Showing posts with label masks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label masks. Show all posts

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Legislative leaders talk priorities at session midpoint, DHHL director sued by surfer after canoe crash, Native Hawaiians scheduled for sentencing in Maui hate crime, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s legislative leaders assess big issues at session midpoint. As the state legislative session nears its midpoint next week, the two leaders of the Hawaii House and Senate offered some assessments Wednesday that included uncertainty over how to provide residents with tax relief and charge tourists fees that benefit the environment. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

New DHHL Director Aims To Speed Up The Development Of Homestead Lots. But first Kali Watson, an affordable housing developer who is the governor’s second pick for the job, must be confirmed by the Senate. Civil Beat.

Surfer files lawsuit against DHHL director nominee Kali Watson.  A surfer who said he almost died after being hit by a canoe has filed a civil lawsuit against the paddlers. One of them is Kali Watson, who was recently nominated to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Rhoads ‘guardedly optimistic’ about Hawai‘i clean elections bill. If passed, Senate Bill 1543 would allocate $30 million to a newly-formed public campaign financing fund, allowing candidates to avoid private funds entirely. Garden Island.

Fight to lower legal limit for drunk driving in Hawaii receives opposition. A push to lower Hawaii’s blood alcohol content limit is moving forward at the legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Body and Digital Cameras Could Be Required at State Correctional Facilities. A bill moving through the State Legislature would authorize funding for body and digital cameras in all correctional facilities. KITV4.

Hawaii midwives stage sit-in, saying their services could be banned without legislative action. In order to remain alive, bills must pass out of final committees this week to the full House or Senate and then cross over to the other side. If not, they die ― and that could happen to a bill meant to allow midwives to continue providing birth support services. Hawaii News Now.

Matson warns first quarter will be weakest of the year. Matson Inc.’s chief executive officer is warning that the current quarter will be the weakest of the year as the company deals with reduced shipping demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hospitals, clinics continue to embrace masks. Although Hawaii has no statewide mandate or federal rules that require masks, most hospitals and health clinics are independently requiring them for their clinical settings where patients are seen. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 positivity rate at 4.4%; 12 more deaths. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported the state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases fell to 70 compared with 89 on Feb. 15. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

New center will address ‘gap’ in homeless treatment. The Institute for Human Services on Wednesday unveiled a facility for a new approach to treating Oahu’s most troubled homeless people — a 24-hour triage center. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu prison struggles to find staff for nonessential programs, chapel services. Staffing shortages over the years have presented the need to prioritize security over some other nonessential services, including chapel. Hawaii Public Radio.

Civilian Red Hill families plead for relief after being hit with huge tax bills for reimbursements
. Civilian Red Hill families are furious about getting huge tax bills after getting reimbursed by the Navy for staying in hotels for months. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

HECO announces four ‘shared solar’ projects for Big Island. Hawaiian Electric Co. on Tuesday announced the selection of four new Hawaii Island solar farm projects. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Kona coffee farmers cash in on labeling claims. Hawaiian coffee farmers will get an additional $6.15 million to settle their class action accusing a coffee roasting and wholesale company of selling ordinary coffee under the name “Kona,” as part of an agreement approved Feb.21 by a Washington federal judge, Law360 reported Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Volcano observatory eyes new Hilo headquarters.  A $60 million-plus, three-story Hawaiian Volcano Observatory headquarters and research building is being proposed in Hilo to replace its Hawaii Volcanoes National Park facility, which was damaged by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui hate crime case spotlights Hawaii’s racial complexity. In a case that reflects Hawaii’s nuanced and complicated relationship with race, two Native Hawaiian men are scheduled to be sentenced Thursday for a federal hate crime in the brutal beating of a white man who tried to move into their remote, traditional fishing village. Associated Press.

Maui County’s 5,000-home goal could take much longer. Maui County’s goal of building 5,000 affordable homes in five years could end up taking 15 years if more is not done to help move forward affordable housing, the organization behind the county’s Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan said Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County Sat On $8 Million That Could Have Helped Struggling Homeowners.
Housing advocates worry about the bandwidth of local government to get the program going before it’s too late. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council to decide on contested Waiehu affordable housing development. The Maui County Council's Housing and Land Use committee discussed a resolution on Tuesday that would advance the proposed Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua project in Waiehu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pesticide band detection study on leeward Maui.
A study is now underway using absorbent bands to detect organic pollutants at 18 sites around West and South Maui.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police retrieve homicide suspect’s body from canyon. County of Kaua‘i agencies and volunteers recovered what they believe to be the body of Kody Gardner from a steep cliffside in Koke‘e on Tuesday afternoon. Garden Island. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Camouflaged Humvee stolen from Maui’s National Guard Armory. The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle was stolen between 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, according to the Maui Police Department. Kauai Now.

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Food trucks could come to state parks, hospitals still at capacity, sea level rise threatens Waikiki beach clubs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hwaii News all rights reserved
Hapuna Beach state park ©2022 All Hawaii News
Agency seeks food truck concessions at state parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is seeking approval to allow mobile food trucks to operate at 18 state parks across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

FBI wants to partner with Hawaii businesses, organizations to deter cyberattacks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to partner with Hawaii businesses as part of a nationwide effort to combat the cyberthreat posed by China and other actors working to undermine the U.S. economy and compromise critical infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

Outside Spending Reaches Historic Levels In Race For Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.
With the election just days away, special interest groups keep trying to sway the election in their favor. So far they’ve spent nearly $1.4 million. Civil Beat.

