Showing posts with label resorts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resorts. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Hawaii's on-again-off-again reopening plans are off again, Honolulu mayor to loosen restrictions, Kauai to open resort bubbles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii sunset with airplane ©2020 All Hawaii News
Gov. Ige says pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism probably won’t begin Oct. 1. Gov. David Ige today said that he’s likely to delay for the third time the start of a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-travel testing program likely to be delayed beyond Oct. 1. It’s likely that the 14-day mandatory quarantine for all passengers arriving to Hawaii will remain in place beyond Oct. 1, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Ige says loosening of restrictions on travel unlikely by end of this month. State restrictions on travel to Hawaii are unlikely to be loosened by Oct. 1, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Out-of-State Travel Quarantine Likely to be Extended. Out-of-state travelers will likely remain subject to quarantine restrictions beyond Oct. 1. Big Island Now.

Governor Ige says tourism’s return October 1 is unlikely, pilot programs could come first. Governor David Ige said Monday that it is unlikely that trans-Pacific travel will reopen without the state’s mandatory 14-day travel quarantine before the tentatively scheduled date of Oct. 1. KHON2.

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State adding 25 more contact tracers this week to help track COVID-19 cases. There are currently 256 contact tracers on-the-job in Hawaii. KITV4.

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Can Military Spending Prop Up Hawaii’s Faltering Economy? As tourism crumbles and tensions escalate between the U.S. and China, the military’s economic role in the islands could become more prominent. Civil Beat.

Jobless claims increasing. Initial unemployment claims are again on the rise statewide, a University of Hawaii economist told the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness. Tribune-Herald.

Economic woes widen as governor prepares to delay Hawaii’s reopening again. Gov. David Ige said Monday that he’s likely to delay for the third time the start of a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Economist: Hawaii’s Economic Fall Will Be Worse Than Predicted. Researchers are starting to get more data on just how the extended closure of Hawaii’s tourism industry has impacted the economy. Civil Beat.

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2 Senate Staffers Test Positive For COVID-19. The Senate president says social distancing and other protocols were observed and the risk of spread remains low. Civil Beat.

DOH Names Care Homes Affected by COVID-19. A new list doesn’t include case numbers and is not as comprehensive as advocates would like. Civil Beat.

More than 6,000 have applied for rent relief. A new state program providing $100 million of rental assistance to struggling tenants has been wildly popular since being established last week. Tribune-Herald.

Former DLIR Director Scott Murakami takes job at DBEDT. The former head of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, who resigned from his post in August after being on paid leave for two months, has resurfaced at another state agency. Star-Advertiser.

‘Equity Specialists’ Are Reviewing Hawaii DOE’s Problematic Online Learning Program. The state Board of Education is scheduled to take up the issue at its meeting Thursday as parents’ complaints over culturally insensitive content continue. Civil Beat.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 14: 80 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since March, 635 people with the virus have been hospitalized. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials report 80 new coronavirus infections statewide. Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported 80 new infections statewide, bringing the state’s totals since the beginning of the pandemic to 10,779 COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor pledges to ease restrictions on retailers, gatherings starting next week.  Facing criticism of his stay-at-home order as COVID-19 infections drop on Oahu, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday said he’s hoping to relax some rules next week. Hawaii News Now.

It’s been about three weeks since Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a second stay-at-home order for Oahu. Since then there has been confusion over what businesses are considered essential and can stay open versus the non-essential stores that must stay shuttered. KHON2.

Oahu retailers get ready to reopen. Honolulu’s mayor said Monday if the drop in cases continue, the lock down won’t be extended. Hawaii News Now.

HPD issues thousands of citations over the weekend. Honolulu Police officers issued approximately 2,700 citations over the weekend for emergency order violations. KHON2.

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Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says Oahu surge testing successful; more than 60K tested in 2 weeks. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell declared Oahu’s mass surge testing effort a success, with more than 60,000 people tested for COVID-19 over the past 14 days. Star-Advertiser.

Surge Testing Program Is Showing How To Control The Coronavirus On Oahu. Preliminary results of a federal coronavirus surge testing drive on Oahu indicate that the infection’s spread is concentrated in certain communities. Civil Beat.

Positive rates likely to rise with fewer COVID-19 tests. Now that COVID-19 surge testing on Oahu is finished after a nearly three-week run, one key metric to monitoring the severity of the pandemic in Hawaii might get worse. Star-Advertiser.

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Homeless shelter reopens following COVID-19 outbreak, but with fewer beds. One of Oahu’s largest homeless shelters is back open after a COVID-19 outbreak prompted health officials to shut it down last month and use it as a quarantine facility. Hawaii News Now.

Plan to upgrade, expand West Loch munitions annex has neighbors on edge. A draft environmental assessment describes a new Army munitions storage complex at the Navy’s West Loch Annex within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser.

Park Service seeks to replace Pearl Harbor shore-side floating dock. The National Park Serv­ice is seeking public comment on a proposed project to replace the deteriorating shore-side floating dock and anchoring system at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim: VA team to investigate Hilo veterans home. Mayor Harry Kim said a team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will arrive later this week to investigate the situation at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and make changes to better manage a deadly COVID-19 outbreak there. Tribune-Herald.

