Ige to announce relaxed restrictions this week, Las Vegas captain tapped for Maui police chief, Honolulu council to vet pick for city auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Daniel Inouye guided missile destroyer PC: U.S. Navy

New $1.5 billion-plus Navy destroyer USS Daniel Inouye heading for Hawaii. The Navy’s new “Go for Broke” destroyer named for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero and one of Hawaii’s most influential statesmen, is sailing to its new home port of Pearl Harbor and a Dec. 8 commissioning at Kilo Pier. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Combative auditor hearings cross midpoint, with weeks to go. As the hearings enter their fourth week, resuming today for sessions slated to continue for about three more weeks, there has been no clear testimony presented — in public, at least — of obvious wrongdoing by state Auditor Les Kondo or his office. Star-Advertiser.

Trailblazing CEO Connie Lau will pass the torch at Hawaiian Electric Industries. Connie Lau, the longtime president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., highest-paid female executive in the state, and a driving force behind the company’s move toward clean energy, is retiring at the end of this year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Director Marti Townsend steps down. The environmental organization’s new director is Wayne Tanaka — an attorney, engineer, and environmental advocate. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

First Hearing Held On Proposed Hawaiian Homes Bill. The federal legislation ensures long-term tenancy to beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and their successors, Kahele says, by reducing the successorship qualification of a lessee’s spouse, children, grandchildren and brothers or sisters from one quarter to one thirty-second Hawaiian. Big Island Video News.

Help wanted: Substitute teacher shortage stretches Hawaii public schools thin. The DOE said they are aware that in some rural areas, where there are general staffing shortages, it is challenging to secure substitutes. Some schools are taking it upon themselves to recruit educators. KHON2.

A+ program staffing shortage leaves hundreds of kids waiting and their parents scrambling. At least 2,600 elementary school-age children — nearly 1,600 at the A+ program held at public schools on Oahu, served by YMCA of Honolulu, and 1,000 at schools on four islands, served by Kamaaina Kids — are on the waitlist in the current school year.  Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige expected to announce relaxed restrictions this week. As Covid-19 case counts continue to drop, Gov. David Ige plans to announce relaxed restrictions later this week, a spokesperson for the governor told KITV-4 Tuesday. KITV4.

Hope for eager UH football fans: Ige says he’s looking to ease some COVID rules soon. In a one-on-one interview with Hawaii News Now on Tuesday, Gov. David Ige said he’s planning a slow return for UH spectators. He said he hopes to make an announcement with the four county mayors about easing rules by Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic Hardships Have Made Hawaii’s Nursing Shortage Even Worse. As nurses left the profession, bottlenecks in education made it hard to replace them. Civil Beat.

With enough vaccine supply, DOH offers Pfizer booster shots to any adult who is eligible. Officials said those who had their second Pfizer shot at least six months ago and who feels they are at risk because of certain health conditions or their job, are eligible for a third dose. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 91 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 80,414. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 53 new cases on Oahu, 12 on Maui, 15 on Hawaii Island, seven on Kauai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu may soon have a new city auditor. The Honolulu City Council is expected to take up the nomination Wednesday of Arushi Kumar to head the office that conducts financial and performance evaluations of city departments, programs, activities and services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oʻahu home prices continue hot streak, but there are signs of stabilization. The median price for a single-family home on Oʻahu rose to $1,050,000 in September. The median price for a condominium also rose last month to $480,000. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Old housing in Moiliili cleared for affordable midrise. The blessing by Kahu Kordell Kekoa was part of a ceremonial groundbreaking for a 105-unit midrise apartment building on a site previously occupied by 26 residences in several low-rise apartments and one single-family home dating as far back as 1928. Star-Advertiser.

HART Effort To Hire Welders To Fix Rail Tracks Falls Flat. A recent effort by Honolulu rail officials to hire licensed welders who might help fix one of the transit system’s most basic problems, in which the train wheels don’t align properly with the track crossings, has come up empty. Civil Beat.

New UH COVID-19 prediction models show infection rates trending down. In the latest report, scientists believe the Safe Access Oahu program that requires people to show their COVID-19 vaccination card or negative test result at most indoor spaces helped bring down case counts. KITV4.

Honolulu medical examiner's office using refrigerated containers for COVID-19 deaths. The medical examiner's office is also in the middle of a $5 million renovation to double its capacity, but construction is going to be another year and a half. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Friday announced the purchase of two commercial properties adjacent to its headquarters in Iwilei for $47 million. OHA intends to use the properties as a revenue generator and plans to keep Ross, Longs and PetSmart. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Ambitious audit plan set: Change orders, inventory, Fire Department, property taxes top list. An audit of contract change orders, property tax revenues, countywide inventory controls and performance of the Fire Department are among 13 projects slated this year by the county’s new auditor. West Hawaii Today.

