Governor unveils supplemental budget, Honolulu police shootings spike, Obamas here for the holidays, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige unveils budget ©2019 All Hawaii News

Governor Wants More Money For Teachers, Infrastructure. Hawaii Gov. David Ige wants to spend an additional half a billion dollars over the next two years on state government operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige Proposes Significant Spending Hikes to Operating, CIP Budgets. Hawai‘i will spend almost $2 billion more over the next two fiscal years than previously budgeted, assuming the Hawai‘i State Legislature approves the proposal Gov. David Ige announced Monday. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige lays out upcoming priorities in budget proposal. Gov. David Ige presented his latest budget proposal Monday. It outlined his focus in areas he’s hoping to improve. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige unveils supplemental budget for 2020, 2021. Ige's asking for increases of more than $62 million for fiscal year 2020, and an increase of $429 million for fiscal year 2021. KITV.

=====

Why Corrupt Public Employees In Hawaii Keep Their Pensions. For those convicted of abusing public office, the pension payments don’t stop at the guilty verdict. Civil Beat.

=====

Rep. Ed Case Will Vote To Impeach Donald Trump. Still unknown is where Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will stand when the full House votes as expected this week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Congressman Ed Case says he will vote to impeach Trump. U.S. Rep. Ed Case says he will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case to vote in support of Trump's impeachment. The Congressman says President Donald Trump abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring national security, and betraying the nation. KITV.

=====

Obama back on Oahu for the holidays. The Obamas once again appear to be planning to spend the holidays on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Discussion addressed potential solutions to youth vaping epidemic in Hawaii. A round table at the state capitol Monday with lawmakers, medical professionals and families discussed the youth vaping epidemic in Hawaii. KITV.

Hawaiian Immersion May Get More State Support After Years of Community Activism. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court recently ruled in a landmark case that the state is constitutionally required to provide reasonable access to Hawaiian immersion education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Gov. Ige proposes additional $20 million for OCCC in supplemental budget plan. The governor proposed his supplemental budget today, and added $20 million for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KHON2.

State Budget: Ige proposes funding for schools, jail replacement. ov. David Ige says the state is serious about buying the Federal Detention Center near the Honolulu airport to house inmates from Hawaii’s overcrowded correctional system, but acknowledges it would literally require an act of Congress to make the deal happen. Star-Advertiser.

=====

A Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty today to depriving a homeless man of his civil rights by forcing him to lick a public urinal. John Rabago, who remains on restricted duty, and Reginald Ramones, who left the department in August, were arrested and charged earlier this year with conspiring to deprive the man of his civil rights. Associated Press.

Officer pleads guilty to forcing homeless man to lick toilet. A Honolulu police officer admitted in court Monday that he forced a homeless man to lick a toilet in order to avoid arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Technicality means the Kealohas could get less prison time in mailbox case. A victory for the Kealohas in federal court Monday as a judge ruled against prosecutors in a decision that could affect their prison sentences. Hawaii News Now.

Another officer-involved shooting in West Oahu leaves man in ‘extremely critical condition’. This comes just a day after police shot and killed a man who opened fire on them in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Man dead after being shot by police. A 34-year-old man fatally shot by plainclothes officers at a car dealership in Kalihi may not have actually fired his gun at that location. Star-Advertiser.

WATCH: HPD Chief Susan Ballard speaks to press about this morning’s officer-involved shooting in Kalihi. KHON2.

=====

Honolulu Homeless Sweeps Will Continue Despite Supreme Court Decision. Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for the immediate halt of sweeps, but Honolulu says it will continue pushing homeless people out of public areas. Civil Beat.

Bus fare increase gets initial approval. Bus fares would rise a quarter to $3 per trip while seniors and youths would pay $1.50 under a plan given tentative approval Monday by the Honolulu Rate Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters to halt sit-in at UH Manoa campus. The Bachman Hall sit-in was launched in August, a month or so after protesters on Hawaii island took up positions at Mauna Kea Access Road to block construction of the $1.4 billion telescope project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige: State spends $15 million on Maunakea access. Addressing the issue of state costs incurred during the Maunakea standoff while speaking at a briefing for media of the state’s supplemental budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, Ige said he asked his department heads to “incorporate estimates of what we think is necessary” and “contingency requests” in the supplemental budget. Tribune-Herald.

Baltimore foundation wants to give away neglected Naalehu Theater — but accepting decaying gift not that easy. Baltimore Sun.

=====

Deal reached to preserve Ka’u coast. The Ka‘u community has been working for decades to protect their beloved 80-mile coast to honor their kupuna and empower future generations to perpetuate their rural, subsistence lifestyle. West Hawaii Today.

Agreement Preserves 2,300 Acres At Big Island’s Waikapuna. The Kau land holds special cultural and historical meaning for Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

2,317-Acre Waikapuna Becomes First PONC Conservation Easement. With help from the State and the County, the Ala Kahakai Trail Association purchased the land, which is now encumbered by a perpetual conservation easement owned by the County. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Supplemental Budget Includes Funds for Lahaina Bypass and Increased Security at Maui Jail. On Maui, there’s $70 million for the Lahaina Bypass and an additional $560,000 for 15 positions at Maui Community Correction Center to increase security. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Rings in New Kahului to Las Vegas Service. Maui residents looking to experience Hawai‘i’s “Ninth Island” can now enjoy non-stop service to Las Vegas with Hawaiian Airlines’ new four-times-weekly flights between Kahului Airport and McCarran International Airport. Maui Now.


Kauai

$1.4M for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital CT scan room. State Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura said that Gov. David Ige has released $1.4 million in general obligation bonds to be used for improvements at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, CT scan room. Garden Island.

