Hawaii worries, but gets a grip on coronavirus, Honolulu can't find workers, Maui loosens COVID-19 rules, Big Island construction through the roof, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Tourists view Diamond Head from Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii tops nation in worrying about COVID-19. Roughly 80% of Hawaii residents worry about COVID-19 daily, giving the state the No. 1 worry rank in a new nationwide report from SafeWise. The survey showed that on average only 62% of Americans worried about the pandemic each day, said Andrea Harvey, SafeWise’s outreach director. Star-Advertiser.

Daily case counts remain steady as Hawaii leads way for adult vaccinations. Although Hawaii is leading the way in vaccinations for adults, daily case counts continue to hover in the high double digits. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said the truth is there are still hundreds of thousands of people who have no immunity and can still catch the virus, but he does foresee cases dropping by the end of the month as more people get vaccinated. Hawaii News Now.

Tourists Are Returning To Hawaii, So Why Aren’t Tourism Jobs? Hawaii hosted 8% more tourists in March 2021 than in March 2020 but 35% fewer hotel and restaurant jobs. Civil Beat.

Signs of economic relief abound as vaccination rates, visitor counts steadily rise. With mass vaccinations and a rebounding tourism market, some feel Hawaii’s economy is finally turning the corner. Hawaii News Now.

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Teacher bonuses, classroom ACs may not be best use of federal coronavirus relief funds for Hawaii, officials say. Hawaii’s Department of Education has reached out to the U.S. Department of Education for feedback on the many spending provisos in HB 613, as it faces a June 7 deadline for submitting its own plan to the federal government that incorporates feedback from more than 20 stakeholders groups and the public. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii landlords bear the brunt of housing crisis. Hawaii landlords say a proposal by lawmakers to essentially create a payment plan for past-due renters shifts the burden onto private owners who are also suffering financially. KITV4.

China’s ‘game plan’ has Pacific islands in its sights, U.S. Rep. Ed Case says. For evidence of China’s game plan for influencing the Pacific islands, look to the South China Sea and what the rising Asian power has been doing in spades, said Congressman Ed Case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Police Shootings Review Board Has At Least A Dozen Cases. But that’s fewer than half the number of police killings or in-custody deaths in the state since the board was created in 2017. Civil Beat.

Light vehicles in state’s fleet to transition to electric by 2035. All state-owned light vehicles must be fully electric by 2035 under a bill that successfully passed through the state Legislature this year. Tribune-Herald.

Despite dangers of COVID-19 in jails and prisons, many Hawaii inmates not getting vaccine. Jails and prisons have been among the most dangerous places to be during the coronavirus pandemic, with the virus sweeping through overcrowded and poorly ventilated facilities, and in Hawaii infecting hundreds of prisoners and killing at least nine. Star-Advertiser.

Study by Hawaii researchers suggests expansion of taro farming could help save endangered Hawaiian stilts. A  new study by a team of Hawaii researchers offers hope for the future of the long-legged, black-and-white waterbirds while suggesting greater food security in the islands with the expansion of traditional taro farming. Star-Advertiser.

May 9, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 84 Cases (52 O‘ahu, 16 Maui, 8 Hawai‘i Island, 0 Kaua‘i, 8 Out-of-State); One Death on Maui. Maui Now.

Oahu

City & County of Honolulu facing potential job losses across departments. The city could be looking at a 24% loss in its current workforce by mid-2022 as more and more employees become eligible for retirement and vacancies go unfilled. Star-Advertiser.

Search for new HPD chief will be expanded to more states than in previous years. Commissioners said they wanted the job posting to appear on more social media sites and in more advertisements nationwide than in 2017 when Susan Ballard was chosen as HPD chief. Hawaii News Now.

The Miske Case: Another Co-Defendant Turns Against Alleged Honolulu Crime Boss. The building blocks of the government’s criminal case against Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske Jr. continued to emerge into public view last week when a co-defendant appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson by video link and admitted to being part of the racketeering enterprise Miske is alleged to have controlled and directed. Civil Beat.

700 Gallons Of Fuel Recovered After Leak At Navy's Red Hill Storage Facility. About 700 gallons of fuel were recovered Friday after 1,000 gallons leaked from a fuel line at the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, according to the Hawaii Department of Health and the Navy Region Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio. Civil Beat.

Homeowners want protection from flooding. Flood victims in Haleiwa say dredging at Paukauila and Kiikii streams is necessary to remove sediment buildup and improve water flow, but their pleas to government for assistance have gone unheard for some 25 years. Star-Advertiser.

City to close deteriorating pathway near Honolulu Zoo for construction. The city will be closing the pathway along the mauka side of the Honolulu Zoo beginning next week as crews work to replace a deteriorating asphalt sidewalk. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Construction through the roof: Hawaii Island leading the state in new homes. The Big Island is booming and home builders throughout the island are struggling to keep up with the demand. West Hawaii Today.

