Hawaii wins $916M judgment in Plavix lawsuit, below-average hurricane season forecast, Honolulu officials mull short-term rental regulations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pharmaceuticals Ordered To Pay Hawaii Nearly $1 Billion For Deceptive Business Practices. The drug companies hid information from doctors who prescribed Plavix, which can have outsized negative effects on Asians and Pacific Islanders. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Below-average hurricane season is forecast for Hawaii. With a developing La Nina climate pattern and cooler waters in the forecast, officials said the basin is likely to experience one to four tropical cyclones during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Dry season forecast to be drier-than-normal. The extra rainfall through April added to what the state has gotten so far this month, including from last week’s kona low and the heavy rains and thunderstorms that drowned the Big Island the week before, will provide a buffer against the earlier onset of expected drought conditions later this summer — and wildfire weather. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

After Lahaina, Hawaii Fire Crews Take Stock Of Their Ability To Communicate In A Crisis. Fire departments across the state are reevaluating their emergency communication capabilities after the Maui wildfires, when the vulnerability of the island’s cellular network — and a lack of advanced communication tools in fire vehicles — complicated efforts by first responders as they confronted one of the worst disasters in Hawaii’s history. Civil Beat.

Native Seeds Could Soon Be Fueling New Growth On Burned Out Acreage Across Hawaii. The federal government is funneling millions of dollars to a University of Hawaii initiative aimed at increasing the number of seeds for hardy native and non-invasive plants that can compete against the dominant invasive grasses that fuel wildfires. Civil Beat.

Derek Turbin elected chair person of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Convention. Delegates Also Approve Resolutions, Amend Party Constitution and Bylaws, Select National Delegates, and Choose Presidential Electors. Maui News.

US Pacific Fleet announces 29th RIMPAC exercise.  Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Maui Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu officials weigh regulations for short-term rental market with new state law. In 2022, the city implemented a law to increase the minimum amount of time that residential homes could be rented from 30 days to 90 days. However, a federal court ruled that the city could not enforce its regulation. Hawaii Public Radio.

More homeless housing planned for Oahu. The city and state have opened — and plan to open — more homeless housing across Oahu following the closure of some shelters and reduced bed space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Across Oahu, a growing dilemma: How to care for kupuna living on the streets. Dr. James Ireland, director of Honolulu’s Emergency Services Department, says he’ll call a meeting with the hospitals and other stakeholders to remind them of C.O.R.E. services. That’s the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement Program — for patients who need medical treatment but don’t need the emergency room.  Hawaii News Now.

Embattled rail CEO says she’s been bullied, harassed by HART board. Embattled rail CEO Lori Kahikina said Tuesday that she no longer wants the job if she continues to be bullied and harassed by the HART board. Hawaii News Now.

West Loch disaster 80 years ago prompted military reforms. Tuesday marked the 80th anniversary of a deadly — and often forgotten — disaster in Hawaii that prompted major reforms in the U.S. military. Star-Advertiser.

Charter school students name Kaiwi’s monk seal pup Pa‘aki. Kaiwi’s newest monk seal pup born this month at Kaimana Beach has been named Pa‘aki, according to Hawaii Marine Animal Response. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Emergency evacuation route planned for Waikoloa Village. Private landowners have pledged to fund and grant the County of Hawaii the new route or egress down to the highway. KITV4.

Hawaii Island to host 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has opened registration for its 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention, which will be held from Sept. 17-19 at Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Maui

Decision Due Soon On Where To Build A New Elementary School In Lahaina. The Hawaii Department of Education hopes to choose a permanent campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary by next month. Civil Beat.

Maui County Hopes To Provide Housing For Seniors, Even A Few Units At A Time. Maui County is buying two condo units in Kaanapali to create more affordable housing options for kupuna displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires that destroyed most of Lahaina and parts of Upcountry.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Meetings strive to give a voice to homelessness. The County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency opened its series of meetings on Tuesday to collect information for its five year homelessness strategic plan. Garden Island.

Polls shows solid support for restoration of Coco Palms Resort. As demolition work progresses on the Coco Palms Resort, a new poll shows robust support for the restoration of the once-renowned property that was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Garden Island.