Campaign Spending Commission investigates ‘ghost PAC’ supporting Cayetano. The state Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday voted to conduct further investigation into a so-called “ghost PAC” helping Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano. The political action committee ― Victory Calls 2022 ― ran television ads in May featuring the comedy duo Da Braddahs, saying Cayetano’s opponent Lt. Gov. Josh Green was not a board-certified physician. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Better Access To Public Records Among Proposals From GOP Candidates For Governor. Transparency and government ethics has taken center stage in many races following high profile corruption cases in Hawaii, including the Republican gubernatorial primary. Civil Beat.

Masks optional for children under age 5 in preschool or child care center. Since the beginning of August, K-12 students have had the option of wearing a mask in school. But preschools and child care centers still had to follow the old guidelines. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hospitals still at full capacity despite declining COVID-19 case counts. Hawaii hospitals are still struggling with staffing shortages even as the daily average of COVID-19 case counts appears to be on its way down. Star-Advertiser.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine now available in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Department of Health today announced that scheduling opportunities are now available for the more traditional COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii averaging 50 COVID deaths per month this summer. COVID deaths are still coming in at an alarming rate on the islands. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 14 deaths this week, as the state has averaged 50 deaths per month since May. KHON2.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 3,189 new infections, 14 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, continued its downward trend to 12.4%, compared to 13.8% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between Aug. 2 to 8. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two Of Waikiki’s Oldest Beach Clubs Are Struggling To Come To Grips With Climate Change. In a precursor of business decisions that will become more common, members of the Outrigger Canoe Club have rejected a proposal to extend the club’s lease with its landlord beyond 2055 due to concerns about sea level rise. Civil Beat.

Kailua House Candidates Want To Tame Tourism. A microcosm of the state’s own dilemma, Kailua’s fresh batch of House candidates are strategizing ways to manage guests visiting their slice of paradise. Civil Beat.

Consumer prices still rising in Honolulu, but not as much. Honolulu’s inflation rate ebbed a bit in June and July from the previous two months, but prices for goods and services are still broadly rising, a new government report shows. Star-Advertiser.

In space-cramped Honolulu, community gardens have found new popularity ― and meaning. The city’s community gardens are bursting at the seams and more than 1,000 people are on the waiting list to get a plot of their own, said Honolulu Parks and Recreation spokesperson Nate Serota. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council adopts resolution to enforce rules, address concerns at Keaau Beach Park. Keaau Beach Park, which is past Makaha on the Waianae coast, has its share of problems, including illegal dumping, illegal camping, illegal fireworks, burnouts and street racing. But a city council resolution hopes to address those problems. KITV4.

Fourth graders name monk seal pup born at Kaimana Beach. Two weeks after a seal and her pup teamed up on a woman swimming off Waikiki, fourth grade students from Waikiki Elementary School on Wednesday gave the pup, PO8, a more apt name: Koalani, or “heavenly warrior.”  Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Testifiers blast TMT project: Opponents dominate National Science Foundation meeting to determine whether federal funding will be used. The first public meeting to determine whether to award federal funding to the Thirty Meter Telescope ended Tuesday after four hours of outrage. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Sees Decrease in Processed Firearm Applications. Hawai‘i County had the highest denial rate of firearm applications at 5.6% statewide for 2021, according to data released by the Department of the Attorney General. Big Island Now.

New old buses on the way: County set to accept Honolulu hand-me-downs while awaiting new new buses. Eight more old buses will soon be on their way to the Big Island, with the County Council set to accept the donation of used buses from the City and County of Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Kimball, challenger Martinez discuss issues ahead of primary. With only two candidates on the ballot, the race will be decided during the primary election on Saturday, with the council seat going to whichever candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Warns Lanai Resorts To Not Block Public Beach Access. The company said it closed the park because of flooding. A resident says the gate stayed shut after the water receded. Maui County has issued a warning and told Lanai Resorts, the company owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, to stop blocking access to Hulopoe Beach Park or risk facing a fine of $100,000, plus an additional $10,000 for each day it goes unaddressed. Civil Beat.

Maui County had record 8,149 firearms registered in 2021. In 2021, Maui County had record high numbers for firearm permits processed (2,938), firearms registered (8,149) and firearms imported (3,763), according to an annual report released today by the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Maui Now.

Maui police seek to crack down on law-flouting dirt bikers. The Maui Police Department is warning the public about a growing and dangerous trend around the Valley Isle. Officers are concerned about thrill-seeking dirt bikers who are blatantly breaking traffic laws. Hawaii News Now.

Final EA published for Kēōkea Farm Lots Association community center. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published its final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed Kēōkea Farm Lots Association Community Center in Kēōkea on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

DLNR agrees to audit of all large-capacity cesspools, $105,000 fine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources $105,543 for failing to close an illegal large-capacity cesspool on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, August 4, 2022

University of Hawaii continues mask mandate, tensions rise in Congressional District 2 race, Honolulu short 3k workers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
University of Hawaii-Hilo ©2022 All Hawaii News
University Of Hawaii To Maintain Indoor Mask Mandate For Now. The university said officials will revisit the decision in mid-September after consulting with the state Department of Health on Covid guidelines. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

University of Hawaii workforce training, tuition subsidy aided by $16 million grant. The University of Hawaii Community Colleges are working toward a sustainable workforce training system by establishing the Resilient Hawaii: Good Jobs Challenge initiative to train participants to obtain work certifications nearly free of cost. Star-Advertiser.

