First Honolulu rail segment opens, HUD Secretary visits Hawaii, Kona child psychologist charged with sexually assaulting minor, Kauai ex-councilman drug ring supplier sentenced, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Governor Signs Tax Relief And Budget Bills. Not everything he originally proposed made it into the tax relief bill. He said those omissions will be revisited in the future. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Kauai Now.  KITV4.

HUD Secretary in Hawaii July 2-3 to discuss affordable housing.  The head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will visit Oahu to meet with local officials and residents who use its Housing Choice voucher program known as Section 8. Hawaii News Now.

How a lapsing birth attendant exemption affects access to care in Hawaiʻi. When the state Legislature failed to pass a bill to extend birth attendant exemptions under the state midwifery laws and add additional licensing pathways this session, it affirmed the end of a three-year exemption period. Hawaii Public Radio.

Affirmative action ruling could test admission policies at Hawaii schools.  The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week striking down affirmative action in college admissions and favoring a “colorblind Constitution” has some educators and legal experts debating whether there may be ripple effects for Kamehameha Schools, the University of Hawaii and other entities and programs that are focused on Hawaiian people and culture. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ed Case Honored For Work On World’s Oceans. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation lauds the Hawaii congressman's stewardship. Civil Beat.

Hawaii faces higher temperatures, drought as El Nino takes hold.  The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting higher-­than-average temperatures and below-average rainfall for the rest of the calendar year and into January.  Star-Advertiser.

Defense contractor Hawaiian Native Corp. is under investigation. The federal Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Internal Revenue Service are investigating potential financial and tax crimes by defense contractor Hawaiian Native Corp. and its 11 Dawson subsidiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rail ridership projections, revenue uncertain after Skyline opens.  Even with the first phase of the $9.8 billion rail line officially open, it’s still unclear how many passengers are needed to ride the system, how much revenue they would generate and what the real costs of maintenance will be.  Star-Advertiser. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now

Tommy Aiu Is Out As Honolulu Rail’s Private Security Chief.  As the first 10 miles of Honolulu’s rail transit line open for service, the city job to oversee private security along the system’s stations, platforms and driverless trains remains vacant. Civil Beat.

City compliance expert calls for urgent changes to embattled liquor commission. On Thursday, the city’s compliance expert Hui Chen shared her report to Honolulu Liquor Commission’s board members and gave suggestions on how they can improve the organization. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

New animal control agency takes helm.  The Hawaii Police Department on Saturday relinquished responsibility over animal control services to the newly formed Animal Control and Protection Agency under the Office of the Mayor. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Expanded West Hawaiʻi Golf Subsidy Begins.  This year’s program - subsidizing golf opportunities at The Village Course at Waikoloa and Makalei Golf Club - will run from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Big Island Video News.

Kona psychologist who treats children accused of sexually assaulting minor. A 71-year-old clinical psychologist who specializes in treating children and teens who are dying or are chronically ill pleaded not guilty today in Kona Circuit Court to charges he sexually assaulted a minor. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Emails Reveal A Maui Developer’s Influence Over New Water Board Member.  While the Maui County Council was publicly vetting applicants to steer the new East Maui Community Water Authority, a local developer was working behind the scenes to convince the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to change its nominee.  Civil Beat.

Lawsuit challenges a new gun ban on Hawaii beaches.  Three Maui residents are suing to block the measure, arguing that Hawaii — which has long had some of the strictest gun laws in the nation and some of the lowest rates of gun violence — is going too far with its wide-ranging ban.  Associated Press.

Maui County has highest share of ‘severely rent burdened’ households. Maui County leads the state with the highest median asking rent, the highest median condominium price and is the most “severely rent burdened” in the state with renters paying more than 50 percent of their income toward rent, according to a recent report.  Maui News.

Kauai

Supplier in ex-Kauai council member’s drug ring is sentenced. A 41-year-old Kauai woman who was a backup supplier of methamphetamine to former Kauai County Council member Arthur Brun’s drug-trafficking organization was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i refuse stations’ chronic closures due to “antiquated” equipment; upgrades coming. The construction projects for these upgrades are scheduled to go out to bid this summer. Actual construction of the refuse transfer station improvements will take place in a phased rollout.  Kauai Now.

Low rainfall keeps Kaua‘i surf spots clean despite chronically polluted streams. The dry season has been kind to Kaua‘i’s waters, as low rainfall protected much of the island’s surf spots from runoff pollution this month, according to Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force. Garden Island.

Green signs 18 government anti-corruption bills, journalist shield law, announces potential veto list; Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi signs $3.4B budget and $350 property tax rebate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green signs batch of government reform bills. These bills, passed by the Legislature earlier this year, include one requiring Hawaii legislators to disclose relationships with lobbyists, one prohibiting campaign donations by lobbyists to elected officials during or close to legislative sessions and one enhancing criminal penalties for public corruption offenses. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Green signs bill protecting the work of journalists. Gov. Josh Green on Friday signed into law a measure that brings back and makes permanent protections to prevent reporters from being forced by state courts to disclose confidential  information or sources. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Announces Intent To Veto 11 Bills. Certain bills related to water code penalties, ocean recreation commercial permits, and education are all under threat of veto. Gov. Josh Green plans to veto 11 bills passed by lawmakers this year, including one related to the controversial Hawaii Technology Development Corp. and another that he says could discourage the building of new housing.  Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Maui News.

