Pilot shortage impacting Hawaii travel, Blangiardi signs Honolulu tax relief bills, Maui approves general excise tax surcharge, syphilis cases spike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

National pilot shortage is impacting Hawaii travel. A national pilot shortage is here, according to aviation analysts, and it is starting to impact Hawaii. Local airlines are looking to hire pilots but whether the islands have enough resources to train them could be in question. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer who accessed governor’s private info regains access to electronic system. A Maui defense attorney had his electronic filing privileges restored by the state after he was locked out of accessing a system used by about 1,500 criminal justice partners for pulling personal information from four parking tickets paid by Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

State prevails in $1M dispute over installation of fire alarm systems at 8 public schools. A Circuit Court judge has ruled in favor of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education in a $1 million lawsuit relating to the installation of fire alarm systems at eight public schools throughout the the state. Big Island Now.

State urges expanded screening, treatment of syphilis as cases increase.  As the number of cases of syphilis in women and newborns continues to increase throughout the state, the Hawai‘i Department of Health is urging enhanced screening in health care interactions other than prenatal care, saying the situation is alarming and requires immediate attention. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

‘Calvin’ response assessed; public reminded that Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.  Governor Josh Green, M.D., praised Hawai‘i’s handling of former Tropical Storm Calvin and cautioned that the storm was just the first challenge in a hurricane season that lasts through November. Maui Now. Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.

Division of Aquatic Resources to hold hearings on ocean stewardship fee. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources is hosting a series of hearings to gather public input on a user fee that commercial vessel operators will have to collect from each passenger carried or customer served next year. Garden Island.

A Hawaii soldier receives the Army’s highest peacetime honor for valor.  Spc. Rene Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Army medic from El Paso, Texas, was given a standing ovation from the crowded theater as he accepted the Soldier’s Medal in recognition for saving a woman’s life last year in Wahiawa when he intervened to stop a man from beating her. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Honolulu tax credits aim to assist homeowners. Relief is coming for homeowners. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed two measures into law on Wednesday, July 19. KHON2. KITV4.

Nearing end of sentences, ex-cops in Kealoha scandal moved to halfway house. Derek Hahn and Ming-Hung ‘Bobby’ Nguyen have been moved to Sacramento to serve out the remainder of their time in a halfway house. A federal jury found them guilty of conspiracy in June 2019 in what’s known as the “mailbox trial.” Hawaii News Now.

Navy Wastes 2 Billion Gallons Of Water During Red Hill Cleanup. Regulators required the Navy to make a plan for reusing the water but never required them to act on it. Civil Beat.

Developers Are Betting Big On Honolulu’s Business District. Will It Pay Off?. The investment mirrors a countrywide trend toward downtown revitalization efforts. Civil Beat.

Abuse victim of Makaha church elder entitled to $40M, judge says. A victim of childhood sexual abuse by an elder of the Makaha congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses is entitled to $40 million in damages, a Circuit Court judge has ruled. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would waive late fees to limit abandoned cars. To prevent more abandoned vehicles from appearing on Oahu’s public streets and roadways, a proposed city ordinance seeks to waive certain motor vehicle taxes, fees and penalties for those unable to pay them after a five-year period. Star-Advertiser.

Bargaining begins after nurses end seven-day walkout at 82-bed care facility.  A day after nurses and certified nurses assistants ended a seven-day strike at Oahu Care Facility, both sides returned to the bargaining table in a bid to reach a new deal.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Calvin passes Big Island with no major damage. Tropical Storm Calvin came and went without causing any significant damage, Gov. Josh Green and Hawaii island Mayor Mitch Roth said at a news conference Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Kailapa Hawaiian Homestead Under Water Conservation Notice. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is urging Kailapa residents to conserve water following notification of malfunctioning water wells in north Hawai‘i.  Big Island Video News.

Governor signs emergency proclamation for Uncle Billy’s hotel.  The process to demolish the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel will be sped up by an emergency proclamation issued Tuesday by Gov. Josh Green. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Raises General Excise Tax To Pay For Housing Infrastructure. The 0.5% surcharge takes effect next year. The council voted 8-0 on Tuesday to adopt a 0.5% surcharge on top of the state’s 4% GET, starting Jan. 1. Civil Beat. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

Mahi Pono Fined Nearly $10K For Causing Dust In Central Maui. Several residents had complained last year about the cloud of dust that occasionally blanketed Central Maui. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kauai

Reminder: Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative meeting Thursday night. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members are invited to attend the cooperative’s annual meeting on July 20 at the Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural Center in Puhi. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. Kauai Now.

Hawaii may prolong travel quarantine as COVID-19 cases surge, Ige shuffles Health Department staff, teachers union threatens lawsuit if schools reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki sunset with airplane ©2020 All Hawaii News

Visitor industry braces for another pre-arrivals testing delay. Some signs of Hawaii’s fledgling tourism recovery are flying away as the state’s visitor industry braces for another delay in the start of a pre-arrivals testing program. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige to revisit stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases in Hawaii spike.  With a record 355 cases of COVID-19 recorded today, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he’s looking at the possibility of re-establishing the stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-Travel Program in Peril, as Hawai‘i Mulls Partial Lockdown. A return to lockdown is back on the table after Hawai‘i reported a record 355 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and two coronavirus-related deaths for the third consecutive day. Big Island Now.

The governor acknowledged Thursday that a rapid spread of coronavirus on Oahu may trigger a delay to the state’s plan for rebooting tourism. The state had hoped to launch a pre-testing traveler program on Sept. 1, after delaying it from Aug. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige considers bringing back stay-at-home order. Health officials say Oahu hospitals are close to the point of being overwhelmed, and Governor David Ige is considering bringing back more restrictions for Oahu, like the stay-at-home order. KHON2.

Ige says state is moving in the ‘wrong direction,’ but opts not to institute new restrictions. On a day that the state saw 355 new COVID-19 infections, the governor on Thursday said Hawaii is “moving in the wrong direction” but he stopped short of instituting any new mandates aimed at reining in the spread of the virus. He did pledge, however, to bring back new mandates if cases remain high. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: ‘We are headed in the wrong direction’. Despite a record-high 355 new COVID-19 cases reported Thursday, Gov. David Ige stopped short of delaying a plan to allow out-of-state travelers with a negative COVID-19 test to arrive in Hawaii on Sept. 1 without being subject to a 14-day quarantine. Tribune-Herald.

