Military important economic driver amid pandemic, coronavirus cases spike as vaccinations delayed, new restrictions on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area ©2021 All Hawaii News

State report highlights defense sector importance. As the second largest sector of the state’s economy, military-procurement spending generated $4.5 billion in economic impact last year, with $2.3 billion in federal contracts throughout the state, helping to sustain more than 30,000 jobs statewide. Garden Island.

EPA: Hawaii’s Military Bases Dumped 630,000 Pounds Of Toxic Nitrate Into The Ocean. While federally permitted, the Environmental Protection Agency hopes the data’s public release spurs facilities to reduce their chemical waste. Civil Beat.

Contractor Sentenced In Army Corruption Scheme In Hawaii. John Winslett bribed Army officials with cash, cars and guns to win lucrative construction contracts in Hawaii, Justice Department said. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority spent ‘exorbitant’ amounts marketing to visitors as lockdowns dropped demand. For the 2020 fiscal year, HTA estimated the cost per arrival for every U.S. visitor was $7.13, up more than 118% from the prior year. The cost per arrival for Japan during fiscal year 2020 was significantly higher at $17.17, a nearly 201% increase. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices amid pandemic recession. Cut spending, raise taxes or perhaps both. Hawaii lawmakers face tough choices as they convene a new legislative session this week amid a pandemic that has pummeled tourism, the state’s biggest industry, and depleted tax revenue. Hawaii News Now.

Despite weekend protests rumors, Hawaii’s Capitol was quiet Sunday. Bracing for large, unruly crowds, state officials put up barricades and fences around the Hawaii State Capitol, and beefed up security. But the effort seemed to be precautionary as there was a significant absence of crowds and protestors over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Noncommercial fishing is booming during pandemic. Hawaii is the only coastal state that doesn’t require fishers to have a noncommercial marine fishing license, which could provide information about how many noncommercial fishers there are in Hawaii and how many fish they’re taking from the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers May Cut Solar Credits. The credits help to develop renewable energy projects but also cost the state millions of dollars. Civil Beat.

Farmers to petition lawmakers Opening Day. This past year, the pandemic has led to a rise in people in Hawaii beginning to grow their own produce and start sustainable farming. KITV4.

Isle cattle ranchers invited to join grass-fed beef venture. Hawaii’s largest ranch and an investment firm partner are looking for other local ranch operators to join a grass-feed beef production venture. Star-Advertiser.

Previously unknown cause is found for mysterious snorkeling deaths in a new Hawaii study. Rapid onset pulmonary edema was not previously associated with snorkeling, which has been implicated in 206 Hawaii drownings — 189 involving visitors — from 2009 to 2018, according to the state Department of Health. During that period, snorkeling-related drownings nearly doubled in what officials called an “alarming” rise. Star-Advertiser.

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Fast clip of coronavirus spread in Hawaii puts state at risk of another outbreak. Hawaii is at risk of another COVID-19 outbreak with the worst effective reproduction rate for infections in the nation after Washington state. Star-Advertiser.

Congresswoman Concerned About Hawaii Pandemic Response Got No Answers From Ige. Five months after a California congresswoman asked Hawaii for answers about its public health response and its spending of federal money, Gov. David Ige hasn’t provided her with any information. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers to Take a Hard Look at Correctional System After COVID-19 Hits 46 Percent of Inmates. State lawmakers are taking a hard look this session at some of the long-standing issues contributing to the spread of the coronavirus in Hawaiʻi’s jails and prisons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Blood bank is looking for COVID survivors. The Blood Bank of Hawaii is looking for more people who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their convalescent plasma — the liquid part of the blood that contains antibodies to the new coronavirus — to help treat those who are hospitalized. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 17: 132 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii has seen a triple-digit increase in cases for 13 straight days. Hawaii health officials reported 132 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Sunday, including 86 on Oahu, 29 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, one on Kauai and nine residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The state’s first mass vaccination site opens Monday, Jan. 18, at Honolulu Harbor Pier 2. Hawaii Pacific Health said nearly 600 people have signed up for Monday and the rest of the week is booked with appointments. KHON2.

Community vaccination sites to open to essential workers and those 75 years and older. Mass vaccinations for the public are scheduled to begin on Monday. KITV4.

Waikiki Shell to be used in effort to return stranded American Samoa residents home. The state of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu have begun assisting about 800 American Samoan residents, who are traveling through Oahu en route to their previously shuttered island home. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki Shell parking lot to assist in American Samoa repatriation efforts. The City and County of Honolulu is joining the state’s efforts to help bring an estimated 800 American Samoa residents back home. KHON2.

Polynesian Cultural Center reopening with limited capacity and activities as officials look ahead to tourism recovery. The Polynesian Cultural Center, a cornerstone of Laie and an economic magnet for the North Shore community, is set to reopen Monday following a 10-month-long closure — one of that last major attractions on Oahu to welcome back visitors after Hawaii tourism was shut down in March due to the corona­virus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Plans for 2 more Ward towers set for review. A state agency regulating development in Kakaako has scheduled public hearings in March to consider plans for developing two more condominium towers at Ward Village. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth says he’s ‘very hopeful’ following heart attack. The 56-year-old Roth, the former county prosecutor who was elected mayor in November and inaugurated on Dec. 7, had been in office just over a month when he was stricken. Tribune-Herald.

Gas use down 18%, County highway fund takes a hit from less driving. In all, drivers used about 18% less gasoline during a pandemic year that translated to fewer commutes and fewer tourists. It also translated to less money for road repair. West Hawaii Today.

High court denies writ to Honua Ola, appeal of PUC decision still active. The state Supreme Court on Thursday denied Honua Ola Bioenergy’s request to order the Public Utilities Commission to reconsider its denial of a requested waiver of the competitive bidding process used in the sale of electricity. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa development up for review: Council Planning Committee to hear rezoning application. A plan to develop a 36-unit housing complex, some units classified affordable, along with eight commercial lots in Waikoloa Village will be taken up by the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday after a negative recommendation from the Leeward Planning Commission and the Planning Department under the prior administration. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Vaccination Clinic Temporarily Closes Due To Shortage. All appointments scheduled through Feb. 7 have been canceled. Civil Beat.

Delayed shipment closes Maui vaccination clinic to first doses. Only second doses available at both local Moderna, Pfizer sites. Maui’s only vaccination clinic taking new registrations announced Saturday it will have to close for a week due to a shortage of Pfizer-BioNTech doses that were slated to come from the state. Maui News.

