Showing posts with label Pearl Harbor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pearl Harbor. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Green signs 16 human services and education bills, teens arrested for hunting on Oprah's property, ambulance provider gets $112M contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green signs 16 bills, protecting keiki and kupuna. Legislation enacted Monday by Gov. Josh Green also will provide more money for a summer food program for students in low-income households and abolish a salary cap for the state schools superintendent. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii Teachers Say They Want To Prioritize Civic Education — But They Need More Help. Despite major changes to education standards six years ago, not all students are getting the same level of support in developing the skills they need to become active citizens. Civil Beat.

Descendants of plaintiffs in landmark DHHL settlement anxious to receive remaining $100M in payouts. After a landmark settlement over Hawaiian Home Lands, another round of checks could start going out in the next few weeks. This money will be for the descendants of deceased plaintiffs tied to a lawsuit filed 25 years ago. Hawaii News Now.

AMR ambulance provider receives $112M contract to keep operating on Kauai, Maui. The deal requires that every ambulance has a paramedic and EMT onboard. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu


HART board looks to hire PR firm to improve its image
. Some of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board members say it’s time to improve the public image surrounding the nearly $10 billion Skyline project. Star-Advertiser.

At 1, city leaders say, Skyline is a toddler with lots of potential — and some growing up to do. A year after launching the first segment of Skyline, city officials are happy with its performance — even though ridership is covering a tiny fraction of the rail line’s costs. Hawaii News Now.

A new license plate could help restore Pearl Harbor to its natural state
. A new license plate will be coming to the Aloha state after getting the green light from Hawaii’s governor. It will help showcase Hawaii’s beauty and restore a vital harbor with deep historical ties. Hawaii News Now.

Special trash cans installed around Waikiki
. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, along with representatives from the state Department of Parks and Recreation, the Waikiki Business Improvement District and JTB Hawaii Inc., gathered Monday by the Duke Kahanamoku statue to unveil the first three of 26 specialty trash cans set to be installed around Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Democratic Party Picnic Set For Kona On July 4th. The Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party returns to the Old Kona Airport on the 4th of July for its traditional potluck picnic. Big Island Video News.

Planning commissions support proposal for residential beekeeping. A proposal that would allow Big Island beekeepers to work closer to home remains popular among residents and policymakers alike. Tribune-Herald.

28 Acres Of Kohala Farmland Permanently Protected. Hawai‘i Land Trust and Island Harvest say they are protecting the lands through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service program. Big Island Video News.

Maui

DLNR: 2 teens arrested for hunting without license on Oprah’s property. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said enforcement officers stopped the two men after seeing them allegedly use a spotlight for hunting purposes near Thompson and Kamaole roads in Kula, Upcountry Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.  Maui News.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Tsuhako sworn in as new Maui Director of Human Concerns; new County deputies named. Lori Tsuhako was sworn in on Monday as County of Maui Director of Human Concerns, a new department that launched July 1, 2024, Mayor Richard Bissen announced. Maui Now.

In 20-year-old legal battle, state Supreme Court issues ruling in Nā Wai ʻEhā case. A more than two decades-long court battle over water in Central Maui has come to an end with the state Supreme Court calling on the Water Commission to be more proactive in its public trust duties. Civil Beat.

Health care facilities gear up for HECO’s ‘last resort’ power shutoff plan that kicks in today. Major medical facilities on Maui are prepared to flip on their generators or close their clinics should they lose power under Hawaiian Electric Co.’s new plan that kicks in today.  Maui Now.

Therapy On The Beach: Program Targets Youth Mental Health Crisis On Maui With Mobile Counseling. Access, transportation and survivor's guilt all play into the problem of providing kids with the mental health support they need. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Groups discuss disaster preparedness on Kaua‘i.
Talk about disaster response was flavored by recent announcements from within the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i on Wednesday, when the group met at the Kaua‘i Community College Fine Arts Auditorium to hammer out disaster preparedness for food access. Garden Island.

On Kaua‘i, paying homage to the last ‘akikiki in the wild. When a group of men hiked into a remote mountain valley on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i in April, they knew it could be the last time they saw an ‘akikiki in the wild. Kauai Now.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Raise proposed for state schools chief, flags at half staff for Pearl Harbor Day, protected birds nesting in Skyline construction path, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pay raise, expanded evaluation proposed for state schools chief.  Proposals to raise state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi’s annual salary by $10,000 to $250,000, and to expand his annual evaluation criteria to include performance in high-priority areas such as school facilities and Maui emergency response, are scheduled to be considered today by a state Board of Education committee. Star-Advertiser.

House Abruptly Cancels Hearing On Plans To Lapse School Construction Funds. Lawmakers had planned to have a public discussion about the unpopular decision to delay or even scrap an array of public school projects, but then called it off. Civil Beat.

Major takeaways from Gov. Josh Green's 1st year in office address. Gov. Josh Green reflected on his one year in office with a video message released Tuesday, specifically noting the "difficult challenges" the state has faced over the past several months. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Governor orders flags to fly at half-staff today in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. At the direction of the U.S. President Joe Biden, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today at the state Capitol in Honolulu, all state offices and agencies and the Hawaiʻi National Guard in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Kauai Now.

