State budget latest COVID-19 victim, Public Access Room closed after traveler tests positive, University of Hawaii classes going online, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

Virus may cut state spending by $225 million. The state Council on Revenues slashed its projection for the fiscal year that begins July 1 from 4% growth to zero growth, predicting that state tax collections will be flat next year. That means the state will have about $225 million less to spend next year than Gov. David Ige expected when he prepared the new state budget. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus Forecast To Take $300 Million Bite Out Of Hawaii Tax Revenues. The new projections by the state Council on Revenues mean the state has less money to spend in the years ahead. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Forecasters Drop Tax Revenue Estimates, But Coronavirus Uncertainty Dominates. Tax revenue coming into Hawaii state coffers is now expected to be $48 million to $80 million less than previous estimates for the rest of 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii economists lower state revenue forecast to zero growth next fiscal year. The Hawaii Council on Revenues lowered its forecast on Wednesday to zero growth for the state’s fiscal year that starts July 1 and lowered its projection for the last three months of the fiscal year because of the fallout from the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

State braces for sharp decline in revenue due to coronavirus pandemic. The State is being told to brace itself for a sharp decline in revenue, meaning lawmakers will need to look for areas to cut spending. It’s largely due to coronavirus. KHON2.

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Hawaii Capitol’s Public Access Room closes due to connection to Canadian doctor with coronavirus. The Public Access Room on the fourth floor of the Hawaii State Capitol has been closed “out of an abundance of caution” until March 18 after a roommate of an employee in the office reportedly had contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Isle visitor from Canada tests positive for virus. A Canadian doctor who visited Hawaii last week has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but state health officials are not currently tracking those who may have been exposed through close contact with her in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Public Access Room Closes, Canada Visitor Tests Positive, Leahi Limits Visits. The news on the Hawaii front of the coronavirus battle is swiftly changing. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Honolulu, Maui councils encourage remote public interactions over coronavirus fears. The Honolulu City Council intends to hold scheduled meetings in the coming days as planned but Chairman Ikaika Anderson on Wednesday encouraged people to watch the proceedings remotely and to submit their testimony online. Star-Advertiser.

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UH prepares for switch to online classes. The closure of student housing on the Manoa and Hilo campuses of UH is not being considered at this time. Star-Advertiser.

UH announces classes to move online after spring break amid coronavirus concerns. The University of Hawaii on Thursday announced that it will move all classes online after spring break amid coronavirus concerns. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii classes to move ‘online’ due to Covid-19 concerns. University of Hawaii President David Lassner announced all classes will move online after spring break. KHON2.

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Hawaii DOE Cancels All School Travel Outside State. The order, which comes as spring break nears, does not impact inter-island travel. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i DOE Cancelling All US and International Travel Through End of School Year. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education is cancelling all school and department-related travel to the US mainland and international destinations until the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Maui Now.

Hawaii students flew across the country for a convention that was suddenly canceled. Hawaii students eager to compete in a national media convention flew to Washington D.C. this week only to be met with a sudden cancellation. Hawaii News Now.

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State: Closing ports up to federal government. The state has no jurisdiction to determine whether or not to close ports in Hawaii amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay said. Tribune-Herald.

Are We Banning Cruise Ships? According to Gov. David Ige, Hawaii state government does not have the authority to ban cruise ships. That decision lies with the federal government and the U.S. Coast Guard. Civil Beat.

Hotel workers facing cuts to work hours as travel restriction on Europe is announced. Hotel workers in Hawaii already say they’re worried about the impacts this could bring, especially with work hours already being cut. KHON2.

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Trust run by her ‘arch-enemies,’ heiress says. Abigail Kawananakoa reaffirmed her commitment to the Hawaiian people Wednesday but said she would like to control the direction of her charitable foundation, in part because the people running it now are her “arch-enemies.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii agents arrest alleged cartel member in nationwide drug bust. A man in Hawaii was arrested and charged in an interagency operation targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as the JNGC. Star-Advertiser.

Sea turtles are mistaking plastic for food. A new study published in the Journal Current Biology says sea turtles eat ocean-soaked plastic because it smells like food. KHON2.

