Ige: No aloha in PAC attacks, UH to expand football stadium, skunk captured in Maui nature preserve, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige Rails Against Super PAC Attacks During Hawaii’s Primary. In Hawaii, super PACs, known as independent expenditure committees are allowed to accept an unlimited number of donations and spend as much as they please either supporting or opposing candidates. Civil Beat.

Differences emerge between Aiona and new running mate. There are some ideological differences between Hawaii gubernatorial Republican running mates James “Duke” Aiona and Seaula Tupai Jr., especially when it comes to abortion and gun control. Star-Advertiser.

Recount ‘completed’ for close Hawaii primary election races. Four days after Hawaii’s primary election, a few races for elected office may still be too close to know who won. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

State Supreme Court: Hawaii Longline Industry’s Use Of Foreign Crews OK. Those crews’ working conditions have come under scrutiny in recent years because they don’t have legal U.S. standing and can’t leave the pier when docked. Civil Beat.

School Librarians Are Becoming A Thing Of The Past In Hawaii. In 2012, the state Department of Education employed 192 school librarians. Today there are only 84 — a massive drop in a state that until 2004 required all of its public schools — more than 250 at the time — to employ at least one full time librarian. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Expands Access To Monkeypox Vaccine As Case Count Rises To 16. The Department of Health said it has received about 2,800 doses of the Jynneos vaccine and more than 1,000 doses have been administered. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department reviewing results of personnel survey. Honolulu police leadership is reviewing the results of an internal survey sent to 1,820 officers and 400 civilian personnel to help shape the future of the department. Star-Advertiser.

Officers suspected in brutality case retain attorneys ahead of anticipated federal charges. Honolulu police officers involved in a suspected case of brutality are anticipating federal charges and have hired criminal defense lawyers. Hawaii News Now.

Marines Seek Public Comment On Kaneohe Proposal. The Marine Corps wants to station a MQ-9 Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron and a KC-130J Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay to enhance aerial refueling, transport, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Civil Beat.

Residents affected by Red Hill fuel spills plead for more ‘proactive’ help from the Navy. Lawyers representing nearly 200 military families said the Navy is continuing to fail the people affected by last year’s fuel spills. The law firm Just Well Law organized a meeting Tuesday night for residents to share their stories at the Keehi Lagoon Memorial Park. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

UH plans to expand football stadium for 2023 season. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is moving forward to expand the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex that would increase its capacity to 17,000 fans. The plan is to have it ready for the 2023 football season. KHON2.

New dialysis clinic in Nanakuli fills growing need. The Waianae clinic has been overtaxed, and area residents have had to travel to clinics in Ewa, Kapolei and Waipahu, said Dr. Arie Ganz, medical director at the Nanakuli clinic. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State inspectors close Pearl City eatery with rodent infestation. The House of Dragon Chop Suey, at 850 Kamehameha Highway, was ordered to close Aug. 10 and can’t reopen until the violations are addressed. The state said multiple Health Department inspections ― on March 10, April 20, May 24, June 15 and finally Aug. 10 ― all found the presence of rodents and rodent-contaminated food. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Committee postpones emergency management bill: Questions surround media suspension and civil disturbances. Constitutional questions around suspension of electronic media coverage and what constitutes a civil disturbance had a County Council panel on Tuesday postpone a sweeping emergency management bill so it could be clarified. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Narrowed-Down Affordable Housing Audit Recommended for Approval. A pared-down request by a West Hawai‘i council member to have the county auditor take a deeper look into the marred county Office of Housing and Community Development’s use of affordable housing credits was recommended for approval by the county’s finance committee. Big Island Now.

Ex-councilman sues county to recoup legal fees. Former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong is suing Hawaii County for $306,000 in legal fees he says he incurred successfully defending himself against a defamation lawsuit. Tribune-Herald.

PGV to hold meeting tonight on proposed power increase. Puna Geothermal Venture seeks to up its energy output in two phases — from 38 megawatts to 46 megawatts and, eventually, to 60 megawatts. Tribune-Herald.

‘The first step’: Road closure near affordable housing project floated to deter illegal activity, houseless individuals. Resolution 478, introduced by North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba, calls for barricading off for an indeterminate period the southern end of Ka‘eka Street due to complaints raised by residents and management of Lei Kupuna and Lei Ohana at Kamakana Villages over “activities that compromise public safety” including loitering, littering, consumption of alcohol and other illegal activities. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Says Rural Telecom Provider Must Respond To Consumer Advocate. But Sandwich Isles Communications says the state agency is on a “witch hunt” and is resisting providing information about its financial status. Civil Beat.

County to consider leasing large Hamakua parcel to nonprofit. Hawaii County might lease 1,000 acres of Hamakua land to a Native Hawaiian nonprofit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Data show Bissen won twice as many precincts as Victorino. Mayor wins Molokai and Lanai, Bissen takes most of Maui. Former Judge Richard Bissen won more than twice as many precincts as Mayor Michael Victorino in Saturday’s primary election, according to data from the state Office of Elections. Maui News.

County contacting voters to fix ballots. A total of 849 ballots contain issues that need to be fixed within the next five business days, Maui County Clerk Kathy Kaohu said Monday.  Maui News.

New PARK MAUI program would charge visitors to park at Maui’s most visited areas. Mayor Michael Victorino is inviting interested Maui County residents to participate in two virtual meetings on Aug. 24, to hear the community’s thoughts and suggestions about plans for “PARK MAUI,” a new parking management program for beach parks, business districts and streets in Maui’s most heavily visited areas.  Maui Now.

