Hawaii 2nd in nation for drownings, labor force shrinks, 2 Navy employees indicted for lying about size of Red Hill spill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It’s Not Just Tourists: Hawaiʻi Residents Drown At Alarming Rates. The number of residents who die each year is surprising, even to lifeguards. And the danger is not limited to inexperienced swimmers or surfers chasing Hawaiʻi’s notorious big waves.  Civil Beat.

Burden For Preventing Drownings In Hawaiʻi Falls On Counties — And Residents. Hawaiʻi has the second highest rate of resident drownings in the nation, but there’s been no serious statewide effort to address the problem. Ocean safety efforts are left up to individual counties, leading to big disparities in drowning prevention across the islands. The state does little to help them.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii labor force is shrinking as population ages, workers leave. In July, Hawaii had 650,800 jobs led by employees in government (126,000), leisure and hospitality (124,400) and trade, transportation and utilities (118,700), according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Operation Hire Hawaii initiative fills less than 3% of state job vacancies. An effort to expeditiously fill chronically high state job vacancies with displaced federal workers in Hawaii since February is being touted as a success, though program use has been selective. Star-Advertiser.

New De Minimis rules to bring higher prices, shipping delays. The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed packages valued under $800 to bypass duties and taxes, has now been scaled back, which means higher costs and potential shipping delays for consumers across the islands. KHON2.

Hirono, Tokuda, Case introduce resolution recognizing history, contributions, and significance of Maunaloa Observatory.  US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and US Reps. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) introduced a resolution after the Trump Administration announced its plans to cancel the lease for several National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities earlier this year, including an office needed to support the observatory. Maui News.

Federal funding cuts to University of Hawai‘i threaten work on sea level, climate research. A recent round of federal funding cuts is expected to impact the University of Hawai‘i’s modeling of sea level rise impacts, which could result in the loss of accurate climate projections, university officials fear. Maui Now.

State’s EV perks, federal tax credits nearing an end. These changes come at a time when Hawaii is being held accountable for its ambitious, state-mandated goals of achieving 100% clean energy and net-zero emissions by 2045, and are expected to hamper efforts to get more residents to drive electric in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Star-Advertiser.

State Fund Aims To Get More Kids Walking To School. Over a dozen engineering projects designed to make it safer for students to walk or bike to and from Hawaiʻi schools will receive an $8 million boost from a special fund as the state seeks to reverse a heavy dependence on vehicles for school travel. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Two Navy employees indicted for lying about size of Red Hill fuel spill. John Floyd, 63, of Mililani, who worked as Fuels Department Deputy Director for the Navy , and Nelson Wu, 38, of Waipahu who was Fuels Department Supervisory Engineer were indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. 

Nimitz lane closures intensify evacuation gridlock worries. The lane closures on Nimitz Highway through 2030 for Honolulu rail construction are raising concerns not only about daily traffic but also about how the city will move people in the next evacuation emergency in the aftermath of last month’s tsunami-scare gridlock. Star-Advertiser.

‘Deeply affordable’ Halawa rental tower nearly full. The 25-story project, Naulu Apartments, features 302 units that rent for as little as $704 a month and are near fully leased. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless youth will find support at new drop-in center. Leeward Coast youth who are living on the street will finally have a nearby resource hub when Residential Youth Services &Empowerment opens its first youth-focused drop-in center in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Buildingʻs Solar Panel System Is On The Blink — Again. It costs taxpayers $4,000 every month that system isn’t producing electricity. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Landing in Puna eyed for preservation. The Hawaii County Council is renewing its push to acquire a historic stretch of coastal land in Puna, urging the Department of Finance to proceed with the purchase of a 364-acre property in Pahoa using dedicated conservation funds. Tribune-Herald.

Work starts to restore 4.5-mile section of Pohoiki Road. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works has issued a notice to proceed to Nan Inc. for the restoration of Pohoiki Road, which was inundated by lava during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Work to replace Waiaka Bridge in Waimea could start next summer. The Hawaii Department of Transportation plans to seek bids soon for a replacement bridge and roundabout for the 93-year-old Waiaka Bridge at the intersection of Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road in Waimea. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Ghost guns tough to regulate in Hawaiʻi, police and legislators agree after one used in fatal shooting of Maui officer. The weapon was a “ghost gun” that was untraceable until the suspected killer — a convicted felon who police say should never have had a gun — allegedly used it to fire at O as she responded to a call at the Pā‘ia Sugar Mill. Maui Now.

Honoring a hero: With heavy hearts, community celebrates the life of Officer Suzanne O. Hundreds of officers from agencies across Maui County joined members of the community Friday inside the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater to pay their respect to Officer Suzanne O. Maui News.

Kauai

Department of Public Works announces lane closures in Kōloa. The Department of Public Works, in partnership with contractor Maui Kupono Builders, reported that lane closures will be in effect on portions of Hailima Road, Iuka Place, and Aka Road in Kōloa starting Tuesday. Kauai Now.

