Showing posts with label guns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guns. Show all posts

Monday, October 23, 2023

Green to announce 2 new state Supreme Court justices today, Blangiardi signs flavored tobacco ban, search on for 2018 Maui wildfire after-action report, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor Green to name two Supreme Court Justices. The Hawaii Supreme Court is about to get two new justices who will be announced Monday, Oct. 23. They will replace retired justices Michael Wilson and Paula Nakayama.The judicial selection commission chose six finalists to submit to the governor. KHON2.

Hawaii Officials Learned Little From A 2018 Fire That Foreshadowed Lahaina. The state says it has no "after action review" of the earlier blaze and if Maui County ever completed its version, it was never widely disseminated. Civil Beat.

Taking fuel away from fire on Hawaii landscape is a tall challenge. According to a 2018-19 assessment by the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization, about 350 miles of landscape alteration statewide was needed to reduce high wildfire risk.  Star-Advertiser.

Toxic runoff could threaten reefs off Lahaina. Bolstered by a $200,000 National Science Foundation rapid-response grant, Andrea Kealoha, a faculty member with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Oceanography, and a team of UH researchers are gearing up to sample the coral reefs near Lahaina to assess the impact of the toxic ash from the fire. Star-Advertiser.

Homestead Leases For Native Hawaiians Held Up Pending Ruling On Potential Plaintiff. A historic $328 million class action settlement for thousands of Native Hawaiians who waited decades for homestead leases on ancestral lands has been held up indefinitely as the Hawaii Supreme Court sorts out an appeal by a beneficiary who has been left out of the settlement. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Developers Settle Lawsuit Over Lack Of Accessibility Features. Five housing developments on Maui and Oahu were found to be in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Fifteen Hawaii developers have agreed to settle a lawsuit for $120,000 after the Justice Department accused them of failing to build multiple housing complexes with required accessibility features for people with disabilities. Civil Beat.

Survey finds decline in driver courtesy on Hawaii roadways. More than two-thirds of 435 island drivers surveyed by First Insurance Co. of Hawaii over the summer said their fellow drivers are less courteous today than five years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Signs Bill To Ban Flavored Tobacco. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed the so-called trigger law on Friday, but the ban won’t take effect unless state lawmakers agree to give counties the authority to regulate such products. Civil Beat.

Film studio measure gets city, state support. A Honolulu City Council measure to boost Oahu’s economy by attracting eligible film studios through real property tax incentives is receiving a boost from city and state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Successful turnout for Oahu gun buyback program.
  State officials partnered with Honolulu police Saturday to create two safe spaces on Oahu that accepted 494 unwanted firearms in exchange for Foodland gift cards, no questions asked. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Two More Miske Defendants Plead But Without Agreement To Cooperate. The pleas leave only accused racketeering boss Mike Miske and three other defendants as part of the case. Civil Beat.

Hawaii civil rights pioneer Amy Agbayani honored with Women of Impact Award. Originally from the Philippines, the 80-year-old activist and lobbyist is a familiar face at the state Capitol and out in the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Isle home sales decline. Soaring interest rates have cooled the Big Island real estate market, with sellers and buyers alike reconsidering transactions. Tribune-Herald.

Public asked to be on the lookout for invasive beetles. Coconut rhinoceros beetle grubs have been found at a home in Waikoloa Village, state Department of Agriculture officials said Friday. It’s the first discovery of the invasive beetle on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Retired Police Commander Arrested In Kona. Former Hawai‘i Police Department Assistant Chief, Mitchell Kanehailua Jr., was arrested Sunday for violating a restraining order. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Army Corps of Engineers hosting public meetings for WMA Program munition response sites. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for managing restoration efforts at the Former Waikoloa Maneuver Area in South Kohala on the Island of Hawai‘i, is holding two public meetings Oct. 25 to present the remedial investigation plans for Munitions Response Sites Sector 16 and Sector 17. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Democrats seek to fill state Senate seat.  The Maui County Democratic Party will begin accepting applications on Monday for nominees to fill the seat of outgoing state Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran. Maui News.

Evacuees live nomadic life after Maui wildfire as housing shortage intensifies and tourists return
. Some are bouncing from hotel room to hotel room, in some cases to make way for the return of tourists who are crucial to the local economy. Many are struggling to find places to rent amid a housing shortage — and steep prices — that plagued the island even before the fire wiped out an estimated 3,000 homes and apartments in Lahaina. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Was Grappling With Rising Inequality Before The Fires. People in Lahaina were more likely to live in overcrowded homes and struggle with issues like language access. Lahaina on the eve of the Aug. 8 fires was a community of extremes. A place where business was booming and people were struggling to survive. Civil Beat.

Maui Strong Fund Gets $4 million Boost. The Oak Foundation's donation increased the fund's value to $146.6 million. Civil Beat.

Cultural Monitors Help Assure Lahaina Fire Cleanup Is Done With Respect. Federal agencies are relying on West Maui locals to identify cultural and archeological artifacts in the ruins of August's deadly wildlife. Civil Beat.

Maui teachers focus on students’ ‘fire feelings’ as well as academics. In a packed Maui Preparatory Academy classroom, teacher Sarah Risser is reading aloud to her first graders when she notices one tiny girl winding a strand of hair tightly around her finger. Risser asks her to stop, saying it makes her nervous that pulling the hair might stop blood flow to that body part. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Residents clash with Coco Palms developer at community meeting in Wailua. The developers aiming to restore the once-renowned Coco Palms Resort held a community meeting on Wednesday night that quickly collapsed, as Kaua‘i residents effectively shut down the presentation from the project’s ownership team within minutes.  Garden Island.

