EV drivers face new road usage fee, Maui newspaper up for sale, more than 50% of Native Hawaiians now live outside the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

EV drivers could see a new road usage charge. Senate Bill 1534, passed out of the 2023 legislative session will create a mileage-based road usage charge that will impact all electric vehicles first. Drivers will pay based on how much they use the roadways. KITV4.

COVID ‘whistleblower’s’ firing headed to arbitration. A former COVID-19-era epidemiological specialist who was fired from the state Health Department after saying “contact tracers” were woefully understaffed and overworked under dangerous conditions faces an arbitration hearing in July, followed by a possible trial over her lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal. Star-Advertiser.

Special Interests Spent More To Lobby The Hawaii Legislature This Year. More than 300 organizations spent almost $5.6 million total on lobbying this legislative session, according to records filed with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive $150M for rural broadband access. Nearly $150 million in new federal funding for high-speed internet access is coming to Hawaii — a major boost to ongoing efforts to ensure broadband and internet service to households across the state, particularly in rural areas. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers look to increase Coast Guard’s Pacific footprint.  A $91.5 billion bill making its way through Congress funding programs under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security includes provisions to continue supporting an increased U.S. Coast Guard presence in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Foster Kids Are Sleeping In Hotels And State Offices. They Have Nowhere Else To Go. There aren't enough foster homes, especially for kids with the biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Leaving for Las Vegas: Reaching out to Native Hawaiians.  Trying to make it in Hawaii is becoming increasingly difficult — so impossible for some that more than 50% of Native Hawaiians are now living outside of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians share experience of mainland living. Native Hawaiians and former Hawaii residents who live on the mainland talked with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser about their lives, joys and challenges far away from Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail Spent $100 Million To Relocate Utilities. Much Of It May Have Been A Waste. Some cash spent on Honolulu utility relocation work under a rail contract with Nan Inc. went to mobilization costs, or to work in areas beyond the end of the rail line. Civil Beat.

Rail eminent domain dispute heads to Hawaii high court.  The Hawaii State Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments involving the Texas- based developer Howard Hughes Corp., doing business here as Victoria Ward Ltd., and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s 2018 condemnation of about 2 acres containing roughly 25 parcels owned by the developer — from Cooke to Kamakee streets. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply will invest more than $43M for a new reservoir in Waiawa.  The Honolulu Board of Water Supply will invest $43.5 million for a new reservoir in Waiawa. Environmentalists say the project could help ease the strain caused by the Red Hill water crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu couple arrested in connection with fatal mass overdose; fentanyl distribution ring exposed.  A Honolulu couple has been arrested in connection with a suspected mass overdose incident in Waikiki that left two people dead and three others hospitalized in early June, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Monda. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands cited for running the red, the few who contest it are unsuccessful. According to numbers by the Department of Transportation, since the red light safety camera pilot program started in November 2022, a total of 6,311 citations have been issued at all 10 of the locations. KHON2.

Bishop Museum announces settlement with former CEO, president. The Bishop Museum has reached a settlement in the dispute with former President and CEO Melanie Ide. In January, after a months-long investigation, the museum’s board of directors voted unanimously to terminate Ide, General Counsel Barron Oda, and Vice President of Operations, Planning and Program Management Wesley “Kaiwi” Yoon. Hawaii Public Radio.

This North Shore Community Wants Stronger Protection Against Disasters, Climate Change. Hauula's efforts to build a resiliency hub may get a boost from a FEMA grant supporting more rural areas. Civil Beat.

More Funding Means More Lifeguard Coverage On Oahu. The new budget includes money for 18 new lifeguard positions and extended hours, with an emphasis on the Leeward Coast. Civil Beat.

Kamaaina to get reservations-free entry to Hanauma Bay.  The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation said all Hawaii residents with valid photo identification, such as a Hawaii driver’s license or school ID, in July will be able to enter the nature preserve for free during hours of operation from 6:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, without either, thanks to additional staffing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Debate over manta ray tours continues. A decade-long discussion over potential rules and regulations for manta ray tours will continue after Gov. Josh Green stated his intent to veto a bill that would have altered the permitting process. Tribune-Herald.

New Mass Transit administrator named. Hawaii County has announced the appointment of Victor Kandle as the new Mass Transit Agency administrator. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

PTA change of command set for Wednesday.  U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin to leave after two years as commanding officer of Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Naniloa given OK for new loan aimed at avoiding foreclosure. After repeated rejections, the owners of the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo secured approval Friday from the Board of Land and Natural Resources for a new mortgage to pay off the business’ current one. Tribune-Herald.

Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lūʻau Hale In Hilo To Reopen.  The facility was being utilized by the State Department of Health and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency for the past two years. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ogden Newspapers exploring options for new ownership of The Maui News.  The Ogden Newspapers announced Monday that it is exploring options for the possible sale of their Maui Publishing group and is planning to accept offers from interested parties over the next few weeks.  Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric invites Maui community to offer input on renewable generation plans. Hawaiian Electric will hold a community meeting on July 11 to receive comments on its proposal to build new generating units that can run on a variety of renewable fuels, including biofuels. Maui Now.

