Mask mandate to continue in Hawaii schools, first vaccinated death amid COVID case increase, Honolulu rail board chairman resigns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii classroom PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Hawaii Schools Not Lifting Mask Mandate Yet Despite New CDC Guidance. The new federal guidance urges schools to fully reopen by fall and suggests only unvaccinated students need to wear masks indoors. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Announces Pre-Travel Testing Agreement With South Korea, Philippines. Travelers from the Philippines and from South Korea’s Incheon International Airport may soon bypass the State of Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 10-day quarantine. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

100th Anniversary of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act . Festivities are planned this month to mark the 100th anniversary of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which was signed into law on July 9, 1921. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News.

Renewable Energy Continues Growth Across the Islands . In 2020, something interesting happened in Hawai‘i’s energy scene: more than 30% of all power generation came from renewable sources, surpassing the Renewable Portfolio Standards benchmark set by state law for the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

State bankruptcy cases hit 31-year June low as economic recovery continues its momentum. The 103 cases last month marked the fifth time this year that filings were down from the year-earlier period, and represented the fewest cases for any June in 31 years, according to new data released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Risk high for Hawaii wildfires as islands see abnormally dry conditions. Conditions across the Hawaiian Islands are ripe for wildfires, with 86% of the state abnormally dry and more than half the state suffering from moderate drought or worse, coupled with a heavy load of fuel to burn. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials suspect Delta behind uptick in cases . For the second straight day, the state is seeing COVID-19 case numbers in the triple digits. The last time that occurred was in early May. KHON2.

Elderly Oahu man becomes first fully vaccinated COVID death, DOH says. The Hawaii Department of Health reports the first COVID-19 death of a fully vaccinated individual. According to the DOH, the Oahu man was over the age of 80, and had ‘multiple underlying conditions’. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii sees 102 new coronavirus cases. Today’s new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 58 new cases on Oahu, 13 on Maui, 12 on Hawaii Island, eight on Kauai and 11 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Toby Martyn Resigns As HART Board Chair Amid Latest Rail Upheaval. The move comes as the board faces scrutiny for its questionable handling of two recent consultant contract awards. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Building Honolulu Rail: It’s Just A Matter Of Time Before You Hit Something Important. Utilities often aren’t where they’re shown on the drawings.  Civil Beat.

Electric foot scooter industry charged up by new Hawaii law. Hawaii lawmakers and Gov. David Ige have enacted a law to regulate electric foot scooters in the state, three years after an e-scooter rental business battled with the city over a chaotic short-lived operation. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s new homeless program modified before launch. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s signature approach to addressing homelessness across Oahu — by eliminating the use of Honolulu police officers and instead relying on social service and health care workers around the clock — has been modified to now include the use of police officers, reduced in scope to the urban core and scaled back in its hours of operation. Star-Advertiser.

Navy Agrees To Fix Pearl Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant. Before the Environmental Protection Agency got involved, state Department of Health officials reported urgent problems at the facility. Civil Beat.

Vendors celebrate new location for popular Windward Oahu farmers market. Farmers market vendors that relied on space provided by the now closed Pali Lanes are preparing to once again open for business in a brand-new home. Hawaii News Now.

NTSB releases first images of cargo plane wreckage in deep waters off Oahu. The NTSB has released the first underwater images of a Boeing 737 cargo plane that crashed off Oahu earlier this month and is now resting hundreds of feet underwater. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Building code: Council balks at increased home construction cost. A cost-conscious County Council balked at new construction code requirements that builders say could add at least $10,000 to the cost of building a home. West Hawaii Today.

PGV power purchase agreement still in limbo. Hawaii County has responded to a request from the state Public Utilities Commission seeking input regarding an application for an amended power purchase agreement between Puna Geothermal Venture and Hawaiian Electric. Tribune-Herald.

Council OKs bill rezoning Hilo Iron Works. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday voted in support of a bill to rezone the 114-year-old building to bring it in compliance with the surrounding area. Tribune-Herald.

New low-income housing project planned for Hilo. Construction of a 64-unit low-income housing development in Hilo is expected to begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Renters Fear They’ll Be Among The First To Go When Eviction Moratorium Ends. More money is coming in for federal rental subsidies, but service providers worry landlords like Waiakea Villas won’t accept it. Renters at an apartment complex in Hilo are worried they’ll be forced to leave once Gov. David Ige lifts the eviction moratorium on Aug. 6. Civil Beat.

Program Aims To Mitigate Visitor Impacts at Pololu Valley. A new Hawaii Tourism Authority sponsored program hopes to mitigate tourism impacts to Pololu Valley on the north end of Hawaiʻi island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Council considers ban on foam coolers, disposable bodyboards. Hoping to build on recent efforts to outlaw foam containers and disposable foodware, the Maui County Council is considering a ban on the sale and use of polystyrene foam coolers and ice chests as well as disposable bodyboards. Maui News.

Work on Maui’s solar telescope to end in November. After more than a year of delay due to the pandemic, the sun is beginning to shine on the world’s largest solar telescope still under construction on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

HCA Plan for Maui Calls for 5,000 Affordable Homes in Five Years. Nonprofit community development organization, Hawaiian Community Assets, has delivered a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan to the Maui County Council that provides a roadmap for building 5,000 affordable homes for local renters and homebuyers in the next five years. Maui Now.

Kauai

Native Hawaiians, residents petition to restore land on which iconic Coco Palms Kauai resort stands. I Ola Wailuanui, a community organization led by Kauai residents. wants to see the land be used for Native Hawaiian education and cultural practices rather than another lodging option. Hawaii News Now.

