Hawaii braces for economic fallout, union worries about possible furloughs, Hannemann running again for Honolulu mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lone man fishing ©2020 All Hawaii News

‘It’s Going To Be Bad’: Federal Aid Will Soon Run Out For Many In Hawaii. With the state’s largest industry shut down and federal funds soon to dry up, nothing is on the horizon to replace residents’ lost income. Civil Beat.

Pandemic Job Losses In Hawaii Curb Cash Flow To Families Abroad. Many immigrants from the Philippines have to decide between saving money to survive unemployment or sending it to relatives. Civil Beat.

HGEA says the state could still furlough workers to make up lost revenue. The head of the state’s largest public employee union said that Gov. David Ige’s administration is still considering furloughs for state workers. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green ranks activities by COVID-19 risk level. Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor and emergency room doctor Josh Green ranked a list of 12 common activities from low to high risk with regards to COVID-19. KITV4.

Hospitality consultant suggests diversifying tourism industry to strengthen it. Health or cultural tourism could be options, suggests Keith Vieira. KITV4.

One new coronavirus case on Maui brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 652. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 652, up one new case from Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

One New COVID-19 Case on Maui Brings Hawai‘i Total to 652; 95.7% Recovered. There was one new COVID-19 case reported today on the island of Maui, pushing Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 case total to 652. Maui Now.

1 new case of COVID-19 from Maui County reported brings state total to 652. The state Department of Health reports 1 new case of COVID-19 from Maui County reported brings state total to 652. KHON2.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is filing to get his old job back. Two-term former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann plans to file his nomination papers to run for mayor on Monday, the day before the 2020 election’s deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann wants his old job back. Hannemann says he built a reputation for strong leadership when he was the city’s chief executive from 2005-2010 and he's ready to fix the rail project. KITV4.

Sheehan, Levinson voice frustration as they resign from Police Commission. The two most vocal members of the Honolulu Police Commission are resigning, voicing frustration at the limited power the commission has to oversee the Police Department and its chief, Susan Ballard. Star-Advertiser.

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Packed but peaceful: Black Lives Matter protesters take to streets of Oahu. Protesters in Honolulu spilled onto the streets of Ala Moana Boulevard near Piikoi Saturday, spreading the message: Black lives matter. Hawaii News Now.

'All we want is to be recognized as human beings’. David Broussard figures he was 6 or 7 years old when his parents sat him down for the talk many African American parents feel compelled to have with their sons. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki man arrested during a protest on Kalakaua Avenue. A 29-year-old Waikiki man was arrested while he was marching with other protesters on Kalakaua Avenue on May 31. KHON2.

Local law professor reacts to George Floyd protests. Ken Lawson believes Hawaii has good police-community relations, and we need to be a model for the rest of the nation. KITV4.

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Residents, business owners fight to stop proposed Chinatown homeless station.  Hawaii's largest homeless services provider has a new plan to help keep coronavirus off the streets. It starts with buying an old building in Chinatown. Hawaii News Now.

Public swimming pools to reopen on Oahu next week. Oahu’s public swimming pools will reopen again on June 5, but ― as with nearly everything else that’s begun to reopen over the last few weeks ― things will operate a little differently once people are allowed back in the water. Hawaii News Now.

Bar owners awaiting governor’s plan for reopening. Several bar owners are expected to rally today in front of the Honolulu Liquor Commission to protest the lack of information coming from state leaders about when bars can reopen despite liquor license renewals coming due at the end of this month. Star-Advertiser.

Locals take back tourist-free Waikiki during pandemic. Growing up in Hawaii, Amber Lethem’s family avoided Waikiki, the world-famous tourist mecca. Associated Press.

Brief absence of humans shows remarkable changes in Hanauma Bay. Since March 26,  the only people entering the preserve, besides regular maintenance and security staff with the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, have been teams of five or fewer scientists at a time, studying the status of coral, water quality and fish behavior during this unprecedented, visitor-free time. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal dumping plagues Sand Island State Recreational Area. The Sand Island State Recreation Area has been an urban gem for beach goers, surfers, campers and people who fish. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayors unenthusiastic about vacation rentals: Hawaii County clears backlog but reopening likely months away. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo breakwater study likely to be delayed. A study investigating the possible benefits of opening a gap in the Hilo Bay breakwater will likely not happen until at least October. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo hospital to ease visitor restrictions. Nearly two months after implementing a no-visitor policy in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hilo Medical Center will begin loosening those restrictions this week. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea neighbors protest STVR: Mixed messages from Planning Department contribute to neighbors’ angst. West Hawaii Today.

Suspended and Limited Waste Disposal Services. Electronic device recycling and other programs continue to be suspended in Hawai‘i County due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Maui

New Maui County directive expedites permits for business repairs, renovations impacted by COVID-19. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is working with county agencies to permits for repairs and renovations for businesses affected by COVID-19. KHON2.

MRA decision-making is being put on hold for time being. The Maui Redevelopment Agency will not be making any decisions on zoning and variance requests until the County Council decides on the legality of the agency, per an agreement between Maui County and plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the powers of the agency. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino asks Ige to remove quarantine from interisland travel June 15. In a Facebook post Saturday afternoon, the mayor said the lifting of the quarantine would be part of the phased re-opening of businesses and operations toward economic recovery. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Asks Governor to Lift Interisland Quarantine on June 15. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino sent a letter to the Governor David Ige today asking him to lift the 14-day restriction on interisland travelers starting June 15, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui Brewing Company Issued Warning Over Sanitizer Giveaway. The county Liquor Control Department on Tuesday handed Maui Brewing Co. a “notice of warning” after investigating the company’s made-in-house hand sanitizer and giveaway promotions. Maui News.

