Ige cautions Hawaii residents about traveling, identity thieves steal $16M in unemployment benefits, bill gives counties power over vacation rentals, requires traveler disclosures, Supreme Court punts Deedy case, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii coral ©2020 All Hawaii News

State Gives 14 Reasons For Commercial Aquarium Permit FEIS Rejection. In an official "non-acceptance" of the final environmental impact statement, the State of Hawaiʻi DLNR detailed the reasons for its decision. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Defers 3% Tariff Increase at State Harbors. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Harbors Division will defer the scheduled 3% tariff increase on the orders of Governor David Ige. Big Island Now.

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Vacation rental bill gives counties subpoena power. A gut-and-replace bill to be heard today would give counties more authority — including subpoena power — over transient vacation rental platforms. In addition, the bill requires all travelers entering a county to submit and confirm the complete physical address of their place of stay. West Hawaii Today.

State senators to introduce bill that would require Hawaii's visitors to document where they'll be staying. Each county would also be able to issue subpoenas to get specific information about properties in Hawaii listed as short term rentals. KITV4.

Hawaii vacation rentals continued to struggle in May amid lockdowns. Vacation rental accommodations, even the legal ones, were economically decimated again in May amid COVID-19 fears and tourism lockdowns. Star-Advertiser.

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$15.8 Million in Potentially Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Detected by State Labor Department. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has detected $15,829,889 of potentially fraudulent claims paid out as of June 24.  In addition, the department reportedly blocked $76,644,808 in possible fraudulent PUA payments. Maui Now.

Identity thieves have stolen at least $15.8M in Hawaii jobless benefits ... and probably much more. Scammers are hammering Hawaii’s unemployment system and have netted at least $15.8 million in fraudulent jobless benefits, the state revealed Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

$15 million in state unemployment funds paid to fraudulent claims. Weeks ago, the state was alerted to fraudulent claims connected to the Pandemic Unemployment Program or PUA. KHON2.

$16M in Hawaii unemployment benefits possibly lost to fraud. Nearly $16 million in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in Hawaii may have been lost to fraud and identity theft, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reported today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pays $15.8M For Potentially Fraudulent Jobless Claims . Hawaii said Thursday it paid $15.8 million in benefits for potentially fraudulent jobless claims under a U.S. government program providing funds to independent contractors and self-employed individuals unable to work because of the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press.

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Judge: Feds Can’t Intervene In Quarantine Challenge. The Hawaii attorney general’s office says the development is a small victory in the case. A federal judge won’t allow the Justice Department to intervene in a case challenging Hawaii’s 14-day mandatory quarantine for people traveling to Hawaii. Civil Beat.

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Lieutenant governor expects big jump in visitor numbers after testing allows skipping quarantine. State officials, including Lt. Gov. Josh Green, are confident that the state can accept more visitors while avoiding a spike in coronavirus cases. Hawaii News Now.

As states across the country see a rise in coronavirus cases, some Hawaii healthcare professionals are cautious of 'premature reopenings'. Several states are showing a dramatic and dangerous increase in confirmed cases. KITV4.

Gov: Hawaii residents still shouldn’t travel when tourism opens. Gov. David Ige says he still does not think it’s a good idea for Hawaii residents to travel just for fun. It seems contradictory because he’s asking visitors to travel here. KHON2.

Hawaii officials and the tourism industry get ready for the return of out-of-state travelers. While visitor volumes aren’t expected to be anywhere near where they were at this time last year, there are signs that some demand is returning and Hawaii had best get ready. Star-Advertiser.

Officials say marketing Hawaii to tourists will probably be different. Now that Governor David Ige is re-opening Hawaii to tourism under certain conditions, how are companies going to entice people to travel to Hawaii again? KHON2.

With cautious optimism, Hawaii hotels prepare for tourism’s return. Those in the hotel industry say they’ve never seen anything like this, but they’re hopeful for the tourism relaunch later this summer. Hawaii News Now.

Union organizes mass COVID-19 testing for hospitality workers, it calls on employers to follow suit. The union leaders of Unite Here Local Five said they are stepping-up where hotel employers are not, they are organizing mass COVID-19 testing for hospitality workers and their families this Saturday in anticipation of tourism reopening. KHON2.

How will the pandemic impact Hawaii’s real estate market? Experts disagree. The pandemic is slowing down another important sector of Hawaii’s economy: Real estate. And at least one expert is predicting a steep drop in home prices. Hawaii News Now.

Military In Hawaii Copes With Pandemic Challenges. The military declines to say how many Hawaii-based troops have been infected, but it has put restrictions on both daily operations and training efforts. Civil Beat.

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Free parking and other perks for EVs set to expire by end of June. Free parking for electric vehicles at state airports, along with other perks that have been in place for the past eight years, are set to expire at the end of the month, state officials said. Star-Advertiser.

John Radcliffe starts saying goodbye and other things. John Radcliffe’s days are booked up with what he calls “last lunch” appointments. Radcliffe, 78, the former high-profile union leader and bulldog lobbyist, has known his cancer was terminal since his diagnosis in 2014. Star-Advertiser.

UH-DOH looking to hire contact tracers. As the number of COVID-19 cases throughout Hawai'i continues to rise, the University of Hawai'i-Hawai'i State Department of Health (UH-DOH) Contact Tracing Program is looking for full-time contact tracers. KITV4.

Hawaii records 16 new coronavirus cases as statewide total reaches 850. Hawaii recorded 16 new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 850, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 16 New COVID-19 Cases Thursday. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Scheduled 2025 opening date for 20-mile rail line being pushed into 2026.  The head of the Honolulu rail authority acknowledged Thursday that the entire 20-mile rail line will not actually open as scheduled by the end of 2025, saying the authority now expects the $9.2 billion project to open a few months later, in March 2026. Star-Advertiser.

