Hawaii studies mask use, economic rebound not expected for many months, UH football to resume, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery shopping in Hawaii during COVID-19 ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii leads effort in study of mask use. Hawaii is breaking ground in trying to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officials said that it is the first state to track the percentage of residents wearing masks in public. KHON2.

Significant 2021 Hawaii economy rebound not in the forecast. Hawaii residents should not expect any meaningful broad recovery in the state economy until the middle of next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Businesses Are Dying. Is Government Helping Or Hurting? Many local businesses have cut back or closed, putting tens of thousands out of work. Economists say don’t expect a turnaround until at least the middle of next year. Civil Beat.

Panel: We Need Solid Data To Predict Hawaii’s Economic Future. Economists say it’s tough to help decision-makers guide economic recovery without consistent information from government and other sources. Civil Beat.

State tourism agency crafting messages to entice visitors after Oct. 15. As Hawaii prepares to loosen travel restrictions for out-of-state travelers in October, tourism officials are trying to determine how to advertise to a travel-fearful populace. Tribune-Herald.

More hotels announce reopening plans as pre-travel testing program start nears. As the pre-travel testing start date of Oct. 15 nears, more hotels are announcing reopening plans. KHON2.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono wants Gov. David Ige to spend CARES Act money before it goes away. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono wants Gov. David Ige to provide more transparency in how the state is spending federal CARES Act funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — along with a spending plan before the rest of the funds potentially dry up by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

$14 Million Allocated To Boost Hospital Staffing. The funds, provided through the federal CARES Act, will provide more than 200 additional nurses at various hospitals statewide. Big Island Video News.

Attorney argues Hawaii law is a ban on carrying guns. A challenge to Hawaii’s strict gun laws was back before a federal appeals court Thursday, where an attorney representing the state tried to defend a law that allowed officials to deny George Young a permit to carry a loaded gun in public. West Hawaii Today.

COVID-19 restrictions banning short-term vacation rentals haven’t lifted on Oahu yet, but the isle’s owners and suppliers again realized the highest, albeit still low, August occupancy statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing in mainland labs exclusively for its guests. Hawaiian Airlines plans to offer drive-through COVID-19 tests in select U.S. mainland gateways that will allow travelers to bypass the state’s 14-day quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

State reverses course on accepting mail-in tests for United Airlines pre-arrivals testing pilot. State officials said they will not accept the less costly of two COVID-19 tests United Airlines wants to offer passengers to encourage travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Liholiho, E.B. de Silva and Waikiki Elementary honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Three Hawaii elementary schools were named 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools today and all are repeat winners — Waikiki School, Liholiho School in Kaimuki and E.B. de Silva Elementary. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz Seeks Details On Ventilation in Classrooms. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz told private and public school leaders that proper circulation and ventilation in the schools is critical to prevent COVID-19 spread. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 24: 90 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 90 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 81 on Oahu, five on Hawaii island, two on Maui and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

State reports 90 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional fatalities. Of the 90 new cases, 81 are on Oahu, five are on the Big Island, two are on Maui and two are out of state. The infections were out of 1,737 tests conducted, a 5.1% positivity rate. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Robbins Keeps His Job, But Rail Faces More ‘Substantial’ Impacts To Schedule And Cost. The critical utility relocation work on Dillingham Boulevard has stalled amid an epic impasse between HART and city planners. Civil Beat.

HART board reverses course, won’t fire CEO Robbins before contract expires. In a stunning reversal, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board on Thursday refused to fire CEO Andy Robbins ― a week after chairman Toby Martyn claimed he actually had the votes to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Future of HART CEO uncertain after board fails to act. Who will head the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit next year, when the troubled rail project is scheduled to begin partial operation, remained in doubt Thursday after the HART board couldn’t decide what to do with current CEO Andrew Robbins. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii state beaches and trails, recreational boating open to groups of 5 or less. Starting today, state officials are allowing five-person groups on state beaches and hiking trails, in alignment with Honolulu’s newest emergency order. Star-Advertiser.

City may adapt if dual metrics for Oahu reopening tiers don’t move in sync. Oahu’s reopening plan is a four-tier program that could take until the end of the year to reach the home stretch. KHON2.

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UH football is returning. It appears the University of Hawaii will play football this season, after its conference, the Mountain West voted Thursday to have an eight game season starting October 24th. KITV4.

Mountain West Conference approves fall football. Forty-five days after announcing the postponement of the 2020 season, the Mountain West Conference’s Board of Directors — comprised of the presidents of the 12 football-playing schools — approved Thursday’s measure to launch a season beginning on Oct. 24. Star-Advertiser.

Mountain West votes to play shortened eight-game 2020 football season. The Rainbow Warrior football team could take the field for the 2020 football season as soon as next month under the terms of an agreement that has reportedly been reached by administrators of the Mountain West Conference. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii football set for return following Mountain West announcement. A Thursday afternoon vote by the presidents of the Mountain West Conference, of which Hawaii is a football-only member, voted in favor of an eight-game conference-only season starting on Oct. 24. KHON2.

New Aloha Stadium’s 2023 opener in danger. The projected Sept. 2, 2023, opening of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is in danger of being pushed back, officials suggested Thursday, a move which could add $20 million or more to the price tag. Star-Advertiser.

City’s shelter program at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park serves 500 homeless. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Thursday a shelter program at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among the homeless population has served 500 people. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Federal virus relief funds to be used for 9 temporary health care providers at HMC. Spokeswoman Elena Cabatu said the hospital will welcome an intensive care unit nurse and a medical-surgical nurse on Sept. 28, and one ICU nurse, four medical-surgical nurses, one telemetry nurse and one respiratory therapist on Oct. 5. Tribune-Herald.

