Hawaii's newest import - homeless? Plus, more wind farm arrests, Louis Kealoha supporters say it's his wife's fault, Kauai cable outage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless in Honolulu ©2019 All Hawaii News

Is New York really ‘exporting its homeless to Hawaii,' as a recent article claimed? An article published in the New York Post over the weekend has become quite a talker in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Report: New York City exporting homeless to 32 other states, including Hawaii. Since the program launched in 2017 New York has sent over 12,000 homeless, but according to a City of Honolulu official, only one has landed in Honolulu as a part of the Special One Time Assistance Program. KHON2.

NY Post article making waves in Hawaii. A recent article claiming that New York is 'secretly exports homeless to Hawaii' is creating some waves in the islands. KITV.

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FBI approached rail contractor workers, lawsuit says. The FBI has approached employees of a major rail contractor, and federal investigators also served a search warrant on the city to gather data such as emails in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation into rail, according to court records and city officials. Star-Advertiser.

Drone delivers parts, medicine to underway Navy submarine. In a first for the Navy, a quadcopter drone was flown more than a mile from shore on Oahu to deliver a 5-pound payload of circuit cards, medical supplies and food items to the submarine USS Hawaii in a potentially radical new way to provide logistics resupply of small items to subs at sea, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Lactation Room Opened At Hawaii State Capitol. It’s intended to provide “a comfortable, private space for mothers to nurse their babies and express milk.” Civil Beat.

Oahu

Councilwoman Kymberly Pine enters fight in upcoming mayoral race. Councilwoman Kymberly Pine said Monday she will be a candidate for Honolulu mayor in 2020, a race that is likely to become crowded in a hurry. Star-Advertiser.

Pine Announces Candidacy For Honolulu Mayor. She currently is in her second and final four-year term as a member of the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Council Member Announces Run For Honolulu Mayor Seat. City Council Member Kymberly Pine announced Monday she will run for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kym Pine and other lesser-known candidates for Honolulu mayor need to build name recognition, analyst says. The Honolulu City Council member, who represents Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Wai'anae, and other areas of District One, formally announced her candidacy, joining business executive Keith Ame­miya and former state senator John Caroll. KITV.

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Letters in support of Louis Kealoha puts blame on wife Katherine. Letters in support of Louis Kealoha were released Monday, asking a judge to give the former police chief a lighter sentence. KHON2.

Friends Tell Court Former Honolulu Police Chief Kealoha Was A Model And Deserves Leniency. Several wrote that Louis Kealoha, convicted of conspiracy in federal court, did not know the extent of crimes committed by his wife, former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, but her lawyer said it’s unfair for her to take all the blame. Civil Beat.

Letters showing support for Louis Kealoha unsealed. "What Louie has done for the community in over 30 plus years of service by far exceeds any wrong doings that may have come about." KITV.

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Lawsuit: Last-Minute Honolulu Talk on Mauna Kea Violated Meeting Law. The Honolulu City Council violated the Hawaii Sunshine Law when members discussed policing on Mauna Kea at a meeting without providing six days of public notice, according to a lawsuit filed on Friday. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu police arrest 16 more wind farm protesters overnight in Kalaeloa. Honolulu police made another 16 arrests at Kalaeloa overnight during protests against the Na Pua Makani wind farm, bringing the total number of arrests to 127 since the protests began on Oct. 17. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrest 16 for trying to block convoy of equipment for wind farm project. Sixteen people were arrested in late Sunday into early Monday in an attempt to block a convoy of heavy equipment for a wind farm project on Oahu’s North Shore, according to Honolulu police records. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: More studies needed on infrasound. The Department of Health has a branch that deals with noise complaints and regulation and infrasound is new to them. KITV.

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Private developer makes state’s Kewalo Basin harbor shipshape. A more than decade-old effort to improve substandard conditions at a state-owned harbor in Kakaako popular with tour boat operators is just about complete. Star-Advertiser.

Work to widen the H-1 freeway shoulder in Aiea completed ahead of schedule. The untying of maile lei marked the early completion of a paving and shoulder widening project on the H-1. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT denies report that telescope site decision is imminent. Officials with the Thirty Meter Telescope on Monday denied a report in the Canary Islands that a decision on where to construct the $1.4 billion project will happen within the next few weeks. Star-Advertiser.

‘Clearly it’s possible’: TMT supporters say if Kahuku wind farm protesters can be moved, why can’t the same be done on Mauna Kea? Hawaii News Now.

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Builders question whether to delay projects until new county energy code is in place. Balancing energy conservation with building costs was top of mind Monday, as about 50 designers, builders and homeowners quizzed county Building Division staff about proposed changes to the county energy code. West Hawaii Today.

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Flow of tourists in Leilani Estates diminishes. More than a year after lava stopped flowing aboveground on the Big Island, lava tourism in Leilani Estates might be slowing down. Tribune-Herald.

Keaau facility to provide biodiesel for Hamakua Energy. The Pacific Biodiesel refinery in Keaau will begin providing fuel for the Hamakua Energy plant next week. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit filed to protect habitat for 14 Hawaii Island species. The Center for Biological Diversity Monday sued the Trump administration’s Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect and designate critical habitat for 14 endangered species found on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Hotels Record Highest Revenue Statewide in September. On average, Maui County hotels grossed $232 in revenue per available room, about an 8 percent increase from the same time last year. Maui Now.

Maui Police and Air Force Plan Emergency Preparedness Exercise in Kihei. Members of the Maui Police Department and personnel of the United States Air Force will be participating in a one day, coordinated agency Emergency Preparedness Exercise. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai back online. An undersea fiber optic cable between Kauai and Oahu malfunctioned Sunday evening and left most of the island’s residents without internet, cable TV or phone service, a spokesperson for Hawaii Telcom said Monday. Garden Island.

