Showing posts with label rail transit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rail transit. Show all posts

Thursday, June 18, 2020

COVID-19 clusters at Waikiki restaurant, Honolulu nursing home; Pompeo talks coronavirus with Chinese officials in Hawaii; Legislature to convene Monday despite staff testing positive, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART screen grab
HART video game screengrab
Video game getting $190,000 in Honolulu rail money. It will likely be some time next year when people can first ride the rail in Honolulu, but meanwhile you can play a video game you helped pay for. KHON2.

State House staff member tests positive for coronavirus. House Speaker Scott State House staff member tests positive for coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Some elements of the governor's emergency proclamations could be adopted by state Legislature. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 has a meeting scheduled with the attorney general on Thursday to discuss which stipulations should be adopted. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Democrats Elect National Convention Delegates. A 33 member National Delegation has been elected by the Democratic Party of Hawai’i to represent the state at the Democratic National Convention. Maui Now.

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COVID-19 response among topics in meeting between Pompeo, Chinese officials in Hawaii. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged China to reveal all it knows about the coronavirus outbreak in a meeting with a top Chinese official in Hawaii on Wednesday as new revelations about President Donald Trump and China rocked Washington. Associated Press.

Three employees at Doraku Sushi in Waikiki test positive for COVID-19. Three employees at Doraku Sushi in Waikiki have tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii’s largest nursing home confirms at least 5 new COVID-19 cases. Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has confirmed a small outbreak at the state’s largest nursing home with at least four residents and one staff member now testing positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Growing Covid-19 Cluster at Oahu Nursing Home Sets Off Warning Signs. Nursing homes account for 40% of all virus deaths nationwide, but there have been very few cases in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Nearly 800 tested as COVID-19 cluster at state’s largest nursing home grows. Health experts are growing increasingly concerned about a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to the state’s largest skilled nursing facility. So far, at least five people connected to the nursing home have tested positive. Hawaii News Now.

Residents and staff at state’s largest nursing home will be re-tested for COVID-19 for two weeks. Hundreds of people are on edge waiting on the first round of test results. KITV4.

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Demand for travel could boost Hawaii’s recovery. Hawaii visitor industry members say there’s still time to recapture part of Hawaii’s peak summer travel season if Gov. David Ige makes a definitive announcement soon that he’s willing to ease restrictions in August for travelers with negative COVID-19 tests. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 17: 5 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The total number of cases in Hawaii now stands at 744. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 5 new coronavirus cases as statewide total climbs to 744. Hawaii recorded five new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total infections since the start of the outbreak climb to 744, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

State still breaking large capacity cesspool ban. It has been 15 years since large capacity cesspools have been banned. But they are still being found on private and public lands and that ends up costing taxpayers. KITV4.

Oahu

City’s $2.9B budget becomes law amid revenue uncertainties. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed to become law a $2.92 billion general operating budget that’s only about $60 million less than the one he submitted to the City Council in March when the state’s economic forecast was much rosier. Star-Advertiser.

Lifeguards among workers approved for pay raises by city council. Oahu lifeguards, sheriffs and conservation officers are up for a decent bump in pay. An arbitrator awarded four-and-half percent raises for this year and last year, which are more than double the pay hikes for other government workers. Hawaii News Now.

Singers say masks are no problem after Honolulu mayor bans live performances. Two days to go until Oahu bars can re-open – but some will be missing their main attraction. Live singing is banned to keep COVID-19 germs from spreading. Hawaii News Now.

Waimanalo bucks COVID-19 trends with no confirmed cases. While Hawaii has had a much lower infection rate of COVID-19 cases than the rest of the country, we're far from immune. KITV4.

Honolulu police chief Susan Ballard backed committee to address HPD issues. Honolulu’s police chief is convening a committee to revise its use-of-force policy, among many changes in store or already underway following weeks of public outcry globally for sweeping police reforms and an end to bias in policing. Star-Advertiser.

City park playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment reopening this Friday. Our phased reopening of park facilities continues with the reopening of city park playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment this Friday. KITV4.

Honolulu playgrounds, exercise equipment, reopen to public on Friday. City officials announced today that playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment — closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic — will reopen for public use this Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would increase Hanauma Bay’s visitor entry price to $10 but free for residents. Out-of-state visitors to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will need to pay more for entry and parking under a bill moving through the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Body cameras coming for police. The Hawaii Police Department will become the last department in the state to equip its officers with body cameras, following a unanimous County Council vote Wednesday to spend $1.8 million to purchase 340 video cameras. West Hawaii Today.

County Council Approves 5-Year Contract for HPD’s Body Camera Program. On Wednesday, Hawai‘i County Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing HPD to enter into a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., which allows for the acquisition of body cameras and provides maintenance and cloud-based storage at the price tag of $1.8 million. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Will Review Its Police Practices In Wake Of Protests. The review will be performed by the department itself and experts such as training instructors. Civil Beat.

Four doctors graduate from HMC’s medical residency program amid pandemic. Four doctors on Friday graduated from Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Island Family Residency program, finishing their last months of residency as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on around the world. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island Humane Society Will Not Seek New Animal Control Contract. The Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Board of Directors has decided to not respond to the County of Hawaii’s Request for Proposals for Animal Control Services for Hawaiʻi island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Haleakalā National Park Restarts Sunrise Reservations. The National Park Service is following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, as it continues to increase recreational access and services. Maui Now.

Expeditions Lāna‘i Ferry Resumes Operations Today. The Expeditions Lānaʻi Ferry has opened for passengers to and from Lānaʻi starting TODAY, Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Maui Now.

HDOT receives $7.8M in federal funds to support Maui Bus system. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has received more than $7.8 million in federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration to support the Maui Bus system amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

Three GoAkamai Cameras Added in Central Maui. The GoAkamai camera network is meant to serve as a source for live traffic information for travelers to help them plan their daily commutes and improve their quality of life. Maui Now.

