Showing posts with label U.S. Navy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Navy. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Supreme Court nominees appear to be shoo-ins, COVID vaccinations low as hospitalizations spike, Navy plane slides into Kaneohe Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green stands with Supreme Court nominees Lisa Ginoza and Vlad Devens before the Hawaii state seal
Hawaii Senate Panel Approves Supreme Court Nominees. Backed by overwhelming public testimony in support of their nominations, the state Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted unanimously to approve Lisa Ginoza and Vlad Devens to serve on the Hawaii Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Interest in COVID vaccines subsides as holidays approach.
As of Wednesday, state Department of Health data showed only an estimated 107,720 people, or roughly 7.6% of Hawaii’s population, received the updated COVID- 19 vaccine. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel bookings dip as travel demand weakens.
Total room nights on the books statewide as of Nov. 5 compared with the same time in 2022 were up 3.9% in November, down 3.3% in December, up 0.5% in January, down 5.6% in February and then flat to down all the way to October, which was off 26.8%, according to HVCB’s analysis of TravelClick Data. Star-Advertiser.

Suspect In Fatal Stabbing Of Nurse Pleads Not Guilty.
The judge ordered Tommy Carvalho to continue to be held without bail because he poses a “serious risk of danger to the community.” Civil Beat.

Panel rejects plant transportation rules. A controversial revision of state rules regarding interisland transportation of plants was rejected Friday by Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Navy plane with 9 aboard slides into Kaneohe Bay. A Navy plane overshot a runway and splashed into Kaneohe Bay on Monday, but authorities said all nine people aboard made it safely to shore with no injuries. Associated Press. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

The city adding more pedestrian safety measures. Dozens of pedestrians have died on Honolulu roadways so far this year. Officials said they are working on safety counter measures to prevent more senseless deaths. KHON2.

Kalakaua Avenue Bridge in ‘poor’ condition, city says. A nearly 100-year-old bridge built over the Ala Wai Canal will undergo significant repairs over the coming year, the city says. Star-Advertiser.

Halawa Prison Electrical Problems Leave Inmates Sitting In The Dark. Electrical problems at the state’s largest prison have caused outages throughout the facility that left about 20% of the cells without power at one point last month, and it is unclear when the outages started or when they will be fixed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP Cancels Presentations Due To COVID Hospitalizations. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention on November 11 reported a 733.3% increase in Big Island hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 from the prior week, jumping from 7.5 (admissions per 100,000 population) to 37.2. Any number over 20.0 is considered “High”. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Roth signs Bill 72, establishing preference for local families.  The bill adds language defining three types of qualified applicants for affordable housing: a “qualified resident,” a “qualified returning student,” and a “qualified worker.”  Big Island Video News. Tribune-Herald.

East Hawaii Island vendors scramble over Dec. 1 enforcement blitz. Street vendors on Hawaii Island have been warned to stay off of Highways by the State Department of Transportation (HDOT). Some could face fines starting Dec. 1 for highway vending. KITV4.

Litigation rekindled over wood-burning Big Isle power plant. An on-and-off effort by the owner of an idle Hawaii island renewable energy power plant to obtain damages in federal court from Hawaiian Electric is on again and seeks over $1 billion. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

New Maui Office Begins Navigating The ‘Complex Landscape Of Recovery’. The county is seeking staff and nearly $21 million for the Office of Recovery, while getting advice from other communities that were devastated by wildfires. Civil Beat.

Rebuild or leave? Lahaina's immigrant families struggle to have hope. It's been more than three months since the fire, and many of Lahaina's immigrant communities are facing the dilemma of deciding whether to wait and rebuild or leave their homes forever. Roughly one-third of Lahaina's population is foreign-born, according to U.S. Census figures.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Disaster Area Restrictions lifted Nov. 24-25 for residents & business in Zones 5G, 7F, 7G. County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25, in Zones 5G, 7F and 7G. Maui Now.

Kula Hospital named in U.S. News and World Report’s ‘Best Nursing Homes’.
Kula Hospital was among the 19 percent of skilled nursing facilities that earned a “high performing rating,” the highest possible achievement, and has an overall rating of 5 out of 5.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i hotel room rates climb in September. The average daily rate for a room was $398 in September, according to the Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report published monthly by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. That was up 9.7 percent from September 2022 and a hefty 67.0 percent from pre-pandemic September 2019. Garden Island.

Brown Water Advisory issued for Wailuā Bay, Lydgate Beach Park. Heavy rain has resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

EPA probe faults Navy on Red Hill, Kauai kids confront VP Harris on fuel leaks, sweepstakes machine distributor sues Honolulu police for gambling raid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navy water operators unprepared despite fuel leak risks, EPA reports. The Navy potentially violated numerous state and federal laws relating to safe drinking water in its operation and maintenance of its Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam public water system, an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

State Rep. Patrick Branco’s future uncertain following congressional loss. State Rep. Patrick Branco is supporting former rival state Sen. Jill Tokuda in her congressional campaign and serves as an unpaid volunteer in Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s run to become Hawaii’s next governor as Branco’s own political future is now uncertain after election commercials on his behalf linked Tokuda to the National Rifle Association while showing images of the Uvalde, Texas, school massacre. Star-Advertiser.

