Hawaii-based ships join saber-rattling in the South China Sea; Waikiki, Maui beaches reopen; state pension fund takes hit; food stamp, Medicaid applications jump, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Montgomery (LCS 8), bottom, and USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) operate in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

Navy sends subs to sea as message to China. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Force took the unusual step this month of announcing that all of its forward-deployed subs were simultaneously conducting “contingency response operations” at sea in the Western Pacific — downplaying the notion that Navy forces have been hampered by COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Setting Aside Virus Relief Funds For Unemployment. Hawaii lawmakers plan to set aside more than half of the money the state received in federal coronavirus relief money to bolster the state’s unemployment insurance fund. Associated Press.

Hawaii pension fund suffers worst quarterly loss since 2002. The state Employees’ Retirement System investments tumbled 9.5% and the fund’s assets, which include contributions and distributions, shrank by nearly $1.8 billion, to $16.2 billion, according to a report presented virtually to ERS trustees Tuesday by investment adviser Meketa Investment Group. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Medicaid Applications Soar Amid Widespread Job Losses. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the fragility of Hawaii’s acclaimed health insurance system that relies on employer-sponsored plans. Civil Beat.

Number of people on food stamps in Hawaii swells by 18,000 in a single month. While Hawaii’s economy is slowly reopening, tens of thousands of people remain out of work — and many are facing tough decisions about how to make ends meet. Hawaii News Now.

Consumers turn toward local produce. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased interest in buying locally sourced produce. Star-Advertiser.

Sunbathers grace the shores once again on Oahu, Maui. Oahu and Maui County residents flocked to the beaches Saturday, after the month-long ban on sunbathing and relaxing on the beach was lifted. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 restrictions imperil Hawaii vacation rentals. Government regulations combined with softening travel demand ultimately might cause Hawaii’s vacation rental industry to shrink. Many owners don’t have the deep pockets of hotel corporations or access to as many government bailouts. Star-Advertiser.

Where in the World Do We Send Our Recycling? California received the largest amount of recyclables from Hawaii in 2019, according to public records. Civil Beat.

 Nearly 300 out-of-state visitors came to Hawaii by air Saturday. Nearly 1,000 passengers came to Hawaii on Saturday, including 307 returning residents and 285 visitors. Star-Advertiser.

1 New Case in Hawai‘i Brings Total to 640 Cases, Nearly 92% Recovered. As of noon on Sunday, May 17, 2020, there are 640 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with one new case in the state–on Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

Oahu

A California man has been charged with violating the state’s mandatory quarantine for arriving passengers after citizens reported he posted images of himself at various locations across Oahu, state officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

Calif. man vlogs while breaking quarantine rules, gets arrested. Documenting the violation of a state law on social media isn’t the brightest idea, but those posts are coming in handy to law enforcement as they continue to arrest incoming travelers who break the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Visitor arrested for brazen quarantine violation. The California visitor was taken into custody at the airport - after blogging about his Oahu adventures on social media for more than two weeks. KITV4.

New York Tourist Arrested After Posting Hawaii Beach Photos. A tourist from New York was arrested for allegedly violating Hawaii's traveler quarantine after he posted on Instagram photos of himself sunbathing and carrying a surfboard, state officials said. Associated Press.

Social distancing remains even with beaches, tennis courts back open. Day two of beaches being open on Oahu and lots of folks headed out to Ala Moana on May 17th. KHON2.

City says come June 5, restaurants can open for dine-in service. Mayor Caldwell announced Friday night that Gov. Ige has approved the opening of restaurants to dine-in services with certain restrictions on June 5. Hawaii News Now.

Salvation Army, Goodwill provide more than clothes to Hawaii residents. Some Oahu retailers re-opened their stores on Friday, but there are some retailers who provide more for the community than just clothes. KHON2.

Churches prepare strategy to open as state starts to re-open. As the state starts to re-open, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has allowed drive-in church services to take place which started last Friday. KHON2.