Live skunk found at Maui wildlife sanctuary. A live skunk was found trapped at the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui Monday morning, the state Department of Agriculture reported today. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Board of Ethics considering opinion on second jobs for police officers. After a small influx of requests for outside employment as guards, Kauaʻi Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck requested the advisory opinion from the board, citing his interpretation of state and county laws and union contracts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal grant means electric buses for Kaua‘i. A total of $35 million includes the following for The Kaua‘i Bus: Acquisition of four electric buses and expansion of the base yard to prepare the infrastructure needed to transition its fleet to electric buses by the year 2035 and provide the space required to expand and improve transit service quality. Garden  Island.

DHHL completes $12 million project in Anahola. The state Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands held a dedication ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the completion of a $12.9-million project to improve the Anahola Farm Lots water system. Garden Island.

Hawaii scores highly for coastal protection, Honolulu mulls massive law enforcement, first responder campus, Zuckerberg donates $4.9M to Kauai Habitat for Humanity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii shoreline ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii gets a ‘B’ for coastal protection in Surfrider Foundation’s national report. The Surfrider Foundation’s 2021 State of the Beach Report gives Hawaii a grade of “B,” moving up from the “C” it received last year and ranking better than 67% of the coastal states surveyed, the national nonprofit environmental group announced last week. Star-Advertiser.

Future USS Daniel Inouye to Pass by Hawaiian Islands on its Way to Homeport on Oʻahu. The future USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) is scheduled to arrive at its new homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Thursday, Nov. 18, following a two-day voyage around the Hawaiian Islands. Big Island Now.

More French visitors expected in Hawaii. With travel restrictions still in place by the Japanese government, some believe it's the French that could soon provide an economic boost to the Aloha state. KITV4.

Attorney: Lawsuit over alarming spread of COVID in Hawaii prisons prompted change. Civil rights attorneys said a recent settlement of a lawsuit over the spread of COVID in the state’s prison system is starting to pay off. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii libraries seek upgrade in security following coronavirus pandemic crime wave. Hawaii’s 51-branch public library system is looking to beef up security following a rough patch of vandalism and violent confrontations including an attempted kidnapping. Star-Advertiser.

Gary Gill Returns To Politics In Bid For State House. The former Honolulu City Council chair is seeking to fill the seat held by Sylvia Luke. Civil Beat.

Troubled United Public Workers Union Holds A Pivotal Election. Amid an ongoing federal investigation, members of one of the most influential unions in Hawaii are electing a new state director. Civil Beat.

Kaiser Strike Averted After Workers, Company Reach Agreement. The national health care company Kaiser Permanente concluded contract negotiations with unions representing nearly 50,000 employees nationally, including more than 1,800 employees in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Says 93% Of Those Who Died Of Covid Through September Weren’t Vaccinated. Newly released data on breakthrough hospitalizations and deaths shows they’re especially rare for people younger than 60. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Hawaii records 1 new coronavirus-related death, 81 additional infections. The  new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 42 new cases on Oahu, eight on Hawaii Island, 16 on Maui, six on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Dream campus envisioned for 19 government agencies on Oahu. The First Responder Technology Campus is being planned to be built on 243 acres of former agriculture land in Mililani. The complex will be an operations and training base. It is envisioned to include office space, classrooms, an auditorium, lodging for visitors and apartments for employees. The project could begin next year and take 15 years to complete. Star-Advertiser.

Why Isn’t Affordable Housing In Kakaako More Affordable? The trendy Honolulu neighborhood is a designated special “community development district.” But critics say it has done little to ease the island’s affordable housing crisis. Civil Beat.

Fewer visitors to Oahu in 2020 did not cause significant drop in electricity, water and sewer consumption. Based on the Oahu numbers, state Chief Economist Eugene Tian extrapolated that if tourism were completely shut down in the state, statewide electricity sales in terms of dollars would decrease by only 14.7%, while water charges would only decrease by 10.7%. Star-Advertiser.

Condominium owners face steep costs to comply with fire safety measures. A bill under consideration by the Honolulu City Council would extend the deadline for condominiums to install fire sprinklers to 2033 — three years beyond the current deadline established in response to the deadly 2017 Marco Polo fire. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Radio telescopes could be built on Big Island. Three additional radio telescopes could be built on the Big Island as part of a nationwide telescope array. Tribune-Herald.

Stanford Carr slated to build workforce housing at Waikoloa. Developer Stanford Carr has been selected to partner with Waikoloa Land Co. to build the workforce housing component of a residential and timeshare project coming before the Leeward Planning Commission next week. West Hawaii Today.

County approves master plan for Hilo mixed-use development. The development, on 171.5 acres of land between Komohana and Mohouli streets, has been on the drawing board since 2009. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

ACLU sues Maui County over homeless encampment sweep, claims violation of constitutional rights. Maui officials said concerns regarding health, safety, access, and wildlife in the Kanahā Beach area led to the action. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s largest solar project gets green light. Kuihelani Solar would cover nearly 450 acres in Central Maui. Noting the reduction in fossil fuels, greenhouse gases and electricity costs, the Maui Planning Commission gave the state’s largest solar photovoltaic project the green light for development in Central Maui. Maui News.

Endangered ‘Akikiki Birds to Travel from Kaua’i to Maui to Join Breeding Program. The interisland transfer of Halehaha’s remaining ‘akikiki is intended to be a temporary reprieve while biologists work to restore the birds’ forest habitat. Maui Now.

