Teachers union seeks ouster of schools superintendent, Catholics concerned about vaccine-abortion link, Honolulu mayor releases $2.9B budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige signs business unemployment tax relief bill

Gov. David Ige signs law lowering business payments into fund. Gov. David Ige signed a bill into law Tuesday that’s expected to provide significant relief to businesses faced with steep hikes in how much they have to pay into the state fund that covers unemployment insurance claims. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Unemployment office puts ‘bot blocker’ in place to reduce volume into call center. Labor Director Anne Perreira-Eustaquio said repeat callers will be blocked so that more people can get through. She said some had apparently been using apps to repeatedly call the unemployment office. Hawaii News Now.

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Abortion-derived cells in Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine causes moral dilemma for Hawaii’s Catholic community. Catholic Churches are urging parishioners not to take the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine if they have an option. The Vatican and numerous U.S. bishops say the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have abortion-derived cells in their product and are asking Catholics to choose Pfizer or Moderna since those vaccines only used abortion-derived cell lines in their research. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii State Teachers Association opposes superintendent’s renewal. The Hawaii State Teachers Association on Tuesday said it opposes the renewal of schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s contract and intends to testify against doing so to the Board of Education this week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Aims To Reopen Elementary Schools After Spring Break. The guidance comes after several behind-the-scenes meetings involving the Department of Education and other state leaders. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island.

State Rep. Sharon Har faces drunken driving penalties she helped write. Har helped shepherd through changes that she herself now faces, including a mandatory revocation of her driver’s license for two years for refusing to take a breath or blood test following her arrest on South Beretania Street. Star-Advertiser.

Body camera video of Rep. Sharon Har’s arrest shows her refusing to take sobriety test. The body camera video of Rep. Sharon Har’s arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence from Monday, Feb. 22 has been released by the Honolulu Police Department. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Death Behind Bars: In Hawaii, The Death Of A Prisoner Is Often A Closely Held Secret. The only prison and jail deaths that corrections officials have announced recently have been due to COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Most Police Reform Measures Fail To Gain Traction At Legislature. But proposals to ban no-knock warrants and collect data on use of force appear to be moving this session. Civil Beat.

Indo-Pacific Command seeks $27.3B to counter China. The greatest danger the United States faces in the Pacific “is the erosion of conventional deterrence” with China, said the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Phil Davidson, Monday in prepared remarks at the AFCEA TechNet Indo-Pacific Conference in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hits highs for needle exchange and overdose reversals. Hawaii efforts to keep drug use from turning deadly, results in a record number of overdose reversals. KITV4.

Gov. Ige hopes to ease restrictions for vaccinated travelers by the end of summer. Gov. David Ige is pleased with Hawaii’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, but he wants more doses from the federal government. KHON2.

March 2, 2021 COVID-19 Update: There were 35 new COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Tuesday, including 18 on O‘ahu, 13 on Maui, three on Hawai‘i Island, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out-of-state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi proposes $2.9B budget with no furloughs or tax increases. Blangiardi’s plan, outlined Tuesday at a press conference, would keep the city’s operating budget steady at $2.91 billion, with cuts making up for lost revenues, although he stressed the city’s 8,000-plus employees would not face layoffs or furloughs. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Half-billion dollar container terminal makeover to benefit Hawaii’s cargo industry. A $174 million modernization of the Kapalama Container Terminal has been completed, and now more upgrades are in the works. Hawaii News Now.

Study: O‘ahu marine areas aren’t protective enough. Marine protected areas around O‘ahu do not adequately protect populations of herbivorous reef fishes that eat algae on coral reefs. Garden Island.

Kaneohe Sea Urchin Hatchery Turns 10. A state effort using a native sea urchin to combat invasive seaweed has reached a big milestone. More than a decade ago, the state established a sea urchin hatchery to control an algae that could kill coral reefs in Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

County to return 50K COVID-19 tests to state. Confusion surrounding a state donation of rapid COVID-19 test kits to the Big Island will not affect the county’s post-arrival testing program, officials say. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor honors Norman Sakata as living treasure marks 95 years. Sakata was recognized by Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth for his volunteer service, leadership capabilities and dedication to a life of community service on the Big Island as a spokesperson for the Kona coffee industry, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Lions Eye Bank of Hawaii, Lions Club of Kona, Red Cross and as a Scouts Explorer Advisor for the late astronaut Col. Ellison Onizuka. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County won’t tighten COVID-19 restrictions for now. Maui County does not plan to tighten restrictions amid a spike in cases connected to a new strain of COVID-19, though state and county officials are asking the community to remain diligent. Maui Now.

Enforcement Nets 68 Mask Citations on Maui. The Maui Police Department issued 68 citations for face mask violations between Feb. 27 and March 1. Maui Now.

$26M project would reduce Lahaina injection well use. Saying it will minimize the use of controversial injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility, the County of Maui is proposing $26 million in upgrades to the recycled water system. Maui News.

Maui Land narrows loss while it awaits land sale. Maui Land said disruptions to tourism on Maui because of COVID-19 hurt company revenue from real estate leases as well as a club membership program that contributed to revenue falling 25% to $7.5 million last year from $10 million the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauai to open doors to more tourists. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said Tuesday that he is seeking to rejoin the Safe Travels Hawaii program, which would make it unnecessary for Kauai’s out-of-state visitors to stay in a resort bubble or spend time on another Hawaiian Island to qualify for a quarantine exemption. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Restrictions eased for Honolulu gyms and restaurants, about half of inmates opt for vaccinations, businesses to get unemployment cost break, 1 in 3 Hawaii residents on Medicaid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii jail dorm ©2021 All Hawaii News

State says about half of Oahu, Maui inmates who qualify under 1B opted to get vaccinated. Inmates who qualify under 1B are those 75 and up and those who are at the highest risk of complications if they catch the virus. KHON2.

