Vacation rental cap looms, climate change bills die, Kouchi recovering from surgery, Ige to decide midwife license bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii vacation rental

Honolulu Council considers caps on vacation rentals, fines of up to $50,000 for rule breakers. Proposals before the City Council this week are aimed at drastically reducing the number of vacation rentals on Oahu -- and put in place big fines for lawbreakers. Hawaii News Now.

The Council will decide on measures to rein in short-term lodging. The latest version of Honolulu City Council Bill 89 (2018) — which is up for a final vote Wednesday — would allow homeowners who live in part of the home they're renting and have homeowners exemption to apply for one of an estimated 1,715 new vacation rental permits. Star-Advertiser.

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Dozens Of Climate Change Bills Went Down The Political Drain This Session. There was a lot of talk about the need to address sea level rise and other problems but virtually no action in the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat.

Sharks removed from marine protection bill. Hawaii’s shark population will be left to fend for itself, at least for another year, after legislation meant to protect the fish was altered at the 11th hour. West Hawaii Today.

New Act Establishes Licensure Of Midwives. Regulation of midwifery was repealed in 1998 when nurse-midwives were put under the purview of nursing board. Civil Beat.

Kouchi recovering after surgery. Senate President Ron Kouchi is recovering after successful rotator cuff surgery on Oahu Monday. Garden Island.

A new magistrate judge will start Wednesday at the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Wes Reber Porter replaces Magistrate Judge Richard Puglisi, who retired at the end of March, the district court said in a news release Monday. Civil Beat.

Queen’s chooses longtime health care executive to replace Art Ushijima as CEO.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Federal prosecutors detail case against Kealohas.  former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha and her retired Honolulu police chief husband, Louis Kealoha and three former members of the Honolulu Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit are scheduled to stand trial this month on charges that they staged the theft of the Kealohas’ mailbox, framed Katherine Kealoha’s uncle for it and lied about it to investigators. Jury selection starts Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Halawa Correctional Facility employee found dead in bathroom. An employee found dead today in a Halawa prison bathroom was the cook supervisor at the staff dining hall at the Halawa Medium Security Facility, the Department of Public Safety said. Star-Advertiser.

Employee Death at Halawa Correctional Facility. An employee at the Halawa Correctional Facility was found unresponsive in a staff bathroom at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2019, state officials confirmed. Maui Now.

To shore up finances, Wahiawa General will stop doing surgeries.  A Central Oahu medical facility that has been struggling financially for years is now cutting back on services. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools confirms case of mumps at Kapalama campus. Kamehameha Schools administrators sent home a letter to families Monday informing them of a case of mumps at the Kapalama campus. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha sends letter to parents after mumps case. The Kamehameha Schools sent letters to parents alerting them of a mumps case at the Kapalama campus. KHON2.

Utility work to close Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail May 9th through May 24th. Hawaiian Electric crews will close the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail above Wai'alae Iki while they install steel poles to support high-voltage lines feeding Windward and East Oahu. KITV.

Oahu home sales snap negative streak. Oahu home prices didn’t budge much in April, but the same wasn’t true for sale volume, which surged for single-family homes and plummeted for condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Volcanoes Park Seeing Visitors Return But Popularity Poses Issues. With the eruption now over, visitors have been returning in droves again. Officials see this as an opportunity to plan for better management of the park for the future.  Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature provides funds for improvements, new academic program, other needs at UH-Hilo. Among funding appropriated for the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the Legislature provided funds for a new academic program set to launch in the fall, athletics, custodial and maintenance positions, and other campus improvements. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands officials were put on the spot last week during a senate committee hearing concerning a contract to remove cattle from Humuula lands. Senator Kai Kahele told Hawaiian Home Lands administrators that "we're gonna have major problems" if the Humuula cattle removal contract goes to an off-island vendor. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii's Big Island sees home sales rise in April. There were 209 single-family homes sold last month, a 5.03 percent increase from 199 sold in April 2018. The median price of those homes was $355,000, a decrease of 8.69 percent from $388,800. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Complaint says stream water being wasted. Groups allege firms failing to maintain their infrastructure at Honokohau Stream. During a time when water rights issues are boiling over throughout the state, two groups representing West Maui taro farmers, environmentalists and families filed a complaint last week reporting that three companies are wasting water from Honokohau Stream. Maui News.

Hana Pasture Gets Grant for Conservation Protection. A coastal pasture in Hana, Maui is among a list of locations set to benefit from grant funding from the State Legacy Land Conservation Program.  The area includes 27 acres from Mokae to Makaalae in East Maui. Maui Now.

Lanai’s only small boat harbor could be privatized, worrying fishermen and boaters. Many fishermen and boaters on Lanai are angry after learning lawmakers recently passed a bill that calls for the privatization of the island’s only small boat harbor. House Bill 1032 is now awaiting Governor David Ige’s signature. Hawaii News Now.

TSA X-ray unit at airport repaired. A security checkpoint with a broken X-ray unit that slowed travelers Friday at Kahului Airport was repaired by midday Saturday, the Transportation Security Administration said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kekaha fish kill. State officials are saying an algae bloom killed hundreds of fish in a drainage canal between Waimea and Kekaha during the first week of May. Garden Island.

Tracking The Feral Cats That Kill Kauai’s Endangered Seabirds. Researchers are using satellite collars and other new tools to improve efforts to identify, isolate and dispose of the cats that pose the biggest risk. Civil Beat.

Kauai single-family home sales rise in April as condo sales stay flat. There were 57 single-family homes sold in April, a 42.5 percent increase from the 40 homes sold during the same month in 2018. The median price of those homes was $630,000, which was 0.79 percent less than the median price a year ago, which was $635,000. Pacific Business News.

Lanai

Lanai’s only small boat harbor could be privatized, worrying fishermen and boaters. Many fishermen and boaters on Lanai are angry after learning lawmakers recently passed a bill that calls for the privatization of the island’s only small boat harbor. House Bill 1032 is now awaiting Governor David Ige’s signature. Hawaii News Now.

