Hawaii tax hikes target tourists, second homes; Oahu permitting chief to curb bribery schemes; widow sues police over shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Magic island sunset on Oahu ©2021 All Hawaii News

New Taxes, Tourism Funding Cuts Among Bills Pushed Through As Legislature Winds Down. House and Senate lawmakers gave preliminary approval Thursday to a measure that would allow the counties to levy their own tax of up to 3% on hotel rooms and vacation rental units, a move that one lawmaker said would “incentivize” the counties to crack down on illegal vacation rentals. Lawmakers also tentatively agreed Thursday to a significant boost in the state conveyance tax that would be imposed on sales of the most expensive non-owner occupied homes in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Budget cuts slated for Hawaii Tourism Authority as lawmakers look to reorganize department. After much back and forth, lawmakers agreed on a bill that would cut HTA’s budget from $79 million to $60 million. KHON2.

Cruise ship industry poised for comeback, but are they safe? A year after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control shut down cruise ships because of COVID, officials say the industry is ready to resume with strict guidelines to control the virus. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental occupancy in March tops hotels again. Vacation rental occupancy statewide topped Hawaii hotels in March, continuing a six-month trend that emerged in October after Safe Travels Hawaii allowed some visitors to bypass the state’s COVID-­related travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

How Hawaii Squandered Its Food Security — And What It Will Take To Get It Back. Hawaii’s reliance on food imports began in the 1960s. To achieve self-sufficiency again, experts say it will take old values and new tools. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers prepare for when Hawaii eviction moratorium ends. An eviction moratorium is in place that is stopping landlords from evicting tenants for not paying rent during the pandemic. It ends on Tuesday, June 8, unless it is extended. KHON2.

April 22, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 101 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 76 on O‘ahu, nine on Maui, nine on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i, and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting takes steps to curb corruption. The Department of Planning and Permitting is taking steps to reckon with the conditions within the department that led to federal charges against five former and current employees for accepting bribes to perform city services. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

With Its New Climate Plan, The City Aims To Curb Oahu’s Growing Carbon Pollution. Cars and trucks are the main culprit driving more greenhouse gas emissions on Oahu in recent years, the new plan states. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Widow of man shot dead by Honolulu police in Nuuanu files lawsuit. The widow of Lindani Myeni, who was shot and killed by police at a home in Nuuanu on April 14 during an alleged burglary, has filed a lawsuit against the city and three police officers for the wrongful death of her husband. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu Island Burial Council claims Ige is retaliating against its longtime leader. The group claimed Ige did not grant Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu another term because she spoke out publicly in January about alleged mismanagement at the State Historic Preservation Division. Hawaii News Now.

Waikīkī Beach Undergoes Sand Replenishment for Second Time in a Decade. A planned beach maintenance and sand replenishment project at Waikīkī Beach enters its final stage in the heart of Hawai‘i’s major tourism district. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

City hopes to buy neglected property near Pearl Harbor bike path and turn it into a park. The city hopes to transform a private property along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path into a new park, but the owner said they’re not offering what the lot is worth. Hawaii News Now.

A pier, staircase on public land trigger dispute with private homeowners. Two wealthy Oahu homeowners face fines for doing unauthorized construction work on oceanfront state land to improve long-standing amenities for their residences. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council hires auditor: Spokane auditor Tyler Benner chosen to lead county office. The Hawaii County Council has chosen as its next county auditor an admitted introvert who owns property on the Big Island over a retiree with 30 years of experience. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court hears arguments in Honua Ola’s appeal of PUC ruling. The state Supreme Court on Thursday heard arguments in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s appeal requesting the high court order the Public Utilities Commission to vacate its July 9, 2020, decision that nullified an amended power-purchase agreement the Pepeekeo power plant had with Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

Island Naturals plans new flagship store near Wailoa park. Island Naturals founder Russell Ruderman said Thursday he wants to build a retail center that will be at least 67,000-square-feet near Wailoa State Recreation Area that will include a new store location, space for several other businesses, and possibly office space. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

4-year college degree won’t be required for next chief. While the Maui Police Commission will seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree or other higher education in selecting the next police chief, a four-year college degree won’t be a requirement to apply for the job. Maui News.

Despite pause in efforts, conservation groups press on. While a pause in human activity during the pandemic gave the environment some relief, it also took a toll on local conservation groups who halted projects and scaled back volunteers as the virus spread across the world last year. Maui News.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green Tours Maui Hospital Vaccination Clinic. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green toured the Maui Memorial Medical Center today as part of an island visit that also included discussion with Intensive Care Unit nurses who care for COVID patients, and a visit with Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

DOH: California variant is the ‘predominant strain’ on Maui. Epidemiologist says 85% of samples analyzed in March were variants. Maui News.

Kauai

Council urges broadband equity. Wednesday, the County Council made a commitment, through a resolution, urging the development of broadband infrastructure in support of closing the digital divide during the COVID-19 recovery period. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i has 2nd COVID-19-related fatality. Thursday, the county announced its second COVID-19-related fatality, claiming the life of an elderly female Kaua‘i resident who was hospitalized on O‘ahu, according to the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office. Garden Island.

Construction today at Kalena Park. The scope of the work includes installation of signs and concrete barriers and removal of fencing, by contractor KickAss Concrete. Garden Island.

Ige signs 16th proclamation limiting quarantine-free travel to negative coronavirus tests, Honolulu throws out most COVID-19 citations, Kauai records first COVID-19 death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii hotel beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s hotel industry is still struggling despite tourism reopening, and isn’t expected to break even in 2021. A new annual Hawaii hotel forecast prepared by STR for the Hawaii Tourism Authority estimates that by the end of 2021, statewide occupancy will have hit only 46.3%, still short of the 50% to 60% occupancy that the industry needs to break even. Star-Advertiser.

