Green establishes LGBTQ+ commission, extends pause on building code adoption; state Supreme Court allows wrongful conviction lawsuits for two exonerated in Dana Ireland case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii LGBTQ+ Commission Established To Advise Government. Gov. Josh Green has directed that the state of Hawaii establish an advisory body to develop and improve the state’s interaction with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus citizens. The commission was established in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes 369, which states in part, “The legislature finds that there is a need to establish a body to improve the State’s interface with members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus community.” Civil Beat.

Gov. Green signs Ninth Proclamation for affordable housing. Gov. Josh Green signed a proclamation Thursday,  relating to affordable housing, placing a “pause” on the automatic adoption of county building codes. The proclamation gives “the counties additional time to review, amend and adopt the latest state and national building codes to suit their particular safety and design standards and needs.” Maui Now.

Some Hawaii Schools Ban Cell Phones In Class. Should More Follow? Educators are concerned about the impact of cell phones on academics and student mental health but struggle to limit their use. Many schools in Hawaii are grappling with how to reduce students’ reliance on cell phones, citing concerns about unnecessary distractions in class and the toll social media can take on teenagers’ mental health. Civil Beat.

Illegal Pesticide Sales At Hawaii Daiso Stores Prompt Record Fine. A retailer with stores in Hilo, Pearl City, Piikoi and downtown Honolulu has agreed to pay $314,747 for selling 23 types of unregistered pesticides following a joint federal-state investigation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a news release Thursday. Civil Beat.

Two New Barges To Enhance Young Brothers Interisland Shipping. The Kalohi and Nāulu barges are part of a $45 million investment to enhance the reliability and resilience of the interisland shipping services, the company says. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Council scrutinizes fire sprinkler tax credit measure. A measure allowing owners associations at existing high-rise residential buildings to apply for tax credits for installing automatic sprinkler systems is under Honolulu City Council review.  Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor to veto bill that would lift ban on ground display fireworks. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he intends to veto Bill 22, which was passed Wednesday by the City Council against the wishes of the Honolulu Fire Department. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City Council approves bill to allow consumer fireworks on special holidays. Honolulu City Council approved a measure to allow the use of consumer fireworks, like sparklers, without a permit during special holidays. Consumer fireworks would be allowed the night of New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year and the Fourth of July — all during specified hours. Hawaii Public Radio.

Restaurant at Ala Wai Harbor fears its permit won’t be renewed. Pau Hana Place is a restaurant that opened more than a year ago as a gathering spot for visitors and locals alike at the entrance to Waikiki. Management is very concerned, however, that they may lose their lease. DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is set to make a presentation on the property’s future at the Friday Land Board meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Dana Ireland Case: Police Don’t Have To Release Records About New Suspect. The Hawaii Police Department does not have to turn over evidence related to a new suspect in the 1991 murder of Dana Ireland to attorneys representing two men exonerated in the case, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. But the state Supreme Court said brothers Albert “Ian” Schweitzer and Shawn Schweitzer exonerated in the 1991 murder can move forward with wrongful conviction compensation claims. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

DLNR: Nene killed by hit-and-run driver in Hilo park. A male nene, banded as 595, was killed Thursday morning by a hit-and-run driver while apparently crossing a road in Lili‘uokalani Gardens off Banyan Drive, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

78-acre wildfire at Hawai‘i Volcanoes continues to burn. A 78-acre wildfire continues to burn in a remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, prompting officials to temporarily close the parking lot at Maunaulu and Napau Trail. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Central Maui Transit Hub built but unopened, more than 3 years after groundbreaking. More than three years after it broke ground in February 2021, the Central Maui Transit Hub is built in Kahului but remains unused by bus riders for reasons left unexplained by the Maui County Department of Transportation or the project contractor. Maui Now.

‘Herculean’ Volunteer Effort Leads To Reopening Of Lahaina Aquatic Center. Saying they see it as a symbol of returning to normalcy, local residents pushed the county to get it done. Even though it didn’t burn in the fire that destroyed much of Lahaina in August 2023, the 31-year-old county facility was a mess and has been closed ever since. Civil Beat.

Council Chambers to close for election-related activities. The Council Chambers on the eighth floor of the Kalana O Maui building in Wailuku will be closed beginning Oct. 18 until late next month for general election activities, according to an announcement from Council Chair Alice Lee. Maui Now.

‘Alala released into the wild on Maui. In a significant milestone for the conservation of Hawai’i’s native birds, five ‘alalā, or Native Hawaiian crow were transferred last week, from the Maui Bird Conservation Center to a temporary field aviary on the slopes of Haleakalā.  Maui News.

Kauai

Options To Protect Kauai From Fraud Will Go To Voters. A charter amendment seeks to give the county the option of purchasing insurance. County officials have found that purchasing insurance policies can cover more employees at a lower cost. Civil Beat.

Planning Commission approves Coco Palms annual status report amid foreclosure lawsuit. After the Utah developer rebuilding the destroyed Coco Palms Resort showed enough progress on the 29 conditions of its zoning and variance permits, the Kaua’i County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the status report that allows the controversial project to continue. Kauai Now.

