Hawaii outdoor mask mandate lifted, economic outlook rises, University of Hawaii mulls fully open campuses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Gov. Ige Eliminates Mask Mandate for Outdoors, Allows Ocean Sports Competitions. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday people will no longer have to wear masks outdoors, effective immediately, as COVID-19 cases decrease and more people get vaccinated. The governor said he would maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors. The same rules will apply regardless of whether someone is vaccinated. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

State Panel Forecasts Better Economic Outlook For Hawaii. Adjustments to Hawaii’s projected tax revenues could mean state government hauls in $450 million more than previously predicted. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii floats plan to reopen campuses to public, end telework policy. The University of Hawaii has made tentative plans to reopen its campuses to the public Tuesday and phase out its pandemic telework policy, with all staff back on campus Aug. 3. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii teachers’ $2,200 bonuses may be in jeopardy. The governor is under pressure to veto the $2,200 bonuses that legislators voted to give every public school teacher, but hefty pay “differentials” for classroom teachers in shortage areas are on track for next year. Star-Advertiser.

Grand jury mix-up puts dozens of state felony cases at risk. A Judiciary spokesperson for the state Judiciary said 60 cases total were impacted by the mix-up and additional precautions have been taken to prevent similar situations from occurring. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii reports 23 new COVID cases; no additional fatalities. Of the new cases, 16 were on Oahu, two on Hawaii Island, one on Kauai, and one on Molokai. There were also three residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-Honolulu Police Department officer, Derek Wayne Hahn, bound for prison pending appeal. A former Honolulu police lieutenant must report to prison next week to serve a 3-1/2-year sentence in Hawaii’s biggest ever corruption case after a U.S. judge denied his request to remain free while he appeals his conviction. Associated Press.

City plans to revitalize Chinatown, but business owners say crime is the biggest issue. Earlier this month, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he has a plan to fix major problems in Chinatown and efforts include beautification and security. Hawaii News Now.

Sierra Club raises new questions about Navy’s cleanup of Red Hill fuel leak. Citing data from the state Department of Health, the Sierra Club said they believe the reason for a spike in contaminants is because the leak was not properly contained. Hawaii News Now.

TheBus to modify, discontinue more than a dozen routes. The discontinued routes include Route 80A (Hawaii Kai Park and Ride Express – University) Route 80B (Upper Aina Haina Express); and Route 235 (Kahala Mall — Waialae Iki). Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

New Hawaii State Veterans Home Is Being Built On Land Designated For Affordable Housing. Construction crews broke ground on the 120-bed residential and treatment facility last month on a long-vacant lot in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Small Oahu Landowners Say They Were Blindsided By Ag Land Plan. The state Land Use Commission has scheduled two days of hearings beginning Wednesday to try to sort through Honolulu’s plan for designating Important Agricultural Lands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Wanted: Good foster parents for some troubled kids. Catholic Charities Hawaii is seeking therapeutic foster parents on Hawaii Island to provide specialized foster care for emotionally and behaviorally challenged youths ages 5-19. Tribune-Herald.

Water Board creates operations superintendent position. A shortage of qualified administrators has hit home for the county Department of Water Supply, which on Tuesday was given permission to add a superintendent position to its operations division to help shoulder the load. West Hawaii Today.

Ag Theft Leads to Regulations Legitimate Producers Need to Know. Due to the increasing reports of agricultural theft on Hawai’i Island, the Hawai’i Police Department on Tuesday, May 25, issued a reminder to the public that there are regulations set in place. Big Island Now.

Maui

Concerns persist over market-rate units in Larry Ellison project. Pulama Lana‘i is proposing 150 units with 76 affordable, 74 market-rate. A high number of market-rate units, proximity to a sewage treatment facility and lack of options to buy are among the concerns of community members for a 150-unit rental home project proposed by Pulama Lana’i. Maui News.

Maui Police Commision votes to allow former chief to retire in ‘good standing’. Despite being caught on camera fleeing the scene of an accident, former Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu is now allowed to retire in good standing. Hawaii News Now.

Virtual Climate Change Town Hall for South Maui Scheduled for June 3. The town hall is an opportunity for the public to learn about how climate change is affecting the South Maui community and the strategies to deal with those effects that could be included in the South Maui Community Plan. Maui Now.

Online Public Hearing for Proposed Firing Range Rules at Ukumehame on June 9. Proposed amendments of the Maui County Code for the use and operation of the Maui Firing Range at Ukumehame will be discussed during an online public hearing on Wednesday, June 9 at 5:30 pm. Maui Now.

Kahoolawe restoration project to benefit land and sea. The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission has launched a 14-month campaign to restore the Hakioawa Watershed and protect the island’s windward nearshore waters and reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

2 levels added to tier system. If the state hits a vaccination rate of 70%, Kaua‘i will lose its tier system and mandated restrictions, according to the county’s latest tier chart from Mayor Derek Kawakami. Garden Island. KITV4.

Solid-waste plan up for review. The latest draft of the county’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which outlines goals and objectives for one of the county’s most pressing issues of waste disposal, is now up for public review. Garden Island.

TGI editor returning to mainland. After six years of writing for The Garden Island newspaper, including a year as editor of this publication, this is my last week at TGI. Garden Island.

Hawaii ushers out 2020, looks to a better 2021; Maui plans to tighten restrictions amid coronavirus surge; Kauai loosens travel requirements, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rainbow over Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Should Soon See At Least $1.7 Billion In New Federal Pandemic Relief Funds. But a new deal to help Americans get through the financial turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic falls far short of expectations for Hawaii’s political leaders. Civil Beat.

Approximately 20,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered in Hawaii. The State continues to order large quantities of the vaccine from the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed. The Department of Health counted on approximately 80,000 doses to arrive before the end of 2020 but has only received 61,450 as of Wednesday, Dec. 30. KHON2.

