Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Lawmakers grill ag chief over lack of biosecurity progress, gender inequality evident in high school career prep, Maui council passes water measures, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Additional inspection requirements aimed at preventing increasing spread of invasive species. U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, both Democrats from Hawaiʻi, are battling serious threats to the state’s agriculture, environment and economy by reintroducing the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Protection Act. Big Island Now.
Crisis fund access stirs feud between HTA and DBEDT. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s attempt to dip into another $5 million from its Tourism Special Emergency Fund after declaring a continued tourism emergency related to the softness following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires has been blocked by Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka. Star-Advertiser.
Youth advocate for more local food, climate action this legislative session. Many of the young people meeting with lawmakers are a part of the Climate Future Forum and want to see the state take more action on climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.
Connors speaks about Trump transition, future for U.S. Attorney's office in Hawaii. Clare Connors spent more than two decades delivering justice across the country, most recently as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii appointed by former President Biden and approved in 2022. KITV4.
Hawaii wildfire risks lead to demand for more sheep. As the state looks for innovative ways to prevent wildfires, Hawaii’s struggling livestock industry may be part of the solution. Hawaii News Now.
Girls Are Losing Out In Hawai‘i’s Push To Train Kids For High-Paying Jobs. Career-based education has rapidly gained traction in Hawaiʻi schools, but not all programs are attracting boys and girls equally. Civil Beat.
What The Data Shows About Gender Inequality In High School Career Prep. Use Civil Beat’s searchable database to see how your school is doing when it comes to closing gender gaps in career preparation program. Civil Beat.
Here's why this year's Point in Time Count will not survey unsheltered people. Partners In Care Director Laura Thielen said her group and its partner on the neighbor islands, Bridging The Gap, are only mandated to do the count every other year. She said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development changed its funding cycle to a two-year term. Hawaii Public Radio.
Oahu
Limits On Honolulu Landfills Could Change After Opposition to Wahiawā Site. A bill proposed by state Rep. Sean Quinlan would bar siting landfills over aquifers but loosen restrictions against placing them near communities. Civil Beat.
DPP software upgrade delayed due to technical snag, city says. The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting’s upgrade to its electronic plan review software for building permits has suffered a delay, DPP announced. Star-Advertiser.
Downtown business improvement district is proposed. Downtown Honolulu, once bustling with office workers who frequented eateries at lunchtime, has seen a downturn in office space occupancy since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and needs revitalization, say businesses and developers. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu man faces federal charges for allegedly smuggling fish. Shane Takasane faces federal charges after he allegedly ran an illegal aquarium fish smuggling operation with non-native, endangered species and protected Hawaii reef fish for sale starting at $300 each. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Island
12 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Jan. 1-5 on Big Island roads. Hawai‘i Police Department officers during the first week of the new year continued their crackdown on motorists who drive under the influence of an intoxicant on Big Island roadways, arresting 12 drivers for DUI from Jan. 1-5. Four of those motorists were involved in traffic crashes. Big Island Now.
Maui
Maui County Council passes bills to ease water use. Bill 180 allows farmers to expand the storage capacity of their private water catchment and storage tank system from 15,000 to 30,000 gallons in agricultural, residential and rural districts. Bill 146 could allow existing water customers to have a farm or ohana dwelling without obtaining an additional water meter. Maui News.
Committee referral item sparks discord among Maui County Council members. It was mostly smooth sailing for the Maui County Council’s first regularly scheduled meeting of 2025, but then decorum hit choppy waters as the Friday agenda drifted to a planned referral of three bills to the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee. Maui Now.
December housing median price nudges close to all-time record in Maui County. The median sales price of a single-family home in Maui County rose to $1,374,238 in December 2024, a 14.5% increase over the same month in 2023 and just 2.4% less than the all-time highest median price of $1,408,287, set in September 2024. Maui Now.
Mokulele Airlines resumes flights after safety pause, some cancellations remain. According to Mokulele Airlines’ website, it states that only certain flights have been cancelled. KITV4.
Kauai
State urges more biosecurity measures to protect flocks from avian flu. With low levels of the H5 influenza found in the wastewater samples on Kauaʻi, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division urges commercial poultry operations and backyard bird owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. Kauai Now.
GoFarm offering course to Kauaʻi residents wanting to become next crop of farmers. This year, no prior experience is required to join the six-month AgXcel course. It is open to anybody who has the passion for learning and for sustainable agriculture and growing food, program manager Lily Nguyen said. Kauai Now.
Monday, October 21, 2024
Ag board gets serious about invasive species, Catholic Charities settles foster care abuse case, Maui charter amendment would staff ethics board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Islands around the world home to 1/3 of planet’s plant species, study reveals. A new study reveals that Hawai‘i is home to the highest proportions of endemic flora. According to the study, published in Nature on Oct. 16, islands throughout the world are home to nearly 1/3 of the world’s plant species, despite covering just 5.3% of the Earth’s land surface. Hawai‘i stands out with 83% of its plant species being endemic to the state. Big Island Now.
State, Catholic Charities Hawaii settle case in alleged abuse of foster child. The state of Hawaii and Catholic Charities Hawaii have settled a civil lawsuit for $690,000 involving the alleged repeated sexual assault, molestation and abuse of a foster child by the foster mother’s son and his friend who both lived with them, plaintiff’s lawyers said. Star-Advertiser.
Hawai‘i Tourism partners with JTB to attract high-value business events from Japan. A new deal between the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Meet Hawai‘i and JTB seeks to recover the pipeline of Japan business meetings in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.
University of Hawaii faculty ratify new contract. University of Hawaii faculty, represented by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, have voted to approve a new successor contract that includes a 3.5% wage increase in the first year and a 3.79% increase in the second year. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu
LGBTQ+ visitors are expected to hit records and boost state tourism in October. Honolulu isn’t a top market for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning travelers yet, but Honolulu Pride helped to fill hotel rooms and restaurants and create sell-out crowds at supporting events that helped boost tourism in October, which is generally a softer travel month. Star-Advertiser.
