Hawaii Dems pivot support to Harris, Maui Planning Commission continues vacation rental ban hearing today, Hawaii joins high risk COVID states, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With some unease, Hawaii Democrats pivot support to Vice President Kamala Harris. Party leaders say there is new enthusiasm and consensus growing for Harris even though some delegates who weren’t committed to President Biden were hoping that there would be some kind of process in the party to test Harris against other potential candidates. “The DNC appears determined to go ahead with the early virtual roll call vote, which prevents any real deliberation and discussion,” National Committeeman Bart Dame said. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Electrification of Transportation “Roadmap” Updated. The Hawaiian Electric company says significant community and industry input went into developing the plan aimed at growing the local EV market. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii joins 20 other states with ‘very high’ COVID levels in sewage. Nationally, overall viral levels in wastewater are considered “high” for the second straight week, the CDC said. Los Angeles Times.

Hawaii Looks To Improve Mosquito Testing As Dengue Cases Rise Globally. The Department of Health says it has enough staff to handle the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, but it is struggling to fill numerous vacancies. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC exercises continue on USS Carl Vinson. As the biennial exercise Rim of the Pacific continues off the coast of Hawaii, the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 1 has been practicing flight operations from its flagship the USS Carl Vinson. Star-Advertiser.

State delays rollout of sound detector program aimed at reducing loud noises on the road. The state is delaying the rollout of a controversial sound detector program aimed at reducing excessive noise on the roads. Hawaii News Now.

UH gets $6.5M grant for cyberinfrastructure project. The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded a $6.5 million grant to the University of Hawaii for a project that will enhance its cyberinfrastructure — the hardware, software, networks and data, along with the people operating and managing the advanced computing technology. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Blangiardi raises over $2M for mayoral reelection. In the Aug. 10 primary election, Blangiardi, a former media executive elected in 2020 to lead the city, will run against David L. Duke Bourgoin, a business owner and consultant; Karl O. Dicks, who’s variously worked as a farmer, journeyman carpenter and heavy equipment operator; and Choon James, a residential real estate broker. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor’s Tenacious Push For A Different Kind Of Probation Has Failed To Win Over Critics — So Far. Steve Alm, running uncontested for reelection, swears by the HOPE probation model, which ensures predictable and immediate sanctions for violators, but studies have produced varying results. Civil Beat.

Country Living: Senate Candidates Offer Different Visions For Rural Oahu. Newcomer Ben Shafer is focused on the cost of living while former Sen. Clayton Hee wants to promote agriculture and tackle cesspools. Civil Beat.

In wake of violent arrest, HPD’s Crime Reduction Units sidelined as agency reviews operations. Days after a social media post showed a violent arrest of a car theft suspect, the Honolulu Police Department has paused Crime Reduction Units islandwide. Hawaii News Now.

DOT: Arrive earlier due to screening delays at Honolulu airport. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is advising travelers with flights departing from Terminal 1 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to arrive earlier to allow for more time to get through security. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Haiku Stairs: City urges public restraint, portions set for removal despite injunction. Portions of iconic Stairway to Heaven will soon be removed despite the court’s temporary injunction. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Announces Closures Due To Kīlauea Unrest. Due to a sudden increase in activity, the National Park Service has had to close areas that could put visitors and staff at risk if Kīlauea erupts. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Environmental attorney shares concerns about Keauhou Bay development plan. Kamehameha Schools' proposed Keauhou Bay Management Plan includes many upgrades and aims to reorganize some of the area's activities. But as with any proposed development or change in our islands, some disagree with the proposal. Hawaii Public Radio.

East Hawaii home sales remain flat. According to multiple listing service data, the total number of house sales this year to date is higher than last year to date — 1,003 homes were sold by the end of June, a little over 1% higher than June 2023 — while the median sales price also rose 7% to $535,000. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission to hold continuation of June meeting today. The Maui Planning Commission will hold a meeting in Wailuku on July 23 at 9 a.m. as a continuation of their June 25 meeting. The commission listened to over seven hours of public testimony at the June 25 meeting in regards to a bill that would amend the Maui County Code, removing transient vacation rentals (TVR’s) as a permitted use within the A-1 and A-2 apartment zoning districts.  Maui News.

County Council approves resolution of ‘a global settlement’ for fire litigation against county. The resolution states approximately 451 wildfire lawsuits involving a variety of claims resulting from the Lahaina and Upcountry fires have been filed in the United States District Court and the Hawai’i State Circuit courts as of July 8, 2024 (“Wildfire Litigation”) by affected parties. Maui News.

Mandatory evacuations lifted in Wailuku after brush fire. One firefighter was treated for heat distress at the scene of the brush fire Monday in Wailuku, where approximately 45 homes along Piihana Road were evacuated. The cause of the fire, which is under control, remains under investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Condition of Pioneer Mill smokestack causes concern. Maui officials have closed part of Lahainaluna Road over concerns about the structural integrity of the Pioneer Mill smokestack. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Brush fire burned about 1,600 acres in Koke‘e. A mop-up was underway on Monday at the site of a brush fire, which scorched approximately 1,600 acres before it was extinguished by air and ground attacks from personnel with local, state and federal agencies. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Ballot drop boxes ready to accept ballots. Ballot packets for the 2024 Primary Election were mailed on Wednesday, July 17, and the county’s Office of the County Clerk said voters should have either gotten their packets, or should be getting them, shortly. Garden Island.

