Experts tell House committee time to open Hawaii, UH to require employee vaccinations, mayor denies permit for Mandate Free Maui Unity March, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Tourist at Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Pressure mounts on Gov. David Ige to ease COVID-19 restrictions. But Ige, known for his cautious approach, doesn’t seem ready to announce that Hawaii is fully open for visitors, just yet. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Potential extension of Hawaii homeless program being considered by lawmakers. Enacted in 2018, state legislation requires the creation of a minimum of six Ohana Zone program projects — three on Oahu and one each on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii not seeing wave of evictions — so far. Hawaii has been without a state or federal eviction moratorium for more than a month, but the state appears to have avoided a dreaded spike in evictions so far. Star-Advertiser.

Profits continue to stack up for Matson Inc. Continued booming business from China has led Matson Inc. to forecast a record quarterly profit. The Honolulu-based ocean cargo carrier estimates that it will earn between $277 million and $286 million from business during the three months ended Sept. 30. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii to require COVID vaccination for all employees in 2022. The University of Hawaii on Monday announced a new policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, effective Jan 3, 2022. KHON2. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige urges parents of young children to look to pediatricians for initial COVID-19 shots. Gov. David Ige is urging parents to initially look to their children’s pediatricians once COVID-19 vaccinations are approved as expected this month for children ages 5 to 11. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus-related deaths, 113 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 69 new cases on Oahu, 10 on Maui, 18 on Hawaii Island, 10 on Kauai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Invitation to come today for redeveloping land around Aloha Stadium. A competition to redevelop 73 acres of state land around Aloha Stadium is expected to get underway today. Star-Advertiser.

HART: Howard Hughes To Seek $200 Million In Rail Condemnation Suit. The city’s legal costs in the eminent domain battle started at $4.6 million. Now, they’re poised to exceed $23 million. Civil Beat.

HPD officer facing criminal probe after near-fatal crash previously accused of civil rights violations. A Honolulu police officer accused of running a car off the road in Makaha last month was already part of a civil rights lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

Kirby Offshore Marine Hawaii to close, lay off 72 people. Kirby Offshore Marine Hawaii LLC has informed the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations that it will be closing at the end of the year and laying off 72 people. Star-Advertiser.

Crews begin massive clean-up of burned out auto graveyard in Central Oahu. Crews crushed and collected several junked cars at Poamoho on Monday to make way for the massive clean up of an estimated 1,000 burned out and derelict vehicles. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Building permit applications pile up in EPIC system. A backlog in building permits was expected, but it’s worse than contractors suspected — and the county previously reported — in the transition to an online permitting system for two county departments. West Hawaii Today.

EA finds no significant impact from flood-control project. An environmental assessment of a flood-control project of the Waiakea and Palai streams in Hilo was released Friday with a finding of no significant impact. Tribune-Herald.

State Cleanup Plan For Big Island Park Leaves Residents With Questions. Two state departments have settled on a plan for removing lead-contaminated soil at Kolekole Beach Park but have not yet identified the funding for it. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

County Submits Final Designs for Hwy 137, Lower Pohoiki Rd Restoration/Realignment. The County of Hawai‘i has submitted final designs for Highway 137 restoration and the lower Pohoiki Road realignment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Now.

This Big Island Octopus Research Facility Is Drawing The Wrath Of Animal Rights Activists. But the Kanaloa Octopus Farm’s owner says the group is off target. The farm is trying to save the species, not serve it for dinner. Civil Beat.

Maui

Upcoming Community Budget Meeting for FY 2023, Oct. 12. Community members are welcome to provide input as Mayor Victorino begins formulating the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino denies county permit for Mandate Free Maui Unity March set for Saturday. Event planners requested that the event include food, live music and tents on county property. Maui Now.

No at-home COVID testing kits? Problems rise for Maui restaurants and their workforce. Maui County still has the lowest vaccination rate in the state at just 62%. Hawaii News Now.

Median home prices back under $1 million. Maui County single-family home median sales prices dipped just below $1 million last month and realtors anticipate the market will remain steady until inventory ramps back up. Maui News.

Local investment group to buy Royal Lahaina Resort. Hawaii real estate firm BlackSand Capital has reached an agreement to buy the Royal Lahaina Resort, one of the original properties that helped establish Kaanapali as a beachfront resort destination on Maui’s west coast. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Present, future of electric vehicles discussed online. The present and future of electric vehicles on Kaua‘i will be discussed Wednesday, Oct. 13, during an online panel hosted by the Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. Garden Island.

Kealaula at Pua Loke continues transitional housing goals. Kealaula at Pua Loke, a transitional housing complex in Lihu‘e with built-in outreach services, was lauded as a prime example of what the state’s piloting with its ‘Ohana Zone program. Garden Island.

Eviction moratorium to expire, free meals for all public school students, military reviewing exercises after whale deaths, highest COVID case count since January, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Apartment buildings seen from the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

Eviction moratorium in Hawaii to end Aug. 6. A moratorium on evictions that Gov. David Ige imposed in April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began strangling Hawaii’s tourism-based economy will be lifted Aug. 6, paving the way for renters and landlords to tap into federal rental assistance and free mediation serv­ices on all islands intended to make landlords whole and keep families in their homes. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Indoor mask requirement to continue amid COVID-19 surge. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he will maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors as the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant fuels a spike in cases. Associated Press.

Social media posts with tourists behaving badly prompt new calls for visitor education. Following a string of social media posts documenting tourists behaving badly, there’s a push to revive an old visitor education campaign called the Pono Pledge. The pledge informs visitors of general safety precautions and cultural awareness. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii reverses course, will allow unvaccinated to attend classes in fall. The University of Hawaii announced today that it will not require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend in-person classes on its campuses this fall, as originally anticipated. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s public schools preparing distance-learning options. The state Board of Education approved a resolution Thursday asking the state superintendent to develop a plan to offer remote learning to students at the state and complex-area levels rather than on a school-by-school basis. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Weeks before new school year starts, leaders have yet to answer a long list of questions. Two and a half weeks before the new school year starts, there are still a host of unanswered questions ― from masking rules to capacity guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

All Hawaii public school students to receive free meals during 2021-22 academic year. The Hawaii Department of Education announced Thursday that every student enrolled in the state’s 257 public schools will receive free breakfast and lunch meals during the entire 2021-22 academic year. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Navy To Review Impact Of Pacific Training After 2 Whales Die During Exercise. Under threat of a lawsuit, the U.S. Navy confirmed this week that it will review how its exercises in the Pacific might hurt, kill or otherwise change the behavior of marine wildlife. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s jobless rate sinks for fifth straight month. Hawaii’s unemployment rate declined in June to a 15-month low of 7.7%, and nonfarm payrolls rose by 3,000 jobs, amid further signs that the state’s economy is on the mend. Star-Advertiser.

