Universities, stores set to reopen, tourists to be welcomed back by July, mass jail releases include violent offenders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UH Hilo campus earlier this year ©2020 All Hawaii News

University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade to resume in-person instruction for fall semester. Star-Advertiser.

UH Plans To Resume In-Person Classes This Fall. The university is still working on what those classes will look like. Civil Beat.

UH announces plans to resume in-person instruction in August across its 10 campuses. The University of Hawaii plans to resume in-person classes across its 10-campus system on August 24, with the start of the fall semester, but stressed that it won’t be business as usual. Hawaii News Now.

In-person instruction at UH campuses will resume this fall — with a host of caveats. The president of the University of Hawaii said Monday all 10 campuses plan to resume in-person instruction for the fall 2020 semester. Tribune-Herald.

UH to Resume On-Campus Education This Fall. University of Hawai‘i students will attend classes on campus this fall, or at least that’s the plan as of Monday, May 4. Big Island Now.

UH Plans for Return to In-Person Instruction at All 10 Campuses in Fall 2020. UH will deploy a “COVID-19-aware approach to providing a safe, high-quality education” for new and returning students, faculty and support staff as the semester begins as scheduled on Monday, August 24. Maui News.

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Gov. David Ige is poised to allow some retailers to reopen their doors. Gov. David Ige said he plans to sign an emergency proclamation today that will allow “low-contact” retailers to reopen as long as they can minimize contact between employees and customers to protect them against the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Ige says he plans to give green light to resume ‘low-contact retail’ operations in Hawaii. The governor said he plans to give more Hawaii businesses the OK to resume operations as the number of new COVID-19 cases in the islands remains low. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige says ‘low-contact retail,’ could re-open very soon. Governor David Ige said he plans on re-opening more Hawaii businesses like retail soon. KHON2.

Local retailers preparing new guidelines for reopening. With just one new case of COVID-19 Monday, Governor David Ige said in a press conference that he will issue another order that would allow retailers to open. However, there are a lot of factors that come with that including safety, and security when everyone is wearing a mask. KHON2.

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Hawaii economy not likely to fully recover this year. In a best-case scenario, Hawaii’s economy should start to slowly recover this month, but 2020 will end with double-digit unemployment and the return of only about 75% of the economic activity lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state House Select Committee on COVID-19 was told Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Reshaping Hawaii’s Economy For A Post-Pandemic World. Hawaii’s long-term economic plan is a blank slate by design to be filled in by an ensemble cast, says Alan Oshima, Hawaii’s economic recovery chief. Civil Beat.

Leaders expect 'unified plan' to restart Hawaii economy by end of this week. However economists say tourism is unlikely to start returning to Hawaii before late July and the local economy is expected to regain by year's end only three-quarters of the activity lost to the coronavirus. Pacific Business News.

UHERO Projects 75% of Local Hawai‘i Economy Could Be Regained by End of Year. The House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness today reviewed estimates of when jobs may start returning to the state, talked about how the retail and restaurant industries can adapt to health measures and still survive, and discussed the growing number of people that may become homeless. Maui Now.

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Economists say tourism could restart in late July. Experts say tourism can start picking up by the end of July. Along with that, more than 100,000 people unemployed could be back to work by the end of the year. KHON2.

When will tourists be welcomed back? The best-case scenario is predicting the end of July. Government officials, economists and business experts are working on a comprehensive plan to restart more businesses that cater to Hawaii residents. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism leaders urge state recovery plan. Hawaii’s visitor industry is adopting new safety protocols to begin tourism’s recovery, but leaders say they can’t reopen until the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state passengers is lifted. Star-Advertiser.

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Recalling workers presents challenge in unemployment policy. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations anticipates having to deal with appeals from displaced workers who are receiving unemployment checks that exceed what they can earn when employers decide to restore their pay. Star-Advertiser.

The Long Wait For Unemployment Checks Is Taking A Personal Toll. The state’s huge backlog of jobless claims has left many waiting weeks for benefits. For some, the loss of work has derailed dreams for starting over. Civil Beat.

Flattening the Next Curve, Homelessness In Era Of COVID-19. Hawaiʻi is likely to experience a wave of housing instability and homelessness in the coming months. Big Island Video News.

Federal loans might limit bankruptcies — for now. Federal loan programs to small businesses may be temporarily curbing an expected increase in Hawaii bankruptcies. Star-Advertiser.

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Prosecutors say dangerous offenders are being released to free up space in Hawaii correctional facilities. In the last two months, state prisons have reduced their populations by nearly 38-percent all to socially distance inmates despite there being zero positive cases in any state correctional facility. Hawaii News Now.

1 New COVID-19 Case Confirmed On The Big Island. Four other recoveries from COVID-19 were announced by state health officials on Monday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is reporting just one new COVID-19 case Monday, bringing the statewide total to 621. The new case is on the Big Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture preparing for possibility of "Murder Hornets" landing in Hawaii. "Murder Hornets" are being spotted in Washington State and the Department of Agriculture is preparing for the possibility of them landing in Hawaii. KITV4.

