Hawaii studies mask use, economic rebound not expected for many months, UH football to resume, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery shopping in Hawaii during COVID-19 ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii leads effort in study of mask use. Hawaii is breaking ground in trying to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officials said that it is the first state to track the percentage of residents wearing masks in public. KHON2.

Significant 2021 Hawaii economy rebound not in the forecast. Hawaii residents should not expect any meaningful broad recovery in the state economy until the middle of next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Businesses Are Dying. Is Government Helping Or Hurting? Many local businesses have cut back or closed, putting tens of thousands out of work. Economists say don’t expect a turnaround until at least the middle of next year. Civil Beat.

Panel: We Need Solid Data To Predict Hawaii’s Economic Future. Economists say it’s tough to help decision-makers guide economic recovery without consistent information from government and other sources. Civil Beat.

State tourism agency crafting messages to entice visitors after Oct. 15. As Hawaii prepares to loosen travel restrictions for out-of-state travelers in October, tourism officials are trying to determine how to advertise to a travel-fearful populace. Tribune-Herald.

More hotels announce reopening plans as pre-travel testing program start nears. As the pre-travel testing start date of Oct. 15 nears, more hotels are announcing reopening plans. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono wants Gov. David Ige to spend CARES Act money before it goes away. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono wants Gov. David Ige to provide more transparency in how the state is spending federal CARES Act funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — along with a spending plan before the rest of the funds potentially dry up by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

$14 Million Allocated To Boost Hospital Staffing. The funds, provided through the federal CARES Act, will provide more than 200 additional nurses at various hospitals statewide. Big Island Video News.

Attorney argues Hawaii law is a ban on carrying guns. A challenge to Hawaii’s strict gun laws was back before a federal appeals court Thursday, where an attorney representing the state tried to defend a law that allowed officials to deny George Young a permit to carry a loaded gun in public. West Hawaii Today.

COVID-19 restrictions banning short-term vacation rentals haven’t lifted on Oahu yet, but the isle’s owners and suppliers again realized the highest, albeit still low, August occupancy statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing in mainland labs exclusively for its guests. Hawaiian Airlines plans to offer drive-through COVID-19 tests in select U.S. mainland gateways that will allow travelers to bypass the state’s 14-day quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

State reverses course on accepting mail-in tests for United Airlines pre-arrivals testing pilot. State officials said they will not accept the less costly of two COVID-19 tests United Airlines wants to offer passengers to encourage travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Liholiho, E.B. de Silva and Waikiki Elementary honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Three Hawaii elementary schools were named 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools today and all are repeat winners — Waikiki School, Liholiho School in Kaimuki and E.B. de Silva Elementary. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz Seeks Details On Ventilation in Classrooms. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told private and public school leaders that proper circulation and ventilation in the schools is critical to prevent COVID-19 spread. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 24: 90 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 90 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 81 on Oahu, five on Hawaii island, two on Maui and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

State reports 90 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional fatalities. Of the 90 new cases, 81 are on Oahu, five are on the Big Island, two are on Maui and two are out of state. The infections were out of 1,737 tests conducted, a 5.1% positivity rate. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Robbins Keeps His Job, But Rail Faces More ‘Substantial’ Impacts To Schedule And Cost. The critical utility relocation work on Dillingham Boulevard has stalled amid an epic impasse between HART and city planners. Civil Beat.

HART board reverses course, won’t fire CEO Robbins before contract expires. In a stunning reversal, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board on Thursday refused to fire CEO Andy Robbins ― a week after chairman Toby Martyn claimed he actually had the votes to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Future of HART CEO uncertain after board fails to act. Who will head the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit next year, when the troubled rail project is scheduled to begin partial operation, remained in doubt Thursday after the HART board couldn’t decide what to do with current CEO Andrew Robbins. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii state beaches and trails, recreational boating open to groups of 5 or less. Starting today, state officials are allowing five-person groups on state beaches and hiking trails, in alignment with Honolulu’s newest emergency order. Star-Advertiser.

City may adapt if dual metrics for Oahu reopening tiers don’t move in sync. Oahu’s reopening plan is a four-tier program that could take until the end of the year to reach the home stretch. KHON2.

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UH football is returning. It appears the University of Hawaii will play football this season, after its conference, the Mountain West voted Thursday to have an eight game season starting October 24th. KITV4.

Mountain West Conference approves fall football. Forty-five days after announcing the postponement of the 2020 season, the Mountain West Conference’s Board of Directors — comprised of the presidents of the 12 football-playing schools — approved Thursday’s measure to launch a season beginning on Oct. 24. Star-Advertiser.

Mountain West votes to play shortened eight-game 2020 football season. The Rainbow Warrior football team could take the field for the 2020 football season as soon as next month under the terms of an agreement that has reportedly been reached by administrators of the Mountain West Conference. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii football set for return following Mountain West announcement. A Thursday afternoon vote by the presidents of the Mountain West Conference, of which Hawaii is a football-only member, voted in favor of an eight-game conference-only season starting on Oct. 24. KHON2.

New Aloha Stadium’s 2023 opener in danger. The projected Sept. 2, 2023, opening of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is in danger of being pushed back, officials suggested Thursday, a move which could add $20 million or more to the price tag. Star-Advertiser.

City’s shelter program at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park serves 500 homeless. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Thursday a shelter program at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among the homeless population has served 500 people. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Federal virus relief funds to be used for 9 temporary health care providers at HMC. Spokeswoman Elena Cabatu said the hospital will welcome an intensive care unit nurse and a medical-surgical nurse on Sept. 28, and one ICU nurse, four medical-surgical nurses, one telemetry nurse and one respiratory therapist on Oct. 5. Tribune-Herald.

Feeding the need: More than 100,000 people fed via Ohana Food Drops. Vehicles lined up early, snaking around the block waiting to enter The Food Basket’s Ohana Food Drop Thursday at the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium parking lot in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor keen on more testing for trans-Pacific visitors. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino would “prefer” trans-Pacific visitors take a second COVID-19 test upon arrival even after testing negative for the virus prior to making the trip to Maui County. Maui News.

