Hawaii government workers face twice-monthly furloughs, Maui surfer dies from shark attack, ethics board dings Kim on Mauna Kea access, quarantined travelers swamp Honolulu PD, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige announces furloughs PC: Governor's Office

More than 10,000 state employees face furloughs in January. An estimated 10,160 state employees will face twice-a-month furloughs beginning Jan. 1 and the number will be even higher when Department of Education and University of Hawaii employees are included, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday as he struggles to balance the state’s budget and plug a projected $1.4 billion shortfall over each of the next four years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor To Furlough State Workers Beginning In January. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday he is imposing two-day-per-month furloughs for unionized state workers starting Jan. 1 to balance the budget, which amounts to a pay cut of slightly more than 9%. Civil Beat.

Under governor’s furlough plan, most state workers will see a 9% pay cut in 2021. Gov. David Ige announced the furlough plan Wednesday, saying it’s expected to save the state approximately $300 million a year and will be coupled with a host of other budget cuts to programs. Hawaii News Now.

State worker furloughs to start January 1. Thousands of state workers will be furloughed two days per month starting in January. KHON2.

Most state employees to be furloughed starting Jan. 1. Governor David Ige made the announcement Wednesday, noting that the state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for the next four years. KITV4.

Ige announces furloughs: State’s largest unions push back against cutbacks slated for Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 1, about 10,160 state executive branch employees will be subject to furloughs for two days out of every month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii State Employees To Be Furloughed Starting January 1. Thousands of state employees, including public school teachers, will be furloughed when the new year begins. Big Island Video News.

Most Hawai‘i State Workers To Face Furlough in January. Most state government employees will face furloughs beginning in 2021, as Hawai‘i faces massive budget shortfalls in the coming years. Big Island Now.

State to furlough 10K employees. The Department of Education and the University of Hawai‘i are on the list of state agencies that will be implementing furloughs effective January 1, 2021. Garden Island.

Furloughs for state employees to start Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that state employees will be furloughed two days a month starting Jan. 1 to offset an expected $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four years. Maui News.

Most State Workers to be Furloughed Two Days Per Month Starting in New Year. The state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four fiscal years. Maui Now.

Full news release on how furloughs is here.

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Poll: Fewer than half of Hawaii residents plan to be vaccinated. Fewer than half of Hawaii residents currently plan to take a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to a University of Hawaii poll released this week. Tribune-Herald.

Survey: Many Hawaii residents remain uneasy about getting COVID-19 vaccine. Just 44% of the 616 people surveyed said they planned to take the vaccine when it’s available. Hawaii News Now.

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The Safe Travels Program is working but some want to add mandatory post testing. Lt. Gov. Dr. Josh Green said the State’s Safe Travels Program is working and that he reported his findings to the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday, Dec. 9. KHON2.

Senate hears mayors’ Safe Travels perspectives. County mayors made their case to the state’s Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 calling for modifications to the state’s Safe Travels program on Wednesday. Garden Island.

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DLNR Has Transferred More Than 19,000 Acres To Use For Agriculture. A program to make more state agricultural lands available for farming and ranching has made progress in the last decade, according to the head of the state agency in charge of those land transfers. Civil Beat.

UH and Hawaiian Electric Collaborate on ‘Green Tariff’ To Benefit Campuses and Community. The University of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Electric have collaborated on an innovative renewable energy initiative to help the university achieve its net-zero energy goal and bring online more cost-effective, renewable energy resources to benefit the entire state. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 9: 80 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii and 4 Deaths. Health officials reported 80 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 45 on Oahu, 12 on the Big Island, 15 on Maui and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Authorities overwhelmed with 20,000 in quarantine. Roughly 20,000 people are in travel-related quarantine on Oahu and authorities are unable to keep up with enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

City Council passes ‘surf equity’ bill for permits. Introduced in February by Council member Kym Pine, Bill 10 requires gender equity in the issuance of permits for sports activities by the Honolulu City and County Department of Parks and Recreation, in order to ensure the fair allocation of park facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Pipeline Masters Kicks Off Amid Virus Concerns. Hawaii’s biggest surfing competition of the year is underway on the North Shore. While the surf is up, so are concerns about Covid-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facing economic hardship, restaurants urge city to ease plastic utensils ban. In the final meeting for most of the current Honolulu City Council members, they urged the mayor and legislature to pay more attention to small businesses who are still struggling amid the ongoing pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Army Hospital Will Be One Of The Military’s First COVID-19 Vaccination Sites. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Tripler Army Medical Center will be one of military’s initial vaccination sites. Civil Beat.

Tripler Army Medical Center on O'ahu among first group of DOD locations to administer COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Defense will have just under 44,000 doses of the vaccine in its initial rollout. KITV4.

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3 finalists to build, design new Aloha Stadium announced. Three developer-led teams, all of which list some Hawaii-based elements, are finalists to present proposals for the building of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, according to a post on nased.hawaii.gov today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board rules Kim violated law in Maunakea case. Former Mayor Harry Kim violated the county code against unfair treatment when he allowed protesters to close the Maunakea access road to some people but not others, the Board of Ethics said Wednesday in a unanimous vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County ethics board rules against Kim in TMT case. The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday found former Mayor Harry Kim guilty of violating the county’s ethics code when he didn’t enforce the law evenly during the 2019 Thirty Meter Telescope protests. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Mayor Kim Violated Ethics Code On Mauna Kea, Board Says. Harry Kim allowed for unequal treatment on the Mauna Kea Access Road, where he used county funds to lay gravel for the kūpuna opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Ethics Board says. Big Island Video News.

Fire commission gets budget update. The Hawaii Fire Department is on track to meet its 2020-21 budget, Deputy and acting Fire Chief Robert Perreira said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Honolua shark attack victim dies. A 56-year-old Lahaina man died Wednesday after he was attacked by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday morning, according to a hospital official. Maui News.

Victim of shark attack in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies from his injuries. The 56-year-old Lahaina man who was bitten by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay died of his injuries today, according to a spokeswoman for the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Shark Bite Victim on Maui Succumbs to Injuries. It happened hours before the Maui Pro surf competition was set to get underway for professional women surfers. The event was subsequently suspended and beaches were closed for a mile in either direction from DT Fleming to Punalau “Windmills” Beach. Maui Now.

