Coral bleaching less serious than feared, Honolulu cracking down on flags on vehicles, $11M for Mauna Kea enforcement, food industry rallies against proposed Honolulu plastic ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bleached coral in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

State, federal officials say bleaching not as bad as expected, urge all to take coral pledge. State and federal officials said the widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration due to warmer ocean temperatures this summer did happen — but not as severely as originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

Bleaching Of Hawaii Reefs Less Severe Than Predicted. But the islands clearly suffered from warmer ocean temperatures. Civil Beat.

Coral bleaching not as severe as previous years, but still widespread. Coral bleaching continues to devastate some reefs across the state. Hawaii News Now.

Coral bleaching in Hawaii not as severe as predicted. The widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration did impact reefs across Hawai‘i, beginning with warm ocean temperatures in the summer, extending into the fall. KHON2.

Coral bleaching widespread but not as severe as predicted. The widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration did impact reefs across Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Coral Bleaching not as Bad as Expected. The widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) impacted reefs across Hawai‘i, though not to the extent initially thought. Big Island Now.

Coral conditions improving. As Hawaii simmers in warmer-than usual ocean temperatures, experts monitoring the expected coral bleaching say it’s not as severe as was predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in early September. Garden Island.

Coral Bleaching Not as Severe as Predicted, Still Widespread. An extensive coral bleaching event that has been impacting reefs across Hawaiʻi did not cause as much damage as experts anticipated it would. Maui Now.

Saving Coral and The Coral Pledge. DLNR press release.

Oysters Unleashed: A New Hack To Help Clean Hawaii’s Filthy Waters. For decades, oysters have helped filter polluted waterways elsewhere. Now, researchers are testing how well those efforts would do in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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In 2018, lawmakers put up $30M to create Ohana Zones for the homeless. So where are they?  It was the most money ever put towards solving Hawaii's homeless crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Costs for Hawaii's homeless continue even after they die. On average, a homeless resident dies on Oahu every 5 days. Many of them end up being cremated, with their ashes left waiting to be picked up. While the cost of that cremation is picked up by the state. KITV.

Oahu

City Announces Plans To Sue Oil Companies For Climate Change Damage. The City and County of Honolulu is the second county to announce plans to sue fossil fuel companies for what officials say is damage caused by climate change and rising sea levels traced back to corporate action or inaction. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu To Fossil Fuel Companies: Pay For Our Climate Change Damages. “Big oil” has caused major climate change problems for Oahu and Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants the City Council to approve a lawsuit to cover the costs. Civil Beat.

City to sue fossil fuel companies in bid to hold them ‘accountable’ for climate change. The city plans to file a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies aimed at holding them “accountable for the costs and consequences” of climate change. Hawaii News Now.

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Settlement reached in deadly Marco Polo fire. A confidential settlement has been reached in the 2017 deadly Marco Polo high-rise fire, but even the parties involved in a settlement conference Tuesday did not know how much each individual insurance company and other defendants will have to pay. Star-Advertiser.

Regulators Demand Audit Of Hawaiian Electric Co. In an unprecedented move, Hawaii’s utilities regulators have ordered an independent management audit of Hawaiian Electric Co. in response to the utility’s request to increase electricity rates for Oahu customers. Civil Beat.

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Hundreds gather to protest against a stricter ban on plastics. More than 200 members of Hawaii’s Food Industry demonstrated against a stricter plastics ban Tuesday. KHON2.

Food industry leaders criticize council’s proposed ban on single-use plastics. Dozens of food industry leaders rallied outside Honolulu Hale on Tuesday to express their opposition to a wide-ranging ban proposed for single-use plastics. Hawaii News Now.

Local food industry leaders voice concerns over bill that would ban single use plastics. If it becomes law, it goes into effect January 1, 2021. KITV.

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Police cracking down on vehicles with large banners, flags. The Honolulu Police Department posted on Tuesday that stricter enforcement is on the way for vehicles that have large flags and banners. KHON2.

HPD cracking down on flags flown on vehicles. The Honolulu Police Department is asking drivers to be mindful. KITV.

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Judge grants new trial for Puanas in civil case. Katherine Kealoha’s uncle and 100-year-old grandmother will have their day in court, again. A state judge has granted Gerard Puana and Florence Puana a new trial for their civil lawsuit against the disgraced former deputy prosecutor. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha to stand trial again for a case she's already won. Florence and Gerard lost the case in 2013 and were ordered to pay Katherine more than $650,000. KITV.

Katherine Kealoha’s outspoken attorney withdrawing from the mailbox case. Earle Partington is withdrawing as attorney for Katherine Kealoha. Hawaii News Now.

Letters For Leniency: Katherine Kealoha’s Family And Friends Seek ‘Justice’ . The federal court has made public a number of letters aimed at helping her when she’s sentenced on numerous felonies next year. Civil Beat.

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Some say gates blocking beach access in a private Kailua community isn’t fair. The public has a right to access all beaches in Hawaii, which is why newly locked gates have people upset in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT law enforcement costs jump to $11M, almost half spent by Hawaii County. The state and counties have spent more than $11 million on law enforcement costs in connection with 16 weeks of protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to new figures released today by the Office of the Attorney General and Hawaii County. Star-Advertiser.

State spends nearly $11 million in response to demonstrations against TMT. The state has spent nearly $11-million for it's response to demonstrations against the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. KITV.

County’s mauna costs hit $4.9M. Hawaii County has spent nearly $5 million on expenses relating to the standoff at Maunakea Access Road, but reimbursement should be coming soon. Tribune-Herald.