Bigger boulders protect salt beds. There aren’t as many vehicles lined up along the beach at Salt Pond as there have been in the past, thanks to community members and the county working together to protect their natural resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

MEO gets ADA bus on Molokai. Maui Economic Opportunity has added a new ADA wheelchair-accessible bus to its fleet on Molokai, the nonprofit announced Friday. Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to strike, Big Island council bans herbicides, Gabbard attacks Democratic Party in debate, acting Honolulu prosecutor subpoenaed in FBI probe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants picket PC:Association of Flight Attendants-CWA AFL-CIO

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants vote to authorize strike. The union representing Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants said today that members have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air flight attendants vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike. After three years of negotiations and no deal, Hawaiian Airlines’ flight attendants Wednesday approved their first-ever strike authorization vote. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Air strike possible over holidays. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants voted to strike on Wednesday, making history with 99.9 percent of votes authorizing the strike and 95.1 percent of flight attendants participating. Garden Island.

How will the Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant vote to strike impact your upcoming travel plans? Negotiations are ongoing. If that fails, they will go to mediation, then possibly arbitration. The only time a strike could happen is if the national mediation board gives the flight attendants permission to strike. KHON2.

=====

Tulsi Gabbard’s fiery exchanges stand out in ‘good-natured’ debate. Tulsi Gabbard sparred with Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg during Wednesday evening’s presidential debate, adding tension to what was a generally collegial event among the top 10 Democratic presidential candidates and highlighting a growing unease among the party with her candidacy. Star-Advertiser.

Presidential Debate Puts Gabbard At Odds With Harris, Buttigieg. In addition to candidates, she took on her own party. Civil Beat.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard joined nine other Democratic candidates for the White House on Wednesday for the fifth presidential debate in Atlanta. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto is expected to appear before a federal grand jury today after being subpoenaed by the FBI earlier this week. Star-Advertiser.

Top Honolulu Attorney Served With Federal Subpoena. Acting City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto, who received a federal subpoena on Monday, said on Thursday that he has done nothing wrong and intends to comply with it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Acting city prosecutor gets FBI subpoena to testify in ongoing criminal probe of his boss. City Prosecutor Dwight Nadamoto confirmed Wednesday that he’s received a subpoena to testify before the federal grand jury investigating his boss: Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Delivery of Kahuku wind turbine parts complete. The last of the large turbine parts for the planned Na Pua Makani wind farm project in Kahuku arrived Wednesday, developer AES Corp. announced. Star-Advertiser.

Transport of wind farm equipment wrapped up ahead of schedule. The company behind a controversial wind farm project says they’ve finished the transport of equipment to the North Shore a week early. Hawaii News Now.

=====

New Snags Hold Back Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Both the city and a state court judge have issues with the environmental impact reports, halting the controversial flood control project. Civil Beat.

Short-staffed and overcrowded. And for the state’s largest jail, that’s just the start. Oahu Community Correctional Center is the state’s largest jail facility, with more than 1,000 detainees. And like the state’s other jails, it’s over-capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Community Calls For Red Hill Tanks To Be Moved Now. Members of the public packed Moanalua Middle School cafeteria last night, many calling for the Navy to move its Red Hill fuel tanks away from drinking water aquifers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Finally, satellite city halls on Oahu start taking credit and debit cards. “Cash or checks only” is a thing of the past at Oahu’s satellite city halls. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Shawn Ching to depart as Hawaii News Now 5 p.m. co-anchor. Emmy Award-winning news anchor Shawn Ching is departing Hawaii News Now to return to his law practice and spend more time with his wife and young son, General Manager Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

News anchor Shawn Ching leaving Hawaii News Now to spend more time with ohana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council bans county herbicide use. Urged on by new mothers, beekeepers, organic farmers and a soccer coach, the County Council on Wednesday passed a bill banning the county’s use of herbicides on public property, making Hawaii County the first local government in the state to do so. West Hawaii Today.

Council Passes Ban On County Herbicide Use. A bill that prohibits the use of herbicides in Hawaii County parks, roads, and waterways was approved by the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday, after it passed by a 6-3 vote. Big Island Video News.

County to Ban All Herbicide Use by 2024. The Hawai‘i County Council voted Wednesday afternoon to ban the use of herbicides on any County managed or maintained property — including parks, roadways and waterways — beginning in 2024. Big Island Now.

=====

Roy Takemoto appointed county managing director. Roy Takemoto has been selected managing director effective Dec. 2. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim Appoints New Managing Director. Roy Takemoto is set to replace Managing Director Wil Okabe, who announced his resignation Monday. Civil Beat.

Roy Takemoto Named Managing Director After Okabe Departure. Takemoto, appointed by Mayor Harry Kim, will be before the Hawaiʻi County Council for a confirmation hearing on December 4. Big Island Video News.

=====

6K+ Mauna Kea citations called ‘misconduct’ by retired officer. A retired Hawaii county police officer has launched a complaint against his ex-boss, Chief of Police Paul Ferreria, because of beefed up traffic enforcement at Mauna Kea. Police have issued 6,585 citations since August 15 according to HPD. Hawaii News Now.

Council passes resolution urging collaboration on waste reduction strategies. The Hawaii County Council passed a resolution urging county agencies to work together to reduce waste and generate more clean energy. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Excluded From North Kohala Enterprise Zone. The Hawaiʻi County Council is advancing the renewed Enterprise Zone designation for North Kohala, before the previous designation expires in April 2020. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Dengue fever confirmed in Kahului resident. Person no longer infectious, but mosquito control still encouraged. Maui News.

