$1.66B contract awarded for final Honolulu rail segment, Alaska Air, Hawaiian extend merger deadline, Polynesians now lead 3 top state-funded tourism agencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART awards $1.66B contract for final segment. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday announced a $1.66 billion contract award to Los Angeles-based Tutor Perini Corp. to design and build Skyline’s last 3-mile segment to Kakaako. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Alaska Air, Hawaiian further extend review period of proposed deal. Alaska Air said Thursday it has agreed to further extend the review period of its proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of peer Hawaiian Holdings with the U.S. Department of Justice. The companies will extend the review period with the DOJ until 12:01 AM ET, Aug 20 (6:01 p.m. Hawaii time on Monday). Reuters.

Legislators urge DOE to fix bus driver shortage. State legislators met with the Department of Education on Thursday to address protracted concerns about ongoing public school bus driver shortages, following the DOE’s abrupt announcement of suspended routes right before the school year began. Star-Advertiser.

Polynesians lead 3 top tourism agencies. Come September, all three of Hawaii’s top state-funded tourism management and destination branding organizations, which together control more than a $128 million in state funds, will have a Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander at the helm. Star-Advertiser.

UH reports progress in presidential search. The University of Hawaii reported that its search for a new president is progressing on schedule. The university received over 90 applications for the position.  KHON2.

Hemp farmers want more input on needs and recommendations to grow industry. The Hawaiʻi Hemp Task Force has packed its schedule for the rest of the month with meetings to better understand the local hemp industry.Since May, the group has met six times and is set to dissolve at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA issues $234K in fines for illegal cesspools on Maui, Hawaii Island. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued property owners more than $234,000 in fines and ordered the closure of five large-capacity cesspools on Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu resident diagnosed with Dengue Fever; 11th Hawaii resident diagnosed in 2024. The state Department of Health says the latest case involves a traveler who was previously abroad in a country where the virus is more common.  KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Vows Tougher Approach On Homelessness. Rick Blangiardi said he’ll take 1,000 people off the streets within a year, and that he's not worried about legal challenges. Civil Beat.

Man Killed In Waianae Is The Fourth Officer-Involved Shooting Death This Year. Honolulu police chief appeals for help in wake of fatal shooting. The 60-year-old man fatally shot by a Honolulu police officer Wednesday night in Waianae fired a stolen .40-caliber handgun into a neighbor’s home after his girlfriend fled there seeking safety following an assault, HPD Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said Thursday afternoon during a news conference. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Honolulu named most desirable place to live 2nd year in a row. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Index analyzed 173 cities worldwide based on 30 categories of living standards. Honolulu received high marks for infrastructure, stability, education, natural beauty and weather. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘New ways to HOLO’: City encourages residents to use public transit. City officials hope people will use public transportation — that includes the Skyline, the bus, or Biki bikes. The Department of Transportation Services said they’re adding and extending some bus routes for more convenience. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Proposal to develop popular spot on Oahu’s North Shore stirs debate. A developer plans to spend about $20 million on a new food and retail center on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Tower Observation Deck Is Closed Indefinitely For Repairs. The popular tourist attraction closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. But DOT's Harbors Division has a list of renovations to address before reopening the site. Civil Beat.

Pregnant military spouse missing more than 2 weeks. The search continues for Mischa Mabeline Kaalohilani Johnson, a pregnant 19-year-old Army spouse who has been missing for more than two weeks. The Army is offering a $10,000 reward for credible information that can lead authorities to Johnson. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council OKs 3 proposed county charter amendments for November general election ballot. The council last week adopted resolutions for three proposed charter amendments that will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. They deal with vacancies on the council and in county department leadership as well as the terms for members of one of the county’s commissions. Big Island Now.

Mayor Roth the victim of online prank. Mayor Mitch Roth said Thursday he felt “a little bit of frustration” after learning an anonymous email has been circulating that invites individuals experiencing homelessness to stay at a certain address in Hilo. The address provided in the email is Roth’s home address. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Farmers laud North Kohala well project. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources next month will commence a yearlong $5.7 million project to improve a well in North Kohala so it can be used for agricultural purposes once again. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina Community Land Trust secures first piece of land to steward in Lahaina hands. The Lahaina Community Land Trust has secured its first parcel of community-owned land, that will be held in Lahaina hands forever, for the benefit of the local community for generations to come. The property at 1651 Lokia Street was secured by the LCLT in partnership with The Conservation Fund, a national land conservation organization. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Sister cities delegation visits Kaua‘i. A protocol sister city courtesy visit with Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami turned into an unexpected real life learning lesson at the Mo‘ikeha Building on Thursday. Garden Island.

Attorney General releases draft recreational marijuana bill, Hawaii flights canceled after Boeing jetliners grounded, Miske organized crime trial begins today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

AG releases draft bill for pot legalization; lists best practices to minimize risks. Attorney General Anne Lopez said Friday that if the state Legislature passes a bill in the upcoming session that would legalize the adult use of cannabis in Hawaii, it will do so without her office’s support. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Hawaii Hemp Growers Don’t Want To Be Regulated Like Marijuana. The Legislature is expected to consider a bill this session to create a new state entity that would oversee recreational and medicinal cannabis as well as industrial hemp. Civil Beat.

Stalled bills have second life in 2024 legislative session. Dozens of bills from the 2023 legislative session that failed to become law remain alive going into the Jan. 17 start of the upcoming session, including one that would eliminate the Hawaii Tourism Authority and create a new tourism entity.  Star-Advertiser.

