6-figure salary needed to survive in Hawaii, limited Honolulu rail service starting next month, drug, gambling, sex houses raided on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It Now Takes A Six-Figure Salary For A Family Of 4 To Make Ends Meet in Hawaii. The minimum income needed to pay for basic essentials as a family of four in Hawaii has ballooned to $104,052 a year, according to a report released Wednesday by the nonprofit Aloha United Way. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i ranked worst state for saving money. Hawai‘i is the worst U.S. state to live in for saving money, according to a recent Forbes Advisor analysis. Garden Island.

Lawyers threaten suit over state of special education services in Hawaii public schools. Attorneys for special education students are threatening to sue the state, saying access to special education and mental health services has gotten worse since the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution calls for Native Hawaiian intellectual property working group.  HCR 108 was adopted in light of the increasing disputes over topics such as cultural misappropriation, ownership and control between Indigenous people and third-party users of Indigenous knowledge resource. Star-Advertiser.

New version of ag bill vetoed by Ige appears to have support from Green. A plan to save farms facing the expiration of their state land leases has once again made it to the governor’s desk. Tribune-Herald.

Marine leaders host Thai officials at Camp Smith. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific hosted a delegation from the Royal Thai Marine Corps on Oahu on Monday and Tuesday for the first Marine-to-Marine Future Engagement Planning meetings between the United States and Thailand. Star-Advertiser.

Wespac Still Hasn’t Paid Back $837,000 It Misspent. Congressmen Want To Know Why. The federal fishery regulatory panel is nearly six months late on repaying taxpayer money that an audit found was not used appropriately. Members of Congress are demanding answers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on how it plans to hold the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council accountable for nearly $1 million in “misspent” federal funds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID cases remain steady as federal emergency ends. The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported the state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases at 105, down from 107 reported May 3. The state’s average positivity rate, at 8.0%, remained the same as the previous week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All Aboard ‘Skyline’: City Plans To Start Rail Service On 4th of July Weekend. The service along half of the route would see few daily riders, but officials say it's time to let the public experience rail. The nine stations along the 10.7-mile stretch from east Kapolei to Aloha Stadium are slated to officially start service 2 p.m. June 30, officials announced Wednesday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  KHON2.

HPD, federal agents raid drug, gambling, sex houses. A joint operation by Honolulu police and federal agents targeting Oahu’s sex trade, gambling and drug houses began before sunrise Wednesday and resulted in three arrests and the seizure of 38 electronic gambling devices and illegal narcotics. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Loud mufflers are a constant nuisance, but more fines could be on the way. Sound-detecting microphones meant to crack down on illegal noise on the roads are coming to Oahu. State lawmakers approved $2.5 million for the program, which the Department of Transportation will roll out. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Convention Center previews $64M roof repair, upcoming events. State lawmakers have solved a $64 million question when it comes to the future of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. That's the cost of fixing the center's leaky roof, which has become an increasing problem as repairs were delayed for years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Study: Rising sea levels will have dramatic effect on one of Hawaii’s most popular beaches. Seven years from now, nearly 90% of Hanauma Bay’s sandy area could be underwater, according to a new University of Hawaii study on sea level rise. Hawaii News Now.

‘Forever chemicals’ found at Kaamilo Wells station. So-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in the Kaamilo Wells Pumping Station, although at rates lower than federal standards, the state Department of Health reported today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Waikoloa Workforce Housing Project Goes Before Cultural Commission. The Hawaiʻi County Cultural Resources Commission on Wednesday reviewed the potential impacts on cultural, archaeological, or historic resources within the Hoʻomalu Workforce Housing Project in Waikoloa. Big Island Video News.

County officials, union work to solve dispatcher shortage. Representatives of the Hawaii Government Employees Association met Tuesday with Hawaii Fire Chief Kazuo Todd and other members of Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration to come up with a plan to rectify a severe shortage of fire dispatchers. Tribune-Herald.

Community input sought on master plan for old Hilo Memorial Hospital. The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on May 15 to gather input and recommendations for the development of a master plan for the old Hilo Memorial Hospital site at 34 Rainbow Drive. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Is Closing Part Of Hana Highway For Up To A Month Because Of Falling Rocks. In a news release late Wednesday, the government announced it would be closing a section of the highway from Alelele Bridge to Lelekea Bridge, which will temporarily prevent drivers from traveling between Hana and Kaupo. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Public school nurses tallied 8,000 health room visits. Nurses working in public schools handled nearly 8,000 health room visits by students from August to March of the current school year, according to the University of Hawaii as it marks National School Nurse Day today.  Maui News.

Funds released for multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary. Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Mā’alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) today, announced the release of $600,000 in funding for a new multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai May Buy The Blighted Coco Palms Hotel. Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo suggested taking ownership through eminent domain. The owner says it's for sale anyway. Civil Beat. Garden Island.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Construction to begin on 24-unit project in ʻEleʻele for homeless.  The project will provide low-cost studio and one-bedroom units for people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Kauai Now.

Military spending props up Hawaii's sagging economy, Biden wins state Democratic primary, aquarium collectors denied state approval, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

WWII vet Don Graves inspires trainees at Pohakuloa Training Area ©2020 All Hawaii News

As tourism stalls, military spending continues to boost Hawaii’s economy. One of the remaining pillars of Hawaii’s economy — federal spending, including military — continues to prop up the tourist-depleted Aloha State, with the Defense Department so far resistant to the devastating financial effects of the coronavirus, which have resulted in a jobless rate of 22%. Star-Advertiser.

