Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

More parents opt for home schooling, $25M in 'pivot' grants to spur business innovation, Safe Travels tourist tracking system falters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii classroom PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Just 1 in 10 public school students get daily in-person classes in Hawaii. Only 10% of public school students in Hawaii are receiving in-person instruction daily, with younger students getting the most time on campus, according to data released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaii Parents Are Pulling Their Kids From DOE To Home School. There was a 43% rise in requests to home school in the first three months of the 2020-21 school year in Hawaii compared with the entire 2019-20 school year, according to data provided by the DOE. Civil Beat.

Full distance learning unpopular with Oahu voters. Nearly half of Oahu voters believe schools in Hawaii should be giving students a mix of on-campus and online instruction, rather than full distance learning, according to the Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers updated on how schools are spending virus relief funds. Hawaii schools have received millions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, and state lawmakers on Tuesday were briefed about how those funds have so far been used. Tribune-Herald.

=====

State scrambles to address issues with website travelers use to upload COVID-19 test results. The extent of the problems with the site is unknown, but Lt. Gov. Josh Green acknowledged there are issues with Hawaii’s visitor application process. Hawaii News Now.

=====

$25 million in grants available to isle businesses, nonprofits. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday unveiled a $25 million program that will offer grants of up to $10,000 to reimburse costs or cover future expenses linked to the changes needed to cope with the new economy. Star-Advertiser.

New State Program Helps Businesses Adapt To A Changing Economy. A $25 million fund can be tapped for a range of business initiatives. Civil Beat.

State launches new $25M grant program to help small businesses. The Hawaii Business Pivot Grant program will fund 2,500 businesses and nonprofits (with fewer than 100 employees) with grants of up to $10,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i small businesses to get $25 million in grants to adjust to COVID-19-related marketplace changes. The State of Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, on Tuesday announced the launch of the Hawai‘i Business Pivot Grant program. KITV4.

Hawaii launches $25 million business grant program. Hawaii is launching a $25 million program to help ease the burden on companies that have shifted business models due to the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

New Grant Program to Help Hawai‘i Businesses. Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i is partnering with the state to launch the Hawai‘i Business Pivot Grant Program later this week. Big Island Now.

Relief for small businesses. The state, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i, Tuesday announced the launch of the Hawai‘i Business Pivot Grant program. Garden Island.

Survey: Hawaii businesses expect extreme economic hardship to continue through 2021. In a recent survey of 1,400 Hawaii businesses, about 30% said they won’t be able to pay any commercial rent for the rest of the year. And more than 80% expect their revenues to decline this year and next. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii Rent Assistance Program In Gridlock, Few Helped Thus Far. Using $100 million from the federal government, qualified renters are supposed to be eligible for up to $2,000 per month on Oahu and $1,500 on all other islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Questions raised about state’s contractor choice for new unemployment call center. The new call center set up to handle questions about unemployment claims in Hawaii is actually staffed by mainland workers from a private contractor. And that contractor ― Maximus ― has a bad reputation among unions. Hawaii News Now.

HLTA CEO says he expects about 95% of all hotels to reopened in Hawai'i by the end of 2020. By the end of the month Mufi Hannemann, CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, expects about 65% of Hawaii's hotels to be back in business. KITV4.

Hawaii aquaculture reached record sales of $83.2M last year. Farm-raised marine animal sales in Hawaii last year reached $83.2 million, breaking a record, a new federal report said. Hawaii News Now.

Domestic Violence Is On The Rise In Hawaii. Many of the domestic violence survivors reaching out for help have been Native Hawaiian. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 20: 91 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The COVID-19 cases recorded Tuesday included 61 on Oahu, 24 on Hawaii island, two on Maui and four cases among residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell sends order for second tier of economic reopening to Gov. David Ige for approval. Oahu gyms, personal care services and other activities will be able to resume on Thursday under Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s latest emergency order. Star-Advertiser.

Gyms, Arcades, Vacation Rentals Could Reopen Thursday. Those are among the business restrictions that could be lifted with Oahu’s move to Tier 2 of its reopening plan. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor sends order to move into Tier Two. Fitness centers are among the businesses that will be allowed to reopen in Honolulu’s Tier Two of its reopening strategy. KHON2.

Owners file suit over city’s rules that forced long-lasting bar, nightclub closures. The plaintiffs include the owner of Irish Rose and Anna O’Briens, which have already closed permanently. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Both Honolulu mayoral candidates say they won’t raise property taxes for rail. Whoever wins the race for Honolulu mayor will inherit the beleaguered rail project ― now estimated by HART to cost $10 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Most Oahu voters say Gov. David Ige could have handled COVID-19 outbreak better. The poll found that 30% of Oahu voters approved of Ige’s coronavirus response, while 57% disapproved and 13% were undecided. Star-Advertiser.

Small-business relief gets big chunk of Honolulu’s CARES funds. More than one-third of the city’s $387 million share of CARES Act funding is going to the Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


Interisland plan unveiled; Kim: Travelers can be tested before or after arrival and avoid quarantine. Interisland travelers to the Big Island will be able to avoid or cut short a two-week quarantine under a new rule by Mayor Harry Kim that goes into effect today. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Changes Inter-Island Travel Rules, Effective October 21. Mayor Harry Kim has signed an amendment and extension to his COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 12, which provides inter-island travelers to Hawai‘i Island with choices to avoid quarantine. Big Island Video News.

Interisland Travelers Can Now Avoid Quarantine Going To, From Big Island. Interisland travelers flying to and from the Big Island can now dodge two weeks in quarantine by following standard protocol announced by Hawai‘i County Tuesday. Big Island Now.