Trailers could be allowed again at 5 transfer stations. At a Tuesday meeting of the County Council’s Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management Committee, Ramzi Mansour, director of the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management, said that five of the county’s 22 transfer stations could possibly be modified to once again allow people to use towable trailers to deposit waste. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Las Vegas Police Captain Selected As Final Candidate For Maui Police Chief. John Pelletier still needs to make it through pre-employment investigations before being appointed as the police chief. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Charter Commission Votes for Greater Public Access and Transparency. The Maui Charter Commission last Thursday voted to advance several Charter amendment proposals that, if approved by voters in November 2022, aims to bring greater integrity and transparency to County government operations.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Council mulls using eminent domain for affordable housing. The Kaua‘i County Council will vote today on whether the county will use eminent domain to acquire a 23.5-acre parcel of land in Kilauea. Garden Island.

KFCC installs new slate of officers. Nancy Apalla of the Kaua‘i Filipino Community Council said the group that oversees the many Filipino groups on Kaua‘i cannot get stopped because of the COVID-19 virus. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige's State of the State address today, Hawaii GOP official resigns after defending QAnon, House speaker targets auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Officials balk at near-doubling of price of Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. The cost of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project has nearly doubled to $651 million, potentially stalling the two-decades-old project once again. Star-Advertiser.

Estimated price tag for Ala Wai flood prevention project doubles to $650M. The cost estimate for the Ala Wai flood prevention project has nearly doubled in another major blow to the effort. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii GOP official resigns after using party Twitter account to support QAnon conspiracy theorists. On Sunday night, Hawaii GOP vice Chair of communications Edwin Boyette resigned through a Facebook post. In his statement, he wrote the discussion of the Q-Conspiracy was an error of judgement. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii GOP deletes Twitter thread defending QAnon supporters. The Hawaii Republican Party is under fire for a series of tweets that appear to defend supporters of the QAnon conspiracy. KITV4.

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With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to damage Hawaii’s struggling economy, state House and Senate leaders have a long list of ideas that they either hope or expect to hear from Gov. David Ige during his State of the State address today. Star-Advertiser.

Ige expected to outline his economic recovery plan in State of the State. As the pandemic drags on, Gov. David Ige will deliver his State of the State to cameras Monday rather than an assembled audience of lawmakers and dignitaries. Hawaii News Now.

Host of safety protocols in place to prevent COVID outbreak during legislative session. The legislative session kicked off this week, but state business will be conducted much differently during the pandemic in an effort to keep the building safe. Hawaii News Now.

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Proposed Budget Cuts Would ‘Basically Gut’ Hawaii State Auditor’s Office. Days after he ordered an investigation into the office, the House Speaker wants to cut the watchdog agency’s budget in half — far more than any other state agency. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Tourism Authority readies for defunding. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for leading tourism recovery across the isles, is in dire financial straits and has already started running “doomsday scenarios” in the event that it faces defunding. Star-Advertiser.

Isle labor market not likely to see major gains in short term. Hawaii’s travel demand hasn’t returned as strongly as some had hoped when the state introduced Safe Travels Hawaii, a travel entry program aimed at creating a safe way for travelers to return to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Celebration plans for the Queen Lili‘uokalani home and many Hawaii governors could cost $53,000. Gov. David Ige proposes spending $53,000 to commemorate the anniversary of the longtime residence of Queen Lili‘uokalani and a dozen Hawaii governors, which became a museum and state reception venue nearly two decades ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Rep. Ed Case Tries Again To Rein In Helicopter Tour And Skydiving Operations. Noise and safety are at issue in federal legislation the congressman is still pursuing. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

No vaccines for seniors’ companions. Hawaii Pacific Health officials said Sunday they will continue to honor COVID-19 vaccination appointments to companions of seniors (age 75 and older) made prior to the Department of Health’s decision to end the practice. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 24: 153 New COVID-19 Cases. The cases announced Sunday included 105 on Oahu, 34 on Maui, six on the Big Island, and eight residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

She Was About To Lose Her Job. Then Her Dad’s Department Hired Her. Two weeks before Honolulu’s former budget director Manny Valbuena left office, his department hired his daughter for a six-month gig that was not advertised and for which no other candidates were considered. Civil Beat.

New HART Board Member Wants A Fraud Hotline. An outside auditor for HART describes Natalie Iwasa’s idea for a hotline as a best practice. Civil Beat.

Permit for Red Hill fuel tanks stirs controversy. A contested case hearing is scheduled for Feb. 1-5 to debate the Navy obtaining a state operating permit for the Red Hill fuel farm, with the Sierra Club of Hawaii hoping it leads to stricter controls in the short term and relocation of the controversial underground tanks longer-term. Star-Advertiser.

In Kaimuki, residents worry monster homes are taking over the community. Kaimuki resident say the pandemic has not slowed down the construction of monster homes in their neighborhood. And they’re fighting back. Hawaii News Now.

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Oahu’s 2nd mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic to open at Blaisdell. So far, more than 12,000 people have made an appointment to receive the Moderna vaccine at the clinic run by The Queen’s Health Systems. Hawaii News Now.

More than 12,000 appointments already booked for second large vaccination site on Oahu. The state says as of last week, about 70,000 people got vaccinated statewide. KHON2.

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Tab to fix Waiea luxury condo tower in Kakaako tops $100M. The developer of the most luxurious condominium tower in Kakaako has decided to pony up over $100 million to fix defects that have vexed homeowners in the 4-year-old building. Star-Advertiser.

