Boating restrictions eased, Maui unemployment rate highest in nation at 35%, George Floyd protests continue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sailboat off Keaukaha ©2020 All Hawaii News

Boating and water sports restrictions relaxed statewide. Boating and other water sports got the green light to expand activities with some restrictions Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii eases restrictions on number of people allowed on commercial, recreational boats. State officials said that up to 10 people may now be on a commercial or recreational boat at a time, effective immediately, due to the easing of emergency restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Boating Rules Relaxed and Commercial Water Sports Allowed To Reopen. Effective immediately, emergency restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic for commercial and recreational boating and ocean recreation are being relaxed statewide. Maui Now.

=====

Hawaii considering randomly testing passengers for COVID-19. One in every 20 passengers to Hawaii might be asked to take a random COVID-19 test if state leaders accept a plan being pushed by Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

Governor declines to set a date for reopening Hawaii tourism. Gov. David Ige declined to offer any specific timeline Wednesday for when tourism would be rebooted in Hawaii but said he has a plan to do it safely. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige talks rebuilding Hawaii. Governor David Ige says he is working with industry leaders to reboot our local economy. KHON2.

Governor Ige answers questions relating to the state's mandatory quarantine order for arrivals to Hawaii. Governor David Ige addressed a number of issues on Wednesday including removing restrictions. KITV4.

=====

Hawaii Tourism Authority searches for new chief amid tourism collapse. HTA President and CEO Chris Tatum has given the agency notice that he will retire on Aug. 31 after 40 years in the hospitality industry. Star-Advertiser.

HTA President And CEO Chris Tatum Stepping Down. The development comes as Hawaii is in the middle of a tourism catastrophe. Civil Beat.

=====

Hawaii’s Jobless Grow Desperate As Unemployment Approvals Lag. The state’s labor department is still trying to determine how many claims are left — and how long it will take to process them all. Civil Beat.

Statewide reopening strategy outlined online. Anyone interested in getting more detail on the State’s Beyond Recovery: Reopening Strategy, can now view the entire detailed strategy online. Garden Island.

Schools Chief Hopes To See Hawaii Elementary Schools Open By August. DOE also offered guidance on classroom safety protocols, including keeping students with the same staff all day and requiring masks outside the classroom. Civil Beat.

New sponsors sought as free meals for Hawaii kids drop for summer. Only 51 public schools statewide will offer free Grab-and-Go meals over the summer to children, far fewer than during the spring semester that was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis or even last summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii consumers, retailers favor cashless transactions to avoid infection. As more Hawaii businesses reopen, there is less cash being exchanged as consumers and retailers find ways to remain “contactless” amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

An airline merger will result in a new direct inter-island flight. Among the hardest hit industries in light of the pandemic here in Hawaii is the travel are aviation businesses. As a result, two small local airlines are joining forces. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii protest organizers: Racism ‘isn’t just a mainland problem’. Dozens of people rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with other Black Lives Matter demonstrations happening around the world. Hawaii News Now.

Protests in Hawaii over the killing of George Floyd continue. Hundreds in Honolulu protested again Wednesday in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Star-Advertiser.

=====

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 3: 1 New COVID-19 Case On Oahu. The latest coronavirus case confirmed Wednesday was on Oahu. Civil Beat.

DOH Reports 1 New COVID-19 Case Statewide. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Police panel gives chief high marks, chides her on budget. The Honolulu Police Commission gave some high marks to Police Chief Susan Ballard in its 2019 performance evaluation released Wednesday in the areas of leadership, management, and communication and community relations. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Funds Cushion Blow Of Honolulu Budget Cuts. Honolulu City Council members approved a city operating budget on Wednesday that cut millions of dollars from the proposal Mayor Kirk Caldwell submitted before COVID-19 devastated the island’s economy. The City and County of Honolulu is in a solid financial position for now, according to the council budget chair. Civil Beat.

Plan for affordable housing in Kailua draws controversy. A plan to build a largely 4-story low-income rental apartment complex on the edge of a single-family neighborhood in Kailua is drawing community opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Is On The Brink Of A New Political Era. “The whole nature of city politics will be transformed after November,” says political analyst Colin Moore. Civil Beat.

Study to test COVID-19 presence in city’s sewage system likely to be discontinued. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced the program last month as an added measure to detect an increase of infection. KHON2.

University of Hawaii ditching restrictions on Kalaeloa hangar to seek profit. The University of Hawaii, facing pressure to monetize some of its properties to offset its budget, plans to pay the U.S Department of Education $11.2 million to escape a requirement that it use the 105,000-square-foot Hangar 111 at Kalaeloa Airport for educational and research purposes only. Star-Advertiser.

Care Home Operators Deny DOH Allegations. Four people were issued an order by the health department to cease operations of two care homes in Kaneohe and fined $379,000. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Larger gatherings could be allowed by July. Managing Director Roy Takemoto appeared at Wednesday’s meeting of the County Council Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development to discuss upcoming plans and projects from the mayor’s office. Tribune-Herald.

$9.5M for new buses, operations heading to county. The federal government is giving Hawaii County money for 10 new buses, plus an extra $4.5 million for operations. West Hawaii Today.

Kilauea Ave to get face-lift. Hawaii County opened contractor bidding for a project to improve a nearly 3-mile stretch of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Return to normalcy: Lifting of interisland quarantine brings optimism for Hawaii businesses. For months, Hawaii residents have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of the kamaaina economy; with the mandatory 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers scheduled to be lifted on June 16, local businesses are preparing for a boost. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo customer says he was surprised by service charge added to his dine-in restaurant bill. As restaurants reopen this week on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, one in Hilo caught one of its first customers off guard when they saw their bill.  KITV4.

Maui

Hāna Highway Checkpoint Extension OK’d, East Maui Traffic Management Plan Discussed. Traffic management plans into and out of East Maui were discussed during an evening Zoom meeting hosted by state Senator J. Kalani English on Tuesday night. Maui Now.

