Ige budget to restore Covid cuts, Pentagon to investigate Red Hill fuel leak, Maui places 1k families in affordable housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige unveils budget PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige’s budget plan would boost spending, restore some pandemic cuts. The governor wants to stash much of the surplus in a “rainy day” fund. Ige’s new $16.9 billion budget proposal also includes hefty increases in spending for the state Department of Education and the University of Hawaii system. The governor said he is not planning any tax increases. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige's Budget in Brief. PDF document link.

Minimum wage debate will likely return to state Legislature in the upcoming session. A measure to raise it from $10.10 an hour has passed the Senate for the past two sessions, but not the House. In 2014, the Legislature approved gradually raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over several years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Should Hawaii Overhaul How It Investigates Police Shootings? It doesn’t appear Hawaii will create an independent agency to investigate police shootings, a step states like Washington have already taken. Civil Beat.

Nearly $50M in federal infrastructure money to help improve Hawaiʻi airports. Jai Cunningham, with the state Department of Transportation, says the money will make a big difference in maintaining airport operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s omicron case tally rises to 50, Lt. Gov. Josh Green calls for mass vaccination and testing sites. State Department of Health officials Monday said additional omicron variant coronavirus cases brought the statewide total of the highly transmissible variant to 50. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii reports 840 new coronavirus infections; omicron cases in islands increase. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 742 new cases on Oahu, 26 on Hawaii Island, 42 on Maui, 21 on Kauai, one on Molokai, three on Lanai and five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pentagon inspector general launches probe of Red Hill. The Pentagon’s Inspector General’s Office announced Monday it will launch an investigation into the operations, maintenance and safety of the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Fends Off Criticism During 13-Hour Hearing On Red Hill Water Crisis. A Honolulu Board of Water Supply expert said the fuel tanks are ‘entering an end of life phase’ but the military wants to decide if any need emptied. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Navy begins filtering tap water, but it could be a while before displaced residents can go home. The Navy started flushing and filtering its drinking water Monday and says scrubbing and testing multiple neighborhoods around Pearl Harbor could take 30 to 45 days, which means it’ll be a while before displaced families can move home. Hawaii News Now.

Debate looms over whether to tighten restrictions as COVID cases skyrocket on Oahu. Despite the huge spike in COVID-19 cases, city officials said it's not enough to trigger new restrictions just yet. KITV4.

Oahu’s Covid-19 Daily Case Count Could Surge To Thousands By New Year, Forecast Says. A top state healthcare official warned that the worst-case scenario, which includes some 800 Covid hospitalizations by the new year, would be “catastrophic.” Civil Beat.

Agency wants more public funds to replace Aloha Stadium. A state agency courting private developers to replace Aloha Stadium wants Hawaii lawmakers to boost public funding before seeking bids on the roughly estimated $400 million project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$500k Build Back Better grant to grow island food supply. Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration was so eager to put a $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge to good use, it fast-tracked a resolution accepting the money to the County Council before the grant was officially approved by the federal government. West Hawaii Today.

Telescope’s sensors designed, tested in Hawaii. A new NASA telescope is scheduled to launch Christmas Eve with sensors designed by University of Hawaii astronomers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

MFO Center Reaches First Year Goal to Help 1,000 Families in Search of Affordable Housing. The Maui Financial Opportunity Center, launched as a public-private partnership between Maui County, Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets, has reached its first-year goal of working with over 1,000 local families to improve financial stability in order to qualify for affordable housing.  Maui Now.

East Maui purchase keeps 30 coastal acres from development. Hana-based nonprofit plans to manage shoreline, use land for conservation projects. Hana-based nonprofit Ke Ao Hali’i (Save Hana Coast), in partnership with the State of Hawaii, County of Maui and Hawaii Land Trust, purchased property that stretches from Maka’alae along the Hana coastline for just over $3 million. Maui News.

Haleakalā Park Hosting Meetings About Suppressing Non-Native Mosquitos To Protect Birds. Haleakalā National Park is hosting a public scoping meeting Jan. 6 about a proposed Environmental Assessment for the suppression of non-native mosquito populations to address the impacts of avian malaria on threatened and endangered forest birds on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

KCCC inmates take advantage of vaccine incentive. As of Wednesday, there have been 131 inmates at the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center who have completed vaccination as part of the state Department of Public Safety’s vaccine-incentive program, according to DPS Health Care Division data. Inmates in DPS custody on or after March 3, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2024, who are still in custody and fully vaccinated against COVID-19, are eligible to receive a one-time incentive award of $50. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Community Science Center teaches 19 classrooms remotely. The Kaua‘i Community Science Center treated Koloa School students to a morning of discovery Friday during the nonprofit’s first-ever school-wide STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) Day. Garden Island.

Hawaii National Guard COVID-19 response funding extended, Board of Education approves deep budget cuts, Honolulu theBus driver dies from coronavirus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii National Guard moves PPE in April file photo

Feds Extend Funding For Hawaii National Guard’s COVID-19 Response. The federal government will continue to compensate the Hawaii National Guard’s COVID-19 response in the islands through March 31, the White House announced Thursday. Civil Beat.

Trump extends funding for National Guard coronavirus duty in Hawaii and most other states. President Donald Trump today approved funding requests from Hawaii and most other states to continue National Guard assistance with COVID-19 through March 31. Star-Advertiser.

Trump approves funding extension for COVID-19 assistance from Hawaii National Guard. The Trump administration has approved a funding extension that will allow the Hawaii National Guard to continue assisting the state with COVID-19 response efforts, including contact tracing, testing and, eventually, vaccine distribution. Hawaii News Now.

President approves Gov. Ige’s request to extend federal funding for Hawai‘i National Guard COVID-19 assistance. The federal government has approved Gov. David Ige’s request for an extension of funding that will allow the Hawai‘i National Guard to continue with COVID-19 assistance across the state through March 31, 2021. KITV4.

