Tax hikes loom as state awaits Georgia election outcome, Los Angeles travel ban could hurt Hawaii tourism, COVID vaccinations lag, activists take over Hilo park near Kamehameha statue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Budget and Finance Director Craig Hirai, (l) and Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz discuss state budget Jan. 4, 2021. PC:Senate You Tube channel

Higher state taxes under consideration. Gov. David Ige’s administration is considering unspecified tax increases and “revenue enhancements” to help plug a projected $1.4 billion shortfall, members of the state Senate’s Committee on Ways and Means were told Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State Budget Director: It’s Too Soon To Tell If Tax Increases Are Coming. It is 16 days before the Legislature opens, but Gov. David Ige is still mulling the options. Civil Beat.

Georgia’s run-offs could play a role in the decision to raise Hawaii’s taxes (or not). Senate run-offs in Georgia happening Tuesday could impact Hawaii’s financial situation. The state finance director said the run-offs could result in local lawmakers either raising taxes or not. The logic being: If the democrats win and control the U.S. Senate, it’s more likely that federal funds will head to the state, thus allowing leaders to balance the budget. Hawaii News Now.

Los Angeles County hospitalization surge, travel quarantine could impact Hawaii’s tourism. Los Angeles County is implementing new travel restrictions — including not allowing tourism into L.A. and requiring residents to quarantine for 10 days if arriving from outside of Southern California. As Hawaii’s biggest domestic visitor market, the new restrictions have an impact on the recovering economy. KHON2.

The latest federal relief package will allow some struggling Hawaii businesses, including Hawaiian Airlines, to return some involuntarily laid-off or furloughed workers to their jobs. Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, said in addition to providing the Payroll Support Program to airlines, which are a critical component of Hawaii’s economy, the most recent federal stimulus package also provides additional payroll protection program funds. Star-Advertiser.

Economic forecast: Visitor numbers could hit 6M this year. State economists believe travel to the state could nearly return to 2019 levels by the end of this year, but a complete recovery will take more than three years. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL: Oahu casino would add $30M to coffers. DHHL Deputy Chair Tyler Gomes said in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser Facebook Live stream the integrated resort and casino would add a “conservative estimate” of $30 million a year to the coffers of the department, which has a lengthy list of Native Hawaiians waiting for homesteads on about 203,000 acres of DHHL land statewide. Tribune-Herald.

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Lt. Governor Josh Green Wants More Resources Dedicated to Vaccination Effort. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said as of Tuesday morning, the state will have received 91,000 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines. KITV4.

Late deliveries, holiday season behind slow speed of state’s coronavirus vaccine rollout. Health officials blame the delay on two factors. First, not all of the expected doses of the vaccine arrived on time ― the state was expecting 81,000 doses in December, but only got about 60,000. And second, the holiday season also presented a challenge, limiting the number of immunization clinics that the state was able to utilize. Hawaii News Now.

Vaccination efforts to ramp up following the holidays in Hawaii. The state expects to receive 17,675 doses on Monday and Tuesday. The Health Department says as of Thursday about 25,000 people have been vaccinated. KHON2.

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State Sent Out Hundreds Of Ineffective Masks In Pandemic Chaos. The masks with valves were removed from the inventory of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency but somehow got back in. Civil Beat.

People are motivated to wear a mask when others wear one, study finds. The study found the motivation for wearing a mask is a combination of whether others around you are wearing one and whether others think you should be wearing one. Jack Barile, interim director of the Social Science Research Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Social Sciences, was lead author of the study examining the motivators behind an individual’s choice to wear or not wear a face covering in public. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Restaurant Card gave a nice boost, but $5M never spent. The Hawaii Restaurant Card Program gave a significant boost to the local economy but the state says $5 million went unused. KHON2.

Will Hawaii Legislature Reverse Ige’s Suspension Of The Public Records Law? The governor’s order has been in effect since March, but it’s unclear if lawmakers will do anything about it next session despite their opposition to it. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 4: 89 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 89 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 62 on Oahu, nine on Maui, four on the Big Island, and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Legislators aim to fix flaw in New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District bill. Legislators say they plan to introduce a new measure this month to repair a flaw in earlier legislation that has slowed the progress of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. Star-Advertiser.

Judge dismisses obstruction case against Kealoha conspiracy victim. Ransen Taito became entangled in the conspiracy involving former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha when he was just 11 years old. After Taito and his sister were awarded nearly $84,000 as part of a medical malpractice settlement, Kealoha was appointed by the state to oversee trust accounts that were established for both of them. Hawaii News Now.

Commissioning event eyed for USS Daniel Inouye. The long-delayed guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye is tentatively scheduled to be commissioned at Pearl Harbor in the fall with a big pier-side ceremony attended by thousands — if COVID-19 is under control. Star-Advertiser.

Matson to welcome new vessel to Honolulu. A bigger and faster Matsonia cargo ship is due to arrive in Honolulu Harbor this morning on its maiden commercial voyage for Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo transportation firm, Matson Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Activists occupy part of Wailoa state park. A group claiming the authority of the Hawaiian Kingdom has again set up camp in Hilo’s Wailoa State Recreation Area and planted taro and fruit trees it describes as a “kanaka garden” on the lawn near the statue of Kamehameha the Great. Tribune-Herald.

$77M in bonds will cover old debts, finance new projects. The county has sold $77.1 million in general obligation bonds to retire old debt and free up money to pay for new capital projects, Finance Director Deanna Sako said in a report to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

New management in place at veterans home. On Jan. 1, the governing board and leadership of Hawaii Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawaii Region assumed management of the Hilo veterans home from Avalon Health Care, which had managed the HHSC facility since it opened in 2007. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit: DOE Failed To Help Hilo Student Who Was Harassed And Bullied. The federal lawsuit is directed against the Hawaii department and board of education for failing to intervene and stop the nearly yearlong bullying. Civil Beat.

Maui

Lee to lead council with public health and budget as priorities. Public health and safety, balancing the county budget and creating a county Department of Agriculture are some of the top issues the new Maui County Council will tackle this year, its leader said Sunday. Maui News.

