Monday, January 13, 2020

Hawaii Legislature gears up for opening day, secret cameras irk Maui council, Princeville Resort closing for renovations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii New all rights reserved
Hawaii Capitol ©2020 All Hawaii News
‘Big ideas’ finished at Legislature, critics say. While previous generations of Democrats were determined to pursue dramatic goals such as employer- funded health care or a temporary disability insurance system, a more cautious cadre of lawmakers seems to be aiming lower today, according to the critics. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature 2020: Making Hawaii Livable Again. State lawmakers will consider raising the minimum wage, paid leave programs and ways to keep residents from leaving the islands while grappling with climate change. Civil Beat.

Hawaii looks to boost construction to offset industry slowdown. Construction work in Hawaii is likely to slow next year, but state lawmakers seem inclined to go along with Gov. David Ige’s plan to budget extra money to boost state construction spending and give a lift to the industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Future Liabilities are Expected to Cost $88 Billion. Hawai‘i is in a deep financial pit. Projects to mitigate climate change, improve infrastructure and meet public employee pension and retiree health care obligations are expected to cost the state and four county governments over $88 billion over the next 30 years, according to a report called “Troubled Waters: Charting a New Fiscal Course for Hawaii,” produced for the Hawai‘i Executive Conference. Hawaii Business Magazine.

30 years later, it’s the last session for Rep. Cynthia Thielen. At the age of 86, state Rep. Cynthia Thielen has just begun her 30th — and final — consecutive year representing Kailua and Kaneohe as one of the few Republicans in the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory Report On Hawaii Trash Disposal Hasn’t Been Filed In 4 Years. The state health department hasn’t been updating the Legislature on recycling programs, landfill diversion efforts or imported fuel reliance as required. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Foodbank says hunger is a chronic problem in Hawaii. One in eight people in the islands regularly do not have enough food. KITV4.

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Space Force unit coming to Hawaii Air National Guard. The Hawaii Air National Guard, picked to have one of four offensive space control squadrons nationally in the Air Guard, expects to start selecting candidates in April. Star-Advertiser.

The flash flood watch issued for the state ahead of a stormy weekend has been extended through to the early start of the work week. The National Weather service extended the watch until Monday evening at 6 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

One lettuce head at a time, farming program rooted at women’s prison changes lives. The farm program is called Learning to Grow. It’s run in partnership with the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. The relationship started in 1999. Hawaii News Now.

Restriction on aquarium fishing being sidestepped, conservation group says. A coalition of conservation groups led by Earthjustice said the state has been shirking its duties in cracking down on the illegal collection of aquarium fish from Hawaii ocean waters. Star-Advertiser.

UH researcher documents impact of stainless-steel hooks on sharks. A newly published eight-year tiger shark study has found a significant number of sharks with stainless-steel fishing hooks lodged in their jaws. Star-Advertiser.

UH professor’s research shows marine life impacted long after being cut from fishing lines. A study shows how marine life is impacted after being cut from fishing lines. KHON2.

Oahu

Oahu Is Overhauling How It Counts The Homeless. Administrators of Oahu’s annual homeless count have struggled with inaccuracy and undercounting. Civil Beat.

Facing backlash, Land Board scuttles parking plan for Ala Wai Boat Harbor. The state Land Board on Friday shot down a controversial plan to eliminate 125 free parking stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Kakaako Waterfront Park upgrades set to begin at a cost of $450K. The parking lot at the Kakaako Waterfront Park will soon be temporarily closing for upgrades. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu office vacancy rate down to 9.9% in 2019. Renters of office space on Oahu no longer have the upper hand against landlords after a decade of having the dominant position. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘Health-care collapse’ Kim’s top legislative priority. Legislation tackling health-care costs, homelessness and cesspools are among six priorities identified by Mayor Harry Kim as the four county mayors head to Honolulu Wednesday to address legislative money committees. West Hawaii Today.

Removal of observatory on schedule. The decommissioning process for one of five Maunakea telescopes to be removed in the coming decade remains on schedule after the approval last month of several environmental assessments. Tribune-Herald.

Community speaks out against jail expansion. Officials from the state Departments of Public Safety and Accounting and General Services came to Hilo Thursday night to brief the public about the planned new housing module at Hawaii Community Correctional Center’s Punahele Street site. Tribune-Herald.

New multi-hazard mitigation plan to help lower risks on Big Island. Multiple public meetings planned around the Big Island this month will introduce the results of a risk assessment conducted for a required update of the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Covert cameras secretly installed, briefly active inside Council Chambers. An $8,000 project to install covert security cameras in the Council Chambers of the county building in order to monitor an active shooter or hostage situation was kept secret from most council members and the public, county officials said. Maui News.

Report: Health center failed requirements, denied access to DOH. Molokai Health Center not under direction of full-time physician. Maui News.

Maili residents sue to block affordable housing project. Some neighbors of the largely state-financed project called Hale Makana O Maili have sued the developer in hopes of stopping construction on the two-story apartment complex they consider out of place and not rightly permitted. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Program aims to spark EV charging stations. The Electric Vehicle Charging Station incentives program will supply rebates for the installation of shared-use EV charging stations, and is available to businesses, residences and institutions. Garden Island.

Closing for renovations. The Princeville Resort will shut down completely on May 1 “for many months” as it undergoes a major renovation, according to reservations staff members who were asked Sunday to explain why the hotel’s website was no longer accepting bookings for July. Garden Island.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Ballistic missile radar coming to Oahu, Kim meets with Ige, Thirty Meter Telescope officials, Honolulu opens traffic center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

This Aug. 29, 2017, photo provided by the Department of Defense shows a medium-range ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. PC:Latonja Martin
Military leaders, community debate merits of high-powered ballistic missile radar on Oahu. Military leaders are talking about the need for a permanent, high-powered ballistic missile radar on Oahu to see threats to Hawaii and our nation. The Missile Defense Agency wants to build a flat facing radar that three times bigger than the one at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii government might collect an additional $74M in taxes. A panel of experts tasked with projecting how much the state will collect in taxes has boosted its projection for next year by 1 percentage point, which means lawmakers should have an extra $74 million to spend. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Traffic center finally opens. At long last, the folks tasked with receiving emergency response calls, monitoring traffic and disasters and related duties will be housed under one roof in the $53.6 million Joint Traffic Management Center on Alapai Street, which was dedicated Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Finally Gets Its Joint Traffic Management Center. The facility was supposed to open three years ago but ran into construction issues. Civil Beat.

