Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Green projects billion dollar budget surplus plus tax cuts, Hawaii officials fear Trump presidency to bring economic hit, climate losses, Honolulu council mulls 124% sewer fee hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Projects Billion Dollar Budget Surpluses Despite Historic Tax Cut.  Despite the extraordinary cost of the Maui wildfire disaster last year and the impact of the largest tax cut in state history this year, Gov. Josh Green’s administration anticipates billion-dollar budget surpluses for at least the next four years. Civil Beat.

Trump’s Support In Hawaii Has Grown Since He First Appeared On Ballots In 2016. It’s the best showing by a Republican nominee in the Aloha State since George W. Bush in 2004. Civil Beat.

How will Trump’s economic policies impact Hawaii? An economist weighs in. Many people who voted for the former president say it was because their families were harmed by rising prices and high interest rates, but Professor Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, says the things Trump is promising will make both of those problems worse. Hawaii News Now.

GOP Lawmaker Was Well Behind Until In-Person Votes Pushed Him To Victory. Republican state Rep. Elijah Pierick’s reelection victory in House District 39 was powered by in-person voters, an automatic recount shows. Civil Beat.

State senator calls for Hawaiʻi to be a climate leader during second Trump term
. Donald Trump's reelection puts the U.S.'s role in international climate action in question. A state senator says Hawaiʻi needs to step up as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Bill exempts veterans from vehicle fees. A bill to exempt annual motor vehicle registration fees for U.S. military veterans who are 65 years and older and reside within the City and County of Honolulu has been introduced. Star-Advertiser.

Council weighs in on city’s proposed sewer fee hike.  A city-initiated measure calling for a more than 124% increase to sewer fees for Oahu’s average single-family residential customer over a 10-year period was recently top of mind for the Honolulu City Council. Bill 60, if adopted by the Council, would see all of the city’s rate-paying customers, including commercial users, have a total fee hike of 115% over the decade-long time frame, according to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Commander urges former military to assist community. Dignitaries and community members gathered Monday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl to celebrate Veterans Day. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Plaque near McKinley statue addresses misrepresentation. The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs unveiled a new plaque Monday at the President William McKinley High School campus. The plaque, placed near the statue of the school’s namesake, seeks to address Hawaii’s contested annexation history and the statue’s representation of it. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

Cell tower bill showdown: Competing measures to be heard at Dec. 5 meeting.
While both bills diverge significantly, they both ultimately would exempt telecommunications companies from needing permit approval by the county Planning Commissions. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Summit Webcams Brought Back Online.
The Mauna Loa summit webcams have been down for several months due to wind damage at the radio telemetry site. Big Island Video News.

‘A day of reflection, gratitude and celebration’. Sunshine broke through a previously overcast Monday morning as the emcee of Hilo’s Veterans Day ceremony proclaimed it an “amazing, amazing Veterans Day.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui surfer determined to get back into water after shark bites off his leg. Kenji Nonaka, 61, is looking at life a little differently these days. Hawaii News Now.

First Lahaina residents expected to return home for Christmas. In six weeks, one Lahaina family said they’ll be ready to move back into their newly rebuilt home. They will be one of the first families moving back into the area, just in time for Christmas. KHON2.

Free presentation to cover wet season outlook, protecting Maui’s coral reefs. Residents of Maui looking to learn more about the wet season outlook can plug into an upcoming event with an expert from the National Weather Service.  Maui News. Maui Now.

Native Hawaiian scholarship event set for Dec. 10 at UH-Maui College. Students are invited to learn about Native Hawaiian support programs at UH-Hilo, UH Mānoa and UH Maui College. Maui Now.

Kauai

Officials tackle stubborn cesspool problem while trying to respect iwi. The discovery of iwi on Kauai’s North Shore during construction of a septic system is highlighting the stubborn problem of converting cesspools statewide. Lawmakers and government officials are trying to figure out how to balance mandatory conversions while protecting iwi kupuna (ancestral remains). Hawaii News Now.

A day of recognition for veterans. Under the leadership of the Waimea High School senior instructors, retired U.S. Army Colonel, Jerome Freeman and retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Keith Castaneda, the Waimea High School JROTC battalion joined several hundred guests and dignitaries to pay tribute to all veterans during the Kauai Veterans Council Veterans Day Observance at Kauai Veterans Cemetery on Monday. Garden Island.

Tackling hunger in Hanapepe. As part of a positive action campaign, the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai partnered with the Hawaii Army National Guard, and numerous military-connected groups, including the Waimea High School JROTC program, Team Rubicon and U.S. Navy at the Pacific Missile Range Facility to offer free food for up to 200 families at Hanapepe Armory on Saturday. Garden Island.

Blessing at Kaua‘i heiau begins Makahiki, season marking start of Hawaiian lunar year. The 4-month season of Makahiki is observed throughout the Hawaiian Islands and is dedicated to the god Lono. Kauai Now.

Friday, November 11, 2022

Hawaii businesses offer freebies for vets, audit slams Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 100 more join lawsuit against military over Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

These Hawaii spots offering freebies for veterans. Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day and many businesses across the country are offering free items or nice discounts for veterans, active duty and retired military people. KHON2.

OHA Vows Accountability After Audit Finds Evidence Of ‘Fraud, Waste And Abuse’. A financial investigation released Thursday found 22 instances of questionable spending worth more than $7.3 million made by former top officials at the Office of Hawaiians Affairs. The findings were a follow-up to a 2019 report that initially flagged 38 transactions made from 2012 to 2016. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

County Ethics Watchdogs Need More Money To Do The Job Right, State Panel Says. The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct says the grants will beef up bare-bones budgets that now exist in all counties except Honolulu, which spends more on its ethics board. Civil Beat.