Maui County on verge of return to ‘safer at home’ order, mayor says. Maui County is seeing a significant spike in COVID-19 cases, according to officials. More than two dozen cases were reported on both Thursday and Friday, with nearly 50 more cases on Saturday and 30 more on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Harbor Lights COVID-19 Cluster Rises to 68. The COVID-19 case count at the Harbor Lights condominium complex in Kahului has risen to 68 confirmed, according to an update provided by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

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Maui parents blindsided after distance learning is extended an extra month. Students in the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui complex were set to return to some form of in-person learning on Tuesday, but instead will have to learn from home until at least Feb. 1 after the Complex-Area Superintendent Kathleen Dimino sent a letter home to families Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

Surging COVID-19 Cases Trigger Last-Minute Delay To Start Blended Learning at Most Maui Public Schools. Just one day before the 20 public schools of the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui complex area were set to reopen after the winter break, a letter was sent to staff, parents and guardians stating the scheduled shift to blended learning would be delayed until Feb. 1. Maui Now.

Public schools to resume this week. As Maui County public school students head back to class this week to begin the second semester, many will be entering blended learning schedules where students will receive both in-person learning as well as virtual learning. Maui News.

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Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing Project Proposed for Development Next to Kahului Post Office on Maui. A Draft Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact was published for the Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing project in Kahului, Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Kawakami says COVID-19 infections were limited on Kaua'i, many small businesses able to stay open. Kaua'i is currently in the least restrictive Tier Four of its recovery plan with a seven-day average one case per day, and a positivity rate of just 1%. KITV4.

Inter-island travel returns, new resort bubble program starts. Tuesday marks the county’s return to kama‘aina travel and starts renewed options for those staying at a resort bubble property. Garden Island.

Kaua'i hotels see uptick in reservations ahead of changes to travel rules. Gary Moore, manager of Timbers Kaua'i Ocean Club & Residences, said things are looking up--bookings rose 15 percent since Gov. David Ige approved new "resort bubble" regulations last week. KITV4.

Kaua‘i students go back to school. Thousands of public school students return to the classrooms following the Winter Break, and the Teacher Workday, Monday. Garden Island.

Hawaii House committee to plan reopening state, Health Department apologizes for director's remarks about Marshallese COVID-19 victims, airlines require face masks, limit routes, UPW chief ousted, Waikiki bartender awakes from coma, posts selfie, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Anderson from Facebook Live

House Select Committee on COVID-19 discusses reopening Hawaii and more. How should Hawaii reopen? What do retailers and restaurants think? What's happening with unemployment? These and more, at the House committee meeting. The next House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness briefing will cover federal funding programs to support nonprofit groups, farmers, consumers and other relief programs at 10 a.m. Monday, May 4. KITV4.

DOH apologizes for director’s comments about race and ethnicity. The state Department of Health on Friday apologized for comments its director made about race and ethnicity while discussing the recent cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with McDonald’s restaurants in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Native Hawaiians Are Losing Out On Millions Of COVID-19 Dollars. Native Hawaiians do not have a centralized government formally recognized by the federal government. An ongoing battle over $8 billion in federal coronavirus relief money for America’s indigenous people is missing a key participant — Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

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As new coronavirus cases dwindle, the state looks at a ‘phase-in’ approach to reopening. With car washes and golf courses open on Oahu, state and county leaders are now talking about how to phase-in the reopening of other businesses in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Reshaping Hawaii’s Economy For A Post-Pandemic World. Hawaii’s long-term economic plan is a blank slate by design to be filled in by an ensemble cast, says Alan Oshima, Hawaii’s economic recovery chief. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii lawmakers push for tightened quarantine as visitor numbers climb. The number of visitors arriving in Hawaii increased Friday to the largest count since the state’s 14-day quarantine began in late March as Hawaii lawmakers strive to improve the passenger quarantine before tourism reopens. Star-Advertiser.

Arriving visitors climb past 5,000 since quarantine began. The number visitors arriving in Hawaii since the beginning of the state’s mandatory 2-week quarantine for travelers topped 5,000 on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

330 Arrivals Referred to Law Enforcement, 27 Visitors Forced to Leave for Quarantine Violations. Representatives from the Department of Transportation and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority provided the committee with updates on traveler quarantine procedures during a Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 meeting held on Thursday, April 30. Maui Now.

Travel to Hawaii will be filled with new safety measures in a COVID-19 world. Safe travels will take on a whole new meaning as tourism begins to recover in a COVID-19 world. Star-Advertiser.

From visitors to ‘intended residents,' arrivals are slowly rising. There are early indications Hawaii’s arrivals by air are on the upswing. Even with most shops and hotels closed, Hawaii could soon see more visitor arrivals in the coming weeks as mainland states and other countries ease COVID-19 restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

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US DOT approves United, American request to temporarily suspend neighbor island travel. With empty planes and a mandatory 14-day quarantine in place, flights to Hawaii have been virtually empty. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines To Require Passengers To Wear Face Masks. Hawaiian Airlines has announced enhanced policy changes requiring travelers to cover their faces with masks or cloths to combat the spread of COVID-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines To Require Face Masks, Spacing For Passengers. The airline, which has already been manually assigning seats to increase personal space onboard, will put the new measures into effect on May 8. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii sees 2 new COVID-19 cases as coronavirus-related death toll rises to 17. A Maui woman who became infected with COVID-19 in the hospital has died, the 17th coronavirus-fatality in Hawaii, state health officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Confirms Two New COVID-19 Cases, 17th Virus-Related Death. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported two new cases of COVID-19 overnight, including the state’s 17th virus-related death. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Reports New Coronavirus-Related Death On Maui. The state’s coronavirus case count remains at 620, after the Department of Health removed two duplicate cases on Maui and in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing Ramps Up In Hawaii Without DOH Endorsement. Due to uncertainty around the tests, Hawaii Pacific Health doesn’t plan to change any of its policies if any of its employees are found to have antibodies. Civil Beat.