Councilman Urges HPD ‘Pull Back’ on Maunakea Patrols. During the Hawai‘i County Council Finance Committee’s update on Maunakea spending Tuesday, District 5 Councilman Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder urged Hawai‘i County Police Chief Paul Ferreira to reduce patrols on the mountain. Big Island Now.

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Council hears vacation rental update. West Hawaii accounts for 82% of the county’s short-term vacation rental applications in permitted areas and just 25% of those in non-permitted areas, according to a report discussed Tuesday by the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Survey results highlight Puna’s needs following Kilauea eruption. The results of three community surveys administered this summer — which aim to aid the county in its recovery from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano — highlight the impact the eruption had on households, businesses and the community. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Wastewater Lawsuit Will Go Before U.S. Supreme Court. On Wednesday, the nine justices of the nation's highest court will hear oral arguments in a case accusing Maui County of violating the federal Clean Water Act. Hawaii Public Radio.

High court to hear oral arguments for Maui case. Reach of the Clean Water Act hinges on Lahaina injection wells decision. Maui News.

Drone Surveys Planned for Wildfire Mitigation on Maui. The Hawaiian Electric Companies will conduct drone surveys across their five-island territory to identify areas vulnerable to wildfire and determine the best course of action to protect the public, as well as electrical infrastructure. Maui News.

Papayas planted in Mahi Pono fields. Mahi Pono Community Relations Director Tiare Lawrence said the next crops scheduled to be planted by the farm are onions, coffee and limes, which will go in the fields that have been prepped along Haleakala Highway. Maui News.

Kauai

No butts. Dean Otsuki was disappointed that he picked up 700 cigarette butts in the parking lot of Wailua River State Park over the weekend. Garden Island.

Trump administration sued over coral decline, Tulsi Gabbard threatens debate boycott, calls DNC primary 'rigged,' Oahu landfill approved, Maui bus hub running late, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Trump Sued For Failing To Protect Hawaii’s Cauliflower Coral. A “marine heat wave” is blamed for a 36% decline of the species. Civil Beat.

Trump administration sued over Hawaii’s cauliflower coral. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration Thursday for failing to protect cauliflower coral around the Hawaiian Islands, the nonprofit group said in a news release. West Hawaii Today.

The Trump administration caught another lawsuit as a strong marine heat wave is starting to impact Hawaii’s coral reefs, including reports of coral bleaching on Kauai. Garden Island.

Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Protect Hawai‘i Cauliflower Coral. Maui Now.

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Tulsi Gabbard says process is ‘rigged,’ threatens to boycott presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she may boycott next week’s Democratic presidential debate telling supporters in a videotaped message Thursday that the Democratic National Committee and corporate media “are rigging the election.” Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Threatens To Boycott Presidential Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman, who says the current political system is “rigged,” will make her decision in the coming days. Civil Beat.

Gabbard threatens to boycott the debate she worked hard to get into. Claiming a “rigged” primary process, presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she’s seriously considering boycotting the next Democratic presidential debate. Hawaii News Now.

Long-Shot 2020 Candidate Gabbard May Skip Democratic Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman complained in a Twitter message on Thursday about the Democratic National Committee's use of polling to determine debate participants and said the debates are "meant to entertain, not inform or enlighten." Associated Press.

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State lawmakers set vaping-awareness meeting. The state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce and the state Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health Committee will hold an informational briefing on the youth vaping epidemic at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in room 309 at the State Capitol. Garden Island.

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Ige Appoints Hara To Be Hawaii Adjutant General. He is to replace Maj. Gen. Arthur “Joe” Logan, who is retiring. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara to be the adjutant general for the state of Hawaii Department of Defense. Civil Beat.

Brig. Gen. Hara Appointed Adjutant General For Hawaiʻi. The man who served as the Dual Status Commander of Joint Task Force 5-0 during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano will now be the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense. Big Island Video News.

Newly appointed state adjutant general to step into role in December. Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara is slated to serve as the state’s adjutant general, overseeing the Hawaii Department of Defense, effective Dec. 6. Hawaii News Now.

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Union alleges private security firm owes airport workers nearly $1M. Hundreds of private security and traffic control officers at Honolulu’s five major airports are seeking nearly $1 million in back raises from private firm Securitas. Hawaii News Now.

Labor union seeks $1M in back pay. A labor union representing over 1,000 airport security officers in Hawaii is asking a federal judge to force a company to pay $1 million in back pay to hundreds of employees. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Gas Prices Inch Down. Gas prices in many areas inched downward in the last week, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.67 a gallon, which is one cent lower than last Thursday, one cent higher than a month ago and 19 cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to GasPrices.AAA.com. Maui Now.

Oahu

Land Use Commission grants OK for landfill to continue. The city will need to close the contentious Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill at Kahe Point by March 2, 2028, under a permit granted by the state Land Use Commission Thursday by a 6-2 vote. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Would Close By 2028 Under New Land Use Permit. The state Land Use Commission gave the city until then to find a new site for a landfill, which has been an issue on Oahu’s Leeward Coast for decades. Civil Beat.

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Long-awaited Ala Wai canal dredging gets underway this month. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is starting a $21 million-plus Ala Wai dredging project this month — good news for those who have been waiting nearly two decades to get relief from the buildup of sludge, sediment and debris in the man-made canal. Star-Advertiser.

$21 Million Dredging, Improvement Work Set For Ala Wai. The project, the first dredging of the canal since 2002, will last a year. Civil Beat.

Ala Wai Canal dredging and improvement project expected to begin in late October. KITV.

