Lawsuit dropped after Green revises housing proclamation, Maui releases 2018 wildfire after-action report, Hawaii County officials in line for raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green revamps housing proclamation. Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday issued a third emergency proclamation to stimulate development of affordable housing, satisfying plaintiffs who withdrew a lawsuit they had filed over concerns that Green’s proclamation removed safeguards on protecting the environment, cultural resources and government transparency. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

 Hawaii Bribery Scandal Casts A Shadow Over Lahaina’s Ruins. For years, a local businessman paid off officials in exchange for lucrative contracts. The system he exploited has been left largely unchanged. An examination of one of the state’s largest bribery cases reveals a county procurement system that may be ill-equipped to handle the millions of dollars it will spend following the devastating wildfires on Maui.  Civil Beat.

DHHL proposes 10 legislative measures to reduce its housing waitlist. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is considering legislation to reduce its waitlist, which currently includes more than 28,000 Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Proposals boast everything from general excise tax exemptions for DHHL developments to allowing in-house historic preservation reviews of homeland projects. Hawaii Public Radio.

33 states, including Hawaii, sue Meta over alleged harm to kids’ mental health. Dozens of U.S. states, including Hawaii, California and New York, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. Associated Press. Civil Beat.

Researchers coring into ancient reefs off Hawaii seek to mend fences after uproar. UK-based researchers taking samples of the ocean floor off Hawaii Island don’t appear to be breaking any rules, but they are drawing criticism. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Impaired-driving arrests on Oahu top 1,500. As of Oct. 3 there were 1,574 arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, compared with 1,587 at the same time in 2022, HPD reported. Star-Advertiser.

Relief in the works for businesses affected by Dillingham rail construction. Rail construction keeps hurting businesses in Kalihi, but the city is still trying to figure out how to provide them with financial aid. Hawaii News Now.

Trial begins for Hawaii couple accused of stealing dead babies’ identities. According to prosecutors, Walter Glenn Primrose and Gwynn Darle Morrison are the real names of the couple who have been fraudulently living for decades under stolen identities Bobby Fort and Julie Montague. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County officials could be next to receive pay raises. The Hawaii County Salary Commission has not adjusted pay for executive, elected or appointed officials since March 2018. Meanwhile, employees covered by collective bargaining have received raises over the years. KHON2.

Army set to conduct large-scale exercise. Tropic Lightning Soldiers from the Army’s 25th Infantry Division will participate in the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, an Army training operation to be held on the Big Island and Oahu primarily from Nov. 1 through Nov. 10. Tribune-Herald.

Ex-assistant police chief charged with numerous offenses. Mitchell Kanehailua Jr., 57, of Hilo was arrested Sunday morning and charged Monday evening with violating a restraining order, first-degree attempted burglary, third-degree assault and third-degree attempted assault. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

North Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor Breakwater Improvements Planned. The Hawaiʻi DLNR is seeking to improve the small boat harbor's damaged main breakwater to better withstand winter swells. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Panel is urged to restore West Maui stream flows. Some 200 people packed Tuesday’s meeting of the state Commission on Water Resource Management on Maui, many of them urging the restoration of stream flows in the Lahaina area. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

State House members to tour Lahaina’s Mala Wharf. Members of the state House Finance Committee plan to visit Maui’s Soil &Water Conservation District today and Lahaina’s Mala Wharf on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Report On 2018 Lahaina Fire Failed To Address Issues That Reappeared Five Years Later. Community criticism about a lack of emergency alerts, sirens and fire prevention didn't make it into the report. A report on the shortcomings of Maui County’s response to a 2018 fire failed to address many problems identified by residents at the time, according to a copy of the document released Tuesday.  Civil Beat. KITV4.

2 years ago, Maui County-funded commission sounded the alarm about wildfire risks. A 2021 report from a publicly-funded commission identifies key solutions to the wildfire risk threatening Maui, but it’s unclear if Maui County acted on the findings. Members of the commission say there was never any government follow-up. Hawaii News Now.

Oprah And Dwayne Johnson’s Relief Fund Has Paid Out $19 Million. The People’s Fund of Maui established by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson will disburse its second round of $1,200 payments this week. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i sewer credit applications accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 2.  Qualified sewer customers shall be granted a monthly credit of $24 per month for 2024. Kauai Now.

Kapa‘a community celebrates $750K renovation of Boys & Girls clubhouse. The building serves 100 keiki and provides a safe place to go after school with meals they can count on, caring mentors who believe in them and meaningful life experiences empowering them to discover their great futures. Kauai Now.

Cesspools threaten coral reef, Lahaina residents begin inspecting destroyed homesites, food security grants available for small farms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cesspools Are Killing Hawai‘i’s Coral – But It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way.  An expert explains how to reverse the damage from the state’s 83,000 cesspools, including using treated wastewater for irrigation and landscaping. Hawaii Business magazine.

Some residents face heartbreak, closure as they return to Lahaina. It was like a funeral procession as the first Lahaina evacuees with passes to reenter the burn zone began returning Monday to their homes along Kaniau Road, known as Zone 1-C. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Senate Committee on Water and Land supports reinstatement of Kaleo Manuel.  More support for Commission on Water Resource Management’s former deputy chair Kaleo Manuel, this time coming from Senator Lorraine Inouye who is the Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Water and Land. KITV4.

More than $3.5M in grants to promote food security in Hawaiʻi. The grants, made possible through the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, will provide support for small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in communities experiencing food insecurity.  Maui Now.