Schools Add Emotional Development To The Curriculum. Hawaii educators hope new initiatives and programs will help students recover from social and academic setbacks during the pandemic. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser’s mental health shortage puts patient safety at risk, national agency finds. Kaiser hasn’t denied it has a shortage of mental health specialists, but has stressed that those shortages exist nationwide and were exacerbated by the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Distributor sues HPD over damage to dozens of sweepstakes machines. After a bitter, decade-long legal and political battle, the Hawaii distributor of sweepstakes gaming machines is suing the HPD for damaging his equipment. The lawsuit alleges that when Honolulu police seized PJY Enteprises LLC’s 77 sweepstakes machines in 2012, the machines were new and in working condition. Hawaii News Now.

Feds add more spy allegations against Kapolei couple. After backing off on some spy allegations against a Kapolei couple, federal prosecutors are stepping it up by releasing transcripts of the couple’s recorded conversations. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council to consider settling police brutality lawsuit: Puna mother claims excessive force, ADA violations against autistic son. A federal lawsuit claiming police brutality and failure to accommodate under the Americans with Disabilities Act appears headed for settlement by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Kehena victim was musician, artist, ‘peacemaker’. “He was the quintessential Puerto Rican renaissance man.” That’s how Bub Pratt, entertainer and owner of Kukuau Studio in Hilo, described Gabriel DeSilva, a 72-year-old Pahoa man police said was the victim of a possible drowning Sunday morning at Kehena Beach in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Police K9, Rory, Retires. The springer spaniel has worked as a narcotics canine for the Area II (west Hawai‘i) Vice Section since 2015. Big Island Video News. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Maui

Wastewater Company At Center Of Bribery Scandal Won Big Maui Contracts. H2O Process Systems was awarded millions of dollars in sole source contracts for upgrades and replacement parts for Maui County’s wastewater system. Civil Beat.

Resident input sought for planning of 3.6 miles of Honoapiʻilani, Lahaina to Kāʻanapali.
The County of Maui has launched the West Maui Community Corridor Transit-Oriented Development Action Plan to advance strategies for a transit-oriented community in West Maui. Maui Now.

Open house planned for release of draft South Maui Community Plan Update. The Maui County Planning Department will host an open house for the release of the first draft of the updated South Maui Community Plan on from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the Kīhei Community Center. Maui Now.

Thousands on Maui without power early Tuesday morning. According to Hawaiian Electric, crews are currently working to restore power to parts of South Maui, West Maui, Kahului, Wailuku, Waihee and Waiehu, Upcountry and East Maui. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai 8th graders confront Vice President Kamala Harris over Red Hill. Throughout Vice President Kamala Harris' vacation on the Garden Isle, groups like the Oahu Water Protectors have held up signs near her Kalihiwai Ridge vacation home, urging more action on the Red Hill water crisis. KITV4.

Jason Momoa TV series seeks Kaua‘i talent. A project spearheaded by actor Jason Momoa is filming on Kaua‘i this fall — and they need local talent. Garden Island.

Fall semester kicks off at Kaua‘i Community College. All Kaua‘i Community College students are welcomed to “E Komo Mai,” presented by the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i-Kaua‘i Community College, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the area fronting the campus Learning Center. Garden Island.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Four dead in military contractor helicopter crash off Kauai, former Big Island councilman sentenced to 46 months for embezzlement, bribery, Hirono tours Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A helicopter crash Tuesday at the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai killed four civilian contractors. A PMRF spokesman said the Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, one of two contracted by the facility, crashed at about 10 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate panel passes ban on fundraisers during session.
The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed a bill that would ban lawmaker fundraisers during the legislative session, one of several measures aimed at addressing corruption after two former legislators pleaded guilty in connection with a bribery scandal. Associated Press. KITV4.

Heidi Haunani Tsuneyoshi running for governor as Republican.
First-term Honolulu Councilwoman Heidi Haunani Tsuneyoshi — a frequent critic of the city’s troubled rail project who represents parts of Central Oahu, the North Shore and the Windward side — announced Tuesday that she is running for governor as a Republican. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Want To Run For Office? Filings Begin March 1.
The Hawaii Office of Elections’ candidate deadline is June 7. Civil Beat.

Navy expects 27 countries to attend RIMPAC this summer. A Navy news release said 42 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and nearly 25,000 personnel are expected to participate in RIMPAC in waters off Hawaii and San Diego. Star-Advertiser.

Last defendant sentenced in scheme to defraud Hawaii housing programs. The last participant in a scheme that defrauded local housing programs of more than $100,000 was sentenced in Hawaii’s U.S. District Court on Tuesday. The scheme ran from approximately April 2015 to August 2017 and involved four people, all of whom have now been sentenced for their participation, including IHS housing specialist Leopoldo Bitte, Jr. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

There Are Widespread Reports of Sex Trafficking, So Why No Convictions? Although state agencies have received hundreds of reports of sex trafficking in Hawaii in recent years, state prosecutors have failed to convict a single person of the crime since legislators formally outlawed the practice in 2016, a review of state and local records found. Civil Beat.

Double the time: Lawmakers consider stiffer penalty for some drunken drivers in fatal crashes. A measure that would impose a stiffer penalty on a person convicted of first-degree negligent homicide while driving under the influence of an intoxicant passed its only committee hearing Friday. West Hawaii Today.

The Nature Conservancy announces new Conservation Director. The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra has named Trevor Taylor as Director of Conservation. Maui Now.

