Hawaii Supreme Court halts candidate filing after reapportionment lawsuit, EPA launches investigation into Red Hill, Maui police employee dies chasing purse snatcher, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court ©2022 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court issues injunction temporarily stopping candidate filing after petition filed to declare legislative maps invalid. The Hawaii Supreme Court late Thursday issued an injunction temporarily stopping candidate filing that was to start Tuesday until it can consider a petition filed by 11 residents from three islands questioning the process by which the state Reapportionment Commission drew legislative boundary maps. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Bills on excessive police force, hike in fireworks fines advance. Bills that would require law enforcement officers to intervene and report colleagues using excessive force and increase fines for fireworks violations passed out of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Moving forward: Coffee labeling bill clears House committees. A bill that would set tighter limits on using Hawaii location names to sell coffee cleared its last state House committee Wednesday, sending it back for a vote on the full house floor before crossing over to the Senate for further consideration. West Hawaii Today.

Testimony mostly positive as retirement bill passes committees. A bill that would help state residents plan for their retirements has passed its committees in the State Senate with broad support. Tribune-Herald.

Mililani Trask named new OHA trustee for Hawaii Island. Native Hawaiian rights activist and lawyer Mililani Trask has been voted to become Hawaii Island’s trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Hawaii holds onto mask mandate as loosened U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance looms. As daily coronavirus cases in Hawaii and nationwide continue to trend down, the debate over mask mandates has become a hot- button issue, particularly in the Aloha State, the last holdout with a statewide indoor mask mandate in place and no announcements on when it will end. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

289 new COVID cases reported statewide; 8 deaths. Hawaii reported 289 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, pushing the statewide total to 235,124. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Environmental Protection Agency launching investigation into Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility. The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that he’s launching an investigation into the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility, telling reporters gathered in downtown Honolulu that it’s important the agency plays “its strong, independent role” in upholding environmental laws and regulations. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Regulators Were Watching The Navy’s Red Hill Fuel Facility. What Went Wrong?  A monitoring agreement signed in 2015 failed to prevent a catastrophe six years later. Civil Beat.

Property raided over illegal dumping allegations. Pressure is mounting for a Hauula property owner who has been accused of illegal dumping on his land, as law enforcement raided his property early Thursday. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani Community College Is Struggling With Lingering Irrigation Issues. Broken pumps and electrical issues are causing native plants to die, which has impacted student learning, school officials said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County scales back COVID-19 testing. Beginning next week, the county will scale back its COVID testing sites as new daily case totals continue to decline. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Waipi‘o Valley Road to Close to Pedestrians; Open for Valley Resident Vehicle Traffic Only as Plan to Fix Route Begins. Hawai‘i County will shut down Waipi‘o Valley Road to pedestrians for safety reasons after the results of a geotechnical study on the steep, crumbling roadway was made public Thursday night. Big Island Now.

Maui

Residents, industry reps debate plan to cap Maui visitor units. Some residents backed a plan to cap Maui’s transient accommodations, while industry testifiers questioned whether a ceiling would have unintended legal and financial consequences during a Maui County Council committee meeting Wednesday. Maui Now. Maui News.

Kihei Wants Long-Term Solutions To Chronic Flooding. The community has been prodding the county to take action on a report it commissioned more than a year ago that’s filled with cost-effective and environmentally friendly ideas. Civil Beat.

Maui Police Department ‘matriarch’ dies in Pukalani crash while chasing purse snatcher. A 55-year-old Maui Police Department employee died in a motor vehicle collision on Maui this morning as she was chasing someone who had reportedly stolen her purse. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

State Agrees To Pay $550,000 To Settle Lawsuit Over Inmate Suicide At Maui Jail. The 26-year-old female prisoner warned jail staff she was contemplating suicide, but the facility did not place her on suicide watch. Civil Beat.

Options to control wave energy explored as beach loss continues at “Sugar Cove” near Pāʻia. Sugar Cove, a pocket beach near Pā’ia, is home to a privately funded beach restoration effort that’s been ongoing for nearly three decades. Maui Now.

Kauai

Like, Iseri make final push for Prosecuting Attorney Special General Election. There are only two days left to cast ballots for the Prosecuting Attorney Special General Election between Acting Prosecutor Rebecca Like and former Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri. Garden Island.

$100M coming from feds to drain Red Hill tanks, gambling bills die as Legislature mulls cannabis for 65-plus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Red Hill fuel tank system PC:US Navy

Federal bill OK’d with funding to drain Red Hill fuel tanks. The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a short-term funding bill that includes a provision that pushes the Department of Defense to abide by a state emergency order to drain the tanks at the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and provides $100 million in funding for the process. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Top State Investigator Says White Collar Crime Unit Sat On Government Corruption Cases. One of Hawaii’s top law enforcement officials says state prosecutors have done nothing with cases of white collar crime and government corruption forwarded to them by investigators during the last several years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii creates conduct commission. The state House of Representatives on Thursday created a commission that will recommend how to boost the effectiveness of state ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws after two former lawmakers earlier this week pleaded guilty in connection with their acceptance of bribes. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Pay raises negotiated for Hawaii public worker union. State labor negotiators have come to terms with one of Hawaii’s larger public workforce unions on a new four-year contract that provides roughly 4% to 5% pay raises in each of the next three fiscal years. Star-Advertiser.