Study: Without crowds, bigger fish back at Molokini. More fish and larger predators, such as ulua, omilu and reef sharks, have returned to the waters off Molokini in the few months that commercial boat traffic has been halted due to COVID-19 emergency orders, said a researcher who was part of a survey team of the preserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Learn about Kaua‘i resiliency. The County of Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency invites the public to join the County’s planning team and Steering Committee as they update the County’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Plan. Garden Island.

Careful when entering the forest. Researchers have found more diseased ‘ohi‘a trees on Kauai and in several of the other Main Hawaiian Islands since the COVID-19 pandemic curbed forest activity, and experts ask people to take care when reentering the forests as the state reopens. Garden Island.

Friday, April 10, 2020

Three counties impose nighttime curfews, face masks to be required at Foodland, inmate release to be case-by-case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020  All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Waikiki at night ©2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Oahu, Maui to enforce stay-at-home order with nighttime curfew over Easter weekend. Both the City and County of Honolulu along with Maui County have announced a nighttime curfew for the three-day Easter weekend, saying the order is aimed at keeping people in their homes and off the roads. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police will enforce a nighttime curfew this weekend in a move intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic. Shortly after Caldwell’s announcement, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said Maui would also enforce an 11 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Kauai on March 18 was the first county to issue a curfew. The Kauai curfew is from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily and runs until May 3. Star-Advertiser.

Nighttime ‘No Driving’ Rules To Be In Place On Oahu Over Easter Weekend. The Honolulu Police Department also intends to step up enforcement of beach closures. Civil Beat.


The city has instituted a nighttime curfew for Easter weekend. Here’s how it works. The city’s series of emergency orders aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus now includes a nighttime curfew. Hawaii News Now.

No-driving curfew on O'ahu to take effect this weekend. Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a pilot program curfew that will take place each day this weekend starting Friday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., Saturday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Sunday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. KITV4.

Oahu under trial curfew this Easter weekend. The City announced that a holiday weekend pilot curfew will take place on April 10 at 11 p.m. The hours of the curfew will be between 11 p.m. through 5 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. KHON2.

Maui County to roll out curfew pilot program Friday night. Maui County plans to roll out a nighttime curfew pilot program and stricter rules starting Friday night, Mayor Michael Victorino announced Thursday evening. Maui News.

Mayor Michael Victorino announces curfew for Maui County among other rules to curb spread of coronavirus. Victorino said the curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night for the county. The curfew lasts from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. but would exempt travel for urgent medication, medical emergencies or essential business. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County Night-Time Curfew Pilot Program and Stricter Rules to Start Friday. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced a night-time curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night, April 10, for Maui County. Curfew will be from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Maui Now.

Overnight curfew pilot program and stricter rules to start Friday night in Maui County. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a night-time curfew pilot program will start at 11 p.m. Friday night, April 10, for Maui County. KITV4.

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Come Monday, you’ll need to be wearing a face mask to enter Foodland stores. Foodland is implementing new policies to continue keeping their customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Stores like Foodland, Down to Earth implementing changes to grocery shopping. Starting Monday, Foodland will require employees and customers to wear a mask when shopping. KHON2.

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Hotels for Heroes program criticized for turning many of those heroes away. Just days after the Hotels for Heroes program launched, first responders and medical workers are calling it confusing and too restrictive. The program, a partnership with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Visitors and Convention Bureau, was touted as providing hotel rooms for those on the front lines. Hawaii News Now.

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More help on the way to assist unemployment claims. The number of people filing for unemployment on a daily basis is starting to slow down, but many people still haven’t seen any money. KHON2.

Hawaii officials cannot say when state unemployment checks will include extra $600 federal payments. State officials cannot say how soon Hawaii’s unemployed workers will receive an extra $600 a week in federally promised benefits because they still haven’t been able to automate the state system to add the extra money to unemployment checks for workers who lost their jobs in the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers were told Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

As Hawaii jobless claims soar, state labor official admits system overloaded. The official in charge of the department responsible for processing and paying unemployment claims told a state Senate committee Thursday that an obsolete computer system unable to deal with a crush of claims and calls because of the COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in many claimants getting paid. Tribune-Herald.

Problems for thousands of newly unemployed shift from filing claims to getting paid. The number of new unemployment claims has dropped for several days in a row, in a sign that layoffs in Hawaii may be stabilizing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to use idle state workers to process unemployment claims. The state has received 201,836 unemployment claims since the beginning of March through Tuesday, when 6,903 claims were filed. KITV4.

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Hawaii visitors slip in despite COVID-19 crackdowns. Tens of thousands of visitors are no longer coming to Hawaii each day, but hundreds are — and even that’s too many for some residents and government officials who are working to stem the spread of COVID-19. Tens of thousands of visitors are no longer coming to Hawaii each day, but hundreds are — and even that’s too many for some residents and government officials who are working to stem the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Residents and Lawmakers Decry Lack of 14-Day Quarantine Monitoring. The normally rapid flow of travelers to Hawai‘i has dropped to a comparative trickle in the wake of the state’s 14-day, mandatory self-quarantine, enacted March 26. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii public schools to remain closed until state goes 4 weeks without new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii’s public schools are expected to stay shut until COVID-19 is no longer spreading in the community, defined as four weeks with no new cases, according to the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Schools Unlikely To Open Again This School Year. State education officials want to see a lengthy period without any new coronavirus cases reported before they’ll feel comfortable bringing kids and teachers back together. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Reports 7 New COVID-19 Cases, Taking The Total To 442. Hawaii verified seven new coronavirus cases on Thursday. Civil Beat.

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Report recommends case-by-case decisions on release of Hawaii inmates. The independent special master assigned to study overcrowding at state correctional facilities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic is recommending that each case needs to be considered individually on who should be released — angering critics who say the process will be too slow. Star-Advertiser.

Special Master Recommends No Blanket Release Of Hawaii Inmates. Special Master Dan Foley filed an interim report with the Supreme Court Thursday saying the process should involve judges. Civil Beat.

Inmate release is ‘a work in progress’. Testifying before the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19, Daniel R. Foley said the process, ordered by the high court following a petition by the Office of the Public Defender, is going more smoothly on the neighbor islands than on Oahu. Tribune-Herald.

