Caldwell investigation centers on COVID contract and campaign cash, candidates return $142k in suspect contributions, GOP steps up to monitor elections, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Campaign Spending Commission investigates COVID testing company that got big city contract. The state Campaign Spending Commission is investigating one of the companies that was awarded a multi-million dollar COVID testing contract by former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration. Hawaii News Now has learned that the commission has subpoenaed the bank records of two employees of Capture Diagnostics, which is part of a consortium awarded a $19.5 million emergency contract in 2020 for the city’s testing program at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii political candidates return $142,000 from besieged executive. The former vice chair of the House Committee on Finance who pleaded guilty in February to accepting bribes in the form of cash and casino chips from a Honolulu wastewater systems executive is among 31 state and county lawmakers to return more than $142,000 in campaign contributions from the owner of H20 Process Systems, according to the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Fueled by doubts, hundreds of Hawaii Republicans sign up as election observers. Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said the Republican Party of Hawaii sent about 200 people to be volunteer observers this year. In a typical year, the state Office of Elections would be lucky to get only 50. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii study suggests onslaught of disease amid global warming. As if drought, heat waves, coastal flooding and other extreme weather aren’t enough in a warming world influenced by greenhouse gas emissions, a new study from researchers at the University of Hawaii suggests that humanity also will be threatened by growing incidence of life-threatening disease. Star-Advertiser.

‘It lasts as long as the money lasts’: Enrollment in discounted broadband program low. The Affordable Connectivity Program began at the beginning of 2022, offering eligible low-income families $30 off of their monthly internet bills, or $75 off for households on Hawaiian Home Lands. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

RIMPAC: Tankers central as military looks beyond Red Hill. The largest-ever iteration of the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific came to an end last week as ships from the 26 participating countries began either making their way home or moving on to overseas deployments around the Indo-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries’ earnings decline 17.7%. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. posted a 17.7% drop in second-quarter earnings as utility maintenance expenses increased and subsidiary American Savings Bank set aside money for potential loan losses after releasing a significant amount from its loan-loss reserve in the year- earlier period. Revenue, however, jumped 31.7% to $895.6 million from $680.3 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

$30 million COVID-19 relief fund established for Honolulu County nonprofit organizations. The City and County of Honolulu is setting aside $30-million for local non-profit organizations that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. KITV4.

Honolulu’s Embattled Leahi Avenue Will Be Returning To City Control. City officials say they will put the street back to essentially the way it was before a private owner angered resident, took away street parking and allowed food trucks to operate. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

SEC sues Semisub tour boat, alleging investor fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a suit against the Hawaii Semisub tour boat and its founders, who they allege misappropriated at least $1.5 million from investors to pay for personal expenses, including $8,500 per month to rent a Kahala home and over $200,000 on psychics and recreational drugs. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Candidates Spend Big Bucks On Campaigns As Primary Nears. Ron Menor, Makua Rothman and Tyler Dos Santos-Tam led in fundraising and spending in each of their races last month, according to campaign finance reports. Civil Beat.

Over 141,000 ballots already received in primary. Here's how they're being processed. Ballots collected via mail or dropped off at a deposit box on O’ahu eventually make it to the Hawaiʻi State Capitol building for pre-processing following signature verification from the Honolulu City Clerk’s Office, Scott Nago, the state’s Chief Election Officer, said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Three vie for Senate District 1. The Democratic primary for state Senate District 1 has two sitting senators facing off against each other and a third candidate who’s a former high-level appointed government executive and union chief. Tribune-Herald.

Program rolled out to ease burden on families for school supplies. Monday marked the official roll-out of the school supply subsidy pilot program, designed to cover the cost of supplies for all schools within the state that meet the financial qualifications. Tribune-Herald.

New Judge Sworn in at Kona Courthouse. Joanna E. Sokolow was sworn in as Judge of the District Family Court of the Third Circuit before colleagues, special guests, family, and friends – many of whom watched remotely. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor announces $25M federal grant for Waiʻale Road extension. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today the County of Maui will be awarded $25 million for the Waiʻale Road extension through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. Maui Now. KHON2.

In Haleakala National Park, Crews Look To The Past To Understand The Present. More funding and focus has recently been put toward restoring some of Maui’s most historic places. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i gets $25 million in RAISE grant infrastructure funds. The federal government awarded the County of Kaua‘i a $25 million grant Monday, which will be used for South Shore transportation improvements. Garden Island.

EPA Fines State Agency For Illegal Kauai Cesspool. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources agreed to scour its 1.3 million acres of property for any additional illegal cesspools. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources paid federal regulators a six-figure fine for operating an illegal cesspool at the site of the former Kamokila Hawaiian Village in Kapaa. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Travel-related coronavirus cases increase, Kauai seeks to opt out of Safe Travels program, Honolulu limits Thanksgiving parties to 5 people, unemployment tax expected to triple, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Travelers get screened at Honolulu airport PC:state of Hawaii

CORRECTION: The headline and first article in this compilation have been changed to reflect corrections of an error in the original article. All Hawaii News strives to promptly correct errors discovered in its source articles.

Percentage of Hawaii travel-related COVID-19 cases up fourfold in November. State health officials said Tuesday that 13% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases were travel-related in November, up from 3% in October. Star-Advertiser. Star-Advertiser.

Local Emergency Room Doctor Says Not Tightening Travel Guidelines Could Be Dangerous. Dr. Darragh O'Carroll released a peer-reviewed paper concluding that Hawaii's current pre-travel testing program is allowing more COVID-19-infected travelers into the state than expected. KITV.

Constantly changing travel testing rules is stressing out some Hawaii air travelers. Many travelers including residents say the pre-travel testing rules are changing far too often to keep up with. Some travelers say the reality of trying to get a test and their results back within the 72-hour time frame is just not enough time and adds even more stress to travel plans. Hawaii News Now.

Only 76,613 visitors came to Hawaii in October, widening year-to-date arrivals losses to more than 73%. October was the highest month for visitors since March; however, the start of the state’s pre-arrivals testing program only helped return about 10% of Hawaii’s pre-coronavirus arrivals. Star-Advertiser.

People Are Moving To Hawaii To Escape Virus Hotspots. Will They Stay?. Some see the recent uptick in people moving to Hawaii as an opportunity for the state. Others view the wave of newcomers as a threat. Civil Beat.