Queen’s, Kaiser Permanente ease visitor restrictions amidst declining COVID-19 cases. Both The Queen’s Health Systems and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii have eased visiting guidelines as daily coronavirus cases and positivity rates in the state continue to decline. Star-Advertiser.

Feb. 22, 2022 COVID-19 update: 150 new infections in Hawaiʻi. Todayʻs count includes 10 cases on Maui, 26 on Hawaiʻi Island, 14 on Kauaʻi, 0 on Molokaʻi, three on Lānaʻi, and one out of state.  There are 96 new COVID-19 cases on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu's COVID-19 restrictions coming to an end on March 5, Blangiardi says.
The days of carrying a COVID-19 vaccination card or negative test result to go out on the town will soon be over -- Safe Access Oahu will sunset on March 5. KITV4.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono calls for closing the Navy’s Red Hill fuel storage facility through the state permitting process.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono defended her decision Tuesday not to sign onto a congressional bill that would mandate the permanent shutdown of the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility, telling reporters that she was focused instead on a state permitting process that could accomplish the same goal, but faster. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Commission considers adjustment to property tax exemptions. The Oahu Real Property Tax Advisory Commission is considering changes to the city’s property tax rates and exemptions — notably, for historic homes, for-profit child care centers and primary residences. Star-Advertiser.

Council chair: Media access to emergency scanners a matter of public safety. City Council Chair Tommy Waters wants to restore the news media’s ability to listen in when first responders are called to emergencies. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Higa sentenced to 46 months in prison. Former County Councilman and Na Leo TV CEO Stacy Higa was sentenced Tuesday to 46 months in prison for embezzling from AmeriCorps and also for offering a bribe in return for federal coronavirus relief funds. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Council bill would require EV charging stations for new parking lots. A Hawaii County Council member hopes to legally require developers to include electric vehicle charging stations in new parking lots. Tribune-Herald.

HPD looking for recruits for ‘rewarding career’. Starting salary for a police officer is $65,652 a year, with benefits including paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, health insurance, group life insurance, a uniform and equipment stipend, automobile subsidy and retirement. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Major 670-acre housing project in Wailea aims to move ahead; groups intervene. A long-debated master planned community proposed for 670 acres in Wailea called Honuaʻula sought the next phase of county approval today — but two groups are challenging it. Maui Now.

Final assessment for Honokowai project released. Plan calls for hundreds of residential homesteads, multifamily residential units. The state Department of Hawaiian Homelands has published its final environmental assessment for its Honokowai Homestead Community Master Plan, which will include hundreds of residential homesteads, multifamily residential units and subsistence agricultural homestead lots on nearly 800 acres in West Maui. Maui News.

A plan to beautify a shoreline parcel on Maui has hit yet another obstacle. A lot near Kahului Harbor is finally cleared of homeless and ready for food trucks thanks to a local nonprofit organization. But it’s got a pretty foul neighbor — a sewage discharge station. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Waitlists, affordability obstacles in Hawai‘i housing crisis
. Hawai‘i leaders met Tuesday to address the public about the state’s on-going housing crisis, recommending a multi-pronged approach to address rising home costs. Garden Island.

Princeville resort part of state’s ‘regenerative tourism’ push. The Cliffs at Princeville resort is donating a portion of guests’ bills to local conservation efforts through a new partnership with the hotel-booking website Kind Traveler. Garden Island.



Tuesday, December 7, 2021

State orders Navy to pause Red Hill operations, state commemorates 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor bombing, rain soaks the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday tour the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Dec. 6, 2021. PC:Office of the Secretary of the Navy

State orders Navy to suspend operations at Red Hill, de-fuel underground tanks. In a significant move Monday night, the governor ordered the Navy to empty its Red Hill underground fuel storage tanks amid an investigation into tainted drinking water. Petroleum has been found in the Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system’s Red Hill well. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

It Could Cost Billions For The Navy To Move Red Hill Fuel. A 2018 study found that building a new jet fuel facility to replace the aging tanks at Red Hill could cost as much as $10 billion and could take until 2051. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Military Families Move Into Hotels Amid Red Hill Water Crisis. The hotel industry is once again providing emergency shelter, this time for families who need clean water. Civil Beat.

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Survivors, WWII veterans to commemorate 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. At least 30 survivors, and more than 120 World War II veterans, will be attending the 80th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

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Storm brings over 14 inches of rain to some spots, and still counting. The strong Kona low northwest of Hawaii has brought downpours that dumped over 14 inches of rain on Hawaii Island and nearly 13 inches on Maui in 48 hours. Hawaii News Now.

Storm sweeps across Hawaiʻi, brings threat of ‘catastrophic’ floods.
A strong storm packing high winds and extremely heavy rain flooded roads and knocked out power across Hawaiʻi, with officials warning Monday of potentially worse conditions ahead. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Recruitment Closes Quickly for 46 In-Demand Conservation Officer Jobs. About 36-hours after the official application period opened for 46 conservation officer positions, department officials closed recruitment, quickly fulfilling application limits. Maui Now.