Low-income housing voucher program closes. After closing in 2019, the program reopened for Hawaii County applicants on March 15, and closed again as scheduled on April 30, having received 2,587 pre-applications. Of those applications, 647 were randomly selected by electronic lottery to be placed on the program’s new waitlist. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island On Pace To Meet Renewable Energy Goals In 2 Years. Hawaii island could be the first area in the state to exceed goals set by the Legislature and regulators for renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Maui

Less Restrictive COVID-19 Rules Take Effect for Maui. Maui County Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishita said Gov. David Ige approved the request by Mayor Michael Victorinio’s to revise the county’s emergency rules. These new rules went into effect 12:01 am on Sunday, May 9. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to raise affordable housing requirements dies. A much-debated bill to require fast-track housing projects to offer more affordable housing died on Friday as the Maui County Council failed to garner enough votes to override Mayor Michael Victorino’s veto. Maui News.

Kauai

Sweetener found in streams linked to leaking cesspools. Traces of the artificial sweetener sucralose have been found in 20 streams and four rivers on Kaua‘i, and some scientists say it could mean cesspools and septic systems on the island are leaking into those streams and rivers. Garden Island.

OHA trustees hear concerns. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees toured Kaua‘i last week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Garden Island.

‘Aliomanu Road erosion continues. Erosion along ‘Aliomanu Road has been a longstanding issue as the street that runs along the bay loses more and more of its beach. Garden Island.

Hawaii lawmakers set to get 13% pay hike, spring break boom crowds Waikiki beaches, mask enforcement increases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

Two Pay Raises For Lawmakers Over The Next Year Are Raising Eyebrows. The salary commission approved the wage hikes two years ago but critics now question the optics of government officials getting pay raises during an economic crisis. Civil Beat.

Did Unions’ Lack of Support Spell Trouble for School Superintendent? Some education insiders said while union opposition was damaging, it was not as simple as unions throwing their weight around. Civil Beat.

Economic recovery rosy with billions in federal aid set to roll into Hawaii. Hawaii’s economic recovery is looking up, with billions in additional federal aid set to pour into Hawaii this year and the pace of vaccinations picking up, Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, told lawmakers Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tourism gains momentum. Despite doldrums in January and February, Hawaii’s visitor industry has rounded the corner and taken off. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s seeing a boom of spring break vacationers. Are they following mask rules? The state says more than 28,000 people arrived in the islands this past Saturday, nearly matching the pre-pandemic average for March. Hawaii News Now.

Targeted messaging necessary to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, UH study finds. According to the surveys, 55% of adults 18 and older said they will “definitely” or “probably” get shots, while 12% indicated they will “definitely not” or “probably not” get vaccinated, compared with 17% in the U.S. Star-Advertiser.

Ige, department heads acknowledge challenges of pandemic response over the last year. Gov. David Ige acknowledged Monday there were missteps along the way from his administration in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. But he also pointed to positive signs, saying Hawaii has the lowest-in-the-nation per capita COVID infection and death rates, saying that’s proof he put the community first. Hawaii News Now.

Legislators defer measure relating to Safe Travels program. A bill that would allow Gov. David Ige to impose a statewide COVID-19 travel restriction plan stalled Monday and is likely dead. Tribune-Herald.

Immigration Reform Efforts In Congress Offer Hope To Hawaii ‘Dreamers’. But the bill the House passed last week that would create a pathway to citizenship for 2.5 million undocumented immigrants faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Civil Beat.

State quietly makes changes to vaccine registration process for most employers. There’s a new registration process for many workers who would like to get COVID vaccine. It’s a change the state Department of Health made quietly earlier this month ― never making an official announcement to broadly inform the public. Hawaii News Now.

March 22, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 79 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 48 on O‘ahu, 19 on Maui, nine on Hawai‘i Island, two on Moloka‘i, and one on Kaua‘i. Maui Now.

Oahu

40 officers rattle peaceful protest at Kapiolani Park. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard said she thought thousands of protesters were at Kapiolani Park on Saturday afternoon — dispatching dozens of officers to a peaceful Aloha Freedom Coalition event where 400-500 gathered at a rally in protest of COVID-19 health restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

HPD’s embattled chief denies reports of low morale, promises better communication. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard is now promising more transparency and openness after a months-long pause in public statements. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Plea Agreement Details How Miske Allegedly Ordered A Chemical Attack On Rival Nightclub. Ashlin Akau said she was recruited by a Miske associate to take part in the attack on the Ginza Night Club. Civil Beat.

Hopes dwindle for more clarity in HART board votes. Confusion about voting rules for members of the board that oversees the city’s troubled rail project remains unresolved after bills that attempted to provide clarity appear to be dead this legislative session. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Students at Aikahi Elementary are returning to campuses under new CDC guidelines. Precisely a year after Hawaii public schools switched to distance learning due to the coronavirus, nearly the entire student body at Aikahi Elementary School flocked back to campus Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism boom provides boon for Hawaii farmers. For many local farmers, the fruits of their labor are finally paying off after months of uncertainty. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

HMC expands eligibility for COVID vaccine; Hospital opens early registration for people who are 50-65 years old. Assistant Hospital Administrator Kris Wilson said the hospital will this week begin processing the sign-ups to allow those individuals to register and schedule appointments at upcoming mass vaccination clinics planned for April 3 and 24 at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

KTA Super Stores will offer its own large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. The grocery chain aims to administer 1,000 first doses of the Moderna vaccine. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration Now Open at KCH. The Kona Community Hospital on Monday, March 22 began accepting pre-registration applications for individuals aged 50 years and older who would like to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Big Island Now.

