Hawaii heads toward full shutdown if coronavirus cases don't subside, 'right to die' lobbyist Radcliffe dies, Caldwell denies city employee potluck source of COVID-19 cluster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

An exhausted Lt. Gov. Josh Green at July 29, 2020, press conference Facebook Live

Green says ‘full shutdown’ might be necessary if COVID-19 cases don’t decline. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that if the daily statewide COVID-19 case numbers continue to be in the 150-200 range in a week, he’d advise Gov. David Ige “to do the full shutdown and go back to a four-week period of stay-at-home” mandates. Tribune-Herald.

Hospitals could be overwhelmed in a month if cases of COVID-19 continue to increase at the current rate. Hospitals could be overwhelmed within a month if the number of COVID-19 cases doesn’t start to decrease according to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green. KHON2.

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Governor Defends Anderson, Park In Face Of Growing Criticism. New reporting out yesterday from Hawaii Public Radio shows that the state Department of Health significantly exaggerated its capacity to perform contact tracing, while downplaying challenges facing the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health Department has new contact tracing leader. Hawaii’s top health officials have turned their much maligned “contact tracing” program over to a new hire, following record numbers of COVID-19 cases and a call for the removal of the state’s health director and epidemiologist. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Contact Tracing Effort Falls Short Of National Standards. The state Department of Health is trying to hire new staff to address a shortage as the virus spreads. Civil Beat.

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Triple-digit cases persist with death toll hitting 38. Hawaii recorded 202 cases of novel coronavirus and two more deaths Wednesday as various clusters of infection continued to pop up around Oahu and some clusters grew. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Data Shows Hawaii Is In A ‘Very Dire Situation’. Despite a troubling rise in the number of cases, the public does not seem to have an appropriate sense of urgency, an epidemic tracking expert says. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 12: 202 New Cases And 2 Deaths. Health officials have reported four deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the state’s coronavirus death toll to 38. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 12th: 202 New Cases, 4 Deaths. The state has identified several distinct restaurant clusters. Big Island Video News.

202 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (O‘ahu 197, Kaua‘i 2, Hawai‘i Island 2, Maui 1). The state has reported another triple digit increase in new COVID-19 cases with 202 new cases today including 197 on Oʻahu, two each on Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island, and one on Maui.  There were also four deaths on the island of Oʻahu. Maui Now.

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Longtime lobbyist of Hawaii's 'right to die' legislation passes away. When the state passed the "Our Care, Our Choice" act last January allowing patients to end their life with lethal medication he decided to take his life and his death into his own hands. KITV4.

John Radcliffe / 1942-2020: Fought for dignity for the dying. John Radcliffe, an educator, lobbyist, former executive director of the Hawaii State Teachers Association and unrelenting advocate for death with dignity, died Tuesday night in his Makiki home surrounded by family and close friends after ending his life with prescribed medication. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran Hawaii Lobbyist John Radcliffe Dead At 78. He helped lead the fight to legalize medical aid in dying. Civil Beat.

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State pension fund pops in final quarter to end year in the black. It was a get-well quarter for the state’s largest public pension fund as it overcame the effects of COVID-19 to post a 6.2% investment return and edge into positive territory for fiscal year 2020. Star-Advertiser.

HMSHost may layoff up to 500 furloughed Hawaii airport food service staff. In a notice to the State Labor Department, HMSHost, which runs most of the food stands at Hawaii’s airports in Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue, says it began furloughing employees back in March. KHON2.

Over 220 Securitas employees get back pay for Fair Labor Standards violations. Securitas is paying more than 220 employees $176,000 in back wages. The U.S. Department of Labor found the private security company wasn’t paying staff that went back on the job during meal breaks. Hawaii News Now.

Vote-By-Mail Helped Perk Up Hawaii Turnout But So Did Some Competitive Races. Voting was up throughout the state, in some areas more than others. Civil Beat.

People In Hawaii Are Struggling. The Nonprofits That Help Them Are Too. The pandemic will force some nonprofits to close. Others will have to change and adapt to survive. Civil Beat.

DOH cites four companies for air permit violations. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Air Branch issued fines to four companies last week for violating air permit regulations, including one on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

4 monk seals released on Midway Atoll refuge. Four healthy Hawaiian monk seals were successfully released on the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge after staff at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s monk seal hospital on Hawaii island, cared for the endangered mammals for more than 10 months. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Caldwell says no coronavirus cases tied to employee retirement party at Honolulu Hale. Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who last week issued an executive order instructing Oahu residents to stay away from those not in their immediate family, on Wednesday sent a memo to about 10,000 city employees urging them to not gather for lunch or other social occasions. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor: ‘Give Us Evidence’ Potluck Caused Virus Cluster At Honolulu Hale. The headquarters of Honolulu’s city government has seen its total cases rise to at least 13. Civil Beat.

Caldwell denies retirement potluck was source of COVID-19 infections at Honolulu Hale. Two days after a cluster of COVID cases led to the closure of Honolulu Hale, the Department of Health reports the virus may have spread at an employee potluck at the city building ― and that 11 cases are “potentially linked” to the luncheon. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell says no known COVID-19 cases linked to an employee retirement party.  Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said they investigated details surrounding a retirement party in late July on municipal grounds after Hawaii state officials said an employee gathering or potluck had the potential to transmit the illness to 11 city and county workers. KHON2.

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Campbell High School teacher arrested for violating Hawaii quarantine. A Hawaii high school teacher was arrested for violating the 14-day traveler quarantine the state mandated to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield Barracks School Age Center employee tests positive. The employee is not a direct caregiver. KITV4.

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16 cases at OCCC after 7 more inmates test positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety announced today that seven inmates at the Oahu Community Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of inmates at the facility with the virus up to 16. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC corrections officers plead for change as COVID-19 outbreak grows. "When I broke the news to my family, it was hard," described an adult corrections officer at the O'ahu Community Correctional Center who tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. KITV4.

Mainland college students seek rentals on Oahu. One realty company is apprehensive. There's high demand from mainland college students who want to rent homes together in Hawaii to ride out the pandemic, but one realty company says it's rejecting the new business. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu North Shore businesses closing as tourist torrent slows to a trickle. It’s not just Waikiki that’s been hit hard by the drop in visitor numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Mayoral race analysis shows Blangiardi won 26 of 34 districts in primary election. A Hawaii News Now analysis also shows that Blangiardi won in all but eight House Districts and held double-digit percentage point leads in places like Hawaii Kai and Kailua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kamehameha Schools Hawaii student tests positive for COVID-19. The student is in isolation, and contact tracing is underway to identify and follow up with all close contacts. Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i to Transition to Distance Learning Thursday. Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i will transition to distance learning for at least the rest of August after a case of COVID-19 was identified in a high school student on its Big Island campus Wednesday. Big Island Now.