Tourism plans extend beyond stewardship contract, CNHA says. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement got a seat at the tourism table when it secured a multiyear, $27 million contract for stewardship services from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hussey leaving post as CEO of Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  Office of Hawaiian Affairs Ka Pouhana/CEO Sylvia Hussey announced she will be leaving the organization June 30, at the end of the fiscal year, “to focus on her personal and ‘ohana health.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Maui News.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi approves Honolulu’s $3.41B budget. The mayor also formally adopted the city’s one-time $350 tax rebate that will be granted to nearly 152,000 qualifying homeowners with an active home exemption on their 2023 assessment, regardless of property value. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Inside Honolulu’s Six-Decade Fight Over Rail: It’s Always Been ‘Boondoggle Or Boon’. Proposals for an elevated rail system on Oahu date back to the 1960s. Now, at least part of a modern-day rail line is finally about to open to the public. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Judge nixes bid to depose Pacific Fleet chief in Red Hill lawsuit. A federal judge decided Friday to quash an attempt to make the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet sit for a deposition in a civil lawsuit brought by military and civilian families whose drinking water was contaminated with jet fuel from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility in November 2021. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Board OK’s removal of Doris Duke breakwater.  The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has given the green light to demolish the Diamond Head Breakwater, a wall of large boulders that juts out into the ocean, creating a protected cove fronting Doris Duke’s Shangri La estate. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Kaimuki residents protest ‘monster home’ construction.  An appeal by a builder of so-called monster homes in Kaimuki drew the anger of about 15 Kaimuki residents outside the city’s Mission Memorial Auditorium who beat on a drum and waved signs that read, “Kaimuki against monster homes” and “Be a good neighbor” at a hearing of the city’s Building Board of Appeals on Friday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Popular Koko Crater hike to close temporarily.  The city plans to close the Koko Crater stairs for four days this month to replace the viewing platform at the top. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Waste proposal draws doubts: Board presented with information on trash conversion technology. A company’s proposal to convert Big Island waste into energy, concrete and more raised eyebrows Friday at a Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Green, BISAC tout medical kauhale for Hilo.  The concept for a medical kauhale for homeless people in Hilo originally came from the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, or BISAC. Tribune-Herald.

State gun permits drop: Hawaii County sees registration decrease of 7.9% in 2022. In Hawaii County, there were 4,510 applications processed last year, a decrease of 7.9% from the 4,899 applications processed in 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Budget cuts leave boat ramp in limbo.  The state project to reopen the Pohoiki Boat Ramp regained, then promptly lost, $35 million in funding this month after gubernatorial budget cuts. Tribune-Herald.

Land Acquisition To Expand Hilo Harbor Open For Comment.  The draft environmental assessment for the Hilo Harbor Private Lands Acquisition and Development has been published for public review. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Former Mayor Arakawa, Kalo Farmers Among 6 Chosen For New East Maui Water Board. The County Council's selections marked the culmination of a weekslong power struggle over control of the board that will help shape the region's future. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Phase II response work begins at fuel spill site atop Haleakalā. Phase two of the spill response efforts at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex began on June 20, 2023. This comes after 700 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex Jan. 29 into Jan. 30, 2023.  Maui Now.

Environmental groups raise alarms as illegal dumping in West Maui continues to grow.  Despite recent crackdowns by the county, they said that illegal junkyards at Ukumehame and Cut Mountain have gotten larger in recent months. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Plan To Save Kauai Forest Birds With ‘Mosquito Birth Control’ Published. State officials are seeking public comment on a plan to bring the world's first attempt at landscape-scale mosquito control to Kauai. Civil Beat. Garden Island.  Kauai Now.

Jobless rate falls to 2.5 percent on Kaua‘i.  The unemployment rate in the County of Kaua‘i moved within spitting distance of pre-pandemic lows last month, largely because of robust hiring in the accommodation sector ahead of the summer tourism season. Garden Island.

Residents in Kauai pushing for the state to lower their rent as they can no longer afford the price increase.  Since 2019, residents have been working to convince the state to lower their rent so it can be affordable again. This came after rent increased after the 10-year affordable housing plan ended.  KITV4.

Ex-building inspector gets 5 years for taking bribes, Legislature dumps millions on department unsure how to spend it, Tripler to pay $29.5M in medical malpractice case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Last-Minute Budget Scrum At The Capitol May Cause An Odd Problem: Too Much Cash. Hundreds of millions of dollars were dumped on the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which now has one year to spend most of it. The mysterious and much-criticized budget process used by House and Senate leaders in the final days of session this spring may have poured more money into the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism than the department can readily handle. Civil Beat

NOAA to release outlook for 2023 hurricane season in Central Pacific. NOAA will outline its outlook on Thursday for the 2023 Central Pacific hurricane season, which kicks off June 1. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Tackles Climate Change With a Human Rights Focus. In Hawaii, residents have a right to a healthy climate – but in a novel lawsuit, a group of young people say the state needs to do more to protect it. US News & World Report.

How will Hawaii reach its clean energy goals? ‘We just have to be committed.' According to Hawaiian Electric, 32% of electricity generated on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui County was from renewable resources last year. Hawaii Island generated 48%, Maui County generated 36%, and Oahu generated 28%. Kauai County has its own co-op, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. KIUC led the state, achieving more than 60% last year. Hawaii News Now.

Courts rule another deadly weapon can be carried in public.  It’s now legal for people to possess yet another dangerous weapon on the street. According to a court ruling Tuesday, May 23, people can now carry a billy club or baton in public. KHON2.

Bank invests $4M in nonprofit to bolster Native Hawaiian homeownership. American Savings Bank has invested $4.3 million in the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Community Lending to help offset costs to put more people on Hawaiian home lands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Former Honolulu building inspector gets 5 years in bribery scheme. The city’s former chief building inspector was sentenced to five years in federal prison and fined $100,000 for taking $103,000 in bribes from a Honolulu architect and contractors to pre-screen and fast-track approval of permits. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

64% of Honolulu homes vulnerable to hurricanes. Home to nearly a million people, Oahu and its infrastructure remains vulnerable to hurricane impacts.  KHON2.

