Ige proposes 1.8% cut, undisclosed tax hikes, possible layoffs in new budget; DHHL to vote on Kapolei casino today; Kilauea volcano eruption expected to draw crowds, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige unveils budget Monday in video conference

 Ige’s New Budget Proposal Would Wipe Out The Jobs Of 149 State Workers. Gov. David Ige’s new two-year budget proposal would eliminate the jobs of 149 state employees who are scattered in departments across state government, and may also involve some as-yet unspecified tax increases. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige's biennium budget 2021-2023 reflects reductions. With the state expecting a $1.4 billion shortfall each of the next four years, Governor David Ige unveiled his fiscal biennium budget on Monday. KITV4.

State furloughs might be pushed back to July. Furloughs for thousands of state employees scheduled to begin Jan. 1 could be postponed until July if a COVID-19 funding bill moving through Congress provides Hawaii with millions of dollars in COVID-19 aid, taking some pressure off of an already strained state budget. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers React to Governor Ige's Budget Proposal. Anticipating a $1.4 billion per year shortfall over the next two years, Governor David Ige is proposing a $15 billion per year budget to the State Legislature. KITV4.

Gov. Ige Announces Proposed Budget Cuts. Governor David Ige has released his proposed state budget for lawmakers to consider in the 2021 legislative session. Ige says the two year spending plan reflects the difficult decisions forced on the state by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige eyes steep budget cuts to avoid furloughs. Gov. David Ige’s proposed budget for the next two years recommends sharp cuts to state programs in order to make up for a $1.4 billion shortfall over each of the next four years. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Unveils Budget Calling For “Sudden, Sharp Reductions”. Governor David Ige held a news conference today, unveiling his Fiscal Biennium Budget 2021-23 to the public. The spending plan includes reductions in both the operating and capital improvements program budgets in the next two fiscal years, as the state anticipates a $1.4 billion shortfall each year of this two-year period. Big Island Video News.

Governor Ige’s Biennium Budget 2021-23 Reflects “Sudden, Sharp Reductions”. Governor David Ige today unveiled his Fiscal Biennium Budget 2021-23 which includes reductions in both the operating and capital improvements program budgets in the next two fiscal years. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige's 167-page budget in brief can be found here.

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Ige is ‘hopeful’ federal relief will help to defer or reduce planned furloughs. The governor said Monday he is “hopeful” that a federal coronavirus relief package that could send as much as $1.7 billion in aid to Hawaii will help to defer or reduce planned furloughs of most state government workers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii To Get Millions To Help With Rent Relief, Vaccine Distribution And More. The bill includes millions for unemployment assistance, child care, education and other programs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii could get $2.5B in federal relief funds. The massive $900 billion coronavirus pandemic relief bill passed Monday by Congress includes at least $1.7 billion in Hawaii funding that U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said is not enough, but is temporary help in the current crisis. Star-Advertiser.

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Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives In Hawaii. Half of the 12,000 doses in the state’s first shipment from the drug company will be distributed to neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

More doses of coronavirus vaccines arrive in Hawaii, many slated for neighbor islands. Hawaii received nearly 30,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine today, as neighbor island hospitals began immunizing health care workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gets 12,000 doses of newly-approved Moderna vaccine. The state Health Department said Oahu got 6,000 doses, while Maui, Hawaii and Kauai counties each received 2,000 doses. Hawaii News Now.

CVS pharmacists to launch mass COVID-19 vaccination effort at Hawaii care homes. Next Monday, Longs Drugs pharmacists will embark on an effort to vaccinate thousands of residents in Hawaii’s long-term care facilities for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 21: 134 New COVID-19 Cases. The new cases included 104 on Oahu, 13 on the Big Island, 14 on Maui, one on Kauai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu inmate infections to be removed from Oahu’s reopening metrics, Caldwell says. Oahu inmate infections will be subtracted from seven-day average case counts beginning Thursday to avoid snapping back to the more-restrictive Tier 1 of the city’s economic re-opening plan, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Inmates who get COVID-19 will no longer be added to Oahu’s daily case count. Inmates on Oahu who get COVID-19 will no longer be included in daily case counts as part of a bid to prevent the island for “snapping back” to Tier 1. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu inmates will no longer be counted in City’s COVID-19 tier count, says Mayor Caldwell. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the City will begin to remove inmate positive cases from the tier count in hopes to help Oahu moves ahead with more reopenings. KHON2.

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Hawaiian Homes Commission Airs Concerns Over Kapolei Casino Proposal. The commission will decide whether to send the proposal to the Legislature at a meeting on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

State lawmaker, tourism expert oppose DHHL casino in Kapolei. A plan to build Hawaii’s first casino is moving forward despite push back from some lawmakers. KHON2.

Kapolei casino seen as key to land trust’s future. Given the severe budget deficits expected by the state over the next several years, a plan to develop a West Oahu casino is key to avoiding the prospect of more Native Hawaiians waiting decades for homesteads and thousands dying without getting onto the land, according to an executive with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL Pushes For Casino Gaming On Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL is proposing a single, integrated resort property in Kapolei, Oʻahu on lands already designated for commercial use. Big Island Video News.

Police Commissioner: HPD Surveillance Of Medical Examiner ‘Raises Some Red Flags’. Honolulu Police Commission Chairwoman Shannon Alivado says Chief Susan Ballard must answer some tough questions about a 2019 operation that stemmed from a complaint from the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lava flows again inside Halemaumau Crater atop Kilauea Volcano. Flowing lava, the main draw of Hawaii’s historically most popular visitor attraction, reappeared Sunday night at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park after a more than two-year absence and produced a steamy show attracting crowds through Monday in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

First Kilauea eruption since 2018 draws hundreds of onlookers to HVNP. Hundreds of people visited the park throughout the day on Monday to see the huge plume after two years of inactivity. Tribune-Herald.

How To Safely View New Eruption In Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The National Park Service says all areas open to the public before the new eruption started remain open, but urge visitors to take certain precautions. Big Island Video News.

HVNP Remains Open Amid New Eruption at Kīlauea Summit. Volcanoes National Park has remained open since the eruption at Kīlauea Volcano Sunday evening. Big Island Now.

Eruption at Halemaumau Crater stabilizes, but lava lake continues to grow. An eruption that started Sunday night at Kilauea’s Halemaumau Crater has stabilized — at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Mitch Roth reacts to Kilauea eruption as he begins his third week in office. According to Roth, the main concern right now is the added attraction on the island during the pandemic. KITV4.

