Worker shortage hinders construction boom, historic Marconi telegraph site damaged, TSA malfunctions, long waits persist at Hilo airport, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Construction Boom Will Require Workers From The Mainland. The island state has too few homegrown construction workers to handle the coming surge in government projects, so labor must be imported. Civil Beat.

Housing panel makes first development decision. An almost 6-month-old state panel created to accelerate affordable-housing production has acted on its first housing project application, though only to approve a relatively small fee waiver. Star-Advertiser.

UH president won’t say if he was drinking before crash. David K. Lassner, 69, the 15th president of UH’s 10-campus system, was not administered a breathalyzer test after he veered right to avoid oncoming traffic and hit the parked car while on his way home from dinner. Star-Advertiser.

Increase in invasive species reports across Hawaii in 2023. Increase in invasive species reports across Hawaii in 2023. KITV4.

Oahu

Unauthorized Demolition Occurs At Historic Marconi Telegraph Site On North Shore. Civil Beat drone footage captured video of excavators discarding parts of the interior of the original 1914 power station, once the world's largest wireless communications center. Civil Beat.

Overdose drug now required at bars, nightclubs. As of Jan. 1, Honolulu became the first U.S. city to mandate that its roughly 869 alcohol-serving bars, nightclubs and restaurants keep naloxone nasal spray on hand to counteract opioid-related overdoses. Star-Advertiser.

Gunman killed by Honolulu police was free on bail. The 44-year-old felon who was fatally shot by Honolulu police after an islandwide manhunt that left two officers hospitalized with gunshot wounds was free on $75,000 bail after he was charged in November with six gun crimes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Construction on Ka Haku by Hilton Club restarts. Construction on the Ka Haku by Hilton Club, a 32-story timeshare tower in the heart of Waikiki at the former King’s Village site, has started again after a lengthy COVID-19 hiatus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Government Changes, Plans For 2024. Deanna Sako, previously serving as Finance Director, has been appointed as the Managing Director for the County of Hawaiʻi.  Following Sako’s transition, Diane Nakagawa was promoted to the position of Finance Director. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Mayor Roth looks back at 2023 successes, provides preview for 2024. Mayor Mitch Roth is taking a moment to look back on the accomplishments of 2023 and offering a glimpse into the exciting projects set to unfold in the coming year for the County of Hawaiʻi. Big Island Now.

TSA equipment down causing travel nightmare at Hilo Airport. What’s typically a one hour flight from Hilo to Oahu, turned out to be an hours long travel day for many. The lines snaked and wrapped around at Hilo International Airport Tuesday.  KHON2. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Big Island Woman Killed Despite A Restraining Order Against Ex-Boyfriend. Elizabeth Fernandez was found dead at her South Kona home. The body of her ex-boyfriend was found outside after he apparently killed himself. Civil Beat. KITV4.

County seeks members for CDP Action Committees. Hawaii County is seeking civic-minded residents to join action committees around the island to help shape policy for most of the island’s districts. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Debate grows on where to dump Maui wildfire debris, many fear temporary Olowalu site may become permanent. Maui residents are divided on where to put the Lahaina wildfire debris. County council members held a meeting on Tuesday to get input from the public. Hawaii News Now.

Wailuku couple sees rise in need for housing. Senior Pastor Laki Ka‘ahumanu of the Church on the Go and his wife, Malie, who have been ministering to Maui’s homeless individuals and families for years, now are seeing the homeless crisis worsen due to the thousands of Maui residents who were displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

‘Laptop relief program’ gives over 640 devices to Maui fire survivors. A “laptop relief program” on Maui has distributed more than 640 computers to people who lost theirs to the August wildfires, and the nonprofit hub is planning another distribution in January. Star-Advertiser.

Progress update: 17 of 30 classrooms in place at temporary campus for King Kamehameha III elementary. US Army Corps of Engineers is reporting steady progress on construction of the temporary campus for students of King Kamehameha III Elementary School who were displaced by the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires that destroyed the school. Maui Now.

Helping Lahaina's art community is top of mind for these state lawmakers. Expanding access to an art therapy program and helping galleries in Lahaina may be on the state Legislature's agenda to aid Maui's recovery efforts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposals sought for axis deer control in Maui Nui. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces the 2024 Axis Deer Control Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) for Maui Nui, through a competitive Request for Proposals for axis deer harvest from eligible private landowners and lessees.  Maui News.

Kauai

Visitor spending tops $200 million again. Visitor spending cracked the $200 million barrier for the 11th straight month in November, as tourists continued to funnel record sums of cash into the island of Kaua‘i economy in 2023. Garden Island.

Valve replacement for Coco Palms Sewage Pump Station scheduled for Jan. 10. The Coco Palms Sewage Pump Station will be shut down starting Jan. 10 to replace isolation valves inside the station’s dry well. Kauai Now. KHON2.

TSA, airlines given more time to comply with vaccine requirements, librarians harassed, state employee pension fund sees record return, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State gives Transportation Security Administration and airlines exemptions to Hawaii’s COVID emergency orders. Gov. David Ige’s order requiring that contractors and visitors at state facilities and property provide proof of their vaccination or testing status prior to entry has already been in effect for a week, but thousands of workers at state airports still aren’t in compliance. Star-Advertiser.

Name calling, property damage: Public librarians harassed over vaccine mandate enforcement. Public libraries are finding it a challenge trying to balance enforcing the new requirements and providing services to their guests. Hawaii News Now.