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U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear federal agent Christopher Deedy’s Waikiki shooting case. The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a case over whether a federal agent should face a third trial over a fatal 2011 shooting in a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Supreme Court Declines To Hear Appeal In Deedy Case. Honolulu prosecutor says he will still pursue an assault case. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court declines to hear appeal in Christopher Deedy trial. The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear a motion tied to the trial of federal agent Christopher Deedy. KHON2.

U.S. Supreme Court will not hear case of Federal Agent Christopher Deedy. The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear the case of a federal agent who shot and killed a man at a Waikiki McDonalds in 2011. KITV4.

Why is the gate at this popular trail closed? The state can’t afford to have someone open it. The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail continues to draw large numbers of hikers on weekdays ― even though no one can park in the trail’s parking lot. Hawaii News Now.

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Head of Damien Memorial School ousted hours after reports of widespread staff dismissals. The head of Damien Memorial School was relieved of his duties on Thursday, hours after it was reported that he had dismissed as many as 20 of the school’s faculty and staff members. Hawaii News Now.

Damien Memorial School president will not return after dismissing football, basketball coaches. Damien Memorial School has released its football and boys basketball coaches and reassigned its athletic director in a shakeup involving as many as 20 employees. Star-Advertiser.

Letter to staff reveals that Damien Memorial School president will not return to the job. Brother Brian Walsh had been the school’s president for the last 18 months. KHON2.

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COVID-19 Quarantine Facility Links Homeless To Range Of Services. A new study says a similar approach could save the state money by providing a place where the homeless, the mentally ill and others can get help without going to the ER. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim authorizes swimming pools, bars, campsites to reopen. Public swimming pools, campsites and bars will be the next to reopen and some organized sports can resume under a new emergency rule issued Thursday by Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor’s New COVID Rule Allows Pools, Bars, Certain Campsites To Reopen. Under Mayor Harry Kim's latest rule, organized sports may resume but with restrictions, and nightclubs must remain closed. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Bars, Public Pools Get Nod to Reopen. Hawai‘i County bars and public pools can begin to reopen Thursday. Camping sites will open gradually in the coming weeks and outdoor organized sports will begin restarting in phases. Big Island Now.

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Funds Awarded To Innovative Hawaii Island Ag Projects. Kamehameha Schools and the Ulupono Initiative have awarded $50,000 to the winners of the MahiX open innovation challenge. Big Island Video News.

Community meeting addresses missing children. Scores of socially distanced people filled the parking lot at the Umeke’s location under construction at Pawai Place on Wednesday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Emotion Runs High at Informal Gathering to Discuss Sex Trafficking. Passions ran high and opinions flowed freely at an informal public meeting Wednesday to discuss concerns about sex trafficking on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Gears Up for “Substantial” Return of Visitors. The County of Maui is gearing up for a “substantial” return of visitors as the state begins offering a pre-travel testing program on August 1st for trans-Pacific travelers as an alternative to the 14-day mandatory quarantine. Maui Now.

Maui Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan Nears Completion. The County of Maui will share its draft Hazard Mitigation Plan with the public in a Zoom meeting from noon to 1 p.m. June 30, 2020. Maui Now.

Hāna Highway Local Access Restriction Continues Through June 30; Full Access Allowed on July 1. The local access restriction for Hāna Highway (Route 360) between Kapakalua Road and Hāna Town will remain in place through June 30, 2020, according to an update issued today from the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Maui Now.

Hale Makua is hoping to build skilled nursing, rehab facilities. Project not yet proposed, but county seeking zoning changes to prepare for expansion on park acreage. Maui News.

Kauai

Four new virus cases confirmed on Kaua‘i. Health officials identified another household with positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, resulting in four new positive cases on the island and bringing the confirmed positive total up to 12. Garden Island.

Kauai Residents Scored Big At This Unusual Community Garage Sale — Even A Baby Grand Piano. Operators of a luxury resort hotel under renovation decided to give its used furnishings away to a number of nonprofits. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to lift quarantine for those passing COVID-19 test, hospitals ready for anticipated virus surge, police discipline disclosure bill advances, Senate President: Zuckerberg didn't break quarantine, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii government officials announce reopening travel PC:Governor's Office

Ige: Hawaii’s Quarantine Will Be Lifted For Those Who Show Proof Of Negative COVID-19 Test. Gov. David Ige said officials expect to see a rise in virus cases, but Hawaii hospitals are equipped with the capacity to handle new infections. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announces trans-Pacific testing program as alternative to quarantine. Starting Aug. 1, passengers with approved negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of their trip to Hawaii may bypass the state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for out-of state passengers. Star-Advertiser.

Starting Aug. 1, pre-testing program will allow Hawaii travelers to avoid quarantine. Starting Aug. 1, travelers who test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before arriving in Hawaii will be able to avoid the state’s mandatory quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Travelers With A COVID-19 Test May Skip Quarantine Starting In August. As of August 1st, travelers coming to Hawaii will be exempt from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they first get tested for COVID-19 and are negative for the virus. Hawaii Public Radio.

Don’t want to quarantine? Travelers will need to test negative for COVID-19 before coming to Hawaii. Hawaii Governor David Ige announced on Wednesday that a pre-travel testing program will be available to travelers coming to Hawaii as an alternative to the mandatory 14-day quarantine order. KHON2.

Hawaii to launch Covid-19 pre-testing program for travelers starting Aug. 1. Starting Aug. 1, travelers will have the option to get tested for Covid-19 prior to arriving in Hawaii as an alternative to the 14-day mandatory quarantine, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

No Quarantine For Pre-Tested Out-Of-State Travelers To Hawaiʻi, Starting August 1. The announcement was made by Governor David Ige at a news conference held on Wednesday at the Honolulu International airport. Big Island Video News.

