Showing posts with label layoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label layoffs. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Ige proposes 1.8% cut, undisclosed tax hikes, possible layoffs in new budget; DHHL to vote on Kapolei casino today; Kilauea volcano eruption expected to draw crowds, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

From Governor's Office video
Gov. David Ige unveils budget Monday in video conference

 Ige’s New Budget Proposal Would Wipe Out The Jobs Of 149 State Workers. Gov. David Ige’s new two-year budget proposal would eliminate the jobs of 149 state employees who are scattered in departments across state government, and may also involve some as-yet unspecified tax increases. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige's biennium budget 2021-2023 reflects reductions. With the state expecting a $1.4 billion shortfall each of the next four years, Governor David Ige unveiled his fiscal biennium budget on Monday. KITV4.

State furloughs might be pushed back to July. Furloughs for thousands of state employees scheduled to begin Jan. 1 could be postponed until July if a COVID-19 funding bill moving through Congress provides Hawaii with millions of dollars in COVID-19 aid, taking some pressure off of an already strained state budget. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers React to Governor Ige's Budget Proposal. Anticipating a $1.4 billion per year shortfall over the next two years, Governor David Ige is proposing a $15 billion per year budget to the State Legislature. KITV4.

Gov. Ige Announces Proposed Budget Cuts. Governor David Ige has released his proposed state budget for lawmakers to consider in the 2021 legislative session. Ige says the two year spending plan reflects the difficult decisions forced on the state by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige eyes steep budget cuts to avoid furloughs. Gov. David Ige’s proposed budget for the next two years recommends sharp cuts to state programs in order to make up for a $1.4 billion shortfall over each of the next four years. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Unveils Budget Calling For “Sudden, Sharp Reductions”.
Governor David Ige held a news conference today, unveiling his Fiscal Biennium Budget 2021-23 to the public. The spending plan includes reductions in both the operating and capital improvements program budgets in the next two fiscal years, as the state anticipates a $1.4 billion shortfall each year of this two-year period. Big Island Video News.

Governor Ige’s Biennium Budget 2021-23 Reflects “Sudden, Sharp Reductions”. Governor David Ige today unveiled his Fiscal Biennium Budget 2021-23 which includes reductions in both the operating and capital improvements program budgets in the next two fiscal years. Maui Now.

Gov. David Ige's 167-page budget in brief can be found here.

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Ige is ‘hopeful’ federal relief will help to defer or reduce planned furloughs. The governor said Monday he is “hopeful” that a federal coronavirus relief package that could send as much as $1.7 billion in aid to Hawaii will help to defer or reduce planned furloughs of most state government workers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii To Get Millions To Help With Rent Relief, Vaccine Distribution And More. The bill includes millions for unemployment assistance, child care, education and other programs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii could get $2.5B in federal relief funds. The massive $900 billion coronavirus pandemic relief bill passed Monday by Congress includes at least $1.7 billion in Hawaii funding that U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said is not enough, but is temporary help in the current crisis. Star-Advertiser.

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Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives In Hawaii. Half of the 12,000 doses in the state’s first shipment from the drug company will be distributed to neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

More doses of coronavirus vaccines arrive in Hawaii, many slated for neighbor islands. Hawaii received nearly 30,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine today, as neighbor island hospitals began immunizing health care workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gets 12,000 doses of newly-approved Moderna vaccine. The state Health Department said Oahu got 6,000 doses, while Maui, Hawaii and Kauai counties each received 2,000 doses. Hawaii News Now.

