Hawaii opens its gates to travelers, Health Department whistleblower sues state, Kauai water rights case heads to Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Safe Travels Special Projects Administrator Sherilyn Kajiwara

Fully Vaccinated US Travelers Can Bypass Quarantine, Testing Requirements. Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and its territories can bypass quarantine and COVID-19 testing if they possess one of three federally recognized vaccination documents. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Tribune-Herald.

State leaders question need to market Hawaii as vaccination exemption adds to a travel surge. The leaders of the state House and Senate are saying that tourism marketing is no longer needed given the summer surge, and invited the Hawaii Tourism Authority to figure out what role it should play in managing tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Travel Rules Are Ending But Restrictions On Other Businesses Linger. Although the hospitality business has opened fully and bounced back substantially, driven by a daily average of more than 32,000 passenger arrivals per day so far this month, some industries remain hamstrung by restrictions limiting things like the size of gatherings and social distancing requirements. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower sues state after being fired by Hawaii Health Department. A former Hawaii Department of Health epidemiologist who exposed deficiencies within the department’s COVID-19 contact tracing program last year is suing the state alleging that she was fired in late May in retaliation for speaking out. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More detailed school COVID reports mandated. A bill that requires the state Department of Education to publish a weekly report enumerating COVID-19 cases on school campuses is now law despite Gov. David Ige’s veto of the measure. Tribune-Herald.

Come January 1, it will be legal for private citizens in Hawaii to own a Taser. On January 1, it will be legal for private citizens in Hawaii to own a Taser. It’s one of the laws that emerged from the legislative session and repeals Hawaii’s ban on electric guns for the public ― allowing them for self-defense, defending another person or protecting property. Hawaii News Now.

Case Draws Most Of His Campaign Cash From Special Interests. Lobbyists and business interests continue to pump money into Hawaii Congressman Ed Case’s political campaign, according to his latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. Civil Beat.

Ige picks former Hawaiian Homes Commissioner to serve on Board of Land and Natural Resources. Gov. David Ige has nominated Doreen “Pua” Canto, who has served on a number of local boards and commissions, including the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Maui Police Commission, to fill a vacant seat on the state’s Board of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Oahu

24 apply to be Honolulu Police Department chief, but names not made public. Twenty-four people applied to serve as Honolulu’s 12th police chief but the process is delayed by 30 days because not enough people applied to serve as the consultant to assist the Honolulu Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers May Foot The Bill For Lawyers For Officers Charged In Sykap Shooting. Honolulu taxpayers could end up paying for the legal defense of three officers charged in an April shooting incident that ended with the death of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City cites homeless project for lacking building permit. The Department of Planning and Permitting issued a notice of violation against a church-backed foundation helping house the homeless by erecting 50 plastic storage sheds on a 4-acre Waianae farm. Star-Advertiser.

Council narrowly approves first steps for a new Chinatown fire station. In a 5-4 vote, the Council on Wednesday authorized the Honolulu Fire Department to adjust the Public Infrastructure Map adopted in 2017 by adding a fire symbol that is required for the Council to appropriate any funds for construction. Star-Advertiser.

Developers propose building a 15-story hotel in Chinatown. Developers are proposing to build a 15-story hotel in a Chinatown parking lot located on 120 Nimitz Highway. KHON2.

Measure introduced to remove Haiku Stairs. A measure introduced at the Honolulu City Council is calling for the removal of Haiku Stairs, which has been hotly debated for years over neighborhood disturbances and trespassing by hikers seeking to complete the illegal Stairway to Heaven hike. Star-Advertiser.

In big step for Aloha Stadium, Hawaii agency takes lead to develop ‘entertainment district’. Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 1348, making the Aloha Stadium Authority Board the lead agency for development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District — or NASED — project. Hawaii News Now.

State board rules against homeowners in Kakaako tower dispute. A state board has rejected a petition from owners of a moderate-priced Kakaako condominium tower to hold the developer of the 2-year-old building accountable for grossly underestimated maintenance fees. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Roth, others mulling options after passage of TAT bill. HB 862 abolishes the allocation of statewide TAT revenues to the individual counties and instead allows them to establish their own taxes on accommodations at a rate of up to 3%. Tribune-Herald.

$25.5M for ADA compliance: County Council advances bond float. Required improvements at 10 county parks will likely continue, with a $25.5 million bond issue forwarded Wednesday by the County Council on an 8-0 vote. West Hawaii Today.

‘It’s disgusting’: Lawsuit alleges DOE, BOE and principal failed to protect female student. A Kona school principal, the state Department of Education and Board of Education are being sued for failing to protect a female student from repeated sex assault on a public school campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Gymnasiums Preparing to Reopen. The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation is preparing to reopen gymnasium facilities that have been closed for recreational use since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Proposed Amendments To Kahului Harbor Fisheries Area & Maui ‘Oama Rules. A statewide online public hearing will be held on proposed amendments of Hawai’i Administrative Rules relating to the Kahului Harbor Fisheries Management Area and rules regulating the take and possession of ‘oama on the island of Maui. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

State seeks information on vandalism of Maui petroglyphs estimated to be over 300 years old. Conservation officers are seeking information on those responsible for defacing a collection of petroglyphs on the face of a cliff in Olowalu Valley on Maui with a paintball gun, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Dispute over public water rights on Kauai heads to state Supreme Court. The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case over public water rights on Kauai. The case is over a dispute of a new 18-inch pipe proposed by the Kauai Department of Water, which would tap into the East Wailua Watershed. Hawaii News Now.

County deeds Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center to HHSC. The title of the land where the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center is has been formally offered to the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation by the county. Garden Island.

Waimea man opens home to Salt Pond residents. This week, Buna and wife Marcia Leialoha have taken in several families who were recently evicted from Salt Pond Beach Park with the closure of the county’s Shelter-In-Place program that allowed the houseless to set up camps during the pandemic. But this set-up may not last, either. Garden Island.