Two Hours of Testimony Received on Proposed Olowalu Development. Two hours of testimony was received on Wednesday relating to the fast-track Liahuʻula housing project proposed for development in Olowalu. Maui Now.

COVID-19 takes lifeguard off Makena beach tower. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken lifeguards off the Big Beach tower in Makena and thwarted plans to set up a tower at Black Rock, among the two more dangerous beach and ocean sites on Maui, as the state marks Beach Safety Week this week. Maui News.

‘Temptation Island’ to begin filming by end of the month. Reality TV series “Temptation Island” will begin filming at the end of the month after the first round of arriving cast and crew completed quarantine and tested negative for COVID-19. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua'i reports first new COVID-19 positive case in more than one month. Kaua'i has reported its first new COVID-19 positive case in more than one month and that person is the 58th case of coronavirus on Kaua'i. KITV4.

Council candidates discuss legislation toward climate change. What candidates for the Kaua‘i County Council would be willing to do to mitigate climate change was the focus of what may be the only forum prior to the general election. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development office shares initiatives. On Thursday, the Lihu‘e Business Association hosted a forum, virtually, with four panelists from the Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development discussing current initiatives on agriculture, business, climate and resiliency. Garden Island.

Rapid ‘ohi‘a death found in new areas. The most recent helicopter surveys conducted by the Kaua‘i Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death Rapid Response Team resulted in detections of the virulent fungal pathogen known as Ceratocystis lukuohia in two new areas on Kaua‘i, the upper Hanalei Valley and along the north side of Powerline Trail. Garden Island.

Protests drag on at Mauna Kea, Kahuku; Hirono's cancer diagnosis fuels health care crusade, building heights big issue on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono ©2019 All Hawaii News

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s cancer diagnosis has fueled her crusade for health care reform. It’s been two and a half years since U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced she was fighting advanced kidney cancer. Star-Advertiser.

Money flows to federal campaigns. Money continues flowing into campaign coffers for Hawaii’s congressional delegation, even for Senate candidates who have several years before their next election. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless family sent from NYC had jobs, housing.  New York City program sent a homeless family to Hawaii that had one-year’s worth of prepaid rent, prearranged housing and prearranged employment, and Lt. Gov. Josh Green is “satisfied” with the arrangements following an hourlong telephone conversation Friday with three New York City officials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ‘OK’ in beach report. A new report from the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation gives Hawaii a “C” in coastal management as it relates to climate change. Garden Island.

Bilingual students outpace native speakers in graduation rates in Hawaii. Students in Hawaii’s public schools who study English as a second language and master it before high school are more likely to graduate on time than kids who are native speakers. Star-Advertiser.

Studies: Pigs good, bad for environment. New research out of the University of Hawaii supports the state’s work to eradicate invasive and prevalent feral pigs, but also shows ways in which watersheds can benefit from the animals. Garden Island.

Oahu

Kahuku Wind Farm Opponents Declare Intent to Sue Developer. A North Shore citizens group led by Hawaii Sen. Gil Riviere said on Friday that it plans to sue the developers of a major wind farm project being built in Kahuku. Civil Beat.


 More arrests made after another large crowd of wind farm protesters turns out at Kalaeloa. Several people were arrested late Sunday into early Monday after another large crowd turned out in Kalaeloa over a wind farm project on Oahu’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.


Wind farm protesters gather in Kalaeloa. Exactly one month after the first arrests linked to the Na Pua Makani wind farm project were made, opponents of the project gathered in Kalaeloa Sunday night to once more attempt to stop the transport of wind turbines. Star-Advertiser.


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Despite Changes, Some Food Vendors Still Oppose Proposed City Plastics Ban. A measure banning single-use plastic and polystyrene products from Oahu restaurants is moving to the full City Council for a final vote after amendments, although some businesses remain opposed to it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Anxious Palolo residents worry about home stability as erosion worsens. Anxious residents say the hillside erosion in Palolo is expanding. They say the collapse along Kuahea Street has moved to other streets in the neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Beach Residents Want Marines To Take Another Look At Retaining Wall. Military says it’s fine but Hawaii’s top coastal management official calls the project part of a “death knell” for the islands’ beaches. Civil Beat.

‘Kauhale’ homeless concept generating offers of donations. More construction- related companies, architects and two private landowners have stepped forward to help create a new, communal “kauhale” concept to build permanent, tiny homes for Oahu’s chronically homeless adults. Star-Advertiser.

Kaneohe condo complex defies city ordinance and cuts down protected trees to enhance views. On the slopes of a Kaneohe promontory prized for its ocean views, more than 1,000 trees including milo, mango, kukui, weeping banyan and silver trumpet have stood for decades as part of a lush hillside — and a knotty problem. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Honolulu Traffic Is Terrible. So Why Aren’t More People Riding TheBus? With ridership sliding, city officials are trying to get more butts in transit seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

HUD Won’t Fund Housing In Lava Zones 1 & 2. Housing projects will not get funded by HUD CDBG-DR money, but public infrastructre projects will. Big Island Video News.

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Four months later, Maunakea camp is a ‘well-oiled machine’. After the four-month anniversary of the creation of the camp at Maunakea Access Road, some things have changed but more have stayed the same. Tribune-Herald.

Retired Lt. Files Complaint Over HPD Mauna Kea Operation. A recently retired lieutenant from the Hawaiʻi County Police Department is taking action, and has filed a complaint in regards to the ongoing police activity around Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Police: Flags on cars not a problem. The Hawaii Police Department has been upfront about its law enforcement efforts around the Maunakea protests since the demonstration began in July. West Hawaii Today.

TMT supporters question sacredness of Mauna Kea, opponents disagree. This disagreement -- even among Hawaiians on what’s sacred -- indicates that a resolution or a compromise to the 126-day-old stalemate is far off. Hawaii News Now.