Tax credit could lift Hawaii families out of poverty. The great majority of Hawaii families with children under age 18 should receive monthly payments of up to $300 for each child starting this week as part of a pandemic stimulus package that is expected to provide help to struggling families and potentially propel thousands of children out of poverty. Star-Advertiser.

Rural hospitals receive funding boost for COVID. More than $2.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funding will be divvied among 10 Hawaii hospitals to support COVID-19 response efforts in rural areas. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Sees Largest Daily Virus Spike in Months. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 166 new cases of coronavirus statewide Thursday, bringing the overall total to 38,819. One new COVID-related death was also reported. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 166 additional infections. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 91 new cases on Oahu, 22 on Maui, 17 on Hawaii Island, 14 on Kauai and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

First Lady Jill Biden to visit Honolulu next weekend. The White House said today that First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Honolulu July 24 and 25, with a stop in Anchorage, Alaska, on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor: Sykap Case Is ‘No Perry Mason Moment’. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office properly brought murder and attempted murder charges against three officers involved in the fatal shooting of Iremamber Sykap even without securing indictments from a grand jury, the office argued in court documents Thursday. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

City Council Leaders Look To Remove Rail Critic From HART Board. The local board overseeing Honolulu’s troubled rail project is poised to lose one of its most outspoken members — and someone who’s called for a halt to construction — as city leaders aim to replace him. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply to resume water shutoffs due to nonpayment. BWS deferred water shutoffs during the COVID-19 outbreak, but said in a news release today that customers are responsible for all outstanding water and sewer balances on their account. Star-Advertiser.

A New Oahu Jail May Need To Be A Lot Bigger In The Near Future. Consultant projections show hundreds more people will need to be incarcerated if no significant policy changes such as bail reform reduce the number of inmates. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Vows To ‘Play Tough’ On Crime In Chinatown. Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm headlined a fundraiser to bolster the Weed and Seed program. Civil Beat.

City Seeks to Acquire Historic Queen Theater in Kaimuki. A measure at the Honolulu City Council calls for the city to acquire the neglected Queen Theater in Kaimuki by eminent domain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island: The Wrong End of the Real Estate Boom.  Hawaiʻi Island housing inventory is being squeezed up and down the market, and that includes rentals to everyday people. Hawaii Public Radio.

Final Round of Virtual Public Meetings Scheduled for Comments on Transportation Improvement Program. Virtual meetings for the Big Island will take place Thursday, July 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 4. Both meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. Big Island Now.

Planning Commission pushes for Parker School sidewalk. The Leeward Planning Commission wasn’t ready Thursday to give Parker School a pass on a sidewalk it promised in a lawsuit settlement and instead voted 5-0 to defer the issue for a month to give the applicant a chance to pursue a less costly option. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

DOT suggests buying the Road to Hana in order to control overcrowding. As heavy traffic continues to clog the popular Road to Hana on Maui, transportation leaders suggested the state should buy the highway in order to control congestion. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing project gets key permit extension. An hourslong debate with more than 20 testifiers came down to affordable housing benefits versus location flooding risks for a proposed 100-percent workforce development on a roughly 12-acre parcel off Hoonani Street in Kihei. Maui News.

Kula lands meant for housing revert to ag. Lands intended for a Kula housing project that made headlines years ago but never moved forward were reverted to agricultural use on Wednesday, signaling the end of a development that would have generated 70 affordable and 46 market-rate homes. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i moving forward with county TAT discussions. The county administration is pushing forward two bills targeting the visitor industry: one establishing its own transient accommodations tax and another creating a new tax class for vehicle rental operations to be reviewed at first reading next Wednesday, July 21, by the County Council. Garden Island.

Ige ties Hawaii reopening to vaccination rates, extends eviction moratorium; convicted murderer works in Child Welfare Services; new Honolulu radio system shuts out the public, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige

Gov. Ige to further ease COVID-19 restrictions once Hawaii is 60% vaccinated. Gov. David Ige announced today that the state will ease restrictions on social gatherings and restaurants once 60% of Hawaii residents are fully vaccinated, adding to the growing list of incentives for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige extends ban on evictions in Hawaii for 60 days. Isle residents who are past due on rent and mortgages will have another two months before Gov. David Ige plans to lift the state’s ban on evictions in early August. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Convicted murderer’s hiring in Child Welfare Services exposes background check gaps. Advocates for victims of domestic violence are calling for change in the way the state hires people with access to vulnerable victims after a man who was convicted of and served time for murder in another state is now an employee of Hawaii’s Child Welfare Services. Hawaii News Now.

Officials step up efforts to expand COVID-19 vaccine access to underserved communities. The data, released Monday by DOH, showed that respondents least likely to be vaccinated included Native Hawaiians, Filipinos and those living in lower-income households.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island. KHON2.

June 7, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 33 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 18 on O‘ahu (-1 probable); three on Hawai‘i Island; 12 Maui; -1 on Kaua‘i; and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Public access to Honolulu police and fire scanners to end. The public’s long-standing access to routine radio communications by Honolulu police and firefighters is coming to an end as the city nears completion of a $15 million system overhaul that will encrypt the frequencies used by nine city departments, preventing objective monitoring of the transmissions. Star-Advertiser.

New special agent in charge steps into role at FBI’s Honolulu field office. Steven B. Merrill, the new special agent in charge of Honolulu’s FBI field office, said he learned early on in his career the incredible value of working with the community. Hawaii News Now.