Hawai'i DOH provides update on COVID-19 vaccine shipment. According to the Hawai'i Department of Health about 20,000 shots have been administered so far. KITV4.

Come January, kupuna 75 and older may start to receive COVID-19 vaccines. According to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, kupuna ages 75 years old and older could begin to receive vaccines as early mid-January. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Restaurant Card recipients spent roughly $70M. Approximately $5 million left over from unused balances on Hawaii Restaurant Cards has been added to the state unemployment insurance loan. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy last week gave the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to some Pearl Harbor fast-attack submarine crews — an indication of the priority given to keeping subsea sailors healthy aboard the warships that are critical to national security but notorious for their close quarters. Star-Advertiser.

After ‘Egregious’ Delay, Education Nonprofit Scores DOE Finance Data. A Hawaii education advocacy group managed to wrangle detailed budgetary information from the state Department of Education — but it took two-and-a-half years and a lawsuit to get records the group’s attorneys say are now outdated. Civil Beat.

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From the coronavirus pandemic to the troubled rail line, 2020 is a year to forget. Star-Advertiser.

Good riddance, 2020: A look back at the year of COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

More attention-grabbing Hawaii stories from 2020. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 30: 108 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 108 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 86 on Oahu, 17 in Maui County, two on the Big Island, one on Kauai and two residents who were diagnosed out of the state. There were no new fatalities reported. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Policing Hawaii’s Illegal Vacation Rentals. Honolulu’s weak law makes it hard to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, but a new law is in the works. Other jurisdictions – in Hawaii and on the Mainland – have tougher laws and more success with enforcement. Hawaii Business magazine.

River of Life Mission to shutter Chinatown food program, relocate. River of Life Mission, often maligned by Chinatown residents and merchants as a magnet for homelessness in Honolulu’s oldest neighborhood, will relocate to Iwilei and provide up to 700 meals per day in the city’s latest effort to reduce homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

City taps River of Life Mission to run part of new homeless resource center. Honolulu’s mayor said Wednesday that the River of Life Mission will operate a new resource center for the homeless in Iwilei. Hawaii News Now.

New resource center to open in Iwilei, serving 700 meals per day. Construction of a $17 million complex in Iwilei to help house and feed the homeless is now more than 50% complete. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Longest Serving Convict, Dead At 84, Outlived His Notoriety. George Shimabuku was convicted of three killings, including a shooting inside the Oahu prison in 1967. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ige’s budget includes $5.7M reduction for UH-Hilo. The University of Hawaii is facing budget cuts totaling more than $78 million as part of Gov. David Ige’s proposed biennium budget, which was unveiled Dec. 21. Tribune-Herald.

Matthew McConaughey buys new home in Kona gated community. The 51-year-old Texan, whose performance in “Dallas Buyers Club” won him the 2014 Academy Award for Best Actor, paid $7.8 million for the newly built six-bedroom home in the Ka‘upulehu section of the Kukio Beach and Golf Club gated community in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Nine significant non-COVID stories that happened in 2020. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Rules Proposed for Maui Would Reduce Gatherings to 5; Further Limit Occupancy and Require 10 p.m. Closing Time at Restaurants and Bars. New Emergency Rules for Maui County are proposed to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2021. Maui Now.

Cluster confirmed at Harbor Lights on Maui; testing to begin. Double digit case counts in Maui County on Wednesday have officials cracking down on gathering sizes and trying to control a coronavirus outbreak at a condominium complex in Kahului. Hawaii News Now.

New $25 Million Maui Service Center Opens to Customers on Jan. 19, 2021. A blessing event for the new, two-story building was held on Tuesday as employees of the Department of Finance prepare to move from their current office space at the Maui Mall to the new facility. Maui Now.

New native plant discovered. A new native flower was discovered in a remote location in West Maui last week, and it’s the only known plant of its kind to exist so far. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige approves Kauai’s request to rejoin state’s Safe Travels program for inter-island travelers. Gov. David Ige has approved a request by Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami to rejoin the state’s Safe Travels program, allowing inter-island travelers that test negative for COVID-19 to bypass the island’s mandatory 10-day quarantine as of Jan. 5. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i to reinstate inter-island Safe Travels program. Those traveling from a neighbor island to Kaua‘i will soon be able to bypass the quarantine by using the state’s Safe Travels program beginning Tuesday, Jan. 5. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige Approves Kaua‘i “Resort Bubble” Post-Travel Testing Program. Gov. David Ige has approved Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami’s request to implement a pre- and post-travel testing program for visitors who stay in “resort bubble” hotels, effective Jan. 5, 2021. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige approves Kauai’s ‘resort bubble’ testing program. Gov. David Ige has approved Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s request to implement a pre- and post-travel testing program for visitors who stay in “resort bubble” hotels. KHON2.

Kaua‘i first responders receive Moderna vaccine. On Tuesday, the Kaua‘i District Health Office opened up its COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Kaua‘i Memorial Convention Hall for first responders at 8 a.m. to a line. Garden Island.

Fewer Cases Means More In-Person Learning on Kauai. Kauai County District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman told KITV4 she expects in-person learning to increase on Kauai in the second semester due to low case rates. KITV4.

Molokai

Dead deer causing health, safety issues for Molokai residents. Recent drought conditions have caused problems for farmers statewide, but on the island of Molokai the drought is killing deer and that is creating even more issues for residents. KHON2.

Wildlife Surveys Suggest Severe Drought Conditions on Moloka‘i Leading to Animal Starvation. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife came to the conclusion following surveys and investigations after receiving reports earlier this month of deer being found both on roadways and on private lands in West Moloka‘i.  Maui Now.

A drought is causing Molokai deer to starve, and carcasses are piling up. The state said that a severe drought on Molokai this year has led to the starvation of deer on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Rental project proposed for Lanai. Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, through his company Pulama Lana’i, is proposing to develop 150 rental homes for Lanai — with 49 percent slated for market rates and the other 51 percent scheduled for affordable rents under a state fast-track process for affordable housing. Maui News.