Hawaii health officials find 2 more omicron infections; investigate 8 additional possible cases. State health officials report two additional confirmed omicron variant COVID-19 cases and several possible points of exposure, urging NY anime convention goers and Waipahu church members to get tested. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaii reports 90 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 88,385. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 45 new cases on Oahu, 13 each on Maui and Kauai, 12 on Hawaii Island, and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu under emergency proclamation as power outages, flooding reported across Oahu. Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed an emergency proclamation for the City and County of Honolulu Monday night as Oahu experienced hours of heavy rains, strong winds and flooding from a Kona Low that produced a Flash Flood Warning Monday afternoon. KHON2.

The median price of a single-family home on Oahu jumps to $1,050,000 from $872,500. Oahu real estate prices in November matched all-time highs as properties spent little time on the market before being scooped up by hungry buyers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit Alleges Honolulu Police Shot, Killed Man With No Justification
. Dana Brown’s family is suing the City and County of Honolulu for wrongful death after he was shot and killed by HPD in 2019. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

‘Kona low’ blasts Big Isle. Hawaii County Civil Defense said it will begin damage assessments today after a winter weather system known as a “Kona low” generated high winds and torrential downpours in parts of the Big Island over the weekend and Monday. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution urges pursuit of Metropolitan Planning Organization.
A resolution that will be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the County Council urges the county to assess the feasibility of establishing a Metropolitan Planning Organization. Tribune-Herald.

Supreme Court remands Bolton rock-crushing case
: Court cites ‘abuse of discretion’ by 2016 planning director. The Hawaii Supreme Court has sent a 2016 permit controversy over a North Kona rock-crushing operation back to the Leeward Planning Commission, saying the county erred when it didn’t allow an intervenor to participate in the process. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ex-Maui police officer convicted of federal crimes arrested again in child sex sting. Brandon Saffeels was arrested Saturday night during Operation Keiki Shield — a joint operation by county, state and federal agencies to track down child predators. Last month, Saffeels was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to honest services fraud, he admitted to soliciting sex from a woman he arrested for DUI in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Flooded roads, cars stuck in mud
: On Maui, strong system leaves behind a big mess. The storm knocked out power in many parts of the Valley Isle, including Kahului Airport on Sunday night, and service still has not been restored to thousands of customers. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kekaulike Avenue in Kula Remains Closed Due to Storm Impacts. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announces that Kekaulike Avenue between Mile 8 (vicinity of Maui Wedding Flowers) and Alae Road will remain closed until further notice. Maui Now.

Lanai tour and service program could start in May. A one-day tour to Lanai will be launched possibly in May for visitors to learn more about the cultural, historical and ecological aspects of the island and volunteer in a service activity before they leave. The program is one of the initiatives that have come out of the Destination Management Action Plan for Lanai. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Kona low’ rains down on Kaua‘i. The heavy rain that lashed most of Kaua‘i throughout Monday was the precursor to moist and unstable conditions expected to last through Tuesday. Garden Island.

Voter service center opens, ballots coming in for Kaua‘i special election. About 17% of registered Kaua‘i voters have already returned their ballots for the Prosecuting Attorney Special Primary Election. Garden Island.

Friday, December 3, 2021

Omicron variant detected in Hawaii, Navy works to flush petroleum out of Red Hill drinking water, blizzard warnings for Hawaii peaks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble   
 

First Omicron Covid Variant Case Is Detected In Hawaii. The patient was not vaccinated and had no history of out-of-state travel, indicating it’s a case of community transmission, state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Here’s what we know (and don’t know) about the Omicron mutation.
While counties have eased COVID restrictions, health officials are urging caution as the state reported its first case of the Omicron variant on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Peer-to-peer carshare Getaround arrives in Hawaii. Getaround, a peer-to-peer carsharing service that allows hosts to rent their cars by the hour, continued its aggressive expansion this week with entry into Hawaii, the 10th state it has expanded to in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 126 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 52 new cases on Oahu, 17 on Hawaii Island, 18 on Maui, 34 on Kauai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. One case was removed from the total for Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Petroleum taints Red Hill well, Navy working to flush out water system. The Navy has determined that its Red Hill drinking water well is contaminated with petroleum. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

HNN sent water from the Navy’s lines to a private lab. The Navy says it’s still waiting for results of its water testing, nearly five days after residents started complaining about a strong fuel-like odor coming from their taps. On Thursday, however, a lab contracted by Hawaii News Now found diesel in a Navy water line sample. Hawaii News Now.

Water Contamination On Military Bases Isn’t New. And That’s A Problem. A 2017 GAO study criticized the Defense Department for poor data reporting on drinking water violations. Civil Beat.

Navy secretary’s plan to visit Oahu raises hopes for Red Hill drinking water solution. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro is expected in Honolulu next week, raising optimism that contaminated water suspected of originating from a Navy fuel storage facility will become a bigger issue. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers look to hotels, nearby schools to shelter families affected by Navy water system. Lawmakers representing areas near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam highlighted plans Thursday to help families dealing with tainted water. Hawaii Public Radio.

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The Search For The Next Honolulu Police Chief Is Still Bogged Down. The Honolulu Police Commission has gone weeks without providing any significant developments in the search for the department’s next chief. Commissioners are starting to question what is taking so long. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Lights returns this weekend. Honolulu Hale will open this weekend for the annual Honolulu City Lights celebration, which was conducted only on a drive-by basis in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Alameda out at Na Leo.
Na Leo TV is undertaking a management change following former CEO Stacy Higa’s guilty plea to federal embezzlement and bribery charges and the subsequent filing of a whistleblower hostile workplace complaint by an employee there. West Hawaii Today.