Activists Hit New Roadblock In Efforts To Reroute Farrington Highway At Makaha Beach. Efforts by community activists to move Farrington Highway mauka of Makaha Beach park — in accordance with a decades-old plan — have hit a roadblock after an Oahu agency decided to halt a feasibility study and redirect the funding to a traffic study in Ala Moana instead. Civil Beat.

Audit calls for more data on domestic violence. Streamlined data collection on domestic violence cases was the center of a report released Monday by the Honolulu Office of the City Auditor. Star-Advertiser.

An Accountant Is The Latest To Be Charged In The Miske Case. The charges filed last week against Tricia Ann Castro were the first to target a professional accused of aiding the Honolulu business owner in concealing his alleged criminal activities. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's Rental Car Crisis Is Sending More Riders To Biki And TheBus. Honolulu also appears to be part of a nationwide trend in which the appetite for Uber and Lyft rides is growing but not enough drivers are returning to meet that demand. Civil Beat.

Median sales price of Oahu single-family homes close in on $1 million. Previously owned single- family houses on the island sold for $978,000 in May, according to a Honolulu Board of Realtors report released Monday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Oversight Commissioner Concerned With Overcrowding as COVID-19 Cases at Hilo Jail Rise to 154. According to the latest data from the state Department of Public Safety, 137 inmates and 17 staff at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center have tested positive for the coronavirus since the outbreak began on May 24. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Public asked to help prioritize federal transportation spending. The state has organized a survey for people to prioritize which federally funded road projects should be tackled over the next four years as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP. West Hawaii Today.

Paauilo brush fire burns 1,400 acres. The fire, which was reported on Friday, took more than a day to be contained, despite occurring on the typically wet Hamakua Coast. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Public opinion weighed as search for Maui’s next police chief begins. Applications are being accepted for the Valley Isle’s next police chief. Island residents say values of honesty and transparency should be key in the search. Hawaii News Now.

Maui holds only in-person graduation in UH system. Class of 2021 endured full school year under pandemic. Maui News.

Two arrested for violating travel rules. A Massachusetts man was arrested for violating travel quarantine rules when he arrived from Los Angeles on Friday without an approved negative pre-travel COVID-19 test and without approved lodging for the mandatory 10-day quarantine, police said. Police also arrested a Virginia woman on Saturday for violating travel quarantine rules. Maui News.

Kauai

The pa‘u rider lives on; museum exhibit on with COVID-19 protocols. Pa‘u riders have always been integral to regal parades such as the King Kamehameha Day celebration, Aloha Week celebration and more. Garden Island.

Spinner dolphins to get federal protection, international tourism slow to recover, COVID-19 clusters pop up on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Spinner dolphins under pressure of humans PC:NOAA

Will Hawaii’s Spinner Dolphins Finally Get A Rest From The Crowds? NOAA officials said they hope to finally issue a new rule this summer that bars anyone from approaching within 50 yards of the dolphins. Civil Beat.

Here’s Why It’s So Hard To Reshape Hawaii’s Tourism Industry. Policymakers fear jeopardizing the industry’s recovery from the pandemic because Hawaii needs the jobs back. Civil Beat.

International visitor market isn’t expected to fully recover until 2024. Hawaii’s visitor industry has been slowly coming back from pandemic lows. But while domestic visitors to Hawaii rose 32% in March, international visitors to Hawaii fell more than 98%. Star-Advertiser.

Demand for car rentals, services still high. A rental car shortage that drove up prices during spring break has persisted into May and is likely to keep prices high for several more months. Star-Advertiser.

=====

A Cautious Legislature, Locked In The Capitol, Played It Safe. Critics hoped the pandemic would be the catalyst for significant changes to address long-term problems facing Hawaii. But the budget shortfall dominated the 2021 session. Civil Beat.

Governor considers creating Green Jobs Corps to train conservation army. To curb the exodus and "brain drain" across Hawaii, state Rep. Sean Quinlan backed a bill requiring the state to create jobs that are sustainable and pandemic-proof. KITV4.

Under a new plan, landlords could remove tenants if alternative actions do not work out. State lawmakers gave final approval last week to a bill that would allow landlords to gradually pursue evictions against tenants for unpaid rent, but only after Gov. David Ige’s existing eviction moratorium expires and after tenants get an opportunity to have a trained neutral mediator explore possible better alternatives to eviction for landlords and tenants. Star-Advertiser.

Broadband measure awaits Ige’s signature. House Bill 1191, which establishes Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to incentivize the expansion of high-speed internet into rural areas, successfully passed through the Legislature last week. Tribune-Herald.

Measure Criminalizing ‘Coercive Control’ Faces Opposition From Law Enforcement. Hawaii advocates for victims of domestic abuse say the change is important to address the often unseen versions of domestic violence — psychological control that may not leave bruises but still effectively traps people within abusive relationships. Civil Beat.

=====

Hundreds of UH graduate assistants sue Board of Regents, state over the right to unionize. The movement stems from a Hawai'i Labor Relations Board ruling in 1972, deeming graduate assistants private secretaries, not public employees entitled to a union. KITV4.

Fraud at Olelo is a hard lesson for nonprofits. Former Olelo human resources director Hanalei Aipoalani, 42, pleaded guilty to embezzlement in March and will be sentenced in June by a federal court judge. Stacy Higa, CEO of Olelo’s Hawaii island counterpart, Na Leo TV, a former Hawaii County councilman and 2020 mayoral candidate, has been on leave from Na Leo since April 1 to deal with allegations related to his role in the case. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools Is Struggling To Replace An Outgoing Trustee. The process for selecting a replacement for Micah Kane, who serves on the board of one of the wealthiest and most powerful organizations in Hawaii, is raising questions. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers pass bill for schools to disclose COVID-19 cases. One of the bills that passed final reading was SB811, which would require the Hawaii State Department of Education to report COVID-19 cases by school. KHON2.

Special Agents Conduct Quarantine Compliance Checks at 3,200 Hotel Rooms. Since August 2020, Special Agents of the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General’s Investigation Division have conducted quarantine compliance checks to ensure traveler compliance with COVID-19 emergency rules. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Getting the second half of the state’s population to take the vaccine for COVID-19 is the challenge. While Hawaii residents once clamored over who got first dibs for the COVID-19 vaccine, the lines these days are not necessarily as long, and appointments are wide open. Star-Advertiser.

