Looser COVID restrictions coming for the holidays, nightclubs sue, alleging anti-LGBTQ+ bias, Kauai begins special election for prosecutor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige

Ige Says He’ll Announce Looser Covid Restrictions Before Thanksgiving. Indoor mask mandates and the Safe Travels program are expected to stay in place. Civil Beat.

As he prepares to ease restrictions, Ige pushes back against efforts to limit his emergency powers. Gov. David Ige says he will be easing restrictions this week with a new emergency proclamation, but is discouraging lawmakers from limiting his emergency powers. The latest pandemic emergency proclamation expires Nov. 30 — 20 months after the governor’s first one. Hawaii News Now.

Ige urges parents to vaccinate keiki. Gov. David Ige said Monday about 14% of children ages 5 to 11 statewide have received at least one shot of vaccine to inoculate them against the novel coronavirus. Tribune-Herald.

Rescued monk seal dies after 5-week battle with parasitic disease spread in cat feces. ‘Kolohe’ the monk seal dies after battle with a parasitic disease. Toxoplasmosis has claimed the life of another treasured Hawaiian monk seal. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite carried by cats that impacts vital organs. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Period poverty in Hawaiʻi: some students use newspapers and plants in place of period products. A new report shows a high level of inequity in access to menstrual products in the state. The Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women and the nonprofit organization Maʻi Movement Hawaiʻi surveyed nearly 400 individuals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 92 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 86,939. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 48 new cases on Oahu, 19 on Maui, 13 on Hawaii Island, and 12 on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Key areas of Hawaii Kai would be drawn out of district under new election maps plan. Controversy over the state’s proposed voter redistricting plan has now moved to Hawaii Kai. Community leaders are upset the area’s only high school and more could be put in another district. Hawaii News Now.

HART Board approves $645M budget for fiscal year 2023. The budget calls for about $645 million in spending, plus a new appropriation request of nearly $1.7 billion for construction of the line through the so-called City Center from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Prosecution Of Police Misconduct Cases Essentially Stopped During The Pandemic. More than 500 complaints were made against HPD employees last year, leading to recommendations for dozens of firings and suspensions. Civil Beat.

Man locked up in Hawaii State Hospital because of mistaken identity files federal lawsuit. A formerly homeless man who ended up in a mental institution for more than two years because of mistaken identity is suing the state and various Honolulu police officers, Hawaii public defenders and doctors. Associated Press. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Club owners allege anti-LGBTQ+ bias. Honolulu LGBTQ nightclub 'Scarlet' files federal discrimination suit against state, county. The owners of a nightclub and a guide to the islands catering to the LGBTQ+ community filed a federal lawsuit alleging anti-gay discrimination by investigators with the Honolulu Liquor Commission and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Regulated Industries Complaints Office. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Odor from Red Hill fuel release sparks 911 calls. The smell of fuel around the neighborhoods of Foster Village and Aliamanu on Saturday night, near the site of a fuel spill from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility, was strong enough that several residents called 911 and multiple units from the Honolulu Fire Department and Federal Fire Department responded. Star-Advertiser.

Fishpond restoration unearths surprising find: A child’s hidden grave from a century ago. The non-profit Hui O Ho’ohonua’s restoration of the fishponds at Honouliuli stream in Ewa Beach recently took an unexpected turn. Hawaii News Now.

Abuse reported years before Isabella Kalua’s death. Honolulu police documented allegations of abuse of Isabella “Ariel” Kalua but took no action when Child Welfare Serv­ices received a report in 2019 that the girl was being beaten and starved by her foster parents — more than two years before she is believed to have died. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Free, Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Now At Waialae Section Of Hāpuna. The first non-chemical sunscreen dispenser in a Hawai‘i State Park was unveiled this week at the Waialae section of Hāpuna State Recreation Area. Big Island Video News.

Renovated, Expanded Na´alehu Public Library Re-Opens to Public. Following a two-year construction project, the library has grown from a 775 square-foot “portable” structure to a 1,676 square-foot library to better meet the needs of the community.  Big Island Now.

Three complete hospice nurse residency. Hawaii Care Choices celebrated a milestone as they graduated three students from the state’s first hospice nurse residency program on Monday morning. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Tax relief is on the way for longtime Maui families struggling with steep hikes in property taxes. The Maui County Council unanimously approved Friday the ʻāina kupuna bill. The measure would amend the county tax code to allow Maui County families who have held onto their land for more than 80 years to dedicate that property as ʻāina kupuna, or ancestral land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui residents getting a say in how the county reforms its police department. As Maui’s troubled police department is getting new leadership, there is also a push for permanent changes. Community members have submitted revisions to the Maui Charter Commission that could end up on next year’s ballot. Hawaii News Now.

Webinar to Address Discontinuation of Immigrant Benefit Assistance. The County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Immigrant Services Division, will host a webinar from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, to address the division’s discontinuation of immigrant benefit services and other services that will continue. Maui Now.

Maui dermatologist pushes back against new proposed sunscreen ban. Maui Dermatologist Dr. George Martin says that the study finding marine harm used too much of the compounds in sunscreen. KHON2.

