Showing posts with label SHOPO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SHOPO. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Safety stand-down at state psychiatric hospital after fatal stabbing, Maui managing director resigns, Maui Strong exec defends spending only 20% of $150M fund on fire victims so far, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fatal stabbing triggers safety stand-down at Hawaii State Hospital.  State psychiatric hospital operations are in a 48-hour safety stand-down with heightened staffing after officials said a nurse employed by the state in a transitional group home on the hospital’s campus in Kaneohe was fatally stabbed by a patient Monday evening . Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Members of Hawaii police union’s board cleared of wrongdoing. Six current and one former board member of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers were cleared of any wrongdoing by the Honolulu Police Department after allegations of misdemeanor extortion were levied by an ousted union leader. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Department of Education seeks local food vendors for public schools. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education is inviting interested vendors such as farmers and distributors to provide product information and feedback to assist in increasing locally sourced food in public schools. Maui Now.

Climate change report highlights health impacts, Hawaii’s wildfire risks. With altered rainfall patterns, rising ocean and air temperatures, and sea level rise, access to clean water and healthy food will become more challenging, researchers said. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian summit kicks off on Maui.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement on Tuesday kicked off its 22nd annual Native Hawaiian Convention at the Maui Arts &Cultural Center in Kahului. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu


Planners to mull Oahu urban center plan updates. 
The Honolulu Planning Commission is expected to hold a public hearing today to consider updates to a nearly 20-year-old development document focused on the city’s prime urban areas. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae Wildfire Sparked After Hawaiian Electric Pole Falls In Heavy Winds. The utility says its new safety plan helped crews respond faster to the fire, but the incident raises more concerns about the lack of a power safety shutoff program. Civil Beat.

Waianae health center opens updated dental clinic. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center unveiled a large expansion to the Harry &Jeanette Weinberg Dental Clinic at a grand opening ceremony Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Water safety advocates seek exception to commercial ban on North Shore. A restriction on commercial activities on certain Hawaii beaches is having a negative impact on businesses that teach water survival skills on the North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County Considers Acquisition Of Federal Property In North Kohala. The community has identified the Old Coast Guard Road as a priority to secure public access to the Honoipu/Puakea portion of the Ala Kahakai trail system. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County Water Supply Prepares For Extended Drought
. Water Supply officials shared their drought strategy, as Severe Drought conditions persist across most of the Big Island. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Pōhakuloa Training Area brush fire at 300 to 500 acres, 60% containment. Pōhakuloa Training Area firefighters and Public Works continue efforts to apply wet lines and create firebreaks to manage the flow of the fire.  Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Maui

Maui Managing Director, Kekuhaupio “Keku” Akana retiring. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced the retirement of Maui Managing Director, Kekuhaupio “Keku” Akana, effective Dec. 31, 2023. He was Mayor Richard Bissen’s first cabinet appointment following the 2022 elections.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Latest Lahaina victim, 78, identified as death toll grows to 100. Maui police released today the name of a Lahaina resident as among 100 confirmed Aug. 8 wildfire fatalities. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Executive overseeing $150M Maui Strong fund defends phased approach to disbursing aid. The foundation executive overseeing the $150 million “Maui Strong” fund is defending its careful approach to releasing the money. About 80% of its money is still in the bank, while some feel many people need more money now. Hawaii News Now.

In face of officer accounts, MPD chief again denies he knew about Lahaina deaths until following day.  Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is doubling down on the claim he was unaware anyone died in the Lahaina disaster until the day after the town burned. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Council considers lower water rates for residents affected by disasters. Recently introduced legislation would create new rates for residents whose homes were destroyed and for those in an area affected by an Unsafe Water Advisory. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui’s Shorthanded And Underpaid 911 Dispatchers Improvised During Lahaina Fire. A small team did their best to juggle a wave of calls and radio transmissions simultaneously. Despite their best efforts, many callers’ questions went unanswered.  Civil Beat.

Nascent Lahaina Land Trust Starts Building A Base Of Support. A panel discussion on opening day of the Native Hawaiian Convention on Maui explored ways to provide affordable housing by purchasing properties burned in the Aug. 8 wildfire. Civil Beat.

Kīhei fire extinguished, no structures damaged.  Maui fire crews quickly worked to knock down flames at brush fire reported in an empty lot in Kīhei on Tuesday afternoon.  Maui Now.

Disaster Area Residential Restrictions to be lifted for Zones 6B and 7A in West Maui. County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18, for owners and residents with vehicle passes in Zones 6B and 7A. Maui Now.

Kauai

Jobless rate plunges to 2.4 percent on Kaua‘i. The unemployment rate on the island of Kaua‘i plunged to 2.4 percent in September from 3.7 percent in September 2022, according to monthly data released by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Garden Island.

Waimea Athletic Field restrooms closed from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15. The closure of the restrooms is necessary for renovations. During this period, portable toilets will be available for use. Kauai Now.

Friday, September 30, 2022

Minimum wage hike put into place, tourists spend more but visit less, gun laws take shape, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pay Raise Activated for Minimum Wage Workers in Hawaii. Starting Saturday, Hawaii's minimum wage will increase from 10 dollars and 10 cents, to 12 dollars an hour. That will amount to a near 300 dollar monthly increase for minimum wage workers. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Local tourism businesses reliant on Japanese market continue to tread water.
Japan is set to relax more restrictions for inbound and outbound travelers on Oct. 11, but some businesses aren’t banking on an influx of visitors just yet. Industry watchers say Japan’s yen has dropped to its lowest in nearly three decades and that's a problem. Hawaii Public Radio.