USS Pearl Harbor makes Hawaii pit stop. The USS Pearl Harbor stopped in its namesake port this weekend as it concluded a Pacific deployment — its last for a while as the ship prepares for a round of repairs and upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

‘I owe them’: At 103, Pearl Harbor survivor makes trip to honor comrades lost in Dec. 7 attacks. Pearl Harbor survivor “Ike” Schab is back in Honolulu. The 103-year-old was greeted with applause Sunday as he got off his flight from Portland. Hawaii News Now.

New funding program for commercial farmers to start agroforestry. Commercial farmers have a chance at the gift of a federal grant aimed at building food security with agroforestry practices. The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative and The Nature Conservancy are shepherding the program. Hawaii Public Radio.


Oahu

Federally protected birds are nesting in path of future Skyline rail route. As the rail project moves into the next section of Oahu, a group of bird advocates says it's concerned about white terns, because hundreds of the native Hawaiian birds have nests in urban Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers want habitual bad drivers off the road.
A state lawmaker and City Council chairperson Wednesday urged Oahu motorists to slow down and asked for a renewed focus on getting habitual bad drivers off the road. Star-Advertiser.

Personal lockers on beaches proposed to prevent beach theft
. According to tourism officials, the Waikiki Safe and Sound Campaign from September 2022 dramatically lowered rates of property and violent crimes. KHON2.

Home sale volume down, prices mixed on Oahu in November.
Oahu’s housing market experienced relatively small and mostly negative changes in sales and prices of previously owned homes last month. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae town hall provides updates on game rooms, crimes. At a public meeting Tuesday on crime on Oahu’s West Side, officials provided updates on ongoing efforts related to illegal game rooms and crime prevention at public parks and in schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council approves hiring outside counsel for defense against civil lawsuit claiming Clean Water Act. The Hawai‘i County Council approved hiring outside counsel to defend the County in a civil lawsuit filed by a local nonprofit that accuses the County of violating federal laws by discharging treated sewage into waters around Honokōhau Bay through groundwater. Big Island Now.

Kia’s rezoing request rejected: Millie’s Deli, New Saigon won’t be replaced by auto dealership. After impassioned support from community members, a pair of Keaukaha restaurants have been spared eviction and won’t be replaced by a car dealership in two years. Tribune-Herald.

HPD detective pleads not guilty.  A Hawaii Police Department detective accused of lying to a Hilo grand jury in March pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of perjury and tampering with a government record. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Blessing marks construction of new Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia affordable housing and Bezos Academy preschool. An estimated 200 affordable rentals are under construction in Lahaina as part of the Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia project, which includes Hawaiʻi’s very first Bezos Academy preschool.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Housing project’s timing depends on Lahaina recovery. The timing of construction for the next phase of the Villages of Leiali’i subdivision mauka of the Lahaina Civic Center “will follow recovery of the project’s surrounding area” impacted by the fires, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands said in a report last month. Maui News.

Army Corps of Engineers making progress on temporary elementary school in Lahaina. The US Army Corps of Engineers is making progress on the project to design and install modular buildings for a temporary elementary school in Lahaina, which will fill the void created by the loss of King Kamehameha III Elementary that was destroyed in the Aug. 8 fire. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Weak Biosecurity Is Threatening Maui’s Recovery Efforts. The work requires a ton of compost and mulch. But without a local composting facility, that will have to be shipped in — a gateway for invasive species. Civil Beat.

FEMA invites Maui property owners to Direct Lease informational event. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is inviting short-term rental property owners to its Direct Lease Industry Day this Friday.  Star-Advertiser.

Parcel on Honokohau Bay purchased. Na Mamo Aloha ‘Aina o Honokohau, a Honokohau-based nonprofit organization, in partnership with the County of Maui and Hawai’i Land Trust has completed the purchase of 1.447 acres on Honokohau Bay in Kaanapali.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i rancher accused of cattle theft. A cattle company owned by a billionaire Idaho businessman is suing a former Kaua‘i ranch employee for allegedly stealing nearly 200 cows and having them slaughtered without authorization. Garden Island.

Friday, June 30, 2023

Hawaii leaders decry affirmative action ruling, DOE wasted millions on solar AC, Honolulu Skyline rail opens today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii leaders blast ruling against affirmative action. Three Hawaii congressional delegation members assailed the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday that struck down affirmative action policies at two major American colleges, with Sen. Mazie Hirono blasting the ruling as “shortsighted and detached from reality.” Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Investigation finds DOE wasted millions on solar-powered AC systems. A Hawaii News Now investigation has found that the state Department of Education wasted millions of dollars on solar-powered air conditioning systems that either had to be disconnected or aren’t doing an adequate job of cooling classrooms. During the past six years, the DOE has installed solar-powered AC systems in 880 classrooms at a cost of $122 million — or more than $138,000 per classroom. Hawaii News Now.

Governor to veto pilot program overseeing where public art can be showcased. A pilot program that would have allowed publicly-owned art to be showcased in private spaces is slated for veto by Gov. Josh Green. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii visitor arrivals recover to 94.6% of pre-pandemic levels. Some 801,569 visitors came to the Hawaiian islands in May, according to preliminary visitor statistics released today by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. May arrivals represented an increase of 3.2% from arrivals in May 2022.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s domestic arrivals soften as demand subsides.  The wild exuberance and pent-up demand for tourism that turned 2022 into the peak year for U.S. arrivals to the state has softened. Star-Advertiser.

Prominent Native Hawaiian Defense Contractor Is Part Of New Federal Criminal Probe. Federal authorities executed a search warrant earlier this week at the Honolulu offices of Dawson, a conglomerate of Native Hawaiian-owned companies that receive tens of millions of dollars in government contracts, mostly from the Department of Defense.  Civil Beat.