KITV’s local newscasts return after several days of ‘serious technical issues’. KITV4 Island News returned today with the 6 p.m. local newscast, after being knocked off the air since Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Board of Water Supply eyes rate increases, military's Red Hill defueling process.  Residential water rates follow a tier system, but the BWS reports an average family using 9,000 gallons monthly would see their bills increase from $60 to nearly $100 by July 2028. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii launches Red Hill resource hub. As the military prepares to begin draining the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel storage facility next month, the University of Hawaii at Manoa has launched the Red Hill Information Hub, which it describes as a “one stop shop of the latest information, data and tools that can also be used for education, communication and research.” Star-Advertiser.

Plans For A New Honolulu Jail Hit Another Snag. The jail is supposed to be built on the site of the old animal quarantine station in Halawa, but the quarantine station probably won't relocate for another two or three years. Civil Beat.

City installs new surveillance cameras in Chinatown. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office has announced that the first phase of the city’s new Chinatown security camera system upgrades are complete. Star-Advertiser.

In civil suit, Hawaii pediatrician accused of sexually assaulting mothers of his patients. Ten women have accused a high-profile Oahu pediatrician of sex abuse and misconduct, and five have now filed a civil suit against him. The remaining five are expected to join the claim against Dr. Gregory Yim. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

Lawsuit seeks to force Big Island to apply for pollution permit. A community group filed a lawsuit against Hawaii County on Monday saying treated wastewater from the county’s Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant is polluting Honokohau Harbor in violation of the Clean Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

Tackling Puna’s cesspools: Environmental impact statement outlines options for wastewater treatment services. A final environmental impact statement about the addition of wastewater treatment services for Puna was released Saturday by the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Tribune-Herald.

Police Body Cam Video Shows Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting In HPP. 30-year old Kaena Kaohu of Kea‘au was shot and killed by police after an exchange of gunfire in Hawaiian Paradise Park on Saturday. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Maui

Maui police identify Lahaina resident, 83, as latest fire fatality. Of the 97 confirmed fatalities, 83 have been publicly identified after notification of next of kin, while six others have been identified but their families have not been located or notified. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

A Major Power Outage In Lahaina The Day Of The Fire Likely Saved Lives. High winds and the power failure caused many businesses in Lahaina to shut down the day of the fire, which reduced visitors and foot traffic on the streets of the town. Civil Beat.

Kaulana Mahina: Lottery nears for workforce apartment homes in Wailuku. Applications will soon be available for an upcoming lottery planned for the Kaulana Mahina apartment homes in Wailuku. The development features 324 apartment homes with 195 designed as Workforce Housing, reserved for households earning more than 50% and up to 140% of the area median income. Maui Now.

UH-Maui enrollment higher than last fall. Enrollment at the University of Hawai’i Maui College is up 7.5 percent this fall over the fall 2022 semester, the college said. Maui News.

Kauai

Future of converting Kapaa housing development to affordable housing uncertain. Kaua‘i County Council members approved a resolution urging the county to acquire the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments last week, but the future of the complex as an affordable housing development remains unclear. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i firefighters extinguish 12-acre brush fire in Anahola – arson suspected.  No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged. However, first responders advised homes along Pilipoli Road to evacuate as a precaution. Kauai Now.

Chief housing officer hosting Q&A today on housing proclamation, Dora-fueled fires spur evacuations, school closures on Maui and Big Island, health inspectors green-light Safeway after rat eradication, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chief Housing Officer Nani Medeiros to address top questions surrounding Emergency Proclamation on Housing. Public invited to Q&A about Green’s emergency housing order. The state’s chief housing officer is scheduled to host a public virtual question-and-answer session Wednesday on Gov. Josh Green’s recent emergency proclamation for housing. The event is slated to run from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on the governor’s GovJoshGreen Facebook page and @govhawaii Instagram feed, respectively at facebook.com/GovJoshGreen and instagram.com/govhawaii. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

‘Affordable Housing’ Projects In Hawaii Are Unaffordable To Many. State and county policies aimed at increasing Hawaii's housing stock can have the unintended consequence of pushing out lower-income residents. Civil Beat.

Lahaina burns as high winds fuel wildfires on Maui, Big Island. High winds fueled brush fires that ravaged thousands of acres and caused extensive property damage, forcing the widespread evacuation of residents from Lahaina, Upcountry Maui and several Kohala communities on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Maui News. Maui Now.  KITV4. KHON2.

Much of historic Lahaina town believed destroyed as huge wildfire sends people fleeing into water. Eyewitnesses described an apocalyptic scene Tuesday in Lahaina town, where residents were forced to jump into the harbor waters to avoid fast-moving flames from a massive brush fire that’s destroyed much of the historic area — and continues to burn. Hawaii News Now.

USDA Program Helps Hawaii Farmers Offset High Shipping Costs. Of the $3 million allotted to the federal program last year, farmers in Hawaii received over $1.2 million. Civil Beat.

Invasive corals found in Pearl Harbor pose a threat to the natural environment, DLNR says. Three types of invasive octocorals have been found in Pearl Harbor. The most recent species were discovered during an environmental assessment conducted for the planned shipyard modernization plan at the military base. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Board to take testimony on landfill. The Honolulu Planning Commission is expected to take public testimony today on the city’s request for a two-year extension to find a replacement site for the nearly 40-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, which is slated to close by 2028. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council To Decide Whether To Pay For HPD Officer’s Defense In Lawsuit Over Fatal Shooting. Dana Brown was a motor scooter rider killed following a traffic stop and pursuit in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Health inspectors visit Safeway Beretania, find no evidence of rats.  Health officials said Safeway’s manager was already aware of the complaint, and had already hired pest control professionals to treat the Safeway Bakery for the presence of rodents. Star-Advertiser.

