Showing posts with label wind turbines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wind turbines. Show all posts

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Offshore windfarm bill clears Senate, Tupola dinged for improper spending of city funds, Russian intrigue thickens on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii ews all rights reserved
Wind turbines on Hawaii coast ©2022 All Hawaii News

Offshore Wind Energy Bill Sails Through Hawaii Senate. The House will now weigh in on how far floating wind farms must be from shore. Civil Beat.

Bill Would Let Hawaii Home-Schoolers Compete In Sports. Hawaii is one of 20 states that bans home-schooled students from competing in interscholastic sports. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Senate passes bill protecting access to abortion; House considers legislation next. Advocates of the bill say it will preserve and reinforce Hawaiʻi’s position as a stalwart supporter of abortion access at a time when the US Supreme Court could soon overturn the landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion. Maui Now.

Lawmaker Calls For Investigations Of State Ag Park Program.
Rep. John Mizuno says the experience of a farm couple raises questions about whether the Department of Agriculture is adequately managing parks meant for small producers. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Updates Agricultural Land Use Baseline Study. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture has released an update to the 2020 Agricultural Land Use Baseline Study. Big Island Video News.

DLNR to hold final public meeting to discuss plan to protect Hawaii’s sacred sites. The Department of Land and Natural Resources will be hosting its final public meeting to discuss its statewide historic preservation plan. Hawaii News Now.

In classrooms across the state, students are helping Hawaii track COVID variants. At Iolani School and in other classrooms around the state, students are tracking COVID variants by studying patient samples of the virus that come from the state. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department shifts to weekly COVID-19 data reports. The Hawaii Department of Health announced Wednesday that it’s switching to a weekly posting of coronavirus cases and other data — discontinuing daily postings — as it transitions to the next phase of the pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu ethics rules improper spending for City Council member Andria Tupola.
The Honolulu Ethics Commission issued a formal opinion Wednesday that City Council member Andria Tupola improperly used city funds to buy materials for COVID-19 community events put on by her former private employer. Star-Advertiser.

Luella Costales, a former Honolulu police commissioner, to fill vacancy left by former House Rep. Ty Cullen. Luella Costales, a community leader who currently is serving as a community and resource manager for the nonprofit Oahu Economic Development Board, has been appointed to fill the state House of Representatives vacancy left by former Rep. Ty Cullen. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu gets $21M from FTA for TheBus and HandiVan services.
Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services announced Tuesday it was awarded a federal relief grant to maintain essential services impacted by the pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore home collapse exposes lack of planning on coastal management
. While the spectacle of the home collapsed onto one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches last week was a stunning sight, attracting onlookers who peered through the windows as surfers paddled in and out of the nearby surf breaks, it was largely anticipated. Star-Advertiser.

Another $150M in federal funding secured for Red Hill, Sen. Brian Schatz says. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said today he has secured an additional $150 million in federal funding to defuel, permanently close and clean up the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island


Bill to fund homeless programs passes. The Hawaii County Council passed a bill that would earmark a portion of tax revenues on luxury homes for homeless programs and housing. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances $149.5 million bond issue. County Council members Wednesday were enthusiastic about a $149.5 million bond authorization, saying the money could help the county secure “once in a generation” federal dollars for badly needed projects. West Hawaii Today.

Council passes resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The County Council Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and offering support for the Ukrainian people. West Hawaii Today.

Grand plan for Hilo hospital: Two-phase effort would expand ICU, add new Family Birthing Center. Hilo Medical Center is one step closer to an expansion of its intensive care unit from 11 to 18 beds, according to Dan Brinkman, East Hawaii CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Tribune-Herald.

Small snag in lava buyout program. The county’s program to buy back properties destroyed, damaged or isolated by the 2018 Kilauea eruption has not been significantly delayed by a missing agreement with the state. Tribune-Herald.

There's only one highway from Puna to Hilo. A lawmaker wants to explore alternate routes. Rep. Gregor Ilagan, who represents Puna, said residents in his district have seen their 20-minute drives to and from Hilo double or even triple in recent years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui’s Helene Kau appointed Director at Department of Water Supply. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today his appointment of Helene Kau as director of the Department of Water Supply. Her nomination is subject to confirmation by the Maui County Council. Maui Now.

$128 million luxury home project gets initial approval. Saying that developers “did their due diligence,” the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday greenlighted a 53-unit high-end condominium project that some residents said would create construction jobs but others described as “luxury homes for off-island investors.” Maui News.

Kauai

Council passes CC&R bill in surprise unanimous vote. Legislation intended to mitigate the Kaua‘i housing crisis is headed to the mayor’s desk for approval, after Kaua‘i County Council members unanimously voted to adopt Bill No. 2834 on final reading Wednesday. Garden Island.

Secret Agent’s Indictment Amplifies Demand To Rename Kauai’s Russian Fort
. Advocates of changing the fort’s name to reflect its Hawaiian heritage are confident the state will do so but no official decision has been made yet. Civil Beat.

