Oahu loosens COVID restrictions, HMSA to eliminate hundreds of jobs, state fines Navy $325k for Red Hill fuel leak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Oahu to loosen COVID-19 restrictions for large events. Mayor Rick Blangiardi is loosening COVID-19 restrictions in Honolulu, starting with allowing more vaccinated people to gather at indoor and outdoor events, effective Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HMSA to eliminate hundreds of positions as it outsources some functions. HMSA President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Mugiishi said the rising cost of health care, new regulatory requirements and consumer mandates have “forced the need for massive technology upgrades to maximize efficiency in the workplace.” The company said 285 employees will be impacted. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Federal funds to offset $80 monthly hike in A+ program. A new $80 monthly fee increase for the state Department of Education’s After School-Plus, or A+, program to take effect Monday will not affect families thanks to federal monies that will be used to offset the increase. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 184 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 99 new cases on Oahu, 31 on Hawaii Island, 10 on Maui, 32 on Kauai, one on Molokai, two on Lanai, and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii health inspectors fine U.S. Navy more than $325K for safety violations at Red Hill. The Navy failed to maintain adequate leak detection at two underground fuel recovery storage tanks and hadn’t performed needed testing of repaired piping, among other safety violations, according to state health officials. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City plan would combine affordable housing projects with retail, restaurants. The plan is to encourage developments that combine homes with retail and restaurants by relaxing height and density limits in neighborhoods that can handle the growth. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-governors Abercrombie, Cayetano and Waihee push housing, no stadium in Halawa. The three expect the effort to find private developers to carry out the NASED plan, which would largely be paid for by public funds offset by income from private use of leased land around a new stadium, will result in a “sinkhole” for taxpayers and a “walk-away disaster” for a private partner.  Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Marathon is a go, with planning already underway. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Wednesday announced that effective Wednesday, road races — currently limited to 500 participants — may be staged with an unlimited count of vaccinated participants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Tax a ‘necessary evil,’ mayor says, to make ends meet for county. During a livestreamed interview, Roth discussed a bill introduced during last week’s meeting of the Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee that proposed levying a 3% transient accommodations tax across all all gross rental proceeds in the county. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Charter Commission Adopts 6 Proposals, Including Abolition of Maui Planning Commission. After hearing nearly two hours of public testimony at a virtual meeting Oct. 21, the Maui Charter Commission adopted six charter amendment proposals, which if approved by voters in 2022, will significantly alter how the County Planning Department functions.  Maui Now.

Developers reduce project size to avoid cultural sites. Makena Golf & Beach Club will scale back from 134 to 103 units. The Maui Planning Commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday to allow developers to downsize the mixed-used development on the land above Makena Landing from 134 units to 103, as well as reduce the 47.2-acre project area by 5 acres. Maui News.

Kauai

DLNR analyzes outdoor rec concerns on Kauaʻi. Pickleball courts continue to be popular recreation spots on Kaua‘i, according to the plan. Garden Island.

Hawaii recovery slow, drastic changes in Honolulu redistricting, lava buyout program expands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaiian Airlines at HNL ©2021 All Hawaii News

Despite Momentum, Hawaiian Airlines Forecast Signals Slow Recovery. In a sign of the challenge Hawaii tourism companies face recovering from the Covid-19 travel drought, Hawaiian Airlines said Tuesday it expects revenue to be down 32% to 37% during the last three months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Nominations of female judges to Hawaii Circuit Court applauded. Leaders of the state Senate’s Women’s Caucus today applauded Gov. David Ige’s nominations of four women to Hawaii’s Circuit Courts. A fifth woman also has been nominated by Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald. Star-Advertiser.

Thirty Meter Telescope protesters oppose Biden’s U.S. attorney pick for Hawaii. Some Native Hawaiians are objecting to President Joe Biden’s choice for U.S. attorney for Hawaii, saying Clare Connors treated dozens of elders like criminals when her office prosecuted them for blocking a road while protesting the construction of a telescope in Hawaii. Associated Press.

Chemical Shortages Are Hitting Hawaii From Pools To Breweries. Supply chain snafus caused by the pandemic have pinched chemical supplies, leaving the city and businesses scrambling for alternatives or ways to get by with less. Civil Beat.

Central Pacific Bank triples earnings. Central Pacific Bank more than tripled its net income in the third quarter, increased its dividend and repurchased more of its shares as it continued to distance itself from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 74 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 83,522. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 36 new cases on Oahu, 19 on Hawaii Island, two on Maui, 12 on Kauai and five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New City Council district map drastically moves neighborhoods. The Honolulu Reapportionment Committee on Tuesday night selected a map that would would drastically change the voter makeup of Council districts beginning in 2022. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Human error, not aging Red Hill tanks, caused May fuel spill, Navy says. The U.S. Navy has concluded that a May 6 spill at its Red Hill underground fuel farm was due to a control room operator’s failure to follow correct procedures. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The Sierra Club wants transparency, emails, answers about recent Navy fuel leaks and Red Hill. The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi has filed a public records complaint with the state Department of Health after learning of an email trail it believes could change the outcome of a contested case hearing for the U.S. Navy’s permit to operate the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council wants to hike traffic fines to raise money for Honolulu Police Department. Currently, money collected from the fines goes to the state, all of it. Council members are looking to raise the fines in order for the city to get some of that. KHON2.
 
Initial phase of a three-tower senior housing project in Liliha-Palama will break ground in 2022. A state agency has committed to finance the first of three affordable senior housing towers planned on the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s outdated Liliha­-Palama administrative campus. Star-Advertiser.

5 Honolulu Police Department officers unjustly shot and killed car theft suspect, complaint alleges. The family of a 30-year-old man who was shot and killed by plainclothes police officers at a gas station in Kapolei in 2019 is suing the Honolulu Police Department for negligence and wrongful death. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Water power charges to increase. An increase in electric rates is leading to the highest power cost surcharge on county water bills in at least two years, with the Water Board on Tuesday approving a 16% hike in the power cost charge. West Hawaii Today.