Legendary Alakoko fishpond wall undergoes restoration effort. The waters of Hule‘ia River were muddied on Saturday, as more than a thousand people toiled to place rock after rock along the 600-year-old Alakoko fishpond wall. Garden Island. Kauai Now.


Friday, October 20, 2023

15 North Shore landowners cited for clearing native plants, Hawaii tourism could benefit from Mideast tensions, Maui fire fatality list grows to 99, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

North Shore Landowners Cited For Clearing Native Plants Along Beach. State coastal land officials issued notices of alleged violation Thursday to 15 North Shore property owners on Oahu for cutting down native vegetation and trees, as well as moving dirt and spreading mulch in a designated conservation district along the shoreline. Civil Beat.

State unveils interactive map of warning sirens. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, or HI-EMA, on Wednesday unveiled an interactive map showing the location of 418 alert and warning sirens across the state, as well as their operational status as of the most recent monthly test. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Expert: State’s delay in activating emergency hub for wildfire likely hindered response. For nearly two months, HNN Investigates has tried to nail down exactly who was in the emergency operations centers for Maui County and the state on the day of the Lahaina wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Middle East tensions ramp up travel concerns that could benefit Hawaii, experts say
. Events half a world away from Hawaii may have spurred a worldwide caution on travel. And while it may have a lot of Hawaii residents jittery about traveling abroad, experts say it could have a benefit in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Cops Want Guns Off The Streets. But Are Buyback Programs The Way?
A gun buyback is coming to Honolulu for the first time in decades as hundreds of gun owners have new licenses to carry. Civil Beat.

Natural disaster shelter proposed for Koʻolauloa residents in Windward Oʻahu. A first-of-its-kind hurricane shelter could be coming to Windward Oʻahu. A 5-acre plot in Hauʻula is the site of the proposed Koʻolauloa Resilience Community Hub. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore Residents Concerned about the Development of McCully's Corner.
The development of McCully's Corner, on Oahu's North Shore, just received its third extension to continue its project. However, not everyone is happy about it. KITV4.

Utah developer buys 1,000+ acres of North Shore Oahu land for $45M from Dole Food Co.
Public documents show that Oahu Property Owner LLC, which includes a mix of Hawaii-based and Mainland-based investors including Salt Lake City-based Woodbury Corp., recently purchased the agriculturally-zoned land from Dole Food Company. KITV4.

Honolulu Awarded Up To $1 Million For Public Art. The City and County of Honolulu announced Thursday that it received an award through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

TMT: First-time $6.5M funding from National Science Foundation isn’t construction commitment. There’s first-time funding for the embattled Thirty Meter Telescope from the National Science Foundation, but officials say the new infusion of cash doesn’t mean construction is imminent. Hawaii News Now.

Fate of West Hawaii commericIal aquarium fishing hangs on state High Court judgment. Oral arguments over the fate of commercial aquarium fishing in West Hawaii waters will be heard by the Hawaii Supreme Court on Dec. 5. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2021 by Earthjustice on behalf of a coalition of conservation groups, Native Hawaiian fishermen and cultural practitioners. West Hawaii Today.

Top-ranked E.B. de Silva school eyes expansion as it nears 500 students. Dennis O’Brien, principal of E.B. de Silva Elementary School in Hilo, noted in a recent letter to the school’s parents and guardians that the school has received $3 million in design and planning funds “for four or five additional classrooms.” Tribune-Herald.

Suspect in firearms arrest that caused school lockdown was free pending trial for auto theft.
Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii went briefly into a “soft lockdown” Thursday morning as police officers arrested a 52-year-old man walking along Highway 11 near the school with a handgun. Tribune-Herald.   Big Island Now. Big Island Video News

Maui

Lahaina Fire Death Toll Rises To 99. The additional death is attributed to the discovery of human remains last Thursday in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, according to Mahina Martin, a spokesperson for Maui County.  Civil Beat.  KITV4.  KHON2.

Maui’s unemployment rate surges for second straight month. Unemployment on Maui jumped to 8.4% in September from 4.7% in August, according to a state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism report issued Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

3 more burn zones opening in Lahaina. More than 10 weeks after the Aug. 8 fires, Lahaina residents and business owners will have access to three more areas in the burn zone starting Monday, including parts of historic Front Street. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds Still Without Power As Hawaiian Electric Rebuilds Lahaina Infrastructure
. Extended power outages are expected to continue in neighboring communities as the work continues. Civil Beat.

EPA’s removal of hazardous materials is 75% complete. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it has removed hazardous materials from more than 75 percent of the burned properties in Lahaina, nearly completing the first phase of the federal cleanup efforts after the August wildfires on Maui.  Maui News. Maui Now.

‘Things have shifted’: Maui farmers applaud in-person visit from powerful land executive. In a move that’s being well-received by traditional Maui farmers who have long felt ignored by the state and big companies,  Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang met with traditional taro farmers and the landowner who controls their stream on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Preservationists Move Fast To Shore Up Baldwin House And Other Historic Sites.  The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is forging ahead with plans to protect and rebuild historic structures in the fire-ravaged town, cheered by support from state archaeologists and historic preservation experts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Civil Beat.

Maui Ecosystem To Get Help From Fire Victims. The Hawaii Land Trust has received $1.1 million from the Hawaii Community Foundation to create 48 temporary jobs for unemployed fire survivors that can bolster the organization’s land conservation projects.  Civil Beat.