Flash flood watch issued; blizzard and high wind warnings in effect for summits.
A foot or more of snow is forecast for Big Island summits while flooding could be possible for lower elevations through Monday, the National Weather Service said Thursday.  West Hawaii Today. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Draft management plan details shared. State DLNR discusses draft Honolua to Honokohau Management Plan. A long term management strategy plan is moving ahead to address issues including overuse, stormwater runoff and water quality along the shoreline and upland areas of state lands between Honolua Bay to Honokohau in West Maui. Maui News.

Approaching Weather System Postpones Mahalawa Bridge Work
. The Maui Department of Public Works road closure along Hāna Highway has been postponed. Maui Now.

Four Seasons Resort Maui’s Festive Floral Art Installation by Noah Harders. Approximately 1,500 King Protea, 2,500 Queen Protea, 1,000+ Dried Palms and other dried elements will be used to create this holiday extravaganza. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i restaurants get full-capacity green-light. Kaua‘i restaurants got the green light to operate at 100% capacity beginning Dec. 1, but for some managers the return to full dining spaces isn’t top of mind. Garden Island.

Shipping delays limit free county COVID-19 testing. Due to shipping delays, the testing center at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall and the mobile testing van at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center will have limited testing available today. Garden Island.

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Petroleum in drinking water at Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu council passes visitor tax, sperm whale carcass washes up on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Pearl Harbor ©2021 All Hawaii News

Petroleum detected in water from Navy water system. The state Department of Health on Wednesday detected petroleum product in water samples taken at Red Hill Elementary School, augmenting fears about widespread fuel contamination within the Navy’s water supply system that serves an estimated 93,000 people. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu military water contamination is a crisis of health, environment and trust. As water contamination continues for thousands of military residents on Oahu, throngs of families, agencies and advocates are outraged with the response from the U.S. Navy. KHON2.

Navy Exchange Mall eateries shut down temporarily as precaution over water concerns. The Navy continues to distribute water at multiple sites to affected residents on Wednesday, after a fuel-like odor was detected in tap water on the Navy water system. KITV4.

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 Is A Green Jobs Youth Corps The Key To Sustainability In Hawaii? The state Legislature approved $5 million in federal Covid-19 relief funding to support a new Green Job Youth Corps that will roll out next year. Civil Beat.

Here are the COVID-19 rules for social gatherings and events on every island. Effective Wednesday, under Gov. David Ige's latest emergency proclamation, restaurants, bars and gyms will be allowed to operate at full capacity statewide. However, there are still varying rules among the counties. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii records 8 new coronavirus-related deaths, 108 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 51 new cases on Oahu, three on Hawaii Island, 25 on Maui, nine on Kauai and 20 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council passes new Oahu visitor tax that could generate $86 million a year.
A bill to levy a new 3% transient accommodations tax on Honolulu hotel rooms and other visitor rentals won easy approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday despite objections from critics of the city’s rail project, which will receive much of the money from the new tax. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Commission to be subject of city audit. The Honolulu Police Commission’s policies and procedures will be the subject of a city audit, which the panel’s chairwoman welcomes as the next step in a series of reviews that have so far evaluated conduct of police officers and prosecuting attorneys. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Housing Chief Gets Second Role As Head Of Community Services. The City Council approved Antony Krucky’s appointment as director of the Department of Community Services on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


County Democrats seek clarity on reapportionment. The Hawaii County Democratic Party is asking the state Reapportionment Commission to take another look at how nonresident military and students were extracted from population data in light of new figures showing there were almost twice as many military personnel as previously thought. West Hawaii Today.

Feds fund Waianuenue bridge repairs. A small but significant bridge in Hilo will receive $1.5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to kick-start a modernization and disaster mitigation project. Tribune-Herald.

State Seeks Big Island Nominations for BLNR.
The Hawaiʻi County seat, currently occupied by Chris Yuen, will be vacant July 1, 2022. Applicants and nominees must be residents of Hawaiʻi County. Big Island Now.

Maui

Room rates up but visitor industry is still lagging. Maui County hotels led all counties in the state in average daily room rates in October at $480, up 42.1 percent versus 2019. It also led in revenue per available room at $289 in October, up 12.2 percent for the same time in 2019, according to data released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority last week. Maui News.

Health Department Issues Red Placard to Lahaina Eatery on Maui. The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch issued a red “closed” placard to 808 Grindz Café, located at 843 Waine‘e St. in Lahaina, Maui, saying violations were found during a routine inspection yesterday. Both adult and juvenile cockroach activity was observed, according to DOH reports. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

In effort to reduce crime, police clear out homeless encampment on Kauai. Officials said local and state entities worked to clear the Kaiakea encampment across from the Kealia Kai lookout. Hawaii News Now.

Tour operators benefit from tourism uptick, still face challenges.
Passenger air arrivals are up almost 14% from November 2019, but many tour operators have still not been able to return to full capacity after over a year of tight tourism restrictions that shuttered or downsized businesses island-wide. Garden Island.

‘Citizen Science’ can save monk seals, unravel marine debris mystery. Kaua‘i beachgoers are still needed in an international study of mysterious marine debris, three months after the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation announced its North Pacific Hagfish Trap Project. Garden Island.