Trump approves Ige’s request to extend federal funding for Hawaii National Guard COVID-19 assistance. The federal government has approved Gov. David Ige’s request for an extension of funding that will allow the Hawaii National Guard to continue with COVID-19 assistance across the state through March 31, 2021. West Hawaii Today.

Ige’s Request to Extend Federal Funding for Hawai‘i National Guard COVID-19 Assistance Approved. The federal government has approved Governor David Ige’s request for an extension of funding that will allow the Hawai‘i National Guard to continue with COVID-19 assistance across the state through March 31, 2021. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i National Guard to Remain Active Through March Via Federal Funding. The Hawai‘i National Guard’s citizen-soldiers and airmen are performing critical missions such as contact tracing, working on mobile swab teams, health education for at-risk populations, screening, food and medical supply distribution, and several others. Big Island Now.

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Worker layoffs, furloughs still on the table, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige is continuing to give strong indications this week that layoffs and/or furloughs may be in the future for state workers. Star-Advertiser.

With ‘A Very Reluctant Aye,’ Board Of Education Approves DOE Budget Despite Deep Cuts. Many board members expressed consternation at proposed cuts that will largely be absorbed by schools in order to plug a minimum $165 million pandemic-related shortfall. Civil Beat.

BOE approves state’s hefty budget cut proposal. The latest operating budget proposal is layered on top of an existing $100 million reduction, so the total amount comes out to $264 million for each of the next two years. The details of how the individual schools will be affected are not outlined yet. KHON2.

BOE approves proposed $1.5B budget. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved a proposed $1.5 billion operating budget that will drastically reduce the state Department of Education’s spending in the upcoming fiscal biennium as Hawaii faces significant revenue losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Special Education among the possible cuts labeled high impact by the DOE in proposal. The Department of Education's proposal of more than $264 million in budget cuts was approved on Thursday by the Board of Education. KITV4.

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As deadline approaches, worries grow about programs funded by CARES Act. As the deadline approaches for use of federal CARES Act money, concerns grow over what happens when the state loses access to funds. According to the Hawaii Data Collaborative, a group tracking the money, 48% of the $1.25 billion in aid to the state has been expended. Hawaii News Now.

Without Money, Hawaii’s Police Standards Board Is ‘Dead In The Water’. A state board has finally started work developing basic training and decertification standards for law enforcement in Hawaii — more than a year after that panel of police chiefs and state agency heads were required to do so. Civil Beat.

Workers rally for in-person unemployment assistance. Still frustrated by the lack of accessibility to the unemployment office and unresolved claims, roughly a dozen workers rallied Thursday in front of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations headquarters downtown. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation will improve emergency alert system; Schatz says goal is to avoid mishaps such as false missile scare. Federal legislation moving through Congress will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions and radios. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Coast Guard warns Hawaii boaters about ‘hundreds’ of overboard shipping containers. Hawaii mariners as a precautionary measure after hundreds of shipping containers reportedly fell into the ocean from a vessel hundreds of miles away from the islands after the ship encountered severe weather conditions while enroute to California from China. Star-Advertiser.
 

State: 23 COVID-19 clusters linked to food production and distribution industry. The state has identified nearly two dozen COVID-19 clusters linked to the food production and distribution industry in the last four months. In its weekly report issued Thursday, the state Department of Health said the size of the clusters varied, but at least one of them involved 26 cases. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 3: 144 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. Health officials reported 144 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Thursday, including 118 on Oahu, 14 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, two on Kauai and three residents diagnosed out-of-state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Driver For TheBus Dies Due To COVID-19. That driver, MacArthur (Art) Nieto, a 20-year veteran of TheBus, died Nov. 23, which was about a month after he had tested positive for the virus, according to OTS President and General Manager Roger Morton. Nieto is the only reported transit driver death in Hawaii due to COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Some businesses on rail line suspect passing trains linked to recent power outages. Some shop owners say they’ve had their power knocked out completely. Others describe brownout conditions, saying their lights will dim or flicker. Many of those impacted believe power fluctuations are caused by the passing trains, and both rail officials and engineers from Hawaiian Electric are investigating that claim. Hawaii News Now.

Wife of prominent Honolulu attorney returns home after 90-day battle with COVID. Honolulu attorney Michael Green was able to celebrate Thursday night, but it wasn’t for a victory in court. Instead, the high-profile lawyer was grateful that his wife, Estelita, was finally able to return home after being hospitalized for three months due to COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

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City moves to get $250K back from Louis Kealoha. More bad news for disgraced former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha: The city wants its $250,000 retirement settlement package back. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Taxpayers Will Foot The Bill For HPD Overtime Abuse. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city will pay for inappropriate OT costs and federal relief money will be used for other programs. Civil Beat.

Audit finds Honolulu Police Department not preventing police misconduct. The Honolulu Police Department does a good job of tracking and investigating police misconduct and complaints, but it does little to prevent them, according to a report by the city auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: HPD Could Do More To Prevent Officer Misconduct. In the wake of the criminal conspiracy that landed Honolulu’s former police chief and his estranged wife behind bars, the Honolulu Police Department needs to do more to prevent misconduct in its ranks, the city auditor said in a report released on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Audit praises HPD for cracking down on officer misconduct but criticizes ability to prevent it. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu plans to keep 130 COVID-19 contact tracers through June. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city plans to keep 130 coronavirus contact tracers in place at least through the end of the fiscal year in June, despite the state’s plan to reduce the program. Star-Advertiser.

Median price for single-family home on Oahu increased 11% in November. Locations, a real estate firm, said that the median price for a single-family home on Oahu in November was $877,500. That’s up 11% from a year ago. The median condo price was up 2% to $425,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of pounds of fireworks seized from Makiki home. Two people have been arrested after police seized hundreds of pounds of fireworks at a Makiki home. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth announces more cabinet selections. Doug Adams​, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and current Vice-chairman and Director of W.H. Shipman, Ltd., has been tapped to head the County of Hawaii’s Department of Research and Development. Tribune-Herald.