Skimmers are stealing credit card information in Honolulu.  Honolulu police last week were warning the public about credit card skimmers after they were discovered at self-checkout registers at grocery stores across the island. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor commander: Lab error to blame for false detection of petroleum in drinking water. Capt. Mark Sohaney, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, told community members Monday that testing found elevated levels of petroleum in the drinking water at two homes in Radford Terrace and the Doris Miller neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

Public transit commute sheds light on suspended school bus routes. When parent complaints and questions began pouring into state Rep. Trish La Chica’s office about the state suspending bus routes at 14 Hawaii public schools two weeks before school started, she says she felt frustrated that she had few immediate answers or solutions to offer. Star-Advertiser.

HPD officer succumbs to injuries from July 11 crash. A Honolulu Police Department motorcycle officer died Tuesday from injuries he suffered in a July 11 traffic accident in Kapolei, but not before he donated his organs to save lives. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

More questions than answers: County to have four seats on panel created by governor’s housing proclamation. Hawaii County will have four representatives on the new Build Beyond Barriers working group, a decision-making committee for housing development projects statewide. Tribune-Herald.

Reviving the Hilo DIA: Efforts to reboot organization are underway.  After years of fading relevance, the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association is being resurrected with new leadership. Tribune-Herald.

Additional fees waived for Big Island residents disposing junk cars under county program. Hawaiʻi County is expanding its efforts to reduce the number of abandoned vehicles on the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Dream come true: Kihei’s high school finally opens. Freshmen and sophomores step onto long-awaited Kulanihako‘i campus. Maui News.

Multiple school closures remain in place on Wednesday due to high winds, fires on Maui. HIDOE’s four public schools in South Maui will also be closed Wednesday due to spreading brush fires and evacuations in the area.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing on Maui, Hale O Piʻikea III, awarded funds for completion of final phase. The 223-unit development aims to provide quality, affordable housing options for individuals and families at or below 60% of the Area Median Income.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Matsuyama sworn in as County of Kaua‘i managing director.  The County of Kaua‘i made things official on Monday with the swearing in of Reiko Matsuyama as the county’s new managing director before a large audience that included a lot of the county’s department heads and staff. Garden Island.

Visitor spending tops $250 million in June on Kaua‘i.  Visitor spending topped the one-quarter billion dollar mark in the first full month of summer, as tourism dollars continued to flow into Kaua‘i at an eye-popping rate. Garden Island.

How the community is stepping up to fill the school bus shortage on Kauaʻi.  The shuttle’s main job is to bring visitors from Waipa to Keʻe Beach and Haʻena State Park at the end of Kuhio Highway. Using the same schedule, they’re able to connect students to county bus services free of charge. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Health retesting Po‘ipū water, following high bacteria count. Levels of 624 per 100 mL were detected during routine beach monitoring, but the health department is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample. Kauai Now.

Green's housing plan scrutinized, school bus driver shortage impacts 4 islands, Hilo vet home fined again for infractions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green’s emergency order is under scrutiny.  The sweeping set of new rules largely waives or modifies parts of several state and county regulatory procedures in an effort to produce more housing at lower prices without significant negative impact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii school bus driver shortage interrupts service. A worsening shortage of school bus drivers is leading to the partial or complete suspension of bus services at 14 public schools on Oahu and Kauai for the new school year, adding to transportation woes already long plaguing public schools on Hawaii island and Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Native Hawaiian Contractors Take A Back Seat To Alaskans And Tribes For Lucrative Jobs. Hawaii's congressional delegation is hoping to make it easier for Native Hawaiian-owned businesses to compete with other Indigenous contractors. Civil Beat.

EVs will be first to join pilot program for road usage charges. A pilot program to charge motorists based on their mileage is about to kick off. Electric vehicle owners will be part of the first test run. Ed Sniffen, director of the state Department of Transportation, said the program is part of an effort to move away from a gas tax in order to fund highways. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Did Misconduct Allegations Spur State’s $2M Settlement In Case Already Won? A federal court judge announced in May she would probe allegations of misconduct by state lawyers in a lawsuit over sex assaults of inmates by staff at the Hawaii women’s prison. Weeks later, the state Attorney General’s Office announced it had agreed to pay $2 million to settle the case. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines posts $12.3M loss.  Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, on Tuesday reported a $12.33 million loss in the second quarter but still surpassed Wall Street expectations, as strengthening from Japan added to robust leisure travel demand. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considers demolition of ‘monster homes’ as possible penalty.  A bill meant to prohibit giving false statements to city planners as a means of cracking down on “monster homes” might see more penalties given to violators beyond potential monetary fines and imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

City Council eyes big tax break for homeowners who have a landfill for a neighbor. While the Honolulu City Council is looking for ways to soften the bite of a property tax spike for homeowners, it’s also considering a tax break for another reason: To make amends for those who have to live with a landfill as their neighbor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs bill requiring bars, nightclubs to carry life-saving overdose treatment. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 28 Tuesday, which will require the overdose antidote, Narcan, to be available in Oahu bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4

4 major crashes a year required to change traffic signal: City. Kailua residents have been asking for a left turn arrow at an intersection they claim is notoriously dangerous for years. But the city said the intersection does not warrant the change. KHON2.

