Showing posts with label Mayor Harry Kim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor Harry Kim. Show all posts

Monday, December 7, 2020

Surf's up! Obama spotted golfing on Oahu, state orders COVID-19 vaccine, Maui prosecutor removed from office, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

File photo via Facebook PC:@michaelclarkphoto
Kohl Christensen dropping in on a giant messy wave at Pipeline on the north shore of Oahu. File photo via Facebook PC:@michaelclarkphoto

Warning-level surf expected into Monday. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai and the north-facing shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Pipe Masters could get green light Tuesday. A high surf warning is in effect for most of the state’s north and west facing shores through Monday evening. Surf heights are expected to reach 30 feet on north-facing shores and 20-feet on west-facing shores. KHON2.

Surf's up! The National Weather Service issued a high-surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of all the islands through 6 p.m. today. The northwest swell that arrived Sunday was expected to produce rapidly-rising surf along most north- and west-facing shorelines. Garden Island.

=====

Former President Barack Obama spotted golfing on Oahu. He was spotted Sunday afternoon at the Mid-Pacific Country Club in Kailua. KHON2.

=====

Hawaii DOH places its first order for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. State health officials say the order was for 4,875 doses, and is only a small percentage of the total number of vaccines the state expects to later request if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives the vaccine its stamp of approval. Hawaii News Now.

How This Doctor Is Influencing Hawaii’s Response To COVID-19. A Honolulu doctor critical of the state’s pre-travel testing program is gaining traction with policymakers. Civil Beat.

Several days after Kauai opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, Mayor Derek Kawakami says leaders of each county are calling on Gov. Ige for more required testing. In a county update Friday, he said the proposal is now before the governor. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Two More Hawaii Inmates Who Died At Saguaro Prison Had COVID-19, New Details Show. More than half of the 1,079 Hawaii prisoners at Saguaro have tested positive for COVID-19. Three have died from the disease. Civil Beat.

Public Safety faces calls to pause moving Hawaii inmates
to an Arizona prison. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 6: 105 New COVID-19 Cases And One Death In Hawaii. Health officials reported 105 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Sunday, including 87 on Oahu, six on Maui, five on the Big Island and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi open to idea of using federal aid to help commercial landlords. Business coalition spearheading commercial rent survey to estimate how great the need is for financial help. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Haiku Stairs management plan goes before the City Council. A private vendor would be allowed to shuttle up to about 150 people daily to the Haiku Stairs for guided hiking tours under a plan proposed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s bikeshare program is costing the city hundreds of thousands in lost revenue. In the report, Honolulu’s Acting City Auditor Troy Shimasaki said a lack of transparency and accountability in the city’s bikeshare program is costing the city $460,000 a year in lost revenue while the nonprofit Biki is generating more than $2.7 million in annual sales. Hawaii News Now.

'Why Is There So Much Red Tape': Honolulu's Relief Fund Creates Anxiety And Confusion For Some. Honolulu is still trying to spend down federal CARES Act funds by December 30 to help households impacted by the pandemic. But city relief hasn't come for months, with little to no explanation for some who applied. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Prosecutor-elect Alm looks to rebuild office as it continues to take heat. Despite the embarrassing corruption scandal uncovered during former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s trial, conviction, and last week’s sentencing, the City’s auditor has found that policies, procedures and controls have not changed significantly and more needs to be done. KHON2.

Kealoha Scandal Hasn’t Led To Major Reforms At Prosecutor’s Office, Audit Finds. The audit suggests that a Katherine Kealoha-type situation could very well happen again. Civil Beat.

=====

How famous surfers and wealthy homeowners are endangering Hawaii’s beaches. For decades, homeowners in Punalu‘u watched from large picture windows as locals sunned on the beach and dove for octopus amid the coral reefs of northeast Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu home sales stay strong as buyers bid up prices. Strong demand by buyers bidding above asking price helped push up the median resale price of single-family homes on Oahu to $872,500 in November, the second highest ever. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Aloha, Harry: Hawaii Island mayor leaves office after decades of public service. 81-year-old Mayor Harry Kim is arguably the most significant political figure in Hawaii Island history, having served two terms as mayor from 2000-2008 and another from 2016 until Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim ends third term as ‘voice of authority’. Kim’s term was to end by noon today. He served 36 years in public service — 24 years as a civil defense administrator and 12 years as mayor. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Lava recovery plans released: Council members say action is needed now. Three long-awaited documents that aim to guide Hawaii County’s recovery from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano — a recovery and resilience plan, an economic recovery plan, and a volcanic risk assessment — have been released. Tribune-Herald.

County Releases Kīlauea Recovery Plan. The plan is a strategic document that will continue to guide recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, along with two supporting documents – an islandwide Volcanic Risk Assessment and an Economic Recovery Plan. Big Island Now.

Kilauea Recovery Effort Continues With More Funding, Plans Finalized. Along with the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan, an islandwide Volcanic Risk Assessment and an Economic Recovery Plan have also been released. Big Island Video News.

Succession of events led to 2018 Kilauea eruption
. The volcanic pressure that preceded the 2018 Big Island eruption was building for years, but it was a relatively rapid and cascading succession of minor geologic processes that led to one of Hawaii’s most destructive events in 200 years, a new study has found. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Prosecuting attorney removed from office. Don Guzman to challenge decision. The Maui County Council voted unanimously on Friday to remove Prosecuting Attorney Don Guzman over violence in the workplace claims, affirming a council committee decision about a month ago. Maui News.

