Gas prices increase, vaccine passport program problematic, Maui condos falling into the ocean, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilo gas station on May 12, 2021 ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii gas price second highest amid mainland disruption. Hawaii’s geographic isolation protected consumers from gasoline shortages in many southeastern states caused by the forced shutdown of a massive pipeline that lasted five days and began reopening Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

With inter-island vaccine passport set up, state now turns attention to trans-Pacific travel. Without an automated method for verifying with local vaccine providers, the cards are individually checked by screeners. Gov. David Ige hopes that will be fixed by June 1, potentially opening up vaccine passports for residents traveling from the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii employers can mandate a coronavirus vaccine, workers can request an exemption. A Hawaii attorney says employers can mandate a COVID-19 shot but need to be careful to allow exemptions, especially under the vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization. KHON2.

As part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief program, the state announced $4 million in grants will be available to help Hawaii’s education system recover from the pandemic. Gov. David Ige said the grants are aimed to fund initiatives to help students, families and educators who have been impacted by COVID. Hawaii News Now.

Training Underway in Remote Ready Hawaiʻi Pilot Program. Training is underway for the first cohort of the Remote Ready Hawaiʻi Pilot Program, which matches unemployed residents with remote work offered by companies outside the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-Hawaii CEO, Martin Kao, pleads not guilty to loan fraud. Martin Kao, who was CEO of Martin Defense Group LLC, formerly known as Navatek LLC, is charged with bank fraud and money laundering. Authorities say he defrauded banks of more than $12.8 million through the Paycheck Protection Program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Rated 'Mostly Closed' in 50-State Analysis of Police Misconduct Record Laws. In an analysis of public record laws in all 50 states, Hawai‘i received the rating "Mostly Closed." The 50-state list was based on an analysis of statutes and court opinions as well as interviews with experts. Associated Press.

‘Golden Week’ comes and goes as Japan visitors face COVID hurdles when traveling to Hawaii. More than a third of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, but in Japan, fewer than 3% of people have had their first shot. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines to more than double its Hawaii trans-­Pacific service. The Dallas-based carrier currently operates 16 round trips daily between Hawaii and the mainland. Its summer schedule, due out today, increases trans-­Pacific offerings to 37 round trips, including direct flights between Las Vegas and Hawaii’s four major islands. Star-Advertiser.

School-based vaccine clinics step up outreach as younger kids start to roll up their sleeves. At Nanakuli High & Intermediate on Wednesday, about 40 people arrived and rolled up their sleeves. The school is one of several around the state serving as community vaccine clinics. Hawaii News Now.

May 12, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 47 Cases (30 O‘ahu, 8 Maui, 1 Hawai‘i Island, 8 Out-of-State); 1 Death. Maui Now.

Oahu

Problems piling up for the Honolulu rail project. When the too-narrow wheels on the city’s trains and too-wide track finally fit properly, it’s going to be critical to get trains running to Aloha Stadium as soon as possible or face a whole new series of costs and delays, the head of the rail project said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Chief Says Ridership Projections Have Dropped. Rail authority CEO Lori Kahikina provided no details, but said she believes public interest in riding the train is still high. Civil Beat.

Police arrest suspect in alleged arson at Supreme Court building. Honolulu police arrested a homeless man in connection with Monday’s fire at Aliiolani Hale which houses the Hawaii Supreme Court in downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Proposes Funding The Removal of Ha‘iku Stairs. The Honolulu City Council advanced a bill that would fund $1 million to the Division of Urban Forestry to remove the Haʻiku Stairs, commonly known as Stairway to Heaven. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ambassador wants public disclosure in shooting of Lindani Myeni. South Africa’s ambassador to the United States requested the return of her deceased citizen’s wedding ring, clothes and mobile phone and called on Honolulu, U.S. officials and departments across the country to be more transparent about police shootings and how race relations affect law enforcement practices. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha ‘Mailbox Case’ co-conspirator asks to remain free while he pursues appeal. Just weeks away from his June 1 date to self-surrender at a mainland prison, Kealoha mailbox co-conspirator Derek Hahn wants a judge to let him stay in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State, city step in to protect Niu Valley archaeological site. State and city officials have taken action to protect historic Hawaiian archaeological features on a hillside residential lot being redeveloped in Niu Valley. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Rainbow Rangers moves into full services for animal control contract. Nine months after being awarded the contract, Hawaii Rainbow Rangers has finally transitioned into conducting full animal control services in Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Five-story, six-unit condomium proposed on Alii Drive. An Alii Drive landowner is proposing to construct a five-story condominium on a vacant lot about a quarter-mile north of the thoroughfare’s intersection with Royal Poinciana Drive in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A proposal to save almost a dozen properties from falling into the ocean in west Maui is getting pushback from the community. Layers of sand bags are now helping to stabilize several structures along the coastline in Kahana. Hawaii News Now.

Panel OKs next step for Wailea luxury condo plans. Despite lengthy community testimony calling for a more in-depth study, the Maui Planning Commission voted Tuesday to accept the final environmental assessment for a 57-unit luxury condominium project proposed for Wailea. Maui News.

Median Sales Price for Single Family Home on Maui Increased to $983,500 in April. April 2021 was another strong month for home sales on Maui, with the median sales price for a single home increasing 30.3 percent from a year ago to $983,500 and for condominium homes the median sales price increased 15.4 percent from a year ago to $695,000. Maui Now.

Kauai

Iwi discovered during cesspool conversion. Last week, while switching a cesspool over to a septic tank, an inadvertent discovery of iwi kupuna on Weke Road occurred. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a, Wailua road resurfacing scheduled. Lane closures are scheduled for portions of Wailua and Kapa‘a May 13 to May 25. Garden Island.

Honolulu ex-police chief, deputy prosecutor sentenced in corruption scandal, House committee seeks looser travel rules, HPD chief vows to discipline CARES OT abusers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File footage of Katherine and Louis Kealoha PC:Hawaii News Now

Honolulu’s former law enforcement power couple learned their punishments in federal court Monday: seven years in federal prison for disgraced Police Chief Louis Kealoha and 13 years for his estranged wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. The Kealohas and two Honolulu Police Department officers were convicted in June 2019 following an elaborate but botched effort for the Kealohas to steal the proceeds from a reverse mortgage on the home belonging to her grandmother Florence M. Puana and then framing her uncle, Gerard Puana, now age 60, when mother and son began figuring out the scheme. Star-Advertiser.