Facelift planned for Waikiki beaches, electric bills could drop under new utility rate structure, Honolulu extends grocery card deadline, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News

The state wants to give the beaches of Waikiki a facelift. The state Department of Land & Natural Resources wants improve the Fort DeRussy, Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, and Kuhio Beach shores. KITV4.

One of Hawaii’s largest Japanese travel companies extends tour cancellations through March. JTB Hawaii, one of Hawaii’s largest Japanese travel companies, extend its cancellations for tours at least until March, in another blow to Hawaii’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Details of Hawaii Department of Education finances released after long tug of war. After four years of effort and a lawsuit, the Education Institute of Hawaii has finally obtained the comprehensive electronic financial data it sought from the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric bills to drop under new PUC rules. Hawaii is set to see shrinking utility costs and growing renewable energy after the state Public Utilities Commission’s landmark decision to change the way Hawaiian Electric makes its money. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa study finds hurricane risk could double due to climate change. A new study by the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that climate change impacts Hawaii’s ocean temperatures and trade winds which can cause an increase in the intensity of storms. KHON2.

Nearly A Quarter Of Hawaii’s Vaccine Shipments Are Delayed, Health Officials Say. The state now expects it will receive a reduced total of 61,450 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna by year’s end. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 24: 129 New COVID-19 Cases. In the last two weeks, 1,733 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell extends deadline to use City Card money. People with a City Card now have more time to use it to buy food and household essentials. The deadline to use a card is extended to Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. KITV4.

Oahu residents with City Card have extended deadline to use it by Dec. 29. The City and County of Honolulu has now extended the deadline to use the City Card until Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. KHON2.

If you got a city grocery card, you have 2 more days to use it. The city on Sunday announced that the deadline to use its problem-plagued grocery cards has been extended by two days — to Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

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Plans for sea water air conditioning dropped. The company that had been pursuing the endeavor for 16 years announced recently that the project is dead because of increased construction cost estimates after spending $25 million, obtaining all major regulatory approvals and signing up numerous customers. Star-Advertiser.

A genuine civic center is slated for Wahiawa after decades of planning. A more proper rural state courthouse appears to be in the not-too-distant future for Central Oahu and North Shore communities as part of a $76 million civic center redevelopment project in Wahiawa. Star-Advertiser.

Are Open-Book Tests Making It Too Easy To Become A Honolulu Police Officer?, HPD says the change emphasizes critical thinking, but others argue police must know some things by heart. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Halemaumau lava lake measures 581-feet deep as Kilauea’s latest eruption enters 2nd week. One week after Kilauea volcano began erupting anew, the lava lake at Halemaumau crater has risen to 581 feet and contains about 4.8 billion gallons of molten rock. Star-Advertiser.

Kilauea SO2 emission rates drop. Summit sulfur dioxide emission rates continued to drop over the weekend following the start of Kilauea Volcano’s summit eruption late Dec. 20. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea Volcano Sunday Evening Eruption Update. Scientists noted slightly reduced vigor Sunday morning, with two narrow channels of lava spilling from the west vent on the wall of the caldera. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Tour Firm Reports More Buyers After Volcano Eruption. One Hawaii helicopter tour company has seen a substantial rise in bookings after a volcano eruption and following months of limited business due to the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press.

Thousands turn out for The Food Basket’s 100th ‘food drop’ since April. The Hawaii Food Basket celebrated its 100th Ohana Food Drop last Wednesday in Honokaa after serving nearly 175,000 people across Hawaii County since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Olowalu Wildfire Damage Report Includes Destruction of Community Hall/Church. A community hall/church in the Olowalu Village area was completely destroyed, according to a survey conducted Sunday of the impacted area of the brush fire. Maui Now.

Hundreds of acres burned, one structure destroyed as firefighters work to extinguish two brush fires on Maui. Two brush fires on Maui are now said to be 95% contained, according to the Maui Fire Department. Hawaii News Now.

760-acre Maui brush fire destroys church in Olowalu Village. A 760-acre Olowalu brush fire Saturday night destroyed a church and two vehicles and damaged a home, Maui fire officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

178-unit affordable rental project proposed. Catholic Charities Hawai’i is proposing a $66 million, 178-unit affordable rental project in Kahului on the heels of its senior affordable rental development, also in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua'i County awaits response from governor on resort bubble proposal nearly a week after it was submitted. The proposal would allow travelers to quarantine for three days in an approved hotel, and be released if their second, post-secondary test results come back negative. KITV4.

Could This Housing Project Be A Model For Addressing Homelessness On Kauai? The complex is still under construction, but is already housing most of the homeless families who had been living in four county beach parks. Civil Beat.

Last free COVID-19 testing pau. Sunday marked the final free COVID-19 surge testing program held at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex to an audience of pre-registered testers that was smaller than previous testing days. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire owner of Lanai to develop affordable housing. Pulama Lanai, the company established by billionaire Larry Ellison after he bought 97% of the island in 2012, plans to develop 150 rental homes on the former Pineapple Isle starting next year, and just over half the homes would be reserved for low-income households at affordable rents anticipated to be as low as $603 a month. Star-Advertiser.

Teacher furlough schedule set, vaccines arrive, electors meet, Larry Ellison makes Lanai official residence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii electors, courtesy Democratic Party of Hawaii

Hawaii electors cast votes for Joe Biden. As the last state to cast its electoral votes, Hawaii put the finishing touch on electing Joe Biden with its four votes. KITV4.

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Senate president Ron Kouchi doubts furlough will begin Jan. 1. Court challenges will likely mean that planned furloughs of thousands of state workers will not happen beginning Jan. 1, state Senate President Ron Kouchi said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate president talks upcoming legislative session, COVID mitigation efforts at Capitol, budget and economy. State legislators are preparing for a new legislative session that likely will look different from any before. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Legislature Preparing Capitol Building For January Return. Lawmakers have plans to allow the public back to the State Capitol building, but lawmakers are also getting ready to conduct business entirely remotely. Civil Beat.

