Ige wants new statewide mask mandate, Health Department whistle-blower back at work, $4M COVID-19 testing pod opens at HNL, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. David Ige from Nov. 2, 2020 video

Ige: New law needed for mask enforcement. Gov. David Ige on Monday said a new law is needed to help handle those who ignore the coronavirus-related emergency mask mandate in Hawaii by issuing a citation similar to tickets written for minor traffic infractions, which carry a fine but aren’t treated as a criminal offense. Tribune-Herald.

Special legislative session for statewide mask mandate unlikely this year, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said that his administration is pursuing a change to the state law to update the violation of the mask mandate from a misdemeanor offense to a ticket and fine. Star-Advertiser.

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Dr. Jennifer Smith is back on the job. After being placed on administrative leave for more than two months, Jennifer Smith, the state virologist and COVID-19 case investigator who exposed flaws in the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing program has returned to work, Hawaii Department of Health officials confirmed Monday. Civil Beat.

Dr. Jennifer Smith is back on the job. A doctor who blew the whistle on the state Department of Health is back on the job. KITV4.

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DOE Shuffles Leadership In Curriculum Office. Hawaii’s school chief has removed the head of the office responsible for overseeing the transition to online learning. Civil Beat.

Today’s Lesson: No Wi-Fi = No Learning. Disparities in internet access have long made learning more difficult for some students, from kindergarten to college. And with students learning from home now more than ever, that digital divide has widened. Educators, nonprofits, companies and families are working on immediate fixes, but a complete solution likely means changes in public policy and major infrastructure investments. Hawaii Business magazine.

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US Surgeon General Adams might have to return to Hawaii for trial. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams was cited for allegedly being in a closed park during his work trip to Oahu back in August. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. surgeon general and aide plead not guilty. An arraignment was held for U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and an aide for allegedly violating an emergency order while at a beach park on Oahu in late August during a COVID-19 emergency order-mandated closure of the island’s beach parks. Star-Advertiser.

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7 Ways To Repair Hawaii’s Broken Economy. State and local officials have yet to produce economic recovery plans. But business leaders have ideas on what’s needed to help stop the state’s financial free fall. Civil Beat.

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Record number of Hawaii votes cast in one of the most anticipated elections in decades. State elections officials said 513,000 Hawaii voters had submitted a ballot as of Monday afternoon. That translates to roughly a 61% turnout. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii soars above half-million early votes cast. About 520,000 people have already voted statewide in Hawaii, ahead of tomorrow’s official election day. That means our turnout is already well above 60 percent with time for thousands of ballots to still be cast. About 520,000 people have already voted statewide in Hawaii, ahead of tomorrow’s official election day. That means our turnout is already well above 60 percent with time for thousands of ballots to still be cast. KHON2.

Hawaii officials ask for ‘aloha’ as results of the U.S. presidential election come in. Hoping to set an example, the majority and minority leaders of the state House of Representatives are calling for peace and aloha following any outcome of tonight’s divisive presidential election. Star-Advertiser.

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Local Telecom Company Emerging As Potential Successor To Sandwich Isles. The embattled Sandwich Isles Communications may soon need to sell off its statewide telecommunications network to pay off mounting federal debt. Another local telecom company is emerging as a potential successor to provide services on Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii Public Radio.

More than 300 Hawaii inmates at Arizona prison test positive for COVID-19. After an outbreak of COVID-19 among Hawaii inmates housed in a private Arizona prison, a mass testing was ordered by Hawaii officials and carried out Thursday, revealing up to 43% tested could have the virus with only a little over half testing negative. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Cases Among Hawaii Inmates In Arizona Now At 378. An inmate from Hawaii was found dead in his bunk Thursday, but it is not known if he had the virus. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 2: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 78 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, including 65 on Oahu, four on Hawaii Island, two on Maui, one on Lanai, and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu opens $4M mobile COVID-19 testing container at airport. As the coronavirus surges to record highs across the mainland, Oahu has opened a $4 million mobile COVID-19 testing container near Terminal 2 at the Honolulu airport to try to stop the virus in its tracks as tourists and residents resume travel. Star-Advertiser.

Fire chief summoned to Council following investigation into overtime, spending. Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves will answer questions from City Council Budget Committee members on Nov. 18 after an investigation into overtime records. Hawaii News Now.

Hotel workers bill before City Council reduced to resolution. A controversial Honolulu City Council bill that would have mandated employee callback rules for hotels and required them to clean occupied hotel rooms won’t be heard Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Kapolei High Closes After 3 Staff Test Positive For COVID. School leaders said they were temporarily closing the campus to employees and students out of an abundance of caution. Civil Beat.

