Showing posts with label Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami. Show all posts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

UPW state director accused of mishandling funds, golden parachutes, some job cuts after Hawaiian Airlines sale, Kauai mayor seeks to replace Kouchi in 2026, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii United Public Workers Leader Accused Of Misusing Funds. Kalani Werner, who is up for re-election as state director, was put on trial by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees earlier this week. Civil Beat.

Green Fills Hawaii State Ethics Commission Vacancy. Roderick Becker replaces Harry McCarthy on the five-member panel. The agency responsible for administering and enforcing the state ethics code and lobbyist law has a new commissioner. Civil Beat.

‘Golden parachutes’ deployed for top Hawaiian Airlines execs. A few top Hawaiian Airlines executives are out of a job now that Alaska Airlines has acquired Hawaii’s largest air carrier, but they are being well compensated with “golden parachute” benefits totaling close to $25 million.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines Takeover: Acquisition By Alaska Will Mean Loss Of Some Non-Union Jobs. Union jobs including flight attendants, pilots and mechanics, will be protected. Civil Beat.

Gun Violence Data In Hawaii Is Incomplete – And Unreliable.
Data collection and sharing is so limited that the Attorney General's Office says researching ways to prevent firearm violence is "virtually impossible." Civil Beat.

HIDOE restores 14 more school bus routes statewide. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced that 14 suspended school bus routes on Central Oahu, Upcountry Maui and East Hawaii Island will be reinstated on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. KITV4.

Oahu

Report backs empty-homes tax to address housing crisis on Oahu. The Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law &Economic Justice is recommending that the Honolulu City Council impose a 3-5% empty-homes tax, citing a worsening housing crisis on Oahu where more than 8 in 10 renters now spend at least 30% of their income on housing costs. Star-Advertiser.

Residents protest plans for housing development at former Saint Francis School. Residents of Manoa gathered Wednesday to protest plans by the Avalon Group to convert the old Saint Francis School campus into a housing development.  KHON2.

AES Hawaiʻi reports successful bat deterrent system at Oʻahu wind farm. Birds and bats colliding into large wind turbines were a big concern when the renewable energy projects began appearing across the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shooter who ended Waianae rampage won’t be charged. The 42-year-old man who shot and killed the neighbor who rammed his house and shot and killed three women at the home on Waianae Valley Road will not be charged in the incident. Star-Advertiser.

Pickleballers vs. tennis players: Battle for court space heats up at Ala Moana Beach Park. It’s pickleballers versus tennis players vying for court space, and they both say there are long waits to play. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island councilmembers expand number of allowable ADUs.  The Hawaiʻi County Council narrowly passed a bill allowing for more accessory dwelling units on residential properties. Bill 123 would allow property owners to build up to three ADUs, each of which can serve as residential housing units. Hawaii Public Radio.

Discovery of burial site halts work on HPP mailbox project. The discovery of a Native Hawaiian burial site in Hawaiian Paradise Park has some residents concerned. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Radiologic Associates shut down by ‘security incident’.  Hawaii Radiologic Associates has canceled all patient appointments for medical imaging services since late August due to what it called “a security incident that affected some of our systems.” Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Eruption Changes Prompt New Closures, While Chain Of Craters Reopens
. The eruption near Nāpau Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park continues, as the State DLNR announced the closure of the Kahaualeʻa Natural Area Reserve. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Judge approves agreement that stops cutting of live trees on wetlands parcel in Kīhei. After more than five hours of talks on Friday, 2nd Circuit Court Chief Judge Peter Cahill approved an agreement Tuesday between the two sides of a dispute over the clearing of a 7.2-acre wetlands parcel in Kīhei. Maui Now.

Maui council to consider rent cap to control skyrocketing prices. As Maui grapples with a housing crisis made even worse by last year’s wildfires, the county council is now considering rent control. Hawaii News Now.

Meeting for Kula homeowners impacted by wildfires to be held Sept. 24. The County of Maui Office of Recovery and the Office of Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura will be hosting a meeting for Kula homeowners impacted by the August 2023 wildfires on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Maui Now.

NTSB releases final report into fatal air ambulance crash off Maui. National Transportation Safety Board investigators found that inadequate pilot training and performance tracking played a factor in the crash, which happened on Dec. 15, 2022. KITV4.

Kauai

Kawakami’s campaign office confirms Kauaʻi mayor plans to run for Kouchi’s Senate seat in 2026. The campaign office for Kauaʻi Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has confirmed the mayor intends to run for Hawaiʻi Senate District 8 in 2026, with the support of the current seat holder, Senate President Ron Kouchi. Kauai Now.

State closes Kalalau trail indefinitely after around 50 hikers became ill with norovirus. Instead of reopening Thursday, the state now says Kauai’s Kalalau Trail will remain closed indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Land conservation nonprofit hires Annalise “Anna” Kindstedt as Kaua‘i ‘āina steward and educator.
Hawai‘i Land Trust, a statewide land conservation nonprofit, has a new ‘āina steward and educator on Kaua‘i. Kauai Now.

Friday, July 19, 2024

$4B settlement reached in Maui wildfire lawsuits, Honolulu crime boss Miske found guilty of murder, racketeering, some Hawaii flights grounded in communications outage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$4 billion proposed settlement reached over Maui wildfire lawsuits. Report: Key Defendants Have Agreed To Settle Maui Wildfire Claims For $4 Billion. Hawaiian Electric Industries, the state of Hawaii, Maui County and Charter Communications have agreed to pay $4 billion to settle several hundred lawsuits filed on behalf of thousands of victims of Aug. 8’s Lahaina wildfires, Bloomberg News has reported, citing anonymous sources. Civil Beat.  KITV4. Bloomberg.  Reuters.

Honolulu crime boss Miske guilty of murder, racketeering. Jury Convicts Miske Of 13 Counts, Including Murder In Aid Of Racketeering. Jurors in the federal racketeering trial of Michael Miske found him guilty Thursday of 13 of 16 counts, including racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering in connection to the 2016 killing of Johnathan Fraser. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Dozens of Hawaii flights impacted amid widespread technology outage. United, Delta and American issued system-wide ground stops due to communication issues. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The State Of Hawaii Keeps Snatching Up Land From Former Agriculture Companies. Senate Ways And Means Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz is the driving force behind one proposed deal that just won't go away. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Will Review Judge’s Decision To Withhold Abused Girl’s Case File. Public First Law Center is trying to open files that would show why the state and Family Court placed Isabella Kalua with the couple accused of killing her. Civil Beat.