Record 355 cases; more restrictions possible. “We have some very bad news to report today,” Gov. David Ige said at the start of his Thursday news conference. Garden Island.

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Controversial State Health Official Ousted From Leading Virus Tracing Effort. With cases spiraling out of control, State Epidemiologist Sarah Park has been replaced as head of Hawaii’s contact tracing program. Danette Wong Tomiyasu is taking over. Civil Beat.

Dr. Park replaced as head of contact tracing program. Department of Health recently announced that the new Disease Investigation Branch Chief, Dr. Emily Roberson, would take over contact tracing at DOH. KITV4.

Anderson, Park absent from COVID briefing as governor puts deputy in charge of contact tracing. State Health Director Bruce Anderson and State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park have been the health department’s two most visible faces in the fight against COVID-19. The two were nowhere to be seen at the governor’s press briefing Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

As it struggles to respond to COVID-19, the state is again refusing help for contact tracing. The state Health Department continues to reject offers for funds and workers to help with contact tracing. Hawaii News Now.

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As COVID-19 Cases Rise, Hawaii Hospitals Plan For Day They Exceed Capacity. Some Hawaii hospitals are getting hit harder than others with the surge in COVID-19 cases. But the Healthcare Association of Hawaii that represents hospitals has a plan: it will re-distribute patients if needed so facilities aren’t overrun. Hawaii Public Radio.

Union warns of nurse shortage with rise of coronavirus cases. Hospitals in Hawaii are able to expand their number of intensive care units if the number of COVID-19 patients goes beyond capacity, but now some are worried there will not be enough nurses to care for those sick patients.  KHON2.

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Ige Warns Of Furloughs If Congress Fails To Provide More Aid. While negotiations over additional federal assistance to cities and states remain deadlocked, Hawaii’s chief executive says the state may be forced to furlough workers in the coming months if Congress fails to act. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii sees 2 more deaths and a record 355 new coronavirus cases. Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported a single-day record of 355 new COVID-19 cases, and the coronavirus-related deaths of two Oahu men, both over 60 years old. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 13: 355 New Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii has recorded more cases of COVID-19 in the first two weeks of August than all prior months combined. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 13th: New Record 355 Cases, Two New Deaths. The 355 new cases includes 86 new diagnosed cases of coronavirus at the O‘ahu Community Correctional Facility, officials say. Big Island Video News.

DOH Reports 355 Cases of Coronavirus, 2 Deaths Thursday. For the first time, Hawai‘i has eclipsed 300 coronavirus cases in a single day. Big Island Now.

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70 more OCCC inmates and 12 staff members test positive for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at Oahu Community Correctional Center swelled dramatically on Thursday as inmate advocates rushed to petition the Judiciary to release as many inmates as possible as quickly as possible. Star-Advertiser.

Corrections Staff Describe Jail Conditions That Make Social Distancing Impossible. Staff and inmates alike have been infected as COVID-19 spreads inside Hawaii’s largest jail. Civil Beat.

Surge in COVID-19 cases spurs petition from Office of Public Defender seeking the release of some inmates. The Office of Public Defender on Wednesday petitioned the state Supreme Court, seeking an order to the lower courts, the Department of Public Safety and the Hawaii Paroling Authority to take immediate steps to significantly reduce the population of its … correctional facilities to prevent the massive loss of life and harm that the spread of COVID-19 would cause in such facilities. Tribune-Herald.

California prisons provide Hawaii with lessons in dealing with outbreaks. Hawaii officials dealing with the rapid spread of COVID-19 at the Oahu Community Correctional Center are finding out what many of their mainland counterparts already know: Once the virus has entered a prison, it’s near impossible to contain it without immediate action to ramp up testing and disperse the inmate population. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii teachers union, superintendent spar over schools reopening. The teachers union said Thursday it will file labor complaints against the state to try to stop plans to reopen public schools on Monday that it says could endanger its members. Star-Advertiser.

Union threatens lawsuit over plans for face-to-face meetings with students at start of school year. While public schools will start the fall semester fully online, students are still scheduled to return to campus next week to prepare for online learning. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA seeks legal action to stop public school students from in-person classes. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is taking legal action to stop public school students from returning to campuses on Monday. HSTA president Corey Rosenlee said the Department of Education’s current plan requiring students to report in-person the first week of school is reckless and unsafe. KHON2.


HSTA to launch legal action against State of Hawaii, DOE. Thursday afternoon, the Hawaii State Teachers Association will announce legal action they are taking against the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Department of Education. KITV4.

DOE pushes back against union’s criticism of reopening plan. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said it will take legal action over school reopening plans it thinks are unsafe and “reckless” amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a surge of cases. Tribune-Herald.

Teachers Union Takes Legal Action On School Reopening Plans, DOE Responds. A union official, a family medicine doctor, and an attorney took part in a new conference today to explain their opposition to the planned reopening of schools in the time of COVID. Big Island Video News.

HSTA takes legal action. Corey Rosenlee, president of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association, announced the union’s intention to file a prohibited-practice complaint with the Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board and a class grievance against the state Department of Education during a Zoom teleconference Thursday afternoon. Garden Island.

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Hawai‘i State Public Libraries Temporarily Suspend Computer Time Amid COVID-19 Concerns. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System will temporarily suspend Computer Time at all library branches statewide, from Aug. 16–31, 2020. Maui Now.

Rising coronavirus cases suspends library computer use. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Hawaii State Public Library System will temporarily suspend Computer Time at all library branches statewide, August 16 – 31, 2020. KITV4.

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20 ships participating in reduced RIMPAC in Hawaii starting Monday. Ten nations, about 20 ships and 5,300 personnel are taking part in Rim of the Pacific maritime exercises starting Monday in Hawaii’s waters. Star-Advertiser.

Over 900 Late Ballots Won’t Be Counted In Hawaii Primary. Officials warned voters to mail those ballots at least three to five days before Election Day. Civil Beat.

