Hawaii economy could be coronavirus victim, UPW audit alleges misspending, Mililani High reopens after student stabbing, Kahoʻolawe fire consumes 5k acres, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach ©2020 All Hawaii News

UH Economists Say Coronavirus Poses Danger To Hawaii Tourism. University of Hawaii economists expected 2020 to be a better year for tourism than 2019, but that may not be borne out because of the coronavirus outbreak. Hawaii Public Radio.

Virus creates ‘risk of substantial disruption to Hawaii travel’. COVID-19, the recently identified respiratory illness that has infected thousands in China and elsewhere around the world, could bring “considerable” but uncertain risk to Hawaii’s tourism and economy in the coming year, according to a forecast published Monday by the University of Hawaii’s Economic Research Organization. Tribune-Herald.

UHERO releases new report comparing COVID-19 outbreak to SARS epidemic. According to economists at the University of Hawaii our tourism industry could take a hard hit because of the coronavirus. KITV4.

Hawaii consumers wipe out state’s supply of N95 masks. There are no lines winding around the block or manic crowds, but store managers on Oahu report that face masks, particularly N95 masks, are selling out as quickly as they come in, leaving their shelves empty. Star-Advertiser.

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State’s vacation rentals rise despite setback on Oahu. Oahu was the only major island to experience a drop in vacation rental supply and unit demand in January, according to a vacation rental report released Monday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Vacation Rental performance report released. Supply, demand and occupancy for vacation rentals in Hawaii continued to grow last month. KITV4.

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Audit of United Public Workers union reveals concerns over spending. The UPW, or United Public Workers, includes more than 13,000 members in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Labor organization ‘greatly concerned’ about UPW audit. A national labor organization has raised red flags over record keeping and spending by some top staff in the United Public Workers union in Hawaii, citing tens of thousands of dollars in union funds spent on restaurants, airfare and other costs without proper supporting documentation. Star-Advertiser.

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Mililani student allegedly stabs 2 classmates. Students at Mililani High School were outside at recess Monday morning when they heard screams from the second floor of a classroom building where two 16-year-old students, a girl and boy, were apparently stabbed by another student. Star-Advertiser.

Classes at Mililani High to resume, but increased security on campus following stabbing. This comes a day after a teen was arrested for allegedly stabbing two fellow students, sending them to a hospital in serious condition. Hawaii News Now.

Two Teens In Serious Condition After Apparent Stabbing At Mililani High. Two Oʻahu teenagers were transported to an emergency room in serious condition and were being treated for apparent stab wounds. Hawaii Public Radio.

School violence data shows areas of persistent trouble. According to the last complete school year’s data, there were nearly 4,000 “Class a” violence incidents statewide. These are things like assault, fighting, terroristic threatening and sexual offenses. KHON2.

Proposal for pilot program to detect school threats before they happen. A new proposal at the Hawaii State Legislature is looking to establish a pilot program for a team that would be trained to look for and handle a potential school threat before it happens. KHON2.

Oahu

Caldwell Took In $155,000+ From Territorial Bank in 2019. The mayor made at least $342,070 last year between his city job and other income. Civil Beat.

Waikiki lawmakers host town hall to discuss crime in their district. Honolulu City Council member Tommy Waters and state Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, who represent Waikiki, will co-host a crime and safety town hall in their district Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oil Constantly Leaks From The USS Arizona. Is That An Environmental Problem? The USS Arizona and USS Utah have leaked thousands of gallons of oil in Pearl Harbor since the 1941 attack and there’s no plan to stop the flow anytime soon. Civil Beat.

HPD investigating Louis Kealoha’s brother following altercation. The Honolulu Police Department has stripped police authority from the half brother of former Chief Louis Kealoha, following an altercation in the early morning hours over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Pilots in crash died of blunt force injuries. Bill Enoka was serving as instructor pilot, while seasoned pilot Rick Rogers was learning to fly the glider tow plane that crashed Saturday at Dillingham Airfield, said Steve Lowry, fellow pilot and friend of the two. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Seeking the top job: 10 pull papers for mayor. Running for mayor is proving once again to be a popular proposition, with 10 potential candidates pulling nomination papers as of Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Still unclear whether Maunakea ‘truce’ will be extended after Saturday. Saturday marks the end of a temporary promise by the Thirty Meter Telescope to not attempt construction on Maunakea, but it is still unclear what, if anything, will happen in the coming weeks. Tribune-Herald.

Nearly $3 Million in Kohala CIP Project Funding Released. Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye (D-Hilo, Hāmakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona) announced Monday the specific initiatives receiving funding. Big Island Now.

Ways and Means to vote today on Makalei ambulance bill. A bill to fund an ambulance for the Makalei Fire Station remains alive with a make-or-break Senate committee vote scheduled for this afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

HTA: Maui County Leads State in Largest Vacation Rental Supply in Hawai‘i. Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four counties in January 2020 with 265,400 unit nights, which is an increase of 27.2 percent compared to a year ago. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Language Makes A Comeback In Hana’s Schools — And Homes. The establishment of a popular Hawaiian immersion program several years ago has had an impact on the broader community, says the Hana High & Elementary principal. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Mauka to makai. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources and other partner programs will open the final weekend of the Third Annual Kaua‘i OceanFest starting Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery in the Kukui Grove Center with a theme of “From Mauka to Makai with DLNR and Friends". Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoʻolawe Blaze Burns Over 5,000 Acres. After conducting an aerial survey this morning, fire officials confirmed that a brush fire that ignited on Kahoʻolawe on Saturday has now scorched 5,400 acres. Maui Now.

Kahoolawe fire burns 2,635 acres, spares base camp. Fire crews unable to fight blaze because of unexploded ordnance. Maui News.

Unable to fight flames, firefighters watch Kahoolawe brush fire burn from afar. A brush fire that started on Kahoolawe on Saturday has burned more than 5,400 acres, but firefighters are only able to monitor the conditions from afar. Hawaii News Now.