Exploring Hawaii's coral reefs, slowing economy is new normal, raises for lawmakers but not minimum wage, Anderson to chair Honolulu council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coral reef ©2019 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s reefs provide more than $835M in flood protection, study shows. A new study places a dollar value on Hawaii’s reefs — not for their natural beauty or as a tourist attraction, but for their function in providing flood protection. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers put a dollar value on the protection coral reefs provide Hawaii shorelines ... and it’s big. Hawaii News Now.

Upcoming summit on climate change addresses more than just environment. Experts say the problem reaches into social, humanitarian, and even architectural matters. KITV.

Hawaii scientists develop technique using DNA to study coral reefs. With coral reefs coming under increasing threat from climate change, University of Hawaii at Manoa scientists have developed a technique that could help the biologists working to save them. Star-Advertiser.

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Economists say slower growth is ‘new normal’. University of Hawaii economists say the state’s slowing growth is becoming more entrenched and people had better get used to it. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers didn’t pass a minimum wage hike, but are getting raises of their own. State lawmakers who couldn’t reach a deal to increase Hawaii’s minimum wage of $10.10 an hour are being criticized for accepting pay raises for themselves. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers achieve mixed results on ethics and election reform. Hawaii’s 2019 legislative session was set to be a banner year when it came to ushering in campaign finance and election reforms and limiting the influence of money in politics — at least to hear leaders of the House tell it. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers wrapped up the 2019 session of the Legislature last week, adjourning after approving bills to decriminalize marijuana, launch new state-funded preschools and switch to mail-in voting for all elections beginning in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees on Thursday cut the $22,200 annual allowance for each trustee by two-thirds and placed other limitations on the funds. Star-Advertiser.

New Federal Rules Block Driver’s Licenses For Micronesians In Hawaii. State officials say new federal guidelines prohibit many Pacific Islanders from getting licenses and state IDs that comply with the REAL ID Act. Civil Beat.

Andy Winer, Longtime Schatz Chief Of Staff, Is Leaving. He plans to work as a consultant in the private sector. Civil Beat.

Commentary: The Legislature Really Blew It This Year. The people of Hawaii got lip service this session when it came to helping them in their time of need. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Mazie Hirono’s rancorous attacks play into Trump game plan. There’s a wise adage warning against wrestling with pigs: You just both end up covered in mud, and he loves it. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Set To Elect Ikaika Anderson Chair. Ann Kobayashi will be vice chair and Carol Fukunaga floor leader. Civil Beat.

Ozawa Won't Challenge City Council Special Election Results. Hawaii Public Radio.

Final State Audit On Rail Finds Overpayments To Contractors, Billing Issues. The audit relied on a small sample of invoices so it’s not clear whether those billing problems within HART extend to other rail contracts, the state auditor said. Civil Beat.

'Mighty Mo's' repairs continue as the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII nears. A chunk of the battleship USS Missouri’s superstructure is under wraps again as part of a $3 million restoration — the latest as the famous memorial continues its never-ending battle against rust, but more particularly, as the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II looms next year. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Refuses To Halt Construction At Waimanalo Beach. Hundreds of local residents are opposing the city’s plan to build a ball field complex at well-loved Sherwood Forest beach park. Civil Beat.

After layoffs, hotel workers wonder what's next for hospitality industry. The Modern Honolulu laid off about 30% of its workers last week after a timeshare company bought the hotel in April 2018. Now, tourism figures show timeshares and vacation rentals are on the rise statewide. KHON2.

Waianae farm steps up growth of produce and college grads. MA'O Organic Farms, which started in 2001 with 5 acres and today covers 45 acres, recently bought 236 acres in the valley that could make the unique enterprise Hawaii’s largest organic farm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim budget expands to 93 new employees. Proposed $583.9M budget is 12.7% higher than this year. West Hawaii Today.

As officials work on a recovery plan, residents lament lack of access to homes, property. Hawaii County officials are targeting the end of the year for developing a proposed recovery plan for lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

County wants critical look at 1992 landfill contract. In 1992, the county inked a generous, endless contract with Waste Management Inc. to create and operate a landfill at Puuanahulu. Then the courts gave the private garbage giant a little more. West Hawaii Today.

Coast Guard proposal would prohibit persons, vessels from Ironman swim course. A proposal to prohibit vessels and persons from encroaching on participants taking part in Ironman World Championship-related swim events within Kailua Bay is being floated by the U.S. Coast Guard. West Hawaii Today.

The Windward Planning Commission voted on Thursday to give a positive recommendation to an application for a development between Clem Akina Park and Dodo Mortuary in the Puueo section of Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Residents propose county buy Kona Vistas subdivision parcel. A group of residents opposing plans for a 450-unit development next to their neighborhoods is asking a county commission to propose the county buy the property to stop the development and instead preserve the area for the public. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Committee Approves Emergency Housing at Old UH Maui College Dorm. The measure recommended for passage on first reading by the County Council would authorize the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. for the construction of emergency housing at the former dormitory site. Maui Now.

25 years hence, recovery work continues on the island of Kahoolawe. In ancient times, the 45-square-mile island was a place where navigators learned to find their way across the Pacific. Anniversary of sign-over ceremony is a time for reflection and vision. Maui News.

Kauai

County nearing contract to track illegal vacation rentals. Even with the announcement Wednesday the county of Kauai will allow legal transient vacation rentals in the Lumahai, Wainiha and Haena area, the county has yet to implement new software that will be used to track illegal TVRs, something Planning Director Kaaina Hull has been tasked with spearheading. Garden Island.

Statues of Hawaii king and queen to reign in front of museum. Statues of past island royalty will soon begin their reign in front of a Hawaii museum. Associated Press.

Preserving plants and animals. Plants and forest birds aren’t the only endangered animals on Kauai — Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, Newell’s shearwaters, and the nene goose are all on the list as well. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

25 years hence, recovery work continues on the island of Kahoolawe. In ancient times, the 45-square-mile island was a place where navigators learned to find their way across the Pacific. Anniversary of sign-over ceremony is a time for reflection and vision. Maui News.

