Showing posts with label Mayor Michael Victorino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor Michael Victorino. Show all posts

Friday, March 25, 2022

State agricultural land may be transferred, Legislature mulls limiting governor's emergency powers, two counties gain, two lose population in census, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Cattle in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

 As Covid-19 Emergency Ends, Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Limits On Executive Power. Two measures that would give lawmakers the authority to end the governor’s emergency proclamations have advanced to their final committees in the House and Senate. Civil Beat.

Effort To Transfer State Agricultural Land Survives Latest Hurdle. Long-standing plans to transfer agricultural land from Hawaii’s land and resources agency to the Department of Agriculture encountered new difficulties this week in the Legislature. Civil Beat.

U.S. Census data shows losses and gains for Hawaii.
The Census Bureau estimated Oahu’s population at 1,000,890 as of July 1, down 1.2%, from the year-earlier figure. Hawaii County, the second most populous in the state, had an estimated 202,906 residents, an increase of 2,160, or 1.1%, according to Census data. Maui County’s population also declined over the 12- month period, by 434 residents to 164,221, down 0.3%. Kauai County saw its population grow by 253 residents to 73,454, an increase of 0.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige extends COVID-19 food assistance spending. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation allowing federal funds to continue to flow to food assistance recipients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic national public health emergency, his office said Thursday. The proclamation allows $18 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits to go to recipients each month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s COVID mandates set to end tonight. The face masks are coming off after 11:59 p.m. today, when Hawaii lifts its indoor mask mandate — but not everywhere. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge Rejects Amemiya Effort To Dismiss Conspiracy Charge. Former Honolulu managing director Roy Amemiya’s attempt to dismiss his federal conspiracy charge was denied by U.S District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi on Thursday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Masks will still be required on TheBus, TheHandi-Van after Friday. Riders will still need to wear masks at all times while onboard TheBus as well as TheHandi-Van after Friday under federal rules, according to the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Debate Over Who Should And Shouldn’t Be In Jail Is Tripping Up Plans For A New Oahu Facility. A leading Democrat is withholding funding for a new jail in Halawa, arguing officials won’t really know how large the jail should be until the bail reform debate is resolved. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health moves to long-term phase of remediating Red Hill water shaft. It’s been about a week since the Department of Health gave the all-clear for homes and businesses on the military’s water system. Experts are now dealing with the long-term phase of remediating the Red Hill water shaft. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Roth recounts challenges, accomplishments during first state of the county address. It was a trial by fire for Mayor Mitch Roth and his new administration in late 2020 when he took office during the midst of a global pandemic and uncertain economic times. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Audit of fire department identifies weaknesses.
A county audit of the Hawaii Fire Department reveals it’s beleaguered by a shortage of workers and resources.Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Outlines Plan For $1 Billion County Budget. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Thursday released his proposed $1 billion budget for the next year, outlining how he plans to run Maui County and invest in new projects like repaving roads, boosting beach parking options for local residents and shoring up water systems to protect against natural disasters. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed agreement with Waikapu project earns committee’s support. A Maui County Council committee on Wednesday threw its support behind a proposed public-private partnership between the county and developers of Waikapu Country Town that would add more affordable housing in exchange for the developer’s required contribution toward a wastewater treatment plant and other traffic improvements. Maui News.

Hawaii cannabis industry expands with additional Maui dispensary, new edibles options.
Maui Grown Therapies on Friday will open its third medical cannabis dispensary, this one in Pukalani. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui County to resume in-vehicle road testing Monday, DMVL says. In-vehicle road testing will resume starting this Monday for learner’s permit holders seeking driver’s licenses for passenger vehicles, according to a county Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing announcement Wednesday. Maui Now. Maui News.

Kauai

Judge Rejects Plea Deal For Former Kauai Councilman Who Led Meth Ring. Arthur Brun changed his plea to guilty as part of an agreement with prosecutors. But a judge rejected the deal, opening up the possibility of a trial. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Council begins FY23 budget discussions. The Kaua‘i County Council is poring over Kawakami’s March submittal which seeks a $260.2 million operating budget and $48.9 million capital improvement projects budget. Garden Island.


Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Maui mayor gets low marks in survey, Ige reluctant to ease COVID rules, Honolulu seeks new landfill site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Jeff Milisen via Kampachi Farms LLC/NELHA
Aquaculture in Hawaii PC:Jeff Milisen via Kampachi Farms LLC/NELHA

 Hawaii aquaculture sales total $66.4M. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Friday said the value of farm-raised marine animals sold by producers statewide slipped 15% last year to $66.4 million from $78.5 million the year before. West Hawaii Today.

Violent and property crimes fell in Hawaii last year, new FBI statistics show.
The FBI’s annual report on crime shows Hawaii continues to be safer than the rest of the country, with a violent crime rate per capita two thirds of the US as a whole. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General backs up county suits against fossil fuel companies for costs of climate change. Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors is supporting county claims that several major fossil fuel companies should be held accountable for deceptive trade practices and other violations of state law. Star-Advertiser.

Air Force drones fly high in Hawaii. The Air Force for the first time recently flew a pair of its big MQ-9 Reaper drones — better known for their missile-firing role in the Middle East — from the mainland to Hawaii, extending the reach of the unmanned aircraft and with an eye to aiding the Navy and Marine Corps in island-hopping operations in the Western Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Homesteaders Are First To Get Pandemic Relief Funds To Help Pay The Mortgage
. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has begun accepting applications for $5 million in federal funds to help people on Hawaiian Homelands who have fallen behind on their mortgages because of the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Potential COVID surge could bring tighter rules, Hawaii governor David Ige says. The original idea in June was to reach a target of a 60% vaccination rate by July 8 that would increase the size of gatherings — then eliminate all restrictions when eventually reaching a 70% vaccination rate. As of Monday the state’s fully vaccinated rate was 67.7%. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

60% of all state COVID cases were in people 39 and under. Keiki 12-17 and young adults 18-29 have the lowest vaccination rates against COVID-19 in Hawaii and are among the age groups that account for the most coronavirus cases, according to data from the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii sees 255 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 78,404. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 162 new cases on Oahu, 17 on Maui, 32 on Hawaii island, 33 on Kauai, four on Molokai and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Forms Committee To Choose New Landfill Location. The Landfill Advisory Committee is made up of nine members with backgrounds in government, engineering and contracting, among other fields, who will rank potential landfill locations. Civil Beat.

DPR announces city park gymnasiums to re-open. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced Monday gymnasiums are scheduled to reopen for permitted use next month, along with active use of smaller indoor facilities in November. KITV4.

Nearly sold-out condo, the Azure Ala Moana tower, opens in Honolulu. Azure represents the first residential high-rise in the Ala Moana area completed under city transit-oriented development rules that allow buildings to be taller and denser than standard zoning regulations permit because they are within convenient walking distance of a planned, yet long-delayed, city rail station. Star-Advertiser.

Despite a high vaccination rate, a skilled nursing facility in Nuuanu has seen 93 COVID infections this month. The good news: The Care Center of Honolulu on Bachelot Street says the overwhelming majority of those who tested positive have recovered. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

DOT provides update on Kolekole Bridge. The state Department of Transportation said Monday intermediate repairs to Kolekole Bridge on Highway 19 north of Hilo “will be completed within three to four months and will restore normal operations on the bridge.” West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

BIISC focusing on eradication of devil weed. Hawaii County residents are urged to be on the lookout for an highly invasive plant found on the island this year that could devastate the cattle industry. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission Meets Sept. 30 about Ethics & Boards/Commissions. The Maui Charter Commission will meet Thursday, Sept. 30 at 9 am to receive public testimony about 25 proposals related to ethics and board/commissions as part of its year-long review of proposed amendments to the County Charter, Maui County’s governing document. Maui Now.

Nearly $70 million will go toward Maui County projects. Public facilities and nature conservation work are among the projects that will receive funding after the state released a total of $69,762,356 to fund capital improvement projects in Maui County. Maui News.

