Hula now covered by health insurance provider, state hits new record in fentanyl overdoses, HPR dumps Twitter in protest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian Healing Practices Are Now Covered By This Insurance Provider. Everything from hula to lomilomi massage is free for AlohaCare's 83,000 members. The services are provided free of charge to AlohaCare’s approximately 83,000 members. The program, called Ke Aloha Mau, began last fall and is currently being rolled out across the Hawaiian Islands. Civil Beat.

Gun Rules, Fate Of HTA Among Bills Headed To Closed-Door Committees. More than 250 bills remain under consideration as the Hawaii Legislature enters the home stretch of this year's session. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi House lawmakers approve 77 Senate bills before second crossover deadline. The state House of Representatives today passed an additional 77 Senate Bills ahead of Thursdayʻs second crossover deadline. These bills now head back to the Senate for their consideration. Maui Now.

Bill creating a luxury home sales tax to fund homeless services misses key deadline. A bill that would have raised the taxes to help fund a homeless program in the state has died in this year's Legislative session. Senate Bill 362 would have raised the conveyance tax by a percentage point for condos, houses and other properties selling for $2 million or more.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Drunken driving threshold bill is pulled over for a check. A legislative effort to lower Hawaii’s blood-­alcohol threshold for drunken driving was held up recently to better examine concerns over the proposed change. Star-Advertiser.

Understanding how words are stricken from the Legislature's record. After each session, the state Legislature releases an official record of events. But while lawmakers meet on the floors of their chambers, members can have their words stricken from that record. Hawaii Public Radio.

Alarming figures show Hawaii set new record last year for fentanyl drug overdoses. Synthetic opioids killed a record number of people in Hawaii last year, according to newly-released state Health Department figures. Statewide, fentanyl is likely linked to at least 60 deaths. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Public Radio will no longer be sharing content on Twitter. Twitter has erroneously labeled NPR as “state-affiliated media,” a term Twitter uses for government propaganda outlets in countries without a free press—which is a guaranteed right in the U.S. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Who’s Behind The Fake Honolulu Parking Meter Sticker Scam? A phantom organization incorporated in Alaska just weeks ago appears to have orchestrated the hundreds of fraudulent parking stickers that turned up recently on Honolulu’s meters, and two people registered as its officials claim someone else is using their names. Civil Beat.

Permit revoked for Kalihi ‘monster home’. A planned two-story, single-family home with nine bathrooms, no side yards and insufficient parking that the city originally granted a building permit to in 2022 but now calls a gross violation of the city’s “monster homes” ordinance had its building permit revoked Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Program that helps chronic homeless seeks financial relief. The city in November 2021 forced Hawaii’s original and oldest substance abuse treatment center to move, and the Sand Island Treatment Center now hopes to get financial relief from $36,000 in monthly lease and utility costs to continue to help chronically homeless clients who often suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues. Star-Advertiser.

Amid crime concerns, college students join forces with residents to patrol Chinatown. Criminal justice students are joining forces with residents to bring attention to crime concerns in Chinatown. Every second Tuesday, residents of Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown come together to take a stand against crime. Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi appoints commissioners to protect Oʻahu's historic landmarks. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has announced his candidates for the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission. Hawaii Public Radio.

$180.5M expansion for Sand Island wastewater plant. According to the City and County of Honolulu, the project will expand the plant’s biosolids production capacity. KHON2.

Rapid ohia death jumps to Waianae range on Oahu. During surveys, the Oahu Invasive Species Committee detected a roughly 40-foot ohia tree that had fallen, with symptoms of the fungal disease that kills Hawaii’s native ohia trees. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

’Uncontrollable cost increases’ bump up Mayor Roth’s proposed $794.3 million budget.  The County Council will continue to discuss the proposed budget and capital improvement plan today and Thursday during a special meeting of the Finance Committee. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Funds Released For Hawaiʻi Island Hospitals. Governor Josh Green has released Capital Improvement Project funding for both Hilo Medical Center and Kona Community Hospital. Big Island Video News.