Spectrum service slowly returns to Kauai after island-wide outage. Spectrum internet, TV and phone service is slowly coming back for some Kauai residents, but it may not be fully restored until some time Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Spectrum outage islandwide on Kauai. KHON2.

Pau with the parakeets. The bright green rose-ringed parakeets stir thoughts of jungle adventures and tropical getaways, but the exotic-looking birds are taking a bite out of Kauai. Garden Island.

Rail work snarls, state's renewable energy grade slides, Honolulu wants $250k back from Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Dillingham Boulevard PC:HART

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will present a community update today on the utility relocation work taking place along Dillingham Boulevard (Middle Street to Kaaahi Street) and discuss residential and business outreach mitigation programs. HART press release.

Rail construction on Dillingham delayed. Major rail-related construction along congested Dillingham Boulevard is being delayed until early next year to give the city more time to finalize its traffic management plan, and the city is considering providing tax relief to property owners and their tenants during what is expected to be a hellish two years of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses along busy urban corridor prepare for a hit as rail construction moves east. As construction for the rail project heads east, businesses along a major roadway are bracing for a drop in sales. Crews have been relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kaaahi Street since July 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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The State Receives a C Grade in its Progress to 100% Renewable Energy. The Blue Planet Foundation, an environmental non-profit, lowered Hawaii’s overall clean energy grade from a B- to a C. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marine Scientists Track Coral Bleaching in Real Time. In Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay, researchers with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to document coral reefs as they undergo bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

An extreme future. New research out of the University of Hawaii forecasts more frequent and extreme El Nino events, and that could mean more unpredictable rainfall, hurricane activity, sea-surface temperatures and changes in sea levels around Hawaii. Garden Island.

Most UH Students Are People Of Color But Their Teachers Are Mainly White. But the percentage of non-white faculty is increasing, going from 44% in 2013 to about 50% in 2018. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to seek repayment of $250K from Louis Kealoha. The city said Wednesday it plans to demand that former police Chief Louis Kealoha repay the $250,000 severance he received upon retirement in 2017 now that Kealoha has been convicted of multiple felonies and waived his right to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

City will have to stand in line to get Kealoha’s $250k payoff back. Ex police chief Louis Kealoha owes city taxpayers a quarter of a million dollars, and the city is sending him a letter demanding payment. Hawaii News Now.

City sending demand letter to Louis Kealoha for $250,000 severance payback. The city is demanding Louis Kealoha pay back a $250,000 severance, now that the former police chief has pled guilty to federal felony bank fraud, and earlier was found guilty of conspiracy. KHON2.

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Farmers see a first glimpse of a wind turbine under construction in Kahuku. Since Thursday, there have been at least 107 arrests as protesters try to stop the transport of wind turbine parts for AES Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku. Police say some protesters are attaching themselves with PVC pipe and handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Teen says police punched and used Taser on him at Kalaeloa protest. The estimated 150 to 175 law enforcement officers outnumbered the 125 or so opponents of the AES Corp.’s wind turbine project again at Kalaeloa Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

AES Chief Operating Officer talks about controversial wind farm project. "We know we'll be visible. I can't hide a wind farm". KITV.

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New exemptions to plastic bill in City Council. A bill to expand the plastic ban on Oahu will be brought up once again at the Honolulu City Council, but there’s been some changes. KHON2.

Council resolution advises rejection of Navy’s proposal for Red Hill tanks. Despite concerns by the Navy, a Honolulu City Council committee unanimously passed an updated resolution Wednesday asking regulators to reject Navy plans to pursue single-wall tank upgrades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

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City to stop enforcing vacation rentals law at Waikiki tower whose owners sued. The city has agreed to stop enforcing the new vacation rentals law on a Waikiki condo tower that it previously accused of having hundreds of illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Banyan gets temporary stay from short-term rental enforcement. Waikiki Banyan condominium owners have received a courtroom stay temporarily preventing the city from enforcing a new law designed to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu County sells $497M in wastewater system revenue bonds. The City and County of Honolulu sold about $497 million of its wastewater system revenue bonds at a 2.95% interest rate, the county announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County to loosen energy code restrictions. Changes to the county’s energy code aimed at making home construction more affordable, while still becoming more energy-efficient, are the subject of public “speakout” sessions for design and construction professionals early next week. West Hawaii Today.

With recycling changes, county braces for landfill impact. Thousands of tons of recyclables once diverted from the waste stream will enter the Big Island’s landfills each year under changes implemented last week to Hawaii County’s recycling program. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses suit in connection with controversial Ka‘u sewer plants. A lawsuit against two county officials over two planned Ka‘u sewer plants was dismissed earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Draft EA Posted For New Rock Quarry In Hilo. Yamada and Sons, Inc. is looking to acquire a license to develop a 37-acre portion of a State property near the Hilo landfill for use as a rock quarry. Big Island Video News.

Construction of new College of Pharmacy building nearly finished. Three years after breaking ground on the new building for the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, work is nearing completion and classes are slated to start there next semester. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Water Fight Has Become A Major Power Struggle. The mayor won’t settle a case with national implications despite the council’s instruction to do so, spurring a new lawsuit to sort out the separation of powers. Civil Beat.

Compliance Concerns Linger as Maui Water Rights Case Wraps Up. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases is coming to a close on Maui next month after more than 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally for water rights as case draws to close. With chants of “aloha aina,” hundreds of people rallied Tuesday evening at the State Building to protest a possible Mahi Pono move that rally organizers say could derail one of Hawaii’s significant water rights cases. Maui News.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes for traffic tickets. Until a couple weeks ago, drivers on Kauai who either didn’t have a valid license or an auto insurance policy could get penalized twice — once for being uninsured or unlicensed and again for not being able to prove otherwise. Garden Island.

