Higher taxes on horizon, court halts aquarium industry, proms canceled, surgeon general seeks charges dismissed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

School of fish in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige ponders higher fuel and wealth taxes. Linda Chu Takayama, chief of staff for Gov. David Ige, informed the House Finance Committee on Tuesday that these two types of taxes are possibilities to increase state revenue and partly offset a decline driven by coronavirus pandemic impacts. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker expects National Guard to help with security in Honolulu for Joe Biden inauguration. State House Speaker Scott Saiki expects the Hawaii National Guard to be called up — and says they should be armed — to help law enforcement deter any violent Donald Trump protesters in Honolulu leading up to Joe Biden’s inauguration next week. Star-Advertiser.

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Court Ruling Halts All Existing Hawaii Commercial Aquarium Fishing Licenses. The latest order compels state officials to cancel all existing commercial aquarium licenses because they lack the proper reviews, environmental advocates say. Civil Beat.

Court: Illegal aquarium-fish collection must stop now. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources improperly sidestepped a court order invalidating commercial marine licenses used for aquarium-fish collection, the state’s environmental court ruled Tuesday. Garden Island.

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Hawaii businesses could see their unemployment insurance triple if leaders don’t rewrite a certain state law. The state owes the federal government approximately $700 million after it took out a loan to shore-up unemployment funds last year. Under current state law, businesses have to pay off the loan. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Vector Control Branch Faces Budget Cuts (Again). The job losses could have serious effects on public health if another disease outbreak occurs. Civil Beat.

Newly Created Caucus Within State Legislature to Address Progressive Ideals. The Progressive Caucus, made up of 16 State representatives and senators, will be pushing an agenda that works to develop and empower public leaders to improve the economic and social conditions in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Now.

Judge to hear motion to dismiss charge against surgeon general. A judge is set to address a motion requesting to dismiss a charge against U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, whom police cited in late August for allegedly violating an emergency order at an Oahu park. Star-Advertiser.

Isle vaccine rollout lagging. State officials are pointing fingers at one another over concerns of a lagging rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii and a lack of coordination in ramping up large-scale immunization clinics to keep the disease under control. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente Outlines Member Vaccination Rollout Procedure. Kaiser Permanente today sent information to its members on how it plans to roll out vaccinations on different islands this week, and procedures in place for scheduling appointments. Maui Now.

The DOE Plans To Use Private Tutors To Help Struggling Students Catch Up. Hawaii’s Department of Education requested private tutoring proposals in October to address “unprecedented issues related to student learning” due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

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DOE cancels all proms, large gatherings for remainder of the school year. The DOE says it will announce plans for limited in-person commencement ceremonies by the end of February. Schools are already being encouraged to think of alternative ceremony formats, including drive-by and online festivities. Hawaii News Now.

DOE cancels all large school events, causes more hurdles for businesses. The Department of Education  officially canceled all large school functions for the rest of the school year. KHON2.

Public school proms canceled...again! The Department of Education cancels large in-person social school gatherings through June 1st. KITV4.

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How Single Mothers In Hawaii Are Weathering The Pandemic. Single mothers in Hawaii are coping with virtual learning coupled with expensive child care and a lack of remote jobs. Civil Beat.

No ‘twindemic’ as cases of flu remain scarce. Fears of a “twindemic” — an annual flu season combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — have not been realized. Tribune-Herald.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 12: 114 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Tuesday, including 83 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, four on the Big Island and six state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Alm says his top priority is restoring public’s trust in city Prosecutor’s Office. City Prosecutor Steve Alm said his top priority during his first 100 days in office will be to restore trust in his office. Alm takes over at the Prosecutor’s Office in the wake of years-long corruption scandals. Hawaii News Now.

Kealoha files top of Honolulu Prosecutor's to-do list. New Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm says restoring trust in his department is at the top of his 100-day plan. KITV4.

HPD to discuss $100,000 purchase of robot with Honolulu City Council. The first Honolulu City Council meeting of the year will include a discussion on recent purchases made by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), which includes a robotic dog with a six-figure price tag. KHON2.

TheBus, Handi-van drivers call for hazard pay, but OTS says it’s a long shot. So far, Oahu Transportation Services says 42 staff members, including 25 drivers, have contracted COVID — although most are said to be from exposures outside of work. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit alleges businesses are victims of a massive city sewer fee ‘ripoff’. The city would not comment directly on the lawsuit but said that in general sewer fees for businesses are not based on current usage but on usage between 2010 and 2012. Hawaii News Now.

City allows walk-in entry to Hanauma Bay again. After implementing a no walk-in policy over the weekend, the city says it will allow walk-ins again starting Wednesday, Jan. 13. KHON2.

Reversing course, city will once again allow walk-in entry at Hanauma Bay. The city is changing their mind on new rules at Hanauma Bay. They previously announced walk-up entry to the bay wouldn’t be allowed, but that is changing starting Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

City crews to repair a Waikiki rock wall, promenade impacted by erosion. Crews are fixing a damaged concrete wall near Queen’s Surf Beach, where king tides took out a lifeguard tower last summer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Youth Challenge Academy To Close. Major General Kenneth Hara made the announcement Tuesday, as he presented the Hawaiʻi Department of Defense budget during a joint State Senate Committee meeting. Big Island Video News.

Cut red tape, but safety first: New Environmental Management director balks at Alii Drive sewer plan. Hawaii County residents who have expressed concern that Mayor Mitch Roth would push a pro-development agenda when he took office may have been reassured last week when his Environmental Management director — who still awaits council confirmation — delayed what seemed a formality accepting a sewer line because he thinks it could be a public health hazard. West Hawaii Today.

Local Algae May Prove Key to Slashing Livestock Methane Emissions. A tiny lab situated on the Kona Coast could hold the key to naturally reducing massive methane emissions from livestock around the world. Big Island Now.

Maui

As COVID-19 Cases Surge on Maui, County Leaders Balance Public Health vs. Devastated Economy. As COVID-19 surges on Maui, with an average of 30 new cases per day over the past two weeks, County leadership has experienced an even tougher balancing act between protecting public health and not doing more harm to an already devastated economy. Maui Now.

Mayor Victorino asks to limit capacity at big box stores. Due to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino submitted another proposed emergency rule to Governor David Ige Tuesday. KITV4.