Alternate emergency road in Waiʻanae set to reopen spring 2025.
The state Department of Transportation has committed to making upgrades to the road to form a roughly 5-mile route stretching from the Nānākuli to Waiʻanae areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

HNN News Director Scott Duff, dedicated journalist who ‘led with heart,’ dies at 59. Hawaii News Now is mourning the loss of News Director Scott Duff, who died early Wednesday following a year-long battle with cancer. He was 59. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Planning director: Bill could slow down permitting process. Bill 134 would require that every time a property owner seeks a change of zoning district, the Planning Department would have to compile a report of all buildings that are legally permitted to be built on surrounding properties within a quarter-mile radius. Tribune-Herald.

Proclamation Issued On District 1 House Seat After Death Of Rep Nakashima. The Office of Elections says that ballots already printed, the late Representative Nakashima will remain on the ballot and votes cast will be counted accordingly. Big Island Video News.

Alleged assailant of county-contracted surveyors charged. Police have charged 32-year-old Kukaua Keliihooluhi Kaupe Bright, whom they say is one of two men who allegedly assaulted a pair of county-contracted surveyors July 9 in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Goodwill Hawaii settles in to new Hilo home. Goodwill Hawaii announced in October 2023 that it would be closing its three leased properties in Hilo and would move operations to a large parcel at 17 Makaala St. to serve as the East Hawaii hub for employees, customers and clients. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina Schools To Close For Fire Anniversary. Lahaina’s four public schools will close on Aug. 8 to honor the first anniversary of the Maui wildfires, the Board of Education decided on Thursday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Another Maui Jail Project Stalls After Underground Duct Work Is Discovered. For years, state officials have been unable to move forward with plans to build an entirely new jail at Puunene. Now, even a modest addition to the existing jail is being delayed. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Mayor Kawakami shares vision for Kaua‘i during Chamber of Commerce luncheon. At the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce held the 10th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon on Thursday, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami shared his vision for the residents of the Garden Isle. Kauai Now.

Aloun Farms to acquire Kaua‘i Shrimp. Kaua‘i Shrimp currently produces over 500,000 pounds of premium Pacific White Leg shrimp every year on its 238-acre farm in Kekaha. Garden Island.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Sheriff scandal grows, offshore wind farm slated for Oahu, 6 more COVID deaths reported, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Three deputy sheriffs arrested, 9 on paid leave amid criminal probes.  State deputy sheriffs arrested one of their own Wednesday on allegations of reckless endangering and harassment. It’s the third harassment arrest this month involving separate criminal investigations — with nine deputies now out on administrative leave. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Green plans to veto 3 bills aimed at emergency powers. Among the 17 bills that Gov. Josh Green intends to veto are three that would put new rules on his emergency powers as the Legislature continues to try to define how Hawaii governors should operate during crises. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor's intent-to-veto list includes invasive species and biosecurity bills. The $20 million “landmark” biosecurity bill to tackle invasive species in Hawaiʻi could get cut in half. Hawaii Public Radio.

State publishes Hawaii Digital Economy Survey. To gain a deeper understanding of how local companies utilize digital and broadband technology for their business operations, the Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Hawai’i Broadband and Digital Equity Office recently published its Hawai’i digital economy survey involving more than 1,000 businesses. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaii Health Department reports 6 more COVID deaths.
The Hawaii Department of Health todayreported six additional COVID-related deaths, bringing the state’s COVID toll since the start of the pandemic to 2,183. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Downtown Honolulu electric grid upgrade will be long, disruptive.
  It could take 10 years to fully upgrade downtown Honolulu’s underground electric cable network under a plan being accelerated after two disruptive outages over the past two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

New Project Seeks To Build Offshore Wind Farms In Kaiwi Channel. Aukahi Energy, a partnership between Progression Energy and EDF Renewables North America, is seeking approval to build floating offshore windmills north of the Kaiwi Channel, near Makapuu Point. If approved, the project will produce enough clean electricity to power around 300,000 homes, according to the company. Civil Beat.

Honolulu councilmembers discuss slower speed limits around schools.
The City and County of Honolulu has published a draft of its plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040. However, some want an even more aggressive approach. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Navy transferred 400 acres to the city. In the fine print, there’s reason for caution. After the base closed, the military left behind hazardous chemicals, unexploded ordnance and buried cultural and archeological sites. The Navy tried to identify and remediate some of the risks, but making it usable is up to the city. Hawaii News Now.

Some Honolulu airport parking rates go up on Monday. The rate for parking three or more hours at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will increase from $9 to $10 on Monday. The new maximum daily rate will be $25, up from $24. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

How can Waikīkī adapt to rising sea levels?
Researchers might have a way. A group of researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi is trying to give Waikīkī community members a glimpse into the future.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Scottish heritage group fights to save Falls of Clyde. The Scottish heritage group, Falls of Clyde International, is working to save and rebuild the historic vessel.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiian Electric to shut off power during high wind days to avoid risk of wildfires. Hawaiian Electric is launching a new program where it may preemptively shut off power for approximately 19,300 customers in high-wind areas on the Big Island that are at risk of wildfire during dry conditions. Big Island Now.

County seeks dismissal of pedestrian death lawsuit against HPD, cop.
Hawaii County is requesting dismissal of a lawsuit seeking monetary damages from the Hawaii Police Department and an officer who was on duty and at the wheel of a blue-and-white cruiser that struck a 16-year-old boy who later died. Tribune-Herald.

EPA Is Investigating Wastewater Released Into Puhi Bay From Troubled Hilo Sewage Plant
. The federal agency and state health officials will determine whether the aging facility violated its discharge permit and the Clean Water Act. Civil Beat.

Maui

Hawaii Attorney General seeks interview on 2018 Lahaina wildfire.
The state Department of the Attorney General filed a motion Monday to force the director of the Maui Emergency Management Agency to answer questions about how he commanded the response to the 2018 West Maui fires fueled by Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.

Repair Or Retreat? An Ocean-Battered Maui Condo Complex Grapples With An Uncertain Future. Two of Kahana Sunset's six buildings are teetering near the water's edge while battling sinkholes and shaky foundations. It's now in the county's hands to decide what to do. Civil Beat.