Kauai

DOH raises alarms after at least 36 COVID cases linked to Kauai church. Officials are urging the congregation of King’s Chapel in Nawiliwili to participate in virtual services and to avoid in-person church activities until the cluster is contained. The state said anyone who attended the church’s Halloween “Trunk or Treat” event or youth group activities are encouraged to get tested for COVID. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauaʻi to use old irrigation system to store electric power. Kauaʻi’s electric utility plans to use an irrigation system dating to sugar plantation days to help store solar power for use at night. Officials say the project will provide about one-quarter of Kauaʻi’s energy needs and allow the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative to obtain 80% of its power from renewable sources by 2025. Associated Press.

$40 million restoration of a Kauai bridge completed after three years. Drivers going through Kauai’s historic Hanapepe Town will be routed onto the new Hanapepe River Bridge starting around noon Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Chan, Zuckerberg donate $4.85M to Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity. The Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i Community Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation have awarded $4.85 million in grants to the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity to be used toward the construction of affordable housing units in Kaua‘i Habitat’s Waimea Huakai subdivision, Anahola, and the upcoming Kauhale O Waipouli project. Garden Island.

Free Marine Wildlife identification posters available at public libraries. The posters were distributed at four sites around the island were made available for families and individuals, despite the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery remaining closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

TSA, airlines given more time to comply with vaccine requirements, librarians harassed, state employee pension fund sees record return, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State gives Transportation Security Administration and airlines exemptions to Hawaii’s COVID emergency orders. Gov. David Ige’s order requiring that contractors and visitors at state facilities and property provide proof of their vaccination or testing status prior to entry has already been in effect for a week, but thousands of workers at state airports still aren’t in compliance. Star-Advertiser.

Name calling, property damage: Public librarians harassed over vaccine mandate enforcement. Public libraries are finding it a challenge trying to balance enforcing the new requirements and providing services to their guests. Hawaii News Now.

The Pandemic Taught Us Broadband Is Essential. But Where Is It? Gaps in broadband service in Hawaii are screamingly obvious to the people who have to cope with them, but proving where the problems lie is another matter. Civil Beat.

‘Technical issue’ causes widespread Spectrum cable outage for Hawaii customers. Spectrum said it is working to restore cable to hundreds of customers across Hawaii following an outage Saturday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Study found tourists willing to pay more for Hawaii culture, sustainability, locally grown food. Visitors to the state of Hawaii are willing to pay more for Native Hawaiian cultural experiences, sustainability and locally grown food, according to findings from a new study conducted by the University of Hawaii  at Manoa and West Oahu. KHON2.

Employees’ Retirement System rockets to record 26.2% 1-year return. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund, which has been playing catch-up to dig out of a $14.6 billion shortfall, has achieved what is believed to be the best fiscal- year performance in its 95-year history. Star-Advertiser.

Former teachers union head, Corey Rosenlee, running for state Senate. Corey Rosenlee, the outspoken and assertive former leader of the Hawaii teachers union, has announced his bid to run for the state Senate for the seat currently held by Mike Gabbard, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee and father of former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor Josh Green seeks U.S. surgeon general’s support in addressing pandemic. Lt. Gov. Josh Green texted the U.S. surgeon general over the weekend to encourage him to provide Hawaii and other states with more support to avoid rationing health care. Star-Advertiser.

He co-founded an anti-vax mandate group. Then he caught COVID, and his views changed. Officials hope Chris Wikoff’s about-face will help undermine some of the protests and rallies against the vaccine mandates and other COVID restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 474 additional infections. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 297 new cases on Oahu, 36 on Maui, 77 on Hawaii island, 45 on Kauai, six on Molokai and 13 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

How An Arbitrator’s Decision Can Cause Problems For Police Agencies Years Later. Officers’ prior misconduct is often used against them — and ultimately the taxpayers — in civil lawsuits that arise from unrelated incidents that happen many years later. Civil Beat.

Lottery scheduled for moderate-price rental housing in downtown Honolulu. The owner of Bishop Place has made applications available for an Oct. 19 lottery to select tenants for more than an initial two phases of apartments reserved for households that meet requirements including largely moderate income limits. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Embattled Ag Agency Finally Moves Wahiawa Center Forward. A new product development center is being heralded by supporters as evidence that the Agribusiness Development Corp. is making progress. Civil Beat.

The Miske Case: Former Kaneohe Biker Bar Operator Pleads Guilty. Prosecutors have now lined up at least nine people linked to alleged crime boss Mike Miske as cooperating witnesses. Civil Beat.

North Shore seasonal erosion becoming more severe. Scientists and experts have studied the trend for years. Powerful swells from the west or northwest hit the beach during winter. In the summer, small northeast trade wind swells push sand back west toward Waimea Bay. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Questions of chemical discharges surround decommissioned scopes atop Mauna Kea. The first two observatories of as many as five of the existing 13 that dominate the landscape atop Mauna Kea are expected to be decommissioned by late 2023.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Kolekole Bridge disruption: Emergency weight limit impacts emergency responders, truckers, mass transit. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye on Friday said the state Department of Transportation is declaring the area of Hawaii Belt Road near Kolekole Bridge a “traffic emergency zone.” Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Peeved in Puna: Residents frustrated by county’s decision regarding lava-damaged infrastructure. Current and former Puna residents were dismayed to learn Hawaii County will not use federal funds to restore certain infrastructure destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Small isle eateries cite big losses due to new mandates. Resident-based restaurants looking for financial relief to avoid cutbacks, closure. Maui News.