Feeding the need: More than 100,000 people fed via Ohana Food Drops. Vehicles lined up early, snaking around the block waiting to enter The Food Basket’s Ohana Food Drop Thursday at the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium parking lot in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor keen on more testing for trans-Pacific visitors. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino would “prefer” trans-Pacific visitors take a second COVID-19 test upon arrival even after testing negative for the virus prior to making the trip to Maui County. Maui News.

Two Hours of Testimony Received on Proposed Olowalu Development. Two hours of testimony was received on Wednesday relating to the fast-track Liahuʻula housing project proposed for development in Olowalu. Maui Now.

COVID-19 takes lifeguard off Makena beach tower. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken lifeguards off the Big Beach tower in Makena and thwarted plans to set up a tower at Black Rock, among the two more dangerous beach and ocean sites on Maui, as the state marks Beach Safety Week this week. Maui News.

‘Temptation Island’ to begin filming by end of the month. Reality TV series “Temptation Island” will begin filming at the end of the month after the first round of arriving cast and crew completed quarantine and tested negative for COVID-19. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua'i reports first new COVID-19 positive case in more than one month. Kaua'i has reported its first new COVID-19 positive case in more than one month and that person is the 58th case of coronavirus on Kaua'i. KITV4.

Council candidates discuss legislation toward climate change. What candidates for the Kaua‘i County Council would be willing to do to mitigate climate change was the focus of what may be the only forum prior to the general election. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development office shares initiatives. On Thursday, the Lihu‘e Business Association hosted a forum, virtually, with four panelists from the Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development discussing current initiatives on agriculture, business, climate and resiliency. Garden Island.

Rapid ‘ohi‘a death found in new areas. The most recent helicopter surveys conducted by the Kaua‘i Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death Rapid Response Team resulted in detections of the virulent fungal pathogen known as Ceratocystis lukuohia in two new areas on Kaua‘i, the upper Hanalei Valley and along the north side of Powerline Trail. Garden Island.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases drop, Caldwell announces 4-phase reopening plan for Honolulu, affordable housing plan dropped after community pushback, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coffee beans on a drying floor ©2020 All Hawaii News

 Coffee Producers Eligible For Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association lauded the USDA for including coffee in CFAP funding eligibility. Big Island Video News.

Candy maker Hawaiian Host feels squeeze to pay off vendors’ invoices. Hawaiian Host Inc., a 60-year-old kamaaina producer of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts largely enjoyed by tourists, has been one of Hawaii’s businesses hardest-hit by COVID-19 fallout. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Failed In Its Pandemic Response. It Has Another Chance To Get It Right. The pandemic has revealed deep cracks in Hawaii’s government and social system, but also created an opportunity for real change. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i’s Return to Tourism: Just How Realistic is the Plan? The Big Island’s tourism industry expected to hear news from Gov. David Ige last week that the state had a plan to reopen to tourism by mid-October. Expectations as to how effective that plan may prove to be are harder to define. Big Island Now.

‘Likely’ human service furloughs would ripple among those in need. “Likely” furloughs beginning Dec. 1 at the state Department of Human Resources — which helps administer a wide range of social service programs including food stamps and Medicaid — could have “devastating” effects across the islands at a time of increasing hardship triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Which Students Went to Summer School This Year? Maybe Not The Ones Who Needed It Most. About 18,000 Hawaii students attended this year’s public summer school. The programs were to especially help students who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 22: 63 New COVID-19 Cases. All new diagnoses were verified by state health officials on Oahu except for eight in Hawaii County. Civil Beat.

63 New COVID-19 Cases (55 O‘ahu, 8 Hawai‘i Island). There were 63 new COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i today including 55 on O‘ahu and eight on Hawai‘i Island. Maui Now.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell announces 4-tier framework for reopening Oahu starting Thursday. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced he intends to lift the current “stay-at-home/work-from-home” order Thursday, and presented a “COVID-19 recovery framework” that will guide the easing and tightening of future restrictions on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

New Honolulu Plan Opens Beaches, Parks, Social Gatherings To Groups Of 5. Pools, hair salons can reopen. Retail can open at 50% capacity. Civil Beat.

Oahu retailers, eateries and salons allowed to reopen with restrictions under new order. Retailers, eateries, salons, and other businesses will be allowed to reopen on Oahu with limited capacity, gatherings of up to five people will be permitted, and even attractions will be able to welcome back customers under a new emergency order set to go into effect Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Announces Limited Reopening on O‘ahu Starting Thursday. Governor Ige is expected to sign off on the latest COVID-19 emergency order for Honolulu, which government leaders say is aimed at reducing virus spread and seeks to put O‘ahu on the path to economic recovery. Maui Now.

Honolulu mayor makes exception for restaurant dine-in against health department recommendation. Under Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s new COVID-19 framework set to take effect on Thursday, Sept. 24, restaurants would be allowed to reopen for dine-in service. KHON2.

Honolulu is taking steps to keep the COVID-19 case count low. Oahu’s second attempt at reopening the kamaaina economy will come with greater vigilance on community health, with additional testing and an increased number of COVID-19 contact tracers and isolation hotels established by the city. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu business owners have mixed reactions over new tiered reopening plan. Some Honolulu business owners say the mayor’s new order is a welcome chance to reopen, even with limits. Others say it’s a big confusing hassle. Hawaii News Now.

Gyms and fitness centers hit hard by Honolulu’s reopening strategy. Under Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s new reopening strategy gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to open, but only for outdoor exercise and at limited numbers. KHON2.