Green signs bill banning seabed mining, ACLU drops homeless sweeps lawsuit, aid-in-dying prescriptions up 50%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor signs bills aimed at protecting Hawaii’s environment. Gov. Josh Green on Monday signed a host of bills aimed at protecting Hawaii’s environment, including ones to better manage tourism and to study coastal erosion on Oahu’s North Shore that could serve as a template for the rest of the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green signs bill banning seabed mining in state waters. Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green on Monday signed a state Senate bill prohibiting seabed mining in state waters – less than two weeks after 12 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to support a precautionary pause or moratorium on the new industry. Big Island Now.

DOH: Number of Hawaii patients using aid-in-dying prescriptions up by over 50%. The number of Hawaii patients using aid-in-dying prescriptions is up by over 50%, according to the state Health Department. A new DOH report shows 91 patients used the medications last year. Hawaii News Now.

Port security gets extra attention at RIMPAC. At this year’s iteration of the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific — the world’s largest naval exercise — port security is playing a prominent role as international conflict and competition put strains on global supply chains.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA Candidates Offer Ideas For More Effective Help For Native Hawaiians. Most of the challengers want to see funds reallocated to housing and education initiatives. Civil Beat.

Oahu

ACLU Drops Homelessness Lawsuit Against Honolulu. The action comes less than two weeks after a consequential U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave local governments more leeway to ban sleeping outside. Civil Beat.  Star-Advertiser.

New law seeks middle ground (and quick solutions) in erosion conflict. After years of fighting between beachfront homeowners on Oahu’s North Shore and the state over worsening erosion, a measure signed into law Monday has offered a temporary truce — and a potential pathway to a solution. Hawaii News Now.

Government pushes back against damages sought in high-stakes Red Hill water crisis case. The U.S. government says Red Hill plaintiffs are asking for too much money in their lawsuit and insists the entire Navy waterline wasn’t even contaminated. Hawaii News Now.

Police Union Fears HPD Can’t Recruit Its Way Out Of Its Staffing Crisis. Instead, the union calls for a focus on retaining current officers. HPD has started offering a $25,000 signing bonus but says it is also taking steps to keep employees on board. Civil Beat.

Candidates To Replace Calvin Say On The Honolulu City Council Offer Contrasting Approaches. Three candidates are running — House Rep. Scott Nishimoto, nonprofit consultant Brendan Schultz and restaurant owner Bill Muneno — and they have different ideas of what a council member’s job should be.  Civil Beat.

State signs 50-year lease to continue operating North Shore's Kawaihāpai Airfield. The state has signed a 50-year lease with the U.S. Army at Kawaihāpai Airfield — formerly known as Dillingham Airfield. Hawaii Public Radio.

New affordable housing high-rise could be full by end of summer. The city announced last week that the Waikīkī Vista at 2441 Kapiʻolani Blvd. has already provided emergency shelter and transitional housing for 21 families. Another 23 affordable housing units are occupied, and five more move-ins are scheduled. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR: Boat anchor suspected as cause of recent coral damage in Kewalo Basin. Though the damage at Kewalo is on a relatively smaller scale compared to some larger-scale impacts over the decades, it could still take years for the coral in this area to fully recover. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

No action on Big Isle short-term vacation rentals: Council considers proposed economic-impact study before deciding new standards. A trio of bills — and several amendments for each one — that codify new standards for short-term rentals were the subject of an hours-long County Council committee hearing that ultimately ended with the matter being punted to a future meeting with the promise of further amendments to come. Tribune-Herald.

NASA’s Asteroid Hunting Telescope On Maunakea To Continue Under UH Management. The Infrared Telescope Facility plays a key part of NASA’s planetary defense system, and the space agency's contract with the University of Hawaiʻi is valued at $85.5 million. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission Vacancies Restrict Time Spent On Major Rental Housing Proposal. The Maui Planning Commission can only meet for an hour Tuesday to discuss what is arguably the most pressing policy debate moving through county government — Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed phase-out of approximately 7,000 transient vacation rentals — because it won’t have enough members to keep the 9 a.m. meeting running past 10 a.m. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui County looking for fire lawsuit settlement options. Thousands of people affected by the deadly Maui wildfires last August could soon be offered a settlement from Maui County. KHON2.

Some Lahaina homeowners hit with foreclosure notices on their burned homes. Foreclosure status for nonpayment is illegal for owner-occupant borrowers who have been granted forbearance. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Kauai

Travel-related dengue virus case reported on Kaua‘i. This year there have been eight travel-related dengue cases identified in the state (one on Kauaʻi, two on Maui and five on Oʻahu).  Kauai Now.

Ammo age ban likely, German navy joins RIMPAC, Honolulu mulls fake farm bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii to ban those under 21 from buying ammo. Gov. Josh Green is expected to sign a new bill into law that will ban those under 21 from purchasing ammunition. KHON2.

German navy makes its debut at RIMPAC in Hawaii. German navy makes its debut at RIMPAC. This year at the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific — the world’s largest naval exercise — the German navy has dispatched ships to participate for the first time as Berlin begins putting its ambitious new Pacific strategy into action. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii urged to prepare for wildfire power shutoffs. This week marks the start of Hawaiian Electric’s program of proactively shutting off power in specified areas to protect the public if and when there is a high risk of wildfires on all the islands it serves. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric launches new searchable maps for Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Hawaiian Electric customers can now use a new online search feature to determine if their address is within the high-risk wildfire areas within the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Maui News. Big Island Video News.

New law boosts funding for Hawaiian language immersion education. Hawaiian language immersion education is getting a boost in funding to create new positions for kaiapuni teachers and curriculum specialists with the state Department of Education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Bill To Rein In Fake Farms Threatens Real Ag Enterprises. Beekeepers, kennels and livestock owners say a proposed change to Honolulu's land use ordinance would drive them out of business. Civil Beat.