13th coronavirus fatality reported at Hilo veterans home as more federal aid pledged. A Hilo veterans home scrambling to contain a COVID-19 outbreak saw its 13th coronavirus fatality Monday. Hawaii News Now.

HOPE Services returns no positive tests. All 98 HOPE Services shelter residents and staff tested last week for COVID-19 have received negative results, the organization announced Monday. West Hawaii Today.

These Big Island Residents Are Trying To Keep Remote Beaches Safe And Sanitary. Illegal campers are flocking to beaches that have no county police to enforce shutdown orders. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County Council approves 2 affordable housing projects. Two affordable housing projects slated for South Maui got the green light from the Maui County Council on Friday afternoon. Maui News.

Hawaiian Language Keyboard Developed by UH Maui Professor is Released by Google. University of Hawai‘i Maui College Assistant Professor Dr. Keola Donaghy has developed and Google has just released a Hawaiian language keyboard extension for users of the Chome OS operating system. Maui Now.

Mayor Interview: Team to Meet with Poi By The Pound. Mayor Victorino’s team is meeting with the Poi By The Pound restaurant today.  Earlier this month, the local eatery had announced its planned closure on Sept. 11, amid the ongoing pandemic. Maui Now.

Condo listings, prices jump in August. Single-family home inventory and costs decline from 2019. New listings for condominium units on Maui last month skyrocketed 97 percent in year-over-year data, according to the latest Realtors Association of Maui report. Maui News.

Kauai

State to approve Kaua‘i resort bubble. Gov. David Ige is set to approve a voluntary “Resort Bubble” program on Kaua‘i in the hopes to bring tourism revenue back to the county this week. Garden Island.

Council discusses additional agriculture usages. Noting the impacts of the on-going coronavirus pandemic on farmers and ranchers, the Kaua‘i County Council is looking at a number of additional revenue options residents can utilize on agricultural land. Garden Island.

Molokai

Search intensifies for quarantine sites on Molokai as number of active cases grows to 13. There are now 13 active cases of COVID-19 on Molokai. And that has state and county leaders scrambling to find a quarantine location. Hawaii News Now.

Friday, August 21, 2020

Ige approves resort bubbles, Oahu inmate release spurs controversy, 'Temptation Island' filming postponed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Beach fun at Hawaii resort ©2020 All Hawaii News
Hawaii Gov. David Ige gives counties right to pursue resort travel bubbles. The concept, which isn’t out of the starting gate yet, would give quarantining visitors from in-state and out-of-state the right to roam at designated areas in participating hotels or resorts. They wouldn’t be allowed off the resorts for the 14 days. If they stray, a geofencing app or device would alert police. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Empowers Counties to Explore Resort Bubbles. Gov. David Ige today signed a 12th supplementary emergency proclamation that empowers the counties to establish resort bubbles as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i Hotel Bubbles: Counties Can Now Enter “Enhanced Movement Quarantine” Agreements with Resorts. The governor’s latest supplementary emergency proclamation, which was signed today, includes a provision that empowers the counties to establish an Enhanced Movement Quarantine or EMQ through agreements with resort or hotel facilities. Maui Now.

Maui And Kauai Move Forward With Plan For Quarantine ‘Resort Bubbles’. Resort bubbles wouldn’t allow visitors to forgo the state’s quarantine order, but would allow them to complete the 14-day period at a resort — rather than stuck in their room. Civil Beat.

Ige, Kawakami, Victorino discuss ‘resort bubble’ concept. The concept of what the state calls “enhanced movement quarantine” or “resort bubble” dominated Thursday’s COVID-19 media conference as Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami and Maui Mayor Mike Victorino joined Gov. David Ige via Zoom. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii counties explore modified traveler quarantine. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Thursday said he has authorized the state’s counties to develop agreements with hotels that would allow travelers from out of state to move around resort properties during their 14-day traveler quarantine. Associated Press.

Maui and Kauai move forward with resort bubble plan. With the reopening of tourism pushed back to October at the earliest, Maui and Kauai counties are moving forward with a plan to welcome tourists by having what’s known as resort bubbles. KHON2.

Kaua‘i considers resort bubble. The County of Kaua‘i is moving forward with the resort-bubble plan, offering a collaboration with hotels, which includes the safety guidance, expectations and overall instructions of a geo-fencing-technology device that sets boundaries for guests confined to the property due to COVID-19 quarantine. Garden Island.

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Governor: I’m getting details before applying for additional federal jobless aid. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he wants more clarification before applying for a new federal program that would provide an additional $300 in benefits to the unemployed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Hospitals May Need Federal Help To Handle A Potential Flood Of Patients. With hundreds of new COVID-19 cases confirmed every day, hospitals could run out of staff to care for patients. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Cases At Care Homes Are ‘Worse Than We Imagined’. More than two dozen elderly care facilities in Hawaii have been affected by COVID-19, according to data released earlier this week, prompting calls from kupuna advocates for a more concerted effort to prevent infections at care homes. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige extends COVID-19 emergency period through September. On Thursday Governor David Ige signed a twelfth supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the COVID-19 emergency period through September 30. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige extends the eviction moratorium in COVID-19 fight. Gov. David Ige extended the state’s moratorium on rental evictions and approved other measures Thursday aimed at slowing the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii unemployment rate decreases to 13.1% in July. Hawaii’s unemployment rate fell for the third straight month and dipped to 13.1% in July even as the state grappled with a surge of coronavirus cases that kept the tourism industry in a virtual lockdown. Star-Advertiser.

