Douglas strengthens to first hurricane of Pacific season, no Hawaii tsunami threat from 7.8 Alaska quake, teachers union calls halt to Aug. 4 reopening, 90 Honolulu police on leave after COVID-19 case, Ironman canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii ballot testing ©2020 All Hawaii News

Is Hawaii Ready To Vote By Mail? As ballots go out, concerns linger over the potential for disenfranchisement but officials say they have adopted lessons from other states and will learn from the primary election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials hope mail-in vote means fewer glitches. With just about everything different in Hawaii’s 2020 primary, state election officials anticipate that glitches, if any, on Aug. 8 could come from the eight real- time, old-school “voter service centers” in the new era of statewide, mail-in voting. Star-Advertiser.

A look at many options to cast a 2020 vote, and how it’s counted. The 2020 elections are under way and they’ll look a lot different in Hawaii due to the shift to mostly mail-in system. KHON2.

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Hawaii officials urge residents to prepare for hurricane season. Gov. David Ige reminded Hawaii residents to be prepared as the peak of hurricane season arrives and as Tropical Storm Douglas, which was expected to strengthen into a hurricane by today, heads toward Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Officials urge hurricane preparedness amid ongoing pandemic; Tropical Storm Douglas expected to impact island sales. With Tropical Storm Douglas strengthening in the Eastern Pacific as the cyclone marched toward Hawaii Tuesday, state officials took to social media to emphasize the importance of being prepared for a hurricane amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Rules are being rewritten as Hawaii prepares for a hurricane amid a pandemic. Tropical Storm Douglas is the first named storm of the season to come near Hawaii – and the first ever during a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 presents new challenges for storm preparations. Emergency officials say the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges in preparing for a storm. So planning ahead is even more critical than ever. KHON2.

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Douglas strengthens, becoming first hurricane of Eastern Pacific season. As of the 5 a.m. Wednesday update, Douglas was about 1,785 miles east-southeast of Hilo or 1,500 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical storm Douglas strengthens to a category 1 hurricane. This is the first hurricane of the 2020 eastern Pacific season, with wind speeds up to 75 mph. KHON2.

Douglas Five-Day Track Updated, Becomes First Hurricane of 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Hurricane preparedness is top of mind this week as Douglas strengthened to Hurricane status today and is now considered the first hurricane of the 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Maui Now.

Tropical Storm strengthening. Newly formed Tropical Storm Douglas was strengthening over the open Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, and forecasters projected it would grow into the region’s first hurricane of the season. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forecast Tracks Towards Hawaii. Tropical Storm Douglas is moving due west with no change in strength, the National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday, adding that the system is expected to become a hurricane soon. Big Island Video News.

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7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska; No tsunami threat to Hawaii. A tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake. KHON2.

PTWC clears Hawaii, no threat from strong 7.8 mag earthquake off Alaska. Officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a strong earthquake off the Alaskan Coast Tuesday night no longer poses a threat to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii teachers union calls for delay in students’ return to school. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is urging the Board of Education to postpone the return of students to public school campuses, saying educators need more time to prepare to work in the COVID-19 era. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers Union Wants School Reopening Postponed. The teachers union is calling for an indefinite delay to the Aug. 4 start date. Civil Beat.

Teachers union says it has ‘no confidence’ that public schools can reopen safely Aug. 4. The teachers union said Tuesday it has “no confidence” that school campuses can reopen safely in two weeks and urged the state to delay a plan to bring students back for in-person instruction until more is done to allay concerns from teachers and parents. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers union pushes back against state’s plan for reopening schools. The Hawaii State Teachers Association on Tuesday urged state leaders to delay students’ Aug. 4 return to school. Tribune-Herald.

Public school teachers' union wants state to delay bringing back students to campus. The Hawaii State Teachers Association says teachers need more time to prepare their classrooms and help ensure the safety of the students. KITV4.

HSTA Wants A Delay In Reopening Hawaiʻi School Campuses. The Hawaii State Teachers Association today said it has no confidence that classrooms will be able to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 by August 4. Big Island Video News.

Teachers Union Says School Openings Should be Delayed. Hawai‘i public schools will reopen classroom doors on Aug. 4, but the Hawai‘i State Teacher’s Association (HSTA) says that’s not enough time to make schools safe for the return of its members or their students. Big Island Now.

Schools reopening face opposition. Hawaii State Teachers Association voiced concerns on Tuesday about bringing students back to classrooms, citing a lack of preparation and insufficient pandemic training. Garden Island.

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Ige: State not at point to require roll back of recovery plans. Gov. David Ige thinks his plan to allow trans-Pacific travelers to skip the two-week quarantine requirement will be able to go forward in September, despite reservations from the state’s mayors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s hotel occupancy improved slightly in June, but further shocks are expected. Occupancy at isle hotels about doubled in June to 15.7% from a coronavirus-related low of 8.4% in April. Star-Advertiser.

‘Geofence’ could help tourists roam: County explores allowing ‘resort bubbles’ to allow quarantiners out of hotel rooms. Hawaii Island is joining Maui and Kauai in exploring a new concept in gradually reopening their doors to tourists — a “resort bubble” where quarantining visitors would be allowed freedom to roam within the confines of a geofence. West Hawaii Today.

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Why Ige Vetoed Two Bills And Allowed Three More To Become Law. Newly released messages show the Hawaii governor’s thinking behind actions he took on five major bills approved by lawmakers in May. In an unusual move, Gov. David Ige found technical defects in all five bills state lawmakers passed in May to try to cope with the state budget shortfall and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to notices recently released by the Legislature. Civil Beat.