Youth club seeks to develop permanent space in Paukukalo. Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui’s proposed project open to public comment. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County deploys ballot drop boxes for prosecuting attorney special election. Kauaʻi County started deploying ballot drop boxes Monday for its special primary election to choose the county’s next prosecuting attorney. Justin Kollar stepped down as county prosecutor earlier this year — resulting in a special election to determine his replacement. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Deep Seven” survey captains, scientists meet tonight. The fishers and scientists behind the annual Bottomfish Fishery Independent Survey (BFISH) will hold their second meeting of the autumn tonight, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii loses convention business, man dies in Big Island police shooting, bankruptcies drop, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Convention Center ©2021 All Hawaii News

Conventions pull out of Hawaii due to COVID restrictions. The Hawai‘i Convention Center had been on track to have its best year ever in 2020, and then COVID hit, instantly decimating the market. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Museums Struggle With Low Ticket Sales, Social Distancing Requirements. According to Lisa Solomine, president of the Hawaii Museums Association, the museums doing best right now are those that have concentrated on grants, activated their boards, and mastered technology to facilitate both internal communication and virtual offerings. Hawaii Public Radio.

It’s ‘action!’ for Hawaii’s film industry. While tourism and other sectors in Hawaii are just now beginning to gain momentum, the film industry has been thriving over the last nine months, pouring millions of dollars into the state’s economy and creating thousands of jobs despite the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Monthly Index Tracks Robust Rebound in Sales at Hawai‘i Restaurants. Food Gurus Hawaii Restaurant Index is based on over 125,000 daily transactions at more than 130 restaurant units statewide. Sales in April increased a robust 9% over March, which itself had been stronger than previous months. Hawaii Business magazine.

Lack of workers, influx of tourists to state puts strain on businesses. Hawaii’s high unemployment rate may have left it unprepared for the coming flood of tourists as the pandemic lessens, tourism industry representatives said Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii doctor shortage worsens during pandemic. The medical school and other groups are now scrambling to bring more recruits to the islands. KITV4.

Job search requirement starts for PUA claimants. Self-employed and independent contractors will now need to prove they’re searching for work in order to collect unemployment. The state is now requiring Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claimants to show they are making at least three job contacts every week. KHON2.

Hawaii bankruptcies maintain downward trend. Statewide bankruptcies fell for the fourth time in five months and sank to the lowest total for any May in 15 years thanks to an improving economy that saw more people return to work. Star-Advertiser.

‘Perfect storm’ that led to extreme shortage of rental cars in Hawaii shows no signs of clearing. A jumble of interrelated issues has hobbled the rental car industry from rebounding in Hawaii and other large leisure travel destinations, and there appears to be no meaningful recovery on the horizon. Star-Advertiser.

Why The Pandemic Made It Harder To Protect Birds From Hawaii’s Feral Cats. Pauses in cat sterilization efforts during the pandemic haven’t seemed to significantly affect populations, but it will be a while before the full impacts of 2020 are clear. Civil Beat.

Hawaii residents disappointed over decision to drop KIKU-TV’s popular Japanese and Filipino shows. Hawaii residents felt sad and disappointed when KIKU’s parent company, RNN Media Group, headquartered in New York, made the decision to replace its Japanese and Filipino shows with ShopHQ beginning June 28. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Health Research seeks participants for gestational diabetes study. The Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Health Research is recruiting participants for a new study to improve screening for gestational diabetes through a better understanding of blood glucose levels throughout pregnancy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 36 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 37,011. Sunday's new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 16 new cases on Oahu, 12 on Maui, two on Hawaii Island and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

June 12, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 104 Cases (102 Confirmed, 2 Probable). The confirmed cases included: 46 on Hawai‘i Island; 33 on O‘ahu; 15 on Maui (+3 probable); one on Kaua‘i; and seven in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Oahu Moves To Tier 4, Allowing Larger Gatherings Indoors And Outside. Honolulu will stop all pandemic restrictions when the vaccination rate hits 70%, the city said. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Investigation Into Keith Kaneshiro Picks Up As Pandemic Winds Down. Donors to the former elected Honolulu prosecutor have come under increased scrutiny as the U.S. Justice Department tries to build its case. Civil Beat.

Blangiardi Nominates Ann Botticelli To Honolulu Police Commission. The mayor tapped a well-known former journalist and corporate communications professional. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

A Surprise Revelation In The Miske Case: A Plot To Kill A Union Official. A co-defendant described a new twist in the prosecution of the Honolulu businessman — an alleged murder attempt on a local union leader. Civil Beat.

Search is on for landlords to house homeless on Oahu. Millions of dollars’ worth of new housing vouchers are becoming available on Oahu just as a statewide ban on COVID-19- related evictions is scheduled to end in August, leading to fears that a new generation of families is about to become homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Residents say ‘improvements’ made to a Diamond Head road are hazardous. Changes made to a heavily used road in the Diamond Head area are upsetting drivers and residents — many say the improvements are actually hazards. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island police: Man fatally shot after firing on responding officers. The incident happened about 7 p.m., after police responded to a home following reports of a domestic abuse case. Hawaii County police said the man was fatally shot after firing on officers. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Building code revisions ahead: County Council to take up last 2 pieces of construction requirements. After a year’s delay and consultation with contractors, business groups and members of the architectural, engineering and real estate sectors, the county administration has proposed adoption of two chapters of the code with county-specific amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution would ask county to conform to Basel Convention regarding waste. The Hawaii County Council will discuss how to better handle the county’s plastic waste, although it is unclear what effect it can actually have. Tribune-Herald.