Lt. Gov. Green Shares Thoughts On Prison Inmate Releases. The day after Lt. Gov. Green spoke to the Senate Committee on COVID-19, the state announced 85 inmates in Hilo are under quarantine as a precaution. Big Island Video News.

Jail populations decline statewide, in part due to coronavirus. Hawaii’s jail inmate population is on the way down, but not because of a mass release that had been requested by the state Office of the Public Defender. Instead, it’s because fewer people are getting arrested. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s Senior Care Facilities Scramble To Prepare For COVID-19 Spread. Protective gear is in short supply and in-house testing is rare for caretakers and the elderly in nursing homes, adult residential homes and assisted living homes. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell rejects planned pay raises, opposite of what cabinet members said a week ago. Mayor Kirk Caldwell today asked the Honolulu Salary Commission to not recommend pay raises for himself or other top city officials, a 180-degree switch from comments three of his cabinet members made a week ago. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor declining pay raise for City officials. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is asking the Salary Commission to not recommend any pay raises for City officials and department heads this year, due to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. KHON2.

Coronavirus pandemic threatens to delay opening date for Honolulu rail line. The opening date for Honolulu’s rail line from Kapolei to Ala Moana that is planned for December 2025 might now be delayed in a new bit of fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Organizations assemble 4,000 face masks for essential workers. Dozens of volunteers converged in conference rooms at the Neal Blaisdell Center to assemble personal protective equipment for Hawaii’s medical professionals and others on the front lines to aid in the battle to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Magic Island parking lot to undergo extensive reconstruction. With City parks closed and essential construction activity continuing amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the City will begin an extensive reconstruction project to revitalize the badly degraded parking lot at ‘Āina Moana (Magic Island) on Monday, April 13. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mayor: Hawaii County parks to remain closed. Mayor Harry Kim acknowledged earlier this week that the county’s handling of its parks has led to mixed messages during the early weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. Tribune-Herald.

County Council fast-tracks food money to community nonprofits. County Council members are fast-tracking money to two local nonprofits to combat hunger on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Police Say Man Threatened Them With COVID-19, Coughed In Their Face. Police arrested and charged a 53 year-old Hilo man for several offenses including allegedly threatening police with the COVID-19 virus. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ripple effects among community after coronavirus cluster at Maui hospital. There is rising anxiety on Maui as the island's largest hospital deals with a cluster of coronavirus cases. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Health CEO Explains Mask Policy at Hospital and Efforts to Ensure Safety at the Facility. We ask about the hospital’s policy on masks for health care workers, as well as the current state of supplies and equipment for the Maui facility. Maui Now.

Hospital policies questioned after employees are infected. Staff wonder if wearing masks and changing policy sooner could’ve reduced exposure. Maui News.

Changes implemented at a Maui hospital after coronavirus cluster. Maui Memorial Medical Center is now screening and requiring masks for everyone who enters the building after a cluster of 15 coronavirus cases — which is blamed partly on a lack of protective equipment. Hawaii News Now.

Another Maui resident violates emergency rules. A Haiku man was sentenced to a two-day jail term Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to violating public health emergency rules and drunken driving. Maui News.

Kauai

Domestic violence calls up. Domestic-violence-related calls are up about 15%, according to the Kaua‘i Police Department. Garden Island.

Lihu‘e food pickup a success. There is a need for food,” said Wes Perreira, manager of the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i branch Thursday during the free food drive-through pickup at Lili‘uokalani Trust in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.

Path closed for repairs. County workers are making moves to clean up Lydgate Park after recent rains caused sewage spills and added runoff to increasing coastal erosion problems in the area, triggering major instabilities in the walking path that goes through the park. Garden Island.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Reforesting Hawaii, Kealoha allegedly assaulted in family fight, UH medical school may expand to Maui, vacation rentals to be curbed on Lanai, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Old growth forest on the Big Island ©2020 All Hawaii News
State reforestation effort hits milestone. A unique initiative partly fueled by charitable contributions has helped return a half-million native trees to deforested Hawaii ranch lands over the last decade. Star-Advertiser.

Legacy Reforestation Initiative Plants a Half Million Native Trees. More than 1,200 acres of former pastureland on both O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island have been reclaimed and returned to native forest. Big Island Now.

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Minimum Wage Bill Teed Up For House Vote. If also approved by the Senate and governor, Hawaii’s minimum wage would rise to $13 an hour by 2024. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage hike bill advances, but critics say it’s still not enough. A bill to hike Hawaii’s minimum wage is moving to the full house, but critics say it still falls short of what a person needs to live in the 50th state. Hawaii News Now.

Bill that would boost teachers’ pay moves forward. A proposal that would help improve teacher compensation has passed another hurdle in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would dramatically expand preschool options in Hawaii. A bill that aims to make “early learning” programs available to all 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds by 2030 received wide support at its first hearing although issues need to be worked out, including funding and staffing given the teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bill resurfaces to protect medical cannabis cardholders. Lawmakers are taking another crack at a bill to prohibit employers from discriminating against workers who test positive for marijuana if they hold a prescription for cannabis. Star-Advertiser.

Bill raising smoking age to 25 dies in House. A bill to increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco and electronic smoking devices has been snuffed out — but the proposal’s introducer remains hopeful it will move this year. West Hawaii Today.

Airport Authority bill in limbo due to procurement code worries. For the first time in five years, no new bill in the state Legislature will seek to create an independent Hawaii airports corporation. Tribune-Herald.

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Kim Coco Iwamoto To Take On Scott Saiki. The community activist is challenging the speaker for his House seat. Civil Beat.

Building A Hawaiian Language Curriculum Classroom By Classroom. As Hawaiian immersion programs soar in popularity, the lack of a common curriculum remains a big challenge. Civil Beat.

A Big Island educator announces his run for an Office of Hawaiian Affairs seat on Sunday afternoon. Joshua Lanakila Mangauil is running for Hawai'i Island Trustee. KITV4.

As global coronavirus outbreak spreads, hoteliers watch for effects in Hawaii. Tourism executives across Hawaii are watching for economic sniffles from the coronavirus, but so far the state is inoculated against its worst effects. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

HART Employee Reported Improper Use Of Federal Funds In 2015. Worried about financial mismanagement, a HART employee said she was asked to resign when she spoke up. Civil Beat.