=====

DOE staffer with COVID-19 visited 3 Maui schools; no closures planned. A Department of Education employee who visited three elementary schools on Maui has tested positive for COVID-19, but no cases have been identified on the campuses and the schools remain open. Star-Advertiser.

Three Maui Elementary Schools Connected to Positive COVID Case Involving HIDOE Employee. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education reports that it was made aware of a COVID-19 case involving an employee who visited three Maui campuses — Pu‘u Kukui, Pōmaika‘i and Kula Elementary schools — between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Maui Now.

3 elementary schools connected to positive COVID case involving Maui HIDOE employee. The Hawaii Department of Education confirmed Saturday, an employee who visited three Maui campuses, tested positive for COVID-19.  KITV4.

=====

Maui County Temporarily Shuts Down Lava Rock Bar & Grill for Physical Distancing Violations. The County of Maui Department of Liquor Control shut down the Lava Rock Bar & Grill in Kīhei for a 24-hour period this weekend after physical distancing violations were observed during an enforcement operation conducted in conjunction with the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Maui County is expected to get 16,000 doses of COVID vaccine. Maui County is expected to receive about 16,000 doses when the COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Hawaii, with the first doses administered to health care and emergency workers, Mayor Michael Victorino said on Friday. Maui News.

Lee Imada reflects on 40 years with The Maui News. Long before he became an award-winning journalist for his hometown paper, Lee Imada wanted to be an astronaut. Maui News.

Kauai

Hanapepe bridge rehab coming
. Construction and rehabilitation of the 1911 Hanapepe Road bridge over the Hanapepe River won’t be able to start until the makai bridge on Kaumuali‘i Highway is completed, but the process has already begun. Garden Island.

Families move into Kealaula on Pua Loke. The first several families have moved into Kaua‘i’s first transit-ready communities project, Kealaula on Pua Loke Supportive Housing Development, in late November. Garden Island.

Feds offering up to $20K for info on 2 seal deaths on Kauai. Federal wildlife officials are offering up to $20,000 for information regarding the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals that occurred within two months of each other. Associated Press.


Friday, November 27, 2020

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

video grab
Gov. David Ige and Hawaii's mayors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

U.S. surgeon general cited for COVID-19 lockdown violation, Fauci meets with Lt. Gov. Green, islands seek to opt out of state tourism reopening, Keck Observatory astronomer wins Nobel Prize, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Keck Telescopes and others on Mauna Kea ©2020 All Hawaii News

U.S. surgeon general cited for being in closed Oahu park. The U.S. surgeon general was cited for being in a closed Oahu park in August while in the islands helping with surge testing amid a spike in coronavirus cases, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. Associated Press.

Surgeon General among thousands cited for violating emergency orders. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has a court date pending here in Hawaii. Turns out, when he was here helping the city with surge testing, he went to a park while they were off-limits and an officer cited him. KHON2.

U.S. Surgeon General cited for allegedly violating Mayor Caldwell's emergency rules. According to court documents the U.S. Surgeon General was observed in Kualoa Regional Park with two other men standing and taking pictures. KITV4.

=====

Dr. Anthony Fauci to join Lt. Gov. Josh Green for live talk story session 7 a.m. Wednesday. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, will participate in a live talk story session Wednesday morning with Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, Dr. Josh Green. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Keck Observatory astronomer wins Nobel Prize in physics. Longtime W.M. Keck Observatory astronomer Andrea Ghez has won the Nobel Prize in physics for research proving the existence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Tribune-Herald.

Keck Astronomer Andrea Ghez Wins Nobel Prize. Longtime W. M. Keck Observatory astronomer Dr. Andrea Ghez has won the Nobel Prize in Physics 2020 for her research on the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Big Island Video News.

Winner of Nobel Prize in Physics is longtime user of Hawaii’s Keck Observatory.
U.S. astronomer Andrea Ghez, of the University of California, Los Angeles, has been studying the Galactic Center — the central region of the Milky Way galaxy — at the Keck Observatory on Hawaii island since 1995. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Neighbor Islands not sold on plan to welcome visitors back; Big Island opts out. Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim said he plans to opt out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, and Maui and Kauai appear to be considering a pullout, too. The defection of Neighbor Islands from the program ― seen as a major step in rebooting the tourism industry and the state’s economy ― could be disastrous for its prospects and even trigger a delay. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. says mayors can ‘opt out’ of pre-travel testing program.
Just a day after the governor denied Kauai’s request for a post-arrival test, there is some uncertainty over what happens next for the neighbor islands. KHON2.

Hawaii Island Mayor stands behind decision to keep 14-day quarantine in effect. Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim is standing by his decision not to participate in the state’s pre-travel testing program unless the governor approves a two-test option for the island that has seen coronavirus cases surge in recent weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Kim wants more tests; Big Island mayor might opt out of governor’s plan for trans-Pacific travelers. Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday he thinks the county can provide a second or even a third COVID-19 test to arriving trans-Pacific passengers on the Big Island without draining the state’s “limited amount of test kits.” Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim: “We Have To Have A Second Test” For Visitors To Hawaii. Mayor Harry Kim clarified his position after it was reported that he planned to opt out of the State's pre-travel testing program. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Pitching Two-Test System to Reopen Big Island to Tourism. One test simply won’t do. Big Island Now.