FEMA unveils disaster-resistant broadcast studio in Hawaii. FEMA unveiled a brand new emergency broadcast radio studio that sits on the grounds of Kahauiki village near Keehi Lagoon. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu medical calls up 20% since pre-COVID. As the pandemic wanes, Honolulu Emergency Serv­ices Department Director Dr. Jim Ireland says medical calls on Oahu have spiked over 20% compared to the pre-COVID-19 years. Star-Advertiser.

Tripler Army Medical Center to pay $29.5M in malpractice case. Hawaii’s U.S. District Court on Tuesday awarded $29.5 million to a local military family in the largest medical malpractice judgment against Tripler Army Medical Center for a 2016 incident involving their then-month-old child. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Environmental watchdog claims pipe at Kailua treatment facility is leaking sewage. The facility has been the subject of complaints for several years after water with high bacterial counts was released several times over the years into Kailua Bay. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit: HPD Officer Violated Policy When He Shot A Man In A Car. The department had updated its use-of-force policy to prevent officers from shooting at people in cars. Civil Beat.

Residents get opportunity to speak directly with military officials defueling Red Hill. Red Hill open house might seem like an oxymoron to some. But for the hundred or so community members who went out to Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial Park, it did mean direct access to military personnel like never before to understand this chapter of Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Medical respite kauhale readied for opening. It took a large village Wednesday to complete a small village for homeless people in urban Honolulu with medical respite needs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Public meeting set regarding PGV expansion. Puna residents will be able to provide in-person feedback next week regarding a planned upgrade of Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Homeless Encampment Swept At Hale Hālāwai In Kona. The County carried out the enforcement operation to address unsafe conditions at the Kailua Village beach park. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Input sought for old hospital site: 20 acres surrounding Hilo facility could be developed by the county. Part of the former Hilo Memorial Hospital is being renovated, and Hawaii County is collecting feedback about the future development of 20 acres surrounding the facility. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County council approves budget on first reading.  Waikapu residents may be closer to getting a land buffer between them and Wailuku and a small new medical clinic on Molokai may quickly get some needed funding as Maui County Council members unanimously approved the county’s fiscal year 2024 budget on first reading Tuesday.  Maui News.

Groundbreaking of infrastructure for planned Puʻunani subdivision provides hope for Maui DHHL waitlist beneficiaries. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands conducts a groundbreaking ceremony today, marking the start of a $17 million capital improvement project to install infrastructure for the planned Puʻunani subdivision in Waikapū.  Maui Now.

Outrigger Hospitality Group to acquire Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel on Maui. The transaction is expected to close on July 26, at which time the property will be rebranded as OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort.  Maui Now.

Officers Raid Maui Antique Shop For Allegedly Selling Illegal Ivory. State lawmakers barred the sale of most ivory years ago in hopes of preventing poaching across the globe. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i home, condo sales sink in April. A total of 22 home sales closed in April, down from 60 in April 2022, according to monthly data pooled from multiple sources by Hawai‘i Realtors in Honolulu. That marked a decrease of 63.33 percent. Garden Island.

Mālama Kauaʻi’s FEED Orchard Grants to increase fruit production, food access.  Mālama Kauaʻi will distribute 18 FEED Orchard Grant Awards to increase fruit production for food access markets this summer.  Kauai Now.

Preschool program ahead of schedule, under budget, tax collections take downturn, 5th Honolulu pleads guilty to taking bribes to expedite building permits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Just the beginning’: State ahead of schedule, under budget on ambitious Ready Keiki preschool program. The state on Wednesday signed the first 11 contracts for Ready Keiki preschool program at a cost of about half previous estimates. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii tax collections turned red in April. The state Council on Revenues at a Monday meeting projected that Hawaii tax collections for the fiscal year ending June 30 will slip 1%. Star-Advertiser.

State takes closer tax look at cash-based businesses. Some businesses may not report all their sales or income to the State Tax Department. That can be a problem for ones that deal mainly with cash. KITV4.

Hawaii housing units increase as population declines, census data reports. Hawaii’s housing shortage eased somewhat with the addition of 6,071 housing units from 2020 to 2022, with help from the state’s declining population, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Star-Advertiser.

Governor lists accomplishments, wish list at in-person town hall.  Nearly six months into his term, Gov. Josh Green wanted to use his first in-person town hall appearance to highlight the progress that’s been made since he took office. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-city official pleads guilty to taking cash bribes. Jocelyn Godoy, the fifth city employee who took cash bribes to move plans through the city Department of Planning and Permitting entered a plea of guilty Wednesday as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council revisits proposal to tax houses that sit empty on Oʻahu. Members of the Honolulu City Council’s recently assembled real property taxation working group met Tuesday to talk over proposals that could affect more than 130,000 island households. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu City Council to offer 50% property tax break to businesses impacted by rail construction. The rail is preparing to welcome riders for the grand opening of the first phase of the project in June, but construction along Dillingham Blvd. further down the line is still years from completion. KHON2.

Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant portal closes following short-lived reopening. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu reopened the Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant portal on Monday, and closed it shortly after.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite accelerated timeline, military’s Red Hill plan doesn’t account for up to 400,000 gallons of fuel. The Department of Defense has released an ambitious timeline for defueling the underground Red Hill facility, saying that crews will begin emptying the tanks in October. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A Rough-And-Tumble Oahu Park Is Finally Getting Some Love As Rail Opening Looms. Community input is helping resuscitate Makalapa Neighborhood Park. Civil Beat.