Report: Half of Maui vacation rental units were vacant in May 2024. In May 2024, Maui County continued to have the largest supply of available vacation rental (TVR) units in the state, but occupancy rates for them were below half, at 49.5%, according to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

Derek Kawakami finds common ground at annual mayors conference
. Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami shared his takeaways after attending the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Kansas City, Missouri. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

First Honolulu rail segment slated to open in July, mayors on Oahu, Big Island and Kauai mayors hold state of the county addresses, EPA proposes water standards for PFAS, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Residents will soon have the chance to ride the rail this year, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. The  rail project is on track for an interim opening this July. The opening will allow service from East Kapolei to the Aloha Stadium. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism industry hopes to cash in this spring break, but visitor forecast remains unclear.  The Hawaii Tourism Authority said visitor numbers for March are trending back to normal. Last year, the islands saw nearly 800,000 visitors during spring break. That was up 40% from 2021. Before the pandemic, Hawaii saw nearly 1 million visitors in the same month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s New Deputy Economy Chief Has A Powerful Business Partner In The Senate. The business partner of a powerful senator is on his way to being confirmed as deputy director for Hawaii’s economic development agency. Dane Wicker, a former chief of staff to Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and co-owner of Kilani Brew with the senator, cruised through a Senate committee hearing on his nomination Tuesday.  Civil Beat.

‘Forever Chemicals’ Have Been Found In Hawaii’s Environment.  In move that could have a big impact in Hawaii, EPA proposes water standards for PFAS.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Auditor calls out OHA for lax and risky real-estate planning.  The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been building its real estate portfolio over the past couple of decades to the point where it is now the 13th-largest landowner in Hawaii with holdings valued at more than $421 million.  Star-Advertiser.

UH sex misconduct bill tackles growing problem. A proposal to require the University of Hawaii to ramp up prevention of sexual violence, and support for survivors, is moving through the state Legislature as incidents on college campuses in Hawaii persist at a level the measure calls “pervasive.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bill would name limu kala as state seaweed. Limu kala, a type of seaweed that is endemic to Hawaii, would become the state limu if House Bill 819 is passed. Star-Advertiser.

Bill aims to underscore threat of coffee leaf rust. Hawaii farmers battling a devastating parasite might not get much relief from proposed legislation that would formally declare coffee leaf rust an invasive fungal disease. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi vows to address city’s ‘wicked problems’.  During his third State of the City address, Mayor Rick Blangiardi vowed Tuesday to address some of Oahu’s most intractable “wicked problems” by easing homelessness, reducing traffic through better-coordinated signal lights, and overhauling the city’s troubled Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Massive first responder campus could include hotel, helipad and much more.
The plan to consolidate state, federal and county first responders is already underway. The land is located in Central Oahu, Mililani, and is currently an Albezia forest with two plots one 150 acres and the other 93 acres respectively — not far from Wheeler Army Airfield.  KHON2.

New warning sirens will be tested across Oahu. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency will test new or upgraded warning sirens this week at six locations on Oahu. The tests will sound various alert tones which will be audible in the surrounding area, but there is no hazard, and members of the public need not take any action. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Mitch Roth stresses clean energy and housing in State of the County address. 
Aging infrastructure, affordable housing and clean energy are just some of the top priorities this year for Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.

Heavy snow won’t delay removal of observatories.
Two Maunakea observatories are still scheduled to be removed within a year, despite snowier-than-normal conditions. Tribune-Herald.

Holualoa reacts to initial cleanup of mold-infested school. Cleaning has begun at Holualoa Elementary following several press conferences related to problems with molds, rats and other unsanitary conditions on campus. Tribune-Herald.

Record rainfall swamps spots on Big Island in February, including 56 inches at one site.  Just three Big Island rain gauges measured less than 100% of their average rainfall for February, with several spots in Kaʻū and on the windward side of the island recording rain totals up to nearly six times greater than average.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Investors Sue Maui Yacht Owner For More Than $2M After Honolua Bay Grounding. In a lawsuit filed Monday, attorneys for Kevin and Kimberly Albert of New Mexico, who provided the financing for the Nakoa, accused Jim Jones and his wife of taking the yacht on a personal trip to Honolua Bay without permission, which they said violated their sales agreement.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Nonprofits working to find medical respite for homeless cancer patients on Maui. One of the challenges is at the intersection of cancer and homelessness: finding a safe environment for patients to undergo treatment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kawakami proposes budget to address Kauaʻi infrastructure, development. With soaring revenues,  Mayor Derek Kawakami continues his promise to invest in infrastructure and development, while opting to pay off debts and decrease some residential taxes in the upcoming fiscal year budget. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.  Kauai Now.  KITV4.

Probation sought for ex-U.S. worker in $35,000 theft case. Probation should be the sentence for a former U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife employee who pleaded guilty to theft of government money and property in connection with $35,000 in personal purchases charged to a government credit card over a four-year period, his attorney argued. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Gun carry laws taking shape, Honolulu property taxes to increase, Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcano eruptions cease, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi counties discuss where guns will be prohibited under 'sensitive places' bills. Local governments across the country are discussing laws to establish “sensitive places,” where concealed firearms are not allowed. One bill has already passed through the Hawaiʻi County Council, and a similar bill was introduced at the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA: Carmen Hulu Lindsey Will Remain Chair Of Board Of Trustees. The board also voted for Mililani Trask to serve as vice chair in its first meeting since the Nov. 8 election. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Career academies gain traction in Hawaii public schools.
A career academy is essentially a school within a school. Students and teachers are sectioned into a closely knit “learning community,” and much of the coursework and extracurricular activities are designed to get students acquainted with their chosen fields. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism contract snags prompt call for reform.  The eleventh-hour decision to rescind the multimillion­-dollar award for the state’s top U.S. tourism contract by the outgoing director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is likely to stand, thereby prompting a third solicitation as the controversial procurement process heads into a second year. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor Describes Gruesome Details In The Killing Of A Hawaii Prison Inmate In Arizona. A jury will decide whether Miti Maugaotega Jr. should be executed for the gang-related murder of of Bronson Nunuha in 2010. Civil Beat.

UH Pi‘o Summit aims to tackle water sovereignty, justice. The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaiinuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge is slated to host an inaugural Pi‘o Summit on Thursday at the East-West Center, focusing on sovereignty and justice tied to wai, or water. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Nations Are Bracing To Lose Tons Of Tuna From Their Waters. The research shows that as much as 20% of the tuna stocks that swim through the waters of at least 10 Central and Western Pacific nations, such as the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati, are expected to relocate farther east over the next 30 years or so, as climate change alters the prevailing ocean weather patterns. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Housing boom to boost Honolulu property taxes.
  The overall assessed value of taxable properties on Oahu is set to increase 12.4% for the 2023-2024 tax year,  according to a news release from the City and County of Honolulu’s Real Property Assessment Division. Star-Advertiser.