Visitors have turned to the Mauna Loa summit for their sightseeing needs. The 17-mile roadway, owned and managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, is near the Mauna Kea Access Road on the opposite side of the highway. Star-Advertiser.

Man makes home out of cave near protesters’ camp. While the borders of the Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu are ever-changing, they do not extend to one of the more curious developments near the Maunakea Access Road: a partially-collapsed lava tube where one man has made a home. Tribune-Herald.

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Army plans Big Isle drill with Chinese soldiers. An opening ceremony will be held Monday on Hawaii island for a military exercise with China that will involve about 100 People’s Liberation Army soldiers training alongside U.S. Army counterparts. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Residents oppose Wailuku building height increase. Proposals shelved; agency is planning public workshops. Maui News.

Kamaole dunes are up for restoration. Sand dunes play key role in slowing erosion. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Ohana Zone coming soon. Kauai County officials are finishing up plans for a facility to provide homeless residents with affordable housing and social services, and hope to break ground on the project next month. Garden Island.

New fare Kauai Bus structure to go into effect on Jan 1, 2020. As part of the recommendations provided by Kauai’s recently completed Short Range Transit Plan, The Kauai Bus is announcing that a new fare structure will be going into effect Jan. 1, 2020. KHON2.

Oceans of discovery. The new Kauai ocean discovery facility is finally coming, said Jean Souza, the program specialist with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Islands Region. Garden Island.

Hawaii pushes new road usage charge, ex-Schofield Army range director pleads guilty in bribery scandal, Kauai giving affordable rental tax breaks, relocated rare Maui birds die, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii roadwork ©2019 All Hawaii News

Survey: Hawaii’s Roads Third Worst To Drive. Only South Carolina and Louisiana scored worse than the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

Survey shows Hawaii has third worst roads in the country. A survey released Tuesday by Consumer Affairs, shows Hawaii has the third worst roads in the country. KITV.

HDOT Continues Study on Road Usage Charge. Beginning this month, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation will mail driving reports to thousands of vehicle owners across the state in an effort to research the feasibility of adjusting to a per-mile road usage charge. Big Island Now.

Check your mail: HDOT sends out info on proposed road usage charge. Starting this week, thousands of vehicle owners across Hawaii will be receiving driving reports in their mailboxes. Hawaii News Now.

DOT looks to switch from gas tax to road usage charge for road maintenance funding. One third of the state’s funding for road and bridge maintenance comes from our 16 cents-per-gallon gas tax. KHON2.

DOT has a long-term fix for Hawaii’s roads. The Department of Transportation has a solution that could double the life of their roads. It’s called stone matrix asphalt, a stronger and more flexible aggregate that could last up to 25 years.  KHON2.

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Companies Vie to ‘Accelerate’ Clean Energy Transition. The Hawaiian Electric Companies have received more than 75 proposals after its call for more renewable energy resources to “accelerate the state’s transition off fossil fuels used for generations of electricity.” Maui Now.

Public Safety Deputy Director For Corrections Is Retiring. Jodie Maesaka-Hirata is leaving in December and will be replaced by a top DPS administrator. Civil Beat.

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State consumer office warns of email phishing scam. The state Office of Consumer Protection warns local businesses about fraudulent emails that have been going out with its letterhead and a spoofed account. Star-Advertiser.

Phishing scam imitating state agencies sent to local businesses. The fraudulent email says a claim has been submitted against the business and provides a link for the business to reply. KHON2.

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Mazie Hirono Gets A Book Deal To Tell Her Life Story. The U.S. senator from Hawaii will detail her upbringing as an immigrant, her recent bout with kidney cancer and her political life in the Trump era. Civil Beat.

Gabbard enlists high-profile law firm with roster of colorful clients in claims against Clinton. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is being represented by the law firm Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht in her claims that Hillary Clinton defamed her by making comments about Russian support for Gabbard’s presidential bid. Star-Advertiser.

White Nationalists Try To Claim Aloha Spirit As Their Own. David Duke endorsed an ultra-right radio show on social media with the caption “the aloha spirit will set you free.” Civil Beat.

Museums and archives are often celebrated as rich repositories of culture and history. But for the communities whose culture and history are on display, having a say over what should become of these items is an ongoing battle – one that some native Hawaiian advocates and scholars are tackling head on. Hawaii Public Radio.

UFO? Satellites? Aircraft? Some across the islands saw strange lights in the night sky. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Proponents of plastics-ban bill hold rally before committee vote. With smiles and cheers beneath a bright morning sun, supporters of Bill 40, which seeks to ban Styrofoam and single-use plastics in the City and County of Honolulu, gathered Tuesday for an educational rally on Honolulu Hale’s front lawn. Star-Advertiser.

Scaled-down version of single-use plastics ban finds support from some businesses. After pushback from food industry leaders, a City Council committee is set to consider a revised version the bill that would target Oahu’s single-use plastics. Hawaii News Now.

Some O'ahu businesses support revised bill of "plastic ban". It's a proposal working it's way through the city council that has many businesses upset. KITV.

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Former Schofield Army range director pleads guilty in bribery scandal. The U.S. Department of Justice says 67-year-old Victor Garo of Mililani admitted to accepting over $100,000 in bribes to steer federal contracts worth more than $18 million to a specific contractor. Hawaii News Now.

Former US Army Range Director Pleads Guilty of Conspiracy. Victor Garo is the third public official to plead guilty as a result of an ongoing investigation into fraud and bribery at Schofield Barracks. Big Island Now.

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Kealoha Drug Plea Results In New Claim Of Prosecutorial Misconduct. Accused drug dealer Tiffany Masunaga wants charges against her dropped because Katherine Kealoha admitted manipulating the case. Civil Beat.

Controversial Ala Moana Playground Is a ‘Gift’ City Council May Refuse. A recent vote suggests the proposal may lack the Honolulu City Council support it needs to proceed at Ala Moana. Civil Beat.

New homeless services hub is expected to open in Waipahu next month. A pilot project involves inflatable, portable tents and the opportunity for unsheltered homeless people to receive medical and counseling services, housing help, hygiene and laundry services, and, if needed, a temporary place to sleep. KITV.

