Sen. Keith-Agaran resigning amid ethical questions over Maui lawsuit representation, Mayor Bissen criticized for fire response, Biden pledges $95M for electric grid hardening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Senator To Resign Amid Questions Over Possible Conflict Of Interest. Hawaii Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran, who has faced public criticism about his role as a private attorney in connection with litigation over the Lahaina wildfire disaster, announced plans to resign from the Senate effective Oct. 31. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Maui News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Maui mayor had to recuse himself from HECO suit because his daughter works for utility. Mayor Rick Bissen was not involved in Maui County’s decision to sue Hawaiian Electric because his daughter, Sayble Bissen, works for the utility on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen faces calls to resign as questions about county’s wildfire response.
More than three weeks after a raging inferno gutted historic Lahaina town, leaving at least 115 people dead, not one state or county leader has taken responsibility for the failures that led to the deaths of what’s likely hundreds of people. Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Tokuda: “We’re going to fight like hell” to ensure FEMA is funded for Maui recovery. US Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) announced a shared legislative priority for Congress to approve funding for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund as Maui continues recovery from the Aug. 8 deadly wildfire in Lahaina. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Biden pledges $95M to harden Hawaii electric grids. Nearly $100 million is “on the way” from the federal government to upgrade Hawaii’s electric grid to better withstand extreme weather events, but it’s unclear how many improvements the money can pay for as well as where and when. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Biden to nominate Hawaii attorney for federal judgeship. Micah W.J. Smith has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii since 2018. He is a nominee for the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Exec’s cooperation leads to reduction of sentence. Honolulu wastewater executive Milton Choy’s sentence following his involvement in a bribery scheme was reduced because of his “extraordinary cooperation” with prosecutors, which has led to the arrests and convictions of state legislators and Maui County employees. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A North Shore Shooting That Left Two Men Dead Has An Intriguing Link To The Miske Case. A 20-year-old man who shot and killed two others in an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot of Haleiwa Joe’s Seafood Grill on Aug. 31, 2018, was an FBI confidential source in the investigation leading to the indictment of Honolulu businessman and alleged racketeering gang leader, Michael J. Miske Jr. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Most of Kapapala Ranch transfered to ag department. The Kapapala Ranch, which encompasses about 31,000 acres in Ka‘u just north of Pahala, was mostly transferred from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to the state Department of Agriculture in order to fulfill the terms of a 2003 law. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Gets An Earful From Angry Residents Over Housing Proposal. The state's chief housing officer says her team is identifying land where new housing can be built and assessing needs. Civil Beat.

Lahaina Parents Criticize DOE Plan To Temporarily Relocate Students. Lahaina Parents Criticize DOE Plan To Temporarily Relocate Students.  Families from Lahaina used a public meeting in Napili Wednesday to vent their frustration with the Hawaii Department of Education over communication since the Aug. 8 fire that damaged one school and closed three.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina District Courthouse to reopen Sept. 5. The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announced the Lahaina District Courthouse will reopen and resume normal operations on Sept. 5, 2023.  Maui Now.

Ocean water testing begins off Lahaina. Preliminary water testing in the nearshore waters off Lahaina is showing that physical parameters, like temperature, PH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, are currently in normal ranges.  Maui Now. Garden Island.

Visitors urged to not cancel trips. Tourists were initially urged to stay away from Maui in the immediate wake of a wildfire that killed at least 115 people and devastated the historic town of Lahaina.But now, more than three weeks after the catastrophic wildfire, officials and some residents are urging visitors to not cancel upcoming trips to other parts of the island, saying the tourism dollars are needed to keep locals employed. Los Angeles Times. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai utility to cut power to some customers amid red flag conditions. Select power lines on Kauai will be de-energized due to red flag warning currently impacting leeward parts of the islands, according to Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawai‘i homelessness coordinator, Kaua‘i County Council debate root cause of homelessness crisis.  James Koshiba, Gov. Josh Green’s coordinator on homelessness, met with the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday to discuss solutions for Hawai‘i’s growing homelessness crisis, emphasizing the administration’s focus on countering the continuing unaffordability of homes in the state. Garden Island.

Landfill expansion meeting Aug. 31. A public meeting to discuss the Kekaha Landfill vertical expansion is at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii reports COVID surge, indoor masking to continue through summer at public schools, Blue Angels returning to Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID testing PC: JC Gellidon on Unsplash

Department of Health urges caution as COVID-19 infections increase. The seven-day average of new cases rose to 722, an eightfold increase compared to the 87 reported March 23. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, jumped to 14.3%, up from 11.5% last week. It is the eighth week in a row that DOH has recorded an increase in the positivity rate, which is considerably higher than it was during the delta variant surge. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Indoor masking to continue in public school summer programs. The indoor masking rule for Hawaii’s regular public schools will continue through at least the summer term, state officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. KITV4.

Hawaii’s ongoing economic recovery in precarious spot. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization expects a rising number of foreign tourists over the remainder of this year will boost the local economy enough to offset expected negative impacts from inflation, Russia’s war in Ukraine, COVID-19 shutdowns in China and U.S. interest rate increases planned by the Federal Reserve. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

How Fast Can Government Agencies Turn The Legislature’s $1 Billion Into New Housing?. Lawmakers just appropriated approximately $1 billion to help build homes for residents. Now it’s up to the executive branch to make things happen. Civil Beat.

