Showing posts with label public records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label public records. Show all posts

Friday, December 22, 2023

Schools superintendent to reorganize department following $2B construction fund backlog, Kaneshiro bribery trial set, Red Hill fuel lingers in water, volcano air tours limited, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With $2B in unspent construction money, schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi pledges to overhaul process. Hawaii’s school superintendent is promising to reorganize his department to deal with a huge backlog of school construction projects. Hawaii News Now.

Leadership roles in limbo as Hawaii Tourism Authority preps for Legislature. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has less than a month to shore up uncertainties surrounding its budget, leadership for the agency and for some key contractors before the state Legislature convenes its 2024 session. Star-Advertiser.

Prisons Director And Corrections Commission Agree To Keep Talking And Meeting.
After a brief impasse, Department of Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson is once again participating in meetings. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Judge denies ex-city prosecutor’s last ditch effort to have public corruption case thrown out. A bribery trial is set to begin in February for Keith Kaneshiro, Honolulu’s longest-serving city prosecutor, and his campaign donors from an engineering firm. Hawaii News Now.

Petroleum From Red Hill Leaks May Be Lingering In Pearl Harbor Drinking Water. A new EPA report lends credence to complaints that residents say were otherwise falling on deaf ears. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State crews continue slope assessment following Pali Highway landslide. Pali Highway’s townbound lanes remains closed following a landslide Wednesday, and state officials say assessments of the slope are ongoing. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

HVNP air tours limited: New management plan puts substantial restrictions on overflights.
Air tours above Hawaii Volcanoes Natural Park will be cut by nearly 90% under a long-awaited new Air Tour Management Plan. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope removed from Caltech Submillimeter Observatory atop Maunakea; decommissioning paused until spring. The Leighton telescope has been taken out of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and removed from Maunakea on the Big Island for shipment to Chile for re-use. Big Island Now.

$18M federal grants slated for Big Island road and sidewalk safety improvements. The Big Island is slated to receive a share of more than $18 million in federal grants to the State of Hawaii from the U.S. Department of Transportation for projects to improve safety on roads and sidewalks. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County of Maui launching online portal to improve public records request process.
The County of Maui aims to make it easier for residents to request and receive public records in accordance with Hawai’i law, thanks to software technology modernization, the county Department of the Corporation Counsel announced Thursday. Maui Now.

Maui lawmakers outline latest measures aimed at averting wildfires. During a press conference Thursday, Maui county council members discussed three bills they hope will help prevent wildfires on the island.  KITV4.

Maui Starts Building Temporary Landfill For Wildfire Ash And Debris Despite Public Concerns. The county has proposed making Olowalu the permanent site to store 400,000 cubic yards of contaminated material but the mayor will make the final decision. Civil Beat.

Options Expanding For Displaced Maui Families Struggling To Find Housing. A philanthropic partnership led by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is offering a direct leasing program and increased stipends for hosts. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Kauai


State intends to declare traffic emergency zone on Kaua‘i due to instability of slope by ‘Opaeka‘a Falls Scenic Lookout. A traffic emergency zone designation allows the state to expedite procurement and permitting to take action to construct improvements to protect access to the state road. Anyone wishing to comment on the designation may do so through a virtual public meeting to be conducted within 24 hours of the designation. Kauai Now.

Friday, April 7, 2023

Ex-lawmaker gets 2 years in federal prison for taking bribes, child climate change lawsuit advances, public records bill morphs into document withholding measure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Hawaii legislator Ty Cullen receives 2 years in federal prison. A federal judge rejected an ex-lawmaker’s request for a 15-month sentence Opens in a new tab after he pleaded guilty to taking $30,000 in bribes in casino chips and cash over a seven-year period and sentenced him to two years in federal prison and fined him $25,000. His sentence was reduced for providing assistance to the federal government in an ongoing investigation involving public corruption. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Dirty money: Corruption case highlights Hawaii cesspool mess. Cesspools — in-ground pits that collect sewage from houses and buildings not connected to city services for gradual release into the environment — are at the center of the criminal case against former Democratic state Rep. Ty Cullen.  Associated Press.

Bill Allowing Agencies To Withhold Draft Documents Slipped Into Another Bill Late In The Session.
House Bill 719 to cap copying fees for public records was abruptly amended to allow agencies to withhold certain pre-decisional records from the public. Two Senate committees signed off on a privately negotiated deal Thursday that would create a new “deliberative process privilege” that allows government agencies in Hawaii to withhold certain government records from the public, at least temporarily. Civil Beat.

Climate change suit by Hawaii keiki advances.  A Circuit Court judge ruled Thursday in favor of a lawsuit by 14 Hawaii youths claiming the state Department of Transportation is violating their constitutional rights by not doing enough to curb the emissions that are contributing to climate change. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

NOAA: Hawaii And Alaska Are Showing The Effects Of Climate Change. In Alaska, Hawaii and the Pacific’s many nations and territories, climate change is no longer the wolf at the door, “the wolf is in the house right now.” That metaphor for the immediate risk that climate change poses, was evoked by a panel of U.S. government representatives speaking at the final day of the 20th Pacific Risk Management Ohana Conference in Honolulu.  Civil Beat.

Guidry appointed as Intermediate Appellate Court Judge. Governor Josh Green M.D. announced that Kimberly Tsumoto Guidry has been appointed as the next Intermediate Appellate Court Judge. KHON2.

Luxury home sales tax to fund affordable housing killed. After the chair of the House Finance Committee did not schedule the bill for a hearing by the Thursday deadline, the legislation appears to be dead in the water. Garden Island.

