Democrats reconcile at Unity Breakfast, House leaders plan reorganization after Speaker Saiki's defeat, lowest voter turnout since statehood, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Departure of House Speaker Scott Saiki Will Test Lawmakers’ Appetite For Reform. Likely candidates for speaker mentioned by insiders include Majority Leader Nadine Nakamura; Water and Land Committee Chair Linda Ichiyama, Finance Committee Chair Kyle Yamashita, and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee Chair David Tarnas. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Saw The Worst Voter Turnout Saturday Of Any Primary Since Statehood. Just 269,912 of the 839,618 people registered statewide filled out a ballot. That works out to 32.1%. Civil Beat.

Looking for more election coverage? Check out the special Sunday edition of All Hawaii News.

Customers Won’t Pay For HECO’s $2 Billion Wildfire Settlement, CEO Says. Hawaiian Electric Industries said there is risk it cannot continue as a going concern if it can't find financing to cover wildfire liabilities. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Teacher Shortage Is Finally Improving. Will It Last? The Hawaii Department of Education has the lowest number of teacher vacancies the state has seen since 2019, but schools may experience a surge in retirements in the coming years. Civil Beat.

Multiple Hawaii athletes medal at Paris Olympics. Hawaii’s Olympic athletes fared quite well, with multiple athletes across multiple sports earning medals. KHON2.

Oahu

Police continue search for attempted murder suspects after teen shot on city bus in Kalihi. Officials say the suspects are part of the attempted murder investigation launched after a bullet hit a 17-year-old boy. Police say it was fired by two males on a moped near School Street and Kamehameha Four Road. Hawaii News Now.

City looks to restore the historic Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium is almost 100 years old, but it’s been closed to the public for the last 45 years because of deteriorating conditions.  Hawaii Public Radio.

City delays removal of Haiku Stairs segments. The city administration’s sanctioned removal of 10 to 15 steel stair modules — out of the hundreds of such modules bolted to a sheer ridgeline in Windward Oahu that comprise the “Stairway to Heaven” was not done because modules in question were not “fully” detached, as the city previously claimed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Puainako Street Resurfacing Project Extended. The Puainako Street Resurfacing Project is being extended through September 2024.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Process of rebuilding begins in Lahaina. Overall, rebuilding in Lahaina is being challenged in many cases by daunting forces that include financial constraints of property owners and regulations governing special areas such as the town’s historic district and nearshore parcels. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Police names new deputy chief after position was vacant for 2 years. Kaua‘i Police Department’s Mark Ozaki was named the new deputy chief, effective Oct. 1, after two years of the second-in-command position being vacant. Kauai Now.

House Speaker Saiki loses re-election bid, Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi cruises to easy victory, Big Island mayor's race heads to runoff, more primary election news and ballot report links from all the Hawaiian Islands

House Speaker Saiki loses close House race. Former state Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto edged out House Speaker Scott Saiki with 2,649 votes, compared to Saiki's 2,395 on the final certified report released by the state Office of Elections on Sunday morning. Both are Democrats, and there is no other contender in the contest for the District 25 seat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Many Hawaii Legislators Will Return To The Capitol This Year, But There Are Surprises. House Speaker Scott Saiki was trailing his challenger while veteran former lawmaker Clayton Hee looked to be losing his North Shore race. Civil Beat.

 Inouye, Lee Loy cruise to easy wins. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye once again defeated challenger Laura Acasio in the Democratic Primary Election Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

Incumbents Hirono, Case, Tokuda cruise to Democratic primary victories. Three-fourths of Hawaii’s congressional delegation easily moved past their primary opponents today and onto the General Election ballot in November. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case all topped their respective Democratic tickets. The second tally of results by the state Office of Elections representing a large majority of votes cast showed Hirono with nearly 91% of the party vote, while Case was cruising with 92% and Tokuda capturing a solid 100% running unopposed.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono wins Democratic primary for third term, will face McDermott in general. Hirono won a three-way race against Ron Curtis and Clyde McClain Lewman. Associated Press.

Familiar names dominate OHA trustee races in early results. Incumbent Kelii Akina, who has served as trustee since 2016, held a nearly 7,500-vote lead with 36,270 (26.3%), over Ahu Isa, who had 28,753 (20.8%) Saturday night. The two top candidates will go on to the general election. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Poised To Win Seat On OHA Board Of Trustees. Kai Kahele appears poised to make a return to politics as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee for the Big Island.  Voters chose candidates for three seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to face off in November. A fourth seat representing Kauai only had two candidates and will be on the general election ballot automatically. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for the state of Hawaii can be found here.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi handily beats challengers in re-election bid. As predicted by many political pundits and interested observers, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi handily beat his challengers Saturday evening. In the second set of results posted after 10:30 p.m., the 77-year-old retired media executive took nearly 79% of the vote — or 116,039 votes — to secure the city’s top elective office for another four years. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Certified ballot report for Oahu can be found here.

Hawaii Island

Runoff in mayor’s race: Roth, Alameda to face off in November. Many veteran observers of local politics thought the Primary Election mayoral race would spawn a runoff in the General Election on Nov. 5 between incumbent Mitch Roth and challenger Kimo Alameda — and that’s what happened. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

5 Hawai‘i County Council races headed for a runoff in general election, preliminary reports show. Five of the nine Hawai‘i County Council seats are headed for runoffs in the Nov. 5 general election, according to preliminary primary election results posted late Saturday by the state Office of Elections. Big Island Now.

