State COVID case counting system fails again, churches, protests exempt from social gathering regulations, Honolulu police shoot man wielding machete, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID cases spike in Hawaii

Tech Problems Lead To Undercount In Hawaii COVID Cases. Wednesday’s COVID-19 case total of 472 is a partial count. The electronic laboratory reporting system was interrupted for approximately 20 hours on Monday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 11. As a result of this interruption, there has been a delay in the reporting of an unknown number of cases, according to the DOH. It’s the second time the state’s coronavirus count has been interrupted in two weeks. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Churches are exempt from Hawaii’s new COVID restrictions. When Gov. David Ige announced on Tuesday that he was immediately imposing stiff limits on the number of people that can occupy social establishments, reimposing social distancing requirements and prohibiting mingling in an attempt to rein in soaring COVID-19 case counts, he exempted churches. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

2 mainland travelers arrested in Honolulu for alleged fake vaccine cards, AG says. Authorities from the Hawaii Attorney General’s office arrested two visitors from the mainland for allegedly attempting to skirt the state’s Safe Travels program. The AG’s office said the travelers were arrested Sunday at the Daniel K. Inouye Airport. Investigators found they were allegedly violation of the travel rules for using fake vaccination cards to come to the islands. Falsifying a vaccination statute comes with a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a year in prison. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

New website offers remote work opportunities for Hawaii residents. A new website consolidates programs for Hawaii residents seeking remote work opportunities and employers looking to hire. KHON2. KITV4.

Election Violations Prompt New Vote For Hawaii Hotel Union Leadership. Some members say the Unite Here Local 5 election do-over is still unfair to opposition candidates and members who were out of work during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu police officers fatally shoot machete-wielding man. Honolulu police fatally shot a 41-year-old man after he allegedly severed a man’s pinky finger with a machete and rushed toward a responding police officer with the large knife near an illegal game room in Kalihi early Wednesday,  according to bystanders and police. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

HPD’s body camera policy once again raising questions following latest police shooting. When police shot and killed a man wielding a machete in Kalihi Wednesday morning, one of the officers failed to activate his body camera, multiple sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Ann Botticelli Wins Seat On The Honolulu Police Commission. It was Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s third attempt to fill the seventh seat on the oversight commission. Civil Beat.

Narrow Council Vote Propels Anthony Aalto Onto The HART Board. No prior board nominee in HART’s decade-long history received the same public scrutiny over qualifications and potential conflicts as Aalto did, reflecting a growing unease with the project. Civil Beat.

Group opposes Army training and lease extension at Makua. Some in opposition to the Army’s proposed retention of 6,300 acres of state leased land for training on Oahu are taking it to the street as 65-year leases run out in 2029 and are now up for reconsideration. Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking begins in Kapolei for state’s largest stand-alone battery system. Crews broke ground in west Oahu on Wednesday on what will be the state’s largest stand-alone battery system. Independent developer, Plus Power, said the Kapolei Energy Storage facility will eventually take over the power load from the AES coal plant, providing a more environmentally friendly source for electricity. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific University to welcome record number of new students. Hawaii Pacific University will welcome a record number of new students in the fall despite a national trend of declining college enrollment amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Soldier Convicted of Teen's 1982 Murder Cannot Get DNA Test. A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday urged Congress to correct a disparity that doesn't allow members of the U.S. military convicted by a court-martial the same avenues as civilian prisoners to seek DNA testing that could exonerate them. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Rejected Leeward Planning Commission nominee files ethics complaint against council members. A rejected nominee to the Leeward Planning Commission has filed an ethics complaint against four of the five council members who voted not to confirm her, claiming they discriminated against her because she’s a real estate professional. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Muni Golf Course Restaurant Concession Up For Bid. Interested vendors must submit their intent to bid by 2 p.m. on August 26, and final bids must be submitted by 2 p.m. on September 7, 2021. Big Island Video News.

More COVID cases in E. Hawaii long-term care homes. Four employees and 14 residents have tested positive for the novel coronavirus at Life Care Center of Hilo amid a second outbreak in the facility, according to an update posted on the facility’s website Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

South Kohala fire’s cost still being tallied. Hawaii Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd, however, indicated Wednesday that the bill will be significant for battling the fire that broke out July 30 and scorched 40,000-acre-plus fire, destroying two homes, before containment was reached Friday. Crews continue to douse hotspots and flareups within the burn area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Victorino Discusses Critical Issues Facing Maui County Today. In an interview with Maui Now, Mayor Victorino identified that the new Delta variant and Delta plus of the coronavirus as the greatest challenge facing the county. Maui Now.

New state COVID rules already exist for Maui County. Maui County leaders also clarified that they don’t categorize the First Amendment right to assemble and petition as a “social gathering.” Maui News.

Credit Unions Donated $2,500 and 2,300 Pounds of Goods to Maui Food Bank. The coalition includes: Kahului Federal Credit Union, Maui Federal Credit Union, Maui Teachers Federal Credit Union, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union and Wailuku Federal Credit Union. Maui Now.

Kauai

$370K granted to Kaua‘i nonprofits. Eleven Kaua‘i organizations have received a combined $370,000 in grants from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Garden Island.

KPD to enforce ‘move-over law’. The Kaua‘i Police Department is urging motorists to drive with aloha and obey all traffic laws, including the “move-over law” (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes 291C-27) that requires drivers to slow down to a reasonable speed that is safe under the circumstances and, if possible, make a lane change in order to leave one lane between the driver and an emergency vehicle or situation. Garden Island.

House budget cuts police actions against demonstrators on Mauna Kea, elsewhere; Hawaii County Councilman's husband arrested for allegedly slugging county official, plastics ban mulled on two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

House cuts funding for TMT enforcement from state budget. House lawmakers approved a rough draft of the new state operating budget Tuesday that cut more than $65 million in funding that Gov. David Ige requested for law enforcement operations to cope with disturbances such as the ongoing protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke. Star-Advertiser.