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UH Regents Approve Emergency Action In Response To Pandemic. The resolution gives university administrators broad support as difficult budget cuts loom but no specific reductions were made on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Kishimoto: Reopening of schools to be approved by health, state, county officials. The state Board of Education will have metrics in place next week to determine whether in-person schooling is safe to resume. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers, parents ask Board of Education to extend period of virtual learning. Teachers, parents, and students virtually testified before the Board of Education on Thursday, with many asking that instruction remain virtual for the first semester. Hawaii News Now.

Telework allowed only on a case-by-case basis for Hawaii public school teachers. Hundreds of public school teachers pleaded with the Board of Education on Thursday to let them telework given the surge in COVID-19 cases, saying their contract calls for it in emergencies like this. Star-Advertiser.

New COVID-19 Response Team Will Help Schools Deal With Positive Cases. State education officials have been increasingly criticized for not releasing information when positive cases occur. Civil Beat.

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Prison oversight commission upset as COVID-19 cases multiply. Members of the Hawaii Correctional Systems Oversight Commission on Thursday voiced growing frustration at the lack of cooperation — and urgency — from the Department of Public Safety and other state agencies as they try to meet their mandate to help ease overcrowding and the spread of COVID-19 at prisons and jails. Star-Advertiser.

Working long shifts, National Guard members scramble to ramp up contact tracing efforts. Of the approximately 100 new contact tracers now stationed at the Hawaii Convention Center, about a quarter are members of the Hawaii National Guard. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii reports 2 additional COVID-19 fatalities, 236 new cases. Two additional COVID-19 fatalities in Hawaii were reported Thursday, pushing the death toll in the islands from the virus to 45. Nineteen people with COVID-19 have died in Hawaii this month alone. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 20: 236 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Officials recorded the first COVID-19 death of a Lanai resident. Civil Beat.

2 new COVID-19 deaths and 236 new coronavirus cases as Hawaii’s tally climbs to 5,844. Hawaii Department of Health officials reported two new COVID-19 deaths today, bringing the statewide coronavirus-related death toll to 45. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 236 New Cases, 2 Additional Deaths; Ige Extends COVID-19 Emergency Period. Governor David Ige issued his twelfth supplementary emergency proclamation -- extending the emergency period until September 30. This extends the state's requirement for facial coverings in compliance with county rules, the 14-day qurantine for out-of-state travelers and the inter-island travel quarantine, and rental eviction moratorium. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Foreign lobbying scandal entangles well-known political fundraiser in Hawaii. A prominent Hawaii political fundraiser has found herself entangled in a major international scandal involving allegations of illegal lobbying by foreign interests. In a criminal complaint filed this week, 45-year-old Nickie Mali Lum Davis and several mainland political fundraisers are being accused of using their clout to illegally to influence the Trump administration in exchange for $8 million. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Inmates Are Released As COVID-19 Spreads Inside Hawaii’s Largest Jail. A class-action lawsuit is planned in response to this “major catastrophe” as more prisoners arrive at OCCC. Civil Beat.

Police chief, public defender clash as OCCC COVID-19 cluster grows. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard responded at-length to a request to scale back arrests. KITV4.

Honolulu police chief disagrees with request to step back on low-level arrests amid COVID-19 outbreak. There is a difference of opinion on how to deal with COVID-19 at jails and prisons. The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) said non-violent offenders should not be arrested, but the Honolulu police chief said that is not viable. KHON2.

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Oceanit’s COVID saliva test gets NIH funding, clinical trials to start at Queen’s Medical Center. Perhaps as early as this weekend, people getting their noses swabbed to test for COVID-19 at Queen’s Medical Center and Island Urgent Care may also be asked to provide a little saliva. Star-Advertiser.

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New rules this week to limit the spread of COVID-19 on Oahu by generally restricting gatherings to no more than five people are adding to confusion about how people should behave — especially with the state at condition yellow, meaning minor disruption. Star-Advertiser.

Churches, restaurants work to make sense of Oahu’s new rules on social gatherings.  New restrictions on Oahu social gatherings aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 have also led to confusion about what they actually mean. Hawaii News Now.

Social gatherings at homes prohibited, movie theaters set to reopen. New restrictions aimed at limiting gatherings went into effect on Thursday, Aug. 20 as case numbers remain in the hundreds on Oahu. KHON2.

Changes in mandate for churches on Oahu causes confusion for some. The rules are confusing for some, but the pastor for Inspire Church says his congregation is ahead of the game. KITV4.

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The Honolulu Police Department’s COVID-19 violator hotline cooling off. The Honolulu Police Department’s COVID-19 hot­ line was hot when it first opened, but has cooled a bit lately. Star-Advertiser.

Two New Honolulu Police Commissioners Confirmed By City Council. One vacancy remains on the commission charged with providing oversight of the Honolulu Police Department. Civil Beat.