Hawaii on list of possible G7 summit sites, Ige attending Naruhito’s enthronement, Kealohas to enter guilty pleas, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Convention Center ©2019 All Hawaii News

Next year's G7 summit could be coming to the islands. White House officials confirmed Hawaii was on the short list of locations being considered, prior to the President dropping plans to hold the international conference at his Miami resort. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige to attend Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony in Japan. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is one of the honored guests attending Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony, heralding his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Heads To Japan For Enthronement Ceremony. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is Hawaii’s acting governor until Friday. Civil Beat.

Ige travels to Japan for ceremony. The governor is one of seven Japanese-Americans who have been invited to the enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace today. Garden Island.

Governor Ige Travels to Japan for Enthronement Ceremony. Maui Now.

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Emergency Relief Period Extended For Homelessness. In his capacity as acting governor, Lt. Gov. Joshua Green issued a sixth supplementary proclamation that extends the disaster emergency relief period for homelessness across the state. Big Island Now.

Hotel performance tops nation but occupancy remains flat. Healthy September hotel performance helped push Hawaii’s hotel industry to the top of the nation for the first nine months of the year. Star-Advertiser.

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Marine Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Council Candidates. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill ten primary and 9 alternate seats on its advisory council. Maui Now.

New Council Members Appointed for Humpback Whale Sanctuary. The NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has appointed four new primary members and one alternate member to serve on its advisory council. Big Island Now.

Oahu

More Candidates Enter Race For Honolulu Prosecutor. Deputy public defender Jacquelyn Esser makes it official while attorney Tae Kim files campaign paperwork. Civil Beat.

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Kealohas are expected to plead guilty as part of plea deals. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are scheduled to appear in court today to plead guilty to federal felony charges as part of separate plea agreements, ending a years-long prosecution that toppled one of Oahu’s most prominent power couples. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Police Chief Agrees To Plead Guilty To Bank Fraud. Louis Kealoha’s plea deal will keep him from a trial that had been set for January. It comes a day after his wife, Katherine, signed her own agreement. Civil Beat.

Kealohas each sign separate plea deals. First, it was Katherine Kealoha agreeing to a plea deal, now her former police chief husband Louis, who has filed for divorce, finalized his own plea deal Monday afternoon. KHON2.

Attorney with ties to Kealoha scandal suspended indefinitely. The court says attorney Christopher Woo failed to respond to four unrelated complaints for abandoning clients and financial irregularities. Woo previously represented Big Island firefighter Jesse Ebersole, who admitted to having an affair with Katherine Kealoha after lying about it to a grand jury. Hawaii News Now.

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3 wind farm protesters arrested in Kalaeloa as turbine parts leave for Kahuku. Wind turbine parts loaded onto four semi trucks began leaving the AES Corp.’s Kalaeloa yard at 11:17 p.m. Monday and were out in less than 15 minutes. Star-Advertiser.

Handful of arrests made as crews move swiftly to transport wind farm equipment to Kahuku. Crews moved swiftly once again early Tuesday to transport heavy equipment into a construction site for a wind farm project in Kahuku after more arrests were made. Hawaii News Now.

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Arguments continue in Ala Wai project lawsuit. The nonprofit Protect Our Ala Wai Watersheds went to court Monday to stop the city and and state from “prematurely obligating public funds” for a controversial flood control project that would build walls and berms around the Ala Wai Canal and put huge flood-control structures in the upper reaches of the watershed. Star-Advertiser.

Community group heads to court to fight Ala Wai flood project. A judge on Monday listened to opening statements and witness testimony for a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the Ala Wai flood project. Hawaii News Now.

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Plan To Award Rail’s Final Contract Reaches Point Of No Return. HART is no longer considering a Plan B in case its pursuit of a public private partnership fails to get rail done. Civil Beat.

Rail project discussed at City Council Tuesday. Two rail-related measures seeking more accountability in the multibillion-dollar project will be up for discussion at a Honolulu City Council committee meeting Tuesday. KHON2.

Councilwoman wants more transparency in 2 Honolulu rail programs. Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi on Monday linked concerns over the city’s rail project to frustrations that have led to mass arrests at Mauna Kea, Waimanalo’s Sherwood Forest and the Kahuku wind farm. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Councilmember Calls For More Transparency From Rail Project. Honolulu Councilmember Heidi Tsuneyoshi has submitted two resolutions to urge the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and the administration, to be more open with the Council and the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

DHHL committee to consider hiring private attorney. The Hawaiian Homes Commission took the first step Monday to hire an outside attorney to put a dollar figure on what the state owes Native Hawaiian beneficiaries for land, including the Maunakea Access Road, that was the subject of a 1995 state law. West Hawaii Today.

Halealoha Ayau Testifies, Resigns DHHL Position. Outspoken on the issue of the Mauna Kea Access Road jurisdiction, Ayau said he is resigning from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands due to "shame" over the department's actions. Big Island Video News.

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Changes to county hiring code eyed. The county Human Resources Department scheduled a public hearing for 1 p.m. Friday on changes to its hiring code giving the HR Department more centralized control over creating ranked lists of eligible candidates to be referred to the hiring departments. West Hawaii Today.

Public positive about solar project proposed for Keaau. A lot between Keaau High School and Hawaiian Paradise Park could become the home of a 350-acre solar array by 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Mokulele to provide Waimea Essential Air Service through June 2021. The U.S. Department of Transportation re-selected the air carrier earlier this summer to provide essential air service for two years between Waimea-Kohala Airport and Kahului Airport. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

High temperature sets record in Kahului. Central Maui experienced another hot weekend as temperatures in Kahului reached 95 degrees Sunday, breaking the old record of 93 set on the same date in 1996, according to the National Weather Service. Maui News.