Want To Build Affordable Housing More Quickly? This Bill Would Sidestep Public Input. Affordable housing developers would be allowed to sidestep a process designed to protect Hawaii’s lands if a bill backed by Hawaii’s top political leaders becomes law. Civil Beat.

Prison overcrowding targeted in proposed law reducing ‘dangerous drug’ penalty. Senate Bill 2793 proposes to reduce the penalty of controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor, it would reduce the sentence for people who get caught. KHON2.

No isle residents found to have extended, close contact with infected pair. State health officials have not found any Hawaii residents who came into “prolonged close contact” with a Japanese couple who visited the islands more than a week ago and was subsequently diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii auto sales keep losing traction. Hawaii auto sales are projected to keep softening in 2020 as they appear headed for a third straight year of declines. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City bill would let citizens help bust trash dumpers. An inspector would not need to witness an illegal dumping violation for the city to fine someone under a bill up for a final vote today by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Will Espero Looks To Return To Public Service. The former state senator is running for the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Red Hill fuel storage deadline in doubt. Hopes to shut down the Navy’s underground fuel tanks at Red Hill in 2028 were in doubt Tuesday after the chairwoman of a critical Senate committee removed the revised version of Senate Bill 2774 from scheduled decision making on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The city considers charging property owners a new fee for a project that could turn storm water runoff into drinking water. The city and county of Honolulu wants to take on a massive new endeavor to overhaul its storm drain system. Hawaii News Now.

Should Hawaii Build An Underwater Tunnel Between Ewa And Downtown? State lawmakers may ask the DOT to study the idea as a way to alleviate traffic, even as a rail line is still being built. Civil Beat.

Worries of misdirected funds swirl as trial over Princess Kawananakoa’s fortune set to begin. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of racketing up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Tattoo Expo fined $120K for using 12 unlicensed artists. The state Health Department has fined promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to participate in its event. Star-Advertiser.

State slaps expo organizers with big fine for allowing unlicensed tattoo artists to work. The state has fined Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to ink clients at an event in January. Hawaii News Now.

Unlicensed artists at Honolulu Tattoo Expo had not completed blood-borne pathogen transmission prevention class. Health officials are calling it a complete disregard for public health rules, resulting in the maximum fine to the Honolulu Tattoo Expo. KHON2.

Tattoo expo promoters receive $120k fine. The Department of Health has issued a $120,000 fine to Erin Carillo and Thomas Hernandez, the promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo for aiding and abetting 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to tattoo at the recent event held at the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Ex-cop charged in attack: Husband of councilwoman arrested for allegedly assaulting county official. The felony information complaint filed Feb. 7 in Hilo Circuit Court charges Ian Lee Loy with second-degree assault, a Class C felony that carries a possible five-year prison sentence upon conviction. Tribune-Herald.

Frustration with traffic flow: Council members seek answers about congestion, timing of signals. Hawaii County Council members were unhappy with the Department of Public Works’ efforts to relieve traffic congestion across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances Kaloko sewer improvement district. Neighbors of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights development will get a free ride on sewer hookups, thanks to an improvement district initiated by the developers. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers’ livestock shipping changes raise concerns. Proposed changes to livestock shipping procedures by interisland ocean shipper Young Brothers have some concerned that all but the largest ranchers might be priced out of the market. Tribune-Herald.

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No Timeframe for TMT construction on Maunakea, Officials Say. As an agreement to hold off construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope comes to an end, TMT officials say they don’t have a timeframe for beginning work on Maunakea. Big Island Now.

TMT truce might be extended 2 months. Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for a two-month extension of the current moratorium that has kept the peace on Mauna Kea over the last few months. Star-Advertiser.

A truce at Mauna Kea is almost up, but Big Island Mayor Kim wants more time. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for an additional delay on construction. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council Considers County-Wide Ban on Single-Use Plastics. County council members met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a bill aiming to ban the use and sale of single-use disposable plastics throughout Maui County. Maui Now.

Maui mayor urges people to remain vigilant amidst coronavirus fears. While Maui County continues to have no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, Mayor Michael Victorino urged people to remain vigilant and take precautions against the spread of disease. KITV4.

Kula meeting to cover water, energy. The upcoming auction of four East Maui watershed lease areas will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor moves to prohibit disposable plastics.  Just one day before the Kauai County Council is set to consider a bill that would ban most polystyrene food containers from sale and use on Kauai, Mayor Derek Kawakami signed an administrative policy aimed at the same thing. Garden Island.

Niihau

Why is Ni'ihau Hawaiian Language So Different? One could argue that Niʻihau Hawaiian is the closest we’ve got to early forms of the language spoken in the islands. It’s been passed down from generation to generation uninterrupted largely because of Niʻihau’s isolation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu, Maui top U.S. Thanksgiving destinations, Honolulu plastic ban advances, Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested, PUC nixes HELCO rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach scene ©2019 All Hawaii News

Oahu, Maui listed among top US Thanksgiving destinations according to AAA. Two Hawaiian Islands have been listed among some of the most coveted Thanksgiving destinations in America, according to a recent report by the American Automobile Association of Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Oahu, Maui Among Top Thanksgiving Destinations For US Travelers. For those travelers planning an international vacation for Thanksgiving, sandy beaches are their destinations of choice. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Economic Growth Is The Lowest In The Nation. Record visitor numbers are hiding an alarming trend. Civil Beat.

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Officials urge public to stay away from ocean ordnance prior to removal in 2020. State and federal officials say remedial work of unexploded ordnance off of Oahu’s North Shore and in Molokini is scheduled for spring 2020, after humpback whales have migrated back north and ocean waters are calmer. Star-Advertiser.

Federal and state agencies are issuing warnings to the public advising of the planned removal of unexploded ordnance from Oahu and the Molokini islet off Maui. Maui Now.

More money for protection of coral. Hawaii coral reefs are one step closer to receiving nearly $10 million more in federal funding thanks to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee approval of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act. Garden Island.