Travel to Reopen to Visitors with Pre-Travel Testing Program. Trans-pacific travel will reopen to visitors Aug. 1 under a pre-travel testing program as an alternative to a 14-day quarantine. Big Island Now.

State to launch COVID-19 pre-travel testing program for out-of-state travelers August 1. Travelers will have option to pre-test or quarantine. KITV4.

Ige to visitors: Get tested. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday plans to reopen Hawaii to more visitors, months after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted mandatory two-week quarantines for those arriving from out of state. Tribune-Herald.

State plans for lifting quarantines. Beginning Aug 1, the state will implement a pretravel testing program for travelers to Hawai‘i as an alternative to the 14-day quarantine, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Garden Island.

Gov. Ige: Hawai‘i to Implement Pre-Travel Testing Option on Aug. 1 as Alternative to Quarantine. Governor David Ige today announced that as of Aug. 1, the state will implement a pre-travel testing option for travelers to Hawaiʻi as an alternative to the 14-day travel quarantine. Maui Now.

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Officials say Hawaii is ready for more COVID-19 cases. As state officials announced plans to allow in more air travelers as part of the next major step in opening Hawaii’s economy, they said the islands are well prepared to deal with the growing risk of additional COVID-19 cases and a possible second wave. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economic Chief: Tourism Is ‘Who We Are’ And Must Be Rebuilt. But Mike McCartney acknowledged his agency still has not come up with a plan to address the short-term economic crisis facing the state. Civil Beat.

Hotel industry gears up for lift of trans-Pacific travel restrictions. Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO, Mufi Hannemann, has anticipated for weeks, and he said the industry has been preparing with new best practices. KHON2.

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Hawaii lawmakers advance police reform bill that’s been years in the making. Amid nationwide calls for change, Hawaii state lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would make the names of police officers suspended or fired public. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Move To Eliminate Exemption That Has Hidden Police Misconduct For 25 Years. House Bill 285 will now go to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Civil Beat.

House bill calling for public transparency, police reform passed. The bill requires the disclosure of the identity of officers who are suspended or discharged for misconduct in a report to the Legislature. KHON2.

Police accountability bill heads for final vote. A bill to release the identities of fired or suspended county police officers is headed back to the full Legislature for a final vote. West Hawaii Today.

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Proposed public worker pay raises would cost more than $150 million. The public worker pay raises being advanced by House and Senate leaders would total more than $150 million in general funds, an expensive package that is raising questions among lawmakers who wonder how the state can possibly pay those raises and also cope with a $2.3 billion general treasury budget shortfall. Star-Advertiser.

House bill under fire after "gut and replace". HB2502 SD1, set for testimony Thursday morning in the Senate, is a far cry from its original draft in January. KITV4.

Local Businesses Re-examine Relationship with Kamaʻāina Customer. Businesses across the state are continuing to re-open after months of COVID-19 closures.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Local Restaurants Still Have Rough Recovery Ahead of Them. Hawaii Restaurant Association chairman estimates 40% of local restaurants will close by the end of the year. Hawaii Business magazine.

COVID-19 Budget Moves Out For Passage, But Not Without Controversy. Hawaii lawmakers have agreed to a plan to set aside millions in CARES Act funds to cover some of the benefits that unemployed workers will lose at the end of July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Board of Education Member’s Re-Confirmation Gets Committee Approval. Kili Namauu’s confirmation to a second term was not automatic, stalling when the Legislature was last back in session in May. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii sees 16 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 835. Hawaii recorded 16 new coronavirus cases today, as the statewide total of infections since the start of the outbreak rose to 835, state Department of Health officials said in their daily midday count. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 16 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawai‘i Department of Health has identified 16 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state total to 835. Big Island Now.

Oahu

VIDEO: Honolulu mayoral candidates discuss issues critical to Waikiki. Five Honolulu mayoral candidates discussed issues critical to Waikiki during a Zoom conference call Wednesday evening hosted by the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and the Waikiki Improvement Association. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidates debate virtually over issues in the Waikiki district and the economy. Wednesday’s mayoral debate took place virtually, the first in a long line as candidates get closer to election. The forum was hosted by the Waikiki Improvement Association. KHON2.

Karaoke, live performances now allowed at bars, restaurants across Oahu. A karaoke booth is now open for singers at Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Struggling restaurants ask city for help. Restaurant industry leaders in Honolulu painted a very bleak picture for their businesses’ survival in testifying Wednesday before the City Council’s Economic Assistance and Revitalization Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Moana owner details its 400-foot tower plan. The owner of Ala Moana Center is advancing a plan to build its first 400-foot residential tower connected with Hawaii’s largest shopping mall as soon as next year. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa housing crunch to leave 1,000 students looking off-campus. The University of Hawaii at Manoa will be facing a housing crunch for the fall 2020 semester, and possibly further into the future depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Libraries reopen with limited services. The Hawaii State Library System started phased reopenings for libraries throughout the state this month. Tribune-Herald.

DWS to Reopen for In-Person Services. The Department of Water Supply will begin offering in-person services by appointment only effective July 1. Big Island Now.

Maui

Agriculture Department proposal draws testimony. Questions remain over cost, vetting and need. While many agree on the goal of growing diversified agriculture to reduce Maui County’s reliance on the Mainland, the Maui County Council and the agricultural community are debating whether creating another county government department would help or hinder the process. Maui News.

MPD communications tower approved for West Maui site. The Maui Planning Commission approved a communications tower in West Maui that would serve as a backup in emergencies, though they barred the use of 5G at the site. Maui News.