State Thinks Its Multimillion-Dollar Food Hub Is Finally Happening. The Whitmore Village facility will include specialized ag equipment and DOE's centralized kitchen. The $5.5 million-plus facility will be part of the 34-acre Central Oahu Agriculture and Food Hub, a project worth tens of millions of dollars. Civil Beat.
Honolulu Council members urge new agricultural task force. A plan to bring back the city’s now-defunct Agricultural Development Task Force is being sown by some on the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.
Sea-level rise risk erodes Hawaiian homestead plan. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands intends to develop 220 single-family and 120 to 160 multifamily homes on less than half of an 80-acre site the federal government conveyed to the agency in 2021. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu Vision Zero plan outlines most dangerous corridors, intersections. The City and County of Honolulu’s Oahu Vision Zero Action Plan outlines the key problems, including a lengthy list of the isle’s most dangerous corridors and intersections based on six years of crash data, along with proposed design improvements and their estimated costs. Star-Advertiser.
E-bike working group to update Honolulu City Council. Honolulu officials say the number of accidents involving electric bicycles has proliferated on Oahu. Since January, the city Emergency Services Department has reported 180 incidents involving the powered machines — ones often operated by underage riders. Star-Advertiser.
State to renew push to replace overcrowded Oahu jail. The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation plans to request $280 million from the Legislature in 2025, to complete planning and procurement work with $30 million and secure $250 million as a down payment for a private developer to build a roughly estimated $1.2 billion new facility in Halawa replacing Oahu Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.
2 men in serious condition following officer-involved shooting in Waipahu. A man was seriously wounded after he was shot by Honolulu police officers who responded to an argument at a Waipahu residence Sunday night. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Hawaii Island
‘We’re open to what the community wants’: Judge rules in favor of Ka‘u resort developer. Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto earlier this month ruled in favor of South Point Investment Group who sued the Discovery Harbour Community Association over long-stalled plans to build a resort in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.
$33 Million To Rehabilitate Wailuku River Bridge. Federal funds will be used to reinforce the foundation bridge, and widen it to be in line with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Big Island Video News.
Hilo sawmill proposal withdrawn by property owner after backlash. Jeremiah Leonard — doing business through the company Farm Forest Products — planned to build a sawmill on his agricultural-zoned 2.7-acre parcel at 170 Makalika St. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.
Insurance Prices Threaten An Affordable Housing Oasis In Hawaii. Puna homeowners live under the threat of a lava eruption, but skyrocketing insurance rates are causing many to rethink that choice. Civil Beat.
Sniffing out trouble: Dogs being trained to detect little fire ants. Dog training teams around the Big Island are training canines to sniff out little fire ants, after previous successes in using dogs to detect other invasive species like coconut rhinoceros beetles. Tribune-Herald.
Sulphur Banks Trail At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park To Close. The temporary closure, required in order to repair the boardwalk, will take place from October 21st through December 12, 2024. Big Island Video News.
Maui
Maui Voters To Decide If County Board Of Ethics Can Hire A Full-Time Staff. Approval of a charter amendment would allow more employee training and investigations of ethics violations. Civil Beat.
Short-term rentals, housing after fire among top issues in Maui County Council races. Maui County voters can vote for all nine seats regardless of where they live. Maui Now.
Maui’s recycled water conversation continues. A proposed resolution making its way through council has ignited more conversations around the future use of Maui County’s recycled water. Maui News.
Reflecting on Lahaina: Former Hawaii Island Civil Defense chief shares some lessons learned from deadly wildfires. When the Maui Emergency Management Agency named Darryl Oliveira its interim administrator in the wake of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires that killed more than 100 people, they tapped the extensive experience of a career Big Island first responder and emergency manager. Tribune-
Kauai
Kauaʻi County Council hears update on Ready Keiki preschool initiative. The state Ready Keiki program that began in January 2023 with a $200 million appropriation and a goal to build 450 public preschool classrooms by 2032 so far has produced just three of those classrooms on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.
Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association reveals endorsements in Kauai County Council race. A statewide tourism organization with deep ties to the hospitality sector has thrown its weight behind one-half dozen candidates running for the Kauai County Council in the 2024 General Election. Garden Island.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Green declares emergency over condo insurance fees, Honolulu pandemic hazard pay set at $30M or more, state commemorates anniversary of deadly Maui fires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
More Details On Maui Fire Settlement: Kamehameha Schools Pledges $872.5 Million. Kamehameha Schools announced it would contribute $872.5 million to a proposed settlement fund for Maui wildfire claims, answering more of the question about how much various defendants will pay under the $4.037 billion tentative agreement. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
5 ways Hawaii is trying to prevent the next deadly fire. A year ago, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century took 102 lives on the island of Maui, leaving the historic town of Lahaina in ashes and spurring a series of investigations into what could have been done to better prepare for such a disaster. New York Times.
Flags ordered to half-staff in memory of lives lost in deadly Maui wildfires 1 year ago. On Aug. 8, 2023, one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history razed Maui’s old Hawaiian fishing of Lāhainā to the ground. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii food safety site still not up to par after 8 months. Restaurant inspection reports have not been viewable through the Food and Safety Branch website since January, but restaurateurs said they are still being conducted. KHON2.
UH partners with lawmakers pushing for environmental legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi has agreed to act as a resource for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, which has 1,200 members across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Hawaii Public Radio.
Oahu
Latest Hazard Pay Decision For Public Workers Likely Will Cost Honolulu $30 Million Or More. A new arbitration decision awarding hazard pay to unionized government workers will likely require Honolulu to pay an extra $30 million to $40 million to about 2,500 city employees for their work during the pandemic, according to city Managing Director Michael Formby. Civil Beat.
Waikiki hotel workers take strike vote today. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers are expected to take a strike vote today. Star-Advertiser.
