Governor unveils supplemental budget, Honolulu police shootings spike, Obamas here for the holidays, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige unveils budget ©2019 All Hawaii News

Governor Wants More Money For Teachers, Infrastructure. Hawaii Gov. David Ige wants to spend an additional half a billion dollars over the next two years on state government operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige Proposes Significant Spending Hikes to Operating, CIP Budgets. Hawai‘i will spend almost $2 billion more over the next two fiscal years than previously budgeted, assuming the Hawai‘i State Legislature approves the proposal Gov. David Ige announced Monday. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige lays out upcoming priorities in budget proposal. Gov. David Ige presented his latest budget proposal Monday. It outlined his focus in areas he’s hoping to improve. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Ige unveils supplemental budget for 2020, 2021. Ige's asking for increases of more than $62 million for fiscal year 2020, and an increase of $429 million for fiscal year 2021. KITV.

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Why Corrupt Public Employees In Hawaii Keep Their Pensions. For those convicted of abusing public office, the pension payments don’t stop at the guilty verdict. Civil Beat.

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Rep. Ed Case Will Vote To Impeach Donald Trump. Still unknown is where Rep. Tulsi Gabbard will stand when the full House votes as expected this week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Congressman Ed Case says he will vote to impeach Trump. U.S. Rep. Ed Case says he will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case to vote in support of Trump's impeachment. The Congressman says President Donald Trump abused the powers of the presidency by ignoring and injuring national security, and betraying the nation. KITV.

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Obama back on Oahu for the holidays. The Obamas once again appear to be planning to spend the holidays on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Discussion addressed potential solutions to youth vaping epidemic in Hawaii. A round table at the state capitol Monday with lawmakers, medical professionals and families discussed the youth vaping epidemic in Hawaii. KITV.

Hawaiian Immersion May Get More State Support After Years of Community Activism. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court recently ruled in a landmark case that the state is constitutionally required to provide reasonable access to Hawaiian immersion education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Gov. Ige proposes additional $20 million for OCCC in supplemental budget plan. The governor proposed his supplemental budget today, and added $20 million for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. KHON2.

State Budget: Ige proposes funding for schools, jail replacement. ov. David Ige says the state is serious about buying the Federal Detention Center near the Honolulu airport to house inmates from Hawaii’s overcrowded correctional system, but acknowledges it would literally require an act of Congress to make the deal happen. Star-Advertiser.

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A Honolulu police officer pleaded guilty today to depriving a homeless man of his civil rights by forcing him to lick a public urinal. John Rabago, who remains on restricted duty, and Reginald Ramones, who left the department in August, were arrested and charged earlier this year with conspiring to deprive the man of his civil rights. Associated Press.

Officer pleads guilty to forcing homeless man to lick toilet. A Honolulu police officer admitted in court Monday that he forced a homeless man to lick a toilet in order to avoid arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Technicality means the Kealohas could get less prison time in mailbox case. A victory for the Kealohas in federal court Monday as a judge ruled against prosecutors in a decision that could affect their prison sentences. Hawaii News Now.

Another officer-involved shooting in West Oahu leaves man in ‘extremely critical condition’. This comes just a day after police shot and killed a man who opened fire on them in Kalihi. Hawaii News Now.

Man dead after being shot by police. A 34-year-old man fatally shot by plainclothes officers at a car dealership in Kalihi may not have actually fired his gun at that location. Star-Advertiser.

WATCH: HPD Chief Susan Ballard speaks to press about this morning’s officer-involved shooting in Kalihi. KHON2.

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Honolulu Homeless Sweeps Will Continue Despite Supreme Court Decision. Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for the immediate halt of sweeps, but Honolulu says it will continue pushing homeless people out of public areas. Civil Beat.

Bus fare increase gets initial approval. Bus fares would rise a quarter to $3 per trip while seniors and youths would pay $1.50 under a plan given tentative approval Monday by the Honolulu Rate Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Protesters to halt sit-in at UH Manoa campus. The Bachman Hall sit-in was launched in August, a month or so after protesters on Hawaii island took up positions at Mauna Kea Access Road to block construction of the $1.4 billion telescope project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ige: State spends $15 million on Maunakea access. Addressing the issue of state costs incurred during the Maunakea standoff while speaking at a briefing for media of the state’s supplemental budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, Ige said he asked his department heads to “incorporate estimates of what we think is necessary” and “contingency requests” in the supplemental budget. Tribune-Herald.

Baltimore foundation wants to give away neglected Naalehu Theater — but accepting decaying gift not that easy. Baltimore Sun.

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Deal reached to preserve Ka’u coast. The Ka‘u community has been working for decades to protect their beloved 80-mile coast to honor their kupuna and empower future generations to perpetuate their rural, subsistence lifestyle. West Hawaii Today.

Agreement Preserves 2,300 Acres At Big Island’s Waikapuna. The Kau land holds special cultural and historical meaning for Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

2,317-Acre Waikapuna Becomes First PONC Conservation Easement. With help from the State and the County, the Ala Kahakai Trail Association purchased the land, which is now encumbered by a perpetual conservation easement owned by the County. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Supplemental Budget Includes Funds for Lahaina Bypass and Increased Security at Maui Jail. On Maui, there’s $70 million for the Lahaina Bypass and an additional $560,000 for 15 positions at Maui Community Correction Center to increase security. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Rings in New Kahului to Las Vegas Service. Maui residents looking to experience Hawai‘i’s “Ninth Island” can now enjoy non-stop service to Las Vegas with Hawaiian Airlines’ new four-times-weekly flights between Kahului Airport and McCarran International Airport. Maui Now.