Spending soars, but arrivals lag behind 2019 level. Visitor spending in Hawaii is soaring, though arrivals have continued to lag behind pre-pandemic counts and could see further slowdowns given the possibility of a U.S. recession and ongoing global economic challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s attorney general declines to prosecute SHOPO leadership.
The state Department of the Attorney General has declined to charge two leaders of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers with misdemeanor extortion in connection with allegations contained in a civil suit filed by an ousted board member. Star-Advertiser.

In a dangerous trend, aircraft in Hawaii are increasingly being targeted with laser lights. Aviation officials confirm there are more laser strikes happening in Hawaii per capita than anywhere else in the country. Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser Mental Health Workers Not Backing Down From Demands For Better Patient Care.
The union and health care provider will try to meet again next week to negotiate an agreement. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi proposes banning guns in schools, parks and other locations. In preparation for the issuance of permits for Honolulu citizens to carry guns in public, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said today he is proposing prohibiting firearms in schools, government buildings, parks, voting locations, and public transportation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Navy Releases Another 1,000 Gallons Of Raw Sewage Into Pearl Harbor. The leak comes as community members are increasingly critical of the military’s treatment of Hawaii’s environment. More than 1,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Pearl Harbor on Thursday from a 12-inch wastewater line that broke, the Navy announced Thursday afternoon. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

More than 100 repairs to pipelines at Red Hill fuel facility are needed. A new military assessment has identified 153 repairs that need to be made to the pipelines at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility in order to safely defuel it. That’s on top of 43 critical repairs identified five months ago by Simpson, Gumpertz &Heger, a third-party contractor, only five of which have since been completed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Recently completed UH-Hilo College of Pharmacy building finally in full use.
Shortly after the award-winning Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy building at the University of Hawaii at Hilo was honored with a blessing ceremony in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing many students to miss out on the innovative new structure. Tribune-Herald.

Tensions remain high over ocean access at Waipio Valley.
10 days after the mayor reopened Waipio Valley Road on a limited basis, no one seems to be happy about how it’s working. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Hotly debated Maui County affordable housing sales price guidelines approved.
Despite objections from local for-sale affordable housing developers and Maui County’s administration, rules that establish new affordable housing sales price guidelines narrowly passed second and final reading Tuesday at Maui County Council. Maui Now.

Maui County public schools get more than $5.8M to support low-income communities. Hawai‘i K-12 schools will receive $58,193,270 in new federal funding for the 2022-2023 school year to support programs aimed at helping educate students in low-income communities. Maui Now.

Mexican consulate to visit MEO to process passports, documents.
The Mexican Consulate returns to Maui Economic Opportunity for the second time this year from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, to process passports, voter credentials, and other documents by appointment. Maui Now. Maui News.

Labor Dispute Spurs Media Union To File Complaint Against The Maui News.
The unfair labor practices claim alleges that union members were not allowed to observe contract talks. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Mayor Signs Bill To Increase Benefits to Farmers. Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed a bill on Monday that updates the county’s Agricultural Dedication program to provide increased benefits to farmers and lessen the burdensome red tape. Kauai Now.

Friday, September 2, 2022

Agreement nears to reopen Waipio Valley, $10M for sexual assault victim at McKinley High, Maui airport revamp improves wait times, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waipio Valley lookout ©2022 All Hawaii News
Tentative Agreement Reached To Restore Access To Waipio Valley, Plaintiffs Say. After community outcry and a lawsuit, a community group says a settlement has been reached in a dispute over the mayor’s emergency proclamation that shut down access. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Many mailed ballots in Hawaii’s primary election weren’t tallied due to missed deadline. County election officials report that 3,125 ballots cast by mail in the Aug. 13 contest didn’t count because they weren’t received in time. Star-Advertiser.

Election Could Change DHHL’s Plans For Spending $600 Million On Hawaiian Housing. The next governor will likely pick new leadership for the department. And both Josh Green and Duke Aiona want to see more money put toward building homes than infrastructure. A huge influx of cash for the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands this year could lead to the development of more than 3,100 housing lots to help reduce an ever-growing waitlist of Hawaiian beneficiaries, now totaling more than 28,000 individuals. Civil Beat.

Department of Education appoints third deputy superintendent. A third new deputy state superintendent for Hawaii’s public school system was confirmed Thursday by the state Board of Education. And while critics have expressed concern that having three deputies instead of one will worsen school bureaucracy, board members say the new appointees will be key to improving the massive state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

SHOPO leadership faces backlash over significant increase in stipends.
Facing a backlash over their raises, police union leaders have decided to let officers vote on their pay levels. This comes after police officers across Hawaii see a hike in union dues. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department recommends new bivalent COVID-19 boosters. The updated boosters are reformulated to protect against both the original COVID strain and the most recent omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, the latter of which is dominant across the U.S. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Judge orders state DOE to pay $10M to sex abuse survivor after 10-year legal battle. A judge has ordered the state to pay $10 million to a former McKinley High School student who was repeatedly sexually assaulted by more than half a dozen male students. It’s believed to be the largest amount awarded in Hawaii to a single sex assault survivor. Hawaii News Now.