Locals account for big share of drownings, 8 apply for Honolulu police chief, 50 new preschools to open within two years, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It’s Not Just Tourists: Hawaiʻi Residents Drown At Alarming Rates. The number of residents who die each year is surprising, even to lifeguards. And the danger is not limited to inexperienced swimmers or surfers chasing Hawaiʻi’s notorious big waves.  Civil Beat.

State survey reveals workforce housing would keep Hawai‘i educators in classrooms. A survey commissioned by the Department of Education revealed that retention of Hawai‘i educators would increase with the availability of workforce housing. Big Island Now.

Families to have more preschool access in fall. Approximately 25 new classrooms are scheduled to open statewide for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, with the other 25 opening by August 2026. The 50 additional classrooms will add approximately 1,000 new seats for 3- and 4-year-old preschool students. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Drones Could Be Dispatched As First Responders To Crime Scenes In Hawaiʻi. State police want to use license plate readers and drones to fight crime on Hawaiian homelands. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Needs New Tech To Clean Up Old Bombs. Magnetic detection can only go so far in an island chain made of volcanic rock. Experts say other methods could be a game-changer. Civil Beat.

State Hospital Psychiatrist Says He Was Demoted For Raising Staffing Concerns. The former chief of psychiatry files suit, saying severe understaffing is contributing to a dangerous work environment. Civil Beat.


Oahu

Eight apply to serve as interim Honolulu police chief. The Honolulu Police Commission will select an interim chief from eight candidates who have applied to replace Arthur “Joe” Logan, whose retirement was announced June 2.  The applicants are retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Thomas K. Aiu; HPD Maj. Ryan T. Hironaka; HPD Deputy Chief Keith K. Horikawa; former Maui Police Department Lt. Wayne K. Ibarra; HPD Assistant Chief Brian Lynch; Hawaii Police Chief Benjamin T. Moszkowicz; HPD Capt. Clifford K. Ramson; and HPD Deputy Chief Rade K. Vanic. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council leadership reorganized during intense meeting. Public allegations of political retaliation, anti-gay bias and a lack of government transparency did not halt a formal reorganization to the leadership of the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

UH Manoa names new leaders to start in July. Vassilis Syrmos has been appointed interim provost of University of Hawaii’s flagship Manoa campus, starting July 1, while UH leadership conducts a national search for a permanent provost. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium Swap meet relocation delayed to August. The planned relocation of the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet to the Halawa parking lot has been delayed by a month, officials announced Tuesday. KHON2

Schofield Barracks brush fire burns 570 acres, 50% contained.  The brush fire at Schofield Barracks range complex has scorched at least 570 acres and is 50 percent contained. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona coffee farmers spared from ICE raids — so far. It appears that at least some local farmers have been spared from federal immigration enforcement, including rapid policy changes over the last few days. Hawaii Public Radio.

County hosts disaster prep summit for Big Island’s ham operators. Over 60 ham radio users met with personnel from Civil Defense, the National Weather Service and disaster preparedness organization Vibrant Hawaii to learn more about the critical role they can play in protecting the community during natural disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County to unveil Kona Open Space Network Draft Conceptual Plan. A key cornerstone of plans to develop the Kona community has finally been put down on paper and community members are invited to weigh in with their opinions and input. Big Island Now.
 
Maui

Police take in 129 guns through buyback program. The Maui Police Department took three illegal firearms, including a fully automatic AK-47, off the street through the department’s gun buyback program on Saturday. Maui News.

FEMA no longer available for in-person fire survivor support at Maui recovery centers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is closing its presence at Maui recovery centers, 21 months after the wildfires. The agency said the demand for in-person services has dropped over time. Hawaii Public Radio.

Los Angeles Rams and Hollman Lockers team up to refurbish locker rooms at Lahainaluna. The Los Angeles Rams in collaboration with Hollman Lockers and design firm Forty Nine Degrees announced an initiative to support the Maui community by building new locker rooms for Lahainaluna High School. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui brush fire burns 330 acres, 95% contained. The blaze broke out in Kahikinui Sunday and forced the evacuation of 105 homes through Monday evening. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

UPDATE: Hanalei water service shutdown to impact much smaller number of customers. Kauaʻi County Department of Water announced late Tuesday afternoon that several of the areas previously slated to be included in a scheduled water service shutdown Wednesday in the Hanalei area will no longer be affected, with the shutdown now expected to impact a much smaller number of customers. Kauai Now.

Slew of bills include plastic straw ban, raises for teachers, DUI jail times; Rapoza to run for Kauai mayor, GET hike mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Snorkeler in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News

Years of drownings highlight critical gaps in ocean safety education. Drowning — mostly while snorkeling at beaches with no lifeguards — is the biggest killer of tourists and has been for over a decade. KHON2.