Mayor Harry Kim confirms Hawai'i County will not take part in state's pretravel testing program. Mayor Kim said he wants a multi-test system. Until then, people who travel to the Big Island will be required to quarantine for 14 days, even if they have a pre-arrival negative result. KITV4.

Hawaii County Mayor Kim calls for two-test policy for arriving passengers. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Kim said that he wants travelers to undergo a second round of testing after they arrive in the Islands. Pacific Business News.

Kaua'i Mayor: A decision has not yet been made on whether Kaua'i will opt-out of state's pre-travel testing plan. Kaua'i Mayor Derek Kawakami says he hasn't made a decision yet on whether the Garden Isle will opt-out of the state's plan. KITV4.

Honolulu City Councilmember urges Governor Ige to adopt additional testing for travelers.
With the state slated to reopen next week, a Honolulu City Councilmember is urging Governor David Ige to adopt additional testing for travelers. KITV4.

10 Days to Go: Ironing Out County Options Ahead of Pre-Travel Testing Launch. With just 10 days to go before the state’s Oct. 15 launch of its pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, counties across the state are ironing out how much they will or will not be involved. Maui Now.

As Hawaii prepares to welcome visitors back, input sought on tourism management plans. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is seeking input for new plans aimed at crafting the future of tourism management in the islands. A destination management action plan is being developed for each county. Hawaii News Now.

‘We’re In A Really Tough Place Right Now’: Can Hawaii’s New Health Director Make A Difference? Dr. Libby Char has directed some of the largest emergency agencies in the state. Her supporters say she offers a badly needed collaborative approach to leadership. Civil Beat.

=====

Ballots going out for Hawaii’s first all-mail general election. The ballots — the first of many more sent to registered voters across the state this week — are being mailed early to ensure timely delivery before the Nov. 3 general election. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Elections begins mailing out general election ballots. While Election Day is still weeks away, ballots will soon be showing up in your mailbox. KHON2.

Health Department urges safe Halloween with household members at home and not trick-or-treating. DOH recommends celebrating with household members at home and avoiding trick-or-treating door to door or wherever treats are handed to children or taken from a shared bucket. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 6: 83 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of the cases diagnosed on Tuesday, two were in Maui County, 14 were on Hawaii island and 67 were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Honolulu Agencies Asked To Identify Potential Budget Cuts Up To 10%. The City Council budget chair says property tax increases may be necessary in a year or two if revenue continues to drop. Civil Beat.

Voters Will Have Their Say On A Proposed Honolulu Youth Commission. If approved by voters this year, the new panel would advise the mayor and Council on issues critical to younger residents such as climate change. Civil Beat.

Delays, Lack of Transparency Among Reasons For City Withdrawal From Critical Rail Partnership. Officials had described the P-3 private-public partnership as a way to ease the financial burden on city taxpayers for the last, and most difficult, part of the rail project -- the stretch into the urban core from Middle Street to Ala Moana. Hawaii Public Radio.

$332K project to rebuild the Maunalua Bay loading dock begins.
Workers will be installing a new loading dock at Maunalua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

2 more of Oahu’s Irish pubs close up shop for good amid pandemic woes. Bar owner Bill Comerford confirmed Tuesday that he’s closing two of his four Irish pubs on Oahu. Irish Rose in Waikiki and Anna O’Brien’s in Moiliili will no longer welcome back customers ― even after Oahu reaches the tier 4 level of reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

In or out? West Hawaii’s businesses await Mayor Kim’s decision on pre-travel testing program. Conflicting messages regarding Hawaii County’s participation in the state’s pre-travel testing program, scheduled to begin Oct. 15, have prompted unease among West Hawaii businesses on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Questions surround county composting plans.
The future appeared muddy Tuesday for a county compost project, leaving members of a County Council committee frustrated that the long-awaited project may never be completed. West Hawaii Today.

26 UH-Hilo, HCC employees to have salaries reduced. Eighteen University of Hawaii at Hilo and eight Hawaii Community College employees will be among 216 executive-managerial staffers throughout the UH system to have their salaries reduced Nov. 1 as UH braces for budget shortfalls amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

=====

University of the Nations Kona confirms 4 new COVID-19 cases as 492 undergo testing. Four new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by the University of the Nations Kona on Tuesday as hundreds of staff members and their families underwent testing for the novel coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

Testing reveals 4 new COVID cases at the University of the Nations Kona campus. New cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at a faith-based college on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Four additional people from University of the Nations Kona, already identified through contact tracing and in quarantine, have tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. KITV4.

Maui

Maui County Voters Weigh In On Top Election Issues, Charter Changes Among Them. Maui County residents will be casting ballots for state representatives, county councilmembers, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees and seven county charter amendments. Hawaii Public Radio.

"Habitual DUI" Arrests up 500% in Maui County. Despite nearly two million fewer tourists, the Maui Police Department has made nearly the same number of DUI arrests as they did in 2019. KITV4.

New pediatrics clinic opens.
A nonprofit health care center has launched a new pediatrics clinic in hopes of increasing drop-in visits and child immunizations, both of which have declined during the pandemic. Maui News.