Fire Sprinkler Retrofits Gain Traction As Building Owners Eye Rising Insurance Costs.
Five years after the Marco Polo tragedy some Honolulu building managers are considering the benefits of the costly fix. Amid a terse political debate about fire safety in Honolulu, managers in at at least 10 older high-rise buildings in the city are pushing ahead to install fire sprinklers for the first time, according to city records and interviews with condominium associations. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS ‘stretched thin’ as low morale, staff shortages takes major toll. A shortage of emergency workers has been taking ambulances of Oahu’s streets and paramedics are among those complaining. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Suit includes reports Navy knew about ‘forever chemicals’ in groundwater a year ago.  A Red Hill lawsuit against the U.S. government has been expanded to include reports the military knew about toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in the groundwater before the public did. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Plans to prevent Waikiki from flooding still in discussion. After more than 20 years of planning to prevent a flooding disaster in Waikiki, the debate continues. The flood walls were a hot topic at a virtual public meeting Tuesday night to help engineers come up with a new proposal. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Hawaii Island eruptions come to an end. Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Tuesday declared both the Mauna Loa and Kilauea eruptions over, saying the production of lava, volcanic gases and seismicity on both mountains either ended or diminished to negligible amounts. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

‘They know better’: Finalist for police chief criticized for accepting free hotel stay worth $1,953.  A retired Hawaii Police Department assistant chief told the Tribune-Herald on Tuesday that a HPD major in the running for police chief and a captain who answers directly to her shouldn’t have accepted four nights in a Kailua-Kona hotel paid for by the Ironman Triathlon. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Police Officers Say They Want Their Next Chief To Make Training A Priority. Unlike many other law enforcement jurisdictions across the nation, Hawaii County has no requirement that police officers receive what’s called annual recall training. The training provides instruction in areas such as use of force, firearms, hazardous materials and legal matters. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Inaugural Youth Council highlights local issues in legislative package. The inaugural Maui County Youth Council, a pilot project aimed at getting students involved in local government, adopted resolutions at its Dec. 5 meeting for inclusion in the 2022 Maui County Youth legislative package, Maui County Council Member Kelly Takaya King announced. Maui News.

Maui News employees fear their livelihoods, ‘soul of newspaper’ is in jeopardy. Union representatives said Ogden Newspapers has engaged in practices that have led to multiple federal allegations of Unfair Labor Practices. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor priorities align with Capitol and new governor. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami joins KHON2 live to talk about priorities ahead for the new year, with a new governor and state administration, as well as lawmakers at the Capitol in Honolulu.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i in-person voting went Republican.  If you only counted in-person voting, the midterm election would have been a red tsunami for Kaua‘i Republicans. Garden Island.

Kauai Fishermen Bring Deep-Sea Shrimp Back To The Dinner Table
. The once popular seafood became somewhat of a delicacy over the years, but some consumers are now getting a fresh taste. Civil Beat.

Monday, August 8, 2022

Hawaii kids rank low in survey, Maui advances bill to let people sleep in their cars, Oahu power bills rise as HEI earnings up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii children at play ©2022 All Hawaii News
Hawaii ranks low in Kids Count national report. With school back in session and primary elections around the corner, advocates hope to see more investment in Hawaii’s children who, according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book released today, rank in the lowest third of states when it comes to education and economic well-being. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s readiness for possible school shooting might be lagging.
Many Hawaii schools and colleges have launched unprecedented efforts to prevent and prepare for an active shooter on campus as mass shootings and targeted school violence have risen to historic high levels in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

900 Hawaii school employees get violence-prevention training. With school shootings rising across the nation, the chief of the U.S. Secret Service center that is trying to stop targeted attacks on schools has a message for Hawaii: The Aloha State is not immune. Such violence can happen here. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education considering requiring ‘run, hide, fight’ training. While a few dozen Hawaii public schools so far have received “run, hide, fight” training for responding to an active shooter on campus, demand is rising, and the state Department of Education is considering changing from providing it to schools on request to making it required. Star-Advertiser.

Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement wants to bring change to the visitor industry.
Why is the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement fighting to keep a tourism award that would allow it to manage Hawaii tourism, while shaping how United States travelers view the state? Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii GOP Candidates Say They Just Want To Give Voters A Choice. Of the 10 Republican candidates on the ballot for a federal race, only state Rep. Bob McDermott has any meaningful political experience. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Industries reported second-quarter earnings of $53 million. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. (HE) on Monday reported second-quarter earnings of $53 million. The Honolulu-based company said it had profit of 48 cents per share. Associated Press.

Here’s What Climate Advocates Hope To See In Hawaii’s Next Governor. The state needs to dramatically cut its carbon emissions in the next eight years to hit its climate goals. That will require bold leadership, advocates say. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu, Your Electric Bill Is About To Go Up. Oahu households can expect to see their monthly electricity bills increase by about 7% when Hawaiian Electric Co. shuts down the state’s last remaining coal-fired power plant on Sept. 1 and replaces it with another fossil fuel source: oil. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Navy divers describe conditions within the contaminated Red Hill well and how the mission affected them. For three months members of the Pearl Harbor-based Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One worked inside the Navy’s contaminated Red Hill water well, becoming unlikely front-line responders to the crisis. Star-Advertiser.

After worrisome findings, UH task force calls for more testing of Navy tap water. University of Hawaii scientists are finally talking about their data ― showing what appears to be jet fuel still in the Navy’s tap water ― and are calling for more tests. Hawaii News Now.

2 well-known politicians face off in Democratic race for seat representing Aiea, Pearl City. Senate District 16 stretches from Halawa to Aiea and all the way down to Pearl City. And now the incumbent senator for the area is facing off against a longtime City Council member. Hawaii News Now.

‘It’s A Nightmare’: Feral Pig Population Explosion Rattles East Honolulu Neighborhood. Aina Haina, an affluent residential neighborhood on Oahu’s southeastern shore, wedged between Waialae/Kahala and Hawaii Kai, is trying to fend off an invasion of pigs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Public meetings for TMT environmental review to begin. The National Science Foundation will hold four meetings on consecutive nights Tuesday through Friday to hear the public’s views on what alternatives and environmental impacts should be studied when it conducts its proposed environmental impact statement. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island Deputy Prosecutor Ordered To Stop Alleged Harassment. A judge has summoned Randall Winston “Bew” Albright to appear in court and answer complaints that he’s been allegedly intimidating his neighbor. Civil Beat.

 Consultant hired to help fix EPIC. Hawaii County has hired a consultant to troubleshoot its building permit process in hopes of streamlining a critical government function analysts have called the most cumbersome in the nation. West Hawaii Today.

Affordable housing eyed for Waimea. Parker Ranch is exploring developing more affordable housing on the 175-year-old ranch’s lands in the coming years. West Hawaii Today.

Votes trickling in with one week left: Here’s what you need to know. With about a week left to vote on national, state and local races, a little more than 11% of the 112,630 Hawaii Island ballots mailed out have already been returned, and 19% of the 739,000 mailed ballots statewide, according to election officials. West Hawaii Today.