Ige cautious about loosening travel rules in light of mainland COVID-19 cases, union education critic wants top superintendent job, most Hawaii residents in poll want vaccine, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach beauties ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige says coronavirus infections are elevated and he won’t change mask and travel rules now. Gov. David Ige said he is concerned that recent COVID cases appear to be stuck at an elevated level and doesn’t expect to ease restrictions to the state’s mask mandate or travel entry requirements soon. Star-Advertiser.

Lack of herd immunity on the mainland could extend Safe Travels program.  Getting herd immunity on the mainland was once seen as a key to reviving Hawaii’s tourism economy. But with vaccination rates slipping in the U.S., scientist and medical experts think that’s now an unreachable goal, forcing state officials to extend Hawaii’s Safe Travels program. Hawaii News Now.

A week before scheduled launch, state, county officials ironing out plans for vaccine passport program. The Department of Transportation said the screening process at airports will be different from island to island -- and it appears some may be further ahead than others. KITV4.

Ige Rules Out Vaccine Passports For Trans-Pacific Travelers For Now. The governor also said Hawaii’s decision to maintain mask mandates isn’t inconsistent with CDC guidance. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige mulls vaccination mandate. Gov. David Ige said he has considered requiring state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but has no definite plans to impose such a mandate. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Most People Surveyed In Hawaii Say They Will Get Vaccinated. Only 12% say they have chosen not to be immunized for COVID-19. There is also support for vaccine passports and employer mandates. Civil Beat.

Fear Of Side Effects, Government Mistrust Among Reasons For Vaccine Hesitancy. Health authorities fear a wane in demand for COVID-19 vaccines could jeopardize Hawaii’s ability to achieve mass immunity needed to stamp out the disease. Civil Beat.

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Marines in Hawaii restructure to deter China. The radical restructuring of the Marine Corps in Hawaii to better deter China in the western Pacific includes the planned removal of all 16 tanklike amphibious vehicles and elimination of all cannon artillery. Star-Advertiser.

Head Of Hawaii’s Teachers’ Union Is Vying To Be Interim Superintendent. The leader of the teachers union, who leveled strong criticism against Superintendent Christina Kishimoto over her leadership of the public school system during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now vying for her job after she announced she won’t seek a new term. Civil Beat.

While the class of 2021 will not have completely "normal" graduations, many high schools will hold in-person ceremonies with only students or limited guest attendance, the Department of Education announced Monday. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

May 3, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 74 Cases (49 O‘ahu, 11 Maui, 4 Hawai‘i Island, 7 Kaua‘i, 3 Out-of-State); 1 Death on Maui. Maui Now.

Oahu

Following huge response, city closes application portal for aid program after just 20 minutes. A federally-funded program for Oahu residents who need help covering rent, utility and other bills stopped taking applications 20 minutes after coming online Monday afternoon because of tremendous demand. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approves Kapolei Energy Storage project, with conditions. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has approved a major energy storage project in Kapolei to ensure that the lights stay on when Oahu’s coal power plant retires in fall 2022. Star-Advertiser.

McCully neighborhood selected for city pilot project called ‘Shared Streets’. The city has selected Waiola and Hauoli streets for this pilot. KHON2.

UH Hosting International Esport Tournament Is 'Major Milestone' For The University And State. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is a host site for the Overwatch League's East vs. West tournament this week. This is the first time a mainstream international esports tournament is being held in the state, and it could help launch a major economic opportunity for Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Keawaula gates to be reopened weekends only, for now. Although the beach and trail reopened in September, the gates remained closed in an effort to discourage large, unruly gatherings, bonfires, overnight camping, vandalism and other illegal behavior in the remote areas, which together with Makua Beach lie within Kaena Point State Park at the end of Farrington Highway, and because there has been no funding for more than a part-time park caretaker and part-time contract lifeguards. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fewer food drops ahead: The Food Basket says they are not sustainable at the current frequency. Fewer food drops ahead: The Food Basket says they are not sustainable at the current frequency. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Strong grant recipients named. Nearly 30 organizations were named Monday as recipients of a $380,000 award through the Puna Strong grants program. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Leader of cult that caused COVID-19 huff on Maui found mummified in Colorado home. Authorities have arrested several people after the mummified body of the leader of the spiritual group “Love Has Won” was found wrapped in a sleeping bag and decorated with Christmas lights in a southern Colorado home. Associated Press.

State officials aim to move parts of Maui road inland as seas rise. Hawaii officials have proposed moving parts of a Maui coastal highway that experts say are among the roads most vulnerable to erosion and rising sea levels in the state, but some community members say the plan doesn’t go far enough. Associated Press.

Struggling with declining business, Maui’s largest mall faces foreclosure. Queen Kaahumanu Center hasn’t been seeing much foot traffic lately and many shops are vacant. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple Co. sells utilities after first-quarter loss. The company announced Monday that it sold two subsidiaries operating water systems at Kapalua Resort. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Still no change in tier status for Kauai, but rising COVID counts may alter that. Kauai is now on track to reinstate Tier 3 restrictions this week, which would mean smaller crowd sizes, and a pause on organized sports, but that is if the county sticks to the tier rules. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai sees spike in COVID-19 cases following relaxed travel restrictions. The small island has weathered the pandemic remarkably well with low case numbers and just two deaths. But health officials say loosened travel restrictions, the introduction of more transmissible variants and a growing laxness among the community is likely contributing to the rapid rise in cases. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 testing at all-time high on Kauai to curb community spread. Demand for COVID-19 testing is at an all-time high on Kauai where case numbers are expected to increase after four locations were linked to positive cases. KHON2.

Mass testing, quarantine at KCCC. A Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center employee has tested positive for COVID-19, a result which has meant a suspension of inmate movement and mass testing at the facility, the state Department of Public Safety announced Monday morning. Garden Island.