Kauai

$1.4M for Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital CT scan room. State Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura said that Gov. David Ige has released $1.4 million in general obligation bonds to be used for improvements at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, CT scan room. Garden Island.

Bigger boulders protect salt beds. There aren’t as many vehicles lined up along the beach at Salt Pond as there have been in the past, thanks to community members and the county working together to protect their natural resources. Garden Island.

Molokai

MEO gets ADA bus on Molokai. Maui Economic Opportunity has added a new ADA wheelchair-accessible bus to its fleet on Molokai, the nonprofit announced Friday. Maui News.

University officials grilled over budget, Honolulu mayor signs plastics ban, Kauai woman, Mormon church, settle over child sex assault claims, Mauna Kea obstruction defense cites war crimes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii - Hilo ©2019 All Hawaii News

UH Executive Salary Hikes, $2.7M Enrollment Contract Under Scrutiny. State lawmakers grilled University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Friday about the university's spending, focusing on a $2.7 million consultant contract to increase enrollment and recent salary increases for UH vice presidents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senators question University of Hawaii officials over spending and raises. State senators grilled University of Hawaii President David Lassner on Friday for hiring an outside firm to help recruit new students and giving his vice presidents raises when student enrollment overall has dropped. Star-Advertiser.

Senators Think UH Regents Are ‘Too Cozy’ With Officials. A Senate panel will be digging into university issues in the next month. Civil Beat.

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State employees say supervisors are spying on them with taxpayer-funded cameras. Over the course of the last year, an additional set of surveillance cameras have been installed at the state parole office on Alakea Street. Hawaii News Now.

State budgets $2.5M to replace state Capitol’s carpeting. The price tag for a project to replace the carpets in offices and meeting rooms on four floors of the state Capitol is approaching $2 million, with crews working seven days a week to get the first phase of the job finished in time for the Jan. 15 opening of the state Legislature, according to state Comptroller Curt Otaguro. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Single-use plastic ban becomes law on Oahu. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Sunday signed into law one of the nation’s strictest bans on plastics, which will prohibit all single-use plastic plates, bowls, cups and serv­ice ware on Oahu by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor signs Plastic Ban into law. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signs one of the strictest plastics ban into law Sunday following a 7-2 vote on the City Council level earlier this month. KHON2.

Bill 40 signed into law, banning most disposable plastics on Oahu by 2022. Supporters say protests from Hawaii's food manufacturers and restaurant owners allowed them to work together to include exemptions for local businesses. KITV.

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Ala Moana park playground backers announce relocation. A nonprofit group that has been working to build an inclusive playground at Ala Moana Regional Park announced Saturday that it now will focus on building the playground at Kakaako Makai Gateway Park. Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Playground Moving To Kaka'ako From Ala Moana. An inclusive playground planned at Ala Moana Regional Park will instead be built in Kaka'ako Makai Gateway Park, the group that lobbied for the project announced Saturday. Hawaii Public Radio.

A controversial playground planned for Ala Moana is headed to Kakaako. Supporters of a controversial playground at Ala Moana Beach Park officially announced Saturday that they are moving the project to Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

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HART Reversed Course And Fired Embattled Employee. HART’s top executive has declined to say who advised the rail agency regarding former agency information specialist, Russell Yamanoha. Civil Beat.

Aiea Board Gives Its Blessing To Preliminary Plans For A New Jail. In a surprise move, after early indications they would oppose the project, the Aiea Neighborhood Board has given its blessing to the state’s next planning steps toward building a new jail in Halawa to replace the decrepit Oahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. Civil Beat.

Naval Air Museum Barbers Point cleaning up after eviction. The Naval Air Museum Barbers Point is busy clearing out exhibits and displays since getting evicted by the state over five weeks ago. KITV.

Spalding House’s closure brings mixed emotions, memories to those who loved it. The parking lot at Spalding House, the museum tucked away in Makiki Heights, has been packed this month as dozens of visitors walk its grounds one last time. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County bill seeks to update energy code. Proposed amendments to the county’s conservation code intended to reduce power use and construction costs will be discussed at a county committee meeting next week. Tribune-Herald.

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Attorneys Plan To Argue State Engaging In “War Crimes”. Attorneys representing some of the kupuna arrested on the Mauna Kea Access Road in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope plan to fight obstruction charges on grounds that are related to the occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Big Island Video News.

5-year window for state to reimburse Hawaii county for Mauna Kea law enforcement. It took the state and county to November 1 to sign their written agreement on how the state will reimburse the county for police overtime relating to the blockade. Hawaii News Now.

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With Highway 132 open, county officials focus on recovery efforts for other lava-hit areas. About 13 miles of public roads were inundated by lava during the eruption last year, including portions of Highway 132, Highway 137, Pohoiki Road, Leilani Avenue, Hinalo Street, Honuaula Street and Lighthouse Road. Tribune-Herald.

Kimball launches council campaign. Surrounded by a small but vocal crowd of supporters yelling out a paddler’s cheer, Heather Kimball on Friday launched her campaign for the open County Council District 1 seat. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Vacation Rental Fine Hikes to Take Effect. Beginning Dec. 27, illegal short-term vacation rentals will be fined $20,000, plus another $10,000 each day the operation continues. Maui Now.

Nonresidents Will Soon Have to Pay for Parking at Big Beach. Beginning the first week of January, nonresidents will have to pay $5 for parking at the Makena State Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Friday. Maui Now.

Illegal Parking, Trespassing at Jaws Challenge Sparks Community Concern. Representatives from the Hana Highway Regulation committee say they received numerous complaints from Haʻikū residents regarding illegal parking and trespassing on private property during the contest on Thursday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Settlement reached in church suit. The Mormon Church has settled a lawsuit by a Kauai woman, who accused a missionary of molesting her as a child. Garden Island.

