Showing posts with label Sen. Kai Kahele. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sen. Kai Kahele. Show all posts

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Ige proclamation makes 10-day quarantine official, Kapolei casino plan spurs backlash, Kahele resigns state seat to enter Congress, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Kupuna hula in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Report: Hula, Other Cultural Programs Can Improve Hawaiian Health. Hula and other culturally based programs should be used to address longstanding health inequities affecting Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in Hawaii, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Civil Beat.

UH Report: Hawaiian Culture is Just What the Doctor Ordered. A new report by the University of Hawaiʻi medical school found structural inequities and historical events are partly to blame for continued health disparities among Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Gov. David Ige reduces Hawaii’s travel quarantine to 10 days to match health guidelines. Starting Thursday passengers entering the state of Hawaii and traveling between counties will only have to quarantine for 10 days instead of 14 days if they don’t have an exemption from the state’s travel entry requirements. Star-Advertiser.

State issues new COVID-19 rules, shortening quarantine and extending eviction protections. Governor David Ige issued a new COVID-19 emergency proclamation early Wednesday evening, reducing the length of the state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers and extending a moratorium on evictions into next year. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige reduces mandatory self-quarantine to 10 days for Hawaii travelers.  Gov. David Ige signed a 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation on Dec. 16 that reduces the state’s mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers from 14 to 10 days, starting on Thursday, Dec. 17. KHON2.

Governor Ige reduces state's mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers to 10 days. The proclamation specifies the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent is extended until Feb. 21, 2021. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Travel Quarantine Period Shortened From 14 To 10 Days. Governor Ige issued his 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation on Wednesday, reducing the quarantine period for travelers into and within Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Self-Quarantine for Inter-Island Travelers Reduced to 10 Days. The state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers entering the state and traveling between counties has been reduced from 14 days to 10. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige Signs 17th COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation, Reducing Quarantine From 14 to 10 Days. Governor David Ige signed a 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation reducing the state’s mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers entering the state and traveling between counties from 14 to 10 days. Maui Now.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 17th Emergency Proclamation can be found here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Skepticism Grows In Hawaii. Public health agencies have been slow to launch campaigns to counter vaccine skepticism, a trend in Hawaii that could thwart efforts to achieve herd immunity. Civil Beat.

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As more vaccines arrive, urgency grows to educate the public . According to a survey, health officials say less than half of the general public are willing to take the vaccine. The goal is to get 70% of the population vaccinated to get herd immunity. KHON2.

Elections Officials Want To Tweak Hawaii’s Mail-Voting Law Next Year. The Legislature may consider adjustments to in-person voting sites among other proposals after the state’s first foray into all mail-voting. Civil Beat.

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Kahele Resigns State Senate Seat, Opening Call For Replacement Candidates. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has formally resigned as State Senator for District 1, allowing Hawaiʻi County Democrats to initiate the process to find three prospective appointees to the fill the seat. Big Island Video News.

Kai Kahele Resigns From Hawaii State Senate. Less than three weeks before he will be sworn in as a U.S. representative, Kai Kahele on Wednesday stepped down from his state Senate seat. Civil Beat.

Kahele resigns from state Senate. U.S. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has officially resigned from his state Senate seat. Tribune-Herald.

Congressman-elect Kai Kahele announces resignation from Hawaii State Senate. Congressman-elect and State Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele has officially announced his resignation from the Hawaii State Senate. KHON2.

Democratic Party to Begin Process to Fill Kahele’s Senate District 1 Vacancy. Congressman-elect and current State Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele (District 1 – Hilo) officially announced today his resignation from the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 16: 110 New COVID-19 Cases And 4 Deaths In Hawaii. Among the cases recorded Wednesday were 85 on Oahu, 14 on Maui, five on the Big Island and six Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bar owners ask court to let them open. A federal judge may rule Friday on whether bars on Oahu can reopen after they have been closed all but a few weeks since COVID-19 hit Hawaii in March. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief Ballard ‘still on the fence’ about getting COVID vaccine. In a meeting with the Honolulu Police Commission Wednesday, Chief Susan Ballard said she’s among those that will likely pass on getting the shot — at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

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Proposed Home Lands casino would allow golf course, theme parks, sporting events. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants a lone exception to Hawaii’s ban on all forms of gambling to create a destination resort in Kapolei that would allow 24/7 gambling, liquor, a golf course and even aquariums, theme parks and sporting events. Star-Advertiser.

Plan to build casino on Hawaiian Home Lands in Kapolei a big gamble, critics say. A proposal to build a stand-alone casino resort on property owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing heavy opposition from community leaders and lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Homes Commission to consider casino proposal. An agenda item for next week’s Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting, the idea of building a casino on Department of Hawaiian Homes trust land in Kapolei, Oahu, is raising eyebrows statewide, especially among trust beneficiaries. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands pushes proposal for a casino in Kapolei. Could Hawaii get its first casino? If a controversial proposal by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) passes next week, the state would be one step closer to that reality. KHON2.

Honolulu police seize more than a dozen gaming devices in Kapahulu raid. Police arrested a 54-year-old woman on suspicion of promoting gambling and possession of gambling devices. Star-Advertiser.

Conditions at Halawa Correctional Facility unsafe due to outbreak, union says. With the state’s largest prison currently battling an outbreak of COVID-19, the union representing more than 300 employees at Halawa Correctional Facility says the state isn’t doing enough to improve hazardous conditions there. Star-Advertiser.

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Caldwell says last mass food distribution event to take place Friday. The city is offering one more mass distribution of food on Oahu — the last large one for the year — at Aloha Stadium this coming Friday. Star-Advertiser. 

City to hold final food distribution event of the year on Friday. With the economy still flat and the tourism industry still struggling, city officials said Wednesday that it was no secret that food insecurity was still a top-of-mind issue for thousands of Oahu families. Hawaii News Now.

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What Did HPD Do To Prevent Another Kealoha Scandal? Not Much, Chief Says. City Councilman Tommy Waters identified holes that remain in the department’s handling of misconduct, especially when it involves the chief. Civil Beat.