Not In The Cards: Gambling Bills Among Dead Proposals At The Hawaii Legislature. Bills targeting the state auditor’s office and measures to shield the state from inmate lawsuits also failed this year. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senate recommends passing bill allowing anyone 65 or older to use cannabis for medical purposes. On Monday Feb. 14, Hawaii Senate recommended the passing of a bill that would amend the medical cannabis law in Hawaii to allow any individual 65 or older to use cannabis for medical purposes. KHON2.

State Agencies Were Tasked With Buying More Local Food. Can Hawaii Supply It? A new report shows seven of the 18 departments bought local produce last year, spending a combined $2.6 million. Civil Beat.

DOE Plan For Virtual School Gets Thumbs Down From Board For Lack Of Details. While stressing the importance of in-person instruction, the DOE said it needs to offer an array of learning opportunities, including a virtual option. Civil Beat.

Vaccine booster not required for University of Hawaii students, staff. University of Hawaii students, faculty and staff will not be required after all to get booster shots for COVID-19, UH President David Lassner announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Rising Covid Deaths Show Continued Toll Of Pandemic Despite Drop In Cases. Hawaii recorded 16 deaths on Thursday, the second-highest daily number since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department confirms 29 cases of BA.2 omicron variant in the state. The Hawaii Department Department of Health has confirmed 29 cases of BA.2, a new lineage of the COVID-19 omicron variant first detected in the islands through whole genome sequencing in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 16 new coronavirus-related deaths, 650 additional infections. New confirmed and probable infection count includes 353 new cases on Oahu, 91 on Hawaii Island, 92 on Maui, 65 on Kauai, six on Molokai, three on Lanai and 40 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Blangiardi: Safe Access Oahu program for eateries, gyms will likely be dropped in March. The city is poised to drop vaccine-or-test requirements for patrons of restaurants, bars gyms, movie theaters and other venues in early March, the mayor said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Millions unspent as HPD patrol staffing lags and police actions decline. HPD said last year’s unusually large amount of lapsed funds – nearly $18 million – was more than usual because of pandemic-related factors. KHON2.
 
Deputy sheriff who was fired after nearly 40 years of service files wrongful termination suit. In the lawsuit, deputy Sheriff Tommy Cayetano alleged that former DPS Director Nolan Espinda fired him in 2020 ― despite having 38 years of service without any disciplinary actions. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyers disagree over legality of HART board’s confidentiality rules. The state Department of the Attorney General has issued an opinion that the board overseeing the city’s troubled rail project has no legal authority to treat board members differently and require legislative appointees to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to sign new confidentiality agreements. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu to resume normal COVID-19 testing operations at airport; testing added at Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale. The City and County of Honolulu’s free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to all Oahu residents at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, but will return to normal operating hours after they were extended in January. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businesses face challenging economic climate. Global Village, a small boutique offering apparel, handcrafted jewelry and accessories from around the world, is closing its bricks-and-mortar shop for good and transitioning to an online business full time. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Recent luxury eco-resort proposal near Hilo has residents questioning decades-old zoning maps. Resort designations have been on county land use maps for Keaukaha since the 1971 Hawaiʻi County General Plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige Nominates Big Island Engineer to Serve on State BLNR. Big Island engineer Riley Smith is among several people from throughout the state picked by Gov. David Ige to serve on the Hawai’i Board of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Now.

Pandemic, animal control issues exacerbate cat overpopulation. The Big Island’s stray and feral cat population has reached a “critical stage” because the COVID-19 pandemic and animal control problems have reduced spay and neuter opportunities and limited the intake of felines. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Pelletier highlights first 60 days in office, says morale is good. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier discussed his first 60 days in office during Wednesday’s regularly scheduled Police Commission meeting, summarizing what is being done, and the upcoming plans he has for the department. Maui Now. Maui News.

As MPD faces staffing crisis, county is in desperate need of more 911 dispatchers. The Maui Police Department is facing a staffing crisis with a vacancy rate of approximately 25%. However, one section in particular is desperately short staffed: 911 dispatchers. Hawaii News Now.