Vaccine Distribution Delay Prompts Temporary Suspension of New Appointments for First Doses at Maui Hospital. Maui Health, which runs the vaccination clinic at the Maui Memorial Medical Center, has also postponed appointments for individuals that were seeking a first dose and had already secured an appointment between Jan. 17 and Feb. 7. Maui Now.

Thousands of vaccinations on Maui pushed back due to shipment delay. Maui Health's clinic is pushing back between 300 and 400 slots a day over the next three weeks after the state notified the company Friday evening it will not be receiving its expected shipment of doses for this weekend and next week. KITV4.

Retailers, gyms face tighter restrictions. Large and small retail establishments will be restricted to 30 percent capacity starting at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the latest in a series of rule changes aimed at slowing a spike in COVID-19 cases on Maui, county officials announced Friday. Maui News.

Maui County’s state lawmakers say proposed state budget is ‘fluid’. Furloughs and program cuts depend on what federal aid is available. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai employment suffers under restrictive travel policies. Travel to Kauai plummeted after Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami opted out of the Safe Travels program, effective Dec. 2, requiring all travelers to Kauai to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine with no option to test out. Star-Advertiser.

Paid positions available in youth conservation program. Kupu, Hawai‘i’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit organization, recently announced that applications are now being accepted for this summer’s Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps program on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Security ramped up at government buildings, Proud Boy leader out on bond, mass coronavirus vaccination centers planned on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii stepping up security at state Capitol and all government buildings. Gov. David Ige said Monday that Hawaii’s law enforcement agencies are taking appropriate steps to ensure security at the state Capitol and all government buildings after the FBI issued a warning that armed protests are possible at state capitols across the country in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii ‘Proud Boy’ Released From Custody, Still Faces Charge In DC. Nicholas Ochs is a self-professed member of a violent, far-right extremist organization that stormed the U.S. Capitol along with other supporters of President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Judge grants bond for ‘Proud Boys Hawaii’ founder. The founder of “Proud Boys Hawaii” accused of unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol building in connection with Wednesday’s siege was released from federal custody today. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Grants Release For Hawaii Proud Boys Leader Charged In Capitol Insurrection. The Hawaii man arrested in connection with last week's armed riot at the U.S. Capitol made his first appearance in federal court today and was released on bail. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Proud Boys Hawaii” leader released on bond, not allowed to travel out of Oahu for alleged involvement in US Capitol riot. Nicholas Ochs, the founder of Proud Boys Hawaii, has been released from custody. KHON2.

Federal judge grants Hawaii Proud Boys leader release from prison, restricts travel. One of the people in custody for their involvement in last week's riot at the nation's Capitol, Nick Ochs -- the founder of the Hawaii Proud Boys, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday. KITV4.

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Effort to expand local share of Hawaii's military spending. While Hawaii's tourism industry was hit hard during the pandemic, the state's second largest sector of the economy is going strong. Now some want even more effort to draw in defense spending. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Tech Workers Earn a Median $79,040 Per Year. Hawaiʻi employs 10,890 tech workers who earn a median annual wage of $79,040, which is 78 percent more than the median annual wage for all occupations in Hawaiʻi at $44,400, according to researchers at Spanning, a company that provides backup and recovery for software applications. Maui Now.

DOE finds a way to spare hundreds of teaching positions, but hundreds more at risk. Education Department officials have revised downward the number of teaching positions that will to be slashed amid the ongoing fiscal crisis. But even the rosier picture calls for hundreds of jobs lost. Hawaii News Now.

New legislation could be coming to stop illegal fireworks from entering the state. State lawmakers say they have gotten calls from constituents since November asking for something to be done to stop them from going off through all hours of the night. KHON2.

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Local leaders step up to protect children from human trafficking. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Child and Family Service say families seeking help for sex abuse has increased since the pandemic by about 20%. Hawaii News Now.

Local officials and nonprofits remind public of the dangers of human trafficking. Monday is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. KHON2.

Human trafficking, sexual violence cases triple amid pandemic. According to John Tobon, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu, the human trafficking industry amasses $150 billion in global profits annually. KITV4.

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ACLU Urges State To Allow At-Risk Inmates To Be Vaccinated Early. Inmates and staff at correctional facilities are being infected at a higher rate than anyone else. Civil Beat.

ACLU calls for prisoner vaccinations. The American Civil Liberties Union Hawaii is urging the state to make sure inmates are included in its vaccination plan. KITV4.

Green: Hawaii ‘doing OK’ despite recent COVID-19 surge. Although the number of COVID-19 cases statewide is still in triple-digit territory amid a post-holiday surge, case counts seem to be on the decline. Tribune-Herald.

Vaccine data added to DOH dashboard. The state Department of Health has added information on the number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Hawaii to its online data portal. Maui News.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 11: 172 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 172 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Monday, including 108 on Oahu, 33 on Maui, 20 on the Big Island, one on Kauai and 10 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mass vaccination centers planned on Oahu to administer COVID-19 doses. Health officials are hoping to administer as many as 100,000 shots this month and up to 150,000 doses monthly in February, March, April and May. Star-Advertiser.

State finalizing plan to launch 2 mass vaccination sites in Honolulu. The state is finalizing a plan to launch two mass vaccination sites in Honolulu ― one at Pier 2 and the other at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said. Hawaii News Now.

Mass COVID-19 vaccinations for Phase 1B expected to start next Monday. KHON2.

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Blangiardi to hold off on tier changes as COVID-19 cases surge. Honolulu’s new mayor will hold off on any changes to the tier system, after a surge in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. KHON2.

Comments sought on Waikiki beach stabilization. A plan is moving forward to keep Waikiki’s existing beaches from disappearing and create a “new” beach near the shoreline of the Halekulani Hotel, which has been devoid of dry sand for years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council committee to consider resolution in support of Dillingham Airfield. A Honolulu City Council committee will consider a resolution Tuesday introduced by Heidi Tsuneyoshi asking the state to work with “interested parties” including legislators, business groups and the Army “to ensure the continuance of general aviation” at Dillingham Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

Dillingham Airfield Still Set to Close in June. With unemployment in Hawaii at some of the highest levels in the country, a group of local business owners are pushing back on a state plan to end commercial operations at Oahu’s Dillingham Airfield. Hawaii Public Radio.

DHHL chair says Kapolei casino would be built on land not zoned for homes.  Defending gambling at the state capitol Monday, the chairman of the Hawaiian Home Lands program was peppered with questions from lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Host company sold to private investors. Some wealthy local and mainland investors have bought financially struggling kamaaina candy maker Hawaiian Host Group. Star-Advertiser.

