Hawaii Supreme Court rules against short-term vacation rentals on ag land, court to decide fate of $4B wildfire settlement, Honolulu advances empty homes tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Vacation rentals not OK in Hawaii’s agricultural land district. Poorly regulated use of homes on farmland around the state has been somewhat reined in by a unanimous Hawaii Supreme Court decision Tuesday. The court ruled against 17 owners of ag land on Hawaii island who objected to a 2019 Hawaii County ordinance that aimed to regulate short-term vacation rental use of dwellings built after the creation of the state’s land-use law in 1976.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court To Decide Fate Of $4 Billion Wildfire Settlement. A decision about whether insurers can pursue their own lawsuits could come by year's end. The state of Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawaiian Telcom, Kamehameha Schools and other defendants have agreed to pay $4.04 billion to settle the claims of hundreds of individual fire victims. Civil Beat. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric Industries has added to its take from selling newly issued shares of stock. The company said today that an option for stock sale underwriters to buy up to $75 million in new shares has been fully exercised. Star-Advertiser.

Transportation experts say more steps are ahead to curb rising pedestrian deaths. So far this year, there have been 71 traffic fatalities in Hawaii, according to the state Department of Transportation. Out of those, 26 were pedestrians. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Empty Homes Tax Proposal Advances. A plan to increases taxes on homes that sit empty on Oahu moved forward Wednesday when a Honolulu City Council committee agreed to send it on to the council budget committee. Bill 46 passed out of the Housing, Sustainability and Health Committee on a 3-2 vote. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council advances lawsuit for 2021 police-involved shooting. The Honolulu City Council's Executive Matters & Legal Affairs Committee voted Wednesday to advance the request to settle the lawsuit against the city filed by the widow of Lindani Myeni. KITV4.

Ewa community developer Haseko facing $27M judgement again after appeal. About 1,800 homeowners at Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort are entitled to $27 million in damages under a 2013 class-action lawsuit against the developer of the Ewa community, according to an appellate court. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s west side violence a ‘public health crisis’.  Waianae health care officials are launching a “comprehensive public health response” focused on addressing the deteriorating mental health of a community plagued by the high cost of living and deadly gun violence. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Pupukea home that erodes into ocean spurs legal action. The state Department of the Attorney General took legal action Wednesday against a North Shore property owner after part of a beachfront home collapsed onto state land and into the ocean. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Expansion completed at Women’s Community Correctional Center. A multi-million dollar expansion project at the Women’s Community Correctional Center, Hawaii’s only women’s prison, has officially been completed. KHON2.

DLNR to deploy drones to eradicate coqui frogs at Kuliouou. A new colony of invasive coqui frogs has been discovered in Kuliouou in East Honolulu — just about 200 meters below the summit of the Kuliouou Ridge Trail, according to Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

UH Starts Raising Marine Animals In Manoa To Grow Hawaii’s Aquaculture Industry. A new facility researches how to make sea creatures more resilient in Native Hawaiian fishponds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

New affordable housing project slated for Waikoloa Village. Na Hale Makoa will feature 139 one-, two- and three-bedroom units serving households earning up to 140% of area median income, as well as one resident manager’s unit. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

5,000 Tires Tossed On Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaiʻi County officials say the recent "Toss Your Tires" recycling event held on September 21 was a success. Big Island Video News.

One of its greatest strengths: UH-Hilo continues to be one of most diverse universities in nation. The Hilo campus earned a diversity index score of 0.76, ranking as one of the most diverse universities in the country and coming in just behind prestigious institutions such as Stanford and Johns Hopkins. Big Island Now.

UH Hilo lab develops AI to analyze forest bird soundscapes. Biology Professor Patrick Hart and his team have been recording forest soundscapes for months at a time and uploading the files to a computer. He said they've developed ways to teach a computer, using AI, how to detect every bird's song. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Fire Department receives ATF report; public release set for next week. The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety received the Lahaina Fire Summary of Findings and Conclusions report from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Maui Now. KHON2.

Wildfire debris removed from all Lahaina homes and 64% of commercial properties. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with other organizations, have completed debris removal for all homes and for 64% of commercial properties affected by the Lahaina wildfires. KITV4.

Council resolution urges prioritized recycled wastewater use for new housing. A lack of fresh water resources has long held back housing development on Maui. And now that there’s a post-disaster housing shortage, the Maui County Council will consider Friday a resolution calling for increased production and expansion of recycled wastewater use to make more potable water available for human consumption. Maui Now.

County’s West Maui Business Center providing assistance to local businesses. The County of Maui Office of Economic Development in collaboration with local partners and nonprofits, has launched the West Maui Business Center and online business portal www.WestMauiBusinessCenter.org to aid local businesses directly and indirectly impacted by the August 2023 wildfires. Maui News.

Coral damaged by grounded yacht ready to return to Honolua Bay after recovering in nursery. In a saltwater aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute’s facilities, a cluster of tiny corals are building up their strength for a big journey back home.  Maui Now.

Brush fire near Molokai Airport 100% contained after burning 80 acres. A brush fire that sparked near Molokai Airport on Tuesday is now 100% contained, according to the latest update from the Maui Fire Department. KITV4.

Kauai

Home sales surge in August on Kauai. Single-family home sales soared 115.79 percent to 41 in August from 19 in August 2023, according to monthly data pooled from multiple sources by Hawai‘i Realtors in Honolulu.  Garden Island.