Bill To Restore And Conserve Hawai‘i’s Coral Reefs Passes Key Committee. A bill that would help to restore Hawai‘i’s coral reefs, was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.  The measure was introduced by US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), who is a member of the committee. Maui Now.

Oahu

Foodware plastics ban bill advances. Oahu would have the state’s strictest law against single-use, oil-based plastic containers and utensils under a bill approved 3-2 by the Honolulu City Council Public Safety and Welfare Committee Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Opponents of the proposed plastic ban want the city council to start over. Those who are against the proposal say the city council is rushing the bill and would prefer that they start over to get things right. KHON2.

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At least 26 arrested as hundreds of wind farm protesters turn out in Kalaeloa. Dozens of arrests were made late Thursday into early Friday as hundreds of protesters of a wind farm project gathered in Kalaeloa to block a transport of heavy equipment. Hawaii News Now.

The first of the latest wind turbines goes up in Kahuku. KITV.

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Honolulu Taxpayers Are Footing The Bill For Defense Lawyers’ Rail Advice. But city officials won’t say how much they’re paying the San Francisco law firm. Civil Beat.

Department of Planning and Permitting schedules public meeting to provide community with update on draft plan. The Department of Planning and Permitting has scheduled a public meeting to provide the community with an update on the East Kapolei Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Draft Plan. KITV.

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Taxpayers Spent Nearly $700,000 on Kealohas’ Legal Fees. The court-appointed attorney for Katherine Kealoha received the largest chunk of the fees. Civil Beat.

The federal government has paid out nearly $700,000 in legal expenses for the Kealohas and one of their co-defendants. The fees and costs were detailed in a report from the federal court Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha fed cases run up $700,000 in taxpayer-funded attorney fees. Taxpayers have footed the bills for nearly $700,000 in attorney fees in the Kealohas’ federal corruption and fraud cases. KHON2.

O'ahu taxpayers spent nearly $700,000 to cover lawyer fees for Kealohas and HPD officer. O'ahu tax payers spent nearly $700,000 to cover lawyer fees for the Kealohas and an HPD officer convicted of corruption. KITV.

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Yep, Hanabusa Is Running For Mayor Of Honolulu. The former congresswoman all but declares her campaign in an email to supporters. Civil Beat.

Waianae community divided over relocation of state’s largest homeless camp. The relocation of the state’s largest homeless camp is facing new resistance from its would-be neighbors. Hawaii News Now.

First kauhale homeless tiny homes going up next month in Kalaeloa. The first 10 tiny homes aimed at housing homeless military veterans are scheduled to go up next month in Kalaeloa as part of a new, wider approach to quickly develop permanent housing communities for homeless adults who have been living the longest on Oahu’s streets. Star-Advertiser.

The Fate Of This Beautiful Honolulu Park Is Now In The Hands Of One Man. Damon estate heir J.P. Damon has ended up the sole owner of Moanalua Gardens, the historic park on sacred land in west Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Rapid ohia death spreads on Oahu. An aerial survey of some 20,000 acres of Oahu forest has yielded the island’s fourth detection of rapid ohia death, the fungal disease that has killed millions of ohia trees on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Cardax’s quarterly loss widens to $1.4 million. Pharmaceutical company Cardax Inc. saw its loss widen in the third quarter as revenue plunged more than half from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Regulators decline to approve increase in Hawaii Electric Light rates. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has issued an interim decision that results in no increase in electric rates at this time for Hawaii Electric Light Company customers, the PUC announced today. West Hawaii Today.

No special tax class for vacation rentals. There will be no special property tax classification for short-term vacation rentals under recommendations proposed by a panel tasked with revamping the county property tax code, but some people currently getting tax breaks for agriculture could take a hit. West Hawaii Today.

40 attend inaugural cleanup aimed to integrate homeless back into community. The basis of HONOUR (Homeless Outreach Nurturing Our Community) is to integrate the homeless back into the community by having them work on projects under positive guidance. West Hawaii Today.

LEAD Homelessness Program Arrives in Kona. The pilot project, which received $650,000 in ʻOhana Zone funding from the State, launched Thursday in Kona. Big Island Now.

A former employee at the Big Island’s largest community health center says she was retaliated against for blowing the whistle on its former CEO and its board. She’s said she’s one of dozens of workers who are alleging a hostile work environment at the Bay Clinic. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Agency considers raising height limits in Wailuku. Meeting to be held Friday but decision not expected till next year. The Maui Redevelopment Agency, which has the power to alter zoning and development rules for downtown Wailuku, will continue to mull whether to hike height limits from four to six stories along certain streets during its Friday meeting, though decision-making likely won’t come until next year, an official said. Maui News.

Hawaii endangered bird program halted after 9 die of illness. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project will halt the program after the deaths of nine endangered birds, officials said. Associated Press.

Kauai

House Finance members to visit. Members of the state House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Sylvia Luke, will tour sites on Kauai to view firsthand several projects and programs supported by the Legislature. The visits will also allow committee members to learn about other concerns and needs facing Kauai. Garden Island.

More Kahuku wind farm protesters arrested, Honolulu medical examiner ousted, Katherine Kealoha signs plea deal with feds, Maui mayor rejects injection well settlement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kahuku wind farm blockade PC: Choon James via Facebook

Honolulu police arrest more opponents blocking convoy to Kahuku wind farm. At least two dozen opponents of the Na Pua Makani project have joined themselves together with zip ties and duct tape in Kalaeloa in West Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Arrests made in Wind Farm Protest in Kalaeloa. Demonstrators have gathered in Kalaeloa in an effort to stop wind farm construction equipment from being moved to Kahuku. KITV.

Police arrest wind farm protesters at Kalaeloa as turbine blades depart for Kahuku. About 70 Honolulu Police personnel and over 70 protesters against the Na Pua Makani wind farm project have gathered in Kalaeloa Sunday night for the first time after 55 protesters were arrested Thursday and Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku wind farm protesters prepare for long fight. Kahuku resident Kananiloaanuenue Ponciano settled in for a 12-hour shift yesterday at the Ku Kia‘i Kahuku campsite along Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore, the hub for protesters of a planned wind farm. Star-Advertiser.