Fates of freshwater, saltwater intertwined. Wai.Kai Week targets relationship between streams and the ocean. Maui News.

Kauai

Council to consider money requests. Items on the agenda include a bill for an amendment for funding, $625,000, for emergency work in opening the river mouth in Waimea and to establish funding for such work through the end of the fiscal year, including design and maintenance of levy gates to relieve and avoid flooding. Garden Island.

Kapaa traffic solutions update. Larry Dill, Kauai District engineer, Hawaii Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker at the Wailua-Kapaa Neighborhood Association’s meeting 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kapaa Public Library. Garden Island.

Electric vehicles near 10K mark, Capitol threat resolved, feds offer Kealohas plea deals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Electric vehicle powered by solar on Henk Rogers' Hawaii energy farm ©2019 All Hawaii News

Passenger electric vehicle registrations nearing 10,000 milestone in Hawaii. Hawaii is inching closer to reaching a milestone with 10,000 passenger electric vehicles registered in the state. To be precise, the state is just short of the milestone by 95, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s monthly energy trends report. Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaii Lead The Renewables Revolution? Hawaii has positioned itself as a pioneer in the quest to move toward a fossil-free future. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department gets additional $4M to combat opioid crisis. The state Health Department announced Monday that it has received an additional $4 million in federal grant funds to address and prevent the opioid crisis in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Sheriff’s Office: No Threat To Hawaii State Capitol. The Honolulu Police Department located an Arizona man who apparently encouraged a mass shooting in a social media post. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Hospital now under new leadership. There’s a new head of the Hawaii state hospital. Doctor Run Heidelberg took over for William May as the facility’s administrator on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Cost for monthly housing in Honolulu not hurt by illegal vacation rentals, study finds. Illegal vacation rentals may have marred the fabric of residential neighborhoods around Oahu, but a new study concludes that they haven’t inflated primary rental housing rates. Star-Advertiser.

Louis and Katherine Kealoha offered plea deals from federal prosecutors. Federal prosecutors have made offers to Louis and Katherine Kealoha to avoid their upcoming trials. Hawaii News Now.

Whistleblower suspects Kealoha’s investigation into Board of Water Supply was a sham. New questions are being raised about an apparent investigation headed up by disgraced ex-deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha into the Board of Water Supply, and a whistleblower involved in the probe now believes it was all a sham. Hawaii News Now.

Neighborhood board sends letter to FAA, requesting tour helicopter ban over Kailua. The Kailua Neighborhood Board has passed a resolution asking for a federal ban of all tour helicopters over the beach community, and has sent a formal letter to the Federal Aviation Administration outlining details of that request. Star-Advertiser.

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New Bags Required Of Chinatown Merchants To Combat Trash. Chinatown merchants are now required to use city-mandated yellow bags to dispose of their curbside trash, otherwise it won't be picked up by city trash collectors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bright yellow garbage bags are the city’s solution to Chinatown’s trash problem. The city has started handing out big, bright yellow garbage bags to businesses in Chinatown to try and tackle the community's chronic trash problem. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown businesses urged to use city-issued yellow trash bags. In an effort to keep trash off the streets of Chinatown, the city is re-emphasizing its new policy. KHON2.

New trash bag aimed at reducing illegal dumping, rummaging in Chinatown. A revised ordinance also makes it illegal to open garbage bags that have been put out for collection -- a tool for environmental inspectors to fine violators up to $2,500. KITV.

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Where A Developer Sees Houses, Enchanted Lake Residents See A Wetland To Protect. Residents adamantly oppose a housing development in Kaelepulu, an area that was once a fishery. Civil Beat.

It’ll take a bit longer to remove toxic soil buried beneath Kalihi street. Work to remove toxic soil buried beneath Factory Street in Kalihi is being pushed back a few weeks -- just as alarming new details are coming out about the lead contamination under the asphalt. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Investigation into claims of retaliation in DLNR’s boating division comes up empty. Department of Land and Natural Resources chair, Suzanne Case, told Hawaii News Now she asked investigators from the attorney general's office to help her agency look into corruption and retaliation complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees To Visit Mauna Kea, Ka'u and Hilo. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold a community meeting in Pahala on Wednesday evening. The next day they will meet in Hilo and visit Pu'uhuluhulu. Big Island Video News.

Second accomplice sentenced in fatal officer shooting. A second accomplice was sentenced Monday in Circuit Court for her role in aiding and abetting cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island program gives hope to dwindling Hawaii fish populations. Generations of community leaders and Kupuna of Kaupulehu on the west side of Hawaii Island converged to devise a plan to replenish their coral reef fish, creating the Kaupulehu Marine Reserve. KHON2.

Maui

Maui County Hosting Community Meetings To Help Craft Next Budget. Community meetings throughout Maui County are being held to help Mayor Michael Victorino and his administration craft its first budget that will cover fiscal year 2020-2021. Hawaii Public Radio.

“What’s up in Ha‘iku?” Subject of Ha’iku Community Association Meeting. The meeting will feature updates on local infrastructure and community projects from county officials and local community members. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tensions rise over parking at Hanalei Bay Resort. When Ian Jung, the lawyer representing the Association of Apartment Owners of Hanalei Bay Resort pulled the microphone away from Jimit Mehta mid-sentence, it became clear that what they were discussing — the number of parking spaces at HBR — was a heated issue. Garden Island.

Fire chief search continues. Nearly a year and a half into the search for a new fire chief, the Kauai County Fire Commission is essentially starting again from scratch. Garden Island.

