State Senate races could bring in more Republicans, threats mar state election process, electricity disconnections spike post-pandemic, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Key Senate races this election that could flip seats in the state Legislature. It's no secret that Democrats make up the overwhelming majority in Hawaiʻi's Legislature. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t competitive races on the general election ballot where seats could go to the Republican Party. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Blank Votes Count As No Votes For Hawaii Statewide Ballot Measures. Hawaii is among four states along with Minnesota, Tennessee and Wyoming that require amendments to be approved by “a majority of voters in the entire election."  That means voters who abstain from voting on an amendment “essentially count as no votes. Civil Beat.

Officials talk election threats, engaging the next generation of voters. Hawaiʻi was one of at least 16 states targeted with a suspicious package since September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers seeks 2 kinds of rate increases for interisland ocean cargo. The company’s Oct. 15 application to the state Public Utilities Commission not only seeks a general rate increase averaging 20% for most cargo, but also asks for annual automatic rate changes tied to inflation. Star-Advertiser.

Public Utility Commission holds community meeting about energy disconnections. A recent report issued by the Public Utilities Commission estimates that roughly 6,000 households had their electricity turned off after falling behind on their bills last year, which is almost double the number of disconnections that occurred in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Green nears decision for Water Commission’s loea position, also known as water expert. Following a months-long vacancy, Governor Josh Green plans to fill the loea position on the Water Commission by next week. KITV4.

Residents encouraged to help state identify where internet upgrades needed most. Hawaiʻi residents are encouraged to become “digital detectives” through Nov. 4 by taking a simple 30-second internet speed test to help identify areas in the islands where internet infrastructure upgrades are crucial, ensuring federal funding is allocated to where it is needed most. Kauai Now.

Timeshare industry is growing in Hawaii. American Resort Development Association President and CEO Jason Gamel said Hawaii’s timeshare growth this year is significant given that in 2023 only five new timeshare resorts opened nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

As Rhinoceros Beetles Spread, State Board Bolsters Pest Control Powers. The Hawaii Board of Agriculture has approved rule changes to help control the spread of invasive species following about a 20-month delay. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Leaders to meet at Hawai‘i Agriculture Conference. Held every two years since 2002, the conference brings together local and national agriculture and food production leaders to share ideas and trends in the industry. Hosted by the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i, key sponsors include the state Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative and Kamehameha Schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii man accused of lying for money to help Afghans enter the U.S. Marty Anthony Muller allegedly wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation for Afghans applying for a special visa. Hawaii News Now.

Memorial service to honor late Big Island state lawmaker planned at state Capitol. A memorial service for late Big Island state Rep. Mark Nakashima is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the rotunda at the state Capitol, located at 415 S. Beretania St., in Honolulu. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council discusses new agricultural task force. Many from Oahu’s farming and ranching communities support a Honolulu City Council plan to potentially restore the city’s now-­defunct Agricultural Development Task Force. Star-Advertiser.

Settlements Recommended For Honolulu Liquor Commission And Police Lawsuits. The City Council still needs to approve the $670,000 settlement over a lawsuit against the liquor commission and $150,000 for the family of a girl who was arrested. Civil Beat.

Officials brainstorm new rules for e-bikes to improve safety amid rising accidents. New laws aimed at clarifying the rules on e-bikes could be passed by the end of this year. It comes as the City and County of Honolulu reports already more than 180 accidents related to them this year alone. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Environmental Protection Agency reports mixed bag of Red Hill water results. The current well in use got the all-clear in terms of meeting the maximum contaminant level, or MCL. The EPA also tested for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii youth engage in voting process. Hundreds of students gathered around the Kamehameha statue Tuesday, sign-waving before walking over to Honolulu Hale to drop off general election ballots or watch the process unfold. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EA for Keaukaha project contains references to startup company. Despite appearing in a state environmental assessment, a private company’s concept for a water treatment facility in Keaukaha remains only hypothetical for now. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island's Natural Energy Laboratory celebrates 50 years of climate-focused projects. The park is also home to the only off-shore aquaculture operation in the country, operated by Blue Ocean Mariculture. New tenants— such as Sea Dragon Energy, a company that wants to scale up its operations to produce jet fuel from seawater — are hoping to get space at the 870-acre park. Hawaii Public Radio.

Solid Waste Facilities In West Hawaiʻi To Close For IRONMAN. The Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station, as well as the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill at Pu‘uanahulu will be closed on Sunday, October 26th.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina residents invited to workshop on rebuilding the energy grid. The new Lahaina Energy Partnership is composed of local organizations and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. They'll be holding a community workshop Thursday to gather input. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina homeowners can now apply to receive lot surveys at no cost. The Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program announced that it will offer no-cost lot surveys for Lahaina homeowners who lived in their home before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Funding for the lot surveys was provided through a $3-million grant to Hawaiʻi Community Lending from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.  Maui Now.

State seeks feedback on new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina. The Hawai’i Department of Education is seeking community input for a new proposed site up to 16 acres from landowner Kamehameha Schools in Ku’ia, Lahaina, that could serve as the permanent home for rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was damaged in the Aug. 8 wildfires. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Asked To Fund Groups Maintaining Natural Resources. One proposed charter amendment on Kauai could make it easier for the county to partner with volunteer organizations to care for properties it has acquired under a fund designed to preserve natural resources. Civil Beat.