City seeks to terminate tow contractor after audit finds hundreds of drivers overcharged. All Island Wreckers, also known as All Island Automative Towing, was contracted by the city in January 2023 and city officials were made aware of the complaints about the fees during the mayor’s town hall in Mililani on April 6, 2023. Hawaii News Now.

EPA fines 2 Oahu nurseries for worker protection standard violations. According to the EPA, the state in 2021 conducted inspections at the nurseries: Olomana Orchids Inc. of Kaneohe and Mari’s Garden’s in Mililani. Both cases were referred to the EPA in 2023 for resolution. Star-Advertiser.

Popular Oahu trail to temporarily close for much-needed maintenance, upgrades. Manoa Falls Trail, one of the most popular hikes on Oahu, will temporarily close for maintenance this month. The closure will run from Monday through July 13.  Hawaii News Now.

A Tale Of 12 Shopping Carts And The Man Who Retrieves Them. It's a dirty business, even in suburban Kapolei. But somebody's got to do it. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Aircraft Alert Issued For Pōhakuloa Training Area, RIMPAC. Residents around Hilo airport have already noticed an increase in military aircraft taking off and landing.  Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County park returns to its original place name. A Pāhoa park sign now bears its original place name. On Wednesday, community leaders, students elected officials and local residents held a blessing for Waiakahi‘ula Beach Park, formerly known as Kahakai Park. Big Island Now.

Maui

Moratorium on disconnections of electric service for non-payment for Maui customers extended through Aug. 31. Suspension of service disconnections for all Hawaiian Electric customers on Maui has been extended through at least Aug. 31, 2024, in accordance with the extension of Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation. Maui Now.

Over 30 rebuilding permits have been issued after the fire. Here’s how some Lahaina homeowners did it. A total of 31 disaster recovery permits for residential structures have been issued as of Wednesday, including 28 in Lahaina and three in Kula, according to Desilee Santiago, one of four permit technicians with 4LEAF, which received a three-year, $16 million contract to help Maui County with the permitting process following the fires. Maui Now.

Lahaina Fire Survivors Prepare To Test Maui County’s Rules On Living In The Burn Zone. With the trailer on a barge en route to Hawaii, two business partners plan to set up a makeshift home on the now-cleared property. Civil Beat.

Oahu Coral Group Gears Up To Help Maui’s Battered Reefs. Started by fishermen and firefighters, Kuleana Coral Restoration prioritizes workforce development to aid coral reefs stressed by warming oceans, urban runoff and more. Civil Beat.

Maui chef who served community during fires now fighting for his life. Riko Bartolome was recently diagnosed with leukemia. The specific form he is battling is high risk that affects his blood and bone marrow. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Fireworks determined to be cause of motel lanai fire on Kauai. Kaua'i Fire Department firefighters extinguished a structure fire on Papaloa Road in Wailua on Wednesday, July 3. KITV4.

Kaua‘i Sushi Station crowned best in nation – for the second year in a row. That’s according to popular business review website Yelp, which recently placed Kaua‘i Sushi Station at the summit of its “Top 100 Sushi Spots” of 2024. Kauai Now.

Strong start to summer travel season at Lihu‘e Airport.  A busy start to the summer travel season at Lihu‘e Airport saw more passengers arriving via domestic flights and longer wait times for people leaving the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Navies from 29 countries train around Hawaii during RIMPAC, HART board violated Sunshine Law, HECO asks PUC for fee increases to cover Maui wildfire costs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navies train in Hawaii during RIMPAC as ocean turns into mock battlefields. The biennial Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest recurring naval exercise, is underway in Hawaii and San Diego, bringing together 40 warships from 29 countries. Exercises are scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.  Star-Advertiser.

Congress looks to continue Coast Guard’s Pacific expansion. The Coast Guard is slated to continue solidifying its Pacific footprint with new funds from Congress as the service plays an increasingly prominent role in Washington’s regional strategy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric system upgrades to buffet electric bills. Hawaii’s largest electric utility, Hawaiian Electric Co., is seeking regulatory approval for a second “exceptional” investment project where it intends to recover costs from ratepayers who stand to have their bills affected by incremental, long-lasting small increases.  Star-Advertiser.

Governor Signs 13 Bills For Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries, Culture. Governor Josh Green on Friday signed 13 bills into law, renewing the state’s commitment to the Hawaiʻi Department of Hawaiian Homelands, as well as Native Hawaiian education, cultural practices and traditions, and stewardship.   Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Bill on traffic violations may face governor’s veto. If it becomes law, House Bill 2526 would increase the penalty for a third or subsequent offense involving unauthorized driving or operation of motor vehicles to a class C felony and authorize the court to order the forfeiture of the vehicle used in the offense. Star-Advertiser.

First Amendment Groups Oppose Veto Of Bill To Limit Governor’s Power To Cut Off Electronic Media In Emergencies. Hawaii’s governor warns of the need to respond to possible violence generated by social media in times of crisis. But journalists and attorneys fear violation of constitutionally protected free speech. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green Makes Appointments To Boards And Agencies. They include Christine Sakuda as Hawaii's chief information officer. Green also appointed Barbara Polk and Danton Wong to serve on the Campaign Spending Commission, Andrew Pereira to the Stadium Authority and Debbie Cabebe to the Hawaii Community Development Authority Pulehunui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former HART Board Members Violated Sunshine Law By Discussing Consulting Contract In Private. Ultimately, Colleen Hanabusa turned down the lucrative consulting contract in favor of rejoining the unpaid board as public scrutiny grew. Three key board members overseeing Honolulu’s Skyline transit construction violated state open meeting laws when they traded emails about hiring Colleen Hanabusa to a lucrative consultant contract before discussing the proposal in an open meeting, the Office of Information Practices ruled last week. Civil Beat

Skyline marks first anniversary, anticipates more stations opening in next 18 months. A year after it opened to the public, Honolulu’s Skyline rail system continues to see a mix of more than 1 million commuters, first- timers, lookie-loos and tourists who are already anticipating four more stations that are scheduled to open in the next 18 months — including into and out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

City Council’s affordable rental housing bill advances. A bill meant to give private developers of affordable rental housing greater financial incentives to build is moving forward — but with a change to post-construction grant amounts meant to spur completion of more units above or below 300 square feet in size. Star-Advertiser.