After false positives, Hawaii County considers nixing post-arrival test for travelers. Nine travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 in post-arrival screening on the Big Island turned out not to be infected with the virus. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Most CARES money distributed: Island families and businesses take advantage of federal relief funds. More than 1,540 Hawaii Island businesses and nonprofit organizations have received an average $8,961 in government assistance, 812 families have received an average $4,415 to help with their rent and mortgages and 115,581 individuals have received food so far under programs paid by federal coronavirus relief funds. West Hawaii Today.

COVID Cluster Identified in Ocean View. A cluster of COVID-19 cases was identified during a drive-through testing clinic in Ocean View over the weekend. Out of the 74 people tested, 19 were found positive for coronavirus. Big Island Now.

Maui

Fifth Community Budget Meeting for FY 2022 Set for Oct. 21. The fifth of six community budget meetings for fiscal year 2020, hosted by Mayor Michael Victorino and his administration, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 starting at 5:30 p.m. Maui Now.

About 23 percent of ballots already cast. About 21,000 general election ballots, or 23 percent, have already been cast as of Saturday, the Maui County Clerk’s Office said early Monday afternoon. Maui News.

Voters weigh in on more than just candidates. Ballot includes seven charter amendments. Maui News.

Maui County Travel Update: 2,447 Average Daily Arrivals Over First Four Days Since Reopening. Maui County saw average daily arrivals jump to 2,447 in the first four days since the state launched its pre-travel COVID-19 testing program on Oct. 15. Maui Now.

Kauai

The stones are falling. Shoreline erosion is slowly claiming the parking area located at the foot of the Bryan J. Baptiste Bridge along Kuhio Highway at the mouth of the Wailua River. Garden Island.

New skatepark opened. Located in front of the county’s recently-painted Holua mural on the east-facing wall of the Lihu‘e Civic Center’s Pi‘ikoi Building, the skatepark was installed earlier in October through efforts coordinated by the county and community volunteers. Garden Island.

Lanai

4 coronavirus cases reported on Lanai, the first confirmed infections on the island. The state said it was informed of the positive test results Tuesday and is conducting contact tracing. Hawaii News Now.

State confirms four positive COVID-19 cases among Lanai residents. Initial findings have determined that three of the individuals work at the same location and are exhibiting symptoms. The fourth individual is a health care worker who does not provide direct patient care. Star-Advertiser.

4 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed On Lanai. At least one of the people diagnosed is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling. Civil Beat.

Four Confirmed COVID-19 Cases on Lāna‘i.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Maui District Health Office has confirmed four cases of COVID-19 in residents on the island of Lāna‘i. Maui Now.

Lanai records first COVID-19 cases as counties look to improve pre-travel testing program. KHON2.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Hawaii PPP recipients include Trump hotel, hospitals, newspapers; police reform bill passes Legislature; Ige warns of financial crisis, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyrihgt 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Trump hotel in Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News
Trump Hotel In Waikiki Received Millions From Small Business Bailout. While President Donald Trump doesn’t own the property, he does license his name to the California company that does. Civil Beat.

Over 3,000 Hawaii PPP loan recipients named in transparency effort. A jewelry store chain, two hospitals and a private school are among the biggest Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients in Hawaii, according to data released Monday. A condominium-hotel tower in Waikiki affiliated with President Donald Trump also has benefited from the program, the data shows. Star-Advertiser.

These Hawaii Businesses Got Federal Loans During The Pandemic. The U.S. government finally released the names of companies participating in federal coronavirus relief programs after months of obfuscation. Civil Beat.

Federal loans helped keep thousands of Hawaii businesses afloat during pandemic. More than 24,000 Hawaii-based businesses and non-profit organizations applied for federal loans to help keep employees paid during the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on Monday. Hawaii News Now.


Explore the SBA data on businesses that received PPP loans. Washington Post.

=====

Does Hawaii Have A Grip On COVID-19? Health officials are expressing concern over a recent spike in cases, but say Hawaii has the capacity it needs to scale back the travel quarantine. Civil Beat.

Surge in cases elsewhere forcing state leaders to reassess reopening plan set for Aug. 1. Hawaii is still planning on allowing tourists without a mandatory quarantine on August 1, provided they get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of landing and that test is negative. But Governor David Ige admitted in a press conference Monday afternoon that the surge in cases from other states is concerning. Hawaii News Now.

Ige outlines features of new financial plan to cope with COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the looming financial challenges, Ige said the state is seeking a loan from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, implemented a hiring freeze, is working with state agencies on possible reductions and wants to stop non-personnel expenditures. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s state government is facing a ‘financial crisis’. Hawaii’s state government is facing a $2.3 billion loss in revenue over the next two fiscal years as it prepares to invite trans-Pacific travelers back to the islands Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

State facing $2.3B in lost tax revenue due to coronavirus pandemic. The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hawaii is beginning to come into focus, Gov. David Ige said Monday ― and the picture isn’t pretty. Hawaii News Now.

State facing massive projected budget shortfalls, increasing to $6.4 billion in 2026.  Governor David Ige warned the state of Hawaii Monday that there is a budget shortfall of $2.3 billion looming in the fiscal year 2021, but projections forward are more daunting. KHON2.

Governor Warns Of Future Financial Challenges. Hawaiʻi revenues are expected to drop by $2.3 billion in fiscal years 2020-21, says the Council of Revenues, forcing the State to consider potential cuts. Big Island Video News.

‘Looming Financial Crisis’ Ahead for Hawai‘i as Tax Revenues Plummet. The Council on Revenues predicts Hawai‘i will lose out on $2.3 billion in tax revenues over the next 12 to 15 months. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige Outlines How COVID-19 Has Impacted the State’s Finances. During the pandemic more than 200,000 residents lost their jobs and filed for unemployment. Maui Now.