Mayor: E. Maui isolation to remain until people feel safe. Roadblock down temporarily but will go up again. Maui News.

=====

Unemployment rate in Maui metro area highest in the nation at 35%. The unemployment rate in the population centers that include Kahului, Wailuku and Lahaina was 35% in April, the highest for any metropolitan area in the nation, according to a newly-released analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hawaii News Now.

More muted candidate filing deadline passes. High-profile rematches in council, state Legislature set. Maui News.

Pared height urged for Hotel Wailuku. Members of the Maui County Urban Design Review Board on Tuesday made recommendations on the proposed Hotel Wailuku, including scaling back the hotel from six to four stories and revisiting traffic flow and the parking location. Maui News.

Maui Crime Over 10 Years: Violent Crime Up 52%; Property Crime Down 20%. The state’s Uniform Crime Report for 2019 has been released, showing a double digit decrease in index crimes in Maui County over the past decade. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council passes upcoming year’s budget. About a month after Mayor Derek Kawakami submitted a supplemental fiscal year 2020-2021 budget, the Kaua‘i County Council accepted a $250,745,757 Operating Budget and a Capital Improvement Project Budget of $33,642,237 on Wednesday. But it wasn’t without a lengthy discussion regarding feral cat control. Garden Island.

Peaceful in Lihu‘e. More than a hundred people gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Department of Motor Vehicles in the Lihu‘e Civic Center to advocate for Black Lives Matter. Garden Island.

Broken cable causes internet outages. Many Kaua‘i residents were without internet Wednesday as Spectrum responded to a broken land-based fiber-optic cable, according to a company spokesman. Garden Island.

Military not quarantined, primary ballots set as filing deadline passes, Chinatown homeless center plans dropped, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pohakuloa Training Area ©2020 All Hawaii News

No quarantine for arriving military, but ‘restriction of movement’ required. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the Department of Homeland Security exempted military members traveling on official orders to Hawaii from the state’s quarantine, but the command instituted its own “restriction of movement” — which means service members are prohibited from going out for 14 days except for “essential” trips such as to the grocery store, doctor or pharmacy. Star-Advertiser.

=====

State health officials build up team of public health workers as Hawaii reopens its economy. State health officials, building up a team of public health workers, plan to train 320 contact tracers by mid-July in anticipation of a surge in coronavirus cases as Hawaii reopens its economy. Star-Advertiser.

More volunteers sought for state’s new contact tracing program. On Monday, the first group of prospective contact tracers in Hawaii ― approximately 300 of them ― will begin training. Hawaii News Now.

Lack of Uniform Guidelines on Data Reporting Presents Incomplete COVID-19 Story. Hawai’i health officials say additional demographic data on COVID-19’s impact in Hawaii is on its way. The state Health Department began providing data a month ago, but critics say the information is incomplete and tells an inaccurate story of the pandemic’s impact on various communities. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Report On Bullying By State Senator Surfaces As Tension Mounts Over Hawaii Recovery Plan. The state’s economic recovery plan appears to be falling victim to bad blood between Sen. Glenn Wakai and top tourism officials. Civil Beat.

District courts across Hawai'i temporarily reopening. District courts across the state are temporarily opening on June 15th for non-jury cases and on June 3rd for jury cases. KITV4.

=====

What will school look like next fall? The DOE is figuring it out. The Department of Education is using the summer break to formalize the plan for next school year. The DOE says they expect to have a better idea in the coming week of what measures will be taken to protect students from COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

HDOE still finalizing plans for fall but says distance learning will continue for some. Students are scheduled to return to school August 4. KHON2.

Study Estimates 30% to 50% Learning Loss for Students By Fall. When Hawaii students return to classes in the fall after completing the last months of the school year through distance learning, many may have lost the earlier progress they made for lack of in-person instruction. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Food demands increase as unemployment insurance complaints continue. There's a growing demand for food across the islands while some furloughed and laid-off workers still cannot get unemployment insurance, are appealing their denials or just recently got approved after months of frustration. Star-Advertiser.

New Party Hopes To Give Hawaii Legislative Incumbents A Run For Their Money. The lineup for more than 100 elective offices is shaping up as the 2020 election season gets underway. Civil Beat.

Survey Launched to Assess Local Views on Future of Hawai‘i’s Economy. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Liliʻuokalani Trust and Kamehameha Schools launched a new survey today to better understand what Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians think the state’s economy should look like after the pandemic. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric Details Proposed Projects. Hawaiian Electric on Wednesday posted details of 16 solar-plus-storage or stand-alone storage projects selected in the latest phase of the clean energy transition for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. Civil Beat.

Dentists struggle amid shortage of medical masks, mounting costs of doing business. Many independent dentists are worried about a shortage of medical masks and say time could be running out for their practices because of escalating costs. After being shut down for more than two months, they’re reopening with new risks. Hawaii News Now.

Young Brothers lays out dwindling-cash predicament. Hawaii interisland shipping lifeline Young Brothers LLC expects to run out of cash by the end of July if it can’t get $25 million from the state or other financing. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers Shipping Uncertainties Update. Governor Ige says he is working with the county mayors on the issue, and House Speaker Saiki urged the Hawaiʻi PUC to act immediately upon the company's $25 million funding request. Big Island Video News.

=====

Queen's to ease visitor restrictions at its hospitals. The Queen's Health Systems will be easing visitor restrictions at all four of its hospitals starting Wednesday, officials with the medical health system announced Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Queen's Health System easing visitor restrictions in its hospitals across the state. The "Queen's Health System" is easing visitor restrictions at all four of its hospitals across the state starting on Wednesday. KITV4.