The Pandemic Taught Us Broadband Is Essential. But Where Is It? Gaps in broadband service in Hawaii are screamingly obvious to the people who have to cope with them, but proving where the problems lie is another matter. Civil Beat.

‘Technical issue’ causes widespread Spectrum cable outage for Hawaii customers. Spectrum said it is working to restore cable to hundreds of customers across Hawaii following an outage Saturday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Study found tourists willing to pay more for Hawaii culture, sustainability, locally grown food. Visitors to the state of Hawaii are willing to pay more for Native Hawaiian cultural experiences, sustainability and locally grown food, according to findings from a new study conducted by the University of Hawaii  at Manoa and West Oahu. KHON2.

Employees’ Retirement System rockets to record 26.2% 1-year return. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund, which has been playing catch-up to dig out of a $14.6 billion shortfall, has achieved what is believed to be the best fiscal- year performance in its 95-year history. Star-Advertiser.

Former teachers union head, Corey Rosenlee, running for state Senate. Corey Rosenlee, the outspoken and assertive former leader of the Hawaii teachers union, has announced his bid to run for the state Senate for the seat currently held by Mike Gabbard, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee and father of former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor Josh Green seeks U.S. surgeon general’s support in addressing pandemic. Lt. Gov. Josh Green texted the U.S. surgeon general over the weekend to encourage him to provide Hawaii and other states with more support to avoid rationing health care. Star-Advertiser.

He co-founded an anti-vax mandate group. Then he caught COVID, and his views changed. Officials hope Chris Wikoff’s about-face will help undermine some of the protests and rallies against the vaccine mandates and other COVID restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 474 additional infections. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 297 new cases on Oahu, 36 on Maui, 77 on Hawaii island, 45 on Kauai, six on Molokai and 13 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

How An Arbitrator’s Decision Can Cause Problems For Police Agencies Years Later. Officers’ prior misconduct is often used against them — and ultimately the taxpayers — in civil lawsuits that arise from unrelated incidents that happen many years later. Civil Beat.

Lottery scheduled for moderate-price rental housing in downtown Honolulu. The owner of Bishop Place has made applications available for an Oct. 19 lottery to select tenants for more than an initial two phases of apartments reserved for households that meet requirements including largely moderate income limits. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Embattled Ag Agency Finally Moves Wahiawa Center Forward. A new product development center is being heralded by supporters as evidence that the Agribusiness Development Corp. is making progress. Civil Beat.

The Miske Case: Former Kaneohe Biker Bar Operator Pleads Guilty. Prosecutors have now lined up at least nine people linked to alleged crime boss Mike Miske as cooperating witnesses. Civil Beat.

North Shore seasonal erosion becoming more severe. Scientists and experts have studied the trend for years. Powerful swells from the west or northwest hit the beach during winter. In the summer, small northeast trade wind swells push sand back west toward Waimea Bay. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Questions of chemical discharges surround decommissioned scopes atop Mauna Kea. The first two observatories of as many as five of the existing 13 that dominate the landscape atop Mauna Kea are expected to be decommissioned by late 2023.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Kolekole Bridge disruption: Emergency weight limit impacts emergency responders, truckers, mass transit. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye on Friday said the state Department of Transportation is declaring the area of Hawaii Belt Road near Kolekole Bridge a “traffic emergency zone.” Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Peeved in Puna: Residents frustrated by county’s decision regarding lava-damaged infrastructure. Current and former Puna residents were dismayed to learn Hawaii County will not use federal funds to restore certain infrastructure destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Small isle eateries cite big losses due to new mandates. Resident-based restaurants looking for financial relief to avoid cutbacks, closure. Maui News.

Amala Place Gate to Kanahā Beach Park to be Locked, Sept. 19-24 for Area Clean-up. County officials say the temporary closure is needed to safeguard public safety during the area’s planned clean-up that will require heavy equipment to remove derelict vehicles and solid waste from the area.  Maui Now.

Sears at Queen Ka‘ahumanu on Maui Officially Closing November 14. After nearly a half century, Sears department store, one of the original tenants of Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, is closing its doors. Maui Now.  Maui News.

Kauai

‘Birds are dying’. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife will meet with property owners following ongoing reports of feral cats wiping out a wedge-tailed shearwater colony on Makahu‘ena Point in Po‘ipu. Garden Island.

Aid for the houseless community. Contrades-Pangan of Ho‘omana Thrift Store in Wailua collaborated with a host of community agencies and businesses to provide Na Wai Eha on Saturday afternoon at the thrift store near the northern bank of the Wailua River. Garden Island.

Honolulu TSA worker tests positive for COVID-19, state mulls inter-island quarantine, some make masks, others buy guns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu TSA workers ©2020 All Hawaii News

TSA worker in Hawaii tests positive for COVID-19. A Transportation Security Administration worker at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii Interisland Travel Restrictions Next. Now that a 14-day self-quarantine is in effect for all arrivals to the State of Hawaiʻi, officials are going ahead with restrictions on interisland travel, too. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: Case Total Now At 175; State Plans Tighter Interisland Travel. The Hawaii emergency management agency says it is planning tighter restrictions on interisland travel after state senators called for quarantine requirements to be applied to travelers who arrive at interisland airports and small boat harbors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 175. Hawaii Department of Health officials said Sunday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 175, up 24 from 151 Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Cases Now At 175. The state reported 24 new cases since Saturday. About 8,100 tests have been conducted to date. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Cases Climb to 175 in Hawai‘i. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i jumped by 24 overnight, bringing the statewide total of positive test results up to 175. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases total 175; 24 new cases reported. The state reported 24 new cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 175. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases now total at 175, 49 have recovered. The State Department of Health announced 24 new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, bringing the state total to 175 on March 29. KHON2.