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Hawaii gets vaccine shipment. Hawaii received its first shipment of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Real estate boom: West Hawaii real estate sales reach 15-year high. Driven by a surge in demand for residential homes, property sales in Kona reached a 15-year high in October and November, marking a significant rebound from a pandemic-induced lull that started in April. According to statistics compiled by Kona Realtor Gretchen Osgood, sales are up 59% over last year’s combined October-November totals. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Considers Banning Pedestrians On Road To Waipio Valley. Opponents say closing the road would prevent people from using public lands. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Woman Arrested for Alleged Violation of Mask Mandate. Maria Maither, 56, of Nāpili was arrested at around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Complaints relayed that Maither and other employees at a business, located at 5095 Nāpilihau Street were not complying with Hawaiʻi’s statewide mask mandate. Maui Now.

Affordable apartment project breaks ground. Lahaina’s 89-unit Kaiaulu O Kupuohi slated for a May 2022 completion. Maui News.

Report: Maui homes snapped up last month. Median hits $800K or more for fourth time this year. Maui News.

Kauai

Doctors receive first COVID-19 vaccines on Kaua‘i. Vaccine distribution has started on Kaua‘i with the first supply arriving on island Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i’s food banks get help from the community. Garden Island.

Bickering shuts down meeting on reopening Hawaii economy, Caldwell signs new Honolulu energy code revision, Big Island raises taxes for luxury homes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

DBEDT and Senate committee communication shuts down amid allegations of bullying, harassment. A briefing on how to reopen Hawaii’s economy was canceled today due to an evolving spat between some members of the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 and the head of the state Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Bullying Feud Again Thwarts Senate Hearing On Hawaii Economy. Mike McCartney says senators have intimidated his staff. Civil Beat.

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Budget Chief: Deep Cuts Loom For The University of Hawaii. The extent of financial woes won’t be clear for another eight weeks when fall classes start and enrollment numbers are in. Civil Beat.

Parents, teachers weigh in on reopening Hawaii’s public schools. School officials are seeking input from parents, teachers and staff as they make plans to reopen schools for the fall semester, but it’s clear that whatever path they choose will face resistance. Star-Advertiser.

Environmental groups say personal protective equipment winding up in ocean. When PPE is discarded in public, it ends up clogging drains and washing into the ocean, which can affect marine wildlife. KHON2.

Disinfecting Dry Fog Used At Hawaii Correctional Facilities. The Department of Public Safety is sharing video that shows how a "revolutionary dry fog sanitation" is being implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii reports 2 new COVID-19 cases, bringing statewide total to 655. One of the cases is an Oahu resident while the other is a resident diagnosed out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs watered-down Energy Code revision, changes to affordable rental law. Builders will need to set aside a certain number of parking stalls to accommodate the charging of electrical vehicles under a bill signed into law Thursday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell that revamps the city Energy Code. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor signs bills aimed at bolstering access to solar, EV charging stations. Bill 25 requires every new home that’s built from now on to be photovoltaic-ready so the homeowner can easily install panels if and when they decide to. Hawaii News Now.

HART Has Spent Millions On Rail Design Work That May Not Be Used. The issue arose at Thursday’s board meeting as members grappled with the latest round of cost increases. Civil Beat.

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Gyms, theaters and bars among many businesses on Oahu allowed to reopen. Gyms, movie theaters and bars are among the businesses on Oahu that will be allowed to reopen this month per a city order representing a major leap to reopening the city’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. approves Honolulu Mayor’s request to open almost everything in June, bars included. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he’s sent a request to the Governor seeking to reopen just about everything else that remains shut down. KHON2.

Oahu restaurants today open tables while following social distancing rules. As Honolulu restaurants reopen today for dining in, those that can may use creative outdoor seating to allow for more customers, and hence more revenue. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu driver licensing centers are open, but by appointment only. Honolulu licensing centers are reopened and welcoming customers back, but one thing that’s not returning: Walking in and waiting. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s film, television industry given green light to resume on June 5. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that Oahu’s film and television industry will be able reopen for production and for on-location filming on June 5. KHON2.

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Honolulu Zoo opening its doors to the public with limited hours. The Honolulu Zoo reopens today on a smaller scale and with limited hours in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Zoo is reopening with safety measures for the visitors (and the animals). The Honolulu Zoo is set to reopen Friday with new safety measures in place to protect more than just the visitors. Hawaii News Now.

Adjusted visitor experience to be expected as Honolulu Zoo reopens Friday. For parents who are wanting to get their kids out of the house, the Honolulu Zoo reopens Friday, June 5. KHON2.

Honolulu Zoo re-opens Friday after 11-week closure because of COVID-19. The experience will be different though, with new social distancing guidelines. KITV4.

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Mufi Hannemann wins mayoral endorsement of Teamsters 996, 3 other labor unions. Mufi Hannemann today won mayoral endorsements from four unions, including that of the labor organization that represents operators of city-sponsored TheBus and HandiVan operations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Taxes raised for luxury real estate. Taxes will increase for luxury real estate under a budget passed Thursday evening by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Kim ‘not surprised’ by unemployment numbers. A total of 31,712 new jobless claims were filed in Hawaii County between March 15 and May 30, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Tribune-Herald.

Planning commission approves permit for contentious cell tower. One of two contentious cell towers in Puna is back on the table after a meeting of the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

County Council Approves Additional Funding for Food Distribution Efforts. Hawai‘i County Council approved funding to support the continued food distribution efforts to keiki islandwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

High enterococci levels prompt advisory for waters near Niumalu Beach. The advisory was issued due to high levels of enterococci found in a sampling of ocean water from the Niumalu Beach area, the Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch reported. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Commercial watersports can resume only at state facilities. DLNR gives green light with restrictions. Maui News.

War Memorial parking lot work shows progress. It is scheduled to be completed Aug. 1 and to have 807 stalls, 40 more than it formerly had. Maui News.

Kauai

County hoping for $28 million in CARES Act funds. The county is poised to receive $28,715,551 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds as a sub-recipient of the $862,823,979 received by the state. Garden Island.

Patroling public restrooms. Kaua’i County modified its sanitation standards for its public restrooms, hoping to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Wallace G. Rezentes Jr. said. Garden Island.

