Hawaii beaches closed, masks mandated, evictions postponed as state's 10th COVID-19 death announced; counties struggle to draft budgets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana beach park last year ©2020 All Hawaii News

With new restrictions, Hawaii’s shorelines are empty ... for the most part. With new rules in place further restricting people from gathering on sandy shorelines, beaches were fairly empty for a beautiful Saturday in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Ige's fifth emergency proclamation closes beaches, mandates face masks, places moratorium of evictions. Full text here.

Ige Issues Eviction Moratorium Through April 30. The order won’t prevent landlords from pursuing evictions starting May 1. Civil Beat.

After the state closed all beaches due to COVID-19, Hawaii County issued a list of limited openings for ocean access and restroom usage. Following Friday’s announcement that Govrnor David Ige has signed a fifth emergency supplementary proclamation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic closing all state beaches in Hawaiʻi in order to limit activities outside the home, Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim signed his own new set of rules for the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Victorino to Ige: Reconsider beach exercise ban. There is more trouble in paradise as new statewide public health emergency rules banning beach exercise were awash with protest and confusion. Maui News.

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Tourists using transient rentals to bypass Hawaii quarantine restrictions prove hard to track. COVID-19 crackdowns on transient vacation rentals, which aren’t considered essential businesses right now, are proving just as hard for the counties to enforce as the laws meant to regulate them. Star-Advertiser.

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Man visiting from Washington becomes Hawaii’s 10th COVID-19 death. Maui County logged one new death Sunday, bringing the statewide death toll into the double digits. The DOH said 10 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported statewide — six on Oahu, four on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Man hospitalized for COVID-19 at Maui Memorial dies, his death brings state total to 10. The 10th COVID-19-related death reported in the state was a man who was hospitalized at Maui Memorial Center. KHON2.

Hawaii health officials announce 10th COVID-19 death as statewide coronavirus cases rise to 580. Hawaii Department of Health officials reported the state’s tenth death from COVID-19 today, as the statewide tally of coronavirus cases rose by six to a total of 580. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Confirms 10th Death Related to Coronavirus. Hawai‘i reported only six new cases of COVID-19 overnight, also registering the state’s 10th death as a result of infection. Big Island Now.

Maui sees Hawaii’s 10th death from virus. The Washington state man was in his 40s to 50s with no previous medical conditions and had a history of travel, the state Department of Health said Sunday. He had been in serious condition during a 21-day stay at the Maui Memorial Medical Center, where the state is investigating a cluster of COVID-19 cases at the island’s largest hospital. Star-Advertiser.

Fourth COVID-19 Related Death on Maui is Washington State Man With No Previous Medical Conditions. “The individual was an adult male from Washington state in the 40-59-year age group who had no previous medical conditions and a history of travel,” according to a press release issued by the state’s COVID-19 Joint Information Center. Maui Now.

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Stimulus Checks Won't Cover Even A Month's Expenses in Hawaii. Eligible residents in Hawaii, and around the country, are starting to receive cash stimulus payments from the federal government. But the one-time $1200 checks won’t go far in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tracing the Path Of COVID-19 In Hawaii — 1 Name At A Time. An understaffed health department is looking to hire more investigators to identify and isolate people who have been exposed to COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Civil Rights Office Is Still Closed During A Time It’s Needed Most. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission still accepts only paper filings and isn’t set up for remote work. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii researchers urge the state to step up its coronavirus response. A trio of University of Hawaii researchers is urging state officials to accelerate its public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, not only to save lives but to help restart the economy. Star-Advertiser.

Union leaders and state Legislators put out a call for hundreds of state worker volunteers to help tackle the massive backlog of unemployment claims. “The plan is have over a thousand people man that center over the next week-and-a-half," said House Speaker Scott Saiki.  Hawaii News Now.

What will Hawaii's "re-opening" look like? Director of Hawaii's Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson told KITV4 he believes Hawaii's re-opening could look like a gradual, "tiered" approach. KITV4.

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Lockdown has gone too far, Hawaii protesters say. A caravan of about 50 vehicles Sunday traveled from the state Capitol to Costco in Kapolei to protest what participants consider governmental overreach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

‘Open Hawaii’: A small group of protesters feel its time to ease up restrictions. Nearly two dozen people rallied in a rolling caravan Sunday, saying their rights are being violated by government mandates. Hawaii News Now.

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COVID-19 is new pestilence for Hawaii farmers. Phyllis Shimabukuro- Geiser, director of the state Department of Agriculture, said recently that some farmers reported losing 50% to 60% of their market last month largely because of hotel and restaurant shutdowns. Star-Advertiser.

Running For Office During A Pandemic? It’s Tough For Newcomers. Some non-incumbents running for elective office in Hawaii are focused on public health as they also seek to gain political traction. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials brace for ‘big surge’ of newly homeless from coronavirus shutdowns. Out of approximately 6,500 homeless people across all islands, only one so far has tested positive for the new coronavirus, but officials worry that an even bigger homeless problem could explode out of the financial devastation already hitting the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Inmates Still Packed Into Arizona Prison Despite Virus Concerns. The company that runs Saguaro Correctional Center says proper pandemic protocols are being followed. Civil Beat.

Things Are Not Good Between Hawaii Senators And The Governor. Tempers over the Ige administration’s slow response to the growing pandemic boiled over Friday at a special Senate committee hearing. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council advances bill to defer property tax for pandemic-stricken businesses. A bill that would allow coronavirus-impacted businesses to hold off paying their property taxes passed the Honolulu City Council’s first hurdle last week. Star-Advertiser.

Face mask mandate while in public goes into effect Monday for Honolulu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s mandate for all Honolulu residents to wear non-medical masks or face coverings while out in the public conducting business, will go into effect Monday, April 20, at midnight. KHON2.

With fewer cars on the roads, officials are pushing projects forward faster. Ed Sniffen, Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director of Highways, tells us they are seeing about 48-percent less traffic on the freeways on Oahu. KHON2.