3 Lahaina public schools to reopen are 500 students short. The number of public school students who showed up for their first day back at Lahaina’s three remaining public schools as they reopened this week was almost 500 short of the schools’ latest official enrollment, according to data presented Thursday to the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i hotels at 66.4% occupancy for September 2023. Kaua‘i hotels earned revenue per available room (RevPAR) of $322 (+15.4% vs. 2022, +94.2% vs. 2019), with average daily rate (ADR) at $398 (+9.7% vs. 2022, +67.0% vs. 2019) and occupancy of 80.9% (+4.0 percentage points vs. 2022, +11.3 percentage points vs. 2019). Kauai Now.

‘A‘o gets help reaching the sea. Waimea High School science teacher Charles Folks and Commander Kacee Jossis of the Pacific Missile Range Facility were among the guests invited to the blessing and release of a trio of endangered Newell’s Shearwater birds, or ‘a‘o, at Lydgate Park in Wailua on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Floating body found near Waika‘ea Canal. A badly decomposed body was found floating in the water off Waika‘ea Canal on Tuesday morning. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Honolulu seeks to borrow another $210.5M for rail construction, Interior Secretary Haaland to visit Hawaii, court cuts water diversion from Maui streams, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

City seeks $210.5M in bonds to fund rail construction. During a Honolulu City Council Committee on Budget meeting Tuesday, the city advanced three related resolutions — 122, 124 and 125 — requesting the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services to issue and sell a series of general obligation bonds toward finishing the nearly $10 billion, 18.9-mile rail line, which runs from East Kapolei to the Kakaako area, where HART says the last of 19 stations is planned to be completed by 2031. Star-Advertiser.

Secretary of the Interior to visit Hawaii as part of Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ tour.  Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland will visit Hawaii as part of the Biden administration’s “Investing in America” tour. The tour is part of a larger agenda to generate $470 billion in clean energy and private sector manufacturing investments. Hawaii News Now.

Rigging The System: The Martin Kao Case Offers An Inside View Of Pay-To-Play Politics. The former Hawaii defense contractor has pleaded guilty to a series of federal crimes related to PPP fraud and illegal campaign donations. Court records detail how he tried to get away with it. Civil Beat.

Final Budget Leaves UH Treading Water On Key Programs And Improvements. The final legislative budget will likely leave the University of Hawaii several hundred million dollars short of its request for fiscal years 2024-2025. The end result will have very clear consequences for the UH community.  Civil Beat.

Visitors paid more, stayed less at Hawaii hotels in May.  Hawaii’s hotel industry had pretty stable business in May compared with a year earlier, according to a survey report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Fecal bacteria found at a number of Hawaii beaches. Hawaii's beaches not only have hazards like rough surf conditions or aggressive water life, some may have a hidden danger: fecal bacteria. KITV4.

Firearm Permit Applications Down For 2nd Straight Year In Hawaii. The most common permit denial reason listed was due to being a current or former medical marijuana patient. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Inflation adds $16M and a year to UH student center development.  A new student center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will cost $16 million more than expected and open about a year later than first scheduled, and officials say inflation and pandemic-related delays are to blame.  Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Mililani athletic director pleads no contest to theft charges. The trial for the former athletic director accused of stealing more than $360,000 from the Mili­lani High School athletic booster club that he and his immediately family managed pleaded no contest to all charges Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser.

City and state to pay $130K to settle gun owner’s lawsuit. The lawsuit by Michael Santucci alleged that the HPD seized his guns and that it held up his permit application in 2021 because he wrote down on his firearms questionnaire that he had recently received mental health counseling. Hawaii News Now.

Riding Skyline may be a 'learning curve' for some. Here's what officials want you to know. The public opening of the Honolulu rail, Skyline, is just 10 days away and according to those who've spent years on the project, it's one of a kind. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Ransomware attack strikes Hawaii Community College. Hawaii Community College has been struck with a ransomware attack, and security measures are being increased to protect digital assets, University of Hawaii officials said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Bill regarding Kalanianaole Street pushed to future council meeting.  A proposed speed limit reduction along Kalanianaole Street is on hold as Hawaii County officials determine how best to protect nene in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui's $1.07B budget invests in affordable housing for residents.  The budget invests 8% of real property tax revenues to the county's Affordable Housing Fund, up from 3% in years prior.   The budget features a decrease in tax rates for resident-occupied homes assessed at $3 million or less. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court cuts East Maui water diversions again. The state’s Environmental Court has lowered the amount of water that Alexander & Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation can take from East Maui streams by about 9 million gallons per day, the latest decision in a longstanding battle over diverted water for farming and other uses. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Council to appoint East Maui Regional Community Board members Friday. The Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee, chaired by Sinenci, recruited and vetted East Maui Regional Community Board applicants following approval of a charter amendment by 64% of the voters at the Nov. 8 election.  Maui Now.

It’s Still Unclear Who Will Fill The DHHL Seat On The New East Maui Water Board. As the council moves to vote later this week, the member recommended by DHHL may have to wait for Hawaiian Homes Commission approval. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Mayor highlights budget for fiscal year. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami  has done a bit of traveling recently – to the Philippines, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Hawai‘i on Hill.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i: last week to apply for Kupu ‘Āina Corps. Kupu is actively seeking host sites and participants to work in sustainability-focused sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation on Kaua‘i. Kauai Now.

