Hawaii to lift quarantine for those passing COVID-19 test, hospitals ready for anticipated virus surge, police discipline disclosure bill advances, Senate President: Zuckerberg didn't break quarantine, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii government officials announce reopening travel PC:Governor's Office

Ige: Hawaii’s Quarantine Will Be Lifted For Those Who Show Proof Of Negative COVID-19 Test. Gov. David Ige said officials expect to see a rise in virus cases, but Hawaii hospitals are equipped with the capacity to handle new infections. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announces trans-Pacific testing program as alternative to quarantine. Starting Aug. 1, passengers with approved negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of their trip to Hawaii may bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for out-of state passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Aug. 1, pre-testing program will allow Hawaii travelers to avoid quarantine. Starting Aug. 1, travelers who test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before arriving in Hawaii will be able to avoid the state’s mandatory quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Travelers With A COVID-19 Test May Skip Quarantine Starting In August. As of August 1st, travelers coming to Hawaii will be exempt from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they first get tested for COVID-19 and are negative for the virus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Don’t want to quarantine? Travelers will need to test negative for COVID-19 before coming to Hawaii. Hawaii Governor David Ige announced on Wednesday that a pre-travel testing program will be available to travelers coming to Hawaii as an alternative to the mandatory 14-day quarantine order. KHON2.

Hawaii to launch Covid-19 pre-testing program for travelers starting Aug. 1. Starting Aug. 1, travelers will have the option to get tested for Covid-19 prior to arriving in Hawaii as an alternative to the 14-day mandatory quarantine, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

No Quarantine For Pre-Tested Out-Of-State Travelers To Hawaiʻi, Starting August 1. The announcement was made by Governor David Ige at a news conference held on Wednesday at the Honolulu International airport. Big Island Video News.

Travel to Reopen to Visitors with Pre-Travel Testing Program. Trans-pacific travel will reopen to visitors Aug. 1 under a pre-travel testing program as an alternative to a 14-day quarantine. Big Island Now.

State to launch COVID-19 pre-travel testing program for out-of-state travelers August 1. Travelers will have option to pre-test or quarantine. KITV4.

Ige to visitors: Get tested. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday plans to reopen Hawaii to more visitors, months after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted mandatory two-week quarantines for those arriving from out of state. Tribune-Herald.

State plans for lifting quarantines. Beginning Aug 1, the state will implement a pretravel testing program for travelers to Hawai‘i as an alternative to the 14-day quarantine, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige: Hawai‘i to Implement Pre-Travel Testing Option on Aug. 1 as Alternative to Quarantine. Governor David Ige today announced that as of Aug. 1, the state will implement a pre-travel testing option for travelers to Hawaiʻi as an alternative to the 14-day travel quarantine. Maui Now.

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Officials say Hawaii is ready for more COVID-19 cases. As state officials announced plans to allow in more air travelers as part of the next major step in opening Hawaii’s economy, they said the islands are well prepared to deal with the growing risk of additional COVID-19 cases and a possible second wave. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economic Chief: Tourism Is ‘Who We Are’ And Must Be Rebuilt. But Mike McCartney acknowledged his agency still has not come up with a plan to address the short-term economic crisis facing the state. Civil Beat.

Hotel industry gears up for lift of trans-Pacific travel restrictions. Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO, Mufi Hannemann, has anticipated for weeks, and he said the industry has been preparing with new best practices. KHON2.

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Hawaii lawmakers advance police reform bill that’s been years in the making. Amid nationwide calls for change, Hawaii state lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would make the names of police officers suspended or fired public. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Move To Eliminate Exemption That Has Hidden Police Misconduct For 25 Years. House Bill 285 will now go to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Civil Beat.

House bill calling for public transparency, police reform passed. The bill requires the disclosure of the identity of officers who are suspended or discharged for misconduct in a report to the Legislature. KHON2.

Police accountability bill heads for final vote. A bill to release the identities of fired or suspended county police officers is headed back to the full Legislature for a final vote. West Hawaii Today.

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Proposed public worker pay raises would cost more than $150 million. The public worker pay raises being advanced by House and Senate leaders would total more than $150 million in general funds, an expensive package that is raising questions among lawmakers who wonder how the state can possibly pay those raises and also cope with a $2.3 billion general treasury budget shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

House bill under fire after "gut and replace". HB2502 SD1, set for testimony Thursday morning in the Senate, is a far cry from its original draft in January. KITV4.

Local Businesses Re-examine Relationship with Kamaʻāina Customer. Businesses across the state are continuing to re-open after months of COVID-19 closures.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Local Restaurants Still Have Rough Recovery Ahead of Them. Hawaii Restaurant Association chairman estimates 40% of local restaurants will close by the end of the year. Hawaii Business magazine.

COVID-19 Budget Moves Out For Passage, But Not Without Controversy. Hawaii lawmakers have agreed to a plan to set aside millions in CARES Act funds to cover some of the benefits that unemployed workers will lose at the end of July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Board of Education Member’s Re-Confirmation Gets Committee Approval. Kili Namauu’s confirmation to a second term was not automatic, stalling when the Legislature was last back in session in May. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii sees 16 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 835. Hawaii recorded 16 new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 835, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 16 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawai‘i Department of Health has identified 16 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state total to 835. Big Island Now.

Oahu

VIDEO: Honolulu mayoral candidates discuss issues critical to Waikiki. Five Honolulu mayoral candidates discussed issues critical to Waikiki during a Zoom conference call Wednesday evening hosted by the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and the Waikiki Improvement Association. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates debate virtually over issues in the Waikiki district and the economy. Wednesday’s mayoral debate took place virtually, the first in a long line as candidates get closer to election. The forum was hosted by the Waikiki Improvement Association. KHON2.