In symbolic move, Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima sign historic sister park agreement. It’s a historic agreement between two places that were devastated by World War II some eight decades ago — forever connected through pain and healing through reconciliation and cooperation. Hawaii News Now.

11 new COVID-related deaths, 535 new infections recorded in Hawaii, DOH reports. The Hawaii State Department of Health  reported 11 new deaths related to COVID-19 and 535 new infections over the last seven days in Hawaii. The total number of deaths stands at 1,938. KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu rail officials worry about ‘being overwhelmed’ by crowds as system opens.
Honolulu rail leaders are bracing for large crowds as Skyline opens Friday at 2 p.m., with free rides through July 4. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Liquor Commissioners Commit To Improving Agency’s Outdated Systems And Poor Morale
. Some Honolulu businesses have received more than one inspection a month and others none at all, the commission heard. Civil Beat.

Waiahole Valley lease arbitration deadline extended
. Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that Waiahole Valley residents with state land leases for house lots will have two additional weeks to avert arbitration over rent increases. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

BWS detects low levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Pearl City Shaft.   The Board of Water Supply has detected low levels of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the Pearl City Shaft, officials said Wednesday. The Pearl City Shaft serves an area that spans from Lehua Community Park to Pearl City District Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Report takes deep dive into housing in Hawaii. While Hawaii residents face the highest housing costs in the nation, the Big Island is described as “an outlier in terms of home prices.” Tribune-Herald.

Phase One Of Waipiʻo Valley Road Rockfall Mitigation Completed.  The Hawaiʻi County Public Works Engineering Division on Thursday announced the completion of the rockfall mitigation work, which covered 750 feet down the slope of the Waipiʻo Valley Road. Big Island Video News.

July public meeting scheduled for the Four Mile Creek Bridge.  The bridge, located at the south end of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, carries hundreds of vehicles per day traveling to and from Highway 11.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report: Maui hotels saw fewer visitors, less revenue in May.  Last month, the county’s occupancy rate was 63.3 percent, down 4.1 percentage points versus 2022 when occupancy was at 67.4 percent, and down 12.9 percentage points versus pre-pandemic May 2019, when occupancy was at 76.3 percent, according to the Hawai’i Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority last week.  Maui News.

Trace levels of herbicide found at Haleakala water system. The Hawaii Department of Health said it recently detected low levels of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid during routine sampling at the Haleakala National Park drinking water system. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

July 3 is deadline for ag dedication petitions. The county Department of Finance Real Property Assessment office reminds the public that the deadline for filing new Agricultural Dedication Petitions is July 1. However, because July 1 falls on a weekend, applicants will be able to submit their petitions on or before July 3, 2023, to be considered for the upcoming 2024 assessment. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i to get dedicated kupuna watchdog.  After nearly 50 years, Hawai‘i’s long-term care ombudsman program will finally deploy full-time staff to the neighbor islands, a move that officials hope will aid significantly in the state’s attempts to combat elder abuse. Garden Island.

 

Monday, March 13, 2023

Hawaii Convention Center is leaking, Pearl Harbor to get $2.8B dry dock, Legislature passes session midpoint, bankruptcy shuts down Hawaiian Isles coffee, water company, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaii Convention Center says a major rooftop leak problem threatens to cause structural damage to the $350 million complex. So far, the leaks haven’t led to cancellations. But the center’s manager said it has forced the venue to move events to other rooms. Hawaii News Now.

Debt shuts down Hawaiian Isles water, coffee companies. Two familiar brands in the islands — Hawaiian Isles Water Co. and Hawaiian Isles Coffee Co. — have shut down under a pile of debt and in the wake of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, according to the companies’ attorney. Star-Advertiser.

Navy awards $2.8 billion contract for Pearl Harbor dock replacement. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific awarded a $2.8 billion task order Friday under a previously awarded contract to Honolulu-based joint venture Dragados/ Hawaiian Dredging/Orion JV to replace Dry Dock 3 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Star-Advertiser.

Public Utilities Commission tackles energy equity with new docket. A new docket seeks to define energy equity and integrate energy justice practices into the commission's proceedings.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Almost 1,000 bills advance at Hawaii Legislature.  Tax relief for residents and an environmental impact fee for visitors are among nearly 1,000 proposals in bills that have advanced through the midpoint of this year’s legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers consider bills to increase funding for at-home caregivers. Hawaii lawmakers are considering bills that would provide support and pay those who care for sick or aging family members. Experts said at-home caregivers save the state millions if not billions of dollars by taking care of their loved ones. KITV4.

Commentary: Plenty Of Legislators Support Term Limits. So Why Won't They Let The Public Vote On Them? Civil Beat surveyed many of Hawaii's 76 lawmakers or researched their positions on term limits. Here's what we found. Civil Beat.

Nowhere To Go: Lack Of Housing And Staff Is Undercutting Efforts To Deal With Homelessness In Hawaii. Homeless people face a number of barriers to getting the help, including a dearth of available housing and a safety net system that isn't always designed to meet their needs. Civil Beat.

Here’s What Hawaii Can Learn From Other States About Universal Preschool. The Ready Keiki initiative is a mixed-delivery system that aims to create more than 465 classrooms, increase subsidies for lower-income families and collaborate with universities to update their teaching curriculum by having a dedicated preschool school degree. Civil Beat.