Surfer bit by a shark in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies after his condition deteriorates. The victim, a man in his fifties, was initially reported to be in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday. He underwent surgery but his condition quickly deteriorated leading to his death. Hawaii News Now.

56-year-old man dead following shark attack at Honolua Bay. Maui Memorial Medical Center has confirmed that a 56-year-old man who was surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday has died. KITV4.

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Maui Seeks Two Week Closure of Bars Amid Rise in COVID-19 Cases. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks, or until Dec. 26, 2020, to stem the recent double-digit increases in COVID-19 cases. Maui Now.

Maui mayor requests approval to close bars for 2 weeks. Mayor Victorino announced Wednesday that he’s awaiting approval from Gov. Ige to shutdown all bars starting this Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County seeking bar closures amid rising COVID cases.  Maui County is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants to limit the spread of COVID-19 until Dec. 26. KHON2.

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Court to decide how injection wells decision impacts county. A federal court in Hawaii will decide in the spring how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in a lawsuit over injection wells in West Maui will apply to Maui County, an attorney in the case said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Behind the scenes of the Kaua‘i District Health Office. The Kaua‘i District Health Office was one of the first to provide translated educational COVID-19 materials. Garden Island.

Ige honors The Cliffs at Princeville, Department of Water. Gov. David Ige honored 20 businesses, venues, and events for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices in the Hawai‘i Green Business Program, which is apart of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, and two honorees are from Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Ige wants to reroute CARES money to pay loans as economic recovery falters, audit slams Honolulu Police Department's OT excesses, Kauai seeks tighter travel restrictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Downtown Honolulu business district ©2020 All Hawaii News

‘Treading Water’: Working From Home Hasn’t Hurt Hawaii’s Office Rental Market — Yet. A wholesale shift to employees working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has softened the office market but there’s been no mass exodus from office space. Civil Beat.

Rising COVID-19 cases on the mainland, new travel advisories likely to delay Hawaii’s tourism recovery. The robust holiday season that Hawaii’s visitor industry anticipated is evaporating, pushing the start of a meaningful tourism recovery into the third quarter of next year.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor makes case for using CARES Act money to pay back unemployment insurance loan. Critics say relief funds are meant to go directly to residents. Governor David Ige says paying down the federal loan helps businesses and benefits the economy as a whole. KITV4.

Hawaii engineers semi-finalists in worldwide mask challenge. A group of local engineers have made it to the semi-finals in a worldwide challenge that is focused on finding the best mask design of the future. Team Merlin! is one of ten semi-finalists in the Million Dollar XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge and is looking for all the support they can get to make it to the finals. Hawaii News Now.

SHOPO sues all four counties over disclosure law. The statewide police union is now suing all four counties in an effort to keep the names of officers fired or suspended for disciplinary reasons secret until all grievance avenues for the officers are exhausted. Tribune-Herald.

Kahele Plans To Go ‘Old School’ And Move Family To Washington To Build Ties. Hawaii’s congressman-elect has a young family that he wants with him as he tries to build a career in Congress. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii reports promising graduation, retention rates. Graduation rates are up at most University of Hawaii campuses this semester. That’s according to new data out from the UH system. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii offers scholarship to furloughed Hawaii residents. The University of Hawaii (UH) is offering a scholarship to residents who are currently furloughed or have been laid off from a Hawaii-based job due to the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Dept. of Agriculture clamps down on movement of coffee plants in Hawaii. The State Department of Agriculture and Plant Quarantine Branch has banned the movement of coffee from Maui and the Big Island due to an infestation of a devastating coffee pathogen known as the coffee leaf rust. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s Why Hawaiian Homesteaders May Never Fully Profit From Their Own Land. Those fortunate enough to secure a DHHL lot — often after waiting years or decades — find themselves unable to access the property’s market value. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders hardest-hit. No ethnic group has been hit harder by the corona­virus pandemic than Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 22: 123 New COVID-19 Cases, 2 Deaths. Health officials recorded 123 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Sunday, including 97 on Oahu, 14 on Hawaii island, four on Maui and six on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department suspends use of COVID enforcement team after overtime violations. The Honolulu Police Department has suspended the use of special COVID-19 enforcement teams after an internal audit revealed “multiple violations” of the department’s overtime policies. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Suspends COVID-19 Patrols After Audit Finds Overtime Violations. Records show that two officers recorded more than 300 hours of overtime from Sept. 27 to Oct. 31. That translates to 65 hours of overtime each week. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers seek transparency from HPD following alleged overtime violations involving COVID-19 enforcement team. Some lawmakers are calling for changes at the Honolulu Police Department as it investigates allegations of overtime pay violations involving COVID relief funds. KITV4.

Virus hits family of HPD officer hospitalized with COVID-19. A Honolulu Police Officer is fighting for his life after a cluster of COVID-19 cases were discovered at the Wahiawa Police Station. His family also contracted the disease. KHON2.

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Blangiardi Names Transition Team, Seeks Job Applicants. The mayor-elect of Honolulu has launched a jobs portal to find viable candidates. Civil Beat.

Honolulu expects to spend all $387.1M in CARES Act funds. Honolulu has already spent $214.1 million, or 55%, of its $387.1 million in federal CARES Act funding and expects to use the entire amount before it expires at the end of the year, according to a news release from Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

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2 Hawaii Department of Transportation employees to pay fines for personal use of highway equipment. Two state Department of Transportation employees have agreed to pay fines and face potential DOT discipline after a supervisor allowed an employee to take a Bobcat skid-steer home for personal use this month and used a DOT truck and trailer on state time to transport the Bobcat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOT Employees Fined For Taking State Equipment Off The Job. The incident violated Hawaii’s Fair Treatment law. Civil Beat.

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The Miske Case: An Insider Pleads Guilty And Is Cooperating With The Feds. Jacob Smith’s plea agreement details violence and criminal operations he says were carried out under orders from longtime Honolulu businessman Michael Miske. Civil Beat.

