Showing posts with label doctors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doctors. Show all posts

Friday, January 5, 2024

Fireworks again on legislative agenda, bomb scare at 3 state courts, volunteers sought for humpback whale counts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sanctuary seeks volunteers for humpback whale count. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is preparing for this year’s Sanctuary Ocean Count as kohola, or humpback whales, make their annual migration from Alaska waters to the islands to mate, calve and nurse their young this winter. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Maui Now.

Illegal Fireworks Will Be Back On The Legislative Agenda After A Noisy New Year’s Eve. One priority this legislative session will be to examine the work of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which was formed last year under the Department of Law Enforcement, and decide whether it should be funded into next fiscal year. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

3 state courts evacuated in bomb scare. The Ronald T.Y. Moon building in Kapolei, Kaui­kea­ouli Hale in Honolulu and the Puuhonua Kaulike courthouse in Lihue cleared people out Thursday morning after receiving threats. All three reopened by 9:50 a.m. Star-Advertiser.

New report states Hawaii's doctor shortage is improving but the issue remains critical. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) released a report on Thursday that said the state needs at least 750 more physicians statewide. KITV4.

Hawaii’s new corrections department aims to give inmates a fresh start. The newly re-designated state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says that with 95% of incarcerated people who come into the state’s prison system eventually being released, moving away from punitive justice has become a “vital” part of its mission. Star-Advertiser.

Regents keep exclusive say in search for new UH president. Despite many testifiers’ pleas to include University of Hawaii faculty, students and staff as well as community members on the selection committee that will choose the next UH system president, the UH Board of Regents opted Thursday to stick with a “committee of the whole” composed exclusively of the 11 regents. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu


‘Defects’ Have Already Been Found Along Honolulu Skyline’s Tracks.
Several months after Honolulu’s Skyline rail transit system opened for service, problematic “defects” were discovered at key points along the track from early wear-and-tear, according to inspection reports and emails from a track safety official who later left the job. Civil Beat.

Jury should weigh rail dispute, state high court says.
  The Hawaii State Supreme Court has ruled that the merits of the ongoing dispute involving construction of a planned rail station within real estate developer Howard Hughes Corp.’s 60-acre master-planned property in Kakaako should be decided by a jury rather than a judge. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Attorney working to protect juror identities trial of Michael Miske. It’s been four and a half years since Michael Miske was federally indicted in a sprawling criminal conspiracy case that grew to more than a dozen others, most of whom have reached plea deals in the years since. Finally, next week the repeatedly delayed trial of the remaining defendants begins for Miske, John Stancil and Delia Fabro-Miske. KHON2.

HPD corporal’s 2016 DUI case faces new scrutiny amid probe into recent crash. While the department still refuses to say if it’s looking into claims Vasai Isala Jr. was driving under the influence that night, Hawaii News Now found court records that revealed why the 18-year veteran’s previous DUI charge was dropped following a crash in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Gun permit rules changed: New requirements went into effect Jan. 1 in Hawaii County. A series of new requirements for obtaining a firearm have taken effect in Hawaii County, creating some confusion among residents. Tribune-Herald.

Hot Shot Vehicles To Boost Hawaiʻi Nutrition Program. The County of Hawaiʻi has acquired two state-of-the-art F-150 Ford Hot Shot vehicles to help home-deliver meals. Big Island Video News.

 Independent Journalists Work to Fill Rural News Gaps on the Big Island of Hawai’i. As rural communities across the United States struggle to keep their small newspapers open, some independent and passionate journalists on the Island of Hawaiʻi take on the fight to keep the local news coming.  Daily Yonder.

Maui

Maui Mayor Promises Olowalu Will Not Be The Permanent Dump Site For Wildfire Waste.
Olowalu will not be used as a final dump site for all the ash and debris being cleaned up from the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced Thursday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Maui Now.  KHON2.

Kauai

Island-wide power outage hits Kauai. The outage occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. after the transformer failed. Within 90 minutes, “almost all of KIUC’s members were restored,”  according to a Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Facebook post. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Water buys HOH Utilities assets on Kaua‘i. The purchase of HOH Utilities’ wastewater system assets on Kaua‘i marks the entry of Hawai‘i Water onto its fourth island.  Kauai Now.

Monday, October 9, 2023

Maui reopens for tourism as island grapples with $31M deficit, state struggles with 50-year-old computer system, real income drops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

West Maui reopens for tourists exactly 2 months after devastating wildfires. This comes as the governor says hotel occupancy for the month of October and the following months is expected to be very low, despite officially welcoming back visitors back to the island. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. KHON2. KITV4.

Bringing them home: Hawaii’s future doctors set their sights on working in the isles. Despite the high costs of living and myriad challenges in Hawaii, many of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s current students and graduates say, given the opportunity, they want to practice here and give back to their community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is Still Struggling To Modernize A 50-Year-Old Computer And Financial Data Systems. The state has scrapped a major computer accounting contract with a mainland vendor after spending millions of dollars on the project. Now, it’s wrestling with the same vendor over a second multimillion-dollar contract, according to state records and administration officials. Civil Beat.

Real Household Income In Hawaii Dropped Significantly In Last 3 Years. High inflation and a slower economic recovery in the state slashed the real median household income in the state by about 9% -- twice the national average. Civil Beat.

Drought conditions have become extreme.  High pressure northwest of the state will slowly track east during the first half of the week, allowing the return of breezy trades with minor fluctuations through mid-week.  KHON2. Tribune-Herald.