Oahu

More restrictions on the horizon to fight COVID-19 on Oahu. With a record number of COVID-19 cases, a festering outbreak at Hawaii’s largest jail and clusters emerging all across Oahu, Gov. David Ige said Thursday that he’s looking at reestablishing a stay-at-home order and delaying the relaunch of trans-Pacific tourism through a pre-travel testing program, set to begin Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Outbreak forces halt to shelter admissions. As the number of positive COVID-19 cases reached record highs on Thursday, officials announced that the Institute for Human Services has seen 20 cases in its men’s shelter in Iwilei, requiring it to be converted into a temporary isolation and quarantine site. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Outbreak Prompts Lockdown At Iwilei Homeless Shelter. At least 20 residents at the Institute for Human Services’ men’s facility on Sumner Street have tested positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail Costs To Climb With Dispute Over Airport Section. Officials are scrambling to speed up construction of stations and the relocation of utilities lines for the future transit line. Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch to reduce guest operations to 4-day weeks, furlough more employees. In a letter to employees dated Wednesday, President and CEO John Morgan said the ranch will be open to guests from Thursday through Sunday starting next week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County can deny STVRs on agricultural land: State Land Use Commission unanimously upholds county vacation rental ban. Short-term vacation rentals do not belong on agricultural land, the state Land Use Commission ruled Thursday in upholding Hawaii County’s authority to deny that use. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor revises terms for reclosing of Maui. South Maui bars test staff, reopen after COVID-19 exposure. Days after warning that Maui County closures may ensue if COVID-19 cases average five to seven a day, Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday softened his approach, pointing instead to “double-digit” average daily case counts as a trigger for rollbacks. Maui News.

Maui Threshold for Closures Revised Upward. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino revised his threshold upward for the number of COVID-19 cases Maui would need in order for him to reinstate closures. Maui Now.

Maui COVID-19 Contact Tracers Encounter Guilt, Fear of Being Identified. The District Health Office on Maui is reporting some pushback in their contact tracing efforts from individuals who have expressed fear of being identified on Social Media or in the community. Maui Now.

Maui Health Care Worker and Two Patients Test Positive for Covid-19.  Maui Health has confirmed that it has one health care worker and two patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Stolen oysters not recovered, but ‘volunteers’ have been found. Replacements for ocean biofiltering project will be on the way soon. Maui News.

Kauai

Interference pauses Hanakapi‘ai bridge project. The state has temporarily suspended a bridge-building project over the Hanakapi‘ai Stream on Kaua‘i’s North Shore because people have been undoing the work that’s being done, according to a press release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

State halts bridge building in Hanakapiai Valley on Kauai to address opposition. The construction of a footbridge across the stream in Hanakapiai Valley, in Kauai’s rugged Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, has been temporarily halted due to interference at the site, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a press release today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii heads toward full shutdown if coronavirus cases don't subside, 'right to die' lobbyist Radcliffe dies, Caldwell denies city employee potluck source of COVID-19 cluster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

An exhausted Lt. Gov. Josh Green at July 29, 2020, press conference Facebook Live

Green says ‘full shutdown’ might be necessary if COVID-19 cases don’t decline. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that if the daily statewide COVID-19 case numbers continue to be in the 150-200 range in a week, he’d advise Gov. David Ige “to do the full shutdown and go back to a four-week period of stay-at-home” mandates. Tribune-Herald.

Hospitals could be overwhelmed in a month if cases of COVID-19 continue to increase at the current rate. Hospitals could be overwhelmed within a month if the number of COVID-19 cases doesn’t start to decrease according to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green. KHON2.

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Governor Defends Anderson, Park In Face Of Growing Criticism. New reporting out yesterday from Hawaii Public Radio shows that the state Department of Health significantly exaggerated its capacity to perform contact tracing, while downplaying challenges facing the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health Department has new contact tracing leader. Hawaii’s top health officials have turned their much maligned “contact tracing” program over to a new hire, following record numbers of COVID-19 cases and a call for the removal of the state’s health director and epidemiologist. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Contact Tracing Effort Falls Short Of National Standards. The state Department of Health is trying to hire new staff to address a shortage as the virus spreads. Civil Beat.

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Triple-digit cases persist with death toll hitting 38. Hawaii recorded 202 cases of novel coronavirus and two more deaths Wednesday as various clusters of infection continued to pop up around Oahu and some clusters grew. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Data Shows Hawaii Is In A ‘Very Dire Situation’. Despite a troubling rise in the number of cases, the public does not seem to have an appropriate sense of urgency, an epidemic tracking expert says. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 12: 202 New Cases And 2 Deaths. Health officials have reported four deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the state’s coronavirus death toll to 38. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 12th: 202 New Cases, 4 Deaths. The state has identified several distinct restaurant clusters. Big Island Video News.

202 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (O‘ahu 197, Kaua‘i 2, Hawai‘i Island 2, Maui 1). The state has reported another triple digit increase in new COVID-19 cases with 202 new cases today including 197 on Oʻahu, two each on Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island, and one on Maui.  There were also four deaths on the island of Oʻahu. Maui Now.

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Longtime lobbyist of Hawaii's 'right to die' legislation passes away. When the state passed the "Our Care, Our Choice" act last January allowing patients to end their life with lethal medication he decided to take his life and his death into his own hands. KITV4.

John Radcliffe / 1942-2020: Fought for dignity for the dying. John Radcliffe, an educator, lobbyist, former executive director of the Hawaii State Teachers Association and unrelenting advocate for death with dignity, died Tuesday night in his Makiki home surrounded by family and close friends after ending his life with prescribed medication. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Hawaii Lobbyist John Radcliffe Dead At 78. He helped lead the fight to legalize medical aid in dying. Civil Beat.

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State pension fund pops in final quarter to end year in the black. It was a get-well quarter for the state’s largest public pension fund as it overcame the effects of COVID-19 to post a 6.2% investment return and edge into positive territory for fiscal year 2020. Star-Advertiser.

HMSHost may layoff up to 500 furloughed Hawaii airport food service staff. In a notice to the State Labor Department, HMSHost, which runs most of the food stands at Hawaii’s airports in Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue, says it began furloughing employees back in March. KHON2.

Over 220 Securitas employees get back pay for Fair Labor Standards violations. Securitas is paying more than 220 employees $176,000 in back wages. The U.S. Department of Labor found the private security company wasn’t paying staff that went back on the job during meal breaks. Hawaii News Now.