School facilities official out amid construction backlog controversy, superintendent pay raise deferred, Land Board to mull new ocean stewardship fee today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Official Overseeing Hawaii School Facilities Is Out Amid Funding Controversy. Assistant Superintendent Randall Tanaka’s departure follows the department’s controversial plan to lapse $465 million in capital improvement projects that would have supported improvements ranging from new classrooms to play structures on school campuses. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Decision deferred on $10K pay raise for schools superintendent. A proposal to raise the salary of state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi by $10,000, to $250,000, was held back in a state Board of Education committee Thursday, but a separate proposal to expand the criteria used to evaluate him was amended and approved. Star-Advertiser.

Regents to revise plan in UH president search. Following nearly six hours of board debate and public testimony at a University of Hawaii Board of Regents meeting Thursday, the regents voted to make significant changes to a proposed plan for finding the next UH president, to make it more transparent and include more stakeholders’ input. Star-Advertiser.

New Rules For Ocean Users, Taking Certain Fish Go To Hawaiʻi Board. A new rule on ocean stewardship user fees, and amendments for the sustainable harvest of important reef fish, go to the BLNR on Friday. Big Island Video News.

 Study documents harm to coral reefs from overfishing. Aquatic biologists have long known the importance of algae-eating fish to the overall health of coral reefs. But new research documents just how important species like surgeonfish and parrotfish are to Hawaii’s coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor survivors reflect on anniversary of day of infamy. At the age of 102, Harry Chandler returned to Pearl Harbor for the first time since he survived the infamous surprise attack on the base on Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hōkūleʻa is back in Hawaiʻi to train the next generation of navigators. Over the last six months, Hōkūleʻa traveled more than 2,800 miles and visited 45 communities from Juneau, Alaska, to Long Beach, California, as part of the Moananuiākea Voyage. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council passes bill to address the City’s 2,000+ position vacancies. The Honolulu City Council passed a bill Wednesday addressing hiring deficiencies in the City and County of Honolulu, which has more than 2,000 position vacancies. Maui Now.

Hawaii Lobbyist Pleads Guilty To Illegal Drug Possession At Vet Clinic. The politically connected former president of an Oahu veterinary clinic has admitted she improperly obtained drugs for animals using the credentials of an unknowing veterinarian who no longer worked there.  Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch considers having Haiku Stairs on its property. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, the group attempting to block the city’s demolition of the once legally accessible steel steps built along a sheer ridgeline above Kaneohe, isn’t the only entity interested in the Windward Oahu landmark. Star-Advertiser.

HPD corporal placed on restricted duty, had police powers removed after crash that seriously injured motorcyclist. Body camera footage HPD didn’t want the public to see captured the actions of an off-duty HPD corporal shortly after a crash records show he caused. Vasai Isala Jr. recently slammed his subsidized vehicle into the back of a motorcyclist, seriously injuring the rider. Hawaii News Now.

Despite previous settlement, city tries to deny liability in near-fatal crash involving 4 officers. Four Honolulu police officers charged criminally for a crash that critically or seriously injured six people were acting outside the scope of their duties. That’s according to the city, which does not want to be held liable for the alleged actions. Hawaii News Now.

2 HPD Officers Disciplined For Working An Unauthorized Side Job On The Clock. Sgt. Jefferey Pohaku and Cpl. Mark Montez provided security in uniform for a company in 2018 and 2019 without prior permission from the police department. Civil Beat.

1 Million Sea Urchins Have Now Been Deployed To Eat Kaneohe’s Invasive Seaweeds. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources, which houses the Anuenue Fisheries Research Center where the urchin are grown, notes a measured decrease in invasive seaweeds on every reef that has been stocked with lab-reared urchins. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

New law streamlines building permit process. The law, which began life as Bill 84, amends and streamlines parts of the County Code regarding the issuance of building permits and permit extensions, standardizing the time it takes to receive them. Tribune-Herald.

Kona low system provided some drought relief, but dry conditions expected to persist. The Kona low system that swept over the state at the end of November gave Big Islanders, especially those using water catchment systems, a welcome respite from the drought. Tribune-Herald.

Renewable energy project in the works. A community meeting was held Wednesday to provide updates about the Kalaoa Solar Project, a proposed 40-acre renewable energy facility on state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Kalaoa. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

November’s Kona low brought flash flooding, some relief to drought conditions on Maui. On Maui, the National Weather Service’s latest precipitation summaries found that the US Geological Survey’s rain gage at West Wailuaiki Stream had the highest monthly total of 23.89 inches (120% of average), and the highest daily total of 9.83 inches on Nov. 30.  Maui Now.

Department of Health: Maui air monitoring in November shows good quality in wildfire-impacted areas. Air monitoring and sampling conducted in wildfire-impacted areas of Maui between Nov. 8 and 15, 2023, shows good air quality, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Maui Now.