Fireworks again on legislative agenda, bomb scare at 3 state courts, volunteers sought for humpback whale counts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sanctuary seeks volunteers for humpback whale count. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is preparing for this year’s Sanctuary Ocean Count as kohola, or humpback whales, make their annual migration from Alaska waters to the islands to mate, calve and nurse their young this winter. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Maui Now.

Illegal Fireworks Will Be Back On The Legislative Agenda After A Noisy New Year’s Eve. One priority this legislative session will be to examine the work of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which was formed last year under the Department of Law Enforcement, and decide whether it should be funded into next fiscal year. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

3 state courts evacuated in bomb scare. The Ronald T.Y. Moon building in Kapolei, Kaui­kea­ouli Hale in Honolulu and the Puuhonua Kaulike courthouse in Lihue cleared people out Thursday morning after receiving threats. All three reopened by 9:50 a.m. Star-Advertiser.

New report states Hawaii's doctor shortage is improving but the issue remains critical. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) released a report on Thursday that said the state needs at least 750 more physicians statewide. KITV4.

Hawaii’s new corrections department aims to give inmates a fresh start. The newly re-designated state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says that with 95% of incarcerated people who come into the state’s prison system eventually being released, moving away from punitive justice has become a “vital” part of its mission. Star-Advertiser.

Regents keep exclusive say in search for new UH president. Despite many testifiers’ pleas to include University of Hawaii faculty, students and staff as well as community members on the selection committee that will choose the next UH system president, the UH Board of Regents opted Thursday to stick with a “committee of the whole” composed exclusively of the 11 regents. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘Defects’ Have Already Been Found Along Honolulu Skyline’s Tracks. Several months after Honolulu’s Skyline rail transit system opened for service, problematic “defects” were discovered at key points along the track from early wear-and-tear, according to inspection reports and emails from a track safety official who later left the job. Civil Beat.

Jury should weigh rail dispute, state high court says.  The Hawaii State Supreme Court has ruled that the merits of the ongoing dispute involving construction of a planned rail station within real estate developer Howard Hughes Corp.’s 60-acre master-planned property in Kakaako should be decided by a jury rather than a judge. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Attorney working to protect juror identities trial of Michael Miske. It’s been four and a half years since Michael Miske was federally indicted in a sprawling criminal conspiracy case that grew to more than a dozen others, most of whom have reached plea deals in the years since. Finally, next week the repeatedly delayed trial of the remaining defendants begins for Miske, John Stancil and Delia Fabro-Miske. KHON2.

HPD corporal’s 2016 DUI case faces new scrutiny amid probe into recent crash. While the department still refuses to say if it’s looking into claims Vasai Isala Jr. was driving under the influence that night, Hawaii News Now found court records that revealed why the 18-year veteran’s previous DUI charge was dropped following a crash in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Gun permit rules changed: New requirements went into effect Jan. 1 in Hawaii County. A series of new requirements for obtaining a firearm have taken effect in Hawaii County, creating some confusion among residents. Tribune-Herald.

Hot Shot Vehicles To Boost Hawaiʻi Nutrition Program. The County of Hawaiʻi has acquired two state-of-the-art F-150 Ford Hot Shot vehicles to help home-deliver meals. Big Island Video News.

 Independent Journalists Work to Fill Rural News Gaps on the Big Island of Hawai’i. As rural communities across the United States struggle to keep their small newspapers open, some independent and passionate journalists on the Island of Hawaiʻi take on the fight to keep the local news coming.  Daily Yonder.

Maui

Maui Mayor Promises Olowalu Will Not Be The Permanent Dump Site For Wildfire Waste. Olowalu will not be used as a final dump site for all the ash and debris being cleaned up from the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced Thursday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Maui Now.  KHON2.

Kauai

Island-wide power outage hits Kauai. The outage occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. after the transformer failed. Within 90 minutes, “almost all of KIUC’s members were restored,”  according to a Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Facebook post. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Water buys HOH Utilities assets on Kaua‘i. The purchase of HOH Utilities’ wastewater system assets on Kaua‘i marks the entry of Hawai‘i Water onto its fourth island.  Kauai Now.

Governor signs climate change, ag bills; COVID-19 cases remain steady, community opposition stymies homeless housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor signs climate change bills into law. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday signed a handful of measures that aim to fight climate change and move the state closer to achieving its ambitious climate goals. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawai’i Gov. Green signs into law 10 bills supporting local agriculture. The measures enhance local food production through the acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System; provide funding to deal with little fire ants and coffee pest control; expand coffee labeling regulations; and increase penalties for pesticide violations. Big Island Now.

Environmental Groups To Governor: Don’t Veto Water Protection Bills. The governor has expressed his intention to veto HB153, which would allow the Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management to issue fines of up to $60,000 per day to those who violate the state water code. The current limit is $5,000 per day. Civil Beat.