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Concerns raised over state’s new quarantine plan. A new 14-day quarantine that starts today for inbound travelers awaiting results of their COVID-19 tests received pushback Monday from the state House Select Committee COVID- 19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, with several members saying the quarantine could hurt Hawaii’s economy just as it’s showing encouraging signs. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker: Changing Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program ‘Doesn’t Serve The Public’. Business and political leaders criticized the governor for changing a program that seems to be working. Gov. David Ige’s change to Hawaii’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program has caused an outcry among business and political leaders who say Ige made the change abruptly without talking to tourism industry executives, based on a small number of infected travelers who slipped through the cracks. Civil Beat.

Officials worried new virus restrictions will slow tourism. Gov. David Ige’s announcement last week imposing new restrictions for trans-Pacific travelers seeking to avoid quarantine needs to be amended, said several figures in the tourism industry Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Some lawmakers want the governor to rethink the new travel rules. Members of the House Committee on COVID-19 are calling for Gov. David Ige to amend new pre-travel testing rule. Beginning Tuesday, travelers who don’t have their test results before boarding a plane to Hawaii, will need to quarantine for 14 days even if a negative result comes in later. Hawaii News Now.

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Trans-Pacific Travel Changes in Effect Tuesday. Gov. David Ige signed a 16th COVID-19 emergency proclamation Monday, Nov. 23, requiring all transpacific travelers to have a negative test result from a trusted travel partner before their departure for Hawai‘i in order to bypass the 14-day quarantine. Big Island Now.

Governor Ige issues 16th COVID-19 emergency proclamation, tightening restrictions for trans-pacific travelers heading to Hawai‘i. Governor David Ige signed a 16th COVID-19 emergency proclamation requiring all transpacific travelers to have a negative test result from a trusted travel partner before their departure for the State of Hawai‘i, in order to bypass the 14-day quarantine. The new policy takes effect on Tuesday, Nov. 24. KITV4.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 16th Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency can be found here.

Dept. of Health Discouraging Air Travel, Gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving. Dr. Libby Char, Department of Health Director, told KITV4 she is "very concerned" about holiday gatherings leading to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Economics and Economists in the Spotlight. Local public debates often include economic information and analysis, but the pandemic and resulting economic crisis have intensified the demand for real-time data and understanding. Hawaii Business magazine.

Unspent funds won’t need to be returned, Case assures. U.S. Rep. Ed Case expressed confidence that unspent federal funds for COVID-19 relief in Hawaii will not have to be returned at the end of the year, and said he remains hopeful that another round of federal support could come from Congress. Star-Advertiser.

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Keoni Souza Asks Hawaii Supreme Court For Recount In OHA Race. The race fell just outside of the threshold for an automatic recount. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Is Changing ‘The Face Of Hunger’ In Hawaii. The Hawaii Foodbank has distributed nearly 19 million pounds of food since March. The statewide food insecurity rate for 2020 was projected to be 16.8%, but the figure was far greater for children at 29.4%, or 89,050. Civil Beat.

Inspection data sought on state nursing homes. A senior advocacy group wants more data about inspections of Hawaii nursing homes as long-term care facilities across the nation continue to see record cases of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 23: 114 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials recorded 114 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 80 on Oahu, 10 on Hawaii Island, 11 on Maui and three on Kauai. Ten more Hawaii residents were diagnosed outside of the state, according to the Department of Health. Civil Beat.

Oahu

More than 58,000 citations issued for violating emergency orders have been thrown out. Less than one in 50 citations issued on Oahu since March for violating COVID-19 emergency orders resulted in a conviction, newly-released statistics show. Of the more than 60,000 criminal charges issued by Honolulu police since March that have already gone through the court system, the city Prosecutor’s Office declined to prosecute more than 43,000. Another 15,700 charges were dismissed by a judge or prosecutor, leaving just 962 convictions. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell says HPD COVID Enforcement Team might not return. The department had put it on hold after possible violations of overtime rules. With the investigation ongoing, the mayor says time is running out. KHON2.

City Council leader calls on police chief to bring back COVID-19 enforcement team. Some are calling on Honolulu’s police chief to bring back its COVID-19 enforcement unit, which was suspended following allegations of overtime abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki residents angered by pool party of 30+ people flouting COVID-19 restrictions. Hugs and kisses... loud music and champagne... even a crowded group picture... it looked like a party pre-pandemic. But this happened this past Saturday -- more than 30 revelers celebrated a friend's 26th birthday at The Hawaiian Monarch Hotel and Condos -- with no social distancing. KITV4.

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Mayor-elect Blangiardi favors more aggressive reopening of Oahu. Honolulu mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi indicated today he is willing to be more aggressive in re-opening Oahu to allow for such things as bars, other small businesses and team sports to be open more quickly than under current Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s existing tiered system of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor-elect Blangiardi prepares to take on mounting budget woes. Conditions have gone from bad to worse for Honolulu’s projected budget shortfall, rail project, and COVID outlook. KHON2.

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Mayor Caldwell announces $24M addition to Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund. Oahu bars and nightclubs, gyms and fitness facilities, and arcades will be eligible to tap from $24 million in additional money that’s being infused into the city’s Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Adds $24 Million To Business Relief Fund. Grants up to $20,000 will be available to arcades, bars and nightclubs, gyms and fitness centers and commercial boating operations under an expansion of Honolulu’s Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced on Monday. Civil Beat.

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More than 100 inmates at Waiawa Correctional Facility are now COVID positive. On Monday, the state reported 103 infected inmates and seven infected employees. One prisoners’ rights advocate calls it an “infection factory". Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses ordered to close for violating Emergency Order. Several businesses on Oahu violated the Mayor’s emergency order so the Honolulu Liquor Commission required them to close for 24-hours. KHON2.

Online queues, sanitizer & distancing: Hawaii malls prep for a unique Black Friday. Black Friday 2020 is already poised to be unlike any other before. In recent years, retailers have been hungry to get people in their doors earlier and earlier with deals often starting Thanksgiving night. Hawaii News Now.