Reforesting Hawaii, Kealoha allegedly assaulted in family fight, UH medical school may expand to Maui, vacation rentals to be curbed on Lanai, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Old growth forest on the Big Island ©2020 All Hawaii News

State reforestation effort hits milestone. A unique initiative partly fueled by charitable contributions has helped return a half-million native trees to deforested Hawaii ranch lands over the last decade. Star-Advertiser.

Legacy Reforestation Initiative Plants a Half Million Native Trees. More than 1,200 acres of former pastureland on both O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island have been reclaimed and returned to native forest. Big Island Now.

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Minimum Wage Bill Teed Up For House Vote. If also approved by the Senate and governor, Hawaii’s minimum wage would rise to $13 an hour by 2024. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage hike bill advances, but critics say it’s still not enough. A bill to hike Hawaii’s minimum wage is moving to the full house, but critics say it still falls short of what a person needs to live in the 50th state. Hawaii News Now.

Bill that would boost teachers’ pay moves forward. A proposal that would help improve teacher compensation has passed another hurdle in the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would dramatically expand preschool options in Hawaii. A bill that aims to make “early learning” programs available to all 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds by 2030 received wide support at its first hearing although issues need to be worked out, including funding and staffing given the teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bill resurfaces to protect medical cannabis cardholders. Lawmakers are taking another crack at a bill to prohibit employers from discriminating against workers who test positive for marijuana if they hold a prescription for cannabis. Star-Advertiser.

Bill raising smoking age to 25 dies in House. A bill to increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco and electronic smoking devices has been snuffed out — but the proposal’s introducer remains hopeful it will move this year. West Hawaii Today.

Airport Authority bill in limbo due to procurement code worries. For the first time in five years, no new bill in the state Legislature will seek to create an independent Hawaii airports corporation. Tribune-Herald.

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Kim Coco Iwamoto To Take On Scott Saiki. The community activist is challenging the speaker for his House seat. Civil Beat.

Building A Hawaiian Language Curriculum Classroom By Classroom. As Hawaiian immersion programs soar in popularity, the lack of a common curriculum remains a big challenge. Civil Beat.

A Big Island educator announces his run for an Office of Hawaiian Affairs seat on Sunday afternoon. Joshua Lanakila Mangauil is running for Hawai'i Island Trustee. KITV4.

As global coronavirus outbreak spreads, hoteliers watch for effects in Hawaii. Tourism executives across Hawaii are watching for economic sniffles from the coronavirus, but so far the state is inoculated against its worst effects. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

HART Employee Reported Improper Use Of Federal Funds In 2015. Worried about financial mismanagement, a HART employee said she was asked to resign when she spoke up. Civil Beat.

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Louis Kealoha allegedly assaulted by half brother, an HPD lieutenant. Disgraced former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha suffered facial injuries after allegedly being assaulted by his half brother, Andre Peters, an HPD lieutenant. Hawaii News Now.

HPD officer charged in connection with assault on half brother and former police chief Louis Kealoha. A Honolulu police officer has been charged with a misdemeanor in connection with an alleged assault on his half brother, Louis Kealoha, former Honolulu police chief. Star-Advertiser.

Half-brother of former Police Chief Louis Kealoha arrested for alleged abuse. A Honolulu Police Department lieutenant and half-brother of former Police Chief Louis Kealoha has been arrested for the alleged abuse against Kealoha. KHON2.

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Hanabusa: I don’t need ‘training wheels’ to serve as Honolulu’s mayor. Hanabusa was elected to the state Senate in 1998 representing Waianae, and previously served as the first female Senate president. She also represented Hawaii in Congress, but lost races for U.S. Senate and governor. Hawaii News Now.

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Debate Erupts Anew Over Dillingham Airfield After Two Killed In Small Plane Crash. Dillingham Airfield on Oahu’s North Shore has been closed following a plane crash that killed two people Saturday morning. Hawaii Public Radio.

In light of another Dillingham Airfield tragedy, Sen. Schatz calls for its closure. Uncertainty over the future of Dillingham Airfield has increased in recent weeks. And in light of Saturday’s latest tragedy, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is calling for it to be shut down. Hawaii News Now.

Aviation community mourns 2 longtime pilots. As federal authorities begin investigating Saturday morning’s deadly crash near Dillingham Airfield, those who knew the two men in the plane have started paying tribute to the pair, whom they call experienced pilots and important members of Hawaii’s aviation community. Star-Advertiser.

Family, former aviation colleagues remember 2 killed in Mokuleia plane crash. Hawaiian Airlines, the former company of a pilot who was killed in Saturday’s Mokuleia plane crash, is remembering one of the victim’s lives for his dedication and passion for flying. Hawaii News Now.

Political leaders react to crash and the future of Dillingham Airfield. Politicians express condolences, thanks to rescuers, and opinions on if the airfield should close. KITV4.

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Feds plan catastrophe response using huge Kalaeloa Airport hangar. The state is leasing a 105,000-square-foot World War II hangar at Kalaeloa Airport to the federal government for emergency response to catastrophic natural or man-made disasters in the Pacific, with a focus on serving remote locations, including Hawaii and other U.S. interests in the region. Star-Advertiser.

Last Of Japanese Billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto's Kahala Properties Sold. he name Genshiro Kawamoto has been famous in Hawaii since the late 1980s, when the Japanese billionaire was emblematic of a wave of Japanese investment in the islands. He bought 30 homes in Kahala, which then did nothing but sit unoccupied and disintegrating, except for a brief time when he offered them for rent to Native Hawaiian families before scrapping that plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

TMT-related bills fail to gain traction. Although the controversy surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope still looms large over the Big Island community, it has largely left the state Legislature this year. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Two Men Caught Taking 550 Tropical Fish In Kawaihae. Two men aboard the vessel “Masako” were cited by DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor on Thursday, after an inspection allegedly revealed aquarium fishing gear, including a small mesh net, and 550 live tropical fish of various species in the vessel’s hold. Big Island Video News.