Governor to attend high-level political forum, National Governors Association meeting. Governor Josh Green, M.D., will travel to New York City from July 9-14 to attend the United Nations High-Level Political Forum and the National Governors Association 2023 Annual Meeting. Maui Now.

Torched toilets, cracked sinks: Statewide spate of vandalism at parks prompts alarm. Parks officials statewide are begging vandals to stop destroying public parks facilities and asking park users to be on the lookout. Hawaii News Now.

State's new task force wants to spark change against booming illegal firework industry.  Both consumer and large aerial display fireworks are illegal in the state, and an inter-governmental group has its eyes on tackling the issue. Hawaii Public Radio.

State's first medical kauhale village reportedly full after 1 month. The 10 tiny homes were built for patients discharged from hospitals who would otherwise be released onto the street. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases ‘pretty steady’. On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported a daily average of 71 cases, an average positivity rate of 8.4%, and average of 48 COVID-19 patients hospitalized over the week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Struggles To Use Funding It Sets Aside For Community Facilities. In recent years, Honolulu has set aside millions of dollars to try to address the city’s growing homeless population but community opposition and difficulty finding suitable projects and sites is thwarting its efforts.  Civil Beat.

New 13-Hour Shifts For HPD Patrol Officers Are Raising Concerns.  The Honolulu Police Department plans to move patrol division personnel to 13-hour shifts starting in August. Civil Beat.

Authorities end search for Honolulu police officer who allegedly fled arrest. The search has ended Wednesday for a Honolulu police officer who allegedly fled his arrest for a restraining order violations. Hawaii News Now. KITV4

Affordable housing near Halawa rail station begins construction. Construction has begun on a low-income rental housing tower near one current end of the city’s operating rail line after a three-year delay. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Over 71,000 passengers ride Skyline in first 5, free days.  More than 71,000 passengers boarded the city’s new Skyline rail system over the initial five days of free rides — with the first full day of paid rides expected to provide the first real indication of how much interest people have in riding rail’s initial 11 miles. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Judicial Commission Releases List Of Circuit Court Contenders. On Wednesday, the State Judicial Selection Commission released a list of six nominees for a recently vacated seat on the Circuit Court of the 1st Circuit, giving Gov. Josh Green 30 days to choose a name from the list. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Wastewater surveillance data may indicate potential increase in Big Isle COVID cases. Two more deaths from COVID-19 were recorded in Hawaii County this week, bringing the county death toll since the pandemic began to 247 people. Tribune-Herald.

Kailua-Kona man, 20, dies after Fourth of July fireworks accident.  A 20-year-old Kailua-Kona man who died after a fireworks accident during Fourth of July celebrations is the second reported death from fireworks in the state this year. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Waikoloa affordable housing ready for occupancy.  The project’s 110 rental units will begin filling with families this month following completion of construction of the estimated $46 million project developed by nonprofit Coalition for Specialized Housing and partner GSF LLC. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Resolution urges governor to issue emergency proclamation for Uncle Billy’s.  A Hawaii County Council resolution urging the governor to take action to remove the derelict former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel received wide support Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Public presentation questions sentencing of men convicted in West Maui hate crime.  A public presentation held on Wednesday night at the University of Hawaii Maui College raised concerns about the recent sentencing of two men involved in a high-profile hate crime that took place in West Maui in 2014. Hawaii News Now.

MPD investigating possible human remains discovered in Upcountry Maui.  Maui police are investigating after the discovery of what’s believed to be human remains in a remote area of Upcountry Maui. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Maui firefighters respond to 20 emergency calls on Fourth of July holiday. The majority of these fires were small brush fires and rubbish bin fires which could be quickly extinguished, according to department reports; however, there were two brush fires that required response from multiple units. Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society to reduce pet adoption fees for “Empty the Shelters” event, July 6-31.  From July 6 to July 31, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National “Empty the Shelters” will occur at more than 335 shelters in 44 states with pets available for adoption for just $50 or less, including Maui Humane Society. Maui Now.

Kauai

Domestic passenger count tops 80,000 in June at Lihu‘e Airport.  The number of people offboarding domestic flights at Lihu‘e Airport climbed to its highest reading of the year last month, as the summer tourism season took flight on the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Average daily room rate rises in May. Stout visitor spending totals through the first five months of the year have been fueled, in large part by an accommodation sector that is experiencing a big upswing in room rates on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Green pledges $100M to fight climate change, 'monster' surf expected tonight, Ellison traffic ticket shows lack of preferential treatment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Wolf moon ©2023 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green pledges $100M to fight climate change. Gov. Josh Green kicked off Hawaii’s Climate Action Week on Monday pledging to dedicate $100 million of the state’s $1.9 billion budget surplus to address climate change. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Pair of Hawaii lawmakers push for poker and sports betting. Reps. John Mizuno and Daniel Holt on Monday touted a plan to introduce a bill that would permit only two types of gambling, poker and sports betting, at one establishment on Oahu not at a hotel, under a state license regulated by a commission. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

Proposal would increase public funding for Hawaii campaigns. State Sen. Karl Rhoads plans to introduce legislation this year to help county, state and Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates raise more campaign money through public funds to ease their reliance on lobbyists and private donors with the goal of promoting “clean elections.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

1st Native Hawaiian woman nominated to lead DLNR facing opposition. A petition has been started to oppose Gov. Josh Green's nominee, Dawn Chang, to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Chang is a former deputy attorney general for the department, and previously served on the state Land Use Commission. She also started a company called Ku’iwalu Consulting.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Agency Is Racing ‘Against The Clock’ To Build New Preschools. The School Facilities Authority says it needs help to meet a June 2024 deadline to build and renovate up to 200 preschool classrooms. Civil Beat.