International Ships On Their Way To Hawaii For RIMPAC. But you won’t be seeing Japanese or Australian sailors in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele Says He Wants Police Reform, But His Vote Says Otherwise. The presumptive Democratic nominee for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District has a clear path to Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

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In search for hidden COVID-19 cases, state program tracks surge of virus in Hawaii. A state program designed to search for hidden cases of coronavirus has revealed an alarming new surge of virus in the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii counts 25 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,418. Hawaii health officials reported 25 new confirmed coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak to 1,418. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 21: 25 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,418 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nearly 90 police officers, recruits on leave after a single COVID-19 case at HPD. Nearly 90 Honolulu police officers and recruits will be tested for the coronavirus on Wednesday after a former recruit tested positive over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

How Kym Pine Is Using the ‘Power Of Incumbency’ In Mayor’s Race. The term-limited Honolulu councilwoman is making use of her city platform as she seeks higher office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

California couple arrested after being accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. Investigators with the Attorney General's office arrested a couple from California on Tuesday accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. KITV4.

Second COVID-19 Lockdown Could Make Homeless Vulnerable To Arrest, Legal Spiral. Among those who received citations the most for violating the stay-at-home order in the spring were the homeless.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Nearly 900 businesses in Honolulu closed March - July. New data finds nearly 900 businesses closed - both temporary and permanent - amid the pandemic. The closures were between March 1st and July 10th in Honolulu. KITV4.

Kalihi residents say they weren’t consulted on a proposed homeless prevention center. Kalihi residents are protesting a proposed facility aimed at providing homeless prevention services. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship canceled for first time in race history. The 2020 edition of the annual 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run was originally postponed from its Oct. 10 date to Feb. 6, 2021. However, because of health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of the future of international travel, The Ironman Group announced Tuesday the 2020 race will not take place. West Hawaii Today.

IRONMAN Cancels 2020 World Championship in Kona. The 2020 version of the Big Island’s premier sporting event will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Out-of-state students coming to UH-Hilo next month required to quarantine for 14 days. Out-of-state students returning to the University of Hawaii at Hilo next month will still be required to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Hawaii, although UH last week announced modified quarantine procedures for such students attending universities on Oahu and Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

County explores joining lawsuit against fossil fuel companies. Hawaii County might join the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit seeking financial reparations from more than a dozen fossil fuel companies for their role in causing climate change and rising sea levels. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Reported crimes in 2019 at 44-year low. Violent crimes ticked up from 2018 while property crimes fell. After Maui County recorded a record-low crime rate in 2018, crime reported in the county declined again last year to its lowest level in more than 40 years, according to a state report. Maui News.

Maui Lani roundabout set to open July 30 or even earlier. Victorino urges to remain vigilant even with no new COVID cases in 8 days. Maui News.

Kauai

After 2 months of a 4-day work week, Kauai county offices to shift back. County offices and employees are returning back to their normal 5-day work week. The county said starting next week Monday, most county offices will once again open Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

An emotional mayor’s luncheon. Mayor Derek Kawakami addressed members of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday in an emotional, virtual mayor’s luncheon that touched on the plan to bring students back to public schools and the hardships COVID-19 has brought to the community. Garden Island.

Deployed at home. Stationed in Kapa‘a, the Hawai‘i National Guard has assisted the county in pandemic response. Garden Island.

Back to school Aug. 4, Tropical Storm Douglas expected to strengthen, quarantine cheaters fly to neighbor islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Governor: Reopening Hawaii’s public schools is safe and necessary. The governor on Monday sought to reassure parents and teachers about the state’s plan to reopen public schools Aug. 4, saying health and safety are the top priority for the Education Department and that protective measures are in place to keep people safe. Hawaii News Now.

Starting school before tourists return will set up students for success, officials say. With tourists not expected to return in force until after Sept. 1, officials believe Aug. 4 is a safe time to open public schools in Hawaii so teachers and students can get rolling on the new academic year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Confirms Public School Reopening Plan. Gov. David Ige and state school officials say appropriate precautions have been taken to reopen schools safely. Civil Beat.

Ige, education leaders stress importance of reopening schools Aug. 4. State leaders are continuing to work toward reopening schools Aug. 4 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Return to In-Person Instruction at Public Schools Vital on Several Levels, Officials Say. Hawai‘i is heading back to school in two weeks, and the classrooms are going to look, feel, and operate differently than they ever have before. Big Island Now.

School officials announce Aug. 4 reopening date. Hawai‘i officials Monday announced plans to reopen schools to students on Aug. 4. Teachers are set to return July 29. Garden Island.

State Moves Forward with Reopening of Public Schools on Aug. 4. Ige cited the state’s decision to push back the pre-travel testing program to Sept. 1 as one of the reasons to move forward with HIDOE’s reopening date. Maui Now.

‘Our teachers are scared': Union, parents cast doubt on school’s plan to reopen. Two weeks before the fall semester, the Department of Education said it will hire more nurses and will buy thousands of digital devices for needy students who may end up stuck at home. But some teachers and parents are questioning the DOE’s plan to keep everyone safe. Hawaii News Now.

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Investigator: Visitors are skipping out on quarantine rules by going inter-island. Visitors are trying to skirt Hawaii quarantine rules by hopping on inter-island flights, an investigator with the Kauai County Prosecutor’s Office said. Rapozo says owners of residential vacation rentals are also skirting the law to rent to visitors. Hawaii News Now.

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Financial aid to come from lawmakers and counties after unemployment bonus expires. Next week marks the end of the month, and the extra $600 the federal government has been providing to those on unemployment is set to expire. A push to extend the payout is still being debated on Capitol Hill. KHON2.

DOH Receives $3.3 Million For Infectious Disease Response. The funds will help bolster testing, contact tracing and COVID-19 surveillance. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotels battling for jobs. Hawaii’s organized hotel union workers don't support some of the details championed by the American Hotel &Lodging Association last week as part of its “Stay Safe” guest checklist, which union workers say ultimately could cost jobs. Star-Advertiser.

