Ex-cop gets 4 years for forcing homeless man to lick urinal, FBI captures alleged Honolulu crime boss, Thirty Meter Telescope delayed again, Kona hospital COVID-19 cluster identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea checkpoint in 2019 ©2020 All Hawaii News

TMT delayed until after winter, official says. One year after protesters stopped the Thirty Meter Telescope for a second time, a top official with the TMT organization said Wednesday that the project’s commitment to Hawaii remains as strong as ever but that construction will be delayed at least through the winter and maybe longer. Star-Advertiser.

TMT forges ahead despite pandemic; opponents keeping close eye on project. A top official of the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory project said Wednesday — exactly one year after protesters blocked Maunakea Access Road to prevent construction of the next-generation telescope — that the multinational partnership is still committed to try and make it work in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii TMT protest marks one year anniversary. July 15 marks the one-year anniversary of the protests that halted construction for the Thirty Meter Telescope project atop Mauna Kea. KHON2.


Here’s What You Should Know About The OHA Elections This Year. A surge in Native Hawaiian activism has led to a packed field in the race for seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Civil Beat.

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Some state senators blast reopening plans. Members of the Senate special committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday grilled the state attorney general and members of the state Health Department on their plans to reopen Hawaii for a potential surge of tourism beginning Sept. 1 — with enhanced screening and better documentation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials prepare for trans-Pacific travel. With the reopening of tourism now pushed back to September 1, officials are now trying to iron out the detail of reopening trans-Pacific travel. KHON2.

State not ready yet for more visitors, health officials say. Hawaii health officials contend the state is not ready to reopen the floodgates to tourists as community spread of the coronavirus continues, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Local 5 union pushes for safety, job security. Unite Here Local 5 union members returned to Waikiki and other tourist districts across the state Wednesday to remind Hawaii officials to make health and safety the key focus of the state’s tourism reopening plan. Star-Advertiser.

Young Bros. pared schedule extended. PUC grants request to extend to August as company cuts costs. Maui News.

The Pandemic Is Changing How Hawaii Gets Its Food. COVID-19 has led a growing number of people to barter for food. Gardening and farm-to-doorstep delivery services are also having a moment. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii counts 29 new coronavirus cases as statewide tally rises to 1,292. Today’s new cases include 27 on Oahu and two on Hawaii island, according to the state Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 15: 29 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Two new cases were confirmed on Hawaii Island. Civil Beat.

Health officials report 29 new cases of COVID-19. State health officials announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the Hawaii’s total case count to 1,292. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Ex-officer gets 4 years for making man lick public urinal. A U.S. judge sentenced a former Honolulu police officer Wednesday to four years in prison for forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal, telling him to imagine someone doing that to his two young daughters. Star-Advertiser.

Former HPD Officer Sentenced for Forcing Man to Lick Urinal. A former Honolulu police officer was sentenced to four years in jail today for conspiring to force a man to lick a urinal in a public restroom. Maui Now.

Prison sentence handed down to former HPD officer guilty in civil rights case. A former HPD officer who admitted to forcing a homeless man to lick a urinal received his sentence Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Former HPD officer sentenced to prison for forcing man to lick public urinal. Rabago threatened to beat the man if he didn't do it. KITV4.

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Federal Prosecutors Bring Death Penalty Case Against Alleged Oahu Crime Boss. Honolulu businessman Mike Miske faces murder and kidnapping charges for the death of a young Hawaii Kai man who disappeared in July 2016. Civil Beat.

FBI arrests Honolulu businessman Mike Miske, multiple suspects in kidnapping and murder of Hawaii Kai man. The FBI arrested multiple people on Oahu this morning including Honolulu businessman Mike J. Miske Jr. as part of a federal indictment in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 23-year-old Hawaii Kai man. Star-Advertiser.

FBI Investigation Leads to Indictment of Eleven in Hawai‘i for Racketeering, Other Offenses. A Superseding Indictment was unsealed today charging, Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske, Jr., and 10 other defendants with racketeering conspiracy and other offenses. Maui Now.

Federal authorities indict alleged organized crime boss who ‘wreaked havoc’ on Oahu. Following a years-long federal investigation, authorities executed raids across Oahu on Wednesday and arrested Hawaii businessman Mike Miske as part of a 22-count indictment that alleges he ran an elaborate organized crime group connected to a host of violent acts, from murder to kidnapping and even the alleged use of a chemical weapon. Hawaii News Now.

Law expert believes Miske will be tried for capital punishment. The federal case against Michael Miske is bringing an unusual aspect to the legal process in Hawaii, capital punishment. KHON2.

Kailua FBI raid connected to convicted felon and local businessman. Federal agents raided several locations on O'ahu Wednesday morning in a massive crime bust alleging murder, kidnapping, and the use of chemical weapons. KITV4.

Court documents allege Katherine Kealoha was connected to an incident between Miske and an HPD officer. A recording can be heard here of what is believed to be an exchange between Honolulu police officer Jared Spiker and Michael Miske when Miske was pulled over for allegedly driving while talking on the phone. KITV4.

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The Honolulu Police Commission questioned reports that showed racial and wealth-based disparities regarding arrests for stay-at-home violators during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Use Of Force Or ‘Response To Resistance’? Police Policy Change Considered. “Maybe you shouldn’t try to sugarcoat what it really is,” one Honolulu Police Commissioner said. Civil Beat.

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This New PAC Is Attacking Mayoral Candidate Keith Amemiya. The PAC has not reported where it’s getting its money. Civil Beat.

Keith Amemiya is target of new attack mailers sent out around Oahu. The mailer comes from a political action committee that opposes Amemiya, saying he’s part of a “dynasty” that includes former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann, incumbent Kirk Caldwell and city managing director Roy Amemiya, who’s the candidate’s cousin. Hawaii News Now.

