Hawaii ICU beds at 60% capacity, SHOPO sues Kauai to halt disciplined officers' names release, 1-year-old hospitalized with COVID-19, shuttle planned to top of Mauna Kea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ala Wai flood control project tweaks add costs, pump station. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made dramatic changes to its Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project, which increase costs and add a four-story pump station to the historic Ala Wai Canal, where controversial walls and berms already are planned. Star-Advertiser.

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DOH releases new data showing current capacity at intensive care units. New data released by the Department of Health on Wednesday shows intensive care units across the state are almost at 60% capacity. But only 16 of the 143 beds occupied are being used for patients who tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

State COVID cases tied to clusters. Hawaii’s contact tracing program has identified clusters of the coronavirus spreading among households, workplaces and gatherings among friends and family. Star-Advertiser.

Vet learns the hard way that the VA isn’t a 'trusted partner’ in pre-travel testing program. There are more than 1,200 Veterans Affairs clinics and hospitals nationwide, but a negative COVID-19 test result from any of those won’t help a visitor or returning resident avoid Hawaii’s quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Residents React to Nearing COVID Vaccine. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said Hawai‘i’s expected timeline for the arrival of the first vaccines remains late December 2020 or early January of next year. Big Island Now.

Local COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial subjects excited about results. 400 participants of the trial are from Hawaii. KHON2.

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Military community bristles at Trump campaign claim of voter fraud in Nevada; allegation includes several who moved to Hawaii. Among a list of 3,062 individuals accused of “criminal voter fraud” in Nevada by President Donald Trump’s campaign are at least four people who moved to “JBPHH,” which stands for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and who are almost certainly military members. Star-Advertiser.

Over Half Of Hawaii’s Workers’ Comp COVID-19 Claims Are Initially Denied. Coronavirus-related claims are being denied at higher rates than other claims because it’s hard to prove whether an employee caught the virus at work. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Deputy Sheriffs Finally On Track For National Accreditation. Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety makes progress in accrediting state deputy sheriffs nearly decade after state law required it. Civil Beat.

Charter school commission criticized for ‘erroneous’ rejections of new applicants. At a time when demand for charter schools are on the rise, the agency that regulates charter schools has come under harsh criticism for denying applications from new schools. Hawaii News Now.

State moves to limit spread of coffee fungus. Following the discovery of coffee leaf rust on two islands, the state Department of Agriculture is moving to enact emergency rules aimed at preventing the notorious pest from spreading to the rest of the state. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 11: 118 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of those new cases, 85 were on Oahu, 23 were on the Big Island, six were on Maui, three were on Kauai and one was a resident diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Dozens rally outside Honolulu Hale, call to resume outdoor teams sports on Oahu. About 80 or so people gathered along the sidewalks near or at the intersection of Punchbowl Street and King Street as a growing number of people are now calling for permission to play outdoor sports again. Star-Advertiser.

City Christmas celebration to be smaller, but will still go on says Mayor Caldwell. Normally, by this time of year, the city’s famous holiday tree would have been selected, cut down, delivered and displayed on the front lawn. But with the coronavirus pandemic, Honolulu Mayor Mayor Caldwell says a more cautious approach is needed. KHON2.

340 high rise buildings have to be inspected by May 2021, HFD reports the process hasn't started in nearly half of them. If inspections aren't competed by the deadline, management of those buildings could face citations for not meeting the the fire-code. There's 340 buildings on the island that need to be inspected by May 3, 2021. Honolulu Fire Department Captain Ari Agpaoa says the process hasn't even started at about 160 of those high-rises. KITV4.

Kam Drive-In residential towers plan is recast. A local development partnership has arranged to take over a long-stalled $800 million plan to turn the former Kam Drive-In movie theater site in Aiea into a high-rise housing complex. Star-Advertiser.

Items from Alan Wong’s flagship restaurant up for auction. Alan Wong’s flagship location on King Street shut its doors after 25 years in business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the items from the restaurant are on the auction block. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pilot program proposed for shuttle service to top of Maunakea. The University of Hawaii might develop a regular shuttle service to the top of Maunakea after a proposal for such a program was submitted earlier this week. Tribune-Herald.

New Management at Hilo Veterans Home to Take Over January 1. Veterans Day celebrations in Hilo will be especially meaningful in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak that claimed the lives of 27 residents at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Public Radio.

One-year-old child tests positive for coronavirus on Big Island. A one-year-old child on the Big Island tested positive for COVID-19 and is hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center. KITV4.

Combating coffee leaf rust: Hawaii leaders creating plans to fight new pest. Since the discovery of coffee leaf rust was confirmed on Hawaii Island in October, the coffee community — from individual farmers to the state’s Department of Agriculture — has been working to find ways to combat the spread of the pest. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County homeless bill sparks ‘firestorm’. Introduced by Council Member Tasha Kama, the proposed bill would ban the giving of goods and money to homeless people in county-owned areas without simultaneously providing “wrap-around services” by recognized providers. Maui News.

$500,000 Awarded for Development of West Maui Transit-Oriented Corridor Master Plan. The County of Maui Department of Planning was awarded $500,000 from the State Office of Planning to develop a transit-oriented development corridor master plan for West Maui. Maui Now.

Multi-service veterans center still in the works. In the works for more than a decade, the project had been slated for empty state land next to Maui High School — but is now looking for a new home. Maui News.

Lanai residents to test COVID-19 app. Lanai residents will be the first in the state to participate in a pilot project involving a smartphone application that notifies people that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Maui News.