Honolulu City Council considers shortening time Hawaiian Humane Society must keep stray dogs, cats. A Honolulu City Council committee Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require registered pet dogs and cats to be microchipped and would shorten the minimum time that strays need to be held by the Hawaiian Humane Society to five days from the current nine. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii thieves target cars’ catalytic converters at huge cost to motorists. At least a dozen vehicles, mostly Honda Elements, have had their catalytic converters stolen in the last six weeks because they contain precious metals such as platinum. Star-Advertiser.

Thieves target a part under cars that could be a costly fix. There is a warning from auto repair shops about an expensive new crime. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Study of Hilo Bay breakwater expected to begin in early 2020. A state and federal study to determine whether the Hilo Bay breakwater should be modified likely will begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Ormat Gives Puna Geothermal Update In Latest Earnings Call. Ormat hopes to have the Puna Geothermal Venture plant in Puna back in full operation by the end of the second quarter of 2020, and has also filed suit against insurers. Big Island Video News.

Kierkiewicz disclosure, Ethics Board presentation planned. It’s been almost three months since the Board of Ethics approved an advisory opinion requiring Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz to file an after-the-fact written disclosure of a possible conflict of interest stemming from a vote she took earlier this year. West Hawaii Today.

‘There’s many laws I don’t like’: Mayor Kim seeks neutrality in dealing with Mauna Kea conflict. During a high-stakes interview with Harry Kim, the 80-year-old Hawaii County mayor repeatedly referred to his commitment in finding a peaceful way forward despite, what appears to be an impossible impasse. Hawaii News Now.

HVO updates webcam network at Kilauea’s summit. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has updated its Kilauea webcam network, adding new cameras and decommissioning old ones that are no longer useful for monitoring purposes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Nine Rare Kiwikiu Birds Die Out of 13 Translocated at Maui’s Nakula Forest. The Kiwikiu or Maui Parrotbill birds were part of a larger group of 13 that were translocated from captivity and the wild to the Nakula Natural Area Reserve on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā in East Maui. Maui Now.

Effort to help endangered Maui bird on hold following multiple deaths. A multiagency campaign to establish a second population of one of Hawaii’s most critically endangered birds got off to a dreadful start, with at least nine of 13 kiwikiu apparently succumbing quickly to avian malaria, officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mosquitoes are threatening the population of rare birds on Maui. Mosquitoes are having a negative impact on the efforts to save the Kiwikiu in the forests of Haleakala, the state said. Hawaii News Now.

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Protesters unhappy with mayor, injection well case. Maui News.

Kula Community Association to discuss tax proposals. Proposed changes to Maui County Council’s real property tax system will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday night. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor signs rental bills. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed five Additional Rental Unit bills on Tuesday that would waive permitting fees on additional rental units deemed affordable. Garden Island.

Dive finds healthy corals and plenty of fish. A recent diving outing on the south side of Kauai found an array of colorful corals and fascinating fish. Garden Island.

Hawaii bankruptcies hit 5-year high, state looks to curb child sex trafficking, counties struggle with vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Orchids at Hawaii show ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senate Provision Requires Impact Study Of Imported Orchids. Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi, a state known for its orchid growing industry, wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture to submit a report on the economic and environmental impacts of importing foreign orchids in growing media. Big Island Video News.

State bankruptcies hit highest level in 5 years. There were more bankruptcy filings in October than in any month since 2014 as the number of cases now appears nearly certain to top 2018’s full-year total in just 11 months. Star-Advertiser.

Feds called to resolve rail land dispute. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the city are turning to the federal government to help resolve a years-long stalemate over how to value land in a property exchange involving the rail project. Star-Advertiser.

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Protests are continuing against three separate projects in Hawaii. That’s led people who work with infrastructure development to rethink how they engage the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea protests have exposed ‘corruption,’ activists say. There is a strong sense among them that the struggle over Mauna Kea has finally exposed systemic unfairness in public institutions that, among other injustices, allowed the TMT to win government approval. Star-Advertiser.

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Why Some Native Hawaiians End Up Selling Coveted Homesteads. So far this year, 16 residential homesteads have been sold on Oahu — allowing buyers to shortcut DHHL’s long waiting list. Civil Beat.

Aloha United Way helps families stay out of poverty. After waiting 60 years for a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands lot to build their home, Keonaona Salis and his family finally felt like they won the lottery. Star-Advertiser.

Principals Forced to Hire Non-speakers for Hawaiian Immersion Positions Amid Teacher Shortage. About 43 percent of Hawaiian immersion teachers do not speak Hawaiian. Maui Now.

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Authorities seek ways to protect children in the islands from sexual exploitation. It's a relatively unknown crisis that has hit our island paradise, but officials say more awareness about the issue of child sex trafficking is the first step to ending its vicious cycle. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii tourism industry is getting involved with sex trafficking awareness. It's part of an inaugural symposium that kicks off on Oahu Monday and will continue statewide through the week. KITV.

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September Vacation Rental Performance Report. For seven years, the State of Hawai‘i has set visitor arrival records. But during those years, the number of traditional lodging units, like hotels and timeshares, has increased only minimally. Big Island Now.

State drives toward renewable energy. Hawaii is getting a boost toward the goal of transitioning its municipal fleets to 100% renewable energy by 2045 thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Garden Island.

State Rep. John Mizuno (D-Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights) is calling for the U.S. Attorney General’s office to investigate allegations that New York City officials are shipping homeless people to Hawaii. Garden Island.

Why Nearly Half The Kids In An Island State Can’t Swim. Some Hawaii schools are working with community groups to make swim lessons more affordable and more widely available. Civil Beat.

Kaiser billing-practices suit against Queen’s dismissed. A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. against The Queen’s Health Systems over unfair billing practices. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu short-term vacation rentals drop steeply since city’s crackdown Vacation rental supply fell on Oahu and the number of visitors reporting vacation rental stays dropped by about half in September, the first month since the city’s crackdown on illegal rentals took effect. Star-Advertiser.

