Hawaii residents want tourism limits, former Honolulu police chief begins prison, COVID-19 outbreak at Hilo jail, Manoa Falls trail to reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourists, pre-COVID in Honolulu ©2021 All Hawaii News

  Hawaii residents support limits on tourism, a survey finds. As island tourism continues to rebound heading into summer, a new survey of residents finds support for better regulation of tourism, including more government controls that could lead to limiting numbers at popular destinations across the state and charging higher user fees to offset tourists’ impact across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Vacation Rentals Continue To See High Demand, But Regulations Create Uncertain Future. Vacation rentals again outperformed hotels in occupancy rate for the month of April. That's according to a recent report from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority tracking the monthly performance vacation rental units in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pentagon again denies funding for $1.9 billion Hawaii radar. Funding for the $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar- Hawaii has again been zeroed out in the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s proposed budget — a position that reflects evolving and competing defense priorities and could set up another challenge in Congress. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii is chosen for NOAA research institute. The University of Hawaii will receive up to $210 million over five years to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s new Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, it was announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

New incentives push Hawaiian Electric toward more clean energy. A portfolio of incentives that went into effect today will guide Hawaiian Electric as it operates under a new business model that emphasizes Hawaii’s clean energy goals. Star-Advertiser.

In rare move, lawmakers voted to eliminate job of well-paid university professor. Prof. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel has worked at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center for more than two decades, earning more than $300,000 a year. Hawaii News Now.

June 1, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 56 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 24 on O‘ahu (+6 probable); 19 on Hawai‘i Island; two on Maui (+1 probable); three on Kaua‘i; and two cases in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Federal funding leaves Honolulu budget in limbo. The Honolulu City Council is expected to decide on a budget today, although it has not yet been finalized how the $196 million in federal funds Oahu is expected to receive from the American Rescue Plan Act will be spent. Star-Advertiser.

Alternatives To The Last Honolulu Rail Leg? HART Releases A ‘Matrix’ Of Ideas. The FTA says it “will discuss all possible options” amid rail’s latest, massive cost increases and schedule delays. Civil Beat.

Ex-HPD chief begins 7-year prison sentence for crimes he now denies. Louis Kealoha is now a federal prison inmate. The ex-police chief of Honolulu surrendered at a facility in Sheridan, Oregon on Tuesday as ordered by a judge to begin serving a seven-year term. Hawaii News Now.

Assistant Chief Rade Vanic takes over as interim Honolulu police chief. The state’s largest law enforcement agency welcomed an interim leader Tuesday, announced the retirement of its second in command and began looking for qualified candidates to serve as Honolulu’s 12th police chief. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Tier 4 to increase capacity at restaurants but more workers are needed to meet demand. Mayor Rick Blangiardi sent a request to the governor to move into Tier Four, and a decision on that is expected to be announced this week. KHON2.

Oahu Neighborhood Board Election Winners Announced. This year, 495 candidates filed to run, and 402 were elected, the office said. Over 26,000 people voted, mostly online. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Popular Manoa Falls Trail to reopen on Saturday. The popular Manoa Falls Trail is set to reopen this Saturday after being closed for nearly two years for safety improvements, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Board Of Water Supply Keeps Shutoff Suspension Through July 31. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply will not shut off its customers' water if they can’t pay their water and sewer bills through July 31. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Coronavirus cases rise at HCCC: Total of 77 inmates, 9 staff members infected. A COVID-19 outbreak at Hawaii Community Correctional Center has grown to include 77 inmates and nine staff members, the state Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Updated COVID-19 Emergency Rules For Hawaii County. Rule No. 15 “opens commercial boating capacity to 100 percent, increases attendance at sporting events to 75 persons outdoors and 25 indoors, and defers all travel policies to the state’s Safe Travels program,” the Office of the Mayor says. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Planning Department outlines plan to fill CDP committees. Many of the citizen boards charged with advising the county on planning issues are getting by with holdover members whose terms have expired, and two don’t have enough members to make quorum, but progress is being made, Planning Department staff told a County Council panel Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

AT&T wants to place 5G tower on Saddle Road. Telecommunications company AT&T is seeking to erect a cell tower on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway about 13 miles from Waikoloa Village. Tribune-Herald.

