i. KHON2.

Use It Or Lose It? Kauaʻi Wants Robinson Resort Land Back To Agriculture. Developers have failed to start construction on the 250-room project for the past two decades. Civil Beat.

KPD provides alternative contact numbers amid technical issue. The Kaua‘i Police Department is alerting the public to intermittent outages affecting its non-emergency phone line due to an ongoing technical issue. Kauai Now.

Lifeguards face staffing shortage, $50M state fund to help nonprofits hit by federal cuts, military monitors Chinese ship near Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Burden For Preventing Drownings In Hawaiʻi Falls On Counties — And Residents. Ocean safety efforts are left up to individual counties, leading to big disparities in drowning prevention across the islands. The state does little to help them. Hawaiʻi’s lifeguards and emergency services are managed and funded at the county level. Neighbor islands, in particular, feel the impact of funding and staffing crunches.  Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green signs construction, funding bills into law. Gov. Josh Green finished off the bill signing season by holding two bill signing ceremonies on July 9, signing legislation regarding construction processes and funding for nonprofits.  KHON2.

Special $50M state fund authorized to help Hawaii nonprofits. Hawaii nonprofits affected by federal funding cuts should get ready to apply for grants from a special $50 million state fund created by a bill signed into law Wednesday.  Gov. Josh Green authorized the new fund by signing Senate Bill 933, which he said will help prevent fraying of the social safety net that nonprofits help provide largely in areas of health care, food security, housing support, child care and emergency relief. Star-Advertiser.

Military watching Chinese naval ship near Hawaii. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Oahu-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command confirmed that it is “monitoring a (Chinese People’s Liberation Army) vessel which was operating in international waters in the vicinity of Hawaii.” Star-Advertiser.

Controversial CEO Of Domestic Violence Action Center Steps Down. Monique Ibarra resigned as chief executive officer of the Domestic Violence Action Center last week, according to a news release from a public relations firm representing the agency.  Laurie Tochiki, a Hawaiʻi family law attorney and former executive director of EPIC ʻOhana, will serve as interim CEO.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Property owners willing to pay for sanitation, safety improvements in downtown Honolulu. Bill 51 focuses on creating a business improvement district funded by property owners and investors who say they are willing to pay to help revitalize the area. Hawaii News Now.

Council advances Haleiwa expansion project. A proposed Haleiwa housing and commercial development project that has sparked community opposition over the loss of agricultural land, increased traffic congestion and the high cost of living advanced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Demolition begins in Waikiki to make way for new affordable housing project. Demolition began Wednesday at a long-abandoned apartment building on Ala Wai Boulevard, clearing the way for a new affordable housing project. Hawaii News Now.

Plans to demolish Ward Centre begin. Built in the 1980s, Ward Centre is home to over a dozen businesses including shops, boutiques, a co-working space and eateries.  KITV4.

Koko Head Crater Hiking Trail to reopen to public. The popular Koko Head Crater Hiking Trail is set to reopen on the morning of July 10, following a temporary closure by the city. KHON2. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

What is HPD’s role in ICE raids? Island residents, ACLU seek answers.  Numerous individuals have provided the Tribune-Herald with their written testimony asking the Police Commission to bar local police from assisting the federal government in immigration enforcement raids. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers consider fining those who feed stray animals. Bill 51 proposes fining those who are caught feeding stray and feral animals on County of Hawaiʻi land — $50 for first-time violators and up to $500 for repeat offenses. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.

Final phase of Uncle Billy’s hotel demolition underway. This second phase will focus on comprehensive site preparation at the ground level and below. This includes the removal of soil impacted by pesticides, the extraction of underground utilities, surface grading of the entire site and the placing of fresh topsoil and grass. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Maui

Maui Fires Settlement: Kamehameha Schools Poised To Pay $872 Million. A state court will decide soon whether to allow one of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and largest charitable trusts to settle claims related to the fires that destroyed Lahaina. Civil Beat.

Plans To Improve Lahaina Evacuation Routes Are Slowly Inching Forward. Nearly three dozen people died trying to escape the Kuhua Camp neighborhood, where the county is now working to extend and widen roadways. Civil Beat.

Uncertainty clouds Maui housing market with slow sales and lingering inventory. Condo sales and sale prices are down, listings have decreased and single home sale prices are flat. Maui News.