Three vie for House District 3 seat. Three candidates are vying for control of a newly formed House district that includes part of Hilo, Waiakea, Keaukaha and Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill to allow people to sleep in their vehicles in Maui County parking lots advances. Maui County Council on Friday voted unanimously to approve the bill on first reading. Bill 108 now advances to the second and final reading at full council. Maui Now.

Mayor proposes to buy former ʻIao Valley Lodge from Hawaiʻi Nature Center for $1.5M. Mayor Michael Victorino transmitted a proposal to the Maui County Council to purchase the acreage and the structure that was the former ʻĪao Valley Lodge in ʻĪao Valley for $1.5 million from the Hawaiʻi Nature Center. Maui Now.

Bilingual government issue on Maui ballot. A Maui County Charter amendment proposal slated to go before voters on the Nov. 8 general election ballot asks whether the county should establish a “Department of Oiwi Resources” as well as initiate bilingual government operations. Star-Advertiser.

Maui managed retreat fund would come to rescue when infrastructure falls into ocean. West Maui has nine condo complexes at risk of falling into the ocean. Maui Now.

Maui County Council Advances Investigation Into Developer’s Monster House. The Maui County Council voted on Friday to authorize the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committe to investigate how and why the Victorino administration allowed a controversial monster house to be built in Napili. Civil Beat.

Three compete in closely watched Democratic primary for Senate District 7. Senate District 7. In what is arguably one of the most closely watched races this election cycle, incumbent Sen. Lynn DeCoite will defend her seat against two Democratic primary challengers, Walter Ritte and Leo Caires. All three candidates hope to represent Senate District 7, which covers East Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. Maui News.

Kauai

Kawakami outspends competition in mayor’s race. Mayor Derek Kawakami has spent more than 10 times the funds on his re-election campaign than all three of his opponents combined, financial disclosures show. Garden Island.

Third-party audit critical of county’s Roads Division. An audit conducted by Spire Hawai‘i LLP reported that the county Department of Public Works Roads Division did not have “the necessary and qualified staff” to perform maintenance projects it is responsible for. Garden Island.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Hawaii governor holds fast on travel testing requirements, surfing contests canceled, only 500,000 COVID vaccinations expected through May, Maui beach closed after naked, mask-less parties, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii beach fun ©2021 All Hawaii News

Ige has no plans to ease testing rules for visitors, despite calls to do so from tourism industry. With Hawaii’s visitor industry slow to rebound, tourism and business leaders are asking the state to modify its pre-travel testing program to make it easier for visitors to come. The response from the governor so far: That’s not going to happen. Hotel industry officials said the recent surge of the virus on the mainland has made it difficult for many travelers to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

State has no plans to change the Safe Travels Program until the CDC releases further guidance. Right now the state has no plans to change the Safe Travels Program at least not until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases new guidelines for travelers who have been vaccinated. KITV4.

The Continuing Clout Of Hawaii’s Public Worker Unions. Pushing back against Gov. David Ige’s threatened furloughs, government worker unions showed they still have ample political influence despite a 2018 Supreme Court decision some said would weaken the organizations. Civil Beat.

Citing concerns about crowds, state suspends surf contests in Hawaii until further notice. Citing health and safety concerns caused by the pandemic, the state pulled the plug on all surf contests Tuesday until further notice. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii facing largest recession in history. Hawaii's state economist believes it will be years before the negative financial effects of the pandemic disappear, even though conditions are expected to dramatically improve later this year. KITV4.

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Hawaii seniors, front-line workers next in line for COVID-19 vaccine shots. Hawaii has administered roughly a third of the nearly 83,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses the state has received so far. Star-Advertiser.

State Details List Of Who’s Next In Line For COVID-19 Vaccine.
State officials said Tuesday they’re starting to offer COVID-19 vaccines to people older than 75 and a long list of essential workers, including child care workers, teachers and first responders as part of a newly refined Phase 1b. Civil Beat.

State to expand eligibility for COVID vaccine to those 75 and up, more essential workers. The state is preparing to launch a significant new phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, opening up eligibility to those 75 and older along with a host of essential workers ― from teachers to those who work on utilities to corrections officers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii begins second round of vaccinations for healthcare workers. It has been 21 days since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Hawaii and hospitals on Oahu are beginning to administer the second dose to healthcare workers to build-up protection against the virus. KHON2.

The state describes next phase of Hawaii's COVID-19 vaccination plan. Governor David Ige on Tuesday said more people in the state need to get vaccinated. KITV4.

Rollout of COVID vaccine for general population eyed for May. State officials hope to administer more than 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine throughout Hawaii by the end of May. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Vaccine Program Soon Available to Expanded Groups. High-ranking government and health officials convened in Honolulu Tuesday to detail the plan as it is outlined over the next several weeks, making two primary requests of the public during that time. Big Island Now.

Vaccination Update: Details on Rollout Outlined. Governor David Ige provided an update today on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts saying healthcare workers, residents and staff at nursing homes are currently getting vaccinated. Maui Now.

Air Force C-17 delivers vaccinations to National Guard troops. Hundreds of Hawaii National Guard personnel with the joint task force responding to COVID-19 are getting vaccinated, with some on neighbor islands receiving the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday from the back of a C-17 cargo aircraft during a brief stop. Star-Advertiser.

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As teachers look ahead to vaccinations, thousands of students return to classrooms. In-person learning resumed Tuesday for many schools across the state. The state Department of Education said the maximum capacity is 50% at one time on campus, but many schools put a cap even lower. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii will need to pay $59 million in interest to cover unemployment. Hawaii continues to borrow from the U.S. Treasury Department to cover island unemployment claims but has not figured out how to cover $59.8 million in interest payments that will come due. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed State Budget Would Cut 30% From Sex Abuse Treatment Funding. Lawmakers were briefed Tuesday on some ugly proposed state budget reductions, including a plan to cut $1.4 million from treatment services to sexual assault victims over the next two years, and another that would “eviscerate” state enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. Civil Beat.

Unidentified GIs who died in Philippines returned to Hawaii. The remains of some U.S. military personnel who died during World War II and were buried anonymously in the Philippines have been returned to Hawaii to try to determine their identities. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 5: 124 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 124 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 74 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, 12 on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and 16 state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell’s Top Aide Lands City Council Gig To Cash In On Retirement Benefits. The six-month job will set up former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya for benefits he can access for the rest of his life. Civil Beat.