Hawaii businesses poised to receive unemployment insurance relief. With businesses throughout Hawaii poised to see big hikes in the amount they have to pay into the state fund for unemployment insurance, state lawmakers have sent a relief bill to Gov. David Ige that’s expected to significantly ease the burden. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Frustration over Hawaii’s jammed-up unemployment system prompts rally. About 200 people vented frustration and demanded help with Hawaii’s overwhelmed jobless benefits system Wednesday outside a closed unemployment office and the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Scammers likely made off with millions in fraudulent unemployment payments. Thousands of out-of-work people in Hawaii are still struggling to get unemployment benefits sorted out nearly a year into the COVID-19 economic crisis. This while scammers walk away with tens of millions — including in the names of people who never even filed a claim. KHON2.

1 in 3 Hawaii residents now on Medicaid after record-setting job losses. The number of Hawaii residents on Medicaid, the government’s health insurance program for low-income adults and children, has soared by 24% amid the pandemic as the state saw record-setting job losses. Hawaii News Now.

Broadband debate continues: Bills aimed at improving connectivity are running out of time in Legislature. Although a spate of broadband-related bills have been introduced in the state Legislature, only a few have gained traction. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Farmers Need Land. State Efforts To Help Aren’t Working. Providing small farmers land is key to producing more local food, but the state’s go-to model isn’t moving the needle. Civil Beat.

Senate confirms Max Otani to lead the Public Safety Department. The Hawaii Senate confirmed today Max Otani as the director of the Department of Public Safety for a term that expires Dec. 5, 2022. The department oversees the state’s prison and jails, as well as the state’s Narcotics Enforcement and Sheriff divisions. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians Have A Front Row Seat At The US Senate. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz gaveled in his first hearing as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee to address Native issues in Hawaii and the rest of the country. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Lawmakers to Bolster Native Hawaiian Burial Traditions With Modern Technology. Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering legislation to help the state’s funeral services industry accommodate traditional Hawaiian burial practices by using a technology known as water cremation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Feb. 24, 2021 COVID-19 Update: There were 50 new COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 16 on O‘ahu, 24 on Maui, two on Hawai‘i Island, one on Kaua‘i, and seven in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 deaths increased to 435 with four new deaths reported today–two on O‘ahu and two on Maui.  Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu gyms and restaurants navigate Tier 3 reopening at different paces. Restaurants and gyms can accommodate more people today, following Oahu’s move to Tier 3 of its reopening plan. However, establishments are handling the loosening of restrictions in different ways. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Here's the list of changes in tier three of O'ahu's reopening strategy. KITV4.

Honolulu police to shut down COVID-19 enforcement hotline this weekend. On the eve of Oahu moving into Tier 3, the Honolulu Police Department announces the closure of its COVID-19 hotline at the end of this month. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Health care company partners with nonprofit to vaccinate Native Hawaiian communities. Roughly 60% of adults over 75 have gotten at least one dose of protection, but access to vaccination sites are especially sparse on the west side of Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

CDC study examines best practices for fitness facilities following COVID-19 cluster as Hawaii gyms ease restrictions. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published Wednesday offers lessons learned from an Oahu cluster last summer traced to three fitness centers. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi looks at reviving Topgolf partnership at Ala Wai driving range. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he is looking at “picking up the baton” on a potential public-private partnership with Topgolf at the Ala Wai Golf Course and what it could mean for the city. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Union opposition keeps public works public: Public-private wastewater partnerships likely dead in Legislature. Faced with new federal regulations and crumbling infrastructure, Hawaii County pinned its hopes on the private sector to help bail it out of a growing wastewater problem. West Hawaii Today.

Aquarium trade reveals revised EIS for West Hawaii fishing. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has released a revised draft environmental impact statement with a new proposal to reopen West Hawaii’s coastal waters to commercial aquarium fishing. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Finfish Farm Hopes To Lead The Way In Sustainable Aquaculture. Blue Ocean Mariculture recently became the first U.S. operation certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County is Hawaii’s new COVID-19 infection hot spot. Maui County has become the new COVID-19 hot spot in Hawaii, sporting the state’s largest seven-day positivity rate Thursday and posting the largest number of daily cases for the second time in a week. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Health Aims to Administer 3,000 First Dose Vaccinations Next Week. Maui Health issued a vaccine update this afternoon saying they are nearly finished with rescheduling first dose appointments for the 5,000 individuals whose appointments were canceled because of lack of vaccine supply in January. Maui Now.

New cell tower approved near Waiehu Kou. The Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a new 40-foot-tall cellular tower along Kahekili Highway that spurred objections from some residents living in the Waiehu Kou subdivisions across from the project site. Maui News.

Airline ordered to pay $3 million to Maui family in wrongful death suit. A jury in Washington state has ordered Alaska Airlines to pay $3.2 million to the family of Bernice Kekona, a Kahakuloa woman who died just months after falling down an escalator in her wheelchair at the Portland International Airport in 2017. Maui News.

Kauai

County hoping for late spring reopening. The county doesn’t want to miss out on summer tourism because it’s not participating in the state’s Safe Travels program, County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig explained Wednesday. Garden Island.

75-plus now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. The County of Kaua’i started distributing COVID-19 vaccines to community members aged 75 and up starting Feb. 23, and three hospitals on the island have added extra vaccination dose days to their calendar. Garden Island.

