Altered Mauna Kea management plan advances, Case pushes for Jones Act waiver, Legionnaires’ disease pops up in Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea visitors ©2022 All Hawaii News

Bill seeking new management for Mauna Kea advances in Senate. A bill that would establish a new authority to oversee the stewardship of Mauna Kea’s summit advanced in the state Senate on Wednesday with changes intended to provide a more gradual transition away from the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Case urges Jones Act waiver, calls out Matson, Pasha. U.S. Rep. Ed Case on Wednesday criticized the two main ocean cargo companies shipping goods between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii — Matson Navigation Co. and Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines — for opposing his request to President Joe Biden to exempt Hawaii from the Jones Act for the duration of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Tribune-Herald.

Legislative Bill calls for audit of State's Agricultural Parks. The House Agricultural Committee voted on Wednesday to advance two resolutions calling for an audit of the state's 10 agricultural parks. KITV4.

Hawaii State Hospital continues to bar visitors. As COVID-19 vaccines became widely available through the first half of 2021, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and jails throughout the country began reopening their facilities to in-person visitation, helping ease the isolation and loneliness that had gripped many since the start of the pandemic. But the Hawaii State Hospital, which houses mentally ill patients referred by the courts, has continued to bar visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Local Habitat for Humanity branches receive $9.25M from unexpected national gift. Habitat for Humanity Maui and Kauaʻi Habitat, organizations that build and renovate homes for low-income residents, are among 82 Habitat affiliates gifted $436 million by Scott. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii to suspend COVID-19 vaccine, testing requirements. Starting Saturday, the University of Hawaii 10-campus system will suspend its mandatory vaccination rule for students and employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Foodland to close its 7 pharmacies, transfer all prescriptions to Longs Drugs. Foodland Super Market, Ltd. today announced it will be transferring all prescriptions from its Foodland Pharmacies to Longs Drugs, and closing all seven of its pharmacy locations by mid-April. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Indoor Mask Mandate Is Finally Ending. The two-year requirement will expire at midnight Friday, leaving a perplexing patchwork of mask choices and policies for locals and tourists to navigate. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 827 Covid-19 cases, 5 additional deaths in past week. The statewide test positivity rate is 2.9%. -- the positivity rate in Honolulu County is 3.6%; on the Big Island it's 1.5%; in Maui County it's 2.3%; and on Kauai it is 2.8%. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 239,591 total infections to date. KITV4.

Oahu

New parking rules, restrictions proposed for short-term rentals. New rules prohibiting on-street parking for vacation rentals in communities zoned as rural, residential or apartment use will be considered before the City Council as soon as next month. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu corporation counsel Donna Leong did not lie to the FBI, attorney says. The city’s former corporation counsel entered a not guilty plea today to new charges that she made false statements to agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation about who she spoke with and how she organized a $250,000 separation settlement with former Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

State Investigation: Hawaii Investment Firm CEO Falsified Campaign Donations. JL Capital CEO Timothy Lee is accused of eight counts of illegal contributions to Keith Amemiya and Kym Pine in the 2020 Honolulu mayoral election. Civil Beat.

City prosecutor clears 2 HPD officers in fatal shooting of machete-wielding man. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said during a news conference this morning that the use of deadly force resulting in the death of Elia S. Laeli, 41, was justified, and no charges will be filed against the two officers. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers request prioritization of affordable housing if water shortage affects building projects. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says it will consider a request by state lawmakers to prioritize affordable housing if new development projects are curtailed because of water shortages. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Health Department investigating 2 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Waikiki. The Hawaii Department of Health today said it is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests who stayed at The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

County to halt COVID-19 testing beginning Saturday. County-sponsored testing began on March 23, 2020, and administered 90,310 PCR tests islandwide throughout the two-year period. West Hawaii Today

Bus’n out with buses: Electric, hydrogen and fossil fuel buses forming new Hele-On fleet. Hawaii County is planning to jump into electric buses in a big way with 10 new buses planned as early as next year and an East Hawaii charging network as a pilot project. West Hawaii Today.

Are rising energy costs an emergency? Council members receive update from Hawaiian Electric. During a Tuesday meeting of the County Council Committee on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management, council members heard an update from Hawaiian Electric about the rising energy costs on the island stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands breaks ground on project in Kealakehe. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands broke ground Wednesday on a 125-lot project in Kealakehe. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Police: Excavators unearth grenade in Keaukaha. Police say that an excavation company uncovered what appeared to be an old, unexploded military-style hand grenade last week while digging a hole for a utility pole. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Committee wants Ethics Board to look into Napili home’s approval process. Construction resumes on controversial structure after stop-work order lifted. Maui News.

Mama’s Fish House owner, Maui County reach agreement over shoreline violation. Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday heard a settlement agreement that proposed the landowner pay a lesser fine of $25,000 in exchange for committing to a costlier, five-year beach nourishment project fronting the restaurant. Maui News.

Piʻilani Highway roundabout at Kūlanihākoʻi to proceed. The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is developing the proposed intersection improvements to provide access to the new high school and slow higher speed traffic along Piʻilani Highway. Maui Now.