A Pearl City park is renamed in honor of a respected community leader. The Manana Community Park in Pearl City has officially been renamed. It is now the Breene Harimoto Manana Community Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

David to lead County Council. Maile David will lead the County Council for the two-year term beginning next month, following an organizational meeting held shortly after the election. The council is also slated to create a new committee to deal with climate change, according to resolutions that will be voted on Dec. 7. West Hawaii Today.

New Nature Trail Opens Off Saddle Road On Hawaii Island. A new nature trail in the shadow of Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island is the latest addition to the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program. Big Island Video News.

The spirit of giving: Ironman Foundation provides Thanksgiving bundles to 600 families. Volunteers worked hard Monday loading 600 Thanksgiving bundles into a seemingly never-ending line of vehicles containing families needing a turkey dinner with all the fixings ahead of the Thursday’s holiday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Large gathering of more than 200 on Maui beach broken up. Conservation enforcement officers on Maui broke up a large gathering of more than 200 people who allegedly flouted COVID-19 rules at Makena’s Little Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Law Enforcement Operation at “Little Beach” in Mākena, Maui. A team of eight officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement conducted a law enforcement operation on Sunday night at Puʻu Ōlaʻi “Little Beach” in Mākena State Park on Maui. Maui Now.

October Tourism Authority Report: Maui County Vacation Rentals at 21% and Hotels at 14.2% Occupancy. Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties with 138,500 available unit nights, which was a decrease of 53.5 percent compared to a year ago. Maui Now.

Maui Hub Approved as a Nonprofit Organization. The IRS has approved the online marketplace MauiHub.org as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Effective June 29, 2020, all donations made to Maui Hub after that date are tax-deductible. Maui Now.

More mobile help coming for Maui people in need. More help is on the horizon for Maui’s needy population as police spearhead an effort to roll out a Mobile Medical Educational Unit possibly by the end of the year. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i records first on-island COVID-19 death. The first on-island COVID-19 fatality was reported Monday morning, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced. The elderly male resident had no travel history. Garden Island.

Kauai reports first COVID-19 fatality since pandemic began. For months, Kauai County has appeared to have had the upper hand on coronavirus, going weeks at a time without any new infections. This death comes as cases are once again ticking up. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai reports first on-island coronavirus related fatality. The Kauai District Health Office reported the first on-island coronavirus-related death on Monday, Nov. 23. KHON2.

Community transmission on the rise on Kaua‘i. The county is seeing a rise in community transmission, and officials are concerned with the holidays coming up. Garden Island.

Congressman-elect Kahele makes first Kaua‘i trip since election. U.S. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele wants to bring more aloha to a divided country. Garden Island.

Inmates to get $1200 stimulus, Honolulu maintains existing COVID-19 restrictions, coffee leaf rust hits two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii jail dorm ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Inmates Can Now File For $1200 Federal Stimulus Checks. A federal court in California has ruled that prison and jail inmates are eligible to receive federal stimulus payments under the $2.2 trillion federal CARES Act, and Hawaii corrections officials are now distributing forms for prisoners to use to file for the payments. Civil Beat.

CARES Act Funding Lifted Hawaii Residents’ Incomes. The state Council on Revenues projects total personal income will actually increase by 5% this year but decline by 4% next year. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court Rejects Suit Seeking Prompt Payments For Hawaii’s Jobless. The Hawaii Supreme Court has rejected a class-action lawsuit that tried to spur faster action from the state’s labor department on thousands of outstanding unemployment claims. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Lawmaker Spent Years Obstructing Vaping Regulation While Receiving Thousands From Big Tobacco. As youth vaping rates surged, powerful state lawmaker Sylvia Luke repeatedly held up anti-vaping laws while accepting nearly $20,000 in campaign contributions from tobacco companies and lobbyists. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public access: Legislation in the works to allow more online participation in government. If a global pandemic can even have a silver lining, it’s this: Public access to state and local government meetings has never been easier, especially for neighbor island residents. West Hawaii Today.

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7 out of 10 patients in Hawaii hospitalized with COVID-19 are being treated with a drug called Remdesivir. Remdesivir is the same drug that was used help fight the Ebola virus between 2014 and 2016. KITV4.

Hawaii tourism struggles to gain momentum. In the second week of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program, visitor arrivals fell 25% compared with the first week.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii resorts plan for more visitors, fewer jobs. Hawaii hotels are slowly reopening, but they are also converting some temporary furloughs into permanent layoffs. Hawaii News Now.

Lessons learned from first two weeks of the state's Safe Travels platform. Since Hawaii's pre-travel testing program started two weeks ago, data from the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services shows more than 110,000 people have come to the islands. KITV4.

More than 83,000 flew to Hawaii since Oct. 15. Since the state reopened to tourism on Oct. 15, the number of trans-Pacific air arrivals has more than quadrupled the total for all of September. Tribune-Herald.

Post-arrival surveillance testing finds a handful of Hawaii travelers with COVID-19. A handful of trans-Pacific travelers have tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in the islands, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 data analyst projects spike from Halloween could come around Nov. 15. Experts say coronavirus case averages have been consistent over the past few weeks, but all it takes is one event without masks or social distancing for cases to spike. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 29: 77 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases include 60 on Oahu, eight on Hawaii island, one on Kauai and two on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Despite encouraging trend, Oahu won’t see any loosening of COVID-19 restrictions for weeks. In recent weeks Honolulu’s coronavirus numbers have been slowly declining even as the pandemic has started to rage on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor announces requirements for O'ahu to possibly move into Tier Three in third week of November. Oahu's recovery plan could potentially move into Tier Three in the third week of November if the average number of COVID-19 cases per day remain low. KITV4.

Decision on Malaekahana housing plan again postponed. The community has for years been heatedly divided on language in the proposed revised plan that would allow for up to 200 residential units on 50 acres of undeveloped land that straddles Laie and Malaekahana. Star-Advertiser.