Cayetano Continues To Pump Money Into Her Campaign As Her Fundraising Falls Short. Honolulu businesswoman Vicky Cayetano continued to pump hundreds of thousands of dollars of her own money into her campaign for governor last month, and has now loaned her campaign a total of $2.235 million in an effort to keep up with the well-funded apparent frontrunner in the race for Hawaii governor, Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Civil Beat.

Hawaii congressional candidates Jill Tokuda and Patrick Branco clash in forum. Hawaii’s two top candidates seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele in Congress accused each other Wednesday of spreading falsehoods in their competitive effort to get elected. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

AOC Campaign Sets Up PAC In Hawaii. The New York congresswoman is backing Congressman Kai Kahele for Hawaii governor. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign registered a noncandidate committee in Hawaii Wednesday afternoon. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Department of Health’s COVID-19 wastewater monitoring program hit by delays. The Hawaii Department of Health’s long-awaited COVID-19 wastewater monitoring program is still a work in progress nearly halfway through the summer as the department deals with staffing challenges. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 3,689 new infections, 21 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, declined to 13.8% compared to 15.7% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between July 16 to Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Is Short 3,000 Workers. That’s Because It Takes 6 Months To Hire Anybody. The city’s long-time failure to establish a system for tracking and measuring hiring performance is at the core of its problems, a consultant found. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu sees ambulance closures as struggles mount to staff emergency services. EMS couldn't staff 21 ambulance shifts over the weekend, as it struggles to recruit and retain personnel. Four ambulances were closed on both Friday and Saturday morning. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Ballot processing begins amid heightened oversight. The first full day of mail-in ballot processing began Wednesday at the state Capitol for the first 79,000 Oahu ballots mailed in amid heightened security and scrutiny. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi: Concrete Cracking Could Push Honolulu Rail’s Opening To Next Year. Consultants and structural engineers are still assessing just how serious the cracking is in the piers that support several West Oahu stations. Civil Beat.

Amid concerning increase in pedestrian fatalities, city ramps up traffic safety efforts. Honolulu police, city transportation officials and the mayor waved signs at a busy Kalihi intersection to mark Pedestrian Safety Month in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

In wake of recent monk seal attack, state steps up efforts to protect the endangered species. The DLNR announced Wednesday it will be enforcing a 50-yard cordon around Hawaiian monk seal Rocky and her pup at Kaimana Beach. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

Board OKs teaching telescope. The University of Hawaii’s Maunakea Management Board has approved plans for the installation of a new educational telescope at Halepohaku. Tribune-Herald.

‘A shining example’: Miloli‘i becomes state’s second official Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. The Miloli‘i CBSFA will protect and conserve fish populations and their habitats, by combining traditional Hawaiian fishing practices with modern approaches to conservation, according to state officials. West Hawaii Today.

House lots eyed for Honokaa: Zoning approval sought for two new subdivisions with parcels for 40 homes. Developers are seeking permits for a new affordable housing development in Honokaa scheduled to open in 2027. Tribune-Herald.

Friendly Place lease renewed: Council approves homeless shelter lease after receiving more information. After being provided the data they requested, County Council members Wednesday were feeling a little more friendly toward the Friendly Place homeless shelter and approved extending its $10-a-year no-bid lease for up to four more years. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

County Council District 6: Four farmers, ranchers vie to represent sprawling rural district. With Chairwoman Maile David term-limited, the nonpartisan County Council District 6 seat is up for grabs, and four candidates have set their sights on filling it. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Council committee votes to reject lawsuit from Don Guzman. After testifiers recounted traumatic stories, a Maui County Council committee on Tuesday voted against taking action on a lawsuit by the county’s former prosecuting attorney who was fired over workplace violence.  Maui Now.

Maui County receives high bond ratings. Fitch Global Ratings, Moody’s Investor Service and S&P Global Ratings have assigned ratings of AA+ (stable outlook), Aa1 (stable outlook), and AA+ (stable outlook), respectively to Maui County’s General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui Memorial doctors in ER are upset over alleged mismanagement. A group of emergency room doctors at Maui Memorial Medical Center are seeking to oust a California-based firm that took over management of the emergency department in 2018, laying out a long list of allegations against the company, Emergent Medical Associates, in a letter to the board of directors that oversees the hospital. Star-Advertiser.

Maui airport officials seek heat relief for long security lines. For the past month-and-a-half, long lines of travelers have snaked out of Kahului Airport’s security checkpoint, enduring hours-long waits in the hot midday sun. The cause: bigger planes, a busier flight schedule and too few security lanes. Star-Advertiser.

The Community Is Mobilizing Again To Buy Molokai Ranch. Will It Work? On development-weary Molokai, where boarded-up resorts, restaurants and theaters recall a foreign investor’s abandoned crusade to remodel a moribund pineapple plantation town into a lucrative tourist destination, a decades-old quest to overthrow corporate interests that control a third of the island is gaining new momentum. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Affordable housing voted down. Voters will not have the chance to decide on an affordable housing measure this fall, after the Kauaʻi County Council voted against putting it on the ballot on Wednesday. Resolution 2022-22 would have amended the County Charter to designate at least 2% of real property tax revenues each year to an affordable housing fund. Garden Island.