New emergency proclamation signed for Maui County’s axis deer problem related to drought. Last year, large numbers of axis deer started migrating into agricultural and developed areas, seeking food and water during a period of drought in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

County required to update plumbing code. A bill making the necessary changes was introduced to the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday, with letters of support from the Plumbing &Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawai‘i and Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 675. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi taro farmers champion measure that could change water lease process across Hawaiʻi.  Kauaʻi taro farmers champion measure that could change water lease process across Hawaiʻi. In Waiʻoli Valley on Kauaʻi’s north shore, one group of taro farmers is pushing for legislation that could be a game changer for taro farmers across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Democrats say Case doesn't represent party values, schools cut COVID quarantines in half, Navy to drain Red Hill fuel tanks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

U.S. Rep. Ed Case

Hawaii Democrats: Rep. Case Does Not Reflect Party’s Values And Principles. The Democratic Party of Hawaii has passed a resolution expressing “disappointment” with U.S. Rep. Ed Case over his position on one of President Joe Biden’s top legislative priorities. The congressman is criticized for his stance on Build Back Better, but Case says the party mischaracterizes his position and never bothered to call him. Civil Beat.

New guidance for Hawaii schools cuts isolation, quarantine in half. The recommended amount of time that teachers and students should isolate or quarantine for COVID-19 has now been cut from the previous 10 days to five, under new interim state rules for Hawaii K-12 schools. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Is The Hawaii Legislature Ready To Give Teachers A Raise? With a rosier economic outlook, the state teachers union and other advocates are stepping up calls to boost teacher pay as Hawaii’s Legislature prepares to convene in its annual session next week. Civil Beat.

DLNR Asks Hawaii Legislators For An Additional $31.6 Million. The budget boost would help the department hire more people in order to better maintain state parks and trails, officials said. Civil Beat.

Report: Hawaii Voters Support Upgrades to State Online Services, But Not With Tax Hikes. A majority of Hawaii voters surveyed support using taxpayer money to improve online access to state services, but only a quarter would back higher taxes to pay for these upgrades, according to a recent survey from Transform Hawaii Government. Civil Beat.

30 Hawaiian cultural programs receive $1.5 million from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Building on its commitment to support Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is providing $1,475,000 in 2022 to 30 community-based programs in the Aloha State through its Kukula Ola program. Maui Now.

Home prices peaked in 2021 on neighbor islands. All of Hawaii’s neighbor island housing markets set median sale price records in 2021 for single-family homes and condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

COVID test results taking longer to return. The demand for COVID testing has increased in the last few weeks which means some people are having to wait days to get their results. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 2,929 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 150,028. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,999 new cases on Oahu, 208 on Hawaii Island, 496 on Maui, 180 on Kauai, 21 on Molokai, seven on Lanai and 18 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Navy to drain Red Hill fuel tanks but won’t rule out future legal challenges to Hawaii emergency order. Navy officials told federal lawmakers Tuesday that they will comply with an emergency order issued by the state of Hawaii to defuel the service’s underground Red Hill tanks.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department expands Red Hill water contamination health survey. The Hawaii Department of Health has expanded its health survey of people affected by the petroleum contamination in the Navy’s drinking water system. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu technology department modernized systems but there's room for improvement, audit says. A new report is making several recommendations to improve a department in charge of the city’s digital infrastructure. But the department’s head disagrees with its findings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Rail Board Members Signal Strong Satisfaction With Kahikina’s Job So Far. An official slide presentation on the new executive director’s performance cites plenty of achievements but no critiques. Civil Beat.

Oahu Emergency Medical Services stressed due to high call volume. Before the pandemic, EMS would receive about 200 to 250 calls a day. Now that number has gone up to over 300. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

West Hawaii May Get House Seat As Reapportionment Shake-Up Continues. The Big Island could have eight seats in the 51-member Hawaii House as the state redistricting process continues and new maps emerge. Civil Beat.

A Grand return to Hilo: Passengers, vendors excited to have cruise ships back; some on social media critical. The first cruise ship passengers have arrived in Hilo since March 2020. Tribune-Herald.

The great gate debate: Lawsuits follow plan to gate Kaiolu Drive. Property owners along a private Holualoa road are embroiled in litigation over a gate some owners are building to try to make the area safer at night. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Renal Care to open new dialysis clinics in Hilo, Kona. The Big Island is slated to get new kidney dialysis clinics in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Charter Commission Is Weighing 85 Changes To County Government. Later this month members of the public can comment on the proposed amendments, which if approved by voters would reform county elections, policing, zoning and more. Taken as a whole, a preliminary set of 85 proposals assembled by the Maui Charter Commission would dramatically increase the size of government, establishing four new departments and 19 new boards and commissions. The reforms are estimated to cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Upper Kula water now disinfected with chlorine. The Department of Water Supply changed its water distribution disinfectant from chloramines to chlorine in an attempt to clear away the last trace amounts of total coliform bacteria and E. coli from the Upper Kula water system. The change went into effect on Monday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Alaka‘i O Kaua’i Charter School dream up to space with NASA project. Three Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School students are preparing for liftoff. In May, NASA astronauts will assist them in delivering a sugarcane-research project to the International Space Station. Garden Island.

