Education Committee chairman seeks answers on school bus shortage, Honolulu introduces vacancy tax on dwelling units, voter turnout lags as Primary Election Day nears, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Panel seeks answers on school bus void. Rep. Justin Woodson, chairman of the House Education Committee, wants the Department of Education to explain when it realized that 3,686 students who rely on bus service would have to scramble to find other ways to get to school across three islands, beginning this week. Star-Advertiser.

There’s still time to submit your ballot as early voting numbers indicate low Primary turnout. As of Aug. 5, Honolulu election officials say roughly 103,000 people have already turned in their ballots. With roughly about 7,000 to 9,000 ballots incoming a day, that’s on track to be lower than 2020, where the primary saw a 52% turnout on Oahu, or about 275,000 voters. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Carpenters Union PACs Are Training Candidates To Run For Office. Groups with ties to the politically influential union have doled out nearly $70,000 since 2021 to teach more than a dozen people to run better campaigns. Civil Beat.

State will pay about $800 million in Lahaina wildfires settlement agreement. Governor Josh Green says the payment won’t have any effect on any of the state’s other top priorities. KHON2.

More Details Emerge On Attack Of Hawaii Inmate Daniel Kosi, Serving Time for Two 1999 Murders, In An Arizona Prison. Hawaii officials are investigating the possible involvement of Saguaro prison guards in the assault, a lawyer says. The state currently holds 1,001 prisoners at Saguaro because there is no room for them in Hawaii prisons. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council introduces bill to establish tax on empty homes. Last week, the Honolulu City Council introduced Bill 46 to put a tax on dwelling units that have sat empty for over half of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Seeks Charter Commission Members. The City and County of Honolulu is seeking 13 people to serve on the Honolulu Charter Commission, and is asking residents to submit their resumes and cover letters to the mayor’s office.  Civil Beat.

Delays in trash pick-up likely to continue through 2025. Delays in picking up trash could continue through 2025, according to the city. Honolulu Deputy Communications Director Ian Scheuring said they are doing everything they can to address a shortage of trucks. KHON2.

Former Damien president files whistleblower lawsuit. The former president of Damien Memorial School has filed a lawsuit accusing the institution of firing him for uncovering alleged illegal financial management, failure to pay taxes, a football player sex scandal and payments to players from alumni. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Speed limits around schools could lower to 20 mph under new bill. The Honolulu City Council will consider a measure Wednesday that would lower speed limits in school zones. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

Homeless advocate, activist Twinkle Borge dies. Twinkle Borge, longtime activist and leader of the Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae homeless encampment, died Monday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Primary Election Day is around the corner; know where to vote. This year, the mayoral race is packed with several community leaders going up against incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth. Hawai‘i County Council seats are also being challenged. Big Island Now.

Judge orders police to turn over new evidence in Dana Ireland case for court review. A Circuit Court judge is reviewing evidence collected from the newly identified killer of Dana Ireland. Hawaii News Now.

Summit discusses fentanyl crisis, impact on youth. The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force held its 3rd Annual Fentanyl and Addictions Summit on Monday, bringing together more than 200 representatives of state and county agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and more to discuss the ongoing fentanyl crisis, its impacts and potential solutions. Tribune-Herald.

L&L Drive Inn At Captain Cook Shut Down By Health Department.  The restaurant on Mamalahoa Highway was issued a red “closed” placard due to an active roach infestation, a non-operational hand-washing sink and suspected sewage backup.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Fuel dock at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor repaired, ready for business after wildfire. Nearly a year after wildfire overwhelmed Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, exploding fuel tanks and incinerating vessels moored dockside, a quiet Hawaiian blessing ceremony was held Monday for the harbor’s repaired fuel dock, now ready for business. Maui Now.

Donations exceeding expectations for victims of Maui wildfires. The outpouring of financial support through donations in the days and weeks after the wildfires was tremendous and came from various sources, small to large — through small individual checks, dozens of GoFundMe accounts, the People’s Fund of Maui launched by celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, or millions channeled through the Hawaii Community Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Fear A Disturbing Pattern Of Health Problems Is Emerging After The Maui Fires. It may be years before the full extent of illnesses affecting wildfire survivors is documented, but the preliminary data is troubling. Civil Beat.

Bob Fenton Reflects On A Year Of Leading FEMA’s Fire Recovery Efforts On Maui. There were highs and lows managing multiple programs in a place historically skeptical of the federal government, but overall his agency’s work has been well received. Civil Beat.

New food distribution center opens in Lahaina to alleviate hunger ‘crisis’ since fires. Maui Food Bank officials said there has been a “notable rise” in demand for food assistance since the wildfires nearly one year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Former Kihei hotel welcoming Maui wildfire survivors. Maui wildfire evacuees have begun moving into a former hotel in Kihei that the state has been fixing up since it bought the 175-room property in March from a religious institute. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Kauai

The primary election approaches; be sure to get votes in. Kaua‘i County Council members gathered last week for an election event where they delivered one-minute speeches to constituents. Kauai Now.