As lockdown lifts on Lanai, residents are left confused over rules. Local leaders held a zoom meeting for community members Wednesday evening to answer questions about what’s now allowed. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

SHOPO suing to stop release of names of disciplined officers. Hawaii’s police union is suing Kauai’s chief of police over new steps at transparency. The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) wants to keep the names of disciplined officers secret. Hawaii News Now.

Permits granted for renewed ‘Oma‘o hub. New operations are on the horizon for ‘Oma‘o Ranch Lands, LLC. with the approval of new permits from the Planning Commission this past Tuesday. Garden Island.

Kauai reports 4 travel-related coronavirus cases in 2 days. One new, travel-related case of COVID-19 was reported for Kauai today, according to the county’s district health office. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua’i home sales look to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic. The Kaua‘i real estate market experienced a 26.04% drop in sales across every category from 2019 to 2020 at the end of the third quarter, according to information provided by Sirois Kaua‘i, a partner of Corcoran Pacific Properties. Garden Island.

U.S. Supreme Court to hear Hawaii Clean Water Act cesspool case, Trump seeks to pull California rail funding over wall lawsuit -- could that happen to Honolulu? Plus, legislators want more Capitol security, county preps for foam food container ban, more top news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii's green Big Island ©2019 All Hawaii News

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider limiting the reach of the Clean Water Act, agreeing to hear a case from Hawaii centering on treated wastewater that ends up in the Pacific Ocean. Bloomberg.

Supreme Court to decide if Clean Water Act limits Hawaii’s underground waste water dumping. The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to hear an important case on the Clean Water Act and decide whether environmentalists can sue to block Hawaii’s disposal of waste water that flows underground into the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles Times.

The Supreme Court is set to take up a critical debate over the scope of federal water protections. The justices today agreed to hear what amounts to the biggest environmental case of this year: a dispute over which types of pollution discharges trigger the Clean Water Act. E&E News.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case centered on how Maui County treats its wastewater. KHON2.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider limiting the scope of a landmark law aimed at curbing water pollution in a dispute pitting an environmental group against local authorities in Hawaii over a wastewater treatment plant. CNBC.

U.S. Supreme Court County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund docket.

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Could this happen to Hawaii? Trump wants California to pay back billions for bullet train. The Trump administration said Tuesday that it plans to cancel $929 million awarded to California’s high-speed rail project and wants the state to return an additional $2.5 billion that it has already spent. Associated Press.

Border wall declaration could divert $300M appropriated for Hawaii programs. State Attorney General Clare Connors says Hawaii “has a lot to lose” if the president diverts federal funding for his border wall as part of a national emergency declaration. Hawaii News Now.

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Lawmakers want State Capitol to be safer after deadly shooting. Lawmakers are in shock that a shooting involving a Sheriff's deputy took place at the state capitol. KHON2.

The fatal shooting by a sheriff’s deputy Monday night of a 28-year-old man at the state Capitol was the second in the area in the last four months. Star-Advertiser.

Man Dies After 'Extreme Struggle' With Deputy Sheriff Outside Hawaii Capitol. The man was shot in the torso after he attacked the officer, said state Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. Civil Beat.

A man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting at the state Capitol on Monday night was “physically combative" with a sheriff’s deputy despite numerous warnings, state Public Safety officials said. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Public Safety says the deputy sheriff was conducting routine patrols at the Capitol in downtown Honolulu Monday night when he encountered a man with a bottle of alcohol. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public Safety Director addresses shooting at State Capitol. The director of the Department of Public Safety, Nolan Espinda, held a news conference to address the shooting at the State Capitol. KHON2.

Public Safety Department seeking body cams and tasers for sheriffs after a deadly shooting at the State Capitol. KITV.

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The state agency that oversees Hawaii’s jails and prisons would be required to submit a report to the governor within 48 hours of the death of an inmate or employee of a correctional facility under bills being considered by the Legislature this year. Star-Advertiser.

Sex-trafficking bills opposed by new prostitution lobby. A newly formed prostitution lobby in Hawaii is pushing back against bills in the Legislature that seek to combat sex trafficking in Hawaii, arguing that the executive director of the state agency that is seeking the measures wields a “radical feminist agenda” that doesn’t take into account the views of local sex workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii aquaculture industry struggles to compete with foreign fish imports. Hawaii shrimp and fish farmers said the most significant barrier to new enterprises are choking state and federal regulations--a bureaucratic structure that largely doesn’t apply to foreign imports. Hawaii News Now.

Alala poised to breed this year in the wild. Since late 2017, 21 alala, or Hawaiian crows, have been released into the wild under monitoring by the Alala Project, a joint effort between the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and San Diego Zoo Global to revitalize the critically endangered species. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Police Union Goes To Court To Overturn Labor Board Ruling On Officer Transfers. The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers challenged the right of Police Chief Susan Ballard to reassign officers. Civil Beat.

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Traffic nightmare on Pali Highway could last the rest of the week. Traffic was snarled Tuesday on Oahu’s Windward side in the wake of Monday’s multiple landslides that closed Pali Highway in both directions. Star-Advertiser.

Old Pali Road remains unstable, shifted 18-inches since landslide. Hawaii News Now.

Landslide Closes Pali Highway And Seriously Injures Woman. The road was completely closed Tuesday and portions will remain shut down all week while the area is surveyed. Associated Press.