Should Maui Hotels Pay More For Water? This Council Member Thinks So. Both homeowners and general users ranging from mom-and-pop shops to schools to luxury hotels pay largely the same prices for water. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Balloon prompts jet scramble over Kauai, Air Force says. The Air Force says it is tracking an “unmanned balloon without observable identification markings” after it was spotted over Kauai on Monday. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Hawaiian homestead bills advance, Legislature weighs fireworks, distracted driving, water cremation bills, flags at half-staff for former Kauai lawmaker, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Children play at a Hawaiian homestead camp in Keaukaha ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian homestead bills advance at state Legislature. A plan backed by most Hawaii lawmakers to give a historic sum of money to ramp up development of homesteads for potentially thousands of Native Hawaiians took two initial steps forward Thursday at the Legislature. Separate committees in the state House and Senate unanimously voted to advance a pair of bills aimed at delivering $600 million this year to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands so the agency can dramatically reduce an immense backlog of around 28,700 beneficiaries waiting for homesteads. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai’i lawmakers hearing seven bills about fireworks on Feb. 4. To address the issues of illegal fireworks that disrupt and harm Hawaiʻi’s communities, the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce will be holding a hearing Friday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. to consider seven bills. Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers consider changing fine for using your phone while driving. HB1692 was introduced by Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino (D) Waipahu, and he said that every person who violates this shall be subject to a fine that should be deposited into the state highway fund. KHON2.

Bills urge DLNR to recognize importance of game animals. House Bill 1872 and Senate Bills 2069 and 3299 urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources to recognize the value of game animals and birds as a sustainable resource and integrate local hunting and fishing industries into food security and sustainability programs. Tribune-Herald.

State Legislature weighs flavored tobacco ban. Valerie Saiki remembers walking her son to school with a group of kids when a passing car filled the air with the smell of cotton candy-flavored e-cigarette smoke. Garden Island.

Measure to legalize water cremation in Hawaii moves forward. Despite strong opposition, a measure to legalize water cremation in Hawaii is moving forward. The bill in support of alkaline hydrolysis — using water to cremate bodies — just passed the state Health, Human Services and Homelessness Committee. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 3 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,532 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 953 new cases on Oahu, 205 on Hawaii Island, 138 on Maui, 170 on Kauai, seven on Molokai, 10 on Lanai and 49 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii Health Officials Review Drinking Water Standards After Red Hill Fuel Crisis. Five years ago, the state health department increased the acceptable level of diesel in drinking water. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says that was a mistake. Civil Beat.

Army clarifies events in water flushing video circulating on social media. The U.S. Army clarified what's happening in a video circulating on social media that has raised alarm among some residents of the Aliamanu Military Reservation and Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Object To Requested Deposition Of Former Honolulu Budget Director. Prosecutors question whether the former budget director has the “ability and competency to testify.” Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

In Niu Valley, residents and historians are upset that parts of historic walls along a ridge have been destroyed by a home construction project. The owners had the right permits and that’s led to finger pointing between government agencies. Hawaii News Now.

Proposal for affordable housing on shuttered Stadium Bowl-O-Drome’s location continues forward. DHHL and Stanford Carr Development released an environmental assessment, which includes 278 affordable units across 22 floors of livable space, seven townhomes as well as commercial space. KHON2.

The USS Michael Murphy returns home to Pearl Harbor after eight-month deployment. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Michael Murphy returned to its home port of Pearl Harbor on Thursday morning after an eight-month deployment. Star-Advertiser.

West Oahu region has large segment of registered medical cannabis patients. The growing West Oahu community now has its first medical cannabis dispensary with Thursday’s opening of Cure Oahu’s 2,200-square-foot facility in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Principal who received disturbing threats says DOE isn’t taking her safety seriously. A Hawaii middle school principal targeted with a series of disturbing threats of violence said the state isn’t doing enough to protect her, her family, and others at the school. Katherine Balatico is the principal at Stevenson Middle School in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ka‘u Coffee Farmers Grab Land — And Control Of Their Futures. Many are former sugarcane plantation workers who, when their employer went bust, started one of the most renowned coffee regions of the world. After years of uncertainty, dozens of Ka‘u coffee farmers are now buying the land they’ve worked for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Laʻiʻōpua 2020 Appoints New Executive Director. Kawehi Inaba, founder of Mokulele Airlines and former Hawaiʻi County Research and Development director, will head the Kealakehe non-profit. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui mayor back to work after recovering from COVID-19. Victorino was diagnosed with the virus last Tuesday and returned to work the following Wednesday. He said on Thursday he still feels fatigue. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s How County Leaders Think Maui Can Get Tourism Under Control. In a 418-page report, a group outlined a dozen ways to prevent the island from being overrun with visitors. Civil Beat.

Measure would set weight limits, user fees for tourism-related vehicles on 2 Maui highways. House Bill 1632 would set these limitations – as well as user fees – for certain vehicles and tour operators on Hana and Haleakala highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council wants to secure East Maui water leases sought by Alexander & Baldwin. The Maui County Council wants to secure the long-term water leases for East Maui that are pending before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Haleakala National Park to develop new distance-learning program in Hawaiian. A  team is developing a new distance-learning program in Hawaiian for Hale­akala National Park. The project is considered one of the first in the National Park Service to offer this level of virtual programming and in a language other than English. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Flags to Fly Half-Staff in Memory of Former Kauaʻi State Legislator. U.S. and state flags throughout Hawaiʻi will fly at half-staff Friday, Feb. 4, to pay respect to a former Kauaʻi statesman. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Garden Island. KITV4.