New bill takes look at cat holding period at Kaua‘i Humane Society. KHS is currently required by county law to hold microchipped cats for nine days. However, that may soon change. A new bill being introduced at the Kaua‘i County Council today seeks to shorten the time a cat is held before being put up for adoption to five days. Garden Island.

UH enrollment up, 70% of state fully vaccinated, Honolulu Zoo lion dies of COVID, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii-Hilo pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

University of Hawaii bucks trend with first enrollment boost in 10 years. Enrollment at the 10-campus University of Hawaii system increased this fall for the first time in a decade, defying a national trend that was made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

US Rep. Ed Case Raked In Campaign Cash While Threatening Biden’s Agenda. The Hawaii congressman, a self-described fiscal conservative, was one of a handful of Democrats threatening the president’s $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better” plan. Civil Beat.

Drug-related deaths in Hawaii up 13% this year. Drug-related deaths in Hawaii rose a projected 13% for the year that ended in March, and local law enforcement and health officials caution that counterfeit opioids and fentanyl-laced products could quickly contend with methamphetamine as the state’s deadliest drug. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii employers looking for help as coronavirus pandemic’s impact lingers. Hawaii employers who are desperate to fill jobs have posted a record-high number of job openings. Star-Advertiser.

How The Hunt For The Perfect Sweet Potato May Help Hawaii Farmers. Six researchers published a study that found two new and promising Hawaiian heritage sweet potatoes that could bring millions back to native people. Civil Beat.

Prized Red Ginger Is Being Laid Low In Hawaii By Viruses. Researchers have found the viruses are the primary cause of the decline in flower production, and some are choosing to no longer grow them. Civil Beat.

Saving Hawai‘i’s Endemic Plants, One Seed at a Time. A look inside the U.S. Army’s seed conservation lab, home to nearly 22.5 million specimens. Hawaii Business magazine.

In milestone, 70% of the state is now fully vaccinated against COVID. Seventy percent of Hawaii residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the state Health Department reported Friday. It’s a milestone that the governor and health officials had hoped to hit months ago. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hospitals report significant decline in COVID-19 patients. As COVID-19 cases continue on a downward trend, hospitals are less stressed than they were during the peak earlier this summer. KITV4.

Hawaii records 6 new coronavirus-related deaths, 144 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 76 new cases on Oahu, eight on Maui, 39 on Hawaii Island, 11 on Kauai, one on Lanai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Public weighs in on potential City Council districts. The updated numbers that the commission is working with show that Oahu has 1,016,508 residents. That means each of the nine districts should have 112,945 residents. Star-Advertiser.

Which County Pays Its Council Members The Most? (Hint: It’s Not Honolulu). While the mayor and other top officials usually earn more on Hawaii’s most populous island, there’s a big exception. Civil Beat.

355 additional city workers file lawsuits seeking exemptions to vaccine mandate. Although the first hearing for city workers challenging Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s vaccine mandate ran into trouble in court, an additional 355 workers have signed on to lawsuits. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Zoo’s only male lion dies after contracting coronavirus. Ekundu, 13, came to Honolulu in 2010. He and 12-year-old female lion Moxy both showed signs of an upper respiratory illness, including some coughing, on Oct. 4. Star-Advertiser.

Police arrest arson suspect in connection with Waikiki surfboard rack fire. Police arrested a 43-year-old man at around 11:48 a.m. for first-degree arson. KHON2. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island loosens COVID-19 restrictions, increases outdoor gathering capacity. The general public can now have outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, and organized outdoor events can hold up to 50 people. Indoor gatherings are still limited to 10. Hawaii Public Radio.

New maps could pit incumbents against each other: Shifting legislative district lines draw scrutiny. Too often lost in the maps and the dry data is how intensely personal the process of redrawing political boundaries is for elected officials. And it literally hits voters where they live. West Hawaii Today.

County submits Puna road restoration designs to FEMA. Earlier this week, the county submitted to FEMA designs for the realignment of a lower section of Pohoiki Road and the restoration of Highway 137, which was inundated by lava during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Senate Ways and Means Committee to Conduct Site Visits on Maui, Oct. 18-20. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means will be traveling to Maui on Oct. 18-20, 2021 to conduct site visits at various state and private facilities.  Maui Now.

Long-term solutions for homeless encampments hard to come by. County says more cleanups like the one at Amala Place may follow. Maui News.

Could making it harder to rent a car help control tourism? Maui lawmakers hope so. Maui County Councilwoman Tamara Paltin says establishing a cap can help relieve stress on the island’s infrastructure, communities and resources. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Council to talk housing, terrorism Wednesday. The County Council is set to meet Wednesday morning, and their agenda is packed to the brim with headline-worthy subjects. Garden Island.

A potential county ordinance to increase the island’s number of public charging stations is in its early stages. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Residents Riled By Possible Gate To Block Vehicles From Beach. Molokai Ranch has been at odds with residents over land access before. This time, however, the ranch says it’s considering the step to protect a prized natural resource. Civil Beat.

