Trump approves federal assistance for lava-struck homeowners, AG mismanaged asset seizure program, Honolulu ethics audit quashed by city, state settles special ed lawsuit, Hana pier to come down, scientists debunk gems from volcano stories, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lava enters sea, June 14 PC:USGS

President Donald Trump approved on Thursday Gov. David Ige’s request for federal individual assistance programs to aid residents affected by the Kilauea eruption, just one day after the request was made. Tribune-Herald.

President Donald Trump has approved Hawaii’s request for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Big Island residents whose homes have been lost or damaged due to the ongoing Kilauea Volcano eruptions. Star-Advertiser.

President Donald Trump approved Hawaii Gov. David Ige’s request for individual assistance for Hawaii County residents and businesses who lost homes and property in the ongoing eruption of the island's Kilauea volcano that began on May 3. Pacific Business News.

President Trump Approves Hawaii County Individual Assistance Request. Big Island Video News.

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The state agreed to pay $10.25 million to settle a federal lawsuit brought by the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and the parents and legal guardians of special-needs students whose public education was cut off at age 20 instead of 22 by a 2010 state law. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Will Pay $10.25 Million To Settle Special Education Lawsuit. The state violated federal law by denying services to disabled students before they reached the age of 22. Civil Beat.

There is a major payout from the Department of Education to settle a class-action lawsuit. There are 495 students who are part of the class action lawsuit. KHON2.

Auditor: Hawaii AG Mismanaged Asset Seizure Program. The AG failed to account for forfeited property and didn’t spend $2 million for drug prevention programs as required by law, the report found. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gets $3.2 Million To Thwart Election Hacking. Russian hacking in 2016 prompted Congress to bolster state elections security with new funding. Civil Beat.

Hawaii will receive a portion of the federal Commerce, Science, and Justice Appropriations Bill, which the Senate Appropriations Committee passed on Thursday. Pacific Business News.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has issued request for proposals to offer funding support to cultural and community organizations in 2019. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate is holding at its all-time low of 2 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines, two major carriers serving the Hawaii market, are seeking to create a joint venture, which they say would provide consumers with lower fares, increased capacity and more choices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines has possible joint venture with Japan Airlines. KHON2.

Three months after launching the first phase of their comprehensive partnership, Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines have filed an application for antitrust immunity to create a joint venture. Pacific Business News.

Nearly 700 attendees are at VERGE-Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Summit in Waikiki this week. One of the topics discussed was sustainable tourism. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Ethics Commission Audit Quashed On Advice Of City’s Lawyer. The Honolulu auditor was concerned its results might be “discoverable” in a lawsuit filed by Louis and Katherine Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Allegations surface of equipment misuse for profit by DLNR employees. Hawaii News Now.

Court reports mixed on Kawananakoa. The special master hired to advise the judge is recommending that Kawananakoa, 92, be declared mentally capable of changing or revoking her trust and also of removing and replacing the trustee. Star-Advertiser.

Stores mandated to charge 15-cents per plastic, paper bag. KHON2.

Power outage kept Ewa Beach community in the dark for more than 30 hours. KHON2.

Crafting a king: City commissioned statue of Kamehameha III to be completed ahead of La Hoihoi Ea. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofits that suffered losses in Hawaii island’s volcanic eruption that began May 3 can now start applying for federal monetary aid. Star-Advertiser.

The County of Hawaii announces that residents who suffered damage or losses from the recent Kilauea volcanic eruption and earthquakes, can now register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health announced Thursday plans to install 10 new ambient air quality monitoring stations across Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Ashfall lowers air quality for residents of Ocean View. Star-Advertiser.

3 pm Eruption Update – Chemical Analysis, UH Says No Falling Gems. Big Island Video News.

Green gems raining from the sky at Kilauea? Well ... not exactly. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR provides emergency cinder resource vital for tropical floral businesses on Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Survivors of past Hawaii lava recall despair and opportunity. Associated Press.

Now that a finding of no significant environmental impact has been published for a new resources management plan for South Point, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is ready to take up a project residents have requested for three decades — as soon as it finds the money. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

The new head of the Office of Council Services for Maui County is Maria Zielinski, who resigned abruptly in December as director of the state Department of Taxation. Maui News.

Removal of the deteriorating Hana pier, which has been in the works since 2016, may not take place until 2021, according to the project’s final environmental impact statement. Maui News.

Energy office to hold meetings on utility ownership. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai residents rebuilding after the flood eligible for expedited permits. On Friday, Mayor Bernard Carvalho plans to sign an emergency ordinance to speed up the permitting process for impacted residents to rebuild over the next 60 days. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment rate rises on Kauai. The unemployment rate for May on Kauai was 2.1 percent, up from 1.8 percent in April, but down from 2.5 percent in May 2017. Garden Island.

Molokai

A former manager of a defunct credit union on the island of Molokai has been sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzling more than $1 million with another employee. Associated Press.

Federal officials are investigating after a monk seal was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Molokai. Maui News.