HTA’s Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report: Maui RevPAR Down 94.5% in May. According to the data, Maui County hotels reported RevPAR at $15 (-94.5%), with declines in both ADR to $117 (-66.4%) and occupancy of 12.6 percent (-63.7 percentage points) in May. Maui Now.

Kauai

Sen. Kouchi: Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg followed quarantine on Kauai. Facebook’s founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been seen on Kauai, where he owns a controversially vast amount of property on the North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

Four new virus cases confirmed on Kaua‘i. Health officials identified another household with positive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, resulting in four new positive cases on the island and bringing the confirmed positive total up to 12. Garden Island.

Looking for COVID antibodies. Led by Dr. Tonyi Trpkovski, the Doctors of Waikiki team conducted tests for COVID-19 antibodies in a drive-through format in the parking garage of the Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Garden Island.

Emergency housing program maxed out. Five days after announcing a new $400,000 COVID-19 emergency assistance program, the County of Kaua‘i’s Housing Agency said on Tuesday, their emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance program has reached its current capacity of applicants and is no longer accepting new applicants. Garden Island.

Lanai
Four Seasons luxury resorts on Lanai to reopen July 1. The luxury Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort at Koele, both will be reopening July 1 to Hawaii residents, while the quarantine remains in effect for trans-Pacific travel. Maui News.

Fewer Hawaii residents comply with mask order, Pompeo meets Chinese counterpart in Honolulu today, inter-island travel begins, cult leaves state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Discarded mask on Hawaii roadside ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii officials notice a worrisome trend: Fewer residents wearing masks. The governor’s emergency order requires face masks at most public settings. Hawaii News Now.

Retailers report resistance to the in-store mask requirement. Gov. David Ige’s Ninth Supplemental Proclamation related to the COVID-19 emergency specifically instructs employees and customers to wear masks and engage in social distancing. Star-Advertiser.

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Quarantine for neighbor island travel ends today. The state is lifting the 14-day interisland travel quarantine for Hawaii residents today, but trans-Pacific travelers won’t likely be welcomed back until August amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Interisland quarantine requirement is lifted. Though the two-week quarantine for interisland travelers has been lifted, Gov. David Ige warned Monday that it may be reinstated if the number of COVID-19 cases in the state rises too high. Tribune-Herald.

Planning to fly inter-island? Arrive at the airport early and don’t come if you’re sick. After two and a half months of mostly empty airports in Hawaii, the state is ending the 14-day mandatory quarantine for inter-island travelers on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Governor David Ige’s Update on Travel Requirements for Air Transportation. Maui Now.

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Hawaii Economy Faces ‘A Long Slow Road Back’. A wave of restaurant failures and bankruptcies is expected in the fall. When Hawaii finally opens for tourism, it’s likely to take years to build the visitor base to anything close to what it was before the COVID-19 crisis shut down the state’s travel industry, experts in that business say. Civil Beat.

Expanding Local Agriculture Into Major Economic Industry Poses Challenges. Sales of farm products currently represent just 0.6% of Hawaii gross domestic product. Experts say there are opportunities for it to grow, but substantial challenges as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

With some improvising, state agencies welcome thousands of workers back to the office. Tens of thousands of government employees are returning to the office as their administrators improvise to allow for social distancing. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit challenges Gov. David Ige’s emergency powers. Hawaii residents from Kauai and the Big Island have filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamations related to the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofits urge lawmakers to quickly commit federal funds to cope with social needs. With the state Legislature poised to meet again in less than a week, Hawaii’s nonprofit social service agencies are urging lawmakers to commit hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent federal funds to health care, housing, mental health services and other support for families that are struggling to survive the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Over 23,000 Hawaii small businesses tap $3 billion in federal aid. Federal financial aid for Hawaii small businesses affected by COVID-19 has grown to just over $3 billion, according to new U.S. Small Business Administration data. Star-Advertiser.

Face Masks, Temperature Checks: The New Reality For Summer School Students. The Department of Education’s in-person, summer learning hubs offer a trial run for how many schools may operate when they reopen in the COVID-19 era. Civil Beat.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet Chinese counterpart in Hawaii on Tuesday. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will travel to Hawaii Tuesday for meetings with his Chinese counterpart, according to two people familiar with the plans, as tensions between the countries run high over trade, coronavirus, the future of Hong Kong and other issues. Bloomberg News.

The new normal: Hawaii National Guard training this year includes social distancing, masks. The Hawaii Air National Guard just completed its first unit training under COVID-19 guidelines. Hawaii News Now.

Over 200 Marshallese Stranded in Hawaiʻi Since March. The Marshall Islands is among only a few countries left in the world that are COVID-19 free. This is due in part to a strict travel ban that has left more than 200 Marshallese citizens stranded since March here in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

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8 new coronavirus cases raise Hawaii’s statewide total to 736. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Monday: 8 New Cases. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

In race for mayor, Hanabusa clinches endorsement of ILWU. Honolulu mayoral candidate Colleen Hanabusa has picked up another big endorsement. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 is backing Hanabusa in her run for Honolulu mayor. Hawaii News Now.

2 possible COVID-19 cases being looked at in state-run public housing. The state announced eight new cases of COVID-19 Monday, June 15. Officials say three of the new cases are linked to a new income housing facility, but did not say exactly where. KHON2.

Kalihi’s Saint John the Baptist School to close after 60 years. After 60 years in Kalihi, Saint John the Baptist School is closing. In a letter to its school community earlier this month, administrators said the pandemic “significantly worsened” its already troublesome financial situation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Carbon Nation leader pleads no contest to violating quarantine; group to leave state. A self-professed cult leader pleaded no contest Monday to violating the state’s mandatory 14-day coronavirus quarantine in a deal that would allow him and 20 followers to leave the state. Tribune-Herald.