Kapolei wholesaler must pay $73K for overtime pay violations. The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a Hawaii food wholesaler to pay $73,000 in back wages and penalties for denying overtime pay to 11 warehouse employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Abandoned boat from California drifts onto Oahu beach.  A boat that washed ashore in Punaluu last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo veterans home fined again for failing to meet standards. Staffing shortages and health and safety problems have continued to plague the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, two years after the state took over the nursing facility and fined the company that was managing it over $510,000 for numerous violations following a COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 80% of residents, killing 27. Star-Advertiser.

County finance committee tackles housing crisis. Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced to full council the acceptance of $10 million in federal funds for the vertical construction of Kukuiola emergency shelter in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Council calls on U.S. Postmaster to improve Puna postal service. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the United States Postal Service to expand or rebuild the Pāhoa Post Office in Puna on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Report: Single WWII relic recovered from area in Waimea.  A single piece of military hardware has been recovered from an 11,000-acre area in Waimea over the last 17 years, according to a report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Threatens Crackdown On Controversial Monster House In Napili. Permitted as a single-family residence, Greg Brown's home has been advertised as a vacation rental for up to $20,000 per night. Civil Beat.

Senate Ways and Means Committee to tour Maui and Molokaʻi facilities. The Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Maui on Wednesday into Thursday, July 26-27, and Molokaʻi on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28, 2023. Maui Now.

Hotel data reflect slower summer start than last year. Room revenue, hotel occupancy in Maui County lag behind last summer. Maui News.

Kauai

Parents call for ouster of Waimea Canyon Middle School principal. Representatives from the state Department of Education heard parents and teachers call for the immediate removal of Waimea Canyon Middle School Principal Melissa Speetjens at a meeting at Hanapepe Neighborhood Center on Monday evening, where Speetjens was accused of multiple forms of negligence and creating a toxic school environment for students and staff. Garden Island.

School bus driver shortage to impact four schools, 250 students on Kauaʻi.  The continuing shortage of qualified school bus drivers in Hawaiʻi will completely or partially suspend bus transportation services at four schools on Kauaʻi and 10 of Oʻahu’s 24 high schools when the new school year begins for students on Aug. 7.  Kauai Now.

Green signs emergency proclamation to speed home construction, Tropical Storm Calvin expected to pass Big Island tonight, Kunia Village given OK to drink the water, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green signs Hawaii housing emergency proclamation.  An emergency proclamation signed Monday by Gov. Josh Green kick-starts a one-year revolution in how homes are built across the islands with the ambitious goals of quickly getting 50,000 new units up, cutting prices and keeping Hawaii residents from leaving one of the most expensive states in the country while bringing expats home. Critics question the decision to suspend laws to streamline the approval process for development. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

Full text of governor's emergency proclamation on housing can be found here.

Tropical Storm Calvin churns toward island chain. At 5 a.m. Tuesday, Tropical Storm Calvin had sustained winds of 45 mph with higher gusts and was situated about 395 miles east of Hilo, tracking westward near 22 mph. Calvin is forecast to gradually weaken during the next few days. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.  Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Campaign Cash Slows To A Trickle For Hawaii Delegation In The Absence Of Competition. The latest filings with the FEC show Hirono, who is on the ballot in 2024, collected several hundred thousand dollars for her campaign. Civil Beat.

Plea deal eyed for top Public Safety trainer accused of lying on resume to get promoted. A plea deal is in the works for the state Public Safety Department’s top trainer, who is facing felony perjury charges and other counts. Hawaii News Now.

Global defense firm founder on leave due to probe.  Christopher Mailani Dawson, founder of global government contractor Hawaiian Native Corp. and its 11 DAWSON subsidiaries placed himself on administrative leave pending the outcome of a federal investigation into potential financial and tax crimes. Star-Advertiser.
 
Oahu

Kunia Village given OK to drink tap water again.  Hundreds of residents of Kunia Village have finally been given the all-clear to resume drinking their tap water after two wells that supplied their potable water tested positive for chemicals called PFAS earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi shared its stance on the Honolulu rail following Skyline's grand opening.  The  Institute's analysis points to the low ridership numbers. It says for every $3 ride, taxpayers will be subsiding the costs by $51. Hawaii Public Radio.

Four HPD recruits hospitalized after suffering exhaustion from self-defense exercises.  Four Honolulu Police recruits were taken to a hospital Monday after suffering from exhaustion during self-defense exercises at the police training academy on Waipahu Depot Street. This incident comes five days after another HPD recruit was hospitalized in serious condition after accidentally shooting himself. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu Jail Search Turns Up Drugs, Paraphernalia And Illicit Cellphones. The "shakedown" was partly prompted by unconfirmed reports that the beating death of an inmate was recorded on a cellphone, according to staff. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s Waianae Coast most vulnerable to natural disasters. The  Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center  is working on a slew of projects to improve emergency preparedness and overall food security on the Waianae Coast, such as the construction of a resilience hub to shelter displaced residents, and a “food system campus” at the health center that will support agricultural learning, native crop production, a food bank and other food-related endeavors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Tropical storm warning issued for Hawaii County. Tropical Storm Calvin on Monday was slowly weakening as it headed toward the Big Island, but it was moving rapidly to the west at 22 mph and was expected to hit the island tonight or Wednesday morning. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Two emergency shelters being prepped ahead of Tropical Storm Calvin. Two emergency shelters are being readied in the Ka‘ū District ahead of Tropical Storm Calvin, which is expected to make landfall late Tuesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Group pulls plug on Hilo bottling plant. A second attempt to build a bottling plant in Hilo has been abandoned after community opposition. The 1893 Beverage and Kanaka Cafe was a proposed facility that would extract and bottle water from an aquifer beneath Hilo, the second such project in five years planned for the same site. Tribune-Herald.