=====

Police reform bill passes; law would require county departments to disclose identity of an officer upon suspension. The Legislature passed a police reform bill Monday that would make public the identities of police officers who have been suspended or discharged, putting them on equal footing with other public agency employees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature Removes Police Exemption For Misconduct Cases. The bill now goes to Gov. David Ige who can approve it, veto it or let it become law without his signature. Civil Beat.

Police accountability bill headed to Ige’s desk. A bill that would identify fired or suspended county police officers is headed to Gov. David Ige’s desk. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Hawaii Senate committee rejects Gov. Ige’s pick for state director of finance. The Senate Ways and Means Committee this morning voted to reject the appointment of state Director of Finance Craig Hirai, the second time in a week that one of Gov. David Ige’s cabinet appointments has been jeopardized by Senate push-back. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee recommends rejection of Ige’s BLNR nominee. A state Senate committee voted Monday to recommend against confirming Gov. David Ige’s nominee to represent Hawaii Island on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Substitute teachers’ unemployment benefits in limbo in Hawaii. When public schools shut down in Hawaii in March, substitute teachers were able to file for unemployment insurance, but that money stopped flowing in June. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates: Lack Of Interpreter Services At Unemployment Office Is Illegal. Immigrants and people who don’t speak English have had a hard time accessing unemployment benefits. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 clusters form after people skip masks, distance. State health officials said Monday that recent clusters of the coronavirus detected in Hawaii have been associated with people not wearing masks and not social distancing. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Updates: 7 New COVID-19 Cases; Mayor Says Spike In Oahu Cases 'Concerning'. The state's total case count now stands at 1,030 with 19 deaths. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Monday, July 6. One new case of COVID-19 was reported on Hawaiʻi Island at noon on Monday, part of the 7 new cases reported statewide. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Warnings, citations given on Oahu for face mask violations.  On Oahu, Honolulu Police tells us from July 3-5 it has issued 108 warnings and 2 citations for face mask violations. KHON2.

Local security companies say they're being asked to help enforce COVID-19 guidelines. Star Protection Agency and Securitas tell KITV4 that they're being asked to help make sure customers wear face masks and follow other guidelines issued by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. KITV4.

Gyms battle germs as officials consider rollbacks of high-risk businesses. There’s a cluster of 9 coronavirus cases that has been linked to an unnamed but temporarily closed Oahu gym, and Governor Ige said Monday that gyms may be the type of business that could shut down down again if positive tests continue to rise. Hawaii News Now.

Judge blocks auction of Abigail Kawananakoa’s belongings. An auction of 94-year-old Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa’s belongings can’t go forward until a conservator is named to handle her finances, a judge ruled Monday. Associated Press.

Punahou School prepares to welcome back students on-campus in August. Due to COVID-19, instruction went online back in March and it has remained that way during the summer. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Plea deal still on table in alleged child starvation. A plea deal is still in the works for a 52-year-old Hilo man accused of starving his 9-year-old daughter to death more than four years ago. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Dairy milks any business it can get. As sales decline during pandemic, Surfing Goat Dairy fights to stay afloat. Maui News.

Kanaha Hotel opening pushed back a year. Public meeting to be held on formerly named Windward Hotel. Maui News.

Kauai

Newest cases travel related. Two new positive cases of COVID-19 were announced by the Kaua‘i District Health Office on Monday, bringing the cumulative total to 42 cases, with the number. Garden Island.

New life for Alekoko Fishpond. For the first time in over half a century, The Alekoko Fishpond is clear of adult mangrove. Garden Island.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

U.S. Justice Department challenges Hawaii's traveler quarantine, $70M in public worker raises despite economic shutdown, police reform back at Legislature, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands.

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu airport in pre-COVID days ©2020 All Hawaii News
Justice Department Says Ige's Quarantine Order Likely Discriminates Against Out-Of-State Travelers. The Department of Justice is backing a lawsuit filed by Mainland residents who are challenging the constitutionality of Gov. David Ige's mandatory 14-day quarantine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Justice Department urges Gov. David Ige to lift out-of-state quarantine. The U.S. Department of Justice is the newest powerful interest pressuring Gov. David Ige to reopen Hawaii’s out-of-state tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Justice Department Files Statement Challenging Constitutionality of Hawai‘i Governor’s COVID-19 Order. The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in Hawaiʻi federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by residents of Nevada and California who own property in Hawaiʻi challenging a measure by Governor David Ige in response to COVID 19 that mandates a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals entering Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

DOJ supports legal challenges to Gov. Ige’s traveler quarantine.  Legal challenges are surfacing against Gov. David Ige’s mandatory traveler quarantine. The U.S. Justice Department says the quarantine — which remains in place for out-of-state and international travelers — is discriminatory against non-residents. Hawaii News Now.

=====

State plans to have out-of-state visitors test before departing or quarantine when they arrive. As the state gears up to restart the tourism industry, visitors will be required to get tested or they have to go on 14-day quarantine when they arrive. KHON2.

Face Scanners At Hawaii Airports Are ‘Terrifying,’ ACLU Says. A DOT spokesman says the pilot program isn’t technology from “spy movies,” but a civil rights group argues it is mass surveillance. Civil Beat.

Civil Rights Watchdog Raises Constitutional Issues With Plan To Use Facial Recognition On Travelers. The ACLU of Hawaii sent a letter to state officials on Monday saying the group has serious privacy and civil rights concerns over the planned use of facial recognition in state airports. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Amid a pandemic, lawmakers give preliminary approval to public-worker raises. House and Senate negotiators gave tentative approval Tuesday afternoon to a bill that includes more than $70 million for raises for public workers, a step that could turn out to be politically perilous during a pandemic in which thousands of private-sector workers have lost their jobs. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Bill requiring identification of disciplined officers advancing. State lawmakers are a step closer to passing a bill that would require the names of disciplined police officers to be disclosed publicly like other government employees. Star-Advertiser.

Police accountability bill back on the table. A measure to disclose the names of officers discharged or suspended from a county police department is back on the table. West Hawaii Today.