Vandalism delays system launch of Oahu red-light cameras. Someone climbed a utility pole at the intersection of School and Kalihi streets in May and damaged equipment that had been installed for an engineering study that the state Department of Transportation said would be used in determining which 10 intersections would get red-light cameras. Star-Advertiser.

Some restaurants seeking exemptions to food ware ordinance. No more extensions, city officials said the food ware ordinance banning disposable foam and plastic take-out containers goes into effect next week. KHON2.

Oʻahu dumps coal, rebounds with oil, longs for solar. AES Hawaiʻi’s coal-fired power plant in Kapolei ceased operations Thursday, marking the end of Oʻahu's 30-year relationship with coal. Hawaii Public Radio.

How many people took advantage of free rides on TheBus? TheBus on Oʻahu made rides free for a whole week in August. So how did we do? The numbers are in and the city says ridership was better than expected. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oxygen Tanks May Have Caused Honolulu Ambulance Fire To Spread Faster, Experts Say. No official cause has been given as multiple agencies continue to investigate last week’s blaze outside Adventist Health Castle hospital. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Contaminants found in water samples at Oʻahu prison. The state Department of Health has detected low levels of two contaminants in water samples at the Waiawa Correctional Facility on Oʻahu. Water samples were collected throughout the facility, but the contaminants were only found at the entrance gate guard shack. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

On the hunt: Police commission begins process of selecting next chief. The department announced Thursday that Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Bugado began serving as acting police chief on Wednesday upon the retirement of Paul Ferreira, who joined the department in 1982 and took its helm in December 2016. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Battle of TROs involving prosecutor heads to mediation. County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen wouldn’t comment Thursday about whether a deputy prosecutor who has an ongoing court battle with a neighbor has been placed on leave or is the subject of an internal investigation. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Tours Kealakekua Bay. The tour of West Hawaiʻi's hard-hit coral ecosystem was a part of the 45th U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in Kona. Big Island Video News. Kauai Now.

Maui

Outside Investigator Sought To Probe Maui’s Monster House Permits. The Office of Council Services is requesting proposals to conduct a formal legislative investigation of the county Planning and Public Works departments. Civil Beat.

Federal, state agencies take steps to expedite lines at busy Kahului Airport. Outbound passengers during the peak departure window Thursday at Kahului Airport appeared to move more smoothly through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints after a series of changes to screening procedures that include the opening of additional lanes and installation of advanced screening technology. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

County Officials Fear Kids Won’t Have A Safe Way To Get To New Kihei High School. With four months until the new high school in Kihei is expected to open, Maui County Council members are growing increasingly frustrated that the Department of Education still won’t tell them how students will safely cross a busy four-lane highway to get to the new campus. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor moving away from COVID updates. With the pandemic shifting to the background of public consciousness, the Mayor announced Thursday that he would be moving away from the updates. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay project site becomes legal battleground. When the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is complete, it will be a luxury resort that caters to the upper crust of the upper crust — with typical rooms priced at between $1,500 and $2,000 a night and premium lodging going for more than $20,000. Garden Island.

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Honolulu rail begins trial run, seaglider design certified, police union hikes dues, raises pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART
HART launches rigorous rail system trial-run phase. The first day of trial runs for the city’s rail project saw the first train leave 10 minutes late on Monday. The next day, another left five minutes late — but neither delay gave rise to critical safety issues, rail officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Federal agents in Hawaii see rise in device that turns pistols into mini machine guns. The Hawaii office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives say they are increasingly recovering devices known as Glock switches. The size of a quarter, it is illegal to possess — whether or not it is attached to a gun. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii police union board hikes pay, raises dues. The top officers of the board of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers voted to increase their monthly stipends by more than four times the current pay effective Thursday, when a $20 hike in union dues for members simultaneously kicks in. Star-Advertiser.

REGENT seaglider hits first maritime benchmark. REGENT, the Boston-based manufacturer of seagliders, which announced plans earlier this summer to develop a seaglider transportation network in Hawaii, has received design certification for its 12-passenger, fully electric seaglider, the Viceroy, which is intended for use in interisland and intraisland passenger and cargo transportation. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

We Made It Through The Primary.
Now It’s On To The November General Election. More than 200 candidates are still in the running for federal, state and local offices and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as Hawaii moves toward Election Day on Nov. 8. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Health Department reports one additional monkeypox case, bringing state total to 23. The newest case is an Oahu resident whose case is related to a previously reported case, according to DOH. The tally now includes 17 cases on Oahu, including one nonresident; two on Maui; two on Hawaii island; and two nonresidents on Kauai. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Candidates for Hawaii governor stake out different visions for Red Hill
. Gubernatorial hopefuls Josh Green and James “Duke” Aiona both say that if elected in November, Red Hill will be a top priority and they will push the Navy to move faster to permanently shut it down. Star-Advertiser.

‘People are acting a little nuts’: New data shows an increase in violent crime on Oahu. It’s not your imagination: Violent crime is on the rise on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Police post applications, supporting documents for concealed carry gun permits online. Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, permit applications to carry carry concealed or unconcealed handguns publicly can now be downloaded online from the Hawaii Police Department, as can the supporting documentation applicants must submit. Tribune-Herald.