Sine die for Hawaii Legislature, Ige's top aide Fuchigami resigns, schoolteachers average $57,866, Kilauea anniversary marked, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House members sing 'Hawaii Aloha' at session end PC:Hawaii House Majority

Hawaii legislative session ends on a divisive note. The state Legislature on Thursday adjourned for the year without its traditional display of unity, when House and Senate members clasp hands and sing “Hawaii Aloha.” Star-Advertiser.

Senate Closes The 2019 Session With Some Sharp Divisions. The state House adjourned while highlighting its successes. The Senate, meanwhile, is left reflecting on its compromises and splits. Civil Beat.

Legislature Adjourns, Attention Shifts To Governor's Intent On Key Bills. Hawaii lawmakers wrapped up their 2019 legislative session Thursday with an olive branch extended to Gov. David Ige. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fate of bills now in governor’s hands as legislative session comes to a close. The 2019 legislature came to a close Thursday, and proposals that made it through the House and Senate now have one more hurdle before becoming law: Gov. David Ige. Hawaii News Now.

The 2019 Legislative session has officially ended. "Today I'm just going to be honest, this has been incredibly difficult," Senate President Ron Kouchi said.  A difficult session that ignited results, all the way to the very end. KITV.

Lawmakers wrap up 2019 legislative session. State lawmakers wrapped up their 2019 legislative session Thursday after several months of work at the state Capitol debating and passing bills, including measures reducing penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and establishing all-mail elections. Associated Press.

Despite Legislative Setbacks, Ige Sees ‘Progress’ For His Agenda. In the 2019 session many administration bills died, programs got less funding than sought and nominees faced tough grilling. Civil Beat.

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Ford Fuchigami leaving post as Gov. David Ige’s administrative director. It’s not clear why Fuchigami is stepping down. Star-Advertiser.

Ford Fuchigami To Leave Ige Administration. The top aide to the Hawaii governor will step down at the end of May. Civil Beat.

Vacation Rental Bill: Where Lawmakers Live Determined How They Voted. Legislators from beachfront communities largely opposed the vacation rental bill, while support came from lawmakers who haven’t seen a proliferation of the properties. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s average public school teacher salary in 2017-18 was $57,866, a 2% increase from the year before that ranks its pay 18th highest among the states, but falls below the U.S. average, according to a new analysis released by the National Education Association. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Executive Conference announced a partnership with Landed, a down payment assistance and homebuyer education program aimed at helping teachers and school employees afford to buy homes, to bring new homeownership options to K-12 educators across the state. Maui Now.

State Lawmakers Asking FAA To Take Action On Tour Helicopter Operations In State. State lawmakers are asking federal officials to either ground all tour helicopters in the islands or ban flights over residential neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Army manager got antique car, other bribes in exchange for contracting info. A former Schofield Barracks range operations manager pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to accept bribes in exchange for disclosing sensitive Army procurement details. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs high-rise fire safety bill. A measure making it easier for owners of older high-rise condominiums to meet stricter fire safety regulations was signed into law Thursday by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs Bill 96 relating to fire safety into law. Bill 96 gives condominium associations the power to decide whether or not to retrofit high-rises with sprinklers or complete a life safety evaluation. KITV.

Final State Audit On Rail Finds Overpayments To Contractors, Billing Issues. The audit relied on a small sample of invoices so it’s not clear whether those billing problems within HART extend to other rail contracts, the state auditor said. Civil Beat.

Union announces layoffs imminent at The Modern Honolulu hotel. Diamond Resorts has notified 78 workers at The Modern Honolulu that their positions are to be eliminated in the next 30 days, according to Unite Here Local 5, the labor union representing the workers. Star-Advertiser.

There have been 21 dog attacks at this Kakaako park in the last 3 years. State taxpayers could end up paying big after another dog attack near a Kakaako homeless camp. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea, One Year Later: Volcanic Hazards Remain A Threat. This Friday makes a year since Kilauea erupted, sending lava into residential communities on Hawaii Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

USGS

KILAUEA ERUPTION — ONE YEAR LATER: Displaced farmers face 'a long road ahead'. Tribune-Herald.

ONE YEAR AGO: Volcano Watch Details Eruption Start. Hawaii Public Radio.

One year anniversary - Kilauea: Reshaping the Aina. KHON2.

KILAUEA ERUPTION — ONE YEAR LATER: Midwife, husband vow to return to Leilani despite losing homes in two eruptions. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County residents continue to file for building permits in riskiest zones. Since the eruption subsided in August, county officials say, 127 people have pulled permits to build or rebuild in Lava Zone 1, which includes areas experiencing recent flows. Star-Advertiser.

Man who fell into Kilauea caldera in stable condition. A 32-year-old man airlifted to Hilo Medical Center on Wednesday evening after falling into the Kilauea caldera is a solider stationed at Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Pools of Oheo in Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District have reopened after issues with the stream monitoring system caused a closure three weeks ago. Maui News.

Community looks to crack down on illegal fireworks; meeting held Wednesday. Lack of evidence, authority make it tough to prosecute, search cargo. Maui News.

Maui staying vigilant in fight against rapid ohia death disease. Regular aerial surveys, sampling aim to keep island free of fungus deadly to tree. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Fruitful’ session, says Nakamura. State Rep. Nadine Nakamura said she thought it was an especially fruitful session for Kauai. Garden Island.


Robust reefs, fewer floods. Kauai’s coral reefs protect the island from about $11 million worth of damages every year, according to a new study released by the U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy and the University of California Santa Cruz. Garden Island.

For the seventh time in history, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared glyphosate unlikely to cause cancer in humans. On Kauai, glyphosate has been found in roughly one third of tested beehives, according to a 2018 study, with concentrations as high as 179 parts per billion. Garden Island.

