Hawaii experts not worried about North Korea missiles, Ellison subsidizes Lanai gas, Gabbard leaving Democratic Party, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Experts say they're not worried about Nuclear Attack coming from North Korea right now. With five missile tests in 10 days, North Korea's actions have people concerned and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency keeping an eye on that part of the world. Two experts tell KITV4 they're not worried about a nuclear hit on Hawaii, because they don't believe North Korea has the technology to make an accurate hit on the island.  KITV4.

Hawaii’s hot tourism summer gives way to cooler fall. End-of-summer vacationers, mostly from the U.S., nearly filled Hawaii hotel rooms to pre-pandemic levels in August and drove the average daily room rate to almost $383 per night. Star-Advertiser.

Pace of traffic deaths eclipsing 2021. There were 90 traffic fatalities reported statewide in roughly the first nine months of this year, surpassing 66 from the same time frame in 2021, according to the state Department of Transportation’s preliminary statistics. Star-Advertiser.

Fighting For Workers Or Fleecing Them? An Ousted Honolulu Union Boss Faces His Reckoning. The trial of Brian Ahakuelo, accused of leading a conspiracy to line his pockets while head of IBEW Local 1260, begins Thursday. Civil Beat.

In race for governor, candidates play up differences on climate change, housing plans. In the race for governor, Josh Green is criticizing Duke Aiona for lacking substantial policies on climate change, but Aiona says Green’s clean energy plans sound just like the Lingle-Aiona administration. Hawaii News Now.

Former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard says she’s leaving Democratic Party. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii U.S. representative and one-time presidential candidate, announced that she’s no longer a Democrat on social media on Monday. In her video statement, she called the leaders of the party an “elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness.” Hawaii News Now.

Ballot tracking service available for Hawaiʻi voters. As the 2022 General Election ballots are prepared for mailing, election officials want to remind voters that they can sign up to receive ballot tracking alerts at elections.hawaii.gov. Voters can sign up to receive text, email, or voice alerts letting them know where their ballot is in the voting process. Maui Now. Garden Island.

Hawaii sees dramatic increase in fentanyl-related overdoses reported in September. Department of Health data shows fentanyl-related overdoses are happening on every major island in the state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kalihi rail construction to start ahead of schedule. The relocation of utilities along Dillingham Boulevard for the rail project should be underway ahead of schedule at the end of this year, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige meets with Stadium Authority ahead of announcing his new direction for project. Gov. David Ige has yet to reveal his “different direction” to rebuild Aloha Stadium more than three weeks after scrapping the previous plan, but his point person on the project says “it’s a stretch” to expect that private development will help defray maintenance costs of a new facility. Star-Advertiser.

Lack Of Shelter Space Poses A Challenge For Oahu’s Newest Homeless Program. As a city program that helps homeless people approaches its one-year mark, it has faced obstacles including a lack of shelter space and psychiatrists. But the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement program has taken 30 people off the streets and that’s a successful start, its director says. Civil Beat.

Kuilei Place high-rise in Moiliili would rival Oahu’s tallest buildings. A local developer is seeking to build a $619 million residential tower complex in Moiliili where major exemptions to building height and density limits will be needed to deliver the project with 1,005 predominantly moderate-price condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

City joins state in enforcement of illegal concrete pour at North Shore beachfront property. On a coastline already marred by illegal erosion barriers — the concrete and rebar reinforcement of this house owned by Josh Van Emmerik created a new level of outrage for Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Hawaii News Now.

Erosion at popular east Oahu beach marks emotional turning point for some residents. After decades of erosion, the city is trimming and removing trees at one of the nation’s top ranked beaches. Last week, two trees fell into the waters of Kailua Beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kimball named chairwoman, Inaba vice chairman of incoming County Council. Hamakua Councilwoman Heather Kimball has been selected chairwoman and North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba vice chairman of the new County Council that will take office in December. West Hawaii Today.

Saddle Road EIS terminated. The long-sought Daniel K. Inouye Highway extension in West Hawaii has hit another roadblock. Environmental studies, which are required for the project that would bring the cross-island route to Queen Kaahumanu Highway, have officially been terminated — the latest blow to the project in the works since 1999. West Hawaii Today.

State seeks to improve access to Hilo Harbor. The state Department of Transportation Harbors Division is seeking to acquire almost 10 acres of privately owned land on Kalanianaole Street near the entrance to the Port of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Former resident physician accuses Hilo Medical Center of breastfeeding discrimination. A former resident physician at a Hawaiʻi Island hospital is suing the institution for pregnancy-related workplace discrimination. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wanted: Ant samples from residents’ yards. Residents are urged to be on the lookout for little fire ants during what the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has called “Stop the Ant Month.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Contentious bill to limit outdoor lighting on Maui clears final council reading. The ordinance was passed due to concerns that bright, onshore lighting confuses seabirds and endangered sea turtles. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Land Use Commission approves public-private partnership in Waikapū, Maui. The approval allows Maui County to assume the developer’s required contribution toward a new Central Maui wastewater treatment plant, Waiʻale Road extension and improvements in exchange for 213 additional workforce units in the planned Waikapū Country Town community. Maui Now.

Maui food voucher program extended through December. The food vouchers from Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) were supposed to end in September. But the program will continue while funds remain. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Why Lanai Gas Prices Plunged Overnight From Hawaii’s Most Expensive To The Cheapest. Tech magnate Larry Ellison, who owns 98% of the island, bought Lanai’s only gas station and started subsidizing fuel prices on April 1. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Mayor Signs Bill To Increase Benefits to Farmers. Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed a bill last month that updates the county’s Agricultural Dedication program to provide increased benefits to farmers and lessen the burdensome red tape.  Kauai Now.