Former HPD Police Chief And Prosecutor Wife Sentenced To Prison. Katherine Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha, are at the center of a years long investigation into public corruption. Civil Beat.

Calling their corruption ‘shocking,’ judge goes above guidelines in sentencing Kealohas. Saying that Katherine Kealoha had “perverted justice over and over and over again,” a federal judge on Monday sentenced the former high-ranking deputy city prosecutor to 13 years behind bars ― going above the sentencing guidelines of 10 years. Hours later, her husband ― ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha ― was sentenced to seven years in prison, two more than was recommended. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine gets 13 years, Louis gets 7, in Kealoha federal sentencing. Katherine and Louis Kealoha learned their fate on Monday, finally sentenced for their federal convictions last year. Katherine was sentenced to 13 years. Louis got seven years. Restitution of more than $450,000 is owed to various victims of their schemes. KHON2.

Ex-Police Chief Gets 7 Years, Wife Katherine Sentenced To 13 Years In Corruption Case. A federal judge today sentenced former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha to 13 years in prison for masterminding an elaborate scheme that defrauded her grandmother, led to her uncle's false arrest and plundered the trust funds for two children. Her husband, ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha, received 7 years in prison for his part in the scheme. Hawaii Public Radio.

A once powerful Oahu couple will soon be known simply as two federal inmates, Louis and Katherine Kealoha are finally sentenced. In addition to the sentences, the Kealohas were also ordered to pay hundreds of thousands in restitution to the numerous victims. Judge Seabright ordered 75% of Louis' $9,720 monthly police pension to go toward his restitution. KITV4.

Ex-Honolulu prosecutor, police chief get prison for corruption. A U.S. judge sentenced a former high-ranking Honolulu prosecutor to 13 years in prison Monday and her retired police chief husband to seven years, saying she stole money from her own grandmother and then used his law enforcement power to frame her uncle for a crime he didn’t commit — all to maintain the couple’s lavish lifestyle. Associated Press.

Judge Exceeds Guidelines in Sentencing Kealohas For Corruption. Two central figures in perhaps the most prominent corruption case in Hawai‘i history were sentenced Monday, as one of the final chapters in the years-long saga was written without sympathy by a federal judge. Big Island Now.

Letter from deceased victim says Kealoha’s ‘ruthless scheme’ was a final blow. Before she died in February at the age of 100, Florence Puana wrote a stinging letter describing the financial and emotional toll Katherine Kealoha’s crimes had on her family. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige says nearly 300 people have entered the state and later been informed of a positive COVID-19 test. Gov. David Ige said since the Safe Travels program began, nearly 300 people have entered the state and then been informed of a positive COVID-19 test.  Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Safe Travels is working. Days after approving a request from Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami that will permit Kauai to temporarily opt out of the state’s Safe Travels program, Gov. David Ige said that the pre-travel testing initiative is working in Hawaii’s other counties. Tribune-Herald.

House COVID Committee Pushes Back Against New Quarantine Rule For Hawaii Travelers. A new report from the high-profile committee says the state’s pre-travel test program has been working fine and asks the governor to back off a stricter 14-day quarantine. Civil Beat.

Business leaders, legislators urge governor to rethink new restrictions on pre-travel testing program.  Health and business leaders across Hawaii are proposing a modification to one of Gov. David Ige’s new rules governing trans-Pacific travel during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Post-arrivals test urged to shorten quarantine for travelers. The House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness is recommending allowing travelers who arrive with pending COVID-19 results the chance to shorten their quarantine by taking a rapid post-arrival test. Star-Advertiser.

State House committee proposes changes to Safe Travels program. The House Select Committee on COVID-19 has sent the state a proposal that could, once again, change the Safe Travels program. KHON2.

House Committee Proposes To Modify Safe Travels Hawaiʻi Program. A white paper was written by the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, defending the efficacy of the pre-travel testing program before it was altered by the Governor. Big Island Video News.

COVID committee suggests Safe Travels modification. The House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness has submitted a proposal to modify the state’s Safe Travels program which involves offering rapid post-arrival tests to travelers awaiting pre-travel testing results. Garden Island.

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Gov. David Ige Appoints New Public Safety Director. Max Otani, a retired corrections official and member of the Hawaii Paroling Authority, will take over as head of the state Department of Public Safety starting Tuesday, Gov. David Ige’s office announced. Civil Beat.

Gov Appoints Hilo Native to Public Safety Director. Max Otani was appointed by Gov. David Ige to serve as the director of the Department of Public Safety, effective Dec. 1, 2020. Big Island Now.

Governor names long-time paroling authority staffer as Public Safety director. Gov. David Ige has appointed the state’s former Deputy Director for Corrections as the new Director of Public Safety, replacing Nolan Espinda, who retired earlier this year. Hawaii News Now.

Critical Funding Fight Looms As Public Safety Boards Remain Cash-Strapped. State public safety boards have been shortchanged since they were put in place. But lawmakers suggest there may be little help in sight. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Telcom to buy firm’s fiber assets for $50M. Hawaiian Telcom has signed a definitive purchase agreement to buy interisland submarine and middle-mile terrestrial fiber infrastructure assets currently owned by the bankruptcy estate of Paniolo Cable Co. for $50 million. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard completes drone ship exercise in Hawaii as Navy prepares unmanned asset test. The Coast Guard in Hawaii recently wrapped up a 30-day demonstration and evaluation of two ship drone versions to better patrol the vastness of the Pacific as the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet, also in the drone hunt, plans a “fleet battle problem” exercise early next year using unmanned systems “on the sea, above the sea and under the sea". Star-Advertiser.

Ige, others reiterate need for National Guard assistance. To help in the continued fight against COVID-19, state officials are working to secure federal funding to extend the deployment of the Hawaii National Guard. Tribune-Herald.