Hundreds turn out for vaccine drive. State Department of Health officials were “swamped” at their COVID-19 vaccination site Monday in Kahului, with about 400 more patients than expected due to confusion over the online reservation system. Maui News.

Single-family home prices just shy of record. Median price hits $865,000 in December. Maui County single-family home prices in December came just shy of the all-time record set in October as demand stayed strong despite a surge in COVID-19 cases and a typically slow month, according to the latest report from the Realtors Association of Maui.  Maui News.

Kauai

Less than 4% of CARES funds remaining. The County of Kaua‘i has expended 96.1% of its COVID-19-relief funds, and still has some more time to exhaust the more than $28 million allotted by the state. Garden Island.

Planning Commission moves forward on Ag land use bill. A bill to amend the county’s zoning ordinances related to commercial uses on agriculturally zoned land has moved through the Planning Commission and is headed back to the County Council. Garden Island.

COVID-19 vaccines for kupuna start Friday. Kupuna, or the elderly ages 75 years and older, need an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations that start Friday at Wilcox Medical Center, states an announcement from Hawai‘i Pacific Health. Garden Island.

Committee confirms KIUC board candidates. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s Nominating Committee has confirmed three candidates for its 2021 Board of Directors election on March 13. Garden Island.

Security ramped up at government buildings, Proud Boy leader out on bond, mass coronavirus vaccination centers planned on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii stepping up security at state Capitol and all government buildings. Gov. David Ige said Monday that Hawaii’s law enforcement agencies are taking appropriate steps to ensure security at the state Capitol and all government buildings after the FBI issued a warning that armed protests are possible at state capitols across the country in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii ‘Proud Boy’ Released From Custody, Still Faces Charge In DC. Nicholas Ochs is a self-professed member of a violent, far-right extremist organization that stormed the U.S. Capitol along with other supporters of President Donald Trump. Civil Beat.

Judge grants bond for ‘Proud Boys Hawaii’ founder. The founder of “Proud Boys Hawaii” accused of unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol building in connection with Wednesday’s siege was released from federal custody today. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Grants Release For Hawaii Proud Boys Leader Charged In Capitol Insurrection. The Hawaii man arrested in connection with last week's armed riot at the U.S. Capitol made his first appearance in federal court today and was released on bail. Hawaii Public Radio.

“Proud Boys Hawaii” leader released on bond, not allowed to travel out of Oahu for alleged involvement in US Capitol riot. Nicholas Ochs, the founder of Proud Boys Hawaii, has been released from custody. KHON2.

Federal judge grants Hawaii Proud Boys leader release from prison, restricts travel. One of the people in custody for their involvement in last week's riot at the nation's Capitol, Nick Ochs -- the founder of the Hawaii Proud Boys, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday. KITV4.

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Effort to expand local share of Hawaii's military spending. While Hawaii's tourism industry was hit hard during the pandemic, the state's second largest sector of the economy is going strong. Now some want even more effort to draw in defense spending. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Tech Workers Earn a Median $79,040 Per Year. Hawaiʻi employs 10,890 tech workers who earn a median annual wage of $79,040, which is 78 percent more than the median annual wage for all occupations in Hawaiʻi at $44,400, according to researchers at Spanning, a company that provides backup and recovery for software applications. Maui Now.

DOE finds a way to spare hundreds of teaching positions, but hundreds more at risk. Education Department officials have revised downward the number of teaching positions that will to be slashed amid the ongoing fiscal crisis. But even the rosier picture calls for hundreds of jobs lost. Hawaii News Now.

New legislation could be coming to stop illegal fireworks from entering the state. State lawmakers say they have gotten calls from constituents since November asking for something to be done to stop them from going off through all hours of the night. KHON2.

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Local leaders step up to protect children from human trafficking. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Child and Family Service say families seeking help for sex abuse has increased since the pandemic by about 20%. Hawaii News Now.

Local officials and nonprofits remind public of the dangers of human trafficking. Monday is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. KHON2.

Human trafficking, sexual violence cases triple amid pandemic. According to John Tobon, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu, the human trafficking industry amasses $150 billion in global profits annually. KITV4.

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ACLU Urges State To Allow At-Risk Inmates To Be Vaccinated Early. Inmates and staff at correctional facilities are being infected at a higher rate than anyone else. Civil Beat.

ACLU calls for prisoner vaccinations. The American Civil Liberties Union Hawaii is urging the state to make sure inmates are included in its vaccination plan. KITV4.

Green: Hawaii ‘doing OK’ despite recent COVID-19 surge. Although the number of COVID-19 cases statewide is still in triple-digit territory amid a post-holiday surge, case counts seem to be on the decline. Tribune-Herald.

Vaccine data added to DOH dashboard. The state Department of Health has added information on the number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Hawaii to its online data portal. Maui News.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 11: 172 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 172 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Monday, including 108 on Oahu, 33 on Maui, 20 on the Big Island, one on Kauai and 10 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mass vaccination centers planned on Oahu to administer COVID-19 doses. Health officials are hoping to administer as many as 100,000 shots this month and up to 150,000 doses monthly in February, March, April and May. Star-Advertiser.

State finalizing plan to launch 2 mass vaccination sites in Honolulu. The state is finalizing a plan to launch two mass vaccination sites in Honolulu ― one at Pier 2 and the other at the Neal Blaisdell Center, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said. Hawaii News Now.

Mass COVID-19 vaccinations for Phase 1B expected to start next Monday. KHON2.

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Blangiardi to hold off on tier changes as COVID-19 cases surge. Honolulu’s new mayor will hold off on any changes to the tier system, after a surge in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. KHON2.

Comments sought on Waikiki beach stabilization. A plan is moving forward to keep Waikiki’s existing beaches from disappearing and create a “new” beach near the shoreline of the Halekulani Hotel, which has been devoid of dry sand for years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council committee to consider resolution in support of Dillingham Airfield. A Honolulu City Council committee will consider a resolution Tuesday introduced by Heidi Tsuneyoshi asking the state to work with “interested parties” including legislators, business groups and the Army “to ensure the continuance of general aviation” at Dillingham Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

Dillingham Airfield Still Set to Close in June. With unemployment in Hawaii at some of the highest levels in the country, a group of local business owners are pushing back on a state plan to end commercial operations at Oahu’s Dillingham Airfield. Hawaii Public Radio.