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Attorney: Officer who cited US surgeon general under investigation for overtime abuse. An over-zealous police officer could be a major factor in the case against U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams. That’s according to the attorney for Adams, who says he was shocked to hear the officer who cited him for being in a closed park back in August is now among those who are being investigated for overtime abuse. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment Drops Slightly Amid Concerns Over Changes To Travel Testing Program. At more than 14%, Hawaii’s unemployment rate still leads the nation, but there are encouraging signs of a recovery. Since the resumption of tourism in October, unemployment has declined from a high of more than 15%. Hawaii Public Radio.

Businesses will have to pay three times more in unemployment tax in 2021. The unemployment trust fund, which is used to pay unemployment benefits, is empty. In fact, Hawaii’s unemployment fund is hundreds of millions in the red. Unless legislators act quickly, employers will be forced to pay the maximum in unemployment taxes, which is roughly three times what they paid in 2020. KHON2.

Here’s how big your Thanksgiving gathering can be in each county. The rules are strictest on Oahu, which is seeing an average of nearly 90 new COVID-19 infections daily. Gathering rules are the most lenient on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Complaints delay isle vote certification. The certification of Hawaii’s election results is being delayed by three complaints: one from a woman who said she was running for president of the United States, another from a candidate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and from a slate of candidates under the banner Klean House Hawaii that included a long-shot candidate for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 24: 61 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials recorded 61 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 45 on Oahu, seven on Hawaii Island, one on Kauai, four on Maui, and four more Hawaii residents were diagnosed outside of the state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s mayor proposes additional testing changes for trans-Pacific travelers. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will ask the governor for a workaround to allow trans-Pacific travelers still awaiting travelers to avoid quarantine. Under Caldwelll’s plan, a traveler without a negative COVID-19 test result would take one immediately after landing at Honolulu’s airport. Hawaii News Now.

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Airbnb and Expedia agree to help Honolulu crack down on illegal vacation rentals. Airbnb and Expedia Group will help the city crack down on illegal short-term vacation rentals under an agreement Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the two online platform giants announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Short-Term Rental Listings On Airbnb, Expedia Face New Requirements. It’s about to get tougher to advertise illegal transient vacation rentals in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

City teams up with Airbnb, Vrbo to crack down on illegal vacation rentals. The city is teaming up with Airbnb and Expedia, the parent company of Vrbo, to crack down on illegal vacation rentals on Oahu. A new memorandum of agreement is aimed at tracking and regulating Oahu vacation rentals, including by ensuring legal rentals are properly taxed and illegal rentals are shut down. Hawaii News Now.

Illegal short term rentals will be revealed under new agreement. Oahu's vacation rentals will soon be closely tracked and regulated, which may put an end to the island's illegal rentals. KITV4.

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City officials eye delay in start of rail service. Bus revenue has dropped significantly since the onset of the corona­virus pandemic, a situation that’s contributed to what the Caldwell administration estimates will be a $400 million shortfall in next year’s overall city operating budget. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku Community Association files appeal over Na Pua Makani wind turbines. Keep the North Shore Country and Kahuku Community Association have filed an appeal over the City’s approval of the location of Na Pua Makani wind turbines. KHON2.

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Ex-prosecutor Katherine Kealoha writes of drug addiction in sentencing letter. Katherine Kealoha, the former Honolulu prosecutor convicted of conspiracy in Hawaii’s biggest corruption case that also took down her police chief husband, apologized for her actions in a handwritten letter to the judge today and blamed a prescription drug addiction for clouding her judgment. Associated Press.

Read Katherine Kealoha’s handwritten letter to a judge ahead of her sentencing. In a handwritten letter to a federal judge ahead of her sentencing Monday, Katherine Kealoha asked for “mercy” for her husband ― ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha ― and two officers also convicted following a massive public corruption trial. Hawaii News Now.

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Magic Island parking lot reopens after $2.5M restoration project. Just in time for beach-goers and park users over the long holiday weekend, the ‘Aina Moana (Magic Island) parking lot at Ala Moana Regional Park has reopened to the public, after having been closed since April 13 for restoration work that is now almost completed, city Department of Parks & Recreation officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Work On Magic Island Parking Lot Completed, Finally. Access to the popular park had been limited for months due to reconstruction. Civil Beat.

After 8 months, the Magic Island parking lot is back open. The Magic Island parking lot reopened Tuesday after an 8-month-long closure for renovations. The city says 470-stall parking lot was repaved and re-striped. New gates and benches were also installed, along with a drop off zone. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Going vertical: Construction begins on homes in Laʻi ʻOpua. Vertical construction has commenced for 60 homes within the Villages of La‘i ‘Opua in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Construction Begins On 60 Homes In Laʻi ʻŌpua. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has announced that the construction of 60 homes within the Villages of Laʻi ʻŌpua in Kealakehe is underway. Big Island Video News.

Jury trial set for one of five arrested for virus violations at Kahaluu. Jury trial has been set for one of the five people arrested in August for gathering at Kahaluu Beach Park in violation of Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Officials say golf tourney followed COVID rules. Some questioned Shane Victorino’s charity event in Wailea. Retired Major League Baseball player and Maui boy Shane Victorino said that a golf tournament and dinner benefit he hosted over the weekend followed COVID-19 protocols, as some on social media questioned why the mayor’s son was holding a large event during the pandemic. Maui News.

Maui Police Issue 236 Citations, Make 3 Arrests in Ongoing Click It Or Ticket Campaign. Maui police have already issued 236 traffic citations and made three arrests during the first few days of a seatbelt enforcement campaign that runs through Nov. 29. Maui Now.

Kauai

After string of new COVID-19 cases, Kauai seeks to opt out of pre-travel testing program. In what could prove a major blow to Hawaii’s Safe Travels program, Kauai’s mayor has asked to temporarily opt out of the pre-travel testing program that allows trans-Pacific and inter-island passengers to forgo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Kawakami requests Safe Travels pause. Mayor Derek Kawakami is asking Gov. David Ige to temporarily opt-out of the state’s Safe Travel program beginning Dec. 1. Garden Island.