Pet adoption on the road: Humane Society to launch mobile services van. The Hawaiian Humane Society is preparing to launch their new mobile adoption center which will bring animals in need of home out to the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth remains hospitalized after heart attack. Mayor Mitch Roth remained hospitalized Monday at Hilo Medical Center after suffering a heart attack Saturday evening in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Roth Recovering at HMC After Suffering a Heart Attack. Mayor Mitch Roth remains at Hilo Medical Center where he is recovering after suffering a heart attack on Saturday evening in South Kohala. Big Island Now.

Kern seeks ethics opinion: Planning director to address Board of Ethics on Wednesday. Planning Director Zendo Kern is seeking guidance from the Board of Ethics on potential conflicts of interest in his duties directing the operations of the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo chancellor responds to criticism from Faculty Congress. The University of Hawaii at Hilo Faculty Congress has criticized Chancellor Bonnie Irwin’s tentative budget cut plans as the university faces a potential $5.7 million reduction. Tribune-Herald.

More than 150 residents, staff vaccinated for COVID-19 during Regency at Hualalai clinic. CVS Pharmacy administered the first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to 114 residents and 49 team members, said Executive Director Stephen Hicks. West Hawaii Today.

Organizers: ’Unmasked flash mob’ canceled. An “unmasked flash mob” planned Saturday at the new Kailua-Kona Safeway has been called off, organizers said Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

New Penn gym could be open by August. Construction to convert the old Hilo Lanes bowling alley property into a commercial center continues, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Approximately Three Dozen People Turned Away from Maui Drive-In Vaccination Clinic, Invited to Return on Wednesday. Out of the 750 people who showed up for the clinic, Maui District Health Officer, Dr. Lorrin Pang said 90 percent were from outside the clinic’s priority group, which was still attempting to finish vaccinations for those in the 1A priority grouping (which includes health care workers and long-term care facility residents). Maui Now.

Maui Health expands COVID-19 vaccine clinic to additional CDC phases. Maui Health is expanding their COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to include Hawaii residents that fall within the CDC identified Phase 1A and Phase 1B vaccine prioritization timeline. KITV4.

Officials hopeful holiday surge is over, Maui asks for modifications to current rules after spike in cases. Maui continues to report double digit case numbers after a cluster broke out at the Harbor Lights Condominium Complex in Kahului in December. To date, there have been 97 cases reported in the county. KHON2.

Maui County Officials: “Closing Business Will Not Solve the Problem of Community Spread”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has requested the approval of new rules for the County of Maui as the number of new COVID-19 cases remain elevated.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Vaccine rollout for educators begins. Groups vaccinated this week include front-line essential workers, including teachers and staff at schools, preschools and daycares, those working in food or agricultural settings, grocery stores, postal workers and residents of small care homes. Garden Island.

Kauai teachers and child care workers are first in the industry to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. On Monday, more than 500 people registered for a shot. KITV4.

Kupuna over 75 can sign up for vaccines. Hospitals around the island are equipping to vaccinate kupuna over 75 beginning this Friday, Jan. 15. Garden Island.

Utah man arrested not once, but twice for violating Kauai’s traveler quarantine. To date, Kauai officials say police have made 192 arrests of quarantine violators. All individuals who are arrested are subject to up to one year in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Realtors See Uptick In People Buying Houses Sight-Unseen. Relocations to Kauai from the mainland have become so common that it’s hard to drive more than a few miles on the island without seeing multiple out-of-state license plates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ICU beds at 60% capacity, SHOPO sues Kauai to halt disciplined officers' names release, 1-year-old hospitalized with COVID-19, shuttle planned to top of Mauna Kea, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Kayakers on the Ala Wai ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ala Wai flood control project tweaks add costs, pump station. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made dramatic changes to its Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project, which increase costs and add a four-story pump station to the historic Ala Wai Canal, where controversial walls and berms already are planned. Star-Advertiser.

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DOH releases new data showing current capacity at intensive care units. New data released by the Department of Health on Wednesday shows intensive care units across the state are almost at 60% capacity. But only 16 of the 143 beds occupied are being used for patients who tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

State COVID cases tied to clusters. Hawaii’s contact tracing program has identified clusters of the coronavirus spreading among households, workplaces and gatherings among friends and family. Star-Advertiser.

Vet learns the hard way that the VA isn’t a 'trusted partner’ in pre-travel testing program. There are more than 1,200 Veterans Affairs clinics and hospitals nationwide, but a negative COVID-19 test result from any of those won’t help a visitor or returning resident avoid Hawaii’s quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Residents React to Nearing COVID Vaccine. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said Hawai‘i’s expected timeline for the arrival of the first vaccines remains late December 2020 or early January of next year. Big Island Now.

Local COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial subjects excited about results. 400 participants of the trial are from Hawaii. KHON2.

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Military community bristles at Trump campaign claim of voter fraud in Nevada; allegation includes several who moved to Hawaii. Among a list of 3,062 individuals accused of “criminal voter fraud” in Nevada by President Donald Trump’s campaign are at least four people who moved to “JBPHH,” which stands for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and who are almost certainly military members. Star-Advertiser.

Over Half Of Hawaii’s Workers’ Comp COVID-19 Claims Are Initially Denied. Coronavirus-related claims are being denied at higher rates than other claims because it’s hard to prove whether an employee caught the virus at work. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Deputy Sheriffs Finally On Track For National Accreditation. Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety makes progress in accrediting state deputy sheriffs nearly decade after state law required it. Civil Beat.

Charter school commission criticized for ‘erroneous’ rejections of new applicants. At a time when demand for charter schools are on the rise, the agency that regulates charter schools has come under harsh criticism for denying applications from new schools. Hawaii News Now.

State moves to limit spread of coffee fungus. Following the discovery of coffee leaf rust on two islands, the state Department of Agriculture is moving to enact emergency rules aimed at preventing the notorious pest from spreading to the rest of the state. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 11: 118 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Of those new cases, 85 were on Oahu, 23 were on the Big Island, six were on Maui, three were on Kauai and one was a resident diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Dozens rally outside Honolulu Hale, call to resume outdoor teams sports on Oahu. About 80 or so people gathered along the sidewalks near or at the intersection of Punchbowl Street and King Street as a growing number of people are now calling for permission to play outdoor sports again. Star-Advertiser.