Honolulu City Council votes on restricting Waikiki events. They say everyone loves a parade, but in reality not everyone in Waikiki does. KITV4.
Kailua residents frustrated over Kalapawai roundabout construction. Kailua residents working and living near the Kalapawai roundabout have a lot to say about the construction that’s been ongoing for the past two years. KHON2.
Dozens of CRB larvae discovered in garden soil sold at Oahu store. A Pearl Harbor man said he discovered 50 invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae inside a bag of Miracle Grow garden soil when he opened it on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Island
Council votes to offer tax relief to those who rent out part of their home for at least six months. Bill 175, which the council voted to pass on first reading Wednesday, allows residential properties that are rented out for six months or more to be eligible for the county’s “homeowner” tax classification, and therefore receive that classification’s tax benefits. Tribune-Herald.
Council votes to override mayor’s veto: Bill on access to transfer stations becomes law. The council on July 10 voted to approve Bill 140, which required that all county solid waste facilities be open to the public at least two days per week. Tribune-Herald.
Researchers to look at how residential sewage systems impact Kahalu‘u Bay waters. From Aug. 9-12, researchers from University of Hawai‘i at Hilo will be dropping a small amount of the dye, fluorescein, into sewage disposal systems of residences upstream to see where sewage water travels and if it’s entering the bay. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.
Retired HPD assistant chief allowed deferred plea. Mitchell Kanehailua, 58, pleaded no contest on May 21 to violating a protective order and attempted third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. Tribune-Herald.
Hawaii County Seeks To Delay Release Of Records in Dana Ireland Case. Hilo Judge Peter Kubota questioned why police need to protect records pertaining to a suspect who is now dead. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.
Maui
One year later, no cause or origin for Lahaina fire available. The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety does not have a timetable for releasing its formal report on the origin and cause for Aug. 8 wildfires in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina, but said when the final report is ready a news conference will be called and the findings will be made public. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.
Maui wildfires one year later: $1.4M grant boosts Maui Wildfire Exposure Study research. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, the most comprehensive study focused on understanding and mitigating the health and social impacts of the fires, has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its groundbreaking work. Maui Now.
Maui Remembers: Small businesses desperate for help a year after devastating fire. A year after the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire destroyed a large portion of the west side of Maui in a matter of hours, local business owners are reflecting on their own experiences, and what can be done to help in the aftermath of tragedy. Maui News.
Maui wildfires one year later: UH research continues to assess impacts, support recovery. Within days of the worst natural disaster in state history, University of Hawaiʻi researchers began providing assistance and support on multiple fronts, including providing direct support and assessing the environmental impact and the long-term health outcomes of residents. Maui Now.
‘Bittersweet’: Lahaina wildfire anniversary, start of new school year stirs mixed emotions. Thursday marks a full year since the deadly fire that broke out in Lahaina, claiming more than 100 lives and almost completely destroying the town. Public school students in Lahaina have been given that day off to reflect on what they have been through and mourn together. Hawaii News Now.
Lahaina’s Historic Elementary School Was A Source Of Community Pride. Now The Town Is Divided On Its Future. Rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed in last year’s fire, could help bring families back to Lahaina. But residents are torn over where the school should be located. Civil Beat.
Their Senior Center Burned And Their Friends Died. But These Kupuna Are Moving Forward. More than two-thirds of Maui’s fire victims were over the age of 60. Kupuna are also facing additional challenges in the aftermath of the disaster. Civil Beat.
Marine scientists work to understand long-term effects of contaminants from the fires. Scientists have been concerned about the marine environment due to the nearly 100 burned vessels and the potential hazardous runoff from the devastated neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.
Kauai
Domestic passenger count heats up in July at Lihu‘e Airport. The domestic passenger count climbed to its highest monthly total of the year in July, as Lihu‘e Airport welcomed more than 87,000 people to the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.
Internal network upgrades made by Kaua‘i Police Department. Internal network upgrades to the Kaua‘i Police Department’s dispatch line and its services continued on Tuesday evening. Garden Island.
Kaua‘i County reminds public to report sightings of invasive rose-ringed parakeets. More than 170 responses have been received to a Kaua‘i County survey reporting sightings of the invasive rose-ringed parakeets since the beginning of the year. Kauai Now.
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Sheriff scandal grows, offshore wind farm slated for Oahu, 6 more COVID deaths reported, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Green plans to veto 3 bills aimed at emergency powers. Among the 17 bills that Gov. Josh Green intends to veto are three that would put new rules on his emergency powers as the Legislature continues to try to define how Hawaii governors should operate during crises. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.
Governor's intent-to-veto list includes invasive species and biosecurity bills. The $20 million “landmark” biosecurity bill to tackle invasive species in Hawaiʻi could get cut in half. Hawaii Public Radio.
State publishes Hawaii Digital Economy Survey. To gain a deeper understanding of how local companies utilize digital and broadband technology for their business operations, the Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Hawai’i Broadband and Digital Equity Office recently published its Hawai’i digital economy survey involving more than 1,000 businesses. Maui News. Maui Now.
Hawaii Health Department reports 6 more COVID deaths. The Hawaii Department of Health todayreported six additional COVID-related deaths, bringing the state’s COVID toll since the start of the pandemic to 2,183. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu
Downtown Honolulu electric grid upgrade will be long, disruptive. It could take 10 years to fully upgrade downtown Honolulu’s underground electric cable network under a plan being accelerated after two disruptive outages over the past two weeks. Star-Advertiser.
New Project Seeks To Build Offshore Wind Farms In Kaiwi Channel. Aukahi Energy, a partnership between Progression Energy and EDF Renewables North America, is seeking approval to build floating offshore windmills north of the Kaiwi Channel, near Makapuu Point. If approved, the project will produce enough clean electricity to power around 300,000 homes, according to the company. Civil Beat.