Hotel occupancy drops, Blangiardi extends restrictions, grants may pay for Kauai cesspool conversion, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Statewide hotel occupancy took double-digit dive in August. Statewide occupancy in August was 73.4%, according to a report released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority which was based on data from Tennessee- based STR. The results were 10.7 percentage points below August 2019 when the pre­pandemic occupancy was 84.1%. Star-Advertiser.

Lieutenant Governor Wants More Health Care Resources, Not Rationed Care. Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Josh Green is urging the federal government to help states avoid rationing medical care during the pandemic — a policy that has concerned many older adults and their families. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vaccine rates up for public safety workers and inmates. There were 296, or 18.7%, of the 1,579 corrections workers in Hawaii who declined the vaccine, according to the state Department of Public Safety, as did 38 of Hawaii’s 332 sheriffs. Star-Advertiser.

State auditor Les Kondo challenges investigation of office. State Auditor Les Kondo challenged members of a special House Investigative Committee on Monday to specify why he and his office are under investigation following two critical audits of land management practices by two state agencies — but received no response. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Local progressives urge Rep. Ed Case to support federal infrastructure plan. Local progressive groups are teaming up in an effort to push Congressman Ed Case, D-Hawaii, to support President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better” plan, which aims to aggressively address issues such as climate change, child care and rebuilding infrastructure. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Antibody treatments lagging in Hawaii amid strong U.S. demand. The federal government has capped Hawaii’s weekly allocation at 680 treatments, half of what local health care providers had requested. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 surge tapers off: Hospitalizations, number of new cases in decline. Hawaii appears to be “out of the red zone” for COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii reports 431 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 75,911. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 290 new cases on Oahu, 59 on Hawaii island, 38 on Maui, 32 on Kauai, and 12 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi extends restrictions on large gatherings until Oct. 19, ends Honolulu’s COVID-19 tier system. Mayor Rick Blangiardi today extended the restrictions for large gatherings, which allow 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, until Oct. 19. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu’s Search For A New City Auditor May Finally Be Near An End. A search committee selected a candidate with experience in Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The City Council must approve the appointment. Civil Beat.

Training Records May Be Sticking Point In Fire Chief Deadlock. The Honolulu Fire Commission will meet again this week to take up the hiring impasse. Civil Beat.

Many Head Start Classes Go Back Online Amid Covid Surge. The decision came as the delta variant spread rapidly in communities served by the federally funded preschool program. Civil Beat.

A forecast for Honolulu’s peak number of daily coronavirus cases has been revised downward due to recent data and a combination of other factors, including new restrictions and fewer travelers. The Hawaii Pandemic Applied Modeling Work Group, upon request at a recent Honolulu City Council hearing, has estimated the potential impact of the Safe Access Oahu program could reduce cases by about 30% in the next 10 days. Star-Advertiser.

At-home COVID-19 testing kits available free to Oahu residents via federal program. The Hawaii Department of Health today announced that Oahu has been selected to participate in a federal pilot program providing 125,000 residents in eligible zip codes with free, at-home COVID-19 test kits. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Visits to USS Arizona Memorial resume after shoreside dock gets temporary fix. A temporary repair of the shoreside dock at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center allowed walk-on visitation to the memorial today at noon for the first time in over two weeks as part of “operational testing” that included the general public, the National Park Service said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Clog in online permitting system slows PV installations. A permit slowdown was expected with the transition to an online permit system in late July. But, while most builders and contractors questioned in an informal survey by West Hawaii Today said permits are starting to trickle through, PV and solar water contractors have yet to see a single permit dribble out. West Hawaii Today.

DOT: Work to reopen Hakalau park unlikely to begin until 2023. Hakalau Beach Park and the nearby Kolekole Beach Park closed in 2017 because of public health hazards caused by lead contamination in the soil. But while Kolekole Beach Park was reopened in 2020, Hakalau remains closed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Hotels August 2021 Revenue Per Available Room Up 43% from 2019. For August 2021, Maui County hotels’ RevPar and ADR were up compared to pre-pandemic August 2019, but occupancy was down 4.3%, according to the HTA Hawaiʻi Hotel Performance Report. Maui Now.

Maui police employee in Lahaina tests positive for COVID. The Maui Police Department confirmed an employee out of the Lahaina District tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Sept. 20.  KHON2.

A large Kahului homeless camp is cleaned out with hopes of getting campers into housing. One of Maui’s largest homeless encampment is being cleared out this week. The encampment is along Amala Place in Kahului on the way to Kanaha Beach Park – a beach that is popular for picnicking and kite surfing. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic puts strain on farm sanctuary. In the heart of Haiku sits a safe haven where hundreds of animals have received refuge and where visitors have been able to engage and learn. But uncertainty grows as the COVID-19 pandemic challenges the Leilani Farm Sanctuary to keep the gates open as visitor numbers drop due to travel warnings and other restrictions. Maui News.

Kauai

Council moves forward with cesspool conversion program. Converting a cesspool to a septic tank can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. A new bill introduced by the Kaua‘i County Council seeks to absorb those costs for homeowners. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i falling behind in vaccination rates. Across the state, about 66% of Hawai‘i residents are fully vaccinated, with about 75% initiating vaccination. On Kaua‘i, only about 64% of residents are fully vaccinated and 69% have gotten one of two shots. Garden Island.

