Hawaii mulls restaurant food cards for jobless, class action lawsuit seeks faster unemployment checks, investigators find no motive in Pearl Harbor mass shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana food court pre-pandemic ©2020 All Hawaii News

New Program: Hawaii’s Unemployed Could Eat For Free At Local Restaurants. The Ige administration has tentatively budgeted $66.6 million in federal stimulus funds to help the jobless and local restaurants at the same time. Civil Beat.

Class-Action Suit Seeks Prompt Payments For Hawaii’s Jobless. The lawsuit asks the Hawaii Supreme Court to push for swifter state action on thousands of unemployment claims. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Saiki: Gov. Ige needs to increase availability for the press. There’s growing calls for the Governor to increase his public communication and availability to the media. Hawaii News Now.

Can Hawaii Republicans Gain Ground In The Senate This Year? Republicans are looking to recapture one Senate seat and hold on to another in the Nov. 3 general election, which could mark the first time in a decade that the GOP has held more than a single seat in the 25-member chamber. Civil Beat.

Pandemic Exacerbating Hawaii’s Housing Affordability Problem. Low interest rates, combined with changing social and professional norms, are driving demand for homes, and prices, upward. Hawaii Public Radio.

UHERO forecasts state’s economic future. Hawai‘i’s economic forecast continues to look grimmer as the pandemic persists, and one forecast compares two different projections. Garden Island.

Tourist promotion stresses values of community and safety. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, has created urgency to get the public safety messaging right while making sure not to discourage visitors from coming to Hawaii. Also, top of mind, is reassuring residents that tourism is good for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor arrivals down 69% for 1st 8 months of 2020; nearly 98% drop in August. Only 22,344 visitors flew into Hawaii in August, a nearly 98% monthly drop in arrivals that widened year-to-date losses to 69% for the first eight months of this year. Star-Advertiser.

The COVID-19 pandemic considerably impacted visitor arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands in August 2020. Visitor arrivals dropped 97.6% compared to a year ago, according to preliminary statistics released by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Tourism Research Division. Big Island Now.

LG Josh Green: Updated COVID-19 data supports case for opening interisland travel on Oct 15. Each mayor will decide terms for lifting interisland travel quarantine for their county. Green believes limited testing can be available for interisland travelers. KITV4.

Hawaii Has A Plan To Restart Tourism Safely. Will It Work? The state’s pre-travel testing program is set to launch next month, but other destinations with similar programs have struggled to keep COVID-19 cases from spiking. Civil Beat.

Travelers lax with follow-ups: Officials working to educate visitors about requirements ahead of reopening. Despite spending more than $150 million on traveler screening and contact tracing, state officials say contact tracers have only received meaningful responses from about 50% of travelers. Tribune-Herald.

Gaps cited in state pre-travel COVID-19 tests, contact tracing. Testing Hawaii tourists for COVID-19 before they arrive, and tracing contacts of people with the virus, may not be as effective as the general public might think. Star-Advertiser.

Majority of people reached by contact tracers do not cooperate. The state is still ramping up its contact tracing program. But it’s now running into a new problem: Getting information on close contacts from positive patients. Hawaii News Now.

State's pre-travel testing program launches in 17 days. Hawaii Pacific Health CEO Raymond Vara told lawmakers on Monday that the state now has 286 contact tracers, which is more than the recommended number to help stop the spread of the virus. KITV4.

400 Hawaii residents are among 44,000 participants worldwide selected for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial. The vaccine candidate, dubbed “BNT162,” is currently being tested in a trial. The initial recruitment goal of 30,000 individuals has since increased to 44,000 participants worldwide. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 28: 90 New COVID-19 Cases, All On Oahu. No deaths were reported Monday. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Keith Amemiya mocks Rick Blangiardi for initially declining TV debates. Mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya on Monday called out his opponent, former television executive Rick Blangiardi, for initially declining two televised debates. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Candidates Debate Whether To Debate. Blangiardi agreed to a KITV4 debate after Amemiya called him out. Blangardi suggested the change of plans was unrelated. Civil Beat.

Tension between city and HART could lead to more costly rail delays. The growing conflict between Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation -- which came to a head last week when the city canceled its participation in the final leg of the rail project -- is threatening to cause further delays and cost overruns. Hawaii News Now.

Officials puzzled by city’s withdrawal from rail plan. The city’s unexpected withdrawal from a public- private partnership for the troubled rail project means that the incoming mayor and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation likely will have to seek yet another extension from federal officials to keep the project moving. Star-Advertiser.

UH to offer free job retraining courses to unemployed workers. The city has partnered with UH community colleges to offer workforce development training to thousands of unemployed workers on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Coaches, pediatricians think youth sports can resume while Caldwell won’t budge. By Mayor Caldwell’s metrics organized outdoor sports are closed until tier four, and won’t be allowed until Dec. 17 at the earliest. KHON2.

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Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooter was troubled, report says. Navy investigators failed to uncover the reason submarine sailor Gabriel A. Romero suddenly and without warning opened fire while on duty at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard last Dec. 4, killing two civilian employees and wounding a third before turning his M-9 pistol on himself. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor Shooting Investigation Finds Deeper Mental Health Concerns Among Submarine Crew. The struggles of the sailor who shot three civilians and then himself last year were overlooked in part because his challenges were not unusual. Civil Beat.

Report: Shipyard shooter’s history of mental health, behavioral issues failed to raise alarms. An inquiry into the December 2019 shooting at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard that left two civilians dead has highlighted a series of failures that allowed the gunman access to military firearms despite a history of worrisome incidents and mental health issues. Hawaii News Now.

Investigators ‘did not establish any motive’ in last year’s Pearl Harbor shooting but find risk factors went unidentified. The U.S. Navy has released its final report into December’s deadly shooting at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. KHON2.