Oahu

Queen’s Medical Center takes down coronavirus triage tent as Hawaii’s infection rate remains low. The outdoor triage tent was erected seven weeks ago on March 12 to evaluate, test and separate COVID-19-infected patients from the rest of the hospital population. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Medical Center removes COVID-19 screening tents at Punchbowl. The hospital will still be screening patients but with fewer people needing the service, operations have moved indoors. KHON2.

Pacific Princess cruise ship returns to Honolulu for fuel and provisions. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reports that the Pacific Princess cruise ship is scheduled to arrive at Honolulu Harbor on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 7 a.m. and depart at approximately 2 p.m. the same day. There are no passengers on the ship and no crew members will disembark in Honolulu. KITV4.

A Prominent Developer Was Charged With Assault. Then The Case Languished For A Year. A politically connected Honolulu real estate mogul didn’t receive a summons until Civil Beat started asking questions. Civil Beat.

Residents report stinky smell coming from Waimanalo Beach Park. City officials say its Maintenance Support Services crews applied an organic fertilizer made at Sand Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lawyers Demand Hawaii Island Stop Homeless Sweeps. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and another civil rights law firm are demanding Hawaii County immediately cease the sweeping of homeless encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil Beat.

County seeks site in Kona for homeless housing units. Eighteen temporary housing units are ready to be built for the homeless in Kona, but where they will be built remains to be seen. West Hawaii Today.

South Kona Water Conservation In Effect After Equipment Failure. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply issued an urgent message for residents in Kainaliu, Keʻei, Honalo, Kealakekua, Napoʻopoʻo, Hōnaunau, and Hoʻokena. Big Island Video News.

DWS Issues South Kona Water Conservation Request. The Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply is asking all South Kona customers to begin water conservation processes immediately. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaii Supreme Court To Hear Historic Remote Arguments In Maui Water Case. The Carmichael v. Board of Land and Natural Resources case involves a decades-long battle over water flowing from the East Maui mountains. Hawaii Public Radio.

Jail population in Wailuku drops below 300 with inmate releases. At 283, count is below the facility’s operational capacity. The number of inmates held at the Maui Community Correctional Center dropped below 300 last week and was less than the Wailuku jail’s operational capacity, as part of a “substantial reduction in the jail population across the state,” according to the state Department of Public Safety. Maui News.

Kauai

Two caught sneaking onto Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i Police Department is currently investigating an incident involving an unauthorized small plane from Maui that dropped off two passengers in Kaua‘i on Sunday. Garden Island.

Opening the doors. St. Catherine School principal David Adams said the reopening of the preschool Thursday is a sure sign of hope during these times of COVID-19. Garden Island.

Hawaii House committee to plan reopening state, Health Department apologizes for director's remarks about Marshallese COVID-19 victims, airlines require face masks, limit routes, UPW chief ousted, Waikiki bartender awakes from coma, posts selfie, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Anderson from Facebook Live

House Select Committee on COVID-19 discusses reopening Hawaii and more. How should Hawaii reopen? What do retailers and restaurants think? What's happening with unemployment? These and more, at the House committee meeting. The next House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness briefing will cover federal funding programs to support nonprofit groups, farmers, consumers and other relief programs at 10 a.m. Monday, May 4. KITV4.

DOH apologizes for director’s comments about race and ethnicity. The state Department of Health on Friday apologized for comments its director made about race and ethnicity while discussing the recent cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with McDonald’s restaurants in Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Native Hawaiians Are Losing Out On Millions Of COVID-19 Dollars. Native Hawaiians do not have a centralized government formally recognized by the federal government. An ongoing battle over $8 billion in federal coronavirus relief money for America’s indigenous people is missing a key participant — Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

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As new coronavirus cases dwindle, the state looks at a ‘phase-in’ approach to reopening. With car washes and golf courses open on Oahu, state and county leaders are now talking about how to phase-in the reopening of other businesses in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Reshaping Hawaii’s Economy For A Post-Pandemic World. Hawaii’s long-term economic plan is a blank slate by design to be filled in by an ensemble cast, says Alan Oshima, Hawaii’s economic recovery chief. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii lawmakers push for tightened quarantine as visitor numbers climb. The number of visitors arriving in Hawaii increased Friday to the largest count since the state’s 14-day quarantine began in late March as Hawaii lawmakers strive to improve the passenger quarantine before tourism reopens. Star-Advertiser.

Arriving visitors climb past 5,000 since quarantine began. The number visitors arriving in Hawaii since the beginning of the state’s mandatory 2-week quarantine for travelers topped 5,000 on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

330 Arrivals Referred to Law Enforcement, 27 Visitors Forced to Leave for Quarantine Violations. Representatives from the Department of Transportation and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority provided the committee with updates on traveler quarantine procedures during a Hawai‘i State Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 meeting held on Thursday, April 30. Maui Now.

Travel to Hawaii will be filled with new safety measures in a COVID-19 world. Safe travels will take on a whole new meaning as tourism begins to recover in a COVID-19 world. Star-Advertiser.