CVS pharmacists to launch mass COVID-19 vaccination effort at Hawaii care homes. Next Monday, Longs Drugs pharmacists will embark on an effort to vaccinate thousands of residents in Hawaii’s long-term care facilities for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 21: 134 New COVID-19 Cases. The new cases included 104 on Oahu, 13 on the Big Island, 14 on Maui, one on Kauai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu inmate infections to be removed from Oahu’s reopening metrics, Caldwell says. Oahu inmate infections will be subtracted from seven-day average case counts beginning Thursday to avoid snapping back to the more-restrictive Tier 1 of the city’s economic re-opening plan, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Inmates who get COVID-19 will no longer be added to Oahu’s daily case count. Inmates on Oahu who get COVID-19 will no longer be included in daily case counts as part of a bid to prevent the island for “snapping back” to Tier 1. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu inmates will no longer be counted in City’s COVID-19 tier count, says Mayor Caldwell. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the City will begin to remove inmate positive cases from the tier count in hopes to help Oahu moves ahead with more reopenings. KHON2.

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Hawaiian Homes Commission Airs Concerns Over Kapolei Casino Proposal. The commission will decide whether to send the proposal to the Legislature at a meeting on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

State lawmaker, tourism expert oppose DHHL casino in Kapolei. A plan to build Hawaii’s first casino is moving forward despite push back from some lawmakers. KHON2.

Kapolei casino seen as key to land trust’s future. Given the severe budget deficits expected by the state over the next several years, a plan to develop a West Oahu casino is key to avoiding the prospect of more Native Hawaiians waiting decades for homesteads and thousands dying without getting onto the land, according to an executive with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL Pushes For Casino Gaming On Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL is proposing a single, integrated resort property in Kapolei, Oʻahu on lands already designated for commercial use. Big Island Video News.

Police Commissioner: HPD Surveillance Of Medical Examiner ‘Raises Some Red Flags’. Honolulu Police Commission Chairwoman Shannon Alivado says Chief Susan Ballard must answer some tough questions about a 2019 operation that stemmed from a complaint from the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lava flows again inside Halemaumau Crater atop Kilauea Volcano. Flowing lava, the main draw of Hawaii’s historically most popular visitor attraction, reappeared Sunday night at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park after a more than two-year absence and produced a steamy show attracting crowds through Monday in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

First Kilauea eruption since 2018 draws hundreds of onlookers to HVNP. Hundreds of people visited the park throughout the day on Monday to see the huge plume after two years of inactivity. Tribune-Herald.

How To Safely View New Eruption In Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The National Park Service says all areas open to the public before the new eruption started remain open, but urge visitors to take certain precautions. Big Island Video News.

HVNP Remains Open Amid New Eruption at Kīlauea Summit. Volcanoes National Park has remained open since the eruption at Kīlauea Volcano Sunday evening. Big Island Now.

Eruption at Halemaumau Crater stabilizes, but lava lake continues to grow. An eruption that started Sunday night at Kilauea’s Halemaumau Crater has stabilized — at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Mitch Roth reacts to Kilauea eruption as he begins his third week in office. According to Roth, the main concern right now is the added attraction on the island during the pandemic. KITV4.

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Hawaii gets vaccine shipment. Hawaii received its first shipment of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Real estate boom: West Hawaii real estate sales reach 15-year high. Driven by a surge in demand for residential homes, property sales in Kona reached a 15-year high in October and November, marking a significant rebound from a pandemic-induced lull that started in April. According to statistics compiled by Kona Realtor Gretchen Osgood, sales are up 59% over last year’s combined October-November totals. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Considers Banning Pedestrians On Road To Waipio Valley. Opponents say closing the road would prevent people from using public lands. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Woman Arrested for Alleged Violation of Mask Mandate. Maria Maither, 56, of Nāpili was arrested at around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Complaints relayed that Maither and other employees at a business, located at 5095 Nāpilihau Street were not complying with Hawaiʻi’s statewide mask mandate. Maui Now.

Affordable apartment project breaks ground. Lahaina’s 89-unit Kaiaulu O Kupuohi slated for a May 2022 completion. Maui News.

Report: Maui homes snapped up last month. Median hits $800K or more for fourth time this year. Maui News.

Kauai

Doctors receive first COVID-19 vaccines on Kaua‘i. Vaccine distribution has started on Kaua‘i with the first supply arriving on island Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i’s food banks get help from the community. Garden Island.