Kagiwada, Kimball retain council seats; Onishi appears to avoid runoff. Three of the council’s five windward members had contested races on Saturday: Heather Kimball of District 1, covering North Hilo, Hamakua and portions of Waimea; Jenn Kagiwada of District 2, including Hilo and parts of South Hilo; and Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder of District 5, encompassing Upper Puna and portions of Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

Three council incumbents retain seats in W. Hawaii. Of the four Hawaii County Council Primary Election races in West Hawaii, three incumbents won their seats outright Saturday night, while a fourth race will go to a General Election runoff on Nov. 5. The race to be decided in November will be for representation of Council District 9, which encompasses North Kohala and parts of Waimea and Waikoloa. Tribune-Herald.

Certified ballot report for Hawaii Island can be found here.

Maui

Maui County Council Incumbents Are Cruising On To The General Election. Former three-term Maui County Council member Kelly King was trailing incumbent Tom Cook in her effort to reclaim the South Maui seat, according to preliminary results in Saturday’s primary election. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for Maui can be found here.

Kauai

Kauai Council Incumbents Advancing To General Election. Kauai County voters were favoring incumbent council members, who mostly led the pack of 17 candidates vying for the seven seats on the council in the first round of primary election returns Saturday. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for Kauai can be found here.

State prepares for lackluster primary election, paddle-out ceremonies commemorate Maui fire anniversary, Waikiki hotel workers vote to strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Paddle Out ceremony honors the 102 victims killed in Lahaina. Some 4,000 people attended a Paddle Out on Thursday morning in the waters off Hanaka‘o‘o Beach Park, including Maui’s three Lahaina canoe clubs and the Hokule‘a, the double-hulled voyaging canoe known for bringing people together and persevering Hawaii’s treasured values. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  Associated Press. KITV4.

Early votes suggest apathetic turnout for Hawaii primary. In a sign of a likely dismal turnout when all of the ballots are counted, only about 198,000 people across Hawaii have voted ahead of Saturday’s primary election — a considerably lower proportion of total votes when compared with the 2022 and 2020 primaries. Star-Advertiser.

What to expect in Hawaii’s state primaries. Voting concludes Saturday in Hawaii’s state primaries, where candidates for Congress and the Legislature will compete for their parties’ nominations. Associated Press.

As ballots come in, here's how the Office of Elections processes the votes. With just two days until primary election day, volunteers and observers were busy Thursday processing ballots as they come in through the mail and drop boxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE restores some suspended school bus routes. The state Department of Education said 34 of 147 previously suspended school bus routes on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui will be restored starting Monday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State’s Legal Expenses For Maui Wildfires Topped $6 Million. Hawaii may have avoided costly litigation when it reached a $4 billion settlement with Maui wildfire survivors this week, but the state has already spent millions of dollars on legal advisors since fires engulfed Lahaina last August. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Waikiki hotel workers authorize strike. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers took a crucial step Thursday toward labor strikes at seven Waikiki hotels. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

City to begin road rehabilitation project in Kakaako. The city’s Department of Design and Construction is set to kickstart a road rehabilitation project in the Kakaako area starting Aug. 19. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers consider bill to encourage beekeeping. The Hawaiʻi County Council is moving along Bill 144, which allows beekeeping in every zoning district on the island, including those meant for residential, commercial or industrial purposes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Publisher, bookseller David Reed dies at 74. David Reed, publisher and co-owner of Petroglyph Press and Basically Books, died Aug. 2 at his home in Hilo after a brief illness. He was 74. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Survivors experience first anniversary of tragic Maui wildfires. There are as many memories of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires as there are people who experienced the horrors of that day. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

The Lahaina Burn Zone Is Coming Back To Life. How To Keep It Safe Is A Work In Progress. The Maui Police Department is combining new technology, better equipment and more responsive policies in the aftermath of last year’s fire. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui wildfires one year later: Governor signs off on transition of Mokuʻula from the state to Maui County for its cultural restoration. As state, county and federal leaders gathered to reflect on the one year mark since the devastating Maui wildfires, Gov. Josh Green announced he signed papers to “purposefully transition” Mokuʻula from the state to Maui County for its cultural and ecological restoration. Maui Now.

Historic Lahaina documents to be available on Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Papakilo database. Release of the Historic Lahaina Photography Collection goes live on the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Maui News.

Iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree being cloned. Among the many living things affected by the Lahaina fire — Front Street’s long-standing banyan tree is making its recovery. KHON2.

FBI and Maui police investigating IEDs found in Kahului and Pukalani. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maui Police Department are investigating Improvised Explosive Devices left in the Kahului and Pukalani areas of Maui, according to a joint statement from the FBI’s Honolulu Division and MPD. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Road closure scheduled in Līhu‘e for private waterline installation. Eha Street will be closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic from Aug. 15 to Oct. 15, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. Kauai Now.

East Kaua‘i path joins Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame. Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization, announced that Ke Ala Hele Makālae on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i is the newest member of the organization’s Hall of Fame. Kauai Now.

