Showing posts with label beach bacteria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beach bacteria. Show all posts

Thursday, June 22, 2023

New laws to reduce rents, send homeless back to mainland; taxpayers no longer on the hook in HPD chase case, state to regulate deep-sea mining, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New laws signed to increase affordable housing, return homeless to mainland. Gov. Josh Green signed a suite of bills Wednesday approved by the state Legislature aimed at creating more affordable housing, returning homeless people to the mainland and reducing housing rents. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii’s Critical Data Is At Risk From Flooding. So Why Wait To Move It? Hawaii's IT agency has been asking for funding to move but some state officials think it's better to wait years for a new proposed tech center to be built. Civil Beat.

State to begin deep-sea mining regulation by monitoring vessel access. Gov. Josh Green has signed a law that gives the state Department of Transportation the ability to delay or deny entry and departure for any vessel that is known to have engaged in illegal deep-sea activity. Hawaii Public Radio.

He Was A Solar Industry Advocate. Now He’s On The PUC. That Doesn’t Sit Well With Hawaiian Electric. Colin Yost says he's committed to fairness and impartiality in decision-making including when it comes to the state's largest electric company. Civil Beat.

Group aims to decrease recidivism to Hawaii’s prisons.  In one year, an estimated 15,000 people are booked into local jails and prisons throughout Hawaii. KITV4.

Native Hawaiians weigh in on federal funds, protections.
Bipartisan staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs were at the first Western Regional Native Hawaiian Convention held in Las Vegas to highlight that Congress has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in dedicated federal funding, the most ever, for Native Hawaiians and to seek input on amending legislation to extend protection to Native Hawaiian art and artists for the first time. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Judge to decide whether top Navy officer can be deposed. A federal judge is expected to decide soon whether Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, will have to sit for a deposition in a civil lawsuit brought by military and civilian families whose drinking water was contaminated with jet fuel from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility in November 2021. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

HPD Cops In Makaha Pursuit Case Withdraw Requests For Publicly Funded Legal Assistance. The department's Professional Standards Office has completed its investigation into the incident. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Amid mounting safety concerns, a favorite swim spot is again facing demolition
. A favorite swim spot may be a thing of the past by late 2024. The protected swimming cove known as Cromwells is popular with people seeking both tranquility and thrills — from jumping off surrounding sea walls. Hawaii News Now.

Thrill seekers jumping into polluted Ala Wai Canal waters spark major health concerns. Video posted from a highrise on Monday shows someone in a chair being pushed off the platform at the McCully Bridge into the brown waters of the canal. In another video, you can hear a man shocked by what he just saw: A woman swimming in the waterway. Hawaii News Now.

High bacteria alert issued at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. During routine monitoring this morning, the department’s Clean Water Branch found levels of enterococci that exceeded the threshold, at 408 per 100 milliliters. The threshold for recreational waters is at 130 per 100 milliliters. Star-Advertiser.

City to hold in-person event for rental and utility relief applications. The City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program has closed its online portal. The city, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will be holding an event for new applicants to apply in-person at Hauʻula Community Center on Saturday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio

Bell Tolls For Historic Iron Ship Docked In Honolulu Harbor. The 145-year-old vessel Falls of Clyde will be scrapped or scuttled after years of neglect. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island


Proposed Hawaiʻi County office of sustainability, climate moving forward. Council members voted 5-1 to approve the first reading of Bill 48, which would create by ordinance a new Hawai’i County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience and a new Chapter 37 in county code that lays out its responsibilities.  Big Island Now.

Stolen Merrie Monarch items recovered; two men arrested.  The stolen items were recovered during a police investigation into a criminal trespass case that resulted in two men, 36-year-old Dayson Eblacas of Ewa Beach, Oahu, and 30-year-old Makua Amituanai of Pahoa being arrested. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

7-Eleven Hawaii, the EPA reach agreement regarding cesspools. Under terms of the settlement, the company has agreed to audit all of its properties for the presence of large capacity cesspools, or LCCs, after the EPA discovered three LCCs serving 7-Eleven locations on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea eruption: ‘Deciding whether it’s over is a dynamic question’.  With another Kilauea eruption on pause, geologists are unsure when the volcano will resume activity. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Agriculture Department adds staff, doles out grants. Director also in talks with DOE to get more local food in schools. Maui County’s first-ever Department of Agriculture is slowly expanding as the new directors begin to hire specialists, build programs and plan for Maui’s future in sustainability and food security. Maui News.

Committee to discuss Maui general excise tax surcharge, June 26.  The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee will meet Monday at 6 p.m. to discuss and receive input on Bill 49 (2023)—which, if approved, would add a 0.5% surcharge on the 4% state general excise tax. Maui Now.

Bissen travels to DC, talks interisland transportation with congressional leaders.  Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with Hawaii’s congressional leaders and promote products from local businesses at the Capitol.  Maui News.

Kauai

Upcoming Kauaʻi budget is paying off debts and lowering residential taxes.  Ahead of the new county fiscal year in July, and Mayor Derek Kawakami signed the legislation last week. Key points of the County of Kauaʻi’s $400 million budget are infrastructure, tax relief and paying off debt. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaua‘i Habitat breaks ground on 17 Waipouli units.  Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its latest project — Kauhale O Waipouli — on Wednesday, with the ceremony officiated by Kahu Ipo Kahaunaele Ferreira, herself a Habitat homeowner. Garden Island.

Report: Kauai Backslides In At-Home Disaster Preparedness. A significant number of households have less emergency food and water supplies in the aftermath of the pandemic. Civil Beat. Kauai Now.