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Louis Kealoha allegedly assaulted by half brother, an HPD lieutenant. Disgraced former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha suffered facial injuries after allegedly being assaulted by his half brother, Andre Peters, an HPD lieutenant. Hawaii News Now.

HPD officer charged in connection with assault on half brother and former police chief Louis Kealoha. A Honolulu police officer has been charged with a misdemeanor in connection with an alleged assault on his half brother, Louis Kealoha, former Honolulu police chief. Star-Advertiser.

Half-brother of former Police Chief Louis Kealoha arrested for alleged abuse. A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant and half-brother of former Police Chief Louis Kealoha has been arrested for the alleged abuse against Kealoha. KHON2.

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Hanabusa: I don’t need ‘training wheels’ to serve as Honolulu’s mayor. Hanabusa was elected to the state Senate in 1998 representing Waianae, and previously served as the first female Senate president. She also represented Hawaii in Congress, but lost races for U.S. Senate and governor. Hawaii News Now.

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Debate Erupts Anew Over Dillingham Airfield After Two Killed In Small Plane Crash. Dillingham Airfield on Oahu’s North Shore has been closed following a plane crash that killed two people Saturday morning. Hawaii Public Radio.

In light of another Dillingham Airfield tragedy, Sen. Schatz calls for its closure. Uncertainty over the future of Dillingham Airfield has increased in recent weeks. And in light of Saturday’s latest tragedy, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is calling for it to be shut down. Hawaii News Now.

Aviation community mourns 2 longtime pilots. As federal authorities begin investigating Saturday morning’s deadly crash near Dillingham Airfield, those who knew the two men in the plane have started paying tribute to the pair, whom they call experienced pilots and important members of Hawaii’s aviation community. Star-Advertiser.

Family, former aviation colleagues remember 2 killed in Mokuleia plane crash. Hawaiian Airlines, the former company of a pilot who was killed in Saturday’s Mokuleia plane crash, is remembering one of the victim’s lives for his dedication and passion for flying. Hawaii News Now.

Political leaders react to crash and the future of Dillingham Airfield. Politicians express condolences, thanks to rescuers, and opinions on if the airfield should close. KITV4.

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Feds plan catastrophe response using huge Kalaeloa Airport hangar. The state is leasing a 105,000-square-foot World War II hangar at Kalaeloa Airport to the federal government for emergency response to catastrophic natural or man-made disasters in the Pacific, with a focus on serving remote locations, including Hawaii and other U.S. interests in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Last Of Japanese Billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto's Kahala Properties Sold. he name Genshiro Kawamoto has been famous in Hawaii since the late 1980s, when the Japanese billionaire was emblematic of a wave of Japanese investment in the islands. He bought 30 homes in Kahala, which then did nothing but sit unoccupied and disintegrating, except for a brief time when he offered them for rent to Native Hawaiian families before scrapping that plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

TMT-related bills fail to gain traction. Although the controversy surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope still looms large over the Big Island community, it has largely left the state Legislature this year. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Two Men Caught Taking 550 Tropical Fish In Kawaihae. Two men aboard the vessel “Masako” were cited by DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor on Thursday, after an inspection allegedly revealed aquarium fishing gear, including a small mesh net, and 550 live tropical fish of various species in the vessel’s hold. Big Island Video News.

Streamlining sign variances: Bill reverses 2004 measure putting council in charge. The public will have less opportunity to weigh in on the size, style and location of roadside signs under a streamlining measure making its way through the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Study examines coastal erosion, drawbacks of standard setback requirements. Research on the Big Island’s coastal erosion, led by a University of Hawaii at Hilo graduate student, is being used to shape county planning policies. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

UH Considers Expanding Medical School to Maui Amid Doctor Shortage. To combat Hawai’i’s worsening physician shortage, the University of Hawai’i is proposing to expand its John A. Burns School of Medicine to Maui. Maui Now.

Proposed satellite medical school on Maui could narrow gap between supply and demand. The gap between supply and demand for doctors in Hawaii has grown by 65% since 2010, reaching 507 full-time equivalent positions in 2019, according to the latest report from the Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project, issued in December. Star-Advertiser.

UH seeks medical school expansion to Maui. Proposal to expand the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine to Maui to help tackle the state's worsening physician shortage. KITV4.

Hokama Introduces Moratorium for Transient Accommodation Permits on Lana‘i. Councilmember Riki Hokama introduced legislation to establish a moratorium on transient accommodation permits on the island of Lanaʻi, where no limits are currently established. Maui Now.

Tapestry to hang again on Council Chambers wall. A tapestry of the Maui County Seal, which was removed last year by former Chairwoman Kelly King over the objections of some members, will be returning to the Maui County Council Chambers following a vote by the members Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Akana is Kaua‘i DOCARE chief. Kaua‘i-born Brad “Kipi” Akana is the new Kaua‘i branch chief of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement. Garden Island.

16-month closure planned for Princeville Resort. The Princeville Resort, expected to close for renovations on May 1, has announced it plans to reopen as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in November 2021. Garden Island.

Lanai

Hokama Introduces Moratorium for Transient Accommodation Permits on Lana‘i. Councilmember Riki Hokama introduced legislation to establish a moratorium on transient accommodation permits on the island of Lanaʻi, where no limits are currently established. Maui Now.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

HART predicts October rail run, herbicide ban dies on Big Island vote, Honolulu Police Commission chairwoman ousted, Sherwood Forest protesters cleared, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy HART
Honolulu rail map PC:HART
Rail will start running Oct. 20, Robbins says. Not only will the first 10 miles of the Honolulu rail system be completed by December 2020 as predicted, but it will be ready to run three months earlier, by Oct. 20, announced a sanguine Andrew Robbins, executive director and CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, at a Wednesday press conference overlooking the Halaulani Rail Station at Leeward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

HART sets goal of getting trains moving in October. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says the rail project is on track, and it's full speed ahead to an October opening date. KITV4.

