Showing posts with label rat lungworm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rat lungworm. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Hawaiian hula teacher honored on quarter, Boy Scout dies after shot at camp shooting range, Kaiser mental healthcare workers go on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Mint releases Edith Kanaka‘ole commemorative coin design. The U.S. Mint released its new commemorative quarter design Monday that will honor Edith Kanaka‘ole, a renowned kumu hula and the first Native Hawaiian to be featured as a part of the American Women Quarters Program. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii tourism arrivals hit recovery benchmark in July — but not all residents embracing the rise. July brought the highest monthly count of visitors since January 2020 — a benchmark that is creating economic hope for the pro-tourism crowd and angst from those concerned about whether the numbers can be properly managed to avert the threat of overtourism. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser mental health therapists in Hawaii launch second strike. Kaiser Permanente’s mental health therapists in Hawaii went on strike today, still unable to come to an agreement on a contract four years after unionizing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Research: 32 species can host rat lungworm disease. New research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa shows rat lungworm disease can be transmitted by many species, not just slugs and snails. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Inmates Returning From An Arizona Prison Test Positive For Covid-19.
So far 21 prisoners who were on the flight from Arizona have caught the coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Oahu

3 Honolulu police officers cleared in 2019 fatal shooting of Michael Kahalehoe in a Kapolei gas station parking lot. No charges will be filed against the three officers who fired the fatal shots, following the completion of an investigation by the Honolulu Police Department’s Professional Standard’s Office and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

An Increase In ‘Violent, Brazen’ Crime Raises Concerns On Oahu. The number of murders, aggravated assaults, forcible sex assaults and robberies on the island climbed about 5.6% in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the statistics. Civil Beat.

New body-cam video shows events that led to HPD chase ahead of serious crash. Newly released body camera videos show the moments before an unauthorized chase by Honolulu police on Sept. 12, 2021. The videos also show that HPD supervisors were aware that witnesses were pointing the finger at officers from the beginning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Child dies in apparent shooting accident at Hawaii island Boy Scout camp. Hawaii island police are investigating an apparent shooting accident that fatally wounded a boy Sunday afternoon at Camp Honokaia, a Boy Scouts of America facility. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Pause to face confirmation hearings: Acting DPW director seeks permanent post. A Hawaii County Council committee plans a Sept. 6 confirmation hearing to consider Mayor Mitch Roth’s appointment of Acting Public Works Director Stephen Pause to the permanent position. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Electric Asks Customers To Conserve Power This Week. The Hawaiʻi Island power utility hopes to avoid rolling outages, as Hamakua Energy Partners - the island’s largest independent power producer - is unavailable. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Volcano Transfer Station loses recycling program
. Volcano residents will have to travel farther afield to recycle HI-5 containers after the redemption center at the Volcano Transfer Station closes at the end of September. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County to vote on creating an ʻŌiwi Resources Department in general election. The proposed ʻŌiwi Resources Department would ensure proper management of native cultural resources, including the Hawaiian language, cultural practices, and natural resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Updated bill to protect native birds from outdoor lighting goes before Maui Council. Councilmember Kelly Takaya King announced today that a revised version of the bill to protect native Hawaiian seabirds from outdoor lighting will be reviewed Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Climate Action, Resilience and Environment Committee. Maui Now.

Park Maui mulls zip code check for free, discounted spots. An upcoming pilot program that aims to address growing parking demands in heavily used county parks and beaches proposes requiring a Maui County zip code to qualify for free parking, an idea backed by most residents at a meeting Wednesday. Maui News.

July 2022 visitor arrivals to Hawaiʻi recover 92.4% from 2019. Visitor arrivals on Maui have recovered to near pre-pandemic levels, with July 2022 arrivals coming in at -1% from 2019. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Is Building One Of The Nation’s Longest Predator-Proof Fences. One of the longest predator-proof fences in the country is under construction at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the North Shore of Kauai. When complete, the $1.7 million project will span 2.1 miles, enclosing 168 of the refuge’s 199 acres to protect native seabird species – some of which are uncomfortably close to extinction. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Foodbank Food Drive Day makes a haul of it. Kaua‘i hosted seven sites, each one operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., across the island, accepting the top needed commodity of money, and other nonperishable foodstuffs to replenish the Puhi facility. Garden Island.

Friday, January 31, 2020

Legislature seeks to ban more sunscreen ingredients, Aila confirmation moves forward, Honolulu backs off rail plan, Willie K says cancer is terminal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii beachgoers ©2020 All Hawaii News
Proposal tightens rules on sunscreen ingredients. Stricter rules are being proposed for what goes into sunscreen. On January 30, Hawaii lawmakers announced plans to ban more than a dozen additional chemicals that the FDA deems unsafe to humans. KHON2.

Bill would ban harmful sunscreens. Hawaii legislators Thursday announced the introduction of bills that restrict the sale of sunscreens with anything other than those deemed safe for coral reefs as well as human health in the state. Star-Advertiser.

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In a 3-2 vote, the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee recommended the full chamber approve Gov. David Ige’s nominations to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. William Aila, the acting director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands since May, secured a recommendation from a key senate panel Thursday to make his position permanent. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Consider Red Light Photo Enforcement Pilot Program. The latest proposal involving a red light photo program in Hawaiʻi, will get a hearing before the House Committee on Transportation on Friday. Maui Now.

‘It’s not just a Kona problem’: Another year, another fight over coffee-labeling law. The latest effort to change labeling requirements for Hawaiian-grown coffee blends is making its way through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Looks To The Philippines For Its Newest Teacher Recruits. In an effort to plug the teacher shortage, the Hawaii Department of Education sent two officials to Manila on its first-ever international recruiting effort. Civil Beat.