Kuhio Highway closures begin today. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds the public of temporary full closures on Kuhio Highway at Mile Marker 1, the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge. Garden Island.

Prison oversight panel takes shape, Kaneshiro impeachment setback, herbicide ban vetoed, car towing for DUIs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bunks at Hilo jail, Hawaii's most crowded ©2019 All Hawaii News

Critics: New Hawaii Prison Commissioners Too Connected To Long-Troubled System. The new state commission is supposed to bring a new vision for prisons. But it’s made up of people who have been part of the problem. Civil Beat.

Case Takes His Time To Make A Historic Decision On Impeachment, The Hawaii congressman says he wants to see if President Donald Trump has a “plausible explanation” for his conduct before making up his mind. Civil Beat.

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Judge Rules American Samoans Are US Citizens. A federal judge in Utah ruled denying birthright citizenship to people born in American Samoa is unconstitutional. Civil Beat.

US should recognize American Samoans as citizens, judge says. People born in the territory of American Samoa should be recognized as U.S. citizens, a federal judge in Utah decided Thursday in a case filed amid more than a century of legal limbo but whose eventual impact remains to be seen. Associated Press.

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DOH: Hawaii Needs To Remain On Guard Against Measles. Hawaii is unlikely to see a measles outbreak at the scale of what Samoa has experienced, but its location in the Pacific heightens the risk for imported cases. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Kaneshiro impeachment effort suffers setback. The effort to remove Keith Kaneshiro as city prosecutor suffered a small setback Thursday when the Hawaii Supreme Court rejected a request to require a lower court judge to reopen the impeachment case that he dismissed. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu businesses have until the end of the month to switch from using plastic bags. Businesses in Honolulu have until the end of the month to stop using plastic or non-biodegradable bags. KITV.

HPD adding more detectives to combat rash of violent crimes. Authorities are asking the elderly to travel in groups after a huge spike in purse snatchings lately. Hawaii News Now.

Ewa Wind Farm Seeking Community Input. The large project is awaiting word from Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

Homeless seniors check out city-backed apartments. Ten low-income, homeless seniors — most of whom are living in transitional shelters — got their first glimpse of their new studio apartments Thursday and proclaimed them “beautiful” and “nice.” Star-Advertiser.

Volunteers help patch up Waikiki walkways. Crumbling, cracked and lifted sidewalks in Waikiki are a hazard for pedestrians and contribute to Hawaii’s ranking by the National Complete Streets Coalition as No. 1 in the nation for fatalities among pedestrians age 65 and older. Star-Advertiser.

What To Know About Oahu Real Property Assessments Coming To Mailboxes Soon. The city plans to send out real property assessment notices for the 2020-2021 tax year by Dec. 15. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waipahu High incorrectly announced there was an active shooter on campus. Waipahu High School caused some panic Thursday when they incorrectly announced there was an active shooter on campus while police were searching for armed suspects in the area. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim vetoes herbicide bill. Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday exercised his first veto of this term, sending a ban on county herbicide use back to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Public gets information about draft waste management plan. Environmentally minded residents had mixed feelings about the county’s proposed new solid waste management plan during a public information meeting Wednesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill to Tow Drunken Drivers Passes First Reading. A new bill that would allow police to tow the vehicles of drunken drivers upon arrest passed its first reading before the Maui County Council on Thursday. Maui Now.

Drunken drivers may get towed. Bill would allow police to remove vehicles after DUI arrestsThose who get arrested for drunken driving may have their vehicles towed on the spot, according to a bill up for first reading before the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Olowalu project includes 59 units. A new affordable housing proposal for undeveloped West Maui land is on the horizon, and landowner Peter Martin will be asking to fast-track the project early next year if all goes according to plan, the project manager said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Police finances under investigation. The Hawaii State attorney general’s office is investigating the Kauai Police Department’s finances. Garden Island.

Hawaii GOP commits to Trump, Big Island ethics board to investigate Mauna Kea road blockade, Ala Moana park plan moved to Kakaako, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elephants at Honolulu Zoo ©2019 All Hawaii News

Audit raises concerns about donation record-keeping, outdated facilities at zoo. A blistering audit of the troubled Honolulu Zoo is drawing mixed reactions from elected officials. The zoo lost its accreditation in 2016 and since then it has been an uphill battle to get it back. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii GOP commits all delegates to Trump. The Hawaii Republican Party has canceled plans for its statewide presidential preference poll and committed all 19 of its national convention delegates to back the reelection of President Donald Trump, the party announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige Pleased With Hawaii’s High Credit Rating. Fitch Ratings has upgraded the state’s general obligation bond rating from AA to AA+. Civil Beat.

Paid Family Leave Likely For Nearly 20,000 Federal Workers In Hawaii. The legislation is part of bipartisan defense authorization negotiations. Civil Beat.

The New NextEra? HECO Is Fighting This Mainland Firm’s Bid For Control. Hawaiian Electric Industries faces an aggressive campaign by a $15 billion hedge fund used to getting its way. Civil Beat.

Sailor’s suicide while on armed watch preceded deadly shipyard shooting.  A week after a deadly shipyard shooting in which a sailor opened fire and then killed himself, HNN is learning of another submariner’s suicide weeks earlier that also happened while the service member was on armed sentry duty. Hawaii News Now.

Divers use WWII-era gear for interment of USS Arizona crew member. Two Army divers gave a unique World War II sendoff to USS Arizona crew member Lauren Bruner when his ashes were interred on the sunken battleship Saturday, the 78th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Proposed Ala Moana playground headed to Kakaako. A group that has been planning to build an “inclusive” public playground at Ala Moana Regional Park is bowing to public pressure and agreeing to work with the community to instead place the facility on Kakaako park lands recently obtained by the city. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses, Company Reach Settlement On Kakaako Roads. The state attorney general isn’t part of the deal, so the suit continues toward its April trial date. Civil Beat.