Reported Cult Leader Sent Back to Mainland. Big Island Now.

Self-professed cult member, 20 followers leave for mainland after quarantine arrests. Hawaii News Now.

Group of travelers charged for violating quarantine order decide to leave Hawai'i. KITV4.

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Mayor explains why public swimming pools remain closed. While most businesses, operations and activities were permitted to reopen June 15 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, public swimming pools were not. The facilities have been closed since March. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Kim Explains Why Public Swimming Pools Remain Closed. Big Island Video News.

Northbound traffic flow change on Alii Drive starts Wednesday. Northbound traffic on Alii Drive will be shifted to a temporary bridge in the vicinity of the Kona Tiki Hotel starting Wednesday as work progresses to replace a deteriorating culvert on the Waiaha Drainageway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Launches Financial Opportunity Center to Help Residents Into Housing. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino today announced a partnership with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets to launch a Financial Opportunity Center to help thousands of residents into housing. Maui Now.

24 Hour Fitness on Maui closes as company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The 24 Hour Fitness chain announced Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief due to the “disproportionate impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers rally for safe reopening, health care. Properties making changes that include more cleanings, shift to keyless entry. Maui News.

Maui hotel workers demonstrate for worker safety, reopening. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

EPA closes 16 Kauai cesspools and issues $55K in fines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today said it has shut down 16 large-capacity cesspools on Kauai and issued $55,182 in fines to a resort management association. Star-Advertiser.

EPA to close 16 large cesspools on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

CASPER COVID-19 survey results announced. More than half, 57%, of Kaua‘i households have at least one person living in their home who has lost their job as a result of the pandemic, and the resulting economic strain is affecting the mental health of Garden Island residents. Garden Island.

Pompeo to meet Chinese officials in Hawaii, vacation rentals reopening on three islands, state's largest newspaper threatens to lay off half of newsroom, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo official photo

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet with Chinese officials in Hawaii as tensions escalate. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning a trip to Hawaii this week to meet with Chinese government officials as tensions continue to mount between China and the United States, according to multiple media reports. Star-Advertiser.

Pompeo Plans To Meet In Hawaii With China Officials. Politico and CNN are reporting that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to meet with China officials at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu early this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Bankruptcies decline thanks to federal loan program. Federal aid programs appear to be keeping a lid on statewide bankruptcies despite the pandemic, but one of the state’s top economists says that could change after the end of this month when the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program ends. Star-Advertiser.

Ige named in COVID suit. A civil lawsuit against Gov. David Ige alleges his COVID-19-related orders violate state and federal constitutions, and requests the courts declare those rules unconstitutional and void. Garden Island.

Traveling inter-island after June 16? Mandatory forms available online. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: ‘No increased risk’ for travelers as Oahu cases mount. Oahu tallies nearly 50 cases since beginning of June. Maui News.

Vacation rental owners, managers say they're suffering from COVID-19 changes. State says in April 2020, the total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 319,500 unit nights and monthly demand was just 16,000 unit nights. KITV4.

Hawaii’s long-term care homes have lowest COVID-19 rate in the nation. Even as COVID-19 cases rise again in Hawaii, state officials assured residents Friday that the island’s long-term care facilities remain safe. Tribune-Herald.

Recent spike in COVID-19 cases will test Hawaii’s preparations. There were 15 new cases Friday and 17 cases reported Saturday, which were the biggest single-day increases in the islands in nearly two months. Later Sunday the state Department of Health reported five new cases, raising the statewide total of infections to 728.  Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 14: 5 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. With a total of 728 cases of the virus reported in the state, Hawaii has one of the lowest per capita rates of infection in the country. Civil Beat.

5 new cases of COVID-19 reported from Oahu, Big Island, total now 728. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral candidates talk post-coronavirus sustainability. Half a dozen candidates for Honolulu mayor have promised to make a sustainable and livable Hawaii, but Friday at a forum gave only broad, general statements without going too deep into details on key questions. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell disagrees on extent of Police Commission’s authority. The differences in opinion of the commission’s true authority are coming to light as the call for reform of police departments across the U.S. has heightened following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers on May 25. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii's largest daily newspaper may lay off half its newsroom staff. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has told about half of its newsroom staff that they will be laid off at the end of the month as Hawaii’s largest newspaper deals with the economic effects of Covid-19, but the newspaper's publisher said he is negotiating with the editorial guild to avoid laying off the 29 editorial workers. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser staffers push back against impending layoffs. Workers, community members and reporters are reacting with shock to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s announcement Thursday it is laying off half of the newsroom. KITV4.

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City Council resolution seeks to condemn derelict Waikiki building for affordable housing. A Honolulu City Council member wants the city to condemn a derelict Waikiki apartment building sandwiched between the Watermark, one of Oahu’s toniest condominiums, and freshly renovated walk-up apartments. Star-Advertiser.

Shuttered Meadow Gold plant in Honolulu goes on sale. The Texas-based owner of the Meadow Gold Hawaii dairy processing plant in Honolulu is seeking to sell the property for $25 million after shutting down the facility in April. Star-Advertiser.

Bill could impact Aloha Stadium demolition, landfill operator says. The company that operates the only public construction and demolition landfill and recycling facility on Oahu said a proposal that would require a buffer zone around the construction or expansion of disposal facilities “would be a disaster for the construction industry” and “drive up costs for construction projects of all sizes, including the new Aloha Stadium development.” Star-Advertiser.