Boating restrictions eased, Maui unemployment rate highest in nation at 35%, George Floyd protests continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sailboat off Keaukaha ©2020 All Hawaii News

Boating and water sports restrictions relaxed statewide. Boating and other water sports got the green light to expand activities with some restrictions Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii eases restrictions on number of people allowed on commercial, recreational boats. State officials said that up to 10 people may now be on a commercial or recreational boat at a time, effective immediately, due to the easing of emergency restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Boating Rules Relaxed and Commercial Water Sports Allowed To Reopen. Effective immediately, emergency restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic for commercial and recreational boating and ocean recreation are being relaxed statewide. Maui Now.

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Hawaii considering randomly testing passengers for COVID-19. One in every 20 passengers to Hawaii might be asked to take a random COVID-19 test if state leaders accept a plan being pushed by Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

Governor declines to set a date for reopening Hawaii tourism. Gov. David Ige declined to offer any specific timeline Wednesday for when tourism would be rebooted in Hawaii but said he has a plan to do it safely. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige talks rebuilding Hawaii. Governor David Ige says he is working with industry leaders to reboot our local economy. KHON2.

Governor Ige answers questions relating to the state's mandatory quarantine order for arrivals to Hawaii. Governor David Ige addressed a number of issues on Wednesday including removing restrictions. KITV4.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority searches for new chief amid tourism collapse. HTA President and CEO Chris Tatum has given the agency notice that he will retire on Aug. 31 after 40 years in the hospitality industry. Star-Advertiser.

HTA President And CEO Chris Tatum Stepping Down. The development comes as Hawaii is in the middle of a tourism catastrophe. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s Jobless Grow Desperate As Unemployment Approvals Lag. The state’s labor department is still trying to determine how many claims are left — and how long it will take to process them all. Civil Beat.

Statewide reopening strategy outlined online. Anyone interested in getting more detail on the State’s Beyond Recovery: Reopening Strategy, can now view the entire detailed strategy online. Garden Island.

Schools Chief Hopes To See Hawaii Elementary Schools Open By August. DOE also offered guidance on classroom safety protocols, including keeping students with the same staff all day and requiring masks outside the classroom. Civil Beat.

New sponsors sought as free meals for Hawaii kids drop for summer. Only 51 public schools statewide will offer free Grab-and-Go meals over the summer to children, far fewer than during the spring semester that was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis or even last summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii consumers, retailers favor cashless transactions to avoid infection. As more Hawaii businesses reopen, there is less cash being exchanged as consumers and retailers find ways to remain “contactless” amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

An airline merger will result in a new direct inter-island flight. Among the hardest hit industries in light of the pandemic here in Hawaii is the travel are aviation businesses. As a result, two small local airlines are joining forces. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii protest organizers: Racism ‘isn’t just a mainland problem’. Dozens of people rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with other Black Lives Matter demonstrations happening around the world. Hawaii News Now.

Protests in Hawaii over the killing of George Floyd continue. Hundreds in Honolulu protested again Wednesday in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Star-Advertiser.

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VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 3: 1 New COVID-19 Case On Oahu. The latest coronavirus case confirmed Wednesday was on Oahu. Civil Beat.

DOH Reports 1 New COVID-19 Case Statewide. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Police panel gives chief high marks, chides her on budget. The Honolulu Police Commission gave some high marks to Police Chief Susan Ballard in its 2019 performance evaluation released Wednesday in the areas of leadership, management, and communication and community relations. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Funds Cushion Blow Of Honolulu Budget Cuts. Honolulu City Council members approved a city operating budget on Wednesday that cut millions of dollars from the proposal Mayor Kirk Caldwell submitted before COVID-19 devastated the island’s economy. The City and County of Honolulu is in a solid financial position for now, according to the council budget chair. Civil Beat.

Plan for affordable housing in Kailua draws controversy. A plan to build a largely 4-story low-income rental apartment complex on the edge of a single-family neighborhood in Kailua is drawing community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Is On The Brink Of A New Political Era. “The whole nature of city politics will be transformed after November,” says political analyst Colin Moore. Civil Beat.

Study to test COVID-19 presence in city’s sewage system likely to be discontinued. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced the program last month as an added measure to detect an increase of infection. KHON2.

University of Hawaii ditching restrictions on Kalaeloa hangar to seek profit. The University of Hawaii, facing pressure to monetize some of its properties to offset its budget, plans to pay the U.S Department of Education $11.2 million to escape a requirement that it use the 105,000-square-foot Hangar 111 at Kalaeloa Airport for educational and research purposes only. Star-Advertiser.

Care Home Operators Deny DOH Allegations. Four people were issued an order by the health department to cease operations of two care homes in Kaneohe and fined $379,000. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Larger gatherings could be allowed by July. Managing Director Roy Takemoto appeared at Wednesday’s meeting of the County Council Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development to discuss upcoming plans and projects from the mayor’s office. Tribune-Herald.

$9.5M for new buses, operations heading to county. The federal government is giving Hawaii County money for 10 new buses, plus an extra $4.5 million for operations. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea Ave to get face-lift. Hawaii County opened contractor bidding for a project to improve a nearly 3-mile stretch of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Return to normalcy: Lifting of interisland quarantine brings optimism for Hawaii businesses. For months, Hawaii residents have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of the kamaaina economy; with the mandatory 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers scheduled to be lifted on June 16, local businesses are preparing for a boost. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo customer says he was surprised by service charge added to his dine-in restaurant bill. As restaurants reopen this week on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, one in Hilo caught one of its first customers off guard when they saw their bill.  KITV4.

Maui

Hāna Highway Checkpoint Extension OK’d, East Maui Traffic Management Plan Discussed. Traffic management plans into and out of East Maui were discussed during an evening Zoom meeting hosted by state Senator J. Kalani English on Tuesday night. Maui Now.

Mayor: E. Maui isolation to remain until people feel safe. Roadblock down temporarily but will go up again. Maui News.

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Unemployment rate in Maui metro area highest in the nation at 35%. The unemployment rate in the population centers that include Kahului, Wailuku and Lahaina was 35% in April, the highest for any metropolitan area in the nation, according to a newly-released analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hawaii News Now.

More muted candidate filing deadline passes. High-profile rematches in council, state Legislature set. Maui News.