Proposed measure could relieve teachers of out-of-pocket classroom expenses. The Senate's Ways and Means committee approved a version of House Bill 1327 on Wednesday. It would give educators a tax credit for expenses such as books, computer equipment and classroom supplies for keiki. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill to expand some blind vocational services to a neighbor island advances. The state has several programs through the Department of Human Services to assist those who are blind or visually impaired, and one measure moving through the state Legislature would create a pilot program and expand some of the services on Oʻahu to a neighbor island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Office of Hawaiian Affairs rejects $100M Kakaako Makai deal. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has dismissed a buyout proposal from a legislative leader to make permanent an existing residential development ban on land the agency owns in Kakaako Makai. Star-Advertiser.

DPP reevaluating its ‘one-stop permit center’.  The City’s Department of Planning and Permitting director said it is improving turnaround time for permit applications but said they could be even faster if the department delegated some of the permit processes back to certain state agencies. KHON2.

Oʻahu parks proposal will 'increase activity' by tour operators, residents say. The Honolulu City Council's parks committee took its first steps in discussing a controversial measure that would allow commercial activities to resume at several parks, with restrictions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Council considers extending law encouraging more affordable rentals. A measure meant to continue greater private development of affordable rental housing on Oahu is under consideration by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council committee reviews Land Use Ordinance. The land use ordinance is over three decades old so the council is reviewing the regulations based on societal changes. This document covers everything from agriculture, tourism, eating at restaurants, drinking at bars and cabarets, mixed use developments, wind farms, affordable housing, the use of industrial lands, and more. KITV4.

Bodycams Are Becoming ‘Second Nature’ For Cops But Piling On Work For Prosecutors.
HPD is reupping and possibly expanding its body camera program to more officers. Body cameras are now widely embraced by agencies initially reluctant to adopt the technology, but they’ve also increased the workload on prosecutors who have to process the footage. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s Historic Preservation Commission Finally Gets Members – 30 Years After Launch. The appointments are all volunteers and will still need to be confirmed by council. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Wrongful death lawsuit filed in Kona police shooting. The family of a 32-year-old Kailua-Kona man who was shot and killed in a car he was driving by Hawaii police during a manhunt for an attempted murder suspect filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the two officers and the county this afternoon. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Undercover sting for child sexual predators nets 4 Kona men. Four Kona men have been indicted for child sex solicitation as part of a multi-agency undercover operation designed to identify and arrest individuals using the internet to facilitate sexual crimes against children. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  West Hawaii Today.

Practice run planned for the removal of telescope’s mirror. The California Institute of Technology, which operated the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory on Maunakea until it was shut down in 2015, is preparing to dismantle the facility this year and eventually rebuild it in Chile. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County saw population decline during pandemic. A net total of more than 1,300 residents moved out of Maui County over the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, with most of the decline coming from people who packed up and headed to other states, according to data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau. Maui News.

Data breach reported at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Notification letters are being sent out to about 10,500 individuals who may have been impacted. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Informational meeting planned on Molokaʻi for 58 Nāʻiwa Homesteaders. Hawai‘i Community Lending will host an informational meeting for the 58 Nā‘iwa Homestead Project lessees who were selected back in 1986. The meeting will take place on Monday, April 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Moloka‘i Lanikeha Center.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council, mayor’s administration clash over homelessness solutions. Stark differences in opinion between the mayor’s administration and Kaua‘i County Council were made apparent this week, as a request for a $19.3 million County Housing Agency budget dissolved into a debate over homelessness solutions. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Hawaii to get up to $40M for 'climate-smart' ag, Kauai youth facility still vacant 3 years after construction, Honolulu charter amendment could restructure planning commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Cattle in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News
Hawaii coalition scores ‘climate-smart’ ag grant. A coalition of Hawaii community groups and government entities has scored a federal grant that will bring to the islands up to $40 million to help farmers, ranchers and foresters implement “climate-smart” agricultural practices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant also aims to establish stronger markets for local commodities produced using methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or store carbon. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Commission To Vet New Bills To Boost Public Access To Government. Two measures that were vetoed by Gov. David Ige are among the proposals the panel plans to take up this week in its effort to restore public trust. A commission to increase government transparency is set to vote on several measures Wednesday that would reduce the cost of public records, archive government board meetings, subject lawmakers to term limits, require certain legislative groups to abide by open meetings laws and require the state Office of Elections to publish a voters guide. Civil Beat.

HI-EMA assures Hawaii of no threat from North Korean missile launch.
Nearly five years after state emergency officials warned Hawaii about a nonexistent missile attack, causing widespread panic here, they sent out a message on social media Monday about another missile launch, only this time it was to reassure residents there was no threat to the islands. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2

Hawaii to install EV stations along highways.
Eleven electric vehicle fast-charging stations are slated for Hawaii highways, according to the state Department of Transportation. Each station is required to offer four 150-kilowatt ports capable of charging four cars simultaneously within 20 minutes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Project to control miconia with butterflies could roll out within year.
The insects feed on the invasive plant, which has infested native forests. The state Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources had proposed the field release of the butterfly (Euselasia chrysippe) on state lands as a way to mitigate the growth of the noxious weed native to Central and South America. Maui News.

Addressing mental health in public schools poses a challenge for staff and psychologists. Counselors are often the "go-to" source at schools for helping students academically and addressing mental or behavioral issues. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Red Hill leader vows community inclusion.
The military task force charged with defueling the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility plans to begin draining the pipes to massive underground fuel storage tanks in two weeks — a first step in removing 100 million gallons of fuel. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Voters To Decide If Construction Interests Have Too Much Say In Honolulu Planning.
One proposed charter amendment would give voters a chance to weigh in on the makeup of a controversial city commission. The Honolulu Planning Commission, long criticized as an insider-ish clique dominated by construction interests, could get something of a makeover soon, if voters approve a charter amendment that would change the mix of the nine-member board. Civil Beat.