Four Seasons Maui Welcomes Guests Back with Specialized Travel Solutions, Nov. 20. General Manager Marc Bromley said the Resort’s new Safe on Maui program is aimed at helping to protect guests and ultimately, employees. Maui Now.


Kauai

Meet the candidates: Billy DeCosta. “I think everyone in that council has a good heart, but at this time it’s not enough,” said Billy DeCosta, a candidate for one of seven available seats. Garden Island.

$5M for Veterans Cemetery upgrades. The Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery is scheduled to receive a grant of over $5 million primarily to fund the construction of 215 pre-placed crypts, 407 in-ground cremains gravesites, 640 columbarium niches and a new memorial wall. Garden Island.

Kauai home prices jump by 32% on fewer sales. Home sales on Kauai declined by single digits last month even as the median price of a single-family home jumped by 32.5% and the median condominium price rose 17%. Pacific Business News.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Mayors seek own path: Hawaii Island opts out of pre-travel testing, maintains visitor quarantine; Kauai request for post-arrival COVID-19 test denied; 11k behind on their rent, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Big Island opts out of pre-travel testing program. Hawaii island Mayor Harry Kim said he is opting out of the state’s pre-travel testing program starting on Oct. 15, which means mainland visitors going to the Big Island still will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Star-Advertiser.

Ige denies county’s proposed second-test program. Gov. David Ige has declined the county’s plans for a 72-hour post-travel COVID-19 test, or two-test program, for incoming travelers to Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Ige denies Kauai’s request to require second negative COVID-19 test for travelers. The governor has denied Kauai’s proposed pilot program that would require trans-Pacific travelers to get a second COVID-19 test after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Ige denies Kauai’s second test pilot program for travelers. On Monday morning, Governor David Ige denied Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Emergency Rule 18, which would have established a post-arrival testing program for all incoming travelers to Kauai. KHON2.

Gov. Ige shuts down Kauai mayor's proposal for post-travel testing. On Monday, Governor Ige denied Mayor Derek Kawakami's proposed Emergency Rule 18. The rule would require visitors to Kauai to test no sooner than 72-hours after arrival. KITV4.

As tourism’s relaunch nears, details of traveler testing program still being hammered out. Hawaii’s lieutenant governor dismissed calls from county leaders seeking stricter protocols before the state implements its pre-travel testing program next week, saying many of their concerns ― including those surrounding inter-island travel ― were “fear-based.” Hawaii News Now.

Ige talks end of interisland quarantine. Gov. David Ige said Monday that he and Hawaii’s four county mayors are working to end the 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers. Tribune-Herald.

New Hawaii Tourism Authority president discusses plans for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawaii Tourism Authority will be taking the lead when it comes to getting Hawaii’s tourism industry back on track, and its new president and CEO John De Fries will be at the center. KHON2.

=====

11,000 Hawaii families behind on rent, UHERO survey says. More than 11,000 households in Hawaii are behind on rent, roughly double the number before the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Survey: 9,000 households in Hawaii are 2 months behind in rent or more. A new survey indicates more than 9,000 households in the islands are two months or more behind in rent ― and thousands more are 30 days late. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Tenants and Landlords Alike Are Struggling. A new report from the University of Hawaii suggests Hawaii’s stock of rental housing may shrink as the economy languishes. Civil Beat.

UHERO rental housing survey shows more vacant units, rising rent delinquencies. Data shows Hawaii's rental vacancy rate more than doubled in August and the number of households that fell behind on rent nearly tripled. KITV4.

=====

Thousands Still Waiting Action On Unemployment Claims. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations launched a call center to address an ongoing backlog of unemployment claims, but delays are pushing some residents to the brink of financial ruin. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cineworld to shutter eight Regal Cinemas in Hawaii as part of nationwide closure on Thursday. Oahu has four Regal movie theaters located at Pearl Highlands, Dole Cannery, Windward Mall and Kapolei Commons. On Maui, Regal has a theater at Maui Mall. On Hawaii island, Regal has theaters at Keauhou, Makalapua and Prince Kuhio Plaza. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii to receive $800K in federal money for vaccine distribution. Of the more than 170 vaccine candidates around the world, eight are in the final stage of human trials. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Set To Receive Nearly $800,000 To Plan For COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution. These federal funds will go to the Department of Health to develop vaccine distribution plans, determine where the vaccine will be administered, and ensure an adequate number of vaccination providers. Maui Now.

=====

Mauna Kea Divides Candidates In Hawaii Island OHA Race. The statewide contest pits Lindsey, an Office of Hawaiian Affairs employee, against Mangauil, a longtime critic of the agency. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 5: 52 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. There are approximately 2,202 active infections in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell suggests circumventing HART on alternate rail plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell blasted the rail project’s undisclosed plans to build the final segment to Ala Moana, defended his fourth-quarter audible to withdraw the city’s support and, in the process, won the encouragement of several City Council members on Monday to help get the project on track in Caldwell’s final three months in office. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: ‘Phased’ Construction Of Rail If The Project Runs Out Of Cash. Generally, the Honolulu mayor suggested building the line into downtown and then resuming construction to Ala Moana Center once the funding becomes available. Civil Beat.