Thirteen people who have returned from a recent youth football tournament on the mainland have tested positive for COVID-19, the state Health Department said. Health Department are urging anyone who played in or attended the Pylon Mecca “7-on-7″ tournament to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

May 2, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 113 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 80 on O‘ahu, 16 on Maui, three on Hawai‘i Island, nine on Kaua‘i, and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium Could Be Demolished In 2022. The Stadium Authority plans to meet May 6 to discuss the financing and siting of the new stadium. Civil Beat.

HPD releases audio of 911 call that led to fatal police shooting of 29-year-old man in Nuuanu. HPD has released the 911 call that prompted officers to respond to a Nuuanu home earlier this month, where they encountered a man they fatally shot. Hawaii News Now.

Facing mounting financial woes, Biki bikeshare program to decommission dozens of stations. Biki is reducing operations as the pandemic has taken a significant financial toll on the bikeshare program — and its future is now in doubt. Bikeshare Hawaii Executive Director Todd Boulanger said that of the roughly 130 stations in service currently, 40 to 50 stations could be decommissioned soon. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

West Hawaii continues to shoulder highest tax burden: Council to consider county budget, tax rates, in coming weeks. Taxpayers in North Kona’s District 8 shoulder more of the property tax burden than County Council Districts 1-6 combined, as West Hawaii’s property values and concomitant taxes continue to grow with the area’s popularity. West Hawaii Today.

Dozens of applications submitted for Maunakea working group. More than 50 candidates have been nominated to fill seven positions on a working group to discuss new management structures for Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

An $83.8 million program could help Hawaii residents who lost homes in 2018 Kilauea eruption. Three years after magma from Kilauea Volcano burst through the ground in Leilani Estates, signaling the start of the historic 2018 eruption, the sights, smells and sounds of the disaster are still vivid to those most impacted by it. Star-Advertiser.

Lower Puna residents are frustrated by the wait for road repairs and boat ramp access. The Pohoiki Boat Ramp is not the only major infrastructure project yet to have materialized as the community tries to dig itself out from the aftermath of an eruption that pushed roughly 1 billion cubic yards of molten rock across the Lower Puna landscape, destroying 716 structures and forcing the evacuation of 3,000 residents. Star-Advertiser.

Van Pernis back before Planning Committee: Committee to revisit Mayor Roth’s ouster request. A kinder, gentler Mark Van Pernis made his appearance at April’s meeting of the Leeward Planning Commission, but he still had plenty of questions for applicants seeking to create or modify their developments. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu gets emotional during final day. After 35 years in the Maui Police Department and six years leading it, Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu got emotional on his last day. Hawaii News Now.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia Sail to Honolua Bay, Maui for 45th Anniversary Event. The Polynesian sailing canoes, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia sailed to Honolua Bay on Maui yesterday, marking the 45th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage to Tahiti. Saturday’s event honored Mau Piailug, the 1976 Crew and Pwo Navigator Kālepa Baybayan. Maui Now.

Kauai

10 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday. All 10 cases are Kaua‘i residents. Six are children and four are adults, and are considered community-acquired. Garden Island.

Kauai health officials identify 2 restaurants and 2 events as sources of COVID-19 clusters. The Health Department said persons infected with COVID-19 attended on April 24 the Ekolu Mea Nui drive-in concert at Vidinha Stadium in Lihue and the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort Brunch Babes show in Kapaa April 17 and 18. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Over 30 evicted from Lucy Wright Park. In March 2020, the county designated five beach parks as Shelter in Place zones for the houseless community. In February of this year, the county announced the disassembly of this program, used by over 200 individuals across the island. Garden Island.

North Shore students have unique commute. A week after the Hanalei landslide occurred, one parent got his boat and transported his son and classmates from Black Pot Beach to the former Princeville Hotel’s beach access, a 10-minute Zodiac boat ride, followed by a van ride courtesy of the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay, to get to school in Kilauea. And he is still doing it. Garden Island.

Big HART contract for former chairwoman Hanabusa, Pearl Harbor sub commander removed from duty after suicides, red light cameras coming to Honolulu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Colleen Hanabusa courtesy photo

Colleen Hanabusa, ex-chairwoman of the rail board, gets $924,000 HART contract. Colleen Hanabusa, a former Hawaii congresswoman and former chairwoman of the board that oversees the city’s troubled rail project, was the only bidder on a contract worth $924,000 with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, which Hanabusa won. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

This Bill Aims To Prevent A Wave Of Evictions But Critics Say It Falls Short. The state eviction moratorium is currently expected to expire June 8 but could be extended through the summer. Civil Beat.

Counties eye hotel room tax hikes as state seeks to divert revenues to general fund. Currently, there is a 10.25% tax on all Hawaii transient accommodations like hotel rooms and vacation homes. House Bill 862 would give all that money to the state rather than the counties. However, to make up for the lost funds, counties would be able to impose their own additional hotel tax of up to 3% — bumping the total hotel room tax to more than 13% per night. Hawaii News Now.

How would President's plan impact education in Hawaii? Right now, about half of Hawaii's four-year-olds go to some kind of preschool. Under President Biden's plan more than 35,000 keiki, age 3 and 4 year old, could head to classrooms for free. So could tens of thousands of college students. KITV4.

Who Should Lead Hawaii Schools? State Lawmakers Have Some Ideas. A bill passed this week would establish new minimum qualifications for the school superintendent, drawing criticism of legislative overreach. Civil Beat.

Legislators approve measure to repeal tobacco prevention and control trust fund. A measure to repeal the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund passed final readings Tuesday in the state House and Senate. Tribune-Herald.

Rep. Lynn DeCoite Announces Intent to Vie for Senate District 7 Vacancy. State Representative Lynn DeCoite today announced her intent to vie for the Senate District 7 seat being vacated by Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. Maui Now. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor submarine commander removed from duty. Capt. Michael Majewski on Tuesday relieved Cmdr. Joseph Lautenslager of his command of the USS Charlotte, which experienced the second armed watch stander suicide recently on a Pearl Harbor submarine in the shipyard. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s first COVID-19 child fatality is wake-up call. Hawaii’s first pediatric COVID-19 death this week was a wake-up call for parents that children are not immune to the disease. Star-Advertiser.