With Eye On Mauna Kea, Oahu Isn’t Letting Protesters Stop Unpopular Projects. But the price for pushing through unpopular projects such as the Na Pua Makani wind farm is an enormous logistical effort to keep the kia’i at bay. Civil Beat.

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Where Do All Of Hawaii’s Recyclables Go? No One Knows For Sure. Hawaii is unlikely to get a recycling facility anytime soon, so your soda cans and water bottles must travel thousands of miles to be recycled. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Schools Are Making Progress In Career And Technical Education. Completion of a vocational education program was the only area where DOE students showed improvement in the 2018-19 school year. Civil Beat.

Researchers find second warship from WWII Battle of Midway. A group of deep-sea researchers looking for sunken World War II ships have found a second Japanese aircraft carrier that went down in the Pacific during the historic Battle of Midway. Associated Press.

Oahu

HART takes gamble on partnership plan for rail. The decision to use a public-private partnership to complete the Honolulu rail project has always been a bit of a gamble, but now the stakes are getting higher, and the city is all in. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha Signs Plea Deal With Prosecutors. Her attorney said she signed a deal at the Federal Detention Center Sunday morning. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Chief Medical Examiner may be out of job. Dr. Christopher Happy has been the city’s Chief Medical Examiner since 2013. But according to City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson, the Mayor’s office is moving to terminate him. KHON2.

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Pilot project aimed at reducing Oahu’s homeless will start in Waipahu. A hub for homeless services will go up in the middle of Waipahu Cultural Garden Park — home to Hawaii’s Plantation Village. Star-Advertiser.

Roving homeless service center with inflatable tents to debut in Waipahu. In an effort to get more homeless people off the streets and into shelters, the state and city are teaming up to launch a mobile hub for temporary housing and services that will be open around the clock. Hawaii News Now.

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Once-Defeated Kaneohe Cemetery Expansion Plan Is Back. While many neighbors are mounting opposition to the new proposal, the expansion has vocal support from several Native Hawaiian organizations. Civil Beat.

City to consider limits for South Shore surfing contests. The city is considering setting limits for surfing contests at Oahu’s South Shore, where Olympian Duke Kahanamoku and his fellow Waikiki beachboys put the sport on the map. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

The debate over the Mauna Kea Access Road is likely to be brought up at this week’s Hawaiian Homes meetings in Hilo. A discussion on Act 14, which directly relates to the Mauna Kea Access Road disagreement, is on the agenda when the commission meets Monday. Big Island Video News.

Plea deal is offered to arrested TMT protesters. The state Attorney General’s Office has offered a plea deal to protesters who were arrested in July for blocking Maunakea Access Road that would dispose of their cases if each pays a $100 fine. Star-Advertiser.

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Input sought on proposed solar project in Waikoloa. Developers of a 400- to 600-acre solar array proposed for Waikoloa are seeking input on the project they say will generate enough energy to power over 14,200 average households. West Hawaii Today.

South Point Wind Farm Requests License For Potential Bat, Petrel, Nene Deaths. Tawhiri Power LLC is requesting a 20-year Incidental Take License for the Pakini Nui Wind Farm on the island of Hawai‘i to permit incidental take of the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the Hawaiian Petrel, and the Nene. Big Island Video News.

Kampachi Farms moving forward with macroalgae project in waters off Kona Coast. Kampachi Farms plans to begin testing next summer an underwater farm the mariculture company hopes will produce large quantities of limu — edible seaweed — off the Kona Coast. West Hawaii Today.

Home sales are down but prices are up. Home sales and home prices on the Big Island in the third quarter were neck and neck with those in the second. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will defy a County Council resolution and continue to pursue the county’s case before the U.S. Supreme Court over Lahaina injection wells. The mayor posted a letter on the county website Friday afternoon. Maui News.

House finance chair: New Maui jail a priority. Top House Finance Committee members visit island. Maui News.

Protest Signs Condemn Residential Construction for ‘Desecration’ of Iwi. The symbols express opposition to the construction of 60 new single-family homes for the last phase of The Parkways at Maui Lani due to the presence of iwi kūpuna, or human remains.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Agencies seek businesses’ help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the County of Kauai will be hosting Industry Day at the Kauai Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii Dems opt for ranked-choice mail-in ballots for presidential primary, convicted ex-police chief Kealoha files for divorce, Hawaii County Council advances pesticide ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tulsi Gabbard ©2019 All Hawaii News

Tulsi Gabbard’s take on Syria gets slammed as ‘dead wrong’ during Democratic debate. Tulsi Gabbard came under attack for her stances on Syria during Tuesday’s presidential debate, marring what needed to be a strong performance for the Hawaii congresswoman, who has struggled to gain traction in her bid for the presidency. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard: ‘Blood Of The Kurds’ On Trump’s Hands. The Hawaii congresswoman continued to push for ending U.S. involvement in “regime-change war” during Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate. Civil Beat.

Gabbard Restrained In Debate But Questions Warren About Syria. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard did not have significant air time in Tuesday's crowded debate of 12 Democratic presidential candidates but she was most emphatic when arguing in support of the U.S. pullout from Syria. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Campaign Filings Show Gabbard Has Raised Another $3 Million. State Sen. Kai Kahele continues to rake in cash in his bid to oust the CD2 congresswoman. Civil Beat.

DNC approves delegate plan. The party-run presidential primary scheduled for April 4 will include vote-by-mail and ranked choice voting. Garden Island.

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Protests concern Hawaii business leaders. Hawaii often gets rapped as being unfriendly to business over regulations, taxes and litigation. Now a new layer to this perception may be forming as activists inhibit construction of three development projects. Star-Advertiser.