Kauai

Proposal to rebuild Coco Palms Resort on Kauai remains an issue for residents. State Board of Land and Natural Resources will review a permit application to develop a resort in Wailua where it once stood. KITV4.

Passenger count plunges at Lihu‘e Airport in November. The number of people getting off domestic passenger flights at Lihu‘e Airport dropped below 60,000 in November, marking the second lowest total for any month this year. Garden Island.

GoFarm Hawai‘i returning; free participation to applicants referred by employers. GoFarm Hawai‘i will offer free participation to applicants recommended by employers in agriculture, food systems, or farm-to-table. Kauai Now.

Green to meet with Biden next week on Maui recovery fund, El Nino drought to continue well into 2024, new landfills eyed for Oahu and Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Recovery and humanitarian’ fund for Maui fire victims’ families planned.  Gov. Josh Green plans to announce details of a new “recovery and humanitarian fund” for families that lost loved ones or were injured in the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire.  Green plans to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House next week, along with meetings with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and HaCivil Beat.waii’s congressional delegation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Biden: $3.5B to strengthen nation’s electric grid after Maui fires. The Biden administration on Wednesday announced $3.5 billion for 58 projects across the country to strengthen electric grid resilience as extreme weather events such as the deadly Maui and California wildfires continue to strain the nation’s aging transmission systems. Associated Press. Maui Now.

Hawaii drought to continue into 2024, NOAA says. Due to El Nino conditions, Hawaii’s current drought is expected to continue well into next year, and possibly even into the 2024 dry season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Navy hospital ship stops on Oahu ahead of Pacific mission.  The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy is in Hawaii this week as it prepares for a deployment to several Oceania islands as part of the Navy’s Pacific Partnership program. Star-Advertiser.

2 Different Nonprofits Are Paying This CEO Hefty Salaries. She Says She Works Full Time For Each One. Denise Yamaguchi's two nonprofits have also gotten more than $1 million in grants from the Legislature in recent years. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 possible Oahu landfill sites under scrutiny, city official says.  Four alternate sites to replace the 34-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei could include federally owned properties in West Oahu and on the Windward side, a top city official says. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Arrests Of 4 Police Officers On Domestic Violence Charges Raise Concern. Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan called it an "anomaly" that four officers were arrested in a two-week period. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Honolulu bill offering tax incentives to build film studios is postponed. The Honolulu City Council on Tuesday put the brakes on a bill that would provide tax incentives for property owners who want to build film studio facilities on O'ahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Army combat exercise to temporary close Dillingham Airfield. Tropic Lightning Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division will participate in the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center drill, which includes blank ammunition and simulated explosions. Hawaii News Now.

Waikīkī Aquarium releases 150 tagged pāpio into the wild. The Waikīkī Aquarium is partnering with the Oceanic Institute of Hawai‘i Pacific University to release some fish. KHON2.

Health Department shuts down Meatheads food truck in Kakaako. The state Health Department today issued a red placard to the Meatheads food truck in Kakaako, shutting it down until water is available for employees to wash their hands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Seismic activity increases at Kilauea; HVNP closes two trails. Continued unrest at Kilauea volcano has led Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close more trails to the public. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

UH Hilo set to lead $6.6 million National Native Language Resource Center. The U.S. Department of Education has granted $6.6 million to launch the National Native American Language Resource Center (N-NALRC), a consortium led by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. KITV4.

Endless problem: Houseless evicted on private property on Ali‘i Drive donʻt move far. In late September, about 30 people at a houseless camp – some of whom have lived there for at least a year – were asked to vacate private land next to Coconut Grove Marketplace along Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Bill Prohibits Parking On Aliʻi Drive At Kahaluʻu Beach Park. A Hawaiʻi County Council committee on Tuesday advanced a bill dealing with parking issues along certain portions of Aliʻi Drive that front Kahaluʻu Beach Park.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Nonprofit head: Maui trying to bury 2018 wildfire report that offers insight into government inaction. The head of the West Maui Improvement Foundation says Maui officials are trying to bury an after-action report that documents the county’s emergency response to another disastrous wildfire that swept through part of Lahaina back in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

New landfill to be built on Maui for debris from Lahaina’s burn zone. Federal and county officials have confirmed that a new landfill will be built on Maui, exclusively for debris from Lahaina’s burn zone. Hawaii News Now.