Felicia Cowden clarifies Branson ties, allegations. In a statement to The Garden Island, Cowden, who was elected in December 2018, objected to the accuracy of reports connecting her to Branson. Garden Island.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Hawaii House leadership faces upheaval with Luke's LG candidacy, recall petition filed against Maui mayor Victorino, floating wind turbines mulled off Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sylvia Luke

Sylvia Luke’s Bid For LG Will ‘Shake Things Up’ At The Legislature. As Finance Committee chairwoman, Luke controls the money, has command of the details and has made a lot of friends. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 vaccinations for younger children in Hawaii could begin Nov. 8, Ige says. David Ige expects the first round of COVID-19 vaccines for Hawaii children ages 5 to 11 to begin around Nov. 8, following expected federal approval. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Once vaccine for younger kids gets OK, more than 100 schools to host vaccination sites
. State Department of Health spokesperson Brooks Baehr said 113 schools have already agreed to become vaccination sites. Hawaii News Now.

Senator Kurt Fevella seeks halt to vaccine incentive payments to prisoners. The state Senate minority leader is seeking an immediate stop to an incentive program that offers $50 pay­ments to inmates in Hawaii’s prisons and jails if they accept a COVID-19 vaccine. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

Bank of Hawaii earnings jump 64% amid improving economy. Bank of Hawaii Corp.’s earnings surged 64% in the third quarter as the company hit a record $23 billion in total assets and released $10.4 million from its loan-loss reserve amid an improving economy. Star-Advertiser.

Ige eyeing tweaks to Safe Travels program. Gov. David Ige has no plans to end the Safe Travels program, but is considering adding more options for users. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News  Now.

Hawaii sees 97 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 83,448. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 42 new cases on Oahu, 28 on Hawaii Island, eight on Maui, seven on Kauai, and 12 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Electricity generated by proposed floating wind turbines off Oahu is feasible, new study finds. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently completed a cost and feasibility analysis for floating wind farm power in federal waters at least 3 nautical miles from the shoreline of Hawaii’s most populous island. Star-Advertiser.

Alleged Hawaii crime boss seeks September trial date. Michael Miske, the alleged leader of a Honolulu crime syndicate that used legitimate businesses to conceal drug dealing, murder, arson, fraud and other offenses is seeking a later start to his trial to allow his attorneys more time to review evidence and prepare a defense. Star-Advertiser.

Retired public defender in Kealoha mailbox trial details drama, interagency tensions in new book. Federal public defender Alexander Silvert, now retired, represented that innocent man — Gerard Puana, who wept after his name had been cleared. But it would take seven years and several trials to finally get the convictions of the former chief and his wife Katherine Kealoha, a former high-ranking Honolulu prosecutor. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Video Allegedly Shows Honolulu Police Leaving Scene Of Makaha Crash. The attorney who provided the video says it shows three police vehicles pursuing a Honda at a high rate of speed on the Farrington Highway. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kaneohe Marines say wastewater released into ocean exceeds acceptable bacteria levels. Effluent water from Marine Corps Base Hawaii is combined with treated water from the city’s Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is then discharged some two miles off-shore of MCBH at 110 feet below the surface of the ocean into a mixing zone, where direct risk of exposure is low. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Residents protest failed injunction against COVID restrictions. Native Hawaiian activist Gene Tamashiro filed a petition in August in Third Circuit Court calling for an end to all vaccination and mask mandates in the state. On Monday, Judge Henry Nakamoto dismissed the petition with prejudice, arguing that the petition had no merit. Tribune-Herald.

$300,000 coming to coffee farmers to battle leaf rust. The  is coming from the state Department of Agriculture, thanks to a bill passed by the state Legislature extending and enhancing the state’s Coffee Berry Borer Pesticide Subsidy program. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

“Recall Mayor Victorino” Initiative Aims to Obtain 21,586 Signatures in 30 Days. Group leaders say they are seeking Mayor Victorino’s removal as they stand in opposition to ongoing emergency health mandates, calling the county government practices an “overreach” of powers. The group submitted an affidavit with the County Clerk’s office on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 to begin the legal process of seeking a recall. Maui Now. Maui News. KITV4.

ʻĀina kupuna bill aims to help long-time Maui families keep ancestral lands amid rising property taxes. Maui County Council members are considering a measure to help long-time families keep their ancestral lands — properties that have been passed down for at least three generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

For some on Maui, bike tours are a ‘nuisance on the roads.’ They want new regulations. The Kula Community Association wants more regulations on the bike tour companies. They want to regulate the hours of the tours, size of the groups, even set an age requirement. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Surfrider seeks hearing on shrimp farm permit. Kaua‘i Shrimp, the island’s only shrimp farm, is seeking a new pollutant permit, which is raising concern from some environmentalists. Garden Island.