Security at Hawaii’s state Capitol ramps up amid growing safety concerns. State officials are beefing up security at Hawaii’s top government building with additions that include metal detector scans for visitors and bag X-ray machines as the 2024 session of the Legislature nears its Jan. 17 opening. Star-Advertiser.

Solving Hawaii’s Housing Crisis: More Homes Per Lot? Rep. Luke Evslin’s idea for the upcoming legislative session seems simple: The new House Housing Committee chair wants to keep the country country, as the slogan goes, but also citify the city. Civil Beat.

More Hawaii flights canceled after scores of Boeing jetliners grounded. One Hawaii family said they were told it would be nearly a week before they’d be able to leave the islands. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Jetliner that suffered blowout restricted because of concern over warning light. The Boeing jetliner that suffered an inflight blowout over Oregon was not being used for flights to Hawaii after a warning light that could have indicated a pressurization problem lit up on three different flights, a federal official said Sunday. Associated Press.

Hawai‘i School Choice Week lays out options. While Gov. Josh Green has proclaimed Jan. 21-27 as Hawai‘i School Choice Week, officials say the proclamation does not indicate that he supports a policy shift toward school vouchers or other systems allowing public education funds to follow students into private schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Labor Board rules UH graduate assistants have right to be public employees.  The ruling makes a clear pathway for graduate students to have the right to collectively bargain for benefits, such as a living wage, grievance process, health insurance and other working conditions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy seeks permit for training areas off Hawaii, California. The Navy is preparing to conduct an environmental review of its Pacific training operations around Hawaii and California and is soliciting public feedback until the end of January. Star-Advertiser.

Jan. 25 grace period approaching to submit SBA disaster loan applications. The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance has passed; however, Hawaiʻi residents and businesses have been granted a 45-day grace period, until Thursday, Jan. 25, to submit their US Small Business Administration disaster loan applications for property damage caused by wildfires.  Maui Now.

Oahu

The Miske Trial Is Finally Beginning. Some Potential Jurors Are Worried. The trial of accused racketeering boss Michael Miske Jr. begins Monday with jury selection, more than three years after the longtime Honolulu business owner was arrested in a federal case that may involve more than 900 witnesses and several former co-defendants who agreed to plea deals. Civil Beat. Bloomberg.

Hawai‘i Convention Center focuses on future offshore bookings. The Hawai‘i Convention Center is on track to achieve one of its strongest revenue-generating years since opening in 1998. Star-Advertiser.

New Housing Is Rising Along the Rail Line. Transit-oriented development brings homes, stores, jobs and transit service together. Hawaii Business magazine.

High mortgage rates, limited supply weigh on Oahu’s housing market. High mortgage rates and limited inventory caused Oahu’s housing market to cool in 2023 — and the number of homeowners locked into mortgages under 6% could continue to discourage listings even if rates go down, some experts say. Star-Advertiser.

Kapiʻolani Medical Center nurses authorize a strike as contract negotiations drag on.  Daniel Ross, president of the Hawai‘i Nurses Association, says no strike date has been set yet. If a strike is called, a 10-day notice will be given. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Dog bite reports on the rise: Number of cases have spiked dramatically since 2020. The charge of negligent failure to control a dangerous dog is now a Class C felony that carries a potential five-year prison term and up to a $10,000 fine. Tribune-Herald.

UH plans to expand IFA facilities, offer more STEM opportunities. Using $2 million in state funds awarded last year, the university will begin designing an expansion to Institute for Astronomy facilities on the UH-Hilo campus, with plans to eventually establish a “space engineering and instrument development center” that designs and builds precision instruments for astronomical facilities. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Planning commission to address four properties in Kona, Waikoloa. The Leeward Planning Commission will address four applications, including two developments less than a block apart, at the Jan. 18 meeting in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Police Seize Drugs After A Fatal Overdose At The Hilo Jail. Two inmates were found unresponsive in their cell, and one of them died in an apparent fentanyl overdose. Civil Beat.

New gym in works for Hilo Intermediate: School receives funds to replace termite-damaged facility. Hilo Intermediate School has received $1 million in state funds to begin the process of replacing its gym.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Officials Unveil $500 Million Agreement To House All Displaced Maui Households By July. If successful, the Maui Interim Housing Plan will avoid the need for a moratorium on vacation rentals that some are calling for. Civil Beat. Maui News.

West Maui Housing Developer Is Being Sued By Downwind Neighbors. Residents say red dust from excavation activity at the Pulelehua project is infiltrating nearby properties, causing a range of health and nuisance issues. Civil Beat.

Moratorium on electric service disconnections for Maui customers extended through March 5.  Suspension of service disconnecations for all Hawaiian Electric customers on Maui has been extended through at least March 5, 2024, in accordance with the extension of Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation. Maui News.

Kauai

Plan for largest Hawaii hydroelectric plant is downsized. An ambitious plan to develop a renewable energy project on Kauai that would have been the biggest hydroelectric power plant in Hawaii has been scaled back and may not go forward at all. Star-Advertiser.

Laboratory services coming to Mahelona. The opening of the Diagnostic Laboratory Services outpatient Patient Service Center on Tuesday in the Kawaiola Medical Building triggered the announcement by the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) of its new partnership with DLS to operate hospital laboratory services. Garden Island.

Federal grants drive honeycreeper protection, mosquito control, climate study; hemp farmers fight red tape, Maui jail riot study still not released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Apapane honeycreeper PC:Janice Wei National Park Service

Campaign to save Hawaiian honeycreepers gets funding boost. A multiagency campaign to save Hawaii’s imperiled honeycreepers got a significant shot in the arm Monday with the announcement of a $14 million influx of federal funds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. KITV4.

