Showing posts with label Lanai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lanai. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

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

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Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui


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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Lanai

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Masks are mandatory in Hawaii, but state sends mixed signals, Lanai under shutdown as COVID-19 cases surge, parents sue Honolulu Police Department over arrest of 15-year-old schoolmate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Masks are worn at a Hawaii farmers market ©2020 All Hawaii News

 Confusion about rules on mask wearing is widespread across counties for residents and tourists. Better communication is needed to inform tourists and residents that wearing masks is “mandatory,” said Gov. David Ige, who on Monday encouraged “everyone (to) continually remind people that masks are required in Hawaii.” Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige admits state needs to do a better job on mask wearing rules. Governor David Ige admits that the state needs to send a stronger message about wearing masks. This, after some expressed frustration that there’s no clear communication sent out to the public. KHON2.

Japanese travel plan nearly set. Gov. David Ige said Monday his administration is “very close” to being able to announce plans for the return of Japanese visitors to the state. Tribune-Herald.

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The state is sitting on $90M for housing aid and time is running out to distribute it. A program to help struggling families stay in their homes is sitting on more than 90% of the $100 million it’s supposed to distribute. The Ige administration announced the program in early September. Eligible applicants can get up to $2,000 a month through the end of the year ― paid directly to their landlord. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii unemployment benefits get a new 13-week extension. As Hawaii’s unemployment plight nears the nine-month mark, state officials are activating a second extension of jobless benefits for out-of-work residents. Star-Advertiser.

Rent Falls Sharply in Large Cities, Hold Steady In Hawaii. The trend on the Mainland U.S. appears to be driven by an exodus of workers fleeing high-density neighborhoods in large cities, for suburbs and smaller towns; where they're now working remotely. University of Hawaii economist Carl Bonham says that while there is not great data on Hawaii's rental market, there so far does not appear to be a major change in local rents. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Molokai, Lanai air service gets reprieve from ‘Ohana by Hawaiian. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will continue ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai through at least mid-January. Star-Advertiser.

'Ohana by Hawaiian service to stick around through mid-Jan. 2021.
In a statement, Hawaiian said they were alerted by the U.S. Department of Transportation that they are contractually obligated to provide service to Molokai and Lanai because it is essential. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to maintain 'Ohana by Hawaiian service to Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. A lifeline between Moloka'i and Lana'i will not be disrupted. KITV4.

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Mass Testing To Begin In Arizona Prison After 7 Hawaii Inmates Are Hospitalized. The COVID-19 outbreak at a privately run prison is the second largest cluster among Hawaii inmates. Civil Beat.

Number of Hawaii inmates at Arizona prison with active COVID-19 cases swells to 52. There are 1,082 Hawaii inmates at Saguaro in Eloy, Ariz. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 26: 38 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 statewide Monday, including 26 on Oahu, nine on Hawaii island and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell again calls for HART to nix P3 process. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday again called on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to nix its two-year quest to find a private partner to help build the final leg of the $10 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana line and focus on other ways of ensuring that $250 million in promised federal funding won’t lapse by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawsuit accuses isle police of abusing power. A federal lawsuit was filed Monday against the City and County of Honolulu and its police department alleging abuse of power stemming from an incident two years ago in which an officer arrested a 15-year-old boy who had been fighting with the officer’s son. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit: Honolulu officer arrested teen as vengeance for son. The officer had the boy arrested in violation of his civil rights because the teen and the officer’s son were at odds and had fought after school, said the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Lawsuit alleges HPD officer abused power by arresting son’s school-aged ‘enemy’. The parents of a 15-year-old boy who was arrested by a Honolulu police officer after getting into a fight with the officer’s son filed a lawsuit Monday, alleging that the officer acted in a retaliatory fashion and abused his police powers for personal gain. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu family files civil liberties lawsuit against City and HPD. An abuse of power complaint filed by Jennifer and Jorge Rivera claims that their son, J.R., was bullied by an HPD officer’s son. KHON2.

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Hawaii Law Enforcement Rescues 5 Kids From Sex Trafficking. A task force made up of the FBI, AG’s office, the Honolulu Police Department and other federal, state and county agencies found the minors during an operation that started Friday that centered around Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Mayor urges residents to celebrate Halloween safely to prevent COVID-19′s spread. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging residents to celebrate Halloween safely, avoiding gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Four Seasons Oahu sold to Hong Kong company. Ko Olina master developer Jeff Stone’s company, The Resort Group, announced Monday that it has sold its interest in the Four Seasons Resort Oahu to its partner, Hong Kong-based Henderson Land Group. Star-Advertiser.

State master plan for E. Kapolei would add retail, industrial space, 1,000 new rentals. The board voted at its Friday meeting to approve a draft plan by R.M. Towill Corp. for the project, and to procure an environmental impact statement for the East Kapolei project, which is envisioned to be developed in phases over the next 20 or more years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County coffers contain an extra $40M. Hawaii County ended the last fiscal year with $40 million left over to be applied to the current budget, according to an Oct. 15 report to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island’s aggressive testing leading to high case count. The governor says Mayor Harry Kim has developed an aggressive testing schedule and identified the communities where they had anticipated there would be clusters of cases. KHON2.