Celebrating Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuges. Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refuges Executive Director Thomas Daubert announced Saturday that National Wildlife Refuge Week starts Tuesday and continues through Sunday at various North Shore locations. Garden Island.

Support wanes for Hawaii missile defense system, Honolulu Police Department withheld arrest records on chief's son, Kauai ex-councilman sentenced to 20 years for meth ring, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii missile informational session ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Congressional Leaders Back Off Missile Defense System. After years of arguing in favor of a nearly $2 billion missile defense radar – first on Oahu, then on Kauai – Hawaii’s congressional delegation is backing away from the project. Civil Beat.

Multi-million dollar project aims to beef up security at state facilities targeted by crime. The state said tension during the COVID pandemic caused some state facilities to be targets of crime. KHON2.

Endangered species’ habitats not protected, group says. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was put on notice Wednesday that it is being sued for failing to designate and protect critical habitat for 49 endangered species found nowhere else but Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

UH Study: Hawaiʻi’s COVID Models, Responses, Lessons Learned. The study, written by a group from the Hawaiʻi Pandemic Applied Modeling Work Group chaired by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa faculty member Victoria Fan and which included UH-Mānoa researchers, examined different COVID-19 prediction models followed by subsequent policy decisions and lessons learned from the process. Big Island Now.

Surge in Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases continues for 9th consecutive week. The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday reported the state’s seven-­day average of new COVID-19 cases at 1,098 over the past week, representing the ninth consecutive weekly increase. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, jumped to 18.3% from 16.9% May 18.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Department reports 5 more coronavirus-related deaths, 8,924 new infections. By island, there were 6,475 new infections reported on Oahu, 1,102 on Hawaii Island, 772 on Maui, 443 on Kauai, 18 on Molokai and 11 on Lanai. Another 103 infections were reported out of state. DOH Director Dr. Libby Char has said the average daily case counts are likely five to six times higher than reported, given that results from home test kits are not officially tallied. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department defends actions following arrest of new police chief’s son. The Honolulu Police Commission is seeking an explanation from police leadership about why the felony arrest of newly appointed Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan’s 36-year-old son was initially concealed from the media and public. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Navy to get violation notice for over-pumping its only Oahu drinking water source. The state Commission on Water Resource Management will issue a notice of violation to the Navy for over-pumping its Waiawa shaft ― in a situation that environmentalists call worrisome. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s ERs are overrun with patients, but COVID is only part of the reason. A combination of staffing shortages and overall high patient volume are also contributing to Oahu’s packed ERs. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu Summer Fun Program will require keiki to wear face masks indoors. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says the move is a precautionary measure as new COVID cases continue to rise in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

County pays $135,000 to settle defamation lawsuit. Hawaii County has agreed to pay $135,000 to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by two former employees who said former county officials besmirched their reputations by telling a newspaper they’d been fired. West Hawaii Today.

Ige Releases $700K For Kolekole Bridge Work. A project to rehabilitate the Kolekole Stream Bridge in East Hawaiʻi received a financial boost from the governor’s office. Big Island Now.

Kalanianaole school play court clears final environmental hurdle. All systems are go for a new covered play court at Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School in Papaikou. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Victorino asks for “respectful masking” as COVID-19 case counts rise. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is calling for the public to use “respectful masking” and practice “COVIDsense” amid a rise in hospitalizations on Maui. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Cement looks to expand quarry by 45 acres. After hours of comparing reports and asking questions over drainage and future plans, the Maui Planning Commission Tuesday afternoon gave the go-ahead to Hawaiian Cement to increase the size of its quarry in Puunene by more than 45 acres. Maui News.

Maui Fire Department welcomes new $2.5M helicopter with added safety features. Maui County has upgraded its rescue and firefighting capabilities with the arrival of a new $2.5 million helicopter with enhanced safety and hoisting features. Star-Advertiser.

Large Nāpili house should not have gotten green light, Maui council member says. In the latest chapter for a controversial house that towers over other homes in Nāpili, Maui County Council Member Tamara Paltin said her investigation shows the developer shouldn’t have gotten a key exemption that allowed construction to bypass public input. Maui Now.

Kauai

Ex-Kauai Councilman Sentenced To 20 Years For Leading Meth Ring. Arthur Brun was a sitting Kauai County Council member when he led a methamphetamine ring supplied by an infamous prison gang. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Retaliation Accusations Could Sink Biden’s Nominee For US Marshal In Hawaii. Michael Contrades was a defendant in a federal lawsuit that settled for $1.8 million and included a provision that he stay away from the Kauai Police Department until his alleged victim no longer worked there. Civil Beat.

Judges appointed, Meyers to the District Court of the Fifth Circuit. Gregory H. Meyers has been appointed to the District Court of the Fifth Circuit, replacing retired Judge Edmund Acoba. He is currently employed with Meyers &Meyers, LLC. Garden Island.

Governor Ige wrapping up his final term, visit Kauai Chamber meeting. Gov. David Ige spoke on a wide range of subjects Wednesday during his final Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce Governor’s Luncheon as governor. Garden Island.