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Maunakea protest camp spurs ethics complaint: Ethics Board debates jurisdiction, postpones action until September. The Board of Ethics considered a citizen petition Wednesday asking why Hawaii County isn’t enforcing laws on Maunakea ranging from last year’s blockade of the mountain’s access road to the construction of unpermitted structures near the protest site. West Hawaii Today.

Location Chosen For Student Telescope On Mauna Kea, As Hōkū Keʻa Removal Planned. The precise location preferred by scientists for the new UH-Hilo student telescope was revealed this week, as the process to decommission the Hōkū Keʻa observatory on the summit of Maunakea continues. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County may see bump in COVID-19 case numbers soon. There was one new COVID-19 case reported on Maui, but officials say there may be a bump in COVID-19 cases reported on the island within the next few days. KHON2.

Maui County says they’re flooded with traveler quarantine exemption requests. It is day two of the inter-island travel quarantine requirement and Maui county has already received thousands of exemption requests. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Maui Campus Announces Full Distance Learning Through Aug. 31. The Kamehameha Maui campus transitions to a full distance learning program today, through at least the end of the month. Maui Now.

Illegal encampments blocking sewage pumping station. Maui County has issued notices to vacate to people with illegal encampments and vehicles blocking access to the Wailuku sewage pump station off Kahului Beach Road. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i looking to limit outdoor gatherings. Mayor Derek Kawakami requested an additional amendment to an emergency rule that would bring the maximum number of people at a social outdoor gathering from 100 down to 25. Garden Island.

FTA funds to replace six in Kaua‘i Bus fleet. The County of Kaua‘i received $1.4 million in funds, as part of a Federal Transit Administration package of $9,596,669 to purchase new buses on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Garden Island.

Calls for ouster of state health director as coronavirus cases surge, governor may postpone trans-Pacific travel reopening, Hawaii added to New England's quarantine list, contact tracers in short supply, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Health Director Bruce Anderson, Aug. 6 Facebook Live

Hawaii’s rise in COVID-19 infections has landed it on New York’s travel quarantine list. The state of New York, along with Connecticut and New Jersey, on Tuesday placed Hawaii on its tri-state list of states and territories from which travelers are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Data Shows Hawaii Is In A ‘Very Dire Situation’. Despite a troubling rise in the number of cases, the public does not seem to have an appropriate sense of urgency, an epidemic tracking expert says. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige: surge in COVID cases likely means another delay in reopening tourism. The surge in daily COVID cases and hospitalizations makes it more likely that reopening tourism will not happen on September 1. KHON2.

State House Speaker wants more public information from DOH on COVID-19 cases. With the Hawaii Department of Health under fire for its contact tracing capacity, one of the state’s top lawmakers is asking for more information to help the public. KHON2.

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Hawaii sees 2 new COVID-19 deaths and 118 new coronavirus cases as statewide tally climbs to 3,756. Hawaii Department of Health officials late this afternoon reported the deaths of two elderly Oahu men, who will be counted as coronavirus-related fatalities in Wednesday’s COVID-19 tally. Star-Advertiser.

State reports 2 new COVID-19 fatalities, pushing death toll to 36. The deaths come on the heels of three fatalities reported Monday. Hawaii News Now.

State Reports Two New Coronavirus-Related Deaths Tuesday. The coronavirus-related death toll in the state now stands at 36 individuals. A total of 118 new cases of the virus were reported Tuesday. Big Island Now.

118 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (112 O‘ahu, 4 Maui, 1 Hawai‘i Island). Twelve of the past 14 days have been in the triple-digits for new cases in the state. Maui Now.

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Hawaii’s surge in COVID-19 deaths related to shortfall in contact tracing, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says changes are in the works to improve contact tracing and testing inadequacies at the Department of Health that might have contributed to about half of Hawaii’s recent surge in COVID-19 deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Contact Tracing Effort Falls Short Of National Standards. The state Department of Health is trying to hire new staff to address a shortage as the virus spreads. Civil Beat.

How Hawaii Botched Contact Tracing And What It Will Take To Fix It. The state Department of Health’s contact tracing has failed to keep up with the burgeoning numbers of COVID-19 cases and key state senators are calling the department’s bluff on officials' claims that they are managing with the workers they have and are hiring. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH calls senators’ visit ‘showmanship,’ but lawmakers say they’re ready to help. Days after getting a firsthand look at how the Health Department has fallen behind in its contact tracing efforts, a legislative committee reached out to the agency to make clear it is willing to offer any resources available. Hawaii News Now.

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says state health department leaders ‘need to go’. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard today posted a second twitter message calling for a change in leadership at the Hawaii state Department of Health, which has recently come under fire for its contact tracing capacity. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard Calls On Ige To Fire Top Health Officials For ‘Gross Negligence’. The Hawaii congresswoman says that state Health Director Bruce Anderson and Epidemiologist Sarah Park have put the community in danger by being slow to hire more COVID-19 contact tracers. Civil Beat.

Congressional member demands removal of state health department leadership. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also looking into what kind of federal oversight and accountability can be created to manage use of federal CARES Act money. KITV4.

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DOE releases plan for neighbor island public schools. With one week left until school starts, the Department of Education announced Tuesday, most neighbor island public schools will follow Oahu and start the school year with four weeks of distance learning. KHON2.

DOE Announces 13 Cases Of COVID-19 In Schools On Oahu, Kauai. Most neighbor island schools will now start with all distance learning as HSTA pressures the administration. Civil Beat.

Neighbor Island Schools Announce Distance Learning to Start School Year. Complex area superintendents on the neighbor islands today announced the distance learning models that schools will be implementing on Aug.17. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, and Maui Go Full Distance Learning To Start Year. Complex area superintendents announced Tuesday that Neighbor Island schools will change course and adopt distance learning models to start 2020-21 school year. Big Island Video News.

DOE: Distance learning will be used during the first four weeks of the quarter. Big Island public schools, along with most other schools on the neighbor islands, will transition entirely to distance learning for the first four weeks of instruction, the state Department of Education announced Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

HSTA Raises Alarm Over COVID-19 Notifications In Schools, DOE Responds. The teachers union says the community is not being properly notified about confirmed cases of COVID-19 in some public schools, but the DOE says timely notification was made. Big Island Video News.