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Hawai‘i Judiciary Frees 37% of Prison Population in Two Months. The state judicial system has reduced jail populations across Hawai‘i by 37% over the last two months in response to threats of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the close confines of prisons. Big Island Now.

Lawmaker condemns the release of hundreds of inmates from Hawaii's prisons. Hawaii's incarcerated population has decreased by over 800 inmates since March 2nd. KITV4.

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Economic Downturn Could Hit Public Pension Funds Hard. Hawaii owes billions to its state retirement system. Civil Beat.

As financial pain grows, Hawaii’s ‘nonessential’ retailers await OK to reopen. Hawaii government leaders have taken cautious baby steps allowing a few more kinds of businesses to reopen last week, but financial burdens continue to pile up for retailers and restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

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UPW Head Ousted Over Financial Abuse. UPW’s parent union announced the removal of the Hawaii president on Friday. Dayton Nakanelua, state director of the United Public Workers union in Hawaii, has been removed from his position along with another UPW administrator after failing to fix problems related to the union’s fiscal mismanagement. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Media Is Surviving On Federal Assistance And Community Support. News outlets, struggling before the pandemic, are dealing with huge ad revenue losses and some are slashing workers’ hours. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Councilwoman calls for Honolulu to follow Kauai in four day work week. On Monday, hundreds of employees for Kauai County switch to a four day work week to reduce movement on the island and one lawmaker is calling for Honolulu County to do the same. The idea was proposed by Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine in January. KITV4.

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Hawaii State Capitol Protest Sees 3 Arrested. Police were on hand to enforce restrictions against public gatherings and social distancing rules. Civil Beat.

As state begins to ease restrictions, scores gather to protest stay-at-home order. More than 100 gathered at the state Capitol on Friday to protest emergency stay-at-home orders aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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Waikiki bartender recovering from virus. After spending about six weeks unconscious in a hospital while his body fought off a coronavirus infection, Ewa Beach resident and Waikiki bartender Coby Torda was able to mouth his desire for a back scratcher Sunday during a video chat with family. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa Beach man wakes from medically induced coma in COVID-19 battle. Coby Torda shocked his family when he posted a selfie early Sunday morning from his hospital bed at Kaiser Permanente, where he has been recovering from the coronavirus for 44 days. Hawaii News Now.

After 6 weeks, COVID-19 patient Coby Torda wakes up from coma.  Torda has been in the hospital since then in a medically induced coma at Kaiser Moanalua. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Campaigning during COVID-19: Mayoral candidates try to break out of the pack. This has got to be the toughest mayor’s race yet. With just over three months remaining until the Aug. 8 primary, mayoral candidates interviewed Friday are finding campaigning a challenge during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. West Hawaii Today.

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Kona Community Hospital resumes elective surgeries. Kona Community Hospital has resumed a limited number of elective outpatient services and procedures including imaging, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation services and surgery. West Hawaii Today.

KCH Resumes Elective Procedures. Patients may again seek some elective treatment options at Kona Community Hospital. Big Island Now.

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Mediation program to help landlords, tenants. Big Island tenants and landlords alike are being offered free mediation services by a county program seeking to stave off a flood of COVID-related evictions later in the year. Tribune-Herald.

‘Our way of giving back’: Suisan sells bulk food items to customers. Suisan Foodservice is providing its customers with the option to make large-scale grocery purchases in Hilo and Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii couple that contracted COVID-19 recounts harrowing and frustrating battle against the disease — and red tape. When an elderly Hawaii couple departed Yokohama, Japan, aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship on Jan. 20, they had signed up for a two-week luxury cruise to China, Vietnam and Taiwan and a return to Japan. Tribune-Herald.

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Court Rules In Favor Of Helicopter Noise Opponents. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the FAA and National Park Service must complete Air Tour Management Plans. Big Island Video News.

Court: FAA, National Park Service failed to comply with air tour law. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C., on Friday ordered the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service to produce a schedule for bringing 23 national parks, including those in Hawaii, into compliance with the Air Tour Management Act of 2000. Tribune-Herald.

Court orders limits for noisy flights over Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes national parks. The Friday order came in response to a lawsuit by Hawaii Island Coalition Malama Pono and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which argued the agencies were offering little relief from the noise being generated by air tours. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Parks, golf courses reopen for play. Residents happy to be back in parks, though people are wondering why some still closed. Maui News.

Over 4,000 file for unemployment. A total of 4,150 Maui residents filed an initial claim for unemployment for the week ending on April 18, and about 5,996 the week before, according to the latest data released from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui News.

Elderly Maui woman is county’s 6th COVID-19 fatality. State increases by two new coronavirus cases Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Jobs Losses, Worries About Paying Rent Widespread On Kauai. A new Department of Health COVID-19 survey of 189 households showed many residents are worried about reopening tourism. Civil Beat.

Motorcycle riders help with food. More than a hundred motorcycle enthusiasts capitalized on the clear, windy weather Sunday to help boost the coffers of the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i branch. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Humane Society ends feral-cat intake. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kaua‘i Humane Society has halted its intake of feral cats. Garden Island.

Legislative leaders introduce Native Hawaiian reconciliation measures, Chinese seek asylum from coronavirus, lawmakers want to tighten gun laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian oli at Mauna Kea ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Lawmakers Want State To Reconcile With Native Hawaiians. Resolution would create a “blue ribbon commission” to establish a new relationship based on trust. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Ignited A New Wave Of Hawaiian Pride. Where Does It Go From Here? The protests are seen as part of a long push toward more self-determination for Native Hawaiians, but there is little consensus on how best to achieve that. Civil Beat.

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Pearl Harbor coronavirus quarantine site is readied. Hawaii officials Tuesday toured a Pearl Harbor quarantine site provided by the Navy to monitor the dwindling number of U.S. citizens returning to the United States from Hubei province in China, which is the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Green visits coronavirus quarantine facility, tries to extinguish fears. The state set up a quarantine site on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for any US citizens traveling from Hubei province in China diverted to Honolulu. KHON2.