Chinese American WWII vets and familes waiting on Congressional Gold Medal. The first regional ceremony was to be on Oahu on May 17 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. But the coronavirus outbreak led to a postponement of those plans, with the fall targeted for a Washington, D.C., recognition and a Hawaii ceremony weeks after that. Star-Advertiser.

At cemeteries across the state, a Memorial Day unlike any other. As the coronavirus pandemic persists across the globe, most of the big public Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe will be noticeably absent. Hawaii News Now.

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Economist outlines how long it could take for Hawaii to fully bounce back. In economic news, there’s a grim prediction from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.. They’re projecting that Hawaii’s economic growth will drop by 12.1 percent this year as a result of the pandemic and its lasting effects. Hawaii News Now.

59% Of Hawaii Households Lost Income Since March 13. Compared with other states, Hawaii had more households say they lost income and expect to lose more during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Survey shows Hawaii residents wary of visiting malls, eating out. The survey by Honolulu-­based SMS Research & Marketing Service Inc. found that 70% of Hawaii adults are either “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about themselves or someone in their family getting sick with COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Other destinations set reopenings, but Hawaii tourism remains in limbo. That’s in sharp contrast to destinations around the world such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, China, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Spain and Mexico — even Las Vegas and Florida — that have announced tourism reopening dates or are seriously moving toward them by setting public benchmarks and adopting standards for phased reopening. Star-Advertiser.

Contract delays sidelined investigators crucial to quarantine enforcement. Investigators with the Attorney General’s office have played a major role in the arrests of out-of-state visitors who violate the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement. But Hawaii News Now has learned that some of the AG’s investigators have been sidelined for more than a week due to bureaucratic delays. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, state health officials reminded the public that social distancing guidelines were still in effect, and large group gatherings were not allowed. Some people followed those rules, others did not. KHON2.

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Public libraries to launch Library Take-Out. The Hawaii State Public Library System announce Saturday the statewide launch of Library Take Out at 47 public libraries. West Hawaii Today.

‘Library Take Out’ System Launching Tuesday. The Hawai‘i State Public Library System has announced the statewide launch of “Library Take Out” at 47 of its 51 public libraries. Big Island Now.

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West Hawaiʻi Aquarium Fishery EIS Rejected. In a rare move, the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday voted to reject the Environmental Impact Statement for proposed aquarium fishing in West Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

BLNR votes 7-0 against environmental impact statement for aquarium fishing permits in West Hawaii. The fishers, part of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, asked the Department of Land and Natural Resources for 10 of such permits for Hawaii island’s West Hawaii Regional Fisher Management Area, which they said was the site of nearly $1.3 million of the state’s commercial aquarium fishery in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

BLNR unanimously rejects West Hawaii aquarium fishing EIS. A proposed environmental impact statement — produced by aquarium fishers to reopen West Hawaii’s coastal waters to 10 commercial aquarium fishermen — was rejected in a 7-0 decision by the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. West Hawaii Today.

BLNR Rejects West Hawai‘i Aquarium Fishing EIS. Aquarium fishing with fine mesh nets in West Hawai‘i waters will remain shut down, at least for the time being. Big Island Now.

DLNR proposes $100K in fines for 3 alleged aquarium fish poachers. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing more than $100,000 in fines for three Big Island residents accused of poaching aquarium fish. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Schools Under Pressure To Provide More Data About Remote Learning. Civil Beat.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March, the Hawaii schools chief says 80% to 95% of students have consistent access to education material. Civil Beat.

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Joe Biden wins Hawaii Democratic presidential primary with 63% of ranked-choice votes. Former Vice President Joe Biden has won the Democratic presidential primary in Hawaii, surpassing the second place candidate by more than 25 percentage points, the Democratic Party of Hawaii announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Biden Clobbers Sanders In Hawaii’s Presidential Primary. Favorite daughter Tulsi Gabbard finishes fourth and is awarded no delegates in Democratic Party-run election. Civil Beat.

Joe Biden Wins Hawaii Presidential Primary Delayed By Virus. Joe Biden won the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s party-run presidential primary on Saturday, which was delayed by more than a month because of the coronavirus. Associated Press.

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Tracing California’s ‘Lost Tribe’ Of Hawaiians. A group of Native Hawaiians traveled to California 181 years ago. Their descendants are still connected to the islands in surprising ways. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 24: No New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. For the seventh time in May, no new cases of the coronavirus were reported. Civil Beat.

No new cases of COVID-19 reported Sunday.  Over the weekend, the state reported just one new case of COVID-19 on Saturday. There were no new cases on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council committee postpones action on measure to triple landfill distance. The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning, Planning and Housing Committee postponed action on a resolution that seeks to amend the county Land Use Ordinance to require the distance between a landfill and residential neighborhoods, resorts and schools be more than tripled, which could halt plans to expand Oahu’s only construction landfill. Pacific Business News.

Oahu home prices rise in May despite Covid pressure on sales, Locations says. Average single-family home prices on Oahu rose 6.5% during the first two weeks of May, compared to the same period last year, while sales declined by 13.6% during the same time, as Covd-19 restrictions — and the economic fallout and uncertainty — impacted the residential real estate market, according to research from Locations. Pacific Business News.