Doctors: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii communities at a wider scale than being reported. The medical professional community estimate there could be 800 to 1,000 unidentified cases statewide. KITV4.

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Suspension Of Hawaii’s Open Government Laws More Extreme Than Other States. Gov. David Ige has alarmed government watchdogs with his proclamations that shut the public out of public meetings and eliminates the release of public records. Civil Beat.

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Will Feds’ Relief Package Be Enough To Keep Hawaii’s Small Businesses Afloat? The package includes $377 billion for small businesses. Loan money spent on payroll and rent for the next two months doesn’t have to be paid back. Civil Beat.

Senator Schatz Releases Resource Guide For Small Businesses. The U.S. Senator from Hawaiʻi says the guide can help businesses access new funding and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Housing woes escalate. Close to 100,000 Hawaii residents lost work this month, and for many the fear of losing their home has also arisen or may not be far off. Star-Advertiser.

Many homeowners, tenants suffering from COVID fallout are eligible for federal relief. Homeowners with government-guaranteed mortgages who fall behind on their monthly payments because of the coronavirus pandemic can postpone their payments by up to a year, according U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners And Renters Could Benefit From Coronavirus Aid Package. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz released a new resource guide to help residents figure out if they qualify for mortgage deferrals and eviction protection. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii researchers identify drug that may help COVID-19 patients. Sleep-inducing drugs may be beneficial in treating patients infecting with COVID-19, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and colleagues in Wuhan, China. Star-Advertiser.

UH Researchers Need Your Help To Track COVID-19 In Hawaii. They’re looking to trace the spread of the disease in the community. Civil Beat.

Volunteers Step Up To Fill Shortage Of Protective Gear. Multiple health clinics and hospitals have reported they are running short on supplies and the community is responding. Civil Beat.

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While unemployment claims have skyrocketed, some essential businesses are looking to hire. Both Lowe’s and Securitas tell us they’ve been looking to hire workers before the pandemic started and that search continues. Both businesses say they’re looking to fill about 100 positions each. KHON2.

Securitas to hire 200 people amid Coronavirus outbreak. Security company Securitas says it is planning to hire 200 people to meet the increase demands it's getting. KITV4.

Businesses continue changing with growing coronavirus outbreak. As the growing COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily living in Hawaii, stores still open for business have also been forced to continue adjusting in response to government orders, the spread of the virus and changing customer habits. Star-Advertiser.

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Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Postponement of Hawaii dental appointments recommended during coronavirus outbreak.  Most dentist appointments for regular checkups and cleaning have been postponed during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.


DOE wants to modify graduation criteria. The state Department of Education is seeking approval from the state Board of Education to modify high-school graduation and commencement requirements under Board Policy 102-15 for the class of 2020. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Voters Asked to Update Signatures. Every registered voter in the state should be on the lookout for a signature capture card in their mailbox. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Axes Caldwell Budget Increases As Virus Concerns Grow. Items considered nonessential in the mayor’s budget were nixed and one member is proposing millions in new funding to tackle homelessness. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed except for essential business starting Monday. Access to Honolulu Hale will be limited to only those city employees and members of the public who are there on official business starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Once filled with visitors, Waikiki has turned into a ‘ghost town’. Prior to government crackdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19, Waikiki was the heartbeat of the state’s economy, contributing 6% to the state’s gross domestic product. Star-Advertiser.

Despite statewide restriction on mass gatherings, large groups continue to meet. Some people — both tourists and local — aren’t obeying the statewide order to avoid mass gatherings. And they’re not hiding it either. Hawaii News Now.

About 260 people screened in Waipahu as drive-thru coronavirus testing ramps up. About 260 people were tested Saturday for coronavirus at a drive-thru screening site at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex, one of two pop-up screening events this weekend on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism grinds to halt as virus restrictions tighten. Like many cities across the world, Honolulu came to an eerie standstill this weekend as officials implemented measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 confusion: County parks being evaluated for reopening. West Hawaii Today.

Even in Hilo, demand for guns, ammo soars. As people across the nation stocked up on toilet paper and cleaning supplies in preparation for the coronavirus lockdown, demand for guns and ammunition also spiked in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testing continues as virus case count rises. A second pop-up drive-through testing clinic for COVID-19 was set up at the Old Kona Airport Park on Saturday as the state’s number of presumptive or positive cases reached 151. West Hawaii Today.

Keep calm and sew on: Community comes together to make masks. Making cloth masks to help compensate for shortages at local hospitals and care homes is a burgeoning occupation for sewing circles and community huis, especially now that the governor issued a stay-at-home order to reduce casualties from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Working To Gather, Or Make, Needed Supplies. Medical logistics Airmen with Hawaii Air National Guard and PhD students UH Mānoa are working to keep Hawaiʻi healthcare workers supplied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui beach, outdoor activities clarified in ‘stay at home, work from home’ order. The County of Maui released Saturday afternoon supplemental guidance to the Public Health Emergency Rules that went into effect last Wednesday, mandating that people stay at home and work from home and shuttering nonessential businesses and activities to protect against coronavirus spread. Maui News.