Amala Place Gate to Kanahā Beach Park to be Locked, Sept. 19-24 for Area Clean-up. County officials say the temporary closure is needed to safeguard public safety during the area’s planned clean-up that will require heavy equipment to remove derelict vehicles and solid waste from the area.  Maui Now.

Sears at Queen Ka‘ahumanu on Maui Officially Closing November 14. After nearly a half century, Sears department store, one of the original tenants of Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, is closing its doors. Maui Now.  Maui News.

Kauai

‘Birds are dying’. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife will meet with property owners following ongoing reports of feral cats wiping out a wedge-tailed shearwater colony on Makahu‘ena Point in Po‘ipu. Garden Island.

Aid for the houseless community. Contrades-Pangan of Ho‘omana Thrift Store in Wailua collaborated with a host of community agencies and businesses to provide Na Wai Eha on Saturday afternoon at the thrift store near the northern bank of the Wailua River. Garden Island.

Libraries, courts limit services as pandemic hits home, ICU beds fill statewide, Honolulu city employees get vaccination reprieve, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii State Public Library ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawai‘i’s Public Libraries to Close Wednesdays Beginning August 18. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, all Hawai‘i State Public Library branches will be closed to the public on Wednesdays beginning August 18. Garden Island. KHON2.

Hawaii courts to postpone jury trials until October. Responding to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald today ordered jury trials postponed across Hawaii through Oct. 4. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff to travel to Hawaii. Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Hawaii on his return trip from Tokyo after he represents the United States at the Paralympic Games. Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, will visit Honolulu on Aug. 25.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii State Parks Expect To Triple Their Revenue. Despite a year of fluctuating restrictions in parks across the islands, a change in fees gives the parks division an unanticipated increase in cash. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian homestead leader, Robin Danner, to reopen Washington, D.C., office full time. Robin Danner, chairwoman of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, will move from Kauai to the nation’s capital next month to reopen the advocacy group’s office. This marks the first time in the organization’s 34-year history that it will have full-time representation on the Hill. Star-Advertiser.

Blue Planet Foundation’s executive director Jeff Mikulina to depart after 13 years. The Blue Planet Foundation today announced that Jeff Mikulina will step down from his role as executive director on Oct. 15, 13 years after taking the helm of the locally based nonprofit that advocates for 100% clean energy in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Businesses Are Considering Vaccine Requirements For Customers. As the the Covid-19 delta variant drives new cases, business groups are discussing whether to support policies requiring customers to be vaccinated. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric to require employees to show vaccination or submit to weekly testing. Hawaiian Electric said today it will require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing starting Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

More visitors to Hawaii arrested for having fake COVID vaccination cards. Two more people have been arrested and charged for falsifying vaccination cards in order to travel to Hawaii. KHON2.

No ICU beds available at Queen’s medical facilities as COVID cases surge in Hawaii. The Queen’s Health Systems has no available intensive care beds, has started canceling elective surgeries and procedures and has had to divert patients with emergency health needs to other hospitals as Hawaii’s surge in COVID-19 cases strains resources and threatens to grow worse. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 539 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 51,739. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 376 new cases on Oahu, 49 on Maui, 80 on Hawaii island, 14 on Kauai, three on Molokai, and 17 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Deadline extended for Honolulu employees to comply with vaccine mandate. Facing the prospect of a sudden shortage of police, firefighters, paramedics and other county workers who have not been inoculated against COVID-19, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi extended by one week the deadline for employees to comply with Honolulu’s vaccine mandate to Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu DPP Revising Vacation Rental Regulations, Operators Face Uncertain Future. Two years afterpassing regulations, city’s department of planning and permitting is reevaluating the law, and how to regulate short-term vacation rentals going forward. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tough competition, soaring prices: No relief in sight for tough housing market. According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors, more than 80% of the homes in Leeward and Central Oahu were sold above the asking price in July. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fire Commission To Hear From Chief Finalists. The two candidates will discuss their application for the job in a public session Aug. 25. Civil Beat.

Nearly 3,000 students expected to move in to UHM dorms this week. Classes at the University of Hawaii start on August 23.Students will need to show proof they've received the full COVID-19 vaccination -- or undergo weekly testing for the virus. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Schools try to ‘stay the course’: COVID-19 cases creep up at DOE campuses statewide. More than 50 COVID-19 cases were reported in Big Island schools and administrative offices Aug. 7-13, the first full week that most students returned to campuses. Tribune-Herald.

Ethics Board finds Van Pernis wasn’t courteous. The Board of Ethics last week ruled Leeward Planning Commissioner Mark Van Pernis violated the county ethics code requiring officials treat everyone respectfully, even as he faces one final County Council vote Wednesday to oust him as a commissioner. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Reps Welcome Chair Of House Indigenous Peoples Subcommittee. The Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States was on Hawaiʻi island on Friday, visiting homestead communities in Panaʻewa and Keaukaha. Big Island Video News.

Hundreds of goats removed from National Park. More than 400 goats were removed from Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park last week. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Residents call wind-blown litter around Central Maui Landfill ‘upsetting’. Maui county officials are struggling to control wind-whipped trash near a landfill. The county is promising improvements to the Central Maui landfill on Pulehu Road in Puunene. Hawaii News Now.

39 COVID-19 Patients at Maui Hospital, Most COVID Admissions Since Pandemic Started. According to the hospital, initiatives are in place to support employees, including extra clinical help MMMC is to receive next week with the arrival of several rapid response nurses and respiratory therapists. Maui Now.

Maui Memorial ‘extremely busy’ but patients may still seek care. Maui Health in collaboration with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii “will be welcoming several rapid response nurses and respiratory therapists” to assist with the COVID patients. Maui News.