DOE announces furlough schedule for teachers, employees starting Jan. 4. The Hawaii Department of Education sent an email to public school teachers Monday night with a list of dates the furloughs will take place. Hawaii News Now.

DOE outlines furlough plan to employees. Starting January employees will take furlough days which means there will be no work and no pay for that day. KHON2.

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Vaccines arrive, thousands more on the way. Hawaii received its first delivery of COVID-19 vaccines Monday, in what hopefully will mark a turning point in the state’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has sickened nearly 20,000 people and left 274 dead. Star-Advertiser.

First COVID-19 Vaccine Shipment Arrives In Hawaii. A pharmacy team inspected the thermo-insulated container housing 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine before transferring the doses to an ultra-cold freezer for storage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s mass vaccination effort set to begin, marking a turning point in the pandemic. The hospital received the state’s first shipment of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine just before 8 a.m. Monday. It came inside a thermo-insulated container packed in dry ice. Hawaii News Now.

COVID Vaccines Arriving In Hawaii. The State says the first to receive the vaccine will be health care workers at high risk of exposure, and residents of long-term care facilities. Big Island Video News.

COVID-19 Vaccine Shipment Arrive at Queen’s Medical Center. On Monday, a shipment of 975 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived at Queen’s Medical Center. Big Island Now.

Initial 975 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Arrive in Hawai‘i.  State officials say this initial delivery of 975 does of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine marks an important milestone in the ongoing effort to combat COVID-19 and return life to normal. Maui Now.

Amid prison outbreaks, state vaccine plan has inmates in priority. Inmates and correctional facility staff are placed in stage two alongside groups like teachers and critical risk workers. KHON2.

Surveillance Test Study Shows Few COVID-19 Positives During Safe Travels. But visitor education and pre-screening process should be improved, author says. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Hospitalizations Vary Widely By Race And Ethnicity. The state Department of Health posted COVID-19 hospitalization data by race on its website Monday for the first time since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

Prison Officials Won’t Say If COVID-19 Killed Halawa Inmate Who Died Sunday. So far 169 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus at the state’s largest prison. Civil Beat.

Hālawa Prison Infections Rise. A COVID-19 outbreak at the Hālawa Correctional Facility has grown to infect more than 160 inmates and nearly 30 staff. The prison is currently in lockdown with all inmate movement including transfer to and from the facility have been suspended for the next two weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 14: 190 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 190 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 158 on Oahu, 15 on the Big Island and 15 on Maui. Two Hawaii residents were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell reverses course, moves to keep COVID-infected inmates out of Oahu reopening metrics. Weeks after explaining to the public why COVID-19 cases reported in large prison outbreaks needed to be reported in Honolulu’s daily counts ― potentially preventing the county from moving into the next tier of its recovery framework ― Mayor Caldwell said Monday that he had asked Gov. Ige for permission to begin removing those cases from the county’s daily counts. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu reveals first battery electric bus. The City and County of Honolulu has unveiled a new electric bus, the first of 17 such buses expected to be shipped here over the next year, kicking off what officials hope is a complete transformation of TheBus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Star-Advertiser.

City unveils first ever electric bus on Monday. According to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell the city expects to have 17 zero emission buses on island by the end of next year. KITV4.

Honolulu Director Back To Work While Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit Continues. Enterprise Services Director Guy Kaulukukui stepped away from his job in April after he was sued by a Kamehameha Schools graduate who said he groomed her into having sexual relations while he was her teacher. Civil Beat.

In effort to curb Laniakea Beach problems, city to install a fence this week. Mayor Caldwell says the structure will improve traffic and pedestrian safety along the highway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island hospitals expect to receive first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine next week. Hawaii Island hospitals could begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week, officials said Monday afternoon, hours after the arrival of the first doses on Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital plans to get its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine next week. The hospital is unsure how many doses will come in that first batch, however the hospital held what it calls a successful vaccine clinic trial run last week. KITV4.

Uptick in COVID cases follows Thanksgiving holiday. The state and the Big Island have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the weeks following Thanksgiving. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Courthouse Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. An employee at the Hale Kaulike Courthouse in Hilo has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary announced today. Big Island Now.

Betty Jane Pa, beloved Hawaii Island hula, Tahitian dancer dies at 83. Legendary Big Island dancer Betty Jane Pa has died. Known affectionately as “Aunty BJ,” she was Hilo’s first professional Tahitian dancer learning from Kaui Brandt in the 1950s. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Family Life Center awarded $1.25M grant. Family Life Center, a nonprofit organization serving the homeless population in Maui and Kauai Counties, announced last week that it has been selected to receive a $1.25 million grant from the Day 1 Families Fund. Maui News.

Hospitals and clinics across Maui County eager for arrival of COVID-19 vaccine. Maui Memorial Medical Center is expecting 975 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with shots in arms administered sometime next week. It hopes to inoculate 100 health care workers per day over 2 weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

County awards Small Business Boost Grants. The County of Kaua‘i announced it will provide grant funding to approximately 180 Kaua‘i businesses that remain on its application waitlist for the Small Business Boost Grant Program, which originally opened in August. Garden Island.

Kauai Businesses: ‘We Can’t Survive’ Without Travel. With tourism effectively canceled for the 2020 holiday season, a number of Kauai resorts and businesses are closing again — some for good. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison moves his primary residence to Lanai, fleeing California. Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison said he has moved his primary residence to Hawaii, becoming the latest Silicon Valley executive to depart the state where they built their fortunes. Bloomberg News.

Billionaire Larry Ellison takes up full time residence on Lanai. Reports say Billionaire Larry Ellison has made Hawaii his official residence. Ellison reportedly moved to the island of Lanai recently, informing his employees about the change of primary residence in a letter. Hawaii News Now.