Hawaii saw more than 10M visitors last year, but not everyone is celebrating. For the first time in 2019, Hawaii saw more than 10 million visitors to its shores ― a widely-expected milestone that’s drawn concerns about over-tourism. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines posts earnings jump while keeping eye on China virus. Hawaiian Airlines’ earnings soared 57.2% in the fourth quarter despite increased capacity that included additional competition from newcomer Southwest Airlines. Star-Advertiser.

Property sales catapult American Savings’ earnings 30%. The state’s third-largest bank, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., reported today that its net income increased to $28.2 million from $21.8 million in the year-earlier quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Performer Willie K shares that his lung cancer is now terminal. The multi-Na Hoku award winner has been battling lung cancer but has continued to perform on a limited basis. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell warns of another rail delay. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city is “not yet confident” the first 11-mile segment of the Honolulu rail line will open at the end of this year, and told the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation that it should stop promising the public that rail will open even earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Feds: HART Shouldn’t Promise To Have Rail Ready In October. Rail’s federal partners in Washington aren’t confident “at all” that the trains will be ready to run in October for interim service and they want local rail officials to “step back” from that promise, according to the city’s top leadership. Civil Beat.

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Councilman Ron Menor opts out of mayoral race. Honolulu City Councilman Ron Menor said Thursday that he has decided not to run for Honolulu mayor this fall after all. Star-Advertiser.

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Crowds lined the streets to honor fallen Honolulu police officer Tiffany Enriquez. Fallen Honolulu police officer Tiffany-­Victoria B. Enriquez, Hawaii’s first female police officer to be killed in the line of duty, was remembered Thursday as a warm person with an infectious smile that brought people together. Star-Advertiser.

Moving service, ‘final roll call’ honor fallen Officer Tiffany Enriquez. After a moving service in which she was remembered as someone who always put others before herself ― until the very end ― fallen Officer Tiffany Enriquez was honored Thursday with a poignant procession and “final roll call" fronting HPD headquarters. Hawaii News Now.

SLIDESHOW: Emotions Run High At Memorial Service For Slain HPD Officer. Tiffany Enriquez, shot to death on Jan. 19 while responding to a call in the Diamond Head area, was honored by law enforcement, family and friends Thursday. Civil Beat.

Touching tribute for fallen HPD officer Tiffany Enriquez. She was a role model, a loving mother, and a hero. That’s how family and friends are remembering Honolulu Police Officer Tiffany Enriquez at her funeral service. KHON2.

Date set for memorial services of fallen HPD Officer Kaulike Kalama. The date has been set for memorial services of HPD officer Kaulike Kalama, who was killed in the line of duty in the Diamond Head tragedy. The family announced Kalama’s services are planned for March 7. It will be open to the public. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii accuses HPOWER of exceeding pollution limits and fines company nearly $20,000. The Hawaii Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch has fined HPOWER nearly $19,700 for exceeding the allotted amount of dissolved solids in the recirculation water it uses in its cooling towers. Star-Advertiser.

Pali Lanes faces another challenge: It’s been put on a month-to-month lease. The property lease between landowner Alexander & Baldwin and Pali Lanes will change to month-to-month on Feb. 2. Hawaii News Now.

A&B says it still wants bowling for Pali Lanes — for now. The head of Alexander &Baldwin Inc. said Thursday he remains hopeful Pali Lanes bowling center can stay in business but conceded he has his eye on a different type of development for the Kailua property if a viable business plan or bowling alley operator doesn’t materialize in the coming months. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Police discipline detailed: Five officers terminated in 2019 in unrelated cases. Five Hawaii Police Department officers were terminated in 2019 and seven were suspended for disciplinary reasons, a department official said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Lawmakers Weigh In On Joint Economic Package. Big Island state representatives are promoting affordable housing, expanded child care, and tax relief as part of the legislative package of bills introduced this session to reduce income inequality. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina Front Street Improvement Project Community Meeting, Feb. 13. County officials say wave action and saltwater spray have deteriorated street elements on the makai side of Front Street in two locations: between Dickenson Street and Lahainaluna Road and between Papalaua and Baker streets. Maui Now.

Former House candidate is sentenced to 5 years in prison. Chayne Marten pleads no contest to endangering a minor in 2016 sexual abuse case. Maui News.

Biolab, built on Maui, headed to the space station. HNu Mobile SpaceLab set to blast off Feb. 9. Maui News.

Kauai

CBS News reports that a Federal Aviation employee is blowing the whistle on a lack of critical inspections. CBS said the whistleblower, Joseph Monfort, said he was prevented from inspecting the tour helicopter that crashed on Kauai back in December, killing all seven people on board. Hawaii News Now.

Property tax bill fails. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday killed a proposal to increase property taxes for around 200 Kauai residents with rental properties. Garden Island.

County backs Hawaiian homesteaders. The County Council on Wednesday passed unanimously a resolution to urge the state Legislature to fix defects in laws that govern the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands that have led to stubbornly high mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates among Native Hawaiians living on DHHL lands. Garden Island.

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Officials Confirm 9th Case Of Rat Lungworm Disease. An adult resident of Kauai is believed to have caught the parasitic disease during a December trip to the Big Island, making the individual the sixth Hawaii resident to fall ill. Civil Beat.

DOH Confirms Ninth Case of Rat Lungworm. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) verified the presence of angiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm disease, in an adult on the island of Kaua‘i. Big Island Now.

New case of rat lungworm disease confirmed in Hawaii. On Thursday, the Department of Health said the disease was found in a Kauai resident. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Barking Sands eyed for $1.98B ballistic missile system, resolution urges media restrictions on reporting suspects, whistleblower says FAA gave Southwest preferential treatment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pacific Missile Range Facility ©2020 All Hawaii News
Kauai military site named as possible site for $1.9B ballistic missile radar. The Missile Defense Agency is now also eyeing Kauai as a potential site for its planned $1.9 billion high powered ballistic missile radar. Hawaii News Now.

PMRF eyed for missile defense system. The U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility is being considered as a new location of a ballistic missile defense radar that would take up between 50 and 80 acres at Barking Sands. Garden Island.