One new coronavirus case on Oahu brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 653. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 653, up one new case from Monday. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 2: 1 New COVID-19 Case In Hawaii. The latest coronavirus case confirmed Tuesday was on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Updates: One New Case; Interisland Travel Quarantine Lifts June 16, Out-Of-State Up Next. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu mayoral race is set with 15 candidates. The election battles for Honolulu mayor have at times been dramatic over the last few decades, but none come close to the uncertainty and unpredictability of this year’s contest. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Institute for Human Services drops proposal for homeless facility. In response to vast opposition from area residents and businesses, the Institute for Human Services has canceled its plans to develop a proposed triage and comfort station for the homeless at a building in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

City scraps plan to put homeless triage in Chinatown; Plan B still upsets community. KITV4.

=====

City creates recovery office with federal funds. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his team unveiled plans Tuesday to use $19 million, or 5%, of the $378 million federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding received by the city to meet short- and long-term economic recovery goals. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu establishes Covid economic recovery office. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday said the city will reorganize its economic development office into an Office of Economic Revitalization to focus on the economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

=====

For first time in months, dining-in will be an option at Oahu restaurants Friday. Oahu restaurants are getting ready to allow customers to sit down and enjoy their meal instead of getting takeout. There will be many changes, however, once dine-in service is permitted to resume on June 5. Hawaii News Now.

EPA Cracks Down On Cesspools In Kailua. The Hawaii Department of Health and Human Services is being fined $128,000 for two cesspools at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lowen, David, Kierkiewicz unopposed as filing period ends. Victory is all but assured for three Hawaii Island incumbents, despite what seems a renewed interest in politics, with lots of candidates competing for office this election. West Hawaii Today.

=====

Judge issues fines to fish poacher. An environmental court judge on Tuesday issued $200 in fines to one of two people charged for allegedly illegally collecting 550 aquarium fish earlier this year off South Kohala. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR ‘disappointed’ over no-contest plea, low fine for fishing violation. A fisherman found with illegal aquarium fish has avoided the most severe penalties. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Kamehameha Schools sues operators of Volcano golf course. A manager of Volcano Golf and Country Club allegedly vowed to bulldoze the entire property rather than return it to its lessor, Kamehameha Schools. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Will Hold Summer Fun This Year, With Changes. The County of Hawai‘i announced it will be holding a 2020 Summer Fun Program starting on Monday, June 15 and tentatively ending on Friday, July 17. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Not all Maui dine-in eateries open Monday. Even as restaurants were allowed to reopen for dine-in services Monday, not all chose to do so, citing issues with complying with social distancing orders, scheduling and feasibility as reasons to stay shuttered for a little while longer. Maui News.

Blow-drying allowed; more golf opportunities. Blow-drying of hair is now being allowed at salons while the driving range and pro shop at the Waiehu Golf Course reopened Wednesday, county officials said Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

22 in the running for 2021 council seat. Twenty-two candidates have officially filed to run for Kaua‘i County Council seats by Tuesday’s filing deadline, alongside the incumbent county prosecuting attorney, candidates for the state House and Senate and some Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates. Garden Island.

Sidewalk sprouting at Kilauea School. Tuesday marked the second day of the week-long project where the club will build and finish a 300-foot-by-four-foot sidewalk around key areas entering the Kilauea School. Garden Island.

Keeping Kaua‘i kupuna safe. Keeping kupuna safe during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a moving target for care-center managers, as staff members adjust to the strict sanitation and screening guidelines from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, state Department of Health and directives from the County of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Interisland travel quarantine to end June 16, Ige reports on Trump telephone call, Say leaving Legislature to run for Honolulu City Council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige holds press conference at Honolulu airport.

Gov. David Ige to lift 14-day interisland travel quarantine on June 16. Gov. David Ige is lifting the 14-day interisland travel quarantine for Hawaii residents on June 16 to allow families to “reconnect with one another” and restore the local economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Will End Interisland Travel Quarantine June 16. Gov. David Ige described the move as the first, incremental step to reopening Hawaii to tourists from outside of the state. Civil Beat.

Mandatory quarantine for interisland travel ends June 16; Ige encourages residents to visit neighbor islands. Gov. David Ige said Monday he hopes his decision to end on June 16 the 14-day mandatory quarantine currently in effect for interisland travelers will help restart the kamaaina tourism economy. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Inter-Island Travel Quarantine To End June 16. State officials announced the inter-island quarantine, enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19, will be lifted in two weeks. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i to Lift Interisland Travel Quarantine by Mid-June. At a press conference from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu Monday afternoon, Gov. David Ige announced that he would lift the mandatory, 14-day interisland travel quarantine as of June 16. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige Lifts Interisland Quarantine on June 16; Out-of-State Quarantine to be Addressed Next Week. Governor David Ige today announced he will lift the interisland quarantine on travel between the Hawaiian Islands, effective on June 16, 2020. Maui Now.

Travel between islands to resume without 14-day quarantine. The governor takes big steps towards reopening the state when he announced the 14-day mandatory quarantine order for interisland travel will be lifted starting June 16. KHON2.

Interisland quarantine to be lifted on June 16. The 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for interisland travel will be lifted on June 16, Gov. David Ige announced in a press conference Monday afternoon. Pacific Business News.

=====

Inter-island travel will help sales for some neighbor island businesses. There are many businesses that rely on tourism and sales from inter-island travelers. So for them, the easing of travel restrictions can’t come soon enough. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines adopts virus-stopping policies. Hawaiian Airlines on Monday offered a glimpse of new procedures already in place for checking in and boarding its flights at the airport. Star-Advertiser.