Green’s proposed visitor fee might be popular with residents, but lawmakers appear cool on the idea.
One of the marquee elements of Gov.-KITV4.Josh Green’s agenda is a flat fee on all visitors to generate hundreds of millions of dollars for everything from erosion to parks. But it could already be in trouble at the Legislature ― a challenge that could be a test of his lobbying skills. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige reflects on wins and losses as his final inning comes to a close. Gov. David Ige is rounding third base and heading toward home as his last day in office approaches. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Voter Turnout For Hawaii General Election Plateaus At 48%. It’s the lowest general election turnout in the state’s history. Civil Beat.

On Election Day, this new tool helped speed up Hawaii’s delivery of voting results. New technology used on Election Day helped deliver voting results from more remote areas within minutes. The state Elections Office launched the Remote Rally system for the first time Tuesday and said it worked. Hawaii News Now.

Adult Learners Thought This Program Was A Path To College. They Were Wrong. Hawaii schools continued to operate a popular alternative diploma program from 2014 to 2019, despite it not meeting federal standards. Now some of those graduates are unable to access financial aid. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Education is appointed. It used to be elected. Is one way better? The governor nominates members, and the state Senate either confirms or rejects them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii agency picks 4 planned mid-income affordable-housing projects to subsidize. Four planned affordable-housing projects received state financing help Thursday under a new program to produce rental apartments for middle-income residents. Star-Advertiser.

New state funding will help expand nursing classes, but it’s a fraction of what’s needed. At a news conference last month, Gov. David Ige released $1.75 million to combat a severe faculty shortage at nursing schools across the state. Hawaii News Now.

In effort to expand healthcare services, VA opens first telehealth station in Hawaii. There are more than 55,000 registered veterans living in Hawaii but not all of them live near a VA clinic. This can make getting access to healthcare challenging but a new program by the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System is designed to bring healthcare services directly to vets. Hawaii News Now.

State Health Department warns of early rise of RSV rates. Health officials are warning of an early rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza in Hawaii, similar to trends observed across the U.S. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Kauai Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Over 100 new plaintiffs join Red Hill lawsuit against federal government. More than 100 military family members and civilians who were on the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam drinking water system when it was contaminated with jet fuel in 2021 have joined a lawsuit suing the federal government, alleging military officials provided inadequate medical care in the days and months following the emergency. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Former TV anchor defeats incumbent in state Senate race. Former TV news anchor Brenton Awa pulled off a come-from-behind win in the race for the state Senate seat that represents Kunia, the North Shore and parts of Windward Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore property owner offers to take down concrete barrier poured on Sunset Beach. A North Shore property owner who poured concrete on the berm behind his Ke Nui Road home has been granted more time by the city to remove the barrier. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State clears the way for Meadow Gold expansion. An expansion of the state’s only dairy processing facility could be completed within two years. Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii is seeking to double the size of its premises in Hilo, a move that could enable more dairy producers in the state. Tribune-Herald.

New Rules For Kahaluʻu Bay Surf Schools. The Hawaiʻi BLNR on Thursday voted to limit the number of companies and students participating in surf instruction in a specific area of Kahaluʻu Bay. Big Island Video News.

There when you need it: Waikoloa Loan Closet provides medical equipment for the community. Realtor Phyllis Klicker had closed on a home sale in Waikoloa Village and discovered the previous owner had left behind a cache of medical equipment. Not wanting to take it to the landfill, she decided to open the Waikoloa Loan Closet, making the equipment available free of charge to anyone in need.West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Temporary Wednesday closures implemented to address permit backlog. The Plans Review Section of the Zoning Administration and Enforcement Division will be closed to the public temporarily on Wednesdays beginning Nov. 16, 2022. Maui Now.

Maui police chief explains new tactics.
Joining KHON2 from the Valley Isle is Maui Police Dept. Chief John Pelletier, covering the island’s approach to concealed-carry permits, and the evolution of 21-century policing for Maui County. KHON2.

Man testifies about Maui beating he says was hate crime. A white man who says he was a victim of a hate crime when two Native Hawaiian men assaulted him while he was fixing up a home he purchased in their remote Maui village testified Wednesday that his attackers were racially motivated, even though he conceded that no racist comments can be heard in video taken during the 2014 beating. Associated Press.

Day 3: West Maui fire scorches 2,100 acres, burns mauka brush between Kahoma & Launiupoko. Firefighters continue efforts to contain a stubborn fire in West Maui has burned 2,100 acres since it was first reported on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i county council race shifts; Cowden and DeCosta in, Kagawa out. Late voting favored incumbent council members Felicia Cowden and Billy DeCosta, who passed former council member Ross Kagawa to slot into the sixth and seventh spots, respectively. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Community College names Margaret Sanchez as interim chancellor. Under Sanchez’s leadership, Kauaʻi CC received more than $3.5 million in grants in support of its mission, including enabling the college to be a Native Hawaiian Indigenous-serving institution. Kauai Now.

Kauai Animal Shelter Buys 10 Acres With Plans To Grow. The Kauai Humane Society now owns the Lihue parcel where it has operated for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Honolulu braces for student surge, Veterans Affairs official visits Tripler, Japanese tourists drawn to Big Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Joy Roldan
Honolulu traffic PC:Joy Roldan via Facebook
Here are some tips on how to prepare for back-to-school Oʻahu traffic. Prepare yourself. If you are on the road on Oʻahu next week, expect delays as 50,000 more motorists hit the road. The University of Hawaiʻi faculty and students return fully in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic.  Hawaii Public Radio.

When to expect your $300 Hawaii tax rebate? The State of Hawaii Department of Taxation created an Act 115 Refund page on its website for residents and said those that filed their tax returns can expect to see their $300 refund by September or October and it all depends on when they filed their tax return. KHON2.

Large number of voters leave Office of Hawaiian Affairs races blank. From Mauna Kea, to the decades long waiting list for Hawaiian Homestead land, it's a pivotal time in the Native Hawaiian community. KITV4

Hawaiʻi Schools Issue Updated COVID-19 Guidance.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Education on Monday released an updated COVID-19 guidance, incorporating the latest recommendations from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for K-12 schools. Big Island Video News.