Kauai County looking for nonprofit partner in coronavirus assistance program. The County of Kauai is looking for a nonprofit partner to administer a $22 million COVID-19 assistance program to help eligible households in the county with rental and utility costs. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua'i County will allow camping beginning in March. Mayor Derek Kawakami announced on Wednesday that the county will start allowing camping next month. KITV4.

Extended jobless benefits ready for rollout, gambling, guns, Sunshine Law debated in Legislature, study finds pandemic depressing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Turtles Face Grim Future, UH Researcher Says. Sea turtles in Hawaiʻi, as well as all turtles worldwide, face a “daunting future” due to climate change and other factors, a University of Hawaiʻi researchers says. Big Island Video News.

Schatz to serve as chairperson of Indian Affairs committee. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, will serve as chairperson. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, will be vice chairperson. Hawaii News Now.

Extended jobless benefits rollout starts Tuesday in Hawaii. The 11-week extension of the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program will begin rolling out Tuesday for about 68,000 potential claims in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  

The Fight Between Hawaii’s State Auditor And House Speaker Is Heating Up. State Auditor Les Kondo wants House Speaker Scott Saiki to suspend his review of his office’s operations. Civil Beat.

Senate Bills Reignite Gun Control Debate. Senate Bill 301, scheduled for a public hearing Friday morning would ban magazines that carry more than ten bullets at a time. KITV4.

Hawaiian Home Lands Commission might have 5 years to rule on gambling. The Hawaiian Home Lands Commission would have until Dec. 31, 2026 — more than five years — to figure out whether gambling is the best way to generate badly needed funds to clear the backlog of more than 28,000 Native Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries, under a revised bill scheduled to go back before the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

House Bill To Provide Relief to Struggling Hawaiʻi Businesses Moves Forward in State Legislature. The Hawai‘i State House of Representatives unanimously passed on its third reading House Bill 1278 HD1 and sent the bill, which provides relief to businesses, to the Senate for consideration and action. Maui Now.

Proposed ‘Sunshine Law’ exemption has hasty demise. A bill that would have all-but-exempted county councils from the state’s open meetings law, also known as the “Sunshine Law,” is essentially dead for this legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

How Hawaii Schools Are Teaching Kindness And Empathy In A Volatile World. The need for teaching kindness and civility became especially acute during ex-President Donald Trump’s turbulent term in the White House, say educators. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 pandemic harming mental health of Hawaii residents, especially young and lower-income people, survey reveals. The coronavirus is taking a toll on mental health — particularly for Hawaii’s young adults and lower-income residents with household earnings of less than $50,000. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 Tracking App Picks Up Speed. After another push, many more Hawaii residents have adopted smartphone technology that will notify them if they were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 11: 95 New COVID-19 Cases And 1 Death. Hawaii health officials reported 95 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, including 63 on Oahu, 19 on Maui, three on the Big Island, one on Molokai, and nine residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Koa Ridge medical complex plans clarified by developer. The developers of a planned medical complex at Koa Ridge said a hospital with 24-hour emergency care will be part of the project. Star-Advertiser.

EPA fines Kapolei refinery nearly $220K for chemical safety, hazardous waste violations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today that Par Hawaii Refining LLC has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $219,638 for violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act at its oil refining facilities in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has hired Tim Sakahara as his communications director, the city announced in a news release on Thursday. Sakahara, who begins work on Feb. 16, will be leaving his current job as communications director for the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Measure would help Aloha Stadium pay its bills to keep it open. Without a $1.5 million emergency appropriation from the legislature this session, Aloha Stadium might have to cease operations, lawmakers have been told. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Attorney continues seeking sanctions against council members. Although Charles Heaukulani was unsuccessful getting a court to stop the County Council’s Feb. 3 confirmation vote of Planning Director Zendo Kern, the Hilo attorney is pursuing his lawsuit alleging Sunshine Law violations by the council during committee-level deliberations. West Hawaii Today.

Highway bills pass Senate committee: $30 million proposed to widen Queen Kaahumanu, Kuakini Highways. A proposal to widen two stretches of highway in West Hawaii moved forward Thursday in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Water Treatment Operator Sues County Over Whistleblower Retaliation. The man says he lost his job after pointing out that a cleaning solution had spilled into the water supply in May. Civil Beat.

Panel defers affordable housing rule changes. Following the advice to wait until an upcoming affordable housing plan is considered, the Maui County Council Affordable Housing Committee put the brakes on a proposal that would have amended the county’s affordable housing rules. Maui News.

Unexploded Ordnance Found During Excavation in Wailea. As a precaution, surrounding residences were evacuated, and Hoʻomua Drive was temporarily closed. Maui Now.

COVID-19 Cluster at Maui Jail Now Includes 20 Inmates. The Maui Community Correctional Center now has 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases among inmates at the Wailuku facility.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Super support shown for Alekoko “Menehune” Fishpond. Thursday, the county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission moved in support of the acquisition of the fishpond with overwhelming support from residents and community stakeholders. Garden Island.

County announces holiday closures. In observance of Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 15, County of Kaua‘i offices will be closed, along with the Kekaha Landfill, all refuse transfer stations, the Puhi Metals Recycling Center, all HI-5 redemption centers, and all the neighborhood centers. Garden Island.

Ige extends eviction moratorium, discusses furloughs, budget cuts as economy slumps, Green urges vaccinations for 65+ starting March 1, fireworks bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery checkout workers in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

One In Five Hawaii Workers Are Unemployed, Underemployed, Or Have Quit Looking. Using the  broad assessment of the labor market called the U6 unemployment rate, almost 20% of Hawaii workers are not fully employed. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Saying ‘Labor Savings’ Are Still Needed, Ige Proposes Cuts To Pay, Benefits. The governor’s latest financial plan calls for $285 million in cuts to public employee costs over 2 years. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige says state worker furloughs still possible this year. The governor says Hawaii’s economy is showing signs of improvement. But, he’s once again bringing up the possibility of state worker furloughs as early as July. KHON2.