Why The Navy Is Becoming A Powerful Force For Clean Energy. As the pandemic highlights fragile supply chains, the Navy is working with Hawaii to harness the sun and other natural elements for power. Civil Beat.

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Aquarium fishing: Environmental review required, court rules. The state Monday said it will no longer renew or issue new commercial marine licenses for aquarium fishing without a required environmental review, effective immediately, following a recent state Circuit Court ruling. Star-Advertiser.

New Court Ruling Further Restricts Commercial Aquarium Fishing In Hawaii. More than half a million aquarium fish have been collected despite a 2017 state Supreme Court ruling. Civil Beat.

Court ruling closes loophole for commercial aquarium collection. The state says it is taking immediate steps to comply with a court order shutting a loophole that allowed for continued commercial aquarium fish collection despite a 2017 high court ruling that halted the practice pending environmental review. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Court Rules Commercial Aquarium Collection Without Environmental Review is Illegal. he state’s environmental court ruled Friday that the continued extraction of aquarium fish from Hawaiʻi’s reefs without first reviewing the environmental and cultural impacts, is illegal. Maui Now.

More pets left behind during pandemic. Although there has been an increase in demand for the adoption of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has also been an uptick in the number of animals being surrendered to shelters, according to several Hawaii nonprofits and shelters. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 30: 85 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 85 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 66 on Oahu, four on the Big Island, 10 in Maui County including one on Molokai, and one on Kauai.  Four Hawaii residents were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department acknowledges excessive overtime. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said Monday that HPD takes responsibility for actions by officers who violated the department’s overtime policy, and she confirmed that multiple investigations are taking place as a result of the abuse. Star-Advertiser.

Chief: Officers who abused overtime while responding to COVID calls will be disciplined. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard says officers and supervisors who abused overtime privileges during COVID-19 enforcement efforts will be disciplined. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief addresses COVID-19 enforcement team violating overtime. According to Ballard, multiple investigations have been opened and violators will be disciplined. KITV4.

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More Tales Of Crime And Violence As 2 More Caught Up In Miske Murder Case. Court records reveal two more men who are cooperating with federal authorities in the case against a Honolulu businessman charged with running a criminal enterprise. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell rolls out food card for disadvantaged families, individuals. A new city-issued debit card would provide 4,000-plus disadvantaged families and individuals with $500 to spend on groceries and other household necessities in the coming weeks, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Distributing $500 Grocery Gift Cards. Thousands of Oahu households will receive assistance with food and other necessities from city CARES Act funds. Civil Beat.

City to mail out $500 gift cards for groceries, necessities to thousands of Oahu families. The city will distribute $500 gift cards to thousands of Oahu families experiencing hardship because of the pandemic. The gift cards, which will be mailed out starting Dec. 7, can only be used for groceries and other necessities. Alcohol, tobacco, bus passes and gift cards can’t be purchased. Hawaii News Now.

Direct cash going to Honolulu households affected by COVID-19. Honolulu households that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are getting help in the form of $500 cash cards. KHON2.

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Kapiolani nurses plan picket over expiring contract situation. More than 700 nurses from Kapiolani Medical Center are planning to picket on Wednesday over the status of their contracts, which were set to expire on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani nurses, sans contract, claim unsafe working conditions. Nurses and respiratory therapists on the front lines at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children are now working without a contract and say they are worried about patient care and unsafe conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Starting Wednesday, all trans-Pacific travelers who took a pre-boarding COVID-19 test also will be given a rapid-result antigen test upon arrival at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, Mayor Harry Kim said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island COVID-19 case count nears 1,600. Hawaii County Civil Defense has reported a total of 49 coronavirus-related fatalities on Hawaii Island. The state has yet to confirm 15 of the deaths reported to date on Hawaii Island and has not responded to repeated requests for information on pending cases. West Hawaii Today.

County announces free COVID-19 testing schedule. Free COVID-19 drive-through testing will be provided at a handful of sites this week, Hawaii County announced Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Wastewater Flows Into Reed’s Bay Following Monday Spill. The County Wastewater Division said the spill resulted from a sewer force main break caused by employees of Goodfellow Brothers, Inc., who were repairing the sidewalk over the Banyan SPS force main Monday. While excavating to prepare the foundation, workers accidentally punched a hole in the force main, which is 10 inches in diameter. Big Island Now.

Sewage Spill Reported Near Ice Pond Area Of Reeds Bay. An unknown amount of sewage entered the waters of Reed's Bay near Ice Pond shortly after noon on Monday, officials report. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Memorial Checkpoint Comes as Maui Police Deal with 400 Percent Increase in Habitual Drunk Driving. The Maui Police Department is seeking a change in behavior within the community in an effort to prevent further drunk driving fatalities in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kīhei Charter School Transitioning from Distance Learning to Blended Learning Model. The Kīhei Charter School is transitioning from all distance learning to a blended learning model in a steady safe process that gradually adds grades to the reopening of the school campus, Head of School Michael Stubbs announced in a news release. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami defends opt-out. As Kaua‘i temporarily opts-out of the Safe Travels pre-travel testing program, Mayor Derek Kawakami offered some insight into his reasoning. Garden Island.

2 more travel-related cases. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported two new travel-related cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. Both cases participated in the Safe Travels program and reportedly boarded their flight after receiving positive pre-travel test results. Garden Island.

Furloughs, layoffs loom for Hawaii government workers, Kauai reinstates 14-day quarantine, Supreme Court blocks police union attempt to keep discipline records secret, Kealohas to be sentenced today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Merrie Monarch event pre-COVID ©2020 All Hawaii News

Next Year's Merrie Monarch Festival Is On But With No Live Audience. Organizers of the Merrie Monarch Festival announced there will be no live audience for the annual hula competition next year. Tickets to the spring event usually go on sale around Dec. 1, but the sales have been canceled. Instead, organizers and sponsors are exploring other options given the ongoing pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Merrie Monarch 2021 Will Have No Live Audience. The organizers of the world-renowned hula festival say they are considering options for holding the event in 2021, but it is clear that there will be no live audience. Big Island Video News.