City Council reviews audits on HPD, prosecuting attorney’s office. After reviewing two recently published audits, a Honolulu City Council committee explored options for greater oversight of the Honolulu Police Department while criticizing the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for its utter lack of leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu doctors relieved to get the vaccine. Dr. Melanie Kim, a hospitalist at Straub Medical Center, has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects COVID-19 has had on her patients, some of whom at the end of their lives have had to die alone. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Partnership ensures post-arrival COVID testing will continue through mid-January. Mayor Mitch Roth on Wednesday announced a partnership between Hawaii County and a private philanthropist that will ensure trans-Pacific post-arrival COVID-19 testing for those arriving on the Big Island will continue through Jan. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Green: Vaccine roll out ‘going well’. Kona Community Hospital anticipates it will begin immunizing staff for COVID-19 on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle hospitals prep to receive, administer COVID-19 vaccines. As the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out in other parts of the state, Big Island hospitals are still waiting to receive their first doses. Tribune-Herald.

Shoppers flock to new Safeway store in Kailua-Kona. Wednesday marked the grand opening of Kailua-Kona’s new Safeway location in the Niumalu Marketplace. The 63,000-square-foot supermarket — 25% larger than the previous location in the Kona Crossroads Shopping Center — is the first shop to open in the marketplace between Lanihau Shopping Center and Henry Street. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

AlohaSafe Alert app officially launches for use in Maui County. The AlohaSafe Alert app officially launched on Wednesday in Maui County, the first County in the State of Hawaii to have this resource available to curb the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

UH-MC donates freezer to store Pfizer vaccine. Doses expected to arrive on Maui by the end of the week. The University of Hawaii-Maui College has donated a freezer large enough to house thousands of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to arrive on island by the end of the week, Maui Health CEO Mike Rembis said Monday night. Maui News.

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DOCARE officers cite Maui man for selling undersized ahi. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officers following up on an anonymous tip on Tuesday afternoon cited Crispin B. Santos, 37, of Kahului, after finding him at a roadside stand in possession of 15 ahi weighing between two and two-and-a-half pounds. Star-Advertiser.

Kahului man cited, accused of selling undersized ahi. DOCARE officers cited Crispin Santos Tuesday afternoon after they say he was found with 15 ahi, weighing between two and two and a half pounds. Hawaii News Now.

Kahului man cited for selling undersized ahi. Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) cited a Kahului resident for suspicion of selling undersized ahi on Tuesday, Dec. 15. KHON2.

Kahului Man Cited for Selling Undersized Ahi. A 37-year-old Kahului resident was cited on suspicion of selling undersized ahi. Maui Now.

Kauai


7.6% of CARES Act funds left on Kaua‘i. Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds are set to expire at the end of this month, and the county’s $28 million slice has a remaining balance of $2,190,512, or about 7.6%, to be spent in December. Garden Island.

Kaua'i set to reduce its mandatory quarantine time period to mirror the state
. Anyone traveling to Kaua'i must still quarantine regardless of a pre-travel test. KITV4.

KPD honors 93rd Police Recruit Class graduates.
The Kaua‘i Police Department held a small, socially distanced ceremony on Tuesday for its 93rd Police Recruit Class graduates. Garden Island.

EPA fines Kauai tour company $45K for illegal cesspool.
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a helicopter tour company on Kauai to close an illegal cesspool and pay $45,000 in fines. Star-Advertiser.


Friday, December 11, 2020

Coronavirus vaccine may be in Hawaii next week, Maui closes bars, unions may sue to stop furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Centers for Disease Conrol and Prevention
CDC lab worker developing vaccine PC:CDC

 Vaccines offer the key to speed of Hawaii’s economic recovery. The state’s recovery is not expected to pick up in earnest until the middle of next year, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization’s annual Hawaii forecast due out today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economists Predict Slow, Perilous Path To Recovery. Hawaii’s economy is among the hardest hit in the country, a new report confirms. Civil Beat.

Ige: Coronavirus Vaccines May Land In Hawaii As Early As Next Week. Hawaii health officials say they expect to receive more than 81,000 vaccine doses from Pfizer and Moderna during the month of December. Civil Beat.

‘A hopeful moment’: Hawaii preparing to receive first COVID-19 vaccine doses soon. The state’s plan to acquire and distribute a coronavirus vaccine ‘may be the largest immunization campaign in the history of our state,’ Governor David Ige said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: More than 81K doses of vaccines from two companies slated for Hawaii this month. Gov. David Ige said during a news conference Thursday that the first round of vaccines could arrive as early as next week. Tribune-Herald.

DOH says general population could get vaccinated by summer. Officials say the state is expecting to receive nearly 82,000 doses, and that’s just for the first dose, by the end of the month. These doses will go to people in phase one which is divided into groups: essential healthcare workers, staff and residents in long term care facilities, first responders and essential workers. KHON2.

DOH Director has plan for who will receive COVID-19 vaccine first, Lt. Gov. says he has faith in the vaccine. Director of the Department of Health, Libby Char confirms her top priority will be essential healthcare workers and kupuna in long-term care facilities. KITV4.

State announces COVID-19 vaccines coming. The rollout of a vaccine for COVID-19 inches closer, with a possible shipment to the state coming as early as next week. Garden Island.

Gov Holds Press Conference On COVID Vaccine Distribution. With FDA approval of an Emergency Use Authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, the State of Hawaiʻi is moving forward with a plan to vaccinate 81,000 individuals in December. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii health-care workers could get shots in the arm as early as Tuesday. The state expects 81,000 thousand people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by the end of the month, including health care workers, staff and patients in long-term care facilities, and first responders. Hawaii News Now.

Health-care workers won’t be required to take vaccine until FDA’s full approval
. Health Director Libby Char said the state is expecting 45,825 initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 36,000 initial doses of the Moderna product, which federal authorities will consider next week for emergency use authorization. Star-Advertiser.

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Furlough fight likely to wind up in court unless lawmakers step in. With unions set to challenge the governor’s proposal to furlough state workers, experts say it could ultimately be up to the courts to decide. But the legislature can also step in and provide a solution. KHON2.