More optimistic budget revealed, furloughs still possible. Hawaii's financial future looks a little brighter. But the state still faces massive budget shortfalls, which may take until the end of 2024 for the island's economy to fully recover. KITV4.

Ige reduces budget cut for public schools. Gov. David Ige said Tuesday that coronavirus relief aid from the U.S. government and better-than-expected tax revenues have prompted him to reduce the size of budget cuts he has proposed for public schools. Associated Press.

Projected Budget Shortfall Reduced: Furloughs, Pay cuts Remain on Horizon. More money is flowing into Hawai‘i from federal coffers and a moderately buoyed tourism industry, which Governor David Ige said will lessen both the extent and sting of budget cuts his administration proposed in December. Big Island Now.

Governor Ige Updates Hawaii Financial Future. Governor David Ige on Tuesday held a news conference to talk about the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19 in the state. Big Island Video News.

Stabilizing Or Stalling? State Officials Explain Why Hawaii’s Recovery Plan Will Take 2 Years. The governor’s economic development leaders say they want to carefully craft a plan that will hold up for the long term. But legislative leaders aren’t convinced. Civil Beat.

Governor announces $200M program for housing, utility assistance. Gov. David Ige said the state will expand its rental assistance program for families hard hit by the pandemic by another $200 million. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige to extend eviction moratorium 2 more months. The statewide moratorium on residential evictions would be extended for another two months in a COVID-19 emergency proclamation that Gov. David Ige plans to issue this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Bill Would Ban Side Gigs For Hawaii Lieutenant Governors. Last year, lawmakers passed a similar ban on outside employment for county mayors and the governor. Civil Beat.

Bill seeks to lower blood-alcohol content to 0.05. A senate bill introduced by the Committee of Transportation seeks to lower the threshold for drunken driving from the legal limit for a blood-alcohol level of .08 to .05. This would put Hawaii as the second state to do so--after Utah did in 2018. KITV4.

Three fireworks bills clear committee. The state House Consumer Protection Committee on Tuesday unanimously passed three of four fireworks-related bills. Tribune-Herald. KHON2. KITV4.

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Vaccinate 65 and older, Lt. Gov. Josh Green urges. Green is recommending Gov. David Ige make the policy change to speed up immunizations for the lower-priority group as the federal government considers approving a single-dose vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, which could ease vaccine shortages across the nation. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 9: 37 New COVID-19 Infections. Hawaii health officials reported 37 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including 24 on Oahu, seven on Maui, three on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Commission Is At A Crossroads. Almost a year after national protests demanded increased accountability for police, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has an important decision to make: his first appointment to the Honolulu Police Commission. Civil Beat.

How About A Casino In Waikiki? There’s A Bill For That. A proposal similar to ones introduced in past legislative sessions — but which always perish — again has life at the Hawaii Legislature: a casino in Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Bill would place historical markers at 9 sites to honor Barack Obama. State Sen. Stanley Chang is seeking once again to honor significant sites in the life of Hawaii-born President Barack Obama with historical markers. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige casts doubt on new Aloha Stadium with comments. Governor David Ige declared Tuesday at his press conference that he’d prefer the state put money into the upkeep of the current stadium. KHON2.

Makaha Valley resort developer is headed for liquidation. A company that has been trying to turn Makaha Valley into a resort with help from golf legend Tiger Woods has filed for bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

New clinic ensures Pacific Islander community has access to COVID vaccine. The organization “We Are Oceania” teamed up with Kalihi-Palama Health Center to launch a COVID vaccination clinic at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Interest among the community surpassed anticipated demand. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Keck Observatory astronomers win prestigious science prize. A historic feat — successfully zeroing in on the precise location of a non-repeating fast radio burst — has earned the highest recognition from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui’s vaccination clinics to begin first doses again. Maui’s main COVID-19 vaccination sites will once again administer first doses, with Maui Memorial Medical Center set to begin this week and the state Department of Health site at the University of Hawaii Maui College starting next week. Maui News.

Maui County Council urging Legislature to legalize, regulate, tax cannabis. The Maui County Council announced on Tuesday, Feb. 9, it is urging the Hawaii State Legislature to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis for responsible adult-use due to the economic and social benefits that the process would bring. KHON2.

Ho‘olehua Post Office Reopens Today. The facility had been temporarily closed since last Wednesday due to structural concerns. It was cleared for operational use after a thorough assessment by a structural engineer. Maui Now.

REALTORS® Association of Maui’s January 2021 Report Shows Strong Housing Market. Median Sales Price increased 26 percent to $980,000 for Single Family homes but decreased 0.4 percent to $560,000 for Condominium homes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Proposal To Scrap Kauai’s Two-Test Protocol For Arriving Travelers Advances. Measure introduced by House Speaker Scott Saiki would prevent Kauai from requiring the extra test. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hanapepe bridge closed until further notice. According to consultants, the closure is required pending repair to the bridge’s structural support system. Garden Island.

Destruction of Kauai state park raises concerns from state, Native Hawaiians. Sand dunes at Kauai’s Polihale State Park have been destroyed by vehicles, raising concern for safety, state officials said. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Curbside recycling topic of Zoom presentation today. The 2021 Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum presents “The Case for Curbside Recycling on Kaua‘i” via Zoom, today at 6 p.m. Garden Island.