Vote-By-Mail Helped Perk Up Hawaii Turnout But So Did Some Competitive Races. Voting was up throughout the state, in some areas more than others. Civil Beat.

People In Hawaii Are Struggling. The Nonprofits That Help Them Are Too. The pandemic will force some nonprofits to close. Others will have to change and adapt to survive. Civil Beat.

DOH cites four companies for air permit violations. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Air Branch issued fines to four companies last week for violating air permit regulations, including one on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

4 monk seals released on Midway Atoll refuge. Four healthy Hawaiian monk seals were successfully released on the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge after staff at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s monk seal hospital on Hawaii island, cared for the endangered mammals for more than 10 months. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell says no coronavirus cases tied to employee retirement party at Honolulu Hale. Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who last week issued an executive order instructing Oahu residents to stay away from those not in their immediate family, on Wednesday sent a memo to about 10,000 city employees urging them to not gather for lunch or other social occasions. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor: ‘Give Us Evidence’ Potluck Caused Virus Cluster At Honolulu Hale. The headquarters of Honolulu’s city government has seen its total cases rise to at least 13. Civil Beat.

Caldwell denies retirement potluck was source of COVID-19 infections at Honolulu Hale. Two days after a cluster of COVID cases led to the closure of Honolulu Hale, the Department of Health reports the virus may have spread at an employee potluck at the city building ― and that 11 cases are “potentially linked” to the luncheon. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell says no known COVID-19 cases linked to an employee retirement party.  Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said they investigated details surrounding a retirement party in late July on municipal grounds after Hawaii state officials said an employee gathering or potluck had the potential to transmit the illness to 11 city and county workers. KHON2.

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Campbell High School teacher arrested for violating Hawaii quarantine. A Hawaii high school teacher was arrested for violating the 14-day traveler quarantine the state mandated to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield Barracks School Age Center employee tests positive. The employee is not a direct caregiver. KITV4.

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16 cases at OCCC after 7 more inmates test positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety announced today that seven inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of inmates at the facility with the virus up to 16. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC corrections officers plead for change as COVID-19 outbreak grows. "When I broke the news to my family, it was hard," described an adult corrections officer at the O'ahu Community Correctional Center who tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. KITV4.

Mainland college students seek rentals on Oahu. One realty company is apprehensive. There's high demand from mainland college students who want to rent homes together in Hawaii to ride out the pandemic, but one realty company says it's rejecting the new business. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu North Shore businesses closing as tourist torrent slows to a trickle. It’s not just Waikiki that’s been hit hard by the drop in visitor numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Mayoral race analysis shows Blangiardi won 26 of 34 districts in primary election. A Hawaii News Now analysis also shows that Blangiardi won in all but eight House Districts and held double-digit percentage point leads in places like Hawaii Kai and Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kamehameha Schools Hawaii student tests positive for COVID-19. The student is in isolation, and contact tracing is underway to identify and follow up with all close contacts. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i to Transition to Distance Learning Thursday. Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i will transition to distance learning for at least the rest of August after a case of COVID-19 was identified in a high school student on its Big Island campus Wednesday. Big Island Now.

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Maunakea protest camp spurs ethics complaint: Ethics Board debates jurisdiction, postpones action until September. The Board of Ethics considered a citizen petition Wednesday asking why Hawaii County isn’t enforcing laws on Maunakea ranging from last year’s blockade of the mountain’s access road to the construction of unpermitted structures near the protest site. West Hawaii Today.

Location Chosen For Student Telescope On Mauna Kea, As Hōkū Keʻa Removal Planned. The precise location preferred by scientists for the new UH-Hilo student telescope was revealed this week, as the process to decommission the Hōkū Keʻa observatory on the summit of Maunakea continues. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County may see bump in COVID-19 case numbers soon. There was one new COVID-19 case reported on Maui, but officials say there may be a bump in COVID-19 cases reported on the island within the next few days. KHON2.

Maui County says they’re flooded with traveler quarantine exemption requests. It is day two of the inter-island travel quarantine requirement and Maui county has already received thousands of exemption requests. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Maui Campus Announces Full Distance Learning Through Aug. 31. The Kamehameha Maui campus transitions to a full distance learning program today, through at least the end of the month. Maui Now.

Illegal encampments blocking sewage pumping station. Maui County has issued notices to vacate to people with illegal encampments and vehicles blocking access to the Wailuku sewage pump station off Kahului Beach Road. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i looking to limit outdoor gatherings. Mayor Derek Kawakami requested an additional amendment to an emergency rule that would bring the maximum number of people at a social outdoor gathering from 100 down to 25. Garden Island.

FTA funds to replace six in Kaua‘i Bus fleet. The County of Kaua‘i received $1.4 million in funds, as part of a Federal Transit Administration package of $9,596,669 to purchase new buses on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Garden Island.

Hawaii short of COVID-19 testing materials as governor and mayors mull continuing quarantine past Aug. 1, Legislature kills bill giving health director power to declare emergencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and Hawaii mayors via Zoom

Gov. David Ige and the state’s mayors will meet again to decide whether to lift the 14-day travel quarantine. After a marathon meeting Wednesday, Gov. David Ige, the county mayors and health officials will reconvene today to make a final determination on lifting the 14-day self-quarantine restriction that has largely kept tourists from visiting the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Discussion continues between mayors, governor on whether to postpone lifting Hawaii’s travel quarantine. After a five-hour meeting on Wednesday, July 8, the governor and the mayors are still trying to figure out a path forward for the state regarding travel. KHON2.

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Hawaii’s coronavirus testing capability to be reduced in half after mainland company cuts off supplies. One of Hawaii’s largest COVID-19 testing laboratories has been cut off from its mainland supplier of chemicals needed to continue to run tests locally due to a surge in coronavirus cases across the country. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 surge on the mainland leads to shortage of testing supplies in Hawaii. A surge in new COVID-19 cases on the mainland is impacting how many coronavirus tests can be conducted in Hawaii each day. Diagnostic Laboratory Services, the largest locally-own lab in the islands, said its capacity for COVID-19 testing in Hawaii has been reduced from about 800 tests a day to 250. Hawaii News Now.