National Guard members start conducting temp, health checks at state courthouses. National Guard members are now conducting temperature checks and basic health screenings at eight state courthouses. The measures come as courtrooms begin reopening to the public. Hawaii News Now.

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Tropical Storm Douglas to become hurricane before entering Central Pacific, forecasters say. Tropical Storm Douglas in the eastern Pacific continued to strengthen Monday night and is expected to be a hurricane by Wednesday as it heads toward the Central Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forms, Expected To Strengthen. Tropical Storm Douglas is expected to become a hurricane in a couple of days, as it heads into the Central Pacific. Big Island Video News.

Tropical Storm Douglas, Tropical Depression 7-E churning in eastern North Pacific. Two tropical cyclones have formed in the eastern North Pacific, far to the east of the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Updates: 12 New Cases; Health Director: Returning Residents Bringing Back Virus. Hawaii's top health officials are advising residents to not travel to other states unless it’s necessary. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 20: 12 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,393 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Replaces Head Of COVID Recovery Agency Hired Just Weeks Ago. Rick Keene was hired in early June to lead a new office. Now he’s out. Civil Beat.

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Vacation rental permits could be delayed. The city’s plan to issue roughly 1,700 short-term vacation rental permits will be postponed under a bill moving through the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rental owners urge Honolulu mayor to allow reopening. An attorney representing some 60 property management companies and 1,500 legal vacation rentals in Hawaii is asking Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to allow legal vacation rentals on Oahu to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic, just as they are allowed to operate in Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties. Pacific Business News.

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5,500 Soldiers Complete War Games On Oahu Amid Pandemic Concerns. For the past two weeks, the hills above Oahu’s famous North Shore have echoed with the sound of rotor blades and automatic gunfire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

UH’s Leeward Oahu campus reaches ‘Net-Zero’ energy efficiency. The University of Hawaii’s Leeward Community College is one of the first virtually net-zero energy campuses in the country, according to the school. That means the campus is generating the same amount of energy as it uses.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Honua Ola asks PUC to reconsider decision. Honua Ola Bioenergy has filed a motion requesting that the Public Utilities Commission reconsider an order that could potentially halt its long-delayed power plant project for good. Tribune-Herald.

Energy company amped to save plant, jobs. Honua Ola Bioenergy held a rally Monday morning with about 100 employees and supporters on the Big Island to protest the potential loss of jobs, and later in the day filed a motion for reconsideration with the state Public Utilities Commission after the agency struck down an amended power purchase agreement to build a biomass plant in Pepeekeo. Star-Advertiser.

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Court orders mental examination for Home Depot blockade suspect. A Big Island mayoral candidate facing criminal charges for a July 7 blockade of the Hilo Home Depot store parking lot will receive a court-ordered mental examination. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center chief nursing officer to retire. Spokeswoman says Kienbaum’s decision unrelated to petition calling for his ouster. Maui News.

To keep Hana residents safe, locals set up their own highway checkpoint. Just days after the state reopened Hana Highway to non-residents, locals are taking precautions into their own hands. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Lani Roundabout to Open Earlier Than Planned, Ahead of School. The Maui Lani Roundabout will open earlier than planned, by July 30, if not sooner, according to Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, Director of the Maui Department of Public Works who spoke at an afternoon press briefing on Monday. Maui Now.

Marine Institute receives $15K to recycle fishing nets. Nonprofit will collect the nets and ship them to Oahu to be converted to energy. Maui News.

Kauai

Local projects receive CARES Act green-light. At least 36 projects have been selected by the county to receive federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help the community bounce back during the coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

First day opening. Robin Wong, a teacher at Kaua‘i High School, said shopping was made more challenging, Monday because she had no idea of how the classroom is going to be like when school starts, her first day in the classroom being Aug. 3, according to the state Department of Education academic calendar. Garden Island.

Ige and mayors disagree over COVID-19 quarantine laws, $400M biomass plant in jeopardy, ballots hit mailboxes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach fun ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii, like other destinations, struggling to reopen tourism. Destinations across most of the U.S. and in many foreign countries have reopened tourism, but so far none have figured out how to get large numbers of tourists to return to the skies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige faces public and personal challenges caused by coronavirus pandemic. Ige, who is nearly halfway through his second term, talks with the mayors of Hawaii’s four counties three times a week, and even they’re not always in agreement on issues including when to lift Hawaii’s 14-day self-quarantine for incoming travelers, which he extended to Sept. 1 in his 10th emergency proclamation Friday. Star-Advertiser.

State won’t be ready to reopen Sept. 1, Kim says. The state isn’t ready to reopen to tourists Sept. 1 and it’s not ready to bring out-of-state college students back to campus Aug. 24, Mayor Harry Kim said in an hour-long interview Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

State releases new details on modified quarantine rules for out-of-state college students. As many as 8,000 out-of-state students are expected to attend university classes in Hawaii this fall and will be eligible for modified quarantine rules if they test negative for COVID-19 just before arriving in the islands or shortly afterward. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Signs 10th Emergency COVID-19 Proclamation. The latest proclamation keeps the mandatory 14-day quarantine in effect for travelers entering the State of Hawai‘i, and extends the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent. Big Island Video News.

New lawsuit takes aim at governor’s emergency powers. A new lawsuit seeks to overturn the governor’s emergency powers during much of the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-restricted campaigning, mail-in votes make for historic election. Hawaii’s Aug. 8 statewide primary election will be unlike any other, with the first mail-in voting being conducted across the islands as COVID-19 prevents candidates from traditional door-to-door, face-to-face campaigning. Star-Advertiser.