Coronavirus vaccine shortage hits Hawaii, lawmakers mull lottery, cigarette tax hike, $12 minimum wage, Oahu restaurant inspections suspended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green administers coronavirus vaccine in this Dec. 29, 2020, courtesy photo

 Lack of supply slows coronavirus vaccinations in Hawaii. Hawaii’s mass COVID-19 immunization sites are putting the brakes on new appointments, at least for the next few weeks, as vaccine supplies remain limited across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Second vaccine shots for large group of seniors could limit distribution of first doses. Hawaii seniors 75 and older who got COVID vaccines at large distribution sites in Hawaii will soon get their second doses and that’s putting a squeeze on supplies. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige in no rush to grant vaccinated travelers easy entry. Gov. David Ige said he’s cautious about loosening air travel restrictions for people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, noting that the science is still unclear as to whether the vaccine hampers transmission of the virus. Star-Advertiser.

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Stabilizing Or Stalling? State Officials Explain Why Hawaii’s Recovery Plan Will Take 2 Years. The governor’s economic development leaders say they want to carefully craft a plan that will hold up for the long term. But legislative leaders aren’t convinced. Civil Beat.

Outlook brightens for Hawaii economy. The prospect of more vaccinated tourists visiting the state, perhaps under a corona­virus vaccine passport program, could mean Hawaii visitor arrivals will bounce back to around half their record 2019 level, or more, by summer and continue rising in the second half of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Economists hope new federal funds will further boost Hawaii’s economic recovery. Any boost in funding from the federal government is likely to speed up Hawaii’s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

A State Lottery For Hawaii? Lawmakers Are Thinking About It. A hearing is set this week on a bill that proposes using revenue for public education. Civil Beat.

Proposed Cigarette Tax Increase Advances At Legislature. Lawmakers consider a bill to increase the state tax from 16 cents per cigarette to 21 cents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii legislators could boost minimum wage to $12 next year. A bill to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage to $12 in July 2022 passed unanimously out of its first committee Monday, with more than 180 individuals and groups testifying in favor, most saying it should be much higher. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Proposes $12 Minimum Wage By 2022. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday took a preliminary step toward increasing the minimum wage to $12 by July 2022. Civil Beat.

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It Will Take 18 Months To Overhaul Hawaii’s Outdated Unemployment System. The state labor department made a deal to replace an antiquated mainframe but it won’t help with the current wave of claims. Civil Beat.

State Unemployment System Flounders As Thousands Await Late Payments. Although Congress extended jobless benefits in late December, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ out-of-date computer system has created delays in processing certain claims. As a result, thousands of Hawaii residents have gone more than a month without unemployment benefits. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Should Hawaii governors pick their LG? Hawaii is one of only a few states where instead of the nominee for Governor picking their runningmate, both Governor and Lt. Governor are elected in separate primaries, and are then forced together on the same ticket in the November general election. State Rep. Patrick Branco (D-Kailua) has introduce legislation to change that. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate Advances Asset Forfeiture Reform Measure. Gov. David Ige vetoed a similar proposal in 2019 over worries that it would hinder law enforcement operations. Civil Beat.

FAA to install weather cameras in Hawaii to help guide pilots. A project to install 23 weather cameras throughout Hawaii is underway. KHON2.

Hawaii Wants To Form A Defense Industry ‘Alliance’ For Local Businesses. Hawaii officials want to form a new organization to get more local businesses in on lucrative defense contracts — and to find ways to use military money to grow other sectors of the state’s economy. Civil Beat.

Feds Consider Paintballs And Sponge Grenades To Thwart Endangered Monk Seals. Federal officials are weighing whether fishers should be allowed to shoot paintballs and fire sponge grenades at critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals to stop them from damaging their fishing gear, stealing their catch or compromising safety. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 8: 33 New COVID-19 Infections. Hawaii health officials reported 33 new COVID-19 cases on Monday including 21 on Oahu, three on the Big Island, seven on Maui, and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi happy with low case counts but warns residents to stay vigilant. The Hawai'i State Department of Health has reported 33 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the statewide total to 26,500. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige believes Aloha Stadium still usable. Gov. David Ige questioned the wisdom of spending $350 million for a successor to Aloha Stadium and suggested the state invest further in the repair and maintenance of the deteriorating facility to keep it usable for the University (of Hawaii) for many, many years to come. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Food Safety Branch suspends in-person inspections until staff is vaccinated. The Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch manager on Oahu decided to halt in-person food establishment inspections and complaints until his 21 staff members are vaccinated. KHON2.

Finances grim for Chinese developer who owns much of Makaha Valley. The Chinese developer that acquired the Makaha Valley Country Club and hundreds of acres of land in the valley nine years ago has filed for bankruptcy protection. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown businesses see sales rise even as public Chinese New Year celebrations cancelled. Chinese New Year is on Friday, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents will be ushering in the year of the ox without many celebrations. However, even without the big parade or the street festival this year, Chinatown businesses are seeing some good fortune in the days leading up to Chinese New Year. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth returns to work after heart attack. Hawaii County’s newly elected mayor returned to work today after making a recovery from a Jan. 9 heart attack in Kona. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kohala coastline tops PONC priority list. Seven of the top 10 priority land preservation purchases recommended by a county board are in North Kohala, according to a report the administration has submitted to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The president and CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce took issue Monday with House Speaker Scott Saiki’s statement a week ago that the University of Hawaii should no longer manage Maunakea, and it should cease its work to extend the master lease. Tribune-Herald.