The Honolulu-bound lanes of the Pali Highway are expected to remain closed through next Monday following landslides yesterday that shut down the road. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Judge turns down request to disqualify prosecutors. A state judge refused Tuesday to disqualify the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney from presenting a criminal case due to a pending petition to suspend prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s cost of living is challenging for a lot of residents, but it’s especially tough for young adults who are just getting started and trying to build careers. Adults aged 25 to 34 are facing higher college tuition, higher rents and bigger housing prices than previous generations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island’s ban on polystyrene — also known as Styrofoam — food containers goes into effect in less than five months, and an educational program for businesses and the public is about to begin. West Hawaii Today.

Council Advances Hilo Water Bottling Zoning Request. A controversial proposal to draw water from an artesian water source within the Mauna Kea aquifer sector and sell it as bottled water went before a Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Bank of Hawaii plans to build a new branch in Hilo. The proposed location is at 1339 Kinoole St., at the northeast corner of the intersection with Lanikaula Street. Tribune-Herald.

A bill funding a study for a new boat ramp in Puna cleared the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Crews Respond to Entangled Humpback off Maui. A team of trained responders is attempting to locate and assist a humpback whale that was first reported entangled off the coast of Maui over the weekend. Maui Now.

Plans move ahead for new hotel on old Maui Palms site. Construction could start by the end of the year if permits granted. Maui News.

The public is invited to offer ideas and comments for the Baldwin Beach Park Master Plan during an open house held by the Department of Parks and Recreation on Wednesday, March 6, at the Kaunoa Senior Center. KHON2.

Scent of Extinct Maui Mountain Hibiscus Revived by Science. The Hau Kuahiwi was found in the ancient lava fields of Auwahi in Kahikinui on the southern slopes of Haleakala in 1910 by horticulturist Gerrit Wilder. Maui Now.

Kauai

Pacific Seabird Group to host annual meeting on Kauai. Kauai is hosting a meeting of the minds this month, a gathering of researchers and experts who will be swapping stories, discussing discoveries and talking technique at the 46th annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group. Garden Island.

Paying for climate change, state sells affordable housing cheaply, delays and cost overruns plague Oahu jail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Full blood wolf moon eclipse over Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Fighting Climate Change Will Cost The State Millions. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says money is urgently needed to protect beaches, watersheds, native species and more. Civil Beat.

Experts in climate change say Hawaii needs to plan now for rising sea levels. Star-Advertiser.

The shortfall in Hawaii’s largest public pension fund climbed to an all-time high of $13.41 billion last year and is expected to keep rising until 2024. It will take 25 years, until June 30, 2043, before the pension is 100 percent funded. Star-Advertiser.

Reforms to end corporate tax loopholes in Hawaii could reduce lost tax revenue and bring in an additional $38 million to the state, according to a new report released on Friday by The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Maui Now.

State officials recently agreed to sell a collection of low-income housing to a private developer for less than originally planned, after an examination of the more than 1,200 rental homes showed a need for substantial renovations. Star-Advertiser.

New proposal would ban hotel guests in Hawaii to bring firearms or ammunition into rooms. There are no state laws making it illegal for hotel guests to have guns and ammunition in their rooms, says state Representative Tom Brower. KHON2.

Hawaii legislators introduce measures to protect sharks, rays. West Hawaii Today.

Rooftop solar installations increased 5.3 percent in 2018 across the five islands served by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: Good intention trapped in an outdated local style. This week, Hawaii Congressman Ed Case caused a kerfuffle when, while speaking at a gathering of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote Celebration, he described himself as an “Asian trapped in a white body.” Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A long-delayed project to replace the locks, video surveillance systems and other electronics in the Halawa Correctional Facility has turned into a multimillion-dollar headache for prison officials after work stalled because of problems with two subcontractors. Star-Advertiser.

Government Shutdown Won’t Stall Kealoha Trial. A federal judge on Friday said he would guarantee that all attorneys and expert witnesses would be paid for their services. Civil Beat.

Labor Board: Police Chief Did Nothing Wrong When She Transferred SHOPO President. It was OK for Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard to publicly explain why she felt it necessary to reassign Tenari Maafala and other union officials. Civil Beat.

Council member Heidi Tsuneyoshi has a plan to help bring tax relief to Oahu's overburdened residents. Bill 3 would increase the basic property tax exemption from $80,000 to $100,000. KHON2.

The U.S. Marine Corps will be conducting urban training exercises in multiple locations on Oahu starting Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

A rental housing complex in Hawaii Kai has been partially converted into condominiums following purchase of the nearly 3-year-old complex by a local development firm. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers expect to hand out emergency bags of food Tuesday to 150-300 federal workers on Oahu affected by the partial federal government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a woman ordered to pay a fine for abandoning kittens at a park. Hawaii News Now.

There is a state law against sleeping in your vehicle on public streets at night, but that hasn’t stopped at least one Oahu host from parking a former car rental shuttle he turned into a mobile vacation rental, dubbed Hippie Bus Hawaii, in front of Kapiolani Park and selling beds with an ocean view. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a treasure trove of ancient Hawaiian history in West Oahu. But a bureaucratic standoff is threatening to derail its preservation. Hawaii News Now.

A group of researchers at UH Manoa has received a $10.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study microbiomes, or the community of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, that live everywhere, and their impact on human health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

It sounds too good to be true: A national law firm wants to sue Big Pharma on behalf of Hawaii County in a no-risk deal that has the county paying nothing if it loses, but sharing in any damage awards if it wins or settles. West Hawaii Today.

A state health official told legislators Thursday prescriptions written for opioid pain relievers in Hawaii have declined over the last four years. Tribune-Herald.