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State to extend Pali Highway hours as crews prepare to wrap up repairs. The state is extending Pali Highway hours, giving Windward Oahu drivers the opportunity to use the route seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Pali Highway to open daily starting Monday. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has completed emergency slope repairs and is reopening the Pali Highway (Route 61) daily during daytime hours. KHON2.

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A new village-style homeless project could begin to rise by Thanksgiving on Oahu. A new village-style homeless project could start to rise in Kalaeloa before the end of the month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Vacation rental applications flood Planning Department. A month after a key deadline for short-term vacation rentals, the Hawaii County Planning Department is plowing through almost 4,000 applications, including 1,150 seeking exemptions for nonconforming zoning. West Hawaii Today.

County to hear first appeal of vacation rental permit denial. A Captain Cook homeowner is appealing the county’s new short-term vacation rental law, saying it’s unconstitutional. West Hawaii Today.

Second lab sought for HMC cardiac clinic. Cardiac services continue to expand at Hilo Medical Center, with a full panel of cardiologists now on staff and treating patients, and hospital officials are hoping to keep that momentum going. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thousands of meals made for local children in need. Two local companies team up for a good cause. Many hands made light work Saturday during a joint local effort to pack 20,000 dry meals for Maui children in need. Maui News.

Kauai

Spectrum restores internet, cable for Kauai residents after second lapse in service. Kauai residents are back online after another outage of phone, internet and cable services Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami on Thursday signed a proclamation declaring Stop the Ant Month in support of little fire ant awareness on Kauai. Garden Island.

Parking crackdown, tickets on Mauna Kea, Honolulu cites first 5 illegal vacation rentals, new stadium on fast track, sticker shock for fresh ahi, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hirono tours Mauna Kea protest site. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono visited the site of the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope and toured the tent encampment at the base of the Mauna Kea Access Road for several hours Monday morning, speaking with protest leaders and Hawaiian elders who assured her the demonstrations are organized and peaceful. Star-Advertiser.

Hirono spotted visiting with kupuna and kia'i on Mauna Kea. KITV.

Lawmaker Inouye asks Gov. Ige to uphold law in TMT standoff. Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye urged Gov. David Ige in a letter to uphold the law and move forward with the Thirty Meter Telescope project despite the current standoff on Maunakea Access Road. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim Hints At “Plan On How To Go Forward” On TMT. Mayor Kim offered insights into the chain of command early on in the Mauna Kea situation, and said he is "going come out very shortly on a plan on how to go forward." Big Island Video News.

After weeks of mostly silence on TMT, Ige offers no details on how conflict will be resolved. Who was in charge when 38 Thirty Meter Telescope protesters were arrested at Mauna Kea? Hawaii News Now.

Parking crackdown, new signs at TMT protest site anger activists. The state Department of Transportation started installing no parking signs along Daniel K. Inouye Highway at Mauna Kea, in a move that’s angering TMT protesters. Hawaii News Now.

Leak in telescope on Mauna Kea fuels renewed controversy. A picture from April of 2018 shows a slow leak of hydraulic fluid was discovered behind dry wall. KITV.

Veteran Astronomer Reflects on Changes, Mauna Kea's Role In Learning. A lot has changed in astronomy since Hawaiʻi astronomer Doug Simons began his career more than 30 years ago. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Ahi prices ‘Higher than New Year’s’. Wholesale buyers at the United Fishing Agency say most are experiencing sticker shock when bidding for fresh ahi. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor destroyer returns after adventurous 92 days at sea. t was an eventful 92 days at sea for the destroyer USS Michael Murphy, which returned Monday to Pearl Harbor and waiting family members. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council is pressured to support Ala Wai flood project. The Honolulu City Council is expected to consider a resolution today that would keep the controversial Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project moving forward. Star-Advertiser.

City: $224M in federal funds ‘in jeopardy’ if controversial Ala Wai watershed project doesn’t proceed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) plans to build the structures to protect residents from a 100-year storm that could damage 3,000 homes and cause more than $1 billion in damage. Hawaii News Now.

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City issues first 5 illegal vacation rental citations. The city has issued five citations for illegal vacation rental ads culled from online hosting platforms — the first of many expected under a new law that took effect Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Critics Question Former Council Chair’s Ties To North Shore Project. Some residents ask whether campaign contributions and a job factored into Ernie Martin’s support for a controversial Pupukea project. Civil Beat.

New stadium on fast-track to 2023 opening. Suddenly this past legislative session, replacing the stadium got a green light on a wide-open fast lane and a $350 million jump start. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Only Federal Halfway House Is Closing, Putting More Offenders Behind Bars. The city of Honolulu bought the building as a new home for the Sand Island Treatment Center. Civil Beat.

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Officials warn of increased traffic as UH classes get underway next week. Starting Monday, an estimated 20,000 students are expected to resume classes at the University of Hawaii, with the majority expected to commute to the Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

Expect a longer commute next week with back to school jam. Your commute will be longer because a new school year starts for 20,000 university students. KITV.

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DOT to take up cheaper option to address traffic near Turtle Beach. The state is taking action to address traffic on Oahu’s North Shore near Laniakea Beach. Hawaii News Now.

New downtown satellite city hall adds services, staff. City officials Monday formally opened the new Downtown Satellite City Hall at the Chinatown Gateway Plaza, a location that will provide twice the space and some added services unavailable at the old site in an underground Fort Street Mall space two blocks away. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics complaint filed against Board of Ethics. The county Board of Ethics finds itself in the unusual position of having an ethics complaint levied against it, along with its attorney. Tribune-Herald.

Kapoho is home to new black sand beaches. New black sand beaches have formed near Kapoho, created by the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Buzz for bee industry: Resolution calls for formation of working group. Hawaii County Council on Wednesday will consider a resolution to establish a working group to examine and address challenges in beekeeping on the Big Island by recommending updates to county ordinances. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Maui Traffic Cameras Set to Go Online in Next Two Weeks. New traffic cameras recently installed at 10 key intersections on Maui, will be accessible for viewing via the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s GoAkamai.org website within the next two weeks. Maui Now.