Karaoke, live performances now allowed at bars, restaurants across Oahu. A karaoke booth is now open for singers at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Struggling restaurants ask city for help. Restaurant industry leaders in Honolulu painted a very bleak picture for their businesses’ survival in testifying Wednesday before the City Council’s Economic Assistance and Revitalization Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana owner details its 400-foot tower plan. The owner of Ala Moana Center is advancing a plan to build its first 400-foot residential tower connected with Hawaii’s largest shopping mall as soon as next year. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa housing crunch to leave 1,000 students looking off-campus. The University of Hawaii at Manoa will be facing a housing crunch for the fall 2020 semester, and possibly further into the future depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Libraries reopen with limited services. The Hawaii State Library System started phased reopenings for libraries throughout the state this month. Tribune-Herald.

DWS to Reopen for In-Person Services. The Department of Water Supply will begin offering in-person services by appointment only effective July 1. Big Island Now.

Maui

Agriculture Department proposal draws testimony. Questions remain over cost, vetting and need. While many agree on the goal of growing diversified agriculture to reduce Maui County’s reliance on the Mainland, the Maui County Council and the agricultural community are debating whether creating another county government department would help or hinder the process. Maui News.

MPD communications tower approved for West Maui site. The Maui Planning Commission approved a communications tower in West Maui that would serve as a backup in emergencies, though they barred the use of 5G at the site. Maui News.

HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report: Maui RevPAR Down 94.5% in May. According to the data, Maui County hotels reported RevPAR at $15 (-94.5%), with declines in both ADR to $117 (-66.4%) and occupancy of 12.6 percent (-63.7 percentage points) in May. Maui Now.

Kauai

Sen. Kouchi: Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg followed quarantine on Kauai. Facebook’s founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been seen on Kauai, where he owns a controversially vast amount of property on the North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

Four new virus cases confirmed on Kaua‘i. Health officials identified another household with positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, resulting in four new positive cases on the island and bringing the confirmed positive total up to 12. Garden Island.

Looking for COVID antibodies. Led by Dr. Tonyi Trpkovski, the Doctors of Waikiki team conducted tests for COVID-19 antibodies in a drive-through format in the parking garage of the Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Emergency housing program maxed out. Five days after announcing a new $400,000 COVID-19 emergency assistance program, the County of Kaua‘i’s Housing Agency said on Tuesday, their emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance program has reached its current capacity of applicants and is no longer accepting new applicants. Garden Island.

Lanai
Four Seasons luxury resorts on Lanai to reopen July 1. The luxury Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort at Koele, both will be reopening July 1 to Hawaii residents, while the quarantine remains in effect for trans-Pacific travel. Maui News.

Just 1 new COVID-19 case: Hawaii opens more parks, stores, Senate panel mulls tough new tourist rules, Obama building Oahu home, Zuckerberg donates to Kauai community, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green at May 6, 2020 press conference on Facebook Live

Ige, Green make case for partial opening of economy. With Hawaii on a two-week roll of single digit cases of COVID-19 per day, Gov. David Ige and Lt. Gov. Josh Green teamed up Wednesday to explain and defend the first phase of reopening the state’s economy, which starts today. Star-Advertiser.

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State parks reopen on a limited basis. Select Hawaii state parks have been reopened for active hiking and beach exercise during daylight hours, subject to restrictions and continued requirements that visitors respect social distancing, stay in motion and avoid gatherings “of any sort,” the state Division of State Parks announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Opens Select State Parks. The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks is re-opening select parks and monuments across the state with an emphasis on social distancing and exercise, and continued restrictions on gatherings of any sort. Big Island Video News.

More beach parks, hikes open for exercise; social distancing rules still apply. As more parks and beaches reopen ahead of Mother’s Day weekend, it’s important to remember that rules still apply and will be enforced. KHON2.

On beach closures, the governor and lieutenant governor aren’t on the same page. Despite the growing list of businesses and state parks that are set to reopen, Gov. David Ige says Hawaii’s beaches are still off limits for relaxing and sunbathing. Hawaii News Now.

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Just 1 new coronavirus case in Hawaii, bringing statewide tally to 626. Hawaii’s coronavirus tally has risen by just one case today to a total of 626, the state Department of Health announced. The new case was an adult on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports just 1 new COVID-19 case, bringing statewide total to 626. Hawaii is reporting just one new COVID-19 case Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 626. The new case is on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

DOH Reports 1 New Case of Coronavirus Statewide. Hawai‘i Department of Health officials reported one new case of coronavirus overnight, bringing the statewide total to 626. Big Island Now.

Just 1 More COVID-19 Case Reported On Oahu. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that he is lifting some restrictions because Hawaii has gone two weeks with fewer than six new cases confirmed per day. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Green Compares Hawaii COVID-19 Rates To Nation. Hawaiʻi has the lowest mortality rate from COVID-19 infection in the entire United States, says Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, as well as the second lowest case rate in the nation. Big Island Video News.

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Tougher rules ahead for quarantined visitors. New measures are being proposed to make sure travelers are not carrying COVID-19 into the state, some of these include testing before travel as well as tougher rules under quarantine. KHON2.

State Senate panel makes recommendations to beef up quaratine enforcement. A state Senate committee is recommending that hotels not issue room keys to visitors during the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine period, nor should visitors be allowed to rent cars while officially quarantined. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers make series of suggestions to crack down on visitors who violate quarantine. A legislative committee charged with helping to steer the state’s response to COVID-19 is making a series of suggestions aimed at better enforcing a mandatory quarantine for visitors. Hawaii News Now.

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Businesses seek clear path and protocols for reopening, as clock ticks on companies’ survival. Business owners and workers are happy to see some sectors start to get the green light to re-open, but the approval process has some baffled. KHON2.