MEO’s Imada named to HPR advisory board. Maui Economic Opportunity Executive Assistant Lee Imada has been named to the new class of Hawaii Public Radio’s Community Advisory Board. Maui News.

Kauai

County investigates education and KCCC clusters. The county is continuing to investigate two clusters on island, one at an educational setting which has resulted in 37 primary or secondary cases and one at the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center which the Department of Public Safety reported 15 new positive cases among inmates and one from a staff member. Garden Island.

Rent and utility assistance goes on the road. Expenses eligible for the rental and utility relief include rental arrears, future rent, and utilities in arrears for March 2020 through December 2021. Garden Island.

Tax hikes still on the table, automatic voter registration clears committee, legislator charged with DUI, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Fiscal Picture Is Looking Up. So Why Do Lawmakers Still Want To Raise Taxes? House leaders say they will consider increasing capital gains and state income taxes on high earners in an effort to restore targeted cuts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Senate Committee Passes Automatic Voter Registration. A bill advanced Tuesday by the Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee would automatically register to vote eligible U.S. citizens who apply for a driver's license or state identification card, unless the individual declines to be registered. Associated Press.

Push to legalize ‘magic mushrooms’ dies. A bill that would decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and require state health officials to develop treatment centers where people can consume their active ingredients in a controlled environment was shelved by state lawmakers Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Last call for booze tax bill: Legislation on beverages nearly dead for the session. One tax on beverages in the state Legislature is dead, while another is on death’s door. Tribune-Herald.

Legislator charged with operating vehicle under the influence. A 52-year-old state legislator, who was allegedly driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street, attributes her impaired driving Monday night to a combination of prescription cough medication and a beer. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

China cargo service catapults Matson’s earnings. Hawaii-based ocean cargo carrier Matson Inc. more than doubled its profit last year, largely on expanded China service that included transporting supplies to combat COVID-19 on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Health providers allowed to interpret DOH COVID-19 vaccine priority plan. Essential business owners are asked to submit a survey to help the state allocate doses and determine priority. But health providers are given latitude with how they distribute the vaccine. KITV4.

Feb. 23, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 47 New Cases (27 O‘ahu, 17 Maui, 3 Out-of-State). Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 deaths remained unchanged at 431 with no new deaths reported today. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announces Oahu’s move to Tier 3 of reopening metrics. Oahu residents will be able to have larger gatherings starting Thursday after Honolulu Mayor Rick Blan­giardi announced Tuesday the island will move to Tier 3 of its reopening strategy, and Gov. David Ige approved the step. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HPD rolling out final body-worn cameras which have already been misused. After about 2-1/2 years the Honolulu Police Department is finishing rolling out the last of its body-worn cameras to police officers — and officers already have been misusing them. Star-Advertiser.

TheBus, TheHandi-Van welcome new leadership. Jenny Lemaota was appointed to the position of acting president and General Manager, Michael Randolf was appointed as the Vice President of Paratransit and Gloria Li was appointed as controller in the Finance and Administration Department. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Water Department plans 1% budget decrease: Rate hike, lower water use figure into $54.9M plan. The county water department plans to trim $459,400 to create its $54.9 million operating budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1. West Hawaii Today.

Sites ID’d for Pahoa library. A draft environmental assessment published Tuesday has identified three possible sites for a new, and long-discussed, library in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

150 MCCC inmates receive vaccinations. A total of 150 inmates at Maui Community Correctional Center were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Monday as officials work to contain an outbreak at the facility, according to the state Department of Health. Maui News.

Maui Health Expected to Re-Open Registry for First Dose Priority Group Appointments Soon. Maui Health reports it is nearing completion of rescheduled first-dose vaccinations for nearly 5,000 individuals whose appointments were canceled in January due to a vaccine shortage. Maui Now.

Kōkua Pool to Reopen for Lap Swimming on March 1. The Department of Parks and Recreation made the announcement saying reservations for lap swimming at the facility will be available Friday, Feb. 26, by calling the pool reservations line at (808) 270-6116.  Maui Now.

Businesses navigate mask exemptions. As county officials push for more mask compliance, some businesses are having to make tough calls about who should be exempt from the universal mask rules. Maui News.

Kauai

Marijuana bills could bring money to Kaua‘i. Two marijuana-decriminalization bills are advancing through the state Legislature that could have economic ramifications for Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Input sought on Black Pot Master Plan. The county Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking public input on the draft master plan for Black Pot Beach Park, one of three county-owned beach parks on Hanalei, with roughly 13 acres in size. Garden Island.

Work to begin on next phase of the Eastside coastal path. The county Department of Public Works and Cushnie Construction Co. announced the start of construction on the next phase of the Eastside coastal path. Garden Island.

Military spending props up Hawaii's sagging economy, Biden wins state Democratic primary, aquarium collectors denied state approval, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

WWII vet Don Graves inspires trainees at Pohakuloa Training Area ©2020 All Hawaii News

As tourism stalls, military spending continues to boost Hawaii’s economy. One of the remaining pillars of Hawaii’s economy — federal spending, including military — continues to prop up the tourist-depleted Aloha State, with the Defense Department so far resistant to the devastating financial effects of the coronavirus, which have resulted in a jobless rate of 22%. Star-Advertiser.

Chinese American WWII vets and familes waiting on Congressional Gold Medal. The first regional ceremony was to be on Oahu on May 17 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. But the coronavirus outbreak led to a postponement of those plans, with the fall targeted for a Washington, D.C., recognition and a Hawaii ceremony weeks after that. Star-Advertiser.