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Honolulu Prosecutors raid another Century Center massage parlor. On Friday, prosecutors seized records from Integrative Modalities of Honolulu, citing five of its female employees for violating the governor’s emergency proclamation. Hawaii News Now.

6 cited for coronavirus violations in raid at suspected brothel near Waikiki. Six people were cited Friday during a raid at a massage parlor suspected of operating as a brothel while state emergency orders remain in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said today. Star-Advertiser.

Suspected brothel busted at Century Center. Dozens of condoms were found at the massage parlor suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV4.


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Alleged chicken shooter among latest arrested for quarantine violations. A man who was seen in a social media video allegedly shooting a chicken with a spear gun has been arrested. He was among the latest arrests of alleged travel quarantine breakers. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Zoo welcomes new ohana, two endangered giraffes named Neeliz and Sandi. The Honolulu Zoo said aloha to two new Reticulated Giraffes from the Albuquerque Biological Park on Thursday, May 21. KHON2.

Meet Neelix and Sandi, the Honolulu Zoo’s newest residents. This week, the zoo received a male and a female Reticulated Giraffe from the Albuquerque Biological Park. Hawaii News Now.

Archers disappointed that ranges still closed. For two months Clifford Smith and fellow archers have not been able to practice their sport, which is not one of the approved uses in newly reopened city parks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim announces June 1 reopening of churches, salons, restaurants. Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday issued an emergency rule that reopens places of worship, personal services such as hair salons, and restaurants effective June 1. West Hawaii Today.

Churches, Salons, Restaurants Can Reopen June 1st On Hawaii Island. Mayor Harry Kim's COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 5 will allow places of worship, salons, one-on-one services, and restaurants - including food courts but not bars and nightclubs - to reopen. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County to Reopen Medium Risk Businesses on June 1. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim on Saturday issued an order that will allow the reopening of personal services like hair salons, communal places of worship and indoor dining options at restaurants effective June 1. Big Island Now.

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University of California system has given $68M to TMT project. The University of California system, one of the partners seeking to build the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea, has invested more than $68 million in the TMT project as of April 30, according to a UC financial report. Star-Advertiser.

$90M allocated for Daniel K. Inouye Highway project. A bill containing $90 million to extend Daniel K. Inouye Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway is awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature. West Hawaii Today.

'We will never forget': Virus makes for different Memorial Day, but meaning unchanged. The Memorial Day ceremony regularly held at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery every year has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Upgrades coming to Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Max the Catalina macaw is on break from his usual job of calling out to folks entering and leaving the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. These days, he’s chatting with construction workers while the zoo undergoes a $9 million renovation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Another employee tests positive for virus. A Maui Memorial Medical Center employee has tested positive for COVID-19, sparking concerns about a resurgence of cases at the hospital, though both Maui Health and state officials maintained that the cluster has been shut down. Maui News.

Veterans to be honored in spite of pandemic. Flowers will be placed at cemetery; Akaku to air prerecorded ceremony. Maui News.

$532.9M destined for state CIP projects in Maui County. Maui County’s state senators have announced that $532.9 million in capital improvement projects for Maui County have been funded for the current and 2020-21 fiscal years, and general obligation bonds have been set aside for various projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Communication breakdown. Kaua‘i councilmembers have expressed their frustrations over the lack of transparency of the mayor’s administration in responding to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Economic rebuild recommendations offered. The Kaua‘i County Council heard about 45 economic-recovery recommendations from Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Teams last week, including how to support local businesses, the importance of communications, the need for broadband and improved infrastructure and the long-term need to diversify the economy. Garden Island.

‘Like Black Friday in the pandemic’. Mel Dias was sleeping in the Kukui Grove Center parking lot fronting the Ross Dress for Less store Saturday night in anticipation of the store’s reopening Sunday morning. Garden Island.

Construction boom, workforce shrinks, student scores lag, rail costs soar, Maui to ban commercial park activity on Sundays, HECO wins $638.5M Army contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Construction cranes dot Kakaako skyline ©2019 All Hawaii News

Construction industry spending will continue at around $9 billion until 2021, report finds. It’s a good time to be working in Hawaii’s construction industry. It’s so good that concerns are being raised about a labor shortage being on the horizon if some exceptionally big planned projects go forward. Star-Advertiser.

What’s up with Hawaii’s incredible shrinking civilian labor force? State figures for August put the civilian labor force in Hawaii at 656,800 people. That’s down by more than 20,000 from the same month in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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Test scores stall for Hawaii students. The academic performance of Hawaii public school students stagnated this year, with the proficiency rate in math staying flat and slight dips in language arts and science. Star-Advertiser.

How ‘Green Fees’ Might Offset The Hidden Costs Of Tourism In Hawaii. A growing number of tourism hot spots, ranging from Mallorca to Bhutan to New Zealand, are imposing new taxes and fees on visitors. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers faces customer, regulatory hurdles with 34% rate hike ask. Interisland cargo carrier Young Brothers says it needs an unprecedented 34 percent rate hike to survive. What could this mean for residents, businesses and the future of the more than century-old shipper? KHON2.

US Gives Limited Approval To Hawaiian-Japan Airlines Venture. Hawaiian officials expressed disappointment that the preliminary decision doesn’t give the two airlines with full antitrust immunity. Associated Press.