Seven COVID-19 cases reported so far at Hawaii public schools since teachers returned. Seven school employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since teachers returned to work at public schools July 29, the Department of Education announced Tuesday after being criticized by the teachers union for failing to publicize cases. Star-Advertiser.

Instructors For Hire: How The Pandemic Is Fueling A New Side Business. The pandemic is allowing private instructors to offer small group lessons to parents who are wary of children returning to school campuses — and who can afford it. Civil Beat.

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Election Recounts Don’t Change Outcomes Of 3 Races. DeCoite, Quilingking remain the winners of their primaries, and the Kauai County Council lineup stays the same. Civil Beat.

Flock of warbirds arrives in Hawaii for 75th anniversary of end of WWII. It’s been World War II warbirds meet present-day Pearl Harbor with efforts ongoing to offload 14 vintage aircraft from the amphibious assault ship USS Essex for the 75th commemoration of end-of-war events Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Epidemic tracker: ‘1 in 50 Oahu residents may have COVID’. It has been 13 consecutive days of triple digit coronavirus cases in Hawaii. New data shows every infected person in the state is now spreading the virus to 1.6 people. It is the highest rate of contagion in the country. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 500 workers tested for COVID-19 at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said his COVID-19 test results were negative after mass testing took place for nearly 500 city and county employees at Honolulu Hale. KHON2.

Plans for a ‘college bubble’ at a Waikiki hotel are scrapped over community concerns. Although U Experience got national attention, the idea of inviting college students to Hawaii during a pandemic raised many concerns locally. Hawaii News Now.

Mass Testing Begins As More OCCC Inmates Positive For COVID-19. Data shows nine inmates and seven staff at the state’s largest jail have tested positive so far in the coronavirus outbreak. Civil Beat.

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Mufi Hannemann and Colleen Hanabusa may have run last campaigns. Neither former Mayor Mufi Hannemann nor former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa will rule out seeking future office, but both of their political careers could be over — especially with a record number of voters who overlooked them in last week’s mayoral primary election. Star-Advertiser.

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Federal judge orders Michael Miske held without bail. A federal judge has ordered to detain Oahu businessman Michael Miske Jr. without bail pending trial on multiple charges involving a years-long organized crime ring investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Accused Crime Boss Michael Miske Will Remain Behind Bars. A federal prosecutor described Miske as one of the most dangerous defendants he has ever prosecuted. Civil Beat.

Bond denied for alleged crime boss Mike Miske as defense team grows. Accused crime boss Michael Miske will remain behind bars without bond. Hawaii News Now.

Federal judge orders Miske be held without bail on Tuesday. A federal judge ordered local businessman Michael Miske held without bail on Tuesday siding with Prosecutors  believing he's a danger to the community and a flight-risk. KITV4.

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Controversial Kahuku wind project being connected to electric grid. Hawaiian Electric crews have started utility work to connect the wind turbines from the controversial Na Pua Makani project in Kahuku to the electric grid. Star-Advertiser.

'Too big, too close': Kahuku residents picket to stop wind turbine project. Turbines at Na Pua Makani wind-farm in Kahuku were officially connected to Hawaiian Electric's grid on Tuesday. KITV4.

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City’s park closure is cutting off gardeners from their plants on public plots. While the city understands the benefits of community gardeners, there are no exceptions to the order, leaving residents with concerns. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s community gardens remain closed due to COVID-19 lockdown, but may get some maintenance help. Those with plots in community gardens won’t get a reprieve from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s decision to close the sites along with other recreational facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

CARES money hitting the streets: County awards $43 million of its $80 million coronavirus relief grant. With less than five months left to use it all or lose it, Hawaii County has been just chipping away at spending $80 million in federal coronavirus relief funds, but the pace is expected to quicken over the coming months as grants are distributed among community organizations and individuals. West Hawaii Today.

HSTA reports COVID-19 case at Hilo Intermediate. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said during a news conference Tuesday that cases of COVID-19 had been reported at five schools in Hawaii since Thursday, including Hilo Intermediate School. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Kim Reflects On Primary Election Defeat. Mayor Kim reacts to the Saturday primary election result in which he finished third in the race for mayor, and how he will leave the office in December 2020. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim Thought He Was In Tune With Voters. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim was voted into retirement by Big Island voters in Saturday's 2020 primary election. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Threshold to Revisit Closures: If Maui Averages 5-7 New Cases a Day by Monday. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said he will consider the reinstitution of restrictions and closures in Maui County if the daily average number of cases increases to 5-7 by Monday. Maui Now.

Mayor mulling closure if cases spike. Anticipating a jump in new COVID-19 cases in Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino said Monday that he will be mulling another potential closure. Maui News.

Kihei bars close after possible exposure to COVID-19 patron. Voluntary move aids cleaning, gathering of further information. Maui News.

Recount of District 13 House Race Confirms Decoite’s Win Over Ritte. A recount of votes cast in the Primary Election race for the District 13 House seat, confirms incumbent Rep. Lynn DeCoite has defeated challenger and long-time Hawaiian Rights advocate Walter Ritte. Maui Now.

Kauai

2 new active cases linked to inter-island travel. Yesterday, Kaua‘i District Health officials announced two new positive cases of COVID-19, both related to inter-island travel. This brings the active case count to four, and the cumulative total to 51. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i public schools opt for distance learning model. Kaua‘i Complex Area will be implementing a 100% distance learning model for at least the first four weeks of school beginning next week. Garden Island.

Status of Coco Palms reviewed. While the Planning Commission received over 115 pieces of written and oral testimony overwhelmingly calling for the reconsideration of plans to redevelop the area of the Coco Palms Resort, there wasn’t much they could do. Garden Island.

Honolulu city hall shuts down amid COVID-19 outbreak, Caldwell tests negative, HGEA files grievance against Health Department over contact tracers, labor director resigns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Hale city hall ©2020 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Hale Shuts Down Amid COVID-19 Outbreak. Mayor Kirk Caldwell is among more than 1,000 city employees being tested for the disease after a cluster surfaced. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hale closed, satellite city halls on limited service. Honolulu Hale is shutting down to the public due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases there, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell tests negative for COVID-19 after cases spread at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell was tested for COVID-19 on Monday after a positive case in his office, and many more at Honolulu Hale. By Monday night, his result came back negative. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 test result is negative. There was mass testing at Honolulu Hale after 10 employees had positive COVID-19 test results. KHON2.

Mayor Caldwell tests negative for COVID-19. Mayor Kirk Caldwell received a negative test result for COVID-19 on Monday night. KITV4.