Construction on Kipuka Keaau Community Center pushed back. The Lili‘uokalani Trust was issued county permits to construct the Kipuka Keaau Community Center — a facility in Keaau for Hawaiian children and families to participate in after-school programs — in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui draws 8 film and TV productions worth $40M amid COVID-19 pandemic. Maui County during the pandemic was the stage for eight film and TV productions, which brought millions in revenue and created hundreds of jobs, and the local industry is showing no sign of slowing any time soon, officials said this week. Maui News.

East Maui feels the pressure as tourism returns. Hana Highway clogged, spots like Twin Falls are overwhelmed. Local residents and businesses are seeking help with crowd and traffic control in East Maui as tourism ramps back up again after more than a year of quiet beaches and light traffic on Hana Highway amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui News. KHON2.

Maui Police Department looking for new chief after Chief Tivoli S. Faaumu steps down. Police departments in Hawaii and throughout the country are at the center of a community reckoning on the future of policing, the use of force and the transparency of law enforcement agencies funded by the tax-paying public. Star-Advertiser.

Cockfighting Investigation on Moloka‘i Nets Two Arrests. Maui police say an investigation into an illegal cockfighting operation on Molokaʻi last month netted two arrests. Maui Now.

Kauai

Residents protest glamping idea at public meeting. Thursday, developer investment firm Starwood Capital Group, the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association and East West Partners hosted a two-hour meeting to discuss updates to the proposed project and answer resident questions on the 50 luxury glamping tents, arrival pavilion, cafe and fitness-center expansion. Garden Island.

Wailua Golf Course named one of nation’s best municipal layouts. The county Wailua Golf Course ranked No. 26 in Golf magazine’s list of 30 best municipal courses in America, announced last week. 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.

Vacation rental cap looms, climate change bills die, Kouchi recovering from surgery, Ige to decide midwife license bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii vacation rental

Honolulu Council considers caps on vacation rentals, fines of up to $50,000 for rule breakers. Proposals before the City Council this week are aimed at drastically reducing the number of vacation rentals on Oahu -- and put in place big fines for lawbreakers. Hawaii News Now.

The Council will decide on measures to rein in short-term lodging. The latest version of Honolulu City Council Bill 89 (2018) — which is up for a final vote Wednesday — would allow homeowners who live in part of the home they're renting and have homeowners exemption to apply for one of an estimated 1,715 new vacation rental permits. Star-Advertiser.

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Dozens Of Climate Change Bills Went Down The Political Drain This Session. There was a lot of talk about the need to address sea level rise and other problems but virtually no action in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Sharks removed from marine protection bill. Hawaii’s shark population will be left to fend for itself, at least for another year, after legislation meant to protect the fish was altered at the 11th hour. West Hawaii Today.

New Act Establishes Licensure Of Midwives. Regulation of midwifery was repealed in 1998 when nurse-midwives were put under the purview of nursing board. Civil Beat.

Kouchi recovering after surgery. Senate President Ron Kouchi is recovering after successful rotator cuff surgery on Oahu Monday. Garden Island.

A new magistrate judge will start Wednesday at the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Wes Reber Porter replaces Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi, who retired at the end of March, the district court said in a news release Monday. Civil Beat.

Queen’s chooses longtime health care executive to replace Art Ushijima as CEO.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Federal prosecutors detail case against Kealohas.  former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and her retired Honolulu police chief husband, Louis Kealoha and three former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit are scheduled to stand trial this month on charges that they staged the theft of the Kealohas’ mailbox, framed Katherine Kealoha’s uncle for it and lied about it to investigators. Jury selection starts Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Halawa Correctional Facility employee found dead in bathroom. An employee found dead today in a Halawa prison bathroom was the cook supervisor at the staff dining hall at the Halawa Medium Security Facility, the Department of Public Safety said. Star-Advertiser.

Employee Death at Halawa Correctional Facility. An employee at the Halawa Correctional Facility was found unresponsive in a staff bathroom at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2019, state officials confirmed. Maui Now.

To shore up finances, Wahiawa General will stop doing surgeries.  A Central Oahu medical facility that has been struggling financially for years is now cutting back on services. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools confirms case of mumps at Kapalama campus. Kamehameha Schools administrators sent home a letter to families Monday informing them of a case of mumps at the Kapalama campus. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha sends letter to parents after mumps case. The Kamehameha Schools sent letters to parents alerting them of a mumps case at the Kapalama campus. KHON2.

Utility work to close Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail May 9th through May 24th. Hawaiian Electric crews will close the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail above Wai'alae Iki while they install steel poles to support high-voltage lines feeding Windward and East Oahu. KITV.