Ige: Changes coming as COVID funding ends. Due to changes in federal funding, the state of Hawaii will alter its approach to testing, treatment and other COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 2,696 new infections, 13 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, continued its downward trend to 10.7%, compared to 12.4% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between Aug. 9 to 15. It represents a decline for the third week in a row since July 27. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Public May Never Know Who Did The Bribing In The Honolulu Permitting Scandal. In a bribery scandal that nabbed government workers, federal prosecutors have obscured the identities of those on the other end of the transaction. Civil Beat.

Airport theft probe exposes possible wider public corruption scheme. A state investigation into alleged thefts at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport baseyard has lead to suspicions of insider contracting. Hawaii News Now.

Tripler VA center gets visit from Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Donald Remy. Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Donald Remy visited the Spark M. Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Wednesday as part of a tour of VA facilities across the Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Mixed-use towers proposed for Keeaumoku. A new affordable housing development could be coming to the heart of Honolulu at the old Meadow Gold facility, but questions remain about how long it will stay affordable. KHON2.

Honolulu Community College’s aviation maintenance program receives a historic boost from Hawaiian Airlines. For the first time in the roughly 80-year history of the Pacific Basin’s only aviation maintenance training program, an airline company is investing in it directly by diverting some of its paid employees to serve as instructors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island records more than its usual share of Japanese visitors. Ross Birch, head of the bureau, says the Big Island is currently receiving about 1,000 Japanese visitors a day. That equates to 20% of Japanese visitors arriving in Hawaiʻi. The island usually sees 10% of total statewide arrivals. Hawaii Public Radio.

County to Temporarily Pause Rental, Utility Assistance Program. The county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, ERAP, will temporarily pause to new applications starting Thursday in an effort to process existing applications. Big Island Now. KHON2.

New program makes county buses ‘safe places’. Mass Transit Administrator John Andoh announced that Mass Transit is partnering with the National Safe Place Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter and resources to children and teens in crisis. Tribune-Herald.

Public Can Give Feedback On Waikōloa Intersection Plan. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works Engineering Division says it will be implementing safety improvements on the Waikōloa Intersection, where Waikoloa Road meets Paniolo Avenue. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Judge Extends TRO Against Deputy Prosecutor. A district court judge in Hilo on Wednesday extended a temporary restraining order against a deputy prosecutor and his wife who are accused of harassing their next-door neighbors. She also ordered mediation. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Police Commission reviews complaints against chief and executive staff. The Maui Police Commission met on Wednesday to review complaints against Maui Police Chief John Pelletier and several members of his executive staff, alleging violations of policy and procedure. Maui Now.

Despite long lines to vote on Maui, election officials say no major changes planned for November. Officials say primary election day in Hawaii had a few hiccups, but otherwise went smoothly and they’re not planning to change too many procedures for the general election in November. Hawaii News Now.

Public invited to comment on Maui Climate Mitigation Action Survey. Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking public input for a Maui County Climate Mitigation Action Survey to help develop a Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi residents respond favorably to concept of regenerative travel. Give more and take less could soon become a traveler’s creed. A University of Hawaiʻi paper asked more than 460 Kauaʻi residents about their attitudes on regenerative tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Surveyed Kauaʻi residents continue to feel concerned about COVID-19. A majority of surveyed Kauaʻi residents continue to feel concerned about COVID-19 and the pandemic, according to a new report from the state Department of Health and Kauaʻi District Health Office. Hawaii Public Radio.

Friday, August 12, 2022

Ige emergency order seeks out-of-state nurses, ballots slow down before election, workers battle Pohakuloa wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by SJ Objio via unsplash
Hospital nurse PC:SJ Objio via Unsplash
Gov. David Ige approves emergency rules addressing health care staff shortage. Gov. David Ige today announced the approval of emergency rules authorizing out-of-state nurses to temporarily practice in Hawaii without applying for and obtaining a license if certain requirements are met. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii to follow CDC’s relaxed COVID-19 guidelines. The state Department of Health says it plans to adjust its COVID-19 quarantine guidelines to align with those issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC dropped the recommendation that Americans quarantine if they come into close contact with an infected person, saying there is now significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death than earlier in the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Lack of ballots to count leaves Hawaii election volunteers at home. As of Wednesday over 234,000 ballots had been received via mail, dropped off at collection sites or cast in person at voter service centers. That’s 32% of the 730,000 ballots that were sent out to registered voters in Hawaii two weeks ago. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Federal agency failed to protect 49 at-risk Hawaii species, lawsuit says. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Thursday against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accusing the agency of failing to designate and protect critical habitat for 49 Hawaii endangered species. Star-Advertiser.

Alaska Airlines to fly Hawaii veterans to D.C. for free on special flights. Alaska Airlines is offering Hawaii military veterans free flights to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials and monuments honoring their service and sacrifice. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu

Hawaii’s first major solar farm with batteries is currently producing electricity on Oahu. Hawaii’s first major solar farm with batteries is currently producing electricity on Oahu. The first utility-scale solar farm on Oahu linked with batteries recently began commercial power production ahead of seven similar projects slated for completion over the next two years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Urban Core May See More Affordable Housing For Older Adults. The Catholic Church has joined a nonprofit organization to develop a 17-story affordable housing building for older adults on downtown property owned by the church at Fort Street Mall, nestled on one of the oldest streets in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Marine Corps Pledges To Improve Stormwater Management In Kaneohe. After the U.S. Marine Corps was found to be polluting Oahu’s coastal waters with stormwater discharges, the military and Environmental Protection Agency have entered into an agreement to address “significant deficiencies” in the base’s stormwater program, the EPA announced on Thursday. Civil Beat.