Visitors turned away at Ha‘ena. Employees have turned away over 700 cars the past two Sundays at Ha‘ena State Park. Garden Island.

Hawaii vaccine passport delayed, University of Hawaii mulls requiring vaccinations, coral reef threatened by climate change, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral reef in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Global Warming's Extreme Rains Threaten Hawaii's Coral Reefs. Extreme rain events predicted to become more common with human-caused global warming not only wreak havoc on land — the runoff from these increasingly severe storms also threatens Hawaii's coral reefs. Associated Press.

Hawaii Safe Travels coronavirus vaccine passport timeline pushed back. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said it is now looking like mid-May could be the date vaccinated travelers can bypass a quarantine and pre-test to fly inter-island, and mid- to late-June for mainland travel. KHON2.

UH considers COVID vaccination mandate for students and employees. The University of Hawaii is weighing the possibility of requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for its community -- except for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to health reasons. UH President David Lassner told the Board of Regents Thursday morning that at least 50 American colleges and universities plan to require coronavirus vaccines by the Fall semester. Hawaii News Now.

Suspension of pay raises now moves to conference committee. All Democratic and Republican members of the state House voted Thursday to defer pay raises of 10% for themselves that would go into effect on July 1, moving the issue to conference committee with their Senate counterparts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education Approves Pay Boosts For Complex Area Leaders. The issue drew heated discussion from some board members over the “optics” of leadership pay raises in the current economic climate. Civil Beat.

After pause, UH willed body program is once again accepting donations. After being forced to shut down because of the pandemic, the University of Hawaii’s medical school is once again accepting donations to its willed body program. Hawaii News Now.

Matson projects big profit on heels of China growth. Matson Inc. is heralding what it expects to be a giant first-quarter profit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hits million-mark milestone in administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Four months to the day since Hawaii’s first COVID-19 vaccinations were given to health care workers at The Queen’s Medical Center, the state hit 1 million doses administered across the islands, according to the Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

38 fully vaccinated in Hawaii still got coronavirus, slightly above national rate. A total of 38 people in Hawaii have come down with COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. That number of “breakthrough” cases slightly outpaces national numbers. KHON2.

April 15, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 98 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 59 on O‘ahu, 24 on Maui, 14 on Hawai‘i Island, and one on Moloka‘i. Maui Now.

Oahu

Office of Hawaiian Affairs plows ahead with waterfront development plans despite opposition. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is forging ahead with its pledge to develop 30 acres of underutilized and largely waterfront land in Kakaako despite head winds in the community, the state Legislature and a law that prevents residential development. Star-Advertiser.

City expands free COVID-19 testing to hotel industry workers. In an agreement with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii Consortium, the city will provide COVID testing kits at the Honolulu airport and at the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Polynesian Cultural Center launches new packages, prepares for full reopening. The Polynesian Cultural Center announced the introduction of new guest packages as it prepares to fully reopen its island villages on Monday, April 26. KHON2.

Free summer fun program returns to Honolulu parks. Honolulu's popular Summer Fun program is returning to city parks and for the second year in a row, it's free. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Airport COVID-19 testers ousted. Hawaii County ousted Premier Medical Group from its COVID-19 testing program at the island’s three major airports, uprooting more than 100 workers with less than a week’s notice, and brought in another vendor on an emergency two-week, $508,200 contract. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island allowing vaccinated travelers to skip post-arrivals COVID test, plans to stop second tests May 1. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KITV4.

New Fire Chief Kazuo Todd Sworn In. Kazuo Todd, Hawaiʻi County’s newest Fire Chief, was sworn in by Mayor Mitch Roth on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Nonprofits working together to offer rent, utility assistance to those affected by COVID. Seven local nonprofits are partnering to allocate $21 million in rent and utility assistance to individuals affected by COVID-19, and a series of upcoming meetings will detail how those funds will be deployed by the end of the year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Moratorium on hotel building permits proposed. A Maui County Council bill is proposing to halt building permits for West and South Maui hotel development until community plans for both areas are updated. Maui News.

Department of Health vaccine appointments going unfilled on Maui. For about a week now, appointments have gone unfilled at state Department of Health vaccine clinics in Kahului, mere months after people once waited hours in line to get a shot and were sometimes turned away as demand overwhelmed the clinic. Maui News.

21 COVID-19 Clusters Identified in Maui County. There are 21 COVID-19 clusters identified in Maui County, according to an updated report issued today by the state Department of Health. This includes: seven in the travel/lodging/tourism sector, six at educational settings, two at a food suppliers, two at restaurants, two in occupational settings, one cluster at a correctional facility, and one at a place of worship. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Apartments on Maui will welcome homeless families. The first tenants of Maui County’s Huliau Apartments, designed for families who have fallen into homelessness, are expected to move in later this month once renovations at the former University of Hawaii Maui College dormitory complex are complete. Star-Advertiser.

How Scientists Are Pivoting In Their Quest To Save Hawaii’s Crows. Conservationists are looking to Maui as a possible short-term solution for reestablishing alala in the wild. Civil Beat.

Kauai

St. Catherine School principal out. Mary Ann Bode has stepped down from her role as interim principal at St. Catherine School in Kapa‘a following allegations of abuse and unethical behavior targeted toward teachers. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department honors dispatchers. The Kaua‘i Police Department honored dispatchers during a ceremony Tuesday, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Garden Island.

Maui travelers face mandatory second COVID test, Honolulu plans examiner admits taking bribes, Kauai business mandates employee vaccinations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Aquarium ©2021 All Hawaii News

Still-closed Waikiki Aquarium holds Earth Month celebration. The Waikiki Aquarium, which has been closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, might reopen in June, said Dr. Andrew Rossiter, director of the 116-year-old institution. Star-Advertiser.