April 28, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 69 Cases (55 O‘ahu, 10 Maui, 1 Hawai‘i Island, 2 Kaua‘i, 1 Out-of-State); 3 Deaths. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu prosecutors will conduct independent investigations of Honolulu Police Department’s fatal shootings. For the first time in more than 30 years, Honolulu prosecutors plan to conduct independent investigations of Honolulu Police Department shootings to determine whether criminal, civil or administrative action is warranted, starting with this month’s fatal shootings of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap and 29-year old Lindani Myeni. Star-Advertiser.

Hearing set for ex-OHA aide accused of wire fraud. A hearing is set Friday for a former Office of Hawaiian Affairs aide accused of wire fraud. Court documents said Harleman used his firm, Precision Accounting Hawaii, to defraud an Oahu landscaping business out more than $415,000. Hawaii News Now.

Under state’s new red light camera program, tickets will follow car owners not drivers. After receiving funding from lawmakers, the state Transportation Department is preparing for the first installation of cameras to catch drivers who run through red lights on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu farmland owners pummel city effort to protect farmland. A flood of complaints has begun to flow from Oahu farmland owners who don’t want their property preserved for agricultural use, possibly in perpetuity. Star-Advertiser.

Proposal seeks new buffer for wind farms, residents. A proposal to create a larger buffer zone between new wind turbine developments and neighboring properties was tabled by the Honolulu Planning Commission Wednesday pending further investigation into the matter. Star-Advertiser.

261 complaints from a single person trigger crackdown on ‘unauthorized trees’. Some Pacific Palisades residents say the city is forcing them to cut down trees on city sidewalks fronting their homes. Hawaii News Now.

State agency looks to juice up affordable-housing fund. Hundreds of people who own affordable high-rise homes in Kakaako could soon have an opportunity to help produce new affordable housing for local residents. Star-Advertiser.

State Inspections Show History Of Neglect At Elderly Care Facility Facing Shutdown. Dignity Senior Living at Oceanside Hawaii appealed the order to close by Friday as residents scramble to find new housing. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Sexual assault on TheBus leaves Oahu teen shaken, father thanks bus driver for stepping in. An Oahu father is praising a city bus driver for stepping up and stopping the sexual assault of his daughter from going any further. KHON2.

Stage set for new Aloha Stadium redevelopment leadership. Hawaii lawmakers have fixed a kink in a state effort to redevelop Aloha Stadium and surrounding land in partnership with the private sector. Star-Advertiser.

City says repairs for Waialua Beach Road bridge are on track to be expedited. As residents and business continue to deal with traffic problems due to Waialua Beach Road bridge’s closure, the city announced that repairs will be expedited. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth says bill that nixes TAT allocations places intolerable strain on isle’s hospitality industry. Mayor Mitch Roth will ask Gov. David Ige to veto a pending bill in the state Legislature that would allow the state’s four counties to levy their own hotel taxes. Tribune-Herald.

Officials conduct sweep at condemned Hilo hotel. Officers from three law enforcement agencies conducted a dawn sweep of all 146 rooms at the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Thursday morning, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Maui

Maui County plans 30% rise in visitor tax if Gov. David Ige signs bill. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said he plans to increase the county’s transient accommodations tax by 30% if Gov. David Ige approves a bill that allows the counties to raise their own TAT. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Testifiers call for more in-depth study on Wailea condo project. Community members are calling for a 57-unit luxury condominium project in Wailea to undergo a longer, more in-depth study, especially with neighboring developments already built or on the horizon. Maui News.

Development Services Administration Moves Kahului Office to Maui County Service Center Location, May 3. The Department of Public Works’ Development Services Administration will move its Kahului office from 86 Kamehameha Avenue to its new location at the Maui County Service Center at 110 Ala`ihi St., Suite 203 on Monday, May 3. Maui Now.

Kauai

County has 7% of CARES Act funds remaining. The county has spent around 93% of its $28.7 million received from the state through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds. Garden Island.

Rent-relief program on the horizon. Starting May 10, residents of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau with a demonstrated reduction in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to apply for the County of Kauai’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program. Garden Island.

Ige approves resort bubbles, Oahu inmate release spurs controversy, 'Temptation Island' filming postponed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Beach fun at Hawaii resort ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Gov. David Ige gives counties right to pursue resort travel bubbles. The concept, which isn’t out of the starting gate yet, would give quarantining visitors from in-state and out-of-state the right to roam at designated areas in participating hotels or resorts. They wouldn’t be allowed off the resorts for the 14 days. If they stray, a geofencing app or device would alert police. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Empowers Counties to Explore Resort Bubbles. Gov. David Ige today signed a 12th supplementary emergency proclamation that empowers the counties to establish resort bubbles as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i Hotel Bubbles: Counties Can Now Enter “Enhanced Movement Quarantine” Agreements with Resorts. The governor’s latest supplementary emergency proclamation, which was signed today, includes a provision that empowers the counties to establish an Enhanced Movement Quarantine or EMQ through agreements with resort or hotel facilities. Maui Now.

Maui And Kauai Move Forward With Plan For Quarantine ‘Resort Bubbles’. Resort bubbles wouldn’t allow visitors to forgo the state’s quarantine order, but would allow them to complete the 14-day period at a resort — rather than stuck in their room. Civil Beat.

Ige, Kawakami, Victorino discuss ‘resort bubble’ concept. The concept of what the state calls “enhanced movement quarantine” or “resort bubble” dominated Thursday’s COVID-19 media conference as Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami and Maui Mayor Mike Victorino joined Gov. David Ige via Zoom. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii counties explore modified traveler quarantine. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday said he has authorized the state’s counties to develop agreements with hotels that would allow travelers from out of state to move around resort properties during their 14-day traveler quarantine. Associated Press.

Maui and Kauai move forward with resort bubble plan. With the reopening of tourism pushed back to October at the earliest, Maui and Kauai counties are moving forward with a plan to welcome tourists by having what’s known as resort bubbles. KHON2.

