Higa pleads guilty to embezzling CARES, AmeriCorps funds, UH resuming on-campus education, Kauai dissolves COVID tier system, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Oct. 8, 2020 FBI raid Na Leo TV ©2021 All Hawaii News

Higa pleads guilty in federal court to embezzling, bribery. Former Hawaii County Council Chairman Stacy Higa admitted in federal court Wednesday to embezzling money from two federal programs and using some of it for cosmetic dental surgery and to help fund his 2020 campaign for mayor. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Is Losing More Teachers Than Ever Amid Pandemic Fatigue. Hawaii had 25% more public school teachers retire or resign during the 2020-21 academic year compared with the previous year, a sign that pandemic-related fatigue could be driving educators away from the job. Civil Beat.

Lassner to UH faculty, staff, students: Prepare to be on campus next spring. University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Monday sent a memo to all UH faculty and staff, telling department chairs and faculty to “carefully review your spring 2022 schedules and make adjustments to the mode of instruction to provide our students across the UH system with the on-campus educational experience they need and expect.” Tribune-Herald.

UH employees will be subject to stricter vaccine mandate than other state workers. A strict new vaccination mandate for all University of Hawaii employees is getting pushback by the faculty union, whose leadership says they weren’t fully consulted. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic fuels spike in childhood obesity in Hawaii. Nearly one in six children between the ages of 10 and 17 are obese in Hawaii, marking a significant increase from four years ago and fueling concerns about the impact that COVID-19 restrictions and school closures have had on the health of the state’s youth. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii flu-pneumonia report includes ‘hundreds’ of COVID-19 fatalities. The state Department of Health said Wednesday that “hundreds” of the more than 850 deaths counted in its influenza and respiratory disease surveillance report for the just-ended 2020-2021 flu season were casualties of COVID-19. A Page 1 headline on a Monday Honolulu Star-Advertiser article about the influenza season incorrectly stated the flu was deadlier than COVID-19. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii records 6 new coronavirus-related deaths, 127 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 68 new cases on Oahu, 11 on Maui, 29 on Hawaii Island, five on Kauai and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi optimistic about large events by the end of the year. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said with COVID-19 case counts now trending downward, and vaccination rates edging upward, more pandemic-related restrictions could be lifted in coming months. Star-Advertiser.

HART Says It Didn’t Get A Key Report On Track Woes. The Contractor Says Otherwise. The much-anticipated analysis will shed light on a major problem that must be fixed before interim rail service can start. Civil Beat.

HPD Reviewing New Bodycam Policy After Judge’s Ruling. A judge recently ordered the release of all body-worn camera footage in the Iremamber Sykap case, saying an open investigation doesn’t justify keeping it from the public. Civil Beat.

Fourth hotel for Kapolei will cost up to about $70 million to build. The hotel business is booming in Kapolei, so much so that a developer plans to add a fourth hotel in the community — just steps away from two others. Star-Advertiser.

City program disrupting homeless outreach services. Police have cleared out many homeless people from the River Street area. But outreach workers providing medical and social services said they're having trouble finding many of their clients again once they're moved. KITV4.

New youth program seeks to inspire kids through culture, health. When canoe races were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hui Nalu O Hawaii Canoe Club decided to pivot its popular summer youth paddling program to one that weaved in more cultural practices and hands-on learning. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Pele’s show continues. Kilauea volcano has erupted more than 4.2 billion gallons of lava since its current summit eruption began Sept. 29. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Improvements ongoing at two Hilo schools. As students enjoy fall break, construction crews are working to create new parking areas at two Hilo schools to address traffic concerns on Puainako Street. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County to ease restrictions, gathering limits, starting this weekend. Gov. David Ige reviewed and approved the new set of emergency rules for Maui County which increases social gatherings of up to 10 people indoors, and 25 people outdoors. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

800-unit housing development in West Maui moves forward. Pulelehua gets approval for site plan, which includes market-rate, affordable units. Pointing to the incredible need for affordable, long-term housing solutions for local families, the Maui Planning Commission voted unanimously for the development of a West Maui housing and commercial project. Maui News.

Doctors On Call Able to Deploy Mobile Testing Teams to Meet Hospitality Needs. The company created Mobile Testing Teams that are deployed when a group arrives for checks in. Maui Now.

Kauai

Ige approves Emergency Rule No. 27; Tier system dissolved. Most COVID-19 regulations, including masking requirements, travel regulations and limits on gathering size, will remain in place. Garden Island.

Westside residents consider WKEP impact on waterways. The West Kaua‘i Energy Project encompasses an approximately 350-acre solar farm on the Mana Plain, hydro-powered energy storage and generation, and rehabilitated reservoirs, irrigation systems and roads throughout the island’s West Side. Garden Island.

State, landowner meet to safeguard shearwaters. State officials recently met with property owners in Po‘ipu to discuss protection of a wedge-tailed shearwater colony ravaged by feral-cat predation. Garden Island.

Hawaii outdoor mask mandate lifted, economic outlook rises, University of Hawaii mulls fully open campuses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Gov. Ige Eliminates Mask Mandate for Outdoors, Allows Ocean Sports Competitions. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday people will no longer have to wear masks outdoors, effective immediately, as COVID-19 cases decrease and more people get vaccinated. The governor said he would maintain a requirement that people wear masks indoors. The same rules will apply regardless of whether someone is vaccinated. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

State Panel Forecasts Better Economic Outlook For Hawaii. Adjustments to Hawaii’s projected tax revenues could mean state government hauls in $450 million more than previously predicted. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii floats plan to reopen campuses to public, end telework policy. The University of Hawaii has made tentative plans to reopen its campuses to the public Tuesday and phase out its pandemic telework policy, with all staff back on campus Aug. 3. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii teachers’ $2,200 bonuses may be in jeopardy. The governor is under pressure to veto the $2,200 bonuses that legislators voted to give every public school teacher, but hefty pay “differentials” for classroom teachers in shortage areas are on track for next year. Star-Advertiser.