Streamlining sign variances: Bill reverses 2004 measure putting council in charge. The public will have less opportunity to weigh in on the size, style and location of roadside signs under a streamlining measure making its way through the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Study examines coastal erosion, drawbacks of standard setback requirements. Research on the Big Island’s coastal erosion, led by a University of Hawaii at Hilo graduate student, is being used to shape county planning policies. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

UH Considers Expanding Medical School to Maui Amid Doctor Shortage. To combat Hawai’i’s worsening physician shortage, the University of Hawai’i is proposing to expand its John A. Burns School of Medicine to Maui. Maui Now.

Proposed satellite medical school on Maui could narrow gap between supply and demand. The gap between supply and demand for doctors in Hawaii has grown by 65% since 2010, reaching 507 full-time equivalent positions in 2019, according to the latest report from the Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project, issued in December. Star-Advertiser.

UH seeks medical school expansion to Maui. Proposal to expand the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine to Maui to help tackle the state's worsening physician shortage. KITV4.

Hokama Introduces Moratorium for Transient Accommodation Permits on Lana‘i. Councilmember Riki Hokama introduced legislation to establish a moratorium on transient accommodation permits on the island of Lanaʻi, where no limits are currently established. Maui Now.

Tapestry to hang again on Council Chambers wall. A tapestry of the Maui County Seal, which was removed last year by former Chairwoman Kelly King over the objections of some members, will be returning to the Maui County Council Chambers following a vote by the members Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Akana is Kaua‘i DOCARE chief. Kaua‘i-born Brad “Kipi” Akana is the new Kaua‘i branch chief of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement. Garden Island.

16-month closure planned for Princeville Resort. The Princeville Resort, expected to close for renovations on May 1, has announced it plans to reopen as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in November 2021. Garden Island.

Lanai

Hokama Introduces Moratorium for Transient Accommodation Permits on Lana‘i. Councilmember Riki Hokama introduced legislation to establish a moratorium on transient accommodation permits on the island of Lanaʻi, where no limits are currently established. Maui Now.

Cat disease killing endangered monk seals, Schatz slams coronavirus test kit delays, Ala Moana park plan approved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Man feeds feral cats at Hilo bayfront park ©2020 All Hawaii News

Cats blamed for ‘debilitating’ disease striking Hawaiian monk seals. In just the first month this year, two Hawaiian monk seals have been killed or sickened by a disease that is released into the environment by cat feces. Star-Advertiser.

Endangered Hawaiian monk seal sickened by toxoplasmosis, which is spread in feces of cats. Officials from NOAA want the public to know that if cats were kept indoors, toxoplasmosis would not spread through the landscape and kill monk seals and other native species. KHON2.

Study: Marine Monuments Aren’t Hurting Hawaii’s Tuna Fishermen. The commercial longline industry made more money after the feds expanded the protected areas around Papahanaumokuakea and the Pacific Remote Islands. Civil Beat.

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Clean Energy Advocates, Auto Industry Disagree Over How To Promote Electric Vehicles. More than two dozen bills at the Hawaii Legislature aim to increase the use of electric vehicles, but auto dealers and green energy proponents are supporting different approaches. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii lawmakers again propose raising car rental tax. State lawmakers for the second straight year are proposing to increase the state’s daily car rental tax as a way to fund more highway construction projects that would hopefully reduce traffic congestion. Star-Advertiser.

Uber And Lyft Are Fine With Hawaii Regulating Them — Just Not Too Much. The ride-hailing companies take issue with parts of a House bill that gives the state Department of Transportation more power to investigate them. Civil Beat.

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Experts: Hawaii tourism likely to take a hit amid coronavirus fears. Airlines that serve the Asia-Pacific region are bracing for a possible 13% drop in passenger traffic, according to the International Air Transport Association. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii officials ponder new coronavirus’ economic impact. State officials, alarmed about the rapidly spreading new coronavirus, are grappling with how to prevent an outbreak in the islands as tourists from Japan and other countries continue to travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: Repeated delays of coronavirus test kits for Hawaii ‘unacceptable’. The botched coronavirus test kits that were sent to Hawaii now have to be re-manufactured. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he’s been told by CDC that the new test kits won’t be ready until mid-March. Hawaii News Now.

Number of People Being Monitored For Coronavirus In Hawaii Is Dropping. As of Thursday, the Hawaii Health Department had yet to identify any suspect coronavirus cases in Hawaii, but continues to investigate the Hawaii vacation of a Japanese couple who later fell ill. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ala Moana park plan OK’d without playground or dog park. The Honolulu City Council this week gave Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration a permit for a host of improvements at Ala Moana Beach Park but made sure the list of projects doesn’t include an “inclusive” playground, dog park or changes to the parking on the mauka side of Ala Moana Drive. Star-Advertiser.

How Much Should It Cost To Ride Rail? Honolulu officials are seeking public input on setting rates. Civil Beat.

Public can weigh in on how much transit fares should cost. The Honolulu Rate Commission is asking the public to weigh in on how much they think transit fares should cost. KHON2.

Series of coastal engineering projects underway amid race to save Waikiki Beach. A series of coastal engineering projects aimed at saving Waikiki Beach is underway, and one of the projects that kicked off three months ago is performing well so far. Hawaii News Now.

Applicants sought for affordable rental complex for seniors in Kapolei. A random drawing for units at Hale Moena Kupuna will be held March 5. Hawaii News Now.

Lottery to open in March for Kapolei senior affordable rentals. A lottery is scheduled for March 5 for Hale Moena Kupuna, 153 senior affordable rentals in Hale Moena Kupuna, the first phase of Highridge Costa Cos. and Coastal Rim Development’s mixed-use project in Kapolei. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Mike Ruggles Running For Hawaii County Mayor. Medical cannabis advocate Mike Ruggles filed paperwork on Thursday in order to officially run for Hawaiʻi County mayor. Big Island Video News.