Honolulu Spared From Paying A Hefty Price For Lack Of Trash. Its garbage-for-power deals address extreme events beyond the city’s control. Civil Beat.

Kailua shops depend on local support to stay afloat. Kailua town is a little more quiet these days, without so many tourists, due to travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Blurring the lines: Marzo campaign doesn’t report lava mask giveaway. Mayoral candidate Ikaika Marzo has been posting videos of himself on his “Marzo for Mayor” Facebook campaign page traveling the island giving away masks that were originally donated for the 2018 Puna lava flow crisis. West Hawaii Today.

Blurring the lines: Roth’s charity work raises questions. Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth removed a post from his Facebook campaign page after questions were raised about the portrayal of volunteers wearing his campaign T-shirts while helping at a nonprofit feeding station at a county facility. West Hawaii Today.

Fewer patients, less revenue: COVID-19 crisis suppresses visits to Big Isle hospitals, clinics. Fewer patients are visiting Big Island emergency rooms and urgent care clinics due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that is having a negative impact on their revenue. Tribune-Herald.

South Kohala development progressing; Waikoloa Plaza on target to open in summer 2021. A $370 million South Kohala development is making progress with the long-awaited Waikoloa Plaza on schedule to open next summer. West Hawaii Today.

Progress on Pohoiki boat ramp. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will soon hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study about potential locations for the Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council OKs flat property tax rates. Despite many lower or flat property tax rates approved Friday by the Maui County Council, higher property valuations certified before the pandemic hit will bring $18 million more in county revenues for the next fiscal year that begins July 1. Maui News.

First Reading For Maui County’s FY2021 Budget Moved to May 26. Council Chair Alice L. Lee, who made the announcement, said it is to allow for inclusion of additional funding from the state and federal government. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s First Case Of Rat Lungworm This Year Found On Maui. The Department of Health said there were nine reported cases in 2019. Associated Press.

Maui resident hospitalized with Hawaii’s first rat lungworm infection of 2020. Health officials said Friday that Hawaii’s first confirmed case of rat lungworm disease in 2020 has been detected on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands see Maui police post on quarantine violation; Colo. visitor arrested. Maui police said a 23-year-old Colorado visitor was arrested today in Kula for violating the 14-day mandatory travel quarantine after a police social media post asking for public help to find her reached hundreds of thousands of people and generated thousands of comments. Maui News.

Kauai

Hanalei reopens. Ching Young Village Shopping Center and Hanalei Center shopping center are now open, giving the town a more cheery and uplifting feel to it. Garden Island.

USDA Grant Throws A Lifeline To Kauai Farmers Hit By Pandemic. With farmer’s markets and restaurants closed by the coronavirus, two nonprofits set up programs to distribute the farmers’ harvest directly to consumers and feeding programs. Civil Beat.

Feds could take over missile alerts, Big Island prosecutor running for mayor, Honolulu installs artificial turf on media strips, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii emergency response session ©2019 All Hawaii News

Missile alerts would fall to feds under defense bill. The federal government is poised to take over responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat under a provision authored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that was inserted into the proposed National Defense Authorization Act. Star-Advertiser.

Congress Expected to Pass Legislation Aimed at Improving Emergency Alerts. Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act, legislation authored by Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

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Navy releases service record of Pearl Harbor shooter. The man who survived last week's deadly shooting at Pearl Harbor was released from the Queens Medical Center. KITV.