Kauai seeks to exit pre-travel testing program. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami sent a request Tuesday to Gov. David Ige to temporarily pause Kauai’s participation in the state’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program. If Ige approves, as of Tuesday all incoming Kauai travelers — trans-Pacific and interisland — would be required to quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of testing. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai requests to temporarily opt-out of pre-travel testing program as cases continue to rise. KHON2.

Kauai Seeks To Opt Out Of Pre-Travel Testing Program Amid COVID-19 Fears. If approved, all travelers to the island, including those from other counties, would have to quarantine though some exemptions would remain in place, including for health care workers. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Mayor Proposes Rule to Temporarily Opt Out of State’s Pre-Travel Testing Program. Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has submitted a proposal to Gov. David Ige requesting a temporary pause to the Garden Island’s participation in the state’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program and require incoming travelers to Kaua‘i to quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of testing. Big Island Now.

Federal funds help low-income renters on Kaua‘i. Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency will receive $352,924 in federal funding to support the Housing Choice Voucher program. Garden Island.

Hawaii tightens travel testing requirements, will soon welcome visitors from Canada; Caldwell strives to avoid layoffs and furloughs, activists block Waipio Valley, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii travel sunset ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii-bound travelers with pending coronavirus test results will no longer have the chance to bypass quarantine. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that trans-Pacific travelers to Hawaii who can’t present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in the islands won’t be able to bypass the 14-day quarantine once their test results are received. Star-Advertiser.

Ige tightens pre-traveler testing rules amid concerns about those arriving without results. Starting Tuesday, incoming trans-Pacific travelers will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result in hand before departure for Hawaii if they want to bypass quarantine. If they don’t have the results, they’ll have to self-isolate for up to 14 days. Hawaii News Now.

State tightens pre-arrival COVID-19 testing program for trans-Pacific travelers. Starting Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving, trans-Pacific arrivals in Hawaii must have a negative COVID-19 test result from a trusted testing partner prior to departure to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Tightens Pre-Travel Testing Requirements. Governor David Ige on Thursday announced that people traveling to the state now must be in possession of the results of their COVID-19 tests before departing on the last leg of their trips. Big Island Now.

Pre-Travel Test Results Delayed? Get Ready To Quarantine For 2 Weeks. Gov. David Ige tightened restrictions as Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell cast doubt on the state’s surveillance program. Civil Beat.

Travelers to Hawaii will need to have a negative test upon departure to bypass quarantine. KHON2.

A major change to the state's pre-travel testing program coming Tuesday. The policy change does not apply to inter-island travel. KITV4.

Pre-Travel COVID-19 Test Results Must Be In Hand Prior to Departure for Hawai‘i. Starting next Tuesday, Nov. 24, travelers wishing to bypass the 14-day mandatory quarantine must have their COVID-19 test results – from a trusted testing partner – prior to departure for the State of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

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Mayor Kirk Caldwell questions the validity of the state’s traveler surveillance testing program; Lt. Gov. Green defends it. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the state’s surveillance testing program is leaning too heavily on Hawaii island data and falling short of its goal to randomly test 10% of arriving visitors four days after arrival. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell: State’s surveillance testing of trans-Pacific travelers is inadequate. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday questioned the state’s efforts to conduct surveillance testing of incoming travelers. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell wants travelers to be tested four days after arriving to O'ahu. The mayor wants travelers who land on O'ahu to be tested four days after arriving to further ensure they're not spreading COVID-19. The state's program promised to do that to 10% of arrivals at random. KITV4.

Mayor Kawakami weighs in on new Safe Travels policy. At least 44 travelers using the state’s Safe Travels received positive COVID-19 test results upon arrival or in the following days, Gov. David Ige reported Thursday. Garden Island.

Kaua'i County Mayor says if there is a spike in cases he will ask for more travel restrictions. Kaua'i County Mayor Derek Kawakami tells KITV4 he is quote "very happy" with the Governor's decision to require travelers to have a negative COVID-19 test result in-hand prior to departure. KITV4.

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Canadian Pre-Travel Testing to Hawai‘i Begins Mid-December. Governor Ige today announced that beginning in mid-December, travelers flying from Canada to Hawaiʻi may bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they take a COVID-19 test from labs identified by Air Canada and WestJet. Maui Now.

Pre-travel testing set up for Canadians wanting to bypass state's 14-day quarantine. The test must be taken within 72-hours of travel, and a negative test result must be received prior to departure. KITV4.

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Major COVID-19 Outbreak Hits Pearl Harbor Warship. Most of the sailors who tested positive were expected to leave isolation this weekend and return to duty. Civil Beat.

Navy announces COVID outbreak on destroyer docked at Pearl Harbor. Personnel assigned to the destroyer USS Michael Murphy tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 4 and have been placed in isolation, according to announcement from a Navy spokesperson on Nov. 19. KHON2.

Nearly 25% of sailors from Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Michael Murphy contract coronavirus. About half of a large number of sailors found to be COVID-19 positive on the Pearl Harbor destroyer USS Michael Murphy recently are now almost out of isolation, an official said. Star-Advertiser.

Navy confirms reports of COVID-19 cases aboard Honolulu-based guided missile destroyer.  U.S. Navy said Thursday that an unspecified number of sailors assigned to a guided missile destroyer based out of Pearl Harbor have tested positive for the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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Analysis: Asians in Hawaii more likely to die of COVID-19 than other ethnic groups. New research shows those of Japanese and Chinese descent die of COVID-19 more than any other ethnic group in Hawaii ― despite much lower infection rates. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific Islanders Are Twice As Likely To Be Hospitalized For COVID-19. Chuukese, Marshallese and Samoan residents have been getting the deadly virus at the highest rates. Pacific Islanders, excluding Native Hawaiians, are more than twice as likely to be killed or hospitalized by the coronavirus in Hawaii than other racial and ethnic groups after adjusting for age and gender, according to newly released data from the state Health Department. Civil Beat.

The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander COVID-19 Awareness and Prevention Campaign is fighting the virus that it says is disproportionately impacting its community. A coalition serving Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, a community that is proportionately impacted by COVID-19, is taking a cultural approach to stopping the spread of the virus. Big Island Video News.

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Todd Eddins unanimously confirmed to Hawaii Supreme Court. The newest member of the Hawaii Supreme Court started and ended his education in Hawaii public schools — first at Enchanted Lake Elementary in Kailua and finally at the University of Hawaii law school, where Todd W. Eddins later returned to teach as an adjunct professor. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Confirms Todd Eddins To Hawaii Supreme Court. The lawmaker in charge of vetting judicial candidates noted Eddins’ vast legal experience. Civil Beat.