Oahu

HECO wins $638.5M Army contract. Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Thursday it has been awarded a $638.5 million contract to own, operate and maintain the electrical distribution system for the Army’s 12 installations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

HECO Wins $639M, 50-Year Contract As Army Privatizes Its Electric System. Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. has been awarded a contract to own and  operate the electrical system for the U.S. Army's Oahu installations, a deal valued at $638.5 million over 50 years, the company said in a release Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu Rail’s West Side Station Costs Are Soaring. The HART board is poised to approve an $18 million deal to resolve about 150 construction claims. Civil Beat.

Major rail preparation work to kick off on Dillingham Blvd. next month. Rail officials say construction on Dillingham Boulevard is about to accelerate dramatically ― with hundreds of workers on the strip up to 20 hours a day. Hawaii News Now.

People unpaid and underpaid for rail move wait for make-good; Dillingham construction starts Nov. 12. KHON2.

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Acting prosecutor’s truth questioned after defending Katherine Kealoha’s actions. Did the head of the Honolulu prosecutor’s office lie to a city council committee? Hawaii News Now.

The Sun Is Setting On One Of Hawaii’s Last Legacy Estates. The Damon Trust spans much of the island’s modern history, with roots back to the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

Heart Disease May Be Linked To Pesticide Exposure. A new finding has emerged from historic data from the Kuakini Medical Center Honolulu Heart Program, which began to track the health of about 8,000 Japanese American men on Oahu in the mid 1960s: pesticide exposure may increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Civil Beat.

Invasive thrifts spread on Oahu, prompting officials to call for drastic measures. Worried that an invasive insect will ravage Oahu’s native naio population as it did on Hawaii island, state officials are now urging people to remove healthy naio trees from their gardens before they become infected. Star-Advertiser.

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A suspected brothel in St. Louis Heights is raided by authorities. Authorities zeroed in on a St. Louis Heights home suspected of operating as a brothel. Hawaii News Now.

Investigators carry out search warrant at St. Louis Heights residence suspected of operating as a brothel. Investigators with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney carried out a search warrant Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at a residence on St. Louis Heights suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV.

St. Louis Heights residence investigated after prostitution complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Despite delays caused by hot lava rock, Highway 132 could reopen next month. Paving on the reconstructed portion of Highway 132 has been completed, and the county Department of Public Works anticipates opening the road in November. Tribune-Herald.

HVO scientists explain how lava flows cool. The lava flows near Highway 132 could take decades to completely cool down, according to scientists. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy, the company that plans to burn trees to produce energy using the refurbished and refitted Pepeʻekeo power plant, is actively courting the community for support, as environmental activists continue to fight the project. As Hu Honua, aka Honua Ola Bioenergy, drills deeper injection wells, the company juggles DOH, PUC approvals and neighborhood improvement projects. Big Island Video News.

Stepped-up DKI Highway enforcement nets 591 citations, six arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 591 traffic citations and arrested six suspects for 10 offenses on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Sept. 26-Oct. 2, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Pool Scheduled to Reopen This Month. Kona Aquatics Center is set to reopen this month after it was forced to close indefinitely for repairs in March. Big Island Now.

Maui

County to halt all commercial activity at parks Sundays, holidays. New permit restrictions to take effect in about 30 days. Maui News.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. The move could help preserve affordable units for about 250 tenants. Civil Beat.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that the state has completed its transaction to acquire the land under Front Street Apartments on Maui. Maui Now.

State buys land under Maui apartment complex in bid to keep it affordable. The state purchased the land for $15 million. Hawaii News Now.

New bridge over Wailuku River mulled by County Council. Council members say new crossing needed to advance housing projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Historic County Building illuminated for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Historic County Building at night is lit with pink lights through October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Garden Island.

Mauna Loa volcano alert level raised, illegal firearm seizures soar, Ige signs prostitution protection bill, Kealoha lawyer quits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hiking Mauna Loa ©2019 All Hawaii News

Federal officials raised the alert level Tuesday for the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa on the Big Island, which last erupted in 1984. After Kilauea erupted last year, another Big Island volcano is experiencing 50 to 75 eruptions a week. Associated Press.

No cause for alarm despite Mauna Loa’s heightened alert level. Several months of small earthquakes and signs of magma movement underground at Mauna Loa prompted scientists Tuesday to raise the alert level by a notch for the massive volcano. Star-Advertiser.

HVO raises Mauna Loa alert level to “advisory”. Today’s increase in the Mauna Loa alert level — from “normal” to “advisory” — came just over one year after it was downgraded from advisory to normal in June 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Volcano Alert Level Raised To YELLOW ADVISORY. The United States Geological Survey has raised the alert level for Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. Big Island Video News.

Alert level increased to ‘advisory’ for Mauna Loa. Scientists have raised the alert level for Mauna Loa from normal to advisory. KHON2.

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Seizures of illegal firearms soar in Hawaii, feds say. U.S. law enforcement authorities Tuesday voiced concern about the dramatic increase in illegal firearms seized in Hawaii and the growing use of devices that can convert ordinary handguns into machine gun-like weapons. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities raise alarm about illegal use of gun conversion device in Hawaii. Federal officials are trying to crack down on criminals in Hawaii using a device that turns a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon. Hawaii News Now.

Local Police and federal agents work to stop the use of illegal guns in Hawaii. The Project Safe Neighborhood brings all levels of law enforcement together for one goal. KHON2.