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EPA slaps Oahu refrigerated food warehouse with fine. Hawaii’s largest refrigerated food warehouse has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The Unicold Corporation will pay a $210,000 fine for alleged violations of the of the federal Clean Air Act. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu refrigerated food warehouse found in violation of health and safety regulations.  food refrigeration corporation violated the Federal Clean Air Act after an inspection revealed that its Honolulu warehouse failed to meet several health and safety regulations, again. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Daniel K. Inouye Highway extension put ‘on hold’. The state Department of Transportation said Monday it placed the $90 million project that will extend the cross-island route, known colloquially as Saddle Road, from its current terminus at Mamalahoa Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway “on hold” due to a lack of funding sources — both state and federal. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii family shares struggle dealing with Hilo veterans home. Asterio “Terry” Canda, 80, had a mild stroke and was admitted on Aug. 22 into the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo for speech and physical therapy. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

$5M allotted to help struggling Maui businesses adapt to COVID-19-related restrictions. It's called the "Adaptability Fund," and it's meant to help business owners do just that, by offering businesses the opportunity to invest in technology to expand online marketing and sales. KITV4.

HTA: Maui Had 2,341 Visitors in August Versus 273,638 a Year Ago. In August, total visitor days fell 96.8 percent in Maui County from a year ago. There were 2,341 visitors to Maui in August versus 273,638 visitors a year ago, according to a new report released by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Maui vacation rental occupancy logs in at 9.8 percent for month of August. Maui County vacation rentals logged 9.8 percent occupancy in August, which was close to the hotel rate of 8.6 percent for the month, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Thursday. Maui News.

Longhi’s Wailea getting ready to reopen Friday. Longhi’s Wailea will reopen Friday following six months of closure, with plans to hire more front and back of house staff. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i COVID cases Mainland linked. The two active cases on Kaua‘i are both linked to Mainland travel, but the county is clarifying that neither were infectious during travel, Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman said Monday. Garden Island.

Jails to conduct testing; Kaua‘i staff negative. The broad-based testing at the neighbor island jails is beginning with the staff. Garden Island.

Kalaheo gets specialty clinic. The Specialty Clinic at Kalaheo celebrated a soft opening, Monday under physician Dr. Alyssa Murata and Physician Assistant Erin Carrington. Garden Island.

H-3 tunnel coronavirus testing commences despite feds saying no, vets gather for 75th WWII anniversary, UH students investigated for recreating George Floyd death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cars line up for coronavirus testing Sept. 1, 2020 PC:Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center

Hawaii Ignores Feds, Uses H-3 For COVID-19 Testing Anyway. Federal highway officials cited safety concerns and the military’s access between Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay for their denial but the state is proceeding regardless. Civil Beat.

Feds spurn COVID-19 testing held on H-3 freeway. Hawaii officials acknowledged facing the potential loss of federal transportation funding after the Federal Highways Administration denied the state’s request to use the freeway for the event. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii moves forward with surge testing on H-3, despite feds saying no. In an unprecedented move by the local government, mass COVID-19 testing on the H-3 Freeway took place on Sept. 1 even though the federal government rejected the state’s request to shut it down. And the state plans to do it again on Sept. 3. KHON2.

H-3 freeway closure for COVID-19 testing continues without federal approval. State officials defended the use of the H-3 for non-transportation purposes, saying the need is worth the risk of the federal government possibly withholding future funding. KITV4.

‘You don’t need a reason’: Ige urges residents to participate in free COVID-19 testing. Cars lined lanes in both directions of the H-3 Freeway on Tuesday for a huge COVID-19 testing effort that’s scheduled to be repeated Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Hundreds of callers request information on hotel quarantine rooms. The Hawaii State Department of Health has screened about 350 to 400 calls a day from people asking about the hotel quarantine rooms for people who tested positive with COVID-19 or have been in close contact. KHON2.

The Cost Of Failure To Contain The Virus? Massive Layoffs. With no end in sight to the shutdown of tourism, dozens of companies have filed letters with labor officials outlining job cuts and extended furloughs. Civil Beat.

State forecasting grim economic forecast. The state is projecting the economy will contract by 12.3% in 2020, according to a state Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism third-quarter report released last week that analyzes data between April and July 2020. Garden Island.

State and counties slow to spend billions in federal COVID relief. As COVID-19 continues to spread, mass layoffs are escalating and more small businesses are closing permanently. Meanwhile, the state and its counties are still sitting on more than $1 billion in federal relief funds. KHON2.

Hawaii DOE’s Distance Learning Tool ‘Very, Very Questionable’. An internal Department of Education document shows Acellus Learning Accelerator received mostly negative remarks in an early review by content specialists. Civil Beat.

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Vets, dignitaries to gather for ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. World War II veterans, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and a number of other dignitaries and invited guests will gather Wednesday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II with a somber ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. Hawaii News Now.

Live broadcast of 75th end-of-WWII commemoration begins this morning. The live broadcast today for the 75th end of World War II commemoration on the battleship Missouri in Pearl Harbor will be available via satellite around the globe beginning at 7:30 a.m. Hawaii time, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

For nisei veterans, 75th anniversary of the end of WWII evokes memories of shared sacrifice. As Hawaii marks 75 years since the end of World War II with a special ceremony Wednesday aboard the USS Missouri, it’s lost on no one that the number of veterans is dwindling. Hawaii News Now.

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University of Hawai'i taking action after a disturbing video is posted to social media. The University of Hawaii is taking action on Tuesday night after a video showing what appears to be students reenacting the death of George Floyd makes its way around social media. KITV4.