By October, football fans could be riding the rail line to Aloha Stadium. HART’s CEO said Wednesday that trains will be ready for passengers between Kapolei and Aloha Stadium by October 20, and suggested fans of University of Hawaii football games could be among the first enthusiastic customers. Hawaii News Now.

Still no word on what it will cost to ride or operate the Honolulu rail. In an announcement on Wednesday afternoon, HART says that they plan to have the first 10 miles open by October 20. KHON2.

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Nearly A Quarter of Hawaii Homes Are Purchased By Out-Of-State Buyers. Hawaii’s chief economist told lawmakers on Tuesday that 24% of Hawaii homes were purchased by buyers from outside the state. The figure is even higher on the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Lawmakers Pushing For A Crackdown On Vaping. Legislators are drafting bills that include a flavor ban on e-cigarette liquids and a tax on vaping products. Civil Beat.

State Makes Progress in Helping Homeless But Experts Call For Larger Effort. Hawaii is making progress in addressing homelessness, but hasn’t expanded existing programs enough to make a major dent in the problem, state lawmakers were told at a summit on the issue Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Too Many People Are Dying While Waiting For Medical Aid In Dying. Doctors say Hawaii’s mandatory 20-day period is too long in some cases. Civil Beat.

Bristol-Myers, Sanofi countersue Hawaii over Plavix marketing case. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi fought back against an $8 billion lawsuit filed by Hawaii over marketing of their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix, arguing in a counter-suit that the state is trampling on their free-speech rights by demanding unnecessary warning labels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian carries fewer passengers in 2019 despite December bump. The state’s largest carrier transported 11,751,003 passengers in 2019 — a nearly 1% drop compared to 2018. During the same period, Hawaiian’s load factor — the share of seats filled — increased by 1.3 percentage points to 85.6%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission votes out chair Loretta Sheehan. At a commission meeting Wednesday, the Honolulu police commissioners ousted current chair Loretta Sheehan. Hawaii News Now.

Citing flaw in charges, judge dismisses cases for 28 arrested at Waimanalo Sherwoods park protest. The 28 people arrested for blocking the road at the city’s controversial redevelopment project at a Waimanalo park got a big victory Wednesday: A Kaneohe District Court judge dismissed the final petty misdemeanor cases for all those arrested. Hawaii News Now.

Augie T announces his run for Honolulu City Council. Comedian Augie Tulba officially announced his candidacy for Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. KITV4.

Surf park proposed in birthplace of surfing. Hawaii could have its first man-made barreling surf wave suited for skilled board riders as part of an aquatic recreation park proposed on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

State eyes converting a number of stalls to paid parking at a popular surf spot. The group “Save Our Surf” is mobilizing to fight a new state proposal to switch 125 free parking spaces to paid stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless outreach court makes progress, but funding needed. In its first two years of existence, Oahu’s Community Outreach Court that addresses minor, nonviolent crimes committed by homeless “participants” “has made significant progress,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald wrote in a report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Aircraft carrier with 5,000 sailors stops off in state after long deployment. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and more than 5,000 sailors arrived Wednesday in Pearl Harbor for a port call after sailing from Norfolk, Va., and serving unexpected and yeoman duty in the Middle East as an Iranian deterrent. Star-Advertiser.

Amid near record-setting deployment, USS Abraham Lincoln pulls into Pearl Harbor. More than 280 days after deploying from a port in Virginia, sailors from one of the largest ships in the U.S. Navy returned to American soil on Wednesday, docking at Pearl Harbor for what’s believed to be one final stop before heading home to San Diego. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii planning to auction off fishing boat at Ala Wai Harbor. The state is preparing to auction a 112-foot-long fishing boat next week if the owner does not claim it and pay off $1,000 in fees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council fails to override herbicide ban veto. After almost six hours of testimony and debate Wednesday, the County Council came up one vote short of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill banning the use of herbicides by county workers. West Hawaii Today.

Council Vote Fails To Override Veto On County Herbicide-Use Ban. The Hawaiʻi County Council failed to override Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill that would have ended the County’s use of herbicides in maintaining parks and roads. Big Island Video News.

Herbicide Ban Dies as Council Fails to Override Mayoral Veto. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday fell one vote shy of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of Bill 101, which would have eliminated the use of herbicides on county-owned and maintained property across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Council passes bill updating energy conservation code. The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to pass at first reading a bill updating the county’s energy conservation code. Tribune-Herald.

Council approves Hilo Bay breakwater study. The Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday to approve funding for a study investigating how to improve the water quality of Hilo Bay. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL looking to build homes in Kealakehe. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands this year plans to award handful of vacant lots and start construction on more than a hundred homes for beneficiaries at the Villages of Laiopua in Kealakehe. West Hawaii Today.

Staffing shortages disrupt more solid waste services. The Solid Waste Division will hold public informational meetings to discuss transfer stations’ operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule for transfer stations across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Informational Hearings to Discuss Transfer Stations. The county invites the public to attend public informational hearings to discuss residential transfer stations islandwide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County sees progress on homelessness. An executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim told state lawmakers Tuesday the number of homeless people on Hawaii Island is decreasing, but “there is still much work that needs to be done”. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


County was short 153 doctors in 2019. Maui County last year was short 153 physicians, up from 141 in 2018, according to the final Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project Report for 2019 conducted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Maui News.

The median price for Maui single-family homes rose to a record last year, marking a second consecutive year for the feat. A report released by the Realtors Association of Maui showed that single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for a median $741,355 last year, up 4% from $710,000 the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Median Home Price in December Increased 4.6% to $740,000. Maui Now.

Kauai

Peep hole gets temporary fix. A peeping hole at Kauai comfort station has been temporarily patched up by three men who said they had enough. Garden Island.

Molokai

Investigation reveals violations at Molokai Community Health Center. The investigation done by the state Health Department shows several critical violations and that the health center had been operating without a physician since August 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Lanai Water Co. seeks test run of increased rates. Company says it’s losing money at current rates. Maui News.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Rail work snarls, state's renewable energy grade slides, Honolulu wants $250k back from Kealoha, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Dillingham Boulevard PC:HART
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will present a community update today on the utility relocation work taking place along Dillingham Boulevard (Middle Street to Kaaahi Street) and discuss residential and business outreach mitigation programs. HART press release.