DOE Reveals Furlough Plan For Teachers, Other Employees. Hawaii’s 13,000 teachers and other Department of Education employees will have to take six to 10 days of unpaid leave next year, the superintendent said Thursday after the governor ordered statewide furloughs in a bid to balance the budget. Civil Beat.

Public Worker Unions Urge Ige To Halt Furlough Plan, Cite Confusion In State Departments. State department heads were given a “very short window” to determine which employees will be furloughed and which will be exempt, and department heads are unsure how the program should be executed, according to the statement from the unions, which included United Public Workers and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Civil Beat.

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$22 million left on Hawaii Restaurant Cards need to be spent by Tuesday. Millions of dollars on Hawaii Restaurant Cards need to be used by next week or it will go away. With just days left before the deadline, restaurant owners are begging people to come eat. Hawaii News Now.

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs names Carmen Hulu Lindsey chairwoman. Lindsey, who has represented Maui on the board for eight years, replaces former chair and veteran OHA trustee Colette Machado, who lost her reelection after 23 years on the board. Star-Advertiser.

Carmen Hulu Lindsey To Chair OHA Board Of Trustees. Lindsey is taking over the board’s top leadership position from former chair and OHA trustee Colette Machado, who lost her bid for reelection in November after serving at OHA for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey Voted OHA Chair. The Maui trustee and award-winning recording artist said Thursday marked the dawning of a new era at OHA. Big Island Video News.

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How Hawaii Became A Training Ground For The Indonesian Military. Hawaii politicians and military commanders have pushed for strong defense ties with Jakarta for two decades, but Indonesia’s bloody history in the Pacific casts a shadow. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 10: 123 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 123 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Thursday, including 79 on Oahu, 24 on the Big Island, 11 on Maui and two on Kauai. Seven Hawaii residents were diagnosed with COVID-19 out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Tommy Waters likely to become chairman of Honolulu City Council. Veteran lawmaker Tommy Waters will lead the Honolulu City Council as its chairman when a new lineup meets for the first time Jan. 2, under a resolution made public Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council May Be Headed By Waters, Kiaaina And Tupola. The new council will have several political veterans and a couple of newcomers. Civil Beat.

Mayor Caldwell says City and County of Honolulu won't furlough workers. But he does caution if things don't improve the new mayor could have to consider furloughs as a last resort further down the road. KITV4.

Oahu restaurants get 90-day delay of ban on plastic utensils. Restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets and other businesses that serve prepared food on Oahu are getting an extra three months to use up their plastic or other fossil fuel-based forks, spoons, knives and other utensils. Star-Advertiser.

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Oahu’s move to tier 3 on Christmas unlikely unless numbers decrease. In a press conference Thursday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Honolulu could move to tier 3 by Christmas but it will take a lot of hard work. KHON2.

Honolulu mayor hopeful Oahu can move into Tier 3 by Christmas. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said it would be very difficult, but that there is still hope that Oahu could get to Tier 3 by Christmas in about two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Despite millions in federal funds, HPD’s tent city at Keehi Lagoon sits mostly underutilized.
The Honolulu Police Department’s large tent city at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park is a highly-visible symbol of the twin battles being raged against COVID-19 and homelessness. But the rising cost of the emergency shelter is raising red flags amongst members of the Honolulu City Council and within the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Replacing Kahele: Local Democrats prepare to fill Hilo Senate seat. The Big Island could be short a state senator when the regular legislative session begins Jan. 20, as the process of filling Sen. Kai Kahele’s greater Hilo District 1 seat can’t begin until he resigns. West Hawaii Today.

The solar photovoltaic system was given Hawaiian Electric approval to operate on September 30, Keck officials say. The W. M. Keck Observatory announced on Thursday that it has successfully installed a solar photovoltaic system on the rooftop of its telescope facility on the summit of Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

Keahuolu Courthouse Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19.
An employee at the Keahuolu Courthouse tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary announced Thursday. Big Island Now.

Kona Judiciary Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. The employee was last at work on December 8, does not work in a courtroom, and did not have close or frequent contact with coworkers or court users. Big Island Video News.

Maui

APPROVED: Mayor’s Request for Two Week Bar Closure on Maui. Governor David Ige has approved Maui County’s request to close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks from Dec. 12 to 26, 2020. Maui Now.

County seeks to stop bar service for two-week stint. Mayor hopes that temporary closure will stop uptick in cases. Maui County is seeking to close down bars and bar service areas for two weeks to try and stop the uptick in COVID-19 cases that officials say are coming from “bar-like” behavior. Maui News.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RULES, AMENDED DECEMBER8, 2020 can be found here.

Maui’s Family Life Center Receives $1.25 Million Bezos Grant to End Homelessness. Family Life Center, a nonprofit organization serving the homeless in Maui and Kauaʻi Counties, was selected to receive a $1.25 million grant from the Day 1 Families Fund created by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. Maui Now.

Maui authorities identify surfer who died following Honolua Bay shark attack. Authorities initially said 56-year-old Robin Warren of Napili was in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday. He underwent surgery, but his condition quickly deteriorated and he died on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

KPD recruit commencement postponed. The graduation ceremony scheduled to take place on the lawn of KPD was called off in the final minutes leading to the start of the protocol. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Lt. Gov. Green presents 5-point coronavirus plan, Love Has Won cult leaves Hawaii after harassment on Kauai, Kahele defends Big Island gathering, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

from video
Lt. Gov. Green explains ICU beds in a July 29, 2020 briefing (from video)
Here’s the 5-point plan Lt. Gov. Green says Hawaii needs to follow to lower COVID cases. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says Hawaii can defeat COVID-19, and bring numbers significantly lower again. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: A plan to defeat COVID-19 in Hawaii — and we must deploy it now. Lt. Gov. Josh Green outlines coronavirus control plan. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii commercial real estate sales crashing. Hawaii’s commercial real estate market is on pace to have its worst year in more than a decade, as investors, like tourists, largely stay away. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian homelands made available for renewable energy. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is offering the use of four properties on three islands to developers interested in producing renewable energy. Star-Advertiser.