State Legislature taking up several coronavirus-related measures after reconvening. A bill that would allow the state Department of Health to impose quarantines without an emergency proclamation by the governor is one of several COVID-19-related bills introduced in the state Legislature this week. Tribune-Herald.

COVID funds, Young Brothers bailout up for debate on Oahu. Lawmakers review final bills before adjourning July 10. Maui News.

Lawmakers to discuss financial bailout for inter-island shipping company. A move to bail out Young Brothers could mean bringing in a new shipping provider. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers call on state to give all 14,000 seniors at Hawaii care homes a COVID-19 test. Lawmakers are calling on the state to test all 14,000 kupuna in the thousands of nursing and care homes across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii urges Ige to create a ‘definitive plan’ for reopening transpacific travel. On Tuesday, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii delivered a petition to Gov. David Ige with more than 1,000 signatures in support of reopening the tourism economy and other measures to help local businesses. Pacific Business News.

Businesses ‘fighting for survival’ as Hawaii visitor arrivals fall below 400 for 2nd straight day. The state lifted the interisland passenger quarantine on June 16, but the relaxing of regulations has only been of limited benefit to Hawaii’s visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Shutdown of female work furlough program could be temporary. The state Department of Public Safety said a planned shutdown of a program for furloughed female prisoners working to reenter society is temporary because of expected COVID-19-related budget cuts. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Activists Turn Into Candidates For The 2020 Elections. An apparent increase in the number of Native Hawaiian candidates in 2020 features many young people involved with resistance movements like the Mauna Kea protests. Civil Beat.

Ocean Voyages Institute hauls in record 103 tons of trash from Pacific Ocean. The Ocean Voyages Institute this morning pulled into Pier 29 in Honolulu with more than 100 tons of marine trash hauled from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, mission completed despite the ongoing pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Paralympian dies 60 days into solo row journey from L.A. to Honolulu. A transpacific journey has ended in heartbreak for loved ones of three-time paralympian and Marine Veteran Angela Madsen. Hawaii News Now.

=====

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 23: 3 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. All the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 3 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 819. The  new cases were all on Oahu Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

20 Years Of Honolulu Police Misconduct Summaries Document Serious Bad Behavior. Secrecy has long masked serious incidents of misconduct and outright corruption within the ranks of the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Honolulu mayor supports state bill calling for police reform. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said he supports a state bill calling for police reform. KITV4.

Trump International Hotel latest in list of hotels extending furloughs for hotel workers. More workers in the hotel industry are facing layoffs and extended furloughs. KHON2.

More popular Pearl Harbor attractions set to reopen after 3 months. Two popular tourist attractions are reopening Wednesday morning at Pearl Harbor. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial are set to welcome guests back under new social distancing guidelines and other CDC recommendations. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Honolulu’s city halls are getting ready for more in-person transactions. Satellite City Halls on Oahu will start reopening for regular services on July 1. Walk-ins aren’t allowed, and appointments will be required. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu satellite city halls reopen by appointment only. Satellite city halls across Oahu will start reopening Wednesday, July 1. KHON2.

Satellite city halls to begin reopening for in-person services on July 1. Satellite city halls on O'ahu will start reopening for in-person services on July 1. In-person services will be by appointment only. KITV4.

=====

Outdoor dining buying more time for Hawaii restaurants to stay in business. The Hawaii Restaurant Association says the city’s sidewalk permitting can be tough because there has to be ample space. KHON2.

Honolulu liquor license applicants can get extensions to pay fee. Honolulu businesses still deciding whether or not to renew their liquor license could get an extension to pay the fee, but they must submit a renewal application by Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Two O'ahu Catholic schools will shut down at the end of the month. Financial concerns during the COVID-19 crisis are the reason for the closures. KITV4.

Dispute between state, ride-hailing companies delays unemployment payments for drivers. Navigating the maze of unemployment has been frustrating but for ride-hailing drivers it’s been especially confusing as Uber and Lyft battle with the state over their status. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hapuna lifeguards, EMS on the state chopping block. Some $6 million in state funding for lifeguards, emergency medical services and ambulances is on the chopping block, forcing Hawaii County to look for ways to cover expenses out of its own tight budget, which already had to be balanced by raising taxes on luxury homes. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Mayor says to keep county COVID-free, he had to make tough decisions that came with consequences. Records will show the island of Hawaii was the first to declare a state of emergency. I’ve said it a thousand times. I’d rather people criticize me for overreacting, than criticize me for “under reacting,” said Kim. KHON2.

Program helps families who receive free, reduced-price school meals. More than 20,000 Big Island students could receive food assistance thanks to the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai’i County Expands Emergency Loan Eligibility. Hawai’i County has relaxed eligibility requirements for emergency personal loans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Update On Young Brothers Shipping Containers Lost Off Hilo. The effort to locate and salvage multiple, 40-foot shipping containers that fell overboard near Hilo Harbor continued today. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor: Only 30 to 35% of businesses have reopened. ‘We’re not at a very good state’ right now, says Victorino. Maui News.

Police routines returning to normal as COVID-19 wanes. Virus-related rules enforcement, activity cost about $1M in OT a month, 12-hour shifts. Maui News.

Maui expands affordable housing inventory at critical time. Construction was recently completed on the 120-unit Kaiwahine Village community in Kihei, where advertised monthly rent was as low as $510 for two-­bedroom apartments and $571 for three-bedroom residences. Star-Advertiser.

Housing Rental Assistance Available for Maui Residents Impacted by COVID-19. The County of Maui reminds residents that rental assistance may be available to those who have lost their job or have reduced income by more than 25% as a direct result of COVID-19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Eight individuals in isolation. Kaua‘i health officials have identified no new positive cases after testing a large number of contacts of Kaua‘i COVID-19 cases over the weekend. Garden Island.