Oahu restaurants closed by city recount strict, confusing enforcement of emergency liquor order. The enforcement of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 emergency order prohibiting the sale or consumption of alcohol after 10 p.m. on Oahu appears strict, confusing and unfair, according to managers who were recently cited. West Hawaii Today.

Investors balk at fulfilling North Shore farm project. An ambitious farm and value-added food manufacturing venture on Oahu involving Kamehameha Schools has stalled for lack of investment capital. Star-Advertiser.

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Lottery set for low-income units of ‘pimple building.' The developer of Queen Emma Apartments plans to begin accepting applications on Monday to enter a lottery for selecting households to occupy 71 units where monthly rent ranges from $661 for studios to $1,701 for two-bedroom units. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu affordable housing project accepting lottery applications on Aug. 24. An affordable housing project in downtown Honolulu is almost finished, and it needs tenants. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim seeks to limit size of social gatherings. A restriction on gathering sizes in both indoor and outdoor settings could resume on the Big Island following Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim’s submission Thursday of an 11th emergency rule to Gov. David Ige for approval. West Hawaii Today.

Gathering Size Restrictions Likely to Return to Big Island. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim is asking the governor to approve his Emergency Rule 11 to reduce gathering sizes on the Big Island to 10 people, both indoors and outdoors. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County mayor requests gov. approval to reduce size of gatherings. In a new rule, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim is requesting the governor’s approval to reduce the size of gatherings in the county. KHON2.

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Maunakea stewardship restructure plan OK’d. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously approved a new internal management structure for governance of lands on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Kea Internal Management Restructuring Approved. The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents have today approved a revised plan to restructure the internal management of UH-managed lands on Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

Regal theaters reopen today. Two Hawaii Island movie theaters reopen today following a lengthy closure prompted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

‘Temptation Island’ filming postponed on Maui. Filming of the third season of USA Network’s “Temptation Island” on Maui has been postponed amid concerns of the coronavirus pandemic as daily counts continue in the triple digits. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Announces Delay of Temptation Island Production Amid Surge in COVID-19 Cases. Mayor Michael Victorino announced that production on the television show Temptation Island has been delayed due to current COVID-19 health and safety concerns in Maui County. Maui Now.

'Temptation Island' production stalled after mounting concerns over steady COVID-19 surge. After growing opposition from many community members on the "Valley Isle"--plans to tape a reality TV show at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort have been postponed. KITV4.

Mayor again warns of county restraints. Hospital COVID-19 cases climb to 45. As Maui hit a single-day record for COVID-19 cases, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino again warned that he will reinstate emergency restrictions if numbers don’t improve — this time by Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Volunteers virtually map out missing communities. On Aug. 19, World Humanitarian Day, the American Red Cross (ARC) kicked off its first Great Hawai‘i Mapathon, an effort of the American Red Cross’ Missing Map project. Garden Island.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Hawaii Supreme Court orders inmate release amid COVID-19 jail outbreak, finger-pointing continues as coronavirus cases escalate, Obama beach house controversy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Prison wire ©2020 All Hawaii News
Court orders some inmates released. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ordered the temporary release of certain pretrial detainees and inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, where COVID-19 cases continue to spread and cause unrest. Star-Advertiser.

As COVID-19 rages through state’s largest jail, court orders release of some inmates. With coronavirus raging through OCCC uncontrollably, the state Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the release of certain inmates from the overcrowded facility. The order comes on the same day that the state Public Safety Department announced that the number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 at OCCC had swelled to 170. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court orders the release of some OCCC inmates by Wednesday. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ordered the release of some of its Oahu Community Correctional Center inmates by Wednesday, August 19. KHON2.

Supreme Court orders OCCC jail inmate release due to COVID-19. Releases start Wednesday, and anyone released has to check in with the court in February. KITV4.

Inmates Start Fires Over Quarantine Lockdowns, Cramped Conditions. The state Supreme Court ordered the release of certain inmates because physical distancing is not possible and has the potential to place the inmates and staff at risk of death. Civil Beat.

Inmate unrest reported at OCCC, where number of COVID-19 cases has swelled to 200. Growing tension at Oahu Community Correctional Center led to inmate unrest on Sunday, with detainees setting several small fires. Hawaii News Now.

Inmates causing damage, setting fires as COVID-19 outbreak continues to strain OCCC. “Quarantine lockdowns, and cramped conditions, combined with the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak at OCCC translates to inmates becoming restless and agitated,” said a representative for the Department of Public Safety. KHON2.

OCCC inmates show frustration over lock down second day in a row. For the second day in a row, inmates at Hawaii's largest correctional facility started a fire in the housing module. KITV4.

‘An utter failure': Legal, medical experts fault state for massive outbreak at OCCC. Experts blasted the state for the massive COVID-19 outbreak at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, saying prison officials have not done enough to stop the spread. Hawaii News Now.

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‘This is their fault’: Dr. Miscovich rips Hawaii DOH. Dr. Scott Miscovich was emphatic when placing blame for the surge in positive coronavirus tests on Oahu in recent weeks, many of which he has tested himself. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 16: 220 New Cases As Surge Continues. Most of the cases were on Oahu, where officials are battling an outbreak in the state’s largest jail. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 9 Queen's Workers Positive; 220 New Cases; Positivity Rate Tops WHO Guideline. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 220 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the state's total to over 5,000 at 5,042. These include 4,591 on Oahu, 148 on Hawaii Island, 226 in Maui County, and 54 on Kauai. Twenty-three cases were diagnosed out of state. The death toll stands at 40.  Hawaii Public Radio.