Hawaii jobless rates higher than reported.  Upward revisions undertaken by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics boosted the rates for the last four months of 2022, including increasing December’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate by a half-percentage point, to 3.7% from 3.2%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council begins overhaul of land use ordinance.
Overhauling and updating the city’s more than 30-year-old land use ordinance — a guiding planning document used for orderly development on Oahu — has begun. Star-Advertiser.

Defense contract to study nonfuel uses for Red Hill. Two local companies, CommPac and SMS Hawaii, will be assisting defense contractor Nakupuna Cos. in conducting public outreach and soliciting community ideas about alternative uses for the Navy’s Red Hill facility once its closed for fueling operations. Star-Advertiser.

Big Pay Hikes On The Horizon For City Leaders. The increases arise amid a wider conversation about how to hire and retain workers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police officers are one step closer to getting a schedule change. The police union has agreed to a a three-day-a-week, 12-hour patrol shift to address staffing shortages in patrol divisions. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu plans expansion of homeless housing and outreach. The city expects to announce two new tiny-home kauhale locations this year with a third to follow as Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration continues to look at ways to reduce homelessness while keeping struggling families from becoming homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Historic land sells for $36.5M on Oʻahu's North Shore. The historic Dillingham Ranch on Oʻahu’s North Shore was just acquired by an undisclosed buyer for $36.5 million. The sale closed March 1.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Watchdog Cites ‘Inhumane Conditions’ And Security Lapse At Oahu Jail. The correctional oversight commission observed gates left open and continued problems with the electronic medical records system at the Oahu jail. Civil Beat.

Miske Case: Judge To Decide If Defense Attorney’s Removal Should Stand. Thomas Otake has been at least temporarily terminated over alleged conflicts of interest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Police Shoot And Kill Man In Kailua-Kona. Officers shot and killed a man Friday in the course of investigating a shooting from earlier in the week, according to a press release from Hawaii police. There is no body camera footage of the incident because the plainclothes vice detectives involved do not wear cameras, the department said. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Hawaii News Now.

Mediation urged to curb evictions: State legislation aims to help prevent homelessness. A bill seeking to establish prelitigation mediation in eviction cases has passed the state House and has received committee referrals in the Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Lofty solid waste goal set: County Council resolution supports trash-conversion facility.  Hawaii County has set a goal to process and recycle all solid waste on the Big Island in only three years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Housing project gets quick boost from County Council. Change in land use is final hurdle for 202-unit Kuikahi Village. Maui News.

Bissen directors cross final hurdle. The Maui County Council on Friday approved all 12 of Mayor Richard Bissen Jr.’s department head appointments. Maui News.

Two council members to step back from rental housing discussion. Both Tasha Kama and Gabe Johnson had been board members of MEO, landowner of the project site. Maui News.

Amendment needed for overnight camping on ag land, high court rules. The state Land Use Commission prevailed Friday in a Hawaii Supreme Court case regarding a special permit for overnight camping on prime agricultural land. Star-Advertiser.

Maui physicians back bill to lessen their tax burden. Bill would exempt medical providers from GET for treating some patients. Maui News.

Maui’s Kulanihakoi High School is empty and stuck in bureaucratic limbo.  Government  and community leaders continue to argue about how to get past more than a decade of bureaucratic missteps that have left Kihei with a long-delayed high school that has cost taxpayers $180 million so far but can’t be used, including a $16 million traffic roundabout that failed to meet the state Land Use Commission’s pedestrian-safety requirements to open the school. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai


Passenger count eases at Lihu‘e Airport in February. For the first time in months, the number of people getting off domestic flights at Lihu‘e Airport was lower than the same comparable period a year earlier. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i COVID-19 update: “Kraken” subvariant in the wastewater. The state Department of Health reported a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases last week, with only 34 new cases reported on Kaua‘i between Feb. 28 and March 6. Garden Island.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Hawaii reflects on 81st anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack, COVID cases up, mayor asks for respect for Native Hawaii rituals during Mauna Loa eruption, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thousands gathered Wednesday to mark another year since the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and honor all those who sacrificed their lives. At the same time, many celebrated the future that came after — when once bitter enemies became loyal friends and allies. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press. Maui Now.

Defense bill seeks to protect, restore threatened reefs. With climate change threatening the health of coral reefs around the world, Hawaii’s congressional delegation on Wednesday scored apparent victories on behalf of America’s coral reefs in two separate measures that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense bill expected to pass before the end of the session. Star-Advertiser.

Closures Of Red Hill, Shark Fin Ban And Volcano Monitoring Included In Defense Bill. Congress has come to terms on an annual defense budget that sets spending for the U.S. military at $858 million for 2023. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Tourism Authority weighs marketing contract options. Board members of the Hawaii Tourism Authority want authoritative advice on options they may have to deal with the head of another state agency rescinding a multimillion-dollar tourism marketing contract HTA awarded in June. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii daily average COVID cases up after Thanksgiving. On Wednesday the state Department of Health reported a daily average of 182 COVID-19 cases — a jump from 137 reported Nov. 30. The state’s average positivity rate inched up to 6.5% compared with 6.3% the previous week.  Star-Advertiser.

7 new COVID-related deaths, 1,371 new infections recorded in Hawaii, DOH reports.  The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) reported 7 new deaths related to COVID-19 and 1,371 new infections over the last seven days in Hawaii. The total number of deaths stands at 1,744. KITV4.