Honolulu councilmembers discuss slower speed limits around schools. The City and County of Honolulu has published a draft of its plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040. However, some want an even more aggressive approach. Hawaii Public Radio.
The Navy transferred 400 acres to the city. In the fine print, there’s reason for caution. After the base closed, the military left behind hazardous chemicals, unexploded ordnance and buried cultural and archeological sites. The Navy tried to identify and remediate some of the risks, but making it usable is up to the city. Hawaii News Now.
Some Honolulu airport parking rates go up on Monday. The rate for parking three or more hours at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will increase from $9 to $10 on Monday. The new maximum daily rate will be $25, up from $24. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.
How can Waikīkī adapt to rising sea levels? Researchers might have a way. A group of researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi is trying to give Waikīkī community members a glimpse into the future. Hawaii Public Radio.
Scottish heritage group fights to save Falls of Clyde. The Scottish heritage group, Falls of Clyde International, is working to save and rebuild the historic vessel. Hawaii Public Radio.
Hawaii Island
Hawaiian Electric to shut off power during high wind days to avoid risk of wildfires. Hawaiian Electric is launching a new program where it may preemptively shut off power for approximately 19,300 customers in high-wind areas on the Big Island that are at risk of wildfire during dry conditions. Big Island Now.
County seeks dismissal of pedestrian death lawsuit against HPD, cop. Hawaii County is requesting dismissal of a lawsuit seeking monetary damages from the Hawaii Police Department and an officer who was on duty and at the wheel of a blue-and-white cruiser that struck a 16-year-old boy who later died. Tribune-Herald.
EPA Is Investigating Wastewater Released Into Puhi Bay From Troubled Hilo Sewage Plant. The federal agency and state health officials will determine whether the aging facility violated its discharge permit and the Clean Water Act. Civil Beat.
Maui
Hawaii Attorney General seeks interview on 2018 Lahaina wildfire. The state Department of the Attorney General filed a motion Monday to force the director of the Maui Emergency Management Agency to answer questions about how he commanded the response to the 2018 West Maui fires fueled by Hurricane Lane. Star-Advertiser.
Repair Or Retreat? An Ocean-Battered Maui Condo Complex Grapples With An Uncertain Future. Two of Kahana Sunset's six buildings are teetering near the water's edge while battling sinkholes and shaky foundations. It's now in the county's hands to decide what to do. Civil Beat.
Report: Half of Maui vacation rental units were vacant in May 2024. In May 2024, Maui County continued to have the largest supply of available vacation rental (TVR) units in the state, but occupancy rates for them were below half, at 49.5%, according to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Maui Now.
Kauai
Derek Kawakami finds common ground at annual mayors conference. Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami shared his takeaways after attending the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Kansas City, Missouri. Hawaii Public Radio.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Activists protest Red Hill in Washington, Ige nixes Aloha Stadium contracts, 111k Hawaii students to get student loan forgiveness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Here’s how county charter amendment proposals are created for your ballot. The 2022 general election ballot won’t have any state constitutional amendments, but each county will have plenty to choose from. Hawaiʻi Island residents will see three proposals, while Oʻahu and Kauaʻi residents will each see four. Maui County, on the other hand, will see a few more. Hawaii Public Radio.
How many Hawaii student loan borrowers will benefit from Biden’s plan? Here’s a look. Over 111,000 student loan borrowers in Hawaii are eligible for Biden’s student debt relief program. That’s according to a fact sheet released by the White House on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Visitor restrictions loosen across Queen's Health System hospitals. Visiting hours will be expanded at The Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl and Molokai General Hospital to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Queen's Medical Center West Oʻahu to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Queen's North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hawaii Public Radio.
Oahu
Governor halts work on stadium construction proposals. Gov. David Ige has halted requests for proposals to build a new Aloha Stadium and will announce in three weeks different plans for its construction, a state official said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.
The Struggle Over Towering Wind Farms Is At The Center Of A Honolulu City Council Debate. A backlash has arisen against industrial wind turbines, with Kahuku residents leading the charge, raising an alarm about the problems the 40-story towers constructed there have created for them and for their children — pulsating noises, flickering shadows, and what they say are sleep disruptions, depression and new neurological ailments. Civil Beat.
First red-light camera under construction at Vineyard and Palama. Honolulu’s first red-light camera is going up at the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Palama Street, with the monitoring system issuing its first warnings in two weeks when it catches cars that run through traffic lights. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm declares 2019 fatal police shooting justified. A Honolulu police officer was justified in firing three shots that killed a 27-year-old man who lunged at him with a hunting knife following a foot chase, said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm at a news conference Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
Liquor commission’s public trust questioned by City Council. The Honolulu City Council is urging the Honolulu Liquor Commission to take steps to restore public trust, after the commission and its investigators have faced criticism over alleged discrimination and violations over the years. KHON2.
The Son Of A Slain Oahu Jail Inmate Is Suing The State Over Lax Practices. Oahu Community Correctional Center failed to follow “common sense correctional practices” and placed the 62-year-old prisoner in jeopardy, the lawsuit says. Civil Beat.
Honolulu Historic Preservation Bill Is Gaining Traction. Losses of historic sites, including the destruction of the home that inspired the song “Aloha Oe,” have spurred support for a city agency to monitor and protect Oahu’s ancient places. Civil Beat.
Hawaii Island
Council unimpressed by latest proposals to tackle homelessness. Hawaii County Council members on Tuesday were skeptical of a plan to address rampant homelessness on the island. Tribune-Herald.
County yet to issue a gun carry permit. Fewer than a dozen applications have been received by the Hawaii Police Department for a permit to carry a concealed weapon on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.
Court records detail teen’s kidnapping ordeal. A 52-year-old man accused of abducting a 15-year-old girl from a beach in Waikoloa allegedly forced her to smoke crystal methamphetamine, sexually assaulted her and shackled her inside a bus on his property, according to court documents that detail the teen’s terrifying experience. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.