Friday, June 3, 2022

Native Hawaiians take over tourism marketing, state's 3 polluted beaches, 800 front-line workers out amid COVID surge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
These 3 Hawaii Beaches Have Chronic Pollution Problems. Surfrider Foundation shares its top 10 list of popular U.S. beaches that fail to meet health standards for recreational users. Of the 8,532 water test results reported in 2021, 36% of the samples collected from Maliko Bay on Maui, 95% from Chocolates Surf Break on Oahu, and 100% from Nawiliwili on Kauai, failed to meet the state health standard for recreational waters. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau loses contract to Hawaiian nonprofit. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has awarded the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement its lucrative contract to market the state to U.S. visitors — a major blow to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, which has held the job for years and was originally chosen to retain the post in a multiyear, $100 million deal. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. KHON2.

Native Hawaiians urge congressional committee to meet its trust obligation by opening more access to funding. Native Hawaiian leaders told U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs this week that more funding and program access is needed from Washington to better fulfill the government’s federal trust responsibility. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

State announces extension of digital currency innovation lab. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced a two-year extension of the Digital Currency Innovation Lab on Thursday. The pilot program is a joint effort to gauge public interest in crypto as well as ease entry into the marketplace, said the department. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

‘Big win for girls’: State to spend $60M to construct locker rooms for female athletes. In an effort to bring fairness to girls sports, the state Department of Education will receive more than $60 million over the next two years to build new locker facilities for female athletes. Hawaii News Now.

US Coast Guard ushers in ‘new era’ of operations with updated fleet of aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard is welcoming a new fleet of aircraft to better serve Hawaii and the greater Pacific region. The military branch is recognizing the “end of an era” with an event celebrating the transition from the HC-130H aircraft to the HC-130J. Hawaii News Now.

Amid ongoing surge, more than 800 frontline caregivers in Hawaii out sick with COVID. Amid Hawaii’s ongoing COVID surge, some 800 frontline caregivers in Hawaii called out sick Thursday due to the virus, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii said. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 5 nearing final OK. State Department of Health officials have said vaccines for children ages 6 months up to 4 years may be authorized soon, and they are advising parents to ask their pediatricians whether they will offer the vaccine and be ready when they are available. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More permit delays cause frustration at city planning department. Changes to the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting were supposed to expedite the process. But applicants said it’s taking longer than ever to get a permit — and they said multiple industries are suffering because of it. KHON2.

How to stop sand erosion on Waikīkī coastline? That’s the $2 billion question. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are making beach maintenance an ever more costly challenge. Hawaii Public Radio.

OSHA: ‘Disabled’ Red Hill Firefighting System Put Employees In Danger. The Navy said it turned off the automatic deployment of firefighting foam after a leak in the system. Civil Beat.

McCully-Mōʻiliʻili Library reopens after 2-year closure for repairs. Workers replaced the roof, installed a solar panel system, and repaired water damage throughout the library. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wooden swing removed at Sacred Falls State Park to discourage trespassing. State law enforcement officers have removed a wooden swing at the foot of the falls at Sacred Falls State Park, which has been closed to the public for more than 20 years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


No property tax relief: Council approves $785.3M spending plan. There will be no tax breaks for Hawaii County property owners this year, after the County Council on Thursday shot down attempts by three council members to divvy up for property owners a budget windfall stemming from a booming economy that sent property values skyrocketing. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Court Rules For State In Latest Aina Leʻa Decision. The United States District Court in the District of Hawai‘i has ruled in favor of the State of Hawaiʻi in a regulatory-taking lawsuit concerning the Villages at Aina Leʻa project in Waikōloa. Big Island Video News.

Big Island energy firm seeks Public Utilities Commission review. Honua Ola Bioenergy filed a motion Thursday for reconsideration, clarification and a further hearing with the state Public Utilities Commission in an attempt to reverse the agency’s 2-1 decision May 23 that rejected the company’s renewable energy project on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Ige talks return of Japanese visitors. Gov. David Ige said he’s expecting Japan Airlines to start service between Japan and Kona on Aug. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Major outdoor lighting rules to protect Maui County seabirds move ahead. With widespread support from environmental groups, a Maui County measure meant to dim lights that can be lethal for Hawaiian seabirds advanced Wednesday. Maui Now.

Public scoping on proposed Kīpahulu Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area.
The proposed Kīpahulu CBSFA is from Kālepa Gulch in the southwest to Pua‘alu‘u Gulch in the northeast, and covers roughly 5.7 miles of coastline. Maui Now.

Maui Solar Panel Owners Can Get Cash Incentives For Upgrading Energy Storage. Hawaiian Electric’s Battery Bonus program can provide Maui customers with a one-time cash incentive and monthly bill credits. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Council approves $260.3M budget. It was a total increase of more than $40 million over the current budget (a $243.3 million operating budget and $24.8 million CIP tab), with the majority of the additional funds going towards CIP projects. Garden Island.

Endangered Blind Spiders And Ancient Burials Spur Angst Over Luxury Condo Project. No one knows for certain what all lies underground at a vacant parcel that’s being developed on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Beach bacteria monitoring halted, COVID-19 community testing urged, drones to enforce Maui stay-at-home order, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Testing for bacteria at Kona beach ©2020 All Hawaii News
State halts beachwater bacteria testing for duration of coronavirus shelter-at-home order. All routine coastal beach water monitoring has been suspended, in order to comply with Gov. David Ige’s shelter-in-place order aimed at halting the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Hawaii State Department of Health announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Beach water quality monitoring on hold during stay-at-home orders. The state health department said Tuesday that it is suspending all routine coastal beach monitoring during Governor Ige’s stay-at-home orders. Hawaii News Now.

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Lt. Gov. Josh Green calls for more extensive testing. Lt. Gov. Josh Green and other community physicians are calling on state health officials to do more extensive testing for coronavirus, as Hawaii gears up for the peak of the outbreak in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Who should be tested for COVID-19? Not even the lieutenant governor and DOH appear to agree. Lt. Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday urged his fellow healthcare providers to take coronavirus testing to the next level. Hawaii News Now.

