Showing posts with label Vicky Cayetano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vicky Cayetano. Show all posts

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Gloves come off in gubernatorial debate, commission seeks to reduce money in politics, abortion part of Hawaiian culture, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s gubernatorial hopefuls exchange barbs in heated debate. The leading Democratic candidates to become Hawaii’s next governor -- Lt. Gov. Josh Green and U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele and entrepreneur Vicky Cayetano -- quickly went after one another in their first live joint appearance Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Tougher Campaign Finance Laws Top Standards Commission Agenda. A commission to enhance government transparency in Hawaii is weighing a handful of measures aimed at tightening campaign finance laws and reducing the influence of money in politics in a year where several prolific political donors made headlines for alleged bribery. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Peer-to-peer car rentals must pay Hawaiʻi general excise tax under new law. The peer-to-peer car rental company Turo is going to have to pay the state’s general excise tax under a new bill signed by Gov. David Ige. Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation Director Isaac Choy says car-sharing platforms like Turo should be held to the same standard as conventional rental car companies like Hertz or Enterprise. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi airports expect busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is advising anyone traveling out of Honolulu, Kahului, Līhuʻe, Kona, or Hilo to arrive early, especially if traveling between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Maui Now.

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau receives contract extension. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is extending the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s U.S. tourism contract and its global support services contract for three months as a stop-gap measure to give HTA time to sort out a procurement protest. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hypersonic missile test fails off Hawaii in fresh setback for program. A flight test of a hypersonic missile system in Hawaii ended in failure due to a problem that took place after ignition, the Department of Defense said, delivering a fresh blow to a program that has suffered stumbles. Bloomberg News.

Lack of affordable housing adds to worker shortage. Many businesses across different industries have spoken out about the need for more workers, but even when they hire the right candidate, workers said finding affordable housing is becoming nearly impossible. Some employers said it is no longer a housing issue but a housing crisis. KHON2.

Abortion care has a long history among Hawaiʻi's Indigenous people. Hawaiʻi legalized abortion in 1970 when it became the first state in the nation to allow the procedure at a woman’s request. But abortion care was a fundamental part of Native Hawaiian health care history, says Indigenous health scholar Kealoha Fox. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 counts on downward slope. Hawaii Health Department reports 5,362 new infections, 15 coronavirus-related deaths.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

The Cost Of Police Misconduct: Honolulu Spent Over $18 Million In Legal Settlements. Meanwhile, the officers involved in the cases have faced mixed consequences. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s New Police Chief Promises ‘Enduring Change’ During Swearing-In. Joe Logan took the oath of office during a formal ceremony held about two weeks after he was privately sworn-in. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s First Large-Scale Food Waste Composter Touts A Host Of Benefits. Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and partners launched a composting operation in Waimanalo that they hope will revolutionize the way Oahu disposes of food waste. Civil Beat.

Mapunapuna complex’s displaced tenants are forced to make way for a Home Depot. The home-improvement chain has been working for close to a year or longer on plans for a new store on 1.4 acres in Mapunapuna once anchored by Asian grocery store 99 Ranch Market, and now tenants have until July 15 to move out. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


After pandemic hiatus, July 4 back in full swing. After two years of scaled-down and canceled July 4 events because of the coronavirus pandemic, a full-scale celebration is in the works for Monday. The night sky will light up with fireworks displays at 8 p.m. in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Police Remind Residents About Fireworks Rules, Offer Safety Tips. In an effort to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend, Big Island police are reminding the public about the rules governing the use of fireworks. Big Island Now.

Maui

Candidates weigh in on ag, tourism, homelessness. Candidates participating in the Maui County mayoral race — Kim Brown, Cullan Bell, Alana Kay, Jonah Lion, Council Members Mike Molina and Kelly King and retired judge Richard Bissen — shared their thoughts and solutions on the big challenges that lie ahead during an online forum hosted by native Hawaiian youth organization Ka Leo O Na ‘Opio. Incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino was the only candidate not in attendance.  Maui News.

Council offices open for live public testimony. Six Maui County Council offices are open to obtain information about pending legislation or upcoming meetings or to provide live testimony at a council or committee meeting, Council Member Kelly Takaya King announced Thursday. Maui News.

New Planning Department rates and fees take effect July 1. The new fees approach 40% cost recovery and are based on costs of staff salaries, department overhead and administrative support. Currently, the department recovers only 17% of the cost of processing permits. Maui Now.

MPD’s CSI camp gives students hands-on forensic training. When you think of summer camp, conducting autopsies and analyzing bloodstains don’t often come to mind. But that is exactly what 10 aspiring forensic specialists did last week at Maui’s Forensic Facility in Wailuku. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

KPD completes its first-ever investigation, forensics camp. The Kaua’i Police Department held its first Police Investigations and Forensic Science Camp at KPD headquarters last week, with 16 students completing the program. Garden Island.

Southwest CEO meets Kaua‘i; announced expanded services. Southwest Airlines currently offers 38 inter-island flights daily. This is expected to grow to 60 flights by the fall. Garden Island.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Ige may veto 30 bills, Honolulu permit clerk gets prison time for accepting bribes, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa meets state lawmakers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige targets 30 Hawaii legislative bills for veto. Gov. David Ige on Monday gave Hawaii’s Legislature a long list of bills he might veto, including measures dealing with bail reform, $60 million in Hawaii Tourism Authority funding and a vaping products ban. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Gov. Ige's full intent to veto list and rationale here.