Maili low-income homes receiving first tenants. The developer of the $22.7 million project called Hale Makana O Maili held a low-key blessing Jan. 15 because of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

After 180 years, St. Ann’s Catholic School to close its doors. Leaders of St. Ann’s said declining enrollment and rising financial challenges led them to close the school at the end of the academic year on June 4. They announced the closure in a letter to families Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County: COVID-19 app won’t be mandatory for travelers. Hawaii County has no plans to make the state’s official COVID-19 exposure notification application mandatory on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Teaching telescope project to proceed at Halepohaku. Despite receiving predominantly negative feedback from community members, the Office of Maunakea Management will seek to proceed with constructing a telescope facility at Halepohaku. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee again pans Travalino for Leeward Planning Commission. It was deja vu Tuesday for Mark Travalino, who once again faced a County Council Planning Committee opposed to his appointment to the Leeward Planning Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Health director: Intended second doses went to 1st doses instead. Maui’s COVID-19 vaccination sites may have been giving intended second doses of the vaccine to people seeking their first shot, though Hawaii’s health director said this was completely appropriate. Maui News.

Maui still behind on vaccine rollout. As the vaccination rollout continues statewide, the only island not accepting first dose registrations is Maui. KHON2.

Nominee for Maui Prosecuting Attorney to be Vetted Tuesday. The Maui County Council’s Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. to vet the nomination of Andrew H. Martin for prosecuting attorney. Maui Now.

University of Hawai‘i Maui College Achieves Net-Zero Goal. Through a combination of solar photovoltaic energy, distributed energy storage and energy efficiency measures, UH Maui College has reduced the campus’ use of fossil fuel for energy by an estimated 100%. Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society to temporarily close following COVID-19 exposure. Maui Humane Society announced it will temporarily close its facility from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31 after management discovered possible COVID-19 exposure among staff. KHON2.

Kauai

This Innovative Kauai Medical Clinic Is Struggling To Survive. The collapse of tourism on the island is causing economic hardship in many business sectors, including health care. Civil Beat.

KIUC, AES agreement pending. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Communications Manager Beth Tokioka said there is still no time frame for the state Public Utilities Commission to approve the purchase-power agreement between AES Corporation and KIUC. Garden Island.

Significant changes to Kaua‘i Bus schedule coming. In an effort to improve service to the public, The Kaua‘i Bus has announced multiple significant changes to its islandwide mainline and shuttle routes starting Sunday, Feb. 7. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai’s Fabled Axis Deer Are Starving To Death In Droves. The crisis, triggered in part by drought, exposes rifts in the community and raises questions about how to manage the herd in the future. Civil Beat.

Feds approve Honolulu rail recovery plan, HART staffer keeps job despite vote-rigging conviction, Ala Moana Park upgrades progressing, Kauai still seeks auditor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu rail construction PC:HART

Rail recovery funds get federal approval. The Federal Transit Administration finally has approved the city’s recovery plan for the Honolulu rail project, a development that rail authority Executive Director Andrew Robbins called a “significant milestone” for the 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Approve Rail’s Recovery Plan, Signaling Continued Support. The FTA won’t release rail’s remaining $744 million, however, until the project’s actual costs are clearer. Civil Beat.

In ‘milestone,’ feds approve recovery plan for city’s beleaguered rail project. Despite ongoing concerns over construction of Honolulu’s beleaguered rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the rail authority’s revised recovery plan. Hawaii News Now.

Feds approve recovery plan for Honolulu rail project. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration approved HART's recovery plan for rail on Thursday. KITV.

FTA Approves of HART Honolulu Rail Recovery Plan. The approval clears the way for the remaining $743+ million in federal funding for the project to be released as outlined in the Full Funding Grant Agreement. Maui Now.

Federal rail payout depends on City Center bid prices. After years in limbo and federal money frozen for Honolulu’s rail project, the Federal Transit Administration has approved the project’s recovery plan. KHON2.

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HART Boss Sees No Reason To Fire Staffer Convicted In Union Vote Rigging. The rail agency’s top executive won’t say who’s advising him to keep Russell Yamanoha at HART after his plea deal. Civil Beat.

Despite conviction, rail spokesman allowed to stay on the job. A rail official who pleaded guilty earlier this week to falsifying the results of an election when he worked for a Hawaii union will keep his job for now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Caldwell gives update on Ala Moana Regional Park’s master plan. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday hailed the completion of key renovations at Ala Moana Regional Park and took aim at critics of his far-ranging master plan for Oahu’s most popular recreational stop, calling the critics “a very small group of people.” Star-Advertiser.

City shows off much-needed upgrades to Honolulu’s most popular park. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell showed off improvements to Ala Moana Beach Park on Thursday, including newly-renovated bathrooms at the Ewa end of the park. Hawaii News Now.

Kirk Caldwell holds presser to discuss Ala Moana Regional Park improvement projects. At a press conference earlier today, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell discussed progress at Ala Moana Beach Park and future renovation projects. KHON2.

