Government employees lose retiree benefits lawsuit, property tax surcharge for education bill revived, Hawaii Democrats announce presidential primary candidates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawai‘i AG prevails in class-action lawsuit involving state retiree health benefits. After nearly 18 years in court, the Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General has prevailed in a class-action lawsuit in which retired government employees sought to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in claims relating to retiree health benefits provided by the Hawai‘i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.  Big Island Now.

AG swamped with hundreds more cases after city prosecutor’s ‘unilateral’ decision. Honolulu City Prosecutor Steve Alm has ended the practice of prosecuting cases from state law enforcement agencies — a decision made late last year that’s resulted in about 600 additional cases for the state Attorney General’s Office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Democrats announce presidential primary candidates for March 6 ballot. President Joe Biden and four other candidates will be on the March 6 Democratic Party presidential primary election ballot, the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi announced. Maui Now.

Bipartisan Maui wildfire legislative package focuses on prevention and preparedness. After the last legislative session, House Speaker Scott Saiki created six working groups to evaluate topics related to the Maui wildfires. The bipartisan group issued a package of 10 bills and two resolutions that aim to prevent wildfires statewide and be more prepared. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment Would Let Hawaii Use Property Taxes To Fund Schools. A measure that would have Hawaii voters decide on whether residential investment property valued at $3 million or more should be subject to a surcharge in order to increase funding for local public education passed out of the state House Education Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

House Majority introduces bill package for 2024 Hawaiʻi Legislative Session. The majority caucus of the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives has introduced nine bills aimed at addressing several critical issues throughout the state as part of its bill package for the 2024 Hawaiʻi Legislative Session. Big Island Now.

Working Families Legislative Caucus sponsors several bills aimed at boosting economic justice. A group of 14 state lawmakers focused on helping Hawai’i’s working families is sponsoring several bills during the 2024 legislative session intended to boost financial security for the state’s vulnerable residents. Big Island Now.

Republican bill would let only current, former residents buy Hawaii homes. Only current and former residents would be allowed to purchase homes under a House Republican bill designed to lower prices and make Hawaii housing more affordable across the state. Star-Advertiser.

State Health Department determines awa, also known as kava, to be safe. The traditional elixir is known as awa in Hawaii and was brought to the islands by the early Polynesian settlers. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Officials say Hawaiʻi needs more plant quarantine inspectors. Officials who oversee the inspection of goods coming to Hawaiʻi say they can’t do it properly because of a staffing shortage. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Condemned Waikiki walk-up is eyed for affordable housing. Following nearly two years of condemnation proceedings, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration said in a news release Tuesday that the city finally assumed ownership of the derelict, 9,454-square-foot property at 1615 Ala Wai Blvd. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Rolling Power Outages On Hawaiʻi Island As Generators Trip Offline. 30-minute rolling power outages were initiated across the Island of Hawaiʻi on Tuesday, due to the unexpected loss of several large generators. Big Island Video News.

Bills introduced for dangerous dogs, involuntary manslaughter. Big Island lawmakers have introduced a pair of bills in the state House that would make the owners of a dangerous dog or dogs that fatally maul a person subject to felony charges. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Presentation on Permanent Disposal Site on agenda for Lahaina meeting, Jan. 31. The community is encouraged to learn more about the status and process of selecting a Permanent Disposal Site for ash and debris from the Lahaina wildfire at the County of Maui Disaster Recovery Community Update meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Lahaina Civic Center. Maui Now.

Maui’s Martin gets new post as Public Affairs Director; Abraham to lead Communications and Government Affairs. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen announced today that Mahina Martin, his Chief of Communications and Public Affairs, will take on a new role as Director of Public Affairs. He also appointed his legislative liaison and executive assistant, Laksmi Abraham, as Director of Communications and Government Affairs.  Maui Now.

FEMA Is Developing A ‘Last Resort’ Plan To House Maui Fire Survivors In Kaanapali. Hawaii Sen. Angus McKelvey said "dignified" modular housing should be installed in this area near Lahaina to keep the community together. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Bill To Speed Construction Of Ohana Houses On Maui Adopted. The legislation will make it possible for homeowners to get paid to build accessory dwelling units on their properties. Civil Beat.

Grand Wailea spa shakes up amid court fight. Counsel for spa workers who are part of an “upcoming mass layoff” of independent contractors at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf-­Astoria Resort, said workers had until this morning to decide whether they would sign an arbitration agreement to keep their jobs, which are converting into W-2 positions. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Businesses Are Supposed To Have Priority For Wildfire Cleanup Jobs. Do They? The mainland contractor overseeing the work doesn't have to reveal who is getting hired even though it's a taxpayer-funded job. Civil Beat.

2 month road closure between Alelele and Lelekea Bridge in East Maui due to erosion. Motorists are advised that the highway in the Kīpahulu area of southeast Maui is closed near Mile 39 from Alelele Bridge to Lelekea Bridge due to erosion damage to the road caused by recent heavy rains.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Residents Want Next County Budget To Address Housing, Disaster Preparedness, Environment. The public can weigh in on county spending priorities at six listening sessions scheduled islandwide through early March. Civil Beat. Kauai Now.

Pilot shortage impacting Hawaii travel, Blangiardi signs Honolulu tax relief bills, Maui approves general excise tax surcharge, syphilis cases spike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

National pilot shortage is impacting Hawaii travel. A national pilot shortage is here, according to aviation analysts, and it is starting to impact Hawaii. Local airlines are looking to hire pilots but whether the islands have enough resources to train them could be in question. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer who accessed governor’s private info regains access to electronic system. A Maui defense attorney had his electronic filing privileges restored by the state after he was locked out of accessing a system used by about 1,500 criminal justice partners for pulling personal information from four parking tickets paid by Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

State prevails in $1M dispute over installation of fire alarm systems at 8 public schools. A Circuit Court judge has ruled in favor of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education in a $1 million lawsuit relating to the installation of fire alarm systems at eight public schools throughout the the state. Big Island Now.