Oahu

3 urgent care facilities now offering drive-through coronavirus testing. Urgent Care Hawaii is the first private facility in the state to offer drive-through testing for the coronavirus. There are three locations on Oahu offering tests: Pearl City, Kapolei and Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Councilwoman calls for more hygiene centers. Honolulu City Councilwoman Kym Pine is urging the Caldwell administration to set up more mobile hygiene centers across the island to help the island’s homeless population in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

There are still many unanswered questions regarding the corona virus that has spread worldwide, and Hawaii’s top government officials met with people to ease their fears. One of those meetings was a town hall Wednesday night at Hahaione Elementary School in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Hapalua half-marathon postponed until September due to coronavirus concerns. The Honolulu Marathon Association announced today that it will postpone the 2020 Hapalua half-marathon due to coronavirus concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Want Judge To Throw The Book At Kealohas. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard and the city’s top civil attorney have submitted letters to a federal judge that could be used to increase the sentences for Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Environmental assessment completed for controversial Ewa Beach seawall. A final environmental assessment for a seawall found there would be no significant impact to the environment, geology, cultural or biological resources. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kim creates multi-agency COVID-19 task force. The mayor described a balancing act that weighs keeping the public informed while not alarming them and offsetting the island economy against community safety. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island COVID-19 Pandemic Response Detailed. Mayor Harry Kim introduced the Hawaiʻi County Council to the multi-agency COVID-19 task force, and delivered an unscheduled, hour-long briefing. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Affirms County’s Continued Efforts Against COVID-19. Mayor Harry Kim came before Hawai‘i County Council to provide an update on where the county is on its efforts to handle the impacts of COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Mayor Issues Proclamation To Stop Price Gouging. Mayor Harry Kim issued a Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on Wednesday in order to prohibit increases in the selling price of any commodity in the area covered by Hawai‘i County’s Emergency Proclamation regarding Coronavirus. Big Island Video News.

Hoarding of cleaning and sanitation products frustrates customers, triggers purchase limits. While there has still been no confirmed case of COVID-19 infection on the Big Island, that hasn’t stopped shortages of vital hygiene and cleaning supplies from frustrating shoppers. Tribune-Herald.

Final EA released for Pahala wastewater plant. The plant, when completed, will replace two large-capacity cesspools that have served the community since the sugar plantation era. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Chair Encourages Civic Engagement Online. State Representative Angus McKelvey established a YouTube channel for this purpose and Council Chair Alice Lee said today she encourages the public to provide testimony and view meetings of the council and the council’s committees online. Maui Now.

Bill proposes Hawaii purchase, conserve Maui watershed land. Thousands of acres of watershed land in the West Maui Mountains are up for sale and state lawmakers are considering buying the property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Couple stopped at airport over COVID-19 suspicions. They test negative for the novel coronavirus. Maui News.

Kauai

County has $2M to battle COVID-19. Kaua‘i’s mayor and County Council released $2 million in emergency funds for Kaua‘i response to COVID-19 on Wednesday, the same day the World Health Organization declared a pandemic of the virus and the state Department of Health said the number of people self-monitoring in Hawai‘i crept up to 41. Garden Island.

HI5 recycle site in Kekaha moves. The Kekaha HI5 redemption site operated by Kaua‘i Community Recycling Services will be relocated to its former location across from the old Kekaha sugar mill site on Kekaha Road on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Molokai

Tours Temporarily Suspended at Kalaupapa. DOH has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park until April 11, 2020 as a public health measure to protect the vulnerable population of patients. Maui Now.

Tours suspended to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai. The Health Department has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai until April 11. KHON2.

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

2020 opening day for Hawaii House PC:House Majority

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Super Golden Week, Southwest ticket sales are encouraging signs for Hawaii tourism, Honolulu, Hawaii county mayors up budgets, aquarium industry scrutinized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki tourism fun ©2019 All Hawaii News

Major tour companies and legacy air carriers for Hawaii’s Japan tourism market are reporting double-digit gains for this year’s “Super Golden Week,” a 10-day period of consecutive national holidays. Star-Advertiser.

After much anticipation, Southwest begins selling tickets for Hawaii flights. The low-cost carrier on Monday began selling tickets for Hawaii flights, with first flights — between Oakland and Honolulu — on March 17. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s What’s Not Passing The Hawaii Legislature This Year. On Tuesday the Hawaii Legislature is set to act on hundreds of bills as lawmakers near the halfway mark of the 2019 session. Civil Beat.

Gut And Replace Resurfaces At Hawaii Legislature. The Senate Ways and Means Committee altered the contents of several bills with little public notice, including one that would raise taxes and another that affects Big Island disaster relief. Civil Beat.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee gutted and replaced at least two bills on Friday, including one affecting disaster relief for Hawaii County and another relating to a helicopter tax credit. Tribune-Herald.