Rapid Test Kits Coming But Not For Community Testing. The state is expected today to get the new rapid coronavirus test kits that can produce results in about 15 minutes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Blood test could determine immunity response to COVID-19. The medical practice, “Doctors of Waikiki” are expecting the blood test to arrive anytime now, they said delays due the virus affected the shipment. KHON2.

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HVCB is asking partners to stop encouraging travel to Hawaii. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, which markets Hawaii to U.S. travelers, is asking publications not to promote travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

What 2 Know: doctors detail how to prepare home, family for COVID-19. In the days of COVID-19, you don’t only need a lock and key to keep your family safe. KHON2.

Corrections officers complain about lack of basic protection at facilities. Corrections officers at two separate Hawaii facilities told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that they are not being issued face masks, sanitizers or other equipment they need to safely do their jobs at the state’s jails and prisons. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii’s coronavirus cases climb by 23 to 410, with 16 new hospitalizations. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 410, up 23 from Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 Infections Now Exceed 400. The state reported 23 new cases and noted that the number of people hospitalized by the virus has risen to 42. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Cases Eclipse 400. Hawai‘i is reporting 23 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed overnight, pushing the statewide total past 400. Big Island Now.

Actively sick COVID-19 growth rate dips negative for first time in Hawaii. There are fewer people actively sick with COVID-19 in Hawaii compared to the day before, for the first time since numbers started being tracked in early March. KHON2.

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Hawaii Businesses Affected By COVID-19 Could Face Tough Fights With Insurers. Hospitality industry executives in Hawaii and elsewhere are pushing for insurers to pay claims related to government-ordered shutdowns. Civil Beat.

Paycheck protection loan program is expanded for Hawaii businesses and workers. The self-employed in Hawaii, along with independent contractors such as ride-share drivers, can start applying Friday for forgivable federal loans to help them survive economic impacts from the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Election Officials Ask Voters To Update Signatures. It helps to ensure the integrity and security of mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor: Vacation Rentals Not Essential. Oahu vacation rentals are not essential businesses and should not be taking in visitors, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Hawaii Public Radio.

As total for COVID-19 cases tops 400, Honolulu’s mayor urges residents not to get complacent. Honolulu’s mayor struck an optimistic tone Tuesday, saying that sweeping mandates aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus in Hawaii appear to be working. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police have issued more than 5,000 warnings in connection with coronavirus emergency orders. The Honolulu Police Department is toughening up enforcement of the mayor’s stay-at-home, work-at-home order and the governor’s emergency proclamation in response to the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

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New Honolulu Tent Program Will Allow Social Distancing For The Homeless. The Keehi Lagoon Park site will be able to accommodate as many as 50 people and their pets. More sites are planned. Civil Beat.

HPD sets up tents at Keehi Lagoon to serve homeless during coronavirus pandemic. Tents have been set up at a Honolulu city park to help the homeless community practice social distancing and to give them a safe place to quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police to monitor new homeless triage facility to help stop spread of coronavirus. Spear-headed by the Honolulu Police Department, POST provides a location for homeless individuals to exercise social distancing in a controlled area. KHON2.

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Caldwell Stops Waimanalo Project ‘Indefinitely’ After Bone Discovery. But the mayor pointed to COVID-19 and the safety of protesters as the reason to stop work, reversing his position from a day earlier. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell pauses Sherwood Forest construction plan. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he is pausing the city’s plans to construct a field at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park after an iwi fragment was found by a contractor Monday at the site. Star-Advertiser.

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Whole Foods Kailua worker tested negative for coronavirus, company now says. Whole Foods officials said this afternoon that the Kailua store employee who was presumed to have the coronavirus has actually tested negative for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Center boss jumps to Ward Village. A veteran leader in Hawaii’s retail industry and manager of the state’s largest shopping center has joined a rival local retail property developer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Quarantine enforcement impeded by lag in getting traveler data from state tourism agency. Mayor Harry Kim said Tuesday that county police aren’t receiving in a timely manner the names of interisland travelers subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic and where they are staying. Tribune-Herald.

‘They never checked in:’ Kona woman who returned from New York questions quarantine enforcement. Kona resident Vaiva Winder was visiting family in Europe when Hawaii got its first coronavirus cases back in March. To get home, she traveled 8,000 miles and through five airports – Istanbul, Turkey to New York City to Honolulu then home to Kona. Hawaii News Now.

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Office closed but candidate filing continues. Almost halfway through the candidate qualifying period, the process of pulling nomination papers and filing for local races has come to a screeching halt now that the county Elections Division is closed to the public. West Hawaii Today.

Kanealii-Kleinfelder pulls papers for mayoral race: Puna Councilman still to decide his political future. If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. Or perhaps it’s just a shot over the bow that Puna Councilman Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder made by pulling nomination papers to run for mayor. West Hawaii Today.

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Downtown Hilo site of multiple homeless camps is cleared, fenced. A downtown Hilo property that repeatedly has become an unpermitted homeless camp during the past year is now under county control. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Tears Down Hilo Homeless Camp For Second Time. The County of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Island Police Department and various other departments on Tuesday tore down and cleared out a homeless encampment full of illegal structures behind Agasa Furniture in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Hope Services Did Not Agree With Clearing Of Hilo Encampment. The nonprofit organization took to social media to set the record straight as to its involvement in Tuesday's enforcement action on Punahoa Street. Big Island Video News.

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HCCC Inmate Released Amid COVID-19 Concerns Reoffends. At least one prisoner released from Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center as part of an effort to reduce the jail population during the COVID-19 pandemic has landed back in custody for criminal acts. Big Island Now.

County to restrict some services at transfer stations. Starting next week, Hawaii County transfer stations will reduce functionality in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police To Use Drones To Enforce Stay-At-Home Order. The department says the drones are fitted with public announcement capabilities. Civil Beat.

Mayor Victorino announces food distributions for Wailuku, Kahului and South Maui on Thursday. Mayor Michael Victorino announced two food distributions taking place on Thursday, April 9, to provide bags of produce to individuals impacted by COVID-19 in Wailuku, Kahului and South Maui. KITV4.