Green declares emergency over condo insurance fees, Honolulu pandemic hazard pay set at $30M or more, state commemorates anniversary of deadly Maui fires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Emergency declared over Hawaii condo association insurance rates. Gov. Josh Green used emergency power Wednesday to help a pair of state government insurance carriers sell policies to Hawaii condominium projects in an effort to relieve many condo owners from skyrocketing industry rates. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

More Details On Maui Fire Settlement: Kamehameha Schools Pledges $872.5 Million. Kamehameha Schools announced it would contribute $872.5 million to a proposed settlement fund for Maui wildfire claims, answering more of the question about how much various defendants will pay under the $4.037 billion tentative agreement. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

5 ways Hawaii is trying to prevent the next deadly fire. A year ago, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century took 102 lives on the island of Maui, leaving the historic town of Lahaina in ashes and spurring a series of investigations into what could have been done to better prepare for such a disaster. New York Times.

Flags ordered to half-staff in memory of lives lost in deadly Maui wildfires 1 year ago. On Aug. 8, 2023, one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history razed Maui’s old Hawaiian fishing of Lāhainā to the ground. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food safety site still not up to par after 8 months. Restaurant inspection reports have not been viewable through the Food and Safety Branch website since January, but restaurateurs said they are still being conducted. KHON2.

UH partners with lawmakers pushing for environmental legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi has agreed to act as a resource for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, which has 1,200 members across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Latest Hazard Pay Decision For Public Workers Likely Will Cost Honolulu $30 Million Or More. A new arbitration decision awarding hazard pay to unionized government workers will likely require Honolulu to pay an extra $30 million to $40 million to about 2,500 city employees for their work during the pandemic, according to city Managing Director Michael Formby. Civil Beat.

Waikiki hotel workers take strike vote today. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers are expected to take a strike vote today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council votes on restricting Waikiki events. They say everyone loves a parade, but in reality not everyone in Waikiki does. KITV4.

Kailua residents frustrated over Kalapawai roundabout construction. Kailua residents working and living near the Kalapawai roundabout have a lot to say about the construction that’s been ongoing for the past two years. KHON2.

Dozens of CRB larvae discovered in garden soil sold at Oahu store. A Pearl Harbor man said he discovered 50 invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae inside a bag of Miracle Grow garden soil when he opened it on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.
 
Hawaii Island

Council votes to offer tax relief to those who rent out part of their home for at least six months. Bill 175, which the council voted to pass on first reading Wednesday, allows residential properties that are rented out for six months or more to be eligible for the county’s “homeowner” tax classification, and therefore receive that classification’s tax benefits. Tribune-Herald.

Council votes to override mayor’s veto: Bill on access to transfer stations becomes law. The council on July 10 voted to approve Bill 140, which required that all county solid waste facilities be open to the public at least two days per week. Tribune-Herald.

Researchers to look at how residential sewage systems impact Kahalu‘u Bay waters. From Aug. 9-12, researchers from University of Hawai‘i at Hilo will be dropping a small amount of the dye, fluorescein, into sewage disposal systems of residences upstream to see where sewage water travels and if it’s entering the bay. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Retired HPD assistant chief allowed deferred plea. Mitchell Kanehailua, 58, pleaded no contest on May 21 to violating a protective order and attempted third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Seeks To Delay Release Of Records in Dana Ireland Case. Hilo Judge Peter Kubota questioned why police need to protect records pertaining to a suspect who is now dead. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.

Maui

One year later, no cause or origin for Lahaina fire available. The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety does not have a timetable for releasing its formal report on the origin and cause for Aug. 8 wildfires in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina, but said when the final report is ready a news conference will be called and the findings will be made public. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Maui wildfires one year later: $1.4M grant boosts Maui Wildfire Exposure Study research. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, the most comprehensive study focused on understanding and mitigating the health and social impacts of the fires, has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its groundbreaking work. Maui Now.

Maui Remembers: Small businesses desperate for help a year after devastating fire. A year after the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire destroyed a large portion of the west side of Maui in a matter of hours, local business owners are reflecting on their own experiences, and what can be done to help in the aftermath of tragedy.  Maui News.

Maui wildfires one year later: UH research continues to assess impacts, support recovery. Within days of the worst natural disaster in state history, University of Hawaiʻi researchers began providing assistance and support on multiple fronts, including providing direct support and assessing the environmental impact and the long-term health outcomes of residents. Maui Now.

‘Bittersweet’: Lahaina wildfire anniversary, start of new school year stirs mixed emotions. Thursday marks a full year since the deadly fire that broke out in Lahaina, claiming more than 100 lives and almost completely destroying the town. Public school students in Lahaina have been given that day off to reflect on what they have been through and mourn together. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina’s Historic Elementary School Was A Source Of Community Pride. Now The Town Is Divided On Its Future. Rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed in last year’s fire, could help bring families back to Lahaina. But residents are torn over where the school should be located.  Civil Beat.

Their Senior Center Burned And Their Friends Died. But These Kupuna Are Moving Forward. More than two-thirds of Maui’s fire victims were over the age of 60. Kupuna are also facing additional challenges in the aftermath of the disaster.  Civil Beat.