Maui

94-acre coastal land parcel in Hāna donated to the community. Puʻu Kaʻuiki, the iconic hill overlooking Hāna Bay in East Maui, is now under community management. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Kīhei Charter School hopes to become first “zero waste” public school in Hawaiʻi. Students at Kīhei Charter School are hoping to become the first “zero waste” public school in the state, and in doing so, potentially become a model for other schools and the community at large.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Motion to intervene filed against KIUC rate hike. Local activist group Friends of Maha‘ulepu has filed a motion to intervene in the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s request to increase electric rates by an average 9.42 percent. Garden Island.

Starship rocket could splash down near Kauai. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted Monday that his company’s massive Starship rocket will conduct its first orbital launch “near the end of third week of April,” assuming it receives final regulatory approval.  Star-Advertiser.

Legislature wants to shield hula from exploitation, Honolulu mulls more regulation over vacation rentals, Har cleared of misuse of office during DUI arrest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers support resolution to protect hula amid ‘exploitation’ concerns. Many of the world’s finest hula dancers are gathered in Hilo this week for the 59th annual Merrie Monarch Festival. But hula also took centerstage at the state Capitol on Thursday, where lawmakers are considering a resolution to protect its integrity. Hawaii News Now.

How The Decline In Lab Testing Is Complicating Efforts To Track Covid. As the pandemic enters its third year, more people are taking at-home tests or none at all. But coronavirus cases are still rising. Civil Beat.

BOE OKs requests to reduce class time: More than 200 noninstructional days authorized statewide. The state Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to approve more than 200 requests from schools for noninstructional days, decreasing the number of hours students will spend in the classroom for the 2022-2023 school year. Tribune-Herald.

Free summer school to help students bounce back. The DOE universal screener testing revealed that in the fall and winter of the 2021-2022 school year, almost a fourth of all elementary students were failing English. Though things improved slightly in English in the second quarter, more of them failed math. KHON2.

Isabella Kalua’s Death Has Yet To Trigger A Clear Plan To Bolster Child Protection. The end of this year’s legislative session is just days away, and lawmakers say they still haven’t seen a clear plan for improving Hawaii’s child welfare system. Civil Beat.

Biden Nominates Ex-KPD Officer To Lead US Marshals Office In Hawaii. President Joe Biden announced Friday that he is nominating Michael Contrades, a former deputy police chief in Kauai, to lead the U.S. Marshals Office in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmaker will not face additional punishment following DUI acquittal. State Rep. Sharon Har will not face additional charges for her conduct during an arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. A House Special Committee said it found no evidence that the Makakilo lawmaker misused her office during her arrest. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council Budget Committee advances new tax classification for short-term rentals. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee has given initial approval to a measure that would adjust the property tax rate for legal short-term rentals, which in its current form could mean relief for some owners and a hike for others. Star-Advertiser.

Permitting overhaul may mean faster build times for homeowners. The city's Permitting Director - Dean Uchida - said today during a Honolulu City Council Committee Meeting that it's in the process of revamping the entire permitting system, which has been notoriously slow. KITV4.

FBI warning about threat to Honolulu’s mayor prompted additional officers at city hall. A witness against suspected crime boss Mike Miske was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly making social media threats to a DLNR official and his family. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu ranked in top 25 cleanest cities for air pollution. Honolulu is ranked #3 in the top 25 cleanest cities in the country, and officials at the American Lung Association credit both the success to the island's trade winds and the increase of residents switching over to electric cars. KITV4.

Navy says it has cut irrigation use by 50% amid water shortage. The Navy says it is doing its part to conserve water on Oʻahu in response to a request from the Board of Water Supply. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu North Shore property owner says he will fight $92K fine. State conservation officials are seeking to impose a $92,000 fine against a North Shore property owner for violating state laws by moving large amounts of sand in front of his two beachfront homes to shield them from coastal erosion and refusing to remove broken sandbags, rocks, concrete rubble and other debris that they say he stacked along the public beach. Star-Advertiser.