Man’s Death In Honolulu Police Custody Caused By Drugs, Shackles And A Struggle. A medical examiner’s report shows the 28-year-old Kaneohe man died in June from a combination of drug and alcohol use and a physical struggle with police. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth announces more cabinet appointees. Leading the Planning Department will be former Puna Councilman Zendo Kern of Kurtistown. Civil Engineer S. Ikaika Rodenhurst of Hawaiian Acres will lead the Department of Public Works and Ramzi I. Mansour of Honolulu, also a professional engineer, will be the new director of the Department of Environmental Management. West Hawaii Today.

Three More Roth Cabinet Names Announced. Zendo Kern, Ikaika Rodenhurst, and Ramzi Mansour have been appointed to head three critical Hawaiʻi County departments. Big Island Video News.

Kim seeks expansion of post-arrival COVID screening at Kona airport. Mayor Harry Kim wants to expand post-arrival testing at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole after scaling back testing efforts there earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Forest forum: Input sought on proposed Natural Area Reserve in South Kona. Community input on a proposal to add a 1,260-acre South Kona parcel to the Hawaii Natural Area Reserve system is being sought by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. West Hawaii Today.

CIP Funding Released for Land Acquisition by Waimea Schools. Gov. David Ige has released $1.6 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding for the Hawai’i Department of Education’s land acquisition of Parcel 54 from Parker Ranch Land Trust. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Island group distributes $7.5M in housing aid, with more on the way. A hui of Hawaii Island organizations already has distributed all of its $7.5 million in federal funds to pay rent and mortgages for 1,322 households during the COVID-19 economic and health crisis, but the need is even greater. Star-Advertiser.

Three from Big Island file lawsuits against Monsanto Co. A Honolulu law firm has filed a trio of product liability civil lawsuits this month on behalf of three Big Island men against the chemical giant Monsanto Co. in Hilo Circuit Court. Tribune-Herald.

‘Extremely intoxicated’ Brennan arrested again. For the second time in less than four months, a former star quarterback at the University of Hawaii was taken into police custody after allegedly causing a drunken disturbance. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Officials: Strict COVID measures in place for conference. Organizer says no attendees have tested positive for virus. A multiday conference of more than 100 people at Fairmont Kea Lani that spurred criticism in attendees’ home states took strict precautions to prevent COVID-19, the organizer emphasized Thursday. Maui News.

HBO miniseries filming in Wailea. Officials forecast busy end to year for industry on Maui. County officials pulled back the curtain Friday on a busy end to the year for Maui’s film and TV industry, including a $20 million-budget HBO miniseries that’s halfway through filming in Wailea. Maui News.

New HBO series filming on Maui, 'Temptation Island' injects $2M into local economy. A new miniseries is halfway through filming on Maui after a controversial television series wrapped up production a couple of weeks ago. KITV4.

We Are South Maui Website Launches Public Engagement Activity Through End of Year. The Maui County Planning Department launched a public engagement workshop on its We Are Maui website, which will remain open through the end of the year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai wants stricter travel entry rules. Kauai health officials have reported 22 more COVID-19 cases, at least 19 of them travel-related, since Nov. 16 when Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami sought additional requirements for travelers coming to the Garden Island. Star-Advertiser.

County has spent 66% of CARES Act funds. As of the end of September, the County of Kaua‘i has spent about 66% of its state-allocated federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds. Between August and September, the county had spent $919,915.56, including $500,000 for small-business grants and $100,000 for the Rise to Work program that has hired displaced workers into paid employment. Garden Island.

Virus testing offered in Hanapepe. Nearly 500 appointments — the largest amount since the County of Kaua‘i and state Department of Health started surge testing — greeted the surge-testing crew Sunday at Hanapepe Stadium when testing started in strong trade winds and cloudy skies. Garden Island.

Former HPD captain with COVID left to sleep on a bench after quarantine mix up. When the coronavirus outbreak hit the island of Lanai, Nyle Dolera got so sick from the virus that he had to be medivacked to the Queen’s Medical Center earlier this month. But the retired Honolulu Police Department captain said the way he was treated by Department of Health officials during his 14-day quarantine on Oahu was much worse than the disease itself. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii braces for economic fallout, union worries about possible furloughs, Hannemann running again for Honolulu mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lone man fishing ©2020 All Hawaii News

‘It’s Going To Be Bad’: Federal Aid Will Soon Run Out For Many In Hawaii. With the state’s largest industry shut down and federal funds soon to dry up, nothing is on the horizon to replace residents’ lost income. Civil Beat.

Pandemic Job Losses In Hawaii Curb Cash Flow To Families Abroad. Many immigrants from the Philippines have to decide between saving money to survive unemployment or sending it to relatives. Civil Beat.

HGEA says the state could still furlough workers to make up lost revenue. The head of the state’s largest public employee union said that Gov. David Ige’s administration is still considering furloughs for state workers. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green ranks activities by COVID-19 risk level. Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor and emergency room doctor Josh Green ranked a list of 12 common activities from low to high risk with regards to COVID-19. KITV4.

Hospitality consultant suggests diversifying tourism industry to strengthen it. Health or cultural tourism could be options, suggests Keith Vieira. KITV4.

One new coronavirus case on Maui brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 652. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 652, up one new case from Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

One New COVID-19 Case on Maui Brings Hawai‘i Total to 652; 95.7% Recovered. There was one new COVID-19 case reported today on the island of Maui, pushing Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 case total to 652. Maui Now.

1 new case of COVID-19 from Maui County reported brings state total to 652. The state Department of Health reports 1 new case of COVID-19 from Maui County reported brings state total to 652. KHON2.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is filing to get his old job back. Two-term former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann plans to file his nomination papers to run for mayor on Monday, the day before the 2020 election’s deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann wants his old job back. Hannemann says he built a reputation for strong leadership when he was the city’s chief executive from 2005-2010 and he's ready to fix the rail project. KITV4.