Rick Blangiardi Is Back On TV, But This Time He’s A Political Candidate. The former Hawaii News Now general manager is making his pitch to be mayor of Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Property tax base protects county coffers. Hawaii County’s reliance on property taxes for its operations buffers it, at least in the short term, from the drastic tax losses experienced at the state level as it struggles to revive an economy clobbered by the coronavirus, local officials said Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Bright side to outbreak: Arrests are down 33%. It’s said crime doesn’t take a vacation, but because of the statewide emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the daily booking log at the police station is a lot shorter than usual. Tribune-Herald.

Air Travel Arrivals Down Sharply at KOA. Only one flight has touched down at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) over the last two days, according to numbers provided by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Big Island Now.

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Third McDonald’s In Kona Closes Due To COVID-19 Outbreak. The McDonald's restaurant located at 75-5729 Kuakini Highway is now closed, joining the McDonalds at Kona Commons and Walmart in a COVID-19 cluster-related shutdown. Big Island Video News.

Big Island McDonald’s COVID-19 cluster now up to 30 confirmed cases. The Hawaii Department of Health announced that the total number of confirmed cases linked to a cluster of cases among McDonald’s restaurants in Kailua-Kona has gone up. KHON2.

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Fogging out the virus: County deploying disinfectant equipment to health care facilities. Hawaii County is taking charge of getting foggers to health care and county facilities in an effort to quash the spread of COVID-19 on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

New Emergency Shelter Construction Underway In Hilo. 32 shelters are going up at the County’s NAS Pool parking lot and will be ready for occupancy early next week, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Bill would allow county to acquire private roads. A Hawaii County Council committee will discuss this week whether the county should acquire private roads to improve traffic flow throughout the island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Finance director doesn’t support property tax forbearance. County Finance Director Scott Teruya said Friday that while Mayor Michael Victorino’s administration has not talked about forbearance for property taxes due to large-scale unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic, he would not recommend it. Maui News.

Checkpoints set up on Maui to limit people heading into Hana. Checkpoints are being set up to limit the number of people traveling into Hana and East Maui. Maui County said the checkpoints will be located after Twin Falls on Hana Highway and at Ulupalakua Ranch on Piilani Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Near ban on plastic disposable utensils OK’d. Measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, sent to mayor for signature. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai: This Island Has Been Holding Steady Against Coronavirus. What’s Up? County officials say Kauai imposed public restrictions quickly. But some residents think the government’s gone too far.  Civil Beat.

Organizing the houseless. Five county parks have been established as permitted sheltering zones for the Kaua‘i houseless community by Mayor Derek Kawakami as part of the effort to contain the novel coronavirus — Lucy Wright, Salt Pond, Lydgate, Anahola and Anini — and many of them are already established campsites with varying levels of community organization. Garden Island.

Statewide stay-at-home ordered for Hawaii, state sees first COVID-19 death, unemployment website bolstered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HI-EMA Director Ken Hara and Gov. David Ige announce stay-at-home order PC:Governor's Office

Ige Orders Hawaii Residents To Stay Home. Full text of the proclamation here.

Ige announces statewide business, travel restrictions to limit virus’ spread. On the same day that Hawaii reported its first death from the new coronavirus, Gov. David Ige announced hours earlier new statewide restrictions Monday on the movements and activities of Hawaii residents to try to slow the spread of the deadly disease. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Orders Hawaii Residents To Stay At Home. The order follows similar mandates by the mayors of Maui and Honolulu counties — and it’s an action legislative leaders have been pushing for the last few days. Civil Beat.

To face ‘unprecedented’ virus threat, state issues stay-at-home order. The governor on Monday issued a sweeping “stay-at-home" order for the state as part of an aggressive push to stop the spread of coronavirus in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Governor issues statewide order to stay home. Hawaii residents, except for essential workers are ordered to stay at home. That’s the latest mandate by Governor David Ige. KHON2.

Governor Ige issues statewide stay-at-home order to start Wednesday. Governor David Ige announced that he signed a third supplementary proclamation in response to the COVID-19 outbreak on Monday. KITV4.

Ige orders Hawaii residents statewide to stay at home to combat coronavirus spread. Gov. David Ige ordered all Hawaii residents to stay home starting Wednesday under a statewide shutdown intended to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and extended the deadline for state income tax return filings by three months. Pacific Business News.

Ige: Stay home, Hawaii. The order, which he signed Monday, goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and remains in effect through April 30. Tribune-Herald.

Stay-at-Home Order in Effect for Hawai‘i Beginning Wednesday. Gov. David Ige announced Monday that the entire state is under a stay-at-home order beginning at 12:01 a.m. March 25 and extending through April 30 due to concerns around the potential spread of COVID-19 throughout the state. Big Island Now.

Governor announces statewide ‘stay at home’ order. Gov. David Ige announced a statewide stay-at-home order starting Wednesday through April 30, following similar orders issued by Maui and Honolulu counties to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Maui News.

Governor Ige Announces Statewide Stay-At-Home Order. Governor David Ige this afternoon issued a statewide Stay At Home Order that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning, March 25, and remain in effect until April 30th. Maui Now.

Health care workers: Stay-at-home orders in Hawaii are too lenient, confusing. In an open letter Monday, Hawaii health care providers told the governor and three of Hawaii’s mayors that emergency orders put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus in the islands are confusing ― and too lenient. Hawaii News Now.

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State reports first coronavirus-related death in Hawaii. The state reported its first confirmed coronavirus-related death on Monday night, saying the victim was an Oahu adult with no recent history of travel. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Has 1st COVID-19 Death, State Stay-At-Home Order Announced; Cases Stand at 77. The state Department of Health said Hawaii has recorded its first death from the coronavirus. The Oahu adult with multiple underlying conditions died on March 20. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials report state’s first death from coronavirus. The Hawaii Department of Health tonight announced that an Oahu adult is the state’s first death from the new coronavirus, COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Announces First Death From The COVID-19 Virus. The Hawaii Department of Health announced Monday night that an Oahu adult is the first state resident to die from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Update: First Death Reported In Hawaii. Monday's dramatic day of government action ended with the chilling report of the state's first coronavirus death. Big Island Video News.