=====

25,000 or more could leave Hawaii as economy struggles, economists predict. University of Hawaii economic researchers are predicting an out-migration of 25,000 people or more from Hawaii by 2022, many of whom will leave to find work on the mainland as the state struggles to revive and reopen its tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands Of Residents May Leave Hawaii Due To COVID Recession. The recession stemming from the global COVID-19 pandemic may accelerate the state’s ongoing population decline according to local economic forecasts. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH economist: Tens of thousands could flee Hawaii. A University of Hawaii economist predicts that by 2022, tens of thousands of Hawaii residents will leave to seek employment elsewhere because of the effect COVID-19 has had on the state’s economy. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Reopening Tourism: Residents, Visitors Must Trust They’ll Stay Virus-Free. That means new systems of testing, hygiene, safe practices and cleaning by airlines, airports, hotels, restaurants, stores and government, say tourism industry leaders. Hawaii Business magazine.

Putting Hawaii Tourism On A Sustainable Path Post-Pandemic. Economists say the state’s economic situation will remain dire without tourism, but residents are fed up with overcrowding by visitors. Experts say now is the time to reorient Hawaii’s visitor industry to a more sustainable path. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

PUC opens emergency investigation of Young Brothers. The Public Utilities Commission will conduct an emergency investigation into Young Brothers’ financial condition after the interisland shipper notified the state it needed millions in funding to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

The state appears to support financial assistance request by Young Brothers. It appears that the state supports a request by Young Brothers to provide $25 million in financial assistance. KITV4.

=====

Survey Finds The Pandemic Is Hurting Native Hawaiian Businesses. But Native Hawaiian-owned businesses are less dependent on tourism than non-Native Hawaiian owned businesses, the survey found. Civil Beat.

A Hawaiʻi Department of Health survey shows that most island residents recognize COVID-19 as a serious concern and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Big Island Video News.

DOE Closing Some Food Sites, Advocates Concerned That Community Help May Not Be Enough. The Hawaii State Department of Education is closing about a third of its grab ‘n go food sites for the summer, and many more are taking a break until June 8th. Hawaii Public Radio.

People Are Avoiding The Doctor Due To COVID-19 Fears. ER visits are way down at most hospitals. So too are visits for preventive care like colonoscopies or eye exams. Civil Beat.

=====

Trump on nationwide protests. Hawaii Governor David Ige was one of the governors on the call with President Donald Trump. Governor Ige shared his thoughts on the conversation on Monday. KITV4.

Ige ‘extremely disappointed’ by Trump’s response to mainland protests. Gov. David Ige joined other governors from across the country Monday on a call to discuss the protests and rioting in U.S. cities in recent days, and Ige said he was “extremely disappointed” at Trump’s urging the governors to crack down hard on the protests. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hawaii starts June with health officials reporting no new coronavirus cases in the islands today as the statewide infection count remains at 652. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JUNE 1: No New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Land tied to a bankrupt Albert Hee company is bought by a related firm. A Hawaii fiber-optic cable network established by Albert Hee is closer to new ownership in the wake of Hee’s 2015 federal tax fraud conviction. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Calvin Say Leaving Long-Held House Seat For Council Run. One of Hawaii’s longest-serving lawmakers aims to fill a vacant council position. Civil Beat.

Increased Army artillery training at Schofield sign of ‘new normal’ following coronavirus shutdown. The 25th Infantry Division said it will conduct “Operation Thunder Strike,” an artillery live fire exercise, starting Wednesday at Schofield and running to June 17. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Hunter captures a live, 4-foot ball python in Kahaluu forest. A resident captured a 4-foot-long ball python snake while hunting in Windward Oahu, and turned it in Tuesday to the Hawaiian Humane Society. Star-Advertiser.

Ball python captured by a hunter in Windward Oahu. The Department of Agriculture said the snake was turned in to authorities on May 26 by the Oahu resident who said he found it while hunting in a Kahaluu forest. Hawaii News Now.

Non-venomous ball python turned in after it was found in Kahalu'u. A man turned in a non-venomous ball python while hunting last week in Kahalu'u. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Comments Sought On Hawaiʻi County Code Changes. The County of Hawaiʻi is seeking input from design professionals and the general public regarding changes to the County’s Administrative, Electrical, and Plumbing Codes. Big Island Video News.

Henry Street to get facelift: County seeking bids for road work project. Henry Street from Kuakini Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway will be getting a facelift this fall. West Hawaii Today.

More businesses back to work. Medium-risk businesses were allowed to reopen to the public after getting permission last week from Mayor Harry Kim and Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Med-QUEST paring of health insurance providers is nixed. The state Department of Human Services is rescinding a controversial request for proposals process that had pared Med-QUEST insurers for Maui County from five to two, the department announced Friday. Maui News.

County to Accept Public Testimony on Proposed Wailuku Hotel. Maui residents will have three opportunities to offer input on a proposed hotel that would sit on the corner of Main and Market Streets in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Former Kauai mayor Bernard Carvalho to run for County Council. Carvalho won a two-year term in December 2008 to replace Mayor Bryan Baptiste, who died in office in June 2008, and then won reelection twice. Star-Advertiser.

Fifth Circuit Court reopens. The Hawai‘i State Judiciary Fifth Circuit Court opened up for regular operations at its District Court yesterday. Face coverings are required. Garden Island.

Restaurants reopen dine-in. Larry Feinstein of the Kaua‘i Beer Company said they never closed. Garden Island.

Hawaii braces for economic fallout, union worries about possible furloughs, Hannemann running again for Honolulu mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lone man fishing ©2020 All Hawaii News

‘It’s Going To Be Bad’: Federal Aid Will Soon Run Out For Many In Hawaii. With the state’s largest industry shut down and federal funds soon to dry up, nothing is on the horizon to replace residents’ lost income. Civil Beat.

Pandemic Job Losses In Hawaii Curb Cash Flow To Families Abroad. Many immigrants from the Philippines have to decide between saving money to survive unemployment or sending it to relatives. Civil Beat.