State Senate confirms Circuit Court judge to Hawaii Supreme Court. The Hawaii State Senare voted Thursday to approve Gov. David Ige’s appointment to fill an opening for an associate justice on the Hawaii Supreme Court. Hawaii News Now.

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Congressman-elect Kai Kahele announces Christy Wagner as his chief of staff selection. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has announced his selection for chief of staff, who has 10 years of policy experience at Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C., and, like Kahele, has ties to Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Hawaii Is Still Heavily Dependent On Fossil Fuels. While Hawaii has made some progress in diversifying its energy sector, it’s still the most oil-reliant state in the U.S., according to new statistics from the Hawaii State Energy Office. Civil Beat.

DOE Chief: $100M Budget Reduction Could Be ‘Decimating’. School leaders are preparing contingency plans due to huge funding shortfalls brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

Has Saguaro Prison Failed To Protect Hawaii Inmates From COVID-19? More than half of the state’s inmates serving time at the Arizona facility were infected, and one inmate was confirmed to have died Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Isolated for months in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, crew sees pandemic for 1st time. Just as the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold, in February, four people set sail for one of the most remote places on Earth — a small camp on Kure Atoll, at the edge of the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press.

Here’s Why The Health Department Says It Takes 36 Hours To Post COVID-19 Case Numbers. Weekly trends are more important to pay attention to than daily numbers, health officials say. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 19: 107 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 107 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 75 on Oahu, 12 on Hawaii Island, four on Kauai, nine on Maui and seven residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City Is ‘Looking At Everything’ To Avoid Layoffs Or Pay Cuts. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration will make final decisions by the end of the year in an attempt to close a $400 million budget shortfall. Civil Beat.

11 Honolulu police officers tested positive for COVID-19 after station outbreak. Eleven Honolulu police officers tested positive for COVID-19 following an outbreak at the Wahiawa police station earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

TheBus and TheHandi-Van begin testing air purification systems. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) began testing new eco-friendly air and surface purification systems in several city busses and TheHandi-Van on Nov. 19. KHON2.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell urges travelers to use airport lab. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging more people to take advantage of COVID-19 testing for interisland travel at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials say mask mandates must be followed in common spaces at apartments, condominiums. The Department of Health is reminding people to follow the rules when it comes to wearing a face covering and social distancing if they live in an apartment building or condominium. KHON2.

Malaekahana housing removed from Koolauloa plan after years of debate. A divisive 14-year fight at the Honolulu City Council over proposed development in Malaekahana appears to be nearing a conclusion, with advocates for preserving agricultural lands and containing growth winning over those who consider housing a higher priority for the community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council honors Kim. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday surprised Mayor Harry Kim before he leaves office next month, honoring the longtime public servant for his decades of work. Tribune-Herald.

Citing COVID-19 concerns, activists try to block visitors from Big Island’s Waipio Valley. Activists on Hawaii Island who say they’re concerned about traffic jams and the spread of COVID-19 tried to block tourists from going into Waipio Valley this week. Hawaii News Now.

Accused aquarium poacher pleads not guilty after lengthy reading of charges. A Kailua-Kona man accused of illegal aquarium fish collection in West Hawaii Waters pleaded not guilty Thursday in Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Public comment sought for cleanup action at former quarry firing range site. The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an engineering evaluation/cost analysis for the selection of a non-time critical cleanup action at the former quarry firing range site in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald.

Libraries welcome back patrons with Wiki Visits. The Hawaii State Public Library System has begun allowing patrons inside its buildings for the first time in eight months. Tribune-Herald.

‘No end in sight:’ The Food Basket holds biggest Ohana Food Drop yet. At the Old Kona Airport Pavilion on Thursday, the need was plain to see as the Food Basket held their eighth Ohana Food Drop in Kona – and 91st on the Orchid Isle overall – since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of cars lined up to fill the former airstrip, waiting for their turn to receive food. West Hawaii Today.

Food Basket Distributes 100K Pounds of Support in the Face of Staggering Need. Big Island Now.

Maui

Stay distanced to avoid a mask at beach, county says. Maui sunbathers may get a more even face tan, thanks to Gov. David Ige’s recent statewide proclamation that allows for certain mask exemptions. Maui News.

Hale Makua Kahului Confirms Positive COVID-19 Staff Member. Hale Makua Health Services has received confirmation that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Kahului facility. The staff person last worked on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and is currently in isolation at home. Maui Now.

Goodfellow Bros. in Kihei Receives World’s First Electric Drive Dozer by Caterpillar. Goodfellow Bros. in Kihei received of one of three commemorative Cat ® D6 XE Dozers – a special edition high-drive electric drive dozer built specifically to celebrate Caterpillar’s production of 175,000 medium high-drive dozers. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD Dispatch’s communications system undergoes complete renovation. County dispatchers moved into a newly renovated communications center at the Lihu‘e Kaua‘i Police Department headquarters Wednesday. Garden Island.

County withdraws from Kaua‘i Made Holiday Fair. Officials have announced that the County of Kaua‘i will no longer participate in co-hosting the Kaua‘i Made Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Puhi Park Produce. Garden Island.

Molokai

Decades-Old Ho‘olehua Water System on Moloka‘i to Undergo Major Repairs. A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to mark the beginning of a $37 million capital improvement project to upgrade the 80-year-old Hoʻolehua Water System on Molokaʻi. Maui News.

Ige's 15th proclamation clarifies mask mandate, Honolulu Thanksgiving gatherings likely limited to five people, military shoots down Aegis SM-3 missile in test off Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige wearing Aloha mask PC:State of Hawaii

Full Text: Gov. David Ige's 15th Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency. Governor's Office.

Masks rules clarified, Gov. David Ige imposes new decrees. A wide-ranging emergency proclamation on COVID-19 makes clear that mask-wearing is “mandatory” on every island, and imposes new statewide rules for hotels and other businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Issues New Mask Mandate, But Most Rules Remain The Same. People who don’t wear a mask in most public settings still face a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail. Civil Beat.