$20M Federal Grant Supports State-wide Climate Resilience. The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Hawaiʻi’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research a five-year $20-million grant. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Garden Island.

Hawaiʻi receiving $14 million in federal funding to combat invasive mosquitoes. More than $14 million in federal funding from the US Department of the Interior will go to conservation programs to tackle invasive mosquitoes in the State of Hawaiʻi as a priority distribution from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Package enacted last year. Maui Now.

Hemp Farmers Are Fed Up With Government Regulations Hampering The Industry’s Potential. After exhausting their savings and losing hope for more meaningful legislative relief, some hemp producers in Hawaii may ditch the crop altogether. Civil Beat.

Harsher penalties urged for car thieves. A bill that would double the maximum possible sentence for stealing a vehicle is only one of several crime bills currently under consideration by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

Local government complaints office is dealt more work abuse amid pandemic. The state Office of the Ombudsman has welcomed complaints about state and county administrative agencies in Hawaii for over 50 years, but the past two have been extraordinary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii has lowest monthly starting salaries: Study. WalletHub, a free credit score website, ranked cities based on different metrics like availability on entry level jobs, monthly average salary, annual job growth, workforce diversity, share of workers in poverty and more. KHON2.

Oahu

‘Water waste’ complaints quadruple as calls for conservation continue. Since the initial call went out March 9, after three well were shut down amid the Navy’s water contamination crisis, BWS officials say their phones have been ringing off the hook with residents reporting so-called water wasters. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu violent crime at 3-year high, Honolulu Police Department report finds. Homicides, robberies, assaults and rape cases on Oahu are at three-year highs, according to 2022 Honolulu Police Department counts through April, elevating concern among police and federal law enforcement officials using data and crime prevention tactics to contend with threats to public safety. Star-Advertiser.

Recipients reaching limits on assistance from Honolulu rent and utility program. Honolulu Hale’s efforts to distribute upward of $225 million in pandemic- related federal funding through its Rental and Utility Relief Program have been underway for over a year — and recipients are now beginning to hit set limits for financial assistance. Star-Advertiser.

City and County of Honolulu expands COVID-19 testing as demand increases. The City and County of Honolulu will once again offer free COVID-19 testing for Oahu residents at its Mobile Lab at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport seven days a week, as demand for increases during the current rise in coronavirus cases. Star-Advertiser.

HART to receive $500,000 for environmental assessments along rail line. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will pay half a million dollars for Honolulu’s rail authority to conduct environmental assessments along the rail line. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii officials resume postponed aerial drop to eradicate coqui frogs in Waimanalo. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture Monday resumed plans to drop a citric acid solution over a remote mountain area of Waimanalo as part of efforts to eradicate invasive coqui frogs. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Supreme Court Orders Judge To Revist Sealed Case Dispute. The Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest has asked Circuit Court Judge Gary Chang to unseal names of defendants in a case, restore a complaint the judge removed and lift a gag order imposed on the center. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Report: Hawaii County tops in construction hurdles. It’s more difficult to get a construction project rolling in Hawaii County than anywhere else in the nation, according to a report released last month. West Hawaii Today.

County Council eyes tougher sunscreen law. A state law took effect last year that banned the sale of sunscreens that contain two specific chemicals, but a proposed Hawaii County law would go further and ban selling all sunscreens except those containing two different substances. Tribune-Herald.

This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds — And Controversy. Pololu Valley, located along the North Kohala coast, is defined by forested cliffs that descend dramatically to a legendary black sand beach. Civil Beat.

Maui

Three years later, report on Maui jail riot still not released. More than three years after a riot that caused millions of dollars in damage, the Maui Community Correctional Center is set to undergo major repairs. But a final report on the incident has yet to be released to the public. KHON2.

Comments now accepted on latest listing of federal transportation projects for Maui. The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization is now accepting public comments on its Federal Fiscal Year 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program Revision #5. Maui Now.

Maui Fair is canceled for a third year in a row. That hasn’t happened since WWII. The fair won’t be coming to Maui this year — and that’s leaving many residents and vendors disappointed. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Community College celebrates in-person graduation. About 120 students elected to take the walk to receive their appropriate degrees or certificates from a specially created stage before an audience of several hundred people spread out over the area behind the Performing Arts Center. Garden Island.

Honolulu vial mislabeling sends 1,000 back for second COVID-19 test, $300 weekly unemployment bonus begins, health inspector fined for ethics violation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID-19 lab testing

About 1,000 Oahu residents told to retake COVID-19 surge test because of mislabeling. Just five days into a federally funded COVID-19 surge testing program on Oahu, about 1,000 people from the Kaneohe testing site have been told they have to retake the test due to a mislabeling error. Star-Advertiser.

Due To Mislabeling, About 1,000 Oahu Residents Told To Re-Test For COVID-19. The tests were part of the two-week federally funded testing surge. Civil Beat.

Due to mislabeling, about 1,000 Oahu residents told to re-test for COVID-19. In the latest coronavirus blunder, officials say about 1,000 people will need to get re-tested because vials weren’t labeled. Hawaii News Now.

About 1,000 surge tests labeled incorrectly, impacted individuals urged to retest. Some  of the tests from the Kaneohe site on Wednesday were not labeled correctly and those who are impacted are being urged to retest. KHON2.

1,000 people need to redo COVID-19 test due to labeling error. Another 500 vials were also incorrectly labeled, but staff managed to match the correct patient information to the vials. KITV4.