Separate bomb scares disrupt Honolulu airport and Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Authorities are investigating two bomb scare incidents today involving suspicious packages, including one at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that led to the closing of part of several baggage claim areas and a couple of gates. A male suspect was taken into custody at about 6 p.m. in connection with the Pearl Harbor case and turned over to Honolulu police, officials said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Harbor cargo capacity expansion slated for 2024 completion. A new ocean cargo container terminal at Honolulu Harbor long deemed a crucial state project supporting economic growth is on track for completion in early 2024 after nearly two decades of work that has included major delays. Star-Advertiser.

Lead Detected Near Military’s Ewa Beach Shooting Range, Surfrider Says. The Marine Corps expressed skepticism about the findings. The state health department said it would investigate. High levels of lead were detected in soil samples taken near the military’s Puuloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach earlier this year, some with up to 17 times the state safety standard for an industrial area, the Surfrider Foundation said Monday. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Panel to mull gun carry bill today. A bill that would restrict the carrying of concealed and unconcealed firearms in “sensitive places” in Hawaii County has garnered quite a bit of opposition ahead of its first committee hearing. West Hawaii Today.

Ironman’s two races in Kona could pump $100 million into economy — but is it worth it? The Ironman World Championship has called Kona home since 1981. For the first time in its Big Island history, there are two races, on Thursday and Saturday, to accommodate a surplus of athletes who deferred their entries during the pandemic when the race was cancelled. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui group launches Safe Solar Projects effort leading up to Paeahu Solar case. Leading up to a contested case hearing next month, a group of Maui residents is putting a spotlight on concerns over utility-scale solar projects. Safe Solar alleges that Paeahu Solar Project, a solar energy and battery storage plant slated for 150 acres behind Maui Meadows in South Maui, could increase flooding, and spark cultural, archeological and environmental damage, among other issues. Maui Now.

Hāliʻimaile General Store, Gannon’s Pacific View restaurants bought by Wyoming group. The acquisition of Gannon’s at 100 Wailea Golf Club Drive, Wailea, went into effect Saturday, and the sale of Hāliʻimaile General Store at 900 Hāliʻimaile Road, Hāliʻimaile, will finalize next month, according to a news release issued today. Both restaurants will remain open during the transitions. Maui Now.

Kauai

Despite strong need, youth drug treatment center on Kauai sits empty 3 years after it was built. Construction on Kauai’s Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center wrapped up three years ago. But the mostly taxpayer-funded project has yet to help a single child. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea wastewater project wins project award for county. On Friday, Sept. 30, representatives from the county Department of Public Works and its Division of Wastewater Management received the American Society of Civil Engineers Hawai‘i Section 2022 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award for Best Small Project, at the Kahala Hotel and Resort on O‘ahu. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Partners needed to build affordable housing project in ‘Ele‘ele. The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency is seeking a development partner to construct the first 38 single-family homes in the county’s Lima Ola affordable housing subdivision in ‘Ele‘ele. Kauai Now.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, miss out on vaccine; Kakaako Makai condos die; Honolulu trains have defective wheels, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiian family man ©2021 All Hawaii News
Only 8.8% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have received COVID vaccine, DOH says. Three months into Hawaii’s vaccination campaign, only 8.8% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have received immunizations though they represent more than 40% of COVID-19 cases in the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Bill that would bar suspension of public records requests during emergency advances. A state Senate bill that would bar the governor or county mayors from suspending requests for public records or vital statistics during a declared state of emergency passed its first committee hurdle in the House. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers look to claw back felons’ pensions. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha is set to begin a seven-year prison sentence next month for felony convictions relating to his use of police officers to help frame his wife’s uncle. But that won’t stop his $9,700 monthly pension payments that come with having served 33 years on the police force. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii police chiefs defend themselves on video, but won’t take reporters’ questions.
Communicating with the public is becoming a one-sided, scripted event for three of Hawaii’s police chiefs. They’ve refused multiple media requests for interviews on the challenges facing their departments ― and criticism of them personally ― instead using department-produced video statements to make their case. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i National Guard to Deploy 80 Members to Washington D.C. The Hawaiʻi National Guard is set to deploy about 80 of its members to Washington, D.C. to support US Capitol Police until early May. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Unemployed Must Clear Up Earlier Benefit Snafus Before Getting Federal Dollars. Minor mistakes that led to overpayments of a few hundred dollars can hold up much more substantial relief for struggling families. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom Brought Fast Broadband to 10,740 Locations in 2020. Last year Hawaiian Telcom enabled broadband service with speeds up to 940 megabits per second download and 300 Mbps upload to more than 10,740 locations in Hawai‘i, according to a news release. Maui Now.

March 16, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 48 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Tuesday, including 30 on O‘ahu, seven on Maui, eight on Hawai‘i Island, one on Kaua‘i, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Proposal for condo towers in Kakaako Makai dies. Kicking off a Save Our Kakaako Coalition rally Tuesday morning on the steps of the state Capitol, state House Speaker Scott Saiki announced the death of a bill seeking to change existing law to allow the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs to build housing in Kakaako Makai. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Proposal to Rename McKinley High School Introduced at Legislature. House Resolution 148 and House Concurrent Resolution 179 seek to acknowledge President William McKinley's role in the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by returning McKinley High School's name to Honolulu High School. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

HART: Defective Train Wheels Are A ‘Major’ Problem And Possible Safety Issue. The latest defect, revealed after a tense exchange at a City Council hearing, could delay the system’s interim opening another year. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

As Oahu Karaoke bars struggle during the pandemic, owners ask mayor to modify reopening order. Under Honolulu’s rules, anyone singing needs to be at least 10 feet from any other person and a physical barrier must separate the person singing from others. Hawaii News Now.