Committee accepts statue donation, favors new location. After previously rejecting it in March, a Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday accepted the donation of a statue at Liliuokalani Gardens with the stipulation that it be moved. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County COVID testing program receives award. Maui County was recognized for its community-based COVID-19 testing programs with an achievement award in the health category from the National Association of Counties. Maui News.

Presentation: “Purifying Kīhei’s Wastewater with 
Green Infrastructure as an Alternative to Injection Wells,” June 9. Three new low cost, low energy, pilot green infrastructure systems that will be constructed in Kīhei this summer to purify water coming out of the Kīhei Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be the topic of a free Zoom presentation by Paul Sturm, Executive Director of Ridge to Reefs, on Wednesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

An Explosion Of Green Parakeets Is Causing Big Problems On Kauai. Wild rose-ringed parakeets feast on fruit and corn crops, screech noisily and attract rats. Civil Beat.

Corteva Agriscience leases unused greenhouses. A collaborative community network is using 11 shade houses being leased to The Monkey Pod, a Kaua‘i nonprofit that was registered in 2017 to support and grow sustainable communities through agriculture. Garden Island.

Lawmakers focus on farmers, counties struggle with vacation rental laws, Mauna Kea working group comes together as TMT gets nod for runoff permit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

Bill would require 10% of Hawaii-bought produce to be local. The legislation, if approved by Ige, would mandate that a minimum of 10% of produce purchased by state departments be grown locally by 2025. That percentage requirement would increase every five years to 50% by 2050. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s Food Hubs Find Strength In Numbers. A group of food hubs came together to support legislation that would win them new access to grant money. The bill failed, but the networking is paying off. Food hubs are distribution networks that buy, market and sell local ingredients to grocers, schools, food banks, small businesses and families, while allowing local farmers to concentrate on farming. Civil Beat.

First HUD 184 Mortgage Loan Prequalification Issued to a Farmer on Hawaiian Home Lands. The first loan prequalification has been issued to a native Hawaiian farm lessee under the HUD 184a mortgage program specifically enacted by Congress 20 years ago for Hawaiian Home Land properties, according to the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations. Maui Now.

Lawmakers plan to use half of federal relief funds to bail out Hawaii businesses. After weeks of saying the newest round of federal relief funds can’t be used to cover tax breaks of any kind, including relief for low-income workers and the unemployed, state lawmakers are now poised to use nearly half of the $1.6 billion allocated to the state under the American Rescue Plan Act to provide tax relief to Hawaii businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislators look ahead to a more ambitious 2022 session. With the 31st Hawaii State Legislature scheduled to adjourn Thursday, some lawmakers are already looking to the 2022 session to push ahead on issues that appear stalled this year, including raising the minimum wage, doing more on climate change and affordable housing, expanding broadband service, diversifying the isle economy and perhaps legalizing recreational marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers advance bill permitting traditional Hawaiian burial practices. State lawmakers have advanced a bill to the brink of potential passage in an effort to allow burials that are consistent with the Hawaiian cultural tradition of interring only the bones of the dearly departed. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Banning Balloon Releases Sent to Governor's Desk. A bill prohibiting intentional balloon releases passed through the state Legislature last week and has been sent to Governor David Ige's desk. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.

Campaign Finance Records Suggest An Easy Reelection Bid For Brian Schatz. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz recently announced his 2022 reelection campaign. He already has more than $3 million in the bank for it. Civil Beat.

Reserved areas for residents-only: HTA asks communities to consider new ideas for tourism. Reserving areas for residents-only on the weekends. It’s an idea brought up by the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. HTA says it has been talking to residents in every county as part of its community-based tourism program. KHON2.

Hawaii’s prekindergarten classes lauded for quality not quantity. Hawaii’s public prekindergarten program got top marks for quality in a new national report, one of only six states to do so, but ranked near the bottom for how many 4-year-olds it reaches. Star-Advertiser.

Marine Corps rotation to Australia continues amid COVID concerns. Hawaii is sending more Marines to Australia this year as part of an annual rotational deployment intended to increase combat capability west of the international date line as a counter to China and while the Corps tries to keep a lid on COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Some Pacific Islanders Hit Hardest By COVID-19 Can’t Get Federal Aid For Burials. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said she is working to extend the help to citizens of nations in compacts with the U.S., some of whom face crippling costs for burials. Civil Beat.

Hawaii To Resume Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Safety Review. Federal health officials said the one-shot vaccine was “safe and effective” in preventing COVID-19 despite the rare risk of blood clots. Civil Beat. Maui News.