Big Isle police say fatal shooting of Boy Scout was accidental; prosecutor to review possible firearm charges against 3 adults. “The investigation concluded that an unsupervised male minor picked up a loaded firearm and as he placed it back down, it discharged, subsequently shooting the victim,” the police department said today in a news release. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.
‘Plan and prepare’. Ironman officials offered the following advice to West Hawaii residents ahead of the first-ever two-day running of the world championship triathlon: plan ahead and be prepared for delays, particularly on race days. West Hawaii Today.
Maui
Maui Voters To Decide If County Should Operate As A Bilingual Government. The measure would require the county to issue all official notices in English and Hawaiian, the endangered language of Hawaii’s native people that, after generations of decline, is experiencing a revival. Civil Beat.
The Maui County Council on Tuesday confirmed Rogerene “Kali” Arce as the first director of the county’s Department of Agriculture. The department is charged with supporting local farmers and ranchers while boosting food security. Civil Beat. Maui Now.
Despite mounting criticism, bill to limit outdoor lights on Maui moves forward. Before clearing an 8-1 vote in front the Maui County Council Tuesday, Bill 21 saw staunch support and criticism. The measure proposes to limit the blue light content in outdoor fixtures to 2 % or less, as well as have lights pointed down and covered. KITV4.
Maui Council endorses Johnson’s proposal to allow counties to set own minimum wage. Councilmember Gabe Johnson announced Tuesday that the council endorsed his proposal for state legislation to empower counties in Hawaiʻi to set minimum wages that are higher than the state and federal minimum wage. Maui Now.
Maui County’s sunscreen ordinance takes effect on Oct. 1. Maui County’s ban on the sale, use or distribution of nonmineral sunscreens without a prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider, takes effect on Oct. 1, 2022. Maui Now.
Kauai
Kauaʻi event features dishes made with invasive species to raise awareness of environment. Venison, pig, mango, apple snails and tilapia are some of the invasive species on the menu. Hawaii Public Radio.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Hawaii's digital divide identified, Maui police chief admits to hit and run, Supreme Court nominee Todd Eddins heads to full Senate today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
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Hawaii internet connectivity October 2020 by island Source: DBEDT |
State plan seeks to expand broadband connectivity across Hawaii. The 45-page Hawai‘i Broadband Strategic Plan 2020 offers what state officials say is a fresh look at ways to boost broadband connectivity at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is showing how important it is for education, health and economic prosperity. Star-Advertiser.
Recognizing the need; State addresses ‘digital divide’ in Hawaii Broadband Strategic Plan 2020. The so-called “digital divide” driven home during this year’s COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the need for improved broadband internet connectivity for education, health and economic prosperity are the subjects of a report released Wednesday by the state. Tribune-Herald.
Read the full Broadband Strategic Plan here.
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Hawaii Supreme Court nominee Todd Eddins heads to full Senate for confirmation. The nomination of Circuit Court Judge Todd W. Eddins to the Hawaii Supreme Court is scheduled for a full Senate confirmation vote this morning. Star-Advertiser.
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Hawaii inspectors find small garter snake, Pacific tree frog in shipping container of Christmas trees. A small garter snake and Pacific tree frog were among the pests found by state agricultural inspectors in a shipping container of Christmas trees on Friday. Star-Advertiser.
Garter Snake Found in Christmas Tree Shipment to Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i’s ecosystem is a delicate one that can be hypersensitive to foreign invaders. So when news of a reptile finding its way to the islands, it’s news across the entire state. Big Island Now.
Agricultural inspectors find snake in shipment of Christmas trees. Last year, about 93,000 Christmas trees were imported to Hawaii. Officials expect about the same number of trees to be imported this year. Hawaii News Now.
Live snake found in shipping container of Christmas trees. KITV4.
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More than 1 month after tourism relaunch, mayors say traveler testing program is flawed. It has been more than a month since Hawaii relaunched tourism to trans-Pacific travelers. But mayors say they still have concerns about the state’s pre-travel testing program. Hawaii News Now.
Pacific Islanders Can’t Return Home During COVID-19 — Even To Bury Their Loved Ones. Indigenous burial traditions were already threatened by economic pressures and changing cultures. Then the pandemic struck. Civil Beat.
2020 CEO of the Year Micah Kāne. Magazine gives Kane top honor for work with the Hawaii Community Foundation. Hawaii Business magazine.
VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 18: 71 New COVID-19 Cases and 1 Death. Health officials reported 71 new COVID-19 cases and one death on Wednesday, including 59 on Oahu, two on the Big Island, two on Maui, and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.
Oahu
City projecting a $400 million operating budget shortfall. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration is wrestling with what officials estimate will be a $400 million-plus shortfall in the upcoming city operating budget, acting Budget and Fiscal Services Director Manny Valbuena told a Honolulu City Council committee Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.
Honolulu Police Commission Seat To Be Filled By New Mayor. Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi will have an opportunity to shape the group in charge of holding the Honolulu Police Department accountable. Civil Beat.
New testing initiative identifies COVID-19 clusters in Oahu’s homeless camps. The program launched three months ago and is already playing a critical role in identifying clusters of the coronavirus in some of Honolulu’s homeless camps. Hawaii News Now.
Report: Native Hawaiians Overrepresented Among Unsheltered. A report released in July shows nearly half of O'ahu's homeless who are reached by social service providers are successfully rehoused. The study shows continuous churn on the streets of Honolulu, but one segment of the population is consistently overrepresented. Hawaii Public Radio.
Hawaii investors Fergus & Co. buy land near Honolulu airport for $16M. Fergus & Co. closed on the acquisitions from Tomchi Group LLC on Nov. 2. Pacific Business News.
DCCA conditionally approves transfer of control of Hawaiian Telcom's in parent co. merger. The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Cable Television Division conditionally approved the transfer of control of Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc.’s Oahu cable franchise at the parent company level from Cincinnati Bell Inc. to Red Fiber Parent LLC last week. Pacific Business News.