Banyan Drive Proposals To Be Selected Next Month. An announcement is expected in April on the selection for proposals - which includes the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and Country Club Condominium Hotel. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Teachers, parents and students call for Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino principal’s ouster. Makua, haumana and kumu took to the streets Monday making public their call for the removal or resignation of Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino Po‘okumu Makala Pa‘akaula. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

189 Citations Over Two Weeks During Maui Mask Enforcement. The Maui Police Department issued 189 citations over a two week period for violation of public health rules and orders as part of an ongoing face mask enforcement effort. Maui Now.

Two students and two employees at Maui County public schools have tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Education reported Friday. All were in the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui Complex, which has seen 54 cases since June 26. Maui News.

COVID-19 Outbreak at Maui Jail Compounded by Staffing Shortages, Contagious Variant. The Maui Community Correctional Center is seeing a significant drop in COVID-19 cases after nearly two months of trying to contain the virus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Micro Grants Awarded to 105 Small Farms in Maui County. Maui County’s $2.5 million Agricultural Micro Grants Program, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity, purchased tractors, chippers and other supplies; put up fencing and sheds; and established an online presence for 105 small farms in the county. Maui Now.

Kauai

King Kamehameha celebrations barred due to COVID. The King Kamehameha Celebration Commission on Friday announced the cancellation of the King Kamehameha Celebration parade events statewide due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

County seeks to adopt microchipping program for pets. A one-time $20 microchipping cost may soon replace biennial licensing fees for cats and dogs on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

New Kauai program encourages visitors to participate in beach cleanups. On Kauai, guests who vacation at The Cliffs at Princeville are now encouraged to do beach cleanups while they enjoy the sun and surf. Hawaii News Now.

Coral reefs declining, pro surfing returning, Lanai reopening, state restaurant association asks for delay in Honolulu plastics ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s coral reefs in fair shape but declining, report finds. Coral reefs in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, including those in Hawaii, were found to be in “fair” shape in the first-ever nationwide condition status report for U.S. coral reefs released Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Traditional Veterans Day events canceled, but some virtual stand-ins planned. There are no big gatherings planned this year in the islands for Veterans Day, but organizers are still working to honor those who served. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans Day 2020 freebies: Where to get free food (and more). Several restaurants are showing thanks to Veterans by offering free items and meals. KHON2.

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Pro surfing to return to Hawaii — but without fans on the shoreline. Champion surfing is back: The World Surf League’s tour will return to Hawaii for the 2021 season. But surfers and fans can expect big changes when the season starts. Like everyone else, they’ve made adjustments in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic turns popular surfing competition into broadcast-only film production. The World Surf League will kick off its Championship Tour on Oahu and Maui. KHON2.

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15 States Have Now Legalized Recreational Cannabis. What About Hawaii? Hawaii’s attorney general has assembled a team to advise lawmakers on the issues, and how Hawaii might regulate legal use. Civil Beat.

Board of Land and Natural Resources weighs commercial marine license fee increase: Non-resident fees could rise. A proposal to more than double nonresident commercial marine license fees from $100 to $250 per year will be heard by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

A 28-year-old first-time candidate who won a seat in the state House representing Waikiki and Ala Moana is getting national attention for breaking barriers. Adrian Tam is an openly gay son of Asian immigrants. Hawaii News Now.

90% of Hawaii Restaurant Cards mailed out by the state have been activated. Of the 116,000 Hawaii Restaurant Cards the state mailed out just over 105,000 have been activated, that's about 90%. KITV4.

DOE clarifies: Masks are required for students and staff inside classrooms. The Department of Education is clarifying their policy that face coverings and masks are required in public school classrooms. The DOE sought to erase confusion after outdated text was seen on their website saying classrooms were considered “Ohana Bubbles,” and that masks weren’t required while indoors. Hawaii News Now.

‘Covid Pau’ townhall meeting brings together community members. A town hall meeting is bringing together local leaders to discuss the health, and economic impact of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

State found just 18 COVID-19 positives so far out of more than 15,000 tests of travelers. A surveillance testing program meant to be a key safety net in the reopening of tourism has found 18 COVID-19 positives out of 15,158 tests of travelers to Hawaii since Oct. 19. Star-Advertiser.

