Legislative leaders plead guilty to taking bribes, campaign donations in the spotlight, minimum wage bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

J. Kalani English and Ty J.K. Cullen

Ex-lawmakers J. Kalani English and Ty J.K. Cullen admit taking cash bribes and could face up to 20 years in federal prison. They were bribed by Milton J. Choy, owner of H20 Process Systems and Fluid Technologies. Choy, who is cooperating with the federal investigation, gave legal donations totaling $160,150 to more than 50 state and county lawmakers since 2014. His companies have received nearly $6 million in government contracts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Corruption At The Hawaii Legislature Puts Campaign Donations In The Spotlight. Amid a new push for change, critics say the process surrounding legal campaign contributions urgently needs to be reformed. Civil Beat.

Bills limiting Hawaii governor’s emergency powers advancing. Bills limiting Hawaii governor’s emergency powers advancing Star-Advertiser.

Minimum wage bill advances despite criticisms. A desire by state House leadership this year to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage took its first step forward as a bill was advanced Tuesday by a committee at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Seek Ban On Vehicles That Make Too Much Noise. Senate Bill 2127 and House Bill 1545 would establish a decibel limit to define vehicular noise pollution, and make owning or operating a vehicle that exceeds the established limit illegal.  Civil Beat.

Bill would make it easier for seniors 65-plus to get marijuana. Recreational use of marijuana is no closer to being fully legalized this year in Hawaii, but some seniors in the Aloha State may be able to use medical cannabis freely under a new bill. Tribune-Herald.

Bill to provide $2M to food banks passes first committee. A bill to provide millions in funding to Hawaii’s four food banks is making its way through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

By 2050, sea level in Hawaii could rise by as much as 1 foot. The U.S. will get slightly more sea level rise than the global average. And the greatest rise in the U.S. will be on the Gulf and East coasts, while the West Coast and Hawaii will be hit less than average. Associated Press.

Battling long-haul COVID, some turn to magnetic brain treatment for relief. As the wave of Omicron cases declines, experts are worried about long-haul effects from the virus, but there is promising treatment for those searching for relief. Hawaii News Now.

As the Omicron surge subsides, experts ponder what’s next in the pandemic. While most states, including California, move toward dropping their mask mandates, face coverings are still required in Hawaii. But with cases on the decline, experts say the state is moving into a different point in the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 294 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 232,302. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 193 new cases on Oahu, 49 on Hawaii Island, 40 on Maui, four on Kauai, two on Lanai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Another DPP Employee Pleads Guilty To Taking Bribes. A fourth defendant in the Honolulu permitting department bribery scandal has pleaded guilty to taking money in exchange for providing favorable treatment. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Overhaul of Oahu’s police scanners could lead to delay in reporting of emergencies. Honolulu’s emergency communications system has been upgraded, meaning scanners from all the city’s public safety departments are now shut off to everyone else. Hawaii News Now.

Eligibility for Honolulu Rental and Utility Relief Program expanded. More Oahu families can now qualify for the City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program, city officials announced today, due to broader eligibility requirements. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Sewage spill into Kaneohe Bay traced to leaking septic tank. The Hawaii Department of Health is warning the public to avoid the waters of Kaneohe Bay near 47-048 Kamehameha Highway due to an ongoing wastewater discharge. Star-Advertiser.
 
Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island legislators return campaign contributions. Five of Hawaii Island’s 11 state legislators have taken campaign contributions from a Honolulu businessman who’s a cooperating government informant at the heart of a bribery scandal that took down two legislative leaders. West Hawaii Today.

Court rejects bid to delay approval hearing for wood-burning power plant. Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC, developer of the power plant designed to burn fast-growing trees as a locally grown renewable energy source, lost its bid to indefinitely postpone a hearing by the Public Utilities Commission to consider approval of the biofuel project, which is 99% built, after an earlier PUC approval from 2017 was overturned by the state’s highest court. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Red-light enforcement cameras could be coming to Maui. The red-light enforcement camera program that launched recently on Oʻahu could be heading to Maui, but the pilot plan will have to be evaluated first, according to the state Department of Transportation.  Maui Now.

Entangled Mother Humpback With Calf Freed of Gear Off Maui. The adult female, accompanied by her calf and a male escort humpback, had a tight wrap of moderate gauge line wrapped around her head in front of her pectoral flippers. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

In-person voting opens for OPA race. The special election for county prosecutor is on now, and voters have mail-in and in-person options. Feb. 26 is the deadline to vote. Garden Island.

A socially conscious farm venture moves to Koloa. A family farm is moving to the South Shore, just beyond the shadow of Ha‘upu mountain. Garden Island.