Skate park construction moving. Construction of the new, pop-up skatepark in Hanapepe Town Park is moving along at a fast clip, as volunteers from the Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana and the community completed the six-foot halfpipe over the weekend. Garden Island.

Park pavilions can be reserved starting today. The online system for acquiring permits to reserve county park pavilions reopens today, according to a Department of Parks &Recreation announcement. Garden Island.

Hawaii only state not fully reopened, Honolulu prosecutor says police shooting of Black man justified, Earthjustice to sue over Maui lights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Prosecutor Steven Alm PC:Hawaii News Now

Honolulu Police Department officers’ actions justified in fatal shooting of Lindani Myeni, city prosecutor Steven Alm says. The police officers who fatally shot an unarmed, 29-year-old Black man who attacked them were justified in using deadly force and will not face criminal charges, Prosecuting Attorney Steven Alm announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii stands alone as more states reopen. As other states relax their pandemic restrictions, Hawaii has maintained its limits pending an increase in the number of residents who are fully vaccinated. Associated Press.

What pandemic? A huge influx in visitors has some considering ways to rein tourism in. On Tuesday, roughly 32,000 people arrived in the islands, which is at pre-pandemic tourism levels. Hawaii News Now.

This Secretive Task Force Is Guiding Energy Policy Behind Closed Doors. Gov. David Ige’s Powering Past Coal Task Force has a broad mandate to look at statewide energy projects as Hawaii’s winds down a major coal plant. Civil Beat.

New laws take effect July 1. Dozens of new laws take effect July 1. Some amend current laws, while other create new commissions, funds or even goals for the state. KITV4.

Hawaii legislators to meet Tuesday to consider veto overrides. All members of the state House and Senate have been summoned to meet at noon Tuesday to consider overriding or amending any number of 28 bills that Gov. David Ige plans to veto, but exactly which bills remains uncertain. Star-Advertiser.

New Vessel Titling Changes Take Effect. Vessel titling supersedes the previous registered owner system in Hawaiʻi, state DLNR officials say. Big Island Video News.

More than 98% of recent COVID cases are in people who have not been inoculated against the coronavirus. Among the small percentage of “breakthrough” cases in people who were vaccinated, none have died and only five have had to be hospitalized since January, according to acting State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii reports 56 new COVID infections; one additional fatality. Of the new cases, 34 were on Oahu, nine on Hawaii Island and four on Maui. There were also nine residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-Olelo official, Hanalei Aipoalani, and former CARES Act administrator sentenced in embezzlement. Hanalei Aipoalani, a former Olelo TV executive and city CARES Act administrator was sentenced Wednesday to three years and 10 months in prison for taking federal funds for needy communities and using the money to buy “a life of luxury” for himself and his wife. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu City Council Adopts Resolution To Improve Race Data Collection. The resolution urges city and state agencies to the data to better guide policies and improve outreach. Civil Beat.

North Shore development receives two-year permit extension. The developer of the North Shore Rural Community Commercial Center that is to be built across from Shark’s Cove has received a two-year extension to obtain its development permits by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu  taxicab companies in need of more drivers to meet demand. More tourism is driving up demand but some taxi companies said their main priority is getting more drivers to meet all of the calls for service. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Rainbow Rangers removed: Hawaii County assumes responsibility for animal control contract. The Hawaii Police Department, in coordination with Hawaii County’s Mayor Mitch Roth’s office, elected not to extend the animal control contract with Hawaii Rainbow Rangers (HRR) beyond June 30. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Lava tube, other HVNP areas to temporarily close. Thurston Lava Tube and other locations within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be closed temporarily during the next few weeks. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Earthjustice files intent to sue over harbor, airport lights harming imperiled seabirds on Maui, Lanai. Conservation groups today filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the state if it does not take immediate steps to prevent bright lights at airports and harbors from killing imperiled seabirds on Maui and Lanai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Napili home under fire from council. After residents alleged that a monster vacation rental is disguised as a single-family home to skirt permitting rules and public scrutiny, Maui County Council and Planning Department officials on Tuesday vowed to research “all options” for what can be done with the Napili property. Maui News.

Maui Fire Chief Says Last Day on the Job is “Bittersweet”. Maui Fire Chief David Thyne spends his last day on the job today after a 33-year career. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County officials weigh out additional options to charge visitors. Hawaii travel numbers are exceeding pre-pandemic days and Garden Isle residents are feeling the heat. KHON2.

‘As-is’ ag lots to be offered to DHHL beneficiaries in Anahola. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands published its final environmental assessment with a finding of no significant impact for the Anahola Homestead Settlement Plan. Garden Island.

‘No aloha; no welcome’. At noon Wednesday, county park rangers put up signs on trees and pavilions and stuck stakes into the ground notifying all those at Salt Pond Beach Park the facility is closed until further notice and all those found at the park would be “subject to arrest for criminal trespassing.” Garden Island.

Distance learning discontinued for Hawaii schoolchildren, Maui mayor seeks fewer tourists, Amazon buys Oahu property, harbor tax increase will hit consumers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto

Limited distance-learning options next fall for public school students. There will be no full distance-learning option for Hawaii public school students when classes begin Aug. 3, although schools may be able to accommodate requests from high-risk families on an individual case basis. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Outgoing DOE Superintendent Plans To Stay In Hawaii. Christina Kishimoto, the outgoing superintendent of Hawaii Department of Education schools, is exploring career avenues outside of educational administration and has no immediate plans to leave the Aloha State after her contract is up July 30, she said Monday. Civil Beat.