With a benchmark of 3,000 active COVID-19 cases surpassed, another lockdown is on the table. Hawaii’s active corona­virus cases on Sunday went over 3,000 — a benchmark that health care officials have said would warrant a month-long stay-at-home order for Oahu, where most of the infections are. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus Cases in Hawai‘i Top 5,000 Sunday. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 220 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 5,042. Big Island Now.

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State Lawmakers Call For Steps To Blunt Trump Anti-Mail Balloting Moves. The chairs of the Hawaii legislative judiciary committees called for action to prevent the state's highly successful mail-in balloting from being disrupted by President Trump's moves against the U.S Postal Service.  Hawaii Public Radio.

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Amid economic crisis, the state unemployment office is hiring. Hawaii has 27 unemployment claim adjudicators, four of whom are currently on medical leave, plus 11 volunteers from other state agencies, six retirees who came back to help, and 12 new hires, said William Kunstman, DLIR spokesman. Hawaii News Now.

Health Officials Knew COVID-19 Would Hit Pacific Islanders Hard. The State Still Fell Short. As of Friday, 30% of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hawaii affect non-Hawaiian Pacific Islanders — including but not limited to Marshallese, Samoans, Tongans, Chuukese and other Indigenous peoples of the Pacific — even though they make up just 4% of the state’s population. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige calls out senators following Department of Health contact tracing tour. Gov. David Ige has admonished Senate President Ron Kouchi after members of the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 toured the Health Department on Aug. 7 to review contact tracing operations at the invitation of the state epidemiologist — but apparently without enough advance notice. Star-Advertiser.

Ige to Kouchi: Senators’ visit to DOH was ‘neither respectful nor appropriate'. In a newly obtained letter to Hawaii’s Senate president, Gov. David Ige calls out the lawmakers who made an unannounced visit to the health department earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

State Was Lying To Us About Contact Tracing, Gabbard Says. Gabbard was joined by a Department of Health employee whistleblower, and revealed what is really going on with the State's COVID-19 contact tracing tracing efforts. Big Island Video News.

Public schools get unusual start to new academic year. Today is the first day of school for public school students, but rather than offering their traditional warm welcome, many principals advised kids to stay home given the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism officials can’t market Hawaii as ‘the safest place on earth’ anymore. It was just a few months ago when some Hawaii tourism and government officials thought Hawaii had a shot at marketing the state to tourists as “the safest place on earth.” Star-Advertiser.

Auto sales careened downhill 41.8% in the second quarter. Hawaii auto sales plunged 41.8% in the second quarter as the work-from-home labor force, a near standstill in tourism, the closure of most recreational activities and a quarter million people unemployed left the industry parked on the side of the road. Star-Advertiser.

Farmland becoming food vs. fuel battleground. What’s at stake are two competing state policy goals: producing 100% of energy from renewable sources by 2045, and doubling local food production by 2030. Star-Advertiser.

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Moratorium on aquarium trade continues. A decision by the state Environmental Council last week effectively continues a moratorium on commercial aquarium collection along the Kona Coast, an activity long opposed by some Native Hawaiians and marine conservation groups. Star-Advertiser.

Council upholds BLNR’s rejection of aquarium fishing EIS. A May decision by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to maintain a ban on aquarium fish collection off West Hawaii was recently upheld by the state Environmental Council. West Hawaii Today.

Aquarium fishing ban upheld. The state’s Environmental Council has upheld the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ decision to maintain the ban on collecting fish for the aquarium-pet trade off the west coast of Hawai‘i Island, and to reject an environmental impact statement aimed at restarting the destructive practice. Garden Island.

Oahu

Obama and the beach house loopholes. As Barack Obama entered the home stretch of his presidency, his close friend Marty Nesbitt was scouting an oceanfront property on Oahu, the Hawaiian island where the two regularly vacationed together with their families. Star-Advertiser.

Bones found on a property tied to Obama, causing tension with Native Hawaiians. n January, workers had found human remains, or iwi kupuna, as they reshaped a multimillion-dollar oceanfront lot into a luxury compound being developed by Marty Nesbitt, the chair of the Obama Foundation and head of a Chicago-based private-equity firm. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Government Goes Local for Some Transit Technology. Some local tech companies are landing big contracts with the City & County of Honolulu’s for transit work. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

South Kohala resorts show off reopening plans. Representatives from several properties on the Gold Coast Thursday shared with state and county legislators and officials their ever-evolving plans and procedures for reopening with on-site visits at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Grand Vacations. West Hawaii Today.

Sewer replacement project gets underway Tuesday. Traffic patterns on Palani Road, between Kailua Pier and Kuakini Highway, will be altered beginning Tuesday as work begins to replace an aging sewer line. West Hawaii Today.

Maui


Big-brand hotels roll out pandemic safety plans. Leaders mull resort bubbles for Neighbor Island resortgoers. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Addresses Rumors Relating to Resort Bubbles and Public Beach Access. Mayor Michael Victorino today addressed “rumors and misinformation” he said is spreading on social media about resort bubbles and public beach access. Maui Now.