State Reports First COVID-19-Linked Death. An O‘ahu adult who died March 20 is Hawai‘i’s first death from COVID-19, the Hawai’i State Department of Health announced Monday. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s first death from COVID-19. An Oahu adult is Hawaii’s first death from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. KHON2.

O'ahu adult is Hawaii's first death from COVID-19. Hawaii's first death from COVID-19 is an O'ahu adult. KITV4.

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Hawaii’s unemployment assistance gets a fix. Hawaii’s partially paralyzed unemployment filing system got a technological shot in the arm Monday that should allow a tsunami of laid-off workers to register for benefits immediately. Star-Advertiser.

State creates new webform for filing unemployment claims. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations established a new webform for filing unemployment claims that is available 24/7. Tribune-Herald.

State Rolls Out New Webform For Unemployment Claims. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced the establishment of a new webform for filing unemployment claims that is available 24/7. Individuals can file claims by using a new online webform and choosing to either file a new claim or continue an existing claim. Maui Now.

After days of stumbles, state fixes system for filing unemployment claims. With tourism all but shut down in Hawaii, hundreds of workers are being laid off and encountering a system for unemployment claims that’s overwhelmed. Hawaii News Now.

State sets up call center to provide assistance for unemployment claimants. The local unemployment offices remain closed to walk-in and in-person services. KITV4.

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Local hospitals asking for medical supply donations. Some hospitals in the state are asking people to donate masks and other medical supplies. KHON2.

Inouye negative for virus, says Senate president arranged testing of asymptomatic senators. There is a scarcity of test kits for COVID-19, locally and nationally, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Hawaii Department of Health guidelines advise that apparently healthy individuals who show no symptoms of the virus shouldn’t be tested — even if they are known to have been in contact with an infected individual.Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii public school cafeteria workers begin free meal service. Public school cafeteria workers distributed 1,089 breakfasts and 2,603 lunches to children Monday, the first day of the free Grab-and-Go meal service for students on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii island and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Bank of Hawaii to close 40 branches temporarily. Bank of Hawaii said Monday that it will temporarily close 40 of its 68 branches across the state and the West Pacific Region due to the spread of the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii researcher and team pursue potential coronavirus vaccine. University of Hawaii researcher Axel Lehrer is working with New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company Soligenix, Inc., to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, the team announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

UH Research Team Developing COVID-19 Vaccine. Animal trials could begin in several weeks. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Malls, hotels and other businesses close as city’s stay-at-home order takes effect. Responding to a flurry of questions about what constitutes an “essential” activity, the mayor on Monday acknowledged that his “stay-at-home” order was broadly worded to allow daily activities to continue while also working to stop the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell's "Stay at Home/Work from Home" order takes effect. Mayor Caldwell issued an emergency order on Monday to combat the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

EMS inundated with non-emergency calls, asks public to stay home. The City and County of Honolulu’s Emergency Medical Services said they’ve been responding to hundreds of Covid-19 related calls, most of which they said are non-emergencies. KHON2.

Honolulu Bus Drivers ‘On The Front Lines’ Of The Coronavirus Crisis. Passenger counts have plummeted as COVID-19 numbers climb. Some drivers remain wary of what lies ahead. Civil Beat.

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U.S. Army closes several gates at Oahu bases due to COVID-19. The United States Army Garrison announced Monday plans to close gates at four Oahu bases in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Army closes several O'ahu installation gates. U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii to close five gates in response to COVID-19. KITV4.

Military training, preparedness in Hawaii running into conflict with coronavirus social distancing. All gyms on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam have been closed until further notice after a “patron” of the Hickam gym tested positive for coronavirus, the base said Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

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As the city’s stay-at-home order goes into effect, many Oahu businesses had no choice Monday afternoon but to shut their doors for the foreseeable future. The fashion industry ― including hair salons, eyelash studios, and other spa services ― weren’t considered “essential” services under the order. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana, Pearlridge limit shopping for essentials only. Shopping for all but basic necessities has been put on hold on much of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Surfers and walkers fear disregard of distancing rules will cause harm to all. All City and County of Honolulu parks had been closed to the public since Thursday, but people were allowed to exercise outdoors if they stayed 6 feet apart, and to cross city parks to access the ocean, where the city has no jurisdiction below the high-­water line on the beach, which lies under state control. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Spending On Homeless Stagnates Even As Problem Persists. The city says it needs the state to expand mental and behavioral health services for the homeless population for more spending to do any good. Civil Beat.

Kahala Hotel & Resort to temporarily close to help stop spread of coronavirus. The Kahala Hotel & Resort will temporarily suspend operations beginning Tuesday in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the company announced Monday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Beachgoers Ignore Closures Across Big Island. All state parks in Hawai‘i are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic circling the globe, but that’s not stopping Big Island residents and visitors from visiting the beach. Parkgoers ranged from indifferent to indignant about the idea that the state and county are attempting to close off the oceanfront to the public in an effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Maui

MPD preps for COVID-19 impact; officer quarantined. Officer had contact with person under investigation for virus. Maui News.

About 75 Tested for COVID-19 in Maui Drive Through Site. About 75 people were tested Monday for COVID-19 on the first day of testing at the drive-through site at the War Memorial Gym parking lot on Maui, according to the Maui District Health Office. Maui Now.

Unused Rental Vehicles Pile Up Around Kahului Airport Ahead of Quarantine Order. With many travelers opting to leave before a mandatory quarantine takes effect on Thursday, and stay-at-home order take effect on Wednesday, the overflow of returned rental vehicles is starting to pile up around Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

Kauai

Looking at lockdown. Mayor Derek Kawakami announced the Kaua‘i Stay At Home order on Monday, promising more information for the public today and confirming the fourth case of COVID-19 on the island. Garden Island.