Kauai, not just Oahu, now being considered for $1.9B defense radar. The Missile Defense Agency confirmed it is looking at the possibility of siting a $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai instead of at one of several spots on Oahu that had been considered since 2018. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii lawmakers urge news outlets to use ‘no-notoriety’ approach. State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro of Oahu has introduced a pair of resolutions “encouraging the media, law enforcement, and information officers to adopt a no-notoriety approach to reporting on mass shooters and the perpetrators of other mass crimes.” Tribune-Herald.

Plenty Of Warning Signs But Few Treatment Options In Police Killer Case. Neighbors were well aware of Jerry Hanel’s bizarre behavior, but it’s hard to force unwilling people to get mental health treatment. Civil Beat.

Woman staying with Cain, Hanel Sunday says tragedy at Diamond Head was preventable. Sunday’s tragedy at Diamond Head that saw the deaths of two Honolulu Police Officers was the result of city and state agencies neglecting a warning about Jerry Hanel’s violence according to an acquaintance. KHON2.

Hawaii Eyes Closing Gun Loopholes, Bolstering Mental Health. Hawaii already has some of the nation's strictest gun laws, but the fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers by a man his lawyer and neighbors believe had psychiatric problems has added new urgency to efforts to close gun control loopholes and bolster mental health care treatment. Associated Press.

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Democratic Party of Hawaii announces list of candidates appearing on ballot. Democratic Party of Hawai'i Interim Chair Kate Stanley announced the list of candidates who will appear on the ballot of Hawai‘i’s Party-run Presidential Primary. KITV4.

A dozen Democrats sign up for mail-in Hawaii party voting. A dozen candidates who are seeking the Democratic nomination for president have signed up and paid the filing fee to compete locally for delegates in what will be the Hawaii party’s first-ever mail-in balloting this spring to decide who will win the support of state Democratic Party members. Star-Advertiser.

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FAA gave Southwest Airlines special treatment for Hawaii flights, whistleblower alleges. Southwest Airlines received special treatment from the Federal Aviation Administration in expediting the approval process to begin Hawaii service last year, according to a whistleblower complaint. Star-Advertiser.

Whistleblower: FAA Improperly Rushed Southwest Approvals To Fly To Hawaii. FAA managers engaged in “abuse of authority” last year to help Southwest expedite service to the islands, according to a new Wall Street Journal report. Civil Beat.

Southwest responds after reports it got preferential treatment from the FAA to fly to Hawaii. Southwest Airlines says it followed all the rules to receive approval to fly to Hawaii. KHON2.

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Tour Helicopter Crashes — And Flights — Have Escalated In Recent Years. In Hawaii, 2019 was the deadliest year for tour helicopters in nearly two decades, with 10 people dying in two crashes, a Civil Beat review of federal records shows. Civil Beat.

Report: Fundamentals of Hawaii’s economy would need to change to ease cost of living. In a recent write-up, the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii notes that residents are unlikely to get much relief from the price of paradise ― barring changes to the fundamental factors that drive high costs in the islands and modest incomes. Hawaii News Now.

Little relief from Hawaii’s high cost of living. Executive summary. University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.

Volunteers gather for point-in-time count to get better sense of Hawaii’s homeless population. The point-in-time is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January that helps to determine the funding and resources that are committed to combating homelessness in our community. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii officials urge doctors to be on alert as deadly coronavirus spreads from China. A deadly new virus from China has spread to the U.S., prompting federal officials to expand screenings for the illness at major airports across the country. Hawaii News Now.

No Coronavirus Cases Reported In Hawaii But Officials Advise Flu Shots. Hawaii health officials are advising residents to get flu shots to help in the detection of cases of coronavirus that has affected over 400 people in China and killed nine. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH urges vigilance, not panic as deadly coronavirus spreads. State health officials are urging Hawaii residents to be vigilant but not to panic after a deadly new virus from China reached the U.S. West Coast in recent days. West Hawaii Today.

Health Department issues China virus medical advisory. The state Health Department sent out a detailed medical advisory for health care providers Tuesday to be on the alert for patients who traveled from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and may have pneumonia contracted from the novel coronavirus. Maui News.

State health department believes there's a small chance Coronavirus will be Hawaii bound. It's sill advising the community to be prepared. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Health Officials Offer Guidance on Novel Coronavirus Outbreak in China. The Hawai‘i Department of Health is providing guidance to healthcare providers in the state for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China, which already includes more than 300 confirmed infections and several deaths in China. Maui Now.

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Hawaii Doctors Hopeful Over-The-Counter Drug Can Fight Rat Lungworm Disease. The Hilo Medical Center is recommending people take pinworm medicine as a precautionary measure if they accidentally eat slugs or snails. Civil Beat.


Oahu


Street where violent rampage happened reopens, but a sense of normal is likely years away. Three days after a man’s deadly rampage in the Diamond Head area, dozens of displaced residents were allowed to return to their homes Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Power restored, roads reopened in Diamond Head neighborhood. A neighborhood in the Diamond Head area continues to repair itself after a tragic event struck on January 19. KHON2.

'Shell shock’: As residents return to Diamond Head, coping with memories among challenges. Three days after triple-murder suspect Jerry Hanel torched his neighborhood in a hail of gunfire, resident Gisela King returned to the home where she was stabbed. Hawaii News Now.

Outpouring of support for grieving HPD. The names of Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama were added Wednesday to the Honolulu Police Department’s “Roll of Honor” plaque at the main police headquarters, joining 48 other officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Star-Advertiser.