Maui Ranks #2 in US of Areas by Share of Jobs in Industries at High Risk from COVID-19. A new study by Brookings Institution ranks the metro area of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina on Maui at number two in the nation by share of jobs in industries at high risk from COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 drive-through tests Monday; state spikes to 175 cases. Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will take place again Monday at War Memorial Gym parking lot, 700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku. People with respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with other ill individuals must call to make an appointment. Maui News.

Kula seamstress threads masks for first responders. More than 400 completed; some go to MPD. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric proposes ‘self build’ battery storage in Pulehu. Interactive hearing on Akaku April 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Virtual screenings. Kaua‘i nurse practitioner Marghee Maupin is offering COVID-19 screenings to patients with or without insurance, and is conducting virutal exams via online video platforms to consult with her patients. Garden Island.

The Kukui Grove Cinema in the heart of Lihue will close its doors for good. A cinema in the heart of Lihue will soon close its doors for good — an apparent business fatality of the COVID-19 crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Warship named for Inouye, TSA defends airport response, Kealoha defense rests, Maui council overrides mayor's vetoes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Daniel Inouye PC:U.S. Navy

Navy To Name New Destroyer After Daniel Inouye. The late U.S. senator from Hawaii received the Medal of Honor for bravery fighting in World War II. Associated Press.

Navy to christen guided missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye. The U.S. Navy will christen a new guided missile destroyer the USS Daniel Inouye this weekend during a ceremony in Maine. Star-Advertiser.

USS Daniel Inouye Guided Missile Destroyer To Be Christened. The late U.S. Senator from Hawaii will have his name on the 68th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which is one of 21 ships currently under contract for the DDG 51 program. Big Island Video News.

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TSA Honolulu Airport Review Underway: 40 Flights Delayed, Thousands Inconvenienced. Maui Now.

TSA: Everyone did ‘what they were supposed to do’ during chaotic airport security scare. Officials are defending their actions during Tuesday’s airport security scare, in which a stampede left several people with minor injuries. Hawaii News Now.

Burning battery charger led to chaos at airport. The “pop, pop, pop” that some people mistook for gunfire at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Tuesday was Plexiglas barriers and plastic posts being knocked to the floor by panicked passengers after a smoking carry-on bag was found at a security checkpoint, a Transportation Security Administration official said at a news conference Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New footage released of what caused airport security scare. New video released by the Dept. Of Transportation shows the smoking baggage from Tuesday's security scare at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Hawaii State Hospital to go digital. The Hawaii State Hospital is replacing 25-year-old surveillance systems, some of which aren’t operational, with new digital equipment to bring the facility up to date and improve safety for patients and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kealoha Trial: Closing Arguments Could Come As Soon As Tuesday. The defense rests after three days of testimony, and prosecutors plan to call a few more rebuttal witnesses. Civil Beat.

All defendants decline to testify as Kealoha mailbox trial nears end. The final three defendants in the public corruption and conspiracy trial rested their cases Wednesday, with none of them, including former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, taking the stand in their defense. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Prosecutor Rests Corruption Case Without Testifying. An ex-Honolulu deputy prosecutor on trial for corruption-related charges has rested her case without testifying in her defense. Associated Press.

Defense team rests in Kealoha trial; closing arguments set for next week. Hawaii News Now.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Defense rests its case, Prosecutors present rebuttal Thursday. KHON2.

Defense rests without Katherine Kealoha, other defendants taking the stand. KITV.

Former police chief received discounted solar deal. Louis Kealoha was given a $20,000 discount for the installation of 26 solar panels at his Kahala home in 2013 as a favor to a police officer who worked part time for the solar contractor and because Kealoha was the police chief, according to the contractor. Star-Advertiser.

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Could Waimanalo to Kualoa become its own county? That’s what some are hoping for. There’s talk of of secession in Windward Oahu and community leaders sketched out what it would take to form their own county. Hawaii News Now.

State orders developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach coastline. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has ordered a Chinese developer to stop excavation work on an Ewa Beach oceanfront. Hawaii News Now.

Street Parking Stalls for Car-Sharing Services Backed by Committee. People who use shared cars could see them parked in on-street stalls under a measure bound for the full Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Liquor store to get license despite protest. The Honolulu Liquor Commission plans to renew the license of a Chinatown liquor store in the face of significant opposition from community members and government officials. Star-Advertiser.

School gets appliances to launder uniforms for students who need clean clothes. Central Middle School celebrated a donation of new washers, dryers, and other appliances to help students whose families don’t have access to laundry facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Trackers haul in 40 tons of marine debris at Kewalo Basin. The Ocean Voyages Institute, a nonprofit based in Sausalito, Calif., chartered the Kwai for the first expedition of its kind from Honolulu to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to retrieve the tons of derelict fishing nets, ropes, plastic floats, bottles and other items after deploying satellite trackers a year in advance to locate them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council allows non-recyclable plastics as polystyrene alternative. Amid promises to create future laws curbing the growing waste stream heading to the county’s soon-to-be sole landfill, the County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill loosening restrictions on the allowable plastic alternatives to polystyrene. West Hawaii Today.