Governor Issues Order Making State Mask Mandate Clear. Gov. David Ige today issued a new COVID-19 emergency proclamation—his 15th. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige issues mask mandate, responding to concerns his previous order was unclear. In a bid to cut down on confusion about when masks are required, the governor on Monday issued a single statewide mask mandate for the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Statewide mask mandate set. Gov. David Ige signed an emergency proclamation Monday to codify and clarify Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate. Tribune-Herald.

Governor’s New COVID-19 Rules Clarify Mask Mandate. Governor David Ige issued his 15th COVID-19 emergency proclamation, extending the statewide mask mandate he says has been in place since April. Big Island Video News.

Gov. Ige Issues 15th COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation that Extends Statewide Mask Mandate. Maui Now.

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Hotel Operators Responsible for Guests who Become COVID Positive New Mandate States. A new emergency proclamation from Gov. David Ige indicates that hotel operators are required to accommodate guests (on- or off-site) who become COVID-19 positive or have been identified as a close contact of someone positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Hotels to post health and safety plans online. With Governor David Ige giving clarity on the mask mandate, his new proclamation also adds safety protocols and guidelines for hotels. KHON2.

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County Mayors say new statewide mask mandate will continue to be hard to enforce. Governor David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on Monday, extending and clarifying the statewide mandate requiring face coverings to be worn in public. KHON2.

Under latest emergency proclamation, no rental evictions until at least 2021. For months now, landlords across Hawaii have been unable to evict tenants who are late on rent under the state’s eviction moratorium. Gov. Ige’s 15th and latest COVID-19 emergency proclamation extends that moratorium, banning evictions until at least Dec. 31. Hawaii News Now.

Exceptions to Ige’s statewide mask rule. Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation issued Monday makes it mandatory for all individuals within the state to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public settings. Tribune-Herald.

Dept. of Health Director: Hawaii is not surging … yet. Department of Health Director Dr. Libby Char told KITV4 Monday she doesn’t believe Hawaii’s COVID-19 case rates are “surging,” but said statewide numbers could get there if proper precautions are not taken. KITV4.

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Child sex-assault case overshadows hearing for judge’s nomination. Questions over Circuit Judge Todd Eddins’ handling of a plea agreement in a child sex abuse case dominated his nomination to the Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Dig In To Hawaii Supreme Court Nominee’s Positions. The legal community heaped praise on Todd Eddins as state lawmakers examined how he might react to certain situations on the high court. Civil Beat.

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Gov Appoints New Deputy Director for Corrections. Tommy Johnson was appointed by Gov. David Ige to serve as the Deputy Director for Corrections in the Department of Public Safety, effective Nov. 16, 2020. Big Island Now.

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Duke Kahanamoku’s nephew among 8 suing Kamehameha over alleged sex abuse, negligence. Eight adults filed suit Monday against Kamehameha Schools, alleging its psychiatric consultant had repeatedly sexually abused them as students but that their pleas for help were ignored by school authorities. Star-Advertiser.

New Lawsuit Filed In Kamehameha Schools Abuse Case. Sexual abuse allegations mount after the school paid an $80 million settlement agreement in 2018. Civil Beat.

Eight former students filed sex assault lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools. The school already paid out $80 million dollars in a case involving that same doctor two years ago. KITV4.

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Pentagon says it shot down unarmed missile in sea-based test off Hawaii. In Tuesday’s test, the latest version of an Aegis SM-3 missile built by Raytheon Missiles & Defense was fired from a U.S. Navy destroyer situated in the Pacific, northeast of Hawaii. Associated Press.

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State adds 13 new ‘trusted partners’ for pre-travel testing. The new partners join dozens of others that previously were approved for testing. Tribune-Herald.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 16: 95 New COVID-19 Cases. Ninety-five new COVID-19 cases were reported statewide on Monday, including 76 on Oahu, eight on the Big Island, seven on Maui and two on Kauai.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

We’re Entering A New Era In Honolulu Politics. It’s the biggest turnover in city leadership in many years. Who will hold the power on the new City Council is still an open question. Civil Beat.

Restrictions on social gatherings unlikely to be eased on Oahu by Thanksgiving, mayor says. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Oahu is unlikely to move to Tier 3 by Thanksgiving, which means gatherings for the holiday can’t have more than five people. Hawaii News Now.

Hunker down and get tested against COVID, Caldwell says. The mayor said, things weren’t looking good for a move from Honolulu’s current Tier 2 stage of reopening to Tier 3, which would allow social gatherings of 10 people, up from the current limit of five, by Thanksgiving if Oahu’s coronavirus case numbers aren’t rapidly brought down. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell provides an update on the city’s free COVID-19 testing program. A reminder from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday that free surge testing across the island runs for another ten days. KITV4.

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Businesses want Oahu’s plastic utensils ban delayed. With only weeks to go before the first phase of Oahu’s wide-ranging disposable-foodware ordinance is set to take effect Jan. 1, restaurant owners and food industry leaders are renewing their call for more time to comply. Star-Advertiser.

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iHeartRadio partners with Paula Fuga on campaign to end hunger, cuts 2 DJs who mocked her from morning crew. Management at iHeart—Radio removed two Island 98.5 radio deejays from the station’s morning drive-time show after they mocked singer Paula Fuga at an on-air fundraiser for the Hawaii Foodbank. Star-Advertiser.

Radio station pulls DJs from morning show after comments about musician’s struggle with homelessness. The radio station Island 98.5 has pulled two of its morning drive DJs off the air following backlash over insensitive comments made about a local musician’s struggle with homelessness and hunger as a child on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

City & County of Honolulu to buy 2 acres next to transit center for $21M. The city says it is using federal funds for the purchase. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Building code upgrades delayed until next summer. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works on Thursday granted an administrative grace period to a state-mandated deadline to upgrade its building codes, a move that will reduce confusion and allow for more public outreach before aligning the county’s building codes with state standards, according to a county news release. Tribune-Herald.

A different approach: 808 Homeless Task Force working to address homeless crisis in Kona. Regina Weller, founder of the nonprofit 808 Homeless Task Force, is using her more than 25 years experience helping the homeless in Los Angeles to address the crisis here in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kona hospital reports fifth COVID-19 death. Hawaii Island reported eight new cases of COVID-19 and a new death on Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County looks to make repairs along Front Street. Maui County is looking to replace the iconic wooden railing along Front Street, put in new beach access stairs and repair a seawall and other structures long battered by waves and saltwater. Maui News.