Gov. and mayors clear the air on when businesses can open. Oahu retailers will open next week Friday. Other counties such as Kauai and the Big Island can open Thursday. Maui will open on Monday. KHON2.

Ige Says Child Care Centers Can Reopen. But Are They Ready? At least 100 private, licensed facilities have never closed since the pandemic, limiting care to children of essential workers. Civil Beat.

State Lacks Child Care Plan As Parents Return To Work. Gov. David Ige’s newest emergency proclamation allows more businesses to reopen their doors as early as tomorrow. Hawaii Public Radio.

To ease burden on system, state asks laid off workers to file certifications only on certain days. Thousands of laid off workers frustrated with trying to file weekly certifications for their unemployment claims are being encouraged to instead file on designated days. Hawaii News Now.

Ige halts suspension of open government laws. The latest emergency proclamation by Gov. David Ige steps back from blanket suspensions of the state open meetings and open records laws that he had issued in mid-March in an effort to lessen the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Low Risk Safety Checks Can Resume May 15. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is coordinating the reopening of stations for Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspections (PMVI or Safety Checks) starting Friday, May 15. Maui Now.

Safety checks to resume starting May 15. Safety check certificates and stickers expiring on or before May 31, 2020, will remain valid until August 31, 2020. All other safety checks that expire in 2020 will be valid for an additional three months after the 2020 expiration date. KHON2.

Home sales in Hawaii take hit amid pandemic. Hawaii’s real estate market is now getting pounded from complications of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu faces nine-figure budget shortfall, City Councilmember suggests bonds. The City and County of Honolulu announced Wednesday that it is expecting a budget shortfall of $130 million in 2021. KHON2.

Oahu property tax payers can pay in installments. All property tax payers on Oahu will have more time to pay the major portion of their August tax bills under a plan unveiled by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Allow Delayed Property Tax Payments. Property tax payments can be delayed to help during the pandemic but won’t be forgiven. Civil Beat.

City gives relief to property owners in regards to their next tax bill. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is giving some relief to property owners when it comes to paying their next property tax bill. KITV4.

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Oahu retailers left puzzled over ‘lack of collaboration’ in reopening announcement. After the governor’s announcement Tuesday about reopening a large portion of Hawaii’s economy, Oahu retailers started scrambling to figure out how they’d reopen in two days. Then came a sudden change: The Governor’s Office said the reopening date for Oahu was actually May 15. Hawaii News Now.

Confusion over order hits O'ahu retailers. Store owners say they know things will be different but they also say staying closed too long isn't an option. KITV4.

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4,000 line up again for free food. For the second time in a week, thousands of cars lined up for more than a mile and waited for hours to pick up 50 pounds of free food. Star-Advertiser.

Many heartbroken to see long lines again at food assistance site. Hundreds of vehicles once again lined the street for Oahu’s second food distribution event at Aloha Stadium. KHON2.

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UH Is Making Students Vacate Campus Housing Next Week. About 750 students still live on campus at the University of Hawaii Manoa. But most are being told to move out by May 16 even as the stay-at-home order makes it hard to find housing. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Moving To Expand Crackdown On Homeless. The city’s sit-lie ban could soon include streets around the Institute for Human Services, but shelters don’t have enough room for those living in encampments. Civil Beat.

Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Kealohas Stuck In Limbo. Gerard Puana’s attorney wants a federal judge to lift a temporary hold on the case so that a resolution can be found. Civil Beat.

On property under construction, Waimanalo looks forward to a very presidential neighbor. The Waimanalo beachfront property made famous by the hit 1980s television series “Magnum PI” has been mostly leveled and new structural elements are being constructed. State records indicate the property with multiple homes and a guard shack could be slated for the former President Barack Obama and his family. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor sets reopening requirements for some businesses and parks. A gradual reopening of Hawaii County businesses, parks and community facilities moved another step forward Wednesday, with Mayor Harry Kim announcing his latest set of rules. West Hawaii Today.

More Businesses, Parks to Reopen in Hawai‘i County. Hawai‘i County is moving forward with plans to reopen additional businesses and parks as COVID-19 case numbers continue to dwindle. Big Island Now.

Big Island retail businesses allowed to reopen on Thursday. On the Big Island Mayor Harry Kim issued COVID-19 Emergency Rule 4 on Wednesday expanding on the Governor's newest proclamation. KITV4.

FULL TEXT: Mayor Kim’s COVID-19 Emergency Rule Number 4. The day after Governor David Ige replaced his "stay-at-home" order with a “safer-at-home” order, Hawaiʻi County Mayor signed his own set of new emergency rules. Big Island Video News.

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Some parks reopen as restrictions ease. Several state and county parks around the island have reopened as restrictions on outdoor activities are gradually relaxed. Tribune-Herald.

Spring delivery: Monk seal born on West Hawaii beach. For a third straight year, a Hawaiian monk seal has been pupped on West Hawaii’s shores, officials confirmed Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui retail stores to reopen Monday, Mayor Michael Victorino announces. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has announced that retail stores — including those in malls — in the county will be allowed to reopen Monday as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

Retail at Shopping Malls on Maui to Open on Monday, May 11. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino provides his daily update on COVID-19 response in Maui County and offers some clarification on the Governor’s latest “Safer-at-Home” order for phased reopening of businesses in Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Retail store given green light to open on May 11 in Maui County. Mayor Michael Victorino announced that retail stores and retail stores in shopping malls will be allowed to reopen as long as they follow physical distancing requirements, starting Monday, May 11, in Maui County. KHON2.

Victorino mulling whether to follow Ige’s lead on malls. 6-foot distancing, masks for staff, customers among rules considered. Maui News.

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Part of Mākena State Park and Polipoli Springs Open for Hiking and Exercise, But Not Gatherings. The DLNR Division of State Parks is re-opening select parks and monuments across the state with an emphasis on social distancing and exercise, and continued restrictions on gatherings of any sort. Maui Now.