Phase 2 of lava buyout program set to begin. Owners of secondary residences that were isolated, damaged or destroyed during the 2018 Kilauea eruption will be able to apply next week for the county to buy their properties. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Maui

Marine Institute has Documented 201 Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles So Far This Year. The Maui Ocean Center’s Marine Institute has documented 201 sick, injured or dead sea turtles on Maui so far this year. According to the organization, 89% of the incidents involved turtles with injuries from fishing gear interactions. Maui Now.

Upcountry water shortage ends, but drought remains. A nearly four-month-long water shortage declaration for Upcountry came to an end due to recent rainfall, though many areas across Maui County are still experiencing severe drought and concerns over enforcement of water restrictions remain. Maui Now.

GoFundMe Account Set Up for Repairs of StoneWave Skate Park in Pā‘ia. A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise about $8,000 for fence restoration and repairs of the StoneWave Skate Park, a part of the Pāʻia Youth & Cultural Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Controversial Seacliff development deferred again. A wave of resident testimony on the potential cultural and ecological impacts of a development within the gated Seacliff Plantation subdivision has caused the Planning Commission to defer any decision on the application until December. Garden Island.

Temporary Waimea skatepark expected to be up by next summer. The Kaua‘i Planning Department is planning to set up a temporary ramp and halfpipe at the Waimea Athletic Field. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court requires anti-TMT nonprofit bank records turned over to Attorney General, 2 Hawaiian Airlines flights turned back when passengers act out, Ironman takes a year in Utah, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian oli on Mauna Kea ©2021 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court partially approves subpoena into bank records of group opposing TMT on Mauna Kea. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a subpoena to access the bank records of a nonprofit organization that has opposed the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, but the ruling also further limits the scope of the subpoena. Star-Advertiser.

2 separate Hawaiian Airlines flights return to Honolulu Airport after two unruly passenger cases. One incident involved an alleged unprovoked attack against a flight attendant on an interisland flight bound for Hilo, while the other involved a passenger who allegedly defied the federal face mask mandate on a flight to Seattle. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii officials seek workers statewide for Safe Travels program. The state is seeking to hire 100 people to help verify Safe Travels program documents at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, the Hilo and Kona International Airports on Hawaii Island, Kahului Airport on Maui, and Lihue Airport on Kauai. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s economy is expected to resume recovery in November. According to a new report by University of Hawaii economists, the Nov. 25 Thanksgiving holiday is likely to be around when the main driver of the local economy — tourism — starts to make a significant recovery after a big tumble tied to the towering delta wave of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s High Cost Of Living Just Keeps Getting Higher. Rising gasoline and housing prices are driving up living costs for isle families, offsetting wage gains that had appeared to offer a bright spot in a tepid economic recovery. Civil Beat.

Vacation rental supply only two-thirds back to pre-COVID days. Vacation rental occupancy across the state was down about a third in August, while hotel supply was almost at the pre­-pandemic level that it was two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital rewrites the rules so loved ones can say goodbye at COVID patients’ bedsides. Partnership between Adventist Heath Castle and Bristol Hospice is allowing exceptions so family members can be at the bedside during those final moments. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 445 additional infections. new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 267 new cases on Oahu, 52 on Maui, 81 on Hawaii Island, 30 on Kauai, seven on Molokai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

US House Passes Bill With Enhanced Standards For Red Hill Fuel Tanks. The bill passed ahead of a highly anticipated decision by the Hawaii health director on the World War II-era tanks, which have leaked into the area’s groundwater. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Commission Seeks Public’s Help In Search For New Police Chief. The Honolulu Police Commission is urging the community to send in presentations and testimony regarding the search for the new police chief. Civil  Beat.

With city vaccine exemptions pending approval, councilwoman proposes alternatives to firing. Andria Tupola has introduced a resolution calling for alternatives to firing and is asking city officials to be clearer about the exemption policies. Hawaii News Now.

Iwilei homeless shelter scrambled to identify and isolate COVID-19 cases. The outbreak affected twenty-six residents and a dozen of its 28 staff, forcing the remaining workers to jump into action. KITV4.

Police Officer Falsely Accused Former State Senator Of Being At Massage Parlor Raid. Officer Chester Desiderio faced an undisclosed administrative action for Facebook comments he made about former Sen. Will Espero. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship moving to Utah, officials plan Kona return in October 2022. The Ironman World Championship will be held outside of Hawaii for the first time in its 40-plus history, race officials announced Thursday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Collaboration allows students to use Hele-On pass to get to school. Hawaii County has formed a partnership with the state Department of Education to help alleviate student transportation issues on Hawaii Island caused by a shortage of school bus drivers and routes. Star-Advertiser.

Water reservior project moves foward: Final EA released for 10 million gallon tank in Kohala. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply proposes to build the 36-foot-tall prestressed concrete water tank on property currently owned by Parker Ranch. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island COVID patient's family wants court to force hospital to give him Ivermectin. The fight to give Ivermectin to coronavirus patients now goes before a state judge. A Big Island man is is "on death's doorstep," according to his family. Now they hope to force the hospital to give him an experimental drug. KITV4.

Maui

Big changes to Wailuku town development rules proposed. Saying they’re up against a wall, Maui County Council members on Wednesday recommended approval for sweeping changes to nearly 70 acres of downtown Wailuku in a step to evade long-term litigation. Maui News.

6th Hawaiian monk seal found dead on Molokai. Wildlife officials reported the death of another Hawaiian monk seal on Molokai, the isle’s sixth so far this year, which they said is unprecedented. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

'It's very devastating': activists decry removal of Maui's largest homeless encampment. The sweep made way for the Department of Transportation to restore a nearby wildlife sanctuary. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i to move away from tier system. The County of Kaua‘i will be moving away from its six-tiered system, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced Thursday, but will continue to enforce strict COVID-19 safety measures. Garden Island.