As housing prices on Oahu hit record highs, families grapple with rising rents. Prices for single-family homes on Oahu hit a new record high last month and are up more than 21% from last year, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu Nonprofits To Get $4.5M To Address Housing And Financial Woes. The 17 organizations will work together to help solve critical problems facing the island’s working families. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Plans for bridge work unveiled: Weight limit on Kolekole could be lifted in June. Kolekole Bridge is on track to reopen to heavy truck traffic by June, state officials said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Planning Commission Defers Extension Request for Subdivision Proposal off Ali‘i Drive. The commission voted 6-0 on Thursday, April 21, to have Hawai‘i One first meet with the Cultural Resource Commission to ensure there aren’t any historical, burial or cultural concerns by that body or neighbors. Big Island Now.

Funds sought for demolition of Uncle Billy’s. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Land Division is seeking money from the Legislature to demolish the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel building. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

‘Ration Your Water’: A Plantation-Era Water System On Maui is Maxed Out. Families who rely on a Maui stream as their only source of running water found their supply suddenly dry. Civil Beat.

Water to be restored to five Molokai streams. Flow standards set for the waterways that were often dry for almost a century. Water will be restored to five streams on Molokai that for more than a century were almost fully diverted and often dry, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

After outcry, Maui’s Baldwin High reverses ban on lei-giving at graduation. A significant reversal for graduating seniors who have endured years of pandemic restrictions, Baldwin High School recently repealed its ban on lei-giving at this year’s graduation ceremony. Maui Now.

Kauai

Weekly COVID cases rising on Kaua’i. COVID-19 cases are rising on-island, statewide and nationally, the County of Kaua‘i reported Thursday. Garden Island.

Hawaii tax burden highest in nation, state opens vaccinations to 60 and up, unemployment call center shuts down after worker tests positive, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula demonstration at Merrie Monarch festival ©2021 All Hawaii News

Merrie Monarch competition will take place in June with no live audience. The vaunted hula competition was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii opens vaccines to people 60 and older. The state health director did an about-face Thursday afternoon when she opened COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Monday to those 60 and older in the state. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii unemployment call center shuts down after staffer tests positive for COVID-19. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations shut down operations at the call center at the Hawai‘i Convention Center ballroom in Waikiki after the staff member tested positive on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii thinktank shows state tax burden is highest in the nation. Using data from the National Association of State Budget Officers and the U.S. Census Bureau, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii found the per capita burden for Hawaii is $5,428 in 2020, which is compared to national averages of $2,664 in 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii businesses, unemployed on the hook for $450M in taxes as state opts not to follow federal lead. If you received federal relief to help cope during the coronavirus pandemic, prepare for a hefty tax bill — not from the feds, but from the state. KHON2.

Spring acceleration helps Safe Travels hit 2 million travelers. Traveler screenings under Safe Travels Hawaii, the state’s COVID-19 testing entry program, passed the 2 million mark this week as March momentum fueled the visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Despite potential obstacles, state pushes forward on vaccine passport plan. The start of Hawaii’s vaccine passport program might take a bit longer than expected, but state officials say they’re committed to the idea. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s daily visitor count averaged 90,776 in February. The daily visitor census in Hawaii, on any given day in February, was about 36% of the same time last year. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

Food aid fails to keep up with need among Hawaii’s hungry. Nearly half of all households with children in Hawaii are “food insecure,” with 15% simply not having enough to eat, according to a new report from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Social Sciences. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

$1.1 Million in New Grants Awarded To Accelerate Vaccinations to Hawai’i’s Underserved Residents. The Hawai‘i Community Foundation is investing $1.1 million in new grants to support and accelerate community vaccination efforts for underserved residents of Hawai’i. Maui Now.

Hawaii Senate Considering Recognition Of Micronesian Contributions. Citing historical relationships and current hardships, the resolutions call for support of Compact of Free Association migrants. Civil Beat.

Strong Conservation Efforts Lead to Proposal To Downlist Endangered Hawaiian Stilt to Threatened. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to downlist the aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt)from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is seeking public comment on the proposed change in status for the aeʻo from March 24 – May 24.  Maui Now.