Work on NAS Swimming Pool 50% complete.  Long-delayed court-ordered construction to bring the closed NAS Swimming Pool up to Americans With Disabilities Act standards is going “full steam ahead,” according to Parks and Recreation Director Maurice Messina. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan approved by state.  The state has adopted the Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan, providing policies for the protection, management and use of water resources over a 20-year period, Councilmember Shane M. Sinenci announced Monday. Maui Now.

Maui Dept. of Agriculture marks one-year anniversary with open house, July 20. The County of Maui Department of Agriculture is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a public open house from 2 to 6 p.m., July 20 at the department office at 2154 Kaohu St. in Wailuku. The event is weather permitting. Maui Now.

Public talk story session July 20, on the sustainable development of tourism.  The Hulihia Center for Sustainable Systems seeks community input as they launch their new project focused on advancing the sustainable development of the tourism industry across Maui Nui.  Maui Now.

Kauai

A ‘Complete Rebuild’ Is Underway For Kauai’s Hobbled Water Utility. The county water department has fallen woefully behind while shuffling through six managers in eight years. Civil Beat.

New Kilauea preschool opens in August.  A new public preschool classroom at Kilauea School is one of 10 others across the state set to open next month, as part of a more than $200 million plan to expand preschool and child care options in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Governor signs climate change, ag bills; COVID-19 cases remain steady, community opposition stymies homeless housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor signs climate change bills into law. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday signed a handful of measures that aim to fight climate change and move the state closer to achieving its ambitious climate goals. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawai’i Gov. Green signs into law 10 bills supporting local agriculture. The measures enhance local food production through the acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System; provide funding to deal with little fire ants and coffee pest control; expand coffee labeling regulations; and increase penalties for pesticide violations. Big Island Now.

Environmental Groups To Governor: Don’t Veto Water Protection Bills. The governor has expressed his intention to veto HB153, which would allow the Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management to issue fines of up to $60,000 per day to those who violate the state water code. The current limit is $5,000 per day. Civil Beat.

Governor to attend high-level political forum, National Governors Association meeting. Governor Josh Green, M.D., will travel to New York City from July 9-14 to attend the United Nations High-Level Political Forum and the National Governors Association 2023 Annual Meeting. Maui Now.

Torched toilets, cracked sinks: Statewide spate of vandalism at parks prompts alarm. Parks officials statewide are begging vandals to stop destroying public parks facilities and asking park users to be on the lookout. Hawaii News Now.

State's new task force wants to spark change against booming illegal firework industry.  Both consumer and large aerial display fireworks are illegal in the state, and an inter-governmental group has its eyes on tackling the issue. Hawaii Public Radio.

State's first medical kauhale village reportedly full after 1 month. The 10 tiny homes were built for patients discharged from hospitals who would otherwise be released onto the street. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases ‘pretty steady’. On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported a daily average of 71 cases, an average positivity rate of 8.4%, and average of 48 COVID-19 patients hospitalized over the week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Struggles To Use Funding It Sets Aside For Community Facilities. In recent years, Honolulu has set aside millions of dollars to try to address the city’s growing homeless population but community opposition and difficulty finding suitable projects and sites is thwarting its efforts.  Civil Beat.

New 13-Hour Shifts For HPD Patrol Officers Are Raising Concerns.  The Honolulu Police Department plans to move patrol division personnel to 13-hour shifts starting in August. Civil Beat.

Authorities end search for Honolulu police officer who allegedly fled arrest. The search has ended Wednesday for a Honolulu police officer who allegedly fled his arrest for a restraining order violations. Hawaii News Now. KITV4

Affordable housing near Halawa rail station begins construction. Construction has begun on a low-income rental housing tower near one current end of the city’s operating rail line after a three-year delay. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Over 71,000 passengers ride Skyline in first 5, free days.  More than 71,000 passengers boarded the city’s new Skyline rail system over the initial five days of free rides — with the first full day of paid rides expected to provide the first real indication of how much interest people have in riding rail’s initial 11 miles. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Judicial Commission Releases List Of Circuit Court Contenders. On Wednesday, the State Judicial Selection Commission released a list of six nominees for a recently vacated seat on the Circuit Court of the 1st Circuit, giving Gov. Josh Green 30 days to choose a name from the list. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Wastewater surveillance data may indicate potential increase in Big Isle COVID cases. Two more deaths from COVID-19 were recorded in Hawaii County this week, bringing the county death toll since the pandemic began to 247 people. Tribune-Herald.