Project seeks to boost local egg production. Farmers have an opportunity to add fresh eggs to their list of wares next year, with tools provided by nonprofit Malama Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Triple-digit COVID increase won't bring back restrictions, children now 20% of infected, Kauai sewer problems contaminate beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery COVID precautions ©2021 All Hawaii News

Return of restrictions not planned as coronavirus infections surge in Hawaii. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is surging, and remained in the triple-digit range for the fifth day in a row Monday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Restaurant association head calls for end to state restrictions. The chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association said it’s time for Gov. David Ige and the counties’ mayors to lift restrictions on the state’s eateries and retail outlets. Tribune-Herald.

Vaccinated state employees who traveled to the mainland are learning about a new policy that’s keeping some out of the office ― and forced to use personal time. The mandate for all 55,000 state workers ― even those are fully vaccinated ― requires approval from their department directors prior to return to the workplace. Hawaii News Now.

As new school year approaches, plans to bring students back remains unclear. The Hawaii Department of Health is currently revising school guidance, but with two weeks until school starts, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. KHON2.

How Hawaii Schools Are Helping Kids Who Struggled During The Pandemic. Schools are implementing programs to foster “social and emotional well-being” in students as well as academic progress. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports uptick in number of kids testing positive for COVID. Officials said Monday that those under 18 now make up about 20% of all Hawaii cases. Hawaii News Now.

July 19, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 132 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 81 on O‘ahu (+7 probable); 22 on Hawai‘i Island (-1 probable); eight on Maui (+1 probable); four on Kaua‘i; and nine in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (+1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu restaurants and bars have the option to do away with social distancing if customers provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. But many restaurant operators aren’t doing so because diners don’t want to show their vaccination cards or present test results. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu electricity customers to pay for rooftop solar battery program. Hawaiian Electric customers on Oahu can help ensure sufficiency of the island’s power supply — and get paid for it — by adding battery storage to existing or new rooftop solar systems. Star-Advertiser.

As council determines whether to replace him, HART board member say he’s being ‘punished’ for his views. The Honolulu City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to replace a controversial voice on the rail authority’s board: Member Joseph Uno. Hawaii News Now.

Study tries to revive Ala Wai flood project, which has lost more than $200 million in federal support. Hawaii has lost hundreds of millions in federal funding for the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project, but the city has signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a study aimed at getting the 2-decade-old project moving again. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Navy Says Pearl Harbor Friday Fuel Leak Contained, Sheds Light on March 2020 Leak. A weekend fuel line leak of an estimated 100 gallons at Pearl Harbor has been contained, the Navy said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Would Join A National Trend With A Commission On Social Justice And Equity. But details would have to be worked out, such as whether such a commission would have real power. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County reinstates free COVID-19 testing amid uptick in cases. The County of Hawaii will reinstate its free community COVID-19 testing program to address the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and help better prepare for the transition to the upcoming school year. KITV4.

Zoo debut: Panaewa reopens after 16-month closure. On Monday morning, Hawaii County Parks and Recreation hosted a blessing ceremony to signify the reopening of the zoo after nearly 16 months of closure. Tribune-Herald.

Pololū Valley Trail Steward Program Hopes to Manage Visitor Impact. A new program funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority hopes to ease some popular trails — and some tension between residents and visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona subdivision seeks council permission. Owners of a 4-acre North Kona parcel are seeking a rezoning from agriculture to urban and permission to subdivide it into six residential lots. West Hawaii Today.

$3.4M in capitol improvements for Honokaa, Honomu. The state has released nearly $3.4 million for capital improvement projects in Honokaa and Honomu. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council Chair Lee Seeks Unity as Injection Well Case Proceeds Through Courts. Hawai‘i Federal Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway last week issued an order requiring Maui County to get discharge permits for Lahaina injection wells under the Clean Water Act. Maui Now.

Public Comment Period Underway on DHHL’s Honokōwai Master Plan. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands engaged its beneficiaries in a master planning process to determine appropriate land uses for DHHL’s approximately 850 acres of lands at Honokōwai including new agricultural homesteads, multi-family homes, and individual or community farming. Maui Now.

Despite The Pandemic, A Molokaʻi Charter School Improves Curriculum. Like all schools, Kualapuʻu Charter went to remote learning in the spring of 2020, with its challenges ranging from internet and technology issues to support at home. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Wailua beach-goers warned of wastewater issues. The county Department of Public Works Wastewater Division is currently out of compliance with state Department of Health standards at its Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant. Garden Island.

Vegas, churches cause of Kaua‘i COVID uptick. Kaua‘i officials are pointing to Las Vegas travel and places of worship for a recent spike in COVID-19 infections. Garden Island.

County receives $40K toward reducing systemic racial disparities. The county’s seeking to reduce systemic racial disparities by at least 20%, and now has some of the means to do so. Garden Island.

Hawaii worries, but gets a grip on coronavirus, Honolulu can't find workers, Maui loosens COVID-19 rules, Big Island construction through the roof, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Tourists view Diamond Head from Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii tops nation in worrying about COVID-19. Roughly 80% of Hawaii residents worry about COVID-19 daily, giving the state the No. 1 worry rank in a new nationwide report from SafeWise. The survey showed that on average only 62% of Americans worried about the pandemic each day, said Andrea Harvey, SafeWise’s outreach director. Star-Advertiser.

Daily case counts remain steady as Hawaii leads way for adult vaccinations. Although Hawaii is leading the way in vaccinations for adults, daily case counts continue to hover in the high double digits. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said the truth is there are still hundreds of thousands of people who have no immunity and can still catch the virus, but he does foresee cases dropping by the end of the month as more people get vaccinated. Hawaii News Now.

Tourists Are Returning To Hawaii, So Why Aren’t Tourism Jobs? Hawaii hosted 8% more tourists in March 2021 than in March 2020 but 35% fewer hotel and restaurant jobs. Civil Beat.