City taking over Biki bikeshare system. Starting Monday, the City and County of Honolulu is officially taking over management of the Biki bikeshare system — marking a major change since its launch in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Star-Advertiser will now use the mail to deliver newspapers in Waikiki. In a letter, Aaron Kotarek, senior vice president of audience and operations for the Star-Advertiser, wrote that beginning July 1, the company will partner with the U.S. Postal Service to deliver the paper to readers in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

For Chief Judge Kim, retirement is ‘rehirement’. Today will be the last day on the bench for Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim, four years to the day after being named the Big Island’s chief administrative jurist by Hawaii Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo roundabout gets funding. A project to build a traffic roundabout in downtown Hilo has received more than $17 million in federal funding. Tribune-Herald.

Unrest escalates at Kīlauea; more than 500 earthquakes rock upper East Rift Zone. Hundreds of earthquakes are occurring in Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone, prompting an overnight status report from the USGS.. Scientists say “any substantial increases in seismicity and/or deformation could result in a new eruptive episode, but there are no signs of an imminent eruption at this time.” Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Another Suicide At The Maui Jail Leaves A Grieving Family To Conclude ‘Something Is Wrong’. Artrina De Lima's death is the sixth suicide at the Maui jail in the past four years. That is more than the total number of known suicides at all other Hawaii correctional facilities during that time. Civil Beat.

Bill To Designate Lahaina As A National Heritage Area Gets Congressional Hearing. The governor, Maui mayor, cultural leaders from West Maui and others say such a designation would help Lahaina recover and celebrate its past. Civil Beat.

Kahikolu Project on Maui targets axis deer and widespread environmental impacts. Prolific herds of hungry axis deer continue to wreak havoc in Maui County, damaging farm crops, overgrazing livestock pasture lands, threatening fragile watersheds and even encroaching in heavily urbanized areas like Kahului Airport’s runways and baggage claim areas. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kīlauea roundabout being constructed on Kūhiō Highway. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is notifying drivers of a $12 million roundabout being constructed on Kūhiō Highway in Kilauea, which is planned to be completed late next year.  Kauai Now.

Hawaii wins $916M judgment in Plavix lawsuit, below-average hurricane season forecast, Honolulu officials mull short-term rental regulations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pharmaceuticals Ordered To Pay Hawaii Nearly $1 Billion For Deceptive Business Practices. The drug companies hid information from doctors who prescribed Plavix, which can have outsized negative effects on Asians and Pacific Islanders. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Below-average hurricane season is forecast for Hawaii. With a developing La Nina climate pattern and cooler waters in the forecast, officials said the basin is likely to experience one to four tropical cyclones during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Dry season forecast to be drier-than-normal. The extra rainfall through April added to what the state has gotten so far this month, including from last week’s kona low and the heavy rains and thunderstorms that drowned the Big Island the week before, will provide a buffer against the earlier onset of expected drought conditions later this summer — and wildfire weather. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

After Lahaina, Hawaii Fire Crews Take Stock Of Their Ability To Communicate In A Crisis. Fire departments across the state are reevaluating their emergency communication capabilities after the Maui wildfires, when the vulnerability of the island’s cellular network — and a lack of advanced communication tools in fire vehicles — complicated efforts by first responders as they confronted one of the worst disasters in Hawaii’s history. Civil Beat.

Native Seeds Could Soon Be Fueling New Growth On Burned Out Acreage Across Hawaii. The federal government is funneling millions of dollars to a University of Hawaii initiative aimed at increasing the number of seeds for hardy native and non-invasive plants that can compete against the dominant invasive grasses that fuel wildfires. Civil Beat.

Derek Turbin elected chair person of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Convention. Delegates Also Approve Resolutions, Amend Party Constitution and Bylaws, Select National Delegates, and Choose Presidential Electors. Maui News.

US Pacific Fleet announces 29th RIMPAC exercise.  Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Maui Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu officials weigh regulations for short-term rental market with new state law. In 2022, the city implemented a law to increase the minimum amount of time that residential homes could be rented from 30 days to 90 days. However, a federal court ruled that the city could not enforce its regulation. Hawaii Public Radio.

More homeless housing planned for Oahu. The city and state have opened — and plan to open — more homeless housing across Oahu following the closure of some shelters and reduced bed space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Across Oahu, a growing dilemma: How to care for kupuna living on the streets. Dr. James Ireland, director of Honolulu’s Emergency Services Department, says he’ll call a meeting with the hospitals and other stakeholders to remind them of C.O.R.E. services. That’s the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement Program — for patients who need medical treatment but don’t need the emergency room.  Hawaii News Now.

Embattled rail CEO says she’s been bullied, harassed by HART board. Embattled rail CEO Lori Kahikina said Tuesday that she no longer wants the job if she continues to be bullied and harassed by the HART board. Hawaii News Now.

West Loch disaster 80 years ago prompted military reforms. Tuesday marked the 80th anniversary of a deadly — and often forgotten — disaster in Hawaii that prompted major reforms in the U.S. military. Star-Advertiser.