Kaneohe Bay Pollution Is Prompting Congressional Attention. Hawaii delegation wants to get money to upgrade a failing wastewater treatment plant. Marine Corps Base Hawaii needs to upgrade its aging wastewater treatment plant after being fined nearly $250,000 last year for discharging high levels of fecal bacteria into the popular bay. Civil Beat.

Humane Society to open second Oahu location. The Hawaiian Humane Society is opening its second facility — the Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili — on Saturday in Ewa Beach with a grand opening celebration. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council kicks ag bills down the road. The future of a property tax break for farm owners is uncertain after Hawaii County Council members discussed Wednesday whether to scrap a bill that would overhaul the process. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council gives favorable recommendation to new sustainability office.  A bill that would create a new cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience moved a step forward Tuesday with a favorable recommendation by the Hawaiʻi County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Police Department implements year-round recruitment for Police Officers. The decision to accept applications throughout the year aims to make it more convenient for aspiring police officers to join the force. Hawaii News Now.

Waipiʻo Valley Road Rockfall Work Set For May 22. County officials estimate Waipiʻo Valley Road will be temporarily closed from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday for approximately six weeks, as crews work to address potential rockfall hazards in the area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Input sought on plan that calls for fewer air tours at Haleakala. The draft air tour management plan would authorize up to 2,412 air tours per year on a defined route within the air tour management plan planning area. On average, there were 4,824 air tours per year reported at Haleakala National Park from 2017 to 2019. Maui News.

Three new doctors join Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi on Maui, Oʻahu. Jennifer Villa, MD, joins the behavioral health department at Kaiser Permanente Maui Lani Medical Office. Maui Now.

Kauai

Seabird restoration project begins at critical Kaua‘i cultural site. Several governmental, cultural and conservationist groups have teamed up to restore seabird populations at Nu‘alolo Kai, one of Kaua‘i’s most significant cultural and historic sites. Garden Island.

Sunlight: The best disinfectant. Legislative session ends with much more to do to stem corruption

 

With bribery and corruption indictments and prison terms for two of their own still burning bright in their memories, the Hawaii Legislature this year held the torch of government openness and accountability high. 

 

Then they dropped that torch in the ditch in favor of power plays and business as usual.

The 2023 legislative session started with great optimism, and indeed, some open government bills passed. But unfortunately, they didn't include the ones that would have made the most difference opening government to the people and stemming corruption.

Apparently, it takes more than the major embarrassment of federal government intervention for the power players to give up a little of that might in favor of laws limiting outside influence into their own secure seats in a one-party, no-term-limits legislative body that promotes arrogance and downright bullying over accountability, and secrecy over openness and the public's right to know.

Thus, we have a blue-ribbon committee that saw many of its 31 proposals killed in those last, behind the scenes, days of the Legislature as conference committees and money-committee power players quietly killed bills meant to make everyone more comfortable with the state's elected representatives and senators who are charged by the constitution with acting in the best interest of the state, not themselves.

Call me a cynic, but I suspected this would happen.

Because of legislative actions and inaction:

• Members of the public seeking access to their public records can continue to be stymied by reluctant bureaucrats charging exorbitant fees.
• Lawmakers can continue to collect campaign contributions during the legislative session from the very people and groups pushing for laws to benefit themselves.
• State and county contractors and their families can continue filling campaign coffers while they hold active contracts and grants.
• The governor and county mayors continue to have the power to unilaterally suspend electronic media transmission during a state of emergency.
• Candidates backed by big-money special interests will still have great advantage over candidates financed by the public.
  

Granted, there were a few wins for open government as well.

• Lawmakers lowered the monetary threshold for noncandidate committees to report contributions, increased penalties for super PACs violating campaign spending laws and added an additional filing period for campaign finance reports.
• The state attorney general and county corporation counsels will be required to produce voter guides containing candidate statements and descriptions of ballot measures.
• Legislators will be required to disclose names of lobbyists they have relationships with. Lobbyists will be required to undergo training and face further gift restrictions around legislative sessions.
• Nepotism laws were strengthened for state employees, but not for the Legislature.

Daniel Foley, a former associate justice on the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals who chaired the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, remained upbeat, even as some of the important bills died.

"Mahalo for supporting transparency and accountability in government, much was accomplished," Foley posted on a public Facebook page of a good government group. "There will always be more to do."

The good works to open government and stem corruption in the state may not come from the Legislature, but we can look to the federal government with optimism about the next steps. According to a recent Civil Beat article, the U.S. Attorney's Office isn't resting on its laurels.

"Federal prosecutors are looking at a much deeper problem within the State Capitol, including other lawmakers who appear to be willing to take money to sway legislation and other individuals who have no hesitation to pay them to do it," Editor and General Manager Patti Epler said in a May 5 post.

We can only hope.

Nancy Cook Lauer, who’s covered state and local governments for 30 years in Hawaii and Florida, is the publisher of All Hawaii News (www.allhawaiinews.com)

 

Legislature adjourns sine die with squabbles over budget, feds continue Capitol investigation, Honolulu mulls commercial use of beaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State budget attacked as Hawaii legislative session ends. Hawaii lawmakers touted accomplishments in passing more than 200 bills while criticizing a state budget that faced a surprising amount of opposition from both new and veteran House members on the final day of the legislative session Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island.  KHON2. KITV4.

The Investigation Into Public Corruption In Hawaii Is Very Much Alive. Federal prosecutors are looking at a much deeper problem within the State Capitol, including other lawmakers who appear to be willing to take money to sway legislation and other individuals who have no hesitation to pay them to do it. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers to make tourism agency justify funding. Hawaii lawmakers ended their 2023 legislative session on Thursday without allocating money for the tourism agency that manages the state’s biggest industry and employer. Associated Press.