From visitors to ‘intended residents,' arrivals are slowly rising. There are early indications Hawaii’s arrivals by air are on the upswing. Even with most shops and hotels closed, Hawaii could soon see more visitor arrivals in the coming weeks as mainland states and other countries ease COVID-19 restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

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US DOT approves United, American request to temporarily suspend neighbor island travel. With empty planes and a mandatory 14-day quarantine in place, flights to Hawaii have been virtually empty. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines To Require Passengers To Wear Face Masks. Hawaiian Airlines has announced enhanced policy changes requiring travelers to cover their faces with masks or cloths to combat the spread of COVID-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines To Require Face Masks, Spacing For Passengers. The airline, which has already been manually assigning seats to increase personal space onboard, will put the new measures into effect on May 8. Big Island Video News.

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Hawaii sees 2 new COVID-19 cases as coronavirus-related death toll rises to 17. A Maui woman who became infected with COVID-19 in the hospital has died, the 17th coronavirus-fatality in Hawaii, state health officials announced today. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Confirms Two New COVID-19 Cases, 17th Virus-Related Death. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported two new cases of COVID-19 overnight, including the state’s 17th virus-related death. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Reports New Coronavirus-Related Death On Maui. The state’s coronavirus case count remains at 620, after the Department of Health removed two duplicate cases on Maui and in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing Ramps Up In Hawaii Without DOH Endorsement. Due to uncertainty around the tests, Hawaii Pacific Health doesn’t plan to change any of its policies if any of its employees are found to have antibodies. Civil Beat.

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Hawai‘i Judiciary Frees 37% of Prison Population in Two Months. The state judicial system has reduced jail populations across Hawai‘i by 37% over the last two months in response to threats of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the close confines of prisons. Big Island Now.

Lawmaker condemns the release of hundreds of inmates from Hawaii's prisons. Hawaii's incarcerated population has decreased by over 800 inmates since March 2nd. KITV4.

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Economic Downturn Could Hit Public Pension Funds Hard. Hawaii owes billions to its state retirement system. Civil Beat.

As financial pain grows, Hawaii’s ‘nonessential’ retailers await OK to reopen. Hawaii government leaders have taken cautious baby steps allowing a few more kinds of businesses to reopen last week, but financial burdens continue to pile up for retailers and restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

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UPW Head Ousted Over Financial Abuse. UPW’s parent union announced the removal of the Hawaii president on Friday. Dayton Nakanelua, state director of the United Public Workers union in Hawaii, has been removed from his position along with another UPW administrator after failing to fix problems related to the union’s fiscal mismanagement. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Media Is Surviving On Federal Assistance And Community Support. News outlets, struggling before the pandemic, are dealing with huge ad revenue losses and some are slashing workers’ hours. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Councilwoman calls for Honolulu to follow Kauai in four day work week. On Monday, hundreds of employees for Kauai County switch to a four day work week to reduce movement on the island and one lawmaker is calling for Honolulu County to do the same. The idea was proposed by Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine in January. KITV4.

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Hawaii State Capitol Protest Sees 3 Arrested. Police were on hand to enforce restrictions against public gatherings and social distancing rules. Civil Beat.

As state begins to ease restrictions, scores gather to protest stay-at-home order. More than 100 gathered at the state Capitol on Friday to protest emergency stay-at-home orders aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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Waikiki bartender recovering from virus. After spending about six weeks unconscious in a hospital while his body fought off a coronavirus infection, Ewa Beach resident and Waikiki bartender Coby Torda was able to mouth his desire for a back scratcher Sunday during a video chat with family. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa Beach man wakes from medically induced coma in COVID-19 battle. Coby Torda shocked his family when he posted a selfie early Sunday morning from his hospital bed at Kaiser Permanente, where he has been recovering from the coronavirus for 44 days. Hawaii News Now.

After 6 weeks, COVID-19 patient Coby Torda wakes up from coma.  Torda has been in the hospital since then in a medically induced coma at Kaiser Moanalua. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Campaigning during COVID-19: Mayoral candidates try to break out of the pack. This has got to be the toughest mayor’s race yet. With just over three months remaining until the Aug. 8 primary, mayoral candidates interviewed Friday are finding campaigning a challenge during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. West Hawaii Today.

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Kona Community Hospital resumes elective surgeries. Kona Community Hospital has resumed a limited number of elective outpatient services and procedures including imaging, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation services and surgery. West Hawaii Today.

KCH Resumes Elective Procedures. Patients may again seek some elective treatment options at Kona Community Hospital. Big Island Now.

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Mediation program to help landlords, tenants. Big Island tenants and landlords alike are being offered free mediation services by a county program seeking to stave off a flood of COVID-related evictions later in the year. Tribune-Herald.

‘Our way of giving back’: Suisan sells bulk food items to customers. Suisan Foodservice is providing its customers with the option to make large-scale grocery purchases in Hilo and Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii couple that contracted COVID-19 recounts harrowing and frustrating battle against the disease — and red tape. When an elderly Hawaii couple departed Yokohama, Japan, aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship on Jan. 20, they had signed up for a two-week luxury cruise to China, Vietnam and Taiwan and a return to Japan. Tribune-Herald.

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Court Rules In Favor Of Helicopter Noise Opponents. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the FAA and National Park Service must complete Air Tour Management Plans. Big Island Video News.