More than 26% of Hawaii voters have already voted, Kauai restaurants bar tourists from dining rooms, tsunami advisory lifted, DOE revamps school reopening plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 In Hawaii, Your Ballot Has To Be In By 7 p.m. On Election Day. Eighteen other states will still accept a ballot if it’s postmarked by Election Day. More than 900 ballots were not counted during the August primary in Hawaii because of a state law that sets a hard deadline of 7 p.m. on Election Day to return ballots. Civil Beat.

Over 221,000 ballots received prior to opening of voter service centers. As of Monday, elections officials said over 188,000 ballots on Oahu alone have been received. At last check, over 221,000 were received statewide. Officials say that equals a 26.6% turnout so far. Hawaii News Now.

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Tsunami advisory for Hawaii canceled after small waves from large Alaskan quake reach islands. Scientists watching the gauges in Hawaii determined the wave heights, though small, were of advisory level in some north-facing harbors, including Kahului (15 inches) and Hilo (12 inches) harbors, and issued a tsunami advisory after the fact. Star-Advertiser.

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Ige: Interisland travel could open by end of year. Gov. David Ige said during a news conference Monday that he believes the state may be able to resume unrestricted interisland travel by the end of the year if the number of daily COVID-19 cases continues to drop. Tribune-Herald.

30% of those hospitalized in Hawaii for coronavirus have been under 50. Of the nearly 900 people in the islands who have required hospitalization for COVID-19, about 30% were younger than 50 at the time they were admitted. The statistic underscores what health officials have been trying to drive home: While seniors are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, the virus can also land younger people in the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Travelers with negative COVID results are still forced to quarantine. These travelers said it’s because they’re not able to upload their negative results to the state’s Safe Travels App. KHON2.

Renters In Hawaii Are Struggling. So Are Their Landlords. As tenants fall behind on rent and units sit vacant, some landlords are looking to sell. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Health Department updates guidance for schools reopening. The Department of Health released updated guidance for public and private schools Monday that aligns better with the new tiered reopening plans at the county level as well as federal guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Releases New Guidance For Reopening Schools. The updated metrics come a month after initial guidelines were first issued. Those were met by pushback from the teachers union. Civil Beat.

New COVID-19 Guidance For Hawaiʻi Schools Released. The health department released the revamped guidance to schools after its first version was heavily criticized by union officials. Big Island Video News.

In fresh effort to reopen campuses, state again revises COVID-19 guidance for schools. As the state begins to transition its focus from reopening to tourists to reopening public school campuses, the Department of Health on Monday released a new set of metrics designed to guide the Education Department’s decision making about when students can return to campus. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Health updates COVID-19 guidance for schools. In a matter of weeks, many public schools will begin bringing students back to campus. KHON2.

DOH releases new guidance to help schools safely transition between learning models. Monday, the state Department of Health released updated guidance to elementary, middle and high schools in order to help school administrators make decisions to safely transition between different models of learning. KITV4.

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“Talent Roadmap” Declares: Now is the Time to Reinvent Hawaiʻi’s Economy. Enhancing workforce development is the starting point, according to a report from the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative, which is based on input from almost 200 people. Hawaii Business magazine.

Building Hawaiʻi’s Technology Sector. Paul Yonamine, CHANGE Economy Committee co-chair and member of the TRUE Committee, says Hawai‘i’s public and private organizations are late adopters of information technology. Hawaii Business magazine.

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State matches $500,000 donation to SNAP program for purchase of locally grown food. The state will match a $500,000 donation to a program that doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits spent on locally grown food at participating grocery stores, according to Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

DA BUX food program receives $1M in virus aid. A state food stamp program has temporarily expanded its range of available products for participants struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

State, Private-Sector Partner to Double Food Bucks to Help Families, Local Agriculture. The State of Hawai‘i will match a donation of half a million dollars from a hui of private-sector organizations toward the DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program. Big Island Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 19: 39 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. It’s been nearly two months since Hawaii’s daily COVID-19 case count dropped below 50. Civil Beat.

Oahu

COVID-19 Recovery, Rail, Budget Crisis Face Incoming Honolulu City Council. Voters will fill three of the nine Honolulu City Council seats in the November 3rd general election. Two candidates have already won in the primary. Hawaii Public Radio.

Since tourism relaunch, police have issued 4,500 warnings for violating COVID-19 orders. Thousands of visitors to Oahu have been warned or cited for not wearing masks or failing to social distance. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu: You Need To Wear Masks Outside, Even With Your Own Family. The little-known rule might be changing as soon as this week. But for now, you risk a citation if you’re gathering with household members without a mask. Civil Beat. 

Some visitors still confused about O'ahu's mask mandate. "So it's incumbent on the visitor industry if they want to spread aloha, they have to make sure their guests are following all the required rules," Mayor Caldwell said. KITV4.

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Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces new COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facilities in Waikiki. The City & County of Honolulu is reserving as many as 221 rooms at the Park Shore Waikiki and is leasing the 46-room Waikiki Beachside Hostel to quarantine and isolate Oahu residents who contract or were exposed to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Secures Two Waikiki Properties For COVID-19 Isolation. First responders and homeless people are among those who will benefit from the isolation facilities, city officials said. Civil Beat.

City secures two Waikiki hotels as quarantine locations. Honolulu has secured 221 rooms at the Park Shore Hotel, along with 46 apartment units at the Waikiki Beachside, for a total of 452 quarantine rooms. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu City Council bill mandates hotel employee callback rules. Oahu hotel operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic are crying foul at a Honolulu City Council bill that would dictate to the managers which employees could be brought back to work as their facilities slowly reopen. Star-Advertiser.

Residents optimistic about state’s economic recovery, Hawaii Poll shows. Many Oahu residents are more optimistic than Hawaii experts about when the state economy will return to normal, a new poll suggests. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Poll says Oahu voters overwhelmingly prefer Joe Biden over Donald Trump in U.S. presidential race. Vice President Joe Biden received 58% support from Oahu voters in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll, while President Donald Trump received 29%. Star-Advertiser.