Surge in mainland cases impacting Hawaii’s testing capabilities. Dr. Scott Miscovich, who has been involved with COVID-19 testings on Oahu, says that the high demand for testing supplies in other states means our testing capabilities are going to be cut in half. KHON2.

Primary Hawaii virus testing lab loses services of supplier. Dr. Scott Miscovich, who leads broad testing efforts across the islands, said the supply loss means means the state’s testing capacity has been cut in half to about 2,500 daily. KITV4.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Won’t Give Health Director Broad COVID-19 Screening Powers. A controversial bill that outlined a state health department screening response during public health emergencies has died at the state Capitol. Civil Beat.

New ICE rule won’t effect international students in Hawaii as universities plan to resume in-person classes. The University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University says it plans to resume in-person classes this fall. The decision helps international students in Hawaii facing deportation under a new federal rule. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii debates how close is too close for kids in classrooms. As Hawaii’s public schools gear up to reopen next month, one question has proved to be a lightning rod of concern: How close is too close in the classroom? Star-Advertiser.

Delay in tourism reopening could spell economic disaster for Hawaii. As the state ponders pushing back the reopening of the tourism industry from August 1, Hawaii’s economic driver remains in limbo. KHON2.

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United Airlines anticipates 386 Hawaii job furloughs. United Airlines expects to furlough 332 employees at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and an additional 54 at Kahului Airport for six months or longer beginning around Oct. 1, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hammer the airline industry and stifle Hawaii’s tourism-based economy. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines workers in Hawaii face layoffs as air travel industry struggles. United Airlines is preparing to make major layoffs beginning in October, and workers at two Hawaii airports appear to be in danger of losing their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

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Coal-Burning Ban Among Measures On Track To Clear Hawaii Legislature. Bills to regulate Lyft and Uber, prohibit sea walls and reform gun laws also have agreement between the House and Senate ahead of a final vote Friday. Civil Beat.

The Māʻili Measure: How Hawaiʻi Determines Damages for Thousands of Native Hawaiians. Thousands of Native Hawaiians are set to receive financial compensation from the state in a historic breach-of-trust case recently decided by Hawaiʻiʻs Supreme Court. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court official to oversee damages for Hawaiian homesteads. A court-appointed special master will determine the damages distributed to each plaintiff in a 1999 class-action lawsuit. KITV4.

Coronavirus Is Disrupting Cadaver Dissection At UH. COVID-19 is prompting the University of Hawaii to reduce some of its teaching programs, including a foundational course in human dissection. Civil Beat.

General gets fourth star, takes over command of Pacific Air Forces. A command pilot with 71 combat missions and eight prior Pacific postings — including most recently as deputy commander of U.S. Forces Korea — took over as head of Pacific Air Forces Wednesday in command of approximately 46,000 airmen serving mainly in Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Alaska and Guam. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii adds 23 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,094. Hawaii health officials counted 23 new coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections to 1,094 since the start of the outbreak in February. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Updates: 23 New Cases Today; No Rollback After Sharp Spike; Kauai: TVRs Not For Quarantines. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH Reports 23 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports 23 new COVID-19 cases statewide bringing the cumulative total to 1,094. Big Island Now.

Oahu

As US cases surge, council asks state to ‘consider’ delaying changes to travel restrictions. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to pass a resolution that asks the governor to ‘consider’ pausing his plan ― which is currently scheduled to go into effect Aug. 1. Hawaii News Now.

Council holds off on $26M bond for rail. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday voted to hold off passing a measure to approve the sale of $26 million in general revenue bonds to help finance the city’s $9.2 billion, 20-mile rail project. Star-Advertiser.

Top contenders for Honolulu mayor make their case in ‘The Job Interview'. Hawaii’s primary election is just a month away, and the five leading candidates for Honolulu mayor are scrambling to make sure their messages are heard at a time when traditional campaigning is impossible and the scale of crisis facing the city is unprecedented. Hawaii News Now.

Rick Blangiardi: This Former TV Exec Wants To Be CEO Of Honolulu. Rick Blangiardi regularly used his platform on Hawaii News Now to criticize from the sidelines. Now he admits he doesn’t have all the answers either. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms support for Doug Chin to Police Commission. Mayor Kirk Caldwell appeared before the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday to reaffirm his support for Honolulu Police Commission nominee Doug Chin, whose appointment has run into opposition headed by a group dedicated to progressive causes. Star-Advertiser.

Walk-on visits to USS Arizona Memorial to resume Friday. The National Park Service is resuming a “limited number” of USS Arizona Memorial programs on Friday with visits to the sunken battleship and grave. Star-Advertiser.

New Deal Reached To Fix Laniakea Parking, Traffic And Safety Problems. For years, the North Shore beach has been a notorious traffic choke point and an unsafe crossing for visitors. A new court agreement could change that. Civil Beat.

Bishop Museum now permanent home of 2 artifacts gifted to Captain Cook. Two cherished artifacts once gifted to Captain Cook in the 18th century can once again call Hawaii home. An ʻahu ʻula and mahiole, (feather cloak and traditional helmet) once owned by Hawaiian Chief Kalani’opu’u will be held in trust by Bishop Museum. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Yes, window AC units require building permits in Hawaii County: DPW said energy code requires it, but it may be amended. West Hawaii Today.

Council provides CARES input. Bolstered by nonbinding resolutions seeking financial bailouts for very small and women-owned businesses, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed an $80 million relief package tapping into federal coronavirus funds. West Hawaii Today.

Council Votes To Help Small Businesses During Pandemic. The Hawaiʻi County Council passed a resolution urging the administration to use $5 million in CARES Act money to fund a micro-grant program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Resolution urges gender equality in COVID-19 recovery programs. The Hawaii County Council was very supportive Wednesday of a resolution urging the county administration to consider gender differences when crafting COVID-19 recovery programs. Tribune-Herald.

Resolution urges action to find ways for Young Brothers to resume full cargo service to the Big Island. Hawaii County Council members joined a growing list of elected officials calling for government support for Young Brothers to resume regular intra-state shipping. Tribune-Herald.

Young Brothers Shipping Solutions Sought By Council.  Councilmembers are hoping that the inter-island shipping company can take advantage of federal resources under America's Marine Highway program. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Proposals to limit terms, create new departments on tap. 6 charter changes up for first reading Friday in council. Six proposals that would limit terms for the mayor and council members, create departments for housing and agriculture and make other changes to county government will be considered by the Maui County Council on Friday. Maui News.