Maui candidates have to work around restrictions that have been keeping them from engaging voters. In an election year in which voting will be conducted for the first time in Hawaii on a mail-only basis and several key seats are up for grabs on Maui and across the state, candidates have been hard-pressed to find alternative means of engaging with constituents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Peaceful Paddle Out for George Floyd. A peaceful Paddle Out for George Floyd was held just before sunset on the West shores of Maui on Sunday in a show of unity amid tensions nationally over the man’s death at the hands of a police officer. Maui Now.

Kauai

YB wants to stop hauling small loads. Young Brothers shipping company is seeking permission to discontinue less-than-container-load shipping of goods to and from Kaua‘i, according to a request recently submitted to the state Public Utilities Commission. Garden Island.

New strategies for business owners. As they’re struggling to make ends meet, small business owners are doing their best to take care of each other, too. Garden Island.

Tax revenues expected to plummet, travel quarantine extended to June 30, Japan travel bubble considered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and county mayors Zoom conference

Newest projection: State tax revenues will drop by a jaw-dropping $2.25B this fiscal year. The state Council on Revenues on Thursday lowered its estimates on state tax revenues by a jaw-dropping $2.25 billion for this fiscal year and next. But lawmakers said the lower estimates will not require across-the-board furloughs or pay cuts. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii budget shortfall now projected to be $2.3 billion. There was a lot of guesswork involved, but a panel of experts concluded Thursday that state tax collections will drop by 7% this fiscal year and another 12% next year, leaving Gov. David Ige’s administration with a whopping $2.3 billion budget hole to patch up. Star-Advertiser.

State Tax Revenue Projected To Drop By Over $2 Billion As A Result of Pandemic. The Council on Revenues, the 7 member body responsible for estimating future tax receipts, said on Thursday that collections for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years will drop by a combined $2.3 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

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$7 Billion From Feds To Hawaiʻi For Pandemic Relief, So Far. Total coronavirus federal relief funding for Hawai‘i is expected to top more than $7 billion, says U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Coronavirus Federal Relief Funding Expected to Top $7B. US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the total coronavirus federal relief funding for Hawai‘i is expected to top more than $7 billion. The new total includes federal funding already received and expected to be received by Hawai‘i small businesses, families, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, state and county governments, and other organizations. Maui Now.

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Report: Hawaii’s Lack Of A Plan To Reopen Tourism Is ‘Disturbing’. The latest UHERO scenario puts the state’s economic recovery years off, especially if political leaders wait much longer to re-energize the visitor industry. Civil Beat.

Ige Plans to Extend 14-Day Quarantine for Mainland, International Travelers. Gov. David Ige plans to extend the 14-day quarantine for transpacific and international travelers beyond June 30 as the state continues its efforts to suppress the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Ige to extend quarantine for mainland, international travelers beyond June 30. The governor says a mandatory, 14-day quarantine for mainland and international travelers will be extended beyond June 30. Hawaii News Now.

Trans-Pacific quarantine will go beyond June, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Thursday that while an announcement about ending the mandatory 14-day interisland quarantine will be made in the next few days, the same two-week restriction for incoming travelers to Hawaii will be extended beyond June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Ige confirms 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors will be extended beyond June 30. Gov. David Ige said Thursday the 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers to Hawaii will be extended beyond June 30 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Plans to Extend 14-Day Travel Quarantine for Out-of-State Arrivals to Hawai‘i Beyond June 30. Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige today said that the 14-day travel quarantine will be extended for domestic and international travelers past June 30, but an official announcement will be made at a later date. Maui Now.

New proposal plans from senators meant to help restart tourism in Hawaii. There's a new proposal to help residents get back to work and restart tourism in Hawaii. KITV4.

County mayors discuss reopening and answer resident questions. County mayors had a meeting with Governor David Ige on Thursday afternoon to discuss each county’s re-opening plans and process. KHON2.

Tensions Grow Over How — And When — To Reopen Tourism. Lawmakers scrambling for ways to restart tourism expressed concern on Thursday after the governor announced plans to extend a 14-day travel quarantine. Civil Beat.

Feasibility of a Japan travel bubble. Could a soft opening of the state to Japanese visitors be the first strategy in establishing the state’s economy and reinventing tourism? Garden Island.

Proposed pilot travel program between Japan, Hawaii could be quarantine-free. On Thursday, Governor David Ige says he will be extending the 14-day quarantine beyond June 30th. KHON2.

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Restaurant inspections will include looking at COVID-19 procedures. Food safety inspectors are trained to prevent food borne illnesses, now they have to make sure restaurants are also following the guidelines when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi's Path to Economic Recovery Could be Green. Hawai’i has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country with nearly a quarter of a million island residents out of work. As state leaders consider solutions to this crisis, there’s one approach that would create jobs, address some local issues, and reach back to a bit of history that worked in the past. Hawaii Public Radio.

Special master defends early release of Hawaii inmates, says recidivism rate low. Special Master Daniel Foley addressed criticisms regarding the release of hundreds of state inmates to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but said continuing to get them out of jails and prisons will be difficult. Star-Advertiser.

New Study Reveals Hawaiʻi Doctors Struggling Under HMSA's Payment System. A new survey of Hawaii primary care providers reveals a majority are struggling to stay in business because of changes made to the way they’re compensated by the state’s largest insurer HMSA. Hawaii Public Radio.

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New COVID-19 infection identified through state’s expanded surveillance program. One of Honolulu’s three new COVID-19 cases reported Thursday was the first identified through the state’s expanded surveillance program that 32 doctors statewide are participating in. Hawaii News Now.