Lights out for seabirds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has finalized the first draft of the Kaua‘i Seabird Habitat Conservation plan, which outlines steps Kaua‘i is taking to minimize light pollution and other dangers to the threatened Newell’s shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli, Hawaiian name: ‘a‘o), the endangered Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis, Hawaiian name: ‘ua‘u), and the endangered Hawai‘i distinct population segment (DPS) of the band-rumped storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro, Hawaiian name: ‘ake‘ake). Garden Island.

Hawaii governor asks tourists to stay away, restaurants, bars, libraries close, state employees to stay home, more COVID-19 news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pool party in pre-COVID days ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ige calls for tourism halt for 30 days. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday took the extraordinary step of asking all visitors planning to come to Hawaii to postpone their trips for the next 30 days and reschedule “for another date” to curb the further spread of the new coronavirus across the islands. Star-Advertiser.

State Wants Tourists To Postpone Visits As Coronavirus Cases Climb to 14. Gov. David Ige said today the state is encouraging tourists to temporarily postpone their Hawaii visits and will screen cruise ship passengers for the coronavirus starting on Friday while working on similar thermal screening at the airport. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige urges visitors to stay away for 30 days; all non-essential state workers to stay home. Amid growing fears that the coronavirus is spreading in the community, the governor issued a host of new orders and guidelines Tuesday, directing all non-essential state workers to stay home, asking visitors to stay away, and directing bars to close. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige lays out plan for “15 Days to Slow the Spread of COVID-19”. KHON2.

Gov Issues COVID-19 Directives, “Encourages” Visitors To Postpone Vacations. Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige is promoting "15 Days to Slow the Spread" of COVID-19, directing certain closures and "encouraging" visitors to postpone their vacations. Big Island Video News.

Ige asks would-be travelers to avoid Hawaii; all cruise passengers to be screened. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday urged potential visitors to the islands to postpone their vacations for at least 30 days as part of what he called “strong measures to secure our islands” from the global coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

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Restaurants and bars to shut-down dine-in by governor’s request. Governor David Ige is requesting for bars, restaurants and other businesses to make changes to only operate as a drive-through, pick-up or delivery and close down their dining areas for the next 15 days as an effort to slow down the spread of coronavirus. KHON2.

Bars closed, restaurants dine-out only. Governor David Ige closed churches, clubs, theaters and bars statewide on Tuesday, limited restaurants to drive-through, take-out, pick-up or delivery only and limited social gatherings to 10 people or less to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. Garden Island.

Full text of Gov. David Ige’s announcement of ‘aggressive action’ to fight coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Tourism shocks could cost tens of thousands of jobs. Gov. David Ige’s call for tourists to postpone trips to Hawaii for the next 30 days could lead to the closure of some hotels and job losses for tens of thousands of workers, according to one industry expert. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Biggest Industry Is Reeling As The Coronavirus Spreads. Hawaii’s hotel and service industry workers are losing their jobs as COVID-19 pummels the state’s tourist industry. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Governor Wants Bars And Clubs To Close Or Cut Back. Many state employees are also being directed to work from home. Civil Beat.

Ige directs bars to close, shift restaurants to takeout. To date, Hawaii has recorded 14 positive cases of the new coronavirus. Officials have closed schools and facilities and postponed events to prevent the disease from spreading widely in the community and overwhelming the health-care system. Associated Press.

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HSTA files grievance over Hawaii DOE’s plan to call teachers back next week. The union representing Hawaii’s public school teachers is challenging a decision by the state Department of Education to require teachers to work during the second week of the extended two-week spring break. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Teachers Union Files Complaint Against DOE, Governor. The union says the state’s plan to have teachers back in the classroom next week and kids the week after is too soon. Civil Beat.

HSTA files complaint over plan for teachers to return to school next week. Governor David Ige said public school students will be back to school on March 30th, but teachers, who are scheduled to be back in school next week say that’s too soon. KHON2.

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Foodland, Foodland Farms, Sack N Save and Target to have special shopping hours for seniors. All Foodland, Foodland Farms and Sack N Save stores statewide will serve only seniors during their first hour of business on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, allowing them to shop in less crowded conditions as those around the state stock up during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses, community members extend a helping hand to kupuna as virus spreads. Some businesses and community members noticed how busy lines and empty shelves could leave Hawaii’s seniors without necessary supplies. KHON2.

Blood Bank of Hawaii Calls for Donations as COVID-19 Creates Nationwide Shortage. Hawai‘i’s blood supply is dropping fast as concern over the spread of COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of nearly 30 blood drives that had been scheduled through May. Hawaii Business.

Protocols urged before visits to remote screening sites. As testing for COVID-19 ramps up across the state, health officials and medical providers are encouraging residents to follow proper screening protocols to prevent overtaxing limited health care resources. Star-Advertiser.

Holland America Line cruise ship’s crew disembarks in Honolulu. A Holland America Line cruise ship, the Westerdam, moored at Pier 2, arrived Monday and was scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Unemployment claims soar as tourism comes to a standstill, business close. The state saw an additional 1,490 unemployment claims Monday. That one-day total, surpassed the total from the previous week. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii construction industry may ease virus economic impact. Hawaii’s construction industry could soften the blow to the state’s economy during the continuing spread of the new coronavirus, analysts and business leaders said. Hawaii News Now.

This Hawaii Defense Contractor Has Emerged As A Major Political Player. Navatek’s strategy has paid off. It’s received millions of dollars in federal contracts with the help of members of Congress throughout the country. Civil Beat.