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Experts: COVID-19 is spreading in Hawaii at a faster rate than anywhere else in the nation. Hawaii is regularly seeing triple-digit increases in COVID-19 infections, a situation that underscores just how fast the virus is spreading in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s coronavirus crisis worsens with 140 cases, 3 deaths and more closures. Hawaii’s coronavirus crisis continued to mount Monday as Honolulu’s City Hall was shut down, the University of Hawaii football season was postponed at least for the fall and three more people died from COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 140 Cases; Mayor Isolates, Honolulu Hale To Close; 6 OCCC Inmates, 3 ACOs Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 10: 3 Deaths And 140 Cases; Clusters At Honolulu Hale And Oahu Jail. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is being tested for the coronavirus after a staffer in his office tested positive. Civil Beat.

DOH Reports 140 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health on Monday reported 140 news cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,638 cases since testing began in late February. Big Island Now.

Military and their family account for 7% of Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases. In the first acknowledgement of its kind, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said military members and their families in Hawaii represent approximately 7% of the total COVID-19 cases for the state — meaning about 204 as of Thursday’s statewide count of 2,914 since the start of the outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

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‘Out of control': Union grievance filed against DOH as criticism of pandemic response builds. The union that represents state contact tracers has filed an official grievance against Health Department management, saying top government health officials have lied to the public how many tracers are actually on the job. Hawaii News Now.

HGEA grievance cites just 15 contact tracers on Oahu, where COVID-19 cases are surging. The Hawaii Government Employees Association has filed a grievance against the state Department of Health alleging that there are only 15 epidemiological specialists on Oahu and three on the neighbor islands to perform contact tracing for thousands of potential COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii governor appoints new directors as labor head resigns. Democratic Gov. David Ige said Monday he appointed a new interim director of the state Department of Taxation and an acting director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Associated Press.

Labor Director Resigns, Former Lawmaker To Head Tax Department. Gov. David Ige announced new cabinet members Monday. Civil Beat.

Head of State Labor Department Resigns After Two Months on Leave. The state director charged with overseeing jobless benefits for Hawai‘i residents has resigned after months of being on leave amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Scott Murakami resigns as head of Hawaii Labor Department after 2 months on leave. Scott Murakami, the director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, resigned his post on Wednesday, Gov. David Ige said today. Star-Advertiser.

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University of Hawaii community asked to shift coursework online as much as possible. The University of Hawaii, which already planned for mostly online instruction this fall, asked faculty and students today to reduce in-person coursework as much as possible given the rise in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Corrections Workers Fear Infection As COVID-19 Outbreak Grows. With six inmates and three staff already testing positive, OCCC staff worry the prison system is unprepared to control the virus. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii’s inter-island travel quarantine will be reinstated on Tuesday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. But the rules are a little different this time. For one, travel to Oahu is not restricted. But if you’re flying to any other island, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Reminder: partial interisland travel quarantine goes into effect Aug 11. Due to rising COVID-19 cases in the state, Governor David Ige has instituted a partial interisland quarantine which goes into effect Tuesday, Aug 11. KHON2.

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State launches Buy Hawaii website to promote local products. The state has launched Buy Hawaii, Give Aloha. KHON2.

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Record primary election sees 99% of votes cast by mail-in ballots. In Hawaii’s largest effort at mail-in ballots, island voters overwhelmingly made their preference known last week, while potentially delivering a death sentence for the time-honored tradition of in-person voting. Star-Advertiser.

Outsider Candidates Win Big In Mayoral Primaries In Two Counties. On both Oahu and Hawaii Island, voters opted for outsiders of experience in contests to narrow down the field of candidates for county mayor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Post Primary Election Talk With Kai Kahele. Kahele made his remarks following the Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party Unity Breakfast, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Honolulu police issue about 1,350 citations for COVID-19 violations on Oahu. Honolulu police issued about 1,350 citations over the weekend to alleged violators of the newly instituted COVID-19 emergency orders. Star-Advertiser.

A Heart Of Gold’: The Other Side Of Accused Crime Boss Michael Miske. The Hawaii businessman charged with racketeering and murder convinced several people to write letters on his behalf so that he can get out on bail while awaiting trial. Star-Advertiser.

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2 Princeton graduates are trying to turn a Waikiki hotel into a college dorm. It's called "The U Experience," and according to the program's website, it's supposed to help the mental health of students by getting them out of their homes and house them in resorts as they complete their coursework online. KITV4.

Study in paradise? Mainland students are being recruited for a ‘college bubble’ in Waikiki. Community concern is quickly spreading over proposed plans for a so-called “college bubble” at a Waikiki hotel. Hawaii News Now.

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State sweeps Iwilei homeless encampment near Nimitz Highway. A private contractor for the state removed on Monday appliances and other items from the sidewalk along North Nimitz Highway where a homeless encampment has grown to about a dozen tents. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR closes Oahu state hiking trails due to COVID surge. All trails in state forest lands on Oahu are now closed, effective immediately, in response to “12 straight days of triple-digit new positive COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, most of them on Oahu,” the state DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announced today in a press release. Star-Advertiser.

The city advances an $80 million plan to turn Kapalama Canal into a recreation area. The city is advancing plans to turn an old utilitarian flood-control canal in Kapalama into an inviting mile-long public recreation destination. Star-Advertiser.

HTA funding will help restore a palace feature tied to Kalakaua’s 1883 coronation. Some overdue maintenance at Iolani Palace is finally underway thanks to a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Among the projects at the palace: A restoration of the landmark pavilion on the palace grounds. Hawaii News Now.

How Is Oahu’s Trash Impacting the Waianae Coast? Debates within the Nanukuli and Maili community about a possible landfill expansion are heating up. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roth sweeps most Big Island precincts: Kim doesn’t win a single precinct, analysis shows. Mayor Harry Kim didn’t prevail in a single one of the Big Island’s 43 voting precincts while coming in third behind two of the 14 challengers for the county’s top elected post. West Hawaii Today.

Interactive precinct web map can be found here.

Kim reflects on his time in office, offers advice to next mayor. When the clock strikes noon on Dec. 7, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim will leave the job he’s done for a dozen years in two stretches. Tribune-Herald.

Partial Inter-island Quarantine Begins Today On Hawaiʻi Island. As of Tuesday, all travelers arriving in the County of Hawai‘i must follow a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine, as the State of Hawaiʻi tries to limit the spread of COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Miloliʻi Beach Park Improvements Planned, Draft EA Posted. The County wants to bring the South Kona shoreline park into compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lynn DeCoite and Walter Ritte wait out recount in state House race. The state Office of Elections was holding a mandatory vote recount Monday in a too-close-to-call Democratic primary race between incumbent Rep. Lynn De­Coite and challenger Walter Ritte for the state House District 13 representing Lanai, Molokai, and Paia and Hana, Maui. Star-Advertiser.