HART: Canceling public-private partnership could cause 18 months of rail delays. The Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation said delays of up to 18 months should be expected if its current plans to use a private-public partnership are scrapped. Hawaii News Now.

Developer withdraws Kailua affordable-housing plan. The developer of a planned four-story low-income apartment building on the edge of a single-family Kailua neighborhood withdrew its application for the controversial project Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Developer Withdraws Application For Embattled Affordable Housing Project In Kailua. The project couldn’t generate the support it needed from city council members. Civil Beat.

Developer withdraws application to build affordable housing complex in Kailua. An affordable housing project planned for Kailua won’t be happening any time soon. Ahe Group has officially withdrawn their application to build the development in Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Employee Used City Truck To Drive To Football Games, Ethics Commission Finds. The case took nearly three years to resolve. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Water Board sets public hearing for 13% rate hike. The public will be able to weigh in Oct. 21 on an average 13% increase in island water rates, following action Tuesday by the county Water Board. West Hawaii Today.

Isle hospitals scraping by. Hospital admissions and visits to Big Island emergency rooms are starting to rebound after drastically declining in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

EA of plans for former Hilo Scrap Metal Yard finds no significant impact. A final environmental assessment of the county’s planned permanent closure and remediation of the site of the former Hilo Scrap Metal Yard has resulted in a finding of no significant impact. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Water Use and Development Plan Public Hearing Requested for Oct. 9. State and county law requires each county to prepare and periodically update water use and development plans as components of the State of Hawai‘i Water Plan. Maui Now.

Four new COVID-19 cases were reported at the Roselani Place assisted living community on Maui since last week, bringing the total number of infections reported at the facility to 56 since mid-August. The positive cases include 28 staff and 28 residents. Maui Now.

A Maui restaurant may be laying off 129 employees. A Maui restaurant may be laying off 129 workers permanently sometime between November 18 and the start of next year. In a "WARN" letter to the state, Fleetwood on Front Street, says the employees were placed on temporary furlough on March 18. KITV4.

Kauai

Office of Economic Development to share CARES funds update Thursday. The Lihu‘e Business Association is hosting a presentation of the county Office of Economic Development initiatives program Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m. Garden Island.

County’s Kupa‘a food distribution through end of year. Funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money, the Kupa‘a Kaua‘i food-distribution program started Tuesday and continues through Friday, offering eligible recipients food at neighborhood centers in Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a and Kilauea in the east, and Koloa, Hanapepe and Waimea on the west. Garden Island.

Ige vetoes unemployment payments from CARES bill, COVID-19 cases hit another record 124, BOE delays schools opening to Aug. 17, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige removes mask at July 28 press conference. Facebook video.

Gov. David Ige vetoes additional unemployment insurance, hoping Congress acts. Gov. David Ige vetoed a spending plan that would have added $100 in state weekly unemployment benefits in the era of COVID-19, hoping that an embattled Congress will continue supplementing state benefits at something close to the current, weekly level of $600 in additional federal aid. Star-Advertiser.

Ige uses line-item veto on virus relief bill. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he would exercise his line-item veto on a bill appropriating federal coronavirus relief funds. The governor’s move eliminates $230 million set aside for a $100 additional weekly payment to unemployed individuals. Associated Press.

Governor Ige Modifies Budget, COVID-19 Relief Bill. Governor Ige repeated that Hawaiʻi is facing enormous budget challenges as a result of COVID-19, and that difficult decisions will have to be made. Big Island Video News.

Ige Shelves $230 Million in State Unemployment Aid, Vetoes Other Items in State Budget Bill. Governor David Ige will sign the state’s budget bill into law, with some notable omissions. Big Island Now.

Ige vetoes portions of CARES funding bill. Governor David Ige has signed Senate Bill 126, expending CARES Act funding before it expires at the end of the year, with eight line-item vetoes. Garden Island.

Governor Ige making modifications to budget, coronavirus relief bill with line-item vetoes. The state's budget is a big concern for Governor David Ige and there's even more concern about another record day of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii with 124. KITV4.

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States, Including Hawaii, Slow To Spend COVID-19 Relief Aid. State and local governments received $150 billion through a federal coronavirus relief program, but a new report shows they have yet to spend much of the money. Civil Beat.

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Tourism free fall: June arrivals down 98%. Hawaii tourism plummeted again in June — the third month in a row that visitor arrivals fell more than 98% from the same month last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Visitor Arrivals Dropped 98% In June. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says COVID-19 “severely impacted” the state’s tourism industry. Civil Beat.

Visitor numbers on upward trend despite pandemic. Nearly twice as many visitors arrived in the state in June than in May, despite the ongoing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.


Experts Predict ‘Shocking’ Income Drop For Hawaii Residents As Tourism Shutdown Continues. More businesses will close in the weeks ahead unless tourism resumes soon, financial forecasters say. Total personal income for Hawaii residents will decline by 7% this calendar year and will remain flat in 2021 because of more anticipated fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and the tourism shutdown, according to a panel of experts that projects overall income data and tax collections for the state. Civil Beat.

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State looking at solutions to speed up Pandemic Unemployment Assistance identification process. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it will be making an announcement soon on a solution that will speed up the process for many. However, for now, it remains slow. KHON2.

Amid rampant unemployment, some employers on hiring binge. Unemployment in Hawaii is through the roof due to the new coronavirus, yet some companies are in major hiring mode. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Board of Education Approves Delay To New School Year. The modified start follows a strong union-led push to provide more time for more teacher training and preparation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public schools set to start Aug. 17. The state Board of Education voted to push back the start of the academic year to Aug. 17 for public school students as cases of COVID-19 surged to a new high in Hawaii on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i public schools to start August 17, Board of Education rules. The meeting was scheduled to go from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. but more than two and a half hours of public testimony resulted in the Board of Education ruling that public schools will start on August 17. KITV4.