Survey: 84% of staff at long-term care facilities in Hawaii are fully vaccinated. There are nearly 50 long-term care facilities across the state, and experts say they’re setting the tone in the fight against COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

State harbor user fee going up, what does that mean for consumers? The state says the scheduled 3% tariff increase or “user fee” for activities such as port entry and vessel dockage goes into effect on July 1. KHON2.

Hawaii offshore wind farm development in doldrums. Hawaii has long been a national leader in solar energy production, but the state is lagging in a quest to reach a renewable-energy frontier that appeared to be on the horizon several years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Broadband expansion programs advance. Several programs aimed at improving broadband access statewide are steadily taking shape, a state official said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. government opens comment period for proposed recategorizing of endangered Hawaiian bird. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the public comment period for the proposed downlisting of the Hawaiian stilt, or ae‘o, from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

James Campbell Co. retains new CEO, Donald E. Huffner Jr. Huffner, who will start Aug. 1, most recently headed a real estate investment and development firm in Florida. Star-Advertiser.

Some healthcare professionals in Hawaii are concerned about COVID-19 hospitalization numbers. Healthcare professionals are seeing a disturbing trend in the continued battle against COVID-19. 33 people have been admitted to healthcare facilities so far this month. KITV4.

Hawaii reports 22 new COVID cases; vaccination rate ticks up to 57.6%. Of the new cases, 13 were on Oahu, two on Hawaii Island, and two on Maui. There were also five residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Amazon purchases land on Oahu for Hawaii’s first distribution center. Amazon now owns the 14-acre stretch of land on Auiki Street, and it’s worth more than $76 million. The company says this investment will help with future network needs. KHON2.

HART's Lori Kahikina Talks Rail Progress, Calls Dillingham Utilities a 'Spaghetti Noodle Mess' e Honolulu rail project, planned to stretch from Kapolei to Ala Moana, is moving toward the critical final leg through Honolulu's urban core. Hawaii Public Radio.

City conducts surveys for feedback about Storm Water Master Plan. The City and County of Honolulu is now collecting input from the public as it develops a Storm Water Master Plan, designed to guide management, programs and investments for the next 50 years. Star-Advertiser.

Harsher penalties wanted for landlords, renters who house illegal gambling rooms. HPD says it's monitoring anywhere between 60 to 80 active game rooms, but the actual number is believed to be much higher. KITV4.

How Hawaii Schools Are Weaving Connections With Pacific Islander Students. A new arts pilot program at two Honolulu-area middle schools demonstrates how cultural programming can foster better ties. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Search to begin for new HR chief. Hawaii County is in search of a new Human Resources director after the resignation of Bill Brilhante, who leaves his post Thursday to work in his family’s business. West Hawaii Today.

VA audit finds upkeep at Hilo’s veterans cemeteries lacking, seeks review of all in state. In Hawaii County, Hilo’s two veterans cemeteries and West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery are maintained by the county Department of Parks and Recreation. Tribune-Herald.

Manao sought on mooring plans for manta viewing sites. Public comment is being sought by the state on plans to install day-use mooring bouys at two popular manta ray diving sites off the Kona Coast. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui mayor’s appeal to airlines: At least for now, please bring us fewer visitors. To combat overtourism and congestion at the airports, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is asking airline officials to reduce passenger capacity to the island. Hawaii News Now.

In historic decision, commission fundamentally changes water distribution system in West Maui. In a historic decision and ruling over water rights in West Maui, the distribution system that was controlled by sugar plantations for decades is finally changing. The Hawaii Commission on Water Resources Management came up with the plan to manage the Waihe’e River, Waiehu Stream, Wailuku River and Waikapu Stream. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Judge Rhonda Loo Installs MEO Board of Directors for 2021-22. At the first in-person, socially distanced board meeting since the pandemic began in late March 2020, the slate of officers was approved by the 21-member board. The officers for the upcoming fiscal year are: Bard Peterson, president; Carol Reimann, vice president; Adele Rugg, secretary; and Cliff Alakai, treasurer. Maui Now.

Supreme Court Decision Came Too Late For Maui Residents Fighting Housing Development. The ruling could have statewide implications, as it narrows the limits of what planning and zoning exemptions are permissible for a fast-track affordable housing development. Civil Beat.

County Joins Police in Removing 41 Vehicles Abandoned Near Kanahā in Kahului, Maui. The Maui Police Department and Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division have joined forces to remove 41 abandoned vehicles from Amala Place roadsides near Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary and the County’s Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility in Kahului. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

DOH investigates 2 clusters. In the last two weeks, the state Department of Health has identified two active COVID-19 clusters on Kaua‘i, one associated with a restaurant and another a place of worship. Garden Island.

Hui to assume management of Ha‘ena State Park. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a one-year, revocable permit for the nonprofit Hui Maka‘ainana o Makana to oversee and manage a park-reservation system, including collecting both parking and entry fees as well as an integrated shuttle system that will reduce the number of cars that enter the park each day. Garden Island.

Medical facilities mull employee vaccination mandate, protesters demand police-killing investigations, Kauai tapping into budget reserves due to state withholding TAT, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki Aquarium ©2021 All Hawaii News

Historic Waikiki Aquarium prepares to reopen after temporary closure amid coronavirus pandemic. It has been over one year since guests have walked through the doors at the Waikiki Aquarium. KHON2.