Joint effort on Maui produces 40 ventilators for COVID-19 response. A joint effort involving Maui County and tech companies has led to the production of 40 bridge ventilators to help aid health care providers in their COVID-19 response. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency Ventilators Produced on Maui for COVID-19 Response Unveiled. Newly manufactured emergency ventilators produced on Maui by HNu Photonics to help increase Maui County’s emergency healthcare capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, were unveiled today by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua'i County mayor announces retail stores set to reopen Thursday. Kaua'i County Mayor Derek Kawakami laid out the type of services allowed to reopen. KITV4.

Some state parks were reopened Wednesday for day beach use or hiking, with restrictions on “gatherings of any sort” according to a news release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. On Kauai, the state parks that remain closed are Polihale State Park, which is closed for road repairs, Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley and the Wailua River State Park – though the river access for paddling is allowed at the Kaumuali‘i section of the river. Garden Island.

Some local businesses open up. Many businesses are opening their doors today, thanks to Governor David Ige’s seventh proclamation relating to COVID-19.  Garden Island.

Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg’s Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i Community Fund of Hawai‘i Community Foundation has provided a second grant to help Kaua‘i residents suffering financially from the COVID-19 situation. Garden Island.

Transient vacation rentals shuttered as Hawaii nears 500 COVID-19 cases, Facebook's Zuckerberg gives $1M to Kauai, Legislature mulls budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

Pandemic Is Scrambling State Budget Priorities. The COVID-19 calamity means the Hawaii Legislature’s grand plans for the 2020 session may be just pipe dreams. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Enlists Online Program To Help Enforce Travel Quarantine. The state of Hawaii said Friday it wants travelers to use an online program to provide information about their travel plans to help authorities enforce a 14-day coronavirus quarantine imposed on people arriving in the islands. Associated Press.

State will use app to track travelers. The new service, called the Hawaii Safe Travels System, includes an electronic survey to be answered by all incoming travelers to the state, including details about the travelers’ itineraries and lodging information, said Rona Suzuki, director of the Hawaii Department of Taxation, at a press briefing Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Not Ready For A Wave Of Evictions Caused By The Pandemic. Housing advocates are calling on Gov. David Ige to act now to stop a housing crisis. The governor has offered mixed messages. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases near the 500 mark as 13 new cases are reported. There were just 13 new cases of coronavirus reported across Hawaii on Easter Sunday, bringing the state’s total to 499. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 499, up 13. Hawaii Department of Health officials said Sunday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 499, up 13 from Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Now Has 499 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases. Thirteen new cases were reported in the past day, including five on the Big Island and four in Maui County. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Case Tally Nears 500. Hawai‘i confirmed 13 new cases of coronavirus overnight, bringing the statewide total to 499. Big Island Now.

13 new cases of COVID-19 bring state total to 499. The Department of Health reported 13 new cases of COVID-19 today. The state total is now 499. KHON2.

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With less demand, price of gas falls, but not much. The average price per gallon statewide, according to the most recent weekly report from AAA Hawaii, was $3.31 Thursday. That’s 22 cents less than the year-ago price and 20 cents cheaper than the price a few days before a statewide stay-at-home order was announced March 23. Star-Advertiser.

Jail populations drop amid virus pandemic. The number of inmates being housed in the state’s four jails has dropped by 25% in just over a month’s time as various segments of the criminal justice system work to lower populations in the facilities amid fears of widespread coronavirus infection. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Prison Inmates Sew Masks During Pandemic. Inmates in the sewing program at the Waiawa Correctional Facility and Kulani Correctional Facility have begun to sew thousands of cloth face coverings to combat the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

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Online platform detailing spread of coronavirus in state gains traction. A new online platform that uses crowdsourced data to generate a picture of the new coronavirus’ spread in Hawaii has already received thousands of submissions in one week since going live. Star-Advertiser.

AlohaTrace Tracks Real-Time Data of COVID-19 Spread. AlohaTrace – a community-driven data collection effort — is a new online platform that crowdsources daily information from Hawaiʻi residents to track COVID-19 through general whereabouts and interactions of those with existing symptoms. Maui Now.

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First night of curfew runs smoothly for Oahu and Maui, Mayors urge residents to continue to stay home. Police were out patrolling looking for any nonessential people on the roadways between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor considering making fabric stores ‘essential’ as sales move online. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city is looking at options to allow people to continue making cloth masks. And that could lead to fabric merchants being classified as “essential” under the city’s stay-at-home order. Hawaii News Now.

Petition to Mayor Caldwell: 'Fabric stores are essential'. Mayor will reopen fabric stores, but some still complain they need to go inside and touch the material. KITV4.

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Two cruise ships in Honolulu this week; 4 people to disembark. The Pacific Princess does not have enough fuel to reach its final destination in California. KITV4.

Projects advance during Waikiki downturn. The tourism lockdown, which has emptied Waikiki, has created an opportunity for the state’s most economically important district to begin about a half-dozen construction projects, including shoring up its world-famous beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Police continue to patrol Waikiki Beach. In Waikiki, KHON didn’t see many people gathering at the beach. But we did see officers patrolling the area telling some to keep moving. KHON2.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser to do away with one day of traditional print. Changes are coming to Hawaii’s largest daily newspaper. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has informed its subscribers that the coronavirus crisis — mixed with changes in the way readers consumer news — is placing an extraordinary strain on the newspaper’s financial operations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim shuts down vacation rentals: Proclamation signed Friday declares STVRs ‘nonessential.’ Mayor Harry Kim signed an emergency rule Friday shutting down transient vacation rentals for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. West Hawaii Today.