State says Kaaawa homeowner who chopped down trees fronting shoreline had no permit; neighbors are outraged. Conflict is brewing on Oahu’s North Shore after a homeowner illegally chopped down multiple trees along the coastline in Kaaawa, creating concerns among residents about erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Coffee leaf rust hits Hawaii Island. A sample of a rust fungus collected at a residence in Hilo has been tentatively identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Hilo as coffee leaf rust. West Hawaii Today.

Data-Collecting Vehicle Sensors Installed On East Hawaii Highways. The connected vehicle sensors anonymously collect data from Bluetooth-enabled devices in passing vehicles, and calculate travel times between units in order to optimize traffic signal timing, HDOT says. Big Island Video News.

Fairmont Orchid to Reopen in Mid-November. The reopening includes guest services as well as food and beverage venues, including Brown’s Beach House, Hale Kai, Brown’s Deli, and Spa Without Walls. Big Island Now.

Maui

Single Positive COVID-19 Result Out of 700 Participants in Maui Post-Arrival Voluntary Test. More than 700 participants have taken COVID-19 tests as part of the County of Maui’s free voluntary post-arrival testing program, which started Oct. 17. Maui Now.

Coffee leaf rust threatens Hawaii’s coffee industry. A notorious new pest has landed on Maui, and coffee growers across the islands fear the plant disease could devastate — and maybe even transform — the $54 million industry in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State alleges company violated stream-flow levels. Wailuku Water Co., which owns a water delivery system used for Maui County drinking water, was given notice recently for failing to meet state standards for in-stream flows on three Na Wai ‘Eha waterways in the West Maui Mountains. Maui News.

Ka‘ahumanu Avenue Community Corridor Project Announced. Maui County residents are invited to participate in a study to create a new vision for the roadway corridor along Ka‘ahumanu Avenue and Main Street in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kollar: All must obey virus rules. Eight of the 14 people arrested on Kaua’i for allegedly violating the 14-day mandatory quarantine since the state’s reopening were out-of-state visitors. Garden Island.

Hawaii most restrictive state in COVID-19 era, hotel industry pushes Ige for reopening, statewide prison testing to begin, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hanauma Bay is recovering. Some want to limit crowds in the long run to further protect it. Users of Hanauma Bay are pushing for an online reservation system to reduce the number of visitors and protect the bay’s ecosystem. Hawaii News Now.

New study ranks Hawaii as state with most COVID-19 restrictions. A new study by finance website WalletHub ranks Hawaii as the state with the most COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Most states have mask requirements but the analyst involved in the study points out that the tough rules on gatherings, beaches, and trails puts Hawaii "over the top." KITV4.

Hotel industry pushes Gov. Ige to relaunch trans-Pacific travel no later than mid-October. In a letter to Gov. Ige, the HLTA, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation said that if the state can’t lift the 14-day quarantine for transpacific travel on Oct. 1, it favors reopening in stages, with mass travel resuming Oct. 15. Hawaii News Now.

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Ige Signs Domestic Violence Bills, Vetoes 5 Others. The governor also signed several measures put forward by the women’s legislative caucus. A bill that supporters hope could speed domestic violence cases through the court system is among 66 others that are set to become law. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige releases final veto list. Governor Ige has notified House and Senate leaders of his final veto list, which includes five of the six measures that were on the Intent to Veto list submitted to lawmakers on Aug. 31. KITV4.

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Mass COVID Testing to Take Place at Jails, Prisons Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety Health Care Division is working with the Hawai‘i Department of Health to conduct mass testing for COVID-19 at all correctional facilities statewide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor develops COVID-19 symptoms but is still working. Lt. Gov. Josh Green has developed symptoms of the new coronavirus but is continuing to lead the state’s response to stop the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov Josh Green feeling a little bit more worn out due to coronavirus. He says he’s feeling a little worse than on Monday. KHON2.

Hawaii has lost half of its recovery since June, analyst says. As restrictive measures were eased, a gradual recovery to Hawaii’s economy began in May, and by late June through the middle of July, the state had regained about 35% of economic activity that had been lost since the April low point, according to UHERO’s gauge. However, in the wake of spiking COVID-19 cases that triggered a second round of business restrictions and a partial interisland travel quarantine, economic activity has backslid to where the recovery as of Sept. 5 was only 19% of what was lost since the April low, UHERO’s latest pulse readout said. Star-Advertiser.

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Health Department Has New Contact Tracing Plan, But Will It Be Enough? The state Department of Health has redesigned its contact tracing program with a new leader to adapt to the surge in COVID-19 cases. It's too soon to tell if the changes will be enough to contain the virus but the program will be closely watched. Hawaii Public Radio.

Is DOH Epidemiologist Jennifer Smith Legally Protected As A Whistleblower? Putting a worker on paid leave soon after she blew the whistle can be enough to establish a case under Hawaii’s law. But legal elements can be hard to prove. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii State Hospital member tests positive for COVID-19. The Department of Health has reported a Hawaii State Hospital staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 15: 66 New Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. The health department is waiting for medical records to confirm 25 coronavirus-related deaths. Civil  Beat.

DOH Reports 66 New Cases, as Death Toll Hits 100. The statewide total of cases reported is now 10,844 since the pandemic began. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Managing Director explains ‘tier plan’ for reopening. As the Honolulu health crisis begins to come under control, city leaders are sparring over past mistakes and the plan for the future. Hawaii News Now.

Officials defend the emergency orders as frustration mounts over Oahu’s reopening plan. City Council members Tuesday called on Mayor Kirk Caldwell to reopen the economy more quickly and allow families to be together on beaches and in parks. Star-Advertiser.

65% of Hawaii restaurants expect to close in six months, HRA meets with Mayor Caldwell. The HRA chair met with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Tuesday evening. KHON2.

CARES-Funded Lab Hitting Delays In Delivering Coronavirus Tests. The University of Hawaii’s lab is a key part of the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s ‘People’s Open Markets’ to resume normal schedule this weekend. Oahu residents will once again have the option to shop at a popular open air market starting this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

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Keith Amemiya Endorsed By Four More Honolulu City Council Members. Five of the nine current council members are supporting Amemiya over former TV executive Rick Blangiardi. Civil Beat.