Kailua-Kona man, 20, dies after Fourth of July fireworks accident.  A 20-year-old Kailua-Kona man who died after a fireworks accident during Fourth of July celebrations is the second reported death from fireworks in the state this year. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Waikoloa affordable housing ready for occupancy.  The project’s 110 rental units will begin filling with families this month following completion of construction of the estimated $46 million project developed by nonprofit Coalition for Specialized Housing and partner GSF LLC. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Resolution urges governor to issue emergency proclamation for Uncle Billy’s.  A Hawaii County Council resolution urging the governor to take action to remove the derelict former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel received wide support Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Public presentation questions sentencing of men convicted in West Maui hate crime.  A public presentation held on Wednesday night at the University of Hawaii Maui College raised concerns about the recent sentencing of two men involved in a high-profile hate crime that took place in West Maui in 2014. Hawaii News Now.

MPD investigating possible human remains discovered in Upcountry Maui.  Maui police are investigating after the discovery of what’s believed to be human remains in a remote area of Upcountry Maui. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Maui firefighters respond to 20 emergency calls on Fourth of July holiday. The majority of these fires were small brush fires and rubbish bin fires which could be quickly extinguished, according to department reports; however, there were two brush fires that required response from multiple units. Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society to reduce pet adoption fees for “Empty the Shelters” event, July 6-31.  From July 6 to July 31, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National “Empty the Shelters” will occur at more than 335 shelters in 44 states with pets available for adoption for just $50 or less, including Maui Humane Society. Maui Now.

Kauai

Domestic passenger count tops 80,000 in June at Lihu‘e Airport.  The number of people offboarding domestic flights at Lihu‘e Airport climbed to its highest reading of the year last month, as the summer tourism season took flight on the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Average daily room rate rises in May. Stout visitor spending totals through the first five months of the year have been fueled, in large part by an accommodation sector that is experiencing a big upswing in room rates on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

33 swimmers nabbed for alleged dolphin harassment, union leader's wife headed to prison, audit finds lots of credits but little housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

33 swimmers accused of “aggressively pursuing” a dolphin pod on Hawaiʻi Island.  Authorities today say they have referred 33 people to U.S. law enforcement after the group allegedly harassed a pod of wild dolphins in waters off the Big Island. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Bills to transform Hawaii’s school meals die in Senate. The bills aimed to provide cheaper and more locally sourced meals to the nearly 170,000 public and charter school students in Hawaii, although all appear to have been blocked in the state Senate Committee on Education. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘All Hawaiian’ coffee labeling in lawmakers’ crosshairs. To widely popular support, several bills in the state Legislature would prohibit coffee distributors from advertising their products using Hawaiian place names if an insufficient percentage of those products actually originated from those places. Tribune-Herald.

How each Hawaiʻi mayor plans to tackle the housing crisis on their island. From growing development funds to building housing for specific groups of people, mayors across the Hawaiian Islands are focusing their attention on housing initiatives this upcoming fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Union Leader’s Wife Headed To Prison For Fraud. Federal prosecutors said Marilyn Ahakuelo enjoyed an inflated salary and first-class travel on the union's dime. Ahakuelo who was convicted alongside her husband for embezzling from a local union and helping to fraudulently increase membership dues was sentenced on Tuesday to nearly six years in prison. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium Has Already Cost Taxpayers $20M. Where’s All The Money Gone? The state and its consultants promised to deliver a world-class facility for uses beyond University of Hawaii football games, surrounded by a vibrant entertainment district that boasted housing, hotels, restaurants and stores. Instead, taxpayers were left footing ever-growing bills as the future of the stadium became increasingly unclear.  Civil Beat.

4 rail stations in project’s airport segment expected to be done by year’s end. The joint venture company that nearly seven years ago got an $875 million Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation contract to build elevated rail and stations from areas east of Halawa to Kalihi outlined its efforts this week. Star-Advertiser.

Federal review underway into handling of sick homeless man who spent days on ER sidewalk. The federal government is launching a review of how the Queen’s Medical Center responded to a homeless man who spent days on the sidewalk outside its ER in need of care. Hawaii News Now.

Service members sue over toxic Red Hill water. Three active-duty service members filed legal claims against the U.S government this week seeking compensation for health impacts and other damages they say they suffered when jet fuel from the Navy’s Red Hill facility contaminated their drinking water in 2021. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Resolution working towards making The Ocean Safety Division its own department. The Honolulu Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Division is currently part of Honolulu's emergency services department. But now in discussion: House Concurrent Resolution 21, which would make ocean safety its own department. KITV4.

Plans to convert office space into condos. A plan to bring hundreds of residential apartments to Downtown Honolulu by converting office space into condos has led to a push to change the City’s housing code in order to move along the project. KHON2.

Hawaii Kai bridge in need of emergency repairs among dozens islandwide in poor shape. The Keahole Street Bridge in Hawaii Kai — between Costco and Safeway — is deteriorating, and the city says it’s looking into an emergency procurement to fix it. But the problems don’t stop here. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County’s audit finds most affordable housing credits not resulting in new units. A new Hawaiʻi County audit revealed that of the 1,811 affordable housing credits issued since 1988, only 336 credits have resulted in the intended construction of affordable housing units, Hawai‘i County Auditor Tyler Benner recently told the County Council. Big Island Now.

Early morning blaze destroys bathroom at Old Kona Airport Park. Hawaii County announced that a structure fire has destroyed the only working bathrooms at the Old Kona Airport BeachPark. The Fire was reported at 3:51 a.m. and caused an estimated $750,000 in damages. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Clerk Rejects Petition Over Riki Hokama’s Residency. Questions about whether the County Council candidate met eligibility requirements to run for the Lanai seat lingered for months after the election. Civil Beat.