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Hawaii called hub for illegal cockfighting trade. Hawaii is “at the center of the cockfighting trade in the Pacific Rim” with the state acting as a hub for animal-fighting activities throughout the region, two animal advocacy groups said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Animal Rights Activists Want Feds To Investigate Cockfighting. Animal Wellness Action says they’ve linked breeders in the Aloha State to buyers and chicken fighters in Guam. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials urged to investigate rooster exporters. During a news conference Tuesday, Animal Wellness Action, an organization dedicated to end the exploitation of animals, announced the results of a months-long investigation into Hawaii’s involvement in the international trade of fighting roosters, identifying 22 people or organizations throughout the state thought to have exported such birds to Guam in the past three years. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii found to be among leading exporters of illegal cockfighting birds. An animal rights group found that Hawaii to be one of the nation’s leading exporters of cockfighting birds. Hawaii News Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 1: Four Deaths And 181 New Cases In Hawaii. One person died on Hawaii island and three people died on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii records 3 new COVID-19 fatalities on Oahu, 1 death at Hilo veterans home. Hawaii Department of Health officials today recorded four new coronavirus-related deaths and 181 new cases, bringing the statewide totals since the beginning of the pandemic to 74 fatalities and 8,653 cases. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 4 Deaths, 181 New Cases; H-3 Tests Begin Today; More Surge Tests Headed To Isles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, Sept. 1: Four New Deaths Reported, 181 New Cases. There were 181 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi as of noon on Tuesday, health officials reported. Another four (4) deaths were also reported. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Chasid Sapolu returns to Honolulu prosecutors office after receiving federal investigation subject letter in 2018. First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chasid Sapolu returned to work Tuesday for the first time in over a year and half, reporting to the Juvenile Offender Unit in the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Star-Advertiser.

After nearly 2 years on leave, deputy city prosecutor returns to work. Almost two years after he received a subject letter from the US Department of Justice and went on leave, deputy city Prosecutor Chasid Sapolu is back at work. Hawaii News Now.

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Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi collected, spent the most in Honolulu mayoral race. The two Honolulu mayoral hopefuls advancing into November’s winner-take-all matchup are the same two candidates who outraised and outspent a broad and diverse field of opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s to begin 18-month-long COVID antibody study among employees. Queen’s Health Systems is launching an 18-month-long antibody study. They’re hoping it will help with tracking the virus among its employees. Hawaii News Now.

City Council schedules meetings to discuss potential affordable housing project in Kailua. The Honolulu City Council will be meeting on three separate dates in September to discuss a proposed affordable housing project in Kailua. KHON2.

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2 Inmates Killed In 2 Weeks In Hawaii Correctional System. The latest death happened Monday evening in a crowded quarantine cell at OCCC. Civil Beat.

62-year-old OCCC inmate killed overnight, allegedly by another inmate. A murder investigation is underway at the Oahu Community Correctional Center after an inmate assault turned deadly. Hawaii News Now.

62-year-old inmate dies after allegedly being assaulted by another inmate. According to police documents, both males are inmates at a correctional facility. KITV4.

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Building once used by ‘Dog’ Chapman becomes housing for Native Hawaiians. Today, on the 182nd anniversary of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birthday, the trust that bears her name is taking a more intensive approach to housing and helping young Native Hawaiian adults who have aged out of the foster care system and have few opportunities in the era of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser High farmers market ordered to shut down due to complaint. The Friends of Kaiser PTSA Farmer’s Market, held Thursday afternoons in Kaiser High School’s parking lot, closed last week after a complaint was filed with the state Department of Education, said Justin Mew, the school’s principal. Star-Advertiser.

New Royal Hawaiian Groin is first of several planned for Waikiki. The construction of a Royal Hawaiian Groin, billed as new but encapsulating the still-intact spine of its 93-year-old predecessor on Waikiki Beach fronting the eponymous pink hotel, is pau, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a press release last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Restrictions to Return to Big Island Beaches for Labor Day. Hawai‘i County plans to take preventative action to stop the Labor Day Holiday from producing major COVID-19 spreading events amid the current surge on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Big Island Mayor Wants Extra Beach Restrictions For Labor Day. Harry Kim says he is waiting for approval from Gov. David Ige for a ban on beach gatherings Sept. 4-19. Civil Beat.

Big Isle Mayor: More Restrictions No Solution To COVID-19 Surge. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim says further restrictions are not the answer in stopping a surge of COVID-19 cases and community spread on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Contact tracing app squeaks through: Council Public Safety Committee narrowly passes nonbinding resolution. A County Council panel Tuesday urged developers of a free, voluntary contact tracing app to talk directly with Mayor Harry Kim’s administration before the council takes a final vote on a resolution later this month. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s top prosecutor said Tuesday all Big Island residents should be concerned about the Hawaii Supreme Court’s most recent order pushing the release of more detainees across the state. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday issued its most recent pandemic-related order expanding the release of detainees to include those charged for certain petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and felony offenses on all islands — not specific facilities. West Hawaii Today.

County’s ‘Bug Busters’ on the job to keep the community safe. Teams of Bug Busters have been hard at work at county facilities — focused on sanitizing high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces seven days a week — since early March. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Master Plan to be completed by late next year. The master plan was established in 2000 to provide policy for UH to govern the Maunakea Science Reserve, but a long-awaited update to the plan will, among other things, provide a framework to reduce the number of astronomy sites at the mountain’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

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Luxury Yacht To Pay $100K For Dropping Anchor On Coral In Kailua Bay. The owners of the luxury yacht Formosa will have to pay $100,000 for an anchor drop that damaged coral in Kailua Bay. Big Island Video News.