Eighteen inmates penalized in March fire, riot at Maui jail. Repairs from the disturbance at MCCC are almost complete. Maui News.

Mahi Pono, hui reach water pact. Officials: Plan may create new chapter in ag history. Maui News.

Kauai

More dead birds found. Another seven wedge-tailed shearwaters have been found dead along the Maha‘ulepu coast, about a week after 35 birds were killed on the cliffs above Shipwreck Beach. Garden Island.

Kealoha chapter closes with guilty pleas, City Council says no outside attorneys in rail probe, battles continue across the state over wind, solar and water issues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha admit guilt. Once one of Oahu’s preeminent power couples, Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s stunning fall from grace continued Tuesday with both pleading guilty to additional federal charges. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Honolulu Police Chief, Estranged Wife Plead Guilty. A retired Honolulu police chief and his wife, a former deputy city prosecutor, pleaded guilty Tuesday to bank fraud in order to avoid other trials against them, capping a federal corruption investigation that brought down the once-respected and powerful couple. Associated Press.

Under deal approved by judge, Kealohas plead guilty to remaining charges. After maintaining her innocence for years, Katherine Kealoha pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to bank fraud, identity theft and covering up knowledge of a drug ring involving her brother ― all felonies ― under a plea deal approved by a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Judge accepts, finds Kealohas guilty. The Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright accepted the Kealohas’ guilty plea Tuesday. Prosecutors say the plea agreement that Louis and Katherine Kealoha entered into will bring some vindication for additional victims. KHON2.

Federal prosecutors may be interested in what Katherine Kealoha knows about HART, her attorney says. Attorney Earle Partington had planned to appeal the Kealohas' June conspiracy and obstruction conviction, but with the Kealohas cutting plea deals with the federal government, the focus has changed. KITV.

Is the Prosecutor’s Office doomed to repeat the past? That’s what the Council is worried about. In a tense exchange Tuesday, Honolulu Councilman Ron Menor questioned Honolulu’s acting city prosecutor on why his office hasn’t taken steps to independently confirm how deputy Katherine Kealoha abused her office for years for her personal benefit. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council rejects hiring outside lawyers to help city employees. Lawyers for the city expect the federal criminal investigation of the rail authority will likely result in more subpoenas or other requests for information from other city departments, but members of the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday rejected a request to hire a mainland law firm to help cope with those inquiries. Star-Advertiser.

Criminal Probe Into Rail Might Creep Into Honolulu Hale, Attorneys Fear. After the City Council rejected using taxpayer money to pay for legal representation, city employees would have to seek it out on their own. Civil Beat.

=====

Wind farm battles aren’t new. And our search for green energy means they’re not going away. The opposition might have appeared to come out of nowhere. But in fact, wind farm projects are no stranger to controversy. Hawaii News Now.

Wind farm arrests decline on third night. Three people were arrested Tuesday in Kahuku after refusing to move from the driveway of the wind farm site where trucks were delivering four turbine tower sections. Three protesters were also arrested Monday night in Kalaeloa, bringing the total arrested to 101 since the protest began Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Honolulu Council Committee Considering Charging Transportation Companies for Parking Stalls. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee amended a bill that would allow companies that rent small vehicles, such as electric scooters to pay to reserve parking spaces. Hawaii Public Radio.

Move proposed Ala Moana playground to Kakaako park, City Council member Kobayashi says. Instead of building a proposed 1-acre children’s playground with a zip line and water feature at Ala Moana Regional Park, the city should build it at Kakaako Waterfront Park near the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of a new playground slated for Ala Moana Park are trying to convince the city to switch to a different site. They received a boost from a key council committee on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

How To Remove Homeless People From A Park? Close It, Honolulu Says. Opponents of the city proposal say closing parks is not the answer when better enforcement and maintenance is needed. Civil Beat.

City council exploring options for a tiny, problematic park in Downtown Honolulu. Honolulu city council members passed a resolution Monday that explores alternatives for the Kamalii Mini Park in Downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Large scale enforcement effort underway at Kea‘au Beach Park. Combined efforts from numerous city departments, state coordinators, non-government organizations and volunteer community members are currently underway with the goal of cleaning a stretch shoreline along the Leeward Coast north of Kea‘au Beach Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public hearing slated for petition challenging classification of state land on Maunakea summit. The state Land Use Commission will have a public hearing Thursday about a petition by two Hawaiian cultural practitioners concerning the classification of state land on the Maunakea summit. Tribune-Herald.

Search Begins for New UH Astronomy Director. The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy is in the market for a new director and as of Tuesday, the search has officially begun. Big Island Now.

Water is the holdup for Laiopua. There are many hurdles to completing the master-planned Villages of Laiopua, but topping that list is water. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Conflicts, Antitrust Questions Raised Regarding Maui Solar Farm. Utilities and others are concerned that the same lawyers are representing multiple parties in a competitive bidding process. Civil Beat.

Farmers, Advocates Rally for Restored Streamflow in Na Wai ʻEha. Community organizers picketed outside of the state building earlier this evening to push for full streamflow in Wailuku, Waiʻehu, Waiheʻe, and Waikapu, also known as Na Wai ʻEha, or the four waters. Maui Now.

UPW contract with hospitals is ratified. Terms not disclosed by either union or Maui Health System. Maui News.

=====

Brush fire closes Kapalua Airport on Maui, forces evacuations. The fire department is continuing to fight the fire in West Maui, and are working to protect homes in the Kahana Ridge and Ala Hoku subdivisions. Star-Advertiser.