Hawaii on the Hill mixes promotion with politics, super PAC stirs up lt. gov. race, Ige signs pesticide bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii on the Hill PC:U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

UPDATE: This entry has been edited to remove references to an article about gems being produced by Kilauea Volcano after debunking Thursday by scientists.

National Politics Percolate At ‘Hawaii On The Hill’ Event In DC. It’s not all about poke bowls and Spam musubi. The annual Chamber of Commerce event gives some island leaders a firsthand look at national issues. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Congressional delegation joined local government officials, small business owners, and educators at the 5th annual Hawaii on the Hill events on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Unite Here Local 5, which represents about 11,000 Hawaii hospitality, health and food service workers, endorsed Kim Coco Iwamoto for lieutenant governor on Wednesday.  Star-Advertiser.

Super PAC Dumps A Quarter-Million Dollars Into LG Race. The pro-rail carpenters union is backing state Sen. Josh Green, but one political analyst questions whether it’s payback against another candidate. Civil Beat.

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The state of Hawaii is banning a pesticide scientists have found could hinder the development of children’s brains. Associated Press.

Hawaii became the first state in the country to ban pesticides containing chlorpyrifos, a chemical that has been linked to disruptions in the brain development of babies and young children, with Gov. David Ige signing the measure into law on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige signed SB3095 Wednesday, which bans the use of pesticides containing the potentially harmful chemical chlorpyrifos starting in 2023. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii became the first state in the nation to ban chlorpyrifos with the Wednesday signing of SB3095 by Gov. David Ige. Garden Island.

Hawaii Becomes First State to Ban Neurotoxin, Chlorpyrifos. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor David Ige signed a law Wednesday, banning the use of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos. KITV.

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Gov. Ige Asks FEMA to Reconsider Request for Kauai & Oahu. Big Island Now.

Gov. David Ige is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reconsider its initial denial of the state’s request for individual assistance for Kauai and Oahu residents affected by April’s severe storms and flooding. Garden Island.

The Hawaiian Electric Cos. have filed their Electrification of Transportation Strategic Roadmap (“EoT Roadmap”) with the state Public Utilities Commission. Star-Advertiser.

The mayors of Hawaii’s four counties are pushing ahead in their pursuit of electrifying the state’s transportation sector by signing a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to formally join Drive Electric Hawaii. Pacific Business News.

Pasha Hawaii receives 600 new refrigerated containers as part of expanded Hawaii service. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Blood Bank Paying A High Price In Its Dispute With Honolulu Rail Officials. The nonprofit wants to abandon its headquarters long before trains start rumbling nearby. But the city is offering to buy only a strip of landscaping. Civil Beat.

More frustration for Oahu residents trying to renew their driver's licenses. KHON2.

The state is investigating a case of Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially deadly form of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection. Star-Advertiser.

Six isolated cases of Legionnaires' disease confirmed in Hawaii this year. KHON2.

The state Department of Health announced on Wednesday that they are investigating a new case of legionellosis on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Union hopes nonprofit, trust fund will help its members buy homes. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime leader of St. Francis School ousted. Sister Joan of Arc Souza, who led St. Francis School in Manoa for 27 of its 94 years as its head of school and principal, was no longer employed at the school as of Monday. Star-Advertiser.

A Honolulu-based hotel company has sold six of its Asia-Pacific properties to a Thai-based property development and investment holding company for $310 million. Associated Press.

Solar permits issued on Oahu rose 42 percent in May to mark the fifth straight month of increases. Star-Advertiser.

‘The Last Wild Place’ Wins National Honors. Civil Beat took readers on a visual journey through one of the most remote parts of the planet. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ige seeks assistance from federal programs. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that Hawaii County estimates lava has destroyed approximately 455 dwellings in Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens, Vacationland and Kapoho Beach Lots, of which 192 are primary residences. Many other homes throughout Puna have been cut off by lava or are uninhabitable due to poor air quality from volcanic gases. Star-Advertiser.

Federal aid for people affected by the Kilauea eruption might be approved soon after Gov. David Ige signed a request for such assistance Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii governor asks FEMA to OK individual assistance for lava claims. State agencies, the county government and nonprofit organizations have been providing assistance to individuals so far; the state has no individual assistance programs, the governor’s office said. Pacific Business News.

County hoping Disaster Assistance Center can open by weekend. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Harry Kim is hoping to have a conceptual plan for a Kaikoo-style redevelopment project to help those displaced by the Kilauea eruption drafted within a month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii mayor wants to relocate those displaced outside zones one or two. KITV.

Website aims to provide displaced lava evacuees with housing. KITV.

The incredible scope of the Big Island eruptions, a disaster with no end in sight. Hawaii News Now.

Farmers among hardest hit by eruptions with losses of more than $14M. Hawaii News Now.

Overflight Video: Rivers of Lava. Big Island Now.

VIDEO: Drone Captures Dramatic Drop At Kilauea Summit. Big Island Video News.

The National Weather Service reported Wednesday that light winds will bring vog inland and to the south, wrapping around to the Kona area. West Hawaii Today.

Distant Eruption Has Major Impact On Kona-Kohala Coast. West side residents and businesses are dealing with vog and a downturn in business, including some people cancelling their visits. Civil Beat.