A project designed to protect parts of urban Honolulu from climate-related flooding has sparked community disagreement. The Ala Wai Flood Control Project has been heralded by elected officials at all levels of government as a way to protect some of Hawaii’s most valuable real estate from a devastating flood. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu Airport Parking Reaching Capacity And Electric Vehicles Are A Big Reason. The Hawaii Department of Transportation on Thursday urged travelers going to the Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu Airport to leave their cars at home and have someone drop them off as the parking structures are reaching capacity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Skyrocketing electric bills have Ewa residents demanding audit. Several Kapilina Beach Homes residents voiced their concerns of surging electric bills to the Ewa Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday night. Hawaii News Now.

How Honolulu’s Japanese, Spurned At The Library, Made Their Own Bookstore Culture. When Honolulu’s library first opened, it ignored the needs of Japanese readers. In response, Japanese shop owners stepped up to provide books. Civil Beat.

City council suggests residents get Real ID sooner rather than later. Honolulu city councilmember Ron Menor introduced a new resolution on Wednesday, urging the public to get the star marking on their ID’s sooner rather than later. KHON2.

18-year-old named youngest Honolulu City Council neighborhood board member. City Councilmember Tommy Waters says she represents a new generation of young adults hoping to shape the future. KITV.

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Ron’s Performance Center closing after 52 years. Ron’s Performance Center, a retailer that has sold and installed custom auto parts and accessories for 52 years, is closing Oct. 31. Star-Advertiser.

After 50 years, Hawaii’s largest performance parts warehouse calls it quits. The owners of the Sand Island auto parts store say business has been declining ever since the closure of the race track in 2006. Hawaii News Now.

Ron’s Performance Center to close after 52 years. The long-time family business has been a staple in the car community for decades. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Three Ka‘u locations recommended for conservation funding. Three properties in the Ka‘u District of Hawaii Island are among five the Legacy Land Conservation Commission identified as its top priorities for acquisition with the purpose of preservation for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Lands Recommended For Legacy Land Conservation Grants. Three properties in Kaʻu have been identified by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission as priories for protection. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii County police issue 4,632 tickets in areas around the TMT protests. Hawaii County police officers deployed in the area around the Mauna Kea protest camp have issued 4,632 citations during a stepped-up enforcement program on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway during the past eight weeks, police announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Police: 4,632 citations issued, 46 arrested amid stepped-up traffic enforcement near Maunakea Access Road. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New bus hub won’t be done by lease end. County officials in talks with shopping center about 1-year extension. Maui News.

September Maui home sales mixed. Maui single-family home sales soared 47.5% in September but the overall housing market was mixed, according to data released Thursday by the Realtors Association of Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Westside farmers market accepts EBT. You can now use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) cards for local produce at the Westside Hale Puna farmers market. Garden Island.

Fish poop builds beaches, Thielen, one of just 5 Republicans in Hawaii House, not seeking reelection, Haleakala tours to be limited, rat lungworm case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Parrotfish in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Fish Poop: Our Secret Weapon Against Beach Erosion. The uhu fish are “lawnmowers of the sea” and play a vital role in producing sand. But they’re at risk. Civil Beat.

Businesses get a break on state fees after funds go unspent. State officials have reduced or halted collection of a number of business and licensing fees amid concerns that the money being collected wasn’t serving a useful purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Thielen Will Not Seek Re-Election To State House. Thielen, a moderate Republican who has represented Kailua and Kaneohe Bay since 1990, is perhaps best known for her advocacy of industrial hemp. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Army National Guard Col. Roy J. Macaraeg was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony Tuesday at Washington Place, becoming what is believed to be the first Filipino soldier to attain the rank of general officer in the history of Hawaii’s citizen soldier ranks, Gov. David Ige’s office said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Swears in HIARNG’s First Filipino General Officer. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Colonel Roy J. Macaraeg, who was promoted to brigadier general, in a ceremony held at Washington Place. Big Island Now.

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EPA fines Oahu shrimp truck, 2 Hawaii island properties for illegal cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said so far this year it has issued $104,143 in fines and ordered the closure of five, illegal large-capacity cesspools in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Forces Closure Of 5 Hawaii Cesspools. The ongoing enforcement is intended to protect drinking water and coastal resources. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Police Ethics Training Hopes To Stop ‘Misguided Loyalty’. The new program from New Orleans teaches police officers to intervene and prevent mistakes before they happen. Civil Beat.

Councilman wants to audit HPD and prosecutor’s office in light of Kealohas’ conviction. Ron Menor says we need to find out how the corruption involving the Kealohas can be prevented in the future. KHON2.

Labor agreement bill up for final vote. A bill that would require major city construction jobs to employ unionized workers is up for a final vote before the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Officials say less than half of Oahu drivers have REAL-ID compliant licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Project being built at $11.5 million Diamond Head home causing controversy. Real estate website Zillow bills this home as 'the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Beautiful beach views, a pool, and the potential for private beach access is exactly what the owner has planned. KITV.

NOAA investigating death of monk seal pup found on Oahu’s North Shore. A 2-month old, female Hawaiian monk seal pup was recently found dead on Oahu’s North Shore, according to wildlife officials, with the circumstances surrounding her death indicating it was not of natural causes. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy prosecutor ordered to keep distance from defense lawyer. A state judge handed down an order Tuesday prohibiting a deputy prosecutor, who admits that he shoved defense lawyer Myles Breiner in a state courthouse hallway, from approaching or interacting with Breiner. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH Regents Move Vote On Mauna Kea Rules To Hawaii Island. The change from Oahu is meant to allow more residents of the Big Island to be heard by the regents. Civil Beat.

UH Regents Change Maunakea Rules Meeting Location To Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Protesters to Kim: Inclusion of TMT in vision for Maunakea still an obstacle to ‘Way Forward’. After a meeting between Thirty Meter Telescope opponents and Mayor Harry Kim on Monday at the Maunakea Access Road, neither side has any intention of backing down. Tribune-Herald.