Officials working to get a handle on spate of ocean-related deaths. Ocean safety urged as deaths spike: Over about 2 weeks last month, 9 men died in the waters off Maui. Maui News.

Overwhelming support at an initial hearing for a ban on plastic straws led to tentative approval last week from state lawmakers who were urged to act in a plea from 10-year-old Rylee Brooke Kamahele of Kipapa Elementary School. Star-Advertiser.

State Rep. Gene Ward wanted Gov. David Ige to release “security tapes” from the morning of Jan. 13 when the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency issued a false missile attack alert, but a spokesman for the agency says there are no such audio or video recordings. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige said Saturday he is confident last month’s false alarm about a ballistic missile heading toward Hawaii won’t happen again and he stands by his decision to begin the drills in the first place. Tribune-Herald.

State Rep. Kaniela Ing is proposing a state task force to study whether a government job can be provided for everyone who needs one. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would cap public school class sizes at 20 students and increase the new teacher salary to $55,000 per year. Tribune-Herald.

Private school enrollment shrinks in favor of public charter schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Auditor Demands Investigation Into Leak Of OHA Audit. Les Kondo says a release to the media of a draft audit into problems at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs violated state ethics law. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Is An Official Language So Why Isn’t It Used More? The dispute about whether a protester could testify in Hawaiian in court highlights the gap between the state’s two official languages. Civil Beat.

Critics race to stop bill to ban youth runners in long-distance events. Hawaii News Now.

New bill would require all boaters to purchase insurance for their vessels. KITV.

Bill aimed at extending jail time for those convicted of drunk driving. KITV.

A slew of bills focused on revising the state’s medical marijuana dispensary system have been introduced during the 2018 legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

Commentary: When Does Hawaii’s Famous ‘Aloha Kiss’ Become Sexual Harassment? In Hawaii’s hugging culture, it’s hard to tell when the traditional hug and kiss is innocent or inappropriate. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Fascinating to see who’s donated, and how much, to Ige and Hanabusa. Star-Advertiser.

The number of patients visiting the hospital for influenzalike illnesses has been on the rise, and now places Hawaii in the same category as most of the nation for flu activity, according to the state Health Department. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bankruptcies jumped 8.3 percent in January after finishing 2017 down for the seventh year in a row. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Seniors in a Kakaako housing complex are worried they will end up on the street after receiving notices that their rent is scheduled to go up to $916 per month, a sharp increase from the current monthly rate of $675. Civil Beat.

The FBI is investigating four Honolulu police officers who are accused of forcing a man to place his mouth on a urinal inside a public restroom, according to the police department’s top official. Associated Press.

Kealohas stopping mortgage payments could threaten legal team. Hawaii News Now.

The second of three new Coast Guard cutters to be stationed in Hawaii arrived Sunday, strengthening the capabilities for search and rescue operations around Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Mighty Mo’s $3.5M upper-deck renovation done. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s A Novel Idea To Help The Homeless — Vending Machines. A British charity plans to set up vending machines where homeless people can get items they need to survive on the streets. Civil Beat.

Rents decline in Honolulu, but Zumper, Apartment List reports differ on how much. Pacific Business News.

Officials with Haseko (Hawaii) Inc. intend to appeal a Circuit Court judge’s ruling that ordered the developer of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei to pay $20 million to homeowners because of the company’s decision to change the plan from a marina to a recreational lagoon at the resort community in Ewa Beach. Pacific Business News.

Spectrum Hawaii, formerly Oceanic Time Warner, will shuffle the channel lineup as part of its plan to switch its signal from analog to digital. It says that switch result in increased broadband speeds and more HD channels. But local station Olelo may be left out in the cold. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

GET hike coming to council. Are smoother roads and better buses worth an extra half-penny at the register? West Hawaii Today.

Challengers in two key state legislative races are literally giving incumbents a run for the money, according to reports filed with the state Campaign Spending Commission. West Hawaii Today.

A bill to fund lifeguards at a popular, yet perilous, North Kona beach passed its first reading in the state House. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Upholding a lower court decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that a Lahaina sewage treatment plant is violating the U.S. Clean Water Act by allowing wastewater to reach the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Invasive species officials estimate that 2 to 3 acres in Kaeleku in East Maui are infested with little fire ants and treatments of the area will be ongoing for a little over a year. Maui News.

During the first half of fiscal year 2018, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development issued nearly $6 million dollars in grant monies to various local organizations. Maui Now.

A proposed 67 percent fee increase from $30 to $50 for annual passes for three Hawaii national parks, including Haleakala National Park, will be reviewed during a Feb. 12 public hearing in Pukalani. Maui News.

Kauai

Mel Rapozo files for mayoral run. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative announced Friday that the board has put money toward environmental studies for the Blue Hole and Waikoko diversions, which support the cooperative’s request for a long-term lease for the two diversions. Garden Island.

County officials are reminding Kauai property owners that the second installment of real property taxes for the 2017-18 tax year are due on Feb. 20. Garden Island.