Relief greets Pride of America’s return to Hawaii Island ports. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds of animals among lava refugees. The humanitarian crisis in its sixth week on Hawaii island, forcing more than 400 people into shelters and away from erupting lava, also has taken a toll on animals in the area. Star-Advertiser.


Maui

Maui Renters Need to Work 123 Hours a Week to Afford 2-Bedroom Apartment. Maui Now.

DLNR Seeking Comments on Draft EIS for Business Park. The 280-acre DLNR Industrial and Business Park is located along Maui Veterans Highway (formerly known as Mokulele Highway) adjacent to the Hawaii National Guard Armory and the County Raceway Park in Central Maui, in the vicinity of the former Naval Air Station Puunene and Maui Humane Society. Maui Now.

Kauai

In the wake of the Kauai floods and volcanic activity on Hawaii Island, Kahuku Medical Center has raised $15,000 for the American Red Cross of Hawaii to support disaster relief efforts and those affected by recent natural disasters. Garden Island.

The southbound lane of Kuhio Highway between Nuku Street and Kapaia Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Wednesday, June 20, and Thursday, June 21. The closure is necessary to allow the Wastewater Management Division to continue a sewer main repair in the area. Garden Island.

Hawaii to be first state to enact pesticide ban with bill signing today, HGEA endorses Hanabusa, Kilauea volcano settles into earthquake pattern, state sued over child death, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii agriculture PC:Monsanto Facebook photo

Hawaii will become the first state to prohibit the use of pesticides containing the chemical chlorpyrifos, after Gov. David Ige signs a bill into law on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

President Donald Trump arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Tuesday afternoon aboard Air Force One, and although no one disembarked to greet base residents, the summit with North Korea — if implemented — will have its own impact on Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii’s largest union, representing more than 42,000 government workers, took several swipes at Gov. David Ige as it announced Tuesday its decision to support Colleen Hanabusa in the governor’s race. Star-Advertiser.

Why This New Hawaii Super PAC Has Already Changed Its Name. The backlash over using a Hawaiian song title without permission has been building for weeks and surfaced at the state Democratic Convention. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Juvenile Justice Information Committee is working to help as many underage offenders as possible to become productive citizens. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Crusade To Keep Hawaii Kids Fed This Summer. While the Department of Education provides meals on summer school campuses, other efforts are afoot to deliver food to nonschool venues. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s mortgage delinquency rate improved by 0.5 percentage points in March, and was a full percentage point lower than the national average for loans that were 30 days or more past due, according to a monthly report by CoreLogic. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Study: Honolulu Workers Need $39 An Hour To Afford A 2-Bedroom Rental. At the state level, Hawaii residents need to earn more than anywhere else in the U.S., researchers say. Civil Beat.

Rents for two-bedroom apartments in Honolulu fell by 3.9 percent from a year ago, ranking Hawaii’s largest city at No. 99 among the 100 largest cities in the U.S. for year-over-year rent growth, according to a report from Apartment List. Pacific Business News.

The "Hawaii Emergency Management Agency" and the City and Council of Honolulu will be conducting siren tests between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday. KITV.

Windy Kaukonahua Road will close from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday as the city converts streetlights along the Wahiawa-­North Shore thoroughfare to LED lamps from traditional lamps. Star-Advertiser.

For the second time this month, a live snake has been captured in Hawaii. KHON2.

State agricultural officials picked up a stowaway snake from Honolulu Harbor on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Large earthquakes and steam explosions at the summit of Kilauea have been occurring on an almost daily basis in the past few days, with one happening approximately 24 hours after the next, and scientists say the activity is in fact following a "fairly reliable pattern." Hawaii News Now.

Lava spewing in 160-foot-high fountains in lower Puna and flowing to the sea has now created at least 250 acres of new land in Kapoho. Hawaii News Now.

With scores of businesses around the island impacted by the Kilauea eruption, county, state and federal agencies are investigating ways to help struggling employers and employees alike. Tribune-Herald.

VIDEO: Scientist Shares Kilauea Eruption Update. Big Island Video News.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

USGS caldera collapse

Lighter winds toward the end of the week could send vog and sulfur dioxide from Kilauea’s eruption “over more populated areas,” including Hilo, the National Weather Service said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Volcanic gas emissions very high from fissure 8. KHON2.

Influx of new people has brought more crime, shelter residents say. A growing number of people who were homeless or living in unstable situations before the volcano disaster have joined the makeshift community and are responsible for an increase in thefts, domestic disturbances and other trouble that has required police intervention. Star-Advertiser.

As eruptions continue, land swap eyed for hundreds of evacuees. An old idea to relocate part of Puna is getting a new push amid ongoing eruptions, which have destroyed at least 700 homes on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

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Aunt of girl who starved to death sues state. Star-Advertiser.

The maternal aunt of a 9-year-old Hilo girl allegedly starved to death almost two years ago by her parents and maternal grandmother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the state, the girl’s parents and her maternal grandmother. Tribune-Herald.

A new lawsuit blames the state for the death of a nine-year-old Hilo girl who died of starvation in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

The family of a 9-year-old Big Island girl who starved to death is suing the state of Hawaii as well as her parents and grandmother for wrongful death. KHON2.