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Kapiolani Medical Center nurses to take strike vote. Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women &Children said they will take a strike authorization vote beginning Thursday after nearly five months of trying to negotiate a new contract with the hospital. Star-Advertiser.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses faced with decision on whether or not to strike. Nurses will vote Thursday on whether or not they will strike in the middle of a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Natalie Iwasa Joins The HART Board. The government-spending watchdog and frequent rail critic known as “Bike Mom” will lend an independent voice, the House Speaker said. Civil Beat.

City and County of Honolulu participates in 2020 National Community Survey. This year’s survey includes questions about the quality of life, city services, policies and management of the City and County of Honolulu, as well as opinions on issues pertinent to O'ahu residents. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council confirmations: Rodenhurst squeaks through first step; Kern postponed. Mayor Mitch Roth’s pick for Public Works director squeaked through a sometimes tense confirmation hearing Tuesday after more than two hours of grilling by a split County Council panel. West Hawaii Today.

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State: ‘Kanaka garden’ at Wailoa park must be removed by 5 p.m. today. The state set a 5 p.m. deadline today for activists who have taken over a portion of Wailoa River Recreation Area in Hilo and planted a “kanaka garden” — as was done in 2012 and 2013 — to remove the plantings and other items or have them hauled away by Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers. Tribune-Herald.

State, Hawaiian Sovereignty Activists Square Off at Wailoa State Park. A showdown is brewing between a group of Hawaiian sovereignty activists and the state of Hawai‘i at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. Big Island Now.

DLNR orders activists occupying Hilo’s Wailoa River State Park to clear out. A group of activist claiming jurisdiction of a portion of land within Hilo’s Wailoa River State Park have been ordered by the DLNR to vacate the area.  Hawaii News Now.

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No decisions yet about how UH-Hilo will address governor’s proposed $5.7M budget cut. While some short-term cost-saving measures have already been implemented, University of Hawaii at Hilo administrators say no decisions have been made about how the campus will address a $5.7 million budget cut proposed by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii vog forecast program reports on latest Kilauea eruption. If you’re wondering whether vog from Kilauea Volcano will be headed to your neighborhood in the next couple of days, or you want real-time air quality on Hawaii island, then the Vog Measurement and Prediction Project can help. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

State shuts down Little Beach over big, maskless parties. After social media posts showing 400 people without masks partying Sunday at Little Beach in Makena, the state decided to shut down the area, known for drum circles, nudity, illegal alcohol and other illicit substances. Maui News.

Pu‘u Ola‘i “Little Beach” at Mākena State Park to Close Temporarily. State officials are implementing an immediate closure of Puʻu Olaʻi “Little Beach,” at Mākena State Park on Maui following reports on Sunday of beach parties with drum circles, nudity, illegal alcohol and other illicit substances, coupled with hundreds of mask-less people in close contact with one another. Maui Now.

State officials shut down Puu Olai Beach, also known as Little Beach, at Makena State Park due to large crowds with maskless dancers, blatant nudity. Officials said that social media posts from last Sunday show an estimated 400 people on the beach, dancing and participating in drum circles without masks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Closes Beach On Maui After Large Mask-Less Parties. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the parties at Puu Olai beach included nude people dancing in drum circles. Civil Beat.

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Mayor’s office employee has COVID-19, county says. The employee is asymptomatic and last worked in the Kalana O Maui county building Thursday. Maui News.

Maui mayor not exposed to COVID-19 after employee in his office tests positive. An employee in the Maui mayor’s office has tested positive for COVID-19, but officials said Tuesday the mayor was not exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County staff member tests positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. One of Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino's staff members tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. KITV4.

Kauai

Kawakami shares 2021 goals, pandemic thoughts.
Mayor Derek Kawakami sat down with The Garden Island to discuss reopening, economic recovery, and 2021 goals for his administration. Garden Island.

Marriott changing ownership, 457 laid off. Essex House Condominium Corporation, which operates as the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort &Beach Club, will cease operations in March. Garden Island.

New produce program launched. A Kaua‘i nonprofit, The MonkeyPod, launched their Kauai CSA (community-supported agriculture) Initiative box pick-up location in the middle of last month, at The Local Beet in Koloa. Garden Island.


Friday, November 27, 2020

Hawaii travel procedures still up in the air, Honolulu residents brave COVID-19 to go Black Friday shopping, Maui's Iao Valley reopens with new tourist fees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

video grab
Gov. David Ige and Hawaii's mayors

 Mayors seek travel rule changes amid surging coronavirus cases. The county mayors are proposing travel-related rule changes amid surging COVID-19 cases on the mainland and Hawaii, but so far their requests are just piling up on Gov. David Ige’s desk. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees one of its busiest travel days of the pandemic, despite CDC guidance. Despite the CDC warning people to stay home for Thanksgiving, Hawaii saw one its busiest travel days since the start of the pandemic on Wednesday. The state says about 100,000 people have arrived at Hawaii’s airports in the past week. Hawaii News Now.

Debate Continues Over Balancing Economic Recovery And Public Health. Business leaders are worried a change to the state’s Safe Travel program could disrupt an economic recovery that appears to be gaining momentum. Hawaii Public Radio.

Statistics suggest returning residents, not visitors, more likely to bring COVID-19 into Hawaii. While more passengers overall are landing in the islands since the launch of the pre-travel testing program, it’s returning residents who have the higher infection rate. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic gave locals taste of a tourist-free Hawaii. Locals, many of whom depend on tourism jobs, have long felt ambivalence about living in an island paradise that relies heavily on visitor spending, but many saw an upshot to a health crisis that threatened their livelihoods: reclaiming favorite areas long overrun by crowds. Associated Press.

Hawaii Has A New State Sheriff. Billy Oku, who has 30 years of experience in law enforcement and security, will head the Sheriff Division in the Department of Public Safety. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii graduation rates rise even during coronavirus pandemic. Graduation rates rose at most of the University of Hawaii’s 10 campuses this year, with UH-Manoa reaching a record high, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the sudden switch to online learning. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 26: 120 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 120 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Thursday and the deaths of two people on Oahu. The new cases including 92 on Oahu, 11 on Hawaii Island, three on Kauai and 14 on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Some shoppers line up for deals at Hawaii malls, but an overall quiet start to Black Friday. Some shoppers lined up early at Hawaii malls for deals on what promises to be a different Black Friday amid the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly a dozen people were seen waiting outside Pearlridge Center, including Kenny Rodriguez, who arrived around 2 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell says Oahu will remain in Tier 2 for now. The latest seven-day average of COVID-19 cases on Oahu stands at 84 cases with a test positivity rate of 2.5 percent, said Mayor Caldwell on Thursday. KHON2.