Grand jury mix-up puts dozens of state felony cases at risk. A Judiciary spokesperson for the state Judiciary said 60 cases total were impacted by the mix-up and additional precautions have been taken to prevent similar situations from occurring. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii reports 23 new COVID cases; no additional fatalities. Of the new cases, 16 were on Oahu, two on Hawaii Island, one on Kauai, and one on Molokai. There were also three residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-Honolulu Police Department officer, Derek Wayne Hahn, bound for prison pending appeal. A former Honolulu police lieutenant must report to prison next week to serve a 3-1/2-year sentence in Hawaii’s biggest ever corruption case after a U.S. judge denied his request to remain free while he appeals his conviction. Associated Press.

City plans to revitalize Chinatown, but business owners say crime is the biggest issue. Earlier this month, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he has a plan to fix major problems in Chinatown and efforts include beautification and security. Hawaii News Now.

Sierra Club raises new questions about Navy’s cleanup of Red Hill fuel leak. Citing data from the state Department of Health, the Sierra Club said they believe the reason for a spike in contaminants is because the leak was not properly contained. Hawaii News Now.

TheBus to modify, discontinue more than a dozen routes. The discontinued routes include Route 80A (Hawaii Kai Park and Ride Express – University) Route 80B (Upper Aina Haina Express); and Route 235 (Kahala Mall — Waialae Iki). Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

New Hawaii State Veterans Home Is Being Built On Land Designated For Affordable Housing. Construction crews broke ground on the 120-bed residential and treatment facility last month on a long-vacant lot in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Small Oahu Landowners Say They Were Blindsided By Ag Land Plan. The state Land Use Commission has scheduled two days of hearings beginning Wednesday to try to sort through Honolulu’s plan for designating Important Agricultural Lands. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Wanted: Good foster parents for some troubled kids. Catholic Charities Hawaii is seeking therapeutic foster parents on Hawaii Island to provide specialized foster care for emotionally and behaviorally challenged youths ages 5-19. Tribune-Herald.

Water Board creates operations superintendent position. A shortage of qualified administrators has hit home for the county Department of Water Supply, which on Tuesday was given permission to add a superintendent position to its operations division to help shoulder the load. West Hawaii Today.

Ag Theft Leads to Regulations Legitimate Producers Need to Know. Due to the increasing reports of agricultural theft on Hawai’i Island, the Hawai’i Police Department on Tuesday, May 25, issued a reminder to the public that there are regulations set in place. Big Island Now.

Maui

Concerns persist over market-rate units in Larry Ellison project. Pulama Lana‘i is proposing 150 units with 76 affordable, 74 market-rate. A high number of market-rate units, proximity to a sewage treatment facility and lack of options to buy are among the concerns of community members for a 150-unit rental home project proposed by Pulama Lana’i. Maui News.

Maui Police Commision votes to allow former chief to retire in ‘good standing’. Despite being caught on camera fleeing the scene of an accident, former Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu is now allowed to retire in good standing. Hawaii News Now.

Virtual Climate Change Town Hall for South Maui Scheduled for June 3. The town hall is an opportunity for the public to learn about how climate change is affecting the South Maui community and the strategies to deal with those effects that could be included in the South Maui Community Plan. Maui Now.

Online Public Hearing for Proposed Firing Range Rules at Ukumehame on June 9. Proposed amendments of the Maui County Code for the use and operation of the Maui Firing Range at Ukumehame will be discussed during an online public hearing on Wednesday, June 9 at 5:30 pm. Maui Now.

Kahoolawe restoration project to benefit land and sea. The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission has launched a 14-month campaign to restore the Hakioawa Watershed and protect the island’s windward nearshore waters and reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

2 levels added to tier system. If the state hits a vaccination rate of 70%, Kaua‘i will lose its tier system and mandated restrictions, according to the county’s latest tier chart from Mayor Derek Kawakami. Garden Island. KITV4.

Solid-waste plan up for review. The latest draft of the county’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, which outlines goals and objectives for one of the county’s most pressing issues of waste disposal, is now up for public review. Garden Island.

TGI editor returning to mainland. After six years of writing for The Garden Island newspaper, including a year as editor of this publication, this is my last week at TGI. Garden Island.

Hawaii Legislature reconvenes Monday to tackle $1B shortfall, new rules coming for tourists, CARES money to provide safety net, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lawmakers will return to Capitol on Monday to help patch huge state budget hole. Hawaii lawmakers will return to the state Capitol on Monday to get back to work, and their primary mission is to find ways to cope with a looming budget shortfall and prevent furloughs and pay cuts for public workers. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Reconvenes Monday To Deal With $1B Shortfall. House Speaker Scott Saiki and Senate President Ron Kouchi said the session may last from 6 to 10 days. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislature reconvening next week to figure out budget shortfall. The state legislature is estimating about a billion-dollar shortfall. To address the shortfall, the state senate and the house will be reconvening next week. KHON2.

Legislature will reconvene next week to address budget shortfall. The state Legislature will reconvene next week — after more than a month of recess — in order to address the state’s growing budget shortfall. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Legislature to Reconvene on May 11 After Nearly 2 Month Recess. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi and House Speaker Scott K. Saiki today announced that the Hawaiʻi State Senate and the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives will reconvene the 2020 legislative session on Monday, May 11. Maui Now.

As lawmakers grapple with $1B shortfall, advocates urge them to preserve social safety net. As lawmakers prepare to grapple with a $1 billion budget shortfall when they reconvene Monday, advocates for the poor are warning them not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s tourism recovery could take years, experts say. Occupancy at Hawaii hotels plummeted to about 10% statewide for several weeks in April as COVID-19 fears and lockdowns ravaged the state’s tourist- driven economy. Star-Advertiser.