City’s $54M Traffic Management Center to welcome its first tenants (finally). A blessing was held Thursday at the city’s Joint Traffic Management Center as it prepares to welcome its first tenants. Hawaii News Now.

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Kamehameha Schools project looks to develop 11,000 homes and cost $4B. About 2,000 acres in Waiawa once largely planted in sugar cane is envisioned for a community with 11,109 homes under a conceptual plan by the state’s largest private landowner. Star-Advertiser.

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After public outcry, city reverses two controversial plans in Waikiki. Plans to ban overnight parking at the Honolulu Zoo parking lot have been postponed “until further notice.” The city also said it would remove one of the two fences that it recently installed on Christmas Eve to block access to the walkway between Leahi and Makalei parks at Diamond Head. Hawaii News Now.

Fence Blocking Diamond Head Seawall Will Be Removed. The city says it will remove one of the two barriers that are blocking the public’s access along the path. Civil Beat.

Makalei Beach Park fence to be removed. The fence installed at Makalei Beach Park between the park and the makai walkway will be removed after public input and discussion. KHON2.

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After months-long delay, EPA to begin removing toxic soil under Kalihi street this month. Efforts to remove lead-contaminated soil under a street in Kalhi will finally begin this month. Hawaii News Now.

E. coli contamination confirmed in Waiahole water system. Residents in Waiahole Valley are being told to boil their tap water before use due to E. coli contamination. KHON2.

Volunteers needed for annual homeless point-in-time count. The survey counts sheltered and un-sheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. KITV4.

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Sheehan Out As Honolulu Police Commission Chair. Loretta Sheehan has led the commission through much of the federal corruption probe. Civil Beat.

Sheehan is replaced as Honolulu Police Commission chairwoman. In the annual election to select the chairman and vice chairman, Sheehan was outvoted 5-2 by Alivado, who was serving as vice chairwoman. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commissioner voted out. The commission that oversees the Honolulu Police Department is moving in a new direction. KHON2.

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Olive Garden to open at Ala Moana Center. Olive Garden is planning its first Hawaii location at Ala Moana Center. Star-Advertiser.

Olive Garden to open first Hawaii restaurant in Bubba Gump space. Restaurant chain Olive Garden Italian Kitchen plans to open its first Hawaii restaurant in Honolulu at Ala Moana Center, where it will replace the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant at the state's largest shopping mall. Pacific Business News.

Olive Garden files for permit to build first Hawaii location at Ala Moana Center. uilding permits applications filed with the City and County of Honolulu this week appear to show that Olive Garden, the popular mainland Italian eatery, is planning to open a restaurant at Ala Moana Center. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime local restaurant, Willows, to be revived. The Willows is being revived by the owners of the restaurant, Da Spot. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kim meets with TMT officials, governor; ongoing discussions planned. Two weeks after Thirty Meter Telescope opponents relinquished control of the Maunakea Access Road, both sides are wondering what the next moves will be. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Meets With TMT Officials About Mauna Kea's Future. Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Harry Kim met with Thirty Meter Telescope officials this week to discuss next steps in resolving the Mauna Kea dispute. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Hawaii Island Has Decades of Landfill Space But Still Faces Challenges In Dealing With Its Waste. Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years of capacity left to take in trash. Hawaii Public Radio.

State taking over surf school setup. The state is now taking the lead on permitting commercial surf schools at Kahaluu Bay, a recently filed report to the state Legislature shows. West Hawaii Today.

Problem spot on Alii has been on county’s radar for years, without success. The undermining of the seawall on Alii Drive at Oneo bay where the latest sinkhole appears has been a problem for over a decade. West Hawaii Today.

Waimea Middle Will Get Back Withheld Settlement Money. The Charter School Commission voted Thursday to reinstate the $75,000. Civil Beat.

Macy’s closing Kings’ Shops location. It is the only Macy’s location in the Aloha State closing. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Alberta de Jetley to run for Lanai council seat. Gabe Johnson to campaign again; Riki Hokama is facing term limits. Maui News.

State Harbors Division Seeks Expansion of Cargo Storage in Kahului. The state Department of Transportation Harbors Division is proposing the acquisition of nine acres from Alexander & Baldwin in Kahului for the expansion of its storage yard for short-term containerized cargo. Maui Now.

Waste-To-Energy Plants Stalled in Maui County While Landfills Approach Capacity. Far from the view of the nearly three million visitors who travel to Maui County each year are two landfills that are filling up fast and approaching the end of their lifespans. Hawaii Public Radio.

Senior center at Hale Mahaolu Ewalu blessed. 22-unit Phase II of housing development’s construction underway. Maui News.

Jan Dapitan was ‘force of nature’ for environment and social causes. Ex-parks director dies after 5-year battle with cancer. Maui News.

Kauai

Housing on LBA agenda. Kauai housing, issues and answers, is the subject of the Lihue Business Association’s meeting 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Duke’s Canoe Club on Kalapaki Beach. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

HART predicts October rail run, herbicide ban dies on Big Island vote, Honolulu Police Commission chairwoman ousted, Sherwood Forest protesters cleared, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy HART
Honolulu rail map PC:HART
Rail will start running Oct. 20, Robbins says. Not only will the first 10 miles of the Honolulu rail system be completed by December 2020 as predicted, but it will be ready to run three months earlier, by Oct. 20, announced a sanguine Andrew Robbins, executive director and CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, at a Wednesday press conference overlooking the Halaulani Rail Station at Leeward Community College. Star-Advertiser.