April 25, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 122 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 98 on O‘ahu, 12 on Maui, six on Hawai‘i Island, three on Kaua‘i, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu puts vacation rental registration program on hold. The City and County of Honolulu has pressed pause on the start of a registration process for vacation rentals on Oahu following concerns raised at a public hearing on the process earlier this month. Pacific Business News.

City Council considers measure that would create a progressive residential property tax. A proposal before the City Council would expand the tiers for property taxes on investment properties to allow for five different property tax rates to be applied as a property’s value increases. Star-Advertiser.

Change in use of force policy preceded two fatal Honolulu police shootings. The Honolulu Police Department’s revised use of force policy that went into effect this month is being tested by separate investigations into two fatal shootings of unarmed suspects by police officers that have renewed calls for transparency, led to a wrongful death lawsuit and pushed Honolulu further into the national debate over how far police officers may go to keep the community safe. Star-Advertiser.

The ‘Mauka Shift’ Could Solve Rail’s Utility Woes. Why Did It Happen So Late? HART’s inability to relocate utilities along Dillingham is central to rail’s latest staggering cost spikes. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers approve funds needed for red light enforcement camera program to move ahead. A legislative conference committee has approved an additional $2 million for a program aimed at catching motorists who run red lights at intersections. Hawaii News Now.

New Aloha Stadium Development May Finally Move Forward. The state is gathering ideas for development surrounding the stadium as lawmakers move ahead with giving the Stadium Authority more powers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Formation of Mauna Kea working group on target despite boycott. The nomination deadline will come Monday for Native Hawaiians who want to serve on a volunteer panel newly created by the state House of Representative to propose a new governance and management structure for Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

State recommends renewal of stormwater runoff permit for TMT construction site. On April 8, the DEpartment of Health Clean Water Branch issued a recommendation that the department’s director renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory Site on Maunakea, which was originally issued in 2014. Tribune-Herald.

Vacation rentals take a hit: County looks to revise rules. The Big Island’s vacation rental industry took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving county government unsure how it would pay for the extra staffers hired to process permits in the department. West Hawaii Today.

Residents voice concerns over Ka‘u land purchase. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved a $1.5 million grant to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association to buy nearly 2,000 acres in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Budget panel cuts Visitors Bureau funding. Saying they want to see more tourism management and “not more promotion” of the island, Maui County Council members are transferring county funding from the Maui Visitors Bureau and putting some of the money toward tourism management grants. Maui News.

Green visits hospital as variant cases rise on Maui. Maui Memorial Medical Center announced Friday that it will be open to walk-ins ages 16 and older beginning Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai gets alternative fuel corridor status. The Federal Highway Administration has approved the Kauai Alternative Fuel Corridor, a move that will give the island streamlined access to potential funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Smith’s Fern Grotto tour reopens. Businesses, resorts and tours are reopening on Kaua‘i as visitor numbers increase, and Smith’s Tropical Paradise is one of them. Garden Island.

Hawaii tax hikes target tourists, second homes; Oahu permitting chief to curb bribery schemes; widow sues police over shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Magic island sunset on Oahu ©2021 All Hawaii News

New Taxes, Tourism Funding Cuts Among Bills Pushed Through As Legislature Winds Down. House and Senate lawmakers gave preliminary approval Thursday to a measure that would allow the counties to levy their own tax of up to 3% on hotel rooms and vacation rental units, a move that one lawmaker said would “incentivize” the counties to crack down on illegal vacation rentals. Lawmakers also tentatively agreed Thursday to a significant boost in the state conveyance tax that would be imposed on sales of the most expensive non-owner occupied homes in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Budget cuts slated for Hawaii Tourism Authority as lawmakers look to reorganize department. After much back and forth, lawmakers agreed on a bill that would cut HTA’s budget from $79 million to $60 million. KHON2.

Cruise ship industry poised for comeback, but are they safe? A year after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control shut down cruise ships because of COVID, officials say the industry is ready to resume with strict guidelines to control the virus. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental occupancy in March tops hotels again. Vacation rental occupancy statewide topped Hawaii hotels in March, continuing a six-month trend that emerged in October after Safe Travels Hawaii allowed some visitors to bypass the state’s COVID-­related travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

How Hawaii Squandered Its Food Security — And What It Will Take To Get It Back. Hawaii’s reliance on food imports began in the 1960s. To achieve self-sufficiency again, experts say it will take old values and new tools. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers prepare for when Hawaii eviction moratorium ends. An eviction moratorium is in place that is stopping landlords from evicting tenants for not paying rent during the pandemic. It ends on Tuesday, June 8, unless it is extended. KHON2.