Ige Approves Ban On “Forever Chemicals” In Food Containers, Firefighting Foam. The class of chemicals known as PFAS has been suspected of causing health impacts, including cancer. Civil Beat.

Local organizations launch bailout initiative as Gov. Ige decides on bail reform measure. Some pre-trial detainees are held in jail because they can’t afford bail. So Hawaiʻi bail reform advocates have launched an initiative to help secure bail and reentry services for them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Democratic hopefuls for governor to hold first joint appearance. The three leading Democratic candidates hoping to become Hawaii’s next governor are scheduled to make their first live, joint appearance in a special one-hour, digital town hall on the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s “Spotlight Hawaii” livestream program starting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Group issues final COVID report.
The Hawaii Pandemic Applied Modeling Workgroup which has been using public data to provide COVID information, announced that it will not provide any more forecasts and updates after Monday, June 27. The last report stated that Omicron BA.2 variant cases are slowly trending down and hospitalizations are staring to slow. KHON2.

State Rules Make It Harder To Open Dialysis Centers In Hawaii. More states are lifting or reforming regulations governing the opening of new dialysis facilities. Civil Beat.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa brings her fight for truth to Hawaii. Hawaii senators and Filipino organizations honored Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Philippine journalist Maria Ressa at the State Capitol on Monday. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Permitting Worker Who Took Bribes For A Decade Gets Prison Time. The judge said he wanted to make an example of Jennie Javonillo to deter other government workers from taking bribes. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Governor plans to veto child welfare bill inspired by Isabella ‘Ariel’ Kalua case. Nearly a year after the Waimanalo girl was last seen alive, the measure intended to protect adopted children like her appears doomed. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese tech company to survey Oʻahu roads. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has partnered with the Japanese tech company i-Probe for a pilot program to monitor road conditions on Oʻahu. i-Probe uses car-mounted sensors to track road conditions like potholes and traffic. Real-time data will then be collected on a cloud-based map. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for Red Hill water pumping. The Navy continues to pump about 4.5 million gallons of water daily out of its Red Hill shaft in an effort to remediate the aquifer that was polluted with fuel from its Red Hill tanks in 2021. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of keiki under 5 vaccinated in rollout of clinics
. Hawaii Pacific Health vaccinated some 585 keiki under age 5 at large-scale clinics at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu and Kauai Medical Clinic in Lihue on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Governor Will Not Veto Bill Creating New Mauna Kea Authority. The Governor says he looks forward to appointing a board "committed to supporting astronomy on Maunakea, and supporting moving forward in the best way to manage" the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Council kills one proposed charter amendment, moves the rest along. One proposed charter amendment was killed, a second barely squeaked through and two received unanimous endorsements recently, when the County Council took up six bills to consider putting on the Nov. 8 ballot. West Hawaii Today.

Puna Pono Alliance denied PGV appeal, PUC reconsideration. The state Intermediate Court of Appeals on June 13 denied a pair of appeals seeking an updated environmental review for Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Drought conditions will limit water supplies in Upcountry and West Maui. Portions of Upcounty and West Maui will be under a Stage 1 drought declaration by Thursday. Nonessential water activities like car-washing and landscaping will be prohibited. Hawaii Public Radio.

New shelter planned for at-risk youth on Maui. Facility would offer safe space for youth while long-term solutions sought. Maui News.

Owners give Lahaina tenants more time; rally highlights Maui’s housing woes
. New owners of one of the last Lahaina apartments with workforce rents reversed course Friday, announcing that no immediate evictions or rent increases will occur at Lahaina Crossroads. Maui Now.

Kula Forest Reserve remains closed with conditions still unsafe from December storm. Access roads and trails in the Kula Forest Reserve remain closed due to extensive damage and unsafe conditions caused by the December 2021 Kona storm, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said today. Maui Now.

Kauai

9th Circuit: County, state workers may have violated constitutional rights in bitter child custody case. A federal appeals court said a Kauai police official and state Child Welfare workers may have violated the constitutional rights of a Big Island mother and her 11-year-old daughter when they removed the girl in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

DOW quality reports available.
The county Department of Water 2022 Water Quality Reports, covering calendar 2021, are available on the DOW’s website, kauaiwater.org. Garden Island.

Monday, May 23, 2022

Convention center leaking, first negative ads surface in gubernatorial race, Oahu care home shut down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Window washers on Hawaii Convention Center ©2022 All Hawaii News

Legislature denies Hawai‘i Convention Center $64 million needed for rooftop repairs. State legislators gave the Hawai‘i Convention Center less than a quarter of its $64 million request to fix a leaky rooftop terrace deck, which is creating hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage and potentially costing the center new bookings. Star-Advertiser.

Limits on renewable energy could become Hawaii law. A bill passed by the Legislature earlier this month and awaiting action by Gov. David Ige aims to amend the state’s energy policy so that it prevents more than 66.67% of power being generated from all combined intermittent sources such as wind, waves and sun. Star-Advertiser.