80 Hawaiʻi Inmates in Quarantine at Saguaro As Precautionary Measure. Saguaro’s parent company, CoreCivic, confirms that 69 offenders from Nevada, housed in a separate part of the facility, tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

People are saving money in pandemic, survey finds. People in Hawaii appear to be saving more even as higher unemployment and income loss grips the islands during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Rise in Hawaii coronavirus cases not as bad as feared. Hawaii’s COVID-19 new case count hit its highest level in four days Sunday, but officials found some relief in that the number was still well below what they feared it would be in the wake of the Fourth of July holiday. Star-Advertiser.

A new COVID-19 testing method shows promise as the state prepares to implement it. About 106,000 people in Hawaii have been tested for coronavirus, so far. With that, Hawaii has a positive result rate of 1.3 percent. But with limited testing capacity, state officials hope a new, FDA approved method will increase the number of test available, and who gets one. Hawaii News Now.

28 new cases of COVID-19 reported as number of people hospitalized jumps by 10. The state reported 28 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, pushing the total number of cases statewide to 1,381. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Updates: 28 New Cases; State Sued Again For Quarantine Order. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials report 28 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,381. Today’s new cases include 26 on Oahu, and two on Hawaii island, according to the state Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Veteran politicos and newcomers vie for Honolulu mayor. The 15 candidates vying to become Honolulu’s next mayor can be divided into two camps: those trying to persuade voters that these unprecedented times require a leader with political experience and those who argue the COVID-19 crisis demands fresh and creative thinking from someone outside government. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Honolulu’s Mayoral Candidates Want To Help The Economy. Mayoral candidates differ on taxes and growing the economy, but agree that tourism had grown too big before the COVID-19 crisis. Civil Beat.

Karaoke Bar Penalized For Violating Emergency Order. Bars in Honolulu have to stop serving liquor at midnight, according to emergency rules aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

State’s routine maintenance of a major irrigation ditch raises environmental concerns. Environmental watchdogs are raising alarms about the state’s use of the herbicide Roundup in one of Oahu’s largest irrigation systems. Hawaii News Now.

Dorms planned for former YMCA. While the University of Hawaii is cutting a third of student housing beds offered on its Manoa campus this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a project continues to move forward to redevelop the former Atherton YMCA property to include a sizable dormitory space on the edge of a residential neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku nickname stirs emotions in rival petitions. The tomahawk chop and the accompanying chant by thousands of Kahuku football fans has the desired effect. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Isle biomass plant is down but not out. Honua Ola Bioenergy spent more than six years and over $400 million building a biomass plant on the Big Island that is now 99% completed. Star-Advertiser.

Honua Ola seeks a way forward following crippling PUC ruling. The president of Honua Ola Bioenergy — an almost completely built 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant — said he’ll likely ask the state Public Utilities Commission to reconsider a July 10 order that nixed a waiver of the competitive bidding process for a power purchase agreement between the project and Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

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545 Kona Community Hospital employees test negative for COVID-19. Kona Community Hospital said Saturday that all but three of the 548 COVID-19 tests administered to staff on Thursday have come back negative for the virus. West Hawaii Today.

548 Tested At Kona Hospital, 545 Negative For COVID-19. Kona Community Hospital has confirmed that most of the results from the hospital’s facility-wide COVID-19 testing have been received. Big Island Video News.

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Police arrest and charge Glendon, others, in Home Depot parking lot incident. A 38-year-old Big Island mayoral candidate who admitted on Facebook to arranging a July 7 blockade of the parking lot at the Hilo Home Depot store has been arrested and charged with four offenses in connection with that incident. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Mayoral Candidate Arrested For Assault. A Big Island mayoral candidate with a checkered legal past was arrested on Friday following an assault earlier in the month in the parking lot of Home Depot in Hilo. Civil Beat.

Mayoral Candidate Arrested in Reported Assault at Home Depot. A mayoral candidate was among three Puna residents arrested and charged in connection to a reported zip-tie hoax in Hilo’s Home Depot parking lot earlier this month. Big Island Now.

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Bids in for Kilauea Ave project. Bids received for a road rehabilitation project to improve a 1.5-mile stretch of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo came in higher than anticipated. Tribune-Herald.

Impacts Of Kona Sewage Spill Discussed. Rick Bennett talks about the possible health and environmental impacts of the recent spill that dumped 20,000 gallons of sewage into Kailua Bay. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Victorino announces COVID-19 economic recovery task force. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a new task force Friday that will help to create an economic recovery plan in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Maui News.

Hana Highway reopens, traffic management plan in the works. The Road to Hana reopened to the public on Thursday, July 16. KHON2.

Maui DMV Update: Safety Check and Road Test Information. The State announced that all safety check certificates and stickers that expired prior to June 1, 2020, will remain valid until Aug. 31, 2020. Maui Now.

Paid benefit for hospital employees is extended. Maui Health is extending through Sept. 30 a paid benefit for employees who must stay home while awaiting COVID-19 test results or have been feeling ill, hospital officials said this week. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County Council Candidates Differ On How To Reopen For Tourism. Only one candidate said the state should welcome tourists immediately without requiring some kind of testing or quarantine. Civil Beat.

Report: Plastic most common beach pollutant. The first annual Beach Cleanup Report has been issued by the Surfrider Foundation, analyzing results from all of the coastal cleanups done nationwide by the organization in 2019. Garden Island.

Attorney general defends quarantine enforcement, airport thermal screening to be installed, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations expected to continue rising, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Paul Jones, Deputy Chief for the Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division, left, with Attorney General Clare Connors and Gov. David Ige discuss quarantine enforcement, July 16, 2020

Attorney general fine with compliance from quarantined. State Attorney General Clare Connors, Gov. David Ige and Paul Jones, deputy chief special agent for the Department of the Attorney General Investigations Division, appear pleased with the level of compliance with Ige’s COVID-19 travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

State Officials Discuss Quarantine Compliance, Enforcement. State officials are conducting compliance checks on individuals entering the state who are subject to the 14-day quarantine mandate due to COVID-19. Big Island Now.