Mayor urges HART to pull the plug on private-public partnership process
. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell urged the rail authority to pull out of the procurement negotiations for a public-private partnership for the final four miles of the project. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Kapolei Satellite City Hall worker tests positive for coronavirus. The worker, who is in self-quarantine, was last on the job on Saturday, according to a news release by the City & County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard to Test Unmanned Surface Vehicles off Hawaiian Shores.
The US Coast Guard Research and Development Center, in partnership with local CG units, will conduct tests and evaluation of unmanned surface vehicles off the south shore of O‘ahu from Oct. 7 through Nov. 5, 2020. Big Island Now.

Oahu median price for a single-family home hits record $880K, Locations says. Homes also sold faster in September — the average days on market for single-family homes was 11 days, a drop of 61% from the time it took to sell in September 2019, while condos took an average of 21 days to sell, which was down 22% from a year ago. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Faith-based college in Kona isolating student body after COVID outbreak. Students at a Christian college on Hawaii Island are being told to isolate due to a growing outbreak of COVID cases. The University of the Nations Kona says 22 students and eight staff members are now infected with the virus. Hawaii News Now.

University of the Nations confirms 30 COVID-19 cases; campuswide testing Tuesday. COVID-19 testing will be conducted this week on hundreds of staff and students at the University of the Nations Kona following an outbreak last week of the novel coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

University of Nations Kona Provides Update on COVID-19 Cluster on Campus. There were no new cases on Sunday or Monday, October 4-5. However, due to a record discrepancy over the weekend, there were 22 active cases on campus and 8 active cases off-campus reported on Saturday, Oct. 3. Big Island Now.

Life Care Center getting help with outbreak. The state is assisting Life Care Center of Hilo with its recent COVID-19 outbreak, which Gov. David Ige described as “unfortunate.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County tries to contain two virus clusters. The Big Island has been seeing a jump in cases lately, but much of this increase is because of a couple of clusters.  KHON2.

=====

Second family files suit against Avalon Health Care for deadly COVID outbreak. Lawyers for the family of William Zerfuss say he was one of the first residents at the nursing facility to die from coronavirus complications. Hawaii News Now.

Family files lawsuit against operator of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. The Honolulu law firm Davis Levin Livingston confirms on Oct. 5 it filed a claim on behalf of the family of Yukio Okutsu resident William J. Zerfuss alleging medical malpractice and negligence against the Avalon Health Care companies. KHON2.

A second family is suing Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home on Hawai'i Island. A second family of one of the veterans who died at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Hawaii Island is suing the company that used to manage it. KITV4.

=====

Inmates Allegedly Attack Corrections Officers In Dispute Over Social Distancing At Hilo Jail. Staff members were treated and released for injuries, and intend to press charges against the prisoners. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaiian crows on Big Isle will be recaptured to ensure survival from predators. Captive-bred Native Hawaiian crows, or alala, that have successfully been released over the years into forests at Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaii island as part of the ‘Alala Project will now be recaptured to ensure their survival, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Released ‘alala to be returned to breeding program. The coalition of conservation partners working to recover the ‘alala, also known as the Hawaiian crow, are looking to the future as they work to address recent challenges that have affected the population of the species living in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Conservationists Move to Protect ‘Alalā. The ‘alalā, or Hawaiian crow, has faced threats to its population living in the Pu’u Maka`ala Natural Area Reserve. Big Island Now.

Alala once again facing threats in the wild as biologists work to save species. Recent deaths of the near-extinct Hawaiian Crow are forcing conservationists to recapture the birds in the wild. Hawaii News Now.

State captures endangered Hawaiian crows to preserve the species. Researchers working to help the endangered Hawaiian crow, or alala, recover are changing their strategy. KHON2.

Maui

Maui mayor supports the idea of post-arrival testing. Mayor Victorino has ordered 20,000 rapid COVID-19 tests for the county but has only received a few from the state because of a strong need on the Big Island. KITV4.

Covid-19 Maui County Schedule Changes. The Kalana O Maui county building in Wailuku has reopened to the public, although the County Council chamber and council member offices will remain closed. Maui News.

Another set of Maui businesses, including movie theaters, set to reopen on Tuesday. Under guidelines that were approved by Gov. David Ige last week, movie theaters, bowling alleys and commercial event operators will be allowed to resume operations, with some restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Jail Begins COVID-19 Testing Today on Staff. The testing is part of a mass effort to conduct testing at all correctional facilities statewide after a COVID-19 outbreak at the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center first reported in August. Maui Now.

Viral videos spur sales success for Maui Babe. Locally made lotions in high demand after trend of backyard ‘quarantanning’ hits. Maui News.

Kauai

Meet the candidates: Addison Bulosan. Kaua‘i County Council candidate Dr. Addison Bulosan sits on a couch in his Specific Chiropractic Center office off Umi Street in Lihu‘e, more reserved than his online persona seen daily on Facebook Lives. Garden Island.

This Kauai Tour Guide Now Offers Quarantine Delivery Service. Even when the state reopens to tourism in mid-October, Maria “Coco Maria” Camero said she won’t be able to pick up where she left off with her successful tour guiding business. For now, she’s catering to the needs of quarantined residents and visitors. Civil Beat.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Honolulu city hall shuts down amid COVID-19 outbreak, Caldwell tests negative, HGEA files grievance against Health Department over contact tracers, labor director resigns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu Hale city hall ©2020 All Hawaii News
Honolulu Hale Shuts Down Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is among more than 1,000 city employees being tested for the disease after a cluster surfaced. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed, satellite city halls on limited service. Honolulu Hale is shutting down to the public due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases there, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell tests negative for COVID-19 after cases spread at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was tested for COVID-19 on Monday after a positive case in his office, and many more at Honolulu Hale. By Monday night, his result came back negative. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 test result is negative. There was mass testing at Honolulu Hale after 10 employees had positive COVID-19 test results. KHON2.