Ige: Lack Of Public Input Is Driving Concerns Over Bills — And Possible Vetoes. When Gov. David Ige announced Monday he plans to veto 28 bills approved by the Legislature this year, he aimed some extra criticism at a number of measures he said lawmakers passed without giving the public enough opportunity to provide input. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s National Guard Begins Winding Down Its COVID-19 Response Teams. Federal funding is set to expire in September, and Gov. David Ige has asked commanders to draft plans scaling back operations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii medical facilities weigh whether to require coronavirus vaccine for employment. Hawaii medical facilities weigh whether to require coronavirus vaccine for employment. The head of the Hawaii Nurses Association said they are prepared to discuss the matter with employers as more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are becoming available. KHON2.

As COVID forced businesses online, governor works to advance Hawaii’s digital economy. As the pandemic forced Hawaii to adopt a digital economy much faster than expected, Gov. David Ige admitted Wednesday that the transition wasn’t perfect. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Wants to Improve and Expand Its Digital Economy. Gov. David Ige gathered with members from Technology Readiness User Evaluation to discuss expanding technology usage in the community. The TRUE Initiative discussed how Hawaiʻi should have a higher digital literacy to keep up with the global economy. Hawaii Public Radio.

High tech help available to go digital. Local businesses share their success with high tech upgrades, to encourage others to join the digital economy. KITV4.

How Hawaii’s Remote Worker Initiative Connects Students To Industry Pros. A volunteer project connected to the Movers & Shakas program led to paid internship opportunities for some public high school students. Civil Beat.

High-tide coastal flooding in Hawaii and other U.S. coastal regions to accelerate. Hawaii and other U.S. coastal regions will experience an accelerating number of high-tide flooding days starting in the mid-2030s, according to a newly published study. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 42 new cases; 57% of residents have been vaccinated. Of the new cases, 24 were on Oahu, 11 were on Hawaii Island, two were on Maui, and one was on Kauai. There were also four residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Protesters demand investigations into more than 30 alleged killings by Honolulu police officers. In response to the alleged killing of more than 30 suspects by police since 2010, about 40-50 protesters marched on Honolulu police headquarters Wednesday and demanded independent investigations into the deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu taxpayers could be on the hook for more legal fees for another police shooting from 2019. City taxpayers could be on the hook to pay more legal fees for Honolulu Police Department officers who were involved in a fatal shooting that occurred in 2019. KHON2.

Peer-to-Peer Car Rentals on Honolulu Streets Draw Attention From Tax Department, Neighbors. Complaints about tourists picking up peer-to-peer car rentals in local neighborhoods have the state Department of Taxation taking note. Hawaii Public Radio.

This North Shore Community Has Had Enough Of Towering Wind Turbines. But clean energy advocates and power producers are pushing back against new Honolulu City Council proposals meant to protect communities from large wind energy projects. Civil Beat.

Clean Air Act violations lead to nearly $200K for a Kapolei power plant. A coal plant in Kapolei will pay nearly $200,000 in a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA fined AES Hawaii for violations of the Clean Air Act and emergency planning, along with the Community Right-to-Know Act. Hawaii News Now.

Dillingham Airfield future still up in the air with eviction date pushed to December. The eviction date for Dillingham Airfield tenants has been pushed back another six months as lease negotiations continue between the U.S. Army and the Department of Transportation Airports Division. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

State AG repudiates lawsuit over HCCC outbreak. State Attorney General Clare Connors responded Wednesday to a federal class-action lawsuit filed by 11 Hawaii inmates — including five at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo — over conditions and practices in jails and prisons the plaintiffs claim caused COVID-19 outbreaks. Tribune-Herald.

Retired Hilo police detective avoids jail time in assault cases. The charges were dropped in exchange for no contest pleas entered on Dec. 30 to third-degree assault in connection with a May 25, 2020, domestic incident in which the victim was Ian Lee Loy’s wife, County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, and to misdemeanor harassment for a July 25, 2019, assault on Neal Tanaka, the county Building Division’s acting deputy chief. Tribune-Herald.

Alii Drive condo heads to contested case hearing. A proposal to build a five-story condominium on Alii Drive is heading to a contested case hearing after three neighbors petitioned the Leeward Planning Commission. West Hawaii Today.

PUC asks state, county for input on PGV. Months after suspending an application for an amended power purchase agreement between Hawaiian Electric and Puna Geothermal Venture — pending the completion of a supplemental environmental review — the state Public Utilities Commission is seeking input from both Hawaii County and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

HPP road project gets green light to proceed. A controversial road project in Hawaiian Paradise Park has been delayed, but subdivision officials say work will proceed, despite some community opposition. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Sustainability drives talks on reforming visitor industry. While local leaders have different ideas of how tourism should look moving forward, many agree on one thing — Maui is overwhelmed. Maui News.

Fee for tourists, free for locals. Another Maui hotspot eyes tourism controls. Another hotspot for visitors on Maui’s North Shore is once again being overwhelmed. Hawaii News Now.

Virtual power plant coming to Maui and other islands. Energy Conference covers new green energy program with HECO. Maui News.

Haleakalā Crater Wilderness Cabins and Reservations System Open July 1. Visitors will soon be able to reserve and stay overnight in the cabins located in Haleakalā Crater. Reservations for wilderness cabins Hōlua and Kapalaoa go live on Recreation.gov beginning July 1, 2021 at 7 a.m. HST. Maui Now.

UH Maui College Vaccination Effort Features Giveaway for Tuition, Laptop. The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College announced that vaccinated members of the campus’ ʻohana are eligible to win free tuition for the fall semester or a MacBook Air. Maui Now.

Kauai

County tapping into reserves to cover TAT. Since March 2020, the county has tapped into at least 40% of its reserve fund. Garden Island.

‘Voluntourism’ takes off with Kauai beach cleanup. Kauai’s popular and heavily trafficked Shipwreck’s Beach, where surf forms in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and peels past long white sands to the cliffs at Makawehi Point and the start of the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, is slated for a cleanup on July 7. Star-Advertiser.