DeCoite leads Ritte by 91 votes as recount is planned. Incumbent winning on Molokai and Lanai, Ritte takes East Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

West Kaua‘i Community Plan comes with code amendments. Last week, Planning Director Ka‘aina Hull introduced six bills to complement the newly proposed West Kaua‘i Community Plan by amending the Kaua‘i County Code’s comprehensive zoning ordinances. Garden Island.

Public input sought for Kapa‘a skate park.  A new design for the Kapa‘a skate park is on the horizon, and public input is being collected to figure out what exactly the community would like to shred their wheels on next. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a food pantry reopens. The Kaua‘i Community Pantry is now open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for customers who must register and then get help with the no-touch shopping that includes pointing out desired items for the pantry volunteer to package. Garden Island.

Hawaii shows that mail-in voting can work. Record turnout, smooth election. Plus latest COVID-19 counts and more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More than 406,000 ballots were cast. That’s a record number for a Hawaii primary. More than half of Hawaii’s registered voters, about 51 percent, cast their ballots in the state’s first mail-in primary. According to Political Analyst, Colin Moore, the last time we saw a turnout like this was in 1996. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees more than 40 percent increase in voter turnout with all mail-in primary. This year's primary saw a record turn out in voters for the state. Over 400,000 ballots were cast in this election compared to 286,000 in the 2018 primary, a 42 percent increase in voters. KITV4.

The Primary That Upset Hawaii’s Mango Cart. A desire for new blood felled or threatened political veterans and fueled the campaigns of hungry newcomers, all under a new system of voting. Civil Beat.

2020 Primary Election Results. KITV4.

Primary Election: Official state and county votes can be found here.

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How Bad Is Hawaii At Social Distancing? Here’s What The Data Shows. Mobility data gives us a clearer picture of just how much people have been moving around during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s weak contact tracing effort is hindering the control of coronavirus’ spread. Jendrick Paul, president of the Marshallese Community Organization of Hawaii, said Sunday that he’s worried state Department of Health contact tracers can’t keep up with the surge of coronavirus cases in Hawaii’s tightknit Pacific Islander community. Star-Advertiser.

The State Has A Plan For When To Reopen Or Reclose. Why Aren’t We Following It? Available data suggests Oahu should impose stricter measures, according to the state’s plan. Civil Beat.

‘We are super spreaders,’ says Dr. Scott Miscovich. Hawaii is veering into “super spreader” territory with the rise in COVID-19 cases. Hawaii health officials reported 152 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, raising the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 3,498. Star-Advertiser.

152 New COVID-19 Cases in Hawai‘i (O‘ahu 147, Big Island 3, Maui 1, Kaua‘i 1). Hawai‘i has recorded another triple-digit day for new COVID-19 cases in the state.  Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 9: 152 New Cases. Nearly all the cases were on Oahu, where hospitals are preparing for a surge in patients. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 152 New Cases; Health Director: Expect More Deaths As Surge Continues; 3 Inmates Positive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Updated results confirm November runoffs for Blangiardi and Amemiya, and Alm and Kau. Honolulu mayoral candidates Rick Blangiardi and Keith Amemiya are headed to a Nov. 3 runoff with 25.6% and 20.2% of the vote respectively. Colleen Hanabusa remained in third place with 18.4% of the vote. Star-Advertiser.

Voters set up runoff for mayor between political newcomers: Blangiardi and Amemiya. Oahu voters, apparently fed up with the status quo and facing an uncertain economic outlook, threw their support in Saturday’s primary election behind two first-time political candidates who have promised change and a fresh perspective to old problems. Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi and Amemiya discuss plans heading into Hawaii’s general election. Two mayoral candidates will be moving on to Hawaii’s general elections in November.  KHON2.

Tupola, Say win City Council seat outright; Espero and Augie T. advance to general. Former state representative and one-time Republican gubernatorial candidate Andria Tupola shot out to an insurmountable lead in her race for the Honolulu City Council’s District I seat early on Saturday night, handily winning the seat. Hawaii News Now.

Alm, Kau proceed to general election runoff in race for city prosecutor. Retired Judge Steve Alm and defense attorney Megan Kau will proceed to a general election runoff in the race for city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

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Total of 6 inmates, 3 adult corrections officers at OCCC test positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety confirms the number of COVID-19 cases at OCCC continues to grow. Hawaii News Now.

Liquor Commission shuts down 10 establishments for violating Mayor’s rules. The Honolulu Liquor Commission is strictly enforcing the mayor’s latest orders for bars to close down for three weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Several Hawaii breweries disagree with liquor commission shutting them down. Under Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s order issued at the end of July, he ordered the shut down of all bars for at least three weeks. KHON2.

Walmart Keeaumoku closes for cleaning; will reopen on Tuesday. The company confirmed the closure began at 2 p.m. on Sunday and will remain in place through Monday. It will reopen at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Walmart would not confirm if this was in response to a positive case in an employee or not. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth, Marzo face runoff after defeating Kim for mayor. A countywide elected official with experience running a large government agency, or a fresh face with no government experience at all? That’s the choice facing Hawaii County voters in the Nov. 3 general election when they decide who will be the county mayor. West Hawaii Today.

Waltjen wins prosecutor’s race, narrowly avoids November runoff. Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen narrowly averted a runoff in the race for Hawaii County prosecutor after the second printout of primary election results was released Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

County mulls suing companies for damage caused by climate change. While the Hawaii County Council passed a resolution last Wednesday to join a lawsuit by the City and County of Honolulu against a collective of fossil fuel companies, Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Joe Kamelamela said last week that the county will likely not join the Honolulu lawsuit but instead consider pursuing its own lawsuit. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Incumbents easily take top spots in council races. Maui County Council incumbents easily captured the most votes in three separate three-way races Saturday night. Maui News.

DeCoite leads Ritte by 91 votes in latest tally, though recount pending. Rep. Lynn DeCoite staved off a strong challenge from activist Walter Ritte in a Democratic race for House District 13 in a contest, though both candidates were awaiting the results of a mandatory recount Monday before calling the race. Maui News.

Hawaii 2020 Primary Election Results: Fourth Printout (11:44 a.m. Update). Maui Now.

Medical, work exemptions for quarantine order can be requested for trips to Maui County. Starting August 11, the partial quarantine order will take place. KHON2.