In seeking his old job, Mufi Hannemann is also pursuing a mission in life. In his run for Honolulu mayor, Mufi Hannemann has a simple pitch to voters and it goes something like this: I’ve led Honolulu through tough times before and I can do it again. Hawaii News Now.

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Amazon.com buys Servco's Honolulu property for undisclosed price. It was not immediately known what Seattle-based Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) plans to do with the property, which is situated next to Honolulu Harbor and a few miles from the Honolulu airport. Pacific Business News.

Gift enables improvements to Diamond Head pocket park. After a major face-lift in 2015 and 2016, Makalei Beach Park is going to get a little more work done. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No stamps needed: County battles rumors as ballots arrive at mailboxes. As ballots began trickling into Hawaii Island mailboxes Wednesday, traveling much faster was a false social media rumor about how many stamps are needed to mail it back. West Hawaii Today.

More charges filed against retired police officer in missing drug evidence case. A former Hawaii Police Department officer already charged with drug and conspiracy offenses has been indicted for intimidating a witness in two high-profile criminal cases. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Initiative Seeks To Bridge Student Digital Divide. As Hawaiʻiʻs schools gear up for reopening next month, some students in the islandʻs more remote and rural communities will be doing so without adequate equipment for online learning. But efforts are underway on the Big Island to get as many computers as possible to students in need before the end of summer. Hawaii Public Radio.

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2 more Kona hospital employees test positive for COVID-19. The new positive cases bring the hospital’s total number of infected employees to three, according to hospital spokeswoman Judy Donovan. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital Confirms Two New Cases of COVID-19. Two more employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus at Kona Community Hospital. Big Island Now.

Two More Kona Hospital Employees COVID-19 Positive, Testing Clinic Set. As of today, three Kona Community Hospital employees have tested positive for the virus. Big Island Video News.

Kona Community Hospital to test all employees after 3 tested positive for COVID-19. Twenty-nine new cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday, July 15. A small cluster of cases at Kona Community Hospital is part of the latest count. KHON2.

Doctor tests positive for COVID-19 in Ka‘u; Traveling physician had contact with 11 patients during two days. A traveling doctor who worked briefly at Ka‘u Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, administrator Merilyn Harris has confirmed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hāna Highway Checkpoint Terminated, Road Reopens to All on July 16. The Hāna Highway checkpoint will be terminated when the extended closure expires at the end of today, according to Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

Panel: More study needed on short-term rental caps. Proposed bill to lower caps heads back to council. Maui News.

Permit for Haiku church on ag land denied. Neighbors have been complaining about traffic and noise from Sacred Earth Assembly. Maui News.

Kauai

Two arrested for violating 14-day quarantine. Two men were recently arrested on Kaua‘i for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Hanakapiai Stream bridge making headway. Plans to build a bridge crossing the stream were first assessed in 2013, and now, seven years later, the project is moving forward with all the assessments and permitting approved. Garden Island.

Hawaii rethinking reopening to tourists, Health Department to shut down noncomplying restaurants, shipper Young Brothers seeks 47% rate increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn ©2020 All Hawaii News

County Mayors To Ige: We’re Not Ready To Welcome Back Tourists. With new surges of COVID-19 cases in key states and a sudden disruption in Hawaii’s testing capacity, Hawaii’s county mayors want the state to rethink its planned Aug. 1 tourism reopening date. Civil Beat.

As COVID-19 infections surge on mainland, mayor casts doubt on plan to reopen tourism. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell cast doubt Thursday on the feasibility of the state’s plan to reopen tourism Aug. 1, saying he no longer thinks allowing visitors to avoid quarantine starting next month if they test negative for COVID-19 is safe for everyone. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the decision to reopen Hawaii tourism may be pushed back. Caldwell said it’s an agonizingly painful balancing act of public health and safety and economic viability and survival, and he is unsure of the best course. Star-Advertiser.

Kim says he cannot support Ige’s plan for trans-Pacific visitors. Mayor Harry Kim said Thursday that he will not support a plan by Gov. David Ige to loosen out-of-state travel restrictions on Aug. 1 without significant improvements. Tribune-Herald.

Reservations about reopening. Gov. David Ige and Hawai‘i’s four county mayors met Thursday for the third time this week to try to address the increasingly urgent question of whether the state can safely reopen to tourists on Aug. 1. Garden Island.

State and County Leaders Evaluate Timing of Hawai‘i’s August 1 Pre-Test Program Rollout. Two weeks ago, the state announced plans to start a pre-travel COVID-19 testing program on Aug. 1, 2020.  Maui Now.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says state should delay lifting mandatory quarantine. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made it clear on Thursday that she wants the state to delay lifting the 14-day quarantine for travelers. KITV4.

Shortage of COVID-19 tests nationally throws cold water on Hawaii’s tourism reopening plan. The program is still set to begin Aug. 1, and would allow incoming travelers to avoid the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before they land. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 test supply could affect reopening of trans-Pacific travel. Hawaii’s influx in COVID-19 cases has state and county lawmakers reconsidering plans to move forward with a pre-travel testing program set for August. KHON2.

Mainland supplier of coronavirus testing equipment says it reduced, but not cut off, supplies to Hawaii lab. The mainland supplier of one of Hawaii’s largest COVID-19 testing laboratories said today that it has not cut off the supplies of chemicals needed to continue to run tests locally, but has temporarily reduced the volume of test kits due to a surge in coronavirus cases across the country. Star-Advertiser.

"We need more testing immediately" Hawaii doctor cautions against testing complacency. The Hawaii Department of Health reports the state's capacity is 2,400 tests per day. KITV4.

How postponing lifting travel restrictions could affect workers in the tourism industry. The governor and the mayors met for the second day to discuss plans to lift the quarantine on August 1. KHON2.