State seeks Airbnb records, nation's mayors visit Honolulu homeless, health department visiting Kauai homes, Molokai battles over water rights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki king tides UH sea college grant program July 2017

It’s that time of year again. Another round of king tides will return to Hawaii shores this week. Scientists said the king tides will arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday — and they’re expected to peak between 3 to 5 p.m. both days. Hawaii News Now.

State again seeks to subpoena Airbnb records. The state Department of Taxation is again asking a judge for permission to force vacation rental giant Airbnb Inc. to turn over the booking records of operators in Hawaii who advertise with them. Star-Advertiser.

Bipartisan policy at 87th Conference of Mayors. Honolulu's Democratic Mayor Kirk Caldwell drew inspiration from Miami's Republican Mayor Francis Suarez's strategy for dealing with rising sea levels. KITV.

Mayors from across the nation take a peek at how the city is working to solve homelessness. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was joined by other mayors from across the country Monday in examining a solution to homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Experts warn of worsening fire conditions in Hawaii. Because of climate change, Hawaii’s wildfire season, previously confined to the summer months, is now year-round — which means the islands likely will see more wildfires. Tribune-Herald.

What Will It Take To Make Hawaii A Player In eSports? Cities around the world are holding eSports tournaments, hoping to attract younger visitors and become major destinations for the industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Deputy Investigated For Murder In Capitol Shooting. Delmar Espejo, 28, died of a gunshot wound to the back, an autopsy report said. Associated Press.

Oahu

Taxpayers Shouldn’t Expect Louis Kealoha To Pay Them Back Anytime Soon. The Honolulu Police Commission gave the former chief a retirement payment of $250,000 after he was named as the target of a federal criminal investigation. Civil Beat.

After guilty verdict, state moves to prevent Katherine Kealoha from practicing law.  Katherine Kealoha is behind bars after being found guilty in one of the state’s biggest public corruption cases. But technically, she could still practice law. Hawaii News Now.

Disciplinary counsel files to block Kealoha’s law license. KHON2.

Attorney says Katherine Kealoha needs surgery. Attorney Earle Partington visited Katherine Kealoha the day after she was placed in custody. KHON2.

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A place with 'so much local charm’ is razed to make way for a luxury tower in Waikiki. What was once a gathering place for many local families will now become a 32-story luxury tower. Those familiar with the area are used to seeing an iconic shopping center called King’s Village. Hawaii News Now.

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Pali repair work is extended 3 months. Emergency repair work on Pali Highway following February’s rockslides will continue three months longer than originally anticipated, until the end of November, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

DOT Gives Update On Pali Highway Repairs With Completion Pushed To November. Civil Beat.

Pali Highway repairs to continue until November. Repairs to the Pali Highway will continue through November. Crews will continue repairs along the busy highway 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. KITV.

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Proposed Housing Development Gets A Rough Reception In Kaneohe. Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, who represents the area, was harshly criticized for initially supporting the eight-home project. Civil Beat.

Board of Water Supply to increase the price of water based on meter size. Over the next five years customers will see gradual changes reflected on their bills. KITV.

Officials discourage floating, drinking on July 4. What has become the notorious July Fourth “Floatilla” off Waikiki has prompted early warnings from local officials hoping to discourage a large turnout and drinking in the water as a way to celebrate. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu radio acquisition creates statewide network for Pacific Media Group. Chuck Bergson, president, CEO and majority owner of Pacific Media Group, said the acquisitions cap what has been a 20-year vision for the company. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Safer days at Kua Bay: Lifeguards begin manning popular North Kona beach. Lifeguards are now patrolling the water at the popular, yet perilous Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Leilani Estates Community Association exploring ways to curb tourist access to subdivision. Almost a year after the end of liquid lava in lower Puna, Leilani Estates continues to wrestle with packs of tourists attracted to the vestiges of last year’s Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Council resolution seeks Bank of America cooperation on DHHL loans. A decades-old dispute over $150 million in home loans for Native Hawaiians has captured the attention of two Hawaii County councilwomen, who have sponsored a nonbinding resolution supporting Gov. David Ige’s attempts to bring Bank of America back to the bargaining table. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sugimura Proposes Investigative Review of Water Resources for Upcountry Maui. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura is requesting an exploration of options relating to East Maui water resources to ensure reliable water delivery for some 37,000 Upcountry water users. Maui Now.


State seeks input on plan for disadvantaged business enterprises. Maui meeting set for July 10. Maui News.


Kauai

DOH taking survey of residents readiness. The Kauai District Health Office of the Hawaii Department of Health will be conducting a door-to-door survey of Kauai residents from July 11 to 13 to assess their readiness for emergencies such as hurricanes, floods and other disasters. Garden Island.

Prosecutors try to seize $140,000. The Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is asking for court approval to seize roughly $140,000 in cash that police allegedly confiscated during a drug raid in Koloa two years ago. Garden Island.

King tides are here. King tides have returned, triggering flooding at Nawiliwili on Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Molokai

Activists demand water diverted for Molokai Ranch be restored. Molokai Ranch has been diverting water for nearly 100 years from central Molokai to its land on the west side of the island. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha power couple found guilty in conspiracy trial, new law blocks firearms for emotionally unstable, tourism up but spending down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha, from Facebook

Kealohas are found guilty on all counts of conspiracy and obstruction. Honolulu’s former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, once trusted leaders of the city’s law enforcement system, were found guilty Thursday of using their positions and power to frame a family member and enrich themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas, 2 Honolulu officers found guilty of conspiracy in massive public corruption trial. After deliberating for less than nine hours, a jury of seven men and five women found former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha guilty Thursday of conspiracy and other counts in one of Hawaii’s most closely-watched public corruption trials. Hawaii News Now.