State warns of suspicious solicitations for Maui fire relief. For the third time since deadly Aug. 8 wildfires ravaged Lahaina, the state is asking local residents to be wary of suspicious fundraising solicitations. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu


2 Honolulu City Council members respond to Big Tobacco contributions, as council passes bill to ban flavored tobacco products. Although Council Chair Tommy Waters and Council member Matt Weyer sponsored this latest anti- tobacco legislation, according to the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission, both received contributions from local lobbyists with ties to major tobacco companies. Star-Advertiser.

Navy to monitor Oahu air quality during Red Hill defueling. As the military prepares to defuel the underground Red Hill fuel storage facility, the Navy is setting up air monitoring stations across Joint Base Pearl Harbor­-Hickam and several housing areas affected by the 2021 contaminated water crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Petition launched from Waikiki businesses concerned about street closures. Concerns are growing from Waikiki businesses about street closures on Kalakaua for festivals and fundraisers. The Hawaii Restaurant Association has started a petition calling for better coordination.  Hawaii News Now.

Box jellyfish spotted in Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park. Warning signs have been posted after box jellyfish were spotted today in Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Changing narratives: Kalihi unites for safety.  An Oahu community is hoping to inspire change by rewriting the narrative of a neighborhood that is often thought of as crime-ridden amid rising concerns for safety across Hawaii. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Series of town hall meetings concludes in Hilo. A final town hall meeting in Hilo on Saturday provided a series of minor updates about various Hawaii County projects. Tribune-Herald.

Study to identify alternate route out of Puna could be funded ‘soon’. In 2022, the state Legislature approved a $1 million allocation to Hawaii County to conduct site surveys to determine a suitable location for a Puna Makai Alternate Route, a second major road in and out of Puna that would divert some of the district’s heavy traffic away from Highway 130, currently the only main road connecting the area to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County seeks Interim Sustainability Administrator for climate, equity, resilience initiatives. This role is tasked with spearheading sustainability, climate action, and social justice efforts in the county and will play a pivotal role in advancing the county’s commitment to community sustainability, environmental and cultural stewardship and social equity. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui mayor details budget cuts to offset $31.23 million revenue shortfall
.  The proposed budget cuts, large and small, reduce appropriations across a host of county departments, touching on a wide range of programs such as liquor control, housing and human concerns, substance abuse programs, sports and event promotions, tourism management planning, environmental protection and sustainability, and road, bridge and drainage maintenance. Star-Advertiser. Maui News

Council approves measures geared toward fire recovery. Maui County Council members waived council rules and approved a bill on first reading Friday that would allow $12.5 million of former COVID-19 aid money to be given as grants to help businesses directly and indirectly impacted by the Aug. 8 fires. Maui News.

$177 million in federal assistance provided so far to Maui fire survivors. Since the Maui wildfires of Aug. 8, more than $177 million in federal assistance has been approved for 6,210 households, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Maui Now.

Maui Council urges governor to reinstate former water official. The Maui County Council on Friday added its voice to the chorus of those asking for the reinstatement of former state Commission on Water Resource Management First Deputy Kaleo Manuel, who was reassigned in a controversial move following the Lahaina fire disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless shelter for Lahaina fire survivors filling up.  A new pop-up homeless shelter on Maui with air- conditioned group tents, free meals, health services and planned movie nights has drawn considerable use a week after opening to serve people who were homeless in Lahaina before the town was leveled Aug. 8 by fire. Star-Advertiser.

DOH to conduct phone surveys to assess needs of those impacted by Maui wildfire disaster.  The state Department of Health said it will be conducting surveys to assess the needs of Maui residents affected by the wildfire disaster. Hawaii News Now.

DOE safety guidance issued for reopening 3 Maui schools
. As many Lahaina families continue to voice worries over the safety of reopening the three public schools above the burn zone next week, new documents from the state Department of Education are providing details on the actions the schools will take to monitor air safety and next steps if air quality veers into “unhealthy” or “hazardous” categories by federal standards. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

KCC bee hives one of the few disease-free sites in state. The University of Hawai‘i, through its UH News program, said the Kaua‘i Community College’s bee hives are one of the few disease-free honeybee sites left in the state. Garden Island.

Access gate to Queen’s Bath in Princeville closed through the winter. “Access to the gate is closed due to hazardous ocean conditions and anticipation of the winter season,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Senate 'bullies' create chaos, Hawaii ranked worst state for doctors, Red Hill families drank fuel and antifreeze, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate ‘Bullies’ Are Creating Chaos At The Capitol This Year. Donovan Dela Cruz and Michelle Kidani have taken political strong-arming to an alarming level as they work to control business and financial issues, their colleagues say.  Two powerful state senators are pressuring colleagues to derail confirmation of Scott Glenn to lead the Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Civil Beat.

Future of DBEDT confirmation up to nominee. The troubled Cabinet nomination of the head of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is up to acting Director Chris Sadayasu to decide whether he wants to take his confirmation vote to the full 25-member Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Republicans Don’t Get Many Bills Passed, But They’re Playing A Long Game. The minority caucus agrees it needs more members to get things done, but there is disagreement on how to get there. Civil Beat.

‘Misleading’ macadamia nut products prompt legislation in Hawaii. A kamaaina company that claims to be the biggest seller of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts has collided at the Legislature with local macadamia producers over whether Hawaii-branded products containing foreign macadamias should say so. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers consider bill that will allow counselors to file restraining orders for minors. A bill to let trained professionals petition for restraining orders on behalf of minors is now being discussed in the Hawaii state house. Senate Bill 45 includes counselors and other mental health professionals. KITV4.

State's newest homelessness coordinator pitches idea for ʻOhana Zone incentives. The state's homelessness coordinator wants ʻOhana Zone developments to get the same exemptions as affordable housing projects. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teacher Housing Has Been Only In Rural Areas, But That Could Change. Proposed legislation would fund a pilot program with locations in urban Oahu. Civil Beat.