A bill that would shine a brighter light on county police misconduct across the state is making its way through the state Legislature. House Bill 285, if enacted into law, would require Hawaii’s four county police chiefs to disclose in annual reports to the state Legislature the identity of an officer upon an officer’s suspension or discharge from a county police department. Tribune-Herald.

A bill passing through the state Legislature may spell the end for plastic bottles, styrofoam food containers and more across the state. Senate Bill 522 sets a lofty goal to ban the sale, use or distribution of plastic beverage bottles, utensils, stirring sticks, straws and polystyrene foam containers anywhere in the state by 2023. Tribune-Herald.

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Timeline of the battle over Hawaii reef fish. Environmental and industry advocates have been battling for years over whether the state should end the commercial collection of aquarium fish from Hawaii reefs. The fight led to a court decision that banned the use of fine-mesh nets — the main tool of fish collectors — until an environmental review is completed. Star-Advertiser.

Yellow tang project holds promise for Hawaii’s popular, iconic fish. Star-Advertiser.

The way fish are handled stirs debate in aquarium trade. The belief by some that fish do experience pain contributes to the debate over whether the state should end Hawaii’s aquarium trade. Star-Advertiser.

Fishing village wants more DLNR enforcement on aquarium trade. Star-Advertiser.

Aquarium trade still triggers fierce debate, even dividing a fishing village. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Higher tax rates are in store for owners of Oahu resort/hotel and higher-end resident “investment” properties, but the tax rate would stay the same for those who live in their own home, according to the budget plan for the coming fiscal year unveiled Friday by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell rolled out his $2.83-billion operating budget proposal today for Fiscal Year 2020, which begins July 1st.  He said real property and motor vehicle taxes are expected to bring in 120-million more but other taxes must go up to fund his spending plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

If you own a hotel, an investment home or a trash can, the mayor wants to charge you more. Hawaii News Now.

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Losing A Beachfront Home Isn’t Just A Rich Person’s Problem. As the sea level rise exacerbates coastal erosion, many longtime middle-class residents are struggling to protect their properties. Civil Beat.

A Palolo hillside neighborhood is shifting, leading to structural problems. Some residents say the only thing they can do is evacuate once their homes fall apart, even after continuous complaints to the city. KITV.

‘Deplorable’ hotel puts leasehold in jeopardy. Run-down. Terrible. Total dump. Those are guest descriptions of the Hawaiian Ebbtide Hotel.  Star-Advertiser.

A state lawmaker says he's had questions about the Public Safety Department's policies even before the recent fatal shootings by state sheriffs, that includes the OCCC inmate shot and killed after escaping Friday. KHON2.

Judge seeks more information on Kealoha’s cancer claim, trial delay request. Federal Judge John Michael Seabright will decide if the trial should be pushed back. On Friday, he said he’d need more information on Kealoha’s health and has set a hearing for Monday so Kealoha’s doctor can elaborate. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha Says She Needs Cancer Treatment, Wants Trial Delayed. The defense lawyer for the former city prosecutor says in new court filings that Kealoha must seek immediate treatment. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim proposes 10.7% budget hike, 35 new police positions. Thirty-five new police personnel, including 10 officers each for Ka‘u and Puna, nine new sergeants and six dispatchers, along with body cameras and computer upgrades, play center stage in a $573.5 million budget proposed Friday by Mayor Harry Kim. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim has submitted the first draft of his proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20, proposing a 10.7 percent increase compared to last year. Big Island Video News.

Council pushes open Sunshine Law with secret budget meeting, discussions off agenda. A behind-the-scenes workshop and attempts to get commitments from colleagues on an item not on the agenda are two ways the County Council pushed the limits of the state Sunshine Law in recent weeks, as an especially tight county budget hangs in the balance. West Hawaii Today.

Proposed rules for vacation rentals received a frosty reception Friday evening during a public hearing in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Testifiers Speak Out On Short Term Vacation Rental Rules. Big Island Video News.

Bill would give BI second water specialist. Water quality monitoring on Hawaii Island will get a boost under a bill that passed the state House of Representatives on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The County Council member who upset former Mayor Alan Arakawa in the bid for the Kahului residency seat is proving just as unpredictable in her new job. Freshman Council Member Tasha Kam has emerged as the swing vote in the first major test the new council has faced this term — the vetting of Mayor Michael Victorino’s 11 director nominees. Maui News.

Six Historic Bridges on Hana Highway Identified as High Priority. The Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, holds the first in a series of public meetings to discuss a project to improve six of the historic bridges along the Hana Highway (Route 360) located between Huelo and Hana town in east Maui. Maui Now.