HART sets goal of getting trains moving in October. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says the rail project is on track, and it's full speed ahead to an October opening date. KITV4.

By October, football fans could be riding the rail line to Aloha Stadium. HART’s CEO said Wednesday that trains will be ready for passengers between Kapolei and Aloha Stadium by October 20, and suggested fans of University of Hawaii football games could be among the first enthusiastic customers. Hawaii News Now.

Still no word on what it will cost to ride or operate the Honolulu rail. In an announcement on Wednesday afternoon, HART says that they plan to have the first 10 miles open by October 20. KHON2.

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Nearly A Quarter of Hawaii Homes Are Purchased By Out-Of-State Buyers. Hawaii’s chief economist told lawmakers on Tuesday that 24% of Hawaii homes were purchased by buyers from outside the state. The figure is even higher on the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Lawmakers Pushing For A Crackdown On Vaping. Legislators are drafting bills that include a flavor ban on e-cigarette liquids and a tax on vaping products. Civil Beat.

State Makes Progress in Helping Homeless But Experts Call For Larger Effort. Hawaii is making progress in addressing homelessness, but hasn’t expanded existing programs enough to make a major dent in the problem, state lawmakers were told at a summit on the issue Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Too Many People Are Dying While Waiting For Medical Aid In Dying. Doctors say Hawaii’s mandatory 20-day period is too long in some cases. Civil Beat.

Bristol-Myers, Sanofi countersue Hawaii over Plavix marketing case. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi fought back against an $8 billion lawsuit filed by Hawaii over marketing of their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix, arguing in a counter-suit that the state is trampling on their free-speech rights by demanding unnecessary warning labels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian carries fewer passengers in 2019 despite December bump. The state’s largest carrier transported 11,751,003 passengers in 2019 — a nearly 1% drop compared to 2018. During the same period, Hawaiian’s load factor — the share of seats filled — increased by 1.3 percentage points to 85.6%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission votes out chair Loretta Sheehan. At a commission meeting Wednesday, the Honolulu police commissioners ousted current chair Loretta Sheehan. Hawaii News Now.

Citing flaw in charges, judge dismisses cases for 28 arrested at Waimanalo Sherwoods park protest. The 28 people arrested for blocking the road at the city’s controversial redevelopment project at a Waimanalo park got a big victory Wednesday: A Kaneohe District Court judge dismissed the final petty misdemeanor cases for all those arrested. Hawaii News Now.

Augie T announces his run for Honolulu City Council. Comedian Augie Tulba officially announced his candidacy for Honolulu City Council on Wednesday. KITV4.

Surf park proposed in birthplace of surfing. Hawaii could have its first man-made barreling surf wave suited for skilled board riders as part of an aquatic recreation park proposed on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

State eyes converting a number of stalls to paid parking at a popular surf spot. The group “Save Our Surf” is mobilizing to fight a new state proposal to switch 125 free parking spaces to paid stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless outreach court makes progress, but funding needed. In its first two years of existence, Oahu’s Community Outreach Court that addresses minor, nonviolent crimes committed by homeless “participants” “has made significant progress,” Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald wrote in a report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

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Aircraft carrier with 5,000 sailors stops off in state after long deployment. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and more than 5,000 sailors arrived Wednesday in Pearl Harbor for a port call after sailing from Norfolk, Va., and serving unexpected and yeoman duty in the Middle East as an Iranian deterrent. Star-Advertiser.

Amid near record-setting deployment, USS Abraham Lincoln pulls into Pearl Harbor. More than 280 days after deploying from a port in Virginia, sailors from one of the largest ships in the U.S. Navy returned to American soil on Wednesday, docking at Pearl Harbor for what’s believed to be one final stop before heading home to San Diego. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii planning to auction off fishing boat at Ala Wai Harbor. The state is preparing to auction a 112-foot-long fishing boat next week if the owner does not claim it and pay off $1,000 in fees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council fails to override herbicide ban veto. After almost six hours of testimony and debate Wednesday, the County Council came up one vote short of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill banning the use of herbicides by county workers. West Hawaii Today.

Council Vote Fails To Override Veto On County Herbicide-Use Ban. The Hawaiʻi County Council failed to override Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of a bill that would have ended the County’s use of herbicides in maintaining parks and roads. Big Island Video News.

Herbicide Ban Dies as Council Fails to Override Mayoral Veto. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday fell one vote shy of overriding Mayor Harry Kim’s veto of Bill 101, which would have eliminated the use of herbicides on county-owned and maintained property across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Council passes bill updating energy conservation code. The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday to pass at first reading a bill updating the county’s energy conservation code. Tribune-Herald.

Council approves Hilo Bay breakwater study. The Hawaii County Council voted Wednesday to approve funding for a study investigating how to improve the water quality of Hilo Bay. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL looking to build homes in Kealakehe. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands this year plans to award handful of vacant lots and start construction on more than a hundred homes for beneficiaries at the Villages of Laiopua in Kealakehe. West Hawaii Today.

Staffing shortages disrupt more solid waste services. The Solid Waste Division will hold public informational meetings to discuss transfer stations’ operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule for transfer stations across the island. Tribune-Herald.

Informational Hearings to Discuss Transfer Stations. The county invites the public to attend public informational hearings to discuss residential transfer stations islandwide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County sees progress on homelessness. An executive assistant to Mayor Harry Kim told state lawmakers Tuesday the number of homeless people on Hawaii Island is decreasing, but “there is still much work that needs to be done”. Tribune-Herald.

Maui


County was short 153 doctors in 2019. Maui County last year was short 153 physicians, up from 141 in 2018, according to the final Hawaii Physician Workforce Assessment Project Report for 2019 conducted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Maui News.

The median price for Maui single-family homes rose to a record last year, marking a second consecutive year for the feat. A report released by the Realtors Association of Maui showed that single-family homes on the Valley Isle sold for a median $741,355 last year, up 4% from $710,000 the year before. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Median Home Price in December Increased 4.6% to $740,000. Maui Now.