Safe Travels could end next month, slow down for whales, Honolulu building inspector pleads guilty to accepting bribes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale breaches off Hawaii PC:Pacific Whale Foundation

Guidelines urge boats to slow down near whales. It’s peak season for kohola, the North Pacific humpback whales that migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each winter, and new guidelines ask that watercraft slow down to 15 knots during general travel in whale season and 6 knots when within 400 yards of the species, which is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Vessel strike likely killed humpback whale calf found off Oahu, NOAA Fisheries says. A humpback whale calf found dead off Oahu last week appears to have suffered a traumatic brain injury consistent with a vessel strike, NOAA Fisheries said Monday. The 12-foot male calf was less than a week old and was nursing. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green sees restrictions easing in coming weeks. Green, who recently declared his candidacy for Hawaii governor, said he would recommend ending Safe Travels Hawaii — a program originally intended to mitigate COVID-19 spread from travelers — in mid-March if these downward trends continue. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii getting over $10M in federal money for wildlife management, conservation. Hawaii is set to receive more than $10.7 million in federal funding to support sustainable fishing and hunting and wildlife conservation in the isles, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric says 38% of the energy it generated last year came from renewable resources. The utility last week announced it increased its renewable energy generation by 4% in a year, and nearly quadrupled it since 2010. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would require emotional support animal suppliers to issue disclaimer. A bill is advancing in the state Senate that would require sellers or providers of “emotional support animals” to issue a written disclaimer that an emotional support animal isn’t a service animal under the law. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii long-COVID sufferers get back on track. Some initial studies, including one by Yale Medicine, have found long-haulers reporting improvements after receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, but this is not necessarily the case for everyone. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 498 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 232,008. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 228 new cases on Oahu, 86 on Hawaii Island, 63 on Maui, 101 on Kauai, two on Molokai, three on Lanai and 15 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Department of Planning and Permitting employee pleads guilty to accepting bribes. A building inspector in the city Department of Planning and Permitting pleaded guilty Monday to an indictment accusing him and others of accepting bribes to accelerate building projects. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials lift drinking water advisory for Red Hill housing. State health officials announced Monday that residents in Red Hill housing can resume drinking and cooking with their tap water. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

2 candidates emerge to fill Hawaii House seat vacated by Ty Cullen. The former head of the Hawaii teacher's union and a Honolulu doctor are expected to be in the running to fill former state representative Ty Cullen's Central Oahu seat. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea telescope to be decommissioned by year’s end. Officials said the removal and site restoration of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory at the mountain’s summit will start this summer. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Judge rules gate lawsuit to continue. When is a delay a denial? Hawaii County was unsuccessful Monday getting a Kona judge to agree with its motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed over its revocation and stay of a building permit to build a gate across Kaiolu Drive, but it’s unlikely the gate can be constructed without further legal action. West Hawaii Today.

Lease extension granted for KIA property. After months of delays and complaints, the Board of Land and Natural Resources has authorized a tentative agreement for a 30-year extension for a lease in the Kanoelehua Industrial Area. Tribune-Herald.

The man known as “Hilo’s welfare doctor” has won another legal battle with the state. The Intermediate Court of Appeals on Friday set aside a lower court ruling ordering Dr. Frederick Nitta to return $205,000 in Medicaid reimbursements paid to his primary care practice. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Bill Would Ban Hawaii Film Officials From Appearing In Films. A Hawaii lawmaker is trying to crack down on what he says was improper behavior by the Maui County film commissioner, who accepted a substantial part in a television movie being shot on the island, despite the commissioner’s involvement facilitating the industry. Civil Beat.

Maui list of transportation projects for federal funding up for public review. Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization is accepting public comments on its Federal Fiscal Year 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program Revision #2. A public review draft is available on the Maui MPO website through March 3, 2022. Maui Now.

Rising Seas Could Lead To The Relocation Of Molokai’s Only College Campus. Lawmakers are considering a proposal to move the Molokai Education Center to higher ground and cover relocation costs. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Rebecca Like and Shaylene Iseri face off in general election for Kauaʻi prosecuting attorney. Kauaʻi voters will be voting again for the next county prosecuting attorney. Ballots were mailed out earlier this month for the special general election, and residents have until Feb. 26 to decide. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

Officials: Decline in cases, high test positivity. While the county’s once again seeing a down-trend in COVID-19 infection case counts, it leads the state in per-population case rates and test-positivity rate. Garden Island.

Blinken outlines Hawaii's strategic importance, corruption a big issue in state Legislature, affordable housing plan not so affordable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint press availability with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi following their meeting in Honolulu, Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. PC:Kevin Lamarque/Pool Reuters

Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Hawaii. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Japanese and South Korean counterparts Saturday in Hawaii to discuss the threat posed by nuclear-armed North Korea after Pyongyang began the year with a series of missile tests. Associated Press. Civil Beat.

Why Russia has its eye on Hawaii. While American policymakers have been vocal about wanting to keep an eye on China’s growing presence in the Pacific, over the last year it’s been Russia’s military operating most overtly near Hawaii — the nerve center for American military operations in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Wants To Beef Up Corruption Fighting Unit. Lawmakers are also considering reopening the State Capitol. Hawaii lawmakers want to create two new divisions in the state Attorney General’s Office that would be responsible for investigating fraud and political corruption as well as sex trafficking. Civil Beat.

Legislation would help victims exit sex trade with $2,000 per month. Victims of sex trafficking in Hawaii would receive $2,000 a month to leave the life in what proponents call the first pilot project of its kind through a bill in the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Gambling measure moves forward: HB 1962 would fund revenue, health study on possible DHHL casino. A bill that would require the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to study potential revenue generation as well as public health and safety concerns arising from “limited casino gaming” on DHHL lands is moving through the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmaker introduces bill to legalize online sports gambling in Hawaii. Sports gambling is sweeping the nation. It’s now legal in some form in 31 states and the District of Columbia after becoming federally legal in 2018. Hawaii and Utah now remain the only two states that outlaw all gambling. KHON2.