Rail construction on Dillingham delayed. Major rail-related construction along congested Dillingham Boulevard is being delayed until early next year to give the city more time to finalize its traffic management plan, and the city is considering providing tax relief to property owners and their tenants during what is expected to be a hellish two years of construction. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses along busy urban corridor prepare for a hit as rail construction moves east. As construction for the rail project heads east, businesses along a major roadway are bracing for a drop in sales. Crews have been relocating utilities along Dillingham Boulevard from Middle Street to Kaaahi Street since July 2018. Hawaii News Now.

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The State Receives a C Grade in its Progress to 100% Renewable Energy. The Blue Planet Foundation, an environmental non-profit, lowered Hawaii’s overall clean energy grade from a B- to a C. Hawaii Public Radio.

Marine Scientists Track Coral Bleaching in Real Time. In Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay, researchers with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to document coral reefs as they undergo bleaching. Hawaii Public Radio.

An extreme future. New research out of the University of Hawaii forecasts more frequent and extreme El Nino events, and that could mean more unpredictable rainfall, hurricane activity, sea-surface temperatures and changes in sea levels around Hawaii. Garden Island.

Most UH Students Are People Of Color But Their Teachers Are Mainly White. But the percentage of non-white faculty is increasing, going from 44% in 2013 to about 50% in 2018. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to seek repayment of $250K from Louis Kealoha. The city said Wednesday it plans to demand that former police Chief Louis Kealoha repay the $250,000 severance he received upon retirement in 2017 now that Kealoha has been convicted of multiple felonies and waived his right to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

City will have to stand in line to get Kealoha’s $250k payoff back. Ex police chief Louis Kealoha owes city taxpayers a quarter of a million dollars, and the city is sending him a letter demanding payment. Hawaii News Now.

City sending demand letter to Louis Kealoha for $250,000 severance payback. The city is demanding Louis Kealoha pay back a $250,000 severance, now that the former police chief has pled guilty to federal felony bank fraud, and earlier was found guilty of conspiracy. KHON2.

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Farmers see a first glimpse of a wind turbine under construction in Kahuku. Since Thursday, there have been at least 107 arrests as protesters try to stop the transport of wind turbine parts for AES Na Pua Makani wind farm in Kahuku. Police say some protesters are attaching themselves with PVC pipe and handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Teen says police punched and used Taser on him at Kalaeloa protest. The estimated 150 to 175 law enforcement officers outnumbered the 125 or so opponents of the AES Corp.’s wind turbine project again at Kalaeloa Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

AES Chief Operating Officer talks about controversial wind farm project. "We know we'll be visible. I can't hide a wind farm". KITV.

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New exemptions to plastic bill in City Council. A bill to expand the plastic ban on Oahu will be brought up once again at the Honolulu City Council, but there’s been some changes. KHON2.

Council resolution advises rejection of Navy’s proposal for Red Hill tanks. Despite concerns by the Navy, a Honolulu City Council committee unanimously passed an updated resolution Wednesday asking regulators to reject Navy plans to pursue single-wall tank upgrades at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

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City to stop enforcing vacation rentals law at Waikiki tower whose owners sued. The city has agreed to stop enforcing the new vacation rentals law on a Waikiki condo tower that it previously accused of having hundreds of illegal rentals. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki Banyan gets temporary stay from short-term rental enforcement. Waikiki Banyan condominium owners have received a courtroom stay temporarily preventing the city from enforcing a new law designed to crack down on illegal short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu County sells $497M in wastewater system revenue bonds. The City and County of Honolulu sold about $497 million of its wastewater system revenue bonds at a 2.95% interest rate, the county announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County to loosen energy code restrictions. Changes to the county’s energy code aimed at making home construction more affordable, while still becoming more energy-efficient, are the subject of public “speakout” sessions for design and construction professionals early next week. West Hawaii Today.

With recycling changes, county braces for landfill impact. Thousands of tons of recyclables once diverted from the waste stream will enter the Big Island’s landfills each year under changes implemented last week to Hawaii County’s recycling program. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses suit in connection with controversial Ka‘u sewer plants. A lawsuit against two county officials over two planned Ka‘u sewer plants was dismissed earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Draft EA Posted For New Rock Quarry In Hilo. Yamada and Sons, Inc. is looking to acquire a license to develop a 37-acre portion of a State property near the Hilo landfill for use as a rock quarry. Big Island Video News.

Construction of new College of Pharmacy building nearly finished. Three years after breaking ground on the new building for the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, work is nearing completion and classes are slated to start there next semester. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Water Fight Has Become A Major Power Struggle. The mayor won’t settle a case with national implications despite the council’s instruction to do so, spurring a new lawsuit to sort out the separation of powers. Civil Beat.

Compliance Concerns Linger as Maui Water Rights Case Wraps Up. One of Hawaiʻi’s largest water rights cases is coming to a close on Maui next month after more than 16 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hundreds rally for water rights as case draws to close. With chants of “aloha aina,” hundreds of people rallied Tuesday evening at the State Building to protest a possible Mahi Pono move that rally organizers say could derail one of Hawaii’s significant water rights cases. Maui News.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for federal aid to contain the Kahana Ridge fire on Maui. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) offers federal funding for the mitigation, management, and control of fires deemed likely to constitute a major disaster. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes for traffic tickets. Until a couple weeks ago, drivers on Kauai who either didn’t have a valid license or an auto insurance policy could get penalized twice — once for being uninsured or unlicensed and again for not being able to prove otherwise. Garden Island.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Ige's Mauna Kea emergency proclamation spurs lawsuit, more protests, tour guides hit hard by shutdown, Kealoha linked to rail delays, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy DLNR
Mauna Kea protest scene PC:DLNR
Ige Sued Over Mauna Kea Emergency Proclamation. The complaint says the TMT protest does not justify the governor granting broad powers to control mountain access. Civil Beat.