Kauai

Peep hole gets temporary fix. A peeping hole at Kauai comfort station has been temporarily patched up by three men who said they had enough. Garden Island.

Molokai

Investigation reveals violations at Molokai Community Health Center. The investigation done by the state Health Department shows several critical violations and that the health center had been operating without a physician since August 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai

Lanai Water Co. seeks test run of increased rates. Company says it’s losing money at current rates. Maui News.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Hawaii drops to No. 2 in homelessness, HUD funds to buy out lava victims, Westboro Baptist Church to picket Maui high school, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Homeless in Honolulu ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii drops to No. 2 in homelessness as trends improve, officials say. Hawaii no longer holds the ignominious title as the country’s leading state in per capita homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is No Longer No. 1 For Homelessness. New York Is Worse. Civil Beat.

Get Ready For An Economic Slowdown, State Economist Says. It’s not a recession yet but government should consider picking up some of the private sector’s slack as the construction industry wanes. Civil Beat.

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Rep. Chris Lee to seek Windward Senate seat. State Rep. Chris Lee has become the first prominent politician to announce plans to run for the soon-to-be- vacated state Senate seat held by Laura Thielen (D, Hawaii Kai-Waimanalo- Kailua), creating a fourth vacancy on the Windward side. Star-Advertiser.

Chris Lee Leaving House Seat For State Senate Run. The lawmaker is seeking the Kailua to Hawaii Kai seat being vacated by Laura Thielen. Civil Beat.

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Fighters and other aircraft will train over Hawaii for the Hawaii Air National Guard’s exercises. A dozen or more fighter jets are expected to roar off the reef runway at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport twice a day for the latest iteration of the Hawaii Air National Guard’s “Sentry Aloha” fighter exercise. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Returned $2M Of Ceded Land Revenue In 2019. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has previously pushed to have a cap on their ceded land revenues raised. Civil Beat.

Pushing to halt all aquarium fishing. Some conservation groups and Native Hawaiians are concerned the state isn’t following court orders for the environmental review of aquarium fishing and permit issuance in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Medicare Trims Payments To 8 Hawaii Hospitals. Medicare docks hospitals on an annual basis for too many patients returning to the hospital within a month. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurance company, has agreed to pay $180,000 and provide injunctive relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency announced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Assistant Superintendent Retires From DOE. Another assistant superintendent in the Hawaii Department of Education has left, marking the third departure from the core leadership team within a span of six months. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Telcom announced Tuesday that its chief of staff, and former broadcast journalist, Su Shin has been promoted to president and general manager effective Feb. 10. She replaces John Komeiji, who resigned as president and general manager. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Telcom names new president and general manager. Hawaiian Telcom today announced that Su Shin, its Chief of Staff, has been promoted to President and General Manager effective February 10, 2020. KHON2.

Oahu

Audit: Honolulu Can’t Meet Building Industry Demands For Permits. Low pay, insufficient training and high turnover contribute to a permitting department that can’t keep up, the auditor found. Civil Beat.

City officials say new audit findings show help is needed at the Department of Planning and Permitting. A new audit found the department isn't keeping up with the demands of the building industry. KITV4.

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Oahu Grapples With Where To Place Its Next Landfill As It Confronts Its Waste Dilemma. About 30 trucks roll down Farrington Highway on the west side of Oahu every day to dump waste at the City and County of Honolulu's only municipal landfill, Waimanalo Gulch. Hawaii Public Radio.

Auditor: Handi-Van Software – And Perhaps Its Operator – Need An Overhaul. The Honolulu auditor’s latest update on Handi-Van performance finds some progress, but the busy paratransit service still needs a lot of improvement. Civil Beat.

City issues 260 citations for illegal short term vacation rentals across the island. Despite the crackdown, hundreds of short term vacation rentals are still operating on the Windward side of O'ahu. KITV4.

Vacation Rentals Are Still Thriving In Kailua. Critics warned that a bill to crack down on illegal vacation rentals would doom Kailua’s economy. But months later, the town still bustles with tourists and hundreds of vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

1 year later, city touts success of Punawai Rest Stop for homeless. One year after it first opened its doors, city officials say the Punawai Rest Stop for homeless on Kuwili Street is a big success. Hawaii News Now.

Punawai Rest Stop homeless program recognizes one year anniversary. The city’s Punawai Rest Stop is a homeless program that is working. KHON2.

Hawaii Island


Property buyouts mulled: County will use HUD funds to purchase land from those wanting to leave areas impacted by eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Contract awarded for road and trail repairs in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced Tuesday that it has awarded a $3.3 million contract to a construction company to repair roads and trails that were damaged during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea. Tribune-Herald.

Eruption-Damaged Road Repairs In HVNP Set To Begin. Repairs to roads and paved trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park that were damaged during Kilauea Volcano’s 2018 eruption and summit collapse are set to begin in February. Big Island Video News.

Making housing affordable: Council panel advances resolution to reach solution. Government officials agree Hawaii County needs to construct more affordable housing, and there’s also agreement on the steps that can be taken to do it. But how to pay for it is open to debate. West Hawaii Today.

Audit sought for subdivision, zoning statutes. A Hawaii County Council committee voted in support of an audit that would be the first step in rewriting two chapters of the county code. Tribune-Herald.

Council members give thumbs down to Kim nominee. A Hawaii County Council committee voted against recommending a nominee to the Leeward Planning Commission Tuesday after a vetting process failed to discover a disciplinary complaint against him. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In election year, search for new county clerk underway. New Maui County Council Chairwoman Alice Lee hopes to have candidates lined up for the Maui County clerk and deputy clerk positions — the county’s top two elections officials — in about two weeks. Maui News.

Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket at Maui High on Friday. Maui Baptist churches are denouncing and disassociating themselves from the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, a widely recognized hate group that has announced plans to protest at Maui High School on Friday. Maui News.

Public Meetings to Discuss Hana Highway Bridge Updates. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will host a series of public meetings to discuss a project to improve six of the historic bridges along the Hāna Highway (Route 360), located between Huelo and Hana town. Maui Now.