April 22, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 101 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 76 on O‘ahu, nine on Maui, nine on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i, and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting takes steps to curb corruption. The Department of Planning and Permitting is taking steps to reckon with the conditions within the department that led to federal charges against five former and current employees for accepting bribes to perform city services. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

With Its New Climate Plan, The City Aims To Curb Oahu’s Growing Carbon Pollution. Cars and trucks are the main culprit driving more greenhouse gas emissions on Oahu in recent years, the new plan states. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Widow of man shot dead by Honolulu police in Nuuanu files lawsuit. The widow of Lindani Myeni, who was shot and killed by police at a home in Nuuanu on April 14 during an alleged burglary, has filed a lawsuit against the city and three police officers for the wrongful death of her husband. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu Island Burial Council claims Ige is retaliating against its longtime leader. The group claimed Ige did not grant Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu another term because she spoke out publicly in January about alleged mismanagement at the State Historic Preservation Division. Hawaii News Now.

Waikīkī Beach Undergoes Sand Replenishment for Second Time in a Decade. A planned beach maintenance and sand replenishment project at Waikīkī Beach enters its final stage in the heart of Hawai‘i’s major tourism district. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

City hopes to buy neglected property near Pearl Harbor bike path and turn it into a park. The city hopes to transform a private property along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path into a new park, but the owner said they’re not offering what the lot is worth. Hawaii News Now.

A pier, staircase on public land trigger dispute with private homeowners. Two wealthy Oahu homeowners face fines for doing unauthorized construction work on oceanfront state land to improve long-standing amenities for their residences. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council hires auditor: Spokane auditor Tyler Benner chosen to lead county office. The Hawaii County Council has chosen as its next county auditor an admitted introvert who owns property on the Big Island over a retiree with 30 years of experience. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court hears arguments in Honua Ola’s appeal of PUC ruling. The state Supreme Court on Thursday heard arguments in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s appeal requesting the high court order the Public Utilities Commission to vacate its July 9, 2020, decision that nullified an amended power-purchase agreement the Pepeekeo power plant had with Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

Island Naturals plans new flagship store near Wailoa park. Island Naturals founder Russell Ruderman said Thursday he wants to build a retail center that will be at least 67,000-square-feet near Wailoa State Recreation Area that will include a new store location, space for several other businesses, and possibly office space. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

4-year college degree won’t be required for next chief. While the Maui Police Commission will seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree or other higher education in selecting the next police chief, a four-year college degree won’t be a requirement to apply for the job. Maui News.

Despite pause in efforts, conservation groups press on. While a pause in human activity during the pandemic gave the environment some relief, it also took a toll on local conservation groups who halted projects and scaled back volunteers as the virus spread across the world last year. Maui News.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green Tours Maui Hospital Vaccination Clinic. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green toured the Maui Memorial Medical Center today as part of an island visit that also included discussion with Intensive Care Unit nurses who care for COVID patients, and a visit with Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

DOH: California variant is the ‘predominant strain’ on Maui. Epidemiologist says 85% of samples analyzed in March were variants. Maui News.

Kauai

Council urges broadband equity. Wednesday, the County Council made a commitment, through a resolution, urging the development of broadband infrastructure in support of closing the digital divide during the COVID-19 recovery period. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i has 2nd COVID-19-related fatality. Thursday, the county announced its second COVID-19-related fatality, claiming the life of an elderly female Kaua‘i resident who was hospitalized on O‘ahu, according to the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office. Garden Island.

Construction today at Kalena Park. The scope of the work includes installation of signs and concrete barriers and removal of fencing, by contractor KickAss Concrete. Garden Island.

Ige pushes digital economy in State of the State address, new COVID-19 variant found in state, Health Department discovers 60 unreported coronavirus deaths, vaccine shortage hinders efforts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige State of the State address, Jan. 25, 2020

Full text of Gov. David Ige's State of the State address can be found here.