Hawaii COVID-19 survivor hospitalized for 88 days: ‘Every minute of every day, I was in pain’. Jack Denis didn’t think he’d live to see his 73rd birthday. The retired Honolulu fire captain and former marine marked the milestone while he was hospitalized for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu couple’s generosity blossoms into mask-making business. Vicky Do is an accomplished seamstress who spends hours at her sewing machine making colorful cloth masks. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim urges evaluation of testing programs, fewer exemptions for travelers. Outgoing Mayor Harry Kim wants the state to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Travels Hawaii program as the mayor of Kauai pushes to remove that island from the program entirely. Tribune-Herald.

Pre-testing program’s preliminary picture: HTA releases visitor statistics for October. On Hawaii Island, arrivals by air more than tripled to 10,640 during October, up from the September total of 3,335; this total still represents a decrease of 91.8% from the same month in 2019. Overall, the state saw 76,613 air arrivals — up from 18,868 in September — which is a 90.1% decrease from 2019. West Hawaii Today.

For First Time, Hilo Will Be Home To Congressional District Office. Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional district office will be located outside of the island of Oʻahu, Congressman-elect Kai Kahele says. Big Island Video News.

Study Shows Twice As Much Kona Submarine Freshwater As Previously Thought. New findings are being hailed as a paradigm shift from the conventional hydrologic conceptual models for Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui won’t opt out of pre-travel testing program. Despite an uptick in travel-related COVID-19 cases in Maui County this month, Mayor Michael Victorino confirmed that he isn’t yet considering any moves to opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program. Maui News.

Maui’s ‘Iao Valley reopens with new fees for tourists. The valley officially reopened this past Saturday with new fees for tourists. It’s still free for kamaaina, but non-residents will have to pay $10 per vehicle, and $5 dollars per individual walk-in. Hawaii News Now.

Mandatory Water Shortage Restrictions to End for Upcountry, West Maui. The County of Maui Department of Water Supply will end Stage 1 water restrictions for Upcountry and West Maui customers, effective Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Maui Now.

Six million pounds of food given in pandemic. Maui Food Bank doubles yearly totals in just nine months. Maui News.

Kauai

DOW: commercial, resort properties flush plumbing. The Department of Water reminds resort properties and large commercial facilities to conduct a flushing of their plumbing fixtures on property at least once a week and prior to reopening for business. The flushing protocol is also recommended to schools and businesses that have significantly reduced their water demand within their systems during COVID-19 related closures or extended property vacancies. Garden Island.

Aaron Hoff walking across island for the Keala Foundation. In 1996, Aaron Hoff, the founder of the Kelea Foundation, experienced an epiphany that altered the course of his life and allowed him to focus on his purpose. Garden Island.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Hawaii tightens travel testing requirements, will soon welcome visitors from Canada; Caldwell strives to avoid layoffs and furloughs, activists block Waipio Valley, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii travel sunset ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii-bound travelers with pending coronavirus test results will no longer have the chance to bypass quarantine. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that trans-Pacific travelers to Hawaii who can’t present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in the islands won’t be able to bypass the 14-day quarantine once their test results are received. Star-Advertiser.

Ige tightens pre-traveler testing rules amid concerns about those arriving without results. Starting Tuesday, incoming trans-Pacific travelers will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result in hand before departure for Hawaii if they want to bypass quarantine. If they don’t have the results, they’ll have to self-isolate for up to 14 days. Hawaii News Now.

State tightens pre-arrival COVID-19 testing program for trans-Pacific travelers. Starting Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving, trans-Pacific arrivals in Hawaii must have a negative COVID-19 test result from a trusted testing partner prior to departure to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements. Governor David Ige on Thursday announced that people traveling to the state now must be in possession of the results of their COVID-19 tests before departing on the last leg of their trips. Big Island Now.

Pre-Travel Test Results Delayed? Get Ready To Quarantine For 2 Weeks. Gov. David Ige tightened restrictions as Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell cast doubt on the state’s surveillance program. Civil Beat.

Travelers to Hawaii will need to have a negative test upon departure to bypass quarantine. KHON2.

A major change to the state's pre-travel testing program coming Tuesday. The policy change does not apply to inter-island travel. KITV4.

Pre-Travel COVID-19 Test Results Must Be In Hand Prior to Departure for Hawai‘i. Starting next Tuesday, Nov. 24, travelers wishing to bypass the 14-day mandatory quarantine must have their COVID-19 test results – from a trusted testing partner – prior to departure for the State of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell questions the validity of the state’s traveler surveillance testing program; Lt. Gov. Green defends it. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the state’s surveillance testing program is leaning too heavily on Hawaii island data and falling short of its goal to randomly test 10% of arriving visitors four days after arrival. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell: State’s surveillance testing of trans-Pacific travelers is inadequate.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday questioned the state’s efforts to conduct surveillance testing of incoming travelers. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell wants travelers to be tested four days after arriving to O'ahu. The mayor wants travelers who land on O'ahu to be tested four days after arriving to further ensure they're not spreading COVID-19. The state's program promised to do that to 10% of arrivals at random. KITV4.

Mayor Kawakami weighs in on new Safe Travels policy. At least 44 travelers using the state’s Safe Travels received positive COVID-19 test results upon arrival or in the following days, Gov. David Ige reported Thursday. Garden Island.

Kaua'i County Mayor says if there is a spike in cases he will ask for more travel restrictions. Kaua'i County Mayor Derek Kawakami tells KITV4 he is quote "very happy" with the Governor's decision to require travelers to have a negative COVID-19 test result in-hand prior to departure. KITV4.

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Canadian Pre-Travel Testing to Hawai‘i Begins Mid-December. Governor Ige today announced that beginning in mid-December, travelers flying from Canada to Hawaiʻi may bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they take a COVID-19 test from labs identified by Air Canada and WestJet. Maui Now.

Pre-travel testing set up for Canadians wanting to bypass state's 14-day quarantine. The test must be taken within 72-hours of travel, and a negative test result must be received prior to departure. KITV4.

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Major COVID-19 Outbreak Hits Pearl Harbor Warship. Most of the sailors who tested positive were expected to leave isolation this weekend and return to duty. Civil Beat.

Navy announces COVID outbreak on destroyer docked at Pearl Harbor. Personnel assigned to the destroyer USS Michael Murphy tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 4 and have been placed in isolation, according to announcement from a Navy spokesperson on Nov. 19. KHON2.

Nearly 25% of sailors from Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Michael Murphy contract coronavirus. About half of a large number of sailors found to be COVID-19 positive on the Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Michael Murphy recently are now almost out of isolation, an official said. Star-Advertiser.