Kauai voters to decide on five key Charter Amendments in General Election. Voters on Kauai will have to decide on five important charter amendments on the ballot this general election. KHON2.

Hanamaulu Stream grungiest in October. A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium at a number of locations with Hanamaulu Stream emerging as the grungiest in October. Garden Island.

Voting skepticism intensifies, Young Brothers seeks 20% rate hike, state Supreme Court rejects Aloha Petroleum's stance on climate change, Legislature not policing itself, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting skepticism and party division intensify among Hawaiʻi's own Elections Commission. If it were up to the Hawaiʻi Elections Commission, the state would end mail-in voting and hand-count all the ballots. Since 2020, meetings have become increasingly contentious — with some lasting hours. The focus was once getting more people to vote, while now it's on election security — even though there has never been evidence of widespread voter fraud in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Legislature Rarely Uses Its Own Process To Investigate Lawmakers. The dormant House Select Standards of Conduct Committee raises questions about whether self-policing really works or if an independent agency is needed. When the Hawaii State Ethics Commission last month fined a state legislator $12,500 for campaign financial disclosure violations, the case was referred to House Speaker Scott Saiki.  But as of this week the commission had not received a formal response from Saiki, even though the rules of the Hawaii House of Representatives on legislative conduct indicate that action is required. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court rejects oil company's argument that greenhouse gases aren't pollutants. Aloha Petroleum is a named defendant in cases brought by the City and County of Honolulu and the County of Maui that allege several major players in the oil industry promoted disinformation about the role of fossil fuels in causing climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers seeks rate hikes. The cost to ship most cargo between islands in Hawaii could jump 20% on average, and in instances up to 45%, next summer under a plan by the state’s regulated interisland tug-and-barge operator. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. KHON2.

Hawaii voters to receive General Election ballots by October 18. Importantly, ballots must be received, not just postmarked, by 7:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.  KHON2.

UH study: Meth poisoning leading cause for fatal overdoses in older Hawaiʻi residents. A new study by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Center on Aging finds that methamphetamine poisoning is the leading cause of fatal overdoses among midlife and older adults in Hawai‘i. Maui Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii to join the Mountain West full-time and won’t pay subsidies. The University of Hawaii announced Tuesday that it will join the Mountain West Conference as a full-time member effective July 1, 2026. Hawaii will compete in 15 sports in the Mountain West Conference, which does not sponsor beach volleyball, men’s volleyball, men’s swimming and diving and women’s water polo. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Voters To Decide If Climate Change Fund Needed. A proposed city charter amendment would funnel some property tax revenue to a Climate Resiliency Fund. The proposed city charter amendment would establish a Climate Resiliency Fund to pay for things like electric buses, tree plantings, solar panels over parking lots and programs to protect people from flood and hurricane damage. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council adopts possible worker hazard pay. The City and County of Honolulu will likely tap about $5 million in federal COVID-19 money to help pay the estimated tens of millions of dollars in temporary hazard pay to city workers employed during the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

City Council pay raises: No more than 5% a year under Charter Change. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on Charter Amendment Question #4, which proposes capping annual salary increases for Honolulu City Councilmembers at no more than 5%.  KHON2.

North Shore Development On Fast Track Thanks To 2022 City Decision. Plans for a Turtle Bay development are under review, but the developer inherited government approvals that helped it get off to a quick start. version of a construction project underway near the Turtle Bay Resort. The Utah-based company Arete Collective intends to build up to 350 units on two coastal land parcels the company purchased in April. Civil Beat.

State senator calls out Hawaii’s governor over recent West Oahu gun violence. State Sen. Kurt Fevella, R-Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, on Tuesday called out the Green administration over what he considers a “lack of action” in response to recent gun violence in West Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kalani High’s Silver is named Hawaii State Teacher of the Year. The state Department of Education announced Tuesday that Bryan Silver of Kalani High School has been named the 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, the highest honor given annually to one of over 13,000 DOE teachers statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County mayoral candidates discuss economy, short-term rentals, homelessness, and more. Incumbent Mitch Roth is set to face challenger Kimo Alameda in a general election runoff for Hawaii County mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Radio proposal draws concerns at council meeting.  The plan would establish partnerships between the county and various amateur and professional radio operators that would be able to disseminate vital information to remote areas of the island in case of an emergency. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Council to discuss wastewater treatment plant projects mandated by EPA. During today’s meeting, Hawai‘i County Council will make decisions about two wastewater treatment plant projects. Big Island Now.

Local historian takes Kona beekeeping to infinity and bee-yond.  Kona is home to one of the largest queen bee breeders in the world. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Vs Maui: Candidates Square Off In County Council Power Struggle. The first election since the 2023 fires could change the balance of power on the nine-member board. Civil Beat.

Watchdog group demands answers from MPD chief amid reports department mishandled Lahaina victims’ remains. Common Cause Hawaii, is calling on the police commission to get answers to questions Chief John Pelletier is refusing to acknowledge.  Hawaii News Now.

Second phase announced for Lahaina Civic Center renovations and repairs. The Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium will close beginning Dec. 1 for repairs and renovations, the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced. It is scheduled to reopen Sept. 30, 2025. Maui Now.

Kauai

Public can weigh in on planned emergency zone declaration near Waikoko hairpin turn. The state plans to declare a traffic emergency zone at milepost 4.7 to conduct emergency slope stabilization work. Kauai Now.