Amid ongoing physician shortage, Hawaii ranked worst state for doctors. Analysts from the financial planning website WalletHub looked at all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and evaluated several factors across two key dimensions: “opportunity and competition” and “medical environment.” When it came to opportunity and competition, Hawaii ranked dead last. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. in ‘better place’ since pandemic, CDC director says during Hawaii visit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aims to become more nimble as a result of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Not Just Fuel: Red Hill Families Drank Antifreeze Too, Lawsuit Says. The Pearl Harbor area residents who drank and showered in fuel-tainted water in 2021 were also exposed to antifreeze, which the Navy used as a fuel additive, according to an amended lawsuit complaint filed on Monday.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply confirms trace amounts of PFAS were found in Waipio well. The state's Board of Water Supply announced Friday that trace amounts of perfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, were found in the Waipio Heights Wells Pumping Station last month during a routine test. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health, safety concerns raised over homeless at State Library. A growing homeless encampment by the Hawaii State Library is raising concerns with library users and nearby residents. They’re calling on the state to do a better job in cleaning the area. KHON2.

A New Recipe: This Program Puts Oahu Inmates In College Cooking Courses. Kapiolani Community College has offered courses to women at the Women's Community Correctional Facility since 2008. Civil Beat.

Keeaumoku Street safety in the works. Under the Honolulu “Complete Streets” program, the city Department of Transportation Services proposes a project along Keeaumoku Street — from Kapiolani Boulevard to Wilder Avenue — to include protected bicycle lanes, traffic-calming measures and pedestrian-­crossing improvements. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii AG: Imprisoned Prison Guard Shouldn’t Get His Job Back. The state says the labor board exceeded its authority and made a "clearly erroneous" decision regarding Jonathan Taum. The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office is appealing a decision by the state labor board that requires that a corrections sergeant who is serving a federal prison term be reinstated with back pay to his job at the Hilo jail. Civil Beat.

Funding requests for the Big Isle’s hospitals slashed. Gov. Josh Green requested that $50 million from the state budget be used to expand Hilo Medical Center, but when the House released its initial budget on Thursday, the amount was cut in half to $25 million. Tribune-Herald.

Progress on Hilo sewage plant. A plan to renovate the decrepit Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is now a two-part project. Tribune-Herald.

Community Meeting On Waikoloa Road Project Set For March 30. The pavement removal/replacement project is scheduled to begin in May 2023 and run through April 2024. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Want to fix the food system? Maui’s Polipoli Farms aims to help local farmers do just that. Lehia Apana recently won a $10,000 grant from Dove Chocolate to help grow her food hub project.  Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple announces leadership transition. Maui Land & Pineapple announced today the appointment of Race Randle as CEO and Scot Sellers as Chairman, effective April 1, 2023. Maui Now.

Repairs underway for historic church damaged by storm. Ke‘anae Congregational Church has been closed due to safety hazards since 2021. Maui News.

Kauai

Wilcox earns national patient safety award.
The Wilcox Medical Center received the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award that places Wilcox among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute care hospitals nationwide, as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i DOCARE presence nearly doubles as 41 new officers commissioned. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources significantly bolstered its ranks on Monday, as 41 new Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers were deployed for their first assignments Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Legislature kills tax breaks on food and medicine, teacher and doctor retention falls, Senate to vote on bill legalizing recreational marijuana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lawmakers kill excise food tax exemption, but other proposed relief lives on. The proposal to end Hawaii’s 4.5% excise tax on food and medicine has died at the state Legislature, but there is still millions of dollars in income tax relief still on the table as the 2023 session nears its midpoint. Hawaii News Now.

Key state Senate vote today on measure aimed at physician retention. A bill that would exempt medical providers from the state’s general excise tax for treating Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE patients will be voted on today in the Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Report: Teacher Turnover Increases In Hawaii. Hawaii saw a 12.3% uptick in turnover of public school teachers during the 2021-2022 academic year compared with the school year that began in fall 2017, according to an employment report by the state Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Bill To Legalize Weed Set For Vote In Hawaii Senate.
Senate Bill 669 would allow residents to grow, consume and sell less than 1 ounce of cannabis within the state of Hawaii. It also establishes taxes for cannabis sales.  Civil Beat.

Tax to fund affordable housing advances in state Legislature. Senate Bill 362, Draft 2, which raises the conveyance tax on property sales over $2 million, has survived committee (a feat that only one in 10 bills achieve) and is set for a final floor vote in the Senate this week. Garden Island.

A push to charge for rescues on hikers blatantly ignoring rules. Senate Bill 786 would charge an individual who ignores warning signs, leave a trail to get to a prohibited area, or go on an illegal hike. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi's economic growth could surpass the national average, DBEDT says. In their latest report, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism predicted Hawaiʻi to have a better economic outcome than the national average. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lobbying continues for midwifery licensing bill at state Capitol. A bill to define licensure laws for traditional birth attendants died in the state House of Representatives last week, but some members of the public haven’t given up hope.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Budget committee chair seeks longer-term solutions within Blangiardi's $4.5B proposal. The Blangiardi administration is proposing a $3.4 billion operating budget and a $1.09 billion Capitol Improvement Plan budget. Both are roughly a 6% increase from the previous year.  Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD seeking budget increase amid recruitment efforts. The staffing woes continue at the Honolulu Police Department with 360 police officer positions remaining unfilled. KHON2.

Honolulu Emergency Services proposal for new Ocean Safety, ambulance facilities. The Honolulu Emergency Services Department is proposing a 17.6% budget increase for fiscal year 2024. KHON2.