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County looks to reappropriate $8.4M in unspent fuel tax funds. As more money pumps into county road projects, thanks in part to a 161% increase in the fuel tax rate since 2017, the county is having trouble spending it fast enough. West Hawaii Today.

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Unwashed Produce Likely Cause Of 7th Rat Lungworm Case Of 2019. A tourist visiting West Hawaii likely contracted the angiostrongyliasis disease by eating unwashed fresh produce and was the seventh person to be infected this year. Civil Beat.

Seventh case of rat lungworm this year confirmed in visitor to Hawaii island. The state Health Department said Tuesday there has been another laboratory-confirmed case of rat lungworm disease in an adult visitor to Hawaii island, the seventh so far this year. Star-Advertiser.

7th case of rat lungworm disease confirmed on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Reservation system in works for access to Haleakala Trail. It would allow for quarterly guided hikes. Maui News.

Maalaea fire prevention, erosion work funded by grant. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council awarded $300,000. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC seeks input on water diversions. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s draft environmental assessment regarding the Waiahi hydropower plants has been published, and the public has until Nov. 7 to comment on it. Garden Island.

Ocean temps contribute to warmer weather. In the past 30 days, 16 record highs have been tied or broken at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Thousands dropped from state Medicaid rolls, AG won't prosecute sheriff who killed homeless man at Capitol, Menor ponders mayoral bid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral reef off the Big Island ©2019 All Hawaii News

Pacific heat wave threatens Hawaii’s iconic coral reefs. At the edge of an ancient lava flow where jagged black rocks meet the Pacific, small off-the-grid homes overlook the calm blue waters of Papa Bay on Hawaii’s Big Island — no tourists or hotels in sight. Here, one of the islands’ most abundant and vibrant coral reefs thrives just below the surface. Associated Press.

Record heat: People swelter, reefs suffer. A major marine heat wave is responsible for a triple-digit number of record high heat days in Hawaii this summer, according to the National Weather Service. Tribune-Herald.

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Thousands Dropped From Hawaii’s Medicaid Coverage After Data Review. Real-time data collection and a better economy could be behind a significant drop in Medicaid health insurance enrollment, but some health workers are concerned. Civil Beat.

Why No One Knows How Many Green Energy Jobs Exist In Hawaii. Hawaii’s shift to renewable energy was meant to trigger an explosion of new jobs, but officials aren’t closely tracking employment in the sector. Civil Beat.

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How much should teachers in Hawaii get paid? And how much is enough to keep them around? Hawaii's Department of Education hosted its first listening sessions Monday night: one at 4pm and then at 6pm. KITV.

WalletHub: Hawaii Teacher Salary Goes Least Furthest In US. The state has the lowest teacher salary when adjusted for cost of living, according to the personal finance website. Civil Beat.

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Attorney General won’t prosecute sheriff behind deadly state Capitol shooting. The Attorney General’s office has decided not to criminally prosecute a state sheriff who shot and killed a man at the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

AG Won’t Press Charges Against Deputy Sheriff In Capitol Shooting. The state Attorney General’s office found insufficient evidence to press charges over the February shooting of a homeless man. Civil Beat.

State Attorney General calls for background checks on ammunition purchases. Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors joined 20 other Attorneys General Monday urging Congress to support a gun control measure. Hawaii News Now.

Increased use of air conditioning drives up demand for electricity, resulting in higher bills. Hawaiian Electric, which provides electricity to Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii island, said Monday that the uptick in demand, in turn, has been showing up in the form of higher bills, even for those who have private rooftop solar systems. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State, tourism agencies fund effort to reduce chronic Waikiki homelessness. The Institute for Human Services has kicked off a program to reduce the chronically homeless population in Waikiki, the epicenter of the state’s tourism economy. Star-Advertiser.

Ron Menor Raising Cash For Possible Mayoral Bid. The Honolulu City Council member calls the fundraiser exploratory. Civil Beat.

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Caldwell Defends the State of Honolulu's Finances In Face of Rail Costs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell sought to reassure the public on Monday that the city has enough money to cover the operational costs of the controversial rail project. Hawaii Public Radio.

FTA Won’t Confirm ‘High Praise’ For HART. The Honolulu rail agency says its federal partners are “extremely impressed” with how the project’s going, but the feds will only point to key steps that still need to happen. Civil Beat.

High-ranking DLNR officer stripped of police powers after crash reveals misconduct. A high-ranking Department of Land and Natural Resources officer has been relieved of his police duties pending an investigation into a recent crash involving his state patrol car. Hawaii News Now.

Mysteries Surround Pay For Top Staffers At Prominent Honolulu Rehab. Why did Sand Island Treatment Center report much higher salaries in its tax returns than in bids for state contracts? The rehab won’t say. Civil Beat.

Anticipated renewal of construction prompts rally in Waimanalo. Opponents of stalled plans to build new park facilities in Waimanalo rallied Monday morning at Sherwood Forest in anticipation that construction at the site soon would resume. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo Sports Field Protest Flares Again. Inspired by the Mauna Kea protests, residents opposed to the beach park project say they plan to block construction equipment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council approves funds for Waiakea Stream flood channel repairs. The Hawaii County Council approved $1 million in funding toward a project to repair damage to the Waiakea Stream flood channel caused by Hurricane Lane last year. Tribune-Herald.

An update on the Thirty Meter Telescope project was recently posted to the Canadian Astronomical Society website, providing a glimpse of how Canadian astronomers involved in the observatory view the ongoing standoff on Mauna Kea. The CATAC chair says "there is effectively an indefinite moratorium on construction" and that the "only path to TMT construction in Hawai’i is through negotiation". Big Island Video News.