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Board balks at landfill plan. A community panel Wednesday night took a stand against expanding a construction debris landfill in Nanakuli after two hours of sometimes heated testimony. Star-Advertiser.

Neighborhood board supports banning helicopter tours over Kailua. Kailua neighborhood board members passed a resolution on Thursday requesting the FAA to ban all helicopter tours over their community. Hawaii News Now.

New ambulances raise safety concerns for paramedics. New ambulances for EMS on Oahu had to be taken off the road after complaints were filed to the state labor department. KHON2.

Alleged legal tours to Haiku Stairs faces push back. But the Board of Water Supply, the owner of the stairs and some land surrounding it says there's no legal way. KITV.

A new $310 million Mauka Concourse underway at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is designed to increase the number of passengers boarding a plane at the state’s largest airport by about another 1.5 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales decline, prices mixed, over 12 months ending in August. Sales of single-family homes and condominiums on Oahu declined by 8% over the last 12 months as median prices were mixed, with single-family homes rising by 2% and condos declining by 2%, according to a report by Honolulu real estate firm Locations. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Upped Traffic Enforcement on Maunakea. Police efforts during the new weeklong period covering last Thursday, Aug. 29 to Thursday, Sept. 5 has resulted in the issuance of an additional 566 traffic citations and three suspects arrested for five offenses. Big Island Now.

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Kilauea lava triggered massive algae bloom. In the midst of the destruction during last year’s lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano, scientists from the University of Hawaii and the University of Southern California observed how one of nature’s most devastating forces can also create and sustain life. Tribune-Herald.

During the 2018 eruption, heat from the lava ocean entry caused nutrient-rich deep waters to rise, which led to a phytoplankton bloom, researchers say. Big Island Video News.

Here’s how rivers of lava flowing into the ocean created a massive algae bloom. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea lava stimulates phytoplankton bloom off Hawaii Island. KHON2.

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Team that captured first image of a black hole wins international award. About 30 scientists and engineers from two Maunakea observatories have won an international award for their involvement in the project that captured the first image of a black hole. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii scientists net ‘breakthrough’ award for first image of black hole. The team that captured the first image ever of a black hole has received a prestigious Breakthrough Prize for Fundamental Physics. Hawaii News Now.

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Flu hitting Big Island schools; vaccination program starts next month. Big Island schools have been back in session for a month, and already cases of influenza are being reported among the student population and staff members. West Hawaii Today.

Kuawa Street park completion date still uncertain. The completion of the Kuawa Street park is delayed yet again despite county officials in July saying the new ballfields were on track to open in August. Tribune-Herald.

Single-family home sales, prices jump on Hawaii Island in August. Sales of single-family homes on Hawaii Island jumped by 22% in August, compared to last year, and the median price rose 13%, while condominium sales and prices both declined for the month, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of Hawaii Island Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Hike in illegal rental fines moves forward. Planning, vendor make enforcement progress. Maui News.

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New Maui traffic cameras now live on GoAkamai.org. Free for public use, the cameras provide real-time footage of traffic conditions at 10 key intersections on Maui. Maui News.

New Maui Traffic Camera Images Now Available Online. Department officials say the images will also provide additional tools for the state and counties to manage the roadway system. Maui Now.

New Maui traffic camera images available on GoAkamai.org. KHON2.

Kauai

Council still seeks an auditor. The Kauai County Council is still seeking qualified candidates for county auditor in the Office of the County Clerk. Garden Island.

County Council continues recruitment for County Auditor position. The Kauai County Council is continuing its ongoing recruitment and acceptance of applications for the position of County Auditor. KITV.

Who is responsible for regulating the number of passenger flights that arrive on the island every day? That was one of the main questions brought up at a recent County Council meeting during a discussion of the Kauai Tourism Strategic Plan 2019-2021, which aims to mitigate the effects of “overtourism.” Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices jump 32% in August as sales drop. The median price of a condominium on Kauai soared by 32% last month even as sales dropped, compared to a year ago, while single-family home prices declined, according to statistics from Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Audit blasts state handling of rail money, Aloha Stadium to stay in Halawa, UH president under fire, Health Department reaches settlement with dairy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Train car assembly PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

State Auditor Blasts DAGS For Failure to Verify Rail Invoices. The Office of the Auditor has issued a blistering report on the failure of state accounting officials to adequately verify invoices from the transit agency developing the Honolulu rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest Audit: Agency ‘Arbitrary,’ ‘Inconsistent’ In Reviewing Rail Costs. The Hawaii agency that oversees rail spending lacks the proper rules, training and procedures to make sure its reviews are sound, the latest audit finds. Civil Beat.

The state auditor released another report Thursday relating to Honolulu's $9.2 billion rail project. KITV.

Full audit rail oversight report. Lack of Fundamentals: Review of the Department of Accounting and General Services’ Verification of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Invoices. Hawaii Office of the Auditor.