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The Board of Ethics on Tuesday cleared a retired county employee to hold a county contract overseeing a project replacing the county’s problematic online building permit application system. West Hawaii Today.

The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch is evaluating information collected last month during an investigation into wastewater discharges from Big Island Dairy. Tribune-Herald.

The number of photovoltaic permits issued in Hawaii County nearly tripled in May despite Kilauea Volcano erupting and thousands of people evacuating their homes on the east side of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council candidates challenged. Haiku resident maintains term limits disqualify them from seeking council seats. Maui News.

Panel advises settlement in director’s suit. Details not released publicly. The lawsuit filed by Department of Water Supply Director David Taylor against Mayor Alan Arakawa over Taylor’s dismissal last year may be winding down with the parties nearing a settlement. Maui News.

Maui County is preparing to advance $250,000 to help fund an appraisal of the ground lease for the affordable Front Street Apartments, where rents are set to go to market rates in 2019. Maui News.

Kauai

Lawsuits behind, Coco Palms rebuild to continue. Garden Island.

Feral conflict rising. Wild Hawaii cats, like the one in this photo, and their impacts to the state’s endangered species are the fodder for FERAL, an upcoming documentary on the Hawaiian cat conversation. Garden Island.

Molokai

Authorities Investigate Death Of Young Monk Seal On Molokai. She’s believed to be the sixth killed by people since 2009. Associated Press.

Trump plans Hawaii stopover today, FEMA assesses homeowners' volcano damage, super PAC forms to support candidates as Elections 2018 kicks off, Waikiki beach boys fight simmers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un PC:The White House

President Donald Trump planned to make a brief stopover in Hawaii after leaving Singapore following nuclear negotiations with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Star-Advertiser.

President Donald Trump will stop in Hawaii after returning from his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House announced Monday. Hawaii News Now.

President Donald Trump plans to visit Andersen Air Force Base on Guam and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on his return trip from a historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in Singapore, the Associated Press is reporting, citing the White House. Pacific Daily News.

Carpenters council supports super PAC. The Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters — which previously backed the political action committee that mounted a multimillion-dollar campaign against former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s bid for Honolulu mayor against the rail project — is funding a new super PAC in hopes of influencing voters in the 2018 primary election. Star-Advertiser.

A Republican Governor Would Bring New Uncertainty To Rail Project. Some GOP candidates have called for radical changes in how the transit project moves forward, but they’ve also been light on specifics. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Politics Has Never Been For Sissies. Rough political attacks are nothing new. In 1874, supporters of Queen Emma physically assaulted backers of David Kalakaua in the aftermath of a royal election. Civil Beat.

Ohana Nui Concept To Address Sources of Poverty in Hawaii. The Ohana Nui program was adopted by the State Department of Human Services two years ago to address the root causes of poverty in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Tensions high as beach boys challenge decision to give concessions to Dive Oahu. It’s been two weeks since Dive Oahu has taken over the Kuhio Beach concessions and tensions continue to rise. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's Whole Foods Markets locations will start offering discounts to Amazon Prime members starting on Wednesday. KHON2.

Amazon Prime members will be able to take advantage of special savings at Whole Foods stores in Hawaii starting this week. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

FEMA assesses damage; Kim estimates up to 700 homes were destroyed by lava. Tribune-Herald.

FEMA officials assessing damage from Kilauea eruption. Star-Advertiser.

The number of homes claimed by lava is now believed to be as high as 700 as vigorous eruptions on the Big Island continue. Hawaii News Now.

FEMA getting ready to offer grants up to $34,000. A federal agency is beginning on-the-ground assessments this week on Hawaii island to determine which residents may be eligible for grant money because they lost their homes to lava. Star-Advertiser.

FEMA assessing damage and lava impacts on residents. Right now efforts are underway to help residents who lost their homes get back on their feet. KITV.

Kilauea Unleashes More Small Blasts, Snaking Lava. Scientists warn against venturing too close to lava hitting water, saying it could expose people to dangers from flying debris. Associated Press.

VIDEO: USGS Kilauea volcano update, June 11, 2018. Tribune-Herald.

FEMA regional administrator Robert Fenton joined Mayor Harry Kim for a media conference in Hilo on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Airlines is trimming its Big Island schedule for Hilo and Kona by a total of three daily round-trip flights beginning next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines is reducing the number of flights between Honolulu and the Big Island starting next month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Airlines cuts daily flights to Big Island in July due to volcanic activity. KHON2.

Trial has been set in the case of the first individual accused of burglary in Leilani Estates during the current state of emergency because of Kilauea volcano lava. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo has been lending a hand to USGS scientists by providing real time chemistry analysis of lava samples. KHON2.

Vog From Kilauea Increases The Need For Classroom Air Conditioning. The last weeks of the school year were hard on some Big Island schools, and there’s concern about what’ll happen when they reopen Aug. 6. Civil Beat.