Kauai

Cat kills Hawaiian petrel. A cat has been terrorizing Hawaiian petrel burrows in the mountains of the Hono NaPali Natural Area Reserve, and its latest kill was a chick involved in a scientific tracking project. Garden Island.

Molokai

Power slowly being restored to Molokai after island-wide outage. Most on Molokai were without electricity for much of the day Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Hawaii's growing garbage heap, Honolulu police kill escapee, billionaire Ellison wants to buy Lanai electric grid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Garbage at Hawaii landfill ©2020 All Hawaii News
Trashing The Islands: Tossing, Forgetting No Longer Viable. While some conditions have changed for the better, each county continues to struggle with this reality: that we’re producing more trash than we can reasonably handle. Our trash is quite simply eating up scarce tax dollars and harming the environment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislature to Hold Hawaiʻi Homelessness Summit. In an effort to address homelessness, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will convene at the state capitol on Tuesday for the Hawaiʻi Homelessness Summit 2020. Maui Now.

Hawaii Board Of Education Wants More Transparency In School Construction Projects. The Department of Education is expected to identify the criteria it uses in deciding how to divide the money it gets to repair and maintain school facilities. Civil Beat.

Shipping company looking to raise rates by 34%, asking for public input. The company says it would generate $27 million in revenue to maintain operations and make a profit. KITV4.

Rare plant protection is up for debate at the U.S. Senate, thanks to Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and a team of other legislators that have introduced the Extinction Prevention Act. Garden Island.

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TMT takes center stage at astronomy conference as talks with Ige planned. Officials with the Thirty Meter Telescope are slated to meet with the governor this week to discuss the stalled project. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands gather for American Astronomical Society conference at Hawaii Convention Center. The meeting is a joint gathering with the AAS Historical Astronomy Division and High Energy Astrophysics Division. KITV4.

Oahu

Man fatally shot by police in Kailua was work furlough escapee, sources say. A man fatally shot by police in Kailua on Monday afternoon was a work furlough escapee who had been on the run since November, sources said. Hawaii News Now.

Man fatally shot by police in Kailua. KITV4's sources tell us he was an escapee of a work-furlough program and was being hidden by his girlfriend. KITV4.

Police shoot, kill man after Kailua traffic stop. Honolulu police shot and killed an apparently armed man Monday afternoon during a traffic stop in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Shoot Man In Kailua. A woman who was in the car with the suspect has been arrested. Civil Beat.

Man dies in officer involved shooting in Kailua. A witness says police surrounded a Silver PT Cruiser in a parking lot of Aikahi Gardens. KHON2.

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Shakeup afoot at the federal office that exposed the Kealohas’ criminal behavior. Peter Wolff, the head of the federal public defender’s office is being pushed out after 24 years, in a move many in the legal community are questioning. Hawaii News Now.

Hauula road collapse is a glimpse into the future. Officials say Friday’s collapse of Kamehameha Highway in Hauula from coastal erosion is merely a preview of what’s to come as climate change and rising sea levels accelerate into the future. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home and condo prices rose in December. Oahu’s housing market ended 2019 with moderate gains in median sale prices for December but fell just short of producing a full-year gain in part of the market. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation Rentals Are Still Thriving In Kailua. Critics warned that a bill to crack down on illegal vacation rentals would doom Kailua’s economy. But months later, the town still bustles with tourists and hundreds of vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Former SHOPO President Sues Over Police Chief Comments In A Civil Beat Story. Tenari Maafala left the Honolulu Police Department in 2018 after he was moved to another assignment by the new police chief. Civil Beat.

Shoddy window installation at center of new UH lawsuit. UH is suing an architect and contractors over faulty window installations at the school’s $133 million dollar Cancer Center. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteers wanted for annual homeless Point-in-Time count. The annual homeless point-in-time count is set to begin and volunteers are needed. Hawaii News Now.

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Dogs and their owners get new park in Moiliili. Moiliili has a new park where dogs can run free while their human caretakers mingle in the great outdoors. Star-Advertiser.

Public-private partnership helps bring new dog park to area near UH Manoa campus.  Oahu’s newest off-leash dog park, which opened Monday in Moiliili, was created with the help a public-private partnership involving the Hawaiian Humane Society ― a partnership that city officials hope can be used as a model for other projects moving forward. Hawaii News Now.

Off-leash dog park opens at Kalo Place Mini Park. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Rat lungworm disease at the focus of an international Hilo workshop. A Big Island man who was diagnosed with rat lungworm disease gave a presentation about his excruciating experience to the crowd at an international workshop in Hilo on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island man’s battle with rat lungworm kicks off workshop. Mark LeRoy and his wife, Maya Parish, were the first to present at the sixth international workshop on rat lungworm, a three-day program that kicked off Monday morning, drawing more than 250 participants from eight countries to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Health food store apologizes after woman bites into slug on her sandwich. A Big Island woman has filed a complaint with the state Health Department after she says she bit into a slug in a deli sandwich. Hawaii News Now.

Council to vote on breakwater resolution. The Hawaii County Council will vote next week whether to approve a state and federal study of potential modifications to the Hilo Bay breakwater. Tribune-Herald.

Routes canceled as Hele-On bus shortage intensifies. The wheels on the bus aren’t going ‘round the island as frequently as before, as the county Mass Transit Agency struggles with a shortage of Hele-On buses to cover all the routes. West Hawaii Today.

Works begins on farmers market canopy. Visitors to Hilo Farmers Market on Monday found the produce area moved from its usual spot adjacent to Reuben’s Mexican Food to the Keaukaha side of Mamo Street. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County population up slightly, graying. Officials gearing up for census gathering, coming in the spring. Maui News.
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Hearings to be held on Young Brothers rate hikes. Public hearings to discuss interisland shipper Young Brothers’ 34 percent rate hike will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Maui County’s ‘Section 8’ waiting list to re-open for limited period. Maui County is reopening the waiting list for the federal rental housing subsidy program formally known as “Section 8.” Hawaii News Now.