Land blessing held at Namahana School site. The land blessing by Namahana School and its officials on Sunday marked the start of a one-year countdown before the charter school in Kilauea receives its first students. Garden Island.

Former Speaker Calvin Say retires from politics while Hee, Kahele return, Honolulu hikes property taxes on vacation rentals, Maui council unanimously opposes Air Force telescopes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hee, Kahele reemerge in Hawaii politics as Say exits. Former state senator and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Clayton Hee and former U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele have reentered Hawaii politics this election cycle, while current Council Member Calvin Say, the former speaker of the state House of Representatives, has decided to retire from politics at age 72. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News.

State launches new marketing campaign in bid to recruit hundreds of new corrections officers. The state Department of Corrections is racing to fill nearly 400 positions at its facilities across the state — the highest number of vacancies it’s ever had. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to cover palliative care through Medicaid. Hawaii has become the first state in the U.S. to cover community palliative care services through Medicaid, according to Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

Search for new CEO of Native Hawaiian trust stirs debate over qualifications. The Liliuokalani Trust, named after Hawaii’s last reigning queen, was founded in 1909 to support orphans and children experiencing poverty. As of 2022, the fund was worth more than $1 billion. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s New Budget Includes Higher Property Taxes For Short-Term Rentals. Council members stuck with the higher tax rate in part to avoid cutting more services in the city's $4.5 billion budget, $115 million of which is allocated for hazard back pay from the pandemic. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  KITV4.

The Backlog Of Honolulu Building Permits Is Taking A Toll On City Revenue. In the 2023 fiscal year alone, Honolulu received close to 20,000 permit applications but issued fewer than 15,000. The difference — carried over into the following year — represents an average of more than $1 billion in taxable construction work and nearly $7 million in building permit fees. Civil Beat.

Fireworks bill moves forward at Honolulu City Council. The Honolulu City Council held its first public hearing on Wednesday on whether or not Oahu should bring back sparklers and fountains. KHON2.

Sand Island business board sued by former lawmaker. A former state lawmaker and executive director of the Sand Island Business Association is suing its board of directors for discrimination and wrongful termination, claiming members allegedly made his job impossible in a toxic work environment. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Mililani care home fined $117K for operating without a license. The state Health Department has fined Emmy’s Care Home LLC in Mililani a penalty of $117,000 for operating an adult residential care home without a license. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR to create separate position at Mauna ʻAla for Native Hawaiian cultural protocols. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Tuesday it will create a new position at the Mauna ʻAla Royal Mausoleum to focus solely on Native Hawaiian cultural protocols and community outreach. Hawaii Public Radio.

Undercover sweep of McCully-Moili’ili game rooms result in multiple arrests. Law enforcement agencies conducted multiple raids on game rooms in the McCully-Moili’ili area Wednesday night resulting in several arrests. KHON2.

 Federal agents, state authorities and Honolulu police raided businesses Tuesday in both Kalihi and Mapunapuna. Sources say it was related to possible customs violations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Homelessness down 28%: Officials credit increases in funding for services, affordable housing. It appears the number of homeless individuals on Hawaii Island has reached its lowest point in the last six years. Tribune-Herald.

Plan to turn Manago Hotel into housing nixed. A $5.5 million county grant to purchase a historic West Hawaii hotel and use it for affordable housing has fallen through. Tribune-Herald.

Bill to regulate bike tours advances. A proposal to impose regulations upon commercial bike tour operators in Hawaii County has advanced despite pushback from bicyclists and tour groups. Tribune-Herald.

Trace Amounts Of Chromium Detected In Laupāhoehoe Water. For the first time, trace amounts of chromium have been detected in water samples from the Laupāhoehoe P-2 Well, which is part of the County of Hawai‘i Department of Water Supply’s Laupāhoehoe-Kapehu system. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County Council votes unanimously against new telescopes atop Haleakala. The Maui County Council voted unanimously Wednesday against a military plan to build up to seven new telescopes at the summit of Haleakala. ayor Richard Bissen doesn’t have to sign off on the resolution. However, a spokesperson in the mayor’s office said he is drafting a letter on the project that he will send to the Air Force. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Council Prioritizes Maui Fire Recovery And Housing In $1.7 Billion County Budget. The Maui County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a $1.7 billion spending plan for the fiscal year starting July 1, the county’s first budget since the devastating wildfires last summer. More money for affordable rentals, emergency management and firefighters is on tap for 2025. Civil Beat.