KCSC, others, continue to benefit from ‘Rise to Work’ program. Nonprofits, including Kaua‘i Community Science Center in Waimea, joined the county’s “Rise to Work” program in April, which was relaunched by the county’s Office of Economic Development. Garden Island.

Hayashi tapped as interim schools chief, DeCoite heading to Senate, only 56% of Hawaii residents vaccinated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keith Hayashi

Trailblazing principal Keith Hayashi is selected to lead Hawaii’s public schools. Keith Hayashi, the pace-setting principal of Waipahu High School who is credited with raising public education to new heights, will take the reins as interim superintendent of public schools Aug. 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A Potential Shakeup At OHA Is Clouding The Agency’s Budget. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees is struggling to approve a new budget in the face of a major staff reorganization that has some employees and advocates worried workers could lose their jobs. Civil Beat.

Russian spy ship now reported north of Oahu. A Russian spy ship is again causing a stir off Hawaii — this one after a big Russian naval and air exercise hundreds of miles west of the Aloha State resulted in three missile-armed F-22 fighters scrambling on Sunday but didn’t involve intercepts of any of the exercising aircraft. Star-Advertiser.

Survey: More Than 80% Of Firms Struggle To Find Workers. As of April Hawaii had about 53,000 unemployed workers and 27,400 openings. Civil Beat.

Local high schoolers could help rebuild Hawaii’s employee shortage. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is publicizing several efforts aimed at giving students skills to land jobs in different industries, following an informal May survey of business operators showing that 86% of respondents are struggling to hire employees as the state’s economy rebounds from a pandemic-induced recession. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz reintroduces compassionate release legislation. Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Thursday reintroduced legislation that would accelerate the federal Bureau of Prisons’ approval process for compassionate release during a public health emergency. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Hawaii reports 36 new COVID cases; vaccination rate stands at 56%. Of the 36 new cases, 22 were on Oahu, four were on Kauai, three were on Maui, and two were on Hawaii Island. There were also five residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Newly released reports spotlight some evidence being used in Kaneshiro corruption probe. Records turned over to Hawaii News Now reveal engineering and architectural firm Mitsunaga and Associates tried more than once to get a criminal case going on a fired employee who then filed a civil lawsuit for age and sex discrimination. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmaker, watchdog call for investigation into HART’s alleged mishandling of Hanabusa contract. A state lawmaker and a political watchdog are calling for an investigation into the rail authority’s attempt to award a lucrative lobbying contract to former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. Hawaii News Now.

Cleaning schedule urged for Oahu city parks. A resolution that would ask the city Department of Parks and Recreation to create and publicly publish a schedule for park maintenance advanced out of the Parks and Community Services Committee and will be sent to the full City Council for a vote. Star-Advertiser.

Centenarians Could Be Exempt From City Fees Under Proposed Council Bill. The proposed legislation says centenarians would be exempt from paying for TheBus, the HandiVan and future rail fares. They also would not have to pay for admission to city park facilities, the Honolulu Zoo and Foster Botanical Garden—nor would they have to pay for municipal golf courses and golf cart rentals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Is Revamping How It Prosecutes Domestic Violence Cases. The Honolulu prosecutor says only a small fraction of abusive family members are convicted, but that should change under a new policy. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Vehicle and licensing clerks added to county roster. Relief is on its way for people who’ve complained of long lines and long waits for appointments with the county offices of vehicle registration and licensing. West Hawaii Today.

HCCC inmates transferred to Oahu amid COVID-19 outbreak. Twenty-eight inmates were transferred from Hawaii Community Correctional Center to facilities on Oahu to reduce some overcrowding at the jail, which is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened more than 200. West Hawaii Today.

Landmarks on the market: Kona Inn Shopping Village, Kona Bay Hotel up for sale. The 139-room budget hotel and 86,000-square-foot oceanfront shopping village in Kailua-Kona is listed with Eric Kathrein and Geoff Tranchina of JLL, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc, which is a commercial real estate services company with offices in Honolulu.West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Ige Appoints Lynn DeCoite To Fill Vacant Maui Senate Seat. Rep. Lynn DeCoite assumed the Senate seat representing Maui on Thursday, more than a month after it was vacated when J. Kalani English retired due to lingering effects from COVID-19. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Residents in east Maui beg for relief from visitor boom. As Hawaii experiences an influx in tourists, residents in rural communities in east Maui are begging state and county officials for help. Hawaii News Now.

Slower speed limit on S. Maui highway drives frustration. Some locals are confused and frustrated after the state Department of Transportation made a temporary speed reduction permanent on a lengthy stretch of South Maui’s sole highway. Maui News.

Hawaiian Cement permit for quarry operations approved. The state Land Use Commission unanimously approved a 15-year time extension on a permit that lets Hawaiian Cement continue rock quarry and concrete recycling operations at Pohakea Quarry in Waikapu. Maui News.

Westin Maui Resort Underwent $120 Million Renovation, Participating in Mālama Hawaiʻi Initiative. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kāʻanapali underwent a $120 million renovation of its accommodations in the Hōkūpa‘a tower and upgraded its amenities and programs, according to a news release from the resort. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council supports KPD scanner encryption. The Kaua‘i County Council voiced support for the Kaua‘i Police Department’s continued efforts to encrypt dispatch communications. Garden Island.