Hawaii residents want tourism limits, former Honolulu police chief begins prison, COVID-19 outbreak at Hilo jail, Manoa Falls trail to reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists, pre-COVID in Honolulu ©2021 All Hawaii News

  Hawaii residents support limits on tourism, a survey finds. As island tourism continues to rebound heading into summer, a new survey of residents finds support for better regulation of tourism, including more government controls that could lead to limiting numbers at popular destinations across the state and charging higher user fees to offset tourists’ impact across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Vacation Rentals Continue To See High Demand, But Regulations Create Uncertain Future. Vacation rentals again outperformed hotels in occupancy rate for the month of April. That's according to a recent report from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority tracking the monthly performance vacation rental units in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pentagon again denies funding for $1.9 billion Hawaii radar. Funding for the $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar- Hawaii has again been zeroed out in the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s proposed budget — a position that reflects evolving and competing defense priorities and could set up another challenge in Congress. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii is chosen for NOAA research institute. The University of Hawaii will receive up to $210 million over five years to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s new Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, it was announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

New incentives push Hawaiian Electric toward more clean energy. A portfolio of incentives that went into effect today will guide Hawaiian Electric as it operates under a new business model that emphasizes Hawaii’s clean energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

In rare move, lawmakers voted to eliminate job of well-paid university professor. Prof. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel has worked at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center for more than two decades, earning more than $300,000 a year. Hawaii News Now.

June 1, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 56 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 24 on O‘ahu (+6 probable); 19 on Hawai‘i Island; two on Maui (+1 probable); three on Kaua‘i; and two cases in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Federal funding leaves Honolulu budget in limbo. The Honolulu City Council is expected to decide on a budget today, although it has not yet been finalized how the $196 million in federal funds Oahu is expected to receive from the American Rescue Plan Act will be spent. Star-Advertiser.

Alternatives To The Last Honolulu Rail Leg? HART Releases A ‘Matrix’ Of Ideas. The FTA says it “will discuss all possible options” amid rail’s latest, massive cost increases and schedule delays. Civil Beat.

Ex-HPD chief begins 7-year prison sentence for crimes he now denies. Louis Kealoha is now a federal prison inmate. The ex-police chief of Honolulu surrendered at a facility in Sheridan, Oregon on Tuesday as ordered by a judge to begin serving a seven-year term. Hawaii News Now.

Assistant Chief Rade Vanic takes over as interim Honolulu police chief. The state’s largest law enforcement agency welcomed an interim leader Tuesday, announced the retirement of its second in command and began looking for qualified candidates to serve as Honolulu’s 12th police chief. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Tier 4 to increase capacity at restaurants but more workers are needed to meet demand. Mayor Rick Blangiardi sent a request to the governor to move into Tier Four, and a decision on that is expected to be announced this week. KHON2.

Oahu Neighborhood Board Election Winners Announced. This year, 495 candidates filed to run, and 402 were elected, the office said. Over 26,000 people voted, mostly online. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Popular Manoa Falls Trail to reopen on Saturday. The popular Manoa Falls Trail is set to reopen this Saturday after being closed for nearly two years for safety improvements, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Board Of Water Supply Keeps Shutoff Suspension Through July 31. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply will not shut off its customers' water if they can’t pay their water and sewer bills through July 31. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Coronavirus cases rise at HCCC: Total of 77 inmates, 9 staff members infected. A COVID-19 outbreak at Hawaii Community Correctional Center has grown to include 77 inmates and nine staff members, the state Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Updated COVID-19 Emergency Rules For Hawaii County. Rule No. 15 “opens commercial boating capacity to 100 percent, increases attendance at sporting events to 75 persons outdoors and 25 indoors, and defers all travel policies to the state’s Safe Travels program,” the Office of the Mayor says. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Planning Department outlines plan to fill CDP committees. Many of the citizen boards charged with advising the county on planning issues are getting by with holdover members whose terms have expired, and two don’t have enough members to make quorum, but progress is being made, Planning Department staff told a County Council panel Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

AT&T wants to place 5G tower on Saddle Road. Telecommunications company AT&T is seeking to erect a cell tower on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway about 13 miles from Waikoloa Village. Tribune-Herald.

Committee accepts statue donation, favors new location. After previously rejecting it in March, a Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday accepted the donation of a statue at Liliuokalani Gardens with the stipulation that it be moved. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County COVID testing program receives award. Maui County was recognized for its community-based COVID-19 testing programs with an achievement award in the health category from the National Association of Counties. Maui News.

Presentation: “Purifying Kīhei’s Wastewater with 
Green Infrastructure as an Alternative to Injection Wells,” June 9. Three new low cost, low energy, pilot green infrastructure systems that will be constructed in Kīhei this summer to purify water coming out of the Kīhei Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be the topic of a free Zoom presentation by Paul Sturm, Executive Director of Ridge to Reefs, on Wednesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

An Explosion Of Green Parakeets Is Causing Big Problems On Kauai. Wild rose-ringed parakeets feast on fruit and corn crops, screech noisily and attract rats. Civil Beat.

Corteva Agriscience leases unused greenhouses. A collaborative community network is using 11 shade houses being leased to The Monkey Pod, a Kaua‘i nonprofit that was registered in 2017 to support and grow sustainable communities through agriculture. Garden Island.

Bills live, die as Legislature reaches midpoint, missile defense radar still in limbo, athletic workouts, larger groups to be allowed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pounding taro root into poi ©2021 All Hawaii News

Fewer Farmers Are Growing Hawaii’s ‘Miracle Food’ Taro Despite Growing Demand. Growing, cultivating and cooking the starchy root vegetable, which is used to make poi, is hard work that’s not always profitable. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers End Efforts To Revamp Oversight Of Watchdog Agencies. House leaders have decided against pursuing most measures aimed at controlling the state auditor although investigation into that office continues. Civil Beat.