Previously unknown native flora discovered on Kauaʻi with flying technology.  The new species is called Schiedea waiahuluensis — a reference to the valley where it was discovered. The genus, Schiedea, is endemic to Hawaiʻi and now includes 36 species. Hawaii Public Radio.

Blangiardi defends $1B Ala Wai project, attorney general touts recreational marijuana plan, Young Brothers averts Hilo shipping snafu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Defends $1 Billion Ala Wai Canal Flood Plan. The project will be funded by the federal government and the city. The city’s share would be about $375 million. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii looks to Massachusetts for guidance on legalizing recreational marijuana. Legalizing recreational marijuana in Hawaii may depend on the success of another state: Massachusetts. Hawaii’s attorney general has adopted that state’s system in her proposal for Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Change of federal law intends to help Native Hawaiians reclaim ancestral bones. The federal government has made it easier for Native Hawaiian families to make claims for the return of iwi, or ancestral remains, currently housed in museums and other institutions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii’s first homeless ‘medical respite’ site closing as concept expands. After more than six months of housing and treating homeless patients discharged from Oahu hospitals, Hawaii’s first “medical respite” kauhale will begin shutting down Thursday and take the lessons learned to two new projects designed to expand to mental health issues affecting the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor: Credibility of HPD ‘on the line’ as officers are being investigated for mishandling crash probe. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is responding to police body camera video that shows the actions of Honolulu police officers under investigation for mishandling a crash investigation involving one of their own. Hawaii News Now.

Community shares input on proposed Chinatown hotel. A proposed 15-story hotel in Chinatown now sits in the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting agency review process. KHON2.

Value of urban Oahu properties increases. While the overall assessed value of taxable properties on Oahu for 2024 didn’t skyrocket as it did a year ago, the city says the assessed value of homes in some parts of urban Honolulu are up by as much as 5%. Star-Advertiser.

TSA agents find anti-aircraft ammo in Thermos at Daniel K. Inouye Airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers discovered ammunition in a checked bag at the Daniel K Inouye Airport. KITV4.

Over 600 benches and tables installed in Honolulu parks. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation completed its “Let’s Meet at the Park” initiative Tuesday, installing more than 600 park benches and tables throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Young Brothers averts Hilo shipping snafu. With the help of the Hawaii Fire Department, interisland freight shipper Young Brothers was able to reopen its facility and resume cargo operations at the Port of Hilo on Tuesday afternoon, averting a possible disaster for East Hawaii retailers, wholesalers and consumers during the busy holiday season. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Pahala gets access to high-speed internet service. Pahala is the first Hawaii Island ZIP code to be fully enabled to receive Hawaiian Telcom’s high-speed fiber internet service. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

2 options mulled for Mud Lane, including evacuation route. The Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee is mulling whether to request the county maintain Mud Lane or to open it up as an emergency evacuation route. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Electric, Solar Industry Eye Microgrids As A Way To Make Lahaina More Resilient. They would offer plenty of benefits, but it's difficult to build those systems and will need buy-in from the West Maui community. Civil Beat.

Four renewable energy projects slated for Maui. Hawaiian Electric will begin contract negotiations with developers of four renewable energy projects on Maui, that the company says “will further reduce Hawaii’s dependence of imported oil for power generation.” Maui News.

$354,000 grant approved for sediment removal and flood mitigation in South Maui.  The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a $354,000 grant to the Mālama Haleakalā Foundation for site assessment and preliminary design for a stormwater-detention basin at Kūlanihākoʻi in South Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Victims Fight To Keep Lawsuits On Maui. Score of cases have been removed from Maui state court to federal court on Oahu. An attorney says it's unfair to expect victims to have to travel for trials. Civil Beat.

Families Displaced By The Maui Fires Are Tired Of Shuffling Between Hotel Rooms. The American Red Cross says it is continuing to negotiate with hotel and condo properties to extend sheltering program contracts. Civil Beat.

SBA grants 45-day deadline extension for Maui disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a 45-day grace period from Monday’s deadline for Maui residents and businesses to apply for disaster loan assistance. Star-Advertiser.

All Lahaina wildfire zones reopened. All 83 zones in the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area completed reopening Tuesday, over a week ahead of schedule. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Visitor spending soars. Visitor spending eclipsed the $200 million mark for the 10th straight month in October, as tourists continued to pour record sums of money into the island of Kaua‘i economy while on holiday in 2023. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i hotels fare well in October. The average daily rate for a room jumped to $396 in October, according to the Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report published monthly by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. That was up 8.3 percent from October 2022 and 56.1 percent from pre-pandemic October 2019. Garden Island.

Those over 65 could get less health care in COVID triage plans, Kauai council passes 3% local hotel tax, Ventura tapped as Maui fire chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elders stay active in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Pandemic Crisis Care Plan Raises Legal And Ethical Concerns. Hawaii stood by its decision to use age as a tiebreaker if needed in treatment decisions, according to the latest version of its plan for allocating resources if the pandemic overwhelms the state’s health care system, despite criticism that the plan may discriminate against older patients. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Audit Finds That Young Brothers Failed To Offset Rising Labor Costs. The report calls for no more shipping rate increases until at least 2023 and for a third party observer to help oversee one of Hawaii’s oldest companies. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige’s request to halt nonessential travel impacts Hawaii hotel bookings, prices. The rebound of tourism over the summer months came to a screeching halt. People in the hotel industry said travel typically slows down during the fall, but rising COVID cases and the governor’s message to tourists to not come magnified the slow season. KHON2.