The Hawaii County Mayor’s legislative package – a $155 million appropriation request for Kilauea Volcano eruption disaster relief and recovery – has been submitted to the state legislature. House Bill 184 and Senate Bill 166 have been introduced as the 2019 legislative session gets underway. Big Island Video News.

First-line supervisors remain a priority for law enforcement during discussions with the county on additional budget needs for the upcoming fiscal year, officials told police commissioners last week. Tribune-Herald.

Missing drugs, assault of a juvenile suspect, and false violations on traffic tickets. That's among the low-lights of the past year at the Big Island Police Department. KHON2.

Volunteers needed for PIT Count of county homeless. West Hawaii Today.

A project to renovate several properties in Keaukaha may be able to proceed after a state environmental assessment was published earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Elite Pacific Properties has acquired Boundless Hawaii, a Big Island vacation home and property management company. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Queen Kaahumanu Center ramping up security measures. MPD foot patrols, more cameras, more personnel among the steps taken in wake of criminal attacks. Maui News.

Despite a fractured national movement and march cancellations around the country, including on Oahu, the Women’s March on Maui moved forward Saturday morning. Maui News.

Kauai

Hospitals revamp menus to utilize locally grown foods. The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Kauai Region will treat residents and staff to the results of its food and nutrition program that focuses on increasing scratch-cooked, local food in its facilities that includes Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital and the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management is holding statewide open hearings to solicit input on its update to the statewide Water Resource Protection Plan. On Kauai, the meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5, starting at 6 p.m. at the Lihue Civic Center Moikeha Building first-floor conference room. Garden Island.

A Kauai park with ties to Russia is stirring up an international name dilemma. The Russian ambassador and Russian Americans are fighting to preserve the name of Russian Fort Elizabeth in Kauai’s west side town of Waimea. Hawaii News Now.

Powering Up on Kauai. Kauai's electrical utility has a different history from the rest of the islands and different opportunities. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new method of parking enforcement is set to hit Princeville’s streets in early February, a vehicle-immobilization device called the Barnacle that covers the windshield instead of using a conventional boot on the wheel. Garden Island.

Gawkers cited as lava marches on, defense secretary warns China to halt military buildup, Ige signs gay 'conversion therapy' ban, flood money for Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava fountains PC:USGS See 'Hawaii Island' category for full volcano update

Gov. David Ige signed SB270 into law, which prohibits therapists from offering “sexual orientation change efforts” or “conversion therapy” to patients under the age of 18. Maui Now.

The U.S. will continue to confront China’s militarization of manmade islands in the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today in Honolulu, arguing that Beijing hasn’t abided by its promise not to put weapons on the Spratly Islands. Associated Press.

Defense Secretary Mattis arrives in Honolulu for change at U.S. Pacific Command. Hawaii News Now.

SHOPO has endorsed Ernie Martin in the Democratic primary race for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines is debuting nonstop daily service starting Thursday between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Long Beach Airport. Star-Advertiser.

AirAsia to increase flight frequency from Honolulu to Malaysia via Japan. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

A 200-year-old carving of the war god Ku has returned home to Hawaii after spending untold years abroad and in the hands of private collectors. Associated Press.

The State Department of Health is fining the developer of the exclusive Olomana Heights project in Kailua $28,000 over allegations of illegal storm water discharges. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa announced today that it ranked 306 out of 18,000 universities worldwide in the 2018–19 Center for World University Rankings, the largest academic ranking of global universities. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is now ranked within the top 1.7% of universities worldwide according to the latest academic ranking of global universities. Maui Now.

A long-lost World War II aviator soon will be going back to his family for burial after his remains were recovered in 2016 from mountainous terrain near Kahuku Point, and he was positively identified. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lava Crosses Highway 132, Destroys 400 Utility Poles. Power to some areas has been knocked out for the foreseeable future. Associated Press.

Lava from fissure 8 severs Highway 132, knocks out power, further isolates lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

On a day when new Hawaii island communities lost a major highway, electricity and cell service because of expanding lava flows, Mayor Harry Kim told a gathering that included many of those affected that they will get through this ordeal. Star-Advertiser.

Eruption Meeting – Mayor Harry Kim. The mayor said a restricted area will be established in sections of Leilani Estates. No one will be allowed in, according to a new policy. Big Island Video News.

Puna residents air concerns over housing, overnight curfews amid ongoing eruptions. Hawaii News Now.

Lava flows are threatening several wells at the Puna Geothermal Venture plant, after earlier cutting off the primary access road to the facility. Hawaii News Now.

Making a bad situation worse: Lava evacuees are running into rental scams. Hawaii News Now.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is cracking down on lava gawkers who violate closures in disaster areas associated with the current eruption of Kilauea. Star-Advertiser.

Three cited by DLNR for lava-related offenses. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward anyone who violates closures in the disaster area associated with the current eruption of Kilauea. Tribune-Herald.

A New York state couple was cited after bypassing a security checkpoint in attempts to view an active lava flow Monday evening, state officials confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Air quality reaches ‘unhealthy’ levels in Kona. Hualalai was shrouded in vog as air quality reached “unhealthy” levels for some West Hawaii residents Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Incandescent Blocks Expelled from Volcano, Land Along Crater Rim. Maui Now

The recent eruptions at Kilauea’s east rift zone have sent fine strands of volcanic glass, also known as Pele’s hair, over Pahoa. Hawaii News Now.