Three new coronavirus cases on Oahu brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 647. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 647, up three new cases from Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 3 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports three new COVID-19 cases bringing the state total to 647. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Updates: 3 New Cases; Green Seeks Interisland Travel Easing Soon; Economist Warns Of 2nd Wave. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Retired Judge Enjoys Double-Digit Lead In Prosecutor’s Race. Steve Alm is out front so far. But two-thirds of Honolulu voters have not made up their minds and many have no idea who is running. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s mayoral candidates throw out the old playbook to campaign during a pandemic. The primary election is just around the corner, but political analysts say the election is the farthest thing from many people’s minds. Hawaii News Now.

Earl Tsuneyoshi Announces Run For Menor’s Council Seat. The Army combat veteran is challenging former state Sen. Will Espero and comedian Augie T for the District 9 spot. Civil Beat.

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Rail project expecting $100M shortfall, possibly $100M more. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit got grim financial news Thursday, with no easy answers ahead. Star-Advertiser.

HART’s ‘Out-Of-The-Box’ Plan To Keep Construction Moving Fizzles. Rail officials had proposed a major change order to keep work going, but they weren’t able to reach a deal in time. Civil Beat.

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Army investigates reports that military members were involved in large beach parties. The Army said it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate reports that members of the military were involved in two large beach parties over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation continues into memorial day weekend beach parties. Lawmakers continue to condemn the large parties over Memorial Day weekend on Oahu beaches, the military said its working with local law enforcement to investigate who was behind the illegal gatherings and to find out if service members took part in it. KHON2.

Virtual town hall to discuss proposed Chinatown homeless center related to COVID-19. Plans for what’s being called a Homeless Triage and CARES Center in Chinatown will be the subject of a “virtual town hall” being held this afternoon by the Institute for Human Services, the project’s sponsor. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Cites 4 People For Running Unlicensed Adult Care Homes. The state Office of Health Care Assurance has continued random inspections and investigations of care homes for the elderly. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit: Oahu Hospital Allegedly Shielded 2 Sexual Harassers. The lawsuit claims the hospital knew its chief medical officer and another staffer were requesting private physical therapy services from a female employee. Star-Advertiser.

Will it be a flood or a trickle when Oahu restaurants reopen? Owners will soon find out whether diners will rush back or be cautious when the ban on dining inside restaurants is lifted a week from today. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet intends to hold soft reopening in June. Aloha Stadium intends to hold a soft reopening of the Swap Meet and Marketplace in June, stadium Manager Scott Chan told the Stadium Authority on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor’s New COVID-19 Rule Makes Some Changes To Planned Reopenings. Certain Big Island businesses, operations, or activities are permitted to re-open June 1, 2020, and places of worship are now allowed to re-open on May 30. Big Island Video News.

Big Island to Reopen to Most Businesses, Activities by June 1. Expanding on his initial announcement to allow businesses and activities like church services, salons and indoor dining at restaurants to reopen, Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday greenlit most other sectors business and social life to resume in June. Big Island Now.

Places of worship can reopen this weekend, but some will wait longer before bringing their congregants back. While places of worship will be allowed to reopen Saturday, some churches are choosing to remain closed for the time being to protect their congregations. Tribune-Herald.

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Public-private partnership proposed: Environmental commission urges fast work on sewage discharges. Casting a wary eye toward a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said discharging wastewater indirectly into the sea by allowing it to flow through groundwater violates the Clean Water Act, the county Environmental Management Commission on Wednesday unanimously voted to ask the County Council and administration to solicit proposals for public-private partnerships to fix island projects falling into that category. West Hawaii Today.

$6.3M allocated to Konawaena High School for athletic site improvements. Among the $5.1 billion in capital improvements allocated by a bill in the Legislature now awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature, $6.3 million will be heading to Konawaena High School to improve their athletic sites. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Former South Maui state Rep. Joseph Bertram III dies. Community holds tree planting in his honor. Maui News.

Most businesses, activities get green light to reopen Monday. Some may choose to wait, though. Maui News.

PSLU Committee to Hear Change in Zoning for Kilohana Makai Workforce Housing Project. On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 9 a.m., the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee will meet via the online platform BlueJeans to hear the Change in Zoning Application for the Kilohana Makai Workforce Housing Project in Kīhei. Maui Now.

JoAnn Inamasu Named Maui Office of Economic Development Director. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today announced the appointment of JoAnn Inamasu as the new director of the County’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai CIP budget surpasses $217 million. When the State Legislature passed its $5.1 billion Capital Improvement Project budget bill May 21 for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, more than $217 million was set aside for projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Russell would do it! There will be a food drive coordinated by the motorcycle riders, Sunday starting at 9 a.m. on the lawn of the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Senate gives itself subpoena powers as Legislature, governor squabble over CARES money; Honolulu and Kauai reopen churches and restaurants; 22% unemployment is historic high, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige press conference via Facebook live

Citing frustration with Ige administration, state Senate forms investigative committee. State senators have formed an investigative committee, saying they’re frustrated by a lack of transparency from Gov. David Ige’s administration during the pandemic crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers try to move COVID-19 relief money out of Ige’s reach. Simmering frustration between Gov. David Ige and the state Legislature approached the boiling point Thursday as lawmakers voted to move more than $1.3 billion into the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund — where lawmakers would control it — and the Senate authorized a committee to issue subpoenas to pry information loose from the administration. Star-Advertiser.