Green very popular in poll, 63% vaccinated, facial recognition comes to Honolulu airport, lumber prices more than double, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

An apparently exhausted Lt. Gov. Green on July 29, 2020

Hawaii Voters Really, Really Like Lt. Gov. Josh Green. But Gov. David Ige gets low marks as does Speaker Scott Saiki, the Legislature and former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Of those surveyed in the latest Civil Beat/Hawaii News Now poll, 63% said they had a positive view of Josh Green, who has all but declared his intention to succeed the term-limited David Ige next year. Civil Beat.

How major bills in Hawaii fared at the Capitol in 2021. The 31st state Legislature adjourned Thursday and forwarded over 200 bills to Gov. David Ige, including ones that would make it illegal to capture or kill sharks, require state departments to identify facilities that are vulnerable to sea level rise and allow advanced practice registered nurses to perform abortions. Star-Advertiser.

Historic, divisive state land lease extensions pending. A highly divided Legislature recently passed a heavily contested bill that would let tenants on state-owned public land maintain leases for roughly a century, up from 65 years, without competition. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmaker apologizes for words ‘reported out of context’. Under fire for what one Native Hawaiian group described as hate speech, Hawaii island state Sen. Lorraine Inouye issued an apology for comments she made in a television news interview and pledged to consult with Hawaiian cultural practitioners to help educate her on related issues. Star-Advertiser.

Bringing Back The Pork: Case, Kahele Make Their Pitch For $57 Million. Earmarks were banned in 2011 after a series of scandals involving congressionally directed spending. Now Congress has decided to bring the process back with more transparency. Civil Beat.

Ed Case Revives Ambitious Pacific Island Foreign Policy Bill. The bill would authorize $1 billion in aid to Pacific Island nations and boost trade, diplomatic and military relations across the region. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric to End Moratorium on Disconnections for Nonpayment. The moratorium, established about a year ago due to financial hardships inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to end on May 31. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lumber prices more than double. The cost of building a new home in Hawaii has jumped during the pandemic, largely because of the huge increase in lumber prices. KITV4.

Zippy's offering cash incentives for new hires. Some businesses hard-pressed for new hires during the pandemic are offering certain incentivesPopular restaurant, Zippy's, launched a new recruitment bonus program offering up to $3,000 cash for those looking to fill manager spots, or up to $500 for other positions. KITV4.

As Demand Wanes, Hawaii Reduces Its COVID-19 Vaccine Order For The First Time. The slowdown comes as Hawaii reached a milestone, with nearly 63% of the 16-and-older population fully vaccinated as of Tuesday. Civil Beat.

May 4, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 80 Cases (60 O‘ahu, 11 Maui, 2 Hawai‘i Island, 1 Kaua‘i, 6 Out-of-State). Maui Now.

Oahu

Homeless concerns growing in Chinatown. Four months into the administration of Mayor Rick Blangiardi and hopes are dimming that any meaningful and quick change is coming to Chinatown to reduce homelessness in Honolulu’s oldest neighborhood. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

City Prosecutor Steve Alm On Tackling Crime, Police Investigations. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm just marked 100 days in office. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facial recognition technology goes live at Honolulu’s airport as part of federal program. Simplified Arrival for International Arrivals to Begin at Honolulu's Airport. Honolulu will be the latest U.S. city to use facial biometrics to scan international arrivals. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Access gate at a popular West Oahu spot to reopen after lengthy closure. After being closed for more than year, the DLNR announced the Keawa’ula Section of Kaena State Park will be reopening this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Skydiving gets 6-month extension at Dillingham airfield. Oahu’s only skydiving operations can continue to operate at Dillingham Airfield at least until Dec. 31 under an extension granted by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

City Pays $365,000 To Motorist In Crash With HPD. Police initially said the driver hit the police car. But witnesses disputed that. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Perruso says farmland infamous for chop shop, shooting, trafficking still marred in crime. There are calls for change as concern grows over a large piece of land in Wahiawa that some say is once again becoming a hotbed for crime. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Another reprieve for Van Pernis: Council members balk at taking the unprecedented step of removal. A bare majority of County Council members remained unwilling Tuesday to take the unprecedented step of removing a sitting planning commissioner, and instead by a 5-4 vote deferred Mayor Mitch Roth’s request until August. West Hawaii Today.

Le updates council on launch of Kilauea recovery housing buyout program and next steps to be taken. More than 100 people have submitted applications for Hawaii County to buy their lava-damaged properties in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Post-Arrival COVID-19 Testing Soft Launch Begins at Kahului Airport. Maui County’s new post-arrival testing program for unvaccinated trans-Pacific arrivals from the continental US debuted Tuesday with hundreds of travelers undergoing rapid COVID-19 testing at Kahului Airport. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

War Memorial Complex Facilities to be Closed to General Public, May 21-22 for Graduations. War Memorial Complex facilities will be closed to the general public on May 21 and May 22 for graduation ceremonies hosted by Baldwin and Maui high schools, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai to move into modified Tier 3 after spike in COVID-19 cases. If approved by Gov. David Ige, the amendments will cut indoor social gatherings to five people from 10 in Tier 3, although outdoor gatherings will be expanded to 25 people from 10. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. KITV4.