Maui Now Survey: Community Divided on Coronavirus Concerns, Majority Very Concerned About Economy. The majority of public opinion shows disapproval of Maui County Mayor Victorino's handling of the coronavirus pandemic - with 80% of survey participants saying they disapprove and 19% saying they approve of his handling of the pandemic.  Maui Now.

Kauai

‘Aina Ho‘okupu O Kilauea brings food to the community.
‘Aina Ho‘okupu O Kilauea is a nonprofit whose goal is to facilitate solutions to economic, social, agricultural and food security challenges on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.


Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Hawaii poised to become state with highest income tax, highly infectious COVID-19 variant detected, flood over-tops Maui dam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from video
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino at video press conference

Hawaii lawmakers consider nation’s highest income tax. Hawaii is considering overtaking California as the state with the highest income tax rate in the nation, under legislation slated for a vote this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii Could Lose Access To Next Generation Broadband Internet.
Technological advances allow the next generation of undersea fiber optic cables to traverse the Pacific without stopping in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

House Speaker Seeks Hawaiian Nominees For Mauna Kea Group. The 15-member working group has until December to come up with a new management structure for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive over $6.1B in federal funds. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed Saturday by the Senate and poised for imminent passage in the House will provide over $6.1 billion in estimated funding for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Convention Center charges state millions for unemployment call center. Hawaii lawmakers are looking to expand the governor’s powers to assume control over any state facility during an emergency and not have to worry about paying rent to the agency that controls it. Star-Advertiser.

South Africa COVID-19 Variant Detected On Oahu. A new COVID-19 strain originating in South Africa that is both highly contagious and able to evade antibodies was detected in an Oahu resident, state health officials announced Monday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: ‘Vaccine passport’ program unlikely until May.
Vaccinated travelers could be exempt from COVID-19 travel restrictions by May, said Gov. David Ige on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Resolutions urge Ige to ease travel quarantine on vaccinated persons. A pair of resolutions will be introduced today by state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, an Oahu Democrat, that would ease travel restrictions in Hawaii for vaccinated individuals. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Hawaii plans brand-specific vaccination sites to allow people to pick their shot. People getting vaccinated could soon have the option to pick which brand of COVID shot they want. Hawaii News Now.

March 8, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 45 additional COVID-45 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 21 on O‘ahu, 11 on Maui, 10 on Hawai‘i Island, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Feds Examining Honolulu Police CARES Spending On ATVs, Robot Dog. The Honolulu Police Department is facing questions from the federal government about its spending of millions of dollars of pandemic relief funds on ATVs, pickup trucks and a robot dog. Civil Beat.

Free COVID-19 tests offered for Oahu restaurant workers. Honolulu’s restaurant workers will be able to take a free COVID-19 test starting today. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

There Are 10 Community Gardens On Oahu. None Of Them Are On The Westside. Unequal access to community gardens has some people calling for a revamp of the decades-old program. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Governor approves Roth’s emergency rule amendments. Gov. David Ige approved COVID-19 emergency rule amendments for the Big Island signed into effect Monday by Mayor Mitch Roth, which ease certain restrictions. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Ahu‘aila‘au proposed for county land buy: Neighbors seek purchase of ’Fissure 8’ with PONC funds. Neighbors of Puna’s internationally famous “Fissure 8” want the still smoldering volcanic vent preserved for future generations, and they’re asking a county land-buying commission to purchase it using taxpayer money. West Hawaii Today.

Another push for a new hospital in North Kona. Legislators are pushing forward the conversation about constructing a new hospital in North Kona with a pair of resolutions requesting the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation conduct a feasibility study. West Hawaii Today.

Three Finalists For Hawaiʻi County Seat On UH Board Of Regents. Wayne S. Higaki, Peter S. Hoffmann, and Eric S. Takamura are the names of the candidates, one of whom will fill the five-year appointment beginning on July 1. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Flash flood warning expires for heavily-soaked Maui, but threat of torrential rain continues.  Evacuation orders stretched into the night for Haiku residents who fled the life-threatening flooding downstream of the Kaupakalua Dam. Hawaii News Now.