Oahu home sales snap negative streak. Oahu home prices didn’t budge much in April, but the same wasn’t true for sale volume, which surged for single-family homes and plummeted for condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Volcanoes Park Seeing Visitors Return But Popularity Poses Issues. With the eruption now over, visitors have been returning in droves again. Officials see this as an opportunity to plan for better management of the park for the future.  Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature provides funds for improvements, new academic program, other needs at UH-Hilo. Among funding appropriated for the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the Legislature provided funds for a new academic program set to launch in the fall, athletics, custodial and maintenance positions, and other campus improvements. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands officials were put on the spot last week during a senate committee hearing concerning a contract to remove cattle from Humuula lands. Senator Kai Kahele told Hawaiian Home Lands administrators that "we're gonna have major problems" if the Humuula cattle removal contract goes to an off-island vendor. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii's Big Island sees home sales rise in April. There were 209 single-family homes sold last month, a 5.03 percent increase from 199 sold in April 2018. The median price of those homes was $355,000, a decrease of 8.69 percent from $388,800. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Complaint says stream water being wasted. Groups allege firms failing to maintain their infrastructure at Honokohau Stream. During a time when water rights issues are boiling over throughout the state, two groups representing West Maui taro farmers, environmentalists and families filed a complaint last week reporting that three companies are wasting water from Honokohau Stream. Maui News.

Hana Pasture Gets Grant for Conservation Protection. A coastal pasture in Hana, Maui is among a list of locations set to benefit from grant funding from the State Legacy Land Conservation Program.  The area includes 27 acres from Mokae to Makaalae in East Maui. Maui Now.

Lanai’s only small boat harbor could be privatized, worrying fishermen and boaters. Many fishermen and boaters on Lanai are angry after learning lawmakers recently passed a bill that calls for the privatization of the island’s only small boat harbor. House Bill 1032 is now awaiting Governor David Ige’s signature. Hawaii News Now.

TSA X-ray unit at airport repaired. A security checkpoint with a broken X-ray unit that slowed travelers Friday at Kahului Airport was repaired by midday Saturday, the Transportation Security Administration said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kekaha fish kill. State officials are saying an algae bloom killed hundreds of fish in a drainage canal between Waimea and Kekaha during the first week of May. Garden Island.

Tracking The Feral Cats That Kill Kauai’s Endangered Seabirds. Researchers are using satellite collars and other new tools to improve efforts to identify, isolate and dispose of the cats that pose the biggest risk. Civil Beat.

Kauai single-family home sales rise in April as condo sales stay flat. There were 57 single-family homes sold in April, a 42.5 percent increase from the 40 homes sold during the same month in 2018. The median price of those homes was $630,000, which was 0.79 percent less than the median price a year ago, which was $635,000. Pacific Business News.

Lanai

Lanai’s only small boat harbor could be privatized, worrying fishermen and boaters. Many fishermen and boaters on Lanai are angry after learning lawmakers recently passed a bill that calls for the privatization of the island’s only small boat harbor. House Bill 1032 is now awaiting Governor David Ige’s signature. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court overturns public records exemption, feral cat feeding at harbors banned, Honolulu rail meets federal deadline, Maui Styrofoam ban to begin, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Feral cat feeding in Hawaii ©2018 All Hawaii News

 Gov. David Ige has approved new rules for the state’s small boat harbors that prohibit camping and the feeding of feral cats at the harbors. Star-Advertiser.

The backlog of repair and maintenance projects at Hawaii’s public schools is an estimated $868 million, roughly three times worse than what legislators were told in January. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time since statehood in 1959, Hawaii’s population declined for two consecutive years with fewer births, more deaths and a greater number of residents moving to the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation for a reciprocal partial exemption of driver’s license exam requirements. Star-Advertiser.

Former President Barack Obama back in Hawaii. When Barack Obama was President of the United States, it was an annual tradition to spend the holidays in Hawaii. It looks like that tradition is continuing. KHON2.

Oahu

Hawaii Supreme Court Overturns 30 Years Of Government Secrecy. The ruling says that the city of Honolulu — as well as many other government agencies — have withheld public records for decades using an excuse that doesn’t exist in state law. Civil Beat.

In win for transparency, state Supreme Court overturns restrictions on public records. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige is pushing forward on plans to relocate Oahu’s overcrowded jail in Kalihi to Halawa Valley, inserting $5 million into his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 for studying financing options for the facility, which is estimated to cost about $525 million. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Meets Federal Demands On Rail Project. City and rail officials satisfied federal requirements that they spend $44 million in local funds on the project, pursue a public-private partnership and update their financial recovery plan. Civil Beat.

The Federal Transit Administration said all requirements have been met in order for it to proceed with a review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s revised recovery plan on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

Partners In Care — the group organizing January’s six-day census of Oahu’s homeless — needs hygiene products and volunteers in every community. Star-Advertiser.

Christmas Eve homeless sweep upsets civil liberties groups. The city gears up for a Christmas Eve homeless sweep in Waikiki. Before dawn, crews will enforce the Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance and the Stored Property Ordinance, and civil liberties groups are upset at the timing. KITV.

Coast Guard welcomes Cutter Kimball, the first of its kind to call Hawaii home. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii historian is looking to preserve an old Quonset hut on Oahu that was possibly part of a segregated encampment for black laborers and enlisted men during World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Aulani lauded for embracing Native Hawaiian language. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The Big Squeeze: an analysis of tax and fee increases island residents are expected to pay. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze, Part 1: Five county taxes and fees are increasing. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze: Part 2, the state. West Hawaii Today.