Pared height urged for Hotel Wailuku. Members of the Maui County Urban Design Review Board on Tuesday made recommendations on the proposed Hotel Wailuku, including scaling back the hotel from six to four stories and revisiting traffic flow and the parking location. Maui News.

Maui Crime Over 10 Years: Violent Crime Up 52%; Property Crime Down 20%. The state’s Uniform Crime Report for 2019 has been released, showing a double digit decrease in index crimes in Maui County over the past decade. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council passes upcoming year’s budget. About a month after Mayor Derek Kawakami submitted a supplemental fiscal year 2020-2021 budget, the Kaua‘i County Council accepted a $250,745,757 Operating Budget and a Capital Improvement Project Budget of $33,642,237 on Wednesday. But it wasn’t without a lengthy discussion regarding feral cat control. Garden Island.

Peaceful in Lihu‘e. More than a hundred people gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Department of Motor Vehicles in the Lihu‘e Civic Center to advocate for Black Lives Matter. Garden Island.

Broken cable causes internet outages. Many Kaua‘i residents were without internet Wednesday as Spectrum responded to a broken land-based fiber-optic cable, according to a company spokesman. Garden Island.

National Guard to start screening passengers today, state and counties face tough budget choices, masks urged as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Staff Sgt. Joey Paulino, 154th Medical Group health services manager passes medical supplies to an awaiting civilian medical representative April 2, 2020, in Honolulu PC:U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Orlando Corpuz

Gov. Ige, lawmakers face grim budget scenario with tough choices ahead. It’s tough to plan ahead when the state economy is a shambles, but Gov. David Ige and state lawmakers will have to make tough spending and policy choices for next year, and they don’t have much time to make them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Arrivals Up Slightly Each of Last Two Days, Guardsmen to Hit Airports Monday. Mandatory 14-day, self-quarantine is required for all passengers arriving from out of state and also covers interisland travelers. Big Island Now.

Passenger screenings to start Monday at Honolulu, Hilo airports. The Hawaii National Guard detailed their plans to begin screening passenger at Hawaii airports. Hawaii News Now.

National Guard to assist at airports. Hawai‘i National Guard soldiers and airmen are supporting the state Department of Transportation with the medical screening of incoming and departing passengers as well as airline crew at five Hawai‘i airports, beginning today in Honolulu. Garden Island.

COVID-19 cases rise as visitor counts grow. COVID-19 cases went up again this weekend and visitors coming to Hawaii rose despite a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Cases Now At 371. The number of confirmed cases has more than doubled since last Sunday. Civil Beat.

Count At 371; Hawaii Guard To Help At Airports; 2nd Molokai Case; Uptick In Visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite lockdown, 94 tourists arrive in Hawaii on Friday. The Department of Tourism authority reports 628 people arrived in Hawaii airports on Friday. This includes 94 visitors and 239 residents. KITV4.

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Statewide total for COVID-19 cases now at 371; DOH reports 4th death. Sunday’s COVID-19 update shows 20 new cases in Hawaii. The state’s total is now at 371. Hawaii News Now.

20 new positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 371. There are 20 new positive COVID-19 cases in the state bringing the total to 371. KHON2.

Hawaii County reports no new COVID-19 cases Sunday; Hawaii National Guard to begin assisting at airports. While Hawaii County reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the statewide total of positive or presumptive coronavirus increased by 20 to 371, state health officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Total Now 371: 20 New Cases, Maui Total is 43. As of noon on Sunday, April 5, 2020, there are 371 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with 20 new cases. Of the total cases in Hawaiʻi, 6% have required hospitalization, and more than 80% were residents returning from other areas. Maui Now.

Mayor Harry Kim and governor David Ige both said that while cloth masks should be used, N-95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers who need them. Both Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim and Governor David Ige, in separate news releases, endorsed the voluntary use of facemasks today for use when in public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

Asymptomatic residents close to COVID-19 patients will soon get tested. On March 20, state Health Director Bruce Anderson was on PBS Insights where he talked about who the state tests for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

The Imprecise Science Of Predicting The Spread Of COVID-19. In Hawaii, the projected peak for coronavirus cases is in early May. But it’s a moving date, dependent on a complex set of factors. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Patients’ “Release From Isolation” Criteria Questioned, DOH Responds. Hilo senator Kai Kahele made an urgent request for clarification on the state's policy on discontinuation of home isolation, and he got a quick answer. Big Island Video News.

Isle mayors consider stricter safety measures. About two weeks into Gov. David Ige’s statewide “stay-at-home” emergency proclamation that has closed nonessential businesses and ordered residents to stay and work at home, residents have generally reduced their travel and maintained their distance from other people. Star-Advertiser.

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Survey: Most Of Us Are Staying Home During Virus Outbreak. The online survey aims to fill a critical need — finding out how and where the virus is spreading in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Nearly 25% in Hawaii fear having COVID-19 symptoms, survey shows. Nearly a quarter of Hawaii residents surveyed as part of a new COVID-19 tracking effort reported they had symptoms that could be the result of having the new coronavirus, according to data released today by the Pacific Urban Resilience Lab. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii commissioner urges health insurance during outbreak. The coronavirus pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to Hawaii businesses, including how to provide health insurance for employees when many have been forced to close down for an uncertain period of time. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Offers Free Coronavirus Treatment Through May. Out-of-pocket costs for health treatment related to the coronavirus are now free to all Kaiser Permanente members. Big Island Now.

Justice Delayed: Pandemic Puts Court Cases And Lives On Hold. One of many issues raised by the closures and delays is whether defendants will get legally required “speedy trials.” Civil Beat.

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Applications Open Today for $350 Billion in Small Business Loans. Applications for small business loans under the new federal CARES Act are being accepted starting today and ProService Hawaii says local companies should act quickly. Hawaii Business.

Hawaii small businesses are offered lifelines amid fight for survival. The Paycheck Protection Program offers small-business loans up to $10 million to primarily cover up to eight weeks of payroll expenses. The loans, which also can be used for mortgage, rent and utility expenses, can be completely forgiven. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Banks Start Rolling Out Relief To Small Firms. With some $350 billion to spread around, banks across the nation began taking applications from small businesses on Friday. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii loading up on guns, ammo amid coronavirus panic. 808 Gun Club owner Tom Tomimbang tells KITV4 he's seen a 400% increase in firearm sales in the last month. KITV4.