3000 Acres Burned in Hāli‘imaile Brush Fire: Haleakalā Hwy OPEN, Hāli‘imaile Rd CLOSED. An ongoing brush fire that started early Wednesday morning, has now burned an estimated 3,000 acres of brush. Maui Now.

Paia residents urged to remain vigilant as crews continue to battle large brush fire in Hali’imaile. Overnight, Maui fire department crews cut a large firebreak to protect residents in the area of Skill Village. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua'i Mayor expresses alarm over recent rise in COVID-19 cases. The Garden Isle's 10-week streak of being COVID-19 free ended on June 18 when a person who did not show symptoms tested positive. KITV4.

Kaua‘i residents reflect, consider reopening to transpacific travel. Since Mayor Derek Kawakami signed the first emergency proclamation relating to COVID-19 on March 4, life has been different for business owners and residents on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Another round of amending the Housing Policy. The county’s Housing Policy that was first enacted over a decade ago is seeing a set of revisions after it had not produced the affordable housing results the county originally intended. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i United Way secures relief funds. Noon, July 22 to the Kaua‘i United Way is the deadline for organizations wishing to be considered for funding from the federal Emergency Food &Shelter program designed to provide food, rent, utility and other assistance to people in need. Garden Island.

Hawaii Department of Education sets back-to-school protocols, Caldwell expands mask order, Senate committee advances COVID-19, public monitoring bills, tax director steps down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Social distancing students PC:Hawaii Department of Education

State’s public schools unveil plans for reopening amid pandemic. Hawaii’s public schools will welcome back students Aug. 4 with new protocols and a mix of traditional in-school instruction and distance learning in a move to limit the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Hawaii Plans To Bring Kids Back To School This Fall. Individual public schools have until Wednesday to decide whether students will be on campus full time in the fall, or whether they will offer a different learning model. Civil Beat.

Learning curve; Lessons from pandemic help shape DOE guidelines for 2020-21 school year. The state Department of Education is planning to “Return to Learn,” releasing on Thursday its school reopening plan for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi DOE Releases School Reopening Plan. The Hawai‘i Department of Education says public schools are preparing to safely welcome back students and staff in the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Big Island Video News.

‘Return To Learn’ HDOE plans Aug. 4 reopening. Public schools are set to reopen on Aug. 4 with a plan to blend distance learning and face-to-face instruction, the Hawai‘i Department of Education announced Thursday. Garden Island.

DOE Unveils Return to Learn Plan for Hawai‘i Public Schools. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education today unveiled its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan that public schools are using to prepare for the “safe and healthy” return of students and staff during the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Maui Now.

Return to Learn: Hawai‘i public schools preparing to safely welcome back students and staff. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education has released its Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan that public schools are using to prepare safe and healthy learning environments and worksites for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. KHON2.

Department of Education introduced a plan to welcome back students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The one constant in every model is social distancing, weather in a classroom or cafeteria. KITV4.

Teachers union isn’t on the same page as DOE on what ‘social distancing’ means. HSTA demands the DOE adhere to a 6 foot rule. Hawaii News Now.

HSTA expresses dissatisfaction with social distancing guidelines set forth by DOE. The Hawaii State Teachers Association expressed its dissatisfaction with the social distancing which would require students to be six feet apart when facing each other, but three feet apart when facing the same direction. KITV4.

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Interim Hawaii tax director withdraws from state Senate confirmation process. In a new sign of strains between state senators and Gov. David Ige’s administration, interim state Tax Director Rona Suzuki said today she has asked Ige to withdraw her name from consideration after learning the Senate Ways and Means Committee planned to recommend that she not be confirmed to the permanent post. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature Advances Vaping Ban, Police Reforms, Vacation Rental Crackdown. Dozens of bills met the Thursday deadline to pass before the 2020 session ends next week. Civil Beat.

Controversial pandemic powers bill moves forward. A Big Island state senator was the lone dissenting vote in the Ways and Means Committee on a controversial measure that would give the state health director sweeping powers to declare a public health emergency and, with authorization of the governor, to screen, test and monitor travelers. Tribune-Herald.

‘Place of stay declaration form’ draws concerns: Vacation rental bill clears last Senate committee. The inclusion of a “place of stay declaration form” for all travelers in Hawaii in a gut-and-replace bill about vacation rentals raised eyebrows among some who otherwise support the bill. West Hawaii Today.

Ban On Side Gigs For Mayors, Governor Clears Legislature. House Bill 361 now goes to Gov. David Ige for approval or veto. Civil Beat.

State Senate to hold memorial service for late Sen. Breene Harimoto. The Hawaii State Senate will hold a memorial service for the late Sen. Breene Harimoto on Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. Star-Advertiser.

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Native Hawaiian health care systems to see $17M in federal aid. Native Hawaiian Healthcare centers across the Islands are set to receive almost $17 million in federal aid, congressional officials announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 2: 20 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. A new cluster of infections is associated with a flight attendant training at the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters. Civil Beat.

20 New COVID-19 Cases. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 20 new cases today. Seventeen cases are on Oahu, most tied to identified cases or clusters, and three cases are on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

New COVID-19 cases, including 8 at Hawaiian Airlines, hit as state begins monthlong push to reopen tourism. Eight Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants and a Hawaii State Hospital contractor are among the new COVID-19 cases the state is grappling with as officials begin the monthlong push to reopen Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

8 Hawaiian Airlines Employees Diagnosed With COVID-19. The report of eight Hawaiian Airlines employees diagnosed with COVID-19 will not impact the company’s plans to resume more routes to its US mainland gateway cities in the coming weeks. Big Island Now.

Contractor at Hawaii State Hospital tests positive for COVID-19. The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed today that a Hawaii State Hospital contractor has tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Delays Ruling On Request To Lift Quarantine. The case appears to turn on how much discretion the federal court will give Gov. David Ige to respond to a public health crisis. Civil Beat.

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Survey Shows Harsh Financial Realities Facing Many Hawaii Residents. A recent survey shows 45% of residents have experienced a decrease in household income and 13%  received help from a food bank or drive. Civil Beat.