Median sales price for Oahu single-family homes stays under $1M. The median sales price of previously owned single-family homes on Oahu stayed below the $1 million mark for the second month in a row, and days on the market nearly quadrupled — signs that the local housing market is continuing to soften amid high inflation, relatively high mortgage rates and concerns about a looming U.S. recession. Star-Advertiser.

Surviving bill would give OHA $6M for an environmental study on Kakaʻako Makai. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs said it is not receptive to reopening the 2012 ceded lands settlement with the state because it is not giving up its Kakaʻako Makai lands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian protesters who are ‘tired of waiting’ stage protest to claim DHHL lands. This week, the group began placing signs on vacant Department of Hawaiian Home Land parcels in Waianae and Kalaeloa, “reclaiming” the land for beneficiaries. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Josh Green simplifying Aloha Stadium P3 plan. Gov. Josh Green has decided to pursue an alternate path for redeveloping Aloha Stadium in which a private partner would develop and operate a new stadium wholly or largely paid for by the state. Star-Advertiser.

Council chair: Law needs to be changed to fix flawed Waikiki Safe and Sound program. Critics complain there are no immediate consequences for repeat offenders caught violating Waikiki’s Safe and Sound program. Now, the district’s councilman is calling on the courts for help. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Mililani athletic director surrenders in theft case. The former Mililani High School athletic director and baseball coach accused of stealing more than $400,000 from the school’s Athletic Booster Club Inc. surrendered to state Sheriff’s deputies this morning. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Official Reports Of Drug Use At Hawaii’s Largest Prison Are Challenged By Staff. Staff allege that the number of inmates who tested positive at the Halawa Correctional Facility is higher than official figures. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Nene’s death sparks call for action in Keaukaha. Nonprofits and native bird enthusiasts are pleading with government officials for help mitigating traffic in Keaukaha after a nene was killed by a driver last weekend. Tribune-Herald.

Maui’s ‘Dolphin Dave’ cited for harassing dolphins, humpback whale at Hawaiʻi Island state park.
A 65-year-old Maui man is accused of actively pursuing an adolescent humpback whale and dolphins inside Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

800 attend Big Island cockfight; four men charged with firearms, drug offenses. Four men were arrested for firearms offenses on March 4 while at a cockfight in Kealakekua, where drugs and illegal firearms were recovered, along with U.S. currency and two vehicles for forfeiture, according to Hawaiʻi Island police. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Lease dispute escalates over state land in Hilo. Legal challenges against the state by a Hilo business owner whose lease agreement is in jeopardy could heat up after a hearing Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Excavation starts at site of fuel spill atop Haleakalā. Excavation for cleanup of the Haleakalā fuel spill site began March 2, 2023, at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex following approval of a work plan.  Maui Now.

DLNR pursues owners for costs to remove yacht from Maui reef. The nominee to run the state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to go after the owners of an illegally moored yacht that broke free, leaked fuel and damaged 20 species of coral near a Maui marine life conservation district. Star-Advertiser.

Contract negotiations for Maui County hospital workers continue, but talks break down. Negotiations between Kaiser’s Maui Health System and the United Public Workers union for a new contract for nearly 500 health care workers continued Monday, but talks broke down after just two hours, officials said. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Lanai Water Utility Seeks Significant Increase In Rates. The Lanai Water Co. is seeking a rate increase that would add $76.78 to the average customer’s monthly bill, which now is $18.75. Civil Beat.

350 still without power; initial outage impacted 6,900 customers from Pukalani to Hāna, Maui. Approximately 6,900 customers from the Pukalani to Hāna area experienced the outage starting around 6:40 a.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Scrap metal not accepted at Līhuʻe refuse transfer center March 6-10.  The Līhu‘e refuse transfer station will not be accepting residential scrap metal for recycling from March 6 to 10 due to equipment issues. Kauai Now.

Friday, January 6, 2023

Kilauea volcanic eruption resumes, NTSB releases deadly air ambulance crash report, out of state home buyers increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea volcano eruption PC:USGS
Lava flows once again from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano. Kilauea roared back to life Thursday afternoon with fountains of lava spewing within Halemaumau Crater, nearly a month after the volcano went silent. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Traffic-related fatalities in Hawaii surged in 2022. By the end of the year, the number of traffic-related fatalities, 117, was higher than for 2021, 2020 and 2019 but even with 2018, according to statistics from the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Final moments of missing Hawaii plane detailed in NTSB report. A witness saw a medical transport plane that disappeared on a flight between Maui and the Big Island go into a spiraling descent and hit the ocean, according to a preliminary report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Air Ambulance Crash Exposes Vulnerability In Neighbor Island Health Care. Gov. Josh Green agrees that Hawaii needs a major health care build-out on the neighbor islands so that the state can wean itself off its dependency on medical air transport. Civil Beat.

Bringing students home to fix Hawaii’s doctor shortage. Hawaii needs about 800 doctors, according to the Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Report. KHON2.
 To address staffing shortfalls, 12-hour shifts proposed for adult corrections officers. Christin Johnson, the coordinator for the Correctional Systems Oversight Commission, is proposing 12-hour shifts in a bid to cut down on sick time and reel in new applicants.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi sees more out-of-state homebuyers; Canadians, Californians purchase on Maui. A state report showed about 25% of single-family homes from January to September of 2022 were bought by out-of-state residents. Of those, 23% of purchases were from the US Mainland and 2% were from international residents. Maui Now.

Public input sought about adding 100 land parcels to Hawaiʻi nature reserve systems. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking comments on a proposal to protect nearly 100 unencumbered state land parcels across Hawai’i as part of the State Forest Reserves, Natural Area Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries systems.  Maui Now.