A GoFundMe account established in May by St. Louis Cardinals second baseman and Hilo native Kolten Wong has raised nearly $75,000 toward its $200,000 disaster relief goal in the month since eruption activity began in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Prospective governors, lieutenant governors in Kailua-Kona Friday. Candidates for the Hawaii’s highest office are headed to Kailua-Kona this week for a forum in advance of the gubernatorial primary scheduled for Aug. 11. West Hawaii Today.

Waimea Candidate Forum for Governor and Lt. Governor. Big Island Now.

Two Hawaii County Council members and two Big Island statehouse incumbents cruised to early victory this week when no candidates filed to oppose them. West Hawaii Today.

Procedural changes were made after case evidence from police storage lockers was compromised by animals, according to Hawaii island police. Associated Press.

Maui

Six doctors have joined Kaiser Permanente on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island–this includes three new physicians on Maui. Maui Now.

The Holua backcountry camping area of Haleakala National Park will be closed to campers the night of June 13, 2018 to allow staff to control non-native Argentine ants. Maui Now.

Hawaii Governor David Ige stopped by Maui’s Kokua Puna donation drive over the weekend, sharing donations of his own and words of appreciation for volunteers. Maui Now.

Kauai

Flood recovery efforts push ahead. It’s been nearly three months since the historic flooding wreaked havoc on Kauai and there’s still much work to be done. Garden Island.

The office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will host a workshop on U.S. Department of Agriculture and Economic Development Administration federal grants on Thursday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Garden Island.

Tourism officials push for lava-viewing areas, public meetings on new Oahu missile defense post, Ige signs $200M more for affordable housing, Maui cabinet bails as mayor ends term, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

June 10 lava flow from Kilauea Fissure 8 PC:USGS

While state and county officials have stepped up efforts to get residents out of Lower Puna’s lava-ridden neighborhoods, tourism officials are pushing them to create lava viewing areas where tourists can watch the dramatic fissure action. Star-Advertiser.

Lodging industry opposes tax hike. Visitors to Hawaii hotels, who are already paying the nation’s top prices, should get ready to dig deeper into their wallets to offset a broader application of the state’s transient accommodations tax. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige on Friday signed into law a bill that injects more than $200 million into two state funds for affordable housing in Hawaii, and expands a tax exemption for affordable units. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s corn-dominated seed industry plunged 19 percent in value during the 2017-18 season, according to a preliminary government estimate. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What Candidates For Governor Say About Public Information Policies. But there are differences in how they would deal with high public records fees and requiring public commission members to disclose conflicts. Civil Beat.

How Tulsi Gabbard’s Fight Against War Is Affecting Hawaii. The Hawaii congresswoman has voted against the key military policy bill as a way to protest the U.S.’s decision to enter conflict in places such as Iraq, Yemen and Syria. Civil Beat.

A new law means harsher penalties for anyone found guilty of negligent homicide and failing to render aid. KHON2.

Nicknamed “Kaulana’s Bill,” SB2582 authorizes the courts to extend prison terms for offenders convicted of first-degree negligent homicide when the offender fails to stop to render aid to the injured. Hawaii News Now.

The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is the leader in a groundbreaking national study that found that early-stage breast cancer patients with the most common form of the disease do not benefit from chemotherapy. Associated Press.

Commentary: So far, the big surprise of this political year is former Congressman Ed Case jumping into the race for the 1st Congressional District. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Top-2 system offers better choices than party primaries. With each election cycle, it becomes more difficult to take Hawaii Republicans seriously as a major political party. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Public meetings to be held on missile defense radar. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency will hold public meetings starting June 19 for the placement on Oahu of a powerful radar facility to better defend against North Korean missile threats. Star-Advertiser.

The Debate Over ‘Safe Zones’ Is Heating Up In West Oahu. As the homeless population increases on the Leeward Coast, a new plan for legal encampments is getting mixed reviews. Civil Beat.

Developer Plans To Convert 200 Hawaii Kai Rentals Into Condos. The changeover for units built just two years ago illustrates the economic difficulties that make for an apartment shortage in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

State Changes Its Manoa Sludge Pits Plan After UH Faculty Outcry. The Department of Land and Natural Resources finds a new temporary site for sludge it will dredge from Manoa Stream. Civil Beat.

Visitor assistance agency holding fundraiser to support growing needs. Star-Advertiser.

An Illegal Rock Barrier Blocks This North Shore Beach Access. Now the property owner who built the barrier without authorization is seeking after-the-fact permits, angering nearby residents. Civil Beat.

A sea wall in Waialua has divided a community. Some neighbors want it gone while the property owners who had the wall built are fighting to keep it. KHON2.

This week, Honolulu officials recirculated the draft master plan for redeveloping the Blaisdell Center, prompting us to check in on its progress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Volcanic gas emissions remain high as tradewinds shift to southwest. Star-Advertiser.

Emissions from fissure double, prompting new air quality concerns. Hawaii News Now.

More micro-housing units planned for evacuees. One man who helped spearhead the micro-unit project is committing to adding another 30 units on an undeveloped piece of the same property owned by Sacred Heart Church in Pahoa town. Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers spring into action to build micro-housing for evacuees. Tribune-Herald.