Court: FAA, National Park Service failed to comply with air tour law. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C., on Friday ordered the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service to produce a schedule for bringing 23 national parks, including those in Hawaii, into compliance with the Air Tour Management Act of 2000. Tribune-Herald.

Court orders limits for noisy flights over Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes national parks. The Friday order came in response to a lawsuit by Hawaii Island Coalition Malama Pono and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which argued the agencies were offering little relief from the noise being generated by air tours. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Parks, golf courses reopen for play. Residents happy to be back in parks, though people are wondering why some still closed. Maui News.

Over 4,000 file for unemployment. A total of 4,150 Maui residents filed an initial claim for unemployment for the week ending on April 18, and about 5,996 the week before, according to the latest data released from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui News.

Elderly Maui woman is county’s 6th COVID-19 fatality. State increases by two new coronavirus cases Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

Jobs Losses, Worries About Paying Rent Widespread On Kauai. A new Department of Health COVID-19 survey of 189 households showed many residents are worried about reopening tourism. Civil Beat.

Motorcycle riders help with food. More than a hundred motorcycle enthusiasts capitalized on the clear, windy weather Sunday to help boost the coffers of the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i branch. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Humane Society ends feral-cat intake. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kaua‘i Humane Society has halted its intake of feral cats. Garden Island.

Hawaii's new tourism brand: 'safest place in the world,' airport arrivals triple, thousands wait hours in Oahu food line, Kauai goes to 4-day workweeks, taxing the rich, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach scene ©2020 All Hawaii News

Plans in the works to market Hawaii as the ‘safest place in the world’. Most Hawaii businesses remain closed and the stay-home orders have not yet been lifted, but plans are already in the works to begin marketing the state to tourists as the safest place on earth. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee wants passenger quarantine improved and scaled up to accommodate rising visitors. The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 today criticized loopholes in the mandatory passenger quarantine and said they want them sealed before visitor counts to Hawaii begin rising again. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Mull Further Restrictions On Tourists, But Data Show Most Virus Cases Are Residents. Data from the Hawaii Department of Health show that most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the islands are local residents. But some legislators are calling for increased quarantine restrictions on visitors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Airport arrivals triple in May, says state. Senators fear a resurgence of the coronavirus in Hawaii, citing lax airport visitor screenings and inconsistent quarantine enforcement. KITV4.

Airports official criticized over quarantine enforcement failures. An official tasked with overseeing the arrival of passengers at Hawaii’s airports was raked over the coals Thursday by members of the state Senate’s Special Committee on COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Monitoring Could Turn Hawaii Into A Tourist ‘Prison Camp,’ Critics Say. Among the possibilities state Attorney General Clare Connors has floated for monitoring tourists in quarantine are ankle bracelets and GPS monitoring. Civil Beat.

Mid-week visitor count moves higher, but out-of-state passenger trend remains low. Wednesday brought one of the highest counts of out-of-state visitor arrivals into the state since tourism lockdowns began in mid-March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines adding one daily flight between Seattle, Honolulu. When people are ready to travel again, we wanted to know what airlines are doing to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. KHON2.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Are Trying To Figure Out How To Get Back Into Session. If details on social distancing and constitutionality can be worked out, the Hawaii Legislature could meet this month. Civil Beat.

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Clinical Labs of Hawaii ramps up antibody testing to further understanding of coronavirus. Clinical Labs of Hawaii started coronavirus antibody testing Thursday and is partnering with Hawaii Pacific Health which will start testing its employees Friday for free. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Pacific Health to begin coronavirus antibody testing for its employees. Hawaii Pacific Health will begin coronavirus antibody testing for 7,200 employees to assess the level of infection in the health care workforce. Star-Advertiser.

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No Quick Recovery, Say Hawai‘i’s Business Leaders. BOSS Survey of 404 local executives asks about Hawai‘i’s economic recovery, expected changes within their companies, the challenges of working from home, how they’ve adjusted their personal habits and more. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Eateries look to reopen dine-in areas with strict social distancing, hygiene practices. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said he wants to see restaurants open their dining rooms by the end of May. Hawaii News Now.

Federal help for independent contractors, gig workers in Hawaii still weeks away. The state has already received more than 7,500 unemployment claims from independent contractors since a state web portal was launched Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

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Judges have released more than 500 Hawaii inmates during pandemic. More than 500 Hawaii inmates have been released early by state judges in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report by a court-appointed special master. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Hawaii inmates freed from overcrowded facilities to limit exposure to COVID-19. More than 650 inmates at Hawaii’s correctional centers have been released since March in the ongoing effort to reduce crowding in jails and prisons and to limit inmates’ exposure to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

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Information Lockdown At Hawaii Labor Department Stymies Coronavirus Stories. Civil Beat tried to pursue stories about workers in unsafe conditions or denied workers’ compensation claims, but the state labor department says it’s too busy to answer questions. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige to step back from blanket suspension of open meetings law. State attorneys are working on language that would restore at least some portions of the Sunshine Law that requires government meetings to be public, a law that was suspended as part of an emergency proclamation issued by Gov. David Ige in mid-March to lessen the spread of the new coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii coronavirus cases rise by 5 to 618. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 618, up five from Wednesday, the state Department of Health announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOH Reports 5 New COVID-19 Cases. New infections were reported on the Big Island and Maui on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Public school round up: budget cuts and support for homeless students. Administrators looking at where it can cut from the budget; also considering buying buses to deliver supplies to homeless children. KITV4.