Frustrated Hawaii businesses feel a further delay could result in “economic catastrophe”. Hawaii residents and businesses are worried they won’t survive a delay in the planned reopening of tourism on Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Health Department to shut down restaurants and bars flouting coronavirus precautions. The Department of Health Food Safety Branch will issue red placards temporarily suspending the operations of restaurants, bars and other eateries that do not comply with rules that include physical distancing and the wearing of masks. Under state law, health inspectors can temporarily close food establishments that pose a danger to public health. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept Cracks Down On COVID Safety In Restaurants. The Health Department is handing out color-coded placards to help the public identify which restaurants are in compliance with guidelines. Civil Beat.

DOH, county work to enforce virus mitigation rules. The state Department of Health will take a tougher stance against restaurants not following COVID-19 mitigation policies as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

DOH Will Temporarily Close Restaurants, Bars Not Complying With Social Distancing. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is taking new steps to ensure rood establishments implement appropriate social distancing guidance. Big Island Now.

DOH to issue color-coded placards. Restaurants could be shut down by the state if they don’t enforce social distancing or other pandemic guidelines, and the Hawaii Health Department issued a press release Thursday reminding food establishments of the “serious consequences” should they fail to follow the emergency rules. Garden Island.

Health Dept. to Issue Red Placards to Restaurants and Bars that Violate COVID-19 Mandates. The Hawai‘i Department of Health today announced it will begin issuing red placards to restaurants and bars that violate physical distancing and other mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maui Now.

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Gun control bills hang in the balance as lawmakers wrap up the legislative session. Some key bills hang in the balance today as lawmakers try to wrap up this year’s unprecedented three-part legislative session where much of the work was done inside a locked state Capitol that was closed to the public because of the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Bills Relating to Firearm Registration and Ag Buildings Pass Final Reading. The Hawai‘i State Senate passed final reading SB3054 SD2 HD1 and SB2701 HD2 relating to firearm registration and agricultural buildings, respectively. Maui Now.

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Lawmakers debate testing for nursing homes. State lawmakers held an informational briefing Thursday to discuss how COVID-19 outbreaks such as the ones that occurred at the state’s largest nursing home last month and at smaller care homes can be prevented. Star-Advertiser.

Plans For Increasing COVID-19 Testing At Care Homes On Hold. A shortage of testing supplies at private labs is forcing the state department of health to shift gears and be more strategic in its testing plan, health officials said. Civil Beat.

Legislative members, healthcare workers on preventing the spread of COVID in nursing homes. House committee members met Thursday, July 9, with health officials and health care workers to discuss how to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in nursing homes. KHON2.

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Bill would make Rep. Takayama eligible to run for Sen. Harimoto’s seat. Twelve days after the death of state Sen. Breene Harimoto, the House Judiciary Committee proposed a change in state election law that would make committee member Rep. Gregg Taka­yama eligible to run to serve out the last two years of Harimoto’s term. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige appoints Bennette Misalucha to the late Breene Harimoto’s Hawaii Senate seat. Gov. David Ige has appointed Bennette Misalucha to fill the late Sen. Breene Harimoto’s state Senate seat until the general election, according to a statement today from the governor’s office. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Appoints Bennette Misalucha To State Senate. The former lobbyist replaces Breene Harimoto, who died last month. Civil Beat.

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Young Bros. seeks 47% emergency rate increase. Without a financial lifeline from the state, Young Brothers has requested regulators approve an emergency or temporary rate increase of nearly 47% — or $30.4 million — to sustain interisland cargo services through year’s end. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers seeks emergency increase in rates. Young Brothers LLC, which has been seeking a $25 million bailout from the state to avoid insolvency, has ratcheted up its plea for aid by filing a motion with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for an emergency rate increase that would boost the company’s revenue by about $30 million and keep its interisland cargo transport services afloat. Star-Advertiser.

Young Bros. Requests Rate Increase. Young Brothers, LLC made an emergency request of the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Tuesday asking for a temporary rate increase for the remainder of 2020. Big Island Now.

Young Brothers asks for temporary rate increase. The company made an emergency request to the Public Utilities Commission. KHON2.

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Public schools identify which teaching models they’ll use come fall. The state Department of Education has released new details on what the upcoming school year will look like at individual campuses, but some concerns are being raised. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii schools select learning models, but teachers union raises concerns. The Board of Education heard from concerned teachers and parents on Thursday, July 9, about the state’s plans to reopen schools. KHON2.

Hawaii school board members hear thousands “speak with one voice”. More than 2,000 people flooded the Board of Education with written testimony Thursday, most pleading to keep students 6 feet apart and require they wear masks when they return to school next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii debates how close kids can get after school reopening. Hawaii public schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto drew opposition when she said children’s desks could be as close as 3 feet (0.91 meters) if facing forward. KITV4.

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Hawaii records 36 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,130. Hawaii health officials added 36 new confirmed coronavirus cases today to the statewide total number of infections, which now stands at 1,130 since the start of the outbreak in February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Updates: 36 New Cases; Survey: 40% Unable To Pay June Rent; Arrivals Exceed 700. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Thursday, July 9th: 36 New Cases. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Senate bill paving way for new Aloha Stadium dies in Hawaii Legislature. A bill crucial to the progress of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District suffered an 11th-hour death at the state Legislature, which is sure to delay the project for at least a year and drive up already-escalating costs, lawmakers said today. Star-Advertiser.

‘Monumental error’ could delay Aloha Stadium redevelopment another year. After years of debate and planning, the Aloha Stadium redevelopment might be delayed another year. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Prison Oversight Commission: ‘Maybe We’ve Been Forgotten’. Commissioners say the state is stalling the hiring process of a director, while pushing forward to pursue a public-private partnership for a new Oahu jail complex. Civil Beat.