Officials urge caution after adult sperm whale carcass washes up on Kauai. State and federal agencies are urging caution after an adult sperm whale carcass washed up on an outer reef of Kauai’s North Shore. Officials said the whale carcass is near Pilaa Beach. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Navy tells Pearl Harbor area residents not to drink the water, Omicron not yet detected in state, Kauai loosens gathering rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waimea Valley on Kauai ©2021 All Hawaii News

October visitor arrivals to Hawaii down nearly 31% from pre-pandemic times, spending down 15%. October visitor arrivals to Hawaii fell 30.8% compared with the same month in pre-pandemic times, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

New COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation Signed, Omicron Not Yet Detected in Hawai‘i. Gov. David Ige has signed the latest COVID-19 emergency proclamation, setting the stage for the next phase of state and county measures. The latest proclamation gives the counties the ability to issue emergency orders without seeking approval of the state. Maui Now.

Omicron variant not yet detected in Hawaiʻi.
The Omicron variant was identified in southern Africa and has been detected in several European countries and Canada. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii State Department of Health Hawaii reported $4.7M in federal funds going to stave off pandemic-related evictions in Hawaii.  The Hawaii Public Housing Authority received $4.7 million to help families who are at risk of eviction due to financial hardship brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. KITV4.

Kamehameha Schools Creates $10 Million Fund For Hawaii Food Producers. The first $300,000 is going to a local cooperative specializing in ulu and the 105 member farmers that it serves. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Vaccination Rate Falls As State Corrects Data. Hawaii corrected its Covid-19 vaccination figures on Monday after completing a long-awaited update to its immunization registry that lowered the percentage of the population that has received at least one dose to 77%. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Green hopeful that ‘what we’ve done so far is enough’ to guard against omicron variant. Gov. Josh Green said he’s “honestly concerned” about the newly discovered omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, but added that panic — especially in Hawaii — is premature. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii sees 71 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 87,585. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 30 new cases on Oahu, three on Hawaii Island, 21 on Maui, 16 on Kauai and one Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii officials advise all users of Navy’s water system to avoid using water for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene.
Navy officials say that they are working on providing sources of drinking water for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam area residents who are affected by today’s state Health Department advisory to not use water that comes from the Navy’s water system. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Military families living near Red Hill blame sickness on tainted water. Area residents say they are concerned that a fuel leak at the Navy’s Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility about a week ago may have contaminated the water system in the Pearl Harbor area. Star-Advertiser.

Convicted Cop In Kealoha Case Gets His Job Back In Arbitration.
Daniel Sellers was indicted along with the former HPD police chief and his prosecutor wife in 2017. After taking a plea deal, he was fired by the department. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Prompted by reports of unsafe conditions, senator makes surprise prison inspection. A state senator conducted a surprise inspection of the Halawa Correctional Facility on Monday after hearing guards’ reports of unsafe conditions. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Isabella Kalua Tragedy Turns A Spotlight On The Licensing Of Foster Families
. Some convictions automatically disqualify families taking in foster children, but in many cases the state has discretion. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Cost of Government Commission to convene. Mayor Mitch Roth has tapped residents with backgrounds in the island Fire Department, U.S. Marines and Army, as well as a forensic engineer, software engineer and meteorologist to serve on the Cost of Government Commission, and he’s looking for three more candidates. West Hawaii Today.

4-Mile Creek Bridge Reconstruction Moving Forward. The one-lane bridge on Kilauea Avenue will be improved with an $18-million project, part of a state and county partnership. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Meeting to focus on plan for West Maui land. An informational meeting on management plans for state lands between Honolua Bay and Honokohau Bay in West Maui will be held Tuesday, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui News.

Maui To Stop Processing Immigration Applications.
The county said it will no longer prepare and review immigration applications and other documents for Maui residents following the retirements of federally accredited staff. Civil Beat.

Maui Tourist Arrivals Down 31% for October Versus Pre-Pandemic 2019. In October 2021, there were 189,950 visitors to Maui, a 31% decrease from pre-pandemic October 2019, and they spent 9.4% less, according to preliminary visitor statistics released by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Maui Now

Shared Solar Project Proposals Sought for Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. Hawaiian Electric is beginning the procurement for projects to provide customers on Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i the opportunity to participate in a shared solar program, also known as community-based renewable energy. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County to increase gathering sizes, rules.
Effective Wednesday, social gatherings and events on Kaua‘i will be limited to 40 indoors and 100 outdoors.  Garden Island.


Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Ige to announce relaxed restrictions this week, Las Vegas captain tapped for Maui police chief, Honolulu council to vet pick for city auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy U>S. Navy
USS Daniel Inouye guided missile destroyer PC: U.S. Navy

New $1.5 billion-plus Navy destroyer USS Daniel Inouye heading for Hawaii. The Navy’s new “Go for Broke” destroyer named for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero and one of Hawaii’s most influential statesmen, is sailing to its new home port of Pearl Harbor and a Dec. 8 commissioning at Kilo Pier. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Combative auditor hearings cross midpoint, with weeks to go. As the hearings enter their fourth week, resuming today for sessions slated to continue for about three more weeks, there has been no clear testimony presented — in public, at least — of obvious wrongdoing by state Auditor Les Kondo or his office. Star-Advertiser.