Reaching out to the houseless of Lydgate. The park is set to shutter at the end of May to its current houseless residents, who have been able to shelter in place for over a year. Garden Island.

Hawaii officials and party leaders condemn Capitol violence, state DOE warns 1,300 teachers could be cut, vaccination hubs open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump supporters rally at Hawaii Capitol Jan. 6, 2021 PC:Hawaii News Now

Trump supporters, detractors gather in Hawaii; most condemn pro-Trump mob in DC. About 200 supporters of President Donald Trump demonstrated at Hawaii’s Capitol building on Wednesday, but they kept their demonstration peaceful and most rejected the acts of mob violence by Trump supporters who swarmed on Congress. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Blames President Trump For Violence At US Capitol. Peaceful protesters gathered outside the Hawaii Capitol to support the president and object to the pandemic response. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Issues Statement Amid News of Protestors Storming of the US Capitol. Maui Now.

Governor Ige releases statement in response to ongoing situation at U.S. Capitol. KITV4.

Our DC Reporter Had A Close-Up View Of The Mob Taking Over The Capitol. Nick Grube was on his way to the Electoral College ceremony when events of the day overtook him. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers condemn uprising. The unprecedented assault on the U.S. Capitol Wednesday by a mob of angry Donald Trump supporters drew incredulity and condemnation of the president’s inflammatory run-up to the violence that saw one woman shot and killed, a lockdown and a police standoff with protesters in the normally august U.S. House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation recount a terrifying day in DC. Some of Hawaii’s congressional members were hunkered down inside their offices when rioters breached the US Capitol building on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii delegation reacts to storming of US Capitol. Lawmakers were forced to evacuate as they worked to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Delegation Safe as Violence Erupts in Capitol. “This is a sad day in America’s history,” Hawai‘i Governor David Ige told local reporters after calling an unscheduled press conference Wednesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i lawmakers respond to Capitol riot. Gov. David Ige called the protests to undermine the presidential election an assault on democracy and everything this country stands for. Garden Island.

Hawaii Republican, Democratic parties issue joint statement calling for calm. The chairs of the Hawaii Republican and Democratic parties issued a joint statement Wednesday condemning the violent mob that stormed the US Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii political party leaders set differences aside, condemn violence at US Capitol. Republican and Democratic leaders in Hawaii put their political differences aside and condemned the violence in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. KHON2.

Hawai'i Republican Party and Democratic Party of Hawaii release joint statement on ongoing situation at U.S. Capitol. KITV4.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki to push uniform travel rules. House Speaker Scott Saiki plans to introduce legislation that would create statewide, uniform COVID-19 travel rules to reduce confusion for both residents and tourists. Star-Advertiser.

State Finance Director Says Carbon And Sugar Taxes May Be Among Increases. Craig Hirai stressed that nothing is settled but dropped some hints about possible tax increases in a House Finance Committee hearing. Civil Beat.

‘In crisis’: Superintendent says 1,300 teaching positions could be cut by end of year. The state Department of Education is expecting a budget cut of $400 million and officials warn that could mean 1,300 teaching positions could be cut. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Education reports a plan is in the works to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to 44,000+ employees. Educators and childcare employees are listed on Phase 1B of the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. KHON2.

Hawaiian Affairs Committee Lacks Native Hawaiian Legislators. Gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands, greater burial protections, and OHA election reform are just some of the top Native Hawaiian issues up for debate among state lawmakers this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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AlohaSafe app aims to slow COVID-19 as deaths increase. The state Health Department officially launched its new AlohaSafe Alert app, along with a new media campaign targeting Hawaii’s youth on Wednesday as the daily COVID-19 case count and death toll continued to rise. Star-Advertiser.

State launches AlohaSafe Alert app. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health in partnership with aio Digital and the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative have launched AlohaSafe Alert, an exposure notification app to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Garden Island.

A new app could warn you if you’ve been possibly exposed to COVID-19. The AlohaSafe Alert, which is now available in Maui, Honolulu, Hawaii and Kauai counties, anonymously tracks signals in relation to other devices with the application. Hawaii News Now.

Catholic Charities Hawai'i to provide additional rent relief through state assistance program. Catholic Charities Hawaii and the State of Hawaii announced on Wednesday the launch of a new rent relief program that will begin accepting applications next week. KITV4.

New Rent Relief Program Announced. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and the State of Hawai‘i announced Wednesday the launch of a new rent relief program that will begin accepting applications next week. Big Island Now.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian to suspend air service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will discontinue ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai next week. This move will suspend all operations by the interisland carrier. Star-Advertiser.

Vaccination Hubs Open for Healthcare Workers. As a way to continue to rapidly administer COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers, the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i are working with hospitals in each county to ensure independent healthcare providers and their staff can obtain the first dosage of their vaccine this month. Big Island Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 6: 143 New COVID-19 Cases And 10 Deaths. Health officials reported 10 deaths and 143 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 85 on Oahu, 29 on Maui, eight on the Big Island, three on Kauai, one on Molokai and 17 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Chair Announces Committee Assignments. Councilmen Calvin Say and Brandon Elefante will be in powerful roles. Civil Beat.