Multiple COVID-19 cases connected to Hawaii State Hospital temporarily halt construction at site. Health officials say there are now nine COVID-19 cases related to the Hawaii State Hospital and some of those cases temporarily halted construction at the Kaneohe campus. Hawaii News Now.

Keith Amemiya: Political Outsider Or Establishment Insider?. Despite deep political ties to numerous state and local officials, Keith Amemiya says he has the fresh perspective that Honolulu needs in the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Candidate RJ Brown: 'Better Days Are Ahead For The Office'. Honolulu's prosecutor's office has been operating under a cloud since a federal probe targeted Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro as part of a corruption scandal that ensnared former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and her husband, retired Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

PUC dismisses power purchase agreement between Honua Ola, Hawaiian Electric. The state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday dismissed an amended power purchase agreement between Hawaiian Electric Co. and Honua Ola, formerly known as Hu Honua. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua bioenergy project fails to get PUC approval. The state Public Utilities Commission has rejected a request from Hawaii Electric Light Co., the Big Island power company, to waive competitive bidding on the long-stalled and nearly completed $350 million Hu Honua Biomass Project. Star-Advertiser.

Hu Honua Bioenergy Project Fails To Get Needed Approvals. The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission has dealt another regulatory blow to the planned bioenergy project on the Hāmākua coast. Big Island Video News.

Utilities commission rejects Hu Honua’s deal to provide energy for HECO. The state Public Utilities Commission rejected a proposal by Hu Honua Bioenergy on Thursday to provide electricity to Hawaiian Electric Co. in a move the company says will lead to the loss of more than 200 jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Home, sweet home: Prosecutors move into new digs in Kona. The West Hawaii Civic Center welcomed the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to its campus this week as the long-awaited building was finally ready for occupancy. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Agreement reached on Pi‘ilani Promenade. LUC OKs plan that returns to original concept, nixes ‘megamall’. Maui News.

Community input is being sought for an upcoming solar project on Maui. Developers are holding a virtual open house Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. on the proposed plan in Kihei. Hawaii News Now.

Input Sought on Creating Safer Maui Roads. The public is invited to attend Vision Zero Maui’s Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 4 p.m. to learn about Maui roadway safety concerns and priorities in developing an action plan to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. Maui Now.

Person treated for COVID-19 visits DMVL office. Individual not a risk but Kihei site closed for cleaning. Maui News.

Kauai

Anti-Styrofoam bill amended. A bill first introduced in February that would restrict the use and sale of styrofoam foodservice containers is being amended and pushed off due to economic uncertainty sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

Council debriefed on climate change. Former Mayor Bernard Carvalho had a 10-year county-wide goal of reducing emissions from county government operations by 30% by 2023. Garden Island.

Trump signs disaster declaration for Kauai storm damage. President Donald Trump today signed a disaster declaration for Kauai in connection with the heavy rain and flooding that occurred on March 27 and 28, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii short of COVID-19 testing materials as governor and mayors mull continuing quarantine past Aug. 1, Legislature kills bill giving health director power to declare emergencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and Hawaii mayors via Zoom

Gov. David Ige and the state’s mayors will meet again to decide whether to lift the 14-day travel quarantine. After a marathon meeting Wednesday, Gov. David Ige, the county mayors and health officials will reconvene today to make a final determination on lifting the 14-day self-quarantine restriction that has largely kept tourists from visiting the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Discussion continues between mayors, governor on whether to postpone lifting Hawaii’s travel quarantine. After a five-hour meeting on Wednesday, July 8, the governor and the mayors are still trying to figure out a path forward for the state regarding travel. KHON2.

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Hawaii’s coronavirus testing capability to be reduced in half after mainland company cuts off supplies. One of Hawaii’s largest COVID-19 testing laboratories has been cut off from its mainland supplier of chemicals needed to continue to run tests locally due to a surge in coronavirus cases across the country. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 surge on the mainland leads to shortage of testing supplies in Hawaii. A surge in new COVID-19 cases on the mainland is impacting how many coronavirus tests can be conducted in Hawaii each day. Diagnostic Laboratory Services, the largest locally-own lab in the islands, said its capacity for COVID-19 testing in Hawaii has been reduced from about 800 tests a day to 250. Hawaii News Now.

Surge in mainland cases impacting Hawaii’s testing capabilities. Dr. Scott Miscovich, who has been involved with COVID-19 testings on Oahu, says that the high demand for testing supplies in other states means our testing capabilities are going to be cut in half. KHON2.

Primary Hawaii virus testing lab loses services of supplier. Dr. Scott Miscovich, who leads broad testing efforts across the islands, said the supply loss means means the state’s testing capacity has been cut in half to about 2,500 daily. KITV4.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Won’t Give Health Director Broad COVID-19 Screening Powers. A controversial bill that outlined a state health department screening response during public health emergencies has died at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

New ICE rule won’t effect international students in Hawaii as universities plan to resume in-person classes. The University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University says it plans to resume in-person classes this fall. The decision helps international students in Hawaii facing deportation under a new federal rule. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii debates how close is too close for kids in classrooms. As Hawaii’s public schools gear up to reopen next month, one question has proved to be a lightning rod of concern: How close is too close in the classroom? Star-Advertiser.

Delay in tourism reopening could spell economic disaster for Hawaii. As the state ponders pushing back the reopening of the tourism industry from August 1, Hawaii’s economic driver remains in limbo. KHON2.