Mayor COVID-19 Update: April 7, 2020, 4 p.m. Mayor Michael Victorino announced two food distributions taking place Thursday, April 9, to provide bags of produce to individuals impacted by COVID-19 in Wailuku, Kahului and South Maui. Maui Now.

$2.37 Million Secured for Community Health Centers in Maui County. An additional $2,375,810 was secured for Community Health Centers in Maui County as par of a Third Coronavirus Relief Legislation package that Congress passed in March. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai responds to coronavirus with crackdowns and compassion. For the first time since the novel coronavirus pandemic hit the islands, Hawaii National Guard troops deployed on Kauai on Tuesday to help county police staff checkpoints designed to clamp down on unpermitted travel around the Garden Island. Star-Advertiser.

‘Where are you going?’ The Hawai’i National Guard assisted the Kaua‘i Police Department with two checkpoints on the island yesterday. Garden Island.

Retail stores begin mask requirements. Mayor Derek Kawakami has “strongly recommended” businesses and services still in operation to require employees to wear cloth masks and suggested businesses require customers over the age of 10 to wear cloth masks upon entry. Garden Island.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Hawaii former governors worried about future, Honolulu to increase bus fares for seniors and disabled, Kim proposes another TMT delay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copryight 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu bus stop  ©2020 All Hawaii News
Four Ex-Hawaii Governors Say They Fear For Our Future. Civil Beat interviewed four of Hawaii’s most prominent leaders. They had a lot to say about our growing social and economic problems and the lack of leadership to help resolve them. Civil Beat.

Six Feet Above: Where To Draw The Line On Sea Level Rise. Lawmakers are considering how far to set back new developments as well as specific strategies to deal with climate change. Civil Beat.

Kealoha case fuels push to change pension laws for disgraced government employees
. Ex-Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha continues to get a pension paycheck ― estimated to be upwards of $150,000 per year. Hawaii News Now.

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Some angered over state’s limited information on 2 visitors later diagnosed with coronavirus. Some Hawaii residents are upset the state did not reveal more information about two visitors who were diagnosed with coronavirus after returning to Japan from a trip to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii tourist from Japan with coronavirus is now in critical condition. Officials confirmed that the Japanese man first tested positive for the coronavirus before his wife. KHON2.

Ewa Beach couple describes ‘nightmare’ getting out of quarantined ship. About 300 Americans quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan have been transported to two US military bases. KHON2.

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Taking a phased-in approach: Proposal to strengthen coffee labeling requirements amended. House Bill 1886, as currently written, would gradually increase the minimum percentage of Hawaii-grown coffee from 10% to 51% over a three-year period, rather than an immediate implementation to the higher minimum as initially proposed. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Honolulu Proposes Increase To Senior, Disabled Bus Fares. The Honolulu Rate Commission proposed an increase in the city's bus fares for riders including those who are 65 and older, riders holding Medicare cards and passengers with disabilities. Associated Press.

Rail authority hasn’t applied for Dillingham Boulevard closure permits, city says. The Honolulu rail authority has yet to submit a firm design for Dillingham Boulevard utility construction work or formally apply for the permits it needs to restrict traffic flow there to one lane in each direction, raising new doubts about the rail authority’s timeline for some critically important construction work. Star-Advertiser.

Flock of warbirds planned for flyover on 75th anniversary of WWII’s end.
Planning for the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II has taken a major step forward with authorization for the military to transport up to 24 World War II-era aircraft and their pilots to and from Pearl Harbor for the commemoration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


Mayor asks TMT to delay construction for two more months. The current truce between the Thirty Meter Telescope and its opponents might be extended by another two months at the request of Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope Supporters Hold Panel Discussion. Imua TMT organized a talk story at the Crown Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel on Sunday. Big Island Video News.

TMT supporters, opponents clash over debris at Mauna Kea camp. A couple of TMT supporters have been taking videos and photos of what they call trash and debris left by the protesters. But TMT opponents say it’s an effort to discredit and undermine the kiai.  Hawaii News Now.

Rat Lungworm spreading to Coqui frogs, centipedes in Hawaii. The crippling Rat Lungworm disease is spreading in Hawaii. KHON2.

Maui

Property taxes due Thursday. Real property tax bills for the second installment of tax year 2019-20 are due Thursday, according to a notice from the county. Maui News.

Preliminary Signs for Moku ‘O Wailuku Ahupua‘a Project to be Unveiled. The Moku ʻO Wailuku Ahupuaʻa Sign project is a cultural grants program funded by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development that aims to bring awareness of Maui Nui’s ancient land division system. Maui Now.

Kauai

High bacteria counts in 2019. More than half of stream mouths and surf spots around Kaua‘i tested by the citizen science branch of the Kaua‘i chapter of Surfrider Foundation had chronically high levels of bacteria in 2019. Garden Island.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Attorney general subpoenas Hawaiian Airlines seeking TMT opponents, Maui launches aerial attack on ants, police body cameras coming to Big Island, senior housing for Honolulu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Valen Ahlo
Mauna Kea rally in Waikiki Facebook photo PC: Valen Ahlo
Where Hawaii Legislators Stand On The Thirty Meter Telescope. A majority of lawmakers surveyed by Civil Beat support construction of the telescope — but with a lot of caveats and uncertainty about how to proceed. Civil Beat.

Hawaii attorney general subpoenas Hawaiian Airlines for names of people who donated their miles to TMT protest. State Attorney General Clare Connors issued a subpoena to Hawaiian Airlines last month seeking the names of people who donated their frequent-flyer miles to activists who wanted to travel to the Big Island to join the protests on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Ethics Board to weigh in on TMT conflict question. When your son works for NASA, and your wife works for Subaru Telescope, does that mean you have a conflict of interest if your office prosecutes criminal cases arising from protests over constructing the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea? West Hawaii Today.