Vacation Rentals, B&Bs Ordered To Cease Operations On Hawaiʻi Island. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday signed the "COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 1" putting an end to bed and breakfasts, short term vacation rentals, and time shares until the pandemic emergency ends. Big Island Video News.

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Kim: Parks still closed, but access to ocean permitted. After weeks of confusion, Hawaii County officials confirmed this week that county parks will remain closed for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii County seeking virus testing for homeless, providers. Hawaii County is asking the state to test all homeless and homeless program staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Sheltering the homeless: Hawaii County, HOPE Services secure hotel rooms amid stay-at-home order. The Holiday Inn Express in Kailua-Kona has been repurposed into a homeless shelter amid Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home order. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Holiday Inn Express Now Homeless Shelter In Time Of COVID-19. HOPE Services began moving houseless kupuna into the Holiday Inn Express on Thursday, where they will be able to shelter in place during the pandemic. Big Island Video News.

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Police bust Pohue Bay party: 16 cited for trespassing, violating stay-at-home order. Police were sent to the area shortly after 2 p.m. following a report from a Ka‘u land manager that there were approximately 10 to 15 people trespassing at Pohue Bay, which is located several miles south of the Ocean View Ranchos subdivision. West Hawaii Today.

Hanging on in Honokaa: Former plantation town hit especially hard by pandemic, lockdown order. For Honokaa, Gov. David Ige’s stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor shutters B&Bs and short-term rentals. Properties can be used for essential workers. After requiring that bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental homes no longer allow visitors, Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday he is looking at eliminating rental cars for visitors to further deter them from arriving on Maui. Maui News.

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Petition calls for top hospital leaders to resign over COVID-19 allegations. As coronavirus cases linked to Maui Memorial Medical Center continued to rise, an online petition called for the ouster of top officials with the island’s main hospital over allegations that their COVID-19 policies are “dangerous” and “abusive.” Maui News.

Petition calls for leaders of Maui hospital to resign. An online petition calling for the resignation of four Maui Memorial Medical Center executives has garnered more than 3,000 signatures as public outcry over a cluster of COVID-19 cases at Maui’s only hospital intensifies. Star-Advertiser.

Positive cases at Maui Memorial Medical Center increase, some staff feel unsafe. On Sunday, the Hawaii Department of Health confirmed 31 positive cases linked to Maui Memorial Medical Center. KHON2.

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Rural Maui County lawmakers seek National Guard assistance. Maui County has been implementing tougher rules to stop the spread of the coronavirus, even as the number of cases continues to rise on the Valley Isle and amid reports that not everyone is following social distancing rules on Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Maui legislators ask for Hawaii National Guard's help enforcing lockdown. Sen. English says he'd only need about half dozen National Guardsmembers in East Maui, and would like them to start ASAP. KITV4.

Citations issued in roving roadblocks; sanitation concerns addressed. Vehicles had long waits while Maui Police Department and Hawaii National Guard conducted roving roadblocks around Maui this weekend, as Maui County reported its largest single-day jump of 14 coronavirus cases Saturday. Maui News.

7 Citations Issued at Maui Roadblocks. On Saturday, a total of seven citations were issued during roving roadblocks throughout Maui County. Maui police say no arrests were made. Maui Now.

Kauai

Facebook’s CEO, wife donates $1M to help Kauai battle coronavirus. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have made a hefty donation to help COVID relief efforts on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Couple who arrived on Kauai went to Foodland. That got them arrested. A couple who blatantly disregarded the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine has been arrested by Kauai police, the department says. On Friday, police said 36-year-old Adam Schwarze of Aiea, Oahu, and 31-year-old Desiree Marvin of Alexandria, Virginia arrived on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Shipping industry still strong. Earl Kashiwagi, general manager of Esaki’s Produce, a produce-distribution center in Kapa’a, has dealt with natural disasters such as hurricanes and tidal waves that have affected the local economic landscape of Kaua‘i in his 50-year tenure with the company. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum making hand sanitizer. Koloa Rum Company’s distillery has expanded production capabilities to produce hand sanitizer in response to the needs of first responders and health-care organizations on the island. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige meets with Trump, Gabbard makes DNC debate cut, taxing vacant homes, Zuckerberg property lawsuit dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige with President Trump PC:White House

Ige and Trump find common ground on some policies. Gov. David Ige found common ground with President Donald Trump on Thursday during a working lunch at the White House to discuss issues relating to workforce development, occupational licensing laws and child care policies. Star-Advertiser.

Ige, other governors meet with Trump to talk workforce development. Gov. David Ige, along with seven other governors, met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday to discuss workforce development. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige Sits Down With President Trump At White House Lunch. Big Island Video News.

Ige Meets with Trump on Workforce Development. Gov. David Ige joined seven other governors for a discussion on workforce development with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta at the White House today. Maui Now.

Full remarks at governors' meeting with President Trump. White House.

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Gabbard In Lineup For First DNC Presidential Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman is among some two dozen Democrats running to succeed Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Gabbard Earns Place On National Democratic Debate Stage. The Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii met the criteria to qualify for the national debate stage, along with 19 other candidates for the party nomination. Big Island Video News.

Tulsi Gabbard makes the cut for first DNC presidential debate. Hawaii News Now.

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Most Of Legislature’s Major Bills Are Still Sitting On Ige’s Desk. The governor must decide on taxing vacation rentals and real estate investment trusts, decriminalizing possession of small amounts of pot and all-mail voting. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students are suspended more days than U.S. average. Students in Hawaii miss nearly twice as many school days due to suspensions as their peers nationally, and children with disabilities, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are hardest-hit, according to an American Civil Liberties Union analysis of federal data. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Says Hawaii Schools Are Suspending Too Many Students. Not only is there a racial disparity in suspensions, but the days lost to that punishment in the islands far exceed the national average, according to a new analysis. Civil Beat.