Few Visitors Volunteer To Take Maui, Kauai Second COVID-19 Tests. Kauai and Maui are encouraging trans-Pacific travelers to take a free, second COVID-19 test a few days after they arrive on the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 10: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of the 78 cases recorded Tuesday, 62 were on Oahu, four were on the Big Island and five were on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Restaurant Association asks to delay single-use plastics ban due to COVID-19. Restaurant owners agree that the ban is important to help protect the environment, but worry that the coronavirus pandemic, which is already driving up costs, will make it even harder to effect the change. KHON2.

Will putting in fewer parking spaces mean fewer cars on the road? The city hopes so. To reduce the number of cars on the road and cut down the amount of carbon emissions in the air, a bill now moving through the City Council would eliminate the requirement for developers to build a new parking stall for every 800 square feet that they develop. Hawaii News Now.

Report: Honolulu Police Use Of Force Increased Last Year. A new report shows racial disparities persisted in 2019 in the Honolulu Police Department’s use of force. Civil Beat.

Caldwell again voices support for statewide mask mandate, suggests $100 fine for violation. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said once again today he supports a statewide mask mandate, as well as legislative changes to make it more like a traffic infraction than a criminal misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser.

City’s Transportation Director Steps Down Early. The Honolulu’s Transportation Services Director, Wes Frysztacki, is stepping down weeks before his term officially expires. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Arrest Miske Witness On Gun And Drug Charges. Lindsey Kinney says the alleged crime boss tried to kill him after he refused to carry out a hit against Jonathan Fraser. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha refuses to leave jail cell to talk to lawyer about her upcoming sentencing. Convicted former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has refused to come out of her jail cell to meet with her lawyer. Associated Press.

Medal of Honor recipient, new clinic seek to assist veterans. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Child &Family Service had a “soft opening” on Sept. 8 for its 9,000-square-foot mental health facility at 95-1091 Ainamakua Drive. Providers will be able to care for some of the more than 30,000 post-9/11 veterans and and their families and nearly 60,000 family members of active-duty members in Hawaii, the organization said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Reports: Hazardous substances should not be an issue during Hoku Kea demo. The Maunakea Management Board has determined the planned decommissioning of the Hoku Kea observatory on the Maunakea summit will likely not release or otherwise involve hazardous materials. Tribune-Herald.

Pattern of COVID Infections Emerge on Leeward Side of Big Island. Data from the state Department of Health demonstrates the majority of those now being infected on the Big Island are between 1-year and 40-years-old, and are based in West Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Devastating Coffee Leaf Rust Confirmed In Kona, Not Hilo. Coffee leaf rust, the devastating coffee plant pest known to growers around the world, has been found for the first time in the Kona coffee growing region on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Work underway at old Hilo airport. Old structures around the old Hilo airport have been demolished and will be replaced, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Waikapū Park Complex Improvements to Close Park Nov. 16 to Sept. 2021. Improvements and expansion of the Waikapū Community Center are planned, along with the replacement of ball field irrigation and other park upgrades. Maui Now.

DOH allows a Kihei restaurant to reopen after exterminating a roach infestation. The Bale Sandwich & Vietnamese Food in Kihei was shut down last week after an inspection by the Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department Issues Red Placard to Kīhei Restaurant Due to Alleged Roach Infestation. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch issued a red “Closed” placard to Kīhei Bale Sandwich & Vietnamese Food in South Maui after a health inspector reportedly discovered a roach infestation in the kitchen on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Lets Chandler Family Keep Running Their Vacation Rental. The Kauai County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a controversial vacation rental permit after the county attorney held that the permit had gone into force automatically because the county failed to act on it after ordered to do so by the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Civil Beat.

Long-challenged TVR finally gets permits. A contested special permit to manage a transient vacation rental that’s been in operation since the early 2000s was granted by the Planning Commission Tuesday afternoon due to exceeding the statute of limitations on processing the application. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Department of Health report 3 new cases of COVID. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported three new positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, all related to travelers who participated in the state’s Safe Travels pre-testing program. Garden Island.

Lanai

Governor approves ‘safer-at-home’ order for Lanai. The residents of Lanai will shift from a stay-at-home order to a safer-at-home order starting Wednesday. Governor Ige granted approval for the new order after the island completed a 2-week lockdown. It was put into place following an outbreak of more than 100 COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

Lāna‘i Stay-at-Home Order to be Lifted, Transition to ‘Safer At Home’ Starts Nov. 12. Maui Now.

‘Safer At Home’ order approved for Lanai, begins Nov. 12. On Tuesday, Governor David Ige approved what local county officials believe to be a step toward bringing back normalcy amid a raging pandemic. KHON2.

Lanai to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Thursday. Maui County has approved an emergency order to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Lanai starting Thursday, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Ige asked to ease Lanai virus rules on Thursday. After nearly two weeks, Lanai may be opening up Thursday if Gov. David Ige approves the move from stay-at-home to safer-at-home status following an outbreak of COVID-19 on the island. Maui News.

Hawaii battles COVID-19 surge, government fights data release, entire H-3 freeway to become testing site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coronavirus cases on Aug 27, 2020, state Department of Health

U.S. Surgeon General warns spike will continue as COVID-19 cases climb above 300. Coronavirus infections in Hawaii reached their second-highest daily level Thursday as Oahu began complying with a two-week stay-at home order limiting business and activities on the island. Star-Advertiser.