County jobless rate for July up for 11th straight month. Rate last fell on Maui in August ’18. Maui News.

Maui Marine Council Names New Executive Director. The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council appointed Christina Lizzi as its new executive director. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tourism report, auditor post on agenda. A couple of items are on the agenda for Wednesday’s Planning Committee meeting. Garden Island.

‘Unforeseen issues’ trouble for Loop Road. Repairs have been ongoing on Loop Road ever since the April 2018 floods wreaked havoc with falling trees and landslides and made it nearly impassable in some places. Garden Island.

Senate working group to study water rights, NTSB releases preliminary copter crash report, Maui clears homeless camp, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pipe brings water down from mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News

Senators convene working group to address water use. Sens. Kai Kahele and Jarrett Keohokalole will begin overseeing monthly meetings with officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources in an effort to ensure ranchers and farmers on the neighbor islands, as well as the electric utilities, don’t lose access to public water after the year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

Rod Becker Will Stay At State Budget Agency — But Not In The Top Job. He is the second Ige Cabinet member who the governor had hoped would continue to lead an agency but whose appointment ran into trouble in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Cops, Prosecutors Want Gov To Veto Seized Property Bill. The reform measure changes whose property can be seized and where the proceeds from its sales will go. Civil Beat.

For Hawaii businesses, an increase of tariffs on China would not be so sweet -- because those price increases would be passed on to island consumers. Higher tariffs on more than $200 billion of imports could impact thousands of goods -- from electronics to cars to clothes. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard introduces sunscreen legislation in U.S. House. Two Hawaii politicians are taking the issue of reef safe sunscreens national. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Menor chairs 2 committees under new Council plan. Ron Menor emerged as among the most influential — if not the busiest — of the nine Honolulu City Council members under a revamped committee assignment plan released by new Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Wind Farm Submits Study On Endangered Species Impacts. North Shore windmills expect to kill more endangered bats and birds than originally expected. Civil Beat.

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Witnesses Saw Helicopter Break Apart In Mid-Air Before Kailua Crash. A preliminary federal report provides key details about the crash as investigators continue to examine the wreckage. Civil Beat.

Witnesses saw nose down and vertical descent in Kailua helicopter crash, preliminary report says. The National Transportation Safety Board today released its preliminary report on the fiery helicopter crash in a residential neighborhood of Kailua in late April. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases preliminary report on Kailua helicopter crash. KHON2.

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Relatives of OCCC inmate killed during escape to sue state for wrongful death. Relatives of an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate killed during an escape in February plan to sue the state for wrongful death. Hawaii News Now.

Housing Advocates Might Love This Project, But The Neighbors Don’t. A private developer wants to “get some of the homeless people off the streets.” Maili residents are concerned about traffic and infrastructure. Civil Beat.

State seeking farm tenants in Central Oahu. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is offering to rent six parcels ranging from 10 acres to 194 acres for up to 35 years at prices starting between $100 and $200 a year per acre. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki residents fed up with unsafe sidewalk. Plywood covered repair work that has long gone uncompleted on a stretch of heavily trafficked sidewalk. Star-Advertiser.

Mother, son found guilty of animal cruelty at no-kill shelter. A state jury found David “Lanny” Moore guilty this afternoon of 24 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and his mother June Moore guilty of one count in connection with the seizure of more than 300 dogs from their Friends for Life no-kill animal shelter in Makaha. Star-Advertiser.

Mother-son duo found guilty in animal cruelty case involving hundreds of animals. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council budget process to remain public. The County Council has dropped its plan to work on the budget out of public view, after the state Office of Information Practices issued an opinion saying a subcommittee as structured would violate the Sunshine Law. West Hawaii Today.

Construction of phase two of Bayfront trails project expected to begin later this year. A  small group of Hilo Bayfront Trails board members, county leaders and donors gathered Thursday on a section of trail near Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street — completed during the first phase of the project — to announce phase two. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Bayfront Trails Phase II Begins. The next segment of the trail will wind behind the Bayfront soccer fields, and even has a spot for a future playground. Big Island Video News.

$243 Million For Big Island Projects, Region-By-Region. The lion's share of Capital Improvement Project funds are going toward Hilo-based projects, but tens of millions have been allocated for projects in other areas, too. Big Island Video News.

State House capital improvements list includes nearly $250M for Hawaii County projects. The majority of the county’s improvement projects are school-related, with 22 schools receiving funding for various improvements and repairs in the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Homeless Cleared from Kahului Encampment. Truckloads of personal belongings were removed this morning as 30 individuals were evicted today from a homeless encampment in Kahului where authorities say complaints have surfaced over illegal activity. Maui Now.

Panel defers rule change extending liquor-to-go hours. Residents oppose rule; department says it’s already a state law. Maui News.

The state land board approved a Legacy Land Conservation Program grant of $2.2 million to a Hana nonprofit group to acquire 27 acres in East Maui at Mokae-Makaalae. Maui News.

Former Maui County clerk and councilman says 'mahalo' to Vegas first responders after health scare. Danny Mateo and his family were at the LINQ Hotel when things took a turn. KITV.

Maui home sales plunged in April. A report from the Realtors Association of Maui said the number of single-family home sales fell 17% to 76 in April from 92 in the same month last year, and the number of condominium sales sank 22% to 137 from 176 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

More Trouble For Hanalei As Unstable Hillside Forces Traffic Delays. Only one lane of the Kuhio Highway will be open on the stretch approaching the North Shore community for months. Civil Beat.

One lane near Hanalei Bridge to remain closed. The North Shore town already hammered by the flooding in April 2018 that damaged stores and homes, still slowly but surely recovering, is about to take another punch in its economic gut that could leave some down and out. Garden Island.

Kauai receives $89M from state. Kauai receives $89M from state. Garden Island.