Signs of economic relief abound as vaccination rates, visitor counts steadily rise. With mass vaccinations and a rebounding tourism market, some feel Hawaii’s economy is finally turning the corner. Hawaii News Now.

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Teacher bonuses, classroom ACs may not be best use of federal coronavirus relief funds for Hawaii, officials say. Hawaii’s Department of Education has reached out to the U.S. Department of Education for feedback on the many spending provisos in HB 613, as it faces a June 7 deadline for submitting its own plan to the federal government that incorporates feedback from more than 20 stakeholders groups and the public. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii landlords bear the brunt of housing crisis. Hawaii landlords say a proposal by lawmakers to essentially create a payment plan for past-due renters shifts the burden onto private owners who are also suffering financially. KITV4.

China’s ‘game plan’ has Pacific islands in its sights, U.S. Rep. Ed Case says. For evidence of China’s game plan for influencing the Pacific islands, look to the South China Sea and what the rising Asian power has been doing in spades, said Congressman Ed Case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Police Shootings Review Board Has At Least A Dozen Cases. But that’s fewer than half the number of police killings or in-custody deaths in the state since the board was created in 2017. Civil Beat.

Light vehicles in state’s fleet to transition to electric by 2035. All state-owned light vehicles must be fully electric by 2035 under a bill that successfully passed through the state Legislature this year. Tribune-Herald.

Despite dangers of COVID-19 in jails and prisons, many Hawaii inmates not getting vaccine. Jails and prisons have been among the most dangerous places to be during the coronavirus pandemic, with the virus sweeping through overcrowded and poorly ventilated facilities, and in Hawaii infecting hundreds of prisoners and killing at least nine. Star-Advertiser.

Study by Hawaii researchers suggests expansion of taro farming could help save endangered Hawaiian stilts. A  new study by a team of Hawaii researchers offers hope for the future of the long-legged, black-and-white waterbirds while suggesting greater food security in the islands with the expansion of traditional taro farming. Star-Advertiser.

May 9, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 84 Cases (52 O‘ahu, 16 Maui, 8 Hawai‘i Island, 0 Kaua‘i, 8 Out-of-State); One Death on Maui. Maui Now.

Oahu

City & County of Honolulu facing potential job losses across departments. The city could be looking at a 24% loss in its current workforce by mid-2022 as more and more employees become eligible for retirement and vacancies go unfilled. Star-Advertiser.

Search for new HPD chief will be expanded to more states than in previous years. Commissioners said they wanted the job posting to appear on more social media sites and in more advertisements nationwide than in 2017 when Susan Ballard was chosen as HPD chief. Hawaii News Now.

The Miske Case: Another Co-Defendant Turns Against Alleged Honolulu Crime Boss. The building blocks of the government’s criminal case against Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske Jr. continued to emerge into public view last week when a co-defendant appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson by video link and admitted to being part of the racketeering enterprise Miske is alleged to have controlled and directed. Civil Beat.

700 Gallons Of Fuel Recovered After Leak At Navy's Red Hill Storage Facility. About 700 gallons of fuel were recovered Friday after 1,000 gallons leaked from a fuel line at the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, according to the Hawaii Department of Health and the Navy Region Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio. Civil Beat.

Homeowners want protection from flooding. Flood victims in Haleiwa say dredging at Paukauila and Kiikii streams is necessary to remove sediment buildup and improve water flow, but their pleas to government for assistance have gone unheard for some 25 years. Star-Advertiser.

City to close deteriorating pathway near Honolulu Zoo for construction. The city will be closing the pathway along the mauka side of the Honolulu Zoo beginning next week as crews work to replace a deteriorating asphalt sidewalk. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Construction through the roof: Hawaii Island leading the state in new homes. The Big Island is booming and home builders throughout the island are struggling to keep up with the demand. West Hawaii Today.

Low-income housing voucher program closes. After closing in 2019, the program reopened for Hawaii County applicants on March 15, and closed again as scheduled on April 30, having received 2,587 pre-applications. Of those applications, 647 were randomly selected by electronic lottery to be placed on the program’s new waitlist. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island On Pace To Meet Renewable Energy Goals In 2 Years. Hawaii island could be the first area in the state to exceed goals set by the Legislature and regulators for renewable energy. Civil Beat.

Maui

Less Restrictive COVID-19 Rules Take Effect for Maui. Maui County Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishita said Gov. David Ige approved the request by Mayor Michael Victorinio’s to revise the county’s emergency rules. These new rules went into effect 12:01 am on Sunday, May 9. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to raise affordable housing requirements dies. A much-debated bill to require fast-track housing projects to offer more affordable housing died on Friday as the Maui County Council failed to garner enough votes to override Mayor Michael Victorino’s veto. Maui News.

Kauai

Sweetener found in streams linked to leaking cesspools. Traces of the artificial sweetener sucralose have been found in 20 streams and four rivers on Kaua‘i, and some scientists say it could mean cesspools and septic systems on the island are leaking into those streams and rivers. Garden Island.

OHA trustees hear concerns. Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees toured Kaua‘i last week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Garden Island.

‘Aliomanu Road erosion continues. Erosion along ‘Aliomanu Road has been a longstanding issue as the street that runs along the bay loses more and more of its beach. Garden Island.

Green seeks halt to social gatherings amid COVID-19 spike, forecasters predict $300M revenue bump, NTSB says pilot in 2019 crash inadequately trained, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green with Jan. 7, 2021, update PC:Facebook 

 No gatherings for 2 weeks, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says. Lt. Gov. Josh Green on Thursday called for Hawaii residents to avoid all social gatherings for two weeks, immediately, as the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases hit a record high for the new year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Ask Residents To Stay Home To Reverse COVID-19 Spike. As COVID-19 cases in the islands signal another surge, state officials are calling on residents to stop seeing people outside of their households. Civil Beat.