Thousands take part in Aloha Unity march through Waikiki. The event is aimed at expressing opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope project, but also show unity for Aloha Aina movements. Hawaii News Now.

Over 20,000 people at Saturday's Aloha Aina Rally. KITV.

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Hawaii’s congressional delegation lacks consistency in holding town halls. Hundreds of informal town hall meetings with members of Congress play out across small towns and cities every year. They’re a chance for constituents to talk face to face with their representatives and, usually, ask unfiltered questions. Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation sometimes dodge them, however, according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis of the delegation’s three-year track records. Star-Advertiser.

State officials aim to change water quality testings. Under federal law, the state is required to notify the public whenever bacteria levels exceed a specific threshold level. KHON2.

Bishop Museum wins grants to digitize research on species. The National Science Foundation has awarded two grants to the Bishop Museum — one for $1.3 million and another for $245,000 — to digitize its separate mollusk and insect collections, which could help identify living species of animals believed to be extinct. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu officials unveil plans for affordable senior housing at former Aiea sugar mill site. The city is on the verge of signing a development agreement with a nonprofit organization that is designed to transform the former Aiea sugar mill site into an affordable rental housing complex for seniors. Star-Advertiser.

City provides update on senior housing development at site of former Aiea sugar mill. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s Property Crime Problem: ‘Tourists Make Great Victims’. Violent crime is down but property crime is climbing, new FBI data shows. Civil Beat.

Kealohas: No Jury For Bank Fraud Trial. A hearing is set for next week to decide if just a judge will hear the case involving complicated financial issues. Civil Beat.

Kealohas want a judge, not a jury, to decide their fate in second criminal trial. Hawaii News Now.

Sunday ban on commercial activities in Maunalua Bay ignored by some tour operators, critics say. Although state law bars commercial activities on Maunalua Bay on Sundays, environmental watchdogs and some Hawaii Kai residents said some tour operators are thumbing their noses at the law. Hawaii News Now.

Group presents new vision for use of Pali Lanes. Imagine if the grounds and building of the Pali Lanes bowling alley in Kailua were completely renovated with a newly repainted, modern-style facade and grass area featuring a stage for hula performances. Star-Advertiser.

Kapilina Beach Homes finds no errors in billing amid complaints about surging utility costs. After residents in a gated Ewa Beach Community complained of unusually high electric bills the management company that runs Kapilina Beach Homes said it found no errors after reviewing billing statements. Hawaii News Now.

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Several dead hammerhead sharks found during illegal net lay seizure. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement recovered an estimated 1,000 feet of unattended lay net within Kaneohe Bay on Sunday, Oct. 6. KHON2.

1000 feet of illegal lay net seized in Kaneohe Bay. KITV.

DLNR seeks owner of illegal lay net in Kaneohe Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal lay net with trapped sharks in it seized from Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Hanauma Bay set to reopen Monday. The project to repair and repave the main roadway into Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is complete and is set to open Monday, October 7 at 6 a.m. KITV.

Oahu home sales increase, sales of condominiums drop. More single-family homes on Oahu sold at a lower median price last month compared with September 2018, while fewer condominiums sold at a higher price, according to data of home resales collected by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Police ready to roll out body cameras. Police Chief Paul Ferreira hopes to have Hawaii Police Department officers outfitted with body-worn cameras early next year. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly 1 in 10 Big Island emergency warning sirens inoperable. When a tsunami is heading toward Hawaii Island shores, sirens blare a warning sound alerting residents and visitors to get to higher ground. But what if the siren never sounds? West Hawaii Today.

Bill Proposes To End Herbicide Use By Hawaii County. Kona councilwoman Rebecca Villegas has introduced Bill 101 to prohibit herbicide use in Hawaiʻi County parks, roads, bikeways, sidewalks, trails, drainage ways, and waterways. Big Island Video News.

Discovery begins, another plaintiff files in ‘lava bomb’ federal suit. Attorneys involved in a federal lawsuit regarding a “lava bomb” that tore through a lava tour boat and injured numerous passengers near Kapoho on July 16, 2018, started exchanging documents and witness lists Friday, according to a lawyer for several plaintiffs. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Game management plan still in the works. A spokesman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife said in an email the agency is working to “update a game management plan” for Maunakea prepared and presented to them by a volunteer group of Big Island hunters in 2012. Tribune-Herald.

Report shows mixed results for Big Island school performance. While some Hawaii Island schools are making strides and improving in proficiency, others continue to struggle, according to 2018-19 Strive HI Performance System results released last week by the state Department of Education. Tribune-Herald.

2019 Ironman Championship Forecasts $30 Million In Economic Impact. More than 20,000 athletes, family, friends, volunteers and staff are gathering in Kona for the annual event. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Hawaii Scientists Launch Aerial Attack Against Invasive Ants. Hawaii scientists have used helicopters to launch an aerial attack against an invasive ant species in east Maui. Associated Press.

Pukalani has seven workforce housing units available. The deadline for applications for seven workforce housing units in the development in Pukalani is Oct. 19.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County’s Drivers License Division is looking to make the acquirement process more efficient. Kauai County’s Drivers License Division is piloting a take-a-number system starting Monday, Oct. 7, to make acquiring licenses and permits for drivers of motor vehicles and customers seeking State of Hawaii Identification Cards more efficient and comfortable. KHON2.

Kauai Drivers License Division piloting program to ease lines. KITV.

Hotel peeping Tom gets year in jail. A former janitor at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club will spend the next year in jail for secretly recording cell phone videos of his female coworkers using an employee bathroom. Garden Island.

Neighborhood centers closed for renovations. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced that the Kalaheo and Kapaa neighborhood centers will be closed due to construction through March 31. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Hawaii feeling the shutdown strain, sole GOP state senator affirmed by Supreme Court, Gabbard criticizing Democratic colleagues, bacteria closes Oahu beaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu International Airport ©2019 All Hawaii News
Shutdown strain could lead to longer airport lines. Working without pay for weeks. While the battle over the partial government shutdown takes place in Washington D-C, it's putting a strain on people here in Hawaii. KITV.