Patients Needing Cannabis Certification Left in Limbo by Executive Order. Hundreds of potential patients across Hawai‘i are asking how they can become certified to purchase medicinal marijuana while the state rests under the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic. The answer is — they can’t. Big Island Now.

Echoes of Spanish flu pandemic in Hawaii a century ago heard in coronavirus outbreak. The last time a major pandemic swept through the islands — a century ago — more than 2,300 people in Hawaii died from what was called the Spanish flu. Star-Advertiser.

What Can We Do With All Our Unrecyclable Plastic? Here are three innovative solutions to tackle the flood of plastic pollution that can never be recycled. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu police arrest 8 for violations of coronavirus emergency order. Eight people have been arrested since Thursday on suspicion of violating state or county states of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to police booking logs. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu To Get $91 Million For Transit During Coronavirus Outbreak. It’s not clear yet precisely how the city will spend those federal dollars. Officials say they’re still incurring costs, so it’s still too early to know. Civil Beat.

Farmers’ markets running under new rules, helping farmers. You probably already noticed the dramatic changes in shopping at grocery stores. Farmers’ Markets are also making modifications. KHON2.

City to resume work on controversial field in Waimanalo. After months of delays marked by protests and arrests, a controversial project to build a new multipurpose field will resume Monday at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwoods. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu sees increase in construction cranes, RLB report says. Honolulu was one of five cities in the United States to see an increase in construction cranes during the first quarter, thanks to high-rise mixed-use towers under construction in Honolulu from Kakaako to Waikiki, and the coronavirus will likely have a mixed effect on the construction industry, according to Rider Levett Bucknall’s crane index report. Pacific Business News.

Navy extends developer deadline for P3 project near Pearl Harbor. The Navy is seeking to develop 70 acres into a transit-oriented mixed-use development near the City and County of Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor rail station using a public-private partnership, and has extended the deadline for a request for information from private developers interested in the project. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County budget on the line: Chung calls for hiring freeze; Schatz to address council. There’s more uncertainty than certainty in the county budgeting process this year, as the administration and County Council try to get a handle on how much of the county’s dwindling revenue stream will be available to spend in the fiscal year that begins July 1. West Hawaii Today.

Reimbursement for TMT-related expenses back on the table. More than three months after rejecting a deal with the state to reimburse law enforcement costs relating to the months-long anti-Thirty Meter Telescope protests last year, the Hawaii County Council will discuss a new agreement next week. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo, Kona Locations Evaluated For Alternate Care Facilities Due To COVID-19. The U S. Army Corps of Engineers recently conducted five site assessments at various locations on the island of Hawaii for potential conversion to alternate care facilities. Big Island Video News.

New homeless camp springs up on lot cleared by county. A homeless camp that was dismantled late last year is being reassembled on the same downtown Hilo lot, to the consternation of its neighbors. Tribune-Herald.

County: Lava recovery not delayed by outbreak. Despite the massive global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the county’s ongoing recovery response to the 2018 Kilauea eruption is not expected to be delayed, officials say. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

South Maui beach patrols net MPD citations. Police issued three citations Saturday at a single beach in South Maui for violation of public health emergency rules. Maui News.

Paia confrontation over travel fears leaves visitors shaken. Trina Wade has been visiting Maui annually for the last 15 years. This year’s trip has been unlike any other, though. Her family of five was threatened in Paia by locals who were yelling at them to “go home” on Saturday. The locals ended up throwing their Jamba Juice at the rental car, she said. Maui News.


Kauai

These Small Sheds May Soon Shelter Quarantined Family Members. Residents of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands properties are eligible for the new program, which aims to alleviate overcrowding in many homes. Civil Beat.

Elderly volunteers staying at home due to COVID-19.  RSVP programs have been suspended since mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of volunteers and those they come in contact with. Garden Island.

Molokai


Maui County’s rural areas especially at risk for coronavirus, says lawmaker. Molokai racked up two positive COVID-19 cases in two days. And according to the area’s state senator, that shows how quickly the disease can spread in Hawaii’s more isolated rural areas. Hawaii News Now.

Second COVID-19 case confirmed on Molokai, Friendly Market Center to close for 14 days. Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino confirmed a second positive COVID-19 case on Molokai on April 4. KHON2.

Honolulu TSA worker tests positive for COVID-19, state mulls inter-island quarantine, some make masks, others buy guns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu TSA workers ©2020 All Hawaii News

TSA worker in Hawaii tests positive for COVID-19. A Transportation Security Administration worker at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii Interisland Travel Restrictions Next. Now that a 14-day self-quarantine is in effect for all arrivals to the State of Hawaiʻi, officials are going ahead with restrictions on interisland travel, too. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: Case Total Now At 175; State Plans Tighter Interisland Travel. The Hawaii emergency management agency says it is planning tighter restrictions on interisland travel after state senators called for quarantine requirements to be applied to travelers who arrive at interisland airports and small boat harbors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 175. Hawaii Department of Health officials said Sunday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 175, up 24 from 151 Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Cases Now At 175. The state reported 24 new cases since Saturday. About 8,100 tests have been conducted to date. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Cases Climb to 175 in Hawai‘i. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i jumped by 24 overnight, bringing the statewide total of positive test results up to 175. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases total 175; 24 new cases reported. The state reported 24 new cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 175. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases now total at 175, 49 have recovered. The State Department of Health announced 24 new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, bringing the state total to 175 on March 29. KHON2.

Doctors: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii communities at a wider scale than being reported. The medical professional community estimate there could be 800 to 1,000 unidentified cases statewide. KITV4.

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Suspension Of Hawaii’s Open Government Laws More Extreme Than Other States. Gov. David Ige has alarmed government watchdogs with his proclamations that shut the public out of public meetings and eliminates the release of public records. Civil Beat.

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Will Feds’ Relief Package Be Enough To Keep Hawaii’s Small Businesses Afloat? The package includes $377 billion for small businesses. Loan money spent on payroll and rent for the next two months doesn’t have to be paid back. Civil Beat.

Senator Schatz Releases Resource Guide For Small Businesses. The U.S. Senator from Hawaiʻi says the guide can help businesses access new funding and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Housing woes escalate. Close to 100,000 Hawaii residents lost work this month, and for many the fear of losing their home has also arisen or may not be far off. Star-Advertiser.