Tenants at Lahaina Front Street Apartments Celebrate Federal Court Win to Keep Rent Affordable Until 2051. The 40-page decision by Hawai‘i federal District Court Judge Jill Otake rejected an attempt by the project developer, Front Street Affordable Housing Partners, to end the restrictions set in place to prevent sharp increases in rents or sale of the project unencumbered by the rent restrictions. Maui Now.

Thermal scanners now installed at all arrival gates at Kahului Airport. Facial imaging gear to be added before end of year. Maui News.

Some businesses support Young Brothers rate hike. Several Maui County businesses are throwing their support behind Young Brothers’ request to raise its rates 47 percent, though at least one called for an independent audit of the struggling interisland shipper. Maui News.

Kauai

Festival of Hope sold out again. Novelyn Hinazumi, Child &Family Service Kaua‘i director, was busy stuffing backpacks with digital thermometers Saturday as cars started flowing through the CFS Festival of Hope for Families distribution in the Vidinha Stadium parking lot. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Civil suits, re-examination of court cases expected to follow arrests of former Honolulu police chief and deputy prosecutor, entire island of Maui without power, advanced stealth warplane headed to Japan, homeless swept from Nimitz viaduct, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Keaukaha fish pond © 2017 All Hawaii News
Hawaii aquaculture farms generated slightly less revenue last year, marking a second annual consecutive dip after a 2014 record. Star-Advertiser.

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Stolen money, falsified police reports, planted evidence – what sounds like a plot for a police drama is playing out in real life in Hawaii. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, his wife, and a handful of HPD officers were released on bond after being indicted by a federal grand jury in a public corruption case. Allegations of corruption at the HPD following a case of a stolen mailbox led to a two-year federal investigation that uncovered much more.  Hawaii Public Radio.

The federal public defender who first pointed out potential wrongdoing in the Honolulu Police Department to federal prosecutors is now calling for the resignation of three Police Commission members who had supported retired Chief Louis Kealoha in the wake of his federal indictment on corruption and conspiracy charges last week. Star-Advertiser.

Oversight of secretive HPD unit is urged. The five former or current Honolulu Police Department officers who are charged with being part of the alleged conspiracy were at one time members of the agency’s elite Criminal Intelligence Unit, which is handpicked by the chief to investigate terrorism and organized crime and reports directly to the chief. Star-Advertiser.

The Children’s Trust Fund At The Heart Of The Kealoha Indictment. Federal prosecutors say Katherine Kealoha stole more than $167,000 from two children for whom she was appointed guardian after their father died. Civil Beat.

The federal case against the Kealohas includes allegations that Katherine Kealoha misused money and forged documents while she was the guardian of more than $167,000 for two minors, in separate accounts of $83,884 each. KHON2.

Experts: Criminal case against former HPD chief, wife could bolster civil suits against city. Hawaii News Now.

Four current Honolulu Police Commission members will try to agree on a new police chief Wednesday or Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Police Commission on Monday embarked on a three-day process of interviewing the seven finalists for the next police chief, with a big shadow looming over the city’s law enforcement community. Civil Beat.

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Pacific Command’s advanced stealth warplane headed to Japan. The F-35A is being deployed under U.S. Pacific Command’s “theater security package” program, which has been in operation since 2004. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii's Attorney General Doug Chin joined 16 other states in voicing their opposition on controversial concealed firearm legislation. Hawaii News Now.

The state’s only public Hyperbaric Treatment Center capable of treating decompression sickness in divers has temporarily shut its doors due to staffing shortages. Civil Beat.

Oahu


State officials hope sheriff’s patrols, private security and a new fence scheduled to go up today will finally mean the end of the notorious H-1 freeway viaduct homeless encampment, which sheriff’s deputies once again broke down Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The State Department of Transportation is leading a multi-agency effort to clear homeless encampments under the Nimitz Highway Viaduct. Hawaii Public Radio.

For the first time in more than two years the state swept one of the most entrenched homeless encampments on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Friends say Marine fatally stabbed in Waikiki was trying to protect others. Hawaii News Now.

A teenage girl was seriously injured Monday night when a tree came crashing down onto a bus stop near Ala Moana Center. Hawaii News Now.

The Marco Polo condominium owners association, under court order, opened the doors of the McCully high-rise Monday to numerous potential claimants and potential defendants such as product manufacturers, their insurers and fire experts from across the nation, to begin looking at the evidence of the largest building fire in Honolulu history. Star-Advertiser.

One fire investigation is over, but another one is just beginning. It is a second chance at finding the cause of the fatal Marco Polo building fire. KITV.

Two weeks after a fishing boat ran aground off Waikiki, authorities are still trying to figure out how to dislodge it from the reef. Star-Advertiser.

Denver-based KSL Capital Partners, which bought Outrigger Hotels and Resorts late last year, is kicking off an aggressive Waikiki reinvestment plan with a $25 million overhaul and re-branding of the Waikiki Beachcomber. Star-Advertiser.

KSL Capital Partners plans to rebrand the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber under the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts flag before undertaking a $25 million renovation next year to upgrade the 496-room hotel. Pacific Business News.

The Reef Bar and Market Grill opened Monday at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in the former Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar space, which closed last month.  Pacific Business News.