Residents on Hibiscus Drive allowed to return to homes. Raymond Teruya Sr. had the widest smile Wednesday as he returned to his family’s Diamond Head home after police pulled down most of the crime scene tape that has surrounded Hibiscus Drive since Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Landlord was quirky, caring. Lois Kiehl Cain was a quirky former belly- dancing University of Hawaii librarian who had a soft spot for taking in strangers to her home on Hibiscus Drive where they lived rent free, including defecting Russian fishermen, a family escaping Asia’s economic downturn and the man suspected of killing her and two Honolulu police officers on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns discussed at Kaneohe cemetery expansion hearing. Supporters and opponents of a controversial Kaneohe cemetery expansion plan sounded off in about equal numbers Wednesday to start a quasi-judicial state hearing over whether forested conservation land can be developed with 30,000 new burial sites for Hawaiian Memorial Park. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


HELCO seeks OK to rebuild transmission lines to PGV. A public hearing regarding Hawaii Electric Light Co.’s application to construct portions of overhead transmission lines that will reconnect Puna Geothermal Venture to the HELCO grid will be held next week in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

County set to put limit on one load of refuse a day. The county will soon limit the amount of waste residents can dispose at county transfer stations in a single day. Tribune-Herald.

Bus depot land buy paused. The County Council put the brakes Wednesday on a fast-tracked land buy for a bus depot, for at least two more weeks while more information is gathered. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Court: County cannot redefine ‘real property’. Code changed to allow wind turbines to be included in tax assessments. The Hawaii Supreme Court said Tuesday that Maui County did not have the power to include wind turbines as “real property” when it taxed major wind farms on Maui. Maui News.

Judge’s ruling shuts down vacation rental in Paia. Unpermitted Nalu Kai Lodge had $2.7M in fines, penalties. Maui News.

Kauai

Council amends TVR bill 2767. The Kauai County Council on Wednesday approved amendments to a bill that would increase property taxes for certain vacation-rental owners. Garden Island.

Recycling biz rising. James Higginbotham has been operating Kauai Community Recycling Service for 17 years, the last 10 at 962 Kipuni Way in the Arzadon Industrial Center next to Gather Federal Credit Union. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

2020 Hawaii Legislature opens with speeches, rallies; mayors seek congestion pricing, vehicle registration increase; Honolulu councilwoman seeks 4-day workweek; Big Island parks to get corporate sponsors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo courtesy of Hawaii House majority
2020 opening day for Hawaii House PC:House Majority
Lawmakers open 2020 session with big plans for taxes, preschool, housing. Hawaii lawmakers thumped the gavels to open the 2020 session of the state Legislature Wednesday with an unusually detailed plan for the laws they plan to pass this year, and with a large demonstration by Hawaiian activists rumbling in the background. Star-Advertiser.

Can Hawaii’s Elected Leaders Save The State From ‘Drowning?’. Legislators kicked off their 2020 session united with the governor to tackle the cost of living. The question is whether their bold ideas will become reality. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers vow to address high cost of living. Lawmakers opened a new session of the Hawaii Legislature on Wednesday with vows to address the state’s punishingly high cost of living so families don’t have to abandon the islands for cheaper places. Associated Press.

Optimism Abounds Going into the 2020 Legislative Session. Lawmakers and Gov. David Ige entered the first day of the 2020 legislative session with optimism and big goals. Big Island Now.

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Transportation issues top priorities of Council of Mayors. A $25 increase in vehicle registration fees to pay for removing abandoned vehicles, a charge to drive on certain roads during peak hours and a surcharge on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are three of a largely transportation-related package the Hawaii Council of Mayors presented Wednesday to legislative money committees. West Hawaii Today.

‘Congestion pricing,’ fee for abandoned cars dominate mayors’ requests to Legislature. Hawaii’s four county mayors made their annual appearance before the money committees of the state house and senate, seeking ways to relieve traffic congestion and to fund ways to clear away abandoned vehicles. Hawaii News Now.

Mayors Want State Action On Traffic, E-Scooters, Rideshare . Hawaii’s four mayors have transportation initiatives on the brain in 2020, their latest requests to state lawmakers show. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposes study of traffic congestion pricing. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants state lawmakers to begin studying the idea of charging motorists a fee for driving on key roads during peak traffic hours, a concept known as congestion pricing that’s been in effect in London and other cities and was recently approved by New York state. Star-Advertiser.

All four County Mayors in Hawaii addressed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday afternoon. The Mayors were making their financial requests to the State Legislature and one topic they all agreed on was the need for funding to remove abandoned vehicles. KITV4.

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Hundreds with the Hawaii Rising movement gathered at the State Capitol. Hundreds with the Hawaii Rising movement gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 15, for the opening of the Legislature. KHON2.

Hawaiian protests move to state Capitol on opening day of business. Months of frustration on the part of Native Hawaiian activists at Mauna Kea, Kahuku and Waimanalo coalesced in a passionate rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday for the opening day of the 2020 Legislature, but key lawmakers said they were unclear about the rally’s message. Star-Advertiser.

Movement aimed to change political landscape to a future rooted in Aloha Aina. Thousands showed up for Hawaii Rising, a movement to change the political landscape to a new future rooted in Aloha Aina. KITV4.

Maunakea Unrest Discussed At Legislature Opening Day. Big Island Video News.

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Over 100 rally at state Capitol to support fight against human trafficking. Over 100 people attended the Ho‘ola Na Pua Walk and Fair at the state Capitol this afternoon to recognize January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Star-Advertiser.

Could ‘pop-up preschools’ help solve Hawaii’s child care woes? Legislators think so. An increase to the minimum wage, tax credits, affordable housing and universal preschool. Lawmakers say those are their priorities this legislative session. Hawaii News Now.


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Hawaii’s Office of Elections to send postcard reminders of vote-by-mail transition. The state Office of Elections will be mailing over 658,000 postcards to active registered voters in Hawaii to raise awareness of its transition to by-mail voting in the 2020 elections. Star-Advertiser.

Elections Officials Announce Voting by Mail. The Office of Elections will be sending out over 658,000 notification postcards to active registered voters in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Check your mail for important information on voting in 2020. The election is quickly approaching, and election officials want to make sure the transition to mail-in voting is a smooth one. Hawaii News Now.