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A Frank Conversation With U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz About Hawaii’s ‘Terrible’ Virus Response Effort. Hawaii’s senior senator is extremely troubled by the Ige and Caldwell administrations’ failure to deal effectively with the coronavirus problem in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Contact tracing for the public: Voluntary contact tracing app would allow personal notification. Would a voluntary, free app that lets people know they were within 10-12 feet of someone who later tests positive for coronavirus help stem the rising tide of infections? Could crowd-sourcing — literally putting a tool into the hands of the public — be the solution that government alone can’t seem to reach? West Hawaii Today.

Travelers flying into Hawaii will be required to complete Safe Travels application. The Safe Travels application, starting Tuesday, will become the newest mandatory requirement for travelers flying into Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

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Feds fund unemployment bonus program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Sunday it has approved a $193,933,095 grant to Hawai‘i to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 with an additional $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit. Garden Island.

More federal funding is heading to islands to help fulfill unemployment claims. Senator Brian Schatz announces Saturday that the state is getting nearly $200 million in funding from the Lost Wages Assistance Program, which is administered through FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Hawaii News Now.

FEMA Approves Lost Wages Grant for Hawai‘i to Support $300 Per Week Unemployment Benefit. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Hawaiʻi to provide $300 per week, on top of their regular unemployment benefit, to those unemployed due to COVID-19. Maui Now.

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County Budgets Stable For Now, But Face Uncertain Future. Local governments in Hawaii have not yet faced the acute budget woes being felt at the state level. That may change if local businesses a forced to close. Hawaii Public Radio.

Auditor: DOE Should Be Releasing More Info About COVID-19 In Schools. The State Auditor also criticized Department of Education officials for not cooperating with its investigation. Civil Beat.

DOE reports 20 new COVID-19 cases. This week, 20 people associated with the state Department of Education has tested positive for COVID-19. The DOE's weekly web update says that includes nine employees, five students, four service providers and two parents contracted the virus. KITV4.

Hawaii’s hospitals are in urgent need of nurses to tackle a surge in COVID-19 cases. With an influx in hospitalizations in Hawaii due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, health care officials have put out an urgent call for more nurses to assist. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Inspector Fined $25,000 For Ethics Violation. A state worker admitted to mixing government work with his second job, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission said. Civil Beat.

DOH nurse consultant hit with $25,000 fine for ethics violation. The Hawaii State Ethics Commission fined Roel Salanga $25,000 dollars after they say he used his position for personal gain. Hawaii News Now.

Guess Who In Hawaii Is Donating To Trump And Biden? More than 600 Hawaii residents have contributed cash to the campaigns of the president and his opponent. Civil Beat.

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Bill opens up Hawai‘i to hemp industry. The signing of House Bill 1819 by Gov. David Ige legalizes the growth, processing and sale of industrial hemp in the state, and for Nalu Botanicals Lab, the first and only toll processing facility in the state, this bill opens up new opportunities and business by the ten-fold. Garden Island.

Pandemic renews calls for marijuana legalization in Hawaii. This week, Hawaii took a step forward in legalizing industrial hemp, something the agricultural committee says would be a big boost to the state's economy. KITV4.

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Will Hawaii’s $1.9 Billion Missile Radar System Get Built? Critics argue the costly system may already be obsolete and will needlessly threaten the environment and cultural sites. Civil Beat.

Wespac Reconsiders Rule That Keeps Longliners From Fishing Near Hawaii’s Shores. The zone was created nearly 30 years ago to ease conflicts with smaller boats that fish closer to shore. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric takes on threat of albizia trees. In 2019, Hawaiian Electric spent about $18.6 million on trimming or removing more than 360,000 trees across its five-island territory. Star-Advertiser.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 30: 200 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. There are now more than 5,700 active cases identified in the islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports another coronavirus death on Oahu and 200 new cases statewide. Health officials today reported 174 new cases today on Oahu, 22 on Hawaii island, and four in Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidates log small campaign funding deficits. he top two vote getters in the race reported small deficits in the days leading up to the primary. Hawaii News Now.

Protesters gather in opposition of mayor’s latest stay-at-home order. In an act of defiance against the mayor’s latest stay-at-home order, a large group of people exercised their freedom of speech Saturday in a protest near the grounds of Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists Find Larger Fish, Clearer Water During Hanauma Bay Closure. Scientists anticipate the bay’s vacation from vacationers will bring a much-needed boost to its overall health. Civil Beat.

‘It’s as if a bomb went off:’ Waipahu’s illegal dumping problem worsens. Illegal dumping has been a problem in Waipahu for years. But local businesses and environmental activists say the problem has gotten worse during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Outrage, not a meadow, grows in Royal Kunia subdivision. The condition and use of 132 acres at Royal Kunia once advertised as the spot for a planned golf course has been perturbing much of the roughly 2,000-home community over the past three years, including about 300 residents whose homes border the old golf course site. Star-Advertiser.

Reporter, weekend anchor Lisa Kubota bids aloha to Hawaii News Now. After 20 years in the broadcast journalism industry, Hawaii News Now’s Lisa Kubota is saying aloha to the world of television news. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island records its first 2 coronavirus deaths amid outbreak at Hilo veterans home. Hawaii island has had its first two coronavirus-related deaths following an outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Star-Advertiser.

Two coronavirus-related deaths reported at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Island marked its first coronavirus-related deaths Sunday as the number of positive COVID-19 cases on the island climbed to 340. West Hawaii Today.

Two Deaths, 37 COVID-19 Cases Connected To Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home Outbreak. Six are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center, and 19 are being cared for at the veterans home’s COVID designated area. Big Island Video News.