Makiki nursing home employee tests positive for coronavirus. A staff member at a Makiki nursing home has tested positive for the coronavirus, the fourth case of the virus at a long-term care facility in a week on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hundreds rally in Honolulu for Breonna Taylor. From the classic “No Justice, No Peace” to the more contemporary “Wrong Generation to (expletive) With,” the mostly homemade signs and placards borne by nearly 500 people who participated in Sunday’s Justice for Breonna Taylor Women’s March attested both to the diversity of the crowd and the singularity of their purpose. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds participate in Oahu march for Breonna Taylor. Protests nationally and here in Hawaii continued this weekend with more people bringing attention to racial inequality. Hawaii News Now.

First open street event on Kalakaua Ave. draws hundreds. Hundreds, if not thousands, filled Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki Sunday morning. A portion of the road was closed to cars so people could exercise and support businesses in the area that hasn’t seen activity because of COVID-19. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Fire Department and volunteers erect homeless shelters. The access road behind Old Kona Airport Park became the newest homeless shelter as 18 tiny houses were constructed Saturday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Volunteers Construct 19 Emergency Homeless Units in Single Day. Na Lamakū will serve as an emergency shelter living space, complete with wraparound services, for up to 30 adult homeless individuals looking to take the first step toward self-sufficiency. Big Island Now.

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New ‘primary airport’ classification sought for KOA. The state Department of Transportation wants a 150-room hotel and conference center at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and is seeking new zoning for that airport as well as Hilo International Airport for a variety of travel-related uses. West Hawaii Today.

Safety improvements eyed for Highway 130. The state Department of Transportation wants to further improve safety and mobility along Highway 130 between Keaau and Pahoa by using capital improvement funding recently allocated by lawmakers. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Fire Department Scrambles To Plug A Budget Hole. The state’s economic crash hit the department hard. But leaders are confident they can find money to keep lifeguards at popular Hapuna Beach on the job. Civil Beat.

New Kona Brewing Co. brewery eyes summer launch. Originally slated for an opening in early 2019, Kona Brewing’s construction — one with a thorough focus on sustainability — has been hit by a handful of delays along the way. Kona’s remote location presented difficulties procuring the right equipment and materials for the brewery’s sustainability projects. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vacation rentals allowed to reopen. Reservations can be taken now for stays beginning Tuesday for guests who are not under quarantine. Maui News.

Maui TVRs Allowed to Restart on June 16, But Can Only Accommodate Individuals Not Subject to Quarantine. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i Nature Center at ‘Īao Valley Readies for Return of Maui Keiki. A team of volunteers and staff is readying the Hawai‘i Nature Center campus at ʻĪao Valley on Maui for the return of children next week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Restart: Agriculture. The Kaua‘i Economic Recovery Strategy Team dedicated to the agriculture sector will attempt to revitalize agriculture businesses that experienced financial loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

14-day out of state quarantine extended to July 31, vacation rentals to begin reopening, facial recognition coming to airports, no audit for Honolulu rail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige June 10, 2020 press conference from video

Gov. David Ige Extends Trans-Pacific Travel Quarantine To July 31. Interisland travel will be opened on June 16. Passengers will be subject to a temperature check and anyone with a fever over 100.4 degrees will not be allowed to board. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige extends trans-Pacific quarantine through July 31, announces temperature checks for interisland flights. Gov. David Ige today extended the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for out-of-state passengers to July 31. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. extends COVID-19 emergency period; quarantine changes made for travel around, into Hawaii. Hawaii Governor David Ige signed a ninth supplementary emergency proclamation that extends the state’s COVID-19 emergency period through July 31. KHON2.

Governor Ige Extends COVID-19 Emergency Period Through July 31. Governor David Ige has signed a Ninth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation, lifting the 14-day quarantine for inter-island travelers on June 16. Big Island Video News.

Ige Extends Out-of-State Travel Quarantine. Hawai‘i has extended its 14-day mandatory travel quarantine for out-of-state arrivals through the end of July, Governor David Ige announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Governor Extends Hawai‘i’s 14-Day Quarantine for International and Out-of-State Arrivals to July 31. The extension was announced during a press briefing this afternoon, and is part of the governor’s Ninth Emergency Proclamation relating to COVID-19. Maui Now.

Full text of Gov. Ige's Ninth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation can be found here.

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Temperature testing will be required for interisland travel. Thermal screening will be required at the airport for all interisland passengers starting Tuesday, and anyone with a fever of 100.4 or greater will be denied boarding. Star-Advertiser.

Thermal scanners, facial recognition technology to be installed in Hawaii’s airports. Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors said Wednesday that even though the mandatory 14-day quarantine for interisland passengers will lifted June 16, there will be a “new health-screening process” passengers will have to undergo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii will utilize facial recognition in airports. Installation will begin as a pilot program next week. KITV4.

Hawaii tourism industry faces more losses from extended visitor quarantine. Hawaii tourism, which essentially collapsed amid COVID-19 fears and lockdowns, won’t get out of the starting block for at least another 51 days. Star-Advertiser.

Pandemic budget crunch leaves Hawaii with unpleasant options. The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Hawaii’s unemployment rate up to 22.3%, generated miles-long food bank lines and led hotel operators to close their doors and board up their windows. Associated Press.

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Vacation rentals could reopen soon. As a group of transient vacation rental owners on four islands threatened a $1 billion lawsuit if they’re not allowed to reopen, Kauai was approved Wednesday for a new rule allowing that county to open the rentals to those not under quarantine and Gov. David Ige said his administration is working with other counties to see if it’s appropriate for them to follow suit. West Hawaii Today.

Vacation rental owners claim discrimination, threaten lawsuit. A group of vacation rental owners and property managers threatens a $1 billion lawsuit, if they are not allowed to re-open. KITV4.