COVID cases spike 322, Lt. Gov. Green urges everyone to avoid gatherings. Hawaii saw the highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases in several months with 322 new cases on Thursday, Jan. 7, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to 22,631. There are currently 1,831 active cases. KHON2.

As vaccine rollout continues, Hawaii grapples with increase in COVID-19 cases. Green said the case count is directly linked to social gatherings over the Christmas and the New Year’s holidays. He’s asking the public to refrain from any kind of get-togethers for the next two weeks. Hawaii News Now.

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Economy expected to recover faster. Hawaii’s COVID-19 hobbled economy is outperforming previous dire predictions and is expected to generate nearly $6.3 billion in tax revenue for the fiscal year that ends in June, although still down 6.5% from last year, the state Council on Revenues plans to tell Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Will Collect More Taxes Than Expected, State Panel Says. The state Council on Revenues says Hawaii will collect $300 million more in taxes this year than previously projected. Civil Beat.

When will Hawaii’s economy turn the corner? New data says not yet. The Council on Revenues revised its forecast for state revenue, predicting a decline smaller than its previous report. It could ease budget-cutting pressure on the governor and the Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism leads to less pessimistic tax forecast for Hawaii. The council said it expects general fund tax revenue to decline 6.5% during the 12 months ending in June, less than the 11% drop it had projected in September. KITV4.

Remote Participation Poses Challenges For Legislative Session. Much of the state legislature’s business during the upcoming five month session will be conducted remotely, which is already creating technical challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Man who ran for office in Hawaii among ‘Proud Boys’ who stormed US Capitol. Nick Ochs is founder of “Proud Boys Hawaii,” a far right extremist group, and lost the race for the House seat in Waikiki in November. Hawaii News Now.

Proud Boys Hawaii founder involved in U.S. Capitol mayhem. A Republican candidate who unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the state Legislature in 2020 posted a photo of himself inside the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday’s riot that shocked the nation, interrupted the Electoral College vote confirming Joe Biden’s election, and resulted in five deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers call for Trump’s impeachment. Hawaii’s congressional delegation Thursday joined a growing number in Congress in calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump for inciting Wednesday’s armed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Members Of Hawaii Delegation Call For Immediate Removal Of Trump. Freshman Congressman Kai Kahele and U.S. senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono said it’s time to get rid of the president after his supporters attacked police and stormed the U.S. Capitol building. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation backs effort to remove Trump from office. All four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have joined a growing number of lawmakers who say President Trump should be removed from office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii congressional delegation joins calls for president’s removal from office. Hawaii’s congressional delegation joined in the calls for President Donald Trump to be removed from office following upheaval Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i lawmakers respond to Capitol riot. Garden Island.

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Hawaii’s doctor shortage has worsened after COVID-19 pandemic. A study out of the John A. Burns School of Medicine said, the state is about 1,000 physician positions short when compared to other continental U.S. states, and COVID-19 played a part. KHON2.

Military To Expand COVID-19 Vaccinations After Early Success In Hawaii. A small shipment to Tripler earlier this week was meant to test supply chains as the Pentagon gets set for more widespread vaccinations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii National Guard Turns Plane Into ‘Mobile Vaccination Clinic’. Honolulu-based troops transported and administered vaccines to national guardsmen on neighbor islands as they continue pandemic response operations. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 7: 322 New COVID-19 Cases. Among the new cases were 213 on Oahu, 56 on Maui, 18 on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and 34 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Navy pursuing double-wall steel tank system at Red Hill. The Navy on Thursday laid out plans for a “double- wall stainless steel” tank system at the Red Hill fuel farm — accelerating its goal of providing secondary containment to keep the aged tanks where they are in the face of criticism directed at a less comprehensive proposal to prevent fuel spills. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB seeks flight instructor monitoring after deadly North Shore crash. Federal safety investigators said today that the pilot of a skydiving plane that crashed in 2019 on the North Shore, killing all 11 people on board, had not received training to become a competent pilot. Associated Press.

NTSB calls for better monitoring of flight instructors, says Mokuleia plane crash pilot was “inadequately trained”. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says inadequate training of a pilot contributed to the death of 11 people in a skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia in 2019. KHON2.

Legal battle brewing over portion of proceeds from sale of Kealohas’ home. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Louis and Katherine Kealohas’ foreclosed home could pit a financial institution against two of their victims. Hawaii News Now.

Raised crosswalks to be installed on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli, speed limit reduced to 30 mph. State transportation officials said today that two new, raised pedestrian crossings — also known as speed tables — will be installed on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli in response to two recent, deadly collisions there. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds get COVID-19 vaccine at Hawaii’s largest assisted living facility. Hawaii Kai Retirement Community, the largest assisted living facility in the state, is starting to vaccinate its staff and residents against COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

On stopping illegal fireworks, HPD says ‘we do as much as we can’. The Honolulu Police Department says they received about 2,000 calls regarding illegal aerial fireworks in the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But out of those calls, just 45 citations were issued and there was just one arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Commission approves application for construction of 5G cell tower. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday approved an application for the construction of a 5G cellular tower on a rural lot near Leilani Estates. Tribune-Herald.

Sustainability summit set for March 4. A sustainability summit, bringing in experts to brainstorm with elected officials and the public, is one of seven campaign promises Mayor Mitch Roth made for his first 100 days in office. West Hawaii Today.

Goodfellow Bros. Cited, Fined After Sewage Discharge into Reed’s Bay. The notice of violation includes a requirement for Goodfellow Bros., LLC to provide a report that describes how spills will be prevented in the future and pay a penalty of $25,000. Big Island Now.

Kanaka Garden Uprooted Again. State Park officials estimate several hundred plants were pulled from the ground, and were trucked to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo School of Tropical Agriculture. Big Island Video News.