 

Friday, May 26, 2023

Busy hurricane season expected, Aloha Stadium plans approved, Kapolei middle-schooler arrested after gun brought to school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Central Pacific region expects 4 to 7 cyclones. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has predicted a near- to above-normal season for the region this year due to El Nino conditions. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Maui Now.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu’s Lawsuit Against Big Oil Over Sea Level Rise Just Got A Boost From The Supreme Court. The city is involved in one of more than two dozen lawsuits over the cost of climate change. Civil Beat.

Top State Officials Were Behind A Secretive Process That Steered Millions To A First Responders Center. Here's how $50 million got into the new state budget for a facility that had been rejected earlier in the session. Civil Beat.

MCBH commander hands over the reins. At a Thursday ceremony on the edge of Kaneohe Bay, outgoing Marine Corps Base Hawaii commander Col. Speros Koumparakis handed over the reins to his successor, Col. Jeremy Beaven. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium project gets OK to go with single developer. There was an air of celebration at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Stadium Authority. It was announced that Gov. Josh Green and the state are moving forward with a modified version of the public-private partnership plan that has been in the works since 2018. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapolei middle student arrested after gun brought to school. Kapolei Middle School was locked down for an hour and 20 minutes Thursday morning after a student allegedly showed off a handgun on campus, according to police and the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu Officers Who Arrested 10-Year-Old Want Protection From Lawsuit. Three Honolulu police officers believe they shouldn’t have to be part of a lawsuit that contends they used excessive force and wrongfully arrested a 10-year-old girl at school over a supposedly offensive drawing in 2020. Civil Beat.

Scheduled field maintenance closes 2 of Oʻahu's largest parks through June. The parks will receive intensive field maintenance including aerating, verticutting, soil cultivation, power washing, irrigation repairs and road renovations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Community group on why they intend to sue the County of Hawaiʻi over sewage. Hui Mālama Honokōhau is a group of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and fishers who use Honokōhau Harbor in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim connects the past with present at veterans memorial event. The soldiers served in the Hawaii National Guard 29th Infantry Brigade and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

How Maui's property tax system could serve as a model for other islands this budget season.  As property assessments and value increase, so does a homeowner’s tax bill. Councils across the state have been trying to balance that by expanding existing exemptions or segmenting tiers. Hawaii Public Radio.

161-lot homestead project in Waikapu breaks ground. Project is first to be funded through historic $600M allocation to DHHL. Maui News.

Kauai

Native Hawaiian group receives $85k grant to revitalize Hawaiian language. Native Hawaiian organization Papahana Kuaola has received a nearly $85,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as part of a multi-organizational effort to revitalize ‘olelo Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian language, from keiki to kupuna. Garden Island.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Improvements mulled for Iolani Palace, 2k Oahu property owners dispute tax assessments, commission releases names of Supreme Court applicants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2023 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Not-so-regal parking eyed for removal at Iolani Palace.  Hawaii lawmakers are being asked to pass legislation that would have the palace grounds returned to more of its original, regal stature by getting rid of the surrounding blacktop lined with more than 100 parking stalls and replacing it with a pedestrian promenade. Star-Advertiser.

Is Hawaii Ready For The Governor’s Tax Cut Plan? Lawmakers Aren’t So Sure. The proposed legislation would offer relief for Hawaii workers but also would reduce state tax collections at an uncertain time. Civil Beat.

State Senate sea level rise bill falters over concerns of development. A recent Senate bill on sea level rise management sparked controversy over whether or not its "balanced" approach was code for more shoreline hardening. Hawaii Public Radio.

Many Hawaii schoolkids going without routine vaccinations. The percentage of Hawaii children not vaccinated for illnesses such as mumps and measles, or not receiving the full roster of shots required for school, has jumped since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data released by the state Department of Health, augmenting concerns that there will be new outbreaks of long-controlled diseases. Star-Advertiser.

Key state senators call for University of Hawaii President Lassner to resign. After almost a decade with University of Hawaii President David Lassner at the helm of the state’s 10-campus public university system — a time marked by frequent frustration and a power struggle between UH and some state senators — at least three key senators say they think it’s time for him to step down. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers weigh bills creating gun-free zones.
Officials here are scrambling to advance bills to prohibit or restrict the ability for citizens with concealed-­carry permits to bring a firearm to “sensitive places” — namely, schools, playgrounds, day care centers, government buildings and on public transportation — while complying with a person’s federal civil rights. Star-Advertiser.

Bills would allow restraining orders for out-of-state victims. Two bills would allow nonresidents o apply for temporary restraining orders in Hawaii cases of sexual assault or domestic abuse to offer them a legal layer of protection while in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Judicial Commission Releases List Of Supreme Court Contenders. The Judicial Selection Commission released its list of applicants being considered for two slots on the high court and requested public comment in response. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s lodging industry workers missing out, expert says. Spending is up only if you own a hotel, not if you work there. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

2,000 appeals received disputing current Honolulu property tax assessments. The figure, finalized after the mid-January deadline, marks an 18% increase from the year before, according to city spokesperson Ian Scheuring.  Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s New Airport Rental Center Has Lots Of Electric Cars But Only One Charging Station. Activists say that's a big blunder. And lawmakers are moving to require all new state buildings be designed with EV charging stations. Civil Beat.

City plans big steps to fix aging, broken sidewalks in Chinatown and downtown. The repair work is expected to last until August. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Following complaints, city shuts down gun range operating illegally. 
The city has shut down an unpermitted gun range on Oahu’s west side, following a flurry of complaints from nearby residents. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Poachers in Waikele are killing hundreds of parakeets
. Residents at Fairway Village in Waikele said poachers without permits are coming in their neighborhood between midnight and 2 AM and killing hundreds of parakeets roosting in trees. KITV4.