Malama Kaua‘i: Connecting farmers to the community. In April and May, Malama Kaua‘i helped deliver 6,000 bags of local produce to families in need. The money from those purchases went to local farmers. Garden Island.

Allison Carveiro is stepping into the role as ‘Ele‘ele School’s new principal beginning in July 1, and is looking forward to continuing a more-than-30-year career in education. Garden Island.

Friday, May 1, 2020

Hawaii's new tourism brand: 'safest place in the world,' airport arrivals triple, thousands wait hours in Oahu food line, Kauai goes to 4-day workweeks, taxing the rich, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News
Plans in the works to market Hawaii as the ‘safest place in the world’. Most Hawaii businesses remain closed and the stay-home orders have not yet been lifted, but plans are already in the works to begin marketing the state to tourists as the safest place on earth. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee wants passenger quarantine improved and scaled up to accommodate rising visitors. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 today criticized loopholes in the mandatory passenger quarantine and said they want them sealed before visitor counts to Hawaii begin rising again. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Mull Further Restrictions On Tourists, But Data Show Most Virus Cases Are Residents. Data from the Hawaii Department of Health show that most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the islands are local residents. But some legislators are calling for increased quarantine restrictions on visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Airport arrivals triple in May, says state. Senators fear a resurgence of the coronavirus in Hawaii, citing lax airport visitor screenings and inconsistent quarantine enforcement. KITV4.

Airports official criticized over quarantine enforcement failures. An official tasked with overseeing the arrival of passengers at Hawaii’s airports was raked over the coals Thursday by members of the state Senate’s Special Committee on COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Monitoring Could Turn Hawaii Into A Tourist ‘Prison Camp,’ Critics Say. Among the possibilities state Attorney General Clare Connors has floated for monitoring tourists in quarantine are ankle bracelets and GPS monitoring. Civil Beat.

Mid-week visitor count moves higher, but out-of-state passenger trend remains low. Wednesday brought one of the highest counts of out-of-state visitor arrivals into the state since tourism lockdowns began in mid-March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines adding one daily flight between Seattle, Honolulu. When people are ready to travel again, we wanted to know what airlines are doing to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. KHON2.

=====

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Trying To Figure Out How To Get Back Into Session. If details on social distancing and constitutionality can be worked out, the Hawaii Legislature could meet this month. Civil Beat.

=====

Clinical Labs of Hawaii ramps up antibody testing to further understanding of coronavirus. Clinical Labs of Hawaii started coronavirus antibody testing Thursday and is partnering with Hawaii Pacific Health which will start testing its employees Friday for free. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific Health to begin coronavirus antibody testing for its employees. Hawaii Pacific Health will begin coronavirus antibody testing for 7,200 employees to assess the level of infection in the health care workforce. Star-Advertiser.

=====

No Quick Recovery, Say Hawai‘i’s Business Leaders. BOSS Survey of 404 local executives asks about Hawai‘i’s economic recovery, expected changes within their companies, the challenges of working from home, how they’ve adjusted their personal habits and more. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Eateries look to reopen dine-in areas with strict social distancing, hygiene practices. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he wants to see restaurants open their dining rooms by the end of May. Hawaii News Now.

Federal help for independent contractors, gig workers in Hawaii still weeks away. The state has already received more than 7,500 unemployment claims from independent contractors since a state web portal was launched Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Judges have released more than 500 Hawaii inmates during pandemic. More than 500 Hawaii inmates have been released early by state judges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report by a court-appointed special master. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Hawaii inmates freed from overcrowded facilities to limit exposure to COVID-19. More than 650 inmates at Hawaii’s correctional centers have been released since March in the ongoing effort to reduce crowding in jails and prisons and to limit inmates’ exposure to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Information Lockdown At Hawaii Labor Department Stymies Coronavirus Stories. Civil Beat tried to pursue stories about workers in unsafe conditions or denied workers’ compensation claims, but the state labor department says it’s too busy to answer questions. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige to step back from blanket suspension of open meetings law. State attorneys are working on language that would restore at least some portions of the Sunshine Law that requires government meetings to be public, a law that was suspended as part of an emergency proclamation issued by Gov. David Ige in mid-March to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii coronavirus cases rise by 5 to 618. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 618, up five from Wednesday, the state Department of Health announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOH Reports 5 New COVID-19 Cases. New infections were reported on the Big Island and Maui on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Public school round up: budget cuts and support for homeless students. Administrators looking at where it can cut from the budget; also considering buying buses to deliver supplies to homeless children. KITV4.

Walmart workers in Hawaii receive a total of $380K in bonuses. To give back in this time of uncertainty, one big box store is saying thank you to their employees in a big way. Walmart says associates in Hawaii received a bonus in their paychecks Thursday, which adding up to $380,000 statewide. KITV4.

No trims, no dyes, no perms for over a month. Under the state’s phased reopening plan, salons will be among the last to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘Mind-blowing': Advocates say huge turnout for food distribution underscores scope of need. In a startling display of the scope of need on Oahu, thousands turned out Thursday to get free food at the first of a series of distribution events aimed at helping laid off workers. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands wait in line for food distribution. Thousands of Oahu residents lined up for free groceries Thursday — many enduring a 2-mile line of cars and a four-hour wait — in one of the most dramatic examples of economic suffering brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of people wait in line for hours for food on Oahu. Thousands of Oahu residents waited in long lines for hours on Thursday for 50 pounds of food provided by the City and County of Honolulu, the Bank of Hawaii Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation and the Hawaii Foodbank. KHON2.

=====

The job of leading the City’s proposed COVID-19 testing program has been reassigned. The job of leading the City’s proposed COVID-19 testing program has been reassigned after the department director who had been spearheading the initiative was placed on paid leave. KHON2.