12 COVID cases reported in fully vaccinated individuals in Hawaii, DOH says. Classified as ‘breakthrough cases,’ the infections happened no sooner than 14 days after the individuals got their second dose. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

March 25, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 122 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 84 on O‘ahu, 20 on Maui, 12 on Hawai‘i Island, and six in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu rail project still determining who is responsible for needed rail track repairs. With 16 miles out of 20 built, the rail is continuing to grapple with repairs needed for track infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents demonstrate against putting solar farm on Hawaiian Home Lands site. Opponents of a planned solar energy farm on land in Nanakuli Valley owned by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands took to a busy street during rush-hour traffic Thursday to protest the project. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Overtime Reached New Heights In The Last Fiscal Year. The Honolulu Police Department said on Thursday that it spent nearly $40 million on overtime in fiscal year 2020, more than double the amount five years earlier. Civil Beat.

City releases draft assessment for a proposed pedestrian bridge across the Ala Wai Canal. The city published a Draft Environmental Assessment Tuesday for the proposed project to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Ala Wai Canal. Hawaii News Now.

These Makaha Residents Are Hoping To Move A Major Highway. Moving Farrington Highway mauka of Makaha Beach Park has been part of a master plan since 1998. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police issue 93 citations, make 6 arrests for trespassing in just over a week at Haiku Stairs. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Construction to begin on upcoming business park in West Oahu.  A ceremonial groundbreaking was held this week for the upcoming Hoopili Business Park in Leeward Oahu, adding to what many say is the island’s growing “second city.”  Private investment company Jupiter Holdings will begin building on a 44 acre plot of land between the H-1 Freeway and Farrington Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Guy Paul, former police chief, dies at 85. Guy Anthony Paul, former Hawaii County police chief, died March 18 at Hale Anuenue in Hilo after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

After confusion over high school graduation ceremonies, Maui mayor says it will be held in-person. Parents of Baldwin High School received an email from the school giving seniors an option to either have a drive-through diploma presentation with their families or a graduates-only ceremony. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Visitors Down 52% Through February to 29,060 Per Day. For the first two months of 2021, visitors to Maui were down 58 percent to 29,060 visitors per day, compared to a census of 69,281 visitors per day at the same time in 2020. Maui Now.

Health Department’s cluster report looks at ‘spillover’ cases on Maui. The DOH is investigating a cluster in a Maui middle school where one cluster most likely “spilled over” into another. Officials say all the cases in the school cluster can be linked to source cases in their households that belong to two other clusters: one in a large, faith-based setting and another among hotel employees. KHON2.

Kauai

County sees another lean fiscal year. The last time the state paid the county its cut of the transient accommodations tax was in April 2020. Garden Island.

Wording mix-up defers use-permit application. An application to bring permitting compliance to the Longman Jiu-Jitsu Academy and add a juice bar to the Kilauea Old Mill Building brought dozens of testifiers out to a county Planning Commission meeting earlier this month. Garden Island.

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

Kupuna hula in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

=====

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Hawaii happiest state, hula reduces heart attack risk, Caldwell mulls gubernatorial bid, Mauna Kea astronomers selling off equipment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii senior hula dancer ©2019 All Hawaii News

Study finds hula can ‘significantly’ reduce risk for heart disease. Results of a five-year study with more than 260 Native Hawaiian participants found that hula “significantly” reduced a patient’s risk for heart disease. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Named Happiest State in the Nation. WalletHub compared the states across 31 key indicators of happiness to determine where Americans had the highest satisfaction with life.  Maui Now.

Respecting culture among topics of HTA’s new ‘Kuleana Campaign’ for visitors. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is rolling out a new campaign targeted at educating visitors to the islands. They’re calling it the ‘Kuleana Campaign.’ They’ve created special videos to teach tourists cultural etiquette. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Tourism Authority releases visitor safety videos. From drownings to hiking tragedies, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has become involved in making sure visitors are more aware of Hawaii’s hidden dangers. KHON2.

Hawaii’s need for doctors continues to fall behind a growing demand. Hawaii’s supply of doctors is the lowest since 2015 as aging physicians retire and younger ones move to the mainland for better-paying jobs. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Gabbard says she’s closer to the debate stage, despite national reports to the contrary. National reports to the contrary, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she secured her third qualifying poll on Sunday, leaving her one poll short of making October’s Democratic presidential primary debate. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell: ‘I’m seriously looking at running for governor’. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he’s “seriously looking at running for governor” in the next election come 2022. Hawaii News Now.