Survey to explore COVID-19 impacts on rental housing. University of Hawaii researchers are seeking residential landlords and property managers to participate in a survey aimed at understanding COVID-19 impacts on rental housing in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO Seeking Participation In Hawaii Rental Market Survey. UHERO is seeking data about the number of tenants struggling to pay rent. Civil Beat.

Hawaii social clubs improperly use loans. More than 25,000 Hawaii businesses and nonprofit organizations received forgivable federal Paycheck Protection Program loans earlier this year — but at least a few shouldn’t have. Star-Advertiser.

Term Limits Proposed For Offices In 3 Counties. Voters this fall will be asked about putting a cap on terms for the Honolulu prosecutor, the Maui County Council and mayor, and the Hawaii County Council. Civil Beat.

New agency will take over public school construction in Hawaii. A new state agency to build and renovate public schools is about to be created to take over the job from the Department of Education at a time when most students are learning at home. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii athletics to trim salaries from the top, AD David Matlin says. Senior administrative staff would be the first to feel any reduction in salaries when the University of Hawaii athletic department looks at trimming its budget, athletic director David Matlin said. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii's athletic department may trim salaries of Senior Administrative Staff. The department is projecting a $9.3 million deficit for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, 2021 due to the COVID-19 impact. KITV4.

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The Money Behind Tulsi Gabbard’s New Legal Defense Fund. The Hawaii congresswoman has long maintained a support base made up of people from all over the ideological spectrum. Civil Beat.

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The Latest: 8th Hilo Veterans Home Death, Schatz Calls For Feds To Intervene; 1 Death, 105 Cases. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 7: 105 New Cases And 1 Death In Hawaii. So far 86 people in Hawaii with the virus have died since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

105 New COVID-19 Cases (90 O‘ahu, 4 Maui, 11 Hawai‘i Island), 1 More Death. Maui Now.

Oahu

Decision on Oahu’s stay-at-home order to be announced on Sept. 8. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office said a formal announcement will be made on Sept. 8 on whether the stay-at-home order will be extended or lifted past Sept. 10. KHON2.

Labor Day low key, but arrests made for stay-at-home charges. Beaches and parks from Waimanalo to Waianae appeared uncharacteristically quiet on Labor Day — a sign that Oahu residents were heeding the call to refrain from traditional holiday gatherings amid triple- digit daily COVID-19 cases and continuing deaths. Star-Advertiser.

A pop-up mojito stand at Waimea Bay draws crowds — and consternation. Some members of the North Shore community say they’re angry at a man who set up what he called a “mojito pop-up” at Waimea Bay on Saturday, accusing him of defying government lockdown orders. Hawaii News Now.

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Hotel quarantine to cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands per month. The city’s use of Oahu hotels to quarantine those who have COVID-19 will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal CARES Act funds each month and is likely to require millions. Star-Advertiser.

State's COVID-19 quarantine hotel program fills need, but concerns Waikiki neighbors. Properties' names have not been released, but sources identify two in Waikiki that has neighbors worried. KITV4.

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Iolani School announces plans to resume on-campus instruction. Iolani School students are set to return to campus for in-person learning on Sept. 21. Hawaii News Now.

‘Iolani School set to resume on-campus learning. During Labor Day, ‘Iolani School announced that all students will be able to return to school for on-campus learning starting Sept. 21. The school based the decision on the decreasing trend of positive COVID-19 cases in recent days. KHON2.

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Police Panel: Neck Restraint Should Be Labeled Deadly Force. A Honolulu Police Department committee is recommending that vascular neck restraint be designated a “deadly force” option in the department’s use-of-force policy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Marines Are Now Guarding The Nests Of Endangered Species. Green sea turtles are now nesting at a windward Oahu beach where the military trains. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Named Best Hawaii News Site In Journalism Competition. Civil Beat was among numerous newspaper, television, magazine and student news publications honored in this year’s Hawaii SPJ contest. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


Department of Health weighs in on large Big Island gatherings: Kahele alleges ‘shaming for grieving’ after questions asked about participation. West Hawaii Today.

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As Hilo Veterans Home COVID-19 Death Toll Rises, Senator Calls For Federal Intervention. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz says it "is increasingly clear to me that the state home is understaffed and ill equipped to stop this outbreak on its own." Big Island Video News.

Another Death at Hilo VA Home Brings Veteran Death Toll to 8. As of Monday, there are 58 residents and 18 employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Big Island Now.

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‘It was a big change’: County Clerk provides update on first all-mail election. More than 91% of the 65,000-plus votes cast in the Aug. 8 Hawaii County primary election were sent via postal mail during the state’s first all-mail election. West Hawaii Today.

Roth, Marzo collect campaign money, endorsements. Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth cleared the $200,000 mark in campaign contributions and candidate Ikaika Marzo crept close to $100,000 according to campaign finance reports filed last week, while both candidates continue to solicit endorsements from unions, officials and also-rans. West Hawaii Today.

Most Kona District Court proceedings postponed until Sept. 15. Most Kona District Court proceedings have been postponed to Sept. 15 after courtroom staff were directed to self-quarantine after a coworker tested positive for COVID-19. West Hawaii Today.

Puna geothermal power primed for restart. Hawaii island’s geothermal power plant is slated to start producing electricity again by month’s end after prior delays to rebuild the facility that was partially destroyed by lava in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental leader accused of trying to foil Honua Ola Bioenergy project. Henry Curtis, a staunch opponent of the stalled Honua Ola Bioenergy project on Hawaii island, is being accused by the company of trying to sabotage its regulatory appeal by sending fake emails to the state Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Prosecutor’s office staff test negative for COVID-19 on follow-up. All Maui County prosecutor’s office employees tested negative for COVID-19 in a second round of confirmatory testing done Thursday, Prosecuting Attorney Don Guzman said. Maui News.