Amid spike in respiratory illnesses, some Hawaii shelves run low on cold medicines.
Some Hawaii drug stores are running low on cold medicines and children’s painkillers ― a nationwide trend as demand increases along with respiratory viruses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu building permit delays might lead to refund.  Honolulu residents whose building permit applications are not approved within a year would receive a 75% refund under a bill that passed first reading Wednesday during the last City Council meeting of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Police Commission Moves To Speed Up Hiring Process Next Time New Chief Needed. In an effort to reduce the hiring time when searching for a new police chief, the Honolulu Police Commission is reviewing the city’s procurement process to see if potential bidders for recruitment services could be approved in advance. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Mid-Pacific virtual academy plans $750K expansion.  A Mid-Pacific Institute academy that encourages private and public school students to take classes and collaborate online from anywhere in the world is planning to undertake a $750,000 expansion, thanks to a major grant. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Mitch Roth asks for respect from visitors of Maunaloa. The Maunaloa eruption has made Hawaiʻi a global celebrity once again, but Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Mitch Roth says some people are being disrespectful of the lava flow. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Short-term rentals in agriculture districts again an issue.  The Board of Appeals is scheduled Friday to consider a case brought by neighbors of a five-acre parcel in Captain Cook dubbed “Konania Villas,” that is advertised on vacation rental sites as three two-bedroom, two-bath interconnected villas with a shared courtyard, pool and patio in a “fruit orchard retreat.” West Hawaii Today.

‘A Huge Mess’: Hawaii County Cracks Down On Hu Honua Permit Violations.
The Department of Public Works has issued a violation notice to the biomass energy plant, but the company’s president says everything’s in order and will be sorted out soon. Civil Beat.

Kahele Wants Federal Probe Of Lobbying Efforts For DHHL Lease Extension
. Among the lobbyists representing the Prince Kuhio Plaza is Andy Winer, a recent political rival of the Hawaii congressman and former chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Civil Beat.

Former Hilo Jail Guard Sentenced To 8 Years For Assaulting Inmate. Another jail guard was previously sentenced to 12 years in prison while two others are scheduled for sentencing in January. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Youth Council to transmit 2022 final Youth Legislative Package. Resolutions adopted by a majority vote of the Maui County Youth Council of 2022 at its final meeting held earlier this month, will be compiled into the “Youth Legislative Package of 2022.” This will be transmitted via county communication to the Maui County Council at its Dec. 16 meeting. Maui Now.

MVCB partners with Raw Elements to provide mineral sunscreen dispensers in Maui County. The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau has partnered with Raw Elements to provide 20 mineral-only sunscreen dispensers at high traffic beaches in Maui County.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i lawmakers on anti-corruption proposals: Transparency and term limits.  The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, headed by retired Judge Dan Foley, released more than 30 proposals last week intended to increase transparency, strengthen investigation of fraud, improve ethical awareness and oversight and reduce the power of money in politics. Garden Island.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Tourism marketing contract rescinded, Pearl Harbor attack remembered, Mauna Loa lava flow near military area raises concerns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lucrative Hawaii tourism marketing contract rescinded again. Mike McCartney, whose term heading the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism ended at noon Monday, said in two letters that his decision is “final and binding” and that he is confident the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency that solicited bids and awarded the contract, will solicit new bids that split the desired work in two pieces. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

81 years since Pearl Harbor attack, thousands to remember the ‘everlasting legacy’.  Thousands will gather Wednesday to mark another year since the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and honor all those who sacrificed their lives. At the same time, many will celebrate the future that came after — when once bitter enemies became loyal friends and allies. Hawaii News Now.

Stemming the tide of corruption: Commission submits 31 proposals for change. A commission created to recommend ways to stem the tide of corruption in Hawaii state and local government has released an ambitious agenda that includes 31 proposals for the 2023 Legislature that convenes next month. West Hawaii Today.

More Hawaii households in poverty, report finds. 
An Aloha United Way report, based on a 2022 statewide survey, found that while 9% of Hawaii households were below the federal poverty line in 2019, that percentage ballooned to 15% in 2022. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii government workers can switch insurance providers.  State and county government workers can now switch out their Kaiser Permanente health insurance for a Hawaii Medical Service Association plan — with no questions asked — if they are struggling to access behavioral health services due to a prolonged strike of Kaiser’s mental health clinicians that has entered its fourth month. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Permit Applicants May Get Refunds If Approval Takes Too Long. Currently, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting can cancel permit applications that have been in its system for 365 days, and the applicant forfeits their entire plan review fee. Civil Beat.

City to end free COVID-19 testing program on Oahu.  The City and County of Honolulu announced today that it will cease its free COVID-19 testing operations at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and other sites after Dec. 30. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Military refuses to release video of toxic spill at Red Hill, sowing new suspicion and concern. The state Health Department is demanding that the military release video of the latest spill at the Red Hill fuel facility. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu home sales plunge amid rising interest rates. Sales of single-family homes nose-dived 48.2% in November to 192 from 371 in the year-earlier period while condominium sales tumbled 43.4% to 340 from 601, according to data released Tuesday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa’s New ‘Ad Hoc Mayor’ Has The Vision And The Power To Help His Hometown. Wahiawa, once a global agricultural center and now a down-on-its-heels urban hub in the middle of Oahu, has an important benefactor: Hawaii Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, the often controversial chairman of the state’s powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Commission names final four for Big Island police chief. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Tuesday revealed the four finalists to succeed Paul Ferreira, who retired Aug. 31 as the county’s police chief. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

New Hawaiʻi County Council sworn in Monday.  The nine members of the new Hawai‘i County Council — all chosen by their communities to make the Big Island better — were sworn in Monday during the Hawai‘i County Inaugural Ceremony at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.  Big Island Now.