MECO says customers will not pay for unused power from solar farms. Credits from construction delays will offset costs in 2018. Maui News.

Maui Electric Co. produced 38 percent of power used in 2018 through renewable sources, up from 34 percent in 2017, the utility’s parent company, Hawaiian Electric Cos., said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Hope for endangered seabirds. During the four-day annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group last week at the Aqua Kauai Beach Hotel near Lihue, 10 researchers detailed the results of programs aimed at reducing the deaths of endangered and threatened native Hawaiian seabirds. Garden Island.

Ha Coffee Bar is hosting a climate-change conversation 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, featuring Victoria Keener speaking on how Kauai is adapting to predicted impacts of climate change. Garden Island.

Senate president's son now a lobbyist, vacation rentals eat into hotel profits, BLT Steak restaurant in Trump Tower cited by Health Department, dead baby humpback washes up off Kauai, national parks reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump International Hotel Waikiki ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hotel units drop as vacation rental units fuel growth. Hawaii’s visitor accommodation units grew just a smidge in 2018 with growth in vacation rentals and timeshares offsetting a dip in the state’s larger supply of traditional lodging. Star-Advertiser.

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has hired the son of Senate President Ron Kouchi as its new assistant vice president for government affairs and alliances, which some at the state Capitol fear could mean trouble this year for proposals to increase Hawaii’s minimum wage. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Scott Saiki says he works well with Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald despite tension over court decisions that sparked a turf fight between the two branches. Civil Beat.

"Tax Season" started Monday. It's the first big test of the state's new "E-Filing" system. The upgrade to the tax department's website is intended to make it quicker to file, and should make it easier for the state to track people who don't pay their taxes. KITV.

A bill that would allow restaurant owners to decide whether dogs are allowed on their premises has been introduced at the Hawaii State Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A House bill introduced this session aims to arm student journalists in Hawaii’s public high schools with greater First Amendment protections. Civil Beat.

Representative Roy M. Takumi, Chair of the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee, introduced a package of bills in an effort to protect consumers. KHON2.

Lawmaker proposing no down payment on a home for returning kamaaina. KHON2.

The effort to control non-native species in Hawaii was dealt a significant setback by the 35-day partial shutdown of the federal government. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

East Honolulu voters might learn today or Wednesday when and how they’ll cast a vote for their City Council member, City Clerk Glen Takahashi said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

The upcoming Special Election for the Honolulu City Council District 4 seat has not been scheduled. But the candidates aren’t waiting to go back on the campaign trail. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Honolulu City Council is now required to temporarily fill the City Council District 4 seat left vacant after the Hawaii Supreme Court invalidated Trevor Ozawa's win over Tommy Waters. KITV.

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The state Office of Planning's Coastal Zone Management Program is developing comprehensive high-resolution Tsunami Design Zone maps for the Island of Oahu. KHON2.

Officials with the city climate office toured the island over the past few months to spread public awareness of the issue and gather feedback on ways to reduce emissions. Civil Beat.

Over the past decade, crime against the elderly on Oahu has shot up 300 percent. Hawaii News Now.

A Hawaii Kai man sued the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Monday along with several other DLNR law enforcement officers over an aggressive boat seizure in 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Disability Treatment Center For Kids Will Close. Civil Beat.

State health inspectors have issued a yellow placard to an upscale steak house at Trump International Hotel in Waikiki after finding a number of serious violations. Hawaii News Now.

A $70 million 120-bed home veterans home planned for about seven acres of a 26-acre state-owned parcel across from the Walmart store in Kapolei must choose a general contractor by March to meet Veterans Administration deadlines or risk losing nearly two-thirds of the project’s federal funding. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park returned to normal operations Monday after more than a month of partial closures during the shutdown of the federal government. Tribune-Herald.

The possibility of creating a future Hawaiian cultural and/or educational center somewhere on the higher elevations of Mauna Kea was discussed during a recent informational briefing at the Capitol. Big Island Video News.

State Senators are hoping to pass a bill this legislative session that will establish a Hawaii Airports Corporation, as lawmakers question some of the issues at Hilo International Airport. Big Island Video News.

As little fire ants continue to swarm West Hawaii, the state inches closer to fortifying permanent reinforcements to combat the invasive species on the Big Island’s leeward side. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Park services at Haleakala getting back to normal after shutdown. Visitors center back in business; Pools of Oheo also open. Maui News.

Hilton Grand Vacations has started construction at the Maui Bay Villas, with work on the first phase slated for completion in the first quarter of 2021. Maui Now.