Merrie Monarch Festival organizers plan for crowd-less 2021 event. The stands of Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo will once again be silent this April, as Merrie Monarch organizers announced Saturday that a 2021 event would need to be held without fans in attendance. Hawaii News Now.

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Saving The State Budget: Furloughs And Layoffs Are Looking More Likely. Even public employee union leaders are warning their workers that the Legislature will have to make the best of a dire budget situation this coming year. Lawmakers and Gov. David Ige are planning initiatives to “restructure” government to cut costs to cope with the state budget crisis. The Ige administration is setting a goal of cutting a whopping $600 million from next year’s operating budget. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Judge Blocks Police Union Attempt To Keep Cop Misconduct Secret. Hawaii’s police union has lost its first legal battle in an ongoing fight to keep officer misconduct records hidden from public view. On Friday, First Circuit Judge Dean Ochiai ruled that when a police officer is suspended or fired for misconduct such information is a matter of public record under state law. Civil Beat.

Hawaii seeks to be seen as a remote workplace with a view. The pandemic is giving many workers the freedom to do their jobs from anywhere. Now that Hawaii’s economy is reeling from dramatically fewer tourists, a group of state officials and community leaders wants more people like Berger to help provide an alternative to relying on short-term visitors. Associated Press.

New rule requiring travelers to present COVID-19 test results prior to flight already causing headaches. Starting Tuesday, travelers flying to the islands must upload their negative COVID-19 test before departure in order to avoid the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Green Suggests Changes To Traveler Testing Program. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green suggested that the way to “perfect" the state's coronavirus testing system for incoming travelers is to extend the mandatory pre-flight testing window from three days prior to arrival to four and requiring a second test when the person touches down. Associated Press.

Billions in private construction projects stall during pandemic. Construction activity has been one of the economic bright spots during the pandemic. But in recent months, a number of high-profile projects have run into delays. Hawaii News Now.

Supreme Court dismisses election challenge suit. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a lawsuit contesting the state’s presidential election filed by a woman who said she ran for president as an independent yet she wasn’t on the ballot. Two other lawsuits challenging the Nov. 3 general election results are pending before the state Supreme Court, which is where election challenges must be submitted under state law. Associated Press.

Humpback whale season opens early in Hawaii and researchers hope numbers continue to rebound. November is the traditional start of hoi kohola, the return of humpback whales to Hawaii, when an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 of the protected marine mammals migrate from their Alaska summer feeding grounds to the islands, where they sing, mate and birth and nurse calves in warm, shallow waters until April, when they start back north. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 29: 57 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases included 46 on Oahu, four on Hawaii Island, one on Kauai and three on Maui. Three Hawaii residents were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kealoha corruption case nears conclusion with Monday’s sentencings. The fate of Honolulu’s once most powerful law enforcement couple — former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kea­loha — is scheduled to be announced in federal court on Monday, writing a final chapter to one of Hawaii’s most stunning public corruption cases that embarrassed island law enforcement and shocked the community for the depths of its betrayal. Star-Advertiser.

After lengthy delay, Kealohas to be sentenced in one of Hawaii’s biggest public corruption cases. One of the biggest public corruption cases in Hawaii history is finally coming to an end. Ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his estranged wife Katherine, a former high-ranking former deputy city prosecutor, will face a federal judge Monday to be sentenced. Hawaii News Now.

After several delays, Kealohas to be sentenced Monday.  Disgraced retired police chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, are scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Monday, Nov. 30. KHON2.

Oahu surge testing wraps up on Monday, Nov. 30. The last day to receive a free surge test from the City and County of Honolulu will be Monday, Nov. 30. KHON2.

Ala Moana condo to go before City Council. Expect lively debate Wednesday when the owners of Ala Moana Center present to a Honolulu City Council committee their plan for a 40-story, 583-unit condominium tower on the makai, Diamond Head corner of Piikoi and Kona streets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council, public speak out on Roth’s Cabinet picks. Mayor-elect Mitch Roth drew from both government and private sectors in his choices for Cabinet officials, but some people think his appointees to head two key departments — Planning and Public Works — sway too far pro-development. West Hawaii Today.

Broken corals found in Makako Bay are reattached. More than 80 living coral fragments that were broken off the reef at Makako Bay have been replanted on the reef by biologists and staff with the Division of Aquatic Resources of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser.

Broken Corals Restored To Coral Reef At Makakō Bay. In November, numerous live coral fragments were found scattered below the base of a popular manta dive site mooring at Makakō Bay, or Garden Eel Cove, in North Kona.  Big Island Video News.

Humane society looks to the future. In June, the humane society ended its contract with Hawaii County to provide animal control services, which were funded by the county. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County could see more restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise. Maui County Mayor Mike Victorio says he plans to decide on Friday if he'll move the county from it's "Act with Care" phase to a "Safer At Home" order which would come with more restrictions. KITV4.

Restaurant closes for cleaning after COVID-19 cases found. The Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea closed temporarily “out of an abundance of caution” after three employees tested positive for COVID-19. Maui News.

Uechi named Maui News managing editor. Longtime editor Lee Imada leaves after nearly 40 years. Assistant City Editor Colleen Uechi has been promoted to managing editor of The Maui News following the departure of longtime editor Lee Imada, the company announced Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Halts Participation In Pre-Travel Testing Program. The decision, approved by Goveror David Ige, means that all transpacific and inter-county travelers to Kaua‘i are again subject to a 14-day quarantine. Big Island Video News.

Kauai opts out of pre-travel testing program in bid to stem community spread. Gov. David Ige has approved a request by the mayor of Kauai to temporarily opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, a decision that will force all travelers to the Garden Isle — including those on neighbor island flights — to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai 'resort bubble' prepares for new travel restrictions. On December 2nd, Kauai County is opting out of Hawaii's pre-travel testing program. That means that anyone coming from either the mainland or another island will be required to do the mandatory 14-day quarantine regardless of COVID-19 test result. KITV4.