Judge denies Hawaiian Airlines employees request to stop vaccine mandate, Navy sues over Red Hill mandate, Schatz amasses $3.9M campaign war chest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Judge Denies Request By Hawaiian Airlines Employees To Halt Vaccine Mandate. District Court Judge Jill Otake’s ruling did not dismiss the lawsuit brought by a group including pilots and flight attendants. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii rebounded 150% last year. Hawaii’s tourism industry attracted nearly 6.8 million visitors last year to post a 150% gain over the prior year. Star-Advertiser.

‘You need to protect it’: Lawmakers renew efforts to strengthen coffee labeling requirements. State lawmakers have renewed efforts to set tighter limits on using Hawaii location names to sell coffee. However, only one of five bills introduced this session aimed at protecting the $60 million industry has gained traction. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers Weighing Tougher Criminal Penalties For Assaults Of Retail Workers. Employees say they are scared of some customer reactions while enforcing Covid-19 health requirements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bill looks to outlaw small complimentary toiletries at hotels. Lawmakers are looking at a bill that would do away with single-use plastic toiletries at hotels and instead encourage them to provide things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap in bulk dispensers. KHON2.

Hawaii Lawmakers Seek To Rein In Unpaid Internships. Students would largely be barred from working for free outside academic settings under a measure introduced in the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Project Reset: Lawmakers push for program that gives criminals a second chance. The Project Reset bill is moving through the legislature and aims to offer better opportunities for those in prison looking to put a reset on their life. KHON2.

Missing master keys lead to an expensive security fiasco at the state Capitol building. In an expensive security fiasco at the state Capitol, state lawmakers are spending $250,000 to change every lock in their offices because master keys have gone missing. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz Enjoys $3.9M Campaign War Chest For Senate Reelection. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is not up until 2024, has more than $800,000 in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

Vicky Cayetano stepping aside from business responsibilities to focus on Hawaii governor’s race. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano plans to step down as the head of Hawaii’s largest commercial laundry company to focus on her campaign, she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Spotlight Hawaii” livestream show Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New NOAA satellite to monitor weather in Hawaii region. Officials say the GOES-T satellite and will focus on monitoring the western continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska. They say it will provide fast, accurate data for tracking destructive wildfires, lightning, dense fog, and Pacific Ocean-based storm systems. KITV4.

New specialty license plate features Hokuleʻa. About 18,000 plates were made available for purchase at satellite city halls on Oahu, starting this week. According to the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the plates are also available on Hawaii Island. They’ll be released in Kauai County on Monday, and in Maui County in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 10 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,177 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 775 new cases on Oahu, 74 on Hawaii Island, 179 on Maui, 68 on Kauai, seven on Molokai, six on Lanai and 68 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Feds take Hawaii to court over Red Hill defueling order. The federal government is taking Hawaii to court over its emergency order requiring the Navy to drain its massive, underground fuel tanks at Red Hill, filing appeals in state and federal courts on Wednesday that argue the state overstepped its authority when it tried to shutter the aging fuel farm that has contaminated Oahu’s groundwater. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Top EPA official visits Hawaiʻi to oversee Navy flushing process and ensure accurate water sampling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's number two official arrived in Honolulu from Washington this week to see firsthand the cleanup of the fuel-tainted water at Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Police Department releases summary report on 2020 Hibiscus Drive killings. Two years after two Honolulu police officers responding to a 911 call of suspicious behavior were ambushed and killed by a sniper, the department released the official account of what happened that morning on Hibiscus Drive. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

State Approves 390-Unit Affordable Housing Development In Kapolei. A portion of the households would be set aside for family’s earning 140% of the area median income. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Campaign fundraising off to a slow start: Local candidates begin gearing up for the 2022 elections. The last half of 2021 was generally a sluggish period for local campaign fundraising, with the exception of two candidates seeking new offices. West Hawaii Today.

Bill aims to speed up lease extension approvals in Kanoelehua Industrial Area. With some Hilo business owners having a hard time getting their leases of state land extended, a bill in the state Legislature seeks to cut the Board of Land and Natural Resources out of the process entirely. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Commission suggests salary bump for Chief from $158,000 to $205,000. The Maui Police Commission voted unanimously to recommend a $47,000 bump in pay for the Maui Police Chief. The recommendation requests an increase in pay from the current $158,851 to $205,000 (+29%) as a new base salary. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Charter Commission holding public meeting Feb. 3 on updated draft report. The Maui Charter Commission is holding a virtual public meeting Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. to hear public testimony about revisions to the draft report, which has 40 proposed amendments to the County Charter that are under consideration for the November 2022 ballot. Maui Now.