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Thurston Lava Tube set to reopen. After more than a year of closure, the Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is once again open for visitors today. Tribune-Herald.

Thurston Lava Tube reopens to the public. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube will open to the public this morning for the first time since it was knocked out of action by the Kilauea eruption nearly two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

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Date for removal of two Maunakea telescopes pushed back. Two telescopes on Maunakea scheduled for decommissioning are expected to be removed from the summit by 2023. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope Take-Down Update Given To UH Regents. University officials say the decommissionings of the UH Hilo Hōkū Ke‘a and the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory on Maunakea are tentatively scheduled to be completed by 2023. Big Island Video News.

Operating rooms of the future: Kona hospital unveils $6M renovation project. Kona Community Hospital unveiled its newly remodeled state-of-the-art operating rooms Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kanaha closed to remove illegal encampments. Maui County departments and Maui police removed illegal encampments at Kanaha Beach Park, which was closed from Tuesday to this afternoon. Maui News.

Application Period Opening for Hale Mahaolu Ewalu II Senior Housing in Pukalani. Hale Mahaolu will accept applications for Ewalu II, the second phase of its senior housing complex in Upcountry Maui, from Feb. 24 through 4 p.m. on March 6, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui man who traveled on Westerdam returns home. Health officials say coronavirus risk low; quarantine not needed. Maui News.

Mainland, Big Isle eyed for endangered bird move. In the wake of a highly-anticipated translocation project that saw all but one of its 14 birds die on Haleakala, experts are mulling whether to move critically endangered kiwikiu to the Mainland or to the Big Island to save them from extinction. Maui News.

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Mahi Pono Enters Majority Partnership with Maui Cattle Company. Mahi Pono today announced that it has become the majority partner of Maui Cattle Company, a kamaʻāina company. Maui Now.

Mahi Pono becomes majority partner of Maui Cattle Co., acquires slaughterhouse. Mahi Pono, the farming venture that bought 41,000 acres of former sugar cane land on Maui from Alexander & Baldwin, said Thursday that it is now the majority partner of Maui Cattle Co., a collaborative between five family owned ranches on the Valley Isle, and is also the new owner of Maui Cattle Co.’s slaughterhouse and USDA-certified processing facility. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

KIUC ballots are on their way. Ballots will be mailed out for Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s board of directors election within the next week. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Council Advances Polysytrene Container Ban Proposal. Similar to other county bans, Bill 2775 would prohibit the sale and use of styrofoam containers in the county. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community safety meetings kick off. Tuesday was the first in a series of County of Kaua‘i’s safety meetings, “Keeping Your Community Safe,” at the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Anahola clubhouse. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

State money still needed for Kahoolawe restoration. The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission is asking the state Legislature for financial support in its ongoing mission to restore an island that remains wounded from decades of abuse in the form of military bombing practice. Star-Advertiser.

Hot, hot, hot! 2019 breaks records. Plus, Ige seeks instate testing for coronavirus, convicted ex-police chief seeks leniency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cooling off at Waikiki ©2020 All Hawaii News

It’s official: 2019 was Honolulu’s hottest year on record. Oahu had a sweltering 2019. In fact, it was the island’s hottest year on record, NOAA has determined. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor says 2019 was Oahu’s hottest year ever and shares heat index mapping results. Last year, Honolulu residents may remember hot, sweltering days, with numerous record high temperatures, as well a summer that seemed to last longer than usual. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Has Mapped Just How Hot Oahu Is Now. Climate change has contributed to record heat throughout Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Honolulu saw its hottest year ever recorded in 2019. Honolulu City and County officials said 2019 was the hottest year ever recorded but they are working on solutions, as they said temperatures will only continue to get hotter. KHON2.

2019: a year of record heat for Oahu. It is official: last year was the hottest year on record for Honolulu. Now the mayor and city leaders want more people to plant trees to help ease the heat. KITV4.

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Gov. Ige wants Hawaii to become a test site for coronavirus test kits. Right now, the only test site in the country is the CDC lab in Atlanta, Georgia and it takes more than a week get results for samples from Hawaii. KITV4.

Ige pushes for Hawaii to be beta-tester for virus kits. Gov. David Ige said he wants Hawaii to be a beta-tester for kits that can screen for COVID-19, the newly identified coronavirus that has infected thousands in China and elsewhere in the world. Tribune-Herald.

Ige says no estimated timeline given on when CDC testing kits will arrive. Governor David Ige is just back from Japan and gave us an update on the Coronavirus or COVID-19. KHON2.

Gov. Ige Discusses Coronavirus, TMT. Following his return from a trip to Japan on Tuesday, Gov. Ige held a press conference earlier today to provide updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak and the status of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Maui Now.

No one in state tested for the coronavirus. Hawaii health officials continue to reassure the public that the coronavirus is not circulating in the islands, but they have not tested a single person in the state for the deadly disease. Star-Advertiser.

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Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that preclearance flights from Japan to Hawaii are at least a year out, but the state is working to shorten that window. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Want More Transparency About Prosecutors’ Charging Decisions. Hawaii’s four county prosecutors worry a proposed bill requires them to provide extra data about defendants without providing their offices any extra funding. Civil Beat.

Bill introduced that would make bestiality against the law in Hawaii. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Hawaii is one of only four states that does not prohibit sex with animals along with New Mexico, Wyoming and West Virginia. KITV4.

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This Helicopter Safety Bill Is Unenforceable. Why Do So Many Lawmakers Support It? Spurred by recent tour helicopter crashes in Hawaii, the proposed legislation would set stiffer state requirements for tour pilots. But the feds, not the state, regulate the skies. Civil Beat.

Legislators take aim at helicopter noise, safety. If it becomes law, Senate Bill 2649 would require that tour aircraft companies seeking a permit to operate in airports under state control equip their aircraft with flotation and tracking devices approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Tribune-Herald.