Ige’s Economic Chief Accuses Senators Of Harassment. Mike McCartney, director of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, refused to discuss the administration’s plan to revive the economy. Civil Beat.

Senate creates investigative committee with subpoena power. The Hawaii State Senate voted to give the Special Committee on COVID-19 subpoena powers today. KHON2.

Hawaii’s head of business and economic development declines to allow staff to testify before Senate committee. Mike McCartney, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, declined to have his staff testify today before a Hawaii Senate committee because of what he was said a “hostile” environment by lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

Head of DBEDT claims Senate Ways and Means Committee meeting a 'hostile environment'. Mike McCartney, Head of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism refused to let his staff testify in front of the Senate Ways and Means Committee Thursday. KITV4.

Legislature Passes Budget Cuts But Will Be Back In June. The $1 billion spending reductions will now go to Gov. David Ige for his review. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers recess after addressing budget shortfall. Hawaii lawmakers on Thursday recessed after passing multiple funding bills designed to cope with the shock of the coronavirus pandemic that has hammered the state’s tourism-dependent economy. House and Senate leaders said they expected to reconvene around June 15 to continue their work. Hawaii News Now.

Without intervention, Hawaii government could run out of operating funds next year. Hawaii’s economic situation is so dire that state government could run out of operating funds by June 2021 if lawmakers and officials don’t find a way to slash expenses and increase tax collections. Star-Advertiser.

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Ige mulls lifting quarantine for interisland travel. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he’s considering lifting the 14-day mandatory quarantine currently in place for interisland air travelers, saying measures are pointing in the right direction to make this move. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Officials Consider Lifting Inter-island Travel Quarantine. During a Thursday news conference, top state officials talked about how "health measures are pointing in the right direction to make this move" to resume inter-island travel. Big Island Video News.

Plans to Lift Interisland Travel Quarantine Underway. Interisland travel is the next monumental item on the state’s coronavirus to-do list. Big Island Now.

Lifting Interisland Travel Quarantine is “Top-Of-Mind,” No Target Date Set. Currently both quarantines for out-of-state arrivals and interisland travel are in place through June 30th; however, Gov. Ige has noted that lifting the 14-day quarantine for interisland travel is top-of-mind. Maui Now.


Ige says state is taking ‘cautious’ approach as more businesses plan to reopen. The governor on Thursday urged residents to prepare for a moderate uptick in COVID-19 cases as the state continues to reopen in a “cautious” way. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s unemployment rate reaches historic high. According to the State Labor Department, April’s unemployment rate went up to 22 percent. This reflected the economic impact of COVID-19 in the state. KHON2.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate jumps to 22.3% amid pandemic. Hawaii’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate jumped to 22.3% in April, up from just 2.4% the previous month, as hotels, restaurants and retailers closed amid efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Desolate peak reached in Hawaii unemployment. Hawaii’s unemployment rate shot up to a really terrible level in April: a record 22.3%, or nearly 1 in 4 people in the state’s workforce. Star-Advertiser.

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DOH Says Its COVID-19 Testing Capacity Has ‘Increased Dramatically’. Bruce Anderson, director of the Department of Health, said the state now has the ability to perform up to 3,600 tests daily. Civil Beat.

Current Board of Education Member May Not Be Renominated. Two new boards members were confirmed by the full Senate Thursday, but the renomination of Kili Namauu has been stalled by the Senate Education Committee. Civil Beat.

Hawaii School Superintendent Gets ‘Effective’ Rating From Board. But the Board of Education scored the school chief poorly in areas like operations, resource and personnel management. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Reopened Its Civil Rights Office. But Investigations Are Still Stalled. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, the commission faced a growing backlog of cases. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s narrow eviction moratorium means not everyone is protected.  Evictions are on hold as part of Gov’s David Ige’s supplemental emergency proclamation — but only evictions for non-payment of rent. Hawaii News Now.

Anonymous donor surprises nearly 2K kupuna with free groceries at Hawaii Foodland stores. An anonymous donor surprised hundreds of Hawaii’s kupuna at all Foodland, Sack N Save and Foodland Farms stores statewide today by covering the full costs of their groceries. Star-Advertiser.

Two women defy Hawaii traveler quarantine, including one who got a job in Laie. Authorities have arrested a visitor to Hawaii who broke the state’s 14-day travel quarantine to slow the spread of COVID-19 and are working with another to get her back home. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 21: 4 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii and Maui counties collectively reported four new coronavirus cases. Civil Beat.

Virus cases identified in Hilo, South Kona. Four new cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday — three on the Big Island, the other on Maui. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Fish Council Urges Trump To Open Marine Monuments To Fishing. This is the second time Wespac has asked the president to make it easier to fish in and around environmental sanctuaries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu restaurants and churches prepare to open their doors with social distancing rules in place. Oahu restaurants will be allowed to reopen for indoor dining on June 5 and churches will be able to resume in-person services with restrictions on Saturday under a new emergency order signed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

City allows in-person spiritual services to resume on Oahu this weekend.  In-person spiritual services will once again be allowed starting Saturday, as long as worshippers follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks. Hawaii News Now.

In-Person Religious Services May Resume Saturday. You can pray together again, but keep a safe distance, the city says. Civil Beat.

Mayor Caldwell allows in-person spiritual services to resume this weekend. Come this weekend, churches on Oahu will be allowed to reopen. KITV4.

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Authorities Struggle To Enforce Quarantine On Vacation Rental Occupants. The City and County of Honolulu is not able to effectively enforce the mandatory 14-day quarantine on visitors staying in vacation rentals, according to one senior official. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Council Gets Another Open Meetings Violation. Adding items to meeting agendas after the deadline should be done “rarely, if ever,” the state said. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Is Testing Sewage To Watch For The Spread Of COVID-19. Oahu has begun testing sewage for COVID-19, hoping to get an early warning of outbreaks and increase consumer confidence as the island reopens. Civil Beat.