City Christmas celebration to be smaller, but will still go on says Mayor Caldwell. Normally, by this time of year, the city’s famous holiday tree would have been selected, cut down, delivered and displayed on the front lawn. But with the coronavirus pandemic, Honolulu Mayor Mayor Caldwell says a more cautious approach is needed. KHON2.

340 high rise buildings have to be inspected by May 2021, HFD reports the process hasn't started in nearly half of them. If inspections aren't competed by the deadline, management of those buildings could face citations for not meeting the the fire-code. There's 340 buildings on the island that need to be inspected by May 3, 2021. Honolulu Fire Department Captain Ari Agpaoa says the process hasn't even started at about 160 of those high-rises. KITV4.

Kam Drive-In residential towers plan is recast. A local development partnership has arranged to take over a long-stalled $800 million plan to turn the former Kam Drive-In movie theater site in Aiea into a high-rise housing complex. Star-Advertiser.

Items from Alan Wong’s flagship restaurant up for auction. Alan Wong’s flagship location on King Street shut its doors after 25 years in business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the items from the restaurant are on the auction block. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pilot program proposed for shuttle service to top of Maunakea. The University of Hawaii might develop a regular shuttle service to the top of Maunakea after a proposal for such a program was submitted earlier this week. Tribune-Herald.

New Management at Hilo Veterans Home to Take Over January 1. Veterans Day celebrations in Hilo will be especially meaningful in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak that claimed the lives of 27 residents at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Public Radio.

One-year-old child tests positive for coronavirus on Big Island. A one-year-old child on the Big Island tested positive for COVID-19 and is hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center. KITV4.

Combating coffee leaf rust: Hawaii leaders creating plans to fight new pest. Since the discovery of coffee leaf rust was confirmed on Hawaii Island in October, the coffee community — from individual farmers to the state’s Department of Agriculture — has been working to find ways to combat the spread of the pest. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County homeless bill sparks ‘firestorm’. Introduced by Council Member Tasha Kama, the proposed bill would ban the giving of goods and money to homeless people in county-owned areas without simultaneously providing “wrap-around services” by recognized providers. Maui News.

$500,000 Awarded for Development of West Maui Transit-Oriented Corridor Master Plan. The County of Maui Department of Planning was awarded $500,000 from the State Office of Planning to develop a transit-oriented development corridor master plan for West Maui. Maui Now.

Multi-service veterans center still in the works. In the works for more than a decade, the project had been slated for empty state land next to Maui High School — but is now looking for a new home. Maui News.

Lanai residents to test COVID-19 app. Lanai residents will be the first in the state to participate in a pilot project involving a smartphone application that notifies people that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Maui News.

As lockdown lifts on Lanai, residents are left confused over rules. Local leaders held a zoom meeting for community members Wednesday evening to answer questions about what’s now allowed. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

SHOPO suing to stop release of names of disciplined officers. Hawaii’s police union is suing Kauai’s chief of police over new steps at transparency. The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) wants to keep the names of disciplined officers secret. Hawaii News Now.

Permits granted for renewed ‘Oma‘o hub. New operations are on the horizon for ‘Oma‘o Ranch Lands, LLC. with the approval of new permits from the Planning Commission this past Tuesday. Garden Island.

Kauai reports 4 travel-related coronavirus cases in 2 days. One new, travel-related case of COVID-19 was reported for Kauai today, according to the county’s district health office. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua’i home sales look to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic. The Kaua‘i real estate market experienced a 26.04% drop in sales across every category from 2019 to 2020 at the end of the third quarter, according to information provided by Sirois Kaua‘i, a partner of Corcoran Pacific Properties. Garden Island.

Surgeon general faces arraignment on charges of Honolulu COVID-19 violation, coronavirus cases surge on Lanai, 5k soldiers face quarantine, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams to be arraigned for beach park closure violation. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and an aide are scheduled to be arraigned in an Oahu court next month after police cited the two men in late August for being in a Kaneohe park during a COVID-19 emergency order-­mandated closure of the island’s beach parks. Star-Advertiser.

US Surgeon General To Plead Not Guilty In Hawaii Virus Case. A lawyer for U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Wednesday that his client, who is charged with illegally entering a Hawaii public park that was closed because of the coronavirus, will plead not guilty. Associated Press.

Surgeon General to plead not guilty for emergency order violation. Vice Admiral Jerome Adams’ first court appearance was held on Oct. 21 via Zoom. KHON2.

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Lt. Gov. Green: State’s secondary surveillance testing hasn’t yet caught any positives. Ten percent of all travelers who tested negative in their pre-travel test are being asked to take a voluntary second coronavirus test four days after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s tourism reopening off to choppy start. The daily number of transpacific arrivals jumped when Hawaii started a pre-arrivals testing program to welcome travelers back. Now, one week into the state’s tourism reopening, visitor arrivals already have started leveling off. Star-Advertiser.

HTA releases latest number of passenger arrivals by air. On Tuesday a total of 5,105 people arrived in Hawai‘i from out of state. KITV4.

Hotels seek more communication with counties as they work to increase information flow to visitors. The American Hotel and Lodging Association, which represents about 160 hotels, said they have been working to improve the way visitors get information. KHON2.

New Video Informs Hawaiʻi Visitors Of Kuleana In Time Of Pandemic. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority says the Kuleana video was launched last week in coordination with Hawaii’s new pre-travel testing program, which started on October 15. Big Island Video News.

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Syphilis Cases in Women, Newborns Increasing Annually, DOH Reports. In Hawai‘i, the number of babies born with syphilis — known as congenital syphilis — ranged from zero to two cases per year from 2000 to 2016, three to four cases per year from 2017 to 2019, and 11 probable cases so far in 2020. Big Island Now.

Hawaii has another subpar response to the census, but officials claim 99.9% counted. The U.S. Census wrapped up its field operations last week with Hawaii coming in 37th when it comes to the percent of people who responded on their own. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats Rally To Defend Leeward House Seat In Eli-Garcia Race. The state House race between Democratic freshman Rep. Stacelynn Keahaulani Eli and Republican Diamond Garcia has become one of the hardest fought legislative contests this election as the GOP tries to gain ground in the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to resume East Coast service in December. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will reinstate its East Coast routes in December with twice-weekly nonstop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport and thrice-weekly service between Honolulu and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 21: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The COVID-19 cases recorded Wednesday included 65 on Oahu, four on Maui and nine on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Governor Approves Next Stage In Oahu Reopening Plan. Gov. David Ige on Wednesday signed the City and County of Honolulu’s new emergency order that will ease some business restrictions starting at midnight. Civil Beat.