Is Hawaii Ready To Reopen The Economy? Some Experts Say Not Yet. State, county and health experts are publicly at odds over whether enough trained workers are in place to track an expected resurgence of the virus, especially when tourists return. Civil Beat.

New requirements ahead for passengers arriving in Hawaii. Two major changes are in the plans for arriving passengers: a new level of scrutiny and a new form designed to give officials information to follow up on — and potentially prosecute — failed promises to adhere to statewide quarantine rules. Star-Advertiser.

Airline Rep Questioned On Informing Passengers About Quarantine. An airline industry spokesperson was questioned by state senators Thursday about how well customers planning a trip to Hawaiʻi are informed about the 14-quarantine mandated for all visitors to the islands. Big Island Video News.

Lawmakers face more hurdles trying to crack down on quarantine violators. More frustration for state lawmakers trying to crack down on visitors who don’t follow the 14-day quarantine order. Plans to immediately fine violators face legal challenges. KHON2.

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Schools Chief: Use Federal Bailout Money To Avoid Teacher Pay Cuts. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto outlined some plans for federal stimulus money, including keeping salaries at current levels. Civil Beat.

Hawaii teachers inundate Board of Education with testimony against pay cuts. More than 900 Hawaii public school teachers pleaded with the state Board of Education not to cut their pay to meet the looming budget shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers look to BOE to protect pay in the face of looming cuts. Teachers are pressuring the Hawaii Board of Education to help protect their pay as the state legislature prepares to start cutting the budget. Hawaii News Now.

Special needs students falling behind. As schools remain closed and offer virtual distance learning while the COVID-19 pandemic runs its course, many parents worry that their children are regressing, especially students who need special education services. Maui News.

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Unemployment Update: 141,077 Claims Processed, Additional 84,500 Under Review. Since the start of COVID-19 response in Hawaiʻi, the state has paid out over $320 million in benefits. Maui Now.

State kicks off alphabetized system for unemployment claims certification. Thousands of laid off workers frustrated with trying to file weekly certifications for their unemployment claims are being encouraged to instead file on designated days. Hawaii News Now.

The Department of Labor to implement alphabetized system for unprocessed unemployment claims. Due to what the governor called an “antiquated system,” tens of thousands of unemployment claims are still waiting to be processed. KHON2.

State asks unemployment claimants to file on specific days. In an effort to deal with a glut of unemployment claims, the state requested beneficiaries to file claims only on specific days of the week. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaii’s coronavirus cases rise by 3 to 629. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 629, up three from Wednesday, the state Department of Health announced today. All three new cases are on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Three New COVID-19 Infections Confirmed On Oahu. As of Thursday, about 87% of those infected had gotten better. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases ‘released from isolation’ category includes fatalities. Media and sometimes government officials have referred to the “released from isolation” cases as people who have recovered from the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces $25M program to reimburse household and childcare expenses during coronavirus. Caldwell said the program, called the COVID-19 “Hardship Relief for Individuals” program, will start May 18 with $25 million in seed money from the federal coronavirus aid bill. Star-Advertiser.

City announces $25M program to provide emergency aid to struggling Oahu families. With tens of thousands of Oahu residents unemployed, the city is launching a new emergency relief program to provide up to $1,000 a month to families in need. Hawaii News Now.

Pandemic Bust Your Budget? Honolulu Will Help With Expenses. Residents who can demonstrate they’re struggling can get six months of help with housing, utilities and child care. Civil Beat.

Mayors announce financial relief programs. On Thursday, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a city program to assist families who are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. KHON2.

City and County of Honolulu offering financial assistance to residents in need. The new program just announced on Thursday is called the COVID-19 Hardship relief fund. KITV4.

City and County of Honolulu receiving grant money from the Federal Transit Administration. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will be receiving award funding from the Federal Transit Administration through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. KITV4.

Honolulu attorney connected to Katherine Kealoha is arrested again. A troubled Honolulu attorney who entered the spotlight during investigations into disgraced former deputy city Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha has been arrested again. Christopher Woo, 47, was arrested early Thursday morning for allegedly driving a stolen car. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo retailers begin reopening. Prince Kuhio Plaza is planning a tentative opening Saturday, with social distancing measures enforced throughout the stores and mall. Tribune-Herald.

Red tape: Administering CARES money costs a lot. Four Big Island charities have been approved for a portion of a $1.5 million federal grant. But the red tape will eat up $250,000 of it. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Muni Golf Course Reopening With Some New Rules. All persons arriving at the golf course to play shall wear face masks or face coverings, the County says, as it sets to reopen on Monday, May 11. Big Island Video News.

County to Open Three Greenwaste Sites on Limited Basis. After widespread calls to reopen its greenwaste services, Hawai‘i County is making such disposal available at three sites islandwide. Each site will be available three days per week. Big Island Now.

Maui

County retail businesses allowed to open Monday. Mayor says ‘miscommunication’ with Ige cleared up. Maui News.

Six visitors who violate quarantine rules are sent back. Six Maui visitors were being sent back to California on Wednesday after reports that they violated 14-day quarantine rules, a Maui airport official said. Maui News.

Kauai

Continuing to fund COVID-19 efforts. When the Kaua‘i County Council allocated $2 million to battle COVID-19 in March, most of these funds went toward sanitation products, personal protection supplies and operation of the Emergency Operation Center. Garden Island.

New kind of litter. Gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment are starting to accumulate on Kaua‘i shorelines, as well as places around the world, and Surfrider Foundation’s local Hawai‘i chapters are joining the nationwide organization in a campaign to bring awareness to the fact that discarded PPE is adding to the plastic pollution on the world’s shorelines. Garden Island.