County of Maui Thanksgiving Giveaway Set for Nov. 19-20. Vouchers were sent to some 6,000 individuals and families impacted by COVID-19 on Maui as part of a Thanksgiving giveaway from the County of Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami proposes two new rules to safeguard island. Monday evening, Mayor Derek Kawakami sent up two proposed local emergency rules for Gov. David Ige’s approval in an attempt to fill in gaps on the state’s Safe Travels program. Garden Island.

Kauai requesting state travel mandate be made stricter. Kauai County is pushing for additional measures that would require travelers to have their test results before coming to the island. KHON2.

Council-elect to meet Wednesday. Tomorrow, the Kaua‘i County Council-elect will convene for an organizational meeting at 9 a.m. to discuss shared goals and structures, but some aspects seem to be already worked out. Garden Island.

H-3 tunnel coronavirus testing commences despite feds saying no, vets gather for 75th WWII anniversary, UH students investigated for recreating George Floyd death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cars line up for coronavirus testing Sept. 1, 2020 PC:Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center

Hawaii Ignores Feds, Uses H-3 For COVID-19 Testing Anyway. Federal highway officials cited safety concerns and the military’s access between Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay for their denial but the state is proceeding regardless. Civil Beat.

Feds spurn COVID-19 testing held on H-3 freeway. Hawaii officials acknowledged facing the potential loss of federal transportation funding after the Federal Highways Administration denied the state’s request to use the freeway for the event. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii moves forward with surge testing on H-3, despite feds saying no. In an unprecedented move by the local government, mass COVID-19 testing on the H-3 Freeway took place on Sept. 1 even though the federal government rejected the state’s request to shut it down. And the state plans to do it again on Sept. 3. KHON2.

H-3 freeway closure for COVID-19 testing continues without federal approval. State officials defended the use of the H-3 for non-transportation purposes, saying the need is worth the risk of the federal government possibly withholding future funding. KITV4.

‘You don’t need a reason’: Ige urges residents to participate in free COVID-19 testing. Cars lined lanes in both directions of the H-3 Freeway on Tuesday for a huge COVID-19 testing effort that’s scheduled to be repeated Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Hundreds of callers request information on hotel quarantine rooms. The Hawaii State Department of Health has screened about 350 to 400 calls a day from people asking about the hotel quarantine rooms for people who tested positive with COVID-19 or have been in close contact. KHON2.

The Cost Of Failure To Contain The Virus? Massive Layoffs. With no end in sight to the shutdown of tourism, dozens of companies have filed letters with labor officials outlining job cuts and extended furloughs. Civil Beat.

State forecasting grim economic forecast. The state is projecting the economy will contract by 12.3% in 2020, according to a state Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism third-quarter report released last week that analyzes data between April and July 2020. Garden Island.

State and counties slow to spend billions in federal COVID relief. As COVID-19 continues to spread, mass layoffs are escalating and more small businesses are closing permanently. Meanwhile, the state and its counties are still sitting on more than $1 billion in federal relief funds. KHON2.

Hawaii DOE’s Distance Learning Tool ‘Very, Very Questionable’. An internal Department of Education document shows Acellus Learning Accelerator received mostly negative remarks in an early review by content specialists. Civil Beat.

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Vets, dignitaries to gather for ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. World War II veterans, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and a number of other dignitaries and invited guests will gather Wednesday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II with a somber ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. Hawaii News Now.

Live broadcast of 75th end-of-WWII commemoration begins this morning. The live broadcast today for the 75th end of World War II commemoration on the battleship Missouri in Pearl Harbor will be available via satellite around the globe beginning at 7:30 a.m. Hawaii time, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

For nisei veterans, 75th anniversary of the end of WWII evokes memories of shared sacrifice. As Hawaii marks 75 years since the end of World War II with a special ceremony Wednesday aboard the USS Missouri, it’s lost on no one that the number of veterans is dwindling. Hawaii News Now.

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University of Hawai'i taking action after a disturbing video is posted to social media. The University of Hawaii is taking action on Tuesday night after a video showing what appears to be students reenacting the death of George Floyd makes its way around social media. KITV4.

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Hawaii called hub for illegal cockfighting trade. Hawaii is “at the center of the cockfighting trade in the Pacific Rim” with the state acting as a hub for animal-fighting activities throughout the region, two animal advocacy groups said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Animal Rights Activists Want Feds To Investigate Cockfighting. Animal Wellness Action says they’ve linked breeders in the Aloha State to buyers and chicken fighters in Guam. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials urged to investigate rooster exporters. During a news conference Tuesday, Animal Wellness Action, an organization dedicated to end the exploitation of animals, announced the results of a months-long investigation into Hawaii’s involvement in the international trade of fighting roosters, identifying 22 people or organizations throughout the state thought to have exported such birds to Guam in the past three years. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii found to be among leading exporters of illegal cockfighting birds. An animal rights group found that Hawaii to be one of the nation’s leading exporters of cockfighting birds. Hawaii News Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 1: Four Deaths And 181 New Cases In Hawaii. One person died on Hawaii island and three people died on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii records 3 new COVID-19 fatalities on Oahu, 1 death at Hilo veterans home. Hawaii Department of Health officials today recorded four new coronavirus-related deaths and 181 new cases, bringing the statewide totals since the beginning of the pandemic to 74 fatalities and 8,653 cases. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 4 Deaths, 181 New Cases; H-3 Tests Begin Today; More Surge Tests Headed To Isles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, Sept. 1: Four New Deaths Reported, 181 New Cases. There were 181 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi as of noon on Tuesday, health officials reported. Another four (4) deaths were also reported. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Chasid Sapolu returns to Honolulu prosecutors office after receiving federal investigation subject letter in 2018. First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chasid Sapolu returned to work Tuesday for the first time in over a year and half, reporting to the Juvenile Offender Unit in the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Star-Advertiser.

After nearly 2 years on leave, deputy city prosecutor returns to work. Almost two years after he received a subject letter from the US Department of Justice and went on leave, deputy city Prosecutor Chasid Sapolu is back at work. Hawaii News Now.