Council briefed on administration’s eruption recovery efforts. The county’s Kilauea recovery team has spent approximately $45 million on various projects to restore parts of the island affected by last year’s eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Dozens told to return FEMA funds. Nearly 80 Kilauea eruption victims have been told to return federal disaster relief payments after a federal agency determined they might not have been eligible for the funds. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui County Council overrode all but three of Mayor Michael Victorino’s 12 vetoes during a special meeting on Tuesday, putting the near-final touches on an $823.5 million budget that is set to go into effect on July 1. Members restore funding for sewer projects, shoreline plan. Maui News.

Council Overrides Majority of Mayor’s Line-Item Vetoes. Maui Now.

Major hurdle cleared for 250 Lahaina tenants. Their affordable rentals secured with new state law. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s tourism concerns are being addressed. The anger that resulted in Kauai protesters temporarily turning back tourists entering the stretch of Kuhio Highway that leads into Haena was tempered Wednesday after state and county officials promised more collaboration in managing tourism on the Garden Isle. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai’s Newly Reopened Park Is A Case Study In Controlling Tourism. Crowd control measures at the renovated Haena State Park will help state parks officials respond to staggering tourism growth. Civil Beat.

The message along Kuhio Highway was to slow down on Wednesday, as North Shore residents gathered with signs at the old road-closure booth in Waipa. Garden Island.

Haena fishery receives Equator Prize. Fish are on the rise in the Haena Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area, and a newly bestowed international award now props up a project that’s already being hailed a success. Garden Island.

Interior secretary inspects USS Arizona Memorial, TSA warns of long airport lines, coral lawsuit threatened, Maui and Kauai pass budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

Airport squeeze. Get there early, TSA urges. Travelers are advised to get to Hawaii’s airports three hours in advance to compensate for what is expected to be the nation’s busiest summer travel season on record. Star-Advertiser.

Leaving on a jet plane? Plan ahead and arrive 3 hours early (even for inter-island flights). Hawaii News Now.

TSA’s Tips To Prepare For Summer Travel. The forecast is for the busiest season on record at HNL. Civil Beat.

The Transportation Security Administration is advising the public to be prepared for the busiest summer travel season on record at HNL. Big Island Video News.

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Arizona Memorial might reopen by October, officials say. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt got a close-up view of the disabled Arizona Memorial Wednesday before pledging to finish the repairs to its concrete passenger dock as soon as possible. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue to be a top priority according to U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior was on Oahu Wednesday and he toured one of the nation's iconic structures here on Oahu and talked about repairs. KITV.

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State Ethics Commission: DPS deputy director walked a fine line in rallying employees. The ethics commission says a Deputy Director of Public Safety may have crossed an ethical line by pushing workers to support their boss, Nolan Espinda. Hawaii News Now.

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Cauliflower coral at the center of a new lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The Center for Biological Diversity says they will sue the Trump administration for failing to protect Cauliflower coral. Hawaii News Now.

Feds could face coral lawsuit. The Center for Biological Diversity on Wednesday announced plans to file suit after a federal agency missed a deadline to rule on whether to list cauliflower coral as a threatened or endangered species under federal law. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: Protect Threatened Cauliflower Coral In Hawaii. The Trump administration is accused of failing to protect the species known as Ko'a in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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Teachers Who Stay In Hawaii Find Ways To Close The Culture Gap. The diversity of Hawaii’s public schools student population isn’t matched by the makeup of the state’s teachers. Civil Beat.

Grid geared up for hurricane season, Hawaiian Electric says. The Hawaiian Electric Companies said it has been working year-round to build more resilient grids ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s actions questioned in conspiracy trial. Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s actions in a 2011 criminal case involving her uncle Gerard Puana took center stage on the fifth day of the federal conspiracy trial against her; her husband, retired police Chief Louis Kealoha; and three current and former police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Witnesses: Kealohas Targeted Uncle Years Before Mailbox Theft. Several people testify Louis and Katherine Kealoha had it out for Gerard Puana long before they accused him of stealing their mailbox. Civil Beat.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Week two is underway, get updates here. KHON2.

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Caldwell’s State of City address to key on ‘climate crisis’. An Oahu Resiliency Strategy designed as a road map for how the city will deal with climate change, sea-level rise and other 21st century issues is at the center of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s seventh State of the City address tonight. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell says Waimanalo park’s improvements will proceed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday that the city will continue work on Phase 1 of the Waimanalo Bay Beach Park improvement project because it would cost up to $300,000 to pull back from an existing contract, but that he is amenable to halting future phases if the community so chooses. Star-Advertiser.

First phase of Sherwood Forest park project to continue, despite emotional meeting. Emotions ran high on Wednesday during a special meeting at the Honolulu City Council, on the controversial plans to clear Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo. KITV.

Bulk Waste Pilot Program To Begin Monday In Urban Honolulu. Starting Monday, a new pilot program for bulky trash collection takes effect for Honolulu's urban core. Hawaii Public Radio.

City: If appointment-based bulky item pickup doesn’t work, fees might be next. In a bid to rein in ballooning costs for handling trash, the city is moving Urban Honolulu’s bulky item pickup to an appointment-based system starting Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Formby Named Head Of Pacific Resource Partnership. The former Honolulu City Councilman previously served on the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Trial set in missing police evidence case. A retired Hawaii Police Department officer accused of illegally taking drug evidence from a police locker and notifying Hilo arcade owners of a gambling raid pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 10 criminal charges. Tribune-Herald.