Virtual inauguration Tuesday. The Kaua‘i County Council and prosecuting attorney will be inaugurated virtually Tuesday, Dec. 1. Garden Island.

Kauai County Council Joins Fight Against Proposed Glamping Resort. The plan to develop luxury camping at a Princeville golf course may eventually run afoul of a newly reenergized county ordinance covering open spaces. Civil Beat.

Ground broken for huge ‘Ele‘ele housing project. The County Housing Agency held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Lima Ola affordable housing project in ‘Ele‘ele last week. Garden Island.

Molokai

Moloka’i Forests To Be Protected From Wildfires and Erosion. Forests on the southern slopes of Moloka‘i are about to receive additional protection from threats like wildfires, erosion and flooding thanks to a new award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The foundation has awarded over $1.8 million to the DLNR to address threats using proven tools such as fencing and removing hooved animals, as well as creating firebreaks. Maui Now.

Travel-related coronavirus cases increase, Kauai seeks to opt out of Safe Travels program, Honolulu limits Thanksgiving parties to 5 people, unemployment tax expected to triple, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Travelers get screened at Honolulu airport PC:state of Hawaii

CORRECTION: The headline and first article in this compilation have been changed to reflect corrections of an error in the original article. All Hawaii News strives to promptly correct errors discovered in its source articles.

Percentage of Hawaii travel-related COVID-19 cases up fourfold in November. State health officials said Tuesday that 13% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases were travel-related in November, up from 3% in October. Star-Advertiser. Star-Advertiser.

Local Emergency Room Doctor Says Not Tightening Travel Guidelines Could Be Dangerous. Dr. Darragh O'Carroll released a peer-reviewed paper concluding that Hawaii's current pre-travel testing program is allowing more COVID-19-infected travelers into the state than expected. KITV.

Constantly changing travel testing rules is stressing out some Hawaii air travelers. Many travelers including residents say the pre-travel testing rules are changing far too often to keep up with. Some travelers say the reality of trying to get a test and their results back within the 72-hour time frame is just not enough time and adds even more stress to travel plans. Hawaii News Now.

Only 76,613 visitors came to Hawaii in October, widening year-to-date arrivals losses to more than 73%. October was the highest month for visitors since March; however, the start of the state’s pre-arrivals testing program only helped return about 10% of Hawaii’s pre-coronavirus arrivals. Star-Advertiser.

People Are Moving To Hawaii To Escape Virus Hotspots. Will They Stay?. Some see the recent uptick in people moving to Hawaii as an opportunity for the state. Others view the wave of newcomers as a threat. Civil Beat.

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Attorney: Officer who cited US surgeon general under investigation for overtime abuse. An over-zealous police officer could be a major factor in the case against U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams. That’s according to the attorney for Adams, who says he was shocked to hear the officer who cited him for being in a closed park back in August is now among those who are being investigated for overtime abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment Drops Slightly Amid Concerns Over Changes To Travel Testing Program. At more than 14%, Hawaii’s unemployment rate still leads the nation, but there are encouraging signs of a recovery. Since the resumption of tourism in October, unemployment has declined from a high of more than 15%. Hawaii Public Radio.

Businesses will have to pay three times more in unemployment tax in 2021. The unemployment trust fund, which is used to pay unemployment benefits, is empty. In fact, Hawaii’s unemployment fund is hundreds of millions in the red. Unless legislators act quickly, employers will be forced to pay the maximum in unemployment taxes, which is roughly three times what they paid in 2020. KHON2.

Here’s how big your Thanksgiving gathering can be in each county. The rules are strictest on Oahu, which is seeing an average of nearly 90 new COVID-19 infections daily. Gathering rules are the most lenient on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Complaints delay isle vote certification. The certification of Hawaii’s election results is being delayed by three complaints: one from a woman who said she was running for president of the United States, another from a candidate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and from a slate of candidates under the banner Klean House Hawaii that included a long-shot candidate for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 24: 61 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials recorded 61 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 45 on Oahu, seven on Hawaii Island, one on Kauai, four on Maui, and four more Hawaii residents were diagnosed outside of the state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s mayor proposes additional testing changes for trans-Pacific travelers. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will ask the governor for a workaround to allow trans-Pacific travelers still awaiting travelers to avoid quarantine. Under Caldwelll’s plan, a traveler without a negative COVID-19 test result would take one immediately after landing at Honolulu’s airport. Hawaii News Now.

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Airbnb and Expedia agree to help Honolulu crack down on illegal vacation rentals. Airbnb and Expedia Group will help the city crack down on illegal short-term vacation rentals under an agreement Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the two online platform giants announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Short-Term Rental Listings On Airbnb, Expedia Face New Requirements. It’s about to get tougher to advertise illegal transient vacation rentals in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

City teams up with Airbnb, Vrbo to crack down on illegal vacation rentals. The city is teaming up with Airbnb and Expedia, the parent company of Vrbo, to crack down on illegal vacation rentals on Oahu. A new memorandum of agreement is aimed at tracking and regulating Oahu vacation rentals, including by ensuring legal rentals are properly taxed and illegal rentals are shut down. Hawaii News Now.

Illegal short term rentals will be revealed under new agreement. Oahu's vacation rentals will soon be closely tracked and regulated, which may put an end to the island's illegal rentals. KITV4.

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City officials eye delay in start of rail service. Bus revenue has dropped significantly since the onset of the corona­virus pandemic, a situation that’s contributed to what the Caldwell administration estimates will be a $400 million shortfall in next year’s overall city operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku Community Association files appeal over Na Pua Makani wind turbines. Keep the North Shore Country and Kahuku Community Association have filed an appeal over the City’s approval of the location of Na Pua Makani wind turbines. KHON2.

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Ex-prosecutor Katherine Kealoha writes of drug addiction in sentencing letter. Katherine Kealoha, the former Honolulu prosecutor convicted of conspiracy in Hawaii’s biggest corruption case that also took down her police chief husband, apologized for her actions in a handwritten letter to the judge today and blamed a prescription drug addiction for clouding her judgment. Associated Press.