The Pride of America resumes its weekly Wednesday visit to Kailua-Kona today. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Coastal hazards specialist Tara Owens will talk about the impacts of sea level rise at a Maui County Council Planning Committee meeting Thursday. Maui News.

Vietnam War Monument unveiled on Memorial Day. Maui News.

Kauai

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture on Tuesday approved parameters for emergency low-interest agricultural loans for farmers suffering damage due to the heavy rain and flooding on Kauai and Oahu in April and the current eruption phase at Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island. Garden Island.

It’s been nearly six weeks since Kauai was hit by record flooding. And the recovery continues to be a slow process. Hawaii Public Radio.


Roy Saito has called Kauai home for several decades, but over the years, he’s seen a lot of changes on the island, and that’s why he decided to run for County Council. Garden Island.

Starbucks holds racial-bias training for employees. Garden Island.

Hawaii officials fear impact of canceled North Korea summit, lava flows continue to impress, Gabbard most popular Hawaii politician in poll, new indictment in Honolulu police corruption case, money flows to Kauai, Maui has #1 beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USGS map. See Hawaii Island category below for latest lava news

Canceled N. Korea summit may leave Hawaii vulnerable to attack. President Donald Trump’s decision Thursday to cancel his summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un was more than just a blow to peace in the Korean Peninsula. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Poll: Tulsi Gabbard Is Hawaii’s Most Popular Politician. Only former President Obama gets higher marks than the Hawaii congresswoman. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Seem Ready For A Constitutional Convention. A solid majority of those surveyed support the idea of holding the first such event in 40 years. Civil Beat.

April is a traditionally off-peak travel month, however, Hawaii hotels statewide reported solid increases in revenue per available room, average daily rate and room occupancy, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report issued by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

After seven years of growing Hawaii auto sales, the state could see a decline this year. New-vehicle registrations in the state fell 4.3 percent in the first quarter and are projected to drop in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is co-sponsoring a bill to suspend newly imposed tariffs on Canadian newsprint that is driving up business costs for domestic newspapers, book publishers and commercial printers. Star-Advertiser.

Beachgoers are being advised of elevated bacteria levels at three beaches across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

A federal grand jury returned a new indictment today against retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

A second superseding indictment against Honolulu's ex-police chief and his deputy prosecutor wife offers new details on the bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and obstruction charges against them. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Cop Fired For Domestic Violence Gets His Job Back. But a labor board panel has temporarily blocked Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard’s effort to release information explaining the decision. Civil Beat.

Police union blocks release of details about officer's contentious reinstatement. Hawaii News Now.

Bill 30: Buy Rail "Remnant" Properties. The Honolulu Rail Transit Project is scheduled to start construction on the final city center segment through downtown Honolulu next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fate Of Popular Swimming Cove In Kahala Remains Uncertain. A rocky breakwater creates a unique attraction known as Cromwell’s, but it’s been a liability for owners of an oceanfront museum. Civil Beat.

Two Honolulu-based commercial fishing companies have been ordered to pay civil fines after they discharged oily bilge waste into the Pacific Ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Elevated walkways connecting condominium towers in Kakaako were a state vision decades ago. Now the developer of the biggest master-planned community in the area wants to put some in place. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lava From Kilauea Enters Ocean From Three Flows. The U.S. Marine Corps sends two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to help if more evacuations become necessary. Associated Press.

A third lava flow was entering the ocean in Lower Puna, the latest hitting the water between Pohoiki Bay and Mac­Kenzie State Park, Hawaii County Civil Defense officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Blue flames from methane vents surprise scientists. Associated Press.

No sign of increase or decrease in amount of lava; ash plumes persist. Three weeks into the lower Puna eruption, volcanic activity remains high but stable along Kilauea’s East Rift Zone. Tribune-Herald.

Spectacular, but destructive, lava fountains were active in the northeast section of Leilani Estates on Wednesday. The fissures were producing huge ponds of lava and feeding flows that were covering roads in the Puna subdivision. Big Island Video News.

Kilauea volcano’s ongoing eruption is destroying or damaging farms through the air, on the ground and from beneath the Earth’s surface. Civil Beat.

At least six separate fissures are erupting in lower Puna, pumping out an incredible 40 to 60 cubic feet of lava per second, spewing fountains of lava into the air and creating flows that are cascading into the sea some three miles downslope. Hawaii News Now.

NASA uses powerful instruments to help monitor eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Lava, Loss of PGV Capacity Create Electricity Challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Puna family still in shock; others hold on, hoping they’ll be spared. Eruptions from Kilauea Volcano have displaced thousands of Puna residents, devoured at least 50 structures and threatened dozens of others in its path. Star-Advertiser.

Another Eruption at Kilauea's Summit Sends Ash 10,000 Feet High. Hawaii Public Radio.

With one highway severed and another one threatened, officials continue to be frank about the possibility of lava flows isolating residents in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

With regular explosive bursts at Kilauea’s summit, ash continues to drift over Pahala, covering everything in a fine layer of charcoal-colored dust. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii mayor Harry Kim giving back to the community since 1977. KITV.

The state Department of Transportation on Thursday began its scheduled inspection of Wailuku Bridge, known as the Singing Bridge, in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bill that includes $3 million to protect Hawaii coffee and maintain agriculture research facilities in Hilo, as well as $32 million to support agricultural inspection stations in airports. Pacific Business News.

With a ceremonial passing of the colors, outgoing Lt. Col. Christopher M. Marquez relinquished command of Pohakuloa Training Area to Lt. Col. Loreto V. Borce Jr. West Hawaii Today.