Survey: 45% of Hawaii households have seen their incomes decline during the pandemic.  Forty-five percent of Hawaii households have seen their incomes decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and 1 in 4 are past due on some bills, according to a large new survey that underscores the scope of economic pain families in the islands are experiencing. Hawaii News Now.

Bank of Hawaii Foundation releases findings from COVID-19 research survey. The COVID-19 in Hawaii study is the largest research survey of its kind to provide specific feelings, fears and financial hardships related to the virus during the heart of Hawaii’s shutdown. KITV4.

Bankruptcy filings soar in Hawaii as economic fallout of pandemic widens. Bankruptcy filings in Hawaii soared 21.8% in June as the coronavirus pandemic continued to wreck havoc on the state’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Efforts to combat unemployment fraud create new headaches for filers. Residents seeking unemployment benefits or trying to file weekly certifications are encountering new headaches as the state scrambles to address fraudulent claims. Hawaii News Now.

State releases more updates on unemployment insurance information. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) released more updates on unemployment insurance claims information. KHON2.

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2,424 Air Arrivals to Hawai‘i on Tuesday was Highest Number Since Quarantine Began. A total of 754 visitors and 516 residents were part of the incoming passengers aboard 24 arriving flights. Maui Now.

Wednesday marked Hawaii’s highest count of visitor arrivals since statewide lockdown. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported today that some 754 visitors were among the 2,424 passengers who came to Hawaii Wednesday on 24 flights. The visitor count was the highest since COVID-19 tourism lockdowns began about 14 weeks ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii visitor arrivals reach highest single-day number since the quarantine began. A total of 754 visitors arrived in Hawaii on Wednesday, marking the highest number of visitor arrivals on a single day since the mandatory 14-day quarantine was put in place in late March. Pacific Business News.

State epidemiologist says COVID-19 battle is still not over. Contact tracing continues to be a major tool for the Department of Health in following the steps of the coronavirus within the community, the state’s lead epidemiologist said there are finding a recurring pattern in new cases. KHON2.

Register now to vote in 2020 Primary Election. New Hawai‘i voters have until July 9 to register to vote in the 2020 Primary Election. Registered voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail starting July 21. Garden Island.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell expands Oahu’s face mask requirements. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday announced a new face mask mandate for all indoor public spaces as well as outdoors when physical distancing is difficult to maintain. Star-Advertiser.

Face Masks Now Required In Private Offices In Honolulu. New rules announced Thursday expand when and where people on Oahu are required to cover their face to reduce the risk of transmitting or catching COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Ahead of busy holiday weekend, mayor expands mask order in push to prevent spread of virus. The mayor has strengthened his mask order for Oahu, saying they’re now required in all indoor public settings and outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. Hawaii News Now.

Face masks now mandatory on Oahu. Make sure you have your protective mask or shield when you leave the house because wearing a non-surgical grade protective face covering is now required indoors and in outdoor areas where you are not able to social distance. KHON2.

Castle & Cooke to begin sales for Koa Ridge community. Castle & Cooke Hawaii has announced that it will soon begin sales of its Koa Ridge community in Mililani. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

New Invasive Pest Threatens Big Island Range Lands, Watersheds. A relatively new invasive pest is terrorizing Big Island pastures and moving disturbingly quickly up the Kohala Coast. The two-lined spittlebug, first identified in South Kona in 2016, attacks most types of grasses. Big Island Now.

Maui

Ige OKs extension of Hana roadblock. Access to East Maui to remain limited to residents until July 15. Maui News.

Maui Restaurants Outline 7 Requests to the Department of Liquor Control. The Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association issued an open letter this month on behalf of a hui of restaurants in Maui County to the Department of Liquor Control saying the industry has been “devastated” by the COVID-19 pandemic and needs help. Maui Now.

Protocols and Procedures to Protect OB Patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Today’s guest is Dr. Jennifer Mathieu, an OBGYN with Maui Lani Physicians and Surgeons and OB Department Chair for Maui Health. Maui Now.

Kauai

Disconnection suspensions continue. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative has extended its suspension of service disconnections through July 31. Garden Island.

Virus sends Summer school online in Kekaha. Kekaha Elementary School’s summer school program has gone back online because an individual associated with the school is among the existing COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules for Hawaiians in homelands case, Gender X driver's licenses available, Senate panel nixes aid package to shipper Young Brothers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian man with children at Lalakea ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Supreme Court rules state must pay Native Hawaiians damages. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Native Hawaiians seeking damages over decades of waiting for homestead leases. KHON2.

Justices fault state for mismanaging Hawaiian land trust. The Hawaii Supreme Court issued a stinging rebuke Tuesday to the state for what the justices unanimously called wrongful conduct that has resulted in the state’s failure to reduce a growing wait list of Native Hawaiians seeking homesteads. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of Hawaiian homelands beneficiaries. After more than two decades, there’s a new ruling over the lengthy Department of Hawaiian Homelands wait list. It could mean the state pays tens of millions of dollars to beneficiaries. Hawaii News Now.

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State forges ahead with plan to reopen tourism with testing, despite potential loophole. The plan to relax quarantine restrictions and reopen Hawaii’s tourism industry starts in about a month, but many say a big loophole still exists. Hawaii News Now.

Lots Of Questions Surround Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program. The proposal requires travelers get a COVID-19 test at least three days before departing for Hawaii, creating concerns about who would provide the testing. Civil Beat.

Travel officials work on messaging campaign to inform visitors of state rules. Officials in the tourism industry have about a month to prepare a communication plan for out-of-state visitors to inform them of the changes to the quarantine rules, as the state moves forward with plans to get visitors tested for COVID-19 before they visit.  KHON2.

Hawaii residents OK with shopping, not so much with gyms, survey finds. A statewide survey by SMS Research & Marketing Service Inc. released Tuesday found a plurality of respondents — 46% — having visited shopping centers; a much more wait-and-see attitude was expressed toward other services and activities such as hair salons, sit-down restaurants and gyms. Star-Advertiser.

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Gender neutral option available for state credentials beginning July 1. The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced that on July 1, 2020, there is a new gender option for State Identification cards, driver’s licenses, and commercial driver’s licenses. KITV4.