After Sep. 1, Hawaii may set up hotels for visitors to quarantine in. Once more visitors come, some are asking how the state will keep track of the people who choose not to pre-test and quarantine instead. KHON2.

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Thermal Temperature Screening Equipment to be Installed Immediately at Five Hawai‘i Airports. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has selected NEC Corporation, NEC Corporation of America and their partner, Infrared Cameras Inc., to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaiʻi’s public airports. Maui Now.

Contract awarded for thermal screening, facial recognition at airports. The state Department of Transportation on Thursday announced that a contract to install thermal temperature screening of arriving passengers and facial recognition technology at Hawaii’s public airports will cost taxpayers $37.5 million throughout 10 years. Tribune-Herald.

NEC Corporation Named Hawaiʻi Airport Screening Technology Provider. The State has selected NEC Corporation and their partner, Infrared Cameras Inc., to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaii’s public airports. Big Island Video News.

HDOT selects providers for airport thermal screening equipment. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has selected NEC Corporation and their partner Infrared Cameras Inc. to provide thermal temperature screening and facial imaging technology at Hawaii’s public airports. KHON2.

State selects temperature screening provider for Hawaii airports. The state has officially picked a company to install thermal temperature screening equipment at Hawaii's airports. KITV4.

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As public schools prepare to reopen, lawmakers and teachers remain on edge. Public schools are set to reopen on Aug. 4. But some lawmakers say that’s too soon, citing concerns they’ve received from teachers who feel unsafe and unprepared. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Officials Back Superintendent’s Plan To Reopen Schools. State health officials say kids can be in the classroom as long as precautions are taken. But they expect to see an increase in coronavirus cases, too. Civil Beat.

When it comes to reopening Hawaii's public schools next month, the head of the Department of Education says its plan is complex and it's going to be a challenge.  That's what Superintendent Christina Kishimoto told state senators Thursday. KITV4.

Reopening schools discussion ongoing. Thursday, concerns about reopening schools too early were discussed between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 at the State Capitol. Garden Island.

Officials defend school reopening plan. Health Director Bruce Anderson said that the timing seems right for Hawaii’s public schools to reopen as planned on Aug. 4, but authorities will keep tabs on the coronavirus situation and shift gears as needed. Star-Advertiser.

Teaching Today Requires Transformation and Innovation. Interview with Robert Landau, Founder and Strategist, Two Roads Education. Hawaii Business magazine.

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Election ballots going out earlier than expected. Voters statewide began seeing their primary election ballots show up in their mailboxes Wednesday, ahead of the July 21 date that elections officials had been stating they should expect to start seeing the distinctive yellow envelopes. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii unemployment rate improves to 13.9% Hawaii’s unemployment rate improved dramatically to 13.9% in June even as the state grapples with a tourism lockdown that has kept tens of thousands of people out of work due to the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Unemployment Rate Unexpectedly Drops. The numbers released today showed the state unemployment rate going from 23.5% in May to just 13.9% in June, a difference of about 40%. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige hopes gloomy unemployment forecast won’t materialize. A report this week that Hawaii’s once-enviable low unemployment rate probably won’t be seen again until 2029 because of the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the pressure on the state to fund social service programs even in the face of a $2.3 billion budget shortfall, Gov. David Ige said. Star-Advertiser.

Substitute Teachers Face More Hurdles To Summer Unemployment Checks. While most subs are now set to receive payments, the DOE has listed hundreds of others as having denied work they may not have been offered. Civil Beat.

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UH Regents Defer Vote On Budget Planning Proposal. The board is expected to take up the resolution in August. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige names Elefante as acting Tax Director. Damien A. Elefante, who last week was confirmed by the state Senate to serve as chairman of the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, also will now fill in as acting director of the state Tax Department. Star-Advertiser.

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COVID-19 hospitalizations in Hawaii shoot up as new infections also rise. Hawaii is seeing the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 go up, in a worrisome trend public health officials say they’re watching closely. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawai’i Health Department reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 today. Sixteen cases are on Oahu, and three cases are pending. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 16: 19 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Clusters continue to grow at Pearl City Nursing Home and Kona Community Hospital. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 19 new coronavirus cases as statewide tally rises to 1,311. Today’s new cases include 16 on Oahu and three that are pending identification of residency, according to the state Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Debate recap: 5 contenders share why they should be the next Honolulu Mayor. Three political veterans and two newcomers with business backgrounds took to the Hawaii Theatre stage on Thursday for a 90-minute debate. KHON2.

O'ahu businesses to remain open despite rising COVID-19 case numbers. As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said that he has no plans of shutting down gyms, bars or any other businesses. KITV4.

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Honolulu Gets Creative In Efforts To Test Sewage For COVID-19. New partnerships are being formed to address unforeseen challenges of COVID-19 testing. Civil Beat.

City completes significant phase in $82M sewer rehab project. The city announced Thursday that it’s nearing completion of the first phase of a major sewer rehabilitation project that’s required crews tearing up major thoroughfares in the area. Hawaii News Now.

City’s sewer consent decree work moving. City officials marked a milestone in the multibillion dollar effort to upgrade Oahu’s sewer system as part of a consent decree that was reached between the Sierra Club and federal, state and city agencies in 2010. Star-Advertiser.