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Fewer criminal cases taken to court statewide. In every county statewide, a suspect busted on the street is increasingly less likely to come before a judge and jury. KHON2.

Staffing And Facility Upgrades Among Top Priorities For Public Safety Department. State Department of Public Safety administrators outlined the department's budget priorities to lawmakers Tuesday at the state Capitol, including a request for $8.4 million over two years for staff on Mauna Kea. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Hawaii Correctional Facilities Ban Contact Visits Despite Potential Benefits. Studies suggest non-contact visits can be harmful for families, especially children. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A 4-day work week ... every week? A city councilwoman toys with the idea. Some city workers could be getting four-day weekends every week, if a new resolution catches on. Hawaii News Now.

City councilmember introduces resolution that could give some City workers a four-day work week. Honolulu City Councilmember and Mayoral candidate Kymberly Pine introduced a resolution on Wednesday urging the administration to consider giving certain City and County of Honolulu workers a four-day, 40-hour work week. KITV4.

1,700 gallons of wastewater spills at Pearl Harbor. U.S. Navy personnel responded to a wastewater spill resulting from three overflowing manholes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam this morning. Star-Advertiser.

Former KITV sportscaster Rick Quan returns to station as news anchor. KITV4 Island News announced today the return to the station and to Hawaii of veteran broadcast journalist Rick Quan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County mulling business sponsorships for parks. County parks may soon be “brought to you by” local businesses and other sponsors thanks to a proposed new county rule. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit: Slug Found In Sandwich Exposed Family To Rat Lungworm Disease. Two Hilo parents are suing the health food store that served them an avocado and lettuce sandwich that contained a two-and-a-half-inch long slug that they fear has exposed them and their infant to rat lungworm disease. Civil Beat.

Millions Requested For Future Maunakea Enforcement Operations. The Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Land and Natural Resources are both asking for a total of $8.7 million over the next two fiscal years for "Public Safety Operational Requirements". Big Island Video News.

Tents, other items remain on mauna. Anti-Thirty Meter Telescope protesters intend to remove abandoned property left behind following the months-long occupation of the Maunakea Access Road within the coming days. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Chair Delivers Legislative Package of 15 Bills. The Maui package includes 15 bills covering a wide range of issues, including the taxation authority and revenue, roadway safety, the regulation of hosting platforms for unpermitted vacation rentals and environmental issues like invasive species and sea-level rise. Maui Now.

Chairwoman to deliver bill package to legislators. 2020 Maui County Legislative Package includes 15 bills covering a wide range of issues, including taxation authority and revenue, roadway safety, the regulation of hosting platforms for unpermitted vacation rentals and environmental issues like invasive species and sea-level rise. Maui News.

West Maui Hui Sues Condo Over Blocked Shoreline Access. West Maui community groups Nā Papaʻi Wawae ʻUlaʻula and the West Maui Preservation Association filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Mahinahina condominium Kuleana II alleging blocked shoreline access. Maui Now.

$8M Alloted to Maintain Kahului, Kaunakakai Harbors. The US Army Corps of Engineers in Hawaiʻi received more than $8 million in federal funding to maintain the Kahului Deep Draft Harbor and the kaunakakai Deep Draft Harbor. Maui Now.

Leath named interim publisher of The Maui News. Bart Leath has been appointed interim publisher of The Maui News. Longtime Editor and Publisher Joe Bradley retired last month. Maui News.

Kauai

Copter crash Report: Visibility low. Safari Helicopters pilot Paul Matero flew the route of the fatal Dec. 26 tour flight successfully seven times the day of the crash that killed all passengers aboard the Airbus AS350 B2 chopper. Garden Island.

NTSB Report: Visibility Low When Kauai Tourist Helicopter Crashed. The preliminary report also said that the helicopter’s pilot was on his eighth and final scheduled 50-minute tour flight of the day. Associated Press.

NTSB says adverse weather conditions was a factor in the Kauai helicopter crash that killed 7. A witness hiking along a nearby trail reported heavy rain and fog at the time a tour helicopter crashed into a cliff face on Kauai in December, killing all seven people aboard, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases preliminary report on Kauai tour helicopter crash. The pilot of a Kauai tour helicopter that crashed Dec. 26 was on his eighth and final flight of the day, according to a preliminary NTSB report on the incident. Hawaii News Now.

NTSB releases preliminary report of fatal Kaua'i helicopter crash detailing eyewitness account. The National Transportation Safety Board released their preliminary report on what led up to that fatal helicopter crash on Kaua'i in December, killing all seven people on board. KITV4.

NTSB Preliminary Report Released into Kaua‘i Tour Helicopter Crash. A preliminary accident report released by the National Transportation Safety Board was released today, detailing initial findings involving a fatal tour helicopter crash on Kauaʻi that claimed the lives of seven on board last month. Maui Now.

Hearing set on Young Brothers rate hike request. The state Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public meetings relating to its review of Young Brothers LLC’s request for approval of a general rate increase of approximately 34% over revenue at present rates. Garden Island.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Hawaii's growing garbage heap, Honolulu police kill escapee, billionaire Ellison wants to buy Lanai electric grid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Garbage at Hawaii landfill ©2020 All Hawaii News
Trashing The Islands: Tossing, Forgetting No Longer Viable. While some conditions have changed for the better, each county continues to struggle with this reality: that we’re producing more trash than we can reasonably handle. Our trash is quite simply eating up scarce tax dollars and harming the environment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislature to Hold Hawaiʻi Homelessness Summit. In an effort to address homelessness, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will convene at the state capitol on Tuesday for the Hawaiʻi Homelessness Summit 2020. Maui Now.

Hawaii Board Of Education Wants More Transparency In School Construction Projects. The Department of Education is expected to identify the criteria it uses in deciding how to divide the money it gets to repair and maintain school facilities. Civil Beat.