Schatz Backs Kahele For Congress At Washington Fundraiser. Hawaii’s senior senator was the “special guest” at an event to boost the state senator’s campaign to replace U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Iwilei building could become quarantine center for coronavirus-infected homeless. Discussions are underway to triage and quarantine homeless people who test positive for the novel coronavirus in a 26-room, three-story building behind the Institute for Human Services’ women’s shelter on Kaamahu Place in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

City: We’ll continue to conduct sweeps amid coronavirus outbreak. The city says it will continue to conduct homeless sweeps as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium suspends operations, putting events in jeopardy. After earlier projecting a $1.16 million profit for the current fiscal year, Aloha Stadium officials are now trying to assess how much of a hit they might take from closing the facility for the four weeks. Star-Advertiser.

St. Andrew’s Schools Extends Spring Break and Moves to Distance Learning. St. Andrew’s Schools is extending spring break across all campuses. KITV4.

Windward Mall alters hours of operation in response to COVID-19. Windward Mall’s management team will continue to monitor local public health and CDC channels for information and will be sure to share information as it becomes available. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council closing meetings: Meeting live-streams to continue, but no oral testimony. They say you can’t fight city hall. In these uncertain times, you can hardly even go there. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Sends Message On County Policy After State COVID-19 Directives. All County employees are to report to work as scheduled, says Mayor Harry Kim, and Big Island restaurants, bars, and places of worship may make their own decision as to whether they stay open or close. Big Island Video News.

Big Island has first confirmed COVID-19 case. A visitor from the mainland is the first confirmed Big Island case, state Epidemiologist Sarah Park said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Urgent Care Tentatively Closes; COVID-19 Testing Sites Open Islandwide. Waimea Urgent Care has tentatively closed until April 1, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues its spread. Big Island Now.

Drive-through virus testing begins in Hilo. Thirty-five people were tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday during Hilo Medical Center’s first day of drive-through testing. Tribune-Herald.

21 tested for COVID-19 at community health center. The nonprofit health center, which serves 25% of West Hawaii’s population, said it began testing patients on Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR Closes Big Island State Parks, Announces Several Statewide Mass Closures. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and risks of its potential spread, the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced several closures, including state parks across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Kona couple quarantined in California after getting off ship with cluster of COVID-19 cases. A couple from Kona is quarantined in California after getting off a cruise ship stricken with a cluster of coronavirus cases. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Senators Update Constituents as Legislative Session is Suspended. Hawai’i State senators from Maui released a video Monday afternoon announcing the suspension of senate sessions. Maui Now.

Maui doctors call for free regional testing center. Physicians: Clinics don’t have staff, resources to handle influx of patients. Maui News.

Third case of COVID-19 reported on Maui. A third person on Maui has tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Health said on Tuesday afternoon. Maui News.

Businesses reduce hours while some go on total hiatus. Regal Cinemas in Maui Mall is temporarily closing while theater at QKC remains open. Maui News.

Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i COVID-19 Update for Residents to be Live Streamed Friday. The County of Maui will be providing COVID-19 updates to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi residents on Friday via a live stream on Akakū Maui Community Television, Channel 53 and the County of Maui Facebook page. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai underwater from Westside to Northshore. On Tuesday morning, a Hanalei resident Kevin Horgan and his wife woke up to about four feet of water flooding the bottom floor of their house, which is located on Weke Road across from the newly rebuilt Blackpot Beach Park. Garden Island.

Ige issues supplemental emergency proclamation activating National Guard, suspending Sunshine Law, addressing price gouging; first community-spread COVID-19 identified; parks and memorials close; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige, HEMA Director Ken Hara, March 16, 2020 screengrab

Hawaii Sees 1st Community Virus Case As Numbers Rise, Legislature Suspends Session. At a press conference, Ige said shipments of goods are proceeding as usual and urged residents not to hoard supplies -- and merchants not to price-gouge; a supplemental emergency proclamation signed by the governor and his original proclamation allow the state to take action in such situations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii waiving waiting period for jobless claims, activating National Guard in response to coronavirus concerns. Gov. David Ige announced today several measures the state is taking to address the COVID-19 situation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 supplemental emergency proclamation eliminates unemployment insurance waiting period, suspends state Sunshine Law. Gov. David Ige said today he’s signed a supplemental emergency proclamation on the COVID-19 coronavirus “to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the people of Hawaii.” The proclamation is effective until May 15. Tribune-Herald.

On Edge Of COVID-19 Community Spread, Governor Issues New Proclamation. Governor Ige also announced that he has appointed Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency director Ken Hara to be the incident commander. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii’s first community-spread coronavirus case confirmed; 25 family members and contacts tested. The number of coronavirus cases in Hawaii is climbing with 10 people now having tested positive, including a Kualoa Ranch tour guide with no recent travel history and a Kapiolani hospital staffer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Coronavirus Total 10: New Cases Include 2 O‘ahu Residents, 1 Maui Visitor. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members. Maui Now.

Ige suspends public meetings and records laws as part of response. Gov. David Ige has suspended the state laws that require that government agencies meet in public and that government records be made public as part of the administration’s emergency response to the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige issues supplemental emergency proclamation to fight COVID-19. It addresses topics like unemployment, hoarding and price gouging. KITV4.

Full text of Ige's supplemental emergency proclamation can be found here.

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Hawaii Legislature To Suspend Session Amid Coronavirus Fears. Lawmakers will reconvene only in an emergency situation. In the meantime, many legislators and staff will continue to work in their offices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State House, Senate Go Into Recess Due To COVID-19. Senate President Ronald Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki held a press conference on Monday afternoon to discuss the suspension of the 2020 Legislative Session. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi State Legislature Shuts Down Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. The State Legislature is on a temporary, but indefinite, hiatus starting immediately. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii’s public libraries remain open for now. With schools shut for two weeks, Hawaii’s 51 public libraries remained a haven for local residents Monday, but it isn’t clear how long that will last. Star-Advertiser.

State DOE continues development of COVID-19 response plan. The state Department of Education continues to develop its COVID-19 response plan. Tribune-Herald.

Jury out on whether summer will tamp down coronavirus. Most respiratory viruses are seasonal, with outbreaks in the fall, winter and spring that diminish when weather turns warmer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Star-Advertiser.