TheBus will be free for 5 days beginning Aug. 22.
To regain and encourage ridership, regular fares for TheBus on Oʻahu will be suspended for five days later this month. Riders will need to have HOLO cards to participate, which is how the city will evaluate the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

West Oahu Charter School Finances Expansion Through Municipal Bonds. One of Hawaii’s newest charter schools turns to an untraditional source of funding to finance its expansion. A West Oahu charter school that opened in 2019 with 100 sixth graders welcomed its first class of freshmen this year, but DreamHouse Ewa Beach doesn’t yet have a high school. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Large wildfire burning amid Big Isle drought. A large wildfire in a rural area of Hawaii island is not threatening any homes, but high winds and extremely dry conditions are making it difficult for crews to contain the blaze. The fire had burned more than 15 square miles as of Thursday. Associated Press. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi County Council considers affordable housing credit audit. Earlier this month, Hawaiʻi County Council member Holeka Goro Inaba introduced a resolution for an audit into the county’s affordable housing credits after state and federal investigators indicted four people in an affordable housing scheme. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials work to fix traffic woes near Mt. View school. Since students returned to school last week, there has been a substantial increase in traffic congestion on Highway 11 near Mountain View Elementary. Tribune-Herald.

Surf’s up: Business gets permit for surf school at Old Kona Airport Park. Kona Town Surf received a permit from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources hours before Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers on Wednesday attempted to cite the surf school business for operating without the necessary documentation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Iwi kupuna discovered on Maui public beach sparks debate over erosion plans. Rising sea level and erosion are provoking a painful debate on Maui between protecting the beach and protecting the dignity of Native Hawaiian ancestors. Last week, a visitor stumbled across ancestral skeletal remains on a public beach near the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club in West Maui. Hawaii News Now.

District 13 Democratic primary features new faces with deep ties. House District 13 has seen plenty of turnover in recent years. In 2015 Lynn DeCoite was appointed to the seat after the death of former Rep. Mele Carroll. In 2021 Linda Clark was appointed to the office after DeCoite moved over to the Senate. Maui News.

The long-awaited opening of Kīhei High School is planned for January, but will it happen? Construction of the upper campus of the beautiful new Kīhei High School — which sits mauka of Piʻilani Highway with Haleakala as a backdrop — is expected to finally be completed enough to open in January for a small inaugural class of ninth graders. Maui Now.

Kauai

HDOT to begin work on Lihu‘e Airport parking lot. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation-Airports Division is set to begin a $2.4 million project at Lihu‘e Airport this Monday. Garden Island.

Primary election update; ballots due Aug. 13. Here are the preliminary numbers on ballots turned in so far, according to Elections Administrator Lyndon Yoshioka: Total ballots sent out: 40,947. Ballots turned in: 8,684. Percent of ballots cast: 17.5. In-person votes: 241. Percent in person: 2.7 Garden Island.

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley honors Vietnam vets in Honolulu, Smith & Wesson sues over public records costs, Mexican Consulate assists hundreds on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PC: Depaartment of Defense
Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff speaks in Honolulu PC:DOD

Vietnam veterans commemorated at Punchbowl. National Vietnam Veterans Day was observed Tuesday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in a ceremony attended by the country’s top military leader, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Health Department adopts CDC guidance, authorizes 2nd COVID booster for some. Effective immediately, people who received their first booster shot at least four months ago may receive a second booster shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if they are over the age of 50. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Ige’s New Attorney General Faces Senate Questions Over Employee Complaints. The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to vote on the nominee’s appointment on Friday. Civil Beat.

New Hawaii law clarifies procedures for filing criminal complaints. A newly enacted law that clarifies the process for filing criminal complaints will give prosecutors across the state a chance to refile charges in more than 1,000 misdemeanor cases that were dismissed in the wake of a December ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Bill To Limit Public Access To Government Records Is Dying In The Senate. A bill that would make it more difficult for the public to get access to “pre-decisional” government records is quietly dying in the state Senate, but lawmakers want to establish a working group to consider when those records should be made public, and when they should be kept secret. Civil Beat.

Smith & Wesson Sues Hawaii Over The High Cost Of Public Records. The AG’s office wanted more than $20,000 for records related to firearms issues. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Hawaii Is The Latest State To Get Hit With Claims Of Election Fraud. The state elections commission is looking into a complaint about the accuracy of voter registration rolls. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Prosecutors office pushes for more funding. Honolulu Prosecutor, Steve Alm, wants to hire about 15 more attorneys to help with the caseload. Currently, Alm says there are 89 deputy prosecutors on staff, but keeping them on the job is proving to be a challenge. KHON2.

Resolution calls for completing long-delayed land deal. In 1991, an act of Congress called on the secretary of the Army to hand over to the state 87 acres of land that makes up the western end of Dillingham Airfield, a section of property that also includes the adjacent shoreline, locally known as Army Beach. But the conveyance, for unknown reasons, never happened. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Menor To Run For Honolulu City Council, Not Lieutenant Governor. The former councilman and state representative wants to return to Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat.

BWS chief engineer worries Red Hill fuel contamination could be spreading.
A state Department of Health spokesperson wasn’t aware of any changes. Hawaii News Now.

Feds checking new rail plan for potential problems. Federal transit officials are on Oahu this week asking questions about reducing rail construction to 19 stations over 18.75 miles at a cost of $9.8 billion. Star-Advertiser.

‘Complete Streets’ beacon aims to improve safety on Kailua Road. City officials Tuesday morning unveiled a new crosswalk with a flashing beacon to help pedestrians cross a busy thoroughfare in the heart of Kailua town more safely. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo anesthesiologist, Honolulu ex-prosecutor’s brother, pleads guilty to one charge before drug trial.
The brother of former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha imprisoned in a corruption case pleaded guilty to one charge in an indictment alleging the doctor prescribed drugs to friends so they could sell them for cash. Rudolph Puana’s drug-dealing trial on 53 other counts began today with jury selection. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Groundbreaking for new HVO facility within the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s campus could happen next year. A new Hilo home for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is slowly getting closer to reality. Tribune-Herald.