What The Pandemic Taught Hawaii Hospitals About Their Capacity To Handle Calamity. Hospitals made do with existing space and invested in some new equipment, but the pandemic exposed a heavy reliance on out-of-state traveling nurses. Civil Beat.

Bill creating statewide Hawaii travel policy dies in House. House Speaker Scott Saiki has requested to kill a bill that he introduced that would have mandated state-wide travel rules, saying COVID-19 conditions have since changed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism: Hawaii residents’ reaction to rebound from pandemic. With bookings up, it’s uncertain how island residents will respond to tourism’s sudden rebound, House Speaker Scott Saiki said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Transgender Community Pushes For Better Health Insurance Coverage. Experts say getting access to transition services is important, but there’s the debate over how much insurance companies should cover. Civil Beat.

Schatz: Relief package will fend off ‘economic scarring’. Federal coronavirus aid on its way to Hawaii will help the state avoid a prolonged economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available For All Veterans In Hawaii. The Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Island Healthcare System is now offering vaccines to all veterans, as well as their spouses and live-in caregivers in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Although millions of doses of the Johnson &Johnson vaccine manufactured on the mainland had to be destroyed because of quality concerns, state health officials do not yet know how the production issues will affect allocations to Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

April 7, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 76 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 51 on O‘ahu, 15 on Maui, five on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state.  Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu building plans examiner admits to taking bribes. A Honolulu building plans examiner admitted during a court hearing today that she expedited a local architect’s projects in exchange for bribes. Associated Press.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi agree to leave Tier 3 in place for now. Honolulu will remain in Tier 3 of the city’s COVID-19 reopening framework for at least the next four weeks under an agreement between Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Gov. David Ige that will allow Oahu businesses and activities to maintain current levels of operation. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu to join other counties that opened vaccine eligibility to 16 and older on April 19. The state says it will meet the President’s mandate to allow all adults to sign-up for a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, April 19. Hawaii is going a step further and including 16- and 17-year-olds statewide. KHON2. KITV4.

Police Commission Slams Chief For Leadership Failures, Puts Her On Improvement Plan. In a stinging performance review, the Honolulu Police Commission said on Wednesday that Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard has failed to adequately lead her department by embracing a “culture of blame” in which she shirks accountability and neglects to communicate clearly with officers and the public. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

New Honolulu Police Policy On Using Force Aims To Defuse Tense Situations. HPD has new rules about when officers can shoot at moving vehicles, use vascular neck restraints and deploy other uses of force. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers seek to honor beloved senator with upcoming veteran clinic in Leeward Oahu. Hawaii’s congressional delegation announced plans to name the Advanced Leeward Outpatient Health Care Access, or “ALOHA” Project after the late Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka. Hawaii News Now.

Citing safety concerns, state seeks $20,000 fine against owners of Wahiawa dam. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking a $20,000 fine against the owners of the Wahiawa Dam at Lake Wilson. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools wants to adjust second phase of largely high-rise housing development in Kakaako. The trust is primarily seeking to extend a deadline to carry out development, to shift building densities between blocks and to produce more affordable housing than required if such homes don’t count toward a total maximum density limit for 29 acres in its master plan for the area. Star-Advertiser.

Servco Pacific is said to be planning a big auto lot on land in Kalaeloa. Servco Pacific Inc., which says it is Hawaii’s largest private company and one of the top 15 largest automobile dealer groups based in the United States, is planning to lease acreage at the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point for what could eventually be a huge auto lot, according to officials and business owners there. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Chun reiterates UH support of astronomy on Maunakea is not a conflict of interest. During a meeting of the Maunakea Management Board, Greg Chun, UH’s executive director of Maunakea Stewardship, advised the board that an upcoming working group to explore possible alternative management structures for the mountain could present “issues” for UH and suggested that fellow board members preemptively discuss those issues ahead of time. Tribune-Herald.

Council rejects Leeward Planning Commission nominee. The County Council on Wednesday rejected a Mayor Mitch Roth appointee to the Leeward Planning Commission in what the mayor called “retaliation” over his attempt to have a commission member removed in an unrelated action. West Hawaii Today.

Research suggests correlation between earthquake signatures, magma viscosity could help predict impact of future eruptions. A new study released Wednesday suggests researchers might be able to predict the potential impact of future volcanic eruptions before they happen. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Covered Play Courts To Reopen. The covered play courts at Pana‘ewa Park and Pāhoa District Park reopened on Monday, and Waimea will reopen next week. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui to Implement Mandatory Secondary Test Upon Arrival for Trans-Pacific Flights. Proposed changes have been approved by the governor for the state’s Safe Travels program in Maui County. Trans-Pacific travelers arriving at Kahului Airport will soon be required to undergo a mandatory secondary COVID-19 rapid test upon arrival, or face a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Maui Now.

Court Rules In Favor Of A&B, Land Board In Maui Water Dispute. In a setback for environmentalists and some Native Hawaiian farmers, a First Circuit Court judge on Tuesday sided with the state, Maui County and Alexander & Baldwin in a case regarding the use of stream water from East Maui. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Bill would reserve half of all beach parking for residents. As tourism numbers and frustrations with overcrowding continue to rise, the Maui County Council is considering measures that would reserve at least half of all public beach access parking for residents and tack on parking fees for visitors. Maui News. Associated Press.

Kauai

MDA briefs Kaua‘i Council on proposed Hawai‘i defense radar. An estimated 200-400 people may be necessary to construct a proposed $1.9 billion federal Homeland Defense Radar – Hawai‘i, and then more than 100 personnel to work there. Garden Island.

Kauai Councilwoman In The Hot Seat After Accepting Paid Trip To Russia. Kauai County Councilwoman Felicia Cowden says a Board of Ethics complaint against her is politically motivated. Civil Beat.

Tiki Iniki mandates employees receive vaccine. In March, Michele Rundgren, owner of Tiki Iniki, made the decision to mandate all employees have a COVID-19 vaccine, including servers, bartenders and cooks. Garden Island.