In partnership with Job Corps, MPD launches new program to help at-risk youth. The Maui Police Department is partnering with Hawaii Job Corps Center to help at-risk teens and young adults. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Tenants facing eviction hope state will convert Kauaʻi’s Waipouli apartments to affordable housing. Affordable housing advocates continue efforts for Waipouli apartments.   Affordable housing advocates held a second press conference in the Kintaro restaurant parking lot last week, urging the state government to purchase the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments and secure all 82 units as affordable housing for 60 years. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

HECO seeks to install 30 EV chargers, nonprofits await $50M in late state grants, election doubters stake out ballot drop boxes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Pilot program aims to increase EV chargers. A pilot program by Hawaiian Electric will subsidize electric vehicle chargers throughout the state in an effort to improve charging infrastructure. Hawaiian Electric is accepting applications for its new three-year Charge Up Commercial pilot program, which has a goal of establishing up to 30 new electric vehicle charging sites on the Big Island, Maui and O‘ahu. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Nonprofits Are Still Waiting For Millions Of Dollars In Needed Grants. The Legislature changed the Grant-In-Aid process this year and that’s keeping money from getting to the organizations that need it. Nearly $50 million in state grant funds isn’t getting to nonprofits that need them to run programs because of bureaucratic holdups and missing language from the state’s budget bill. Civil Beat.

In-person voting begins as election doubters organize to stake out drop boxes. A group called “Audit the Vote Hawaii” is organizing election doubters to stake out ballot drop boxes. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers vouch for Hawaii’s election security. Veteran election volunteers insist they’ve never seen any impropriety in the way ballots are handled at the state Capitol, several volunteers told the Honolulu Star-­Advertiser on Tuesday, the first full day that ballots were counted and processed ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii early childhood education needs upgrade. A new report indicates that pay and conditions for Hawaii’s early childhood educators must be improved dramatically in order to attract and retain enough added workers just to resolve the severe current shortage, not to mention expand preschool access to all 3- and 4-year-olds by 2032 to fulfill the state Legislature’s directive. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i getting fewer visitors, but more revenue. While hotels are still not as full as they used to be, properties are making more money. Hotel revenue is way up compared to numbers from 2019. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines loses $9.3 million amid Japan visitor lag. A continued lag in visitors from Japan to Hawaii and a protracted interisland fare war with competitor Southwest Airlines were among the headwinds that Hawaiian Holdings Inc., the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, faced before reporting a third-quarter loss. Star-Advertiser.

Amazon Will Use Hawaiian Airlines To Operate Cargo Planes. Hawaiian said it issued warrants that Amazon can exercise over the next nine years and acquire up to 15% of Hawaiian stock. Civil Beat.

Omicron variants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1 detected in Hawaii. New omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1, more immune-evasive strains that have driven COVID cases up in parts of Europe, are now present in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All eyes on Navy as first phase of massive Red Hill defueling effort kicks off. New video from U.S. Pacific Command showed the massive above ground tanks at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which can hold more than 5 million gallons of fuel, along with military members working inside the Red Hill tunnels. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Critics: State didn’t do enough to protect 2 young kids from horrific alleged abuse at foster home. Child welfare advocates are criticizing the state over the alleged sex assaults of two young girls at a foster home over a six-year period. The victims were 6 and 8 years old when the alleged abuse started. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Semisub owners charged with fraud. A couple that founded the Hawaii-based Semisub company has been charged with securities fraud, a felony, for misspending a good part of $28 million raised from investors, the Justice Department announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

The Miske Files: Feds Say Phony Documents Built A Well-Known Pest Control Company Out Of Thin Air. Newly unsealed documents show the federal prosecutor’s story of how a then 26-year-old convicted felon created an $8 million enterprise. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tackling government inefficiencies: Cost of Government Commission makes recommendations. Streamlining the building permit process, cracking down on unpermitted structures, renegotiating the county’s composting contract, exploring public-private partnerships for wastewater processing and beefing up the Information Technology Department are the top recommendations of the Cost of Government Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

How The Candidates For Maui Mayor Would Shape Food Security And Agriculture. Boosting availability of affordable local food and combating invasive species are top issues for Michael Victorino and Richard Bissen. Civil Beat.

First-time council candidate challenges political veteran. In the race for the Maui County Council’s Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, incumbent Alice Lee will face off against challenger and first-time candidate Noelani Ahia. Maui News.

New public-private partnership on Maui provides hope for affordable homes, but raises questions of fairness. A budget amendment that provides an $18 million appropriation to the Pulelehua affordable housing project in West Maui was approved unanimously by members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday in an 8-0 vote, with one member excused. Maui Now.

Maui County law to require animal-friendly lighting. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has signed a bill into law that will require many businesses and residents to change their outdoor lighting fixtures to reduce the kind of blue light, or shortwave light, known to result in injury and death to seabirds and sea turtles. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Improvements coming to Hanapepe Stadium. As part of the improvements, the existing food booth will be replaced by a new combined-use building containing a ticket booth, prep kitchen and concession area. Additional restrooms will also be a part of the project. Garden Island.

Hayashi tapped for schools superintendent, Espinda found dead from self-inflicted gunshot, Honolulu police chief candidates vie for top spot, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Interim Keith Hayashi chosen as Hawaii public schools superintendent. After an extraordinarily long and sometimes contentious state Board of Education meeting Thursday, former Waipahu High School Principal Keith Hayashi, who has been serving as state interim superintendent of Hawaii public schools since August, was selected from among three finalists to continue as the permanent state superintendent. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Nolan Espinda, former head of Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety, dies. Nolan Espinda, who retired as DPS director in 2020 amid criticism over the department’s handling of COVID-19 outbreaks in Hawaii prisons, was found dead at Kailua Beach of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii commits to clean transportation future. With the passing of Senate Bill 3311, the state would give itself a goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions across all modes of transportation. It also would establish working groups consisting of both public and private stakeholders that would promote clean interisland transportation and electric vehicle adoption. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii electric-vehicle sales charged ahead in first quarter. Hawaii made significant progress in the first quarter to distance itself from fossil fuels as the state reached double digits in electric vehicle registrations. Star-Advertiser.