Medical teams hit the street to vaccinate Hawaii’s most vulnerable homeless people. The initiative launched a little over a week ago. Hawaii’s Department of Health says since then, more than 500 homeless people have been immunized. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium replacement plan includes maintenance risk shift.
Long-term maintenance expenses for a new stadium on Oahu would be preset under the state’s plan to replace Aloha Stadium using a private partner. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay will be closed due to a sewage pump failure. The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday after the city discovered a sewage pump failure. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Controversial statue will be moved. A statue recently erected in Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo will be moved after the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday rejected the donation of the sculpture. Tribune-Herald.

Panel votes to repeal ‘non-speculative residential use’ tax exemption program. A County Council committee voted in favor of a bill to abolish a 30-year-old property tax exemption program. Tribune-Herald.

Hundreds get Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Hilo POD. Hundreds of people were vaccinated after waiting in line at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. Tribune-Herald.

A Hele-On hub for Kona. Eleven Kailua-Kona locations are in the running for a centralized Hele-On bus hub, and the county wants to hear which one the public likes best, or if other sites would be better. West Hawaii Today.

County’s 1st hydrogen bus should be on the island within 6 weeks. After long delays, the county’s first hydrogen bus could be driving on Kailua-Kona’s streets by May. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mobile unit brings counseling, medical care to homeless. Homeless residents will be able to seek mental health counseling, noncritical medical care and other services in one location when the Maui Police Department launches its Mobile Medical Educational Unit. Maui News.

Hawaii task force sting nets 7 men suspected of online enticement of minors. A sting operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Hawaii has resulted in charges against seven men who are accused of soliciting who they believed to be minors for sex and arranging to meet up with them on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.


Kauai

State commission rules to end diversion of a Kauai stream. A ruling from Commission on Water Resource Management on Tuesday means the Lawai stream can no longer be fully diverted, like it has been for nearly a century. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency lane open on highway near Hanalei
. A single lane is now open on Kuhio Highway by above the Hanalei Bridge, and concrete barriers have been placed along the side of the single emergency-only lane. Garden Island.

Council talks path erosion. Coastal erosion has already gone beneath the multi-purpose Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path at Wailua Beach, and the county knew that might happen. Garden Island.

Sea-level rise affects everyone. University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor Charles “Chip” Fletcher of the Department of Earth Sciences in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology believes Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are going to be most affected by the glaciers melting and experience more sea-level rise and coastal erosion in the near future. Garden Island.


Thursday, February 11, 2021

U.S. Attorney Kenji Price leaving post, Legislature tackles gambling, lottery bills, Sunshine Law under attack, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Wikipedia
U.S. Attorney Kenji Price PC:Wikipedia

Biden official asks Hawaii’s U.S. attorney Kenji Price to resign. Kenji Price, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, has been asked to resign by the Biden administration, according to a spokeswoman. It is routine for U.S. attorneys to step down when a new president takes office. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii gambling bills stall, lottery hopes pushed back. The odds of Hawaii allowing any form of legal gambling anytime soon grew longer on Wednesday when three more gaming bills stalled in the House, including one that would allow a casino atop the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

State Lottery To Fund Public Education Moves Forward. Winning final passage may be a long shot, but the Senate Education Committee tentatively approved a plan Wednesday to create a commission to stand up a state lottery to help fund public education in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Panel Moves To End Suspension Of Public Records Law. Hawaii lawmakers are a step closer to lifting Gov. David Ige’s nearly year-long suspension of laws meant to provide transparency to the government. Civil Beat.

Proposed bill would erode public’s ‘right to know’. A bill that would all-but-exempt county councils from the state’s open meetings law, also known as the “Sunshine Law,” is set to receive a hearing today. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers again seek disclosure about inmate deaths. Hawaii lawmakers are once again trying to bring greater transparency to incidents of inmates dying in Hawaii’s jails and prisons after a past effort to force Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety to release such information largely failed. Star-Advertiser.

Bill: Don’t Card People If Old Enough To Buy Booze Or Smoke. Senate Bill 1398, which has a hearing Thursday, would prohibit a business that sells age-restricted goods from asking customers for the date of birth if it is clear that the individual has attained the age required to make a purchase. Civil Beat.

Bill to Require State Departments to Increase Purchase of Locally Grown Produce Advances. The bill requires all state departments to ensure that a certain percentage of the produce they purchase are locally grown, gradually increasing the annual percentage amount. Maui Now.

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$2M made available through HECO assistance program runs dry after 31 hours. About 2,700 households were able to receive a portion of the nearly $2 million fund, which is now depleted. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now. KHON2.

State figures: Thousands in Hawaii are overdue for second dose of vaccine. Statistics posted Wednesday show 153,000 people in Hawaii have gotten the first shot of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine since they were first available. Only 48,500 have received a second shot.  Hawaii News Now.

Survey finds majority of Hawaii residents plan to get COVID-19 vaccine.
Hawaii residents are becoming more accepting of the COVID-19 vaccine, with a recent survey indicating a shift in attitudes since mid-December. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

This is how the Health Department determines which essential workers get vaccinated. Organizations with frontline essential workers are urged to fill out a form on the state’s website to begin the process. Employers will be asked to identify those most at risk. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 10: 56 New COVID-19 Cases And 5 Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 56 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including 42 on Oahu, nine on Maui, two on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Land board to vet Waikiki sea wall and Ala Moana sand nourishment projects. Two projects proposed by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Design and Construction, aiming to mitigate shoreline erosion at Queen’s Surf in Waikiki and Ala Moana Regional Park, will be considered by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Homeless Program Failed After Prosecutors And Police Wouldn’t Play Ball. A state-funded program intended to steer homeless people from the criminal justice system and into housing, addiction treatment and mental health care failed to meet its core mission after a two-year pilot in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Aloha Stadium officials say facility needs overdue repairs to host fans. Without a significant amount of investment in repair and maintenance, the operation of the current Aloha Stadium will be without fans in the stands, officials acknowledged to lawmakers on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Construction Industry Is Still Going Strong In Hawaii. It May Get Even Stronger. Government projects and demand for housing have kept the construction industry going during the pandemic. Honolulu’s new planning department director hopes to give it an even bigger boost. Civil Beat.