KCC looks to get head start returning to school. The first day of the fall semester at the Kaua‘i Community College is Aug. 22, and Hanana Kainoa Kula wanted to give students entering the college a head start, as well as a final push to get students who are still sitting on the fence. Garden Island.

Monday, August 1, 2022

Public schools, polling places open today, mudslinging defines political races, Honolulu parks advise bring your own toilet paper, battle continues over tourism contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Testing elections counting machines in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News
Voter service centers prepare to welcome those who want to cast their ballot in person. Most voters will opt to use mail-in ballots for the primary election, but in-person voting will also be available starting Monday. On Saturday morning, state election officials tested the vote counting system that will be used at each service center. Hawaii News Now.

New era of negative campaigning begins in Hawaii. The window for last-minute negative attack campaigns has opened wider with mail-in ballots arriving weeks before the Aug. 13 primary and Nov. 8 general elections, an update to the old political tactic of making allegations just before election day.  Star-Advertiser.

Jewish leaders condemn Kahele campaign’s use of ‘Mr. Men’ meme, saying it resembles Hitler. An already heated Democratic gubernatorial primary now includes an allegation of hate speech. Members of the local Jewish community say Congressman Kai Kahele’s campaign should apologize for using a caricature they said resembles Adolf Hitler. Hawaii News Now.

All 3 Top Candidates For Hawaii Governor Have Lucrative Side Jobs.
Lt. Gov. Josh Green has a business through which he contracts his services as an emergency room physician. U.S. Rep Kai Kahele receives income for his work as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot and the Hawaii National Guard and receives an income from real estate properties he owns in Tennessee. Businesswoman Vicky Cayetano started United Laundry Service and still maintains an ownership interest in the business’ parent company. Civil Beat.

By Land And Space: How GOP Candidates For Governor Plan To Diversify Hawaii’s Economy. Duke Aiona eyes opportunities in the space industry, while Gary Cordery and Heidi Tsuneyoshi want more funding for farmers. Civil Beat.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs 2022 election: Here's what to expect
. Six of the nine seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees are up for election this year. This includes three at-large seats and one seat each for Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Tourism Authority predetermined procurement for U.S. tourism award, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau says. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau is alleging that the Hawaii Tourism Authority violated state procurement law by running an unfair process that predetermined that re-solicitation for its largest piece of business, the U.S. brand management and global support services contract, should go to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Star-Advertiser.

Cruise ship COVID reporting program ending. The recent discontinuation of a program by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that tracked COVID-19 cases aboard cruise ships and reported findings to the public has no effect on how state agencies deal with the virus on cruise ships. Tribune-Herald.

What to know about masking, other pandemic procedures in Hawaii public schools. Masking is now optional indoors and outdoors in Hawaii public schools, so for the first time in a year, whether a student should wear a mask on campus will be left for each family to decide. However, state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi says that in keeping with state Health Department guidance, masks are still “highly encouraged,” especially while community levels of COVID-19 are high now across most of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers union pushing for better air ventilation to help prevent spread of COVID. With masks optional for Hawaii public and charter schools starting fall semester, ventilation will play a key role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms. Tribune-Herald.

Kalima case lawyers calculate damages for Native Hawaiians in $328M settlement with the state. Damages are being calculated for more than 2,700 Native Hawaiians in the Kalima case — a class-action lawsuit filed by Native Hawaiians waiting for homestead land. Now, lawyers for the claimants are working to ensure the $328 million settlement approved by the state gets to those who deserve it. Hawaii Public Radio.

New law restores $1M for immigrant resource centers in Hawaiʻi. A bill introduced by the Filipino Caucus and signed into law earlier this month by Gov. David Ige allocated $1 million to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Office of Community Services to restore the centers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii gas prices stay stubbornly high amid major national decline. Nationally, the decrease was 61 cents as of Friday compared with a month earlier, and eight states led by Ohio had drops of 70 cents to 82 cents. Hawaii’s decline was 11 cents, while the next smallest decrease was 30 cents for Idaho. Star-Advertiser.

New York firm gets PUC’s OK to buy Hawaii Gas.
The state’s only franchised gas utility and largest propane distributor has a new owner after a New York-based infrastructure fund manager received approval from the state Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Latin America takes on growing RIMPAC role. At this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise, Latin America’s interests in the Pacific have taken on new significance. For the first time in the history of the biennial exercise, every country on South America’s Pacific Coast has sent serv­ice members to participate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Bring Your Own Toilet Paper. Honolulu Parks Are Experiencing A Shortage. Honolulu officials warned they may have to close some public bathrooms in city parks due to a shortage in industrial toilet paper rolls. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation called on park-goers to bring their own toilet paper until the problem can be solved. Civil Beat.

Wealthy beachfront homeowners turn to the courts to avoid Hawaii environmental laws. When heavy surf threatened their home in Mokuleia in the winter of 2006-07, Elizabeth and Mike Dailey ignored state environmental laws and stacked large boulders along the beach, creating a formidable seawall. The Daileys’ case is among the state’s longest running seawall enforcement cases and highlights how wealthy beachfront property owners have been able to evade state laws aimed at protecting public beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Battle For Central Oahu Senate Seat Pits Incumbent Against Well-Known City Councilman. Rivals Brandon Elefante and Sen. Bennette Misalucha agree major concerns facing District 16 are public safety, housing and homelessness. Civil Beat.