Hawaii mulls public employee pay cuts, COVID-19 cluster at Kona fast-food eatery, Honolulu tightens mask requirements, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Government Employees Association workers HGEA Facebook photo

Unions: Governor is proposing 20% pay cuts for ‘most’ state employees. The governor has proposed a 20% pay cut for “most” public employees as early as May 1, according to two public sector unions. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA says Ige proposing pay cut for teachers, first responders, and nurses. The Hawaii State Teacher’s Union says it has received notice from Governor David Ige’s office, alerting them about a possible 20% pay cut. KHON2.

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Hawaii explores visitor crackdowns as more keep coming. Emergency Management Agency Incident Commander Kenneth Hara said he is working with state Attorney General Claire Connors to see whether it’s possible for Hawaii to restrict visitors who arrive for leisure from making lodging reservations. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s daily visitor count hits highest level since quarantine started. The count of daily trans-Pacific visitors rose to its highest level since the first day that Hawaii’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine was implemented for all arriving passengers. Star-Advertiser.

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State hopes to start giving out extra unemployment payments in a week. The state hopes to start distributing by April 22 the first of many thousands of checks that will include the extra $600 per week in unemployment benefits that has been promised by the federal government, according to Scott Murakami, state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations director. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Updates Unemployment Application To Include Pacific Migrants. The state’s fix isn’t perfect but it allows migrants from Micronesia the same level of access to unemployment benefits as other legal workers. Civil Beat.

State launches new online portal for tracking unemployment claims. The status form went online Tuesday after multiple complaints from people waiting to receive benefits. Hawaii News Now.

$20 million in unemployment benefits paid out so far in April. The state Director of Labor and Industrial Relations on Tuesday gave lawmakers some good news regarding unemployment benefits claims, which have skyrocketed during the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

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Safety versus liberty: Constitutional freedoms tempered by COVID-19 crisis. When a constitutional lawyer says the Hawaii government is within its rights to restrict basic freedoms during the coronavirus pandemic, you can probably take that to the bank. West Hawaii Today.

Lockdown Not in Violation of Constitutional Rights, Law Professor Says. A common argument against Hawai‘i’s statewide lockdown is that it’s a violation of an individual’s personal freedoms — restricting movement, erasing jobs and punishing anyone who doesn’t comply. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii Experts Disagree Over Importance Of Testing In Reopening Economy. Experts in academia and healthcare have unveiled separate plans for safely reopening Hawaii’s economy. Both frameworks rely heavily on testing, but the state health director says that isn’t where the focus should be. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii is making progress in ‘flattening the curve.’ Now what? The business closures, school shutdowns, social distancing, and masks — it’s all working. State leaders say we all need to keep doing it. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s daily count for new coronavirus cases has been trending downward in recent days, in an encouraging sign that social distancing efforts are working. But officials warned Tuesday that returning too quickly to business as usual could be disastrous. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Lags Behind Other States In Release Of COVID-19 Data. State health officials say they are trying to release more data and are open to providing whatever information people want to know. Civil Beat.

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Is Hawaii ready to handle a wave of mass evictions? With nearly a quarter million Hawaii residents filing for unemployment, it stands to reason that the next crisis to hit the Islands will be mass evictions from people who cannot pay their rent. That's what a group of state Senators predicts, and they quizzed Attorney General Clare Connors about it on Tuesday. KITV4.

Lawsuit: Special Ed Students Need Extra Help When Schools Reopen. A potential class action suit proposes that the Hawaii DOE set parameters to assess the needs of Hawaii’s special education students during the school closures. Civil Beat.

Economists Seek Data To Help Hawaii Businesses. Detailed information can help policymakers steer assistance to needy areas and industries. Businesses across Hawaii are being asked to participate in a statewide survey designed to identify what businesses will continue to need assistance and to help plan for restoring the economy. Civil Beat.

State making sure safety-net programs continue uninterrupted during pandemic. Several state programs to assist with food, finances and child care are available during the COVID-19 crisis for those who might need help. Tribune-Herald.

Demand for food assistance in Hawaii skyrockets during COVID-19 crisis. With Hawaii’s economy in the tank due to the coronavirus pandemic, more people than ever are reaching out for food to feed their families. Star-Advertiser.

Deal to save Meadow Gold Hawaii collapses. A deal that would have saved Meadow Gold Hawaii has been dropped. On Monday, Meadow Gold’s parent company, Dean Foods, said it intended to close its Honolulu facility by April 30. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell mandates masks for business interactions. Starting Monday, everyone conducting a business transaction on the island will need to wear a nonsurgical mask. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Will Require Masks At Businesses And Riding Transit. Starting Monday, all visitors to grocery stores and other open businesses will need to keep their faces covered with a mask, scarf, bandanna or other material. Civil Beat.

Under emergency order, city to make non-medical face masks mandatory in public. The city is making face masks mandatory for most interactions in public, including when visiting businesses, on the city bus, or when ordering from the drive-thru. Hawaii News Now.

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The Coronavirus Has Been Good For Hanauma Bay. Scientists says studies being done in the unusual absence of tourists will help them understand the impact of large numbers of people on the natural world. Civil Beat.

Visitor pays fine and apologizes for slapping Hawaiian monk seal on Oahu. The attorney for a man who slapped a Hawaiian monk seal while visiting Oahu several months ago has issued an apology on behalf of his client. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 cluster tied to Kona McDonald’s. State health officials said there is no “significant risk” to the public after a dozen people associated with a Kailua-Kona fast-food establishment tested positive for COVID-19. West Hawaii Today.

Second cluster of Hawaii coronavirus cases found at McDonald’s in Kona. An employee who contracted the new coronavirus inadvertently infected six other workers at McDonald’s locations on Makala Boulevard at Kona Commons and at Walmart in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Cluster Linked To Kona McDonalds. State officials eventually confirmed the "limited, localized community spread of COVID-19 among employees at a Kona food establishment" took place at two Kona McDonalds. Big Island Video News.