Cyber Attack Halts Radiation Treatment By Oahu Cancer Center. Cyber attacks like those suffered by the Cancer Center of Hawaii in November have grown in frequency against medical providers in the state and nationwide. Civil Beat.

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City unveils mobile outreach center to help move homeless off the streets. The city unveiled new tents that are part of a mobile project to help homeless individuals and families transition into shelter and permanent housing. Hawaii News Now.

Inflatable structures unveiled to handle homelessness issues. Hawaii’s newest idea to reduce homelessness by quickly inflating portable structures to triage homeless people’s issues went up to applause on the lawn next to the Honolulu Police Department Wednesday before it moves to Waipahu Culture Garden Park Friday night for no longer than 90 days. Star-Advertiser.

City shows off new equipment for homeless hub. In a few days, new, inflatable tents will go up in the Waipahu Cultural Garden to help get people off the streets and into shelters or permanent housing. KITV.

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Medical waste, including used needles, causes major traffic slow-down. Drivers heading west near the Campbell Industrial Park off-ramp ran into a major slow-down during Wednesday’s pau hana commute. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board to investigate Maunakea road blockade. Is it an ethics matter if some people break the law with apparent impunity while others get punished? West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board: No conflict for Roth to prosecute TMT cases. Mitch Roth does not have a conflict of interest prosecuting cases from the standoff on Maunakea, but he should remove himself from any involvement in the cases to allay public concerns, the county Board of Ethics said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Ethics Board Says No Maunakea Conflict For Prosecutor Roth. The Hawaiʻi County Board of Ethics decided Wednesday that there is no conflict of interest for Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth when it comes to prosecuting the arrests of those opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Big Island Video News.

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Green discusses Hawaii health care at cancer summit. Lt. Gov. Josh Green discussed health care in Hawaii during the 2019 Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition Summit on Wednesday at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Central Maui Landfill to Accept Residential Green Waste on Sundays. Beginning Dec. 15, the Central Maui Landfill will be open on Sundays to accept residential green waste disposal only, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Trace amounts of soil fumigants found in private Haiku water system. Health Department says water from well is still ‘safe to drink’. Maui News.

Museum expansion gets its green light. ‘Feel-good request’ comes amid lean times for nonprofit. Maui News.

Kauai

Watershed Monitoring Project gives students stewardship roles. A team of students and teachers from Waimea High School convened Friday at Kiki A Ola Bridge in Waimea Valley. Garden Island.

Feds could take over missile alerts, Big Island prosecutor running for mayor, Honolulu installs artificial turf on media strips, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii emergency response session ©2019 All Hawaii News

Missile alerts would fall to feds under defense bill. The federal government is poised to take over responsibility for alerting the public of a missile threat under a provision authored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) that was inserted into the proposed National Defense Authorization Act. Star-Advertiser.

Congress Expected to Pass Legislation Aimed at Improving Emergency Alerts. Bipartisan congressional negotiators released details of the annual must-pass National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act, legislation authored by Sen. Brian Schatz. Maui Now.

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Navy releases service record of Pearl Harbor shooter. The man who survived last week's deadly shooting at Pearl Harbor was released from the Queens Medical Center. KITV.

Navy investigators were still looking for answers today as to why a 22-year-old submarine sailor on a security detail opened fire on Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers last week, killing two and wounding a third before turning a gun on himself — all in the span of less than 30 seconds. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii congressman says he’s not ready to support impeachment. U.S. Rep. Ed Case said Tuesday he is not ready to jump on the impeachment bandwagon, unlike most of his fellow Democrats. Hawaii News Now.

Deadly Samoa measles outbreak triggers concerns over Hawaii’s low vaccination rates. The state Department of Health said Tuesday it is “definitely concerned” with the immunization rate of students starting public school. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Low-Income Earners Could Lose Aid Under Proposed Federal SNAP Rule Change. President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed rule changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that could make it more difficult for low-income families in Hawaii to qualify for assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

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HECO Names New CEO As It Begins Major Renewable Energy Push. Scott Seu will replace Alan Oshima as president and chief executive of Hawaiian Electric Co., marking a significant leadership change at one of Hawaii’s largest firms as the company embarks on a major series of renewable energy projects slated for Oahu and neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Names New CEO. Scott Seu, a senior vice president at Hawaiian Electric Company, will succeed Alan Oshima as president and chief executive officer of the company. Maui Now.

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Trace levels of contaminants found in drinking wells on Maui and Big Island. The state Health Department said this morning that trace levels of organic chemicals were detected in water samples collected at two sites during routine sampling in the Hawaiian isles — one at Haiku, Maui and one on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

2 Wells With Contaminants Still Meet Safe Drinking Standards, DOH Says. The Department of Health’s routine water testing has found small traces of contaminants in the water at two Maui and Big Island wells, but officials say the water is still safe to drink. Civil Beat.

Laysan albatross Wisdom and mate return to Midway nest site. Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known banded wild bird, has marked another milestone. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City installing artificial turf on median strips. With winter rains upon us, city crews will be busy keeping up with weed control and other landscaping while a pilot project to replace small plots of grass with artificial turf across Oahu is seeing mixed results. Star-Advertiser.

A five-year legal battle challenges the control of the streets by a private company that charges for parking and provides little road maintenance. The private company that claims to own about 2 1/2 miles of crumbling streets in Kakaako said Tuesday that it’s poised to finally settle the lawsuit challenging its claim to those roads. Civil Beat.