Council to consider real property tax exemption for Maui wildfire victims. Survivors who lost their homes in the fires won’t have to pay property taxes under a new bill before the Maui County Council. Bill 95 announced Wednesday that it provides exemptions for homeowners, short-term rental owners, and hotels that house people displaced by the disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Bissen to host community budget meetings for Fiscal Year 2025. Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host community budget meetings throughout Maui County starting next week for residents to share their priorities and provide input on the budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which begins July 1, 2024. Maui Now.

Site aims to match residents with housing they can afford. Median market rents advertised for homes on Maui are around $700 to $1,500 higher per month than what families say they can actually afford. According to Maui Hale Match, the median market rent for a two-bedroom home is $3,495. Families looking to rent a place of this size say they can afford $2,400, which is a difference of $1,095. Maui News. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui United Way distributes $7M in $1,000 payments to 7,000+ fire survivors.  Maui United Way forged a rapid partnership with Honolulu-based Aloha United Way to construct a comprehensive process for reviewing intake forms for the program.  Maui Now.

King Kamehameha III and Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary reopen on shared campus. Lahaina’s two elementary schools reopened to hundreds of students today on a shared campus that faculty and staff from both schools have worked hard to make as inviting and familiar as possible for their communities impacted by the August wildfires. Maui Now. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

State energy office, KIUC receive federal support for innovative technology development projects. Two technology demonstration projects proposed by the Hawai‘i State Energy Office in partnership with Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will receive more than $17.9 million in funding through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program. Kauai Now.

Princeville library to receive a $7 million makeover. A yearlong renovation project at the Princeville Public Library will shutter the facility beginning Monday, Oct. 30. Garden Island.

Free, collapsible water jugs to be distributed. The County of Kaua‘i Department of Water will be distributing free collapsible water jugs along with other water conservation tools and prizes on Saturday during the weekly Grove Farm Market that starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Puhi open field. Garden Island.

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.

State and federal officials tour Lahaina as death toll rises to 55, more than 1,000 unaccounted for, wildfire took local emergency leaders by surprise, emergency proclamation bans price gouging, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Death toll from Lahaina wildfire rises to 55; governor says town is ‘gone’.  Maui County confirmed two additional fatalities from the catastrophic Lahaina wildfire on Thursday night, bringing the death toll to 55. Also on Thursday, Gov. Josh Green toured the devastation in the historic town. Speaking to reporters, he said Lahaina was “gone” and estimated over 1,000 buildings had been destroyed. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Maui’s Top Emergency Officials Were Off Island As Wildfires Hit Lahaina. Local leaders say they were caught by surprise because the scale of Tuesday's fire was unprecedented. But the warning has been sounded for years. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Maui Crews Search For Survivors Of ‘Likely The Largest Natural Disaster’ In Hawaii. Officials estimated that some 1,000 were unaccounted for, 1,700 buildings burned and 2,000 people were in shelters as the Lahaina wildfire continued to burn. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press.  Maui Now.

Biden declares federal disaster on Maui, Hawai‘i Island. President Joe Biden approved on Thursday morning Governor Josh Green’s request for a federal disaster declaration in Hawai‘i, ordering federal aid to assist recovery efforts on Maui and opening funds to individuals affected by the recent wildfires that have killed at least 53 people. Garden Island.

Gov. Josh Green issues fourth Emergency Proclamation relating to wildfires. Shortly after arriving back in the state, Governor Josh Green issued a fourth emergency proclamation relating to the ongoing emergency due to the wildfire disasters in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties. Big Island Now.

As scope of Maui disaster widens, state puts new rules in place to prevent price gouging. A price freeze has been enacted by Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection to prevent prices of necessities from skyrocketing as a result of the deadly wildfires. The state said merchants must sell items at “pre-emergency prices” through Aug. 31. Hawaii News Now.

Flash drought, invasive grasses, winds, hurricane and climate change fuel Maui’s devastating fires. Hawaii went from lush to bone dry and thus more fire-prone in a matter of just a few weeks — a key factor in a dangerous mix of conditions appear to have combined to make the wildfires blazing a path of destruction in Hawaii particularly damaging. Associated Press.

Why Hawai‘i’s Wildfires Are Growing Bigger and More Intense. The unfolding disaster on Maui is a sign of things to come as invasive grasses spread across the landscape and extreme rain-drought cycles intensify their fuel loads. Here's the science behind Hawai‘i’s wildfires, and the experts who are fighting to stop them. Hawaii Business magazine.