Lahaina rebuilding dilemma: Commission debates parking lot rezoning for Moku Roots. After three failed attempts to reach an agreement, the Maui Planning Commission finally secured a 5-2 vote Tuesday recommending rezoning of a Front Street lot crucial for customer parking for the new Moku Roots vegan restaurant planned for the former Chart House site in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Debris truck traffic adjusted in hopes of addressing concerns. In response to concerns expressed by members of the public, traffic patterns have been changed for the 50 to 70 trucks hauling Lahaina wildfire debris from West Maui to the Central Maui landfill daily, according to Maui County officials. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi has a plan for the changing climate. Here are 5 things to know. When a thunderstorm brought record-breaking rainfall to Kauaʻi in April 2018, the county didn't have a formal plan for how it would address the impacts of global warming. After seven years, that's about to change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaua‘i County to launch wildfire outreach education in communities vulnerable to blazes. A Kaua’i County wildfire preparedness outreach effort kicks off next week in Kaumakani. Kauai Now.

Back to School Bash this Saturday. Nearly 8,900 students will return to class on Aug. 4, according to estimates from the new Kauai Complex Area Superintendent Leila Maeda-Kobayashi. Garden Island.

Kahele seeks improvements at OHA, review underway for Kamehameha Schools trustee selection process, Honolulu overhauls land-use rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

OHA Chair Kahele uses relationships to aid Native Hawaiians. After staying out of the political spotlight for the past two years, Kahele — a now 50-year-old lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Air National Guard and a long-haul captain for Hawaiian Airlines — said he’s had time to reflect on his earlier political career, earned a master’s degree in strategic studies at the U.S. Army War College and now wants to change the culture at OHA, whose accomplishments were often overshadowed by dysfunction and feuds between trustees and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Selection of Kamehameha Schools Trustees Is Under Scrutiny. While new transparency measures are proposed, some groups want more input.The selection process for Kamehameha Schools trustees is undergoing its first review since scandals in the 1990s unearthed deep problems with the 140-year old estate created to educate Native Hawaiian children. Civil Beat.

The Navy to hold public meetings on draft EIS for Pacific training. The service has a federal operating permit for what it calls the Hawaii-California Training and Testing Study Area that expires in 2025, and is required to submit an EIS as part of the renewal process. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Legislature opens Grant-In-Aid process; applications due Jan. 17, 2025. The Legislature makes appropriations for GIA in accordance with Chapter 42F of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). The Eligibility Verification stage requires the submission of documentation to verify that the Grantee meets the standards for a grant award under HRS §42F-103. Maui Now.

UH partnership will target disparities in cancer outcomes. The University of Hawaii Cancer Center and the John A. Burns School of Medicine today are launching a historic partnership called Ka ‘Umeke Lama, which aims to erase the disparities that affect cancer outcomes and ensure all people have access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of background or geography. Star-Advertiser.

State agencies are urging the public to voluntarily pause the interisland movement of poultry and other bird species for 90 days, effective immediately. The State of Hawaiʻi is calling for a voluntarily pause in the interisland movement of poultry and other bird species for 90 days, effective immediately. Big Island Video News.

25 new state conservation officers commissioned. Twenty-five recruits became commissioned conservation officers as the Department of Land and Natural Resource Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement hosted a graduation ceremony Friday at the Hawai’i Convention Center. Maui News.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council overhauls land use rules for housing, agriculture and business. The Honolulu City Council passed its massive land use bill that will impact construction, business and housing across the island. The council has been working on the measure for the last two years. It’s over 250 pages and impacts every type of land usage on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

BLNR sends strong message to private beachfront landowners. On Friday, the Board of Land and Natural Resources stood by a decision not to allow private landowners to harden public beaches for their own personal gain.  KHON2.

Family demands answers after burial site disturbed at troubled Pearl City cemetery. An Oahu family is demanding answers after they went to a long-troubled Pearl City cemetery and found a large slab of concrete covering their loved one’s burial plot. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Alameda joins board of Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The MKSOA is the state body formed in 2022 to eventually take over management of the Maunakea Science Reserve, the land on the summit of the mountain where the Maunakea telescopes are located, from the University of Hawaii in July 2028. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Appoints New Hawaiʻi County Directors. Hugh Ono will be returning to lead the Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works, as one of three newly announced appointments to Mayor Kimo Alameda’s administration. Big Island Video News.

Queen’s plans new hospital in Kailua-Kona with helipad, housing. The Queen’s Health Systems plans to build an 80-bed hospital next to the Kailua-Kona Costco on Hawaii island that would include a helipad to cut travel time to its trauma center on Oahu and, critically, construct adjacent, below-market-­rate housing to recruit and retain some of the estimated 300 hospital staff, nurses and doctors. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

FEMA continues the debris removal mission on Maui. The US Army Corp of Engineers was mission assigned by FEMA to complete both residential and commercial debris clearing for this disaster.  Maui Now.

Lahaina Schools Are Recovering From The Fires, But Challenges Remain. Growing enrollment and providing mental health services remain a top priority for schools, although teachers believe students are better positioned to learn this year. Civil Beat.