Walmart workers in Hawaii receive a total of $380K in bonuses. To give back in this time of uncertainty, one big box store is saying thank you to their employees in a big way. Walmart says associates in Hawaii received a bonus in their paychecks Thursday, which adding up to $380,000 statewide. KITV4.

No trims, no dyes, no perms for over a month. Under the state’s phased reopening plan, salons will be among the last to reopen. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘Mind-blowing': Advocates say huge turnout for food distribution underscores scope of need. In a startling display of the scope of need on Oahu, thousands turned out Thursday to get free food at the first of a series of distribution events aimed at helping laid off workers. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands wait in line for food distribution. Thousands of Oahu residents lined up for free groceries Thursday — many enduring a 2-mile line of cars and a four-hour wait — in one of the most dramatic examples of economic suffering brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of people wait in line for hours for food on Oahu. Thousands of Oahu residents waited in long lines for hours on Thursday for 50 pounds of food provided by the City and County of Honolulu, the Bank of Hawaii Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation and the Hawaii Foodbank. KHON2.

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The job of leading the City’s proposed COVID-19 testing program has been reassigned. The job of leading the City’s proposed COVID-19 testing program has been reassigned after the department director who had been spearheading the initiative was placed on paid leave. KHON2.

Select businesses allowed to reopen in first steps toward reopening economy.  Oahu is dipping a toe into efforts to reopen Hawaii’s economy. Hawaii News Now.

Some businesses on Oahu allowed to reopen under mayor’s recovery plan. One of the services allowed to re-open is automated car washes. KITV4.

Waipahu woman released due to pandemic is now back in custody for a carjacking. She was among the hundreds of Hawaii inmates released early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County mulls extra property tax on the rich: Revenues sought as COVID-19 cripples budget. Both County Council Chairman Aaron Chung and Mayor Harry Kim said Thursday they’re considering an additional tax for residences where the building plus land is valued at more than $1.5 million or $2 million. West Hawaii Today.

West Hawaii’s lawmakers set blueprint for reopening. The process to reopen Hawaii has officially begun. On Wednesday night, nine of West Hawaii’s leaders held a virtual town hall laying out the plan for opening the state following its closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo jail population down 160 inmates due to court order. The inmate population at Hawaii Community Correctional Center continues to shrink as a result of an order by the Hawaii Supreme Court to reduce populations in the state’s jails and prisons to help prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in those facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Despite pandemic, Big Island real estate market fairly stable. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic affects industries worldwide, real estate activity on the Big Island remains relatively steady. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Parks for limited use, golf courses to reopen Friday. Face masks required when in public. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday afternoon the first round of reopenings, starting with some beach and inland parks and golf courses at 7 a.m. Friday. Maui News.

Texas visitor disobeys quarantine order several times. Houston man is arrested; opts to leave voluntarily. Maui News.

Speeding Citations Up 92% Since Start of Maui’s Stay-at-Home Order. Speeding citations on Maui are up 92% since the start of Maui’s stay-at-home order was implemented on March 20, 2020.  The data covers a five-and-a-half week period through April 29, 2020. Maui Now.

35-MW wind farm is proposed in Ulupalakua. Auwahi 2 would sit next to sister project on ranch land. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County is giving the 4-day work week a try. Starting next week Monday, some 400 county workers will have Fridays off. Their pay is not being cut. Hawaii News Now.

Not a furlough; Kauai County will test out a four-day work week. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami implemented a schedule change for county employees. KHON2.

Small businesses slowly readying for reopen. Slowly businesses are gearing up to open their doors after county and state officials have announced they’re starting to loosen up their restrictions and emergency rules. Garden Island.

Slow state reopening planned, RIMPAC postponed, downsized, Honolulu administrator on leave after child sexual abuse allegations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green at April 29 press conference, Facebook Live screenshot

Governor announces reopening of economy in phases. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that the state will slowly begin to reopen the economy in phases, starting essentially Friday with a limited number of businesses suggested by the county mayors. Star-Advertiser.

Governor outlines plans to slowly reopen economy as number of new cases decline. The state is taking small steps to reopen more areas of Hawaii’s economy, the governor said Wednesday, stressing that work will be “phased in" and perhaps slower than some would hope. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii moving forward with a cautious, ‘phased’ reopening effort. Gov. David Ige’s announcement Wednesday that he approved requests by the counties to allow some low-contact businesses to reopen means Hawaii is cautiously joining the other states with the lowest COVID-19 infection rates as they begin a step-by-step process to restart their local economies. Star-Advertiser.