Rare turtles rescued in Ka‘u. A rare nest of olive ridley sea turtles was discovered last week in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Sears closing after 36 years in Hilo mall. Prince Kuhio Plaza might seek a new tenant after Sears, one of the mall’s oldest stores, closes later this year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii Officially Gets Its First Space Force Guardians. The six officers were sworn in during a ceremony last week on Maui. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Senate Judiciary Votes to Recommend Consent to Two Maui Judicial Appointments. The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to recommend that the Senate consent to the judicial appointments of Christopher Dunn to the District Court of the Second Circuit and James Rouse to the District Family Court of the Second Circuit. Maui Now.

Kauai

Open Space Commission to discuss Menehune Fishpond. The county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission will meet for the first time in almost a year on Thursday to discuss the potential acquisition of the Alakoko “Menehune” Fishpond. Garden Island.

American AgCredit pledges $2 million to support GoFarm Hawai‘i. The American AgCredit pledge of $2 million over a five-year period is good for Hawai‘i as a state, said Eric Hanson, the GoFarm Hawai‘i Kaua‘i program coordinator. Garden Island.

Legislature takes up gambling, marijuana bills as businesses struggle, Hawaii football a drain on university finances, coffee farm hit with COVID-19 cluster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coffee beans drying in the Hawaii sun ©2021 All Hawaii News

Short Term Rental Operators Are Exiting The Market Amid Recession And Legal Restrictions. The number of properties listed as short term vacation rentals has declined by as much as half compared to pre-pandemic levels, but the numbers may be deceiving. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii businesses continue to suffer amid pandemic and fear recovery is a long way off. A new “Pulse of Business Survey” by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and Omnitrak shows island companies face a long road to recovery that they expect will extend into April 2022. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Kill Bill To Improve Care At Veterans And Nursing Homes. Healthcare administrators argued the bill, drafted in response to the deadly outbreak last year at a Hilo facility, could make healthcare slower. Civil Beat.

Hearings set for gambling bills: Casino legislation still alive; lotteries also proposed for Hawaii. In a year where an economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has the government scrambling for revenue, a pair of gambling-related bills — usually a nonstarter in the state Legislature — are scheduled for hearings. Tribune-Herald.

Interisland medical cannabis transport bill back. A measure authorizing qualifying patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for personal use that was passed by the 2019 Legislature and subsequently vetoed by Gov. David Ige is back before lawmakers. West Hawaii Today.

‘Stand Your Ground’ proposal stirs debate at state Legislature. There’s considerable debate at the state Legislature this session on whether to pursue passage of a so-called “Stand Your Ground” law in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State Auditor: Protect The Agency’s Independence. State Auditor Les Kondo is questioning the authority of a task force created by House Speaker Scott Saiki to obtain confidential personnel and other records from the auditor’s office. Star-Advertiser.

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State’s outdated unemployment computer system to get a $10M overhaul.  The state plans to replace its dated and overwhelmed unemployment computer system, which has been blamed on payment delays amid the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment tax shocks hit claimants; employers next unless fixes pass at Capitol. Some recipients of unemployment payments are facing sticker shock as they realize they now owe taxes on that money, and in some cases, they owe money back to the State. KHON2.

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Hawaii’s COVID-19 Tracking App Is Falling Short. Only 80,000 users have downloaded AlohaSafe Alert, about half the amount developers say is needed to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

State now has 30 sites distributing COVID vaccine to kupuna, essential workers. While there’s been lots of press about two mass vaccination sites on Oahu, you’ve probably heard a lot less about smaller vaccination clinics in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Infections and hospitalizations are dropping in Hawaii as more people get inoculated. Hawaii has distributed more than 180,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and that appears to be slowing infections, according to the head of the hospital association. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 4: 107 New COVID-19 Infections And 2 Deaths. The cases included 80 on Oahu, six on Hawaii island, 16 on Maui and five residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bills aim to clarify Honolulu rail vote confusion. Questions over voting issues that loom over the rail project’s governing board — which have affected at least two recent, high-profile votes and brought the board to inaction over other issues — are intended to be resolved under various bills moving through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan Joins HART. He’ll oversee a public relations program whose costs he sought to reduce as the council’s budget chairman. Civil Beat.

Health Department hears case over Red Hill fuel tanks. The Hawaii Department of Health is near completing a five-day contested case hearing that challenges the Navy’s permit application to operate its Red Hill fuel storage facility. KHON2.

University of Hawaii football games in Manoa seen costing $400K annually. That’s the estimate of expenses exceeding revenues for temporarily shifting Rainbow Warrior football games to the University of Hawaii’s flagship campus from longtime home Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 Cluster Identified at Coffee Farm in Kona. Out of about 100 employees, 18 workers were diagnosed with the coronavirus, Steve Bader, executive assistant from the Mayor’s Office, told Hawai‘i County Council’s Governmental Operations, Relations and Economic Development Committee. Big Island Now. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

‘Fight COVID With COVID’ Blood Drive Coming to Kona. The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i has planned a Big Island blood drive this month to replenish its stores of blood and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma. Big Island Now.

Maui

County cites rent savings in possible building purchase. Maui News parcel would provide office space as well as equity for county. Maui News.

MCCC dealing with first case of COVID-19. Thirteen Maui Community Correctional Center inmates have been placed in medical isolation and 90 inmates are on quarantine status while undergoing precautionary COVID-19 testing, after one inmate tested positive for COVID-19 at the Wailuku jail, the state Department of Public Safety reported Wednesday. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Haleakala National Park reopens after winter storm brings snow to Maui summit. Haleakala National Park announced it has reopened its summit district following a temporary closure at 4 p.m. Wednesday due to wintry conditions. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

State bill addresses irrigation management. The East Kaua‘i irrigation system can serve more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land from Lihu‘e to Kapa‘a, about 300 of which are in active crop production by local farmers. Garden Island.