12 Positive Cases Tied to McDonald’s COVID-19 Cluster in Kona on Hawai‘i Island. On Hawaiʻi Island, a cluster at a fast food restaurant in Kona has resulted in 12 positive cases–including seven workers and five family members of two of the employees. Maui Now.

COVID-19 cluster prompts closure, cleaning of Kona fast food eateries. The state Health Department is investigating a cluster of coronavirus cases linked to two fast food eateries in Kona. Hawaii News Now.

DOH investigating localized community spread among McDonald's employees in Kona. The Department of Health is investigating a limited, localized community spread of COVID-19 among McDonald's employees in Kona. KITV4.

Kona Coronavirus Cluster Swells to 14. A cluster of coronavirus cases in Kailua-Kona has swelled from eight to 14 overnight and left both McDonald’s locations in West Hawai‘i closed indefinitely. Big Island Now.

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Kubota confirmed as Third Circuit judge. The state Senate announced on Monday announced the confirmation of Peter K. Kubota as Circuit Count judge of the Third Circuit. West Hawaii Today.

Kona airport to get $13M in federal funding. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole will receive more than $13 million in federal funds after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $10 billion aid package to support airports nationwide. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor not taking position on calls to oust hospital leaders. He remains concerned about virus cluster but calls hospital safe. Maui News.

Things Got Out Of Hand Quickly At Maui Hospital. Staff at the Maui medical facility that is the center of a COVID-19 cluster describe a chaotic week on the job. Civil Beat.

16 tested after Kula Hospital employee comes down with virus. A total of 16 people who were believed to have been exposed to a worker with COVID-19 at Kula Hospital have been tested for the virus, according to a state official. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai mayor expands virus measures. Everyone over age 5 on Kauai must wear a cloth face mask during most activities while outside in public to curb the spread of COVID-19, according to a new county mandate. Star-Advertiser.

Council makes Brun ex-officio member. Kaua‘i County Councilmember Arthur Brun has been in federal custody in Honolulu since his arrest this winter. Garden Island.

Loosening up the rules. County of Kauai has loosened restrictions for construction and landscaping and for realtors starting today, cracking open the stay-at-home mandate and allowing some local residents to get back to work. Garden Island.

Lihu‘e Airport gets funding. The Lihu‘e Airport, Kaua‘i’s gateway to air travel, is scheduled to receive more than $13 million in funding. Garden Island.

Coronavirus could hamper Hawaii tourism, teacher pay hikes clear first hurdle, concerns over planned Dillingham closure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tour group visits Hawaii shoreline ©2020 All Hawaii News

Virus could hamper Hawaii tourism growth. Hawaii economists Wednesday forecast slower growth in the tourism market over the next few years, but cautioned that the outlook doesn’t factor in the impact of the coronavirus — even if no one here gets it. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus travel warnings, cancellations begin to take toll on Hawaii tour companies. With no end in sight to the coronavirus outbreak, the travel warnings and flight cancellations are starting to take a toll on some Hawaii companies. Hawaii News Now.

Fear Of The Coronavirus Probably Won’t Get You Asylum In The U.S.. Two Chinese people taken into federal custody at Honolulu’s airport were reported to be seeking asylum because of the virus. Civil Beat.

Virus fears spur workers to wear masks on the job. With the threat of the coronavirus outbreak seemingly growing daily, the largest union representing hotel workers in the state is asking resort executives across the islands to allow their employees to wear surgical masks while on the job. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii teacher pay hike passes first hurdle in Senate. After emotional pleas from classroom teachers, the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday approved putting $25 million toward boosting the pay of teachers in hard-to-staff positions and adjusting the salary schedule to reward experience. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate bill aims to bolster teachers’ pay. Legislation proposed in the state Senate would help better fund teacher compensation if approved. Tribune-Herald.

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House Bill allowing farmers to grow hemp receives preliminary approval from the Agriculture Committee. House Bill 18-19 allowing farmers to grow hemp received preliminary approval from the Agriculture Committee on Wednesday. KITV4.

Lawmakers propose to outlaw shipping of vaping products. Hawaii lawmakers are considering several bills to put a stop to teen vaping, a proposed change would outlaw electronic cigarette products bought online from being shipped to the state. KHON2.

State lawmakers propose stricter gun laws to keep firearms out of criminals' hands. A public hearing is set for Thursday to discuss a range of gun control measures, including notifying police when a gun owner passes away and requiring permits for ammunition purchases. KITV4.

Streamlining plan will require 38,000 Neighbor Island patients to find new health insurance. HMSA and United Healthcare won the Neighbor Island contracts. Kaiser and AlohaCare were left out and AlohaCare has since filed a protest that has frozen the award. Hawaii News Now.

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Trump’s Revamp Of Major Environmental Law ‘A Big Disaster For Hawaii’. Proposed changes to one of the country’s most influential environmental laws could mean less public scrutiny and oversight of big projects. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit: Feds Failing To Protect Hawaii Waters From Plastics. Environmental groups say the EPA should have declared the state’s coastal waters as “impaired” due to significant plastic waste. Civil Beat.

Environmental groups sue Trump administration. Several environmental groups are taking a different approach to preventing plastic pollution in the ocean by taking the matter to court under the Clean Water Act. Garden Island.

Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Protect Hawaiian Waters From Plastic Pollution. Environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency today for allegedly failing to protect 17 coastal water bodies around Hawaiʻi from what they are calling “wide-scale plastic pollution". Maui Now.

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Hawaii Taxpayers To Foot Bill For Student’s Near-Drowning, Teen’s Fatal Scooter Crash. The Ige administration is asking the Legislature to approve over $1 million worth of settlements. Civil Beat.