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Governor: I ‘ordered’ director handling unemployment claims to take time off. “I ordered Director (Scott) Murakami to take some time off because as you know he was under tremendous pressure,” Gov. David Ige said, at the tail end of a news conference on inter-island travel. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: I Told Murakami To Take A Break. Scott Murakami, head of the state labor department, went on leave in early June after receiving death threats. Civil Beat.

Here’s how many jobless claims have been paid in Hawaii since March 1. The state said it’s still working to process nearly 18,000 valid unemployment claims. Meanwhile, 130,536 jobless claims are being paid. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Is Spending $16M In Federal Aid For Summer Learning Programs. The money is part of a broader $43 million the Hawaii Department of Education received from a federal coronavirus relief package. Civil Beat.

Strengthening Hawaii's Community Food Security In A COVID-19 World. Food shortages in communities statewide because of the COVID-19 pandemic helped highlight the vulnerability of Hawaiʻi’s food supply. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees slight uptick in homeless population. Oahu’s homeless count increased by 0.7 percent during the nation’s latest annual homeless census, while the neighbor islands saw a similar 1% increase. Hawaii island saw a 16% increase since 2019, compared with a 9% decline on Maui and 4% decrease on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

4 new coronavirus cases on Oahu; Hawaii’s statewide total at 685. All four of today’s new cases are on Oahu, as was the case that was removed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council leaders quash HART forensic audit. City Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi is calling out Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson and Vice Chairwoman Ann Koba­yashi for refusing to proceed with contracting for an independent forensic audit of the agency charged with building Honolulu’s troubled, 20-mile rail line. Star-Advertiser.

A city rail audit won’t happen for now as feds continue their investigation. A city forensic audit for the rail project will not move forward. Councilmember Heidi Tsuneyoshi says the council chair and vice chair would not sign off on a Request for Proposals. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu City Council moving forward with resolution pressuring state to test visitors before they board a plane to Hawai'i. The Honolulu City Council is moving forward with a resolution putting pressure on the state to energize tourism by testing visitors up to three days before they leave. KITV4.

COVID-19 patient was at Oahu game room hours before being hospitalized. State Health Department officials reported four new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, one of whom is an Oahu woman in her 60s who has been hospitalized. The woman’s doctor says she was admitted to the ER on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council looks to keep community food distribution with local produce. So far, the city has held 11 community food distribution events, giving out more than 500 thousand pounds in local produce, which has in-turn made Hawaii’s farmers $250,000. KHON2.

Neighbors raise concerns for planned affordable housing project in Kailua. There are currently seven single-family homes on the roughly one-acre parcel at the intersection of Oneawa and Kawainui streets, along the edge of a residential neighborhood. The proposal calls for a three-story building and a four-story building that will have a total of 73 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Hawaii News Now.

Koko Crater safety project now is delayed indefinitely. Bowing to community concerns, city officials on Wednesday agreed to delay a safety improvement project at Koko Crater summit just two days after they announced it was scheduled to start next week. Star-Advertiser.

Koko Crater stairs won’t close for improvements afterall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Landfill Closure Nearly Complete. The landfill is now covered by green, synthetic turf grass. The capping method is the first to be permitted and constructed in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Hilo landfill pau this month. The county Department of Environmental Management is expected to finish a months-long project to permanently shut down the South Hilo landfill this month. Tribune-Herald.

South Hilo Landfill Closure Nears Completion. The South Hilo Sanitary Landfill will soon be closed for good, according to a statement from Hawai‘i County Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Maui

Bars get OK to reopen Monday. A couple weeks after Maui County restaurants were allowed to reopen, bars finally got state and county clearance to resume operations starting Monday. Maui News.

Commission mulls short-term rental cap. Bill would reduce permits on Maui, Lanai from 349 to 278. Maui News.

Maui County’s Share of CIP Funds is More Than $533 Million. More than $533 million was set aside for Capital Improvement Projects on Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi as part of the $5.1 billion CIP budget bill passed by the state legislature on May 21 for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. Maui Now.

Kauai

Emergency rule 12 reopens bars, TVRs June 16. Bars and short-term rentals will be allowed to reopen on June 16 to people not subject to quarantine. Garden Island.

Council talks proposed CARES Act funds budget. If approved by the state, the county hopes to put over $28 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds toward direct assistance, economic and supply chain resiliency and preparing for a potential next wave of the novel coronavirus. Garden Island.

This Kauai Doctor Is Helping Revolutionize Drug Treatment For Inmates. The state is seeking a $650,000 federal grant to set up a pilot program for using medication-assisted treatment to address drug dependency in corrections facilities statewide. Civil Beat.

Reef health at a Kauai beach shows signs of improvement.  DLNR has been monitoring Anini Reef for the past year. They found that evidence of “black band disease” on rice corals fell by more than 11 percent to normal levels. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature to take up police misconduct bill, Ige asks participants in Black Lives Matter rallies to self-isolate, military travel restrictions lifted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Police on parade, file photo, ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii House Speaker Says Cop Misconduct Bill Is ‘On Our Radar’. The House and Senate are reviewing a measure requiring more disclosure on the part of police agencies that stalled last year after passing both chambers. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige asks protesters from weekend Black Lives Matter rallies to voluntarily self-isolate. Gov. David Ige today requested that participants in Black Lives Matter protests over the weekend consider self-isolating a few days in order to protect others from possibly getting the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Ige concerned about how gatherings such as recent protests will impact the state’s COVID-19 case counts. Gov. David Ige is asking those who rallied during recent Black Lives Matter protests throughout Hawaii to self-isolate as the state continues its fight against COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

More push to require a negative COVID test before flying to Hawaii. A group of UH experts is warning the state that opening up to mainland tourism - without required testing before travel - will overwhelm Hawaii's health care system. Hawaii News Now.