Oahu enters Tier 2 of reopening plan, easing more COVID-19 restrictions. Oahu is moving into Tier 2 of its reopening plan Thursday, easing some COVID-19 restrictions but keeping others in place. The governor signed off on the city’s new emergency order Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s Emergency Order implementing Tier 2 approved by Governor Ige. Based on Emergency Order No. 2020-29, starting on Thursday, October 22, the City will operate under Tier 2 of Honolulu’s Reopening Strategy. KITV4.

Mayor Caldwell looks to boost COVID enforcement, which state auditor finds insufficient. The enforcement of quarantine rules for visitors that don’t have a negative COVID-19 test, or haven’t taken a test, will be difficult. KHON2.

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HART chief says plans to reduce the rail project’s scope are being discussed. Honolulu transit chief Andrew Robbins acknowledged to a City Council committee Wednesday that his staff is now looking seriously at building the financially strapped rail project in phases, a move that may lead to construction halting short of Ala Moana or without 21 stations as has been envisioned for more than a decade. Star-Advertiser.

Councilman calls for release of fire chief’s performance evaluations. Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves' annual evaluations have not been submitted to the City Council in five years, according to Councilman Tommy Waters. Hawaii News Now.

Soldiers Will Be Tested Before Returning To Hawaii But Will Still Quarantine. Five thousand soldiers from the Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade are currently working to renew their certification to deploy at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Civil Beat.

No Rest For The Homeless: Bill Would Ban Sitting Almost Anywhere On Oahu. City and state officials say housing is the answer to homelessness. But criminalization can be more politically expedient. Civil Beat.

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Election, coronavirus pandemic may have led to growing interest in firearms on Oahu. Oahu has experienced a spike in firearm permits issued and firearms registered this year, the Honolulu Police Department has reported. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Bailout Money Is Speeding Up Gun Permits But Help With Rent Still Lags. New data released by Honolulu shows police continue to rack up overtime but a hardship relief fund to help people pay their bills is about to be maxed out. Civil Beat.

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More Oahu motorists can renew licenses via mail. More Oahu motorists will be able to renew their driver licenses by mail under policy changes announced by the city today. Star-Advertiser.

O'ahu residents now have the ability to renew drivers licenses, IDs by mail. Residents on O'ahu can now replace their state identification card and renew certain driver licenses by mail if they meet certain requirements. KITV4.

Mail-in services expanded, reducing need for in-person trips to the DMV. The city is trying to catch up after more than 78,000 DMV appointments were canceled because of the COVID lockdowns. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Closed-door meeting decides development: Council members work with developers to amend controversial bill. Two County Council members are meeting behind closed doors with developers of a controversial Kailua-Kona development, trying to work out a deal after proposed changes to the project received negative recommendations from the county Planning Department and Leeward Planning Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Council members support Mill Beach trail resolution. The Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday in support of a resolution to seize through eminent domain portions of a Papaikou property containing a trail to Mill Beach. Tribune-Herald.

Committee supports plan to reduce fatalities. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders are three times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident on the Big Island than white drivers, according to a county task force attempting to reduce traffic fatalities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State lacks testing options for Canadians. While Maui tends to see more Canadian visitors than any other island, the state’s pre-travel testing program lacks options for Canadian visitors to be tested in their country before flying to Hawaii. Maui News.

Pūlehu Solar Unveils Updated Project Design. The proposed 40 MW Pūlehu Solar and Energy Storage project to be located near Pūlehu Road on Maui could provide enough clean energy to power approximately 15,000 Maui island homes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kouchi calls for more visitor info. State Senate President and Lihu‘e resident Ronald D. Kouchi sent a letter Tuesday to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association requesting information about measures and programs to proactively ensure that visitors are informed of state and Kaua‘i County orders and rules. Garden Island.

County has spent 66% of CARES Act funds. As of the end of September, the County of Kaua‘i has spent about 66% of its state-allocated federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Council passes housing bill. The Kaua‘i County Council, almost 10 months and five drafts later, passed Bill No. 2774 on Wednesday, amending the county’s housing policy in an attempt to better address a staggering housing crisis faced by the county. Garden Island.

Lanai

Cluster of COVID-19 cases growing on Lanai with at least 20 known infections. Just a day after Lanai reported its first COVID-19 cases, the island’s medical facilities said they have recorded 20 positive cases so far. Hawaii News Now.

State Senator says there are at least 23 COVID-19 cases on Lana'i. There are at least 23 COVID-19 cases on Lana'i, according to State Senator Kalani English. KITV4.

Lāna‘i Shutdown Sought as COVID-19 Count Tops 20, Described as “Tip of the Iceberg”. Medical and government leaders are calling for a shutdown of the island of Lāna‘i and mass testing as COVID-19 positive cases on the island had surged to upwards of 20 by Wednesday night. Maui Now.

Pentagon guards military COVID-19 numbers, visiting vets grounded, coronavirus threatens hospital capacity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HMAS Stuart, Royal Australian Navy, cruises Hawaii shore Aug. 22, 2020, ©2020 All Hawaii News

Military COVID-19 Rates Are Public in Guam, Japan And Korea. Why Not In Hawaii?. Commanders initially released COVID-19 cases numbers on Hawaii bases until the Pentagon ordered them to stop. The state Department of Health as agreed to keep numbers secret, too. Civil Beat.

Visiting vets grounded as program commemorating end of WWII is slashed due to virus. Coy Pfaff’s graceful 1943 PBY Catalina has been flying for at least the past three days from Honolulu airport to Kaneohe Bay, taking military, VIPs and media out to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the flying boat in conjunction with the upcoming 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Star-Advertiser.

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Lt. Gov. Green repeats call for stronger mandates as Hawaii sees another day with 200-plus cases. Sunday was the fifth straight day that Hawaii saw more than 200 new COVID-19 cases. It’s an alarming situation — and one that Lt. Gov. Josh Green says is unsustainable. Hawaii News Now.

Officials say continuing triple-digit rise in COVID-19 cases will put a strain on hospitals. Hawaii Department of Health officials reported 248 new coronavirus cases Sunday, adding to a surge of COVID-19 cases that health officials warn is putting a strain on the health care system, especially hospitals. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials reveal Oahu hospitals are becoming full. As of Sunday, there were 253 COVID-19 patients in the hospital and healthcare workers and doctors are warning hospitals on Oahu could be at maximum capacity by the end of the week. KHON2.