Number of COVID-19 cases likely to spike again after testing surge, officials warn. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell likened Hawaii’s battle against coronavirus to ’war’ on Thursday, hours after the state Department of Health reported four new COVID-19 deaths statewide ― the most in a single day since the start of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Green expects to see 'big surge' at Hawaii hospitals in next two weeks. Green compared the streak to hot spots like New York and Texas and predicted that some hospitals will see a "big surge" in the next two to three weeks. KITV4.

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State Asks Lawyers, Law Students To Help With Unemployment Claims Backlog — Pro Bono. Hawaii labor officials have been struggling to resolve thousands of unemployment claims with disputes over job separation. Civil Beat.

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Distance learning extended for Hawaii public schools, encouraged for private schools. Teachers and families have more clarity today after public schools extended distance learning through Oct. 2 and private schools got more specific guidance on operating during the shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

DOE extends distance learning through 1st quarter. The state Department of Education said Thursday that public schools will be limited to distance learning through the first quarter of the school year, but the union representing the state’s teachers claims that is still not enough to keep educators and students safe. Tribune-Herald.

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New Local Apps Will Help with Contact Tracing. Contact tracing helps fight the spread of COVID-19, but it is time consuming work that has overwhelmed the state Health Department. Two local apps designed to help contact tracers do their job faster and more effectively are in the works to combat this issue. Hawaii Business magazine.

HGEA leader blasting state response to coronavirus. The leader of the Hawaii Government Employees Association is blasting the state Department of Public Safety after a cluster of COVID-19 cases involving both employees and inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Tourism Authority offers top post to John De Fries. Hawaii Tourism Authority today offered its top job to John De Fries, who upon acceptance would become the organization’s first Native Hawaiian chief. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees July visitor arrivals plummet 98% from a year ago. Only 22,562 visitors flew to Hawaii in July, which last year was Hawaii’s best tourism month. Star-Advertiser.

Women Were Already Struggling At Work. The Pandemic Is Making It Worse. Women are filing for unemployment and losing their businesses at higher rates than men. Civil Beat.

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Defense Secretary Visits Hawaii For RIMPAC. Mark Esper’s visit to the state was part of a broader tour of the Pacific that includes Guam and Palau in a signal to China. Civil Beat.

Vintage warbirds move to Wheeler Army Airfield for the 75th end-of-WWII aerial parades. Some of the airpower stars of World War II landed at Wheeler Army Airfield on Thursday, coming in from the Waianae Range side to touch down at the historic airport in preparation for three aerial parades in honor of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Historic war planes to fly over Oahu in honor of WWII 75th anniversary. Historic war planes will fly over Oahu this weekend to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. KHON2.

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The Latest: 4 Deaths, 306 New Cases; DOE Extends Learn From Home; Hundreds Line Up For Tests. A day after saying COVID-19 infections appear to be stabilizing, the Hawaii Department of Health today reported one of the state's worse daily counts in the pandemic: 4 deaths and 306 new cases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 27: 306 New Cases, Four New Deaths. Big Island Video News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 27: 306 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii And 4 Deaths. Civil Beat.

4 new COVID-19 deaths in Honolulu as Hawaii sees 306 new cases on 1st day of Oahu lockdown. Department of Health officials reported four new COVID-19 deaths and 306 new coronavirus cases, bringing the statewide totals since the beginning of the pandemic in February to 7,566 cases and 55 fatalities. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Government workers who worked from home before now deemed essential Oahu government workers who were able to work from home during the first lockdown aren’t allowed to this time around. KHON2.

DOH Won’t Give Honolulu The Data It Needs To Detect Coronavirus In Our Sewage. Researchers need access to coronavirus test results by zip code in order to corroborate what they are finding in the island’s wastewater system. Civil Beat.

Payments From Honolulu’s $25 Million Hardship Fund Are Mired In Red Tape. Less than 10% of the money has been handed out in the past three months due to onerous application requirements and concerns about fraud. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces additonal $25 million for COVID-19 small business relief. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today that the City and County of Honolulu will provide an additional $25 million for the city’s small business grant program started in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Star-Advertiser.

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State to use entire H-3 Freeway as COVID-19 testing site next week. State and city authorities are planning a full closure of the H-3 Freeway next week to help facilitate surge COVID-19 testing efforts on Oahu, the Department of Transportation announced Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

H-3 freeway eyed as site for COVID-19 surge testing next week. The H-3 freeway could be fully closed between Halawa Interchange and the Halekou Interchange to accommodate a COVID-19 surge testing location on Oahu, the state Department of Transportation reported today. Star-Advertiser.

State will shut down H-3 for two days; freeway will serve as COVID testing site. The Department of Transportation will shut down the H-3 freeway on September 1 and on September 3. KHON2.