Third Round Of Roth Cabinet Positions Announced. Doug Adams will serve as the head of the Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development, a Thursday news release reported. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island’s three-term Mayor Harry Kim says aloha. Two photos of Harry Kim represent the bookends of his career as Mayor of Hawaii County; his first day on the job after winning the election in 2000 and this week as he prepares to say goodbye to a job that he says he never truly aspired to have. KHON2.

Before he took the mayor’s seat, Harry Kim was well-known as the voice of calm in disasters. Anyone who grew up on the Big Island remembers Harry Kim’s deep voice on the radio, informing residents of natural disasters. While he’s leaving his seat as Hawaii County Mayor on Monday, it was his time as civil defense chief that made him a local legend. Hawaii News Now.

Rhonda Loh To Be Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent. Loh, already serving as the acting park superintendent since April 2019, will be in the position on a permanent basis starting December 20th. Big Island Video News.

Movie madness: New Ocean View drive-in theater reveals giant demand. Tonight, the drive-in will host its first showing, projecting the “Nightmare Before Christmas” on the 12- by 16-foot screen as audio is transmitted via FM radio into the viewers’ vehicles. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

First jury trial in state since COVID completed. Process took months of planning so jurors could gather safely. Before 12 jurors and an alternate were seated last week for the first jury trial in the state since the COVID-19 pandemic, 2nd Circuit Court judges, staff and attorneys spent months of planning, reconfigured a courtroom and precisely measured spaces so jurors were positioned at least 6 feet apart. Maui News.

Nominees Announced for 2020 Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards. The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for the 2020 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. Nominees and winners will be honored during a virtual event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Maui Now.

Kauai

HoKua Place stalled again. Wednesday, the state’s Land Use Commission granted a petition to intervene in the proceeding of rezoning lands for a 96-acre residential subdivision next to Kapa‘a Middle School that has been in the planning stages for nearly a decade. Garden Island.

This Kauai Nonprofit Is Trying To Change How People Buy Their Food. Food hubs provide a way for farmers to sell their crops outside of grocery stores. Civil Beat.

KIUC Anahola Service Center boosts economy. The benefit of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic adds to the list of benefits that will come with the construction of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Anahola Service Center adjacent to the KIUC solar farm in Anahola. Garden Island.

Ige vetoes unemployment payments from CARES bill, COVID-19 cases hit another record 124, BOE delays schools opening to Aug. 17, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige removes mask at July 28 press conference. Facebook video.

Gov. David Ige vetoes additional unemployment insurance, hoping Congress acts. Gov. David Ige vetoed a spending plan that would have added $100 in state weekly unemployment benefits in the era of COVID-19, hoping that an embattled Congress will continue supplementing state benefits at something close to the current, weekly level of $600 in additional federal aid. Star-Advertiser.

Ige uses line-item veto on virus relief bill. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he would exercise his line-item veto on a bill appropriating federal coronavirus relief funds. The governor’s move eliminates $230 million set aside for a $100 additional weekly payment to unemployed individuals. Associated Press.

Governor Ige Modifies Budget, COVID-19 Relief Bill. Governor Ige repeated that Hawaiʻi is facing enormous budget challenges as a result of COVID-19, and that difficult decisions will have to be made. Big Island Video News.

Ige Shelves $230 Million in State Unemployment Aid, Vetoes Other Items in State Budget Bill. Governor David Ige will sign the state’s budget bill into law, with some notable omissions. Big Island Now.

Ige vetoes portions of CARES funding bill. Governor David Ige has signed Senate Bill 126, expending CARES Act funding before it expires at the end of the year, with eight line-item vetoes. Garden Island.

Governor Ige making modifications to budget, coronavirus relief bill with line-item vetoes. The state's budget is a big concern for Governor David Ige and there's even more concern about another record day of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii with 124. KITV4.

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States, Including Hawaii, Slow To Spend COVID-19 Relief Aid. State and local governments received $150 billion through a federal coronavirus relief program, but a new report shows they have yet to spend much of the money. Civil Beat.

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Tourism free fall: June arrivals down 98%. Hawaii tourism plummeted again in June — the third month in a row that visitor arrivals fell more than 98% from the same month last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Visitor Arrivals Dropped 98% In June. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says COVID-19 “severely impacted” the state’s tourism industry. Civil Beat.

Visitor numbers on upward trend despite pandemic. Nearly twice as many visitors arrived in the state in June than in May, despite the ongoing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.


Experts Predict ‘Shocking’ Income Drop For Hawaii Residents As Tourism Shutdown Continues. More businesses will close in the weeks ahead unless tourism resumes soon, financial forecasters say. Total personal income for Hawaii residents will decline by 7% this calendar year and will remain flat in 2021 because of more anticipated fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and the tourism shutdown, according to a panel of experts that projects overall income data and tax collections for the state. Civil Beat.

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State looking at solutions to speed up Pandemic Unemployment Assistance identification process. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it will be making an announcement soon on a solution that will speed up the process for many. However, for now, it remains slow. KHON2.

Amid rampant unemployment, some employers on hiring binge. Unemployment in Hawaii is through the roof due to the new coronavirus, yet some companies are in major hiring mode. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Board of Education Approves Delay To New School Year. The modified start follows a strong union-led push to provide more time for more teacher training and preparation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public schools set to start Aug. 17. The state Board of Education voted to push back the start of the academic year to Aug. 17 for public school students as cases of COVID-19 surged to a new high in Hawaii on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i public schools to start August 17, Board of Education rules. The meeting was scheduled to go from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. but more than two and a half hours of public testimony resulted in the Board of Education ruling that public schools will start on August 17. KITV4.

BOE approves delay to start date; students now will return Aug. 17. Hawaii’s students will return to school nearly two weeks later than initially planned after the state Board of Education approved a recommendation to delay their start to Aug. 17. Tribune-Herald.