Luxury yacht owners fined $100K for coral reef damage off Hawaii Island. The DLNR says Formosa Wealth Management Group, owners of the 197-foot luxury yacht, dropped their anchor in the Kailua Bay Zone of the Kona Coast Fishery Management Area in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

10 Employees at Maui’s Wailuku Police Station Test Positive for COVID-19 Since Aug. 27. A total of 10 employees at Maui Police Department’s Wailuku Station have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was reported at the department on Aug. 27. Maui Now.

MPD reports 7 new presumptive positive COVID cases among Wailuku employees. The number of COVID-19 cases tied to the Wailuku Police Station is now up to 10 after new test results were received. Hawaii News Now.

2 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Maui Prosecutor’s Office; 1 Case at Moloka‘i Baseyard. The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney recently reported two positive COVID-19 cases, according to Maui Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishida. Maui Now.

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Maui Inmates Briefly Resist Orders To Return To Cells. Maui police were called to be on standby in case they were needed, according to jail officials. Civil Beat.

Attempted Disturbance at Maui Jail Quickly Contained. At about 2 p.m. Maui Community Correctional Center (MCCC) inmates in one module refused to go back into their cells. Maui Now.

MCCC inmates refused to go back to their cells. Inmates in a module at the Maui Community Correctional Center refused to go back to their cells around 2 p.m. KHON2.

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Maui News staffers bring home 21 SPJ Excellence in Journalism honors. The Maui News dominated the Daily Newspapers division, capturing four first places, including for reports on the Central Maui brush fire; a riot at Maui Community Correctional Center; a personal interview with the voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, a childhood hero; and a historical retrospective on Maui after the Pearl Harbor attack. Maui News.

Kauai

Fixing the water system in Moloa‘a Hui Lands. The Moloa‘a Irrigation Cooperative received a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant from the county of $52,415 for water system improvements that will reduce the cost of water and leaks in the system. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Museum reopens with modified schedule. Doors to the Kaua‘i Museum gift shop open from 9:30 a.m. and remain open until 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday under the temporary new hours and dates. The rest of the museum is available through reservations-only tours created by the museum’s staff during the closure. Garden Island.

Ige, legislative leaders announce minimum wage hikes in affordability package, bomb scare at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Big Island has about half the doctors it needs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige, legislative leaders press conference PC:Hawaii Legislature

Minimum Wage, Preschool, Housing Top Rare Legislative Platform. In an unusual display of pre-session unity, top state officials and business leaders have largely agreed on a plan aimed at bringing down Hawaii’s high cost of living. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and Ige back bills for housing and tax relief and for working families. In a sharp break with political tradition, Gov. David Ige joined leaders from the state House and Senate at a news conference Tuesday to announce a complex package of tax relief, affordable-housing plans and a preschool development program, all designed to provide cost-of-living relief to Hawaii’s low-income and working-class residents. Star-Advertiser.

Governor, lawmakers announce legislative package aimed at easing Hawaii’s cost of living. Governor David Ige and leaders from both chambers of the state legislature announced a major deal Tuesday that will see an increase in the state’s minimum wage, among other measures. Hawaii News Now.

‘A good first step’. Hawaii House and Senate leaders, with the support of Gov. David Ige, on Tuesday unveiled a long list of measures to boost housing, early childhood education and incomes with a particular focus on alleviating the struggles of Hawaii’s working families and poor. Associated Press.

‘Cycle of poverty’ targeted: Lawmakers, Ige unveil legislative package that aims to make Hawaii more affordable. As the Hawaii Legislature gears up for the 2020 session, leaders from the state House and Senate, along with Gov. David Ige, announced on Tuesday a legislation package to tackle critical economic issues that have long-plagued Hawaii’s residents: income inequality, affordable housing and early education. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige unveils legislative package aimed at tackling income inequality, raising minimum wage. Joined by state senators and the House of Representatives, Governor David Ige made public a plan that he hopes will take center stage at the upcoming legislative session. KITV4.

Governor Ige along with leaders from the state house and senate unveiled a package of economic bills. This is the first joint house and senate legislative bill package since 2004. KHON2.

What Will Be The Defining Issue Of The 2020 Legislature? Problems abound but no single issue appears to have yet united Hawaii lawmakers as the opening of the 2020 legislative session approaches on Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Leaders Back An Ambitious Plan To Rapidly Expand Preschool. The immediate goal of the five-year plan is to increase the number of pre-K classrooms in the state by 100 a year. Civil Beat.

Teacher pay differential plan comes under fire by lawmakers. A bold move by the schools superintendent and Board of Education to give a big boost in pay to teachers in hard-to-staff positions — even before lawmakers appropriated the funds — came under fire Tuesday at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Farmers ask for funding to fight pasture pest threatening Hawaii’s third largest commodity. The beef and milk industry brought in $43 million to Hawaii in 2017. However, many of the fields where those cattle graze are losing grass and ranchers aren't even sure how to stop it. Hawaii News Now.

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Joint Pearl Harbor Hickam (Nimitz Gate) reopened after an overnight bomb scare. Joint Pearl Harbor Hickam security forces reopened the Nimitz gate just before 4 a.m. Wednesday, after an overnight bomb scare. KHON2.

Lockdown lifted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after security scare. A security scare closed the gates at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Officials said around 10:30 p.m., security forces responded to a vehicle at Nimitz Gate that did not have authorized access to the base. Hawaii News Now.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam gates are back open following reports of an alleged bomb threat. Officials say, a car that did not have authorized access drove up to the base around 10:30 Tuesday night. KITV4.

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Powerful Hawaii defensive radar is delayed. A more than $1 billion missile defense radar for Hawaii has been significantly delayed, with Native Hawaiian cultural concerns emerging at one possible site on Kuaokala Ridge at Kaena Point and community worries about overdevelopment at two other candidate sites at Kahuku Training Area. Star-Advertiser.

