Ige opposes Kapolei casino, coronavirus hospitalizations up 38%, Kahikina named interim HART CEO, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach beauties ©2020 All Hawaii News

Tourism recovery not seen until summer, hotel execs say. Longtime Hawaii hotel industry executives don’t see any meaningful recovery in tourism until the summer even though the COVID-19 vaccines began getting dispersed throughout the United States this month. Star-Advertiser.

Visitor arrivals in November down 77% compared to last year. Most of the visitors were from the U.S West Coast. There were 524 visitors that came from Japan. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Visitor Numbers Down 77% in November. Tourism totals in Hawai‘i remain bleak, even as several mainland and international flight routes to island airports have reopened. Big Island Now.

Despite travel concerns, Hawaii saw big spike in trans-Pacific visitors for the holidays. More travelers came to Hawaii from the mainland in the week leading up to Christmas than in any other week since the launch of the state’s pre-travel testing program, data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority shows. From Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, the last date for which data is currently available, 89,050 trans-Pacific travelers were screened at airports across the state. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige pans Hawaiian home lands casino plan. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands recently suggested that Gov. David Ige could include its proposal for “limited casino gaming” in his legislative packet for consideration in the next session, which begins Jan. 20. It now appears that isn’t going to happen. Star-Advertiser.

Ige opposes casino on Oahu DHHL land. Gov. David Ige said Monday he opposes a proposal approved last week by the Hawaiian Homes Commission to build a casino on a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands parcel in Kapolei, Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

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Federal Aid Means Hawaii Will Avoid State Worker Furloughs — For Now. The new round of federal relief could bring millions of dollars to Hawaii’s agencies and struggling residents. Civil Beat.

Ige unsure when furloughs for state workers will begin. Gov. David Ige on Monday was still unable to say when state workers, including educators, will see furloughs implemented as the state work’s to cut spending to plug a $1.4 billion budget hole. West Hawaii Today.

State to hold public hearings on water plan. A state water panel will hold virtual public hearings in January on an update to the State Water Projects Plan, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Wednesday. Maui News.

As more COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive, Hawaii prepares to ramp up distribution. Another shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Hawaii on Monday — the second shipment of the Moderna brand. That puts the number of doses received so far in the islands at 49,750. And another shipment of the Pfizer version is expected Tuesday, which would push that number to 61,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 38% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations; State receives 16.3K more vaccines. Hawaii has seen a 38% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past month as new case counts climbed over the holiday season. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 28: 46 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 46 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 30 on Oahu, 13 in Maui County, two on the Big Island and one on Kauai. There were no new fatalities reported. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kirk Caldwell’s Legacy As Honolulu Mayor Is Marred By Rail And Homelessness. When Mayor Kirk Caldwell was running for mayor in 2012, he promised to help the homeless, “build rail better” and be a dependable leader for Honolulu. Eight years later, as the mayor eyes a run for governor, the island is in much the same place as it was when Caldwell took office, political observers say. Civil Beat.

Caldwell outlines improvements at Ala Moana Regional Park, including the Hawaiian Pond. The eroded, muddy banks of the Hawaiian Pond at Ala Moana Regional Park are being fixed and improved, according to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana Beach Park improvements nearing completion. Improvements to the Hawaiian Pond at the Diamond Head end of Ala Moana Beach Park are nearing completion. KITV4.

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Lori Kahikina, city environmental services director, is named interim chief of Honolulu rail project. The saga of Honolulu’s financially strapped rail project enters a new chapter Friday when veteran city engineering chief Lori Kahikina takes over as interim chief executive officer of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Lori Kahikina Pegged To Lead HART As Interim Director. The city’s outgoing environmental services director joins rail right as HART struggles with utility relocations along Dillingham. Civil Beat.

Lori Kahikina, city Environmental Services director, named interim CEO. Lori Kahikina, who has served as the city’s director of Environmental Services for eight years, was named Monday as the interim CEO of the problem-plagued rail project. Hawaii News Now.

HART announces new interim CEO. For the past eight years, the University of Hawaii graduate served as Director of the City's Department of Environmental Services. KITV4.

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Honolulu officials hope to extend ‘City Card’ until Jan. 31 with over 1.3K cards not yet activated. Honolulu officials are hoping to extend the deadline for the use of the $500 “City Card” for disadvantaged families through Jan. 31, pending the approval of COVID-19 related legislation. Star-Advertiser.

Officials working to extend deadline to January for City Card on Oahu. Officials say they’re working on having the City Card deadline to be extended to Jan. 31. KHON2.

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Police Fatally Shoot Windward Oahu Man. The male suspect was wanted in connection to an ongoing kidnapping case. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police fatally shoot man as officers try to serve him warrant. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said two officers feared for their lives Monday morning and had to jump out of the way of a Jeep driven by a 45-year-old man in Ahuimanu just before fatally shooting him. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Chief of Police confirms death of man shot by officer. An officer involved shooting at Hookipa Apartments on the Windward side of Oahu left one man dead, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard confirms. KHON2.

Suspect in HPD officer involved shooting dies, HPD confirms. The suspect involved in the officer involved shooting in the Windward area has died, Chief Susan Ballard has confirmed. KITV4.

Year-long ban on fishing along a south Oahu shoreline to begin Friday. Rules to prevent over fishing in Waikiki will once again be in place at the start of the new year. Come Friday, the Shoreline Fisheries Management Area from Waikiki to Diamond Head will be closed for fishing. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

State Land Board To Decide On Dredging Of New Beach At Pohoiki. The state seeks a waiver to dredge a channel through black sand deposited by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Civil Beat.