Kauai

4 promoted during Kaua‘i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau ceremony. Kaua‘i Fire Department and Kaua‘i County Ocean Safety Bureau conducted a ceremony Friday at the Līhu‘e Civic Center to promote three firefighters and one Ocean Safety Bureau officer. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Kauai Coffee resumes annual event. Coffee Kalikimaka was celebrated at the nation’s largest coffee plantation Saturday, as Kauai Coffee Company revived its holiday Open House at the site of the former McBryde Sugar. Garden Island.

Cruise ships to return to Hawaii, Honolulu to temporarily limit crowd size, Hawaii population in decline, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dog walker with cruise ship ©2022 All Hawaii News

Cruise ships returning to Hawaii beginning Jan. 15. State inks port agreements with Carnival, NCL. The first port agreements with Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines to formalize health and safety protocols for the return of cruise line operations in Hawaii have been executed, the state Department of Transportation announced Tuesday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii is forecast to reach nearly 10 million tourists in 2024. Hawaii is expected to see 8.86 million visitors this year, followed by annual increases until pre-pandemic record numbers are nearly reached in 2024, when the islands are forecast to see 9.9 million tourists.Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Population Drain Outpaces Most States — Again. Even as the state has more people being born than dying, Hawaii’s population continues to decline as people leave the state for less expensive pastures. Civil Beat.

Lower Income Families May Face Extra Hardships In 2022. An economist warns that much of the federal pandemic support has dried up, and the year ahead could be tough for many. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Avoids Port Backups But Some Goods Are Scarce. Businesses from health care to restaurants have struggled to get some back-ordered items. Civil Beat.

See empty shelves at the grocery store? Blame it on the worker shortage. As the pandemic continues, some nervous shoppers worry when they can’t find what they want at the store. But food distributors said there’s no shortage of food and that it’s likely due to a shortage of workers. Hawaii News Now.

Some Hawaii public schools face staffing shortage as COVID-19 infections rise in the state. A spokesperson for the DOE says all schools have contingency plans in place and the guidelines were revised over the holidays to ensure they're up to date. KITV4. KHON2.

Private schools in Hawaii resuming in-person learning. Three of Hawaii’s biggest private schools have joined the public schools here in pushing on with in-person learning for the new semester, while the omicron surge has compelled a growing list of mainland school districts to postpone reopening or to switch to remote learning. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital workers shortage worsens with more than 1,000 frontline caregivers out due to COVID. As COVID infections continue to surge in Hawaii, the number of frontline caregivers out because of the virus has more than doubled in the past week. Health officials confirm at least 1,000 clinical workers across the state can’t cover their shifts either because they tested positive or have been exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Covid Case Counts Are Higher Than Ever. The Good News — Hospitalizations Aren’t. Some Covid-19 watchers say that hospitalization numbers are more important than daily case counts given omicron’s transmissibility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 1,592 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 123,456. The confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,231 new cases on Oahu, 120 on Hawaii Island, 87 on Maui, 42 on Kauai, nine on Molokai, 11 on Lanai and 92 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu’s mayor plans news conference to discuss capacity limits at large events. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi will hold a news conference on Wednesday morning to discuss a temporary limit on capacity at large indoor events. The restriction comes amid an ongoing surge in new COVID cases that’s being driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Congressional Delegation: Navy Must Drain Red Hill Fuel Facility. It’s a significant shift. Just a few months ago, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Ed Case were not in favor of shutting down Red Hill. Civil Beat.

The City says the COVID surge is affecting operations for Ocean Safety, Health Services, and EMS with about 50 people currently out. For Ocean Safety, the staffing shortage means keeping a tower closed for the past few weeks. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

$250 tax credit for homeowners? Council members mull proposal, vote to table it for now. In a resolution introduced during Tuesday’s meeting of the council’s Finance Committee, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy proposed offering eligible homeowners a onetime $250 credit on their 2022 property tax payments for their primary residences. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances fare-free bus. After being named Monday the fourth Mass Transit administrator in as many years, John Andoh on Tuesday won a County Council endorsement of his first bill, a measure creating a fare-free Hele-On bus system for the next two years, if not longer. West Hawaii Today.

Kalanianaole project to be done ‘this calendar year’. At a Tuesday meeting of the Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, council members discussed with Public Works Deputy Director Steve Pause the Kalanianaole improvement project, which began in 2018 and remains unfinished. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools acquires former Kahuku Ranch property. Kamehameha Schools on Dec. 27 acquired 656 acres of the former Kahuku Ranch near Na‘alehu from Kahuku Ranch Properties in Makawao, Maui, for $7 million. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Mayor urges Maui residents and visitors to follow Health Dept. and CDC guidance. With Maui County averaging 226 new COVID-19 cases per day, in the last seven days, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is urging residents and visitors to follow state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep safe and protect the County’s health care resources. Maui Now.