4 Honolulu City Council members endorse Keith Amemiya for mayor. Four Honolulu City Council members representing much of Central, Windward and East Oahu today endorsed Keith Amemiya for mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidate seeks campaign watchdog action on PAC allegations. Honolulu mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya says his campaign officials found allegedly illegal false name donations to a super-PAC called Aloha Aina Oia’i’o. KHON2.

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Navy Seeks Public Comments On New Submarine Dry Dock. All public outreach will be online due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

The Future of Local News Isn’t What it Used to Be. Some organizations have cut reporters while others have added staff. And everyone is looking for innovative ways to tell the news. Hawaii Business magazine.

University of Hawaii at Manoa mulls possible cuts in programs, degrees. The proposals include eliminating the Public Policy Center and the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and phasing out bachelor degrees in religion, journalism, dance and German along with some advanced degrees that attract few students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County pushes forward on COVID-19 spending: Finance Department outlines $21.8M in expenditures. After spending just $4.4 million of its $80 million federal coronavirus relief allotment from March through July, Hawaii County has stepped up its game and in August reported $21.8 million in expenditures. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses lawsuit over quarantines. A lawsuit by a Waikoloa couple alleging Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim overstepped and overextended their emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been dismissed. Tribune-Herald.

Jumping right into it: MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program opens in Kona. A new school in Kona opened its doors Tuesday to 17 students aspiring to become the latest medical professionals in a field that is facing critical shortages in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

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State investigating alleged illegal dumping in Ookala. Investigators are probing a report of illegal and unauthorized dumping of waste, including animal carcasses and military munitions, in Ookala, the state Department of Health confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Military grade items found at an illegal dump site on Hawaii Island. The dumpsite is located near Ookala on the island’s Hamakua Coast. Hawaii News Now.

Apparent Illegal Dumping Found Near O‘okala. Military munition storage and shipping containers were among items discovered at an apparent illegal dumping site on the Hāmākua Coast, near the town of O‘okala on Monday. Big Island Now.

Maui

Two Residents of Roselani Place Die, Awaiting Coroner’s Report on Cause of Death. Two residents of the Roselani Place assisted living community on Maui who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 have since died. Maui Now.

3 Maui County schools in top 5 enrollment statewide. Maui High, Maui Waena, Kihei Charter among biggest across the islands. There were more than 21,388 students enrolled in 33 public and charter schools in Maui County. Maui News.

New wastewater facility proposed at Pulehunui. Plans also call for expanding existing treatment plantValley Isle Pumping is seeking the green light for a $1.5 million project to construct a new wastewater pretreatment facility and improve an existing wastewater treatment plant, along with related upgrades, on private land in Pulehunui Industrial Park. Maui News.

Proposed Kā‘anapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement Project. The DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands hosts an informational meeting regarding a sand replenishment project at Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach. Maui Now.

Kauai

Governor approves ‘resort bubbles’ for quarantining visitors on Kauai. Kauai is the first island to take a step toward relaunching its tourism sector by giving visitors a little freedom during their 14-day quarantine in “resort bubbles.” Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige approves Kawakami’s ‘Resort Bubble’. Mayor Derek Kawakami has penned a new emergency rule which establishes an enhanced-movement quarantine, or “resort bubble” program. Garden Island.

Kauai gets OK to use resort bubbles for a limited reopening of tourism. Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami announced Tuesday that Gov. David Ige has signed Kauai’s Emergency Rule 16, which would permit visitors at participating resorts to leave their hotel rooms to utilize the resort’s property, including pools and on-site restaurants, during their mandatory quarantine period. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai County moves forward with ‘Resort Bubble’; what it could look like. Kauai county announced Tuesday that Gov. David Ige authorized Emergency Rule 16, which allows for the Enhanced Movement Quarantine, also known as the “Resort Bubble” program. KHON2.

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Mayor Kawakami signs bill to ban polystyrene. Mayor Derek Kawakami Tuesday signed Bill No. 2775 into law, restricting the use and sale of polystyrene foam food-service containers. Garden Island.

Coronavirus infections trending downward in Hawaii, Oahu opens hotels to COVID-19 quarantiners, Health Department whistleblower speaks out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coronavirus epi curve as of Sept 10, 2020 Hawaii Department of Health

DOH Reports Overall Decline in COVID-19 Cases Statewide. Hawai‘i is beginning to regain control of the spread of COVID-19 after nearly six weeks of elevated case numbers throughout the state. Big Island Now.

DOH: COVID-19 case numbers appear to be declining. After weeks of increased COVID-19 cases, the state Department of Health said Thursday that Hawaii is beginning to turn the corner and regain control of the spread of the disease on all islands. Tribune-Herald.


Relief for nurses through federal support and lower COVID-19 cases. The Hawaii State Department of Health said COVID-19 cases are beginning to decline after a six-week surge in new cases, and 169 new cases were reported on Thursday and the decline in numbers is also being reflected at hospitals. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Health Department Received Millions In COVID-19 Grants. Where Is It Going? Competition for equipment and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down spending meant to boost the state’s pandemic response. Civil Beat.

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Whistleblower says Hawaii Department of Health’s ‘toxic’ culture of fear impeded investigators’ work. State Department of Health whistleblower Jennifer Smith, the epidemiologist who was suspended with pay Friday after speaking out about the understaffing of COVID-19 contact tracers, says the DOH fostered a “toxic” culture of fear that impeded the work of investigators trying to stop the spread of disease. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept Whistleblower Speaks Out About ‘Toxic Management Culture’. Jennifer Smith was placed on paid leave weeks after her revelations about the Department of Health led to the director and the state epidemiologist being replaced. Civil Beat.