Council to discuss funds for Kau sewer systems. The Hawaii County Council will take up requests to borrow $37 million for two wastewater treatment projects in Ka‘u at a Finance Committee meeting next week. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor: It’s time to clean up Mooheau Park and make it safe for families. Hawaii County will close Mooheau Park on Friday for clean up in response to what officials describe as unsanitary conditions. Tribune-Herald.

She’s Fought Nearly Three Years To Adopt Her Grandson. Hawaii Keeps Saying No. The state says it tries to reunite children with kin. But after Deborah Goodwin’s daughter died, it awarded custody to non-relatives and blocked her adoption attempts. Civil Beat.

USPS Proceeds With Relocation of Kamuela Post Office. The Kamuela Post Office will continue at the current location until a new facility is operating at an as-yet undetermined location, USPS says. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County Council OKs largest budget in memory Tuesday. $823.6 million for next fiscal year heads to Victorino’s desk. Maui News.

Maui County Council passes $823 million budget by majority vote. The Council passed the $823 million budget by majority vote Tuesday, it is $42 million more than what the mayor requested. KITV.

Council confirms Lutey. Corporation counsel gets nay votes from chair, vice chair. Maui County Council approved the appointment of Moana Lutey as corporation counsel on Tuesday, with two opponents citing their concerns with the county’s position on the longstanding Lahaina injection well suit. Maui News.

Tariff Uncertainty Challenges Growth at Hawaii's Largest Craft Brewery. A 25 percent tariff on Chinese-made steel poses “a tremendous challenge” for Maui Brewing Company, according to co-founder and owner Garrett Marrero. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

County Council comments on $242M spending plan. The Kauai County Council has refrained from making public comment on the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget throughout the budget process, which started in March. But on Wednesday, councilmembers were allotted 10 minutes by Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro to voice their thoughts about this year’s budget during the bill’s second and final reading. Garden Island.

Councilmember Felicia Cowden was not in attendance for Wednesday’s Kauai County Council meeting. She is traveling to Volgada, Russia to be a delegate at a Russian-American peace conference. Garden Island.

Kauai scrambles for solutions after number of unsheltered homeless doubles. No longer just hidden in the Garden Isle’s dense vegetation, Kauai’s homeless crisis is now on display -- everywhere you go. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea pool reopens after renovation. The renovation work at the pool started in November. At a cost of about $1 million, the pool deck was restored, plumbing and electrical improvements were done, as well as accessibility upgrades in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Garden Island.

Lawmakers may take over nonprofit Health Connector, Trump, conspiracy theorists grab Fuddy crash debate, Gabbard fights TSA fee hike, Hawaii shipping in price-fixing probe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Connector website

State lawmakers are considering turning the nonprofit Hawaii Health Connector into a state agency nearly two months after it fumbled the start of the online insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers are worried about the sustainability and accountability of the Hawaii Health Connector, the state's quasi-government nonprofit agency that's in charge of implementing the Affordable Care Act. Legislators questioned health officials during an informational briefing at the state Capitol on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Health Connector would need to enroll an estimated 10,000 individuals and 40,000 small businesses in health plans in the current fiscal year for the organization to be sustainable after federal funds dry up in 2015, officials told state lawmakers Thursday. Pacific Business News.

A 2014 defense bill passed Thursday by the House includes more than $400 million in military construction projects for the state, focuses on ballistic missile defense and calls for reviews of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting command, including whether operations should be moved from Hawaii to the mainland. The National Defense Authorization Act is a compromise between previously passed House and Senate versions, and now heads to the Senate for approval. Star-Advertiser.

With Congress poised to approve a budget before the end of the year, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard sent a letter to House Budget Committee leaders Tuesday requesting that Hawaii be exempt from Transportation Security Administration fees that would increase by more than double. Star-Advertiser.

An ongoing price fixing case being prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division that involves most of the nation's domestic shipping companies, has led to a half a dozen senior executives going to prison and fines totaling more than $100 million. Now, industry experts say there are hints that Hawaii shipping routes may also be part of the investigation. Hawaii Reporter.

As the Obama family is likely packing for their annual vacation to Hawaii, the birther movement is pouncing on yet another conspiracy theory about the President's Hawaii birth certificate. HuffPost Hawaii.

Two survivors of the plane crash off Molokai were sitting directly behind Hawaii Department of Health Director Loretta Fuddy when the aircraft went down Wednesday afternoon.  Fuddy died in the crash. KITV4.

A 70-year-old survivor of the Makani Kai crash Wednesday said state Health Director Loretta Fuddy was conscious before he struck out to swim to Kalaupapa. C. Phillip Hollstein Jr. said he helped everyone out of the plane, was the last one off, and recalls seeing Fuddy in the water. Star-Advertiser.

The family of Loretta Fuddy, Hawaii’s Department of Health director who died in yesterday’s Molokai crash, came forward to thank the community and emergency response members, who saved eight other victims in the crash. Civil Beat.