Legendary Hawaii surf photographer captures his own epic final moments.  Just weeks after filming water shots at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Larry Haynes unexpectedly passed away after a surfing session on Thursday, Feb. 9. KHON2.

Hawaii Island


Battling nature to keep climate project alive at Mauna Loa.  The air collected at Mauna Kea is feeding the world’s longest-running rec­ord of direct readings of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. The measurements constitute the most complete body of firsthand evidence for how Earth’s chemistry has changed since the mid-20th century, contorting the global climate. New York Times.

Big Island sees big jump in solar permits.  According to Hawaii County data, 1,536 permits for rooftop photovoltaic systems were issued in 2022, more than double the amount issued in 2021.  Tribune-Herald.

Todd takes another crack at ag lease extensions. Hilo Rep. Chris Todd, a Democrat, last year introduced a measure that would have allowed farmers leasing land in the Panaewa and Pahoa agricultural parks to extend their leases by up to 30 years. Tribune-Herald.

‘Absolutely devastating’: Avocado growers give grim outlook for recent crop.  A pest known as the avocado lace bug has taken hold and this winter’s crop has been decimated, growers say. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Sen. McKelvey calls for audit of DOE for roundabout construction and delayed opening of Kūlanihākoʻi High School. The state Department of Education failed to meet requirements set forth by the Land Use Commission to construct a grade-separated crossing for the school. Maui Now.

Maui Health names interim CEO.  Maui Health has announced the selection of Kerry Watson as its interim CEO as a national search is underway to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Michael Rembis this spring. Maui Now. Maui News.

Lanai’s Only Farmers Market Vanished During The Pandemic And Now Locals Want It Back. Producers have turned to supplying direct to hotels catering to tourists, shifting the emphasis away from local preferences. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Mayor signs bill ensuring preservation, public access to Kaua‘i fishpond. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami on Wednesday signed Bill. No 2890, ensuring the preservation and public access to Halulu Fishpond on the North Shore. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Gun carry laws taking shape, Honolulu property taxes to increase, Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcano eruptions cease, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi counties discuss where guns will be prohibited under 'sensitive places' bills. Local governments across the country are discussing laws to establish “sensitive places,” where concealed firearms are not allowed. One bill has already passed through the Hawaiʻi County Council, and a similar bill was introduced at the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA: Carmen Hulu Lindsey Will Remain Chair Of Board Of Trustees. The board also voted for Mililani Trask to serve as vice chair in its first meeting since the Nov. 8 election. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Career academies gain traction in Hawaii public schools.
A career academy is essentially a school within a school. Students and teachers are sectioned into a closely knit “learning community,” and much of the coursework and extracurricular activities are designed to get students acquainted with their chosen fields. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism contract snags prompt call for reform.  The eleventh-hour decision to rescind the multimillion­-dollar award for the state’s top U.S. tourism contract by the outgoing director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is likely to stand, thereby prompting a third solicitation as the controversial procurement process heads into a second year. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor Describes Gruesome Details In The Killing Of A Hawaii Prison Inmate In Arizona. A jury will decide whether Miti Maugaotega Jr. should be executed for the gang-related murder of of Bronson Nunuha in 2010. Civil Beat.

UH Pi‘o Summit aims to tackle water sovereignty, justice. The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaiinuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge is slated to host an inaugural Pi‘o Summit on Thursday at the East-West Center, focusing on sovereignty and justice tied to wai, or water. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Nations Are Bracing To Lose Tons Of Tuna From Their Waters. The research shows that as much as 20% of the tuna stocks that swim through the waters of at least 10 Central and Western Pacific nations, such as the Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati, are expected to relocate farther east over the next 30 years or so, as climate change alters the prevailing ocean weather patterns. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Housing boom to boost Honolulu property taxes.
  The overall assessed value of taxable properties on Oahu is set to increase 12.4% for the 2023-2024 tax year,  according to a news release from the City and County of Honolulu’s Real Property Assessment Division. Star-Advertiser.

Fire Sprinkler Retrofits Gain Traction As Building Owners Eye Rising Insurance Costs.
Five years after the Marco Polo tragedy some Honolulu building managers are considering the benefits of the costly fix. Amid a terse political debate about fire safety in Honolulu, managers in at at least 10 older high-rise buildings in the city are pushing ahead to install fire sprinklers for the first time, according to city records and interviews with condominium associations. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS ‘stretched thin’ as low morale, staff shortages takes major toll. A shortage of emergency workers has been taking ambulances of Oahu’s streets and paramedics are among those complaining. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Suit includes reports Navy knew about ‘forever chemicals’ in groundwater a year ago.  A Red Hill lawsuit against the U.S. government has been expanded to include reports the military knew about toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in the groundwater before the public did. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Plans to prevent Waikiki from flooding still in discussion. After more than 20 years of planning to prevent a flooding disaster in Waikiki, the debate continues. The flood walls were a hot topic at a virtual public meeting Tuesday night to help engineers come up with a new proposal. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island


Hawaii Island eruptions come to an end. Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Tuesday declared both the Mauna Loa and Kilauea eruptions over, saying the production of lava, volcanic gases and seismicity on both mountains either ended or diminished to negligible amounts. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

‘They know better’: Finalist for police chief criticized for accepting free hotel stay worth $1,953.  A retired Hawaii Police Department assistant chief told the Tribune-Herald on Tuesday that a HPD major in the running for police chief and a captain who answers directly to her shouldn’t have accepted four nights in a Kailua-Kona hotel paid for by the Ironman Triathlon. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Police Officers Say They Want Their Next Chief To Make Training A Priority. Unlike many other law enforcement jurisdictions across the nation, Hawaii County has no requirement that police officers receive what’s called annual recall training. The training provides instruction in areas such as use of force, firearms, hazardous materials and legal matters. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Inaugural Youth Council highlights local issues in legislative package. The inaugural Maui County Youth Council, a pilot project aimed at getting students involved in local government, adopted resolutions at its Dec. 5 meeting for inclusion in the 2022 Maui County Youth legislative package, Maui County Council Member Kelly Takaya King announced. Maui News.