Coalition criticizes Hawaii telehealth bill. A coalition of social workers, psychologists and other medical professionals is urging Gov. David Ige to veto a bill that could restrict telehealth appointments for mental health services, which soared during the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Disabled Voters Are Hoping To Improve Hawaii’s Elections Process This Year. A statewide panel as well as four county committees, all made up of people with disabilities, will begin making recommendations to county and state elections offices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to get up to $62 million for its small businesses. A state agency soon will sprinkle millions of dollars in seed capital around to Hawaii small businesses under a federally funded program aimed at job creation and economic recovery. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Bill would OK extensions on ag land leases. Farmers whose land leases are set to expire within the next 15 years will be able to apply for extensions under a bill passed this session by the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Green air, sea, ground transportation goals set by state with new bill. Senate Bill 3311 HD2 sets up the Hawaiʻi Clean Transportation Initiative, which establishes a goal in law to achieve zero-emissions, clean transportation throughout the state. Maui Now.

Loophole ruins ban on flavored tobacco, health advocates say. The latest version of House Bill 1570 would prohibit the sale or distribution of all flavored tobacco products, including those with menthol, in Hawaii starting Jan. 1. In addition, the bill prohibits the mislabeling of products as nicotine-free. Star-Advertiser.

Is It Time For Hawaii To Renegotiate Its Relationship With The Military? At Kahoolawe, Makua Valley, Pohakuloa and elsewhere, activists defending the interests of Hawaiians and the environment have protested the U.S. military for decades. Civil Beat.

First negative ads in race for governor air, but political experts think they’ll backfire. A newly formed Super PAC has begun running negative ads featuring the local comedy duo “Da Braddahs” attacking Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s credentials as a physician. Hawaii News Now.

Weddings in Hawaii rebounding after COVID slowdown. In the first quarter of 2022, the state Department of Health recorded 4,466 marriages, up 54% from 2,908 in the same three months of 2021, according to preliminary data, and not too far off from the 4,661 marriages in the first quarter of 2020, before the pandemic hit. Star-Advertiser.

Rent prices continue to rise sharply across the state . The median price of renting a place to live in Hawaiʻi has climbed nearly 13% between 2019 and 2022, according to Stessa, an online property management platform that analyzed federal government data. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Health Department shuts down Waipahu care home after patients found unattended. The Waipahu Community Care Foster Family Home has been ordered to shut down after health officials found that patients were left unattended, the Department of Health said. Star-Advertiser.

State to spend $26M to fix the aging Wahiawa Dam, acquire Lake Wilson. The state Legislature appropriated the money this session to repair the 116-year-old earthen dam and acquire its irrigation system. As part of that deal, Dole Food company will turn the 325-acre lake over to the state. Hawaii News Now.

Judge Says Lawsuit Against Department Of Agriculture Can Go Forward. Hooah Farms has been called a model for Oahu, but the owners want out of the Kahuku Agricultural Park, saying the park’s manager can’t be trusted. Civil Beat.

State lawsuit claims 2 brothers improperly profiting from public roads in Kakaako and Waikiki. The state Department of the Attorney General is suing brothers Calvert and Cedric Chun, who do business as the Kakaako Land Co., seeking reimbursement for alleged fraudulent collecting of money for the private use of public streets in Waikiki and Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

This New Downtown Driver Testing Site Has The Highest Failure Rate On Oahu. Driving instructors say traffic congestion and certain routes can make some testing sites more difficult than others. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Charter proposals seek to fine-tune mayor’s administration. Two council members are looking to fine-tune the structure of administrative offices to better respond to constituent concerns. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands of building permits set to expire next month. Nearly 7,000 Hawaii County building permits will expire at the end of the month. After the rollout last July of the county’s Electronic Processing and Information Center — a long-in-the-works online building permitting software — the county is now capable of enforcing expiration of permits under the county code. Tribune-Herald.

How A Wellness Company Is Saving Sandalwood On The Big Island. A former ranch in South Kona is being transformed from a grassland back to a native sandalwood forest by a Utah-based essential oils and aromatherapy company. Civil Beat.

Maui

Digital zoning map proposed to rezone 13 parcels consistent with their use. A proposed bill to adopt amendments to the Maui Digital Zoning Map for approximately 13 parcels that are currently zoned P-1, M-1, PK, R-2 and R-3 will be considered by the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee on Wednesday, May 25, at 1:30 p.m.  Maui Now.

Next phase of Lahaina bypass sidelined after dip in rental car funds. The Lahaina Bypass 1C project was scheduled for construction in federal fiscal year 2023 using $70 million of state funds from the rental car surcharge, which was reduced by the pandemic. Maui News.

Recently retired police lieutenant returns to department. A Maui Police Department lieutenant who retired more than eight months ago has been rehired and is being assigned to be acting captain of the Molokai Patrol Division. Maui News.

Kauai

New Report Reveals How The Kauai Police Chief Found Himself In Trouble For Racist Remarks. A newly released investigative report into racist remarks by Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck provides new details about circumstances leading to the suspension of the chief in April 2021. Civil Beat.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

New law bans gubernatorial moonlighting, LANPAC resumes in Hawaii, Waters to stick with Honolulu City Council position, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 
Law bans side jobs for next Hawaii governor. A new law that goes into effect just before the November general election prevents Hawaii’s next governor from holding a second job, forcing future employment decisions for Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Josh Green, an emergency room physician, and Congressman Kai Kahele, who flies for Hawaiian Airlines and serves in the Hawaii Air National Guard. Vicky Caye­tano, a business entrepreneur and former first lady, already has stepped aside from her previous role as head of Hawaii’s largest commercial laundry service. Star-Advertiser.