Maui resort restaurant added to COVID-19 cluster list. The Hawaii Department of Health has added Plantation House, a restaurant at Kapalua Resort on Maui, to its list of COVID-19 clusters in public venues over the past 14 days. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Kahului official: Airline delays, cancellations may persist for weeks. With flight cancellations from COVID-related staff shortages continuing across the country, Kahului Airport is seeing similar trends and officials predict it may persist for weeks. Maui Airports District Manager Marvin Moniz reported that Kahului Airport had at least seven cancellations Monday across Hawaiian, United and Alaska airlines, all of which were related to COVID-19 staffing shortages. Maui Now.

Supreme Court reverses disorderly conduct conviction for Maui activist. The Hawaii Supreme Court has reversed a disorderly conduct conviction for Native Hawaiian activist Samuel Kaleikoa Kaeo, who was arrested in 2015 for blocking a convoy of trucks transporting components for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope to the summit of Haleakala. Maui News.

Master plan project for West Maui Greenway to be introduced at virtual meeting Jan. 11. The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will host its first virtual community meeting for 2022 to introduce the West Maui Greenway Master Plan project and learn about the public’s vision and goals for the proposed 25-mile multi-use trail. Maui Now.

Kauai

Portion of Menehune Road, Waimea Swinging Bridge closed. A landslide that closed off a portion of Menehune Road near the Waimea swinging bridge has closed the road and bridge until further notice. Garden Island.

DLNR seeking CIP monies for Lehua, Mana Plains conservation projects. Kaua‘i habitat and endangered species were reviewed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources during an informational briefing before the state Senate Committee on Water and Land last week. Garden Island.

Ige headed to Glasgow for climate change conference, Kamehameha Schools contact tracing draws Maui resistance, Honolulu lifeguard shortage closes beaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige

Gov. David Ige among governors to join U.N. climate talks. At least a half-dozen state governors, including Hawaii Gov. David Ige, plan to attend parts of the United Nations’ climate change conference in Glasgow, known as COP26, that started Sunday and runs through Nov. 12. Ige will lead a delegation that includes Suzanne Case, director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Scott Glenn, head of the Hawaii State Energy Office. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Confirms Six Judicial Appointments. The Hawaiʻi State Senate voted to confirm the Governor’s Circuit Court appointments of Clarissa Y. Malinao, Kevin T. Morikone and Shanlyn A.S. Park to the First Circuit Court – Oʻahu; Kirstin M. Hamman to the Second Circuit Court – Maui; and Wendy M. DeWeese to the Third Circuit Court – Hawaiʻi Island. In addition, the Senate also confirmed the Chief Justice’s appointment of Kimberly B.M. Taniyama to the District Court of the Third Circuit – Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

Should A Pilot Program To Expand Homeless Services In Hawaii Be Extended? Ohana Zones funding has helped transition 1,100 homeless people into permanent housing. Civil Beat.

Teacher vacancies ease in Hawaii, but substitutes are hard to find. Hawaii’s chronic classroom teacher shortage has eased this year to levels not seen in decades, tied in part to a declining student population as well as new and improved efforts to recruit teachers, according to the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Experts Say Covid-19 May Never Go Away, But It’s Becoming Manageable. Some think Hawaii is through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic but health officials urge caution as the virus becomes endemic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii records 10 new coronavirus-related deaths, 152 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 56 new cases on Oahu, 33 on Hawaii Island, 22 on Maui, 14 on Kauai and 27 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Resistance mounts to Hawaii's COVID-19 rules. Endemic or not, there are signs of growing weariness when it comes to restrictions, with even health care leaders warning earlier this month of the related social and economic toll. Star-Advertiser.

Some Oahu sports parents want COVID-19 protocols gone. As indoor and outdoor events prepare to operate at hundred percent capacity on O'ahu this week, some sports parents say more needs to be done to get back to normal. KITV4.

Following city’s green light, industry pros are already seeing big interest for large events. With live events back on across Oahu, the calendar is already filling up for industry professionals. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Ocean Safety prepping for busy winter season amid staffing issues. Honolulu Ocean Safety said they are prepping for a busy winter surf season with more visitors and more people in the water, but the season comes as the department faces staffing issues. These issues have resulted in lifeguard towers being closed at any given time across Oahu. KHON2.