'I’m not a threat’: DOH whistleblower responds to alleged smear campaign against her. The Health Department whistleblower who exposed the state’s woefully inadequate COVID-19 contact tracing efforts vigorously denied allegations she made violent threats against her colleagues and says she has endured “character attacks” after speaking out. Hawaii News Now.

State Health Department whistleblower speaks out. In her first on-camera interview since being suspended with pay Health Department whistleblower Dr. Jennifer Smith claims management facilitated a culture of bullying, shame, and blame within the department. KITV4.

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Money for $300 unemployment boost to run out after 6 weeks. The temporary $300-a-week unemployment insurance boost implemented by President Donald Trump is about to end, with no extension in sight. Associated Press.

Thousands of Local Jobs Available, Chamber Says. The overall Hawai‘i economy may be stalled, but some organizations are hiring – and not just in health care and home deliveries. Hawaii Business magazine.

$3 Billion in Unemployment Benefits Issued Since March 1. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced updated unemployment insurance claims information, including paying $3,081,193,375 and 3,155,245 weeks claimed since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic on March 1. Big Island Now.

Hawaii has nation’s highest ‘insured unemployment rate’. Unlike the more frequently reported seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, the insured unemployment rate represents the number of people receiving unemployment insurance as a percentage of the labor force. Star-Advertiser.

47 Hawaii restaurants have permanently closed since pandemic began. The effect of the coronavirus pandemic on Hawaii’s restaurant industry hits home most strongly when reading through the names of establishments that have closed. Star-Advertiser.


Those eligible for additional jobless benefits will be allowed to enroll starting Saturday. The state will launch a new online feature Saturday to allow those eligible for $300 in additional weekly jobless benefits to enroll. Hawaii News Now.

$10M Federal COVID-19 Grant Focuses On Teacher Training. An initial report lays out how Hawaii education leaders plan to use the CARES Act money. Civil Beat.

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Gov. David Ige signs bill to protect Hawaii musicians. With live musical performances effectively silenced by the pandemic, the state of Hawaii gave a boost to local musicians Thursday with the signing of a bill designed to protect them from having someone else fraudulently use their identity to promote a performance. Star-Advertiser.

Governor signs measure aimed at preserving ‘integrity’ of musicians' original works. The governor signed a measure into law Thursday that protects musicians against cover bands and imposters making money off their name. Hawaii News Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 10: 169 New Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. The average number of daily cases has dropped from a peak of 250 in August to 156 last week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 3 coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu and 169 new cases statewide. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 169 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, along with three COVID-related deaths. The statewide total of cases is now 10,292. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Federal Medical Team Deployed to Honolulu to Help with COVID-19 Surge Support. A federal medical team from the US Department of Health and Human Services began providing temporary medical surge support Thursday at the Queen’s Medical Center at Hale Pulama Mau and the Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu. Maui Now.

HPD Is Getting Millions To Enforce The Shutdown While Aid For Struggling Residents Lags. Honolulu City Councilman Tommy Waters says the city’s priorities are backwards, pointing to money for police overtime and training, new ATVs and “paddy wagons,” among other items. Civil Beat.

Frustration builds for businesses that complied with CDC guidelines but still forced to close . Calls to reopen more businesses on Oahu continue. Business owners said they are frustrated because they have done everything required by the CDC but are forced to remain closed. KHON2.

City Council adopts resolution offering grants to commercial property owners. Honolulu City Council members have approved a resolution aiming to provide rent relief to businesses through a grant program for landlords. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green asks for loosening of latest Oahu stay-at-home order. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is asking city and state officials to change Oahu’s latest stay-at-home order to allow residents living in the same household to engage in outdoor activities together. Star-Advertiser.

How Oahu’s COVID-19 Park And Beach Restrictions Are Hurting Families. Parents say they are struggling to keep their children — and themselves — sane and healthy without regular access to outdoor spaces. Civil Beat.

Local COVID-19 survivor says she didn't take restrictions seriously. Sarah Bolles says she was going to social gatherings, putting herself at risk, and eventually ended up with a fever of over 104 degrees in the hospital. KITV4.

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Nearly 300 hotel rooms islandwide available for those who can’t quarantine at home. The Hawaii Department of Health is working with the city to isolate COVID-19 patients at a number of hotels. Hawaii News Now.

These Hotels Are Stepping Up To Help Hawaii’s Virus Control Effort. Some Hawaii hotels have repurposed rooms for people who need to be isolated or quarantined while they recover from COVID-19 or wait for a test result. Civil Beat.

Pearl Hotel Waikiki among four lodges assisting those in need of COVID-19 isolation. The Department of Health says it now has the capacity to offer enough bed space on Oahu to accommodate anyone who has nowhere else to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Four hotels on Oahu are stepping up to help people with COVID-19. If you tested positive for COVID-19 or are waiting for test results but can't safely quarantine at home, you may qualify to stay at an isolation location. KITV4.

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Dole School in Kalihi mourns death of staff member in home quarantine. A Dole Middle School employee who worked in the school’s office died Wednesday after being quarantined at home because of COVID-19 cases among staff members. Star-Advertiser.

A staff member at Dole Middle School has died after quarantining at home for COVID-19 following an outbreak at the school, according to the Hawaii State Teachers Association. KITV4.

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Rail Board Confronts Project’s Deepening Financial, Contract Concerns. HART members raised more questions about whether a public-private partnership is still in play and what a “plan B” might look like. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Nearly All Residents at Hilo Veterans Home Test Positive for COVID-19. Nearly all the residents at the veterans home in Hilo have tested positive for COVID-19.  Additionally, no deaths were reported on the Big Island Thursday. Big Island Now.

Review of veterans home COVID outbreak underway. A review is still underway into the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home COVID-19 outbreak response. Tribune-Herald.

A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs is expected on site at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. According to the Department of Health it's a two-day unannounced review that started on Friday on whether the facility is following state regulations. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Health Department Addresses Discrepancy in Hilo COVID-19 Deaths. The state Department of Health reports that it is aware of six additional deaths associated with COVID-19 at the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home in Hilo; however, it is awaiting medical records from the facility as part of its official confirmation and documentation process. Maui Now.