Puakea Ranch draft EA finds no impact. A Hawi property that has been the subject of more than $100,000 worth of fines and a lawsuit by Hawaii County has applied for a special permit from the county to host events such as weddings and to increase vacation rental occupancy. West Hawaii Today.

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Hilo veterans home hit by scabies outbreak. Visitors to the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo are being limited as the facility works to address an outbreak of scabies. Tribune-Herald.

A scabies outbreak has been reported at a veterans home on Hawaii Island. Now the Hilo facility is taking action to prevent it from spreading. Hawaii News Now.

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo experiences scabies outbreak. According to Avalon Healthcare which manages Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, the home has experienced an outbreak of scabies and is currently working to 'mitigate' the outbreak. KITV.

Maui

Waikapu Country Town gets long-awaited approval. Now, developer says, the real work begins. In 2004, when he first bought 2,000 acres in Waikapu that included the Maui Tropical Plantation, affordable housing developer Mike Atherton envisioned an entire community of homes and services that would bring back the Waikapu town of old. Maui News.

EMI Submits Draft EIS for 30-Year Water Lease to Mahi Pono. The DEIS is for a long-term, 30-year, water lease which would allow a continued supply of water through the EMI system to Mahi Pono’s farm lands in Central Maui and other water users served by EMI including approximately 35,000 upcountry Maui residents served by the Maui County water system. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hale Opio plans to focus on mindfulness programs, continue outreach. Since 1975, Hale Opio has helped more than 10,000 island youth and families. Garden Island.

Kauai makes CNN's list of Top 10 most beautiful islands. Spin the globe, pick a spot and odds are good you'll alight on the color blue: 71% of the Earth's surface is covered with water. KITV.

NOAA to survey coral reefs, lawmakers mull veto overrides, Honolulu rail project leaks leaders, Maui rejects affordable housing plan, names proposed for Fissure 8, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral reef with wrasse ©2019 All Hawaii News

NOAA To Assess Reefs for Coral Bleaching, Map Sea Floor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will set sail on the research vessel Oscar Elton Sette Tuesday to search the waters around the Hawaiian Islands for coral bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

Spikes in bacteria at Hawaii beaches raise concern. In this summer of record heat and rain, beachgoers might want to do a water-quality check before diving in. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative Leaders Counting Votes In Case They Try To Override Vetoes. There’s no solid plan for a special session Monday, but a Senate memo lists measures lawmakers may try to enact even if Gov. David Ige rejects them. Civil Beat.

Community activists urge governor to allow real estate tax bill to become law. Community activists paid Gov. David Ige a surprise visit at the State Capitol on Wednesday, urging him not veto a bill that would tax some of Hawaii’s largest landowners. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘It’s A Struggle’: Rail Project Loses More Top Deputies At A Crucial Time. Key personnel continue to leave the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation as rail construction nears its most critical crossroads. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Suspends Ex-Prosecutor's Law License. The Hawaii Supreme Court is suspending the law license of a former high-powered Honolulu prosecutor after a U.S. jury convicted her of conspiracy. Associated Press.

Katherine Kealoha mingles with fellow inmates at Federal Detention Center. Katherine Kealoha, the former deputy prosecutor- turned-convicted-felon, has been moved out of a segregated cell into the general population at the Federal Detention Center, where she has her Bible and rosary beads but still has not seen her husband, former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor’s Safe House For Abuse Victims To Close As Questions Swirl. The City Council cut funding for the facility, a favored project of the Honolulu prosecutor, and now it faces allegations of civil rights abuses from residents. Civil Beat.

City denies retaliating against safe house residents and workers. The city has retaliated against residents and employees of a controversial “safe house” for victims of domestic violence after they spoke to government investigators looking into public corruption, according to the American Civil Liberties Union and an attorney with knowledge of the situation. Star-Advertiser.

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Kawaiahao Church members try to right 27 desecrated graves. Nanette Napolean, historian and cemetery expert, guided Kawaiahao Church members and volunteers as they righted the heavy headstones toppled some time early Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Test finds E. coli bacteria in Windward Oahu drinking water source. On Wednesday, the Board of Water Supply announced that a drinking water sample from BWS Waihee Tunnel, which serves Windward Oahu from Kahana to Waimanalo, has tested positive for the presence of E. coli bacteria. Star-Advertiser.

Weather, increased enforcement may have sunk ‘Floatilla’. The Fourth of July “Floatilla” off Waikiki that caused major headaches for ocean safety officials in recent years failed to materialize Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The deadline to submit possible names for fissure 8 has passed, with a total of 20 proposed monikers submitted. The state Board of Geographic Names began soliciting proposed names for fissure 8, one of the most prominent landmarks formed from the 2018 Kilauea eruption, from the general public last year.  Tribune-Herald.

The county is moving forward with plans for a popular Kona beach park, but there’s still a long road ahead. A month after the Department of Parks and Recreation set a May 31 deadline for comments on plans to implement preservation recommendations at Laaloa Beach Park, the agency said it’s now working to compile that data for the State Historic Preservation Division. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Chair Retires After 20 Years of Service. Reeve N. “Bob” Williams, Lt. Col, US Army retired, was presented a memorial plaque from the Board of Director’s at a dinner held June 22, 2019. Big Island Now.

Maui

Affordable project fails in committee. Councilors vote against Launiupoko developments with 96-workforce units. Maui News.

Schatz Discusses Climate Change, Appropriations at Maui Town Hall. US Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii held a town hall meeting on Maui on Tuesday afternoon at Kahului Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Money for maintenance. With many of Hawaii’s most popular trails seeing record numbers of hikers, Hawaii Tourism is providing $530,000 to the DLNR Na Ala Hele Trail and Access System. Garden Island.