H-3 freeway to close for COVID-19 surge testing next week. City and state officials are planning a full closure of the H-3 Freeway next week to continue COVID-19 surge testing on Oahu. KITV4.

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Candidates for Honolulu mayor land support of major unions ahead of election. Honolulu businessman Keith Amemiya and former television executive Rick Blangiardi each announced endorsements involving major Hawaii labor groups this week as the two prepare to face off in November’s general election. Hawaii News Now.

Details of rail P3 plan remain concealed. Details of negotiations between city officials and potential third-party entities that would help construct and operate the struggling $9.2 billion rail project remain shrouded in mystery, even to members of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, who sought to get some answers Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge intervenes in prison housing for alleged crime boss Mike Miske. A Honolulu businessman accused of leading a violent organized crime ring was segregated from other inmates at a detention center beyond the 14-days of quarantine to protect against the spread of COVID-19, until a U.S. judge intervened. Associated Press.

Bill would allow for more group living facilities. A bill allowing certain group living facilities to be exempted from needing to be 1,000 feet from each other was approved tentatively by the City Council Zoning, Planning and Housing Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii investor buys second Waikiki apartment property. The Hawaii investor who recently closed on the purchase of the fee-simple ground lease beneath the leasehold Laniakea Apartments in Waikiki also bought the High Tide Apartments, a small multifamily building next door, last month for $3 million. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hilo a virus hot spot. State officials confirmed that as of Wednesday there were 94 active coronavirus cases in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized on Hawaii Island could soon test capacity. Since the pandemic began in March, the Big Island has reported a total of 253 cases. This week, though, the island has reported consecutive days of double-digit new cases. Hawaii News Now.

14 COVID-19 Patients Being Treated at HMC. The Hilo Medical Center reports a slight uptick of one COVID-19 patient now hospitalized in its facility bringing the total to 14. Big Island Now.

Planning director sends employees home: Close contacts of two employees test positive for COVID-19. The county Planning Department office in Hilo was closed to the public and operating Thursday with just two officials at the oars after close contacts of two employees tested positive for coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

Map Tracks All The Places County “Bug Busters” Have Cleaned. The County provided interactive map that tracks the Bug Busters spraying locations. The map marks “essential businesses”, water spigots, bus shelters, and disinfection areas. Big Island Video News.

As jury service questionnaires are appearing in Big Island mailboxes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert D.S. Kim offered assurance the Judiciary is doing everything possible to keep jurors safe. West Hawaii Today.

‘It’s the best we can do’: Courthouse manages influx of District Court cases amid pandemic. A line of people stretched from the entrance of Keahuolu Courthouse to the parking lot as 129 people waited to be checked in for Thursday morning’s Kona District Court calendar. West Hawaii Today.

Fixing Century-Old Breakwater Could Bring Marine Life Back To Hilo Bay. Hawaii County officials want the Army Corps of Engineers to do a new study that could pave the way for improved water quality. Civil Beat.

Maui

Contact tracing on Maui meeting need; more testing likely on horizon. Contact tracers in Maui County are “not overwhelmed” and increased testing may be on the horizon in the battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Maui County Health Department officials said Wednesday. Maui News.

Prosecutors oppose release of about half on inmate list. Supreme Court order calls for freeing of inmates due to COVID-19. The Maui County prosecutor’s office is opposing the release of 53 inmates or about half the number eligible for release under a state Supreme Court order issued this week to address jail overcrowding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui News.

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Pretrial detainee scales fence, escapes from Maui Community Correctional Center. A pretrial detainee from Maui Community Correctional Center escaped from the facility this evening, the state Department of Public Safety reported. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-trial detainee held on theft, drug charges escapes from MCCC. A pre-trial detainee being held on a slew of theft and drug charges escaped from the Maui Community Correctional Center on Thursday night, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Hawaii News Now.

Police searching for prisoner who escaped Maui Community Correction Center Thursday night. Police are asking the public’s help regarding the whereabouts of an escaped male prisoner from Maui Community Correction Center on Aug. 27. KHON2.

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Employee of Maui Police Department Tests Positive for COVID-19. An employee at the Maui Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a department press release. Maui Now.

Probation officer seeks telework due to COVID-19 risk. A senior probation officer, who was exposed to COVID-19 at work, is hoping the state Judiciary reexamines options for officers to work from home and to limit the number of workers in the Kahului office. Maui News.

Kauai

Keeping COVID spread at bay on Kaua‘i. While there have not been any new cases reported on Kaua‘i in about a week, yesterday, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced that the most recent case reported on the island had no known travel connection, and has been categorized community spread. Garden Island.

PUC says KIUC can’t cut off electricity for non-payment. In light of continued economic hardship for some members caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the state Public Utilities Commission has ordered the continued suspension of service disconnections for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members. Garden Island.