Tee time: West Hawaii golf subsidy program returns. Waikoloa Village Golf Course in South Kohala and Makalei Golf Course in North Kona will both offer reduced rates for residents of Hawaii County for six months. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands flock to HVNP to see eruption. Because of the ongoing eruption at Halema‘uma‘u crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has brought in additional staff to manage an influx of visitors. Tribune-Herald.

Hundreds vaccinated at HMC. More than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered at Hilo Medical Center since vaccination efforts began on Dec. 23. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

10 COVID-19 Cases at Harbor Lights on Maui, Cleaning Underway. Maui County officials confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 infections at the Harbor Lights condominium complex in Kahului. Maui Now.

Garbage on its way to ocean collected, bagged in Maalaea. Maui Nui Marine Resouce Council hosts gulch cleanup prior to rainy season. Maui News.

Kauai

Bus fares going up this week. The Kaua‘i Bus announced a fare increase effective Friday, Jan. 1, and a new design for its 2021 monthly bus passes. Garden Island.

Lane closures scheduled for portions of Hanapepe. The Department of Public Works is announcing that portions of Hanapepe will be closed Dec. 29 to allow Maui Kupono Builders to conduct road reconstruction work from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. Garden Island.

Hawaiian commission approves Kapolei casino plan, Kilauea volcano creates economic boost with COVID-19 concerns, utility disconnection moratorium extended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Casino gambling in Las Vegas Photo by Kvnga on Unsplash

Proposed Kapolei casino survives narrow vote to move forward. A controversial proposal to develop a casino resort on lands set aside for Native Hawaiians in Kapolei survived a narrow vote Tuesday at the Hawaiian Homes Commission and now heads to Gov. David Ige for his consideration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Forwards Gambling Bill To The Governor. The proposal must still win approval from Gov. David Ige and the Legislature before becoming law. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Approves Casino Gaming Legislative Proposal. The commission was divided on the matter, but DHHL says the initiative could be used to address the department's dire financial state. Big Island Video News.

In 5-4 vote, Hawaiian Homes Commission supports moving forward with casino proposal. The Hawaiian Homes Commission voted 5-to-4 Tuesday to move forward with a plan to build a casino resort that would generate revenue for Native Hawaiians programs. Hawaii News Now.

Full text of the proposed Kapolei casino legislation is here.

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Proposal Would Exempt Vaccinated Hawaii Travelers From Quarantine. The proposed policy change would not immediately be useful to most travelers while the COVID-19 vaccine supply is limited. Civil Beat.

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Public Utilities Commission extends suspension of utility disconnections due to nonpayments through March 31. The Public Utilities Commission has extended the suspension of service disconnections due to nonpayments for Hawaiian Electric customers another three months to March 31, 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Moratorium for electric service disconnections extended through March 2021. The Public Utilities Commission ordered on Tuesday, Dec. 22, that the moratorium on disconnections of electric service for nonpayment be extended through March 31, 2021. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric extends moratorium on disconnections. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday it will extend the moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment through March 31, 2021.  West Hawaii Today.

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Gov. Ige reflects on 2020, tough decisions he made for Hawaii amid the pandemic. Like many others, Gov. David Ige was feeling positive at the start of 2020. Then, COVID-19 happened. KHON2.

How Decades Of Advocacy Helped Restore Medicaid Access To Micronesian Migrants. The change could help an estimated 25,000 people in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Matson takes delivery of Matsonia. Matson Inc., the state’s largest ocean shipping company, took delivery Friday of the Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa-class combination container/roll-on, roll-off ships built for the company by General Dynamics NASSCO. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 22: 66 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 66 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday including 51 on Oahu, six on Hawaii island, seven on Maui, and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Deadline extended to keep $250M Honolulu rail project grant. Language put into one of the bills that make up the gargantuan congressional pandemic relief package approved late Monday would keep alive the city’s hopes of receiving $250 million in federal grant money for its financially strapped rail project, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

From delays to activation trouble, city grocery card program faces more woes. The city’s grocery card program is facing a new round of criticism from recipients who say that can’t activate their cards. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell Provides Update on City Cards. The $500 grocery gift cards were supposed to be in the mailboxes of 4,000 unemployed O'ahu residents by December 7th. Some report not receiving theirs until this week. KITV4.

2 more drivers from TheBus and TheHandi-Van test positive for COVID-19. City officials confirmed that two more drivers — one of TheBus and one of TheHandi-Van — have tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Some Honolulu Police Officers Are Doubling Their Salaries With Overtime. Records show police officers’ overtime has increased while the crime-solving rate has declined. Civil Beat.

‘Phase 1B’ of Hawaii’s vaccination plan begins. The city is partnering with the State Department of Health (DOH) to administer nearly 3,700 COVID vaccines to first responders over the next six days. KHON2.

Honolulu first responders receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Honolulu’s first responders began getting vaccinated for COVID-19 today, after months of treating infectious coronavirus patients. Star-Advertiser.

Chiefs of Honolulu police, fire and emergency medical services among first responders to get COVID-19 vaccine. Leeward Community College is serving as a vaccination site for the next couple weeks for Oahu police officers, firefighters, lifeguards and emergency medical services staff. KITV4.

Kapiolani Medical Center puts up final contract offer in ongoing negotiations. A new offer from Kapiolani Medical Center is the latest development in negotiations between nurses and the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Crowds at Kilauea are a welcome nudge for the economy and a test of public health. Approximately 48 hours after the eruption began, nearby lodgings are also filling up fast. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea eruption shows no signs of stopping. The eruption at Kilauea Volcano’s summit appears stable, and there’s no sign it will end anytime soon, although previous eruptions have lasted less than a day to more than 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

Latest Kilauea eruption confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. Kilauea’s latest eruption might stoke fears of a repeat of 2018’s devastating lava flows, but for now, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says the lava is isolated at the summit. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Eruption Update. Now in its second day, Kīlauea's newest volcanic eruption continues, with no significant change. Big Island Video News.