Mayor Caldwell tests negative for COVID-19. Mayor Kirk Caldwell received a negative test result for COVID-19 on Monday night. KITV4.

=====

Experts: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii at a faster rate than anywhere else in the nation. Hawaii is regularly seeing triple-digit increases in COVID-19 infections, a situation that underscores just how fast the virus is spreading in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus crisis worsens with 140 cases, 3 deaths and more closures. Hawaii’s coronavirus crisis continued to mount Monday as Honolulu’s City Hall was shut down, the University of Hawaii football season was postponed at least for the fall and three more people died from COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 140 Cases; Mayor Isolates, Honolulu Hale To Close; 6 OCCC Inmates, 3 ACOs Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 10: 3 Deaths And 140 Cases; Clusters At Honolulu Hale And Oahu Jail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is being tested for the coronavirus after a staffer in his office tested positive. Civil Beat.

DOH Reports 140 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health on Monday reported 140 news cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,638 cases since testing began in late February. Big Island Now.

Military and their family account for 7% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases. In the first acknowledgement of its kind, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said military members and their families in Hawaii represent approximately 7% of the total COVID-19 cases for the state — meaning about 204 as of Thursday’s statewide count of 2,914 since the start of the outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

=====

‘Out of control': Union grievance filed against DOH as criticism of pandemic response builds. The union that represents state contact tracers has filed an official grievance against Health Department management, saying top government health officials have lied to the public how many tracers are actually on the job. Hawaii News Now.

HGEA grievance cites just 15 contact tracers on Oahu, where COVID-19 cases are surging. The Hawaii Government Employees Association has filed a grievance against the state Department of Health alleging that there are only 15 epidemiological specialists on Oahu and three on the neighbor islands to perform contact tracing for thousands of potential COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii governor appoints new directors as labor head resigns. Democratic Gov. David Ige said Monday he appointed a new interim director of the state Department of Taxation and an acting director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Associated Press.

Labor Director Resigns, Former Lawmaker To Head Tax Department. Gov. David Ige announced new cabinet members Monday. Civil Beat.

Head of State Labor Department Resigns After Two Months on Leave. The state director charged with overseeing jobless benefits for Hawai‘i residents has resigned after months of being on leave amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Scott Murakami resigns as head of Hawaii Labor Department after 2 months on leave. Scott Murakami, the director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, resigned his post on Wednesday, Gov. David Ige said today. Star-Advertiser.

=====

University of Hawaii community asked to shift coursework online as much as possible. The University of Hawaii, which already planned for mostly online instruction this fall, asked faculty and students today to reduce in-person coursework as much as possible given the rise in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Corrections Workers Fear Infection As COVID-19 Outbreak Grows. With six inmates and three staff already testing positive, OCCC staff worry the prison system is unprepared to control the virus. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii’s inter-island travel quarantine will be reinstated on Tuesday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. But the rules are a little different this time. For one, travel to Oahu is not restricted. But if you’re flying to any other island, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Reminder: partial interisland travel quarantine goes into effect Aug 11. Due to rising COVID-19 cases in the state, Governor David Ige has instituted a partial interisland quarantine which goes into effect Tuesday, Aug 11. KHON2.

=====

State launches Buy Hawaii website to promote local products. The state has launched Buy Hawaii, Give Aloha. KHON2.

=====

Record primary election sees 99% of votes cast by mail-in ballots. In Hawaii’s largest effort at mail-in ballots, island voters overwhelmingly made their preference known last week, while potentially delivering a death sentence for the time-honored tradition of in-person voting. Star-Advertiser.

Outsider Candidates Win Big In Mayoral Primaries In Two Counties. On both Oahu and Hawaii Island, voters opted for outsiders of experience in contests to narrow down the field of candidates for county mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Post Primary Election Talk With Kai Kahele. Kahele made his remarks following the Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party Unity Breakfast, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Honolulu police issue about 1,350 citations for COVID-19 violations on Oahu. Honolulu police issued about 1,350 citations over the weekend to alleged violators of the newly instituted COVID-19 emergency orders. Star-Advertiser.

A Heart Of Gold’: The Other Side Of Accused Crime Boss Michael Miske. The Hawaii businessman charged with racketeering and murder convinced several people to write letters on his behalf so that he can get out on bail while awaiting trial. Star-Advertiser.

=====

2 Princeton graduates are trying to turn a Waikiki hotel into a college dorm. It's called "The U Experience," and according to the program's website, it's supposed to help the mental health of students by getting them out of their homes and house them in resorts as they complete their coursework online. KITV4.

Study in paradise? Mainland students are being recruited for a ‘college bubble’ in Waikiki. Community concern is quickly spreading over proposed plans for a so-called “college bubble” at a Waikiki hotel. Hawaii News Now.