‘Firework zones’ eyed following noisy, dangerous start to 2023. The state wants to work with the counties and first responders to establish “fireworks zones” in the wake of this year’s New Year’s celebrations, which resulted in a long list of injuries and one death. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Eddie Aikau surf contest set to begin Wednesday on Oahu. More than 20,000 people are likely to descend upon Waimea Bay on Wednesday as a giant North Shore swell is expected to allow “The Eddie” big-wave surf contest to run for only the 10th time in some 40 years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Real property tax assessment appeals deadline draws near. The deadline to dispute your real property tax assessment is this Sunday, Jan. 15, but some said they have had issues getting assistance from the city. KHON2.

Hawaii Kids ‘Connect These Dots’ To Understand Climate Change. From public schools on the Westside to private schools in Honolulu, teachers are finding creative ways to educate — and empower — students facing the effects of a warming planet. Civil Beat.

Iolani Palace Is Preparing For Hawaiian Royal Heiress Kawananakoa To Lie In State. The public memorial event is expected to be held later this month. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

$50K grant allows for upgrades to a tiny home community in Kapolei. Nareit Hawaii awarded a $50,000 grant to U.S. Vets to pay for a new kitchen, secure storage spaces, private mailboxes and air conditioners in the shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

COVID hospitalizations rise: HMC sees ‘typical bump’ in infections after holiday season. Over the holidays, Hilo Medical Center saw a bump in COVID-19 hospitalizations, increasing from a daily average of between five and seven patients to 18 patients on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR to consider bag limit increases for feral pigs. New hunting regulations that would double the amount of feral pigs a hunter could take each day in certain Puna forest reserves will once again be considered by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Annual Point-In-Time Count slated Jan. 23 to 27.  The annual Point-In-Time Count will take place later this month on the Big Island with volunteers and advocates working to provide a snapshot of all those experiencing homelessness in the community. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council member: Body cam video of Larry Ellison traffic stop shows no one ‘above the law’. Billionaire Larry Ellison was pulled over last year for a variety of traffic violations on Lanai, the island he owns. Hawaii News Now.

Pending lawsuit over vote counting protocols keeps major Maui County Council seat vacant. It has been one week since Maui County Council members took the oath of office. However, one seat remains vacant because of a pending lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

The Doobie Brothers’ 50th Anniversary Tour makes Maui stop, May 2. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents The Doobie Brothers in concert Tuesday, May 2 in the A&B Amphitheater & Yokouchi Pavilion. Maui Now. Maui News.

MEO Head Start application period for 2023-24 opens Feb. 1.  Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start, a 100% subsidized preschool program for low income families, will begin accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year beginning Feb. 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawai‘i State Senator Mike Gabbard (D-20) will join the Kaua‘i Climate Action Form for its latest virtual monthly meeting, scheduled for this week. Gabbard, who is chairman of the Hawai‘i Senate Agriculture & Environmental Committee, will be joined by activist Maya van Rossum. Kauai Now.

Head of Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community Television steps down after 22 years. After 22 years at the helm of Kaua‘i’s sole community TV station, J Robertson is stepping down as managing director of Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community Television. Garden Island.

Money for small farms, university system as new year begins, illegal fireworks spark anger, new Maui Mayor Bissen pledges fiscal restraint, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Small-scale Hawaii agriculture receives $2.7M boost. The state Department of Agriculture  last week announced distribution of grants under the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

UH to receive big funding boost from 2023 federal budget. The University of Hawaii will get a big boost from the federal government through the omnibus budget bill for fiscal 2023 that was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, according to U.S. Rep. Ed Case.  Star-Advertiser.

Departing Land Board chair sought ‘balance.’ Instead, some saw bias.  There is more conflict ahead for the Department of Land and Natural Resources — with a controversial new appointee taking over this week. Outgoing Chair Suzanne Case’s eight-year tenure included many battles, which now await her successor. Hawaii News Now.

Hold on to those balloons! Raft of new laws kick in Sunday. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated,” and the state Legislature is attempting to do just that with a bevy of new laws focused on ethics and other issues. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Kauai Now. KITV4.

Data Shows Hawaii Shippers Are Regularly Breaking Speed Limits In Sensitive Whale Zones. Matson and Pasha Hawaii are ignoring calls to slow down. But other major shippers have heeded requests to protect endangered whales. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele to return to full-time job at Hawaiian Airlines. Former state Sen. Jill Tokuda will replace Kahele when the Congress begins its 2023 session on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Video News.