Shipping company looking to raise rates by 34%, asking for public input. The company says it would generate $27 million in revenue to maintain operations and make a profit. KITV4.

Rare plant protection is up for debate at the U.S. Senate, thanks to Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and a team of other legislators that have introduced the Extinction Prevention Act. Garden Island.

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TMT takes center stage at astronomy conference as talks with Ige planned. Officials with the Thirty Meter Telescope are slated to meet with the governor this week to discuss the stalled project. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands gather for American Astronomical Society conference at Hawaii Convention Center. The meeting is a joint gathering with the AAS Historical Astronomy Division and High Energy Astrophysics Division. KITV4.

Oahu

Man fatally shot by police in Kailua was work furlough escapee, sources say. A man fatally shot by police in Kailua on Monday afternoon was a work furlough escapee who had been on the run since November, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Man fatally shot by police in Kailua. KITV4's sources tell us he was an escapee of a work-furlough program and was being hidden by his girlfriend. KITV4.

Police shoot, kill man after Kailua traffic stop. Honolulu police shot and killed an apparently armed man Monday afternoon during a traffic stop in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Shoot Man In Kailua. A woman who was in the car with the suspect has been arrested. Civil Beat.

Man dies in officer involved shooting in Kailua. A witness says police surrounded a Silver PT Cruiser in a parking lot of Aikahi Gardens. KHON2.

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Shakeup afoot at the federal office that exposed the Kealohas’ criminal behavior. Peter Wolff, the head of the federal public defender’s office is being pushed out after 24 years, in a move many in the legal community are questioning. Hawaii News Now.

Hauula road collapse is a glimpse into the future. Officials say Friday’s collapse of Kamehameha Highway in Hauula from coastal erosion is merely a preview of what’s to come as climate change and rising sea levels accelerate into the future. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home and condo prices rose in December. Oahu’s housing market ended 2019 with moderate gains in median sale prices for December but fell just short of producing a full-year gain in part of the market. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation Rentals Are Still Thriving In Kailua. Critics warned that a bill to crack down on illegal vacation rentals would doom Kailua’s economy. But months later, the town still bustles with tourists and hundreds of vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Former SHOPO President Sues Over Police Chief Comments In A Civil Beat Story. Tenari Maafala left the Honolulu Police Department in 2018 after he was moved to another assignment by the new police chief. Civil Beat.

Shoddy window installation at center of new UH lawsuit. UH is suing an architect and contractors over faulty window installations at the school’s $133 million dollar Cancer Center. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers wanted for annual homeless Point-in-Time count. The annual homeless point-in-time count is set to begin and volunteers are needed. Hawaii News Now.

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Dogs and their owners get new park in Moiliili. Moiliili has a new park where dogs can run free while their human caretakers mingle in the great outdoors. Star-Advertiser.

Public-private partnership helps bring new dog park to area near UH Manoa campus.  Oahu’s newest off-leash dog park, which opened Monday in Moiliili, was created with the help a public-private partnership involving the Hawaiian Humane Society ― a partnership that city officials hope can be used as a model for other projects moving forward. Hawaii News Now.

Off-leash dog park opens at Kalo Place Mini Park. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Rat lungworm disease at the focus of an international Hilo workshop. A Big Island man who was diagnosed with rat lungworm disease gave a presentation about his excruciating experience to the crowd at an international workshop in Hilo on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island man’s battle with rat lungworm kicks off workshop. Mark LeRoy and his wife, Maya Parish, were the first to present at the sixth international workshop on rat lungworm, a three-day program that kicked off Monday morning, drawing more than 250 participants from eight countries to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Health food store apologizes after woman bites into slug on her sandwich. A Big Island woman has filed a complaint with the state Health Department after she says she bit into a slug in a deli sandwich. Hawaii News Now.

Council to vote on breakwater resolution. The Hawaii County Council will vote next week whether to approve a state and federal study of potential modifications to the Hilo Bay breakwater. Tribune-Herald.

Routes canceled as Hele-On bus shortage intensifies. The wheels on the bus aren’t going ‘round the island as frequently as before, as the county Mass Transit Agency struggles with a shortage of Hele-On buses to cover all the routes. West Hawaii Today.

Works begins on farmers market canopy. Visitors to Hilo Farmers Market on Monday found the produce area moved from its usual spot adjacent to Reuben’s Mexican Food to the Keaukaha side of Mamo Street. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County population up slightly, graying. Officials gearing up for census gathering, coming in the spring. Maui News.
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Hearings to be held on Young Brothers rate hikes. Public hearings to discuss interisland shipper Young Brothers’ 34 percent rate hike will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Maui County’s ‘Section 8’ waiting list to re-open for limited period. Maui County is reopening the waiting list for the federal rental housing subsidy program formally known as “Section 8.” Hawaii News Now.

Housing Choice Voucher Program Re-Opens Wait List. Applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List will be accepted later this month, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Weigh in on KIUC’s water diversions. Those wanting to weigh in on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s bid for a long-term lease of water used for the Waiahai hydropower plants have until midnight tonight to comment on the draft environmental assessment. Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices tied record in 2019. Condominium prices on Kauai last year tied a more than decade-old record that stood out as a highlight in data from two neighbor island housing markets released Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Median price of Kauai condominiums jumps 23% in 2019. The median price of a condominium on Kauai jumped by more than 20% in 2019 as sales of both condos and single-family homes declined when compared with 2018, while the median price of a single-family home on the Garden Isle rose 14% in December, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison is looking to buy more of Lanai. The tech industry titan, who already owns 98% of the former Pineapple Isle, wants to buy Lanai’s power plant and grid from the state’s largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai In Talks To Buy Grid From Hawaiian Electric. The move, the parties say, aims to help create micro grids powered by renewable energy and lower electricity costs. Civil Beat.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Fish poop builds beaches, Thielen, one of just 5 Republicans in Hawaii House, not seeking reelection, Haleakala tours to be limited, rat lungworm case identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Parrotfish in Hawaii ©2019 All Hawaii News
Fish Poop: Our Secret Weapon Against Beach Erosion. The uhu fish are “lawnmowers of the sea” and play a vital role in producing sand. But they’re at risk. Civil Beat.