Monday, December 14, 2020

COVID-19 infections spike at Hawaii's largest prison, taxpayers on the hook for convicted ex-Police Chief's legal fees, tourist quarantine hasn't stopped Kauai coronavirus cases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii prison ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hālawa Correctional Facility COVID-19 Infections Rise to 167 Inmates and 28 Staff. The new results include positive results for 99 inmates and seven staff, according to an update provided by the state Department of Public Safety. Maui Now.

Outbreak at Halawa Correctional Facility grows. The Department of Public Safety reported Sunday an additional 99 inmates and seven staff have tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Largest Prison Hit With A Major COVID-19 Outbreak. Civil Beat.

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Gov. Ige Says He Doesn’t See How State Government Can Avoid Layoffs. He also warns that nonprofits face deep cuts as state tax revenues dwindle due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Fears grow of furlough-driven teacher exodus. Public school teachers say they still have not recovered from the “Furlough Fridays” education cuts of 2009 and 2010 — and now worry a new round of furloughs will force some teachers to leave the islands. Star-Advertiser.

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Even Hawaii’s Smallest Businesses Have Been Helped By Federal CARES Act Loans. Despite examples of corporate greed, the Paycheck Protection Program has steered $2.5 billion in relief to 25,000 small businesses in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Here’s What The Defense Spending Bill Means For Hawaii And The Pacific. The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. Senate on Friday includes more than $300 million in construction projects for military bases in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Rollout of thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccine vials marks a major milestone in the battle against the virus. Thousands of doses of freezer-packed COVID-19 vaccine vials are slated to arrive in Hawaii today, with the first of the two shot series expected to be given to health care workers as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Traveling fixes urged during economic travails. The state is not likely to make more pre-arrival testing changes to Safe Travels Hawaii until next year, despite urging from Hawaii’s visitor industry and community advocacy groups that recent modifications have had negative economic consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Many students choose in-person classes at Hawaii’s Catholic schools. Hawaii’s Catholic schools were among the first to open their doors to students for in-person classes in August, and the verdict as the semester draws to a close is so far, so good. Star-Advertiser.

How Lending Practices Restrict Hawaiian Homesteaders’ Borrowing Power. Native Hawaiians cannot take out second mortgages or home equity lines of credit on their homesteads — but not everyone understood that was part of the deal. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 13: 90 New COVID-19 Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. The cases included 58 people on Oahu, eight on Maui, four on Kauai, 10 on Hawaii Island and 10 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside of the state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu must pay Ex-Honolulu police chief, Louis Kealoha, legal fees. A ruling by a state judge earlier this month leaves Honolulu taxpayers on the hook for paying former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal fees — and possibly millions more. Star-Advertiser.

Legal Battles Loom With Developer Whether Rail Gets Finished Or Not.
The complex situation with Howard Hughes is just one issue to deal with in the project’s uncertain future. Civil Beat.

The overall assessed value of Oahu’s taxable properties failed to go up and has gone flat for the first time in more than a decade, according to numbers released by the city’s Real Property Assessment Division. Star-Advertiser.

Pedestrian bridge connecting Wahiawa and Whitmore Village sparks controversy. While a pedestrian bridge in Central Oahu offers another way for people to get to and from Wahiawa and Whitmore Village, the project has been a divisive issue. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR: Illegal Camps on Public Lands Exacting Toll on Resources. Though they had been given notice last week, when clean-up teams arrived at a half dozen illegal camps on Oʻahu Thursday, state officials report that the occupants of three camps strung together seemed surprised they had to move. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

New mayor meets with business leaders. After taking office last week, newly inaugurated Mayor Mitch Roth has plans to improve the county’s COVID-19 protocols. Tribune-Herald.