Marine scientists work to understand long-term effects of contaminants from the fires.  Scientists have been concerned about the marine environment due to the nearly 100 burned vessels and the potential hazardous runoff from the devastated neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Domestic passenger count heats up in July at Lihu‘e Airport. The domestic passenger count climbed to its highest monthly total of the year in July, as Lihu‘e Airport welcomed more than 87,000 people to the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Internal network upgrades made by Kaua‘i Police Department. Internal network upgrades to the Kaua‘i Police Department’s dispatch line and its services continued on Tuesday evening. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County reminds public to report sightings of invasive rose-ringed parakeets. More than 170 responses have been received to a Kaua‘i County survey reporting sightings of the invasive rose-ringed parakeets since the beginning of the year.  Kauai Now.

 

Waikiki beach clutter spurs cease-and-desist orders, Honolulu, Big Island councils mull affordable housing, vacation rental measures, Miske witness moved after prison assaults, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikīkī hotels, vendors receive cease-and-desist notices for beach equipment. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation issued cease-and-desist notices to several Waikīkī hotels and vendors for presetting equipment on public beaches. Notices were given to four hotels and five commercial vendors.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Yen fluctuations impact visitor spending in Hawaii. Overall visitor numbers are down from major markets. Around a 7% decrease in US and Canadian visitors for the year.  KITV4.

Victims fear $4B settlement will hide accountability as Maui wildfire investigations continue. Two major investigations into the fire and government response are still not complete, so, some victims wonder if the truth will ever come out. Hawaii News Now.

Primary Ballot Returns Lagging Behind 2022 Levels. Ballot returns across the state in advance of Saturday’s primary election are down by 14% compared to the same time in the 2022 primary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Little-Known Candidates Challenge A Well-Funded Incumbent In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. Three challengers face Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who claims many successes in his first term. Civil Beat.

City Council to review housing-related bills. The Honolulu City Council today is poised to consider adoption of a bill meant to give private developers of affordable rental housing greater financial incentives to build on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu home sales heating up this summer. The latest Honolulu Board of Realtors report shows that July year-over-year single-family home sales spiked by 20%.  KITV4.

Miske witness will be moved after third assault in custody. A man who once worked for convicted crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr. is being moved to another facility after gangs assaulted him three times in the past four months, allegedly for testifying against his former employer, according to federal court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Community Mourns Death Of Hawaiian Activist And Homeless Advocate Twinkle Borge. The 54-year-old had dedicated much of her life to creating a home for the homeless in Waianae and was one of the inspirations for the kauhale or tiny home movement in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu officials capture nearly 2K feral chickens since 2022. The feral chicken problem on Oahu seems to be growing and never-ending.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council bills propose changes to vacation rental rules. The most complex — and controversial — of those bills is Bill 121, which would establish several different tiers of vacation rentals, with their own conditions and standards of use, prohibit ohana units from being used as vacation rentals, and many other things. Tribune-Herald.

Mandatory water restriction for areas in North Kona due to down wells. Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply has implemented a mandatory 25% water restriction for areas in North Kona effective immediately. Big Island Now.

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Celebration Set For August. The site will mark its 52nd anniversary Establishment Day, “Hoʻokuikahi”, with its traditional Hawaiian Cultural Festival on August 17th and August 18th. Big Island Video News.

2024 Native Hawaiian Convention coming to Waikoloa. The 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention is set to take place at the Hilton Waikoloa from September 17 to 19.  KHON2.

Maui

Tourism Is Still Way Down On Maui. And That’s Causing A Lot Of Problems Efforts to boost the industry will focus on key Southern California markets, with additional pushes targeting corporate meeting and incentive planners. Civil Beat.

The View From Above: How Far We’ve Come Since The Maui Fires. Here’s what progress has looked like from an aerial perspective over the past year in Lahaina, Upcountry and Olowalu. Civil Beat.

Maui transitional housing for fire survivors proliferating one year after disaster. It’s only a trickle at the moment, but the supply of new homes for transitional use by Maui wildfire survivors is on the cusp of surging one year after the disaster. Star-Advertiser.

$1M donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to help replace bunkhouse cabins at Camp Maluhia on Maui; support Scouting America, Aloha Council. Scouting America, Aloha Council has announced a landmark donation of $1 million from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Maui Now.

How Lahaina’s more than 150-year-old banyan tree is coming back to life after devastating fire. When a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town’s Front Street. Associated Press.

Maui Bicycling League calls for enhanced road safety amid rising traffic fatalities. In light of a worrying 17% increase in Hawai’i’s traffic fatalities compared to 2023, the Maui Bicycling League, inspired by Hawaii’s ancient Law of the Splintered Paddle, calls for increased vigilance on our roads.  Maui News.

Grand Wailea Resort employees go on strike over unfair labor practices. Housekeepers, check-in personnel and food prep workers walked off the job Monday at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa over unfair labor practices. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Department leadership under fire: Scathing survey reveals distrust, resentment among employees. A workplace survey revealed scores of officers and civilian staff aren’t just unhappy with how the department’s being run. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Bus outreach program seeking applicants. A new program aimed to assist people who rely on public transportation has officially rolled into effect. Garden Island.

Nearly all gauges on Kaua‘i record below-average rainfall. Nearly all of the rain gauges on Kauaʻi had below-average rainfall for the month of July with two of the island’s rain gauges posting their lowest totals – for the month – on record. Kauai Now.