Abigail Kawananakoa to lie in state at Iolani Palace.  The late Abigail Kawananakoa, the Campbell Estate heiress who was considered by many a princess for her royal heritage, will lie in state Jan. 22 at Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu residents reeling from steep property value increases. The increased assessments come as the City and County of Honolulu looks to come up with more cash for public service employees and after residential buying surged, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council on Tuesday to take oaths for new year. Councilmember Tommy Waters of District IV was re-elected and will renew his oath. Meanwhile, Councilmembers-elect Matt Weyer of District II, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam of District VI and Val Okimoto of District VIII will take their initial oath of office to begin their terms. KHON2.

Everyone agrees Oahu’s fireworks ban isn’t working, but there’s little agreement on a fix. After a loud and dangerous start to the new year, lawmakers and residents are calling for changes to fireworks laws. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu EMS reports long list of fireworks-related injuries in ‘brutal’ start to new year. Oahu first responders reported one of the busiest starts to the new year in recent memory, with at least eight people seriously injured by illegal fireworks. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit: State Failed To Help Severely Disabled Boy. A Kaneohe family is suing state education and health officials for failing to place their son, who has serious behavioral issues, in intensive treatment.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The Big Island Is Confronting A Big Problem With Fentanyl. One person dies every 11 days on the island from a drug overdose. A growing majority of those deaths involve the powerful, synthetic opioid fentanyl. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Attempts To Curb Short-Term Rentals. Two County Council members say their proposed legislation is aimed at helping to ease Hawaii island’s housing crisis for residents. Civil Beat.

Council to consider excess, unspent gas taxes. The Finance Committee is set to vote on appropriating $859,913 in excess fuel tax revenues collected over the past two years and reappropriating $1.519 million in lapsed fuel tax funds. West Hawaii Today.

Smoother travels ahead: Resurfacing planned for Hina Lani Street; work starts Jan. 18. Some 1.9 miles of the 3.6-mile roadway that connects Queen Kaahumanu and Mamalahoa highways is set to be resurfaced as part of the project that recently got the green light from the Hawaii County Department of Public Works with the issuance of a notice to proceed on Dec. 5, 2022, to contractor Grace Pacific. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bissen’s inaugural address calls for sensible spending, embraces traditional knowledge.  Maui’s new Mayor Richard Bissen called for sensible spending, explained his stance as a nonpartisan, and embraced traditional knowledge in his inaugural address on Monday evening at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Inauguration Day In Maui County: ‘Ready To Go To Work’. The County Council is down a member while the Hawaii Supreme Court considers an election challenge. Maui County’s new mayor and council formally took office on Monday in front of a packed audience of local residents and state dignitaries who turned out on the New Year’s Day holiday for the ceremonies. Civil Beat. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health gives Maui food truck Green Placard following cleanup.  The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a green placard to Thai Mee Up Kula 2 food truck and has allowed the food truck to reopen to the public after a followup inspection on Friday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Visitor spending surges in November. The allure of the Garden Island in the post-pandemic era can be measured in a lot of ways, but none more telling than the number of people who flocked to Kauai and the money spent during their visits through November of 2022. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Jerry Jona is new KCCC warden. Jerry Jona will be the new warden at the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center, effective Jan. 3, the state Department of Public Safety announced on Friday afternoon. Garden Island.

Hawaii travelers stranded in Southwest Airlines schedule meltdown, Green renews emergency proclamation for air ambulance services, Kauai plans massive multi-source energy project, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Travelers scramble to get home after Southwest Airlines cancels thousands of flights. Hawaii travelers impacted by winter flight cancellations.  Major U.S. airlines broadsided by the massive weekend winter storm that swept across large swaths of the country had largely recovered heading into Monday, except for Southwest, where problems have continued to snowball. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Southwest cancels more flights, draws federal investigation. Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers. Associated Press.

Green extends emergency proclamation in response to air ambulance accident. The extension of the emergency proclamation allows the state to continue providing staffing and aircraft needed to ensure availability of emergency transportation for critically ill medical patients.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

COVID impact to linger: Schools chief says it will be years before students recover academically.  It could take three to five years for students to fully recover behaviorally and academically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to state Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Tribune-Herald.

UH Study: Local farmers struggle with depression in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiian farmers 45 years old or younger are going into 2023 facing unprecedented mental stress, with a recent University of Hawaiʻi study finding 48% have experienced depression and 14% have struggled with suicidal thoughts.  Big Island Now.

Critical habitat to be declared for threatened iiwi bird.  Hawaii’s most iconic forest bird, the iiwi, will receive an added level of federal protection as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday that it plans to designate more than 275,000 acres as critical habitat for the threatened honeycreeper. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu to issue 4-year licenses for kupuna.  Starting Tuesday, Oahu residents between 72 and 79 years old will have to renew their driver’s license only every four years. Residents in that age range — more than 75,000 — currently have to renew every two years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Critics sound off after Navy paves toxic foam spill area while still awaiting test results. In an update posted on Tuesday, military officials said that they have “successfully” removed the contamination and paved over the excavated areas. Hawaii News Now.