State to investigate as Maui residents, mansion owner clash over shoreline access. Cliff House draws community in solidarity over access dispute. A popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, Hawea Point this weekend also became a meeting place for hundreds of people to stand together in solidarity against alleged actions by a neighboring mansion owner to control access to the area.  Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Real Estate Market starts 2022 with new record median home price $1,160,000. The Maui real estate market started the new year off with the median price for single-family homes rising to a record $1,160,000 – the previous high was set in June 2021 at $1,105,000. Maui Now.

Days after getting evictions, Lanai teachers are told they can stay in state-run housing. A big sigh of relief for some teachers on Lanai who were told they were being evicted from state-run housing. After several days of confusion and fear, state Department of Education officials said they can stay. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

OPA candidates Like and Iseri discuss policy ahead of election. With ballots for the county prosecutor special election sent out in the mail last week, candidates Rebecca Like and Shaylene Iseri took to the airwaves to share their vision for criminal justice on the island. Garden Island.

How This Kauai Community Is Benefiting From Hosting The Island’s Landfill. The west Kauai community has received more than $2 million through a benefits fund that residents have used for solar projects, youth sports and more. Civil Beat.

Teachers and aides sought as school coronavirus cases drop, Pentagon to appeal Red Hill tank closure, Obama spotted in Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii teacher and student PC: Governor's Office

Public school COVID-19 cases drop, but teacher absences high. Coronavirus cases among students and teachers in Hawaii public schools appeared to trend downward significantly last week, according to state Department of Education data.  Star-Advertiser.

Josh Green Has An Early Money Lead In 2022 Hawaii Governor’s Race. House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke leads the lieutenant governor’s race when it comes to campaign cash raised so far. Civil Beat.

Hawaii veteran joins governor’s race on Republican ticket. A Hawaii veteran and US Indo-Pacific Command program manager has announced his run for governor on the Republican ticket. Lynn Mariano is pledging to tackle “bipartisan issues in a bipartisan way.” Hawaii News Now.

Obamas dine at Waikiki restaurant during Hawaii visit. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are in Hawaii and enjoying some local eats. Hawaii News Now.

State Says It Shouldn’t Be Held Liable For Pandemic Harm Including Inmate Deaths. The state Attorney General’s Office wants to block pandemic lawsuits, including claims filed in cases where prisoners died from Covid-19. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers introduce bills to make state more cryptocurrency friendly. Sen. Bennette Misalucha, Sen. Glenn Wakai, and Rep. Patrick Pihana Branco are leading the efforts to get Hawaii state lawmakers to consider the cryptocurrency-related legislation. KITV4.

OHA Trustee For Hawaiʻi Island Stepping Down. OHA Trustee Keola Lindsey has announced that he is vacating his position effective Tuesday, February 1. The OHA Board of Trustees received a letter of resignation from Lindsey which stated that “he is leaving his position to focus on the well-being of his ʻohana.” Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Hopes rise as omicron trends down. Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth expressed optimism Monday about the current downward trend in daily coronavirus case counts and the anticipated return of larger events. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 1,513 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 956 new cases on Oahu, 159 on Hawaii Island, 193 on Maui, 161 on Kauai, five on Molokai, seven on Lanai and 32 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Military to fight state’s order on Red Hill fuel tanks, official says. The U.S. military plans to appeal the state’s emergency order requiring it to drain its Red Hill fuel tanks, a decision that was met Monday with swift rebuke by members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation, the state Department of Health and groups that have long fought for the tanks’ removal, including the Hawaii Sierra Club. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

BWS: Water conservation measures could slow completion of new housing. Water restrictions for Oahu this summer brought on by the ongoing fuel contamination crisis are still possible, and the measures could even impact new housing projects. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

New Police Misconduct Report Shows Record Number Of Officers Disciplined. The Honolulu Police Department suspended or fired 59 officers in 61 different cases last year. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Police Were Justified In Shooting Man Near Ala Moana. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm commended the officers who shot 48-year-old Ricky Kaleopaa for their “textbook” response. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Attorneys seek dismissal of charges against former managing director. Attorneys representing former city managing director Roy Amemiya filed a motion Monday to dismiss federal charges that he conspired with two others to defraud the county and federal government in 2017 by arranging a $250,000 retirement settlement for former Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

City opens new isolation and quarantine facility in Ewa Beach. The City and County of Honolulu opened a second isolation and quarantine facility in Ewa Beach on Monday to accommodate those who have been infected by COVID-19 and need a space to distance themselves from others. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

2 groups will compete to redevelop land around Aloha Stadium. It will be a head-to-head contest between a pair of development partnerships seeking to turn 73 acres of state land around Aloha Stadium into a community with homes and businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

40k open building permits set to expire as county streamlines permit process. More than 40,000 open building permits, some dating back 40 years, will be declared null and void if permit holders don’t act soon, as the county continues its transition to an online permit system. West Hawaii Today.