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Accused crime boss Michael Miske Jr. kept alleged target close. Federal prosecutors allege Oahu businessman Michael Miske Jr. provided a 23-year-old man a place to live “so he could keep tabs on him” in the days leading up to the man’s murder. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutors to argue alleged crime boss poses ‘grave danger’ to community. Alleged organized crime boss Michael Miske pleaded not guilty Thursday to 17 felony charges, including murder-for-hire, as federal prosecutors seek to argue that he poses a “grave danger” to the community and should remain in custody as he awaits trial. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County seeks proposals to spend $80 million: Fast-tracked bid request to get money on the street. Feed the hungry while supporting local farmers, fishers and restaurants is one goal of millions of dollars worth of grants being offered by the county. West Hawaii Today.

‘We needed to test everybody’: Kona hospital testing all employees, providers after 3 test positive for COVID-19. In a swift reaction to the news that three employees at Kona Community Hospital tested positive for COVID-19, the facility’s entire staff was tested for the coronavirus on Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Unemployment Improves to 23% in June, COVID-19-Related Discrepancies Affecting Counts. In Maui County, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 22.6% in June, an improvement from the 34% rate reported last month, but still significantly higher than the 3% rate reported at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Hana and Piilani highways reopen to nonresident traffic. Mayor, residents urge masks, social distance when visiting E. Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Property tax deadline extended. To lessen the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the County of Kaua‘i has extended the deadline to pay property taxes to November 18, 2020. Garden Island.

Farm Bureau award includes hamburger in distribution. The hamburger, provided by the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch, was made possible through a $5,000 award from the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau done in May to acquire 1,347 pounds of ground beef from Makaweli Meat Co. Garden Island.

Ex-cop gets 4 years for forcing homeless man to lick urinal, FBI captures alleged Honolulu crime boss, Thirty Meter Telescope delayed again, Kona hospital COVID-19 cluster identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea checkpoint in 2019 ©2020 All Hawaii News

TMT delayed until after winter, official says. One year after protesters stopped the Thirty Meter Telescope for a second time, a top official with the TMT organization said Wednesday that the project’s commitment to Hawaii remains as strong as ever but that construction will be delayed at least through the winter and maybe longer. Star-Advertiser.

TMT forges ahead despite pandemic; opponents keeping close eye on project. A top official of the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory project said Wednesday — exactly one year after protesters blocked Maunakea Access Road to prevent construction of the next-generation telescope — that the multinational partnership is still committed to try and make it work in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii TMT protest marks one year anniversary. July 15 marks the one-year anniversary of the protests that halted construction for the Thirty Meter Telescope project atop Mauna Kea. KHON2.


Here’s What You Should Know About The OHA Elections This Year. A surge in Native Hawaiian activism has led to a packed field in the race for seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Civil Beat.

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Some state senators blast reopening plans. Members of the Senate special committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday grilled the state attorney general and members of the state Health Department on their plans to reopen Hawaii for a potential surge of tourism beginning Sept. 1 — with enhanced screening and better documentation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials prepare for trans-Pacific travel. With the reopening of tourism now pushed back to September 1, officials are now trying to iron out the detail of reopening trans-Pacific travel. KHON2.

State not ready yet for more visitors, health officials say. Hawaii health officials contend the state is not ready to reopen the floodgates to tourists as community spread of the coronavirus continues, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Local 5 union pushes for safety, job security. Unite Here Local 5 union members returned to Waikiki and other tourist districts across the state Wednesday to remind Hawaii officials to make health and safety the key focus of the state’s tourism reopening plan. Star-Advertiser.

Young Bros. pared schedule extended. PUC grants request to extend to August as company cuts costs. Maui News.

The Pandemic Is Changing How Hawaii Gets Its Food. COVID-19 has led a growing number of people to barter for food. Gardening and farm-to-doorstep delivery services are also having a moment. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii counts 29 new coronavirus cases as statewide tally rises to 1,292. Today’s new cases include 27 on Oahu and two on Hawaii island, according to the state Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 15: 29 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Two new cases were confirmed on Hawaii Island. Civil Beat.

Health officials report 29 new cases of COVID-19. State health officials announced 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the Hawaii’s total case count to 1,292. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Ex-officer gets 4 years for making man lick public urinal. A U.S. judge sentenced a former Honolulu police officer Wednesday to four years in prison for forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal, telling him to imagine someone doing that to his two young daughters. Star-Advertiser.

Former HPD Officer Sentenced for Forcing Man to Lick Urinal. A former Honolulu police officer was sentenced to four years in jail today for conspiring to force a man to lick a urinal in a public restroom. Maui Now.

Prison sentence handed down to former HPD officer guilty in civil rights case. A former HPD officer who admitted to forcing a homeless man to lick a urinal received his sentence Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Former HPD officer sentenced to prison for forcing man to lick public urinal. Rabago threatened to beat the man if he didn't do it. KITV4.

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Federal Prosecutors Bring Death Penalty Case Against Alleged Oahu Crime Boss. Honolulu businessman Mike Miske faces murder and kidnapping charges for the death of a young Hawaii Kai man who disappeared in July 2016. Civil Beat.

FBI arrests Honolulu businessman Mike Miske, multiple suspects in kidnapping and murder of Hawaii Kai man. The FBI arrested multiple people on Oahu this morning including Honolulu businessman Mike J. Miske Jr. as part of a federal indictment in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 23-year-old Hawaii Kai man. Star-Advertiser.

FBI Investigation Leads to Indictment of Eleven in Hawai‘i for Racketeering, Other Offenses. A Superseding Indictment was unsealed today charging, Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske, Jr., and 10 other defendants with racketeering conspiracy and other offenses. Maui Now.

Federal authorities indict alleged organized crime boss who ‘wreaked havoc’ on Oahu. Following a years-long federal investigation, authorities executed raids across Oahu on Wednesday and arrested Hawaii businessman Mike Miske as part of a 22-count indictment that alleges he ran an elaborate organized crime group connected to a host of violent acts, from murder to kidnapping and even the alleged use of a chemical weapon. Hawaii News Now.