What’s Dead And Alive At The Hawaii Legislature. As the Legislature heads to a deadline Thursday for all bills to clear their originating chamber, scores of measures have already been killed or failed to gain traction. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers advance bill to allow abortions by nurses. The decision on Thursday by the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee will advance the legislation to the full state House for consideration. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii missile defense radar is still in limbo. The Missile Defense Agency is back seeking public comment on two possible locations for a powerful ballistic missile defense radar on either the North Shore of Oahu or the west side of Kauai — both looking toward North Korea — with Congress most recently pumping $133 million into the plan. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO Forecast 'Sort Of More Optimistic,' But Is Based On Several Factors. The state's economy will be determined by two things this year: more federal relief and the vaccine rollout. That's according to the latest report from the University of Hawaii's Economic Research Organization, or UHERO, forecasting the year ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii bankruptcy cases plunge again despite COVID-19. Statewide bankruptcies in February fell below 100 for the second month in a row and plunged 32.4% from the same time a year ago, according to new data released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

DOE guidelines allow athletic workouts, practices. Student athletic program workouts and practices can start as early as today according to state Department of Education guidelines for safely restarting released Friday. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Head of Hawaii's Roman Catholic Church says J&J vaccine morally acceptable if Pfizer, Moderna not available. Church leaders believe Johnson & Johnson's version is "morally compromised" because it is produced using a cell line derived from an aborted fetus. KITV4.

COVID-19 testing expert advises Hawaii to stay vigilant as more states lift mask mandates. Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group urges Hawaii residents to keep up their vigilance and not let their guards down. KITV4.

Low COVID-19 counts key to restoring tourism. Continued low COVID-19 case counts in Hawaii and acceleration in distribution of COVID-19 vaccines are expected to play a key role in recovering Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

70 to 74 group to start vaccinations Monday, younger ages soon to follow. There are just over 60,000 people in the state between the ages of 70 and 74, which is set to begin vaccinations. KHON2.

March 7, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 53 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 25 on O‘ahu, 12 on Maui, eight on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i and six in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Settlement reached in lawsuit against an HPD officer accused of abusing his power. The city has settled a lawsuit accusing a Honolulu Police officer of improperly arresting a Kaneohe teenager who got into a fight with his son. Hawaii News Now.

Federal authorities zero in on Kaneshiro campaign donors in next phase of corruption probe. A parade of Keith Kaneshiro’s campaign donors testified last week before the federal grand jury hearing evidence against the former city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Rail Board Believed HART’s Former Director Misled On Costs, Records Show. Dan Grabauskas, who resigned as director in 2016, says the assertions that he misrepresented the numbers are flatly incorrect. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s housing director has new plans to tackle homelessness. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s point person on the intractable homeless problem is Office of Housing Director Anton Krucky, whose first inclination is an approach that moves away from routine police involvement. Star-Advertiser.

As rising seas invade Waikiki resorts, the state proposes adding more groins. A draft environmental impact statement is being prepared for a $12 million Waikiki Beach Improvement and Maintenance Program, proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in partnership with the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, that envisions constructing structures makai of the waterline, dredging sand and placing it on the shore. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Wai Canal bridge project moving forward. A pedestrian and bicycle bridge planned for the Ala Wai Canal will be discussed Tuesday at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting, which comes two weeks before the project’s draft environmental assessment is slated for release. Star-Advertiser.

Puzzled residents want to know why a 150-seat luau is allowed but weddings are limited to 10. Confused Oahu residents are looking for clarification on the city’s tiered system of COVID restrictions after news that a luau with 150 guests was allowed to happen on Friday but weddings are still limited to no more than 10 people. Hawaii News Now.

In an effort to protect their future, youth activists call for a ban in menthol cigarettes. Hawaii youth activists gathered at the state capitol Sunday for a March Against Menthol. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Roth eases outdoor gathering rule. Mayor Mitch Roth has amended his COVID-19 emergency rule to increase the size of outdoor social gatherings from 10 people to 25, subject to approval by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

$1.8M for travel: Federal grants prop up county travel budgets. Some county departments plan to dramatically increase their travel budgets for the new fiscal year that starts July 1, after an austere period that saw Zoom teleconferences replace the traditional off-island conventions previously attended by government officials and staff. West Hawaii Today.

Handling the gun surge: $545,760 grant to help HPD process firearms permits. Concerns about the coronavirus pandemic coupled with political turmoil could have contributed to an almost doubling in firearms permits and registration on Hawaii Island last year compared to 2019, leading to a waiting list at the Police Department of up to three months. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioner expects increase in film, TV spending. The Big Island’s film commissioner is optimistic there’ll be an uptick in spending this year from film, television and video and print advertising productions seeking county permits. Tribune-Herald.

Mamaki under attack: Ramie moth confirmed on Big Island. Another Big Island crop is under attack by an invasive species prompting the Department of Agriculture to issue a pest alert. West Hawaii Today.

New statue raises eyebrows: Bronze sculpture was erected in Liliuokalani Park last month. Hilo artist Henry Bianchini created and donated a bronze statue called Ho‘omalule ‘Upena Kiloi, or Metamorphosis of a Net Fisherman. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Growing COVID-19 Outbreak At Maui Jail Has Inmates, Families Worried. Cases at the correctional center are rising and the state health department has identified the situation as a cluster. Civil Beat.