Hawaii GOP chair resigns in QAnon Twitter backlash, Court: Mauna Kea police presence warranted, unemployment snags persist, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Republican Party Chairwoman Shirlene Ostrov via LinkedIn

Hawaii GOP chair resigns following backlash over tweets defending QAnon followers. The head of Hawaii’s Republican Party is stepping down. The party announced late Sunday that Shirlene Ostrov resigned after four years as chair. Hawaii News Now.

Who’s Leading The Hawaii House GOP? Nobody Knows. The four minority members are split 2-2 on who should represent the chamber. Meanwhile, the party’s chair has resigned over controversial tweets. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii telework bill among measures backed by the Women’s Legislative Caucus. Government workers would be given greater flexibility over their work schedules under a bill that would require all state departments to come up with telework and alternative work schedule policies. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

‘Overpayment’ Reviews Causing Latest Delays To Hawaii Jobless Benefits. Many locals, still unemployed in the pandemic, are getting stuck as they try to secure extended benefits from federal COVID-relief packages. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State Health Department Is Mum On Former Epidemiologist’s Departure. The department says that Dr. Sarah Park, criticized for her leadership during the pandemic, left the department the last day of 2020. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s electricity most expensive in the nation, but tax credit extension could help. Rooftop solar installations in Hawaii were up 55% in 2020, despite the economic turmoil brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Can You Make Money Being A Farmer In Hawaii? Often lost amid the talk of growing more food in Hawaii is that Hawaii’s biggest crops aren’t foods eaten here, but things grown mainly to export. According to the UDSA, the state’s three biggest cash crops in 2017 were seed crops, coffee and macadamia nuts. The seed crops, mostly corn shipped to farmers elsewhere, were valued at $120.8 million; macadamia nuts, $53.9 million and coffee, $43.8 million. Civil Beat.

Some Expectant Mothers In Hawaii Are Steering Clear Of Hospitals During the Pandemic. Midwives say they’ve been so busy that they’ve sometimes had to turn away clients. Civil Beat.

Officials discuss various ways vaccinations are happening in Hawaii. There are four major ways the state Department of Health is working to get COVID-19 vaccines out to the public, state Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char told lawmakers last week during a joint informational briefing with the House Committee on Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness and the state Senate Committee on Health. Tribune-Herald.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 31: 82 New COVID-19 Infections And 3 Deaths. Sunday’s cases included 59 on Oahu, nine on Maui, 10 on the Big Island and four residents diagnosed out of state. Two of the deaths were on Oahu and one was on Maui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Looking to revitalize Oahu’s economy, Honolulu mayor considers easing restrictions. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is looking to loosen restrictions on bars, restaurants, and youth sports. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Beat Sues Honolulu Police To Make Officer Overtime Data Public. Honolulu Civil Beat filed a lawsuit Friday to get data from the Honolulu Police Department on the amount of overtime each officer has worked in the past five years. Civil Beat.

State seeks innovative ways to finance and build new OCCC. State officials are asking construction contractors, financiers and investors around the world to come up with innovative ways to pay for and build a new, cost-effective and efficient Oahu Community Correctional Center that would ideally provide a template for future state construction. Star-Advertiser.

DOCARE Academy’s first cohort of graduates is ready to serve. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has added 12 new Conservation and Resource Enforcement officers to its team due to a new collaboration with Honolulu Community College. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore wind farm settlement offers added funding, protections for endangered species. The operator of the Kawailoa Wind farm in the hills above Waimea Bay has agreed to pay for greater protections for endangered species as part of a contested case hearing settlement announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

OHA trustees launch new effort to develop Kakaako Makai property. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday took the first step toward kick-starting the stalled development of its waterfront holdings in Kakaako, valued at $200 million. Star-Advertiser.

Kailua’s Kawainui Marsh to undergo major 2-year restoration. An East Oahu wetland is getting some much-needed improvements thanks to a new restoration effort. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu developer takes plunge into COVID-tinged housing market. The developer of a planned twin-tower condominium project near Ala Moana Center is preparing to sell units after holding off last year because of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Appellate court affirms police presence on Maunakea. Hawaii County Police Chief Paul Ferreira had the legal authority to request police officers from other counties to help maintain order on Maunakea during 2019 protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, the state Intermediate Court of Appeals said Wednesday in an opinion upholding a ruling by 3rd Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto. West Hawaii Today.

Change in opinion: HPD to comply with Act 47, ID officers fired, suspended for misconduct. A day after stating the Hawaii Police Department would not submit until court-ordered the names of officers suspended or fired for misconduct, pursuant to a law that went into effect last fall, the county has changed its stance. West Hawaii Today.

Planning for the future; Proposed capital improvements measure includes bond funding for HMC expansion project. A proposed expansion of Hilo Medical Center is a capital improvement priority for one local legislator. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would allow luxury property owners choice to send tax money to county or charity. The tax, approved last year, imposes $13.60 tax per thousand dollars worth of property value over $2 million for property in the residential category, compared to $11.10 in tax per thousand for the portion of the property under $2 million. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Harbor Lights COVID-19 cluster is now ‘stablilized’. Residents, community groups band together to assist complex. Maui News.

Five Maui Coast workers test positive for virus. Five employees at the Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei have tested positive for COVID-19, though three have already recovered and are back at work and the other two are expected to return shortly, according to the hotel’s general manager. Maui News.

County considers purchase of Maui News property. Maui County is considering the purchase of a 6.3-acre parcel that includes The Maui News offices in Wailuku. Maui News.