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Hawaii becomes first state with protections for those convicted of prostitution. Hawaii’s laws against sex trafficking victims eased slightly with the signing of SB1039 Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Signs First-In-Nation Law On Clearing Prostitution Convictions. The bill removes a requirement that a person be a victim of sex trafficking to have a prostitution conviction erased. Associated Press.

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Hawaii lawmakers, others urge passage of asset forfeiture bill. State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna said Tuesday civil asset forfeiture reform legislation she sponsored is in response to “innocent people whose property was seized because of legalized theft by the government.” Tribune-Herald.

Debates Over, But Gabbard’s Poll Numbers Still Dismal. Sens. Harris and Warren, meanwhile, see big gains while Biden’s popularity drops. Civil Beat.

HPD launches murder investigation into a deadly shooting of an OCCC inmate. The Honolulu Police Department is now conducting a murder investigation into the shooting death of an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate in March. It’s the second murder investigation involving a shooting by a Department of Public Safety officer. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kealoha attorney withdraws, citing ‘irretrievable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship’. Katherine Kealoha’s court-appointed attorney today asked to be removed from defending Kealoha, citing “an irretrievable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, which cannot be reconciled.” Star-Advertiser.

Attorney Cites Ethical Concerns In Motion To Drop Katherine Kealoha As Client. Cynthia Kagiwada says she no longer wants to represent the former city prosecutor, who was convicted and incarcerated last week but faces additional charges. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s attorney cites ethical issue in request to withdraw as counsel.  Citing an “irretrievable breakdown” in their relationship, and a state rule of professional conduct, court-appointed defense attorney Cynthia Kagiwada is seeking to withdraw as Katherine Kealoha’s counsel. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha’s attorney has filed to withdraw as her counsel. KHON2.

Louis Kealoha likely to find it hard to visit wife in prison. Convicted former Police Chief Louis Kealoha likely will find it difficult to visit his wife in federal prison, where former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha is awaiting sentencing after the couple and two Honolulu Police Department officers were found guilty last week on corruption and obstruction charges. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor’s Safe House For Abuse Victims To Close As Questions Swirl. The City Council cut funding for the facility, a favored project of the Honolulu prosecutor, and now it faces allegations of civil rights abuses from residents. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Watches As California Cities Challenge Utility, Push Renewable Electricity. Both Hawaii and California share a goal of generating 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045, and the success of some California cities in meeting that goal ahead of schedule via CCA has generated some interest in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bulky item mountains line the streets, but city still calls appointment-based system a ‘success’. From a littered landscape in Liliha to piles of bulky trash in Kalihi, residents are crying foul over the city’s one-month-old appointment-based bulky pickup pilot from Foster Village to East Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Barriers added to protect King Kamehameha III’s Nuuanu summer palace. In Nuuanu, the state has made a few changes to protect King Kamehameha III summer palace after several acts of vandalism in recent years. KHON2.

No trespassing at Kamehameha summer palace. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is adding barriers around Kaniakapupu Ruins, also known as King Kamehameha's Summer Palace. The 175-years-old ruins have been trespassed and vandalized multiple times in recent years. KITV.

Safety upgrades planned for Manoa Falls Trail. For nearly two decades the Honolulu Fire Department has identified the upper portion of the Manoa Falls Trail as a hotbed for hiker injury. Star-Advertiser.

Group rallies to reopen well-known Haiku Stairs. It’s now or never, according to Friends of Haiku Stairs, a nonprofit that has been advocating for years to save the Stairway to Heaven. Star-Advertiser.

City seeks public comment regarding fate of Haiku Stairs. A decision over what to do with one of Hawaii's most well-known trails is just a few steps away. KITV.

Hawaii Island

UH-Hilo welcomes new chancellor. With drums, dance, laughs and lei, dozens gathered Tuesday morning at the University of Hawaii at Hilo for kipaepae ceremonies to celebrate the arrival of new Chancellor Bonnie Irwin and bid farewell to Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai. Tribune-Herald.

Ceremony Honors Incoming, Outgoing UH-Hilo Chancellors. A traditional Native Hawaiian appointment ceremony was held for Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin, whose first day on the job was July 1, 2019. Big Island Video News.

Sayres donate firetruck – gifting ceremony Saturday in Waimea. Over the years, the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation has donated ATVs, lifeguard PA systems, jaws of life, Billy Pugh nets and all kinds of other life-saving equipment. Now it’s donating a firetruck. West Hawaii Today.

Maui
Budget director: Maui County is able to pay bills. Crew worked over weekend; council budget reports still under review. Maui News.

Rapid Ohia Death Confirmed in Single Tree on Maui. Ceratocystis huliohia, the less aggressive strain of the fungal disease called Rapid Ohia Death was recently detected in a single tree on private property in East Maui, according to new information released today by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

Fungus responsible for killing ohia trees spreads to Maui in first confirmed case. Rapid Ohia Death fungus is spreading — and according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, it’s now on the Valley Isle. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

King tides bring new sand. The King tides are supposed to peak July 2 and 3, but the effects were already being felt days prior at the Salt Pond Beach Park. Garden Island.