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Greenhouse Construction Bill Passes Third Reading in House. A bill expanding the permitting exemption for greenhouse construction on agricultural land passed its third reading in the House of Representatives Tuesday. Big Island Now.

Why So Few Kids In Hawaii Get Tested For Lead Poisoning. Only 25% of kids between 1 and 2 years old get tested, in part because it’s not required. A bill in the Legislature would require mandatory testing for the first time. Civil Beat.

State’s largest public worker union endorses Kai Kahele for U.S. House. The Hawaii Government Employees Association Wednesday endorsed state Sen. Kai Kahele in his bid for the U.S. House seat representing rural Oahu and the neighbor islands, giving a substantial boost to a campaign that already appeared to be quickly gaining momentum. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ahead of sentencing, ex-Police Chief Louis Kealoha pleads for leniency. Former Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha believes he should spend less than three years for his crimes. Kealoha’s attorney made the argument in a court document that has since been sealed, citing Kealoha’s “long and distinguished record of service and contribution to the community". Hawaii News Now.

Council OKs moving jail to Halawa. A permit clearing the way for the relocation of the Oahu Community Correctional Center to Halawa from Kalihi won an 8-0 approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday, but the contentious project still needs funding from state lawmakers. Star-Advertiser.

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City Council approves bill to catch trash dumpers. A bill making it easier for the city to catch and fine people who throw bulky items and other trash along roadsides or other public areas won an 8-0 final approval from the Honolulu City Council Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council passes bill to allow residents to report illegal dumpers. If passed into law, people would be able to send pictures or video to the City’s Department of Environment Services and they would be able to fine that person. KHON2.

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Kawananakoa hearing will be open to public. A judge ruled Wednesday that a hearing to determine whether Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is capable of handling her own financial affairs will be open to the public except for when the discussion turns to medical and financial information. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Princess Can Testify In Public But Info About Finances, Medical Issues Will Be Kept Secret. A state court judge on Wednesday said medical and financial evidence about millionaire heiress Abigail Kawananakoa will be kept from the public. Civil Beat.

Legal fees in fight over heiress Kawananakoa’s fortune continue to mount. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of ratcheting up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Charter Commission Director Steps Down For New DOE Role. Sione Thompson was nominated to be the next complex area superintendent for Nanakuli-Waianae. Civil Beat.

New hotel planned near Honolulu airport. Some new hospitality industry competition is planned for part of Oahu where a new hotel hasn’t been built in nearly a half-century. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Governor David Ige says he recently told Japanese officials that the state is committed to the rule of law in regards to the Thirty Meter Telescope planned for Maunakea. Governor Ige said he met with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Big Island Video News.

Council declines to indemnify fire chief in employment lawsuit. The Hawaii County Council isn’t ready to put taxpayers on the hook for disciplinary actions Fire Chief Darren Rosario took in 2014 that are now the subject of a lawsuit. West Hawaii Today.

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Federal Funding Coming to Kona International Airport. The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is set to receive $3.7 million in federal funding for safety improvements, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Federal funds are heading to Kona’s airport for improvements. The international airport will receive more than $3.7 million to repair taxiways and runway lighting. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Company faces $25K fine over alleged water wasting. Wailuku Water Co. is facing nearly $25,000 in state fines over claims of wasting a “considerable amount” of state-protected water from its ditch system that poured into a gulch in multiple incidents late last year into January. Maui News.

Maui County Addresses Illegal Encampments at Kanahā Beach Park. The County of Maui departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Management, Public Works and Housing and Human Concerns began work today with the Maui Police Department to address illegal encampments and public health and safety concerns at Kanahā Beach Park and in surrounding areas. Maui Now.

Longtime Native Hawaiian Activist Announces Run For House Seat. Walter Ritte has led some of the most iconic cultural movements in modern Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Japanese visitor had symptoms while on Maui. Coronavirus victim originally thought to only be symptomatic during Oahu leg of stay. Maui News.

As virus spreads, face masks sell out. Face masks are flying off the shelves of local hardware stores as residents seek out protection against the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, that’s been spreading around the globe. Maui News.

Kauai

Council considers polystyrene. A measure to ban most polystyrene food containers from Kaua‘i passed first reading before the County Council Wednesday and is set for public hearing Tuesday, March 25. Garden Island.

Anderson is new county department head. The County of Kaua‘i’s Civil Service Commission announced the selection of Annette Anderson as the new director for the county Department of Human Resources. Garden Island.

Groups look to fortify North Shore disaster resilience. Kaua‘i County and two community organizations are working on separate initiatives to harden the North Shore’s defenses in the event of a natural disaster by creating permanent infrastructure to be used if disaster strikes. Garden Island.

House budget cuts police actions against demonstrators on Mauna Kea, elsewhere; Hawaii County Councilman's husband arrested for allegedly slugging county official, plastics ban mulled on two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News

House cuts funding for TMT enforcement from state budget. House lawmakers approved a rough draft of the new state operating budget Tuesday that cut more than $65 million in funding that Gov. David Ige requested for law enforcement operations to cope with disturbances such as the ongoing protests over the Thirty Meter Telescope, according to House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke. Star-Advertiser.

Want To Build Affordable Housing More Quickly? This Bill Would Sidestep Public Input. Affordable housing developers would be allowed to sidestep a process designed to protect Hawaii’s lands if a bill backed by Hawaii’s top political leaders becomes law. Civil Beat.

Prison overcrowding targeted in proposed law reducing ‘dangerous drug’ penalty. Senate Bill 2793 proposes to reduce the penalty of controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor, it would reduce the sentence for people who get caught. KHON2.

No isle residents found to have extended, close contact with infected pair. State health officials have not found any Hawaii residents who came into “prolonged close contact” with a Japanese couple who visited the islands more than a week ago and was subsequently diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii auto sales keep losing traction. Hawaii auto sales are projected to keep softening in 2020 as they appear headed for a third straight year of declines. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City bill would let citizens help bust trash dumpers. An inspector would not need to witness an illegal dumping violation for the city to fine someone under a bill up for a final vote today by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Will Espero Looks To Return To Public Service. The former state senator is running for the Honolulu City Council. Civil Beat.