Use of self-service DMV kiosks on Oahu skyrockets during COVID-19 shutdown. City officials say the use of its Hawaii DMV NOW self-service kiosks has grown nearly fourfold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Some employees at Alohilani Resort could lose their jobs come mid-April.
More than 80 employees at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach could lose their jobs come mid-April. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea management to be outlined before BLNR. With management of the Mauna Kea summit coming under mounting criticism, the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday will hear the results of a report that gave the University of Hawaii mixed reviews for its oversight of the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

New canopy taking shape at farmers market. The foundation is in place, the framework is being erected, and a new produce market canopy at Hilo Farmers Market is taking shape. Tribune-Herald.

‘Great demand’ for vaccines: Older kupuna, essential workers continue to be priority. Big Island COVID-19 vaccination efforts remain focused on kupuna 75 and older — and likely will be for the next several weeks. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Charter Commission nominees make first cut. A diverse slate of nine residents was recommended by a Maui County Council committee on Tuesday to sit on a commission tasked with updating Maui County’s main guiding document. Maui News.

The Nominated Nine. This year, the council will nominate nine members of the Charter Commission, while the mayor will nominate two. Maui News.

COVID-19 Cluster at Maui Jail Now Totals 12 Inmates. The number of COVID-19 positive cases at the Maui Community Correctional Center now stands at 12 after four more inmates tested positive as part of a mass testing effort being conducted by the state.  Maui Now.

All-time high for single-family homes set. Maui County single-family home median sales prices in January reached an all-time high of $980,000, according to Realtors Association of Maui data that goes back to 1993. Maui News.

Kauai

COVID-19 vaccinations come to Longs Drugs. Beginning Thursday, CVS will begin accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible populations at Longs Drugs locations, including the store in Kapa‘a. Garden Island.

400 families get USDA food boxes. Four hundred families on Kaua‘i received Farmers to Families food boxes through the efforts of a single-day distribution coordinated by the Liliuokalani Trust on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Tax hikes loom as state awaits Georgia election outcome, Los Angeles travel ban could hurt Hawaii tourism, COVID vaccinations lag, activists take over Hilo park near Kamehameha statue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Budget and Finance Director Craig Hirai, (l) and Hawaii Senate Ways and Means Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz discuss state budget Jan. 4, 2021. PC:Senate You Tube channel

Higher state taxes under consideration. Gov. David Ige’s administration is considering unspecified tax increases and “revenue enhancements” to help plug a projected $1.4 billion shortfall, members of the state Senate’s Committee on Ways and Means were told Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State Budget Director: It’s Too Soon To Tell If Tax Increases Are Coming. It is 16 days before the Legislature opens, but Gov. David Ige is still mulling the options. Civil Beat.

Georgia’s run-offs could play a role in the decision to raise Hawaii’s taxes (or not).
Senate run-offs in Georgia happening Tuesday could impact Hawaii’s financial situation. The state finance director said the run-offs could result in local lawmakers either raising taxes or not. The logic being: If the democrats win and control the U.S. Senate, it’s more likely that federal funds will head to the state, thus allowing leaders to balance the budget. Hawaii News Now.

Los Angeles County hospitalization surge, travel quarantine could impact Hawaii’s tourism. Los Angeles County is implementing new travel restrictions — including not allowing tourism into L.A. and requiring residents to quarantine for 10 days if arriving from outside of Southern California. As Hawaii’s biggest domestic visitor market, the new restrictions have an impact on the recovering economy. KHON2.

The latest federal relief package will allow some struggling Hawaii businesses, including Hawaiian Airlines, to return some involuntarily laid-off or furloughed workers to their jobs. Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, said in addition to providing the Payroll Support Program to airlines, which are a critical component of Hawaii’s economy, the most recent federal stimulus package also provides additional payroll protection program funds. Star-Advertiser.

Economic forecast: Visitor numbers could hit 6M this year. State economists believe travel to the state could nearly return to 2019 levels by the end of this year, but a complete recovery will take more than three years. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL: Oahu casino would add $30M to coffers. DHHL Deputy Chair Tyler Gomes said in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser Facebook Live stream the integrated resort and casino would add a “conservative estimate” of $30 million a year to the coffers of the department, which has a lengthy list of Native Hawaiians waiting for homesteads on about 203,000 acres of DHHL land statewide. Tribune-Herald.

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Lt. Governor Josh Green Wants More Resources Dedicated to Vaccination Effort. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said as of Tuesday morning, the state will have received 91,000 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines. KITV4.

Late deliveries, holiday season behind slow speed of state’s coronavirus vaccine rollout. Health officials blame the delay on two factors. First, not all of the expected doses of the vaccine arrived on time ― the state was expecting 81,000 doses in December, but only got about 60,000. And second, the holiday season also presented a challenge, limiting the number of immunization clinics that the state was able to utilize. Hawaii News Now.

Vaccination efforts to ramp up following the holidays in Hawaii.
The state expects to receive 17,675 doses on Monday and Tuesday. The Health Department says as of Thursday about 25,000 people have been vaccinated. KHON2.

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State Sent Out Hundreds Of Ineffective Masks In Pandemic Chaos. The masks with valves were removed from the inventory of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency but somehow got back in. Civil Beat.