DHHL chair says Kapolei casino would be built on land not zoned for homes.  Defending gambling at the state capitol Monday, the chairman of the Hawaiian Home Lands program was peppered with questions from lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Host company sold to private investors. Some wealthy local and mainland investors have bought financially struggling kamaaina candy maker Hawaiian Host Group. Star-Advertiser.

Pet adoption on the road: Humane Society to launch mobile services van. The Hawaiian Humane Society is preparing to launch their new mobile adoption center which will bring animals in need of home out to the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth remains hospitalized after heart attack. Mayor Mitch Roth remained hospitalized Monday at Hilo Medical Center after suffering a heart attack Saturday evening in South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor Roth Recovering at HMC After Suffering a Heart Attack. Mayor Mitch Roth remains at Hilo Medical Center where he is recovering after suffering a heart attack on Saturday evening in South Kohala. Big Island Now.

Kern seeks ethics opinion: Planning director to address Board of Ethics on Wednesday. Planning Director Zendo Kern is seeking guidance from the Board of Ethics on potential conflicts of interest in his duties directing the operations of the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo chancellor responds to criticism from Faculty Congress. The University of Hawaii at Hilo Faculty Congress has criticized Chancellor Bonnie Irwin’s tentative budget cut plans as the university faces a potential $5.7 million reduction. Tribune-Herald.

More than 150 residents, staff vaccinated for COVID-19 during Regency at Hualalai clinic. CVS Pharmacy administered the first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to 114 residents and 49 team members, said Executive Director Stephen Hicks. West Hawaii Today.

Organizers: ’Unmasked flash mob’ canceled. An “unmasked flash mob” planned Saturday at the new Kailua-Kona Safeway has been called off, organizers said Monday evening. West Hawaii Today.

New Penn gym could be open by August. Construction to convert the old Hilo Lanes bowling alley property into a commercial center continues, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Approximately Three Dozen People Turned Away from Maui Drive-In Vaccination Clinic, Invited to Return on Wednesday. Out of the 750 people who showed up for the clinic, Maui District Health Officer, Dr. Lorrin Pang said 90 percent were from outside the clinic’s priority group, which was still attempting to finish vaccinations for those in the 1A priority grouping (which includes health care workers and long-term care facility residents). Maui Now.

Maui Health expands COVID-19 vaccine clinic to additional CDC phases. Maui Health is expanding their COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to include Hawaii residents that fall within the CDC identified Phase 1A and Phase 1B vaccine prioritization timeline. KITV4.

Officials hopeful holiday surge is over, Maui asks for modifications to current rules after spike in cases. Maui continues to report double digit case numbers after a cluster broke out at the Harbor Lights Condominium Complex in Kahului in December. To date, there have been 97 cases reported in the county. KHON2.

Maui County Officials: “Closing Business Will Not Solve the Problem of Community Spread”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has requested the approval of new rules for the County of Maui as the number of new COVID-19 cases remain elevated.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Vaccine rollout for educators begins. Groups vaccinated this week include front-line essential workers, including teachers and staff at schools, preschools and daycares, those working in food or agricultural settings, grocery stores, postal workers and residents of small care homes. Garden Island.

Kauai teachers and child care workers are first in the industry to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. On Monday, more than 500 people registered for a shot. KITV4.

Kupuna over 75 can sign up for vaccines. Hospitals around the island are equipping to vaccinate kupuna over 75 beginning this Friday, Jan. 15. Garden Island.

Utah man arrested not once, but twice for violating Kauai’s traveler quarantine. To date, Kauai officials say police have made 192 arrests of quarantine violators. All individuals who are arrested are subject to up to one year in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Realtors See Uptick In People Buying Houses Sight-Unseen. Relocations to Kauai from the mainland have become so common that it’s hard to drive more than a few miles on the island without seeing multiple out-of-state license plates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hospitals could reach capacity in 6 weeks, Kapiolani nurses vote to strike, Proud Boy in court today for role in Capitol riot, coronavirus vaccinations may not be finished until Labor Day, Big Island mayor hospitalized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green administers coronavirus vaccine Dec. 29, 2020 PC:from Facebook

Hawaii Hospitals to Reach Capacity in Six Weeks if Cases Continue to Surge. The holiday surge of COVID-19 cases the state was bracing for has started. Hospitals are expected to be heavily affected in the coming weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

State releases latest COVID vaccine plan. Hawaii health officials expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to all residents by the end of this summer once the top three priority groups are taken care of. Maui News.

DOH: Over 35,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered statewide. As of Friday, health officials said 91,700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been received by the state — 54,600 of those being the Pfizer-BioNTech brand, and 37,100 of the Moderna vaccine. So far, over 35,000 vaccinations have been administered statewide. Hawaii News Now.

Blood Bank of Hawaii asks COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma to help save lives. Only about 200 of the more than 23,000 residents who've tested positive for COVID-19 have donated their plasma, which has antibodies that can help save other patients. KITV4.

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Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children have voted to authorize a strike about six months into bargaining for a new contract in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

After unsuccessful negotiations, nurses of Kapiolani Medical Center vote to strike. The nurses of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children have voted to authorize a strike amid their ongoing negotiations with the hospital, the Hawai’i Nurses Association said Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

What would the impacts be if nurses strike at Kapiolani Medical Center? A total of 93 percent of nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children voted to authorize a strike against the hospital forcing the big question: what happens next and how will this impact the community during a pandemic. KHON2.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses vote to authorize strike, CEO commits to reach a fair agreement. The nurses of Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children have voted by a 93% margin to authorize a strike. KITV4.

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Hawaii lawyer anticipates release of his client seen in mob that stormed U.S. Capitol. The lawyer for Proud Boys Hawaii founder and Capitol riot participant Nick Ochs said he expects his client will be released from jail this week. Hawaii News Now.

“Proud Boys Hawaii” leader to appear in federal court for alleged involvement in US Capitol riot. “Proud Boys Hawaii” leader and former political candidate Nicolas Ochs is scheduled to virtually “appear” in federal court on Monday, Jan. 11, after being arrested by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the US Capitol riot. KHON2.

Hawaii Proud Boy Charged By DOJ After Raiding US Capitol. Nicholas Ochs, a state House candidate and outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, was an “easy target” for the feds, his attorney says. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Proud Boys Leader Arrested In Connection With Capitol Riot. Nicholas Ochs was apprehended by federal authorities in Hawaii after a warrant for his arrest was issued by a federal judge in Washington DC. Hawaii Public Radio.