$80 Million For Hawaiʻi Water Issues Passed By House Committee. The State of Hawaiʻi is “positioned to receive” $80 million for water and wastewater issues through federal legislation moving through the U.S. House. Big Island Video News.

Honolulu and Maui counties’ COVID-19 risk rank rises. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday bumped Honolulu and Maui counties from the yellow, medium-risk community level to the red, high-risk community level for COVID-19. Honolulu and Maui counties join Kauai County, which last week was classified as a high-risk community due to high case rates and limited hospital capacity. Hawaii County remains yellow. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Health Department says keiki ages 5-11 now eligible for COVID-19 boosters. The Hawaii Department of Health today said it is adopting guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recommending boosters for keiki ages 5 through 11. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Candidates for Honolulu Police chief participate in public forum. Repairing the Honolulu Police Department’s reputation, providing more information to the media, increasing patrol staffing, addressing officer wellness and stopping the surge of violent crime were among the issues addressed by the candidates during the 90-minute live forum televised Thursday night on PBS Hawaii’s “Insight” program. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HPD statistics reveal low closure rates especially for property crimes. A vast majority of criminal cases investigated by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) do not result in an arrest. KITV4.

Number Of Homeless People Counted In Oahu Survey Drops 11%. Oahu saw a decrease overall in this year’s Point-in-Time Count of homeless people, with the number of people in shelters dropping 24% and the number of those unsheltered increasing by 0.4% compared with the count in 2020. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

HART Pays Nearly $1 Million To Compensate 24 Parties Short-Changed By Rail Relocation. The Honolulu agency overseeing rail construction has determined that its prior history of shoddy relocation payments ultimately short-changed 24 businesses and tenants displaced by the future rail line to the tune of $883,000. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Aquarium to require face masks in alignment with University of Hawaii policy. The Waikiki Aquarium said wearing face masks is once again required at its facility, effective immediately, in alignment with University of Hawaii policy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council takes first stab at budget. Hawaii County Council members seem to prefer a cautious approach to county spending, despite a budget windfall that has Mayor Mitch Roth proposing a $779.7 million spending plan, a 27.8% increase over the current year. West Hawaii Today.

UH regents OK amendments to Maunakea plan. The University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents on Thursday approved a supplement to UH’s management plan for Maunakea, despite potentially losing jurisdiction over the mountain before the end of the decade. Tribune-Herald.

Solutions sought to help protect Pololu Valley. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is working with Hawi community members to protect Pololu Valley from overuse. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County mayoral candidates tackle South Maui issues. Five candidates have filed to run so far in crowded mayor’s race Climate change, cesspools and ocean pollution, and homelessness in South Maui are among the issues that Maui County mayoral candidates plan to tackle if elected. Maui News.

Kaiser mental health clinicians during Maui strike: ‘They pushed us to this’. Organized by the National Union of Healthcare Workers that represents Hawai’i Kaiser’s 58 mental health providers, the demonstration is being called the Aloha State’s largest mental health strike. Maui Now.

Red placard issued to restaurant in Lahaina, Maui. The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch issued a red placard and shut down China Bowl Asian Cuisine Restaurant, located at 2580 Kekaa Dr, #116, Lahaina on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council introduces bill expanding size of guest houses on Kaua‘i. A bill introduced at County Council on Wednesday would increase the maximum size of guest houses, a move intended to make a dent in the ongoing housing crisis on island. Garden Island.

No-cost health services return to Kauaʻi in June. The “Tropic Care” program is run by the state Department of Health’s Kauaʻi District Health Office, the County of Kauaʻi and the U.S. military. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

Electric vehicles may be taxed for mileage, $160M psychiatric facility sits empty, red light cameras coming to Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medical marijuana advertising in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s cannabis industry calls for reduced regulations amid concerns over future of dispensaries. A new report from Hawaii’s medical marijuana industry calls for less regulation as concerns grow over the sustainability of dispensaries in the state. Hawaii News Now.

As lawmakers look to add mileage tax to electric vehicles, critics worry it’ll deter sales. State lawmakers are proposing a mileage tax for electric vehicle owners who are currently able to skirt the gas tax. A rate has not been set, but Senate Bill 3313 would charge owners annually during safety checks. Hawaii News Now.

Months after its completion, state’s $160M psychiatric facility sits empty. Nearly a year after construction was completed on the state’s $160 million high-security psychiatric facility in Kaneohe, the building remains empty ― despite high need. Officials say a variety of issues are preventing patient admissions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s national highest electric costs could be helped with HECO rollout. Hawaiian Electric is in the process of rolling out a new technology called advanced meters to help customers monitor and possibly reduce their use and bills. Advanced meters are making their way to homes, condominiums, apartments, and businesses on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. KHON2.

House committee unlikely to pursue penalty tied to lawmaker’s DUI arrest. A special House committee that was created to possibly investigate state Rep. Sharon Har following her drunken driving arrest 11 months ago appears unlikely to pursue potential sanctions against her, House Speaker Scott Saiki said. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime Corrections Officer Elected To Lead United Public Workers. Kalani Werner was elected state director of the union in a runoff contest, replacing longtime UPW leader Dayton Nakanelua. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers look to woo retired educators back to classrooms as substitutes. With schools facing record teacher absences due to COVID and preexisting shortages, lawmakers are trying to woo retired educators back into the classroom. Hawaii News Now.