Vog returns to West Hawaii: Officials warn of potential air quality hazards. West Hawaii residents awoke Tuesday to a blanket of vog for the first time in more than two years. West Hawaii Today.

Kīlauea Eruption May Cause Decline in Air Quality. Sunday’s eruption at Kīlauea Volcano has caused potential concern about air quality across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Kīlauea Eruption Poses Air Quality Hazard With Increased Vog and SO2 Levels. The state Department of Health is advising the public of potential hazardous, poor air quality, due to the ongoing volcanic eruption at Kīlauea that began on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. Maui Now.

Local Dems pick Kahele replacement candidates. Three familiar names and four not quite as familiar will vie for an open state Senate seat this evening in virtual interviews with precinct officials who will select three Democrats to send to Gov. David Ige as candidates to fill the District 1 seat vacated by Kai Kahele, who was elected to Congress. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Scaled-back state budget includes funds for hospital, jail. Funding for hospital and harbor improvements and medium-security housing at Maui’s only jail made the cut in the governor’s latest budget proposal, which calls for sharp reductions amid a struggling state economy. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric Opens Three electric vehicle fast chargers on Maui. Three new electric vehicle fast-charging stations are now open to the public at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Central Maui, Piʻilani Village Shopping Center in South Maui and Lahaina Aquatic Center in West Maui, Hawaiian Electric announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor extends emergency measures. Currently, Kauai is in Tier 4, the least restrictive of the county's four-tiered system of guidelines for businesses and recreation limits. KITV4.

Council mulls visitors beach-park parking fee. To address overcrowding at beach parks, the County Council has offered a bill authorizing the county Department of Parks and Recreation to initiate a study to potentially institute a county-beach-park parking-fee structure. Garden Island.

County announces two new cases of COVID-19. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Surfrider asks for help collecting derelict fishing gear. The Kaua‘i chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, in collaboration with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, has placed ocean-debris recycling bins at the Nawiliwili and Port Allen small boat harbors. Garden Island.

Ige proclamation makes 10-day quarantine official, Kapolei casino plan spurs backlash, Kahele resigns state seat to enter Congress, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kupuna hula in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Report: Hula, Other Cultural Programs Can Improve Hawaiian Health. Hula and other culturally based programs should be used to address longstanding health inequities affecting Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in Hawaii, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Civil Beat.

UH Report: Hawaiian Culture is Just What the Doctor Ordered. A new report by the University of Hawaiʻi medical school found structural inequities and historical events are partly to blame for continued health disparities among Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Gov. David Ige reduces Hawaii’s travel quarantine to 10 days to match health guidelines. Starting Thursday passengers entering the state of Hawaii and traveling between counties will only have to quarantine for 10 days instead of 14 days if they don’t have an exemption from the state’s travel entry requirements. Star-Advertiser.

State issues new COVID-19 rules, shortening quarantine and extending eviction protections. Governor David Ige issued a new COVID-19 emergency proclamation early Wednesday evening, reducing the length of the state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers and extending a moratorium on evictions into next year. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige reduces mandatory self-quarantine to 10 days for Hawaii travelers.  Gov. David Ige signed a 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation on Dec. 16 that reduces the state’s mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers from 14 to 10 days, starting on Thursday, Dec. 17. KHON2.

Governor Ige reduces state's mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers to 10 days. The proclamation specifies the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent is extended until Feb. 21, 2021. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Travel Quarantine Period Shortened From 14 To 10 Days. Governor Ige issued his 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation on Wednesday, reducing the quarantine period for travelers into and within Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Self-Quarantine for Inter-Island Travelers Reduced to 10 Days. The state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers entering the state and traveling between counties has been reduced from 14 days to 10. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige Signs 17th COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation, Reducing Quarantine From 14 to 10 Days. Governor David Ige signed a 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation reducing the state’s mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers entering the state and traveling between counties from 14 to 10 days. Maui Now.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 17th Emergency Proclamation can be found here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Skepticism Grows In Hawaii. Public health agencies have been slow to launch campaigns to counter vaccine skepticism, a trend in Hawaii that could thwart efforts to achieve herd immunity. Civil Beat.

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As more vaccines arrive, urgency grows to educate the public . According to a survey, health officials say less than half of the general public are willing to take the vaccine. The goal is to get 70% of the population vaccinated to get herd immunity. KHON2.

Elections Officials Want To Tweak Hawaii’s Mail-Voting Law Next Year. The Legislature may consider adjustments to in-person voting sites among other proposals after the state’s first foray into all mail-voting. Civil Beat.

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Kahele Resigns State Senate Seat, Opening Call For Replacement Candidates. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has formally resigned as State Senator for District 1, allowing Hawaiʻi County Democrats to initiate the process to find three prospective appointees to the fill the seat. Big Island Video News.

Kai Kahele Resigns From Hawaii State Senate. Less than three weeks before he will be sworn in as a U.S. representative, Kai Kahele on Wednesday stepped down from his state Senate seat. Civil Beat.

Kahele resigns from state Senate. U.S. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has officially resigned from his state Senate seat. Tribune-Herald.

Congressman-elect Kai Kahele announces resignation from Hawaii State Senate. Congressman-elect and State Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele has officially announced his resignation from the Hawaii State Senate. KHON2.