Troubled Beijing developer sells Kapolei land. Some 484 acres of land in Kapolei have been sold at a loss by a financially distressed Beijing-based developer that, at one point, wanted to create a residential development of 2,500 “upscale homes” including a lake for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and other water activities. Star-Advertiser.

Commercial activities to resume at Hanauma Bay on Jan. 4.  Entry for licensed motor vehicle carriers, commonly referred to as tour vehicles, and permitted scuba/snorkel guides will once again be allowed in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve beginning next year. Maui Now.

Inquiry into board of Bishop Museum is sought. An art dealer and an anthropologist have filed a complaint with the state Department of the Attorney General accusing Bishop Museum’s board of directors of breaching their fiduciary duties and squandering the museum’s charitable assets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Officials urge safety as fireworks sales take off ahead of New Year’s festivities.  It’s that time of year when blowing off fireworks will light the Big Island skies Saturday night, although not everyone is excited about the long-held tradition. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bissen Announces More Appointments To Maui Administration. Maui County Mayor-elect Richard Bissen has announced a number of new picks to head departments in his administration, many of whom are already serving under the leadership of Mayor Michael Victorino. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

State taking steps to address PFAS impacted soil at Kahului Airport Fire Training Pit.  The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is taking steps to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) impacted soil in the vicinity of the Kahului Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Pit.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

West Kaua’i Energy Project clears environmental regulatory hurdle.  The West Kauaʻi Energy Project is an innovative pumped-storage hydro and irrigation project, coupled with solar and battery storage, that is being undertaken by the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and its renewable energy partner, AES.  Kauai Now.

Fireworks season starts with a bang. County officials remind people that fireworks and firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. Garden Island.

14 bills offered in quest for honest government, Chinatown soup kitchen leaves area after neighbor complaints, fireworks bills fizzle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House opening day 2022 PC:House Republicans

Hawaii legislative report calls for ‘better, honest’ government. A recently formed commission is recommending passage of 14 bills at the Legislature largely aimed at combating public corruption, improving government transparency and changing fundraising and campaign spending rules. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press.

Hawaii state Legislature bills to combat illegal fireworks fizzle out. Bills aimed at cracking down on illegal fireworks in Hawaii have essentially died this legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Set To Vote On Making State Police Shooting Board Permanent. A bill that would make the Law Enforcement Officer Independent Review Board a permanent state fixture cleared its final committee vote on Thursday, setting it up for a full Senate vote. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive $3.6M to help working families lower energy costs. The state of Hawaii is slated to receive more than $3.6 million in federal funding to help lower-income households increase energy efficiency in their homes, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced, thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Is Rebounding But Japan Remains A Barrier. Japan, which is Hawaii’s third-largest market, has eased most restrictions on travel, raising hopes a significant return of tourists may be near. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu rail project gets estimated time arrival. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has three months to submit its revised plans for the rail to federal officials for funding. KHON2.

River of Life serves up final meal at longtime Chinatown site. River of Life Mission, which has been offering free meals to homeless and other needy people for some 35 years, on Thursday served up its last dishes at its Chinatown location. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

DOH investigates after piles of construction material are dumped at property. The Department of Health said it is actively investigating a property on 20th Avenue in Kaimuki after neighbors raised concerns about piles of construction material. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Katherine Kealoha to be a witness in case targeting her brother. The trial of a Hawaii Island doctor accused of writing opioid prescriptions for his friends to sell or trade to fuel their cocaine consumption opened Thursday with federal prosecutors labeling him a drug dealer and the defense arguing he was an addict legally treating people in pain. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Tsunami museum reopens in Hilo: Today marks anniversary of devastating 1946 wave. Just in time for Tsunami Awareness Month, the Pacific Tsunami Museum has reopened after being shuttered for two years because of the pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Lightning likely ignited brush fires in South Kohala. Hawaii Fire Department personnel and volunteers responded about 3 p.m. Wednesday to two separate brush fires about 1.5 miles west mile marker 3 on Highway 190, also known as Mamalahoa Highway.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui

DOE plans to open Kihei high school with ‘hybrid model’. DOT ‘hopeful’ roundabout can help open school; LUC says pedestrian crossing condition remains. The state Department of Education plans to open the new Kihei high school through a “temporary hybrid model” that will allow incoming freshmen to use space at Lokelani Intermediate this fall before transitioning to the high school’s new campus in January. Maui News.

Maui visitors in February more than double from same month last year. February’s visitor arrivals jumped nearly 109% year over year: There were 193,232 visitors last month compared to 92,608 visitors in February 2021, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s preliminary visitor statistics report released today. Maui Now. Maui News.