Bill would require DOE to provide free menstrual products in schools. The state Senate Committee on Education has advanced a bill that addresses menstrual equity and “period poverty” in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Health Department launches COVID-19 hotline. The Hawaii Department of Health today announced the launch of a new hotline for people with questions about COVID-19. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KITV4.

The Verdict Is Still Out On Fourth Covid Shots. As officials try to persuade as many people as possible to get booster shots, some Hawaii residents are skipping the line to get fourth doses. Currently, only Americans with moderate or severe immunodeficiencies – which can include recipients of organ transplants or people living with HIV – are eligible to receive a fourth shot per government regulations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 1,068 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 220,356. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 727 new cases on Oahu, 140 on Hawaii Island, 153 on Maui, 28 on Kauai, one on Molokai, five on Lanai and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Green light nearing for red-light camera program on Oahu. A system to issue traffic tickets for running red lights using automated cameras at problematic Honolulu intersections should be ready for use in May after a nearly yearlong delay. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Prosecutors offer another round of DUI plea deals after state Supreme Court ruling forces dismissals. Instead of allowing scores of DUI cases to be dismissed, the city Prosecutor’s Office is once again offering plea deals to some suspected drunk drivers. Hawaii News Now.

Amemiya Attorney Argues There Was ‘Nothing Criminal’ About Kealoha Payoff. The former Honolulu managing director and two other defendants have been charged with participating in a conspiracy to misappropriate government funds. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Oahu bar claims new liquor commission laws discriminate against LGBTQ community. Scarlet Night Club said under the new rules, investigators can close a business without prior notice or a hearing if they believe there is a violation of “an emergency order.” Hawaii News Now.

Citric acid plan in the works for invasive coqui frogs found in Waimānalo. For the first time on Oʻahu, officials may have to resort to aerial spraying to beat back the population. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Roth: Large in-person events will return this year. During a livestreamed interview Monday, Roth said he believes that it will be safe to hold events such as the Merrie Monarch, which was cancelled in 2020 and held without a live audience last year. Tribune-Herald.

Open Letter by School Administrator Chronicles Brawl, Asks Community to Help Fix What Caused it. In an open letter to the community, a Pāhoa High and Intermediate School vice principal described last week’s fight at his school where seven students were arrested and 20 suspended as a sad, unfortunate event triggered by racial epithets toward a group of kids being made to felt as though they did not belong. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Council asks Legislature to set visitor fees for the environment. Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced today that eight proposals have been introduced as the 2022 Maui County Council Legislative Package, including legislation to establish a “green fee surcharge”—a visitor fee that would fund environmental-protection and conservation projects. Maui Now.

NTSB: Pilot says plane appeared to be losing power after take-off from Hana Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report for a plane crash on Maui that left two people onboard injured. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Funding is being considered to recognize 8,000 Kalaupapa residents diagnosed with leprosy. Of the 8,000 Hawaii residents diagnosed with leprosy who were banished to Kalaupapa from 1866 to 1969, there are nine people remaining today who have the right to live at the isolated Molokai peninsula. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

DMV, County of Kaua‘i offices network restored. A mechanical issue Monday night resulted in an outage of the County of Kaua‘i’s server and network early Tuesday morning. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Community continues to back Malama Hule‘ia efforts at fishpond. Nonprofits Malama Hule‘ia and the Trust for Public Land have raised nearly $190,000 through its community fundraising campaign for the Alakoko “Menehune” Fishpond. Garden Island.

Emmalani Park boasts refurbished pickleball, basketball courts. It was a celebration Sunday morning as the newly refurbished Princeville pickleball and basketball court at Emmalani Park opened to the public. Garden Island.

Police punishment iffy, new Hilton tower planned for Waikiki, Kauai readies for polystyrene foam ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police on parade ©2021 All Hawaii News

In Hawaii, Punishment For Bad Cops Often Doesn’t Stick. A Civil Beat review of more than 50 arbitration awards covering nearly three decades of misconduct found that arbitrators regularly reverse police chiefs’ disciplinary decisions. Overall, the records show that 65% of all cases that went before an arbitrator, an officer’s discipline was either reduced or overturned. Three out of four officers who were fired were eventually rehired through arbitration, oftentimes with back pay amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii law amended to allow electric vehicles to use HOV lanes regardless of passenger count. The Hawaii Department of Transportation today announced that the state law has been amended to allow electric vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of people in the car. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii gets workforce digital literacy grant of up to $100,000 from the National Governors Association. Hawaii will receive a grant of up to $100,000 from the National Governors Association to create a plan and policies for developing digital skills and equity in the state’s workforce. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed Updates To Federal Fishing Law Target Wespac. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s lack of transparency and unabashed politicking has prompted an effort to curtail questionable behavior through legislation. Civil Beat.

Nov. 22 strike date set for Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers. More than 1,800 Kaiser Permanente employees in Hawaii plan to go on strike amid contract negotiations with the health care provider. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii facing threat of another COVID-19 surge as cases soar across the globe. With a spike in COVID cases on the other side of the globe, the World Health Organization's warning Americans to stay alert. KITV4.