BOE approves delay to start date; students now will return Aug. 17. Hawaii’s students will return to school nearly two weeks later than initially planned after the state Board of Education approved a recommendation to delay their start to Aug. 17. Tribune-Herald.

Board of Education Approves Postponement of 2020-21 School Year to Aug. 17. The Hawai‘i Board of Education voted Thursday to delay the start of school until Aug. 17 days before classes were scheduled to begin this Tuesday. Big Island Now.

BOE votes to delay reopening of public schools until Aug. 17. The extra time is designed to give teachers, principals, and other staff members time to prepare for the return of students to campuses and train on distance learning tools. Hawaii News Now.

Schools to open Aug. 17. The state Board of Education has approved the delay of welcoming students back to public-school campuses to Monday, Aug. 17. Garden Island.

Hawaiʻi School Board Votes to Approve Delayed Start of School by Two Weeks. The Hawaiʻi Board of Education today voted to postpone the start of the school year by two weeks to Aug. 17, 2020. Maui Now.

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Labor Unions Spend Heavily Trying To Sway Hawaii Elections. Political action committees are giving money to a suite of candidates running in state and local races. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Avoided Large Outbreaks At Care Homes. Can We Keep It That Way? Owners of small care homes say existing guidance is confusing, resources are scarce and they are not trained to deal with outbreaks of this nature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 124 new coronavirus cases in a single day, another record high. It’s the second consecutive day that Hawaii has reported a triple-digit increase in new COVID-19 infections ― and the fifth record high in seven days. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: 124 New Cases; Rollbacks Possible As New Cases Surge. Hawaii had another record-setting day today with 124 new cases of COVID-19, the state Department of Health reported. That overtakes yesterday's record of 109 new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces three-week closure of Oahu bars amid record-high coronavirus-related cases in Hawaii. Several bars have been cited for violating social distancing and mask-wearing rules. Two Honolulu bars were found to be associated with as many as 12 cases of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Bars To Close For Three Weeks Starting Friday. After closing down two Chinatown bars for violations, the city is ordering the shutdown of all bars. Civil Beat.

City closes bars for 3 weeks amid growing spread of COVID-19. Under a city order approved by the governor, bars on Oahu will be closed for “at least” three weeks as authorities try to rein in a surge in COVID-19 infections. The shutdown goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Business owners unsure if bar closure applies to them. The Honolulu mayor said the spike in COVID-19 cases is behind his decision to close down bars starting Friday, but for owners of taprooms that also serve food, it could become confusing to know how exactly the mandate applies to them. KHON2.

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Two Honolulu Firefighters Test Positive For COVID-19. Everyone who works at the Hawaii Kai fire station has been ordered to quarantine for two weeks. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa, Esser Surge In Campaign Cash In Race For Mayor, Prosecutor. Keith Amemiya and Steve Alm have raised and spent the most overall but their challengers gained momentum in the month leading up to the primary. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Candidate Dwight Nadamoto: 'Mr. Kaneshiro Isn't Running For Office, I'm Running'. Dwight Nadamoto is the acting prosecutnig attorney for Honolulu. He was appointed to the position after current prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro took paid leave shortly after receiving a target letter from a federal grand jury. Hawaii Public Radio.

Isle voter turnout surging in first-ever all-mail election. The number of primary election ballots collected by the Honolulu Elections Division to date is eclipsing the number of absentee votes cast in the 2016 primary election — with 10 days to spare before the official Aug. 8 Election Day. Star-Advertiser.

As Kalihi coronavirus clusters form, so do longer lines at testing centers. As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increase on Oahu, Kalihi has been identified as one of the areas where clusters are popping up ― and on Thursday at the Kalihi Kai Urgent Care, there was a crowd of people outside waiting to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT Proposes NSF Process To Move Forward. University of California Regents on Thursday discussed UC involvement with the Thirty Meter Telescope, and were given an update on the TMT request to the National Science Foundation to help bolster the project. Big Island Video News.

California university might review support for TMT project. The planned Thirty Meter Telescope landed on the meeting agenda of the University of California Board of Regents on Thursday as invited Native Hawaiian speakers on both sides of the hot topic argued their cases before a key TMT partner institution. Star-Advertiser.

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Kona Community Hospital names new CEO. James “Jim” Lee will assume the position on Aug. 10, filling a role that interim CEO Jay Kreuzer has held since April after coming out of retirement after his replacement, Anna Chiotti, went on leave just two months into the job. West Hawaii Today.

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Over 12 Acres In Kona Purchased For Preservation. The purchased lands will preserve numerous pre-historic and historic cultural sites and structures on the property, including a burial complex and the Kauakaiakaola Heiau. Big Island Video News.

County purchases Puapuaa acreage in Kona. The Puapuaa properties located makai of Alii Drive will now officially belong to the people of Hawaii County following the purchase of more than 12 acres in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

New vendor taking over animal control contract. Starting Saturday, Hawaii Rainbow Rangers — a branch of Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary — will be taking over the animal control responsibilities previously conducted by the Hawaii Island Humane Society. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New Maui Rules Limit Social Gatherings to 10 People Max, Starting Friday July 31. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced today updated Public Health Emergency Rules that limit indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people. Maui Now.

Mayor Michael Victorino to limit indoor and outdoor gatherings to 10 for Maui County. Victorino has sent his update to the county’s Public Health Emergency Rules, which applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings, to Gov. David Ige for approval. Star-Advertiser.