Task force to examine rules of involuntary hospitalizations. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Marine faces discharge over racist online posts. A Hawaii-based Marine is receiving an “other than honorable” discharge for posting racist and pro-Nazi material on social media. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Schofield Barracks employee charged in bribery conspiracy. Investigators claim Victor Garo leaked information over the last decade to help a Maine company get at least $12 million in contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Could A Tax On Empty Homes Work In Honolulu? At around 12 percent, urban Honolulu has one of the highest rates of home vacancy in the country. Honolulu’s mayor wants to levy an extra tax on those vacant properties, an idea that has seen some success in one of Canada’s largest cities. Hawaii Public Radio.

No One Knows How Many Homes Are Sitting Empty Despite Housing Shortage. There’s a big discrepancy between city and federal estimates of vacancy rates. Civil Beat.

Businessman hopes ‘Seabins’ are solution to Ala Wai Harbor’s trash problem. Seabins are floating garbage bins with a pump that filters out debris and plastics. Hawaii News Now.

Ka Iwi Coast opened to the public for the second time in 40 years. Non profit Livable Hawaii Kai Hui and other groups worked together to buy the 182 acre land. KITV.

Tow truck driver who plowed into 10 cars has dozens of traffic violations. The 52-year-old woman who was driving a tow truck that plowed into 10 other cars Wednesday has dozens of traffic violations dating back a decade, records show. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

Vacation rental applications trickling in. Vacation rental registrations are coming in faster than workers at the county Planning Department can process them. West Hawaii Today.

New Outdoor Warning Sirens Coming To Three Hawaii County Parks. Construction on three new warning sirens will begin on June 14 at different public locations in the Hilo area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Affordable Housing Needed Now, Identified as Top Priority. A council member on Maui has put forth a proposal to “stop the talk” and start building affordable rental housing. Maui Now.

Maui council member pushes for affordable housing. Council member Michael Molina today put out a "Call to Action" in the hopes that more affordable housing projects become a reality sooner rather than later. KHON2.

Craft breweries back sample sizes, larger 16 ounce ‘standard’. Liquor panel looking at defining drink size, other rules. Maui News.

A public forum on Maui’s renewable energy future will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kuleana case dismissed. A Fifth Circuit judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed earlier this year against Carlos Andrade, a retired history professor who recently bought four kuleana land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s property for just over $2 million. Garden Island.

People still residing at Coco Palms. Near the Coco Palms resort concrete ruins that line the north side of Kuhio Highway, on 14 acres of state land, a house overflows with trash, and derelict vehicles sit outside. Garden Island.

State, EPA agree on pesticide use, court approves Zuckerberg land sale, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother testifies, tourism industry opposes Honolulu tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai taro fields ©2019 All Hawaii News

HDOA, EPA reach resolution about impact of chemicals. Tuesday, Earthjustice announced an informal resolution agreement between the two agencies, one that forces the state Department of Agriculture to start implementing restricted-use pesticide reporting, annual public disclosure of the reports, maps that indicate buffer zones around schools and public notice of the prohibition of chlorpyrifos use. Garden Island.

State, EPA reach agreement on how to implement law aimed at regulating pesticide use. The Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with the state Department of Agriculture on how to implement Act 45, which was signed by the governor last year. Hawaii News Now.

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To help solve Hawaii’s housing crisis, some leaders are looking to Singapore. An affordable housing delegation from Hawaii -- made up of lawmakers, state and city housing officials, developers, architects, entrepreneurs, and community advocates -- traveled to Singapore last month to learn how the island nation overcame a major housing crisis and now touts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. Hawaii News Now.

Federal Fisheries Council Has A Long History Of Secrecy. Wespac has for years resisted releasing information, fighting public records requests, lawsuits and even congressional inquiries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s grandmother gives tearful testimony. Florence M. Puana, a 99-year-old great-great-great-grandmother with an eighth-grade education, testified in a videotaped deposition aired Tuesday that she trusted her attorney/granddaughter, Katherine Kea­loha, to manage a reverse mortgage on Puana’s home only to discover that $23,976.69 of the money went to a lavish breakfast for then-Police Chief Louis Kealoha at the Sheraton Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

She Says She Was Betrayed By Her Granddaughter, Katherine Kealoha. Jurors watch the video testimony of Florence Puana, 99, in the public corruption trial of the Kealohas and three police officers. Civil Beat.

She said to trust her’: Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandma tells her story to jury. In an emotional, hours-long video deposition played for jurors Tuesday, Katherine Kealoha’s 99-year-old grandmother talked about how she trusted her granddaughter -- and how devastated she was to learn “she wasn’t the person I thought I knew.” Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Jurors watched video testimony of Florence Puana, Katherine Kealoha's grandmother. KHON2.

Katherine Kealoha's grandmother says that she 'didn't know' about a joint checking account. Florence Puana did not have a card, nor a checkbook for the bank account. KITV.

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Hawaii Tourism Industry Opposes Proposed Property Tax Increase, Say It's Paying For Rail. Members of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association, opposing Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to raise real property taxes for hotels and resorts, say they're being made to bear the burden of the $9 billion rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Last ditch effort afoot to quash proposed property tax hike for hotels. Leaders from the hotel industry gathered on the lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Tuesday in a last ditch bid to block an increase in their property taxes. Hawaii News Now.

Leaks detected in deck of Honolulu rail line. The concrete deck of the elevated Honolulu rail line has cracks in a “handful” of areas that have been allowing rain to leak into the hollow interior of the structure, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's homeless: Dying on the streets. For many homeless residents, death is just part of life on the streets. KITV.