Trailblazing CEO Connie Lau will pass the torch at Hawaiian Electric Industries. Connie Lau, the longtime president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., highest-paid female executive in the state, and a driving force behind the company’s move toward clean energy, is retiring at the end of this year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Director Marti Townsend steps down.
The environmental organization’s new director is Wayne Tanaka — an attorney, engineer, and environmental advocate. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

First Hearing Held On Proposed Hawaiian Homes Bill
. The federal legislation ensures long-term tenancy to beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and their successors, Kahele says, by reducing the successorship qualification of a lessee’s spouse, children, grandchildren and brothers or sisters from one quarter to one thirty-second Hawaiian. Big Island Video News.

Help wanted: Substitute teacher shortage stretches Hawaii public schools thin. The DOE said they are aware that in some rural areas, where there are general staffing shortages, it is challenging to secure substitutes. Some schools are taking it upon themselves to recruit educators. KHON2.

A+ program staffing shortage leaves hundreds of kids waiting and their parents scrambling
. At least 2,600 elementary school-age children — nearly 1,600 at the A+ program held at public schools on Oahu, served by YMCA of Honolulu, and 1,000 at schools on four islands, served by Kamaaina Kids — are on the waitlist in the current school year.  Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige expected to announce relaxed restrictions this week. As Covid-19 case counts continue to drop, Gov. David Ige plans to announce relaxed restrictions later this week, a spokesperson for the governor told KITV-4 Tuesday. KITV4.

Hope for eager UH football fans: Ige says he’s looking to ease some COVID rules soon
. In a one-on-one interview with Hawaii News Now on Tuesday, Gov. David Ige said he’s planning a slow return for UH spectators. He said he hopes to make an announcement with the four county mayors about easing rules by Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic Hardships Have Made Hawaii’s Nursing Shortage Even Worse. As nurses left the profession, bottlenecks in education made it hard to replace them. Civil Beat.

With enough vaccine supply, DOH offers Pfizer booster shots to any adult who is eligible. Officials said those who had their second Pfizer shot at least six months ago and who feels they are at risk because of certain health conditions or their job, are eligible for a third dose. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 91 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 80,414.
The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 53 new cases on Oahu, 12 on Maui, 15 on Hawaii Island, seven on Kauai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu may soon have a new city auditor. The Honolulu City Council is expected to take up the nomination Wednesday of Arushi Kumar to head the office that conducts financial and performance evaluations of city departments, programs, activities and services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oʻahu home prices continue hot streak, but there are signs of stabilization. The median price for a single-family home on Oʻahu rose to $1,050,000 in September. The median price for a condominium also rose last month to $480,000. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Old housing in Moiliili cleared for affordable midrise.
The blessing by Kahu Kordell Kekoa was part of a ceremonial groundbreaking for a 105-unit midrise apartment building on a site previously occupied by 26 residences in several low-rise apartments and one single-family home dating as far back as 1928. Star-Advertiser.

HART Effort To Hire Welders To Fix Rail Tracks Falls Flat. A recent effort by Honolulu rail officials to hire licensed welders who might help fix one of the transit system’s most basic problems, in which the train wheels don’t align properly with the track crossings, has come up empty. Civil Beat.

New UH COVID-19 prediction models show infection rates trending down.
In the latest report, scientists believe the Safe Access Oahu program that requires people to show their COVID-19 vaccination card or negative test result at most indoor spaces helped bring down case counts. KITV4.

Honolulu medical examiner's office using refrigerated containers for COVID-19 deaths. The medical examiner's office is also in the middle of a $5 million renovation to double its capacity, but construction is going to be another year and a half. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Friday announced the purchase of two commercial properties adjacent to its headquarters in Iwilei for $47 million. OHA intends to use the properties as a revenue generator and plans to keep Ross, Longs and PetSmart. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island


Ambitious audit plan set: Change orders, inventory, Fire Department, property taxes top list. An audit of contract change orders, property tax revenues, countywide inventory controls and performance of the Fire Department are among 13 projects slated this year by the county’s new auditor. West Hawaii Today.

Trailers could be allowed again at 5 transfer stations. At a Tuesday meeting of the County Council’s Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee, Ramzi Mansour, director of the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management, said that five of the county’s 22 transfer stations could possibly be modified to once again allow people to use towable trailers to deposit waste. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Las Vegas Police Captain Selected As Final Candidate For Maui Police Chief.
John Pelletier still needs to make it through pre-employment investigations before being appointed as the police chief. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Charter Commission Votes for Greater Public Access and Transparency. The Maui Charter Commission last Thursday voted to advance several Charter amendment proposals that, if approved by voters in November 2022, aims to bring greater integrity and transparency to County government operations.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Council mulls using eminent domain for affordable housing. The Kaua‘i County Council will vote today on whether the county will use eminent domain to acquire a 23.5-acre parcel of land in Kilauea. Garden Island.

KFCC installs new slate of officers.
Nancy Apalla of the Kaua‘i Filipino Community Council said the group that oversees the many Filipino groups on Kaua‘i cannot get stopped because of the COVID-19 virus. Garden Island.

Friday, July 16, 2021

Eviction moratorium to expire, free meals for all public school students, military reviewing exercises after whale deaths, highest COVID case count since January, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Apartment buildings seen from the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Eviction moratorium in Hawaii to end Aug. 6. A moratorium on evictions that Gov. David Ige imposed in April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began strangling Hawaii’s tourism-based economy will be lifted Aug. 6, paving the way for renters and landlords to tap into federal rental assistance and free mediation serv­ices on all islands intended to make landlords whole and keep families in their homes. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Indoor mask requirement to continue amid COVID-19 surge. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he will maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors as the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant fuels a spike in cases. Associated Press.