Commission, CPAC chairs face conflict allegations. Developer ties, Pulelehua pact payments questioned. The Maui Planning Commission began its review of the draft West Maui Community Plan on Tuesday night amid questions about possible separate conflict of interest claims involving the heads of the commission and the West Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee. Maui News.

Kauai

Workweek hearing continues. The case wades into whether the county willfully and intentionally violated collective-bargaining laws in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 89, by modifying employee work conditions and failing to work toward a mutual-consent agreement before switching to a four-day, 10-hour workweek. Garden Island.

Community asks to clean up Polihale. Some community members on Kaua‘i are hoping they’ll be allowed to help clean up Polihale State Park, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking people to hold off on entering the park so that the place can rest. Garden Island.

Honolulu grocers hit by COVID-19, Young Brothers threatens to stop interisland shipping without 47% rate hike, Kauai park shut down after bad behavior, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coconut climber at Polynesian Cultural Center ©2020 All Hawaii News

COVID-19 leads to layoffs at The Polynesian Cultural Center. Approximately 30% of the 260 full-time employee workforce may be reduced by September 26, 2020. KITV4.

Shipper asks for ruling on rates by Aug. 17. Young Brothers says it may be forced to discontinue interisland services and furlough employees if the state Public Utilities Commission does not approve its emergency request for a 47 percent rate hike by Aug. 17. Maui News.

Gov. Ige weighs in on Hawaii CARES Act spending. Governor Ige is still deciding whether to sign or veto a bill that outlines how lawmakers want the state’s $635 million in CARES Act money to be spent. KHON2.

Economy: The First ‘Cliff’ Is Almost Here And A Second One Is Looming. Billions in federal relief dollars run out this week while community and political leaders work to soften a second possibly worse blow at the end of the year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Huge Stake In Negotiations Over Federal COVID-19 Aid. Uncertainty surrounds the $600-per-week unemployment payments, virus testing and even public worker furloughs. Civil Beat.


Green talks tourism as virus cases continue uptick. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday there’s “good news, bad news” about the possibility of reopening Hawaii to tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii residents urged to take precautions as clusters of coronavirus cases proliferate. Dozens of COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized following numerous coronavirus outbreaks, including one in Kalihi among Pacific islanders living in large multigenerational households. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric points to financial assistance options as disconnections to resume Sept. 1. Hawaiian Electric is pointing customers to several financial assistance options for those having trouble paying bills during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Workplace Drug Tests Show Less Use of Some Types of Drugs. Workplace drug tests taken in Hawai‘i during the pandemic show a decrease in the use of amphetamines, cocaine and opiates, while marijuana use has been on the rise. Hawaii Business magazine.

Coalition to consider legal action if state does not increase number of polling places. Three voting rights groups have given the state and counties a Friday deadline to commit to increasing the number of voter service centers or face legal action. West Hawaii Today.

Super PAC Spends $188K To Get Kahele To Congress. The nonpartisan With Honor Fund has ties to Jeff Bezos of Amazon and other billionaires. Civil Beat.

Education Spending Drives Races For Hawaii Legislature. The pandemic is spurring candidates to focus on how the Legislature and DOE will use limited funding for safety measures and access to distance learning. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Airlines plans to shrink 15% to 25%. Hawaiian Airlines is moving to raise cash and reduce staffing after reporting a significant second-quarter loss that continued the financial harm that emerged earlier this year from COVID-19 fears and containment policies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to cut workforce. During the company’s second quarter earnings call, CEO Peter Ingram said the recently completed quarter was incredibly challenging citing the 14-day quarantine as well as the recent cluster within the company. KHON2.

After dismal earnings report, Hawaiian Airlines expected to move ahead with layoffs. The company says it must move forward with layoffs after losing more than $100 million in its 2nd quarter earnings report. Hawaii News Now.

Mysterious unsolicited seed packets from China received by Hawaii residents. If you get an unsolicited packet of seeds from China, don’t open it. That’s the message from agriculture officials after multiple people received the mysterious packages. Hawaii News Now.

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Eight Thai Soldiers Test Positive For COVID-19 After Training In Hawaii. They were participating in the Army’s first large-scale exercise in Hawaii since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

8 Thai soldiers have virus following training in Hawaii. Asian media reported that eight out of 150 Thai army soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus days after returning to Thailand from participation in a big Schofield Barracks field training exercise on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii sees 47 new coronavirus-related cases as statewide total grows to 1,757. The new cases included 46 on Oahu and one in Maui County, according to the state Department of Health’s daily tally. Star-Advertiser.

DOH reports 28 new COVID-19 cases, pushing statewide total to 1,711. All of the cases were on Oahu, according to the COVID-19 Joint Information Center. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor proposes 3-week shutdown of bars, mandatory mask wearing outside. In a bid to tamp down a worsening surge in new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, Honolulu’s mayor is proposing to shut down all bars on Oahu for three weeks, require mask wearing outdoors at all times, and limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Wants Bar, Mask Crackdown. A recent rash of COVID-19 cases on Oahu has Mayor Kirk Caldwell asking the governor’s permission to close bars and impose more strict mask requirements. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell seeks 3-week closure of Oahu bars. Oahu bars would be forced to shut down for three weeks to allow the city time to “recalibrate” and come up with tighter regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 under a revised guideline that Mayor Kirk Caldwell is seeking from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell asks DOH to be upfront with COVID-19 cases linked to businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference Tuesday morning that he wants the Hawaii Department of Health to be more upfront with COVID-19 cases. KHON2.

Some call mayor’s proposed expansion of mask mandate government overreach. Hawaii News Now.