Waianae House Race Highlights The Democratic Party’s Power In Hawaii. Former Rep. Jo Jordan and Rep. Cedric Gates are facing off against each other for the fifth election in a row, vying to represent Waianae, Makaha and Makua in West Oahu. Their rivalry has a history. Civil Beat.

Efforts underway to get a more accurate count of feral cats, reduce concentrated populations. Just about all of us have seen feral cats on Oahu and on the neighbor islands, but exactly how many of them are there? There have been estimates, but those estimates are likely to be wrong. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bill would add EV stations: Councilwoman says lack of charging options an obstacle to EV ownership. Big Island property developers may be required to add electric vehicle charging stations to their parking lots under a bill to be introduced Tuesday to the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Senate District 4: Democrat Tim Richards and Republican Nicholas Tancheff will square off in the general election. There are two candidates on the ballot for the vacant District 4 state Senate seat, but they’re not running against each other. At least, not yet. West Hawaii Today.

House District 6
: 3 Democrats, one Republican, line up for newly created House district. There’s a new House district in town, and four candidates have lined up to compete for it. Running for the seat are Democratic candidates Ilya Barannikov, Kirstin Kahaloa and Lono Mack. The winner of the Aug. 13 primary will square off with Republican candidate Jonathan Kennealy in the general election. West Hawaii Today.

‘An unfortunate event’. An estimated 4,500 internet and 16,000 voice customers in West Hawaii were affected on Tuesday when a Hawaiian Telcom fiber-optic cable was severed in Waikoloa. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Three Maui County mayor candidates see tourism management as a platform priority.
Three candidates for Maui County mayor unveiled Saturday what they would do to manage tourism during a time when the islands have reopened to near-record numbers of visitors. Maui Now.

Primary to whittle down packed field for Kahului seat on council. In the second-most crowded race of the Maui County primary election, seven individuals compete for the Kahului residency seat: Cara Flores, incumbent Council Member Tasha Kama, Carol Lee Kamekona, Buddy James Nobriga, Tina Pedro, Jason “Jack” Schwartz and Keoni Watanabe. Maui News.

Should Maui County Take Over Water Long Controlled By Private Companies? Voters will have a say in whether the county should create new water authorities charged with managing the island’s most precious natural resource. Civil Beat.

Committee to consider updated zoning map. A bill to adopt amendments to the Maui Digital Zoning Map for 13 parcels will be considered by the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Maui News.

County sees 41% increase in stolen cars this year. Some residents raise concerns over burned cars off Piihana Road. Maui News.

Rehab of Kahoolawe continues. The effort to return Kaho'olawe to its nature state continues. There's been nearly 20 years of renovation, since the military finished cleaning up munition on the island from when it was a firing range. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i visitors are spending more than they were pre-pandemic. Kaua‘i has been outpacing the state in terms of tourism recovery. Hawai‘i as a whole was only at 89% of its June 2019 visitor level, with a total of 842,927 visitors in June 2022. Garden Island.

Only bon dance on the island draws huge crowd. The pau-hana time came, the rain clouds that welcomed Friday parted, and the people came to Puhi to enjoy the bon odori experience of food, games and, of course, the bon odori. Garden Island.


Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Masks to become optional in Hawaii public schools, Ige vetoes 28 bills, state AG issues new guidance to relax gun laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Indoor masking optional at Hawaii public schools starting Aug. 1. Indoor masking will become optional in Hawaii’s 257 regular public schools effective Aug. 1 — a change eliciting praise from people who feel masking harms students, and criticism from other parents and some doctors who predict an increased risk of COVID-19 for children and school employees. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige vetoes 28 bills from original list of 30
. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday sent legislative leaders a list of 28 bills — from the original 30 on his June 27 “intent to veto” list — including one aimed at reforming Hawaii’s foster care system that Ige called unconstitutional. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Attorney general issues new guidance for state to ease gun permit laws in wake of SCOTUS ruling. Hawaii is set to relax some of the toughest permit laws in the nation in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling. Hawaii’s Attorney General Holly Shikada said the decision means that the state will need to make it easier to apply for a permit to carry guns in public. Hawaii News Now.

Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor face off in KITV4's Debate Night
. Homelessness, high taxes, and tourism - were some of the issues debated tonight by Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates during a three hour special hosted by KITV4. The three frontrunners on the Democratic ticket for governor, Vicky Cayetano, Josh Green, and Kai Kahele, engaged in their own debate. KITV4.

Hawaii GOP gubernatorial candidates debate ahead of election. Some of Hawaii’s top Republican gubernatorial candidates faced off Tuesday evening in a live debate in which they mostly fell along political party lines on national issues, including abortion and gun rights, and often had overlapping ideas about local issues such as affordable housing and the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Crypto Super PAC Launches Ad Campaign In Support Of Patrick Branco In CD2 Race. Federal records show that Web3 Forward, which backs Democrats for Congress, has spent more than $100,000 on advertising in the Hawaii race. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC back at full force showcasing training, partnership. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, and more than 25,000 military personnel have been in and around Hawaiʻi the last couple of weeks for this year’s Rim of the Pacific maritime exercises. Hawaii Public Radio.

Software snafu affects government employees’ health benefits. The state agency that administers health insurance benefits for thousands of state and county workers in Hawaii is experiencing problems with the rollout of new benefits administration software. Tribune-Herald.