NOAA reminds holiday beachgoers to stay away from monk seal pup at Kaiwi coastline. A newly weaned Hawaiian monk seal might make an appearance around the Kaiwi coastline on Oahu over the Memorial Day weekend — a worrisome thought for those looking out for her. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council finds money for golf, contingency funds in tight budget. Fees for sewers and rubbish disposal will continue to increase, taxes could rise for luxury second homes and services will be cut countywide, but County Council members still found room in the budget Thursday to add another $565,000 for their contingency accounts and golf subsidies. West Hawaii Today.

How to spend $80M: Kim outlines uses for COVID-19 response funds. Mayor Harry Kim had less than two days to submit a plan to the state Legislature, and now that SB 75 passed and is on its way to the governor, a plan is taking shape. West Hawaii Today.

San Buenaventura to seek Ruderman’s state Senate seat. State Rep. Joy San Buenaventura of Puna will seek the 2nd District Senate seat currently held by Russell Ruderman, who on Wednesday announced he would not run for re-election. Tribune-Herald.

Regents delay action on new Maunakea proposal. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents voted Thursday to postpone discussion of a new internal management structure for Maunakea governance until June. Tribune-Herald.

Public access to Waipio Valley will be closed. The Hawaii County Dept. of Public Works announced that public access to Waipio Valley will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. KHON2.

Maui

County officials detail reopening considerations. Some high-risk businesses get green light ahead of medium-risk ones. Maui News.

Colorado Woman Wanted for Quarantine Violation on Maui Agrees to Return Home. A Colorado woman wanted for allegedly violating the 14-day travel quarantine on Maui has voluntarily elected to return home to the mainland, according to Maui police. Maui Now.

Maui Unemployment Rate Highest in State at 36% in April. The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations today announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April was 22.3 percent. Maui Now.

Work Begins on 20 Temporary Emergency Shelters at Waiale Park in Wailuku. The County of Maui begins construction tomorrow, May 22 on an estimated 20 temporary emergency shelters at Waiale Park in Wailuku for displaced families and individuals impacted by COVID-19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Green light to reopen. Churches, salons, barber shops and outdoor-based tour companies on Kaua‘i can reopen today. Garden Island.

Kauai gets governor’s approval to reopen some ‘medium-risk’ businesses by Friday. Kauai has secured the governor’s approval to reopen a number of “medium-risk” businesses and public spaces Friday, including hair and nail salons, pools and fitness training. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai businesses get ready to reopen Friday. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami has gotten the go ahead from the governor to reopen medium risk businesses as soon as Friday. Many Kauai businesses say their phones have been ringing off the hook with customers since the announcement was made. KHON2.

Aloha overflowed out of the front entrance of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Regency & Spa Thursday afternoon when the resort’s General Manager Dan King and a band of volunteers welcomed back colleagues for a family-style meal pickup conducted within the parameters of social distancing and health safety guidelines created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

64% say Hawaii is moving in right direction on COVID-19, lawmakers seek stricter quarantine monitoring, Kauai reopening its beaches, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige Facebook Live screenshot

Majority believes Hawaii is moving in right direction against COVID-19. 64% of Hawaii residents believe government is moving in the right direction in its handling of the coronavirus crisis, a statewide survey has found. Star-Advertiser.

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Officials suggest COVID-19 testing of air passengers prior to their arrival as condition to restarting tourism. Hawaii’s lieutenant governor and a member of its congressional delegation on Wednesday floated the idea of COVID-19 testing for any arriving air passenger prior to travel as a condition to reopen the tourism industry. Tribune-Herald.

Thermal sensors at airports, mass testing seen as key to safely reopening tourism. Thermal sensors, which have been used in a handful of airports around the world to detect travelers with fevers, are emerging as one of several new tools the state could use to reopen tourism. Hawaii News Now.

Congressman Calls For Testing Hawaii-Bound Travelers. U.S. Rep Ed Case is asking the Federal Aviation Administration to suspend rules around pre-boarding requirements. Civil Beat.

Case Wants FAA to Allow Hawai‘i to Impose COVID-19 Testing as a Condition to Boarding Planes for Hawai‘i. Congressman Ed Case today called on the Federal Aviation Administration to confirm the State of Hawai‘i’s ability to impose and enforce COVID-19 prevention public health conditions on air travel to the islands. Maui Now.

Ed Case pushing FAA to allow stricter travel policies for flights to Hawai'i. Hawaii U.S. Representative Ed Case wrote a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration asking for help from the FAA to test people for COVID-19 before boarding a Hawaii-bound plane. KITV4.

Senators express concerns over enforcement of 14-day quarantine order for travelers. Officials are trying to tighten up the system at the airports. But state lawmakers still have concerns over the enforcement of the 14-day quarantine order for travelers and put those concerns in a letter. KHON2.

Senate Committee Asks Chief Justice to be Tougher on Quarantine Violators. The Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 doesn’t think the mandatory travel quarantine is being appropriately implemented. Big Island Now.

Some hotels concerned about quarantine enforcement. Some of the state’s hotels say they need more guidance about how to enforce a 14-day quarantine on travelers, including what to do if guests refuse to comply or how to participate if they still use physical keys instead of cards. Associated Press.