Impact in Hawaii likely to worsen as shutdown continue. The number of federal civilian employees in Hawaii that are either furloughed or working without pay 20 days after the government partially shut down has been tallied at some 2,741, according to website governing.com, which focuses on state and local government. Star-Advertiser.

Day 19: Federal workers in Hawaii take on side jobs, loans as shutdown drags on. Hawaii News Now.

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The State’s General Fund forecast for the current fiscal year was lowered less than one percentage point today, meaning there’s less money to spend in the upcoming legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a challenge filed by defeated state Senate candidate Matt LoPresti, clearing the way for Kurt Fevella to be the state’s only Republican senator. Star-Advertiser.

Minimum Wage And Marijuana: What To Expect In The 2019 Hawaii Legislature. Lawmakers will tackle familiar issues like public school funding. They’re also likely to raise the minimum wage and might even legalize recreational marijuana. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard took aim at Democratic colleagues, including U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, accusing them of religious bigotry in their questioning of Brian Buescher, a nominee to the U.S. District Court of Nebraska, in an opinion piece published by The Hill yesterday. Star-Advertiser.

Childhood sexual abuse, drug use, violence and fractured families are among the common threads in the victim stories told to researchers examining the scope of sex trafficking in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

High bacteria levels at various beaches lead to closure of a popular spot. Due to the elevated levels, a city spokesperson said Hanauma Bay would be closed on Thursday. The upper viewing area, parking lot, and visitor center will remain open. Hawaii News Now.

Hanauma Bay will be closed Thursday after testing showed elevated levels of bacteria in the water. It's one of six separate areas of Oahu where high bacteria levels were found. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief increases patrol staff for the next few years. KHON2.

An erased crosswalk renews calls for safer roads after elderly man’s death. It was Oahu’s first traffic fatality of the year. Hawaii News Now.

"Put the crosswalk back on Hawaii Kai Drive," residents urge the city after a man dies in the area. KHON2.

The tail section of a crashed Hawker Hunter fighter jet -- with its engine and "black box" -- was recovered in about 265 feet of water Monday off Kewalo Basin, the Coast Guard said. Star-Advertiser.

Non-Profits Contribute Funds, Staff to Keep Pearl Harbor Open During Shutdown. Hawaii Public Radio.

The International Market Place — more than two years after opening a glitzy $500 million shopping complex in the heart of Waikiki — is redesigning its Kalakaua Avenue entrance to improve the flow of customers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


Despite perennial complaints about the cumbersome process of getting building permits, the head of that county division was elevated Wednesday to director of the Department of Public Works. West Hawaii Today.

David Yamamoto, a long-time County engineer, was confirmed as the new Director of Public Works by the Hawaii County Council during a meeting in Hilo on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

A pair of bills that appropriate millions of federal dollars to recover from 2018’s disasters passed their first readings by the County Council on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

A priority list of Kilauea Volcano eruption recovery projects was provided to the Hawaii County Council today, as a bill to appropriate an early round of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds passed first reading. Big Island Video News.

Big Island officials are asking state lawmakers for $155 million to fund repairs and losses due to the Kilauea eruption. That’s on top of more than half a billion dollars in federal funding sought by the county and Big Island residents. Hawaii News Now.

When the new legislative session opens next week Hawaii County will ask the state for $155 million dollars to help with the Kilauea eruption recovery. KITV.

County Council members Wednesday held their noses and advanced a sewer rate hike few seemed to like, sending it to the council for two more votes. West Hawaii Today.

Federal class-action suit claims Lloyd’s, underwriters, defrauded Puna homeowners. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply employees at a public meeting in Holualoa Wednesday evening fielded inquiries on a new 16-inch transmission line set to span 5,240 feet of Mamalahoa Highway between Water Pipe Road and Kamila Place. West Hawaii Today.

Other Spaceport Plans Crashed — Will This One Fly? The site of a proposed launch pad in Puna has not been revealed, but a preliminary possibility is described as “east or northeast of the macadamia nut farm.” Civil Beat.

Maui

The Maui Planning Commission has approved a settlement agreement between Maui County and the Kapalua Resort Association, which dismantled a rock wall on its property without permits in June 2017. Maui News.

The state Health Department said this morning it has ordered Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to pay a penalty of $230,000 for 15 wastewater effluent violations from the Haliimaile waste stabilization ponds on the Valley Isle. The company must also build a new wastewater treatment plant. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a Notice of Violation and Order against the Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. for 15 alleged wastewater effluent violations from the Haliimaile waste stabilization ponds on Maui. The company has been ordered to pay a penalty of $230,000 and construct a new wastewater treatment plant. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple fined for wastewater violations. KHON2.

Department of Taxation special agents and state Deputy Sheriffs arrested today a former tax preparer in Lahaina for tax violations. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

On Kauai, election officials are preparing for a big experiment: All mail-in voting. Last year, Governor David Ige signed a law that allows Kauai County to distribute mail-in ballots to all registered voters for the 2020 primary and general elections. Hawaii News Now.

Knee-deep in keawe and spiders, about 15 sailors at the Pacific Missile Range Facility were on the hunt for albatross nests Wednesday morning, under the guidance of the base’s natural resource team and members of federal and state wildlife and land management agencies. Garden Island.

The opening of Kuhio Highway on the North Shore remains uncertain. In an update on emergency repairs to the road damaged in the April flooding, the Hawaii Department of Transportation said Wednesday there have been “unavoidable extensions in the project schedule.” Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Workers end hotel strike, lawsuit filed over false missile alert heart attack, military about-face on Mauna Kea war games, no prosecution for Kauai Hawaiian activist, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights rreserved
Striking hotel workers in Waikiki ©2018 All Hawaii News.
Hotel workers ratify contract to end 51-day strike. Hotel owner Kyo-ya offered striking hotel workers up to $6.13 per hour in pay and benefit increases over four years in a new contract today that ended a 51-day-old strike. Star-Advertiser.