Mail-in voting awaits Ige's signature, Oahu monster house bill becomes law, man falls into Kilauea crater, Honolulu-Princeville flights commence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How people fall into Kilauea crater ©2019 All Hawaii News

 Man Rescued After Fall Into Kilauea Caldera. A man fell in from a location by Steaming Bluffs Wednesday evening, and was later rescued and airlifted from the park. Big Island Video News.

Man who fell into Kilauea Caldera rescued after hours-long mission. Multiple rescue parties from the park and county worked together in the rescue operations. Nightfall and windy conditions reportedly made the rescue challenging. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Pass All-mail Elections, Automatic Recounts. Hawaii lawmakers have passed bills instituting all-mail voting and automatic recounts for races with narrow victory margins, measures lawmakers hope will boost voter turnout and confidence in elections. The bills now go to the governor, who hasn't indicated whether he'll sign them. Associated Press.

Mail-in voting bill OK’d. A bill that would require all statewide elections to be conducted by mail beginning with the 2020 primary is headed to Gov. David Ige for consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii is on the verge of a major increase in parking fines along state highways. The new surcharge is meant to keep sightseers from pulling over in dangerous areas. Hawaii News Now.

The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday posted an interactive map online to help visitors and residents learn of air quality conditions throughout the state. Civil Beat.

CBD products seem to be everywhere, and that’s got the state worried. The Health Department is warning businesses in the islands that sell cannabis-derived products that they risk “regulatory actions and penalties.” Hawaii News Now.

CBD in food and beauty products aren't FDA approved and could post health risks. KHON2.

Oahu

‘Monster house’ bill becomes law without mayor’s signature. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday allowed a bill designed to be a comprehensive policy on large-scale houses to become law without his signature, warning that it may go too far and have unintended consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell Asks City Council To Amend ‘Monster Homes’ Bill. The Honolulu mayor approves Bill 79 but points to Department of Planning and Permitting concerns. Civil Beat.

New limits on the construction of so-called "monster homes" will take effect immediately after Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed a regulatory measure to become law without his signature. Hawaii Public Radio.

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19 Army helicopters circle Oahu in rare flyover. An Army AH-64 Apache unit at Wheeler Army Airfield made some history Wednesday — and gained a lot of attention from the shore — by flying 19 of the wasp-like attack helicopters in formation around Oahu to celebrate an anniversary and demonstrate the squadron’s capability. Star-Advertiser.

A&B buys another Kapolei industrial property. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. continued its buying spree of industrial real estate on Oahu with the purchase of 36 acres used by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to mold concrete. Star-Advertiser.

Upcoming conference to generate millions in visitor spending. The Hawaii Convention Center will host nearly 2,500 participants from 32 countries for an annual scientific and educational conference for radiology professionals May 5-10, generating an estimated $9.4 million in visitor spending. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

2nd round of hearings set for revised Maunakea rules. Members of the public will have a second chance to weigh in the University of Hawaii’s proposed Maunakea administrative rules during a series of hearings next month. Tribune-Herald.

Farming slow to regrow after Kilauea eruption. Almost 14 square miles of Lower Puna was covered by lava, wiping out producers of papaya, ornamental flowers, nursery plants, macadamia nuts, avocados, coffee, noni, cacao, breadfruit, ginger, turmeric and more. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Nurses Association — which represents more than 70 nurses at North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea — is preparing for an informational picket on Saturday. The union says Queen's nurses at the Punchbowl and West Oahu hospitals earn $59.63 per hour while North Hawaii nurses get $47.45 which is about 20% less. Hawaii News Now.

County to replace Old Terminal Building with new comfort station. The Old Terminal Building at the Old Kona Airport Park will soon be a sight of the past. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Anaergia plan for waste-processing, energy-producing plant hits setback. Judge rules project at Kahului wastewater plant needs new EIS. Maui News.

Rampant Fireworks Use Sparks Concern, Discussion on Maui. An estimated 60 people attended a meeting on Tuesday night at Pomaikai School, focused on illegal fireworks and the rampant use in residential neighborhoods. Maui Now.

This Native Hawaiian Taro Farmer Has Been Fighting A&B For Decades. The result has been bittersweet. Stream water was restored to his East Maui land three years ago, but so many others gave up traditional taro farming during the long battle. Civil Beat.

Haleakala National Park’s stream monitoring system in Kipahulu has been repaired and the area known as the Pools of Oheo is now open. Maui Now.

Kauai

Makani Kai Air begins flights. The landing marks the first time in over 22 years Princeville will have constant direct flights to Honolulu. Makani Kai Air is offering two daily flights between Kauai and Honolulu. Garden Island.

Makani Kai Air today launched its new Honolulu to Princeville service today, making it the first carrier in 22 years to provide regulary scheduled service between the two destinations. Hawaii News Now.

TSA is hiring at Lihue Airport. The Transportation Security Administration is hosting a two-day recruitment event to hire Transportation Security Officers to work at Lihue Airport. Garden Island.

Legislature passes vacation rental tax bill, REIT tax; water rights bill dies, Maui mulls property tax hike, pilot in deadly copter crash was a newcomer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senators listen to debate PC: Hawaii Senate Majority

Vacation rental bill awaits Ige’s signature. A bill that critics say will aid the proliferation of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday following an emotional floor debate that centered on whether the state was forsaking good public policy to go after $46 million in potential revenue from unpaid transient accommodation taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Narrowly Votes To Tax Vacation Rentals. If signed by the governor, Airbnb and HomeAway could act as tax collectors on behalf of the state. Civil Beat.

State Senate Revives Vacation Rental Regulation. The State Senate revoted on and passed SB 1292 imposing short term rental taxes by a margin of 13-12. The bill, already approved by the House of Representatives, now goes to Gov. David Ige for signature or veto. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Senate narrowly passes vacation rental tax bill. The state Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a bill that would require websites such as Airbnb to collect and pay taxes on behalf of short-term vacation rental hosts, sending the measure to the governor. Associated Press.