Many homeowners, tenants suffering from COVID fallout are eligible for federal relief. Homeowners with government-guaranteed mortgages who fall behind on their monthly payments because of the coronavirus pandemic can postpone their payments by up to a year, according U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners And Renters Could Benefit From Coronavirus Aid Package. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz released a new resource guide to help residents figure out if they qualify for mortgage deferrals and eviction protection. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii researchers identify drug that may help COVID-19 patients. Sleep-inducing drugs may be beneficial in treating patients infecting with COVID-19, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and colleagues in Wuhan, China. Star-Advertiser.

UH Researchers Need Your Help To Track COVID-19 In Hawaii. They’re looking to trace the spread of the disease in the community. Civil Beat.

Volunteers Step Up To Fill Shortage Of Protective Gear. Multiple health clinics and hospitals have reported they are running short on supplies and the community is responding. Civil Beat.

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While unemployment claims have skyrocketed, some essential businesses are looking to hire. Both Lowe’s and Securitas tell us they’ve been looking to hire workers before the pandemic started and that search continues. Both businesses say they’re looking to fill about 100 positions each. KHON2.

Securitas to hire 200 people amid Coronavirus outbreak. Security company Securitas says it is planning to hire 200 people to meet the increase demands it's getting. KITV4.

Businesses continue changing with growing coronavirus outbreak. As the growing COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily living in Hawaii, stores still open for business have also been forced to continue adjusting in response to government orders, the spread of the virus and changing customer habits. Star-Advertiser.

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Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Postponement of Hawaii dental appointments recommended during coronavirus outbreak.  Most dentist appointments for regular checkups and cleaning have been postponed during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.


DOE wants to modify graduation criteria. The state Department of Education is seeking approval from the state Board of Education to modify high-school graduation and commencement requirements under Board Policy 102-15 for the class of 2020. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Voters Asked to Update Signatures. Every registered voter in the state should be on the lookout for a signature capture card in their mailbox. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Axes Caldwell Budget Increases As Virus Concerns Grow. Items considered nonessential in the mayor’s budget were nixed and one member is proposing millions in new funding to tackle homelessness. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed except for essential business starting Monday. Access to Honolulu Hale will be limited to only those city employees and members of the public who are there on official business starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Once filled with visitors, Waikiki has turned into a ‘ghost town’. Prior to government crackdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19, Waikiki was the heartbeat of the state’s economy, contributing 6% to the state’s gross domestic product. Star-Advertiser.

Despite statewide restriction on mass gatherings, large groups continue to meet. Some people — both tourists and local — aren’t obeying the statewide order to avoid mass gatherings. And they’re not hiding it either. Hawaii News Now.

About 260 people screened in Waipahu as drive-thru coronavirus testing ramps up. About 260 people were tested Saturday for coronavirus at a drive-thru screening site at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex, one of two pop-up screening events this weekend on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism grinds to halt as virus restrictions tighten. Like many cities across the world, Honolulu came to an eerie standstill this weekend as officials implemented measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 confusion: County parks being evaluated for reopening. West Hawaii Today.

Even in Hilo, demand for guns, ammo soars. As people across the nation stocked up on toilet paper and cleaning supplies in preparation for the coronavirus lockdown, demand for guns and ammunition also spiked in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testing continues as virus case count rises. A second pop-up drive-through testing clinic for COVID-19 was set up at the Old Kona Airport Park on Saturday as the state’s number of presumptive or positive cases reached 151. West Hawaii Today.

Keep calm and sew on: Community comes together to make masks. Making cloth masks to help compensate for shortages at local hospitals and care homes is a burgeoning occupation for sewing circles and community huis, especially now that the governor issued a stay-at-home order to reduce casualties from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Working To Gather, Or Make, Needed Supplies. Medical logistics Airmen with Hawaii Air National Guard and PhD students UH Mānoa are working to keep Hawaiʻi healthcare workers supplied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui beach, outdoor activities clarified in ‘stay at home, work from home’ order. The County of Maui released Saturday afternoon supplemental guidance to the Public Health Emergency Rules that went into effect last Wednesday, mandating that people stay at home and work from home and shuttering nonessential businesses and activities to protect against coronavirus spread. Maui News.

Maui Ranks #2 in US of Areas by Share of Jobs in Industries at High Risk from COVID-19. A new study by Brookings Institution ranks the metro area of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina on Maui at number two in the nation by share of jobs in industries at high risk from COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 drive-through tests Monday; state spikes to 175 cases. Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will take place again Monday at War Memorial Gym parking lot, 700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku. People with respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with other ill individuals must call to make an appointment. Maui News.

Kula seamstress threads masks for first responders. More than 400 completed; some go to MPD. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric proposes ‘self build’ battery storage in Pulehu. Interactive hearing on Akaku April 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Virtual screenings. Kaua‘i nurse practitioner Marghee Maupin is offering COVID-19 screenings to patients with or without insurance, and is conducting virutal exams via online video platforms to consult with her patients. Garden Island.

The Kukui Grove Cinema in the heart of Lihue will close its doors for good. A cinema in the heart of Lihue will soon close its doors for good — an apparent business fatality of the COVID-19 crisis. Hawaii News Now.

State park fees going up, Native Hawaiian skulls returned from England, Caldwell seeks 5.1% budget increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snow atop Mauna Kea March 2, 2020. ©2020 All Hawaii News

Shower activity to slowly decrease as an upper level low moves north of the islands. KHON2.

BLNR approves parks fee increase proposal. Land Board members on Friday approved unanimously a State Parks proposal to increase an array of parks-related fees in an effort to increase revenue. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Lawmakers Hamstrung By Their Own Law On Special Funds. The auditor determined that none of the 63 special funds that legislators wanted to create this session met the high legal bar they set for themselves in 2013. Civil Beat.

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20 Native Hawaiian skulls are returned from England. Human remains taken from Hawaii in the name of science have been returned to the islands after more than a century in a museum in England. Star-Advertiser.

OHA, Hui Secure Return of 20 Iwi Kupuna. After a decade-long struggle, ancient Native Hawaiian remains housed in a foreign land have returned to Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

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How Prepared Are Hawaii Hospitals For Coronavirus? Past training for outbreaks such as Ebola have hospitals equipped to deal with infectious diseases like the new coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Leahi Hospital being considered for quarantines. State officials are considering using Leahi Hospital in Kaimuki to quarantine any people in Hawaii who contract the deadly new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Additional hospitals adding virus screening. Local hospitals are ramping up their screening for anyone who walks in the door to make sure they don’t spread any viruses. KHON2.