Sea Turtles For Swordfish? Feds May Lift Cap On Endangered Species. Wespac has proposed easing federal regulations on the incidental entangling of loggerhead turtles by commercial longliners. Endangered turtles are at the center of a dispute between fishing regulators and environmentalists over how many turtles are too many to lose each year to fishermen on the hunt for swordfish in the waters off Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Boat Harbor Fee Hikes to Help Delayed Maintenance. Fees for Hawaiʻiʻs small boat harbors and boating facilities will increase soon, a press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Maui Now.

Increased boat harbor, commercial use permit fees go into effect Nov. 1. Big Island boaters will be doling out more green come November when increased fees for small boat harbor users and commercial operators on state waters go into effect. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Kim’s Maunakea plan could be delivered to Gov. Ige this week. Mayor Harry Kim on Monday said he believes that no police escalation will occur until his role as a mediator between the state and the Hawaiian community has been completed. Tribune-Herald.

TMT Protesters Who Flocked To Mauna Kea For A Showdown Are Still Waiting. Protest leaders say the alarm bells went off when many sources consistently reported that a move to clear the road to the summit would happen this week. Civil Beat.

After a night filled with anxiety over a possible law enforcement action – and a few false alarms – the hundreds gathered in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea greeted the sunrise on Monday morning. Big Island Video News.

Rumors of Mauna Kea sweeps run rampant on social media, causing worry for some. An overnight false alarm and social media rumors over the weekend sparked all hands on deck of an estimated 1,000-plus people at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

Social media fueling concerns atop Mauna Kea. KITV.

If TMT goes, billions of research dollars could go with it. The man in charge of research and innovation at the University of Hawaii says there’s more at stake in the Thirty Meter Telescope impasse than the loss of an important astronomy outpost. Star-Advertiser.

Tour companies trying to hang on. Maunakea tour companies are restructuring and selling off equipment as the closure of the access road and inability to conduct stargazing tours stretches into the ninth week. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell traveling to Atlanta for Smart City Expo. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is traveling to Atlanta, Georgia tonight to represent Honolulu at Smart City Expo Atlanta – a leading national conference focused on urban technology and innovation. He is scheduled to return to O‘ahu on Saturday, Sept. 14. KHON2.

Will Hawaii Electric Customers Ever Save Money With Renewable Energy?. A regulatory scheme designed to create savings for consumers is unfolding even as Hawaiian Electric proposes a rate increase for Oahu. Civil Beat.

New lab safety software implemented at UH Manoa following 2016 explosion. More than 3 years after a lab explosion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the school’s department of Environmental Health and Safety Office implemented a new laboratory safety software platform called the “UH Safety Solutions," or UHSS. Hawaii News Now.

Nursery on Sand Island experiments with coral to speed up the healing of reefs. n Oahu’s Sand Island a small team of coral specialists and technicians has been working for years to restore the slow-growing coral reefs in Hawaii that are being subjected to increasingly frequent bleaching events. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Land secured, Ka'u nonprofit looking to build big time skate park. A Ka‘u community is coming together in a grassroots effort to bring a multi-purpose recreational center to their region. West Hawaii Today.

Company Introduces QR Codes for Kona Coffee. The Kona Coffee brand has been a point of contention and market confusion for decades. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Electric to Lower Electric Vehicle Charging Rates. The Maui Electric Company is taking over four electric vehicle charging stations throughout Maui. Maui Now.

Eight Citations Issued at Maui Convoy; Aloha Aina Observance Planned in October. Maui police issued a total of eight traffic citations during a Mauna Convoy at Kahului Airport on Monday afternoon. Maui Now.


Kauai

Council to address ‘pension spiking’. A bill for an act for possible inclusion in the 2020 Hawaii State Association of Counties Legislative Package, proposed by councilmembers Mason Chock and Council Vice Chair Ross Kagawa, is attempting to address pension reform. Garden Island.

Restoring trust and the watershed. There’s a need to establish trust between hunters and gatherers on Kauai and the state that manages the forests upon which they rely to feed their families. Garden Island.

Kauai Superintendent Bill Arakaki has announced his retirement. Garden Island.