Kauai

A whale was reported dead on the beach in Kekaha Monday morning. Garden Island.

Five whale sightings reported at Princeville. Garden Island.

Inspector General report urges changes to Hawaii's missile alert system, high surf, high seas spur Honolulu action, two election lawsuits filed over close votes, humpback whale no-shows cause concern, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii missile alert info session ©2018 All Hawaii News

Missile alert report urges FEMA to make vendors change software. The report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General urges FEMA to require that software used by local authorities to access and operate the emergency alert system include features such as the ability to preview or cancel alerts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii False Missile Alert: New Problems Found In Federal Warning System. A recent inspector general report highlights shortcomings in FEMA’s oversight of the emergency warning system. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has recommended changes to the nation’s emergency alert system after Hawaii officials in January mistakenly warned the public about an incoming ballistic missile. Associated Press.

Read full inspector general emergency alert system report here.

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New Tax System Targets Cash Economy. The state’s Tax System Modernization or TSM will cost $60 million when completed. Rollout 4 was launched earlier this month to enable electronic filing for individual income tax returns. Hawaii Public Radio.

From school custodian to the sole Republican in the state Senate. For Kurt Fevella, the results of the general election are still sinking in. The former school janitor is now hiring staff for his office, as the newly elected lone Republican in the Hawaii state Senate. Hawaii News Now.

Every vote counts, but not all get counted. Thousands of votes statewide were invalidated, mostly on Oahu, and most affected voters won't necessarily know if theirs was counted. KHON2.

Black Market Babies. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, a string of low-lying coral atolls halfway between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea, had no law governing international adoptions in the 1990s. Hawaii quickly turned into a hub for what American judges and newspapers widely described as “black market adoptions.” The flow of babies soon spread to other states. Civil Beat.

Hawaii AG Demands Civil Rights Protections for Transgender People. Attorney General Russell A. Suzuki joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general urging the Trump Administration to abandon efforts to adopt a definition of “sex” that would exclude transgender and gender nonconforming individuals from the protections of federal civil rights laws. Maui Now.

Clues sought for decline in Hawaii humpback whale sightings. Researchers are gathering to compare clues on the reasons behind a significant decline in the number of sightings of North Pacific humpback whales in their traditional breeding grounds in waters around Hawaii. Associated Press.

Auction brings more broadband funds to Hawaii’s rural areas. Hawaiian Telcom will receive more than $18 million to deploy broadband in approximately 4,000 new areas across our state over the next six years. These areas include parts of Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Kohala, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland and Pepeekeo on Hawaii island; parts of Haiku, Hana and Olowalu on Maui; parts of Kaunakakai and Ualapue on Molokai; part of Lanai City; parts of Hanapepe, Kekaha, Kilauea, Kokee and Waimea on Kauai; and parts of Kahuku and Malaekahana on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Sears to sell off most of its Hawaii stores. Sears Holdings Corp. listed four Hawaii outlets — at Pearlridge Center, Windward Mall, Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo and an appliance store at Ala Moana Center — among 505 of the company’s most profitable locations to be sold or auctioned off as part of its bankruptcy, according to court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Retail giant Sears announced Monday that its putting four of its Hawaii stores on the auction block. Hawaii News Now.

SBA opening disaster loan centers this week on Maui, Hawaii's Big Island. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open disaster loan outreach centers on the Big Island and Maui on Tuesday to help Hawaii businesses apply for low-interest loans to recover from damage caused by the floods and wildfires that occurred during Hurricane Lane in August. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The city is taking steps to prepare for the significant impacts of global climate change, but moving the route of Honolulu’s rail line more inland is not one of them, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

‘Perhaps we retreat:’ City predicts major changes as Hawaii faces coastal erosion. Following the release of a new national climate assessment, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell predicted Friday that Hawaii will see major changes in infrastructure as ocean levels rise in the decades ahead. Hawaii News Now.

City and County of Honolulu to take action on climate change. KHON2.

North Shore Beach Erosion 45-foot waves pound island. A powerful northwest swell pounded the islands Monday, bringing to some northwest-facing locations towering waves between 35 and 45 feet. Star-Advertiser.

'Nuts’: Monster waves pummel Oahu’s North Shore, trigger safety warnings. Monster surf topping out at 45 feet rolled into Oahu’s North Shore on Monday, triggering safety warnings and keeping lifeguards busy. Hawaii News Now.