=====

State sweeps Iwilei homeless encampment near Nimitz Highway. A private contractor for the state removed on Monday appliances and other items from the sidewalk along North Nimitz Highway where a homeless encampment has grown to about a dozen tents. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR closes Oahu state hiking trails due to COVID surge. All trails in state forest lands on Oahu are now closed, effective immediately, in response to “12 straight days of triple-digit new positive COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, most of them on Oahu,” the state DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announced today in a press release. Star-Advertiser.

The city advances an $80 million plan to turn Kapalama Canal into a recreation area. The city is advancing plans to turn an old utilitarian flood-control canal in Kapalama into an inviting mile-long public recreation destination. Star-Advertiser.

HTA funding will help restore a palace feature tied to Kalakaua’s 1883 coronation. Some overdue maintenance at Iolani Palace is finally underway thanks to a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Among the projects at the palace: A restoration of the landmark pavilion on the palace grounds. Hawaii News Now.

How Is Oahu’s Trash Impacting the Waianae Coast? Debates within the Nanukuli and Maili community about a possible landfill expansion are heating up. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth sweeps most Big Island precincts: Kim doesn’t win a single precinct, analysis shows. Mayor Harry Kim didn’t prevail in a single one of the Big Island’s 43 voting precincts while coming in third behind two of the 14 challengers for the county’s top elected post. West Hawaii Today.

Interactive precinct web map can be found here.

Kim reflects on his time in office, offers advice to next mayor. When the clock strikes noon on Dec. 7, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will leave the job he’s done for a dozen years in two stretches. Tribune-Herald.

Partial Inter-island Quarantine Begins Today On Hawaiʻi Island. As of Tuesday, all travelers arriving in the County of Hawai‘i must follow a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine, as the State of Hawaiʻi tries to limit the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Miloliʻi Beach Park Improvements Planned, Draft EA Posted. The County wants to bring the South Kona shoreline park into compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lynn DeCoite and Walter Ritte wait out recount in state House race. The state Office of Elections was holding a mandatory vote recount Monday in a too-close-to-call Democratic primary race between incumbent Rep. Lynn De­Coite and challenger Walter Ritte for the state House District 13 representing Lanai, Molokai, and Paia and Hana, Maui. Star-Advertiser.

DeCoite leads Ritte by 91 votes as recount is planned. Incumbent winning on Molokai and Lanai, Ritte takes East Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

West Kaua‘i Community Plan comes with code amendments. Last week, Planning Director Ka‘aina Hull introduced six bills to complement the newly proposed West Kaua‘i Community Plan by amending the Kaua‘i County Code’s comprehensive zoning ordinances. Garden Island.

Public input sought for Kapa‘a skate park.  A new design for the Kapa‘a skate park is on the horizon, and public input is being collected to figure out what exactly the community would like to shred their wheels on next. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a food pantry reopens. The Kaua‘i Community Pantry is now open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for customers who must register and then get help with the no-touch shopping that includes pointing out desired items for the pantry volunteer to package. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Record 109 COVID-19 cases has Hawaii officials revisiting restrictions, closing bars, tents, umbrellas may be banned from beaches, House Speaker Saiki faces election challenge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Green displays infection numbers at July 29, 2020, press conference. Facebook Live.
Hawaii sees record 109 new coronavirus cases; active infections total 624 statewide. Hawaii recorded 109 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, marking the highest daily count since the pandemic emerged in the islands in February. Star-Advertiser.

After 109 new cases in a single day, state considers reinstating some COVID-19 mandates. Hawaii reported a jaw-dropping 109 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, in a record single-day high that’s prompting the state to consider imposing new restrictions on bars or closing them entirely and limiting the size of gatherings. Hawaii News Now.

109 new COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday, setting new single-day record. Wednesday, another single-day record for COVID-19 cases in Hawaii has been set,  which had been anticipated due to lab closures from Hurricane Douglas Saturday through Monday. KITV4.

Gov. Ige to reinstate COVID-19 restrictions. Gov. David Ige said today he will take action to “reinstate some of the measures we’ve relaxed over the last few weeks” in the fight against COVID-19 in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Officials Weigh New Restrictions As Virus Count Spikes On Oahu. State and county officials are discussing what possible measures to put in place as the state monitors more than 580 active infections and continues to see record numbers of new daily cases. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i’s Triple Digit Case Count Has Officials Considering Reinstatement of Measures. Governor David Ige this afternoon discussed the state’s triple-digit case count today, calling for limits on social gatherings, a look at the potential closure of bars (which has already been requested by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell), and considering limitations on gatherings at beaches and parks. Maui Now.

Ige in Talks With Mayors About Reinstating Gathering Restrictions. Gov. David Ige is looking at reinstating some restrictions due to the spike in COVID-19 cases statewide. Big Island Now.

Counties ask residents to rethink leisure travel as conversations continue on reinstating inter-island quarantine. There is a little more than a month left before Hawaii Governor David Ige plans to reopen Hawaii to trans-Pacific travel. KHON2.

Mayors consider bringing back restrictions as COVID-19 infections rise. The recent spike in coronavirus cases in Hawaii has county mayors asking the governor to roll back re-openings and reinstate restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

109 New Cases. Hawaii Gov. David Ige says he is very concerned about today's record 109 COVID-19 cases, even though the spike was anticipated given the July 4th gatherings and other summer get-togethers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lieutenant Governor Green says hospital systems can handle the medical demand right now. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green says never before have we been in a circumstance where what we do affects our neighbors as much. KITV4.