DiamondHead Land has started a $30 million renovation of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki, designed by Honolulu architecture firm G70 and interior design firm Philpotts Interiors and being overseen by The John Hardy Group International. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The county Board of Ethics is looking for a way to add teeth to what has historically been a paper tiger, almost a decade after the County Council gave it authority to fine public officials who violate the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

The South Hilo Sanitary Landfill will reach its permitted maximum capacity within the next two years, and plans to deal with the situation are underway. Big Island Video News.

Domestic violence victims told lawmakers Monday they feel let down by the judicial system and that not enough is done to protect them and their children. Tribune-Herald.

The state has approved a $25 million emergency room expansion at North Hawaii Community Hospital on Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser.

A new 20-year contract for the Kulaimano Elderly Housing Project will adjust the HUD-approved monthly contract rate to $700 per month. Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Maui Electric Company said severe weather has knocked out power out to the entire island as well as a portion of Molokai. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Electric officials confirm island-wide power outages on Maui. KHON2.

Kauai

About 50 people gathered Sunday at Camp Naue in Haena to reflect on the status of the historic Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area — a zone that extends a mile out to sea from Wainiha to Napali State Park, where fishing is subject to new rules enacted two years ago. Garden Island.

Auto auction benefits Anahola. Anahola may not be known as a business-rich community. However, Anahola Marketplace manager Garret Danner looks to change that. Garden Island.

Dog stuck in plastic container rescued. KHS director helps rescue Airedale with head caught in plastic container. Garden Island.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Hotel resort fees targeted, University of Hawaii gains 10 points in college rankings, Marco Polo disaster declared, opposition to Coco Palms rebuilding plans, Maui liquor rules changed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2017 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hilton Waikoloa © 2-17 All Hawaii News
The state Office of Consumer Protection is investigating resort fees charged by local hotel operators. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Licensed Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Weigh in On New Banking Solution. Maui Now.

The two operating medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii — including one on Maui — and their patients have been operating on a cash-only basis, but a “banking solution” has been forged with a Colorado-based credit union, Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday. Maui News.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has gained 10 spots on the annual list of the nation's top universities and is now No. 159, according to U.S. News & World Report. Pacific Business News.

Showering Hawaii Officials With Manapua. Gifts to elected and appointed leaders include sticky notes valued at $1, PB&Js at up to $5, and trip to Taiwan worth $5,750. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Starting next month, the city plans to enforce new rules intended to clamp down on vendors who operate as religious groups in city parks to sell everything from T-shirts to potato chips. Star-Advertiser.

A loophole in city law is allowing Waikiki businesses to use wheeled kiosks to promote their merchandise and services rent-free on public sidewalks along Kalakaua Avenue, where traditional retailers pay premium rents. Star-Advertiser.

The sons of two of Honolulu’s most prominent business leaders are being accused of plotting to secretly take over prime Waikiki real estate to make way for a $200-million, 32-story luxury high rise. Civil Beat.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration and Honolulu officials have issued disaster declarations for the fire at the Marco Polo condominium project, opening up low-interest federal loans to Marco Polo owners and tenants in need, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office said today. Star-Advertiser.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for the Marco Polo Apartments, making low-interest federal loans available to residents two months after a fire killed four people and damaged or destroyed dozens of units at the Honolulu condominium. Pacific Business News.

The mayor and U.S. Small Business Administration have issued formal disaster declarations for the Marco Polo highrise fire. Hawaii News Now.

Sept. 14 will be two months since the Marco Polo fire killed three residents and displaced dozens of others still until this day. KHON2.

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The Honolulu City Council is advancing a bill to ban smoking in motor vehicles when a child is present. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gas won approval Wednesday from the state Public Utilities Commission to develop renewable natural gas from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

State regulators have approved Hawaii Gas' plan to capture and process biogas from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Oahu. Pacific Business News.

The state should have offered an autistic child services better tailored to his needs when it proposed moving him to public school rather than continuing to pay his private-school tuition, an appeals court ruled Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The new day pass kicks in on Oct. 1. The thing is you can only buy them from the bus driver. KITV.

Police closed the Koko Head entrance to Ala Moana Regional Park today because of a sink hole. Star-Advertiser.

Target is planning to hire 800 seasonal employees for its locations on Oahu. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Water Board announced Wednesday the first six members of its Permitted Action Group, an ad hoc committee the board is spearheading to investigate the widespread failure of deep well equipment across North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim said it probably will be January before the county is ready to take the next step in its efforts to safely house Hilo’s homeless — while at the same time cleaning up areas frequented by homeless individuals and families. Tribune-Herald.

New sensors will help monitor activity as scientists say Mauna Loa ‘will erupt again’ KHON2.

Japan Airlines will celebrate a new service launch between Kona International Airport and Tokyo on September 15. Big Island Video News.

On Hawaii island, the mother of “Peter Boy” Kema is heading back to court Thursday. KHON2.

On Sunday, the latest six-member crew to help show how a journey to Mars might work will step into Mauna Loa’s cool, fresh air after spending eight months confined in a dome-like tent there. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

The Maui County Liquor Control Commission approved streamlined changes proposed by County Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura for single-event liquor license applications for nonprofits Wednesday after months of protests and dozens of testifiers at the David K. Trask Jr. Building in Wailuku. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department has launched a sexual assault investigation into one of its own. The high-ranking officer is accused of assaulting one of his female sergeants. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

High levels of bacteria have been found in the water at Anahola Bay, according to a state Department of Health Wednesday beach advisory. Garden Island.