COVID ravaged the Pacific Islander community last year, but grassroots efforts helped turn the tide. Before the vaccine was available, Pacific Islanders made up about 25% of all of the infections in Hawaii ― even though they’re only 4% of the population. They now represent only about 8% of the cases. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 79 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 85,218. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 33 new cases on Oahu, 21 on Hawaii Island, five on Maui, 16 on Kauai and four Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Battle Against Short-Term Rentals Begins Again. The Honolulu City Council will hear arguments for and against Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposal for short-term rental enforcement on Wednesday in what is shaping up to be another long and contentious debate on the issue. Civil Beat.

New Hilton hotel tower planned in Waikiki. Hilton Hawaiian Village plans to expand its footprint onto more of Ala Moana Boulevard with a new tower, adding 515 hotel rooms to what already is Waikiki’s largest resort property. Star-Advertiser.

Top Navy official raised concerns about multiple leaking valves at Red Hill, according to leaked email. The revelation about the temporary shutdown of Red Hill and concerns about the pipeline system come at a sensitive time for the Navy, which is trying to persuade DOH to issue it a five-year permit to continue operating its tank farm. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Lack of specialized welders delays rail. The inability to find specialized welders to retrofit too-wide rail track crossings to close the gap between too-narrow train wheels will delay the handover of the troubled rail project to the city for testing, which was supposed to happen by end of the year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Violent imagery, threats cited in girl’s arrest. Honolulu police officers arrested a 10-year-old Black girl in January 2020 because she drew a picture of a girl pointing a gun and with a severed head at her feet, addressing it to two students with death threats, according to a letter released Tuesday by the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Solar projects ditched, delayed. Supply chain problems and other unfavorable circumstances have led to the cancellation of one Big Island large solar project and the delay of another, according to documents filed with state regulators. West Hawaii Today.

Eruption creates uptick in visitors: National park getting up to 2,500 people per day.  During the last “normal” year — 2017, when there was still liquid lava in the park, but no devastating lower Puna eruption or global pandemic to deter travelers — HVNP had about 2,700 visitors per day. Tribune-Herald.

County to Host Meeting on Community Development Block Grant Program. The County of Hawai‘i will host a virtual public meeting on its draft Action Plan addressing the use of $6.86 million in US Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation funds. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission Approves Four Planning Proposals. By a narrow margin, the Commission declined to adopt a proposal that would have enabled residents to enforce any provision of the general plan, which includes the Maui Island Plan and community plans, in the courts. Maui Now.

Maui hotels top pre-pandemic revenue numbers and rest of state in September. Maui County hotels in September bested other counties and even topped pre-pandemic revenue numbers despite having lower occupancy than its milestone year, according to a recent report by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Mahi Pono Reaches Milestone of Planting 1 Millionth Tree in Less Than Three Years. Mahi Pono took over stewardship of 41,000 acres of former sugarcane land on Maui in 2018. The company’s vision is to revitalize the Central Maui plain with diversified agriculture that prioritizes food sustainability and reduces Hawai‘i’s reliance on imported food. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i ditching foam boxes, prepping for new law. Island eateries will no longer serve food in polystyrene containers beginning Jan. 1, when a county ordinance passed in 2020 finally takes effect. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i median home price continues at $1M. The median sale price of homes on Kaua‘i was around $1 million last month, with condos selling at a median price of $729,000, according to a new report generated by Hawai‘i independent real-estate firm Locations. Garden Island.

HECO to increase charging stations, Honolulu pauses vax requirement for public transit, former Kauai councilman to change plea in federal case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Electric vehicle charging station ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian Electric proposes more EV public charging stations, lower charging rates. Hawaiian Electric proposes to install and operate some 150 single-port DC fast-charging stations and 150 dual-port Level 2 charging stations at roughly 75 sites from 2023 through 2030. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Lottery opens for invitations to ceremonies for 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is on Tuesday, Dec. 7. KHON2.

Federal detention center adequately staffed, government says. The Federal Detention Center Honolulu has adequate staffing to maintain order and the proper policies to keep inmates and workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Star-Advertiser.

A Top Hawaii Prison Official Faces An Internal Affairs Investigation. The state Department of Public Safety has opened an internal affairs investigation into actions taken by its Departmental Human Resources Officer Shelley Nobriga Harrington, a longtime correctional system administrator who allegedly pressured a subordinate to change an investigation report. Civil Beat.

Experts: COVID death rate for unvaccinated Hawaii residents is 20 times higher. Hilton Raethel, CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, said that vaccinated people represent 10 to 12% of all COVID hospitalizations in the state. But he said they have much more positive outcomes. Hawaii News Now.

Superintendent: 91% of student-athletes at Hawaii public schools are vaccinated. Meanwhile, 543 athletes have been approved for religious exemptions. Those students must test twice a week in order to continue to play. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 69 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 84,364. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 34 cases on Oahu, 12 on Hawaii Island, nine each on Maui and Kauai, and five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Operator of TheBus, TheHandi-Van pauses its employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Oʻahu Transit Services, which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van, quietly put its employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate on pause last month. Hawaii Public Radio.

New ‘citizen suit’ takes aim at aging Red Hill fuel tanks. The Wai Ola Alliance, an “environmentally and culturally focused” community group, said it’s issuing a 90-day notice of its intent to sue the Navy in federal court to speed up major repairs to the Red Hill fuel farm. Star-Advertiser.

Mark Howland appointed to the HART Board of Directors. The Board of Directors for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has chosen a new member for the panel. Mark Howland is a principal with WHALE Environmental Services, a firm that specializes in natural resource planning and environmental consultation. Hawaii Public Radio.