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Biki Gets Temporary Pass Under New Law Charging For City Parking Spaces. Companies that rent small mobility vehicles such as bicycles will soon have to pay to operate in City and County of Honolulu parking spaces. But it won't immediately affect Biki Hawaii, the city's partner in a pilot program testing shared bicycles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Companies renting bikes, e-bikes can lease city parking space. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday signed a bill that allows the leasing of city parking stalls as docking stations to companies that rent bicycles and — possibly in the future — other types of “shared micromobility” vehicles. Star-Advertiser.

New law signed, aimed at regulating ‘micro-mobility’ companies on Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed a bill into law that charges ‘micro-mobility’ companies a fee to do business on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

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City to introduce roving tents to help homeless population. A new pilot project is offering a more immediate but temporary approach to getting homeless people off the streets. KHON2.

Oahu property tax assessments up 1.7%. The total value of Oahu properties increased by only 1.7% this year, and that likely will have a negative impact on the city’s budget next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth running for mayor.  Mitch Roth is giving up an almost assured third term as county prosecutor in order to run for mayor of Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth announces candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth announced Tuesday his candidacy for mayor of Hawaii County. Star-Advertiser.

Mitch Roth Announces Run For Mayor. Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth is setting his sights on Hawaiʻi County Mayor in 2020. Big Island Video News.

Mitch Roth Announces Mayoral Campaign. Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth on Tuesday announced officially that he is running for Big Island mayor. Big Island Now.

Mitch Roth, Hawaii County Prosecutor, announces mayoral run. Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth has taken the first step down a potential new career path. Hawaii News Now.

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Big Island Solid Waste Management Plan Outlined, Headed for Testimony. Attendees at Monday’s information session complained that beyond just keeping the doors open, employee shortages make using transfer stations more confusing and less convenient. Big Island Now.

‘We are guinea pigs’: Protesters sign wave against 5G in South Kohala. While a debate into the safety of 5G technology takes place in communities across the world, a group of people waved signs in front of Waikoloa Beach Resort on Tuesday to warn the public of potential health hazards — as they see them. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Native Laid To Rest With Full Military Honors. Hundreds of people in northern Utah including the Patriot Guard, military personnel and law enforcement officials have attended the funeral service and burial of a 25-year-old Army helicopter pilot killed in a crash in Afghanistan. Associated Press.

Maui

Stalled 1,200-home Maui project gets approved. A developer won state approval last week to proceed with a long-stalled Maui housing project after agreeing to provide community benefits and reverse a move to deliver fewer affordable homes. Star-Advertiser.

Water From Haʻiku Well Deemed Safe to Drink After Contaminants Found. 1,2-Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) were detected in the Haʻikū Town Association, Inc. HT-1 Well. Maui Now.

New South Maui gym opening blessed. Two-decade wait for the facility is over. Maui News.

Kauai

KIUC committee selects candidates for election. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative nominating committee has selected four candidates for its Board of Directors election on March 14. Three of the nine director positions are up for election annually. Garden Island.

Suit: Kauai police failed to monitor woman who took an hour to kill herself with blanket. The family of a Kauai woman who killed herself in view of surveillance cameras that were supposed to be monitored by officers is suing the police department, saying a mother and grandmother would still be alive today if someone had stepped in to help her. Hawaii News Now.

Hanalei business owners worry about road closures. Business has been slower in Hanalei since the April 2018 floods, and periodic road closures along Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge haven’t helped. Garden Island.

Holiday season tests new fireworks ban, Honolulu council takes free lunch, Gabbard moves to New Hampshire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New law makes homeowners and renters liable for illegal fireworks on their property. According to the law the fireworks don’t have to be ignited. Just having them in your house is enough for police to bust you. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green continues mission to help Samoa battle measles outbreak. After returning from a medical mission to help contain the measles outbreak in Samoa last week, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green is already planning a return trip. KITV.

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Tulsi Gabbard, 1 poll short of qualifying, says she won’t attend presidential debate. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says she won’t attend this month’s presidential debate, even if she were to qualify. Star-Advertiser.

Invited Or Not, Gabbard Will Skip December Debate. The presidential candidate from Hawaii says she will focus instead on primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Civil Beat.

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Deadly Mosquitoes Are Killing Off Hawaii’s Rare Forest Birds. Scientists are racing to eradicate disease-carrying mosquitoes from forests, but to some a solution still feels like forever away. Civil Beat.

Navy releases photo of suspected Pearl Harbor gunman. The Navy’s Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois released the photo of the 22-year-old sailor suspected of fatally shooting on Wednesday two Pearl Harbor Shipyard workers and injuring a third man before shooting himself. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council Voted On Company’s Project Then Let It Buy Lunch. Ethics guidelines advise government agencies against accepting free food if the company has business before the city. Civil Beat.

State agency set to take over Aloha Stadium redevelopment. The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency primarily focused on facilitating redevelopment in Kakaako is preparing to assume leadership of the effort to replace Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser.

Leaders gather to temper the bonds made after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On Monday on Ford Island, within close proximity to the USS Arizona Memorial, the closeness that now joins the United States and Japan as much as it separated the nations 78 years ago was once again recognized in a remembrance of not only the 2,390 American casualties, but also the death of 65 Japanese service members. Star-Advertiser.

Home sales on Oahu post gains in November. Sales of single-family homes on Oahu rose 11% in November, compared to a year ago, while sales of condominiums increased slightly and prices remained flat, according to statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Who is taxedtodeath? That was the question of the day Friday, as attorneys for county Elections Administrator Pat Nakamoto, former County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong, the county and the unknown individual faced off in Kona Circuit Court. West Hawaii Today.