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A rise in coronavirus cases on the West Coast could mean fewer travelers visiting the islands. As Hawaii tries to claw its way out of the worst economic decline in decades, California is a key to the revival of tourism. California is the source- market for most of visitors. Star-Advertiser.
Federal labor department to investigate Hawaii’s unemployment insurance system. The Federal Department of Labor is opening two investigations into Hawaii’s unemployment insurance system. One investigation centers around a Legal Aid allegation of discrimination because of nationality or citizenship, while the other is part of a nationwide investigation of fraud and verification procedures. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii businesses fear unemployment tax increases will ruin their economic recovery. Local businesses are bracing for at least a tripling of their unemployment taxes, which without legislative intervention they say would disrupt any statewide economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bankruptcies fell in 2020 despite pandemic. The number of bankruptcy cases ended up plunging 8.6% to 1,524, according to data released last week from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Defense spending ‘incredibly important’ for Hawaii during COVID-19 pandemic. Defense spending in Hawaii — about $5 billion annually in payroll and $2 billion-plus in contracts — has been “an incredibly important stabilizing force” in the state with an economy otherwise wracked by COVID-19, Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, said Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Gaps In Hawaii Eviction Moratorium Leave Some Renters Scrambling For Housing. The state eviction moratorium doesn’t protect every renter. And being kicked out when you’re unemployed makes finding housing much harder. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Teachers Get Their Turn To Receive COVID-19 Vaccines. Teachers on Kauai can start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as Monday, while those elsewhere in Hawaii will be able to get them by the end of the month into early February, the state teachers’ union said Friday. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 10: 200 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 200 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Sunday, including 128 on Oahu, 30 in Maui County, 12 on the Big Island, nine on Kauai and 21 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

With triple-digit case spikes, Mayor Blangiardi focuses on how to move the city forward. Despite the steady increase in cases, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the island will remain in Tier 2 for now. Oahu’s current 7-day average daily cases is 124 and a 4.4 percent. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Spent $150,000 In CARES Funds On A Robot Dog. Flush with CARES Act cash, the Honolulu Police Department has spent millions on what one officer called toys. Civil Beat.

Reluctant to go; just a few regrets, Mayor Kirk Caldwell says. Kirk Caldwell handed the keys to the third-floor corner office at Honolulu Hale to incoming Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Jan. 2 — with only a few regrets but not just a little reluctance. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm unveils 100-day plan Tuesday. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm will be unveiling his 100-day plan to reform the Department of the Prosecuting attorney on Tuesday. KHON2.

Longtime Rail Officials Ousted As New CEO Joins HART. Bill Brennan and Joyce Oliveira were two of the longest-serving employees at a tumultuous agency that’s seen heavy turnover. Civil Beat.

Another case of COVID-19 confirmed in a city bus operator. The city said a bus driver tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

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Legislators step into conflict between University of Hawaii and Aloha Stadium. Some legislators say they haven’t closed the door on the Stadium Authority finding a pathway for the University of Hawaii football team to play at crumbling Aloha Stadium and are urging the parties to find common ground. Star-Advertiser.

Replacement work avoids funding halt at Aloha Stadium. A state agency has sidestepped what could have been a costly halt in a long- running effort to have a private developer redevelop Aloha Stadium and surrounding state land in Halawa. Star-Advertiser.

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Wahiawa solar farm divides community over food vs. fuel. A developer is proposing a solar farm near Wahiawa that could reduce electricity bills for 1,100 area households, but the project site on fallow prime farmland has drawn community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Miske Case Weaves Together Disparate Strands Of Past Crimes. As information comes out in the case of alleged crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr., it looks like the gang was operating in plain sight. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth hospitalized with chest pains. Roth, 56, who was elected in November, went to North Hawaii Community Hospital, was later transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated and had a stent implanted, according to a county news release. Star-Advertiser.

Roth hospitalized with chest pains: Stent implanted, now under medical evaluation. Mayor Mitch Roth was being evaluated by doctors and Managing Director Lee Lord has taken over as acting mayor after Roth had a stent implanted after suffering chest pain Saturday evening. West Hawaii Today.

Doctors Evaluating Mayor Roth After Hospitalization. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth was taken to the hospital overnight, and is being evaluated by doctors following a medical procedure. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Hospitalized After Emergency Stent Placement. Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth was hospitalized over the weekend with chest pains. Big Island Now.

Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital Saturday night. Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth was taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital in the evening on Saturday, Jan. 9 for what he described as discomfort in his chest. KHON2.

Mayor Mitch Roth hospitalized with chest pain. Mayor Mitch Roth was being evaluated by doctors and Managing Director Lee Lord has taken over as acting mayor after Roth had a stent implanted after suffering chest pain Saturday evening, according to a news release Sunday morning. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth hospitalized for chest discomfort. Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth has been taken to the hospital, according to county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Roth taken to hosptial, Lee Lord acting mayor. Mayor Mitch Roth was taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital last night with discomfort in his chest. KITV4.

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Public unhappy over lack of access: Pandemic, technology and tension during long council session. A heavy and sometimes controversial agenda, coupled with technical problems during a global pandemic, brought a new set of challenges to the County Council last week, during a meeting that saw testifiers grumble about lack of access and a mayor appear to step outside his lane to advise council members on Sunshine Law issues. West Hawaii Today.

Pandemic does little to slow down Big Island home sales. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, home sales on Hawaii Island in 2020 increased from the previous year — the only island in the state where that occurred. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

COVID-19 Surge Is Largely Blamed On Holiday Gatherings. Officials point to holiday-related gatherings including an outbreak at a condo complex that was believed to have started with a choir practice. Civil Beat.

Harbor Lights cluster reaches 92 COVID cases. The COVID-19 cluster at the Harbor Lights condominium complex is now up to 92 cases, with more testing to continue, a county official and a Harbor Lights representative said on Friday. Maui News.

King, panel to discuss COVID-19 rise on Maui. Maui County Council Member Kelly King will host a virtual town hall from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to discuss the recent surge of COVID cases on Maui and the county’s response to the pandemic. Maui News.

Councilmember King to Host Town Hall Webinar on COVID-19, Jan. 11. In response to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Maui County community, Maui County Councilmember Kelly King of South Maui will host a virtual town hall webinar on Monday, Jan. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Maui Now.