County spent 80% of $80 million CARES funds. With just a month remaining to spend it or send it back, Hawaii County government had used about 80% of the $80 million in federal coronavirus relief funds it received in March, according to the November update the county sent to the state Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Pololū Valley Plans Move Forward. A proposed Parcel Consolidation and Resubdivision could lead to improved parking for the popular Pololū Valley trail. Big Island Video News.

Maui

State’s first 4-lane roundabout to be built. The state of Hawaii’s first four-lane roundabout will be built at the Piilani Highway intersection that services the new Kihei high school in response to a long-running dispute over a safe crossing for future students. Maui News.

State workers, educators brace for furloughs. Government workers, educators and Maui college employees are bracing for an expected round of furloughs Jan. 1 that their unions have heavily criticized with the holidays fast approaching. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai continues to see community spread COVID-19 cases after opt-out.
It’s been nearly two weeks since Kauai temporarily opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program and started requiring all incoming travelers to quarantine upon arrival. KHON2.

West Kaua‘i plan approved. After two years of meetings, discussions and outreaches, the West Kaua‘i Community Plan was passed with several amendments in November and signed into law by Mayor Derek Kawakami earlier this month. Garden Island.

Life at Lydgate Park. Michael Texeira has lived at Lydgate Park, one of the county’s five beach-park houseless encampments, since the beginning of the pandemic, with his disabled wife, whom he takes care of. Garden Island.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Pompeo to meet Chinese officials in Hawaii, vacation rentals reopening on three islands, state's largest newspaper threatens to lay off half of newsroom, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

official photo
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo official photo
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet with Chinese officials in Hawaii as tensions escalate. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning a trip to Hawaii this week to meet with Chinese government officials as tensions continue to mount between China and the United States, according to multiple media reports. Star-Advertiser.

Pompeo Plans To Meet In Hawaii With China Officials. Politico and CNN are reporting that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to meet with China officials at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu early this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Bankruptcies decline thanks to federal loan program. Federal aid programs appear to be keeping a lid on statewide bankruptcies despite the pandemic, but one of the state’s top economists says that could change after the end of this month when the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program ends. Star-Advertiser.

Ige named in COVID suit. A civil lawsuit against Gov. David Ige alleges his COVID-19-related orders violate state and federal constitutions, and requests the courts declare those rules unconstitutional and void. Garden Island.

Traveling inter-island after June 16? Mandatory forms available online. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: ‘No increased risk’ for travelers as Oahu cases mount. Oahu tallies nearly 50 cases since beginning of June. Maui News.

Vacation rental owners, managers say they're suffering from COVID-19 changes. State says in April 2020, the total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 319,500 unit nights and monthly demand was just 16,000 unit nights. KITV4.

Hawaii’s long-term care homes have lowest COVID-19 rate in the nation. Even as COVID-19 cases rise again in Hawaii, state officials assured residents Friday that the island’s long-term care facilities remain safe. Tribune-Herald.

Recent spike in COVID-19 cases will test Hawaii’s preparations. There were 15 new cases Friday and 17 cases reported Saturday, which were the biggest single-day increases in the islands in nearly two months. Later Sunday the state Department of Health reported five new cases, raising the statewide total of infections to 728.  Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 14: 5 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. With a total of 728 cases of the virus reported in the state, Hawaii has one of the lowest per capita rates of infection in the country. Civil Beat.

5 new cases of COVID-19 reported from Oahu, Big Island, total now 728. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidates talk post-coronavirus sustainability. Half a dozen candidates for Honolulu mayor have promised to make a sustainable and livable Hawaii, but Friday at a forum gave only broad, general statements without going too deep into details on key questions. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell disagrees on extent of Police Commission’s authority. The differences in opinion of the commission’s true authority are coming to light as the call for reform of police departments across the U.S. has heightened following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers on May 25. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii's largest daily newspaper may lay off half its newsroom staff. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has told about half of its newsroom staff that they will be laid off at the end of the month as Hawaii’s largest newspaper deals with the economic effects of Covid-19, but the newspaper's publisher said he is negotiating with the editorial guild to avoid laying off the 29 editorial workers. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser staffers push back against impending layoffs. Workers, community members and reporters are reacting with shock to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s announcement Thursday it is laying off half of the newsroom. KITV4.