‘The Flash’ Ezra Miller creates a stir in Hilo: TRO filed against the actor a day after arrest at Hilo bar. A Hollywood actor who was arrested in Hilo on Monday had a restraining order filed against them Tuesday after a series of erratic incidents over the last few weeks. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Hundreds on Maui assisted during Mexican Consulate visit. The Mexican Consulate handled about 480 appointments on March 26 and 27, helping individuals and families with their passports and other documentation. This was the first visit by the Consulate in two years due to the pandemic with brisk demand for appointments. Maui Now.

Kihei roundabout causing headaches and concerns. A new project is underway to make crossing a busy highway in Kihei safer for pedestrians. Construction on the state’s first two-lane roundabout started last week. KHON2.

Kuau landowner fined $60K over shoreline violations. Company must also install sand berms as part of agreement with county. Kuau Cove Properties, the landowner of Mama’s Fish House, will pay the county a $60,000 fine and conduct a project expected to cost upwards of $165,000 to resolve violations that occurred on the shoreline fronting the restaurant in 2019. Maui News.

Lahainaluna boys’ dorm to reopen Sunday. Facility has been closed since late February due to lack of staffing. Maui News.

Kauai

County seeking funds for Po‘ipu infrastructure projects.
The county is taking another crack at a federal grant which would provide $26 million in funding for road projects in Po‘ipu. Garden Island.

CAP plane was off-course when it crashed. Witnesses say fatal Kauai flight was flying near mountain. U.S. safety regulators said today that a small plane that crashed on Kauai earlier this month and killed two men on board had been flying close to a mountain in poor weather. Associated Press. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Governor cancels Veterans Day ceremony, Connors acting governor in Ige's, Green's absence, missing girl's adoptive parents charged with her murder, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2021 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
2017 Veterans Day parade in Hilo ©2021 All Hawaii News

Governor’s Veterans Day Ceremony has been canceled.
Due to the limiting factors associated with the pandemic, the State Department of Defense in conjunction with the State Office of Veteran's Services has canceled the Governor's Veterans Day Ceremony. KITV4.

Josh Green Raises Money On Mainland For Hawaii Governor’s Race. His absence leaves Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors to fill in as acting governor while Gov. David Ige is in Scotland. Civil Beat.

HTA October COVID-19 Visitor Satisfaction Study: 81% Rate Hawai‘i Trips as Excellent. Nearly all (94%) of the visitors who were polled in this latest study were fully vaccinated, with one in three travelers indicating they had postponed their trip to Hawaiʻi or waited to visit until the vaccination exemption was in place.  Maui Now.

Hawaii Sues State’s Largest Oil Refiner For Alleged Unpaid Taxes. The State of Hawaii has sued the state’s largest oil refiner, alleging the company relied on a flawed interpretation of state tax law to skirt paying tens of millions of dollars in taxes annually for an unknown number of years. The whistleblower suit against Par Hawaii could have repercussions for other companies operating in Hawaii’s foreign trade zones. Civil Beat.

Questionable Spending And Lax Oversight By Wespac Of Secretive Fisheries Fund
. Federal investigators questioned one out of every $6 the regional fishery council spent over the past decade and documented inappropriate procurement practices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii records 6 new coronavirus-related deaths, 142 additional infections.
The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 69 new cases on Oahu, 28 on Hawaii Island, 13 on Maui, 17 on Kauai one on Lanai, and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term rental bill advances despite confusion.
The Honolulu City Council is considering a measure that would alter the rules for short-term rentals, notably increasing the minimum stay to six months from 30 days for short-term rentals without a special permit. Star-Advertiser.

Adoptive parents of Isabella Kalua arrested for murder in connection with her disappearance. Honolulu police say that the adoptive parents of 6-year-old Isabella Kalua, also known as Ariel Sellers, killed her sometime around mid-August and reported her missing a month later. Both parents were arrested Wednesday for suspicion of second-­degree murder and charged as part of an FBI and Honolulu police investigation into the child’s disappearance. Both are being held without bail. Authorities have not recovered her body, but continue to search the Kalua’s Waimanalo property. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Department of Education finds no bias in how girl’s arrest was handled. The state Department of Education has not found any evidence of bias or wrongdoing by its employees after they called police, who then arrested a 10-year-old Black girl on a campus for allegedly drawing a picture featuring a gun and death threats above the names of students. Star-Advertiser.

Stream contaminated by runoff containing high amounts of drinking alcohol. The state Health Department is now investigating the spill from a storm pipe next the the H-2 Freeway. The state Department of Transportation, which owns the pipe, told the DOH that the spill came from Paradise Beverages, which owns a warehouse across the freeway from the spill site. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

EPA fines Hawaii County for failure to complete wastewater treatment facility design by deadline. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today said it has fined the County of Hawaii $28,500 for its failure to meet a deadline to complete the design of the Pahala Wastewater Treatment Facility. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Island Coastal Vulnerability Takes Global Stage.
Hawaiʻi island was recently highlighted on the global stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26. Big Island Video News. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

MFD seeks new tanker to meet Upcountry demand. The Maui Fire Department is proposing a new fire tanker in Kula to assist with the growing number of calls Upcountry, help with response time and water resources and combat the increase in wildfires in the Kahikinui and Kaupo areas. Maui News.

Acting Gov. Connors Declares Disaster Emergency Relief Period for Maui Drought.
Acting Gov. Clare Connors has signed a proclamation that provides relief to Maui County, which has suffered under drought conditions since March 2019. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Former Kauai Councilman Pleads Guilty To Leading Meth Ring. Former Kauai County Councilman Arthur Brun pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges that he led a methamphetamine ring supplied by the United Samoan Organization, a gang that operates in and out of the Hawaii prison system. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i allows bars, gyms to choose new policies. Effective Friday, high-risk businesses — including bars, restaurants and gyms — can institute their own COVID-19 vaccination or testing policy for entry to reopen to 100% indoor capacity, according to a new county policy. Garden Island.