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IHS worker is the latest fatality as Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases climb by 284. Hawaii’s latest reported death from COVID-19 was a 36-year-old front-line worker at the Institute for Human Services who helped the homeless and others in need. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 cluster at Institute for Human Services hits 66% of those exposed. The COVID-19 outbreak at the Institute for Human Services, which took the life of a staff member on Friday, also has resulted in positive tests for about 66% of the clients who were exposed at the men’s shelter. Star-Advertiser.


Family remembers Willie Reopoamo Talamoa who passed away from coronavirus. Willie Reopoamo Talamoa worked at Institute for Human Services in Iwilei. KHON2.

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$10M in federal relief money to go to nontourism jobs in Hawaii. A section within Senate Bill 126, which breaks down how the relief money will be spent, allocates $10 million for “retraining and workforce development programs” to help Hawaii transition from its tourism-heavy economy. Star-Advertiser.

The Tremendous Cost Of Feeding The Hungry In Hawaii. The Hawaii Foodbank is shutting down expensive large distribution events as costs have climbed from $400,000 in 2019 to $5.1 million so far during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

As public schools move fully online, DOE says some students don’t have needed equipment. Full distance learning will begin for most public schools Monday. But officials admit some students won’t have the equipment they need to connect to online classrooms. Hawaii News Now.

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Governor considers layoffs, program cuts to address budget crisis. Gov. David Ige is asking department heads to plan for budget cuts of up to 20% by identifying programs and employees that can be eliminated. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige declines to address open-records request. Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s office declined to provide copies of communications about the coronavirus that his staff exchanged with the state Department of Health, the tourism industry and other organizations. Associated Press.

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Since April, Hawaii nonprofit has sent 200 quarantine violators home. A local nonprofit says it has helped send more than 200 quarantine violators back home since April. Through the COVID-19 Flight Assistance Program, the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii has arranged flights for people who come to the islands and don’t follow the rules. Hawaii News Now.

Teen vaping on the rise: Nearly half of high schoolers have tried e-cigarettes. Nearly half of Hawaii high school students and a third of middle school students have tried e-cigarettes, data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. West Hawaii Today.

Vaping rises to alarming rates among Hawaii youth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 48.3% of Hawaii's high school students and 30.6% of middle school students have tried e-cigarettes. KITV4.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 23: 248 New Cases In Hawaii. There have been 6,600 cases confirmed in Hawaii since the start of the pandemic. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 248 New Cases Today; IHS Worker Dies Of COVID-19. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 248 new COVID-19 cases today. That brings the state's total to 6,600 cases. Total deaths remain at 47. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH Reports 248 New COVID-19 Cases Sunday. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 248 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 6,600 since DOH began tracking the pandemic in late February. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Beaches, Parks, Trails Closed? Honolulu Mayor’s COVID-19 Rules Defy Science, Experts Say. Epidemiologists say keeping beaches, parks and hiking trails shut down without justification could backfire, driving people indoors and increasing distrust in government at a critical time. Civil Beat.

2 coronavirus cases reported at UH-Manoa as campus begins fall semester. As the University of Hawaii at Manoa gets ready to start the fall semester Monday, two more coronavirus cases have been reported on campus. Hawaii News Now.

Minor at Kapolei juvenile detention center tests positive for COVID-19. A minor recently admitted to the Hale Hoomalu Juvenile Detention Facility in Kapolei has tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim expresses doubts about ‘bubble’ resorts. While the mayors of Maui and Kauai discussed a “bubble” policy to reduce quarantine requirements, Hawaii County will for now pursue other options. Tribune-Herald.

Leeward Planning Commission gives OK to airport hotel proposal. A new land use designation paving the way for a hotel to be built at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport was passed unanimously Thursday by the Leeward Planning Commission and now makes its way to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Airport screener: ‘You can kind of tell’ who plans to skirt rules. Quarantine breakers offer telltale signs right off the airplane. Maui News.

Maui Contact Tracing Includes 24 Health Investigators and 20 National Guard Soldiers. Contact tracing on Maui includes 24 health investigators and 20 Hawaiʻi National Guard soldiers, according to a spokesperson with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Maui Now.

Maui Council Committee to Consider Improvements to Sunshine Law. The Governance, Ethics and Transparency Committee will consider whether to ask the state Legislature to amend the Sunshine Law to allow for remote meetings.  The committee meeting will take place online on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Maui Now.

Island musicians look for creative ways to survive. Virtual concerts, expanding their music while waiting out the coronavirus. Maui News.

Former plantation communities in Hawaii that pivoted to tourism are once again struggling to cope with economic calamity. The dusty sidewalks of Paia are mostly empty these days and there’s parking galore, an eerie sight in the former plantation town that survived the demise of the sugar industry by transforming into a tourism magnet trading on its rural heritage and charm. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Contact tracers prepare for a surge. State Department of Health Kaua’i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman said her office is hiring a few more University of Hawai‘i-trained contact tracers. Garden Island.

Council holds another session for stakeholders. Stakeholders, including developers and affordable-housing advocates, weighed in on what they like and don’t like about the county’s housing policy, and proposals on improving Ordinance 860. Garden Island.

Luxury Camping At $500 A Night On Kauai? A Glamping Resort Could Be Coming Soon. Three holes at the former Princeville Resort Woods golf course are being eyed by the developer for about 50 tent structures under a proposal quietly being discussed. Civil Beat.

Ige shares budget-balancing plan, Hawaiian Airlines scales back mainland service proposal, teachers and state strike back-to-school distancing deal, Molokai vacation rental owners sue over limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pandemic reopening navigator

How This Special Legislative Committee Has Worked To Keep Hawaii’s Economy Afloat. The House COVID committee has drawn on the expertise and clout of its members to work behind the scenes and help the Ige administration work through the state’s biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Governor details how he plans to shore up $2.3B budget shortfall. With tourism at a standstill and other sectors of the state’s economy just hobbling along, Hawaii is facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that the governor says he plans to shore up with a big loan from the US Treasury and budget cuts to state agencies. It’s the first time Gov. David Ige has offered specifics on how he plans to address the shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to scale back plans to resume service. Reinstating several North America routes remain on hold but its current schedule stays on track. KITV4.

More military contracts could aid Hawaii economy. The federal government inked about $2.3 billion in defense contracts in Hawaii in 2019, with about $1.3 billion going to local businesses, an official with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Most Hawaii parents want kids in school at least part time, survey shows. About 70% of families report that their children learned “much less” or “somewhat less” when public school campuses were closed last quarter to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, new survey results show. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education and teachers’ union agree on six feet of separation in classrooms. Hawaii’s public schools and the teachers’ union have agreed that students desks will be spaced six feet apart in classrooms in the new academic year, with anything less requiring a special exception. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE, Teachers Union Agree To 6-Feet Spacing Rule. The teachers union and DOE came to an agreement that 6 feet of spacing in classrooms will be the norm, with anything less than that requiring a contract exception. Civil Beat.