13 traveling nurses assigned to Life Care Center of Hilo. As part of a $17 million allocation of federal coronavirus relief funding, about 50 out-of-state health care workers recently arrived to help Hawaii respond to the pandemic, including 13 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who will be headed to Life Care Center. Tribune-Herald.

Bids for Bayfront Trails come in too high. The second phase of the Hilo Bayfront Trails will be rebid after initial bids for the project came in over budget. Tribune-Herald.

It’s only October, but the snow is already falling atop Mauna Kea. A light dusting was captured by cameras at the Mauna Kea Weather Center on Monday around 4 p.m.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Mayor Victorino announces launch of free COVID-19 community testing program for residents. Mayor Michael Victorino announced the launch of a free COVID-19 community testing program sponsored by Maui County. KITV4.

Vehicle demonstration at airport for enhanced COVID-19 measures. About 10 vehicles circled through Kahului Airport on Saturday in a call for the implementation of a four-point COVID-19 prevention plan — including the forming of a pandemic task force and distribution of a voluntary smartphone contact tracing app — to safely reopen to tourism and prevent a future shutdown. Maui News.

Kapalua Homeowners Distribute Food Boxes to 1000 Families in Need. Homeowners of the Kapalua residential communities held a Community Giveback on Oct. 17 and raised more than $100,000 to help more than 1,000 families in need. Maui Now.

Volunteers sought to deliver essential items to kupuna. A nonprofit that helps kupuna stay safe at home during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering food and other essential items directly to their doors needs more volunteers. Maui News.

Maui’s Surfing Goat Dairy Reopening Thanks to Successful Adopt a Goat Fundraiser. The Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula will reopen thanks to a successful “GOat Fund Me” campaign in which 50 of its 100 goats, including Chili Chicken, Maybelline and Edelweiss, were adopted. Maui Now.

Kauai

‘A‘o release goes virtual. The COVID-19 pandemic put restrictions on the annual E Ho‘opoomaika‘i ‘ia Manu ‘A‘o, or A Cultural Release of the Native Newell’s Shearwater, when the annual event attended by school children was relegated to the digital virtual platform, states a release from the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Virus impacting Halloween events island-wide
. Halloween is Saturday, but several groups kicked off their Halloween festivals ahead of time in order to be compliant with COVID-19 safety measures. Garden Island.

Lanai

Anatomy Of An Outbreak: Once Unleashed, The Coronavirus Moved Swiftly On Lanai. The virus-free community had relaxed after months of no cases. Now, health officials worry the island could prove to be the ultimate petri dish. Civil Beat.

Lanai stay-at-home order begins today as officials try to contain outbreak.
Gov. David Ige on Monday morning approved a stay-at-home order for the island of Lanai, effective today, in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the tight-knit, but vulnerable community. Star-Advertiser.

Stay-at-home order goes into effect for Lanai amid large COVID-19 outbreak. A stay-at-home order is now in effect for Lanai as the island scrambles to bring a large COVID-19 outbreak under control. Gov. David Ige signed the order on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai set for mandatory Stay-At-Home order, starting 12:01 a.m. Governor Ige signed an emergency order approving Lanai’s “Stay at Home” order, which is set to go in effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. KHON2.

Lāna‘i to Lockdown Amid COVID Outbreak. Lāna‘i is headed for a lockdown that will last at least two weeks. Big Island Now.

Lana'i approaching three-digit COVID-19 cases. Lanai Community Health Center and Straub Clinic conducted a mass testing for residents. KITV4.

Monday, October 26, 2020

41% of Hawaii voters already voted, Lanai voter center closed amid COVID-19 surge, Eddins appointed to state Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii Voter Turnout Already At 41%. Officials ask that voters mail ballots by Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii elections office begins processing ballots. The state has already received nearly 365,000 ballots by mail. KHON2.

Ballots pouring in: 41% of Hawaii County voters have already voted. Some 41% of Hawaii County’s more than 127,000 registered voters had already voted by Friday, with 11 days to go before the Nov. 3 general election. West Hawaii Today.

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Wrong Tests, Weird Exemptions – What The Data Tells Us About Hawaii’s Reopening. In the first full week of Hawaii’s pre-arrival testing program, 86% of the nearly 67,000 people traveling from out of state bypassed quarantine one way or another, but only 63% of arriving travelers had a negative COVID-19 test. Civil Beat.

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To reclaim ancestral land, all Native Hawaiians need is a $300,000 mortgage and to wait in line for decades. A 100-year-old program created to provide Native Hawaiians — especially poor ones — land to live on after the U.S. annexed the islands is failing. Thousands have died waiting in line and even more can’t afford the mortgages they’d need. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Home Lands Announces $1 Million in Grant Availability.
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has announced the availability of $1 million in grants as part of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan. Big Island Now.

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Another Federal Grand Jury In Hawaii? This Time It’s About United Public Workers Union. The U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service have subpoenaed stacks of records from one of the state’s largest unions. Civil Beat.

Judge Todd Eddins Appointed To Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Governor David Ige on Friday announced the appointment of First Circuit Judge Todd W. Eddins to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Big Island Video News.