State uproots ‘kanaka garden’ at Wailoa park. An early morning operation Thursday to uproot a “kanaka garden” planted earlier this week by Hawaiian sovereignty activists was a multi-agency response, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Strong Grant Program Launches. Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation on Thursday announced the launch of the Puna Strong grants program with funding from the County’s Kīlauea disaster recovery funds and HCF’s Hawai‘i Island Volcano Recovery Fund. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Surge Largely Attributed to Post-Holiday Community Spread; Harbor Lights Cluster Rises to 84. The 56 new COVID-19 cases in Maui County today are being attributed in large part to post-holiday community spread, according to county officials who consulted with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Maui Now.

Maui Police Seize 177 Pounds of Illegal Aerial Fireworks Valued at $12,000. Patrol Districts throughout Maui County received 99 calls for fireworks violations during the holiday enforcement effort. Maui Now.

Kauai

LUC continues HoKua Place case. The state Land Use Commission met this week to discuss three motions relating to an intervention in the matter to rezone 96 acres of agricultural land to urban district land. Garden Island.

Beach erosion is Zoom meeting topic. The Zoom meeting announcement continued by noting that 70% of Kaua‘i’s beaches are eroding, and over the last century 3.7 miles of beach have been lost. Garden Island.

Kaua'i District Health Office coordinating vaccination dates and times with DOE, independent schools, and charter schools. The Department of Health’s Kauai District Health Office is coordinating vaccination dates and times with DOE schools, independent schools, and charter schools. KITV4.

Molokai

Maui Police Confirm COVID-19 Case in Employee at Molokaʻi District. The Maui Police Department reports an employee who works out of the Molokaʻi District tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Hawaii opening to travelers from Japan, 20k apply for rent relief, HART board fails to kill rail partnership, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

House Speaker Scott Saiki and Gov. David Ige at Honolulu airport (Governor's Office video grab)

Hawaii to welcome Japanese travelers next month through the state’s pre-arrival testing program. The number of Japanese visitors willing to come to Hawaii during the pandemic will be limited in part because of a requirement from the Japanese government that Japanese nationals traveling abroad complete a 14-day quarantine upon returning to Japan. Also, the Japanese government still has the U.S. listed under a “level three” travel restriction, which advises Japanese citizens to “reconsider travel” to the U.S. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-Travel Flights From Japan To Start Nov. 6. Starting Nov. 6, travelers from Japan who can produce a negative COVID-19 test result 72 hours before arrival in Hawaii will be allowed to skip the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to welcome Japanese visitors back in November with pre-travel testing. Japanese visitors will be able to take advantage of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program starting next month, the governor announced Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese visitors could start arriving as early as Nov. 6 under state’s pre-travel testing plan. When visitors from Japan are allowed to travel to Hawaii without being quarantined — which could happen as soon as Nov. 6 — officials aren’t expecting the demand seen when the state reopened for mainland U.S. tourist arrivals on Oct. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Pre-travel Testing Program Expands To Japan. During a news conference that was livestreamed on Tuesday, state officials announced 21 trusted testing partners in Japan.  Big Island Video News.

Quarantine-Exempt Travel Opens to Japan in November. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that beginning Nov. 6, travelers from Japan may bypass Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they pass a trusted coronavirus test within 72 hours of departure and receive a negative result. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi expands Safe Travels program to Japan. The state is expanding its pre-travel testing program with the addition of Japan, marking the first state-county tourism partnership program. Garden Island.

Travel from Japan to Hawai‘i Begins Nov. 6 with Pre-Travel Testing Program. Starting Friday, Nov. 6, travelers from Japan may bypass the State of Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they take a COVID-19 test from a trusted testing partner in Japan. Maui Now.

Japan added to state’s pre-travel testing program, but Japan still has its own restrictions. The governor says All Nippon Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Japan Airlines will have planes from Japan touching down as early as Nov. 6, and we can expect to see a total of 10 fights to Hawaii next month. KHON2.

Hawai‘i expands pre-travel testing program to Japan. On Tuesday Governor David Ige said the largest group of inbound international travelers to our state are returning to the islands as soon as November 6th. KITV4.

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Overdue-rent cases are expected to clog Hawaii’s courts. Hawaii’s courts are expected to be filled with “thousands and thousands” of legal disputes between landlords and their tenants who are delinquent on rent once the current ban on evictions expires at the end of the year, the head of the state Office of Consumer Protection said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Relief program keeping Hawaii’s rental market together. The struggle continues for thousands of local families trying to make rent. KHON2.

More Rental Subsidies In 2021? House Lawmakers Say It’s An Open Question. There’s still overwhelming demand for rental assistance in the last quarter of 2020. Civil Beat.

State's COVID-19 rent relief program ramps up to pay out $78 million by end of year. Of the $87.5 million in CARES Act money meant for struggling renters and homeowners -- only about $10 million has been paid out. KITV4.

Manpower added to process applications for rental assistance programs. More than 20,000 people applied for aid up to $2,000 a month on Oahu, and $1,500 a month on the neighbor islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Candidate Fined $100 For Filming Campaign Spot At State Capitol. State House candidate Diamond Garcia has been fined $100 by the state Ethics Commission after he made a campaign video of himself for Facebook that used an upper-level lanai at the State Capitol as the backdrop. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 27: 66 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases documented Tuesday include 50 on Oahu, three on Hawaii island, two on Maui and nine on Lana. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail’s Pricey P3 Procurement Continues After Board Fails To End It. City leaders and most HART board members want to cancel the public-private partnership process and start over. Civil Beat.

HART board’s 7-2 vote fails to halt P3 process. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation voted 7-2 Tuesday to direct CEO and Executive Director Andrew Robbins to halt a two-year effort to secure a private partner to complete the $10 billion-plus rail project and to instead proceed with a Plan B. Star-Advertiser.

After HART vote, talks for rail public-private partnership will continue (for now). Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s full-court press to stop a proposed public-private partnership for Oahu’s troubled rail project has fallen short ― for now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Construction Union Spent Nearly $1 Million On Oahu Races. The state’s largest super PAC and business executives invested heavily in helping Rick Blangiardi beat Keith Amemiya to be Honolulu mayor. Civil Beat.