Ige Announces Environmental Quality Control Pick. Kathleen Ho will require Hawaii Senate approval for the director position. Civil Beat.

Ige Taps Kathleen Ho as Next OEQC Director. Kathleen S. Y. Ho is slated to become the next Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control in the state Department of Health, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Aviation businesses worry about Dillingham Airfield closure. U.S. Army Hawaii was notified Jan. 23 that the state intended to end the lease early and vacate Dillingham Airfield by June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns take flight over the future of Dillingham Air Field. Businesses at the Dillingham Air Field on Oahu say they’ve been hearing that the state plans to shut down the small air field soon, but none of them have been officially informed. Hawaii News Now.

State wants to vacate Dillingham Airfield as soon as this Summer. The state DOT leased and ran Dillingham Airfield for nearly 50 years and has just recently told the feds they want out within months. KHON2.

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North Shore community fights for a louder voice in planning of future projects. Eight newly installed wind turbines of the Na Pua Makani wind farm are now up in Kahuku. Hawaii News Now.

Fight Over Green Building Code Highlights Challenge Of Phasing Out Carbon. A proposal before the Honolulu City Council aims to reduce the long-term carbon footprint of Oahu’s buildings, but it has run into opposition from the island’s gas utility and construction industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Second set of Hibiscus remains ID’d as suspected killer Hanel. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the second set of remains found in a Diamond Head house on Hibiscus Drive that burned on Jan. 19 as suspected killer Jerry J. “Jarda” Hanel, 69. Star-Advertiser.

Final Remains In Diamond Head Incident Identified. As was expected, they are of arson-and-shooting suspect Jerry Hanel. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 2nd Set Of Remains At Shooting/Fire. The Honolulu medical examiner has identified the second set of remains at the scene of the fatal Diamond Head-area shooting and fire as Jerry Hanel. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Chinese firm seeks partners or buyer for Makaha project. A Chinese company with an ambitious Makaha Valley resort development plan is seeking investors or a buyer for the project, raising uncertainty over the plan it announced last year that includes golf superstar Tiger Woods designing one of two golf courses at the heart of the endeavor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State, Hawaii County Partner On Coronavirus Guide. Hawaii County and the state of Hawaii on Wednesday announced that they had collaborated to produce an informational brochure to inform folks about the 2019 novel coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County, State Produce Coronavirus Brochure. The County and State of Hawaiʻi have collaborated to produce an informational brochure to inform the community about the 2019 novel coronavirus. Big Island Video News.

Council moves GET money for Puna bus depot. An administration plan to fast-track a bus depot for Puna by buying land from a politically connected property owner has been derailed by the discovery that the property doesn’t have the environmental clearances the county thought it had. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Single-use plastics eyed for next Maui County ban. Proposal mulled in council committee. Utensils, straws and other single-use disposable plastics may be banned from Maui County if a proposed bill being considered in a County Council committee gains traction. Maui News.

Sugimura Continues as Chair of MPO Policy Board. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura will continue to serve as chair for the policy board of the Maui Metropolitan Organization, an independent entity that facilitates state and county work on federally funded transportation projects. Maui Now.

Maui County to restore eroding sand dunes at a Kihei shoreline. A new effort to restore a Maui shoreline in Kihei is set to begin next week. Hawaii News Now.

Wailuku infrastructure work begins. Lane closures, traffic disruptions expected. Maui News.

Kauai

Kipu Ranch Adventures receives enviromental award. Kipu Ranch Adventures recently received the Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year award for 2019 from the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

How to pay for teacher raises? Plus, Honolulu paid indicted police chief $250k to leave and now it's suing for its money back. Lots more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii classroom PC:Hawaii Department of Education

DOE Faces More Tough Questions Over How It Will Pay For Teacher Raises. Education officials began providing $10 million in incentives for special ed and rural teachers without a guarantee the Hawaii Legislature will fund the pay increases in the future. Civil Beat.

Veteran public school teachers could get a big one-time salary increase. Public school teachers with more than 10 years of experience could get a one-time salary boost in the coming school year — if the state comes up with the money. Hawaii News Now.

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A new measure introduced in the Hawaii State House of Representatives could put an end to HI-5 recycling. Rep. Roy Takumi, who introduced the measure, created it after hearing from older constituents about the difficulties of transporting recyclables. KHON2.

Visitor drownings are up, bill aims to aid prevention. A new proposal is hoping to save lives by requiring stricter regulations and more training for crews on tour boats. KHON2.

New Prison Oversight Commission Has A Full Plate. Off to a slow start, the new commissioners say they want to take a wide-ranging look at the entire criminal justice system. Civil Beat.

Now that the conflict at Mauna Kea is in a temporary truce, Native Hawaiians are turning their attention to politics. Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they want more Hawaiians voting and in office. Hawaii News Now.

As climate change takes hold, the tropics will get warmer faster. Global warming is often thought of as, well, a global phenomenon. But the world is actually warming at different rates ― and new research from a University of Hawaii professor is helping shed light on why. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City sues former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha for severance pay. City attorneys this week filed a lawsuit against former Police Chief Louis Kealoha seeking return of $250,000 in taxpayer money that he received as a severance payment when he retired from the Honolulu Police Department in March 2017. Star-Advertiser.

City sues disgraced ex-police chief in bid to recoup $250,000 payout. In January 2017, taxpayers paid the $250,000 for him to retire while under investigation by the FBI for public corruption. Hawaii News Now.

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127 Homeless People Died On Oahu Last Year, Up From 2018. The figure is also a 46% increase from just two years ago. Civil Beat.

Deaths of homeless people continue to climb on Oahu. Some 127 homeless people on Oahu died last year, seven more than in 2018, the city announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu Homeless Deaths Increasing, Up 46% In Two Years. Honolulu's acting chief medical examiner says 127 people considered homeless died on Oʻahu in 2019, up from two years ago. Hawaii Public Radio.