Housing Choice Voucher Program Re-Opens Wait List. Applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List will be accepted later this month, the county announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Weigh in on KIUC’s water diversions. Those wanting to weigh in on the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s bid for a long-term lease of water used for the Waiahai hydropower plants have until midnight tonight to comment on the draft environmental assessment. Garden Island.

Kauai condo prices tied record in 2019. Condominium prices on Kauai last year tied a more than decade-old record that stood out as a highlight in data from two neighbor island housing markets released Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Median price of Kauai condominiums jumps 23% in 2019. The median price of a condominium on Kauai jumped by more than 20% in 2019 as sales of both condos and single-family homes declined when compared with 2018, while the median price of a single-family home on the Garden Isle rose 14% in December, according to statistics provided by Hawaii Information Service on behalf of the Kauai Board of Realtors. Pacific Business News.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison is looking to buy more of Lanai. The tech industry titan, who already owns 98% of the former Pineapple Isle, wants to buy Lanai’s power plant and grid from the state’s largest utility company, Hawaiian Electric. Star-Advertiser.

Lanai In Talks To Buy Grid From Hawaiian Electric. The move, the parties say, aims to help create micro grids powered by renewable energy and lower electricity costs. Civil Beat.

Monday, January 6, 2020

LGBTQ+ students added to Hawaii Title IX, high-tech economy boosted by cyber spies, Sensei Farms transforms Lanai agriculture, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Gay pride parade in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News
Hawaii's new Title IX law includes protection for LGBTQ+ students. Hawaii's new Title IX law is the first in the nation to include protection for LGBTQ+ students. Activists say this addition is a positive step forward in expanding rights in educational programs. KITV.

State senators grill University of Hawaii on salary funding details. University of Hawaii officials Friday were unable to answer pointed questions from state senators about who should pay for what could be more than $14 million worth of “fringe” employee benefits for an estimated 1,076 UH salaried positions paid through tuitions rather than the state’s general fund. Star-Advertiser.

Cyber Spies Are Quietly Boosting Hawaii’s High Tech Economy. Can the state build on a massive base of National Security Agency and other government cyber jobs? Civil Beat.

Hawaii's New Asset Forfeiture Rules Take Effect Jan. 17. New requirements will apply to local enforcement authorities in seizing cars and other property of criminals under long-awaited asset forfeiture rules issued by the Hawaii attorney general on Dec. 31. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii bankruptcies in 2019 hit highest level in 5 years. The U.S. stock market had a record bull run in 2019. But not everyone shared in the wealth. Star-Advertiser.

Pay Hikes for Special Ed, Hawaiian Language, Rural School Teachers Start On Tuesday. Pay increases for public school teachers in hard-to-fill positions, including those for special education, rural areas and Hawaiian language immersion, start on Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

A $75,000 Settlement Is Scaring Hawaii Charter Schools. A recent legislative directive that forces state agencies to cover the costs of legal claims could have a big impact on charter schools. Civil Beat.

New law on reporting inmate deaths exposes alleged prison homicide. A new law that requires prison officials to report to the governor each time an inmate dies in custody has already revealed the case of a prisoner who died on Christmas morning after being assaulted at Oahu Community Correctional Center.  Star-Advertiser.

Maunakea Looms Over American Astronomical Society Meeting. The Thirty Meter Telescope controversy will be a major topic of discussion during the four-day conference being held at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

TMT supporters rally at Hawai‘i Convention Center. Supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope waved signs and flags Sunday outside of the Hawai‘i Convention Center while a major astronomy conference was being held inside. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Board Of Water Supply Fined For Stream Pollution. The Board of Water Supply failed to notify state health officials about a sediment discharge for 15 days, according to the state health department. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply faces $420K penalty for polluting Nuuanu Stream. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and a trio of contractors face a possible $420,000 fine for polluting the Nuuanu Stream over an 18-day period last year. Star-Advertiser.

Dead Koi fish led to a $420K fine from the Department of Health. The Department of Health announced a notice of violation for the Board of Water Supply and some of its consultants and contractors carrying a $420K fine. KITV.

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Hauula residents want long-term fix for collapsed road. Repair crews began work Sunday morning along a portion of Kamehameha Highway that collapsed into the ocean in Hauula, but some residents questioned why the state allowed the road’s condition to deteriorate to that extent. Star-Advertiser.

Traffic in Hauula still impacted as crews make emergency repairs to crumbling roadway. A lane of Kamehameha Highway in Hauula remains closed Monday morning as crews make emergency shoreline repairs to the crumbling roadway. Hawaii News Now.

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Development firms to build affordable housing through state resolution. A development partnership is positioned to start building a low-income housing tower in Pawaa later this year following a recent tentative endorsement by the state to finance the $89 million project. Star-Advertiser.

New rules for tent installers impact vendors at Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Vendors of the popular Aloha Stadium Swap Meet say they were caught off guard when trying to set up Saturday, leading to tensions over the market. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Herbicide ban not a sure thing. While the County Council had voted 6-3 to approve Bill 101 — the same number of affirmative votes needed to override Mayor Harry Kim’s veto — there’s no guarantee all six council members who previously voted yes on the bill will also agree to override the veto. West Hawaii Today.

Kim to meet with governor, TMT officials this week. Although the protesters at Maunakea Access Road have physically changed their position, their philosophical position remains the same as in July. Tribune-Herald.

Charges dropped against retired police captain. Charges against a retired Hawaii Police Department captain accused of tipping off arcade owners prior to a gambling raid have been dropped. Tribune-Herald.

Charges in a 2-year-old drug case have been dropped because of officer misconduct, a judge ruled. ose Miranda was charged in December 2017 with 11 counts of first-degree promoting a dangerous drug, class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison. West Hawaii Today.