Red Hill fuel storage deadline in doubt. Hopes to shut down the Navy’s underground fuel tanks at Red Hill in 2028 were in doubt Tuesday after the chairwoman of a critical Senate committee removed the revised version of Senate Bill 2774 from scheduled decision making on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

The city considers charging property owners a new fee for a project that could turn storm water runoff into drinking water. The city and county of Honolulu wants to take on a massive new endeavor to overhaul its storm drain system. Hawaii News Now.

Should Hawaii Build An Underwater Tunnel Between Ewa And Downtown? State lawmakers may ask the DOT to study the idea as a way to alleviate traffic, even as a rail line is still being built. Civil Beat.

Worries of misdirected funds swirl as trial over Princess Kawananakoa’s fortune set to begin. As the fight for Hawaiian royalty descendant Abigail Kawananakoa’s fortune heads to trial next month, both sides are accusing each other of racketing up their legal fees, which are now approaching $7 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu Tattoo Expo fined $120K for using 12 unlicensed artists. The state Health Department has fined promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to participate in its event. Star-Advertiser.

State slaps expo organizers with big fine for allowing unlicensed tattoo artists to work. The state has fined Honolulu Tattoo Expo $120,000 for allowing 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to ink clients at an event in January. Hawaii News Now.

Unlicensed artists at Honolulu Tattoo Expo had not completed blood-borne pathogen transmission prevention class. Health officials are calling it a complete disregard for public health rules, resulting in the maximum fine to the Honolulu Tattoo Expo. KHON2.

Tattoo expo promoters receive $120k fine. The Department of Health has issued a $120,000 fine to Erin Carillo and Thomas Hernandez, the promoters of the Honolulu Tattoo Expo for aiding and abetting 12 unlicensed tattoo artists to tattoo at the recent event held at the Hawaii Convention Center. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Ex-cop charged in attack: Husband of councilwoman arrested for allegedly assaulting county official. The felony information complaint filed Feb. 7 in Hilo Circuit Court charges Ian Lee Loy with second-degree assault, a Class C felony that carries a possible five-year prison sentence upon conviction. Tribune-Herald.

Frustration with traffic flow: Council members seek answers about congestion, timing of signals. Hawaii County Council members were unhappy with the Department of Public Works’ efforts to relieve traffic congestion across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee advances Kaloko sewer improvement district. Neighbors of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights development will get a free ride on sewer hookups, thanks to an improvement district initiated by the developers. West Hawaii Today.

Young Brothers’ livestock shipping changes raise concerns. Proposed changes to livestock shipping procedures by interisland ocean shipper Young Brothers have some concerned that all but the largest ranchers might be priced out of the market. Tribune-Herald.

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No Timeframe for TMT construction on Maunakea, Officials Say. As an agreement to hold off construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope comes to an end, TMT officials say they don’t have a timeframe for beginning work on Maunakea. Big Island Now.

TMT truce might be extended 2 months. Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for a two-month extension of the current moratorium that has kept the peace on Mauna Kea over the last few months. Star-Advertiser.

A truce at Mauna Kea is almost up, but Big Island Mayor Kim wants more time. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Thirty Meter Telescope for an additional delay on construction. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council Considers County-Wide Ban on Single-Use Plastics. County council members met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a bill aiming to ban the use and sale of single-use disposable plastics throughout Maui County. Maui Now.

Maui mayor urges people to remain vigilant amidst coronavirus fears. While Maui County continues to have no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, Mayor Michael Victorino urged people to remain vigilant and take precautions against the spread of disease. KITV4.

Kula meeting to cover water, energy. The upcoming auction of four East Maui watershed lease areas will be among the topics at the Kula Community Association meeting Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor moves to prohibit disposable plastics.  Just one day before the Kauai County Council is set to consider a bill that would ban most polystyrene food containers from sale and use on Kauai, Mayor Derek Kawakami signed an administrative policy aimed at the same thing. Garden Island.

Niihau

Why is Ni'ihau Hawaiian Language So Different? One could argue that Niʻihau Hawaiian is the closest we’ve got to early forms of the language spoken in the islands. It’s been passed down from generation to generation uninterrupted largely because of Niʻihau’s isolation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii former governors worried about future, Honolulu to increase bus fares for seniors and disabled, Kim proposes another TMT delay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu bus stop  ©2020 All Hawaii News

Four Ex-Hawaii Governors Say They Fear For Our Future. Civil Beat interviewed four of Hawaii’s most prominent leaders. They had a lot to say about our growing social and economic problems and the lack of leadership to help resolve them. Civil Beat.

Six Feet Above: Where To Draw The Line On Sea Level Rise. Lawmakers are considering how far to set back new developments as well as specific strategies to deal with climate change. Civil Beat.

Kealoha case fuels push to change pension laws for disgraced government employees. Ex-Honolulu Police Chief and convicted felon Louis Kealoha continues to get a pension paycheck ― estimated to be upwards of $150,000 per year. Hawaii News Now.

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Some angered over state’s limited information on 2 visitors later diagnosed with coronavirus. Some Hawaii residents are upset the state did not reveal more information about two visitors who were diagnosed with coronavirus after returning to Japan from a trip to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii tourist from Japan with coronavirus is now in critical condition. Officials confirmed that the Japanese man first tested positive for the coronavirus before his wife. KHON2.

Ewa Beach couple describes ‘nightmare’ getting out of quarantined ship. About 300 Americans quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan have been transported to two US military bases. KHON2.