State of Hawai’i has a new poet laureate, succeeding Kealoha. Brandy Nālani McDougall has been selected as the second Hawaiʻi State Poet Laureate, succeeding Kealoha, who served from 2012-2022. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Interim chair of the Honolulu Liquor Commission resigns, blaming ‘baseless accusations’. In less than a year, two chairs and a vice chair have resigned amid accusations of corruption and discrimination. Hawaii News Now.

Semi-sub in fraud case missing from harbor. Semisub One, the vessel belonging to Curtiss Jackson, a tour boat company co-founder charged with federal securities fraud and released on pretrial bond in October, was gone from its slip in Kewalo Harbor on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds Of Honolulu Parking Meters Disabled By Verizon 3G Shutdown. The city knew the shutdown was coming but didn’t upgrade the meters quickly enough. An estimated 2,200 digital parking meters in Honolulu suddenly stopped accepting credit cards on Wednesday after Verizon shut down its 3G network, according to the Department of Transportation Services. Civil Beat. KHON2.

State adds more ‘No Right Turn On Red’ signs at major intersections. No right on red! Oahu drivers are seeing more of those signs at major intersections. The state said it’s a renewed effort to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. But it’s not sitting too well with some drivers. Hawaii News Now.

Former health director suggests water storage for Red Hill tanks, staying at Kapolei landfill. In a column for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, former state Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson suggested the tanks could be used to store drinking water for emergency use. Hawaii Public Radio.

Macy’s to close Windward Mall store on Oahu. Macy’s at Windward Mall in Kaneohe is among four Macy’s stores nationwide that are slated to close this year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bills aim to add new parking rules, standardize hours at county parks.  Stricter parking controls and other rules might be coming to Hawaii County beach parks under a series of bills proposed Thursday at a County Council committee hearing. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s New County Council Struggles To Get Moving Amid 4-4 Split.
Some people worry that the current 4-4 split could hinder the legislative body’s ability to get things done. Civil Beat.

‘Record-breaking’ demand for healthcare takes toll on workers at Maui hospital. Employees at Maui’s only acute care hospital are crying out for help. They say they can’t keep up with the current demand for healthcare. Hawaii News Now.

Investigative Reporter May Have To Testify Despite Journalist Privilege. A federal judge said Hawaii News Now’s Lynn Kawano did not waive her privilege when reporting about a Maui police officer accused of sexual misconduct. Civil Beat.

Kauai

COVID-19 cases remain stable on Kaua‘i but effects linger. While COVID-19 has surged through the mainland United States during the holiday season, case counts on Kaua‘i have been holding relatively stable. Garden Island.

Monday, June 14, 2021

Hawaii loses convention business, man dies in Big Island police shooting, bankruptcies drop, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all righs reserved
Hawaii Convention Center ©2021 All Hawaii News

Conventions pull out of Hawaii due to COVID restrictions. The Hawai‘i Convention Center had been on track to have its best year ever in 2020, and then COVID hit, instantly decimating the market. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Museums Struggle With Low Ticket Sales, Social Distancing Requirements. According to Lisa Solomine, president of the Hawaii Museums Association, the museums doing best right now are those that have concentrated on grants, activated their boards, and mastered technology to facilitate both internal communication and virtual offerings. Hawaii Public Radio.

It’s ‘action!’ for Hawaii’s film industry.
While tourism and other sectors in Hawaii are just now beginning to gain momentum, the film industry has been thriving over the last nine months, pouring millions of dollars into the state’s economy and creating thousands of jobs despite the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Monthly Index Tracks Robust Rebound in Sales at Hawai‘i Restaurants. Food Gurus Hawaii Restaurant Index is based on over 125,000 daily transactions at more than 130 restaurant units statewide. Sales in April increased a robust 9% over March, which itself had been stronger than previous months. Hawaii Business magazine.

Lack of workers, influx of tourists to state puts strain on businesses. Hawaii’s high unemployment rate may have left it unprepared for the coming flood of tourists as the pandemic lessens, tourism industry representatives said Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii doctor shortage worsens during pandemic. The medical school and other groups are now scrambling to bring more recruits to the islands. KITV4.

Job search requirement starts for PUA claimants. Self-employed and independent contractors will now need to prove they’re searching for work in order to collect unemployment. The state is now requiring Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claimants to show they are making at least three job contacts every week. KHON2.

Hawaii bankruptcies maintain downward trend. Statewide bankruptcies fell for the fourth time in five months and sank to the lowest total for any May in 15 years thanks to an improving economy that saw more people return to work. Star-Advertiser.

‘Perfect storm’ that led to extreme shortage of rental cars in Hawaii
shows no signs of clearing. A jumble of interrelated issues has hobbled the rental car industry from rebounding in Hawaii and other large leisure travel destinations, and there appears to be no meaningful recovery on the horizon. Star-Advertiser.

Why The Pandemic Made It Harder To Protect Birds From Hawaii’s Feral Cats. Pauses in cat sterilization efforts during the pandemic haven’t seemed to significantly affect populations, but it will be a while before the full impacts of 2020 are clear. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents disappointed over decision to drop KIKU-TV’s popular Japanese and Filipino shows. Hawaii residents felt sad and disappointed when KIKU’s parent company, RNN Media Group, headquartered in New York, made the decision to replace its Japanese and Filipino shows with ShopHQ beginning June 28. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Health Research seeks participants for gestational diabetes study. The Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Health Research is recruiting participants for a new study to improve screening for gestational diabetes through a better understanding of blood glucose levels throughout pregnancy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 36 new coronavirus cases
, bringing statewide total to 37,011. Sunday's new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 16 new cases on Oahu, 12 on Maui, two on Hawaii Island and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

June 12, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 104 Cases (102 Confirmed, 2 Probable). The confirmed cases included: 46 on Hawai‘i Island; 33 on O‘ahu; 15 on Maui (+3 probable); one on Kaua‘i; and seven in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu Moves To Tier 4, Allowing Larger Gatherings Indoors And Outside.
Honolulu will stop all pandemic restrictions when the vaccination rate hits 70%, the city said. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Investigation Into Keith Kaneshiro Picks Up As Pandemic Winds Down. Donors to the former elected Honolulu prosecutor have come under increased scrutiny as the U.S. Justice Department tries to build its case. Civil Beat.