Kaiser Hawaii under scrutiny for lack in behavioral health. A national organization focused on improving the quality of health care has determined that Kaiser Permanente’s health plans in Hawaii need to improve and has put them under “corrective action” for failing to meet national quality standards. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Judge postpones corruption trial of ex-city prosecutor, 4 alleged co-conspirators. Former city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro is accused of accepting $45,000 in campaign contributions from Honolulu businessman Dennis Mitsunaga, his company employees and relatives. Federal authorities said in exchange, Kaneshiro filed criminal charges against a former Mitsunaga employee who had sued the company over being fired. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City’s high job vacancies prompts audit. The Honolulu City Council unanimously approved a resolution directing the city’s auditor to look into the hiring practices of the human resources department. KHON2.

Honolulu Rail Whistleblower: Tracks, Wheels A Maintenance Nightmare And Potential Safety Issue. A  track consultant pressed HART officials for two years for the rail agency to make key changes that would make the system safer and more operable. They dismissed him in February. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail project is exploring alternatives to Pearl Highlands parking garage.
The Pearl Highlands parking garage has been paused due to exorbitant costs. It was supposed to create spaces for central Oʻahu residents who want to take the train into urban Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

With no ridership rebound in sight, city bus system plans route changes. More than two years after the start of the pandemic, ridership on the city bus is still only about half of what it was. According to the city’s Department of Transportation Services TheBus currently has about 115,000 daily riders. That’s down from 195,000 prior to the pandemic ― a 41% decline. Hawaii News Now.

Judge: Man left homeless after wrongful prosecution can seek another civil claim against city.
An Oahu man left homeless after being jailed and wrongfully prosecuted for drug crimes is celebrating another legal victory. A federal judge says Sefo Fatai’s malicious prosecution claim against the city can move to trial. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pohue Bay preserved: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park adds 16,000 acres.
The Trust for Public Land officially transferred ownership and stewardship of Pohue Bay to the National Park Service on Tuesday, preserving the area’s unique natural and cultural resources from development. West Hawaii Today. Associated Press. Big Island Video News.

Council members displeased with Waianuenue Ave road project. County Council members are frustrated that the repair work on Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo does not appear to conform with their expectations. Tribune-Herald.

$15M Waiaka Bridge replacement project expected to start next summer. The project, which also includes realigning Kawaihae and Kohala Mountain roads and installing a roundabout at their intersection, is expected to be complete by the end of 2024, should construction get underway as planned in summer 2023. West Hawaii Today.

Olson Trust drops lawsuit against Naniloa’s top brass. The Edmund C. Olson Trust has withdrawn its lawsuit against two co-owners of the Grand Naniloa Hotel. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui Transit hub could be ready by year’s end. The Central Maui Transit hub that will replace the one at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center may be up and running by the end of this year, a county official said on Monday. The $2 million bus hub is located off Vevau Street near Kane Street, across from the old Sears store. Maui News.

Another Waiehu affordable housing project moves ahead — this one plans 752 units. Another affordable housing project is advancing in Waiehu, and this time the developer is pitching 752 units in a proposal called Waiehu Residential Community.  Maui Now.

Hotel Wailea earns No. 1 ranking in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui is ranked No. 3; Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui  is No. 5; Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, Lānaʻi is No. 10; Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Maui is No. 18; and Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui rounds out the list at No. 20. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai District Health Office to conduct survey on COVID-19 response
. The Kauai District Health Office is conducting another survey this month to assess the community’s perception of its COVID-19 response efforts and current emergency preparedness level. Star-Advertiser.

Wainiha to Hā’ena residents asked to conserve water.
The Department of Water is asking residents in Wainiha to Hā’ena to conserve water until further notice due to an electrical power outage affecting water system facilities.  KHON2.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Ige signs minimum wage hike, income tax rebate, Health and Education departments negotiate mask rules, new Honolulu police chief tackling burglary spree, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Office of the Governor
Ige signs minimum wage bill June 22, 2022. PC: Governor's Office
Hawaii minimum wage increase, tax rebate bills become law. Ige signed a bill that will increase Hawaii’s hourly minimum wage to $12 on Oct. 1 from $10.10, and be followed by three more step-ups through 2028. Ige also signed a separate piece of legislation Wednesday, Senate Bill 514, that will deliver $100 or $300 cash rebates to individual tax filers depending on their income, likely beginning in August via direct bank deposit or check. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Lawmakers call for Hawaii to join others in dropping state gas tax. State lawmakers call for Hawaii to join others in dropping state gas tax following President Biden’s proposal on Wednesday. President Biden called on Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months. Hawaii News Now.

State to distribute $80M to childcare providers grappling with shortages, costs. After more than two years of struggling with lower enrollment and staff shortages, Hawaii’s childcare providers are getting some much-needed relief. Hawaii News Now.