HGEA says the state could still furlough workers to make up lost revenue. The head of the state’s largest public employee union said that Gov. David Ige’s administration is still considering furloughs for state workers. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green ranks activities by COVID-19 risk level. Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor and emergency room doctor Josh Green ranked a list of 12 common activities from low to high risk with regards to COVID-19. KITV4.

Hospitality consultant suggests diversifying tourism industry to strengthen it. Health or cultural tourism could be options, suggests Keith Vieira. KITV4.

One new coronavirus case on Maui brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 652. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 652, up one new case from Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

One New COVID-19 Case on Maui Brings Hawai‘i Total to 652; 95.7% Recovered. There was one new COVID-19 case reported today on the island of Maui, pushing Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 case total to 652. Maui Now.

1 new case of COVID-19 from Maui County reported brings state total to 652. The state Department of Health reports 1 new case of COVID-19 from Maui County reported brings state total to 652. KHON2.

Oahu

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is filing to get his old job back. Two-term former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann plans to file his nomination papers to run for mayor on Monday, the day before the 2020 election’s deadline. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann wants his old job back. Hannemann says he built a reputation for strong leadership when he was the city’s chief executive from 2005-2010 and he's ready to fix the rail project. KITV4.

Sheehan, Levinson voice frustration as they resign from Police Commission. The two most vocal members of the Honolulu Police Commission are resigning, voicing frustration at the limited power the commission has to oversee the Police Department and its chief, Susan Ballard. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Packed but peaceful: Black Lives Matter protesters take to streets of Oahu. Protesters in Honolulu spilled onto the streets of Ala Moana Boulevard near Piikoi Saturday, spreading the message: Black lives matter. Hawaii News Now.

'All we want is to be recognized as human beings’. David Broussard figures he was 6 or 7 years old when his parents sat him down for the talk many African American parents feel compelled to have with their sons. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki man arrested during a protest on Kalakaua Avenue. A 29-year-old Waikiki man was arrested while he was marching with other protesters on Kalakaua Avenue on May 31. KHON2.

Local law professor reacts to George Floyd protests. Ken Lawson believes Hawaii has good police-community relations, and we need to be a model for the rest of the nation. KITV4.

=====

Residents, business owners fight to stop proposed Chinatown homeless station.  Hawaii's largest homeless services provider has a new plan to help keep coronavirus off the streets. It starts with buying an old building in Chinatown. Hawaii News Now.

Public swimming pools to reopen on Oahu next week. Oahu’s public swimming pools will reopen again on June 5, but ― as with nearly everything else that’s begun to reopen over the last few weeks ― things will operate a little differently once people are allowed back in the water. Hawaii News Now.

Bar owners awaiting governor’s plan for reopening. Several bar owners are expected to rally today in front of the Honolulu Liquor Commission to protest the lack of information coming from state leaders about when bars can reopen despite liquor license renewals coming due at the end of this month. Star-Advertiser.

Locals take back tourist-free Waikiki during pandemic. Growing up in Hawaii, Amber Lethem’s family avoided Waikiki, the world-famous tourist mecca. Associated Press.

Brief absence of humans shows remarkable changes in Hanauma Bay. Since March 26,  the only people entering the preserve, besides regular maintenance and security staff with the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, have been teams of five or fewer scientists at a time, studying the status of coral, water quality and fish behavior during this unprecedented, visitor-free time. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal dumping plagues Sand Island State Recreational Area. The Sand Island State Recreation Area has been an urban gem for beach goers, surfers, campers and people who fish. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayors unenthusiastic about vacation rentals: Hawaii County clears backlog but reopening likely months away. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo breakwater study likely to be delayed. A study investigating the possible benefits of opening a gap in the Hilo Bay breakwater will likely not happen until at least October. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo hospital to ease visitor restrictions. Nearly two months after implementing a no-visitor policy in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hilo Medical Center will begin loosening those restrictions this week. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea neighbors protest STVR: Mixed messages from Planning Department contribute to neighbors’ angst. West Hawaii Today.

Suspended and Limited Waste Disposal Services. Electronic device recycling and other programs continue to be suspended in Hawai‘i County due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Maui

New Maui County directive expedites permits for business repairs, renovations impacted by COVID-19. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is working with county agencies to permits for repairs and renovations for businesses affected by COVID-19. KHON2.

MRA decision-making is being put on hold for time being. The Maui Redevelopment Agency will not be making any decisions on zoning and variance requests until the County Council decides on the legality of the agency, per an agreement between Maui County and plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the powers of the agency. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino asks Ige to remove quarantine from interisland travel June 15. In a Facebook post Saturday afternoon, the mayor said the lifting of the quarantine would be part of the phased re-opening of businesses and operations toward economic recovery. Maui News.

Mayor Victorino Asks Governor to Lift Interisland Quarantine on June 15. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino sent a letter to the Governor David Ige today asking him to lift the 14-day restriction on interisland travelers starting June 15, 2020. Maui Now.

Maui Brewing Company Issued Warning Over Sanitizer Giveaway. The county Liquor Control Department on Tuesday handed Maui Brewing Co. a “notice of warning” after investigating the company’s made-in-house hand sanitizer and giveaway promotions. Maui News.

Maui candidates have to work around restrictions that have been keeping them from engaging voters. In an election year in which voting will be conducted for the first time in Hawaii on a mail-only basis and several key seats are up for grabs on Maui and across the state, candidates have been hard-pressed to find alternative means of engaging with constituents. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Peaceful Paddle Out for George Floyd. A peaceful Paddle Out for George Floyd was held just before sunset on the West shores of Maui on Sunday in a show of unity amid tensions nationally over the man’s death at the hands of a police officer. Maui Now.

Kauai

YB wants to stop hauling small loads. Young Brothers shipping company is seeking permission to discontinue less-than-container-load shipping of goods to and from Kaua‘i, according to a request recently submitted to the state Public Utilities Commission. Garden Island.