Navy investigators were still looking for answers today as to why a 22-year-old submarine sailor on a security detail opened fire on Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers last week, killing two and wounding a third before turning a gun on himself — all in the span of less than 30 seconds. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii congressman says he’s not ready to support impeachment. U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday he is not ready to jump on the impeachment bandwagon, unlike most of his fellow Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

Deadly Samoa measles outbreak triggers concerns over Hawaii’s low vaccination rates. The state Department of Health said Tuesday it is “definitely concerned” with the immunization rate of students starting public school. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Low-Income Earners Could Lose Aid Under Proposed Federal SNAP Rule Change. President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed rule changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that could make it more difficult for low-income families in Hawaii to qualify for assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

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HECO Names New CEO As It Begins Major Renewable Energy Push. Scott Seu will replace Alan Oshima as president and chief executive of Hawaiian Electric Co., marking a significant leadership change at one of Hawaii’s largest firms as the company embarks on a major series of renewable energy projects slated for Oahu and neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Names New CEO. Scott Seu, a senior vice president at Hawaiian Electric Company, will succeed Alan Oshima as president and chief executive officer of the company. Maui Now.

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Trace levels of contaminants found in drinking wells on Maui and Big Island. The state Health Department said this morning that trace levels of organic chemicals were detected in water samples collected at two sites during routine sampling in the Hawaiian isles — one at Haiku, Maui and one on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

2 Wells With Contaminants Still Meet Safe Drinking Standards, DOH Says. The Department of Health’s routine water testing has found small traces of contaminants in the water at two Maui and Big Island wells, but officials say the water is still safe to drink. Civil Beat.

Laysan albatross Wisdom and mate return to Midway nest site. Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known banded wild bird, has marked another milestone. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City installing artificial turf on median strips. With winter rains upon us, city crews will be busy keeping up with weed control and other landscaping while a pilot project to replace small plots of grass with artificial turf across Oahu is seeing mixed results. Star-Advertiser.

A five-year legal battle challenges the control of the streets by a private company that charges for parking and provides little road maintenance. The private company that claims to own about 2 1/2 miles of crumbling streets in Kakaako said Tuesday that it’s poised to finally settle the lawsuit challenging its claim to those roads. Civil Beat.

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Biki Gets Temporary Pass Under New Law Charging For City Parking Spaces. Companies that rent small mobility vehicles such as bicycles will soon have to pay to operate in City and County of Honolulu parking spaces. But it won't immediately affect Biki Hawaii, the city's partner in a pilot program testing shared bicycles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Companies renting bikes, e-bikes can lease city parking space. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday signed a bill that allows the leasing of city parking stalls as docking stations to companies that rent bicycles and — possibly in the future — other types of “shared micromobility” vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

New law signed, aimed at regulating ‘micro-mobility’ companies on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law that charges ‘micro-mobility’ companies a fee to do business on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

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City to introduce roving tents to help homeless population. A new pilot project is offering a more immediate but temporary approach to getting homeless people off the streets. KHON2.

Oahu property tax assessments up 1.7%. The total value of Oahu properties increased by only 1.7% this year, and that likely will have a negative impact on the city’s budget next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth running for mayor.  Mitch Roth is giving up an almost assured third term as county prosecutor in order to run for mayor of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth announces candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth announced Tuesday his candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Star-Advertiser.

Mitch Roth Announces Run For Mayor. Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth is setting his sights on Hawaiʻi County Mayor in 2020. Big Island Video News.

Mitch Roth Announces Mayoral Campaign. Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth on Tuesday announced officially that he is running for Big Island mayor. Big Island Now.

Mitch Roth, Hawaii County Prosecutor, announces mayoral run. Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth has taken the first step down a potential new career path. Hawaii News Now.

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Big Island Solid Waste Management Plan Outlined, Headed for Testimony. Attendees at Monday’s information session complained that beyond just keeping the doors open, employee shortages make using transfer stations more confusing and less convenient. Big Island Now.

‘We are guinea pigs’: Protesters sign wave against 5G in South Kohala. While a debate into the safety of 5G technology takes place in communities across the world, a group of people waved signs in front of Waikoloa Beach Resort on Tuesday to warn the public of potential health hazards — as they see them. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Native Laid To Rest With Full Military Honors. Hundreds of people in northern Utah including the Patriot Guard, military personnel and law enforcement officials have attended the funeral service and burial of a 25-year-old Army helicopter pilot killed in a crash in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

Maui

Stalled 1,200-home Maui project gets approved. A developer won state approval last week to proceed with a long-stalled Maui housing project after agreeing to provide community benefits and reverse a move to deliver fewer affordable homes. Star-Advertiser.