3rd Circuit Court Launches Small Claims Online Dispute Resolution Pilot. People on the Big Island filing certain small claims cases will soon have the convenience of doing so online. Big Island Now.

Big Island Deputy Prosecutor Granted Court Protection From Neighbors. Deputy prosecutor Randall Winston “Bew” Albright has secured a temporary restraining order against his neighbors, who earlier got a TRO against him and his wife. Civil Beat.

Maui

22 arrested for 70 outstanding warrants during US Marshals’ Sweep on Maui. The sweep was conducted between Aug. 22-26, 2022, in conjunction with the Maui Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit and Special Response Team, the FBI, and Honolulu Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit. Maui Now.

Emergency loans available to assist with axis deer impacts in Maui County. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture will open an emergency loan program to help farmers with the costs associated with the overpopulation of axis deer in the County of Maui. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai Ballot Proposals Target Election Costs And Salary Caps. Voters in November will decide whether to adopt four proposals to change laws that govern daily life on the Garden Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom Continues Expansion of Fiber Internet on Garden Isle. During the first half of the year, the company expanded its service in parts of Anahola, Kapa‘a, Kawaihau, Kōloa, Moloa’a, and Wailua, enabling more homes and businesses with fiber internet. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Swimming with wild dolphins banned, lawmakers grill Navy over Red Hill, NSF begins environmental review of Thirty Meter Telescope, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Spinner dolphins and swimmers in Hawaii PC:NOAA
NOAA administrator ratifies dolphin swim ban. As litigation over the validity of a rule banning swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins continues, NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad recently ratified the final rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service last fall. West Hawaii Today.

Climate change could cost Hawaii billions in infrastructure. Projects that cost tens of billions of dollars. That could be the price tag of hardening and updating Hawaii’s critical infrastructure to combat the impacts of climate change. KHON2.

Environmental nonprofit hopes to find safe solutions to Hawaii's 88,0000 cesspools. More than 88,000 cesspools discharge over 53 million gallons of raw sewage into Hawaii waters each day. KITV4.

How Much Should Hawaii Discount Electric Rates For High-Tech Farmers? A 2019 law aspired to help farmers grow large amounts of food indoors or in greenhouses by providing savings on electricity. But critics say the current proposal falls short. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmakers Took $500k In Campaign Cash This Session Despite Pleas To Ban Campaign Cash During Session. Top brass at the Legislature have bolstered their reelection campaigns with money raised from lobbyists, labor unions and other groups while they make decisions on state policy. Civil Beat.

Hawaii police union endorses Aiona for governor. After planning to remain neutral in the governor’s race, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers union instead on Tuesday endorsed Republican candidate James “Duke” Aiona — a former two-term lieutenant governor, Honolulu deputy prosecutor and Circuit Court judge — for governor. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii lawmakers grill top Navy officials on Red Hill defueling. Hawaii lawmakers Tuesday vented their frustration at top Navy officials for not submitting an adequate plan to state regulators for draining their Red Hill fuel facility and questioned the Navy’s lengthy, 2-1/2-year time frame for completing the defueling operation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu primary election ballots mailed out today. Honolulu elections officials say they plan to start mailing primary election ballots on Wednesday, about six days earlier than initially anticipated. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Army investigating potential ‘unauthorized political event’ on military property. While officials did not disclose who was involved, public records show that three Leeward Oahu candidates held events there that night — District 21 incumbent state Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, District 44 incumbent state Rep. Cedric Gates and District 44 challenger Darius Kila. Hawaii News Now.

Landowner accuses Hawaii paramilitary group of forcing him off his land. A controversial Hawaiian paramilitary group is being accused of squatting on another parcel of land in Kahaluu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

National Science Foundation launches environmental review of TMT. The National Science Foundation said Tuesday that it is launching a full environmental review of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope project, a two-year process that could land hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the TMT. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Council wants details on homeless program. A skeptical council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced a no-bid $10 a year lease for a homeless shelter in Kona’s Old Industrial Area after officials with the county Housing Office and the nonprofit holding the contract assured council members they would provide more details about the program at the final reading of the measure Aug. 3. West Hawaii Today.

Ookala Post Office to close: Users of the plantation-era site will have to get their mail in Paauilo. The Ookala Post Office is closing at the end of business on July 31, and dozens of seniors who live in the former plantation town on the Hamakua Coast will now have to go to Paauilo to get their mail. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Council Wants To Create A Safe Space For People Who Live In Their Cars. Several communities across the U.S. have designated parking areas for people to sleep in their vehicles. Maui’s current mayor isn’t so sure about the idea. Civil Beat.

Council to send water authority proposal to ballot. A charter amendment which proponents hope will give residents and the county more of a say and control over water and its resources is headed for the general election ballot in November.  Maui News.

Plans to switch outdoor lighting to help Maui seabirds get shuttered for now. Bill 21 was designed to protect native seabirds from lighting fixtures that could disorient them and even lead to deaths. Maui Now.