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United Airlines anticipates 386 Hawaii job furloughs. United Airlines expects to furlough 332 employees at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and an additional 54 at Kahului Airport for six months or longer beginning around Oct. 1, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hammer the airline industry and stifle Hawaii’s tourism-based economy. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines workers in Hawaii face layoffs as air travel industry struggles. United Airlines is preparing to make major layoffs beginning in October, and workers at two Hawaii airports appear to be in danger of losing their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

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Coal-Burning Ban Among Measures On Track To Clear Hawaii Legislature. Bills to regulate Lyft and Uber, prohibit sea walls and reform gun laws also have agreement between the House and Senate ahead of a final vote Friday. Civil Beat.

The Māʻili Measure: How Hawaiʻi Determines Damages for Thousands of Native Hawaiians. Thousands of Native Hawaiians are set to receive financial compensation from the state in a historic breach-of-trust case recently decided by Hawaiʻiʻs Supreme Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court official to oversee damages for Hawaiian homesteads. A court-appointed special master will determine the damages distributed to each plaintiff in a 1999 class-action lawsuit. KITV4.

Coronavirus Is Disrupting Cadaver Dissection At UH. COVID-19 is prompting the University of Hawaii to reduce some of its teaching programs, including a foundational course in human dissection. Civil Beat.

General gets fourth star, takes over command of Pacific Air Forces. A command pilot with 71 combat missions and eight prior Pacific postings — including most recently as deputy commander of U.S. Forces Korea — took over as head of Pacific Air Forces Wednesday in command of approximately 46,000 airmen serving mainly in Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Alaska and Guam. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii adds 23 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,094. Hawaii health officials counted 23 new coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections to 1,094 since the start of the outbreak in February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Updates: 23 New Cases Today; No Rollback After Sharp Spike; Kauai: TVRs Not For Quarantines. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH Reports 23 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports 23 new COVID-19 cases statewide bringing the cumulative total to 1,094. Big Island Now.

Oahu

As US cases surge, council asks state to ‘consider’ delaying changes to travel restrictions. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to pass a resolution that asks the governor to ‘consider’ pausing his plan ― which is currently scheduled to go into effect Aug. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Council holds off on $26M bond for rail. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday voted to hold off passing a measure to approve the sale of $26 million in general revenue bonds to help finance the city’s $9.2 billion, 20-mile rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Top contenders for Honolulu mayor make their case in ‘The Job Interview'. Hawaii’s primary election is just a month away, and the five leading candidates for Honolulu mayor are scrambling to make sure their messages are heard at a time when traditional campaigning is impossible and the scale of crisis facing the city is unprecedented. Hawaii News Now.

Rick Blangiardi: This Former TV Exec Wants To Be CEO Of Honolulu. Rick Blangiardi regularly used his platform on Hawaii News Now to criticize from the sidelines. Now he admits he doesn’t have all the answers either. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms support for Doug Chin to Police Commission. Mayor Kirk Caldwell appeared before the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday to reaffirm his support for Honolulu Police Commission nominee Doug Chin, whose appointment has run into opposition headed by a group dedicated to progressive causes. Star-Advertiser.

Walk-on visits to USS Arizona Memorial to resume Friday. The National Park Service is resuming a “limited number” of USS Arizona Memorial programs on Friday with visits to the sunken battleship and grave. Star-Advertiser.

New Deal Reached To Fix Laniakea Parking, Traffic And Safety Problems. For years, the North Shore beach has been a notorious traffic choke point and an unsafe crossing for visitors. A new court agreement could change that. Civil Beat.

Bishop Museum now permanent home of 2 artifacts gifted to Captain Cook. Two cherished artifacts once gifted to Captain Cook in the 18th century can once again call Hawaii home. An ʻahu ʻula and mahiole, (feather cloak and traditional helmet) once owned by Hawaiian Chief Kalani’opu’u will be held in trust by Bishop Museum. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Yes, window AC units require building permits in Hawaii County: DPW said energy code requires it, but it may be amended. West Hawaii Today.

Council provides CARES input. Bolstered by nonbinding resolutions seeking financial bailouts for very small and women-owned businesses, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an $80 million relief package tapping into federal coronavirus funds. West Hawaii Today.

Council Votes To Help Small Businesses During Pandemic. The Hawaiʻi County Council passed a resolution urging the administration to use $5 million in CARES Act money to fund a micro-grant program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Resolution urges gender equality in COVID-19 recovery programs. The Hawaii County Council was very supportive Wednesday of a resolution urging the county administration to consider gender differences when crafting COVID-19 recovery programs. Tribune-Herald.

Resolution urges action to find ways for Young Brothers to resume full cargo service to the Big Island. Hawaii County Council members joined a growing list of elected officials calling for government support for Young Brothers to resume regular intra-state shipping. Tribune-Herald.

Young Brothers Shipping Solutions Sought By Council.  Councilmembers are hoping that the inter-island shipping company can take advantage of federal resources under America's Marine Highway program. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Proposals to limit terms, create new departments on tap. 6 charter changes up for first reading Friday in council. Six proposals that would limit terms for the mayor and council members, create departments for housing and agriculture and make other changes to county government will be considered by the Maui County Council on Friday. Maui News.

3000 Acres Burned in Hāli‘imaile Brush Fire: Haleakalā Hwy OPEN, Hāli‘imaile Rd CLOSED. An ongoing brush fire that started early Wednesday morning, has now burned an estimated 3,000 acres of brush. Maui Now.

Paia residents urged to remain vigilant as crews continue to battle large brush fire in Hali’imaile. Overnight, Maui fire department crews cut a large firebreak to protect residents in the area of Skill Village. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua'i Mayor expresses alarm over recent rise in COVID-19 cases. The Garden Isle's 10-week streak of being COVID-19 free ended on June 18 when a person who did not show symptoms tested positive. KITV4.