City: Those who died on Oahu streets last year ranged in age from 19 to 88. Some 127 homeless people died on Oahu streets last year, according to a new analysis from the city Medical Examiner. Hawaii News Now.

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In face of opposition, BOE shelves plans to move Kaahumanu Elementary. The state Board of Education Thursday rejected a proposal to move the school from Kinau Street to new facilities that would be built on the 46-acre campus of nearby McKinley High School. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Education nixes moving Ka‘ahumanu School, advances Kaimuki High redevelopment plan. A proposal to redevelop Kaimuki High School’s campus is advancing, but the Board of Education on Thursday torpedoed the idea of moving Queen Ka‘ahumanu School to free up that campus for development. Star-Advertiser.

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Rediscovery of WWII bomber off Oahu raises hopes for recovery of remains. Crystal clear video shows new images of a World War II aircraft sitting on the ocean floor about three miles off Oahu’s Kaneohe coast. Hawaii News Now.

Society of Professional Journalists in Hawaii looking for summer interns. Selected applicants will be placed in a print, online or broadcast media organization in Honolulu, where they will work full-time for 10 weeks during the summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County fast-track land buy raises questions. A fast-tracked bill to buy land owned by a distant relative of Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz is raising questions after her relationship was disclosed when the County Council was asked to approve a $1.45 million appropriation for the purchase and construction of a bus depot there. West Hawaii Today.

An over-the-counter medicine may be able to prevent rat lungworm disease. The typical rainy weather in Hilo becomes a hot spot for slugs and snails, a carrier of rat lungworm disease, a parasite that affects the brain and spinal cord in humans. KITV.

After Rat Lungworm Conference, HMC Updates Treatment Protocol. Hilo Medical Center is announcing an update on early treatment protocol for Rat Lungworm following the international conference held in last week. Big Island Video News.

Holei Sea Arch Closed After Cracks Observed. The short trail from the end of Chain of Craters Road to the sea arch overlook is closed and roped off, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Cracks shutter Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Holei Sea Arch overlook. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park this afternoon announced the closure of the Holei Sea Arch overlook until further notice due to new cracks and instability observed on the coastal cliffs. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Mayor, Seeking GET Tax Surcharge, Apologizes For Missed Deadline. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is asking the state Legislature to extend a deadline that will allow the county to impose a general excise tax surcharge on business activities such as sales of products. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community Meeting on Wailuku Town Improvements, Jan. 29. Wailuku Town Improvements will be the subject of a community meeting hosted by the County of Maui Department of Management, schedule to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5 to 6 p.m. at ʻĪao Theater. Maui Now.

Chick-fil-A coming to Maui. Early plans point to Kahului location. The Chick-fil-A franchise is flocking to the Aloha State, with plans in the works for a future Maui location, its second in Hawaii. Maui News.

Chick-fil-A is Coming to Hawai‘i, Eyes Kahului Location. Chick-fil-A is coming to Hawaiʻi with a potential site at the Puʻunēnē Shopping Center in Kahului on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tax hike proposed for part-time TVRs. A bill that would increase the property taxes of Kauai residents who rent out their homes for part of the year was met with opposition from some Kauai community members on Thursday. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Recycling Buffeted By Global Market Prices, Solutions Won't Be Easy. Allison Fraley, Kauaʻi County’s solid waste program coordinator, said the island is not alone in dealing with an overseas market where prices are falling and buyers are choosy. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige approves new Mauna Kea rules, DOE seeks more teacher pay hikes, Honolulu mayoral race gets crowded, state repeatedly sent starved child back to abusers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists check out telescopes on Mauna Kea ©2020 All Hawaii News

Gov. Ige approves a range of Mauna Kea regulations. Gov. David Ige on Monday signed into law a controversial set of administrative rules designed to offer a new layer of protection for land and natural resources managed by the University of Hawaii on Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

Governor approves rules for Maunakea. Gov. David Ige on Monday approved a controversial series of administrative rules governing the University of Hawaii’s Maunakea land management practices. Tribune-Herald.

Governor Ige Signs Maunakea Administrative Rules. The rules, approved by the UH Board of Regents in November, have been filed and will take effect on January 23, 2020. Big Island Video News.

Six Months Later, TMT National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Comment Responses Posted. The State Department of Health's official responses to public comments have been posted online, but decisions on holding contested cases have yet to be made. Big Island Video News.

Deep Snow Covers Maunakea, Mauna Loa. The Access Road to the summit of Maunakea is closed to the public at the Visitor Information Station at the 9,200 foot level due to snowy and icy road conditions. Big Island Video News.

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DOE Wants To Raise Pay For Experienced Hawaii Teachers. The plan, aimed at reducing the teacher shortage by enticing senior educators to remain in the classroom, is the next phase of a broader teacher recruitment and retention plan. Civil Beat.
https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/01/doe-wants-to-raise-pay-for-experienced-hawaii-teachers/

Results from a 2019 student survey on sexual harassment and violence on UH campuses should be out later this month. In the meantime the university submitted its annual report on campus safety and accountability to lawmakers. KHON2.

Public Safety Department Wants 15 More Guards But Can’t Fill Vacancies. Some members of the House Finance Committee want to know how the new positions can be justified. Civil Beat.

How The Endangered Hawaiian Hawk Became A Political Pawn. The Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on federal environmental regulations, including the Endangered Species Act. Civil Beat.

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Plan calls for $20 million to battle ohi‘a disease. An update to the state’s strategic response plan for rapid ohi‘a death requests more than $4 million in funding each year for five years. Tribune-Herald.

Plan to tackle Rapid Ohia Death. The state updated its response plan for the fight against Rapid Ohia Death on Monday, calling for more than $20 million for research and combat of the disease over the next five years. Garden Island.