Sunscreen's link to coral decline, money a factor in vacation rental bill, homeless problems in Hilo, Kahului and Waikiki, vehicle dumping on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

How Scientists Discovered the Link Between Sunscreen and Coral Reef Death. It’s now commonly known that many chemicals commonly found in sunscreen are harmful to coral reefs. But that link wasn’t established until 2015 and many challenges to mitigating the negative effects remain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii climate modeling company expects less risk this hurricane season. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicted an above-normal tropical cyclone activity this hurricane season; however, a Hawaii- based climate forecasting and risk management company anticipates a below- normal season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric’s Ambitious Plan To Quit Using Coal Is A ‘Moon Mission’. To replace a coal plant set to close in 2022, HECO is seeking private developers to build  new wave of renewable energy generation and storage facilities around the islands. Civil Beat.

Money may determine fate of vacation rental measure. The measure, Senate Bill 1292, would generate an estimated $46 million in extra tax collections next year, and key lawmakers said they need that cash to pay the bills. Star-Advertiser.

Conflicts, Lax Oversight Shroud This Secretive Fisheries Fund. A federal fisheries oversight council has stymied inquiries by congressmen, journalists and others over the past few years. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council panel discusses sliding fee scale for vacation rentals. Vacation rentals in areas that command the most bookings would be hit with higher permit fees under a proposal being considered by one City Council member as a way to address the proliferation of illegal units on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

City, state moves ahead with seawater air-conditioning project. A really, really big plastic straw for sucking up sea water several miles off Kakaako might be ready for deployment next year as part of a system to air-condition 40 or so buildings mostly downtown. Star-Advertiser.

City begins bulky trash collection through appointment-based pilot program. In a bid to rein in ballooning costs for handling trash, the city is moving Urban Honolulu’s bulky item pickup to an appointment-based system starting Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Developer helping produce accessory dwelling units. When the city allowed construction of small rental units on single-family house lots in 2015 to help ease Oahu’s housing crunch, homeowners were expected to build these accessory dwelling units. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki pavilions might be converted to deter homeless. The city pavilions in Kuhio Beach park on Kalakaua Avenue were built so local residents and tourists could pause awhile to bask in the beauty of Waikiki’s sandy shores and aquamarine waters. Star-Advertiser.

Business owners say months-long Pali Highway closure is seriously hurting sales. The thoroughfare has been shut down since the rockfalls in February and its packing a major punch to local businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans meet with congressman to discuss issues facing their community. Congressman Ed Case sat down with local military veterans this weekend to learn more about the issues they experienced after their service. Hawaii News Now.

Marine biologist worried about coral health on Oahu's North Shore. Marine biologist Terry Lilley claims bad coral health correlates with erosion. Millions of people visit Hanauma Bay in East Honolulu every year but one marine biologist says those outer reefs are healthier than the ones on Oahu's North Shore where fewer people swim. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Growing the budget: Final council reading Wednesday. The County Council has already added $1.1 million to Mayor Harry Kim’s record-setting $573.5 million operating budget. On Wednesday, council members are poised to add even more. West Hawaii Today.

Firefighter raises, bonuses questioned. A pay plan for firefighters that includes raises as well as bonuses and other perks could be on shaky ground, with Mayor Harry Kim opposed and the County Council offering only tepid support. West Hawaii Today.

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Homeless get the boot from Mooheau; guards stationed at two locations. The deep cleaning was a reaction to the steadily worsening conditions at the park. Homeless communities lingering at the park led to increasingly unsanitary conditions, with trash and human waste accumulating throughout the park. Tribune-Herald.

Homeless Cleared As Mooheau Park Gets A Cleaning. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County closes Hilo park favored by homeless, citing cleaning and safety. Associated Press.

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Proponents of new gun law say it will help police, protect owners; others say it’s obtrusive. Hawaii County’s police chief said a recently enacted law — requiring gun owners to report a lost, stolen or destroyed firearm to county police within 24 hours of discovery of the loss — shouldn’t have been necessary. Tribune-Herald.

PGV eyes new wells. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is reviewing applications for two new geothermal wells at Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed rules to manage Mauna Kea stir worry in the Native Hawaiian community. The University of Hawaii is asking for public feedback on its latest draft rules to improve management of Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Council seeks to tweak polystyrene law. Bill 74 removes the requirement that alternative containers to polystyrene must be recyclable under the county’s recycling program. Instead, the new law will simply require them to be recyclable. West Hawaii Today.

Interior Secretary: Firm Decision On Volcano Observatory Location Months Away. A final decision on where the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will be located remains months away, U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said last week during a visit to the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona Village Rezone Gets PONC Site Visit. Neighbors opposed to a planned 450 unit development in Kailua-Kona are reaching out to a Hawaii County commission in the hopes of keeping it in open space. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui police plan for isle homeless aims to divert instead of arrest. Pilot is modeled after successful Seattle program. Maui News.

Kahului’s homeless crisis gets an unflattering comparison: It’s starting to look like Honolulu’s. It’s a scene that’s relatively new for Maui: Homeless campsites popping up along the roadside in Kahului. Hawaii News Now.

Dumping of cars on Maui on rise; illegal sites cropping up. County trying to deal with issue of disposal cost. The illegal dumping of cars along Maui’s highways has grown by at least three times in six years, and the county official who handles their removal attributes some of the increase to the cost of disposal. Maui News.

Vehicle disposal program aims to reduce car dumping on Maui. A county in Hawaii has established a free vehicle disposal program in response to car dumping. Associated Press.