Kaua‘i considers resort bubble. The County of Kaua‘i is moving forward with the resort-bubble plan, offering a collaboration with hotels, which includes the safety guidance, expectations and overall instructions of a geo-fencing-technology device that sets boundaries for guests confined to the property due to COVID-19 quarantine. Garden Island.

=====

Governor: I’m getting details before applying for additional federal jobless aid. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he wants more clarification before applying for a new federal program that would provide an additional $300 in benefits to the unemployed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Hospitals May Need Federal Help To Handle A Potential Flood Of Patients. With hundreds of new COVID-19 cases confirmed every day, hospitals could run out of staff to care for patients. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Cases At Care Homes Are ‘Worse Than We Imagined’. More than two dozen elderly care facilities in Hawaii have been affected by COVID-19, according to data released earlier this week, prompting calls from kupuna advocates for a more concerted effort to prevent infections at care homes. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige extends COVID-19 emergency period through September. On Thursday Governor David Ige signed a twelfth supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the COVID-19 emergency period through September 30. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige extends the eviction moratorium in COVID-19 fight. Gov. David Ige extended the state’s moratorium on rental evictions and approved other measures Thursday aimed at slowing the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii unemployment rate decreases to 13.1% in July. Hawaii’s unemployment rate fell for the third straight month and dipped to 13.1% in July even as the state grappled with a surge of coronavirus cases that kept the tourism industry in a virtual lockdown. Star-Advertiser.

=====

UH Regents Approve Emergency Action In Response To Pandemic. The resolution gives university administrators broad support as difficult budget cuts loom but no specific reductions were made on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Kishimoto: Reopening of schools to be approved by health, state, county officials. The state Board of Education will have metrics in place next week to determine whether in-person schooling is safe to resume. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers, parents ask Board of Education to extend period of virtual learning. Teachers, parents, and students virtually testified before the Board of Education on Thursday, with many asking that instruction remain virtual for the first semester. Hawaii News Now.

Telework allowed only on a case-by-case basis for Hawaii public school teachers. Hundreds of public school teachers pleaded with the Board of Education on Thursday to let them telework given the surge in COVID-19 cases, saying their contract calls for it in emergencies like this. Star-Advertiser.

New COVID-19 Response Team Will Help Schools Deal With Positive Cases. State education officials have been increasingly criticized for not releasing information when positive cases occur. Civil Beat.

=====

Prison oversight commission upset as COVID-19 cases multiply. Members of the Hawaii Correctional Systems Oversight Commission on Thursday voiced growing frustration at the lack of cooperation — and urgency — from the Department of Public Safety and other state agencies as they try to meet their mandate to help ease overcrowding and the spread of COVID-19 at prisons and jails. Star-Advertiser.

Working long shifts, National Guard members scramble to ramp up contact tracing efforts. Of the approximately 100 new contact tracers now stationed at the Hawaii Convention Center, about a quarter are members of the Hawaii National Guard. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii reports 2 additional COVID-19 fatalities, 236 new cases. Two additional COVID-19 fatalities in Hawaii were reported Thursday, pushing the death toll in the islands from the virus to 45. Nineteen people with COVID-19 have died in Hawaii this month alone. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 20: 236 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Officials recorded the first COVID-19 death of a Lanai resident. Civil Beat.

2 new COVID-19 deaths and 236 new coronavirus cases as Hawaii’s tally climbs to 5,844. Hawaii Department of Health officials reported two new COVID-19 deaths today, bringing the statewide coronavirus-related death toll to 45. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 236 New Cases, 2 Additional Deaths; Ige Extends COVID-19 Emergency Period. Governor David Ige issued his twelfth supplementary emergency proclamation -- extending the emergency period until September 30. This extends the state's requirement for facial coverings in compliance with county rules, the 14-day qurantine for out-of-state travelers and the inter-island travel quarantine, and rental eviction moratorium. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Foreign lobbying scandal entangles well-known political fundraiser in Hawaii. A prominent Hawaii political fundraiser has found herself entangled in a major international scandal involving allegations of illegal lobbying by foreign interests. In a criminal complaint filed this week, 45-year-old Nickie Mali Lum Davis and several mainland political fundraisers are being accused of using their clout to illegally to influence the Trump administration in exchange for $8 million. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Inmates Are Released As COVID-19 Spreads Inside Hawaii’s Largest Jail. A class-action lawsuit is planned in response to this “major catastrophe” as more prisoners arrive at OCCC. Civil Beat.

Police chief, public defender clash as OCCC COVID-19 cluster grows. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard responded at-length to a request to scale back arrests. KITV4.

Honolulu police chief disagrees with request to step back on low-level arrests amid COVID-19 outbreak. There is a difference of opinion on how to deal with COVID-19 at jails and prisons. The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) said non-violent offenders should not be arrested, but the Honolulu police chief said that is not viable. KHON2.

=====

Oceanit’s COVID saliva test gets NIH funding, clinical trials to start at Queen’s Medical Center. Perhaps as early as this weekend, people getting their noses swabbed to test for COVID-19 at Queen’s Medical Center and Island Urgent Care may also be asked to provide a little saliva. Star-Advertiser.

=====

New rules this week to limit the spread of COVID-19 on Oahu by generally restricting gatherings to no more than five people are adding to confusion about how people should behave — especially with the state at condition yellow, meaning minor disruption. Star-Advertiser.

Churches, restaurants work to make sense of Oahu’s new rules on social gatherings.  New restrictions on Oahu social gatherings aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 have also led to confusion about what they actually mean. Hawaii News Now.

Social gatherings at homes prohibited, movie theaters set to reopen. New restrictions aimed at limiting gatherings went into effect on Thursday, Aug. 20 as case numbers remain in the hundreds on Oahu. KHON2.

Changes in mandate for churches on Oahu causes confusion for some. The rules are confusing for some, but the pastor for Inspire Church says his congregation is ahead of the game. KITV4.

=====

The Honolulu Police Department’s COVID-19 violator hotline cooling off. The Honolulu Police Department’s COVID-19 hot­ line was hot when it first opened, but has cooled a bit lately. Star-Advertiser.