Read Katherine Kealoha’s handwritten letter to a judge ahead of her sentencing. In a handwritten letter to a federal judge ahead of her sentencing Monday, Katherine Kealoha asked for “mercy” for her husband ― ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha ― and two officers also convicted following a massive public corruption trial. Hawaii News Now.

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Magic Island parking lot reopens after $2.5M restoration project. Just in time for beach-goers and park users over the long holiday weekend, the ‘Aina Moana (Magic Island) parking lot at Ala Moana Regional Park has reopened to the public, after having been closed since April 13 for restoration work that is now almost completed, city Department of Parks & Recreation officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Work On Magic Island Parking Lot Completed, Finally. Access to the popular park had been limited for months due to reconstruction. Civil Beat.

After 8 months, the Magic Island parking lot is back open. The Magic Island parking lot reopened Tuesday after an 8-month-long closure for renovations. The city says 470-stall parking lot was repaved and re-striped. New gates and benches were also installed, along with a drop off zone. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Going vertical: Construction begins on homes in Laʻi ʻOpua. Vertical construction has commenced for 60 homes within the Villages of La‘i ‘Opua in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Construction Begins On 60 Homes In Laʻi ʻŌpua. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has announced that the construction of 60 homes within the Villages of Laʻi ʻŌpua in Kealakehe is underway. Big Island Video News.

Jury trial set for one of five arrested for virus violations at Kahaluu. Jury trial has been set for one of the five people arrested in August for gathering at Kahaluu Beach Park in violation of Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Officials say golf tourney followed COVID rules. Some questioned Shane Victorino’s charity event in Wailea. Retired Major League Baseball player and Maui boy Shane Victorino said that a golf tournament and dinner benefit he hosted over the weekend followed COVID-19 protocols, as some on social media questioned why the mayor’s son was holding a large event during the pandemic. Maui News.

Maui Police Issue 236 Citations, Make 3 Arrests in Ongoing Click It Or Ticket Campaign. Maui police have already issued 236 traffic citations and made three arrests during the first few days of a seatbelt enforcement campaign that runs through Nov. 29. Maui Now.

Kauai

After string of new COVID-19 cases, Kauai seeks to opt out of pre-travel testing program. In what could prove a major blow to Hawaii’s Safe Travels program, Kauai’s mayor has asked to temporarily opt out of the pre-travel testing program that allows trans-Pacific and inter-island passengers to forgo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Kawakami requests Safe Travels pause. Mayor Derek Kawakami is asking Gov. David Ige to temporarily opt-out of the state’s Safe Travel program beginning Dec. 1. Garden Island.

Kauai seeks to exit pre-travel testing program. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami sent a request Tuesday to Gov. David Ige to temporarily pause Kauai’s participation in the state’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program. If Ige approves, as of Tuesday all incoming Kauai travelers — trans-Pacific and interisland — would be required to quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of testing. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai requests to temporarily opt-out of pre-travel testing program as cases continue to rise. KHON2.

Kauai Seeks To Opt Out Of Pre-Travel Testing Program Amid COVID-19 Fears. If approved, all travelers to the island, including those from other counties, would have to quarantine though some exemptions would remain in place, including for health care workers. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Mayor Proposes Rule to Temporarily Opt Out of State’s Pre-Travel Testing Program. Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has submitted a proposal to Gov. David Ige requesting a temporary pause to the Garden Island’s participation in the state’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program and require incoming travelers to Kaua‘i to quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of testing. Big Island Now.

Federal funds help low-income renters on Kaua‘i. Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency will receive $352,924 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher program. Garden Island.

Coral reefs declining, pro surfing returning, Lanai reopening, state restaurant association asks for delay in Honolulu plastics ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s coral reefs in fair shape but declining, report finds. Coral reefs in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, including those in Hawaii, were found to be in “fair” shape in the first-ever nationwide condition status report for U.S. coral reefs released Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Traditional Veterans Day events canceled, but some virtual stand-ins planned. There are no big gatherings planned this year in the islands for Veterans Day, but organizers are still working to honor those who served. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans Day 2020 freebies: Where to get free food (and more). Several restaurants are showing thanks to Veterans by offering free items and meals. KHON2.

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Pro surfing to return to Hawaii — but without fans on the shoreline. Champion surfing is back: The World Surf League’s tour will return to Hawaii for the 2021 season. But surfers and fans can expect big changes when the season starts. Like everyone else, they’ve made adjustments in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic turns popular surfing competition into broadcast-only film production. The World Surf League will kick off its Championship Tour on Oahu and Maui. KHON2.

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15 States Have Now Legalized Recreational Cannabis. What About Hawaii? Hawaii’s attorney general has assembled a team to advise lawmakers on the issues, and how Hawaii might regulate legal use. Civil Beat.

Board of Land and Natural Resources weighs commercial marine license fee increase: Non-resident fees could rise. A proposal to more than double nonresident commercial marine license fees from $100 to $250 per year will be heard by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

A 28-year-old first-time candidate who won a seat in the state House representing Waikiki and Ala Moana is getting national attention for breaking barriers. Adrian Tam is an openly gay son of Asian immigrants. Hawaii News Now.

90% of Hawaii Restaurant Cards mailed out by the state have been activated. Of the 116,000 Hawaii Restaurant Cards the state mailed out just over 105,000 have been activated, that's about 90%. KITV4.

DOE clarifies: Masks are required for students and staff inside classrooms. The Department of Education is clarifying their policy that face coverings and masks are required in public school classrooms. The DOE sought to erase confusion after outdated text was seen on their website saying classrooms were considered “Ohana Bubbles,” and that masks weren’t required while indoors. Hawaii News Now.

‘Covid Pau’ townhall meeting brings together community members. A town hall meeting is bringing together local leaders to discuss the health, and economic impact of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

State found just 18 COVID-19 positives so far out of more than 15,000 tests of travelers. A surveillance testing program meant to be a key safety net in the reopening of tourism has found 18 COVID-19 positives out of 15,158 tests of travelers to Hawaii since Oct. 19. Star-Advertiser.