Board of Education Approves Postponement of 2020-21 School Year to Aug. 17. The Hawai‘i Board of Education voted Thursday to delay the start of school until Aug. 17 days before classes were scheduled to begin this Tuesday. Big Island Now.

BOE votes to delay reopening of public schools until Aug. 17. The extra time is designed to give teachers, principals, and other staff members time to prepare for the return of students to campuses and train on distance learning tools. Hawaii News Now.

Schools to open Aug. 17. The state Board of Education has approved the delay of welcoming students back to public-school campuses to Monday, Aug. 17. Garden Island.

Hawaiʻi School Board Votes to Approve Delayed Start of School by Two Weeks. The Hawaiʻi Board of Education today voted to postpone the start of the school year by two weeks to Aug. 17, 2020. Maui Now.

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Labor Unions Spend Heavily Trying To Sway Hawaii Elections. Political action committees are giving money to a suite of candidates running in state and local races. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Avoided Large Outbreaks At Care Homes. Can We Keep It That Way? Owners of small care homes say existing guidance is confusing, resources are scarce and they are not trained to deal with outbreaks of this nature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 124 new coronavirus cases in a single day, another record high. It’s the second consecutive day that Hawaii has reported a triple-digit increase in new COVID-19 infections ― and the fifth record high in seven days. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: 124 New Cases; Rollbacks Possible As New Cases Surge. Hawaii had another record-setting day today with 124 new cases of COVID-19, the state Department of Health reported. That overtakes yesterday's record of 109 new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces three-week closure of Oahu bars amid record-high coronavirus-related cases in Hawaii. Several bars have been cited for violating social distancing and mask-wearing rules. Two Honolulu bars were found to be associated with as many as 12 cases of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Bars To Close For Three Weeks Starting Friday. After closing down two Chinatown bars for violations, the city is ordering the shutdown of all bars. Civil Beat.

City closes bars for 3 weeks amid growing spread of COVID-19. Under a city order approved by the governor, bars on Oahu will be closed for “at least” three weeks as authorities try to rein in a surge in COVID-19 infections. The shutdown goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Business owners unsure if bar closure applies to them. The Honolulu mayor said the spike in COVID-19 cases is behind his decision to close down bars starting Friday, but for owners of taprooms that also serve food, it could become confusing to know how exactly the mandate applies to them. KHON2.

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Two Honolulu Firefighters Test Positive For COVID-19. Everyone who works at the Hawaii Kai fire station has been ordered to quarantine for two weeks. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa, Esser Surge In Campaign Cash In Race For Mayor, Prosecutor. Keith Amemiya and Steve Alm have raised and spent the most overall but their challengers gained momentum in the month leading up to the primary. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Candidate Dwight Nadamoto: 'Mr. Kaneshiro Isn't Running For Office, I'm Running'. Dwight Nadamoto is the acting prosecutnig attorney for Honolulu. He was appointed to the position after current prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro took paid leave shortly after receiving a target letter from a federal grand jury. Hawaii Public Radio.

Isle voter turnout surging in first-ever all-mail election. The number of primary election ballots collected by the Honolulu Elections Division to date is eclipsing the number of absentee votes cast in the 2016 primary election — with 10 days to spare before the official Aug. 8 Election Day. Star-Advertiser.

As Kalihi coronavirus clusters form, so do longer lines at testing centers. As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increase on Oahu, Kalihi has been identified as one of the areas where clusters are popping up ― and on Thursday at the Kalihi Kai Urgent Care, there was a crowd of people outside waiting to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT Proposes NSF Process To Move Forward. University of California Regents on Thursday discussed UC involvement with the Thirty Meter Telescope, and were given an update on the TMT request to the National Science Foundation to help bolster the project. Big Island Video News.

California university might review support for TMT project. The planned Thirty Meter Telescope landed on the meeting agenda of the University of California Board of Regents on Thursday as invited Native Hawaiian speakers on both sides of the hot topic argued their cases before a key TMT partner institution. Star-Advertiser.

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Kona Community Hospital names new CEO. James “Jim” Lee will assume the position on Aug. 10, filling a role that interim CEO Jay Kreuzer has held since April after coming out of retirement after his replacement, Anna Chiotti, went on leave just two months into the job. West Hawaii Today.

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Over 12 Acres In Kona Purchased For Preservation. The purchased lands will preserve numerous pre-historic and historic cultural sites and structures on the property, including a burial complex and the Kauakaiakaola Heiau. Big Island Video News.

County purchases Puapuaa acreage in Kona. The Puapuaa properties located makai of Alii Drive will now officially belong to the people of Hawaii County following the purchase of more than 12 acres in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

New vendor taking over animal control contract. Starting Saturday, Hawaii Rainbow Rangers — a branch of Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary — will be taking over the animal control responsibilities previously conducted by the Hawaii Island Humane Society. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New Maui Rules Limit Social Gatherings to 10 People Max, Starting Friday July 31. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced today updated Public Health Emergency Rules that limit indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people. Maui Now.

Mayor Michael Victorino to limit indoor and outdoor gatherings to 10 for Maui County. Victorino has sent his update to the county’s Public Health Emergency Rules, which applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings, to Gov. David Ige for approval. Star-Advertiser.

Commission, CPAC chairs face conflict allegations. Developer ties, Pulelehua pact payments questioned. The Maui Planning Commission began its review of the draft West Maui Community Plan on Tuesday night amid questions about possible separate conflict of interest claims involving the heads of the commission and the West Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee. Maui News.

Kauai

Workweek hearing continues. The case wades into whether the county willfully and intentionally violated collective-bargaining laws in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 89, by modifying employee work conditions and failing to work toward a mutual-consent agreement before switching to a four-day, 10-hour workweek. Garden Island.

Community asks to clean up Polihale. Some community members on Kaua‘i are hoping they’ll be allowed to help clean up Polihale State Park, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking people to hold off on entering the park so that the place can rest. Garden Island.