Ige weighs in on the race to replace him and ‘concerning’ frustration with government. The pandemic unleashed frustration with government and Ige acknowledges gaps between the state and county, but he defends his polices and the role of government. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige discusses his final months in office, the bail reform bill, and his trip to Japan. Gov. David Ige has just over six months left in office. December 5 is his last day as governor. One of his biggest tasks left is to make a decision on the bills that were passed by the Legislature. KITV4.

Ige’s Japan visit draws international travel momentum. Ige said, “My commitment to the Prime Minister was that we would do everything we could to support expanding travel to implement or help them implement testing requirements so that we could increase travel between Hawaii and Japan.” KHON2.

The Board of Education is preparing to select the next Department of Education superintendent in front of the public. The finalists for the superintendent position are Darrel Galera, a long-time education leader in Hawaii; Caprice Young, president of an education consulting group in Los Angeles; and interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi, who has led the department since Aug. 1. Civil Beat.

New leader of Hawaiʻi teachers union has over 40 years of experience in education
. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association board of directors has chosen Ann Mahi as its new executive director. She starts Aug. 1. Hawaii Public Radio.

As opposition grows over bail reform bill, advocates say many fears are unfounded. Business owners are pressuring the governor to veto a bill that would eliminate bail for certain defendants, but some advocates worry that misinformation is clouding the debate. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific is back at center stage as LANPAC resumes after hiatus.
The Association of the U.S. Army on Tuesday kicked off LANPAC 2022, a conference focused on armies and military land power around the Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Suit alleges agency’s failure to protect sharks. A lawsuit filed Tuesday accuses the National Marine Fisheries Service of failing to do its job in protecting the threatened Western and Pacific oceanic whitetip shark. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Tommy Waters to stay on Honolulu City Council. Council Chair Tommy Waters will not seek the Congressional seat representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands but will not rule out a future run, he announced today. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

4 finalists for HPD chief to take viewer questions on public affairs show.
In an unusual forum, the finalists for the job will take viewer questions live on a PBS Hawaii public affairs show called “Insights,” a weekly show with each episode addressing a different topic. On Thursday night, all four finalists to be HPD’s new leader will be on the show that airs at 7:30 pm. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu leaders seek to improve public safety and homelessness. Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is co-hosting a virtual town hall meeting about safety in Waikīkī on May 26. Panelists include Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm and Honolulu Police Department Maj. Randall Platt. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-officials to face jury after losing bid for bench verdict. Three former city officials accused of conspiring to defraud the government by structuring a $250,000 retirement settlement for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha will face a jury trial in October after their attempt to have a federal judge decide the case was unsuccessful. Star-Advertiser.

FBI looking for information about explosive device found near H-2 freeway. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for help identifying suspects and circumstances surrounding the discovery of an improvised explosive device near the H-2 freeway. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Officials considering radiation poisoning as possible cause of death for city worker. Multiple investigations are underway to determine if a Honolulu city maintenance worker died of radiation poisoning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Despite reservations, sunscreen ban advances. Hawaii County Council members gave tentative approval Tuesday to a ban on the sale of all but two kinds of sunscreen on the Big Island on the condition that county attorneys can prove the ban is enforceable. Tribune-Herald.

Property assessment cap postponed: Administration warns measure could lead to East-West inequities. A bill capping property assessments could lead to an unfair balance between East Hawaii and West Hawaii, administration officials warned the County Council Finance Committee as a bill aiming to put a 15% ceiling on most commercial classes of property was postponed for the second time. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo man pleads guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud.
A Hilo man pleaded guilty to wire fraud today after he submitted fake payroll documents and tax forms to qualify for $937,575 in COVID-19 relief funds. Carey Mills, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to a single-count information, charging him with wire fraud. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui County Council shaves property taxes for owner-occupied homes. Council voted 6-0 on Friday, with members Shane Sinenci, Kelly King and Mike Molina absent and excused, to set real property tax rates for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Maui Now.

Application deadline extended for Director and Deputy of new Agriculture Department.
Annual salary for the Director was increased from $90,000 to $114,000 and from $70,000 to $102,600 for the Deputy Director. The new application deadline is on Monday, May 30, 2022. Maui Now.

‘Traffic nightmare’: Maui residents brace for construction of state’s first multi-lane roundabout. A big change is coming to South Maui — literally paving the way for the future Kihei High School. After years of planning, construction is now underway on Hawaii’s first multi-lane roundabout. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Former Kauai police clerk charged with computer fraud, theft. A Kauai grand jury has indicted a former clerk of the Kauai Police Department on charges of computer fraud and theft involving alleged misconduct of funds collected on behalf of the state. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A Judge Took Away These Kids For Good — Until A Higher Court Found A Mistake. It looked at first like a typical Hawaii child protection case. Someone contacted the state Child Welfare Services branch in 2018 to report that a couple on Kauai were doing drugs and couldn’t take care of their two sons. Civil Beat.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Judge denies Hawaiian Airlines employees request to stop vaccine mandate, Navy sues over Red Hill mandate, Schatz amasses $3.9M campaign war chest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

Judge Denies Request By Hawaiian Airlines Employees To Halt Vaccine Mandate
. District Court Judge Jill Otake’s ruling did not dismiss the lawsuit brought by a group including pilots and flight attendants. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii rebounded 150% last year. Hawaii’s tourism industry attracted nearly 6.8 million visitors last year to post a 150% gain over the prior year. Star-Advertiser.