Kaua‘i residents reflect, consider reopening to transpacific travel. Since Mayor Derek Kawakami signed the first emergency proclamation relating to COVID-19 on March 4, life has been different for business owners and residents on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Another round of amending the Housing Policy. The county’s Housing Policy that was first enacted over a decade ago is seeing a set of revisions after it had not produced the affordable housing results the county originally intended. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i United Way secures relief funds. Noon, July 22 to the Kaua‘i United Way is the deadline for organizations wishing to be considered for funding from the federal Emergency Food &Shelter program designed to provide food, rent, utility and other assistance to people in need. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules for Hawaiians in homelands case, Gender X driver's licenses available, Senate panel nixes aid package to shipper Young Brothers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian man with children at Lalakea ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Supreme Court rules state must pay Native Hawaiians damages. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Native Hawaiians seeking damages over decades of waiting for homestead leases. KHON2.

Justices fault state for mismanaging Hawaiian land trust. The Hawaii Supreme Court issued a stinging rebuke Tuesday to the state for what the justices unanimously called wrongful conduct that has resulted in the state’s failure to reduce a growing wait list of Native Hawaiians seeking homesteads. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of Hawaiian homelands beneficiaries. After more than two decades, there’s a new ruling over the lengthy Department of Hawaiian Homelands wait list. It could mean the state pays tens of millions of dollars to beneficiaries. Hawaii News Now.

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State forges ahead with plan to reopen tourism with testing, despite potential loophole. The plan to relax quarantine restrictions and reopen Hawaii’s tourism industry starts in about a month, but many say a big loophole still exists. Hawaii News Now.

Lots Of Questions Surround Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program. The proposal requires travelers get a COVID-19 test at least three days before departing for Hawaii, creating concerns about who would provide the testing. Civil Beat.

Travel officials work on messaging campaign to inform visitors of state rules. Officials in the tourism industry have about a month to prepare a communication plan for out-of-state visitors to inform them of the changes to the quarantine rules, as the state moves forward with plans to get visitors tested for COVID-19 before they visit.  KHON2.

Hawaii residents OK with shopping, not so much with gyms, survey finds. A statewide survey by SMS Research & Marketing Service Inc. released Tuesday found a plurality of respondents — 46% — having visited shopping centers; a much more wait-and-see attitude was expressed toward other services and activities such as hair salons, sit-down restaurants and gyms. Star-Advertiser.

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Gender neutral option available for state credentials beginning July 1. The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced that on July 1, 2020, there is a new gender option for State Identification cards, driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses. KITV4.

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Legislation stalls to aid interisland cargo firm Young Brothers. Hawaii’s regulated interisland ocean cargo transportation monopoly is still treading water after a fizzled effort to provide the company, Young Brothers LLC, with public aid. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers take up bailout bills as Young Brothers container mishap investigation continues. As the investigation into the loss of cargo containers from a Young Brothers barge transiting to Hilo Harbor continued Tuesday, so did efforts to keep the 120-year-old shipper afloat. West Hawaii Today.

12 of 21 shipping containers still missing. More than half of the containers that fell from a Young Brothers barge north of Hilo last week remain unaccounted for and another sunk as the investigation into the incident continues. Tribune-Herald.

Cargo Containers Removed From Hilo Bay. The US Coast Guard continues its investigation into 21 cargo containers that slipped off the Ho Omaka Hou barge in Hilo Bay on Monday, June 22. Big Island Video News.

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Student Press Freedom Bill Dies In Committee. A bill strengthening Hawaii student journalists’ First Amendment protections was near crossing the finish line. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers again move forward on ban of large-capacity rifle magazines. A proposed ban on large- capacity rifle magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition is back on track to pass at the state Capitol despite resistance from dozens of gun owners and despite concerns raised by the state attorney general that the ban as proposed is probably unenforceable. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines adds more neighbor island flights. Hawaiian Airlines is increasing neighbor island flights starting Thursday, and again after July 4 to provide more options during the upcoming holiday. KHON2.

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Close to 90% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 patients have recovered at home. Statewide, there are 244 intensive care beds. As of Tuesday, 48% were occupied, mostly by non-COVID patients. Meanwhile, 10% of the state’s 459 ventilators are in use. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 18 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 917. Hawaii saw 18 new coronavirus cases today as the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 917, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 30: 18 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Most of the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, June 30: 18 New Cases. The State of Hawaiʻi reports 18 newly reported cases of COVID-19 statewide, with most of the new cases identified on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced plans to revitalize Chinatown, as well as new initiatives to make it cleaner and safer so that people will visit the neighborhood again. Star-Advertiser.

To woo customers back, city announces Chinatown beautification plan.  Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to clean up Chinatown ― again. On Tuesday, he announced several new initiatives to help bring people and business back to the historic neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

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Candidate running for public office claims he's exempt from quarantine, falsely arrested. 61-year-old Michael J. "Kilomana" Danner is running for State Representative of District 49 as a Republican candidate, but two arrests in the past two weeks may have tainted his resume. KITV4.

2 returning Oahu residents arrested for allegedly violating state’s mandatory quarantine. State officials said two Oahu men, both of whom recently returned from trips out of state, are the latest to be arrested for allegedly violating Hawaii’s mandatory, 14-day quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Two Returning O‘ahu Residents Arrested for Quarantine Violations. A Kaneʻohe man and a Mililani man are the latest people to be arrested by Special Agents from the Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division for violating the state’s current mandatory traveler quarantine. Maui Now.

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Lawmakers on the House Finance committee voted to save the state's only work furlough program for women. Earlier in June, the Department of Public Safety announced it would end the program at YWCA Fernhurst due to budget cuts because of the COVID-19 pandemic. KITV4.

New Complex Area Superintendents For Kauai, Oahu’s West Side. In total, three veteran complex area superintendents are retiring from DOE. Civil Beat.