City employee in Dept. of Design and Construction tests positive for COVID-19.  City officials confirmed Tuesday that an employee who works in the Frank Fasi Municipal Building has tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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3 Hawaii Costco employees contract coronavirus. Three Costco workers have tested positive for the coronavirus — two in Hawaii Kai and one in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

3 Costco employees at 2 Oahu locations test positive for COVID-19. Internal memos confirmed that at least three employees tested positive — one in Iwilei and two others in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Another Foodland employee tests positive for coronavirus. Another Foodland employee has tested positive for the coronavirus, this time at Foodland Farms Pearl City. Star-Advertiser.

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Father, son with COVID-19 forced into facility after breaking quarantine. A father and son who have tested positive for COVID-19 were ordered into quarantine at a facility on Tuesday after being detained at a strip mall in McCully. The state Health Department relied on a rarely-used authority to detain the two. Hawaii News Now.

McCully Shopping Center shuts down after father and son with COVID-19 were arrested in the parking lot. A busy shopping center put on lockdown on Tuesday after a father and son with COVID-19 were arrested for violating quarantine. KITV4.

Oahu businesses want $100M in city grants to pay for rent. A Hawaii business coalition is seeking $100 million in federal coronavirus aid from the city to benefit commercial property landlords and tenants. Star-Advertiser.

New Super PACs Pour Money Into Honolulu Races. The independent expenditure committees are taking out ads for mayoral and council candidates as voters cast their mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

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City buys McCully walk-up for low-income rentals. The city recently purchased a McCully Street apartment building that it will rent out to lower-income families, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Buys 10-Unit Building For Affordable Housing. As of 2019, Oahu needed over 22,000 new housing units by 2025, according to the state. Civil Beat.

City offers affordable housing with McCully Street property. The city unveiled a new affordable housing project on Tuesday. KHON2.

State Legislature sides with Nanakuli landfill opponents. State lawmakers recently passed a highly contested bill that would stop a planned expansion of a landfill in Nanakuli operated by PVT Land Co. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Hundreds who lost homes in 2018 eruption could be eligible for up to $230K. Former Puna residents whose homes were destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption can choose to sell their properties to the county through a nearly $80 million recovery program. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Physician Assistant Program Campus Approved. The new Kona campus of the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington "will be a game changer" for Hawaiʻi, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Big Island Video News.

A whale of a summer: research project continues in Hawaiian waters despite COVID. A unique partnership between marine biologist Dr. Robin Baird at Cascadia Research Collective and Colin Cornforth – the owner of Kona tour company Captain Zodiac – has ensured their summer field project has had a fruitful 21st year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor is asking residents to limit interisland travel. As COVID-19 cases set daily records on Oahu along with an uptick on Maui, Mayor Michael Victorino is advising Maui County residents to postpone interisland leisure travel at this time and only fly between islands for essential business. Maui News.

Man Dies After Taser Struggle with Maui Police, Cause of Death is Undetermined. A 30 year-old Massachusetts man is dead following a taser struggle with Maui police in which he allegedly disarmed an officer of a Taser and proceeded to use the device on three different officers. Maui Now.

Stolen Oysters on Maui are Unfit for Human Consumption. Oysters that were destined for a research project on Maui were stolen last week and may have subsequently been sold at below-market prices on island. Maui Now.

Kauai

HLRB hears temporary workweek trial. County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig testified that the temporary four-day, 10-hour work schedule was an operational decision necessary to reduce movement and the spread of coronavirus yesterday in a Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board hearing on merits via Zoom. Garden Island.

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Large gatherings, trucks driving over Hawaiian burial sites, widespread defecation force closure of Polihale State Park on Kauai. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced it will close Kauai’s Polihale State Park indefinitely, citing bad behavior of residents, with abuse, illegal gatherings and camping. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai State Park Closed Indefinitely. State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said more state parks could face closure as the agency struggles to enforce park rules during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

State closes Kauai’s Polihate State Park, blaming ‘bad behavior’ of locals. The state is closing Kauai’s famous Polihale State Park indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Polihale State Park on Kauai closed due to people’s bad behavior. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s impossible to enforce park rules because of its size and isolated location. KHON2.

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Getting the vote out. The Voter Service Center was scheduled to open Monday, but that opening was delayed by the passage of Hurricane Douglas close to Kaua‘i late Sunday night, and into the early hours of Monday morning. Tuesday, the VSC opened to the public starting at 8 a.m. Garden Island.

Ige shares budget-balancing plan, Hawaiian Airlines scales back mainland service proposal, teachers and state strike back-to-school distancing deal, Molokai vacation rental owners sue over limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pandemic reopening navigator

How This Special Legislative Committee Has Worked To Keep Hawaii’s Economy Afloat. The House COVID committee has drawn on the expertise and clout of its members to work behind the scenes and help the Ige administration work through the state’s biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Governor details how he plans to shore up $2.3B budget shortfall. With tourism at a standstill and other sectors of the state’s economy just hobbling along, Hawaii is facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that the governor says he plans to shore up with a big loan from the US Treasury and budget cuts to state agencies. It’s the first time Gov. David Ige has offered specifics on how he plans to address the shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to scale back plans to resume service. Reinstating several North America routes remain on hold but its current schedule stays on track. KITV4.

More military contracts could aid Hawaii economy. The federal government inked about $2.3 billion in defense contracts in Hawaii in 2019, with about $1.3 billion going to local businesses, an official with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Most Hawaii parents want kids in school at least part time, survey shows. About 70% of families report that their children learned “much less” or “somewhat less” when public school campuses were closed last quarter to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, new survey results show. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education and teachers’ union agree on six feet of separation in classrooms. Hawaii’s public schools and the teachers’ union have agreed that students desks will be spaced six feet apart in classrooms in the new academic year, with anything less requiring a special exception. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE, Teachers Union Agree To 6-Feet Spacing Rule. The teachers union and DOE came to an agreement that 6 feet of spacing in classrooms will be the norm, with anything less than that requiring a contract exception. Civil Beat.