Brush Fire Closes Maui's Kapalua Airport. Kapalua Airport in Maui was closed and evacuated Tuesday because of a brush fire that damaged power supply lines, causing the airport to lose power. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Two pharmacies on Kauai are being investigated by federal authorities for allegedly distributing drugs without a prescription. Drug Enforcement Administration officials seized records and inventory from Westside Pharmacy in Hanapepe and Kalaheo Pharmacy during inspections on Oct. 9 and 10, according to receipts documenting the execution of a federal inspection warrant. Garden Island.

The business of climate change. On Kauai, the first of five conversations on the topic happened Monday at a meeting at Kauai Community College attended by about 40 people that was part lecture, part brainstorming session, focused on Kauai’s business sector. Garden Island.

Caldwell kills Waimanalo sports complex plan after 28 protesters arrested, executive pleads guilty to bribing Schofield managers, OHA paid $39k to help Thirty Meter Telescope opponents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waimanalo Beach PC:Drums600 via Wikipedia

Caldwell Tweets: 'We Are Not Building Sports Complex In Waimanalo'. In the wake of the arrest of 28 protesters Thursday blocking access to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park that officials wanted to redevelop, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell tweeted the city won't build a sports complex planned in the Sherwood Forest area. Associated Press.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell defends plans for Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo after police arrest of 28 protesters. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today that he respects First Amendment rights after 28 demonstrators were arrested at Waimanalo Beach Park, but he accused the protestors of blocking other community members from accessing the park. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters blocking police and a construction vehicle at the Waimanalo forest cited concerns about culture and overdevelopment issues. More than two dozen protesters blocking police and construction equipment for a contentious renovation project at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park were arrested Thursday morning after a two-hour peaceful standoff on the access road to the park. Star-Advertiser.

Police Arrest 28 Protesters Blocking Construction At Waimanalo Park. The protesters sang and chanted as they passively resisted the officers.  Civil Beat.

City pledges to press forward with controversial Waimanalo park project despite arrests. Officers arrested 28 people Thursday who were blocking construction equipment and crews from accessing a Waimanalo park, where a controversial $32 million redevelopment project is underway. Hawaii News Now.

HPD arrests 28 Sherwood Forest protestors in Waimanalo. Twenty-eight protestors were arrested at the entrance to Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Thursday, Sept. 26 amid the Sherwood Forest protest. KHON2.

Over 2 dozen arrested after demonstrators block construction crews from accessing Sherwood Forest. Demonstrators were out in Waimanalo protesting Thursday morning. KITV.

=====

Hawaii saw more visitor arrivals and tourism spending in August than last year. Total visitor arrivals and spending rose again statewide in August, which was only the third month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

165 Duty Free Hawaii employees will be laid off. DFS Hawaii began the process of cutting down their workforce by deciding on Thursday, Sept. 26, to lay off 165 employees, according to the company. KHON2.

DFS Hawaii laying off 165 workers amid international visitor market declines. DFS Hawaii, which has operated in Hawaii since 1962 and employs 660 people, began taking steps to reduce a quarter of its workforce today in one of the biggest layoffs of the state’s softer tourism cycle. Star-Advertiser.

DFS Hawaii lays off 165 amid decline in tourism from Asia. Retailer DFS Hawaii laid off 165 employees Thursday from three of its Hawaii locations, citing losses due to a softening international travel market. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Some Principals Can Still Earn More Than Top DOE Officials. Civil Beat’s public employee salary database now includes 22,395 employees of the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Ige Picks Environmental Director To Lead Energy Office. As chief executive officer of the Hawaii State Energy Office, Scott Glenn will play an important role in achieving the state’s renewable energy goals. Civil Beat.

Ige Taps Glenn to lead State Energy Office. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Executive pleads guilty to bribing Schofield managers in exchange for contracts. John Winslett admitted giving thousands of dollars in goods, weapons and a vehicle to the managers of the Schofield firing range in return for about $19 million in contracts to improve and maintain the range.  Hawaii News Now.

City Council Bill To Increase Trespass Fines Headed To Public Hearing. A Honolulu City Council committee approved a public hearing for a bill that will increase fines for people who illegally enter watershed areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu Windfarm Seeking Increase In Authorized Bat Deaths. Kawailoa Wind, LLC, has been operating five miles north of Haleiwa since 2012. The company is asking regulators to increase the number of endangered species it can legally kill by its presence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hefty Property Fine? Honolulu Will Happily Settle For 10%. City officials say they’re less interested in raising money than in getting property owners to comply, so are willing to take much less when the violation is corrected. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Has Spent $39K To Support Activists On Mauna Kea. The state Attorney General’s office has subpoenaed the information on OHA’s support for demonstrators against the Thirty Meter Telescope. Civil Beat.

Police Are Giving TMT Opponents Space For Negotiations, AG Says. A new poll shows "most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward". Big Island Video News.

Speakers talk food access, self-reliance at summit. More than a hundred Big Island farmers, gardeners, officials and more gathered in Hilo Thursday for the second annual Hawaii Island Community Food Summit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pulama Lanai proposing 200-acre industrial park. LUC to review project's environmental assessment. Maui News.

Bail money returned to Maui officer accused of abuse of power, misconduct. The Maui Police Department charged Officer Brandon Saffeels with hindering prosecution and tampering with a witness, but the Maui Prosecutor’s Office declined charges. Hawaii News Now.

Maui teachers say pay not enough with the cost of living. Housing an issue, some work two jobs. Maui News.

Kauai

‘The Hanapepe Massacre Mystery’. A new documentary by Kauai native, former journalist and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo will launch Saturday with a video shoot of researchers searching for the Hanapepe site where 16 Filipino sugarcane workers were believed to have been buried in an unmarked grave in 1924. Garden Island.