State urges expanded screening, treatment of syphilis as cases increase.  As the number of cases of syphilis in women and newborns continues to increase throughout the state, the Hawai‘i Department of Health is urging enhanced screening in health care interactions other than prenatal care, saying the situation is alarming and requires immediate attention. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

‘Calvin’ response assessed; public reminded that Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.  Governor Josh Green, M.D., praised Hawai‘i’s handling of former Tropical Storm Calvin and cautioned that the storm was just the first challenge in a hurricane season that lasts through November. Maui Now. Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.

Division of Aquatic Resources to hold hearings on ocean stewardship fee. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources is hosting a series of hearings to gather public input on a user fee that commercial vessel operators will have to collect from each passenger carried or customer served next year. Garden Island.

A Hawaii soldier receives the Army’s highest peacetime honor for valor.  Spc. Rene Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Army medic from El Paso, Texas, was given a standing ovation from the crowded theater as he accepted the Soldier’s Medal in recognition for saving a woman’s life last year in Wahiawa when he intervened to stop a man from beating her. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Honolulu tax credits aim to assist homeowners. Relief is coming for homeowners. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed two measures into law on Wednesday, July 19. KHON2. KITV4.

Nearing end of sentences, ex-cops in Kealoha scandal moved to halfway house. Derek Hahn and Ming-Hung ‘Bobby’ Nguyen have been moved to Sacramento to serve out the remainder of their time in a halfway house. A federal jury found them guilty of conspiracy in June 2019 in what’s known as the “mailbox trial.” Hawaii News Now.

Navy Wastes 2 Billion Gallons Of Water During Red Hill Cleanup. Regulators required the Navy to make a plan for reusing the water but never required them to act on it. Civil Beat.

Developers Are Betting Big On Honolulu’s Business District. Will It Pay Off?. The investment mirrors a countrywide trend toward downtown revitalization efforts. Civil Beat.

Abuse victim of Makaha church elder entitled to $40M, judge says. A victim of childhood sexual abuse by an elder of the Makaha congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses is entitled to $40 million in damages, a Circuit Court judge has ruled. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would waive late fees to limit abandoned cars. To prevent more abandoned vehicles from appearing on Oahu’s public streets and roadways, a proposed city ordinance seeks to waive certain motor vehicle taxes, fees and penalties for those unable to pay them after a five-year period. Star-Advertiser.

Bargaining begins after nurses end seven-day walkout at 82-bed care facility.  A day after nurses and certified nurses assistants ended a seven-day strike at Oahu Care Facility, both sides returned to the bargaining table in a bid to reach a new deal.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Calvin passes Big Island with no major damage. Tropical Storm Calvin came and went without causing any significant damage, Gov. Josh Green and Hawaii island Mayor Mitch Roth said at a news conference Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Kailapa Hawaiian Homestead Under Water Conservation Notice. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is urging Kailapa residents to conserve water following notification of malfunctioning water wells in north Hawai‘i.  Big Island Video News.

Governor signs emergency proclamation for Uncle Billy’s hotel.  The process to demolish the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel will be sped up by an emergency proclamation issued Tuesday by Gov. Josh Green. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Raises General Excise Tax To Pay For Housing Infrastructure. The 0.5% surcharge takes effect next year. The council voted 8-0 on Tuesday to adopt a 0.5% surcharge on top of the state’s 4% GET, starting Jan. 1. Civil Beat. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

Mahi Pono Fined Nearly $10K For Causing Dust In Central Maui. Several residents had complained last year about the cloud of dust that occasionally blanketed Central Maui. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kauai

Reminder: Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative meeting Thursday night. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members are invited to attend the cooperative’s annual meeting on July 20 at the Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural Center in Puhi. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. Kauai Now.

Luke finds cash to cover shortfall, slow rebound expected for Japanese tourists, Southwest to end Kona, Kauai nonstop mainland flights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii LG Sylvia Luke Finds Cash To Cover Shortfall: ‘I Expect Better Of Myself’. Following a wave of public criticism, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says that her office will likely avoid a previously forecasted budget shortfall that threatened to put her in legal jeopardy.  Civil Beat.

State Agriculture Corp. Gets New Board Leadership. Warren Watanabe, a seasoned agricultural advocate, has been elected to lead the Agribusiness Development Corp.’s board of directors. The election at a meeting Thursday, comes as part of a leadership shakeup for the ADC following the unexpected death of long-time executive director James Nakatani in April.  Civil Beat.

Green shaking up education, UH, tourism boards. New members of the boards that oversee lower and higher public education and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are being named by Gov. Josh Green after soured relationships with the state Legislature resulted in lackluster financial support, including proposals to not fund the HTA and even abolish it. Star-Advertiser.

‘Slow gradual rebound’ expected for Japan visitors to Hawaii. Hawaii arrivals from Japan, once forecast to make a quicker rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, now are not expected to return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels until the end of next year. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest ending nonstop flights Sept. 5 between Los Angeles and Kauaʻi, Big Island airports. On Sept. 5, the day after Labor Day, Southwest Airlines will end its daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and two Hawaiʻi airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the Big Island and Līhuʻe Airport on Kaua‘i. Kauai Now.