Namolokama Canoe Club hale’s future still to be determined. County officials and residents have been assured the Black Pot Beach Park Master Plan is not set in stone, after the Namolokama Canoe Club raised objection to the potential demolition of the old Hanalei Canoe Club buildings near the park. Garden Island.

 

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Radar, missile defense mulled for Hawaii; Ige allows flower deliveries, one more COVID-19 death, chipping away at unemployment backlog, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 Medium-range ballistic missile target is launched Aug. 29, 2017, from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. PC: Department of Defense
U.S. military in the Pacific: Officials seek to ‘regain the advantage’ against China, Russia. Amid complaints of Pacific neglect, efforts are underway to restore funding for a powerful $1.9 billion defensive radar in Hawaii, potentially add two types of defensive missile capability in the Aloha State for North Korean threats and create an “Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative” modeled on a similar European effort. Star-Advertiser.

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Less than one-third of Hawaii’s unemployment claims have been paid since March 1. DLIR has processed 181,846, or 82%, of the unique filings but so far has paid claims for only 65,252 filings. Star-Advertiser.

State makes progress in processing jobless claims; $116.5M already paid out in April. The state is starting to make headway in processing and paying a staggering amount of jobless filings, according to statistics provided by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Tribune-Herald.

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A top state economist is optimistic that some businesses could reopen in a month. Carl Bonham, director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, told lawmakers Monday that a survey conducted with the Chamber of Commerce collected data from 623 businesses. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 has uneven impact on Hawaii businesses. A survey of Hawaii businesses showed about 220,000 full- and part-time jobs in the state have been lost since January with some industries down more than 80% while others have cut jobs by less than 1%. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. Ige reverses his decision and allows flower shops to make deliveries for Mother’s Day. After taking some heat on his decision to block flower shops from opening for Mother’s Day deliveries, Gov. David Ige announced Monday that moms in Hawaii will be getting their flowers after all. Star-Advertiser.

Governor changes his mind on flower deliveries, giving florists OK to operate ‘safely’. In a case of political whiplash, the governor on Monday announced that flower deliveries would be allowed after all starting Friday, as long as social distancing was followed. Hawaii News Now.

Florists reopening opens door to Mother’s Day and graduation sales. Governor David Ige announced Monday that florists will be allowed to reopen businesses on May 1st, just in time for Mother’s Day. KHON2.

Governor Ige allows florists to open operations on May 1. This requires compliance with the social distancing requirements. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Florists to Re-Open in Time for Mother’s Day. One narrow corner of Hawai‘i economy will open on May 1, a full 30 days ahead of the current end to Gov. David Ige’s mandatory lockdown period. Big Island Now.

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Hawaii is expected to see $7 billion or more in federal support. Hawaii is in line to receive close to $7 billion in various kinds of federal assistance to help it survive the coronavirus pandemic and to help with what is expected to be a long slog to an economic recovery, according to U.S. Rep. Ed Case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Nonprofits Want More Say In How State Spends Federal Virus Aid. More than 60 nonprofits want the state to expand its safety net to help immigrants and other marginalized groups. Civil Beat.

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16th patient with COVID-19 dies in Hawaii; number of new cases continues downward trend. A 16th person with COVID-19 has died in Hawaii, authorities confirmed, saying the woman had been hospitalized since early April. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus death toll now at 16, as total COVID-19 cases rise by 1 to 607. The Health Department said this afternoon that the latest confirmed coronavirus case in Hawaii today is an employee of the Maui Memorial Medical Center, which has been the site of nearly 60 infections of both hospital workers and patients. Star-Advertiser.

One More COVID-19 Case And One Death. On Monday, another person on Oahu had died because of complications related to the coronavirus called COVID-19. Civil Beat.

One New Case, One New Death. An Oʻahu woman, over 65 years old with underlying health conditions, is the 16th death reported in connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

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Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders Face Higher Rates of COVID-19 . Anyone can be infected with the coronavirus, but data coming out of several states – including Hawaiʻi – show Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have higher rates of contracting COVID-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

What Should Hawaii’s Schools Look Like After The Pandemic? Educators see the coronavirus as an opportunity to rewrite the education playbook. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police Commission to hold second secret meeting. The Honolulu Police Commission on Wednesday will hold its second secret meeting since the Sunshine Law was temporarily waived as part of Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku wind farm challenge fails; appeal is sought. The state Public Utilities Commission recently rejected a bid to upend a controversial wind farm project in Kahuku. Star-Advertiser.

City’s ambitious COVID-19 testing plan in limbo as state raises new concerns. The Caldwell administration’s plan to ramp up coronavirus testing on Oahu is in limbo. In a new letter, the state health director slams the company that the mayor chose to purchase $2 million worth of test kits from, saying it has a history of problems. Hawaii News Now.

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City’s plan to save Haiku Stairs is accepted. The tremendously popular but illegal staircase up a Windward Oahu mountainside nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven” has a chance to live on under city ownership. Star-Advertiser.