City and County of Honolulu installs traffic circle at Waiola and Wiliwili streets in McCully. The city has installed a new traffic circle at an intersection in a McCully neighborhood as part of the “Slow Streets” project to curb speeding. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kewalo Boat Owners Say Howard Hughes Project Is Raining Dust And Dirt. Though there’s no proof the construction project is the culprit, Howard Hughes isn’t required to say how much it’s releasing into storm drains. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

‘We’re getting close’: Mayor hopeful indoor gathering limits can soon be increased. Roth said Monday he is hopeful that indoor gathering sizes can increase soon, but declined to offer a prediction for when that might happen. Tribune-Herald.

Just a little around the edges: Redistricting Commission looking at incremental changes. Less is more, a panel tasked with redrawing County Council district maps to accommodate population changes seemed to agree Thursday after spending hours analyzing a variety of proposed maps. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Lawsuit Challenges Maui County Homeless Sweep. The county said it would make shelter beds available prior to moving homeless people from the area in September but the lawsuit says adequate space was not provided. Civil Beat.

New Police Chief Wants To Import Successful Las Vegas Programs To Maui. John Pelletier wants to use community policing programs and revamping oversight of use-of-force incidents to improve relations in Maui. Civil Beat.

What does regenerative tourism look like? A fledgling program on Maui might hold the answer. Maui Visitors Bureau is trying a new program, Malama Hawaii, where tourists can redeem an incentive such as a free night stay or a hotel credit when they volunteer at a participating nonprofit. Hawaii News Now.

Hilton Grand Vacations’ Maui Bay Villas Unveils its First 31 Units in Soft Opening. Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. announced the soft opening of its brand-new oceanfront property, Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations in Kīhei. Located on Maui’s southwest coast, the all-suite luxury resort marks HGV’s first location on the island and 10th property in Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Kauai

Former Kauai Councilman Arthur Brun to change plea in federal court. Court documents did not indicate what the plea will be changed to. He previously plead not guilty to drug and firearms charges in a 2020 indictment. KHON2.
 
DLNR sweeps Wailua encampment. A homeless encampment on state conservation lands that contained dozens of people was dismantled on Monday, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island. KITV4.

County preps for keiki vaccinations. Approval for the first COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 is getting closer, and the county is preparing. Garden Island.

Cat disease killing endangered monk seals, Schatz slams coronavirus test kit delays, Ala Moana park plan approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Man feeds feral cats at Hilo bayfront park ©2020 All Hawaii News

Cats blamed for ‘debilitating’ disease striking Hawaiian monk seals. In just the first month this year, two Hawaiian monk seals have been killed or sickened by a disease that is released into the environment by cat feces. Star-Advertiser.

Endangered Hawaiian monk seal sickened by toxoplasmosis, which is spread in feces of cats. Officials from NOAA want the public to know that if cats were kept indoors, toxoplasmosis would not spread through the landscape and kill monk seals and other native species. KHON2.

Study: Marine Monuments Aren’t Hurting Hawaii’s Tuna Fishermen. The commercial longline industry made more money after the feds expanded the protected areas around Papahanaumokuakea and the Pacific Remote Islands. Civil Beat.

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Clean Energy Advocates, Auto Industry Disagree Over How To Promote Electric Vehicles. More than two dozen bills at the Hawaii Legislature aim to increase the use of electric vehicles, but auto dealers and green energy proponents are supporting different approaches. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmakers again propose raising car rental tax. State lawmakers for the second straight year are proposing to increase the state’s daily car rental tax as a way to fund more highway construction projects that would hopefully reduce traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser.

Uber And Lyft Are Fine With Hawaii Regulating Them — Just Not Too Much. The ride-hailing companies take issue with parts of a House bill that gives the state Department of Transportation more power to investigate them. Civil Beat.

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Experts: Hawaii tourism likely to take a hit amid coronavirus fears. Airlines that serve the Asia-Pacific region are bracing for a possible 13% drop in passenger traffic, according to the International Air Transport Association. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii officials ponder new coronavirus’ economic impact. State officials, alarmed about the rapidly spreading new coronavirus, are grappling with how to prevent an outbreak in the islands as tourists from Japan and other countries continue to travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: Repeated delays of coronavirus test kits for Hawaii ‘unacceptable’. The botched coronavirus test kits that were sent to Hawaii now have to be re-manufactured. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he’s been told by CDC that the new test kits won’t be ready until mid-March. Hawaii News Now.

Number of People Being Monitored For Coronavirus In Hawaii Is Dropping. As of Thursday, the Hawaii Health Department had yet to identify any suspect coronavirus cases in Hawaii, but continues to investigate the Hawaii vacation of a Japanese couple who later fell ill. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ala Moana park plan OK’d without playground or dog park. The Honolulu City Council this week gave Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration a permit for a host of improvements at Ala Moana Beach Park but made sure the list of projects doesn’t include an “inclusive” playground, dog park or changes to the parking on the mauka side of Ala Moana Drive. Star-Advertiser.

How Much Should It Cost To Ride Rail? Honolulu officials are seeking public input on setting rates. Civil Beat.

Public can weigh in on how much transit fares should cost. The Honolulu Rate Commission is asking the public to weigh in on how much they think transit fares should cost. KHON2.

Series of coastal engineering projects underway amid race to save Waikiki Beach. A series of coastal engineering projects aimed at saving Waikiki Beach is underway, and one of the projects that kicked off three months ago is performing well so far. Hawaii News Now.