Women in Hawaii not receiving adequate prenatal care.  The  state has ranked last in recent years when it comes to women obtaining adequate care, defined as initiating care in the first four months of pregnancy and making it to an appropriate number of doctors appointments. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Struggle To Provide Health Care For Rural Islands Nearly Turned Tragic For This Expectant Mom. For months the fragility of a vital air link endangered the health of people across rural Hawaii. The state is still trying to fix it. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom Wins A $37M Grant To Install Undersea Cables To Improve Broadband Service. The new federal funding would provide additional fiber links between the islands to make service more reliable, and to reach unserved rural communities. Civil Beat.

State adjusts eligibility requirements for Homeowner Assistance Fund program.  It allows qualified households to receive mortgage assistance or financial relief from certain expenses, such as property taxes or association fees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ocean users advised to avoid research drones, buoys. Ocean users are cautioned to keep far from three uncrewed Saildrone Explorer research vessels that have been deployed around the Hawaiian Islands to help look for signs of climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council lowers tax rate for owners of second homes used for rentals.  The Council voted unanimously June 7 to approve Resolution 33, which is expected to lower the city’s real property tax rate for the first million dollars of value of Residential A properties and, in so doing, reduce taxes by $500 under that two-tier taxpaying class. Star-Advertiser.

A $900 Towing Fee? Concerns Are Being Raised Over Honolulu’s New Towing Contract. Insurance companies have balked at reimbursing drivers, calling the prices unreasonable. Civil Beat.

Work completed for Coast Guard at new Honolulu dry dock.  Over the weekend, Pacific Shipyards International wrapped up its biggest maintenance project yet at its Honolulu Harbor facility, where shipyard workers over 90 days put the Coast Guard’s CGC Kimball, one of the service’s large national security cutters, through its first dry dock maintenance period. Star-Advertiser.

E. coli detected in Windward Oahu water source.  The Board of Water Supply has detected E. coli bacteria in the BWS Kahaluu Tunnel, officials said. Board of Water Supply officials the water from this source is safe to drink because it is routinely disinfected before it reaches customers, so there is no action required by customers. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Thanks to millions in federal aid, city eyes expansion of homeless camp program. The city’s HONU camp is currently set up in Maili, but the mobile program has been moving around the island since 2019. City officials are looking to expand the program with a new, $3.4 million grant. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Judge to appoint ‘special discovery master’ in Boy Scout wrongful death suit.  An ongoing dispute over the disclosure of documents in a civil lawsuit brought by the family of an 11-year-old Boy Scout killed last August by the accidental discharge of an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle at Camp Honokaia near Honokaa has led a judge to order the appointment of a special master to oversee the discovery process. Tribune-Herald.

Kapapala Ranch land transfer deal could move 7,000 acres to forest reserve. Some 7,000 acres of pasture land in Ka‘u could become part of the Kapapala Forest Reserve as two state agencies bury a 20-year-old bureaucratic hatchet. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island manta ray tour operators mixed about proposed rules, possible new law.  For more than a decade, with more and more manta ray tour companies converging at two small viewing areas off the West Hawai’i coast, ocean advocates and some tour operators have been concerned about safety and the preservation of the marine resource. Big Island Now.

Feline TNR programs ending at 2 island sites. AdvoCATS representatives said they recently received communication from Kamehameha Schools that it was terminating the trap/neuter/return, or TNR, programs for homeless cats at two of its properties on the Big Island, Keauhou Shopping Center and above the Lako gas station in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Ethics Board: You Can’t Keep Those $400 Koa Digging Sticks. County officials should give back the pricey koa digging sticks they received at a recent groundbreaking ceremony for a housing development in West Maui, the Maui Board of Ethics says. Civil Beat.

Maui residents are looking at a possible islandwide tax increase. A bill that would increase the state general excise tax in Maui County is scheduled for a hearing at the county council meeting. If approved, the GET on Maui would go up by half a percent. KITV4.

Council close to appointing East Maui water board. A previous mayor, a former Mahi Pono official, kalo farmers, lineal descendants of East Maui and experts in water and irrigation are all vying for seats on a newly created 11-member community board that will help guide policy for East Maui water use.  Maui News.

Kalaupapa park remains closed 3 years after pandemic shutdown.  The park, in conjunction with the state Department of Health, normally allows limited access — 100 people a day — via authorized tour operators in a move to protect the lifestyle and privacy of the Hansen’s disease patients who still live in the settlement. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami signs 2024 fiscal year budget. The spending blueprint, which consists of an operating budget of $311.4 million and a capital improvement budget of $87 million, reflects the administration’s continuing focus on infrastructure. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County identifies new potential landfill site.  Kaua‘i County is moving to build a second landfill site in Kekaha, Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division officials said, as the division’s head suggested the island’s existing site will likely shut down years before another could open. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County sewer rate increase goes into effect on July 1. Kaua‘i residents are reminded that the county’s sewer rate will increase by 11% starting July 1, 2023.  Kauai Now.

State seeks corrections officers as OT costs spike, GPS sends another tourist into the sea, Honolulu mulls resident property tax breaks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chronic understaffing at Hawaiʻi prisons balloons overtime costs. With more than 300 vacancies for adult corrections officers, Department of Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson said the department needs to look at ways to get fresh staffing at state jails and correctional facilities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii tourism sees slump in U.S. West arrivals.  Even though April was the best month for overall visitor arrivals since the pandemic began, arrivals from Hawaii’s core domestic market fell for the first time since December and cast a possible shadow on the path forward. Star-Advertiser.