Ige's approval rating tanks in poll as more voters oppose Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, flag flap at Keaau high school, Honolulu council seeks corruption audit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian cultural practitioners on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

Public support for TMT drops sharply, according to a new Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll. Public support for the Thirty Meter Telescope has declined sharply after more than two months of peaceful but determined protests on Mauna Kea, and most voters now oppose the idea of using force to reopen Mauna Kea Access Road to allow construction to move forward, according to a new Honolulu Star- Advertiser poll. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s job approval rating tanks amid TMT debacle. Gov. David Ige’s job approval rating has sunk to a new low amid the ongoing standoff over the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, though Hawaii voters have an even lower opinion of the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Tulsi Gabbard Earns Spot In October Debate. The Hawaii congresswoman will be back on the stage after missing the September debate. Civil Beat.

Audit: DOE misses millions in revenue. State auditors found that the Hawaii Department of Education has failed to collect millions of dollars in fees over the past decade and has no written policies or procedures in place to implement the process necessary to do so in the future. Garden Island.

Frustration, Desperation As Teachers Convene To Discuss Pay Issues. Consultants hired by the Hawaii Department of Education are meeting with educators around the state, seeking ways to improve compensation. On the first night they heard from many barely hanging on. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Police commissioner calls out city council during talk on public corruption scandal. Honolulu city council members want an audit done of local law enforcement agencies including the Honolulu Police Department, prosecuting attorney’s office and the ethics commission. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu officer charged with failure to report in urinal licking case. A Honolulu police officer has been charged with covering up for another officer in a case that involved forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal. Hawaii News Now.

FBI raid of city records tied to Kealoha case, lawyers say. Members of a Honolulu City Council committee were told Tuesday that a raid of city computer servers earlier this year involved emails apparently tied to the federal corruption case that centered around former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Kealoha. Star-Advertiser.

Another Candidate Running For Manahan’s Council Seat. Jacob Aki is currently chief of staff to the Senate majority leader. Civil Beat.

Councilmembers question affordability of $773 million Blaisdell makeover. County lawmakers pressed for answers today on whether the city can afford to take on a $773 million redevelopment of Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center. KHON2.


How much of the Blaisdell’s redevelopment will taxpayers pay for? The city isn’t sure. The city say plans for the projected $772 million redevelopment of the aging Blaisdell Center are moving along, and officials are working to secure a public private partnership for the project. Hawaii News Now.

Rent high? Don't blame short term rentals said expert. Oahu's shortage and higher costs of housing have been blamed on illegal short term rentals, but expects said that is not the case. KITV.

Chinatown Neighborhood Board Chair wants city to pack yellow bag rule. The Downtown-Chinatown rule for businesses to use new thick yellow trash bags isn’t popular among some in the community. KHON2.

Slopes of Diamond Head cleared of squatters in 2-week-long sweep.  After months of complaints, squatters are being forced off of the Diamond Head State Monument. Hawaii News Now.

Group elaborates on ideas to fix Koko Crater Trail. A non-profit group revealed its $100,00 plan to temporarily fix the dilapidated Koko Crater Trail. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Keaau High causes social media backlash after telling students not to wear flags as clothing. Officials at Keaau High School caused a stir online Monday after telling students not to wear Hawaiian Kingdom or Hawaii state flags on campus. Tribune-Herald.

Honua Ola gets go-ahead to drill deeper. The state Department of Health granted approval to Honua Ola Bioenergy, formerly known as Hu Honua Bioenergy, to drill three underground injection control wells to 800 feet at its power plant under construction at Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Is Aina Lea finally ready to be built? A South Kohala developer says it is moving forward with the Town of Aina Lea, while the county is reminding the company that all requirements must be met should the long-delayed project actually want to get off the ground. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Molina Addresses ‘Crisis-Level’ Affordable Housing Need. Councilmember Michael J. Molina has a new plan that might expand affordable housing opportunities for Maui families. Maui Now.

2 Dolphins Euthanized After Stranding On Maui Beach. There was another mass stranding in the same area less than a month ago. Civil Beat.


Two More Stranded Whales Euthanized Near Maui Beach. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists euthanized two pygmy killer whales Tuesday after the mammals stranded themselves on Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two whales in separate pod euthanized after Sugar Beach stranding. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that two pygmy killer whales stranded at Kihei’s Sugar Beach on Tuesday morning had to be euthanized based on their health. Maui News.

Two Stranded Whales Euthanized, Second Stranding Incident in Recent Weeks. Maui Now.

Wildlife officials euthanize 2 whales that were stranded on Maui beach. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA Fisheries responds to stranded pygmy killer whales near Sugar Beach. NOAA Fisheries responded to two pygmy killer whales (a member of the oceanic dolphin family) stranded on shore near Sugar Beach, Maui on Tuesday. KITV.

ABC Stores to build distribution center in Maui Lani Village. Owner purchases 40,000-square-foot lot for about $2M. Maui News.

A&B seeks 30-year water lease. It would allow EMI to divert water from East Maui streams. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor heads delegation to Japan. A contingent from Kauai led by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami is headed on a good-will mission to Japan. Garden Island.

Council to meet today. Among the agenda items, it will consider a resolution to accept a public access easement to Kauapea Beach. Garden Island.

Hawaii Marines, Air Force to lose $32M to Trump's border wall, Honolulu plastics ban advances, Maui injection well fight heading to Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Don Graves addresses Hawaii Marines ©2019 All Hawaii News

$32M in Hawaii military projects to be cut for U.S. border wall. A total of $32 million for security improvements to the back gate of Marine Corps Base Hawaii and an Air Force training facility at Hickam Field is being diverted for President Donald Trump’s border wall, the Pentagon said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, Guam To Lose Millions In Military Funding For Trump’s Border Wall. The casualties include stronger security at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base and a new machine gun range on Guam. Civil Beat.