Democratic Party to Begin Process to Fill Kahele’s Senate District 1 Vacancy. Congressman-elect and current State Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele (District 1 – Hilo) officially announced today his resignation from the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 16: 110 New COVID-19 Cases And 4 Deaths In Hawaii. Among the cases recorded Wednesday were 85 on Oahu, 14 on Maui, five on the Big Island and six Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bar owners ask court to let them open. A federal judge may rule Friday on whether bars on Oahu can reopen after they have been closed all but a few weeks since COVID-19 hit Hawaii in March. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief Ballard ‘still on the fence’ about getting COVID vaccine. In a meeting with the Honolulu Police Commission Wednesday, Chief Susan Ballard said she’s among those that will likely pass on getting the shot — at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

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Proposed Home Lands casino would allow golf course, theme parks, sporting events. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants a lone exception to Hawaii’s ban on all forms of gambling to create a destination resort in Kapolei that would allow 24/7 gambling, liquor, a golf course and even aquariums, theme parks and sporting events. Star-Advertiser.

Plan to build casino on Hawaiian Home Lands in Kapolei a big gamble, critics say. A proposal to build a stand-alone casino resort on property owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing heavy opposition from community leaders and lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Homes Commission to consider casino proposal. An agenda item for next week’s Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting, the idea of building a casino on Department of Hawaiian Homes trust land in Kapolei, Oahu, is raising eyebrows statewide, especially among trust beneficiaries. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands pushes proposal for a casino in Kapolei. Could Hawaii get its first casino? If a controversial proposal by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) passes next week, the state would be one step closer to that reality. KHON2.

Honolulu police seize more than a dozen gaming devices in Kapahulu raid. Police arrested a 54-year-old woman on suspicion of promoting gambling and possession of gambling devices. Star-Advertiser.

Conditions at Halawa Correctional Facility unsafe due to outbreak, union says. With the state’s largest prison currently battling an outbreak of COVID-19, the union representing more than 300 employees at Halawa Correctional Facility says the state isn’t doing enough to improve hazardous conditions there. Star-Advertiser.

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Caldwell says last mass food distribution event to take place Friday. The city is offering one more mass distribution of food on Oahu — the last large one for the year — at Aloha Stadium this coming Friday. Star-Advertiser. 

City to hold final food distribution event of the year on Friday. With the economy still flat and the tourism industry still struggling, city officials said Wednesday that it was no secret that food insecurity was still a top-of-mind issue for thousands of Oahu families. Hawaii News Now.

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What Did HPD Do To Prevent Another Kealoha Scandal? Not Much, Chief Says. City Councilman Tommy Waters identified holes that remain in the department’s handling of misconduct, especially when it involves the chief. Civil Beat.

City Council reviews audits on HPD, prosecuting attorney’s office. After reviewing two recently published audits, a Honolulu City Council committee explored options for greater oversight of the Honolulu Police Department while criticizing the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for its utter lack of leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu doctors relieved to get the vaccine. Dr. Melanie Kim, a hospitalist at Straub Medical Center, has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects COVID-19 has had on her patients, some of whom at the end of their lives have had to die alone. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Partnership ensures post-arrival COVID testing will continue through mid-January. Mayor Mitch Roth on Wednesday announced a partnership between Hawaii County and a private philanthropist that will ensure trans-Pacific post-arrival COVID-19 testing for those arriving on the Big Island will continue through Jan. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Green: Vaccine roll out ‘going well’. Kona Community Hospital anticipates it will begin immunizing staff for COVID-19 on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle hospitals prep to receive, administer COVID-19 vaccines. As the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out in other parts of the state, Big Island hospitals are still waiting to receive their first doses. Tribune-Herald.

Shoppers flock to new Safeway store in Kailua-Kona. Wednesday marked the grand opening of Kailua-Kona’s new Safeway location in the Niumalu Marketplace. The 63,000-square-foot supermarket — 25% larger than the previous location in the Kona Crossroads Shopping Center — is the first shop to open in the marketplace between Lanihau Shopping Center and Henry Street. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

AlohaSafe Alert app officially launches for use in Maui County. The AlohaSafe Alert app officially launched on Wednesday in Maui County, the first County in the State of Hawaii to have this resource available to curb the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

UH-MC donates freezer to store Pfizer vaccine. Doses expected to arrive on Maui by the end of the week. The University of Hawaii-Maui College has donated a freezer large enough to house thousands of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to arrive on island by the end of the week, Maui Health CEO Mike Rembis said Monday night. Maui News.

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DOCARE officers cite Maui man for selling undersized ahi. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officers following up on an anonymous tip on Tuesday afternoon cited Crispin B. Santos, 37, of Kahului, after finding him at a roadside stand in possession of 15 ahi weighing between two and two-and-a-half pounds. Star-Advertiser.

Kahului man cited, accused of selling undersized ahi. DOCARE officers cited Crispin Santos Tuesday afternoon after they say he was found with 15 ahi, weighing between two and two and a half pounds. Hawaii News Now.

Kahului man cited for selling undersized ahi. Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) cited a Kahului resident for suspicion of selling undersized ahi on Tuesday, Dec. 15. KHON2.

Kahului Man Cited for Selling Undersized Ahi. A 37-year-old Kahului resident was cited on suspicion of selling undersized ahi. Maui Now.

Kauai

7.6% of CARES Act funds left on Kaua‘i. Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds are set to expire at the end of this month, and the county’s $28 million slice has a remaining balance of $2,190,512, or about 7.6%, to be spent in December. Garden Island.

Kaua'i set to reduce its mandatory quarantine time period to mirror the state. Anyone traveling to Kaua'i must still quarantine regardless of a pre-travel test. KITV4.