COVID-19 screening ramps up in Hawaii’s public schools. After a slow start, state officials are ramping up COVID-19 testing throughout Hawaii’s public schools, part of an overall strategy to help contain the spread of the coronavirus at school facilities where close to 3,000 cases have been reported since the start of the school year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 11 new coronavirus-related deaths, 493 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 314 new cases on Oahu, 62 on Maui, 89 on Hawaii island, 19 on Kauai, three on Molokai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Despite complaints and lawsuits, high-ranking ‘bully’ commander at HPD keeps getting promoted. A battle is brewing within the Honolulu Police Department as members of the rank-and-file push back against one of their leaders, Assistant Chief Stephen Gerona, accusing him of retaliation, sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 sidelines 22 Honolulu Police Department officers. Twenty-two Honolulu police officers were isolated or quarantined Wednesday after testing positive or being exposed to the COVID-19 virus, but the absences are not hindering department operations, interim Chief Rade K. Vanic told Honolulu police commissioners. Star-Advertiser.

No violations found of Honolulu’s new vaccination, COVID-19 testing rules. Honolulu police have found no violations while spot checking Oahu restaurants — particularly in Chinatown and Kakaako — for compliance with new COVID-19 vaccination and testing rules for employees and customers that went into effect on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

DOH issues Honolulu restaurant second red ‘closed’ placard; Failed to pay $3k fine. Doner Shack, a local restaurant in Honolulu, received its second red “closed ” placard and a cease-and-desist order from the Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Still no whistle-blower hot-line: Four years later, audit recommendation yet to be implemented. The Human Resources Department has been scrutinizing interview packets before county departments vet candidates for employment, one of several practices instituted after a scathing 2017 audit found favoritism in county hiring. West Hawaii Today.

Decisions Made On Puna Roads, Water Service Following 2018 Kīlauea Eruption. The County of Hawai‘i provided an update on Wednesday regarding restoration of infrastructure in Puna following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Big Island Video News.

Hele-On Announces More Routes, Later Service For Hawaiʻi Island. The Hele-On bus is adding more routes on Hawaiʻi island, and offering later service, according to officials. Big Island Video News.

COVID cases trend downward, but HMC still over capacity. Altogether, there are 49 patients, or 35% of the hospital’s total patient count, affected by the virus, 11 of whom are on ventilators, the hospital said. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Brad Ventura chosen as Maui Fire Department’s new chief. Brad Ventura, 19-year veteran of the Maui Fire Department, will become the department’s new chief starting Oct. 1.  Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Maui Commission Debates Whether To Hire Next Police Chief In Private. The commission’s attorney argued Wednesday that discussions should take place in public. Civil Beat.

Conservation groups notify Maui resort of intent to sue for lights that harm endangered seabirds. Conservation groups today filed a notice of intent to sue the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui for violations of the Endangered Species Act if it does not fix lights that it says are harming and killing endangered seabirds. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to enter Maui County restaurants, bars, gyms under new rules. Maui County’s new set of Safer Outside emergency rules in response to the COVID-19 surge went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

Council passes county’s own 3% TAT. A 3% transient accommodation tax levied by the county will soon be applied throughout the tourism industry. Garden Island.

Island enters shearwater fallout season. Seabird fallout season, when fledglings risk potentially-fatal disorientation caused by artificial lights, began Sept. 15, and will run through Dec. 15. Garden Island.

Hawaii's 20k federal civilian workers face Biden's vaccination mandate, COVID delays barge shipment, creates food shortages on Kauai, Jill Biden cuts foot on Oahu beach, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Federal building in Honolulu ©2021 All Hawaii News

President’s tough new vaccination rules impact 20K federal civilian workers in Hawaii. Some 20,000 federal civilian workers in Hawaii along with on-site contractors are impacted by President Biden’s sweeping new vaccine order. Under the new rules, they’ll be required to verify they’re vaccinated or face regular testing. Unvaccinated workers will also face travel restrictions and be required to mask up. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hits 60% vaccination milestone, but is still behind schedule. Honolulu has about 62% of its population fully vaccinated, followed by Kauai County at 60%, Hawaii County at 56% and Maui County at 54%. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Formally Rejects Gov. David Ige's Court of Appeals Nominee. The state Senate formally rejected Gov. David Ige's appointment of Daniel Gluck to the Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals after Gluck expressed his desire to withdraw from the process. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press.

Jill Biden treated for puncture on foot after Hawaii visit. First lady Jill Biden underwent a medical procedure Thursday to flush out debris from a puncture wound on her left foot, her spokesperson said. Associated Press.

HTA: Visitor Arrivals, Spending Up in June, But Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels. Nearly 800,000 visitors from the continental U.S. arrived in the islands last month, according to the latest report from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority highlighting monthly visitor arrivals and spending. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH COVID-19 forecast model predicts Delta variant could push Oahu to 600 daily infections. The Hawaii Pandemic Applied Modeling Workgroup has come up with forecasts for several COVID-19 scenarios since the pandemic began last year, but the most alarming forecast is where the state could be heading in the next few months. KHON2.