People are motivated to wear a mask when others wear one, study finds. The study found the motivation for wearing a mask is a combination of whether others around you are wearing one and whether others think you should be wearing one. Jack Barile, interim director of the Social Science Research Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Social Sciences, was lead author of the study examining the motivators behind an individual’s choice to wear or not wear a face covering in public. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Restaurant Card gave a nice boost, but $5M never spent. The Hawaii Restaurant Card Program gave a significant boost to the local economy but the state says $5 million went unused. KHON2.

Will Hawaii Legislature Reverse Ige’s Suspension Of The Public Records Law? The governor’s order has been in effect since March, but it’s unclear if lawmakers will do anything about it next session despite their opposition to it. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 4: 89 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 89 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 62 on Oahu, nine on Maui, four on the Big Island, and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Legislators aim to fix flaw in New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District bill. Legislators say they plan to introduce a new measure this month to repair a flaw in earlier legislation that has slowed the progress of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. Star-Advertiser.

Judge dismisses obstruction case against Kealoha conspiracy victim. Ransen Taito became entangled in the conspiracy involving former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha when he was just 11 years old. After Taito and his sister were awarded nearly $84,000 as part of a medical malpractice settlement, Kealoha was appointed by the state to oversee trust accounts that were established for both of them. Hawaii News Now.

Commissioning event eyed for USS Daniel Inouye
. The long-delayed guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye is tentatively scheduled to be commissioned at Pearl Harbor in the fall with a big pier-side ceremony attended by thousands — if COVID-19 is under control. Star-Advertiser.

Matson to welcome new vessel to Honolulu. A bigger and faster Matsonia cargo ship is due to arrive in Honolulu Harbor this morning on its maiden commercial voyage for Hawaii’s largest ocean cargo transportation firm, Matson Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Activists occupy part of Wailoa state park. A group claiming the authority of the Hawaiian Kingdom has again set up camp in Hilo’s Wailoa State Recreation Area and planted taro and fruit trees it describes as a “kanaka garden” on the lawn near the statue of Kamehameha the Great. Tribune-Herald.

$77M in bonds will cover old debts, finance new projects. The county has sold $77.1 million in general obligation bonds to retire old debt and free up money to pay for new capital projects, Finance Director Deanna Sako said in a report to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

New management in place at veterans home. On Jan. 1, the governing board and leadership of Hawaii Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawaii Region assumed management of the Hilo veterans home from Avalon Health Care, which had managed the HHSC facility since it opened in 2007. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit: DOE Failed To Help Hilo Student Who Was Harassed And Bullied
. The federal lawsuit is directed against the Hawaii department and board of education for failing to intervene and stop the nearly yearlong bullying. Civil Beat.

Maui

Lee to lead council with public health and budget as priorities. Public health and safety, balancing the county budget and creating a county Department of Agriculture are some of the top issues the new Maui County Council will tackle this year, its leader said Sunday. Maui News.

Maui County on verge of return to ‘safer at home’ order, mayor says. Maui County is seeing a significant spike in COVID-19 cases, according to officials. More than two dozen cases were reported on both Thursday and Friday, with nearly 50 more cases on Saturday and 30 more on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Harbor Lights COVID-19 Cluster Rises to 68. The COVID-19 case count at the Harbor Lights condominium complex in Kahului has risen to 68 confirmed, according to an update provided by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

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Maui parents blindsided after distance learning is extended an extra month. Students in the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui complex were set to return to some form of in-person learning on Tuesday, but instead will have to learn from home until at least Feb. 1 after the Complex-Area Superintendent Kathleen Dimino sent a letter home to families Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

Surging COVID-19 Cases Trigger Last-Minute Delay To Start Blended Learning at Most Maui Public Schools. Just one day before the 20 public schools of the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui complex area were set to reopen after the winter break, a letter was sent to staff, parents and guardians stating the scheduled shift to blended learning would be delayed until Feb. 1. Maui Now.

Public schools to resume this week. As Maui County public school students head back to class this week to begin the second semester, many will be entering blended learning schedules where students will receive both in-person learning as well as virtual learning. Maui News.

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Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing Project Proposed for Development Next to Kahului Post Office on Maui. A Draft Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact was published for the Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing project in Kahului, Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor Kawakami says COVID-19 infections were limited on Kaua'i, many small businesses able to stay open. Kaua'i is currently in the least restrictive Tier Four of its recovery plan with a seven-day average one case per day, and a positivity rate of just 1%. KITV4.

Inter-island travel returns, new resort bubble program starts. Tuesday marks the county’s return to kama‘aina travel and starts renewed options for those staying at a resort bubble property. Garden Island.

Kaua'i hotels see uptick in reservations ahead of changes to travel rules. Gary Moore, manager of Timbers Kaua'i Ocean Club & Residences, said things are looking up--bookings rose 15 percent since Gov. David Ige approved new "resort bubble" regulations last week. KITV4.

Kaua‘i students go back to school. Thousands of public school students return to the classrooms following the Winter Break, and the Teacher Workday, Monday. Garden Island.


Monday, August 12, 2019

Kilauea ponds rising, Coast Guard getting two new ships, solar wing to soar above Lanai, newspaper charged $1M for public records, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USGS
Geologist studies water found at Kilauea volcano PC:USGS
Water ponds observed at the bottom of Kilauea's Halemaumau crater are now joined, as scientists keep a close watch on the activity. Observations on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 10) show that the water level at the bottom of Halemaumau continues to slowly rise, enlarging the area of the pond, scientists reported. Big Island Video News.

More Hawaii Students Are Leaving The State For College. The percentage of Hawaii kids choosing out-of-state schools is significantly higher than the national average. Civil Beat.