Help Maui Fire Victims: Here’s How You Can Donate. Thousands sought shelter in evacuation centers after at least 271 buildings burned, leveling much of Lahaina town. Here's how you can help. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  West Hawaii Today.  Hawaii News Now.

DOH says Hawaii has experienced steady uptick in COVID-19 cases. The health department in a news release Thursday said COVID-19 cases have grown since June of this year, and on Oahu and on Maui County hospital admission levels increased from the “low” to “medium” level. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Oahu

City’s Bonds Sale To Fund Rail, City Improvements. The City and County of Honolulu has sold $271 million worth of general obligation bonds to help fund the rail project and other city improvements.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea observatories’ decommissioning is imminent.  During a Thursday meeting of the Board of the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, Greg Chun, director of the University of Hawaii’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship, said work to remove the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory will begin within a few weeks, and the dismantling of the University of Hawaii’s teaching observatory Hoku Kea will begin in a few months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rebuilding Lahaina Will Be A Huge And Costly Undertaking. Gov. Josh Green says he is considering calling a special legislative session to help get money out to the Maui community. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Loss of cultural landmarks in Lahaina deeply affects community, Hawaiʻi historians. Lahaina became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early 1800s. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE: 4 West Maui public schools to remain closed for at least another week. The state Education Department announced that four West Maui public schools will remain closed for at least another week. Hawaii News Now.

Power outage shutters hotels outside Lahaina. Almost half the hotel rooms on Maui are shut down for at least two weeks because of power outages related to wildfires that destroyed two Lahaina hotels, razed a historic commercial power center and continue to take a staggering human toll. Star-Advertiser.

County of Maui to air daily public updates on Maui radio stations.  Starting Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, radio stations on Maui will air County of Maui updates on the Lahaina wildfire incident at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Maui Now.

Miscommunication led to nosedive on Maui flight.  The National Transportation Safety Board found that miscommunication between United Airlines Flight 1722’s captain and copilot precipitated the aircraft’s plunge of 1,352 feet just one minute after departure from Kahului Airport on its way to San Francisco in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i officials react to Hawai‘i wildfires. County of Kaua‘i officials reacted to the large wildfires that tore through Maui and Hawaii Island on Wednesday, with the chief of the Kaua‘i Fire Department asking the public to remain vigilant to help avoid a similar situation on the island. Garden Island.

Last-minute candidates emerge at filing deadline, group sues Honolulu over vacation rental law, drought expected to worsen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Duke Aiona PC:U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn via Wikipedia

Last-minute candidates emerge to reserve spots on Hawaii’s primary ballot. Former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona entered the race among Republicans running for governor, and Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte from Molokai is competing for a state Senate seat representing parts of Maui County. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Government reform panel shifts into new phase. The Commission to Increase Standards of Conduct held its first public meeting June 1 and so far has scheduled four more such meetings between June 15 and July 27 to explore specific topics including campaign finance reform and election law changes. Star-Advertiser.

Experts Expect Drought And Wildfire Conditions To Worsen. As Hawaii enters its 12th driest wet season in the past 30 years, drought and wildfire concerns and conditions are both on the rise. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Lawsuit Seeks To Block Oahu Vacation Rental Law. The complaint by legal short-term rental operators says the city is taking away their property rights. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City identifies millions of dollars in fees owed. From refuse disposal, rental assistance and liquor law violations, the City has identified 129 accounts that owe a hefty amount of money. Some of the outstanding fees dating back to 1990. KHON2.

Kalama Valley residents heated over proposed development . Kalama Village Center is one of the few places of business for miles for Kalama Valley residents. A proposed 360 unit kapuna living community on this land had some strong pushback from residents. KHON2.

Taiwanese F-16 crash puts spotlight on complex ties. A runway at Daniel K. Ino­uye International Airport that was blocked Monday afternoon when an F-16 belonging to the Taiwanese air force made an emergency crash landing did not sustain any serious damage and has resumed normal operations, according to the state Department of Transportation. The incident has put the complicated relationship between the United States and Taiwan in the spotlight amid tensions with China in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Biden signs bill on clinic to be named after the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. Biden signs bill on clinic to be named after the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed nine bills into law supporting veterans care initiatives, including one that would name a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic planned for West Oahu after the late Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka. Star-Advertiser.

Elderly Hawaii man sues city, HPD after being met at his door by officers with guns drawn. A Waikiki man is suing the city and four Honolulu police officers who woke him up from his apartment with their guns drawn while investigating a report of a minor crime. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Outlines Chinatown Revitalization Plan. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi Tuesday presented a list of action items to the community board, proposing to bring new improvements to Chinatown. KITV4.