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Two Losing Candidates Ask For Election Recounts. City Council candidate Tommy Waters and state Sen. Matt LoPresti both lost their races by razor-thin margins. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council candidate Tommy Waters, who lost to incumbent Councilman Trevor Ozawa by 22 votes in the general election, wants the Hawaii Supreme Court to either declare him the winner, order a recount of the votes or to demand that the results be invalidated and a new election be held. Star-Advertiser.

Police Security Cameras May Soon Blanket Waikiki. Tourism officials believe heightened surveillance will make visitors feel safer, but the Hawaii ACLU says it poses “grave concerns” for privacy. Civil Beat.

HPD Wants Inflatable Tents In City Parks For Temporary Use By The Homeless. Police have a $3 million plan to create “lift zones” in Honolulu parks, where the homeless can sleep in inflatable tents and receive services when shelters fill up. Civil Beat.

City launches unclutter street gutters initiative. The city is trying to get residents to take responsibility for their neighborhood's storm drains. KHON2.

The Board of Water Supply is taking a second shot at generating additional revenue by pursuing the redevelopment of part of its Beretania Street site. Hawaii News Now.

Nan Inc. wins $267M contract to expand Oahu sewage plant. The City and County of Honolulu has awarded Nan Inc. a $267 million contract to expand the secondary treatment system at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in in Ewa. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County Council names Chung chairman. Aaron Chung, a longtime councilman from Hilo, will be the new County Council chairman under an organization plan filed Monday. West Hawaii Today.

A new Hawaii County Council Chair, County Clerk, and Council Committee leadership has been nominated as the next council prepares to take office. Big Island Video News.

Hurricane Lane Disaster Recovery Center Opens Tuesday In Hilo. The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a temporary Disaster Recovery Center in Hilo at the Hawaii County Building, from November 27 to December 6. Big Island Video News.

What to name fissure no. 8? A state board is taking up the issue. The Hawaii Board of Geographic Names meets Wednesday to discuss a plan to review potential new name proposals for Kilauea volcano’s features, including fissure no. 8 in Leilani Estates. Hawaii News Now.

After gathering more than a third of a million pounds of oceanborne waste from Hawaii shores, one marine waste cleanup program will continue its work for a third year. Tribune-Herald.

Over the last week, a scabies outbreak has run rampant through the ranks of Kona Community Hospital, sidelining several employees. And hospital officials say more cases are likely to appear. West Hawaii Today.

County seeks bids for Alii Drive culvert replacement project. A contractor is being sought to replace a rapidly deteriorating culvert on Alii Drive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hearings begin to update Maui island water plan. Twenty-year blueprint helps guide the management of water resources. Maui is working to update its 20-year plan for islandwide water uses at a time when major decisions by the state’s water panel are slowly restoring streams in the wake of big sugar. Maui News.

County of Maui DPR announces closure of Baldwin Beach Park all day Tuesday. Major flooding has resulted from high surf and has caused safety concerns to the County facility. KITV.

The Lanai Community Health Center has launched a more user-friendly website. Maui News.

Kauai

Meeting set today on council chair selection. A meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. today at the Historic County Building for the members elected to the Kauai County Council for the term commencing Dec. 3 to discuss their organizational structure for the 2018-2020 council term. Garden Island.

Settlement likely in civil suit. A tentative settlement has been reached in a civil lawsuit filed against the Kauai County Police Department by the family of a 19-year-old Hanapepe man killed by a speeding police cruiser, according to court documents and a county spokesperson. Garden Island.

'Secret' Hawaii hiking spots on social media raise risky behavior, Legislature seeks tax hikes, Honolulu council shuffle, state Department of Education supports student walkouts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Manoa's bamboo trail ©2018 All Hawaii News

Social media spur rise in risky scenic hiking. Within the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of the state trails, as well as people going to places that are obviously dangerous, among both visitors and locals alike. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers seek tax increases despite booming collections. These are the best of times when it comes to state tax collections, but Hawaii lawmakers are nonetheless considering an array of tax increases to help cope with long-term spending obligations such as pensions and health care for public employees. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Ignore Tourism Industry, Pass New Taxes Targeting Visitors. Tourism officials aren’t happy with measures that could raise millions from taxes on timeshares and higher resort fees. Civil Beat.

The State Senate has drafted, discussed, and voted on several bills that leaders say are projected to generate approximately $72 million in revenues based on the Department of Taxation estimates. Maui Now.

Law enforcement experts recommend a statewide gun amnesty buyback program that they think would help decrease gun violence in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

The state House Judiciary committee has approved legislation that would expand animal-cruelty laws to better protect dogs chained up outdoors. Star-Advertiser.