Teachers union, DOE agree to keep students farther apart this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Department of Education reached an agreement on physical distancing in classrooms as schools prepare to start the new academic year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Funding cut for pre-K program leaves families scrambling for care. State lawmakers cut the funding for seven positions at campuses involved in the Executive Office on Early Learning's Public Prekindergarten Program for at-risk and underserved families. Hawaii News Now.

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June bankruptcies in Hawaii surged amid COVID crisis. The anticipated increase in Hawaii bankruptcies finally might be emerging as the state’s extended tourism lockdown and severe unemployment crisis take their toll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s massive unemployed population dependent on soon-expiring federal assistance. Nearly 250,000 Hawaii residents remain out of work, and will have their $600 weekly unemployment insurance payment from the federal government expire on July 31. KHON2.

Securitas is hiring, and they’re hosting a virtual job fair. While many in Hawaii face unemployment, few companies are looking to hire. One of those companies is Securitas. They’re hosting a virtual job fair Wednesday and Thursday for interested applicants. Available are more than hundred officer positions statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Hawaii visitor arrivals sinks to lowest level since June. The tourists keep coming even though the state still hasn’t officially reopened Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Residents snub reopening for tourism, survey finds. A majority of Hawaii residents oppose reopening tourism amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawmakers question whether more contact tracers are needed as more cases linked to clusters found. On Tuesday, 22 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) officials say many cases are tied to clusters. KHON2.

Hawaii inmate Tests Positive For COVID-19. The defendant and any exposed staff at the federal facility are in quarantine for 14 days. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 14: 22 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The quarantine remains in place for all incoming travelers, but schools are still on schedule to open next month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: 22 New Cases Today. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. Nineteen cases are reported on Oahu, and three are on Hawaii Island. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

To date, Oahu has recorded 960 positive tests, followed by Maui County with 135 cases, Hawaii County with 105 and Kauai County with 43. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Oahu bars, restaurants not allowed to serve liquor after midnight. Oahu bars and restaurants on Tuesday were ordered to stop serving liquor after midnight effective immediately in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

New mandate forces bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight in Honolulu. With cases increasing every day, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is looking at ways to curb the spread of the virus. KHON2.

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Clusters blamed as Hawaii sees 22 new coronavirus cases. A pau hana gathering among construction workers, workplace training at Hawaiian Airlines, exercise in indoor gyms, birthday parties, barbecues and other social gatherings are to blame for a surge in coronavirus cases, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns grow over schools reopening after infection at summer fun program. A 6-year-old attending a summer fun program in Aiea tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, raising concerns about Hawaii schools reopening in just a few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kym Marcos Pine says her top priority as mayor would be putting tourism in its place. Kym Marcos Pine has a vision for Oahu with far less tourism and far more homegrown jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Traveling Physician at Ka‘ū Hospital Tests Positive for COVID-19. Lt. Governor Josh Green confirmed Tuesday to Big Island Now that a traveling doctor hired at Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for the coronavirus last week. A town hall featuring Green and Mayor Harry Kim was held in Pahala Monday night to assuage the fears of the community there. Big Island Now.

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Lee Loy amendment to fix ‘lame’ requirement of permits for window AC units. In the wake of a Department of Public Works press release that drew scorn when it was re-posted on Mayor Harry Kim’s official Facebook page, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has written an amendment to the construction code clarifying that building permits are not required to install a window air conditioning unit. West Hawaii Today.

County Considers Dropping Permit Requirement For Window-Mounted Air Conditioners. The Hawaiʻi County Council will consider amending the construction code at an upcoming meeting, following a social media stir over the permit requirement. Big Island Video News.

Portable, Window-Mounted Residential Air-Conditioning Units Exempt From Permit Requirements. An amendment is coming to legislation that will develop the framework for Hawai‘i County’s updated construction code. Big Island Now.

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New physician assistant program could boost Big Isle health care. A physician assistant program from Washington will expand to West Hawaii this fall, but ultimately will improve access to medical care throughout Hawaii Island and the state. Tribune-Herald.

Free Financial Navigator Service Tackles COVID-19 Troubles. The County of Hawaiʻi has partnered with the national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help resident navigate COVID-related financial issues. Big Island Video News.

Maui


Old UHMC Dorms Repurposed for Emergency Housing Project. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. Maui Now.

Emergency Housing Project in Kahului blessed on Tuesday. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. KITV4.

Kauai

Discounts bringing locals out. With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension. Garden Island.

Free emergency water containers. There are two more days when people have the opportunity to get free emergency water containers from the county Department of Water — today at the Waimea High School grab-and-go meal site, and Thursday at the Kapa‘a High School grab-and-go meal site. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Vacation Rental Owners File Lawsuit To Lift Restrictions. A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Property owners sue over Molokai rental ban action. Permits set to expire at end of year; owners look to get them reinstated. Maui News.

Spike in COVID-19 cases, holes in testing protocol threaten Hawaii reopening plans, doctor calls for halt to quarantine lifting, governor to meet with mayors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, Department of Health

Experts say Hawaii on track to see more spikes in COVID-19 cases. With COVID-19 cases spiking and mask wearing mixed, some experts are concerned that the new number of new infections will continue to swell. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s CVS trans-pacific testing partnership leaves holes for 72-hour window. To help with testing travelers, the state has partnered with CVS, but there may be some issues with the program, including a requirement that would make the partnership practically useless to Hawaii residents. KHON2.

Mayors to meet with governor on plans to lift travel quarantine amid COVID-19 spike. On Wednesday, Governor David Ige will meet with county mayors to discuss plans moving forward. KHON2.

Prominent Hawaii doctor says state should delay plan for trans-Pacific visitors. One of Hawaii’s most visible physicians on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic said Tuesday that Gov. David Ige should rethink the state’s plan to allow out-of-state visitors who arrive with a negative COVID-19 test in hand to bypass a 14-day quarantine starting Aug. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says spike in new COVID-19 infections is manageable, but warns that could change. The governor sought Tuesday to reassure residents that an alarming spike in new COVID-19 infections is “manageable right now,” but warned that could change quickly and said more surges in infection might close some businesses or delay tourism’s reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige says Hawaii is ‘well prepared’ to deal with coronavirus spike as the state marks its highest daily increase in new cases. Hawaii officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the state marked its highest daily surge in new coronavirus cases since the start of the outbreak in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials react to highest case count in a single day since COVID-19 pandemic began. Governor David Ige claims the numbers are expected and manageable and that the state is prepared, while Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson calls the trends disturbing. KITV4.