Rapid Ohia Death fungus research, response could cost millions. Creating a plan to address Rapid Ohia Death, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is estimating they’ll need $4 million a year for the next five years. Hawaii News Now.

Rapid ʻohiʻa death battle estimated to need $4 million annually. he 2020-2024 update to the original strategic response plan for the fight against Rapid ʻOhiʻa Death notes many challenges ahead. KHON2.

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Stay out of murky water and off eastern shoreline rocks, safety officials warn. On Monday the state Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued islandwide brown-water advisories for the Big Island and Maui, and advisories continued for several beaches on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Real estate broker James joins race for Honolulu mayor. Real estate broker Choon James officially announced her candidacy for mayor Monday afternoon at the steps of Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

Activist Choon James Running For Honolulu Mayor. James is running as a “good government” candidate who isn’t taking lobbyist donations. Civil Beat.

Businesswoman Choon James announces run for Honolulu mayor. Small businesswoman and frequent city critic Choon James announced Monday she’s running for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Choon James announces Honolulu mayoral run. Small business woman and long time realtor Choon James announced Monday that she is running for Honolulu Mayor. KITV4.

Amemiya Reports Nearly $1M In Mayoral Campaign Contributions. The total includes the $200,000 the businessman loaned himself in his first run for office. Civil Beat.

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City to proceed with first phase of Sherwood Forest project. Honolulu city representatives announced Monday that the city would continue with the first phase of a contentious project to develop a section of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwood Forest, representing a loss for opponents who have voiced their opposition to the project for about a year. Star-Advertiser.

City Officials, Hawaiians Find Path Forward On Sherwood Forest Park. The deal drew a mixed reaction when it was unveiled at the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board meeting. Civil Beat.

Controversial Waimanalo park project plan moving forward ... but not completely. Residents in Waimanalo are divided over what is aimed to be a compromise between the community and the city. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell agrees to abandon master plan for Waimanalo park project. The city says it is abandoning both phase 1 and its master plan for its construction project at Sherwood Forest. KITV4.

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Protests shaping up against military’s proposed $1.5 billion radar on Oahu. Activists are already planning to protest a proposed $1.5 billion high-powered radar on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

HPD to hire detectives, increase patrols amid spate of violent crimes. Honolulu police officials say the department will add more detectives and increase patrols islandwide amid a string of brazen purse snatchings and muggings that appear to target the most vulnerable population: The elderly. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu's Recycling Businesses In Crisis As Global Prices Drop. Despite serving as the largest recycling facilities on Oahu, RRR Recycling and Reynolds Recycling are in a crisis, and there are implications for residents who turn in their recyclables for redemption income or reuse. Hawaii Public Radio.

Potholes might not be patched until rain relents. The city wants Oahu drivers to report any new potholes opening up under the puddles they drive through this winter. Star-Advertiser.

City and County news conference on potholes. Ross Sasamura of the Department of Facility Maintenance spoke to the press earlier Monday about potholes. KHON2.

Landlord’s ‘ridiculous’ rent demand blamed for closing of Ala Moana’s Mai Tai Bar. The popular Mai Tai Bar at Ala Moana Center will close Feb. 23 along with Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. due to a lease rental dispute that has made way for Olive Garden. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island child who starved to death was repeatedly returned to alleged abusers, records show. A 9-year-old Hilo girl who died of starvation in 2016 — weighing just 45 pounds — was repeatedly removed from her home only to be returned despite concerns for her safety, according to state records. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department cites 2 teen treatment facilities on Big Island. The department’s Office of Health Care and Assurance issued a notice of violation and order to Christopher Kaiser, Michael McKinney, Suzanne McKinney and Mark Agosto of Pacific Quest Corp. for running the two illegal facilities — one at 15-1973 4th Ave. and the other 15-1736 22nd Ave. — in Keaau. Star-Advertiser.

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Harbor repairs pegged at $8M. At least $8 million will be needed to repair Kawaihae Harbor-North after the state facility was heavily damaged amid high surf at the turn of the year. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR Projects Kawaihae Harbor Repairs at $8 Million. A storm to mark the new year inflicted upwards of $8 million in damages to the Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor based an DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation engineer’s estimate. Big Island Now.

Repairs to storm-damaged Big Island harbor estimated to cost $8M. A state engineer estimates it will cost at least $8 million to make repairs to Kawaihae North Small Boat Harbor, which was damaged in a New Year’s Eve storm. Hawaii News Now.

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North Kohala subdivision planned. Kohala Shoreline LLC is moving forward with its development of a six-lot subdivision on the North Kohala coastline. West Hawaii Today.

Neighbors battle Mauna Kea hotel. The association of homeowners at the Mauna Kea Resort is appealing the county’s approval of a subdivision without requiring a shoreline survey and other elements of a special management area. West Hawaii Today.

The $14 Million Jail Improvement Project Nobody Seems To Want. State corrections officials, who unsuccessfully sought funding to build a new facility, are proposing construction of an annex to the overcrowded Hilo jail. Civil Beat.

Maui

Lahaina Aquatic Center Closed For Repairs. The Lahaina Aquatic Center will be closed from today at noon through Thursday for repairs to a 10-inch pipe leading to the filtration system, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Maui Now.

A whale of show by momma, baby. A mother humpback whale teaches her baby how to tail slap Saturday morning as they frolic in the waters off Launiupoko. Maui News.

Kauai

Council meeting Thursday. The Kauai County Council’s first meeting of the year will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Historic County Building. Garden Island.

Four candidates for KIUC board election. The Kaui Island Utility Cooperative Nominating Committee confirmed four candidates for its board of directors election on March 14. Garden Island.

Ban proposed on ‘forever chemicals’. Kauai doesn’t test drinking water for a class of chemicals being targeted for manufacturing bans by some members of the United States Congress. Garden Island.