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Hawaii’s economy is reopening, but tourism remains on lockdown. Hawaii’s low COVID-19 infection and mortality rates have increased calls to start reopening the state’s economy — but support to restart tourism is still mixed. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu restaurant, Kauai resort lay off more than 180 employees. A restaurant chain in Honolulu and a Kauai hotel have recently laid off a combined 187 workers, according to Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act notices filed with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations this week. Pacific Business News.

This Federal Bailout Is Bringing A Lot More Money To Hawaii Than The Last One In 2008. The Great Recession’s federal stimulus program focused on building projects while CARES is putting more money directly into the pockets of residents and business owners. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to get $50M from federal government to fight COVID-19. The Department of Health said it plans to use part of the money to train about 300 contact tracers after being criticized for being slow to expand the public health workforce to deal with a surge in cases. Star-Advertiser.

State announces plans to bolster contact tracing, testing efforts as economy reopens. The governor announced plans Wednesday to ramp up contact tracing efforts in order to prepare for a possible increase in COVID-19 cases as the state’s economy reopens. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii To Get $50M For Ramped Up Contact Tracing, Funds For UH Tracers Training Sought. Hawaii is receiving $50 million in federal funding to ramp up contact tracing, Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz announced today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Islands to receive $50M in federal funding for Covid-19 contact tracing. The Aloha State will be receiving $53 million in new federal funding to bolster Covid-19 contract tracing and testing across the Islands, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Schatz urges state to quickly bolster contact tracing with $50M in federal funding. Hawaii will get $50 million in federal funding to dramatically expand its COVID-19 contact tracing and testing program. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i DOH and UH create contact tracing program. To help locate people who may be infected with the coronavirus the Department of Health and University of Hawaii joined forces to create a year-long $2.5 million contact tracing program. KITV4.

Reentry Support Key in Reducing Incarcerated Population. The transition from incarceration back into society has always been a challenge for Hawaiʻiʻs criminal justice system. Over the course of two months, the COVID-19 threat has moved hundreds of inmates back into the community – oftentimes with little to no support in navigating life outside jail or prison. Hawaii Public Radio.

State senator questions whether he had COVID-19. State Sen. Clarence Nishihara, whose positive COVID-19 test led to the March 19 shutdown of the state Capitol, said Wednesday his test may have been a false positive. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

How Honolulu Will Spend $487 Million In Federal Funds. With nearly half a billion dollars in federal aid, Honolulu plans to spend much of it assisting individuals and businesses, supporting first responders and working to prevent and reduce homelessness, city officials told council members on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

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Health officials work to contain cluster of COVID-19 cases in a Kalihi housing project. The state reported three new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, and officials confirm they’re linked to a cluster of patients at Kalihi Valley Homes. Hawaii News Now.

First COVID-19 Cases Reported In Hawaii Public Housing. Seven cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Hawaii public housing, Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson said at a press conference Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s 3 latest coronavirus cases came from cluster in Oahu family. One adult and two minors were infected as part of a cluster of seven cases in one extended family in public housing. Star-Advertiser.

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No food court dining or fitting rooms under new retail reopening rules. Food take-out, drug stores, and food markets have remained open at shopping centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but on Friday, the rest of the shops can resume business. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council advances luxury tax measure. A bill creating a structure for a luxury residence tax — with 99% of the targeted property situated in three West Hawaii council districts — easily passed its first hearing Wednesday before the County Council, with one more vote to go before heading to Mayor Harry Kim, who supports it. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Luxury Homeowners Could Be On The Hook For County Budget Shortfall. Fair or not, owners of high-end homes are being asked to fill a Hawaii County budget hole caused by the coronavirus. Civil Beat.

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ACLU confused by county’s defense for removal of Hilo homeless camp. The American Civil Liberties Union called Hawaii County’s defense of the April removal of a downtown Hilo homeless camp “confusing.” Tribune-Herald.

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Four Concepts In Volcanoes National Park Disaster Recovery Project. Public input is needed to review various concepts in a disaster recovery project following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse. Big Island Video News.

National park seeks input on four proposed designs. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the U.S. Geological Survey are seeking community feedback on a series of proposed recovery projects within the park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Second Phase of Reopening Maui County Parks Begins Saturday, May 16. Mayor Michael Victorino announced the reopening of additional County parks and beach parks will take place on Saturday, May 16. The reopening of parks facilities includes select tennis and pickleball courts. Maui Now.

Maui nurses describe grueling battle in and outside the hospital. It has been a grueling battle on the front lines of Hawaii’s largest outbreak. It has been 12 days since Maui's main hospital admitted its last coronavirus patient. Hawaii News Now.

County proposes changes to zoning district. Short-term rentals would be removed but B&Bs allowed. The Maui Planning Commission recommended a bill Tuesday that would allow more than one accessory dwelling and remove short-term rentals in a rarely used zoning district. Maui News.

UH-MC to hold most fall classes online. Two-thirds online, one-third in person. University of Hawaii Maui College was ahead of the curve when it came to creating and releasing a fall class schedule that includes safety protocols for COVID-19. Maui News.

Maui retail store employee owed back wages after being denied leave to care for child during crisis. After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, it determined that Mana Foods violated the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act when it denied the employee leave. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i beaches are reopening on Friday, according to a Wednesday announcement by Mayor Derek Kawakami, who has also announced an extension of the mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers through June 30th. Garden Island.

Kauai plans to reopen beaches, while extending passenger quarantine. Kauai will reopen its beaches Friday as part of a two-week pilot program that allows people to use the beach under certain restrictions designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai beaches to reopen with restrictions under 2-week pilot program. Kauai beaches will reopen Friday as part of a two-week test involving a new set of restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kawakami Extends Mandatory Quarantine for Incoming Travelers to Kaua‘i Through End of June. Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami today announced that he has signed Emergency Rule 9, which extends the mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers to the island of Kauaʻi through the month of June. Maui Now.