You need to protect it’: Lawmakers renew efforts to strengthen coffee labeling requirements. State lawmakers have renewed efforts to set tighter limits on using Hawaii location names to sell coffee. However, only one of five bills introduced this session aimed at protecting the $60 million industry has gained traction. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers Weighing Tougher Criminal Penalties For Assaults Of Retail Workers. Employees say they are scared of some customer reactions while enforcing Covid-19 health requirements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bill looks to outlaw small complimentary toiletries at hotels. Lawmakers are looking at a bill that would do away with single-use plastic toiletries at hotels and instead encourage them to provide things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap in bulk dispensers. KHON2.

Hawaii Lawmakers Seek To Rein In Unpaid Internships. Students would largely be barred from working for free outside academic settings under a measure introduced in the state Senate. Civil Beat.

Project Reset: Lawmakers push for program that gives criminals a second chance. The Project Reset bill is moving through the legislature and aims to offer better opportunities for those in prison looking to put a reset on their life. KHON2.

Missing master keys lead to an expensive security fiasco at the state Capitol building. In an expensive security fiasco at the state Capitol, state lawmakers are spending $250,000 to change every lock in their offices because master keys have gone missing. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz Enjoys $3.9M Campaign War Chest For Senate Reelection. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is not up until 2024, has more than $800,000 in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

Vicky Cayetano stepping aside from business responsibilities to focus on Hawaii governor’s race.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano plans to step down as the head of Hawaii’s largest commercial laundry company to focus on her campaign, she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Spotlight Hawaii” livestream show Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

New NOAA satellite to monitor weather in Hawaii region. Officials say the GOES-T satellite and will focus on monitoring the western continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska. They say it will provide fast, accurate data for tracking destructive wildfires, lightning, dense fog, and Pacific Ocean-based storm systems. KITV4.

New specialty license plate features Hokuleʻa. About 18,000 plates were made available for purchase at satellite city halls on Oahu, starting this week. According to the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the plates are also available on Hawaii Island. They’ll be released in Kauai County on Monday, and in Maui County in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 10 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,177 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 775 new cases on Oahu, 74 on Hawaii Island, 179 on Maui, 68 on Kauai, seven on Molokai, six on Lanai and 68 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Feds take Hawaii to court over Red Hill defueling order. The federal government is taking Hawaii to court over its emergency order requiring the Navy to drain its massive, underground fuel tanks at Red Hill, filing appeals in state and federal courts on Wednesday that argue the state overstepped its authority when it tried to shutter the aging fuel farm that has contaminated Oahu’s groundwater. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Top EPA official visits Hawaiʻi to oversee Navy flushing process and ensure accurate water sampling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's number two official arrived in Honolulu from Washington this week to see firsthand the cleanup of the fuel-tainted water at Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Police Department releases summary report on 2020 Hibiscus Drive killings. Two years after two Honolulu police officers responding to a 911 call of suspicious behavior were ambushed and killed by a sniper, the department released the official account of what happened that morning on Hibiscus Drive. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

State Approves 390-Unit Affordable Housing Development In Kapolei. A portion of the households would be set aside for family’s earning 140% of the area median income. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Campaign fundraising off to a slow start: Local candidates begin gearing up for the 2022 elections. The last half of 2021 was generally a sluggish period for local campaign fundraising, with the exception of two candidates seeking new offices. West Hawaii Today.

Bill aims to speed up lease extension approvals in Kanoelehua Industrial Area. With some Hilo business owners having a hard time getting their leases of state land extended, a bill in the state Legislature seeks to cut the Board of Land and Natural Resources out of the process entirely. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Commission suggests salary bump for Chief from $158,000 to $205,000. The Maui Police Commission voted unanimously to recommend a $47,000 bump in pay for the Maui Police Chief. The recommendation requests an increase in pay from the current $158,851 to $205,000 (+29%) as a new base salary. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Charter Commission holding public meeting Feb. 3 on updated draft report. The Maui Charter Commission is holding a virtual public meeting Feb. 3 at 9 a.m. to hear public testimony about revisions to the draft report, which has 40 proposed amendments to the County Charter that are under consideration for the November 2022 ballot. Maui Now.

State to investigate as Maui residents, mansion owner clash over shoreline access.
Cliff House draws community in solidarity over access dispute. A popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, Hawea Point this weekend also became a meeting place for hundreds of people to stand together in solidarity against alleged actions by a neighboring mansion owner to control access to the area.  Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Real Estate Market starts 2022 with new record median home price $1,160,000
. The Maui real estate market started the new year off with the median price for single-family homes rising to a record $1,160,000 – the previous high was set in June 2021 at $1,105,000. Maui Now.

Days after getting evictions, Lanai teachers are told they can stay in state-run housing. A big sigh of relief for some teachers on Lanai who were told they were being evicted from state-run housing. After several days of confusion and fear, state Department of Education officials said they can stay. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

OPA candidates Like and Iseri discuss policy ahead of election. With ballots for the county prosecutor special election sent out in the mail last week, candidates Rebecca Like and Shaylene Iseri took to the airwaves to share their vision for criminal justice on the island. Garden Island.

How This Kauai Community Is Benefiting From Hosting The Island’s Landfill. The west Kauai community has received more than $2 million through a benefits fund that residents have used for solar projects, youth sports and more. Civil Beat.