KPD honors 93rd Police Recruit Class graduates. The Kaua‘i Police Department held a small, socially distanced ceremony on Tuesday for its 93rd Police Recruit Class graduates. Garden Island.

EPA fines Kauai tour company $45K for illegal cesspool. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a helicopter tour company on Kauai to close an illegal cesspool and pay $45,000 in fines. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian agency seeks to build casino on Oahu, first COVID-19 vaccines administered, Diamond Head to reopen Thursday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamond Head State Monument ©2020 All Hawaii News

Diamond Head State Monument to reopen Thursday. The Diamond Head State Monument is slated to reopen to the public Thursday after a nine-month closure with significant changes that include occupancy limits on the popular hiking trail. Star-Advertiser.

Diamond Head Monument To Reopen To Visitors. The popular state attraction has been closed for nine months due to COVID-19. Civil Beat.

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On ‘momentous’ day, state’s first COVID-19 vaccines administered to local healthcare workers. A doctor who’s witnessed firsthand the pain COVID-19 has inflicted on hundreds of Hawaii families was given a dose of hope Tuesday: the first coronavirus vaccine administered in the state. Hawaii News Now.

Health Care Workers Get Hawaii’s First COVID-19 Shots. After months of working with coronavirus patients, health workers at the Queen’s Medical System said they were grateful for what will be a new layer of protection against the infectious respiratory disease. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 unit doctor is first to receive coronavirus vaccine in Hawaii. Five people with the Queen's Medical Center were the first in Hawaii to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday. KITV4.

Queen’s doctor becomes first person in Hawaii to get Pfizer vaccine since approval for emergency use. After months of endless infections, mounting deaths and economic collapse, Hawaii residents may finally see the light at the end of an agonizing tunnel. Star-Advertiser.

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Director of state's Office of Early Learning expects to have all its pre-K schools reopen to in person learning. On Tuesday the Director of the state's office of early learning said it expects to have all of their pre-K schools reopen to in person learning starting next month. KITV4.

Public preschool options in Hawaii vary during pandemic. About 85% of the public preschool classrooms overseen by the Executive Office on Early Learning are offering in-person instruction, but Head Start preschool programs and charter school ones are still largely remote. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers discuss future of child care, early childhood education. Administrators of the state’s early childhood education and subsidized child care programs told lawmakers Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic has forced them to scale back services for the time being. Tribune-Herald.

Pandemic alters students’ early-learning. On Tuesday, the state House held a virtual meeting to discuss how early-learning programs in Hawai’i have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

Schools Provide A Critical Safety Net For Kids. Can They Do That Via Zoom? Youth advocates and school staff worry students are not getting the proper counseling or basic social services available in a regular school setting. Civil Beat.

Public school educators are fighting to block the state’s furlough plan. The Board of Education has a meeting on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Time Almost Out For Hawaii To Spend Federal Pandemic Relief Funds. Hawaii likely has just a few remaining days to make use of emergency pandemic relief funds awarded to Hawaii by the federal government in March when Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH Researchers: Hawaii Renters Will Need Help Throughout 2021. Researchers at the University of Hawaii estimate several thousand more renters will be paying over 30% of their income on rent next year. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 15: 57 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 57 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 35 on Oahu, 10 on the Big Island, eight on Maui, and four Hawaii residents who were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

DHHL considers proposal to build casino in Kapolei. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands dropped a bombshell on its website late Tuesday, floating the idea of building a casino on trust land in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

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Louis Kealoha ordered to repay $250K settlement, though city unlikely to ever see it. A circuit court judge has ordered former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to repay the $250,000 the Honolulu Police Commission gave him to retire in 2017, before he was indicted on federal corruption charges. Hawaii News Now.

Louis Kealoha Ordered To Pay Back His $250,000 Retirement Settlement. In addition to restitution, Louis Kealoha will have to pay the city back for his severance. Civil Beat.

Former HPD chief Louis Kealoha ordered to pay back severance. Former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha is headed to federal prison next spring, and he has to pay $250,000 to the city. KHON2.

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Rail project faces new leadership Thursday. The city’s troubled rail project is pivoting to an uncertain “Plan B” to complete the final 4.16-mile push to Ala Moana while looking at the possibility of new leadership Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku football coach Maui Kahalepuna, 43, dies after battling COVID-19. The Kahuku community is mourning the death of an assistant football coach, and beloved community member. KHON2.

Unexpected Delay in Honolulu’s “City Card" Program. The $500 cards are valid from 12/7-12/27 but were not sent out last week due to an "unexpected delay," according to a spokesperson with the City's Office of Economic Revitalization.  KITV4.

Hilton Hawaiian Village reopens as isle tourism slowly recovers. The reopening of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the state’s largest hotel property, and the start of COVID­­-19 vaccinations in Hawaii are major milestones on the still long and winding road to tourism recovery. Star-Advertiser.

These parklets will be taking over some street parking stalls in Kaimuki. There will be a few less spaces to street park in Kaimuki in an effort to help boost business for area shops and restaurants. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Spike in auto thefts, burglaries during pandemic. While some businesses have shuttered and others have suffered downturns during the coronavirus pandemic, the old adage “crime never takes a holiday” is holding true. Tribune-Herald.

‘Heroes and Helpers’; Gift distribution event serves more than 60 keiki. This year’s focus was primarily keiki and youth from the Ka‘u District and was based on COVID-19 affected needs. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Judge dismisses Bank of America suit against county. County mulls legal action over lender’s decades-old $150M home loan promise. A federal judge on Monday dismissed a Bank of America lawsuit against the County of Maui, paving the way for the county to pursue possible claims against the banking giant over a decades-old $150 million home loan promise to Native Hawaiians and others that allegedly went unmet. Maui News.