Overtopping dam spurs evacuation in Maui’s Haiku area. Nearly 14 inches of rain Monday led to the overtopping of the Kaupakalua Reservoir and Dam, forcing the evacuation of some 150 downstream homes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

State issued notice of deficiency to Kaupakalua Dam last year. The Kaupakalua Dam is one of the oldest agricultural dams and was built more than a hundred years ago. KHON2.

Hana Highway reopens though extreme caution still urged.
The heaviest of showers are slowly subsiding on Maui, though some emergency closures and operations are still in place. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Outreach at ‘Anini; community faces ouster. Thinking about where to go once the ‘Anini Beach Park closes to the houseless community in less than a month has been stressful for Ceci Lindsey. Garden Island.

DOE announces 4th quarter school schedules. The Kaua‘i Complex Area Department of Education Office announced the Kaua‘i revisions of school learning models will cover the fourth quarter that runs from March 22 through May 28. Garden Island.


Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Coronavirus antibody tests starting Thursday, labs improve turnaround time, mayors eye phased reopening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Testing for coronavirus in Hawaii
Coronavirus antibody tests will start Thursday. As Hawaii carefully considers reopening the economy, the first laboratory- based coronavirus antibody tests will begin Thursday to ascertain how many people have actually been infected in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Labs Improve COVID-19 Testing Turnaround Times. DOH says results from most diagnostic testing can now come back within 24 hours. But the state’s plan for testing once the economy reopens is still unclear. Civil Beat.

State senators and DOH differ on who should get tested for COVID-19. State Senators want the Department of Health to come up with a policy regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in Hawaii. KITV4.

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Health inspectors go virtual to get new restaurants up and running. In the digital age, even restaurant inspections are going online. The first virtual inspection was done at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers in Hawaii Kai from the Department of Health’s Halawa facility on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Health department conducts first virtual health inspection. Since the stay at home order, many things have moved to the virtual realm, and now this includes food safety. KHON2.

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BOSS Survey of 404 Local Executives Shows Optimism Crushed. Poll conducted March 30 to April 17 reveals pessimism unmatched among Hawai‘i’s business leaders since the depths of the Great Recession. First quarter numbers on revenue, employment and profit hint at second quarter devastation to come. Hawaii Business Magazine.

An optimistic film industry prepares for the day productions can resume in Hawaii. As the state tries to recover from the financial meltdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Hawaii’s film industry hopes to help jump-start the economy. The state's film commissioner, Donne Dawson, said there are roughly two dozen productions on hold, including commercials, TV series and feature films. Hawaii News Now.


More fixes to Hawaii unemployment system coming soon. Hawaii’s still-overburdened unemployment system is slated for more upgrades this week and next week to ease a jam in which 153,949 claims filed since March have yet to be paid. Star-Advertiser.

Some worry workers won’t return as the state plans for reopening. The reason starts with basic math. With the federal government’s $600 weekly bonus added to unemployment checks for up to six months, some people are making just as much money, or even more, staying home than going to work. Hawaii News Now.

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2 New COVID-19 Cases Reported, Including First Lanai Resident. The statewide total of confirmed coronavirus cases is 609. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates for Tuesday, Apr. 28. There were two newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the state of Hawaiʻi - both in Maui County - bringing the cumulative total to 609 cases as of noon on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Cases Up 2; Ige Restarting Businesses; Survey: Some Companies Have No Income. Health officials reported two new cases of the coronavirus today, continuing a trend of single-digit increases in recent days that is spurring efforts to reopen the state. Hawaii's case count is at 609. Deaths stand at 16. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Visitors keep flying to Hawaii despite mandatory quarantine, including 149 on Monday. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported a total of 500 passengers arrived by air in Hawaii on Monday, including 149 visitors and 160 residents. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Monitoring Could Turn Hawaii Into A Tourist ‘Prison Camp,’ Critics Say. Among the possibilities state Attorney General Clare Connors has floated for monitoring tourists in quarantine are ankle bracelets and GPS monitoring. Civil Beat.

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Distance Learning Will Still Fill A Need Once Classrooms Reopen. The Hawaii schools superintendent outlined some plans for a post-pandemic school system in a letter to Hawaii’s congressional delegation Monday. Civil Beat.