Hawaii Island
Roth building his cabinet: Mayor-elect taps Lord as managing director. Hawaii County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth announced key members of his Cabinet Wednesday as he prepares to take office Dec. 7. Roth is tapping Lee Lord, of Volcano, long-time business manager at the Prosecutor’s Office, as his managing director and second-in-command. West Hawaii Today.
Mayor-Elect Roth Announces Cabinet Members. Hawaiʻi County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth today announced a partial list of cabinet appointees, described as a “mixture of familiar names and new faces from all over Hawai‘i Island”. Big Island Video News.
Mayor-Elect Appoints First Members of Cabinet. A new administration is moving into the Hawai‘i County Building next month, but some of the faces and names are familiar ones. Big Island Now.
Action on disaster relief funding resolution postponed again. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted again to postpone action on a resolution that would permit Mayor Harry Kim to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more than $83 million in federal disaster relief funding. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Maui police chief admits to hit-and-run that damaged man’s motorcycle. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu admitted Wednesday to leaving the scene of an accident in the parking lot of a shopping center without stopping. Hawaii News Now.
Maui police chief accused of leaving scene after hitting parked motorcycle. Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu apparently hit a parked motorcycle in a Kahului shopping center and then left the scene without stopping. Star-Advertiser.
Details of Motor Vehicle Accident Involving Maui Police Chief Surface After Demand Letter and Video Surfaces. Maui police have released information on a motor vehicle accident involving Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu after receiving a demand letter earlier this week from an unknown source, and a video of the incident surfaced online today. Maui Now.
Maui Police Chief involved in hit-and-run incident. Chief Tivoli Faaumu says he didn't feel a thing but a local attorney says that might be irrelevant. KITV4.
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Mayor Victorino Responds to Council’s Resolution to Establish Rapid-Response COVID-19 Task Force. Mayor Michael Victorino released a statement today in response to the Maui County Council’s recent resolution urging the mayor to establish a rapid-response COVID-19 task force. Maui Now.
Staff: Fear lingering until final decision on Guzman’s removal. Committee recommended prosecuting attorney’s removal Nov. 6. County employees said they’re living in fear as they await “delayed” action by the full council on a resolution to remove Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney after an independent report found he violated the county’s violence in the workplace policy. Maui News.
Maui County could be dealing with another cluster of COVID-19 cases. Maui County could be dealing with another cluster of COVID-19 cases, according to Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday. KITV4.
Schools slowly bringing students back. Lanai High & Elementary remain in distance learning. Maui County public schools are slowly welcoming back more general population students to campuses, though Lanai High & Elementary School remains in virtual learning mode after a COVID-19 breakout on the island last month affected at least 32 students. Maui News.
Kauai
If cases continue to rise, Kauai could see more restrictions on social gatherings. Since travel has opened up, Kauai has seen a rise in cases. Currently, the county is in Tier 4, but if cases remain above the threshold then Kauai will see additional restrictions in Tier 3. KHON2.
County still waiting on Ige’s answers to Safe Travels rules. Two local rules proposed by Mayor Derek Kawakami to the state remain in limbo, with hopes diminishing on getting approval from Gov. David Ige. Garden Island.
Council-elect discusses upcoming term. Laying it all out to have a smooth transitional Inauguration Day next month, Kaua‘i County Council-elect met for an organizational meeting yesterday morning. Garden Island.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Hawaii challenged by high cost of living, stagnant population, 325 jobs cut at Pearl Harbor as new drydock planned, Maui council shakeup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
Economists: High Living Costs Continue Driving Hawaii Residents Away. A new UH study predicts tourism to drive moderate growth in 2020, despite recent population declines. Civil Beat.
Commentary: Do Hawaii Folks Really Work 91 Hours A Week? A new study’s methodology is skewered, but our cost of living in general and housing in particular are certainly out of reach for many. Civil Beat.
Federal Policies Threaten Hawaii’s Flora, Fauna. Lack of scrutiny over invasive species threatens the Aloha State’s native wildlife. U.S. News and World Report.
New pot law goes into effect Jan. 11. Legislation passed by lawmakers earlier this year that decriminalizes the possession of three grams or less of marijuana and allows such past possessions to be expunged from criminal records will take effect early next year. Tribune-Herald.
Case throws liability for Hawaii charter schools in doubt. A $75,000 payment to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman who tripped and fell at Waimea Middle School is raising questions about who is liable for accidents at charter schools. Star-Advertiser.
Six Hawaii Companies Cited For Air Pollution Violations. Six Hawaii companies — half of which are electric companies — were fined for violating emission standards. Civil Beat.
Comedian Mel Cabang, who entertained Hawaii for decades, dies at age 77. Mel Cabang, one of Hawaii’s comedic legends, died Saturday in Las Vegas at age 77. Hawaii News Now.
Oahu
Pearl Harbor could get first new dry dock since 1943. A surge in demand for attack submarines and the lengthening of Virginia-class subs to carry more missiles has the Navy examining building its first new dry dock at Pearl Harbor since World War II or creating a 650-foot floating dry dock to better maintain its Pacific- based undersea fleet. Star-Advertiser.
Change in Navy contracting eliminates jobs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Defense giant BAE Systems is exiting the surface ship repair business at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard after a more than 10-year run, eliminating about 325 jobs and leaving some uncertainty whether the work sometimes topping $50 million per ship can be fully retained in Hawaii under new Navy contracting terms. Star-Advertiser.
Sweep at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor uncovers hundreds of violations. Illegal homeless encampments, derelict and sinking boats, and piles of smelly trash were back at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor only weeks after the state finished a November enforcement sweep that netted 550 violations. Star-Advertiser.
Irritated neighbors want to lower the boom on illegal fireworks. Oahu has long had a problem with illegal fireworks, especially the aerials that temporarily transform many neighborhoods into dazzling landscapes on New Year’s Eve but terrorize pets, frighten small children and stress residents — especially those with health problems — who aren’t into the booming celebrations. Star-Advertiser.