HART work went off the rails, report says. One of the new Honolulu rail cars was damaged in an “incident,” and another work vehicle that runs on the rail line derailed twice in January, prompting the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to issue a “safety stand-down” letter last month suspending vehicle operations, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Island’s tourism decline contributes to state softening. Tourism performance was mixed across the isles in February with double- digit dips in spending and arrivals from Hawaii island contributing to statewide softening. Star-Advertiser.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Faculty union blasts UH president, but stops short of calling for his resignation.  During a contentious Board of Regents meeting Thursday, members of the University of Hawaii’s faculty union blasted school President David Lassner for his handling of proposed budget cuts that would have forced dozens to lose their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Former high-ranking ILWU official Nate Lum pleaded guilty Thursday to identity theft in federal court. Lum also admitted he failed to file federal tax returns. But under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop a theft charge against him. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Review affirms keeping stadium in Halawa. An alternative site analysis released Thursday by the Aloha Stadium Authority marked a step in the process of replacing the 44-year-old facility and recommended a new stadium and ancillary development be built within the same 98-acre parcel. Star-Advertiser.

Planning For New Stadium Assumes It Would Be Built In Halawa. The current site of Aloha Stadium is the preferred site for construction of a new facility that would include an adjacent business district. Star-Advertiser.

The Stadium Authority marked the beginning of the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a new proposed Aloha Stadium. KHON2.

The Stadium Authority announced Thursday that it is beginning the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a replacement for Aloha Stadium. Pacific Business News.

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Arizona Memorial access to be restored ‘by fall,’ officials say. The National Park Serv­ice said Thursday it has awarded a $2.1 million contract for repairs to a faulty USS Arizona Memorial dock that should be completed “by fall” — in time for the next Dec. 7, 1941, remembrance. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service has awarded the contract for repair of the anchoring system for the USS Arizona Memorial dock.  KHON2.

Homelessness dominates public safety concerns at Waikiki conference. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard pledged to improve public safety by working with Waikiki stakeholders to make the state’s top tourism district “uncomfortable” for homeless people. Star-Advertiser.

Couple defies city by attending to Kakaako homeless. A Kaimuki couple with a new city contract to provide mobile hot showers for Oahu’s homeless are defying the city in two ways: by continuing to operate twice a month next to the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center and by regularly feeding about 50 homeless people in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Moanalua ‘workforce’ housing complex expansion completed. A 50-year-old affordable rental home complex in Moanalua received a blessing Thursday following the addition of nearly 500 new midprice homes. Star-Advertiser.

40 residents, employees at Honolulu senior facility fall ill; officials suspect norovirus. Hawaii News Now.

Library re-stocking shelves a year after flooding damaged contents. The Aina Haina Library has been closed for almost a year now since just after the historic flooding. KHON2.

Summer Palace of King Kamehameha III vandalized again. KHON2.

Oahu Publications Inc. has sold its 152,574-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a $40 million leaseback transaction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide Hawaii County with $60 million to assist with recovery from last year’s Kilauea eruption is expected to have its final vote today in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism official: ‘It hasn’t been that great of a start to the year’. Big Island tourism has fallen to near-2017 numbers in the aftermath of the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory To Move To Oahu? Senator Mazie Hirono pressed the Interior Secretary Nominee to get more feedback before making any decision to relocate the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory HVO to Oahu. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health on Thursday entered into an agreement with the owners of Big Island Dairy as its operations draw to a close. Under the agreement, Big Island Dairy’s owners are required to terminate dairy operations, remove all cows from confinement on the site, clean and remove the existing wastewater system, and pay $79,000 by June of 2019, either as an administrative penalty or to fund an environmentally beneficial project in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Dairy, Health Department Sign Consent Agreement. Big Island Video News.

A second case of rat lungworm disease has been contracted on Hawaii Island this year, the Hawaii Department of Health announced Thursday. No cases have been reported on any other island in 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Harbor District Office Relocated, Blessed. This work is part of the Harbors Division’s facility improvement projects planned throughout the commercial harbor system that is aimed at supporting the state’s economic growth and maritime industries. Maui Now.

The battle against climate change got a boost Wednesday when Hawaii and California public utility commissions announced that they’ll be teaming up to fight the green fight. Maui News.

Police and courts dealing with more mental health cases. Another round of Crisis Intervention Team training completed. Maui News.

Kauai

Local health clinic awarded $1.4M. A community health center on Kauai focused on providing care to Native Hawaiians will be getting over a million dollars in federal funding. Garden Island.

The Lihue Business Association’s Thursday meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club focused on medical marijuana. Garden Island.

Hawaiian monk seals rebounding, House shaves $35M off governor's budget, paid family leave bill advances, Navy wife awarded $24.7M in Tripler lawsuit, Kauai fights for beach access, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Monk seals PC:NOAA

NOAA's annual monk seal population count has a promising outlook. According to NOAA's annual monk seal population update, the seal count is on the upswing. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would protect sharks and expand protections to all rays within state waters is cruising through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Bills Address Sustainability, Climate Change. Maui Now.

House Shaves $35 Million From Governor’s Budget. The Finance Committee’s cuts create a balanced budget over six years, but the spending plans could still change. Civil Beat.