Millions For Local Military Projects Diverted For Border Wall. President Donald Trump defunded two of Hawaii’s military projects to pay for his administration's southern border wall, including one project deemed high priority by the U.S. Marine Corps.  Hawaii Public Radio.

$32M for Hawaii military projects to be cut as Trump seeks money for border wall. The president’s plan to cut $3.6 billion slated for military construction projects in order to spend the money on fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border includes $32 million in cuts to “high priority” projects at military bases in Hawaii, officials confirmed. Hawaii News Now.

Trump to Defund Hawaii Military Projects. Big Island Now.

Case criticizes Trump over border wall funding. Hawaii U-S Congressman Ed Case lashed out at President Donald Trump -- over funding for a "Border Wall". By diverting money from the military, Case believes it'll cripple our country's security. KITV.

=====

Looming Recession Expected To Take A Bite Out Of State Revenues. A slew of tax legislation passed by the Legislature in 2019 was offset by tax breaks and will make little difference. Civil Beat.

Homeless Advocates Test Hawaii’s New Forced-Treatment Law. Some 30% of Hawaii’s homeless suffer from a serious mental illness. Civil Beat.

No bonus year for vehicle registrations. It was designed to be a super-easy service — but a computer glitch over Labor Day weekend means dozens of vehicle registrations — renewed at Safeway stores around the islands — have to be re-issued. KHON2.

Congressmen Ask Feds To Investigate Hawaii Tuna Money. A lack of adequate response from NOAA and Wespac have only raised more questions about how the money is managed. Civil Beat.


Oahu

Council advances wide-ranging plastics ban. An Oahu-wide food establishment ban on single-use plastics — from takeout containers, utensils and straws to carry-out bags — won the second of three needed approvals from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha Cases Are Racking Up ‘Endless’ Taxpayer Legal Bills. The legal fees for one lawsuit alone break down to about 70 cents per Oahu resident. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council OKs Funds To Shield Records Seized By Feds. Two council members who previously supported the funding voted no. Civil Beat.

Keith Kaneshiro not running for re-election amid federal probe, his attorney says. Embattled Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro will not campaign for re-election next year, ending a total of 16 years in that office. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Bill calling for longer lifeguard hours advances. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require the city to keep lifeguards on the beach from sunrise to sunset, a policy that Council members and ocean services personnel said is long overdue. Star-Advertiser.

From dawn ’til dusk: City lifeguards push for plan ensuring extended hours. A proposal that would push the city to extend lifeguard hours is moving ahead at the Honolulu City Council, but critics worry about costs and recruitment. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Kailua board to vote on banning helicopter flights over the town. The Kailua Neighborhood Board is expected to vote this evening on a resolution seeking a ban of tour helicopters over the beach town. Star-Advertiser.

New proposal would increase penalties to stop reservoir trespassing. Reservoirs and watersheds are the source of our drinking water, but for years people have been using some of the Oahu’s reservoirs for fun. KHON2.

Mysterious oily sludge in Halawa draws new attention ... and concern. A mysterious ooze that’s been bubbling up for decades in a Halawa parking lot is getting new attention from community leaders who are calling for its removal. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

2018 Kilauea eruption: Interim recovery strategy moves ahead. The County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday voted to recommend for full council approval an interim recovery strategy crafted using input from public, private, nonprofit and community sectors. Tribune-Herald.

Highway 132 Delays Due To Lava Heat Detailed. Public Works Director David Yamamoto gave the Hawaii County Council an update on the effort to recover the lava-inundated Highway 132 in Puna. Big Island Video News.

=====

Kona CDP protections made mandatory. At the request of South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Maile David, the County Council on Wednesday unanimously amended the Kona Community Development Plan to change “should” to “shall,” making mandatory a section that previously read as a recommendation. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Rezoning applications for proposed housing development withdrawn. A contentious proposal for a housing development in Puueo has halted after developers withdrew rezoning applications Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Olson Trust Withdraws Puueo Development Application. An application for a proposed development in Puʻueo has been withdrawn, suddenly ending a months-long debate over a rezoning that made its way through the Planning Commission to the Hawaii County Council. Big Island Video News.

=====

Inouye sends second letter to officials urging action to end blockade of Maunakea. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye fired off a letter to Gov. David Ige and others — her second in a two-week span — urging something be done to end the blockade of Maunakea Access Road by activists protesting the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

As TMT protest drags on, activists fear law enforcement action is imminent. A state senator from the Big Island says the governor and Hawaii County’s mayor should be ashamed for the situation on Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Two Sides Still At Odds Over Maui Water Case Bound For Supreme Court. As the legal dispute between Maui County and environmental groups barrels forward to the United States Supreme Court, people weighed in Tuesday at a Maui Council committee meeting on the case. Hawaii Public Radio.

Councilors hear injection well testimony into the night. Committee unable to get to decision-making. Maui News.

=====

MPD provides masks to officers in wake of recent brush fires. Move comes in response to a complaint of safety, health hazards. Maui News.

Maui jail guards met with ‘Hurt Feelings’ form for ‘whiners’. Maui correctional officers were met with a stack of “Hurt Feelings Report” forms when they showed up for work this week at the Maui Community Correctional Center — a joke that isn’t going over well six months after a major riot broke out at the jail that left some guards afraid for their lives. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Media Group announced the promotion of Sherri Hamamura Grimes as Vice President and General Manager of its Maui Radio Operations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Approximately two dozen people showed up to the public hearing about proposed amendments pertaining to the rules and regulations governing boating activities at county beach parks on Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Rice Street work on line. Drivers might be experiencing some frustration cruising along Rice Street right now but rest assured, it won’t last forever, county officials said. Garden Island.