Education Committee chairman seeks answers on school bus shortage, Honolulu introduces vacancy tax on dwelling units, voter turnout lags as Primary Election Day nears, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Panel seeks answers on school bus void. Rep. Justin Woodson, chairman of the House Education Committee, wants the Department of Education to explain when it realized that 3,686 students who rely on bus service would have to scramble to find other ways to get to school across three islands, beginning this week. Star-Advertiser.

There’s still time to submit your ballot as early voting numbers indicate low Primary turnout. As of Aug. 5, Honolulu election officials say roughly 103,000 people have already turned in their ballots. With roughly about 7,000 to 9,000 ballots incoming a day, that’s on track to be lower than 2020, where the primary saw a 52% turnout on Oahu, or about 275,000 voters. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Carpenters Union PACs Are Training Candidates To Run For Office. Groups with ties to the politically influential union have doled out nearly $70,000 since 2021 to teach more than a dozen people to run better campaigns. Civil Beat.

State will pay about $800 million in Lahaina wildfires settlement agreement. Governor Josh Green says the payment won’t have any effect on any of the state’s other top priorities. KHON2.

More Details Emerge On Attack Of Hawaii Inmate Daniel Kosi, Serving Time for Two 1999 Murders, In An Arizona Prison. Hawaii officials are investigating the possible involvement of Saguaro prison guards in the assault, a lawyer says. The state currently holds 1,001 prisoners at Saguaro because there is no room for them in Hawaii prisons. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council introduces bill to establish tax on empty homes. Last week, the Honolulu City Council introduced Bill 46 to put a tax on dwelling units that have sat empty for over half of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Seeks Charter Commission Members. The City and County of Honolulu is seeking 13 people to serve on the Honolulu Charter Commission, and is asking residents to submit their resumes and cover letters to the mayor’s office.  Civil Beat.

Delays in trash pick-up likely to continue through 2025. Delays in picking up trash could continue through 2025, according to the city. Honolulu Deputy Communications Director Ian Scheuring said they are doing everything they can to address a shortage of trucks. KHON2.

Former Damien president files whistleblower lawsuit. The former president of Damien Memorial School has filed a lawsuit accusing the institution of firing him for uncovering alleged illegal financial management, failure to pay taxes, a football player sex scandal and payments to players from alumni. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Speed limits around schools could lower to 20 mph under new bill. The Honolulu City Council will consider a measure Wednesday that would lower speed limits in school zones. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

Homeless advocate, activist Twinkle Borge dies. Twinkle Borge, longtime activist and leader of the Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae homeless encampment, died Monday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Primary Election Day is around the corner; know where to vote. This year, the mayoral race is packed with several community leaders going up against incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth. Hawai‘i County Council seats are also being challenged. Big Island Now.

Judge orders police to turn over new evidence in Dana Ireland case for court review. A Circuit Court judge is reviewing evidence collected from the newly identified killer of Dana Ireland. Hawaii News Now.

Summit discusses fentanyl crisis, impact on youth. The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force held its 3rd Annual Fentanyl and Addictions Summit on Monday, bringing together more than 200 representatives of state and county agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and more to discuss the ongoing fentanyl crisis, its impacts and potential solutions. Tribune-Herald.

L&L Drive Inn At Captain Cook Shut Down By Health Department.  The restaurant on Mamalahoa Highway was issued a red “closed” placard due to an active roach infestation, a non-operational hand-washing sink and suspected sewage backup.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Fuel dock at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor repaired, ready for business after wildfire. Nearly a year after wildfire overwhelmed Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, exploding fuel tanks and incinerating vessels moored dockside, a quiet Hawaiian blessing ceremony was held Monday for the harbor’s repaired fuel dock, now ready for business. Maui Now.

Donations exceeding expectations for victims of Maui wildfires. The outpouring of financial support through donations in the days and weeks after the wildfires was tremendous and came from various sources, small to large — through small individual checks, dozens of GoFundMe accounts, the People’s Fund of Maui launched by celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, or millions channeled through the Hawaii Community Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Fear A Disturbing Pattern Of Health Problems Is Emerging After The Maui Fires. It may be years before the full extent of illnesses affecting wildfire survivors is documented, but the preliminary data is troubling. Civil Beat.

Bob Fenton Reflects On A Year Of Leading FEMA’s Fire Recovery Efforts On Maui. There were highs and lows managing multiple programs in a place historically skeptical of the federal government, but overall his agency’s work has been well received. Civil Beat.

New food distribution center opens in Lahaina to alleviate hunger ‘crisis’ since fires. Maui Food Bank officials said there has been a “notable rise” in demand for food assistance since the wildfires nearly one year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Former Kihei hotel welcoming Maui wildfire survivors. Maui wildfire evacuees have begun moving into a former hotel in Kihei that the state has been fixing up since it bought the 175-room property in March from a religious institute. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Kauai

The primary election approaches; be sure to get votes in. Kaua‘i County Council members gathered last week for an election event where they delivered one-minute speeches to constituents. Kauai Now.

Land blessing held at Namahana School site. The land blessing by Namahana School and its officials on Sunday marked the start of a one-year countdown before the charter school in Kilauea receives its first students. Garden Island.

Council on Revenues predicts 5% income growth, HECO contributes $2B to $4B Maui wildfire settlement, officials seek solutions to school bus shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Council on Revenues predicts total income in state could grow by 5% this year. The boom in construction jobs and the ongoing Maui wildfire recovery could help drive up the total income earned in Hawaiʻi. That’s the view from the state Council on Revenues, which is forecasting 5% growth in total personal income in Hawaiʻi for both this year and 2025. Hawaii Public Radio.