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State and EPA reject key Navy plans for Red Hill fuel storage tank fix. State and federal regulators have rejected key provisions of the Navy’s plan to improve the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility following a 27,000-gallon leak in 2014 — saying the proposal for the World War II-built tank farm “lacks detail, clarity, rationale and justification.” Star-Advertiser.

Navy’s Red Hill Fuel Tank Plan Rejected By EPA, Health Department. State and federal officials said the military didn’t clearly identify how it would “minimize risk and impact to the drinking water resource.” Civil Beat.

Navy’s plan for Red Hill fuel tanks rejected by EPA, DOH. The state health department and the Environmental Protection Agency have rejected the Navy’s plan for the Red Hill fuel tanks. They say the plan isn’t enough to protect the aquifer. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Navy’s fuel tank proposal rejected over concerns regarding Oahu’s drinking water. Officials rejected the U.S. Navy’s plan to safeguard Oahu’s drinking water near Red Hill from possible contamination from underground fuel tanks used in World War II. KHON2.

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Trans-Pacific passenger learns of positive COVID-19 test after landing in Honolulu. The CDC and state health officials were alerted Tuesday after a passenger learned of a positive COVID-19 test result shortly after landing in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

DOH confirms traveler tested positive for COVID-19 coming into Honolulu. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Oct. 27 that a traveler received a positive COVID-19 test result upon arrival in Honolulu. KHON2.

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Chinatown Rising: Businesses Are Finding Cool New Homes Amidst The Pandemic. Despite restrictions that have hindered business and a growing homeless population, businesses are moving into Honolulu’s arts and entertainment district. Civil Beat.

Helicopter makes emergency landing in Nuuanu; no injuries reported. A Hughes 369D helicopter doing utility work for Hawaiian Electric made an emergency landing in the mountains above Nuuanu after its engine failed late this morning, but no one was seriously hurt. Star-Advertiser.

Chopper makes hard landing in Nuuanu after reporting engine failure. A helicopter made a hard landing in Nuuanu on Tuesday, prompting an emergency response. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Water Board approves rate hike. Big Island households will see a water rate increase beginning Jan. 1, but the approximately 8% hike in the basic rate is expected to be tempered by a decrease in the power cost charge in the near future. West Hawaii Today.

Mobile COVID-19 testing vans to roll out soon. A mobile COVID-19 testing system is expected to be operational within the next two weeks, Mayor Harry Kim confirmed Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Actively Hunts COVID to Prevent Clusters. Targeted community testing continues to be Hawai‘i County’s approach in identifying clusters of the virus, with the assistance of Premier Medical Group. Big Island Now.

Maui

Layne Silva Named Director of Maui Department of Liquor Control. The Liquor Control Commission selected Layne Silva today as director of the Department of Liquor Control. He succeeds Glenn Mukai, who has retired. Maui Now.

Liquor director selection reportedly down to two. The search for a new Maui County Liquor Control director appears to have been narrowed to two candidates, including a current liquor control officer who is the son of a former liquor control director. Maui News.

Some East Maui residents want the road to Hana closed to visitors – again. Some residents say they have seen an influx in traffic and trash along the road to Hana since the relaunch of Hawaii’s tourism industry on October 15th and they’re asking the mayor to close the road to non-residents again. Hawaii News Now.

County: Follow Best Practices When Handling Solid Waste During COVID-19 Pandemic. These best practices include: double-bagging waste that was used to care for sick people at home; and maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet from solid waste personnel. Maui Now.

Kauai

Residents take advantage of in-person balloting. With less than a week to the general election, Office of the County Clerk Elections Division Elections Administrator Lyndon Yoshioka said voting has been “really, really good.” Garden Island.

DOH: ‘Ele‘ele School’s case likely community transmission. The employee was on campus from Monday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 23, before testing positive. Garden Island.

Confusion around Safe Travels leads to arrest. While it may have been the correct test and within the time frame, the state is requiring tests be through the state’s Safe Travels program, which gives officials access to validate tests. Garden Island.

Molokai

How Kalawao County on Molokai managed to stay COVID-19 free. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has steadily risen across the Hawaiian Islands since the start of the pandemic, but one county has the distinction of zero cases — Kalawao County, on the island of Molokai. KHON2.

Aila confirmed to head DHHL, first person in Hawaii is quarantined in coronavirus prevention, bill would prohibit Red Hill fuel tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coffee beans on drying floor in Ka'u ©2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Showing A Little Love For Kona Coffee. A bill that would require coffee labeled with a Hawaiian name contain at least 50% Hawaii-grown beans has so far faced no opposition. Civil Beat.

Aila confirmed as head of DHHL. William Aila won confirmation as chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on Monday by a 21-3 vote of the state Senate. He will serve through Dec. 21, 2022. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii panel backs Native Hawaiian reconciliation commission. A panel of Hawaii lawmakers Monday passed a resolution calling for the governor to convene a Native Hawaiian reconciliation commission, a step that comes after protests blocking the construction of one of the world’s largest telescopes. Associated Press.

A Proposed Native Hawaiian Commission Is Already Getting Pushback. Critics say Native Hawaiians, not the governor, should pick the members and the issues it considers. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Spurs Hawaiian Reconciliation Commission Proposal. A State House committee held a hearing Monday on resolution requesting the convening of a blue ribbon commission to examine and formulate a reconciliation with Native Hawaiians. Big Island Video News.

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Why Hawaii Isn’t Competitive In Recruiting Teachers. A recent study found Hawaii teacher salaries don’t go as far when compared to other school districts in high-price areas. Civil Beat.