Convicted ex-prosecutor wants phone hearings during pandemic. A former high-ranking Honolulu prosecutor who is in jail while awaiting sentencing for a conspiracy conviction in Hawaii’s largest corruption case wants to participate in hearings for a lawsuit her uncle filed against her by telephone because of the pandemic. Associated Press.

A church manager for a Filipino televangelist was sentenced Monday for lying about a suitcase that contained hidden cash. Felina Salinas will spend 30 days in prison for the crime, after she attempted to board a private jet with pastor Apollo Quibiloy in 2018. That’s when she told federal agents a suitcase about to be loaded was hers. It turned out that the case hid more than $300,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai'i Island voter receives ballots for dead person, former resident. With election day right around the corner, some Hawai'i voters are continuing to question the state's vote by mail system. KITV4.

Big Island judge earns 2020 Champion for Social Justice Award. After working nearly seven years as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, it would be understandable if Cynthia Tai wanted to kick back, relax and take it easy for a while. West Hawaii Today.

Week Without Violence underway; selfie lovers have a chance to take part today. Hawaii Island residents today can let victims and survivors of sexual violence know they have the community’s support as well as help to raise awareness to end violence against women and girls globally by taking part in YWCA’s a Week Without Violence selfie campaign. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Travel Update: 2,447 Average Daily Arrivals Over First Four Days Since Reopening. Maui County saw average daily arrivals jump to 2,447 in the first four days since the state launched it’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program on Oct. 15.  That’s up from the average daily 530 travelers logged in the 12 days prior between Oct. 3 and 14, before the reopening program took effect; but less than half of the 5,590 average daily domestic arrivals reported in Maui County over the same four days last year. Maui Now.

State announces testing partners in the islands to handle intercounty travel. Quarantine still in effect for arrivals without a negative test result from approved lab. Maui News.

Avoiding a guilty plea, trial possible for former Maui officer in wire fraud case. A former Maui police officer accused of trying to coerce a woman into having sex may now have a trial after not entering a guilty plea with the court. Brandon Saffeels allegedly sent text messages and made phone calls telling a woman he could make her DUI go away if she spent time with him. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i REALTORS® Donate PPE and Cleaning Supplies to Maui Schools. On Maui, REALTORS® donated 2,500 face masks and 910 face shields to Maui High School, and 35 touchless soap dispensers, 148 AA batteries and 27 soap refill containers to Waihe‘e Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

2 Kauai restaurants ban tourists from dining rooms. Two restaurants on the north shore of Kauai have posted social media notices that they won’t be serving visitors, who arrive through the state’s pre-arrivals testing program, in their dining rooms. Star-Advertiser.

Saenz Ohana Breakfast draws ire trying to be safe. The decision to allow visitors to only order online and pick up while serving residents with a Hawai’i identification in person has created a lightning rod of controversy on social media for one Kaua’i food truck. Garden Island.

Some Kauai eateries are asking recent travelers to not dine-in. Saenz Ohana Breakfast food truck on Kauai made a post that has gotten some mixed reactions. But the business owner said it all comes down to safety and protecting his family, community and others. KHON2.

Post arrival testing program for residents kicks off on Kaua'i. A post arrival testing program for residents kicked-off at the War Memorial Convention Hall on Kaua'i on Monday. KITV4.

County revising $261.1 million operating budget. Because of the combination of withheld state taxes and retroactive salary raises, the county is considering several steps to balance its $261.1 million operating budget. Garden Island.

Lanai

Billionaire’s greenhouse now exporting produce statewide. A pioneering hydroponic greenhouse farm on Lanai established by tech billionaire Larry Ellison has begun to export produce statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Lana'i has its own COVID-19 rapid test machine. An anonymous donor made it possible for Lana'i to have its own COVID-19 rapid test machine that's supposed to deliver results within 15 minutes. KITV4.

Hawaii workers, unemployed, hope for federal relief, Green warns COVID-19 uptick could lead to shutdown, candidates gear up for final week before primary election, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Shopping in the COVID era ©2020 All Hawaii News

Workers balance the need for a paycheck with the risk of contracting COVID-19. This push and pull is playing out throughout Hawaii, but perhaps nowhere near as poignantly as among Hawaii’s school and hotel workers, who have sought to delay reopenings until they are assured that workers can return to their jobs safely. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of Hawaii residents wait on federal COVID relief package decision. The federal government is still discussing whether they will extend the $600 plus up or lower the weekly amount for those who remain unemployed. KHON2.

Hawaii To Lose More Than $400M Per Month Without Extension of Unemployment Supplement. In Hawaii, there are more than 173,000 valid claims for unemployment benefits, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. That roughly works out to an extra $416 million injected into the local economy every month by the federal government. Hawaii Public Radio.

Benefits for Hawaii’s unemployed cut by more than half after Congress fails to act. The extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits from the federal government ends Friday, and negotiations will continue through the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

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With cases increasing at a distressing rate, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says a statewide lockdown might be the only way out. Hawaii’s positive COVID-19 cases went back to triple digits Sunday, adding another data point to a surge that is bringing the state closer to another widespread lockdown and garnering national attention. Star-Advertiser.

Local COVID-19 saliva test could help turn pandemic’s tide, doctors say. Local COVID-19 saliva test could help turn pandemic’s tide, doctors say. Star-Advertiser.

Recovered COVID-19 patients are being urged to donate their blood plasma. With COVID cases and hospitalizations on the rise, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is renewing their call for convalescent plasma donations from people who have beat the virus. It’s a special treatment being used to help severely ill COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Chamber To Ige, Caldwell: Reconsider Bar Closure, No More Delays. Chamber of Commerce Hawaii on Saturday called on Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to roll back the rollback on Oahu bars, which have been shut down for three weeks in the wake of COVID-19 clusters at two establishments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suffering Hawaii Businesses Speak Out During Online Rally. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi held a “SOS Biz Rally” via online videoconference on Saturday, in order to raise awareness on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted local business in the islands.  Big Island Video News.