‘The fireworks problem is a multifaceted problem’: State measures include increased fines, permit costs. Five of seven fireworks bills introduced by the state House of Representatives this session cleared their initial committee hurdle, with amendments, while two were shelved. Tribune-Herald.

Should Hawaii Counties Be Allowed To Require Fire Sprinklers In New Homes? It’s illegal for counties to require fire sprinklers in single-family homes and duplexes in Hawaii. A new draft law would change that. Civil Beat.

Electric, zero-emission vehicle bills in Legislature. Several bills have been introduced in the state Legislature this year to stimulate the adoption of electric and zero-emission vehicles and the development of electric and zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Tribune-Herald.

Widespread corruption begins with small, illegal behavior. Unethical and criminal behavior from people in positions of trust in most cases begins simply enough. Star-Advertiser.

New stain at Hawaii Legislature could be its worst. If Hawaii’s state Capitol had a hall of shame for legislators, J. Kalani English and Ty J.K. Cullen could be its headliners with the biggest fallen stars. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative committee pursuing investigation against state Rep. Sharon Har. A special House committee has decided to continue investigating whether state representative Sharon Har should face legislative sanctions for her drunken driving arrest nearly a year ago. KITV4.

Hawaii residents share their struggles with long COVID-19. The Queen’s Medical Center and the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine are collaborating on a study to determine why some people in Hawaii develop chronic symptoms, part of a national initiative funded by Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery, or RECOVER. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus-related deaths, 532 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 287 new cases on Oahu, 64 on Hawaii Island, 82 on Maui, 62 on Kauai, three on Molokai, six on Lanai and 28 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Proposal for Hawaii to build and sell leasehold condos judged unfeasible. A big, unconventional idea to end Oahu’s affordable-housing shortage at no long-term public expense has been diminished at the Legislature after three years of effort. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill’s Firefighting System Was Damaged Long Before Contamination Crisis. The system would deploy water automatically in case of a fire at the Navy’s fuel facility, but firefighting foam would have to be turned on manually, a spokeswoman said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth considering charging tourists to visit beach parks, zoo. Charging tourists to visit county beach parks and the zoo is being considered as a potential way to help pay for facilities, Mayor Mitch Roth said. West Hawaii Today.

Isle transition to electric vehicles slow. The Big Island has a long way to go before all its vehicles are fully electric. Tribune-Herald.

Acting HR Director Leopoldino named to permanent post. Acting Human Resources Director Waylen Leopoldino was awarded the permanent position on Friday, eight months after he assumed the acting role when the former director retired. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park plans restoration of summit facilities. Nearly four years after earthquakes from the 2018 Kilauea eruption crippled buildings and roads at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the National Park Serv­ice is proposing a multimillion-dollar plan to rebuild the park’s summit region. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Commission mulls pay hike for police chief. Maui County Salary Commission members questioned whether any salary increases for county department heads, including the police chief, would take away money from other programs, as the commission continues reviewing salaries for county directors and deputies. Maui News.

MEO to start drug, suicide, bullying prevention with youth on Molokaʻi. Kāohi mirrors MEO Youth Services’ evidence-based prevention curriculum on Maui, and is expected to get underway soon when a program coordinator is on board. Maui Now.

Kauai

CC&R bill continues through Kaua‘i County Council. County lawmakers are pushing legislation that would prevent new housing developments from locking out lower-income families through strict covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), which often exceed the county’s own zoning ordinances. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi taro farmers spearhead a measure to streamline the water lease process for loʻi kalo. Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering streamlining the process for taro farmers looking to secure freshwater for their crops — a complex and time-consuming task that often requires a lawyer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Green makes gubernatorial bid official, Chinatown food mission relocating, Honolulu defense contractors indicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Josh Green

Lt. Gov. Josh formally announces his bid for Hawaii governor. He joins business executive Vicky Cayetano, Hawaii’s former first lady, who already has announced her candidacy. They are likely to be joined in the Aug. 13 Democratic primary by former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii political donor received almost $6 million in contracts. Milton J. Choy, the wastewater treatment and industrial machinery executive at the center of a federal public corruption probe, has donated $160,150 to state and county lawmakers since 2014 and received nearly $6 million in government contracts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii lawmakers accused of taking bribes scheduled to enter guilty pleas. Former state Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen will be arraigned and enter a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway at 11 a.m. Feb. 15. Retired Senate Majority Leader Jamie Kalani English is scheduled to be arraigned and enter a guilty plea as part of his arrangement with the justice department before Mollway on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers push to make sports part of school curriculum, how it could change how things are played . A push to elevate athletics within the Hawaii Department of Education system is moving through the state legislature. The purpose of the new bill is to transform existing sports from extracurricular to become part of the school curriculum. KHON2.