Hawaii Senate narrowly passes vacation rental tax bill. Hawaii News Now.

Taxing of vacation rentals could become law. KHON2.

Senate votes to allow tax collection on vacation rentals. Pacific Business News.

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Senate Takes No Action On Water Rights Bill. Leaders say House Bill 1326 is dead for certain in the 2019 session, which wraps Thursday. Civil Beat.

Iconic Hawaii Properties Could Soon Pay More Taxes. Hawaii legislators voted overwhelmingly to impose a new corporate tax on real estate investment trusts, but now it’s up to the governor to decide. Civil Beat.

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Investment firm offers to help Hawaii teachers buy homes. A company that helps educators buy homes in high-cost communities has “landed” in Hawaii with a $25 million bankroll envisioned to help improve chronically poor public school teacher retention. Star-Advertiser.

Partnership Aims To Help Hawaii Teachers Buy Homes. A San Francisco company unveiled a new partnership with state education and business leaders to help school teachers afford to buy homes here. Civil Beat.

A new program announced today aims to help K-12 teachers in the state purchase a home. It's the result of a partnership with local leaders and a mainland firm with a connection to Mark Zuckerberg. Hawaii Public Radio.

New program is aimed at helping teachers buy in Hawaii, but union urges caution. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige, schools Superintendent Kristina Kishimoto and leaders with the Hawaii Community Foundation and Hawaii Executive Conference announced a partnership with San Francisco-based company, Landed, which helps a buyer get a shared home. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ballard addresses abuse allegations against 4 officers. The Honolulu Police Department is stepping up counseling and training in the wake of recent arrests of four officers linked to separate misdemeanor domestic violence charges. Star-Advertiser.

Why Is It So Hard To Fire Honolulu Police Sgt. Darren Cachola? Every year, a number of Honolulu police officers are investigated and even charged with domestic abuse. Civil Beat.

HPD officers accused in federal corruption case still getting pay checks. Lieutenant Derek Hahn, Officer Bobby Nguyen and Sergeant Danny Sellers are still paid Honolulu Police Officers, more than two years after the Department of Justice sent target letters and about 18 months after they were indicted by a federal grand jury. Hawaii News Now.

HPD Sergeant Convicted In Corruption Scheme Will Stay On The Job. There’s a limit to the number of days a police officer can go on leave without pay so the chief wants him to perform administrative duties. Civil Beat.
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Pilot in deadly chopper crash had moved to the islands just 20 days ago. Family members said the 28-year-old pilot killed Monday when a tour helicopter slammed into a busy Kailua street had moved to the islands just 20 days ago. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses plead guilty to more than 50 tax violations. Nine Oahu businesses pleaded guilty to dozens of counts of tax violations this week, according to the state’s Department of Taxation. Hawaii News Now.

Bulky-item pickup by appointment only debuts from Hawaii Kai to Foster Village. Starting May 15 residents from Foster Village to Hawaii Kai — including busy Waikiki — will have to go online to schedule appointments for bulky-item pickup service. Star-Advertiser.

High bacteria counts were found at various beaches in the Waikiki area including Kuhio Beach, Lanikai Beach shoreline, Kahanamoku Beach and Kuhio Beach. KITV.

Developer Irongate has set its sights on a lofty new expansion: The company is converting the penthouse floors in the Diamond Head Tower of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, into an exclusive fractional-­ownership club. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

If department heads had their way, there would be 51 new positions added to the county workforce on top of the 72 already proposed by Mayor Harry Kim. But the final budget Kim will send to the County Council on Friday will contain just a fraction of that. West Hawaii Today.

Tentative deal reached in brewery lawsuit. The parent company of Kona Brewing Co. has agreed on a tentative settlement with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed two years ago over allegations that the company’s packaging and advertising misleads customers. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island inmate to receive large settlement in case over a stolen lunch box. The state will pay a Big Island inmate more than $100,000 in a settlement after he claimed guards beat him up over a lunch box. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council budget committee OKs across the board tax hike that nets $17.7M more than mayor’s budget. Public hearing on proposed property tax rates May 10. Maui News.

Maui Court Voids Final EIS Approval for Kahului Sludge Farm. The waste-to-energy project is proposed for development by the County of Maui with Anaergia Services and its subsidiary MANA at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility near Kanaha. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pine reports $1.1 million 1st-quarter loss. Legal costs from lawsuits dating back 10 years contributed to loss. Maui News.

Kauai

BLNR lawsuit moves forward. A Fifth Circuit judge on Tuesday ruled that a lawsuit brought against the state Board of Land and Natural Resources by a Kauai concrete company over $1 million worth of sand can move forward. Garden Island.

County Council to consider audits. The Kauai County Council this morning will discuss authorizing the audits of several departments based on concerns about potentially illegal mismanagement of federal government funds, overtime abuse, pension spiking, low morale and managerial incompetence. Garden Island.

Legal TVRs can resume operations. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami has signed an eighth supplementary emergency proclamation for the County of Kauai, and has amended the emergency rule and order as it applies to legal Transient Vacation Rentals in the Lumahai, Wainiha, and Haena area. Garden Island.

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Kuhio Highway won’t reopen until late May. he reopening date for Kuhio Highway on the North Shore set for today has been postponed until the week of May 20. Garden Island.

Officials Postpone Kuhio Highway Reopening In Wake Of Community Concerns. State transportation officials plan to delay the full reopening of Kauai's Kuhio Highway until the week of May 20 following concerns raised by residents in the area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Controversial reopening of Kuhio Highway on Kauai is delayed. The state’s reopening of a 2-mile-stretch of Kuhio Highway, which has been closed to non-local traffic for more than a year, is now anticipated to take place May 20 — weather permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Full opening of Kuhio Highway is delayed by work on Waikoko bridge. KHON2.