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Taking a phased-in approach: Proposal to strengthen coffee labeling requirements amended. House Bill 1886, as currently written, would gradually increase the minimum percentage of Hawaii-grown coffee from 10% to 51% over a three-year period, rather than an immediate implementation to the higher minimum as initially proposed. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Honolulu Proposes Increase To Senior, Disabled Bus Fares. The Honolulu Rate Commission proposed an increase in the city's bus fares for riders including those who are 65 and older, riders holding Medicare cards and passengers with disabilities. Associated Press.

Rail authority hasn’t applied for Dillingham Boulevard closure permits, city says. The Honolulu rail authority has yet to submit a firm design for Dillingham Boulevard utility construction work or formally apply for the permits it needs to restrict traffic flow there to one lane in each direction, raising new doubts about the rail authority’s timeline for some critically important construction work. Star-Advertiser.

Flock of warbirds planned for flyover on 75th anniversary of WWII’s end. Planning for the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II has taken a major step forward with authorization for the military to transport up to 24 World War II-era aircraft and their pilots to and from Pearl Harbor for the commemoration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor asks TMT to delay construction for two more months. The current truce between the Thirty Meter Telescope and its opponents might be extended by another two months at the request of Mayor Harry Kim. Tribune-Herald.

Thirty Meter Telescope Supporters Hold Panel Discussion. Imua TMT organized a talk story at the Crown Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel on Sunday. Big Island Video News.

TMT supporters, opponents clash over debris at Mauna Kea camp. A couple of TMT supporters have been taking videos and photos of what they call trash and debris left by the protesters. But TMT opponents say it’s an effort to discredit and undermine the kiai.  Hawaii News Now.

Rat Lungworm spreading to Coqui frogs, centipedes in Hawaii. The crippling Rat Lungworm disease is spreading in Hawaii. KHON2.

Maui

Property taxes due Thursday. Real property tax bills for the second installment of tax year 2019-20 are due Thursday, according to a notice from the county. Maui News.

Preliminary Signs for Moku ‘O Wailuku Ahupua‘a Project to be Unveiled. The Moku ʻO Wailuku Ahupuaʻa Sign project is a cultural grants program funded by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development that aims to bring awareness of Maui Nui’s ancient land division system. Maui Now.

Kauai

High bacteria counts in 2019. More than half of stream mouths and surf spots around Kaua‘i tested by the citizen science branch of the Kaua‘i chapter of Surfrider Foundation had chronically high levels of bacteria in 2019. Garden Island.

Hawaii visitors spending less, lawmakers consider taxing REITs, Pearl Harbor survivor Stratton dies, coronavirus worries intensify, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki shoppers ©2020 All Hawaii News

Visitors to Hawaii are spending less. Adventuresome tourists, especially those who are booking accommodations outside the main tourist centers, are contributing to tourism growth, which saw arrivals top 10.4 million in 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii pension fund surpasses gains benchmarks. Hawaii’s largest public pension fund rode the U.S. bull market to a strong finish during the final three months of 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Again Considering Taxing Income On REITs. Similar legislation was vetoed by Gov. David Ige in 2019, who warned that it would hurt investment in the islands. Civil Beat.

OHA’s argument to withhold documents from state auditor goes to court. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is taking its fight over internal memos to court. At stake is $3 million that are being withheld until an audit is complete. Hawaii News Now.

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Delta warns those who flew with pair infected with new coronavirus. Delta Airlines is contacting passengers who were aboard a flight from Honolulu to Nagoya, Japan, that was carrying a Japanese man and his wife who were later diagnosed with the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Delta contacting outbound HNL passengers on same flight as couple later diagnosed with coronavirus. Delta Airlines says they’re reaching out to other passengers who may have been on the same flight out of Honolulu as a couple who was later diagnosed with coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: Wife Of Japanese Tourist With Coronavirus Falls Ill. The wife of a Japanese tourist who came down with coronavirus symptoms while on a Hawaii vacation has also fallen sick with the illness, the Hawaii health department confirmed Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Don Stratton, 1 of 3 remaining crew from USS Arizona, dies at 97. Don Stratton, who escaped a burning USS Arizona by making a harrowing hand-over-hand climb across a rope to an adjacent ship on Dec. 7, 1941, died Saturday, leaving just two living survivors of the famed battleship. Star-Advertiser.

One of the last few Pearl Harbor survivors dies at 97. KITV4.

USS Arizona Survivor Donald Stratton dies at age 97. KHON2.

Oahu

Merchants say it’s safe to shop, eat in Chinatown. Merchants say it’s safe to shop, eat in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor and Chinatown community address Coronavirus concerns. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell along with several city agencies as well as leaders from the Chinese business community addressed concerns about the impact of the Coronavirus in Chinatown. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Police Shootings Review Board Finally Releases Its First Decision. The case involved the shooting death of Justin Waiki, who was being pursued in connection with the murder of a Big Island police officer. Civil Beat.

Implementation of Maunakea rules could take 6-12 months. Although Gov. David Ige approved the University of Hawaii’s new administrative rules governing Maunakea in January, it could still take a year before all of those rules can be implemented. Tribune-Herald.

Police actions to potholes: County pays claims. From potholes to police actions, Hawaii County paid out more than $104,000 last year in small claims to people saying they suffered damage from something the county did. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Japanese visitor with coronavirus visited Maui. Health officials: Risk low because he was asymptomatic here. Maui News.

Farmers look to grow community, culture in Waikapu. Early talks plan hale ku'i for poi pounding, relationship building. Maui News.

Kauai

Gearing up to ban plastic. The County Council and the administration of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami will move this week to ban sale and use of polystyrene foam food containers — often known informally as Styrofoam — making Kaua‘i the last county in the Hawai‘i to do so. Garden Island.

Flawed coronavirus test kits sent to Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric earnings jump 33.7%, Hawaiian group sues over Mauna Kea access road, Florence Puana dies at 100, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legal observers on Mauna Kea access road on July 20, 2019 ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaiians sue over use of Mauna Kea Access Road. Three Native Hawaiian beneficiaries sued the state today claiming that it has violated the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act by using Mauna Kea Access Road without any compensation. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit questions state’s authority over Maunakea Access Road. A Native Hawaiian advocacy group has sued the state for its management of the land around the Maunakea Access Road. Tribune-Herald.