De Fries’ job status up for HTA review.  The Hawaii Tourism Authority has called a special board meeting for June 15 to discuss the status of HTA President and CEO John De Fries, whose three-year employment contract expires Sept. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council looks for property tax relief. For a house appraised at $1 million, with the standard $100,000 deduction for a homeowner, most people would pay $3,150 in property taxes. KITV4.

Honolulu police used force in fraction of 2022 incidents. Incidents that required Honolulu police officers to use some form of force to resolve a confrontation made up less than 1% of calls for service in 2022, according to the Honolulu Police Department’s 2022 use-of-force report. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu awards $3M in ag grants to Oahu’s small farmers. A new city program will award $3 million in grants to Oahu’s small farmers, ranchers and growers, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City seeks new youth leaders to work with mayor, councilmembers.  Applications are being accepted for positions on the Honolulu Youth Commission. The commission is comprised of Oʻahu residents ages 14 to 24 who provide advice to Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Red Hill Depositions Reveal More Details About What The Navy Knew About Spill. The Navy had enough information to inform people of the public health threat but didn’t immediately act on it, officials said in newly released depositions. Civil Beat.

DLNR slashes fine against surf instructor accused of illegal commercial activities in Waikiki. By a 5-to-1 vote on Friday, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a settlement with Chris Sanger and his company — Duke’s Lagoon LLC — reducing his fine from $65,000 to $19,000. Hawaii News Now.

A $9M roundabout is coming to a busy Windward Oahu intersection, and not everyone is rejoicing. Construction for the roundabout in Kahaluu is set to start on June 7. Hawaii News Now.

State officials are working to redevelop Honolulu Harbor.  The state Department of Transportation is seeking bids from private developers to lease the former home of the Hawaii Maritime Center, which Bishop Museum closed in 2009 after chronic financial stress. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Another tourist following GPS drives down same ramp into water at Big Island harbor. A tourist following GPS directions on Monday night drove her SUV down a ramp into the water at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona. This comes just a few weeks after another pair of tourists mistakenly drove their van into the same harbor. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now.

Dog attack victim still in ICU. A 32-year-old Puna woman police say was mauled by a neighbor’s dog Saturday remained in the intensive care unit Tuesday at Hilo Medical Center with substantial injuries. Tribune-Herald.

After long wait, feds to once again back loans for homestead land cleared of WWII-era munitions. For more than 20 years, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been removing unexploded military hardware left in the former Waikoloa Maneuver Area, a 185,000-acre region of the island that was once used for live-fire exercises during World War II. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Residents Have Another Chance To Join East Maui’s New Water Authority. Residents who want a say in shaping the new government entity tasked with managing East Maui’s most precious natural resource will have one more week to apply for a spot on the newly created water authority board.  Star-Advertiser.

Renaming of Puamana Beach Park to Waiahiokole Burial Preserve gets initial backing. The Maui County Water and Infrastructure Committee voted unanimously to pass a bill on first reading relating to the renaming of Puamana Beach Park to Waiahiokole Burial Preserve.  Maui Now.

County to hold community meetings on East Maui road closure in wake of rockfall. Maui County will hold three community meetings this weekend for residents and businesses impacted by the emergency road closure at the Alelele Point area in East Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Study shows high bacterial presence in Kaua‘i waters.  Environmental organization Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force has found continued bacterial contamination of Kaua‘i’s streams and surf sites, as researchers fear possible fecal presence throughout much of the island’s waters. Garden Island.

Ikaika Anderson vows to fight abuse charges, bill requiring private businesses to disclose salaries on Green's desk, Health Department investigates effluent discharges in Kailua Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Facing questions about his political future, Ikaika Anderson vows to fight abuse charge. The prominent politician was arrested at his Waimanalo home Monday night after a woman who was visiting him told police he injured her during an altercation. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Hawaiian Independence Day Is Officially Recognized. La Kuokoa is not an official state holiday, but is designated as a day of remembrance on the islands. Gov. Josh Green recently signed a new bill into law acknowledging that Hawaiian Independence Day will be held annually on Nov. 28. Civil Beat.

Bill on salary transparency to Green’s desk. A bill requiring Hawai‘i employers to disclose hourly rates or salary ranges in job postings was passed by the state Legislature earlier this month and is now awaiting final approval from Gov. Josh Green. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Legislature passes bill to create fireworks task force. The state Legislature earlier this month approved Senate Bill 821, which would establish a multiagency task force dedicated to combating the widespread sale and use of illegal fireworks across the state. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu Council's latest property tax bills aim to confront rising home values. Honolulu City Council continues to discuss providing tax relief to Oʻahu residents by overhauling the city's real property tax code. Proposals include measures that set real property tax rates, and the administration's proposed one-time $300 property tax credit for homeowners receiving a city exemption. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would make Honolulu first jurisdiction to require that nightclubs, bars keep Narcan on hand. As the number of fentanyl overdoses soars on Oahu, the City Council is debating whether to arm bartenders with Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. Hawaii News Now.

Energy storage farm might rise in place of Oahu coal power plant. The owner of an idle Oahu power plant that burned coal for 30 years until September has plans that could include an electricity storage facility possibly with a solar farm after 2025 when work to dismantle the coal power plant, owned by AES Corp., is projected for completion. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Health Department says Kailua Bay bacteria levels are ‘very concerning’.  Thirteen days total. That was the number of days that a city wastewater plant exceeded limits for enterococcus bacteria in its effluent in April and May, which prompted the state Department of Health to issue an advisory for all of Kailua Bay. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.  KITV4.