The Big Squeeze: Part 3, utilities. West Hawaii Today.

Lava rock could lay foundation for basalt industry. The Big Island produced a lot of new lava rock this year, and some of it could be the raw material for a new local industry, according to a report commissioned by a state agency. Star-Advertiser.

The bikeshare program in Kailua Village is doubling from three to six bike stations, thanks to action Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Plate lunches soon will need a new plate. New law bans foam takeout containers starting Dec. 31. Maui News.

Old post office for bus hub land exchange is approved. Final council meeting of term: Lease pact involves old Wailuku Post Office. Maui News.

Officer Involved Shooting in Wailuku Under Investigation. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee has selected three candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 23, all of them incumbents: Calvin Murashige, Jan TenBruggencate and Peter Yukimura. Garden Island.

Kauai forestry experts have been operating at elevated levels on Kauai since a more virulent form of rapid ohia death was found on the island for the first time last week. Star-Advertiser.

Active Kilauea volcano puts on a show, state and local lawmakers react to ongoing lava crisis; Mayor Kim hospitalized with 6th heart attack; feral cat feces killing monk seals; Kauai group fights RIMPAC, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More Kilauea volcano fissures become active. Star-Advertiser.

While fissure 8 continues to steadily produce lava from Kilauea volcano, three other fissures are displaying weak signs of activity. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists monitoring renewed fissure activity. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say while the continually fountaining vent known as Fissure 8 continues to be very active with channelized flow entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay, lava is now oozing from three other fissures that are being monitored and described as “weakly active.” Star-Advertiser.

Scientists answered questions about the ongoing slumping at the summit of Kilauea volcano, as well as the size of the growing lava delta at Kapoho, during a media conference call Monday. Big Island Video News.

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Legislature keeps grip on Judiciary’s purse strings. Funding rejections have fueled speculation that legislators are still smarting over court decisions that some believe have undermined the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches of government. Star-Advertiser.

State speeds up hiring process for much-needed social worker positions in new pilot program. The state's Child Welfare Services branch has struggled to fill 46 vacant spots. KHON2.

Ad Watch: Ige And Hanabusa On What Makes Them Different. The incumbent Hawaii governor boasts of delivering on a promise to put AC in classrooms, while the challenger touts her leadership chops. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announced that he has signed a second supplementary proclamation for Kauai County and the City and County of Honolulu, which suffered heavy losses and damage during severe rain and flooding in April. Big Island Now.

HCF awards $1.5 million to career program. The Hawaii Community Foundation’s Career Connected Learning grants aim to prepare Hawaii’s students for the workforce of the future. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom has informed its shareholders that the company’s $650 million sale to Cincinnati Bell could be completed as early as Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Military eyes sites on Oahu for high-powered radar to defend against missile threats. Hawaii News Now.

The city’s first homeless “navigation center” has taken in 616 people from the streets in three years of operation on Sand Island, and the state Board of Land and Natural Resources has extended a sweetheart lease of $1 a year for another four years, Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Is Honolulu Hale Making City Staffers Sick? City Council Chairman Ernie Martin thinks so — and wants to relocate the legislative branch out of the 90-year-old building. Civil Beat.

Greater protections, more funding sought for Honouliuli Internment Camp site. A bill before Congress would designate Honouliuli Internment Camp on Oahu a national historic site, giving it greater protections — and funding. Hawaii News Now.

UH-West Oahu students unearth history at Honouliuli. Star-Advertiser.

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A disease spread by cat feces killed three female Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu in May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Monk seal monitors are keeping a sharp eye on The Garden Island’s Hawaiian monk seal population after scientists confirmed toxoplasmosis as the cause of death for three Oahu seals in early May. Garden Island.

State officials are now blaming toxoplasmosis, a parasite carried in cat feces, for the deaths of three critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Three Hawaiian monk seals found dead on Oahu last month were caused by a disease called toxoplasmosis. It's a disease that's spread through cat feces. KHON2.

State doesn't follow through on threats to impound Lanikai boats. The owners of boats and canoes stored on Lanikai Beach got a temporary reprieve Monday. Hawaii News Now.

The Daniel K Inouye International Airport now has free and unlimited wifi, among a host of other digital upgrades, transportation officials announced on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack Saturday, his second since April. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim was resting and recuperating in the hospital today, following another heart attack over the weekend. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County Council members plan to take up a resolution today urging the state Legislature to convene a special session to address the impacts of the ongoing lava flow in Lower Puna where hundreds of homes, businesses and farms have been destroyed and about 2,000 people have been forced to evacuate. Star-Advertiser.

After hearing pleas from short-term vacation rental operators in Puna and elsewhere asking the county put a vacation rental bill aside until Puna and the county recover from its ongoing lava emergency, the County Council Planning Committee postponed action Monday until July 10. West Hawaii Today.

How And Where Should We Rebuild After Kilauea Eruption? Hawaii Public Radio.

Now that Kilauea Volcano has destroyed hundreds of homes in Puna, some are asking how people were able to purchase and insure homes in such a known high-risk area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Thousands of displaced residents are assessing their next steps as lava is steadily pumping from four fissures in lower Puna where destructive flows have destroyed hundreds of homes. Hawaii News Now.