Kealia roundabout progress continues. Roundabout use at the intersection of Kuhio Highway and Mailihuna Road intersection has partially opened, eliminating access to the temporary Kapa‘a Stream Bridge. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Green seeks to ease Hawaii entry for U.S. travelers, mayors split on hotel tax, new law requires mediation before eviction, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hotels line Waikiki beachfront ©2021 All Hawaii News

Lt. Gov.: More Travel From U.S. Mainland May Open Soon. Hawaii within two weeks could lift its 10-day quarantine requirement for all travelers from the U.S. continent who show proof of vaccination, the state’s COVID-19 liaison said Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii mayors split on whether Ige should sign bill for counties to levy additional hotel tax. Leaders of Hawaii’s four counties appear split on whether Gov. David Ige should sign a measure that would allow them to levy their own transient accommodations taxes. Under the measure, the counties would no longer share part of the revenues from the 10.25% tax. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Union: Hotel Workers Not Being Hired Back as Visitors Return to Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i's visitor numbers are rebounding but the union that presents hotel workers says its members are being called back at a lagging rate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. David Ige signs bills recognizing Juneteenth, Kalaupapa Month. Senate Bill 939 established June 19 as a permanent day of reflection. Also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Black Independence Day, the holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

New laws to protect vulnerable, seniors. Three bills designed to help some of Hawaii’s most vulnerable and financial needy became law on Wednesday by ensuring minimum wage pay for those with disabilities, helping to protect senior citizens from financial fraud and reforming payday lending practices. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor signs bill requiring mediation prior to landlord evictions. Gov. David Ige signed a measure Wednesday that temporarily requires mediation before a landlord files for eviction. Currently, mediation can only be done after filing. Hawaii News Now.

6 Hawaii businesses awarded $250K each to ramp up agricultural production. Three of the awarded businesses — Agrefab LLC, SK Natural Farms LLC and Zhao Produce Inc. — are based on Oahu. Kawamata Farms is based out of Hawaii County, and Malama Kauai is on Kauai. Hawaiian Golden Farm is on Oahu and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is Bringing Back Its Health Equity Office As Pandemic Highlights Disparities. The pandemic illuminated long-standing health inequities in Hawaii as COVID-19 disproportionately affected Filipinos and non-Hawaiian Pacific Islanders. The Department of Health hopes to reduce those by reestablishing the defunct Office of Health Equity with the help of an infusion of nearly $25 million in federal funds. Civil Beat.

Nearly 200,000 more people in Hawaii need to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to reach 70-percent vaccination goal. Besides people receiving shots, the Lieutenant Governor believes people who recovered from the coronavirus should be factored into the count. KITV4.

First 2 winners of Hawaii’s COVID-19 vaccination incentives campaign announced. Hawaii health officials this morning announced the first two winners of the COVID-19 vaccination incentives campaign and said based on data, so far, that it seems to be working. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

June 16, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 30 Cases (28 Confirmed, 2 Probable); 1 Death. The confirmed cases included: 22 on O‘ahu (+2 probable); two on Hawai‘i Island (-1 probable); two on Maui (+1 probable); one on Kaua‘i; and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Department pledges more public transparency. In response to local and nationwide demand for police transparency and a sharp shift away from longstanding use-of-force practices, the Honolulu Police Department will hold news conferences within 24 hours of every officer- involved shooting and is amending its training for new recruits and veteran officers to emphasize de-escalation, cultural sensitivity, officer accountability and a near total ban on shooting into vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

City taxpayers likely to pay legal fees for three HPD officers charged in fatal shooting. City taxpayers could be on the hook for paying more legal fees after three HPD officers were charged in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy. KHON2.

Gun crimes are on the rise on Oahu ― and the trend could be linked to drugs. HPD data shows that since 2015 the number of homicides on Oahu hasn’t changed too much. But the percentage of cases involving firearms has been on the rise since 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Emails Show Hanabusa Was Doing Rail Work Before She Got A Big Contract. Colleen Hanabusa says she drafted bills and monitored legislation on her own, not because she expected a contract or financial reward from the transit board. Civil Beat.

Education Program for At-Risk Youth Shuts Down After 50 Years in Honolulu. The closure of one of Honolulu’s few alternative education programs comes as a setback after a challenging pandemic year for all students. Civil Beat.

Public Hearing on Oʻahu's Red Light Camera Program Set for Thursday. The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing Thursday to discuss Oʻahu’s red light camera pilot program, which is expected to start later this summer. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council member calls for more local produce at farmers markets. A Honolulu City Council member wants to make sure more local produce are being sold at the People’s Open Market. A resolution to require a 30% threshold of locally grown produce and products will be discussed Thursday, June 17. KHON2.

State to close Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor ramp for improvements. The state Land Department will close the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor ramp on Kauai for nearly two months beginning Monday. Officials said crews will install new boat ramp panels as well as concrete pavement. Hawaii News Now.

Public has until July 23 to comment on proposed Waikiki Beach improvement plan. A draft EIS released last week supports a $12 million Waikiki Beach Improvement and Maintenance Program, proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in partnership with the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, for the coastline from the Kapahulu Groin to the Ewa end of Fort DeRussy Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Family of TSA worker who died of COVID-19 finally receives workers compensation. According to the American Federation of Government Employees -- a union that represents TSA workers -- the family of then 43-year-old Maui Kahalepuna received workers' compensation benefits after months of delay. KITV4.

Blessing kicks off filming of ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’. With the sun shining, the wind blowing and heartfelt aloha, the cast and crew of “NCIS: Hawai‘i” began shooting the premiere of what is hoped to be another hit in a long line of successful TV shows set and filmed in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County discusses tipping fees, credit for garbage haulers. The county is reconsidering a change in how rubbish haulers are charged at the county’s landfills. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Medical Service Association to Close Kona Office, Transition to Virtual Service. While HMSA will no longer have a physical Kona office, its employees will continue to serve the community and the HMSA members who live there. Big Island Now.