Defueling Red Hill planned for October under latest timeline. The U.S. Department of Defense has once again sped up its timeline for defueling the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility and now says that it expects to begin draining approximately 104 million gallons of fuel from the underground tanks in mid-­October, largely completing the process in three months. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

City workers clearing out homeless camp in Kalihi.  A homeless encampment near the Kalihi Transit Center will soon be removed as city crews work to clear out the area this week. KITV4.

Five Honolulu divers cited for fishing and safety violations. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement issued the citations after receiving multiple complaints from nearby residents and community members.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona gymnastics team special permit hearing to take place Friday. An application for a special permit to operate a gymnastic and sports fitness facility at a long contested parcel in North Kona is being heard Friday by the Leeward Planning Commission, nearly two years after originally submitting the request. West Hawaii Today.

Roadwork continues in Hilo. Drivers in Hilo are advised to expect delays this week as construction work continues on major roads. Tribune-Herald.

HCC ag project a ‘win-win’ for students and community. After three years of hard work, students from Hawaii Community College’s agriculture program harvested their first fruits and vegetables Tuesday from an agroforestry project in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Naniloa again seeks permission to refinance. A manager of the Grand Naniloa Hotel pleaded to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday to give him a third chance to settle the hotel’s financial problems. Tribune-Herald.

End of an icon? Cafe 100 building put up for sale. Hilo’s historic “Home of the Loco Moco” likely is going on an indefinite hiatus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Property tax rates to be lowered for some homeowners. Council passes new rates, to consider full budget next week. Maui News.

Children seen playing with snake before its capture on Maui.  A live, non-venomous snake was captured on the side of the road near the Pukalani Golf Club on Maui Monday, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture said. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Molokai Medical Clinic Opens To Fill Dire Doctor Shortage. Dr. Ka‘ohimanu Dang Akiona, a Big Island physician and advocate for equity in health care, has opened the doors to Molokai Family and Urgent Care Clinic, a primary care, urgent care and street medicine practice located in Kaunakakai. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Restoration project uses artificial sounds to lure seabirds back to Kauaʻi's remote coast. The Division of State Parks, nonprofits and private companies have joined forces to restore native seabirds back to the Nāpali Coast of Kauaʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

County blesses newly-renovated playcourt at Kōloa Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation held a blessing ceremony on Tuesday, commemorating the completion of the playcourt renovations at Anne Knudsen Park, also known as Kōloa Park, in Kōloa. Kauai Now.

Helicopter tours could be reduced, tourism authority gets new life, Honolulu ex-councilman Anderson arrested on domestic abuse charges, army chiefs meet on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Reduction of air tours over Hawaii national parks is proposed. Noisy air tours would be greatly reduced over Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park under draft plans unveiled Monday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority Just Won’t Die Despite Some Lawmakers’ Best Efforts. Gov. Josh Green plans to spend $60 million to keep the agency alive -- for now. Civil Beat.

Thousands could have their arrest records expunged after state Supreme Court ruling. A Supreme Court of Hawaii ruling could give thousands of people a chance to have their arrest records expunged. The decision affects those who were arrested for a crime, but were actually convicted of a violation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature dials back aid grants. Hawaii lawmakers, working with a revenue surplus for a second straight legislative session, dialed back grant awards to nonprofits this year but maintained a higher level of giving than in other recent years. Star-Advertiser.

Army chiefs from 3 nations meet on Oahu. The chiefs of the U.S., British and Australian armies met Monday on Oahu as the three countries pursue closer ties amid boiling geopolitical tensions in both Europe and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric finalizes Integrated Grid Plan to decarbonize its energy systems by 2045. Hawaiian Electric filed its “Integrated Grid Plan: A pathway to a clean energy future” with the Public Utilities Commission, outlining steps the company will take in the coming years to ensure its system will achieve net zero carbon emissions and use 100% renewable resources by 2045. Maui Now. KITV4.

Hawaiian Air unveils Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin design. Hawaiian Airlines, which plans to begin service in early 2024 with its new 300-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, unveiled Monday the interior of the aircraft and introduced a new class of premium service: the Leihoku Suites. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council committee meets over real property tax bills. The Honolulu City Council’s subcommittee meant to sort through a slew of largely Council-initiated real property tax measures to aid homeowners affected by the approximately 10% or greater increase in real property tax assessments on Oahu is scheduled to hold its first meeting today. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Still Answers Mental Health Calls With Force, Data Shows. The number of use of force incidents by HPD has more than tripled in the past decade, but police might just be better at reporting. Civil Beat.

Community invited to give input on future projects surrounding Hālawa's rail station. The city's Department of Planning and Permitting is hosting a community meeting to discuss Hālawa's transit-oriented development (TOD) plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-City councilmember Ikaika Anderson charged for allegedly abusing his girlfriend. Honolulu police have arrested and charged Ikaika Anderson, former Honolulu City Councilmember and candidate for lieutenant governor, for allegedly abusing his girlfriend in Waimanalo on Monday night. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Over 70 Oʻahu public schools dish out lunches with poi this month. The new menu item is part of the state Department of Education's farm-to-school initiative. The campaign aims to promote food sustainability in the islands by supporting local farmers and improving students' health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Pacific Health relaxes masking policy at its facilities. Hawaii Pacific Health said starting today, wearing masks will be optional at all of its medical centers and clinics, except for desginated, high-risk patient care areas. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Survey On Red Hill’s Future Use Closes Soon. What should the military do with the Red Hill fuel facility once it’s empty? Community members have until the end of this month to make their voices heard.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Bill proposes new Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience for Hawaiʻi County. The legislation would establish the new cabinet-level office, which would be responsible for coordinating and managing policies to promote Hawai‘i County’s sustainability and resilience in response to the impacts of climate change and other natural and manmade hazards. Big Island Now.