One Area of Maui’s Pandemic Economy Is Surprisingly Booming: Real Estate. And, it’s not just real estate in Kīhei or West Maui that is flourishing. All areas of the island have experienced high levels of sales activity this year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Zuckerberg, Chan to fund relaunch of program that finds jobs for Kauai residents. A program aimed at getting residents back to work on Kaua’i is starting up once again. In 2020, Kaua’i’s Rise to Work program found jobs for 280 workers who previously lost their jobs because of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Adolescent center on next council agenda. The integrated treatment and healing center was a priority for the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste and then-mayor Carvalho’s administration. Garden Island.

Students call for amending SB1147. Kaua‘i students joined a statewide effort against tobacco during the “March Against Menthol” on Rice Street fronting the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

Ige's 15th proclamation clarifies mask mandate, Honolulu Thanksgiving gatherings likely limited to five people, military shoots down Aegis SM-3 missile in test off Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige wearing Aloha mask PC:State of Hawaii

Full Text: Gov. David Ige's 15th Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency. Governor's Office.

Masks rules clarified, Gov. David Ige imposes new decrees. A wide-ranging emergency proclamation on COVID-19 makes clear that mask-wearing is “mandatory” on every island, and imposes new statewide rules for hotels and other businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Issues New Mask Mandate, But Most Rules Remain The Same. People who don’t wear a mask in most public settings still face a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail. Civil Beat.

Governor Issues Order Making State Mask Mandate Clear. Gov. David Ige today issued a new COVID-19 emergency proclamation—his 15th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige issues mask mandate, responding to concerns his previous order was unclear. In a bid to cut down on confusion about when masks are required, the governor on Monday issued a single statewide mask mandate for the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Statewide mask mandate set. Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation Monday to codify and clarify Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate. Tribune-Herald.

Governor’s New COVID-19 Rules Clarify Mask Mandate. Governor David Ige issued his 15th COVID-19 emergency proclamation, extending the statewide mask mandate he says has been in place since April. Big Island Video News.

Gov. Ige Issues 15th COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation that Extends Statewide Mask Mandate. Maui Now.

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Hotel Operators Responsible for Guests who Become COVID Positive New Mandate States. A new emergency proclamation from Gov. David Ige indicates that hotel operators are required to accommodate guests (on- or off-site) who become COVID-19 positive or have been identified as a close contact of someone positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Hotels to post health and safety plans online. With Governor David Ige giving clarity on the mask mandate, his new proclamation also adds safety protocols and guidelines for hotels. KHON2.

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County Mayors say new statewide mask mandate will continue to be hard to enforce. Governor David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on Monday, extending and clarifying the statewide mandate requiring face coverings to be worn in public. KHON2.

Under latest emergency proclamation, no rental evictions until at least 2021. For months now, landlords across Hawaii have been unable to evict tenants who are late on rent under the state’s eviction moratorium. Gov. Ige’s 15th and latest COVID-19 emergency proclamation extends that moratorium, banning evictions until at least Dec. 31. Hawaii News Now.

Exceptions to Ige’s statewide mask rule. Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation issued Monday makes it mandatory for all individuals within the state to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public settings. Tribune-Herald.

Dept. of Health Director: Hawaii is not surging … yet. Department of Health Director Dr. Libby Char told KITV4 Monday she doesn’t believe Hawaii’s COVID-19 case rates are “surging,” but said statewide numbers could get there if proper precautions are not taken. KITV4.

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Child sex-assault case overshadows hearing for judge’s nomination. Questions over Circuit Judge Todd Eddins’ handling of a plea agreement in a child sex abuse case dominated his nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Dig In To Hawaii Supreme Court Nominee’s Positions. The legal community heaped praise on Todd Eddins as state lawmakers examined how he might react to certain situations on the high court. Civil Beat.

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Gov Appoints New Deputy Director for Corrections. Tommy Johnson was appointed by Gov. David Ige to serve as the Deputy Director for Corrections in the Department of Public Safety, effective Nov. 16, 2020. Big Island Now.

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Duke Kahanamoku’s nephew among 8 suing Kamehameha over alleged sex abuse, negligence. Eight adults filed suit Monday against Kamehameha Schools, alleging its psychiatric consultant had repeatedly sexually abused them as students but that their pleas for help were ignored by school authorities. Star-Advertiser.

New Lawsuit Filed In Kamehameha Schools Abuse Case. Sexual abuse allegations mount after the school paid an $80 million settlement agreement in 2018. Civil Beat.

Eight former students filed sex assault lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools. The school already paid out $80 million dollars in a case involving that same doctor two years ago. KITV4.

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Pentagon says it shot down unarmed missile in sea-based test off Hawaii. In Tuesday’s test, the latest version of an Aegis SM-3 missile built by Raytheon Missiles & Defense was fired from a U.S. Navy destroyer situated in the Pacific, northeast of Hawaii. Associated Press.

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State adds 13 new ‘trusted partners’ for pre-travel testing. The new partners join dozens of others that previously were approved for testing. Tribune-Herald.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 16: 95 New COVID-19 Cases. Ninety-five new COVID-19 cases were reported statewide on Monday, including 76 on Oahu, eight on the Big Island, seven on Maui and two on Kauai.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

We’re Entering A New Era In Honolulu Politics. It’s the biggest turnover in city leadership in many years. Who will hold the power on the new City Council is still an open question. Civil Beat.

Restrictions on social gatherings unlikely to be eased on Oahu by Thanksgiving, mayor says. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Oahu is unlikely to move to Tier 3 by Thanksgiving, which means gatherings for the holiday can’t have more than five people. Hawaii News Now.