Nearly 500 cited for breaking COVID-19 rules. The Kaua‘i Police Department has issued 493 citations as of May 11 since March, according to a department spokesperson. Garden Island.

Mayor proposes $33.6 million CIP budget. The CIP budget, which the Kaua‘i County Council will discuss in a meeting Friday, is proposed at $33,642,237, down from $34,410,730, which was submitted in early March, before the county could gauge how long-standing the coronavirus pandemic would affect revenue streams. Garden Island.

Hawaii sues Trump over travel ban, House panel trims Ige's budget, foam food container ban bill paused, 10-cent checkout bags for Honolulu, renewable energy ahead of schedule, Arakawa cancels controversial lease, Kona makeover, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin, with members of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, at March 7, 2017, news conference. Credit: James Walther

A federal judge in Honolulu said Wednesday that Hawaii can move forward with filing what would be the first lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Associated Press.

Hawaii has filed for an immediate injunction against President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration, becoming the first state in the country to wage a legal fight over the newly revised travel ban. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is boldly challenging President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban to “protect its residents, its employers, its educational institutions, and its sovereignty against illegal actions,” according to the state’s lawsuit filed Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i has become the first state to sue President Trump over his revised temporary travel ban. Hawaii Public Radio.

In anticipation of a lowered economic forecast coming out next week, the House Finance Committee called for shaving $500 million from the governor’s $14 billion budget proposal Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Economists say a shortage of housing is driving up housing costs, contributing to Hawaii’s high cost of living. Hawaii has the second-highest consumer debt in the nation and 77 percent of the debt is from mortgages. Associated Press.

Economists say Hawaii’s high cost of living tied to housing. West Hawaii Today.

A House bill backed by Airbnb that would enable the online vacation rental platform to act as a tax broker and collect and remit taxes on behalf of its hosts in Hawaii has crossed over to the Senate. Pacific Business News.

A bill seeking harsher punishments for people found guilty of child abuse has passed the House and will continue to the Senate. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Electric Co. says it’s ahead of schedule in reaching the state’s renewable energy goal, largely due to the popularity of rooftop solar systems. The state’s dominant electric utility said Wednesday that 25.8 percent of its electricity came from renewable energy resources last year, up from 23.2 percent in 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Co. received nearly 26 percent of its energy from renewable resources in 2016, up from 23 percent in 2015, the company said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Ethics, insider edge, and governor’s role questioned in top school job switch. KHON2.

A complaint over the cost of a $10 blanket aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu — and a comment about taking someone “to the woodshed over this” — led the pilot to dump the plane’s fuel and make an unscheduled landing in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning that likely cost the airline “tens of thousands of dollars.” Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

An effort to stiffen Oahu’s contentious checkout bag ban came down to agreement on a single issue before City Council members Wednesday — charging shoppers a minimum 10-cent fee for each bag. Star-Advertiser.

Residents would be able to pay for a permit to park directly in front of their driveways under a bill advanced by a City Council committee Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The city's proposal to double the cost of metered parking has residents up in arms, while others say it will increase the availability of those valuable stalls. Hawaii News Now.

A Campbell High School teacher has been disciplined after claiming in a staff-wide email Wednesday that he would not teach immigrant students who are in the country illegally. Star-Advertiser.

An educator at Campbell High School is in hot water for stoking the flames of how President Donald Trump's travel ban could impact his students. KITV.

Honolulu residents have the second highest credit score in the United States among large cities with a population of more than 300,000, according to a new report by WalletHub. Pacific Business News.

A proposal to allow a Waikiki nonprofit group to set parking fees, oversee freight and passenger deliveries, and make other transportation rules in the state’s No. 1 tourist destination garnered a mixed response from the public during a meeting Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser.

The attorney for a man suing former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine, claims lawyers for the two are avoiding being served papers on the complaint, and wants to be able to serve them through a general publication instead. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

It’s back to the drawing board for a proposed ban on foam food containers. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Harry Kim defended his decision to cancel a 10-year compost agreement before the Hawaii County Council on Tuesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

A $65 million proposal to construct hundreds of residential units and hotel rooms, as well as commercial and community space, in Kailua-Kona is making headway. West Hawaii Today.

The Queen Liliuokalani Trust plans to develop a nearly 70-acre mixed-use project in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island that would include 300 residential units, 220 rooms in two hotels, a 50,000-square-foot community performance facility and 470,000 square feet of commercial space, according to public documents filed Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii County Council Public Works and Parks and Recreation Committee on Tuesday discussed plans for upgrading several of downtown Hilo’s aging streets, particularly Waianuenue Avenue. Tribune-Herald.

A tour group was caught in closed area near Hawaii’s active Kilauea volcano, and now the tour guide in charge of the visit faces a possible penalty. Big Island Video News.

Maui

A lease between Mayor Alan Arakawa’s family and a Hong Kong-based company seeking to build a photovoltaic farm on his family’s land in Kula that came under fire last year has been canceled, county and state records show. Maui News.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to develop a 285-acre business park on former Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. lands on Maui that would include light industrial and other commercial businesses, according to public documents filed Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

A development group has scrapped plans to develop a long-planned mixed-use Puunani Subdivision project in Wailuku on Maui that would’ve included a total of nearly 600 homes, according to public documents filed Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

A former Maui Police Department officer was ordered to pay $1,500 in fines and was placed on one year’s probation Wednesday for issuing false parking and speeding tickets, in what the prosecution called “a breach of the public trust.” Maui News.