Molokai

NTSB releases report outlining events leading to a 2017 helicopter crash on Molokai. Federal Investigators say there were strong wind gusts the night a Mauna Loa helicopter crashed off Molokai nearly two years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Dispute over Mauna Kea road ownership, Honolulu ramps up vacation rental inspectors, ethics board dings Puna councilwoman, Coco Palms still a go, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea access road checkpoint ©2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved

Who Owns Mauna Kea Access Road? During an informational briefing held Wednesday on Oahu, the state senate questioned Hawaiian Home Lands officials about the ownership of the mountain road. Big Island Video News.

Questions arise over Mauna Kea road. Hawaii Sen. Kai Kahele (D, Hilo) questioned whether the state Department of Transportation has legal jurisdiction over Mauna Kea Access Road during a legislative briefing at the state Capitol on Wednesday, setting up what could potentially develop into a larger legal issue for the Thirty Meter Telescope and other telescope sites atop Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

State's control over Mauna Kea Access Road could be in jeopardy. Lawmakers grilled the Department of Hawaiian Homelands stating, documents that shows the road is within DHHL's jurisdiction. KITV.

‘Why Do Stars Explode?’ And Other Questions Scientists Hope To Explore With The TMT. Scientists are already jockeying for time slots for ambitious research projects on the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope and another giant telescope being constructed in Chile. Civil Beat.

=====

New immigration policies expected to hurt Hawaii families and economy. Some believe a new federal crackdown on immigration could hurt Hawaii’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Health Systems has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit from the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. Kaiser says Queens has been charging its patients excessive and unreasonable rates ever since their contract ended in May. Hawaii News Now.

Some ‘Reef-Safe’ Sunscreens May Not Be Safe After All. Mineral-based sunscreens are viewed as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical sunscreens, but could still be harmful in large concentrations. Civil Beat.

BOE expected to adopt changes to student misconduct rules. The action comes nearly a year after amendments were first considered by the board. Tribune-Herald.

Southwest Airlines is aggressively expanding service to the Hawaiian islands in January, more than doubling the number of its interisland seats and increasing its trans-Pacific seat capacity by 50%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More inspectors hired to tackle problem of illegal rentals. The city Department of Planning and Permitting is beefing up staffing, hiring up to six new temporary inspectors to help enforce a new and tougher vacation rental ordinance. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Adds Inspectors To Enforce Short-Term Rental Law. The city says the workers are temporary. Civil Beat.

As vacation rental cancellations mount, some say they’re not getting refunds. As the city’s new vacation rental law causes more cancellations, some visitors say they’re not getting their money back. Hawaii News Now.

=====

City wants funds to hire law firm for subpoenaed rail workers. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration is seeking $300,000 to hire lawyers to represent the Honolulu rail authority and its current and former employees in connection with the federal investigation of the city’s $9.2 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A retired district court judge was called before a federal grand jury last week to testify in an ongoing probe into the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Retired District Court Judge David Lo spent more than two hours inside the grand jury room before being wheeled out by an FBI agent. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha Still Stands To Collect $680K From Grandmother, Uncle. Gerard and Florence Puana are still on the hook for the verdict in a civil case that happened before the Kealohas were convicted on criminal charges stemming from the same situation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board issues reminder to council in Kierkiewicz case. The county Board of Ethics on Wednesday finalized an order requiring Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz to file an after-the-fact written disclosure of a possible conflict of interest stemming from a vote she took earlier this year. West Hawaii Today.

DPS promotes Hilo sergeant to fill new West Hawaii position overseeing Kona, Kohala courts. Deputy sheriffs assigned to West Hawaii’s courts now have a lieutenant based in Kona, although the legislator who helped create the position isn’t happy the post had to be filled by someone from Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

New webcam monitors pool in Halemaumau. The U.S. Geological Survey set up a webcam to continuously track the development of a pool of water within Halemaumau Crater on Kilauea. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Senate Committees to Hold Maui Briefing on Maui Correctional Center. The Hawaiʻi Senate Ways & Means Committee and Public Safety Committee will conduct an informational briefing to hear from the Department of Public Safety and receive an update on the emergency appropriation for Maui Community Correctional Center and the current state of the facility. Maui Now.

Final EIS for Hana pier dismantling is accepted. Gov. David Ige has accepted final environmental impact statements for the Hana pier deck removal and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ industrial and business park in Pulehunui, according to the latest edition of “The Environmental Notice” published by the Office of Environmental Quality Control earlier this month. Maui News.

150 room expansion for Kihei hotel planned. Maui Coast Hotel to use adjacent vacant lot. Maui News.

Kauai

Council, mayor honor government watchdog Glenn Mickens. For decades, and without fail, one of the island’s most prominent government watchdogs, Glenn Mickens, showed up at County Council meetings on Wednesdays. Garden Island.

Coco Palms rebirth still alive. The Utah private-equity company that has taken over the ruins of the former Coco Palms Resort in Wailua says it is moving ahead with plans to rebuild the property as a hotel and can meet an Aug. 31 county deadline to submit 26 different building permit applications. Garden Island.

Kealoha power couple found guilty in conspiracy trial, new law blocks firearms for emotionally unstable, tourism up but spending down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Katherine and Louis Kealoha, from Facebook

Kealohas are found guilty on all counts of conspiracy and obstruction. Honolulu’s former Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, once trusted leaders of the city’s law enforcement system, were found guilty Thursday of using their positions and power to frame a family member and enrich themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Kealohas, 2 Honolulu officers found guilty of conspiracy in massive public corruption trial. After deliberating for less than nine hours, a jury of seven men and five women found former law enforcement power couple Louis and Katherine Kealoha guilty Thursday of conspiracy and other counts in one of Hawaii’s most closely-watched public corruption trials. Hawaii News Now.