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Asylum seekers from China being held in federal detention center at Honolulu airport. Two asylum seekers from China trying to flee from the deadly coronavirus were taken into custody at the airport by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after trying to enter Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Two People From China Seek Asylum in Hawaii Prior To Mandatory Coronavirus Quarantine. Two asylum seekers from China have been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after arriving at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii Public Radio.

2 Chinese nationals seeking asylum arrived in Hawaii before new restrictions took effect. The state Health Department is seeking to reassure the public following news that two asylum seekers from China are being held in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Two asylum seekers from China held at Federal Detention Center. The state says two asylum seekers from China arrived in Honolulu over the weekend most likely before the travel ban went into effect. KHON2.

Two asylum seekers from China detained at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Two people from China seeking asylum in the United States were detained at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport over the weekend. KITV4.

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6 Hawaii residents on ship quarantined. An Ewa Beach couple is among at least six Hawaii residents who have been quarantined to their rooms on a cruise ship in Japan after 10 people aboard tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii couple among those quarantined on cruise ship after passengers fall ill with coronavirus. An Ewa Beach couple is among thousands quarantined on a cruise ship off Japan after 10 people on the vessel tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants ask again to be allowed to wear masks. Flight attendants from Hawaiian Airlines are again asking the company to allow them to wear masks while in flight especially from Asian destinations. KHON2.

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Changes to laws on mental illness and guns are proposed. State lawmakers announced a package of proposals Tuesday afternoon designed to provide more help to people with mental illnesses, and to close loopholes in Hawaii’s firearm laws in the wake of the Jan. 19 shooting deaths of two Honolulu police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Work To Keep The Mentally Ill Out Of Jail. Mental health advocates, state officials, police and lawmakers have been working together to come up with better ways to get treatment for non-violent offenders. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers aim to address gun violence, mental health. Hawaii lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled several measures to prevent gun violence and boost mental health care weeks after a Honolulu resident fatally shot two police officers, started a fire that burned down several homes, and killed his landlord and himself. Associated Press.

Lawmakers seek to boost mental health care, tighten gun laws with new bills. Hawaii lawmakers announced a legislative package Tuesday aimed at preventing gun violence in the state by filling the gaps in mental health care. Hawaii News Now.

Law enforcement and legislators call for stricter gun laws and mental health care expansion. Gun violence and mental health were big discussions at the capital as Hawaii state leaders bring these two issues to the forefront after last month’s tragedy at Diamond Head. KHON2.

State lawmakers propose stricter gun laws to keep firearms out of criminals' hands. A public hearing is set for Thursday to discuss a range of gun control measures, including notifying police when a gun owner passes away and requiring permits for ammunition purchases. KITV.

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Measure could put early learning classes in Hawaii libraries. Hawaii libraries could accommodate early learning classrooms under a state legislative proposal to expand childcare services, officials have said. Hawaii News Now.

Bill Banning Moonlighting Mayors Moves Forward. But the Senate Judiciary Committee removed provisions prohibiting the governor from holding an outside job. Civil Beat.

Smoking in the crosshairs: Bill raising Hawaii’s legal tobacco age to 25 passes House committee. Nearly four years after the Aloha State banned the sale of such items to those under 21, expanding statewide a law passed in 2014 by the Hawaii County Council that did just that on the Big Island, Rep. Richard Creagan (D-Kona, Ka‘u) is looking to up the age again. West Hawaii Today.

Bills Relating to Flavored Tobacco Bans Up This Week. Here is a list of bills relating to tobacco bans and regulations that are scheduled for public hearing this week. Maui Now.

Lawmakers propose decriminalizing larger amounts of cannabis. In what may be another small step toward eventual legalization of cannabis here, a key state Senate committee Tuesday tentatively approved a bill to decriminalize possession of up to 10 grams in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Look To Add Dental Coverage For Medicaid Recipients. The benefit was cut from Medicaid 10 years ago and local dentists say they can see the consequences. Civil Beat.

Isles won’t have Iowa’s caucus problem, says head of state party. Hawaii Democrats will use a new mail-in balloting process and a new ranked-choice voting system to poll party members on who they want to be the next president of the United States, but interim Hawaii Democratic Party Chairwoman Kate Stanley said she does not expect to see anything like the problems on Monday that threw the Iowa caucuses into turmoil. Star-Advertiser.

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25% of sex trafficking victims led into it by family, study finds. The “Sex Trafficking in Hawaii 2019” report released Tuesday is the third segment of a multipart study on sex trafficking by the Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research and the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. Star-Advertiser.

Sex trafficking study finds high percentage of Native Hawaiian victims. Nearly 65% of victims say they are full or part Native Hawaiians. KITV.

Study: Hawai‘i 3rd Most Expensive State for Kupuna Renters. More than half of Hawaiʻi’s kupuna living alone lack the financial resources to pay for basic needs, according to a new study. Maui Now.

Oahu

‘Kauhale’ housing for homeless suffers setback. Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s dream of a statewide system of “kauhale” tiny homes to provide permanent housing for Hawaii’s homeless suffered a setback Tuesday when two House committees voted to study the concept rather than move out a bill that would have provided $20 million for a one-year pilot program. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu group sends thousands of masks, protective clothing to China to aid in coronavirus outbreak. The Hawaii Fujian Business Association has sent 100,000 masks and 2,500 pieces of protective clothing to Fuzhou to assist in the containment of the coronavirus from China that has spread across the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council panel nixes herbicide resolution. A nonbinding resolution urging Mayor Harry Kim and his administration to reduce herbicide use was withdrawn by its sponsors Tuesday when it became clear the measure was about to be voted down. West Hawaii Today.

Public Outraged Over Herbicide Bill Veto, Override Fail. Testifiers criticized Hawaii County officials over the failure of a bill that proposed to end county herbicide use at parks and roads. Big Island Video News.

County Council Squashes Herbicide Resolution. A short-lived resolution to reduce Hawai‘i County’s use of herbicides on government-managed lands met its end Tuesday in committee. Big Island Now.

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Federal notice includes $83M for county. Hawaii County can now take its next step to secure than $80 million in federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to aid in recovery from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Transfer station waste limits likely to be delayed. A series of new limits to how much waste can be disposed of at the county’s transfer stations will likely be rolling out later than expected. Tribune-Herald.