‘Death with dignity’ advocate, outliving his cancer prognosis, reflects on issue. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department of Education says it will support students who plan to participate in the school walkouts planned nationwide to protest gun violence. Hawaii News Now.

Who’s Building Affordable Housing in Hawaii. Many high-profile developers include affordable housing as required by law, but some developers specialize in that type of housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center is inviting the public to participate in a survey about residents' experiences and behaviors during January's false missile scare. Hawaii News Now.

The number of people looking for jobs in Hawaii is the lowest since 1991. The state maintained its record low unemployment rate at 2.1 percent in January, the same as the revised seasonally adjusted rates for December, November and October, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Palace Intrigue: Ernie Martin Tries To Return As City Council Chairman. Even as he runs for Congress, the North Shore council member may regain the chairmanship this month. Civil Beat.

Council members move to reinstate Martin as chair. KHON2.

City budget adds more lifeguards at Hanauma. Expect a bigger lifeguard presence at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve under a proposal that’s part of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s $2.16 billion operating budget for the coming fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Starting March 12, the City and County of Honolulu will begin replacing tens of thousands of light bulbs in street lamps across the island to put in more energy-efficient LED lights. KHON2.

The nonprofit health center running the Waianae Coast’s only emergency room is doubling the number of rooms available to treat urgent cases and expanding its reach in Leeward Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae Health Center Completes $49 Million Improvement Project. KITV.

Architect Designs Low-Cost Housing, Often For Free. Russell Wozniak has become a leader of Oahu’s efforts to develop innovative solutions to the low-income housing shortage. Civil Beat.

Caldwell seeks kupuna input on surf contest reform. In mid-February, when the World Surf League canceled its 2019 Pipe Masters contest after the City & County of Honolulu rejected its bid to switch dates from December to January with its Pipe Pro meet, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced he would found an advisory committee to revise the city’s surf meet permitting rules. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is adjusting its base rate to reflect savings from the new federal tax bill, resulting in a lower monthly electrical bill for Oahu customers. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Moon, an ukulele virtuoso, businessman and composer who contributed to a revival of Hawaiian music in the 1970s, died Feb. 17. He was 73. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea committee shrouded in anonymity. Mayor Harry Kim says his Maunakea committee, tasked with proposing a new management model for the mountain, met for the first time Friday. Tribune-Herald.

The pace of public projects has slowed as the county nears its prudent borrowing limits and seeks other revenue sources to build needed roads, wastewater systems, workforce housing and fire stations. West Hawaii Today.

Crowing Roosters Are Driving Some People Crazy On The Big Island. A Hawaii County Council member is proposing to restrict where the birds, many used for illegal cockfighting, can roost. Civil Beat.

A Hawaii County panel on Friday denied an appeal of a subdivision approval in the Puukapu Homesteads area of Waimea. Big Island Video News.

A small Waimea subdivision is causing big problems for a neighbor, who says work on the property is making her land flood. West Hawaii Today.

State social workers in Hilo oversee so many cases of abused and neglected children spread over a huge swath of Hawaii island that the situation has become a crisis, with workers unable to devote adequate time to cases even as the numbers continue to grow, according to social workers, foster parents, service providers and others familiar with the child welfare system there. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

County Council passes short-term rental legislation on first reading. Measure would require a property owner to wait five years for a permit. Maui News.

Community gets a glimpse of long-delayed Kihei high school. New Kihei High School concepts revealed: Parents plead for school to welcome all grades at once at scheduled 2021 opening. Maui News.

Girls basketball coach suspended pending investigation. Upcountry club team reorganizing, changing its name. Maui News.

Bowling alley rumors false for Maui Marketplace. Lease negotiations ongoing for old Lowe’s, Sports Authority spaces. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai police have seen an increase in the use of black tar heroin over the last two years. Associated Press.

Waimea Library manager helps award top national children’s book. Garden Island.

Bum Run raises awareness, money in fight against cancer. Garden Island.

Coral reefs dying, Honolulu and Big Island mayors release proposed budgets, SHOPO head retires, Kealoha home foreclosed, Ala Moana replaces deadly railings, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral scientists off Hilo ©2018 All Hawaii News

Hawaii's coral reefs are dying, and researchers are a few steps closer to figuring out just how much environmental changes and human interaction affect the ocean's coral reefs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii taxpayers can expect to save around $1.3 billion this year from recently enacted federal tax cuts, but the near-term benefit to the state economy will be “very small,” according to a new report. Star-Advertiser.