New strategies for business owners. As they’re struggling to make ends meet, small business owners are doing their best to take care of each other, too. Garden Island.

Tax revenues expected to plummet, travel quarantine extended to June 30, Japan travel bubble considered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige and county mayors Zoom conference

Newest projection: State tax revenues will drop by a jaw-dropping $2.25B this fiscal year. The state Council on Revenues on Thursday lowered its estimates on state tax revenues by a jaw-dropping $2.25 billion for this fiscal year and next. But lawmakers said the lower estimates will not require across-the-board furloughs or pay cuts. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii budget shortfall now projected to be $2.3 billion. There was a lot of guesswork involved, but a panel of experts concluded Thursday that state tax collections will drop by 7% this fiscal year and another 12% next year, leaving Gov. David Ige’s administration with a whopping $2.3 billion budget hole to patch up. Star-Advertiser.

State Tax Revenue Projected To Drop By Over $2 Billion As A Result of Pandemic. The Council on Revenues, the 7 member body responsible for estimating future tax receipts, said on Thursday that collections for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years will drop by a combined $2.3 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

$7 Billion From Feds To Hawaiʻi For Pandemic Relief, So Far. Total coronavirus federal relief funding for Hawai‘i is expected to top more than $7 billion, says U.S. Senator Brian Schatz. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Coronavirus Federal Relief Funding Expected to Top $7B. US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that the total coronavirus federal relief funding for Hawai‘i is expected to top more than $7 billion. The new total includes federal funding already received and expected to be received by Hawai‘i small businesses, families, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, state and county governments, and other organizations. Maui Now.

=====

Report: Hawaii’s Lack Of A Plan To Reopen Tourism Is ‘Disturbing’. The latest UHERO scenario puts the state’s economic recovery years off, especially if political leaders wait much longer to re-energize the visitor industry. Civil Beat.

Ige Plans to Extend 14-Day Quarantine for Mainland, International Travelers. Gov. David Ige plans to extend the 14-day quarantine for transpacific and international travelers beyond June 30 as the state continues its efforts to suppress the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Ige to extend quarantine for mainland, international travelers beyond June 30. The governor says a mandatory, 14-day quarantine for mainland and international travelers will be extended beyond June 30. Hawaii News Now.

Trans-Pacific quarantine will go beyond June, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Thursday that while an announcement about ending the mandatory 14-day interisland quarantine will be made in the next few days, the same two-week restriction for incoming travelers to Hawaii will be extended beyond June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Ige confirms 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors will be extended beyond June 30. Gov. David Ige said Thursday the 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers to Hawaii will be extended beyond June 30 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Plans to Extend 14-Day Travel Quarantine for Out-of-State Arrivals to Hawai‘i Beyond June 30. Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige today said that the 14-day travel quarantine will be extended for domestic and international travelers past June 30, but an official announcement will be made at a later date. Maui Now.

New proposal plans from senators meant to help restart tourism in Hawaii. There's a new proposal to help residents get back to work and restart tourism in Hawaii. KITV4.

County mayors discuss reopening and answer resident questions. County mayors had a meeting with Governor David Ige on Thursday afternoon to discuss each county’s re-opening plans and process. KHON2.

Tensions Grow Over How — And When — To Reopen Tourism. Lawmakers scrambling for ways to restart tourism expressed concern on Thursday after the governor announced plans to extend a 14-day travel quarantine. Civil Beat.

Feasibility of a Japan travel bubble. Could a soft opening of the state to Japanese visitors be the first strategy in establishing the state’s economy and reinventing tourism? Garden Island.

Proposed pilot travel program between Japan, Hawaii could be quarantine-free. On Thursday, Governor David Ige says he will be extending the 14-day quarantine beyond June 30th. KHON2.

=====

Restaurant inspections will include looking at COVID-19 procedures. Food safety inspectors are trained to prevent food borne illnesses, now they have to make sure restaurants are also following the guidelines when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi's Path to Economic Recovery Could be Green. Hawai’i has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country with nearly a quarter of a million island residents out of work. As state leaders consider solutions to this crisis, there’s one approach that would create jobs, address some local issues, and reach back to a bit of history that worked in the past. Hawaii Public Radio.

Special master defends early release of Hawaii inmates, says recidivism rate low. Special Master Daniel Foley addressed criticisms regarding the release of hundreds of state inmates to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but said continuing to get them out of jails and prisons will be difficult. Star-Advertiser.

New Study Reveals Hawaiʻi Doctors Struggling Under HMSA's Payment System. A new survey of Hawaii primary care providers reveals a majority are struggling to stay in business because of changes made to the way they’re compensated by the state’s largest insurer HMSA. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

New COVID-19 infection identified through state’s expanded surveillance program. One of Honolulu’s three new COVID-19 cases reported Thursday was the first identified through the state’s expanded surveillance program that 32 doctors statewide are participating in. Hawaii News Now.

Three new coronavirus cases on Oahu brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 647. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 647, up three new cases from Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Reports 3 New COVID-19 Cases Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports three new COVID-19 cases bringing the state total to 647. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Updates: 3 New Cases; Green Seeks Interisland Travel Easing Soon; Economist Warns Of 2nd Wave. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Retired Judge Enjoys Double-Digit Lead In Prosecutor’s Race. Steve Alm is out front so far. But two-thirds of Honolulu voters have not made up their minds and many have no idea who is running. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s mayoral candidates throw out the old playbook to campaign during a pandemic. The primary election is just around the corner, but political analysts say the election is the farthest thing from many people’s minds. Hawaii News Now.

Earl Tsuneyoshi Announces Run For Menor’s Council Seat. The Army combat veteran is challenging former state Sen. Will Espero and comedian Augie T for the District 9 spot. Civil Beat.

=====

Rail project expecting $100M shortfall, possibly $100M more. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit got grim financial news Thursday, with no easy answers ahead. Star-Advertiser.