Sheehan, Levinson voice frustration as they resign from Police Commission. The two most vocal members of the Honolulu Police Commission are resigning, voicing frustration at the limited power the commission has to oversee the Police Department and its chief, Susan Ballard. Star-Advertiser.

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Packed but peaceful: Black Lives Matter protesters take to streets of Oahu. Protesters in Honolulu spilled onto the streets of Ala Moana Boulevard near Piikoi Saturday, spreading the message: Black lives matter. Hawaii News Now.

'All we want is to be recognized as human beings’. David Broussard figures he was 6 or 7 years old when his parents sat him down for the talk many African American parents feel compelled to have with their sons. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki man arrested during a protest on Kalakaua Avenue. A 29-year-old Waikiki man was arrested while he was marching with other protesters on Kalakaua Avenue on May 31. KHON2.

Local law professor reacts to George Floyd protests. Ken Lawson believes Hawaii has good police-community relations, and we need to be a model for the rest of the nation. KITV4.

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Residents, business owners fight to stop proposed Chinatown homeless station.  Hawaii's largest homeless services provider has a new plan to help keep coronavirus off the streets. It starts with buying an old building in Chinatown. Hawaii News Now.

Public swimming pools to reopen on Oahu next week. Oahu’s public swimming pools will reopen again on June 5, but ― as with nearly everything else that’s begun to reopen over the last few weeks ― things will operate a little differently once people are allowed back in the water. Hawaii News Now.

Bar owners awaiting governor’s plan for reopening. Several bar owners are expected to rally today in front of the Honolulu Liquor Commission to protest the lack of information coming from state leaders about when bars can reopen despite liquor license renewals coming due at the end of this month. Star-Advertiser.

Locals take back tourist-free Waikiki during pandemic. Growing up in Hawaii, Amber Lethem’s family avoided Waikiki, the world-famous tourist mecca. Associated Press.

Brief absence of humans shows remarkable changes in Hanauma Bay. Since March 26,  the only people entering the preserve, besides regular maintenance and security staff with the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, have been teams of five or fewer scientists at a time, studying the status of coral, water quality and fish behavior during this unprecedented, visitor-free time. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal dumping plagues Sand Island State Recreational Area. The Sand Island State Recreation Area has been an urban gem for beach goers, surfers, campers and people who fish. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayors unenthusiastic about vacation rentals: Hawaii County clears backlog but reopening likely months away. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo breakwater study likely to be delayed. A study investigating the possible benefits of opening a gap in the Hilo Bay breakwater will likely not happen until at least October. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo hospital to ease visitor restrictions. Nearly two months after implementing a no-visitor policy in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hilo Medical Center will begin loosening those restrictions this week. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea neighbors protest STVR: Mixed messages from Planning Department contribute to neighbors’ angst. West Hawaii Today.

Suspended and Limited Waste Disposal Services. Electronic device recycling and other programs continue to be suspended in Hawai‘i County due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Maui

New Maui County directive expedites permits for business repairs, renovations impacted by COVID-19. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is working with county agencies to permits for repairs and renovations for businesses affected by COVID-19. KHON2.

MRA decision-making is being put on hold for time being. The Maui Redevelopment Agency will not be making any decisions on zoning and variance requests until the County Council decides on the legality of the agency, per an agreement between Maui County and plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the powers of the agency. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino asks Ige to remove quarantine from interisland travel June 15. In a Facebook post Saturday afternoon, the mayor said the lifting of the quarantine would be part of the phased re-opening of businesses and operations toward economic recovery. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Asks Governor to Lift Interisland Quarantine on June 15. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino sent a letter to the Governor David Ige today asking him to lift the 14-day restriction on interisland travelers starting June 15, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui Brewing Company Issued Warning Over Sanitizer Giveaway. The county Liquor Control Department on Tuesday handed Maui Brewing Co. a “notice of warning” after investigating the company’s made-in-house hand sanitizer and giveaway promotions. Maui News.

Maui candidates have to work around restrictions that have been keeping them from engaging voters. In an election year in which voting will be conducted for the first time in Hawaii on a mail-only basis and several key seats are up for grabs on Maui and across the state, candidates have been hard-pressed to find alternative means of engaging with constituents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Peaceful Paddle Out for George Floyd. A peaceful Paddle Out for George Floyd was held just before sunset on the West shores of Maui on Sunday in a show of unity amid tensions nationally over the man’s death at the hands of a police officer. Maui Now.

Kauai

YB wants to stop hauling small loads. Young Brothers shipping company is seeking permission to discontinue less-than-container-load shipping of goods to and from Kaua‘i, according to a request recently submitted to the state Public Utilities Commission. Garden Island.

New strategies for business owners. As they’re struggling to make ends meet, small business owners are doing their best to take care of each other, too. Garden Island.

Ige says 'drastic actions' such as pay cuts needed to plug $1.5B budget hole, state plans for reopening, high school graduation ceremonies canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige PC: Media pool photo by Cindy Ellen Russell/Star-Advertiser

With tourism at a standstill, governor says he’s preparing for $1.5B in cuts to state’s budget. The governor says the shutdown of tourism is Hawaii will have a significant impact on the state’s budget — and could lead to up to $1.5 billion in cuts. The entire operating budget for the state is about $8 billion. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers looking at department cuts and ways to restore local economy. Only the governor has the power to cut state worker pay and institute furloughs, but Senator Donovan Dela Cruz tells KHON the legislature is also trying to see what they can do to balance state general funding. KHON2.

Public employee pay cuts mulled. Pay cuts for state employees are on the table, but increases in state general excise or personal income taxes are not at this time, Gov. David Ige said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Rep. Case disputes Ige’s claims on federal funds to help proposed pay-cuts. Hawaii’s US Representative Ed Case is at odds with Governor David Ige’s message Wednesday about federal funding being used to help with the state’s billion-dollar budget shortfall. KHON2.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s plan for public worker pay cuts gets pushback. Gov. David Ige’s plan to impose 20% pay cuts for teachers and many other public workers quickly encountered resistance Wednesday from both the public worker unions and some leading state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers, Union Officials Are Pushing Back Against State Pay Cuts. Other options like eliminating vacant positions or tapping the rainy day fund should be considered first. Civil Beat.