Tougher penalties eyed to protect ‘aquatic resources’. Among the bills passed this legislative session and sent to Gov. David Ige for his consideration is one that would stiffen penalties for violating the state’s aquatic resources law. Tribune-Herald.

Electric Vehicles Are On The Rise In Hawaii. Can Charging Infrastructure Keep Up? Many Hawaii residents living in apartment buildings and other multi-family dwellings lack direct access to electric vehicle charging stations. Civil Beat.

BOE Will Choose A New Superintendent Next Week After Finalist Interviews. The interviews and the vote will be open to the public in-person and online in a process aimed at promoting transparency. Civil Beat.

DOE outlines future plans for distance learning as school year wraps. The Department of Education said it’ll offer distance learning next school year, but is encouraging in-person learning. KHON2.

Hawaii parents hunt for baby formula amid shortage. Parents across the U.S. are scrambling to find baby formula as supply disruptions, compounded by a massive safety recall by major manufacturer Abbott, have left many store shelves empty of leading brands. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pilot flew too fast in bad weather before crashing in Kailua. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation into a 2019 tour helicopter crash in a Kailua neighborhood concluded that the pilot flew into stormy weather at a higher-than-recommended speed, an action that led to the aircraft’s failure and fatal plunge from the sky. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Inspectors Found Problems With Hawaii Fuel Operations Before Contamination Crisis. U.S. Navy fuel operations in and around Pearl Harbor were found out of compliance with environmental protection rules in 2019. Civil Beat.

Feds link man accused of threatening Hawaii leaders to paramilitary, sovereignty group. Federal authorities are taking a close look at a paramilitary, Hawaiian protest group after a man linked to the group allegedly issued social media threats to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Lt. Gov. Josh Green and the Waianae harbor master, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Blue Angels set to take flight across Hawaii skies. The Blue Angels are making a comeback as they prepare to zoom across Oahu skies at this year’s Kaneohe Bay Air Show. The event will be held on August 13 and 14 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

EPA visits wastewater facilities: Regional administrator offers guidance on money for upgrades at Kealakehe, Hilo facilities. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the nonprofit environmental law organization that successfully sued Maui County are watching how Hawaii County plans to handle similar wastewater discharge issues. West Hawaii Today.

Community opposition is growing in Kohala over a $25 million land listing. Community opposition is growing in Kohala over plans to sell land near the Pololū Valley lookout and along the valley coastline. A private landowner has listed nearly 45 acres in the area for $25 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal firefighters at Hawaii Island training area battle Army over safety, retaliation complaints. Besides fires, they’re also fighting their boss ― the U.S. Army ― which wants to conduct a prescribed burn at Pohakuloa. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Public hearing to be held on fuel, vehicle, property tax rates. The Maui County Council will hold three separate public hearings on Friday on fuel, motor vehicle and property tax rates for fiscal year 2023, which begins July 1.  Maui News.

Maui County considers measure to limit visitor accommodations amid tourism resurgence. The resurgence of tourism on Maui to pre-pandemic levels has the county considering a measure to limit the number of visitor accommodations including hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

KIUC Retires $1.7 Million in Patronage Capital. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will begin issuing $1.7 million in 2021 patronage capital retirement bill credits to cooperative members this month due to action taken by the board of directors at its April 28 meeting. Garden Island.

Health Department urges 14-day emergency kit in event of coronavirus, Honolulu residents sour on quality of life, Puna boat ramp gets startup funds, coral reef health threatened, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coral reef with wrasse ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ominous conclusion of UH study: The world’s coral reefs could be gone by 2100. The scientists projected that over the next two decades, a staggering 70% to 90% will disappear because of rising ocean temperatures and acidity. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii officials urge preparing 14-day emergency kit in case of coronavirus outbreak. Hawaii health officials are urging the public to prepare for a future outbreak of COVID-19, which has infected nearly 80,000 people across the globe and killed at least 2,700. Star-Advertiser.

State: Residents should have emergency supplies on hand in case of coronavirus outbreak. The state is urging residents to take steps now to prepare for the potential spread of the coronavirus to Hawaii, including by having a 14-day kit of emergency supplies at home. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health warning families to prepare for coronavirus. The Hawaii Department of Health said the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat to Hawaii is low at this time, but they’re asking families to start making plans now in case the coronavirus makes its way to Hawaii in the future. KHON2.

Hawaii doctors flagged 8 for coronavirus symptoms; none tested. Hawaii doctors have alerted the Department of Health at least 8 times about patients they thought could have coronavirus, but none of them were tested. KHON2.

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Bill To Expand Preschool Access Clears Key House Committees. The measure to give Hawaii’s families more affordable preschool and childcare options is now primed for a full House vote. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage boost advances: Rate would go from $10.10 per hour to $13 by 2024. Legislators in the state House Labor and Public Employment Committee and Finance Committee on Friday recommended House Bill 2541 be passed with amendments. Tribune-Herald.

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Proposed Crackdown On Vaping Advances At The Legislature. Four bills that would prohibit sales of flavored vaping products are moving through the state House and Senate chambers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Joins Multi-State Investigation of Juul. Hawaii is among 39 states investigating the company’s marketing business practices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii joins forces with 38 other states to investigate JUUL marketing practices. Hawaii is the latest state to join a bi-partisan, multi-state investigation into JUUL, the biggest manufacturer of vaping devices. KITV4.