Calls for ouster of state health director as coronavirus cases surge, governor may postpone trans-Pacific travel reopening, Hawaii added to New England's quarantine list, contact tracers in short supply, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Director Bruce Anderson, Aug. 6 Facebook Live

Hawaii’s rise in COVID-19 infections has landed it on New York’s travel quarantine list. The state of New York, along with Connecticut and New Jersey, on Tuesday placed Hawaii on its tri-state list of states and territories from which travelers are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Data Shows Hawaii Is In A ‘Very Dire Situation’. Despite a troubling rise in the number of cases, the public does not seem to have an appropriate sense of urgency, an epidemic tracking expert says. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige: surge in COVID cases likely means another delay in reopening tourism. The surge in daily COVID cases and hospitalizations makes it more likely that reopening tourism will not happen on September 1. KHON2.

State House Speaker wants more public information from DOH on COVID-19 cases. With the Hawaii Department of Health under fire for its contact tracing capacity, one of the state’s top lawmakers is asking for more information to help the public. KHON2.

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Hawaii sees 2 new COVID-19 deaths and 118 new coronavirus cases as statewide tally climbs to 3,756. Hawaii Department of Health officials late this afternoon reported the deaths of two elderly Oahu men, who will be counted as coronavirus-related fatalities in Wednesday’s COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

State reports 2 new COVID-19 fatalities, pushing death toll to 36. The deaths come on the heels of three fatalities reported Monday. Hawaii News Now.

State Reports Two New Coronavirus-Related Deaths Tuesday. The coronavirus-related death toll in the state now stands at 36 individuals. A total of 118 new cases of the virus were reported Tuesday. Big Island Now.

118 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (112 O‘ahu, 4 Maui, 1 Hawai‘i Island). Twelve of the past 14 days have been in the triple-digits for new cases in the state. Maui Now.

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Hawaii’s surge in COVID-19 deaths related to shortfall in contact tracing, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says changes are in the works to improve contact tracing and testing inadequacies at the Department of Health that might have contributed to about half of Hawaii’s recent surge in COVID-19 deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Contact Tracing Effort Falls Short Of National Standards. The state Department of Health is trying to hire new staff to address a shortage as the virus spreads. Civil Beat.

How Hawaii Botched Contact Tracing And What It Will Take To Fix It. The state Department of Health’s contact tracing has failed to keep up with the burgeoning numbers of COVID-19 cases and key state senators are calling the department’s bluff on officials' claims that they are managing with the workers they have and are hiring. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH calls senators’ visit ‘showmanship,’ but lawmakers say they’re ready to help. Days after getting a firsthand look at how the Health Department has fallen behind in its contact tracing efforts, a legislative committee reached out to the agency to make clear it is willing to offer any resources available. Hawaii News Now.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says state health department leaders ‘need to go’. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard today posted a second twitter message calling for a change in leadership at the Hawaii state Department of Health, which has recently come under fire for its contact tracing capacity. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Calls On Ige To Fire Top Health Officials For ‘Gross Negligence’. The Hawaii congresswoman says that state Health Director Bruce Anderson and Epidemiologist Sarah Park have put the community in danger by being slow to hire more COVID-19 contact tracers. Civil Beat.

Congressional member demands removal of state health department leadership. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also looking into what kind of federal oversight and accountability can be created to manage use of federal CARES Act money. KITV4.

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DOE releases plan for neighbor island public schools. With one week left until school starts, the Department of Education announced Tuesday, most neighbor island public schools will follow Oahu and start the school year with four weeks of distance learning. KHON2.

DOE Announces 13 Cases Of COVID-19 In Schools On Oahu, Kauai. Most neighbor island schools will now start with all distance learning as HSTA pressures the administration. Civil Beat.

Neighbor Island Schools Announce Distance Learning to Start School Year. Complex area superintendents on the neighbor islands today announced the distance learning models that schools will be implementing on Aug.17. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, and Maui Go Full Distance Learning To Start Year. Complex area superintendents announced Tuesday that Neighbor Island schools will change course and adopt distance learning models to start 2020-21 school year. Big Island Video News.

DOE: Distance learning will be used during the first four weeks of the quarter. Big Island public schools, along with most other schools on the neighbor islands, will transition entirely to distance learning for the first four weeks of instruction, the state Department of Education announced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

HSTA Raises Alarm Over COVID-19 Notifications In Schools, DOE Responds. The teachers union says the community is not being properly notified about confirmed cases of COVID-19 in some public schools, but the DOE says timely notification was made. Big Island Video News.

Seven COVID-19 cases reported so far at Hawaii public schools since teachers returned. Seven school employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since teachers returned to work at public schools July 29, the Department of Education announced Tuesday after being criticized by the teachers union for failing to publicize cases. Star-Advertiser.

Instructors For Hire: How The Pandemic Is Fueling A New Side Business. The pandemic is allowing private instructors to offer small group lessons to parents who are wary of children returning to school campuses — and who can afford it. Civil Beat.

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Election Recounts Don’t Change Outcomes Of 3 Races. DeCoite, Quilingking remain the winners of their primaries, and the Kauai County Council lineup stays the same. Civil Beat.