County Council set to take final vote on tax increase today. West Hawaii Today.

For National Guard, lava disaster presents real-world mission. Star-Advertiser.

Since it opened four days ago, hundreds of lava evacuees have turned to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for help. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island farmers brave lava, toxic fumes to harvest crops. Big Island farmers lucky enough to still have viable crops are braving hazardous conditions to harvest what they can. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A bill aimed at more enforcement of bed-and-breakfast operations got some of its teeth removed Friday when Maui County Council members amended it to give operators a 30-day grace period to renew their county permits. Maui News.

Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) Maui will host an Affordable Housing Mayoral Forum on June 28, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Isle Fellowship Church located at 1033 Waiale Road in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Three new physicians are joining Kaiser Permanente on Maui. Maui News.

Maui College Aims for 100% Solar Power. The first container-load of solar panels are set to arrive at the Maui College campus in Kahului later this summer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

The world’s largest international maritime exercise is coming back to Hawaii next week, with 26 countries set to participate in the 2018 Rim of the Pacific Exercise. Those who oppose the exercise are gathering to form another iteration of the Oceans4Peace coalition, which works to educate the public on RIMPAC impacts they find concerning. Garden Island.

Why The Beef Industry Is Rapidly Expanding On The Garden Island. The Hawaii market develops a taste for meat born, raised and slaughtered in the islands, and these ranchers are happy to serve it up. Civil Beat.

Hanalei Colony Resort officials announced on Monday that it plans on remaining closed until further notice as Kauai residents continue recovering from historic floods. Hawaii News Now.

Hirono says cancer battle won't keep her from Senate duties, state ballot order set, Souki apologizes for sexual harassment, gut-and-replace proliferates in Legislature, thieving employees sink Molokai credit union, Maui police chief gets high marks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hirono announces re-election bid, courtesy photo

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono says her ongoing cancer treatment has not affected her Congressional duties, and that she’s running for re-election to continue fighting for Hawaii’s families and kupuna. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hirono Fired Up To Take On Cancer And Trump In Campaign. As her re-election bid begins, the Hawaii senator says immunotherapy will not prevent her “from doing my job” and speaking out against the president. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono officially launched her re-election campaign on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) made it official on Wednesday morning, with her husband and supporters at her side, she filed the paperwork for re-election. KITV.

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Luck puts Constitution Party at top of Hawaii's primary election ballot. On Wednesday, the state Elections Office held a random drawing (think plucking names from a lauhala basket) to decide the order of political preferences on the ballot. Hawaii News Now.

Former House Speaker Joe Souki has paid a fine and submitted a letter apologizing for his behavior after several women including former state Director of Human Services Rachael Wong accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. Star-Advertiser.

Full text of Souki's short apology letter to the speaker can be found here.

What’s Up With All The Gut-And-Replace Trickery At The Legislature This Year? More and more dramatic last-minute changes in bills are being made with a minimum of public notice this legislative session. Civil Beat.

The governor is set to sign a bill legalizing medical aid in dying. Not everyone is happy about it. Over 18,000 people signed a petition to try to deter him from signing the bill, which he said he would do Thursday. KHON2.

A group of church and community leaders hand delivered a petition opposing physician-assisted suicide to Governor David Ige on Wednesday. More than 18,000 people across Hawaii signed the petition. KITV.

Ige bypasses lawmakers to pay for HI-EMA plans. More than a month after Gov. David Ige announced he would ask lawmakers for millions of dollars to upgrade the state’s emergency preparedness systems in the wake of the statewide false missile alert, the administration has decided it does not need that extra money after all. Star-Advertiser.

New chorus of voices questions plan to block sale of some sunscreens. A bill that would ban the sale — but not the use — of sunscreen with chemicals believed to kill coral reefs is advancing at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Feral Cat-Friendly Measure Dies In The Senate. The Humane Society supported the bill to maintain cat colonies, but opponents pointed to the damage they do to other species. Civil Beat.

Bill Calls For Hawaii To Protect Students Who Allege Harassment. The measure would establish a state corollary to the federal Title IX law prohibiting gender discrimination. Civil Beat.

Ige appoints three members to Hawaii State Board of Education. Pacific Business News.

Solar permits up on Big Isle, down in Maui County. The number of solar permits issued in Hawaii and Maui counties moved in opposite directions during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Critics warn plan to turn over Kakaako parks to city opens door to commercialization. A state plan to transfer Kakaako’s parks to the city ran into resistance at a Hawaii Community Development Authority board meeting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbors concerned by development carving into Waialae Iki hillside. At the base of Waialae Iki in East Honolulu, a hillside has been undergoing a dramatic re-contouring with excavators cutting deep benches and leaving scarred rock faces visible from Kalanianaole Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Calls for Legalization and Regulation of Transient Accommodations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mixed reactions Wednesday after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed a plan that could turn virtually any home on Oahu into a bed and breakfast. KITV.

Owner of alleged 'monster house' in Manoa fires back at neighbors. Tensions have been escalating over the home built in 1919 for the founder of Straub Clinic since Grant Shen purchased it in 2016. Neighbors say he has illegally converted the single-family residence into an apartment building with as many as 15 to 20 people living there. Hawaii News Now.