DOE, DOH in talks about school masking requirement. Indoor masking remains mandatory for public schools during summer programs, but discussions are underway between the Department of Education and the Department of Health regarding the upcoming fall semester. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases leveling off, but masking still urged. Although the daily averages of new COVID-19 cases are on the decline in Hawaii, health officials are warning the public that levels are still high enough to warrant indoor masking. The state’s average positivity rate also dropped to 17.1% compared with 18.9% reported June 15, according to DOH, marking the second consecutive weekly decline.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Department reports 5,482 new infections, 15 coronavirus-related deaths. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported 5,482 new COVID-19 infections over the past week, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic past the 300,000 mark to 303,333 cases. DOH also reported 15 more deaths, bringing the state’s coronavirus-related death toll to 1,489. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police investigating burglaries at 24 businesses. Honolulu police are investigating a series of 24 burglaries of businesses in four separate patrol districts since the end of April that detectives believe are being committed by the same crew of crooks, Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan told Honolulu police commissioners Wednesday afternoon. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Program Aimed At Beefing Up Staffing Will Stay For Now. HPD’s new chief, Joe Logan, said he needs more time to assess the 3/12 program’s effectiveness amid a department staffing shortage. Civil Beat.

Community-driven shopping center breaks ground in Kapolei. Ho‘omaka Marketplace, a community-­driven shopping center where ground lease proceeds will benefit Native Hawaiians in the Kapolei Homestead Community, broke ground Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Live skunk captured at Honolulu Harbor. Stevedores saw the young, male skunk on the dock and used a fishing net to capture the animal. Agricultural inspectors from the DOA picked up the animal at around 7:30 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Aquarium bids aloha to its giant clam. The Waikiki Aquarium announced today that its beloved giant clam, or Tridacna gigas, died of suspected natural causes on Tuesday. The clam was believed to be the oldest of its species in captivity worldwide. It was more than 40 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

She Took Her Fight For Her Grandson Public. A Hawaii Judge Said She Went Too Far. Big Island resident Deborah Goodwin says she had no choice but to speak to a reporter and file a lawsuit about her case because the confidential system had treated her unfairly. It backfired. Civil Beat.

NTSB: Helicopter crash that injured 6 caused by tail boom breaking off aircraft. A tour helicopter crash in Ka‘u that injured six people was caused by the tail boom of the aircraft separating from the fuselage at the point of attachment, according to a preliminary report released Wednesday by the National Transportation Safety Board. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

ADA compliance project underway at Richardson park. The Department of Parks and Recreation has closed a portion of Richardson Ocean Park to improve access to the beach and comply with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County to consider next steps for criticized Napili project. Two Maui County Council committees will consider the county’s next steps — including the possibility of eminent domain — for a large controversial home in Napili that has drawn scrutiny for several months over its approval process and status. Maui News.

Maui Humane Society holding open houses about fostering dogs, cats and critters. The Maui Humane Society is teaming up with national nonprofit Petco Love and Skechers to focus on the fun in fostering pets, which is lifesaving and especially critical during the busy summer months. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i politicians keep funds tied to latest bribery case. Mayor Derek Kawakami and Senate President Ron Kouchi said they won't return campaign contributions from Honolulu businessman Dennis Mitsunaga, who was arrested last week on federal bribery charges. Garden Island.

Keiki and Junior Lifeguard program sold out. The week-long Keiki and Junior Lifeguard program demonstrates ocean awareness and lifesaving skills led by the instruction crew from the Ocean Safety Bureau. Garden Island.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Logan named new Honolulu Police chief, Ige signs bill giving high school journalists press freedoms, PUC rejects biomass power plant, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Retired Maj. Gen. Arthur ‘Joe’ Logan is named new Honolulu police chief. Retired Maj. Gen. Arthur “Joe” Logan will take command of 2,000 sworn officers and civilian staff and manage an annual budget of more than $300 million at a time when violent crime is at a three-year high through April. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Special Interest Money Fuels Hawaii Delegation’s Leadership PACs. Hawaii Congressman Kai Kahele continues to raise money from corporate donors, lobbyists and political action committees for his federal campaign committee despite a gubernatorial campaign promise not to do so for his state campaign, federal campaign finance reports filed last week show. Civil Beat.

Hawaii student journalists now protected from unlawful censorship.
Hawaii public school and college students now have the same freedom of press protections as working journalists after Gov. David Ige signed a new law into effect Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Appoints Appoints 2 State Ethics Commissioners. Wesley Fong was reappointed while Robert Hong fills a vacancy. Civil Beat.

Richard ‘Dickie’ Wong, a ‘street kid’ who became Hawaii’s Senate president, dies at 88. Richard “Dickie” Wong, who rose from humble roots to become president of the state Senate and chairman of the powerful Bishop Estate’s board of trustees, has died. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

COVID surge to culminate in June, University of Hawaii researchers forecast. The Hawaii Pandemic Applied Modeling Work Group, a voluntary partnership of epidemiologists and data scientists, on Monday said it expected daily, new reported cases in Honolulu to peak at 3,500 to 4,000 sometime in the first three weeks of June. Star-Advertiser.

Public advised to avoid Kewalo Basin Harbor after wastewater discharge. State officials are warning the public to stay out of the waters of Kewalo Basin Harbor due to a wastewater discharge caused by a clogged sewage line. Star-Advertiser.

City prepares for return of in-person Memorial Day ceremony at Punchbowl. As Memorial Day approaches, the city and officials at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl are making preparations to once again honor veterans in person. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Public Utilities Commission rejects Big Isle biomass plant again. The state Public Utilities Commission on Monday placed another roadblock in front of a $520 million biomass plant that would burn trees to generate electricity on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Mayor Mitch Roth calls for ‘mindful masking’ as COVID-19 case counts rise. By “mindful masking,” Roth said in a news release that masking is strongly encouraged when in large gatherings, grocery stores, indoor gathering places, aboard public transportation, and in bars and restaurants when not actively eating and drinking. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Naniloa hotel dispute still not resolved. The Edward C. Olson Trust has until November to serve legal documents to a pair of business partners the trust is suing over two Banyan Drive development projects. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Discussion begins on South Maui CPAC selection and application process. Discussion will begin on the selection and application process for the South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee or “CPAC” on Wednesday at the Planning and Land Use Committee meeting. Maui Now.