Maui Tomorrow Wants Input from Ha’ikū and Pā’ia Residents Before Vote on Island Water Plan. The nonprofit Maui Tomorrow organization is urging the Maui County Council to defer a vote on adopting a plan by the Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan to drill wells in the Haʻikū aquifer. Maui Now.

Local food processing business is growing. Hawaii Commercial Foods makes move to Maui Lani Village. Maui-based Hawaii Commercial Foods is doubling its production space and improving its operations in a move to the Maui Lani Village Center, where its new processing and distribution facility will be located. Maui News.

Volunteers set to return to Kahoolawe. After a large brush fire that burned about a quarter of the island and a pandemic that postponed planting efforts, Kahoolawe will be welcoming back its first group of volunteers this month. Maui News.

Workers at Maui's only newspaper call on owner to keep jobs local. Colleen Uechi says contract negotiations have been going since March, with workers on unpaid rolling furloughs and offering various concessions. KITV4.

Kauai

Alleged cult left Kauai, and flew to Maui before leaving the state. Members of an alleged religious cult seen on Kauai are back on their way to the mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Police say Colorado-based group, Love Has Won, has departed Hawaii. A Colorado-based organization described by some officials as a religious cult departed Hawaii late Sunday and returned home, the Maui Police Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Cult loses its battle to stay on the Garden Isle. The Kaua'i Police Department reports all fourteen members are back home in Colorado on Monday night. KITV4.

‘Love Has Won’ Cult Intercepted at Kahului Airport, Rerouted to Colorado. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino confirmed today that members of the “Love Has Won” cult were intercepted at Kahului Airport on Sunday afternoon and hours later took a flight to San Francisco and on to Colorado. Maui Now.

Love Has Won escorted to airport. After three days of nearly nonstop protests at their Wainiha rental property, 15 members of Love Has Won received a police escort to Lihu‘e Airport Sunday in two waves. Garden Island.

Protesters Vandalize Kauai Home Rented By Religious Cult, Police Say. The group only recently arrived on island but dozens showed up to demonstrate against it. Civil Beat.

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The spirit of collaboration, with the help of some Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, is rejuvenating some east side businesses through efforts of three different groups. Garden Island.

Can A Virtual Art Night Help This Struggling Kauai Town Survive? Some business owners are asking why a $115,000 federal grant is being spent on an online event when they are struggling to keep their doors open. Civil Beat.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Hawaii workers, unemployed, hope for federal relief, Green warns COVID-19 uptick could lead to shutdown, candidates gear up for final week before primary election, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Shopping in the COVID era ©2020 All Hawaii News
Workers balance the need for a paycheck with the risk of contracting COVID-19. This push and pull is playing out throughout Hawaii, but perhaps nowhere near as poignantly as among Hawaii’s school and hotel workers, who have sought to delay reopenings until they are assured that workers can return to their jobs safely. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of Hawaii residents wait on federal COVID relief package decision. The federal government is still discussing whether they will extend the $600 plus up or lower the weekly amount for those who remain unemployed. KHON2.

Hawaii To Lose More Than $400M Per Month Without Extension of Unemployment Supplement. In Hawaii, there are more than 173,000 valid claims for unemployment benefits, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. That roughly works out to an extra $416 million injected into the local economy every month by the federal government. Hawaii Public Radio.

Benefits for Hawaii’s unemployed cut by more than half after Congress fails to act. The extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits from the federal government ends Friday, and negotiations will continue through the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

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With cases increasing at a distressing rate, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says a statewide lockdown might be the only way out. Hawaii’s positive COVID-19 cases went back to triple digits Sunday, adding another data point to a surge that is bringing the state closer to another widespread lockdown and garnering national attention. Star-Advertiser.

Local COVID-19 saliva test could help turn pandemic’s tide, doctors say. Local COVID-19 saliva test could help turn pandemic’s tide, doctors say. Star-Advertiser.

Recovered COVID-19 patients are being urged to donate their blood plasma. With COVID cases and hospitalizations on the rise, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is renewing their call for convalescent plasma donations from people who have beat the virus. It’s a special treatment being used to help severely ill COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Chamber To Ige, Caldwell: Reconsider Bar Closure, No More Delays. Chamber of Commerce Hawaii on Saturday called on Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to roll back the rollback on Oahu bars, which have been shut down for three weeks in the wake of COVID-19 clusters at two establishments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suffering Hawaii Businesses Speak Out During Online Rally. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi held a “SOS Biz Rally” via online videoconference on Saturday, in order to raise awareness on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted local business in the islands.  Big Island Video News.

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Only 1 major candidate running to succeed Tulsi Gabbard. Kai Kahele, a Democrat, is so far ahead of everyone else that he has been spending the final four months before this week’s primary on active duty helping the Hawaii National Guard respond to the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning. Associated Press.

Voters consider OHA candidates' stances on native Hawaiian issues. Political analyst Sue Hanglund says the growing support for native Hawaiian advocates will help decide this year's elections. KITV4.

Why Does Hawaii Have Such Low Voter Turnout? Here’s What The Data Says. Despite the pandemic, this could be the year that election participation starts to improve. Civil Beat.

How Hawaii’s New Voting System Could Help Disabled Voters. Voters with disabilities have better access to ballots than in most other states, including the ability to vote electronically. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Wanted To Save Insurance Money. People Died. A new study shows the impacts of a 2015 decision to cut health insurance for some of the state’s poorest and sickest residents. Civil Beat.

Many Hawaii private schools gearing up for in-person instruction. Many private schools in Hawaii will start the new academic year with in-person classes, and some small campuses are ready to get rolling as soon as this week. Star-Advertiser.

State must limit plastic pollution near beaches, EPA says. Two of Hawaii’s water bodies — at Kamilo Beach on the Big Island and Tern Island at French Frigate Shoals — are “impaired” by plastic pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and in violation of the federal Clean Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

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Missing Data Pushes COVID-19 Counts Artificially Low. COVID-19 cases registered in the double-digits across all islands Sunday, with 45 confirmed statewide. However, the state Department of Health acknowledged Sunday that both numbers are likely low. Big Island Now.