Tears of joy and celebratory singing after a grueling 51-day strike ends with a new contract for hotel workers. Hawaii News Now.

Kyo-ya hotel workers ratify new contract in near-unanimous vote. KHON2.

Local 5 union hotel workers vote to ratify new contract. KITV.

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Analysts rank Hawaii among worst in nation for unfunded liabilities. A recent report by analysts at J.P. Morgan has ranked Hawaii among a handful of the most financially stressed states, mostly because of unfunded pension and health care obligations to public workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Aims To Quicken The Pace Of School Repairs. The Department of Education wants to demystify how it is handling a hefty repair and maintenance backlog. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Department of Education reveals new digital solutions to improve facilities. It may soon take months, not years to make repairs and upgrades to Hawaii Schools. KITV.

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Man who suffered heart attack during Hawaii’s false missile alert sues state. James Sean Shields and his girlfriend, Brenda Rei­chel, filed a lawsuit in first Circuit Court against the state and Vern Miyagi, former administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, or HI-EMA, for the false alarm they claim triggered the heart attack. Star-Advertiser.

Man Who Had Heart Attack After Hawaii Missile Alert Sues. Assuming the threat was real, he said he called loved ones before suffering cardiac arrest. Associated Press.

A Hawaii Kai man who suffered a heart attack during January’s false missile scare has sued the state, saying if emergency management workers hadn’t waited so long to send out an “all clear” message he might have been OK. Hawaii News Now.

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A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the maker of potato chips sold under the brand name Hawaiian, claiming the chips made in Washington state are misleading customers. Associated Press.

Matson sells a ship to lighten debt load. Matson Inc. has sold one of its containerships but will lease it back from the new owner as a way to cut debt as it borrows more money to pay for new ships, including one scheduled to arrive for the first time in Hawaii on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will give about $3.6 million in funding next year to 130 Hawaii programs that are connected to Hawaiian culture, natural resources, and community events. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Residents Lobby for Car Race Track and Puu O Hulu Park Restrooms. Car racing proponents and leeward coast residents lobbied the Honolulu City Council today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wastewater spill from Meadow Gold Dairy contaminates water near Ala Moana. The Department of Health's Clean Water Branch was notified of a wastewater discharge from Meadow Gold Dairy at 826 Cedar Street. An estimated 3,250 gallons of wastewater spilled. It has since been stopped. KHON2.

Honolulu rail car transported from Honolulu Harbor to Waipahu. The first of four rail cars that make up the fourth train for the city’s upcoming 20-mile rail line was transported to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s rail operations center in Waipahu from Honolulu Harbor Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

A Mom Struggles Mightily As Law Lets Son Defy Doctor’s Orders. The Kanehoe woman says her son’s condition has deteriorated, partly because Hawaii allows people as young as age 15 to refuse inpatient psychiatric treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Military’s Mauna Kea rec area plans a no-go. The military has retreated from a plan to conduct special reconnaissance training at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area, where role-playing soldiers armed with guns would try to hide from observers. West Hawaii Today.

One of lower Puna’s most popular beach parks will officially reopen next week after a six-month-plus closure because of lava. Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki beach park, will reopen at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 after a blessing ceremony, the county Department of Parks and Recreation said in a statement Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as Pohoiki Beach Park, will reopen to the public on Thursday, December 6th. Big Island Video News.

Isaac Hale Beach Park: A landmark for most beachgoers, home to one family. KITV.

Salary Commission Chairman Hugh Ono, who led the board through double-digit raises for county elected officials and department heads, resigned Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

The Maunakea Visitor Information Station will adjust its hours and suspend its stargazing program ahead of the start of a construction project. The six-month-long project, which will begin in January, is aimed at improving safety and access for visitors at the popular, but at times overcrowded, stop along the Maunakea Access Road. Tribune-Herald.

The number of downed deep wells in North Kona hasn’t changed as four of the region’s 14 water sources remain out of commission. A 10 percent voluntary conservation on water use in the area also remains in effect. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Attack on the coqui frog. Haiku residents band together to stem spread of loud invasive species. Maui News.

Adjustments Made to Some Central and West Maui Bus Routes. Beginning Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, select Maui Bus routes will change. Maui Now.

Kauai

New county planning director appointed. Kauai County Planning Department Deputy Director Kaaina Hull will take over as planning director starting next week. Garden Island.

Danners won’t face prosecution. The Kauai County prosecutor has declined to pursue trespassing and interfering with a government agent charges against Native Hawaiian activist Robin Danner and her son, Garrett Danner, that grew out of a confrontation in Anahola last month. Garden Island.

Commentary: County Council show goes on – a ship tossing in the sea. Unfortunately, if the meeting held by the incoming council is any indication, our newly elected Kauai County Council is starting off on the wrong foot. Garden Island.

High bacteria count discovered at Prince Kuhio Park and Koloa Landing. KITV.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Cesspool replacement challenging, bacteria closes Ala Moana beach, AG Chin seeks $2.5M to counter civil disobedience, Trump tax cuts could lower electricity costs, Hanabusa island-hopping, Peter Boy siblings sue state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Rinsing off baby after Kona swim ©2018 All Hawaii News
Ending the environmental threat that cesspools pose to Hawaii’s drinking and surface waters presents an enormous challenge — even with more than 30 years’ notice. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Health presented their new report, Relating to Cesspools and Prioritization for Replacement, to a joint committee in Honolulu on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Cesspools an ‘impending threat’ to waters. Hawaii legislators were brought up to speed on cesspool replacement Wednesday during a briefing for the House and the Senate on the Department of Health’s cesspool report. Garden Island.