Councilwoman seeks affordable housing fund. The Big Island’s shortage of affordable housing is reaching the crisis stage, says a County Council member sponsoring a nonbinding resolution pushing for the creation of an affordable housing fund. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Woman Pulls Slug From Mouth After Eating Island Naturals Sandwich. A Hilo woman will have to wait about two weeks to find out if she’s contracted rat lungworm disease after nearly ingesting a half-inch slug on New Year’s Eve. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mahi Pono: ‘We are not profiting off water’. Officials offer details of approach to vital resource. Maui News.

New Self-Service Kiosk for Vehicle Registrations at Maui County Building. A new self-service DMV kiosk was installed and blessed today at the county’s Kalana O Maui Building, bringing to five, the total number available in Maui County. Maui Now.

Crab, lobster hearings next week. Hearings are set on Molokai, Lanai and Maui next week on a housekeeping consolidation of rules regulating the take, possession and sale of Samoan crab, Kona crab and lobsters in state waters. Maui News.

Maui fires burned 25,000 acres in 2019. Brush fires took their toll on Maui in 2019, setting ablaze more acres of land last year than in recent years, and in the process destroyed utility poles, amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs by the county and displaced hundreds of people. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Hawaii Tour Helicopter Owner Rejects Congressman’s Criticism. Richard Schuman says the industry is safe and does not need increased federal regulation. Civil Beat.

Forums target climate change. The National Tropical Botanical Garden is holding another series of forums on climate change, starting in February, titled “Climate Crisis 2020.” Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai undergoes agricultural transformation using hydroponic greenhouses. Lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers are lined up to be part of the first commercial harvest from a pioneering hydroponic greenhouse farm on Lanai developed by technology billionaire Larry Ellison and envisioned for expansion to serve the state and potential replication beyond Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Sensei Farms Lanai’s greenhouses mix old and new technology. Paving over red dirt that was once part of the most productive pineapple plantation in the world might not seem like the way to start a positive transformation of agriculture on Lanai. Star-Advertiser.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Hawaiian hawk removed from endangered species list, Olive Garden files to enter state, TV Executive Blangiardi weighs run for Honolulu mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2020 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
'Io Hawaiian hawk at Panaewa Rainforest Gardens & Zoo ©2020 All Hawaii News
Hawaiian Hawk No Longer Endangered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has removed the ‘io from the list of endangered or threatened species. Civil Beat.

ʻIo No Longer Considered Endangered or Threatened. The ʻio or Hawaiian hawk will be removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife on Feb. 3, 2020. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian hawk removed from federal list of endangered wildlife. The io or Hawaiian hawk has been removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Hawk, or ʻio, to be removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule removing the ʻio, or the Hawaiian hawk, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. KHON2.

Read the Fish and Wildlife Service final rule delisting the 'io here.

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Hawaii Senate Health Chair Plans To Introduce Bills Targeting Youth Vaping. Hawaii Senate Health Chair Rosalyn Baker plans to propose several bills in the coming legislative ssession aimed at reducing youth vaping, but she wants to add e-cigarettes and vaping products to existing tobacco laws. Hawaii Public Radio.

Astronomers to assemble as telescope discord looms. An event described as the Super Bowl of astronomy kicks off Saturday in Honolulu as thousands of scientists descend on the Hawai‘i Convention Center for the biggest meeting of the year for American astronomers. Star-Advertiser.

More vets gain access to commissaries. More than 27,000 veterans with a service-connected disability in Hawaii and over 430 Purple Heart recipients can now shop at commissaries and exchanges and take advantage of greater recreational opportunities under legislation co-authored by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz that went into effect Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Puts Hawaii Taser Case On Hold. A lawsuit over the right to carry a stun gun for personal protection will wait on the outcome of a seemingly unrelated weapons case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

USS Missouri reaches 9 million visitors. The nine millionth visitor stepped aboard the USS Missouri today, ringing in the 75th year after World War II officially ended on its decks. Star-Advertiser.

Olive Garden files to do business in Hawaii. Could Olive Garden be coming to Hawaii? According to state business records, the company recently filed to do business here in the islands. KHON2.

Samoan crabs, Kona crabs & lobster proposed rule updates. In an effort to facilitate compliance with the rules regulating the take, possession, and sale of Samoan crab, Kona crab, and lobsters in State waters, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources has scheduled public hearings this month. KITV.

Oahu

TV executive Blangiardi plans mayoral run. Television executive Rick Blangiardi surprised his staff and simultaneously shook up Oahu’s political community Thursday when he announced he is retiring from his job and intends to join the race for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser.

HNN General Manager Rick Blangiardi announces he’s retiring, considering run for mayor. After more than four decades in the broadcasting industry, Hawaii News Now President and General Manager Rick Blangiardi has announced he will retire this month and is considering a run for Honolulu’s mayor. Hawaii News Now.

TV Executive Blangiardi Weighing Running For Honolulu Mayor. The longtime general manager will leave his Hawaii News Now post Jan. 15. Civil Beat.

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Maili group sues city, developer in bid to stop affordable housing project. Construction on a $23 million affordable rental project in West Oahu called Hale Makana O Maili started in October. But neighbors calling themselves Na Kiai O Maili — protectors of Maili — have filed a suit against the city and developer Laulima Development in a bid to stop construction at the end of Kulaaupuni Street. Hawaii News Now.

Plans move forward to rebuild the old P-3 Orion monument. The last remnants of a P-3 Orion monument erected by the Navy in 1999 to commemorate Naval Air Station Barbers Point’s 57 years of fleet service have been demolished, but a local American Veterans post commander said plans are proceeding to completely rebuild the memorial near the Kalaeloa Airport control tower. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Businessman Files Federal Complaint In Prosecutor Impeachment Effort. Tracy Yoshimura has asked a federal court to clear up an e-signature issue that has stalled his initiative to oust Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat.

HPD Swears In New Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Jonathon Grems retired in December. Clyde Ho took over. Civil Beat.

Tougher inspections at Honolulu ports could aid in crackdown against illegal fireworks according to former state lawmaker. While you can set off small sparklers and poppers without a permit, those aerial fireworks we saw thousands of on New Year's Eve are illegal. KITV.