Mass Transit's cash handling process was inadequate and ineffective to ensure that revenue is properly controlled and deposits are timely and accurate, the auditor found. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Kapalua is Dr. Beach’s No. 1 pick. A crescent-shaped beach on Maui got the top slot Thursday on the list of best beaches issued annually by a Florida professor known as Dr. Beach. Associated Press.

Maui County hotels defy usual April doldrums. Higher average daily room rates and revenue reported. Maui News.

Telescope protester’s trial put on hold. Motion filed in Hawaiian seeking dismissal for lack of a speedy trial. Maui News.

Kauai

As parts of Kauai continue to rebuild from last month’s record rain and flooding, county officials estimate they will need an initial $31.2 million for 90 road, bridge and park repair projects. Star-Advertiser.

Residents of Wainiha and Haena gathered as a community Thursday to discuss what kind of future they envision for Kauai's north shore as the island continues to rebuild. Garden Island.

More than a hundred people gathered in downtown Honolulu Thursday night to raise money for flood victims on Kauai. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige spent Thursday morning learning about the impacts of April’s flooding on the North Shore. Garden Island.

Hawaii has committed to boosting coastal fisheries, and a new study identifies east Kauai as one of the highest-potential fisheries for population recovery. Garden Island.

Woman claims late Sen. Inouye sexually harassed her, leasing library land, Legislature's lax ethics, Hawaii last in return on taxpayer investment, polystyrene ban advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Library ©2018 All Hawaii News

A bill that would rent out library land and facilities as a way to generate revenue is proceeding through the state Legislature as quietly as libraries themselves. West Hawaii Today.

Paid Family Leave Legislation Advances in House and Senate. State lawmakers are on the verge of passing legislation for paid family leave in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Could Hawaii Be the First State to Ban Polystyrene Food Containers? First it was Maui County then Hawaii County, and now the State is considering a ban on polystyrene food containers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii ranked last in the nation for taxpayer return on investment in 2018, according to a WalletHub study released today. Star-Advertiser.

#MeToo: One Woman’s Story Of Sexual Harassment By Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye. Megan Bailiff says her treatment by the late U.S. senator — and the staffers who protected him — changed her life. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Ethics too lax at Legislature. “Following the rules” ordinarily equates to ethical behavior, except where the rules themselves set a ridiculously low standard. Star-Advertiser.

Super PAC’s Attack Reveals Gaps In Hawaii Campaign Finance Law. Voters can’t find out who’s funding a new website with claims of domestic violence against a candidate for governor until after the primary election. Civil Beat.

State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers endorses Hanabusa for governor. Hawaii News Now.

Visitor industry looks to attract high schoolers. A visitor industry-supported workforce development program kicks off this week to encourage young people to pursue tourism careers, an important recruitment step at a time when the state’s visitor industry is vying to attract candidates amid record unemployment lows. Star-Advertiser.

Humpbacks are seen in smaller numbers. The number of humpback whales seen in coastal waters fell once again during this weekend’s Sanctuary Ocean Count, continuing a trend this season and beyond. Star-Advertiser.

Nene population nears 3,000 statewide. Conservationists say a new proposal to reclassify the nene from endangered to threatened shows that “great strides” have been made in recovering the species, whose population dropped to 30 animals in 1960. Tribune-Herald.

Environmental group is turning Hawaii's ocean waste into energy. Since 2002, about 800 tons of abandoned ocean gear has been burned and turned it into electricity — enough to power 350 homes in Hawaii for a year. Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser Permanente has hired a new president for the Hawaii region. Dave Underriner will begin as head of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of Hawaii in mid-May, the company said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's flagship carrier Hawaiian Airlines on Monday said it signed a new partnership with natural, organic sun care company Raw Elements USA. Pacific Business News.

Hotel gives out environmental friendly sunscreen to protect Hawaii's coral reefs. Aqua-Aston Hospitality's statewide initiative steers tourists away from Oxybenzone, and does so in the most effective way possible: Giving away reef-safe sunscreen for free. KITV.

Oahu

Caldwell to announce plan for more B&Bs, longer-term vacation rentals. In his sixth State of the City speech today, Mayor Kirk Caldwell will unveil his plan to allow for more legal bed-and-breakfast establishments and transient vacation units across Oahu, but only if the operators are also the owners of those homes, abide by stricter guidelines, pay higher property taxes and pay stricter penalties when they run afoul of the law. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will be delivering his sixth State of the City address on Tuesday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Hawaii News Now.

Could giving pedestrians a head start make crosswalks safer? The technical term is "leading pedestrian intervals." Hawaii News Now.

Biki to add more stops as bike share program expands on Oahu. KHON2.

Feral chickens flummox city officials. The city is looking for a better way to deal with chickens after its first attempts resulted in a cost of $108 per chicken caught and killed. Star-Advertiser.

The Army is spending about $3.5 million over nearly two months to search for unexploded ordnance off Makua Beach after a 5-inch projectile was found offshore in 2016, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii home made famous by 'Magnum P.I." slated to come down. CBS is wrapping up filming its pilot of the reboot of “Magnum, P.I.” in Hawaii, but the house made famous by the 1980s television series of the same name and purchased by a friend of President Barack Obama three years ago, likely won’t be featured in the new series. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea governance bill appears dead. A bill to revamp the governance of public lands on Mauna Kea appears to be dead in the state House after Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke said she will not consider the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Maunakea management bill to be debated Thursday; Senate rewrites House measure to keep issue alive. Legislation to create a new management authority for Maunakea is getting another chance after apparently stalling in the House. Tribune-Herald.