Chinatown businesses feel ‘sense of normalcy’ after homeless meal operations relocate. Chinatown businesses said they see a difference in the homeless population after a non-profit relocated its daily homeless meal operations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s frenetic real estate cycle that saw the median single-family home price soar above $1 million is cooling. The rush was still on in May to buy and sell homes on Oahu ahead of rising interest rates and inflation, which can price buyers out of the market, creating a drop in demand that causes values to soften. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Group: Mayor illegally closed Waipi‘o road. The plaintiffs, through attorneys Steven Strauss and Christopher Bridges, argue the mayor’s authority under HRS §264-1.5 extends only to “allowing for the establishment of traffic emergency zones to provide access to an affected area, not close a county road.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island real estate market expected to cool. According to Multiple Listing Service data, if sales prices for single-family homes are decreasing, it is almost imperceptible. The median sales price for a home in May was $522,500, a decrease of only about $3,000 from April, but still more than $20,000 higher than it was in May 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Number of Veterans Test Positive for COVID at Hilo VA Home. This is the first time the virus has been detected among VA residents since the fatal outbreak during the Delta variant in the summer of 2020 where 27 veterans succumbed to COVID. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Race For Maui Mayor Just Got Even More Competitive. With four longtime county leaders among the eight candidates vying for Maui’s top position, this election is anything but certain. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Residents mixed over 100% affordable housing plan Hale Waipu’ilani in S. Maui. Saying they’re for affordable housing — just not in this area — at least a dozen opponents to proposed Hale Waipu’ilani 100% workforce project in Kīhei pointed to flooding and traffic concerns Monday during the Maui County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee meeting. Maui Now. Maui News.

West Maui groups launch fundraising campaign to build Olowalu fire substation. Two West Maui groups have joined forces to launch a fundraising campaign in an effort to build a new fire substation in Olowalu, with plans to gift it to the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Extended Hana road closure stir concerns for residents, small businesses. It’s been nearly a week since a damaged bridge prompted Maui County to close the so-called “back road” to Hana. The bridge repairs could take two months to complete. Hawaii News Now.

Housing market may be cooling amid record-high prices. High home prices and mortgage rates may be putting the brakes on a hot housing market as the median sales price for a single-family home in Maui County continues to hover above $1.2 million. Maui News.

Kauai

Thirty Kauaians seek county, state office. Thirty Kauaians announced campaigns for county or state office when the candidate filing deadline passed Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island.

Biden Withdraws Ex-KPD Chief’s Nomination After Retaliation Accusations. Michael Contrades, a former deputy police chief from Kauai, will not be Hawaii’s next U.S. Marshal after the White House this week yanked his nomination after questions were raised about his involvement in a federal retaliation lawsuit that settled for nearly $2 million. Civil Beat.

11 affordable homes coming to Kilauea. Kauhale O Namahana, located across the street from the Kilauea post office, is the first new construction by Permanently Affordable Living Kaua‘i, which purchased the property in 2020.  Garden Island.

Hirono says spreading cancer won't keep her from her post, Ige seeks Airbnb tax deal, steep hikes in local Obamacare premiums, F-35A stealth aircraft flying through, disaster declared in Maui drought, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono courtesy image

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and had a kidney removed in May, announced Tuesday that she has “some small spots in my thyroid gland.” Star-Advertiser.

Sen. Mazie Hirono has a video update on her fight against cancer. KITV.

Gov. David Ige’s administration is pursuing a private tax agreement with Airbnb Inc. that would allow the vacation rental company to collect taxes from its hosts and send the money to the state. Star-Advertiser.

The proverbial “tip of the spear” is about to get sharper in Asia with 10 of the Air Force’s advanced F-35A stealth aircraft transiting through Hawaii on their way to the first operational deployment for the attack planes to Japan. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA and Kaiser to raise Obamacare rates Jan. 1. The state approved an average 19.8 percent rate hike for Hawaii Medical Service Association and a 24.1 percent increase for Kaiser Permanente’s Obamacare health plans. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Health Task Force Isn’t Giving Up The Fight. After racing to craft legislation in just five days last session, the group’s members want to continue addressing ethnic health disparities. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Longline Association may join the court battle over foreign fishermen and whether they should be licensed to fish in Hawaii waters despite being barred from stepping on U.S. soil. Star-Advertiser.