Why Some Hawaii Parents Now Want Their Kids In Private School. One Catholic school principal said the calls have been nonstop, mostly from families who are tired of doing remote learning as part of the state public school system. Civil Beat.

Big Island coronavirus cases hit 1-day peak and surpass Oahu. The number of COVID-19 cases reported Sunday on the Big Island reached 51, the isle’s largest one-day tally since the start of the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 25: 121 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 121 new cases of COVID-19 statewide Sunday with 49 on Oahu, 51 on Hawaii island and 18 in Maui County, where there is an outbreak on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Deadline looming for HART’s rail plan. It’s been a rocky couple of months for the folks at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the agency tasked with building the city’s embattled $10 billion-plus East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki residents fear Halloween night could turn into COVID-19 super spreader event. Honolulu police and other officials are pleading with residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 restrictions, especially those pertaining to social gatherings and face coverings, as Oahu enters the holiday season, starting with Halloween on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State plans $1.8 billion housing and commercial development for East Kapolei. A thousand affordable rental homes could rise on state land in East Kapolei as part of a new long-range development plan also featuring a hotel, retail, offices and warehouses.  Star-Advertiser.

Haseko plans 1,850 new homes at Royal Kunia in Central Oahu.
A third attempt is underway in as many decades to produce roughly 2,000 homes in Central Oahu at the long-stalled second phase of Royal Kunia. Star-Advertiser.

City agrees to a tentative $320,000 settlement over HPD domestic violence case. The suit alleged that officer Darren Cachola choked his wife in 2017 then pushed her against a wall and terrorized two years later after she filed for divorce. The city is on the hook because the suit alleges that HPD officers did not investigate her injuries and tried to talk her out of filing charges. Hawaii News Now.

Tony Roma's Waikiki closing
. After 45 years sitting on Kalakaua Avenue, the Tony Roma's Waikiki restaurant is closing up shop. The restaurant, known for it finger-licking baby back ribs, will serve the final customers until Wednesday, October 28. KITV4.

Vintage aircraft face chopping block. A Kalaeloa Airport naval air museum whose vintage aircraft could be auctioned off or chopped up is scrambling to remove some of its collection ahead of the Saturday deadline to vacate the premises. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for a stronger, uniform statewide mask mandate on Sunday as Hawaii Island reported its highest single-day jump in new COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for a stronger, uniform statewide mask mandate on Sunday as Hawaii Island reported its highest single-day jump in new COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Spike in Big Island cases described as an ‘islandwide problem’. The spread of COVID-19 on Hawaii Island is no longer limited to one cluster or one part of the county, and it’s mostly blamed on social or family gatherings. Hawaii News Now.

TMT opponents oppose small teaching telescope at Halepohaku. The public comment period for the proposed relocation of the University of Hawaii’s teaching telescope to a site on Maunakea will end Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Date set for management transition at veterans home. The East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. is preparing to take over the management of Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home Jan. 1, 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor seeks Guzman’s removal as prosecutor.
Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking the removal of Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney in a resolution submitted to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

County Officials Defend Use of Kamaʻāina Program as Incentive to Visitors who Take Post-Arrival Test. But the extension of offers to visitors via the program’s new Mahalo Card, has prompted criticism from some who say the program was established and intended for residents. Maui Now.

Astronomers Say Cluster of Mysterious Lights in Maui Sky was an Old Rocket Booster. The mysterious lights in the night sky over Maui on Saturday still has many perplexed as to their origin, but astronomers say the believe the lights “in all likelihood” were associated with the reentry of a used up rocket booster from a launch in 2008. Maui Now.

Kauai

14 arrested on Kauai for allegedly breaking quarantine requirements since state’s reopening. Kauai police have arrested 14 people for allegedly violating the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine since the state’s pre-arrivals testing program began on Oct. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Resident tests positive. A Kaua‘i resident has tested positive for COVID-19 following a voluntary post-travel test from the County of Kaua‘i, the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announced Sunday. Garden Island.

County receives $15.5M for water systems, capital improvements. The state allocated the county $15.5 million for a breadth of projects across the island, including capital improvements and water systems. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai voter service center closed due to outbreak. With the outbreak of COVID-19 on Lanai now reaching 95 cases and counting, it isn't just impacting public health on the small island, it's also impacting the election. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Green worries COVID-19 infections could hit triple digits on Lanai. As of last night, the governor had not signed Maui Mayor Mike Victorino’s request for a Stay At Home Order that would start on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai COVID-19 total tops 60 cases.
Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is expecting to implement a stay-at-home order and travel restrictions for Lanai beginning Tuesday as the island’s COVID-19 case count ballooned to 65 Friday. Maui News.

As Cases Spike On Lanai, School Moves To Distance Learning. Lanai High and Elementary School has switched to distance learning as the COVID-19 outbreak on the island grows and Maui County officials await approval to impose a stay-at-home order on the island starting Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.


Friday, October 23, 2020

Hawaii unveils coronavirus vaccine plans, test backlog sends tourists to quarantine, Honolulu marathon canceled, Lanai COVID-19 outbreak balloons, students infected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of Health Immunization Branch Chief Ron Balajadia

How Hawaii Is Planning For A Future COVID-19 Vaccine. It could cost Hawaii a minimum of $25 million to get people vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 — once a vaccine is approved by the federal government — state officials said Thursday. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announces draft COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Hawaii. Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green and state Department of Health Immunization Branch Chief Ron Balajadia today announced the state’s tentative plan to distribute the coronavirus vaccine once it becomes available. Star-Advertiser.