Lanai

As tensions over TMT run high, plan to build small observatory in Lanai faces scrutiny. Residents gathered Monday for an informational meeting about the Manale Observatory project. Pulama Lanai wants to build the facility on the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers tackle homelessness, Mauna Kea management, average Oahu home price breaks $1M mark, Stevie Wonder UH concert scammer gets 5 years in prison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Unukupukupu performs during Merrie Monarch week in Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

When the Merrie Monarch Festival comes to Hilo, the normally sleepy town awakens with the hustle and bustle of adoring hula fans from around the world. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers push for ohana zones to aid the homeless. The push for ohana zones comes as the House and Senate are taking vastly different approaches toward homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Elaborate homeless camps continue to pop up, but homeless numbers are going down. KHON2.

Candidates For Governor Focus On Native Hawaiian Issues At Forum. All seven candidates appear — separately — before the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Civil Beat.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has joined the many friends and colleagues of the late U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, who have sent condolences and fond remembrances. Star-Advertiser.

Akaka family says mahalo to the community for their support. KITV.

Ige’s Pick To Lead School Board Has An Unusual Background: Education. Catherine Payne wants the Hawaii Board of Education more involved in setting policy and more visible to the public. Civil Beat.

Blue Planet: From ‘Harry Potter’ To Formidable Political Force. The foundation’s vision of moving Hawaii to 100 percent renewable energy is now central to the state’s energy plan — and has some traction on the mainland. Civil Beat.

Girl Scouts planted more than 1,000 pinwheels in the lawn of the state Capitol this afternoon to bring attention to child abuse and neglect prevention. KHON2.

Longliners codify ethics in push-back against human rights allegations. Stung by lingering allegations of human trafficking and forced labor, the Hawaii fishing industry has developed a formal code of conduct, crew handbook and model employee contract aimed at protecting the workers aboard its fleet of more than 140 vessels. Star-Advertiser.

Isle hotels sell for nation’s top per-room price. Hawaii was such a hot hotel investor market in 2017 that four out of the 10 most expensive hotel transactions, based on total price, were in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Judge Gives Stevie Wonder Concert Scammer 5 Years In Prison. The University of Hawaii paid out $200,000 in what became known as the “Wonder Blunder.” Associated Press.

Island Energy Services to cut 10% of its workforce at Hawaii refinery. IES, which owns and operates the the state's second largest refinery in Kapolei, said on Friday that the affected employees will be offered a severance package based upon their total years of service. Pacific Business News.

Electric cars overtake gas cars in isle road map. Hawaiian Electric Co. filed a report it calls a “road map” with the state Public Utilities Commission last week to reach that 2045 goal. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales break million-dollar mark for average price. Star-Advertiser.

Demolition awaits TV home of ‘Magnum, P.I.’ detective. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea, TMT need closer monitoring, report finds. Star-Advertiser.

Second Gut-And-Replace Bill Concerning Mauna Kea Emerges. Once again, a House Bill making its way through the Senate has been completely altered to take aim at Mauna Kea management practices. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing changes to rules regulating activity in the state’s forest reserves. Tribune-Herald.

Creagan to stick with House seat; Ford to run for Senate. With four months until the Aug. 11 primary, Brenda Ford and Richard Creagan are changing their plans. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds of Big Island property owners are on the verge of losing their land because of unpaid property taxes, most of them in two communities — Nanawale in Puna and Ocean View in Kau. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island Police Officer Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island police are investigating an officer involved murder-suicide. KHON2.

Friction between county officials and West Hawaii septage haulers has been mounting for months as pumpers contend policies at the Kealakehe Waste Water Treatment Facility are onerous and costing them money. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ige expresses confidence in re-election, despite setbacks. ‘We have a good plan in place and are executing it,’ governor says. Maui News.

With the latest phase of the contentious Lahaina bypass to be blessed in a week, Gov. David Ige defended the Department of Transportation’s plans for the highway and its interaction with the Lahaina community. Maui News.

The County of Maui is proposing a roundabout at the intersection of Maui Lani Parkway and Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului. Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kalaheo Neighborhood Center gym could become Kauai’s newest emergency shelter. That’s if the County Council approves a $650,000 project Wednesday to update the building. Garden Island.