Seattle group wins appeal in quest to overturn Ireland murder convictions. The state Intermediate Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto erred when he denied a group seeking to overturn convictions in the Dana Ireland murder trial a hearing on a motion to unseal post-conviction DNA testing conducted on a piece of key evidence. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

No Public Aerial Fireworks Displays, No Firecracker Sales on Maui this July Fourth. There will be no public aerial fireworks display on Maui this year for the Fourth of July holiday, and retailers will not be selling firecrackers, so no firecracker permits will be sold. Maui Now.

Department of Water Supply Publishes 2021 Water Quality Report Online. The annual report provides information about water quality and how the Maui County’s water compares with established federal and state drinking water standards. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Developer Wants Land Returned After County Delays Opening Drug Treatment Center. Grove Farm, the development company that donated nearly six acres to Kauai County for an inpatient drug treatment center, said the land deed is no longer valid. Civil Beat.

County directs $7 million in American Rescue Plan funds. The county is targeting 16 areas of need to inject American Rescue Plan money into, including adolescent drug treatment support, youth mental recovery, houselessness and kupuna needs. Garden Island.

Kealia roundabout progress continues. Roundabout use at the intersection of Kuhio Highway and Mailihuna Road intersection has partially opened, eliminating access to the temporary Kapa‘a Stream Bridge. Garden Island.

Grand jury declines to indict police in 16-year-old's shooting death, teachers ratify contract, hot housing market squeezing out renters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii mai tai on the rocks ©2021 All Hawaii News

Survey says Hawaii residents among the least likely to switch to alcohol-free drinks. 3,000 drinkers were surveyed across the country and it revealed that just 58% of people in Hawai'i would be willing to switch to a non-alcoholic drink -- for at least a month. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige continues to restrict the release of public records, citing the ongoing pandemic. The state’s public records law continues to be partially suspended under Gov. David Ige’s latest emergency proclamation related to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing government agencies to delay the release of records if they are busy responding to the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State Teachers Association says tentative 2-year contract for teachers ratified. The two-year tentative agreement freezes teachers’ pay through June 2023. The state previously proposed cuts in pay by as much as 20% to help balance the budget in the midst of the pandemic. The contract also increases state contributions to employee health premiums. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Hot Housing Market Is Squeezing Out Renters. The number of renters who are looking for a new place to live could rise when the eviction moratorium is lifted in August. Civil Beat.

'Regenerative Tourism' Movement Wants Benefits to Outweigh Costs. Even before the pandemic, movements were underway to shift Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry toward a model that gives back more than it takes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Hopes New Commission Will Improve Civic Engagement And Respect For Democracy. In a bid to encourage democratic engagement by citizens young and old, Hawaii has joined a growing list of states, including California and Illinois, in establishing initiatives aimed at providing education and resources about basic government processes and ways to influence them. Civil Beat.

State officials tout incentives, hope more residents will get vaccinated. State leaders are hopeful that recently announced incentives and benchmarks will entice more people to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but it’s too soon to tell what effect those efforts will actually have on inoculation numbers. Tribune-Herald.

Kaiser opens ‘ImmUNITY’ sweepstakes for those vaccinated against COVID-19. Kaiser Permanente is launching a sweepstakes campaign as part of a national effort to vaccinate 70% of adults in the United States against COVID-19 with at least one shot by the Fourth of July. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii reports 46 new coronavirus cases. There are 17 coronavirus cases on Oahu, five on the Big Island, 17 on Maui and seven diagnosed out of state. KHON2.

Oahu

Grand jury declines to charge officers in 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap shooting. In a decision that stunned family members and prompted calls for disclosure, an Oahu grand jury declined to indict three Honolulu police officers in connection with the April 5 shooting death of an unarmed 16-year-old who was the driver of a stolen vehicle that police fired into from behind as it sat idle on Kala­kaua Avenue. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

ACLU Files Lawsuit Accusing HPD Officer Of Helping His Friend. The ACLU has been pushing for a policy prohibiting conflicts of interest in policing. HPD’s new acting chief says the department is working on it. Civil Beat.

Woman says police covered up assault. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city, Honolulu police and the private business partner of an officer on behalf of a woman who alleges they covered up her assault by refusing to allow her to file a police report and falsely accusing her of stealing a mobile phone. Star-Advertiser.

Upfront split of new Aloha Stadium cost could have downside for taxpayers. The pending plan would shift much of the $400 million price tag to developers up front but could cost taxpayers more in the long run. KHON2.

In court, ‘Miske Enterprise’ defendant says he was offered $50,000 to help commit murder. Norman Akau III is the latest defendant to enter into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in the case against Honolulu businessman and suspected crime boss Michael Miske, who remains behind bars as he awaits trial on a long list of charges, including murder. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board weighs in on Van Pernis complaints. Leeward Planning Commissioner Mark Van Pernis was in the hot seat again Wednesday, this time before the county Board of Ethics. The board found Van Pernis didn’t violate the code of ethics in one petition, and it postponed action on a second petition in order to review videos of planning commission meetings where Van Pernis was accused of acting inappropriately. West Hawaii Today.