Applicants sought for affordable rental complex for seniors in Kapolei. A random drawing for units at Hale Moena Kupuna will be held March 5. Hawaii News Now.

Lottery to open in March for Kapolei senior affordable rentals. A lottery is scheduled for March 5 for Hale Moena Kupuna, 153 senior affordable rentals in Hale Moena Kupuna, the first phase of Highridge Costa Cos. and Coastal Rim Development’s mixed-use project in Kapolei. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mike Ruggles Running For Hawaii County Mayor. Medical cannabis advocate Mike Ruggles filed paperwork on Thursday in order to officially run for Hawaiʻi County mayor. Big Island Video News.

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Thurston Lava Tube set to reopen. After more than a year of closure, the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is once again open for visitors today. Tribune-Herald.

Thurston Lava Tube reopens to the public. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube will open to the public this morning for the first time since it was knocked out of action by the Kilauea eruption nearly two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

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Date for removal of two Maunakea telescopes pushed back. Two telescopes on Maunakea scheduled for decommissioning are expected to be removed from the summit by 2023. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope Take-Down Update Given To UH Regents. University officials say the decommissionings of the UH Hilo Hōkū Ke‘a and the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory on Maunakea are tentatively scheduled to be completed by 2023. Big Island Video News.

Operating rooms of the future: Kona hospital unveils $6M renovation project. Kona Community Hospital unveiled its newly remodeled state-of-the-art operating rooms Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kanaha closed to remove illegal encampments. Maui County departments and Maui police removed illegal encampments at Kanaha Beach Park, which was closed from Tuesday to this afternoon. Maui News.

Application Period Opening for Hale Mahaolu Ewalu II Senior Housing in Pukalani. Hale Mahaolu will accept applications for Ewalu II, the second phase of its senior housing complex in Upcountry Maui, from Feb. 24 through 4 p.m. on March 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui man who traveled on Westerdam returns home. Health officials say coronavirus risk low; quarantine not needed. Maui News.

Mainland, Big Isle eyed for endangered bird move. In the wake of a highly-anticipated translocation project that saw all but one of its 14 birds die on Haleakala, experts are mulling whether to move critically endangered kiwikiu to the Mainland or to the Big Island to save them from extinction. Maui News.

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Mahi Pono Enters Majority Partnership with Maui Cattle Company. Mahi Pono today announced that it has become the majority partner of Maui Cattle Company, a kamaʻāina company. Maui Now.

Mahi Pono becomes majority partner of Maui Cattle Co., acquires slaughterhouse. Mahi Pono, the farming venture that bought 41,000 acres of former sugar cane land on Maui from Alexander & Baldwin, said Thursday that it is now the majority partner of Maui Cattle Co., a collaborative between five family owned ranches on the Valley Isle, and is also the new owner of Maui Cattle Co.’s slaughterhouse and USDA-certified processing facility. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC ballots are on their way. Ballots will be mailed out for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s board of directors election within the next week. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Council Advances Polysytrene Container Ban Proposal. Similar to other county bans, Bill 2775 would prohibit the sale and use of styrofoam containers in the county. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community safety meetings kick off. Tuesday was the first in a series of County of Kaua‘i’s safety meetings, “Keeping Your Community Safe,” at the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Anahola clubhouse. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

State money still needed for Kahoolawe restoration. The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission is asking the state Legislature for financial support in its ongoing mission to restore an island that remains wounded from decades of abuse in the form of military bombing practice. Star-Advertiser.

Few guns at Hawaii airports, Honolulu investigators continue search for victim, suspect in fatal police shootings and fire, Ige to give state of the state speech today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

TSA at Honolulu International Airport ©2020 All Hawaii News

3 firearms intercepted at Hawaii airports in 2019, TSA says. Three of the more than 4,000 firearms that Transportation Security Administration officers caught at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 were from Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

In State of the State, Ige to focus on proposals aimed at easing Hawaii’s high cost of living. The governor will deliver his annual State of the State address on Tuesday morning. His speech is set to begin at 10 a.m. in the state House chambers. Hawaii News Now.

UH Releases Pay Levels For Hundreds Of Graduate Assistants, Lecturers. Most of them are at the Manoa campus, working up to 20 hours per week and also receiving tuition waivers. Civil Beat.

Ruderman: State lacks commitment to ag industry. The vice chairman of the state Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment said Monday the state “is lacking in a genuine commitment in supporting agriculture.” Tribune-Herald.

Creating More Treatment Options in Hawaii’s Fractured Mental Health System. A key feature of the proposed reforms includes diverting the mentally ill from ERs into outpatient and residential programs more tailored to their needs. Civil Beat.

Aircraft carrier named for Pearl Harbor hero Doris Miller. The Navy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day named an aircraft carrier for the first time for an African American, and for the first time for an enlisted sailor, in bestowing the honor on Ship’s Cook 3rd Class Doris Miller, who overcame segregated roles and seized the initiative to became a hero when he fired back at attacking Japanese planes on Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser.

Kai Kahele: ‘We Have A Moral Obligation To Humanity’. The state senator who’s now running for Congress is no stranger to war. But he wants to restrict the president’s ability to take military action without the approval of Congress. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police and fire departments continue shooting, arson investigation. The investigation into Sunday’s fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers and massive fire continued Monday as shellshocked residents tried to pick up the pieces of their lives in a Diamond Head neighborhood that looked like a bomb had been dropped on it. Star-Advertiser.