July 29, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 234 Cases, 2 Deaths. The state Department of Health reports that there were 234** additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i on Thursday. **An interruption in electronic lab reporting earlier this week resulted in incomplete case counts reported yesterday and today. The confirmed cases included: 137 on O‘ahu (+1 probable); 54 on Hawai‘i Island; 18 on Maui (+13 probable); nine on Kaua‘i; and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state (+1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council weighs how to spend federal COVID funds. The Honolulu City Council is deciding how to spend the first $193 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that the city received in June to combat the public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Handi-Van Driver Dies Of COVID-19. A Honolulu paratransit driver is one of the latest victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. The city did not release the person’s name or age, nor their date of death. Civil Beat.

Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center to require all employees to get vaccinated. Of the nearly 700 staff members at the center, 80 percent are already fully vaccinated. KITV4.

City cracks down on peer-to-peer car rentals clogging residential neighborhoods. With the shortage in rental cars, residents have been turning to renting out their cars using peer-to-peer sharing on apps like Turo. But some neighborhoods are seeing a proliferation of vehicles taking up parking on side streets — and the city is cracking down. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Tourism Authority approves plan to reduce Oahu tourists. The Hawaii Tourism Authority on Thursday approved a tourism management plan for Oahu that says the agency will work to “decrease the total number of visitors on the island.” That’s the top anchor action in the Oahu Destination Management Action Plan, which HTA developed in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and the community over the past five months. Star-Advertiser.

Former managing director Roy Amemiya says he had nothing to do with former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha $250,000 settlement. Honolulu’s former managing director says he had nothing to do with the $250,000 settlement with former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and is still seeking information about the U.S. Department of Justice’s allegations that prompted investigators to subpoena him to testify before a federal grand jury, then make him a formal target of their investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Vice Principal Fired For Affair On Campus Accuses Her Union Of Failing To Defend Her. The vice principal, while accepting responsibility, says that dismissal for the affair with a principal was too harsh. Civil Beat.

How A ‘Perfect Storm’ Led To A Spike In COVID Cases On The Westside. Waianae and Ewa have had the highest number of new COVID-19 cases on Oahu in the past two weeks. Civil Beat.

Blaisdell Center Receives $3M Federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. The Neal S. Blaisdell Center has received just over $3 million from the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to recoup lost revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

6 residents test positive for COVID at Hilo nursing facility. A long-term care home facility on the Big Island reported Wednesday that six of its residents tested positive for COVID. The Life Care Center of Hilo had conducted facility-wide testing after one of their employees became infected with the virus on July 21. Hawaii News Now.

Homesteaders eye dispute between Fevella, Aila: Senate minority leader seeks probe of DHHL. Keaukaha Community President Patrick Kahawaiolaa said it’s difficult for homesteaders to get loans from commercial lenders because the land is on 99-year leases for $1 a year and title belongs to the DHHL. Tribune-Herald.

24th annual Sayre awards fundraiser canceled due to COVID. The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation announced the 24th annual Awards and Fund-Raising Dinner honoring the Hawaii Fire Department Meritorious Service Award recipients will not be held on Sept. 4 this year at the Fairmont Orchid due to the continued spread of the coronavirus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Environmental study for water leases complete. A&B, EMI are seeking 30-year lease to divert water from East Maui. Alexander & Baldwin and its subsidiary East Maui Irrigation Co. have wrapped up a long-awaited environmental study that the companies need in order to seek a long-term lease to divert water from East Maui streams. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric Collecting Feedback on Shared Solar Program for Moloka‘i. Hawaiian Electric is hosting a virtual stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to collect feedback from Moloka‘i residents and business owners, renewable energy developers, and interested parties regarding Moloka‘i shared solar projects, also known as the Community-Based Renewable Energy program. Maui Now.

$1 Million in New Grants & Matching Funds for Lānaʻi Watershed Conservation Program. The Kuahiwi a Kai: Lānaʻi Watershed Conservation Program has received four new grants worth $471,000 and matching contributions of $547,000, for a total conservation impact of more than $1 million. Maui Now.

Fewer Visitors to Maui in June 2021 than June 2019, But They Spent More. The 260,618 visitors to Maui in June 2021 contributed $503 million to the local economy, which is 5.4% more than the $477 million spent by the 295,926 tourists who came to the island pre-pandemic in June 2019. Maui Now.

Kauai

Barge shipment delay results in no burgers, pet food. Burger King ran out of burgers, and Kentucky Fried Chicken ran out of mashed potatoes. These were just some of the effects of a barge shipment delayed due to crew members contracting COVID-19, setting off a small chain reaction on the island. Garden Island.

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ singer selling North Shore home. Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis is selling his Kaua‘i house for nearly $10 million. Garden Island.

Ige reassembles COVID-19 team, sets Oct. 15 tourism reopening date; VA 'tiger team' moves in after 15 veteran deaths; Hawaii Island beach closures extended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of Health Director Libby Char

 

Gov. David Ige announces Oct. 15 as the start of the state’s pre-arrivals testing program. Gov. David Ige has set Oct. 15 as the new date to launch a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Hawaii Will Launch Pre-Travel Testing Program Oct. 15. The long-awaited program to let travelers bypass quarantine is set for next month, but state leaders did not have all the details ironed out on how it will work. Civil Beat.

Pre-travel COVID-19 testing program for trans-Pacific visitors to begin Oct. 15. Ige on Wednesday announced the start of the often-delayed program, which will allow airline passengers to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine if they test negative for the coronavirus within 72 hours of arriving in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Facing mounting economic woes, Hawaii to launch pre-travel testing program Oct. 15. After being delayed for months, a much-touted pre-travel testing program that authorities say is a key step in rebooting the tourism industry will be launched Oct. 15, allowing trans-Pacific visitors to forgo a 14-day quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige sets mainland tourism to reopen Oct. 15. Governor David Ige has set a new date for reopening tourism to mainland travelers, pushing it back to Oct. 15. This will be the third time it has been delayed. KHON2.