Queen’s Bath on Kaua‘i closed for winter due to hazardous ocean conditions. The access gate to Queen’s Bath in Princeville is closed through winter, effective immediately. Kauai Now.

Tourist fee for climate impact likely to be revisited, Honolulu city auditor resigns, short-term rental phase-out remains in Maui Community Plan update, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Is this the year a climate impact fee will pass in the state Legislature?  There could be a stronger push to pass Gov. Josh Green’s climate impact fee during the 2025 legislative session. Green has advocated for a fee to be imposed on every Hawaiʻi tourist since he was campaigning for governor. He said that money would fund projects related to climate change and the environment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Summer tourism bump going flat as fall nears. Softness has been present in Hawaii’s visitor industry since the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, and even in July, Maui’s more than 20% drop in visitor arrivals and nearly 18% decrease in spending were dragging down the statewide tourism performance, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

UH gets $2M to join push for domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing. The semiconductor shortage during the pandemic opened the public’s eyes to the fact that those tiny chips are critical to worldwide infrastructure from cars to computers to cell phones. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Auditor Resigns Nearly Halfway Through Her 6-Year Term. Arushi Kumar, who was appointed to a six-year term in October 2021, said she is moving back to Seattle, citing “changing personal circumstances and family commitments.” Civil Beat.

Audit Calls Honolulu Police Commission’s Oversight ‘Inconsistent And Ineffective’.  The Honolulu Police Commission doesn’t fully address public concerns about accountability and transparency in HPD and did not follow up consistently with the department about recurring issues surrounding officers’ activation of body cameras, according to the city auditor. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

HART’s $1.66 billion contract might delay related rail work, CEO says. Although it’s not been disclosed which projects might be postponed, HART plans that the City Center Guideway and Stations, or CCGS, contract will include design and construction of six rail stations and miles of elevated rail guideway beginning east of the Middle Street Transit Center station. Star-Advertiser.

Gun Violence On Oahu’s West Side Has Parents And Teachers Worried About School Safety. Some community members want to see retired police officers stationed on high school campuses, while others say after-school activities and mental health support would be more effective. Civil Beat.

Iwilei is getting more kauhale for the homeless. But residents say it’s unsafe and unfair. The state and City of Honolulu are working to get about 300 people off the streets by having three kauhale in Iwilei. But residents say it’s unsafe and unfair. Hawaii News Now.

Developer outlines plan for new residential units at Oahu's Turtle Bay. Arete Collective purchased 65 acres of land from the Turtle Bay Resort in April. It said it has already begun work on the first phase of its project, four low-rise buildings with 20 residential units. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Registration pending for plane that crashed, records show. The Federal Aviation Administration’s records show that ownership registration was pending for the Cessna that crash-landed Wednesday close to the Upolu Airport near Hawi on Hawaii island’s North Kohala coast. Star-Advertiser.

Gilma Dissipates Less Than 200 Miles East Northeast Of Hilo. The remnants of Gilma – once a major hurricane – are moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph, and forecasters say this motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Short-term rental phase-out remains in South Maui Community Plan update. Maui Planning Commission members breezed by a proposed policy statement in the draft South Maui Community Plan update Tuesday evening, agreeing by consensus that the plan would aim to increase long-term residential housing by phasing-out short-term rentals from Māʻalaea to Kanaio. Maui Now.

Former Maui homeless shelter resident says it’s safer and cleaner to live out on the streets. Drugs, overdoses, and deaths are just a few of the complaints emerging from a homeless shelter on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Visitation to Maui at highest level last month since August of 2023. Maui has seen an increase in visitors for the month of July, compared to July 2023, and an increase in visitor spending.  Maui News.

9 month road closure of Kekaulike Ave. near Mile 8.2 begins Sept. 3. Goodfellow Bros. will begin performing road work on Kekaulike Ave. at Mile 8.2 on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. A Full road closure will be in effect for this construction area for the next nine months.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County considers bill to add $200 surcharge for illegal highway parking. Kauaʻi could soon start giving police money to enforce illegal parking or stopping on state highways. The Kauaʻi County Council has introduced a bill to tap into the State Highway Enforcement Program Surcharge Fund, which was established in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Most surf sites test clean in August. A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium — a federally recognized indicator of fecal presence in water — at a number of locations. Garden Island.

‘The canoe will never leave you:’ Hōkūleʻa sets sail after two-week stay on Kaua‘i. Hōkūleʻa is now headed to Haleʻiwa on the North Shore of O‘ahu. Kauai Now.

Waikiki beach clutter spurs cease-and-desist orders, Honolulu, Big Island councils mull affordable housing, vacation rental measures, Miske witness moved after prison assaults, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikīkī hotels, vendors receive cease-and-desist notices for beach equipment. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation issued cease-and-desist notices to several Waikīkī hotels and vendors for presetting equipment on public beaches. Notices were given to four hotels and five commercial vendors.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Yen fluctuations impact visitor spending in Hawaii. Overall visitor numbers are down from major markets. Around a 7% decrease in US and Canadian visitors for the year.  KITV4.

Victims fear $4B settlement will hide accountability as Maui wildfire investigations continue. Two major investigations into the fire and government response are still not complete, so, some victims wonder if the truth will ever come out. Hawaii News Now.

Primary Ballot Returns Lagging Behind 2022 Levels. Ballot returns across the state in advance of Saturday’s primary election are down by 14% compared to the same time in the 2022 primary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Little-Known Candidates Challenge A Well-Funded Incumbent In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. Three challengers face Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who claims many successes in his first term. Civil Beat.