HART’s ‘Out-Of-The-Box’ Plan To Keep Construction Moving Fizzles. Rail officials had proposed a major change order to keep work going, but they weren’t able to reach a deal in time. Civil Beat.

=====

Army investigates reports that military members were involved in large beach parties. The Army said it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate reports that members of the military were involved in two large beach parties over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation continues into memorial day weekend beach parties. Lawmakers continue to condemn the large parties over Memorial Day weekend on Oahu beaches, the military said its working with local law enforcement to investigate who was behind the illegal gatherings and to find out if service members took part in it. KHON2.

Virtual town hall to discuss proposed Chinatown homeless center related to COVID-19. Plans for what’s being called a Homeless Triage and CARES Center in Chinatown will be the subject of a “virtual town hall” being held this afternoon by the Institute for Human Services, the project’s sponsor. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Cites 4 People For Running Unlicensed Adult Care Homes. The state Office of Health Care Assurance has continued random inspections and investigations of care homes for the elderly. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit: Oahu Hospital Allegedly Shielded 2 Sexual Harassers. The lawsuit claims the hospital knew its chief medical officer and another staffer were requesting private physical therapy services from a female employee. Star-Advertiser.

Will it be a flood or a trickle when Oahu restaurants reopen? Owners will soon find out whether diners will rush back or be cautious when the ban on dining inside restaurants is lifted a week from today. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet intends to hold soft reopening in June. Aloha Stadium intends to hold a soft reopening of the Swap Meet and Marketplace in June, stadium Manager Scott Chan told the Stadium Authority on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor’s New COVID-19 Rule Makes Some Changes To Planned Reopenings. Certain Big Island businesses, operations, or activities are permitted to re-open June 1, 2020, and places of worship are now allowed to re-open on May 30. Big Island Video News.

Big Island to Reopen to Most Businesses, Activities by June 1. Expanding on his initial announcement to allow businesses and activities like church services, salons and indoor dining at restaurants to reopen, Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim on Thursday greenlit most other sectors business and social life to resume in June. Big Island Now.

Places of worship can reopen this weekend, but some will wait longer before bringing their congregants back. While places of worship will be allowed to reopen Saturday, some churches are choosing to remain closed for the time being to protect their congregations. Tribune-Herald.

=====

Public-private partnership proposed: Environmental commission urges fast work on sewage discharges. Casting a wary eye toward a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said discharging wastewater indirectly into the sea by allowing it to flow through groundwater violates the Clean Water Act, the county Environmental Management Commission on Wednesday unanimously voted to ask the County Council and administration to solicit proposals for public-private partnerships to fix island projects falling into that category. West Hawaii Today.

$6.3M allocated to Konawaena High School for athletic site improvements. Among the $5.1 billion in capital improvements allocated by a bill in the Legislature now awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature, $6.3 million will be heading to Konawaena High School to improve their athletic sites. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Former South Maui state Rep. Joseph Bertram III dies. Community holds tree planting in his honor. Maui News.

Most businesses, activities get green light to reopen Monday. Some may choose to wait, though. Maui News.

PSLU Committee to Hear Change in Zoning for Kilohana Makai Workforce Housing Project. On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 9 a.m., the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee will meet via the online platform BlueJeans to hear the Change in Zoning Application for the Kilohana Makai Workforce Housing Project in Kīhei. Maui Now.

JoAnn Inamasu Named Maui Office of Economic Development Director. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today announced the appointment of JoAnn Inamasu as the new director of the County’s Office of Economic Development. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai CIP budget surpasses $217 million. When the State Legislature passed its $5.1 billion Capital Improvement Project budget bill May 21 for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, more than $217 million was set aside for projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Russell would do it! There will be a food drive coordinated by the motorcycle riders, Sunday starting at 9 a.m. on the lawn of the historic County Building. Garden Island.

Lt. Gov. Green pushes for reopening, residents support Thirty Meter Telescope by 2:1 margin in poll, Honolulu mayoral race wide open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green via Facebook live

Lt. Gov. Green says Hawaii slow to reopen parts of economy. With the flattest COVID-19 curve in the nation, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that Hawaii should have reopened interisland travel and limited business activity 10 days ago. Star-Advertiser.

Lieutenant Governor believes Hawai'i should lift 14-day interisland quarantine. On Wednesday Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said the state is being overly cautious about lifting the 14-day interisland travel quarantine. KITV4.

Report: Hawaii’s Lack Of A Plan To Reopen Tourism Is ‘Disturbing’. The latest UHERO scenario puts the state’s economic recovery years off, especially if political leaders wait much longer to re-energize the visitor industry. Civil Beat.

Testing May Not Be The Silver Bullet For Restarting Stalled Tourism Industry. As Hawaii continues to reopen the local economy, some leaders are calling for a plan to restart the state’s $18 billion tourism economy. One lawmaker wants COVID-19 testing to be at the center of such a plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hotel workers want protection before tourism resumes. Unite Here Local 5 union members, who supply the labor for many of Hawaii’s best known hotels, held a car caravan in Waikiki on Wednesday to demand that public safety and the needs of Hawaii’s workers come first in any plan to reopen tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hotel workers in car caravan demand safe return to work. More than 100 cars with hotel workers and supporters behind the wheel joined a caravan demonstration down Waikiki to voice safety demands and be a part of the state’s plans to reopen tourism. KHON2.

House Speaker Scott Saiki lays off 3 in House, cancels contracts. House Speaker Scott Saiki is laying off three permanent staff members in the state House of Representatives and canceling computer upgrades and some copier contracts to cut costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hooser resigns his post as as Democratic Party vice chairman to endorse Iwamoto. Former state Sen. Gary Hooser has resigned as vice chairman of the Hawaii Democratic Party, saying he is primarily stepping down so he can endorse the candidacy of former state Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto in her challenge to House Speaker Scott Saiki. Star-Advertiser.