State Inches Closer To Restoring Access To Big Island Boat Ramp 5 Years After Eruption. A popular boat ramp on Hawaii island is in line to receive $5.4 million for dredging and excavation of volcanic debris left behind from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Fishermen and residents say it's time to reopen the Pohoiki Bay boat ramp to subsistence fishing, cultural practices, recreation and other uses. Civil Beat.

Maui

Project aims to map wetlands for restoration and flood prevention. Maui County’s Department of Planning is creating a public tool that will help reduce flood risk while protecting and restoring important natural wetland ecosystems.  Maui News.

How the County of Maui ended up with 700 public service job vacancies. The police, Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Housing and Human Concerns are in need of new employees on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i economy should stay the course. A stout tourism industry should help keep the County of Kaua‘i economy on course through the rest of the year even if the nation falls into recession. Garden Island.

Restoration project to lure back seabirds launched along remote Nā Pali coast of Kauaʻi. Last week, a seabird restoration project was initiated at Nuʻalolo Kai on the rugged and remote Nā Pali coast of Kauaʻi to help populations that have been lost from the area due to non-native predators. Kauai Now.

Cayetano, super PAC fined over attack ads, crew, wreckage from Life Flight crash recovered, property tax breaks proposed for Oahu homeowners, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Commission Fines Cayetano Campaign, Super PAC Over Josh Green Attack Ads. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission has fined both Vicky Cayetano’s campaign and super PAC Victory Calls over allegations of improper coordination between the candidate’s campaign and the independent expenditure political action committee. Cayetano denies coordinating with super PAC Victory Calls. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Governor Vowed To Cut Homelessness. Will The Legislature Go Along? Gov. Josh Green has promised to prioritize the issue and included a request for more than $25 million to build housing and improve services in his budget proposal submitted to the 2023 Legislature, which will convene next week. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green proposes first biennial operating budget, requesting $36B for 2024-25 fiscal year. At the state capitol, Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday pushed his proposed biennial operating budget in front of the House Finance Committee. KITV4.

Green looking to jump-start Climate Impact Fund with $100M in state funding. During a briefing Tuesday, Green suggested a $50 visitor impact fee on those ages 12 and up. With an approximation of 8 to 10 million visitors annually, he said that could be an additional $600 million going into the fund. Hawaii Public Radio.

Push to legalize recreational cannabis underway in Hawaii. A recent local government-led task force report on legalizing adult recreational cannabis use is neither for nor against making such a change in Hawaii, but a concerted push has begun for the Legislature to do it this year. Star-Advertiser.

Bill aims at minimum wage tip credits to Hawaii workers. There’s a new proposal in the Hawaii State Senate that would take some wages away from workers who make tips. KHON2.

New state AG division dedicated to help combat human trafficking, raise awareness. The Special Investigation and Prosecution Division was created after funds were appropriated in 2022 by the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Kauai Now.

Crew, wreckage from Hawaii Life Flight crash recovered. A deep-water search operation has recovered the three-­member flight crew and wreckage of a Hawaii Life Flight medical transport plane that crashed into the ocean Dec. 15 off Maui near Kaupo, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Maui Now. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant — the ‘Kraken’ — on isles’ radar.  The subvariant, which some scientists have nicknamed the “Kraken” due to its formidable growth advantage, has been detected in Honolulu County wastewater samples, potentially bringing another rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii COVID-19 positivity rate at 7.5%, 5 more deaths recorded. By island, there were 946 cases reported on Oahu, 152 on Hawaii Island, 164 on Maui, 51 on Kauai, seven on Molokai, and one on Lanai. Another 22 infections were reported for Hawaii residents out of state. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Tax breaks eyed to offset rising property values. Mayor Rick Blangiardi is considering tax credits or tax exemptions for Oahu homeowners shocked by increases in their real property tax assessments, which Blangiardi called “an aberration.” Star-Advertiser.

Why Honolulu Hale Keeps Stealing State Appointees To HART. The difficulty finding qualified volunteers to fill board seats is another sign of the chaos that has plagued the troubled rail project. Civil Beat.

Red Hill task force expands scope after toxic foam spill.  Joint Task Force Red Hill, the military organization tasked with defueling the massive fuel tanks at the Navy’s underground Red Hill fuel facility, has expanded its scope of operations after a spill of toxic firefighting foam in November.  Star-Advertiser.

Beach access barrier or erosion control effort? Makeshift North Shore beach fence spurs debate. Near the surf spot known as Gas Chambers, there’s a long line of sticks planted in the sand — a makeshift fence of sorts. Hawaii News Now.

Efforts underway to address worsening erosion on Kamehameha Highway. In 2020, the state Department of Transportation spent $2 million on emergency repairs to stabilize and support the ocean side of Kamehameha Highway after a section of road fell into the water. Hawaii News Now.

Council panel supports $619M tower in Moiliili.  A local developer aiming to build a 43-story, $619 million residential tower complex in Moiliili, which would house 1,005 moderately priced condominiums and be taller than any other building in its immediate vicinity, saw its project advance this week. Star-Advertiser.

Details announced for public memorial service for Princess Abigail Kawānanakoa. The Princess will lie in state in the Throne Room on Sunday, Jan. 22 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  

Hawaii Island

Burned body that of one-time award-winning coffee farmer.  A 59-year-old homeless woman police say burned to death Jan. 2 in a large banyan tree on Banyan Drive in Hilo was, in better times, an award-winning coffee farmer. Police identified the victim as Deborah Ann Cohn-Hoomalu of Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

New Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Moszkowicz Sworn In. A private swearing in ceremony for newly-appointed Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz was held livestreamed over social media Jan. 11. Big Island Video News.