Blangiardi Nominates Ann Botticelli To Honolulu Police Commission.
The mayor tapped a well-known former journalist and corporate communications professional. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

A Surprise Revelation In The Miske Case: A Plot To Kill A Union Official. A co-defendant described a new twist in the prosecution of the Honolulu businessman — an alleged murder attempt on a local union leader. Civil Beat.

Search is on for landlords to house homeless on Oahu. Millions of dollars’ worth of new housing vouchers are becoming available on Oahu just as a statewide ban on COVID-19- related evictions is scheduled to end in August, leading to fears that a new generation of families is about to become homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Residents say ‘improvements’ made to a Diamond Head road are hazardous. Changes made to a heavily used road in the Diamond Head area are upsetting drivers and residents — many say the improvements are actually hazards. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island police: Man fatally shot after firing on responding officers. The incident happened about 7 p.m., after police responded to a home following reports of a domestic abuse case. Hawaii County police said the man was fatally shot after firing on officers. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Building code revisions ahead: County Council to take up last 2 pieces of construction requirements. After a year’s delay and consultation with contractors, business groups and members of the architectural, engineering and real estate sectors, the county administration has proposed adoption of two chapters of the code with county-specific amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution would ask county to conform to Basel Convention regarding waste. The Hawaii County Council will discuss how to better handle the county’s plastic waste, although it is unclear what effect it can actually have. Tribune-Herald.

Construction on Kipuka Keaau Community Center pushed back. The Lili‘uokalani Trust was issued county permits to construct the Kipuka Keaau Community Center — a facility in Keaau for Hawaiian children and families to participate in after-school programs — in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui draws 8 film and TV productions worth $40M amid COVID-19 pandemic. Maui County during the pandemic was the stage for eight film and TV productions, which brought millions in revenue and created hundreds of jobs, and the local industry is showing no sign of slowing any time soon, officials said this week. Maui News.

East Maui feels the pressure as tourism returns. Hana Highway clogged, spots like Twin Falls are overwhelmed. Local residents and businesses are seeking help with crowd and traffic control in East Maui as tourism ramps back up again after more than a year of quiet beaches and light traffic on Hana Highway amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui News. KHON2.

Maui Police Department looking for new chief after Chief Tivoli S. Faaumu steps down. Police departments in Hawaii and throughout the country are at the center of a community reckoning on the future of policing, the use of force and the transparency of law enforcement agencies funded by the tax-paying public. Star-Advertiser.

Cockfighting Investigation on Moloka‘i Nets Two Arrests. Maui police say an investigation into an illegal cockfighting operation on Molokaʻi last month netted two arrests. Maui Now.

Kauai

Residents protest glamping idea at public meeting. Thursday, developer investment firm Starwood Capital Group, the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association and East West Partners hosted a two-hour meeting to discuss updates to the proposed project and answer resident questions on the 50 luxury glamping tents, arrival pavilion, cafe and fitness-center expansion. Garden Island.

Wailua Golf Course named one of nation’s best municipal layouts. The county Wailua Golf Course ranked No. 26 in Golf magazine’s list of 30 best municipal courses in America, announced last week. Garden Island.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Ige, legislative leaders announce minimum wage hikes in affordability package, bomb scare at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Big Island has about half the doctors it needs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy Hawaii Legislature
Hawaii Gov. David Ige, legislative leaders press conference PC:Hawaii Legislature
Minimum Wage, Preschool, Housing Top Rare Legislative Platform. In an unusual display of pre-session unity, top state officials and business leaders have largely agreed on a plan aimed at bringing down Hawaii’s high cost of living. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers and Ige back bills for housing and tax relief and for working families. In a sharp break with political tradition, Gov. David Ige joined leaders from the state House and Senate at a news conference Tuesday to announce a complex package of tax relief, affordable-housing plans and a preschool development program, all designed to provide cost-of-living relief to Hawaii’s low-income and working-class residents. Star-Advertiser.

Governor, lawmakers announce legislative package aimed at easing Hawaii’s cost of living. Governor David Ige and leaders from both chambers of the state legislature announced a major deal Tuesday that will see an increase in the state’s minimum wage, among other measures. Hawaii News Now.

‘A good first step’. Hawaii House and Senate leaders, with the support of Gov. David Ige, on Tuesday unveiled a long list of measures to boost housing, early childhood education and incomes with a particular focus on alleviating the struggles of Hawaii’s working families and poor. Associated Press.

‘Cycle of poverty’ targeted: Lawmakers, Ige unveil legislative package that aims to make Hawaii more affordable. As the Hawaii Legislature gears up for the 2020 session, leaders from the state House and Senate, along with Gov. David Ige, announced on Tuesday a legislation package to tackle critical economic issues that have long-plagued Hawaii’s residents: income inequality, affordable housing and early education. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige unveils legislative package aimed at tackling income inequality, raising minimum wage. Joined by state senators and the House of Representatives, Governor David Ige made public a plan that he hopes will take center stage at the upcoming legislative session. KITV4.

Governor Ige along with leaders from the state house and senate unveiled a package of economic bills. This is the first joint house and senate legislative bill package since 2004. KHON2.