Law expert believes Miske will be tried for capital punishment. The federal case against Michael Miske is bringing an unusual aspect to the legal process in Hawaii, capital punishment. KHON2.

Kailua FBI raid connected to convicted felon and local businessman. Federal agents raided several locations on O'ahu Wednesday morning in a massive crime bust alleging murder, kidnapping, and the use of chemical weapons. KITV4.

Court documents allege Katherine Kealoha was connected to an incident between Miske and an HPD officer. A recording can be heard here of what is believed to be an exchange between Honolulu police officer Jared Spiker and Michael Miske when Miske was pulled over for allegedly driving while talking on the phone. KITV4.

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The Honolulu Police Commission questioned reports that showed racial and wealth-based disparities regarding arrests for stay-at-home violators during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Use Of Force Or ‘Response To Resistance’? Police Policy Change Considered. “Maybe you shouldn’t try to sugarcoat what it really is,” one Honolulu Police Commissioner said. Civil Beat.

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This New PAC Is Attacking Mayoral Candidate Keith Amemiya. The PAC has not reported where it’s getting its money. Civil Beat.

Keith Amemiya is target of new attack mailers sent out around Oahu. The mailer comes from a political action committee that opposes Amemiya, saying he’s part of a “dynasty” that includes former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann, incumbent Kirk Caldwell and city managing director Roy Amemiya, who’s the candidate’s cousin. Hawaii News Now.

In seeking his old job, Mufi Hannemann is also pursuing a mission in life. In his run for Honolulu mayor, Mufi Hannemann has a simple pitch to voters and it goes something like this: I’ve led Honolulu through tough times before and I can do it again. Hawaii News Now.

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Amazon.com buys Servco's Honolulu property for undisclosed price. It was not immediately known what Seattle-based Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) plans to do with the property, which is situated next to Honolulu Harbor and a few miles from the Honolulu airport. Pacific Business News.

Gift enables improvements to Diamond Head pocket park. After a major face-lift in 2015 and 2016, Makalei Beach Park is going to get a little more work done. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No stamps needed: County battles rumors as ballots arrive at mailboxes. As ballots began trickling into Hawaii Island mailboxes Wednesday, traveling much faster was a false social media rumor about how many stamps are needed to mail it back. West Hawaii Today.

More charges filed against retired police officer in missing drug evidence case. A former Hawaii Police Department officer already charged with drug and conspiracy offenses has been indicted for intimidating a witness in two high-profile criminal cases. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Initiative Seeks To Bridge Student Digital Divide. As Hawaiʻiʻs schools gear up for reopening next month, some students in the islandʻs more remote and rural communities will be doing so without adequate equipment for online learning. But efforts are underway on the Big Island to get as many computers as possible to students in need before the end of summer. Hawaii Public Radio.

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2 more Kona hospital employees test positive for COVID-19. The new positive cases bring the hospital’s total number of infected employees to three, according to hospital spokeswoman Judy Donovan. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital Confirms Two New Cases of COVID-19. Two more employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus at Kona Community Hospital. Big Island Now.

Two More Kona Hospital Employees COVID-19 Positive, Testing Clinic Set. As of today, three Kona Community Hospital employees have tested positive for the virus. Big Island Video News.

Kona Community Hospital to test all employees after 3 tested positive for COVID-19. Twenty-nine new cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday, July 15. A small cluster of cases at Kona Community Hospital is part of the latest count. KHON2.

Doctor tests positive for COVID-19 in Ka‘u; Traveling physician had contact with 11 patients during two days. A traveling doctor who worked briefly at Ka‘u Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, administrator Merilyn Harris has confirmed. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hāna Highway Checkpoint Terminated, Road Reopens to All on July 16. The Hāna Highway checkpoint will be terminated when the extended closure expires at the end of today, according to Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

Panel: More study needed on short-term rental caps. Proposed bill to lower caps heads back to council. Maui News.

Permit for Haiku church on ag land denied. Neighbors have been complaining about traffic and noise from Sacred Earth Assembly. Maui News.

Kauai

Two arrested for violating 14-day quarantine. Two men were recently arrested on Kaua‘i for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Hanakapiai Stream bridge making headway. Plans to build a bridge crossing the stream were first assessed in 2013, and now, seven years later, the project is moving forward with all the assessments and permitting approved. Garden Island.

Ige shares budget-balancing plan, Hawaiian Airlines scales back mainland service proposal, teachers and state strike back-to-school distancing deal, Molokai vacation rental owners sue over limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii pandemic reopening navigator

How This Special Legislative Committee Has Worked To Keep Hawaii’s Economy Afloat. The House COVID committee has drawn on the expertise and clout of its members to work behind the scenes and help the Ige administration work through the state’s biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Governor details how he plans to shore up $2.3B budget shortfall. With tourism at a standstill and other sectors of the state’s economy just hobbling along, Hawaii is facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that the governor says he plans to shore up with a big loan from the US Treasury and budget cuts to state agencies. It’s the first time Gov. David Ige has offered specifics on how he plans to address the shortfall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to scale back plans to resume service. Reinstating several North America routes remain on hold but its current schedule stays on track. KITV4.

More military contracts could aid Hawaii economy. The federal government inked about $2.3 billion in defense contracts in Hawaii in 2019, with about $1.3 billion going to local businesses, an official with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

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Most Hawaii parents want kids in school at least part time, survey shows. About 70% of families report that their children learned “much less” or “somewhat less” when public school campuses were closed last quarter to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, new survey results show. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Department of Education and teachers’ union agree on six feet of separation in classrooms. Hawaii’s public schools and the teachers’ union have agreed that students desks will be spaced six feet apart in classrooms in the new academic year, with anything less requiring a special exception. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE, Teachers Union Agree To 6-Feet Spacing Rule. The teachers union and DOE came to an agreement that 6 feet of spacing in classrooms will be the norm, with anything less than that requiring a contract exception. Civil Beat.