Hawaii bankruptcies reach highest level in 5 years. The 142 filings last month were 37.9% higher than 103 in the year-ago period, according to recent data from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Agency sets high price for inmate release records. Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety said it would cost more than $1 million for it to release data related to its long-standing problem with keeping inmates locked up beyond their scheduled release dates. Star-Advertiser.

State IT Team Receives National Achievement Award. The tech support office team at the Hawaii House of Representatives was recognized with a national award last week for outstanding performance on the job. Big Island Now.

Coast Guard ramps up in Hawaii with 2 new ships. The Coast Guard in Honolulu is getting a second new $670 million national security cutter, a third new fast-response cutter and is taking part in a new operating concept in American Samoa that the service’s commandant said is part of a “doubling down” of capability in Oceania between Hawaii and Australia. Star-Advertiser.

Oil is the reason for the biggest changes this year in the Top 250 Hawaii businesses. The annual ranking of Hawaii’s largest organizations is based on gross sales during the previous year. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Oahu

Car sharing expanding on Oahu. The city plans to start dedicating the first of 80 on-street and another 80 municipal parking lot spots next year for an infant “carshare” industry that’s gaining traction in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Tourists Scramble As Oahu Vacation Rentals Disappear Under New Law. Amid mass Airbnb cancellations, one local bride said two of her bridesmaids can no longer attend her wedding. Civil Beat.

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Work would desecrate Waimanalo site, foes say. Activists opposed to the construction of a new playground and sports field at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park are now tying their struggle to the protests against the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens rally to "Save Our Sherwoods". Members of Save Our Sherwoods rallied Sunday to remind the city they're upset about a plan to convert part of Sherwood Forest into a sports complex. KITV.

Protest at ‘Turtle Beach’ underscores tensions between residents, tour buses. A group of residents from Oahu’s North Shore held homemade signs along Kamehameha Highway at Laniakea Beach, saying that heavy traffic and unsafe conditions there must come to an end. Hawaii News Now.

Some North Shore residents hold protest at Laniakea, ask for safety and solutions. Lawmakers and residents say they want solutions for the traffic situation and are urging the state to make the area safe. KHON2.

North Shore residents rallied for more safety measures along Laniakea Beach. They want to stop cars from parking on Kamehameha Highway fronting the beach and have concrete barriers re-installed. KITV.

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‘Safe house’ to become affordable housing for abused. The keys to Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s controversial “safe house” in Makiki will soon be turned over to the city Department of Community Services, ending a rocky three-year existence for a facility that became a lightning rod of controversy from the time it opened. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Gabbard pays visit to protest site, questions TMT plans. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard toured the protest camp on Mauna Kea on Sunday, embracing activists and visiting with kupuna, or elders, who have been camped in the roadway for four weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly five weeks after leaving Mauna Kea’s summit, telescope workers rejoiced this weekend after a long-awaited return to the mountain. This weekend, researchers say they were able to collect data for the first time since July 16 when they came down due to safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

TMT Opponents Refute Observatories After Announcement. During a news conference held on the Mauna Kea Access Road, Lanakila Mangauil responded to Friday's news that observatories would be returning to work at the summit. Big Island Video News.

Raises planned for off-duty police. Hawaii Island police officers who provide services for private companies or other government agencies on their off-time could see payment for their services go up by as much as 50% over the next two years, under a special duty pay schedule that’s the focus of upcoming public hearings. West Hawaii Today.

How Hawaii County Is Dealing With A Shortage Of Police Dispatchers. Police dispatch positions are hard to fill on the Big Island. Retaining them is a perpetual problem. Civil Beat.

Engineer: Restoration of water to lower Puna not feasible. The county Department of Water Supply has no current plans to restore water service to Kapoho and the area around Pohoiki as lower Puna continues to recover from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano, but was not “shutting the door” on a possible restoration in the future. Tribune-Herald.

With new law in effect, albizia fight continues. A spokeswoman for the Big Island Invasive Species Council said the first explorers of a new law allowing landowners to remove potentially dangerous albizia trees from neighboring properties could be community associations in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New affordable rental community in Kihei will take applications. Kaiwahine Village holds 120 units, amenities. Maui News.

Two Maui Forest Birds Critically Endangered, Agencies Report. Populations of two native endangered species endemic to Maui have been reduced by over half spanning the past two to three decades, according to an interagency report. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

‘Namahana’ gathering support. On Saturday night before a capacity crowd at Anaina Hou’s Porter Pavilion in Kilauea, a North Shore community group announced the name of the public charter middle and high school it hopes to open in three to five years. Garden Island.

Energy storage earns more awards for KIUC. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative led the nation again in 2018 for interconnection of energy storage watts per customer, and ranked second in annual energy storage capacity, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Garden Island.

Lanai

Big solar wing made to expand cellphone coverage may soar above Lanai in November. A business venture aiming to launch a fleet of solar- powered flying wings into the stratosphere to one day deliver 5G cell connectivity has received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a test flight from Lanai, possibly as early as November, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Little League world champs hailed in Honolulu, lawsuit filed against property tax ballot initiative, the rain from Lane continues to flood state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy governor's office
Gov. David Ige greets Little League world champs at Honolulu airport, courtesy photo
The Little League World Series champs from Honolulu landed Monday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to a hero’s welcome and were praised by Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell for representing their state with humility and sportsmanship during their undefeated run in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Star-Advertiser.

Crowds, cheers welcome Hawaii's Little League World Series champions at airport. KHON2.

Lawsuit Aims To Stop Proposed Ballot Measure On Education Funding. Honolulu’s city attorney says the ballot title misleads voters on a proposed constitutional amendment. Civil Beat.