Queen’s Medical Center reports cluster of 39 COVID-19 cases. The Queen’s Medical Center reported today a cluster of 39 COVID-19 cases at its main Punchbowl location. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Medical Center found 27 caregivers, 12 patients positive with COVID-19. Dozens of staff and patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at The Queen’s Medical Center at Punchbowl. KHON2.

HPD: ‘We can only do so much’ when it comes to stopping aerial fireworks. The Honolulu Police Department says they received about 2,000 calls regarding illegal aerial fireworks in the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But out of those calls, just 45 citations were issued, and there was just one arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu housing market ends 2020 with a bang. Oahu’s housing market made a huge recovery in December with a sales spike that followed several months of hefty declines earlier last year after coronavirus impacts began in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH responds to review of Maunakea management. A statement from the university concluded with a promise to use the results of the assessment to continue to improve its stewardship of the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

Life Care Center begins COVID vaccinations. Life Care Center of Hilo on Wednesday began vaccinating residents and employees against COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

Activists clear tents at Wailoa, leave garden. Activists occupying a portion of Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo were expecting state Department of Land and Natural Resource enforcement officers at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Resurrected Kanaka Garden Ordered To Stop. The Kanaka Garden has returned to Wailoa River State Recreation Area, and state law enforcement is already ordering those involved to cease and desist. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Some residents plea for Maui County COVID-19 task force, but Mayor Victorino not interested. 30 new cases of COVID-19 in Maui County reported Wednesday are part of an 81% rise in cases since December 22nd. The outbreak sparked some residents to hold a protest outside of Mayor Mike Victorino’s press conference Wednesday calling on him to accept more help in the form of a COVID-19 task force. KHON2.

Maui health officials focus on two large clusters of COVID cases. One cluster is at Maui Memorial Medical Center where officials said there were 14 positive patients on Thursday. The other cluster at Harbor Lights in Kahului has ballooned to 75 cases, according to county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Harbor Lights Cluster Rises to 75; Mayor Calls for Peace Amid Challenging Times. There are now 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 tied to the Harbor Lights cluster in Kahului, Maui, with more testing slated to get underway today. Maui Now.

Local restaurants and bars adapt to further county restrictions. Local bar and restaurant owners say the ever-changing rules and new restrictions placed on their businesses are growing more difficult, with one owner saying it’s definitely killing us. Maui News.

Kauai

Rise to Work provides nearly 300 jobs. In a Monday video, the County of Kaua‘i Kupa‘a Kaua‘i program announced 280 displayed workers on Kaua‘i were hired by 100 local employers into the Rise to Work program. Garden Island.

Monk Seal Killings On Kauai Highlight Human Threat To Endangered Species. A new study found that human activity was to blame for more than half of all known seal deaths in the islands over the past quarter century. Civil Beat.

'Hilo Boyz' in Congress, state lawmakers push Ige for statewide mask mandate, Blangiardi taps political insider for No. 2, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele on Zoom

‘Hilo Boyz’ Ed Case And Kai Kahele Prepare For 2021. Both men will represent Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives after a contentious election year that saw Joe Biden defeat President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele and Ed Case vow to work together to help Hawaii in U.S. Congress. U.S. Congressman Ed Case and Congressman-Elect Kai Kahele on Monday morning vowed to work together to help Hawaii receive the federal funding it critically needs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Case, Kahele discuss priorities as they prep for 117th Congress. The response to COVID-19 is a priority for Hawaii’s congressmen as they prepare for the start of the 117th Congress in January. Tribune-Herald.

"Proud Hilo boys" plan to push for more federal COVID relief on Capitol Hill. Congressman Ed Case and Congressman-Elect Kai Kahele say they're eager to represent the islands on Capitol Hill as a team. KITV4.

Kahele among group of Natives in Congress giving hope for change. Internet access, health care and basic necessities like running water and electricity within Indigenous communities have long been at the center of congressional debates. But until recently, Congress didn’t have many Indigenous members who were pushing for solutions and funding for those issues. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s Senators See New Hope For Hawaiian Issues In Washington. A Biden presidency will give U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono more opportunity to pursue Native Hawaiian issues as well as climate change and immigration. Civil Beat.

What Local Election Results Reveal About Hawaii’s Politics. When it comes to the results of state and local races in Hawaii’s 2020 election, Colin Moore with the Public Policy Center at University of Hawaii-Manoa says there is one word to describe the results: stability. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Pressure builds for stronger mask mandate. The issue of whether masks are mandatory across the islands arose once again Monday with key state legislators pressing Gov. David Ige to emphatically state that wearing masks is required statewide to help slow the rising spread of COVID-19 and prevent a third surge of cases. Star-Advertiser.

State mask policy doesn’t go far enough, lawmakers and economists agree. Lt. Gov. Josh Green wants a special legislative session called so that lawmakers can create a clear policy when it comes to mask wearing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s lead economist calls statewide mask mandate a “no-brainer”. Hawaii’s leading economist says there is a “no-brainer” to avoiding the next surge in COVID-19 cases and ensuing economic downturn: everyone wear a mask in public. KHON2.