Officials report 31 possible sea turtle nests near Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Scientists at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii say there’s a good chance you may see a Hawaiian green sea turtle out for a swim near the base. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County gyms, community centers to reopen today. All Hawaii County gymnasiums and community centers reopen to the public today after being closed for more than a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Leftover money: $52.7 million fund balance carried forward to next year. The fund balance — money not spent in the previous year that’s carried over to the new budget year that began July 1 — is higher than usual because of an infusion of federal money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and because some county obligations were suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Roth: building permit reviews to be expedited. As the county administration struggles with a backlog of more than 1,500 building permit applications stuck in its new computerized EPIC system, contractors and County Council members have more questions than answers following a statement from Mayor Mitch Roth that certain permit reviews will be “expedited.” West Hawaii Today.

Another delay for Kalanianaole: New estimated completion date for roadwork is August 2022. One lane of Kalanianaole Avenue, the primary access road to Keaukaha and King’s Landing, has been partially closed for road construction since 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Contact tracing device plans at Maui school spur protests. Students will have to wear lanyards that have COVID-19 exposure alerts. Saying the move came without consent, some Maui parents are opposing a plan by Kamehameha Schools to make students wear tech devices that will alert users of possible COVID-19 exposure. Maui News.

County to add more pickleball courts amid struggle for space. Tennis and pickleball players say there’s not enough to go around. Maui News.

In Maui County, axis deer are taking feed from livestock and causing crashes. Lawmakers want Ige to act. State leaders are calling for additional action to help manage the axis deer population in Maui County. Hawaii News Now.

Local Blogger Makes Authorial Debut with “Maui 2021 and Beyond”. Liza Pierce, local blogger and creator of A Maui Blog, recently debuted her first book, “Maui 2021 and Beyond: Your Simple Guide to Enjoying Your Maui Vacation During and After COVID-19 Pandemic,” a timely and relevant guidebook for travelers who plan to visit Maui in the COVID-19 era. Maui Now.

Kauai

Beachgoer puts up fence protecting Po‘ipu honu. Tom Hennessy hopes to eventually collaborate with government officials, nearby monk-seal volunteers or community members to create a formal, more-durable barrier system. Garden Island.

New Kapa‘a fire truck quickly useful. The new brushfire truck at the Kaua‘i Fire Department Kapa‘a fire station was put into necessary service before it was even blessed last week, and proved instrumental in controlling and finally extinguishing a pesky brush fire in Anahola that started Tuesday and was not fully extinguished until Wednesday night. Garden Island.

Oahu tops 1M people in census, first responders to sue over vaccination mandate, school testing plan still in limbo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Surfers at Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

2020 Census: Oahu’s Population Tops 1 Million For The First Time. Oahu eclipsed Maui in population growth over the past decade, topping 1 million for the first time, according to 2020 census data published Thursday in a reflection of how Hawaii’s demographics have changed. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser.

Attorneys: 1,200 first responders will file lawsuit against COVID vaccine mandate. Representatives for Hawaii union members taking legal action against the state’s COVID vaccine mandate held a news conference at attorney Michael Green’s office on Thursday. Approximately 1,200 first responders are part of the class action lawsuit. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii public school coronavirus testing plan still in limbo after start of school year. Hawaii’s public schools do not have a widespread test program in place and only asked vendors to start bidding less than one week before teachers were due back on campus. KHON2.

Uninsured Hawaii residents have until Sunday to sign up for private health plans. Uninsured Hawaii residents have until Sunday to sign up for private health insurance offered through HealthCare.gov and take advantage of major subsidies that can significantly reduce their monthly premiums, an option all the more important now as COVID-19 cases surge throughout the islands, putting residents at greater risk of needing health care. Star-Advertiser.

Troops Can’t Sue The Military For Discrimination. This Hawaii Sailor Wants To Change That. Two national advocacy groups have joined sailor Jon Stremel in lobbying for new anti-discrimination legislation. Civil Beat.

Committee seeks Kamehameha Schools trustee candidates. Applications to replace Micah Kane, whose term ended June 30, are being accepted through Sept. 30. Star-Advertiser.

More Pregnant Women Seeking Treatment for COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. More pregnant women are seeking treatment for COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi than at any other point in the pandemic as the delta variant causes cases to surge. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 549 additional infections. Thursday's new and confirmed infections include 301 on Oahu, 122 on Hawaii Island, 50 on Kauai, 65 on Maui, five on Molokai and six residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Legal challenges being planned over state’s vaccine mandate as some unions voice their concerns. About 800 city bus workers remain unvaccinated and union leaders say many will still refuse. Hawaii News Now.

Lines at COVID-19 testing sites grow as cases increase. On Thursday morning the line for free COVID-19 testing at the city’s Mobile Lab at the Honolulu airport zigzagged a long way beyond the outside corridor, with some waiting in line for at least an hour and a half. Star-Advertiser.

YMCA of Honolulu to require COVID-19 vaccinations or regular testing for staff, volunteers. YMCA of Honolulu employees and volunteers will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide weekly test results. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

HART Warns That Wandering On The Electrified Rail Line Could Be Deadly. A group of trespassers recently breached a station and wandered onto the elevated track, prompting the warning. Civil Beat. KITV4.