Still More Questions Than Answers Surround Honolulu Police Officers’ Deaths. As smoke settled in the fire-ravaged neighborhood Monday, neighbors recalled the terror they’d felt a day earlier. Civil Beat.

Shooting Suspect Believed Dead In Fire Following Killing Of 2 Honolulu Officers. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard says it may take several days to process the Diamond Head area crime scene where two Honolulu police officers were shot and killed Sunday morning. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suspect’s landlord remains unaccounted for following violent rampage in Diamond Head. One of two women who was unaccounted for following Sunday’s shooting and fires in the Diamond Head area has been found and is safe, police said. But authorities say another woman ― Lois Cain ― is still missing. Hawaii News Now.

HPD locate one woman who was unaccounted for in Diamond Head shooting. Honolulu Police have located one of the two women who were 'unaccounted for' in Sunday's deadly Diamond Head shooting and the massive house fires that followed. KITV4.

1 of 2 missing women in Hibiscus Drive fire has been located alive and well. Two women who intervened in the Diamond Head attack before the shooting started said today that they heard terrible screams for help from inside 3015 Hibiscus Drive Sunday morning and found suspect Jerry “Jarda” Hanel beating another tenant of the house with a three-pronged garden hoe. Star-Advertiser.

Suspect waged six-year TRO battle with neighbor, accused of making bogus 911 calls. The suspect in the deadly rampage was engaged in lengthy legal battles with his neighbors and was being investigated for filing bogus 911 reports against them. Hawaii News Now.

Jerry Hanel's attorney believes his client planned the Diamond Head attack. Jonathan Burge represented Hanel on multiple cases since 2015 and is still trying to process the tragedy that happened on Hibiscus Drive. KITV4.

Landlords should keep distance after eviction, says man who served notice to Diamond Head suspect. The suspect in Sunday’s attack and fire, Jerry Hanel, was in the process of being evicted. KHON2.

2 women who intervened in attack describe chaos before Hibiscus Drive shooting and fire. Two women who intervened in the Diamond Head attack before the shooting started said today that they heard terrible screams for help from inside 3015 Hibiscus Drive Sunday morning and found suspect Jerry “Jarda” Hanel beating another tenant of the house with a three-pronged garden hoe. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff. Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawai‘i State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, immediately until sunset on Friday, Jan. 24. Big Island Now.

A legacy of service: 2 officers killed in Diamond Head shooting remembered. Never take a moment for granted. That’s the message a teenager is sharing as she mourns the loss of her mother, one of two Honolulu police officers killed Sunday in a violent rampage in the Diamond Head area. Hawaii News Now.

Total of HPD officers killed on duty now at 50. The deaths by gunfire Sunday of Honolulu police officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama brought the department’s fallen-heroes count to 50 and increased the percentage of those shot to more than a third of the group. Star-Advertiser.

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Realignment Of Kam Highway At Laniakea Could Be In The Works. Hawaii transportation officials say they finally have the money to fix that North Shore stretch of the highway, a notorious traffic choke point that is eroding from sea level rise. Civil Beat.

EPA Begins Clearing Lead Soil in Kalihi After Years Of Delay. The long-awaited removal of soil with high lead levels on Factory Street in Kalihi is scheduled to start on Monday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Paddlers say homeless ruining bays. Graffiti, drug use, defecation and other illegal activities have reached a point where the Big Island’s paddling community is pushing back. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers clear Maunakea protest site. About 15 volunteers gathered at the Maunakea Access Road last weekend to clean detritus left behind from the temporarily halted anti-Thirty Meter Telescope demonstrations. Tribune-Herald.

Real estate outlook: Slow and steady in ‘20? The Big Island’s real estate market ended 2019 not far from where it ended 2018, but that doesn’t mean nothing has changed. Tribune-Herald.

Officials keeping eye on Hawaiian monk seal RA20 as pupping season nears. Hawaiian monk seal RA20 has been making her presence in Big Island waters known as of recent, hauling out at a variety of spots in West Hawaii, including in the heart of Kailua Village. West Hawaii Today.

Rapid ʻOhiʻa Death Seed Banking Gets A Boost. A project that will collect and preserve seeds from the native ʻohiʻa trees for future reforestation is getting a big boost from Hawaiʻi’s utility company. Big Island Video News.

Maui

EV charging proposals at county sites sought. Maui County has released a request for proposals to upgrade and expand public electric vehicle charging stations at county properties. Maui County has released a request for proposals to upgrade and expand public electric vehicle charging stations at county properties. Maui News.

Regulators Approve EV Charging Network Plan. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved Hawaiian Electric’s plan to own and operate four potential EVohana sites on Maui that will offer lower charging rates incentivizing EV drivers to plug in during the day when solar energy is abundant. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hospital gets $2.75M gift for trauma upgrades. Husband and wife Peter Stengaard and Jennifer Gross recently donated $2.75 million toward Wilcox Medical Center’s emergency department and trauma fundraising campaign. Garden Island.

Resident unhappy with county tax refund. A Kapaa resident recently found out she had overpaid on her property taxes by thousands of dollars over the past seven years due to a clerical error at the county finance department, whose officials have admitted they made a mistake but declined to refund about half of the money. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Composting Serves As Model For Food Waste Diversion. More than 26 percent of the food in Hawaiʻi goes uneaten each year – that’s nearly one billion dollars’ worth of food likely ending up in the landfill. Hawaii Public Radio.