What Will Be The Defining Issue Of The 2020 Legislature? Problems abound but no single issue appears to have yet united Hawaii lawmakers as the opening of the 2020 legislative session approaches on Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Leaders Back An Ambitious Plan To Rapidly Expand Preschool. The immediate goal of the five-year plan is to increase the number of pre-K classrooms in the state by 100 a year. Civil Beat.

Teacher pay differential plan comes under fire by lawmakers. A bold move by the schools superintendent and Board of Education to give a big boost in pay to teachers in hard-to-staff positions — even before lawmakers appropriated the funds — came under fire Tuesday at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Farmers ask for funding to fight pasture pest threatening Hawaii’s third largest commodity. The beef and milk industry brought in $43 million to Hawaii in 2017. However, many of the fields where those cattle graze are losing grass and ranchers aren't even sure how to stop it. Hawaii News Now.

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Joint Pearl Harbor Hickam (Nimitz Gate) reopened after an overnight bomb scare. Joint Pearl Harbor Hickam security forces reopened the Nimitz gate just before 4 a.m. Wednesday, after an overnight bomb scare. KHON2.

Lockdown lifted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after security scare. A security scare closed the gates at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Officials said around 10:30 p.m., security forces responded to a vehicle at Nimitz Gate that did not have authorized access to the base. Hawaii News Now.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam gates are back open following reports of an alleged bomb threat. Officials say, a car that did not have authorized access drove up to the base around 10:30 Tuesday night. KITV4.

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Powerful Hawaii defensive radar is delayed. A more than $1 billion missile defense radar for Hawaii has been significantly delayed, with Native Hawaiian cultural concerns emerging at one possible site on Kuaokala Ridge at Kaena Point and community worries about overdevelopment at two other candidate sites at Kahuku Training Area. Star-Advertiser.

Legal group to analyze spike of deadly officer-involved shootings around Hawaii. A recent rash of fatal officer-involved shootings is prompting a group at the University of Hawaii Law School to review the deadly trend. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Educator Mandado Announces Run For City Council. The race to replace a term-limited councilman now has three candidates. Civil Beat.

Under proposal, 3 urban schools would see dramatic redevelopment. With huge maintenance backlogs and obsolete school facilities, public schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto is considering an ambitious redevelopment and modernization of three schools in urban Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Health opens a new homeless shelter in Moiliili. Waikiki Health, which operates Kakaako’s Next Step Shelter, began welcoming formerly homeless tenants this week into a three-story shelter it now operates in Moiliili. Star-Advertiser.

Transportation crews receive tons of asphalt to mend state roadways on Oahu. State Department of Transportation crews Monday delivered two to three tons of asphalt patch material to maintenance base yards to continue patching potholes on state roads around Oahu through the rest of the week. Star-Advertiser.

An off-leash dog park is coming to Central Oahu. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning at the makai end of the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. Hawaii News Now.

Central Oahu leaders joined city officials Tuesday to break ground on a 12,800-square-foot off-leash dog park at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Doctor levels critically short. The state’s southernmost island is short 230 doctors — or 44% — of the 528 physicians demanded by the population as of November, a University of Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project report submitted earlier this month to the 2020 Legislature shows. West Hawaii Today.

Waste plan meetings set for next week. The newest iteration of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which is required to be updated every 10 years, was unveiled in December and makes 82 recommendations for changes to the county’s waste management system. Tribune-Herald.

Crews continue snow removal, erosion repair on Maunakea Access Road. Crews continued to work Tuesday to repair and clear the Maunakea Access Road, which has been closed to the public since Friday because of the first snowfall of the decade. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawmaker priorities include schools, jail, highways. Maui County lawmakers hope this session to fund the first stages of the relocation of Maui Community Correctional Center, to get the ball rolling on long-promised school improvement projects and to tackle climate and environmental concerns. Maui News.

Maui Efforts Creating Replicable Ways To Recycle And Reduce Waste. Organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club are active in addressing broad environmental issues at the local level, including on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drifting ‘ghost net’ threatens island sea life and reefs. Mariners, pilots or people near the ocean are being asked to be on the lookout for a massive “ghost net” that was spotted two weeks ago off Maui and might remain a threat to humpback whales and other sea life. Star-Advertiser.

Officials, Nonprofits Seek Ghost Net Drifting Along ʻAuʻau Channel. A ghost net that was located about a mile west of Molokini in December has not been recovered yet. Maui Now.

Kauai

Annual PMRF albatross project turns up nothing. Pacific Missile Range Facility Air Operations department, the PMRF Environmental Program and US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services enlisted volunteers for the annual PMRF Laysan albatross egg sweep on Saturday. Garden Island.

Erosion worries rising. A foundation left over from a 2017 project to remove the Kapaa Beach Park pavilion is now cracked in half and falling into the surf after weekend waves and weather caused damage on the east side. Garden Island.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Citations climb in Mauna Kea crackdown, Honolulu council advances plastics ban, Maui mayor seeks stiff vacation rental fines, 11-14 years in prison recommended for Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
TMT opponents gather at Hilo courthouse Aug. 23, 2019 ©2019 All Hawaii News
Governor Sees Progress In Mauna Kea Talks, But Protest Nears 7th Week. Gov. David Ige says he’s pleased with progress made so far by Big Island Mayor Harry Kim in engaging the native Hawaiian community in efforts to resolve the conflict on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic citations, criminal charges increase in second week of Maunakea enforcement. Police say 630 citations were issued in the weeklong period starting Aug, 22, compared to 610 the week starting Aug. 15. In addition, nine individuals were arrested with 16 charges filed among them. That compares to seven individuals arrested for a total of 13 charges the previous week. Tribune-Herald.

Traffic enforcement efforts on Daniel K. Inouye Highway results in 1240 issued citations, 16 arrested. KHON2.