Lost-at-sea saga marked by inconsistencies, changing stories. The dramatic story of two Honolulu women who were lost at sea for nearly six months before being rescued by the U.S. Navy played out on front pages and websites worldwide. Associated Press.

A locations assistant on “Hawaii Five-0” sued CBS, alleging an employee harassed her repeatedly for over a year by pursuing unwanted sexual contact and threatening to light her and her desk on fire, among other things. Tribune News Service.

Medical Cannabis vs Prescription Opiate Pain Killers. More than 33,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses last year.  Local medical cannabis proponents say many of these deaths can be prevented. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

It’s Hard To Say Where Homeless People Go After Sweeps. City and state data on their whereabouts is spotty. Advocates say permanent housing is the only true solution. Civil Beat.

Tenants, landlord clash at Kewalo Basin harbor. Two small businesses operating charter boats in Honolulu have been caught up in a dispute with the contractor running a state-owned harbor. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building in Downtown Honolulu has re-opened after being vacant for more than a dozen years, following an extensive $27 million renovation that included asbestos abatement. Pacific Business News.

Former charter school director charged with theft. Laara Allbrett, who was the director of Halau Lokahi, was charged Monday with four counts of second-degree theft. KHON2.

The city levies big fines against homeowners — and then waives most of them. For the past eight years, the former owners of a Waikiki property on the corner of Kalaimoku and Kuhio streets have been accruing fines at a rate of $100 per day, for a variety of land use violations. Hawaii News Now.

Owner of Kapolei oil refinery celebrates first anniversary in Hawaii. Island Energy Services LLC, the company that took over the Hawaii-based assets of Chevron Corp., is celebrating its one-year anniversary in the Islands on Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Bikeshare Hawaii CEO pleased by growth, says Biki is evolving. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Momi Medical Center on Monday opened its Hawaii Pacific Health Cancer Center, the first of its kind in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mum’s the word: DWS explains silence on two North Kona deep well failures in October. For at least a couple of days in the heart of October and during the thick of the Ironman World Championship, Hawaii County was down five of its 13 deep wells in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Resurfacing project on Waianuenue Avenue to begin Nov. 13. For nine days, Waianuenue Avenue will be reduced to one lane only between Kamehameha Avenue and Kaiulani Street as workers repair the road’s deteriorated surface. Tribune-Herald.

The recently vacated Keaau Village Market will be replaced by a Longs Drugs location, building permits have revealed. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Lorraine Inouye, State Representative Chris Todd, and Representative Mark Nakashima were featured speakers at Monday’s Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii general membership meeting. Big Island Video News.

Authorities on the Big Island are cracking down on agricultural theft by attempting to eliminate the market for stolen produce. Associated Press.

Maui

Drought-stricken Maui farmers eligible for federal loans. The United States Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a Primary Disaster Area because of the drought that's plagued the Valley Isle and neighboring islands for years. Hawaii News Now.

The US Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Maui Now.

No Additional Fee for “Private” Postpartum Rooms at Maui Hospital. Effective Nov. 1, 2017, Maui Health System we will no longer collect additional fees for private postpartum rooms at the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Maui Now.

The Maui News has reversed course and will use carriers for newspaper home delivery after all. It also will retain its Sunday edition after announcing in a front-page publisher’s note to readers Tuesday that it is rescinding its recent decision to use the U.S. Postal Service for home delivery instead of newspaper carriers. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

A program that helps landlords get paid and helps to keep tenants from being evicted has expanded to Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai renters and landlords have a new resource at their fingertips now that the state Judiciary has expanded an aid program for tenants and landlords. Garden Island.

This week, 13 elders from indigenous tribes around the world are gathering on Kauai to hold ceremonies and talk story about the condition of the planet. Garden Island.

Self-resetting rat traps are turning out to be the firepower conservationists needed to help control rat populations on Kauai. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge is closed tonight due to flooding on Kauai, and a shelter at Hanalei Elementary School has been opened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature holds secret meeting today on military threat response, Sea-Based X-Band Radar returns to Pearl Harbor, HART submits rail recovery plan, SBA seeks small R&D companies, monk seal dies on Molokai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sea-Based X-Band Radar, PC: U.S. Missile Defense Agency

The Sea-Based X-Band Radar returned to Pearl Harbor on Friday after spending months at sea likely watching for any North Korean missiles that would have come across the Pacific in the direction of Hawaii and the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Internal memo shows HI legislators to hold secret meeting Tuesday to discuss recent military threats (AKA N. Korea) and planned responses. Civil Beat.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, added provisions to the National Defense Authorization Act that direct the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate additional steps that can be taken to protect Hawaii and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region from growing threats, including recent actions taken by North Korea. Maui Now.