HMC Reports Two Coronavirus-Related Deaths. Hilo Medical Center reported two coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday afternoon, the first of which was also reported by Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Sunday morning. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Island reports two COVID deaths as case numbers surpass Maui County. On Sunday, Hawaii County had more COVID-19 cases than Maui County. As of Sunday, there are 166 active cases on Hawaii Island. KHON2.

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Five arrested following gathering at Kahaluu. Five people were arrested for violating Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation after Hawaii Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of a more than 20 people gathering at Kahaluu Beach Park. West Hawaii Today.

Police Arrest 5 at Kahalu‘u Beach Park For Violation of COVID-19 Protocol. Hawai‘i County Police on Saturday arrested five individuals for violating COVID-19 protocols as part of a gathering at Kahalu‘u Beach Park in West Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

5 arrested, charged on the Big Island for COVID violations. Not everyone complied and police arrested five people: 53-year-old Gene Tamashiro of Hilo, 48-year-old Stefanie Nolff of Keaau, 65-year-old Diane Ficher of Kailua-Kona, 60-year-old Melody Harris of Kailua-Kona and 53-year-old Michaele Ann Medearis of Holualoa. KHON2.

Maui

More than 5,000 limited quarantine requests. County grants ‘vast majority’ of requests so people can continue to work As of Friday, Maui County officials had received well over 5,000 requests from travelers for a limited quarantine when arriving in the county following interisland travel. Maui News.

Reality series ‘Temptation Island’ to begin filming again on Maui. Maui filming of the reality series “Temptation Island” is back on again after obtaining authorization from Mayor Michael Victorino following a review of the production company’s health security plan and testing protocols. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor green lights reality TV show. ‘Temptation Island’ filming at Andaz allowed beginning Sept. 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Money helps fund Makauwahi Cave Reserve expansion efforts. For the Makauwahi Cave Reserve, nestled on the south coast of Kaua‘i in the Mahaulepu Valley close to Mahaulepu Beach, change has always been constant, even in the pre-COVID era. Garden Island.

Kauai Businesses Are ‘Hanging On By A Thread’ Without Tourists. The alarming number of businesses facing closure in the next six months should be a warning sign to state leaders, says the head of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. Civil Beat.

Native seabird chicks eaten by single cat. Over the course of three days in a remote area of the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve, one cat (photographed on multiple trail cameras) killed at least nine endangered Hawaiian Petrel (‘u‘au) chicks. Garden Island.

Hawaii disinfects behind cruise ship as second COVID-19 victim tests positive, Lt. Gov. asks White House to stop cruise ships from docking here, Kauai mayor to deliver state of the county speech online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Workers disinfect handrails at Hilo park PC:Raymond Rowe

State official asks White House to stop cruise ships from docking in Hawaii over COVID-19. Should the government stop cruise ships from docking in Hawaii to prevent the spread of coronavirus? Lieutenant Governor Josh Green thinks so. And he said he put a formal request into the White House. KHON2.

Hawaii Officials Confirm 2nd Virus Case. Hawaii’s second case of the virus that causes COVID-19 was confirmed after a man who traveled to Washington state was tested after his return to Hawaii, officials said Sunday. Associated Press.

Second isle resident tests positive for COVID-19. A male Oahu senior who returned to Hawaii last week from Washington state became the second resident to test positive for the new coronavirus, state officials said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Elderly Oahu man ‘very ill’ after contracting COVID-19 during Washington State trip. Officials said he fell ill on March 2 and returned to Hawaii on March 4. Late Sunday night, health officials confirmed he arrived in Honolulu from Seattle on Hawaiian Airlines Flight HA21 on March 4. Hawaii News Now.

Elderly Honolulu man traveled to Washington state before testing positive for COVID-19. Oahu man got sick in Washington state on March 2, before coming home to Hawaii March 4. KITV4.

A second person on Oʻahu has tested positive for coronavirus after travelling to Washington State, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Elderly O‘ahu Man Contracts Coronavirus, State’s Second Case. An elderly resident of O‘ahu has come down with the state’s second confirmed case of COVID-19, or coronavirus, state officials said Sunday. Big Island Now.

Second Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Case Confirmed in Hawaii. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is announcing a second presumptive positive result for COVID-19 in the state. Maui Now.

The resident who fell ill in Washington state and came home to Hawaii where he tested positive for COVID-19 was aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight HA21 from Seattle to Honolulu on March 4, state Department of Health spokeswoman Janice Okubo said as of 10:25 p.m. Sunday. Maui News.

Passengers, crew members on cruise ship docked in Hilo test positive for COVID-19. Passengers and crew members aboard the Grand Princess, which had a port call in Hilo on Friday, have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. KITV4.

A series of events titled Atua: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples scheduled to be held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Brigham Young University–Hawaii over the next two weeks has been postponed out of an abundance of caution due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and COVID-19. KITV4.

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Bill would protect school newspapers’ rights. Hawaii lawmakers are advancing a bill that would ensure more First Amendment protections for student journalists in Hawaii public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Pot, hemp bills advance. About one-third of the marijuana-related bills introduced in the state Legislature this year have successfully passed the halfway point before possibly becoming law. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Zoning committee decision could restrict wind farms on Oahu. A proposal to prohibit energy-producing windmills from being installed within 5 miles of any neighboring properties won tentative approval from the City Council Zoning Committee last week despite a warning from city officials it would essentially eliminate future development of wind farms anywhere on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Violated Open Meetings Law. A council meeting improperly included a last-minute resolution about the use of Honolulu police resources during the Mauna Kea protests. Civil Beat.

Public transit, taxis ramp up cleaning amid growing coronavirus fears. Hawaii News Now.