Jury Convicts Kealohas And 2 HPD Officers Of Conspiracy. Honolulu’s former police chief and his prosecutor wife, along with two police officers, were found guilty Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in Hawaii history. Civil Beat.

Verdict In: Louis and Katherine Kealoha Guilty In Corruption Case. A jury has found a former Honolulu prosecutor and her now-retired police chief husband guilty in a plot to frame a relative to silence him from revealing fraud that financed their lavish lifestyle, a case that shook the top levels of law enforcement. Associated Press.

Jury finds Kealohas guilty of conspiracy in Kealoha Trial, KHON2.

Jury finds Katherine and Louis Kealoha guilty of conspiracy. A verdict has been reached in the Kealoha corruption trial. KITV.

Here’s why prosecutors want Katherine Kealoha behind bars as she awaits sentencing. In a strongly-worded brief Thursday, the government argued newly-convicted felon Katherine Kealoha should be placed in custody immediately as she awaits sentencing this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Reaction pours in after Kealoha guilty verdicts. Star-Advertiser.

Verdicts help restore faith in the system, many say. The quick guilty verdicts in one of the state’s largest public corruption trials brought a wide range of reaction Thursday, with some saying the case underscored the inability of local officials to police themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Legal troubles not over for Kealohas. Thursday’s verdict is not the end of the legal troubles for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. The couple faces two more trials. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. David Ige has approved a new law that enables family members, co-workers or police to obtain court orders blocking access to firearms for people who show signs they could pose a danger to themselves or others. Star-Advertiser.

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State Auditor Dings DLNR’s Special Land Fund. Absence of long-range planning leaves staff without “expertise, resources, and options” to effectively manage portfolio. Civil Beat.

Audit: DLNR mismanaged state land. A division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources responsible for millions of acres of state-owned property is being run without coherent policies or guidelines by a staff that is incompetent to the point that it misunderstands its own funding, according to a report released Thursday by the Hawaii State Auditor. Garden Island.

Audit conducted of DLNR's Special Land Development Fund. The Hawaii State Auditor says, "absence of long-range planning has left the Land Division staff without the expertise, resources, and options to actively and effectively manage its land portfolio." KITV.

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More tourists visit Hawaii but they spend less. May marked the seventh month in a row that more visitors came to Hawaii than in the previous year while creating less economic benefit. Star-Advertiser.

Disappointing declines in visitor spending continue in May. The takeaway from May’s tourism numbers was a familiar one: Visitors came in droves but spent less on average. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii visitor statistics released for May 2019. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.39 billion in May 2019, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the same month last year, according HTA. KITV.

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Mayors at summit in Honolulu commit to electric vehicles. Dozens of mayors gathered in front of an electric bus at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus Thursday to announce a collaborative commitment to purchasing electric vehicles for their city fleets. Star-Advertiser.

Filling A ‘Massive’ Need To Provide Glasses For Hawaii’s Kids. The state law requiring regular hearing and vision screening has been ignored for nearly 25 years, leaving nonprofits to cover at least part of the gap. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kym Pine: ‘Strongly Considering’ Running For Mayor. The Honolulu City Councilwoman is reaching out for support and donations. Civil Beat.

Following a recent trip to Singapore, State Senator Stanley Chang remains committed to adapting the island nation’s public housing model for Hawaii. The idea, which would use state land along the planned Honolulu rail transit line, aims to build low-cost, high density, residential developments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ward Village developer Howard Hughes Corp. considers shake-up and sale. The Ward Village community in Kakaako could see a new master developer under a possible shake-up of Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

State to charge for street parking next to Kalihi school. People have been parking on a side street in Kalihi for a number of years. Now the state will be charging them for it. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission weighs pay hikes, other incentives to keep top officials. The county Salary Commission is considering bonuses as one way to attract quality candidates to head county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Will This Year’s Confrontation At Mauna Kea Become Hawaii’s Standing Rock? Protestors say they’ll remain nonviolent, but fear the state and county’s response to their planned activism. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Land Set Aside Draws DU, Land Title Concerns. A public hearing was held on a proposal to withdraw lands in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and set aside to the County of Hawaii and the DOT. Big Island Video News.

AC installation for dorm moves forward. The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s newest dormitory, Hale Alahonua, is closer to being cooler with the upcoming installation of an air conditioning system. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui traffic livestreamed. Real-time traffic cameras installed at 10 intersections. Maui drivers won’t have to guess about travel times on some state highways with new real-time traffic monitoring cameras going up at 10 state roadway intersections. Maui News.

Mayor prepares to release housing plan. Mayor Michael Victorino declared Wednesday that there’s a dire need for housing units in Maui County and that all options are open as his administration is poised to present its Strategic Housing Plan to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Shoreline access pact reached with Napili condos. Lawsuits claim trails not being maintained per permits. Community groups who sued three condominium complexes over beach access have reached a settlement with the final two condos that will restore a public access trail to the Napili shoreline. Maui News.

Settlement Reached to Restore Beach Access at Honokowai. Maui Now.

Kauai

A new deal. There is a new collective bargaining agreement for Kauai firefighters through 2021 as the Kauai County Council passed a bill that will usher in a new area for first responders with a 5-2 vote Wednesday during the council meeting at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

Crabbe stepping down from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kealoha trial day 11, Ige extends disaster relief as Haena State Park reopens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe PC:OHA

Crabbe stepping down as OHA’s chief executive officer. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe, who survived political upheaval and controversy over seven years, announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his post at the end of the month. Star-Advertiser.

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Crabbe To Leave Post. After more than seven years on the job, his resignation takes effect June 30. Civil Beat.