Ige wants tighter rules after surge in COVID-19 cases. Because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, Gov. David Ige during a news conference Wednesday said he is proposing Hawaii’s four counties reinstate measures — initially implemented to curb the spread of the virus — that have been relaxed in recent weeks. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Centrist House speaker faces primary challenge from progressive community organizer. House Speaker Scott Saiki is facing a primary election challenge from progressive community organizer Kim Coco Iwamoto. Hawaii News Now.

 Alleged Oahu Crime Boss’ Nightclub Was A Popular Place For Political Fundraisers. M Nightclub had a reputation as a rough place but political office-seekers didn’t seem to mind. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii income forecast coming amid troubled economy. The Council on Revenues’ latest projection for Hawaii’s total personal income for the year is scheduled to come out this afternoon amid a precarious economy, in which a $600 weekly federal lifeline for unemployed workers across the country is set to expire this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines may have to cut more than 2,000 jobs. Hawaiian Airlines, the state’s largest carrier, gave a 60-day notice to its labor unions today that it might have to furlough more than 2,000 union workers in departments across the company. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell reiterates proposal to close bars, wants to ban tents in parks to discourage gatherings. Gov. David Ige said he agrees with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell that Oahu bars should be shut down for three weeks to stem the spread of COVID-19 as Hawaii recorded its highest number of COVID-19 infections to date. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu looks to outlaw large tents at beaches and parks. With Governor David Ige and Hawaii’s county mayors uniting to outlaw large gatherings to no more than groups of 10, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he has a plan to stop those from happening on Oahu’s beaches: no large tents. KHON2.

=====

TV personality Tiny Tadani arrested for breaking 14-day COVID-19 quarantine. The state’s Department of the Attorney General arrested television producer Tiny Tadani today for violating Hawaii’s 14-day mandatory coronavirus travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Local Celebrity, Tiny Tadani Arrested for Alleged Quarantine Violation. Maui Now.

Tiny Tadani arrested for violating 14-day quarantine. Special Agents from the Investigations Division of the Dept. of the Attorney General arrested 57-year-old Tiny Nitro Tadani at a vendor booth on Ward Avenue this morning. KITV4.

=====

Now on hold, Topgolf won’t be coming to Oahu anytime soon. Global sports entertainment chain Topgolf has temporarily paused their plans to come to Hawaii. Topgolf says the $50 million dollar development project at the Ala Wai golf course is on hold due to the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Cachola, Ganaden Have Rematch To Represent Kalihi District In Hawaii House. A seasoned politician squares off against a political newcomer who almost unseated him two years ago. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim wants residents to remain vigilant, has no plans for changes to COVID-19 policies. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim urged residents Wednesday afternoon to keep practicing physical distancing and to wear their masks in light of the recent surge in new coronavirus cases announced earlier in the day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State, County Officials Hold News Conferences After Record COVID Count. Hawaiʻi County did not identify any new cases of COVID-19 today. However, the threat of the spread of the coronavirus continues to impact life on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Stands Pat as State Mulls Re-Implementing Coronavirus Restrictions. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he’s in discussions with mayors from all major Hawaiian Islands about re-implementing some social restrictions following the state’s worst virus spike yet. Big Island Now.

=====

PUC decision holds Hawaii Island electric rates steady. The Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday rejected Hawaiian Electric’s request for a rate increase for customers on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Start of TMT construction may be delayed 3 years. Construction of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope could face considerable delay — perhaps as much as three or more years — if new federal regulatory hurdles are placed in front of the $2.4 billion astronomy project planned for Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

Waikoloa couple sues Ige, Kim over quarantine. A married Waikoloa couple is suing the state, Gov. David Ige and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, alleging Ige and Kim overextended and overstepped their emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic — including telling the husband he couldn’t sleep with his wife for 14 days because of the quarantine on travelers arriving from out of state. Tribune-Herald.

Woman who stole thousands from a lava-ravaged charter school is sentenced. A former financial officer of a Hawaii Island charter school has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $629,000. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly all restaurants, stores at Hilo mall are now reopened. Almost all stores and restaurants in Prince Kuhio Plaza have reopened since closing during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Recommending Reduction in Gatherings and No Tents or Umbrellas at Beaches. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will be making several recommendations amid a record triple-digit single day increase today in new COVID-19 cases. Maui Now.

57-unit luxury condo project proposed in Wailea. Homes geared mostly toward part-time residents. Maui News.

Maui Lani roundabout opens today. Kamehameha Avenue-Maui Lani Parkway intersection was closed for six weeks. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i confirms two more COVID-19 cases. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami announced the two new cases in a public social media address on Wednesday, saying it is a good reminder that any off-island travel poses risks, especially as the cases across the state and nation continue to rise. Travel only if you must. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery offers learning kits. The Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery center is still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but free Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning kits will be distributed to students and families, Friday from noon to 2 p.m. outside of the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery center at the Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

Mayor Victorino Celebrates Blessing of New $7.7 Million Moloka‘i Baseyard. Mayor Michael Victorino celebrated the blessing and dedication ceremony Tuesday of the new $7.7 million Molokaʻi Baseyard in Hoʻolehua. Maui Now.