Hunker down and get tested against COVID, Caldwell says. The mayor said, things weren’t looking good for a move from Honolulu’s current Tier 2 stage of reopening to Tier 3, which would allow social gatherings of 10 people, up from the current limit of five, by Thanksgiving if Oahu’s coronavirus case numbers aren’t rapidly brought down. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell provides an update on the city’s free COVID-19 testing program. A reminder from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday that free surge testing across the island runs for another ten days. KITV4.

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Businesses want Oahu’s plastic utensils ban delayed. With only weeks to go before the first phase of Oahu’s wide-ranging disposable-foodware ordinance is set to take effect Jan. 1, restaurant owners and food industry leaders are renewing their call for more time to comply. Star-Advertiser.

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iHeartRadio partners with Paula Fuga on campaign to end hunger, cuts 2 DJs who mocked her from morning crew. Management at iHeart—Radio removed two Island 98.5 radio deejays from the station’s morning drive-time show after they mocked singer Paula Fuga at an on-air fundraiser for the Hawaii Foodbank. Star-Advertiser.

Radio station pulls DJs from morning show after comments about musician’s struggle with homelessness. The radio station Island 98.5 has pulled two of its morning drive DJs off the air following backlash over insensitive comments made about a local musician’s struggle with homelessness and hunger as a child on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

City & County of Honolulu to buy 2 acres next to transit center for $21M. The city says it is using federal funds for the purchase. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Building code upgrades delayed until next summer. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works on Thursday granted an administrative grace period to a state-mandated deadline to upgrade its building codes, a move that will reduce confusion and allow for more public outreach before aligning the county’s building codes with state standards, according to a county news release. Tribune-Herald.

A different approach: 808 Homeless Task Force working to address homeless crisis in Kona. Regina Weller, founder of the nonprofit 808 Homeless Task Force, is using her more than 25 years experience helping the homeless in Los Angeles to address the crisis here in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kona hospital reports fifth COVID-19 death. Hawaii Island reported eight new cases of COVID-19 and a new death on Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County looks to make repairs along Front Street. Maui County is looking to replace the iconic wooden railing along Front Street, put in new beach access stairs and repair a seawall and other structures long battered by waves and saltwater. Maui News.

County of Maui Thanksgiving Giveaway Set for Nov. 19-20. Vouchers were sent to some 6,000 individuals and families impacted by COVID-19 on Maui as part of a Thanksgiving giveaway from the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami proposes two new rules to safeguard island. Monday evening, Mayor Derek Kawakami sent up two proposed local emergency rules for Gov. David Ige’s approval in an attempt to fill in gaps on the state’s Safe Travels program. Garden Island.

Kauai requesting state travel mandate be made stricter. Kauai County is pushing for additional measures that would require travelers to have their test results before coming to the island. KHON2.

Council-elect to meet Wednesday. Tomorrow, the Kaua‘i County Council-elect will convene for an organizational meeting at 9 a.m. to discuss shared goals and structures, but some aspects seem to be already worked out. Garden Island.

Hawaii missile radar back in budget, cult leader 'Nature Boy' Bishop, 20 others arrested on charges of violating quarantine, Kaiser Permanente allows hospital visits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medium-range ballistic missile target launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Aug. 29, 2017. PC: Latonja Martin; Department of Defense

U.S. Senate Approves Funding for Hawaii Missile Radar System. The $162 million authorization for the system reverses the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the program’s funding. Civil Beat.

$1.9B Hawaii radar part of defense policy measure. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021 also puts the formerly sidelined $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii back on track with $162 million in funding. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii regulators question Young Brothers on viability. Prices for interisland shipping might need to rise 25% next year to keep tug-and-barge operator Young Brothers LLC solvent even if the company receives a $25 million state bailout. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s group recommends screening travelers for the coronavirus. A hui led by Lt. Gov. Josh Green is trying to organize a plan to reopen Hawaii tourism this summer with a test-based travel policy that gives incoming passengers an alternative to the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii opens first COVID-19 clinical trials to treat patients. Researchers at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine are seeking 40 adults with active COVID-19 to participate in the state’s first outpatient clinical trial to find an effective treatment for the virus that has sickened more than 2 million and killed more than 100,000 in the United States. Star-Advertiser.

The eviction moratorium has been extended through July 31. Then what? The governor’s decision to extend the eviction moratorium for non-payment of rent through July 31 is a relief for tenants. Hawaii News Now.

International Students Facing Daunting Financial Challenges Due To COVID-19. Even before the crisis, college students from abroad were having a tough time making ends meet. Now, some are hanging on by a thread. Hawaii Public Radio.

Unable to fill their dining rooms, several popular restaurants call it quits. Restaurants statewide are now allowed to operate dine-in services, but many kitchens remain closed. Some say making a profit isn’t possible with all the new social distancing and other restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii marriage registrations down 82% in April 2020. The number of marriages registered with the Hawaii Department of Health dropped significantly during the pandemic. KHON2.

7 new coronavirus cases on Oahu raise Hawaii’s statewide total to 692. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 692, up seven from Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Thursday, June 11.  There were 7 newly identified cases of COVID-19 on the State of Hawaiʻi reported this Kamehameha Day holiday. All 7 were identified on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

DOH Reports 7 New Cases of COVID-19 Thursday. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported seven new cases of COVID-19 overnight, all of which were identified on O‘ahu. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii easing visitor restrictions at Moanalua Medical Center. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii said today it is easing visitor restrictions at Moanalua Medical Center and will now allow patients to have one visitor each day. Star-Advertiser.

City Finally Finds A Replacement To Join The HART Board. Cost engineer Joseph Uno is poised to replace John Henry Felix. Civil Beat.