State’s success in mitigating the spread of coronavirus could result in easing of restrictions. State officials were optimistic Wednesday because the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hawaii is in decline. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii COVID-19 Update: “The Curve Is Flat”. State officials shared a positive message of hope on Wednesday afternoon, during a news conference held on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i to Begin Reopening Some Businesses. It’s been 10 days since Hawai‘i reported more than six new cases of COVID-19 in a single day. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus cases rise to 613, up 4. Hawaii’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 613, up four from Tuesday, the state Department of Health said today. Star-Advertiser.

4 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed In Hawaii. Certain restrictions will be relieved in phases, and laboratories will begin to test some patients for COVID-19 antibodies. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: Cases Up 4; City Moves Ahead With Tests. The Oahu case count is now at 399, Maui County 115, Hawaii Island 70, and Kauai 21. No cases are pending determination of county and eight were diagnosed out of state. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Coronavirus antibody tests are available at clinics across Hawai‘i, meaning the state now has the capability to tell residents whether or not they’ve been exposed to the virus and likely have at least relative immunity to it. Coronavirus antibody tests are available at clinics across Hawai‘i, meaning the state now has the capability to tell residents whether or not they’ve been exposed to the virus and likely have at least relative immunity to it. Big Island Now.

DOH Says Native Hawaiians Have A High COVID-19 Rate. But How High? The state health director said Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders have the highest rate of COVID-19 in the state, but that’s not apparent from data posted on the state’s website. Civil Beat.

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Complaints over Hawaii unemployment claims persist despite progress. Hawaii’s overburdened unemployment system is making headway in processing claims this week as fixes are implemented, including launching the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands still struggling to get unemployment benefits. As of right now the latest numbers show only 40% of unemployment claims have been handled about 180,000 are still being processed. KITV4.

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Hawaii’s business leaders agree: A phased, timely reopening is crucial. Hawaii’s business leaders agreed that the state’s reopening needs to be gradual for the safety of residents and visitors, but they also warned of the financial fallout and continued health impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Dental and eye care offices plan to open-up appointments slowly. Many dentists and optometrists limited their appointments to emergencies under recommendation by the CDC, but as more safety guidelines come-out, some practices will begin to see more patients. KHON2.

Hawaii Restaurant Association drafts guidelines for future reopening of restaurants. With Governor David Ige announcing that some businesses can reopen under certain circumstances Wednesday, other businesses like restaurants are looking to the future to when they may be able to reopen again. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Restaurants Face An Unknown Future Amid The Pandemic. The industry, which employs 85,000 workers, has fallen off the cliff. Will going into a bar and restaurant be the same if the COVID-19 crisis eases. Civil Beat.

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RIMPAC military exercises off Hawaii will be held later in summer and limited to at-sea events. The big biennial maritime exercise Rim of the Pacific will be held later than usual this summer and be an at-sea-only event due to COVID-19 concerns, U.S. Pacific Fleet said today. Star-Advertiser.

Navy says RIMPAC is still on, but large maritime exercise will be ‘at-sea-only’ off Hawaii. RIMPAC, the world’s largest maritime exercises, are still on this year. But they’ll only be held at sea off the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Navy agrees to postpone RIMPAC 2020. The 27th Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, exercise has been postponed to August 17 through August 31, according to military officials. The exercise will instead be at-sea only in light of COVID-19. KHON2.

RIMPAC Postponed, Will Be “At-Sea Only” Exercise. The U.S. Pacific Fleet says the modified RIMPAC plan was crafted to minimize risk to the force, allies and partners, and the people of Hawaiʻi during the pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Navy Agrees to Scale Down Rim of the Pacific 2020 Exercise. Maui Now.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces reopening for several types of businesses on Thursday. The businesses are among the majority of “non-essential” activities that were prohibited following Caldwell’s stay-at-home, work-from-home order that took effect March 23. Star-Advertiser.

Some Oahu Businesses Will Reopen Thursday With Restrictions. Pet grooming services and music lessons can resume at home, with limitations. Civil Beat.

Select Oahu businesses gear up to reopen on Thursday. State leaders say keeping coronavirus cases down is the key to restarting tourism and the rest of Hawaii's economy. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell eyes May 1 for possible reopening of low-risk businesses. Pet groomers, workers at an automated carwash, and realtors are part of the low-risk category who could resume work if the number of COVID-19 cases continues in a downward path. KHON2.

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Police panel leader says meeting to have video feed. The Honolulu Police Commission’s chairwoman said she and the commission staff have worked out a solution to include the public in the panel’s next regular meeting on May 6, which will allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu city official Guy Kaulukukui on paid leave after being named in child sex-abuse lawsuit. Honolulu Enterprise Services Director Guy Kaulukukui was placed on paid leave effective Monday after city officials learned he was the subject of a lawsuit filed against him and Kamehameha Schools alleging that he sexually abused a student when he was a teacher there in the 1980s. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Official On Leave After Sex Abuse Accusations In Lawsuit. A Kamehameha graduate says Guy Kaulukukui groomed her into having sexual relations while he was her teacher. Civil Beat.

City official on paid leave amidst investigation into inappropriate behavior. The director of the Department of Enterprise Services for the City and County of Honolulu has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, Honolulu’s mayor said Wednesday.  Hawaii News Now.