State Greenlights New Dialysis Center In Kahului. The Hawaii Department of Health has approved a certificate of need for a new dialysis center in central Maui. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige participates in ceremonies for two Maui affordable housing projects with state funding. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige participated in ceremonies marking milestones for two Maui affordable housing projects – the dedication of the recently completed Kahului Lani senior affordable project in Kahului and the ground blessing for the family-oriented affordable Kaiāulu o Kūku’ia complex in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kauai

Suit filed to clean up Kikiaola Harbor. Last week, Na Kia‘i Kai and Surfrider Foundation, represented by Earthjustice, filed a federal lawsuit against the County of Kaua‘i and director of the state Department of Health for failing to abide by a prior federal court order requiring a federal Clean Water Act permit to discharge polluted water into Kikiaola Harbor and the nearby ocean. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi residents want on-island substance abuse treatment options for their keiki. On Kauaʻi, there is no on-island option for substance abuse treatment for children. Oftentimes, that means kids and young adults have to travel elsewhere for help — and are split up from their loved ones. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Hawaii set to test ranked-choice voting, Supreme Court explains redistricting decision, NTSB says deadly Kauai tour helicopter crash 100% preventable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Ballot testing in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

Ranked-choice voting set to be used in some special elections. Hawaii is set to use ranked-choice voting for the first time after state law‑ makers passed a bill that would test the voting method in certain winner-take-all special elections. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court explains reapportionment decision: Majority and dissenters release long-awaited opinions. Hawaii Supreme Court justices have released their opinions on why they voted as they did in a divided ruling that dismissed a challenge to how the state Reapportionment Commission determined boundary lines for state legislative districts. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii police officers’ union endorses former Honolulu councilman in Lt. Gov. race. The state’s police union is putting its support behind Ikaika Anderson in the race for Lieutenant Governor. Hawaii News Now.

Stiffer penalties ahead: Bill doubling prison term for fatal DUI crashes awaits Ige’s signature. A measure increasing the penalty on a person convicted of first-degree negligent homicide while driving under the influence of an intoxicant is one step away from becoming law. West Hawaii Today.

A ‘poor tool’ for justice? Bail reform measure heads to Gov. Ige for consideration. A bill passed last week by state Legislature would eliminate the use of monetary bail and require defendants to be released on their own recognizance for certain nonviolent offenses. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers request audit of driver’s ed program: Goal is to reduce backlog of students awaiting instruction. House Concurrent Resolution 125 requests a performance audit of the Hawaii driver’s ed programs to examine administrative policies and procedures. Tribune-Herald.

US Rep. Ed Case says White House is open to Jones Act exemption amid fuel import monopoly. U.S. Rep. Ed Case says it’s time for the Biden Administration to support an exemption for Hawaiʻi when it comes to the federal 1920 Jones Act. That law requires any cargo, including fuel, transported between two U.S. ports to be carried on U.S.-built and U.S-flagged ships. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council picks projects for COVID-19 relief funds. Honolulu City Council members Tuesday added about $167 mil­­­lion in projects they want funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act to the proposed city budget, with a focus on housing and job development. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu to launch agricultural grant program for farmers. A new $3 million federally funded agricultural grant program for farmers, ranchers and other growers on Oahu is being developed by Honolulu’s city government to support local agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

HART says $330M park-and-ride facility may need to be relocated to cut costs. The CEO of the rail authority said they may have to relocate a massive park-and-ride structure in order to cut costs on the embattled project. The 1,600-stall garage slated for the industrial area by the Pearl Highland Shopping Center has been put on hold because it could cost $330 million. Hawaii News Now.

Spending over $100 per bird, city discusses more effective ways to combat feral chickens. Over the last two months, traps in 5 locations have caught 67 chickens. Hawaii News Now.

Crime On Oahu Is Bouncing Back To Pre-Pandemic Levels. The number of homicides and car thefts have spiked on Hawaii’s most populous island, according to HPD data. Civil Beat.

Waikīkī opens first all-rental property in decades. Līlia Waikīkī sits across from the International Market Place on Kūhiō Avenue. Monthly rents start at $2,300 for studios to $6,255 for three-bedroom units. Hawaii Public Radio.

Document shows sailor found dead last year at Pearl Harbor served aboard a deeply troubled submarine. More than a year after a submariner died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while on guard duty at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, a Navy report on its investigation into the command climate aboard the USS Charlotte shines a light on the toxic work environment he and his crewmates endured in the months leading up to his death. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

NELHA to grow research village, add visitor center. NELHA has announced plans to build new innovation center, which will expand the research campus located in North Kona. Also planned is a visitors center where the community can host events, such as concerts, birthdays, etc., at the Hawaii Ocean Science Technology Park, also known as the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. West Hawaii Today.

2022 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Cancelled. The event is called off due in part to uncertainty around travel logistics as well as rapidly rising costs. Big Island Video News.

Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event Returns to Reeds Bay. The Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Maui

Lawsuit against Maui County remains despite council’s vote to allow Taser sales. Maui residents are the only ones in Hawaiʻi who can’t buy a Taser in their county, and the representative of a lawsuit against the county said the legal pressure won’t stop until that changes.  Maui Now.

State’s $192M housing, civic center project in Kahului advances. A $192 million Kahului plan to develop 300 affordable and market-rate units, along with a civic center for state office space, cleared a hurdle in the approval process. Maui Now.