Arrests made in connection with theft that preceded deadly crash involving MPD employee. Maui police arrested two suspects in connection with a theft, that preceded a deadly crash which claimed the life of the Chief’s Executive Secretary Terry Jones last month. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Creative Technology Center granted $650K. The Kaua‘i Creative Technology Center, a long-planned facility to build a local creative industry, is projected to break ground sometime next year. Garden Island.

Hawaiian homestead bills advance, Legislature weighs fireworks, distracted driving, water cremation bills, flags at half-staff for former Kauai lawmaker, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Children play at a Hawaiian homestead camp in Keaukaha ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaiian homestead bills advance at state Legislature. A plan backed by most Hawaii lawmakers to give a historic sum of money to ramp up development of homesteads for potentially thousands of Native Hawaiians took two initial steps forward Thursday at the Legislature. Separate committees in the state House and Senate unanimously voted to advance a pair of bills aimed at delivering $600 million this year to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands so the agency can dramatically reduce an immense backlog of around 28,700 beneficiaries waiting for homesteads. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai’i lawmakers hearing seven bills about fireworks on Feb. 4. To address the issues of illegal fireworks that disrupt and harm Hawaiʻi’s communities, the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce will be holding a hearing Friday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. to consider seven bills. Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers consider changing fine for using your phone while driving. HB1692 was introduced by Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino (D) Waipahu, and he said that every person who violates this shall be subject to a fine that should be deposited into the state highway fund. KHON2.

Bills urge DLNR to recognize importance of game animals. House Bill 1872 and Senate Bills 2069 and 3299 urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources to recognize the value of game animals and birds as a sustainable resource and integrate local hunting and fishing industries into food security and sustainability programs. Tribune-Herald.

State Legislature weighs flavored tobacco ban. Valerie Saiki remembers walking her son to school with a group of kids when a passing car filled the air with the smell of cotton candy-flavored e-cigarette smoke. Garden Island.

Measure to legalize water cremation in Hawaii moves forward. Despite strong opposition, a measure to legalize water cremation in Hawaii is moving forward. The bill in support of alkaline hydrolysis — using water to cremate bodies — just passed the state Health, Human Services and Homelessness Committee. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 3 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,532 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count includes 953 new cases on Oahu, 205 on Hawaii Island, 138 on Maui, 170 on Kauai, seven on Molokai, 10 on Lanai and 49 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii Health Officials Review Drinking Water Standards After Red Hill Fuel Crisis. Five years ago, the state health department increased the acceptable level of diesel in drinking water. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says that was a mistake. Civil Beat.

Army clarifies events in water flushing video circulating on social media. The U.S. Army clarified what's happening in a video circulating on social media that has raised alarm among some residents of the Aliamanu Military Reservation and Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Object To Requested Deposition Of Former Honolulu Budget Director. Prosecutors question whether the former budget director has the “ability and competency to testify.” Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

In Niu Valley, residents and historians are upset that parts of historic walls along a ridge have been destroyed by a home construction project. The owners had the right permits and that’s led to finger pointing between government agencies. Hawaii News Now.

Proposal for affordable housing on shuttered Stadium Bowl-O-Drome’s location continues forward. DHHL and Stanford Carr Development released an environmental assessment, which includes 278 affordable units across 22 floors of livable space, seven townhomes as well as commercial space. KHON2.

The USS Michael Murphy returns home to Pearl Harbor after eight-month deployment. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Michael Murphy returned to its home port of Pearl Harbor on Thursday morning after an eight-month deployment. Star-Advertiser.

West Oahu region has large segment of registered medical cannabis patients. The growing West Oahu community now has its first medical cannabis dispensary with Thursday’s opening of Cure Oahu’s 2,200-square-foot facility in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Principal who received disturbing threats says DOE isn’t taking her safety seriously. A Hawaii middle school principal targeted with a series of disturbing threats of violence said the state isn’t doing enough to protect her, her family, and others at the school. Katherine Balatico is the principal at Stevenson Middle School in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ka‘u Coffee Farmers Grab Land — And Control Of Their Futures. Many are former sugarcane plantation workers who, when their employer went bust, started one of the most renowned coffee regions of the world. After years of uncertainty, dozens of Ka‘u coffee farmers are now buying the land they’ve worked for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Laʻiʻōpua 2020 Appoints New Executive Director. Kawehi Inaba, founder of Mokulele Airlines and former Hawaiʻi County Research and Development director, will head the Kealakehe non-profit. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui mayor back to work after recovering from COVID-19. Victorino was diagnosed with the virus last Tuesday and returned to work the following Wednesday. He said on Thursday he still feels fatigue. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s How County Leaders Think Maui Can Get Tourism Under Control. In a 418-page report, a group outlined a dozen ways to prevent the island from being overrun with visitors. Civil Beat.