City Council to review housing-related bills. The Honolulu City Council today is poised to consider adoption of a bill meant to give private developers of affordable rental housing greater financial incentives to build on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu home sales heating up this summer. The latest Honolulu Board of Realtors report shows that July year-over-year single-family home sales spiked by 20%.  KITV4.

Miske witness will be moved after third assault in custody. A man who once worked for convicted crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr. is being moved to another facility after gangs assaulted him three times in the past four months, allegedly for testifying against his former employer, according to federal court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Community Mourns Death Of Hawaiian Activist And Homeless Advocate Twinkle Borge. The 54-year-old had dedicated much of her life to creating a home for the homeless in Waianae and was one of the inspirations for the kauhale or tiny home movement in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu officials capture nearly 2K feral chickens since 2022. The feral chicken problem on Oahu seems to be growing and never-ending.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council bills propose changes to vacation rental rules. The most complex — and controversial — of those bills is Bill 121, which would establish several different tiers of vacation rentals, with their own conditions and standards of use, prohibit ohana units from being used as vacation rentals, and many other things. Tribune-Herald.

Mandatory water restriction for areas in North Kona due to down wells. Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply has implemented a mandatory 25% water restriction for areas in North Kona effective immediately. Big Island Now.

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Celebration Set For August. The site will mark its 52nd anniversary Establishment Day, “Hoʻokuikahi”, with its traditional Hawaiian Cultural Festival on August 17th and August 18th. Big Island Video News.

2024 Native Hawaiian Convention coming to Waikoloa. The 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention is set to take place at the Hilton Waikoloa from September 17 to 19.  KHON2.

Maui

Tourism Is Still Way Down On Maui. And That’s Causing A Lot Of Problems Efforts to boost the industry will focus on key Southern California markets, with additional pushes targeting corporate meeting and incentive planners. Civil Beat.

The View From Above: How Far We’ve Come Since The Maui Fires. Here’s what progress has looked like from an aerial perspective over the past year in Lahaina, Upcountry and Olowalu. Civil Beat.

Maui transitional housing for fire survivors proliferating one year after disaster. It’s only a trickle at the moment, but the supply of new homes for transitional use by Maui wildfire survivors is on the cusp of surging one year after the disaster. Star-Advertiser.

$1M donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to help replace bunkhouse cabins at Camp Maluhia on Maui; support Scouting America, Aloha Council. Scouting America, Aloha Council has announced a landmark donation of $1 million from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Maui Now.

How Lahaina’s more than 150-year-old banyan tree is coming back to life after devastating fire. When a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town’s Front Street. Associated Press.

Maui Bicycling League calls for enhanced road safety amid rising traffic fatalities. In light of a worrying 17% increase in Hawai’i’s traffic fatalities compared to 2023, the Maui Bicycling League, inspired by Hawaii’s ancient Law of the Splintered Paddle, calls for increased vigilance on our roads.  Maui News.

Grand Wailea Resort employees go on strike over unfair labor practices. Housekeepers, check-in personnel and food prep workers walked off the job Monday at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa over unfair labor practices. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Department leadership under fire: Scathing survey reveals distrust, resentment among employees. A workplace survey revealed scores of officers and civilian staff aren’t just unhappy with how the department’s being run. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Bus outreach program seeking applicants. A new program aimed to assist people who rely on public transportation has officially rolled into effect. Garden Island.

Nearly all gauges on Kaua‘i record below-average rainfall. Nearly all of the rain gauges on Kauaʻi had below-average rainfall for the month of July with two of the island’s rain gauges posting their lowest totals – for the month – on record. Kauai Now.

Green calls for changes to process of filling vacant legislative seats, more delays for Thirty Meter Telescope, Hawaiian-Alaska Airlines merger decision stalled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Process For Filling Vacant Legislative Seats Is Getting Closer Scrutiny. Appointing a replacement for vacant seats close to an election can have an undue influence on the outcome of an election, the governor says. Gov. Josh Green is calling for changes to the process of filling legislative vacancies after being forced to choose a new senator for Waianae just a little over a week before the primary election. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker Posts Rare Win For Injured Workers — And Pushes For More. Following a rare win for injured workers this past legislative session, a Hawaii lawmaker is pushing for more reforms to the state’s workers’ compensation system, in an effort that has support from diverse stakeholders. Civil Beat.

Ruling on Alaska-Hawaiian merger is stalled. Consumers must wait longer to learn whether federal antitrust enforcers will approve a proposed $1.9 billion merger between competitors Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The airlines announced in separate current-earnings releases Monday that they had agreed to a 10-day extension for the Department of Justice’s formal review period for their proposed merger, which includes $900 million in Hawaiian debt. Star-Advertiser.

State OK’s Hawaiian Telcom’s request to provide cable TV service. The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced Tuesday it has approved Hawaiian Telcom’s request to offer TV service in Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties, a move the company and DCCA say will benefit thousands of consumers. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Maui wildfires dampen Hawaii summer tourism. The softness has been present in Hawaii’s visitor industry since the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires, and even in June, Maui’s 22% drop in visitor arrivals and 27% decrease in spending were dragging down the statewide tourism performance, according to preliminary statistics released Tuesday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu

Green taps state House candidate to fill vacant W. Oahu Senate seat.  Gov. Josh Green  appointed Croccifixio “Cross” Crabbe to replace former Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, who resigned in May and was a Democrat representing the Nanakuli-Waianae-Makaha district. Star-Advertiser.