Teachers union, DOE agree to keep students farther apart this fall. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Department of Education reached an agreement on physical distancing in classrooms as schools prepare to start the new academic year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Funding cut for pre-K program leaves families scrambling for care. State lawmakers cut the funding for seven positions at campuses involved in the Executive Office on Early Learning's Public Prekindergarten Program for at-risk and underserved families. Hawaii News Now.

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June bankruptcies in Hawaii surged amid COVID crisis. The anticipated increase in Hawaii bankruptcies finally might be emerging as the state’s extended tourism lockdown and severe unemployment crisis take their toll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s massive unemployed population dependent on soon-expiring federal assistance. Nearly 250,000 Hawaii residents remain out of work, and will have their $600 weekly unemployment insurance payment from the federal government expire on July 31. KHON2.

Securitas is hiring, and they’re hosting a virtual job fair. While many in Hawaii face unemployment, few companies are looking to hire. One of those companies is Securitas. They’re hosting a virtual job fair Wednesday and Thursday for interested applicants. Available are more than hundred officer positions statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Hawaii visitor arrivals sinks to lowest level since June. The tourists keep coming even though the state still hasn’t officially reopened Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Residents snub reopening for tourism, survey finds. A majority of Hawaii residents oppose reopening tourism amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawmakers question whether more contact tracers are needed as more cases linked to clusters found. On Tuesday, 22 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) officials say many cases are tied to clusters. KHON2.

Hawaii inmate Tests Positive For COVID-19. The defendant and any exposed staff at the federal facility are in quarantine for 14 days. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 14: 22 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The quarantine remains in place for all incoming travelers, but schools are still on schedule to open next month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: 22 New Cases Today. The Hawai’i Health Department reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 today. Nineteen cases are reported on Oahu, and three are on Hawaii Island. The number of deaths remains at 22. Hawaii Public Radio.

To date, Oahu has recorded 960 positive tests, followed by Maui County with 135 cases, Hawaii County with 105 and Kauai County with 43. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Oahu bars, restaurants not allowed to serve liquor after midnight. Oahu bars and restaurants on Tuesday were ordered to stop serving liquor after midnight effective immediately in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

New mandate forces bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight in Honolulu. With cases increasing every day, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is looking at ways to curb the spread of the virus. KHON2.

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Clusters blamed as Hawaii sees 22 new coronavirus cases. A pau hana gathering among construction workers, workplace training at Hawaiian Airlines, exercise in indoor gyms, birthday parties, barbecues and other social gatherings are to blame for a surge in coronavirus cases, particularly on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns grow over schools reopening after infection at summer fun program. A 6-year-old attending a summer fun program in Aiea tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, raising concerns about Hawaii schools reopening in just a few weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kym Marcos Pine says her top priority as mayor would be putting tourism in its place. Kym Marcos Pine has a vision for Oahu with far less tourism and far more homegrown jobs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Traveling Physician at Ka‘ū Hospital Tests Positive for COVID-19. Lt. Governor Josh Green confirmed Tuesday to Big Island Now that a traveling doctor hired at Ka‘ū Hospital and Rural Health Clinic tested positive for the coronavirus last week. A town hall featuring Green and Mayor Harry Kim was held in Pahala Monday night to assuage the fears of the community there. Big Island Now.

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Lee Loy amendment to fix ‘lame’ requirement of permits for window AC units. In the wake of a Department of Public Works press release that drew scorn when it was re-posted on Mayor Harry Kim’s official Facebook page, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy has written an amendment to the construction code clarifying that building permits are not required to install a window air conditioning unit. West Hawaii Today.

County Considers Dropping Permit Requirement For Window-Mounted Air Conditioners. The Hawaiʻi County Council will consider amending the construction code at an upcoming meeting, following a social media stir over the permit requirement. Big Island Video News.

Portable, Window-Mounted Residential Air-Conditioning Units Exempt From Permit Requirements. An amendment is coming to legislation that will develop the framework for Hawai‘i County’s updated construction code. Big Island Now.

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New physician assistant program could boost Big Isle health care. A physician assistant program from Washington will expand to West Hawaii this fall, but ultimately will improve access to medical care throughout Hawaii Island and the state. Tribune-Herald.

Free Financial Navigator Service Tackles COVID-19 Troubles. The County of Hawaiʻi has partnered with the national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help resident navigate COVID-related financial issues. Big Island Video News.

Maui


Old UHMC Dorms Repurposed for Emergency Housing Project. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. Maui Now.

Emergency Housing Project in Kahului blessed on Tuesday. Former UH-Maui College dormitory buildings were blessed Tuesday morning for Huliau, a project to make safe housing available for people who’ve fallen into homelessness. KITV4.

Kauai

Discounts bringing locals out. With the local economy hit hard by the nearly-100% drop in visitors since the spring, local businesses are offering discounts as a gesture to the community in a time of apprehension. Garden Island.

Free emergency water containers. There are two more days when people have the opportunity to get free emergency water containers from the county Department of Water — today at the Waimea High School grab-and-go meal site, and Thursday at the Kapa‘a High School grab-and-go meal site. Garden Island.

Molokai

Molokai Vacation Rental Owners File Lawsuit To Lift Restrictions. A vacation rental association and four homeowners have filed a federal lawsuit against the county of Maui claiming their rights have been violated by restrictions placed on short-term vacation rentals on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Property owners sue over Molokai rental ban action. Permits set to expire at end of year; owners look to get them reinstated. Maui News.