Deadline today to resurrect water bill, more legislative shenanigans as sine die nears, Honolulu council passes vacation rental bills, tour helicopters scrutinized after fiery crash, Kauai's Kuhio Highway reopening uncertain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flume brings water down from the mountain ©2019 All Hawaii News

Last Chance For The Water Rights Bill. The Senate has only Tuesday to revive the contentious legislation. But a related court case remains in limbo. Civil Beat.

Donovan Dela Cruz Plays Hardball With Foes Of The Airbnb Tax. The Senate Ways and Means chairman is threatening to kill 15 other bills in order to get senators to flip their votes and revive Senate Bill 1292. Civil Beat.

McCartney’s DBEDT nomination heading to Senate. State Sen. Glenn Wakai recommended that the full Senate not confirm Mike Mc­Cartney to lead Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism during a hearing Monday, accusing him of poor communication with the Senate, lacking a vision for DBEDT, being short on details when it comes to policy matters and not following through on commitments. Star-Advertiser.

Ige signs firearms reporting bill. Gov. David Ige signed HB 720 (Act 23), establishing reporting requirements for gun owners. Garden Island.

Red Light Camera Bill Likely To Pass Legislature. A measure that would have implemented red light cameras at intersections will instead call for further study. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Governor George Ariyoshi received one of the state's highest honors Monday. Lawmakers inducted Ariyoshi into the Aloha Order of Merit at the State Capitol. KITV.

Southwest Airlines Announces $29 Interisland Fares. After completing an inaugural flight from Kahului to Honolulu yesterday morning, Southwest Airlines is offering $29 fares for interisland flights. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council committee passes 2 vacation rental bills. One bill would allow for up to about 1,715 newly permitted vacation rentals on the island, while the other would crack down on the thousands of illegal units on the island. Star-Advertiser.

City, Waste Management of Hawaii to pay $425K in settlement with EPA. The city and Waste Management of Hawaii will pay $425,000 as a part of a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu police officer charged in Kealoha mailbox case gets probation. Honolulu police Sgt. Daniel Sellers will not be going to jail for telling former deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha information he discovered in an investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Former HPD Sergeant Gets 1-Year Probation In Mailbox Theft Case. The first trial for former chief Louis Kealoha, his wife and two other officers is slated to begin May 13. Associated Press.

‘A humbled man’: Officer sentenced in connection with case against Kealohas. In federal court Monday, Sellers apologized for his actions, choking up as he spoke. Hawaii News Now.

In filings, Katherine Kealoha says she was ordered to tell officer to ‘stand down’. Hawaii News Now.

Confused By The Kealoha Cases? Here's A Catchup On Where Things Stand. He was Honolulu's Rolex-wearing police chief, an avid surfer who chatted with beat cops in Pidgin, Hawaii's creole language. She was his deputy city prosecutor wife, who drove a Maserati and led an elite unit targeting career criminals while showering lunches on colleagues, friends and even the workers renovating her home. Associated Press.

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Why Plans For A New Navy Dry Dock Leave Ship Repair Industry Divided. Proponents say a state plan to help a well-connected maritime firm is needed to save hundreds of jobs. Civil Beat.

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3 Dead In Kailua Tour Helicopter Crash. The aircraft went down on a road in a Kailua neighborhood. Fire and helicopter parts rained from the sky Monday in a suburban Honolulu community as a tour helicopter crashed and killed all three people aboard, officials and witnesses said. Associated Press.

Crash prompts calls for more scrutiny. Hawaii’s tour helicopter industry could face new regulatory head winds in the wake of Monday’s tragic helicopter crash, which killed all three people aboard when it went down in a dense Kailua neighborhood. Star-Advertiser.

Investigators to examine wreckage of a helicopter crash that left 3 dead. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmaker from Kailua wants all tour helicopters grounded until authorities assess Monday's helicopter crash. KITV.

Windward residents say they've been complaining for years about helicopters flying over their homes. Both Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Sen. Laura Thielen are asking the FAA to immediately halt tour operations in Hawaii until they find out what happened. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Lawmakers again fail to agree on measures for Banyan Drive redevelopment. Redevelopment of Banyan Drive will have to wait until next year once again after the failure of three bills earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects ballot measure abolishing minimum property tax. Some owners of vast Hamakua land holdings don’t pay much more in annual property taxes than an owner of a tiny lot on a Puna lava field, says Kevin Hopkins, who wants to make the county’s property taxes more equitable. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle tourism yet to recover. Visitor arrivals are only creeping back toward pre-eruption levels, prolonging economic pain for many businesses and workers in the state’s biggest industry. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Battle The Rat Lungworm Problem. More funding is leading to new discoveries as the parasite continues to sicken people in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Maui

Public Input Sought on Maui Wind Projects, May 22. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment concerning wind farm projects on Maui and throughout the state. Maui Now.

Threat of plastic pollution focus of presentation. The public is invited to a free presentation titled “Thinking Like an Island: How to Survive the Plastic Pollution Pandemic” that will be offered by Hannah Bernard from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wednesday meeting of Maui Nui Marine Resource Council at The Sphere at Maui Ocean Center. Maui News.

Kauai

Kuhio Highway reopening delayed? The Hawaii Department of Transportation didn’t confirm with The Garden Island before press time or answer any questions about the project, but several anonymous sources close to the situation said Monday the highway reopening will be delayed. Garden Island.

Minimum wage, vacation rental, police disclosure bills die, while red light cameras, hemp, suicide bills advance; Rapozo wants to be Kauai auditor, more than half Maui school not vaccinated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai ©2019 All Hawaii News

Ala Wai Canal: Flood Control Project Will Do Little To Clean Up the Polluted Waterway. Federal engineers could ease the impacts of its plan if it also worked to restore the local ecology, conservationists say. The agency says its hands are tied. Civil Beat.

Minimum Wage Increase Dead For 2019 Session. Concerns about different rates of increase and the impact to employer health care plans scuttled a deal. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have increased the state’s minimum wage from $10.10 an hour to $15 an hour was killed at the last minute Friday. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Shoot Down Airbnb Tax But Agree To Tax Big Real Estate Investments. A groundbreaking bill to collect revenue from real estate investment trusts moves ahead, but a plan to tax vacation rentals falls short. Civil Beat.