Business ‘getting better’ for some Paia merchants. Local shops and eateries in Paia town that were shuttered for weeks to months at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to show some promise, with a few managers staying positive with the recent boost in tourism. Maui News.

Oregon Man Arrested on Maui for Alleged Quarantine Violation. Police say they were investigating a separate incident, when they found the man had left his listed residence, in violation of his quarantine. Maui Now.

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Live Skunk Found and Captured at Kahului Pier on Maui. The skunk was spotted roaming around in the container yard early in the morning and was reported to harbor security by a biologist surveying for stranded sea bird fledglings. Maui Now.

Live skunk found roaming at Kahului pier. A live skunk was found in a maritime container at a Kahului pier today, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture reported. Star-Advertiser.

Live Skunk Found in Maui. A live skunk was found and captured this morning at a maritime container yard at Pier 1 in Kahului, Maui. Big Island Now.

Kauai

Skate park renovations expected done next week. With two weeks to go, Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center’s executive director and Kaua‘i Skatepark Foundation’s lead advocate are confident that the Kapa‘a skate park’s resurfacing project will be done earlier than the expected deadline. Garden Island.

Kalalau opens to hikers, volunteers work to keep trail clear. The Friends of Kalalau trail, a group of volunteers, made their repairs and maintenance on the first two miles of Kalalau trail, which starts at the Ha‘ena State Park. Garden Island.

Hawaii trying to reduce food packaging, small public schools could close under DOE plan, Oahu gambling crackdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Polystyrene take-out in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News

Bans, Trade-Ins and Take-Homes: Ideas For Reducing Food Packaging in Hawaii. The movement to reduce single-use plastics in Hawaii is moving beyond straws, but current health codes restrict personal containers from being used at take-out restaurants. Civil Beat.

Trump policy could have far-reaching effects on Hawaii’s immigrant population. Immigrants living in Hawaii legally could be denied future visas and permanent residency if they rely on government assistance such as food stamps and Medicaid under a Trump administration rule that is set to take effect Oct. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Small public schools risk closure if minimum headcount is adopted. Drawing a line at a headcount that schools must stay above to stay open is a concept that’s been developing all this year within a D.O.E. committee. KHON2.

Are wind farms in Hawaii hurting or helping the native BAT population? The state and federal government recently approved a request from a wind farm on Maui to increase the number of endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bats its allowed to accidentally kill. KITV.

Oahu

Feds, Honolulu police announce major crackdown on illegal gambling on Oahu. U.S. Attorney Kenji Price announced this morning the filing of criminal charges against 15 people, the seizures of 60 illegal gambling machines, homes in Waipahu and Pearl City and cash from bank accounts he said are connected to illegal gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Federal And Local Law Enforcement Crack Down On Suspected Oahu Gambling Homes. Federal officials announced charges against 15 defendants who authorities say were involved in illegal gambling operations on the island, some run in residential homes on Oahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Law enforcement has a message for game room operators: ‘We’re coming for you’. Multiple law enforcement agencies announced a statewide crackdown on illegal game rooms Tuesday, and said at least 15 people have already been charged. Hawaii News Now.

Feds Step Up Enforcement Of Illegal Gambling In Hawaii. Officials say asset forfeiture will be a key strategy in stopping and deterring the spread of illicit gambling houses. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Will Pay For ‘Confidential’ Criminal Defense Work For Years. Taxpayers are on the hook for as much as $700 an hour to block some records from being seen by federal investigators. Civil Beat.

Moiliili resident threatens to sue city over sidewalks blocked by homeless camps. Along Isenberg Street, walkways often resemble an obstacle course. Hawaii News Now.

Impact of Oahu’s Vacation Rental Crackdown. The law permits only 1,715 new bed-and-breakfasts — where the owner-occupant is present — and prohibits whole-home rentals. Hawaii Business.

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Volunteers map out hottest Oahu neighborhoods for NOAA campaign. With the help of volunteers, Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency said it has successfully completed Oahu’s first Community Heat Mapping Campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Completes Heat Mapping Campaign. Volunteers mapped Oahu “hot spots” as climate change heats up. Civil Beat.

These strange tools will help shape cooling initiatives on Oahu. On Aug. 31, some 28 volunteers drove specific routes throughout Oahu three times that day — the same day Honolulu hit 95 degrees. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers map ‘hot spots’ around Oahu. The Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (Resilience Office) has completed Oahu’s first Community Heat Mapping Campaign. KHON2.

Honolulu’s Poorly Timed Traffic Signals Aren’t Very Smart. The city aims to start installing technology that can detect traffic congestion on some of Oahu’s more than 820 lights next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Committee hears ideas for the future of county waste management programs. Methane-powered buses were among several ideas bandied about Tuesday during a County Council committee meeting to discuss the county’s waste management programs. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim Now The Highest-Paid Neighbor Island Mayor. Maui County has the most employees, but Hawaii County has generally caught up in the salaries paid to top executives. Civil Beat.

United Nations Indigenous Issues Expert Pens Letter To Governor About Mauna Kea. The letter by Tarcila Rivera Zea calls for "a participative dialogue between the State of Hawaii and Kanaka Maoli Protectors to seek a peaceful resolution to the tension on Mauna Kea." Big Island Video News.

TMT Opponents Allege Police Misconduct, Harassment. The kiaʻi claim the police are conducting public and covert harassment at the base of Mauna Kea as the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff continues. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mahi Pono plants citrus trees. The company that purchased more than 40,000 acres of old sugar fields from Alexander & Baldwin in December began planting potatoes last month. Maui News.