Mauna Loa lava flow edges closer to Saddle Road. Lava from the Mauna Loa eruption closed the distance to Daniel K. Inouye Highway to just 1.5 miles, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Tuesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Pohakuloa Training Area munitions raise concerns as Mauna Loa lava creeps closer.  A day after an unexploded training ordinance was found on Old Saddle Road by a civilian visitor, the press peppered county and military officials with questions about what other possible munitions remain on the terrain of the training area. KITV4.

‘We feel so lucky’: Crowds flock to Maunakea VIS to see Mauna Loa eruption. Thousands of residents and tourists braved the cold and the possibility of altitude sickness last weekend to see one of the best views of the Mauna Loa eruption — from its sister volcano, Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Access and air quality are top of mind for Hilo High during Maunaloa eruption.  Public schools on Hawaiʻi Island remain open despite the Maunaloa eruption. While there is a degree of excitement among some teachers and students — there’s also a level of anxiety. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Whale spotted off Maui with “blunt force injuries” likely caused by a vessel strike. A whale in distress, spotted in West Maui waters last week, suffered from blunt force injuries, likely caused by a vessel strike either on its migration to Hawaiʻi or while in feeding grounds, according to the Pacific Whale Foundation.  Maui Now. KHON2.

Input sought on mosquito suppression efforts to address impacts of avian malaria on Maui.
Haleakalā National Park is seeking public input on an environmental assessment for the “Suppression of Non-native Mosquito Populations to Address the Impacts of Avian Malaria on Threatened and Endangered Forest Birds on Maui.”  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

DHHL plan includes 190 lots on Kaua‘i.  The final draft of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plan to spend a historic $600 million allocation indicates it will fund the development of 190 lots on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Liquor investigators checking Kaua‘i businesses.  Department of Liquor Control investigators will be conducting compliance checks at Kaua‘i businesses this holiday season. Investigators will also work directly with business owners to identify minors using false identification to buy alcohol, the County of Kaua‘i announced Tuesday. Kauai Now. Garden Island.
 

Friday, June 10, 2022

Election officials plan for in-person voting option, Pearl Harbor gates closed after explosives scare, monkeypox now community spread, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii polling place in 2014 ©2022 All Hawaii News
Plans are underway to prevent delays at Hawaii voting sites. State and county election officials are working to prevent a repeat of the November 2020 general election, which saw every in-person voting site overwhelmed despite Hawaii’s otherwise successful first attempt at mail-in ballots. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB: Pilots At Fault For Fatal Hawaii Air Tour Crashes, But So Is FAA. The National Transportation Safety Board analysts are raising concerns about small plane and helicopter pilots taking greater risks when they encounter bad weather. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i’s Home Insurance Premiums Are Lowest in Nation. Hawaiʻi has the lowest home insurance premiums in the United States, according to several national websites. But those rates have risen in recent years – and not because of skyrocketing home prices. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Third probable case of monkeypox identified in Hawaii. The state Department of Health has identified a third probable case of monkeypox in Hawaii, and because the patient has no travel history connected to the disease, officials said it is likely spreading locally. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Security incident shuts Pearl Harbor gate for nearly 2 hours. A Pearl Harbor gate was closed for nearly two hours on Thursday after a military working dog smelled something suspicious during a routine inspection of a civilian contractor's vehicle. Associated Press.

‘Glamping’ business scrutinized for luxurious setup just yards from homeless Waimanalo families. The business, Glamping Hawaii, specializes in glamorous camping services. They’re now under investigation by the city for illegally operating in a county beach park — a violation of the newly enacted law banning commercial activities at beaches from Makapuu to Bellows. Hawaii News Now.

Pilot Program seeks to rehab houseless arrestees in Chinatown.
The rehabilitation program is called SUDA-fast, which stands for Substance Use Disorder Assessment, fast. KITV4.

Grand jury to consider criminal charges against officers involved in near-fatal Makaha crash.
An Oahu grand jury will consider criminal charges against several HPD officers who allegedly took part in an illegal chase in Makaha last September. The incident left a teenager paralyzed and a driver with serious brain injuries, said officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Land Board Approves Milolii Community-Based Subsistence Fishery. The new rules call for size and bag limits for specific fish species, seasonal and gear restrictions, and no commercial aquarium fishing. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Feds to investigate Big Island tour helicopter crash. A Bell 407 helicopter occupied by six people — five passengers and a pilot — crashed in a remote lava field between the Ranchos subdivision and South Point Road at about 5:29 p.m., the Hawaii County Fire Department said. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. West Hawaii Today.

Mainland News Outlets, Facebook Posts ID Some Victims of South Point Helicopter Crash. According to an article from The Chattanoongan in Chattanooga, Tenn., a Chattanooga auto dealer and two family members were among the six people aboard the Paradise Helicopters Bell 407 helicopter, operated by K&S Helicopters, when it crashed Wednesday. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Maui

Analysts: Even with an incumbent, there’s no clear frontrunner in Maui mayoral race. Current Mayor Michael Victorino is facing three high-profile challengers and four lesser-known candidates. Hawaii News Now.