Lanai

Unexploded munitions dating back to WWII found off Lanai’s south shore. The munitions were reported by two recreational divers. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii vaccine passports on hold, Honolulu mayor 'dead set' against tightening restrictions in wake of coronavirus upsurge, Kauai joins Safe Travels program, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige from Zoom

Vaccine passports for Hawaii on hold, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said the state is testing the technology needed for a vaccine passport with CommonPass and CLEAR but that they still aren’t ready. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines Hopes State Reconsiders Safe Travels Program Amid New CDC Guidelines. Hawaiian Airlines hopes the state will reconsider its Safe Travels Program after new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that fully vaccinated people can travel domestically at low risk to themselves. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials wait to see how Easter weekend gatherings will impact COVID cases. Authorities got an uptick in complaints about illegal gatherings over the long Easter weekend. Some feel it was a mix of complacency over COVID, pandemic fatigue and mixed messaging over what’s allowed. Hawaii News Now.

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Labor Leaders Urge Lawmakers To Move Minimum Wage Increase. Teamsters, ILWU and Local 5 leaders ask House Speaker Scott Saiki to schedule a floor vote by Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Consider Adding ‘Coercive Control’ In Domestic Violence Cases. Supporters say the bill will make it easier to prosecute domestic abusers, but critics including law enforcement say its definition is far too broad. Civil Beat.

State parks seek input to update 5-year recreational plan. This spring, for the first time, the division will focus on how to manage competing cultural and recreational interests as part of its regular, five-year reevaluation and updating of its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and is seeking public participation in meetings Wednesday and Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian stilt could shed endangered status. Agency proposing to downlist bird to threatened category. Survey data and a recent population viability analysis indicate that the population of the ae’o, or Hawaiian stilt, has been “stable to increasing for several decades” across the state, with the trend expected to continue as long as conservation efforts are ongoing, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, which is proposing the change in the bird’s status. Maui News.

Hawaii businesses have taken in $1.26 billion from federal program this year. Nearly 16,000 Hawaii businesses have benefited so far this year from potentially forgivable federal loans aimed at maintaining jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

COVID-related unemployment eligibility disputes on the rise, Hawaii lawyers say. When Kailua resident Carol’s workplace reopened in July, she still felt it was too unsafe to return. Hawaii News Now.

April 5, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 95 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 54 on O‘ahu, 23 on Maui, 14 on Hawai‘i Island, and four in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi is ‘dead set against’ city going back to Tier 2 despite rise in cases. Mayor Rick Blangiardi is “dead set against” rolling the city’s reopening plan back to Tier 2 as the number of new cases in Honolulu continue to approach the designated limit of a two-week average of 50 new cases a day. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Under New Leadership, HART Purges Nearly Half Its Staff. The move aims to streamline HART, but some worry such severe cuts could hurt the struggling transit project in the long term. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi working with legal adviser on agency abuses. In response to the federal bribery charges of five Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting employees, Mayor Rick Blangiardi is working with Dana Viola, one of Honolulu’s new chief legal advisers, to curb abuses within the department. Star-Advertiser.

Applications closed for rent relief 4 hours after city program launches. In less than four hours, the city received 8,000 applications for its Rental and Utility Relief Program, maxing out the amount it was willing to accept in this first round. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No big changes recommended in 10-year solid waste master plan. As the county grapples with a pandemic economy, closure of the Hilo landfill and loss of overseas markets for recyclables, there are more general priorities than specific recommendations in a 395-page 10-year solid waste plan slated for consideration by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

EHCC suit seeks removal of endowment trustees. The board of directors of the East Hawaii Cultural Center filed a lawsuit in Hilo Circuit Court asking that a judge remove five trustees of an endowment trust set up in 2009. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

List of Maui COVID-19 Vaccination Sites and Registration Information. The Department of Health Maui District Health office is currently offering Moderna vaccinations to anyone 18-years and older on Maui. Meantime Maui Health is offering the Pfizer vaccine to individuals ages 16 and older. Maui Now.

Covered bus stop for Kahikinui keiki. A new covered bus stop was installed off Piilani Highway near Mile Marker 23 east of Ulupalakua for seven of the children living in the remote community who attend Punana Leo o Maui and Kula Kaiapuni schools. Maui News.

Kauai

County rejoins state’s Safe Travels. Kaua‘i re-entered the state’s Safe Travels program for Trans-Pacific travelers, meaning both out-of-state and inter-island fliers can bypass the 10-day travel quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departing to Kaua‘i. Garden Island. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai elementary schools back to in-person learning. King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School’s Principal Jason Yoshida said they had 466 students returning to face-to-face learning with approximately 100 students still selecting distance learning yesterday. Garden Island.

$30M worth of COVID test kits go to waste, Maui church refuses to stop in-person services amid virus cluster, statewide cases continue steady increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID-19 test Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

Some $30 million worth of COVID-19 test kits purchased by the state have expired as they sat in storage, despite at least one county request to use them. The state Health Department said it is working to get federal approval for an extension to use the 672,000 kits, but that could be a lengthy process. Hawaii News Now.

Despite uptick in new cases, governor says he’s not considering tighter restrictions. He said while people seem to be less careful, he’s monitoring the numbers and isn’t clamping down on restrictions for now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Supreme Court May Lift COVID-19 Order To Free Inmates Without Bail. The order was designed to reduce jail populations and limit the spread of COVID-19, but infections in jails have stabilized, the court says. Civil Beat.

New Sunshine Rules Would Require Requests For Some In-Person Meetings. Senate Bill 1034 would still allow for physical meetings, but there are worries that one provision in the bill could limit meeting access to some individuals. Civil Beat.

Biden’s $2 Trillion Infrastructure Could Bring Billions To Hawaii. The president will unveil his American Jobs Plan, which has the potential to infuse huge sums of money into the islands’ transportation and energy infrastructure. Civil Beat.