City Takes Steps To Fix Affordable Housing Program. In 2019, the Honolulu City Council passed a bill for a pilot program to build affordable housing units in underdeveloped areas of Honolulu. But after nine months, only two developers had applied to the program. Civil Beat.

Waikiki businesses losing nearly $6B in visitor revenues since lockdown. The governor’s announcement to extend the 14-day quarantine to out-of-state travelers is a staggering blow to businesses. KHON2.

How Effective Is Hawaii’s Key Court-Sanctioned Drug Treatment Program? The state agencies that fund Sand Island Treatment Center focus on how many defendants complete an initial phase of treatment. But only about 1/3 complete the full two-year program. Civil Beat.

How This Hawaiian Homestead’s Swift Response To COVID-19 Paid Off. When the virus spread, a nonprofit in Papakolea Hawaiian Homestead quickly shifted gears to ensuring  kupuna got food, supplies and necessary health care. Civil Beat.

‘Unprecedented’ turtle nesting at Bellows Beach closes campground until Sept. 4. Green sea turtles are nesting at Bellows Beach for the first time in documented history — and humans are being asked to tread lightly around them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Cult leader  Eligio "Nature Boy" Bishop among 21 arrested in Puna for allegedly violating quarantine order. Police have arrested 21 individuals in a pair of sweeps in Puna subdivisions related to Gov. Ige’s COVID-19 emergency proclamation. Tribune-Herald.

Cult leader among 21 people arrested on Hawaii Island for violating emergency orders. It's the largest group of quarantine breakers yet. Hawaii News Now.

Individuals from religious cult arrested for allegedly violating state's quarantine order on the Big Island. The leader of a self-claimed religious cult is among 20 people who were arrested for allegedly violating the state's mandatory 14-day travel quarantine. KITV4.

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Council balks at small cell technology: ATT seeks use of county poles for faster internet speeds. A major telecommunications company wants to rent space on Hawaii County utility poles to attach equipment increasing wireless data speeds and reducing dead zones, but community reception has been less than enthusiastic. West Hawaii Today.

Feds Fund Over $1.1 Million For Laupahoehoe Bridge Damaged By Hurricane Lane. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Hawai‘i County will receive $1,195,089.75 in new federal funding to repair the Laupahoehoe Gulch Bridge. Big Island Video News.

Honoring his legacy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic prompted cancellations of the usual lei-draping ceremonies, colorful parades and other events that commemorate King Kamehameha Day, that didn’t stop people from honoring the monarch on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Coach Spencer Shiraishi Memorial Pool and New Wailuku Pool to Reopen June 15. All county pools are open daily, except Kōkua Pool which remains closed for major renovations. Maui Now.

Kanaha park reopens today. Kanaha Beach Park, one of the last county parks still closed to the public, will reopen starting today, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Forum kicks off race for county council. At the top of Wednesday’s Kaua‘i County Council Forum, candidates were told to keep in mind that when surveyed, young people have said, “Kaua‘i is not for us. It is just for the tourists,” forum host Juno Ann Apalla said. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Restart: Education. Hiring an educational liaison, creating neighborhood hubs, providing more devices and hot-spots for families in need are just some of the ideas to get the education system on Kaua‘i back to recovery. Garden Island.

State monitoring ‘Anini reef. Recently monitoring teams observed signs of recovery since a prolific coral disease was recorded in September-October of 2019. Garden Island.

Radar, missile defense mulled for Hawaii; Ige allows flower deliveries, one more COVID-19 death, chipping away at unemployment backlog, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 Medium-range ballistic missile target is launched Aug. 29, 2017, from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. PC: Department of Defense

U.S. military in the Pacific: Officials seek to ‘regain the advantage’ against China, Russia. Amid complaints of Pacific neglect, efforts are underway to restore funding for a powerful $1.9 billion defensive radar in Hawaii, potentially add two types of defensive missile capability in the Aloha State for North Korean threats and create an “Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative” modeled on a similar European effort. Star-Advertiser.

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Less than one-third of Hawaii’s unemployment claims have been paid since March 1. DLIR has processed 181,846, or 82%, of the unique filings but so far has paid claims for only 65,252 filings. Star-Advertiser.

State makes progress in processing jobless claims; $116.5M already paid out in April. The state is starting to make headway in processing and paying a staggering amount of jobless filings, according to statistics provided by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Tribune-Herald.

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A top state economist is optimistic that some businesses could reopen in a month. Carl Bonham, director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, told lawmakers Monday that a survey conducted with the Chamber of Commerce collected data from 623 businesses. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 has uneven impact on Hawaii businesses. A survey of Hawaii businesses showed about 220,000 full- and part-time jobs in the state have been lost since January with some industries down more than 80% while others have cut jobs by less than 1%. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. Ige reverses his decision and allows flower shops to make deliveries for Mother’s Day. After taking some heat on his decision to block flower shops from opening for Mother’s Day deliveries, Gov. David Ige announced Monday that moms in Hawaii will be getting their flowers after all. Star-Advertiser.

Governor changes his mind on flower deliveries, giving florists OK to operate ‘safely’. In a case of political whiplash, the governor on Monday announced that flower deliveries would be allowed after all starting Friday, as long as social distancing was followed. Hawaii News Now.

Florists reopening opens door to Mother’s Day and graduation sales. Governor David Ige announced Monday that florists will be allowed to reopen businesses on May 1st, just in time for Mother’s Day. KHON2.