City considers possible takeover of Leahi Avenue as school gridlock ensues. The return of students to classes at Waikiki Elementary School has put a spotlight on what residents say are safety issues on Leahi Avneue, and they want the city to take it over. Hawaii News Now.

These Central Oahu Schools Have Joined Forces To Offer Distance Learning. The virtual program called Pineapple Academy includes students from the Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua complex area. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawai´i on Brink of Healthcare Crisis as Pandemic Booms. Visitor restrictions and hospital lockdowns are back in effect across the Big Island as healthcare facilities near patient capacities, a situation directly linked to the massive increase in coronavirus cases across the county. Big Island Now.

Forging ahead: Parker Ranch outlines historic fire’s impact, future plans. Parker Ranch is forging ahead with plans for a large reforestation project on the slopes of Maunakea and reseeding thousands of acres of pasture destroyed by the largest fire to impact the operation in its 175-year history. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

24 More Positive COVID-19 Cases Among Inmates at Maui Jail. An additional 24 inmates at the Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku tested positive for COVID-19 today, bringing the number of active infections to 84 among inmates and staff. The breakdown includes 17 staff and 67 active inmate infections at the Maui jail. Maui Now. Maui News.

$1.8M in repairs proposed for Wailuku River. County points to possible loss of life, extensive property damage if fixes don’t occur. Maui News.

Public Help Sought in Collecting GPS Coordinates on Bench Marks in Maui County. To assist with the project, members of the public can use any device with a GPS receiver (such as a cellphone) to recover, observe and report Bench Marks, also known as survey monuments. Maui Now.

Kauai

New restrictions means canceled events on Kaua‘i. Concerns about spreading COVID-19 reinforced by the announcement of new safety and health guidelines by Gov. David Ige on Aug. 10 have resulted in cancellations and “postponements” of events that were scheduled this weekend. Garden Island.

Baby shark remains inside Lydgate Park large pond. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources is currently working on a plan to capture and relocate the shark back into the open ocean. Garden Island.

School starts amid COVID surge, hospitals begin requiring staff vaccinations as capacity nears, Maui councilwoman on extended medical leave, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige press conference Aug. 2, 2021

Safety guidelines urged by Gov. David Ige as Hawaii public school begins. The union representing 13,500 Hawaii public school teachers asked Gov. David Ige to postpone the start of school for elementary-age students due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, but it was rebuffed. Instead, Ige joined interim schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi and state Health Director Libby Char at a news conference Monday to say that in-person learning is critical to the academic and social success and well-being of the 175,000 students set to begin school this morning. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. KHON2.

Governors race: Lt. Gov. Josh Green raised more than $400,000 this year, bringing his campaign war chest to $600K In Campaign Cash More Than A Year Before Election Day. Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell raised $9,000 during the first half of this year for a total of $509,000. Civil Beat.

New Reports Show Campaign Cash Is Flowing In To Hawaii’s Elected US Officials. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz continues to add to his bankroll in advance of the 2022 election although he has yet to draw a challenger. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has A Ban On Sunscreen Chemicals But No One’s Sure Who Should Enforce It. Selling sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate became illegal this year, but lawmakers are relying on sellers to self-police and consumers to hold them accountable. Civil Beat.

Delta variant surge has had little impact on tourism. At a Monday meeting of the House Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, state officials and visitor industry representatives discussed the effects — or lack thereof — the current outbreak in the state has had on the recovery of the visitor industry. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. KHON2.

Major Hawaii hospitals announce COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees. Employees of four of Hawaii’s major hospital systems, including Hawaii Pacific Health, Kaiser Permanente, The Queen’s Health Systems and Adventist Health Castle, are now required to get the COVID- 19 vaccine, according to mandates announced Monday by health care executives. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. reports 150 COVID patients are in Hawaii hospitals, majority unvaccinated. The Queen’s Medical Center and other hospitals have asked for extra support to relieve exhausted nurses and doctors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 365 new coronavirus infections as delta variant surge continues. The new confirmed and probable infection count reported today includes 222 new cases on Oahu, 76 on Hawaii Island, 44 on Maui, 14 on Kauai, and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Commission again extends deadline in search for Honolulu police chief. The 24 people who applied to serve as Honolulu’s 12th police chief have been informed whether they met the minimum qualifications, and the deadline to hire a consultant to pick the finalists for Honolulu police commissioners and the public to consider was extended again, to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Gerard Puana pursues civil lawsuit. Two years after federal criminal conspiracy convictions of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, the victim in the case is still pursuing damages from the city and several former law enforcement officers in civil court. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools Kapalama requiring COVID vaccine for athletes, coaches. COVID vaccines will be a requirement for student athletes at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu organic delivery service growing as a business. Some small organic local farmers are getting a boost to business, from a growing Oahu food delivery service. KITV4.