OHA CEO's Contract Not Renewed, Leaves At End Of Month. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe is stepping down at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Stepping Down. A joint statement was issued today from Office of Hawaiian Affairs chair Colette Machado and the outgoing Kamanaopono Crabbe. Big Island Video News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO announces he’s leaving agency. Hawaii News Now.

OHA CEO Kamanaopono Crabbe Announces He Will Resign. Maui Now.

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After 6-month deployment, USS Hawaii returns to Pearl Harbor. The USS Hawaii fast-attack submarine returned to Pearl Harbor on Thursday after a six-month deployment. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines passenger counts drop; carrier charts course toward greater efficiency. Hawaiian carried 1,006,639 passengers — a four-tenths of a percentage drop compared with 1,o11,175 passengers in May 2018. However, Hawaiian’s load factor— or percentage of seats filled — increased by 1.4 percentage points to 87.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Director: When We Got Close The Kealohas Fought Back. Chuck Totto testifies about how he was retaliated against for investigating the Kealohas long before they came to the attention of federal prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Forged signatures allegedly found in trust documents of Katherine Kealoha’s uncle. Star-Advertiser.

Expert testifies signatures on key documents in Kealoha case were likely forged. A handwriting expert testified Thursday in the so-called “mailbox trial” that at least two financial documents that appeared to be signed by Katherine Kealoha’s uncle were likely forged, but the expert couldn’t determine who forged them. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer Tries To Distance Ex-Honolulu Police Chief From Wife's Money Feud. The lawyer representing Honolulu's ex-police chief in a corruption trial is trying to show jurors his client wasn't involved in his wife's family financial dispute that U.S. prosecutors say led the couple to frame a relative. Associated Press.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Handwriting analyst testified about Kealoha and Puana signatures. KHON2.

Kealoha Corruption Trial Day 11: Gerard Puana questioning continues, handwriting and ethics experts take the stand. KITV.

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Vacation rental bills would hurt Hawaii economy, industry advocates warn. Vacation rental operators are warning the Honolulu City Council that two bills it is considering could not only put them out of business, but deliver a severe blow to Oahu’s tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu one step closer to cracking down on vacation rentals. Vacation rental operators and their supporters gathered outside City Hall on Thursday. KHON2.

Canopy cracks may delay rail construction timeline. The scheduled December 2020 opening of the Honolulu rail line’s first segment may be pushed back because of the discovery in late April of cracks found in several prefabricated steel structures that were to be used at West Oahu rail stations. Star-Advertiser.

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Jury rules in favor of Honolulu police in case of man who died after officers used stun gun. A federal jury today found that Honolulu police officers did not use excessive force against Sheldon Haleck, who died after being pepper sprayed and shot with a Taser stun gun multiple times on South King Street in front of Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Jury: No Excessive Force In Sheldon Haleck’s Death. He died hours after police officers used a Taser and pepper spray on him while responding to a disorderly conduct call. Civil Beat.

Jury finds 3 officers didn’t use excessive force during 2015 arrest that left man dead. Hawaii News Now.

Family of man who died after confrontation with HPD unsuccessful in civil suit. The jury has sided with three Honolulu Police Officers in a civil lawsuit alleging excessive force. KHON2.

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City Council to deny funding increase for little-used domestic abuse safe house. Honolulu’s acting Prosecuting Attorney is trying to decide what to do with a Makiki "safe house” for domestic violence witnesses that was a pet project of embattled prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro before he became a target in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Hawaii News Now.

City-operated safe house for abuse victims to shut down. After nearly three years, an apartment complex for sex trafficking and domestic abuse victims is shutting down. KHON2.

For second night in a row, police crack down on more illegal homeless camps in Honolulu. On Thursday night, police conducted enforcement efforts at Aala Park, Old Stadium Park and Crane Community Park — three parks known for their large homeless populations. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Lack of drug treatment to blame for surge in homeless dying on streets. Experts in addiction say a severe shortage of drug treatment beds is directly related to the growing number of people dying on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Some Community Leaders In Kailua Want To Break Up With Honolulu. Neighborhood board members are angry about the city’s failure to control the spread of vacation rentals, tourism and monster homes. Civil Beat.

Some want parts of Windward Oahu to break away from the City and County of Honolulu. Critics say splitting the counties could bring infrastructure problems. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Council takes hands-on approach: Legislative body wants more power over spending. Hawaii County Council members plan to spread a lot of aloha around their districts, even as the county nears the limits of its borrowing power. West Hawaii Today.

Work to restore lava-covered potion of Highway 132 begins Monday. Construction is set to start on restoring lava-covered portions of Highway 132, an approximately 3.2-mile stretch. Tribune-Herald.

Judge to mull ‘unprecedented’ public case. A judge is weighing whether to open or close his courtroom for a motion to dismiss a drug case. West Hawaii Today.

HHSC responds to Kohala Hospital making list of troubled nursing homes. A report released this month by two U.S. senators identified Kohala Hospital among a list of candidates for a program that puts increased scrutiny on nursing homes with a poor record of providing quality care. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council’s Budget Transmitted to Mayor, Affordable Housing Highlighted. The Maui Council’s $823 million budget is about $43 million less than the Mayor’s version and features the expansion of housing opportunities for residents. Maui Now.

A&B Sugar Museum Director Roslyn Lightfoot to retire. She guided staff through mill’s 2016 closure. Lightfoot has led the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, an independent nonprofit, for nearly a decade. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige Extends Kauai Disaster Funds At Park Reopening. Governor David Ige extends disaster relief funds for flood-ravaged Kauai at celebration for the reopening of Haena State Park. Civil Beat.