Finding an alternative road to Puna: Measure would fund surveys for possible routes. State Rep. Greggor Ilagan has introduced a bill that, if passed, would order and fund site surveys to identify the most suitable location for an alternate road to lower Puna makai of Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

DOFAW Seeks Input on Restoration of Honuaʻula State Forest Reserve. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking input on a draft management plan for the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve that will guide management priorities for this area over the next 10 years. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian monk seal transported from Oahu to Kona for care. A new patient is receiving care at the world’s largest marine mammal hospital in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor allows West Maui Community Plan ordinance to become law without signature. The mayor has asked the Planning Director to draft proposed amendments to rectify the plan’s current “legal ambiguity” and to allow for additional public input on Kahoma Village as well as revamped plans for Lahaina Town South. Maui Now.

Maui group aims to expand coqui frog eradication efforts. A group fighting invasive species on Maui wants to expand efforts to eradicate coqui frogs near a popular surfing spot before the animals spread. Associated Press. Maui News.

Kauai

NOAA frees whale once entangled in 2,500 feet of marine debris. A humpback whale that was recently seen tangled in 2,500 feet of cord is now swimming freely off Kauai. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Good Fix to spay and neuter cats in Kaumakani and Anahola. Greater Good Charities’ Good Fix Program is back on Kaua‘i providing spay and neuter cat clinics islandwide. Garden Island.

Hawaii State of the State: Gov. Ige proposes $100 tax rebates to all, $18 minimum wage bill advances, Maui first county to require booster to be fully vaxxed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige delivers State of the State Jan. 24, 2022 PC: Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige proposes $100 refund for every Hawaii taxpayer and their dependents. Gov. David Ige proposed refund checks of $100 for every taxpayer and each of their dependents that would pump $110 million from the state general fund into the economy during his eighth and final State of the State speech Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's State of the State address can be found here.

Hawaii minimum wage increase bill advances. A bill to raise Hawaii’s minimum hourly wage incrementally to $18 by 2026 cleared the first of two anticipated public hearings in the state Senate on Monday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Garden Island.

Proposed bill prevents illegal vacation homes from advertising. HB1516 affects businesses without state or county licensing. This would prevent illegal vacation rentals from promoting their services on cards, signs and media. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bills aim to reduce number of abandoned vehicles. A Big Island lawmaker is spearheading a suite of bills aimed at reducing the amount of abandoned vehicles in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate tumbles to 5.7%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate dropped sharply in December to a 21-month low of 5.7% as the state’s economy continued making significant strides in recovering from the nearly 2-year-old pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii GOP Has A New Candidate For Governor. Lynn Mariano is a retired veteran who calls himself a uniter. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases may be peaking, but not hospitalizations. Hawaii’s COVID-19 infection rate appears to be stabilizing, Hilton Raethel, president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, said Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 boosted numbers rise slightly, while overall vaccinated data dips after review. Revised data, arising from a review of vaccination reporting, shows an increase in booster shots administered and a decrease in vaccinations completed to date, the announcement said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 2,660 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 204,933. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 1,554 new cases on Oahu, 303 on Hawaii Island, 456 on Maui, 285 on Kauai, 13 on Molokai, 16 on Lanai and 33 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Council considers new rules for short-term rentals. The Honolulu City Council is again considering a measure that would alter the rules for short-term rentals, notably increasing the minimum stay proposal to three months from 30 days unless a special permit is granted. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Bill Takes Aim At Red Hill Fuel Facility. The bill is the first state legislative effort to shut down the Red Hill fuel facility since the Navy poisoned the water supply of 93,000 people. Civil Beat.

Navy to withhold full Red Hill fuel leak report. The Navy is now hedging on the release of a much-anticipated investigation into the source of the petroleum contamination that began sickening families in late November. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill water crisis taking toll on students, teachers say. About a dozen teachers spoke out publicly for the first time Monday about what they have witnessed and felt since the running water at their schools was declared off-limits due to possible fuel contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Notorious Pearl City cemetery to get new website, GPS system. Community members say an owner-less cemetery in Pearl City notorious for its homeless camps, sinkholes, and overgrown grass continues to be a danger. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Struggling to achieve: More support needed on the Big Island for special needs children and adults. Parents of special needs children say there’s a lack of support for them on the Big Island — and the pandemic has only made it worse. Tribune-Herald.

Pathways to productivity: Programs help people with special needs thrive after high school. Editor’s note:Life after high school is not always an easy transition for students with special needs, but some programs on the Big Island are giving students an avenue to a brighter future. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County booster requirement now in effect. A booster shot is now required to be considered fully vaccinated in Maui County. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Commission Wants Public’s Feedback On 40 Reforms To Local Government. A citizens commission has consolidated 135 ideas on how to refine county governance into 40 Maui County Charter amendment proposals. Now it wants the public’s help to finalize the list for voters. Civil Beat.

Deer on Kahului Airport runway prompts additional fencing. A reinforced fence has been installed around Kahului Airport after a deer blocked a runway earlier this month. Associated Press.