Biden Plan To Conserve More Ocean Habitat Worries Hawaii Fishing Interests. Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council wants to know exactly what defines “conservation” under the Biden 30 by 30 plan — and whether it would lead to more no-fish zones such as the one within the largest conservation area on earth: the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which encompasses the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

Local entrepreneur Cecil Morton to start ride-hailing company, Holoholo. Cecil Morton, who has been in the tourism transportation business in Hawaii for 20 years on four islands as owner of SpeediShuttle, is launching driver recruitment for holoholo today at driveholoholo.com. Star-Advertiser.

Local Community Health Centers Receive $32M From Stimulus Bill. Fourteen community health centers throughout the islands are receiving about $32 million from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, the latest federal COVID-19 stimulus bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

More cases slipping through cracks of travel program. The report, which has not been peer reviewed, said that seven out of 1,000 travelers who bypass quarantine via Hawaii’s Safe Travels program probably have COVID-19. State officials had said that fewer than one out of 1,000 travelers using the pre-testing plan would likely bring the illness. Maui News.

DOH Reports Greater Vaccine Supply. The Hawai‘i Department of Health is asking its District Health Offices on the neighbor islands to expand vaccine eligibility as needed to ensure all available vaccination slots are filled. Maui Now.

March 31, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 100 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 42 on O‘ahu, 30 on Maui, 16 on Hawai‘i Island, one on Kaua‘i, one on Lāna‘i, and 10 in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Building industry workers say drastic changes needed at city department after bribery charges. Three city workers accused of accepting bribes to speed up the permitting process made their first appearance in federal court on Wednesday, March 31. KHON2. Star-Advertiser.

Homeowner says former DPP employee arrested by FBI delayed his permits back in 2015. Ian Lind said the FBI’s investigation of the DPP has its roots in his “frustrating” experience with Inouye and the permitting process. He believes he’s one of many homeowners who was allegedly shaken down by DPP officials. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands gets Ewa Beach land for homesteads. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has told the federal government it will accept an 80-acre parcel in Ewa Beach that the state agency plans to eventually redevelop to provide homesteads for Native Hawaiians, many of whom have waited years for such offerings. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

More Oahu homeless residents dying from meth overdoses. On average, every three days a homeless resident dies on Oahu's streets. Many of those sudden deaths are being blamed on meth, and so are the chronic conditions killing off this vulnerable population. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Hawai´i County Official Positive For COVID-19, Contact Tracing to Begin ‘Promptly’. Contact tracing has begun among the ranks of the Hawai´i County Mayor’s Office following a county official testing positive for COVID-19.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Roth wants Van Pernis off Leeward Planning Commission. Mayor Mitch Roth wants to oust Mark Van Pernis from the powerful Leeward Planning Commission, in what could be an unprecedented action that is, however, within the authority of the mayor and County Council as defined by the county charter. West Hawaii Today.

‘A WALL OF WATER’: Survivors reflect on devastating tsunami that struck Hilo 75 years ago. The early morning of April 1, 1946, seemed at first to be the start of a normal Monday for residents of Hilo and surrounding villages. Tribune-Herald.

HTA’s Big Island action plan embraces ‘regenerative tourism’. A new plan for tourism on the Big Island highlights the potential for using sustainable tourism to preserve and improve management of resources on the island. Tribune-Herald.

Miloliʻi Vaccinations Push Hawaiian Fishing Village Toward Herd Immunity. The old Hawaiian fishing village of Miloliʻi on Hawaiʻi Island is on its way to achieving herd immunity against COVID-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

King’s Cathedral is rejecting health officials’ advice and planning Easter services with COVID-19 precautions. The state Department of Health on Wednesday took the unusual step of naming King’s Cathedral as the source of an “imminent health threat” posed by a large coronavirus cluster numbering more than 50 cases, with the infected ranging in age from 10 to 77. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

More than Half of New COVID-19 Cases on Maui are Variants. Health officials say more than half of the COVID-19 cases on Maui at this point, as identified through weekly reports, are represented by “variants of concern,” B.1.429 and B.1.427. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino proposes vaccination passport, additional coronavirus testing on arrival. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is proposing changes to Hawaii’s COVID-19 travel restrictions, including a pilot “vaccination passport” program and mandatory rapid testing at Kahului Airport for arriving passengers. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2.

Man gets 10 days in jail for violating emergency rules. A judge told a man to “start paying attention, follow the rules,” as he was sentenced to 10 days in jail for twice violating emergency rules by not wearing a face mask. Maui News.

Kauai

Discount Cards for Kaua‘i Visitors Who Take 2nd COVID-19 Test After Arrival. Kauai visitors will receive a discount card for local businesses if they voluntarily take a second coronavirus test three days after arrival, in addition to the required test before travel. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai Wants To Reopen Beaches. That Could Put Homeless Back On The Streets. The county’s shelter-in-place program granted some homeless people a measure of stability. Now that it’s over, they say they have nowhere to go. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Hawaii ushers out 2020, looks to a better 2021; Maui plans to tighten restrictions amid coronavirus surge; Kauai loosens travel requirements, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rainbow over Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Should Soon See At Least $1.7 Billion In New Federal Pandemic Relief Funds. But a new deal to help Americans get through the financial turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic falls far short of expectations for Hawaii’s political leaders. Civil Beat.

Approximately 20,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered in Hawaii. The State continues to order large quantities of the vaccine from the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed. The Department of Health counted on approximately 80,000 doses to arrive before the end of 2020 but has only received 61,450 as of Wednesday, Dec. 30. KHON2.

Hawai'i DOH provides update on COVID-19 vaccine shipment. According to the Hawai'i Department of Health about 20,000 shots have been administered so far. KITV4.