A bill that would have collected transient accommodations taxes from vacation rental platforms has died in a tie vote in the state Senate. The 12-12 vote came after impassioned discussion over whether the state should be collecting taxes from illegal vacation rentals without cracking down on them. Hawaii News Now.

It may soon be easier for mental health professionals and the court to force chronically homeless people with severe mental illnesses into treatment. Within hours of a deadline that would have killed the proposal, lawmakers voted unanimously Friday to pass changes to the the state’s Assisted Community Treatment Law. Hawaii News Now.

Red light cameras get green light. A proposed statewide red light detector system will first operate as a pilot program for at least a year. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii gun group aims to sue over ‘red flag’ law. SB 1466 would create a process that police or family members could use to petition Family Court for a protective order to prevent a person from accessing firearms if that person “poses a danger of causing bodily injury” to anyone, including himself or herself. Star-Advertiser.

Why The Police Misconduct Bill Failed To Pass The Legislature — Again. One lawmaker says the bill was too complex to pass this year. But another says the political will still just isn’t there. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Ag Department Likely To Get Hemp Program. Conferees at the Hawaii Legislature on Friday struck agreement on establishing a permanent industrial hemp program in the state’s Department of Agriculture. Civil Beat.

A bill headed to the governor’s desk would, if signed, change the state’s industrial hemp pilot program into a permanent program. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian salt could evaporate under federal ban. The FDA has issued a warning that the color additives used to make red and black Hawaiian salt—clay from Kauai and charcoal—are not approved as safe, thereby rendering the popular gourmet items technically illegal for sale. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Cuts Size Of UH Regents Board. House Bill 398 will reduce the numbers on the board from 15 to 11 and restructure the distribution of regents on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Legislature Passes Suicide Prevention Bills. The Hawaii State Legislature recently passed two measures to help suicide prevention and awareness efforts. Maui Now.

The spike in measles cases on the mainland is raising concern that the highly infectious and sometimes fatal disease could break out here as well. Star-Advertiser.

State officials worry low vaccination rates in some Hawaii schools may cause health risk. State law requires all students from kindergarten to 12th grade to meet immunization requirements to go to school. KITV.

Oahu

‘Monster’ house bill would punish builders for lying. A bill that makes it a misdemeanor to lie to a government investigator or inspector during a building inspection won approval from both houses of the state Legislature last week and is now awaiting action from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Mounting city fines don’t deter owner building monster home on steroids. The city has fined the owner of a Kalihi monster home more than $124,000 after he ignored orders to stop building a year and a half ago. Hawaii News Now.

Hirono Urges for Federal Funding to Clear Rape Kit Backlog. On a visit to the Honolulu Police Department Headquarters on Wednesday, Sen. Mazie K. Hirono highlighted the important role of federal funding in helping Hawaii law enforcement clear a backlog of 1,500 untested rape kits statewide. Maui Now.

Get ready for a fare war: Southwest launches inter-island service. Southwest Airlines launched its new inter-island service Sunday, with four round-trip flights between Honolulu and Maui and introductory fares as low as $29. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest inter-island flights take off between Kahului and Honolulu. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Next Round Of Hearings On Mauna Kea Rules Set For June. Another hearing will be held in Hilo and in Waikoloa, as the University of Hawaii invites the public to provide feedback on the latest draft. Big Island Video News.

Big Island to get bomb squad rig. The state recently awarded a $306,947 contract to Rainbow Chevrolet to provide three bomb squad vehicles, one each for Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties. West Hawaii Today.

A project that would add 111 affordable housing units to West Hawaii is moving closer to reality. The Kaloko Affordable Housing Project upon completion would build out 111 two- and three-bedroom units on 10.75 acres off Hina Lani Street about 2 miles mauka (east) of Ane Keohokalole Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Major mixed-use plan marches forward. A development carrying about 300 residences and more than 200 hotel rooms passed a major milestone earlier this month when the county’s Planning Department determined the $65 million project won’t have significant environmental impacts on the area. West Hawaii Today.

Testing finds extremely high oxybenzone levels at Kahaluu Bay. The Kahaluu Bay Education Center last April commissioned testing to measure bay waters for the presence of oxybenzone, a chemical compound found in sunscreens and known to be harmful to coral ecosystems. West Hawaii Today.

Kalanianaole Avenue improvements continue. Work will widen Kalanianole Avenue from Kanoelehua Avenue to Kuhio Street to allow for a concrete sidewalk on the makai side, a paved shoulder on the mauka side, bicycle lanes in each direction, one through lane in each direction, a shared turn lane and installation of a 12-inch diameter waterline. Tribune-Herald.

Pahoa businesses still struggle while creating new attractions. A year after lava from Kilauea Volcano began shooting out of the ground on May 3, choking off tourism and destroying more than 700 homes, Pahoa town still needs any help it can get. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Number of students exempt from vaccinations growing. Haleakala Waldorf School has highest rate of unvaccinated students in state. Maui News.

More than half of Maui school exempted from vaccination. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to limit tour boats at Molokini sails through Legislature. Boat operators voice support for amended measure. Maui News.

Town hall planned to address control of illegal fireworks. Residents have expressed concern over the increase in violations, impact on people, animals. Maui News.

Kauai

County moves closer to selecting auditor. The County of Kauai and the County Council have begun the hiring process for a county auditor, according to one applicant, Mel Rapozo. Garden Island.

The National Tropical Botanical Garden has announced that the Limahuli Garden & Preserve will reopen soon. The garden has been closed since the April 2018 flooding which had major impacts on the garden’s infrastructure. Garden Island.

Trump Jones Act waiver could save Hawaii shipping billions, scrambling at state Capitol as legislative session nears end, UH volleyball coach Wade accused of sexual misconduct, Maui mulls $832M budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson shipping courtesy photo

Possible Trump waiver to Jones Act watched closely. The Trump administration is said to be considering a 10-year waiver to the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged vessels to deliver natural gas to Puerto Rico — and possibly nationwide — creating the latest dust-up over the controversial century-old maritime law. Star-Advertiser.