Work continued on the Hope Services Hawaii micro-shelter project behind Sacred Heart Church in Pahoa on Saturday. Big Island Video News.

As Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues into its fourth consecutive week of closure, the hospitality industry in the hamlet of Volcano faces unprecedented lean times. Tribune-Herald.

Shelter fatigue: Stress takes toll on lava evacuees. Tribune-Herald.

A 36-year-old Pahoa man who faced down the barrel of a handgun that fired at least two gunshots in lava-ravaged Leilani Estates on May 29 testified he was “afraid for his life” during the incident. Tribune-Herald.

The impact the lava flowing into the ocean on Hawaii island has on coastal waters and marine life. KHON2.

How Kilauea Strengthened Kamehameha’s Rise. Hawaii Public Radio.

The safety and integrity of collected police evidence has been called into question as reports of lost and stolen evidence from storage lockers have come to light. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Job hunting in twilight of Arakawa administration. And, for those who remain, there’s work to do until the end. Maui News.

Latest phase of bypass gains some acceptance. West Maui traffic improves after rocky start for new roadway. Maui News.

The Maui Ocean Center will soon house a 3D digital theater, the first of its kind in Hawaii. Maui Now.

A wastewater overflow of approximately 1,944 gallons occurred on Thursday, June 7, 2018 on Maalo Street in Kahului. Maui Now.

Court dismisses charge in traffic stop recording. The state’s high court says Maui police did not have sufficient reason to arrest a man for taking cellphone video of officers at a traffic enforcement checkpoint. Star-Advertiser.

Sales in Maui County’s housing market jumped in May, but the median prices for single-family homes and condominiums were flat to down amid shrinking inventory. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Voter numbers rising.  In just more than two months, Kauai voters will head to the polls to vote in the primary election that will decide which candidates will move on to November’s general election. Garden Island.

Apalla making another council run. Juno Ann Apalla ran for a seat on the Kauai County Council in 2016. She fell short, but isn’t giving up. Garden Island.

Ige pledges $12M in volcano relief, lava tally reaches 600 homes and 2,000 acres as earthquakes, ash plumes, rattle Big Island, unions endorse Ige, Tokuda, Honolulu council squabbles over rail, Kauai seeks temporary housing for flood victims, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$12M lava bailout agreement signed by Ige, Kim ©2018 All Hawaii News

600 homes confirmed destroyed on Big Island as state pledges new aid. Hawaii News Now.

The state today released $12 million to Hawaii County to support its response to the volcanic eruption in Lower Puna. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim have signed a letter of agreement releasing $12 million in state funds to support the county’s response to the active volcanic eruption occurring on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim signed a Letter of Agreement releasing $12 million to support the county’s response to the active volcanic eruption occurring on Hawaii Island, along the East Rift Zone in Lower Puna. Big Island Now.

Prospects for Hawaii island to rebound from the loss of what is now about 600 homes destroyed by lava rose significantly Thursday with a group hug and a $12 million down payment. Star-Advertiser.

The State has pledged to give Hawaii County $12 million to help respond to the lava disaster that's claimed hundreds of homes. KHON2.

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Hirono gets free ride as Dems dominate Hawaii Congress races. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono appears guaranteed of reelection as not a single opponent capable of mounting a statewide campaign is running against her. Hawaii News Now.

One of Hawaii’s largest labor unions representing blue-collar workers endorsed Gov. David Ige today in this year’s gubernatorial race. The United Public Workers union represents about 14,000 members employed at facilities such as schools, hospitals and correctional facilities throughout the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii's largest union, the Hawaii Government Employees Association announced its endorsement in the Lt. Governor's race. The HGEA is supporting Senator Jill Tokuda. KITV.

Trump Plan Would Cost Planned Parenthood In Hawaii $830,000. A rule change proposes to halt all federal funding to health care organizations that provide abortions. Civil Beat.

After Sen. Will Espero’s retirement from the Senate effective June 1, 2018, Sen. Kaialii Kahele who previously served as the Senate Majority Whip, will now serve as the new Senate Majority Floor Leader. Big Island Now.

Suicide rates in Hawaii on the rise. In Hawaii, rates went up about 18-percent from 1999 to 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council Squabbles Over HART Budget, Again. The 2019 construction budget for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project almost got derailed today at the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Uber threaten to cease operations in Hawaii? The question being discussed by ride share drivers. KHON2.

USS Arizona repairs are complicated, but harbor tours remain. Since May 10 none of the thousands of people who show up daily to see one of the most revered spots in American battle history have been able to disembark on the walkway memorial that straddles the grave for over 900 men who gave their lives on Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the summit of Kilauea on Friday morning, but there was no tsunami threat, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Hawaii News Now.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning System reports a 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook at the summit of Kilauea Friday morning, there is no tsunami threat for Hawaii. KHON2.

Another small explosion occurred early this morning at Kilauea’s summit and generated a moderate ash plume. Star-Advertiser.

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Norwegian Cruise Line announced Thursday that it will resume port calls to Hawaii island — a move state officials said will be a major linchpin in shoring up tourism losses for the hard-hit island. Star-Advertiser.