Council members will be asking for a tax exemption to be considered for residential homeowners who install an automatic fire suppression system, which meets minimum design specifications. Garden Island.

What Southwest Airlines' application to rent space at Lihue Airport could mean for travelers. KHON2.

Solar demand increases, more high rises for Honolulu, Kenoi interview emphasizes accomplishments, Kauai girds against ohia fungus, Molokai water restrictions lifted, Christmas trees arrive, Maui Sugar Cane Train back for the holiday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii represents at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, courtesy King's Hawaiian

More than 400 Hawaii band members, along with 200 hula dancers braved the chilly streets of New York protected by sand-filled dump trucks and bomb-sniffing dogs as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade went off without a hitch today. Associated Press.

courtesy King's Hawaiian

Hundreds of Hawaii keiki braved 40-degree weather in New York for the 90th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. KHON2.

Most of the 108,000 Christmas trees have arrived in the islands just in time for Black Friday sales. Star-Advertiser.

Demand for rooftop solar systems is growing again despite last year’s reduction in incentives. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

A former corrections officer at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center is accused of having relationships with two inmates and lying about it. Hawaii News Now.

Development incentives tied to the city’s rail system combined with strong housing and tourism demand have cranked up efforts to build residential or hotel towers mauka of Ala Moana Center near the transit line’s envisioned last stop in urban Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Chinese investors, through a Honolulu company, plan to develop a 400-unit mixed-use high-rise tower on a block across the street from the Walmart and Walgreens flagship stores in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi Says Aloha. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Department of Transportation is preparing a “transportation corridor study” for the Hamakua Coast that could impact 50 miles of highway between Hilo and Waimea. Tribune-Herald.

In an October 13 talk story held in Kona, DOT deputy director Ed Sniffen says archaeological sites have stalled the speed of construction of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Big Island Video News.

Mokuaikaua Church was selected to participate in a national grant-making program providing a planning grant and in-kind professional services, which is leading to $250,000 in capital grants. West Hawaii Today.

A community sailing canoe, built with the help of a crowdfunding campaign, was set on fire earlier this month, said one of the builders, who believes the damage was intentional. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The Sugar Cane Train is coming back to Lahaina town this holiday season for the first time in two years starting Friday. Maui News.

Kahului state Rep. Justin Woodson will take over as chairman of the state House Higher Education Committee, and East Maui-Molokai-Lanai Rep. Lynn DeCoite will be vice chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee, according to an announcement Tuesday of appointments to House committee leadership positions. Maui News.

Maui ocean safety crews have reopened several beach parks in Kihei after a shark sighting at Kamaole Beach. KITV.

Kauai

Boot cleaning stations at trailheads, encouraging people to wash clothing and boots between hikes, and installing a washing station at the port for vehicles and equipment are just a few ideas for preventing the spread of Rapid Ohia Death to Kauai, according to Sheri Mann, head of Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Garden Island.

An informational meeting on the current bridge construction project over Keahua Stream at the Keahua Arboretum is scheduled Tuesday at Kapaa Middle School. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has scheduled its third community meeting regarding the development of a master plan for the expansion of a popular North Shore beach park. Garden Island.

Greg Allen, developer of Hokua Place, said he doesn’t think a two-week extension for the comment period of the general plan discussion draft matters. Garden Island.

Molokai

Water restrictions for hundreds of users of two Hoolehua water tanks on Molokai were lifted Wednesday by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Maui News.

Japanese visitors spark tourism rise, animal quarantine harms pets, Honolulu councilman wants men's room diaper tables, shipping declines, Office of Hawaiian Affairs forms sovereignty committee, Kauai animal shelter kill rate disputed, USS Arizona Memorial to reopen in a week, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

visitor learns Hawaiian hula © 2015 All Hawaii News

April was the second month of 2015 that experienced a year-over-year climb in visitor spending and arrivals, largely due to a gain in domestic travelers and visitors from Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hosted more visitors last month than in April 2014, and they spent more, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For the year, visitors are up but their spending is about the same as last year. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority says the number of travelers visiting the islands climbed 2.3 percent in April over the same month last year as more tourists arrived from the western part of the United States. Data released by the state agency Thursday showed nearly 680,000 people visited the islands in April. Visitor spending rose 5.4 percent to $1.2 billion. Associated Press.