Preschool expansion plan passes: 10-year effort would create 465 new classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds. The state’s $200 million, 10-year plan to create 465 new classrooms for 3- and 4-year-old students is moving forward with the help of House Bill 961, which passed the Legislature on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers, advocates celebrate traffic bills. Following greater calls to improve traffic laws and pedestrian safety, state legislators and other advocates for safer roads announced the passage of bills to reduce traffic fatalities in Hawaii. Maui Now. Star-Advertiser.

In a rare move, the Senate and House killed a bill on the final day of the legislative session. Lawmakers Deep Six Legislation That Would Enable Counties To Redistrict Lands. The draft legislation – House Bill 676 – would have empowered counties to make districting amendments for tracts of county-owned lands between 15 and 100 acres for affordable housing projects without Land Use Commission approval. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Good Food Alliance Selected By USDA To Bolster Non-Mainland Food Systems. Hawaii will play host to a center that aims to empower food producers and businesses in US states and territories. Civil Beat.

Oahu

'Still too much': community input stalls bill allowing commercial activity at parks. The Honolulu City Council’s parks committee held a second discussion on Bill 19, which aims to create a uniform set of rules for all parks on the island.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Fatal motorcycle crashes on the upswing on Oahu. Ten of the 25 traffic fatalities this year on Oahu involved motorcycles, and nine of the 10 motorcycle crashes occurred in the past 30 days, the Honolulu Police Department said Thursday.  Star-Advertiser.

Windward Oahu road to be ripped up months after major repaving project. The reason: poor planning. Last summer, the city spent nearly a quarter-million dollars to repave part of Auloa Road, not realizing the Board of Water Supply would be coming in a few months later and tearing much of it up again. Hawaii News Now.

City to install new security cameras in Chinatown in effort to curb crime. Mayor Rick Blangiardi the city will be replacing and installing 52 security cameras on major intersections, each costing $4,500. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation reveals 2021 chemical spill at Pearl Harbor that public didn’t know about. The spill occurred one month before the Red Hill fuel leaks tainted the Navy’s drinking water system, and that crisis overshadowed the incident. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Electric Bills Lower, Year-Over-Year. Bills on Hawaiʻi island are down roughly $20, settling closer to the level they were before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the utility says. Big Island Video News.

Kapapala Ranch Navigates Act 90 Land Transfer. Kapapala Ranch in Kaʻū was a part of a recent presentation given to the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources concerning its compliance with Act 90, which sets forth a process to transfer non-ag park lands from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture for agricultural production. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Worker Shortage Threatens One Of Maui County’s Most Affordable Child Care Programs. Despite a big pay boost the popular summer program is getting few applicants. Civil Beat.

Maui police had tried to get services for shooting victim. The Maui Police Department released body-worn camera footage from the officers who shot and killed a man armed with a 2-foot-long machete on Molokai and urged the community not to threaten the officers who fired the fatal shots. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

Historic birthing stone is safe as crews remove grounded boat. A boat that grounded uncomfortably close to Lahaina’s historic Hauola stone was removed from the water Thursday with no damage to the royal birthing chair. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

New site surfaces for Namahana School in Kilauea.  Namahana School has targeted the fall of 2025 for when the first cohort of students will be arriving at the new charter school in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Greater tolerance for tourists, Legislature may tighten contractor campaign contribution ban, ex-Maui official gets 10 years for taking bribes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii residents’ view of tourism improves slightly.  In the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Fall 2022 Resident Sentiment Survey, released Wednesday, 57% of participating residents rated the question “Tourism has brought more benefits than problems” as at least 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 — up from 54% in Spring 2022. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

‘Pay To Play’: Hawaii Moves To Expand The Ban On Contractor Campaign Donations. The Legislature is setting its sights on campaign donations from state and county contractors that have been the subject of public corruption cases in recent decades. Right now, a law banning donations from government contractors only applies to the contracted business, not the owners, officers or employees of those companies as the result of a loophole written more than a decade ago. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Lawmakers eye review of Hawaii’s ‘redundant’ process of setting minimum sentences. Hawaii is the only state with a two-step process for determining a prisoner’s sentence. But that could soon change.  Hawaii News Now.

Could 2023 be the year recreational marijuana is legalized in Hawaiʻi?  Several bills relating to the cultivation and sale of cannabis have passed their first readings and are awaiting committee hearings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ahead of Super Bowl, effort to legalize online sports betting fails in state Legislature. The sports gaming industry and supporters came in with the argument that thousands of people are already illegally betting on sports in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