Sun rises on new sunscreen era. For eco-friendly sunscreen makers like Maui’s Jenna Davis, Hawaii’s new law banning sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals couldn’t have come at a better time — and the pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse moment. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai utility, AES propose dual-energy project. Kauai’s nonprofit electric utility cooperative anticipates boosting its renewable-energy production by 25% with a proposed hydro and solar electricity project. Star-Advertiser.

Solar-hydro project moves forward. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative signed agreements with The AES Corporation for the development, construction and operation of the cooperative’s solar-pumped, storage hydro project, also known as the West Kaua‘i Energy Project. Garden Island.

Meeting set for Hanalei base yard projects. The County of Kaua‘i invites the public to participate in a virtual public meeting regarding the Hanalei base yard office and garage project. Garden Island.

Green seeks halt to social gatherings amid COVID-19 spike, forecasters predict $300M revenue bump, NTSB says pilot in 2019 crash inadequately trained, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green with Jan. 7, 2021, update PC:Facebook 

 No gatherings for 2 weeks, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says. Lt. Gov. Josh Green on Thursday called for Hawaii residents to avoid all social gatherings for two weeks, immediately, as the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases hit a record high for the new year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Officials Ask Residents To Stay Home To Reverse COVID-19 Spike. As COVID-19 cases in the islands signal another surge, state officials are calling on residents to stop seeing people outside of their households. Civil Beat.

COVID cases spike 322, Lt. Gov. Green urges everyone to avoid gatherings. Hawaii saw the highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases in several months with 322 new cases on Thursday, Jan. 7, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to 22,631. There are currently 1,831 active cases. KHON2.

As vaccine rollout continues, Hawaii grapples with increase in COVID-19 cases. Green said the case count is directly linked to social gatherings over the Christmas and the New Year’s holidays. He’s asking the public to refrain from any kind of get-togethers for the next two weeks. Hawaii News Now.

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Economy expected to recover faster. Hawaii’s COVID-19 hobbled economy is outperforming previous dire predictions and is expected to generate nearly $6.3 billion in tax revenue for the fiscal year that ends in June, although still down 6.5% from last year, the state Council on Revenues plans to tell Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Will Collect More Taxes Than Expected, State Panel Says. The state Council on Revenues says Hawaii will collect $300 million more in taxes this year than previously projected. Civil Beat.

When will Hawaii’s economy turn the corner? New data says not yet. The Council on Revenues revised its forecast for state revenue, predicting a decline smaller than its previous report. It could ease budget-cutting pressure on the governor and the Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism leads to less pessimistic tax forecast for Hawaii. The council said it expects general fund tax revenue to decline 6.5% during the 12 months ending in June, less than the 11% drop it had projected in September. KITV4.

Remote Participation Poses Challenges For Legislative Session. Much of the state legislature’s business during the upcoming five month session will be conducted remotely, which is already creating technical challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Man who ran for office in Hawaii among ‘Proud Boys’ who stormed US Capitol. Nick Ochs is founder of “Proud Boys Hawaii,” a far right extremist group, and lost the race for the House seat in Waikiki in November. Hawaii News Now.

Proud Boys Hawaii founder involved in U.S. Capitol mayhem. A Republican candidate who unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the state Legislature in 2020 posted a photo of himself inside the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday’s riot that shocked the nation, interrupted the Electoral College vote confirming Joe Biden’s election, and resulted in five deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers call for Trump’s impeachment. Hawaii’s congressional delegation Thursday joined a growing number in Congress in calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump for inciting Wednesday’s armed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Members Of Hawaii Delegation Call For Immediate Removal Of Trump. Freshman Congressman Kai Kahele and U.S. senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono said it’s time to get rid of the president after his supporters attacked police and stormed the U.S. Capitol building. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation backs effort to remove Trump from office. All four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have joined a growing number of lawmakers who say President Trump should be removed from office. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii congressional delegation joins calls for president’s removal from office. Hawaii’s congressional delegation joined in the calls for President Donald Trump to be removed from office following upheaval Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i lawmakers respond to Capitol riot. Garden Island.

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Hawaii’s doctor shortage has worsened after COVID-19 pandemic. A study out of the John A. Burns School of Medicine said, the state is about 1,000 physician positions short when compared to other continental U.S. states, and COVID-19 played a part. KHON2.

Military To Expand COVID-19 Vaccinations After Early Success In Hawaii. A small shipment to Tripler earlier this week was meant to test supply chains as the Pentagon gets set for more widespread vaccinations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii National Guard Turns Plane Into ‘Mobile Vaccination Clinic’. Honolulu-based troops transported and administered vaccines to national guardsmen on neighbor islands as they continue pandemic response operations. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 7: 322 New COVID-19 Cases. Among the new cases were 213 on Oahu, 56 on Maui, 18 on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and 34 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Navy pursuing double-wall steel tank system at Red Hill. The Navy on Thursday laid out plans for a “double- wall stainless steel” tank system at the Red Hill fuel farm — accelerating its goal of providing secondary containment to keep the aged tanks where they are in the face of criticism directed at a less comprehensive proposal to prevent fuel spills. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB seeks flight instructor monitoring after deadly North Shore crash. Federal safety investigators said today that the pilot of a skydiving plane that crashed in 2019 on the North Shore, killing all 11 people on board, had not received training to become a competent pilot. Associated Press.

NTSB calls for better monitoring of flight instructors, says Mokuleia plane crash pilot was “inadequately trained”. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says inadequate training of a pilot contributed to the death of 11 people in a skydiving plane crash in Mokuleia in 2019. KHON2.

Legal battle brewing over portion of proceeds from sale of Kealohas’ home. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Louis and Katherine Kealohas’ foreclosed home could pit a financial institution against two of their victims. Hawaii News Now.

Raised crosswalks to be installed on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli, speed limit reduced to 30 mph. State transportation officials said today that two new, raised pedestrian crossings — also known as speed tables — will be installed on Farrington Highway in Nanakuli in response to two recent, deadly collisions there. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds get COVID-19 vaccine at Hawaii’s largest assisted living facility. Hawaii Kai Retirement Community, the largest assisted living facility in the state, is starting to vaccinate its staff and residents against COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

On stopping illegal fireworks, HPD says ‘we do as much as we can’. The Honolulu Police Department says they received about 2,000 calls regarding illegal aerial fireworks in the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But out of those calls, just 45 citations were issued and there was just one arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Commission approves application for construction of 5G cell tower. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday approved an application for the construction of a 5G cellular tower on a rural lot near Leilani Estates. Tribune-Herald.