Legal group to analyze spike of deadly officer-involved shootings around Hawaii. A recent rash of fatal officer-involved shootings is prompting a group at the University of Hawaii Law School to review the deadly trend. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Educator Mandado Announces Run For City Council. The race to replace a term-limited councilman now has three candidates. Civil Beat.

Under proposal, 3 urban schools would see dramatic redevelopment. With huge maintenance backlogs and obsolete school facilities, public schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto is considering an ambitious redevelopment and modernization of three schools in urban Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Health opens a new homeless shelter in Moiliili. Waikiki Health, which operates Kakaako’s Next Step Shelter, began welcoming formerly homeless tenants this week into a three-story shelter it now operates in Moiliili. Star-Advertiser.

Transportation crews receive tons of asphalt to mend state roadways on Oahu. State Department of Transportation crews Monday delivered two to three tons of asphalt patch material to maintenance base yards to continue patching potholes on state roads around Oahu through the rest of the week. Star-Advertiser.

An off-leash dog park is coming to Central Oahu. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning at the makai end of the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. Hawaii News Now.

Central Oahu leaders joined city officials Tuesday to break ground on a 12,800-square-foot off-leash dog park at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Doctor levels critically short. The state’s southernmost island is short 230 doctors — or 44% — of the 528 physicians demanded by the population as of November, a University of Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project report submitted earlier this month to the 2020 Legislature shows. West Hawaii Today.

Waste plan meetings set for next week. The newest iteration of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which is required to be updated every 10 years, was unveiled in December and makes 82 recommendations for changes to the county’s waste management system. Tribune-Herald.

Crews continue snow removal, erosion repair on Maunakea Access Road. Crews continued to work Tuesday to repair and clear the Maunakea Access Road, which has been closed to the public since Friday because of the first snowfall of the decade. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawmaker priorities include schools, jail, highways. Maui County lawmakers hope this session to fund the first stages of the relocation of Maui Community Correctional Center, to get the ball rolling on long-promised school improvement projects and to tackle climate and environmental concerns. Maui News.

Maui Efforts Creating Replicable Ways To Recycle And Reduce Waste. Organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club are active in addressing broad environmental issues at the local level, including on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drifting ‘ghost net’ threatens island sea life and reefs. Mariners, pilots or people near the ocean are being asked to be on the lookout for a massive “ghost net” that was spotted two weeks ago off Maui and might remain a threat to humpback whales and other sea life. Star-Advertiser.

Officials, Nonprofits Seek Ghost Net Drifting Along ʻAuʻau Channel. A ghost net that was located about a mile west of Molokini in December has not been recovered yet. Maui Now.

Kauai

Annual PMRF albatross project turns up nothing. Pacific Missile Range Facility Air Operations department, the PMRF Environmental Program and US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services enlisted volunteers for the annual PMRF Laysan albatross egg sweep on Saturday. Garden Island.

Erosion worries rising. A foundation left over from a 2017 project to remove the Kapaa Beach Park pavilion is now cracked in half and falling into the surf after weekend waves and weather caused damage on the east side. Garden Island.

Hotel occupancy grows, vacation rentals drop in November, Maui man admits buying 9-year-old girl, Mauna Kea summit road opens, Christmas Day storms wreak havoc on Oahu, Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Condos along the Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Vacation rentals throughout the state see a dip in occupancy. Supply and demand for vacation rental units throughout the state were up year-over-year in November, but occupancy was down, according to the latest data from Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawai‘i hotels statewide reported growth last month compared to November 2018. According to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i hotel room revenues statewide grew by 7.6% to $330.3 million, which is $23.2 million higher than last year. Big Island Now.

Recent deaths spur review of military base security. The Navy and Marine Corps are conducting a broad review of security measures in the face of insider threats, following three violent incidents at Navy bases since Thanksgiving, including the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard fatal shootings on Dec. 4. Star-Advertiser.

How A Nuclear Waste Site 2,800 Miles Away Became A Hawaii Priority. The Runit Dome in the Marshall Islands is cracked and in danger of spilling its radioactive contents into the Pacific Ocean. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City report claims housing shortage will end in 2028, but experts are skeptical. The report by the Department of Planning and Permitting said that population growth over the next several years will slow down while the inventory of known housing projects will grow significantly. Hawaii News Now.

Restored Wo Fat Building expected to breathe new life into Chinatown. Owners of the iconic Wo Fat Building are hoping that restoration of the 86-year-old landmark will serve as a catalyst for a badly needed makeover for the rest of Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutors Keep Up Quest For Third Trial Against Christopher Deedy. The federal agent’s attorneys have argued another trial for manslaughter would violate the double jeopardy clause of the U.S. Constitution. Associated Press.

Rain and wind wreak havoc across Oahu, knocking out power to thousands and causing a mudslide. Oahu received slate-gray skies, steady rain and wind gusts for Christmas that knocked out power to more than 18,000 people, downed trees, power lines and closed the Pali Highway — again — as the result of a mudslide. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s NYE fireworks displays, rules and safety tips from HFD. The Honolulu Fire Department is reminding the public that the City and County of Honolulu’s fireworks ordinance allows the public to purchase and use firecrackers only. All other fireworks are illegal for consumer use on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Increased police presence on Daniel K. Inouye Highway put department $3M over budget. The county is a little less than halfway through fiscal year 2019-2020, but five months of increased police presence on Daniel K. Inouye Highway near Maunakea Access Road has put the Hawaii Police Department over budget, a high-ranking police official told the Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday during the panel’s monthly meeting in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Both sides downplay likelihood of confrontation on Maunakea Access Road. County officials and protesters alike seem skeptical that a confrontation will occur at Maunakea Access Road on Thursday, but both sides remain cautious. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Summit Road Open Ahead Of Potential Sweep. The Mauna Kea Access Road on Hawaii Island is once again open to the public, but the situation on the mountain remains uncertain. Hawaii Public Radio.