At cemeteries across the state, a Memorial Day unlike any other. As the coronavirus pandemic persists across the globe, most of the big public Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe will be noticeably absent. Hawaii News Now.

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Economist outlines how long it could take for Hawaii to fully bounce back. In economic news, there’s a grim prediction from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.. They’re projecting that Hawaii’s economic growth will drop by 12.1 percent this year as a result of the pandemic and its lasting effects. Hawaii News Now.

59% Of Hawaii Households Lost Income Since March 13. Compared with other states, Hawaii had more households say they lost income and expect to lose more during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Survey shows Hawaii residents wary of visiting malls, eating out. The survey by Honolulu-­based SMS Research & Marketing Service Inc. found that 70% of Hawaii adults are either “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about themselves or someone in their family getting sick with COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Other destinations set reopenings, but Hawaii tourism remains in limbo. That’s in sharp contrast to destinations around the world such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, China, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Spain and Mexico — even Las Vegas and Florida — that have announced tourism reopening dates or are seriously moving toward them by setting public benchmarks and adopting standards for phased reopening. Star-Advertiser.

Contract delays sidelined investigators crucial to quarantine enforcement. Investigators with the Attorney General’s office have played a major role in the arrests of out-of-state visitors who violate the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement. But Hawaii News Now has learned that some of the AG’s investigators have been sidelined for more than a week due to bureaucratic delays. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, state health officials reminded the public that social distancing guidelines were still in effect, and large group gatherings were not allowed. Some people followed those rules, others did not. KHON2.

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Public libraries to launch Library Take-Out. The Hawaii State Public Library System announce Saturday the statewide launch of Library Take Out at 47 public libraries. West Hawaii Today.

‘Library Take Out’ System Launching Tuesday. The Hawai‘i State Public Library System has announced the statewide launch of “Library Take Out” at 47 of its 51 public libraries. Big Island Now.

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West Hawaiʻi Aquarium Fishery EIS Rejected. In a rare move, the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday voted to reject the Environmental Impact Statement for proposed aquarium fishing in West Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

BLNR votes 7-0 against environmental impact statement for aquarium fishing permits in West Hawaii. The fishers, part of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, asked the Department of Land and Natural Resources for 10 of such permits for Hawaii island’s West Hawaii Regional Fisher Management Area, which they said was the site of nearly $1.3 million of the state’s commercial aquarium fishery in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

BLNR unanimously rejects West Hawaii aquarium fishing EIS. A proposed environmental impact statement — produced by aquarium fishers to reopen West Hawaii’s coastal waters to 10 commercial aquarium fishermen — was rejected in a 7-0 decision by the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

BLNR Rejects West Hawai‘i Aquarium Fishing EIS. Aquarium fishing with fine mesh nets in West Hawai‘i waters will remain shut down, at least for the time being. Big Island Now.

DLNR proposes $100K in fines for 3 alleged aquarium fish poachers. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing more than $100,000 in fines for three Big Island residents accused of poaching aquarium fish. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Schools Under Pressure To Provide More Data About Remote Learning. Civil Beat.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March, the Hawaii schools chief says 80% to 95% of students have consistent access to education material. Civil Beat.

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Joe Biden wins Hawaii Democratic presidential primary with 63% of ranked-choice votes. Former Vice President Joe Biden has won the Democratic presidential primary in Hawaii, surpassing the second place candidate by more than 25 percentage points, the Democratic Party of Hawaii announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Biden Clobbers Sanders In Hawaii’s Presidential Primary. Favorite daughter Tulsi Gabbard finishes fourth and is awarded no delegates in Democratic Party-run election. Civil Beat.

Joe Biden Wins Hawaii Presidential Primary Delayed By Virus. Joe Biden won the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s party-run presidential primary on Saturday, which was delayed by more than a month because of the coronavirus. Associated Press.

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Tracing California’s ‘Lost Tribe’ Of Hawaiians. A group of Native Hawaiians traveled to California 181 years ago. Their descendants are still connected to the islands in surprising ways. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 24: No New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. For the seventh time in May, no new cases of the coronavirus were reported. Civil Beat.

No new cases of COVID-19 reported Sunday.  Over the weekend, the state reported just one new case of COVID-19 on Saturday. There were no new cases on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council committee postpones action on measure to triple landfill distance. The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning, Planning and Housing Committee postponed action on a resolution that seeks to amend the county Land Use Ordinance to require the distance between a landfill and residential neighborhoods, resorts and schools be more than tripled, which could halt plans to expand Oahu’s only construction landfill. Pacific Business News.

Oahu home prices rise in May despite Covid pressure on sales, Locations says. Average single-family home prices on Oahu rose 6.5% during the first two weeks of May, compared to the same period last year, while sales declined by 13.6% during the same time, as Covd-19 restrictions — and the economic fallout and uncertainty — impacted the residential real estate market, according to research from Locations. Pacific Business News.

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Honolulu Prosecutors raid another Century Center massage parlor. On Friday, prosecutors seized records from Integrative Modalities of Honolulu, citing five of its female employees for violating the governor’s emergency proclamation. Hawaii News Now.

6 cited for coronavirus violations in raid at suspected brothel near Waikiki. Six people were cited Friday during a raid at a massage parlor suspected of operating as a brothel while state emergency orders remain in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said today. Star-Advertiser.

Suspected brothel busted at Century Center. Dozens of condoms were found at the massage parlor suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV4.