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State loosens restrictions and announces reopenings of camping, parks. The state is loosening up restrictions and reopening state parks in conjunction with each county’s specific rules and guidelines, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced this afternoon, providing updates on the latest changes. Star-Advertiser.

LIST: Hawaii State parks to reopen in phases by July 1. DLNR says most overnight state facilities will reopen by July 1. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR Lessens State Parks Restrictions. The DLNR Division of State Parks is lessening restrictions and reopening park areas in conjunction with various county-specific rules and guidelines. Big Island Now.

Some Hawaii State Parks Still Closed, But Restrictions Lessening. Big Island Video News.

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Pentagon OKs increased travel to Hawaii amid unclear rules. A total of 1,125 military members arrived in the first week of June. Another 1,191 came to Hawaii in the last two weeks of May. The transition of service members to Hawaii is normally much greater during spring and summer, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Travel restrictions lifted for military service members in Hawai'i. The Department of Defense is lifting travel restrictions for military service members in Hawaii because of the low number of COVID-19 cases here. KITV4.

Federal funding for National Guard at Hawaii airports will end in August. The federal government says it will stop paying for the National Guard to screen passengers in Hawaii airports on August 10. Hawaii News Now.

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King Kamehameha celebrations canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic. This year there will be no Kamehameha Statue lei draping or floral parade. All King Kamehameha celebration events have been canceled statewide because of the pandemic. KHON2.

Doctors worry that patients are neglecting their regular visits as well as their health. Despite fears surrounding the new coronavirus, Hawaii health officials are urging the public to go to the doctor for routine checkups, vaccinations and to manage chronic diseases to prevent a spike in other ailments. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gets 1 new virus case; 667 visitors fly into the state. State Department of Health officials said Monday that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 676, up one from Sunday. The lone infection case is on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 8: 1 New COVID-19 Case In Hawaii. The case was found on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department reviewing vascular neck restraint policy in wake of Minneapolis. A submission hold known as a “vascular neck restraint” used by Honolulu police officers was halted pending a review of the department’s use-of-force policy, Police Chief Susan Ballard said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police To Temporarily Halt Use Of Vascular Neck Restraints. George Floyd’s death prompted HPD to review its use of force policy.Civil Beat.

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Mayor Caldwell nominates Michael Broderick and Doug Chin to Honolulu Police Commission. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s two newest nominees to the Honolulu Police Commission say they support some measure of police reform but also stress that they value the work of police officers. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii AG who fought Trump’s travel ban picked for police panel. If confirmed by the Honolulu City Council, Doug Chin will replace one of the two commissioners who recently resigned. Hawaii News Now.

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Iolani Palace reopens June 19. It will start off with self-guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays with more days added in the future. KHON2.

Hawaii teachers union endorses Hanabusa plus Council candidates. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is backing former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa for mayor, its first endorsement ever in a county-level election. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers Union Endorses Hanabusa For Honolulu Mayor. This marks the first time HSTA has endorsed a candidate for mayor, the union said. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu To Repair Structures Atop Koko Head But Not Tramway. The tramway leading up to the Koko Head summit will be closed from June 15 through the end of July as workers repair “deficient structures” at the top that pose a public safety risk, the city said in a news release on Monday. Civil Beat.

Koko Head to close next week for repairs and improvements. The Koko Crater Stairs in East Oahu will be closed for repairs for about a month and a half. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo judges recuse themselves from hearing former cop’s assault, abuse cases. Both Hilo Circuit judges, Henry Nakamoto and Peter Kubota, filed certificates of recusal for a pair of cases in which the defendant is 56-year-old Ian Lee Loy, the husband of County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Roth alarmed by release of suspect in violent home invasion. A letter from the Big Island’s prosecutor to a special master appointed by the state Supreme Court to oversee an orderly population reduction in the state’s jails and prisons expressed alarm over the release of a pretrial detainee in a violent home invasion after judges twice reduced the man’s bail. Tribune-Herald.

St. Joseph students, faculty, alums thank community for helping school survive. The 151-year-old school, the Big Island’s only Catholic school, announced on its website that it’s nearing the $500,000 in donations and pledges it needs to remain open. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Hospital Begins Universal Testing, Single Person on Maui with COVID-19 in Home Quarantine.  Maui Memorial Medical Center begins universal testing for COVID-19 on all patients admitted through the Emergency Department and Obstetrics patients. Maui Now.

COVID-19 patient at hospital tests negative. The last confirmed patient with COVID-19 at Maui Memorial Medical Center has tested negative for the virus, a hospital spokeswoman said on Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Restart: Business. Tax relief, speedy permitting processes and fresh marketing strategies are a few of the ideas for helping local Kaua‘i businesses recover from pandemic protocols that have heavily impacted bottom lines and closed some doors for good. Garden Island.

Online county council candidacy forum Wednesday. Of the 22 candidates running for a council seat, 16 are participating at the forum sponsored by Just Transition Hawai‘i Coalition, Community Coalition of Kaua‘i and 350Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition. Garden Island.

These Kauai Cops Are Tired Of Racist Police Killings, Too. Kauai’s police chief is encouraging officers to attend protests and have candid conversations with citizens — and each other. Civil Beat.

Officers cite 15 at Kalalau area currently closed due to the pandemic. The state says a team of officers on Sunday issued 15 citations to people who were in a closed-off area of the Kalalau at Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Architect Says Time Is Running Out To Save Kauai’s Coco Palms. The resort is likely headed for the auction block, but the building’s remaining concrete frames could lose their structural integrity before a new owner is in place. Civil Beat.