Gov. David Ige calls for economy to pivot to technology. Gov. David Ige wants Hawaii to develop a more robust digital economy — “a Hawaii 2.0” pivot — that would spread broadband connectivity to rural communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has strangled tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige pushes for more investment in digital technology. In his state of the state speech on Monday, Gov. David Ige called for the state to invest in digital technology to help get out of its budget crisis. KHON2.

Ige introduces digital economy initiative during State of the State address. Gov. David Ige’s State of the State address Monday promised big changes for the state, but was light on detail. Tribune-Herald.

Ige’s campaign pushes for digital economy. A digitally driven and connected “Hawai‘i 2.0” is the crux of Gov. David Ige’s latest campaign in diversifying the state’s economy. Garden Island.

Ige asks residents to ‘do more with less’ as state grapples with budget shortfall. Gov. David Ige on Monday asked residents to be ready for more tough times ahead as the state grapples with a large budget shortfall caused by a coronavirus pandemic that’s pummeled the tourism industry, but said improved tax revenue forecasts mean he’s not currently seeking broad-based tax increases. Associated Press.

Ige’s State Of The State Speech Skips The Difficult Details. The Hawaii governor recapped impacts from the pandemic, but never mentioned furloughs, layoffs or possible tax increases. Civil Beat.

In State of the State, Ige urges collaboration but offers few details on next steps. In his State of the State address Monday, the governor warned that government will have to “tighten its belt” in the face of a gaping budget deficit but neglected to offer much in the way of concrete details on how the state intends to recover from the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige gives his State of the State address. Governor David Ige gave his State of the State address, focusing on possible steps for a brighter future, rather than dwell on Hawaii's current gloomy economic situation. KITV4.

Hawai'i Legislature disappointed by State of State address, call for clearer action. Shortly after he urged for collaboration, state lawmakers criticized Gov. David Ige Monday after his State of the State address, demanding more details on how he plans to steer the state out of the economic crisis. KITV4.

=====

Biden Raises Hopes For Native Hawaiians Seeking Federal Recognition. Democratic control of the White House and Congress may breathe new life into efforts to establish a Native Hawaiian government that is recognized by the United States. Civil Beat.

Marines In Hawaii Are Training For A Return To Island Fighting. Hawaii is at the center an ambitious plan to give the Marine Corps a 21st century reboot that will lead to a leaner force that moves faster and strikes harder as tensions with China intensify in the Pacific.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii vacation rental use rose in recent months. Hawaii’s short-term vacation rental industry completed a painful year with 42.8% occupancy in 2020 after accounting for supply reductions, a new report shows. Star-Advertiser.

=====

COVID-19 variant detected in Hawaii. The state Department of Health confirmed Monday that its Laboratories Division detected two cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant L452R in Hawaii — one on Oahu and one on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Vaccination Available For All Employees At Legislature. The Department of Health has told the Hawaii State Legislature that all legislative employees working at the Capitol will be able to get vaccines for COVID-19 beginning Thursday. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

CVS says vaccination at Hawaii nursing homes, long-term facilities on schedule. CVS partnered with 45 skilled nursing and long-term facilities in Hawaii to begin the vaccinations on Dec. 28, and said it has finished administering the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine so far. Star-Advertiser.

Shortage forces Hawaii Department of Health to cut vaccines for seniors’ companions. Hawaii Pacific Health officials said Sunday they will continue to honor COVID-19 vaccination appointments to companions of seniors (age 75 and older) made prior to the Department of Health’s decision to end the practice. Star-Advertiser.

 Vaccine shortage hobbles Hawaii’s COVID-19 immunization effort. Hawaii’s only expected to receive about 32,000 doses this week. Officials say that’s half of what clinics have the ability to administer. Hawaii News Now.

Records review finds 60 additional COVID-19 deaths in Hawaii. Records review adds 60 COVID-19-related deaths to Hawaii tally; state records 123 new infections. The state Department of Health has identified and confirmed 60 previously unreported COVID-19-related deaths. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 25: State Announces 60 Deaths Over Five Months Previously Unreported. Hawaii health officials reported 123 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, including 91 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, six on the Big Island and five Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Witness in drug case involving Katherine Kealoha’s brother is now on the run. A 33-year-old woman who plays a major role in the Kealoha corruption scandal is now wanted by police in connected with another crime. Hawaii News Now.