Kauai Homeowners Worry About ‘Black Slime’ Health Risks. Residents say they feel trapped in new homes plagued by a mysterious water problem that they fear could be making them sick. Civil Beat.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

H-3 tunnel coronavirus testing commences despite feds saying no, vets gather for 75th WWII anniversary, UH students investigated for recreating George Floyd death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center
Cars line up for coronavirus testing Sept. 1, 2020 PC:Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center
Hawaii Ignores Feds, Uses H-3 For COVID-19 Testing Anyway. Federal highway officials cited safety concerns and the military’s access between Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay for their denial but the state is proceeding regardless. Civil Beat.

Feds spurn COVID-19 testing held on H-3 freeway. Hawaii officials acknowledged facing the potential loss of federal transportation funding after the Federal Highways Administration denied the state’s request to use the freeway for the event. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii moves forward with surge testing on H-3, despite feds saying no. In an unprecedented move by the local government, mass COVID-19 testing on the H-3 Freeway took place on Sept. 1 even though the federal government rejected the state’s request to shut it down. And the state plans to do it again on Sept. 3. KHON2.

H-3 freeway closure for COVID-19 testing continues without federal approval. State officials defended the use of the H-3 for non-transportation purposes, saying the need is worth the risk of the federal government possibly withholding future funding. KITV4.

‘You don’t need a reason’: Ige urges residents to participate in free COVID-19 testing. Cars lined lanes in both directions of the H-3 Freeway on Tuesday for a huge COVID-19 testing effort that’s scheduled to be repeated Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Hundreds of callers request information on hotel quarantine rooms. The Hawaii State Department of Health has screened about 350 to 400 calls a day from people asking about the hotel quarantine rooms for people who tested positive with COVID-19 or have been in close contact. KHON2.

The Cost Of Failure To Contain The Virus? Massive Layoffs. With no end in sight to the shutdown of tourism, dozens of companies have filed letters with labor officials outlining job cuts and extended furloughs. Civil Beat.

State forecasting grim economic forecast. The state is projecting the economy will contract by 12.3% in 2020, according to a state Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism third-quarter report released last week that analyzes data between April and July 2020. Garden Island.

State and counties slow to spend billions in federal COVID relief. As COVID-19 continues to spread, mass layoffs are escalating and more small businesses are closing permanently. Meanwhile, the state and its counties are still sitting on more than $1 billion in federal relief funds. KHON2.

Hawaii DOE’s Distance Learning Tool ‘Very, Very Questionable’. An internal Department of Education document shows Acellus Learning Accelerator received mostly negative remarks in an early review by content specialists. Civil Beat.

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Vets, dignitaries to gather for ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. World War II veterans, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and a number of other dignitaries and invited guests will gather Wednesday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II with a somber ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. Hawaii News Now.

Live broadcast of 75th end-of-WWII commemoration begins this morning. The live broadcast today for the 75th end of World War II commemoration on the battleship Missouri in Pearl Harbor will be available via satellite around the globe beginning at 7:30 a.m. Hawaii time, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

For nisei veterans, 75th anniversary of the end of WWII evokes memories of shared sacrifice. As Hawaii marks 75 years since the end of World War II with a special ceremony Wednesday aboard the USS Missouri, it’s lost on no one that the number of veterans is dwindling. Hawaii News Now.

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University of Hawai'i taking action after a disturbing video is posted to social media. The University of Hawaii is taking action on Tuesday night after a video showing what appears to be students reenacting the death of George Floyd makes its way around social media. KITV4.

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Hawaii called hub for illegal cockfighting trade. Hawaii is “at the center of the cockfighting trade in the Pacific Rim” with the state acting as a hub for animal-fighting activities throughout the region, two animal advocacy groups said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Animal Rights Activists Want Feds To Investigate Cockfighting. Animal Wellness Action says they’ve linked breeders in the Aloha State to buyers and chicken fighters in Guam. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials urged to investigate rooster exporters. During a news conference Tuesday, Animal Wellness Action, an organization dedicated to end the exploitation of animals, announced the results of a months-long investigation into Hawaii’s involvement in the international trade of fighting roosters, identifying 22 people or organizations throughout the state thought to have exported such birds to Guam in the past three years. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii found to be among leading exporters of illegal cockfighting birds. An animal rights group found that Hawaii to be one of the nation’s leading exporters of cockfighting birds. Hawaii News Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 1: Four Deaths And 181 New Cases In Hawaii. One person died on Hawaii island and three people died on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii records 3 new COVID-19 fatalities on Oahu, 1 death at Hilo veterans home. Hawaii Department of Health officials today recorded four new coronavirus-related deaths and 181 new cases, bringing the statewide totals since the beginning of the pandemic to 74 fatalities and 8,653 cases. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 4 Deaths, 181 New Cases; H-3 Tests Begin Today; More Surge Tests Headed To Isles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For Tuesday, Sept. 1: Four New Deaths Reported, 181 New Cases. There were 181 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi as of noon on Tuesday, health officials reported. Another four (4) deaths were also reported. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Chasid Sapolu returns to Honolulu prosecutors office after receiving federal investigation subject letter in 2018. First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chasid Sapolu returned to work Tuesday for the first time in over a year and half, reporting to the Juvenile Offender Unit in the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Star-Advertiser.

After nearly 2 years on leave, deputy city prosecutor returns to work. Almost two years after he received a subject letter from the US Department of Justice and went on leave, deputy city Prosecutor Chasid Sapolu is back at work. Hawaii News Now.