Maui News employees fear their livelihoods, ‘soul of newspaper’ is in jeopardy. Union representatives said Ogden Newspapers has engaged in practices that have led to multiple federal allegations of Unfair Labor Practices. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor priorities align with Capitol and new governor. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami joins KHON2 live to talk about priorities ahead for the new year, with a new governor and state administration, as well as lawmakers at the Capitol in Honolulu.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i in-person voting went Republican.  If you only counted in-person voting, the midterm election would have been a red tsunami for Kaua‘i Republicans. Garden Island.

Kauai Fishermen Bring Deep-Sea Shrimp Back To The Dinner Table
. The once popular seafood became somewhat of a delicacy over the years, but some consumers are now getting a fresh taste. Civil Beat.

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Hawaii mulls medical marijuana for anxiety, insomnia; gun sales surge; Caldwell holds gubernatorial fundraiser, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Medical marijuana sign in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News
 

Petitions would add 3 conditions to medical pot list. Petitions seeking to add anxiety, depression and insomnia to the list of “debilitating medical conditions” that qualify Hawaii patients for medical cannabis use will undergo a public hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Gun sales surge, creating a backlog to process permits. Gun sales have taken off like a shot, leaving some counties struggling to keep up with the surge in permits and registrations. KITV4.

A week out from Election Day, more than half of all registered voters in Hawaii have cast their ballots, following a trend seen across the U.S. Statewide voter turnout on Tuesday was about 51.9%, according to data provided by the county clerks’ offices. Civil Beat.

Virtual fundraiser supporting Caldwell’s bid for governor raises eyebrows. A fundraiser hosted by Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday afternoon is raising eyebrows. That’s because proceeds from the virtual event go to his run for governor in 2022. Hawaii News Now.

Some worry state will botch rollout of program that extends unemployment benefits.  For those who have used up their 26 weeks of unemployment and the 13 weeks of federal pandemic emergency unemployment compensation, there is another option. Hawaii News Now.

HTA consultant: Canadians eager to fly back to Hawaii ahead of harsh winter.
With tourists from the mainland flooding into Hawaii, and a pre-travel testing plan starting for Japan, residents in other countries are eagerly awaiting their turn to be allowed to travel to the islands with a negative COVID test. Hawaii News Now.

Dark Days: Hawaiian Airlines’ Struggles Reflect The Pain Of The Tourism Industry. The state’s largest private employer before COVID-19 struck, Hawaiian Airlines business took a nosedive in the third quarter of 2020. Civil Beat.

Retired state official to pay $5,000 fine for accepting $650 in meals at Honolulu restaurants. The former chief examiner of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Insurance Division will pay a $5,000 fine after accepting over $650 worth of meals from a vendor he oversaw, including dinner for himself and his wife at upscale Nobu Honolulu restaurant, the state Ethics Commission said today. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 28: 62 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases include 41 on Oahu, five on Hawaii island, two on Maui, one on Kauai and seven on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu vote tally topples record.
The Honolulu Elections Division had tallied 313,320 ballots as of the end of day today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Rick Blangiardi now outraising, outspending Keith Amemiya. For the first time this election season, Honolulu mayoral candidate Rick Blangiardi’s campaign is outpacing opponent Keith Amemiya’s team in both collections and expenditures. Star-Advertiser.

Latest spending figures released in Honolulu mayoral race.
They show former television executive Rick Blangiardi outspending attorney Keith Amemiya in the final leg of the campaign trail. Blangiardi spent about $170,000 more than Amemiya during the last month. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Opens Section 8 Waitlist For Oahu Renters. Current Oahu renters can sign up online between Thursday and Monday to try to get on the waitlist. Civil Beat.

Hawaii opens Section 8 housing waitlist.
The federal housing money is being directed at needy Oahu families who are struggling to keep their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in four years, state is opening Section 8 housing voucher applications. When the state starts accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher program or Section 8 on Thursday, the executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority expects about 20,000 people on Oahu to sign-up. KITV4.

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City reports another Honolulu city bus driver has tested positive for COVID-19. Another TheBus driver has tested positive for COVID-19, city officials confirmed today, the second one to be reported, so far, this week. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police officers will be out on Halloween to enforce COVID-19 rules. Mayor Kirk Caldwell once again urged Oahu visitors and residents not to let down their guard, hold large gatherings or cluster in Waikiki on Halloween this Saturday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

How SHOPO Keeps Trying To Hide Police Misconduct Despite New Disclosure Law. The statewide police union doesn’t want the public to have access to the arbitration decision that gave alleged abuser Darren Cachola his badge back. Civil Beat.

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NTSB: Pilot in deadly 2019 skydiving plane crash often did risky maneuvers. More than 16 months after a deadly skydiving plane crash at Dillingham Airfield, the final NTSB report highlights mechanical problems with the aircraft, as well as concerns about the pilot. Hawaii News Now.