Water From Haʻiku Well Deemed Safe to Drink After Contaminants Found. 1,2-Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) were detected in the Haʻikū Town Association, Inc. HT-1 Well. Maui Now.

New South Maui gym opening blessed. Two-decade wait for the facility is over. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC committee selects candidates for election. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative nominating committee has selected four candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 14. Three of the nine director positions are up for election annually. Garden Island.

Suit: Kauai police failed to monitor woman who took an hour to kill herself with blanket. The family of a Kauai woman who killed herself in view of surveillance cameras that were supposed to be monitored by officers is suing the police department, saying a mother and grandmother would still be alive today if someone had stepped in to help her. Hawaii News Now.

Hanalei business owners worry about road closures. Business has been slower in Hanalei since the April 2018 floods, and periodic road closures along Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge haven’t helped. Garden Island.

Motorcyclists seek to weave in traffic; minimum wage, commercial fishermen, pesticide, assisted suicide, prostitution bills mulled by Legislature; Park Service loses Keauhou aquifer protection bid; Waikiki bacteria level high, Roth cleared in ethics charge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mutt on a motorcycle © 2017 All Hawaii News

Motorcycle rights advocates are pushing to pass a law that would allow bikers in Hawaii to ride in-between vehicles while in traffic. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Wage Hike Clears Hawaii Senate Committee. Supporters call the current wage woefully inadequate in such an expensive state. Businesses argue $15 would be devastating. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers to hear 'death with dignity' bill today. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday calling for more oversight of the commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found hundreds of foreign fishermen confined to boats and some living in subpar conditions. Associated Press.

There’s one bill before the legislature this session that is focusing on an alternative to criminalizing prostitution. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Hawaii Restrict Pesticides, Require More Disclosure From Big Ag? After a federal court shot down the efforts of individual counties, advocates of more regulation have only the Legislature to turn to. Civil Beat.

A bill that would help families fight lawsuits like recent ones filed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to acquire ancestral lands in Hawaii by forced sale took its first step forward at the state Legislature on Tuesday, buoyed by Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals. Star-Advertiser.

The teachers union’s property tax proposal to generate more funding for public schools advanced another step at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Committee on Housing advanced a bill that would have real estate investment trusts, or REITs, pay Hawaii corporate income taxes on income the companies pass to their shareholders. Star-Advertiser.

The chairman of the board of the Hawaii Tourism Authority is calling on state Sen. Glenn Wakai to either produce some evidence of wrongdoing by HTA or apologize to the agency’s leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s profit rose 5.5 percent in the fourth quarter as the company rebounded from costs related to its failed sale to Florida-based NextEra Energy Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., the parent of Hawaiian Electric Co. and American Savings Bank, on Tuesday reported a profit of $248.3 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, for all of 2016, compared to $159.9 million, or $1.50 per diluted share in 2015. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

An autistic high school student raped a classmate while the adult assigned to monitor him was taking a nap, said a federal lawsuit accusing Hawaii’s statewide school district of negligence. Associated Press.

The Department of Health is issuing an advisory after high levels of bacteria were detected in waters off Waikiki. KHON2.

Many miss out on Brown Water Advisory message. KITV.

Hawaii

After hours of testimony before a packed hearing room at the West Hawaii Civic Center, the state Commission on Water Resource Management Tuesday denied the National Park Service’s petition to declare the Keauhou Aquifer system a state ground water management area. West Hawaii Today.

It was standing room only Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center for the meeting of the State Commission on Water Resource Management, as they voted to deny the National Park Service its request to take over managing part of West Hawaii’s water. Big Island Video News.