County to open application process for rental assistance program. Applications for a state-funded rental assistance program will open next week for the first time in five years. Tribune-Herald.

Alii Drive road work continues. The southbound lane and sidewalks of Alii Drive in the heart of Kailua Village will remain closed through at least month’s end. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui’s Plan To Protect Cultural Sites Is In Limbo. The former mayor vetoed the bill on his last day in office and it’s now up to the Maui County Council to override the veto and get the plan back on track. Civil Beat.

Former Maui senator J. Kalani English has paid $75,000 of his $100,000 fine. English’s payment is part of $2.1M that U.S. Attorney’s Office collected in fiscal year 2022. Maui News.

Schools and MPD work on preventing tragedies. If an active shooter were on a Maui school campus, the school resource officer or the responding officer would “go directly to that threat,” and not have to wait for backup, a Maui Police Department sergeant told state lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council encourages hiring kama‘aina for leadership roles. In its first meeting of 2023, the Kaua‘i County Council passed a resolution encouraging hiring locals for top positions. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i police make strides in opening Lihu‘e KPAL facility. The Kaua‘i Police Department is nearing an agreement with the Philippine Cultural Center to lease nearly 3,000 square feet of space for keiki athletic programs. Garden Island.

Kauai County closing its COVID-19 testing site, mobile vans. The final day for testing at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall will be Feb. 28. Hawaii News Now.

Money for small farms, university system as new year begins, illegal fireworks spark anger, new Maui Mayor Bissen pledges fiscal restraint, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Small-scale Hawaii agriculture receives $2.7M boost. The state Department of Agriculture  last week announced distribution of grants under the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

UH to receive big funding boost from 2023 federal budget. The University of Hawaii will get a big boost from the federal government through the omnibus budget bill for fiscal 2023 that was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, according to U.S. Rep. Ed Case.  Star-Advertiser.

Departing Land Board chair sought ‘balance.’ Instead, some saw bias.  There is more conflict ahead for the Department of Land and Natural Resources — with a controversial new appointee taking over this week. Outgoing Chair Suzanne Case’s eight-year tenure included many battles, which now await her successor. Hawaii News Now.

Hold on to those balloons! Raft of new laws kick in Sunday. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated,” and the state Legislature is attempting to do just that with a bevy of new laws focused on ethics and other issues. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Kauai Now. KITV4.

Data Shows Hawaii Shippers Are Regularly Breaking Speed Limits In Sensitive Whale Zones. Matson and Pasha Hawaii are ignoring calls to slow down. But other major shippers have heeded requests to protect endangered whales. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele to return to full-time job at Hawaiian Airlines. Former state Sen. Jill Tokuda will replace Kahele when the Congress begins its 2023 session on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Video News.

Abigail Kawananakoa to lie in state at Iolani Palace.  The late Abigail Kawananakoa, the Campbell Estate heiress who was considered by many a princess for her royal heritage, will lie in state Jan. 22 at Iolani Palace. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu residents reeling from steep property value increases. The increased assessments come as the City and County of Honolulu looks to come up with more cash for public service employees and after residential buying surged, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council on Tuesday to take oaths for new year. Councilmember Tommy Waters of District IV was re-elected and will renew his oath. Meanwhile, Councilmembers-elect Matt Weyer of District II, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam of District VI and Val Okimoto of District VIII will take their initial oath of office to begin their terms. KHON2.

Everyone agrees Oahu’s fireworks ban isn’t working, but there’s little agreement on a fix. After a loud and dangerous start to the new year, lawmakers and residents are calling for changes to fireworks laws. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu EMS reports long list of fireworks-related injuries in ‘brutal’ start to new year. Oahu first responders reported one of the busiest starts to the new year in recent memory, with at least eight people seriously injured by illegal fireworks. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit: State Failed To Help Severely Disabled Boy. A Kaneohe family is suing state education and health officials for failing to place their son, who has serious behavioral issues, in intensive treatment.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The Big Island Is Confronting A Big Problem With Fentanyl. One person dies every 11 days on the island from a drug overdose. A growing majority of those deaths involve the powerful, synthetic opioid fentanyl. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Attempts To Curb Short-Term Rentals. Two County Council members say their proposed legislation is aimed at helping to ease Hawaii island’s housing crisis for residents. Civil Beat.

Council to consider excess, unspent gas taxes. The Finance Committee is set to vote on appropriating $859,913 in excess fuel tax revenues collected over the past two years and reappropriating $1.519 million in lapsed fuel tax funds. West Hawaii Today.

Smoother travels ahead: Resurfacing planned for Hina Lani Street; work starts Jan. 18. Some 1.9 miles of the 3.6-mile roadway that connects Queen Kaahumanu and Mamalahoa highways is set to be resurfaced as part of the project that recently got the green light from the Hawaii County Department of Public Works with the issuance of a notice to proceed on Dec. 5, 2022, to contractor Grace Pacific. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Bissen’s inaugural address calls for sensible spending, embraces traditional knowledge.  Maui’s new Mayor Richard Bissen called for sensible spending, explained his stance as a nonpartisan, and embraced traditional knowledge in his inaugural address on Monday evening at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Inauguration Day In Maui County: ‘Ready To Go To Work’. The County Council is down a member while the Hawaii Supreme Court considers an election challenge. Maui County’s new mayor and council formally took office on Monday in front of a packed audience of local residents and state dignitaries who turned out on the New Year’s Day holiday for the ceremonies. Civil Beat. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health gives Maui food truck Green Placard following cleanup.  The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a green placard to Thai Mee Up Kula 2 food truck and has allowed the food truck to reopen to the public after a followup inspection on Friday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Visitor spending surges in November. The allure of the Garden Island in the post-pandemic era can be measured in a lot of ways, but none more telling than the number of people who flocked to Kauai and the money spent during their visits through November of 2022. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Jerry Jona is new KCCC warden. Jerry Jona will be the new warden at the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center, effective Jan. 3, the state Department of Public Safety announced on Friday afternoon. Garden Island.