Teachers union, DOE agree to keep students farther apart this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Department of Education reached an agreement on physical distancing in classrooms as schools prepare to start the new academic year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Funding cut for pre-K program leaves families scrambling for care. State lawmakers cut the funding for seven positions at campuses involved in the Executive Office on Early Learning's Public Prekindergarten Program for at-risk and underserved families. Hawaii News Now.

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June bankruptcies in Hawaii surged amid COVID crisis. The anticipated increase in Hawaii bankruptcies finally might be emerging as the state’s extended tourism lockdown and severe unemployment crisis take their toll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s massive unemployed population dependent on soon-expiring federal assistance. Nearly 250,000 Hawaii residents remain out of work, and will have their $600 weekly unemployment insurance payment from the federal government expire on July 31. KHON2.

Securitas is hiring, and they’re hosting a virtual job fair. While many in Hawaii face unemployment, few companies are looking to hire. One of those companies is Securitas. They’re hosting a virtual job fair Wednesday and Thursday for interested applicants. Available are more than hundred officer positions statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Hawaii visitor arrivals sinks to lowest level since June. The tourists keep coming even though the state still hasn’t officially reopened Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Residents snub reopening for tourism, survey finds. A majority of Hawaii residents oppose reopening tourism amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawmakers question whether more contact tracers are needed as more cases linked to clusters found. On Tuesday, 22 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) officials say many cases are tied to clusters. KHON2.

Hawaii inmate Tests Positive For COVID-19. The defendant and any exposed staff at the federal facility are in quarantine for 14 days. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 14: 22 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The quarantine remains in place for all incoming travelers, but schools are still on schedule to open next month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: 22 New Cases Today. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. Nineteen cases are reported on Oahu, and three are on Hawaii Island. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

To date, Oahu has recorded 960 positive tests, followed by Maui County with 135 cases, Hawaii County with 105 and Kauai County with 43. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Oahu bars, restaurants not allowed to serve liquor after midnight. Oahu bars and restaurants on Tuesday were ordered to stop serving liquor after midnight effective immediately in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

New mandate forces bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight in Honolulu. With cases increasing every day, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is looking at ways to curb the spread of the virus. KHON2.

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Clusters blamed as Hawaii sees 22 new coronavirus cases. A pau hana gathering among construction workers, workplace training at Hawaiian Airlines, exercise in indoor gyms, birthday parties, barbecues and other social gatherings are to blame for a surge in coronavirus cases, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns grow over schools reopening after infection at summer fun program. A 6-year-old attending a summer fun program in Aiea tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, raising concerns about Hawaii schools reopening in just a few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kym Marcos Pine says her top priority as mayor would be putting tourism in its place. Kym Marcos Pine has a vision for Oahu with far less tourism and far more homegrown jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Traveling Physician at Ka‘ū Hospital Tests Positive for COVID-19. Lt. Governor Josh Green confirmed Tuesday to Big Island Now that a traveling doctor hired at Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for the coronavirus last week. A town hall featuring Green and Mayor Harry Kim was held in Pahala Monday night to assuage the fears of the community there. Big Island Now.

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Lee Loy amendment to fix ‘lame’ requirement of permits for window AC units. In the wake of a Department of Public Works press release that drew scorn when it was re-posted on Mayor Harry Kim’s official Facebook page, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has written an amendment to the construction code clarifying that building permits are not required to install a window air conditioning unit. West Hawaii Today.

County Considers Dropping Permit Requirement For Window-Mounted Air Conditioners. The Hawaiʻi County Council will consider amending the construction code at an upcoming meeting, following a social media stir over the permit requirement. Big Island Video News.

Portable, Window-Mounted Residential Air-Conditioning Units Exempt From Permit Requirements. An amendment is coming to legislation that will develop the framework for Hawai‘i County’s updated construction code. Big Island Now.

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New physician assistant program could boost Big Isle health care. A physician assistant program from Washington will expand to West Hawaii this fall, but ultimately will improve access to medical care throughout Hawaii Island and the state. Tribune-Herald.

Free Financial Navigator Service Tackles COVID-19 Troubles. The County of Hawaiʻi has partnered with the national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help resident navigate COVID-related financial issues. Big Island Video News.

Maui


Old UHMC Dorms Repurposed for Emergency Housing Project. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. Maui Now.

Emergency Housing Project in Kahului blessed on Tuesday. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. KITV4.

Kauai

Discounts bringing locals out. With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension. Garden Island.

Free emergency water containers. There are two more days when people have the opportunity to get free emergency water containers from the county Department of Water — today at the Waimea High School grab-and-go meal site, and Thursday at the Kapa‘a High School grab-and-go meal site. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Vacation Rental Owners File Lawsuit To Lift Restrictions. A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Property owners sue over Molokai rental ban action. Permits set to expire at end of year; owners look to get them reinstated. Maui News.

Fewer Hawaii residents comply with mask order, Pompeo meets Chinese counterpart in Honolulu today, inter-island travel begins, cult leaves state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Discarded mask on Hawaii roadside ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii officials notice a worrisome trend: Fewer residents wearing masks. The governor’s emergency order requires face masks at most public settings. Hawaii News Now.

Retailers report resistance to the in-store mask requirement. Gov. David Ige’s Ninth Supplemental Proclamation related to the COVID-19 emergency specifically instructs employees and customers to wear masks and engage in social distancing. Star-Advertiser.