The Pride of America cruise ship will make her return to Hawaii Island next week, days after it was announced that the island had been removed from the ship’s itinerary. Tribune-Herald.

State elections officials hope to avoid a repeat of 2014, when a natural disaster wreaked havoc on Puna elections and sent a candidate in a tight election to court. West Hawaii Today.

Temporary housing for those displaced by Kilauea volcano will be built later this week, with eligible evacuees to move in soon. Tribune-Herald.

Preliminary ground preparation is underway in Pahoa for a project that will hopefully provide emergency transitional sheltering for some residents impacted by the volcanic eruption. Big Island Video News.

Fissure 8 Continues to be "Very Active". Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava from the Kilauea volcano that flowed into Kapoho Bay has created nearly a mile of new land and officials with the U.S. Geological Survey said today the flow is still very active and there’s no way to know when the eruption will end or if more lava-spewing vents will open. Associated Press.

Lava claims nearly 600 homes in Lower Puna; select curfews lifted for residents. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: Kilauea Eruption Update. KITV.

Additional loitering citations issued in active eruption zone. Seven more people were cited Wednesday night by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement for loitering in a closed area. KHON2.

Volcanic activity burns biggest economic driver for Big Island. Star-Advertiser.

The traumatic events associated with the new events on Kilauea Volcano have taken an emotional toll, not only on the community directly impacted by the eruption, but on the scientists charged with monitoring the fissures and lava flows, as well. Big Island Video News.

Eruption Threatens Future Of Some Big Island Charter Schools. The ongoing volcanic lava flow is raising many issues for students and their families. Civil Beat.

Color 'em confused: A guide to accessing and understanding air quality reports online. West Hawaii Today.

'Pele's Path: The People of Puna,' an HNN digital documentary. Hawaii News Now.

Amid ongoing explosive eruptions at Kilauea's summit, new images show the incredible extent of damage at the former Halemaumau Crater overlook. Hawaii News Now.

Kim’s budget it is: Council fails to approve amended version. West Hawaii Today.

Monty Richards, a fifth-generation kamaaina and guiding force of Kahua Ranch who was known for his leadership in the community, died Monday in San Francisco. He was 88. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Debate gets heated over managing director amendment. Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran pressed for answers Wednesday about the extent to which county directors, including Managing Director Keith Regan, contributed money to Mayor Alan Arakawa’s campaign. Maui News.

An informational meeting Wednesday night helped quell some fears from West Maui residents and farmers worried about losing water to new in-stream flow standards set earlier this year for four West Maui streams. Maui News.

Maui Aquatics Facilities Master Plan Recommendations to be Unveiled. Maui Now.

Fair officials seek relief from high shipping costs. Event scheduled for Oct. 4 to 7; entertainment contract still not inked. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County officials looking for temporary housing for flood victims. Almost two months after the historic flooding disaster, Kauai County officials estimate as many as 50 residents are still displaced from their homes. Hawaii News Now.

The Hanalei Dolphin is expected to reopen on July 16 following a three-month closure. Pacific Business News.

Eighty bicycles were given away in celebration of Wilcox Health Center’s 80th anniversary during the annual Kids Summer Fest at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club. Garden Island.

Kilauea eruption sends ash miles into air, Hawaii County Council advances general excise tax, Honolulu to cap ride-share prices, political races firm up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Volcanic activity on June 6 PC:USGS

An ash eruption at the Kilauea summit sent a plume 10,000 feet above sea level Wednesday to punctuate a devastating 24-hour period in which lava covered the subdivision of Vacationland, leaving hundreds of homes likely destroyed. Star-Advertiser.

An explosive eruption at the summit of Kilauea Volcano sent an ash plume 10,000 ft above sea level at 4:07 p.m. on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano may be disrupting life in paradise with its bursts of ash and bright-orange lava, but it also has scientists wide-eyed, eager to advance what's known about volcanoes. Associated Press.

One U.S. Senate seat in Hawaii and both of our U.S. House seats will be on the Aug. 11 primary ballot. All 51 House seats are up for election along with 13 of the 25 state Senate seats. Civil Beat.

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly endorsed Beth Fukumoto to represent Hawaii's First Congressional district in the Democratic Primary. Hawaii News Now.

Why Women Lack Power In Hawaii’s Legislature. Men hold most of the leadership positions, setting the agenda and passing legislation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a $2.6 billion executive operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Feds May Require Honolulu To Sell Bonds For Rail Project. The City Council’s latest plan to demonstrate a willingness to help pay for rail construction has hit a snag. Civil Beat.

A bill that would lead to a cap on how much Uber, Lyft and other transportation network companies on Oahu could charge during peak hours won a 6-3 approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Votes To Cap Uber And Lyft Prices. The restriction would be the first of its kind in the nation, the ride-sharing companies said. Civil Beat.

New bill caps surge pricing on ride sharing companies. KHON2.

City Council shoots down mayor's plan to change parking at Ala Moana Beach Park. KHON2.

A Waikiki beach stand ordered to explain why it's not complying with its contract. According to the Department of Environmental Services, concessions at Kuhio Beach are required to provide daily canoe rides to customers. KITV.