Navy confirms reports of COVID-19 cases aboard Honolulu-based guided missile destroyer.  U.S. Navy said Thursday that an unspecified number of sailors assigned to a guided missile destroyer based out of Pearl Harbor have tested positive for the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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Analysis: Asians in Hawaii more likely to die of COVID-19 than other ethnic groups. New research shows those of Japanese and Chinese descent die of COVID-19 more than any other ethnic group in Hawaii ― despite much lower infection rates. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific Islanders Are Twice As Likely To Be Hospitalized For COVID-19. Chuukese, Marshallese and Samoan residents have been getting the deadly virus at the highest rates. Pacific Islanders, excluding Native Hawaiians, are more than twice as likely to be killed or hospitalized by the coronavirus in Hawaii than other racial and ethnic groups after adjusting for age and gender, according to newly released data from the state Health Department. Civil Beat.

The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander COVID-19 Awareness and Prevention Campaign is fighting the virus that it says is disproportionately impacting its community. A coalition serving Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, a community that is proportionately impacted by COVID-19, is taking a cultural approach to stopping the spread of the virus. Big Island Video News.

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Todd Eddins unanimously confirmed to Hawaii Supreme Court. The newest member of the Hawaii Supreme Court started and ended his education in Hawaii public schools — first at Enchanted Lake Elementary in Kailua and finally at the University of Hawaii law school, where Todd W. Eddins later returned to teach as an adjunct professor. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Confirms Todd Eddins To Hawaii Supreme Court. The lawmaker in charge of vetting judicial candidates noted Eddins’ vast legal experience. Civil Beat.

State Senate confirms Circuit Court judge to Hawaii Supreme Court. The Hawaii State Senare voted Thursday to approve Gov. David Ige’s appointment to fill an opening for an associate justice on the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

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Congressman-elect Kai Kahele announces Christy Wagner as his chief of staff selection. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has announced his selection for chief of staff, who has 10 years of policy experience at Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C., and, like Kahele, has ties to Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Hawaii Is Still Heavily Dependent On Fossil Fuels. While Hawaii has made some progress in diversifying its energy sector, it’s still the most oil-reliant state in the U.S., according to new statistics from the Hawaii State Energy Office. Civil Beat.

DOE Chief: $100M Budget Reduction Could Be ‘Decimating’. School leaders are preparing contingency plans due to huge funding shortfalls brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

Has Saguaro Prison Failed To Protect Hawaii Inmates From COVID-19? More than half of the state’s inmates serving time at the Arizona facility were infected, and one inmate was confirmed to have died Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Isolated for months in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, crew sees pandemic for 1st time. Just as the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold, in February, four people set sail for one of the most remote places on Earth — a small camp on Kure Atoll, at the edge of the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Here’s Why The Health Department Says It Takes 36 Hours To Post COVID-19 Case Numbers. Weekly trends are more important to pay attention to than daily numbers, health officials say. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 19: 107 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 107 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 75 on Oahu, 12 on Hawaii Island, four on Kauai, nine on Maui and seven residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City Is ‘Looking At Everything’ To Avoid Layoffs Or Pay Cuts. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration will make final decisions by the end of the year in an attempt to close a $400 million budget shortfall. Civil Beat.

11 Honolulu police officers tested positive for COVID-19 after station outbreak. Eleven Honolulu police officers tested positive for COVID-19 following an outbreak at the Wahiawa police station earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

TheBus and TheHandi-Van begin testing air purification systems. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) began testing new eco-friendly air and surface purification systems in several city busses and TheHandi-Van on Nov. 19. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell urges travelers to use airport lab. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging more people to take advantage of COVID-19 testing for interisland travel at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials say mask mandates must be followed in common spaces at apartments, condominiums. The Department of Health is reminding people to follow the rules when it comes to wearing a face covering and social distancing if they live in an apartment building or condominium. KHON2.

Malaekahana housing removed from Koolauloa plan after years of debate. A divisive 14-year fight at the Honolulu City Council over proposed development in Malaekahana appears to be nearing a conclusion, with advocates for preserving agricultural lands and containing growth winning over those who consider housing a higher priority for the community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council honors Kim. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday surprised Mayor Harry Kim before he leaves office next month, honoring the longtime public servant for his decades of work. Tribune-Herald.

Citing COVID-19 concerns, activists try to block visitors from Big Island’s Waipio Valley. Activists on Hawaii Island who say they’re concerned about traffic jams and the spread of COVID-19 tried to block tourists from going into Waipio Valley this week. Hawaii News Now.

Accused aquarium poacher pleads not guilty after lengthy reading of charges
. A Kailua-Kona man accused of illegal aquarium fish collection in West Hawaii Waters pleaded not guilty Thursday in Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Public comment sought for cleanup action at former quarry firing range site. The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an engineering evaluation/cost analysis for the selection of a non-time critical cleanup action at the former quarry firing range site in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Libraries welcome back patrons with Wiki Visits. The Hawaii State Public Library System has begun allowing patrons inside its buildings for the first time in eight months. Tribune-Herald.

‘No end in sight:’ The Food Basket holds biggest Ohana Food Drop yet. At the Old Kona Airport Pavilion on Thursday, the need was plain to see as the Food Basket held their eighth Ohana Food Drop in Kona – and 91st on the Orchid Isle overall – since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of cars lined up to fill the former airstrip, waiting for their turn to receive food. West Hawaii Today.

Food Basket Distributes 100K Pounds of Support in the Face of Staggering Need. Big Island Now.

Maui

Stay distanced to avoid a mask at beach, county says. Maui sunbathers may get a more even face tan, thanks to Gov. David Ige’s recent statewide proclamation that allows for certain mask exemptions. Maui News.

Hale Makua Kahului Confirms Positive COVID-19 Staff Member.
Hale Makua Health Services has received confirmation that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Kahului facility. The staff person last worked on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and is currently in isolation at home. Maui Now.

Goodfellow Bros. in Kihei Receives World’s First Electric Drive Dozer by Caterpillar. Goodfellow Bros. in Kihei received of one of three commemorative Cat ® D6 XE Dozers – a special edition high-drive electric drive dozer built specifically to celebrate Caterpillar’s production of 175,000 medium high-drive dozers. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD Dispatch’s communications system undergoes complete renovation. County dispatchers moved into a newly renovated communications center at the Lihu‘e Kaua‘i Police Department headquarters Wednesday. Garden Island.

County withdraws from Kaua‘i Made Holiday Fair. Officials have announced that the County of Kaua‘i will no longer participate in co-hosting the Kaua‘i Made Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Puhi Park Produce. Garden Island.

Molokai

Decades-Old Ho‘olehua Water System on Moloka‘i to Undergo Major Repairs. A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to mark the beginning of a $37 million capital improvement project to upgrade the 80-year-old Hoʻolehua Water System on Molokaʻi. Maui News.