Wastewater spills reported around Oahu after heavy rains subside. City officials said the Department of Environmental Services responded to at least five sanitary sewer spills. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu extends City Card use to Feb. 15. The City and County of Honolulu is extending use of the Immediate Response Incentive Mastercard – known as the City Card – to Feb. 15 to give people more time to spend the entire amount on their card. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Waikiki sand replenishment begins again. Work began Monday in waters off Waikiki Beach on a project to dredge 20,000 cubic yards of sand from a channel 2,000 feet offshore and pump it onto the beach, the state Department of Natural Resources said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

B.J. Penn arrested for DUI on Hawaii Island. UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn, 42, was arrested Saturday for operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants, the Hawaii Police Department said. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hilo hospital seeing high demand for COVID vaccine from kupuna 75 and older as rollout continues. Because of the high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine from kupuna 75 and older, Hilo Medical Center will delay its vaccination rollout to individuals 65-74. Tribune-Herald.

Reef Safe Sunscreen Dispensers Installed at Kahalu‘u Beach. As part of an ongoing initiative to support reef health and regrowth, two new reef-safe sunscreen dispensers have been installed at the pavilion in Kahalu‘u Beach Park. Big Island Now.

Maui

Out-of-state buyers scoop up 30 percent of Maui home sales. Mainland buyers represented 27.4 percent and foreign buyers 1.4 percent, state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Chief Economist Eugene Tian said. Maui News.

Rental aid program sent $10 million to county households. More than $10 million went toward helping about 2,500 households in Maui County under a rental assistance program launched by the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Maui News.

Maui County reports more than 600 new COVID-19 cases this month. Comparatively, within a 10 month span in 2020, the island saw less than 1,000 cases. KITV4.

Police Station to be Professionally Disinfected after Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. The Maui Police Department received confirmation today that a department employee who works out of the Wailuku District has tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Kauai

Herrera case first jury trial since last March. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Randal G. B. Valenciano announced Monday morning he will conduct Kaua’i’s first jury trial since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fifth Circuit Court. Garden Island.

North Shore Lions raise over $50,000. The North Shore Lions Club, in partnership with Aloha Roofing Supply, raised more than $50,000 during the annual golf tournament that was contested earlier this month at the Princeville Makai Golf Club. Garden Island.

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

Travelers get screened at Honolulu airport PC:state of Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

=====

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

=====

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

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

=====

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii unveils coronavirus vaccine plans, test backlog sends tourists to quarantine, Honolulu marathon canceled, Lanai COVID-19 outbreak balloons, students infected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of Health Immunization Branch Chief Ron Balajadia

How Hawaii Is Planning For A Future COVID-19 Vaccine. It could cost Hawaii a minimum of $25 million to get people vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 — once a vaccine is approved by the federal government — state officials said Thursday. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige announces draft COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Hawaii. Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green and state Department of Health Immunization Branch Chief Ron Balajadia today announced the state’s tentative plan to distribute the coronavirus vaccine once it becomes available. Star-Advertiser.

Officials outline how Hawaii would distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. The governor and state health officials offered a preview Thursday into how a COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed in Hawaii ― once one is approved. Hawaii News Now.

State unveils vaccine plan. Gov. David Ige announced on Thursday a COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan that will go into effect whenever a safe vaccine is made available to the public. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Preparing For Statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Program. High-risk healthcare employees, first responders, and residents with underlying health conditions, including those 65 and older, will be the first to get the vaccine. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Releases Preliminary COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan. No COVID-19 vaccine is yet available in the United States and may not be for months, but Hawai‘i has developed a preliminary distribution plan to be implemented as soon as one is. Big Island Now.

State sharing COVID-19 vaccine plans. Every state was required to submit a draft COVID-19 vaccination-distribution plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week. Garden Island.

=====

Backlog in the state’s manual COVID-19 test verification process sends thousands of Hawaii travelers to quarantine. Some 3,700 travelers to Hawaii whose test results uploaded after they arrived have received status updates on the Safe Travels Hawaii platform saying that their results had to be reviewed manually. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Ballistic missile submarine practices drone, Osprey and helicopter resupply off Hawaii. A 560-foot Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine has been operating off Hawaii for several days practicing “expeditionary” resupply from a drone, Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey and Navy Sea Hawk helicopter. Star-Advertiser.