PGV reconstruction efforts on schedule to be finished by end of 2019. Puna Geothermal Venture is expecting to return to operation by the end of this year and hopes to sell electricity in early 2020. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Maui man accused of “buying” a 9-year-old Thai girl and then sexually assaulting her when she was 14 will likely serve five years behind bars under a plea deal. In court papers, 76-year-old George Theros admitted that he had sex with the girl earlier this year while he was trying to smuggle her on a boat from Panama to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Storm rattles island. The storm that hit Kauai the night before Christmas knocked out power, closed bridges and roads, led to requests for water conservation and a brown water advisory, and people were urged to stay out of the ocean. Garden Island.

Historic theater and bridge damaged by flooding on Kauai. A flash flood warning for Kauai has expired following a morning of extremely heavy rain. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii challenged by high cost of living, stagnant population, 325 jobs cut at Pearl Harbor as new drydock planned, Maui council shakeup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Economists: High Living Costs Continue Driving Hawaii Residents Away. A new UH study predicts tourism to drive moderate growth in 2020, despite recent population declines. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Do Hawaii Folks Really Work 91 Hours A Week? A new study’s methodology is skewered, but our cost of living in general and housing in particular are certainly out of reach for many. Civil Beat.

Federal Policies Threaten Hawaii’s Flora, Fauna. Lack of scrutiny over invasive species threatens the Aloha State’s native wildlife. U.S. News and World Report.

New pot law goes into effect Jan. 11. Legislation passed by lawmakers earlier this year that decriminalizes the possession of three grams or less of marijuana and allows such past possessions to be expunged from criminal records will take effect early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Case throws liability for Hawaii charter schools in doubt. A $75,000 payment to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman who tripped and fell at Waimea Middle School is raising questions about who is liable for accidents at charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

Six Hawaii Companies Cited For Air Pollution Violations. Six Hawaii companies — half of which are electric companies — were fined for violating emission standards. Civil Beat.

Comedian Mel Cabang, who entertained Hawaii for decades, dies at age 77. Mel Cabang, one of Hawaii’s comedic legends, died Saturday in Las Vegas at age 77. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor could get first new dry dock since 1943. A surge in demand for attack submarines and the lengthening of Virginia-class subs to carry more missiles has the Navy examining building its first new dry dock at Pearl Harbor since World War II or creating a 650-foot floating dry dock to better maintain its Pacific- based undersea fleet. Star-Advertiser.

Change in Navy contracting eliminates jobs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Defense giant BAE Systems is exiting the surface ship repair business at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard after a more than 10-year run, eliminating about 325 jobs and leaving some uncertainty whether the work sometimes topping $50 million per ship can be fully retained in Hawaii under new Navy contracting terms. Star-Advertiser.

Sweep at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor uncovers hundreds of violations. Illegal homeless encampments, derelict and sinking boats, and piles of smelly trash were back at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor only weeks after the state finished a November enforcement sweep that netted 550 violations. Star-Advertiser.

Irritated neighbors want to lower the boom on illegal fireworks. Oahu has long had a problem with illegal fireworks, especially the aerials that temporarily transform many neighborhoods into dazzling landscapes on New Year’s Eve but terrorize pets, frighten small children and stress residents — especially those with health problems — who aren’t into the booming celebrations. Star-Advertiser.

City auditor slams Honolulu Zoo. Despite the city’s efforts to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki attraction continues to be plagued by an ineffective and ill-defined relationship with the Honolulu Zoological Society, as well as operational deficiencies and staff shortages that have led to unnecessary overtime costs, according to a report released by the city auditor this month. Star-Advertiser.

Low Pay, Reputation Of Corruption Hinders Hiring at Honolulu Liquor Commission. The city agency charged with regulating Oahu’s liquor industry is struggling to fill positions. Civil Beat.

HPD to propose ban on so-called ‘ghost guns’ amid increase in gun violence. Ghost guns have no serial numbers so they’re impossible to track and you don’t need a background check to get one. And right now, they’re completely legal in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

In Waimanalo, residents battle illegal dumping blocks from free city trash center. Waimanalo residents say their neighborhood is being plagued by a series of illegal dump sites. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island continues to lead the state in population growth, but some of the 42 small towns that dot the island have seen population drop, according to detailed estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Status Report Given To BLNR After Follow-Up Audit. The annual report on the status of the implementation of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan, or CMP, was on Friday’s agenda of the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Video News.

Police commission rejects complaint by retired sergeant. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday found insufficient evidence to support the allegations in a complaint made by a retired Hawaii Police Department sergeant concerning enhanced traffic enforcement that occurred on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Aug. 15 and Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Group shows interest in opening new Ookala dairy. Although Big Island Dairy has “satisfactorily completed” all closure requirements set forth in an agreement with the state Department of Health, others have shown interest in the Ookala property for future dairy operations. Tribune-Herald.

Mass Transit moves forward with Pahoa bus hub. The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency is taking the next steps for a new bus hub in Pahoa and will seek additional funding for the project from the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council Chair Kelly King to step down; Alice Lee tabbed to takeover. Her resignation comes on the heels of reports of dissatisfaction with her leadership. Maui News.

Maui Under the Influence Tow Bill Signed Into Law. With five days until Christmas and already 22 fatalities on Maui County roads, lawmakers passed an ordinance Friday aimed at keeping the roads safe from drunk and impaired drivers. Maui Now.