In a move to maintain its neutrality, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is handing off responsibility for the final stage of its nation-building campaign to a new group that will independently administer an election of delegates, convention and final ratification vote. Na'i Aupuni, a group of five volunteer and unpaid directors with ties to Hawaiian royalty, has been given nearly $2.6 million originally earmarked for the effort aimed at moving Native Hawaiians a step closer to self-determination as authorized by the state under Act 195. Star-Advertiser.

Despite vocal opposition and community concerns raised at OHA board meetings in late April, 2015, the board has decided to go forward with a nation building process spearheaded by a new organization: Na‘i Aupuni. Hawaii Independent.

Complaints of overheated and underfed animals getting sick at the state-run Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa have prompted the Legislature to take a closer look at how pets are housed and treated at the facility. Civil Beat.

In a private sector economic indicator, Young Brothers Ltd. reports a 1.9% decline in cargo shipments between islands during the first quarter, compared to the same time last year. Hawaii News Now.

The East-West Center, which has faced big funding threats in recent years as federal support for its programming dwindled, is about to start head-hunting for its first new president in nearly two decades. Longtime center President Charles E. Morrison is planning to leave his post in August 2016, at the end of his current contract. Civil Beat.

An ongoing dispute over the results of a recent Hawaii State Teachers Association election for president and other officers to lead the teachers union has made its way to the courts. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The city's top civil attorney said it's not up to the Honolulu Ethics Commission staff to determine the potential ramifications of a settlement agreement reached by the commission and former City Councilman Nestor Garcia. Star-Advertiser.

Time for a change? Lawmaker wants diaper changing tables in men’s restrooms. KHON2.

Punahou School has begun construction on a campus-wide overhaul project that is expected to be completed during the next decade, which includes building four two-story studios for elementary school students and a 20,000-square-foot learning commons for kindergarten through eighth grade. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service and the Navy aim to resume taking visitors to the USS Arizona Memorial in a week, after a dock damaged by a wayward vessel is repaired. Associated Press.

The Navy said Thursday that it is uncertain if a hospital ship hit the dock of the USS Arizona Memorial as was initially reported. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation continues to develop plans to meet a budget shortfall of 50 million dollars. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii

Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s selection of Ormat Nevada Inc. to build the next geothermal power plant in Puna received a positive recommendation this month from an independent observer. Tribune-Herald.

Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille wants to slice into Hilo Municipal Golf Course funds to hire three new transfer station attendants to help promote recycling programs. In a budget amendment to be considered Monday, Wille is asking that golfers and the community do more to augment the greens fees at the county’s only publicly funded golf course instead of relying on taxpayer bailouts. West Hawaii Today.

A new class-action lawsuit claims Hawaii Community College fraudulently collected “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in student fees throughout the past decade. Tribune-Herald.

A dangerous and crowded North Kona beach will have to wait at least another year for lifeguards. A push for funding to install ocean safety officers at Kua Bay fell short this past session. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ever since Samuel Thomas Alexander and Henry Perrine Baldwin planted their first sugarcane crop in 1870, there have been cane fires on Maui. But on Wednesday morning, a fire that was set near Kamali’i Elementary School by Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. inundated the campus and left some residents wondering whether a state permit system is working. KITV4.

Iao Stream will likely have its name restored to "Wailuku River," which dates back more than a century, following the state Board on Geographic Names' unanimous vote Wednesday night in favor of the move. Maui News.

Kauai

No more than 10 B&B permit applications will be reviewed per year under an ordinance change approved during a Kauai County Council committee hearing Wednesday. Garden Island.

The Kauai Humane Society has underreported the percentage of cats and dogs it euthanized for the last five fiscal years, a fact that has become the crux of a campaign launched by employees to oust the organization’s executive director. Garden Island.

Kauai was the leader of the four larger Hawaiian Islands when it came to visitor growth and spending through April. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, per person per day spending on the Garden Isle rose to $179, up 2.7 percent, and total expenditures reached $533 million, up 6.2 percent. Garden Island.