Maui Hits Pause Button On Managed Retreat Fund. A fund established to help Maui County deal with the impacts of climate change and sea level rise will be paused for three years and the money earmarked for it in the 2025 fiscal year used instead for the Pulelehua housing project north of Lahaina.  Civil Beat.

Tsuhako appointment as Human Concerns director advances with 7-2 committee vote. Department of Housing and Human Concerns Director Lori Tsuhako faced critics Tuesday who questioned her responsiveness, accessibility and management of homelessness in Maui County. Maui Now.

2024 Point in Time Count shows 7% drop in people experiencing homelessness. The overall homelessness count on Maui dropped by 7% from 704 individuals in 2023 to 654 in 2024, according to newly released data from Bridging the Gap. The report showed that there was a 26% decline in unsheltered homelessness. Maui Now.

Kauai

Navy and NASA looking to renew land use deals. Both the Navy and NASA propose to maintain long-term use of the land they occupy, and to satisfy the requirements for negotiations, both parties are working on creating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed real estate agreements. Garden Island.

Green may veto rainy day funding, income tax cuts could also benefit wealthy, Maui shifts property tax burden from homeowners to vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Governor May Nix Plan To Put More Money Into The State Rainy Day Fund. Green says the state cannot afford to put another $300 million into the budget reserve fund, which already has about $1.5 billion. Civil Beat.

Concerns rise for low-income families over Legislature's recent tax cut measure. Most Hawaiʻi residents will likely see lower income taxes next year due to a measure recently passed by the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Keeping peace is crucial, officer declares at LANPAC.  The Association of the U.S. Army kicked off its annual Land Power in the Pacific Symposium on Tuesday at the Sheraton Waikiki, bringing in attendees from 30 countries. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii brown water health risks aren’t just in the ocean. At least seven brown water advisories were issued since Monday and ranged from Kauai to Hawaii Island. KHON2.

How do officials plan to address state infestation of coconut rhinoceros beetle? State and county legislators met at Kapalama Elementary School on Tuesday to address the statewide infestation of the coconut rhinoceros beetle. KHON2.

Oahu

Campaign Contributions Or Bribes In Disguise? Closing Arguments Begin In Kaneshiro Bribery Trial. Prosecutors tried to convince jurors money given to Keith Kaneshiro's campaign was part of a conspiracy to bribe the former Honolulu prosecutor, but defense attorneys maintain it was legal. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail Authority To Seek Damages For Delays In Completing Airport Segment. Imposing liquidated damages on contractor STG would be a turnabout. Last year it was the contractor that demanded cash compensation from the city for project delays. Civil Beat.

Second chance, former inmate hiring program, supports Waikiki’s Aloha Ambassadors. The Waikiki Business Improvement District Aloha Ambassador program will expand to 24 hours, seven days a week this summer and is projected by year’s end to remove 500,000 pounds of trash and serve over 350,000 visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu homeless figures to be released.  The latest number of homeless people who were counted across Oahu in January will be released today in the latest benchmark of homelessness in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Waikoloa Library project moves ahead. The long-sought public library for Waikoloa Village is a step closer to becoming a reality. The state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development last week published a final Environmental Assessment for the project, with a finding of no significant impact. Tribune-Herald.

County wants private land for Puna road. Hawaii County will seize portions of a pair of private properties in lower Puna in order to complete the reopening of Pohoiki Road. Tribune-Herald.

Court urges parties to settle in case of house on wrong lot. In the case of a house built on the wrong property lot on Hawaii Island, after weeks of appearing in court Kailua-Kona, both sides were ordered by a judge to meet in a closed session to try to come up with an agreement. KITV4.

Maui

Maui Council Holds Down Property Tax Rates For Local Homeowners. The county plans to shift more of the revenue burden onto vacation rental and investment property owners. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Vacant Land Sales Around Lahaina Have Jumped Since The Wildfires. As remediation efforts proceed, some local residents have bought property within minutes of the town. Civil Beat.

Maui project aims to restore landscape, mitigate axis deer damage and reduce erosion above Kīhei. A collaborative project to protect against erosion, reduce flood risk, mitigate axis deer damage, and improve water quality is being implemented in an 11-acre area mauka of Kīhei.  Maui Now.

Condo and house sales rise on Maui during April, along with prices. The median sales prices for both categories also saw notable increases as single-family homes rose by 16.9%, while condominiums climbed by 8.4%, compared to April 2023. Maui News.

On Molokai, health care providers struggle with low payments, high costs — and little support. The island of Molokai has only a third as many doctors as a communities of similar size on the mainland. But experts say roots of the health care crisis there — economics and isolation — exist in rural areas on every island. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

DLNR finalizing investigation into cruise ships reported close to Na Pali Coast. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s awaiting a final report following its investigation into two cruise ships that came too close to the shore of the Na Pali Coast earlier this month.  Kauai Now.

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.