Social media posts with tourists behaving badly prompt new calls for visitor education. Following a string of social media posts documenting tourists behaving badly, there’s a push to revive an old visitor education campaign called the Pono Pledge. The pledge informs visitors of general safety precautions and cultural awareness. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii reverses course, will allow unvaccinated to attend classes in fall.
The University of Hawaii announced today that it will not require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend in-person classes on its campuses this fall, as originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s public schools preparing distance-learning options.
The state Board of Education approved a resolution Thursday asking the state superintendent to develop a plan to offer remote learning to students at the state and complex-area levels rather than on a school-by-school basis. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Weeks before new school year starts, leaders have yet to answer a long list of questions. Two and a half weeks before the new school year starts, there are still a host of unanswered questions ― from masking rules to capacity guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

All Hawaii public school students to receive free meals during 2021-22 academic year. The Hawaii Department of Education announced Thursday that every student enrolled in the state’s 257 public schools will receive free breakfast and lunch meals during the entire 2021-22 academic year. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Navy To Review Impact Of Pacific Training After 2 Whales Die During Exercise. Under threat of a lawsuit, the U.S. Navy confirmed this week that it will review how its exercises in the Pacific might hurt, kill or otherwise change the behavior of marine wildlife. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s jobless rate sinks for fifth straight month. Hawaii’s unemployment rate declined in June to a 15-month low of 7.7%, and nonfarm payrolls rose by 3,000 jobs, amid further signs that the state’s economy is on the mend. Star-Advertiser.

Tax credit could lift Hawaii families out of poverty.
The great majority of Hawaii families with children under age 18 should receive monthly payments of up to $300 for each child starting this week as part of a pandemic stimulus package that is expected to provide help to struggling families and potentially propel thousands of children out of poverty. Star-Advertiser.

Rural hospitals receive funding boost for COVID. More than $2.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funding will be divvied among 10 Hawaii hospitals to support COVID-19 response efforts in rural areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Sees Largest Daily Virus Spike in Months. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 166 new cases of coronavirus statewide Thursday, bringing the overall total to 38,819. One new COVID-related death was also reported. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 166 additional infections. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 91 new cases on Oahu, 22 on Maui, 17 on Hawaii Island, 14 on Kauai and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

First Lady Jill Biden to visit Honolulu next weekend. The White House said today that First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Honolulu July 24 and 25, with a stop in Anchorage, Alaska, on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Sykap Case Is ‘No Perry Mason Moment’. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office properly brought murder and attempted murder charges against three officers involved in the fatal shooting of Iremamber Sykap even without securing indictments from a grand jury, the office argued in court documents Thursday. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

City Council Leaders Look To Remove Rail Critic From HART Board. The local board overseeing Honolulu’s troubled rail project is poised to lose one of its most outspoken members — and someone who’s called for a halt to construction — as city leaders aim to replace him. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply to resume water shutoffs due to nonpayment.
BWS deferred water shutoffs during the COVID-19 outbreak, but said in a news release today that customers are responsible for all outstanding water and sewer balances on their account. Star-Advertiser.

A New Oahu Jail May Need To Be A Lot Bigger In The Near Future.
Consultant projections show hundreds more people will need to be incarcerated if no significant policy changes such as bail reform reduce the number of inmates. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Vows To ‘Play Tough’ On Crime In Chinatown. Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm headlined a fundraiser to bolster the Weed and Seed program. Civil Beat.

City Seeks to Acquire Historic Queen Theater in Kaimuki. A measure at the Honolulu City Council calls for the city to acquire the neglected Queen Theater in Kaimuki by eminent domain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island: The Wrong End of the Real Estate Boom.  Hawaiʻi Island housing inventory is being squeezed up and down the market, and that includes rentals to everyday people. Hawaii Public Radio.

Final Round of Virtual Public Meetings Scheduled for Comments on Transportation Improvement Program. Virtual meetings for the Big Island will take place Thursday, July 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 4. Both meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. Big Island Now.

Planning Commission pushes for Parker School sidewalk.
The Leeward Planning Commission wasn’t ready Thursday to give Parker School a pass on a sidewalk it promised in a lawsuit settlement and instead voted 5-0 to defer the issue for a month to give the applicant a chance to pursue a less costly option. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

DOT suggests buying the Road to Hana in order to control overcrowding. As heavy traffic continues to clog the popular Road to Hana on Maui, transportation leaders suggested the state should buy the highway in order to control congestion. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing project gets key permit extension. An hourslong debate with more than 20 testifiers came down to affordable housing benefits versus location flooding risks for a proposed 100-percent workforce development on a roughly 12-acre parcel off Hoonani Street in Kihei. Maui News.

Kula lands meant for housing revert to ag. Lands intended for a Kula housing project that made headlines years ago but never moved forward were reverted to agricultural use on Wednesday, signaling the end of a development that would have generated 70 affordable and 46 market-rate homes. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i moving forward with county TAT discussions. The county administration is pushing forward two bills targeting the visitor industry: one establishing its own transient accommodations tax and another creating a new tax class for vehicle rental operations to be reviewed at first reading next Wednesday, July 21, by the County Council. Garden Island.