Breach Of Trust Lawsuit Filed Over Mauna Kea Access Road. After warning the state of their intent to sue, three Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries are taking the state and various officials to court over the management and use of road. Big Island Video News.

Suit: State owes Homelands beneficiaries decades of back rent for Mauna Kea road.  In a new lawsuit, the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation claims the state hasn’t been paying rent for using the land under a portion of Mauna Kea Access Road. Hawaii News Now.

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The coronavirus test kits that were sent to Hawaii are flawed, officials said. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first sent Hawaii’s test kits to the wrong state. He said when they finally arrived, they were damaged. They were sent again, but he said they didn’t work. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii among several states having to wait to use coronavirus test kits. Hawaii is among several states that have to wait to use coronavirus test kits. KITV4.

Senator Brian Schatz calling on HHS to set clear guidelines amidst coronavirus outbreak. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz wants to know how the federal government will reimburse states for the cost of helping respond to the coronavirus. KITV4.

2 Hawaii residents on quarantined cruise ship off Japan contract coronavirus. Two Hawaii residents on a quarantined cruise ship off Japan have contracted the coronavirus, family members and officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii resident on ship in Japan tests positive for new coronavirus. At least one Hawaii resident on a cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama near Tokyo has tested positive for the new coronavirus, as Japan confirmed its first death from the rapidly spreading disease. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Governor confirms Hawaii passenger on Diamond Princess cruise ship tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green has confirmed that a Hawaii passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship tested positive for the Coronavirus. KHON2.

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What To Expect From Hawaii's Presidential Primary. The state’s Democratic Party is rolling out a new system for collecting members’ votes. The Republican Party cancelled its primary and awarded its delegates to President Donald Trump. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Senate heard two bills on Thursday that it hopes will keep all e-cigarettes out of kids' hands. State lawmakers want to take a federal ban on flavored vaping cartridges one step further. KITV4.

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State works on plan to combat newly introduced pest that preys on avocado plants. The state Department of Agriculture has identified a new pest in Hawaii. And the bug is attracted to avocado plants. Hawaii News Now.

New Pest Attacking Avocado Trees In Hawaiʻi. The lace bug, which damages leaves on avocado trees and reduces fruit yields, has been found on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

New Avocado Pest Identified on Big Island. A new avocado pest has been identified and confirmed on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

New invasive species target avocados. There are a new invasive species in the islands, and it’s attacking avocados. KHON2.

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Hawaiian Electric Industries’ earnings jump 33.7%. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s earnings soared 33.7% in the fourth quarter as it achieved solid performances from both its utility and American Savings Bank. Star-Advertiser.

Former President Barack Obama’s childhood home in Manoa is up for sale. The Manoa home where former President Barack Obama grew up is up for sale. Obama lived in the University Avenue home from 1964 to 1967 — starting when he was just 3 years old. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City road closure permits holding up rail work. The award of what is expected to be the largest public works contract in city history has been delayed in part because the city rail authority hasn’t been able to obtain city permits for work along the rail line, according to a consultant that is overseeing the rail project for the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

HART Grapples With Lessons Learned From West Side Rail Construction. Critics now worry HART is moving too slowly, but the agency found it previously moved too fast without proper planning. Civil Beat.

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Florence Puana / 1919-2020: Centenarian helped bring Kealoha couple to justice. She was a great-great-great-grandmother with an eighth grade education from Makawao, Maui, who helped bring one of Honolulu’s most powerful and corrupt couples to justice. Star-Advertiser.

Florence Puana, Grandmother of Katherine Kealoha, Dies At Age 100. She was a key witness against her granddaughter and former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha during their recent public corruption trial. Civil Beat.

Grandmother Who Helped Convict Honolulu Power Couple Dies. The grandmother of a former Honolulu deputy city prosecutor who was at the center of a federal corruption case has died. Associated Press.

Florence Puana, key figure in case against Kealohas, dies at 100. Florence Puana, a central figure in the case against the Kealohas, died Thursday morning at home, family members said. She was 100 years old. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Brothers Big Sisters closing Big Island programs. Youth mentoring opportunities on the Big Island are being diminished with the closing of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii Island programs at the end of the month. West Hawaii Today.

Pedestrian dies; snarling Puna traffic for hours. The pedestrian killed during rush-hour traffic Thursday morning on Highway 130 near the Keaau Transfer Station was struck by at least three vehicles, police said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Retiring liquor director lauds changes enacted. Glenn Mukai set to leave post at month’s end after 3 1/2 years. Outgoing Liquor Control Department Director Glenn Mukai skirted the controversy of his three-year tenure on Wednesday, instead opting to praise staff, boards and community members for working to improve liquor rules and streamline procedures for licensees. Maui News.

Eucalyptus, pine tree removal in Piiholo. More than 40 eucalyptus and pine trees in hazardous locations are scheduled for removal by the state by spring, with the first dozen set to come down next week in the Makawao State Forest Reserve. Maui News.

Kauai

Mayor to KFD: cut overtime. The mayor’s office has ordered the Kaua‘i Fire Department to suspend most — if not all — overtime and nonessential expenditures after discovering, the administration said, that KFD had been forced to make $1.2 million in unplanned retirement payments due to “spiking” of overtime. Garden Island.

Fixing four bridges. If the weather cooperates, the historic 1911 Hanapepe bridge on Hanapepe Road over the Hanapepe River should re-open to vehicular traffic by the end of the month, said county Department of Water Engineer Dustin Moises Wednesday during a talk story session hosted by the Hanapepe Economic Alliance to a standing-room-only audience at the Hanapepe Recreation Center. Garden Island.

Hawaiians Use Shuttle To Drop Knowledge On Tourists. A company worked with scholars to develop a message that educates visitors en route to the North Shore about the place and its people. Civil Beat.