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Measure to protect refs, coaches gains momentum. One of two bills introduced in the state Senate seeking harsher penalties for parents, spectators and athletes who assault or terrorize sports officials such as referees, umpires and coaches cleared its only committee hurdle Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Why Hawaii Continues To Keep Fluoride Out Of Its Drinking Water. Nearly 70% of the U.S. population receive fluoride through public water systems. Hawaii remains an outlier, thanks to long-standing opposition. Civil Beat.

‘Inadvertent Mistake’ Deletes Online Evaluations Of Hawaii’s Top Judges. Attorneys are asked to resubmit surveys intended to help justices and judges improve judicial performance. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Residents sour on Honolulu’s quality of life. Oahu residents don’t feel as good about living here as they did in 2006 or even a year ago, according to a recent survey. Star-Advertiser.

City plans $39M Emergency Operations Center to better respond to disasters. The city wants to replace its Emergency Operations Center with a new four-story facility that would be built next to the recently-completed Joint Traffic Management Center and the Alapai Transit Center. Hawaii News Now.

City officials propose stormwater utility fee. City officials want Oahu property owners to provide feedback on plans for a new stormwater utility fee and dedicated fund that would pay for clearing and improving waterways and storm drains. Star-Advertiser.

Residents living near vacant homes are frustrated; City officials say vacancy tax will fix the problem. There are roughly 34,000 vacant homes in Honolulu, a vacancy rate of more than 10 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau. KHON2.

Wait For Appointments To Get 'Gold Star' ID Cards Taking 6 Weeks On Oahu. More than half of Hawaii licenses and IDs are compliant, but for those on Oahu who haven't gotten the approved identifications, the wait for an appointment now stretches to about six weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH researchers went looking for urban gardens ... and found an abundance in Kalihi. University of Hawaii Manoa assistant professor Vanessa Buchthal and a team of graduate assistants combed Kalihi streets and discovered more than a third of parcels they looked at in both residential and industrial areas had food growing on them. Hawaii News Now.

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Groundbreaking marks start of construction of 318-apartment project in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of affordable housing project in Kapolei. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday for new $125 million affordable housing project in Kapolei. 'The Element’ is just off Kualakai Parkway and makai of the H-1 Freeway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Initial funds released for Puna boat ramp. Gov. David Ige has released $500,000 in state funding that will be used for planning and feasibility studies for the possible restoration of the Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

Water managers hold the line on budget. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is holding the line on its budget, projecting a 0.5% decrease compared to this year. West Hawaii Today.

Makalei ambulance bill advances. An ambulance for the Makalei area moved one step closer to reality Tuesday after a measure to fund and staff the proposal was passed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More repeat races in county on deck. Stacy Crivello pulls papers to run for her old council seat. Maui News.

180 Warnings, 80 Violations for Illegal Maui Vacation Rentals. The County of Maui Department of Planning detailed the findings in its Maui County Transient Vacation Rental Enforcement 2019 Summary, saying “significant progress” has been made in curbing illegal vacation rentals in Maui County. Maui Now.

Median home price climbs to $782,000 in January. Home and condo prices both up about 7 percent over last year. Maui News.

Kaupo community hopes to restart schoolhouse project. The restoration became a demolition, upsetting members of community. Maui News.

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Hawaiian Airlines to hold open house to fill positions in Kahului. Hawaiian Airlines is recruiting for guest service and ramp agent positions in Kahului. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air recruiting for guest service, ramp agent positions in Kahului. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines seeks new hires on Maui. Hawaiian Airlines is hiring for guest service and ramp agents on Maui and will hold an open house for interested candidates on March 7 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC ahead of the production goal. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative estimates renewable energy production reached 55% in 2019; well ahead of its own strategic goal and the State of Hawai‘i’s mandated benchmarks. Garden Island.

Keiki-approved kalo. On Tuesday, a group of Kapa‘a High School’s agriculture students got to taste a taro burger from a local farm as part of the “Farm to School,” program which pairs the Department of Education with local farmers to supply ingredients for school lunches. Garden Island.

Millions for Hawaii in federal spending bill, feds step in to battle Oahu violent crime wave, Ige mum on Mauna Kea enforcement costs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea Volcano crater PC: K. Mulliken USGS Dec. 12, 2019

Federal Spending Deal Pumps Millions Of Dollars Into Hawaii. Congress passed a budget that includes money for programs the Trump administration tried to cut. Civil Beat.

$21 Million For New Volcano Observatory Field Station In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Funding to keep the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory inside the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was included in the year end spending package making its way through Congress. Big Island Video News.

Bill aims to prevent repeat of Hawaii false missile alert. A defense bill passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday seeks to prevent local government agencies from mistakenly warning residents of a ballistic missile attack the way Hawaii did nearly two years ago. Associated Press.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is expected to call for President Donald Trump to be censured over the Ukraine scandal as the full House of Representatives readies today to vote on two articles of impeachment. The lesser punishment is a longshot. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard makes fans of Trump supporters in New Hampshire. The Hawaii congresswoman has proven resilient in the Democratic field, weathering low poll numbers and attacks from top Democratic figures like former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. KITV.

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Worried About Your Tap Water? Civil Beat is sending water testing kits to households across Hawaii. Civil Beat’s environmental podcast “Are We Doomed? And Other Burning Environmental Questions” is working on a project about water quality and is sending drinking water test kits to households across Hawaii. Civil Beat.