Helber Hastert and Fee Planners Inc. Monday received a $20 million architect and engineering contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the preparation of Navy and Marine Corps National Environmental Policy Act, along with related documents. Pacific Business News.

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The University of Hawaii is tackling Hawaii’s chronic teacher shortage with a public campaign to attract more people to the profession, dubbed “Be a hero. Be a teacher.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s emergency rooms see more than 500,000 patients annually, and the most common complaint is long wait times. Star-Advertiser.

Armed with a $400,000 grant, a University of Hawaii researcher is launching a new initiative to find ways to prevent the transmission of the Zika virus between pregnant women and the fetus they carry. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Small Business Administration Looking for Small Company Innovators. Federal agency representatives are on a road tour, visiting Hawaii to offer funding for smaller companies doing research and development. Hawaii Public Radio.

A recent report from the US Drought Monitor showed that 90.65% of the State was abnormally dry or drier than year-ago data. Maui Now.

Oahu

The city announced last week it has sold $767 million in general obligation bonds, including $350 million that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation deemed significant to keep construction going for the 20-mile, East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana project. Star-Advertiser.

The Estimated Cost Of Honolulu Rail Just Dropped By $1 Billion. A $10 billion figure was often cited as rail’s total cost, but HART tells the feds it thinks it can finish the project for $9 billion. Civil Beat.

The Honolulu rail authority says the cost of the rail system is now at $9 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu rail officials said Monday they submitted their recovery plan to the Federal Transit Administration last week, which includes an updated financial plan, following the state Legislature’s special session last month. Pacific Business News.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has released its recovery plan for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. KHON2.

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Condominium sales in Waikiki jumped 40 percent in August, while Kakaako condo sales increased 33 percent, according to a local market update by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Head of model homeless village: State told me to turn people away. Twinkle Borge oversees the homeless camp at Waianae Small Boat Harbor known as Puuhonua o Waianae. Hawaii News Now.

AEG Facilities has appointed Lee Conching, previously the director of sales, service and support for the Hawaii Convention Center, as vice president of Meet Hawaii citywide sales. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The 23 parties that sparred and skirmished for more than four months during the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing replay will get one last opportunity to argue their case before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Private wells fail in North Kohala: Situation demands Department of Water Supply resources, creates setbacks in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

The County Council is proposing to audit the water department as five wells remain offline in North Kona, while the Water Board OK's a permitted interaction group. Big Island Video News.

Manpower and budget issues continue to plague the Hawaii Police Department. Police described to commissioners during the Police Commission’s monthly meeting held Friday of the struggles they face in filling vacancies on the force as well as dispatch. West Hawaii Today.

Updates to Hawaii Island's Flood Maps. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has taken a new look at the island’s flood zone maps and that could have an impact on your flood insurance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui County Council committee members want to protect minors from secondhand smoke but have questions regarding enforcement and privacy issues surrounding a bill to ban smoking in cars when minors are present. Maui News.

The state is proposing improvements to the Lower Waiohuli Trail that would heighten public safety and allow for bicycle use on the 1.5-mile path on Haleakala’s western slope. Maui News.

A Hawaii nonprofit has found a use for Puunene Mill's leftover sugar cane stalks that dot the Maui landscape. Associated Press.

Sugar cane may no longer be processed at the Puunene Mill, but one Hawaii island nonprofit found a use for the leftover stalks still dotting the Maui landscape. Maui News.


Kauai

County looks to bolster use of The Kauai Bus. The County Council is scheduled to review transportation plans at its Wednesday meeting, including a resolution accepting and endorsing the Short-Range Transit Plan. Garden Island.

Another group of Newell’s shearwater chicks took their first flight in mid-September, safely tucked in cardboard carriers aboard a much bigger bird. Garden Island.

Endangered birds left Kauai's Friday night football games in the dark — but not anymore. Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced some nighttime games would be brought back after he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hawaii News Now.

The county announced Monday it was able to work out a solution with officials from the state and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to play four games at night this season. KHON2.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will be meeting Oct. 10-12 at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kauai/Niihau Trustee Dan Ahuna will be meeting with the public at 6 tonight at Ko‘olau Hui‘ia Church in Anahola to hear how OHA can serve Kauai and Niihau. Garden Island.

Molokai

The federal government is investigating what it calls a suspicious monk seal death on Molokai. KITV.