Exploring Hawaii's coral reefs, slowing economy is new normal, raises for lawmakers but not minimum wage, Anderson to chair Honolulu council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coral reef ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s reefs provide more than $835M in flood protection, study shows. A new study places a dollar value on Hawaii’s reefs — not for their natural beauty or as a tourist attraction, but for their function in providing flood protection. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers put a dollar value on the protection coral reefs provide Hawaii shorelines ... and it’s big. Hawaii News Now.

Upcoming summit on climate change addresses more than just environment. Experts say the problem reaches into social, humanitarian, and even architectural matters. KITV.

Hawaii scientists develop technique using DNA to study coral reefs. With coral reefs coming under increasing threat from climate change, University of Hawaii at Manoa scientists have developed a technique that could help the biologists working to save them. Star-Advertiser.

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Economists say slower growth is ‘new normal’. University of Hawaii economists say the state’s slowing growth is becoming more entrenched and people had better get used to it. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers didn’t pass a minimum wage hike, but are getting raises of their own. State lawmakers who couldn’t reach a deal to increase Hawaii’s minimum wage of $10.10 an hour are being criticized for accepting pay raises for themselves. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers achieve mixed results on ethics and election reform. Hawaii’s 2019 legislative session was set to be a banner year when it came to ushering in campaign finance and election reforms and limiting the influence of money in politics — at least to hear leaders of the House tell it. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers wrapped up the 2019 session of the Legislature last week, adjourning after approving bills to decriminalize marijuana, launch new state-funded preschools and switch to mail-in voting for all elections beginning in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on Thursday cut the $22,200 annual allowance for each trustee by two-thirds and placed other limitations on the funds. Star-Advertiser.

New Federal Rules Block Driver’s Licenses For Micronesians In Hawaii. State officials say new federal guidelines prohibit many Pacific Islanders from getting licenses and state IDs that comply with the REAL ID Act. Civil Beat.

Andy Winer, Longtime Schatz Chief Of Staff, Is Leaving. He plans to work as a consultant in the private sector. Civil Beat.

Commentary: The Legislature Really Blew It This Year. The people of Hawaii got lip service this session when it came to helping them in their time of need. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Mazie Hirono’s rancorous attacks play into Trump game plan. There’s a wise adage warning against wrestling with pigs: You just both end up covered in mud, and he loves it. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Set To Elect Ikaika Anderson Chair. Ann Kobayashi will be vice chair and Carol Fukunaga floor leader. Civil Beat.

Ozawa Won't Challenge City Council Special Election Results. Hawaii Public Radio.

Final State Audit On Rail Finds Overpayments To Contractors, Billing Issues. The audit relied on a small sample of invoices so it’s not clear whether those billing problems within HART extend to other rail contracts, the state auditor said. Civil Beat.

'Mighty Mo's' repairs continue as the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII nears. A chunk of the battleship USS Missouri’s superstructure is under wraps again as part of a $3 million restoration — the latest as the famous memorial continues its never-ending battle against rust, but more particularly, as the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II looms next year. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Refuses To Halt Construction At Waimanalo Beach. Hundreds of local residents are opposing the city’s plan to build a ball field complex at well-loved Sherwood Forest beach park. Civil Beat.

After layoffs, hotel workers wonder what's next for hospitality industry. The Modern Honolulu laid off about 30% of its workers last week after a timeshare company bought the hotel in April 2018. Now, tourism figures show timeshares and vacation rentals are on the rise statewide. KHON2.

Waianae farm steps up growth of produce and college grads. MA'O Organic Farms, which started in 2001 with 5 acres and today covers 45 acres, recently bought 236 acres in the valley that could make the unique enterprise Hawaii’s largest organic farm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim budget expands to 93 new employees. Proposed $583.9M budget is 12.7% higher than this year. West Hawaii Today.

As officials work on a recovery plan, residents lament lack of access to homes, property. Hawaii County officials are targeting the end of the year for developing a proposed recovery plan for lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

County wants critical look at 1992 landfill contract. In 1992, the county inked a generous, endless contract with Waste Management Inc. to create and operate a landfill at Puuanahulu. Then the courts gave the private garbage giant a little more. West Hawaii Today.

Coast Guard proposal would prohibit persons, vessels from Ironman swim course. A proposal to prohibit vessels and persons from encroaching on participants taking part in Ironman World Championship-related swim events within Kailua Bay is being floated by the U.S. Coast Guard. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission voted on Thursday to give a positive recommendation to an application for a development between Clem Akina Park and Dodo Mortuary in the Puueo section of Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Residents propose county buy Kona Vistas subdivision parcel. A group of residents opposing plans for a 450-unit development next to their neighborhoods is asking a county commission to propose the county buy the property to stop the development and instead preserve the area for the public. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Committee Approves Emergency Housing at Old UH Maui College Dorm. The measure recommended for passage on first reading by the County Council would authorize the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. for the construction of emergency housing at the former dormitory site. Maui Now.

25 years hence, recovery work continues on the island of Kahoolawe. In ancient times, the 45-square-mile island was a place where navigators learned to find their way across the Pacific. Anniversary of sign-over ceremony is a time for reflection and vision. Maui News.

Kauai

County nearing contract to track illegal vacation rentals. Even with the announcement Wednesday the county of Kauai will allow legal transient vacation rentals in the Lumahai, Wainiha and Haena area, the county has yet to implement new software that will be used to track illegal TVRs, something Planning Director Kaaina Hull has been tasked with spearheading. Garden Island.

Statues of Hawaii king and queen to reign in front of museum. Statues of past island royalty will soon begin their reign in front of a Hawaii museum. Associated Press.

Preserving plants and animals. Plants and forest birds aren’t the only endangered animals on Kauai — Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, Newell’s shearwaters, and the nene goose are all on the list as well. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

25 years hence, recovery work continues on the island of Kahoolawe. In ancient times, the 45-square-mile island was a place where navigators learned to find their way across the Pacific. Anniversary of sign-over ceremony is a time for reflection and vision. Maui News.