Officials outline how Hawaii would distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. The governor and state health officials offered a preview Thursday into how a COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed in Hawaii ― once one is approved. Hawaii News Now.

State unveils vaccine plan. Gov. David Ige announced on Thursday a COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan that will go into effect whenever a safe vaccine is made available to the public. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Preparing For Statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
High-risk healthcare employees, first responders, and residents with underlying health conditions, including those 65 and older, will be the first to get the vaccine. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Releases Preliminary COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan. No COVID-19 vaccine is yet available in the United States and may not be for months, but Hawai‘i has developed a preliminary distribution plan to be implemented as soon as one is. Big Island Now.

State sharing COVID-19 vaccine plans. Every state was required to submit a draft COVID-19 vaccination-distribution plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week. Garden Island.

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Backlog in the state’s manual COVID-19 test verification process sends thousands of Hawaii travelers to quarantine. Some 3,700 travelers to Hawaii whose test results uploaded after they arrived have received status updates on the Safe Travels Hawaii platform saying that their results had to be reviewed manually. Star-Advertiser.

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Ballistic missile submarine practices drone, Osprey and helicopter resupply off Hawaii. A 560-foot Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine has been operating off Hawaii for several days practicing “expeditionary” resupply from a drone, Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey and Navy Sea Hawk helicopter. Star-Advertiser.

Saguaro Correctional Center logs 12 more Hawaii inmate infections. This brings the facility’s Hawaii inmate case total to 43. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 22: 102 New COVID-19 Cases. The newest COVID-19 cases recorded included 52 on Oahu, 18 in Maui County, 29 on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayoral Candidates Can’t — Or Won’t — Say What They’ll Do About Rail. Facing a more than $1 billion deficit, Amemiya and Blangiardi say they don’t have enough information to map out the next steps to finish the project. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Marathon canceled due to coronavirus pandemic. After months of going back and forth, the Honolulu Marathon Association announced today that the 48th Honolulu Marathon scheduled for Dec. 13 would not be held. Star-Advertiser.

In another blow to Hawaii’s economy, the 2020 Honolulu Marathon is canceled. The 48th Honolulu Marathon had been scheduled for Dec. 13. Hawaii News Now.

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Vacation rentals once again allowed to operate on O'ahu. Owners of the rentals were left desperate for income after a loss in demand. KITV4.

Honolulu to offer free COVID-19 testing at Waikiki Shell. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Thursday that the city would offer free community testing at the Waikiki Shell through the end of November, using a surplus of 28,000 test kits. Star-Advertiser.

Hotels help police enforce quarantine for travelers who land without a negative test. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said hotels are assisting police with enforcing the quarantine mandate for visitors who didn’t land with a negative COVID-19 test. Hawaii News Now.

Bars are closed and people are driving less, but Oahu’s roads aren’t any safer.
According to Honolulu police, 42 lives were lost in crashes from Jan. 1 and Oct. 20. That’s up by one compared to the same time. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Almost 4,000 tested after arriving on the Big Island. Between Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Kim said, 3,891 travelers took the second test at Big Island airports, 407 of whom did so in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Most new Big Island cases are people younger than 40. Most of the 29 new COVID-19 infections reported Thursday on the Big Island were in younger individuals, according to Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Bill creating airport zone moves forward: Bill 199 allows hotel at Kona, Hilo airports. A bill that would allow hotels at Kona’s Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport moved a step forward Tuesday with a positive vote from the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hawaii governors support Big Isle energy project. Four former Hawaii governors have thrown their support behind the controversial Honua Ola Bioenergy project, whose fate is under appeal before the state Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Early Voting Underway in Maui County with 27,350 Votes Already Cast for Nov. 3 Election. In Maui County, County Clerk Kathy Kaohu said voting is going “smoothly” so far with 27,350 of the 96,882 active registered voters (28.23 percent) already casting their ballots. Maui Now.

Census efforts wrap up in Maui County. 53.3 percent response rate recorded with officials awaiting door-to-door results. Maui News.

Maui Voluntary Post-Arrival Travel Testing Program includes Mobile Unit. Travelers must have taken a pre-departure test to be eligible for the free post-arrival test. Travelers should take the second test 72 hours or later after they arrive into Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

Destination Management Plan Committee meet virtually with residents.
Kaua‘i’s Destination Management Action Plan Committee members held an engaging virtual meeting Wednesday evening with residents of the South Shore and Westside of Kaua‘i and the island of Ni‘ihau. Garden Island.

Voter Service Center opens in Lihu‘e
. Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Nov. 2, the VSC allows voters an opportunity to register and vote on the same day. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai residents told to shelter in place as coronavirus cases grow on rural island. State officials are urging Lanai residents to shelter in place as the coronavirus rapidly spreads through the rural island, which started with a handful of infections earlier this week that spiraled into at least 38 cases. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 outbreak on Lanai continues to grow, with at least 38 cases now confirmed. State Health Department officials say the number of COVID-19 cases on Lanai has now ballooned to 38, just days after the first cases were confirmed. Hawaii News Now.