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Alleged chicken shooter among latest arrested for quarantine violations. A man who was seen in a social media video allegedly shooting a chicken with a spear gun has been arrested. He was among the latest arrests of alleged travel quarantine breakers. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Zoo welcomes new ohana, two endangered giraffes named Neeliz and Sandi. The Honolulu Zoo said aloha to two new Reticulated Giraffes from the Albuquerque Biological Park on Thursday, May 21. KHON2.

Meet Neelix and Sandi, the Honolulu Zoo’s newest residents. This week, the zoo received a male and a female Reticulated Giraffe from the Albuquerque Biological Park. Hawaii News Now.

Archers disappointed that ranges still closed. For two months Clifford Smith and fellow archers have not been able to practice their sport, which is not one of the approved uses in newly reopened city parks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim announces June 1 reopening of churches, salons, restaurants. Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday issued an emergency rule that reopens places of worship, personal services such as hair salons, and restaurants effective June 1. West Hawaii Today.

Churches, Salons, Restaurants Can Reopen June 1st On Hawaii Island. Mayor Harry Kim's COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 5 will allow places of worship, salons, one-on-one services, and restaurants - including food courts but not bars and nightclubs - to reopen. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County to Reopen Medium Risk Businesses on June 1. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday issued an order that will allow the reopening of personal services like hair salons, communal places of worship and indoor dining options at restaurants effective June 1. Big Island Now.

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University of California system has given $68M to TMT project. The University of California system, one of the partners seeking to build the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, has invested more than $68 million in the TMT project as of April 30, according to a UC financial report. Star-Advertiser.

$90M allocated for Daniel K. Inouye Highway project. A bill containing $90 million to extend Daniel K. Inouye Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway is awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature. West Hawaii Today.

'We will never forget': Virus makes for different Memorial Day, but meaning unchanged. The Memorial Day ceremony regularly held at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery every year has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Upgrades coming to Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Max the Catalina macaw is on break from his usual job of calling out to folks entering and leaving the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. These days, he’s chatting with construction workers while the zoo undergoes a $9 million renovation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Another employee tests positive for virus. A Maui Memorial Medical Center employee has tested positive for COVID-19, sparking concerns about a resurgence of cases at the hospital, though both Maui Health and state officials maintained that the cluster has been shut down. Maui News.

Veterans to be honored in spite of pandemic. Flowers will be placed at cemetery; Akaku to air prerecorded ceremony. Maui News.

$532.9M destined for state CIP projects in Maui County. Maui County’s state senators have announced that $532.9 million in capital improvement projects for Maui County have been funded for the current and 2020-21 fiscal years, and general obligation bonds have been set aside for various projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Communication breakdown. Kaua‘i councilmembers have expressed their frustrations over the lack of transparency of the mayor’s administration in responding to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Economic rebuild recommendations offered. The Kaua‘i County Council heard about 45 economic-recovery recommendations from Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Teams last week, including how to support local businesses, the importance of communications, the need for broadband and improved infrastructure and the long-term need to diversify the economy. Garden Island.

‘Like Black Friday in the pandemic’. Mel Dias was sleeping in the Kukui Grove Center parking lot fronting the Ross Dress for Less store Saturday night in anticipation of the store’s reopening Sunday morning. Garden Island.

Ige issues supplemental emergency proclamation activating National Guard, suspending Sunshine Law, addressing price gouging; first community-spread COVID-19 identified; parks and memorials close; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige, HEMA Director Ken Hara, March 16, 2020 screengrab

Hawaii Sees 1st Community Virus Case As Numbers Rise, Legislature Suspends Session. At a press conference, Ige said shipments of goods are proceeding as usual and urged residents not to hoard supplies -- and merchants not to price-gouge; a supplemental emergency proclamation signed by the governor and his original proclamation allow the state to take action in such situations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii waiving waiting period for jobless claims, activating National Guard in response to coronavirus concerns. Gov. David Ige announced today several measures the state is taking to address the COVID-19 situation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 supplemental emergency proclamation eliminates unemployment insurance waiting period, suspends state Sunshine Law. Gov. David Ige said today he’s signed a supplemental emergency proclamation on the COVID-19 coronavirus “to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the people of Hawaii.” The proclamation is effective until May 15. Tribune-Herald.

On Edge Of COVID-19 Community Spread, Governor Issues New Proclamation. Governor Ige also announced that he has appointed Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency director Ken Hara to be the incident commander. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s first community-spread coronavirus case confirmed; 25 family members and contacts tested. The number of coronavirus cases in Hawaii is climbing with 10 people now having tested positive, including a Kualoa Ranch tour guide with no recent travel history and a Kapiolani hospital staffer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Total 10: New Cases Include 2 O‘ahu Residents, 1 Maui Visitor. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members. Maui Now.

Ige suspends public meetings and records laws as part of response. Gov. David Ige has suspended the state laws that require that government agencies meet in public and that government records be made public as part of the administration’s emergency response to the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige issues supplemental emergency proclamation to fight COVID-19. It addresses topics like unemployment, hoarding and price gouging. KITV4.

Full text of Ige's supplemental emergency proclamation can be found here.

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Hawaii Legislature To Suspend Session Amid Coronavirus Fears. Lawmakers will reconvene only in an emergency situation. In the meantime, many legislators and staff will continue to work in their offices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State House, Senate Go Into Recess Due To COVID-19. Senate President Ronald Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki held a press conference on Monday afternoon to discuss the suspension of the 2020 Legislative Session. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi State Legislature Shuts Down Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. The State Legislature is on a temporary, but indefinite, hiatus starting immediately. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii’s public libraries remain open for now. With schools shut for two weeks, Hawaii’s 51 public libraries remained a haven for local residents Monday, but it isn’t clear how long that will last. Star-Advertiser.