Developer wants to turn proposed hotel site into apartment complex. Six-story Hotel Wailuku on pause, landowner supportive of new plans for site. Lokahi Global Corporation’s proposal envisions a four-story housing building and a four-story parking structure on a piece of property near the corner of Main and Market streets. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Pacific Island Nations Want More Renewable Power.
Climate Financing May Help. Maui-based Mana Pacific is helping to give Pacific nations greater access to renewable energy infrastructure through collective buying power and resource sharing. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai helicopter crash that killed 7 was ‘100% preventable,’ report says. Federal investigators blamed a deadly 2019 helicopter crash on Kauai on the pilot’s decision to keep flying into worsening weather, and in a report today they accused regulators of lax oversight of air tours that are popular among tourists to the islands. Associated Press. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai Landfill ‘Conundrum’ Could Quickly Become A ‘Public Health Hazard’. The island’s only landfill is filling up fast. But the places available to put a new landfill are severely limited. Civil Beat.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Former Honolulu top officials indicted in alleged corruption conspiracy and surrender to FBI, possible repercussions in gubernatorial race, nurses' union head says avoid hospitals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii News Now
An FBI agent handcuffs former Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong on Wednesday, Jan. 12 PC: Hawaii News Now

3 former Honolulu city executives charged with conspiracy as part of sprawling Kealoha corruption probe. In a stunning scene Wednesday morning, three former high-ranking city officials -- former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya, former Corporation Counsel Donna Leong and former Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword--surrendered to the FBI as part of the ongoing massive public corruption probe that resulted in the conviction of ex-Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. KHON2. KITV4.

Federal indictments may hurt Kirk Caldwell’s run for governor. The federal indictments of two of former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s top lieutenants are likely to further cripple Caldwell’s gubernatorial hopes this year, but likely will have less effect on the lieutenant governor’s race. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

SHOPO: Allegations against former Honolulu city officials are 'sickening'. Robert Cavaco, president of the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers,  said the money the three allegedly embezzled could have been used to hire more officers for the already short-staffed Honolulu Police Department. KITV4.

Voter registration database questioned. Investigating errors and possible fraud in the state’s voter registration database is the responsibility of the county elections clerks and not the state, Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago told the state Elections Commission on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

It’s Tough To Figure Out Just How Hard The Pandemic Has Hit The Hawaii Economy. Personal income in Hawaii actually increased overall during the pandemic, but experts say people are going to be worse off this year as federal bailout money dries up. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii grad students continue fight for unionization. Student leaders working to unionize graduate assistants at the University of Hawaii said they plan to appeal a First Circuit Court rejection of their lawsuit seeking the right to engage in collective bargaining with the university. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii public schools have not shared COVID-19 case counts for months. Forty-two Hawaii public schools as of Tuesday had not posted their COVID-19 case counts to the state Department of Education’s public dashboard since before winter break, even though they are required by state law to do so weekly. Star-Advertiser.

Relief in sight as hospitals grapple with staffing shortage. An estimated 250 to 260 contracted health care workers from the mainland are expected to arrive in Hawaii this weekend to help care for COVID-19 patients, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, a nonprofit trade association for hospitals. Star-Advertiser.

Head of nurses union: Severe staffing shortage at hospitals is impacting patient care. "I would tell the public if at all possible stay away from hospitals right now," said Daniel Ross, the head of the Hawaii’s Nurses Association. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 5 new coronavirus-related deaths, 3,512 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 2,612 new cases on Oahu, 290 on Hawaii Island, 373 on Maui, 158 on Kauai, 19 on Molokai, eight on Lanai and 52 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu company to pay $1.5M to security guards after denying overtime wages. An Oahu company that provides security guards to public and private facilities will have to pay over $1.5 million in back wages after a federal investigation determined it illegally denied workers overtime pay. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief Search Expected To Take At Least 6 More Months
. PSI Services LLC, the consulting firm hired to assist in the search, said it plans to present the police commission with up to four finalists in June. Civil Beat.

Kapilina residents file class action TRO to not pay rent, utilities during the water contamination crisis. Kapilina Beach Homes residents affected by the Navy’s ongoing contamination crisis filed a class action complaint, on Jan. 6, demanding a jury trial to stop their landlords from charging rent and utilities. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Costco buys Ewa site for distribution center. Costco has made a huge real estate investment on Oahu, buying a more-or-less finished 44-acre industrial park property on the Ewa plain within the growing master-planned Ho‘opili community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

8 projects ID’d for Puna: List includes waterlines, wells aimed at helping region recover from 2018 eruption. The few remaining homes in Kapoho might get their water restored after all. Tribune-Herald.

No Pohoiki Boat Ramp until 2024 at the earliest. The Pohoiki Boat Ramp is now not expected to reopen until late 2024. Tribune-Herald.

Funds for Waikōloa Library Secured, But Planned Location Falls Through.
The reality of a library in Waikōloa Village moved one step closer with the release of state funding, however, the project also hit a setback in that same stride. Big Island Now.