Few Visitors Volunteer To Take Maui, Kauai Second COVID-19 Tests. Kauai and Maui are encouraging trans-Pacific travelers to take a free, second COVID-19 test a few days after they arrive on the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 10: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of the 78 cases recorded Tuesday, 62 were on Oahu, four were on the Big Island and five were on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Restaurant Association asks to delay single-use plastics ban due to COVID-19. Restaurant owners agree that the ban is important to help protect the environment, but worry that the coronavirus pandemic, which is already driving up costs, will make it even harder to effect the change. KHON2.

Will putting in fewer parking spaces mean fewer cars on the road? The city hopes so. To reduce the number of cars on the road and cut down the amount of carbon emissions in the air, a bill now moving through the City Council would eliminate the requirement for developers to build a new parking stall for every 800 square feet that they develop. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Honolulu Police Use Of Force Increased Last Year. A new report shows racial disparities persisted in 2019 in the Honolulu Police Department’s use of force. Civil Beat.

Caldwell again voices support for statewide mask mandate, suggests $100 fine for violation. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said once again today he supports a statewide mask mandate, as well as legislative changes to make it more like a traffic infraction than a criminal misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser.

City’s Transportation Director Steps Down Early. The Honolulu’s Transportation Services Director, Wes Frysztacki, is stepping down weeks before his term officially expires. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Arrest Miske Witness On Gun And Drug Charges. Lindsey Kinney says the alleged crime boss tried to kill him after he refused to carry out a hit against Jonathan Fraser. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha refuses to leave jail cell to talk to lawyer about her upcoming sentencing. Convicted former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has refused to come out of her jail cell to meet with her lawyer. Associated Press.

Medal of Honor recipient, new clinic seek to assist veterans. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Child &Family Service had a “soft opening” on Sept. 8 for its 9,000-square-foot mental health facility at 95-1091 Ainamakua Drive. Providers will be able to care for some of the more than 30,000 post-9/11 veterans and and their families and nearly 60,000 family members of active-duty members in Hawaii, the organization said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Reports: Hazardous substances should not be an issue during Hoku Kea demo. The Maunakea Management Board has determined the planned decommissioning of the Hoku Kea observatory on the Maunakea summit will likely not release or otherwise involve hazardous materials. Tribune-Herald.

Pattern of COVID Infections Emerge on Leeward Side of Big Island. Data from the state Department of Health demonstrates the majority of those now being infected on the Big Island are between 1-year and 40-years-old, and are based in West Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Devastating Coffee Leaf Rust Confirmed In Kona, Not Hilo. Coffee leaf rust, the devastating coffee plant pest known to growers around the world, has been found for the first time in the Kona coffee growing region on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Work underway at old Hilo airport. Old structures around the old Hilo airport have been demolished and will be replaced, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Waikapū Park Complex Improvements to Close Park Nov. 16 to Sept. 2021. Improvements and expansion of the Waikapū Community Center are planned, along with the replacement of ball field irrigation and other park upgrades. Maui Now.

DOH allows a Kihei restaurant to reopen after exterminating a roach infestation. The Bale Sandwich & Vietnamese Food in Kihei was shut down last week after an inspection by the Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department Issues Red Placard to Kīhei Restaurant Due to Alleged Roach Infestation. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch issued a red “Closed” placard to Kīhei Bale Sandwich & Vietnamese Food in South Maui after a health inspector reportedly discovered a roach infestation in the kitchen on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Lets Chandler Family Keep Running Their Vacation Rental. The Kauai County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a controversial vacation rental permit after the county attorney held that the permit had gone into force automatically because the county failed to act on it after ordered to do so by the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Civil Beat.

Long-challenged TVR finally gets permits. A contested special permit to manage a transient vacation rental that’s been in operation since the early 2000s was granted by the Planning Commission Tuesday afternoon due to exceeding the statute of limitations on processing the application. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Department of Health report 3 new cases of COVID. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported three new positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, all related to travelers who participated in the state’s Safe Travels pre-testing program. Garden Island.

Lanai

Governor approves ‘safer-at-home’ order for Lanai. The residents of Lanai will shift from a stay-at-home order to a safer-at-home order starting Wednesday. Governor Ige granted approval for the new order after the island completed a 2-week lockdown. It was put into place following an outbreak of more than 100 COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

Lāna‘i Stay-at-Home Order to be Lifted, Transition to ‘Safer At Home’ Starts Nov. 12. Maui Now.

‘Safer At Home’ order approved for Lanai, begins Nov. 12. On Tuesday, Governor David Ige approved what local county officials believe to be a step toward bringing back normalcy amid a raging pandemic. KHON2.

Lanai to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Thursday. Maui County has approved an emergency order to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Lanai starting Thursday, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige asked to ease Lanai virus rules on Thursday. After nearly two weeks, Lanai may be opening up Thursday if Gov. David Ige approves the move from stay-at-home to safer-at-home status following an outbreak of COVID-19 on the island. Maui News.

Court kicks Ala Wai project back for an EIS, Kauai councilman arrested, accused of assaulting traffic cop, state pays Honolulu to take over Kakaako parks, Maui mayor to sue fossil fuel companies over climate change, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Injunction stops funding for Ala Wai flood control project. A judge Tuesday issued an injunction stopping the city and state from funding a controversial flood control project that would build walls and berms around the Ala Wai Canal and put huge flood-control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of $350M Ala Wai flood control project secure a win in court. On Tuesday, state Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Crabtree ruled that no money can be committed to the project until an Environmental Impact Statement is completed, which could take quite a bit more time. Hawaii News Now.

Judge's decision puts funding for controversial Ala Wai flood control project on hold. Opponents of the project said they're not against flood mitigation of the Ala Wai Canal, but they think there are alternative ways to go about it. KITV.

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‘Nation’s Report Card’ shows improvement for Hawaii students. Fourth graders in Hawaii’s public schools have caught up to the national average in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, but eighth graders still lag their peers nationally. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawaii Teens Have Some Of The Highest Vaping Rates In The Nation. Researchers say it’s a mixture of marketing and economics, plus Hawaii getting a head start on a trend that started in Asia. Civil Beat.