In astounding confession, Hawaii child porn suspect claims 100 victims. Federal agents have arrested a Japanese national attending university in Hawaii after a 19-month investigation that led to a huge trove of child pornography ― and an admission from the suspect that he was in contact with more than 100 young girls. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Amid rash of violent crime on Oahu, federal investigators to target most dangerous offenders. U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Kenji Price says his office is prioritizing investigations and prosecutions of criminals with prior felony convictions. KITV.

Federal authorities partner with Honolulu police to address spate of violent crimes. U.S. Attorney Kenji Price said his office is coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department to see federal charges can be brought against some offenders. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Attorney vows to ramp up efforts amid wave of violent crime. United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji Price said Tuesday that his office will redouble efforts in the face of what appears to be a violent crime wave on Oahu in recent weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Six out of the nine officer-involved shootings this year resulted in a casualty. In six of the nine officer-involved shootings this year, the suspect was killed. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Fatally Shoot 2 Men In Less Than 24 Hours. The shootings come as there appears to be uptick in Honolulu crime. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard says she is concerned that there has been about a 20% increase in the number of violent crimes involving firearms. Associated Press.

Honolulu Police Officer Kills Knife-Wielding Suspect. This was the second fatal officer-involved shooting in less than 24 hours on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Police fatally shoot attempted murder suspect in Campbell Industrial Park. A lone patrol officer shot and killed a 27-year-old man early Tuesday morning in a grassy area of Campbell Industrial Park — the second fatal officer-involved shooting on Oahu in as many days. Star-Advertiser.

Officer-involved shooting in Campbell Industrial Area leaves one man dead. KHON2.

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3 Months After New Law, Oahu Vacation Rental Numbers Drop on Oahu. The number of vacation rentals on Oahu declined more than 5 percent from the same time last year. Honolulu’s recent restrictions on short-term renting appear to be the cause. Hawaii Public Radio.

New B&B tax class draws criticism. A bill signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell over the weekend creates a new property tax classification for Oahu residential properties where bed-and-breakfast establishments operate. Star-Advertiser.

Path cleared for vacation rental permits after new taxes implemented. Vacation rentals will soon be paying more taxes. Honolulu’s mayor signed Bill 55 into law Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

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Air Force Vet Announces Bid For District 1 Council Seat. A military veteran and community leader wants to represent the West Oahu district she has called home for over 20 years. Civil Beat.

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Zippy's and Dave's Ice Cream form new partnership. Meadow Gold Dairies ended its wholesale contract with Dave's after filing for bankruptcy. KITV.

Zippy’s Restaurants scoops up Dave’s Ice Cream to supply its 24 locations. Zippy’s Restaurants has agreed to continue scooping a lot of locally made ice cream in a deal that helps sustain Pearl City-based Dave’s Ice Cream Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Zippy’s strikes a deal with local ice cream supplier. Zippy’s is cutting out the middle man when it comes to their supply of ice cream in a recently announced deal that will likely save local jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Zippy’s announces deal with Dave’s Ice Cream. Prior to the deal, they said they had to cut back production because of loss of business. KHON2.

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Atherton foundation sells land under Kakaako high-rise. The Atherton Family Foundation has sold the land under a Kakaako affordable-housing rental tower to a state agency as part of a deal to improve the property through a private-public partnership. Star-Advertiser.

City communications director Andrew Pereira leaving for position in public relations.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Tuesday that Andrew Pereira will be leaving his position as communications director at the City and County of Honolulu to take a new position in the private sector.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Gov. David Ige mum on how much money budgeted to deal with protests against Thirty Meter Telescope. More money to deal with the ongoing protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope has been tucked away in the proposed new budgets of various state departments, but Gov. David Ige and his staff aren’t saying exactly how much. Star-Advertiser.

Energy code changes pass committee. A bill that would make 46 changes to the county’s energy conservation code passed a County Council committee meeting Tuesday and will go before the full council. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Environmental Management to Address Widespread Transfer Station Closures by Funding More Staff. For the last several weeks, Big Island transfer station closures have seemed almost a daily occurrence. Big Island Now.

Cheaper greens ahead: West Hawaii golf subsidy program tees off Jan. 2. Hawaii County’s subsidized golf program returns Jan. 2, some 6.5 years after funding was slashed in 2012 amid tough economic times that resulted in reduced spending across the board and even monthly employee furloughs. West Hawaii Today.

‘A legacy of visual truth’: Retired Tribune-Herald photog William Ing dies at 75. William “Will” Ing, the retired Hawaii Tribune-Herald photographer who took the newspaper’s images from the darkroom to the digital age, died Monday of lung cancer at his home in Hot Springs, S.D. He was 75. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor appoints Tyson Miyake to chief of staff position. Josiah Nishita set to take on Miyake’s past role as deputy managing director. Maui News.

Legal fireworks permit sales start today. Caution urged in light of recent brush fires; aerials are still illegal. Maui News.

Kauai

HoKua Place EIS approved. The state Land Use Commission on Tuesday approved the final environmental impact statement for a petition to rezone 97 acres in Kapaa for urban use, making way for a proposed residential development. Garden Island.

Kauai officers on patrol now required to keep blue lights on, day or night. Patrol officers and sergeants are already required to keep the blue lights on at night. Under the new provision, they may only turn it off under special authorized circumstances. Hawaii News Now.