UH Pay Increases For Top Executives Drawing Scrutiny. The double-digit percentage pay increases are permissible under a UH policy giving discretion to the university president to elevate pay. Civil Beat.

Vaping Summit, Legislative Briefing Set As Lung Illness Count Continues To Rise Nationwide. An anti-vaping summit is planned this week in Honolulu and state lawmakers scheduled a briefing Thursday on the rising youth use of e-cigarettes. Hawaii Public Radio.

More Hawaiian homeland residents struggling with loan payments, face eviction. DHHL beneficiaries asked Lt. Gov. Josh Green and state legislators for the same loan mitigation programs offered to other citizens. They say current state law prohibits that. KITV.

Why Hawaii Still Has So Few Electric Cars. Only about 1% of cars here are electric vehicles. Advocates say boosting that number requires mandating builders install charging stations at new developments. Civil Beat.

$88 Billion: A New Price Tag For Fixing Hawaii’s Infrastructure And Retirement Systems. A new report from the Hawaii Executive Conference details the state’s worsening financial problems, but it doesn’t offer any solutions. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha files for divorce from wife Katherine. Louis Kealoha, the retired police chief and convicted felon, filed for divorce Monday from his wife, former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, also a convicted felon. Star-Advertiser.

Louis Kealoha Files For Divorce From Katherine Kealoha. The marriage is irretrievably broken, Louis Kealoha indicated in his court complaint. Civil Beat.

As both await sentencing, ex-police chief files for divorce from his wife. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha has filed for a divorce from his wife Katherine, a former deputy prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha files for divorce. Retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha has filed for divorce against his wife, Katherine, a former deputy prosecutor. KHON2.

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Gov. David Ige backs wind farm’s construction in Kahuku. The company planning to build a wind farm in Kahuku “should be allowed to proceed,” Gov. David Ige’s office said Tuesday as protesters continued to rally at the construction site. Star-Advertiser.

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State health officials fine bubble tea shop in Moiliili for removing yellow placard. The state Health Department has fined a bubble tea shop at Puck’s Alley in Moiliili $2,000 for unlawfully and intentionally removing a yellow placard, which stands for a conditional pass, from their facility. Star-Advertiser.

Popular bubble tea shop slapped with fine for removing yellow health placard. The Department of Health has fined a popular Oahu bubble tea shop after removing a conditional yellow health placard from their window. Hawaii News Now.

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Home and condo sales rise on Oahu. Home and condo sales are picking up with several regions seeing double-digit gains. KHON2.

Sea Life Park announces death of Kina the false killer whale. Sea Life Park Hawaii announced today the death of Kina, the false killer whale that had been a beloved part of its family since 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Kina, the beloved false killer whale at Sea Life Park, dies. A mainstay at Sea Life Park on Oahu has died. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Herbicide ban advanced: Bill prohibits county use of weed killers in parks, roadsides. Hawaii Island is moving toward banning county-applied herbicides on parks and roadsides. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaiʻi County Council Committee of Agricultural, Water, Energy and Environmental Management voted to advance Bill 101 to the full council with a positive recommendation. Big Island Video News.

Pesticide Ban Advances to Council. The Hawai‘i County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management voted 7-0 today to advance Bill 101, a pesticide ban in Hawai‘i County, with a positive recommendation to the Council late Tuesday night. Big Island Now.

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Committee gets update on lava recovery efforts. Hawaii County Council members appeared pleased with the current state of the Kilauea eruption recovery efforts after an update provided Tuesday to the Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Eruption Recovery Progress Report Delivered. It has been one year since the eruption of Kīlauea ended, but the recovery effort in Puna continues. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaii regents panel pitches plan to improve Mauna Kea. Following a two-month examination of the issues related to Mauna Kea, a University of Hawaii Board of Regents committee did not recommend any change in its support for the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser.

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Men’s shelter in old Hilo hospital accepts its first residents. The old Hilo Memorial Hospital has a new purpose: helping homeless men. Tribune-Herald.

Old Hilo Hospital Site Now An Ohana Zone. The goal is to improve access to needed services for those experiencing homelessness. Civil Beat.

Keolahou Shelter To Address Homelessness In Hilo. The shelter is on the site of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital near Rainbow Falls, and is made possible by state ʻOhana Zone funds. Big Island Video News.

Maui

State restricts access to cliff in West Maui. Concerns over rock climbing impacts have led the state to close a cliff face in the Lihau section of the West Maui Natural Area Reserve. Maui News.

Maui Marketplace seeing some new tenants, changes. Jollibee, a fast food chain from the Philippines, is coming to the center. Maui News.

Jollibee “Home of the Famous Chickenjoy” Coming to Maui Marketplace. Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain in the Philippines, will be opening a restaurant at the Maui Marketplace in Kahului. Maui Now.

Island home prices dip in September as purchases spike. 83 properties have sales pending, up 26 percent from September 2018. Maui News.

Kauai

Water rights contested. A case that began before the county planning commission and made its way to the highest court in the state continued Tuesday in Kauai’s circuit court, where a judge appeared on the verge of siding with a Koloa couple embroiled in the 13-year legal battle. Garden Island.

Southwest on the way. Southwest will launch service between Honolulu and Kauai, Maui and Sacramento on Nov. 10. Garden Island.

'Kapu Aloha' - opponents block Kahuku wind farm construction, Gabbard's Syria stance could be debate fodder tonight, university enrollment down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii - Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

University of Hawaii enrollment dips 2% systemwide. Total enrollment at the 10-campus University of Hawaii system dipped by 2% this semester compared with last fall, with only Windward Community College notching an increase in its student body. Star-Advertiser.

UH Enrollment Down For 7th Year In Face Of Strong Job Market. Enrollment at University of Hawaiʻi campuses fell for the seventh year in a row, and UH is hoping a statewide media campaign can help reverse that trend.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Analysis: Hawaii has nation’s lowest rate of Millennial-owned businesses. Hawaii has the nation’s highest percentage of businesses owned by Baby Boomers, and the lowest percentage owed by Millennials, a new analysis finds. Hawaii News Now.