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City Council resolution seeks to condemn derelict Waikiki building for affordable housing. A Honolulu City Council member wants the city to condemn a derelict Waikiki apartment building sandwiched between the Watermark, one of Oahu’s toniest condominiums, and freshly renovated walk-up apartments. Star-Advertiser.

Shuttered Meadow Gold plant in Honolulu goes on sale. The Texas-based owner of the Meadow Gold Hawaii dairy processing plant in Honolulu is seeking to sell the property for $25 million after shutting down the facility in April. Star-Advertiser.

Bill could impact Aloha Stadium demolition, landfill operator says. The company that operates the only public construction and demolition landfill and recycling facility on Oahu said a proposal that would require a buffer zone around the construction or expansion of disposal facilities “would be a disaster for the construction industry” and “drive up costs for construction projects of all sizes, including the new Aloha Stadium development.” Star-Advertiser.

Makiki nursing home employee tests positive for coronavirus. A staff member at a Makiki nursing home has tested positive for the coronavirus, the fourth case of the virus at a long-term care facility in a week on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hundreds rally in Honolulu for Breonna Taylor. From the classic “No Justice, No Peace” to the more contemporary “Wrong Generation to (expletive) With,” the mostly homemade signs and placards borne by nearly 500 people who participated in Sunday’s Justice for Breonna Taylor Women’s March attested both to the diversity of the crowd and the singularity of their purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds participate in Oahu march for Breonna Taylor. Protests nationally and here in Hawaii continued this weekend with more people bringing attention to racial inequality. Hawaii News Now.

First open street event on Kalakaua Ave. draws hundreds. Hundreds, if not thousands, filled Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki Sunday morning. A portion of the road was closed to cars so people could exercise and support businesses in the area that hasn’t seen activity because of COVID-19. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Fire Department and volunteers erect homeless shelters. The access road behind Old Kona Airport Park became the newest homeless shelter as 18 tiny houses were constructed Saturday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers Construct 19 Emergency Homeless Units in Single Day. Na Lamakū will serve as an emergency shelter living space, complete with wraparound services, for up to 30 adult homeless individuals looking to take the first step toward self-sufficiency. Big Island Now.

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New ‘primary airport’ classification sought for KOA. The state Department of Transportation wants a 150-room hotel and conference center at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and is seeking new zoning for that airport as well as Hilo International Airport for a variety of travel-related uses. West Hawaii Today.

Safety improvements eyed for Highway 130. The state Department of Transportation wants to further improve safety and mobility along Highway 130 between Keaau and Pahoa by using capital improvement funding recently allocated by lawmakers. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Fire Department Scrambles To Plug A Budget Hole. The state’s economic crash hit the department hard. But leaders are confident they can find money to keep lifeguards at popular Hapuna Beach on the job. Civil Beat.

New Kona Brewing Co. brewery eyes summer launch. Originally slated for an opening in early 2019, Kona Brewing’s construction — one with a thorough focus on sustainability — has been hit by a handful of delays along the way. Kona’s remote location presented difficulties procuring the right equipment and materials for the brewery’s sustainability projects. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vacation rentals allowed to reopen. Reservations can be taken now for stays beginning Tuesday for guests who are not under quarantine. Maui News.

Maui TVRs Allowed to Restart on June 16, But Can Only Accommodate Individuals Not Subject to Quarantine. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i Nature Center at ‘Īao Valley Readies for Return of Maui Keiki. A team of volunteers and staff is readying the Hawai‘i Nature Center campus at ʻĪao Valley on Maui for the return of children next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Restart: Agriculture. The Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Team dedicated to the agriculture sector will attempt to revitalize agriculture businesses that experienced financial loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.