Severe turbulence injures 36 on Hawaiian Airline flight, search called off for Hawaii Life Flight workers who crashed off Maui, shelters open as severe storm approaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

36 treated after Hawaiian flight hits severe turbulence. Thirty-six people on a Hawaiian Airlines flight required medical treatment and 11 were seriously injured Sunday as part of a “mass casualty emergency” caused by weather-related turbulence. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Residents urged to prepare for power outages, possible damage as cold front moves in. The National Weather Service warns a powerful cold front in Hawaii from Sunday through Tuesday could cause significant damage. Hawaii News Now.

Virtual briefing planned for Hawaiian Homelands. The Association of Hawaiians for Homestead Lands, a federal office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is hosting a virtual national briefing about the beneficiary $600 million spending plan for the State of Hawaiʻi’s Act 279.  The briefing will be held via Zoom on Dec. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Kauai Now.

Hawaii Medicaid enrollment up 40% since start of pandemic.  The number of Hawaii residents on Medicaid has jumped 40% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Half of the state’s children and about one-third of the total population are now covered by the government health insurance program for people with low income. Star-Advertiser.

A Gag Order In A Foster Death: When Child Welfare Secrecy Goes Too Far. The child welfare system is shrouded in secrecy to protect children. Does it also block scrutiny and reform? Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ala Wai flood plans approach final form. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city last week unveiled their latest flood risk management planning efforts during a virtual online workshop. The project has been narrowed to three action proposals.  Star-Advertiser.

No Car? No Problem. Car Rentals Cater To Honolulu Residents Who Don’t Really Need One. As more companies compete to offer short-term car-renting options, living without a car in Honolulu could get easier and bring down the cost of living. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police recruits on pace to exceed retirements.  The number of recruits working their way through the Honolulu Police Department’s training regimen is on pace to exceed the number of officers retiring this year as the department works to fill 375 vacancies. Star-Advertiser.

EPA takes action on 2021 Kailua sewage plant discharge to prevent future spills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a consent order with the city over the discharge of millions of gallons of wastewater from the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Work to restore Waimanalo beach near estate tied to Obama faces hurdles.  As 2020 drew to a close, developers of an oceanfront estate in Waimanalo tied to former President Barack Obama were awaiting a critical decision from the City and County of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Wastewater discharged in Pālolo Stream. The location is below Waiʻalae Avenue to the Ala Wai Canal. The discharge took place at 3110 Waiʻalae Avenue. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Moszkowicz selected as Big Island police chief. The Hawaii County Police Commission has selected Honolulu Police Maj. Benjamin Moszkowicz as the new top cop for Hawaii Island.  West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

‘My life changed’: Property owners appeal steep increases in taxes. More than twice as many property owners appealed their tax assessments this year than last year, according to the 2022 report of the county Real Property Tax Board of Review. West Hawaii Today.

Maunakea telescope to gather data while Mauna Loa observatory is down. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Mauna Loa Observatory lost power two weeks ago after lava from Mauna Loa cut off the sole access road to the facility. That observatory collected atmospheric measurements for more than six decades that allow scientists to track global climate change through carbon dioxide measurements. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Kalanianaole Street finally reopens to both lanes of traffic.  After nearly five years, Kalanianaole Street is now open to both lanes of traffic. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Kona Royal Vistas condo/apartment project heads to Cultural Resources Commission. A long-dormant $170 million Kona project has returned to the Leeward Planning Commission, who on Thursday heard more than 20 residents express their concerns before punting the project to the county Cultural Resources Commission after a four-plus-hour meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Coast Guard suspends search for missing aircrew off Maui.  The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its active search for the missing three-person Hawaii Life Flight crew whose aircraft disappeared off Maui on Thursday night. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Shelters open in Central and South Maui, Flooding closes road between Kīpahulu and ʻUlupalakua. As of 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, emergency shelters have opened in Central and South Maui at: War Memorial Gym, (700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku); and Kamaliʻi Elementary School Cafeteria, (180 Alanui Ke’Alii Dr., Kīhei). Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui County Considers Leasing Land On Lanai That Larry Ellison ‘Won’t Have A Say In’. The opportunity for a leaseholder change on 100 undeveloped acres could revive long stalled plans for a promised agricultural park on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Maui residents vow to pursue legal action over massive Nāpili home. Nāpili residents said they will take legal action against the county after the Maui County Council failed to follow through on an investigation into approvals for a massive Nāpili home. Maui Now.

County acquisition of Lahaina Crossroads Apartments is final. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today that the County of Maui’s acquisition of the Lahaina Crossroads Apartment Building on Luakini St. is final.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i graduates 16 new Emergency Medical Technicians.  Sixteen new emergency medical technicians are now ready to help save lives after graduating on Thursday night at Kaua‘i Community College. Garden Island.

Pacific Media Group to expand on Kaua‘i with purchase of KFMN. Hawai‘i-based Pacific Media Group, which owns and operates 17 radio stations throughout the state, plans to expand and add one more station to its roster. Big Island Now.