NTSB releases details from skydiving plane crash that killed 11 at Dillingham Airfield. Federal officials released documents today that provide details about one of the deadliest U.S. civil aviation accidents of the past decade, including testimony from people who had varying accounts of the crash pilot’s flight habits. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases final report on deadly Mokuleia skydiving crash. Sixteen months after a horrific skydiving crash in Mokuleia that killed 11 people, the National Transportation Safety Board released its final report. KHON2.

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Gambling machines, cash and drugs seized from illegal game room in McCullyTwenty gambling machines, cash, and drugs were seized from an illegal game room in the McCully area on Tuesday night. KITV4.

Olive Garden to open Thursday at Ala Moana Center. Hawaii’s first Olive Garden is scheduled to open Thursday, just as plans for a second location in Kapolei have been announced. Star-Advertiser.

Olive Garden set to open first location at Ala Moana Center Thursday. In a year filled with devastating news about the restaurant industry, here’s a bright spot: Olive Garden’s first Hawaii location will open on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Compost facility on hold: Green waste, food scrap shortage could spell doom to $10.5M plant.
A $10.5 million facility intended to take green waste and mix it with other materials to make compost is on hold after officials discovered they’re missing a critical ingredient — food waste to make the material cook to the high temperature needed in the composting process. West Hawaii Today.

PUC, others respond to Honua Ola’s high court request. The state Public Utilities Commission has asked that a petition filed last month by Honua Ola Bioenergy — which seeks to vacate the commission’s July 9 decision that nullified an amended power purchase agreement between the nearly completed Pepeekeo power plant and Hawaiian Electric Co. — be denied in its entirety. Tribune-Herald.

New light snarls traffic: DOT says timing will undergo adjustments. A new traffic light located at the intersection of Highway 11 and Kipimana Street — the entrance to Shipman Business Park — began normal operation on Monday morning, but traffic was snarled along the highway that afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Free COVID-19 testing available across island. Maui County is offering free COVID-19 testing in West, South and Central Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai visitor tests positive for COVID-19 after twice testing negative. Kauai health officials today reported a new positive case of COVID-19 from an adult, female visitor who has been placed in isolation. Star-Advertiser.

DOH: New active case has negative pre and post-travel tests. The Kaua‘i District Health Office reported a new positive case of COVID-19 among an adult female visitor yesterday. Garden Island.

Over 600 cats and dogs make their way to Mainland. Wednesday afternoon, 302 furry friends jetted off Kaua‘i toward their new furry futures on the Mainland. Garden Island.

Target to open at Kukui Grove Center
. The planned store will cover approximately 122,000 square feet following a renovation to the existing space at the Kukui Marketplace. Garden Island.

Molokai

Mayor Victorino announces free COVID-19 community testing will be offered Thursday. Maui County Michael Victorino announced on Wednesday that free, COVID-19 community testing will be offered on Thursday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center on Moloka'i. KITV4.

Lanai

Lāna‘i COVID-19 Cases Now 94: Mayor Expects Leveling Off and Steady Decline in Next Week. So far, an estimated 87% of the island population on Lānaʻi has been tested with 2,747 tests administered since an outbreak was first reported early last week.  That brings the island’s positivity rate to 3.13 percent. Maui Now.

Victorino upbeat about Lanai’s COVID-19 status. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is confident that the COVID-19 outbreak on Lanai is under control after the issuing of a stay-at-home order Tuesday and encouraging results from recent surge testing. Maui News.


Monday, March 30, 2020

Honolulu TSA worker tests positive for COVID-19, state mulls inter-island quarantine, some make masks, others buy guns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu TSA workers ©2020 All Hawaii News
TSA worker in Hawaii tests positive for COVID-19. A Transportation Security Administration worker at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii Interisland Travel Restrictions Next. Now that a 14-day self-quarantine is in effect for all arrivals to the State of Hawaiʻi, officials are going ahead with restrictions on interisland travel, too. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: Case Total Now At 175; State Plans Tighter Interisland Travel. The Hawaii emergency management agency says it is planning tighter restrictions on interisland travel after state senators called for quarantine requirements to be applied to travelers who arrive at interisland airports and small boat harbors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 175. Hawaii Department of Health officials said Sunday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 175, up 24 from 151 Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Coronavirus Cases Now At 175. The state reported 24 new cases since Saturday. About 8,100 tests have been conducted to date. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Cases Climb to 175 in Hawai‘i. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i jumped by 24 overnight, bringing the statewide total of positive test results up to 175. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases total 175; 24 new cases reported. The state reported 24 new cases of coronavirus in Hawaii on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 175. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 cases now total at 175, 49 have recovered. The State Department of Health announced 24 new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, bringing the state total to 175 on March 29. KHON2.

Doctors: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii communities at a wider scale than being reported. The medical professional community estimate there could be 800 to 1,000 unidentified cases statewide. KITV4.

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Suspension Of Hawaii’s Open Government Laws More Extreme Than Other States. Gov. David Ige has alarmed government watchdogs with his proclamations that shut the public out of public meetings and eliminates the release of public records. Civil Beat.

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Will Feds’ Relief Package Be Enough To Keep Hawaii’s Small Businesses Afloat? The package includes $377 billion for small businesses. Loan money spent on payroll and rent for the next two months doesn’t have to be paid back. Civil Beat.

Senator Schatz Releases Resource Guide For Small Businesses. The U.S. Senator from Hawaiʻi says the guide can help businesses access new funding and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Housing woes escalate. Close to 100,000 Hawaii residents lost work this month, and for many the fear of losing their home has also arisen or may not be far off. Star-Advertiser.