‘Stairway to Heaven’ to be transferred to the City and County of Honolulu. The Board of Water Supply’s board members voted unanimously Monday to transfer the famous Haiku Stairs, also known as Stairway to Heaven, to the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply votes to transfer Haiku Stairs to city. Haiku Stairs, or “Stairway to Heaven”, will not be torn down. KHON2.

Board of Water Supply votes to transfer management of Haiku Stairs to the city. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has voted to transfer management of Haiku Stairs and surrounding land to the City and County of Honolulu. KITV4.

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City clears homeless on Dillingham Blvd. The city cleared out the homeless along a portion of Dillingham Boulevard Monday morning. The city had paused enforcement for several weeks following guidelines from the CDC. KHON2.

Christopher McLaren identified as target of Punahou alumna’s lawsuit over alleged sexual misconduct. A lawsuit filed confidentially against Punahou School last week was unsealed Monday, revealing that the former teacher and coach accused of sexual misconduct with a student in the late 1970s is Christopher McLaren. Star-Advertiser.

Salons and barbershops are anxious to reopen. Prior to the mandated emergency orders brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Cosmic Beauty, a full-service salon at the Kapolei Village Center, bustled with dozens of clients a day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim pulls papers for Mayor to join a potential 19-person race. There are 19 possible candidates for Hawaii County Mayor–so far.   The latest to pull the candidate filing form is Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, as noted in the most recent candidate report from Friday, April 24. KWXX.

Mayor Harry Kim to Seek Reelection. Harry Kim will seek a fourth term as Hawai‘i County Mayor. Big Island Now.

Accessibility improvements proposed for Laaloa Beach Park. Hawaii County is proposing a host of accessibility improvements for Laaloa Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands Beach Park, in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Kohala distillery making hand sanitizer to help fight COVID-19. Kuleana Rum Works shifted its focus from making rum to producing hand sanitizer. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Medical provider tests positive. Provider has worked exclusively at Maui Memorial Medical Center since Dec. 31. Maui News.

Maui Health Confirms Positive Test Result for Maui Medical Group Provider. Maui Health today confirmed that a Maui Medical Group provider who provides care to patients at Maui Memorial Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Mandatory water cutbacks ordered for Central Maui. Four Department of Water Supply wells in Wailuku and Waihee — with the capacity to produce a quarter of Central Maui’s demand — are out of commission, prompting the water director to call for mandatory water cutbacks for users in the area beginning Sunday. Maui News.

Maui Stage 1 Water Shortage Declared, 10% Reduced Usage Ordered for Wailuku, Kahului & Pā‘ia. Because of a water pump failure over the weekend, the department is requiring residents of Wailuku, Kahului and Pāʻia to cut back water usage by at least 10 percent beginning May 3 and until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIFB gets help. Kelvin Moniz of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was excited about the free work being done by Teddy Arroyo and the Arroyo Plumbing crew, Monday. Garden Island.

Another dead monk seal. An adult female Hawaiian monk seal has been found dead on Ha‘ena Beach in Kaua‘i, reported to officials Saturday, April 25, the same day the well-known monk seal Honey Girl’s body was removed from a windward beach on O‘ahu. Garden Island.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Coronavirus could hamper Hawaii tourism, teacher pay hikes clear first hurdle, concerns over planned Dillingham closure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Tour group visits Hawaii shoreline ©2020 All Hawaii News
Virus could hamper Hawaii tourism growth. Hawaii economists Wednesday forecast slower growth in the tourism market over the next few years, but cautioned that the outlook doesn’t factor in the impact of the coronavirus — even if no one here gets it. Star-Advertiser.

Coronavirus travel warnings, cancellations begin to take toll on Hawaii tour companies. With no end in sight to the coronavirus outbreak, the travel warnings and flight cancellations are starting to take a toll on some Hawaii companies. Hawaii News Now.

Fear Of The Coronavirus Probably Won’t Get You Asylum In The U.S.. Two Chinese people taken into federal custody at Honolulu’s airport were reported to be seeking asylum because of the virus. Civil Beat.

Virus fears spur workers to wear masks on the job. With the threat of the coronavirus outbreak seemingly growing daily, the largest union representing hotel workers in the state is asking resort executives across the islands to allow their employees to wear surgical masks while on the job. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii teacher pay hike passes first hurdle in Senate. After emotional pleas from classroom teachers, the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday approved putting $25 million toward boosting the pay of teachers in hard-to-staff positions and adjusting the salary schedule to reward experience. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate bill aims to bolster teachers’ pay. Legislation proposed in the state Senate would help better fund teacher compensation if approved. Tribune-Herald.

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House Bill allowing farmers to grow hemp receives preliminary approval from the Agriculture Committee. House Bill 18-19 allowing farmers to grow hemp received preliminary approval from the Agriculture Committee on Wednesday. KITV4.

Lawmakers propose to outlaw shipping of vaping products. Hawaii lawmakers are considering several bills to put a stop to teen vaping, a proposed change would outlaw electronic cigarette products bought online from being shipped to the state. KHON2.