HECO: Major outage in east Honolulu not linked to power shutoff program. Hawaiian Electric crews have restored power to thousands of customers in east Honolulu following an outage on Tuesday morning. The outage impacted more than 20,000 customers from Aina Haina to Waimanalo. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

The National Science Foundation could take until the end of 2026 to complete an environmental review for a potential investment in the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope on Hawaii Island. The nation’s leading funder of science research is considering an investment of potentially $800 million or more in the planned $2.65 billion TMT project after opponents blocked construction of the telescope atop Mauna Kea in 2015 and 2019. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Sides spar in case to decide whether Schweitzers deserve compensation. A hearing Tuesday to determine if Albert “Ian” Schweitzer and his brother, Shawn Schweitzer — whose convictions for abducting, raping and killing Dana Ireland on Christmas Eve 1991 were vacated last year by a judge — are “actually innocent,” turned out to be a contentious affair. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

DNA swab in Ireland case was outside recommended procedures. Hawaii County police went beyond FBI and U.S. Department of Justice procedures when a swab was taken from Dana Ireland murder suspect Albert Lauro Jr. when they already had DNA linking him directly to the crimes, according to the former FBI attorney and federal prosecutor who first identified Lauro. Star-Advertiser.

Tents For Houseless On Ponahawai Street To Be Moved To Kuawa Street. The tents on Ponahawai Street in Downtown Hilo that are serving as a temporary “respite area” for houseless individuals are being dismantled and moved to Kuawa Street.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Big Island High School Accused Of Mishandling Sexual Assault Case. The female student had to keep attending class with her attacker, despite repeated requests from her family for assistance, the lawsuit says. Civil Beat.

Maui

Short-term rental bans proposed by Maui Mayor unpopular, according to poll. Just 10% of voters support banning existing, legal short-term rentals. Maui News.

Economists explore alternatives to banning short-term rentals on Maui. Economists have suggested that Maui County should not get rid of thousands of short-term rentals but instead place higher taxes on them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposal to phase out short-term rentals on Maui nears final vote. A report containing those recommendations will be transmitted to the County Council within the next four months.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Maui housing development draws fiery opposition over affordability, impact on resources. A plan to develop 1,000 acres of land into a new residential community in South Maui received fiery opposition Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4

Local health care workers receive national award for service during Maui wildfires. Twenty Maui-based school nurses and health technicians received a national award for their service during the Aug. 8 wildfire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

State continues to deny interview with man jailed for allegedly threatening councilman. The state Department of Corrections has continued to deny requests to interview Glen Gruenhagen, a local artist sentenced to a year in jail in May for an ambiguous poster aimed at Kaua’i County Councilman Billy DeCosta.  Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi neighborhood's close call with a wildfire exposes its evacuation vulnerabilities. Hanapēpē Heights is a residential area nestled in Southwest Kauaʻi with acres of agricultural land on one side, and a cliff on the other. The neighborhood has one way in and one way out on Moi Road. Hawaii Public Radio.

Visitor spending in record territory on Kaua‘i. here may have been fewer tourists on the island of Kaua‘i in the first half of the year, but the people who did visit spent a record amount of money in the period. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Vacation rental occupancy drops, Honolulu trims permit backlog, prominent economist apologizes for obscene gesture during Maui rental hearing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Vacation rentals post statewide occupancy drop. Vacation rental occupancy in June was lower compared with the same month in 2023; however, supply, average daily rate and demand were higher, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi has a medical malpractice problem. A recent study revealed that Hawaiʻi has the fourth-highest rate of medical malpractice in the United States. KHON2.

Hawaii receives $5M in federal funding to support future teachers.  Hawaii has received nearly $5 million in federal funding to support the state’s education workforce, including establishing the first statewide registered apprenticeship program for K-12 teachers. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Politicians Turn To Social Media App TikTok To Reach Next Generation Of Leaders. Millennial lawmakers see it as a more constructive way to engage with voters and encourage new voices to emerge. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting reduces permitting backlog. In a presentation to the City Council on Thursday, the department reported a reduction in its backlog from 12,000 permits in December to 9,800 this month. KHON2.

Changes Are Coming To Honolulu’s Bus Routes, And Not Everyone Is Happy. Honolulu is constantly trying to deploy buses more efficiently and to deal with changes, such as the new rail line. Civil Beat.

Actions on homeless are complaint-driven, city says. As states and municipalities across the country push forward with sweeps of encampments in the month after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling granted officials new authority to police homelessness, the city says enforcement actions conducted on Oahu should not be deemed to be the same thing. Star-Advertiser.

Community pushes back on military land lease renewals on Oʻahu. For 60 years, the U.S. Army has leased land on Oʻahu for military training for $1 a year. However, the leases at Mākua Valley, Kahuku and Poamoho are set to expire in 2029. Hawaii Public Radio.

Plan for new Aloha Stadium development heading for early approval. The state could accept a proposal for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District in Halawa as soon as mid-September, but demolition of the original Aloha Stadium won’t start until a contract is finalized nine months later. Star-Advertiser.

Bids open for Falls of Clyde’s removal. The state Department of Transportation on Thursday issued a request for propo­sals and is seeking bids from local, national and international outfits with the expertise and experience required to permanently remove the vessel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$62M expansion of Hilo Harbor entrance still in the works. The state Department of Transportation last year received $15 million to acquire several privately owned parcels on Kalanianaole Street for the project. Tribune-Herald.