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Opponents of wind-energy project stall equipment delivery. Protesters gathered Monday night on a road in Kahuku to block an Oahu wind farm developer from delivering heavy equipment to begin construction in a scene reminiscent of the months-long telescope protests on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

No wind farm equipment transported to Kahuku as demonstrators block access. Officials say parts of the wind turbine were scheduled to be transported to Kahuku late Sunday night, but those against the wind farm project have blocked access at Kalaeloa and Kahuku. KHON2.

Kapu aloha protest strategy spreads, causing alarm. New protests aimed at the Kahuku windmill project and the Sherwood Forest park development may be alarming to some state leaders, but among some activists there is a sense that a grassroots momentum has been building as the nonviolent protest strategy known as kapu aloha spreads from one community to the next. Star-Advertiser.

Protests at other projects empowered by successful anti-TMT protest. Hawaii News Now.

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Gabbard’s stances on Syria could be fodder in presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard could face tough questions about her views on Syria during today’s presidential debate in light of President Donald Trump’s decision last week to pull troops out of northern Syria and abandon America’s longtime Kurdish allies to an attack by Turkish forces. Star-Advertiser.

State solar permits issued jumped in September. Over the first nine months this year across Hawaii’s four counties, there were 4,047 solar electric permits issued compared with 3,387, an overall increase in the state of 19%. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Names Three To Hawaii Land Board. The nominations require state Senate confirmation. Civil Beat.

Cannabis dispensaries must comply with vape cartridge ingredients law. Hawaii health officials said they will “strictly enforce” a law prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries from selling vape cartridges made with outside ingredients. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Military Is Pouring Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Into Tiny Wake Island. The historic World War II site is on the front lines again as part of an expanded U.S. missile defense system. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Officials Have Received Big Pay Raises In The Past Year. Civil Beat fills out its salary database with thousands of City and County of Honolulu workers, including those caught up in a federal probe. Civil Beat.

City Mulls Next Steps After Decision to Close Waimanalo Landfill in 2028. The state Land Use Commission last week gave the City and County of Honolulu until March 2, 2028 to close Waimanalo Gulch Landfill when the panel approved a special use permit allowing the solid waste facility to operate for now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Feds to oversee valuation of DHHL land where city built rail hub. The federal government is stepping in to make sure Native Hawaiian beneficiaries get their fair share after the city built rail’s operations hub on about 50 acres of DHHL land that the city does not yet have title to. KHON2.

Smart devices offered to help HECO manage EV charging. Hawaiian Electric Co. is partnering with Elemental Excelerator and Enel X to study how electric vehicle charging during different times of the day affect the power grid. Star-Advertiser.

Defense lawyer levels more accusations against deputy prosecutor. Defense lawyer Myles Breiner says the deputy prosecutor who admitted shoving him tried to have a relationship with a woman who was the complaining witness in two domestic violence cases he was prosecuting, drafted legal documents for her civil case while he was still working as a Maui deputy prosecutor, went to her home in the middle of the night while drunk and assaulted her adult son. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council panel to hear recycling update. Cutbacks to the county’s recycling program have raised concerns throughout the island, and a County Council panel is set to hear about alternatives when it meets today. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island down to one state Land Board member. Nominations announced Monday by Gov. David Ige will leave Hawaii Island with only one member on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Some Hawaii Island residents are disturbed by the amount of trash left behind after the Ironman in Kona. Event organizers say clean up could take a week. KITV.

Maui

Fall Parks & Recreation Permit Office Closure Schedule. The County of Maui Department of Parks & Recreation will have periodic permit office closures for the processing of countywide tri-annual permits this month and in early November. Maui Now.

Kihei Charter, Kekaulike top the county in Strive HI. Program measures schools in academics and other areas. Maui News.

Kauai

Council to discuss cemeteries. Kauai County committees are scheduled to meet 8:30 a.m Wednesday at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

‘When in doubt, throw it out’. Your recycling could be ending up in the landfill if you’re not sorting it right when you drop it off, and a new sign on the Kauai Recycles green drop bins is now reminding the public: “when in doubt throw it out.” Garden Island.

Island’s Biggest Credit Union Grows Bigger In Effort To Remain Independent. Gather Federal Credit Union’s CEO estimates the number of credit unions in Hawaii has shrunk from nearly 100 to slightly more than 50 in the last decade. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea protest grows as savvy activists enter second week, telescope opponents march in Waikiki, charter proposal would end Honolulu transit authority, islandwide power outage hits Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New arrivals tent at Mauna Kea protest camp ©2019 All Hawaii News

Mauna Kea activists demonstrate savvy in organization, nonviolent protest tactics. The fast-moving events that unfolded last week show the Thirty Meter Telescope protests cannot be dismissed as a bump in the road. Star-Advertiser.

Dispatch from Mauna Kea: The line in the sand. It's not all Woodstockian bliss as a group of more than a thousand Native Hawaiians and their supporters prepare for what seems inevitable conflict over a plan to build a giant telescope on the flank of Mauna Kea. All Hawaii News.


Latest Developments On Mauna Kea TMT Protest. About 2,000 people gathered Sunday near the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mauna Kea Access Road, state officials estimated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mauna Kea Day 7 – Crowd Swells Into The Thousands. The mountain remains closed under a controversial emergency proclamation, although personnel now have improved access to and from Hale Pohaku. Big Island Video News.

Concert and lectures headline Day 7 of Mauna Kea occupation. Mauna Kea turned partly into an outdoor classroom and concert venue Sunday as professors gave lectures and award-winning musicians played for Thirty Meter Telescope opponents whose numbers swelled by 600 to an estimated 2,000 people. Star-Advertiser.

Medics on Mauna Kea treat hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration. A mobile medical clinic treats demonstrators affected by the weather and the protests. KITV.