2 state departments say they are working together on land transfers. The leadership for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture announced that they are working together to move thousands of acres of pasture land between the departments — and suggested that they were against legislation that would mandate the transfer of those lands. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Free school bus legislation rolls on. New legislation could make school bus transportation free for working families in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Rate increase will bring in $8 million per year to feed Hawaiʻi’s keiki. The US Department of Agriculture this week announced that Hawaiʻi’s reimbursement rates for school lunch and other federal child nutrition programs will be increased by 13%. Maui Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Consider High Taxes For E-Cigs. Rep. Scot Matayoshi has been trying to fight e-cigarettes for four years. This year, Matayoshi and other lawmakers have a new approach: tax electronic smoking devices and e-liquid products at a rate of 70%. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 8 Covid deaths, over 700 new cases in past week. The latest number brings the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 378,481.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Views clash in Legislature over housing on Kakaako peninsula. Two committees in Hawaii’s Legislature were inundated Wednesday by divergent views on a bid by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to largely reverse a 2006 state law prohibiting residential development in Kakaako Makai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hirono Will Lead Subcommittee With Oversight Of Red Hill. The Hawaii senator has made defueling the WWII era tanks a priority ever since a 2021 leak sickened thousands on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Mayor Blangiardi on finding a new landfill site, improving permitting department. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Wednesday that he's looking at a few possible locations on military or agricultural grounds that would not impact Oʻahu's water table. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu Hotels Have Deep Pockets And Now More Local Food Is On Their Shopping Lists. Fresh research reinforces that the majority of tourists to Hawaii will pay a premium to experience local fare. That could make food produced here more affordable for residents. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex Punahou coach allegedly ‘a prolific and aggressive child predator’.  Federal prosecutors said Wednesday Dwayne Yuen, 49,  a former Punahou School girls basketball coach Opens in a new tab should remain jailed until trial to protect the public because he is allegedly “a prolific and aggressive child predator.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Man, 49, sentenced to 10 years for Waikiki surfboard rack arson. A circuit judge sentenced a 49-year-old man Tuesday to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of setting fire to surfboard racks in Waikiki in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Business district pushback: Property owners, tenants voice concerns about proposal for downtown Hilo.  A Downtown Hilo Business Improvement District encountered significant resistance from tenants and property owners alike, all of whom agreed that the downtown is in dire need of improvement, but that the improvement district will hurt more than it will help. Tribune-Herald.

New rigs needed: County looks to lease semi-trucks for cross-island rubbish hauling.  Resolution 47-23 authorizes the Department of Environmental Management to spend $25,800 per month, or nearly $1.5 million over the next five years, to lease six semi-trucks to transport rubbish from the East Hawaii Regional Sort Station to the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu. West Hawaii Today.

Academic adviser calls menstrual products law a success. The law was implemented July 1, 2022, and according to Robin Valencia, complex academic adviser for the Hilo-Waiakea area, it has been a success. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Maui official is sentenced to 10 years in bribery scheme. The former director of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management who took more than $2 million in bribes in exchange for steering at least 56 sole source contracts to a Honolulu wastewater company was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Lawsuits against MPD claim gender discrimination, retaliation. Alleging gender discrimination and retaliation from the Maui Police Department chief and his former deputy, three female employees — two officers and one police department administrator — recently filed separate lawsuits in 2nd Circuit Court against the department. Maui News.

Voting Opens For Kauai Food Access Plan Targets. Over the course of eight community meetings, more than 200 Kauai food producers, community leaders and concerned citizens identified 27 key ways to fill a larger portion of the plates of the island’s roughly 74,000 residents with locally grown and produced fare. Civil Beat.

$195,000 awarded to Maui County for medical outreach for unsheltered homeless.  The County of Maui was awarded $195,000 in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that will be used to provide basic medical care to the unsheltered homeless, officials announced. Maui News.

Kauai

New questions about mysterious Kauai balloon. A Pentagon announcement Wednesday raises new questions about a mysterious balloon that appeared off Kauai last year that prompted U.S. fighter jets to scramble in response and comes as media reports emerge of several other apparent spy balloons making their way through U.S. airspace — including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to fly homeless home gains traction in Legislature, ethics bills advance, groups sue DLNR over Kauai energy project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Program To Fly Homeless Back Home Considered By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers.  A bill that will “assist homeless with the ability to secure a flight back to their family in their home State” is moving through the state Legislature. Big Island Video News. KHON2.  

Hawaii Government Transparency Bills Clear A Key Hurdle In The Legislature. Measures that would ban lawmakers from taking donations while in session and increase transparency in Hawaii’s campaign finance system were unanimously approved with bipartisan support Tuesday in the House. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Senators Move To Keep Public Records Secret. The state Supreme Court ruled Hawaii law has no 'deliberative process privilege', but Senators are trying to create one. Budget documents and other records that are now routinely made public by state and county agencies might instead be kept secret under a bill that won tentative approval from a Senate committee on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

How would state legislation on guns stack up to county-level laws? Now that the state Legislature is back in session, lawmakers are considering several measures dealing with guns in public and on private property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Affordable housing proposal that would go after non-residents deemed unconstitutional. Republican Sen. Brenton Awa and other supporters have until the end of the week to come up with an alternative plan, or wait until next year. Hawaii News Now.

Original ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i versions of law would be held binding with new measure. Senate Bill 16 would require that the Hawaiian or an ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi version of a law be held binding if the law in question was originally drafted in Hawaiian and then translated into English.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Bed bugs bill prevents landlords from renting infested units. According to the proposal, the landlord would have to pay for remediation if bugs are found within 60 days of a tenant moving in. KHON2.

No Longer At Odds: Tokuda Hosts Green In DC For Biden Speech. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green was scheduled to attend President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address Tuesday in the nation’s capitol as a guest of an old political rival — U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda. Green and Tokuda squared off in 2018 while vying to become Hawaii’s lieutenant governor. Civil Beat.

Should Hawaii Tighten Its Work-From-Home Policies For State Employees? Some senators want to ensure the remote workers are properly supervised and are productive. Civil Beat.

Highway Closures Due To Rockfall And Erosion Drive Calls For More Frequent Road Inspections. Almost 168 miles of the state's roads are at risk of damage from major earth movement with remote communities bearing the brunt of the lengthy disruptions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Some Kaneshiro case charges late, lawyers argue. Attorneys representing Dennis Mitsunaga, former Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro and four Mitsu­naga & Associates executives indicted for allegedly conspiring to charge a former Mitsunaga employee with felony theft are trying to dismiss some of the charges based on their statute of limitations. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement reached for 4 injured in high-speed police chase. The city and lawyers for four passengers injured in a 2021 near-fatal police chase in Makaha have reached a tentative multi-million dollar settlement. Hawaii News Now.