Concerns arise over Big Isle prosecutor’s son’s job. The man responsible for prosecuting the mostly Native Hawaiian elders arrested for protesting construction of a giant telescope said there is no conflict of interest, even though his son works for one of the embattled project’s partners. Associated Press.

Governor Denied Mayor’s TMT Delay Request In July 15 Letter. The letter dated July 15, obtained by Big Island Video News after we first reported on Mayor Kim’s July 12th letter, offers further insight into the decision-making process of state and county leaders during the pivotal, early days of the construction start, and the opposition movement that organized to stop TMT on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea Is The Latest In Long History Of Native Hawaiian Protests. Civil disobedience and arrests have been a key part of Native Hawaiian activism since the 1970s. Civil Beat.

Three Young Protesters, Three Different Paths To Mauna Kea. They all felt stirrings of Hawaiian identity as youngsters, but these three protesters were shaped by pivotal experiences as young adults. Civil Beat.

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Management of tourism key as visitors keep climbing. Visitor arrivals and spending rose in July to mark the second month both categories have been up since November. Star-Advertiser.

Health care shortage leaves Hawaii hurting. The state is facing shortages in 76 medical professions, with nearly half — 44% — of the unfilled positions in hospitals, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s first jobs report measuring vacant nonphysician positions between the last quarter of 2018 and this year’s first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

10% of Hawaii healthcare jobs go unfilled due to lack of in-state training. There are over 2,200 open healthcare positions in Hawaii. KITV.

Doctors Are Still The Top-Paid Public Employees In Hawaii. The Hawaii Health Services Corp. and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have big changes atop their pay scales, but the highest-salaried physician hasn’t changed. Civil Beat.

National nonprofit raises alarms about dearth of drug treatment in islands. The national leader of a nonprofit that specializes in treating drug addiction says to get a handle on the state’s homeless crisis, more drug treatment is needed. Hawaii News Now.

Gabbard, off National Guard duty, rules out running as independent. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, back on the campaign trail after 15 days of duty with the Hawaii National Guard, said Thursday she won’t run as an independent if she doesn’t win the Democratic presidential nomination. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City ban on single-use plastics moves forward. A bill that would ban foam containers and plastics used for serving food on Oahu passed out of the Honolulu City Council’s Public Safety and Welfare Committee on Thursday, buoying the hopes of the environmentally conscious who worry plastics are polluting beaches, breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by sea life and contributing to climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Ban on Plastics Takes Next Step At City Council. The ongoing effort to ban use of plastic bags, utensils and styrofoam containers moved forward at the Honolulu City Council Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Styrofoam, plastic straws and utensils may be banned on Oahu. If Bill 40 is passes, it would prohibit restaurants from using everything from Styrofoam containers, plastic utensils and even plastic straws. KITV.

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Court report recommends Katherine Kealoha spend 11-14 years in prison. A pre-sentence report from a federal probation officer recommends that former deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha be locked up for more than a decade. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fighting Disclosure of Records, Emails Seized by Feds, Councilman Says. The city is seeking authorization to spend $225,000 to make sure privileged information is not released. Civil Beat.

More weight on climate change, managed retreat in Honolulu pre-disaster mitigation plan. The City and County of Honolulu updated a federally required disaster plan, and this time around it focuses more on climate change and moving away from the shoreline. KHON2.

Pali to open both directions for most of day. Windward residents are looking forward to accessing Pali Highway in both directions to ease the stress of putting in extra miles to get to town and back on alternative routes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New Keahuolu Courthouse opens Tuesday. The gavel is set to strike the block next week at the new Keahuolu Courthouse as court operations scattered across several sites in North Kona and South Kona finally converge under one roof. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Courthouse Opens Doors in September. The Hawaii State Judiciary will open its new West Hawaii courthouse early next week. Big Island Now.

The Panaewa Equestrian Center Rodeo Arena will be closed from September 2 to approximately December 9, 2019, for restoration work, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Draft Ordinance Proposed Seeking New Fines for Illegal Vacation Rentals. The administration of Maui Mayor Michael Victorino submitted a proposed ordinance to the Maui County Council seeking to implement new fines in an effort to strengthen enforcement against illegal vacation rentals. Maui Now.

Initial fines for illegal vacation rentals on Maui could jump from $1K to $20K. The measure was referred to the Planning & Sustainable Land Use Committee. KITV.

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Feds are taking over prosecution of police officer. Brandon Saffeels had been disciplined in previous case. Maui News.

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Small whales euthanized after 10 stranded alive on Kihei’s Sugar Beach. Authorities on Thursday sedated and euthanized four small whales after 10 of the animals were stranded alive on a beach on Maui’s south shore. Maui News.

4 Stranded Whales Euthanized On Maui Beach. The remaining six stranded melon-headed whales were floated back to sea, though authorities said two of those were likely to be euthanized. Associated Press.

4 whales die in mass stranding on Maui beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it is investigating why at least 10 small whales stranded themselves on a Maui beach Thursday morning. Star-Advertiser.

Ten Whales Beached at Sugar Beach in North Kihei. Maui Now.

4 of 11 whales beached on Sugar Beach in Kihei dead. KHON2.

Four of ten whales stranded in Sugar Beach area on Maui have died. NOAA Fisheries is responding to 10 melon-headed whales that have stranded along the coast in the Sugar Beach area of Maui. KITV.

Scientists scramble to find cause of stranding that left 4 whales dead on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Open houses set on West Kauai plan. The County of Kauai Planning Department has released a “Discussion Draft” of the West Kauai Community Plan for public review and comment. Garden Island.

U.S. Sen Mazie Hirono drops by Kauai High pantry. She was on-island to visit the North Shore and see the rehabilitation progress after the 2018 floods, and also made a stop by the school to check out their new food pantry program. Garden Island.