Pre-Travel Testing Program Scheduled to Start Oct. 15. Hawai‘i’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program will launch on Oct. 15, Gov. David Ige announced in a press conference this afternoon. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program to Start Oct. 15. Governor David Ige this afternoon confirmed that the state’s pre-travel testing program will launch on Oct. 15, enabling travelers to get a COVID-19 test no earlier than 72 hours prior to their flight arrival in Hawai‘i to avoid the 14-day mandatory quarantine if the test comes back negative for the virus. Maui Now.

Ige: Pre-travel testing Oct. 15. Gov. David Ige has pushed back Hawai‘i’s pre-travel testing program to Oct. 15, and announced a new leadership team to realign the state’s COVID-19 efforts. Garden Island.

=====

Gov. David Ige assembles new COVID response team. After months of ambiguity in public policy to reopen the economy, Gov. David Ige announced a new leadership team Wednesday with the specific focus on restoring the state’s most important economic engine. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige announces new leadership team and realignment of COVID-19 efforts. The Governor hopes the pre-travel testing program can provide a much needed boost to the economy, but people need to be tested before boarding an airplane. KITV4.

New DOH director sets priorities for COVID-19 response. It was the first day on the job for Dr. Libby Char, the new Director of the Hawaii State Department of Health. KHON2.

Experts: New testing methods could speed up tourism’s reopening. New COVID-19 testing methods and better access to tests could make it safer for tourism to ramp up, experts say. Doctors still call the polymerise chain reaction, or PCR test, the gold standard. That will be the test the state requires under the pre-travel testing program set to launch Oct. 15. Hawaii News Now.

How accurate is the test for the pre-travel testing program and where can you get one? Only  a certain COVID-19 test will be accepted, which is the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). KHON2.

=====

Hawaii Has Spent Only A Small Fraction Of CARES Act Money. The state and neighbor island counties are required to expend nearly $863 million by the end of the year — or they will lose it. Civil Beat.

Senator Hirono calling for more transparency on how CARES Act money is spent. Hawai'i U.S. Senator, Mazie Hirono is calling for more transparency on how federal CARES Act money is being used. KITV4.

Hawaii Supreme Court denies Kokua Council’s request to intervene in DOH contact tracing. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday denied Kokua Council for Senior Citizens’ petition to compel the Department of Health to increase the number of COVID-19 contact tracers in Hawaii and to require that the agency improve translation services. Star-Advertiser.

New Directors Named For Hawaii’s Labor Department. Scott Murakami left the pandemic-beleaguered agency earlier this year. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige appoints Anne Perreira-Eustaquio to head the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Gov. David Ige today announced the appointment of Anne E. Perreira-Eustaquio as director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She has been serving as acting director since last month. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 16: 102 New COVID-19 Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. On Wednesday, 102 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed by state health officials, along with three COVID-19 associated deaths on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Leaders of the hospitality industry say that hotels will be ready when tourism restarts. Waikiki currently has 5,000 rooms ready to go, with more expected to come online before tourism returns to Hawaii on October 15. KHON2.

Dr. Jim Ireland named new chief of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services. Ireland is no stranger to the city. Back in 2010, he was director of the Emergency Services Department, overseeing both EMS and ocean safety. KITV4.

Honolulu Police Are Issuing An ‘Unprecedented’ Number Of Pandemic Tickets. Many are being dismissed. But the court system is struggling to keep up as thousands of violators are forced to appear before a judge anyway. Civil Beat.

Leahi Hospital Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19. No residents at the elderly care facility have tested positive for COVID-19 to date. Civil Beat.

Elections officials remind Hawaii voters they don’t need to request ballots. Honolulu elections officials said Wednesday voters don’t need to request ballots to be mailed to them after the U.S. Postal Service sent postcards to residents across the country warning them to ask for mail-in ballots at least 15 days before Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

Council seeks provisions for Hanauma Bay park’s protection. Two measures — one that’s going through the Honolulu City Council and another that’s already been approved — could promote the recovery of Hanauma Bay’s marine ecosystem even once visitors are allowed back in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Veteran Affairs infection specialists head to Hilo veterans home. A federal team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs specializing in infection control and safety will arrive today at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo to put an end to a major COVID-19 outbreak resulting in 15 deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Federal 'Tiger Team' Heads To Hilo Veterans Home As Death Roll Rises To 14. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is sending a larger COVID-19 team to the Big Island Thursday to help contain the coronavirus outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Public Radio.

Team from Veterans Affairs set to arrive today; Another COVID-19 death reported at Hilo vets home. With 15 COVID-19 deaths now associated with Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, a team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will review “almost everything” about the facility’s management of the outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Hawaiʻi Island Beach Parks Closed For Two More Weeks. The closure of all County and State Beach Parks on Hawai‘i island will be extended for two additional weeks, and will reopen at 7 a.m. on October 1. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Extends Big Island Beach Closures Until Oct. 1. All county and state beach parks on the Big Island will remain closed through the end of the month, Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim announced on Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Target Hilo sees “multiple” COVID-19 employee cases. Multiple people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Target store in Hilo, which is located on Makaala Street. KHON2.