Governor Ige allows florists to open operations on May 1. This requires compliance with the social distancing requirements. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Florists to Re-Open in Time for Mother’s Day. One narrow corner of Hawai‘i economy will open on May 1, a full 30 days ahead of the current end to Gov. David Ige’s mandatory lockdown period. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii is expected to see $7 billion or more in federal support. Hawaii is in line to receive close to $7 billion in various kinds of federal assistance to help it survive the coronavirus pandemic and to help with what is expected to be a long slog to an economic recovery, according to U.S. Rep. Ed Case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Nonprofits Want More Say In How State Spends Federal Virus Aid. More than 60 nonprofits want the state to expand its safety net to help immigrants and other marginalized groups. Civil Beat.

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16th patient with COVID-19 dies in Hawaii; number of new cases continues downward trend. A 16th person with COVID-19 has died in Hawaii, authorities confirmed, saying the woman had been hospitalized since early April. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus death toll now at 16, as total COVID-19 cases rise by 1 to 607. The Health Department said this afternoon that the latest confirmed coronavirus case in Hawaii today is an employee of the Maui Memorial Medical Center, which has been the site of nearly 60 infections of both hospital workers and patients. Star-Advertiser.

One More COVID-19 Case And One Death. On Monday, another person on Oahu had died because of complications related to the coronavirus called COVID-19. Civil Beat.

One New Case, One New Death. An Oʻahu woman, over 65 years old with underlying health conditions, is the 16th death reported in connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

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Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders Face Higher Rates of COVID-19 . Anyone can be infected with the coronavirus, but data coming out of several states – including Hawaiʻi – show Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have higher rates of contracting COVID-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

What Should Hawaii’s Schools Look Like After The Pandemic? Educators see the coronavirus as an opportunity to rewrite the education playbook. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police Commission to hold second secret meeting. The Honolulu Police Commission on Wednesday will hold its second secret meeting since the Sunshine Law was temporarily waived as part of Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku wind farm challenge fails; appeal is sought. The state Public Utilities Commission recently rejected a bid to upend a controversial wind farm project in Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

City’s ambitious COVID-19 testing plan in limbo as state raises new concerns. The Caldwell administration’s plan to ramp up coronavirus testing on Oahu is in limbo. In a new letter, the state health director slams the company that the mayor chose to purchase $2 million worth of test kits from, saying it has a history of problems. Hawaii News Now.

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City’s plan to save Haiku Stairs is accepted. The tremendously popular but illegal staircase up a Windward Oahu mountainside nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven” has a chance to live on under city ownership. Star-Advertiser.

‘Stairway to Heaven’ to be transferred to the City and County of Honolulu. The Board of Water Supply’s board members voted unanimously Monday to transfer the famous Haiku Stairs, also known as Stairway to Heaven, to the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply votes to transfer Haiku Stairs to city. Haiku Stairs, or “Stairway to Heaven”, will not be torn down. KHON2.

Board of Water Supply votes to transfer management of Haiku Stairs to the city. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has voted to transfer management of Haiku Stairs and surrounding land to the City and County of Honolulu. KITV4.

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City clears homeless on Dillingham Blvd. The city cleared out the homeless along a portion of Dillingham Boulevard Monday morning. The city had paused enforcement for several weeks following guidelines from the CDC. KHON2.

Christopher McLaren identified as target of Punahou alumna’s lawsuit over alleged sexual misconduct. A lawsuit filed confidentially against Punahou School last week was unsealed Monday, revealing that the former teacher and coach accused of sexual misconduct with a student in the late 1970s is Christopher McLaren. Star-Advertiser.

Salons and barbershops are anxious to reopen. Prior to the mandated emergency orders brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Cosmic Beauty, a full-service salon at the Kapolei Village Center, bustled with dozens of clients a day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim pulls papers for Mayor to join a potential 19-person race. There are 19 possible candidates for Hawaii County Mayor–so far.   The latest to pull the candidate filing form is Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, as noted in the most recent candidate report from Friday, April 24. KWXX.

Mayor Harry Kim to Seek Reelection. Harry Kim will seek a fourth term as Hawai‘i County Mayor. Big Island Now.

Accessibility improvements proposed for Laaloa Beach Park. Hawaii County is proposing a host of accessibility improvements for Laaloa Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands Beach Park, in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala distillery making hand sanitizer to help fight COVID-19. Kuleana Rum Works shifted its focus from making rum to producing hand sanitizer. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Medical provider tests positive. Provider has worked exclusively at Maui Memorial Medical Center since Dec. 31. Maui News.

Maui Health Confirms Positive Test Result for Maui Medical Group Provider. Maui Health today confirmed that a Maui Medical Group provider who provides care to patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Mandatory water cutbacks ordered for Central Maui. Four Department of Water Supply wells in Wailuku and Waihee — with the capacity to produce a quarter of Central Maui’s demand — are out of commission, prompting the water director to call for mandatory water cutbacks for users in the area beginning Sunday. Maui News.

Maui Stage 1 Water Shortage Declared, 10% Reduced Usage Ordered for Wailuku, Kahului & Pā‘ia. Because of a water pump failure over the weekend, the department is requiring residents of Wailuku, Kahului and Pāʻia to cut back water usage by at least 10 percent beginning May 3 and until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIFB gets help. Kelvin Moniz of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was excited about the free work being done by Teddy Arroyo and the Arroyo Plumbing crew, Monday. Garden Island.

Another dead monk seal. An adult female Hawaiian monk seal has been found dead on Ha‘ena Beach in Kaua‘i, reported to officials Saturday, April 25, the same day the well-known monk seal Honey Girl’s body was removed from a windward beach on O‘ahu. Garden Island.