TMT protesters brace for more law enforcement action at Mauna Kea. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope were concerned that law enforcement officers would move in to Mauna Kea early Friday, but there had been no indication from authorities so far that a larger presence was on the mountain yet. Hawaii News Now.

An emergency proclamation signed by Gov. David Ige means that no one will be allowed on Mauna Kea, including cultural practitioners, and National Guard troops will join other law enforcement officers in dealing with protesters attempting to stop construction of a telescope at the mountain’s summit, state officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency proclamation closes Maunakea to the public; TMT opponents continue protest. Maunakea has been closed to the public entirely as one of the first actions under the emergency proclamation signed by Gov. David Ige Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Kupuna Decry Governor’s Emergency Proclamation. The kupuna holding the front lane in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope, many of whom were arrested the day before, held a news conference Thursday. Big Island Video News.

Protesters Condemn Governor’s Emergency Proclamation at Maunakea. A group of protesters led by kupuna held a press conference this morning, in which they condemned the governor’s Emergency Proclamation that was issued on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now.

Arrested kupuna return to Mauna Kea upset with Ige's emergency proclamation. Earlier the access road was open to those traveling on foot, but it is now completely closed off.  KITV.

Another Day Of Waiting For Protesters, Authorities At Mauna Kea. Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents maintain their vigil as authorities say all access to the mountain is now restricted. Civil Beat.

Latest Developments On TMT Protests At Mauna Kea. A group of elders and protest leaders called on partners in the international collaboration that is building the Thirty Meter Telescope to stop the construction. Hawaii Public Radio.

TMT Standoff, Day 4: State Clarifies Proclamation; No Arrests Today. At its peak, there were an estimated 600 people in the area and around the intersection of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (formerly known as Saddle Road) and Mauna Kea Access Road. Big Island Now.

Quieter day at Mauna Kea after 34 arrests Wednesday afternoon. It is now day four of the standoff and there is no word on what will happen to demonstrators that are currently at the base of Mauna Kea. KHON2.

In wake of arrests, TMT protesters pledge to stand their ground. A day after 34 were arrested for blocking the access road to the summit of Mauna Kea, leaders of a growing TMT protest say they’re not going anywhere and claimed the governor’s emergency proclamation for the mountain is an “abuse of power.” Hawaii News Now.

UH president addresses ‘heartbreaking’ TMT arrests, calls for his resignation. University of Hawaii President David Lassner said Wednesday was one of the most challenging days in his six-year tenure as the head of the university system. Hawaii News Now.

Ed Case and Mazie Hirono respond to TMT. KHON2.

State Sen. Kahele says he’ll seek TMT moratorium. State Sen. Kai Kahele said this afternoon he will ask Gov. David Ige today “for a moratorium on the construction of (Thirty Meter Telescope) for the next 60 days.” Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii Funds Women's Health Services To Address Trump Rule On Abortion Services. Hawaii officials say they are prepared to maintain women’s health services in the state as the Trump administration orders taxpayer-funded family planning clinics to stop both referring patients for abortion services and discussing the topic with them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii jobless rate remains steady at 2.8%. The seasonally adjusted measure held at 2.8% in June for the fourth month in a row while the state’s labor force continued to shrink, according to data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Thirty Meter Telescope protesters block H-1 traffic for second day. A coordinated effort presumably by Thirty Meter Telescope protesters blocked traffic on Hawaii’s busiest freeway this afternoon for the second day in a row. Star-Advertiser.

HPD calls TMT protest on H-1 Freeway ‘foolish and dangerous’. Pop-up TMT protests are happening statewide, including on Oahu roadways. On Thursday, protesters took to the H-1 Freeway westbound for a second day, creating a slow-rolling convoy near the Ward Avenue overpass. Hawaii News Now.

Federal investigators probe Katherine Kealoha’s role in costly rail project delay. Katherine Kealoha who’s now behind bars awaiting sentencing in one of the biggest public corruption cases in Hawaii history played a role in one of the first, major and costly delays of the Honolulu rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Contingency fund to cover contamination, HART says. The board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday approved paying a contractor up to $10 million to deal with contaminated groundwater found in December in an aquifer about 30 feet below a rail work site at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Will Spend Nearly $40 Million More On Change Order Fixes. Despite the cost increases, the 20-mile, 21-station transit line is holding steady to HART’s latest, $8.14 billion construction budget, officials say. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha’s attorney seeks delays in trials. Kealoha and her husband, retired Police Chief Louis Kealoha, face an Oct. 21 trial on bank fraud and identity theft, but that date is expected to be pushed back. Star-Advertiser.

Next Kealoha Trials May Get Pushed Back As New Attorney Gets Up To Speed. Katherine Kealoha’s attorney wants to delay a bank fraud until next year. That could also set back her drug trafficking trial, too. Civil Beat.

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Board of Water Supply proposes to remove Haiku Stairs. The owners of Haiku Stairs, also known as “Stairway to Heaven,” made yet another pitch at the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board meeting Thursday evening to remove the nearly 4,000 steps above Heeia. Hawaii News Now.

BWS presents draft of Haiku Stairs environmental impact statement to Kaneohe community. A recent environmental study listed several options including taking the stairs down, or handing it over to the city to manage and open to the public. KITV.

What could be the future of Haiku Stairs in Kaneohe? KHON2.

Kailua Residents Long For Past, Worry About Future. The community is grappling with a number of issues as it grows from a small town to an overcrowded tourist destination. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tour guides feeling the pinch of Maunakea closure. The closure of Maunakea and uncertainty about the status of Saddle Road is having a direct impact on the island’s tour guides — primarily mom and pop operations that rely on stargazing and astronomy tours to make their living. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Kea Tour Companies Are Out Of Luck For Now. Businesses that take visitors up the mountain are stymied. And even if the protests end, Thirty Meter Telescope construction will be disruptive. Civil Beat.

Grant helps grow bikeshare program. The nonprofit organization AARP recently awarded Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, PATH, a grant to extend its bikeshare program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Interview with Peter Martin: Developer talks about his start, challenges building affordable homes. His opponents outline issues with him; developer’s West Maui projects up for vote at council Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor: Raves welcome, not rants. When Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was asked how the business community could help him and the county be successful, he didn’t hesitate with a simple, lighthearted answer. Garden Island.