Hawaii records 6 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,195 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 815 new cases on Oahu, 131 on Hawaii Island, 101 on Maui, 108 on Kauai, nine on Lanai and 31 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

River of Life Mission to relocate Chinatown food distribution program, but timeline for move is unclear. River of Life Mission has agreed to move its free-meal program away from its Chinatown location after 35 years of operation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

3 Honolulu execs, Martin Kao, Clifford Chen and Lawrence ‘Kahele’ Lum Kee indicted for alleged illegal campaign contributions. Three Honolulu executives formerly with a Hawaii- based defense contractor were indicted Thursday in Washington, D.C., for allegedly making illegal campaign contributions to a U.S. Senate candidate and a political action committee. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Critics question liquor commission on ‘improper conduct’ that could shut down establishments. The Honolulu Liquor Commission is looking at a major overhaul of its rules regarding liquor licenses. One of the new proposals include one that would give liquor inspectors the power to shut down a business if they see what’s only defined as “improper conduct.” Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Marine Corps Discharged High Levels Of Fecal Bacteria Into Kailua Bay. It’s not the first time the Marines Corps has released wastewater into Kailua Bay in violation of its permit. Civil Beat.

Police union demands Honolulu Police Department address officer shortage. The state police union is demanding that Honolulu’s short-staffed Police Department do more to fill empty police beats around the island. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

‘Alarming’ Honolulu inflation hit 6.0% in January. Honolulu’s rising inflation follows a similar trend nationally where U.S. prices jumped 7.5% over the past year for its largest 12-month increase since February 1982, according to a report issued Thursday from the U.S. Department of Labor. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

County to Offer Free Bus Fares. The Hawai‘i County Council on Wednesday approved the second and final reading of Bill 105, which temporarily suspends fares for all fixed bus routes and paratransit services offered by Hele-On until Dec. 31, 2023. Big Island Now.

Council Planning Committee postpones Waikoloa timeshare project. Supportive testimony by a wide swath of individuals from resort operators to labor unions and tourism promoters to front-line workers who sleep in their cars because of a lack of housing wasn’t enough to win approval Tuesday from a County Council panel on a plan to convert half of a Waikoloa Beach Resort golf course to timeshare units. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers advance legislation to relieve traffic congestion in rapidly growing Puna on Big Island. House Bill 1403 would require the state Department of Transportation to work with Hawaiʻi County to survey potential locations for an alternate route to Highway 130. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Proposal to increase police chief salary is raising concerns. At a special meeting Feb. 2, the commission unanimously voted to recommend a pay raise to $205,000 a year for Pelletier, who was sworn in Dec. 17 at a salary of $158,851. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor seeks public-private partnership to boost workforce housing in Waikapū. Mayor Michael Victorino is asking the Maui County Council to support his proposal to enter into a public-private partnership agreement between the County of Maui and the developers of Waikapū Country Town. Maui Now.

Community invited to town hall on affordable apartments in Lahaina, Feb. 22. Discussion will include comprehensive information regarding the application, lottery and lease process, and construction updates for Kaiāulu o Kupuohi and Kaiāulu o Kūku‘ia apartment projects developed by Ikaika ʻOhana. Maui Now.

Kauai

OPA Special Election Voter Service Center opens Feb. 11. The Voter Service Center for the Prosecuting Attorney Special General Election will be open beginning at 8 a.m., Friday in the basement of the Historic County Annex Building in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Current, hopeful KIUC directors seek ratepayers’ votes in March election. Incumbents are touting advancements toward a 100% renewable-energy portfolio, while a rival calls for increased electric-vehicle infrastructure in the run-up to the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors election. Garden Island.

Groups put county, state on notice for Westside ditch draining. Environmental watchdog groups have put the County of Kaua‘i on notice for seemingly violating federal permit requirements when it comes to discharging stormwater containing pollutants into Westside waters. Garden Island.

English and Cullen get to keep half their pension even if convicted, House investigating bills for pay-to-play, Brian De Lima dies at 66, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Speaker Scott Saiki

Hawaii House speaker favors tough penalties to deter bribery. The speaker of Hawaii’s House of Representatives said Wednesday he supports stronger ethics laws and penalties to prevent bribery at the Legislature after federal prosecutors this week alleged two former lawmakers took bribes in exchange for shaping legislation while in office. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii lawmakers J. Kalani English and Ty J.K. Cullen stand to lose half of their pensions if convicted of bribery. Former state Sen. J. Kalani English and former state Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen could lose half of their state pensions if convicted of federal bribery charges under a new law — and a review of Cullen’s voting record and introduction of bills this legislative session is now underway. Star-Advertiser.

Upset About The Corruption Charges? What Are You Going To Do About It? Democrats have such a complete lock on power in Hawaii — and Republicans are so marginalized —  that there may be little political fallout from even these egregious cases. Civil Beat.

Bribery allegations against two former legislators could affect mid-term election turnout. The seats of the entire Hawaii Legislature will be up for a vote on this year’s election ballot and party leaders said they are doing what they can to have a strong voter turnout, despite bribery allegations against two former legislators. KHON2.

Expanded ethics training up for hearing in wake of Capitol corruption. Momentum is building to widely expand mandatory ethics training and further crackdown on influence-peddling in the wake of high-profile corruption cases. KHON2.