Select businesses allowed to reopen in first steps toward reopening economy.  Oahu is dipping a toe into efforts to reopen Hawaii’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Some businesses on Oahu allowed to reopen under mayor’s recovery plan. One of the services allowed to re-open is automated car washes. KITV4.

Waipahu woman released due to pandemic is now back in custody for a carjacking. She was among the hundreds of Hawaii inmates released early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County mulls extra property tax on the rich: Revenues sought as COVID-19 cripples budget. Both County Council Chairman Aaron Chung and Mayor Harry Kim said Thursday they’re considering an additional tax for residences where the building plus land is valued at more than $1.5 million or $2 million. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii’s lawmakers set blueprint for reopening. The process to reopen Hawaii has officially begun. On Wednesday night, nine of West Hawaii’s leaders held a virtual town hall laying out the plan for opening the state following its closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo jail population down 160 inmates due to court order. The inmate population at Hawaii Community Correctional Center continues to shrink as a result of an order by the Hawaii Supreme Court to reduce populations in the state’s jails and prisons to help prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in those facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Despite pandemic, Big Island real estate market fairly stable. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic affects industries worldwide, real estate activity on the Big Island remains relatively steady. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Parks for limited use, golf courses to reopen Friday. Face masks required when in public. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday afternoon the first round of reopenings, starting with some beach and inland parks and golf courses at 7 a.m. Friday. Maui News.

Texas visitor disobeys quarantine order several times. Houston man is arrested; opts to leave voluntarily. Maui News.

Speeding Citations Up 92% Since Start of Maui’s Stay-at-Home Order. Speeding citations on Maui are up 92% since the start of Maui’s stay-at-home order was implemented on March 20, 2020.  The data covers a five-and-a-half week period through April 29, 2020. Maui Now.

35-MW wind farm is proposed in Ulupalakua. Auwahi 2 would sit next to sister project on ranch land. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County is giving the 4-day work week a try. Starting next week Monday, some 400 county workers will have Fridays off. Their pay is not being cut. Hawaii News Now.

Not a furlough; Kauai County will test out a four-day work week. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami implemented a schedule change for county employees. KHON2.

Small businesses slowly readying for reopen. Slowly businesses are gearing up to open their doors after county and state officials have announced they’re starting to loosen up their restrictions and emergency rules. Garden Island.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Visitor spending up as tourism nears 10M mark, Honolulu firearms crimes rise, news photographer alleges UH coach assaulted him, Hilo jail expansion controversial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki shoppers ©2019 All Hawaii News
Visitor spending, arrivals up in October. Both visitor spending and arrivals went up slightly in October when compared to the same time last year, according to recent data on visitor statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii could have more than 10M annual visitors for 1st time. Hawaii tourism stayed on pace in October to easily top the 10 million mark for visitor arrivals this year and extend a decade-long string of annual gains. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Rep. Case Demands Hawaii Be Paid Millions More For COFA Costs. If not, the congressman says renewal of the U.S treaties with three Micronesian nations may be at risk. Civil Beat.

Hurricane season ends with above-average number, below-average impact. At five tropical cyclones, the 2019 hurricane season in the Central Pacific was technically an above-average year. Star-Advertiser.

Thanksgiving weekend gas prices remain steady for residents and incoming Thanksgiving holiday tourists, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.66 a gallon, which is the same as last week, also the same as a month ago and eight cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to AAA. Maui Now.

Oahu

Crimes involving firearms are on the rise, HPD says. With a recent string of high-profile violent crimes on Oahu, the Honolulu police chief reassured the public that there is no increase in crime overall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Kai residents are upset over the removal of crosswalks. City workers removed two crosswalks at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kalanipuu Street in Hawaii Kai a few weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.

New tiny home community for the homeless now under construction in Kalaeloa. Ground was broken Thanksgiving Day in Kalaeloa on a master-planned community for the homeless made up of tiny homes and shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Assault at UH game alleged by Star-Advertiser photographer. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser photographer said he was assaulted at last week’s University of Hawaii football game and suffered injuries after being shoved by the head coach and then knocked to the ground by a UH employee. Star-Advertiser.

Sales of luxury homes on Oahu rise in October as median price declines. Oahu’s luxury home market saw a small increase in sales in October, compared to a year ago, but the median price for homes selling or $1.5 million or more declined by 4%, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Relief for overcrowded jail on the way. When Hawaii Community Correctional Center Warden Peter Cabreros started the job in 1975, he had one inmate. Nowadays, there are considerably more. West Hawaii Today.

Free Wi-Fi coming to parks. Free Wi-Fi is coming to seven Hawaii County parks, thanks to an agreement between Spectrum Oceanic LLC and the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. West Hawaii Today.

Kalapana Without Well Service Until at Least Early Next Year. Roughly 100 households in Kalapana will make do without a working County deepwell until at least early next year. Big Island Now.

Alligator Lizard Found In Christmas Tree In Hilo. A Hilo resident spotted the large lizard on top of the Christmas tree, which was imported from Washington State. Big Island Video News.

Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according  to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaii Water Commission Ruling Could Mark Change In Stream Stewardship. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases has come to an end on Maui, possibly signaling a turning point in the stateʻs management of public streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA, state alerted to pesticide found in wastewater. Banned chemical was detected in 2016 test, part of Monsanto case. Maui County notified federal and state officials Wednesday of the presence of a banned pesticide at the heart of a criminal case against Monsanto Co. in wastewater at three treatment plants during testing in 2016. Maui News.

Errors discussed in river fish kill. Water panel reflects on fish ladder project. Improved community engagement, better communication among stakeholders and unrestricted water flow were among lessons that state water commissioners discussed in the wake of a pilot project that accidentally killed hundreds of native fish in Wailuku River last month. Maui News.