Council members briefed on status of closed beach parks. One long-closed beach park on the Hamakua coast could reopen by March, while another will remain closed indefinitely. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai'i County Offering New Heart Attack Help on Big Island. Hawai’i County has started to use a new strategy to respond faster to a particular kind of medical emergency. It’s a way to get qualified people to help with cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island police captain elected head of international homicide investigators group. Hawaii County Police Department’s Capt. Gregory Esteban was elected as president of the 2,600-member International Homicide Investigators Association, the department announced this week. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lawmakers propose that state buy Maui watershed area. County has tried for years to purchase Wailuku Water Co. land. Calling it “a rare opportunity” to preserve an ecosystem of native plants, endangered species and a key source of drinking water, lawmakers are looking to have the state purchase a nearly 9,000-acre watershed in the West Maui Mountains. Maui News.

County to Repair Coastal Dune in Kihei. A project to provide targeted sand dune restoration at the southern end of Kamaole I Beach Park is slated to begin next week and last up to three weeks, the county announced on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Ram Dass services set for Monday at the Castle Theater. A celebration of life for counterculture icon Ram Dass will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday at the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Maui News.

Kauai

Safari pilot had licensed revoked. The pilot of the helicopter that went down near Koke‘e a month ago had his license revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2010 for drug use but was issued new certifications a year later and rehired after completing a substance abuse treatment program. Garden Island.

Peaceful demonstration at Lihue Airport. On the first day of negotiations between Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants and the board of directors, a handful of flight attendants held a peaceful demonstration at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Natatorium War Memorial could be rebuilt, Hawaii's deadly dams, Maui to restructure property taxes, Hilo homeless shelter opened, Southwest Airlines adds Kauai service, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, Hawaii Office of Environmental Quality Control ©2019 Robb Williamson/AECOM

Ocean-water pool is part of Waikiki Natatorium restoration EIS. The long debate over the future of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium may finally be over. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s 130 state-regulated dams considered deadly if they fail. Many dams across Hawaii, like those in other parts of the country, are aging and in a state of decay. Associated Press.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Keli‘i Akina demands apology from fellow trustees. An Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee that investigated complaints against trustee Keli‘i Akina concluded he made misleading and untrue statements in violation of the board’s code of conduct policy. Star-Advertiser.

UH study: Native Hawaiians have lower life expectancy when they stay in the islands. A study released by public health researchers at the University of Hawaii analyzed the life expectancies of the major racial and ethnic groups in Hawaii. KITV.

Coral bleaching widespread across Hawaiian Islands, surveys show. On the map of the main Hawaiian isles, colored dots denoting the extent of bleached corals cover the north and south sides of Kauai, surround all of Oahu and blanket the west sides of Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

130 people work to re-beautify the USS Arizona Memorial. It’s the resting place of more than 1,100 American sailors and marines killed during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. KHON2.

Recycle or Burn: What’s The Carbon Impact of Honolulu’s Trash? Oahu’s waste-to-power facility has a hidden carbon cost, but is it better than shipping all our recyclables off-island? Civil Beat.

Second Bid To Impeach Honolulu’s Top Prosecutor Is Filed. A Honolulu businessman once charged with operating an illegal gambling operation is seeking to remove Keith Kaneshiro, the Honolulu prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Objects To Feds’ Ruling On A Third Deedy Trial. A U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled Christopher Deedy couldn’t be tried for manslaughter charges again, but only on assault charges. Civil Beat.

Push For Alternatives Resurfaces In Ala Moana Playground Controversy. A Honolulu City Councilmember hopes Mayor Kirk Caldwell will seriously consider alternative locations for a controversial children’s playground, with Kaka’ako Waterfront Park that was recently transferred to the city being one option. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Some drivers cited during anti TMT convoy because of flags flown on vehicles. Hundreds of motorists took to Oahu roads to drive home their message against additional construction on the mountain. KITV.

Oahu convoy protests TMT and other development. Scores of people attended a rally Sunday at Kualoa Regional Park in support of opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea and other “malama aina” issues in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Anti-TMT activists hold another ‘rolling convoy’ on Oahu. Anti-TMT activists held another “rolling convoy” on Sunday, with hundreds of vehicles making the drive from West Oahu to the Windward side. Hawaii News Now.

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Unregistered, cash-only Honolulu massage parlors are raising red flags for law enforcement. Nearly two-thirds of Honolulu massage parlors reviewed by customers on a popular website within the past year were not registered to do business in Hawaii, and almost all of the unregistered establishments accepted cash only, according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Farmer sues ‘rogue’ state agency over alleged mistreatment. A state agency established to support diversified farming in Hawaii is being accused of wrecking one prospective venture to grow produce on former pineapple fields in Wahiawa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Temporary Pohoiki access? Plan for boat ramp involves installing sheet piles, dredging channel. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will seek funding from the state Legislature next year in the hope of establishing temporary ocean access at the Pohoiki boat ramp. Tribune-Herald.

Board of Appeals won’t consider constitutionality of vacation rental law. Whether the county’s short-term vacation rental law is constitutional is beyond the scope of the county Board of Appeals, members said Friday in unanimously voting to deny a Captain Cook homeowner’s request to take up the issue. West Hawaii Today.

Piilani Partners appeals permit denial. An attorney representing a company appealing the county’s denial of a Special Management Area permit to drill for and bottle water in Hilo argued in court Tuesday the Windward Planning Commission’s decision was based on speculation about things that could potentially happen. Tribune-Herald.

Construction of first phase of Honomu homestead project could begin in 2020. An environmental assessment for an agricultural homestead community planned for Honomu found no significant environmental impact. Tribune-Herald.

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Weeks after opening, new Big Island homeless shelter nearly at capacity. The newest homeless shelter on the Big Island is housed in Hilo’s old Memorial Hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Keolahou shelter officially opens in Hilo. Dozens gathered Friday morning for the formal opening and blessing of Keolahou, an emergency homeless shelter recently established at the old Hilo Memorial Hospital. Tribune-Herald.