Orchid industry in decline, Legislature rejects plastic ban, new allegations in Zuckerberg Kauai land dispute, Hirono pays up, HPD chief gets high marks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Orchid show in Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Orchid Industry in Decline. Statewide the production of flowers and other nursery products are worth more than $77 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Orchids make up almost 20 percent of that value. But the state’s orchid industry has been struggling in recent years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii legislative committees reject plastics ban proposals. Two Hawaii legislative committees have rejected proposals that would have banned a variety of plastics used by the food service industry. Associated Press.

Are Hawaii Legislators Paid Too Much? It depends on who you compare them to. Compensation for lawmakers varies widely from state to state. Civil Beat.

Lyon contract scandal leaves Hawaii government officials scrambling. State and city agencies have been canceling or suspending contracts with Honolulu-­based Lyon Associates in the wake of a federal corruption probe involving the civil engineering firm whose president recently pleaded guilty to bribing government officials in Hawaii and Micronesia to obtain more than $10 million in contracts over the past decade. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii leads nation in union membership. Hawaii once again led the country in union membership with 139,000 unionized workers in 2018, 23.1 percent of wage and salary workers across the islands, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pushes Bank Of America To Resolve Multimillion-Dollar Dispute. The company left the islands in 1997, but it had already been ordered to make $180 million in loans, partially because of discrimination against Native Hawaiians and Filipinos. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is thinking about switching drivers from a gas tax fee to a mileage fee, as a way to get more funding to fix our roads. Wednesday night was the first of many public meetings on the proposal. KHON2.

Here’s how to share your thoughts on the state’s plan to tax drivers by the mile. A controversial idea to charge Hawaii drivers based on how much they drive is now open to public input. The state Department of Transportation is starting a series of community meetings on the potential road usage charge. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s young people joined a national campaign against flavored tobacco Wednesday, marching from Aloha Tower to the state Capitol to take their message to lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Students Rally in Opposition to Teen Vaping. Hawaii Public Radio.

Execs with Xbox, 3Sixty Duty Free to advise Hawaii's Mana Up accelerator. Mana Up has added an executive with Microsoft’s Xbox video game business and an executive with 3Sixty Duty Free, an inflight duty-free retailer to the Hawaii-based product accelerator’s team of advisors. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard won high marks in her first annual review from her bosses at the city Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief gets a good review for time on the job in new review system. Hawaii News Now.

Great annual review for Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard. KHON2.

Chief Ballard gets good marks in first evaluation. The full evaluation will be available to the media and the public Thursday. KITV.

HPD Chief Ballard Says Allegations Of Doctored Test Scores Are Unfounded. The chief told the Honolulu Police Commission Wednesday the city settled the case for $550,000 for financial reasons. Civil Beat.

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EVs costing state millions, blamed for airport parking congestion. The state is losing out on millions of dollars each year in annual parking revenues because electric vehicles get to park at the airport for free. Hawaii News Now.

Flying for spring break? Don’t count on airport parking. If you’re traveling off­-island during the busy spring break period, you might want to consider getting dropped off at Honolulu airport instead of parking there due to a parking crunch, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to fund repairs on Pali Highway moving forward. A House committee approved the bill which would provide up to $15 million for landslide clean-up and rockfall mitigation. KHON2.

Work is continuing on stabilizing the slope above the Pali Highway along the Old Pali Road. An emergency proclamation was issued Feb. 22, designating the location of the Pali Highway landslides a disaster area and providing relief for related damage and losses. Star-Advertiser.

A private utility company in California with operations in Hawaii has agreed to acquire former Navy water and wastewater systems serving Kalaeloa. California Water Service Group announced the deal Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono made good on her word to donate her salary during the partial federal shutdown with a donation to The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank. The Democrat on Wednesday presented a check to The Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht that’ll cover the purchase of enough rice to feed 450 families. West Hawaii Today.

Residential subdivision proposed for Puueo. A major Hawaii Island landowner is seeking to subdivide 39 acres of former sugar fields in Puueo for a residential development. Tribune-Herald.

Puna boat ramp study added to capital budget. Another bill to provide funding for a Puna boat ramp feasibility study appears dead for the legislative session. But the Legislature might still allocate the funds through the capital budget. Tribune-Herald.

Although there were no "new announcements", executives representing Southwest acknowledged the desire to bring affordable options for air travel to the Hilo-side of the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

The United States Postal Service is considering the relocation of services from the Kamuela Post Office, and the community will have the chance to comment on the proposal. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Officials ‘pleased’ with mayor’s housing nominee Lori Tsuhako. Linda Munsell named second in command. Maui News.

Water Restoration Advocates Critical of Kahoma Stream Management. Maui Now.

Thousands of o'opu die after stream dries up. Water diversions kept the stream dry for close to a 130 years.  Efforts community groups, made to bring water back now down the drain. KITV.

16 More MCCC Detainees Tranferred to Halawa, 5 Returned to Maui. Maui Now.

16 more MCCC inmates transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility. Sixteen more inmates have been identified in the March 11 riot at Maui Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

More inmates transferred to Halawa Correctional Facility in wake of last week's disturbance. KHON2.

500 indigenous scholars on Maui for conference. It is first time research event held in Hawaii. Maui News.

Kauai

New allegations in Zuckerberg dispute. Several people with ancestral claims to the disputed land parcels on Mark Zuckerberg’s 700-acre North Shore estate are accusing a corporation controlled by the Facebook CEO of using deceitful, high-pressure sales tactics while attempting to convince them to sell their families’ shares in the land. Garden Island.

County asks court to stop vacation rental. A month after filing a lawsuit against a local real estate developer for using his vacation home as a short-term rental property, the Kauai County Planning Department is taking on the billionaire founder of Oakley. Garden Island.

Invasive annihilation. From brown tree snakes to coqui frogs, parakeets and mongoose, miconia and common rush, Kauai has a list of invasive species that have taken root, and is planning to prevent other species from arriving. Garden Island.

The Enduring Appeal Of Hippies. A remake of a documentary evokes nostalgia for a different time when an enclave of free spirits sprang up on Kauai’s north shore. Civil Beat.