Navy needs more time for chemical spill report.  The Navy has blown a Monday deadline to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with details about its cleanup of a Nov. 29 spill of toxic fire suppression chemicals at Red Hill and any past spills of the aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, at the underground fuel facility, telling federal regulators that it would need another five weeks to provide that information. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Blangiardi, hotels commit to buying more from local farmers.  Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and representatives from more than 20 hotels in Hawaii today committed to buying more locally grown food as well as collecting and providing data on the tourism industry’s purchasing habits. Star-Advertiser.

Uproar over possible charter school move premature, UH officials say. The possible redevelopment of a University of Hawaii land parcel that could potentially displace the nearly century-old University Laboratory School years from now has upset many of the charter school’s supporters, but UH officials believe the uproar has been premature. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Measure to establish dedicated animal control agency heads to County Council. The nine-member Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs on Tuesday voted unanimously to forward Bill 22 with a favorable recommendation to the council for further consideration following a lengthy discussion with officials and hearing from a number of testifiers. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Octopus farm accused of offering ‘petting zoo’ experience ordered to shut down. The state Division of Aquatic Resources served a cease-and-desist letter to Kanaloa Octopus Farm last month and said the company is not allowed to have day octopuses under one pound. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council adopts resolution seeking recognition of emergency dispatchers as first responders. The Maui County Council adopted a resolution Friday to urge the county administration to recognize emergency dispatchers as first responders. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui County testifiers passionate over freedom to choose birth practitioner. Fervent testifiers over many hours at Maui County Council sought the freedom to choose birth practitioners regardless of licensure status. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i community groups, Earthjustice  sue DLNR over West Kaua‘i Energy Project. Two Kaua‘i community organizations are suing the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, claiming the department failed to sufficiently examine the environmental impact of a proposed Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative energy project. Garden Island. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Kauai County to give away 7,500 at-home COVID-19 test kits in March. Kauai County announced today a free giveaway of about 7,500 COVID-19 home tests kits at various neighborhoods from March 7 to 9. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reflects on 81st anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack, COVID cases up, mayor asks for respect for Native Hawaii rituals during Mauna Loa eruption, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thousands gathered Wednesday to mark another year since the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and honor all those who sacrificed their lives. At the same time, many celebrated the future that came after — when once bitter enemies became loyal friends and allies. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press. Maui Now.

Defense bill seeks to protect, restore threatened reefs. With climate change threatening the health of coral reefs around the world, Hawaii’s congressional delegation on Wednesday scored apparent victories on behalf of America’s coral reefs in two separate measures that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense bill expected to pass before the end of the session. Star-Advertiser.

Closures Of Red Hill, Shark Fin Ban And Volcano Monitoring Included In Defense Bill. Congress has come to terms on an annual defense budget that sets spending for the U.S. military at $858 million for 2023. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Tourism Authority weighs marketing contract options. Board members of the Hawaii Tourism Authority want authoritative advice on options they may have to deal with the head of another state agency rescinding a multimillion-dollar tourism marketing contract HTA awarded in June. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii daily average COVID cases up after Thanksgiving. On Wednesday the state Department of Health reported a daily average of 182 COVID-19 cases — a jump from 137 reported Nov. 30. The state’s average positivity rate inched up to 6.5% compared with 6.3% the previous week.  Star-Advertiser.

7 new COVID-related deaths, 1,371 new infections recorded in Hawaii, DOH reports.  The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) reported 7 new deaths related to COVID-19 and 1,371 new infections over the last seven days in Hawaii. The total number of deaths stands at 1,744. KITV4.

Amid spike in respiratory illnesses, some Hawaii shelves run low on cold medicines. Some Hawaii drug stores are running low on cold medicines and children’s painkillers ― a nationwide trend as demand increases along with respiratory viruses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu building permit delays might lead to refund.  Honolulu residents whose building permit applications are not approved within a year would receive a 75% refund under a bill that passed first reading Wednesday during the last City Council meeting of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Police Commission Moves To Speed Up Hiring Process Next Time New Chief Needed. In an effort to reduce the hiring time when searching for a new police chief, the Honolulu Police Commission is reviewing the city’s procurement process to see if potential bidders for recruitment services could be approved in advance. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Mid-Pacific virtual academy plans $750K expansion.  A Mid-Pacific Institute academy that encourages private and public school students to take classes and collaborate online from anywhere in the world is planning to undertake a $750,000 expansion, thanks to a major grant. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Mitch Roth asks for respect from visitors of Maunaloa. The Maunaloa eruption has made Hawaiʻi a global celebrity once again, but Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Mitch Roth says some people are being disrespectful of the lava flow. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Short-term rentals in agriculture districts again an issue.  The Board of Appeals is scheduled Friday to consider a case brought by neighbors of a five-acre parcel in Captain Cook dubbed “Konania Villas,” that is advertised on vacation rental sites as three two-bedroom, two-bath interconnected villas with a shared courtyard, pool and patio in a “fruit orchard retreat.” West Hawaii Today.

‘A Huge Mess’: Hawaii County Cracks Down On Hu Honua Permit Violations. The Department of Public Works has issued a violation notice to the biomass energy plant, but the company’s president says everything’s in order and will be sorted out soon. Civil Beat.

Kahele Wants Federal Probe Of Lobbying Efforts For DHHL Lease Extension. Among the lobbyists representing the Prince Kuhio Plaza is Andy Winer, a recent political rival of the Hawaii congressman and former chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Civil Beat.