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Weather dampens statewide efforts to count whales. Hundreds of volunteers counted 191 humpback whales on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island over the weekend, but heavy rain and wind resulted in challenging sighting conditions. Star-Advertiser.

More whales than most. Despite the blustery weather, Kaua‘i island with just 11 sites operating, posted the most average number of whales viewed per 15-minute count period at 2.4 whales “counted”, Saturday during the Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count for February. Garden Island.

Pacific Media Group is moving into television. PMG has acquired the Paradise Television Network in a transaction that took effect on March 1, 2020, the company announced Monday. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell’s $2.8B budget calls for 5.1% increase. There is a relatively flat property tax picture on Oahu and a need to find $71 million to pay for the first half-year of rail operations as well as other increasing expenses. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Ethics Commission Scrubs Financial Disclosures From Website. The records are now only available for inspection at Honolulu Hale and officials are charging for copies — even if that’s just taking photos with your phone. Civil Beat.

City Seeks Comments On Proposed $3 Fare, Free Transfers Between Bus and Rail. The Honolulu transit fare review body wants to raise the price of a bus ride by 25 cents to $3, but provide free transfers between the rail and bus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Glider Tours Get Federal Scrutiny After Dillingham Airfield Crash. Officials are looking more closely at the use of towplanes to get gliders aloft. Civil Beat.

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COVID-19 keeps L.A. Clippers from returning to Hawaii and postpones FESTPAC. The Los Angeles Clippers, who played in Hawaii the last three years, won’t return to the islands this year due to uncertainty over the spreading coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

FESTPAC international festival has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns. The 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture — or FESTPAC — has been postponed due to concerns of the coronavirus. KHON2.

Pacific Arts Festival Postponed Over Coronavirus Concerns. Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture was planned for June but event organizers are putting it off as concern about COVID-19 grows. Civil Beat.

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Tents in Old Stadium Park offer temporary stay to the homeless. Honolulu officials said tents could be part of the solution in tackling homelessness on Oahu, the Old Stadium Park is the new location for the Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons or HONU that hopes to take hundreds off the street. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council reacts to mayor’s proposed budget. Nonprofit organizations are set to get a $1 million raise in Mayor Harry Kim’s proposed budget, but County Council members will see their individual contingency accounts shrink from $100,000 to $20,000 each. West Hawaii Today.

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TMT opponents ask Japan to end involvement with project. Protesters in opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea presented a letter to the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu urging the Japanese government to cease its involvement in the project. Tribune-Herald.

TMT opponents seek Japanese support as hiatus for telescope continues. As a pause in the Thirty Meter Telescope project at the summit of Mauna Kea continued, telescope opponents calling themselves kiai, or protectors of the mountain held sacred by many Native Hawaiians, took a break from their Big Island vigil to travel to Oahu on an outreach mission. Star-Advertiser.

TMT Opponents Visit Japan Consul, Refute Governor’s Claims. TMT opponents say there is no hoʻoponopono process taking place with Maunakea kiaʻi, and requested that Japan withdraw support for the planned observatory. Big Island Video News.

TMT opponents voice opposition outside of Japanese Consulate-General. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope took their message to the Japanese Consulate-General in Nuuanu Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Kea protectors ask Japanese government to stop supporting the Thirty Meter Telescope. Protectors of Mauna Kea -- or kia'i -- took their fight against the Thirty Meter Telescope to the Japanese government. KITV4.

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Five Big Island residents self-monitoring for COVID-19. The Big Islanders are among 91 across the state — including 83 on Oahu, two on Kauai and one Maui — keeping tabs for symptoms of the coronavirus that’s sickened more than 88,000 worldwide and killed more than 3,000, the vast majority in mainland China. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Iron Works Rezoning Requested. The property owners want to rezone the current Open zoning designation to an Industrial-Commercial Mixed Use, in order to maintain the existing uses and structures at the site. Big Island Video News.

Maui

As Maui Weighs Countywide Vacation Rental Ban, Molokaʻi Is Divided On Impacts. Molokaʻi may become the first island in Hawaiʻi where new short-term vacation rentals are banned and old ones phased out. Hawaii Public Radio.

Haleakala summit dusted with snow. Winter weather brings cold rain, winds to isle. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Residents Surprised, Disappointed After Councilman Brun's Arrest. The arrest on Thursday of Kauaʻi Council Member Arthur Brun has surprised and disappointed residents across the small island, while charges that he led a major drug ring selling methamphetamine has shaken the image of the tranquil, laid-back community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Organizations monitor COVID-19 spread. Kaua‘i officials said Monday there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Kaua‘i, but some on-island resorts say they’re starting to see cancellations, some people who work with the public are donning masks and there have been reports of busy lines at local stores. Garden Island.

Bills die as Hawaii Legislature nears crossover deadline, Hanabusa makes mayoral run official, state Supreme Court to hear Kahuku wind farm bat protection, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

What’s Likely Dead, What’s Still Alive As Hawaii Legislature Reaches Halfway Mark. As hundreds of bills get set to cross between the House and Senate, hundreds more are now likely dead this session. Civil Beat.

House Passes More Than 150 Bills on Third Reading. In advance of First Crossover next week, the House of Representatives on Friday passed more than 150 measures on third reading including bills on government ethics, highway safety, and public health. Maui Now.

New school facilities agency for Hawaii would dodge legal safeguards. A proposal to create a new state agency to build and renovate public schools is moving forward with broad backing at the Legislature despite concerns that the agency would be exempt from various safeguards in the law. Star-Advertiser.

Changes To Housing Omnibus Bill Axed. Senate Bill 3104 was restored to its original version and will go before the full Senate sometime next week. Leaders in the Legislature ensured a key component of their joint legislative package stayed intact Friday when a panel of senators removed amendments to an omnibus housing bill. Civil Beat.

Senate Passes Medical-Aid-in-Dying Measure. The Hawai‘i State Senate today overwhelmingly passed on third reading SB2582, SD1, authored by Senator Roz Baker (D-South and West Maui), which aims to improve access and options for terminally ill patients seeking medical-aid-in-dying. Maui Now.

Bill Would Exempt Taro Production From Income Tax. The cost of poi remains inaccessible to Hawaii families most in need of this staple starch, lawmakers say. Civil Beat.