State reports highest daily number of new COVID cases since March. Tuesday’s total was the largest reported daily number of cases since the state’s pandemic emergency was declared March 4, eclipsing the previous high of 34 cases on April 3. Tribune-Herald.

41 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i Marks Largest Single Day Increase. There are 41 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hawaiʻi today, marking the largest single day increase in cases since the pandemic began. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 7: 41 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. A record number of COVID-19 cases were confirmed Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, July 7th: 41 New Cases Reported. The majority of the newly reported COVID-19 cases are on Oʻahu, state health officials announced today at noon. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Updates: 41 New COVID Cases Set Record; Bar, Gym Clusters May Prompt Reopening Rollback. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported 41 new cases of COVID-19, a state record for daily cases since the pandemic began. Thirty-eight cases are on Oahu, 2 on Kauai and 1 on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

A colored placard system could soon identify businesses abiding by COVID precautions. The Health Department's Food Safety Branch said once the plan is approved by the Attorney General’s office, details will be released. But it could very well be similar to the health inspection placard system for restaurants and food safety. Hawaii News Now.

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Kouchi business gets PPP funds. A company that Hawaii Senate President Ronald Kouchi owns shares in and is employed by received a small business coronavirus relief loan from the U.S. government, according to data released by the Small Business Administration. Associated Press.

Lawmaker honored at memorial service held at state Capitol. Precautions to curb the spread of COVID-19 might have kept crowds of mourners away from Tuesday’s memorial service for state Sen. Breene Harimoto at the state Capitol, but legislative colleagues and other officials were there to offer ample praise for a man they described as humble and courageous. Star-Advertiser.

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U.S. steps up firepower as China consolidates gains in South China Sea. The USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier strike groups recently demonstrated what the Navy called “unmatched sea power” while conducting rare dual-carrier operations in the South China Sea, as military muscle flexing continues on both sides of growing discord in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Aggressive seaweed smothers one of world’s most remote reefs. Researchers say a recently discovered species of seaweed is killing large patches of coral on once-pristine reefs and is rapidly spreading across one of the most remote and protected ocean environments on earth. Associated Press.

Oahu

Mayoral candidates offer ideas for tackling homelessness. A dozen candidates for Honolulu mayor presented a wide variety of approaches to the vexing issue of homelessness on the island during an early morning forum Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Mufi Hannemann: He Was Mayor Once Before. Will That Help Or Hurt With Voters? In the Honolulu mayor’s race, a seasoned politician like Hannemann can tout his successes but also has a long record ripe for scrutiny.  Civil Beat.

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Mother and son among 4 city employees with positive coronavirus tests. Four city employees have now tested positive for COVID-19, including the latest: an employee who works out of a Halawa base yard clearing sewage wastewater drains and his mother, who works for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, city officials said today. Star-Advertiser.

4th Honolulu Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19. A mother and son tested positive as Hawaii hit its highest number of daily cases yet. Civil Beat.

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New program hopes to keep fishing afloat. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced a new “fish to dish” program to help Hawaii’s ailing fishing industry. Star-Advertiser.

City throws a line to the longline fishing industry with a new program. Nearly 350,000 fish portions will be distributed to Oahu families over the next five months. Hawaii News Now.

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Voters who miss registering online still have options. With the state this year switching to a “vote by mail” format, Oahu residents who don’t register online may register at voter service centers at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale from July 27 through Aug. 8, primary election day. Star-Advertiser.

New stadium plan expected to pass Senate. State lawmakers are poised this week to pass the last major piece of stadium legislation before the state begins soliciting bids for a public-private partnership in the development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. Star-Advertiser.

Iwilei ballrooms fall victim to pandemic. The Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery — dependent on large gatherings that are no longer allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — closed for good Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 Positive Individuals Visited Big Island on Business Trip, State Says. Details on the cluster were sparse and did not include the name of the business that planned the trip, the location from which the group traveled to the Big Island, or how many people were part of the group. Park did say that the interisland travelers in question visited both sides of Hawai‘i Island and that a few have already tested positive for COVID-19. The rest are currently under self-quarantine. Big Island Now.

Factory-built housing raises concerns: Council committee advances 197-page construction code revamp. A County Council panel tried to balance affordable housing and jobs Tuesday before advancing the framework for a revamped construction code folding in building, plumbing, electrical and energy components. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution calls for halt to controversial 5G development. The Hawaii County Council will consider pursuing action to bar 5G cellular network development on the Big Island until the controversial technology is proven to be safe. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would incentivize conservation, reforestation of native trees. As part of an effort to stimulate reforestation efforts on the Big Island, the County Council will consider a bill that would lower property taxes for owners of certain forest lands. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County not looking at furloughs, pay cuts. Governor said cuts may be inevitable as federal funds run out. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Monday that pay cuts and furloughs for county workers are not being considered at this time, but added that “nothing’s off the table” as Hawaii continues to feel the economic effects of COVID-19. Maui News.

Proposed Charter Amendments on Friday’s Council Agenda. Six proposals to reform the structure of Maui County’s government will be considered for passage on first reading on Friday at 9 a.m., Councilmember Michael J. Molina announced today. Maui Now.

Maui restaurants plead for rule changes to stay in business. The Maui Restaurant Hui estimates that there are 10,000 unemployed chefs, cooks, and staff members from the more than 150 eateries in the group. Hawaii News Now.

Maui home sales down 20% in June, but new listings increase. Home sales on Maui declined by more than 20% in June, compared to the same month last year, but new listings for both single-family homes and condominiums increased, and pending sales for single-family homes rose by 22%, according to statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KVB offers insights to reopening efforts. Part of Gov. David Ige’s announcement to reopen August 1 included a point that travelers may bypass the state-mandated 14-day quarantine by showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of landing. Garden Island.

Texas man, 36, arrested at Kauai hotel for violating quarantine rules after insisting on a taxi. Kauai police have arrested a Texas man for violating Hawaii’s mandatory, 14-day quarantine rule for out-of-state visitors after he insisted hotel staff call a taxi for him. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai Food Businesses Persist During Pandemic Thanks To Grant. With money from Common Ground, two companies are finding ways to scale up and pivot away from tourism despite COVID-19. Civil Beat.