Sustainability summit set for March 4. A sustainability summit, bringing in experts to brainstorm with elected officials and the public, is one of seven campaign promises Mayor Mitch Roth made for his first 100 days in office. West Hawaii Today.

Goodfellow Bros. Cited, Fined After Sewage Discharge into Reed’s Bay. The notice of violation includes a requirement for Goodfellow Bros., LLC to provide a report that describes how spills will be prevented in the future and pay a penalty of $25,000. Big Island Now.

Kanaka Garden Uprooted Again. State Park officials estimate several hundred plants were pulled from the ground, and were trucked to the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo School of Tropical Agriculture. Big Island Video News.

State uproots ‘kanaka garden’ at Wailoa park. An early morning operation Thursday to uproot a “kanaka garden” planted earlier this week by Hawaiian sovereignty activists was a multi-agency response, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Puna Strong Grant Program Launches. Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation on Thursday announced the launch of the Puna Strong grants program with funding from the County’s Kīlauea disaster recovery funds and HCF’s Hawai‘i Island Volcano Recovery Fund. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Surge Largely Attributed to Post-Holiday Community Spread; Harbor Lights Cluster Rises to 84. The 56 new COVID-19 cases in Maui County today are being attributed in large part to post-holiday community spread, according to county officials who consulted with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. Maui Now.

Maui Police Seize 177 Pounds of Illegal Aerial Fireworks Valued at $12,000. Patrol Districts throughout Maui County received 99 calls for fireworks violations during the holiday enforcement effort. Maui Now.

Kauai

LUC continues HoKua Place case. The state Land Use Commission met this week to discuss three motions relating to an intervention in the matter to rezone 96 acres of agricultural land to urban district land. Garden Island.

Beach erosion is Zoom meeting topic. The Zoom meeting announcement continued by noting that 70% of Kaua‘i’s beaches are eroding, and over the last century 3.7 miles of beach have been lost. Garden Island.

Kaua'i District Health Office coordinating vaccination dates and times with DOE, independent schools, and charter schools. The Department of Health’s Kauai District Health Office is coordinating vaccination dates and times with DOE schools, independent schools, and charter schools. KITV4.

Molokai

Maui Police Confirm COVID-19 Case in Employee at Molokaʻi District. The Maui Police Department reports an employee who works out of the Molokaʻi District tested positive for COVID-19. Maui Now.

Hawaii officials and party leaders condemn Capitol violence, state DOE warns 1,300 teachers could be cut, vaccination hubs open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump supporters rally at Hawaii Capitol Jan. 6, 2021 PC:Hawaii News Now

Trump supporters, detractors gather in Hawaii; most condemn pro-Trump mob in DC. About 200 supporters of President Donald Trump demonstrated at Hawaii’s Capitol building on Wednesday, but they kept their demonstration peaceful and most rejected the acts of mob violence by Trump supporters who swarmed on Congress. Hawaii News Now.

Ige Blames President Trump For Violence At US Capitol. Peaceful protesters gathered outside the Hawaii Capitol to support the president and object to the pandemic response. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Issues Statement Amid News of Protestors Storming of the US Capitol. Maui Now.

Governor Ige releases statement in response to ongoing situation at U.S. Capitol. KITV4.

Our DC Reporter Had A Close-Up View Of The Mob Taking Over The Capitol. Nick Grube was on his way to the Electoral College ceremony when events of the day overtook him. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers condemn uprising. The unprecedented assault on the U.S. Capitol Wednesday by a mob of angry Donald Trump supporters drew incredulity and condemnation of the president’s inflammatory run-up to the violence that saw one woman shot and killed, a lockdown and a police standoff with protesters in the normally august U.S. House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

Members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation recount a terrifying day in DC. Some of Hawaii’s congressional members were hunkered down inside their offices when rioters breached the US Capitol building on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii delegation reacts to storming of US Capitol. Lawmakers were forced to evacuate as they worked to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Delegation Safe as Violence Erupts in Capitol. “This is a sad day in America’s history,” Hawai‘i Governor David Ige told local reporters after calling an unscheduled press conference Wednesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i lawmakers respond to Capitol riot. Gov. David Ige called the protests to undermine the presidential election an assault on democracy and everything this country stands for. Garden Island.

Hawaii Republican, Democratic parties issue joint statement calling for calm. The chairs of the Hawaii Republican and Democratic parties issued a joint statement Wednesday condemning the violent mob that stormed the US Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii political party leaders set differences aside, condemn violence at US Capitol. Republican and Democratic leaders in Hawaii put their political differences aside and condemned the violence in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. KHON2.

Hawai'i Republican Party and Democratic Party of Hawaii release joint statement on ongoing situation at U.S. Capitol. KITV4.

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House Speaker Scott Saiki to push uniform travel rules. House Speaker Scott Saiki plans to introduce legislation that would create statewide, uniform COVID-19 travel rules to reduce confusion for both residents and tourists. Star-Advertiser.

State Finance Director Says Carbon And Sugar Taxes May Be Among Increases. Craig Hirai stressed that nothing is settled but dropped some hints about possible tax increases in a House Finance Committee hearing. Civil Beat.

‘In crisis’: Superintendent says 1,300 teaching positions could be cut by end of year. The state Department of Education is expecting a budget cut of $400 million and officials warn that could mean 1,300 teaching positions could be cut. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Education reports a plan is in the works to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to 44,000+ employees. Educators and childcare employees are listed on Phase 1B of the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. KHON2.

Hawaiian Affairs Committee Lacks Native Hawaiian Legislators. Gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands, greater burial protections, and OHA election reform are just some of the top Native Hawaiian issues up for debate among state lawmakers this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

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AlohaSafe app aims to slow COVID-19 as deaths increase. The state Health Department officially launched its new AlohaSafe Alert app, along with a new media campaign targeting Hawaii’s youth on Wednesday as the daily COVID-19 case count and death toll continued to rise. Star-Advertiser.

State launches AlohaSafe Alert app. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health in partnership with aio Digital and the Hawai‘i Executive Collaborative have launched AlohaSafe Alert, an exposure notification app to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Garden Island.