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Only 1 major candidate running to succeed Tulsi Gabbard. Kai Kahele, a Democrat, is so far ahead of everyone else that he has been spending the final four months before this week’s primary on active duty helping the Hawaii National Guard respond to the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning. Associated Press.

Voters consider OHA candidates' stances on native Hawaiian issues. Political analyst Sue Hanglund says the growing support for native Hawaiian advocates will help decide this year's elections. KITV4.

Why Does Hawaii Have Such Low Voter Turnout? Here’s What The Data Says. Despite the pandemic, this could be the year that election participation starts to improve. Civil Beat.

How Hawaii’s New Voting System Could Help Disabled Voters. Voters with disabilities have better access to ballots than in most other states, including the ability to vote electronically. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Wanted To Save Insurance Money. People Died. A new study shows the impacts of a 2015 decision to cut health insurance for some of the state’s poorest and sickest residents. Civil Beat.

Many Hawaii private schools gearing up for in-person instruction. Many private schools in Hawaii will start the new academic year with in-person classes, and some small campuses are ready to get rolling as soon as this week. Star-Advertiser.

State must limit plastic pollution near beaches, EPA says. Two of Hawaii’s water bodies — at Kamilo Beach on the Big Island and Tern Island at French Frigate Shoals — are “impaired” by plastic pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and in violation of the federal Clean Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

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Missing Data Pushes COVID-19 Counts Artificially Low. COVID-19 cases registered in the double-digits across all islands Sunday, with 45 confirmed statewide. However, the state Department of Health acknowledged Sunday that both numbers are likely low. Big Island Now.

Reporting delays impact virus numbers. The daily reporting of positive COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i has been temporarily affected by missing data on Saturday and again Sunday from Clinical Laboratories of Hawai‘i, a major private laboratory conducting most of tests in the state. Garden Island.

The Latest: 45 New Cases, But Lag In Tests Impacts Numbers; 7 HFD, 2 EMS Workers Now Positive. The state Department of Health reported 45 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, but a lag in test results is both providing an incomplete and inaccurate count of the infections and slowing contact tracing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Managing Director ‘Subject’ Of Federal Investigation. Unlike other city officials under investigation by the feds, Amemiya will not be going on leave, city officials say. Civil Beat.

Bar owners feel regulations they face are ‘overwhelming’ as closures begin. It’s the first weekend since Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued his order to temporarily shut down bars, but the decision to do so still leaves many with questions. Hawaii News Now.

9 first responders test positive for COVID-19 within a week.  More workers who provide emergency services like firefighters and emergency service workers are testing positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Second EMS worker tests positive for COVID-19. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services now says two of their employees have contracted COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Police Reform, Pandemic Top Issues For Candidates In City Council Race. District 9 includes Kapolei, where local leaders have long tried to create a “second city” alternative to Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim’s friends, employees chip in, Roth maintains strong money lead as election draws nigh. Mayor Harry Kim’s reelection campaign is getting by with a little help from his friends. And his employees. West Hawaii Today.

Only the names have changed: Honolulu super PAC resurfaces in West Hawaii race. In a replay of a 2014 West Hawaii council race, a powerful Honolulu pro-construction political action committee has targeted a sitting councilwoman by standing up a well-financed challenger in an attempt to unseat her. West Hawaii Today.

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Plaintiffs seek judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state over its management of land around the Maunakea Access Road are seeking partial summary judgment in the case. West Hawaii Today.

Inside the operation: HPM touts modular housing as controversial bill comes up for final reading. The old carpenters’ adage, “measure twice, cut once” is taken to a new level at HPM Building Supply’s Keaau factory, where computers do the measuring and lasers show where to make the cuts and attach the hardware. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Farmers Market upgrade plagued by more delays. Oft-delayed improvements at Hilo Farmers Market have hit yet another wall — literally. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Under the updated rules issued on July 31, 2020, no TVR may be designated as a quarantine location; however, new or intended residents may use a long-term rental for their 14-day mandatory quarantine. A long-term rental unit can be used only once as a quarantine location in any six-month period. Maui Now.

Groups call for better access for rural and displaced voters. Nonprofit and civil rights groups are calling for more voter service centers in Maui County to help registered voters who live in remote areas or are homeless and lack traditional mail services. Maui News.

PPP loans keep Maui businesses afloat, but future is uncertain. Some see revenue, clients return, while others waiting. Multimillion-dollar loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program have helped keep many Maui businesses and nonprofits afloat, but some are worried that another surge in cases and the delayed return of tourism could set them back again. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD joins interisland bomb squad. The Kaua‘i Police Department has joined the Hawai‘i Police Department and Maui Police Department in forming the first-ever Hawai‘i Interisland Bomb Squad. Garden Island.

This Kauai Talk Show Is One Facebook Livestream You Don’t Want To Miss. Some of the state’s most prominent figures drop by regularly to discuss island issues and the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison to build 5 unusual luxury homes on Lanai. The fifth-richest person in the world, who already owns most of the homes on Hawaii’s sixth-largest island, plans to build an unusual group of new residences on Lanai. *Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's growing garbage heap, Honolulu police kill escapee, billionaire Ellison wants to buy Lanai electric grid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Garbage at Hawaii landfill ©2020 All Hawaii News

Trashing The Islands: Tossing, Forgetting No Longer Viable. While some conditions have changed for the better, each county continues to struggle with this reality: that we’re producing more trash than we can reasonably handle. Our trash is quite simply eating up scarce tax dollars and harming the environment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislature to Hold Hawaiʻi Homelessness Summit. In an effort to address homelessness, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will convene at the state capitol on Tuesday for the Hawaiʻi Homelessness Summit 2020. Maui Now.