Flock of warbirds arrives in Hawaii for 75th anniversary of end of WWII. It’s been World War II warbirds meet present-day Pearl Harbor with efforts ongoing to offload 14 vintage aircraft from the amphibious assault ship USS Essex for the 75th commemoration of end-of-war events Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Epidemic tracker: ‘1 in 50 Oahu residents may have COVID’. It has been 13 consecutive days of triple digit coronavirus cases in Hawaii. New data shows every infected person in the state is now spreading the virus to 1.6 people. It is the highest rate of contagion in the country. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 500 workers tested for COVID-19 at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said his COVID-19 test results were negative after mass testing took place for nearly 500 city and county employees at Honolulu Hale. KHON2.

Plans for a ‘college bubble’ at a Waikiki hotel are scrapped over community concerns. Although U Experience got national attention, the idea of inviting college students to Hawaii during a pandemic raised many concerns locally. Hawaii News Now.

Mass Testing Begins As More OCCC Inmates Positive For COVID-19. Data shows nine inmates and seven staff at the state’s largest jail have tested positive so far in the coronavirus outbreak. Civil Beat.

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Mufi Hannemann and Colleen Hanabusa may have run last campaigns. Neither former Mayor Mufi Hannemann nor former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will rule out seeking future office, but both of their political careers could be over — especially with a record number of voters who overlooked them in last week’s mayoral primary election. Star-Advertiser.

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Federal judge orders Michael Miske held without bail. A federal judge has ordered to detain Oahu businessman Michael Miske Jr. without bail pending trial on multiple charges involving a years-long organized crime ring investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Accused Crime Boss Michael Miske Will Remain Behind Bars. A federal prosecutor described Miske as one of the most dangerous defendants he has ever prosecuted. Civil Beat.

Bond denied for alleged crime boss Mike Miske as defense team grows. Accused crime boss Michael Miske will remain behind bars without bond. Hawaii News Now.

Federal judge orders Miske be held without bail on Tuesday. A federal judge ordered local businessman Michael Miske held without bail on Tuesday siding with Prosecutors  believing he's a danger to the community and a flight-risk. KITV4.

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Controversial Kahuku wind project being connected to electric grid. Hawaiian Electric crews have started utility work to connect the wind turbines from the controversial Na Pua Makani project in Kahuku to the electric grid. Star-Advertiser.

'Too big, too close': Kahuku residents picket to stop wind turbine project. Turbines at Na Pua Makani wind-farm in Kahuku were officially connected to Hawaiian Electric's grid on Tuesday. KITV4.

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City’s park closure is cutting off gardeners from their plants on public plots. While the city understands the benefits of community gardeners, there are no exceptions to the order, leaving residents with concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s community gardens remain closed due to COVID-19 lockdown, but may get some maintenance help. Those with plots in community gardens won’t get a reprieve from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s decision to close the sites along with other recreational facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

CARES money hitting the streets: County awards $43 million of its $80 million coronavirus relief grant. With less than five months left to use it all or lose it, Hawaii County has been just chipping away at spending $80 million in federal coronavirus relief funds, but the pace is expected to quicken over the coming months as grants are distributed among community organizations and individuals. West Hawaii Today.

HSTA reports COVID-19 case at Hilo Intermediate. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said during a news conference Tuesday that cases of COVID-19 had been reported at five schools in Hawaii since Thursday, including Hilo Intermediate School. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim Reflects On Primary Election Defeat. Mayor Kim reacts to the Saturday primary election result in which he finished third in the race for mayor, and how he will leave the office in December 2020. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim Thought He Was In Tune With Voters. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim was voted into retirement by Big Island voters in Saturday's 2020 primary election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Threshold to Revisit Closures: If Maui Averages 5-7 New Cases a Day by Monday. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said he will consider the reinstitution of restrictions and closures in Maui County if the daily average number of cases increases to 5-7 by Monday. Maui Now.

Mayor mulling closure if cases spike. Anticipating a jump in new COVID-19 cases in Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino said Monday that he will be mulling another potential closure. Maui News.

Kihei bars close after possible exposure to COVID-19 patron. Voluntary move aids cleaning, gathering of further information. Maui News.

Recount of District 13 House Race Confirms Decoite’s Win Over Ritte. A recount of votes cast in the Primary Election race for the District 13 House seat, confirms incumbent Rep. Lynn DeCoite has defeated challenger and long-time Hawaiian Rights advocate Walter Ritte. Maui Now.

Kauai

2 new active cases linked to inter-island travel. Yesterday, Kaua‘i District Health officials announced two new positive cases of COVID-19, both related to inter-island travel. This brings the active case count to four, and the cumulative total to 51. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i public schools opt for distance learning model. Kaua‘i Complex Area will be implementing a 100% distance learning model for at least the first four weeks of school beginning next week. Garden Island.

Status of Coco Palms reviewed. While the Planning Commission received over 115 pieces of written and oral testimony overwhelmingly calling for the reconsideration of plans to redevelop the area of the Coco Palms Resort, there wasn’t much they could do. Garden Island.