The U.S. House has approved a measure that includes $199 million for a flood control project in the Ala Wai watershed, including the Ala Wai Canal that borders Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu’s $4 Million Food Fight. The City Council approved funding for a facility to turn table scraps into compost, but others want the waste used for pig feed. Civil Beat.

Woman faces more than 100 years in prison for stealing millions from non-profit. KHON2.

Staff members and clients of The Arc in Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that provides services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, packed a state courtroom Wednesday to hear Lola Jean Amorin plead no contest to two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of computer fraud, money laundering and 13 tax evasion charges. Star-Advertiser.

Lola Jean Amorin, 70, accused of embezzling nearly $7 million from the local non-profit, changed her plea to "No Contest" Wednesday. KITV.

UH-Manoa rises in another ranking of world’s universities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is ranked No. 302 in the 2019 QS World University Ranking (QSWUR) by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds, according to the university in a news release today. Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawaii has awarded a $33.3 million design-build contract to general contractor Kiewit Building Group and architecture firm Next Design for the design and construction of the Academy for Creative Media building on the UH West Oahu campus. Pacific Business News.

Oahu housing prices moved up slightly in May but sales continued to lag during the spring homebuying season amid concerns that rising interest rates may be starting to have a dampening effect. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu declined by 8 percent in May, compared to a year ago, as the median price of a single-family home and condominium rose by more than 4 percent, according to separate reports from the Honolulu Board of Realtors and the Locations real estate firm. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Council passes GET-lite. It took a volcanic eruption and a few compromises to convince them, but a majority of County Council members now supports a half-sized version of the previously ill-fated general excise tax surcharge. West Hawaii Today.

A neighborhood called Vacationland had disappeared by Wednesday as lava poured into two oceanfront subdivisions, smothering hundreds of homes and filling an ocean bay, turning it into new land that now juts into the sea. Associated Press.

Mayor reflects on destruction of Kapoho. In the course of three days, hundreds of homes, farms and vacation rentals in Kapoho became buried under a relentless aa lava flow that turned lives upside down and erased an entire community from the map, leaving its iconic tide pools and gentle bay to live on in the memories of those who cherished them. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Lava Flow Swallows 279 Homes In 2 Coastal Subdivisions. An oceanfront subdivision known as Vacationland is the latest to be swallowed by lava flows as the Kilauea volcano continues to reshape the landscape on Hawaii's Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

After taking out entire neighborhoods and hundreds of homes in Kapoho, lava continues to reshape the coastline of the Big Island, cascading into the water and forming new land. Hawaii News Now.

Video Overflight: 300 Homes Destroyed in 48 Hours. Big Island Now.

Psychological Fatigue Sets in as Eruption Continues. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting for more than a month now. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tiny houses offer glimmer of hope — and home — for lava evacuees. As Hawaii County and the state discuss what to do about hundreds of lava evacuees, the first temporary housing project is already being built — without government help. Hawaii News Now.

20 micro-unit structures will go along along with some ancillary support facilities - such as restrooms and common area for meeting and dining - to be managed by HOPE Services. Big Island Video News.

Residents feel safe despite lava but chafe at government controls. Star-Advertiser.

Confusion, apprehension and frustration, along with a greater-than-capacity crowd, spilled out the open doors of the West Hawaii Civic Center’s County Council Chambers Wednesday night at a meeting to discuss deteriorating air quality in the region. West Hawaii Today.

A community meeting about volcanic ash and vog will take place today in Volcano. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Cooper Center. Tribune-Herald.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently published a notice of intent to prepare a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement addressing the potential effects of operations and maintenance activities on the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawaiian goose and Hawaiian petrel at four wind farms in the state, including one in Kau. West Hawaii Today.

W. M. Keck Observatory officials on Tuesday disclosed the discovery of an oil leak from the hydraulic system supporting the Keck I telescope. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

A Maui committee has approved a charter amendment that would increase the penalty for illegal vacation rentals to $20,000. Associated Press.

A charter amendment to establish a $20,000 penalty for illegal transient accommodations and a proposal to streamline the processing of legal claims against the county were recommended for approval by a Maui County Council committee Tuesday. Maui News.

Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran pressed for answers Wednesday about the extent to which county directors, including Managing Director Keith Regan, contributed money to Mayor Alan Arakawa’s campaign. Maui News.

Maui candidates set for competitive election races. Seven vie for mayor’s seat; all council races contested. Maui News.

Gov. David Ige has signed a bill that will provide $700,000 for scholarships to help students attend community colleges in the University of Hawaii system, including UH-Maui College. Maui News.

Kauai

Emergency permitting bill passed. Due to April’s historic flooding and landslides that left many homes destroyed or damaged, the Kauai County Council passed an emergency bill Wednesday that would expedite the permitting process for impacted homesteads, residential and agricultural buildings. Garden Island.

Nearly 2 months after historic floods, recovery on Kauai has just begun. Hawaii News Now.

First 2018 Kauai Hawaiian monk seal pup is a female. Kauai’s first monk seal pup of the season has already been weaned and the large pup is learning to forage for her own food on the South Side. Garden Island.