Measure would set weight limits, user fees for tourism-related vehicles on 2 Maui highways. House Bill 1632 would set these limitations – as well as user fees – for certain vehicles and tour operators on Hana and Haleakala highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council wants to secure East Maui water leases sought by Alexander & Baldwin. The Maui County Council wants to secure the long-term water leases for East Maui that are pending before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Haleakala National Park to develop new distance-learning program in Hawaiian. A  team is developing a new distance-learning program in Hawaiian for Hale­akala National Park. The project is considered one of the first in the National Park Service to offer this level of virtual programming and in a language other than English. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Flags to Fly Half-Staff in Memory of Former Kauaʻi State Legislator. U.S. and state flags throughout Hawaiʻi will fly at half-staff Friday, Feb. 4, to pay respect to a former Kauaʻi statesman. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Garden Island. KITV4.

Only 11% of Hawaii residents have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, in-person schools, youth sports restarting, humpback whales giving birth and training calves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale with calf in Hawaii PC:NOAA

NOAA warns boaters about humpbacks in Hawaii waters. Wildlife officials are warning boaters to watch out for an abundance of mother and calf humpback whale pairs in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and nearby waters. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More public school students in Hawaii head back to campus. Slightly more than half of all public school teachers in Hawaii have received a coronavirus vaccination so far, according to a survey last week by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Star-Advertiser.

DOH releases guidelines to resume youth sports. The guidance lists wearing masks as a requirement and say if a sport cannot be played while wearing them, the sport should not be played until mask mandates are lifted in respective counties. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green says large gatherings may be possible by summertime. Hawaii is on track to resume graduations, weddings and other major milestones by the summer with schools being able to reopen in May. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

State working on system to allow vaccinated travelers to skip quarantine. Seeking to jump-start Hawaii’s travel industry and ease some restrictions, the state is reportedly nearing a system for vaccinated individuals to travel to and within Hawaii, quarantine-free. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. hopes to start vaccinating folks in phase 1C in about two weeks. The Health Department tells us as of last week, about 47% of those who are 75 and older have been given at least one shot. Looking at the bigger picture, about 11% of the total population has gotten at least one dose. KHON2.

Life after the Vaccine -- When Will Things Return to Normal? "2021 will still be a COVID year," said Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group Hawaii. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Green vows to remain doctor despite House bill banning second jobs. Currently Lt. Gov. Josh Green works two 48-hour shifts a month as an emergency room doctor on the Big Island. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers eye stiffer penalties for illegal fireworks. Hawaii lawmakers are considering ramping up fines for illegal fireworks and making it easier for law enforcement to adjudicate violations in an attempt to clamp down on the illegal activity. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would require report on impacts when gender identity care is denied. A bill requiring an assessment by the state auditor of the social and financial impacts that occur when health insurance companies deny coverage for certain types of health care to individuals based on gender identity is advancing in the state House. Tribune-Herald.

Judge rules Bristol-Myers, Sanofi must pay Hawaii $834M over Plavix. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi were ordered to pay the state of Hawaii more than $834 million for illegally marketing their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix in a manner that put some users’ lives at risk, especially those of Asian or Pacific-Island decent. Bloomberg News. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

US Spike In Deaths Surpassed Official COVID-19 Counts, But Not In Hawaii. Hawaii’s COVID deaths appear to have been offset by reductions in tourist deaths, traffic and flu fatalities and even suicides. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Receives $87M To Open Coronavirus Vaccination Sites. The grants will help expedite a vaccination process that has been slower than anticipated in states across the country, including Hawaii. Associated Press.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 15: 35 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 35 new COVID-19 infections statewide on Monday, including 25 on Oahu, seven on Maui, one on Molokai and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Land Board approves Ala Moana beach nourishment plan. The City of Honolulu’s application to add sand to the beach at Ala Moana Regional Park was approved Friday by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources after a public hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Court Orders Sale Of Miske-Owned Tuna Longliner. The alleged crime boss had owned the fishing vessel for years but transferred it to a company controlled by the widow of his dead son as federal investigators closed in. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Soldiers spruce up Makaeo. Active duty soldiers with the Oahu-based U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division preparing for training at Pohakuloa Training Area descended upon the path at Old Kona Airport Park on Friday and Saturday to give back to the Big Island community by providing some much-needed muscle and care to the site’s main anchialine pond. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaiian Electric in Maui County Reached 50% Renewable Energy for 2020. Hawaiian Electric announced Maui County for the first time hit the 50 percent mark in its renewable portfolio standard, at 50.8 percent, with a mix of solar, wind and biofuels. Maui Now.

Wai‘anapanapa State Park access requires a pass starting March 1. Reservations launching online today are now required for visitor and commercial operator access starting March 1. Maui News.

New hotel has April opening set in Wailea. The AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea was scheduled to open this month, but was delayed to allow more time to adjust to COVID-19 protocols, said General Manager Kaleo Kenui. Maui News.

Kauai

Court’s second attempt at jury trial starts today. The Kaua’i County Fifth Circuit Court’s first jury trial in almost a year is scheduled to commence today. Garden Island.

Comments wanted for $50K economic diversification grants. A vertical high-density environment controlled farming facility, mental health training and a land-based coral nursery are all projects currently up for public discourse in the hopes of landing $50,000 in funding. Garden Island.