Residents honor Kaneohe Beach Park’s place in Hawaiian history. Hundreds of years ago, Kaneohe Beach Park, also known as Naoneala‘a a Kane­ohe, was the site of two major Hawaiian historic events: a peace­- making ceremony and the marking of a new chief on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Firefighters continue to battle Hawaii Island’s largest fire. Firefighters appear to have gotten the upper hand on a more than 40,000-acre wildland fire in South Kohala deemed the largest in Hawaii Island history. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Mayor’s Request for Delay of In-Classroom Learning Fails to Gain Governor’s Support. Health officials say there will be an “inevitable rise in cases” no matter when schools reopen. Maui Now.

Councilmember Tasha Kama on Extended Medical Leave. Maui County Councilmember Tasha Kama is on extended medical leave, according to an announcement issued on Monday evening. Maui Now.

Court Limits A&B East Maui Stream Diversion. A Hawaii judge has ordered Alexander & Baldwin to significantly reduce the amount of water it diverts from east Maui streams for agricultural purposes. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Zina: Officers not there as enforcers. Kaua‘i Police Department officers are returning to the island’s three public high schools following temporary reassignment at the height of the pandemic. Garden Island.

Waimea 400 Talk Story at library. The Waimea Public Library will host another talk story event concerning the Waimea 400 project Wednesday, Aug. 4, providing an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts and ideas in person. Garden Island.

Spring break extended for Hawaii schools, Ala Moana mall cuts back hours, 7th COVID-19 case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Public Schools Spring Break To Be Extended A Week. The state public schools will extend its spring break an extra week, with students now scheduled to return to classes on March 30, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

School closures extended. Hawaii public schools will remain closed for an additional week of spring break to allow school administrators and staff time to evaluate and respond to newly emerging recommendations for controlling the spread of COVID-19, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Extend Spring Break Due To Coronavirus. The state has now confirmed seven cases of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

DOE extends spring break one week for students in light of coronavirus concerns. Classes for public school students in Hawaii won’t resume until March 30 after Gov. David Ige announced spring break was extended an additional week in light of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Education extended spring break for public and charter schools through Monday, March 30 on Sunday as the number of presumed positive cases of COVID-19 rose to seven in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

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COVID-19 Cases Hit 7, Schools Close, Businesses Asked to Allow Work From Home. Gov. David Ige at a press conference Sunday afternoon confirmed two major developments in the COVID-19 global pandemic as it relates specifically to Hawai‘i — that a seventh case has been confirmed and that schools statewide will remain closed through the end of March. Big Island Now.

New travel-related cases of coronavirus on Oahu, Maui bring statewide total to 7. The governor reported three new travel-related cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday — bringing the statewide total to seven — and said while there’s still no evidence that the virus is spreading in the community, residents should take steps now to prepare for that in the near future. Hawaii News Now.

7th positive COVID-19 case announced in Hawaii, all cases related to travel. Another presumptive positive case for the coronavirus has been announced, bringing up the state total to seven cases on March 15. KHON2.

Seven total COVID-19 cases in Hawaii as of Sunday. Governor says these patients got sick outside of Hawaii. KITV4.

Kamehameha Schools starts spring break early in response to coronavirus situation. Kamehameha Schools Kapalama said today it will begin spring break on Tuesday, earlier than scheduled in response to the developing COVID-19 situation. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 concerns prompts Kamehameha Schools Kapalama to start spring break early. Spring break will now start on Tuesday, March 17. Students are currently scheduled to return to school on April 6. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Airlines Cutting Flights Systemwide Due To Virus. Capacity will be reduced up to 10% in April and up to 20% in May, and a hiring freeze is now in place. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Suspends Service to Australia, New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines won’t be flying anywhere down under for the immediate future. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines suspends flights to, from Australia and New Zealand. Hawaiian Airlines announced Sunday that it was suspending all routes to and from Australia and New Zealand in response to new restrictions on entry into those two countries. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii inventor creates COVID-19 app to stop people from touching their face. Just say, JalapeNO! with the app that buzzes every time you touch your face, now available on Fitbit Ionic. KITV4.

Social distancing is crucial, Ige says. State officials emphasized again Sunday that “social distancing” will be key in helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Diana Ross Hawaii concerts canceled over coronavirus concerns. Diana Ross’ Hawaii concert dates have been canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, according to Hawaii-based concert promoter, Rick Bartalini Presents. Star-Advertiser.