Reporting delays impact virus numbers. The daily reporting of positive COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i has been temporarily affected by missing data on Saturday and again Sunday from Clinical Laboratories of Hawai‘i, a major private laboratory conducting most of tests in the state. Garden Island.

The Latest: 45 New Cases, But Lag In Tests Impacts Numbers; 7 HFD, 2 EMS Workers Now Positive. The state Department of Health reported 45 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, but a lag in test results is both providing an incomplete and inaccurate count of the infections and slowing contact tracing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu


Honolulu Managing Director ‘Subject’ Of Federal Investigation. Unlike other city officials under investigation by the feds, Amemiya will not be going on leave, city officials say. Civil Beat.

Bar owners feel regulations they face are ‘overwhelming’ as closures begin. It’s the first weekend since Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued his order to temporarily shut down bars, but the decision to do so still leaves many with questions. Hawaii News Now.

9 first responders test positive for COVID-19 within a week.  More workers who provide emergency services like firefighters and emergency service workers are testing positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Second EMS worker tests positive for COVID-19. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services now says two of their employees have contracted COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Police Reform, Pandemic Top Issues For Candidates In City Council Race. District 9 includes Kapolei, where local leaders have long tried to create a “second city” alternative to Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim’s friends, employees chip in, Roth maintains strong money lead as election draws nigh. Mayor Harry Kim’s reelection campaign is getting by with a little help from his friends. And his employees. West Hawaii Today.

Only the names have changed: Honolulu super PAC resurfaces in West Hawaii race. In a replay of a 2014 West Hawaii council race, a powerful Honolulu pro-construction political action committee has targeted a sitting councilwoman by standing up a well-financed challenger in an attempt to unseat her. West Hawaii Today.

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Plaintiffs seek judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state over its management of land around the Maunakea Access Road are seeking partial summary judgment in the case. West Hawaii Today.

Inside the operation: HPM touts modular housing as controversial bill comes up for final reading. The old carpenters’ adage, “measure twice, cut once” is taken to a new level at HPM Building Supply’s Keaau factory, where computers do the measuring and lasers show where to make the cuts and attach the hardware. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Farmers Market upgrade plagued by more delays. Oft-delayed improvements at Hilo Farmers Market have hit yet another wall — literally. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Under the updated rules issued on July 31, 2020, no TVR may be designated as a quarantine location; however, new or intended residents may use a long-term rental for their 14-day mandatory quarantine. A long-term rental unit can be used only once as a quarantine location in any six-month period. Maui Now.

Groups call for better access for rural and displaced voters. Nonprofit and civil rights groups are calling for more voter service centers in Maui County to help registered voters who live in remote areas or are homeless and lack traditional mail services. Maui News.

PPP loans keep Maui businesses afloat, but future is uncertain. Some see revenue, clients return, while others waiting. Multimillion-dollar loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program have helped keep many Maui businesses and nonprofits afloat, but some are worried that another surge in cases and the delayed return of tourism could set them back again. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD joins interisland bomb squad. The Kaua‘i Police Department has joined the Hawai‘i Police Department and Maui Police Department in forming the first-ever Hawai‘i Interisland Bomb Squad. Garden Island.

This Kauai Talk Show Is One Facebook Livestream You Don’t Want To Miss. Some of the state’s most prominent figures drop by regularly to discuss island issues and the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison to build 5 unusual luxury homes on Lanai. The fifth-richest person in the world, who already owns most of the homes on Hawaii’s sixth-largest island, plans to build an unusual group of new residences on Lanai. *Star-Advertiser.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Hawaii COVID-19 cases top 1,000, Senate staffer, Summer Fun worker test positive, Kauai man arrested for refusing to wear mask, voter registration deadline nears, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Yellow tang on Hawaii reef, story below  ©2020 All Hawaii News
Hawaii Senate worker tests positive for coronavirus but legislative session to resume Monday. The Hawaii State Senate will reconvene on Monday, despite learning Saturday that a Senate staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases top 1,000 as lifting of some lockdowns leads to more spread. Coronavirus infections in Hawaii topped 1,000 on Sunday, the fourth day in a row with more than 20 new cases. Star-Advertiser.

Green urges caution, mask-wearing as COVID-19 case count hits 1,023. As Hawaii surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 cases Sunday, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he is concerned about a potential surge in cases following this weekend’s holiday festivities. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii continues to see double-digit spikes in COVID-19 cases amid growing concern about community spread. Hawaii saw another double-digit spike in new COVID-19 cases Sunday, with 25 new infections — all on Oahu. The cases put the statewide total at 1,023. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige warns that without more federal aid, public worker pay cuts or furloughs are inevitable. Gov. David Ige is planning to borrow money from the federal government to raise cash to navigate the budget crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but said layoffs, pay cuts or furloughs of Hawaii public employees are inevitable if Congress and President Donald Trump don’t come through with more help. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Among Airlines To Reach Loan Agreements with US. American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and three smaller carriers have reached agreement with the government for billions more in federal loans, a sign of the industry’s desperate fight to survive a downturn in air travel caused by the virus pandemic. Associated Press.

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Public will have a chance to weigh in on the major overhaul of election rules. A big overhaul of election rules is on the table, and the public has a chance to weigh in on Monday, July 6. KHON2.

Voter registration deadline approaching. New Hawaii voters have until Thursday, July 9, to register to vote in the 2020 Primary Election. West Hawaii Today.

State elections office to hold drive-thru voter registration events. Voter registration can be done online at the state Elections website, through a Voter Registration Applications at the county election office, or through one of several drive-thru registration events this week. Hawaii News Now.

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Kahele Can’t Campaign For Congress Right Now. Does It Matter? The Democrat has to sit it out while on active National Guard duty, but he doesn’t face much of a threat anyway — something that has dumbfounded political observers. Civil Beat.

State seeks to give health director power to declare public health emergencies. The state wants to give the state Health director the authority, with the governor’s blessing, to declare public health emergencies to battle the coronavirus and future pandemics. Hawaii News Now.