A Kailua home is turning a lot of heads lately. A shipping container has been installed above it. KHON2.

Workers at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Hotel cast their votes Tuesday to make the property the first Hawaii hotel to join the Unite Here Local 5 union through a National Labor Relations Board election in two decades. Star-Advertiser.

HTA balks at UFC’s $6M price for isle title card. The Ultimate Fighting Championship made the Hawaii Tourism Authority an offer it could refuse, leading to the collapse of talks that had been aimed at bringing a UFC card starring Max Holloway to Aloha Stadium this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism officials in Hawaii say that the UFC demanded a $6 million sponsorship fee in order to host a pay-per-view fight card at Aloha Stadium this summer – an amount even higher than what the agency once paid the NFL in order to host the Pro Bowl. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu tops the nation for solar capacity per capita. The new report released by Environment America found Honolulu also ranks third in the nation for total solar installed in a city. KITV.

No other city in the United States has more installed solar photovoltaic capacity per capita than Honolulu, according to a new report from Environment America. Pacific Business News.

Oahu condo prices jump 10% in March to new record. The median price of a condominium on Oahu rose 10 percent in March, compared to last year, to reach a record $440,000, while the median price of a single-family home nudged up by 1 percent. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Lance Niimi, executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaii County’s homeless coordinator, has resigned his post. West Hawaii Today.

Homeless housing fast tracked. Roy Takemoto, executive assistant to Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, was in Honolulu Wednesday meeting with Ford Fuchigami, Ige’s administrative director, and others to discuss an emergency proclamation Kim requested from the governor in March. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s beleaguered bus system is getting a little boost from the federal government, thanks to a $576,000 grant announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala Hospital will receive much-needed renovations following the release of capital improvement project funds that were recently released by Gov. David Ige, an April 4, 2018, press release announced. Big Island Now.

Hilo mural with armed hula dancer painted over amid complaints. Hawaii News Now.

Dispute leaves DirecTV customers without hula coverage. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief receives high marks in annual evaluation. KHON2.

Kaiser expands footprint on Maui. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has acquired 6.2 acres under its Wailuku Medical Office for $22 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii paid $22 million to buy the 6.2 acres of land beneath its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui from Alexander & Baldwin. Pacific Business News.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has purchased 6.2 acres of land under its Wailuku Medical Office on Maui. Maui Now.

Two “Meet and Greet” events will be held to discuss the Waiehu Clubhouse Master Plan & Feasibility Study. Maui Now.

It’s the end of the road for Maui Downhill. Pioneer of mountain downhill bike tours calls it quits. Maui News.


Kauai

The state’s spotlight has swung toward Hanalei because of recent landslides, but locals say it’s the streets, not the slopes, with the major problem. Garden Island.

The question of what makes a community was the center of a heated discussion about the West Kauai Community Plan during the County Council’s Planning Committee meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Dogs have joined the fight against invasive rats on Lehua Island. The Department of Land and Natural resources started a project in 2017 to get rid of the rats by dropping rat poison in phases. KHON2.

Monitoring teams are observing more albatross on Lehua Island than they have in a long time, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

Workers’ thefts sank Molokai credit union. The government says over at least nine years, two employees stole more than $1 million from the credit union, leading to First Hawaiian Homes Credit Union’s insolvency, closing and liquidation. Star-Advertiser.

Tax hikes for schools, audit sought in $60M state contract failure, Caldwell's State of the City address, Pohakuloa Training Area under fire for pollution, former Kauai mayor running again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Public school, courtesy Hawaii Department of Education

Constitutional amendment seeks increased taxes for public schools. A plan to ask voters whether the state should create a dedicated funding stream for public schools by taxing investment homes and visitor accommodations is back in play after nearly a month of inaction in the House. Star-Advertiser.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee advanced a measure Tuesday to dramatically cut funding to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for marketing Hawaii to the world. Star-Advertiser.

State senators are demanding an audit of the state Tax Department's $60 million computer modernization project. Hawaii News Now.

A project manager who oversaw the $60 million Tax System Modernization project for the state was identified Tuesday as the person who coached an outside consultant on what issues to address and what to say in public reports on the progress of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory or unconstitutional?: House debates bill that would tax online sales. The House amended a bill Tuesday whose topic of taxing online sales continues to be a big issue at the Capitol — and may even lead to lawsuits from internet companies. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Waters Down Bill To Set Minimum Police Officer Standards. Every state except Hawaii already does so, but a measure that passed the House has been gutted in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Panel supports bill to help Hawaiians keep ancestral land. The bill was introduced after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in late 2016 filed lawsuits to identify owners of 14 parcels interspersed within a 700-acre oceanfront estate he owns on Kauai Island. Associated Press.

New push underway to test all students for mental health disorders. Mental health advocates are pushing schools to screen every student for mental health issues. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would prohibit certain types of restraints and tethers used on animals is moving forward. HB2072 HD2 SD1 just passed the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and will now head to conference committee. KHON2.