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth was cleared Tuesday of allegations he violated the county ethics code when he testified about perceived corruption in the Department of Land and Natural Resources at an Oct. 28 Land Board hearing in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County is fining a landowner for building an illegal seawall on Lalakea pond after state officials declined to levy a penalty. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Organizers of a community meeting in Pāʻia were met with heavy opposition from area residents to plans for leasing the Old Maui High School campus to TEACH Development LLC, a company that is looking to use the 23 acre campus. Maui Now.

Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC received a notice to proceed to acquire and cultivate medical marijuana from the Hawaii State Department of Health on Tuesday, making it the fourth dispensary to get the approval and the second Maui licensee to meet the requirements. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

Two bills that could affect quiet title law, kuleana land ownership and a historic trail on the island unanimously passed legislative committee on Tuesday. Garden Island.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is allowing an extension of the decision-making period for the Hawaii Dairy Farms Final Environmental Impact Statement. Garden Island.

The recently released Kauai Humane Society audit will be presented at today’s Kauai County Council meeting. Garden Island.

The Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated a live hand grenade at a remote location in Kalaheo Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. Garden Island.

ACLU seeks federal probe of Hawaii prison overcrowding, $22 minimum wage sought, judge denies dismissal of Kauai Sunshine Law case, ethics complaint against Hawaii County prosecutor, Honolulu council briefed on police chief, teachers want higher pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cell for 3 inmates © 2017 All Hawaii News

The ACLU of Hawai‘i Foundation has filed a formal complaint asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Hawaii’s overcrowded jails and prisons and to force the state to remedy the situation. Star-Advertiser.

Citing severe overcrowding at the state’s dilapidated prisons and jails, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department, calling for a federal investigation into “unconstitutional and unsafe conditions” endured by Hawaii inmates. Civil Beat.

The American Civil Liberties Union complaint calls the crowded conditions chronic. KITV.

Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo is one of seven state-operated correctional facilities that is overcrowded and violating the constitutional rights of inmates, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii Foundation said in a complaint to the U.S. Department of Justice dated Friday. Tribune-Herald.

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Members of a key state Senate committee blasted the Hawaii Tourism Authority at a Tuesday hearing for its lack of transparency and what they termed “unsustainable” spending and debt management. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: How many tourists is too many tourists? Star-Advertiser.

State senators grilled the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism director Tuesday about the costs of a failed $150 million renewable financing program intended to help residents who have trouble owning renewable energy. Star-Advertiser.

A $22 Minimum Wage? A Hawaii state representative wants to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 by 2019 and $22 by 2022. Civil Beat.

Businesses raise concerns over lawmaker’s push for $22 minimum wage by 2022. KHON2.

A $15 an hour minimum wage is getting the support of at least one Hawaii Island lawmaker. Tribune-Herald.

With the Legislature set to convene next week, the Hawaii State Teachers Association is looking to drum up support to increase pay for public school teachers. Star-Advertiser.

New numbers reveal just how much lower Hawaii public school teachers get paid compared to mainland cities with similar high costs of living. Hawaii News Now.

Compared to two years ago, the Hawaii Department of Education has fewer cases of employee misconduct to investigate. Civil Beat.

Hawaii needs to think “very differently” about how it addresses its longstanding teacher shortage and should perhaps look at alternative solutions — such as recruiting overseas. Tribune-Herald.

Police May Be Blocked From Aerial Surveillance In Hawaii. The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering whether privacy expectations preclude the police from gathering evidence of a crime by flying over your house. Civil Beat.

Hawaii roads are the riskiest in the nation to pedestrians 65 and over, a new report concludes. Hawaii News Now.

The state released Tuesday its first-ever inter-agency bio-security plan, an ambitious and multifaceted initiative intended to safeguard against invasive species posing threats to human health, endangered species and major state industries. West Hawaii Today

As the new board chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Rowena Akana, pushes to remove its chief executive officer, Civil Beat has obtained documents indicating that dozens of human resources complaints have been filed against her by OHA employees.