Kauai

County of Kaua‘i begins distribution of free at-home COVID-19 tests.  Free COVID-19 home test kits ran out within a half hour at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center, where the county, in partnership with the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office, began its distribution of about 15,000 kits islandwide. Garden Island. KITV4.

Hawaii Democrats say Case doesn't represent party values, schools cut COVID quarantines in half, Navy to drain Red Hill fuel tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

U.S. Rep. Ed Case

Hawaii Democrats: Rep. Case Does Not Reflect Party’s Values And Principles. The Democratic Party of Hawaii has passed a resolution expressing “disappointment” with U.S. Rep. Ed Case over his position on one of President Joe Biden’s top legislative priorities. The congressman is criticized for his stance on Build Back Better, but Case says the party mischaracterizes his position and never bothered to call him. Civil Beat.

New guidance for Hawaii schools cuts isolation, quarantine in half. The recommended amount of time that teachers and students should isolate or quarantine for COVID-19 has now been cut from the previous 10 days to five, under new interim state rules for Hawaii K-12 schools. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Is The Hawaii Legislature Ready To Give Teachers A Raise? With a rosier economic outlook, the state teachers union and other advocates are stepping up calls to boost teacher pay as Hawaii’s Legislature prepares to convene in its annual session next week. Civil Beat.

DLNR Asks Hawaii Legislators For An Additional $31.6 Million. The budget boost would help the department hire more people in order to better maintain state parks and trails, officials said. Civil Beat.

Report: Hawaii Voters Support Upgrades to State Online Services, But Not With Tax Hikes. A majority of Hawaii voters surveyed support using taxpayer money to improve online access to state services, but only a quarter would back higher taxes to pay for these upgrades, according to a recent survey from Transform Hawaii Government. Civil Beat.

30 Hawaiian cultural programs receive $1.5 million from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Building on its commitment to support Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is providing $1,475,000 in 2022 to 30 community-based programs in the Aloha State through its Kukula Ola program. Maui Now.

Home prices peaked in 2021 on neighbor islands. All of Hawaii’s neighbor island housing markets set median sale price records in 2021 for single-family homes and condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

COVID test results taking longer to return. The demand for COVID testing has increased in the last few weeks which means some people are having to wait days to get their results. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 2,929 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 150,028. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,999 new cases on Oahu, 208 on Hawaii Island, 496 on Maui, 180 on Kauai, 21 on Molokai, seven on Lanai and 18 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy to drain Red Hill fuel tanks but won’t rule out future legal challenges to Hawaii emergency order. Navy officials told federal lawmakers Tuesday that they will comply with an emergency order issued by the state of Hawaii to defuel the service’s underground Red Hill tanks.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department expands Red Hill water contamination health survey. The Hawaii Department of Health has expanded its health survey of people affected by the petroleum contamination in the Navy’s drinking water system. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu technology department modernized systems but there's room for improvement, audit says. A new report is making several recommendations to improve a department in charge of the city’s digital infrastructure. But the department’s head disagrees with its findings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Rail Board Members Signal Strong Satisfaction With Kahikina’s Job So Far. An official slide presentation on the new executive director’s performance cites plenty of achievements but no critiques. Civil Beat.

Oahu Emergency Medical Services stressed due to high call volume. Before the pandemic, EMS would receive about 200 to 250 calls a day. Now that number has gone up to over 300. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

West Hawaii May Get House Seat As Reapportionment Shake-Up Continues. The Big Island could have eight seats in the 51-member Hawaii House as the state redistricting process continues and new maps emerge. Civil Beat.

A Grand return to Hilo: Passengers, vendors excited to have cruise ships back; some on social media critical. The first cruise ship passengers have arrived in Hilo since March 2020. Tribune-Herald.

The great gate debate: Lawsuits follow plan to gate Kaiolu Drive. Property owners along a private Holualoa road are embroiled in litigation over a gate some owners are building to try to make the area safer at night. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Renal Care to open new dialysis clinics in Hilo, Kona. The Big Island is slated to get new kidney dialysis clinics in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Charter Commission Is Weighing 85 Changes To County Government. Later this month members of the public can comment on the proposed amendments, which if approved by voters would reform county elections, policing, zoning and more. Taken as a whole, a preliminary set of 85 proposals assembled by the Maui Charter Commission would dramatically increase the size of government, establishing four new departments and 19 new boards and commissions. The reforms are estimated to cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Upper Kula water now disinfected with chlorine. The Department of Water Supply changed its water distribution disinfectant from chloramines to chlorine in an attempt to clear away the last trace amounts of total coliform bacteria and E. coli from the Upper Kula water system. The change went into effect on Monday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Alaka‘i O Kaua’i Charter School dream up to space with NASA project. Three Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School students are preparing for liftoff. In May, NASA astronauts will assist them in delivering a sugarcane-research project to the International Space Station. Garden Island.