State budget draft funds foster settlement, school construction. The proposed House draft of the state budget totals $14.3 billion in state, federal and special funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and lawmakers also announced a proposed two-year, $4.48 billion construction budget. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers take a stand against federal Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The Hawaii House and Senate will discuss two resolutions Thursday that take aim at a controversial gun bill moving forward at the federal level. KITV.

A bill that would establish a paid family leave program in Hawaii crossed over from the Senate to the House on Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

A bill that would fine people who fraudulently represent their pets as service dogs may finally have some bite at the Hawaii Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Curbing opioid addiction in the islands. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are two of the most commonly abused opioids in Hawaii according to emergency room doctor William Scruggs. KHON2.

State Auditor Discusses Reviews of OHA, HTA. The findings of the two agencies - the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaii Tourism Authority is what Les Kondo is particularly concerned about. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Federal Judge Nomination Offers Glimpse Of Partisan Dealmaking. Prosecutor Jill Otake, who once had a shot at the job under Obama, takes her first step toward confirmation in the Trump era. Civil Beat.

HTA Spring Marketing Update: More Airline Seats! The Hawaii Tourism Authority hosted its Spring Marketing Update today. The tourism industry does not appear to be slowing down. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who owns hundreds of acres of land on Kauai’s North Shore, held on to his No. 5 ranking on Forbes’ 2018 ranking of the world’s billionaires, while eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii’s only full-time resident on the list, moved up nearly 20 slots as his fortune grew by some $2.5 billion. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines announced today that its employees were awarded $23.8 million as part of the company’s profit sharing, its largest annual payment ever. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A Navy wife and her family have been awarded $24.7 million for “severe and permanent” kidney damage she suffered from treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Wife Who Lost Kidneys After Giving Birth Awarded $24.7M. The government acknowledged its liability for the treatment she received at Tripler Army Medical Center. Civil Beat.

Navy wife, Marites Campano, and her family were awarded $24.7 million on Wednesday, in part of malpractice suit against Tripler Army Medical Center. The Campano's attorney claims it’s the largest verdict ever against Tripler. KITV.

Tripler Army Medical Center faces $25M malpractice payout. KHON2.

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The state board regulating development in Kakaako will take another crack at amending its rules for producing affordable housing after Gov. David Ige objected to one piece of a comprehensive overall plan put forth in September. Star-Advertiser.

A second phase of rental apartments in Mililani for seniors with low incomes is now open, and work on the third of four phases has begun. Star-Advertiser.

State Plans To Sweep Longtime Homeless Camp At Waianae Boat Harbor. For more than a decade, people have been living in the self-governed community, and about 200 are there now. Civil Beat.

Waialua Landowner Proposes 30-Home ‘Affordable’ Subdivision. The 8-acre site is currently zoned for agricultural use. Its owner says some of the homes would be for his children. Civil Beat.

Study: New Federal Tax Law Will Hurt Many Honolulu Homeowners. The loss of some deductions for mortgage and state and local taxes impacts areas with the most expensive real estate. Civil Beat.

As the Honolulu Police department gets ready to graduate it’s newest recruit class Wednesday, the police chief is letting us in on one of the biggest roadblocks to hiring. She says many applicants can’t pass the background check. KHON2.

HPD graduates new recruits, but hundreds of vacancies remain. Hawaii News Now.

City offers OHA $30M for 3-acre land parcel to build sewer pump station. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi businesses fed up with the illegal dumping of derelict cars. Hawaii News Now.

Car Share a Potential Game Changer in Urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

After 51 years, the iconic steak house will call it a day. Chuck’s Steak House, a mainstay in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort since 1967, is closing at the end of the month to make way for a luxury Voyager 47 Club Lounge for hotel guests. Star-Advertiser.

Tony Roma's, a culinary fixture in the Aiea community, will be closing up shop — and taking its ribs with it. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Despite the uncertain future of a bill that seeks to create a new management authority for Mauna Kea, the lawmakers behind the proposal are working overtime conducting a community campaign to whip up public support for the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Alarmed by photos on social media showing needles and other drug paraphernalia at a county soccer field, Mayor Harry Kim called emergency meetings of state and county officials, creating a task force to tackle the problem head-on. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hilo Lanes to become new Penn gym. A Hilo businesswoman said Wednesday her purchase of the long-vacant Hilo Lanes bowling alley for $2.55 million closed Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

E. coli found in Molokai well, but water safe. The bacteria was detected in the well shaft but not found in the water source. Maui News.

Maui Lifeguard ATV Stolen From DT Fleming Beach. Maui police are seeking the public’s help with information relating to the theft of an ATV belonging to the County of Maui Lifeguard Department. Maui Now.

Barnes & Noble will open at its new temporary store Monday at the Maui Marketplace in Kahului, in the former Petco retail space, the national bookstore chain announced. Maui News.

Home sale volume often plummets on Maui in January or February, but this year it didn’t, and the result was what looked like a spike in the number of single- family houses sold last month. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Maui soared last month, as prices posted slight gains of less than 2 percent for single-family homes and condominiums, according to data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

County battling billionaire over beach access. Questions about responsible upkeep and safety were voiced at the Kilauea Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday night, as county attorneys explained current legal action to reopen a public access to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Coco Palms land dispute may continue. Defendants in the Coco Palms land dispute want to charge rent for the use of the Wailua land upon which the old hotel sits and they’ve set the price tag at $200 million. Garden Island.