Ige shares budget-balancing plan, Hawaiian Airlines scales back mainland service proposal, teachers and state strike back-to-school distancing deal, Molokai vacation rental owners sue over limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pandemic reopening navigator

How This Special Legislative Committee Has Worked To Keep Hawaii’s Economy Afloat. The House COVID committee has drawn on the expertise and clout of its members to work behind the scenes and help the Ige administration work through the state’s biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Governor details how he plans to shore up $2.3B budget shortfall. With tourism at a standstill and other sectors of the state’s economy just hobbling along, Hawaii is facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that the governor says he plans to shore up with a big loan from the US Treasury and budget cuts to state agencies. It’s the first time Gov. David Ige has offered specifics on how he plans to address the shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to scale back plans to resume service. Reinstating several North America routes remain on hold but its current schedule stays on track. KITV4.

More military contracts could aid Hawaii economy. The federal government inked about $2.3 billion in defense contracts in Hawaii in 2019, with about $1.3 billion going to local businesses, an official with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Most Hawaii parents want kids in school at least part time, survey shows. About 70% of families report that their children learned “much less” or “somewhat less” when public school campuses were closed last quarter to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, new survey results show. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education and teachers’ union agree on six feet of separation in classrooms. Hawaii’s public schools and the teachers’ union have agreed that students desks will be spaced six feet apart in classrooms in the new academic year, with anything less requiring a special exception. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE, Teachers Union Agree To 6-Feet Spacing Rule. The teachers union and DOE came to an agreement that 6 feet of spacing in classrooms will be the norm, with anything less than that requiring a contract exception. Civil Beat.

Teachers union, DOE agree to keep students farther apart this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Department of Education reached an agreement on physical distancing in classrooms as schools prepare to start the new academic year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Funding cut for pre-K program leaves families scrambling for care. State lawmakers cut the funding for seven positions at campuses involved in the Executive Office on Early Learning's Public Prekindergarten Program for at-risk and underserved families. Hawaii News Now.

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June bankruptcies in Hawaii surged amid COVID crisis. The anticipated increase in Hawaii bankruptcies finally might be emerging as the state’s extended tourism lockdown and severe unemployment crisis take their toll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s massive unemployed population dependent on soon-expiring federal assistance. Nearly 250,000 Hawaii residents remain out of work, and will have their $600 weekly unemployment insurance payment from the federal government expire on July 31. KHON2.

Securitas is hiring, and they’re hosting a virtual job fair. While many in Hawaii face unemployment, few companies are looking to hire. One of those companies is Securitas. They’re hosting a virtual job fair Wednesday and Thursday for interested applicants. Available are more than hundred officer positions statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Hawaii visitor arrivals sinks to lowest level since June. The tourists keep coming even though the state still hasn’t officially reopened Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Residents snub reopening for tourism, survey finds. A majority of Hawaii residents oppose reopening tourism amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawmakers question whether more contact tracers are needed as more cases linked to clusters found. On Tuesday, 22 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) officials say many cases are tied to clusters. KHON2.

Hawaii inmate Tests Positive For COVID-19. The defendant and any exposed staff at the federal facility are in quarantine for 14 days. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 14: 22 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The quarantine remains in place for all incoming travelers, but schools are still on schedule to open next month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: 22 New Cases Today. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. Nineteen cases are reported on Oahu, and three are on Hawaii Island. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

To date, Oahu has recorded 960 positive tests, followed by Maui County with 135 cases, Hawaii County with 105 and Kauai County with 43. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Oahu bars, restaurants not allowed to serve liquor after midnight. Oahu bars and restaurants on Tuesday were ordered to stop serving liquor after midnight effective immediately in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

New mandate forces bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight in Honolulu. With cases increasing every day, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is looking at ways to curb the spread of the virus. KHON2.

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Clusters blamed as Hawaii sees 22 new coronavirus cases. A pau hana gathering among construction workers, workplace training at Hawaiian Airlines, exercise in indoor gyms, birthday parties, barbecues and other social gatherings are to blame for a surge in coronavirus cases, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns grow over schools reopening after infection at summer fun program. A 6-year-old attending a summer fun program in Aiea tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, raising concerns about Hawaii schools reopening in just a few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kym Marcos Pine says her top priority as mayor would be putting tourism in its place. Kym Marcos Pine has a vision for Oahu with far less tourism and far more homegrown jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Traveling Physician at Ka‘ū Hospital Tests Positive for COVID-19. Lt. Governor Josh Green confirmed Tuesday to Big Island Now that a traveling doctor hired at Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for the coronavirus last week. A town hall featuring Green and Mayor Harry Kim was held in Pahala Monday night to assuage the fears of the community there. Big Island Now.

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Lee Loy amendment to fix ‘lame’ requirement of permits for window AC units. In the wake of a Department of Public Works press release that drew scorn when it was re-posted on Mayor Harry Kim’s official Facebook page, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has written an amendment to the construction code clarifying that building permits are not required to install a window air conditioning unit. West Hawaii Today.

County Considers Dropping Permit Requirement For Window-Mounted Air Conditioners. The Hawaiʻi County Council will consider amending the construction code at an upcoming meeting, following a social media stir over the permit requirement. Big Island Video News.

Portable, Window-Mounted Residential Air-Conditioning Units Exempt From Permit Requirements. An amendment is coming to legislation that will develop the framework for Hawai‘i County’s updated construction code. Big Island Now.

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New physician assistant program could boost Big Isle health care. A physician assistant program from Washington will expand to West Hawaii this fall, but ultimately will improve access to medical care throughout Hawaii Island and the state. Tribune-Herald.

Free Financial Navigator Service Tackles COVID-19 Troubles. The County of Hawaiʻi has partnered with the national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help resident navigate COVID-related financial issues. Big Island Video News.

Maui


Old UHMC Dorms Repurposed for Emergency Housing Project. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. Maui Now.

Emergency Housing Project in Kahului blessed on Tuesday. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. KITV4.

Kauai

Discounts bringing locals out. With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension. Garden Island.