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Federal judge rules Hawaii’s quarantine is reasonable during coronavirus pandemic. A U.S. judge will not stop Hawaii from enforcing a quarantine on arriving travelers, saying in a ruling that the emergency mandate is reasonable during the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A group of Hawaii, California and Nevada residents tried to stop the quarantine by filing a lawsuit alleging it is unfair and unnecessary. It violates the fundamental right to travel freely, they argued. Associated Press.

Full order from federal court upholding Hawaii's quarantine policy found here.

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Hemp production bill advances, but fate uncertain. A bill that would fully legalize hemp production throughout Hawaii is only a few steps away from becoming law, although many are unhappy with its final form. Tribune-Herald.

Ways and Means passes measure banning flavored tobacco products. The state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday unanimously advanced a bill banning flavored tobacco products. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed solar farms could power 200,000 Hawaii homes. About a dozen solar farm developers are preparing to soon hold community meetings about plans that could power around 200,000 Hawaii homes with photovoltaic panels covering more than 3,000 acres on three islands. Star-Advertiser.

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Breakthrough could boost yellow tang. Scientists in Hawai‘i have made breakthroughs in studies of the popular yellow tang aquarium fish that could lead to a shift to aquaculture for procurement instead of wild catching. Garden Island.

Roi, the misunderstood fish. Research reveals more about disliked, introduced species. Over the years, roi have been labeled as a culprit for the declining fish populations and reef health, but marine specialists say these fish may not be as bad as they seem. Maui News.

18 endangered monk seals born in main Hawaiian islands so far in 2020. A total of 18 monk seal pups have been born in the main Hawaiian islands so far this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Beach Cleanups Prove Popular And Purposeful During Pandemic. People want to help or just stretch their legs, and groups are organizing events with safety guidelines in mind. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Updates: State Exceeds 1,000 COVID-19 Cases; Summer Fun Worker Tests Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Sunday, July 5: 25 New Cases. All of those new cases were reported on Oʻahu, bringing the cumulative total on that island to 744. Big Island Video News.

Number of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is now over 1,000. Twenty-five new cases reported on Sunday, July 5, by the state Department of Health brings the statewide total to 1,023. KHON2.

Oahu

Waipahu Summer Fun employee tests positive for COVID-19. A city park employee who works at a Summer Fun site in Waipahu and had “minimal” contact with participants has tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said. Hawaii News Now.

City park staff member tests positive for COVID-19. The city has confirmed a staffer in the Department of Parks and Recreation has tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Summer Fun employee tests positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

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‘Open Street Sundays’ in Waikiki extended through July. Kalakaua Avenue will continue to be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday mornings, as the city has announced an extension of the ‘Open Street Sundays’ program. Hawaii News Now.

Envisioned vertical public school in Kakaako faces new delays. Three years after unveiling images of what Hawaii’s first vertical public school could look like, the pioneering project envisioned for Kakaako is in limbo. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako condo tower construction upended by COVID-19. Production of a mainly midpriced Kakaako condominium tower has run into trouble because of COVID-19, but the developer believes several planned changes that include pricing more units for less will overcome setbacks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ola Brew expands to mainland: Company’s hard seltzers now available across Southern California. At a time when many businesses are seeing markets shrink, Kailua-Kona’s Ola Brew Co. has managed to extend its reach to the mainland. West Hawaii Today.

Puna retreat’s grant request delayed as pandemic stifles state funding. A battle between a group of Puna residents and a Puna retreat is delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Half of jobless filers had not received checks. More than half of Maui County residents who applied for unemployment benefits as of mid-May had not received payments and nearly half of Maui County households reported a decline in income since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, a Bank of Hawaii Foundation survey released Thursday showed. Maui News.

Kahului Airport’s Runway 2-20 to Temporarily Close for Taxiway Construction. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation advises Maui residents of the closure of Runway 2-20 for a taxiway reconstruction project scheduled to take place at the Kahului Airport on weekends from July 4 to Aug. 1. Maui Now.

More park space and fewer gentleman’s estates. Draft community plan covering next 20 years finished. Designating 500 more acres in West Maui for parks and open space and restricting gentleman’s estates and fast-track affordable housing projects in certain West Maui areas, are some of the highlights of the updated draft of the West Maui Community Plan. Maui News.

Kauai

Man arrested after refusing to wear face mask. Kaua‘i police arrested Ryan Buley, 34, of Kapa‘a, Saturday afternoon, for terroristic threatening and harassment following his refusal to wear a mask in a North Shore store. Garden Island.

Kauai man arrested for harassment after refusing to wear a mask. Kaua‘i police arrested Ryan Buley, 34, of Kapa‘a, Saturday afternoon for terroristic threatening and harassment following his refusal to wear a mask in a North Shore store. KITV4.

Kauai County, Airbnb Inc. agree to limit rentals. Kauai County has partnered with Airbnb Inc., the online travel platform, to help weed out illegal vacation rental properties on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Hot, hot, hot! 2019 breaks records. Plus, Ige seeks instate testing for coronavirus, convicted ex-police chief seeks leniency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Cooling off at Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News
It’s official: 2019 was Honolulu’s hottest year on record. Oahu had a sweltering 2019. In fact, it was the island’s hottest year on record, NOAA has determined. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor says 2019 was Oahu’s hottest year ever and shares heat index mapping results. Last year, Honolulu residents may remember hot, sweltering days, with numerous record high temperatures, as well a summer that seemed to last longer than usual. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Has Mapped Just How Hot Oahu Is Now. Climate change has contributed to record heat throughout Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Honolulu saw its hottest year ever recorded in 2019. Honolulu City and County officials said 2019 was the hottest year ever recorded but they are working on solutions, as they said temperatures will only continue to get hotter. KHON2.

2019: a year of record heat for Oahu. It is official: last year was the hottest year on record for Honolulu. Now the mayor and city leaders want more people to plant trees to help ease the heat. KITV4.

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Gov. Ige wants Hawaii to become a test site for coronavirus test kits. Right now, the only test site in the country is the CDC lab in Atlanta, Georgia and it takes more than a week get results for samples from Hawaii. KITV4.