Puna Geothermal Officials Take Questions Online. During a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, Sierra Club member Cory Harden had a lot of questions for PGV reps Mike Kaleikini and plant manager Jordan Hara. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Budget committee seeks public input. The Maui County Council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee will be discussing the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, rules, the CARES Act and other related issues. Maui News.

Kula land to become recreation site. Public hiking trails, picnic spots and forest excursions are in the works for more than 3,000 acres of Upcountry forestland recently acquired by the state. Maui News.

Kauai

First coffee berry borer beetle detected on Kauai. The first coffee berry borer, a beetle that feeds on coffee berries and reduces both the yield of quality of coffee, has been found on Kauai, the state Department of Agriculture reported today. Star-Advertiser.

HDOA: Coffee berry borer confirmed on Kaua‘i. Yesterday, the state’s Department of Agriculture confirmed coffee berry borer, a devastating pest of coffee plants, has been detected on Kaua‘i, the first detection on the island. Garden Island.

Keahua bridge repairs with temporary blocked access. Heavy rains in March caused severe damage to Keahua Bridge at the entrance of the Lihu‘e-Koloa Forest Reserve. Due to structural damage, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) blocked vehicular traffic until repairs are completed. Garden Island.

State pushes for Oct. 1 trans-Pacific travel amid gloomy economic forecast, Honolulu City Council chairman resigns, Kauai bans polystyrene, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii airport screening from Department of Transportation video

State's pre-travel testing program for transpacific travel scheduled to start October 1. Governor David Ige spoke to the four county mayors on Wednesday about using interisland travel as a pilot for the state's pre-travel testing program. KITV4.

Green says state should be ready to reopen to travelers on Oct. 1. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that he does not see any reason the state could not reopen to trans-Pacific travelers on Oct. 1. Tribune-Herald.

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State Tax Collections Forecast To Drop $200 Million Next Year. The Council on Revenues predicts Hawaii tourism will be doing a very modest business by November, but will recover slowly. Civil Beat.

Forecast calls for Hawaii tax revenue to drop 11%. Hawaii tax revenue — severely depleted because of the coronavirus pandemic — will likely decline 11% this fiscal year if tourists begin to return to the islands by mid-November, an advisory panel for the governor and lawmakers said Wednesday. Associated Press.

With latest gloomy economic outlook, lawmakers prepare for a long road to recovery. The Hawaii Council on Revenues said tax revenues for the 2021 fiscal year will be down 11% — or about $770 million. The board also revised its outlook for the 2022 fiscal year, saying the economy will grow by 8%. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s Health Department Has Gotten Millions In COVID-19 Grants. Where Is It Going?. Competition for equipment and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down spending meant to boost the state’s pandemic response. Civil Beat.

New COVID-19 cases are declining, but hospitals continue to grapple with nursing shortage. Despite a recent decline in the number of new coronavirus cases, hospitals continue to struggle to meet current needs because of a shortage of local nurses. Healthcare experts say Hawaii’s hospitals remain at 100% staffed bed capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Why Hawaiʻi's Marshallese Are Taking COVID-19 Matters Into Their Own Hands. Pacific Islanders in Hawaii are being disproportionately hit by the pandemic. The state has struggled to bring that number down, prompting at least one Pacific Islander community to take matters into their own hands. Hawaii Public Radio.

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COVID Pau project launches with goal of ‘fulfilling unmet need for public health data’. A group of local businesses and nonprofit organizations are providing Hawaii residents with real-time data to stop the spread of COVID-19 so that the economy reopens sooner and if it must close that only parts of it must shut down. Star-Advertiser.

Initiative aimed at providing tools to stop spread of coronavirus. COVID Pau is an effort of the Hawaii COVID Collaborative — itself a hui of private health care systems, businesses and nonprofit organizations organized by a subcommittee of the House Select Committee on COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

‘COVID Pau’ initiative aims to improve access to information to stop spread of virus. A new initiative has been launched Wednesday, aiming to increase transparency and improve access to information to ultimately stop the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State posts antigen data showing dozens of probable COVID cases. Recently the state has made strides to make more of the data on COVID-19 in the islands more accessible. KHON2.

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Union shares hotel safety inspection results. Unite Here Local 5, which started conducting hotel inspections in June, had sought state legislation to require hotels to publish and enforce their health and safety procedures prior to reopening to outside tourism. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority hires leader John De Fries amid budget cuts, tourism collapse. Tourism industry veteran John De Fries is slated to start Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

John De Fries Is New Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority President, CEO. The former head of the Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development, and president and CEO of Hokulia, now leads the HTA. Big Island Video News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 9: 100 New Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. Three fatalities took the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 91. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 3 coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu and 100 new cases statewide. State Department of Health officials said the latest three coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu were all men with underlying medical conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ikaika Anderson resigning from Honolulu City Council. Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, who has represented the windward side of Oahu since 2009, unexpectedly announced his resignation Wednesday, effective following the Sept. 23 council meeting. Star-Advertiser.

Ikaika Anderson Resigns From Honolulu City Council. The council chair cited family reasons for his decision to step down, effective Sept. 23, just a few months before his final term ends. Civil Beat.

City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson resigns, citing family reasons. City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson surprised observers Wednesday by announcing he will resign from the council effective Sept. 23. Hawaii News Now.

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Two dozen mainland nurses to assist front-line workers at Queen’s Medical Center.  The federal government is deploying about two dozen mainland nurses to Oahu this week to help front-line workers with the surge of COVID-19 patients at the Queen’s Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green asks for loosening of latest Oahu stay-at-home order. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is asking city and state officials to change Oahu’s latest stay-at-home order to allow residents living in the same household to engage in outdoor activities together. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green To Caldwell: Let Families Go To The Beach. The lieutenant governor is voicing the same concerns many families on Oahu have expressed. Civil Beat.