Charter school students name Kaiwi’s monk seal pup Pa‘aki. Kaiwi’s newest monk seal pup born this month at Kaimana Beach has been named Pa‘aki, according to Hawaii Marine Animal Response. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Emergency evacuation route planned for Waikoloa Village. Private landowners have pledged to fund and grant the County of Hawaii the new route or egress down to the highway. KITV4.

Hawaii Island to host 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has opened registration for its 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention, which will be held from Sept. 17-19 at Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Maui

Decision Due Soon On Where To Build A New Elementary School In Lahaina. The Hawaii Department of Education hopes to choose a permanent campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary by next month. Civil Beat.

Maui County Hopes To Provide Housing For Seniors, Even A Few Units At A Time. Maui County is buying two condo units in Kaanapali to create more affordable housing options for kupuna displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires that destroyed most of Lahaina and parts of Upcountry.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Meetings strive to give a voice to homelessness. The County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency opened its series of meetings on Tuesday to collect information for its five year homelessness strategic plan. Garden Island.

Polls shows solid support for restoration of Coco Palms Resort. As demolition work progresses on the Coco Palms Resort, a new poll shows robust support for the restoration of the once-renowned property that was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Garden Island.

RIMPAC wraps up war games, super PAC spends millions in LG race, petroleum found in Moanalua well, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sea Hunter crewless vessel arrives at Pearl Harborfor 2022 RIMPAC PC:U.S. Navy

Month-long RIMPAC exercises wrap up in waters off Hawaii. RIMPAC concluded Thursday after over a month of war games that united militaries from around the world. RIMPAC’s 2022 return was super-sized, after a smaller 2020 version during the onset of COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

This Hawaii Super PAC Is Spending Millions To Defeat One Political Opponent This Year. Be Change Now has launched an aggressive campaign attacking lieutenant governor candidate Rep. Sylvia Luke. Be Change Now, a super PAC funded by contractors who do business with the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, is spending more than $2 million this year supporting Ikaika Anderson’s run for lieutenant governor with radio, digital and newspaper ads, according to recently filed campaign spending reports. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Meet the GOP candidates looking to flip Hawaii's U.S. House seats. The 1st Congressional District hasn't been in GOP hands in over decade, when it was briefly represented by Rep. Charles Djou.  And the 2nd District has never been represented by a Republican since its creation. KITV4.

Crowded field vying for seats on OHA Board of Trustees. Eighteen candidates are vying for six seats in the primary election for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, including a retired state senator, a former star University of Hawaii football player and all six incumbents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's gay leaders take steps to educate, vaccinate their community against monkeypox. Monkeypox can infect anyone, but the majority of cases in the US outbreak have been among men who have sex with men, including gay and bisexual men and people who identify as transgender. KITV4.

Oahu

Board of Water Supply detects petroleum contamination in Moanalua monitoring well. The Honolulu Board of Water supply says it has detected petroleum-related chemicals in a monitoring well in Moanalua Valley, elevating concerns that fuel contamination from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility is traveling through the aquifer and putting a major source of drinking water for southern Oahu at risk. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Efforts ramp up to reduce crime in Waikiki. A new crime-reduction program called “Safe and Sound Waikiki” is kicking off in the neighborhood where a rash of high-profile violent crimes, including a recent sword attack at a Kalakaua Avenue 7-Eleven, has sharpened community concerns. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said the multiagency program is based on the already established “Weed and Seed” program, which seeks to “weed out” criminals from a particular district and then “seed” communities by investing in social and economic revitalization. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office Won’t Charge SWAT Officer Who Killed Kakaako Man. The department concluded that officers last year did everything they could to de-escalate a tense barricade situation. After an almost yearlong investigation, the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined that the SWAT officer who shot and killed a man in his Kakaako apartment was justified in his actions and will not be charged. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo hospital sees surge in patients: Several factors push it well above capacity. HMC on Thursday reported 13 holds in the Emergency Department, 13 patients in the overflow areas, and 37 patients waitlisted for beds elsewhere. Waitlisted means they are looking for a long-term space to obtain care outside of their homes and HMC. Tribune-Herald.

Crews to soon begin process of dismantling observatory. Caltech Submillimeter Observatory Director Sunil Golwawa said the complete removal of the observatory — the first of five to be removed in exchange for the planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope — should be finished by the end of the year, with deconstruction of the building itself beginning before the end of summer. Tribune-Herald.

2,695 and counting: Hawaii Wildlife Center marks 10 years of saving native birds and bats. Around 150 different bird and bat species have been seen at the hospital, including 27 rare species. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Money Is Flowing Into Maui County Races As The Primary Election Nears. Developers, real estate investors and business interests are pouring contributions into local campaigns. In the month before voting started for the Aug. 13 primary election, recent campaign finance data shows that almost $282,000 flowed into the campaigns of candidates trying to lead Maui County’s $1 billion government. Civil Beat.

Annalisa M. Bernard appointed to fill judicial position in Maui’s Second Circuit Court. Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today appointed Annalisa M. Bernard to fill a judicial position in the District Court of the Second Circuit in Maui County. Maui Now.

Maui County home sales cool in June; single-family home median sales price at $1.1 million. Maui County home sales fell by more than 50% for condos and 20% for single-family houses last month, as rising mortgage rates and record-high sales prices pushed out buyers. Maui Now. Maui News.

Monkeypox case on Maui brings Hawaii’s total to 12. The state Department of Health on Thursday announced an additional case of monkeypox in a Maui resident who traveled outside of the state, bringing the number of cases in Hawaii to 12. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Broken X-Rays lead to long wait times, high stress at Lihu‘e Airport. Faulty X-ray machines at Lihu‘e Airport led to long waits and high tensions this past week. Contracted security manager Charlie Iona estimated that at certain points wait times were two hours. Garden Island.