State lawmakers propose stricter gun laws to keep firearms out of criminals' hands. A public hearing is set for Thursday to discuss a range of gun control measures, including notifying police when a gun owner passes away and requiring permits for ammunition purchases. KITV4.

Streamlining plan will require 38,000 Neighbor Island patients to find new health insurance. HMSA and United Healthcare won the Neighbor Island contracts. Kaiser and AlohaCare were left out and AlohaCare has since filed a protest that has frozen the award. Hawaii News Now.

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Trump’s Revamp Of Major Environmental Law ‘A Big Disaster For Hawaii’. Proposed changes to one of the country’s most influential environmental laws could mean less public scrutiny and oversight of big projects. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit: Feds Failing To Protect Hawaii Waters From Plastics. Environmental groups say the EPA should have declared the state’s coastal waters as “impaired” due to significant plastic waste. Civil Beat.

Environmental groups sue Trump administration. Several environmental groups are taking a different approach to preventing plastic pollution in the ocean by taking the matter to court under the Clean Water Act. Garden Island.

Lawsuit Alleges Failure to Protect Hawaiian Waters From Plastic Pollution. Environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency today for allegedly failing to protect 17 coastal water bodies around Hawaiʻi from what they are calling “wide-scale plastic pollution". Maui Now.

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Hawaii Taxpayers To Foot Bill For Student’s Near-Drowning, Teen’s Fatal Scooter Crash. The Ige administration is asking the Legislature to approve over $1 million worth of settlements. Civil Beat.

Ige Announces Environmental Quality Control Pick. Kathleen Ho will require Hawaii Senate approval for the director position. Civil Beat.

Ige Taps Kathleen Ho as Next OEQC Director. Kathleen S. Y. Ho is slated to become the next Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control in the state Department of Health, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Aviation businesses worry about Dillingham Airfield closure. U.S. Army Hawaii was notified Jan. 23 that the state intended to end the lease early and vacate Dillingham Airfield by June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns take flight over the future of Dillingham Air Field. Businesses at the Dillingham Air Field on Oahu say they’ve been hearing that the state plans to shut down the small air field soon, but none of them have been officially informed. Hawaii News Now.

State wants to vacate Dillingham Airfield as soon as this Summer. The state DOT leased and ran Dillingham Airfield for nearly 50 years and has just recently told the feds they want out within months. KHON2.

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North Shore community fights for a louder voice in planning of future projects. Eight newly installed wind turbines of the Na Pua Makani wind farm are now up in Kahuku. Hawaii News Now.

Fight Over Green Building Code Highlights Challenge Of Phasing Out Carbon. A proposal before the Honolulu City Council aims to reduce the long-term carbon footprint of Oahu’s buildings, but it has run into opposition from the island’s gas utility and construction industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Second set of Hibiscus remains ID’d as suspected killer Hanel. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the second set of remains found in a Diamond Head house on Hibiscus Drive that burned on Jan. 19 as suspected killer Jerry J. “Jarda” Hanel, 69. Star-Advertiser.

Final Remains In Diamond Head Incident Identified. As was expected, they are of arson-and-shooting suspect Jerry Hanel. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Medical Examiner IDs 2nd Set Of Remains At Shooting/Fire. The Honolulu medical examiner has identified the second set of remains at the scene of the fatal Diamond Head-area shooting and fire as Jerry Hanel. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Chinese firm seeks partners or buyer for Makaha project. A Chinese company with an ambitious Makaha Valley resort development plan is seeking investors or a buyer for the project, raising uncertainty over the plan it announced last year that includes golf superstar Tiger Woods designing one of two golf courses at the heart of the endeavor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island


State, Hawaii County Partner On Coronavirus Guide. Hawaii County and the state of Hawaii on Wednesday announced that they had collaborated to produce an informational brochure to inform folks about the 2019 novel coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Hawaii County, State Produce Coronavirus Brochure. The County and State of Hawaiʻi have collaborated to produce an informational brochure to inform the community about the 2019 novel coronavirus. Big Island Video News.

Council moves GET money for Puna bus depot. An administration plan to fast-track a bus depot for Puna by buying land from a politically connected property owner has been derailed by the discovery that the property doesn’t have the environmental clearances the county thought it had. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Single-use plastics eyed for next Maui County ban. Proposal mulled in council committee. Utensils, straws and other single-use disposable plastics may be banned from Maui County if a proposed bill being considered in a County Council committee gains traction. Maui News.

Sugimura Continues as Chair of MPO Policy Board. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura will continue to serve as chair for the policy board of the Maui Metropolitan Organization, an independent entity that facilitates state and county work on federally funded transportation projects. Maui Now.

Maui County to restore eroding sand dunes at a Kihei shoreline. A new effort to restore a Maui shoreline in Kihei is set to begin next week. Hawaii News Now.

Wailuku infrastructure work begins. Lane closures, traffic disruptions expected. Maui News.