Ige pushes for Hawaii to be beta-tester for virus kits. Gov. David Ige said he wants Hawaii to be a beta-tester for kits that can screen for COVID-19, the newly identified coronavirus that has infected thousands in China and elsewhere in the world. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says no estimated timeline given on when CDC testing kits will arrive. Governor David Ige is just back from Japan and gave us an update on the Coronavirus or COVID-19. KHON2.

Gov. Ige Discusses Coronavirus, TMT. Following his return from a trip to Japan on Tuesday, Gov. Ige held a press conference earlier today to provide updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak and the status of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Maui Now.

No one in state tested for the coronavirus. Hawaii health officials continue to reassure the public that the coronavirus is not circulating in the islands, but they have not tested a single person in the state for the deadly disease. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that preclearance flights from Japan to Hawaii are at least a year out, but the state is working to shorten that window. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Want More Transparency About Prosecutors’ Charging Decisions. Hawaii’s four county prosecutors worry a proposed bill requires them to provide extra data about defendants without providing their offices any extra funding. Civil Beat.

Bill introduced that would make bestiality against the law in Hawaii. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Hawaii is one of only four states that does not prohibit sex with animals along with New Mexico, Wyoming and West Virginia. KITV4.

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This Helicopter Safety Bill Is Unenforceable. Why Do So Many Lawmakers Support It? Spurred by recent tour helicopter crashes in Hawaii, the proposed legislation would set stiffer state requirements for tour pilots. But the feds, not the state, regulate the skies. Civil Beat.

Legislators take aim at helicopter noise, safety. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 2649 would require that tour aircraft companies seeking a permit to operate in airports under state control equip their aircraft with flotation and tracking devices approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Tribune-Herald.

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Greenhouse Construction Bill Passes Third Reading in House. A bill expanding the permitting exemption for greenhouse construction on agricultural land passed its third reading in the House of Representatives Tuesday. Big Island Now.

Why So Few Kids In Hawaii Get Tested For Lead Poisoning. Only 25% of kids between 1 and 2 years old get tested, in part because it’s not required. A bill in the Legislature would require mandatory testing for the first time. Civil Beat.

State’s largest public worker union endorses Kai Kahele for U.S. House. The Hawaii Government Employees Association Wednesday endorsed state Sen. Kai Kahele in his bid for the U.S. House seat representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, giving a substantial boost to a campaign that already appeared to be quickly gaining momentum. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ahead of sentencing, ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha pleads for leniency. Former Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha believes he should spend less than three years for his crimes. Kealoha’s attorney made the argument in a court document that has since been sealed, citing Kealoha’s “long and distinguished record of service and contribution to the community". Hawaii News Now.

Council OKs moving jail to Halawa. A permit clearing the way for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center to Halawa from Kalihi won an 8-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday, but the contentious project still needs funding from state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

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City Council approves bill to catch trash dumpers. A bill making it easier for the city to catch and fine people who throw bulky items and other trash along roadsides or other public areas won an 8-0 final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council passes bill to allow residents to report illegal dumpers. If passed into law, people would be able to send pictures or video to the City’s Department of Environment Services and they would be able to fine that person. KHON2.

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Kawananakoa hearing will be open to public. A judge ruled Wednesday that a hearing to determine whether Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is capable of handling her own financial affairs will be open to the public except for when the discussion turns to medical and financial information. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Princess Can Testify In Public But Info About Finances, Medical Issues Will Be Kept Secret. A state court judge on Wednesday said medical and financial evidence about millionaire heiress Abigail Kawananakoa will be kept from the public. Civil Beat.

Legal fees in fight over heiress Kawananakoa’s fortune continue to mount. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of ratcheting up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Charter Commission Director Steps Down For New DOE Role. Sione Thompson was nominated to be the next complex area superintendent for Nanakuli-Waianae. Civil Beat.

New hotel planned near Honolulu airport. Some new hospitality industry competition is planned for part of Oahu where a new hotel hasn’t been built in nearly a half-century. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Governor David Ige says he recently told Japanese officials that the state is committed to the rule of law in regards to the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Maunakea. Governor Ige said he met with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Big Island Video News.

Council declines to indemnify fire chief in employment lawsuit. The Hawaii County Council isn’t ready to put taxpayers on the hook for disciplinary actions Fire Chief Darren Rosario took in 2014 that are now the subject of a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal Funding Coming to Kona International Airport. The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is set to receive $3.7 million in federal funding for safety improvements, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Federal funds are heading to Kona’s airport for improvements. The international airport will receive more than $3.7 million to repair taxiways and runway lighting. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Company faces $25K fine over alleged water wasting. Wailuku Water Co. is facing nearly $25,000 in state fines over claims of wasting a “considerable amount” of state-protected water from its ditch system that poured into a gulch in multiple incidents late last year into January. Maui News.

Maui County Addresses Illegal Encampments at Kanahā Beach Park. The County of Maui departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Management, Public Works and Housing and Human Concerns began work today with the Maui Police Department to address illegal encampments and public health and safety concerns at Kanahā Beach Park and in surrounding areas. Maui Now.

Longtime Native Hawaiian Activist Announces Run For House Seat. Walter Ritte has led some of the most iconic cultural movements in modern Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Japanese visitor had symptoms while on Maui. Coronavirus victim originally thought to only be symptomatic during Oahu leg of stay. Maui News.

As virus spreads, face masks sell out. Face masks are flying off the shelves of local hardware stores as residents seek out protection against the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, that’s been spreading around the globe. Maui News.

Kauai

Council considers polystyrene. A measure to ban most polystyrene food containers from Kaua‘i passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday and is set for public hearing Tuesday, March 25. Garden Island.

Anderson is new county department head. The County of Kaua‘i’s Civil Service Commission announced the selection of Annette Anderson as the new director for the county Department of Human Resources. Garden Island.

Groups look to fortify North Shore disaster resilience. Kaua‘i County and two community organizations are working on separate initiatives to harden the North Shore’s defenses in the event of a natural disaster by creating permanent infrastructure to be used if disaster strikes. Garden Island.