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Gov. Ige appoints former prisons director Ted Sakai to corrections oversight commission.  Gov. David Ige appointed former prisons director Ted Sakai to the new Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission. KHON2.

Ige Makes Appointment To Prison Oversight Panel. Ted Sakai has some 30 years of experience at the Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

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Federal Regulators Announce Rules for Commercial Hemp. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new rules that help clear the way for commercial cultivation of hemp in the country, Hawaii  included. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

State pays city $2.25M to take over Kakaako parks with troubled reputation. After three years of back and forth, the Hawaii Community Development Authority has agreed to pay the city $2.25 million to take ownership of three troubled parks in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

HCDA To Transfer Kakaako Parcels To City. The makai land includes the Gateway and Waterfront parks. Civil Beat.

City takes over Kakaako parks; mayor says big fixes and funding preclude playground. The City and County of Honolulu officially takes over Kakaako makai parks this week, in one of Hawaii’s largest such land transfers. KHON2.

Kaka‘ako land transfer to be realized November 1. The historic transfer of public lands and facilities in one of the fastest growing areas of the state will be finalized and take effect on Friday. KITV.

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Mayor says no other target or subject letters from feds; city cooperating with subpoenas and warrants. Federal investigations have intersected with Honolulu Hale quite a bit recently, from the Kealoha case to the rail project.  KHON2.

Police outnumber demonstrators at Kahuku, Kalaeloa wind-farm protest sites. Demonstrators against the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project remain resolute as the nightly transport of turbine parts to Kahuku continue. Star-Advertiser.

‘We trusted her’: Man explains how Katherine Kealoha abused his trust. Ransen Taito was just a child when he met Katherine Kealoha, a long time family friend who promised to help him and his younger sister after their father died in 2004. Hawaii News Now.

Navy's Proposed Fuel Tank Upgrades Get Cold Reception, Health Officials Seek Tougher Standards. A public meeting is scheduled next month on the U.S. Navy's proposed upgrades to its Red Hill fuel facility while a separate gathering is planned later this year on rule changes that would toughen standards for underground storage tanks. Hawaii Public Radio.

New proposal would require microchipping pets and raise fees for a lost pet. Under a new City Council proposal, pet owners would be required to microchip their dogs and cats. KHON2.

Zippy’s says stricter ban on plastics could cause closures. A stricter plastic ban is headed to a final reading at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2.

Community divided over Kaneohe cemetery’s plan to expand by 30 acres. After selling most of its burial plots, Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery in Kaneohe wants to expand its 156-acre cemetery by about 30 acres. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Puna Senator Puts Governor On The Spot Over Geothermal Reopening. State Senator Russell Ruderman sent a letter to Governor David Ige concerning the reopening of the Puna Geothermal Venture facility in his district. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Police Department looking for 47 new police officers. Think you got what it takes to wear the badge and blue? West Hawaii Today.

Building instability and moisture are resulting in extensive fog, ice and high humidity at the summit, forecasters say. Ice and snow can already be seen on observatory webcams. Ice was starting to cover the summit of Mauna Kea on Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Video News.

TMT official says Hawaii still preferred site, despite Spanish news report. The Thirty Meter Telescope remains committed to building on Maunakea, contrary to reports published in a Canary Islands newspaper. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County announces year-round vehicle disposal assistance program. Hawaii County is resuming an amnesty program to help subsidize disposal costs for residents wanted to dispose of unwanted vehicles. West Hawaii Today.

Geologists sample growing pond in Halema‘uma‘u. U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Saturday collected samples from the growing water pond in Kilauea volcano’s Halema‘uma‘u crater. Tribune-Herald.

County Recycling Cutbacks A Sign Of Global Market Changes. When China and other Asian nations curtailed dirty recycling streams, the county’s recycling contractor saw markets dry up, forcing residents to seek alternatives. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Mayor Plans To Sue Fossil Fuel Companies For Climate Change Damage. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced plans Tuesday to sue fossil fuel companies that he says are responsible for climate change-related damage to roads and other infrastructure, but there are challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui County Plans Lawsuit Against Fossil Fuel Companies. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his intent for Maui County to file a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies for what he called “mounting impacts of climate change and rising sea levels.” Maui Now.

Maui County to sue fossil fuel companies over costs of climate change. Maui County plans to sue fossil fuel companies to seek compensation for the mounting costs of climate change, which officials say are already being felt. Hawaii News Now.

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New Lawsuit Filed In Maui County’s Supreme Court Showdown. The latest legal action asks a state court judge to allow the Maui County Council to settle the case before it has the potential to carve a giant loophole into the Clean Water Act. Civil Beat.

Conservation positions open at park, sanctuary. Kupu is looking for individuals passionate about preserving the natural environment at Haleakala National Park and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Maui News.


Kauai

Kauai County councilman arrested, accused of assaulting a police officer. County officials say Arthur Brun was booked Tuesday afternoon. Sources say Brun was wanted for drug-related charges. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai councilmember arrested following traffic stop. Kauai police arrested a Kauai County councilman Tuesday afternoon after he attempted to flee from police during a traffic stop. Garden Island.

Kauai County councilman allegedly hits police officer with car. Kauai police arrested Tuesday afternoon a 47-year-old Waimea man who allegedly struck a police officer with a car while trying to flee during a traffic stop. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai councilman accused of hitting officer with vehicle. Kauai police arrested a county councilman Tuesday afternoon after authorities say he attempted to flee from police during a traffic stop. KHON2.

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Spectrum says services fully restored. Kauai got its regular internet, phone and cable TV back Monday night, but exactly what went wrong with the undersea fiber optic cable connecting the island to Oahu and the rest of the world remains unclear, and there is no firm timeline for repairs. Garden Island.

Molokai

Discounted prescription drug program on Molokai in limbo. Contract ends between Molokai health center, only independent pharmacy on island, Molokai Drugs. Maui News.

Lanai

Revamped Lanai hotel ready to welcome guests — starting at $2,700 a day. Lanai is about to be an island anchored by two luxury resorts — again. Star-Advertiser.