Kauai

Council passes enhanced shoreline-setback ordinance. The county Planning Department isn’t completely satisfied with new additions to the county’s shoreline-setback ordinance that were recently passed through the Kaua‘i County Council. Garden Island.

County requests proposed Westside beach access bill be modified. A hearing notice proposing a pilot permit program at Polihale State Park and Kekaha Beach Park to allow for beach driving was the first time the County of Kaua‘i heard of such a proposal. Garden Island.

Inmates to get $1200 stimulus, Honolulu maintains existing COVID-19 restrictions, coffee leaf rust hits two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii jail dorm ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Inmates Can Now File For $1200 Federal Stimulus Checks. A federal court in California has ruled that prison and jail inmates are eligible to receive federal stimulus payments under the $2.2 trillion federal CARES Act, and Hawaii corrections officials are now distributing forms for prisoners to use to file for the payments. Civil Beat.

CARES Act Funding Lifted Hawaii Residents’ Incomes. The state Council on Revenues projects total personal income will actually increase by 5% this year but decline by 4% next year. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court Rejects Suit Seeking Prompt Payments For Hawaii’s Jobless. The Hawaii Supreme Court has rejected a class-action lawsuit that tried to spur faster action from the state’s labor department on thousands of outstanding unemployment claims. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Lawmaker Spent Years Obstructing Vaping Regulation While Receiving Thousands From Big Tobacco. As youth vaping rates surged, powerful state lawmaker Sylvia Luke repeatedly held up anti-vaping laws while accepting nearly $20,000 in campaign contributions from tobacco companies and lobbyists. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public access: Legislation in the works to allow more online participation in government. If a global pandemic can even have a silver lining, it’s this: Public access to state and local government meetings has never been easier, especially for neighbor island residents. West Hawaii Today.

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7 out of 10 patients in Hawaii hospitalized with COVID-19 are being treated with a drug called Remdesivir. Remdesivir is the same drug that was used help fight the Ebola virus between 2014 and 2016. KITV4.

Hawaii tourism struggles to gain momentum. In the second week of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program, visitor arrivals fell 25% compared with the first week.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii resorts plan for more visitors, fewer jobs. Hawaii hotels are slowly reopening, but they are also converting some temporary furloughs into permanent layoffs. Hawaii News Now.

Lessons learned from first two weeks of the state's Safe Travels platform. Since Hawaii's pre-travel testing program started two weeks ago, data from the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services shows more than 110,000 people have come to the islands. KITV4.

More than 83,000 flew to Hawaii since Oct. 15. Since the state reopened to tourism on Oct. 15, the number of trans-Pacific air arrivals has more than quadrupled the total for all of September. Tribune-Herald.

Post-arrival surveillance testing finds a handful of Hawaii travelers with COVID-19. A handful of trans-Pacific travelers have tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in the islands, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 data analyst projects spike from Halloween could come around Nov. 15. Experts say coronavirus case averages have been consistent over the past few weeks, but all it takes is one event without masks or social distancing for cases to spike. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 29: 77 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases include 60 on Oahu, eight on Hawaii island, one on Kauai and two on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Despite encouraging trend, Oahu won’t see any loosening of COVID-19 restrictions for weeks. In recent weeks Honolulu’s coronavirus numbers have been slowly declining even as the pandemic has started to rage on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor announces requirements for O'ahu to possibly move into Tier Three in third week of November. Oahu's recovery plan could potentially move into Tier Three in the third week of November if the average number of COVID-19 cases per day remain low. KITV4.

Decision on Malaekahana housing plan again postponed. The community has for years been heatedly divided on language in the proposed revised plan that would allow for up to 200 residential units on 50 acres of undeveloped land that straddles Laie and Malaekahana. Star-Advertiser.

State says Kaaawa homeowner who chopped down trees fronting shoreline had no permit; neighbors are outraged. Conflict is brewing on Oahu’s North Shore after a homeowner illegally chopped down multiple trees along the coastline in Kaaawa, creating concerns among residents about erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Coffee leaf rust hits Hawaii Island. A sample of a rust fungus collected at a residence in Hilo has been tentatively identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Hilo as coffee leaf rust. West Hawaii Today.

Data-Collecting Vehicle Sensors Installed On East Hawaii Highways. The connected vehicle sensors anonymously collect data from Bluetooth-enabled devices in passing vehicles, and calculate travel times between units in order to optimize traffic signal timing, HDOT says. Big Island Video News.

Fairmont Orchid to Reopen in Mid-November. The reopening includes guest services as well as food and beverage venues, including Brown’s Beach House, Hale Kai, Brown’s Deli, and Spa Without Walls. Big Island Now.

Maui

Single Positive COVID-19 Result Out of 700 Participants in Maui Post-Arrival Voluntary Test. More than 700 participants have taken COVID-19 tests as part of the County of Maui’s free voluntary post-arrival testing program, which started Oct. 17. Maui Now.

Coffee leaf rust threatens Hawaii’s coffee industry. A notorious new pest has landed on Maui, and coffee growers across the islands fear the plant disease could devastate — and maybe even transform — the $54 million industry in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State alleges company violated stream-flow levels. Wailuku Water Co., which owns a water delivery system used for Maui County drinking water, was given notice recently for failing to meet state standards for in-stream flows on three Na Wai ‘Eha waterways in the West Maui Mountains. Maui News.

Ka‘ahumanu Avenue Community Corridor Project Announced. Maui County residents are invited to participate in a study to create a new vision for the roadway corridor along Ka‘ahumanu Avenue and Main Street in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kollar: All must obey virus rules. Eight of the 14 people arrested on Kaua’i for allegedly violating the 14-day mandatory quarantine since the state’s reopening were out-of-state visitors. Garden Island.