Go online to file unemployment claims, Hawaii officials say. Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations officials say they are “strongly suggesting” that people file for unemployment benefits by using their website. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats Still Figuring Out What To Do About The Primary. The coronavirus may upend plans for the April 4 election, which has already received 20,000 mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

Think you need a coronavirus test? Here’s what you need to do. Public health officials stress that a coronavirus test isn’t appropriate for everyone. But if you think you need one, here’s what you should do. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism reels as containment prompts further declines. If Americans follow recommendations issued Monday by the White House to halt the spread of COVID-19, Hawaii’s declining visitor industry will shrink even more — perhaps to proportions that cause greater negative economic impacts than 9/11. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate passes bill to ban foreigner home purchases. A bill to prohibit foreigners from buying older homes in Hawaii was unanimously endorsed this month by state senators in an effort to make housing less pricey for local people. However, the proposed ban has drawn questions about its effectiveness and constitutionality if it becomes law. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Closes Facilities, Cancels Events As Coronavirus Spreads. As the number of Hawaii’s coronavirus cases hit 10, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday ordered the shuttering of indoor city facilities, banned events of more than 50 people on city property and urged private businesses to follow suit. Civil Beat.

State and city officials halt meetings and close facilities. With what Gov. David Ige described as the first signs of “the edge of community spread” of the coronavirus in Hawaii, government officials at the state and city levels took a series of unprecedented steps Monday to try to slow the outbreak’s speed here. Star-Advertiser.

City cancels large gatherings, closes Blaisdell Center and Hanauma Bay. The mayor has canceled all large gatherings on city property following confirmation of Oahu’s first community-transmitted case of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu closes its indoor facilities and prohibits events larger than 50 people. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces new measure to curb the spread of coronavirus in the community by cancelling events larger than 50 people and shutting the doors of indoor facilities owned by the city through the end of April. KHON2.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial, one of Oahu’s most-visited spots, is closed.  Pearl Harbor National Memorial has closed as part of a growing push to prevent the spread of coronavirus by limiting large crowds. Hawaii News Now.

USS Arizona Memorial closes due to coronavirus outbreak. The USS Arizona Memorial, one of the most popular and revered tourist destinations in the state, has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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Sentencing of Kealohas postponed as courts respond to COVID-19. On the eve of sentencing hearings for Katherine and Louis Kealoha, the U.S. District Court postponed the proceedings to a date “to be determined” — a move attributed to the state of emergency surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Sentencing Postponed, Katherine Kealoha Resigns As Attorney. The Hawaii Supreme Court granted the former deputy prosecutor’s request to step down as she awaits sentencing. Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch tour guide diagnosed with coronavirus is ‘improving’. Health care providers are coming to the ranch Tuesday to test employees on-site. Hawaii News Now.

Closures, cancellations and suspensions due to coronavirus. A cascade of cancellations and closures continued Monday in Hawaii in response to the new coronavirus outbreak. Here’s a partial list of closings, cancellations and postponements announced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Isle restaurants in survival mode and scrambling to avoid closure. One of Oahu’s highest-profile restaurant owners, Ed Kenney, is closing his Kaimuki restaurants — Town, Mud Hen Water and Kaimuki Superette — plus his catering company, UPtown Events, indefinitely. Star-Advertiser.

Condo ‘Disaster’: Waikiki Maintenance Fees Hit $1,800. Maintenance fees more than doubled in the last five years at the Waikiki Marina tower as the board has struggled with how to cover major repairs, especially a faulty elevator. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim doesn’t want to shut county down: Mayor, Civil Defense brief council members in closed meetings. Mayor Harry Kim doesn’t want to shut the county down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying instead he’s promoting a community effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus on the island. West Hawaii Today.

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Cruise ship’s arrival in Hilo nixed amid virus concerns. A cruise ship that had a reservation to stop at Hilo Harbor later this week will be docking elsewhere. Tribune-Herald.

Maasdam Cruise Ship Will Not Arrive In Hilo, DOT Says. The Holland America Line ship had a port call for Hilo, however that reservation has been canceled. Big Island Video News.

Cruise Ship Bound for Hilo Rerouted to Honolulu. A Holland America cruise liner that was en route to Hilo is now headed for the port of Honolulu instead. Big Island Now.

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TMT cost is estimated to soar by a billion dollars. The price tag of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope has ballooned to $2.4 billion, while the final decision about where to build it might come within a few months. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Flight attendant is Maui’s first case of COVID-19. Canadian woman self-isolated at Lahaina hotel while awaiting coronavirus test result. Maui News.

List of What’s Canceled, Closed or Postponed on Maui. Maui businesses, organizations and services are taking preventative measures amid growing efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Maui Now.

Haleakalā National Park Temporary Closures Begin March 17. The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park will be closed daily from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. All Sunrise Reservations are canceled until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

Changes in county services. The County of Kaua‘i announces the following County-related postponements, cancelations, and changes in Standard Operating Procedures in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Kaua‘i from the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Garden Island.

Call ahead, take out. Restaurateurs on Kaua‘i are removing chairs from their dining rooms and relying heavily on delivery and takeout options as health officials continue to stress social distancing as the primary way to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Garden Island.

Infected cruise ship visited 4 Hawaii ports; Ige, all four mayors declare state of emergency over COVID-19; Green named coronavirus liaison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Passengers disembark cruise ship on a rainy Hilo day ©2020 All Hawaii News

Ige’s state of emergency declaration follows the death of a passenger on a cruise ship that visited four Hawaiian islands. Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency Wednesday following the disclosure that a cruise ship that carried California’s first coronavirus fatality visited the four main Hawaiian islands last week. Star-Advertiser.

State monitoring cruise ship that had virus cases. State health officials said Wednesday they are monitoring a situation regarding a cruise ship that recently made stops in Hawaii and might have had passengers previously exposed to COVID-19, the recently identified coronavirus that has infected nearly 100,000 people worldwide since it was discovered in late December. Tribune-Herald.