House COVID-19 panel hears presentations about state’s economic recovery, worries about another spike in cases. The state’s economic recovery is going better than expected but could be on the verge of another crisis, according to presentations during a Monday meeting of the House COVID-19 committee. Tribune-Herald.

UH assembles team of experts to discuss economic diversification, sustainability during pandemic. The four-day virtual conference started on Monday, November 9. Topics include food resiliency and self-sufficient solutions. KITV4.

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Acellus online curriculum promotes religion, shows racial and cultural bias, Hawaii reviewers find. The Acellus online curriculum has gender, racial and cultural biases and seems to promote religion in the public schools, according to a report released today by the Hawaii Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Report: Acellus Online Curriculum Violated Religion, Discrimination Policies. The Hawaii Department of Education’s internal review of the remote learning tool found the inappropriate content in lessons to be “severe, pervasive and persistent.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gets $1.8M To Support Families With Section 8 Vouchers. The money will go to help renters on Oahu and Maui. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 9: 64 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, including four on Hawaii Island, two on Kauai, and 53 on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Michael Formby picked as Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi’s managing director. In tapping former city Transportation Services Director Michael Formby to be his top lieutenant, Blangiardi picked someone well versed in the ways of city, state and federal government — and who knows a thing or two about the city’s vexing $10 billion- plus rail project to boot. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor-Elect Blangiardi Names Mike Formby As Managing Director. Rick Blangiardi, who will take elected office for the first time, has tapped a political insider to handle the city’s day to day operations. Civil Beat.

Mayor-elect Blangiardi names Formby to Honolulu's No. 2 job. Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi has named Mike Formby, a former director of the city’s transportation department and the most recent executive director of the Pacific Resource Partnership, as managing director of his administration, the No. 2 job in the city. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu mayor-elect makes first selection of incoming administration. Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi has announced that he has selected Michael Formby as his managing director. An attorney, Formby served as a director in the city Department of Transportation Services, as well as previously at the state Transportation Department. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor-elect Blangiardi is building his staff. He named Mike Formby as his managing director. Formby worked in government positions for the city, state and federal levels for nearly 20 years. KITV4.

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Oahu could stay in Tier 2 longer than hoped. With the recent rise in coronavirus cases, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says it’s still possible for Oahu to move into Tier 3 by Thanksgiving. KHON2.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell hopes to go to Tier 3 on Thanksgiving. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is still hopeful that Oahu can move into Tier 3 by Thanksgiving, allowing 10 people to gather, up from five currently allowed under Tier 2. Star-Advertiser.

After uptick in new COVID-19 cases, mayor urges Oahu to ‘get back on track’. A recent uptick in new COVID-19 cases on Oahu could slow or reverse the city’s reopening plans, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warned Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses, residents worry rising number of COVID-19 cases could trigger restrictions. Oahu businesses and residents are weighing in on the prospect of a slowed reopening — or the reintroduction of some restrictions — if COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Hawaii News Now.

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Ethics Complaint Filed After Honolulu Lobbyist Fails (Again) To Register. Longtime local lobbyist David Arakawa hasn’t registered to lobby at the city despite advocating against recent legislative proposals to reshape Honolulu’s parking and urban-planning policies. Civil Beat.

Diamond Head Theatre redevelopment begins. The final curtain is expected to fall at the 87-year-old Diamond Head Theatre building in 2022 with construction now underway on a new venue. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Feds pick up the tab for county workers: $3.7M in wages, overtime attributed to COVID-19 work since March. The federal government picked up $3.7 million for salaries, wages and overtime of county employees during the first seven months of the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released by the county Department of Finance in response to a West Hawaii Today public records request. West Hawaii Today.

County Housing Agency delays approval of action plan for housing buyout program funds. The County Housing Agency last week voted to postpone approval of an action plan that details how more than $83 million in federal disaster recovery money will be spent. Tribune-Herald.

‘Cautiously optimistic’: Kailua Village Business Improvement District updates council. Despite the damage incurred amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Kailua Village Business Improvement District says services in downtown Kailua-Kona will likely go unchanged this fiscal year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community Pet Support Program Initiated. A new program that provides basic veterinary care to pets in need of assistance is making its way around Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.


Maui

DHHL Publishes Final EA for Pu‘unani Subdivision on Maui. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published its final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Puʻunani Subdivision in Waikapū, Maui. Maui Now.

‘No parking’ signs frustrate beachgoers in Paia. Beachgoers, surfers and fishermen are frustrated over the recently installed “no parking” signs along Hana Highway, which are intended to reduce “dangerously parked” cars but have left them with few other places to go. Maui News.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort to Reopen on Nov. 15. The reopening marks the debut of The Grand Life, programming focused on well-being and incorporating personalized health and safety measures, as well as a reimagined twist to the resort’s experiences. Maui Now.

Kauai

Rental assistance receives funds. Monday, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive $1,820,264 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher program. Garden Island.

‘Beloved Bundles’ celebrate forensic nurses. Forensic Nurses provide nursing care, collect evidence, and provide consultation in areas including sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, death investigation, elder mistreatment, corrections, emergency services, mental health, and public health, states a Kaua‘i County Council announcement of the observance. Garden Island.