Homeowners express outrage at cesspool talk. Report to Legislature targets Upcountry Maui as potential threat for drinking water wells. Maui News.

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Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin, the state’s chief law enforcement officer, is seeking $2.5 million from the Legislature that he said would be used to respond to potential mass violence or civil disobedience events — and, possibly, demonstrations atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators Push To Create More “Safe Zones” For The Homeless. But critics of legal homeless encampments say the state should emphasize finding permanent housing for people. Civil Beat.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who officially launched her gubernatorial bid this week, said she wanted to show support for the neighbor islands during a visit to Hawaii Island on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

‘The future of the state’: Hanabusa touts Hawaii Island’s potential in bid for governor. West Hawaii Today.

Dialysis patients worry over Hawaii Medical Service Association policy change. On Feb. 1, HMSA said it will stop accepting payments from nonprofits that receive donations from dialysis clinics that treat patients whose medical premiums are paid for by the same charities. Star-Advertiser.

An upcoming HMSA policy change has certain Hawaii dialysis patients worried about how they’ll be able to pay for treatment. KITV.

Trump tax cuts could result in lower electric bills for Hawaiian Electric customers. The new federal tax code has the potential to ease the burden of Hawaii's utility ratepayers by lowering electricity costs across Hawaiian Electric Cos.' service territory. Pacific Business News.

US Marshals Return Escaped Psychiatric Patient To Hawaii. The killer had walked away from the state hospital in November. Associated Press.

Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito arrived in Honolulu today under the custody of federal marshals. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Marshals escorted a psychopathic killer who escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital and fled to California back to the islands Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools official hopeful about settlement talks in abuse case. Kamehameha Schools has presented a “strong, substantial” financial offer in hopes of settling a lawsuit in which more than 30 former students accused a psychiatrist of sexually abusing them decades ago, the institution’s chairman said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement talks are now underway in the Kamehameha Schools sex abuse case. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority on Wednesday released the 2017 Visitor Plant Inventory, which showed that visitor accommodation units statewide increased to 80,336 units, up 1.6 percent, year-over-year, the largest total ever recorded for the state. Garden Island.

Hawaii is leading the way in digital health and other ways to cut costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

First Hawaiian ranked ninth among U.S. banks. First Hawaiian Bank, in its first year of eligibility, cracked the top 10 of Forbes magazine’s 2018 annual list of America’s 100 largest top-performing banks. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The state Department of Health issued a high bacteria advisory today for Ala Moana Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Health Clean Water Branch officials are warning of elevated bacteria levels at a highly popular Oahu beach. Hawaii News Now.

High levels of fecal matter detected at Ala Moana Beach Park. KITV.

Warning signs posted after high bacteria levels detected in Ala Moana waters. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaiian Electric says crews cleaned up about 95 percent of the estimated 500 gallons of oil that leaked from an underground pipeline in Pearl City Tuesday evening. KITV.

Cleanup underway after oil leaks from underground pipeline in Pearl City. KHON2.

Blue Startups will kick off its 4th annual East Meets West Conference on Feb. 1, with global investors managing over $1 billion expected to attend. Pacific Business News.

Federal investigators say a man who once spent time on Delaware's death row came to Hawaii intending to develop a major prostitution ring — and that he threatened, beat and raped women to force them to cooperate. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lawsuit filed in ‘Peter Boy’ death. The estate of the late Peter Kema Jr. and Kema Jr.’s siblings are suing the state of Hawaii, the Department of Human Services and Kema Jr.’s parents, claiming the 1997 death of the chronically abused Big Island boy could have been prevented. Tribune-Herald.

The family of "Peter Boy" Kema, the 6-year-old who died at the hands of his abusive parents in 1997 but whose killing would remain unconfirmed for 20 years, has sued the state, saying Child Protective Services workers and the system didn't do enough to protect him. Hawaii News Now.

County hiring practices changing in wake of critical audit. A critical audit of the county Human Resources Department has spurred a bevy of changes to how public employees are recruited and hired. West Hawaii Today.

Retired police detective suing county, captain. A retired Hawaii Police Department detective claims he was falsely arrested and imprisoned early last year, and is suing the county and a police captain. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit alleges racial harassment. A Hawaiian Airlines employee stationed at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport filed a lawsuit citing racial harassment and discrimination after discovering a noose and lynch rope near his locker. West Hawaii Today.

The Governor’s Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease says the problem is spreading, it’s become an “emerging” tropical disease and that unanswered questions need to be addressed with research. Tribune-Herald.

Members of the Governor’s Joint Task Force on Rat Lungworm Disease visited Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday. The group is on the island, learning first hand about the effects of the disease in East Hawaii. Big Island Video News.

State officials are looking to fine a major big island landowner after unpermitted construction work damaged a historic cemetery in South Hilo. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Is This Maui Landowner Getting A Raw Deal From The State? A man who lost his waterfront land may have to pay the state $1 million as part of an eminent domain case. Civil Beat.

Rep. Angus L.K. McKelvey of Maui presented a letter to Gov. David Ige formally requesting that he intervene and stop a Hawaii Department of Transportation proposal that includes last-minute changes to the Keawe Street intersection of the Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Liquor Commission sends evaluation of director to mayor. Arakawa will need to sign off before report is available to public. Maui News.

The pending sale of Grand Wailea resort on Maui for $1.1 billion will be the highest price paid for a Hawaii hotel and the second highest paid for a hotel in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Blackstone Group LP is buying the Grand Wailea resort on Maui from Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund for a reported $1.1 billion, according to several reports. Pacific Business News.

Kauai


Panel looks at the climate and what could be ahead for Kauai. Threats to species, shorelines and structures, as well as opportunities for innovation were all on the table as the Earth Matters public lecture series opened Tuesday with a panel discussion on climate change and conservation. Garden Island.

West Maui condos face imminent threat from extreme erosion. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved a new lifeguard stand for Poipu Beach Park that officials believe will save lives.  Garden Island.