To help keep virus out and residents safe, a senior living facility turns to tech. At One Kalakaua Senior Living in Makiki, there are strict protocols in place to protect more than 100 staff and nearly 190 residents. The facility also says it’s the first to install high-tech devices with two-levels of screening. Hawaii News Now.

Pedestrians In Hawaii Need More Space. Here’s How To Give It To Them. COVID-19 has more Honolulu residents out walking. ‘Quick Build’ projects could keep it that way. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Feds indict 3 former HCCC guards in beating of former inmate. A federal grand jury indicted three former guards at Hawaii Community Correctional Center for allegedly assaulting an inmate housed at the Hilo jail and attempting to cover up their misconduct. Tribune-Herald.

3 former Hawaii island correctional officers charged for 2015 attack on inmate. Three former correctional officers at Hawaii Community Correctional Center have been charged with assaulting an inmate in 2015 and attempting to cover it up. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Corrections Officers Indicted For Assault Of Inmate. The defendants are expected to appear before a federal judge Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Former corrections officers indicted for allegedly assaulting a Hilo inmate. An indictment by a federal grand jury has been unsealed in the case of three former corrections officers accused of assaulting an inmate, then trying to cover it up. Hawaii News Now.

Three former corrections officers face federal charges. Three former corrections officers are facing federal charges after prosecutors say they assaulted an inmate. KHON2.

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Kaleikini gets tepid endorsement from Senate panel: Hawaiian Homes Commission appointee confirmation proceeds to full Senate. After grilling Michael Kaleikini for about an hour, the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Tuesday agreed to recommend his confirmation to the Hawaiian Homes Commission to the full Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Kaleikini Nomination To Hawaiian Homes Commission Advances. Mike Kaleikini, a Puna Geothermal Venture executive who is well known in the local business community, will fill the East Hawaiʻi commission seat previously held by Wally Ishibashi. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Tropical Plantation Announces Indefinite Closure. The Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū announced this morning its indefinite closure amid ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Popular Maui visitor attraction closes .... with dim hopes for reopening. The Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu Valley announced Tuesday that it has closed indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

$10 Per Week Summer Youth Program Offered for Working Families in Maui County. The County of Maui announced a summer youth program in partnership with Maui Family YMCA that begins next Monday, July 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Possible detonation of ordnance off Molokini is raising concerns. State DLNR, DOH asks for public to be patient, informed. Environmentalists, community members and lawmakers have expressed concern over the handling of unexploded WWII ordnance off Molokini and are opposed to detonating the devices in place for fear of possible irreversible damage to coral reefs, ocean life and the island itself. Maui News.

Kauai

Federal money for Kaua‘i Bus. The Kaua‘i Bus has received just over $4 million in federal money as part of a virus-related relief initiative aimed at rural transit operations and maintenance expenses. Garden Island.

Hokuala, Timbers Resort reopen today. Just in time for the long Fourth of July weekend, the Timbers Resort and the Ocean Course at Hokuala announced its opening, effective today. Garden Island.

U.S. Justice Department challenges Hawaii's traveler quarantine, $70M in public worker raises despite economic shutdown, police reform back at Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands.

Honolulu airport in pre-COVID days ©2020 All Hawaii News

Justice Department Says Ige's Quarantine Order Likely Discriminates Against Out-Of-State Travelers. The Department of Justice is backing a lawsuit filed by Mainland residents who are challenging the constitutionality of Gov. David Ige's mandatory 14-day quarantine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Justice Department urges Gov. David Ige to lift out-of-state quarantine. The U.S. Department of Justice is the newest powerful interest pressuring Gov. David Ige to reopen Hawaii’s out-of-state tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Justice Department Files Statement Challenging Constitutionality of Hawai‘i Governor’s COVID-19 Order. The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in Hawaiʻi federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by residents of Nevada and California who own property in Hawaiʻi challenging a measure by Governor David Ige in response to COVID 19 that mandates a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals entering Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

DOJ supports legal challenges to Gov. Ige’s traveler quarantine.  Legal challenges are surfacing against Gov. David Ige’s mandatory traveler quarantine. The U.S. Justice Department says the quarantine — which remains in place for out-of-state and international travelers — is discriminatory against non-residents. Hawaii News Now.

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State plans to have out-of-state visitors test before departing or quarantine when they arrive. As the state gears up to restart the tourism industry, visitors will be required to get tested or they have to go on 14-day quarantine when they arrive. KHON2.

Face Scanners At Hawaii Airports Are ‘Terrifying,’ ACLU Says. A DOT spokesman says the pilot program isn’t technology from “spy movies,” but a civil rights group argues it is mass surveillance. Civil Beat.

Civil Rights Watchdog Raises Constitutional Issues With Plan To Use Facial Recognition On Travelers. The ACLU of Hawaii sent a letter to state officials on Monday saying the group has serious privacy and civil rights concerns over the planned use of facial recognition in state airports. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Amid a pandemic, lawmakers give preliminary approval to public-worker raises. House and Senate negotiators gave tentative approval Tuesday afternoon to a bill that includes more than $70 million for raises for public workers, a step that could turn out to be politically perilous during a pandemic in which thousands of private-sector workers have lost their jobs. Star-Advertiser.

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Bill requiring identification of disciplined officers advancing. State lawmakers are a step closer to passing a bill that would require the names of disciplined police officers to be disclosed publicly like other government employees. Star-Advertiser.

Police accountability bill back on the table. A measure to disclose the names of officers discharged or suspended from a county police department is back on the table. West Hawaii Today.

State Legislature taking up several coronavirus-related measures after reconvening. A bill that would allow the state Department of Health to impose quarantines without an emergency proclamation by the governor is one of several COVID-19-related bills introduced in the state Legislature this week. Tribune-Herald.

COVID funds, Young Brothers bailout up for debate on Oahu. Lawmakers review final bills before adjourning July 10. Maui News.