Unions plead with governor to reconsider proposed pay cuts of up to 20% for state workers. Union leaders and state lawmakers urged the governor Wednesday to reconsider proposed pay cuts of up to 20% for state employees, saying that slashing salaries so drastically at a time when many families are already struggling with layoffs or reductions in hours would do widespread harm. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige considering a pay cut for teachers and most state employees. Facing a 20% cut in pay, experienced teachers are worried about their financial future heading to retirement. KITV4.

State Workers Would Face Pay Cuts up to 20% Under Ige’s Plan to Offset Budget Hit of Coronavirus. Hawai‘i state employees may be looking at pay cuts across the board, as tax revenues shrink amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige proposes pay cuts. Governor David Ige is considering a 20% pay cut for state workers due to a drop in tax revenue triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, but hasn’t made any decisions on the proposal. Garden Island.

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More than 2,600 visitors have come to Hawaii since quarantine began. More than 500 trans-Pacific passengers came to Hawaii on Tuesday — including some visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials intestigating a half-dozen coronavirus clusters. Hawaii health officials are investigating half a dozen COVID-19 clusters throughout the islands as the number of cases continues to creep up. Star-Advertiser.

More Than Half Of Hawaii’s 530 COVID-19 Cases Have Recovered. On Wednesday, 13 more cases of coronavirus were confirmed, taking Hawaii’s COVID-19 infections to a total of 530. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For Wednesday, April 15. As of noon on Wednesday, there have been 530 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi, an increase of 13 from the day before. Big Island Video News.

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HEMA chief says time to plan for reopening state’s economy is now. Gov. David Ige’s point man on economic and nonmedical logistic response to the COVID-19 pandemic told lawmakers Wednesday now is the time to plan for reopening the state for business. Tribune-Herald.

Loosening stay-at-home orders could come as early as May if people follow the rules now. After four consecutive days of fewer positive cases, officials are discussing how they will begin our recovery, and gradually start loosening some of the stay-at-home mandates. KHON2.

New rapid antibody tests ‘could be the key to re-opening Hawaii’. As doctors and scientists continue to wage war against this invisible enemy, the rapid antibody test has emerged as the latest tool in their arsenal. KHON2.

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More money to flow to Hawaii’s unemployed. After being overwhelmed by more than 200,000 Hawaii unemployment claims since March, state officials have begun to ramp up payments. Star-Advertiser.

General frowns on using Guard to process Hawaii jobless claims. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara said that he is against using Hawaii National Guard personnel to help process the overflow in unemployment claims caused by the closure of businesses due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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Traditional High School Graduations in Hawaii Canceled This Year. Those will be replaced by alternative ceremonies to be determined by each school, according to the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Given the circumstances, pomp taken from Hawaii graduations. Add another victim to the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii: traditional public high school graduation ceremonies. Star-Advertiser.

DOE cancels traditional high school graduation ceremonies statewide. The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that “alternative celebrations” will take the place of traditional commencement ceremonies this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Traditional public school commencement ceremonies canceled this year. “Alternative celebrations” will be held in place of traditional commencement ceremonies at public and public charter schools amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, education officials announced Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

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Hotel for Heroes tweaks program as demand grows. Demand for the Hotel for Heroes program, which houses working health care employees and first responders in free hotel rooms, was so great in its first week that it outstripped supply. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii small businesses start getting federal emergency funding. An auto repair shop in Waipio is one of the small businesses in Hawaii benefiting from the federal CARES Act, meant to help the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

$1M raised for new fund aimed at helping struggling UH students. The University of Hawaii has raised $1 million to help struggling students pay for tuition. The funds will help many continue their education during the pandemic. The university says donors from across the state came together to help students on all 10 campuses. Hawaii News Now.

UH Medical School Seeks Funding To Develop New COVID-19 Blood Tests. A test to confirm workers’ immunity to COVID-19 could put them safely back to work and help Hawaii’s economic recovery, says a medical school professor. Civil Beat.

Zoom Replaces Hugs For Hawaii Parents With Children In Foster Care. Hawaii, like many states, has called off in-person visits because of the coronavirus pandemic, though some think the ban goes too far. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu rail agency now expects $80M for project. Rail officials now project that the $9.2 billion, 20-mile project will suffer an $80 million loss in state tax revenue as a result of the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa Health confirms third case of COVID-19. The employees who tested positive are currently in quarantine. KITV4.

Coronavirus Site For Oahu’s Homeless Will Not Offer Testing. There is no widespread COVID-19 screening or testing of homeless people in Hawaii after a facility set up to help has backed off from part of its original mission. Civil Beat.

With fewer cars on the roads, HPD sees uptick in speeding, jaywalking citations. Honolulu police have noticed an increase in speeding and jaywalking in recent weeks as fewer vehicles take to the roads following the stay-at-home order. Hawaii News Now.

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Dillingham Airfield tenants get a reprieve as Hawaii delays shutdown. The state is pushing back by a year its plan to terminate its lease at Dillingham Airfield — giving airport tenants “a little reprieve” in the view of one business owner there. Star-Advertiser.

State DOT postpones action at Dillingham Airfield. The DOT says it notified tenants that it has rescinded the termination of their permit at the facility. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Civilian police employee in Hilo tests positive for COVID-19. A civilian who works in the Hawaii Police Department Records Division tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Chief Paul Ferreira confirmed Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

No new COVID-19 cases reported on Big Island. No new COVID-19 cases were reported in Hawaii County on Wednesday as the number of cases associated with two Kona McDonald’s restaurants held steady at a dozen, state health officials reported. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kaiser Coronavirus Experts Fly In For Damage Control At Maui Hospital. The Kaiser team from the mainland is expected to significantly bolster the hospital’s efforts to control the spread of the virus. Civil Beat.

Hale Makua Health Services Impacted by COVID-19 Positive Cases. Hale Makua Health Services received word from the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health that one Home Health patient has tested COVID-19 positive, and that one nursing home resident at the Kahului facility tested positive for COVID-19 as well. Maui Now.