A new app could warn you if you’ve been possibly exposed to COVID-19. The AlohaSafe Alert, which is now available in Maui, Honolulu, Hawaii and Kauai counties, anonymously tracks signals in relation to other devices with the application. Hawaii News Now.

Catholic Charities Hawai'i to provide additional rent relief through state assistance program. Catholic Charities Hawaii and the State of Hawaii announced on Wednesday the launch of a new rent relief program that will begin accepting applications next week. KITV4.

New Rent Relief Program Announced. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and the State of Hawai‘i announced Wednesday the launch of a new rent relief program that will begin accepting applications next week. Big Island Now.

‘Ohana by Hawaiian to suspend air service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will discontinue ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai next week. This move will suspend all operations by the interisland carrier. Star-Advertiser.

Vaccination Hubs Open for Healthcare Workers. As a way to continue to rapidly administer COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers, the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i are working with hospitals in each county to ensure independent healthcare providers and their staff can obtain the first dosage of their vaccine this month. Big Island Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 6: 143 New COVID-19 Cases And 10 Deaths. Health officials reported 10 deaths and 143 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 85 on Oahu, 29 on Maui, eight on the Big Island, three on Kauai, one on Molokai and 17 residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Chair Announces Committee Assignments. Councilmen Calvin Say and Brandon Elefante will be in powerful roles. Civil Beat.

Queen’s Medical Center reports cluster of 39 COVID-19 cases. The Queen’s Medical Center reported today a cluster of 39 COVID-19 cases at its main Punchbowl location. Star-Advertiser.

The Queen’s Medical Center found 27 caregivers, 12 patients positive with COVID-19. Dozens of staff and patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at The Queen’s Medical Center at Punchbowl. KHON2.

HPD: ‘We can only do so much’ when it comes to stopping aerial fireworks. The Honolulu Police Department says they received about 2,000 calls regarding illegal aerial fireworks in the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But out of those calls, just 45 citations were issued, and there was just one arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu housing market ends 2020 with a bang. Oahu’s housing market made a huge recovery in December with a sales spike that followed several months of hefty declines earlier last year after coronavirus impacts began in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH responds to review of Maunakea management. A statement from the university concluded with a promise to use the results of the assessment to continue to improve its stewardship of the mountain. Tribune-Herald.

Life Care Center begins COVID vaccinations. Life Care Center of Hilo on Wednesday began vaccinating residents and employees against COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

Activists clear tents at Wailoa, leave garden. Activists occupying a portion of Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo were expecting state Department of Land and Natural Resource enforcement officers at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Resurrected Kanaka Garden Ordered To Stop. The Kanaka Garden has returned to Wailoa River State Recreation Area, and state law enforcement is already ordering those involved to cease and desist. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Some residents plea for Maui County COVID-19 task force, but Mayor Victorino not interested. 30 new cases of COVID-19 in Maui County reported Wednesday are part of an 81% rise in cases since December 22nd. The outbreak sparked some residents to hold a protest outside of Mayor Mike Victorino’s press conference Wednesday calling on him to accept more help in the form of a COVID-19 task force. KHON2.

Maui health officials focus on two large clusters of COVID cases. One cluster is at Maui Memorial Medical Center where officials said there were 14 positive patients on Thursday. The other cluster at Harbor Lights in Kahului has ballooned to 75 cases, according to county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Harbor Lights Cluster Rises to 75; Mayor Calls for Peace Amid Challenging Times. There are now 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 tied to the Harbor Lights cluster in Kahului, Maui, with more testing slated to get underway today. Maui Now.

Local restaurants and bars adapt to further county restrictions. Local bar and restaurant owners say the ever-changing rules and new restrictions placed on their businesses are growing more difficult, with one owner saying it’s definitely killing us. Maui News.

Kauai

Rise to Work provides nearly 300 jobs. In a Monday video, the County of Kaua‘i Kupa‘a Kaua‘i program announced 280 displayed workers on Kaua‘i were hired by 100 local employers into the Rise to Work program. Garden Island.

Monk Seal Killings On Kauai Highlight Human Threat To Endangered Species. A new study found that human activity was to blame for more than half of all known seal deaths in the islands over the past quarter century. Civil Beat.

Hawaii governor holds fast on travel testing requirements, surfing contests canceled, only 500,000 COVID vaccinations expected through May, Maui beach closed after naked, mask-less parties, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii beach fun ©2021 All Hawaii News

Ige has no plans to ease testing rules for visitors, despite calls to do so from tourism industry. With Hawaii’s visitor industry slow to rebound, tourism and business leaders are asking the state to modify its pre-travel testing program to make it easier for visitors to come. The response from the governor so far: That’s not going to happen. Hotel industry officials said the recent surge of the virus on the mainland has made it difficult for many travelers to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

State has no plans to change the Safe Travels Program until the CDC releases further guidance. Right now the state has no plans to change the Safe Travels Program at least not until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases new guidelines for travelers who have been vaccinated. KITV4.

The Continuing Clout Of Hawaii’s Public Worker Unions. Pushing back against Gov. David Ige’s threatened furloughs, government worker unions showed they still have ample political influence despite a 2018 Supreme Court decision some said would weaken the organizations. Civil Beat.

Citing concerns about crowds, state suspends surf contests in Hawaii until further notice. Citing health and safety concerns caused by the pandemic, the state pulled the plug on all surf contests Tuesday until further notice. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii facing largest recession in history. Hawaii's state economist believes it will be years before the negative financial effects of the pandemic disappear, even though conditions are expected to dramatically improve later this year. KITV4.

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Hawaii seniors, front-line workers next in line for COVID-19 vaccine shots. Hawaii has administered roughly a third of the nearly 83,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses the state has received so far. Star-Advertiser.

State Details List Of Who’s Next In Line For COVID-19 Vaccine. State officials said Tuesday they’re starting to offer COVID-19 vaccines to people older than 75 and a long list of essential workers, including child care workers, teachers and first responders as part of a newly refined Phase 1b. Civil Beat.

State to expand eligibility for COVID vaccine to those 75 and up, more essential workers. The state is preparing to launch a significant new phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, opening up eligibility to those 75 and older along with a host of essential workers ― from teachers to those who work on utilities to corrections officers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii begins second round of vaccinations for healthcare workers. It has been 21 days since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Hawaii and hospitals on Oahu are beginning to administer the second dose to healthcare workers to build-up protection against the virus. KHON2.