Some Adult Care Homes Want Inspections Halted During COVID-19 Crisis. Caretakers of Hawaii’s elderly say state inspectors are putting their patients at risk when they visit — particularly if they keep their shoes on. Civil Beat.

Navy detonates unexploded WWII ordnance off Mokulua island. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians Monday detonated two World War II-era 100-pound gravity bombs and removed other ordnance from the highly-traveled channel between Lanikai and Mokulua North, otherwise known as Mokunui Islet. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

With few new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, Caldwell says it’s time to reopen some businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is hoping to reopen some “low-risk” businesses on Oahu as early as Friday, but first must get approval from the governor to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell eyes May 1st for possible reopening of low-risk businesses. Honolulu’s Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the opening of some businesses in the city and county may be happening soon, these would be businesses that fall under the low-risk category. KHON2.

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HART video system fails, but votes on $40 million in change orders proceed. A video system set up to let the public watch meetings of the Ho­nolulu rail authority’s board of directors failed Tuesday for the second time this month, but rail board members proceeded with their meetings anyway and voted to approve nearly $40 million in new rail project change orders and contracts. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Meeting Crashes Online, Leaving Public In The Dark. The agency overseeing Hawaii’s largest-ever public works project has struggled to run remote meetings smoothly during the virus crisis. Civil Beat.

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Two men cited for being on Diamond Head rim. Officials say the 21-year olds were on the upper footpath on the ewa side of the crater rim. KHON2.

Silver linings at Hanauma Bay. The only human beings within the 101-acre arena of sea, cliffs and sandy beach were fellow researchers from the University of Hawaii’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology’s Coral Reef Ecology Lab, which Ku‘ulei Rodgers leads as principal investigator. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim eyes reopening some businesses as long as safety measures are in place. With the state’s lockdown extended through May, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says he will seek to reopen some businesses that were deemed nonessential. Tribune-Herald.

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Kim wants four more years: Three-time mayor pulls nomination papers. Kim, 80, pulled nomination papers for the mayor’s race on April 20, according to the state Office of Elections. West Hawaii Today.

As he grapples with COVID-19 response, Mayor Harry Kim announces re-election bid. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim says he’s planning to run for re-election. Hawaii News Now.

Kim Explains Motivations Behind His Bid For a Fourth Term for Hawai‘i County Mayor. Harry Kim has unfinished business. Big Island Now.

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Feds Fund $30 Million For Eruption-Damaged Water Systems In Puna. Senators say the money will be used to repair two reservoirs and 15 miles of water lines, but the county says the money can be used for alternative water projects. Big Island Video News.

Robert Fujimoto, retired CEO of HPM, dies at 93. Robert “Bobby” Fujimoto, retired chairman and CEO of HPM Building Supply, died Thursday at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center in Hilo. He was 93. Tribune-Herald.

State proposes biocontrol for miconia: Butterfly may help manage invasive weed in Hawaii forests. In an effort to manage invasive miconia trees, the state Department of Agriculture is proposing the release of a butterfly known to feed on the noxious weed threatening Hawaii’s forests and watersheds. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Announcement on Phased Reopening Expected Tomorrow, Details on New Maui Cases. An announcement on the phased reopening of businesses for Maui County is expected tomorrow, according to an afternoon update provided Tuesday by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

Video: Mayor Victorino COVID-19 Update, April 28, 4 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

The team reopening Kaua‘i. Recovering from the coronavirus pandemic will take time, but the county has been discussing short- and long-term goals since the beginning. Garden Island.

Economic reboot. As of Tuesday, Kaua‘i now has zero active confirmed cases of COVID-19 on island, and Mayor Derek Kawakami says there are teams of experts working to reopen the local economy. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

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

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Electric vehicle powered by solar on Henk Rogers' Hawaii energy farm ©2019 All Hawaii News
Passenger electric vehicle registrations nearing 10,000 milestone in Hawaii. Hawaii is inching closer to reaching a milestone with 10,000 passenger electric vehicles registered in the state. To be precise, the state is just short of the milestone by 95, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s monthly energy trends report. Star-Advertiser.

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

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

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

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

Oahu


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island


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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

Kauai

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

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