Hawai‘i Judiciary Limiting Access to Facilities. The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announced today that beginning Monday, March 16, it will restrict access to anyone who has a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms; has traveled outside Hawaiʻi in the past 14 days; or who has had close prolonged contact with a person who has or is suspected to have COVID-19. Maui Now.

Public Safety Department is urged to have plan for prisons and jails during coronavirus pandemic. The Community Alliance on Prisons and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii are urging the state Department of Public Safety and legislators to prepare now for the new coronavirus by having a plan in place for those incarcerated within the state system, including those in Arizona. Star-Advertiser.

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Advocates seek to rid Hawaii of 88,000 cesspools. Two advocates committed to protecting Hawaii’s waters and coral reefs have launched a new nonprofit to help rid the state of cesspools that pose a threat to public health and the marine environment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers review restricting landfill sites. A heavy load of public testimony has been dumped on Hawaii lawmakers this year over a bill that largely aims to distance residential communities from landfills. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gun Violence Commission Would Leave The Public In The Dark. The Legislature has proposed creating a new group to help tackle violent crimes but exempting it from the Sunshine Law. Civil Beat.

Aloha ʻAina Party Now Official In Hawaii. Pua Ishibashi spoke to media at the foot of the Kamehameha Statue in Hilo on Friday afternoon. Big Island Video News.

Heiress said her estate won’t go to Hawaiians. Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa told a psychiatrist in January that she changed her mind about leaving the bulk of her estate to the Hawaiian people, a statement that contradicts her testimony in court last week. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates Want More Emphasis On High Quality Pre-K In Early Education Bill. A proposal to provide more preschool programs for Hawaii’s toddlers passed the House last week. But division remains about what those programs should look like. Civil Beat.

Oahu

‘Iolani School suspending operations Monday, parent in coronavirus testing protocol. ‘Iolani School is suspending on-campus academic operations as of Monday due to coronavirus concerns. Head of school Dr. Timothy Cottrell said ‘Iolani is aware of at least one parent in the COVID-19 testing protocol and is awaiting results. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani School temporarily suspends on-campus classes, moves to online distance learning. In a major first step for large Hawaii private schools, Iolani School announced their decision Sunday to switch to online distance learning as the number cases of coronavirus in Hawaii slowly climbs. Hawaii News Now.

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Ala Moana Center to cut hours, open weekdays noon to 7 p.m. Ala Moana Center is cutting back its hours, starting Monday the mall hours will be noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; some restaurants may be open later. Star-Advertiser.

To reduce crowds and contact, Ala Moana Center slashes hours. The world’s largest outdoor mall, Ala Moana Center, is cutting back their hours during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

State's largest mall cuts hours due to COVID-19. The mall is shortening its operating times by almost five hours a day. KITV4.

COVID-19 won’t delay rail’s scheduled opening this year, says the head of HART. The head of Honolulu’s $9.2 billion rail project said he is fairly confident the repercussions from the worldwide coronavirus outbreak will not negatively affect the project’s scheduled opening for the first segment later this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Drive-through testing coming: Meanwhile, cruises cancelled; Matson pushes back against rumors; first random virus tests negative. Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday will open a COVID-19 drive-through area to collect samples to be sent away for testing. Tribune-Herald.

North Hawaii Community Hospital to be COVID-19 testing site. Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea will be a testing site for COVID-19 starting this week. West Hawaii Today.

YWAM students returning home. Discipleship Training School students at Youth With a Mission in Kona returning from three months abroad will be monitored at the University of the Nations. West Hawaii Today.

Courts, cops, cells and COVID-19: Criminal justice system in Hawaii wrestles with virus threat. As of Feb. 29, Hawaii Community Correctional Center, which has an operating bed capacity of 226 inmates, had a population of 408 inmates — 325 men and 83 women. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian family claims ownership of Kohala shoreline parcel. A Native Hawaiian family claiming ownership of a Kohala shoreline parcel sparked a heated outburst from a sovereignty activist that temporarily shut down a Planning Committee hearing last week, but ended with the parcel moving forward to a rezoning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Air Canada flight attendant is Maui’s first COVID-19 case. An Air Canada flight attendant who developed symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving on Maui is the island’s first confirmed case of the virus, Gov. David Ige announced Sunday afternoon. Maui News.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center Announces Pause In Programming. In support of current County, State, and Federal governmental and health agency recommendations, and in light of the worldwide efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has postponed all public programming until further notice. Maui Now.

Maui County COVID-19 cancellations, closures, postponements. The Maui News has compiled a list of countywide cancellations, closures and postponements due to novel coronavirus. Maui News.

Kauai

Silent danger lurks. The Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee’s mission continues to evolve with the ever-changing ecosystem, which the Kapa‘a-based nonprofit organization was built to protect. Garden Island.