HFD likely to finish out fiscal year slightly under budget. As of May 31, the department had expended just 84.12% of its $51.92 million annual budget, leaving a little bit of leeway for the final month of fiscal year 2020-21, which ends June 30. With the surplus, the department paid years of past-due bills discovered after a new accountant was brought on, Todd told the Hawaii County Fire Commission Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Legislative talk story: Lowen, Kanuha talk with constituents about 2021 session. Sen. Dru Kanuha (D-Kona, Ka’u) joined Rep. Nicole Lowen (D-North Kona) on Zoom alongside constituents for the hour-long meeting. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Residents Invited to Give Input on Future Transportation Projects.  The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public input on improving transportation on the Valley Isle. Hawaii Public Radio.

6-Story Building Proposed for Construction on Grounds of Old Wailuku Post Office Site. The construction is proposed by the State of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation for use as office space for various state agencies. Maui Now.

Traffic concerns stall Costco gas station expansion plans. After coming close to denying a permit that would allow Costco to expand its fueling station in Kahului, the Maui Planning Commission deferred a decision on Tuesday, citing concerns over traffic around the already crowded gas station. Maui News.

Kauai

HTA funds $100K for forth-coming Kaua‘i shuttle service. With 40% of car rental inventory down and a surge in visitor arrivals, finding ways to get around the island for visitors has become a more pressing issue than it was in the past. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Humane Society gets $80,000. After receiving an anonymous donation of $40,000, the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s board matched the amount and used those funds by recently signing an agreement with Spectrum to upgrade their internet and phone lines. Garden Island.

Ige ties Hawaii reopening to vaccination rates, extends eviction moratorium; convicted murderer works in Child Welfare Services; new Honolulu radio system shuts out the public, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige

Gov. Ige to further ease COVID-19 restrictions once Hawaii is 60% vaccinated. Gov. David Ige announced today that the state will ease restrictions on social gatherings and restaurants once 60% of Hawaii residents are fully vaccinated, adding to the growing list of incentives for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Gov. David Ige extends ban on evictions in Hawaii for 60 days. Isle residents who are past due on rent and mortgages will have another two months before Gov. David Ige plans to lift the state’s ban on evictions in early August. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Convicted murderer’s hiring in Child Welfare Services exposes background check gaps. Advocates for victims of domestic violence are calling for change in the way the state hires people with access to vulnerable victims after a man who was convicted of and served time for murder in another state is now an employee of Hawaii’s Child Welfare Services. Hawaii News Now.

Officials step up efforts to expand COVID-19 vaccine access to underserved communities. The data, released Monday by DOH, showed that respondents least likely to be vaccinated included Native Hawaiians, Filipinos and those living in lower-income households.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island. KHON2.

June 7, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 33 Cases. The confirmed cases included: 18 on O‘ahu (-1 probable); three on Hawai‘i Island; 12 Maui; -1 on Kaua‘i; and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state (-1 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Public access to Honolulu police and fire scanners to end. The public’s long-standing access to routine radio communications by Honolulu police and firefighters is coming to an end as the city nears completion of a $15 million system overhaul that will encrypt the frequencies used by nine city departments, preventing objective monitoring of the transmissions. Star-Advertiser.

New special agent in charge steps into role at FBI’s Honolulu field office. Steven B. Merrill, the new special agent in charge of Honolulu’s FBI field office, said he learned early on in his career the incredible value of working with the community. Hawaii News Now.

Activists Hit New Roadblock In Efforts To Reroute Farrington Highway At Makaha Beach. Efforts by community activists to move Farrington Highway mauka of Makaha Beach park — in accordance with a decades-old plan — have hit a roadblock after an Oahu agency decided to halt a feasibility study and redirect the funding to a traffic study in Ala Moana instead. Civil Beat.

Audit calls for more data on domestic violence. Streamlined data collection on domestic violence cases was the center of a report released Monday by the Honolulu Office of the City Auditor. Star-Advertiser.

An Accountant Is The Latest To Be Charged In The Miske Case. The charges filed last week against Tricia Ann Castro were the first to target a professional accused of aiding the Honolulu business owner in concealing his alleged criminal activities. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's Rental Car Crisis Is Sending More Riders To Biki And TheBus. Honolulu also appears to be part of a nationwide trend in which the appetite for Uber and Lyft rides is growing but not enough drivers are returning to meet that demand. Civil Beat.

Median sales price of Oahu single-family homes close in on $1 million. Previously owned single- family houses on the island sold for $978,000 in May, according to a Honolulu Board of Realtors report released Monday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Oversight Commissioner Concerned With Overcrowding as COVID-19 Cases at Hilo Jail Rise to 154. According to the latest data from the state Department of Public Safety, 137 inmates and 17 staff at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center have tested positive for the coronavirus since the outbreak began on May 24. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Public asked to help prioritize federal transportation spending. The state has organized a survey for people to prioritize which federally funded road projects should be tackled over the next four years as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP. West Hawaii Today.

Paauilo brush fire burns 1,400 acres. The fire, which was reported on Friday, took more than a day to be contained, despite occurring on the typically wet Hamakua Coast. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Public opinion weighed as search for Maui’s next police chief begins. Applications are being accepted for the Valley Isle’s next police chief. Island residents say values of honesty and transparency should be key in the search. Hawaii News Now.

Maui holds only in-person graduation in UH system. Class of 2021 endured full school year under pandemic. Maui News.

Two arrested for violating travel rules. A Massachusetts man was arrested for violating travel quarantine rules when he arrived from Los Angeles on Friday without an approved negative pre-travel COVID-19 test and without approved lodging for the mandatory 10-day quarantine, police said. Police also arrested a Virginia woman on Saturday for violating travel quarantine rules. Maui News.

Kauai

The pa‘u rider lives on; museum exhibit on with COVID-19 protocols. Pa‘u riders have always been integral to regal parades such as the King Kamehameha Day celebration, Aloha Week celebration and more. Garden Island.