The state describes next phase of Hawaii's COVID-19 vaccination plan. Governor David Ige on Tuesday said more people in the state need to get vaccinated. KITV4.

Rollout of COVID vaccine for general population eyed for May. State officials hope to administer more than 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine throughout Hawaii by the end of May. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Vaccine Program Soon Available to Expanded Groups. High-ranking government and health officials convened in Honolulu Tuesday to detail the plan as it is outlined over the next several weeks, making two primary requests of the public during that time. Big Island Now.

Vaccination Update: Details on Rollout Outlined. Governor David Ige provided an update today on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts saying healthcare workers, residents and staff at nursing homes are currently getting vaccinated. Maui Now.

Air Force C-17 delivers vaccinations to National Guard troops. Hundreds of Hawaii National Guard personnel with the joint task force responding to COVID-19 are getting vaccinated, with some on neighbor islands receiving the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday from the back of a C-17 cargo aircraft during a brief stop. Star-Advertiser.

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As teachers look ahead to vaccinations, thousands of students return to classrooms. In-person learning resumed Tuesday for many schools across the state. The state Department of Education said the maximum capacity is 50% at one time on campus, but many schools put a cap even lower. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii will need to pay $59 million in interest to cover unemployment. Hawaii continues to borrow from the U.S. Treasury Department to cover island unemployment claims but has not figured out how to cover $59.8 million in interest payments that will come due. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed State Budget Would Cut 30% From Sex Abuse Treatment Funding. Lawmakers were briefed Tuesday on some ugly proposed state budget reductions, including a plan to cut $1.4 million from treatment services to sexual assault victims over the next two years, and another that would “eviscerate” state enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. Civil Beat.

Unidentified GIs who died in Philippines returned to Hawaii. The remains of some U.S. military personnel who died during World War II and were buried anonymously in the Philippines have been returned to Hawaii to try to determine their identities. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Jan. 5: 124 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 124 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 74 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, 12 on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and 16 state residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell’s Top Aide Lands City Council Gig To Cash In On Retirement Benefits. The six-month job will set up former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya for benefits he can access for the rest of his life. Civil Beat.

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Kapiolani Medical Center nurses to take strike vote. Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women &Children said they will take a strike authorization vote beginning Thursday after nearly five months of trying to negotiate a new contract with the hospital. Star-Advertiser.

Kapiolani Medical Center nurses faced with decision on whether or not to strike. Nurses will vote Thursday on whether or not they will strike in the middle of a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Natalie Iwasa Joins The HART Board. The government-spending watchdog and frequent rail critic known as “Bike Mom” will lend an independent voice, the House Speaker said. Civil Beat.

City and County of Honolulu participates in 2020 National Community Survey. This year’s survey includes questions about the quality of life, city services, policies and management of the City and County of Honolulu, as well as opinions on issues pertinent to O'ahu residents. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council confirmations: Rodenhurst squeaks through first step; Kern postponed. Mayor Mitch Roth’s pick for Public Works director squeaked through a sometimes tense confirmation hearing Tuesday after more than two hours of grilling by a split County Council panel. West Hawaii Today.

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State: ‘Kanaka garden’ at Wailoa park must be removed by 5 p.m. today. The state set a 5 p.m. deadline today for activists who have taken over a portion of Wailoa River Recreation Area in Hilo and planted a “kanaka garden” — as was done in 2012 and 2013 — to remove the plantings and other items or have them hauled away by Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers. Tribune-Herald.

State, Hawaiian Sovereignty Activists Square Off at Wailoa State Park. A showdown is brewing between a group of Hawaiian sovereignty activists and the state of Hawai‘i at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. Big Island Now.

DLNR orders activists occupying Hilo’s Wailoa River State Park to clear out. A group of activist claiming jurisdiction of a portion of land within Hilo’s Wailoa River State Park have been ordered by the DLNR to vacate the area.  Hawaii News Now.

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No decisions yet about how UH-Hilo will address governor’s proposed $5.7M budget cut. While some short-term cost-saving measures have already been implemented, University of Hawaii at Hilo administrators say no decisions have been made about how the campus will address a $5.7 million budget cut proposed by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii vog forecast program reports on latest Kilauea eruption. If you’re wondering whether vog from Kilauea Volcano will be headed to your neighborhood in the next couple of days, or you want real-time air quality on Hawaii island, then the Vog Measurement and Prediction Project can help. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

State shuts down Little Beach over big, maskless parties. After social media posts showing 400 people without masks partying Sunday at Little Beach in Makena, the state decided to shut down the area, known for drum circles, nudity, illegal alcohol and other illicit substances. Maui News.

Pu‘u Ola‘i “Little Beach” at Mākena State Park to Close Temporarily. State officials are implementing an immediate closure of Puʻu Olaʻi “Little Beach,” at Mākena State Park on Maui following reports on Sunday of beach parties with drum circles, nudity, illegal alcohol and other illicit substances, coupled with hundreds of mask-less people in close contact with one another. Maui Now.

State officials shut down Puu Olai Beach, also known as Little Beach, at Makena State Park due to large crowds with maskless dancers, blatant nudity. Officials said that social media posts from last Sunday show an estimated 400 people on the beach, dancing and participating in drum circles without masks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Closes Beach On Maui After Large Mask-Less Parties. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the parties at Puu Olai beach included nude people dancing in drum circles. Civil Beat.

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Mayor’s office employee has COVID-19, county says. The employee is asymptomatic and last worked in the Kalana O Maui county building Thursday. Maui News.

Maui mayor not exposed to COVID-19 after employee in his office tests positive. An employee in the Maui mayor’s office has tested positive for COVID-19, but officials said Tuesday the mayor was not exposed. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County staff member tests positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. One of Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino's staff members tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. KITV4.

Kauai

Kawakami shares 2021 goals, pandemic thoughts. Mayor Derek Kawakami sat down with The Garden Island to discuss reopening, economic recovery, and 2021 goals for his administration. Garden Island.

Marriott changing ownership, 457 laid off. Essex House Condominium Corporation, which operates as the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort &Beach Club, will cease operations in March. Garden Island.

New produce program launched. A Kaua‘i nonprofit, The MonkeyPod, launched their Kauai CSA (community-supported agriculture) Initiative box pick-up location in the middle of last month, at The Local Beet in Koloa. Garden Island.