Project To Help Homeless Imperiled By Major Donor’s Bankruptcy. A local philanthropic organization formed to reduce homelessness may never get on its feet following a recent bankruptcy case involving its first major donor, a one-time violent criminal turned entrepreneur. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Raises for firefighters. With more than 30 black-shirted firefighters crowding into council chambers and watching them closely, three County Council members switched their votes Tuesday to give unanimous support to their raises. West Hawaii Today.

State wants case involving cop closed off. Prosecutors are looking to have a felony drug case thrown out at the request of the police chief because a key witness is a sworn police officer under internal investigation. West Hawaii Today.

Disaster bill packed with aid for Big Island, including funds for HVNP, HVO, farmers and more. The long-delayed $19.1 billion disaster relief bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday contains some “sorely needed” funds for Hawaii Island and other parts of the state struggling to recover from natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Carlos, Alexa PenaVega caught up in Maui’s vacation rental housing debate. Acting couple seeking short-term rental permit for Kihei home. Maui News.

A popular Maui beach is the subject of a turf war between paddlers, businesses. A county council committee considered a measure that would ban commercial activities at Lahaina’s Hanakao’o Beach Park, otherwise known as Canoe Beach. Hawaii News Now.

New invasive caterpillar threatens rare native plants on Maui. State officials are warning of a new, invasive insect destructive to mamaki plants – the Ramie caterpillar — which has been detected on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Construction down on Maui since rental car facility finished. Most still employed but no more large jobs in pipeline. Maui News.

Kauai

Land auction involving Facebook CEO gets court’s OK. A retired University of Hawaii professor Tuesday bid nearly $2.2 million to wrest 2 acres of land on Kauai from a few hundred family members in a forced court auction initiated partly by Facebook’s billionaire CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Star-Advertiser.

Andrade buys all four kuleana. Carlos Andrade, a retired history professor and partial heir to several small land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate, outbid a group of his distant relatives during a court hearing on Tuesday, purchasing all four of the contested lots for just over $2 million. Garden Island.

Former Las Vegas Captain Adapts To New World As Kauai Police Chief. Todd Raybuck commanded one of nine patrol divisions packed into a single city. Civil Beat.

Caldwell: Feds won't pull rail funding, plus University of Hawaii tuition freeze, Zuckerberg lawsuit continues, Aila as DHHL chairman, state Supreme Court hears Pohakuloa Training Area case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Crews working on Waiawa rail station PC: HART

Honolulu Mayor Confident Feds Won't Pull Rail Funding. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city's $9.2 billion rail project isn't in danger of losing federal funds, so long as it builds all 20 miles of the planned transit line. Hawaii Public Radio.

No Link Between Honolulu, California Rail Troubles, Local Leaders Say. Federal officials just cut nearly $1 billion for California’s ambitious high-speed rail project, but local leaders say Honolulu is better poised to secure its remaining cash. Civil Beat.

Contractor must improve fireproofing of rail cars. The company building train cars for the Honolulu rail line must retrofit 24 cars that have already arrived in Hawaii to make them more fire resistant, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii to collect oral histories of Barack Obama’s early years in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii announced today that it is collecting oral histories of President Barack Obama’s early contacts in Hawaii for the Obama Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Tuition freeze gets nod. The University of Hawaii has approved a three-year freeze of undergraduate tuition rates at all 10 campuses and a reduction of graduate tuition at UH Manoa, starting in the fall of 2020. Star-Advertiser.

UH Board of Regents approves tuition freezes, cuts. In a bid to reverse enrollment declines, the University of Hawaii will freeze tuition for undergraduates for three years and cut graduate tuition rates. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige has appointed William Aila as chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, effective Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Iolani Palace names KITV anchor Paula Akana its executive director. The board of directors for Friends of Iolani Palace chose her to succeed Kippen de Alba Chu, who left the position in January after 12 years. Star-Advertiser.

In time for Tokyo Olympics, Hawaiian Airlines wins another Haneda flight slot. Hawaiian Airlines has been tentatively awarded a new flight slot at Tokyo Haneda airport. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

3 warships, 4,500 sailors and Marines visit Pearl Harbor during deployment. Three San Diego-based Navy warships and about 4,500 sailors and Marines stopped in Pearl Harbor for training and replenishment at the start of a deployment to the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Liquor Commission votes to revoke controversial store's license. Maunakea Liquor & Grocery in Chinatown is on the verge of losing its liquor license. KITV.

Thousands of Local 5 members will rally at the world’s largest Hilton Friday. UNITE HERE Local 5 members who work at Hilton Hawaiian Village will rally at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Side on Paoa Place near Tropics Friday. KITV.

Safety concerns arise regarding other crosswalks in Pearl City. The crosswalk where 17-year-old Victoria Arellano was hit, isn't the only one in Pearl City residents are worried about. There are concerns about others on Waimano Home Road. KHON2.

Next month Biki turns two, and operator Bikeshare Hawaii says they have found a “sweet spot” by anticipating rider demand and opening docking space at key locations during crucial times of the day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Supreme Court to determine whether state did its job to oversee Pohakuloa Training Area. The Hawaii Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a case in which the state is being accused of not doing enough to ensure the U.S. Army isn’t trashing the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island under the terms of its 65-year lease with the state. Star-Advertiser.

State’s highest court hears challenge to live-fire training on Big Island ceded lands. In a case that echoes the battle to stop bombing of Kahoolawe, the state Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday over the Army’s live-fire training at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

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To raise or not to raise? Salary Commission punts until next month. With union-negotiated raises for county rank-and-file workers averaging 2% to 3% annually, the county Salary Commission is grappling once again with whether to raise salaries for the top 40 county officials during a tight budget year. West Hawaii Today.

Two retired Hawaii Police Department officers indicted Monday on criminal charges by a Kona grand jury appeared in Hilo Circuit Court Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Even as the University of Hawaii is moving forward with administrative rules to govern public and commercial activities on UH-managed lands on Mauna Kea, the president of the university is contemplating some changes to the Mauna Kea management structure. Big Island Video News.