KIUC announces successes in energy generation. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is now powering Kauai more routinely off of 100% renewable energy, and though that goal isn’t reached on a daily basis, the co-op is getting close. Garden Island.

Feds could take over missile alerts, Big Island prosecutor running for mayor, Honolulu installs artificial turf on media strips, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii emergency response session ©2019 All Hawaii News

Missile alerts would fall to feds under defense bill. The federal government is poised to take over responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat under a provision authored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that was inserted into the proposed National Defense Authorization Act. Star-Advertiser.

Congress Expected to Pass Legislation Aimed at Improving Emergency Alerts. Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act, legislation authored by Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

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Navy releases service record of Pearl Harbor shooter. The man who survived last week's deadly shooting at Pearl Harbor was released from the Queens Medical Center. KITV.

Navy investigators were still looking for answers today as to why a 22-year-old submarine sailor on a security detail opened fire on Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers last week, killing two and wounding a third before turning a gun on himself — all in the span of less than 30 seconds. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii congressman says he’s not ready to support impeachment. U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday he is not ready to jump on the impeachment bandwagon, unlike most of his fellow Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

Deadly Samoa measles outbreak triggers concerns over Hawaii’s low vaccination rates. The state Department of Health said Tuesday it is “definitely concerned” with the immunization rate of students starting public school. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Low-Income Earners Could Lose Aid Under Proposed Federal SNAP Rule Change. President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed rule changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that could make it more difficult for low-income families in Hawaii to qualify for assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

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HECO Names New CEO As It Begins Major Renewable Energy Push. Scott Seu will replace Alan Oshima as president and chief executive of Hawaiian Electric Co., marking a significant leadership change at one of Hawaii’s largest firms as the company embarks on a major series of renewable energy projects slated for Oahu and neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Names New CEO. Scott Seu, a senior vice president at Hawaiian Electric Company, will succeed Alan Oshima as president and chief executive officer of the company. Maui Now.

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Trace levels of contaminants found in drinking wells on Maui and Big Island. The state Health Department said this morning that trace levels of organic chemicals were detected in water samples collected at two sites during routine sampling in the Hawaiian isles — one at Haiku, Maui and one on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

2 Wells With Contaminants Still Meet Safe Drinking Standards, DOH Says. The Department of Health’s routine water testing has found small traces of contaminants in the water at two Maui and Big Island wells, but officials say the water is still safe to drink. Civil Beat.

Laysan albatross Wisdom and mate return to Midway nest site. Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known banded wild bird, has marked another milestone. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City installing artificial turf on median strips. With winter rains upon us, city crews will be busy keeping up with weed control and other landscaping while a pilot project to replace small plots of grass with artificial turf across Oahu is seeing mixed results. Star-Advertiser.

A five-year legal battle challenges the control of the streets by a private company that charges for parking and provides little road maintenance. The private company that claims to own about 2 1/2 miles of crumbling streets in Kakaako said Tuesday that it’s poised to finally settle the lawsuit challenging its claim to those roads. Civil Beat.

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Biki Gets Temporary Pass Under New Law Charging For City Parking Spaces. Companies that rent small mobility vehicles such as bicycles will soon have to pay to operate in City and County of Honolulu parking spaces. But it won't immediately affect Biki Hawaii, the city's partner in a pilot program testing shared bicycles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Companies renting bikes, e-bikes can lease city parking space. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday signed a bill that allows the leasing of city parking stalls as docking stations to companies that rent bicycles and — possibly in the future — other types of “shared micromobility” vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

New law signed, aimed at regulating ‘micro-mobility’ companies on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law that charges ‘micro-mobility’ companies a fee to do business on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

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City to introduce roving tents to help homeless population. A new pilot project is offering a more immediate but temporary approach to getting homeless people off the streets. KHON2.

Oahu property tax assessments up 1.7%. The total value of Oahu properties increased by only 1.7% this year, and that likely will have a negative impact on the city’s budget next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth running for mayor.  Mitch Roth is giving up an almost assured third term as county prosecutor in order to run for mayor of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth announces candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth announced Tuesday his candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Star-Advertiser.

Mitch Roth Announces Run For Mayor. Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth is setting his sights on Hawaiʻi County Mayor in 2020. Big Island Video News.

Mitch Roth Announces Mayoral Campaign. Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth on Tuesday announced officially that he is running for Big Island mayor. Big Island Now.

Mitch Roth, Hawaii County Prosecutor, announces mayoral run. Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth has taken the first step down a potential new career path. Hawaii News Now.

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Big Island Solid Waste Management Plan Outlined, Headed for Testimony. Attendees at Monday’s information session complained that beyond just keeping the doors open, employee shortages make using transfer stations more confusing and less convenient. Big Island Now.

‘We are guinea pigs’: Protesters sign wave against 5G in South Kohala. While a debate into the safety of 5G technology takes place in communities across the world, a group of people waved signs in front of Waikoloa Beach Resort on Tuesday to warn the public of potential health hazards — as they see them. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Native Laid To Rest With Full Military Honors. Hundreds of people in northern Utah including the Patriot Guard, military personnel and law enforcement officials have attended the funeral service and burial of a 25-year-old Army helicopter pilot killed in a crash in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

Maui

Stalled 1,200-home Maui project gets approved. A developer won state approval last week to proceed with a long-stalled Maui housing project after agreeing to provide community benefits and reverse a move to deliver fewer affordable homes. Star-Advertiser.