State DOE continues development of COVID-19 response plan. The state Department of Education continues to develop its COVID-19 response plan. Tribune-Herald.

Jury out on whether summer will tamp down coronavirus. Most respiratory viruses are seasonal, with outbreaks in the fall, winter and spring that diminish when weather turns warmer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Star-Advertiser.

Go online to file unemployment claims, Hawaii officials say. Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations officials say they are “strongly suggesting” that people file for unemployment benefits by using their website. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats Still Figuring Out What To Do About The Primary. The coronavirus may upend plans for the April 4 election, which has already received 20,000 mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

Think you need a coronavirus test? Here’s what you need to do. Public health officials stress that a coronavirus test isn’t appropriate for everyone. But if you think you need one, here’s what you should do. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism reels as containment prompts further declines. If Americans follow recommendations issued Monday by the White House to halt the spread of COVID-19, Hawaii’s declining visitor industry will shrink even more — perhaps to proportions that cause greater negative economic impacts than 9/11. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate passes bill to ban foreigner home purchases. A bill to prohibit foreigners from buying older homes in Hawaii was unanimously endorsed this month by state senators in an effort to make housing less pricey for local people. However, the proposed ban has drawn questions about its effectiveness and constitutionality if it becomes law. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Closes Facilities, Cancels Events As Coronavirus Spreads. As the number of Hawaii’s coronavirus cases hit 10, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday ordered the shuttering of indoor city facilities, banned events of more than 50 people on city property and urged private businesses to follow suit. Civil Beat.

State and city officials halt meetings and close facilities. With what Gov. David Ige described as the first signs of “the edge of community spread” of the coronavirus in Hawaii, government officials at the state and city levels took a series of unprecedented steps Monday to try to slow the outbreak’s speed here. Star-Advertiser.

City cancels large gatherings, closes Blaisdell Center and Hanauma Bay. The mayor has canceled all large gatherings on city property following confirmation of Oahu’s first community-transmitted case of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu closes its indoor facilities and prohibits events larger than 50 people. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces new measure to curb the spread of coronavirus in the community by cancelling events larger than 50 people and shutting the doors of indoor facilities owned by the city through the end of April. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, one of Oahu’s most-visited spots, is closed.  Pearl Harbor National Memorial has closed as part of a growing push to prevent the spread of coronavirus by limiting large crowds. Hawaii News Now.

USS Arizona Memorial closes due to coronavirus outbreak. The USS Arizona Memorial, one of the most popular and revered tourist destinations in the state, has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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Sentencing of Kealohas postponed as courts respond to COVID-19. On the eve of sentencing hearings for Katherine and Louis Kealoha, the U.S. District Court postponed the proceedings to a date “to be determined” — a move attributed to the state of emergency surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Sentencing Postponed, Katherine Kealoha Resigns As Attorney. The Hawaii Supreme Court granted the former deputy prosecutor’s request to step down as she awaits sentencing. Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch tour guide diagnosed with coronavirus is ‘improving’. Health care providers are coming to the ranch Tuesday to test employees on-site. Hawaii News Now.

Closures, cancellations and suspensions due to coronavirus. A cascade of cancellations and closures continued Monday in Hawaii in response to the new coronavirus outbreak. Here’s a partial list of closings, cancellations and postponements announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Isle restaurants in survival mode and scrambling to avoid closure. One of Oahu’s highest-profile restaurant owners, Ed Kenney, is closing his Kaimuki restaurants — Town, Mud Hen Water and Kaimuki Superette — plus his catering company, UPtown Events, indefinitely. Star-Advertiser.

Condo ‘Disaster’: Waikiki Maintenance Fees Hit $1,800. Maintenance fees more than doubled in the last five years at the Waikiki Marina tower as the board has struggled with how to cover major repairs, especially a faulty elevator. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim doesn’t want to shut county down: Mayor, Civil Defense brief council members in closed meetings. Mayor Harry Kim doesn’t want to shut the county down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying instead he’s promoting a community effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus on the island. West Hawaii Today.

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Cruise ship’s arrival in Hilo nixed amid virus concerns. A cruise ship that had a reservation to stop at Hilo Harbor later this week will be docking elsewhere. Tribune-Herald.

Maasdam Cruise Ship Will Not Arrive In Hilo, DOT Says. The Holland America Line ship had a port call for Hilo, however that reservation has been canceled. Big Island Video News.

Cruise Ship Bound for Hilo Rerouted to Honolulu. A Holland America cruise liner that was en route to Hilo is now headed for the port of Honolulu instead. Big Island Now.

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TMT cost is estimated to soar by a billion dollars. The price tag of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope has ballooned to $2.4 billion, while the final decision about where to build it might come within a few months. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Flight attendant is Maui’s first case of COVID-19. Canadian woman self-isolated at Lahaina hotel while awaiting coronavirus test result. Maui News.

List of What’s Canceled, Closed or Postponed on Maui. Maui businesses, organizations and services are taking preventative measures amid growing efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Maui Now.

Haleakalā National Park Temporary Closures Begin March 17. The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park will be closed daily from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. All Sunrise Reservations are canceled until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes in county services. The County of Kaua‘i announces the following County-related postponements, cancelations, and changes in Standard Operating Procedures in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Kaua‘i from the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Garden Island.

Call ahead, take out. Restaurateurs on Kaua‘i are removing chairs from their dining rooms and relying heavily on delivery and takeout options as health officials continue to stress social distancing as the primary way to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Garden Island.