Scientists consider raising Mauna Loa alert level. Mauna Loa was at an “advisory” level from September 2015 to June 2018 due to increased seismic activity. Since then, it has remained at “normal,” which suggests a background state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill would restrict use of plastic foodware. Vendors point to high cost of compostable alternatives. Maui News.

The three Rotary clubs of Lahaina recently installed 33 yellow rescue tubes at nine West Maui county beach parks. The rescue tubes are to provide assistance to swimmers in distress. Maui News.

Kauai
Zuckerberg lawsuit moves on. A Fifth Circuit judge on Thursday said he intends to allow attorneys to move forward with a lawsuit contesting the sale of several land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate, although that may change if the land changes hands next month. Garden Island.

County agency food drive falls short. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was obviously disappointed and frustrated Wednesday morning while watching the collection of food come together at the Moikeha Building. Garden Island.

Hawaii wins 3 of 10 TripAdvisor top spots, ballot issues plague Honolulu election, pay raises for state, Kauai, volcano alert lowered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii luau dancers 2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii makes TripAdvisor top 10 Travelers' Choice Destinations in the U.S. Three Hawaii islands were named among the top destinations in the country to travel to. According to TripAdvisor, Maui was the second top choice, followed by Oahu at third, and the Big Island as 10. KHON2.

HDOT audit finds discrepancies. The Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Highways Division in fiscal year 2018 did not review capital improvement projects in a timely manner, incorrectly classified federal expenditures and violated cash management requirements by drawing funds from a federal agency prior to paying a subcontractor, according to a report issued by the Hawaii State Auditor’s Office. Garden Island.

Our Care, Our Choice Act Part 2: Some patients are pushing to get the law changed. The assisted suicide bill passed in the Legislature and became law, in order for patients to get their life-ending prescription they need to request it from their doctor on three separate occasions. KITV.

State commission proposes pay raises for elected officials. Some leading lawmakers are supporting new recommendations by the state Salary Commission that would grant all members of the Legislature raises of 10 percent in 2021 and would further boost lawmakers’ salaries in additional steps over the following three years. Star-Advertiser.

Recruitment begins today for Conservation and Resource Enforcement Officers to fill vacancies across the state.  The positions do not require any previous law enforcement experience, however, there are limited spaces available. Maui Now.

Public Safety admits less-lethal options are on hand — but not for use in the field. The state has purchased at least 35 less lethal guns and eight pepperball guns in the last two years. But none of the less lethal options are available for use by deputies on patrol. Hawaii News Now.

Amid growing concerns that a new crisis is brewing between China and Taiwan, independence-leaning Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is in Honolulu for an always controversial yet short visit. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Residents report more ballot abnormalities in hotly contested City Council race. The special election for east Honolulu’s City Council seat is causing confusion after several ballots were mailed to people who no longer live in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Rocky start to Special Election mail-in ballots raises eyebrows with some voters. Residents we spoke to are concerned because if extra ballots were to be in the hands of the wrong person, there might be an opportunity for some to vote twice. KHON2.

'Gross incompetence or worse’: Rail purchase of reinforced steel questioned. The federal grand jury that’s investigating the rail project is looking into how the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation spent millions of dollars to buy reinforced steel. Hawaii News Now.

Some West Oahu residents push for a bypass road to help ease traffic troubles. The alternate route would also be a lifeline in times of accidents or emergencies. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

We’re another day older and deeper in debt. The lyrics to the song made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford continue to hold true today, as Hawaii County finds its debt load continuing to creep upward. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea volcano is now the quietest it has been in about four decades. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lowered the volcano’s alert level Tuesday from “advisory” to “normal,” noting it has returned to a noneruptive, background state following last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Today, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory officially lowered the Kilauea Volcano Alert Level for ground-based hazards from ADVISORY to NORMAL, and the Aviation Color Code from YELLOW to GREEN. Big Island Video News.

Project leaders review draft EIS for wastewater treatment plant with public. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Pacific fights back against commission’s findings. A Kealakekua charter school is demanding the state commission that oversees charter schools rescind a vote kicking off a process that could close the school. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino proposed Monday a $781 million no-frills budget for the next fiscal year, which includes property tax, trash pickup and water rate increases; additional property tax money for affordable housing; and opening the Central Maui Landfill one Sunday per month, but it contains no new major capital improvement initiatives. Maui News.

Maui Car Rental Facility, Electric Train on Schedule to Open May 15. A major project at Maui’s Kahului Airport in less than two months from completion. Maui Now.

New Paia Elementary building up for environmental review. Structure would be located at the front of the school next to the cafeteria. Maui News.

Kauai

The county’s top officials might be getting a raise. Kauai County Councilmembers today will consider a proposal to increase their own salaries along those of 30 county executives, including the mayor, the managing director, the police and fire chiefs. Garden Island.

A federal jury on Friday awarded over $700,000 in damages to a Kauai resident who sued Wilcox Memorial Hospital after an incident in which hospital employees injected the man against his will with a high-dose cocktail of strong antipsychotic drugs that left him incapacitated for months after the incident. Garden Island.

Kauai Family Demands New Policies, Protections for Kuleana Landowners. In the wake of a closely watched kuleana land auction of part of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's estate last week, one faction of the family caught up in the property dispute is calling for change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Coco Palms resort for sale again. Coco Palms, featured in the 1961 Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii,” has been closed since Hurricane Iniki slammed into Kauai in 1992, causing extensive damage to the property. Star-Advertiser.

Coco Palms Resort is up for sale again. The property is owned by Coco Palm Hui LLC, who had planned to re-open the resort after it closed due to damages caused by Hurricane Iniki. KHON2.