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Honolulu mayor requires vaccine passes, governor mulls Labor Day crowd restrictions, hospitals run low on oxygen, morgue overflows, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki trolley ©2021 All Hawaii News

Coronavirus-free proof to be required for Oahu establishments. People on Oahu will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours to enter restaurants, bars, indoor gym facilities, entertainment and recreational settings beginning Sept. 13. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Daily visitor spending may be up, but economists say overall revenue is still down. Hawaii visitors are spending more per day now than in days before the pandemic, according to new data from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hawaii News Now.

Matson releases statement regarding service rumors. Matson issued a statement on Sunday in response to persistent unfounded rumors circulating in Hawaii about service disruption All Matson operations continue uninterrupted. KITV4.

Quarantine largely unchecked, COVID surge rages, as 1 in 10 local resident travelers opt not to show vax card or do pre-test. Almost 83,000 people just since June 1 had to quarantine when arriving in Hawaii, not providing a vaccine card nor getting a valid pre-travel negative COVID test. KHON2.

Vicky Cayetano launches Democratic gubernatorial campaign. Former first lady Vicky Cayetano, a business executive, entrepreneur and first-time candidate for any office, kicked off her campaign for governor Monday while launching her campaign website, vickyfor governor.com. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Public defender seeks release of certain inmates to curb COVID-19.
The outbreak of COVID-19 infections in Hawaii prompted the Public Defender’s Office to again call for the release of certain classifications of inmates to alleviate overcrowded correctional facilities where short-staffed teams of workers are doing what they can to stop outbreaks inside the facility from spreading to the community. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 delays drunken driving trial of state Rep. Sharon Har. Six months after her arrest on a drunken driving charge, state Rep. Sharon Har’s trial that had been scheduled to start Monday has been rescheduled for October because of COVID- 19 court restrictions — two days before Har likely will challenge a separate preliminary ruling to suspend her driver’s license for two years. Star-Advertiser.

State mulls Labor Day weekend mandates.
The state will decide whether to prohibit large gatherings over Labor Day weekend by Wednesday, said Lt. Gov. Josh Green Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii app that warns of COVID exposure experiences spike in activations.
The app uses bluetooth technology to anonymously alert users if they have been exposed to the coronavirus to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hospitals face possible oxygen shortage amid rise in COVID-19 patients. Top health care officials are scrambling to bring in oxygen from the mainland after realizing that Hawaii’s hospitals could run short amid a surge in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Health Care System 'Really Being Stretched' as COVID-19 Cases Increase. With a record number of COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend, health officials are trying to manage the growing number of hospitalized patients while preparing to scale up facilities to address an overflow situation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 720 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 62,949. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 468 new cases on Oahu, 73 on Maui, 139 on Hawaii island, 34 on Kauai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu morgue is over capacity, using an emergency trailer parked outdoors for overflow. Honolulu’s morgue is over capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic, and is now using one of three trailers reserved for emergencies. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Airbnbs Shut Down When The Pandemic Began. The Mayor Wants To Keep It That Way. The mayor sees the crackdown on vacation rentals as a tourism control measure. Civil Beat.

Oahu school requires COVID-19 vaccine or testing for parents entering campus. Jarrett Middle School Principal Reid Kuba is trying to keep COVID-19 out of his small school in Palolo at all costs. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County test positivity highest in state. As of Monday, Hawaii County boasted the highest test positivity rate in the state at 9.4%, compared to an 8% positivity rate statewide. Tribune-Herald.

‘We cannot divert patients’: Hilo Medical Center operating over capacity.
Hilo Medical Center is operating well beyond capacity as the number of COVID-19 patients there continues a steady climb upward. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL Breaks Ground On New Panaʻewa Subsistence Ag Lots. The $2.49 million capital improvement project will subdivide an existing 10-acre lot into 16 half-acre Subsistence Agricultural lots. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Pahoa man accused of trying to steal airplane
. A 24-year-old Pahoa man is accused of a brazen daylight attempt to steal an air ambulance from the Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Maui

Kaiser Permanente Postponing Elective Procedures and Surgeries on Maui. Kaiser Permanente is making changes at Moanalua Medical Center and on Maui to ensure there are enough resources needed to take care of COVID-19 patients. Maui Now.

Some Maui schools report worsening teacher shortage due to COVID19 testing mandate
. Staff claim a lack of testing is exacerbating a substitute teacher shortage and leaving some classrooms of students unsupervised. KITV4.

Visitor Arrested for Alleged Quarantine Violation, Assault Against a Maui Police Officer. A 22-year-old California man was arrested on Maui on Thursday for alleged violation of rules and orders relating to the state’s travel quarantine. Maui Now.

‘That Is Not Aloha’: Dr. Lorrin Pang Is Pushing Back Against His Critics. The Maui state health officer explains why he believes it’s important for doctors to explore all possible treatments for the rapidly spreading Covid-19. Civil Beat.

Maui Ordnance to Prevent Underage Drinking Goes Into Effect Sept. 1.  The Social Host Liability Ordinance holds adults on the island of Maui accountable for illegal underage drinking on their property. Maui Now.

Kauai

KDHO: 19 new infections Monday.
In the last week, the county has confirmed 263 new COVID-19 infections, Lauren Guest of the Kaua‘i District Health Office reported Monday. Garden Island.