Ige Proclaims Second Axis Deer Emergency Period For Maui. Gov. David Ige’s second emergency proclamation empowers the county and state to better address the problems facing the drought-stricken county. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials mourn ‘sudden passing’ of former OHA Trustee Colette Machado. Molokai’s Colette Machado, a former Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee for 24 years, has died, local officials said Monday. Maui News. KHON2.

Kauai

Opposition to airport master plan takes off.
The new Lihu‘e Airport Master Plan appears set for a rocky landing, as public opposition mounts against the long-term development strategy. Garden Island.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Below average hurricane season predicted, masks urged as COVID soars, Korean firm bids on Makaha Valley, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC:NOAA
Below-average hurricane season predicted for Central Pacific region. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Wednesday predicted that the region will see two to four tropical cyclones during the hurricane season that starts June 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials urge masking, boosters as COVID-19 cases surge in Hawaii. On Wednesday the DOH reported the state’s seven-day average for new cases had climbed to 925 — up from 722 on May 11, and marking the eighth consecutive weekly increase. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, jumped to 16.9%, up from 14.3% last week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

Kaiser Permanente’s Hawaii mental health clinicians strike. Kaiser Permanente’s Hawaii mental health clinicians launched a three-day strike Wednesday amid stalled contract negotiations. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today.

Governor: Japan’s tough COVID restrictions hindering Hawaii tourism rebound. Gov. David Ige recently traveled to Japan and he says many Japanese want to come to Hawaii, but returning to Japan is a huge hassle due to COVID. Hawaii News Now.

New partnership uses technology to prove origins of Hawaiʻi coffee — and stop counterfeits. The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association has signed an agreement with product traceability company Oritain to build a statewide coffee origin database. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A Look At The 4 Finalists For Honolulu’s Police Chief. The four finalists — Scott Ebner, Mike Lambert, Joe Logan and Ben Moszkowicz — are set to answer questions from the public during a televised forum Thursday on PBS Hawaii, marking the first time the community will hear from the men still in the running to lead the city’s police force of nearly 2,000 officers. Civil Beat. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Korean firm bids to buy Makaha Valley resort site. A South Korean conglomerate branching into the resort business has made a bid to buy much of Makaha Valley where development plans linked with golf superstar Tiger Woods fizzled in recent years. Star-Advertiser.

This Honolulu Architect Admitted To Bribery. But He Still Has His License. Despite pleading guilty to a job-related felony, William Wong was able to renew his license for another two years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Says A New Mask Mandate Is A ‘Possibility’. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blackgirdi said Wednesday that he might consider implementing a mask mandate after the Covid-19 case count rose for the eighth week in a row. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Man, 28, who refused to wear mask, convicted of felony for punching Waikiki security guard, 71. An Oahu Circuit Court jury on Tuesday found a 28-year-old man, who refused to wear a mask at a COVID-19 testing site, guilty of second-degree assault in the beating of a 71-year-old security guard. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation Shows Hawaii Prison Officials Tried To Cover Up Errors Leading Up To An Inmate’s Death. The internal affairs report claimed staff had been trained in suicide prevention policies, and a guard made the required cell checks. Neither was true, and an inmate died. Civil Beat.

City worker who may have been exposed to radiation hired attorney days before his death. A city maintenance worker who may have been exposed to radiation while fixing a tire on a garbage truck hired a high-profile attorney just 10 days before his death. The development comes as investigations into Charles Kuailani’s cause of death continue. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing measures pass, fail: Council approves new programs, but not charter amendment to pay for them. A bill adding eligible programs for county housing funds was passed on final reading Wednesday by the County Council, but a companion measure proposing a charter amendment to lock in funding was shot down by a council majority. West Hawaii Today.

DHHL breaks ground on Kaʻu water system improvements. Improvements by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to an existing Hawaii County Department of Water Supply system in Kaʻu will soon connect pastoral homestead lessees in the Kamaʻoa Homestead to water service. Tribune-Herald.

Sniffing out COVID: Schools take part in pilot program starring Cobra the canine. Three Hawaii Island public charter schools have a new tool for detecting COVID-19 on campus — an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois named Cobra. Tribune-Herald.

As COVID cases climb, HMC sees increase in keiki infections. As COVID-19 cases rise throughout Hawaii for the eighth consecutive week, Hilo Medical Center reported a significant increase in pediatric cases. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission to review final report and voter guide. The Maui Charter Commission will meet this Thursday,  May 19, to review and approve its Draft Final Report detailing eleven proposed amendments to the County Charter.  Maui Now.

With funds running dry, temporary Maui homeless shelter to shut down. A temporary homeless shelter on Maui is out of money and may soon be out of time as it prepares close down its services. Wahi Hoomalu O Wailuku off Waiale Road is Maui’s temporary homeless shelter. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

‘Save Koloa’ sues county, condo developer. Local nonprofits are suing Kaua‘i County and a mainland property developer, escalating controversy surrounding a planned condominium complex on the island’s South Shore. Garden Island.