Kauai

Next stop — growing ridership. The Kauai Bus ridership for fiscal year 2019 has nearly eclipsed 2018’s total of 760,415 total passengers. Garden Island.

County conducting fair market rent survey. Residents recently received a letter from the Kauai County Housing Agency, requesting them to fill out a 20-question survey in order for the agency to obtain data on what Kauai families are actually paying for rent. Garden Island.

Interior secretary inspects USS Arizona Memorial, TSA warns of long airport lines, coral lawsuit threatened, Maui and Kauai pass budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport ©2019 All Hawaii News

Airport squeeze. Get there early, TSA urges. Travelers are advised to get to Hawaii’s airports three hours in advance to compensate for what is expected to be the nation’s busiest summer travel season on record. Star-Advertiser.

Leaving on a jet plane? Plan ahead and arrive 3 hours early (even for inter-island flights). Hawaii News Now.

TSA’s Tips To Prepare For Summer Travel. The forecast is for the busiest season on record at HNL. Civil Beat.

The Transportation Security Administration is advising the public to be prepared for the busiest summer travel season on record at HNL. Big Island Video News.

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Arizona Memorial might reopen by October, officials say. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt got a close-up view of the disabled Arizona Memorial Wednesday before pledging to finish the repairs to its concrete passenger dock as soon as possible. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue to be a top priority according to U.S. Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior was on Oahu Wednesday and he toured one of the nation's iconic structures here on Oahu and talked about repairs. KITV.

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State Ethics Commission: DPS deputy director walked a fine line in rallying employees. The ethics commission says a Deputy Director of Public Safety may have crossed an ethical line by pushing workers to support their boss, Nolan Espinda. Hawaii News Now.

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Cauliflower coral at the center of a new lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The Center for Biological Diversity says they will sue the Trump administration for failing to protect Cauliflower coral. Hawaii News Now.

Feds could face coral lawsuit. The Center for Biological Diversity on Wednesday announced plans to file suit after a federal agency missed a deadline to rule on whether to list cauliflower coral as a threatened or endangered species under federal law. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: Protect Threatened Cauliflower Coral In Hawaii. The Trump administration is accused of failing to protect the species known as Ko'a in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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Teachers Who Stay In Hawaii Find Ways To Close The Culture Gap. The diversity of Hawaii’s public schools student population isn’t matched by the makeup of the state’s teachers. Civil Beat.

Grid geared up for hurricane season, Hawaiian Electric says. The Hawaiian Electric Companies said it has been working year-round to build more resilient grids ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha’s actions questioned in conspiracy trial. Former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s actions in a 2011 criminal case involving her uncle Gerard Puana took center stage on the fifth day of the federal conspiracy trial against her; her husband, retired police Chief Louis Kealoha; and three current and former police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Witnesses: Kealohas Targeted Uncle Years Before Mailbox Theft. Several people testify Louis and Katherine Kealoha had it out for Gerard Puana long before they accused him of stealing their mailbox. Civil Beat.

KEALOHA TRIAL: Week two is underway, get updates here. KHON2.

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Caldwell’s State of City address to key on ‘climate crisis’. An Oahu Resiliency Strategy designed as a road map for how the city will deal with climate change, sea-level rise and other 21st century issues is at the center of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s seventh State of the City address tonight. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell says Waimanalo park’s improvements will proceed. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday that the city will continue work on Phase 1 of the Waimanalo Bay Beach Park improvement project because it would cost up to $300,000 to pull back from an existing contract, but that he is amenable to halting future phases if the community so chooses. Star-Advertiser.

First phase of Sherwood Forest park project to continue, despite emotional meeting. Emotions ran high on Wednesday during a special meeting at the Honolulu City Council, on the controversial plans to clear Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo. KITV.

Bulk Waste Pilot Program To Begin Monday In Urban Honolulu. Starting Monday, a new pilot program for bulky trash collection takes effect for Honolulu's urban core. Hawaii Public Radio.

City: If appointment-based bulky item pickup doesn’t work, fees might be next. In a bid to rein in ballooning costs for handling trash, the city is moving Urban Honolulu’s bulky item pickup to an appointment-based system starting Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Formby Named Head Of Pacific Resource Partnership. The former Honolulu City Councilman previously served on the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Trial set in missing police evidence case. A retired Hawaii Police Department officer accused of illegally taking drug evidence from a police locker and notifying Hilo arcade owners of a gambling raid pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 10 criminal charges. Tribune-Herald.

Council to discuss funds for Kau sewer systems. The Hawaii County Council will take up requests to borrow $37 million for two wastewater treatment projects in Ka‘u at a Finance Committee meeting next week. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor: It’s time to clean up Mooheau Park and make it safe for families. Hawaii County will close Mooheau Park on Friday for clean up in response to what officials describe as unsanitary conditions. Tribune-Herald.

She’s Fought Nearly Three Years To Adopt Her Grandson. Hawaii Keeps Saying No. The state says it tries to reunite children with kin. But after Deborah Goodwin’s daughter died, it awarded custody to non-relatives and blocked her adoption attempts. Civil Beat.

USPS Proceeds With Relocation of Kamuela Post Office. The Kamuela Post Office will continue at the current location until a new facility is operating at an as-yet undetermined location, USPS says. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County Council OKs largest budget in memory Tuesday. $823.6 million for next fiscal year heads to Victorino’s desk. Maui News.

Maui County Council passes $823 million budget by majority vote. The Council passed the $823 million budget by majority vote Tuesday, it is $42 million more than what the mayor requested. KITV.

Council confirms Lutey. Corporation counsel gets nay votes from chair, vice chair. Maui County Council approved the appointment of Moana Lutey as corporation counsel on Tuesday, with two opponents citing their concerns with the county’s position on the longstanding Lahaina injection well suit. Maui News.