City director placed on paid leave. A city director has been placed on paid leave. It stems from a civil lawsuit regarding sexual misconduct allegations that date back to the 80s. KHON2.

City's Director of Enterprise Services placed on administrative leave. The City and County of Honolulu's Director of Enterprise Services, Guy Kaulukukui, was placed on administrative leave with pay on Monday, April 27. KITV4.

Punahou Coach Accused Of Sex Abuse Went On To Other Schools. The women accusing him of sexual assault say Punahou knew about his behavior since 2003. But he’s coached at three other schools and a club team since Punahou. Civil Beat.

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Uprooted trees at park renewal has angered groups. The Outdoor Circle, other community groups and two Honolulu City Council members are voicing displeasure that the city has removed and is replacing 26 canopy trees from the Magic Island parking lot without consulting with them before doing so. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Medical Center resumes elective surgeries. Hilo Medical Center has resumed performing elective surgeries, but those seeking such care will be required to take extra precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Some opala more essential than others: New transfer station restrictions start Friday. Complaints are piling up as fast as the opala as the county tries to get a grip on rubbish disposal during a statewide stay-at-home order. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island Businesses Brace for Impact of Stay-at-Home Extension. Hawaii Island’s businesses are trying to remain optimistic as they grapple with the challenge of staying afloat for another month after Gov. David Ige extended Hawaii’s stay-at-home order through May 31. West Hawaii Today.

Trail association awarded $3M to acquire land in Ka‘u. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources awarded more than $3 million in conservation funds to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association to acquire more than 1,700 acres of land in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor: Parks, golf courses among first to reopen. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Wednesday afternoon that the first round of reopenings will include select county beach and inland parks, along with golf courses, effective at 7 a.m. Friday. Maui News.

Mayor Announces Phased Re-Opening Calling it Maui’s “New Norm”. First phase includes some parks, golf courses, vehicle safety checks and automated car washes. Maui Now.

Maui County to reopen golf courses and several parks and beach parks. Mayor Michael Victorino will ease COVID-19 restrictions in Maui County by reopening golf courses and several county beach parks in May and at the same time announced that masks will be required in public. Star-Advertiser.

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Council committee works to trim mayor’s $869.8 million budget. A Maui County Council committee is on track to trim at least $50 million from the mayor’s proposed fiscal 2021 budget, though the working budget does include raises for the Office of Council Services that council members said would bring parity with other county departments. Maui News.

Kauai

Restructuring the emergency rules. You can fire up your nine iron or your nail gun on Sunday, May 3 due to a recent restructuring of Kauai’s emergency rules which allow, among other activities, construction and golfing to resume starting Sunday. Garden Island.

100,000 masks brought to Kaua‘i. On Tuesday, “Free Masks” signs could be seen from the highway driving up into Tamba Surf Shop. Garden Island.

Coronavirus antibody tests starting Thursday, labs improve turnaround time, mayors eye phased reopening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Testing for coronavirus in Hawaii

Coronavirus antibody tests will start Thursday. As Hawaii carefully considers reopening the economy, the first laboratory- based coronavirus antibody tests will begin Thursday to ascertain how many people have actually been infected in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Labs Improve COVID-19 Testing Turnaround Times. DOH says results from most diagnostic testing can now come back within 24 hours. But the state’s plan for testing once the economy reopens is still unclear. Civil Beat.

State senators and DOH differ on who should get tested for COVID-19. State Senators want the Department of Health to come up with a policy regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in Hawaii. KITV4.

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Health inspectors go virtual to get new restaurants up and running. In the digital age, even restaurant inspections are going online. The first virtual inspection was done at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers in Hawaii Kai from the Department of Health’s Halawa facility on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Health department conducts first virtual health inspection. Since the stay at home order, many things have moved to the virtual realm, and now this includes food safety. KHON2.

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BOSS Survey of 404 Local Executives Shows Optimism Crushed. Poll conducted March 30 to April 17 reveals pessimism unmatched among Hawai‘i’s business leaders since the depths of the Great Recession. First quarter numbers on revenue, employment and profit hint at second quarter devastation to come. Hawaii Business Magazine.

An optimistic film industry prepares for the day productions can resume in Hawaii. As the state tries to recover from the financial meltdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Hawaii’s film industry hopes to help jump-start the economy. The state's film commissioner, Donne Dawson, said there are roughly two dozen productions on hold, including commercials, TV series and feature films. Hawaii News Now.


More fixes to Hawaii unemployment system coming soon. Hawaii’s still-overburdened unemployment system is slated for more upgrades this week and next week to ease a jam in which 153,949 claims filed since March have yet to be paid. Star-Advertiser.

Some worry workers won’t return as the state plans for reopening. The reason starts with basic math. With the federal government’s $600 weekly bonus added to unemployment checks for up to six months, some people are making just as much money, or even more, staying home than going to work. Hawaii News Now.

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2 New COVID-19 Cases Reported, Including First Lanai Resident. The statewide total of confirmed coronavirus cases is 609. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Updates for Tuesday, Apr. 28. There were two newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the state of Hawaiʻi - both in Maui County - bringing the cumulative total to 609 cases as of noon on Tuesday. Big Island Video News.