Two with Hale Makua have COVID-19; one possibly exposed at MMMC. A Hale Makua nursing home resident who was potentially exposed to a cluster of coronavirus cases at Maui Memorial Medical Center tested positive for COVID-19, along with a separate Hale Makua home health patient, according to state health officials. Maui News.

Kula Hospital worker tests positive for virus. Extra precautions taken at long-term care facility. Maui News.

Hotels for Heroes Provides 192 First Responders and Health Care Workers on Maui. The statewide Hotels for Heroes program is providing complimentary rooms for health care workers and first responders during the COVID-19 crisis. Maui Now.

Kauai

No new cases on Kaua‘i. County of Kaua‘i announced a full transition to conducting board and commission meetings remotely on Wednesday and will continue to accept written testimony from the public, as is part of the public process. Garden Island.

Planning the replanting. Kaua‘i County is in the process of planning what kind of native plants they’ll be putting along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path between Kealia Beach and Kuna Beach, now that ironwood trees illegally felled in the area have been cleared. Garden Island.

Hee announces gubernatorial bid, medical aid in dying bill draws emotional testimony, Honolulu's homeless hygiene center, councilwoman wants business sponsorship of county facilities, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Clayton Hee Facebook photo

Longtime Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and former state Sen. Clayton Hee has announced he is running for governor, a relatively late entry into the Democratic primary that could dramatically alter the dynamics of the race. Star-Advertiser.

Former Sen. Clayton Hee Is Running For Governor. The longtime Hawaii lawmaker says Honolulu rail has been mismanaged and the money should be spent on other things. Civil Beat.

Former state senator Clayton Hee is joining the race to be Hawaii governor. Associated Press.

Clayton Hee seeks millennial, working class vote in race for governor. He enters the race as an underdog to incumbent Gov. David Ige and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii News Now.

Former Democratic state Senator Clayton Hee is the latest candidate to enter the race to be Hawaii's next governor. KITV.

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Hawaii’s powerful public-sector unions are bracing for a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could weaken their collective bargaining efforts for tens of thousands of local workers and, ultimately, their sway on the islands’ political landscape. Civil Beat.

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State lawmakers delay vote after hours of testimony on medically assisted death. More than 100 people testified over four hours for and against a bill that would allow terminally ill adults to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of medication. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Aid In Dying Bill Generates An Emotional 5-Hour Hearing. House lawmakers deferred a vote on the measure until Wednesday. Civil Beat.

The House Health and Human Services and Judiciary Committees heard public testimony today on medical aid in dying legislation. Hawaii Public Radio.

After hours of passionate testimony, lawmakers delay vote on medical aid-in-dying bill. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's "Our Care Our Choice" bill would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives. KITV.

The issue of medically assisted suicide is once again on the table. Lawmakers listened to more than a hundred people testify for over five hours Tuesday morning. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige is supporting a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives if they choose. Tribune-Herald.

Bill on medical aid in dying assessed. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii May Switch To All-Mail Elections In 2020. A bill requiring the conversion in hopes of increasing voter turnout is headed to the House floor. Civil Beat.

Teachers who pay for classroom supplies could soon get tax deductions. A bill moving through the state legislature looks to ease the financial burden for teacher who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Ways & Means Chair is blocking a bill to increase Hawaii's minimum wage. Hawaii News Now.

Consumer debt in Hawaii rose faster than the national average in 2017, increasing 4.1 percent compared with 3.5 percent across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Total consumer debt increased 4.1 percent for Hawaii consumers between the first and fourth quarter of 2017, higher than the 3.5 percent experienced at the national level, according to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency confirmed there will be no ballistic missile “attack warning” monthly siren test on Thursday — reversing this month’s practice and going against a recommendation from the state’s deputy adjutant general. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Cos. is now accepting competitive bids to add 300 megawatts of renewable energy production on three islands, after receiving approval from the state Public Utilities Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

Pickups, SUVs and vans ruled the road in 2017 as Hawaii’s new-vehicle registrations increased for the seventh consecutive year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ex-HPD Major Wants Separate Trial In Corruption Case. An attorney for Gordon Shiraishi says he shouldn’t be lumped in with the other defendants in the Kealoha case. Associated Press.

Waikiki stakeholders are growing increasingly concerned that serious criminal activity like murders, youth gangs and prostitution could mar the state’s top tourist district. Star-Advertiser.

The drive to require sprinkler systems in older residential high-rises in the wake of the deadly Marco Polo fire has come down to final City Council votes today that if approved would mean a break on taxes and fees as incentives to defraying what many owners consider unreasonable costs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s first mobile homeless hygiene center hits the road. A nonprofit group has imported a 26-foot trailer equipped with bathrooms and toilets and is already towing it around Oahu to provide homeless people a place to get clean — and perhaps lead them off the streets. Star-Advertiser.

Injured man says 'booby trap' was set up to deter hikers from Haiku Stairs. Hawaii News Now.

Parents and students rattled by elementary school lockdown. Ahuimanu Elementary School was placed on lockdown for about an hour while police pursued an auto theft suspect, spotted running through the area, police said. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu-based Oceanit only Hawaii recipient of federal research grant. Pacific Business News.

H Mart, a Korean grocery chain with several dozen stores in 12 Mainland states, is opening its first Hawaii location in Honolulu. Pacific Business News.

Colin Nishida, founder and chef at Side Street Inn, a beloved gathering place for many of Honolulu’s top chefs, died Sunday at age 61. Star-Advertiser.

Award winning Hawaii chef Colin Nishida, owner of the Side Street Inn, died on Sunday. He was 61 years old. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Commercial sponsorships of county facilities, programs considered as revenue source. Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy said her intent is to give the county another option as it likely faces tough decisions about making cuts or raising taxes going into the next budget cycle. Tribune-Herald.

The University of Hawaii selected three finalists to fill an open Hawaii County seat on the Board of Regents. Tribune-Herald.

Efforts to replace an 86-year-old bridge in Waimea are gearing up again. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa gave his state of the county address on Tuesday. He said the county is financially stable, environmentally secure, and tourism is booming. KHON2.