Aviation groups want Dillingham Airfield to keep flying as businesses face an uncertain future. Two national aviation organizations have weighed in on the Dillingham Airfield controversy, with one asking the state for more time to maintain jobs and find a new airport “sponsor,” and the other asking federal authorities to “stand firm” and not release the state from grant obligations at the airport. Star-Advertiser.

State confirms rapid ohia death on fifth tree on Oahu. Rapid ohia death, the fungal blight that has killed off hundreds of thousands of native ohia trees in Hawaii, has been detected once again on Oahu, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ikaika Marzo To Run For Hawaii County Mayor. A resident who sprang into action to help Puna during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea now plans a run for Hawaiʻi County mayor. Big Island Video News.

Audit says water department needs clearer contingency plans. The Department of Water Supply needs to take a few more steps to ensure the public has dependable access to water when equipment breaks down, the county legislative auditor said in a report released Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Council panel to consider Kohala Shoreline rezoning. Developers of a 38-acre shoreline parcel north of Kohala Kai want to downsize the zoning to create only six lots rather than the 50 currently allowed, but local conservationists would prefer no development there at all. West Hawaii Today.

Puna residents: Reopen more roads. Dozens of lower Puna residents plan to attend a County Council committee meeting next week to voice their dissatisfaction with the county’s handling of roads still buried in lava. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawai‘i Hospitals Change Policy to Address Coronavirus. Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital began routing all visitors through a single point of entry starting Saturday, March 7. Big Island Now.

Maui

Short-term rental talk draws crowd – Owners: Ban of vacation rentals would punish the legal operators. County mulling end to short-term rental homes; no bill yet. Rental owners, managers and real estate agents decried an idea to phase out short-term rentals in single-family dwellings, saying it would penalize legal small businesses that work hard to follow rules. Maui News.

Maui homes scooped up as mortgage rates fall. Median sales price for single-family homes drops slightly to $744,150. Maui News.

Hawaii High School Athletic Association policy regarding transgender athletes challenged. Cynthia Monteleone, a Lahainaluna track and field coach, sent a complaint to the Department of Education office of civil rights last week questioning the rules regarding transgender athletes. Star-Advertiser.

Invitation For Bid Issued For Wastewater System in Pūlehunui. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a Wastewater System in Pūlehunui, Maui. Maui Now.

Plan for eco-friendly cemetery in Haiku gets $1M pledge from anonymous donor. Hawaii’s first exclusively “green” cemetery is still years away from being realized, but a local benefactor is helping to accelerate the process. Star-Advertiser.


Kauai

Kawakami to Deliver Kaua’i State of The County Online Amid Concerns Over Coronavirus Spread. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami will deliver his second State of the County Address via video, which will be uploaded to the County of Kaua‘i website and Facebook page by noon on Friday, March 13. Maui Now.

1-person cars create congestion. The answer to traffic congestion lies in bolstering alternatives to single-person vehicle transportation, according to a recent report out of the advocacy organization Transportation for America. Garden Island.

Plastic prohibited. When the 2020 edition of the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair opens in August, there is a strong possibility there will be no plastic bottled water available. Garden Island.

Last Of Its Kind: This Small Neighborhood Market Is Still A Big Part Of Life On Kauai. Kauai’s last mom and pop market is fighting to stay in business and nurture a new breed of local entrepreneurs. Civil Beat.

Molokai

Molokai Education Center a step closer to expansion. Final EA released for project; permits still required. Maui News.

Kahoolawe

$1M sought for Kahoolawe emergency fire recovery. Emergency funding of at least $1 million is being sought from the state Legislature following a brush fire on Kahoolawe estimated to be the largest to strike the island in decades. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules state breached trust at Pohakuloa Training Area, hemp has too much THC, overtourism on Maui, more than 3k commute by plane, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Live fire training at Pohakuloa ©2019 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court: State Failed Trust Duties In Pohakuloa. The Hawaii Supreme Court ordered the state to come up with a plan to better manage the land. Civil Beat.

High court rules state breached trust duties at Pohakuloa Training Area. In a 5-0 vote, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Friday the state hasn’t properly managed ceded lands at Pohakuloa leased to the Army for military training. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Supreme Court Rules State Breached Trust On Pohakuloa Lease. The court affirmed that the State "breached its constitutional trust duties by failing to reasonably monitor or inspect" the lands leased to the U.S. military. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Supreme Court modifies requirements for Pohakuloa land. A state Circuit Court judge correctly ruled that the Department of Land and Natural Resources breached its trust duties to care for ceded lands at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island used by the military, the Hawaii Supreme Court determined Friday. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii hemp growers are having to destroy their plants because of high THC levels. More than half of the hemp crops cultivated in Hawaii over the past year as part of the state’s industrial hemp pilot program have tested hot, meaning their levels of THC, the chemical that makes people high, were above the federal limit for hemp. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Nearly 3,000 Hawaii Residents Fly To Work. Hawaiian Airlines outlines its economic impact across the state in its 90th annual report. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines Generated $9.3B in Economic Benefits. Hawaiian Airlines generated the equivalent of $9.3 billion in economic benefit for the state of Hawaii and supported more than 60,000 jobs in 2018, according to an independent report conducted in recognition of the airline’s 90th year of service to the state and its people. Big Island Now.

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Judge tosses TMT lawsuit. A Hilo judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit against the Thirty Meter Telescope that sought an injunction to block its construction because the project did not post a security bond. Tribune-Herald.

Kupuna protesters plead not guilty. About 200 people showed up Friday in Hilo to support nine people facing their initial court date for charges of obstructing Maunakea Access Road on July 17 to prevent construction vehicles and workers from scaling Maunakea to build the Thirty Meter Telescope. Tribune-Herald.