City auditor slams Honolulu Zoo. Despite the city’s efforts to regain accreditation for the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki attraction continues to be plagued by an ineffective and ill-defined relationship with the Honolulu Zoological Society, as well as operational deficiencies and staff shortages that have led to unnecessary overtime costs, according to a report released by the city auditor this month. Star-Advertiser.
Low Pay, Reputation Of Corruption Hinders Hiring at Honolulu Liquor Commission. The city agency charged with regulating Oahu’s liquor industry is struggling to fill positions. Civil Beat.
HPD to propose ban on so-called ‘ghost guns’ amid increase in gun violence. Ghost guns have no serial numbers so they’re impossible to track and you don’t need a background check to get one. And right now, they’re completely legal in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.
In Waimanalo, residents battle illegal dumping blocks from free city trash center. Waimanalo residents say their neighborhood is being plagued by a series of illegal dump sites. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island continues to lead the state in population growth, but some of the 42 small towns that dot the island have seen population drop, according to detailed estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today.
Mauna Kea Status Report Given To BLNR After Follow-Up Audit. The annual report on the status of the implementation of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan, or CMP, was on Friday’s agenda of the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources. Big Island Video News.
Police commission rejects complaint by retired sergeant. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday found insufficient evidence to support the allegations in a complaint made by a retired Hawaii Police Department sergeant concerning enhanced traffic enforcement that occurred on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Aug. 15 and Thursday. Tribune-Herald.
Group shows interest in opening new Ookala dairy. Although Big Island Dairy has “satisfactorily completed” all closure requirements set forth in an agreement with the state Department of Health, others have shown interest in the Ookala property for future dairy operations. Tribune-Herald.
Mass Transit moves forward with Pahoa bus hub. The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency is taking the next steps for a new bus hub in Pahoa and will seek additional funding for the project from the County Council. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Council Chair Kelly King to step down; Alice Lee tabbed to takeover. Her resignation comes on the heels of reports of dissatisfaction with her leadership. Maui News.
Maui Under the Influence Tow Bill Signed Into Law. With five days until Christmas and already 22 fatalities on Maui County roads, lawmakers passed an ordinance Friday aimed at keeping the roads safe from drunk and impaired drivers. Maui Now.
Lahaina gets a new $10M chocolate factory and cacao farm, with all the profits going to charity. It would be too indulgent to say that Hawaii is about to be drenched in locally made chocolate, but the fledgling industry is on the verge of a sweet surge with a $10 million factory slated for a public opening next month on Maui. Star-Advertiser.
Kauai
‘Where am I gonna go’. Laws prohibiting unpermitted camping are enforced by county park rangers during frequent early morning raids at public spaces and ignored by prosecuting attorneys, who refuse to pursue cases against people whose only crime is not living in a house. Garden Island.
There's a free way to get around Kauai until Christmas. It's an offer that's part of recovery efforts after historic flooding on the island last year. KITV.
Hemp Growers Battle Both State Restrictions And Medical Skeptics. They hope the Legislature will move decisively to liberalize regulations that limit the marketing of hemp products. Civil Beat.
Saving Kanaele. Water was running in peaceful streams out of Kanaele after days of rains drenched Hawaii’s last, intact, lowland bog, protected on all sides by steep mountains and the Kauai Watershed Alliance’s first predator-proof fence. Garden Island.
Avain botulism taking a toll on endangered waterbirds. Since July, the team has found 140 sick or dead birds in the refuge, the majority being koloa ducks. Garden Island.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Visitor spending up as tourism nears 10M mark, Honolulu firearms crimes rise, news photographer alleges UH coach assaulted him, Hilo jail expansion controversial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands
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Waikiki shoppers ©2019 All Hawaii News |
Hawaii could have more than 10M annual visitors for 1st time. Hawaii tourism stayed on pace in October to easily top the 10 million mark for visitor arrivals this year and extend a decade-long string of annual gains. Star-Advertiser.
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Rep. Case Demands Hawaii Be Paid Millions More For COFA Costs. If not, the congressman says renewal of the U.S treaties with three Micronesian nations may be at risk. Civil Beat.
Hurricane season ends with above-average number, below-average impact. At five tropical cyclones, the 2019 hurricane season in the Central Pacific was technically an above-average year. Star-Advertiser.
Thanksgiving weekend gas prices remain steady for residents and incoming Thanksgiving holiday tourists, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Today’s statewide average price is $3.66 a gallon, which is the same as last week, also the same as a month ago and eight cents lower than on this date a year ago, according to AAA. Maui Now.
Oahu
Crimes involving firearms are on the rise, HPD says. With a recent string of high-profile violent crimes on Oahu, the Honolulu police chief reassured the public that there is no increase in crime overall. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Kai residents are upset over the removal of crosswalks. City workers removed two crosswalks at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kalanipuu Street in Hawaii Kai a few weeks ago. Hawaii News Now.
New tiny home community for the homeless now under construction in Kalaeloa. Ground was broken Thanksgiving Day in Kalaeloa on a master-planned community for the homeless made up of tiny homes and shared facilities. Hawaii News Now.
Assault at UH game alleged by Star-Advertiser photographer. A Honolulu Star-Advertiser photographer said he was assaulted at last week’s University of Hawaii football game and suffered injuries after being shoved by the head coach and then knocked to the ground by a UH employee. Star-Advertiser.
Sales of luxury homes on Oahu rise in October as median price declines. Oahu’s luxury home market saw a small increase in sales in October, compared to a year ago, but the median price for homes selling or $1.5 million or more declined by 4%, according to a report by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Pacific Business News.
Hawaii Island
Relief for overcrowded jail on the way. When Hawaii Community Correctional Center Warden Peter Cabreros started the job in 1975, he had one inmate. Nowadays, there are considerably more. West Hawaii Today.