Air Canada announced Wednesday it is launching a new winter service from Vancouver to Kauai in December with its new Boeing 737 Max-8 fleet. Pacific Business News.

Audit blasts state energy office, Hanabusa more popular among business leaders, new U.S. attorney named, dialysis clinics vacant as inspections awaited, rats return to Lehua Island, Kealoha accused of coercing witness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki king tides July 2017, courtesy UH Sea College Grant program

For the past two years, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program has been recruiting citizen scientists from across the Pacific. They were trained to document high water levels or King Tides in an effort to understand and adapt to sea level rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Auditor’s report blasts energy office. The Hawaii State Energy Office awarded a contract for more than $250,000 to plan a “state-of-the-art” energy innovation center last year, and then seven months later commissioned another consultant to assess whether that center is actually needed, according to an audit of the office. Star-Advertiser.

Read full audit here.

Auditors couldn't figure out what this state office does — or plans to do. Hawaii News Now.

Audit: State Energy Office ‘Is Not Doing Its Job’ A scathing report cites the office’s failure to document what it’s doing to help Hawaii’s transition to renewable energy resources. Civil Beat.

Why Colleen Hanabusa Can’t Sit Still. The Hawaii congresswoman talks about ambition, office-hopping and her quest for the Hawaii governor’s office. Civil Beat.

BOSS Asks Business Leaders: Ige or Hanabusa? Hawaii Business.

Kenji Price — a former federal prosecutor and Army Ranger who is now a director at the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing — has been appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army Ranger Named Temporary US Attorney For Hawaii. Kenji Price has been focusing on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation at a Honolulu firm. Associated Press.

Delays in clinic inspections hurt dialysis patients. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions to a three-year delay in inspections for some dialysis clinics that largely remain closed as the number of residents with kidney failure continues to climb. Star-Advertiser.

One aspect of the homeless crisis: State realizes policing encampments is pricey. DLNR is requesting $330,000 in related funds. Gov. David Ige's administration also wants $419,302 to pay for eight new deputy sheriffs that could respond to complaints about illegal camping and trespassing on state lands. There is also a $5 million lump sum request in the state Department of Human Services' budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii joins 'tele-abortion' pilot amid debate about procedure's safety. Hawaii is one of only four states taking part in a "tele-abortion" pilot project, and the politically-charged issue is riling up abortion foes. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool Open Door Program Open for Enrollment. Low and moderate-income families in Hawaii can tap a state subsidized program to give their keiki a head start in early learning. Hawaii Public Radio.

No end in sight for mumps outbreak. In addition to containing clusters of mumps cases, the state is gearing up for the peak of flu season. KITV.

Mumps booster needed to avoid virus. Even if you had a mumps vaccination, you are being urged to get a booster shot. KITV.

Foreign fishermen settle human trafficking suit. Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessel’s owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking. Associated Press.

Kmart to pay over $84K for overbilling Hawaii Medicaid customers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines awarded share of $227M federal contract. Hawaiian Airlines Inc. on Friday received a share of a $227 million federal contract for international commercial scheduled air cargo transportation services. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha coerced man to lie to grand jury, charges say. The deputy city prosecutor wife of a Honolulu police chief convinced a man whose trust she allegedly stole from when he was a child to lie for her before a grand jury looking into corruption allegations against the couple, according to court documents filed today. Associated Press.

An alleged victim in the case against former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine, is now a suspect. KHON2.

Police Commission Loosens Rules On Legal Fees For Officers. For years, city attorneys have been strict when it comes to paying an officer’s attorney fees in lawsuits and criminal complaints. Civil Beat.

Rise in attacks by state hospital patients prompts call for change. KHON2.

Medical Pot And Veterans: Groups Offer Free Evaluations. The cost of getting evaluated usually far exceeds the price of the actual registration process for cannabis users. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces the need for more money. KHON2.

Warning signs posted after big sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay. The public is being told to stay out of Kaneohe Bay after a spill sent 30,000 gallons of sewage into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimana the monk seal is hooked again. Kaimana the monk seal got hooked — a second time. This time, she needed help getting it out. Star-Advertiser.

$500K-plus micro condo units to hit Kakaako market. About 200 studios range from 277 square feet to 373 square feet, with the smallest of those starting between $500,000 and $600,000. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes to open sales office for new Honolulu tower. Pacific Business News.

Petitioners want to preserve monkeypod trees at Manoa Marketplace. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige releases additional $1.3M for outreach, research in battle against rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim’s lobbyist to the state Legislature appeared before a more local body Wednesday, where he defended his track record and pledged better communication with the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The traffic signals are in place, but it may take until the end of the month before intersection improvements at Shower Drive and Highway 130 in Puna are complete. Tribune-Herald.

A former driver for The Arc of Hilo who sexually assaulted a physically and mentally disabled woman last year in a van owned by the nonprofit organization was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Makawao is Highest Priority Area for Cesspools, Public Meeting Announced. Maui Now.