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Legislation stalls to aid interisland cargo firm Young Brothers. Hawaii’s regulated interisland ocean cargo transportation monopoly is still treading water after a fizzled effort to provide the company, Young Brothers LLC, with public aid. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers take up bailout bills as Young Brothers container mishap investigation continues. As the investigation into the loss of cargo containers from a Young Brothers barge transiting to Hilo Harbor continued Tuesday, so did efforts to keep the 120-year-old shipper afloat. West Hawaii Today.

12 of 21 shipping containers still missing. More than half of the containers that fell from a Young Brothers barge north of Hilo last week remain unaccounted for and another sunk as the investigation into the incident continues. Tribune-Herald.

Cargo Containers Removed From Hilo Bay. The US Coast Guard continues its investigation into 21 cargo containers that slipped off the Ho Omaka Hou barge in Hilo Bay on Monday, June 22. Big Island Video News.

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Student Press Freedom Bill Dies In Committee. A bill strengthening Hawaii student journalists’ First Amendment protections was near crossing the finish line. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers again move forward on ban of large-capacity rifle magazines. A proposed ban on large- capacity rifle magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition is back on track to pass at the state Capitol despite resistance from dozens of gun owners and despite concerns raised by the state attorney general that the ban as proposed is probably unenforceable. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines adds more neighbor island flights. Hawaiian Airlines is increasing neighbor island flights starting Thursday, and again after July 4 to provide more options during the upcoming holiday. KHON2.

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Close to 90% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 patients have recovered at home. Statewide, there are 244 intensive care beds. As of Tuesday, 48% were occupied, mostly by non-COVID patients. Meanwhile, 10% of the state’s 459 ventilators are in use. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 18 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 917. Hawaii saw 18 new coronavirus cases today as the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 917, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 30: 18 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Most of the new cases were on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, June 30: 18 New Cases. The State of Hawaiʻi reports 18 newly reported cases of COVID-19 statewide, with most of the new cases identified on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced plans to revitalize Chinatown, as well as new initiatives to make it cleaner and safer so that people will visit the neighborhood again. Star-Advertiser.

To woo customers back, city announces Chinatown beautification plan.  Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants to clean up Chinatown ― again. On Tuesday, he announced several new initiatives to help bring people and business back to the historic neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

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Candidate running for public office claims he's exempt from quarantine, falsely arrested. 61-year-old Michael J. "Kilomana" Danner is running for State Representative of District 49 as a Republican candidate, but two arrests in the past two weeks may have tainted his resume. KITV4.

2 returning Oahu residents arrested for allegedly violating state’s mandatory quarantine. State officials said two Oahu men, both of whom recently returned from trips out of state, are the latest to be arrested for allegedly violating Hawaii’s mandatory, 14-day quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Two Returning O‘ahu Residents Arrested for Quarantine Violations. A Kaneʻohe man and a Mililani man are the latest people to be arrested by Special Agents from the Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division for violating the state’s current mandatory traveler quarantine. Maui Now.

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Lawmakers on the House Finance committee voted to save the state's only work furlough program for women. Earlier in June, the Department of Public Safety announced it would end the program at YWCA Fernhurst due to budget cuts because of the COVID-19 pandemic. KITV4.

New Complex Area Superintendents For Kauai, Oahu’s West Side. In total, three veteran complex area superintendents are retiring from DOE. Civil Beat.

To help keep virus out and residents safe, a senior living facility turns to tech. At One Kalakaua Senior Living in Makiki, there are strict protocols in place to protect more than 100 staff and nearly 190 residents. The facility also says it’s the first to install high-tech devices with two-levels of screening. Hawaii News Now.

Pedestrians In Hawaii Need More Space. Here’s How To Give It To Them. COVID-19 has more Honolulu residents out walking. ‘Quick Build’ projects could keep it that way. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Feds indict 3 former HCCC guards in beating of former inmate. A federal grand jury indicted three former guards at Hawaii Community Correctional Center for allegedly assaulting an inmate housed at the Hilo jail and attempting to cover up their misconduct. Tribune-Herald.

3 former Hawaii island correctional officers charged for 2015 attack on inmate. Three former correctional officers at Hawaii Community Correctional Center have been charged with assaulting an inmate in 2015 and attempting to cover it up. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Corrections Officers Indicted For Assault Of Inmate. The defendants are expected to appear before a federal judge Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Former corrections officers indicted for allegedly assaulting a Hilo inmate. An indictment by a federal grand jury has been unsealed in the case of three former corrections officers accused of assaulting an inmate, then trying to cover it up. Hawaii News Now.

Three former corrections officers face federal charges. Three former corrections officers are facing federal charges after prosecutors say they assaulted an inmate. KHON2.

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Kaleikini gets tepid endorsement from Senate panel: Hawaiian Homes Commission appointee confirmation proceeds to full Senate. After grilling Michael Kaleikini for about an hour, the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Tuesday agreed to recommend his confirmation to the Hawaiian Homes Commission to the full Senate. West Hawaii Today.

Kaleikini Nomination To Hawaiian Homes Commission Advances. Mike Kaleikini, a Puna Geothermal Venture executive who is well known in the local business community, will fill the East Hawaiʻi commission seat previously held by Wally Ishibashi. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Tropical Plantation Announces Indefinite Closure. The Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū announced this morning its indefinite closure amid ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Popular Maui visitor attraction closes .... with dim hopes for reopening. The Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu Valley announced Tuesday that it has closed indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

$10 Per Week Summer Youth Program Offered for Working Families in Maui County. The County of Maui announced a summer youth program in partnership with Maui Family YMCA that begins next Monday, July 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Possible detonation of ordnance off Molokini is raising concerns. State DLNR, DOH asks for public to be patient, informed. Environmentalists, community members and lawmakers have expressed concern over the handling of unexploded WWII ordnance off Molokini and are opposed to detonating the devices in place for fear of possible irreversible damage to coral reefs, ocean life and the island itself. Maui News.

Kauai

Federal money for Kaua‘i Bus. The Kaua‘i Bus has received just over $4 million in federal money as part of a virus-related relief initiative aimed at rural transit operations and maintenance expenses. Garden Island.

Hokuala, Timbers Resort reopen today. Just in time for the long Fourth of July weekend, the Timbers Resort and the Ocean Course at Hokuala announced its opening, effective today. Garden Island.