Litigation is doused by settlement in an ‘unprecedented’ time. A $4 billion agreement Friday to settle every loss claim over Maui’s wildfire disaster of nearly a year ago is a monumental deal, but much work lies ahead to wrap up Hawaii’s biggest incidence ever of mass tort litigation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, Maui County, HECO And Others Agree To Pay $4 Billion To Wildfire Victims. The proposed settlement still needs to be approved by a judge. And insurers that have paid out billions in claims have not agreed to terms. HECO said in a statement its part of the agreement is $1.99 billion. The settlement term sheet, which was filed in Maui state court on Friday, did not disclose the amounts individual defendants would pay. Civil Beat. Associated Press.  Big Island Now.

RIMPAC exercise wraps up in Hawaii. The biennial Rim of the Pacific — the world’s largest naval training exercise — wrapped up in Hawaii last week after bringing together forces from 29 nations with warships, planes, helicopters and troops practicing fighting skills both on land and at sea, as well as humanitarian disaster response. Star-Advertiser.

How A Group That Started As Libertarian Found Influence In Blue State Hawaii. The Grassroot Institute, a think tank with libertarian roots, has chalked up some big policy wins this year, which some see as evidence of a shifting political landscape in Democratic-dominated Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Gets Federal Funds To Fight Brown Tree Snake Threat. $375,000 in federal funding is coming to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture to prevent the introduction of the brown tree snake, considered a top invasive species threat to Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

DLNR launches new website to reserve permits for outdoor recreation. The new website, Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i, was established in compliance with a law mandating the department to provide information on processes such as fee collection, permit and license applications, and reservations for commercial and recreational activities in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Professional Development Can Be Lucrative For Hawaii Teachers — And Hard To Come By. Teachers can increase their annual pay by completing certain courses, but some say it's a challenge to find classes that are accessible and affordable. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Witness In Miske Case Keeps Getting Beaten In Prison By Crime Boss’s Allies, Lawyer Says. A motion filed last week says there's no place safe in the Federal Detention Center for Jake Smith, but a judge denied releasing him on house arrest until sentencing. Civil Beat.

Oahu Condo Owners Are Debating Best Way To Limit Fire Safety Costs. After a deadly fire at the 36-story Marco Polo building in Honolulu killed four people in 2017, the city created an ordinance requiring all existing high-rise residential buildings to take steps to pass a Building and Life Safety Evaluation within seven years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Faces Opposition Over Sale Of Public Park. The Honolulu City Council passed a resolution earlier this year approving the sale of Piikoi Mini Park, a decision that has since been criticized by community members who feel the city is offloading its responsibilities to maintain the land by simply selling it off. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply seeks info about residents' water access and affordability.  Honolulu, and other communities in the U.S., are exploring the issue in collaboration with The Center for Water Security and Cooperation. Hawaii Public Radio.

State takes action following complaints of aggressive dogs at Sand Island. The state says it’s now cleared a Sand Island homeless camp that was home to a pack of dangerous dogs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Isle tourism down in first half of ‘24. According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 866,173 people visited the island during the first half of 2024, a decrease of 1.6% from both the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2019, the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

DOE, county seek solutions to school bus crisis. An elementary school principal whose school is one of those impacted by what the state Department of Education says is a shortage of bus drivers said suspension of service to all public schools in the Hilo-Waiakea and Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Areas is “an inconvenience all the way around.” Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Hearing resumes on Schweitzers’ innocence in Dana Ireland case. A hearing to determine the innocence of the Schweitzer brothers in the murder of Dana Ireland is scheduled to resume Monday.  KHON2.

Final draft of 2045 General Plan released. Hawaii County released a final draft of its plan for the island’s development over the next 25 years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Mayor Has Struggled To Lead An Island Reeling From Tragedy. But Some Say He’s Getting Better. From awkward public appearances to stonewalling the media, former judge Richard Bissen has been slow to adapt to life as an elected leader.  Civil Beat.

Maui Strong Fund has paid out $109 million. The Hawaii Community Foundation has awarded over $109 million in grants over the past year to support recovery efforts from the devastating Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Restoring drinking water is latest step toward Lahaina’s recovery. Restoring safe drinking water to Lahaina is perhaps the most critical recovery milestone met in advance of Thursday’s first anniversary of the disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green sees hope, progress since deadly Lahaina wildfires.  As Maui prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly Aug. 8 wildfires, Gov. Josh Green worries about the collective stress on the people of West Maui who continue to struggle emotionally and financially. Star-Advertiser.

A year after Maui wildfire, chronic housing shortage and pricey vacation rentals complicate recovery. Thousands on Maui have faced a year of anxious uncertainty since the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire brought apocalyptic scenes of destruction to Lahaina, the historic former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, forcing some survivors to flee into the ocean.  Associated Press.

Temporary housing projects moving ahead in Lahaina for displaced residents. The first dozen or so Ka Laʻi Ola temporary housing units are nearly ready for occupancy by wildfire survivors in pre-fab, futuristic NanoNest tiny homes with curved ends and floor-to-ceiling transparent walls that take advantage of views of the ocean and West Maui Mountains. Maui Now.