Monday, August 16, 2021

Curfews could be next step against COVID spread as cases surge, hospitals reach capacity, Army and Native Hawaiians mull Oahu’s Makua Valley compromise, vaccine/testing mandates kick in for state workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy photo
Dr. Green at Queen's hospital Aug. 14, 2021 PC: courtesy

Green: Unvaccinated are to blame if new, strict rules, including curfews, needed to curb hospitalizations. Lt. Gov. Josh Green has made his position clear on widespread vaccine mandates. He believes people have the right to choose and no one should force them to get the shot. But he thinks weekly testing and mask wearing is the bare minimum that people can do. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Vaccine deadline looms for Hawaii’s state workers despite lack of guidance. The details of how the program will work don’t seem to be finalized and the state agency that oversees human resources refused to provide the Honolulu Star-Advertiser with a copy of the guidance that does exist. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE Announces Start Date For Weekly COVID-19 Testing. The new requirement applies to all unvaccinated school personnel, including salaried employees, substitutes and volunteers. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii offering free vaccinations for students, employees at 3 campuses. UH said in a news release today that surveys in June showed more than 92% of students and 95% of UH employees of the entire 10-campus system have been vaccinated for COVID-19 or plan to be, after the university added COVID-19 vaccination to its student health clearance requirements on May 17. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii private schools act to establish vaccine mandate.
Gov. David Ige announced Aug. 5 that all state and county workers would need to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing at their own expense. While that includes teachers and staff members at Hawaii’s 257 public schools, the state’s 163,000 or so students are not currently required to be inoculated unless they are involved in high school athletics. Star-Advertiser.

Former First Lady Vicky Cayetano will file her papers to run for governor. Her campaign manager Lynne Waters confirms Cayetano will do it this week. KITV4.

DLIR Launches Appointments for Complex Unemployment Claims
. The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations announced it will start accepting telephone appointments for complex, disputed unemployment insurance claims beginning on Aug. 16, 2021 to allow claimants to schedule slots beginning on Aug. 23, 2021. Maui Now.

Another 800 join first responders' class action lawsuit against vaccine requirements.
The proposed class consists of all current and future first responders on Oahu and Maui subjected to the current COVID-19 vaccine mandate. KITV4.

COVID-19 cases tax neighbor island hospitals. The neighbor islands, with 30% of Hawaii’s population, have accounted for less than 25% of the state’s COVID-19 cases, yet the strain on hospital staff and resources from surging infections is no less acute there than at Honolulu’s much larger medical facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Covid-19 Treatment In Hawaii Is Getting More Expensive For Some Patients. Kaiser stopped covering costs for Covid-19 patients this month, affecting about 260,000 Hawaii residents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus-related deaths, 845 additional infections. State Department of Health officials Sunday reported four new corona­virus-related deaths and 845 new confirmed and probable infections statewide, bringing the state’s totals since the start of the pandemic to 552 fatalities and 51,200 cases. Sunday’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 543 new cases on Oahu, 85 on Maui, 147 on Hawaii Island, 46 on Kauai, six on Molokai, two on Lanai and 16 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Plan for low-income housing towers over Waipahu. A developer is seeking to build more than 500 low-income rental homes in Waipahu, though tentative designs for two towers exceeding a city height limit by more than three times has triggered some community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Four Years After Deadly Fire, Many Honolulu High-Rises Still Lack Sprinklers. Property owners say the cost of retrofitting older buildings with sprinklers and other fire safety improvements could bankrupt them. Civil Beat.

A Shaky Truce: The Army And Native Hawaiians Both Want Oahu’s Makua Valley. As the Army looks to renew leases on Hawaii state lands, a debate rages about both its past and its future. Civil Beat.

‘Innovative’ fish farm off Ewa Beach is proposed. An innovative offshore fish farm designed to “swing” with ocean currents while sustainably scaling up food production could be placed in the water off Ewa Beach, but concerns about its possible environmental impacts persist. Star-Advertiser.

Fish fewer at Hanauma Bay since reopening with new visitor limitations system. A new study has found that population density and biomass of more than half the bay’s most common fish species increased during the closure but decreased after reopening at only 25% of the former visitor load. Star-Advertiser.
 
New App Finds Open Parking Spaces in Honolulu. PARKLINQ, pronounced park link, is a website and app that helps motorists find parking by the hour, day or month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

County honors homeowner association restrictions: Board of Appeals upholds planning director on vacation-rental issue. Hawaii County government won’t approve short-term vacation rentals where homeowner’s associations prohibit them, the Board of Appeals ruled unanimously Friday in denying an appeal from a Keauhou View Estates property owner. West Hawaii Today.

Mounting frustration: Pretrial defendants freed on lowered bail later arrested for other offenses. The Hawaii County prosecutor said he’s concerned about pretrial felony defendants being freed without cash bail or having their bail reduced because of COVID-19 concerns at Hawaii Community Correctional Center. Tribune-Herald.

Hefty fine levied for damage to archaeological features.
A Kailua-Kona woman and an environmental consulting firm were fined $180,000 Friday for unpermitted grading resulting in the damage or destruction of 40 archaeological features on a North Kona property. West Hawaii Today.

Biologist finds TV show Love Island not to blame for distressed ‘a‘o.
Earlier this month, biologists from the Department of Land and Natural Resources found an ‘a‘o — a threatened species of puffin also called a Newell’s shearwater — in Umaumau that had been grounded and was unable to return to flight. Tribune-Herald.

Daniel K. Inouye Highway reopens as Big Isle crews clean up after brush fire. Hawaii County police have reopened this afternoon Daniel K. Inouye Highway in both directions from the Old Saddle Road junction to the Highway 190 junction. Star-Advertiser.