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Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi collected, spent the most in Honolulu mayoral race. The two Honolulu mayoral hopefuls advancing into November’s winner-take-all matchup are the same two candidates who outraised and outspent a broad and diverse field of opponents. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s to begin 18-month-long COVID antibody study among employees. Queen’s Health Systems is launching an 18-month-long antibody study. They’re hoping it will help with tracking the virus among its employees. Hawaii News Now.

City Council schedules meetings to discuss potential affordable housing project in Kailua. The Honolulu City Council will be meeting on three separate dates in September to discuss a proposed affordable housing project in Kailua. KHON2.

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2 Inmates Killed In 2 Weeks In Hawaii Correctional System. The latest death happened Monday evening in a crowded quarantine cell at OCCC. Civil Beat.

62-year-old OCCC inmate killed overnight, allegedly by another inmate. A murder investigation is underway at the Oahu Community Correctional Center after an inmate assault turned deadly. Hawaii News Now.

62-year-old inmate dies after allegedly being assaulted by another inmate. According to police documents, both males are inmates at a correctional facility. KITV4.

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Building once used by ‘Dog’ Chapman becomes housing for Native Hawaiians. Today, on the 182nd anniversary of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birthday, the trust that bears her name is taking a more intensive approach to housing and helping young Native Hawaiian adults who have aged out of the foster care system and have few opportunities in the era of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser High farmers market ordered to shut down due to complaint. The Friends of Kaiser PTSA Farmer’s Market, held Thursday afternoons in Kaiser High School’s parking lot, closed last week after a complaint was filed with the state Department of Education, said Justin Mew, the school’s principal. Star-Advertiser.

New Royal Hawaiian Groin is first of several planned for Waikiki. The construction of a Royal Hawaiian Groin, billed as new but encapsulating the still-intact spine of its 93-year-old predecessor on Waikiki Beach fronting the eponymous pink hotel, is pau, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced in a press release last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


Restrictions to Return to Big Island Beaches for Labor Day. Hawai‘i County plans to take preventative action to stop the Labor Day Holiday from producing major COVID-19 spreading events amid the current surge on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Big Island Mayor Wants Extra Beach Restrictions For Labor Day. Harry Kim says he is waiting for approval from Gov. David Ige for a ban on beach gatherings Sept. 4-19. Civil Beat.

Big Isle Mayor: More Restrictions No Solution To COVID-19 Surge. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim says further restrictions are not the answer in stopping a surge of COVID-19 cases and community spread on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Contact tracing app squeaks through: Council Public Safety Committee narrowly passes nonbinding resolution. A County Council panel Tuesday urged developers of a free, voluntary contact tracing app to talk directly with Mayor Harry Kim’s administration before the council takes a final vote on a resolution later this month. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County’s top prosecutor said Tuesday all Big Island residents should be concerned about the Hawaii Supreme Court’s most recent order pushing the release of more detainees across the state. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday issued its most recent pandemic-related order expanding the release of detainees to include those charged for certain petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and felony offenses on all islands — not specific facilities. West Hawaii Today.

County’s ‘Bug Busters’ on the job to keep the community safe. Teams of Bug Busters have been hard at work at county facilities — focused on sanitizing high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces seven days a week — since early March. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Master Plan to be completed by late next year. The master plan was established in 2000 to provide policy for UH to govern the Maunakea Science Reserve, but a long-awaited update to the plan will, among other things, provide a framework to reduce the number of astronomy sites at the mountain’s summit. Tribune-Herald.

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Luxury Yacht To Pay $100K For Dropping Anchor On Coral In Kailua Bay. The owners of the luxury yacht Formosa will have to pay $100,000 for an anchor drop that damaged coral in Kailua Bay. Big Island Video News.

Luxury yacht owners fined $100K for coral reef damage off Hawaii Island. The DLNR says Formosa Wealth Management Group, owners of the 197-foot luxury yacht, dropped their anchor in the Kailua Bay Zone of the Kona Coast Fishery Management Area in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

10 Employees at Maui’s Wailuku Police Station Test Positive for COVID-19 Since Aug. 27. A total of 10 employees at Maui Police Department’s Wailuku Station have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was reported at the department on Aug. 27. Maui Now.

MPD reports 7 new presumptive positive COVID cases among Wailuku employees. The number of COVID-19 cases tied to the Wailuku Police Station is now up to 10 after new test results were received. Hawaii News Now.

2 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Maui Prosecutor’s Office; 1 Case at Moloka‘i Baseyard. The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney recently reported two positive COVID-19 cases, according to Maui Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishida. Maui Now.

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Maui Inmates Briefly Resist Orders To Return To Cells. Maui police were called to be on standby in case they were needed, according to jail officials. Civil Beat.

Attempted Disturbance at Maui Jail Quickly Contained. At about 2 p.m. Maui Community Correctional Center (MCCC) inmates in one module refused to go back into their cells. Maui Now.

MCCC inmates refused to go back to their cells. Inmates in a module at the Maui Community Correctional Center refused to go back to their cells around 2 p.m. KHON2.

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Maui News staffers bring home 21 SPJ Excellence in Journalism honors. The Maui News dominated the Daily Newspapers division, capturing four first places, including for reports on the Central Maui brush fire; a riot at Maui Community Correctional Center; a personal interview with the voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, a childhood hero; and a historical retrospective on Maui after the Pearl Harbor attack. Maui News.

Kauai

Fixing the water system in Moloa‘a Hui Lands. The Moloa‘a Irrigation Cooperative received a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant from the county of $52,415 for water system improvements that will reduce the cost of water and leaks in the system. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Museum reopens with modified schedule. Doors to the Kaua‘i Museum gift shop open from 9:30 a.m. and remain open until 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday under the temporary new hours and dates. The rest of the museum is available through reservations-only tours created by the museum’s staff during the closure. Garden Island.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Hawaii's coral reefs in fair condition, time capsule found at state Capitol, Honolulu chief deputy prosecutor takes leave in federal probe, Southwest Airlines coming to Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2018 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Cauliflower coral ©2018 All Hawaii News
Report: Hawaii’s coral reefs in ‘fair’ condition, face serious threats. Looking at coral reefs near the Main Hawaiian Islands as well as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the report found that climate conditions — temperature stress and ocean acidification — are some of the biggest factors contributing to the health of the coral reef. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s commercial fishing industry is fetching high values for its catches even though the overall volume is relatively low compared with other states. The industry in Hawaii generated $867 million in sales in 2016 and added nearly 10,000 jobs. Star-Advertiser.