Another Prisoner Dies By Suicide At The Maui Jail.
Staff at Maui Community Correctional Center say it’s the fifth suicide at the jail in less than five years. Civil Beat.

Man cited for illegal structure and storing personal belongings at Maunalua Bay. State officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources say the man had allegedly cited lineage to various Polynesian monarchies, and yelled at and argued with Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers claiming, because of his heritage, he was not subject to the laws or rules of the State. Maui Now.

Sen. DeCoite announces resources for Maui County residents facing axis deer issues.  In collaboration with State and County agencies, Senator Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe) is working to provide the public with information and resources on who to contact regarding axis deer issues. Maui Now.

Kauai

Wailua River Bridge work to begin. The $55.7 million project will get underway in July and should wrap up by the end of 2024. Most funding, $44.6 million, will come from the federal government, while $11.2 million will come from the state. Garden Island.

Kauai Residents Unload About Overtourism At DOT Meeting. State transportation officials had a hard time winning over the north shore residents despite proposals for eight projects. Civil Beat.

PMRF holds Change of Command Ceremony. When U.S. Navy Capt. Brett Stevenson walked onto the stage at the Pacific Missile Range Facility aircraft hangar Thursday morning, he was in charge of a military school in Nevada. When he left the stage, he was PMRF’s commanding officer. Garden Island.


Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Interment, ceremonies mark somber 80th Pearl Harbor anniversary, Senate confirms Clare Connors as U.S. attorney, power struggle looms over Red Hill fuel tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: U.S. Pacific Fleet
Pearl Harbor National Memorial, in partnership with Navy Region Hawaii, is conducting the 45th interment of a USS Arizona (BB-39) survivor, Lt. Harvey Milhorn, who was a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class aboard the battleship on Dec. 7, 1941. PC: U.S. Pacific Fleet

80th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day more somber than usual as fewer survivors return. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Confirms Connors To Serve As US Attorney For Hawaii.
Claire Connors, who served under Gov. David Ige as Hawaii attorney general, on Tuesday was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. attorney for Hawaii. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

House Panel’s Rare And Controversial Investigation Of Audits Drawing To A Close. Members say their work will improve the Agribusiness Development Corp. and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. But few specific proposals have emerged. Civil Beat.

Will the omicron variant cause Hawaii to tighten COVID-19 restrictions? Gov. Ige responds. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 55 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 88,440. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 28 new cases on Oahu, seven on Hawaii Island, three on Maui, 13 on Kauai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy says it will contest state’s order demanding suspension of Red Hill fuel operations
. A contested case hearing on the order, scheduled for 1 p.m. today, was postponed, however, because the Navy has requested a continuance, according to Kaitlin Arita-Chang, a DOH spokeswoman. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Navy’s Opposition To Governor’s Red Hill Order Raises Question Of State Versus Federal Power. The Department of Health’s director declined to say whether the state is willing to get into a legal fight with the Navy over Gov. Ige’s order to stop operating tanks suspected of contaminating drinking water. Civil Beat.

City Council launches new Red Hill legislation, but Navy’s successful lobbying looms.
The Honolulu City Council is weighing in on the growing Navy water crisis. It wants to regulate the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, which leaked 14,000 gallons of fuel on November 20th before the Navy’s Red Hill Well was contaminated around Nov. 28. KHON2.

HART Agrees To Install Equipment To Mitigate Electricity Issues. The trains may cause voltage swings as they leave the stations, so HART has agreed to install equipment to stabilize the power. Civil Beat.

Heavy rain brought widespread damage, outages across Oahu. Oahu began drying out Tuesday from an extreme winter storm that included record-setting rainfall and winds that struck neighborhoods across the island Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Electric said it expects to restore power to about 70% of its customers in downtown Honolulu tonight. The company says repairs to the second of three transformers at the Iwilei substation were completed sooner than anticipated bringing back power to about a dozen office buildings. KITV4.

Honolulu Marathon organizers and runners are ready to go. Rain or shine, the Honolulu Marathon is on at 5 a.m. sharp Sunday with no capacity limits. Star-Advertiser.

New Year’s fireworks return to Waikiki. After canceling last year due to the pandemic, the Waikiki Improvement Association announced its Waikiki New Year’s Eve fireworks show will be back this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hele-On could become free: Council members impressed with Mass Transit update. The countywide Hele-On bus system could become free of charge next year, interim Mass Transit Administrator John Andoh told County Council members Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Puna sees rise in property crimes. According to statistics from the Hawaii Police Department, there were 45 reports of auto thefts and 32 reports of unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle in November in Puna. That compares to 21 reports of a stolen vehicle and 17 reports of vehicle break-ins in Puna in September, two months earlier. Tribune-Herald.

Surfer Suffers Injuries After Shark Encounter at Banyans. According to Hawaiʻi Fire Department, a 38-year-old man surfing at Banyans Beach Park on Saturday, Dec. 4, was bitten in the left arm and shoulder. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Power Restoration Continues for Some 1,500 Customers on Maui. As of 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, Hawaiian Electric crews are responding to a new outage affecting Pukalani to East Maui and parts of Makawao and Haʻikū in addition to the existing outages in parts of Kula, Wailuku, and Lahaina. Maui Now.