Water From Haʻiku Well Deemed Safe to Drink After Contaminants Found. 1,2-Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) were detected in the Haʻikū Town Association, Inc. HT-1 Well. Maui Now.

New South Maui gym opening blessed. Two-decade wait for the facility is over. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC committee selects candidates for election. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative nominating committee has selected four candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 14. Three of the nine director positions are up for election annually. Garden Island.

Suit: Kauai police failed to monitor woman who took an hour to kill herself with blanket. The family of a Kauai woman who killed herself in view of surveillance cameras that were supposed to be monitored by officers is suing the police department, saying a mother and grandmother would still be alive today if someone had stepped in to help her. Hawaii News Now.

Hanalei business owners worry about road closures. Business has been slower in Hanalei since the April 2018 floods, and periodic road closures along Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge haven’t helped. Garden Island.

Fish poop builds beaches, Thielen, one of just 5 Republicans in Hawaii House, not seeking reelection, Haleakala tours to be limited, rat lungworm case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Parrotfish in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Fish Poop: Our Secret Weapon Against Beach Erosion. The uhu fish are “lawnmowers of the sea” and play a vital role in producing sand. But they’re at risk. Civil Beat.

Businesses get a break on state fees after funds go unspent. State officials have reduced or halted collection of a number of business and licensing fees amid concerns that the money being collected wasn’t serving a useful purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Thielen Will Not Seek Re-Election To State House. Thielen, a moderate Republican who has represented Kailua and Kaneohe Bay since 1990, is perhaps best known for her advocacy of industrial hemp. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Army National Guard Col. Roy J. Macaraeg was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony Tuesday at Washington Place, becoming what is believed to be the first Filipino soldier to attain the rank of general officer in the history of Hawaii’s citizen soldier ranks, Gov. David Ige’s office said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Swears in HIARNG’s First Filipino General Officer. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Colonel Roy J. Macaraeg, who was promoted to brigadier general, in a ceremony held at Washington Place. Big Island Now.

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EPA fines Oahu shrimp truck, 2 Hawaii island properties for illegal cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said so far this year it has issued $104,143 in fines and ordered the closure of five, illegal large-capacity cesspools in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Forces Closure Of 5 Hawaii Cesspools. The ongoing enforcement is intended to protect drinking water and coastal resources. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Police Ethics Training Hopes To Stop ‘Misguided Loyalty’. The new program from New Orleans teaches police officers to intervene and prevent mistakes before they happen. Civil Beat.

Councilman wants to audit HPD and prosecutor’s office in light of Kealohas’ conviction. Ron Menor says we need to find out how the corruption involving the Kealohas can be prevented in the future. KHON2.

Labor agreement bill up for final vote. A bill that would require major city construction jobs to employ unionized workers is up for a final vote before the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Officials say less than half of Oahu drivers have REAL-ID compliant licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Project being built at $11.5 million Diamond Head home causing controversy. Real estate website Zillow bills this home as 'the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Beautiful beach views, a pool, and the potential for private beach access is exactly what the owner has planned. KITV.

NOAA investigating death of monk seal pup found on Oahu’s North Shore. A 2-month old, female Hawaiian monk seal pup was recently found dead on Oahu’s North Shore, according to wildlife officials, with the circumstances surrounding her death indicating it was not of natural causes. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy prosecutor ordered to keep distance from defense lawyer. A state judge handed down an order Tuesday prohibiting a deputy prosecutor, who admits that he shoved defense lawyer Myles Breiner in a state courthouse hallway, from approaching or interacting with Breiner. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH Regents Move Vote On Mauna Kea Rules To Hawaii Island. The change from Oahu is meant to allow more residents of the Big Island to be heard by the regents. Civil Beat.

UH Regents Change Maunakea Rules Meeting Location To Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Protesters to Kim: Inclusion of TMT in vision for Maunakea still an obstacle to ‘Way Forward’. After a meeting between Thirty Meter Telescope opponents and Mayor Harry Kim on Monday at the Maunakea Access Road, neither side has any intention of backing down. Tribune-Herald.

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County looks to reappropriate $8.4M in unspent fuel tax funds. As more money pumps into county road projects, thanks in part to a 161% increase in the fuel tax rate since 2017, the county is having trouble spending it fast enough. West Hawaii Today.

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Unwashed Produce Likely Cause Of 7th Rat Lungworm Case Of 2019. A tourist visiting West Hawaii likely contracted the angiostrongyliasis disease by eating unwashed fresh produce and was the seventh person to be infected this year. Civil Beat.

Seventh case of rat lungworm this year confirmed in visitor to Hawaii island. The state Health Department said Tuesday there has been another laboratory-confirmed case of rat lungworm disease in an adult visitor to Hawaii island, the seventh so far this year. Star-Advertiser.

7th case of rat lungworm disease confirmed on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Reservation system in works for access to Haleakala Trail. It would allow for quarterly guided hikes. Maui News.

Maalaea fire prevention, erosion work funded by grant. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council awarded $300,000. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC seeks input on water diversions. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s draft environmental assessment regarding the Waiahi hydropower plants has been published, and the public has until Nov. 7 to comment on it. Garden Island.