COVID continues downtrend on Kauaʻi. Kaua‘i’s test positivity rate was 17.3% — higher than the state average of 13.8%. Garden Island.

Huge south swell batters Hawaii, SECNAV in Hawaii to observe RIMPAC, permit lag stymies Honolulu solar installation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Like a tsunami’: Huge south swell sends waves crashing into homes, businesses. Oceanfront communities around the state started clean-up efforts Sunday, a day after a huge south swell sent waves crashing into homes, businesses and roadways. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Navy secretary in Hawaii to observe RIMPAC. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro is in Hawaii this week to observe Rim of the Pacific exercises as the first step of a multinational tour of the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC sinking exercise: live fire sinks decommissioned vessel north of Kauaʻi. Live fire from Rim of the Pacific 2022 partner nation ships and aircraft sank the decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) July 12, in waters 15,000 feet deep, 50 nautical miles north of Kauaʻi. Maui Now. Garden Island.

2 sailors injured in engine fire aboard Peruvian ship participating in RIMPAC. Two Peruvian sailors suffered burns during RIMPAC exercises Sunday and were airlifted to a hospital on Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates For Governor Describe Hawaii’s Correctional System As ‘Deplorable’. Both Kai Kahele and Vicky Cayetano said they would explore new opportunities for using the governor’s clemency powers if elected. Civil Beat.

The Top Hawaii LG Candidates Have Spent $2 Million Telling Voters Who They Are. Keith Amemiya was the top fundraiser through the first six months of 2022, but was outspent by state Rep. Sylvia Luke. Civil Beat.

Tourism, homelessness up for discussion at Native Hawaiian convention. More than 150 guests and 1,500 attendees are expected at this week’s Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s 21st annual Native Hawaiian Convention, where wide-ranging discussions are planned for everything from sustainable tourism to homelessness. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

New law hikes fines for cellphone use while driving. The measure raised the fine for the use of a cellphone or mobile electronic device while driving from $250 to $300. In addition, if the infraction takes place while driving in a school zone or construction area, the penalty is hiked from $300 to $400. Tribune-Herald.

988 suicide hotline launches: Hawaii joins nation with 3-digit number for mental health, substance use crises. The new phone number will help increase access to Hawaii CARES, a free mental health and substance use call center that links experts in the field to those in need. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

Number of long-COVID cases continues growing, potentially affecting Hawaii workforce. An estimated 10% to 30% of people who contract the coronavirus will develop long COVID, according to Dr. Dominic Chow, a physician with Queen’s Post COVID Recovery and Care Clinic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has Plenty Of Pregnancy Resource Centers That Offer Alternatives To Abortion. But some doctors are concerned that the efforts will confuse and mislead women as they navigate a post-Roe world. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nonprofit pulls out of Waikiki pavilion amid rise criminal activity. Mounting crime and increased homelessness in Waikiki have prompted the nonprofit Pacific Island Beach Boys to pull out of a concession at one of the four Kuhio Beach pavilions, which the city has used for the past several years as a tool to increase safety in the district. Star-Advertiser.

Companies pull back on solar installations for townhouses. Many Oahu solar companies have stopped taking on townhouse clients due to the long wait for building permit approval from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

‘No Parking’: Lanikai Residents Take Traffic Woes Into Their Own Hands. The Honolulu City Council asked the transportation department for a plan to mitigate the parking problems in the popular beachside neighborhood. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lava buyouts begin: Five first phase applicants close deals with county. The Voluntary Housing Buyout Program allows owners of properties that were isolated, damaged or destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption to sell their land to the county, which purchases the parcels using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Tribune-Herald.

Council seeks answers about homeless program. The county Housing Office and representatives of an island nonprofit are being asked to justify programs at a Kailua-Kona homeless shelter after several West Hawaii council members balked at extending a lease arrangement for up to five more years. West Hawaii Today.

Two libraries slated for Puna: New Pahoa facility likely will be located at proposed transit hub. Attached to this year’s state budget, roughly $2 million was allocated to build a new library in Keaau. Another state library, for the lower Puna area, is being considered alongside a county transit hub as part of a co-location for both facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Spending report: Bissen, Victorino lead mayoral candidates in campaign funds. Maui County mayoral candidate Richard Bissen Jr. raised nearly $252,000 in the last two months, about four times as much as his nearest competitor, incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino, who brought in $62,153.12 in contributions during the same period from April 26 to June 30. Maui News.

Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force reports high bacteria levels at five Maui sites. Five locations on Maui have high levels of enterococcus bacteria, according to samples taken on July 13, as part of a citizen scientist program conducted monthly by the Surfrider Foundation. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Rarely Elect Women To County Council. Will That Change This Election? Unlike other counties, Kauai’s council has never had a female majority. Experts say voter bias isn’t to blame. Civil Beat.

Swell smashes South Shore. County and state officials are urging the public to stay away from the shorelines along Po‘ipu and other areas on the South Shore and west-facing beaches because significant wave run-ups on roadways and into properties near shore have been reported. Garden Island.

Masks to become optional in Hawaii public schools, Ige vetoes 28 bills, state AG issues new guidance to relax gun laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Indoor masking optional at Hawaii public schools starting Aug. 1. Indoor masking will become optional in Hawaii’s 257 regular public schools effective Aug. 1 — a change eliciting praise from people who feel masking harms students, and criticism from other parents and some doctors who predict an increased risk of COVID-19 for children and school employees. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige vetoes 28 bills from original list of 30. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday sent legislative leaders a list of 28 bills — from the original 30 on his June 27 “intent to veto” list — including one aimed at reforming Hawaii’s foster care system that Ige called unconstitutional. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Attorney general issues new guidance for state to ease gun permit laws in wake of SCOTUS ruling. Hawaii is set to relax some of the toughest permit laws in the nation in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling. Hawaii’s Attorney General Holly Shikada said the decision means that the state will need to make it easier to apply for a permit to carry guns in public. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor face off in KITV4's Debate Night. Homelessness, high taxes, and tourism - were some of the issues debated tonight by Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates during a three hour special hosted by KITV4. The three frontrunners on the Democratic ticket for governor, Vicky Cayetano, Josh Green, and Kai Kahele, engaged in their own debate. KITV4.