Kauai

Business is booming and consumer confidence is growing — including on Kauai. Garden Island.

A career of service to children and families has led Koloa resident Norma Doctor Sparks to throw in her bid for County Council. Garden Island.

While two landslides have been cleaned from Kuhio Highway on the North Shore and traffic is flowing again, the state is planning some safety measures in the area. Garden Island.

Ige to give State of the State address this morning as lawmakers criticize missile alert snafu, mayors seek taxing power, grim budgets as employee costs rise, Honolulu councilman seeks false missile alarm working group, federal employees face furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige addresses legislative committee PC: Rep. Della Au Bellati

Amid sharp critiques, Ige to deliver fourth State of the State. After a difficult week for his administration and amid mounting questions over his leadership, Gov. David Ige will address lawmakers and constituents on Monday in his fourth State of the State address. Hawaii News Now.

State public funds’ shortfall hits $25B. The two public funds designed to meet the future pension and health care needs of government employees and retirees are a combined $25 billion in the hole with a growing shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections jumped 14 percent in 2017. Hawaii’s transient accommodations tax collections increased 13.8 percent to $508.4 million in fiscal year 2017, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s annual report to the state Legislature. Pacific Business News.

County Mayors: We Want More Power To Tax. They also want a larger share of the state hotel tax revenues and immunity for lifeguards at state beaches. Civil Beat.

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Governor took 15 minutes to announce missile alert was false. The Hawaii National Guard’s top commander said Friday he told Gov. David Ige that a missile alert was a false alarm two minutes after it went out statewide. But the governor didn’t tell the public until 15 minutes later. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige was told last week’s missile alert was a false alarm just two minutes after the warning message was sent to cellphones across the state, the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Knew 2 Minutes After Missile Alert That It Was False. But it took his office 15 minutes to announce the news in a Twitter post, legislators were told Friday. Civil Beat.

Legislature Conducts Hearing on False Missile Alert. Governor David Ige told lawmakers Friday that safeguards are in place and there will be consequences for the 38 minute delay to end the false alarm. Hawaii Public Radio.

State lawmakers put Hawaii emergency officials, including Governor David Ige, under the spotlight during an informational briefing Friday, held to review the circumstances surrounding the erroneous release of a statewide emergency alert on Saturday, January 13. Big Island Video News.

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Republicans Want Lower Taxes And Better Public Access To Legislature. Bills to expand public record laws and exempt food items from taxes are endorsed by the minority caucus. Civil Beat.

State Representative Andria Tupola confirms run for governor. KITV.

There’s an increasingly urgent need for more state-funded ambulance units across the state to deal with a surge in emergency calls, primarily by seniors and the homeless, emergency services chiefs told state lawmakers last week. Star-Advertiser.

State tracks bacteria at busy beaches but often cannot identify the source. Star-Advertiser.

The state of Hawaii’s plan for improving public education under the Every Student Succeeds Act was approved Friday by the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Education said it’s received federal approval of its plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, the federal education law which replaces No Child Left Behind. Tribune-Herald.

Here’s What We Pay County Workers — Except For Cops. Our salary database has thousands of new entries, but a legal challenge is holding back Honolulu police officer information. Civil Beat.

Several thousand federal civilian employees in Hawaii will be furloughed today because of the government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

What happens now? How Hawaii is affected by a federal government shutdown. KHON2.

2 Hawaii congresswomen decline pay for duration of government shutdown. Hawaii News Now.

Feds make more than $2M available to reduce fishing bycatch. Associated Press.

Dozens Of Hawaii’s Mentally Ill May Lose Their Homes. The state looks to stop subsidies to people who already have received them for much longer than the intended two years. Civil Beat.

A state-sponsored ferry service for Hawaii would be financially and commercially impractical, according to a new study conducted last year by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

"Our job is to be ready": USS Carl Vinson en route to Western Pacific. KITV.

Across the state, thousands turn out for women's marches, rallies. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Councilman Ernie Martin wants Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to convene “a false missile alert working group” to assess how the city Department of Emergency Management and other city agencies responded to the Jan. 13 alert issued by mistake by state emergency officials. Star-Advertiser.

Mismanagement Could Cost Honolulu Another $10 Million. The city is scrambling to figure out how to make use of empty buildings in Waipahu and Chinatown. Civil Beat.

Private sponsors sought for programs at city zoo. Star-Advertiser.

Auction begins for Ryan’s Grill Honolulu as it closes after 34 years in business. Oahu Auctions will sell kitchen equipment and restaurant decorations from Ryan’s Grill Honolulu, which will serve dinner for the last time on Saturday, after more than 34 years in business. Pacific Business News.

Porn law’s loophole helped Oahu man avoid charges, critics say. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei parcel sails back on the market, but this time not for sale. An affiliate of the James Campbell Co. has listed 14 acres of commercial land in Kapolei, but the parcel sandwiched between Farrington Highway and the H-1 freeway is being offered under long-term ground leases rather, as well as for sale.  Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

General excise tax hike mulled as county drains fund balance. Mayor Harry Kim on Friday sent the County Council a bill to raise the general excise tax by one-half percent to balance next year’s budget, while telling a state legislative panel the county exhausted its fund balance to pay for this year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim traveled to the State Capitol Friday, joining the state’s other county mayors for an informational briefing before the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Finance Committee. Big Island Video News.

Crawford returns as Finance Department deputy. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed portions of the park to the public as a result of the federal government shutdown. Tribune-Herald.

EnVision Maunakea’s process coming to a close; about 100 people participate. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three Lawsuits Filed on Maui Over Shoreline Access. Maui Now.

Mayor looking into perks given to affordable housing owner. An apartment building owner who received millions of dollars in benefits to create an affordable housing project in Lahaina is coming under county scrutiny in light of the owner’s plans to raise affordable rents to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Low inventory, higher housing prices persist in Maui County. Year-end real estate sales remain hot. Maui News.

Federal Government Shutdown Results in Haleakala Sunrise Summit Closure. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines reinstated daily nonstop service Friday between Portland, Ore., and Maui. Star-Advertiser.