Saguaro Correctional Center logs 12 more Hawaii inmate infections. This brings the facility’s Hawaii inmate case total to 43. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 22: 102 New COVID-19 Cases. The newest COVID-19 cases recorded included 52 on Oahu, 18 in Maui County, 29 on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayoral Candidates Can’t — Or Won’t — Say What They’ll Do About Rail. Facing a more than $1 billion deficit, Amemiya and Blangiardi say they don’t have enough information to map out the next steps to finish the project. Civil Beat.

=====

Honolulu Marathon canceled due to coronavirus pandemic. After months of going back and forth, the Honolulu Marathon Association announced today that the 48th Honolulu Marathon scheduled for Dec. 13 would not be held. Star-Advertiser.

In another blow to Hawaii’s economy, the 2020 Honolulu Marathon is canceled. The 48th Honolulu Marathon had been scheduled for Dec. 13. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Vacation rentals once again allowed to operate on O'ahu. Owners of the rentals were left desperate for income after a loss in demand. KITV4.

Honolulu to offer free COVID-19 testing at Waikiki Shell. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced Thursday that the city would offer free community testing at the Waikiki Shell through the end of November, using a surplus of 28,000 test kits. Star-Advertiser.

Hotels help police enforce quarantine for travelers who land without a negative test. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said hotels are assisting police with enforcing the quarantine mandate for visitors who didn’t land with a negative COVID-19 test. Hawaii News Now.

Bars are closed and people are driving less, but Oahu’s roads aren’t any safer. According to Honolulu police, 42 lives were lost in crashes from Jan. 1 and Oct. 20. That’s up by one compared to the same time. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Almost 4,000 tested after arriving on the Big Island. Between Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Kim said, 3,891 travelers took the second test at Big Island airports, 407 of whom did so in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Most new Big Island cases are people younger than 40. Most of the 29 new COVID-19 infections reported Thursday on the Big Island were in younger individuals, according to Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Bill creating airport zone moves forward: Bill 199 allows hotel at Kona, Hilo airports. A bill that would allow hotels at Kona’s Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport moved a step forward Tuesday with a positive vote from the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Former Hawaii governors support Big Isle energy project. Four former Hawaii governors have thrown their support behind the controversial Honua Ola Bioenergy project, whose fate is under appeal before the state Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Early Voting Underway in Maui County with 27,350 Votes Already Cast for Nov. 3 Election. In Maui County, County Clerk Kathy Kaohu said voting is going “smoothly” so far with 27,350 of the 96,882 active registered voters (28.23 percent) already casting their ballots. Maui Now.

Census efforts wrap up in Maui County. 53.3 percent response rate recorded with officials awaiting door-to-door results. Maui News.

Maui Voluntary Post-Arrival Travel Testing Program includes Mobile Unit. Travelers must have taken a pre-departure test to be eligible for the free post-arrival test. Travelers should take the second test 72 hours or later after they arrive into Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

Destination Management Plan Committee meet virtually with residents. Kaua‘i’s Destination Management Action Plan Committee members held an engaging virtual meeting Wednesday evening with residents of the South Shore and Westside of Kaua‘i and the island of Ni‘ihau. Garden Island.

Voter Service Center opens in Lihu‘e. Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Nov. 2, the VSC allows voters an opportunity to register and vote on the same day. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai residents told to shelter in place as coronavirus cases grow on rural island. State officials are urging Lanai residents to shelter in place as the coronavirus rapidly spreads through the rural island, which started with a handful of infections earlier this week that spiraled into at least 38 cases. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 outbreak on Lanai continues to grow, with at least 38 cases now confirmed. State Health Department officials say the number of COVID-19 cases on Lanai has now ballooned to 38, just days after the first cases were confirmed. Hawaii News Now.

Lāna‘i Update: Residents Encouraged to Shelter-in-Place, 800 PCR Tests Provided. Maui Now.

Three students at Lana'i High and Elementary School test positive for COVID-19, according to school letter. According to the school, it has taken the necessary precautions by notifying potential close contacts, sanitizing impacted areas, and relaying information to the State Department of Health. KITV4.

Maui County providing Lanai with 800 PCR tests, 11,300 masks. Residents on Lanai are strongly encouraged to attend the virtual community meeting scheduled for Oct. 23, where information on signs and symptoms, chain of infection, PPE, mitigation steps and other guidance will be provided. KHON2.

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

Waikiki sunset with airplane ©2020 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

=====


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

=====

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

=====

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

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

=====

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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