Hawaii House considers bill to relax gift rule as watchdog group calls for culture shift. Common Cause Hawaii plans to submit testimony in strong opposition to House Bill 1871 bill, which aims to relax the rules when it comes to legislators accepting gifts by allowing things like gifts of aloha and foreign protocol gifts. KITV4.

Company at center of legislative bribery scandal a big political donor. State campaign spending records show that since 2014, company employees and officers, its owner and his relatives and related businesses and their workers have donated nearly $300,000 to more than 50 political candidates in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Bribery scandal could focus discussion on closing cesspools, environmentalists say. The bribery allegations against former lawmakers Kalani English and Ty Cullen are also shining a spotlight on the legislation they allegedly derailed regarding cesspools. Environmental groups say the sewage sites are an environmental crisis, but also see the scandal as an opportunity to fix it. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers consider bill to fund an emergency sex trafficking shelter for minors. HB1700 would provide funding for nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations to operate sex trafficking emergency shelter for children during the next fiscal year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kahele Hints Strongly At 2022 Run For Hawaii Governor. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele, the Democrat  has represented Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District for barely a year, indicated on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser “Spotlight” program Wednesday that he is seriously considering entering the contest. Civil Beat.

Rising harassment of public school employees sparks bill to make it a misdemeanor. Harassment of Hawaii public school employees is on the rise, the state schools superintendent says, and that is why his department wants the state Legislature to classify it as a misdemeanor crime. Star-Advertiser.

More cruise ships scheduled to arrive at Hawaii ports as COVID-19 cases continue to trend down. In a sign that Hawaii has reopened its economy, dozens of cruise ships have been scheduled to arrive at Hawaii ports this year and through the summer of next year, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 519 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 323 new cases on Oahu, 54 on Hawaii Island, 53 on Maui, 33 on Kauai, four on Molokai, three on Lanai and 49 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Cameras positioned to record Red Hill fuel leaks inoperable, Hawaii Congressman Kai Kahele says. Hawaii Congressman Kai Kahele says that the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility is lined with surveillance cameras, two of which were perfectly positioned to record the May and November fuel spills that are believed to have led to jet fuel contaminating residents’ tap water. Star-Advertiser.

Experts Say HPD Report Fails To Review Tactics Used In Deadly 2020 Standoff. HPD increased training following the Hibiscus Drive shooting but did not update its policies. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers progress 4 measures aimed at preventing another Red Hill fuel contamination crisis. The House committees on Health, Human Services and Homelessness, and Energy and Environmental Protection held a joint hearing on four bills related to the Red Hill water crisis. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Homeless earmark bill advances. Most of an extra tax property owners already pay on their multimillion-dollar residential homes would be earmarked for homeless projects, under a bill advanced Wednesday by the County Council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Puna access road bill advances for ‘ongoing discussion’. The state House Transportation Committee on Wednesday passed, with amendments, a bill that would require site surveys to identify the most suitable location for a Puna Makai Access Road to relieve traffic congestion on Highway 130. Tribune-Herald.

Officials: Hilo’s sewage plant in danger of failure that could trigger environmental disaster. Officials at Hilo’s Wastewater Treatment Plant warn the facility is in danger of complete failure, saying if the plant goes down it could trigger an environmental disaster. Hawaii County says it urgently needs $100 million to replace the facility. Hawaii News Now.

HPD seeks $2M for animal control. The Hawaii Police Department has requested $2 million from the county to purchase a new animal shelter in Puna in order to improve its animal control capabilities. Tribune-Herald.

Brian De Lima, ‘a pillar of our community,’ dead at 66. Hilo attorney and community leader Brian De Lima died Tuesday, according to his older daughter. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

New Kaupō center took ʻlots of alohaʻ to build; E. Maui project gains approvals. Saying it took many years and “lots of aloha,” Kaupō community leaders highlighted the significance of their new community resource center on remote, historic East Maui grounds, which gained approvals Tuesday at Maui Planning Commission. Maui Now.

Tree Poaching reported at Lelekea Beach in Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. The National Park Service is requesting assistance in identifying anyone responsible for poaching trees at Lelekea Beach in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. Maui Now.

Kauai

Public pushes Kaua‘i County Council to pass feral cat feeding ban. Speakers from throughout the island, state and mainland urged Kaua‘i lawmakers to ban the feeding of feral cats on county property, at Wednesday’s County Council meeting. Garden Island.

State, Kauai face suit over alleged pollution discharge into ocean. Environmentalists are threatening to sue the state and Kauai County over claims they are discharging untreated drainage water into the ocean in Kekaha. Hawaii News Now.