A bill to allow terminally ill patients to receive medical assistance to end their lives was approved by a wide margin Thursday in a preliminary vote in the state House, suggesting the measure is gaining momentum in the heavily Democratic state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

If bill passes, law enforcement officers who've been fired for misconduct won't be able to get a similar job. KITV.

The state’s largest health insurers saw their financial results worsen in the fourth quarter. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii lost $88 million while Hawaii Medical Service Association’s net income fell to $12.2 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oliveira: Feds don’t need to be involved in missile alerts. He doesn’t believe Hawaii is a target. The lead internal investigator of Hawaii’s false missile alert in January dismissed talk of transferring responsibility of notifying the public of a missile attack to the federal government. Maui News.

Report: Lack of shelters means you'll likely be on your own in a disaster. Hawaii News Now.

The public comment period regarding a proposed fee increase to the tri-park annual pass will close this Friday, March 2. Maui Now.

Oahu

Marking a major but not unexpected shift in city policy, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s 2019 budget package proposes using city funds for the first time for construction of the financially strapped East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail project. The proposed $2.61 billion city operating budget for fiscal 2019 is roughly 6.4 percent, or about $157 million, more than the current year’s budget. Star-Advertiser.

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Longtime police union leader Tenari Maafala is retiring in April from the Honolulu Police Department after a controversial reassignment by the police chief, who the union alleges targeted him. Star-Advertiser.

SHOPO President Maafala retiring next month. Sgt. Tenari Maafala told The Associated Press today he’s retiring next month from the Honolulu Police Department. He’ll also step down as president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. Associated Press.

The head of the police union says he's retiring effective April 1. SHOPO's president, Sgt. Tenari Maafala, also said he plans to leave the union. Hawaii News Now.

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Ex-HPD Chief Kealoha and wife default on $1M mortgage, lawsuit says. A former Honolulu police chief and his wife — a deputy city prosecutor — who are both facing charges in a corruption case, are being sued for failure to pay their home mortgage. Associated Press.

The financial institution that holds a mortgage on the Hawaii Kai home of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, has filed for foreclosure. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii credit union is foreclosing on the Hawaii Kai home owned by the former Honolulu police chief and his wife, a deputy city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

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After 'floatilla' chaos, lawmakers seek to ban drinking in the water. Hawaii News Now.

UH Takeover Of Innovation Center Is Raising Tech Community Eyebrows. In July, UH will oust the state High Technology Development Corp. as the Manoa tech incubator’s landlord. Civil Beat.

A 23-year-old Kamehameha Schools faculty member pleaded not guilty in Circuit Court today to multiple counts of sexual assault involving a high school student. Star-Advertiser.

New program aimed to help domestic violence victims. KITV.

Railings that led to severe injury, death fully replaced at Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

Renew-Rebuild Hawaii hosted a panel discussion today on energy resilience and development. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County’s budget will break a half-billion dollars for the first time, but what’s not in the preliminary spending plan released Thursday is almost as significant as what’s in it. West Hawaii Today.

With the state Land Board designating 40 acres off the Daniel K. Inouye Highway as a shooting range, Hawaii Island gun owners now have a place to legally practice their marksmanship. Tribune-Herald.

A critical equipment failure took down Hawaii County’s fiber network Thursday. The network could be down through today. Tribune-Herald.

A bill committing $2 million to Hilo Medical Center so stents can be offered to patients with heart blockages passed a key Senate committee. Tribune-Herald.

Man-Made Disasters Are What Really Worry The Big Island. When it comes to hazardous materials, officials are often unsure where the sites are or what they’d do in an emergency. Civil Beat.

State apologizes after attempt to enforce rule that threatened aquaponics industry. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Island Humane Society’s Animal Community Center, which will bring increased capacity to hold stray animals and increase spay-and-neuter services, continues to move forward. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Committee OKs 250 affordable units in S. Kihei. Honuaula Partners request moves to full council for final vote. Maui News.

Water rate hikes not being sought for fiscal year 2019. Proposed purchase of Wailuku Water Co. not yet budgeted. Maui News.

Upcountry skate park is becoming a reality. Ground broken on vision of youths at Kekaulike High School. Maui News.

Island Bowling Officially Open in Lahaina. After a half-century, a new bowling alley has opened its doors on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

The state wants to expand the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve to create better access, and the public has until March 14 to give their take on the plan. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts said Thursday that one of its properties, Kauai Shores Hotel, will now accept Bitcoin payments, becoming the first on the island to do so. Pacific Business News.