Businesses get a break on state fees after funds go unspent. State officials have reduced or halted collection of a number of business and licensing fees amid concerns that the money being collected wasn’t serving a useful purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Thielen Will Not Seek Re-Election To State House. Thielen, a moderate Republican who has represented Kailua and Kaneohe Bay since 1990, is perhaps best known for her advocacy of industrial hemp. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Army National Guard Col. Roy J. Macaraeg was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony Tuesday at Washington Place, becoming what is believed to be the first Filipino soldier to attain the rank of general officer in the history of Hawaii’s citizen soldier ranks, Gov. David Ige’s office said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Swears in HIARNG’s First Filipino General Officer. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Colonel Roy J. Macaraeg, who was promoted to brigadier general, in a ceremony held at Washington Place. Big Island Now.

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EPA fines Oahu shrimp truck, 2 Hawaii island properties for illegal cesspools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said so far this year it has issued $104,143 in fines and ordered the closure of five, illegal large-capacity cesspools in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

EPA Forces Closure Of 5 Hawaii Cesspools. The ongoing enforcement is intended to protect drinking water and coastal resources. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Police Ethics Training Hopes To Stop ‘Misguided Loyalty’. The new program from New Orleans teaches police officers to intervene and prevent mistakes before they happen. Civil Beat.

Councilman wants to audit HPD and prosecutor’s office in light of Kealohas’ conviction. Ron Menor says we need to find out how the corruption involving the Kealohas can be prevented in the future. KHON2.

Labor agreement bill up for final vote. A bill that would require major city construction jobs to employ unionized workers is up for a final vote before the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Officials say less than half of Oahu drivers have REAL-ID compliant licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Project being built at $11.5 million Diamond Head home causing controversy. Real estate website Zillow bills this home as 'the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Beautiful beach views, a pool, and the potential for private beach access is exactly what the owner has planned. KITV.

NOAA investigating death of monk seal pup found on Oahu’s North Shore. A 2-month old, female Hawaiian monk seal pup was recently found dead on Oahu’s North Shore, according to wildlife officials, with the circumstances surrounding her death indicating it was not of natural causes. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy prosecutor ordered to keep distance from defense lawyer. A state judge handed down an order Tuesday prohibiting a deputy prosecutor, who admits that he shoved defense lawyer Myles Breiner in a state courthouse hallway, from approaching or interacting with Breiner. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH Regents Move Vote On Mauna Kea Rules To Hawaii Island. The change from Oahu is meant to allow more residents of the Big Island to be heard by the regents. Civil Beat.

UH Regents Change Maunakea Rules Meeting Location To Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Protesters to Kim: Inclusion of TMT in vision for Maunakea still an obstacle to ‘Way Forward’. After a meeting between Thirty Meter Telescope opponents and Mayor Harry Kim on Monday at the Maunakea Access Road, neither side has any intention of backing down. Tribune-Herald.

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County looks to reappropriate $8.4M in unspent fuel tax funds. As more money pumps into county road projects, thanks in part to a 161% increase in the fuel tax rate since 2017, the county is having trouble spending it fast enough. West Hawaii Today.

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Unwashed Produce Likely Cause Of 7th Rat Lungworm Case Of 2019. A tourist visiting West Hawaii likely contracted the angiostrongyliasis disease by eating unwashed fresh produce and was the seventh person to be infected this year. Civil Beat.

Seventh case of rat lungworm this year confirmed in visitor to Hawaii island. The state Health Department said Tuesday there has been another laboratory-confirmed case of rat lungworm disease in an adult visitor to Hawaii island, the seventh so far this year. Star-Advertiser.

7th case of rat lungworm disease confirmed on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Reservation system in works for access to Haleakala Trail. It would allow for quarterly guided hikes. Maui News.

Maalaea fire prevention, erosion work funded by grant. Maui Nui Marine Resource Council awarded $300,000. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC seeks input on water diversions. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s draft environmental assessment regarding the Waiahi hydropower plants has been published, and the public has until Nov. 7 to comment on it. Garden Island.

Ocean temps contribute to warmer weather. In the past 30 days, 16 record highs have been tied or broken at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Monday, July 15, 2019

Hundreds attend vigil as Thirty Meter Telescope construction to commence today, arson investigation in Maui wildfires, security cameras going up in Oahu parks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaiians chant, prepare on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News
With TMT construction set to begin, protesters lie on ground to block potential vehicles. At least seven protesters were lying on the ground, chained to a cattle guard on Mauna Kea Access Road early Monday, just hours before construction was set to start on the controversial project. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents on Mauna Kea in attempt to block construction. State and local officials will try to close a road to the summit of Mauna Kea Monday morning to allow trucks carrying construction equipment to make their way to the top to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on land that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Associated Press.

Hundreds of Native Hawaiian activists encamped Sunday at the bottom of Mauna Kea were determined to stand their ground against the launching of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope — unsure of how law enforcement would intervene or what the morning would bring. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Makes Surprise Visit To Puuhonua At Base Of Mauna Kea. Mayor Harry Kim made a surprise visit to Puu Huluhulu on Sunday, where he told the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who have established a puuhonua at the location that he supports what they have done. Big Island Video News.

Hundreds gather for prayer vigil. A 12-hour prayer vigil Sunday drew hundreds opposed to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea to Pu‘u Huluhulu, across from the intersection of Saddle Road. Tribune-Herald.

Crowds gather on Maunakea prior to TMT project start. With less than 24 hours before the Maunakea summit access road was expected to close in anticipation of the start of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope, hundreds gathered here over the weekend offering oli, mele and prayers as part of a peaceful yet determined demonstration at the base of Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds gather to protest TMT, construction begins Monday. Hundreds gathered at the base of Maunakea to peacefully protest the Thirty Meter Telescope, which is scheduled to begin construction Monday morning, July 15. KHON2.