Displaced Lahaina students lose access to long-distance school bus routes for high school students. Some displaced Lahaina families say they are scrambling after the DOE’s announcement that more than 150 school bus routes will be suspended, including one that takes students to West Maui’s only public high school. Hawaii News Now.

Mental health needs rise on Maui. With small fires breaking out more frequently lately, mental health clinics on the Valley Isle under the state Department of Health can field 40 to 50 calls a day. But even when the power goes out or it’s a really windy day, the clinics see a surge of calls for help. Star-Advertiser.

Kula Residents Say They Have Built A Closer And More Resilient Community Since The Fire. A steady stream of volunteers has helped clean the land of debris and potential fuel for future fires. Civil Beat.

The Maui Wildfires Were Massive. These Numbers Help Us Comprehend Them. It’s been one year since four fires devastated the Valley Isle. Numbers were one of the earliest byproducts of the disaster — a way to measure the human, economic and environmental toll of an overwhelming event. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative continues to lead state in renewable energy, officials report. For the fifth year in a row, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is leading the state in renewable generation at 57.9%. Kauai Now.

Community Emergency Response Team tests equipment and trains in Princeville. Community Emergency Response Team trailers are provided in the case of an emergency during any natural disaster and first responders cannot immediately respond to such emergency. Garden Island.

All Hawaii News opinion: Keeping the spotlight on the state Legislature

We won a bronze! "Sunlight: The Best Disinfectant" for All Hawaii News took 3rd place in the Editorial Opinion category at the SPJ-Hawaii annual contest. (Photo digitally enhanced to improve screen readability) #SPJ

"Sunlight: The Best Disinfectant" is a series of columns tracing the arc from optimism to realism to skepticism during a legislative session focused on ethics reforms. The editorials raised public awareness of the myriad issues involved in ethics reform and kept lawmakers on their toes with regular reminders.

https://www.allhawaiinews.com/2023/01/sunlight-is-best-disinfectant-political.html

https://www.allhawaiinews.com/2023/03/sunlight-is-best-disinfectant-same-same.html

https://www.allhawaiinews.com/2023/05/sunlight-best-disinfectant-legislative.html

Native Hawaiian beliefs stymie voter participation, new super PAC supports Saiki, Oahu UPW workers granted COVID hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voter apathy underscored by Hawaiian history. Strong beliefs by some Native Hawaiians who refuse to vote or even acknowledge U.S. authority may be contributing to Hawaii’s history of low voter turnout — a trend likely to continue with expected lackluster numbers for the Aug. 10 primary election. Star-Advertiser.

New Union-Backed Super PAC Is Supporting Scott Saiki In House Race. Building a Brighter Future, which registered July 29, is funded by the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 675. Civil Beat.

Three picked for state House seat, governor now will choose who will replace deceased Rep. Nakashima. The Hawaii Democratic Party has submitted to Gov. Josh Green the names of three people it has selected as possible candidates to succeed the late Rep. Mark Nakashima in state House District 1: Dwight Takamine, Matthias Kusch and Kristen Alice Apruzzese. Tribune-Herald.

Native Hawaiians And Farmers Are Asking Why A Key Vacancy On State Water Board Is Going Unfilled. Gov. Green received a short list of candidates for the seat, reserved for a customary water expert, five months ago. Now, his administration says recent issues arose with some applicants. Civil Beat.

DOE Abruptly Cancels School Bus Routes For Thousands Of Hawaii Students. The department announced last-minute cancelations for the third year in a row amid an ongoing shortage of school bus divers. Nearly 2,900 Hawaii public school students will not receive bus transportation when classes begin for the new school year on Monday. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Retired federal judge Alan Cooke Kay made historic Hawaii rulings. Retired U.S. District Court Judge Alan Cooke Kay, the jurist who handed down historic rulings protecting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy and journalism in Hawaii, died Tuesday. He was 92. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu

UPW Oahu essential workers gets hazard pay for work during pandemic. Leaders at the United Public Workers union are calling it a win. An arbitrator recently ruled its essential workers will be given hazard pay for their work during the pandemic. KHON2.

Oahu dodges rolling outages after Kahe plant boost, conservation. Hawaiian Electric said the combination of customer conservation, energy storage and energy efficiency programs Wednesday night reduced demand by 40 megawatts Wednesday night, helping to avert the need for rolling outages. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Public asked for island transportation preferences. The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization has announced the launch of an online, interactive public survey aimed at gathering input for the update of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan. KHON2.

New Amazon facility on Oʻahu aims to improve deliveries and the economy. The new Amazon delivery station on Oʻahu debuted Wednesday, and boasts state-of-the-art technology to speed up local deliveries and improve tracking. Hawaii Public Radio.

With plenty of help, encampment community starts building farm village in Waianae. Pu’uhonua O Wai’anae, a camp community on the edge of the Waianae Boat Harbor, is starting to build a new farm village in Waianae Valley. Roughly 200 people live at Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae and most are Native Hawaiian. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

'One route isn't enough': As Waikōloa's population grows, so do fire safety concerns. Waikōloa Village has only one public road in and out of the community, as well as an evacuation route that is generally blocked off to public access by a locked gate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Date set for KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a: Popular downtown Hilo event will return in January. After a year’s delay, the 28th KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a will return to downtown Hilo next year on Jan. 18. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Insurance payouts for Lahaina fires exceeds $2.3 billion. More than 200 insurance companies have reported over 10,000 claims with an estimated 3.2 billion dollars estimated to be paid. Maui News.