Kalalau Trail work scheduled. Friends of Kalalau Trail is inviting volunteers to work on the Kalalau Trail on Saturday. Garden Island.

Friday, March 29, 2019

Audit blasts state handling of rail money, Aloha Stadium to stay in Halawa, UH president under fire, Health Department reaches settlement with dairy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Train car assembly PC: Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
State Auditor Blasts DAGS For Failure to Verify Rail Invoices. The Office of the Auditor has issued a blistering report on the failure of state accounting officials to adequately verify invoices from the transit agency developing the Honolulu rail system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest Audit: Agency ‘Arbitrary,’ ‘Inconsistent’ In Reviewing Rail Costs. The Hawaii agency that oversees rail spending lacks the proper rules, training and procedures to make sure its reviews are sound, the latest audit finds. Civil Beat.

The state auditor released another report Thursday relating to Honolulu's $9.2 billion rail project. KITV.

Full audit rail oversight report. Lack of Fundamentals: Review of the Department of Accounting and General Services’ Verification of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Invoices. Hawaii Office of the Auditor.

HART work went off the rails, report says. One of the new Honolulu rail cars was damaged in an “incident,” and another work vehicle that runs on the rail line derailed twice in January, prompting the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to issue a “safety stand-down” letter last month suspending vehicle operations, according to rail officials. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Island’s tourism decline contributes to state softening. Tourism performance was mixed across the isles in February with double- digit dips in spending and arrivals from Hawaii island contributing to statewide softening. Star-Advertiser.

Push To Increase Spending On Schools Loses Momentum. Policymakers say more transparency about current spending is needed before more public money is earmarked for schools. Civil Beat.

Faculty union blasts UH president, but stops short of calling for his resignation.  During a contentious Board of Regents meeting Thursday, members of the University of Hawaii’s faculty union blasted school President David Lassner for his handling of proposed budget cuts that would have forced dozens to lose their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Former high-ranking ILWU official Nate Lum pleaded guilty Thursday to identity theft in federal court. Lum also admitted he failed to file federal tax returns. But under a plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop a theft charge against him. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Review affirms keeping stadium in Halawa. An alternative site analysis released Thursday by the Aloha Stadium Authority marked a step in the process of replacing the 44-year-old facility and recommended a new stadium and ancillary development be built within the same 98-acre parcel. Star-Advertiser.

Planning For New Stadium Assumes It Would Be Built In Halawa. The current site of Aloha Stadium is the preferred site for construction of a new facility that would include an adjacent business district. Star-Advertiser.

The Stadium Authority marked the beginning of the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a new proposed Aloha Stadium. KHON2.

The Stadium Authority announced Thursday that it is beginning the Environmental Impact Statement and master planning process for a replacement for Aloha Stadium. Pacific Business News.

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Arizona Memorial access to be restored ‘by fall,’ officials say. The National Park Serv­ice said Thursday it has awarded a $2.1 million contract for repairs to a faulty USS Arizona Memorial dock that should be completed “by fall” — in time for the next Dec. 7, 1941, remembrance. Star-Advertiser.

The National Park Service has awarded the contract for repair of the anchoring system for the USS Arizona Memorial dock.  KHON2.

Homelessness dominates public safety concerns at Waikiki conference. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard pledged to improve public safety by working with Waikiki stakeholders to make the state’s top tourism district “uncomfortable” for homeless people. Star-Advertiser.

Couple defies city by attending to Kakaako homeless. A Kaimuki couple with a new city contract to provide mobile hot showers for Oahu’s homeless are defying the city in two ways: by continuing to operate twice a month next to the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center and by regularly feeding about 50 homeless people in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Moanalua ‘workforce’ housing complex expansion completed. A 50-year-old affordable rental home complex in Moanalua received a blessing Thursday following the addition of nearly 500 new midprice homes. Star-Advertiser.

40 residents, employees at Honolulu senior facility fall ill; officials suspect norovirus. Hawaii News Now.

Library re-stocking shelves a year after flooding damaged contents. The Aina Haina Library has been closed for almost a year now since just after the historic flooding. KHON2.

Summer Palace of King Kamehameha III vandalized again. KHON2.

Oahu Publications Inc. has sold its 152,574-square-foot print production facility in Kapolei and the 11.61 acres of land beneath it in a $40 million leaseback transaction. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A bill to provide Hawaii County with $60 million to assist with recovery from last year’s Kilauea eruption is expected to have its final vote today in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism official: ‘It hasn’t been that great of a start to the year’. Big Island tourism has fallen to near-2017 numbers in the aftermath of the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory To Move To Oahu? Senator Mazie Hirono pressed the Interior Secretary Nominee to get more feedback before making any decision to relocate the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory HVO to Oahu. Big Island Video News.

The state Department of Health on Thursday entered into an agreement with the owners of Big Island Dairy as its operations draw to a close. Under the agreement, Big Island Dairy’s owners are required to terminate dairy operations, remove all cows from confinement on the site, clean and remove the existing wastewater system, and pay $79,000 by June of 2019, either as an administrative penalty or to fund an environmentally beneficial project in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Dairy, Health Department Sign Consent Agreement. Big Island Video News.

A second case of rat lungworm disease has been contracted on Hawaii Island this year, the Hawaii Department of Health announced Thursday. No cases have been reported on any other island in 2019. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Harbor District Office Relocated, Blessed. This work is part of the Harbors Division’s facility improvement projects planned throughout the commercial harbor system that is aimed at supporting the state’s economic growth and maritime industries. Maui Now.

The battle against climate change got a boost Wednesday when Hawaii and California public utility commissions announced that they’ll be teaming up to fight the green fight. Maui News.

Police and courts dealing with more mental health cases. Another round of Crisis Intervention Team training completed. Maui News.

Kauai

Local health clinic awarded $1.4M. A community health center on Kauai focused on providing care to Native Hawaiians will be getting over a million dollars in federal funding. Garden Island.

The Lihue Business Association’s Thursday meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club focused on medical marijuana. Garden Island.