Lāna‘i Update: Residents Encouraged to Shelter-in-Place, 800 PCR Tests Provided. Maui Now.

Three students at Lana'i High and Elementary School test positive for COVID-19, according to school letter. According to the school, it has taken the necessary precautions by notifying potential close contacts, sanitizing impacted areas, and relaying information to the State Department of Health. KITV4.

Maui County providing Lanai with 800 PCR tests, 11,300 masks. Residents on Lanai are strongly encouraged to attend the virtual community meeting scheduled for Oct. 23, where information on signs and symptoms, chain of infection, PPE, mitigation steps and other guidance will be provided. KHON2.


Monday, August 13, 2018

Hawaii Democrats make up at unity breakfast, Republicans plan next move; analysis of election results; dirty politics in lava district; Maui mayor trails in bid for council seat; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Hawaii Democrats unity breakfast, courtesy photo
On The Day After, Democratic Dominance On Display. As always, winners and losers came together in the same room just hours after the primary for the biennial Unity Breakfast. Civil Beat.

Democrats reflect, press on at Unity Breakfast. After months of battling on the campaign trail, Hawaii democrats gathered Sunday morning to break bread and move forward at the party's traditional Unity Breakfast. KHON2.

After a fierce battle in the primaries, Hawaii's Democratic party candidates woke up early Sunday to come together in unity. KITV.

Democrats, Republicans unite to strengthen parties into general election. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Republicans gather with high hopes for the general election. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige swept two-thirds of the House districts across the state on his way to a win over U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic primary election Saturday, with Hanabusa claiming half of the neighbor islands and a sizable portion of Leeward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Inside Ige’s Political Turnaround — And How Hanabusa Helped Him. Two natural disasters and an opponent whose overconfident campaign tried to run out the clock helped the governor secure a second term. Civil Beat.

Political analyst recaps election night surprises. Some landslide victories in Saturday's primary election - and some surprises, too. KITV.

What Happens to All Those Campaign Signs? Hawaii Public Radio.

Hickam C-17 crews participated in historic N. Korea mission. The three Hawaii-based C-17s flew west days apart and landed at Osan Air Base in South Korea for what would be the rarest of missions. Star-Advertiser.

Last year was the best year in a decade for Hawaii flower and landscape plant farmers, according to a recent report. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Surprise upsets in Honolulu City Council race. In the Honolulu City Council, Trevor Ozawa came out on top for District Four, Carol Fukanaga was the winner in District Six and Heidi Tsuneyoshi took the most votes in District Two, which covers Mililani all the way to Kahaluu. KITV.

State Senator Brickwood Galuteria loses seat in primary election. He represents District 12 which includes Waikiki, McCully and Kakaako. KHON2.

New prosperity envisioned for downtown’s Wo Fat building. What is described as the “most iconic building” in Honolulu’s historic Chinatown district is slated for restoration and return to restaurant use under a plan that also envisions a boutique hotel on the property. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Bad blood in Puna: Ousted councilwoman cries foul. When the dust settled on the Hawaii County Council District 4 primary election race, the final returns showed a political newcomer winning a 20-point landslide as a result of what she called an “aloha-driven, clean, positive campaign” and the ousted incumbent saying it “was anything but that.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Council District 7 race headed for runoff in November. Hawaii’s primary elections were over as of today, but the race for Hawaii County Council District 7 is far from the finish line. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Political snits snarl recovery from Big Isle eruption disaster. House Speaker Scott Saiki and Finance Chairwoman Sylvia Luke are out of line in their political bullying of Big Island officials trying to recover from an ongoing volcanic disaster that has crippled a major quadrant of the island. Star-Advertiser.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation donated $300,000 to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Hawaii Island Volcano Recovery Fund. Pacific Business News.

A six-bedroom estate in Kukio Golf and Beach Club recently sold for $18.5 million, the second sale in the exclusive resort community on the Big Island of Hawaii to sell for more than $15 million this year. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Baker’s win came by mail. But home districts also provided strongholds for this rematch from 2014. Maui News.

Home district voters key for Victorino and Cochran. Both candidates want to counter the stereotypes and reach more voters. Maui News.

Voters snub Arakawa in primary election for Kahului council seat. With all but one precinct reporting, mayor trails, but assured place in general election. Maui News.

A controversial new seawall in West Maui is starting to take shape. The project is moving forward after a judge denied an injunction to block construction late last month. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Congratulations and a shared desire for the well-being of Kauai were on tap at the Democratic Unity Breakfast, held at the Kauai Veterans Center on Sunday afternoon, as about 70 candidates and supporters gathered to celebrate the successes of the party. Garden Island.

There May Be No Stopping Derek Kawakami’s Mayoral Campaign. Meanwhile, a political newcomer emerges in the County Council race on a day when some of the island’s few voters were inspiring. Civil Beat.

Sunday morning the fifth and final printout for Hawaii’s primary 2018 primary elections was released, solidifying who is moving on to campaign for November’s general election. Garden Island.

Families that harvest salt from salt beds in Kauai fear current conditions in the unincorporated community of Hanapepe and climate change are threatening their important cultural practice. Associated Press.