Day Seven at Mauna Kea, more bodies join the cause. Since the base of Mauna Kea has gotten more congested, organizers have policed themselves to stay clear of oncoming traffic. KHON2.

Day 7 of Mauna Kea/ TMT protests finds activists bracing for state's next move. Demonstrators gird for a showdown with the state on Monday, as they anticipate government's next move. KITV.


Mauna Kea Day 6 – Mayor Kim Visits. The number of people at the encampment below the Mauna Kea Access Road has swelled over the weekend. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim meets with TMT opponents. A day after Gov. David Ige claimed TMT protest organizers have not been able to maintain order, Hawaii county mayor Harry Kim visited operations at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT spokesman: Mauna Kea remains preferred site, no plans to back out. A spokesperson for the Thirty Meter Telescope spoke exclusively with Hawaii News Now Sunday saying project executives have no immediate plans to withdraw from constructing the $1.4 billion telescope atop Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

TMT still wants to build on Mauna Kea, despite protests. Thirty Meter Telescope officials say they still want to build at Mauna Kea. KITV.

A Look At The Science Of The Thirty Meter Telescope. The proposed observatory that is generating mass protests on Mauna Kea seeks to focus on the big unknowns of the universe. Associated Press.


Saturday, Gov. Ige left Hawaii Island without meeting directly with opponents at Mauna Kea. Ige’s decision to not visit Puu Huluhulu and meet directly with opponents isn’t sitting well with those who say his allegations of drugs use, alcohol consumption and rowdy crowds at the site were completely false. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard steps up effort to qualify for fall primary debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard needs to attract about 30,000 more unique donors to her presidential bid to fulfill one of two criteria for making it into the Democratic primary debates in September, an event that’s expected to significantly winnow the crowded field of presidential contenders. Star-Advertiser.


It’s Biden Vs. Harris — And Gabbard — In CNN Debate’s 2nd Night. Sanders will face Warren and Buttigieg in the first round of the DNC forum, which is in Detroit. Civil Beat.

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This Hawaii Entrepreneur Wants To Build The Moon’s First ‘Airport’. Henk Rogers, an early backer of pushing Hawaii toward using 100% renewable energy, has a new idea: use a crew of construction-worker robots to build an underground moon base. Civil Beat.

Higher Per-Capita Distribution of Pain Pills On Neighbor Islands. A database highlights which manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies distributed the most prescription pain pills in the islands from 2006 to 2012. Civil Beat.

A recent study co-authored by a John A. Burns School of Medicine researcher at the University of Hawaii at Manoa highlights why new laws regarding price negotiation between government entities and pharmaceutical companies may be necessary to provide affordable healthcare to the segment of the nation’s elderly population dealing with heart problems. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents protest in Waikiki. Hundreds of protesters marched along Kalauaka Avenue Sunday morning in opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Large anti-TMT march makes is way through Hawaii’s heart of tourism: Waikiki. Hundreds of people turned Waikiki’s sidewalks into a river of red t-shirts and Hawaiian flags Sunday to rally against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

It was one of the biggest demonstrations seen so far, close to 2000 kiai, who call themselves the protectors of Mauna Kea, marched two miles on Sunday from Fort DeRussy to the Honolulu zoo. KHON2.

Thousands march through Waikiki against TMT. Another day of demonstrations on Mauna Kea also saw rallies of support coming from Oahu. KITV.

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Charter amendment proposal would dissolve HART. City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson wants voters to abolish the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and transfer oversight of the island’s troubled rail construction project to an agency that answers directly to the mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Proposal Would Give Honolulu Voters Chance To End HART. The proposal, which rail leaders say comes from Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, would place the city transportation department in charge of the remaining construction. Civil Beat.

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Sweeping Local-Hire Bill Draws Pushback From Nonunion Builders. City Councilman Joey Manahan says the purpose of the legislation is to make sure that union labor is used on any public works project worth over $250,000. Civil Beat.

Farrington Highway Is A Lifeline — And A Big Hazard — For Leeward Residents. The poorly designed highway presents lots of risks to pedestrians — too few crosswalks and sidewalks, narrow shoulders, no medians and speeding cars. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Building permits drop as vacation rental applications snarl process. The county’s new vacation rental registration laws are stimulating almost as many questions as applications, as property owners struggle to meet county requirements ahead of a Sept. 28 deadline. West Hawaii Today.

Administrators eye tweaks to pharmacy college. Enrollment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy is expected to decline this fall, university officials say. Tribune-Herald.

New UH-Hilo chancellor makes student success a top priority. Three weeks on the job and University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Chancellor Bonnie Irwin is wasting no time in her new role. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui water board to study buying water diversion system. The governing authority for Maui’s water utility plans to study the feasibility of buying and maintaining an irrigation system that diverts stream water from east Maui and delivers it other parts of the island. Associated Press.

Committee to Meet in Lahaina to Discuss Affordable Rentals. Maui County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee will hold a district meeting in Lahaina on Wednesday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at the West Maui Senior Center, located at 788 Pauoa Street in Lahaina. Maui Now.

MECO reports highest energy demand in decade amid heat wave. Fans, air conditioning, low wind may contribute. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s power is restored after an island-wide outage. At around 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, July 21, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported an island-wide outage after the main generating unit at the Kapaia Power Station experienced a fault. KHON2.

Fault at Kauai power station causes islandwide blackout. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said Sunday there was an islandwide power outage at approximately 2:30 p.m., when the main generating unit at its Kapaia Power Station had a problem. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai's Power Company Says Largest Generating Unit Inoperable. An islandwide outage on Kauaii 's has knocked out the power cooperative's largest generating unit and rolling blackouts could be implemented, the utility said Sunday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Islandwide power outage strikes Kauai. Traffic lights turned off Sunday around 1:15 p.m. as an islandwide power outage struck Kauai. Garden Island.

5G Action Kauai holds second meeting. The group will hold a demonstration and rally at the corner of Kapule Highway and Ahukini Road on July 27, starting at 11:45 a.m., as part of a national day of action against 5G. Garden Island.