2018 Tax Return Preparation Will Be Complicated and Might Cost More. The Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will go into effect for the 2018 tax year.  It includes some of the most sweeping changes in 30 years.  But, Certified Public Accountant Reg Baker, says the Hawaii Legislature did not adopt the Federal tax code. Hawaii Public Radio.

New VA Secretary: We will do more to help Hawaii’s military veterans. New U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie met with Hawaii’s VA leaders Thursday, passing along assurances that he believes he can revamp the department that cares for America’s military veterans. Hawaii News Now.

Lawyer: State Hospital escapee may have gotten fake IDs, cash during off-campus trips. Randall Saito may have gotten the fake IDs and thousands in cash he used to escape the State Hospital last year and flee to California from a nearby rehabilitation facility. Hawaii News Now.

Dam evacuation zone information and maps now available online. After a scare earlier this year, the state has unveiled a new website that allows you to easily find out whether your home is in a dam evacuation zone. KHON2.

Time capsule recovered from State Capitol building. To prepare for the 50th anniversary of the Hawaii State Capitol in March 2019, a task force and state archivist dug up a piece of history on Wednesday, Dec. 12. KHON2.

Flight attendants picket at Honolulu airport amid United Airlines staffing cuts. Flight attendants worldwide are standing together in solidarity to protest the decision by United Airlines management to initiate staffing cuts. Hawaii News Now.

United Airlines flight attendants protest staff and service cuts at Honolulu airport. The flight attendants are asking management to increase staffing and stop planned staffing and service cuts. Star-Advertiser.

United Airlines flight attendants take a stand against job and service cuts. Nation-wide protest for United Airlines flight attendants. KITV.

Fighter jet that crashed offshore to be salvaged as investigation continues. A 47-year-old civilian pilot who sustained serious injuries after his fighter jet crashed into waters off Honolulu underwent surgery Thursday, but remains in good spirits. Hawaii News Now.

Despite recent crash, military says air combat training exercises are crucial. A Hawaii lawmaker stressed the importance of military training exercises. KITV.

Southwest Airlines Co. is confident about prospects for its coming service to Hawaii, despite declining fares to the islands and a rival’s report of weak demand. Bloomberg News.

Oahu

Second-in-command at city Prosecutor’s Office steps aside amid widening federal probe. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s deputy takes leave. One of Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro’s top deputies who has been linked to a federal investigation of government corruption is taking a leave of absence effective immediately, according to a statement sent by his attorney today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Chief Deputy Prosecutor Taking Leave Amid Federal Corruption Probe. Chasid Sapolu was identified as a “subject” last week in the widening investigation into local law enforcement. Civil Beat.

High-ranking prosecutor takes leave of absence amid federal investigation. KHON2.

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The Cost Of Honolulu Rail’s Westside Stations Keeps Going Up. HART had boasted of savings from its decision to build the nine stations three at a time. But those savings have disappeared. Civil Beat.

City introduces new proposal for separated walkway near a Kalihi elementary school. An effort is in the works to make the trip to school safer for kids going to Fern Elementary in Kalihi, by making a new separated walkway. KHON2.

Deadline Looms for Waikiki Natatorium Draft EIS. The deadline for the long awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement is December 24th, Christmas Eve. Hawaii Public Radio.

High levels of bacteria found at Hanauma Bay. The state Department of Health has issued a high bacteria advisory today for Hanauma Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island dairy that spilled millions of gallons of raw sewage faces big fines. The state is seeking $91,000 in fines against embattled Big Island Dairy for massive wastewater spills this spring. Hawaii News Now.

Linda McMahon, the head of the United States Small Business Administration, talked about the eruption of Kilauea Volcano during her keynote address at the 2018 Winter Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association on Thursday. Big Island Video News.

What’s next for Kilauea? Volcano might enter into lull, research article says. Tribune-Herald.

Henk Rogers, the Dutch-born entrepreneur who founded the Blue Planet Foundation (and who brought the Tetris video game to the U.S. in the '80s) pressed governors from around the western United States to adopt aggressive renewable energy mandates in their states. Big Island Video News.

Retired Washington judge pushes controversial theory on who killed Dana Ireland. A retired judge with a controversial theory about one of Hawaii’s most notorious murders is still pressing forward, despite rejection by prosecutors and defense attorneys. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

26 pages of liquor rule changes OK’d. The Maui County Liquor Control Commission approved another round of rule changes Wednesday — this time received favorably — that assist nonprofits holding special events and restaurant owners with liquor licenses. Maui News.

Extension OK’d for old Maui Lu project. Developer given to 2027 for timeshare development. Maui News.

Construction of Wailea hotel to start in February. Construction of a new 110-room boutique hotel on Maui is scheduled to begin in February, completing the full build-out of hotels in the Wailea Resort master plan, which dates back to 1987. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is closing out the year with nearly 45 percent of its fuel needs being met from renewable sources following 12 months of productivity from a Tesla solar- plus-storage facility. Star-Advertiser.

Clean your boots. Rapid Ohia Death was on the table at the Kauai County Council committee meetings on Wednesday as part of ongoing outreach to educate people in Hawaii about the fungus targeting the native trees. Garden Island.

Wash Off Those Invasive Species After A Hike Or Backcountry Drive. A few precautions can prevent the spread of undesirable plants and critters, ecotourism operators are told. But the advice applies to everyone. Civil Beat.