Multiple efforts are scheduled for ‘International Coastal Cleanup Day’. Maui organizations are holding cleanups around the island as part of “International Coastal Cleanup Day” on Sept. 21. Maui News.

Kauai

Realtors focus on housing ‘crisis’. Traffic has nothing to do with housing, said Paul Brewbaker, principal economist of TZ Economics. Garden Island.

Meeting targets natural resources. The East and West Kauai Soil and Water Conservation Districts are holding an important Local Work Group meeting for Kauai agricultural producers representing crops and livestock, private forest land owners, and other professionals representing agricultural and conservation interests. Garden Island.

Cocaine missing from evidence prompts indictment of two veteran police officers, 4 others; rural broadband coming to Hawaii; Honolulu council overrides property tax veto; bird poop threatens rail workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police on parade ©2019 All Hawaii News

Two retired police officers charged with drugs, conspiracy offenses. Two separate indictments were filed Monday against two retired police officers, each with more than 20 years of service. West Hawaii Today.

A grand jury has indicted two retired Hawaii Police Department officers in a case involving stolen drug evidence, according to court records. Associated Press.

Two retired Big Island police officers indicted for gambling, drug-related crimes. KITV.

Two retired police officers have been indicted. KHON2.

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FCC grants Hawaii counties $18.1M to expand rural broadband services. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday authorized more than $18.1 million in funding to expand broadband services to over 3,900 unserved rural homes and businesses in Hawaii’s four counties over the next decade. Star-Advertiser.

High speed internet coming to rural Hawaii. The Federal Communications Commission wants to expand services to areas like Hawaiian Acres on the Big Island, Hana, Maui, Hanapepe, Kauai, and Kahuku on Oahu. KITV.

The Navy has awarded the University of Hawaii a contract worth up to $77 million over five years for its defense-related Applied Research Laboratory. The Hawaii lab’s focus includes ocean environmental effects of natural and man-made underwater noise sources on littoral, or nearshore, anti-submarine warfare, as well as marine life. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants To Cut Tuition For Some Grad Students — Especially Out-Of-Staters. Proposed new tuition rates being considered by the Board of Regents seek to reverse declines in graduate student enrollment. Civil Beat.

Bank of Hawaii is finally exiting American Samoa — 6-1/2 years after putting its plans on hold following a plea by the U.S. territory’s governor. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council overrides mayor’s veto of a bill that will lower property taxes. Hawaii News Now.

How Honolulu Property Tax Decisions Could Affect Owners. The Honolulu City Council on Tuesday overrode Mayor Kirk Caldwell's veto of a bill that increases the standard home exemption on property taxes while advancing his proposal to hike the tax rate on hotels and resorts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council committee again tosses out trash pickup fee. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Tuesday again rejected Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan for a trash pickup fee, but approved proposals to raise rates in the hotel-resort and nonowner occupant property tax categories. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Overrides Caldwell Veto On Tax Break. The Honolulu mayor prefers a bill providing targeted property tax exemptions. Civil Beat.

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HART Poised To Approve $1.4 Million To Combat Bird Droppings. Rail officials say so many pigeons and other birds are nesting inside the transit line’s cavernous concrete guideway that it’s become a health hazard to workers. Civil Beat.

Turf war brewing in Waikiki as beachboys spar over contract obligations. A year after it awarded lucrative Waikiki beachboy concessions to Dive Oahu, the city said its revenues have nearly doubled. Hawaii News Now.

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With jury selection for Kealoha trial underway, attorneys now look to get an advantage. KHON2.

Hawaii News Now: Kealohas Are Retaliating Against Our Reporter. Lynn Kawano of Hawaii News Now says in court records that the Kealohas are trying to stop her from covering the trial because of her investigative reports. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Stories of misdeeds and corruption have helped shape Hawaii’s history, going back to a royal opium scandal that contributed to efforts to overthrow the monarchy. Civil Beat.

Commentary: How I Became A Witness In The Kealoha Corruption Trial. Civil Beat.

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First-time homeowners handed the keys to new affordable housing towers in Kakaako. A two-bedroom affordable unit in Ke Kilohana measures about 750 square feet and prices start at around $473,000. Hawaii News Now.

Howard Hughes opens Ke Kilohana workforce tower: Slideshow. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s agreement with Puna Geothermal Venture to rebuild power transmission lines and related infrastructure will require state Public Utilities Commission approval and a public hearing. Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s agreement with Puna Geothermal Venture to rebuild power transmission lines and related infrastructure will require state Public Utilities Commission approval and a public hearing. Tribune-Herald.

The controversial geothermal power plant in Pohoiki must hold a public hearing and win the approval of the state Public Utilities Commission before it can rebuild transmission lines that were wiped out by last year’s Kilauea eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Puna Geothermal, HELCO Agreement Pushes Rebuild Forward. Big Island Video News.

Polystyrene ban coming. The convergence of two unrelated events has food vendors crying foul and may lead to changes in the county’s polystyrene ban. West Hawaii Today.

County steps up action against Hilo encampment’s landowner. The owners of a downtown Hilo property on which a homeless commune has been established owe the county nearly $6,000 in fines. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Residents Push Back On Loosening Liquor Laws. Allowing restaurants to sell take-out booze is the latest in a series of controversial proposals. “We don’t want Maui to turn into Las Vegas,” says one critic. Civil Beat.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino toured the old University of Hawaii Maui College dormitory site on Tuesday afternoon with Lt. Gov. Josh Green and Maui County Council Member Tasha Kama, chairwoman of the council’s Affordable Housing Committee. Maui Now.