Jaggar Museum nearly removed from Kīlauea Caldera edge. Jaggar Museum was the first park museum in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, sharing volcano science and Hawaiian culture with millions of visitors over many decades. Big Island Now.

Maui

Prominent Hawaii economist apologizes for obscene gesture during short-term rentals hearing. Paul Brewbaker is apologizing for an obscene gesture he made during an emotional hearing about vacation rentals. The former chairman of the state Council on Revenues is under fire for a two-second statement with his middle finger. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County’s vacation rentals at 49.3% occupancy in June, down double-digits from last year. With the largest supply of vacation rental nights available in the state, Maui County’s unit demand and occupancy rates are down in double-digits since last year and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, according to a report for June by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui Now.

Fire crews continue work at Waiehu brush fire; containment remains at 80%. Heavy equipment was deployed to help contain a brush fire that burned about 25 acres in Waiehu mauka of Kahekili Highway near Maka’ala Drive, fire officials said in an update Thursday afternoon. Maui Now. KITV4.

Report: Growing Number Of Maui County Residents Are ‘Barely Surviving’.  Nearly half of Maui residents say their financial situation has worsened since the Lahaina fire and 1 in 5 are “seriously considering” leaving the state, according to a new report that paints a troubling picture of the challenges facing fire survivors — and the county as a whole. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Wildfire Shows How Other Hawaii Power Safety Shutoffs Might Work. It's a learning experience for the utilities and the communities they serve as emergency plans are developed. Civil Beat.

Nightly closures for portion of Kūhiō Highway to begin in August. A full closure is necessary for crews to install a 24-inch drain line from the top of Hanalei Hill down the face of the slope, according to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. Kauai Now.

Hawaii's homeless elders double, Maui Planning Commission approves short-term rental phaseout, government contractor influence persists in local politics, arson suspected in Kauai wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Along with Hawaii's general population getting older, there are more aging homeless residents. The number of Kupuna in shelters has more than doubled over the past decade. KITV4.

Hawaii Contractors Are Still Big Contributors To Political Campaigns, Thanks To Loopholes In State Law. Executive officers and employees of government contractors along with their family members donated more than $170,000 to local campaigns between January and the end of June, a Civil Beat review of campaign finance data found. Civil Beat.

Candidates pledge not to accept donations from corporate interests, developers.  Forty-eight political candidates have signed onto the Our Hawaiʻi Pledge, a commitment to turn down campaign donations of over $100 from sources such as corporate lobbyists to developers, and hotels to military contractors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Has More Money For Preschool Subsidies Than It Has Been Able To Give Out. The state will start accepting applications year-round in an effort to increase the number of families seeking help paying for preschool.  Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi-based climate projects receive $5.5M from USDA. The University of Hawaiʻi received the largest grant, totaling over $2 million. The USDA awarded the money for the testing and research of the use of AI-enhanced irrigation systems at 14 farms. More than $1 million will go to E kūpaku ka ʻāina to improve the diversity of two culturally significant staple crops — kalo and ʻuala. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The Bids Are Finally In For Honolulu Rail Through The City Center. No information is being released yet about whether the bids fit HART's budget, but the rail authority plans to award the major contract in August. Civil Beat.

Local 5 workers picket Waikiki hotels, plan strike vote as bargaining grows tense. Nearly 1,000 Unite Here Local 5 union workers picketed in front of major Waikiki hotels Tuesday demanding new contracts that provide “living wages, fair workloads, and proper staffing that ensures quality service.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City Reopens Moanalua Park After Residents Questioned The Need To Close It. The city had closed the park more than a month ago to prevent hikers from accessing a trail leading to the site where the Haiku Stairs are being dismantled. Civil Beat.

New lifeguard towers coming to Oahu beaches. The replacement towers in question, which cost $45,000 each, include two at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Others will be placed at Kalama Beach Park, Sunset Beach, Maili Beach and at beach spots in Waimanalo, Waikiki and Ala Moana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Volcano Alert Level raised then lowered after brief rise in earthquake activity at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone. Earthquake and ground deformation rates in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone decreased significantly following a “burst of intense activity” at approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on July 23, 2024. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Shaelynn Lehano-Stone: a timeline of tragedy. A 9-year-old developmentally disabled Hilo girl starved to death by her parents and grandmother eight years ago was on the radar of Child Welfare Services almost from birth. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Youth Challenge Academy Changes Mission, Becomes Job Challenge Academy. The Hawaiʻi National Guard announced Monday that the Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo will be changing its name, who can participate, and its mission. Big Island Video News.

Construction to begin on new playground at park in North Kohala. Construction of a new playground at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au is slated to begin Wednesday. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Longtime UH-Hilo theater sound tech dies in accident. Rob Abe, 61, of Volcano,  retired in 2022, after 30 years and 2,364 performances, as technical director of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tribune-Herald.



Maui

Maui Moves Closer To Phasing Out Thousands Of Short-Term Rentals To Deal With Housing Crisis. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the County Council approve the mayor's proposal, with some tweaks, despite concerns that it will wreak economic havoc. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools plans revitalization of fallow land in Lahaina. The trust, which owns about 1,160 acres of largely fallow former sugar cane plantation land in Lahaina, plans to expand agriculture and forestry on roughly 960 acres mostly above developed parts of the West Maui town, while also pursuing residential, commercial and recreational development on about 190 acres partly bordering neighborhoods destroyed by flames nearly a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Maui wildfire survivors begin moving in to Laʻikū temporary housing project in Lahaina. La‘ikū will provide 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units at 560 sq. ft. each. The homes are being built on approximately two acres of land that was previously acquired by the HDOT as part of the Lahaina Bypass project. Maui Now.

Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting in Lahaina Civic Center gym, July 24. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, in the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium. Maui Now.

Kauai

Officials suspect arson in Koke‘e brush fire. Authorities suspect the Koke‘e brush fire, which scorched 1,600 acres, was intentionally set, officials confirmed Tuesday. Kauai Now.

TSA aims to bolster its staff on Kaua‘i. The Transportation Security Administration is looking for a few good people to help bolster its ranks at Lihu‘e Airport, where thousands of tourists arrive every week for the start of their Kaua‘i experience. Garden Island.

Green vetoes 7 bills, trims budget; Maui postpones short-term rental phase out, Army listens to Oahu concerns over future of state lands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green vetoes 7 bills passed by lawmakers. Green, who had until today to veto bills passed earlier this year by the Legislature, announced Tuesday that he is vetoing only seven bills from a list of 17 that he previously indicated could be vetoed due to concerns. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Governor signs nearly $24B budget that will tackle priorities such as affordable housing, health care, Maui recovery. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday signed the state’s supplemental budget, which provides $19.1 billion in operating funds and $4.5 billion in capital improvement money throughout the state for fiscal year 2025 to tackle state priorities from affordable housing and health care needs to continued recovery efforts from last year’s deadly wildfires on Maui. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

New Hawaii laws signed for gun control, child protection. On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green signed bills addressing public safety and crime response, including implementing stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of ammunition, and extending the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News

Hawaii Governor Says Media Operations Should Be Protected During Emergencies. Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday said he would sign a bill intended to protect First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and the press during times of crisis. Civil Beat.

Green balks at acting to replace state senator before election. Gov. Josh Green is refusing to appoint an interim member of the state Senate by a deadline set by Hawaii law to fill a seat vacated in May by then-Sen. Maile Shimabukuro representing parts of West Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Government Workers In Hawaii Get Paid Not To Work As Misconduct Investigations Drag On For Months Or Years. A system meant to protect worker rights and resolve disciplinary cases fast has turned into something much different, with taxpayers picking up the tab for employees told not to come to work.  Civil Beat.

Study finds Hawaiʻi struggles the most with SAT vocabulary. The study aimed to measure the difficulty of every word listed as answer options in the most recent tests' Reading and Writing sections.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii faces shortage of Covid vaccines as demand surges. The Centers for Disease Control is scheduled to release the latest version of its vaccine later this fall. Until then, doctors advise the public to be cautious.  KHON2.

Oahu

Army concedes ‘environmental justice concerns’ amid debate over future of state-leased lands. The Army is expecting passionate testimony as it kicks off a series of meetings over the future of its leased lands on Oahu. The U.S. government leases about 6,322 acres of land from the state at the Makua Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area and Kawailoa-Poamoho Training Area near Schofield Barracks. Hawaii News Now.

3 bridges in Hawaii Kai will undergo $1.6 million rehabilitation. Three well-traveled bridges built more than 50 years ago over the man-made waterways of Hawaii Kai will undergo a $1.6 million rehabilitation, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Nurses picket for safer staffing ratios. Hundreds of unionized nurses Tuesday morning held signs in front of three hospitals across Oahu, eliciting honks from passing cars, as they called for safer staffing levels. Star-Advertiser.

What comes next for Aloha Stadium with 1 developer in the running? Two development teams were in the running for the project, and then, all of a sudden, one dropped out in June. Waiola Development Partners said no thanks, leaving Aloha Halawa District Partners as the last group standing.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Mayoral candidates to appear today at AARP Hawaii forum. The candidates are Kimo Alameda, Breeani Kobayashi, Mitch Roth and Jr Tupa‘i. They will answer questions from AARP Hawaii and a live audience. Tribune-Herald.

Short-Handed Kona Public Defender’s Office Won’t Accept New Drunken Driving Cases. The Kailua-Kona Public Defender’s Office has stopped accepting new drunken driving cases and the most serious felony cases because it is short-handed, and a retired Big Island judge is warning that it could affect public safety if something isn’t done. Civil Beat.

Hilo airport evacuated, bomb squad called after inert grenades found in Japanese man’s carry-on bag. Hawaii County police have arrested a 41-year-old man from Japan after two items resembling grenades were found in his carry-on bag at Hilo International Airport. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Proposal aims to create more farmers markets. A new Hawaii County bill introduced at Tuesday’s meeting of the County Council’s Policy Committee on Health, Safety and Well-Being would allow seven additional farmers markets to be set up in county parks and facilities islandwide. Tribune-Herald.

Dredging Begins At Wailoa Small Boat Harbor. The $3.1 million dredging operation at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor started on Tuesday, the Hawaiʻi DLNR reports. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Fire lawsuits settlement advances at Maui County Council. A massive settlement resolving all claims and lawsuits over the Maui wildfires could be on the table as soon as next week. A Maui County Council committee late Tuesday advanced a measure to the full council, to approve a global settlement. KHON2.