Come January, kupuna 75 and older may start to receive COVID-19 vaccines. According to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, kupuna ages 75 years old and older could begin to receive vaccines as early mid-January. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Restaurant Card recipients spent roughly $70M. Approximately $5 million left over from unused balances on Hawaii Restaurant Cards has been added to the state unemployment insurance loan. Star-Advertiser.

The Navy last week gave the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to some Pearl Harbor fast-attack submarine crews — an indication of the priority given to keeping subsea sailors healthy aboard the warships that are critical to national security but notorious for their close quarters. Star-Advertiser.

After ‘Egregious’ Delay, Education Nonprofit Scores DOE Finance Data. A Hawaii education advocacy group managed to wrangle detailed budgetary information from the state Department of Education — but it took two-and-a-half years and a lawsuit to get records the group’s attorneys say are now outdated. Civil Beat.

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From the coronavirus pandemic to the troubled rail line, 2020 is a year to forget. Star-Advertiser.

Good riddance, 2020: A look back at the year of COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

More attention-grabbing Hawaii stories from 2020. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 30: 108 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 108 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 86 on Oahu, 17 in Maui County, two on the Big Island, one on Kauai and two residents who were diagnosed out of the state. There were no new fatalities reported. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Policing Hawaii’s Illegal Vacation Rentals. Honolulu’s weak law makes it hard to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, but a new law is in the works. Other jurisdictions – in Hawaii and on the Mainland – have tougher laws and more success with enforcement. Hawaii Business magazine.

River of Life Mission to shutter Chinatown food program, relocate. River of Life Mission, often maligned by Chinatown residents and merchants as a magnet for homelessness in Honolulu’s oldest neighborhood, will relocate to Iwilei and provide up to 700 meals per day in the city’s latest effort to reduce homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

City taps River of Life Mission to run part of new homeless resource center. Honolulu’s mayor said Wednesday that the River of Life Mission will operate a new resource center for the homeless in Iwilei. Hawaii News Now.

New resource center to open in Iwilei, serving 700 meals per day. Construction of a $17 million complex in Iwilei to help house and feed the homeless is now more than 50% complete. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Longest Serving Convict, Dead At 84, Outlived His Notoriety. George Shimabuku was convicted of three killings, including a shooting inside the Oahu prison in 1967. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ige’s budget includes $5.7M reduction for UH-Hilo. The University of Hawaii is facing budget cuts totaling more than $78 million as part of Gov. David Ige’s proposed biennium budget, which was unveiled Dec. 21. Tribune-Herald.

Matthew McConaughey buys new home in Kona gated community. The 51-year-old Texan, whose performance in “Dallas Buyers Club” won him the 2014 Academy Award for Best Actor, paid $7.8 million for the newly built six-bedroom home in the Ka‘upulehu section of the Kukio Beach and Golf Club gated community in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Nine significant non-COVID stories that happened in 2020. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Rules Proposed for Maui Would Reduce Gatherings to 5; Further Limit Occupancy and Require 10 p.m. Closing Time at Restaurants and Bars. New Emergency Rules for Maui County are proposed to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2021. Maui Now.

Cluster confirmed at Harbor Lights on Maui; testing to begin. Double digit case counts in Maui County on Wednesday have officials cracking down on gathering sizes and trying to control a coronavirus outbreak at a condominium complex in Kahului. Hawaii News Now.

New $25 Million Maui Service Center Opens to Customers on Jan. 19, 2021. A blessing event for the new, two-story building was held on Tuesday as employees of the Department of Finance prepare to move from their current office space at the Maui Mall to the new facility. Maui Now.

New native plant discovered. A new native flower was discovered in a remote location in West Maui last week, and it’s the only known plant of its kind to exist so far. Maui News.

Kauai

Gov. David Ige approves Kauai’s request to rejoin state’s Safe Travels program for inter-island travelers. Gov. David Ige has approved a request by Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami to rejoin the state’s Safe Travels program, allowing inter-island travelers that test negative for COVID-19 to bypass the island’s mandatory 10-day quarantine as of Jan. 5. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i to reinstate inter-island Safe Travels program. Those traveling from a neighbor island to Kaua‘i will soon be able to bypass the quarantine by using the state’s Safe Travels program beginning Tuesday, Jan. 5. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige Approves Kaua‘i “Resort Bubble” Post-Travel Testing Program. Gov. David Ige has approved Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami’s request to implement a pre- and post-travel testing program for visitors who stay in “resort bubble” hotels, effective Jan. 5, 2021. Maui Now.

Gov. Ige approves Kauai’s ‘resort bubble’ testing program. Gov. David Ige has approved Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s request to implement a pre- and post-travel testing program for visitors who stay in “resort bubble” hotels. KHON2.

Kaua‘i first responders receive Moderna vaccine. On Tuesday, the Kaua‘i District Health Office opened up its COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Kaua‘i Memorial Convention Hall for first responders at 8 a.m. to a line. Garden Island.

Fewer Cases Means More In-Person Learning on Kauai. Kauai County District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman told KITV4 she expects in-person learning to increase on Kauai in the second semester due to low case rates. KITV4.

Molokai

Dead deer causing health, safety issues for Molokai residents. Recent drought conditions have caused problems for farmers statewide, but on the island of Molokai the drought is killing deer and that is creating even more issues for residents. KHON2.

Wildlife Surveys Suggest Severe Drought Conditions on Moloka‘i Leading to Animal Starvation. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife came to the conclusion following surveys and investigations after receiving reports earlier this month of deer being found both on roadways and on private lands in West Moloka‘i.  Maui Now.

A drought is causing Molokai deer to starve, and carcasses are piling up. The state said that a severe drought on Molokai this year has led to the starvation of deer on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Rental project proposed for Lanai. Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, through his company Pulama Lana’i, is proposing to develop 150 rental homes for Lanai — with 49 percent slated for market rates and the other 51 percent scheduled for affordable rents under a state fast-track process for affordable housing. Maui News.