There are big plans afoot for famous Coco Palms resort — but not everyone's on board. In its heyday, Coco Palms resort on Kauai was a favorite spot for stars and other big names. Hawaii News Now.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Hawaiian Electric seeks smart-grid revamp, another super delegate for Hawaii Democrats, bill denying rapists parental rights clears committee, Big Island council to mull general excise tax surcharge, Kauai Rep. Kawakami leaving Legislature, skyscraper OK'd for Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Honolulu at night © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian Electric Co. asked the state Thursday to approve a $340 million smart-grid system that would improve reliability, allow for increased use of renewable energy sources and give customers more control over their electrical use. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige’s administration concluded in filings Thursday that 22 days of hearings on NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries proved the plan is a bad fit for the state. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed law passed through the House Committee on Judiciary Thursday would allow the courts to deprive rapists of parental rights as long as there’s “clear and convincing evidence” that a child was conceived during a sexual assault. Associated Press.

Legislation backed by groups who want to reduce homelessness and create more affordable housing cleared the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

The Senate Senate Ways and Means Committee moved 22 bills forward Thursday, the latest batch to clear the crucial money committee chaired by Sen. Jill Tokuda. On Tuesday, the committee passed bills to reduce homelessness and create more affordable housing. Civil Beat.

Senate Bill 3034 has been moving along at the Hawaii Legislature, but the bill called “Marsy’s Law” faces a deadline next week or it’s likely dead for 2016. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats discovered last week that they have another superdelegate for the party’s national convention in Philadelphia this summer. The news comes as pressure builds on Hawaii’s superdelegates to support U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gets Another Superdelegate For Democratic Convention. In a surprise to local party officials, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui was added just before the presidential preference poll, bringing the total to 10. Civil Beat.

Some of Hawaii’s most dynamic teachers are reaching out to inspire colleagues and enhance their profession as part of a new corps of “teacher leaders.Star-Advertiser.

It’s no coincidence that April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaii. Seventy years ago today the islands were pounded by one of the most destructive tsunamis in the 20th century, a series of massive waves that took 159 lives and caused more than $26 million in damage across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel rates rose 5.1 percent last week to an average daily rate of $270.77 as hotel occupancy across the Island srose 4.5 percentage points to 83.9 percent, according to the weekly report from Hospitality Advisors LLC and STR Inc. Pacific Business News.

What really happened at the ʻAha, part IV. The international committee struggles to have its alternative documents to the federal-recognition constitution put before the participants for consideration. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council zoning committee has unanimously approved plans for a hotel-condo tower to be built at King's Village in Waikiki that's 110 feet higher than current zoning allows. Hawaii News Now.

Neighborhood Concerns Face Off Against Honolulu’s Need For Affordable Housing. The City Council considers a development moratorium that would postpone a project in Moanalua, while another in Chinatown has been delayed for months and still faces obstacles. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell has a new campaign commercial playing on local radio stations. Star-Advertiser.

The solar airplane grounded in Hawaii last year flew back into action today. The solar impulse went for a training flight at Kalaeloa Airport. KITV4.

Hawaii

The public will get its chance to weigh in on a taxing question next week, when the County Council Finance Committee considers a half-percent general excise tax surcharge for transportation projects. West Hawaii Today.

A judge’s decision was reported incorrectly Thursday in West Hawaii Today regarding a neighbor dispute over ocean views in the Alii Heights subdivision. The judge ruled in favor of the couple who sought remedy from their neighbors whose shrubbery they claimed obstructed their ocean view. John S. Gailliard and Jodi L. Gailliard prevailed in their civil suit against Elizabeth Rawsthorne and William Bates, Judge Melvin Fujino wrote in an order filed Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Although hundreds of Makena Beach & Golf Resort employees will be without jobs beginning July 1, their prospects for regaining employment are bright in Maui's burgeoning hotel industry, Maui County officials said Wednesday. Maui News.

Discovery Land Co. said Thursday that the $300 million redevelopment of the Makena Golf & Beach Club will will create 400 new construction jobs, and that about 20 percent of the 385 employees who will be affected by the hotel's closure will remain at the resort to assist with operations. Pacific Business News.

Still in its early stages, a project calling for the development of 32 private rental townhomes, along with retail, dining and office space, is being proposed for a 1-acre parcel on Vineyard Street near the back parking lot of Maui Medical Group in Wailuku.Maui News.

Kauai

Calling it the easiest decision he has ever made, Kauai Rep. Derek Kawakami, D-Kapaa, announced Thursday he not run for another term in the state House and will instead seek a two-year term on the Kauai Council. Garden Island.

State Rep. Derek Kawakami announced Thursday that he’s going to give up his seat in the Legislature and run for the Kauai County Council. Civil Beat.

Saturday started in sewage for a few guests at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas when a system failure spilled raw human waste into the bathrooms of one of the resort’s guest buildings, affecting about 5 percent of all of their rooms. Garden Island.