Jury Convicts Kealohas And 2 HPD Officers Of Conspiracy. Honolulu’s former police chief and his prosecutor wife, along with two police officers, were found guilty Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in Hawaii history. Civil Beat.

Verdict In: Louis and Katherine Kealoha Guilty In Corruption Case. A jury has found a former Honolulu prosecutor and her now-retired police chief husband guilty in a plot to frame a relative to silence him from revealing fraud that financed their lavish lifestyle, a case that shook the top levels of law enforcement. Associated Press.

Jury finds Kealohas guilty of conspiracy in Kealoha Trial, KHON2.

Jury finds Katherine and Louis Kealoha guilty of conspiracy. A verdict has been reached in the Kealoha corruption trial. KITV.

Here’s why prosecutors want Katherine Kealoha behind bars as she awaits sentencing. In a strongly-worded brief Thursday, the government argued newly-convicted felon Katherine Kealoha should be placed in custody immediately as she awaits sentencing this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Reaction pours in after Kealoha guilty verdicts. Star-Advertiser.

Verdicts help restore faith in the system, many say. The quick guilty verdicts in one of the state’s largest public corruption trials brought a wide range of reaction Thursday, with some saying the case underscored the inability of local officials to police themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Legal troubles not over for Kealohas. Thursday’s verdict is not the end of the legal troubles for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. The couple faces two more trials. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Gov. David Ige has approved a new law that enables family members, co-workers or police to obtain court orders blocking access to firearms for people who show signs they could pose a danger to themselves or others. Star-Advertiser.

=====

State Auditor Dings DLNR’s Special Land Fund. Absence of long-range planning leaves staff without “expertise, resources, and options” to effectively manage portfolio. Civil Beat.

Audit: DLNR mismanaged state land. A division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources responsible for millions of acres of state-owned property is being run without coherent policies or guidelines by a staff that is incompetent to the point that it misunderstands its own funding, according to a report released Thursday by the Hawaii State Auditor. Garden Island.

Audit conducted of DLNR's Special Land Development Fund. The Hawaii State Auditor says, "absence of long-range planning has left the Land Division staff without the expertise, resources, and options to actively and effectively manage its land portfolio." KITV.

=====

More tourists visit Hawaii but they spend less. May marked the seventh month in a row that more visitors came to Hawaii than in the previous year while creating less economic benefit. Star-Advertiser.

Disappointing declines in visitor spending continue in May. The takeaway from May’s tourism numbers was a familiar one: Visitors came in droves but spent less on average. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii visitor statistics released for May 2019. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.39 billion in May 2019, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the same month last year, according HTA. KITV.

=====

Mayors at summit in Honolulu commit to electric vehicles. Dozens of mayors gathered in front of an electric bus at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus Thursday to announce a collaborative commitment to purchasing electric vehicles for their city fleets. Star-Advertiser.

Filling A ‘Massive’ Need To Provide Glasses For Hawaii’s Kids. The state law requiring regular hearing and vision screening has been ignored for nearly 25 years, leaving nonprofits to cover at least part of the gap. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kym Pine: ‘Strongly Considering’ Running For Mayor. The Honolulu City Councilwoman is reaching out for support and donations. Civil Beat.

Following a recent trip to Singapore, State Senator Stanley Chang remains committed to adapting the island nation’s public housing model for Hawaii. The idea, which would use state land along the planned Honolulu rail transit line, aims to build low-cost, high density, residential developments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ward Village developer Howard Hughes Corp. considers shake-up and sale. The Ward Village community in Kakaako could see a new master developer under a possible shake-up of Howard Hughes Corp. Star-Advertiser.

State to charge for street parking next to Kalihi school. People have been parking on a side street in Kalihi for a number of years. Now the state will be charging them for it. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission weighs pay hikes, other incentives to keep top officials. The county Salary Commission is considering bonuses as one way to attract quality candidates to head county departments. West Hawaii Today.

Will This Year’s Confrontation At Mauna Kea Become Hawaii’s Standing Rock? Protestors say they’ll remain nonviolent, but fear the state and county’s response to their planned activism. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea Land Set Aside Draws DU, Land Title Concerns. A public hearing was held on a proposal to withdraw lands in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and set aside to the County of Hawaii and the DOT. Big Island Video News.

AC installation for dorm moves forward. The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s newest dormitory, Hale Alahonua, is closer to being cooler with the upcoming installation of an air conditioning system. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui traffic livestreamed. Real-time traffic cameras installed at 10 intersections. Maui drivers won’t have to guess about travel times on some state highways with new real-time traffic monitoring cameras going up at 10 state roadway intersections. Maui News.

Mayor prepares to release housing plan. Mayor Michael Victorino declared Wednesday that there’s a dire need for housing units in Maui County and that all options are open as his administration is poised to present its Strategic Housing Plan to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Shoreline access pact reached with Napili condos. Lawsuits claim trails not being maintained per permits. Community groups who sued three condominium complexes over beach access have reached a settlement with the final two condos that will restore a public access trail to the Napili shoreline. Maui News.

Settlement Reached to Restore Beach Access at Honokowai. Maui Now.

Kauai

A new deal. There is a new collective bargaining agreement for Kauai firefighters through 2021 as the Kauai County Council passed a bill that will usher in a new area for first responders with a 5-2 vote Wednesday during the council meeting at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.