Maui Commission meeting postpones action on phasing out thousands of vacation rentals. Tuesday was supposed to be a monumental day regarding the future of thousands of short-term rentals on Maui. However, it turned into a major disappointment after an important Planning Commission meeting was unexpectedly canceled. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

‘The Most Critical Challenge We Face’: Maui Council On Track To Confirm New Housing Director. Richard Mitchell says he knows the importance of a roof over people's heads having lived in public housing as a child. Civil Beat.

Stream restoration, water supply needs prompt a closer look at Ha‘ikū streams. Maui County is planning to ask the state to amend the interim in-stream flow standards for 11 streams in Ha‘ikū, according to Department of Water Supply Director John Stufflebean. It comes amid a greater push for community control over East Maui water and the county’s search for more water sources in the face of demand and drought. Maui Now.

Illegal Fireworks Task Force releases report of enforcement. From January until the end of June, Task Force officers seized approximately 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from various sources in the community. Maui News.

Kauai

Next Kaua‘i Community College chancellor recommended to university president. Margaret Sanchez has been recommended to be the next chancellor of Kauaʻi Community College after a nationwide search. Sanchez has been serving as interim chancellor since 2023. Kauai Now.

Sprucing up historic Koloa monument. For Derwin Nohara and others on the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Engineering Department team, the two-day cleaning project of the historic Koloa monument became an educational experience at the space where the monument is located. Garden Island.

Green signs bill banning seabed mining, ACLU drops homeless sweeps lawsuit, aid-in-dying prescriptions up 50%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor signs bills aimed at protecting Hawaii’s environment. Gov. Josh Green on Monday signed a host of bills aimed at protecting Hawaii’s environment, including ones to better manage tourism and to study coastal erosion on Oahu’s North Shore that could serve as a template for the rest of the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green signs bill banning seabed mining in state waters. Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green on Monday signed a state Senate bill prohibiting seabed mining in state waters – less than two weeks after 12 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to support a precautionary pause or moratorium on the new industry. Big Island Now.

DOH: Number of Hawaii patients using aid-in-dying prescriptions up by over 50%. The number of Hawaii patients using aid-in-dying prescriptions is up by over 50%, according to the state Health Department. A new DOH report shows 91 patients used the medications last year. Hawaii News Now.

Port security gets extra attention at RIMPAC. At this year’s iteration of the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific — the world’s largest naval exercise — port security is playing a prominent role as international conflict and competition put strains on global supply chains.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA Candidates Offer Ideas For More Effective Help For Native Hawaiians. Most of the challengers want to see funds reallocated to housing and education initiatives. Civil Beat.

Oahu

ACLU Drops Homelessness Lawsuit Against Honolulu. The action comes less than two weeks after a consequential U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave local governments more leeway to ban sleeping outside. Civil Beat.  Star-Advertiser.

New law seeks middle ground (and quick solutions) in erosion conflict. After years of fighting between beachfront homeowners on Oahu’s North Shore and the state over worsening erosion, a measure signed into law Monday has offered a temporary truce — and a potential pathway to a solution. Hawaii News Now.

Government pushes back against damages sought in high-stakes Red Hill water crisis case. The U.S. government says Red Hill plaintiffs are asking for too much money in their lawsuit and insists the entire Navy waterline wasn’t even contaminated. Hawaii News Now.

Police Union Fears HPD Can’t Recruit Its Way Out Of Its Staffing Crisis. Instead, the union calls for a focus on retaining current officers. HPD has started offering a $25,000 signing bonus but says it is also taking steps to keep employees on board. Civil Beat.

Candidates To Replace Calvin Say On The Honolulu City Council Offer Contrasting Approaches. Three candidates are running — House Rep. Scott Nishimoto, nonprofit consultant Brendan Schultz and restaurant owner Bill Muneno — and they have different ideas of what a council member’s job should be.  Civil Beat.

State signs 50-year lease to continue operating North Shore's Kawaihāpai Airfield. The state has signed a 50-year lease with the U.S. Army at Kawaihāpai Airfield — formerly known as Dillingham Airfield. Hawaii Public Radio.

New affordable housing high-rise could be full by end of summer. The city announced last week that the Waikīkī Vista at 2441 Kapiʻolani Blvd. has already provided emergency shelter and transitional housing for 21 families. Another 23 affordable housing units are occupied, and five more move-ins are scheduled. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR: Boat anchor suspected as cause of recent coral damage in Kewalo Basin. Though the damage at Kewalo is on a relatively smaller scale compared to some larger-scale impacts over the decades, it could still take years for the coral in this area to fully recover. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

No action on Big Isle short-term vacation rentals: Council considers proposed economic-impact study before deciding new standards. A trio of bills — and several amendments for each one — that codify new standards for short-term rentals were the subject of an hours-long County Council committee hearing that ultimately ended with the matter being punted to a future meeting with the promise of further amendments to come. Tribune-Herald.

NASA’s Asteroid Hunting Telescope On Maunakea To Continue Under UH Management. The Infrared Telescope Facility plays a key part of NASA’s planetary defense system, and the space agency's contract with the University of Hawaiʻi is valued at $85.5 million. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission Vacancies Restrict Time Spent On Major Rental Housing Proposal. The Maui Planning Commission can only meet for an hour Tuesday to discuss what is arguably the most pressing policy debate moving through county government — Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed phase-out of approximately 7,000 transient vacation rentals — because it won’t have enough members to keep the 9 a.m. meeting running past 10 a.m. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui County looking for fire lawsuit settlement options. Thousands of people affected by the deadly Maui wildfires last August could soon be offered a settlement from Maui County. KHON2.