Kauai

Waiting is the hardest part. According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the Lihue-bound lane of Kuhio Highway will remain closed for the duration of the slope stabilization, which is expected to take between four to five months to complete. Garden Island.

Future of Maunakea telescopes mulled, more shenanigans in Takai campaign account, Ige touts accomplishments, Maui mayor running for council, not lieutenant governor, Honolulu homeless woes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Telescopes atop Maunakea ©2018 All Hawaii News

Kim finalizing Maunakea committee: Mission statement emphasizes Native Hawaiians’ connection to the mountain, exploration. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii is restarting its effort to gain a new master lease for Maunakea that would allow observatories to continue beyond 2033. Tribune-Herald.

Senate Bill 3090, establishing the Mauna Kea Management Authority, will be heard on February 12. Big Island Video News.

Greg Chun has been appointed as senior advisor to University of Hawaii President David Lassner and UH Hilo Chancellor Marcia Sakai in overseeing the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the entire UH System on Maunakea. Hawaii 24/7.

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The presumably dormant re-election campaign for the late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has paid out close to $5,000 over the past year to purchase data from a Washington, D.C.-based campaign software vendor that tracks voter information. Star-Advertiser.

Five candidates for lieutenant governor who took part in an early forum at Democratic Party of Hawaii headquarters Saturday vowed to make the job more meaningful for the people of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates for Lieutenant Governor face off in public forum. KITV.

Ige opens campaign offices. Supporters often praise Gov. David Ige, 60, for his soft-spoken, humble leadership style. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige uses launch of campaign headquarters to highlight success of term. Hawaii News Now.

Political candidates react to #MeToo sexual harassment issues in Hawaii. KITV.

Another Delay Sought For Surprise Care Home Inspections. Advocates for the elderly say unannounced inspections are long overdue but state officials foresee problems. Civil Beat.

Proposal to reduce frequency of safety checks works its way through Legislature. KHON2.

It might be game over for certain video games in Hawaii after state lawmakers introduced legislation to limit the implementation of electronic gambling systems within the popular pastime. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Resistance To Trump Enters Cyberspace. A bill to encourage net neutrality envisions the possibility of a taxpayer-owned internet service provider. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s visitor industry, caught flat-footed in the aftermath of the false missile alert on Jan. 13, is partnering with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to prepare for future situations that could impact visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly a month after a Hawaii Emergency Management Agency employee sent out an alert that a ballistic missile was headed to Hawaii, the agency is still trying to correct the record about what really plunged the isles into 38 minutes of needless panic and fear. Star-Advertiser.

One thing that was clear following the Jan. 13 missile scare in Hawaii is that the state does not have enough hospital capacity to handle a nuclear attack, which could involve mass casualties. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaiian Electric Cos. are asking the state Public Utilities Commission for approval to seek new renewable projects for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

Modernizing Hawaii’s Electric Grid For Less Than $1 A Month. Hawaiian Electric Co. needs to upgrade its distribution system to accommodate mushrooming rooftop solar. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Growing Waianae homeless camp at center of dispute at harbor. State and city lawmakers once looked at one of Oahu’s biggest homeless encampments — Puuhonua O Waianae next door to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor — as a potential model for what government-sanctioned homeless “safe zones” could look like across the islands. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials believe the state-owned land beneath the Puuhonua O Waianae homeless encampment contains ancient burial sites, pre- and post-contact rock walls that have been destroyed, and a rare “Waianae lineage” of half-inch-long shrimp living in an underground cave system. Star-Advertiser.

City officials have received complaints that homeless people from a large encampment are dumping human waste into Pokai Bay, among other issues. Associated Press.

There are strict rules regulating daily life inside Puuhonua O Waianae — and those who repeatedly violate them are kicked out. Star-Advertiser.

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Cries over ‘poor door’ ignore worse segregation in affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing: Like all Hawaii real estate, it’s gotten more expensive. It’s also getting incredibly smaller. Star-Advertiser.

Woman receives $72 ticket after honking her horn at a police vehicle. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

North Kona Councilwoman Karen Eoff, the primary sponsor of a bill limiting vacation rentals on the island, has come under fire for her ownership of a vacation rental condo in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Picking fruit on some West Hawaii farms is more than just precarious. As soon as the trees start shaking, farmers and field workers are as likely to get an armful of little fire ants as a handful of coffee berries. West Hawaii Today.

Kona coffee farmers want label law expanded. Star-Advertiser.

Funding for Big Island Veterans Treatment Court is making headway in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

The opening of the Big Island’s first medical marijuana dispensary has been delayed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa has submitted a candidate organizational report to the state Campaign Spending Commission showing his intention to run for the County Council’s Kahului residency seat. Maui News.

Maui County mayoral candidates file campaign spending reports. Guzman has the most cash on hand, with Victorino and Cochran next in line. Maui News.

Essential air service contract to expire. Anxiety in Kalaupapa rises as feds take new round of bids, including one with no subsidy. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park will hold a public meeting on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, to outline a proposed fee increase for the tri-park annual pass. Maui Now.

Maui’s only neurosurgeon, Dr. Thomas Rogers, has been unavailable for the past few months because of a health-related issue, forcing all patients needing examination or surgery to fly to Oahu for treatment, Maui Memorial Medical Center officials said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kani Wildlife Control offers solutions for eradicating unwanted wildlife. Garden Island.

Bikes on Rice begins monthly rides Tuesday around Lihue. Garden Island.

Molokai

A tangle of fishing nets the size of a large SUV washed ashore on the Northeast side of Molokai in Halawa Valley. KHON2.