TMT, Opposition React To Mayor Kim’s Mauna Kea Meetings. Neither Thirty Meter Telescope representatives, or leadership in the TMT opposition movement, were invited to the mayor's second meeting, they say. Big Island Video News.

Despite years of legal battles and months of protests by Native Hawaiian opponents, the international coalition that wants to build the world’s largest telescope in Hawaii insists that the islands’ highest peak — Mauna Kea — is the best place for their $1.4 billion instrument. But just barely. Associated Press.

Anti-TMT protests affecting Big Island tourism industry. A convention of bird- watchers has canceled a planned meeting on Hawaii island because of uncertainty surrounding protests over building the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term vacation rental rift creates a house divided. A fierce battle is brewing at Waikiki Lanais, where the Association of Apartment Owners just voted to add a hotel front desk to the property and spend at least $40,000 to hire an attorney to defend the right of some owners to continue renting their units short-term. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Officials Say Ala Wai Project Money In Jeopardy. While the City Council was warned the nearly $200 million could be lost to flood-control efforts elsewhere, there is actually a surplus of federal money for such projects. Civil Beat.

Councilwoman Tsuneyoshi To Biki: Pay Up For Public Space. The nonprofit Bikeshare Hawaii has gotten no-cost access to city parking spots and sidewalk space since 2017 to rent out 1,300 Biki bikes in downtown Honolulu, but their free ride could end soon. Civil Beat.

Work on Honolulu’s $3.2B airport modernization project hits the halfway mark. Spending on the $3.2 billion modernization effort underway across Hawaii’s airport system is at the halfway point, and most of the big-ticket capital improvement projects are slated to wrap up by December 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua farmers market forced to relocate after DOE complaints. After more than six years, the Kailua Town Farmers Market has to find a new home. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Medical Marijuana Dispensary To Cater To Tourists. The latest medical cannabis retail facility is located in Waikiki and passed its final onsite inspection this month. Civil Beat.

EPA to remove extremely high levels of lead buried under deteriorating Kalihi road. The asphalt on Factory Street covers up extremely high levels of lead — buried by the government decades ago. Health officials rediscovered the forgotten site in 2017, warning inaction would put families in danger. Hawaii News Now.

Tens of thousands of university students heading back to classes -- and the roadways. An estimated 20,000 students will converge on U.H.-Manoa. Some of them started moving into dormitories over the past few days, but many more will be commuting from around the island. Hawaii News Now.

Florence Puana, Katherine Kealoha’s grandmother, turns 100. Puana, who turned 100 on Saturday, is the grandmother of former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha. She provided key testimony in Kealoha’s federal conspiracy and obstruction trial. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HVO settles in: Site selection, facility design could take years. The signing by President Donald Trump in June of a long-delayed disaster relief bill means Hawaiian Volcano Observatory can go about the business of finding a new site. Tribune-Herald.

New Kona prosecutor’s office delayed. The new Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at the West Hawaii Civic Center is months behind schedule. When work got underway on the $14 million project in May 2018, officials anticipated Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. would have the project completed April 8, 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Coastal management meetings planned. Big Island residents will have the chance this week to weigh in on an ocean resources management plan, as statewide “sharing sessions” wrap up with meetings in Kona and Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo bike-share program gets rolling. Three years after Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, or PATH, launched a bike-share program in Kona, the program expanded to Hilo earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

As impacts mount, some wonder whether ‘managed tourism’ is possible on Maui. The rise of social media, travel apps and vacation rental hosting sites has made it more difficult for tourists and residents to find secluded experiences on any island, especially Maui, where tourism arrivals rose from 1.8 million in 2009 to 2.9 million in 2018, a 54% gain that was the largest increase on any island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County urged to settle closely-watched environmental case. In one of the most closely-watched environmental cases in the country, Maui County is preparing to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court this November that its wastewater wells in Lahaina are not harming the coastline. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Home Lands Proposes Housing Project In Central Maui. An area near Waikapu, which has been eyed for housing for more than a decade, is poised to be developed as a Hawaiian homestead project. Maui News.

MCCC Struggles Over ʻExtreme’ Staff Shortage. Over the past two weeks, staffing shortages at the Maui Community Correctional Center prompted cancellations of weekend visits for inmates. Maui Now.

Maui County hotels top state’s counties in July. Maui County hotels in July led the state’s three other counties in revenue per available room, average daily rate and occupancy, according to a recent hotel report. Maui News.

Kauai

Kamalani Playground closing for upgrades. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced that Kamalani Playground at Lydgate Park will be closed starting Monday for the installation of safety upgrades. Garden Island.

Ige may veto vacation rental, REIT taxes, lets marijuana decriminalization bill stand, NTSB dings FAA for lax skydiving regulations, the future of Haiku Stairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ige announces potential vetoes PC:Governor's Office

Gov. David Ige's full veto list and rationale. Governor's Office.

Ige Set To Veto $56 Million In New Taxes On Real Estate Trusts And Vacation Rentals. But bills to decriminalize the use of pot, allow mail-in balloting, create a new state prison oversight commission and provide funds to replace aging Aloha Stadium will all become law. Civil Beat.

Tax bills for vacation rentals and REITs among items on governor’s veto list. Gov. David Ige said he will veto a measure that will allow vacation rental platforms like AirBNB to collect taxes from owners. Hawaii News Now.

Ige says he will veto Senate vacation rental collection bill. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Plans To Veto Short-Term Rental Tax Bill. Hawaii Governor David Ige on Monday announced he plans to veto a bill that would require short-term rental booking platforms to collect state taxes. The measure, S.B. 1292, was passed by the state Senate last month by a single vote. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige unveils "intent to veto" list. Governor David Ige unveiled his intent to veto list Monday. Twenty bills already passed by state lawmakers may not become law. KITV.