Why Progressives In Blue Hawaii Face An Uphill Battle. Five of 14 candidates backed by progressive political organizations survived the Aug. 6 primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii schools launch mass texting program for parents. About 200 schools across the Aloha State use SchoolMessenger to communicate important information such as school closures and safety alerts. Hawaii News Now.

The most serious hurricane threat to Hawaii in 26 years brought something else with it — unprecedented cooperation between government agencies and the private industries that help keep the islands running, those involved in the response say. Civil Beat.

Stores discourage hurricane returns. Some retailers took pre-emptive measures to avoid a flood of returns following the rush to buy water and other hurricane-related supplies as Hurricane Lane approached the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's Endangered Snails Were Rescued Amid The Threat of Lane. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Heavy rain on Oahu triggers flash flood warning, road closures. Deep tropical moisture associated with Tropical Depression Lane is triggering heavy rain and flooding across Oahu on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply on Monday unanimously gave a final OK to a five-year rate hike schedule that increases water bills for most of its residential users while keeping rates about the same for those who use the bare minimum. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige is expected to announce a decision this week on where to locate a replacement for the Oahu Community Correctional Center, after signing off on the $525 million project’s final environmental impact statement. Pacific Business News.

Halawa Correctional Facility Warden and Oahu Community Correctional Center Chief of Security named. The Department of Public Safety (PSD) announced the promotion of Scott Harrington as warden for the Halawa Correctional Facility and Thomas Evans as the Oahu Community Correctional Center chief of security, effective September 4. KHON2.

Construction of the Joint Management Center in Honolulu is back on. The project abruptly stopped on July 9th after the City issued a Notice of Termination for Watts Construction for failing to fix numerous issues outlined in a warning letter written in February. KITV.

Hurricane Lane dumped record amounts of rainfall on the Big Island and parts of Maui but spared most of Oahu.  But, public utility and city leaders aren’t waiting for another close call. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents’ response to Lane was boom or bust for many businesses. Hawaii didn’t take a direct physical hit from Hurricane Lane, which was downgraded to a tropical storm Friday, but it did dampen performance for some businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Glitzy New Driving Range Proposal At Ala Wai Worries The Regulars. Lounges and microchip balls: The city hopes a public-private partnership will re-energize its golf course. Civil Beat.

The trustee of Abigail Kawananakoa’s $215 million estate has asked a judge to appoint a guardian ad litem for the aging heiress because he believes she is not able to make sound decisions about her ongoing court battle. Civil Beat.

Fighting To Save The Crumbling Koko Crater Trail. A group of devoted hikers is hauling bricks up the steep trail to rebuild crumbling steps. Now they want the city to help. Civil Beat.

They hoped it would be their field of dreams. Instead, it's a dust bowl. Ewa Mahiko District Park's football field is mostly dirt and uneven footing. Hawaii News Now.

Loyal patrons returned to Wailana Coffee House on Sunday to savor their foreshortened time with the modest, Polynesian-themed restaurant, which will soon become a wistful memory. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Harry Kim told department heads and emergency workers Monday he intends preliminary assessment of the damage done by former Hurricane Lane to be completed expeditiously. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Visitor Information Station to be closed Sundays. The Maunakea Visitor Information Station was closed Sunday and will be closed on Sundays for the foreseeable future as skyrocketing visitor rates overwhelm the facility. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Geological Survey detected a glow coming from deep within the fissure 8 cone Saturday morning, but the glow was no longer observed during Monday morning’s overflight. Star-Advertiser.

No Incandescent Lava Seen In Fissure 8, But Lots Of Steam. Big Island Video News.

National Park Service law enforcement cited 11 people Saturday after they were found illegally entering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Woman charged with felony after trying to remove child from school. West Hawaii Today.

Some Waikoloa Village residents will be forced to evacuate their homes over a period of multiple days in September as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hunts for unexploded ordnance in neighborhoods around the village. West Hawaii Today.

Keala Kawaauhau, a member of the seminal Hawaiian rap group Sudden Rush, Hawaiian activist and longtime Hilo morning radio personality died in his sleep Monday. He was 47. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Thyne chosen new Maui fire chief. David Thyne, a veteran of more than 30 years with the Maui Fire Department, was selected Monday to be the new fire chief. Maui News.

Maui News, DOH clash over release of reports. Judge to decide whether to make public crash case psychiatric assessment findings. The Maui News is supporting and the state health director is opposing the unsealing of court psychiatric reports that led to the acquittal by reason of insanity of a woman who had been charged with murder in a fatal traffic crash. Maui News.

Maui developer Waikapu Development Venture is asking the Maui County Council to fasttrack an 80-unit workforce housing project in Wailuku. Pacific Business News.

Some Upcountry Maui residents remain stranded by giant sinkhole. What used to be the center of Puu Way is now 20 feet below ground level. KHON2.

Heavy flooding is being reported around Maui including parts of Makawao and Wailuku this afternoon. Maui Now.

Ports open but items missing from store shelves. Barge on the way, but no Costco chicken. Maui News.

Kauaula Valley fire victims have one goal: rebuild. Residents grateful for the generosity shown from across the island. Maui News.

Conditions “Unprecedented” in Battling West Maui Fires During Hurricane Warning. Maui Now.

Mauna Kea hearing on Maui planned for Sept. 28. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai highway, school closed as heavy rains drench the island. The National Weather Services said a rain gauge in Hanalei showed rain rates over 4 inches an hour as moisture from Tropical Storm Lane continues to soak parts of the state. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore faces more flooding. It felt like Hurricane Lane skipped Kauai at first. As it turned out, we aren’t out of the woods yet. Garden Island.

Many hoping for strong turnout in general election. The percentage of registered voters on Kauai may have increased in this year’s primary election, but compared with the 2014 election, the number of those who cast ballots decreased. Garden Island.