Alan Downer arrived early this month in the Kapolei offices of the State Historic Preservation Division, an agency that has been under the gun over the past several years. Downer, the new SHPD administrator, is contending with the pressures of bringing his office into compliance with National Park Service requirements concerning records management and other issues, so that it would not lose federal funding. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

At dawn, as traffic jams snake through the Koolau mountain range, the Kawainui Marsh offers a soothing respite from the bustle of Honolulu. The state’s largest freshwater wetland spans more than 800 acres in Kailua on the east side of the island. Some residents fear that could change if the state adopts a proposed land use plan that allows for the construction of several buildings and parking lots on the periphery of the marsh. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The West Hawaii Community Health Center at Kealakehe moved one step closer to fruition Thursday as dozens feted its ground breaking. Construction of the medical and dental facility’s nearly 11,000-square-foot first phase within the Lai opua Community Center Complex is expected to get underway next month with a projected opening date to patients of May 2015. West Hawaii Today.

A delayed sale of the Naniloa Volcanoes Hotel in U.S. Bankruptcy Court is expected to be completed next week, though the buyer has alleged that hotel equipment and inventory is missing from the oceanfront Hilo property. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

While the Maui County Council refuses to turn over minutes of a closed session to discuss an investigation into the demolition of the old Wailuku Post Office, the county has gone to court to try to keep the state Office of Information Practices from issuing an opinion about a possible Sunshine Law violation. Maui News.

When Loretta Fuddy took over as director of the state Department of Health, one of the first things she did was help save the Maui County medevac helicopter from falling victim to the budget ax. On Wednesday that same helicopter carried her body and survivors of a commuter plane crash off the Kalau­papa peninsula for further medical treatment. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai
The cost of cars, and dumping, may be on the rise soon. The Kauai County Council is proposing to increase the county’s disposal fees as well as its motor vehicle weight tax, although not every council member is wild about the idea of raising costs. Garden Island.

Molokai

Kalaupapa residents detail Health Director's last day. Hawaii News Now.

Bright Hawaii outlook for tourism, jobs; Maui telescope hearing officer fired, Pearl Harbor cutting three ships, no tax cut for Kauai, Abercrombie touts progress to Kona group, TSA workers implicated in drug ring, state leads nation in electric vehicle charging stations, more Hawaii news for smartphone and web browsing

Coconut climber (c) 2012 All Hawaii News

Some 626,367 visitors came to Hawaii last month and spent $1.09 billion, or about $183 per person per day, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. February was the seventh consecutive month of arrivals growth for Hawaii's visitor industry and the 23rd month of spending rises. Star-Advertiser.

Total expenditures by visitors who came to Hawai'i in February 2012 rose 8.5 percent, or by $85.7 million, to $1.099 billion, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. KITV4.

Hawaii's unemployment rate fell in February for the fourth consecutive month to its lowest level in three years, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in three years. KHON2.

A group trying to mount a novel third-party presidential campaign has gained a spot on the Hawaii general election ballot this fall. Associated Press.

Fulfilling a long-standing obligation, the state House is expected to vote today for a $200 million settlement between the state and the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs over OHA's share of revenue from former crown lands since 1978. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers are looking for guidance from the Abercrombie administration on controversial environmental legislation, but top officials are giving very mixed signals. Civil Beat.

Legislation aimed at streamlining Hawaii’s construction permitting process could have broad environmental and cultural consequences, some state officials worry. Associated Press.

There are about a dozen bills advancing in the legislature that waive environmental requirements for state and public projects.  Members of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee summoned key department directors today to ask them what was going on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Staff Turnover Doesn't Bother Abercrombie. Civil Beat.

With federal officials watching, state lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to keep $75 million in Race to the Top money to reform Hawaii's ailing educational system. Civil Beat.

More young people are taking up farming in Hawaii, and consumers are moving toward sustainable and locally-grown food choices. Those were among trends at the annual "Agriculture Awareness Day" at the State Capitol. KHON2.

More than 200 new electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at more than 80 public locations in Hawaii, putting the state in the lead for the number of public charging stations, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism said Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Navy plans to decommission three Pearl Harbor ships in fiscal 2013 — a move that would drop the surface fleet to eight, affect ship repair jobs and take millions from Hawaii's economy. Star-Advertiser.

Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano said Thursday the city's Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Board of Directors, who were appointed to oversee the construction and maintenance of the city's $5.3 billion planned 20-mile elevated steel on steel rail system, "had better get a lawyer if he is elected mayor" this fall, "because he will go after them for malfeasance." Hawaii Reporter.

Kailua residents are organizing to prevent commercial activities at area beaches. Hawaii Independent.

Five people have been arrested in a major drug trafficking ring between Hawaii and California.  It's an inside job as investigators say some of the suspects work for Delta Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

Two Puna residents have filed suit in 3rd Circuit Court, seeking to stop the implementation of a new county building code that went into effect Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie

Gov. Neil Abercrombie took on a triumvirate of state touchstones Thursday, criticizing “self-designated” Hawaiian activists, challenging environmental protection regulations and touting his labor bonafides while criticizing the state teachers’ union. West Hawaii Today.

Ka‘u County Councilwoman Brittany Smart announced Thursday she plans to run for the state House seat being vacated by Rep. Bob Herkes, a fellow Democrat, in his run for state Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A controversial solar telescope atop Haleakala suffered a setback Thursday when the hearing officer was fired and his recommendation to approve the project was thrown out by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has discharged a hearings officer and his recommendations about the proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope on Maui to avoid "even the appearance of impropriety" due to unauthorized communications with the permit applicant for the project, Chairman William Aila announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui parents will soon get a chance to help save lives by donating their babies' cord blood. Maui News.

Kauai

County council members Tim Bynum and JoAnn Yukimura lost their battle to lower property taxes for Kaua‘i residents Thursday, with their opposition citing economic uncertainty. Garden Island.