Free emergency water containers. There are two more days when people have the opportunity to get free emergency water containers from the county Department of Water — today at the Waimea High School grab-and-go meal site, and Thursday at the Kapa‘a High School grab-and-go meal site. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Vacation Rental Owners File Lawsuit To Lift Restrictions. A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Property owners sue over Molokai rental ban action. Permits set to expire at end of year; owners look to get them reinstated. Maui News.

Ige unveils 4-phase Hawaii reopening plan, Maui to open hair salons, tax revenue down 1/3, famed Willie K dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery shopping in the COVID-19 era ©2020 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige unveils four-phase reopening strategy for Hawaii’s economy. Gov. David Ige unveiled today a four-phase reopening strategy for Hawaii’s economy with the state gradually allowing medium-risk businesses such as churches, gyms, museums, theaters, restaurants and hair salons to begin operations in June. Star-Advertiser.

Reopening Hawaii, Governor Moves To “Act With Care” Phase. On Monday, Governor Ige presented his most thorough timeline on reopening the Hawaiʻi, starting with the Kamaʻāina Economy, in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Governor outlines plan for reopening economy, extends traveler quarantine through June. The governor unveiled a four-phase plan for reopening Hawaii’s economy at a news conference Monday, announcing that “medium-risk" businesses and activities — from salons to theaters to restaurants — would be allowed to operate by the beginning of June with social distancing measures in place. Hawaii News Now.

Ige outlines reopening/recovery plan, extends 14-day quarantine for travelers. Gov. David Ige on Monday signed the 8th supplemental emergency proclamation, extending the 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in the State of Hawaii, as well as for inter-island travelers through June 30. West Hawaii Today.

Gov. David Ige 8th Supplemental Proclamation: Extends 14-Day Travel Quarantine, Unveils State’s Roadmap to Recovery. Governor David Ige provided information on next steps for the state’s emergency orders as more businesses are added to the list under future phases and the 14-day travel quarantine for mainland and interisland travel is extended to the end fo June.  Gov. Ige has also extended the eviction moratorium under his 8th supplemental emergency proclamation. Maui Now.

Read full text of Gov. David Ige's Eighth Supplementary Proclamation here.

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Lawmakers Still Eyeing Vacant Positions To Fill State Budget Hole. Legislative leaders say they still aren’t ready to sign off on $1 billion in cuts to Hawaii’s budget. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker says Hawaii tax revenue down 1/3 in April. Hawaii tax revenue sank 33% in April compared to the same month a year earlier as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic spread, the chairman of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee said Monday. Associated Press.

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Ige Extends State, Inter-Island Travel Quarantines. Gov. David Ige on Monday announced the extensions of both the mandatory, 14-day travel quarantine for travelers arriving to Hawai‘i, as well as for those traveling between islands. Big Island Now.

Hawaii residents keep eye out for visitors who break quarantine. Many Hawaii residents have no qualms about helping law enforcement catch violators of the state’s 14-day self-quarantine, especially when it comes to visitors to the Aloha State. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige faces the dilemma of eventually reopening to both tourists and new infections. A combination of geography, a cooperative public and a two-week quarantine imposed on all travelers to the state has effectively squashed “the curve,” and Hawaii now has one of the lowest per capita infection rates in the nation. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawai‘i ‘Medium-Risk’ Businesses to Begin Reopening in June. Governor David Ige on Monday announced that “medium-risk” businesses in Hawai‘i will be allowed to reopen beginning June 1. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Updates: 70,000 Jobless Claims Pending; No New Cases; Facing Shortfall, State Borrows $600M. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 18: No New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii has seen less than four new cases a day of the coronavirus in May. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii inmate early-release reviews are over. Hawaii judges have finished ruling on 1,088 motions to release incarcerated individuals early over COVID-19 risks, and not many more inmates were set free after 655 last month. Star-Advertiser.

Roth: Jail releases possibly more dangerous than outbreak. Letters by the Big Island’s prosecutor and a pair of Oahu legislators object to the manner in which inmates are being released pursuant to a state Supreme Court order that seeks to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 in Hawaii’s jails and prisons. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii public schools offer online and in-person options for summer. Summer school will include some options for in-person instruction for students who struggled with distance learning this spring, including those in special education, schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto says. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Fishermen Are Stuck In Port As Federal Aid Falls Short. A lack of demand means lower prices and less incentive for Hawaii’s longline fleet, which is struggling to survive during a global pandemic. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Non-profit that served meals amid the pandemic shut down by state. The state Department of Health has ordered a charity that served hundreds of thousands of meals to shut down immediately citing numerous food-safety violations. Hawaii News Now.

Health Officials Order Free Meal Delivery Program To Stop Operations. Malama Meals, which delivers free meals on three islands, has been cited for temperature control and hand washing violations. Civil Beat.

Malama Meals gets cease-and-desist order. The state Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a cease-and-desist order to Ahmad Ramadan doing business as Malama Meals at 91-100 Farrington Highway. The operation was preparing and providing meals on Oahu, Kauai and Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Malama Meals given cease and desist order for food safety violations. A program providing free meals to those in need has been ordered by the state to shut down. KHON2.

DOH targets Malama Meals. The state Department of Health on Monday issued a cease-and-desist order shutting down a program that flew hot, prepared meals from Honolulu to Kaua‘i, concluding that the organization violated six food safety standards. Garden Island.

Hawaii health officials cite Malama Meals for food safety violations. The Hawaii Department of Health said Monday that it issued a cease-and-desist order to the Malama Meals program over “multiple food-safety issues” found during an inspection last week, but the founder of the program that delivers meals to older adults isolated because of the Covid-19 orders said the violations were fixed on the spot and the program was never shut down. Pacific Business News.

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EMS paramedics and EMTs adapt to COVID-19 changes. During the last two months, Honolulu’s paramedics and emergency medical technicians have had to adapt to the changes COVID-19 has brought to the rest of the city — something they continue to do even now. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu salons and barbershops seek reopening date from City. Beauty professionals from across the state held a forum last week to create a set of guidelines for beauty salons, barbershops and even nail salons in preparation to reopen. KHON2.