No human waste at Kauai beaches, study finds, but community groups disagree. The state contracted the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to use its unique DNA sequencing technology to track the source of the high bacteria counts in the area, which have consistently prompted warning signs to go up at Mahaulepu Beach and Waiopili Stream. Star-Advertiser.

Media dissects Ige's State of the State address, tsunami watch canceled, HI-EMA officer retiring, annual homeless count begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige begins State of the State address PC: Hawaii House Democrats

Gov. David Ige used his fourth State of the State speech to request an additional $100 million from state lawmakers for housing, and says the state is “on track” to build 10,000 new housing units by 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Ige touts accomplishments, ignores missile alert in State of the State address. Gov. David Ige touted accomplishments from his first three years in office in his State of the State address on Monday, including boosting pay for teachers and outfitting more classrooms with air conditioning, and vowed to keep tackling the state’s housing shortage. Associated Press.

In rebuttal to critics, Ige uses State of the State to highlight his wins. Hawaii News Now.

Governor delivers State of the State address for 2018. KHON2.

Education also ranked high on the governor's list in his State of the State speech. KITV.

Governor David Ige’s State of the State address covered what his administration has accomplished and what it’s going to do to help ease homelessness, build more affordable housing, educate keiki, protect the environment and invest in highways. Hawaii Public Radio.

Education, innovation, and affordable housing were some of the main ideas found in Governor David Ige’s January 22 State-of-the-State address. The false missile alert that has consumed much of his time since January 13 was not mentioned. Big Island Video News.

Why no discussion of bogus ICBM alert in State of the State? Ige says he's talked about it enough. Hawaii News Now.

Media Isn’t Ready To Let Ige Put Missile Alert Behind Him. The governor wanted to talk about issues and accomplishments. Reporters were waiting with questions about the false alarm. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers: Ige speech lacks details. Affordable housing, creating quality jobs, education and traffic were top priorities Gov. David Ige spoke of during his State of the State address Monday from the State Capitol in Honolulu. Garden Island.

Full text: Gov. David Ige's 2018 State of the State address. All Hawaii News.

Hawaii Minority Caucus responds to Ige's address. KITV.

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HI-EMA executive officer Clairmont retiring this year. Toby Clairmont, the executive officer for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, is retiring by year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

False-missile probe to get ‘fresh pair of eyes,’ Ige says. Gov. David Ige on Monday defended his selection of the state’s deputy adjutant general to lead a probe of last week’s false missile alert and make recommendations for improvements, despite criticism from some lawmakers who contend the official is too close to the situation. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige told reporters Monday that part of the delay in notifying the public that the Jan. 13 ballistic missile alert was a false alarm was that he did not know his Twitter account password. Star-Advertiser.

National Weather Service requires two people to send alerts. KHON2.

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Social service workers, government workers and community volunteers fanned out across the islands Monday night for the first night of a census that will measure whether Hawaii is making progress in its efforts to reduce the country’s highest per capita rate of homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Awkward And Rewarding Task Of Surveying Homeless Begins. Volunteers around the islands ask personal questions of homeless people for the annual point-in-time count. Civil Beat.

An effort to document every homeless person in the state underway. Hawaii News Now.

Why Hawaii’s Unlicensed Elder Care Industry Is Out Of Control. Lawmakers have introduced a bill with the backing of the industry and some elderly-rights groups but the measure faces a long road to passage. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker says there's a rise in unlicensed care homes and calls it a "major health concern". KITV.

As government shutdown ends, Hawaii parks reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of federal workers in Hawaii are expected to be back on the job today after a short-term federal spending bill was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

State unemployment hits all-time low of 2%. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii was briefly under a tsunami watch early this morning following a magnitude 7.9 earthquake off Alaska late Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has cancelled the tsunami watch for Hawaii following 7.9 magnitude earthquake off Alaska. Hawaii Public Radio.

Economics of Home Solar Batteries: Affordable For Now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Group of homeless providers take a stand: It's time to re-think 'compassionate disruption. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu residents will see their electrical bills jump $2.44 this month primarily due to higher fuel costs. Hawaiian Electric Co. said Monday that the typical bill in January for an Oahu household using 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity is $144.26, up from $141.82 in December. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei data center expands capacity by 70%. AlohaNAP's data facility is expanding its capacity by 70 percent, a move driven by demand from local businesses and international content providers, the Kapolei data center facility said on Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

‘Peter Boy’ act passes first reading. A bill introduced by two Hawaii Island state senators that would repeal the 10-year statute of limitations on all manslaughter cases except for vehicular manslaughter passed its first reading by the full senate Monday. Tribune-Herald.

DOH hits Sheraton with notice, $20,000 fine. The operator of a new eatery at Sheraton Kona and spa is facing a hefty fine for operating without a valid state Department of Health permit. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaii lawmakers introduce bill to keep Maui apartment complex affordable. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that directs the state housing finance agency to acquire a 142-unit apartment complex on Maui in an effort to keep rents there affordable for low-income tenants at the Front Street Apartments in Lahaina. Pacific Business News.

A trial is set to begin Wednesday for one of six protesters arrested last year while trying to block a large vehicle convoy carrying equipment to the summit of Haleakala. Maui News.

Maui County begins nearly $2M project to repair Piilani Highway. Hawaii News Now.

DOT: Bypass realignment can be tweaked but cannot be stopped. Changes planned for the north end of the bypass at Keawe Street have run into plenty of opposition. Maui News.

Landslide Repair Work Begins at Nuanualoa Gulch. Maui Now.

Sunrise viewing, park operations back after spending bill passes. Maui News.

Event organizers today estimated number of people who turned out for the Women’s March Maui 2018 at somewhere between 3,500 to 5000 individuals. Maui Now.

Kauai

Another helicopter company to start flying. Maverick Helicopters is adding its own choppers to Kauai skies sometime in early summer of 2018, to the disgruntlement of some residents. Garden Island.