Parker Ranch donates Pukalani Stables to Paniolo Preservation Society. The historic Pukalani Stables in Waimea will be donated to the Paniolo Preservation Society, Parker Ranch announced recently. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Cruise ship arrives at Kahului Harbor, first with passengers to disembark in 22 months. The Grand Princess cruise ship arrived at Kahului Harbor on Maui today with an estimated 1,188 passengers aboard and 900-plus crew members. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

‘A lot of interest’ in proposed 25-mile West Maui bike, foot trail
. Wheels are turning on plans to create a 25-mile multi-use biking and walking trail that will connect Ukumehame to Līpoa Point in West Maui. Maui Now.

New streamlined registration process for riding Da Bee shuttles on Maui. The County of Maui Department of Management has a new streamlined registration process for riding the Da Bee shuttle in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Council discusses visitor parking fees at certain Kaua‘i beach parks. At its meeting Wednesday, the council passed a resolution allowing the county Department of Parks and Recreation to establish visitor parking fees at three county-owned beach parks, and approved at first reading a bill that would create a fee schedule. Garden Island.

8 days after landslide cut off west Kauai community, crews still racing to remove debris. Menehune Road remains below piles of rocks and crews are working to stabilize the slope. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i home prices highest in state. Kaua‘i’s annual median single-family home price increased by over 35% in 2021 from the year prior to hit $1.1 million, the highest in the state, according to data from Hawai‘i independent real-estate firm Locations. Garden Island.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Powerful police union drives state policy, Pacific Fleet launches probe into Red Hill fuel spills, developer withdraws Kauai glamping plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News ll rights reserved
Hawaii police ©2021 All Hawaii News

The Power Of SHOPO: Here’s How The Police Union Contract Drives Public Policy. The statewide police union plays an outsized role in everything from police shootings to investigating officer misconduct. But the public is kept in the dark about important issues being negotiated in the contract. Civil Beat.

151 WWII veterans are expected to attend event at Pearl Harbor.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro will be the keynote speaker for the 80th anni­versary of the Pearl Harbor attack, an auspicious milestone that is planned to include a large number of aged survivors and World War II veterans — 151 total — despite the relentlessness of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Island mayors announce relaxing of COVID rules. Their actions follow Gov. David Ige’s latest emergency proclamation signed Monday granting the counties the authority to make their own pandemic emergency orders and rules without prior approval by the governor or the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

State economy might grow faster than expected this year. Hawaii’s economy is expected to slow in the second half of this year but still grow at a faster pace than earlier projected. Star-Advertiser.

Lackluster hurricane season ends with no threat to Hawaii. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said it was likely to be an underwhelming hurricane season, and 2021 turned out to be just that. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Hawaii Health Officials: All Adults Should Get Covid-19 Boosters. Scientists fear a new variant of coronavirus may be more contagious than previous versions. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 79 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 87,664. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 36 new cases on Oahu, two on Hawaii Island, 11 on Maui, 26 on Kauai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy cuts access to aquifer at Red Hill.
The Navy on Sunday quietly shut down its Red Hill shaft, which pulls water from the aquifer below, as military families around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam began to call in complaints about a fuel or chemical smell coming from their tap water. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Fleet brass launches probe into Red Hill spills. The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet has ordered an investigation into two recent fuel spills related to the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, focusing on causes and whether the two incidents are connected. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Board of Water Supply: Our water system not impacted by possible fuel contamination. The Board of Water Supply confirms its water system is completely separate from the Navy’s and so has not been impacted by possible fuel contamination. But officials add they are closely monitoring the situation. Hawaii News Now.

A former Navy man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for child sex assault is now suing the city, the law enforcement officers who prosecuted him, and his accuser. Roynes Dural II ― who spent nearly a decade behind bars ― filed a federal lawsuit claiming false arrest, malicious prosecution, wrongful conviction and imprisonment, and negligence. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s first and only female mayor, Eileen Anderson, dies at 93. Former Honolulu Mayor Eileen Anderson, the first and only woman ever elected to hold the mayor’s seat in Honolulu, was known as a trailblazer and role model. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island


Hawaiʻi County mayor shares a snapshot of COVID-19 vaccinations, changes to social gathering rules. Roth said he intends to increase the number of people allowed at large gatherings, and lift other restrictions. But he’s keeping a close eye on case counts and news of the Omicron variant. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Hilo investor who raised $116M is looking for a company with potential. A Hilo venture capitalist who raised $116 million is looking for a company with growth potential to invest in and take public. Dustin Shindo is with Pono Capital, what some may refer to as a blank check company looking for a match. Pono Capital was just listed on the stock exchange in August and Shindo is on the prowl for a partner. Hawaii Public Radio.

Funding eyed to improve old Hilo bridge. There could be relief in the works for motorists who use a well-traveled one-lane bridge in Hilo to access Highway 11. Tribune-Herald.

First snow: Big Island summits dusted. The summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa received a blanketing of snow overnight Monday into Tuesday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County dropping distancing requirements at restaurants on Wednesday. On Wednesday, patrons at restaurants and bars in Maui County may dine indoors with proof of full vaccination, verification of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours or a signed letter from a medical provider confirming full recovery from a COVID-19 infection. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

“Butts off the Beach” Study Finds Cigarette Debris Remains Problematic Despite Laws. Researchers from Pacific Whale Foundation have released a study showing that beach goers on Maui are still littering their used cigarette filters despite the prohibitive law passed by the state of Hawai‘i and Maui County in July 2015 and April 2014. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County to increase gathering sizes, rules. Effective Wednesday, social gatherings and events on Kaua‘i will be limited to 40 indoors and 100 outdoors. Events with over these capacity limits must have an event coordinator verifying full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours of the event from all attendees. Garden Island.