Cases Up 2; Ige Restarting Businesses; Survey: Some Companies Have No Income. Health officials reported two new cases of the coronavirus today, continuing a trend of single-digit increases in recent days that is spurring efforts to reopen the state. Hawaii's case count is at 609. Deaths stand at 16. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Visitors keep flying to Hawaii despite mandatory quarantine, including 149 on Monday. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported a total of 500 passengers arrived by air in Hawaii on Monday, including 149 visitors and 160 residents. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Monitoring Could Turn Hawaii Into A Tourist ‘Prison Camp,’ Critics Say. Among the possibilities state Attorney General Clare Connors has floated for monitoring tourists in quarantine are ankle bracelets and GPS monitoring. Civil Beat.

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Distance Learning Will Still Fill A Need Once Classrooms Reopen. The Hawaii schools superintendent outlined some plans for a post-pandemic school system in a letter to Hawaii’s congressional delegation Monday. Civil Beat.

Some Adult Care Homes Want Inspections Halted During COVID-19 Crisis. Caretakers of Hawaii’s elderly say state inspectors are putting their patients at risk when they visit — particularly if they keep their shoes on. Civil Beat.

Navy detonates unexploded WWII ordnance off Mokulua island. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians Monday detonated two World War II-era 100-pound gravity bombs and removed other ordnance from the highly-traveled channel between Lanikai and Mokulua North, otherwise known as Mokunui Islet. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

With few new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, Caldwell says it’s time to reopen some businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is hoping to reopen some “low-risk” businesses on Oahu as early as Friday, but first must get approval from the governor to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell eyes May 1st for possible reopening of low-risk businesses. Honolulu’s Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the opening of some businesses in the city and county may be happening soon, these would be businesses that fall under the low-risk category. KHON2.

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HART video system fails, but votes on $40 million in change orders proceed. A video system set up to let the public watch meetings of the Ho­nolulu rail authority’s board of directors failed Tuesday for the second time this month, but rail board members proceeded with their meetings anyway and voted to approve nearly $40 million in new rail project change orders and contracts. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Meeting Crashes Online, Leaving Public In The Dark. The agency overseeing Hawaii’s largest-ever public works project has struggled to run remote meetings smoothly during the virus crisis. Civil Beat.

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Two men cited for being on Diamond Head rim. Officials say the 21-year olds were on the upper footpath on the ewa side of the crater rim. KHON2.

Silver linings at Hanauma Bay. The only human beings within the 101-acre arena of sea, cliffs and sandy beach were fellow researchers from the University of Hawaii’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology’s Coral Reef Ecology Lab, which Ku‘ulei Rodgers leads as principal investigator. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim eyes reopening some businesses as long as safety measures are in place. With the state’s lockdown extended through May, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says he will seek to reopen some businesses that were deemed nonessential. Tribune-Herald.

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Kim wants four more years: Three-time mayor pulls nomination papers. Kim, 80, pulled nomination papers for the mayor’s race on April 20, according to the state Office of Elections. West Hawaii Today.

As he grapples with COVID-19 response, Mayor Harry Kim announces re-election bid. Big Island Mayor Harry Kim says he’s planning to run for re-election. Hawaii News Now.

Kim Explains Motivations Behind His Bid For a Fourth Term for Hawai‘i County Mayor. Harry Kim has unfinished business. Big Island Now.

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Feds Fund $30 Million For Eruption-Damaged Water Systems In Puna. Senators say the money will be used to repair two reservoirs and 15 miles of water lines, but the county says the money can be used for alternative water projects. Big Island Video News.

Robert Fujimoto, retired CEO of HPM, dies at 93. Robert “Bobby” Fujimoto, retired chairman and CEO of HPM Building Supply, died Thursday at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center in Hilo. He was 93. Tribune-Herald.

State proposes biocontrol for miconia: Butterfly may help manage invasive weed in Hawaii forests. In an effort to manage invasive miconia trees, the state Department of Agriculture is proposing the release of a butterfly known to feed on the noxious weed threatening Hawaii’s forests and watersheds. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Announcement on Phased Reopening Expected Tomorrow, Details on New Maui Cases. An announcement on the phased reopening of businesses for Maui County is expected tomorrow, according to an afternoon update provided Tuesday by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

Video: Mayor Victorino COVID-19 Update, April 28, 4 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

The team reopening Kaua‘i. Recovering from the coronavirus pandemic will take time, but the county has been discussing short- and long-term goals since the beginning. Garden Island.

Economic reboot. As of Tuesday, Kaua‘i now has zero active confirmed cases of COVID-19 on island, and Mayor Derek Kawakami says there are teams of experts working to reopen the local economy. Garden Island.

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

 Medium-range ballistic missile target is launched Aug. 29, 2017, from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. PC: Department of Defense

U.S. military in the Pacific: Officials seek to ‘regain the advantage’ against China, Russia. Amid complaints of Pacific neglect, efforts are underway to restore funding for a powerful $1.9 billion defensive radar in Hawaii, potentially add two types of defensive missile capability in the Aloha State for North Korean threats and create an “Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative” modeled on a similar European effort. Star-Advertiser.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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