Kauai

On to the general election. Kaua‘i voter turnout was slightly less than the statewide turnout for the primary election, but 49% of registered voters had their ballots counted on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

County directors weigh in on housing resources. On Kaua‘i, there are 716 individuals receiving direct rental assistance through the county. Garden Island.

Solid Waste Division OT over budget again. The county Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division had a total overtime budget of $227,000 in fiscal year 2020. Garden Island.

Interisland travel quarantine returns, Honolulu closes parks and beaches, hospitals near capacity as COVID-19 climbs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard, Facebook live

14-day interisland quarantine returns. COVID-19 cases rising rapidly — including 152 cases and two deaths announced Thursday — Gov. David Ige imposed a partial 14-day quarantine on interisland travel effective Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Interisland Travel Quarantine Is Coming Back, Oahu Beaches And Parks To Close Again. Oahu crackdown begins Saturday, with partial interisland travel quarantine to follow on Tuesday. Gov. David Ige says an announcement on schools and colleges is coming soon. Civil Beat.

Inter-island quarantine reinstated for neighbor island travel after Oahu cases spike. On Thursday, Gov. David Ige said the 14-day interisland quarantine will be reinstated for all inter-island travelers. KHON2.

Ige reinstates quarantine; Anderson warns virus cases could top 500 daily. State officials are clamping down on interisland travel in an effort to steer Hawaii away from the precipice of a medical crisis. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Inter-Island Travel Quarantine To Go Back In Effect. As COVID-19 cases surge on Oʻahu, the governor announced the mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone traveling interisland will be reinstituted effective next Tuesday, August 11. Big Island Video News.

Interisland Travel Quarantine Reinstated, as Restrictions Return in Force to O‘ahu. Big Island Now.

Interisland quarantine coming back. Governor David Ige on Thursday announced the reinstatement of a partial interisland travel quarantine effective Tuesday, Aug. 11, prompted by a statewide surge of COVID-19 cases and discussions with county mayors. Garden Island.

Interisland travel quarantine to restart Tuesday, Ige says. Gov. David Ige announced today that the mandatory 14-day interisland travel quarantine will be reinstated beginning Tuesday. Maui News.

Governor Reinstates Interisland Quarantine for Arrivals on Neighbor Islands, Starting Aug. 11. Governor David Ige this afternoon announced he is reinstating the mandatory 14-day interisland travel quarantine for anyone traveling interisland. Maui Now.

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Governor Ige and officials take action, implement restrictions to combat spread of COVID-19. Governor David Ige, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard, and Honolulu's Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Nadamoto held a press conference on Thursday to discuss the actions the state plans to take to combat the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

The Latest: 2 More Deaths, 152 Cases; Governor OKs Rollback On Interisland Travel, Oahu Reopening. Starting Tuesday, the 14-day mandatory quarantine for interisland travel will be reinstated, Gov. David Ige announced today. Restrictions on Oahu also will return, including closure of city and state parks and beaches starting tomorrow at midnight and extending to Sept. 4. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor noncommittal on next steps for schools, trans-Pacific travel plans. During a news conference Thursday, as coronavirus cases across the state continue to soar, Gov. David Ige declined to address how the latest set of measures designed to prevent large gatherings would apply to Hawaii’s public schools, or to his plans to re-open trans-Pacific travel, with new testing protocols in place, on Sept. 1. Hawaii News Now.

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Oahu doctor says hospitals are near capacity. The impact of coronavirus on Hawaii hospitals was gradual compared to other states, but the latest spike in cases is now being felt among doctors and nurses. KHON2.

The decision to close parks and beaches on Oahu and reinstate an inter-island traveler quarantine was fueled by alarms set off by Hawaii’s hospitals. Hilton Raethel, CEO and president of Healthcare Association of Hawaii, said Kaiser Moanalua was at maximum capacity two days with both COVID-19 and regular patients in every ICU bed. Hawaii News Now.

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COVID-19 Has Overwhelmed One Essential Strategy To Control The Virus. State and local officials who warned months ago that the state needed more contact tracers are frustrated and angry with the state health department. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials update COVID-19 figures to 152 new coronavirus cases following deaths of 2 Oahu residents. The Hawaii Department of Health reported late this afternoon that today’s statewide new coronavirus case tally is 152, with 148 of those on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 6: 2 Deaths And 152 Cases. UPDATED: The state initially reported 53 cases because it was missing test results from a private laboratory. Civil Beat.

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State has paid $2.6B in jobless claims. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Thursday announced updated unemployment insurance claims information, including paying $2,620,848,963 for 2,464,674 weeks claimed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 1. Garden Island.

Thousands Languish Without Unemployment Checks Months Into Pandemic. The state labor department says it can’t just ramp up staffing overnight, but applicants are growing more desperate. Civil Beat.

Do you have the right to know if a coworker tests positive for COVID-19? With the recent spike in coronavirus cases, legal experts say more and more employees want to know what their rights are if a co-worker tests positive. Hawaii News Now.

Mail Voter Turnout Already Exceeds 2016 Primary, Edging Pass 2018. Voter turnout for the 2020 primary is on its way to surpassing participation in both the 2016 and 2018 elections across the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

HEI posts profit as customers struggle to make payments. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s net income rose 15% in the second quarter as it postponed utility maintenance work and made accounting adjustments to make up for customers behind on their electricity bills and homeowners in arrears on their mortgages. Star-Advertiser.

Major Hawaii retail landlord A&B takes hit on unpaid rent. Honolulu-based A&B on Thursday reported a $4.7 million net loss for the three months ended June 30, up from a $1.2 million loss in the same period last year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu beaches, parks and team sports will be halted once more. Oahu parks and beaches, which reopened in May, will be closed again, starting 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Parks and beaches to close, partial inter-island quarantine reinstated amid COVID-19 surge. An inter-island traveler quarantine will be reinstated, Oahu beaches and parks will be closed, and Honolulu police will dramatically dial up enforcement of emergency orders as part of a broad new push to rein in the island’s surge of COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

New restrictions with more enforcement on Oahu as COVID cases surge. On Oahu, Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that all parks, beaches, and other places where large gatherings take place will be closed starting Saturday until September 4. KHON2.

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Honolulu Police Department to crack down on rule breakers. Honolulu police will ramp up enforcement starting this weekend for quarantine breakers and violators of newly instituted emergency proclamation orders as Oahu sees a surge in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Police chief says her officers will cite, arrest those who ignore emergency orders. Police Chief Susan Ballard is pledging strong, islandwide enforcement of planned park and beach closures on Oahu that begin at midnight Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Police union president "relieved" by new COVID-19 response unit. Honolulu Police Department Chief Susan Ballard said Thursday the department is bolstering strategic enforcement of COVID-19-related restrictions with a team of 160 officers. KITV4.