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System issue causes dirty water for Kalani Iki, Waialae Iki residents. Residents in the Kalani Iki and Waialae Ikiki areas are being told not to drink or use the water for consumption purposes after a system issue was reported Monday. Hawaii News Now.

BWS responds to dirty water issue in East Oahu. Customers experiencing dirty water are advised not to use it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. KHON2.

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Days before graduation, Damien Memorial School cancels its virtual ceremony. Damien Memorial School sent an email to seniors and their parents Monday afternoon saying Sunday’s virtual graduation ceremony is cancelled. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's first contactless drive-in movie theatre comes to Kailua. It's happening this Wednesday at Pali Lanes in Kailua, featuring the film Dodgeball. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Kim reopens beaches. The only exceptions to the reopening are Hakalau Beach Park and Kuhio Kalanianaole Park, which have been closed due to repairs and improvements. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Beach Parks To Reopen. County officials announced on Monday that it will reopen its beach parks islandwide as soon as Governor David Ige gives his approval. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County to Reopen All Beaches Tuesday, Assuming Approval From Governor. Barring unlikely circumstances, Hawai‘i County beaches will reopen islandwide beginning Tuesday. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Island residents can once again enjoy the shorelines Tuesday. Hawaii County will reopen their beaches to residents on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island beaches and parks set to reopen on Tuesday. The County of Hawai‘i announced on Monday that it will reopen its beach parks islandwide effective May 19. KITV4.

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Peter Kubota Sworn In As New Circuit Court Judge For Hawaii Island. Kubota was sworn in as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit during a special session convened by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on May 15. Big Island Video News.

Maui

State and county races are looking competitive. Candidates pull papers in all Maui districts, though many yet to file. Maui News.

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Maui County hair and nail salons will reopen soon, but customers should expect changes. The rest of the state may have to wait for hair and nail salon services, but businesses in Maui County will be able to welcome customers back next Monday with new safety guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County hair and nail salons open May 25. Maui county set a date to reopen hair and nail salons. KHON2.

Hair and nail salons set to reopen on Maui next week. Hair and nail salons are beginning to reopen starting Monday, May 25 on Maui. KITV4.

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Recognize this woman? She’s wanted by MPD for allegedly breaking quarantine. Police say Ashley Ruth Degraaf, 31, landed on Maui on May 15 and signed off on agreeing to the rules. She indicated she would be staying at a hostel, but police were later informed she canceled her reservation. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaiian music legend Willie K dies at age 59 after 2-year battle with cancer. Hawaiian music superstar Willie K — a multi-Hoku Award-winning musician, vocalist, song writer and record producer — died Monday night at his home on Maui after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 59. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian music legend Willie K dies after lengthy lung cancer battle. Hawaii has lost music legend: Willie K. Born William Awihilima Kahaiali’i, many simply knew him as Uncle Willie. Hawaii News Now.

Willie K, legendary music star, has passed away. His family posted on his Instagram page that the music legend passed away Monday night, May 18 “surrounded by his ohana.” He was 59 years old. KHON2.

Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away. The Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning musician and Maui native announced two years ago that he was battling lung cancer. KITV4.

Kauai

Steven Goble named new KFD chief. Close to two years since the search began, the Kaua‘i Fire Commission has chosen former Henderson, Nevada Fire Department Fire Chief Steven R. Goble to take the lead of the Kaua‘i Fire Department. Garden Island.

14,000 counted on the beach. Lifeguards reported 14,000 people on Kaua‘i beaches on reopening weekend and in a Monday public address, Mayor Derek Kawakami reminded people that they could again close if people don’t follow the rules. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a Sunshine Market opens. Lanipo Farms was one of more than a dozen vendors that braved the threatening weather to open the Kapa‘a Sunshine Market where face masks and other social distancing measures were in effect and monitored by staff from the county’s Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

Masks, physical distancing instituted as Legislature goes back into session, Lt. Gov. Green pushes to open restaurants and salons May 25, Gen. Hara warns of possible riots, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature opens May 11, 2020 PC:Hawaii House Democrats

Lawmakers return to Capitol to make budget fixes and avoid furloughs. Masked state lawmakers gathered at the Capitol on Monday, returning to work in floor sessions where they sat 6 feet away from one another in a striking display of caution that illustrates how much has changed with the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the state and the country. Star-Advertiser.

Back In Session: Hawaii Lawmakers Grapple With A Billion-Dollar Budget Hole. Gov. David Ige is not on board with much of the Legislature’s fiscal plan including how to spend federal bailout money and public worker pay cuts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers back to work on budget bills. The state legislative is back in session and lawmakers focus on financial bills during this tough economic time. KITV4.

Lawmakers outline plans to make up state’s budget shortfall. Lawmakers said Monday they plan to plug a projected $1 billion hole in the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year by using money from the rainy day fund, reducing vacancies in state bureaucracies and issuing bonds. Associated Press

‘Clerical error’ overstated state’s coronavirus-related budget shortfall — but by how much? During a press conference on Monday, Governor David Ige acknowledged his budget staff made a financial miscalculation before he proposed 20% pay cuts for all state workers several weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

House Speaker Saiki Remarks At Reconvening Legislature. Over the coming weeks, Speaker Saiki said, lawmakers will work to avoid drastic budget cuts and disruption in basic government services. Big Island Video News.

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Gov. David Ige considers photographing incoming Hawaii visitors to improve quarantine compliance. An effort to improve screening of non-residents arriving at Hawaii airports may include photographing them, under a plan that’s being explored by state officials, Gov. David Ige said. Star-Advertiser.