Farmers have few options for fighting two-lined spittle bug. County, state and federal agencies are still seeking solutions to an invasive insect that threatens much of the Big Island’s livestock industry. Tribune-Herald.

Kalanianaole work still on track for 2020 completion. Roadwork and safety improvements along Kalanianaole Avenue are still on track to be completed in the latter part of 2020, the county Department of Public Works said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Overlooked county cesspool to cost taxpayers. Oh, poo. The county missed one. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Business Turns Plastic Trash Into Sales. Upcycle Hawaii owner Mattie Mae Larson talks about how she got into the business of repurposing material that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Property tax changes discussed. A community meeting on the real property tax changes recently approved by the Maui County Council will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Maui County Business Resource Center, Suite B-9 near IHOP at the Maui Mall. Maui News.

County inventory for single-family homes descends to new low. Median sales prices for those homes fell by 1.4 percent; Condo prices drop 5.9 percent. Maui News.

Maui home sale prices fell in November. Single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for $730,000 in November, down 1% from $740,398 in the same month last year, while sale volume slipped 7% to 71 from 76 in the same period. Star-Advertiser.

New South Maui Gym to Take Permit Applications. The county will be accepting requests from the public to use the new South Maui Community Park Gymnasium for the winter/spring 2020 season for a limited period this week. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anahola woman cited for attempting to sell prohibited ivory. This is the first conviction for whale bone in Hawaii under the new wildlife trafficking statute that took effect on July 1, 2017. Garden Island.

Woman is ordered to pay fines for trafficking illegal whale items. 73-year-old Vivian Satow of Anahola was ordered to pay $250 on Tuesday, December 3 due to her trafficking illegal whale items. KITV.

New, $630K fire engine blessed. The Kauai Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on Monday fronting the Historic County Building in Lihue for its new Engine 3 fire apparatus. Garden Island.

Hawaii state bird no longer endangered, OHA audit finds $7.8M possible fraud, Honolulu B&B tax hiked, mixed results in Kauai sonar study, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nene in Hawaii wetlands ©2019 All Hawaii News

Nene Downlisted From “Endangered” To “Threatened”. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt traveled to Oʻahu on Sunday to announce that the nene can safely be "downlisted" under the Endangered Species Act. Big Island Video News.

Nene’s status to be downgraded from endangered to threatened. Hawaii’s state bird is no longer on the edge of extinction. West Hawaii Today.

Feds: Nene Is Still Threatened But Not Endangered. The Interior Department has reduced the level of protection for Hawaii’s state bird. Civil Beat.

The Nene species is on the road to recovery. Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene, is on the road to recovery. That’s according to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. KHON2.

Hawaiian nene taken off endangered species list. 52 years ago, there were only 50 Hawaiian nene birds in the state and had to be declared endangered species. There are now 3,000 birds in Hawaii thanks to an intensive breeding program. KITV.

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OHA investigation identifies $7.8M of possible fraud. An independent financial review of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has identified transactions worth $7.8 million as potentially fraudulent, wasteful and abusive. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Trustees Differ Over New Audit’s Analysis. Colette Machado says it confirms the office is moving in the “right direction” but Kelii Akina sees fraud and abuse. Civil Beat.

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Lawsuit: DOE Retaliated When Staffer Reported Misuse Of Federal Funds. Carol Young says her troubles began when she blew the whistle on faulty payments to a DOE office worker. Civil Beat.

New Solicitor General Named. Kimberly Tsumoto Guidry has been named the new Solicitor General for the State of Hawaiʻi. Maui Now.

Health officials urge travelers to stay away from Samoa as measles death toll rises to 70. At least 70 people have died from the infectious virus in Samoa, while nine cases have been reported in American Samoa. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council approves B&B property tax increase. Owners of bed-and- breakfast vacation rentals will likely pay more in property taxes starting next year after the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved a bill creating a new B&B tax category. Star-Advertiser.

How The Gas Company Plans To Fight A Bill Banning Gas Water Heaters. Hawaii Gas, the 115-year-old supplier of natural gas for Hawaii now at a crossroads amid the state’s shift from fossil fuels, is considering creating a separate community organization as part of a campaign to fight a Honolulu City Council bill. Civil Beat.

Nonplastic foodware might cause problems — or not. A bill banning the use of nearly all plastic plates, forks, knives and other food service items on Oahu was passed Wednesday by the Honolulu City Council, but there’s sharp disagreement about whether there will be enough nonplastic replacement goods available at a reasonable price when the prohibition takes full effect in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa has struggled since the collapse of the pineapple industry. But new projects, some supported by political leaders, are giving city leaders new hope. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County throwing away more, recycling less. Hawaii County’s rate of recycling or otherwise diverting garbage from the landfill has dropped 48% in the past decade, according to a comprehensive report released Friday by a commission that meets once a decade to evaluate solid waste practices. West Hawaii Today.

Fujino named interim chief judge of Third Circuit. In addition to his criminal and civil court caseload, drug court and veterans court, Kona Circuit Court Judge Melvin H. Fujino is taking on a whole lot more. West Hawaii Today.

Study of Hilo Bay breakwater expected to begin in early 2020. A state and federal study to determine whether the Hilo Bay breakwater should be modified likely will begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Demonstration project seeks to reduce reliance on Christmas conifer imports. After five years of growing, an ongoing project to establish a Christmas tree farming industry on the Big Island is closer than ever to completion. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County bill wants police to tow cars from drunken drivers. It's a bill some lawmakers hope could save lives. KITV.