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Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi collected, spent the most in Honolulu mayoral race. The two Honolulu mayoral hopefuls advancing into November’s winner-take-all matchup are the same two candidates who outraised and outspent a broad and diverse field of opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s to begin 18-month-long COVID antibody study among employees. Queen’s Health Systems is launching an 18-month-long antibody study. They’re hoping it will help with tracking the virus among its employees. Hawaii News Now.

City Council schedules meetings to discuss potential affordable housing project in Kailua. The Honolulu City Council will be meeting on three separate dates in September to discuss a proposed affordable housing project in Kailua. KHON2.

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2 Inmates Killed In 2 Weeks In Hawaii Correctional System. The latest death happened Monday evening in a crowded quarantine cell at OCCC. Civil Beat.

62-year-old OCCC inmate killed overnight, allegedly by another inmate. A murder investigation is underway at the Oahu Community Correctional Center after an inmate assault turned deadly. Hawaii News Now.

62-year-old inmate dies after allegedly being assaulted by another inmate. According to police documents, both males are inmates at a correctional facility. KITV4.

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Building once used by ‘Dog’ Chapman becomes housing for Native Hawaiians. Today, on the 182nd anniversary of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birthday, the trust that bears her name is taking a more intensive approach to housing and helping young Native Hawaiian adults who have aged out of the foster care system and have few opportunities in the era of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser High farmers market ordered to shut down due to complaint. The Friends of Kaiser PTSA Farmer’s Market, held Thursday afternoons in Kaiser High School’s parking lot, closed last week after a complaint was filed with the state Department of Education, said Justin Mew, the school’s principal. Star-Advertiser.

New Royal Hawaiian Groin is first of several planned for Waikiki. The construction of a Royal Hawaiian Groin, billed as new but encapsulating the still-intact spine of its 93-year-old predecessor on Waikiki Beach fronting the eponymous pink hotel, is pau, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a press release last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Restrictions to Return to Big Island Beaches for Labor Day. Hawai‘i County plans to take preventative action to stop the Labor Day Holiday from producing major COVID-19 spreading events amid the current surge on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Big Island Mayor Wants Extra Beach Restrictions For Labor Day. Harry Kim says he is waiting for approval from Gov. David Ige for a ban on beach gatherings Sept. 4-19. Civil Beat.

Big Isle Mayor: More Restrictions No Solution To COVID-19 Surge. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim says further restrictions are not the answer in stopping a surge of COVID-19 cases and community spread on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Contact tracing app squeaks through: Council Public Safety Committee narrowly passes nonbinding resolution. A County Council panel Tuesday urged developers of a free, voluntary contact tracing app to talk directly with Mayor Harry Kim’s administration before the council takes a final vote on a resolution later this month. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s top prosecutor said Tuesday all Big Island residents should be concerned about the Hawaii Supreme Court’s most recent order pushing the release of more detainees across the state. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday issued its most recent pandemic-related order expanding the release of detainees to include those charged for certain petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and felony offenses on all islands — not specific facilities. West Hawaii Today.

County’s ‘Bug Busters’ on the job to keep the community safe. Teams of Bug Busters have been hard at work at county facilities — focused on sanitizing high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces seven days a week — since early March. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Master Plan to be completed by late next year. The master plan was established in 2000 to provide policy for UH to govern the Maunakea Science Reserve, but a long-awaited update to the plan will, among other things, provide a framework to reduce the number of astronomy sites at the mountain’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

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Luxury Yacht To Pay $100K For Dropping Anchor On Coral In Kailua Bay. The owners of the luxury yacht Formosa will have to pay $100,000 for an anchor drop that damaged coral in Kailua Bay. Big Island Video News.

Luxury yacht owners fined $100K for coral reef damage off Hawaii Island. The DLNR says Formosa Wealth Management Group, owners of the 197-foot luxury yacht, dropped their anchor in the Kailua Bay Zone of the Kona Coast Fishery Management Area in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

10 Employees at Maui’s Wailuku Police Station Test Positive for COVID-19 Since Aug. 27. A total of 10 employees at Maui Police Department’s Wailuku Station have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was reported at the department on Aug. 27. Maui Now.

MPD reports 7 new presumptive positive COVID cases among Wailuku employees. The number of COVID-19 cases tied to the Wailuku Police Station is now up to 10 after new test results were received. Hawaii News Now.

2 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Maui Prosecutor’s Office; 1 Case at Moloka‘i Baseyard. The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney recently reported two positive COVID-19 cases, according to Maui Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishida. Maui Now.

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Maui Inmates Briefly Resist Orders To Return To Cells. Maui police were called to be on standby in case they were needed, according to jail officials. Civil Beat.

Attempted Disturbance at Maui Jail Quickly Contained. At about 2 p.m. Maui Community Correctional Center (MCCC) inmates in one module refused to go back into their cells. Maui Now.

MCCC inmates refused to go back to their cells. Inmates in a module at the Maui Community Correctional Center refused to go back to their cells around 2 p.m. KHON2.

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Maui News staffers bring home 21 SPJ Excellence in Journalism honors. The Maui News dominated the Daily Newspapers division, capturing four first places, including for reports on the Central Maui brush fire; a riot at Maui Community Correctional Center; a personal interview with the voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, a childhood hero; and a historical retrospective on Maui after the Pearl Harbor attack. Maui News.

Kauai

Fixing the water system in Moloa‘a Hui Lands. The Moloa‘a Irrigation Cooperative received a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant from the county of $52,415 for water system improvements that will reduce the cost of water and leaks in the system. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Museum reopens with modified schedule. Doors to the Kaua‘i Museum gift shop open from 9:30 a.m. and remain open until 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday under the temporary new hours and dates. The rest of the museum is available through reservations-only tours created by the museum’s staff during the closure. Garden Island.

Illegal social gatherings cause COVID-19 spikes, 11% of those tested are positive, state auditor blocked from gathering data, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hundreds gather July 26 in Hilo for memorial in defiance of social gathering prohibitions From YouTube

Hawaii says 11% of people taking COVID-19 test are positive. More than 10% of people tested for COVID-19 in Hawaii have been found to have the disease in the past 24 hours, new data showed Wednesday, underscoring that coronavirus was becoming more widespread in the community. Associated Press.