State tax bill could have major impact on Kaua‘i. A bill in the state Legislature could potentially mean more money in the pockets of working families on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Former Senate majority leader, House Finance Committee vice chairman accused of taking bribes, Ige won't mandate booster for Safe Travels, delegation goes to Germany to retrieve ancestral remains, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former state Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English and state Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen, vice chairman of the House Committee on Finance. PC: Official legislative portraits

J. Kalani English and state Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen are accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes to benefit an industrial services company. The state Legislature was shaken Tuesday by U.S. Department of Justice charges accusing a former state Senate majority leader and the vice chairman of the House Committee on Finance with taking thousands of dollars in bribes to promote and kill legislation related to cesspool and wastewater policy to benefit a Hawaii industrial services company and its affiliated businesses. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii GOP says indictments show ‘system is rigged’. The federal indictments of two lawmakers who held powerful posts in the state House and Senate drew immediate condemnation from the Hawaii Republican Party and silence, for the most part, from leading Democrats on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

A bribery scandal rocks the state Capitol and spurs new questions about legislative transparency. Political onlookers expressed shock Tuesday as federal prosecutors accused two former state lawmakers of taking money to influence legislation. The bribery scandal is also spurring calls for more transparency and public involvement at the state Capitol. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Bribery stymies efforts to fix Hawaii’s massive cesspool problem. Those affected by the alleged bribery schemes described in federal charges against Kalani English and Ty Cullen include people working in good faith to solve one of Hawaii’s most pressing environmental threats: cesspools and their 53 million gallons-a-day of untreated sewage. KHON2.

Governor to appoint representative to fill House District 39 seat following bribe allegations. Work begins to fill the seat that once belonged for former House Representative Ty Cullen. This comes as the legislative session is underway, causing concern for some residents. KHON2.

Hawaii governor, citing drop in COVID-19 cases, will not mandate booster for travelers. Following weeks of anticipation, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday announced that the Safe Travels Hawaii program will not require booster shots for travelers to bypass the state’s mandatory quarantine. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii voters split on limiting tourism, support fees for visitors. Hawaii voters are divided over whether they want to cap tourism arrivals, but overwhelmingly want to charge visitor fees at certain state parks, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents strongly back minimum wage increase, poll finds. Hawaii voters overwhelmingly want to see the state’s minimum wage increased, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll, whose results could influence whether local lawmakers make such a change this year. Star-Advertiser.

Supporting surfing: Bill proposes funding for DOE to make surfing a statewide interscholastic sport. Lawmakers are considering a measure to provide the Department of Education with a wave of funding to make surfing a prep sport across the state. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Inmate Deaths Are The Highest In 10 Years. But The State Can’t Say Why. Corrections officials still aren’t providing a cause of death for 20 of the 23 prisoners who died in Hawaii prisons and jails last year. Civil Beat.

OHA delegation travels to Germany to bring ancestral remains back to Hawaii. The body overseeing Berlin’s museums this week began the process of handing over over Hawaiian ancestral remains collected by a German naturalist in the 19th century to authorities in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 533 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 227,817. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 357 new cases on Oahu, 72 on Hawaii Island, 52 on Maui, 38 on Kauai two on Lanai and 12 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Bills To Shut Down Red Hill Fuel Facility Move Forward At Hawaii Legislature. As the federal government fights the state’s shutdown order in court, city and state lawmakers are making moves to close the facility through legislation. Civil Beat.

Chronic water pollution found in Honolulu, Kāneʻohe, and Haleʻiwa. The Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force found high concentrations of bacteria in fresh water sources and beaches around Honolulu, Kāneʻohe, and Haleʻiwa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

County officials provide council panel update on testing contract. Hawaii County officials said Tuesday they are satisfied with the performance of TrueCare24 Inc., the company contracted for county-sponsored COVID testing, despite reports of lost tests and late results. West Hawaii Today.

Roth, Magno explain response to tsunami threat. Hawaii County Civil Defense and Mayor Mitch Roth on Tuesday defended the county’s response last month to a tsunami threat triggered by the eruption of a volcano in Tonga. Tribune-Herald.

County Rolls Out New COVID Testing Program for Businesses. Hawaiʻi County is now offering a new COVID testing program for businesses to help prevent workplace spread of the illness. Big Island Now.

Maui

Rep. Kai Kahele visits Maui, giving ‘serious thought’ to run for governor. Democratic US Represenative Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) continues making his rounds on Maui today as he updates various government and community organizations on issues pending before Congress. Maui Now.

Maui saw nearly 2.3 million visitors in 2021. Arrivals still lag behind pre-pandemic levels of 3 million in 2019. Maui saw nearly 2.3 million visitors last year who spent a total of $4 billion, closer to pre-pandemic numbers but still lagging behind 2019, according to a recent report of preliminary visitor statistics by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Maui News.

Kauai

County of Kaua‘i ‘troubled’ by lessee’s pollution on Waimea 400 land. The County of Kaua‘i was unaware that a lessee on its Waimea 400 land was polluting state waters. Garden Island.

First Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death reported on Kauaiʻi’s Alakaʻi Plateau; beetle repellant may help. The first case of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in the Alakaʻi Plateau forest on Kauaʻi was found in a dead tree during a helicopter survey by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum wage hike advances, Honolulu plans examiner pleads guilty to bribery, Maui mayor tests positive for COVID, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery clerk in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

Quick start for wage bill: Proposal to hike minimum hourly rate to $18 advances on unanimous vote. A bill that would almost double Hawaii’s minimum wage — incrementally increasing it to $18 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026 — has broken quickly out of the gate at the start of this year’s legislative session. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed bill would nearly cut Hawaii’s legal limit for drunk driving in half. Some Hawaii lawmakers want to almost cut the legal limit for drunk driving in half. A measure moving through the State Legislature would do just that — but it has gotten pushback in previous years. KHON2.