Inventory for single-family homes in Maui falls to new low. Maui County’s inventory for single-family homes dropped to a new low in November, with 442 properties available for sale in active status at the end of the month, according to the Realtors Association of Maui monthly report. Maui News.

DMVL is set to move into new service center in late 2020. The bottom floor of the new two-story Maui County Service Center — which will include the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing — in Alexander & Baldwin’s Maui Business Park II is set to be operational by the end of 2020, a county spokesman said. Maui News.

Kauai

Mixed results in sonar study. Scientists studying sonar’s effect on marine mammals near the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands have released another report in an ongoing study for the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet, and it’s showing the same kind of mixed results they’ve been documenting since 2011. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies to go on despite shooting, Board of Education OKs teacher pay raises, Big Islanders fight free Wi-Fi, 21 cattle die on Kauai-bound barge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:U.S. Parks Service

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemoration will continue as planned Saturday. The annual commemoration ceremony marking the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor will continue as planned Saturday, three days after a US sailor killed two civilian workers and injured another before killing himself at the US naval base. CNN.

Navy sailor who killed 2 at Pearl Harbor shipyard was facing disciplinary proceeding. The U.S. Navy sailor who fatally shot two at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday and wounded a third was having disciplinary problems at work and had been enrolled in anger management courses, multiple sources confirm. Hawaii News Now.

Many questions hang over Pearl Harbor shooting. The troubled 22-year-old Pearl Harbor sailor identified as shooting three shipyard workers Wednesday and then killing himself may have come from a troubled ship. Star-Advertiser.

Gunman, two victims identified following Pearl Harbor shooting. The gunman and the two victims that died in Wednesday’s shooting incident at Pearl Harbor has been identified. KHON2.

30-year-old Wai'anae man identified as a victim in the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting. One of the two men killed by a US sailor at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard was identified on Thursday as 30-year-old Vincent Kapoi Junior. KITV.

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School board approves plan to boost pay for special ed, Hawaiian immersion teachers. The Board of Education voted Thursday to give qualified, licensed teachers in the most critical shortage areas a big pay boost starting Jan. 7 to try to keep them on the job and attract more educators. Star-Advertiser.

BOE OKs pay increase for teachers in hard-to-fill positions. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved a proposal to address Hawaii’s continuing teacher shortage by increasing pay for classroom teachers in areas that have faced the most severe staff shortages. Tribune-Herald.

BOE Passes Teacher Pay Increases 7-2. Educators in specialized fields and hard-to-staff geographical areas are on track to receive extra compensation by January. Big Island Now.

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‘One Giant Pediatric Measles Ward’: A Samoan Hospital Is Overwhelmed. Some of Hawaii’s medical team in Samoa are providing care at the hospital, which is strapped for equipment, space and manpower. Civil Beat.

Samoans grateful for Hawaii medical team. An emergency medical team from Hawaii, along with Samoan volunteers and aid workers from other countries, immunized more than 20,000 residents on the first day of a mandatory vaccination campaign. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Trustees Differ Over New Audit’s Analysis. Colette Machado says it confirms the office is moving in the “right direction” but Kelii Akina sees fraud and abuse. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New HART Analyses Show Millions Of Dollars In Added Rail Costs. The projected costs to complete Honolulu’s 20-mile rail transit system have grown by about $70 million in the past four months, based on the local rail agency’s ongoing analyses of risks to the project. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms support for plastics ban. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Thursday reaffirmed that he will likely sign a bill approved by the City Council Wednesday that would ban most food-service type, single-use plastics on Oahu by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Wi-Fi fears: Some don’t want free Wi-Fi at county facilities. Fear of radio wave exposure and a desire not to be around cellphone users inspired more than 50 people to send the County Council testimony opposing free Wi-Fi at county parks and facilities. West Hawaii Today.

Police operations on Mauna Kea are expensive ‘speed trap,’ county chairman says. Hawaii County police stationed on Mauna Kea have issued more than 7,600 traffic citations during the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope, and a frustrated Hawaii County Council Chairman Aaron Chung is now describing police operations on the mountain as an enormously expensive “speed trap.” Star-Advertiser.

HELCO celebrates 125 years. At the end of the 19th century, Akima Brown Akui began working for the newly founded Hilo Electric Light Company. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Opponents become backers of West Maui development. Pulelehua plan with bump to 500 affordable units hammered out at meeting. The state Land Use Commission on Wednesday credited community engagement with producing an agreement that may finally help move forward a West Maui housing and commercial development project that’s stagnated for more than a decade. Maui News.

PUC contested case hearing underway for Paeahu Solar project. The state consumer advocate Wednesday warned about “pursuing clean energy goals at any cost” and allowing the pursuit of renewables that could leave developers and neighbors “fighting against each other.” Maui News.

New Ban on Maui: Commercial Ocean Recreation Activities Prohibited on Sundays and Holidays. Starting on Jan. 1, 2020, the County of Maui will prohibit Commercial Ocean Recreation Activities at County beach parks on Sundays and holidays. Maui Now.

Kauai

County hires Mel Rapozo. Former county councilmember Mel Rapozo has been hired as an investigator for the Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, according to a county spokesperson. Garden Island.

Critics: Deaths of 21 cattle on barge bound for Kauai ‘cruel and inhumane’. State Agriculture Department officials said 21 cattle died while they were being transported on a Young Brothers barge bound for Kauai last month. Hawaii News Now.

Let the healing begin. Teenagers struggling with substance abuse will soon be able to get the treatment they need without leaving the island. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor shipyard gunman identified, Honolulu council passes plastics ban, Kilauea eruption costs $800M in damages, Pier 1 Imports leaving the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard PC: Justice Vannatta, Public Affairs Specialist

Gunman in deadly Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting identified as investigation continues. Investigators are still trying to determine why a U.S. Navy sailor opened fire at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday, killing two civilian workers and injuring one other before killing himself. Sources have identified the gunman as Gabriel Romero, an active duty sailor assigned to the USS Columbia. Hawaii News Now.