Starwood Hits Brakes On Controversial Kauai Glamping Resort. The hotel developer said it plans to withdraw its county permit application to transform three holes of golf into a luxury glamping resort. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Friday, June 11, 2021

Ige to select appellate court nominee, graduation party, church services raise COVID-19 cases, lumber at a premium, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
House construction in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

A slowdown in production compounded by high demand continues to raise building material prices through the roof in Hawaii. The Hawaii Lumber Products Association says prices are up 400% when compared to the same time in 2020. KHON2.

Ige To Select Nominee For Intermediate Court of Appeals. A prominent Maui attorney and the head of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission are among the names of six nominees looking to fill a vacancy on the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Governor defends push to reach 70% vaccination rate before ending restrictions. Gov. David Ige on Thursday defended his plan to end all COVID restrictions when Hawaii reaches a vaccination rate of 70%, saying the goal is doable. In fact, he thinks Hawaii can reach the benchmark by the end of summer ― optimism shared by a number of Hawaii experts. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department is awarded $24.5 million in CDC funding to tackle COVID-19 health disparities. State health officials say a $24.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will help boost efforts to address COVID-19 health disparities among underserved communities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

‘Better Than Nothing’: Doctors Urge High-Risk Patients To Get Vaccines. Patients with weakened immune systems should still avoid large crowds and take pandemic precautions even as official restrictions on masks and social distancing are eased. Civil Beat.

Coronavirus cluster report shows spread at Oahu graduation party, places of worship. COVID-19 cases are spreading during social gatherings. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii sees 62 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 36,793. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 32 new cases on Oahu, 17 on Maui, 10 on Hawaii Island, two on Kauai, and one Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Police union hails decision by Oahu grand jury on fatal shooting. Leaders of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers came to the defense of their members on Thursday following a grand jury’s rejection of charges against three officers who shot and killed a 16-year-old in April. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Department of Health issues $828K fine for unlicensed care home. The state Department of Health has fined Island Promise Homes LLC $828,000 for allegedly operating an adult residential care home without a license, part of a larger effort in recent years to reign in an industry that has skirted health and safety regulations. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH Will Test Sewage At 11 Dorms This Fall To Help Prevent COVID-19 Outbreaks. Next semester the University of Hawaii Manoa will test sewage from 11 dorms to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus and track mutations of the virus. Civil Beat.

Oahu flood control projects get approval -- including one in the works for decades. The Wailele Stream project is slated to include improvements to the existing stream bed, along with construction of a new drainage feature and an overflow channel. The council approved $7.8 million as the city’s share of the project as a last-minute amendment to the city budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii real estate developer Peter Savio to offer condo-style ownership of solar farm. Entrepreneur Peter Savio announced today that he will build a solar farm on Oahu and sell off units of solar in a revolutionary manner – the same way he sells condominium units. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

This church is housing the homeless
― and cultivating hope ― on a Waianae farm. Headed up by Hawaii Cedar Church, it started as place folks could pitch a tent in exchange for working on the farm. But through donations the church’s vision evolved. Residents now sleep in 8-by-10-foot sheds. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

City and County of Honolulu still accepting applications for rental and utility relief program. The city began accepting up to 10,000 applications Monday evening, and as of Thursday there were still 4,000 applications available. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Taxi companies lose certificates: Pandemic thins taxi ranks even as demand grows.
Taxi companies were already reeling from increased competition from ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft when they were dealt the next blow: an almost total shutdown of the economy by the coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

President of Southwest talks expansion during Hilo stop
. As the carrier expands service to and from Hawaii, company leaders spent the week in the islands and visited Hilo on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

$200 Surcharge Added to $35 Citation to Deter Illegal Parking on Hāna Highway. Citing safety concerns and illegal parking along scenic and popular stops along the Hāna Highway, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation today began installing “no parking” signs reflecting a $200 surcharge in addition to a $35 parking violation at several spots along the winging road into East Maui. Maui Now. KITV4.

A small Maui town flooded with tourists looks to state, county officials for traffic control. With thousands of people visiting the historic town of Paia and drive the famous road to Hana, it can get bumper to bumper all along Hana Highway. Residents say they are long overdue for a bypass road. Hawaii News Now.

Online tool aims to inform west Maui of threatening waves. University of Hawaii researchers have developed an online tool that will inform the public when waves are expected to threaten west Maui shorelines, an area particularly prone to coastal erosion as sea levels rise. Associated Press.

Kauai

County receives $500K in federal HUD money.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced the release of $503,868 to Kaua‘i for houseless initiatives. The money, part of over $14.2 million in federal funds given to the state, came from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the American Rescue Plan. Garden Island.

Population of rose-ringed parakeets decreasing. Researchers have documented a decrease in one of the most invasive avian species worldwide on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Koloa Rum partners with the Las Vegas Raiders. Named the “Official Ultra-Premium Rum of the Las Vegas Raiders,” Koloa Rum will bring their award-winning rums to the global event’s destination, augmenting the stadium spectator experience. Garden Island.