Phase 1 excavation complete at Haleakalā following 700 gallon fuel spill. Phase 1 of excavation at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex was completed March 22, 2023, according to an update provided by the US Space Forces. This comes following a 700 gallon diesel fuel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex in January. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi’s sole electric provider seeking 9.4% rate increase; public hearing March 28. Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve an increase of $16.7 million in its electric revenues, which currently is $177 million at present rates. Kauai Now.

Robots helping save lives on Kauai. Robots can be lifesavers, and that’s especially true for the Kauai Fire Department, which started using CPR robots. KHON2.

Green signs abortion protection bill, parental rights, flavored tobacco bills die in Legislature, gubernatorial appointees having a tough time getting Senate confirmation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Hawaii laws protect abortion providers, restore ways of charging defendants. Abortions are protected across the islands and so are the health care workers who perform them — even on women from states that ban the procedure, under a new law signed by Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News.  KHON2.

Lawmakers Agree On The Need To Address Hawaii’s Housing Crisis — But Not On How. The Legislature is considering a rash of vastly different strategies, while Gov. Josh Green's bills are struggling for traction. As the Legislature approaches a key deadline on Friday during a session that promised to address Hawaii’s critical housing shortage, one thing has become clear: there is no miracle cure. Civil Beat.

Legislature Kills Measures To Protect Parental Rights In Child Welfare Cases. The bills would have required authorities to get orders from judges in most cases before taking children from a parent suspected of abuse or neglect, in contrast to the current practice in Hawaii of almost never seeking court orders. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bill to ban flavored tobacco products goes up in smoke. A legislative fight against flavored tobacco products has likely gone up in smoke, as Hawaii lawmakers have not scheduled a hearing for a bill proposing to ban the devices ahead of Thursday's deadline.  Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate Delays Vote On Planning Director Nominee. Senate President Ron Kouchi said no members came forward to say they were coerced to vote against Scott Glenn's nomination. The Senate delayed until Friday a vote on Scott Glenn’s nomination to lead the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development in part due to accusations that senators have been pressuring colleagues to vote one way or another. Civil Beat.

Governor’s Embattled DBEDT Nominee Opts To Face A Full Senate Vote. Green expects Sadayasu to get an up-or-down decision within days as he urges lawmakers to let him form his team. Chris Sadayasu received a 4-1 vote in the Senate Energy, Economic Development and Tourism Committee against his appointment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s pandemic learning loss recovery could take years.  A new independent analysis has found that learning loss among Hawaii’s public school students during the COVID-19 pandemic has ranged from moderate to severe, and the state will need a “multiyear effort” to catch them up to where they should be, a consultant told state Department of Education officials on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gets $14.2M grant for public health response.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the state $14.2 million as part of its Public Health Infrastructure Grant Opens in a new tab, which is supported in part by the American Rescue Plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 513 new COVID-19 cases, 5 more deaths. The state’s average positivity rate was at 5.2% compared with 4.2% the previous week. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Board overseeing Aloha Stadium briefed on new redevelopment plan. Board members of the state agency long driving Aloha Stadium redevelopment plans were briefed Wednesday on a new plan from Gov. Josh Green, and could take action on it next week. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s proposed land use ordinance raising concerns. Owners of horses, cattle and other farm animals are questioning a small section about raising livestock in the more than 230-page document. KHON2.

Neighborhood board’s attempt to force power lines underground is short circuited — for now. An attempt by a neighborhood board to force a developer to put 46kV power lines underground in a Kapolei development has been put on hold. Hawaii News Now.

Oxygen tank found to be origin of Kailua ambulance fire. The source of a fatal ambulance fire in Kailua last year was an oxygen tank, an investigation found, but its cause remains unclear. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials warn of high bacteria levels at popular beach on Oahu’s North Shore. During a routine beach monitoring on Tuesday, health officials detected fecal contamination at Sunset Beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s first deep-water standing wave to debut at West Oahu. A 52-acre recreational lagoon and shoreside commercial development called Wai Kai featuring a surfing wave pool with the world’s largest standing wave opens Saturday in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Nurses point to systemic problems in case of sick homeless man who spent days on hospital sidewalk. Medical professionals and community health providers are evaluating the plight of a homeless man who says he was disregarded by Hawaii’s largest hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County awards grants to address homelessness. Hawaii County announced 16 grants totaling $7.5 million will be awarded to organizations around the island to address homelessness. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

This former ‘Hilo boy’ has big renovation plans for Hawaii Island hotel owned by state. A developer who was born in Hilo plans to invest up to $30 million to restore a 152-room Country Club Condominium Hotel on Banyan Drive. The proposal with developer Peter Savio goes to a vote Friday before the state Land Board, which owns the hotel. Hawaii News Now.

County to dedicate new ambulances. Seven new ambulances are joining Hawaii County’s emergency vehicle fleet after years of COVID-19-related delays. Tribune-Herald.

New Vietnam War Memorial To Be Dedicated In West Hawaiʻi. A new Vietnam War Memorial will be unveiled at the West Hawaiʻi Veteran Cemetery next week, as America recognizes the 50th anniversary of the war closure marked as Vietnam Veterans Day. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Gov. Green announces Kūlanihāko‘i High opening agreement. New South Maui High School Likely To Welcome Students In August, Governor Says. Buses will transport students on an interim basis as the state builds a $25 million pedestrian bridge. over the next three years. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Maui News

Applications open for East Maui water board. A Maui County Council committee is now taking applications for an 11-member board that will oversee water operations in East Maui.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i seeks funding for pre-planning of new road and trail. The Kaua‘i County Council approved a move to apply for $800,000 in funding for the initial planning of two infrastructure projects aimed at constructing a major road and trail system on Kaua‘i.  Garden Island.