Kauai

Kipu Ranch Adventures receives enviromental award. Kipu Ranch Adventures recently received the Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year award for 2019 from the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Court rules state agency can't keep data secret, crossing guards called off Mauna Kea, lawmakers mull home care licensing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2019 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Volunteer Mauna Kea Saddle Road crossing guards in July ©2019 All Hawaii News
As costs mount, Hawaii County pulls highway crossing guards from TMT protest site. With cars traveling at 60 mph along Daniel K. Inouye highway and police reporting near accidents, the private security was hired over the summer to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. Hawaii News Now.

Judge: State Can’t Keep Data Behind Its Budget Estimates Secret. A judge ruled the Hawaii Department of Taxation must make public the information and assumptions it relies on to develop revenue estimates for the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Adult Care Home Bait-And-Switch Scheme Concerns Lawmakers. State lawmakers are considering further legislative action to tighten rules and stiffen penalties governing Hawaii’s unruly adult care home industry. Civil Beat.

Airline catering workers picket for better pay and healthcare . Dozens of airline catering workers took to the picket line today at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Chair’s Staffer Announces Bid For Windward Seat. Ikaika Anderson is set to finish his third and last council term next year, and Alan Kekoa Texeira hopes to succeed him. Civil Beat.

City lawmaker pushing to restrict future turbines from being built too close to communities. A City lawmaker wants location restrictions on future turbine construction after one of the biggest issues over the controversial Na Pua Makani Wind Farm in Kahuku. KITV.

Annual survey allows Oahu residents to express opinion on city operations. It's a survey the city auditor hopes will make a difference. KITV.

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A first-of-its-kind ship launches service out of Oahu. After 14 years and $30 million, the Semisub One officially launched its service along Oahu’s coastline. Hawaii News Now.

Semisub tours underway after business’s rough start. After navigating more than a decade of construction problems, regulatory woes and angry investors, Semisub One LLC has finally launched commercial tours in Honolulu with a unique vessel that offers a view of Hawaii’s underwater world. Star-Advertiser.

The world's first SemiSub — a semi-submersible jet-powered catamaran that lets guests experience Hawaii waters without getting wet — officially launched with a blessing ceremony on Tuesday. SemiSub One features three decks, two full bars, an IMAX style theater, a lounge, and services pier-to-pier tours that include a 20 minute underwater viewing session. Pacific Business News.

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Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House to hit market at $15 million. Elite Pacific Properties announced today it is listing the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House for $15 million. Star-Advertiser.

Retired Honolulu police officer charged with attempted sexual enticement of minor. A retired Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday of attempted sexual enticement of a 13-year-old boy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Highway 132, cut off by lava last year, to reopen today. A 1.6-mile stretch of the upper portion of Highway 132 and a 1.5-mile section of the lower portion of the road were inundated and created a kipuka, or an isolated area cut off by last year’s lava flow. Tribune-Herald.

New Highway 132, Built Over 2018 Lava, Opens Wednesday. County officials announced on Tuesday that Highway 132 will has been restored to its pre-inundation function with two paved travel lanes and shoulders, and will open by at noon on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Highway 132 to Reopen Wednesday. Highway 132 in Pahoa, cut off to travel for more than a year by lava from the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano, will reopen Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at noon. Big Island Now.

Portion of Hawaii Island’s Highway 132 to reopen this week. More than a year after lava consumed a portion of Highway 132 on Hawaii Island, county officials announced the roadway will reopen this week. Hawaii News Now.

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Input sought on proposal to resume commercial aquarium fishing off West Hawaii. After a roughly two-year halt to commercial aquarium fishing off West Hawaii, the industry hopes an environmental review will help to revive their trade. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed Energy Code Changes On The Way. After receiving more than 200 proposed amendments, the Department of Public Works' proposal may go before a Hawaiʻi County Council committee next month for a hearing. Big Island Video News.

Sky is the limit: Friends of Greenwell planning big now that garden is theirs. Plans for a Kealakekua gem are in the works now that the Friends of Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden purchased the land from the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hana resident to launch new tour company. Hana resident Kaiolohia Funes Smith plans to launch a new tour company, Hana Air & Ground Tours, aimed at giving visitors a local’s perspective of the Maui town. Pacific Business News.


Kauai

Thanksgiving meals served today. On Kauai, meals will be served today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kauai War Memorial Convention Center, and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army Hanapepe Corps, 4465 Puolo Road, Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Lanai

 3,000 on Lana‘i Attend Annual Turkey and Rice Giveaway. Jim and Randy Coon, of Coon Brothers Inc, started the tradition back in the early 90’s as a way of bringing the Lānaʻi community together and helping out families who might not have the time or resources to purchase a Turkey from Maui. Maui Now.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Nurses to prescribe marijuana, Ige vetoes Maui hospital workers bill, Pacific Missile Range facility named for Inouye, drive-thru voter registration begins, electricity returned to Oahu jail, former Maui film commissioner sues over firing, PUC chairman calls for attorney general investigation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Medical marijuana permits handmade sign © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaii patients may have easier access to medical marijuana now that nurses can certify them for the drug. Advocates say the change was needed because there’s a shortage of doctors willing to certify patients. Associated Press.

Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 2707 into law Monday. The measure allows for greater access by allowing registered nurses to certify patients for medical marijuana use. KITV.

Proponents are giving new updates to Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensary law an “A” grade, but plan to lobby for more changes in the future. On Monday, Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 2707, an omnibus bill that aims to tie up loose ends in current dispensary law and increase access for patients. Tribune-Herald.

Before Hawai‘i cannabis can hit the market, it will have to be tested. HPR’s Molly Solomon visited one lab that’s hoping to be the state’s first. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new study says large majorities of people surveyed online in Hawaii (76 percent) and California (72 percent) support physician-assisted death. Civil Beat.

The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission is calling for a state Attorney General investigation into what he says is a "smear" campaign against interim PUC commissioner Tom Gorak. Hawaii News Now.

The Governor hosted an Education Summit over the weekend with more than one-thousand teachers, parents, students and policy makers in attendance. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state Office of Elections and county clerks will hold drive-thru voter registration Wednesday and Thursday, the deadline to register for the Aug. 13 primary. Star-Advertiser.

Family and general practitioners have the highest average annual salaries in Hawaii at $228,220, according to a top-100 list by Zippia, a career resource website that culled its data from the May 2015 occupational employment and wage estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Star-Advertiser.

Solar applicants on Maui are pushing the limit, while Oahu and Big Island are well past the halfway point for the capacity for residential solar systems that can export excess power to the grid and receive credit. Star-Advertiser.

Why Everyone Wanted To Work For Hawaiian Electric. With a devastating war behind it, Hawaii embraced the promise of a bright future. And it needed HECO more than ever. Civil Beat.

Two environmental groups support holding public meetings on Kauai and Oahu to discuss two proposals to put floating wind turbines in a channel that separates the two islands. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

The Honolulu Charter Commission, at a busy meeting Thursday, nixed a plan to give city planners more leeway in issuing zoning variances and advanced a proposal requiring all nonprofit groups to be vetted before being allowed to get taxpayer grant money. Star-Advertiser.

Electricity was restored Monday afternoon to most areas of Oahu Community Correctional Center, the state’s largest jail, following an outage that began Friday afternoon. Star-Advertiser.

The Oahu Community Correctional Center continued to experience electrical problems Monday, three days after the issue first began. Hawaii News Now.

The director of the City and County’s Emergency Medical Services says he is looking at possibly changing the department’s 12-hour shifts or making other shift changes to alleviate the staffing shortages. KHON2.

The smell of urine emanated from the sidewalks of Iwilei on Monday as the city’s homeless enforcement team returned to once again break down makeshift shelters built out of cardboard, tarps and wooden pallets — one of hundreds of sweeps that have taken place since the cleanup crew was created more than three years ago. Star-Advertiser.

The primary race for the state House District 44 seat, which includes Maili, Waianae, Makaha and Makua, pits two familiar faces against each other on the Democratic side and two newcomers on the Republican end. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Time is running out if you want a say in who’s going to be the next mayor, or who will fill any number of federal, state and local seats up for grabs on the primary election ballot. West Hawaii Today.

The candidates for Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney spent an hour on Saturday fielding questions from Puna’s members of the Hawaii County Democratic Party. Big Island Video News.

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has announced two public meetings to discuss an application filed by Young Brothers, Ltd., an interisland shipping company, for approval of a general rate increase. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Gov. David Ige on Monday vetoed a bill that would provide extra severance and retirement bonuses for workers affected by the privatization of Maui County hospitals. At the same time, he offered up an amended and less costly version of the measure for the Legislature’s consideration. Star-Advertiser.

The former Maui film commissioner has filed a wrongful termination suit against the island’s mayor, accusing the mayor of firing him in 2013 at the request of Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, a longtime friend and booster of the mayor. Maui Watch.

The Maui Police Department launched a feasibility study on Friday, July 8, 2016, on the use of the VIEVU body-worn camera.  Maui Now.

The construction of two portable classrooms to ease overcrowding at Makawao Elementary School is expected to begin in October, said state Sen. J. Kalani English, who represents the district. Maui News.

State Sen. Michelle Kidani, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, has organized a town hall meeting on the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act, for Maui from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Baldwin High Auditorium. Maui News.

Kauai

The range and range operations center at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands will be named in honor of Daniel Inouye, the late Democratic U.S. senator from Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is in the process of renewing its Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permit, and an upcoming meeting on the subject is designed to bring the public up to speed. Garden Island.