Some Lahaina homeowners hit with foreclosure notices on their burned homes. Foreclosure status for nonpayment is illegal for owner-occupant borrowers who have been granted forbearance. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Kauai

Travel-related dengue virus case reported on Kaua‘i. This year there have been eight travel-related dengue cases identified in the state (one on Kauaʻi, two on Maui and five on Oʻahu).  Kauai Now.

$1.5B slated for Hawaii military construction, 17 bills on Green's potential veto list, Honolulu lifeguard killed in shark attack, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Massive military construction dollars may flow into Hawaii. Hawaii may be in line to see more spending on military construction in the next fiscal year than any other state after the U.S. House Appropriations committee recently passed its version of a military construction spending bill with $1.55 billion slated for Hawaii projects. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green lines up 17 bills passed by Hawaii Legislature to veto. Gov. Josh Green may veto 17 bills the Legislature passed this year, including one that would deposit $300 million into the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Read the full list of potential vetoes here.

Hawaii’s vacation rentals total nearly 6% of housing supply. Despite vacation rental crackdowns and looming legislative reforms, vacation rental supply statewide still accounts for a significant portion of Hawaii’s housing stock. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission may release decision Monday about HECO. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission may be issuing a decision on Monday, affecting Hawaiian Electric and its financial stability. HECO asked for regulatory approval to sell utility assets. KITV4.

Personal fortunes of HECO board members at risk in wildfire lawsuits. The personal fortunes of some of Hawaii’s most prominent community leaders are in jeopardy because of the Maui wildfire disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Governor reignites debate over liquefied natural gas power. Gov. Josh Green has reversed a major state energy policy position of his predecessor in a move that many environmentalists don’t consider to be very “green.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii firm aims to cut cost of laying power lines underground. Putting more power lines underground is an expensive part of a plan by the state’s largest electrical utility to reduce wildfire risk, and that price could come down under an ongoing national effort with a Hawaii connection. Star-Advertiser.

Green Party of Hawai’i State Convention set for June 29 on Maui. The Green Party of Hawai’i first successfully obtained a ballot line in Hawai’i for state and national partisan races in 1992 and has secured a place on the ballot for more than thirty years. Maui Now.

Oahu

City lifeguard confirmed dead from shark attack on the North Shore.  The victim has been identified as pro surfer and Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguard Tamayo Perry, 49, who was pronounced dead at the scene and suffered injuries from more than one shark bite. He was surfing during a break from lifeguard duties in the waters off Goat Island, also known as Mokuauia, near Laie. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Honolulu mayor signs $4.7B budget package for fiscal 2025. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday signed a $4.7 billion package of budget bills meant to bolster public safety, create affordable housing and improve city parks on Oahu through fiscal year 2025, which starts July 1. Star-Advertiser.

1 contender remains to develop new stadium. The loss of one of the two master-developer candidates is not expected to further delay construction of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, state and University of Hawaii officials insisted. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County auditor addresses unfair hiring claims. A Hawaii County audit has concluded the county does not have enough rules in place to prevent nepotism and unfairness in the hiring process for government positions. Tribune-Herald.

Police Commission discusses DUI complaint. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday discussed correspondence from county Auditor Tyler Benner, then filed it into the record without a vote or any other action taken on allegations contained in the document. Tribune-Herald.

2024 Primary Elections: Several state, federal races already decided. County races aren’t the only games in town when it comes to the 2024 election cycle on the Big Island. Also on this year’s ballot are several state and federal challenges. Big Island Now.

Big Island health care providers urge public to mask up, get vaccinated as COVID cases continue to climb. Because of the continued increase in cases, the Big Island’s healthcare facilities are again turning to one of the tried and true ways of protecting patients and the public from the spread of COVID and its variants — masking up. Big Island Now.

Wastewater discharge into Hilo Bay prompts water advisory. Hawaii Department of Environmental Management reports an estimated 607,000 gallons of non-chlorinated secondary treated effluent discharged from the plant between 8:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Friday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Maui

Plan to ban 7,000 Maui short-term rentals targets resort condos.  A luxury apartment-hotel, a $4 million beach house and condominiums at a resort golf course don’t typically constitute workforce housing in Hawaii, but they are targets of a plan on Maui aimed at converting short-term vacation rental properties to long-term housing for residents. Star-Advertiser.

County Council gives final approval to larger farm dwellings, expanded circuit breaker program. Maui County Council members approved on second-and-final reading Friday a bill to permit a 500-square-foot increase in the size of secondary farm dwellings in agricultural districts on Maui and Lānaʻi. Maui Now.

‘It’s Worse Than You Think’: Maui’s Mental Health System Still Falls Short But More Doors Are Opening To Care. A forthcoming study shows that demand for psychological care on Maui is greater today than it was coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Civil Beat.

Roadwork in coming weeks will prepare Lahainaluna Road for August reopening. Repairs and installations on County of Maui’s Lahainaluna Road between Honoapi’ilani Highway and Lahaina Bypass will begin in the next several weeks to prepare for the reopening of Lahainaluna Road in August, the County’s Office of Recovery announced Saturday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi business leaders try a new approach to worker shortages. In the past, the Kauaʻi Chamber of Commerce emphasized job fairs to help members find employees. Now, it focuses on helping members succeed despite being shorthanded. Hawaii Public Radio.