Health inspectors close Lahaina Sports Bar on Maui again due to cockroach infestation. The food establishment operated by Lahaina Cafe LLC at 843 Wainee St. first received a red placard, closing it down last Thursday health officials said, and must remain closed until all violations are resolved and cleared by a follow-up inspection. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tour companies lose permits for Saturday tours on Wailua River. Starting this month, kayak-tour operators and rental companies are no longer allowed to operate tours on the Wailua River on Saturdays. With Sundays already restricted, this limits guided tours to weekdays moving forward. Garden Island.

Dead sperm whale still off North Shore beach. The deceased sperm whale caught on a North Shore reef is rapidly decomposing, one week after state and federal agencies reported its appearance. DLNR, NOAA and stranding-response partners have decided to allow natural decomposition, which has been assisted by heavy surf conditions, to continue in place. Garden Island.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

State orders Navy to pause Red Hill operations, state commemorates 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor bombing, rain soaks the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday tour the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Dec. 6, 2021. PC:Office of the Secretary of the Navy

State orders Navy to suspend operations at Red Hill, de-fuel underground tanks. In a significant move Monday night, the governor ordered the Navy to empty its Red Hill underground fuel storage tanks amid an investigation into tainted drinking water. Petroleum has been found in the Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system’s Red Hill well. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

It Could Cost Billions For The Navy To Move Red Hill Fuel. A 2018 study found that building a new jet fuel facility to replace the aging tanks at Red Hill could cost as much as $10 billion and could take until 2051. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Military Families Move Into Hotels Amid Red Hill Water Crisis. The hotel industry is once again providing emergency shelter, this time for families who need clean water. Civil Beat.

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Survivors, WWII veterans to commemorate 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. At least 30 survivors, and more than 120 World War II veterans, will be attending the 80th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

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Storm brings over 14 inches of rain to some spots, and still counting. The strong Kona low northwest of Hawaii has brought downpours that dumped over 14 inches of rain on Hawaii Island and nearly 13 inches on Maui in 48 hours. Hawaii News Now.

Storm sweeps across Hawaiʻi, brings threat of ‘catastrophic’ floods.
A strong storm packing high winds and extremely heavy rain flooded roads and knocked out power across Hawaiʻi, with officials warning Monday of potentially worse conditions ahead. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Recruitment Closes Quickly for 46 In-Demand Conservation Officer Jobs. About 36-hours after the official application period opened for 46 conservation officer positions, department officials closed recruitment, quickly fulfilling application limits. Maui Now.

Hawaii health officials find 2 more omicron infections; investigate 8 additional possible cases. State health officials report two additional confirmed omicron variant COVID-19 cases and several possible points of exposure, urging NY anime convention goers and Waipahu church members to get tested. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaii reports 90 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 88,385. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 45 new cases on Oahu, 13 each on Maui and Kauai, 12 on Hawaii Island, and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu under emergency proclamation as power outages, flooding reported across Oahu. Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed an emergency proclamation for the City and County of Honolulu Monday night as Oahu experienced hours of heavy rains, strong winds and flooding from a Kona Low that produced a Flash Flood Warning Monday afternoon. KHON2.

The median price of a single-family home on Oahu jumps to $1,050,000 from $872,500. Oahu real estate prices in November matched all-time highs as properties spent little time on the market before being scooped up by hungry buyers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit Alleges Honolulu Police Shot, Killed Man With No Justification
. Dana Brown’s family is suing the City and County of Honolulu for wrongful death after he was shot and killed by HPD in 2019. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

‘Kona low’ blasts Big Isle. Hawaii County Civil Defense said it will begin damage assessments today after a winter weather system known as a “Kona low” generated high winds and torrential downpours in parts of the Big Island over the weekend and Monday. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution urges pursuit of Metropolitan Planning Organization.
A resolution that will be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the County Council urges the county to assess the feasibility of establishing a Metropolitan Planning Organization. Tribune-Herald.

Supreme Court remands Bolton rock-crushing case
: Court cites ‘abuse of discretion’ by 2016 planning director. The Hawaii Supreme Court has sent a 2016 permit controversy over a North Kona rock-crushing operation back to the Leeward Planning Commission, saying the county erred when it didn’t allow an intervenor to participate in the process. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ex-Maui police officer convicted of federal crimes arrested again in child sex sting. Brandon Saffeels was arrested Saturday night during Operation Keiki Shield — a joint operation by county, state and federal agencies to track down child predators. Last month, Saffeels was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to honest services fraud, he admitted to soliciting sex from a woman he arrested for DUI in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Flooded roads, cars stuck in mud
: On Maui, strong system leaves behind a big mess. The storm knocked out power in many parts of the Valley Isle, including Kahului Airport on Sunday night, and service still has not been restored to thousands of customers. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kekaulike Avenue in Kula Remains Closed Due to Storm Impacts. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announces that Kekaulike Avenue between Mile 8 (vicinity of Maui Wedding Flowers) and Alae Road will remain closed until further notice. Maui Now.

Lanai tour and service program could start in May. A one-day tour to Lanai will be launched possibly in May for visitors to learn more about the cultural, historical and ecological aspects of the island and volunteer in a service activity before they leave. The program is one of the initiatives that have come out of the Destination Management Action Plan for Lanai. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Kona low’ rains down on Kaua‘i. The heavy rain that lashed most of Kaua‘i throughout Monday was the precursor to moist and unstable conditions expected to last through Tuesday. Garden Island.

Voter service center opens, ballots coming in for Kaua‘i special election. About 17% of registered Kaua‘i voters have already returned their ballots for the Prosecuting Attorney Special Primary Election. Garden Island.