Tariff Uncertainty Challenges Growth at Hawaii's Largest Craft Brewery. A 25 percent tariff on Chinese-made steel poses “a tremendous challenge” for Maui Brewing Company, according to co-founder and owner Garrett Marrero. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

County Council comments on $242M spending plan. The Kauai County Council has refrained from making public comment on the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget throughout the budget process, which started in March. But on Wednesday, councilmembers were allotted 10 minutes by Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro to voice their thoughts about this year’s budget during the bill’s second and final reading. Garden Island.

Councilmember Felicia Cowden was not in attendance for Wednesday’s Kauai County Council meeting. She is traveling to Volgada, Russia to be a delegate at a Russian-American peace conference. Garden Island.

Kauai scrambles for solutions after number of unsheltered homeless doubles. No longer just hidden in the Garden Isle’s dense vegetation, Kauai’s homeless crisis is now on display -- everywhere you go. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea pool reopens after renovation. The renovation work at the pool started in November. At a cost of about $1 million, the pool deck was restored, plumbing and electrical improvements were done, as well as accessibility upgrades in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Garden Island.

Hawaii Navy busy in South China Sea, vets irked over CBS tour of secret NSA facility, low-income housing turned over to private partnership, Maui council mulls Clean Water Act settlement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Preble at Pearl Harbor PC: U.S. Navy

Hawaii Navy ships step up operations in South China Sea. The Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Preble on Monday conducted its third “freedom of navigation” operation in the South China Sea since February in what so far has been four such Navy challenges to China’s claims this year. Star-Advertiser.

Bills On Ige’s Desk Could Be ‘Game-Changer’ For Criminal Justice Reform. Laws that cleared the Legislature would open up jails and courts to more scrutiny and give people a better chance at a get-out-of-jail-free card. Civil Beat.

Energy efficiency bill awaits Gov. David Ige’s signature. Hawaii legislators have passed a bill establishing energy efficiency standards for state appliances sold in the state. Star-Advertiser.

A partnership now owns about 1,000 mostly low-income apartments. About 1,000 mainly low-income Hawaii households have a new private landlord after a more than two-year effort by the state to shed a portfolio of affordable rental housing. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii Public Housing Tenants Could Be Evicted Under Trump Proposal. The proposed rule would require HUD to check the immigration status of anyone under 62 who receives public assistance including housing. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranked high in missing persons cases. Hawaii has the eighth highest rate of missing persons per capita in the nation. There are 8 cases for every 100,000 people who live here. KITV.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz hires new chief of staff. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has hired Eric Einhorn to serve as his new chief of staff in his Washington D.C. office, replacing Andy Winer. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Jury pool for the Kealoha trial narrowed down to fewer than 50 people. The final cut to 12 jurors and 4 alternates will happen Wednesday when attorneys exercise their right to eliminate jurors they are concerned about. Hawaii News Now.

Kunia veterans feel ignored, shocked after CBS News gets a tour of top secret NSA facility. CBS News got a rare view of NSA Hawaii in Wahiawa, which opened in 2012. It keeps an eye over America’s adversaries like China. Hawaii News Now.

Owners in one of Hawaii’s most exclusive condos sue over construction defects. There are at least 120 different construction defects at one of Hawaii’s most exclusive condominium towers, according to a lawsuit filed by property owners at the tower -- and a shortage in skilled building laborers may be at least partially to blame. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Assessors with a national accreditation organization gave the Hawaii Police Department a positive report with some suggestions during a mock assessment in April. West Hawaii Today.

Apparently, it’s not how the county spends the money, it’s how it raises the money. A public hearing on the 2019-20 budget drew little interest Monday, but 70% more property owners are appealing their assessments than last year. West Hawaii Today.

Waimea Nui Regional Government Proposal Sparks Discussion. On Monday, a Hawaiian Homes Commissioner went back and forth with a testifier who said she opposed the planned Waimea Nui Homestead Regional Government charter. Big Island Video News.

Time could be running out for the University of the Nations Kona to develop 62 acres once envisioned for affordable housing, a cultural center and an educational facility off Kuakini Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Coral submerged in the typically crowded Kahaluu Bay is amid a reprieve from human traffic, which began Monday morning and continues through today. The purpose of the county-imposed closure is to allow for a coral spawning event scientists predicted was most likely to occur on those two days. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea could take a decade-plus break, expert says. While Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists are predicting Kilauea’s caldera could erupt “within a few years,” at least one independent expert suggests the volcano might not come to life for perhaps a decade if Hawaii’s undersea volcano, Loihi, is a guide. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Lawmakers Consider Settlement in Clean Water Act Lawsuit. Members of the Maui County Council on Monday considered a settlement offer in the case of a county wastewater facility. The case is currently scheduled to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

Iwi kupuna laws scrutinized by Native Hawaiians. Native Hawaiians gathered for two days on Maui to commemorate the 30th anniversary marking the discovery of 1,200 sets of remains at Honokahua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

County jobless rate at 2.8% in month of April. Hawaii was one of 12 states with unemployment below 3 percent. Maui News.

Twenty attorneys who provided free legal information and 10 court navigators who helped direct courthouse visitors were recognized for their volunteer service that assisted hundreds of people last year. Maui News.

Kauai

EMS stronger together. The mayor was joined by Kauai Council Chair Arryl Kaneshiro with a similar proclamation as Kauai joined the nation in observing National EMS Week that started Sunday and runs through Friday. Garden Island.

Kauai vehicle sales hold steady. There are signs that the market is running out of steam, according to the outlook sponsored by the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association. Garden Island.