The Navy hasn’t fundamentally changed its personnel system since the draft ended in 1973, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The online vacation home booking site Airbnb has had “no material impact” on Hawaii’s housing market, with homes booked through the website representing 1.53 percent of the statewide housing stock, according to an analysis by local housing analyst Ricky Cassiday. Pacific Business News.

The new State Moped Law is currently being implemented on all islands with a focus on illegal modifications for speed and noise. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Several Honolulu City Council members voiced frustration Tuesday about receiving little information regarding Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s impending departure and warned that any additional money he is given in a settlement might need their approval. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Members ‘Leery’ Of HPD Chief’s Retirement Deal. Police Commission Chairman Max Sword refuses to answer questions from council members who want to know if they get final say on any payout. Civil Beat.

Members of the Honolulu City Council think they should get a say on whether or not Police Chief Louis Kealoha walks away from the post with a payout. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council Members were briefed on the status of the City’s Police Chief today. Hawaii Public Radio.

A city proposal to preserve 52,575 acres of privately owned farmland on Oahu drew a crowd of interested community members — and some protest — Tuesday evening at the city’s first public meeting on the details of its plan. Star-Advertiser.

New Kakaako Park Rules Could Keep Homeless Away. The HCDA says the changes mostly clarify rules that already existed. Recent problems have involved vandalism and homelessness. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

An ethics complaint against County Prosecutor Mitch Roth is bringing to the surface years of submerged accusations and counter-accusations between local boaters and the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. West Hawaii Today.

A senior housing project in Hilo recently reopened following a complete renovation made possible through a mix of federal and state low-income housing tax credits. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission Executive Director William Hoshijo today announced the settlement of a complaint brought by an employee against a Hilo business, alleging that her employer failed to reinstate her after a pregnancy-related disability leave, denied her a reasonable accommodation for her pregnancy-related disability and terminated her because of her pregnancy. Big Island Now.

Maui

With dozens of testifiers calling for a more rigorous study on the proposed Makena Resort, the Maui Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to defer the final environmental assessment for the 47-acre project. Maui News.

Maui County Council Members Riki Hokama and Kelly King have submitted different resolutions regarding the council’s standing committees and its members in a prelude to a public hearing Monday afternoon. Maui News.

On Monday, days after the state Agriculture Department announced a coffee berry borer beetle infestation in East Maui, experts gave residents tips for controlling the pest that’s already struck Hawaii island and Oahu. Maui News.

Maui County is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the individual or individuals involved in shooting at Maui Bus windows with what is believed to be a BB or pellet gun four times last month. Maui Now.

After being closed for several months, Hāna Ranch Provisions has confirmed it will not be reopening in 2017. Maui Now.

Kauai

A motion to dismiss a Sunshine Law complaint against the County of Kauai and Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura was denied by Judge Kathleen Watanabe Tuesday afternoon in Fifth Circuit Court. Garden Island.

Parts of Kauai will be underwater within the next 50 to 100 years, according to a report the state is developing on sea level rise. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and AES Distributed Energy, Inc. announced a power-purchase agreement for a plant that will provide solar energy with the benefits of battery-based energy storage that will be located on former sugar land between Lawai and Koloa. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Tuesday it signed a contract to build the largest utility-scale solar and battery system in the state. Star-Advertiser.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has struck a deal with a subsidiary of Virginia-based AES Corp. for the development of a solar-plus-battery-storage project on the island’s South Shore that includes a 28 megawatt solar farm and a 20 megawatt five-hour duration energy storage system. Pacific Business News.

Senior affordable rental units dedicated. Kaniko‘o Phase II adds 30 units. Garden Island.

The second phase of Kanikoo, an affordable senior housing complex in Lihue, was completed on Tuesday, Kauai officials said. Pacific Business News.