Markers would honor birthplace of the bodyboard. Nonprofit Malama Wai‘aha has donated a pair of historical markers to the county with the intention of erecting them at Wai‘aha Beach Park, where the Boogie Board was invented in 1971. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

Maui Charter Commission Vets Record Number Of Reforms On Elections, Police. The Maui Charter Commission will review more than 100 proposed amendments to the county charter that governs daily life on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Civil Beat.

Maui Police Commission Wants In-Person Interviews, Exams with Five Chief Finalists.
The Maui Police Commission on Wednesday agreed to ask the mayor for approval of in-person interviews with the five individuals it has identified as finalists for the job of Maui Police Chief. Maui Now.

Public asked to help capture new invasive parakeets on Maui.
A new invasive pest has been captured on the Valley Isle. A rose-ringed parakeet was captured in Kihei in July. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

County mulls tax on Turo providers. State tax officials are interested in the ramifications of car-rental apps like Turo, but agencies aren’t commenting on suspected levels of tax delinquency among the platform’s users. Garden Island.

KIUC named ‘Electric Cooperative of the Year’ by national nonprofit.
The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was one of eight electric utilities recognized as “Power Players of the Year” by the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Garden Island.

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Vicky Cayetano weighs gubernatorial bid, Hawaii prices climb, Ige speaks out against harassing monk seals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Hawaii News Now
Vicky Cayetano PC:Hawaii News Now from video

Former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano weighs bid for governor. Former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano is considering a run for governor next year to bring a “fresh perspective” to the position.
 Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents feel the burden of rising prices as pent-up demand drives up costs. The latest local data from May showed inflation in Honolulu at a rate of 3.8%. Hawaii News Now.

Other States Have Tough Police Standards Boards. Hawaii’s Is Still Struggling. Almost every other state has professional staff and funding dedicated to overseeing law enforcement. Hawaii has neither. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige warns that visitors who touch Hawaiian monk seals ‘will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law’. The widely circulated videos of the two visitors touching monk seals have angered many Hawaii residents. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is investigating the recent incidents. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Several state bills protecting resources signed into law. The 2021 legislative session has ended with nearly a dozen new laws protecting natural and cultural resources in the state. Tribune-Herald.

The Rev. Bob Nakata, a former Hawaii legislator, was advocate for the needy.
The Rev. Bob Nakata, who served single terms in both the state House and Senate and helped lead the fight for affordable housing on Oahu, died Monday at the age of 80 after suffering a stroke two years ago.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii astronomers ‘frustrated’ by wild speculation about ‘Oumuamua. There is still much that scientists do not know about ‘Oumuamua, the interstellar object that was discovered passing through our solar system in 2017. But most agree that it probably isn’t the work of aliens. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii sees 48 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 38,653. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 25 new cases on Oahu, seven on Maui, six on Hawaii Island, two on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu's pedestrian plan will be finalized soon.
Have an idea of how to make your walk safer? Let the City and County of Honolulu know, because it will soon finalize its "pedestrian plan". KITV4.

Navy request for 5-year permit to operate underground Red Hill fuel tanks raises red flags. State environmental regulators said this week that the Navy has not proved it can safely operate its underground Red Hill fuel tanks, which in recent years have been the subject of mounting concerns over leaks and groundwater contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


Fire truck goes up in flames. A fire truck from Pohakuloa Training Area caught fire Wednesday morning on Saddle Road. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Brush Fire Burns In North Hawaiʻi, Closes Kawaihae Road. A brush fire lit up the sky in North Hawaiʻi late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, and forced the closure of Kawaihae Road. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Removal of Invasive Vegetation to Temporarily Close Historic Park. The park is slated to be closed on Monday, July 26. Big Island Now.

Maui

Proposal looks to change council districts, election of members. Commission to begin vetting changes to County Charter. Proposals that would redraw Maui County Council districts and alter the way members are elected are among dozens of potential changes to local government that the Maui Charter Commission will vet over the next six months. Maui News.

New Long-Term Rental Exemption and Classification in Effect Jan. 1. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, real property occupied as a long-term rental, with a signed contract to lease for 12 consecutive months or longer to the same tenant, may qualify an owner for an exemption of up to $200,000. Maui Now.

Councilmember Says Upcountry Maui Water Restrictions Not Related to Resorts. Drought conditions on Maui have led county officials to declare a water conservation alert for Upcountry residents, sparking some controversy among those who thought nearby hotels should be asked to conserve water as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

FONSI Filed for Proposed Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing Project in Kahului. A Final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact determination was made for the Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing Project proposed for development in Kahului, Maui. Maui Now.

Lanai May Finally Get An Affordable Housing Project. It Might Even Get 2. Two affordable housing projects proposed by Maui County and Pulama Lanai could boost the island’s low-income housing stock for the first time in nearly three decades. Civil Beat.

Kauai


Wailua wastewater effluent exceedance in effect. The county Department of Public Works Wastewater Management Division advised that a wastewater effluent exceedance occurred Tuesday at the Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant. The measured enterococci level has exceeded the permitted limit. Garden Island.

Vehicle-disposal-fee waiver in effect until Aug. 2
. Residents may continue to waive junk-car-disposal fees if proper paperwork is presented to the Department of Finance Motor Vehicle Registration division. Garden Island.