Schatz For President In 2020? Don’t Count On It, He Says. Told his name is being “bandied about” as a possible candidate, the Hawaii senator dismissed any notion that he might run. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen civil defense preparedness in Hawaii and across the country. Garden Island.

Little Agreement Over Toxoplasmosis Solution. The debate largely boils down to one question: should feral cats be eradicated? Hawaii Public Radio.

A $15 Billion Price Tag To Protect Hawaii Highways from Climate Change. As the state braces for sea level rise, vulnerable roads could be moved inland — and tunneled through mountains. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is sponsoring a peace rally today on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Star-Advertiser.

Home prices in Hawaii rose by a smaller percentage than the national average over the past year and Oahu and Maui are among the markets that are considered overvalued, according to the monthly CoreLogic Home Price Index for February. Pacific Business News.

Are there downsides to a low unemployment rate? In Hawaii, which has the United States' lowest jobless rate at a minuscule 2.1 percent, the answer is yes. Associated Press.

Hawaii bankruptcies up 10.5 percent in March. Statewide bankruptcies rose for the second time in three months in March despite continuing signs that the economy remains on strong footing. Star-Advertiser.

A&B finishes mainland real estate sell-off. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced Tuesday that it sold its last commercial property on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to legalize more vacation rentals but under stricter regulations got mostly lukewarm feedback from a housing advocate and key City Council member, as well as both a supporter and opponent of short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor discusses affordable housing, rail budget in sixth State of the City address. Hawaii News Now.

State of the City: Mayor talks affordable housing, rail funding and short-term vacation rentals. KITV.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell gave his State of the City address on Tuesday night on the grounds of the Neal Blaisdell Center. KHON2.

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Settlement reached after city worker is accused of misusing resources. According to the city's Ethics Commission, the employee did not take appropriate vacation leave when working at a non-city job. KHON2.

Rents in Honolulu steady, or down, two reports say. Renters are paying the same or less for one- and two-bedroom apartments in Honolulu, compared to a year ago, according to reports from Apartment List and Zumper that agree on one thing — rents are not rising in Hawaii’s largest city. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu is looking for a better way to deal with feral chickens after its first attempt at getting a handle on the birds resulted in a cost of $108 per chicken caught and killed. Associated Press.

Iconic Magnum PI house to be demolished. The owner of the 8,900 square-foot Waimanalo mansion, Marty Nesbitt, was purchased for $8.7 million in 2015, but is said to be in disrepair. Hawaii News Now.

Demolition begins for Magnum P.I. home in Waimanalo. KITV.

Hawaii Island

A Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources failed to “malama aina,” or care for the land, under a lease it has with the U.S. Army at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii judge ruled Tuesday that the state has failed to enforce a lease requiring the U.S. military to clean up debris on the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu Circuit Court judge has ruled the state breached its duties to “malama aina” with respect to lands it is leasing to the U.S. Army as part of the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Four years after two Hawaiians filed suit against the state for its alleged breach of trust regarding its lease of Pohakuloa lands to the U.S. Army, a circuit court judge has ruled in their favor. Big Island Video News.

Judge orders more oversight at Pohakuloa Training Area. KHON2.

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EnVision Maunakea, a community-based initiative designed to gather a wide range of Hawaii Island perspectives about Maunakea’s future, has released its long-awaited report. Big Island Now.

Senate bill calling for new Mauna Kea management stalls in the House. KITV.

County watching Maui wastewater discharge case. The Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission last week resolved that the county should exceed goals and policies of the federal Clean Water Act regarding wastewater discharge rather than merely comply with the letter of the law. West Hawaii Today.

Kim names Simeon DPW director. Mayor Harry Kim has completed his Cabinet rebuild, following a spate of resignations last fall. West Hawaii Today.

A measure to fund full-time lifeguards at Kua Bay needs to pass its final Senate committee by the end of this week to stay afloat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will hold a public informational meeting for the proposed Paia Relief Route project to address existing traffic congestion along Hana Highway in Paia. Maui Now.

Utility-scale solar projects near the ‘finish line’ but need more time. Lahaina, Kihei projects focused on connection with MECO, Maui grid. Maui News.

Maui Tacos announced plans to expand nationwide, with six new store openings scheduled for 2018 and 12 new stores slated for 2019. Maui Now.

Kauai

Yukimura announces mayoral bid. Councilwoman and former mayor JoAnn Yukimura announced Tuesday she is seeking Kauai’s top elected post. Garden Island.

Former mayor and city council member JoAnn Yukimura has joined the race to become Kauai's next mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Project expected to help meet housing need. The 235 lots planned for Kealia Mauka Homesites are aimed at local families, according to project representatives working on a draft environmental impact statement. Garden Island.

Gov. David Ige issued today an emergency proclamation for Kauai after heavy rains caused a series of landslides onto Kuhio Highway, isolating the communities of Haena and Wainiha near Hanalei. Star-Advertiser.

The governor on Tuesday declared the District of Hanalei a disaster area. Garden Island.

Kauai's Russian Fort Might Be Less Russian Than Believed. Paulaula o Hipo, the site of Fort Elizabeth, the fort built by Russian trading interests in the early 19th century, is best remembered as the setting for the brief alliance between the Russian-American Company and Kauai's High Chief Kaumualii. Hawaii Public Radio.