LIST: Here’s what the city and state are closing on Oahu to rein in the spread of COVID-19. City and state parks and beaches on Oahu will be closed at midnight Friday as government officials try to prevent people from gathering and spreading COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Member of Honolulu City Council support staff tests positive for COVID-19. City Clerk Glen Takahashi said the person, whom he declined to identify due to medical privacy issues, works in the Office of City Clerk’s Council Support Services Division on the second floor of Honolulu Hale. Star-Advertiser.

3 more coronavirus cases brings HFD total to 11. The Honolulu Fire Department has confirmed another firefighter from the Moanalua Fire Station and two more firefighters from the Kalihi Kai Fire Station have tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Navy confirms positive coronavirus cases. The United States Navy confirmed on Thursday that crew members at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility tested positive for coronavirus. KITV4.

COVID-19 present in wastewater treatment plants on Oahu. Once a week, the city takes samples from its nine waste water facilities, then it's sent to a lab for COVID-19 testing. KITV4.

Mail-in ballots pushing Honolulu votes to historic high. Saturday represents the last chance to drop off your ballot — and even register and vote on the same day — to make sure your vote is counted in the primary election, which is already breaking records on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu home sales still light but showed improvement in July. Oahu’s housing market remained depressed in July, though new sales data shows the severity of the decline is easing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council members get $100,000 CARES money each to give to constituents. A fast-tracked resolution unanimously approved Wednesday gives each County Council member $100,000 in federal coronavirus relief money to distribute to constituents, without competitive bids or public notice. West Hawaii Today.

Judge takes motion for partial summary judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit ‘under advisement’. A motion seeking partial summary judgment against the state over its management of land around the Maunakea Access Road was heard Tuesday in Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

South Kohala District Court to Reopen Aug. 18. The South Kohala District Court, which has been closed since Aug. 4 due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19, will reopen on Aug. 18. Big Island Now.

Amazon Air expands operations to Kona International Airport. Hawaii Island residents ordering products via Amazon can expect faster shipping following the start of Amazon Air operations Thursday at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Front Street Apartments case could be decided soon. Decision focuses on whether rents stay affordable or go market rates. Maui News.

Amazon Air Announces New Regional Gateways at Kahului and Kona Airports. Amazon Air begins operations today at Kahului Airport on Maui and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole on Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

Kauai

KFD addresses pension spiking. In February, the Mayor’s Office ordered the Kaua‘i Fire Department to suspend most overtime and nonessential expenditures to curb pension spiking, which has penalized the county consistently over the last few years. Garden Island.

County mayors seek return of inter-island quarantine as Oahu COVID-19 cases spike, Green warns ICU could be overrun, airports install thermal screening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thermal screening at Honolulu airport PC:Screen grab from HDOT video

New thermal cameras now helping scan passengers in Hawaii’s airports. New thermal screening cameras have been installed at Hawaii airports that welcome trans-Pacific travelers to detect anyone who may have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Hawaii News Now.

Thermal Screening Now In Use At Hawaii Airports. The Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division announced on Wednesday that thermal temperature screening equipment is now in use to help detect passengers with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above. Big Island Video News.

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Pressure builds to impose COVID-19 restrictions. The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to another triple-digit record on Oahu Wednesday, placing further pressure on Gov. David Ige and other top officials to impose tighter restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease. Star-Advertiser.

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Neighbor Island Mayors Want Ige To Reinstate Interisland Quarantine. The mayors also asked the governor to keep schools closed until September. Civil Beat.

Mayors call for further restrictions on neighbor island travel. County mayors in Hawaii are taking action to slow down the spread of the virus within their communities, at least two mayors have requested for the governor to reimpose the two-week quarantine for all arrivals. KHON2.

Inter-island quarantine requested. Mayor Derek Kawakami, along with Mayors Harry Kim and Mike Victorino, are requesting Governor David Ige reinstate the 14-day quarantine for inter-island travel after the state reported 900 new cases of COVID-19 over the past week. Garden Island.

Neighbor Island mayors to governor: Reinstate inter-island quarantine, keep schools closed. Hawaii’s three Neighbor Island mayors are urging the governor to reinstate a mandatory quarantine for inter-island travel and keep public schools closed. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Renews Push for Interisland Quarantine. Citing concern over ongoing triple digit daily COVID-19 counts on the island of Oʻahu, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is renewing his request to reinstate the interisland travel quarantine. This comes after an initial request made nearly two weeks ago on Friday July 24, amid record increases in cases statewide. Maui Now.

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In ‘sobering’ warning, Lt. Gov. Green says Hawaii ICUs could be full by the end of the month. Hospitals in the islands could soon be on the verge of running out of intensive care space as COVID-19 infections surge on Oahu, public health officials warn. Hawaii News Now.

Green warns of COVID-19 hospital surge. An additional 173 new cases of COVID-19 were announced Wednesday, pushing the state’s total case count to 2,389 as Lt. Gov. Josh Green warned of an impending hospital surge. West Hawaii Today.

Expect COVID-19 hospitalization spike in 1-2 weeks, says health experts. Officials say they are concerned that the consistently high COVID-19 numbers on Oahu may lead to more hospitalizations, and that this could overburden the hospital system. KHON2.

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Hawaii leaders are pleading with residents to help prevent COVID-19 spread. With yet another triple-digit increase in COVID-19 cases, calls to bring back the stay-at-home order are growing. KHON2.

Health expert says a potential second lockdown is not Hawaii's only option to turning things around. Hawaii is again bracing for a possible shutdown. KITV4.

Crucial Public Information Missing To Create A Local COVID-19 Model. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 cases surge, there is still no direction from Gov. David Ige on what should trigger the restrictions to help stop the virus, and when things can ease again. Hawaii Public Radio.

State To Publish New COVID-19 Prevention And Testing Data. New metrics will include face mask compliance and turnaround times for lab tests. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmaker, union looking into California law regarding COVID-19 reporting. Hawaii House of Representatives Labor Chair Aaron Johanson thinks that Hawaii’s ability to contact trace could be dwindling, prompting him to consider legislation like California. KHON2.

Widespread, Frequent COVID-19 Testing ‘Can Wipe This Off The Planet’. Amid surging cases and widespread dissatisfaction with Gov. David Ige’s plans for schools and tourism, doctors and economists want ramped-up testing. Civil Beat.

Thousands of emergency order citations, many given to homeless, are being dismissed. Prosecutors in Honolulu and Maui county have begun dismissing thousands of citations issued by police for violations of emergency stay-at-home orders. Hawaii News Now.