Lawmakers to discuss financial bailout for inter-island shipping company. A move to bail out Young Brothers could mean bringing in a new shipping provider. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers call on state to give all 14,000 seniors at Hawaii care homes a COVID-19 test. Lawmakers are calling on the state to test all 14,000 kupuna in the thousands of nursing and care homes across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii urges Ige to create a ‘definitive plan’ for reopening transpacific travel. On Tuesday, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii delivered a petition to Gov. David Ige with more than 1,000 signatures in support of reopening the tourism economy and other measures to help local businesses. Pacific Business News.

Businesses ‘fighting for survival’ as Hawaii visitor arrivals fall below 400 for 2nd straight day. The state lifted the interisland passenger quarantine on June 16, but the relaxing of regulations has only been of limited benefit to Hawaii’s visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Shutdown of female work furlough program could be temporary. The state Department of Public Safety said a planned shutdown of a program for furloughed female prisoners working to reenter society is temporary because of expected COVID-19-related budget cuts. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Activists Turn Into Candidates For The 2020 Elections. An apparent increase in the number of Native Hawaiian candidates in 2020 features many young people involved with resistance movements like the Mauna Kea protests. Civil Beat.

Ocean Voyages Institute hauls in record 103 tons of trash from Pacific Ocean. The Ocean Voyages Institute this morning pulled into Pier 29 in Honolulu with more than 100 tons of marine trash hauled from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, mission completed despite the ongoing pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Paralympian dies 60 days into solo row journey from L.A. to Honolulu. A transpacific journey has ended in heartbreak for loved ones of three-time paralympian and Marine Veteran Angela Madsen. Hawaii News Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 23: 3 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. All the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 3 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 819. The  new cases were all on Oahu Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

20 Years Of Honolulu Police Misconduct Summaries Document Serious Bad Behavior. Secrecy has long masked serious incidents of misconduct and outright corruption within the ranks of the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Honolulu mayor supports state bill calling for police reform. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he supports a state bill calling for police reform. KITV4.

Trump International Hotel latest in list of hotels extending furloughs for hotel workers. More workers in the hotel industry are facing layoffs and extended furloughs. KHON2.

More popular Pearl Harbor attractions set to reopen after 3 months. Two popular tourist attractions are reopening Wednesday morning at Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial are set to welcome guests back under new social distancing guidelines and other CDC recommendations. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu’s city halls are getting ready for more in-person transactions. Satellite City Halls on Oahu will start reopening for regular services on July 1. Walk-ins aren’t allowed, and appointments will be required. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu satellite city halls reopen by appointment only. Satellite city halls across Oahu will start reopening Wednesday, July 1. KHON2.

Satellite city halls to begin reopening for in-person services on July 1. Satellite city halls on O'ahu will start reopening for in-person services on July 1. In-person services will be by appointment only. KITV4.

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Outdoor dining buying more time for Hawaii restaurants to stay in business. The Hawaii Restaurant Association says the city’s sidewalk permitting can be tough because there has to be ample space. KHON2.

Honolulu liquor license applicants can get extensions to pay fee. Honolulu businesses still deciding whether or not to renew their liquor license could get an extension to pay the fee, but they must submit a renewal application by Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Two O'ahu Catholic schools will shut down at the end of the month. Financial concerns during the COVID-19 crisis are the reason for the closures. KITV4.

Dispute between state, ride-hailing companies delays unemployment payments for drivers. Navigating the maze of unemployment has been frustrating but for ride-hailing drivers it’s been especially confusing as Uber and Lyft battle with the state over their status. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hapuna lifeguards, EMS on the state chopping block. Some $6 million in state funding for lifeguards, emergency medical services and ambulances is on the chopping block, forcing Hawaii County to look for ways to cover expenses out of its own tight budget, which already had to be balanced by raising taxes on luxury homes. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Mayor says to keep county COVID-free, he had to make tough decisions that came with consequences. Records will show the island of Hawaii was the first to declare a state of emergency. I’ve said it a thousand times. I’d rather people criticize me for overreacting, than criticize me for “under reacting,” said Kim. KHON2.

Program helps families who receive free, reduced-price school meals. More than 20,000 Big Island students could receive food assistance thanks to the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai’i County Expands Emergency Loan Eligibility. Hawai’i County has relaxed eligibility requirements for emergency personal loans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Update On Young Brothers Shipping Containers Lost Off Hilo. The effort to locate and salvage multiple, 40-foot shipping containers that fell overboard near Hilo Harbor continued today. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor: Only 30 to 35% of businesses have reopened. ‘We’re not at a very good state’ right now, says Victorino. Maui News.

Police routines returning to normal as COVID-19 wanes. Virus-related rules enforcement, activity cost about $1M in OT a month, 12-hour shifts. Maui News.

Maui expands affordable housing inventory at critical time. Construction was recently completed on the 120-unit Kaiwahine Village community in Kihei, where advertised monthly rent was as low as $510 for two-­bedroom apartments and $571 for three-bedroom residences. Star-Advertiser.

Housing Rental Assistance Available for Maui Residents Impacted by COVID-19. The County of Maui reminds residents that rental assistance may be available to those who have lost their job or have reduced income by more than 25% as a direct result of COVID-19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Eight individuals in isolation. Kaua‘i health officials have identified no new positive cases after testing a large number of contacts of Kaua‘i COVID-19 cases over the weekend. Garden Island.

Malama Kaua‘i: Connecting farmers to the community. In April and May, Malama Kaua‘i helped deliver 6,000 bags of local produce to families in need. The money from those purchases went to local farmers. Garden Island.

Allison Carveiro is stepping into the role as ‘Ele‘ele School’s new principal beginning in July 1, and is looking forward to continuing a more-than-30-year career in education. Garden Island.