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DLNR supervisor fined for using state equipment for private employers. A state watchdog agency has fined a Department of Land and Natural Resources supervisor $10,000 for violating the state ethics law. The Hawaii Ethics Commission said Patrick Chong Tim admitted to using state equipment and his position to benefit his private employers. Hawaii News Now.

As the race for the Democratic nomination heats up, ballots are already being mailed out in Hawaii- the first year Hawaii is moving from a caucus to a primary, which also means some confusion. Interim Democratic primary Chair Kate Stanley says there are only 65,000 registered Democrats on the books, much lower than the 276,000 who voted blue in 2018. KITV4.

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State must prepare to be hit hard by financial losses tied to coronavirus, legislative leaders say. Hawaii’s legislative leaders said Friday that they were preparing for the possibility that financial losses tied to the global coronavirus outbreak could dramatically impact the state’s budget, which depends heavily on tourism and imports. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii businesses prepare for possible coronavirus outbreak. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending that businesses prepare for the spread of coronavirus, some of Hawaii’s largest companies are drawing up their own plans. Star-Advertiser.

How Prepared Are Hawaii Hospitals For Coronavirus? Past training for outbreaks such as Ebola have hospitals equipped to deal with infectious diseases like the new coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kim Issues Emergency Proclamation To Prepare For COVID-19. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim on Friday issued an Emergency Proclamation “to increase preparedness for the possible arrival of Coronavirus in the State.” Big Island Video News.

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New federal rules could hurt immigrants and state economy. A federal rule that puts new limits on immigrants considered likely to become overly dependent on government benefit programs could end up costing Hawaii’s economy as much as $127 million, according to a recent analysis. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii added nearly 2,500 solar jobs in 2019, ranked 10th in growth, report says. Hawaii was No. 10 in a list of “Top 10” states with solar jobs growth in 2019, according to the latest report released by The Solar Foundation, a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Colleen Hanabusa officially joins Honolulu mayor’s race. Citing her long government experience, former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa on Saturday formally announced her candidacy for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Hanabusa officially launches campaign for Honolulu mayor. Former congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa launched her campaign for Honolulu mayor Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu prepares guidelines to register as B&B homes. The city Planning and Permitting Department is drafting rules to allow for the fall registration of new bed-and-breakfast homes, defined as rentals of less than 30 days where an owner or operator is present during the stay. Star-Advertiser.

Native bat could crinkle Kahuku Wind Farm Project plans. The Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge against the habitat conservation plan for the Na Pua Makani wind project. KHON2.

Officials and lawmakers grapple with Oahu’s eroding coastal highway. Emergency repairs are becoming increasingly necessary as climate change-driven sea level rise and erosion plague the 10-mile shoreline from Hauula to Kaaawa and undermine a highway that is now precariously close to the ocean’s edge. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki public parking lot sits empty due to discreet signage. Waikiki is notorious for its lack of parking, especially inexpensive parking — yet a city lot with 50 stalls in the heart of the tourist district is sitting empty. Star-Advertiser.

Fireworks at annual Honolulu Festival nixed amidst coronavirus concerns. Organizers of the 26th annual Honolulu Festival announced Friday that the popular Nagaoka Fireworks Show, one of the largest fireworks shows in the state, has been canceled amidst growing coronavirus concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Beach couple eager to fly home Monday after month-long quarantine. On Monday morning at 5 a.m. PST, an Ewa Beach couple will have their temperatures taken one last time before heading to San Francisco Airport and boarding their flight home to Honolulu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim asks for 6.9% increase in $625.9 million budget, Chung pushes $103 million bond issue for roads. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday released a $625.9 million operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a 6.9% increase over the current year. West Hawaii Today.

State is seeking information about those who provided support to TMT protesters. Lawyers for opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope filed a petition Friday seeking to reverse a January court decision that would allow the state attorney general to subpoena the financial records of a nonprofit providing funding for TMT protesters. Tribune-Herald.

Ethics Board seeks outside legal help over Maunakea access road. Jurisdictional issues over Maunakea access road and who has authority to police it were at the forefront Friday, during several hours of testimony to the county Board of Ethics. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Law Enforcement Ethics Debated In Hilo. The Hawaiʻi County Board of Ethics heard public testimony from both sides of the Thirty Meter Telescope issue on Friday. Big Island Video News.

Judge rejects Papa‘ikou Mill Beach condemnation suit. A judge has ruled in favor of the landowners in a condemnation lawsuit filed three years ago by the county that was aimed at acquiring a trail over private property that is the only existing land access to Papa‘ikou Mill Beach. Tribune-Herald.

Keaau Community Center construction pushed back. Long-gestating plans for a new youth center in Keaau will likely gestate some more as its planned start date gets pushed back. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County considers phasing out all short-term rentals. Public meeting to be held March 6. In the fight against illegal short-term rentals, the Maui County Planning Department is considering something other than tougher fines and customized software — phasing them out altogether. Maui News.

E-warrants cut down on DUI blood draw delays. System should get more accurate alcohol readings. Maui News.


Kauai

Demographic Shifts Pose Tremendous Risks For Kauai. The island’s population growth is largely a result of the island becoming home to more retirees. Civil Beat.

Embattled Kauai Councilman accused of using drugs to pay for sex, feds say. Federal prosecutors are raising startling new allegations that Kauai Councilmember Arthur Brun used drugs to pay for sex. The feds alleged that Brun is the kingpin of an extensive Kauai drug operation that included nearly a dozen couriers, enforcers and gun smugglers. Hawaii News Now.

Commentary: Arthur Brun should resign from County Council. The crimes detailed in the 29-page federal indictment of County Councilmember Arthur Brun describe an almost unfathomable betrayal of the public trust and a deeply troubling commentary on the personal damage that can be done by addiction. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokaʻi Farmers Get The Chance to Grow. About 50 residents/farmers gathered for the inaugural Ho’opili Nā Mahiʻai (Farmers Gathering) at the Lanikeha Community Center on Molokaʻi earlier this month. Maui Now.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe brush fire appears to be out after one-third of the island is burned. One week after flames were ignited on Kahoolawe, a large wildfire appears to have burned itself out with some help from heavy showers. Hawaii News Now.

Kaho'olawe wildfire burns a third of the island. The Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission lost several buildings, water catchment tanks, all-terrain vehicles, water crafts, irrigation supplies, restoration equipment, and planting materials in the fire. KITV4.