A Flurry Of Deal-Making At The Hawaii Legislature As End Of Session Looms. Stay tuned. More decisions are coming Friday, the deadline for bills to clear conference committee. Civil Beat.

State Senate poised to accept a proposal to allow vacation rental platforms to collect Hawaii taxes. The state Senate appears poised to accept a bill tonight that would authorize vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state, a development that triggered a last-minute lobbying push at the state Capitol today by the hotel industry and the hospitality workers union Unite HERE Local 5 to try to block the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to Expand DUI Law Dies. State lawmakers chose to kill a bill that proposed expanding Hawaii’s impaired driving laws after they failed to reach an agreement on the measure in the waning hours of conference committee hearings Thursday. Civil Beat.

Stricter DUI penalties may be on the horizon. The Legislature is set to pass a bill that would significantly stiffen penalties for drunken driving offenses, including making it a felony if a driver is convicted three times of driving under the influence within 10 years — a charge that carries the possibility of up to five years’ imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agreed to $19.7 million of extra funds for positions and other programs at state departments over the next two fiscal years. The agreement reached Thursday in House Bill 116 is in addition to a $16 billion spending plan lawmakers approved in March. Civil Beat.

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Funding passes for multiple construction projects. Hawaii lawmakers unveiled a state construction budget for the next two years that totals more than $3.4 billion in projects to be funded with state, federal and other funds, including injections of funding into affordable housing, airport projects and school construction. Star-Advertiser.

$3.4 billion budget agreed for renovations, repairs, construction, land acquisition statewide. Over $3.4 billion was agreed on by the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Conference Committee today. The bill for the 2020-2021 fiscal years will now move to the full House and Senate for a final vote. KHON2.

House & Senate Committee Agree on $3.4 Billion CIP Budget. The bill now moves to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Big Island Now.

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Fight Over Coffee Labeling Stalls at State Capitol. Hawaii’s coffee farmers have failed again to gain additional protections for their crop. Hawaii Public Radio.

Internal affairs case opened after Public Safety’s head trainer accused of puffing up resume. The Public Safety Department has launched an internal investigation the head of training for more than 1,000 deputy sheriffs and corrections officers statewide. Hawaii News Now.

As HMSA Changes Doctors' Pay To Lower Costs, State Isn't Monitoring. Some of Hawaii doctors say they are struggling financially under the Hawaii Medical Service Association's new payment model, arguing it is exacerbating the state's serious physician shortage and extending wait times for patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

The leadership team of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations held a roundtable with Lieutenant Governor Josh Green on April 23, 2019 at the State Capitol. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green asked Hawaiian homeland leaders to identify two sites per island where his office and homestead associations can collaborate to build kauhale, or transitional group homes and affordable rentals. Maui Now.

Ed Case: Some PAC Money Is OK As Long As He Knows Where It’s Coming From. As Democrats renounce corporate PACs, the Hawaii congressman still takes their cash so long as their interests align with his own. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Volleyball Coach Accused Of Sexual Misconduct. A nonprofit organization that investigates sexual misconduct for the U.S. Olympic Committee has been looking into allegations that University of Hawaii men's volleyball coach Charlie Wade engaged in sexual misconduct with a former female player. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii stands by volleyball coach accused of misconduct. The University of Hawaii is standing by volleyball coach Charlie Wade as it reviews allegations of misconduct against him. Star-Advertiser.

'Bows volleyball coach ‘strongly denies’ allegations of sexual misconduct. The head coach of the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team “strongly denies” decades-old allegations of sexual misconduct that have resurfaced in recent days. Hawaii News Now.

UH Manoa responds to allegations against men's volleyball coach. A week ahead of the National Championship tournament, UH men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade is accused of possible misconduct against a female athlete. KHON2.

UH men's volleyball head coach under investigation for sexual misconduct. Trouble for the head coach of the top-ranked UH Manoa men's volleyball team. Charlie Wade's under investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport regarding an allegation of misconduct with a female athlete. KITV.

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Cost of repairing convention center’s roof soars to $50M. That’s almost double what Hawaii Tourism Authority had anticipated it would cost to complete the circa-1998 center’s largest deferred maintenance project. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo split over changes to park. Waimanalo residents are being asked to show up at a community meeting tonight to voice support or opposition for athletic fields and other planned improvements at the 75-acre Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwood Forest. Star-Advertiser.

Estranged wife sues Honolulu police officer and HPD. The estranged wife of a Honolulu police sergeant charged with abuse has filed a civil lawsuit against him and the Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Over 8 years, nearly 62,000 more people left Oahu for other counties than came in. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lifeguards have been funded for Kua Bay. Six years after legislators began the effort to bring full-time life-saving personnel to the North Kona state beach known for its beauty and danger, funding was included in the state budget for lifeguards at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Cardiac funding bill stalls. A bill that would further fund Hilo Medical Center’s interventional cardiac program has stalled in the final stages of the legislative process. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects special election. Citing the cost and prospect of a low turnout, the Charter Commission on Thursday rejected the idea of a special election devoted to charter amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Here’s how to watch Merrie Monarch 2019 on air or online. The biggest event in the hula community is here. This week, hula halau across the state will take the stage and compete for top honors in three nights of competition at Merrie Monarch 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council committee releases $832M budget and tax proposals. Budget invests in environmental programs, tourism impacts, is $51M more than mayor’s. Maui News.

Maui County hotels led the state overall in revenue per available room at $337, with an average daily rate of $428 and an occupancy rate of 78.6%. The first quarter of 2019 data was compiled in the latest Hawaii Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tourism takes downward turn. Kauai had 123,730 visitors in March, down 1.3 percent from March 2018. For the first three months of the year, Kauai has welcomed 333,961 visitors, down 1.4 percent from the first three months of 2018. Garden Island.