Kauai

County Admits It Wrongly Allowed A Divisive Brush Cutting Project. Critics say a homeowner was allowed to cut down trees and brush along a popular trail in order to improve his view. Civil Beat.

Companies respond to outage inquiry. Efforts are underway to repair the undersea cable responsible for islandwide internet outages in late October and early November, but the problem is 10 miles offshore, over a half mile deep and is expected to take several more weeks to fix, according to an executive with the company responsible for maintaining the fiber optics line. Garden Island.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Hawaii Legislature holds secret meeting today on military threat response, Sea-Based X-Band Radar returns to Pearl Harbor, HART submits rail recovery plan, SBA seeks small R&D companies, monk seal dies on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: U.S. Missile Defense Agency
Sea-Based X-Band Radar, PC: U.S. Missile Defense Agency
The Sea-Based X-Band Radar returned to Pearl Harbor on Friday after spending months at sea likely watching for any North Korean missiles that would have come across the Pacific in the direction of Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Internal memo shows HI legislators to hold secret meeting Tuesday to discuss recent military threats (AKA N. Korea) and planned responses. Civil Beat.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, added provisions to the National Defense Authorization Act that direct the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate additional steps that can be taken to protect Hawaii and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region from growing threats, including recent actions taken by North Korea. Maui Now.

Helber Hastert and Fee Planners Inc. Monday received a $20 million architect and engineering contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the preparation of Navy and Marine Corps National Environmental Policy Act, along with related documents. Pacific Business News.

=====

The University of Hawaii is tackling Hawaii’s chronic teacher shortage with a public campaign to attract more people to the profession, dubbed “Be a hero. Be a teacher.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s emergency rooms see more than 500,000 patients annually, and the most common complaint is long wait times. Star-Advertiser.

Armed with a $400,000 grant, a University of Hawaii researcher is launching a new initiative to find ways to prevent the transmission of the Zika virus between pregnant women and the fetus they carry. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Small Business Administration Looking for Small Company Innovators. Federal agency representatives are on a road tour, visiting Hawaii to offer funding for smaller companies doing research and development. Hawaii Public Radio.

A recent report from the US Drought Monitor showed that 90.65% of the State was abnormally dry or drier than year-ago data. Maui Now.

Oahu

The city announced last week it has sold $767 million in general obligation bonds, including $350 million that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation deemed significant to keep construction going for the 20-mile, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana project. Star-Advertiser.

The Estimated Cost Of Honolulu Rail Just Dropped By $1 Billion. A $10 billion figure was often cited as rail’s total cost, but HART tells the feds it thinks it can finish the project for $9 billion. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu rail authority says the cost of the rail system is now at $9 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu rail officials said Monday they submitted their recovery plan to the Federal Transit Administration last week, which includes an updated financial plan, following the state Legislature’s special session last month. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has released its recovery plan for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. KHON2.

=====

Condominium sales in Waikiki jumped 40 percent in August, while Kakaako condo sales increased 33 percent, according to a local market update by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Head of model homeless village: State told me to turn people away. Twinkle Borge oversees the homeless camp at Waianae Small Boat Harbor known as Puuhonua o Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

AEG Facilities has appointed Lee Conching, previously the director of sales, service and support for the Hawaii Convention Center, as vice president of Meet Hawaii citywide sales. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The 23 parties that sparred and skirmished for more than four months during the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing replay will get one last opportunity to argue their case before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Private wells fail in North Kohala: Situation demands Department of Water Supply resources, creates setbacks in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council is proposing to audit the water department as five wells remain offline in North Kona, while the Water Board OK's a permitted interaction group. Big Island Video News.

Manpower and budget issues continue to plague the Hawaii Police Department. Police described to commissioners during the Police Commission’s monthly meeting held Friday of the struggles they face in filling vacancies on the force as well as dispatch. West Hawaii Today.

Updates to Hawaii Island's Flood Maps. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has taken a new look at the island’s flood zone maps and that could have an impact on your flood insurance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui County Council committee members want to protect minors from secondhand smoke but have questions regarding enforcement and privacy issues surrounding a bill to ban smoking in cars when minors are present. Maui News.

The state is proposing improvements to the Lower Waiohuli Trail that would heighten public safety and allow for bicycle use on the 1.5-mile path on Haleakala’s western slope. Maui News.

A Hawaii nonprofit has found a use for Puunene Mill's leftover sugar cane stalks that dot the Maui landscape. Associated Press.

Sugar cane may no longer be processed at the Puunene Mill, but one Hawaii island nonprofit found a use for the leftover stalks still dotting the Maui landscape. Maui News.


Kauai

County looks to bolster use of The Kauai Bus. The County Council is scheduled to review transportation plans at its Wednesday meeting, including a resolution accepting and endorsing the Short-Range Transit Plan. Garden Island.

Another group of Newell’s shearwater chicks took their first flight in mid-September, safely tucked in cardboard carriers aboard a much bigger bird. Garden Island.

Endangered birds left Kauai's Friday night football games in the dark — but not anymore. Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced some nighttime games would be brought back after he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hawaii News Now.

The county announced Monday it was able to work out a solution with officials from the state and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to play four games at night this season. KHON2.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will be meeting Oct. 10-12 at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kauai/Niihau Trustee Dan Ahuna will be meeting with the public at 6 tonight at Ko‘olau Hui‘ia Church in Anahola to hear how OHA can serve Kauai and Niihau. Garden Island.