Pearl Harbor anniversary commemorated virtually, Hawaii County swears in new mayor, secrecy surrounds Honolulu rail partnership plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Navy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. John Aquilino speaks during a ceremony Monday to mark the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

79th Pearl Harbor attack observance marked by COVID-19 caution. At 7:55 a.m. Monday, the approximate time when Japanese warplanes dropped out of the sky in a shocking attack on Oahu, a moment of silence was held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in a coronavirus-reduced 79th anniversary of the moment that launched America into World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Virtual ceremony held in recognition of 79th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor. Traditionally, a big ceremony is held at the site in recognition of those who served. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials opted for a smaller and more private event this year, which was shared online. KHON2.

As pandemic rages, virtual ceremony honors those lost in 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. On the solemn anniversary of the ‘date which will live in infamy’ ― where more than 2,000 American lives were lost during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor ― hundreds of people would typically gather for a memorial service on the harbor’s shores. Hawaii News Now.

Video: 79th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration. DMA Pacific official video.

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Hawaii landlords rejecting $8M in overdue rent. Some island landlords have rejected about $8 million in direct payments to cover the rents they’re owed because they do not have general excise tax licenses and are not paying taxes on their rental income. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economic Recovery May Be Slowing. After Hawaii saw a bump-up in positive economic indicators in November, things appear to be slowing down again. During a virtual meeting of a House Committee on Monday, Carl Bonham, the Executive Director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, delivered this update. Big Island Video News.

Economic Gains, Travel-Related Cases: Unpacking Safe Travels Data. Travel-related cases made up just a small portion of statewide totals — 14% in November — but Kauai, Maui and Hawaii counties saw double-digit spikes that were largely blamed on travel-related cases. Civil Beat.

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House committee: No changes needed to Safe Travels program. Despite updated federal COVID recommendations, state officials do not believe the Safe Travels Hawaii program requires significant changes. Tribune-Herald.

Incoming mayors want looser Safe Travels restrictions. Hawaii’s two incoming mayors want changes to the Safe Travels Program, and allow passengers to be released from the 14-day quarantine if they get a negative COVID result after arrival. It’s a proposal some lawmakers and health experts want the governor to consider. KHON2.

Lawmakers, medical experts express concern about confusion in traveler testing program. Lawmakers and medical community leaders want the governor to streamline the traveler testing program and do away with island-specific rules. Currently, there are different rules for different islands and various groups have competing proposals. Hawaii News Now.

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2 Local Surveys Ask About Today and Tomorrow. The research division of the Anthology Marketing Group conducted two statewide polls for Hawaii Business Magazine in October and November: The BOSS Survey of 413 local business owners and senior executives, and the 808 Poll of 502 members of the general public. Here’s what we learned. Hawaii Business magazine.

The Army Is Spending Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars On Pigs In Hawaii. Since 2016, the Army has spent approximately $65,400 on contracts for “live animals, not raised for food.” The locally grown Hawaii hogs are for medical research and training health care providers at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 7: 81 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 81 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 58 on Oahu, 12 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and three Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART Reveals P3 Bidders For Honolulu Rail — But Not Their Prices. One of the bidding teams “expressed concern” about the cost going public, leaving it uncertain when the information will be released. Civil Beat.

City Council asks Mayor to revise tier system to help small businesses. The Honolulu City Council is asking Mayor Kirk Caldwell to revise his tier system so that small businesses can increase their capacity. KHON2.

Haiku Stairs access plan advances but is still being debated. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to have a private vendor provide a “managed access” hiking tour operation at Kane­ohe’s iconic Haiku Stairs won tentative approval Monday from the City Council Economic Assistance and Revitalization Committee. Star-Advertiser.

City council moves closer to restoring the Haiku Stairs, but opposition remains.  Plans to restore and reopen the illegal but popular Haiku Stairs were advanced Monday by the city council. But community opposition remains on the divisive topic. Hawaii News Now.

90% of Waiawa’s inmate population has tested positive for COVID in recent months. The COVID outbreak at the Waiawa Correctional Facility is more widespread than previous thought. 90% of the prison’s population has either gotten sick or have recovered from the virus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

New mayor, prosecutor, council inaugurated. Mayor Mitch Roth has repeatedly stated the goal of his administration is to help people thrive and succeed, and on Monday, less than an hour after reaffirming that pledge during his inauguration speech, he detailed several examples of emergency rules he plans to implement to help schools and businesses better cope with COVID-19 restrictions. West Hawaii Today.

Will travelers to Big Island undergo second, post-arrival testing? New Mayor explains. The Big Island officially has a new mayor. Former Prosecutor Mitch Roth was sworn in on Monday. KHON2.

Longtime prosecutor Mitch Roth sworn in as Hawaii County mayor. Former Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth is now mayor. He became the first to be inaugurated in Kona during a virtual event. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i Island says 'aloha' to new Mayor Mitch Roth. Mitch Roth said he hopes to create a government that's more open to the community. He also wants to work on a bolder plan to rebuild Hawaii Island's economy. KITV4.

Maui

County of Maui Set to Purchase Hawaiian Telcom Building in Wailuku for $3.8 Million. The County of Maui is set to close as early as the end of this month on the purchase the Hawaiian Telcom Building in Wailuku Town to provide more space for Maui Emergency Management Agency operations and for information technology workers. Maui Now.

Quarantine breaker returns to Colorado. A 23-year-old man chose to return to Colorado after he was arrested Saturday for violating the mandatory 14-day travelers quarantine after arriving on Maui, according to police. Maui News.

Kauai

Polihale reopens after five-month closure. When the park was shut down in July, the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks blamed overuse and abuse of the beach and camping area citing a weekend where over 1,000 people camped illegally. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Complex Area revising distance learning plans. For the upcoming second semester of school, the Kaua‘i Complex Area and Department of Education are revising distance learning models through the third quarter. Garden Island.