Ocean temps contribute to warmer weather. In the past 30 days, 16 record highs have been tied or broken at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Supreme Court won't hear B&B appeal denying gay couple, city council wants to evacuate Honolulu Hale, Southwest Airlines lands inaugural flight, taxpayers lose in failed Kauai dairy farm, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Hale ©2019 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court rejects Hawaii B&B owner who denied room to gay couple. The justices on Monday are leaving in place Hawaiian state court rulings that found the Aloha Bed & Breakfast in Honolulu violated Hawaii’s anti-discrimination law by turning the couple away. Associated Press.

Buyer Beware: Oceanfront Homes Keep Going Up Despite Rising Seas. Now, Hawaii lawmakers are considering bills that force sellers to tell prospective owners about vulnerable coastal properties. Civil Beat.

Swell pushes up surf to monster levels, keeping coastal homeowners on edge. Surf on the North Shore could get as high as 40 feet on Monday, and meteorologists say coastal flooding remains a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii film tax credit cap under fire at Capitol. Estimated claims for these state rebates last year jumped to $90 million from $55 million the year before. Now, a restraint on the subsidy is facing heavy pushback at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Creating A Better Life For Hawaii’s Developmentally Disabled. Gov. Ige has proposed spending $7.7 million to overhaul the state DD program, which includes offering clients more opportunities for jobs and setting goals for themselves. Civil Beat.

Excessive prison time still a mess for inmates. Officials with the state Department of Public Safety concede that in 2018 they released nine inmates after realizing they had been incarcerated beyond their scheduled release dates. Star-Advertiser.

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Southwest makes its inaugural flight to the islands. The discount carrier’s inaugural flight, appropriately numbered 6808, came from Oakland International Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest begins much-anticipated service to Hawaii. The plane landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at 3:09 p.m., and passengers received lei and were greeted by Hawaiian music and hula. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines inaugural flight touches down to big Aloha welcome. KHON2.

A historic moment for Southwest Airlines as its first passenger flight touched down at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Sunday afternoon. KITV.

Hawaiian Airlines plans to add an additional daily flight to San Francisco in the fall. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Council likely relocating offices to Alii Place. With or without Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his administration, Honolulu City Council members want to relocate themselves and the rest of the legislative branch to the Alii Place tower downtown from Honolulu Hale by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Federal investigation, funding issues increase risk for rail bidders. The federal investigation that has cast a new cloud over the city’s rail project may also complicate efforts by the Honolulu rail authority to solicit companies for a public-private partnership to finish the 20-mile rail line, observers say. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators from the city Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raided three businesses and arrested two people Friday as part of a crackdown on Honolulu brothels operating as massage parlors and relaxation spas. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Orders Release Of More Records In Case Of HPD Officer Who Beat Girlfriend. But it’s unclear when the public will actually get to see the files. The police union has promised to appeal. Civil Beat.

Long time local newspaper reporter Burl Burlingame has died. He'd been a newspaper writer for more than 35 years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A bill that would allow only four wheel drive vehicles into Waipio Valley is advancing through the state Legislature. The trip down the Waipio Valley Access Road – a dangerous drive for unfamiliar visitors – could soon be more tightly regulated under a proposed bill moving through the Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

More police officers for Kona: Chief talks new hires at chamber Focus Luncheon. Police Chief Paul Ferreira told a crowd Friday at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Focus Luncheon that his office has requested two crime scene evidence technicians for Kona’s detective division, which is currently bereft of any such positions. Police have also requested in the upcoming budget an extra sergeant for Kona, as well as two sergeants each for the North Kohala and South Kohala districts. West Hawaii Today.

Group eyes $12M West Hawaii veterans center. With an estimated 16,000-17,000 veterans on the Big Island, half of whom reside in West Hawaii, the West Hawaii Veterans Council Inc. hopes to get underway in 2021 the first phase of construction of the facility that would provide veterans, veterans groups and the community alike with much-needed gathering space. West Hawaii Today.

Puna distance learning center bill clears committee. Senate Bill 457, introduced by Sen. Russell Ruderman, would provide funding for four full-time positions, as well as studies, plans and construction, for a distance learning center tied to the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A California startup plans to begin test flights of a hybrid electric aircraft between Kahului and Hana later this year, technology that could eventually prove a “game changer” for interisland carriers like Mokulele Airlines. Maui News.

360,000 Visitors to Molokini is Concerning. New evidence suggests that some marine predators are being displaced by high human use at the Molokini Marine Life Conservation District, which in 2018 attracted more than 360,000 snorkelers and divers. Maui Now.

Growing taro in hard places is just the challenge for farmers like Bobby Pahia. Wide variety of crops being produced on 310 acres in Waikapu. Maui News.

W.S. Merwin, a prolific and versatile poetry master who evolved through a wide range of styles as he celebrated nature, condemned war and industrialism and reached for the elusive past, died March 15, 2019, in Haiku, Maui. He was 91. Associated Press.

Kauai

Ballots have been mailed out for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s Board of Directors Election. Three seats are up for election in March with the deadline to vote being March 23 at noon, and the three candidates are all incumbents — Calvin Murashige, Peter Yukimura and Jan TenBruggencate. Garden Island.

Private investment firm Ulupono Initiative lost a lot of money on its recently aborted plan to establish a dairy on Kauai, but so did local taxpayers thanks to a tax credit crafted by state lawmakers. Honolulu-based Ulupono received $875,000 in state tax credits under a 2008 law that created incentives for landowners to preserve prime farmland for agricultural use in perpetuity. Star-Advertiser.