Two New Honolulu Police Commissioners Confirmed By City Council. One vacancy remains on the commission charged with providing oversight of the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Oahu restaurants closed by city recount strict, confusing enforcement of emergency liquor order. The enforcement of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 emergency order prohibiting the sale or consumption of alcohol after 10 p.m. on Oahu appears strict, confusing and unfair, according to managers who were recently cited. West Hawaii Today.

Investors balk at fulfilling North Shore farm project. An ambitious farm and value-added food manufacturing venture on Oahu involving Kamehameha Schools has stalled for lack of investment capital. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Lottery set for low-income units of ‘pimple building.' The developer of Queen Emma Apartments plans to begin accepting applications on Monday to enter a lottery for selecting households to occupy 71 units where monthly rent ranges from $661 for studios to $1,701 for two-bedroom units. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu affordable housing project accepting lottery applications on Aug. 24. An affordable housing project in downtown Honolulu is almost finished, and it needs tenants. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim seeks to limit size of social gatherings. A restriction on gathering sizes in both indoor and outdoor settings could resume on the Big Island following Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim’s submission Thursday of an 11th emergency rule to Gov. David Ige for approval. West Hawaii Today.

Gathering Size Restrictions Likely to Return to Big Island. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is asking the governor to approve his Emergency Rule 11 to reduce gathering sizes on the Big Island to 10 people, both indoors and outdoors. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County mayor requests gov. approval to reduce size of gatherings. In a new rule, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is requesting the governor’s approval to reduce the size of gatherings in the county. KHON2.

=====

Maunakea stewardship restructure plan OK’d. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously approved a new internal management structure for governance of lands on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Internal Management Restructuring Approved. The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents have today approved a revised plan to restructure the internal management of UH-managed lands on Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

Regal theaters reopen today. Two Hawaii Island movie theaters reopen today following a lengthy closure prompted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

‘Temptation Island’ filming postponed on Maui. Filming of the third season of USA Network’s “Temptation Island” on Maui has been postponed amid concerns of the coronavirus pandemic as daily counts continue in the triple digits. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Announces Delay of Temptation Island Production Amid Surge in COVID-19 Cases. Mayor Michael Victorino announced that production on the television show Temptation Island has been delayed due to current COVID-19 health and safety concerns in Maui County. Maui Now.

'Temptation Island' production stalled after mounting concerns over steady COVID-19 surge. After growing opposition from many community members on the "Valley Isle"--plans to tape a reality TV show at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort have been postponed. KITV4.

Mayor again warns of county restraints. Hospital COVID-19 cases climb to 45. As Maui hit a single-day record for COVID-19 cases, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino again warned that he will reinstate emergency restrictions if numbers don’t improve — this time by Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Volunteers virtually map out missing communities. On Aug. 19, World Humanitarian Day, the American Red Cross (ARC) kicked off its first Great Hawai‘i Mapathon, an effort of the American Red Cross’ Missing Map project. Garden Island.

Hawaii hospitals near capacity as coronavirus rages, voters get ballots in early, renters fear evictions, counties pursue resort bubbles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hospital scene PC:Javier Matheu on Unsplash

Hawaii’s hospitals could hit capacity in a week, health care leader warns. If the three-digit surge in novel coronavirus cases over the past week continues for the next seven to 10 days, Hawaii’s existing hospital capacity will be at risk of being overwhelmed, as happened in New York, Ray Vara, CEO and president of Hawaii Pacific Health, said Tuesday, when 144 new cases were announced by the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital CEO Warns Hawaii On Track To Exceed Health System Capacity. After a record-breaking 207 new cases of coronavirus logged by the Department of Health on Monday, the head of a local hospital group warns that Hawaii is on track to outstrip its hospital capacity. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized in Hawaii jumped significantly Tuesday to 138. That’s up from 75 over the last week. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said a surge in new COVID-19 cases are starting to fill up hospitals. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Lt. Governor Josh Green says another lockdown is imminent. “We’re within ten days of having to have a shutdown,” the Lieutenant Governor said. KITV4.

Officials warn of dire consequences if state cannot get outbreak under control. Lt. Gov. Josh Green suggested Tuesday that Gov. David Ige is likely to push back the loosening of out-of-state travel restrictions as the state buckles under an ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Illegal eviction threats on rise in Hawaii, groups say. Legal advocates are stepping up efforts against landlords who violate Hawaii’s moratorium on residential renter evictions over unpaid bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Renters being told to pay up or move out during pandemic could get legal aid. Advocacy groups say more landlords are violating the emergency eviction ban that's meant to keep people housed and safe during this public health crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Eviction Moratorium Isn’t Saving These Tenants. Nonprofits say they are being overwhelmed with calls from desperate renters and worry about a public housing rule that mandates social distancing, with the threat of eviction. Civil Beat.

Landlords, tenants clash despite eviction moratorium. A group of tenants’ rights organizations is warning Hawaii landlords they might face legal consequences for attempting to evict tenants during the state of emergency. Tribune-Herald.

Tenant Advocates Raise Concerns Over Violation of Eviction Moratorium. Families statewide continue to be under threat of losing their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic despite the governor’s moratorium on evictions. Big Island Now.

=====

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Hawaii Voters Don’t Like School, Tourism Reopen Plans. Most think travel and other restrictions have worked. Meanwhile, Biden is far more popular than Trump, in part because of their very different views on COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Fundraising On Hold During Pandemic For Gubernatorial Contenders. The leading candidates took in a lot of money last year, but have essentially paused fundraising for the governor’s race, records show. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii Human Services Director Stepping Down. The governor announced that Cathy Betts will lead the Department of Human Services. Civil Beat.

Director delayed exit to help with pandemic, in latest state helm change. The head of one of the state’s largest departments — Human Services — is stepping down, this after both the labor and tax departments recently had turnover at the top. KHON2.

=====

Hawaiian Electric sets goal to expedite fleet vehicle electrification. Hawaiian Electric set an ambitious goal to electrify its fleet of more than 400 passenger vehicles across five islands by 2035. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s military COVID-19 case count still a mystery. Amid worsening COVID-19 and ongoing concerns about social distancing, the state Health Department continues to follow the lead of the Pentagon in not releasing statewide coronavirus statistics for the military. Star-Advertiser.

Stricter rules implemented for Hawaii public housing to prevent spread of COVID-19. It's a response to 20 people at ten of its sites on O'ahu receiving positive test results and a cluster at Kuhio Park Terrace Towers. KITV4.