Former Hilo Jail Guard Sentenced To 8 Years For Assaulting Inmate. Another jail guard was previously sentenced to 12 years in prison while two others are scheduled for sentencing in January. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Youth Council to transmit 2022 final Youth Legislative Package. Resolutions adopted by a majority vote of the Maui County Youth Council of 2022 at its final meeting held earlier this month, will be compiled into the “Youth Legislative Package of 2022.” This will be transmitted via county communication to the Maui County Council at its Dec. 16 meeting. Maui Now.

MVCB partners with Raw Elements to provide mineral sunscreen dispensers in Maui County. The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau has partnered with Raw Elements to provide 20 mineral-only sunscreen dispensers at high traffic beaches in Maui County.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i lawmakers on anti-corruption proposals: Transparency and term limits.  The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, headed by retired Judge Dan Foley, released more than 30 proposals last week intended to increase transparency, strengthen investigation of fraud, improve ethical awareness and oversight and reduce the power of money in politics. Garden Island.

Hawaii inaugurates its ninth governor, National Guard deployed to keep order at Mauna Loa lava flow, state Senate finalizes leadership, committees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Hawaii gubernatorial leadership takes the reins.  Josh Green became Hawaii’s ninth governor Monday in an inauguration filled with pomp and promise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.  Associated Press.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Maui Now.  Garden Island.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Luke roasts Hawaii politicians, herself, on first day on the job. Hawaii’s new Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke mapped out a serious plan to help Hawaii’s youngest get an early education and to bring high-speed internet to remote communities across the state — but first, minutes into her first day on the job Monday, she poked some fun. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi State Senate finalizes leadership and committee assignments. The Hawaiʻi State Senate finalized leadership and committee assignments ahead of the 32nd Legislature that opens on Jan. 18, 2023. Maui Now.

Hawaii government workers might be able to drop Kaiser health insurance. The state agency that provides health insurance benefits to government workers in Hawaii is considering offering employees a special open enrollment period to allow them to switch their health coverage from Kaiser Permanente to the Hawaii Medical Service Association due to the protracted strike by Kaiser’s mental health clinicians. Star-Advertiser.

Amid ongoing shortage of health care workers, Hawaii hospitals see ‘unprecedented’ demand. Hospitals across the state are busier than ever — even busier than during the peak of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Over $300M refunded to Hawaiʻi taxpayers . Gov. David Ige announced 606,674 refunds have been issued to Hawaiʻi taxpayers, totaling $307.9 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HPD chief urges community to call 911 if legal guns not concealed. If you see a person walking around Oahu with a gun that is visible after the Honolulu Police Department begins issuing concealed-carry weapon licenses, please call 911, Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said. Star-Advertiser.

Navy refuses to publicly release video of latest Red Hill spill.  The Navy today said it would release video footage of last week’s spill of toxic fire suppressant chemicals at Red Hill to federal and state environmental regulators, but not the public claiming that doing so could impede its investigation into the latest accident at its massive underground fuel facility. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Robots are scrubbing floors at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.  To keep floors “sanitary and sparkling” at the Big Island’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation has purchased automated floor cleaning robots. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Man Arrested For Allegedly Forging Federal Judge’s Signature To Steal From Elderly Woman. The suspect allegedly convinced the woman that he had saved her Ewa Beach home from foreclosure and demanded cash payments from her. Civil Beat.

On Oahu’s west side, worsening homeless problem draws calls for greater outreach. At a recent Waianae Neighborhood Board Meeting, police said they simply “don’t have the equipment or manpower to actually remove” all the homeless people camped at the beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ige calls up National Guard to help with traffic on Saddle.  Gov. David Ige activated the Hawaii National Guard on Monday to assist Hawaii County with traffic control during the Mauna Loa eruption. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Mauna Loa Eruption Day 8: Creeping lava unlikely to cross Saddle Road for a week plus, if ever.  The front of Mauna Loa’s lava flow continues to inch closer to Daniel K. Inouye Highway. As of noon, the flow front was 2.15 miles from the thoroughfare. Big Island Now.

Hawaii geologists skeptical about claim eruption was forecasted.  Hawaii volcanologists have raised eyebrows at University of Miami researchers who claim to have predicted the current Mauna Loa eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Key ag research facility to get face-lift. Before he left office, Gov. David Ige released $6.9 million in capital improvement funds for the Waiakea Research Station on Stainback Highway, on the southern outskirts of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

County Announces Shift In Kalanianaʻole Traffic Direction. DPW and Nan, Inc on Thursday will be closing the mauka-bound lane and opening the makai-bound lane into Hilo town from Keaukaha on Thursday, December 8, at 7:00 am for striping of the roadway and shoulder maintenance.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Another former Maui wastewater official pleads guilty to bribery in corruption scandal. Former Maui wastewater Supervisor Wilfredo Tamayo Savella pleaded guilty to bribery charges on Monday as part of a sprawling corruption scandal that also netted public officials.  Hawaii News Now.

Applications available for East Maui community water board.  During the Nov. 8 election, voters approved a charter amendment to create the water authority and East Maui regional community board, which will appoint the water authority director; approve a long-range watershed management plan and related programs; set priorities; approve the annual operations budget appropriation request; provide written comments on the long-term capital improvement plan, annual maintenance plan and operating budget and make recommendations on water rates and the federal, state and private funding plan.  Maui News.

Kauai

Passenger count hits new high. A wave of visitors to the island of Kaua‘i in November lifted the passenger count into rarefied air at Lihu‘e Airport, which set an annual record for the number of deplanements with one month to go in 2022. Garden Island.

Airport gets bulk of Kaua‘i’s capital improvement projects funding.  More than $124.6 million in state funding is headed to Kaua‘i, for projects ranging from the relocation of a Līhuʻe Airport runway to the construction of a new gymnasium at Waimea High School. Kauai Now.