One new Big Island coronavirus case brings Hawaii’s statewide total to 644. Hawaii Department of Health officials said today that the state’s tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 644, up one new case from Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

One new Big Island case of COVID-19 reported, statewide total now 644 cases. After three days of no new COVID-19 reports in the state of Hawaii, one new case on the Big Island Wednesday brings the statewide case count to 644. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Honolulu Mayor’s Race Is Up For Grabs. Blangiardi leads Hanabusa, Amemiya and Pine, but 42% say they are unsure or prefer none of the candidates. Civil Beat.

Glitches overshadow first 2020 mayoral forum. The 2020 election season’s first Honolulu mayoral candidates forum on Wednesday was marred by technical glitches that prevented most of the public from viewing the event live on their electronic devices. Star-Advertiser.

=====

Gov. Ige approves Mayor Caldwell’s proposal to open more Oahu businesses Friday. Gov. David Ige today approved Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to safely reopen more businesses on Oahu on Friday that includes hair salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors. Star-Advertiser.

Salons, barber shops and other ‘personal service providers’ on Oahu get OK to reopen Friday. The governor has given the green light for hair and nail salons, barber shops and other “personal service providers” on Oahu to reopen Friday — more than two months after they were ordered to close. Hawaii News Now.

Salon and barbershops finalize changes before Friday reopening. Governor David Ige has approved Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s proposal to reopen salons and barbershops on Friday. KHON2.

Here’s a timeline of when salons, pools, campgrounds, and more can reopen. Hawaii Governor David Ige approved Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s request to allow the reopening of more businesses and operations on Oahu. KHON2.

Could Oahu gyms reopen June 19? F45 in Kahala is ready. F45 Training owner-operator Mimi Andjelic-Davies told KITV4 revenue has dipped well over 80 percent during the shutdown. KITV4.

Honolulu Zoo to reopen June 5, with modified hours and rules. Although it is allowed to reopen on Thursday, the Honolulu Zoo does not plan to open its doors to the public until June 5, with modified hours and rules in place. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Zoo to welcome families back on June 5. The zoo will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The entrance will close at 2:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Fearing COVID-19, patients are delaying urgent care and putting their health at risk, hospitals say. Pali Momi Medical Center treats more than 300 stroke patients a year. The most serious cases trigger an all-hospital alert. Hawaii News Now.

With more people working from home, demand for office spaces dip. After a decade long slump, Honolulu’s office market was showing signs of recovery. Then, the pandemic hit. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Majority of those polled support Thirty Meter Telescope. The results of a March survey of Hawaii residents purports to show that supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope project outnumber opponents by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. Tribune-Herald.

Support grows for TMT, statewide poll says. A new statewide poll commissioned for the developer of the Thirty Meter Telescope shows Hawaii residents support construction of the long-delayed $2.4 billion project by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. Star-Advertiser.

Poll: Most Hawaii residents support TMT project on Mauna Kea. According to the poll, conducted in March by Ward Research, Inc., 61% of residents want construction to move ahead, while 32% are opposed. Hawaii News Now.

=====

County takes nonpunitive approach toward enforcement of rules for ‘medium-risk’ businesses. With restaurants, personal services and places of worship allowed to begin reopening next week, the county is taking a nonpunitive approach in enforcing hygiene standards. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Launches Emergency Resilience Loan Program. The program will offer financial counseling and loans to "ALICE" residents (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) residents who reside on the Big Island and who have lost income due to COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor’s Request for “Broad Reopening” on June 1 Approved by Governor. Governor David Ige today approved Maui Mayor Michael Victorino’s request to reopen most businesses and services with modifications starting Monday, June 1, 2020. Maui Now.

Mayor: ‘New normal is upon us’. Broad reopening set for Monday if Ige approves. On the third consecutive day of no new COVID-19 cases for the state, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced that he’s planning to reopen most county activities, businesses and industries Monday, pending Gov. David Ige’s approval. Garden Island.

Dog Parks, playgrounds, county and beach parks set to reopen June 1 on Maui. Governor David Ige has approved Mayor Michael Victorino’s request to reopen most businesses and services, with modifications, starting Monday, June 1. KITV4.

National Guard Troops on Maui Reduced, Hāna Hwy Checkpoint to Remain in Place. The amount of National Guard troops serving as part of the COVID-19 response in Maui County is being reduced as many locations across the state resume phased reopening of businesses and services. Maui Now.

County to spend federal funds on COVID-19 plans. $67M from CARES Act to cover aid, public safety, boost economy. Maui News.

Council 2020-21 budget passes first reading. $819M budget a product of pandemic, members say. The Maui County Council passed on first reading an $819.3 million budget that residents praised for keeping funding for social services intact despite the economic struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui News.

Kauai

Council approves tax rates. The council approved Fiscal Year 2020-21 tax rates, which will remain flat for most residents. The county anticipates about $155,780,336 in real property tax revenue to go into the General Fund. Garden Island.

County faces prohibited practices complaint for 4-day workweek. The County of Kaua‘i is under fire for its implementation of a four-day 10-hour work schedule. Garden Island.

Rule 11 proposes outdoor team sports. Pending Gov. David Ige’s blessing, Kaua‘i County is hoping on June 1 to allow the reconvening of outdoor team sports, the reopening of gyms and fitness centers, the resumption of dine-in restaurant service, and the reopening of personal services, such as spas. Garden Island.

Youth sports could start soon on Kauai, with Maui following. Kids in Kauai County may soon be able to get out of the house and back on the field. Mayor Derek Kawakami has requested permission from Governor David Ige to allow for outdoor organized sports to be held starting Monday. KHON2.

Kaua'i mayor requesting approval of latest phase in the county's reopening plan. On Monday restaurants, gyms and more activities could be allowed to reopen on Kaua'i. KITV4.