Supreme Court won't hear B&B appeal denying gay couple, city council wants to evacuate Honolulu Hale, Southwest Airlines lands inaugural flight, taxpayers lose in failed Kauai dairy farm, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Hale ©2019 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court rejects Hawaii B&B owner who denied room to gay couple. The justices on Monday are leaving in place Hawaiian state court rulings that found the Aloha Bed & Breakfast in Honolulu violated Hawaii’s anti-discrimination law by turning the couple away. Associated Press.

Buyer Beware: Oceanfront Homes Keep Going Up Despite Rising Seas. Now, Hawaii lawmakers are considering bills that force sellers to tell prospective owners about vulnerable coastal properties. Civil Beat.

Swell pushes up surf to monster levels, keeping coastal homeowners on edge. Surf on the North Shore could get as high as 40 feet on Monday, and meteorologists say coastal flooding remains a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii film tax credit cap under fire at Capitol. Estimated claims for these state rebates last year jumped to $90 million from $55 million the year before. Now, a restraint on the subsidy is facing heavy pushback at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Creating A Better Life For Hawaii’s Developmentally Disabled. Gov. Ige has proposed spending $7.7 million to overhaul the state DD program, which includes offering clients more opportunities for jobs and setting goals for themselves. Civil Beat.

Excessive prison time still a mess for inmates. Officials with the state Department of Public Safety concede that in 2018 they released nine inmates after realizing they had been incarcerated beyond their scheduled release dates. Star-Advertiser.

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Southwest makes its inaugural flight to the islands. The discount carrier’s inaugural flight, appropriately numbered 6808, came from Oakland International Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Southwest begins much-anticipated service to Hawaii. The plane landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at 3:09 p.m., and passengers received lei and were greeted by Hawaiian music and hula. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines inaugural flight touches down to big Aloha welcome. KHON2.

A historic moment for Southwest Airlines as its first passenger flight touched down at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Sunday afternoon. KITV.

Hawaiian Airlines plans to add an additional daily flight to San Francisco in the fall. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Council likely relocating offices to Alii Place. With or without Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his administration, Honolulu City Council members want to relocate themselves and the rest of the legislative branch to the Alii Place tower downtown from Honolulu Hale by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Federal investigation, funding issues increase risk for rail bidders. The federal investigation that has cast a new cloud over the city’s rail project may also complicate efforts by the Honolulu rail authority to solicit companies for a public-private partnership to finish the 20-mile rail line, observers say. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators from the city Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raided three businesses and arrested two people Friday as part of a crackdown on Honolulu brothels operating as massage parlors and relaxation spas. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Orders Release Of More Records In Case Of HPD Officer Who Beat Girlfriend. But it’s unclear when the public will actually get to see the files. The police union has promised to appeal. Civil Beat.

Long time local newspaper reporter Burl Burlingame has died. He'd been a newspaper writer for more than 35 years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A bill that would allow only four wheel drive vehicles into Waipio Valley is advancing through the state Legislature. The trip down the Waipio Valley Access Road – a dangerous drive for unfamiliar visitors – could soon be more tightly regulated under a proposed bill moving through the Hawaii State Legislature. Big Island Video News.

More police officers for Kona: Chief talks new hires at chamber Focus Luncheon. Police Chief Paul Ferreira told a crowd Friday at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Focus Luncheon that his office has requested two crime scene evidence technicians for Kona’s detective division, which is currently bereft of any such positions. Police have also requested in the upcoming budget an extra sergeant for Kona, as well as two sergeants each for the North Kohala and South Kohala districts. West Hawaii Today.

Group eyes $12M West Hawaii veterans center. With an estimated 16,000-17,000 veterans on the Big Island, half of whom reside in West Hawaii, the West Hawaii Veterans Council Inc. hopes to get underway in 2021 the first phase of construction of the facility that would provide veterans, veterans groups and the community alike with much-needed gathering space. West Hawaii Today.

Puna distance learning center bill clears committee. Senate Bill 457, introduced by Sen. Russell Ruderman, would provide funding for four full-time positions, as well as studies, plans and construction, for a distance learning center tied to the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A California startup plans to begin test flights of a hybrid electric aircraft between Kahului and Hana later this year, technology that could eventually prove a “game changer” for interisland carriers like Mokulele Airlines. Maui News.

360,000 Visitors to Molokini is Concerning. New evidence suggests that some marine predators are being displaced by high human use at the Molokini Marine Life Conservation District, which in 2018 attracted more than 360,000 snorkelers and divers. Maui Now.

Growing taro in hard places is just the challenge for farmers like Bobby Pahia. Wide variety of crops being produced on 310 acres in Waikapu. Maui News.

W.S. Merwin, a prolific and versatile poetry master who evolved through a wide range of styles as he celebrated nature, condemned war and industrialism and reached for the elusive past, died March 15, 2019, in Haiku, Maui. He was 91. Associated Press.

Kauai

Ballots have been mailed out for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s Board of Directors Election. Three seats are up for election in March with the deadline to vote being March 23 at noon, and the three candidates are all incumbents — Calvin Murashige, Peter Yukimura and Jan TenBruggencate. Garden Island.

Private investment firm Ulupono Initiative lost a lot of money on its recently aborted plan to establish a dairy on Kauai, but so did local taxpayers thanks to a tax credit crafted by state lawmakers. Honolulu-based Ulupono received $875,000 in state tax credits under a 2008 law that created incentives for landowners to preserve prime farmland for agricultural use in perpetuity. Star-Advertiser.