Wai’ale’ale Project provides chance for Kaua’i, Ni’ihau youth to attend college for free. The Waiʻaleʻale Project has helped nearly 1,000 students from Kaua’i and Ni’ihau — who otherwise would not have gone to college — to successfully navigate the college system with financial assistance, counseling and mentorship. Kauai Now.

Senate 'bullies' create chaos, Hawaii ranked worst state for doctors, Red Hill families drank fuel and antifreeze, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate ‘Bullies’ Are Creating Chaos At The Capitol This Year. Donovan Dela Cruz and Michelle Kidani have taken political strong-arming to an alarming level as they work to control business and financial issues, their colleagues say.  Two powerful state senators are pressuring colleagues to derail confirmation of Scott Glenn to lead the Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Civil Beat.

Future of DBEDT confirmation up to nominee. The troubled Cabinet nomination of the head of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is up to acting Director Chris Sadayasu to decide whether he wants to take his confirmation vote to the full 25-member Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Republicans Don’t Get Many Bills Passed, But They’re Playing A Long Game. The minority caucus agrees it needs more members to get things done, but there is disagreement on how to get there. Civil Beat.

‘Misleading’ macadamia nut products prompt legislation in Hawaii. A kamaaina company that claims to be the biggest seller of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts has collided at the Legislature with local macadamia producers over whether Hawaii-branded products containing foreign macadamias should say so. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers consider bill that will allow counselors to file restraining orders for minors. A bill to let trained professionals petition for restraining orders on behalf of minors is now being discussed in the Hawaii state house. Senate Bill 45 includes counselors and other mental health professionals. KITV4.

State's newest homelessness coordinator pitches idea for ʻOhana Zone incentives. The state's homelessness coordinator wants ʻOhana Zone developments to get the same exemptions as affordable housing projects. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teacher Housing Has Been Only In Rural Areas, But That Could Change. Proposed legislation would fund a pilot program with locations in urban Oahu. Civil Beat.

Amid ongoing physician shortage, Hawaii ranked worst state for doctors. Analysts from the financial planning website WalletHub looked at all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and evaluated several factors across two key dimensions: “opportunity and competition” and “medical environment.” When it came to opportunity and competition, Hawaii ranked dead last. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. in ‘better place’ since pandemic, CDC director says during Hawaii visit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aims to become more nimble as a result of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Not Just Fuel: Red Hill Families Drank Antifreeze Too, Lawsuit Says. The Pearl Harbor area residents who drank and showered in fuel-tainted water in 2021 were also exposed to antifreeze, which the Navy used as a fuel additive, according to an amended lawsuit complaint filed on Monday.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply confirms trace amounts of PFAS were found in Waipio well. The state's Board of Water Supply announced Friday that trace amounts of perfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, were found in the Waipio Heights Wells Pumping Station last month during a routine test. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health, safety concerns raised over homeless at State Library. A growing homeless encampment by the Hawaii State Library is raising concerns with library users and nearby residents. They’re calling on the state to do a better job in cleaning the area. KHON2.

A New Recipe: This Program Puts Oahu Inmates In College Cooking Courses. Kapiolani Community College has offered courses to women at the Women's Community Correctional Facility since 2008. Civil Beat.

Keeaumoku Street safety in the works. Under the Honolulu “Complete Streets” program, the city Department of Transportation Services proposes a project along Keeaumoku Street — from Kapiolani Boulevard to Wilder Avenue — to include protected bicycle lanes, traffic-calming measures and pedestrian-­crossing improvements. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii AG: Imprisoned Prison Guard Shouldn’t Get His Job Back. The state says the labor board exceeded its authority and made a "clearly erroneous" decision regarding Jonathan Taum. The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office is appealing a decision by the state labor board that requires that a corrections sergeant who is serving a federal prison term be reinstated with back pay to his job at the Hilo jail. Civil Beat.

Funding requests for the Big Isle’s hospitals slashed. Gov. Josh Green requested that $50 million from the state budget be used to expand Hilo Medical Center, but when the House released its initial budget on Thursday, the amount was cut in half to $25 million. Tribune-Herald.

Progress on Hilo sewage plant. A plan to renovate the decrepit Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is now a two-part project. Tribune-Herald.

Community Meeting On Waikoloa Road Project Set For March 30. The pavement removal/replacement project is scheduled to begin in May 2023 and run through April 2024. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Want to fix the food system? Maui’s Polipoli Farms aims to help local farmers do just that. Lehia Apana recently won a $10,000 grant from Dove Chocolate to help grow her food hub project.  Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple announces leadership transition. Maui Land & Pineapple announced today the appointment of Race Randle as CEO and Scot Sellers as Chairman, effective April 1, 2023. Maui Now.

Repairs underway for historic church damaged by storm. Ke‘anae Congregational Church has been closed due to safety hazards since 2021. Maui News.

Kauai

Wilcox earns national patient safety award. The Wilcox Medical Center received the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award that places Wilcox among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute care hospitals nationwide, as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i DOCARE presence nearly doubles as 41 new officers commissioned. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources significantly bolstered its ranks on Monday, as 41 new Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers were deployed for their first assignments Garden Island. Kauai Now.