Green Announces ‘Travel With Aloha’ Program. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green on Monday announced his “Travel With Aloha” initiative, which proposes all those who want to travel to Hawai‘i receive a rapid turnaround test for COVID-19. If they test negative, they could be exempted from the stipulations of the mandatory, 14-day travel quarantine. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines blocks middle seats and requires face coverings amid pandemic. Airlines are starting to change how passengers board and sit inside planes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaiian Airlines is flying some of its larger parked jets on neighbor island flights to allow for physical distancing. KHON2.

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Ige says Hawaii ‘flattening curve’ but must remain vigilant. Gov. David Ige on Monday afternoon lauded Hawaii for continuing to “flatten the curve” but warned that social distancing must continue to stay on track so that the state can slowly reopen its economy. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus recovery a ‘marathon,’ not a sprint, Gov. Ige says. For 23 consecutive days, fewer than six new cases of the novel coronavirus have been reported statewide. But in light of the downward trend, as businesses across the state either reopen or prepare to do so, Gov. David Ige is cautioning Hawaii residents to move forward carefully. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. eyes May 25 for ‘medium risk businesses’ to reopen. With new cases of the coronavirus few and far between, leaders are getting more specific about what the next phase of reopening looks like. On Monday the Lt. Governor said he believes it’s safe enough to get the the majority of the kamaaina economy back up and running. Things like restaurants, salons and what he calls other medium risk businesses. Hawaii News Now.

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2 coronavirus clusters in Hawaii involved people who went to parties, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara says. Two clusters of people who became ill with COVID-19 in Hawaii involved parties where people apparently ignored warnings to engage in social distancing and avoid social gatherings, according to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, the incident commander for the state’s coronavirus response. Star-Advertiser.

2 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed In Hawaii. The state has confirmed 634 COVID-19 cases since the first case of the virus was reported in early March. About 13% of those people have been hospitalized. Civil Beat.

Cases Up 2; Health Dept. Under More Fire; Prosecutor Raises Alarms Over Inmates. Hawaii recorded two new coronavirus cases today. The state health department reported that the count is now at 634 and the deaths stand at 17. Oahu cases are at 410, Maui County at 117, Hawaii Island at 75 and Kauai County at 21. There are 11 cases diagnosed out of state. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Delay in reopening economy could lead to rioting. The head of Hawaii’s coronavirus response team said Monday that further delays in reopening Hawaii’s economy — especially to tourism — could result in rioting. Star-Advertiser.

General Hara Warns Of Civil Unrest. Members of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness heard the concerns of the incident commander for the state's coronavirus response. Big Island Video News.

If economic strife continues, Gen. Hara worries of ‘civil unrest’ in Hawaii. Governor Ige's cautious approach to reopening the economy drew harsh warnings Monday from the business and government leaders who are advising him. One of their concerns is the possibility of riots. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige: Civil unrest unlikely. Gov. David Ige said Monday he doesn’t think Hawaii’s current economic crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to civil unrest. Tribune-Herald.

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Gov. Ige on CARES Act Funding: $175 Million to be Split Among Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Counties. Governor David Ige said Maui will split $175 million in federal funds with Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi counties as part of the CARES Act appropriation for the state. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Struggling Farms Want The State To Become A Bigger Customer. With local farmers reeling from a drop in demand from hotels and restaurants, advocates hope schools, prisons and hospitals will buy more local produce. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Homes Launches Rental Relief Program. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Aloha United Way today launched the new program for beneficiaries. Big Island Video News.

New program will provide financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries on DHHL wait list. Financial help is on the way for Hawaiians on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wait list. KITV4.

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The doors of Hawaii’s libraries are still open online. Although the Hawaii State Public Library System’s 51 branches are closed during, people are still flocking to make use of its myriad online resources. Star-Advertiser.

2020 graduates’ job prospects predicted to be grim. As graduation nears, Hawaii college and high school seniors might face a slim chance of landing a job during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

16 New Solar Farms For Hawaii But Utility Won’t Say Where Exactly. The public might have to wait 30 days for details of plans for 16 solar-plus-storage or standalone storage projects on three islands. Civil Beat.

USS Nevada located off of Oahu. The wreck of the Nevada was found about 75 miles southwest of Pearl Harbor in more than 15,400 feet of water. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Invited To Testify On Spending Federal Aid. Residents can share their thoughts about how to spend $387 million. Civil Beat.

New legislation asks for $100 million to help Honolulu’s small businesses. Oahu is getting about $380 million dollars, and now a big push is being made to take a $100 million of that and put it toward small businesses. KHON2.

Pearlridge Center, other retailers begin to detail phased reopening plans.  Reduced hours, rearranged food courts and continued respect for social distancing practices are among the guidelines retailers are setting forth ahead of May 15, the date most such stores will be allowed to reopen on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

International Market Place will reopen on Friday. The center court and grassy lawn areas will remain closed along with drinking fountains. KITV4.

Retailers looking to nab cleaning supplies and sanitizer before reopening. Retailers are preparing to reopen this week, but finding the necessary cleaning supplies and protective gear is becoming a challenge for some. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Antibody testing begins on the Big Island. Drive-through testing for COVID-19 antibodies, which started last week on the Big Island, is apparently the first of its kind available in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Ample, Highly Accurate Antibody Tests to go Widescale Inside the Month. Antibody testing arrived on Hawai‘i Island for public use over the weekend, and Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said Monday he thinks widescale surveys will be underway across all islands inside of the month. Big Island Now.

Maui

A Maui company making ventilators is now getting international orders. Maui County spent $100,000 to purchase 64 newly manufactured ventilators – all made by Maui engineers. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Conduct Walk Through at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center on Day 1 of Phased Reopening. Many retailers remain closed or are in the process of cleaning for a future reopening. Maui Now.

Hotel developer moving forward despite economic downturn. Draft EA released for six-story Hotel Wailuku. Even with travel down and the economy struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, a Wailuku landowner is moving forward with plans to build a 156-room hotel in Wailuku town. Maui News.

Kauai

Keeping short-term rentals closed. While restrictions and stay-at-home orders are being lifted around the island, short-term vacation rentals and homestays have been shut down through the end of May. Garden Island.