New bill takes look at cat holding period at Kaua‘i Humane Society. KHS is currently required by county law to hold microchipped cats for nine days. However, that may soon change. A new bill being introduced at the Kaua‘i County Council today seeks to shorten the time a cat is held before being put up for adoption to five days. Garden Island.

New data could move Oahu House seat to Big Island, Health Department affirms Red Hill shutdown order, Capt. Cook monument defaced with indigenous slogan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Capt. Cook monument. See Hawaii Island section for stories

New Data From U.S. Military Could Restart Reapportionment Process. At stake is a House seat that could move from Oahu to the Big Island. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

The state is looking again for a contractor to market the islands to US tourists. The state will once again look for a contractor to market the islands as a destination for American tourists after its initial award was rescinded. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii eliminates Safe Travels health questionnaire, reduces COVID quarantine for visitors to align with CDC guidelines. Hawaii’s Safe Travels quarantine guidelines for visitors change today to align with the state Department of Health’s new requirements. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2.

The counties are now solely in charge of COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facilities. Throughout the pandemic, the state Department of Health has partnered with the counties to operate COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facilities for residents. These buildings provide rooms to those who cannot safely isolate from others. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Clare Connors sworn in as U.S. Attorney for Hawaii. Connors left her position as state Attorney General after she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 7. Biden nominated Connors on Sept. 28. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Will Reopen After Break Despite Covid Worries. The interim superintendent stressed the importance of maintaining in-person instruction for students’ academic and emotional growth. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Report: Limited Funding, Staff Could Delay DOE Effort To Meet Food Sustainability Goal. A new legislative report offers sparse detail on the planned overhaul of student meals served in Hawaii’s public schools. Civil Beat.

Hawai'i's high housing costs could have literally become a health hazard, study finds. A study from the Hawai'i Budget and Policy Center found Hawai'i's lack of affordable housing could be costing residents their mental and physical health. KITV4.

Former Solar Executive Will Head Ethics Commission. Robert Harris, a former solar energy company executive, Sierra Club director and corporate lawyer, has been selected executive director and general counsel of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, the organization announced Monday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

DOH New Year’s vaccine video draws fire before it’s pulled. Admitting it was not the state Department of Health’s “best work,” a spokesman today addressed a now-removed DOH promotional video that advocated vaccination over New Year’s resolutions such as eating healthy, exercising and saving money. Maui Now.

Hawaii sees 3,044 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 121,864. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 2,166 new cases on Oahu, 359 on Hawaii Island, 273 on Maui, 124 on Kauai, two on Molokai, six on Lanai and 114 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii Health Department Affirms Order To Shut Down Red Hill Fuel Tanks. The DOH rejected arguments by the Navy that the state lacks the power to shut down Red Hill. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Board of Water Supply says 3 Oahu wells may never reopen after latest Navy contamination. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says isn’t sure if it will ever be able to reopen three of its drinking water wells that it shut down last month to avoid the chance that jet fuel spilled by the Navy might contaminate its drinking water system. Star-Advertiser.

The CDC, DOH will survey civilians affected by water system contamination. Beginning on Tuesday, January 4 the Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will survey civilian residents affected by the Navy's water distribution system. KITV4.

DOH: 1 in 5 COVID tests administered on Oahu are coming back positive. Oahu’s average test positivity rate has soared in recent days and now stands at nearly 20%, new figures from the state Health Department show. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Investigation underway: State probing vandalism of Captain Cook Monument. The white obelisk tower that marks the spot where explorer Captain James Cook was killed in 1779 at Kealakekua Bay was defaced sometime around Jan. 1. It was smeared with red paint with the words, “You are on Native Land” written on it. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Update on Kalanianaole Avenue closed to public. Although a Hawaii County Council committee will discuss the long-delayed reconstruction of Kalanianaole Avenue today, the public will not be privy to that discussion. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Water treatment disinfection to change for Upper Kula in attempt to clear E. coli. The Maui County Department of Water Supply will switch its water distribution disinfectant from chloramines to chlorine beginning Jan. 10 in an attempt to clear away trace amounts of E. coli from the Upper Kula water system. Maui Now.

Kalakupua Playground repairs, Jan. 17-22. The Haʻikū Community Association and the Construction Industry of Maui will be providing materials and volunteers to repair some of the existing fencing and playground equipment. Maui Now.

Kauai

DLNR seeking CIP monies for Lehua, Mana Plains conservation projects. Kaua‘i habitat and endangered species were reviewed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources during an informational briefing before the state Senate Committee on Water and Land last week. Garden Island.

Out-of-state buyers drove up Kauaʻi housing prices in 2021, officials say . An influx of out-of-state homebuyers and renters pushed up housing prices on Kauaʻi last year, officials said. The median sale price of a single-family Kauaʻi home jumped 57% in November from the same month in 2020 to $1.2 million, according to real estate firm Locations. Statewide, the median climbed 16%. Associated Press.