Free Wi-Fi coming to parks. Free Wi-Fi is coming to seven Hawaii County parks, thanks to an agreement between Spectrum Oceanic LLC and the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. West Hawaii Today.
Kalapana Without Well Service Until at Least Early Next Year. Roughly 100 households in Kalapana will make do without a working County deepwell until at least early next year. Big Island Now.
Alligator Lizard Found In Christmas Tree In Hilo. A Hilo resident spotted the large lizard on top of the Christmas tree, which was imported from Washington State. Big Island Video News.
Vacation Rentals Increase Slightly in October. Vacation rental performance on Hawai‘i Island increased slightly in October from the previous month, according to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.
Maui
Hawaii Water Commission Ruling Could Mark Change In Stream Stewardship. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases has come to an end on Maui, possibly signaling a turning point in the stateʻs management of public streams. Hawaii Public Radio.
EPA, state alerted to pesticide found in wastewater. Banned chemical was detected in 2016 test, part of Monsanto case. Maui County notified federal and state officials Wednesday of the presence of a banned pesticide at the heart of a criminal case against Monsanto Co. in wastewater at three treatment plants during testing in 2016. Maui News.
Errors discussed in river fish kill. Water panel reflects on fish ladder project. Improved community engagement, better communication among stakeholders and unrestricted water flow were among lessons that state water commissioners discussed in the wake of a pilot project that accidentally killed hundreds of native fish in Wailuku River last month. Maui News.
Kauai
County Admits It Wrongly Allowed A Divisive Brush Cutting Project. Critics say a homeowner was allowed to cut down trees and brush along a popular trail in order to improve his view. Civil Beat.
Companies respond to outage inquiry. Efforts are underway to repair the undersea cable responsible for islandwide internet outages in late October and early November, but the problem is 10 miles offshore, over a half mile deep and is expected to take several more weeks to fix, according to an executive with the company responsible for maintaining the fiber optics line. Garden Island.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Hawaii Supreme Court weighs in on Honolulu council race, complaint filed over GOP campaign finance, media weigh in on top 2018 stories, new laws for 2019, more top state and local government news from all the Hawaiian islands
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Diamond Head aerial view ©2018 All Hawaii News |
More than two years after Gov. David Ige’s administration unveiled a 10-year, $378 million plan to escalate the state’s fight against invasive species, much of it remains unfunded and the governor plans to ask the Legislature to provide only a fraction of what was envisioned for the next two fiscal years. Star-Advertiser.
A longtime critic of the Hawaii Republican Party is alleging top state GOP leaders violated federal campaign spending laws by illegally funneling excess contributions to Cam Cavasso during his campaign for the U.S. House this year, but Republican Party Chairwoman Shirlene Ostrov says the party assistance to the Cavasso campaign was legal. Star-Advertiser.
A new law that goes into effect Tuesday aims to put a tighter leash on dog owners who fraudulently try to pass their pets off as service animals. Star-Advertiser.
With the 2018 hurricane season now behind us, the state has mailed out surveys to some Hawaii residents asking how prepared they are to face a major hurricane. West Hawaii Today.
Hawaii Ceded Lands Revenue Debate Simmers At Capitol. Big Island Video News.
Ahi prices are up as tradition is coming at a higher cost. KHON2.
The year that was 2018 might best be known in Hawaii for its explosions — the ones that did happen and the big one that didn’t. Star-Advertiser.
As the year comes to an end, Hawaii News Now takes a look back at the impressive and unforgettable stories of 2018 in this digital documentary. Hawaii News Now.
Star-Advertiser photographers pick their photos of the year. Star-Advertiser.
Oahu
State Supreme Court to decide fate of City Council race with razor-thin win. Nearly eight weeks after the general election, one of the closest races still hasn’t officially been decided. Hawaii News Now.
Hawaii Supreme Court says elections of Ozawa, Fevella uncertified. On Friday, the five Justices ordered state and city election officials to provide the following to Waters and LoPresti: information setting forth the margin of error for the electronic vote counting machines when applying the tabulation procedures, and -information setting forth how the intent of the voter is ensured in a close election without a hand count. KHON2.
Impeachment Waits While City Considers Paying Kaneshiro’s Legal Fees. A judge puts the case on hold to give the City Council time to decide if taxpayers must provide the prosecuting attorney with a lawyer. Civil Beat.
The petition to oust Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is being described as uncharted waters. KHON2.
A new report by Honolulu Auditor Edwin Young concludes that a ban on foam or polystyrene food containers on Oahu would not reduce litter on the island, but would negatively affect some smaller businesses. Star-Advertiser.
More than 100,000 residents and visitors are expected to view the annual Fireworks by Grucci display that will begin at 11:55 p.m. tonight from a barge in waters off Waikiki Beach. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Island
Leilani Estates residents are giving up on a lawsuit they filed against Hawaii County that would have returned a security checkpoint to the neighborhood devastated by lava. Hawaii News Now.
The Hawaii County Council is being asked to add projects related to damage caused by recent disasters to the capital budget and accept funds for a recovery plan for Puna. Tribune-Herald.
The partial closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park does not appear to be keeping tourists away from Volcano, to the relief of businesses that depend on them. Tribune-Herald.
With a new year just around the corner, improvements at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole continue. West Hawaii Today.
Aloha, 2018! The Tribune-Herald’s top stories of the year. Tribune-Herald.
Maui
Fate of Fong land in Keokea now up in the air. Dispute over water meters, subdivision puts Grandma’s site in question. Maui News.
Applications and proposals for a recycling grant program through the county Department of Environmental Management are being accepted for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Maui News.
A project to honor Maui County’s Mayors and Managing Directors was unveiled Thursday afternoon featuring a Wall of Mayors and a Wall of Managing Directors on the 9th Floor of the County Building in Wailuku. Maui Now.
Kauai
Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO, will be the keynote speaker at the Jan. 15 meeting of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort. Garden Island.
Top 10 stories: A look back at 2018. Garden Island.