Mayor Bissen weighs in on Kahului Airport ‘Wall of Fame’ controversy. A new “Wall of Fame” exhibit installed at Maui’s Kahului Airport has sparked a viral debate on its controversial inclusion of non-Maui native celebrities. KITV4.

Maui Vacation Rental Association releases public opinion survey on short-term rentals. A vacation rental advocacy group has released a statewide poll it says shows that Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed ban on short-term rentals is “unpopular” with most Hawai‘i registered voters. Maui Now.

Maui County Council’s Aug. 13 meeting will be online while chamber closed to public. The Maui County Council will hold its next meeting, online, beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 13 while elections officials use the Council Chambers for primary elections work, Chair Alice Lee announced. Maui Now.

A displaced Lahaina resident's year-long journey to secure housing after the wildfire. Charles Nahale lost his home in last year's wildfire on Maui. Like so many survivors, he was shuffled in and out of hotels and condos for months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Shaping the future of Kilauea Town. The small, charming community on North Shore, known for its history of sugar cane plantation, presented a blueprint for the beginning phases of the Kilauea Town Expansion Project, which will shape the future of Kilauea. Garden Island.

$4B Maui wildfire settlement could come next week, Oahu faces rolling blackouts, traffic fatalities climb, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$4 billion settlement for 2023 Maui wildfire could come next week. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green says the parties in Lahaina wildfire lawsuits against Hawaii, Maui County and utilities are close to a global settlement of claims that will be worth a little over $4 billion. The parties involved in Lahaina wildfire lawsuits against the state of Hawaii, Maui County and utilities are close to a global settlement of claims that will be worth a little over $4 billion, Gov. Josh Green told The Associated Press on Wednesday.  KITV4. Associated Press.

German official stresses Indo-Pacific stability. Germany’s defense minister was in Honolulu this week to meet with American military leaders, as well as with German sailors and airmen who participated in the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs 2024 election: Here's what to expect. Four seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees are up for election this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii summer traffic fatalities surpassed last year’s. State officials have tallied 59 traffic-related deaths in roughly the first seven months of 2024, 10 more than the same time in 2023, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu power generation drop prompts rolling blackout warnings.  The possibility of forced outages rotating around parts of the island was announced by the company at about 2 p.m. based on supply and demand estimates after an unexpected shutdown of the largest independently owned power plant on the island, a 208-megawatt facility operated by Kalaeloa Partners. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

HPD Releases Body Camera Footage In Only A Fraction Of Deadly Encounters. Body cameras are supposed to help hold police accountable, but many officers involved in critical incidents are part of specialized units that are exempt from wearing the devices. Civil Beat.

The possibility of offshore windfarms in Kaiwi channel waters gets major pushback. The state set a goal of generating 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2045. But just the concept of using offshore wind turbines to generate some of that energy got major blowback in a Waimanalo town hall meeting with federal officials. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific Palisades residents fear single road, broken siren hinder fire evacuation. The neighborhood is nestled in Waimano Valley in Central Oʻahu. According to the federal Wildfire Risk to Communities map, it is classified as a “more likely” area to experience wildfires. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Fallen Tree Has Been Blocking Tantalus Drive For A Month. Why Hasn’t The City Cleared It? Residents say that the closure of Tantalus Drive leaves them in a dangerous situation, blocking their emergency access. Civil Beat.

Amazon vans are ready to roll from new distribution station. The world’s largest online retailer is about to open its own ground transportation operation for package delivery on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

10 employees affected as City Mill closes warehouse. The 10 affected warehouse employees will retire or transition to “other employers.” KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County homeless camp relocated: Former site in Hilo has been restored. The county dismantled the Ponahawai shelter and relocated its 15 remaining occupants to a new shelter on Kuawa Street — a short road connecting Manono Street and Mamalahoa Highway just mauka of Kamehameha Avenue. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Final Draft Of Hawaiʻi County General Plan 2045 Released. The comprehensive policy document will guide the physical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural development of Hawaiʻi County over the next 25 years. Big Island Video News.

Health Department issues high bacteria count notification at Kolekole Gulch; retesting site. Levels of 1652 per 100 mL were detected during routine beach monitoring – but the Department of Health is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample. Big Island Now.

Maui

There Are So Few Doctors In Maui County That Even Medical Workers Struggle To Get Care. More than two-thirds of Maui County residents experienced delays accessing health care last year, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

Lahainaluna graduates awarded financial support to further studies. In the outpouring of support after the 2023 wildfire, Lahaina­luna’s 215 seniors were all offered full scholarships to attend the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

Lāna‘i residents face a question: Should a private company or Maui County run their ferry? About 35 Pineapple Isle residents attended the first public meeting on the Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study, a Maui County Council-initiated report that is being conducted by the county Department of Transportation as it considers whether to develop a government-run intracounty ferry service from Maui to Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i.  Maui Now.

Kauai

First installment of Kaua‘i real property taxes coming due. Payments can be made online at https://kauairpt.ehawaii.gov, by mail, in person, or at the drop box located outside the Kapulē Building at the Līhu‘e Civic Center.  Kauai Now.