Hawaii’s state auditor Les Kondo blasts House hearings as ‘hit job’. Auditor Les Kondo has blasted a draft report of a five-month-long special House Investigative Committee that was created to scrutinize two audits but quickly expanded into an investigation of Kondo and his office. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s governor, David Ige, enters his final year in office with a rare show of emotion. Gov. David Ige regularly thanks the people of Hawaii who have sacrificed and worked together over the past two years of COVID-19, but choked up at the end of his eighth — and last — State of the State address Monday when he spoke in a nearly empty ceremonial room at the state Capitol and wondered to himself when he’ll ever be able to hug and thank people in person. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines finishes strong but delays Japan ramp-up. Hawaiian Airlines said it ended 2021 with strong demand and positive signs of recovery in domestic travel but that it has delayed ramping up service to Japan until the second quarter due to the lingering omicron variant. Star-Advertiser. Bloomberg News.

Gov. Ige confirms booster shot requirement will soon be added to Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program. The requirement would mean travelers to the State of Hawaii would need to have their COVID booster shot in order to by-pass quarantine. The other option for folks not vaccinated or who haven’t gotten their booster would be to get a negative COVID test taken 72 hours before departure. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 1,904 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 206,837. The  new confirmed and probable infection count includes 1,445 cases on Oahu, 142 on Hawaii Island, 170 on Maui, 90 on Kauai, two on Molokai, six on Lanai and 49 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former Honolulu city official pleads guilty in permits bribery scheme. A former building plans examiner with the Honolulu planning department pleaded guilty Tuesday to taking bribes in exchange for expediting the approval of permit applications. Associated Press. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Governor Says He’s Not Ready To Permanently Close Red Hill. The governor wants to see proof the Navy can operate the fuel tanks safely but says he’ll consider issuing the facility a new permit. Civil Beat.

Red Hill monitoring results show elevated levels of petroleum chemicals in soil vapor and groundwater. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Tuesday pressed the Navy to release its full investigation into what caused the fuel contamination in its drinking water system, saying that it is essential that the public “has a full accounting of the multiple failures at Red Hill.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Plans for fuel storage facilities in the Pacific could offer alternatives to Red Hill. The military has said that Red Hill is strategically important in the Pacific, but concedes there could be alternatives. Hawaii News Now.

Bill proposes to roll out enforcement positions at Wawamalu Beach. A new measure in the state Legislature could lead to more protections for e beach located on the Makapu'u side of Sandy Beach. Bill 2799, introduced by Sen. Chris Lee, aims to designate the area as the Kaiwi Coast State Park under the Department of Land and Natural Resources. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers look for federal help, dogs to combat illegal fireworks. Tuesday night, the Pearl City neighborhood board asked for help from state lawmakers and the federal government. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Police misconduct up in ‘21: Five HPD officers terminated, 21 suspended. Five Hawaii County police officers were fired and 21 others suspended without pay in 2021, according to the Hawaii Police Department’s annual disciplinary report to the state Legislature.  West Hawaii Today.

House bill would phase out University of Hawaii, create new Mauna Kea stewardship authority. Oversight of Mauna Kea’s summit would be the purview of a new stewardship authority, instead of the University of Hawaii, under a proposal set to be considered by the state Legislature. House Bill 2024 requires the new entity to develop a framework to limit astronomy development and create a plan to return the summit to its natural state. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Associated Press.

Big Island bioenergy firm appeals case to the Supreme Court again. Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC, which has been entangled in a multiyear fight to begin operating a biomass plant on Hawaii Island, will have its case heard before the Hawaii Supreme Court for the third time as it attempts to win approval from the state Public Utilities Commission for the $474 million project. Star-Advertiser.

PIT count returns: Annual survey of homelessness underway. The annual Point in Time Count is underway on the Big Island with volunteers and advocates working to provide a snapshot of all those experiencing homelessness in the community. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino tests positive for COVID-19. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino tested positive for COVID-19 today. His office announced all close contacts have been notified and the mayor is in isolation at home. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Council Member Mike Molina announces bid for Maui mayor. Known for his public school teaching and Maui County Council tenure, Mike Molina announced Tuesday evening that he will leave his Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency seat in a bid for mayor.  Maui Now.

Sen. Schatz to discuss infrastructure bill’s local impacts at Maui Council committee. The Maui County Council’s Infrastructure and Transportation Committee will meet Thursday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. to hear a presentation by US Senator Brian Schatz on local impacts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, signed into law by President Biden on Nov. 15. Maui Now.

Kauai

Wilcox Elementary School transitions to remote learning. Tuesday, Wilcox Elementary School transitioned to a distance-learning model that will last through and including Thursday. Garden Island.

Menehune Road in Waimea reopens. Menehune Road, at the site of a rockfall earlier this month, has reopened, according to officials Tuesday. Garden Island.

Former Honolulu top officials indicted in alleged corruption conspiracy and surrender to FBI, possible repercussions in gubernatorial race, nurses' union head says avoid hospitals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

An FBI agent handcuffs former Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong on Wednesday, Jan. 12 PC: Hawaii News Now

3 former Honolulu city executives charged with conspiracy as part of sprawling Kealoha corruption probe. In a stunning scene Wednesday morning, three former high-ranking city officials -- former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya, former Corporation Counsel Donna Leong and former Honolulu Police Commission Chairman Max Sword--surrendered to the FBI as part of the ongoing massive public corruption probe that resulted in the conviction of ex-Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. KHON2. KITV4.