Hundreds of TMT protestors gather at Maunakea. Hundreds of protestors are already gathered at the base of Maunakea on the eve of the start of telescope construction. KITV.

Anxiety, Rumors And Prayers Before TMT Construction Begins On Mauna Kea. Officials are committed to escorting construction vehicles for the Thirty Meter Telescope up the mountain Monday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige addresses concerns ahead of the start of TMT construction. Gov. David Ige held a news conference Sunday to address the mounting tensions over the start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Attempts to Tamp Down Tensions As TMT Opponents Gather At Mauna Kea. Hawaii Gov. David Ige sought to quell rumors of a planned sweep to clear out protesters gathering at Mauna Kea as construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain begins this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige Says No Sweeps Planned. “There is no sweep planned for 8 p.m. this evening,” Governor David Ige told media during a Sunday news conference on Oahu. “There’s no sweeps planned at this point.” Big Island Video News.

Full Video: Gov. Ige holds press conference day before TMT ground break. Hawaii Gov. David Ige held a press conference the day before the ground break of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea on Sunday. KHON2.

OHA demands TMT halt until Native Hawaiian concerns, safety issues resolved. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Colette Machado and OHA Trustee Dan Ahuna are demanding a halt to construction of the long-stalled Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea “to avoid harm to Native Hawaiians” and ensure public safety. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Chair Demands Governor Halt TMT Construction. The chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has demanded a halt to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope that is scheduled to start next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

The DOE’s Chief Financial Officer Is Leaving For UH. Amy Kunz’s appointment to the University of Hawaii system was tucked in a recent meeting agenda item from the UH Board of Regents. Civil Beat.

Court Rejects Feds’ Withholding Of Info In UH Biolab Inspection Report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heavily redacted a report that found safety infractions at the facility. Civil Beat.

Shawzy Cann is one of the 82 people with confirmed cases of rat lungworm disease from 2007 to 2017. A review of the cases was published last week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State agency to study transferring control of Kakaako to city. One day after Ige issued his veto Tuesday, board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority overseeing Kakaako voted to spend up to $100,000 for a private consultant to produce a study on transferring the agency’s Kakaako responsibilities to another entity or entities, despite concerns that such a transfer would be premature and unwise. Star-Advertiser.

Council’s office move to Alii Place hits a snag. The Honolulu City Council’s plan to temporarily move into offices at the downtown Alii Place tower has hit a snag that likely will push the renovation of Council offices at Honolulu Hale into 2021. Star-Advertiser.

More improvements are coming to Ala Moana Beach Park. Up next: Repaving. Work to resurface the main road in Ala Moana Regional Park is scheduled to begin next month. Hawaii News Now.

To curb vandalism, nearly 200 security cameras will be installed in Oahu parks. The City and County of Honolulu plans to install nearly 200 more security cameras at its busiest parks under a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha diagnosis raises questions about her city job. After a jury convicted former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha of multiple felony counts, the lead federal prosecutor described her as a chronic malingerer, someone who feigned medical ailments to avoid accountability for her actions. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Officials 'Not Pleased' With West Oahu Land Transfer Mandate. A dispute is brewing over a parcel of land in West Oahu designated as the site of a new state film studio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Changing Habits Yields Health Benefits At MA’O Farms In Waianae. Early data from a UH study shows interns at the farm lowered their diabetes risk by altering eating habits and lifestyles —  with a ripple effect of health benefits for friends and families. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort offers community garden plots. The resort owner is offering 500-square-foot plots adjacent to its resort property as a community garden for employees, North Shore residents and neighborhood organizations including nonprofits and schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Zoning change would allow cinder quarry to expand. A cinder quarry south of Leilani Estates may be expanded in the next few years after a petition was filed by Kamehameha Schools last month. Tribune-Herald.

County plans project to install better performing streetlights around the island.  Tribune-Herald.

Waiaka Stream Bridge project gains traction. Sen. Lorraine Inouye said the state’s effort to replace the 87-year-old bridge, located near the intersection of Kohala Mountain and Kawaihae roads in Waimea, “is moving along except for … the stall of needing additional property.” Tribune-Herald.

Dairy wastewater lagoons in process of being removed. The removal of wastewater lagoons at Big Island Dairy is currently underway, the state Department of Health said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Urges Vigilance: Wildfires Burn 9,200 Acres. Mayor Michael Victorino asked residents and visitors to exercise caution Sunday in the wake of wildfires that have kicked up clouds of dirt and ash from Upcountry Maui to Kaupo and South Maui. Maui Now.

Attention shifts to arson investigation as crews gain upper hand in Maui wildfires. Officials on Maui remained on high alert as a raging wildfire --believed to be the largest in the county’s history -- continued to burn out of control in Central Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighting focus turns toward hot spots, flare-ups. Both blazes nearing containment, county says. Maui News.

Maui Fires Kick Up Dust, Ash As Mop-Up Continues. Maui residents and visitors were advised to drive carefully and stay indoors, if needed, as dust and ash from two brush fires lowered road visibility as well as air quality in parts of the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

New police chief visits North Shore. Several North Shore residents were invited to meet and greet new Kauai Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck, as well as Lt. Todd Tanaka, acting North Shore captain, and Capt. Mark Begley, patrol captain for the entire island. Garden Island.

Housing market holding strong. The real estate market on Kauai remained relatively strong through the first half of 2019, but overall sales figures across the island are down from this time last year, and the market could be in for a substantial downturn, Realtors said. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe watershed rehabilitation project is bearing fruit. The formerly bare, red-dirt slopes of Hakioawa watershed on the northern slopes of Kahoolawe island are now festooned with green through the labors of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission and 199 volunteers from around the state. Star-Advertiser.