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Quarantine for neighbor island travel ends today. The state is lifting the 14-day interisland travel quarantine for Hawaii residents today, but trans-Pacific travelers won’t likely be welcomed back until August amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Interisland quarantine requirement is lifted. Though the two-week quarantine for interisland travelers has been lifted, Gov. David Ige warned Monday that it may be reinstated if the number of COVID-19 cases in the state rises too high. Tribune-Herald.

Planning to fly inter-island? Arrive at the airport early and don’t come if you’re sick. After two and a half months of mostly empty airports in Hawaii, the state is ending the 14-day mandatory quarantine for inter-island travelers on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige’s Update on Travel Requirements for Air Transportation. Maui Now.

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Hawaii Economy Faces ‘A Long Slow Road Back’. A wave of restaurant failures and bankruptcies is expected in the fall. When Hawaii finally opens for tourism, it’s likely to take years to build the visitor base to anything close to what it was before the COVID-19 crisis shut down the state’s travel industry, experts in that business say. Civil Beat.

Expanding Local Agriculture Into Major Economic Industry Poses Challenges. Sales of farm products currently represent just 0.6% of Hawaii gross domestic product. Experts say there are opportunities for it to grow, but substantial challenges as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

With some improvising, state agencies welcome thousands of workers back to the office. Tens of thousands of government employees are returning to the office as their administrators improvise to allow for social distancing. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit challenges Gov. David Ige’s emergency powers. Hawaii residents from Kauai and the Big Island have filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamations related to the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofits urge lawmakers to quickly commit federal funds to cope with social needs. With the state Legislature poised to meet again in less than a week, Hawaii’s nonprofit social service agencies are urging lawmakers to commit hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent federal funds to health care, housing, mental health services and other support for families that are struggling to survive the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Over 23,000 Hawaii small businesses tap $3 billion in federal aid. Federal financial aid for Hawaii small businesses affected by COVID-19 has grown to just over $3 billion, according to new U.S. Small Business Administration data. Star-Advertiser.

Face Masks, Temperature Checks: The New Reality For Summer School Students. The Department of Education’s in-person, summer learning hubs offer a trial run for how many schools may operate when they reopen in the COVID-19 era. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet Chinese counterpart in Hawaii on Tuesday. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will travel to Hawaii Tuesday for meetings with his Chinese counterpart, according to two people familiar with the plans, as tensions between the countries run high over trade, coronavirus, the future of Hong Kong and other issues. Bloomberg News.

The new normal: Hawaii National Guard training this year includes social distancing, masks. The Hawaii Air National Guard just completed its first unit training under COVID-19 guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

Over 200 Marshallese Stranded in Hawaiʻi Since March. The Marshall Islands is among only a few countries left in the world that are COVID-19 free. This is due in part to a strict travel ban that has left more than 200 Marshallese citizens stranded since March here in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

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8 new coronavirus cases raise Hawaii’s statewide total to 736. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Monday: 8 New Cases. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

In race for mayor, Hanabusa clinches endorsement of ILWU. Honolulu mayoral candidate Colleen Hanabusa has picked up another big endorsement. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 is backing Hanabusa in her run for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii News Now.

2 possible COVID-19 cases being looked at in state-run public housing. The state announced eight new cases of COVID-19 Monday, June 15. Officials say three of the new cases are linked to a new income housing facility, but did not say exactly where. KHON2.

Kalihi’s Saint John the Baptist School to close after 60 years. After 60 years in Kalihi, Saint John the Baptist School is closing. In a letter to its school community earlier this month, administrators said the pandemic “significantly worsened” its already troublesome financial situation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Carbon Nation leader pleads no contest to violating quarantine; group to leave state. A self-professed cult leader pleaded no contest Monday to violating the state’s mandatory 14-day coronavirus quarantine in a deal that would allow him and 20 followers to leave the state. Tribune-Herald.

Reported Cult Leader Sent Back to Mainland. Big Island Now.

Self-professed cult member, 20 followers leave for mainland after quarantine arrests. Hawaii News Now.

Group of travelers charged for violating quarantine order decide to leave Hawai'i. KITV4.

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Mayor explains why public swimming pools remain closed. While most businesses, operations and activities were permitted to reopen June 15 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, public swimming pools were not. The facilities have been closed since March. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Explains Why Public Swimming Pools Remain Closed. Big Island Video News.

Northbound traffic flow change on Alii Drive starts Wednesday. Northbound traffic on Alii Drive will be shifted to a temporary bridge in the vicinity of the Kona Tiki Hotel starting Wednesday as work progresses to replace a deteriorating culvert on the Waiaha Drainageway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Launches Financial Opportunity Center to Help Residents Into Housing. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino today announced a partnership with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets to launch a Financial Opportunity Center to help thousands of residents into housing. Maui Now.

24 Hour Fitness on Maui closes as company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The 24 Hour Fitness chain announced Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief due to the “disproportionate impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers rally for safe reopening, health care. Properties making changes that include more cleanings, shift to keyless entry. Maui News.

Maui hotel workers demonstrate for worker safety, reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

EPA closes 16 Kauai cesspools and issues $55K in fines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today said it has shut down 16 large-capacity cesspools on Kauai and issued $55,182 in fines to a resort management association. Star-Advertiser.

EPA to close 16 large cesspools on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

CASPER COVID-19 survey results announced. More than half, 57%, of Kaua‘i households have at least one person living in their home who has lost their job as a result of the pandemic, and the resulting economic strain is affecting the mental health of Garden Island residents. Garden Island.