3 Dead, 1 Wounded In Shooting At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam said the shooter, a U.S. sailor, killed himself after shooting three Department of Defense civilian workers. Civil Beat.

Navy sailor fatally shoots two civilian workers, injures another, then kills himself at Pearl Harbor. A sailor from a U.S. submarine shot three civilian employees of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Wednesday afternoon, killing two and leaving another in stable condition, before killing himself. Star-Advertiser.

Shooter identified as U.S. Sailor, kills two before killing self at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, victim identified. In a press conference held Wednesday evening, Rear Admiral Robert Chadwick said that the shooter had been identified as an active-duty U.S. Sailor assigned to the USS Columbia. KHON2.

3 dead, 1 wounded in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard shooting. Three people are confirmed dead by the US Navy, one of them is the shooter. KITV.

Navy: Sailor Shooter Dead After Killing Two, Injuring One At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. A sailor killed himself after shooting three male civilian workers, two of whom were dead, at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Wednesday afternoon, the Navy said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sailor kills 2 civilians, self at Pearl Harbor shipyard. An active duty U.S. sailor whose submarine was docked at Pearl Harbor opened fire on three civilian employees Wednesday, killing two and then taking his own life just days before dignitaries and veterans descend on the base for the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack. Associated Press.

Three Confirmed Dead in Shooter Incident at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Three people are confirmed dead following what was described as an active shooter incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now.

Shipyard workers play key role in U.S. defense. With more than 6,000 employees, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is one of the busiest places to work in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

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Feds: Chinese Industrial Spies Have Great Interest In Hawaii. U.S. Justice Department officials this week are briefing Hawaii business and academic leaders on Chinese espionage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Delegates Complain About $17M COFA Funding Error. The four members of Congress say the state was significantly under-compensated to help Micronesians. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard maintains her permanent residence in Hawaii. Despite recent reports of her moving, Hawaii US Representative and Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard's permanent residence remains here in Hawaii. KITV.

Craig Hirai appointed to lead Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance. Gov. David Ige has appointed Craig Hirai to lead Hawaii’s Department of Budget and Finance, replacing Neal Miyahira who will return to his prior position as the department’s budget division administrator. Star-Advertiser.

2020 U.S. Census to be accessible online, and your response is key. For the first time, the upcoming U.S. Census will be online. And there’s added effort to make sure Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are counted. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii one of worst states in distracted driving deaths. Let’s Talk, made up of a team of writers and editors that covers phone plans, found that the state ranks fifth in the category, behind Louisiana, Kentucky, Kansas and New Mexico, which had the highest rate of deaths for distracted driving. Star-Advertiser.

Pier 1 Imports closing all its stores in Hawaii. Pier 1 Imports is pulling out of Hawaii and closing all seven of its remaining stores. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council passes ban on single-use plastics in 7-2 vote. The Honolulu City Council today voted 7-2 to pass a bill that would bar the distribution of single-use plastic plates, bowls, and other foodware and serviceware in Oahu restaurants by 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Council Passes Landmark Bill Restricting Single-Use Plastics On Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signaled he supports the bill. Its restrictions on food-vendor plastics would roll out in the next two years. Civil Beat.

Single-use plastics on Oahu on-track to be outlawed after a council vote. After several changes and hours of testimony, the Honolulu City Council approved a sweeping ban on single-use plastics on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Strict Oahu plastic ban will start to take effect in 2021. A stricter ban on plastic will become law on Oahu after it has seen its fair share of revisions. KHON2.

Bill 40 banning single-use plastic passed by Honolulu City Council. Bill 40 which bans plastic takeout containers and utensils is now headed for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's desk. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Roy Takemoto confirmed as new managing director. It was rough going for a while, but the County Council on Wednesday ultimately unanimously confirmed Roy Takemoto as Mayor Harry Kim’s second in command. West Hawaii Today.

Eruption did nearly $800M in damage. Last year’s Kilauea volcano eruption cost the county nearly $800 million in economic damage, according to an estimate from the Kilauea Eruption Recovery Team. Tribune-Herald.

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$31 Million UH-Hilo College Of Pharmacy Building Opens. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy celebrated the dedication of its permanent building on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Dignitaries gather to celebrate completion of College of Pharmacy building. A misty rain came down Wednesday morning as hundreds gathered for the blessing of Kiho‘iho‘i, the new home of the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo Dedicates Permanent Pharmacy School Building. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) dedicated the college’s new permanent building in Hilo’s University Research Park on December 4. Big Island Now.

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State: Hawaii County not affected by new food stamps rule. The state Department of Human Services administrator for the division in charge of Supplemental Nutrition Program, known as SNAP benefits, said Wednesday that fewer than 1,000 people in Hawaii — all on Molokai — will be affected by a new Trump administration order that will tighten work requirements for recipients. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Holiday Express may be on its last tracks. Owners are trying to work out deal to run Lahaina train full time. The Sugar Cane Train’s “Holiday Express” may reach the end of the line after this year with the owners saying they currently are unable to secure a deal from a major landowner to keep the train running. Maui News.

Maui Electric Seeks Renewable Energy Projects on Moloka‘i, Lana‘i. The company is issuing a request for proposals for renewable energy paired with energy storage from developers locally and globally. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai police double down on ‘No-Shave November’. After participating in “No-Shave November” to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Kauai branch, the Kauai Police Department is extending the drive during “Double-Down December.” Star-Advertiser.