A House Bill requiring land board reporting on public lands has been dramatically altered, bringing new life to a stalled legislative effort to create a Mauna Kea Management Authority. Big Island Video News.

A beloved symbol of Hawaii returned to Hilo on Monday when the voyaging canoe Hokulea arrived at Kahele Point at the Grand Naniloa Hotel for the first time since 2014. Hokulea departed from Hilo in May 2014 on the three-year-long Malama Honua voyage, where it circumnavigated the globe using only traditional Polynesian wayfaring techniques. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Another moving day for homeless people on Maui. Notice to vacate is enforced near Shiraishi Pool in Central Maui. Maui News.

Will Lawmakers Help These Low-Income Tenants Stay In Their Lahaina Homes? More than 250 tenants of a subsidized Maui apartment complex fear eviction amid the owner’s plans to raise rents to market rates. Civil Beat.

Lahaina ferry pier improvements are ready to proceed. Maui News.

Maui's transportation department will be testing an all-electric bus along different routes this week. The vehicle is on loan from Proterra Inc. KHON2.

Kauai

The Death Spiral Of A Local Shopping Mall. Kukui Grove Shopping Center on Kauai is not alone in its demise, but its fadeout is still a community loss. Civil Beat.

Lanai

The Lanai Planning Commission made history by changing the boundary for the entire island. The commission worked with the planning department to revise the island's special management area boundary. KHON2.

Coral reefs dying, Honolulu and Big Island mayors release proposed budgets, SHOPO head retires, Kealoha home foreclosed, Ala Moana replaces deadly railings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral scientists off Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's coral reefs are dying, and researchers are a few steps closer to figuring out just how much environmental changes and human interaction affect the ocean's coral reefs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii taxpayers can expect to save around $1.3 billion this year from recently enacted federal tax cuts, but the near-term benefit to the state economy will be “very small,” according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to allow terminally ill patients to receive medical assistance to end their lives was approved by a wide margin Thursday in a preliminary vote in the state House, suggesting the measure is gaining momentum in the heavily Democratic state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

If bill passes, law enforcement officers who've been fired for misconduct won't be able to get a similar job. KITV.

The state’s largest health insurers saw their financial results worsen in the fourth quarter. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii lost $88 million while Hawaii Medical Service Association’s net income fell to $12.2 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oliveira: Feds don’t need to be involved in missile alerts. He doesn’t believe Hawaii is a target. The lead internal investigator of Hawaii’s false missile alert in January dismissed talk of transferring responsibility of notifying the public of a missile attack to the federal government. Maui News.

Report: Lack of shelters means you'll likely be on your own in a disaster. Hawaii News Now.

The public comment period regarding a proposed fee increase to the tri-park annual pass will close this Friday, March 2. Maui Now.

Oahu

Marking a major but not unexpected shift in city policy, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s 2019 budget package proposes using city funds for the first time for construction of the financially strapped East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail project. The proposed $2.61 billion city operating budget for fiscal 2019 is roughly 6.4 percent, or about $157 million, more than the current year’s budget. Star-Advertiser.

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Longtime police union leader Tenari Maafala is retiring in April from the Honolulu Police Department after a controversial reassignment by the police chief, who the union alleges targeted him. Star-Advertiser.

SHOPO President Maafala retiring next month. Sgt. Tenari Maafala told The Associated Press today he’s retiring next month from the Honolulu Police Department. He’ll also step down as president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. Associated Press.

The head of the police union says he's retiring effective April 1. SHOPO's president, Sgt. Tenari Maafala, also said he plans to leave the union. Hawaii News Now.

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Ex-HPD Chief Kealoha and wife default on $1M mortgage, lawsuit says. A former Honolulu police chief and his wife — a deputy city prosecutor — who are both facing charges in a corruption case, are being sued for failure to pay their home mortgage. Associated Press.

The financial institution that holds a mortgage on the Hawaii Kai home of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, has filed for foreclosure. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii credit union is foreclosing on the Hawaii Kai home owned by the former Honolulu police chief and his wife, a deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

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After 'floatilla' chaos, lawmakers seek to ban drinking in the water. Hawaii News Now.

UH Takeover Of Innovation Center Is Raising Tech Community Eyebrows. In July, UH will oust the state High Technology Development Corp. as the Manoa tech incubator’s landlord. Civil Beat.

A 23-year-old Kamehameha Schools faculty member pleaded not guilty in Circuit Court today to multiple counts of sexual assault involving a high school student. Star-Advertiser.

New program aimed to help domestic violence victims. KITV.

Railings that led to severe injury, death fully replaced at Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

Renew-Rebuild Hawaii hosted a panel discussion today on energy resilience and development. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County’s budget will break a half-billion dollars for the first time, but what’s not in the preliminary spending plan released Thursday is almost as significant as what’s in it. West Hawaii Today.

With the state Land Board designating 40 acres off the Daniel K. Inouye Highway as a shooting range, Hawaii Island gun owners now have a place to legally practice their marksmanship. Tribune-Herald.

A critical equipment failure took down Hawaii County’s fiber network Thursday. The network could be down through today. Tribune-Herald.

A bill committing $2 million to Hilo Medical Center so stents can be offered to patients with heart blockages passed a key Senate committee. Tribune-Herald.

Man-Made Disasters Are What Really Worry The Big Island. When it comes to hazardous materials, officials are often unsure where the sites are or what they’d do in an emergency. Civil Beat.