Federal indictments may hurt Kirk Caldwell’s run for governor. The federal indictments of two of former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s top lieutenants are likely to further cripple Caldwell’s gubernatorial hopes this year, but likely will have less effect on the lieutenant governor’s race. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

SHOPO: Allegations against former Honolulu city officials are 'sickening'. Robert Cavaco, president of the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers,  said the money the three allegedly embezzled could have been used to hire more officers for the already short-staffed Honolulu Police Department. KITV4.

Voter registration database questioned. Investigating errors and possible fraud in the state’s voter registration database is the responsibility of the county elections clerks and not the state, Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago told the state Elections Commission on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

It’s Tough To Figure Out Just How Hard The Pandemic Has Hit The Hawaii Economy. Personal income in Hawaii actually increased overall during the pandemic, but experts say people are going to be worse off this year as federal bailout money dries up. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii grad students continue fight for unionization. Student leaders working to unionize graduate assistants at the University of Hawaii said they plan to appeal a First Circuit Court rejection of their lawsuit seeking the right to engage in collective bargaining with the university. Star-Advertiser.

Some Hawaii public schools have not shared COVID-19 case counts for months. Forty-two Hawaii public schools as of Tuesday had not posted their COVID-19 case counts to the state Department of Education’s public dashboard since before winter break, even though they are required by state law to do so weekly. Star-Advertiser.

Relief in sight as hospitals grapple with staffing shortage. An estimated 250 to 260 contracted health care workers from the mainland are expected to arrive in Hawaii this weekend to help care for COVID-19 patients, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, a nonprofit trade association for hospitals. Star-Advertiser.

Head of nurses union: Severe staffing shortage at hospitals is impacting patient care. "I would tell the public if at all possible stay away from hospitals right now," said Daniel Ross, the head of the Hawaii’s Nurses Association. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 5 new coronavirus-related deaths, 3,512 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 2,612 new cases on Oahu, 290 on Hawaii Island, 373 on Maui, 158 on Kauai, 19 on Molokai, eight on Lanai and 52 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu company to pay $1.5M to security guards after denying overtime wages. An Oahu company that provides security guards to public and private facilities will have to pay over $1.5 million in back wages after a federal investigation determined it illegally denied workers overtime pay. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief Search Expected To Take At Least 6 More Months. PSI Services LLC, the consulting firm hired to assist in the search, said it plans to present the police commission with up to four finalists in June. Civil Beat.

Kapilina residents file class action TRO to not pay rent, utilities during the water contamination crisis. Kapilina Beach Homes residents affected by the Navy’s ongoing contamination crisis filed a class action complaint, on Jan. 6, demanding a jury trial to stop their landlords from charging rent and utilities. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Costco buys Ewa site for distribution center. Costco has made a huge real estate investment on Oahu, buying a more-or-less finished 44-acre industrial park property on the Ewa plain within the growing master-planned Ho‘opili community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

8 projects ID’d for Puna: List includes waterlines, wells aimed at helping region recover from 2018 eruption. The few remaining homes in Kapoho might get their water restored after all. Tribune-Herald.

No Pohoiki Boat Ramp until 2024 at the earliest. The Pohoiki Boat Ramp is now not expected to reopen until late 2024. Tribune-Herald.

Funds for Waikōloa Library Secured, But Planned Location Falls Through. The reality of a library in Waikōloa Village moved one step closer with the release of state funding, however, the project also hit a setback in that same stride. Big Island Now.

Parker Ranch donates Pukalani Stables to Paniolo Preservation Society. The historic Pukalani Stables in Waimea will be donated to the Paniolo Preservation Society, Parker Ranch announced recently. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Cruise ship arrives at Kahului Harbor, first with passengers to disembark in 22 months. The Grand Princess cruise ship arrived at Kahului Harbor on Maui today with an estimated 1,188 passengers aboard and 900-plus crew members. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

‘A lot of interest’ in proposed 25-mile West Maui bike, foot trail. Wheels are turning on plans to create a 25-mile multi-use biking and walking trail that will connect Ukumehame to Līpoa Point in West Maui. Maui Now.

New streamlined registration process for riding Da Bee shuttles on Maui. The County of Maui Department of Management has a new streamlined registration process for riding the Da Bee shuttle in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Council discusses visitor parking fees at certain Kaua‘i beach parks. At its meeting Wednesday, the council passed a resolution allowing the county Department of Parks and Recreation to establish visitor parking fees at three county-owned beach parks, and approved at first reading a bill that would create a fee schedule. Garden Island.

8 days after landslide cut off west Kauai community, crews still racing to remove debris. Menehune Road remains below piles of rocks and crews are working to stabilize the slope. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i home prices highest in state. Kaua‘i’s annual median single-family home price increased by over 35% in 2021 from the year prior to hit $1.1 million, the highest in the state, according to data from Hawai‘i independent real-estate firm Locations. Garden Island.