With beaches, parks open for solo activity, some say that could mean more problems. Oahu parks, beaches and hiking trails reopen Thursday, but for individual activities only. Many who are eager to do outdoor activities again say the new rules don’t make sense. Hawaii News Now.

Public safety concerns over Honolulu’s one-person emergency order. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said members from one household should be able to go to the beach, trails and parks, and that the latest Honolulu emergency order should be amended to allow two people to go to outdoor public spaces. KHON2.

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City Council passes a resolution that would give businesses rent relief. The Honolulu City Council is urging the Mayor to set aside $100 million in federal funding to help cover the rents for local businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution that could provide rental assistance for businesses passes Honolulu City Council. Businesses are one step closer to getting aid with rental payments. KHON2.

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Kokua Council to host online debate between Honolulu mayoral candidates Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi. The Kokua Council will livestream a debate on Monday between Honolulu mayoral candidates Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi. Star-Advertiser.

Commission: Amemiya’s Midweek Ad Didn’t Break The Law. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission also levied over $4,400 worth of fines against other candidates. Civil Beat.

Keith Amemiya seeks action on alleged ‘felonies’ by super PAC. Mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya hopes the state Campaign Spending Commission resolves a complaint his campaign filed about a political action committee before ballots go out next month and another round of anti-Amemiya allegations can be made. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu City Council approves resolution to name Manana park after late Sen. Breene Harimoto. onolulu City Council today approved a resolution that would rename Manana Community Park the Breene Harimoto Manana Community Park. Star-Advertiser.


Manana Park to be renamed in honor of a beloved state senator. Honolulu’s City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to rename the Manana Community Park in Aiea. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shakedown search for contraband led to riot at Hawaii Community Correctional Center. The riot at Hawaii Community Correctional Center on Tuesday afternoon occurred after a shakedown search for contraband was conducted in a housing unit, the Department of Public Safety announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Jail Disturbance Was Triggered By Search For Contraband. Inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center set fire to mattresses, plastic chairs and books. Civil Beat.

DPS: HCCC inmate disturbance in response to contraband sweep. The Department of Public Safety said Wednesday that the preliminary results of its investigation into a Tuesday disturbance in a housing unit at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo indicate inmates were rebelling against a shakedown search for contraband. Tribune-Herald.

HCCC Riot Was Triggered By Shakedown For Contraband, State Says. There is no indication that overcrowding contributed to the cause, the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety claims. Big Island Video News.

PSD reveals more details about fire that broke out at HCCC. The State Public Safety Department said on Wednesday that the riot and fire that broke out at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center on the Big Island on Tuesday happened during a shakedown search for contraband. KITV4.

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PUC won’t exempt Honua Ola from competitive bidding. The president of Honua Ola Bioenergy said Wednesday that he was “not feeling so good” after the state Public Utilities Commission denied his company’s motion to reconsider a waiver of the competitive bidding process for the company’s nearly completed 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant. Tribune-Herald.

State inspection taking place at Hilo veterans home with COVID cluster. On the Big Island, a 10th death has been reported at a Veterans Home in Hilo. While federal aid has not come, we learned the State is stepping in. KHON2.

Whose jurisdiction? County Ethics Board continues Maunakea debate. Who should enforce the law when protesters block the access road to Maunakea and continue to have unpermitted structures there remained in question Wednesday as the county Board of Ethics struggled with a board resolution and a citizen petition that’s been pending since January. West Hawaii Today.

County Seeks Partner To Develop Multi-Family Rentals In Waikoloa. The County is seeking a partner to develop an independent workforce housing rental project on County-owned land in the Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing subdivision in Waikoloa. Big Island Video News.

County Seeks Partner to Build Multi-Family Increment at Kamakoa Nui. The County of Hawai‘i is seeking proposals from qualified firms or partnerships to enter into a real estate development agreement for the design, financing, construction, and management of an independent workforce housing rental project on county-owned land in the Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing subdivision in Waikoloa. Big Island Now.

Maui

Vacation rental bills up for first reading Friday. Measures would place hold on new permits on Lanai and prevent vacation rentals in some districts. Maui News.

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3,433 Acres at Kamehamenui on Maui Acquired for Conservation. A recent land acquisition protects the Kula water aquifer, habitat for endangered species, and community-based forest restoration opportunities. Maui Now.

More than 3,400 acres of a Maui forest to be preserved. Through federal and state funding, the Trust for Public Land purchased the forest for $9.8 million to protect the land and convey it to the community. Hawaii News Now.

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Non-Resident User Fees at ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve Start Oct. 1. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve will charge non-Hawai‘i residents a user-fee of $5 per vehicle. Maui Now.

Baldwin Beach Park Pavillion is slip sliding away. The annual loss of sand at the beach has been gradually eating away at the amenities year after year, with each year seeming to claw farther inland. Maui News.

Kauai

Styrofoam food container ban effective January 2022. Kaua‘i County, the last county in the state to pass a bill that would prohibit the sale and use of styrofoam foodservice containers, will join the others with it’s own ban in 2022. Garden Island.

Kauai is last Hawaii county to pass ban on foam containers. The Kauai County Council today passed a bill banning the use and sale of polystyrene food and drink containers starting in January 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua'i County Council passes ban on styrofoam food containers. The Kaua'i County Council on Wednesday passed a ban on styrofoam food containers. KITV4.

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Kawakami’s Rule 17 clarifies quarantine locations. Yesterday, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced a new Emergency Rule 17 that clarifies quarantine periods for those traveling under critical infrastructure allowances. Garden Island.

Mayor Kawakami announces Emergency Rule 17 confirming critical infrastructure workers must quarantine in hotel or motel. The County of Kaua‘i announced on Wednesday Mayor’s Emergency Rule 17 which clarifies that all persons performing critical infrastructure functions must designate a hotel or motel as a quarantine location. KITV4.

County opens Rise to Work program for residents. Workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic can look for opportunities through the Rise to Work program that was established by the County of Kaua‘i’s Kupa‘a Kaua‘i. Garden Island.