Lahaina gets a new $10M chocolate factory and cacao farm, with all the profits going to charity. It would be too indulgent to say that Hawaii is about to be drenched in locally made chocolate, but the fledgling industry is on the verge of a sweet surge with a $10 million factory slated for a public opening next month on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

‘Where am I gonna go’. Laws prohibiting unpermitted camping are enforced by county park rangers during frequent early morning raids at public spaces and ignored by prosecuting attorneys, who refuse to pursue cases against people whose only crime is not living in a house. Garden Island.

There's a free way to get around Kauai until Christmas. It's an offer that's part of recovery efforts after historic flooding on the island last year. KITV.

Hemp Growers Battle Both State Restrictions And Medical Skeptics. They hope the Legislature will move decisively to liberalize regulations that limit the marketing of hemp products. Civil Beat.

Saving Kanaele. Water was running in peaceful streams out of Kanaele after days of rains drenched Hawaii’s last, intact, lowland bog, protected on all sides by steep mountains and the Kauai Watershed Alliance’s first predator-proof fence. Garden Island.

Avain botulism taking a toll on endangered waterbirds. Since July, the team has found 140 sick or dead birds in the refuge, the majority being koloa ducks. Garden Island.

Hawaii delegates split on impeachment vote, Hawaii County Council rejects $10M from state for Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope enforcement, Pearl Harbor WWII 75th anniversary event planned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump impeachment rally Dec. 17, 2019 in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Gabbard, Case part ways on impeachment vote. Hawaii’s two members of the U.S. House of Representatives diverged in Wednesday’s historic vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Star-Advertiser.

House Votes To Impeach Trump Without Gabbard’s Support. Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was one of only four Democratic holdouts as Trump was impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Civil Beat.

Defying party, Gabbard votes ‘present’ on Trump impeachment. Already comfortable as an outlier in her party, Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Hawaii Democrat, did not support the impeachment of President Donald Trump, voting “present” Wednesday on two articles that cleared the House. Associated Press.

Gabbard casts lone ‘present’ vote on President Trump’s impeachment. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard voted “present” Wednesday in the impeachment vote of the president, the only member of the U.S. House to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard votes 'present' on impeachment. Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii voted "present" on both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Wednesday, later slamming the process as politically motivated. CNN.

Gabbard Is Lone Representative Voting 'Present' In Impeachment Vote. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard voted "present" in the historical vote to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday, according to C-SPAN. Associated Press.

US House Votes to Impeach President Donald Trump, Hawai‘i Delegation Weighs In. Maui Now.

Schatz on impeachment vote: 'A somber time for our country'. Wednesday, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement. KITV.

Kai Kahele issues statement regarding vote to impeach President Trump. Democratic candidate for Hawai'i’s 2nd Congressional District, Senator Kai Kahele issued the following statement regarding Wednesday night's vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Donald Trump. KITV.

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Ige signs on for 75th anniversary plans celebrating end of WWII. At the same spot on the battleship USS Missouri where Gen. Douglas MacArthur signed his signature to Japan’s surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, Gov. David Ige on Wednesday sat at a similar table to kick off planning for events celebrating those who won the hard-fought peace and paved the way for an enduring reconciliation. Star-Advertiser.

Committee to plan Hawaii ceremonies to mark 75th anniversary of end of WWII. On Wednesday, in a ceremony aboard that same battleship, Gov. David Ige, military dignitaries and members of the community gathered to announce the creation of a committee to oversee next year’s commemoration in Hawaii of the 75th anniversary of the end of the deadliest military conflict in history. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

New Housing Project For The Elderly Would Displace Residents. The Moiliili development recently secured taxpayer money, but many current tenants didn’t know they may soon have to move out. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Mayor Signs Bill To Muzzle Loud Mopeds. It amends existing law that addresses noise pollution from motor vehicles. Civil Beat.

City ordinance bans excessively noisy, modified mopeds and motorcycles. Caldwell signed into law Bill 53 Wednesday. It prohibits riders from having modified mufflers that cause “excessive or unusual” noise. Hawaii News Now.

Say goodbye to loud mopeds and motorcycles, Honolulu Mayor signs new ordinance. The bill aims to amend the city’s Traffic Code to address the noise caused by the operation of mopeds and motorcycles. KHON2.

New city law requires all mopeds to have mufflers. Bill 53 changes the city's traffic code to require mopeds have mufflers to control excessive noise, fumes, or smoke. KITV.

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State land a haven for criminal activity for years. State land in Wahiawa has been a haven for illegal activity, and it’s been going on for years. KHON2.

Options for the future of Aloha Stadium are laid out at a community meeting. Despite packing in crowds for Bruno Mars and the Dallas Cowboys, Aloha Stadium is rusting away. Hawaii News Now.

Welcoming dogs among ideas for Ala Moana Park, which concerns some. On Wednesday, the city gathered input on future planning for Ala Moana Park and a special management area permit application that still includes a playground at Ala Moana. Hawaii News Now.

Star-Advertiser staffers chosen for investigative projects. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and two of its reporters have been selected to participate in the ProPublica Local Reporting Network, collaborating over the next year on investigative journalism projects in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Council rejects agreement with state on cost of policing TMT protests. Frustration with the standoff on Mauna Kea and the high cost of policing the protests boiled over today as the Hawaii County Council voted 9-0 to reject an agreement that would have required the state to pick up the tab for county police overtime and other protest-related costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii County Council Rejects Money For Mauna Kea. It’s not clear how Mayor Harry Kim will cover the reimbursements without council support. Civil Beat.

Council rejects state deal for reimbursement of police costs on Maunakea. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously rejected a $10 million reimbursement deal with the state that would cover the costs of police enforcement at Maunakea Access Road. Tribune-Herald.