Lanai

Air Charter Service Offered at Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Tourism executives say guests of the resort can now bypass airport waits and enjoy private daily air charter service from Honolulu’s Daniel K Inouye International Airport to Lanai City on one of two Pilatus PC-12 Lanai Air two-pilot aircraft operated by Mokulele Airlines. Maui Now.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Honolulu rail on hold pending tax vote, unemployment rate at eight-year low, UPS worker disciplined for tossing boxes in Waikiki, Hilo hospital best in state for infection management, prisons overcrowded, Molly the Mosquito teaches children about dengue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Rail route, courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Amid uncertainty over whether there will be sufficient cash to build the full 20-mile line, rail officials have halted issuing the contract for the last stretch of the transit system until the Honolulu City Council decides on a tax extension to pay for it. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will hold off on putting out bids for the final leg of rail construction through the city center until a 0.5 percent surcharge on Oahu’s general excise tax is approved to pay for a growing shortfall on the project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell for the sixth straight month to 3.2 percent in November to match its lowest level in nearly eight years. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy Inc., the Florida company proposing to buy Hawaiian Electric Co. for $4.3 billion, had expected that Hawaii Gov. David Ige would favor the acquisition, according to confidential documents that have now been made public. But Ige is opposed to the sale, saying NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) has not given enough details about its future plans for Hawaiian Electric and the state. Pacific Business News.

After 12 days of testimony in the regulatory hearing that will help decide the fate of NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion bid to buy Hawaiian Electric Industries, and with a lengthy recess ahead, this is a good moment to step back and reflect on the remarkably low price of oil. Civil Beat.

Catholic Charities Hawai’i hosted a Social Advocacy Forum to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A United Parcel Service employee spotted tossing several boxes and packages from his parked van in Waikiki this week has been disciplined, a UPS spokeswoman said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell appears to have changed his tune on Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who’s currently under a federal investigation for alleged abuse of power. Civil Beat.

An overloaded plumbing system is taking away much-needed prison cells at Halawa Prison, which is running at or over capacity. The state's largest prison, which houses medium- and high-security inmates, has made some improvements but like many other prisons across the state, it suffers from two major problems: it's overcrowded and its facilities are very old. Hawaii News Now.

The City and County of Honolulu is planning to spend nearly 140 million dollars over two years to address homelessness on O’ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Chinese corporation closed on two Ko Olina Resort beachfront parcels Thursday and plans to make a $1 billion investment, including the construction of two new uber-luxury branded resorts. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is expecting to hire more than 20 people as temporary, full-time groundskeepers or supervisors. Prospective groundskeepers would make $17.64 per hour; supervisors have a slightly higher rate. KITV4.

Hawaii

After years of steady improvement, Hilo Medical Center has earned the top score in the state for preventing hospital-acquired infections. Tribune-Herald.

As the number of cases of locally acquired dengue fever on the Big Island of Hawaii rises to 160, the Hawaii Department of Health is changing its approach to reporting the numbers. Big Island Video News.

Sometimes children just don’t understand the ramifications of a disease such as dengue fever. A group from the University of Hawaii at Hilo School of Nursing is trying to explain the disease — from the perspective of “Molly the Mosquito” — to help the young ones understand. West Hawaii Today.

A handful of residents attended a Puna Geothermal Venture community meeting in Pahoa Wednesday night. The year-end update from the Pohoiki-based power producer was led by Ormat’s head of Hawaii Affairs, Mike Kaleikini. Big Island Video News.

It took just 15 days for Cyanotech’s 100 employees to contribute a quarter ton of nonperishable food to help community members in need put a meal on the table this holiday season. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor Alan Arakawa plucked the new director of the Department of Environmental Management from its ranks, naming a 25-year department veteran who at one time worked with Arakawa in the wastewater branch. Maui News.

ʻĪao Valley State Monument on Maui will be closed from Jan. 11-22, 2016 for various park improvements, including closures of the two large capacity cesspools in the park that were mandated via a consent agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. Maui Now.

Iao Valley State Monument will be closed from Jan. 11 to 22, while the park undergoes improvements and the shutdown of two cesspools at the site. Maui News.

Kauai
As part of the ongoing pavement work along Hardy Street, motorists are advised that a portion of Hardy Street, from Kuhio Highway to Eiwa Street, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, weather permitting. Garden Island.

Lanai

Maui County Council Planning Committee Chairman Don Couch had hoped Wednesday to move the revised draft Lanai Community Plan out of his committee with a recommendation for passage to the full council, but that proved to be overly optimistic. Maui News.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Lawmakers grill University of Hawaii officials on spending, Ellison's Lanai plans probed, Land Use Commission denies Maui development, NextEra says electric grid lacking, attorney general investigates stadium fallout, state cancels Honolulu airport commuter terminal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
University of Hawaii-Hilo © 2015 All Hawaii News
In what’s become a December tradition, leaders from the University of Hawaii went to the state Capitol on Tuesday to make their case to the House Committee on Higher Education for additional budget appropriations. What UH President David Lassner got — this year and last — was a stern talking-to from Rep. Isaac Choy, who heads the committee. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawai’i briefed lawmakers about additional funding they are requesting for the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Public Utilities Commission met behind closed doors Monday for the second time in five days of hearings on Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co.’s efforts in reliability are currently poor at best, an executive with a NextEra Energy Inc. subsidiary said Tuesday at the ongoing regulatory hearings regarding the Florida energy giant’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of the Honolulu-based utility. Pacific Business News.