Keolahou Shelter In Hilo Blessed. A celebration was held Friday at Keolahou, the site of the old Hilo hospital, East Hawaiʻi first "Ohana Zone" shelter. Big Island Video News.

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As temps drop at Mauna Kea, protesters hunker down for a long winter. It's been nearly four months since protesters set up camp at Mauna Kea to block the Thirty Meter Telescope and protect against what they call desecration of the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

County plots next course of action as lot owners fail to appeal. The owners of a downtown Hilo lot that has become a homeless camp have failed to appeal their case. Tribune-Herald.

Safety requirement or freedom of choice? Agency says states should require bicycle helmets. Head injury is the most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle-related crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It accounts for 62% of bicycle-related deaths. West Hawaii Today.

Cleanup activist, Trump supporter rallies groups to get out and vote. Scott Presler wants to help turn the blue state of Hawaii “red like hot lava.” West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Council has property tax changes in the works. Two bills pass first reading to change tax classifications and to establish tiered rates. Maui News.

Farmers convention growing the good stuff. Knowledge-sharing draws hundreds to Puunene event. Hundreds of farmers from around Hawaii gathered in Central Maui over the weekend to cultivate a deeper understanding of ag in the Aloha State. Maui News.

Maui bucks a statewide downturn in hotel demand with new developments increasing. Hotel demand is dropping on every major Hawaiian island but Maui, where growth is fueling a development cycle that could add about 10 or more new hotels and timeshares to the market. Star-Advertiser.

Equity and Electrification to be Explored at 2020 Hawai‘i Energy Conference. The 7th annual Hawaiʻi Energy Conference will explore issues relating to beneficial electrification and the design of an equitable energy transition during its next conference on March 18 and 19, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Schatz Calls On Spectrum, Other Firms To Explain Kauai Outage. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz accused companies responsible for Kauai's recent islandwide Internet, cable and phone outage of failing to give residents timely information on the communications disruption and when service might be restored. Hawaii Public Radio.

Passengers cheered as the first Southwest Airlines flight out of Lihue landed in Honolulu on Sunday morning, marking the beginning of the carrier’s flights to and from Kauai. Garden Island.

Tropic Care coming in 2020. Tropic Care 2020 will be the fifth IRT mission on Kauai, and will offer free clinic services from April 27 through May 5 under the lead of the U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sherman. Garden Island.

Kealoha chapter closes with guilty pleas, City Council says no outside attorneys in rail probe, battles continue across the state over wind, solar and water issues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha admit guilt. Once one of Oahu’s preeminent power couples, Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s stunning fall from grace continued Tuesday with both pleading guilty to additional federal charges. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Honolulu Police Chief, Estranged Wife Plead Guilty. A retired Honolulu police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor, pleaded guilty Tuesday to bank fraud in order to avoid other trials against them, capping a federal corruption investigation that brought down the once-respected and powerful couple. Associated Press.

Under deal approved by judge, Kealohas plead guilty to remaining charges. After maintaining her innocence for years, Katherine Kealoha pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to bank fraud, identity theft and covering up knowledge of a drug ring involving her brother ― all felonies ― under a plea deal approved by a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Judge accepts, finds Kealohas guilty. The Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright accepted the Kealohas’ guilty plea Tuesday. Prosecutors say the plea agreement that Louis and Katherine Kealoha entered into will bring some vindication for additional victims. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors may be interested in what Katherine Kealoha knows about HART, her attorney says. Attorney Earle Partington had planned to appeal the Kealohas' June conspiracy and obstruction conviction, but with the Kealohas cutting plea deals with the federal government, the focus has changed. KITV.

Is the Prosecutor’s Office doomed to repeat the past? That’s what the Council is worried about. In a tense exchange Tuesday, Honolulu Councilman Ron Menor questioned Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor on why his office hasn’t taken steps to independently confirm how deputy Katherine Kealoha abused her office for years for her personal benefit. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council rejects hiring outside lawyers to help city employees. Lawyers for the city expect the federal criminal investigation of the rail authority will likely result in more subpoenas or other requests for information from other city departments, but members of the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday rejected a request to hire a mainland law firm to help cope with those inquiries. Star-Advertiser.

Criminal Probe Into Rail Might Creep Into Honolulu Hale, Attorneys Fear. After the City Council rejected using taxpayer money to pay for legal representation, city employees would have to seek it out on their own. Civil Beat.

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Wind farm battles aren’t new. And our search for green energy means they’re not going away. The opposition might have appeared to come out of nowhere. But in fact, wind farm projects are no stranger to controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Wind farm arrests decline on third night. Three people were arrested Tuesday in Kahuku after refusing to move from the driveway of the wind farm site where trucks were delivering four turbine tower sections. Three protesters were also arrested Monday night in Kalaeloa, bringing the total arrested to 101 since the protest began Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu Council Committee Considering Charging Transportation Companies for Parking Stalls. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee amended a bill that would allow companies that rent small vehicles, such as electric scooters to pay to reserve parking spaces. Hawaii Public Radio.

Move proposed Ala Moana playground to Kakaako park, City Council member Kobayashi says. Instead of building a proposed 1-acre children’s playground with a zip line and water feature at Ala Moana Regional Park, the city should build it at Kakaako Waterfront Park near the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of a new playground slated for Ala Moana Park are trying to convince the city to switch to a different site. They received a boost from a key council committee on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

How To Remove Homeless People From A Park? Close It, Honolulu Says. Opponents of the city proposal say closing parks is not the answer when better enforcement and maintenance is needed. Civil Beat.

City council exploring options for a tiny, problematic park in Downtown Honolulu. Honolulu city council members passed a resolution Monday that explores alternatives for the Kamalii Mini Park in Downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Large scale enforcement effort underway at Kea‘au Beach Park. Combined efforts from numerous city departments, state coordinators, non-government organizations and volunteer community members are currently underway with the goal of cleaning a stretch shoreline along the Leeward Coast north of Kea‘au Beach Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public hearing slated for petition challenging classification of state land on Maunakea summit. The state Land Use Commission will have a public hearing Thursday about a petition by two Hawaiian cultural practitioners concerning the classification of state land on the Maunakea summit. Tribune-Herald.