Many homeowners, tenants suffering from COVID fallout are eligible for federal relief. Homeowners with government-guaranteed mortgages who fall behind on their monthly payments because of the coronavirus pandemic can postpone their payments by up to a year, according U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners And Renters Could Benefit From Coronavirus Aid Package. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz released a new resource guide to help residents figure out if they qualify for mortgage deferrals and eviction protection. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii researchers identify drug that may help COVID-19 patients. Sleep-inducing drugs may be beneficial in treating patients infecting with COVID-19, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and colleagues in Wuhan, China. Star-Advertiser.

UH Researchers Need Your Help To Track COVID-19 In Hawaii. They’re looking to trace the spread of the disease in the community. Civil Beat.

Volunteers Step Up To Fill Shortage Of Protective Gear. Multiple health clinics and hospitals have reported they are running short on supplies and the community is responding. Civil Beat.

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While unemployment claims have skyrocketed, some essential businesses are looking to hire. Both Lowe’s and Securitas tell us they’ve been looking to hire workers before the pandemic started and that search continues. Both businesses say they’re looking to fill about 100 positions each. KHON2.

Securitas to hire 200 people amid Coronavirus outbreak. Security company Securitas says it is planning to hire 200 people to meet the increase demands it's getting. KITV4.

Businesses continue changing with growing coronavirus outbreak. As the growing COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily living in Hawaii, stores still open for business have also been forced to continue adjusting in response to government orders, the spread of the virus and changing customer habits. Star-Advertiser.

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Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Entrepreneurs launch website to collect data, provide info on coronvirus in Hawaii. A group of entrepreneurs with Hawaii ties is launching a new website to provide information to the public -- and to gather data on the spread of COVID-19 in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Postponement of Hawaii dental appointments recommended during coronavirus outbreak.  Most dentist appointments for regular checkups and cleaning have been postponed during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.


DOE wants to modify graduation criteria. The state Department of Education is seeking approval from the state Board of Education to modify high-school graduation and commencement requirements under Board Policy 102-15 for the class of 2020. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Voters Asked to Update Signatures. Every registered voter in the state should be on the lookout for a signature capture card in their mailbox. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Axes Caldwell Budget Increases As Virus Concerns Grow. Items considered nonessential in the mayor’s budget were nixed and one member is proposing millions in new funding to tackle homelessness. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed except for essential business starting Monday. Access to Honolulu Hale will be limited to only those city employees and members of the public who are there on official business starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Once filled with visitors, Waikiki has turned into a ‘ghost town’. Prior to government crackdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19, Waikiki was the heartbeat of the state’s economy, contributing 6% to the state’s gross domestic product. Star-Advertiser.

Despite statewide restriction on mass gatherings, large groups continue to meet. Some people — both tourists and local — aren’t obeying the statewide order to avoid mass gatherings. And they’re not hiding it either. Hawaii News Now.

About 260 people screened in Waipahu as drive-thru coronavirus testing ramps up. About 260 people were tested Saturday for coronavirus at a drive-thru screening site at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex, one of two pop-up screening events this weekend on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism grinds to halt as virus restrictions tighten. Like many cities across the world, Honolulu came to an eerie standstill this weekend as officials implemented measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the islands. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 confusion: County parks being evaluated for reopening. West Hawaii Today.

Even in Hilo, demand for guns, ammo soars. As people across the nation stocked up on toilet paper and cleaning supplies in preparation for the coronavirus lockdown, demand for guns and ammunition also spiked in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testing continues as virus case count rises. A second pop-up drive-through testing clinic for COVID-19 was set up at the Old Kona Airport Park on Saturday as the state’s number of presumptive or positive cases reached 151. West Hawaii Today.

Keep calm and sew on: Community comes together to make masks. Making cloth masks to help compensate for shortages at local hospitals and care homes is a burgeoning occupation for sewing circles and community huis, especially now that the governor issued a stay-at-home order to reduce casualties from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Working To Gather, Or Make, Needed Supplies. Medical logistics Airmen with Hawaii Air National Guard and PhD students UH Mānoa are working to keep Hawaiʻi healthcare workers supplied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.


Maui

Maui beach, outdoor activities clarified in ‘stay at home, work from home’ order. The County of Maui released Saturday afternoon supplemental guidance to the Public Health Emergency Rules that went into effect last Wednesday, mandating that people stay at home and work from home and shuttering nonessential businesses and activities to protect against coronavirus spread. Maui News.

Maui Ranks #2 in US of Areas by Share of Jobs in Industries at High Risk from COVID-19. A new study by Brookings Institution ranks the metro area of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina on Maui at number two in the nation by share of jobs in industries at high risk from COVID-19. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 drive-through tests Monday; state spikes to 175 cases. Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will take place again Monday at War Memorial Gym parking lot, 700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku. People with respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with other ill individuals must call to make an appointment. Maui News.

Kula seamstress threads masks for first responders. More than 400 completed; some go to MPD. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric proposes ‘self build’ battery storage in Pulehu. Interactive hearing on Akaku April 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Virtual screenings. Kaua‘i nurse practitioner Marghee Maupin is offering COVID-19 screenings to patients with or without insurance, and is conducting virutal exams via online video platforms to consult with her patients. Garden Island.

The Kukui Grove Cinema in the heart of Lihue will close its doors for good. A cinema in the heart of Lihue will soon close its doors for good — an apparent business fatality of the COVID-19 crisis. Hawaii News Now.