Latest COVID-19 positivity rate reported puts Hawaii ‘in the red,’ surgeon general says. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results reported by the state Health Department on Wednesday was among the highest levels seen in Hawaii so far during the pandemic, a number high enough that it caught the eye of the visiting U.S. surgeon general. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hospitals urgently seeking nurses, recent nursing school graduates. Hospitals in Hawaii, primarily in Oahu and Maui, are urgently seeking nurses including recently nursing graduates to assist due to the influx of hospitalizations because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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Even The Auditor Can’t Get Contact Tracing Info From Hawaii DOH. The State Auditor says it got no cooperation when it tried to get to the bottom of the Health Department’s methods for identifying how COVID-19 spreads. Civil Beat.

Auditor met with ‘inexcusable’ lack of cooperation in examining contact tracing program. Some state agencies are being accused of stonewalling auditors who were trying to improve the Department of Health’s contact tracing program. Hawaii News Now.

State auditor releases report on contact tracing efforts. "Instead of cooperation and assistance, we encountered barriers, delays," writes State Auditor Leslie Kondo. KITV4.

AG Won’t Release Information On COVID-19 Outbreak At Hawaii Jail. The attorney general told state lawmakers they cannot repeat what was told to them in a private briefing with public officials. Civil Beat.

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As RIMPAC Blasts Off During Pandemic, Commander Reassures Hawaiʻi. The 27th Rim of the Pacific military exercise, RIMPAC 2020, is now being held at sea around the Hawaiian Islands. Ten nations, 22 ships, 1 submarine, and more than 5,300 personnel are participating in the event from August 17 to August 31. Big Island Video News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 26: 277 New Cases In Hawaii And 2 Deaths. State officials said the rising number of COVID-19 cases on Maui and the Big Island is concerning. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates For August 26: Two New Deaths, 93 Active Cases On Big Island. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced 277 newly reported cases of COVID-19 statewide as of noon on Wednesday, and added two more deaths to the coronavirus toll. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Surgeon general urges patience as free testing overwhelms Oahu sites. Thousands of vehicles and their passengers overwhelmed Kaneohe District Park and Leeward Community College as the first day of two scheduled weeks of free COVID-19 testing on Oahu began on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands Turn Out For Free COVID-19 Tests On Oahu. Anyone on the island can get tested — even if they don’t have symptoms — as part of a new effort to halt the spread of the virus. Civil Beat.

Turnout for city’s mass testing program starts strong, but problems already reported. Turnout on the first day of the city’s new mass COVID-19 testing initiative has been strong, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Wednesday ― but not without some logistical issues that resulted in people being turned away from one testing site. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 5,000 sign up for COVID-19 'surge testing' on O'ahu, a national record. Starting on Wednesday, the federal government is sponsoring free COVID-19 "surge testing"-- and the goal is to test 60,000 people over the next two weeks. KITV4.

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Honolulu Is Taking Contact Tracing Into Its Own Hands. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he doesn’t want to wait any longer for the state to hire more contact tracers. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of virus contact tracers to be hired on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday the city plans to hire between 250 and 500 coronavirus contact tracers to work in coordination with the state on a “more aggressive” approach to tracking the path of the virus. Star-Advertiser.

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Oahu lockdown order in place following a bit of drama. Oahu’s 14-day lockdown on business and other activities starts today in a move that aims to slow down the island’s relentless streak of triple-digit daily coronavirus infections. Star-Advertiser.

Stay-at-home order goes into effect for Oahu in bid to control spread of COVID-19. A stay-at-home order for Oahu is in effect Thursday as part of dramatic action to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertainty and anxiety follow Oahu’s latest stay-at-home mandate. It was a 30-hour roller coaster ride for thousands of Oahu private school students, parents, teachers and administrators this week as they tried to figure out how Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s latest “Stay At Home / Work From Home” emergency order was going to affect them. Star-Advertiser.

‘It’s just crazy’: Customers flock to businesses before two-week shutdown. Non-essential businesses on Oahu like gyms, hair and nail salons, theaters and dine-in at restaurants must close by Thursday, Aug. 27 for at least two weeks. KHON2.

Grief And Desperate Hope As Small Businesses Brace For Second Shutdown. On the last day before many workers lose their jobs — again — they struggle to understand and cope with what the loss will mean this time. Civil Beat.

Oahu vacation rental owners feeling pain of shutdown. Oahu still has the toughest coronavirus-related vacation rental restrictions of any island, but that didn’t stop owners and suppliers from fetching the highest — albeit still low— July occupancy rate statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County to get $30M more for lava recovery. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday announced that it would send the county $30.6 million in federal disaster relief funding, divided between two broad programs. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County To Receive Another $30.6 Million From Feds After Kilauea Eruption. Hawai‘i County will receive $30.6 million in new federal disaster relief funding following the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano. Big Island Video News.

Water Board mulls double-digit rate hike. The Board of Water Supply on Tuesday voted to move forward with a proposed 13% water rate increase as the Department of Water Supply operates in the red. West Hawaii Today.

30 HCCC Pretrial Misdemeanor Inmates to be Released. First Deputy Prosecutor Dale Ross said the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is concerned about approximately 11 individuals in this expedited release who are in the process of a mental evaluation. Big Island Now.

Big Island Grapples with Surge in COVID-19 Cases. Hawaiʻi County is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases on the Hilo side of the Big Island. State health authorities say its community spread and that testing and contact tracing are aggressively being pursued. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

289-unit luxury Wailea community planned. Site is located within a mile of two other projects. Maui News.

Prosecutors on deadline to review jail releases. Some MCCC inmates eligible for release amid pandemic. Maui News.

Island Investors Help to Save Koholā Brewery on Maui, Reopening Planned. In a time of shut downs, canceled events and struggling business, there is a bright spot in Lahaina where investors are helping to keep Maui’s Koholā Brewery afloat. Maui News.

Kauai

Kawakami extends COVID-19 emergency. On Tuesday, Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami signed the fourth supplementary emergency proclamation for the County of Kaua‘i, in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Kaua‘i from the potential spread of the novel coronavirus. Garden Island.

Keeping COVID spread at bay on Kaua‘i. While there have not been any new cases reported on Kaua‘i in about a week, yesterday, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced that the most recent case reported on the island had no known travel connection, and has been categorized community spread. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Red Cross in search of new volunteers. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kaua’i branch of the American Red Cross has experienced a shortage of volunteers. Garden Island.