Water Director Taylor remains at home. Water Department leadership in limbo following council vote in support of director. Maui News.

Kauai

Rats! signs of life. A rapid assessment team flew to Lehua Island Tuesday after checks of motion-detecting field cameras showed the presence of two rats. Garden Island.

Housing crisis lingers as additional rental unit bill deferred. A bill aimed at allowing homeowners to build small rental units on their land in order to help meet an affordable housing shortage was deferred to the end of February during a Kauai County committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Ige mulls aquarium collecting ban bill, no charges yet for airport dog shooting, Hawaiian actors vie for Kamehameha movie, shipping firm considers Hawaii route, 40 apply for Kauai auditor, 30-day reprieve for immigrant coffee farmer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Manini and other fish © 2017 All Hawaii News

A bill that would place a moratorium on all aquarium fishing in Hawaii — except for those operators already in possession of permits — is awaiting the signature of Gov. David Ige. West Hawaii Today.

According to the latest "Out of Reach" report by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Hawaii's average two-bedroom renter needs to earn $35.20 per hour. Hawaii News Now.

Another company said it is making a run at starting a Hawaii cargo shipping service that would break up a market duopoly and could benefit consumers. Star-Advertiser.

Workers at a Philadelphia shipyard are building vessels for a new shipping line that will soon enter the Hawaii market. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of professional and aspiring Native Hawaiian actors answered a casting call Thursday night in hopes of playing the role of King Kamehameha in an upcoming movie called “The Islands.” Star-Advertiser.

Auditions for the upcoming movie "The Islands" were held at the Japanese Cultural Center Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Criminal charges will not be filed, at least “for now,” against a private security officer who fatally shot a family dog at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on March 28, state Attorney General Doug Chin said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Pedestrians caught looking at mobile electronic devices, including cellphones, while crossing the street could be fined under a bill before the Honolulu City Council.  Star-Advertiser.

A state board trying to overhaul affordable-housing requirements in Kakaako will hold a new round of public hearings after suggesting additional tweaks to proposed rule changes at a meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Under pressure from developers and other opponents, a state board charged with managing development in Kakaako has rejected rule changes intended to make sure certain housing units always remain affordable. Civil Beat.

People Who Have The Most to Gain From Rail Are Still Skeptical. Even at the route’s western edge, where residents face daunting traffic congestion to get downtown, the transit project’s support is spotty. Civil Beat.

Repaving work on Date Street near Kapahulu is almost complete, but a few intersections are missing important markings like crosswalks. KITV.

Residents say removal of crosswalks makes busy street dangerous for pedestrians. KHON2.

Turning seven acres agricultural land into residential lots, to build homes. That's the plan for a property owner in Haleiwa. KITV.

State health officials confirmed seven more cases of the mumps on Oahu this week. This brings the 2017 total to 96. KITV.

What was touted for decades as 20 of the “finest lanes in Hawaii” for bowling could soon become someone’s new dining table, butcher block, workbench or something else made from the alley floors of Waialae Bowl. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

The former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel could again be up for grabs. The state Land Board will consider today whether to auction the land lease for the Banyan Drive property at a later date. Tribune-Herald.

A Hawaii island coffee farmer who entered the United States illegally from Mexico nearly three decades ago has been granted a 30-day reprieve on a deportation order. Associated Press.

The government gave Andres Magana Ortiz 30 more days in the U.S, but there is a possibility the father of three could still be sent back to Mexico. KITV.

Starting today, about 100 companies from around the globe will be represented on the Big Island as part of a four-day event aimed at selling Hawaii as a prime spot for meetings, conventions and incentive trips. Tribune-Herald.

It’s likely the sentencing of Peter Kema Sr. for the 1997 death of his 6-year-old son, Peter Kema Jr., won’t happen today as scheduled because authorities continue to look for the boy’s remains and because Kema hasn’t yet been given a polygraph test to determine if he told the truth about where he left the boy’s body. Tribune-Herald.

A magnitude-5.3 earthquake centered near the 61g lava flow on Hawaii Island startled a tour group Thursday morning, as they hiked out to see the volcanic activity. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Pukalani Country Club has put up 455 solar panels that can generate 220-megawatt hours of power for the Maui Electric Co. grid, the golf course general manager said. Maui News.

Wailuku Water Co. hopes the state Public Utilities Commission approves its proposed sale of about 4,500 acres in the next two to three months to survive mounting losses that threaten to close the company, its president said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Despite advertising in multiple publications and online and interviewing applicants, the county auditor position has remained empty for nearly two years. Garden Island.

The Planning Department is recommending the Planning Commission approve the General Plan Update when it meets Tuesday. Garden Island.

An energy project on the Hawaii island Kauai could set the island on a track to surpass the new goal of 70 percent energy generation from renewable resources by 2030. Associated Press.

Tropic Care Kauai 2017 gets underway Monday. Garden Island.

Molokai

E. coli bacteria has been detected in an East Molokai water source, the Ualapue Shaft, according to the county Department of Water Supply. Maui News.