State apologizes after attempt to enforce rule that threatened aquaponics industry. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Animal Community Center, which will bring increased capacity to hold stray animals and increase spay-and-neuter services, continues to move forward. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Committee OKs 250 affordable units in S. Kihei. Honuaula Partners request moves to full council for final vote. Maui News.

Water rate hikes not being sought for fiscal year 2019. Proposed purchase of Wailuku Water Co. not yet budgeted. Maui News.

Upcountry skate park is becoming a reality. Ground broken on vision of youths at Kekaulike High School. Maui News.

Island Bowling Officially Open in Lahaina. After a half-century, a new bowling alley has opened its doors on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state wants to expand the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve to create better access, and the public has until March 14 to give their take on the plan. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts said Thursday that one of its properties, Kauai Shores Hotel, will now accept Bitcoin payments, becoming the first on the island to do so. Pacific Business News.

Sexual misconduct in Hawaii Legislature, SHOPO president busted down to midnight patrol, more people leaving than moving to Hawaii, free Wi-Fi at Honolulu airport, Salary Commission slows raise-making, Sunset Beach succumbing to the sea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snow-topped Mauna Kea, photo by Harry Durgin

Sexual misconduct complaints have hit 4 state lawmakers. Four Hawaii lawmakers have been the subject of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct complaints since 2008, an Associated Press investigation has found. Associated Press.

People keep leaving Hawaii in droves and this year was no exception. Some 13,537 more people left Hawaii for the mainland than moved in from another state from July 2016 to July 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s strong tourism industry boosted the performance of hotels statewide in November with the neighbor islands in particular seeing a significant bump. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotels experienced a 5.5 percent increase in revenue per available room in November compared to a year ago, while average daily rates and occupancy also grew, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii unemployment rate drops to record 2%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate is at a record low, dropping 0.2 percentage points from 2.2 percent in October, to 2 percent in November, according to figures released on Thursday by the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. Pacific Business News.

Former deputy sheriff sues state, claiming discrimination because he's gay. Hawaii News Now.

OHA Trustees’ Settlement Cost $879,000 In Legal Fees. The state agency paid $614,000 to litigate Akana vs. Machado, while insurer AIG paid for $265,000. Civil Beat.

Plans to add planes sent Island Air into nosedive. David Uchiyama, president and CEO of what had been Hawaii’s second-largest interisland airline, described the company’s downfall under questioning Thursday by an attorney and court-appointed trustee working to liquidate Island Air assets for the benefit of creditors. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Police Chief Reassigns Union President To Patrol Shift. Susan Ballard says she had concerns with how the department’s Peer Support Unit was led by SHOPO chief Tenari Maafala. Civil Beat.

Amid debate about homeless safe zones, 9 possible sites identified. As the state, city and police struggle to keep homeless campers off public property, some are now looking at whether Hawaii should offer homeless people a legal place to camp. Hawaii News Now.

Erosion at Sunset Beach could cause a “catastrophic” collapse, the state says. The severely eroding cliff and shoreline at Sunset Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore have reached inland at an unprecedented level, forcing city officials to implement immediate safety measures and consider long-term solutions. Star-Advertiser.

Experts say the severe erosion taking place at Sunset Beach is reaching unprecedented levels, leaving city and state officials hustling to find both short- and long-term solutions to address the rising sea levels. Hawaii News Now.

Public urged to stay away with Sunset Beach erosion expected to get even worse. KHON2.

Free Wi-Fi debuts at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Coverage at the Honolulu airport includes the Overseas Terminal and Central Concourse on the first and second levels between ticket lobbies 4 to 8, gates 12 to 25 and baggage claims E to H. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airline's outgoing CEO says the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport isn't  "adequate to fit the community" and needs to be modernized. KITV.

$20 Million Facelift For Popular UH Library Is Among Ige’s Requests. The governor’s supplemental budget proposal is one small step toward addressing the university system’s maintenance backlog. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission slows the raise train. Faced with the mayor and two County Council members urging caution, the Salary Commission on Thursday hiked salaries a little further in two departments, but postponed action on a dozen other positions — including the mayor and County Council members themselves — until its next meeting in January. West Hawaii Today.

Repair of Keopu Deep Well poised to rollback months-long North Kona water restriction. West Hawaii Today.

Wi-Fi planned for Hilo airport. The state Department of Transportation launched free Wi-Fi coverage Dec. 14 at several terminals in Honolulu’s airport and expects to extend that service to airports throughout the state, including Hilo International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rapidly increasing erosion on the Maui shoreline has threatened a cemetery temple building and swept away close to 100 gravestones. Associated Press.

Kauai

Navy and KIUC sign lease to develop solar farm. The Navy and the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative have signed a lease to develop a 19.3-megawatt direct-current solar facility in conjunction with a 70 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system at the Pacific Missile Range Facility that will benefit the community and missile testing. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Missile Range Facility will be housing a new 19.3-megawatt solar facility in conjunction with a 70-megawatt hours battery energy storage system, thanks to an agreement between the U.S. Navy and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island.

KIUC teams up with U.S. Navy to develop new solar-plus-storage facility on Hawaii's Garden Isle. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Thursday said it signed a lease with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Command Navy Installations Command and Naval Facilities Engineering Command for the development of a 19.3-megawatt solar facility along with a 70 megawatt-hours battery storage component. Pacific Business News.

Health department ends Hanalei cesspool upgrade program. The Hawaii Department of Health has withdrawn a program aimed at helping Hanalei residents upgrade their sanitation systems. Associated Press.