Cruise Ship Headed Back to San Francisco with Quarantined Individual. The Coast Guard informed state officials today that the Grand Princess cruise had two ill passengers onboard a previous cruise, which was not in the islands, who have since tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Cruise ship linked to new coronavirus death stopped in Hawaii after patient disembarked in CA. A cruise ship that was carrying two passengers later confirmed to have coronavirus stopped in Hawaii after those patients disembarked in California, officials said. Hawaii News Now.

California man on same cruise ship that came to Hawaii has died from COVID-19. The Grand Princess arrived on Oahu on February 27 and was docked at Pier 2. Passengers were allowed to get off here as they did on Kauai, Maui, and in Hilo. KHON2.

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Ige issues emergency proclamation to streamline state’s response to coronavirus. The governor has issued an emergency proclamation aimed at streamlining the state’s response to the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige, counties of Hawaii issue emergency proclamations for COVID-19. Gov. David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on March 3 that will let the State work to prevent, contain and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, and to provide disaster relief if necessary. KHON2.

Gov. Ige issues emergency proclamation for COVID-19. Gov. David Ige today issued an emergency proclamation that allows the state to work quickly and efficiently to prevent, contain and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, and to provide disaster relief if necessary. KITV4.

Coronavirus Prompts Emergency Proclamation From State. Gov. David Ige Wednesday issued an emergency proclamation to facilitate a fast, efficient response to the threat posed by the coronavirus and to provide disaster relief, should that prove necessary. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Declares Emergency To Coordinate Coronavirus Efforts. Hawaii Gov. David Ige issued an emergency proclamation Wednesday in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Governor Issues Emergency Proclamation for COVID-19. Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige today issued an emergency proclamation that allows the state to work quickly and efficiently to prevent, contain and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, and to provide disaster relief if necessary. Maui Now.

Hawaii Officials Give COVID-19 Update, Pass Funding Measures. While there are no cases of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the State of Hawaiʻi, “the CDC announced it is investigating confirmed cases of COVID-19 linked to the Grand Princess cruise ship which is returning to San Francisco,” the Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported in a Wednesday afternoon update. Big Island Video News.

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Gov. David Ige appoints Josh Green as coronavirus preparedness coordinator. Gov. David Ige has appointed Lt. Gov. Josh Green as the administration’s liaison between the state and the health care sector for activities related to the COVID-19 preparedness and response. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Makes Green Coronavirus Healthcare Liaison. The lieutenant governor, a medical doctor, is “uniquely positioned” for the job, says the governor. Civil Beat.

Lieutenant Governor Josh Green named Hawaii's COVID-19 Healthcare Liaison. Governor David Ige named Lieutenant Governor Josh Green Hawaii's COVID-19 Healthcare Liaison. KITV4.

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Hawaii Preparing For Possible Economic Effects Of Coronavirus. Lawmakers want to work with state officials to make sure Hawaii can weather potential impacts from the virus. Civil Beat.

Economic Warning Signs From Coronavirus Already Appear In Islands. There are still no reported cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Hawaii. But a spate of canceled events and falling visitor numbers from abroad indicate the virus is creating economic headwinds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii receiving millions in federal funding to support coronavirus response. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced it will provide $2.75 million in initial funding to support Hawaii’s response to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 emergency money on the way. Two people on Kaua‘i are under the supervision of the state Department of Health, self-monitoring for COVID-19, according to latest updates from DOH, and Gov. David Ige has issued an emergency proclamation regarding the virus. Garden Island.

United, Korean Air reducing Hawaii service as virus worries mount. News that United Airlines, Hawaii’s largest domestic carrier, plans to temporarily cut service to the islands was the latest coronavirus-related blow to the state’s tourism economy. Star-Advertiser.

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Defense secretary notes site delays in stalled $1.9B radar. The Defense Department zeroed out funding in its fiscal 2021 budget request for the Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii — in spite of three years of congressional appropriations. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Rejects Gabbard’s Lawsuit Against Google. The presidential candidate claimed the company was trying to silence her. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HPD chief hopes to ‘shore up’ beats. The Honolulu Police Department plans to “shore up” parts of the department after Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal for a large bump in positions for officers. Star-Advertiser.

How to save Haiku Stairs? Kualoa Ranch suggests they be moved. With breathtaking views, Kualoa Ranch on Windward Oahu attracts tourists and filmmakers alike. Hawaii News Now.

New DMV self-service kiosk opens at Foodland in Waipahu. Another self-service kiosk to renew motor vehicle registrations is now available inside the Foodland Super Market at Waipio Shopping Center, city officials announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement reached in deadly 2016 fall at Ala Moana Center. The owners of Ala Moana Center have settled a lawsuit over a 2016 railing collapse that led to the death of a young man. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents of Kurtistown neighborhood vow to fight cell phone tower project. Members of a small Kurtistown community are fighting for their health and homes against the planned construction of a nearly 200-foot-tall cellphone tower. Tribune-Herald.

$103M bond issue would build roads. A move to leverage the county general excise tax by floating bonds to expedite road projects could mean the payments stretch out past the 2030 expiration of the GET. West Hawaii Today.

Feds reviewing Section 106 comments for Daniel K. Inouye Highway extension. As state lawmakers consider allocating $90 million in capital improvement project funds to extend the cross-island route, known colloquially as Saddle Road, from its current terminus at Mamalahoa Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway, federal officials are starting to assess comments on the project’s archaeological inventory survey completed several years ago. West Hawaii Today.

Japan suspends its funding for TMT. Tomonori Usuda, TMT Japan project manager with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, confirmed the budget reduction “due to the stalemate of the construction in Hawaii”. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

One on Maui tests negative for coronavirus. Number of tests likely to go up with arrival of kits, expanded criteria. Maui News.

Maui public libraries launch 'ukulele lending program. Six Maui public libraries will launch a new lending collection of ‘ukulele beginning Saturday, March 14th. KITV4.