Search Begins for New UH Astronomy Director. The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy is in the market for a new director and as of Tuesday, the search has officially begun. Big Island Now.

Water is the holdup for Laiopua. There are many hurdles to completing the master-planned Villages of Laiopua, but topping that list is water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Conflicts, Antitrust Questions Raised Regarding Maui Solar Farm. Utilities and others are concerned that the same lawyers are representing multiple parties in a competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Farmers, Advocates Rally for Restored Streamflow in Na Wai ʻEha. Community organizers picketed outside of the state building earlier this evening to push for full streamflow in Wailuku, Waiʻehu, Waiheʻe, and Waikapu, also known as Na Wai ʻEha, or the four waters. Maui Now.

UPW contract with hospitals is ratified. Terms not disclosed by either union or Maui Health System. Maui News.

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Brush fire closes Kapalua Airport on Maui, forces evacuations. The fire department is continuing to fight the fire in West Maui, and are working to protect homes in the Kahana Ridge and Ala Hoku subdivisions. Star-Advertiser.

Brush Fire Closes Maui's Kapalua Airport. Kapalua Airport in Maui was closed and evacuated Tuesday because of a brush fire that damaged power supply lines, causing the airport to lose power. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Two pharmacies on Kauai are being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly distributing drugs without a prescription. Drug Enforcement Administration officials seized records and inventory from Westside Pharmacy in Hanapepe and Kalaheo Pharmacy during inspections on Oct. 9 and 10, according to receipts documenting the execution of a federal inspection warrant. Garden Island.

The business of climate change. On Kauai, the first of five conversations on the topic happened Monday at a meeting at Kauai Community College attended by about 40 people that was part lecture, part brainstorming session, focused on Kauai’s business sector. Garden Island.

Citations climb in Mauna Kea crackdown, Honolulu council advances plastics ban, Maui mayor seeks stiff vacation rental fines, 11-14 years in prison recommended for Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

TMT opponents gather at Hilo courthouse Aug. 23, 2019 ©2019 All Hawaii News

Governor Sees Progress In Mauna Kea Talks, But Protest Nears 7th Week. Gov. David Ige says he’s pleased with progress made so far by Big Island Mayor Harry Kim in engaging the native Hawaiian community in efforts to resolve the conflict on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic citations, criminal charges increase in second week of Maunakea enforcement. Police say 630 citations were issued in the weeklong period starting Aug, 22, compared to 610 the week starting Aug. 15. In addition, nine individuals were arrested with 16 charges filed among them. That compares to seven individuals arrested for a total of 13 charges the previous week. Tribune-Herald.

Traffic enforcement efforts on Daniel K. Inouye Highway results in 1240 issued citations, 16 arrested. KHON2.

Concerns arise over Big Isle prosecutor’s son’s job. The man responsible for prosecuting the mostly Native Hawaiian elders arrested for protesting construction of a giant telescope said there is no conflict of interest, even though his son works for one of the embattled project’s partners. Associated Press.

Governor Denied Mayor’s TMT Delay Request In July 15 Letter. The letter dated July 15, obtained by Big Island Video News after we first reported on Mayor Kim’s July 12th letter, offers further insight into the decision-making process of state and county leaders during the pivotal, early days of the construction start, and the opposition movement that organized to stop TMT on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea Is The Latest In Long History Of Native Hawaiian Protests. Civil disobedience and arrests have been a key part of Native Hawaiian activism since the 1970s. Civil Beat.

Three Young Protesters, Three Different Paths To Mauna Kea. They all felt stirrings of Hawaiian identity as youngsters, but these three protesters were shaped by pivotal experiences as young adults. Civil Beat.

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Management of tourism key as visitors keep climbing. Visitor arrivals and spending rose in July to mark the second month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

Health care shortage leaves Hawaii hurting. The state is facing shortages in 76 medical professions, with nearly half — 44% — of the unfilled positions in hospitals, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s first jobs report measuring vacant nonphysician positions between the last quarter of 2018 and this year’s first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

10% of Hawaii healthcare jobs go unfilled due to lack of in-state training. There are over 2,200 open healthcare positions in Hawaii. KITV.

Doctors Are Still The Top-Paid Public Employees In Hawaii. The Hawaii Health Services Corp. and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have big changes atop their pay scales, but the highest-salaried physician hasn’t changed. Civil Beat.

National nonprofit raises alarms about dearth of drug treatment in islands. The national leader of a nonprofit that specializes in treating drug addiction says to get a handle on the state’s homeless crisis, more drug treatment is needed. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard, off National Guard duty, rules out running as independent. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, back on the campaign trail after 15 days of duty with the Hawaii National Guard, said Thursday she won’t run as an independent if she doesn’t win the Democratic presidential nomination. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City ban on single-use plastics moves forward. A bill that would ban foam containers and plastics used for serving food on Oahu passed out of the Honolulu City Council’s Public Safety and Welfare Committee on Thursday, buoying the hopes of the environmentally conscious who worry plastics are polluting beaches, breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by sea life and contributing to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Ban on Plastics Takes Next Step At City Council. The ongoing effort to ban use of plastic bags, utensils and styrofoam containers moved forward at the Honolulu City Council Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Styrofoam, plastic straws and utensils may be banned on Oahu. If Bill 40 is passes, it would prohibit restaurants from using everything from Styrofoam containers, plastic utensils and even plastic straws. KITV.

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Court report recommends Katherine Kealoha spend 11-14 years in prison. A pre-sentence report from a federal probation officer recommends that former deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha be locked up for more than a decade. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fighting Disclosure of Records, Emails Seized by Feds, Councilman Says. The city is seeking authorization to spend $225,000 to make sure privileged information is not released. Civil Beat.

More weight on climate change, managed retreat in Honolulu pre-disaster mitigation plan. The City and County of Honolulu updated a federally required disaster plan, and this time around it focuses more on climate change and moving away from the shoreline. KHON2.