Hawaii GOP gubernatorial candidates debate ahead of election. Some of Hawaii’s top Republican gubernatorial candidates faced off Tuesday evening in a live debate in which they mostly fell along political party lines on national issues, including abortion and gun rights, and often had overlapping ideas about local issues such as affordable housing and the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Crypto Super PAC Launches Ad Campaign In Support Of Patrick Branco In CD2 Race. Federal records show that Web3 Forward, which backs Democrats for Congress, has spent more than $100,000 on advertising in the Hawaii race. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC back at full force showcasing training, partnership. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, and more than 25,000 military personnel have been in and around Hawaiʻi the last couple of weeks for this year’s Rim of the Pacific maritime exercises. Hawaii Public Radio.

Software snafu affects government employees’ health benefits. The state agency that administers health insurance benefits for thousands of state and county workers in Hawaii is experiencing problems with the rollout of new benefits administration software. Tribune-Herald.

Kaiser Hawaii under scrutiny for lack in behavioral health. A national organization focused on improving the quality of health care has determined that Kaiser Permanente’s health plans in Hawaii need to improve and has put them under “corrective action” for failing to meet national quality standards. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Judge postpones corruption trial of ex-city prosecutor, 4 alleged co-conspirators. Former city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is accused of accepting $45,000 in campaign contributions from Honolulu businessman Dennis Mitsunaga, his company employees and relatives. Federal authorities said in exchange, Kaneshiro filed criminal charges against a former Mitsunaga employee who had sued the company over being fired. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City’s high job vacancies prompts audit. The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved a resolution directing the city’s auditor to look into the hiring practices of the human resources department. KHON2.

Honolulu Rail Whistleblower: Tracks, Wheels A Maintenance Nightmare And Potential Safety Issue. A  track consultant pressed HART officials for two years for the rail agency to make key changes that would make the system safer and more operable. They dismissed him in February. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail project is exploring alternatives to Pearl Highlands parking garage. The Pearl Highlands parking garage has been paused due to exorbitant costs. It was supposed to create spaces for central Oʻahu residents who want to take the train into urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

With no ridership rebound in sight, city bus system plans route changes. More than two years after the start of the pandemic, ridership on the city bus is still only about half of what it was. According to the city’s Department of Transportation Services TheBus currently has about 115,000 daily riders. That’s down from 195,000 prior to the pandemic ― a 41% decline. Hawaii News Now.

Judge: Man left homeless after wrongful prosecution can seek another civil claim against city. An Oahu man left homeless after being jailed and wrongfully prosecuted for drug crimes is celebrating another legal victory. A federal judge says Sefo Fatai’s malicious prosecution claim against the city can move to trial. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pohue Bay preserved: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park adds 16,000 acres. The Trust for Public Land officially transferred ownership and stewardship of Pohue Bay to the National Park Service on Tuesday, preserving the area’s unique natural and cultural resources from development. West Hawaii Today. Associated Press. Big Island Video News.

Council members displeased with Waianuenue Ave road project. County Council members are frustrated that the repair work on Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo does not appear to conform with their expectations. Tribune-Herald.

$15M Waiaka Bridge replacement project expected to start next summer. The project, which also includes realigning Kawaihae and Kohala Mountain roads and installing a roundabout at their intersection, is expected to be complete by the end of 2024, should construction get underway as planned in summer 2023. West Hawaii Today.

Olson Trust drops lawsuit against Naniloa’s top brass. The Edmund C. Olson Trust has withdrawn its lawsuit against two co-owners of the Grand Naniloa Hotel. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui Transit hub could be ready by year’s end. The Central Maui Transit hub that will replace the one at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center may be up and running by the end of this year, a county official said on Monday. The $2 million bus hub is located off Vevau Street near Kane Street, across from the old Sears store. Maui News.

Another Waiehu affordable housing project moves ahead — this one plans 752 units. Another affordable housing project is advancing in Waiehu, and this time the developer is pitching 752 units in a proposal called Waiehu Residential Community.  Maui Now.

Hotel Wailea earns No. 1 ranking in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui is ranked No. 3; Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui  is No. 5; Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, Lānaʻi is No. 10; Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Maui is No. 18; and Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui rounds out the list at No. 20. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai District Health Office to conduct survey on COVID-19 response. The Kauai District Health Office is conducting another survey this month to assess the community’s perception of its COVID-19 response efforts and current emergency preparedness level. Star-Advertiser.

Wainiha to Hā’ena residents asked to conserve water. The Department of Water is asking residents in Wainiha to Hā’ena to conserve water until further notice due to an electrical power outage affecting water system facilities.  KHON2.

Ige signs historic $600M for Hawaiian homesteads, Bishop Museum officials on leave, Hawaii County bans all but mineral sunscreens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Historic $600 million homestead bill becomes law. Gov. David Ige signed a bill Monday that allocates $600 million to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The funding will support Hawaiian homestead development and will assist DHHL beneficiaries’ housing finances. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. KITV4.

Webb Space Telescope First Images Target UH Discovery. The very first image taken with the James Webb Space Telescope have been released by NASA and The White House, and it features an enormous cluster of galaxies originally discovered by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy. Big Island Video News.