Early Education To Expand But Lawmakers Grapple With What That Means. State lawmakers have recognized the need for affordable child care in the state, so much so that they’ve made it a part of a joint-legislative package negotiated by the governor and House and Senate leaders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would require public high schools to start no earlier than 8:30. A bill making its way through the state legislature is one that would push back the morning school bell at Hawaii's public high schools. KITV4.

Hawaii House Defers Bill Expanding Police Firearms Searches. The Hawaii House of Representatives has deferred action on a bill that would have expanded police powers to search for firearms without obtaining a warrant. Associated Press.

Decision-Making Hearing Scheduled For Housing Bill. Senate Bill 3104 relates to land development. It authorizes the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to lease real property for a period not to exceed 99 years for the development of certain projects that include affordable housing. Maui Now.

Keiki screen time targeted: Legislation aims to encourage parents to set limits. In order to increase awareness of the problem, a bill currently in the state Legislature calls for public education to encourage parents to set limits on how much screen time to allow their children. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator proposes new vehicle tax to fund car recycling program and curb abandoned vehicles. Kurt Fevella wants an audit on the current highway beautification fee in registration, but a stopgap solution is needed now to help communities. KITV4.

Hawaii attorney general’s office hires nationally-known ethics expert. Hui Chen, an anti-fraud expert who made national news when she resigned from her U.S. Department of Justice job in the wake of the firing of FBI Director James Comey, has been hired by the Hawaii attorney general’s office. Star-Advertiser.

State labor supervisor investigated for other allegations. A supervisor with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations who was recently fined $1,000 by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission also was investigated for accusations that he repeatedly touched a female business owner who was fined $9,400 in 2016 and said he could “fix” the fine if the woman went to dinner with him. Star-Advertiser.

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One Hawaii Resident In Mandatory Coronavirus Quarantine. The man who traveled to Hubei Province in China has not shown any symptoms, but his health will be monitored in quarantine. Civil Beat.

First Person Sent to Coronavirus Quarantine in Hawai‘i. Health officials on Monday ushered the first person into Hawai‘i’s Coronavirus quarantine system at Pearl Harbor. Big Island Now.

Hawaii resident who was in Hubei province is quarantined. The Centers for Disease Control has notified state health officials that a Hawaii resident who visited Hubei Province in China has returned home, and will be quarantined for 14 days at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii resident placed in mandatory quarantine after returning from epicenter of outbreak. A Hawaii resident who recently returned from the Chinese province that’s been identified as the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak has been placed in a mandatory 14-day quarantine at Pearl Harbor after returning to the islands, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii resident who recently traveled to Hubei province quarantined at facility at Pearl Harbor. Hawaii has its first mandatory quarantine case tied to the Coronavirus. KHON2.

Officials are monitoring 27 people for coronavirus. State health officials are monitoring 27 individuals for the deadly new coronavirus, including a Hawaii resident who returned to the islands Monday after a recent trip to China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii couple among thousands quarantined after Coronavirus outbreak on cruise ship. "We work it out together and continue to uplift each other. KITV4.

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Company fined for ocean pollution. A federal judge in Hawaii has ordered a Singapore-based shipping company to pay $1.75 million in fines for allegedly dumping bilge waste directly into the ocean. Garden Island.

Oahu

HART Board Member Most Critical Of Rail’s Handling Resigns. John Henry Felix has repeatedly called to pause rail construction at Middle Street. Civil Beat.

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Bill would prohibit Red Hill fuel tanks in 2028. The Navy would no longer be able to operate its massive underground fuel tanks at Red Hill after January 2028 under a bill that moved out of a Senate committee Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Senate bill looks to protect Honolulu’s primary aquifer from Navy fuel spills. Senate Bill 2774 would relocate the Red Hill Underground Storage Facility away from the Moanalua-Waimalu aquifer, which sits just 100 feet below. KHON2.

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Businesses at Dillingham Airfield hold out hope for a flying future. Dillingham Airfield tenants — including skydiving, glider and ultralight operators — are hoping a white knight will step forward to prevent the North Shore airport from shutting down civilian operations June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Walkway access to beach parks restored. The Leahi fence and a matching barrier put up at the makai boundary of Makalei Beach Park were erected by the city Department of Parks and Recreation due to public safety concerns, and after settlement of a lawsuit by a Honolulu resident who claimed she was injured while stepping between Leahi Beach Park and the walkway. Star-Advertiser.

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City opens affordable rental complex in McCully. The city Monday held a blessing for a 30-unit affordable rental project at what had been a dormitory in McCully for international students. Star-Advertiser.

City converts McCully building to affordable rentals for single-parent families. The city held a blessing Monday for a new affordable housing complex for single-parent families in McCully. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing for single parents opens on Oahu. A blessing ceremony was held Monday to celebrate the completion of a new affordable housing project. KHON2.

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Some in Waikiki are relieved a key source of parking won’t be restricted overnight. The proposed overnight closure of a valuable Waikiki parking lot won’t be happening anytime soon, leaving some relieved — but the city is still exploring their options. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

High court vacates conviction in Kamehameha statue vandalism. The Hawaii Supreme Court has vacated the conviction of a man accused of vandalizing the statue of King Kamehameha the Great on the Hilo Bayfront during the Labor Day 2015 weekend. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Work to begin on dune restoration at Kamaole I.  Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be temporarily impacted this week as work begins on sand dune restoration at the southern end of Kamaole Beach Park I in Kihei. Maui News.

Crews to Remove Hazardous Trees in Makawao, Waihou. About a dozen pine and eucalyptus trees as tall as 70 feet in the Makawao State Forest Reserve will be assessed and flagged for removal from Feb. 16 to Feb. 29. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hanapepe: ‘This Is The Town That Keeps Refusing To Die’. The Kauai town has its flash points, but a shared sense of pride continues to hold this community together. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i’s gas prices stable, high. While the average price of regular grade gasoline dropped 7 cents nationwide per gallon, Kaua’i is still 0.28 cents more than the average price in Hawaii and cost $1.46 more than the national average gasoline price. Garden Island.