Ige plans to veto bill to tax REITs in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige plans to veto a bill that would make Hawaii only the second state to tax real estate investment trusts, saying any gain the state might see wouldn’t be worth the “negative impacts to the state’s economic health and business climate.” Pacific Business News.

Ige considering vetoes for Airbnb, industrial hemp billsTwenty bills might be on the chopping block after Gov. David Ige revealed Monday which of them he is considering vetoing. Tribune-Herald.

Hemp, Airbnb, Cannabis, Asset Forfeiture Bills On Ige’s Veto List. Hawaii Governor David Ige notified state leaders and key lawmakers today of his intent to veto the 20 different measures that passed through the Legislature this year. Big Island Video News.

Airbnb Among 20 Bills on Ige’s Intent to Veto List. Gov. David Ige notified legislative leaders and key lawmakers of his Intent to Veto 20 measures. Maui Now.

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Pot possession decriminalized with new bill. Starting next year, possession of small quantities of cannabis will no longer be a criminal offense in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii airports get $10M in federal funds for safety improvements, upgrades. Four airports in Hawaii will get over $10 million in federal funds to improve airport safety, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gets $10 Million For Airport Improvements. The funding will be used to purchase aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, reconstruct taxiways and install runway lighting at four airports across the state. Civil Beat.

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More regulation urged in crash’s wake. The National Transportation Safety Board is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to increase regulations for aircraft that operate parachuting serv­ices in the wake of Friday’s fatal skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

In wake of crash, investigators put FAA ‘on notice’ over safety concerns with skydiving operations. In an extraordinary news conference Monday, NTSB investigators in Hawaii following Friday’s deadly plane crash in Mokuleia publicly criticized the FAA for failing to adopt tougher oversight of skydiving operations and said the agency is “on notice." Hawaii News Now.

FAA Largely Ignored Calls For Improved Skydiving Flight Safety, NTSB Says. The NTSB called for more stringent standards for skydiving operations more than 10 years ago. On Monday, it called out the FAA for not taking sufficient action on those. Civil Beat.

NTSB calls on FAA to strengthen regulation on parachute operations. According to a National Transportation Safety board member, changes to some Federal Aviation Administration rules could save lives. KITV.

NTSB holds second press conference on Mokuleia plane crash that killed 11. KHON2.

Oahu Parachute Center owner responds for the first time following crash. KHON2.

Medical Examiner releases names of 7 victims from Mokuleia plane crash. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office today released the names of seven of the victims of Friday’s skydiving plane that crashed at Dillingham Airfield, killing all 11 aboard. Star-Advertiser.

Names Of 7 Oahu Plane Crash Victims Released. Eleven people total died in the Dillingham Airfield incident Friday. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 7 Of 11 Victims In Plane Crash. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vague guidelines on pesticide use at schools has community calling for change. During a community meeting Monday, the head of Hawaii’s public schools admitted she’s not sure if the Department of Education is fully compliant with a new law banning certain pesticides on or near campuses. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Court expects crowd for Kealoha closings. An overflow crowd is expected today when government and defense attorneys give closing arguments in the corruption and conspiracy trial of Katherine and Louis Kealoha and three co- defendants. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What To Expect At Closing Arguments In The Kealoha Case. Louis and Katherine Kealoha are on trial with three Honolulu police officers for allegedly framing a family member for the theft of their mailbox. Civil Beat.

Unsealed records: Kealoha was prosecuting cases despite ‘serious’ medical condition. Records unsealed Monday by a federal judge show Katherine Kealoha was not capable of prosecuting cases for at least eight months between 2013 and 2014. Hawaii News Now.


Judge to decide on change to Kaneshiro removal petition. A circuit judge will soon decide whether there needs to be a complete do-over of a petition campaign seeking to impeach embattled Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Star-Advertiser.

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Tear it down or reopen it? A new evaluation outlines options for the Haiku Stairs. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is offering hope to hikers looking for a legal way to enjoy the scenic — and currently off-limits — Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply considering the future of Haiku Stairs. An environmental impact statement was released on Sunday that shows the stairs could be removed as early as 2022. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen Powered Buses Are Happening On Hawaii Island. Hydrogen buses are on the way and the fueling station in Kona is ready to go, according to County officials. Big Island Video News.

FEMA Wants Its Money Back For Aid To Volcano Victims. FEMA says the agency is required to review disaster assistance payments to ensure the money doesn’t duplicate other assistance, wasn’t inappropriately spent or was provided in error. Civil Beat.

Maui

Kahului Airport Gets $4.29 Million in Federal Funds. Maui’s Kahului Airport will receive $3.6 million to reconstruct its taxiway and $693,750 to purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, according to an announcement today from US Senator Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

Maui vets work to keep Korean War history alive. Veterans remembered through oral histories; candlelight ceremony planned for Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors must pay in Waimea Canyon state parks. Paid parking for visitors and commercial tours is soon to be a common requirement in Kauai State Parks. Garden Island.

Out-of-state visitors to pay parking fees at Kokee, Waimea Canyon State Park. If you’re not a Hawaii resident, be prepared to pay a parking fee come Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai leaders to discuss plans that might impact traditional salt making in Hanapepe. A battle is brewing over Kauai’s famed salt ponds of Hanapepe. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai man among victims of Oahu skydiving crash. Jordan Tehero was a Kauai-raised man in love with skydiving and videography. Garden Island.