Council endorses voluntary contact tracing apps. A nonbinding resolution urging the mayor to support a voluntary contact tracing app cleared the County Council by an 8-1 vote Wednesday after it was changed to allow more than one specific vendor. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly $1M in HUD funds earmarked for 4 virus relief projects. A Hawaii County Council committee voted in favor of allocating nearly a million dollars in federal funds to a quartet of COVID-19 recovery projects throughout the county. Tribune-Herald.

$3.7 Million Granted For Various Eruption Recovery Efforts. Money will go toward private road restoration, assisting impacted farms, building affordable homes for displaced residents, and helping Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School. Big Island Video News.

18 nonprofits receive lava recovery grants. The Hawaii County Kilauea Recovery Team awarded $3.7 million in grants to 18 nonprofits to assist in eruption recovery efforts in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Man Charged in ‘Bizarre’ Case of Illegal Aquarium Fishing. Authorities have arrested a man on several charges involving illegal aquarium fishing in West Hawai‘i waters, after what the state Department of Land and Natural Resources described as a “bizarre series of events” that ended with a search and rescue operation for two women apparently abandoned at sea. Big Island Now.

Illegal aquarium fishing arrest prompts search and rescue mission. Another arrest has been made for illegal aquarium fishing in West Hawaii waters. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some products will soon get pricier with shipping rate increase. Businesses brace for Young Brothers invoices in already challenging times. Residents soon will see prices increase on certain products in the wake of the 46 percent emergency rate hike approved by the state Public Utilities Commission for interisland shipper Young Brothers that took effect this month. Maui News.

Red Placard Issued to Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant in Kīhei, Maui. According to the DOH, the restaurant’s kitchen was allegedly infested with roaches among many other food safety violations and health hazards. Maui Now.

Ali‘i Kula Lavender Open Two More Weekends Before Temporary Closure. Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm in Kula on Maui announced it will be open for two more weekends before it transitions to a temporary closure starting on Oct. 1, 2020.  Starting next month, the farm will be closed to visitors until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kupa‘a Kaua‘i food distribution program to begin Sept. 22. The County of Kaua‘i is partnering with the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Branch and the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank to provide food packages to individuals and families who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

All water sites test high in September water results. The Kaua‘i Chapter of Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force has completed water quality sampling for September 2020, with a limited set of data due to the pandemic. Garden Island.

State employee furloughs, 46% shipping rate hike, more lock downs in store as Hawaii struggles with coronavirus, school starts with distance learning, downsized RIMPAC kicks off, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New plans for the Ala Wai. See Oahu news section. ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ige Plans Furloughs For Public Workers Starting In November. The administration also plans to borrow $750 million and defer health fund payments to balance the state budget. Civil Beat.

=====

PUC approves emergency 46% rate increase for Young Brothers. In a decision expected to drive up the already high cost of living on the Neighbor Islands, the Public Utilities Commission on Monday approved a jaw-dropping 46% rate increase for the state’s only inter-island cargo shipping company. Hawaii News Now.

PUC approves emergency 46% rate increase for Young Brothers. The Public Utilities Commission on Monday approved Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46% — or $27 million — to keep the company afloat amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

PUC Okays Young Brothers’ 46% Rate Hike. In a decision issued Monday, the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission approved Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46% with several conditions over the next 12 months. Big Island Now.

Young Brothers 46% rate increase approved by PUC. The Public Utilities Commission has approved Young Brother’s emergency request to increase rates by 46% with conditions. KHON2.

=====

More restrictions expected as Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell plan their next move. Ige said last week he was looking at reestablishing the stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Further COVID-19 restrictions imminent. State officials agree further restrictions on Oahu are necessary to control the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases, but have not yet announced what those restrictions will be. Tribune-Herald.

As number of COVID-19 infections soar on Oahu, state says new restrictions are near. The state on Monday said Oahu residents should prepare for “additional targeted restrictions” as the number of new COVID-19 infections continues to soar. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii Health Director Bruce Anderson back on job after taking a few days off to ‘re-energize’. After taking a few days off last week ”to rest and re-energize,” beleaguered state Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson is back on the job today. Star-Advertiser.

3 key state leaders departing during pandemic. The heads of the state departments of Tax, Human Services, and Labor and Industrial Relations have left Gov. David Ige’s administration just since July while Ige still has two years left in his final term. Star-Advertiser.

=====

COVID-19 committee says case data needed to slow coronavirus surge. Members of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 voiced their frustrations Monday with the state Department of Health’s response to the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

House COVID-19 Committee: ‘We Really Do Need Data’ To Get The Virus Under Control. The blue-ribbon committee of lawmakers and community leaders is pushing for state health officials to release more information and provide more effective public communication. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii Office of Elections works to deter mail-in voter fraud with safeguards. Amid the flames of mail-in voter fraud claims being made by President Donald Trump before November’s general election, Hawaii election officials are confident that the process locally will be transparent and fair. KHON2.

=====

DOE Struggles To Get Students The Technology They Need For Online Learning. The department is spending millions of dollars on laptops and mobile hotspots for low-income families but some devices have yet to arrive. Civil Beat.