Kauai

Education, affordable housing, infrastructure and sustainability were among the topics Gov. David Ige told The Garden Island are top priorities for Kauai.

Post office resolution divides council. Proposal calling for Postal Service to leave Rice Street site open is deferred. Garden Island.

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, whose grid has maxed out on the amount of solar it can take, has connected Tesla Powerpacks to get the island’s largest solar system online. Star-Advertiser.

Tesla Energy, a division of entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Tesla, and SolarCity, which recently was acquired by Tesla, unveiled its major solar farm and energy storage project on the Hawaiian island of Kauai Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii set to be first to challenge Trump's travel ban, state Senate passes assisted suicide bill, Honolulu may charge for checkout bags, Kona beach closed after high bacteria counts, Kauai searches for entangled humpback, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 Feb. 10, 2017, rally, courtesy Muslim Association of Hawaii

Hawaii is expected to become the first state in the nation to challenge President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is poised to challenge President Donald Trump’s new executive order on immigration as early as Wednesday — more than a week before the travel ban is set to take effect. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is not wasting any time challenging President Donald Trump's new travel ban. KITV.

A day after President Donald Trump signed a revised travel ban, attorneys for Hawaii said the state plans to challenge that order as well. Associated Press.

As Hawaii Muslims offered mid-day prayers Tuesday, the president of their association talked about recent anonymous hate messages directed at the Oahu mosque and its members via social media posts, emails and voicemail messages. Hawaii News Now.

Statement of Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin can be found here.

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Hawaii’s full Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to advance a bill that would let terminally ill patients obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of drugs after an emotional debate on the floor that included one senator’s personal story about his battle with pancreatic cancer and why he opposed giving patients the option to end their own lives. Star-Advertiser.

Aid In Dying Bill Clears Senate Despite Emotional Appeal. On a big day at the Capitol, senators also passed a rail tax bill while the House voted to decriminalize drug paraphernalia possession. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Senate passed a bill to allow terminally ill patients to receive medical aid in dying, one of hundreds of bills lawmakers passed Tuesday ahead of a legislative deadline. Associated Press.

The state Senate passed a medical aid-in-dying bill and a bill to ban vaping and smoking on all University of Hawaii campuses. The two measures were among hundreds of bills lawmakers passed Tuesday ahead of a legislative deadline. Tribune-Herald.

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Growth in visitor arrivals has outpaced hotel usage in Hawaii, according to a recent survey commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which shows consumer demand for alternative accommodations is growing. Star-Advertiser.

The Board of Education promises to be open and transparent regarding its search for a new superintendent. KHON2.

The ideal candidate to be Hawaii’s next schools superintendent will be a “transformational leader” who encourages innovation and risk-taking, inspires teamwork and demonstrates a deep commitment to helping students maximize their potential, according to a list of job characteristics endorsed by the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

The state Department of Health said today that Meadow Gold Dairies may resume selling 2 percent reduced-fat milk processed at its Honolulu plant after sales were suspended more than a week ago because of signs of potential contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of public school teachers across Hawaiʻi waved signs to motorists before school this morning, Tuesday, March 7, and then walked into schools together before classes began. Maui Now.

Oahu

The state Senate passed a proposal to deal with Oahu’s troubled transit project Tuesday, but not before several members vented about the city’s handling of rail and called for more accountability. Star-Advertiser.

A bill expanding the city’s controversial “sit-lie” ordinance into Iwilei and additional parts of Kapalama moved out of a City Council committee Tuesday after receiving passionate testimony from area merchants and residents. Star-Advertiser.

Paper or plastic? Either way, you’d have to pay under a proposal to make Honolulu’s plastic bag ban even stricter. KHON2.

A leading surfers group, with a track record for stopping projects, turned out in full force Tuesday to make waves against a plan to replace Waikiki’s aging Royal Hawaiian Groin with a design that has a much larger footprint. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Foodbank expects to save about $2.1 million over the next 25 years on its newly installed rooftop solar energy system, the Honolulu-based nonprofit said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii's residents take the top spot in terms of the country’s happiest and healthiest, but those who call urban Honolulu home appear to be below the state’s average. Pacific Business News.

Commentary: The Honolulu Ethics Commission last month concluded it lacks legal authority to apply the conflict of interest prohibitions and disclosure requirements of the ethics code to City Council members who receive significant campaign support from special interest groups. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a beach advisory for Kona Coast Beach Park Tuesday, citing elevated levels of enterococci bacteria in the water. West Hawaii Today.

The Department of Public Works is instituting new procedures — such as requiring tools to be checked in and out each day — in response to an audit that found too much inventory unaccounted for. West Hawaii Today.

The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the U.S.-Japan Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit educational organization, will host the first ever Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit in Kona from May 9-11. Pacific Business News.

Teachers rally for better wages. West Hawaii Today.

A woman wearing a full-face snorkel mask died at Pohoiki Bay. Her husband thinks the new style of mask may be to blame, but no one keeps track of the equipment being used when someone drowns. Civil Beat.

Maui

Teachers out in force. Maui News.

Overnight receiving kennels for strays and owner-surrendered animals at The Maui Humane Society shelter in Puunene will be closed on April 1 in a decision made for “the welfare of the animals,” said the nonprofit organization’s chief executive officer. Maui News.

Kauai

A search continues for an entangled humpback whale last seen near Koloa Landing on Kauai’s south side at 9 a.m. Monday by a kayaker about a mile off-shore. Garden Island.

Educators push for progress in contract talks. Garden Island.

Kauai Women’s Caucus aims to bring social change. Garden Island.