Ikaika Anderson receives key endorsement, Sylvia Luke has most in race for lieutenant governor. Former Honolulu Council Chair Ikaika Anderson has received a key endorsement from the powerful carpenters union in his bid to become Hawaii’s next lieutenant governor, but one of his Democratic opponents — state House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke — has endorsements and “recommendations” from 11 labor unions and other organizations with just over a month until the Aug. 13 Democratic primary election. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC highlights Coast Guard’s growing importance in the Pacific. As Navy ships from around the world begin sailing out of Pearl Harbor for the biennial exercise Rim of the Pacific, members of the Coast Guard’s Sector Honolulu are prepping for their own contributions to the war game exercise. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines announces suspension of its direct service to Orlando this fall. The airline also said their last departure is scheduled for September 7 with the final return flight set for September 8. Guests who have booked flights to Orlando beyond those dates will receive full refunds. Hawaii News Now.

Mokulele Airlines is expanding its service. Mokulele Airlines is making good on the promise that it made to expand interisland service to meet the community’s needs back in January 2021 when it became the only airline that flies to both Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

One Man’s Mission To Map 35 Trails In Hawaii. The effort is part of a state initiative to provide better signage and information for hikers that improves access and public safety. Civil Beat.

Hawaii actors sought for Jason Momoa production. A casting call has been issued for actors wishing to appear in a Jason Momoa project, which is believed to be “Chief of War,” an epic saga about the unification and colonization of the Hawaiian Islands. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

3 top leaders at Bishop Museum on leave amid internal probe. Bishop Museum President and CEO Melanie Ide today said she will be resigning from her post after she and two other officials were placed on paid administrative leave and banned from the museum property over alleged workplace concerns raised by employees. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hold the plastic! City rules on single-use foodware to take effect after long delay. After a lengthy pandemic-related delay, the city’s ban on foam plate lunch containers along with disposable plastic food, drink and other serviceware is set to take effect on Sept. 6 ― and eateries are gearing up. Hawaii News Now.

Restaurants could soon start to use city sidewalks again for outdoor dining. Restaurants may soon be able to use public sidewalks for outdoor seating under a new pilot program that was approved unanimously last week by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Overnight park closures considered to curb illegal camping. Some members of the community are asking for certain parks to close overnight or close earlier in order to curb illegal activities. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department said it is gathering input from neighbors as it considers new closing times. KHON2.

Two large-scale solar and battery storage facilities planned on Oʻahu. The technology group Wärtsilä announced today plans for two large-scale solar and battery storage facilities on Oʻahu, totaling 75 MW of solar and 300 MWh of battery storage. Maui Now.

The Fight To Save A Top Hawaii Defense Contractor As Federal Fraud Charges Swirl. Longtime Honolulu businessman Steven Loui is trying to salvage the company he founded more than 40 years ago as its recent CEO, Martin Kao, faces criminal charges over federal pandemic relief funds. Civil Beat.

Oʻahu bike-share program Biki celebrates 5th anniversary. Ridership that first year was over 350,000. Then in 2019, Biki surpassed 1 million rides — its strongest year so far. It's grown to over 1,300 bikes at more than 130 stops stretching from Dole Cannery to Kapiʻolani Community College. Hawaii Public Radio.

808 Cleanups Shares the Concept of Aloha ‘Āina. Volunteers started out cleaning graffiti. Now they restore beaches, hiking trails and other natural places from mauka to makai. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Hawaii Island

Sunscreen ban becomes law: Roth lets bill become law without his signature. Sunscreens containing any active ingredient other than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide will be banned from sale on Hawaii Island starting Dec. 1, under a bill Mayor Mitch Roth let become law Friday without his signature. West Hawaii Today.

Ex-HCCC guards convicted of beating inmate, violating his rights. Three fired corrections officers at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo have been convicted of the brutal beating of an inmate in 2015 and for violating the man’s civil rights by attempting to cover up the use of excessive force. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Public encouraged to sign Books of Condolences in remembrance of Abe. Hawaii County, in partnership with the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Hilo, Art Taniguchi, is hosting Books of Condolences in memory of fallen Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Maui

Wastewater pilot project offers promising results. Grass-based system filtering more wastewater than researchers expected. A team of specialists may have found nature-based, low-cost solutions for managing and reusing excess treated wastewater leaching into the ground and ocean from cesspools and injection wells. Maui News.

Maui sewer user fee increases go into effect. The Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Reclamation Division reminds customers that sewer user fees have increased by an average of 3% as part of Maui County Fiscal Year 2023 budget that went into effect July 1. Maui Now.

Come August, Iao Valley to be closed until early 2023. A popular state monument on Maui is about to undergo a months-long closure. Starting August 1, Iao Valley State Monument will be closing to allow contractors to complete slope stabilization work and parking lot improvements. Hawaii News Now.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide looking to hire 130 employees at four Maui resorts. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is hiring for up to 130 positions locally at its four Maui resorts which include: Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas, The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas North and The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas. Maui Now.

Kauai

First-Time Kauai Mayoral Candidates Attack Kawakami’s Rigid Pandemic Response. The same public health policies that won Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami statewide praise now serve as ammunition for three new political candidates vying to oust him. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i is electrifying its bus fleet. To meet the statewide requirement to transition light-vehicle fleets to zero-emissions by 2035, the county is moving forward on plans to purchase several electric transit buses. Garden Island.

County studying transportation needs on Kauaʻi. The Office of Economic Development has created a survey as part of the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), through which the County of Kaua‘i is receiving technical assistance to study ways to improve the island’s transportation system through integrating emerging transportation technology. Garden Island.