East Maui drivers brace for closures due to highway repairs. Hawaii News Now.

A public presentation on a proposed renewable energy conversion and sludge processing project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be held Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

County leaders reflect on 2017 accomplishments. Garden Island.

Feral pig population holding steady. Garden Island.

One month without plastic. The average resident on Kauai produces around 1,300 pounds of waste per year, and county officials said that points to the potential impact of every individual’s choices. Garden Island.

Ige's union support falters; lawmakers to take up payday loans, suicide prevention, self-driving cars in upcoming legislative session; Kauai post office to be moved; Big Island income lags; rail station privatization mulled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Teachers union supported Gov. David Ige in 2014. Other unions are not so happy with him. Courtesy HSTA

Twice this fall the state’s largest union has issued dire warnings about efforts by Gov. David Ige’s administration to upgrade critically important state computer systems, and that pushback is taking on political implications as Ige prepares for a tough Democratic primary next year. Star-Advertiser.

Gov’s chief of staff shifts to deputy role. Mike McCartney, Gov. David Ige’s chief of staff, has been moved into a lower-­level position and salary — but gets to keep his old title — under what Ige describes as a reorganization of his office. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Pot: Taking Your Medicine Can Get You Fired. Cannabis advocates may try to strengthen patient protections in workplaces and public housing during the next legislative session. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat Poll: Let’s Have A Constitutional Convention. Two-thirds of Hawaii voters surveyed in our poll support the state holding a “con con,” the first in 40 years. Civil Beat.

State legislators aim to regulate high-interest payday loans. State lawmakers plan to again consider imposing stricter regulations on so-called payday lenders issuing loans that can carry interest rates as high as 459 percent in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers urge more funding, awareness to suicide prevention. Hawaii legislators are grappling with how to prevent suicides, the leading cause of fatal injuries in the state.  Associated Press.

Inouye among skeptics of testing self-driving cars. Hawaii’s drivers might soon share the road with self-driving cars, after Gov. David Ige signed an executive order last month allowing statewide testing of the autonomous vehicles. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Longliners Are Paying Big Bucks To Go Over Quota. Environmentalists worry short-term deals will result in overfishing. Meanwhile, fishermen seek more access to restricted areas. Civil Beat.

China ups recycling regulations, causes ripple effect felt in Hawaii. China wants to rehabilitate its environment, but one of the country’s primary initiatives to do so could leave pollutants piling up over much of the rest of the world, including Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

State creates Hawaii Defense Economy website to share data. Total defense spending in Hawaii averages around $7.8 billion a year, according to the website, and defense spending is 9.8 percent of the state’s gross domestic product. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Telcom took a step closer to being acquired by Ohio-based Cincinnati Bell on Friday, receiving one of two necessary Hawaii regulatory approvals. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Cable Television Division on Friday conditionally approved the merger transaction transferring control of Hawaiian Telcom’s Oahu cable franchise to Cincinnati Bell Inc. Pacific Business News.

Hawaiian Airlines Federal Credit Union merged with Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union last month after Hawaiian Airlines FCU’s board of directors and membership voted in favor of the merger on Sept. 8. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Hawaii Reserves Inc. has scrapped its contentious plan to put up houses in rural Malaekahana and is instead proposing a scaled-down project allowing for 300 additional residential units within the Laie ahupuaa. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu rail officials have brought on Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors LLC to study the potential use of a public-private partnership for the remainder of the 20-mile elevated rail project. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration will award Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children $514,532 to fund resident training. Pacific Business News.

Waianae latest stop for Hokulea in its 'mahalo sail' around the islands. The voyaging canoe Hokulea received a warm welcome when it arrived at Pokai Bay in Waianae Saturday as it continues its Mahalo Hawaii Sail around the islands. KITV.

Hokulea sails to the west side, celebrates Buffalo Keaulana. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island household income falling behind. It’s long been said a rising tide lifts all boats, but census data released last week shows the Big Island remains grounded on the reef of a faltering economy. West Hawaii Today.

Council questions scrutiny of contingency funds. Hawaii County Council members often use their contingency funds as grants to nonprofits, which they say allows them to provide quick aid to their districts. Tribune-Herald.

Delay sought in TMT sublease contested case. Attorneys for the University of Hawaii and TMT International Observatory are asking that a contested case for the telescope’s sublease not proceed at this time. Tribune-Herald.

Raises for UH staffers: Many at UH-Hilo, HCC earn more than $100K per year. Nearly a dozen executive and managerial employees at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College will get merit-based raises effective Jan. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Wind farm seeks incidental take permit.  The operator of Lalamilo Wind Farm has applied for a federal permit that would allow for the incidental taking of two endangered Hawaiian species during the project’s operation. West Hawaii Today.

$30M Waikoloa resort project moving forward. Two years after the Planning Department accepted applications to rezone part of a Waikoloa parcel and grant a special management area use permit for a proposed 44-unit resort development, the Leeward Planning Commission is expected to take up the issue this week. West Hawaii Today.

Non-native birds thrive where coquis abide, study finds. The proliferation of coqui frogs in Hawaii has had a significant, and surprising, impact on non-­native birds — not that indigenous birds have bothered to notice. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Illegal fireworks are booming. Resident: ‘It cannot be a cultural thing, every single night from Halloween to the first week in February’. Maui News.

Maui residents call for end to Illegal fireworks. With New Year's around the corner, Maui residents are complaining over social media about loud booms in their neighborhoods, which are irritating residents and frightening children and pets. Associated Press.

Pilot program aims to use oysters to filter pollution from Maalaea bay water. According to UH researchers, oysters can filter 50 to 100 gallons of water a day. Maui News.

Kauai

Community blasts USPS decision to close Lihue office. The U.S. Postal Service is under criticism for giving the Kauai community “false hope” that it would prevail in its appeal to save the historic Lihue Post Office. Star-Advertiser.

Molokai

2 killed in fiery crash of small plane on Molokai. The Cessna 206 propeller plane crashed while en route to the Molokai Airport under unknown circumstances, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer. Star-Advertiser.