Only a few teachers opt out of first day back at Hawaii public schools. Monday was the first day for students at public schools across the state, after the coronavirus disrupted their 2019-20 academic year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Resume With Anxiety, Excitement of New Year. Hawaii public schools today begin a month of distance learning to kick off the new school year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Many Hawaii students spend first day online as virus surges. The statewide teachers union led an effort to delay the first day for students by two weeks. At the union’s urging, the Hawaii Department of Education later announced most schools would start the first four weeks online. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Scaled Back RIMPAC Launches Amid Pandemic Concerns. The Rim of the Pacific international military exercise, or RIMPAC as its known, is held every two years on land, in the air, and on the seas around the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Downsized RIMPAC kicks off with COVID-19 precautions. The world’s largest international maritime exercise — otherwise known as RIMPAC — was originally planned to have 30 countries, more than 50 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC to begin, but will be scaled back and held at sea only. RIMPAC, the world’s largest maritime exercises, begins Monday. But it will be scaled way back and only held at sea off the islands. Hawaii News Now.

RIMPAC begins military exercises in waters off of Hawaii. On Aug. 17, military officials kicked off the world’s largest international maritime exercise here in Hawaii, with some significant modifications. KHON2.

Big military exercise in Hawaii scaled back due to virus. The 27th Rim of the Pacific international military exercise will be considerably smaller than usual primarily. KITV4.

=====

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 17: 174 New COVID-19 Cases. Multiple hospital workers at Queen’s hospital Punchbowl are isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 174 New Cases; Court Says Some Felony Defendants Can Seek Release. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii Supreme Court OKs expedited release of eligible felons. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday issued a new order speeding up a plan to allow eligible felons and those charged with felonies to be released from Oahu Community Correctional Center quickly to help curb the spike in COVID-19 cases at the Kalihi facility. Star-Advertiser.

Court orders release of certain felons as COVID-19 grips state’s largest jail. As the new coronavirus continues to spread through the Oahu Community Correctional Center, the state Supreme Court on Monday ordered the release of certain felons to ease overcrowding at the Kalihi jail. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Colleen Hanabusa Endorses Rick Blangiardi For Honolulu Mayor. The longtime Democrat chose the more conservative Blangiardi over self-proclaimed Democrat Keith Amemiya. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa backs Blangiardi in race for Honolulu’s next mayor. Former mayoral candidate and one-time U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced Monday that she was endorsing retired Honolulu television executive Rick Blangiardi for the city’s top job. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Another proposal based off public feedback is suggested for Ala Wai flood control project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is recommending a new plan for the controversial Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Hawaii News Now.

=====

UH Manoa students move into dorms in the midst of pandemic. Parents and students weigh in on moving into University of Hawaii - Manoa dorms during a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii students begin moving into residence buildings. At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, students began moving into on-campus housing on Aug. 17. KHON2.

Additional staff test positive for COVID-19 at Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. According to a letter sent to residents and their family members, two more staff members tested positive. KITV4.

=====

Ex-CIA agent living on Oahu accused of spying for China. A former CIA officer who lives in Honolulu was arrested Friday on a charge that he conspired with a relative — who also was a former CIA officer — to communicate classified information up to the Top Secret level to intelligence officials of the People’s Republic of China, the Justice Department said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Former CIA Agent Arrested In Honolulu For Helping China Spy On US. Recordings of meetings obtained by the FBI show Chinese officials paying Ma and another co-conspirator $50,000. Civil Beat.

Media mogul Byron Allen to buy Hawaii ABC affiliate KITV. A division of Allen Media Group and Entertainment Studios announced today that it has signed a purchase agreement to buy KITV from SJL Broadcasting for $30 million. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Says It Is Seeing Community Spread Of COVID-19. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense changed its message on COVID-19 on Monday morning, saying that recent cases are not travel related. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Launches Rent, Mortgage Assistance Program. RMAP nonprofit partners are encouraging Hawai‘i Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 to prepare ahead to apply. Big Island Now.

Hilo courthouse security guard tests positive for COVID-19. Employees at the state courthouse in Hilo have been notified that a security guard who worked in the building has tested positive for the coronavirus. Tribune-Herald.

Pandemic suppresses Big Island film industry. Along with nearly every other industry in the state, the Big Island’s motion picture industry has drastically underperformed so far this year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Keeps Eye on COVID-19 Case Count, Explores Job Creation. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino says he’ll look at potentially closing beach parks and reinstating other restrictions if the county continues to see double digit new cases over the next few days. Maui Now.

28 MMMC hospital COVID-19 cases; 2 new at Hale Makua. Maui Memorial Medical Center confirmed 28 COVID-19 cases at the hospital as of midday Monday, with the majority being health care workers. Maui News.

Maui Hospital COVID-19 Count Rises to 28. Maui Health confirmed that there are 17 health care workers and 11 patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Kanaha Hotel has another public comment period. Project would build 200-unit hotel near airport, Costco. Maui News.

Police Issue 45 Citations Including Illegal Habitation of Vehicles in Pā‘ia Town. The Department of Housing and Human Concerns is surveying the area to locate campsites at Baldwin Beach Park and at adjacent properties. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Candidate Councilman Mel Rapozo Took Illegal Contributions, State Commission Says. The Campaign Spending Commission has taken the rare step of referring a case of false name contributions to the Attorney General’s Office. Civil Beat.

Council to workshop housing policy with stakeholders. Tomorrow, the Kaua‘i County Council will have an explanatory workshop to discuss the contentious reform of Ordinance 860, the county’s housing policy from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Woman arrested for breaking quarantine. Kaua‘i police arrested 51-year-old Shannon Patrick of Longview, Washington on August 13 for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency and vehicle rental prohibition rules pertaining to COVID-19. Garden Island.