Morgan’s ponds at Lydgate closed as Health Department takes water samples. Garden Island.

Nonprofits join up to care for Kaua‘i’s land, culture. Garden Island.

Kinder, gentler TSA? Van Jones rallies state Capitol, Abercrombie names ag appointees, civil unions law tweaked, rare dengue-carrying mosquito prompts Health Department warning, bacteria high in Kauai waters, skink vanishes from Hawaii, Maui Charter Commission gives nod to Native Hawaiians, Hawaii council mulls paying for recyclables, more news from all the islands

TSA screening photo, courtesy conspiracyplanet.com

After a series of abuses by TSA officials across the country, Hawaii senators on the Transportation and Public Safety/Military Affairs committees unanimously passed a "Travelers Bill of Rights" on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Van Jones, President Barack Obama’s former green jobs adviser who heads the “Rebuild the Dream” organization, keynoted a rally and a “mass action event” at the Hawaii State Capitol Tuesday night to promote “economic fairness” and “economic justice.” Hawaii Reporter.

The Biker for Christ was among the last to testify, but what he had to tell two Senate committees Tuesday was among the most memorable testimony submitted on House Bill 2569 — a civil unions bill. Civil Beat.

State senators are supporting a bill that would allow Hawaii high school graduates without legal immigration status to get resident tuition at the University of Hawaii and be eligible for state-funded financial aid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is considering the creation of a "clean economy bank." And it’s attracted the attention of Obama’s former green energy czar. Civil Beat.

The state House Judiciary Committee approved a bill today that sets aside money to settle claims against the state with the addition of more than $5.6 million in recent settlements. Star-Advertiser.

honeybee

Two bills are advancing in the Legislature this session to protect honey bees in Hawai’i.   These winged insects are a major economic driver in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island state Rep. Bob Herkes, D-Puna, Ka‘u, Kona, is working to temper legislation that was enacted last spring to curtail the high rate of home foreclosures in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

The years-long controversy over whether or not to shut down a major research center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has led faculty members to draw up a damning resolution condemning the center's interim director, who they've repeatedly asked to resign. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced five appointments to fill seats on the Board of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Associated Press.

Hawaii Websites Promote Extreme Hiking. KITV4.

For many of the 3,500 Schofield Barracks soldiers now returning from Af­ghani­stan, a decade of war in two countries finally may be over. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hoteliers had the home-court advantage this week as they competed with other destinations for millions of dollars' worth of high-stakes deals at a gathering of meeting planners in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

blue-tailed skin

The native-to-Hawaii copper striped blue- tailed skink, Emoia impar, is the latest vertebrate species to be declared extinct in the Hawaiian Islands, Robert Fisher, a biologist and research scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Research Center in California, said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Scientists are baffled about why the copper-striped blue-tailed skink has become extinct from the Hawaiian Islands — and might have been gone for decades without much ado. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed rather modest import tariffs on Chinese-made solar modules as part of its preliminary determination into unfair pricing from the Chinese. Pacific Business News.

Oahu
After more than 30 years, the city of Honolulu is finally moving to fulfill a constitutional mandate to protect Oahu’s important agricultural lands. Civil Beat.

About 500 traffic-related citations were issued to motorists during a five-hour period along the Leeward Coast by Honolulu Police Department solo bike officers today. Star-Advertiser.

Cayetano's Transit Plan Mirrors Harris' in 2000. Civil Beat.

A rare mosquito has been found on Oahu for the first time in more than 60 years. Now the state is reminding people to get rid of standing water on their property. Hawaii News Now.

Tsunami debris contingency plan to be voted on by Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church is demanding the Hawaii Public Housing Authority evict a church from a state owned building at a low income housing complex in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Nuuanu Hillside Development Draws Fire From Neighbors. KITV4.

It's a dangerous stretch of road in Kapolei. That's how some West Oahu residents, including Honolulu City Councilman Tom Berg, are describing a part of Kapolei Parkway. KHON2.

Hawaii

A measure to encourage island residents to recycle more cardboard, glass, plastic and metal was postponed Tuesday afternoon after gaining some favorable testimony. West Hawaii Today.

When it comes to the future of Medicare and Social Security, Kona resident Nancy Callahan fears more benefits will be slashed, and more funding will be needed to keep what few benefits remain. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Charter Commission supported a last-minute proposal Monday that would verbally acknowledge the importance of Native Hawaiians to the community. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Arakawa will unveil his proposed budget for the 2013 Fiscal Year this Friday, March 23, during a presentation in the Council Chambers. Maui Now.

County officials hope to know by midweek the extent of the damage and the scope of repair work required for the Hanawana Bridge in Kailua that collapsed during heavy rains earlier this month, cutting off vehicular transportation for about 40 residents. Maui News.

Kauai

While waters from open ocean surf breaks are flushing out clean in the wake of storms and flooding earlier this month on Kaua‘i, Surfrider Foundation volunteers found high bacteria counts in some streams and nearby coastal areas. Garden Island.

It’s a dirty business, but in the aftermath of heavy rains earlier this month, trucks full of untreated sewage were kept busy in some Kaua‘i neighborhoods. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will "indefinitely defer" the installation of smart meters for any ratepayers who object to the devices, company officials announced after a federal lawsuit was filed by a KIUC member attempting to block the project. Star-Advertiser.