Baby bison from South Dakota helping replenish Kauai herd devastated by flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Study claims police use sex workers, Senate to vote on red light cameras, Maui rat lungworm victim sues grower, general excise tax hike advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii police on parade ©2019 All Hawaii News

Sex workers say police are customers, study reveals. A controversial study on sex trafficking presented Wednesday to the Honolulu Police Commission quotes sex workers who allege police officers ask for sex in exchange for looking the other way. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are again moving forward with a program to deploy cameras at traffic lights to photograph the license plates of motorists who run red lights so they can be ticketed. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate to Vote on Red Light Camera Bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii considering red light cameras. KHON2.

A law meant to help the mentally ill is actually preventing some from getting care. For the hundreds of homeless people incapacitated by mental illness in Hawaii, years go by ― and for many, nothing changes. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers pushing to eliminate statue of limitations in sexual abuse of children. If passed, HB 18 will allow sexually abused children legal protection during, or even after entering into adulthood. KITV.

The state Legislature is moving forward with an initiative to reduce kids’ sugar intake at restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Considers Screen Time Public Health Measure. It was Video Game Industry Day at the State Capitol. But, there is one bill pending at the state legislature that is aimed at improving the lives of children who spend a lot of time on their electronic devices.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii aims for more women in the cyber security workforce. Gov. David Y. Ige today announced the state’s participation in the Girls Go CyberStart Initiative, which encourages young women to explore the cybersecurity and computer science fields. KHON2.

Corporate Tax Loophole Costs Hawaii $38 Million Annually. That is the conclusion of a report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state’s industrial hemp pilot program could become a permanent full program should a state Senate bill pass the Legislature and be signed into law. Tribune-Herald.

Census Bureau to hire hundreds in Hawaii for 2020 population count. Hawaii News Now.

TSA hiring officers for four Hawaii airports. Star-Advertiser.

TSA looking to hire before summer travel season. KHON2.

Border wall could tap $311 million in Hawaii military construction. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Public Records Chief Is Still Trying To Make It Harder To Get Public Records. Cheryl Kakazu Park, director of the Office of Information Practices, is working hard to get around a Supreme Court ruling on the Uniform Information Practices Act. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday unveiled his seven-point plan to improve pedestrian safety in the city with the theme of “Look All Ways.” Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell Unveils 7-Point Pedestrian Safety Plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor unveils pedestrian safety measures. KHON2.

Special Council Election Requires Hundreds Of New Campaign Finance Reports. In the revote for the East Honolulu City Council seat, Trevor Ozawa had a financial advantage over Tommy Waters in the latest reports. Civil Beat.

The Pali Highway will reopen today for one-way traffic during limited commuting hours, a situation expected to last for months while state crews work to fortify the unstable slopes near the tunnels on Pali Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Long-term Fix to Pali Highway Lanes Could Take Months. Associated Press.

City to spend $20M to shore up severe erosion problems in Palolo. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police are continuing their investigation into a deadly officer-involved shooting in the quiet neighborhood of Mililani Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Police fatally shoot theft suspect in Mililani; 2 others injured as fleeing pickup crashes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A general excise tax increase continued its forward march Wednesday, with the County Council voting 7-2 to bring the county surcharge up to one-half percent and extend it for another 10 years. West Hawaii Today.

On Thursday, the Hawaii State House Finance Committee will take up HB 1180, a bill to fund “disaster relief, recovery, mitigation, and remediation activities for the County of Hawaii” following the destructive eruption of Kilauea on the Lower East Rift Zone in summer 2018. Big Island Video News.

A week after the announcement that a Mississippi-based airline had acquired Mokulele Airlines and an affirmation that it would keep all of Mokulele’s current employees, those employees on Wednesday received news of a 10 percent reduction in staffing levels. West Hawaii Today.

New owner of Mokulele Airlines plans layoffs. Hawaii News Now.

A County Councilmember representing the Puna district, Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder, announced today that he has introduced a resolution urging the County administration to increase funding for more police. Big Island Video News.

A new two-week mission launched Wednesday at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation habitat located on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Wailuku man with rat lungworm disease sues grower Hana Fresh. Scott Hessler says he got parasite from nonprofit’s produce. Maui News.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving the Lahaina injection wells and the federal Clean Water Act, a decision welcomed by Maui County but decried by local environmental groups as a waste of taxpayer money. Maui News.

Maui Land & Pineapple profits from tax benefit. An income tax benefit generated a $3.7 million profit for Maui Land & Pineapple Co. in the fourth quarter and a $565,000 profit for all of last year, the company announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Priority Repairs to Fix Maui Potholes After Rain. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council OKs Kilauea School safe routes resolution. A resolution was adopted Wednesday by the Kauai County Council to establish traffic modifications on a problematic street in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Toward a vape-free campus. Local artists took on a wall at Kapaa High School as part of a statewide 808NOVAPE campaign that’s been ongoing through February. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court allows prostitutes' johns to wipe record, Maui spent taxpayer money opposing ConAm, Kona coffee yield down, electric rates to go up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson ship off Honolulu © 2018 All Hawaii News

Ships vying for fuel oil expected to boost Hawaii electric bills. Hawaii, which already struggles with the nation’s highest electric bills, could see them jump by as much as 20 percent in just two years thanks to new regulations on fuel use in oceangoing ships. Bloomberg News Service.