When it comes to something as crucial in our lives as electricity, can Hawaii trust outsiders to do the right thing? That was the fundamental question emerging Monday from the high-stakes hearing at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center to decide if NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries will be approved. Civil Beat.

Fitch Ratings says it expects NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries to be approved and that over the long term the agency sees a bias toward positive rating actions for Hawaiian Electric Co. and HEI under the Florida utility’s ownership. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Budget and Finance is recommending that Hawaii Gov. David Ige include about $31 million in his 2017 supplemental budget request to fund public housing repairs and maintenance. That would be six times more than Ige sought last year, but still far less than the total amount needed to upgrade more than 6,000 aging public housing units. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will spend $6.8 million in tobacco settlement funds on anti-smoking campaigns this year. That’s the lowest level in years, and about half what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. Hawaii News Now.

The deadline for comment on a proposed bridge between Native Hawaiians and the US Government is closing soon. In the fall the US Department of the Interior proposed establishing a formal government-to-government relationship as part of the reconciliation process.  The proposal would give Native Hawaiians a legal framework that would help the native Hawaiian community work with the US government. Hawaii Public Radio.

Add yet another gig to Colleen Hanabusa’s growing work load: She will teach a course on the topic of “civil liberties in times of crisis” during the spring 2016 semester at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Civil Beat.

In the midst of the third global coral bleaching event on record, local communities can help recovery efforts by curbing soil runoff and protecting herbivores like parrotfish, researchers said. Maui News.

Commentary: Why Can’t Hawaii Spend All That Federal Money? State agencies can’t seem to spend all of the $2.5 billion in federal money they get each year, but they still turn down the offer of help to manage those grants. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The state of Hawaii has canceled plans to build a new commuter terminal at Honolulu International Airport as part of the state's $1.7 billion airport upgrade, which will displace two interisland airlines. Pacific Business News.

Plans to build a new commuter terminal at Honolulu International Airport have been canceled because the project was too pricey. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's attorney general is reviewing a letter which says Aloha Stadium defaulted on its agreement with the U.S. women's soccer team. Associated Press.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed over the last-minute cancellation of Sunday's U.S. Women's soccer game, just as the state has launched its own investigation. Hawaii News Now.


The Honolulu City Council is considering hiring the Law Offices of Cary T. Tanaka to defend city Corporation Counsel Donna Leong in a lawsuit brought by the family of Sheldon Haleck, who died in police custody earlier this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Scientists say that last week’s state Supreme Court ruling on the Thirty Meter Telescope puts not only that project’s future in limbo, but also jeopardizes observatories already atop Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald.

Exports of businesses at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority played a major role in Hawaii’s aquaculture record-high sales in 2014, the ocean science and technology park’s executive director said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The state Land Use Commission on Monday denied acceptance of the Olowalu Town LLC and Olowalu Ekolu LLC’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. Maui Now.

After a grueling 11-hour meeting Monday, the state Land Use Commission voted to not approve a draft final environmental impact statement for development of a 1,500-home Olowalu town in West Maui. Maui News.

By a vote of six to one, the Hawaii Land Use Commission  voted late yesterday to reject the Olowalu Town project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. The vote on the decade-old proposal to add 1,500 homes and about 4,000 residents to tiny Olowalu came at the end of a marathon hearing at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center that last around 12 hours. MauiTime.

The state Public Utilities Commission has approved an amended power purchase agreement between Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and Maui Electric Co. that makes significant changes to the pricing and the commitments of power by the state's last sugar plantation to the utility. Maui News.

Kauai

The county’s wastewater management folks are talking about using treated wastewater to irrigate various chunks of turf in Waimea, and they’re holding a public meeting from 6 to 8 tonight at the Waimea Canyon School cafeteria to bring the public up to speed on the project. Garden Island.

The Kokee Forest Restoration and Recovery Project on Kauai is being recognized by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service for the 2015 Western Regional Forester’s Honor Award. The project is ambitious in that it strives to reforest nearly 1,000 acres of burnt eucalyptus and pine plantations using koa and other native trees and plants. Garden Island.

Lanai

Some longtime Lanai residents aren’t sure how much trust to place in billionaire Larry Ellison, who bought 98 percent of the island in 2012 and hasn’t made any major public appearances on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Business owner Jeremiah Littlepage expects bookings will speed up after the much-improved Manele Bay Hotel reopens in February, especially because Ellison’s purchase generated an incredible amount of awareness about Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

On Lanai, the island’s only visibly homeless man stands in stark contrast to the island’s beachfront resort that’s undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Hawaii News Now.