Pali to open both directions for most of day. Windward residents are looking forward to accessing Pali Highway in both directions to ease the stress of putting in extra miles to get to town and back on alternative routes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New Keahuolu Courthouse opens Tuesday. The gavel is set to strike the block next week at the new Keahuolu Courthouse as court operations scattered across several sites in North Kona and South Kona finally converge under one roof. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Courthouse Opens Doors in September. The Hawaii State Judiciary will open its new West Hawaii courthouse early next week. Big Island Now.

The Panaewa Equestrian Center Rodeo Arena will be closed from September 2 to approximately December 9, 2019, for restoration work, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Draft Ordinance Proposed Seeking New Fines for Illegal Vacation Rentals. The administration of Maui Mayor Michael Victorino submitted a proposed ordinance to the Maui County Council seeking to implement new fines in an effort to strengthen enforcement against illegal vacation rentals. Maui Now.

Initial fines for illegal vacation rentals on Maui could jump from $1K to $20K. The measure was referred to the Planning & Sustainable Land Use Committee. KITV.

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Feds are taking over prosecution of police officer. Brandon Saffeels had been disciplined in previous case. Maui News.

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Small whales euthanized after 10 stranded alive on Kihei’s Sugar Beach. Authorities on Thursday sedated and euthanized four small whales after 10 of the animals were stranded alive on a beach on Maui’s south shore. Maui News.

4 Stranded Whales Euthanized On Maui Beach. The remaining six stranded melon-headed whales were floated back to sea, though authorities said two of those were likely to be euthanized. Associated Press.

4 whales die in mass stranding on Maui beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it is investigating why at least 10 small whales stranded themselves on a Maui beach Thursday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Ten Whales Beached at Sugar Beach in North Kihei. Maui Now.

4 of 11 whales beached on Sugar Beach in Kihei dead. KHON2.

Four of ten whales stranded in Sugar Beach area on Maui have died. NOAA Fisheries is responding to 10 melon-headed whales that have stranded along the coast in the Sugar Beach area of Maui. KITV.

Scientists scramble to find cause of stranding that left 4 whales dead on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Open houses set on West Kauai plan. The County of Kauai Planning Department has released a “Discussion Draft” of the West Kauai Community Plan for public review and comment. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen Mazie Hirono drops by Kauai High pantry. She was on-island to visit the North Shore and see the rehabilitation progress after the 2018 floods, and also made a stop by the school to check out their new food pantry program. Garden Island.

Dispatch from Mauna Kea: The line in the sand

MAUNA KEA—Upside-down Hawaii flags snap in the stiff breeze as the mournful notes of a conch shell are echoed by long blasts from the horns of semi trucks rolling by.

Blankets and sleeping bags are draped over the wildlife fences, drying from the night fog in the bright sun that daylight brings to the clear mountain air.
 
 Friends fall into each others’ arms in hugs and strangers are greeted with a smile and “aloha.” Laughing children run and play, occasionally colliding with adults’ legs. Colorful tents are staked around the camp or attached to cars and pickup trucks parked on the lava along the roadside.




  People chatter, take selfies, meander around the campsite, climb the adjoining Puu Huluhulu (very hairy hill) and cross busy Saddle Road back and forth between the base camp and the roadblock/checkpoint that protesters have installed across Mauna Kea access road.

There’s food everywhere, from hot bentos served in the main tent, to wandering helpers offering fresh coconut, bananas, watermelon. There’s plenty of water, plenty of portable toilets, plenty of sunscreen.  Plenty of the yellow, red and green Kanaka Maoli flags, plenty of aloha.

But it’s not all Woodstockian bliss as a group of more than a thousand Native Hawaiians and their supporters prepare for what seems inevitable conflict over a plan to build a giant telescope on the flank of Mauna Kea.

The Thirty Meter Telescope, an effort by an international consortium, would join 13 other telescopes that have dotted Mauna Kea beginning in the 1970s. The mountain is considered one of the premier sites for stargazing in the world.


Already there have been arrests. Thirty-four kupuna, or elders, were hauled off by police last week after they refused to move from the roadblock.

 Some Native Hawaiians believe the mountain is sacred.

 They’ve fought the permits for the $1.4 billion telescope for a decade, but a state Supreme Court ruling has cleared the way for construction.

   Opponents – who prefer the term “protectors” to “protesters”--have filed new lawsuits and are seeking a temporary restraining order until their new arguments can be heard.


This is no slap-dash undertaking.


There’s a coordinated effort, a clear division of duties. There is a medic tent, marketing and fundraising functions, supply officers, official spokespeople for the cause, legal observers, traffic control, security guards and checkpoint/roadblock officials.


Some security guards’ faces are hidden behind kerchiefs; others wear black ski masks. A car is stopped at a checkpoint. "I don't know you," says a kupuna, standing at the checkpoint with a masked security guard behind him.



A “Kanaka Uber” function shuttles people to and from the Hilo and Koa airports, with a sign posted at the New Arrivals tent. A couple of newcomers reminisce about the old days of protesting with the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Opponents point to a long history of others disrespecting the host culture, beginning with the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893, annexation to the United States, the dividing of Hawaiian Kingdom lands and continuing through the 1959 statehood proclamation.

Missionaries tried to force Hawaiians away from their animistic religious beliefs, the native tongue was forbidden in schools and native cultural and gathering rights were steadily eroded under private land ownership.

Among the public in this social media age, people are taking sides and lines are drawn in the sand.

Polls have shown a majority in the state, even among the Native Hawaiians, support the telescope as a way to advance science and employ islanders who too often have to leave the state to make a living. But few of the supporters are speaking out as tension builds.

The likelihood of compromise wanes with each passing day, as the opponents solidify their position and reinforcements arrive from around the globe. The state has sent more police officers, although only a few were on site Saturday.

Politicians have jumped on the issue, some taking the opponents’ side outright, while others call for a moratorium to allow a cooling off period and give everyone time to Ho'oponopono, the Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness.

On Saturday, a festive atmosphere of community gathering still prevailed. But simmering beneath, there’s a growing tension that everything could change in the coming weeks.