Molokai

The federal government is investigating what it calls a suspicious monk seal death on Molokai. KITV.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Hawaii fights for conventions, Matson apologizes for Honolulu Harbor molasses spill, UH brings back employee under fire for bid favoritism, accidental sirens on Oahu, Maui and Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii promotions
Gov. Neil Abercrombie promotes Hawaii, file photo
Gov. Neil Abercrombie had wanted to host the nation’s governors for their annual summer meeting in two years. He found out Wednesday the governors will be going to West Virginia instead. The problem? Hawaii is one of the world’s most exotic destinations but also a place where public officials go at their own risk. Few states depend on one industry to fuel their economy as much as Hawaii relies on tourism. Yet state officials must constantly defend Hawaii as a venue for conferences involving public officials who are vulnerable to criticism back home that they took a taxpayer-financed junket. Stateline.

The man at the center of a procurement scandal at the University of Hawaii has returned to work. Brian Minaai, associate vice president for Capitol Improvements since 2008, has been on paid leave for nearly eight months as the state attorney general investigated allegations of favoritism in the procurement of construction projects. Hawaii Reporter.

Sweeping education reforms that Hawaii and other states promised in return for millions in federal Race to the Top dollars are "unrealistic and impossible" to achieve, a new report issued Thursday argues. Star-Advertiser.

Mastering the art of the field trip — that’s one skill that doesn’t get much attention in college teacher preparation programs. Civil Beat.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie plans to force state lawmakers’ hands, pledging to call them into special session on Oct. 28 to vote on whether to legalize gay marriage. Hawaii already has a reciprocal beneficiaries law and a civil unions law, but Abercrombie wants a special session to pass a gay marriage bill now. Hawaii Reporter.

Between 2000 and 2002, Hawaii was spending less than the rest of the country on energy, when compared to the gross domestic product. But the positions were reversed and energy spending has out-paced the national average. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines won't be the only carrier flying nonstop between Honolulu and Beijing next year. Air China has issued a notice that the state-owned carrier will begin three-days-a-week service between the two cities beginning Jan. 21 as part of its winter schedule. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State Civil Defense officials have confirmed that the emergency warning sirens that sounded overnight on Oahu, Maui and Molokai were accidental and that there is no alert at this time. Hawaii News Now.

Drivers, get ready to pay more for your vehicle’s safety check. The state wants to raise the yearly inspection fee by as much as 36 percent. It’s even higher if you ride a motorcycle. KHON2.

State roundup for September 13. Associated Press.

Oahu

Matson Inc. officials said Thursday that the shipping company did not have a response plan for a molasses spill, even though its vessels export as much as 2,000 tons of the viscous liquid each week to the mainland from a pipeline at Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Matson apologized Thursday for Monday's molasses spill disaster and said the company will not "run from responsibility. Hawaii News Now.

The massive molasses spill in Honolulu Harbor this week has placed a spotlight on a little know sector in Hawaii agriculture industry. Hawaii's molasses is produced by a single plantation -- Alexander & Baldwin Inc.'s Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. -- which makes about 50,000 tons of molasses each year on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Four days after a Matson pipeline broke spilling 233,000 gallons of thick, syrupy molasses into Honolulu Harbor and killing thousands of fish and other sea creatures, a Matson executive stood in front of the harbor perspiring heavily.  Civil Beat.

It’s been 4 days since a devastating molasses spill caused by a ruptured pipeline erupted into the waters of Honolulu Harbor, killing thousands of fish and marine life. Matson, the company responsible for the spill, says it's still grappling with a course of action. Hawaii Public Radio.

A $1.5 million state grant to Damien Memorial School, a private sectarian school, is unconstitutional and may be withheld, state attorneys say. The funding —approved by the Legislature this year as a grant-in-aid included in the state budget — is under review by the Governor's Office. Star-Advertiser.

The future of Aloha Beer Co., which closed its Honolulu brewery restaurant for renovations in July, is up in the air as the company works out tax and organizational issues. Pacific Business News.

A bill rezoning 576 acres of agricultural land in Waipio for Castle and Cooke's large-scale Koa Ridge project was given a preliminary approval by the City Council Planning Committee late Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Hawaii County is asking a 3rd Circuit Court judge to allow it to intervene to help defend Bobby Jean Leithead Todd’s position as Environmental Management director after discovering that Councilwoman Brenda Ford’s petition challenging her relies on a relatively obscure legal premise that prevents the county from doing so. West Hawaii Today.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider giving the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort a lifeline today as a new owner is sought to take over the beleaguered operation on Hilo’s Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

A buyer for Big Island Carbon LLC, which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy late last year, may emerge in the next couple of months, according to former CEO Rick Vidgen. Pacific Business News.

A civil suit filed Monday in Delaware alleges that the owners of the Hu Honua Bioenergy plant currently under development in Pepeekeo attempted to defraud the former majority owner of the project by attempting to back out of an agreement to pay a sum of $5.5 million following state approval of a power purchase agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Company Inc. Tribune-Herald.

Incredible video is making its rounds online showing a tiger shark being caught off-shore at Honokohau Harbor on Hawai'i Island.  Reaction to the YouTube clip has been fierce, as a great majority of the comments come from people who can't believe what they're watching and want justice – some even calling for revenge. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

The Chair of the state’s Senate Health Committee will host a talk story session at the Maui Memorial Medical Center on Friday. Maui Now.

Prices for single-family homes and condominiums in Maui County showed strong growth in August with median prices at $585,000 and $420,000 respectively, the Realtors Association of Maui reported earlier this week. Maui News.

Officials with the Maui Civil Defense Agency on Maui reported a siren malfunction early this morning in various parts of the island. Maui Now.

A Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran was removed Wednesday morning from the shoreline near McGregor Point after striking rocks early Tuesday morning, a U.S. Coast Guard official said. Maui News.

Kauai

The Department of Water will resume its discussion on the Kahili Horizontal Directionally-Drilled Well and Energy Savings Project during a special board meeting Tuesday. Garden Island.

U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard announced that Hawaii will receive more than $17 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for airport improvement projects statewide. About $3.5 million will go for the State of Good Repair Program, which will purchase replacement buses for Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai counties. Garden Island.