Council Votes Down $10 Million State Grant For Maunakea Costs. The Hawaiʻi County Council changed its mind on a resolution accepting the money from the state after hearing testimony from Thirty Meter Telescope opponents. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council says ‘no thanks’ to money for Mauna Kea enforcement. The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously Wednesday not to accept a deal that would allow the state to reimburse the county for costs associated with the TMT protest, citing a variety of grievances with the Big Island’s mayor and police department. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County Council votes against deal with state over policing costs on Mauna Kea. A unanimous vote Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council against a deal with the state over policing costs on Mauna Kea. KITV.

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Big boost for West Hawaii paramedicine program. A program aimed at keeping frequent 911 callers in their homes and out of the emergency room received a shot in the arm Wednesday, with a $125,000 grant from the West Hawaii Community Health Center to the Hawaii Fire Department. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council brings back county manager debate. Proposal would change charter, establish new roles in governance. Maui News.

Maui Council Committee Takes Action on Climate Change Litigation. The Maui County Council Governance, Ethics and Transparency Committee on Tuesday recommended that the full Council approve a resolution to hire special counsel to represent Maui County in litigation against fossil fuel companies. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tobacco resolution killed. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday voted against a proposed resolution urging state lawmakers to give counties the authority to regulate tobacco products. Garden Island.

Mana Plain monitoring on the way. It’s a result from a settlement in a Clean Water Act lawsuit reached between community groups and the state Agribusiness Development Corporation. Garden Island.

Hawaii GOP commits to Trump, Big Island ethics board to investigate Mauna Kea road blockade, Ala Moana park plan moved to Kakaako, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elephants at Honolulu Zoo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit raises concerns about donation record-keeping, outdated facilities at zoo. A blistering audit of the troubled Honolulu Zoo is drawing mixed reactions from elected officials. The zoo lost its accreditation in 2016 and since then it has been an uphill battle to get it back. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii GOP commits all delegates to Trump. The Hawaii Republican Party has canceled plans for its statewide presidential preference poll and committed all 19 of its national convention delegates to back the reelection of President Donald Trump, the party announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Pleased With Hawaii’s High Credit Rating. Fitch Ratings has upgraded the state’s general obligation bond rating from AA to AA+. Civil Beat.

Paid Family Leave Likely For Nearly 20,000 Federal Workers In Hawaii. The legislation is part of bipartisan defense authorization negotiations. Civil Beat.

The New NextEra? HECO Is Fighting This Mainland Firm’s Bid For Control. Hawaiian Electric Industries faces an aggressive campaign by a $15 billion hedge fund used to getting its way. Civil Beat.

Sailor’s suicide while on armed watch preceded deadly shipyard shooting.  A week after a deadly shipyard shooting in which a sailor opened fire and then killed himself, HNN is learning of another submariner’s suicide weeks earlier that also happened while the service member was on armed sentry duty. Hawaii News Now.

Divers use WWII-era gear for interment of USS Arizona crew member. Two Army divers gave a unique World War II sendoff to USS Arizona crew member Lauren Bruner when his ashes were interred on the sunken battleship Saturday, the 78th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Proposed Ala Moana playground headed to Kakaako. A group that has been planning to build an “inclusive” public playground at Ala Moana Regional Park is bowing to public pressure and agreeing to work with the community to instead place the facility on Kakaako park lands recently obtained by the city. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses, Company Reach Settlement On Kakaako Roads. The state attorney general isn’t part of the deal, so the suit continues toward its April trial date. Civil Beat.

Cyber Attack Halts Radiation Treatment By Oahu Cancer Center. Cyber attacks like those suffered by the Cancer Center of Hawaii in November have grown in frequency against medical providers in the state and nationwide. Civil Beat.

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City unveils mobile outreach center to help move homeless off the streets. The city unveiled new tents that are part of a mobile project to help homeless individuals and families transition into shelter and permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Inflatable structures unveiled to handle homelessness issues. Hawaii’s newest idea to reduce homelessness by quickly inflating portable structures to triage homeless people’s issues went up to applause on the lawn next to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday before it moves to Waipahu Culture Garden Park Friday night for no longer than 90 days. Star-Advertiser.

City shows off new equipment for homeless hub. In a few days, new, inflatable tents will go up in the Waipahu Cultural Garden to help get people off the streets and into shelters or permanent housing. KITV.

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Medical waste, including used needles, causes major traffic slow-down. Drivers heading west near the Campbell Industrial Park off-ramp ran into a major slow-down during Wednesday’s pau hana commute. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board to investigate Maunakea road blockade. Is it an ethics matter if some people break the law with apparent impunity while others get punished? West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board: No conflict for Roth to prosecute TMT cases. Mitch Roth does not have a conflict of interest prosecuting cases from the standoff on Maunakea, but he should remove himself from any involvement in the cases to allay public concerns, the county Board of Ethics said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board Says No Maunakea Conflict For Prosecutor Roth. The Hawaiʻi County Board of Ethics decided Wednesday that there is no conflict of interest for Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth when it comes to prosecuting the arrests of those opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

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Green discusses Hawaii health care at cancer summit. Lt. Gov. Josh Green discussed health care in Hawaii during the 2019 Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition Summit on Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui Landfill to Accept Residential Green Waste on Sundays. Beginning Dec. 15, the Central Maui Landfill will be open on Sundays to accept residential green waste disposal only, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Trace amounts of soil fumigants found in private Haiku water system. Health Department says water from well is still ‘safe to drink’. Maui News.

Museum expansion gets its green light. ‘Feel-good request’ comes amid lean times for nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

Watershed Monitoring Project gives students stewardship roles. A team of students and teachers from Waimea High School convened Friday at Kiki A Ola Bridge in Waimea Valley. Garden Island.

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

Hawaii emergency response session ©2019 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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