=====

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 4: 144 New Cases And 1 Death Reported. The death of a Honolulu man brought the state’s coronavirus-related death toll to 27. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 27th coronavirus fatality, another triple-digit jump in COVID-19 infections. Hawaii reported its 27th coronavirus-related fatality on Tuesday as it also grappled with a worsening surge of new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: 1 Death, 144 Cases; State's Shift On Contact Tracing; City Cracks Down On Big Gatherings. The state Department of Health reported Hawaii's 27th death and 144 new COVID-19 cases today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 4th: 144 New Cases, 1 New Death. The State of Hawaiʻi announced another triple digit day of newly reported COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, as well as the 27th death in Hawaiʻi associated with the coronavirus since the pandemic began. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii records 27th coronavirus-related death and another triple-digit increase in cases. The state Department of Health today announced Hawaii’s 27th coronavirus-related death, a Honolulu man between 40 and 59-years-old who had underlying medical conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of more coronavirus restrictions. With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations climbing dramatically, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday warned that he might have to take further action to close down certain activities and businesses to keep the situation from getting worse. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor pleads with Honolulu residents to lower community spread. An eighth Honolulu firefighter tested positive for COVID-19, while Mayor Kirk Caldwell pleaded with Oahu residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines as the number of cases keeps jumping. KHON2.

Honolulu first responders stretched thin due to COVID-19. With questions arising recently about enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions across the City and County of Honolulu, SHOPO and Mayor Kirk Caldwell say that HPD is going to enforce as many of the mandates as possible. KHON2.

=====

Caldwell: Top City Official Who’s Subject Of An FBI Investigation Will Remain On The Job. The mayor said Managing Director Roy Amemiya is needed now more than ever. Civil Beat.

Oahu Voters Have Already Cast More Ballots Than In 2016 Primary. Statewide turnout is ahead of early voting in past years as Hawaii conducts its first all-mail election. Civil Beat.

Oahu voter turnout surpasses 2016 total with 4 days to spare. The number of Oahu voters who have turned in their primary election ballots has exceeded the total number of votes cast in the 2016 primary, according to numbers released by the city Elections Division late Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

What To Do If You Haven’t Received Your Mail-In Ballot Yet. Civil Beat.

=====

Construction Helps Drive the Local Economy in Tourism’s Absence. Projects big and small, public and private, keep construction as the major economic sector with the fewest layoffs. Hawaii Business magazine

Processing of residential building permits on Oahu is expected to be easier under changes that have been put into place by the city Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Vlogger arrested for violating Hawaii's quarantine rule ordered to make social media PSA. As part of Mika Salamanca's deferred guilty plea, the court ordered her to do a public service announcement on her social media accounts that Hawaii officials must approve. KITV4.

Kapi'olani Community College reports a student tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last on campus on July 30th. KITV4.

With teachers back on campus, staff member at Iliahi Elementary tests positive for covid. A confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported in a staff member at Iliahi Elementary School in Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ballots pouring in: Elections Division machines sort, count ballots. Deep in the basement of the county building in Hilo, a mammoth machine whizzes through up to 18,000 ballot envelopes an hour, slices them open, time- and date-stamps them, checks the thickness to ensure they contain ballots, verifies signatures and sorts them by precinct. West Hawaii Today.

Conversations on Geofence, Resort Bubbles Move Forward. Conversations between Hawai‘i County and Big Island resort concerns are moving forward on the concept of a resort bubble that could allow tourists to return safely to the island, but questions around the proposal continue to outnumber answers. Big Island Now.

Honua Ola and Life of the Land square off again. Motions are filed with the Public Utilities Commission on both sides in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s continued legal battle to get the almost-completed 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant in Pepeekeo online. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 case tied to Hilo dialysis center confirmed; Waimea courthouse employee also tests positive. A case of COVID-19 associated with Liberty Dialysis in Hilo was confirmed, although officials on Tuesday would not say whether the case was in a patient or staff member. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Hits Kaʻu Coffee Farmers With No Federal Aid In Sight. Harvest season is just around the corner for Hawaiʻi’s coffee farmers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out much of the market to sell what local coffee growers are producing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Visitor officials looking at ‘resort bubbles’. Industry official says it’s the ‘best Plan B’. The visitor industry on Maui is looking at creating “resort bubbles” or “geo-fencing” with visitor arrivals down 99 percent in June and the Sept. 1 lifting of the quarantine requirement for trans-Pacific travelers looking dimmer as new COVID-19 cases statewide hit triple digits daily. Maui News.

Ten of the 23 shelters at Waiale park are occupied. 64-square-foot units holds 2 beds, power and air conditioning. The units, built in May in the park between Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center and Hale Makana O Waiale apartments, are meant to house individuals, couples or families who were displaced as a result of COVID-19. Maui News.

Federal Agent Honored During Final Sendoff at Kahului Airport. A final sendoff was held at Kahului Airport today for Special Agent John Bost III, who died a week ago today in what officials have deemed an accidental death in the line of duty, while serving at the Kihei Police Station in South Maui. Maui Now.

ATF agent killed in accidental shooting honored with final salute on Maui. Members of Maui’s law enforcement community paused Tuesday to remember Special Agent John Bost III. Hawaii News Now.

Public Invited to Review Maui Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. The public is invited to review and comment on the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s update to the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to address threats such as wildfires, beach erosion and highway rockslides. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua'i County creates Mahalo Green Card Placard program to differentiate between travelers and those subject to quarantine. Mayor Derek Kawakami told KITV4 that it is very difficult to differentiate between interisland travelers and those subject to quarantine. So Kaua'i County created the Mahalo Green Card Placard Program. KITV.

Potential resort bubble idea has governor support. The county is currently forging away on a “Plan B” resort bubble that would confine visitors to a property to quarantine. Garden Island.

How are mail-in ballots counted? Eight volunteers sit about six feet apart at desks with stacks of envelopes in front of them on Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i National Guard troops head home. The evidence of going home was electric in the gathering of Hawai‘i National Guard troops at a nondescript gate at the Lihu‘e Airport, Tuesday morning. Garden Island.