Hawaii Board Of Education Wants More Transparency In School Construction Projects. The Department of Education is expected to identify the criteria it uses in deciding how to divide the money it gets to repair and maintain school facilities. Civil Beat.

Shipping company looking to raise rates by 34%, asking for public input. The company says it would generate $27 million in revenue to maintain operations and make a profit. KITV4.

Rare plant protection is up for debate at the U.S. Senate, thanks to Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and a team of other legislators that have introduced the Extinction Prevention Act. Garden Island.

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TMT takes center stage at astronomy conference as talks with Ige planned. Officials with the Thirty Meter Telescope are slated to meet with the governor this week to discuss the stalled project. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands gather for American Astronomical Society conference at Hawaii Convention Center. The meeting is a joint gathering with the AAS Historical Astronomy Division and High Energy Astrophysics Division. KITV4.

Oahu

Man fatally shot by police in Kailua was work furlough escapee, sources say. A man fatally shot by police in Kailua on Monday afternoon was a work furlough escapee who had been on the run since November, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Man fatally shot by police in Kailua. KITV4's sources tell us he was an escapee of a work-furlough program and was being hidden by his girlfriend. KITV4.

Police shoot, kill man after Kailua traffic stop. Honolulu police shot and killed an apparently armed man Monday afternoon during a traffic stop in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Shoot Man In Kailua. A woman who was in the car with the suspect has been arrested. Civil Beat.

Man dies in officer involved shooting in Kailua. A witness says police surrounded a Silver PT Cruiser in a parking lot of Aikahi Gardens. KHON2.

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Shakeup afoot at the federal office that exposed the Kealohas’ criminal behavior. Peter Wolff, the head of the federal public defender’s office is being pushed out after 24 years, in a move many in the legal community are questioning. Hawaii News Now.

Hauula road collapse is a glimpse into the future. Officials say Friday’s collapse of Kamehameha Highway in Hauula from coastal erosion is merely a preview of what’s to come as climate change and rising sea levels accelerate into the future. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home and condo prices rose in December. Oahu’s housing market ended 2019 with moderate gains in median sale prices for December but fell just short of producing a full-year gain in part of the market. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation Rentals Are Still Thriving In Kailua. Critics warned that a bill to crack down on illegal vacation rentals would doom Kailua’s economy. But months later, the town still bustles with tourists and hundreds of vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Former SHOPO President Sues Over Police Chief Comments In A Civil Beat Story. Tenari Maafala left the Honolulu Police Department in 2018 after he was moved to another assignment by the new police chief. Civil Beat.

Shoddy window installation at center of new UH lawsuit. UH is suing an architect and contractors over faulty window installations at the school’s $133 million dollar Cancer Center. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers wanted for annual homeless Point-in-Time count. The annual homeless point-in-time count is set to begin and volunteers are needed. Hawaii News Now.

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Dogs and their owners get new park in Moiliili. Moiliili has a new park where dogs can run free while their human caretakers mingle in the great outdoors. Star-Advertiser.

Public-private partnership helps bring new dog park to area near UH Manoa campus.  Oahu’s newest off-leash dog park, which opened Monday in Moiliili, was created with the help a public-private partnership involving the Hawaiian Humane Society ― a partnership that city officials hope can be used as a model for other projects moving forward. Hawaii News Now.

Off-leash dog park opens at Kalo Place Mini Park. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Rat lungworm disease at the focus of an international Hilo workshop. A Big Island man who was diagnosed with rat lungworm disease gave a presentation about his excruciating experience to the crowd at an international workshop in Hilo on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island man’s battle with rat lungworm kicks off workshop. Mark LeRoy and his wife, Maya Parish, were the first to present at the sixth international workshop on rat lungworm, a three-day program that kicked off Monday morning, drawing more than 250 participants from eight countries to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Health food store apologizes after woman bites into slug on her sandwich. A Big Island woman has filed a complaint with the state Health Department after she says she bit into a slug in a deli sandwich. Hawaii News Now.

Council to vote on breakwater resolution. The Hawaii County Council will vote next week whether to approve a state and federal study of potential modifications to the Hilo Bay breakwater. Tribune-Herald.

Routes canceled as Hele-On bus shortage intensifies. The wheels on the bus aren’t going ‘round the island as frequently as before, as the county Mass Transit Agency struggles with a shortage of Hele-On buses to cover all the routes. West Hawaii Today.

Works begins on farmers market canopy. Visitors to Hilo Farmers Market on Monday found the produce area moved from its usual spot adjacent to Reuben’s Mexican Food to the Keaukaha side of Mamo Street. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County population up slightly, graying. Officials gearing up for census gathering, coming in the spring. Maui News.
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Hearings to be held on Young Brothers rate hikes. Public hearings to discuss interisland shipper Young Brothers’ 34 percent rate hike will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Maui County’s ‘Section 8’ waiting list to re-open for limited period. Maui County is reopening the waiting list for the federal rental housing subsidy program formally known as “Section 8.” Hawaii News Now.

Housing Choice Voucher Program Re-Opens Wait List. Applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List will be accepted later this month, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Weigh in on KIUC’s water diversions. Those wanting to weigh in on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s bid for a long-term lease of water used for the Waiahai hydropower plants have until midnight tonight to comment on the draft environmental assessment. Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices tied record in 2019. Condominium prices on Kauai last year tied a more than decade-old record that stood out as a highlight in data from two neighbor island housing markets released Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Median price of Kauai condominiums jumps 23% in 2019. The median price of a condominium on Kauai jumped by more than 20% in 2019 as sales of both condos and single-family homes declined when compared with 2018, while the median price of a single-family home on the Garden Isle rose 14% in December, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison is looking to buy more of Lanai. The tech industry titan, who already owns 98% of the former Pineapple Isle, wants to buy Lanai’s power plant and grid from the state’s largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai In Talks To Buy Grid From Hawaiian Electric. The move, the parties say, aims to help create micro grids powered by renewable energy and lower electricity costs. Civil Beat.