Haena State Park reopens. At the reopening of Haena State Park Wednesday, Gov. David Ige signed a bill introduced by state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura to extend disaster relief funds for areas affected by the 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Foreclosure lawsuit filed against Coco Palms. A Utah-based corporation is taking legal action against the real estate developers who defaulted on a loan to restore the former Coco Palms resort. Garden Island.

Family Dispute Over Kuleana Land on Kauai Back in Court. In a lawsuit filed in state circuit court, one faction of the Rapozo family is alleging the other committed fraud and deceit leading up to the forced land auction.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Active hurricane season predicted, Ige seeks to hire top officials, Kealoha trial begins, firefighter killed in crash, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iniki NOAA

Hawaii braces for another busy hurricane season. With El Nino conditions expected to persist into the fall, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting a 70% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the upcoming hurricane season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and the Central Pacific could experience more storms than normal during this year's hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted Wednesday there will be five to eight named tropical cyclones in the region from June 1 through Nov. 30. Hawaii Public Radio.

Forecasters warn of above-average 2019 hurricane season in Central Pacific. In a news conference Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said they are predicting five to eight tropical cyclones. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA forecast active hurricane season, 5-8 tropical cyclones. This number includes tropical depressions, named storms and hurricanes. A near-normal season has four to five tropical cyclones, and an above-normal season has six or more tropical cyclones. KITV.

Officials: Start preparing now for above-normal hurricane season. Forecasters and government officials on Wednesday urged Hawaii residents to prepare now to weather the effects of a tropical cyclone during hurricane season — which starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Tribune-Herald.

El Nino Will Foster Above-Normal 2019 Hurricane Season, NOAA Predicts. Big Island Video News.

Predictions are for five to eight tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific for the 2019 hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Garden Island.

NOAA predicts an 'above normal' hurricane season. KHON2.

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State announces job openings with Ige administration. The Governor is seeking forward-thinking team players with a wide range of experiences and expertise. KITV.

UH Lab Gets $77M Contract For Defense Research. Core subjet areas for the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii Manoa include ocean science, astronomy, sensor development and renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kealohas On Trial: Conspiracy Or Just A ‘Conspiracy Theory’? Opening statements kicked off one of the largest public corruption cases in Hawaii history Wednesday, the first of what could be three trials facing the former HPD chief and his prosecutor wife. Civil Beat.

In an hour-long opening statement Wednesday, a federal prosecutor sought to lay the foundation for the public corruption case against former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha, saying “this story neither begins or ends with a mailbox.” Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha trial begins. The first Honolulu trial in decades involving accusations of corruption by high-ranking public officials began Wednesday with retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his former deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha hoping to convince the jury they did not fake the theft of their mailbox as part of a family fight over money. Star-Advertiser.

The Kealoha trial starts today, get the latest updates here. KHON2.

Opening statements made in Kealoha corruption case, next comes the defense. KITV.

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HPU prepares for a big move, which could change the dynamic of Downtown. The state’s largest private university is creating a centralized campus, closer to its dorms at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Hawaii News Now.

New lawsuit filed over deadly Marco Polo fire. Another lawsuit has been filed over the worst high-rise fire in Hawaii’s history. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneohe residents fighting a plan to develop homes near a flood-prone preservation area. The area of Kaneohe behind their homes has a large stream that neighbors say is prone to flooding. KITV.

Airport parking may reach capacity this summer. The Department of Transportation is urging those traveling during the summer to be dropped off at the airport rather than park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. Fatal crash claims life of Hawaii Fire Department veteran. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter Dies In Highway 190 Vehicle Crash. 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was killed following a three- vehicle collision on Wednesday on Highway 190. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island police have identified the man killed in a crash on Highway 190 Wednesday morning. Police said 49-year-old David Alan Mahon was riding his motorcycle on Highway 190 when he was hit by an S.U.V. just after 6:30 a.m. south of the 14-mile marker. Hawaii News Now.

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Council adds golf course vouchers, whistle-blower hot-line, more to annual budget. The first round of County Council budget amendments brought treats for West Hawaii, more money for council members to spread around their districts, a whistle-blower program and a discussion about whether the county should spend every cent it collects. West Hawaii Today.

Whistle Blower Program Added To County Budget. During its budget discussion on Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council voted to dip into the fund balance from the previous year to pay for the independent program. Big Island Video News.

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DOH shuts down Genki Sushi in Kona due to roach infestation. Multiple complaints of cockroaches at Genki Sushi has prompted the state Department of Health to shut down the chain’s Kona Commons restaurant. West Hawaii Today.

Roach infestation results in temporary closure of Kona sushi restaurant. One customer reported a roach in their bento box. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s second-largest retail property owner, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., wrapped up a recent real estate buying binge with the resort shopping complex Queens’ MarketPlace. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lotteries were held for applicants of the Waiale Elua workforce housing subdivision. The 70 unit development is located on land north of the Waikapu Gardens subdivision in Central Maui and features three or four bedroom options. Maui Now.

General manager of Mahi Pono resigns. Larry Nixon came aboard in January; Darren Strand to serve as interim GM. Maui News.


Kauai

Taxable property value rises. In a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, the Kauai County Council — missing members KipuKai Kuali’i, Arthur Brun and Felicia Cowden, who were excused — held a hearing Wednesday on proposed amendments to Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Garden Island.

As Crowds Grow, Tourists Will Start Paying to Visit The Most Popular Parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources also hopes to cut in half the number of daily visitors to Haena State Park and its famed beaches and trails. Civil Beat.

While recovery from April 2018 floods continues on the North Shore, the Westside is looking at severe drought conditions through September. Garden Island.

Molokai

The beautiful island of Molokai is in dire need of one thing: Medical professionals. For a place most would consider just a sleepy little town, Molokai General Hospital sees a lot of action. Hawaii News Now.