Petition urging Governor Ige to demand RIMPAC cancellation receives more than 12,000 signatures. Though it will be scaled-back, the world's largest maritime warfare exercise is scheduled to take place in Hawaii's waters this month. KITV4.

Economist Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economics joined Spotlight Hawaii today to talk about the state’s economic outlook in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Brewbaker argued that containing the virus and bringing the case count back down is the only way to ultimately revive the economy, even if that means a temporary shutdown of activity and more economic pain in the short run. Star-Advertiser.

Surge in virus cases highlights disparities for Pacific Islanders. Pacific Islanders make up just 4% of Hawaii’s population but represent 27% of the islands’ latest COVID-19 cases, far more than any ethnic group. Star-Advertiser.

Jury trials postponed to Oct. 2 after ‘concerning spike’ in Hawaii COVID-19 cases. All jury trials have been postponed until after Oct. 2 after a “concerning spike” in COVID-19 cases, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald ordered today. Star-Advertiser.

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Supreme Court Hears Challenge To Lawmakers’ Gut-And-Replace Tactics. Advocates for greater transparency say the process leaves the public in the dark. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments about lawmakers’ use of controversial gut-and-replace tactic. The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday about the Legislature’s practice of stripping a bill of its original content and substituting entirely different content, a process known as gut-and-replace. Tribune-Herald.

Court eyes ‘gut-and-replace’ gambit. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving what is known as a “gut-and-replace bill” that passed the state Legislature in 2018 and was enacted as Act 84. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii top court hears arguments over ‘gut and replace’ laws. Attorneys argued before the Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday over how much lawmakers should allow the public to weigh in on legislation as laws are being drafted and voted on. Associated Press.

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Case, Kahele Raised $1.4 Million Despite A Lack Of Competition. They received hundreds of thousands of dollars from special interest groups and those with strong ties to the business community. Civil Beat.

Iwamoto Challenges Speaker Saiki For Hawaii House Seat. It’s the first time in eight years that the race has been contested in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats Select Lobbyist as New Party Chair. Tyler Dos Santos-Tam succeeds Kate Stanley for a new two-year term. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Homeless Voters Face Hurdles With All-Mail System. In Hawaii and other states, homeless people and the service providers who help them face hurdles when it comes to voting. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Community Foundation disburses $721K to local nonprofits. Hawaii Community Foundation is distributing $721,000 in aid to 39 nonprofits across the Islands, using funds from the the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, that will support food security efforts in Native Hawaiian communities statewide. Pacific Business News.

Matson finds profit in China amid Hawaii’s economic downturn. The Honolulu-based company said it earned $32.8 million in the period, up from $18.4 million in the same three months last year, while revenue slipped to $524 million from $558 million. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii counts 173 new coronavirus cases, all on Oahu. The state Department of Health reported 173 new coronavirus cases today, all on Oahu, bringing the statewide total since the outbreak began to 2,763. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 173 New Cases. The state Department of Health reported 173 new COVID-19 cases today. All are on Oahu and reflects another triple-digit day of new infections. Hawaii Public Radio.


Oahu

Majority of Honolulu Council Seats Open, Election Could Set City's Future Direction. Five of the nine Honolulu City Council seats are up for grabs and the city’s next four years hinges on this election. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘A few’ employees at Manoa McDonalds have COVID-19, company confirms. Multiple employees at the Manoa McDonalds have tested positive for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii sheriff tests positive for COVID-19. A deputy sheriff for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety has tested positive for COVID-19, representing the first department employee confirmed to have the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Deputy Sheriff Tests Positive for COVID-19 on O‘ahu. A deputy sheriff with Hawai‘i Department of Safety has tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday. Big Island Now.

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52 WWII vets expected for end-of-war commemoration on Oahu as virus worries mount. With a Japanese helicopter destroyer, the battleship Missouri and USS Arizona Memorial behind them, officials announced Wednesday that 52 World War II veterans plan to attend events on Oahu marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the deadliest conflict in human history. Star-Advertiser.

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Ship returns from Great Pacific Garbage Patch with 67 tons of plastic trash. In the fierce midday sun at Kewalo Basin Harbor Wednesday, elephantine mounds of algae-wrapped, tar-stained, red and yellow cordage, poison-green fishing nets and bleached consumer plastics in various stages of decay were being unloaded from the weatherbeaten hull of the tall-masted cargo ship KWAI, which had returned to Honolulu that morning with its hold bearing 67 tons of marine trash collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch during 35 days at sea. Star-Advertiser.

67 more tons of marine debris has been removed from the Pacific. Environmentalists chipping away at the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” returned to land Wednesday after 35 days at sea. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council passes construction code: New framework makes one permit for building, electric, plumbing and energy codes. Factory-built housing will continue to be allowed in Hawaii County’s new construction code, but with extra restrictions following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the County Council after a protracted discussion. West Hawaii Today.

Council approves conservation tax incentive measure. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to provide tax incentives for property owners to set aside land for conservation purposes. Tribune-Herald.

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Five Hawaii Fire Department personnel sidelined after battalion chief tests positive for COVID-19. The battalion chief was headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station and asymptomatic at the time of testing. West Hawaii Today.

HFD Battalion Chief Tests Positive for COVID-19. A Hawai‘i Fire Department Battalion Chief assigned to the 2nd Battalion headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station has tested positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

Traveling Physician, Nurse Meant For KCH Test Positive For Coronavirus. Two traveling healthcare professionals meant for employment at Kona Community Hospital have tested positive for coronavirus. Big Island Now.

Maui

South Maui affordable housing project heading to full council. Kilohana Makai plans 28 single-family homes near Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. Maui News.

Maui Police Officer Death Investigation Underway. An investigation is underway into the death of a 44-year-old male officer with the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Maui-built bio lab prepares for second launch in 2021. Mobile SpaceLab was launched in February and returned in April. A mobile space lab designed and largely fabricated in Central Maui successfully returned from orbit in April, and now the team of engineers and biologists are preparing for its second mission to continue conducting experiments on the International Space Station. Maui News.


Kauai

COVID quarantine violation in Wainiha. Kaua‘i police arrested 64-year-old Michael Rowan of Wainiha on Tuesday for violating Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine emergency rules pertaining to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Finding solutions for eroded path. The county is considering four possible courses of action to address erosion on the multi-use Ke Ala Hele Makalae path for a section at Lydgate Park. Garden Island.

Lanai

Oahu workers who went to Lanai positive for virus. Pulama Lana‘i employees who may have been exposed now in quarantine Maui News.