Baby bison from South Dakota helping replenish Kauai herd devastated by flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Police kill man at state Capitol, Hawaii joins anti-wall lawsuit, plots in Zuckerberg's Kauai estate to be sold at public auction, homeless advocates want more one-way tickets out of Hawaii, Honolulu Humane Society under fire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2019 All Hawaii News

A man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting at the state Capitol on Monday night was “physically combative" with a sheriff’s deputy despite numerous warnings, Honolulu police say. Hawaii News Now.

A state deputy sheriff fatally shot a man in his 20s during a struggle at the state Capitol Monday night. A Department of Public Safety spokeswoman said that at 8:20 p.m., a deputy sheriff was conducting a routine patrol at the Capitol rotunda and encountered a man with a bottle of alcohol. Star-Advertiser.

Man dead after deputy-involved shooting at State Capitol. KHON2.


Honolulu Police and Hawaii Department of Public Safety officials are investigating a fatal shooting that happened at the Capitol Rotunda Monday night. KITV.

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16 states, including Hawaii, sue President Trump over border wall. Joining California in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. Associated Press.

The Hawaii Legislature is again considering a bill that would prohibit the governor and county mayors from having other jobs outside of their elected positions. House Speaker Scott Saiki’s anti-moonlighting bill would apply to the governor as well as Hawaii’s mayors. Civil Beat.

Red light camera bill passes judiciary and transportation committee. KHON2.

A bill that would require the state to retrofit certain schools to serve as hurricane shelters passed its second reading in the state House. House Bill 457 intends to establish a pilot program to retrofit one Department of Education building in each county to be able to withstand a Category 3 hurricane and serve as disaster shelters. Tribune-Herald.

Legislation working its way through the state Senate aims to improve teacher retention and recruitment by creating a housing voucher program for full-time teachers employed by the state Department of Education or at public charter schools. Tribune-Herald.

Helping Hawaii's homeless with a one-way plane ticket. Hundreds of homeless people have been helped off our streets with "One Way" airline tickets out of Hawaii. The program has been in place for three years, but now some lawmakers want to turn it into a state service. KITV.

Hawaii residents are more likely to become victims of cyberattack than any other state in the union, according to a newly released study. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Why Would Anyone Fake Stealing A Mailbox? The Feds Make Their Case. The U.S. Justice Department wants to present evidence of the Kealohas’ alleged financial crimes to help establish motive for the broader conspiracy case. Civil Beat.

Former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha tried to deflect investigations into her behavior by “surreptitiously sending emails from other deputy prosecuting attorneys’ computers," federal authorities alleged in a recently-filed court document. Hawaii News Now.

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The height limit for new buildings in Kakaako appears to be safe from a dramatic increase proposed in the Legislature, after three committees deferred action on a pair of bills. Star-Advertiser.

After squatters were kicked out of an urban park, the really big problems began. Hawaii News Now.

3-strikes bill would ban Waikiki repeat offenders. The arrest of a juvenile suspect after a male tourist was robbed and assaulted by a mob on a Waikiki street could help bolster the argument for a Waikiki three-strikes law being proposed at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Animal rights activists want independent audit of Hawaiian Humane Society euthanization numbers. More than a dozen people lined up along the Humane Society with colorful signs, demanding justice for their furry friends. KITV.

Protesters say animals are being put down unnecessarily at the Hawaiian Humane Society. KHON2.

Thirty or so animal rights activists picketed in front of the Hawaiian Humane Society on Monday, alleging that the organization kills animals that are healthy or suffering from easily treatable conditions; violates standard safety procedures and labor practices; and has created a hostile work environment. Star-Advertiser.

Animal care group calls for investigation into humane society’s euthanasia practices. Dozens of animal care supporters waved signs and staged what they called a Rally for Truth outside the Hawaiian Humane Society Monday morning. Hawaii News Now.

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Ewa Beach community rallies for a new Campbell High School athletic complex. Hawaii News Now.

State officials are asking Oahu residents to be on the look-out for a new invasive species. Myoporum thrips are an invasive pest that can kill native naio trees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

One of the leaders in the Thirty Meter Telescope opposition movement, Pisciotta talks about her view of Mayor Harry Kim’s “Vision for Maunakea”. Big Island Video News.

The general manager of the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association is suing one of the subdivision’s board members, alleging she “published untrue and defamatory statements” about him. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Electric Co. is seeking the approval of the state Public Utilities Commission to pass on $155,000 in charges for 1.4 gigawatt hours of unused power last year from the two utility-scale solar arrays that went online last year. Maui News.

NOAA monitoring ‘life-threatening’ entanglement of a whale spotted off Maui. NOAA says the whale was spotted on Saturday with lines wrapped around its mouth and tail. In some places, the lines were seen cutting into the whale’s body. Hawaii News Now.

Sales and inventory took double-digit hits for Maui County’s single-family residential homes in January, according to statistics released last week by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Several small land parcels located within the boundaries of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre estate on the North Shore will be sold at a public auction next month. Garden Island.

The water diversion debate. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative uses a system of century-old diversions in Kauai streams to supply water to two hydroelectric facilities in the Wailua watershed. Garden Island.

Picking Up The Pieces After Big Disasters. After last year’s big flood and hurricane damage, two local communities are finding their footing with disaster plans tailored for their areas. Civil Beat.