State Supreme Court rules those who solicit prostitutes can wipe record. Under current state law, prostitutes and those who solicit prostitutes are punished differently. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Ballot Issues Draw $2.7 Million In Campaign Spending. Most of that money won’t end up influencing voters since the measure to raise taxes to fund public schools was thrown out by the state Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school students reported fewer physical fights but more suicide attempts than their U.S. peers, while bullying rates approached the national average, according to data to be presented to the school board today. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $40 Million To Help Students Lower Their Tuition Costs. The university is asking legislators for money to expand the Hawaii Promise program to the Manoa, Hilo and West Oahu four-year campuses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is notifying some members currently enrolled in older health plans that they will be moved to coverage compliant with the federal Affordable Care Act as of Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning panel endorses Caldwell’s new plan on vacation rentals. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday gave its thumbs-up to the latest version of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s omnibus short-term vacation rental bill, adding its own suggestions for the City Council, which will make a final decision on the proposal. Star-Advertiser.

BWS balks at study that says sizable leak of Red Hill fuel tank wouldn’t harm water supply. The Navy says critics are misreading the research. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and environmentalists are protesting a study that suggests a fuel leak in a huge Navy tank farm buried in Red Hill might not harm the island water supply. Hawaii News Now.

Why The State Wants To Build This Ala Moana High-Rise Above A Shelter. Unlike the luxury condo towers rising nearby, all 200 units in the complex would be affordable housing. It’s considered a model for future use of state-owned land. Civil Beat.

State considers Leeward Oahu property as site for homeless ‘ohana zone,' but not everyone is on board. After a decade of helping hundreds of families, a Leeward Oahu homeless shelter closed its doors permanently Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Houseless Encampment Leaders Want Seat at the Decision-Making Table. Leaders from 3 homeless encampments came together at the Honolulu Museum of Art to discuss their futures. Hawaii Public Radio.

New bikeshare program in Honolulu looks like competition for Biki. Riders can rent a bike for $3.50 for 30 minutes. Hawaii News Now.

In response to community outrage, Kamehameha Schools has suspended plans to remove geese and ducks from a property it owns in Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Sewage spills into Manoa Stream from overflow on St. Louis Heights Dr. More than 12,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Manoa Stream from a overflow on St. Louis Heights Drive. KHON2.

Kailua sinkhole may take months to repair. A portion of Kanapuu Drive near the Kahako Street intersection remained closed, as well as adjacent sidewalks, as crews Wednesday inspected the sinkhole on the shoulder of the road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they plan to meet Monday to discuss their legal options in the wake of Tuesday’s Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that gives the green light for construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court decision to allow the controversial TMT project is still reverberating across the community. We hear reactions from the University of Hawaii President David Lassner, Big Island businessman and supporter Richard Ha, and Thirty Meter Telescope opponent Kealoha Pisciotta. Hawaii Public Radio.

Expectations delivered Wednesday by both Hawaii County and the "Thirty Meter Telescope" project. KITV.

The geologists who monitor Hawaii’s volcanoes can still count themselves among those displaced by the recent Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The issue of what comes next for the beleaguered residents of Leilani Estates continues to divide a community worried about the possibility of busloads of tourists pouring in to gawk at Kilauea volcano’s most productive and famous outlet — fissure 8. Star-Advertiser.

Kulani Correctional Facility superintendent pleads not guilty to theft. A state prison superintendent charged with theft pled not guilty to third degree theft on Wednesday. Jerry Crivello is accused of stealing gates. KHON2.

Yield and profits down, prices up after coffee season cut short. Coffee season ended abruptly, some two months earlier than usual, for West Hawaii farmers. West Hawaii Today.

Lau Ola cleared to grow marijuana. A second marijuana dispensary on the Big Island was authorized by the state Department of Health to grow and sell cannabis products. Tribune-Herald.

Project explores viability of using canines to hunt for harmful tree fungus. Cobra was trained to detect a fungus that causes rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Bubba Gump to close. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Alii Drive will cease operations in December “due to lease expiration,” company senior vice president and chief operating officer Jim Dufault said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Panel: Council’s ConAm flyer is campaign spending. County funds used to send what some see as an ad opposing a ‘vague’ ballot measure. The Campaign Spending Commission is asking the Maui County Council to register as a ballot issue committee for allocating $50,000 on a “public education” flyer addressing a state constitutional amendment. Maui News.

Looking to students as the future, mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino offered their thoughts on increasing job, housing and recreational opportunities for Maui’s youth during a debate held at King Kekaulike High School on Tuesday night. Maui News.

Molokai candidates for council offer contrast. Maui County Council Member Stacy Helm Crivello faces a familiar opponent, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, in the general election race for the council’s Molokai residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

Armed with sample ballots, notebooks and questions, about 60 people crowded into Ha Coffee Tuesday night to learn more about what they’ll be voting on Nov. 6. Garden Island.

County Council candidate: Arryl Kaneshiro. Growing up on Kauai with strong family support and the support of teachers and coaches has given County Councilman Arryl Kaneshiro, 37, the ability to make tough decisions. Garden Island.

A blessing was held on Tuesday at the Kapaa bus stop near the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex to mark construction of the fourth phase of the islandwide bus stop passenger shelter project. Garden Island.

The blue color surrounding the construction at Hanalei Pier and Black Pot Beach Park area is hydro-mulch, put on the ground to grow grass, according to county officials. Garden Island.