Tournahauler takes its place of honor at sugar museum. Its 750-horsepower engine firing up with a guttural rumble and belch of black smoke, the island’s last functioning Tournahauler began what was likely the final run of its kind Monday morning in Puunene. Maui News.

Kauai

Honoring Bill Enoka. Enoka was one of two pilots who died in a recent plane crash at Dillingham airport on O‘ahu and was an active part of the Kaua‘i community, training pilots in the CAP and working on aircraft. Garden Island.

Costs climb for Mauna Kea enforcement, worker drug use rises, Honolulu stalls wind power enforcement measure, Maui wildfire strands tourists, Ige extends Kauai disaster declaration, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea access road in July ©2019 All Hawaii News

Cost grows to $8.3M in policing Mauna Kea. The state and counties have spent at least $8.3 million on law enforcement costs related to the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff on Mauna Kea that began in mid-July. Star-Advertiser.

Price tag for the government’s response to the TMT protest: $7.8M and growing. State and county government agencies have now spent more than $7.8 million responding to the ongoing Thirty Meter Telescope protest at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

$8 million in taxpayer money spent on law enforcement and first-responders at TMT site. Costs are nearing $8 million in taxpayer money for law enforcement and first-responder at the site of the Thirty-Meter Telescope protests since the occupation of Mauna Kea Access Road began in July. KHON2.

Hawaii's Attorney General releases updated numbers of cost to keep law enforcement on Mauna Kea. Combined the state and Hawaii County has spent at least $7.8 million on law enforcement for Mauna Kea so far. KITV.

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New immunization requirements begin for Hawaii students. State health officials are requiring public school sixth graders to be immunized with a controversial vaccine before the start of the next school year or risk being excluded from enrolling in middle school. Star-Advertiser.

Test results show a spike in drug use among Hawaii workers. New numbers shows that more workers across Hawaii are using amphetamine and cocaine. Hawaii News Now.

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Tulsi Gabbard to join 11 others onstage for next Democratic debate, the most ever. The next Democratic presidential primary debate, on Oct. 15 in Westerville, Ohio, will feature a supersize lineup of a dozen candidates onstage at once, party officials said today. New York Times.

How Tulsi Gabbard Got Back On The National Debate Stage. A New Hampshire poll last month gave U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard the push she’d needed to get back on the Democratic National Committee’s debate stage. Civil Beat.

Dutch inventor says his system for catching plastic in Pacific is working. fter a series of setbacks, a system for catching plastic floating in the Pacific between California and Hawaii is now working, its Dutch inventor said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Council stalls on a resolution to regulate turbine project. A Honolulu City Council committee on Wednesday held off action on a resolution sought by Kahuku residents that presses the Department of Planning and Permitting to more tightly regulate a wind farm project going up next to area schools. Star-Advertiser.

EPA preparing to remove elevated lead concentrations in various areas on Factory Street in Kalihi. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to remove the soil under Factory Street in Kalihi “to abate the potential imminent and substantial endangerment posed by lead contamination to this densely populated neighborhood,” and says it can begin the work as soon as Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Formerly Homeless Now In Charge Of $3.8M Grant To Help Kids Still On The Streets. A federal youth homelessness project in Honolulu is being guided by nine young people who know the issue first-hand. Civil Beat.

Next Ward Village tower wins approval. A go-ahead for another luxury condominium tower at Ward Village was issued Wednesday, but it came with a deadline to finish much of a central public plaza that critics contend should have been delivered sooner. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes gains approval for their latest luxury highrise in Kakaako. The Hawaii Community Development Authority Wednesday approved Howard Hughes Corp.'s latest highrise in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pizza the road repair pie: Big Island gets $5k Domino’s grant to fill potholes. Hawaii County is the only county in the state to get a “pizza” the road repair pie, as delivery giant Domino’s wraps up a 50-state pothole repair campaign to promote its pie dispatch service. West Hawaii Today.

Kupuna Soon Able to Apply for Hilo Housing. Applications for residency will be available this month for 92 units at a senior living community housing project in Hilo. Big Island Now.

After years of delays, Kuawa ball fields set to open. Nearly three years after it was initially supposed to open, work on the Kuawa Street park is finally complete. Tribune-Herald.

Historic Pepeekeo bridge slated for repairs. A bill that would allocate more than $1 million to repair a historic bridge in Pepeekeo passed its first reading Wednesday before the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

A Popular Volcano Trail Is Rebuilt With A Lot Of Sweat Equity. Seven tons of gravel and two tons of large rocks had to be brought in by wheelbarrow to repair the famed Kilauea Iki trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Civil Beat.

Maui

Roads on Maui reopened, but wind-whipped brush fire continues to burn. A wind-whipped brush fire on Maui that triggered evacuations, forced road closures and stranded hundreds of cruise passengers on island is still burning early Thursday, county officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire burns 4,100 acres by Wednesday night; traffic finally moving on pali. finally moving on pali. Fueled by strong winds on “extremely steep” mountain slopes above Maalaea, a morning brush fire grew from 5 acres to 4,100 acres by 9 p.m. Wednesday, forcing a handful of evacuations, closing off major arteries in and out of Lahaina and impacting West Maui businesses and travel plans. Maui News.

Honoapi‘ilani OPEN, Intermittent Closures Possible Overnight Due to Fire. Maui Now.

Evacuations are underway as firefighters work to put out large brush fire in Maalaea. Maui firefighters are responding to an ongoing fire in Maalaea, Wednesday, October 2, around 9 a.m. KHON2.

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Beached whales appeared to be fighting infection. Researchers looking into cause behind sickness, strandings. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige extends disaster relief. Gov. David Ige issued a 10th supplementary emergency proclamation Wednesday, extending the emergency relief period for last year’s Kauai floods. Garden Island.

Former TVR owners sue county. The former owners of a vacation rental property in Haena are suing the County of Kauai over an emergency order restricting visitor access to North Shore neighborhoods following severe flooding in the area last April. Garden Island.