Councilman Ross Kagawa wants to talk dogs and trees when the Kauai County Council meets in committee Wednesday. Garden Island.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Native Hawaiian sovereignty movement slows, police killings rise, Ige holds education conference, special session looming for Maui medical privatization, shuttle returns to Kauai, Kalaupapa memorial proceeds, wind turbines concern energy advocates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Albert Kahiwahiwaokalani Haa Jr. addresses U.S. Department of the Interior officials in 2014. ©2016 All Hawaii News
A plan with a timeline to raise $2 million and bring the newly created Native Hawaiian constitution to a ratification vote by the end of the year might have been a tad ambitious. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii police have shot and killed four people so far this year, twice as many as were fatally shot by officers during all of 2015, according to data collected by The Washington Post. Civil Beat.

Some 900 teachers, students, administrators, parents and community members answered Gov. David Ige’s call to add their voice to an ongoing conversation about improving Hawaii public schools by spending the better part of Saturday at the governor’s education summit. Star-Advertiser.

Some early childhood educators in Hawaii earn an unlivable wage while parents have few resources to pay for childcare. Associated Press.

Good government advocates have given their “Rusty Scalpel” award this year to state Rep. Chris Lee’s organic food tax credit bill. The ignominious award recognizes a bill that has had its contents substantially amended during the legislative session with limited opportunity for the public to comment or members of the Legislature to weigh in. Star-Advertiser.

The two sides of the Navy/Marine Corps amphibious coin — ship to shore via traditional watercraft and via aircraft such as the newer tilt-rotor Osprey — are a big focus of Rim of the Pacific exercises, and a growing interest for partner nations in the region. That importance is highlighted in the high-tech ships here for RIMPAC. Star-Advertiser.

First Hawaiian Bank on Friday filed its initial registration form for a new entity with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a step toward an initial public offering for Hawaii's largest bank to become an independent publicly traded company. First Hawaiian Bank.

How HECO Helped Pull Hawaii Through The Tough Times. Hawaiian Electric played a key role in Hawaii’s economic recovery from the Great Depression. And then World War II hit the islands. Civil Beat.

 Oahu

The three men widely considered the top candidates for mayor of Honolulu each held fundraisers over the past two weeks. Civil Beat.

Understaffing for the City and County of Honolulu’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has become a chronic problem—ambulance units have to close for a shift because no one is available to run it. KHON2.

Hawaii nonprofit organizations are calling on federal officials to include members of the public in plans to build floating wind turbines off Hawaii's shores before they move forward with the projects. Associated Press.

Hawaii

Scientists say although progress has been slow during the past two days, the flow is still advancing. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory posted new photos. Big Island Video News.

A promise by developer Stanford Carr to walk a former council member through the planned Alii Palms subdivision was sufficient Thursday to convince the County Council Planning Committee to grant concessions for the 58-unit development. West Hawaii Today.

A Democratic primary challenger who identifies as being “old school” is facing incumbent Rep. Richard Onishi for the state House seat he has held since 2012 — District 3, stretching 56 miles from Hilo to Kau. Ainoa Naniole, a 36-year-old lawyer, is stepping into the political arena for the first time but says politics has always been in his sights. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Health Systems announced Friday that Cindy Kamikawa has been appointed the next president of North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea. Pacific Business News.

Maui

The Hawaii Legislature may convene a special session to try to save a bill intended to help public employees at three Maui hospitals. Those employees risk losing their jobs in the privatization of those hospitals. Civil Beat.

On July 1, operational control of three Maui County public hospitals was supposed to have been transferred to health care provider Kaiser Permanente, sealing a historic public-private partnership that Gov. David Ige said would save the state $260 million over the next decade. Maui News.

More than 50 sign-wavers from the Hawaii Government Employees Association showed support Friday for their members at the three Maui County public hospitals affected by the state's privatization of operations. The sign-wavers along Kaahumanu Avenue in front of Queen Ka'ahumanu Center were urging Gov. David Ige to take a bill that provides severance and early retirement options to certain workers in the public hospitals adversely affected by the operational change off his veto list. Maui News.

The median sales price for Maui single-family homes edged higher by 1.1 percent to $657,000, up from $650,000. For a condo, the sales price jumped 8.2 percent to $384,000, up from $355,000. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

A Hawaii Dispensary Alliance report said Kauai may see between $1.5 million to $4.5 million of revenue generated from Green Aloha Limited, its sole medical marijuana dispensary, based upon the island’s 1,689 registered medical marijuana patients, during the company’s first 12 months of operation. Garden Island.

Floating wind turbines have been proposed for the 72-mile wide Ka’ie’iewaho Channel, which separates Kauai and Oahu and the environmental conservation group Life of the Land is calling for meetings on both islands to bring the public up to speed. Garden Island.

Starting Friday, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is bringing back the North Shore Shuttle Service, which rolled out in November 2014 and ran for six months. This time around, it’ll run through September. Stops include the Princeville Airport and Kee Beach. Garden Island.

Molokai

A proposed memorial years in the making is becoming a reality in Kalaupapa, providing a tangible place to remember the thousands of individuals who were sent to the settlement, many of whom were buried in unmarked graves. Maui News.