The premier luxury vacation destination on Lanai formerly known as the Manele Bay Hotel is scheduled to reopen Feb. 1 as the Four Seasons Resort Lanai looking ever-more-finely appointed after a $75 million overhaul that included gutting the guestrooms, stripping down the lobby and demolishing the pool. Star-Advertiser.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Huge rate hike sought for Hawaii Obamacare plan, cash-strapped Department of Education to cut programs, lawsuit filed against Kauai dairy, Sand Island homeless shelter draws council ire, ethics bill stalls in Hawaii County, resort cut from Lanai plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2015 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Puuhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park © 2015 All Hawaii News
It’s still going to cost just five dollars to visit Puuhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park. Bucking a trend of increased entrance fees at national parks, officials at the popular South Kona destination have decided to implement increases in the cost of only one of its passes — and not until 2017. West Hawaii Today.

The Legislature has approved less than half of the additional funds the Department of Education said it needs to run Hawaii's public school system next school year, but the department says it expects to only partially fill a resulting $38 million funding gap. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts to reduce chronic school absenteeism are shining new light on the prevalence of illnesses like asthma among students and the lack of trained medical professionals stationed in Hawaii schools. Hawaii currently lags behind most states when it comes to the availability of school nurses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is proposing an average 49.1 percent rate hike — the highest it has ever requested — for 20,935 members in Obamacare plans for 2016. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association is proposing to increase its rates by an average of 49.1 percent for individual Affordable Care Act health plans in 2016. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers have agreed to remove a mandate requiring ethanol in gasoline, the only thing left to do is for the governor to sign it into law. KHON2.

Under a new budget plan approved by the Board of Regents Tuesday, the University of Hawaii at Manoa will allocate some funding to instructional units based on student enrollment for the first time. Pacific Business News.

Public school teachers who didn't pull an absentee ballot but wanted to vote in Tuesday's re-do HSTA election cast their votes in person. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The city of Honolulu's plan to build container-style shelter units at Sand Island for the chronically homeless is a "piecemeal" approach and will only shift the problem from one area of the island to another, the district's City Council member said. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell announced a plan to build Hale Mauliola, temporary modular housing, and to provide services for houseless on Sand Island site. Hawaii Independent.

Despite Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto of one attempt, Honolulu City Council members appear dead set on expanding the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ban even though they acknowledge they’re increasing the chance of a legal challenge. On Wednesday, the council will take up a spate of new bills aimed at pushing the boundary of the existing laws banning people from sitting or lying on sidewalks and in pedestrian malls. Civil Beat.

Federal prosecutors have accused local businessman Albert Hee of being a tax cheat. They now say he's a corporate deadbeat. In a superseding indictment filed several months ago, a federal grand jury said that Hee's company owes the Honolulu Board of Water Supply $5 million. Hawaii News Now.

Paying for solar -- twice! It may not sound very book-smart, but that is what the state has done at one of its libraries. KITV4.

A proposal by Haseko to develop part of its Ewa Beach property continues to draw stiff opposition from several residents who insist that the site near Oneula Beach Park is not a good fit for the project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau is opening a new farmers market beginning this Sunday in Hale'iwa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

It’s back to the drawing board for an ethics reform measure that has already made untold appearances before the County Council over the past five years. The council Finance Committee on Tuesday postponed the measure, Bill 37, until June 30 after inconsistencies were discovered in its amended text. West Hawaii Today.

With a deadline for its input looming Saturday, the Hawaii County Council, the policy-making body for the county, has not yet had any discussion about one of the county’s main policy documents, the General Plan. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii County Council Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development took up a rare discussion on Hawaiian sovereignty in Hilo on Tuesday. Puna Councilman Danny Paleka introduced a resolution requesting the Hawaii state legislature designate July 31st as Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea, recognizing the day independence was restored to the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1843 following a taking by the British Royal Navy. Big Island Video News.

WHR LLC, which bought the 383-room Naniloa hotel on Hilo’s Banyan Drive in December 2013, signed a franchise license agreement Monday with Hilton Worldwide, making it the first DoubleTree by Hilton establishment on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council Member Bob Carroll has called a Hana community meeting at 5 p.m. today at the Hana Community Center to discuss the possibility of a skydiving business using Hana Airport as a drop zone. Maui News.

Kauai

Oregon-based environmental attorney Charlie Tebbutt on Monday filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the federal Clean Water Act on the part of those behind a proposed dairy in Mahaulepu Valley. The suit claims the backers of Hawaii Dairy Farms — a proposed $17.5 million, 576-acre operation — have and continue to violate federal water regulations by installing irrigation systems, wells and water troughs without a state stormwater construction permit. Garden Island.

For the second day in a row, NASA postponed a high-profile launch here Wednesday despite a forecast of calm breezes and sunny weather in the low 80s. Star-Advertiser.

Flights from Japan to Kauai could be a future reality, as the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced expansion of its international inspection program to an airport in Japan. Garden Island.

Lanai

Proposed revisions to the draft Lānaʻi Community Plan update are now available on the council’s web site, Planning Committee Chair Don Couch announced today. Maui Now.

The future of Lanai is under consideration. The Maui County Council has a revised long-term plan for the Pineapple Isle. Among the changes, plans to build a new resort on the eastern side of the island were scrapped due to lack of resources. KHON2.

Kahoolawe

In an effort to cope with receiving only a third of its requested funds from the state Legislature, the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission expects to downsize its 18-member staff, with some taking pay cuts, others being reduced to part-time workers and two people losing their jobs. Maui News.