City erects fence blocking shoreline access near Diamond Head, irking park users.  Park users of the Makalei and Leahi Beach Parks near Diamond Head are protesting the city’s decision to block off access to parts of the shoreline. Over the holidays, the city suddenly erected fences at both ends of a walkway on a seawall between the two beaches. Hawaii News Now.

New rules at Honolulu Zoo parking lot irks nearby businesses. It’s a popular parking lot for locals who venture into Waikiki. But changes are coming to prevent anyone from parking outside the Honolulu Zoo late at night. KHON2.

TheBus Redux: A City Transit Leader Responds To Riders’ Questions. Lags in TheBus’ tracking data can cause angst for riders trying to predict when their bus might arrive. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

State orders updated traffic assessment for Pepeekeo power plant. Honua Ola Bioenergy will have to update a traffic assessment submitted for the project in March 2011 before the power plant under construction in Pepeekeo can deliver logs to its facility. Tribune-Herald.

HELCO seeks new power agreement with PGV. Hawaii Electric Light Co. is seeking approval of an amended power purchase agreement with Puna Geothermal Venture, according to documents filed Tuesday with the state Public Utilities Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Chemical sunscreens restricted at Big Island park, a year ahead of statewide ban.  Sunscreens containing chemicals have now been banned for use by commercial vessels in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island. The restrictions took effect on Jan. 1, a year before a similar statewide ban takes effect. Hawaii News Now.

Changes to Pana‘ewa complex miff equestrians. Extensive accessibility renovations are scheduled for the Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex this year, but several users of the attached Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center are pushing back against some of the proposed changes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Police seek help in locating families of unclaimed bodies. The Maui Police Department is asking for assistance in contacting family members of eight people whose bodies weren’t claimed after their deaths this year. Maui News.

Staff Shortages Affect Pool Hours in Kahului, Wailuku, Upcountry and Kihei. The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause the community. Maui Now.

Kauai

Removal of ill-fated helicopter on Kauai begins. A National Transportation Safety Board spokesman said the wreckage removal process began Thursday of a tour helicopter that crashed Dec. 26 in a remote area of Kokee, killing all seven on board. Star-Advertiser.

Drones documenting wreckage. Investigators aren’t going to physically set foot on the crash site of the tour helicopter that collided with a ridge on Kauai in December, killing all seven passengers. Garden Island.

Hanalei highway lane closure set. The Hawaii Department of Transportation reminds the public there will be a single-lane closure on Kuhio Highway at Mile Marker 1 (the hill approaching Hanalei Bridge) seven days a week starting today. Garden Island.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

New laws coming, Oahu rents dropping, vote by mail cards AWOL, fireworks injuries around the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

photo by Danny de Gracia
Hawaii state Capitol PC:Danny de Gracia
New laws you could see in the 2020 Legislative Session. The start of the year means lawmakers will soon be convening at the state Capitol to pass what could be a new set of laws for the islands. KHON2.

New state laws focus on justice system, guns, marijuana. Hawaii residents and visitors caught with small quantities of marijuana can rest assured they won’t be charged with criminal offenses under a new law that takes effect this year. Star-Advertiser.

National Weather Service To Reduce Number Of Emergency Alerts Sent To Phones. Alerts for the most serious events will be prioritized over flooding events that are not expected to have a major impact on the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Growing air tours crowd isle skies. A growing number of people are calling for tougher restrictions on Hawaii’s tour helicopter and small aircraft industry, particularly as the volume of traffic has increased in recent years over residential communities, national parks and other areas. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawaii Won’t Stop Setting Off Fireworks. A new report from the Legislative Reference Bureau highlights failed attempts by law enforcement and lawmakers to deal with the recurring issue. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New year brings new ban on plastic bags on Oahu. Oahu retailers can no longer distribute plastic bags at checkout counters under the latest phase of the city’s plastic bag ban ordinance that took effect Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed into law one of the strictest disposable plastic bans in the country. People are no longer allowed to buy plastic bags at check-out stands. KITV.

Rents Are Dipping on Oahu, At Least For Some People. Experts say some apartment rental rates have been coming down even before a crackdown on Oahu vacation rentals. Civil Beat.

Residents: flooding problem in Hauula getting worse. Flooding in Hauula has been a problem for years but residents say the problem is getting worse. Hawaii News Now.

Teenager hospitalized after firework blows off in his hand. As many celebrated the new year, one teenager spent the beginning of 2020 in the hospital. KITV.

Hawaii Island

Dozens Say Vote by Mail Cards Never Came. Concerns of disenfranchisement have cropped up recently on the Big Island, as residents and state officials alike have pointed to a potential flaw in Hawai‘i’s new vote by mail system that could leave some voters without a ballot come election day. Big Island Now.

New Hilo facility for homeless off to a good start, according to nonprofit. More than two months after accepting its first clients, Keolahou — an emergency homeless shelter established at the old Hilo Memorial Hospital — is a refuge for the Big Island’s homeless men. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

16 Fireworks Citations Issued, 68 Documented Cases in Maui County. Maui Now.

Man Critically Injured On Maui When Firework Explodes in Face. Maui Now.

Injuries, damages due to fireworks on Maui. Adam Cio said he was driving through a residential part of Kahului on his way home from work when an aerial firework burst through the passenger-side window of his pick-up truck. KITV.

Maui man left bloody after stray firework rips through the cab of his pick-up. A Maui man is recovering after an illegal aerial firework blasted through the cab of his pick-up truck minutes into the New Year. Hawaii News Now.

Maui man injured after a firework blasts through his car. KHON2.

Holiday Express reaches end of line. The Christmas-themed Sugar Cane Train made its final 4-mile round trip of the year Monday, traveling to Kualapa Loop and back, after the owners were unable to reach an agreement with Kaanapali Land Management over the future of the steam locomotive. Maui News.

Kauai

Feds Plan To Extract Kauai Tour Helicopter Wreckage. The National Transportation Safety Board plans to have a preliminary report from its investigation in three weeks and the final report within two years. Civil Beat.