Kapolei High temporarily closing to in-person activities after 3 COVID cases. Kapolei High School will be closed to students and staff after three employees recently tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

State regulator OKs Hawaiian Electric’s takeover of Army power service on Oahu. Hawaiian Electric has received state approval to take over power distribution at 12 Oahu Army installations under a 50-year contract that won’t affect other customer rates. Star-Advertiser.

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Alan Wong’s closing after 25 years on King Street. The restaurant was known for its delicious cuisine, and high-profile guests ― like the Obama family when they came to town. Hawaii News Now.

Alan Wong closes restaurant permanently. Chef Alan Wong’s flagship King Street restaurant has become a permanent casualty of the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Renowned restaurant Alan Wong’s to permanently close. After more than two decades an iconic Hawaii restaurant is closing its doors for good. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Waipio road restrictions proposed. Hawaii County Council members on Thursday will discuss a bill that could eventually restrict pedestrian access on Waipio Valley Road for safety reasons. Tribune-Herald.

Construction at bayfront park aimed at improving accessibility. Construction at bayfront park aimed at improving accessibility. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Community Hospital Reports Second-Highest Number of COVID Hospitalizations Statewide. KCH is currently treating seven people with the disease — one in ICU, five in the Med Surg acute care unit and one in the OB unit. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Police Issue Reminder to Wear a Mask or Facial Covering. Under Rule 5 of the County of Maui, Public Health Emergency Proclamation, permitted masks or facial coverings are defined as masks that completely cover the nose and mouth, have two or more layers of washable breathable fabric, and fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps. Pleated, multi-layer masks are allowed. Maui Now.

Maui mayor says he's pleased with how residents celebrated Halloween weekend. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said he was pleased with how residents celebrated Halloween over the weekend. KITV4.

Maui Mayor Interview: Monday Morning Update. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino provided an update on the weekend Halloween activities, COVID-19 testing on Lānaʻi and the upcoming General Election. Maui Now.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali Reopens Nov. 12. When The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali reopens on Nov. 12, guests of the resort will be greeted with property enhancements that include new dining venues that showcase Maui-grown ingredients and a new luxury guest tower. Maui Now.

Kauai

$1.8M settlement reached in harassment, retaliation suit against KPD. A long-running legal battle on Kauai has ended in a $1.84 million settlement for a Kauai Police Department assistant chief.  Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i remains on Tier 4. The county remains at Tier 4, the least restrictive, characterized by less than two daily active cases reported. At this tier, the county allows nearly all businesses and activities to remain operational with minimal restrictions and allows the state’s pre-travel test program to bypass the quarantine. Garden Island.

Last chance to vote. As of Monday afternoon, more than 62% of Kaua‘i registered voters have cast their ballots in the 2020 General Election, and there’s more expected to come in today. Garden Island.

Hawaii braces for COVID-19 spike from mainland, state hits record voter turnout, Honolulu mulls public transit fare hikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Socially distanced witches celebrate Hawaii Halloween PC: Royelen Lee Boykie from Facebook

 Officials say Halloween parties could lead to small spike in cases. Many people had a relaxing Halloween and followed local health guidance by staying at home, but there were several large parties that officials said could lead to a small spike in cases in the next few weeks. KHON2.

'It's a threat to us': Hawai'i experts urge public to follow restrictions amid mainland Coronavirus crisis. Coronavirus cases are soaring across the country--putting some states in crisis mode--and some fear the surge could spread to Hawai'i. KITV4.

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Perfect storm results in record voting in Hawaii. A convergence of forces has turned chronic voter apathy in recent years in Hawaii into record ballots cast — even before Tuesday’s general election. Star-Advertiser.

Fee hikes at state parks are no help without tourists. Tourism is back — somewhat — but it’s going take months before the state parks system is able to enjoy any windfall from an increase in fees that went into effect Oct. 9. Star-Advertiser.

Snail mail no longer only way to alert state of wrongdoing. The Regulated Industries Complaints Office of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has introduced an online portal dubbed “U-Tip” that eliminates the need for the public to mail written complaints or tips about suspected improper regulated work to the agency. Star-Advertiser.

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State looks to bridge digital divide with mobile learning hubs. In order to bridge that digital divide, the Department of Education has set up mobile learning hubs in communities on the Big Island and Oahu to ensure all needs are met. Hawaii News Now.

Failing A Class Could Get Your Student Back To School Sooner. Failing marks can now fast-track some kids to in-person instruction so they don’t suffer trying to learn from home. Civil Beat.

‘Stressed And Overwhelmed’: Hawaii’s College Students Confront The Pandemic. Stress, anxiety and trauma have been compounded during an academic year unlike any other. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Nov. 1: 83 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 83 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, including one on Kauai, 53 on Oahu, 26 on Hawaii island and three Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Increased fares for Oahu public transit introduced in City Council. The Honolulu City Council will consider increased fares for public transportation after two bills were recently introduced. Star-Advertiser.

Easy Targets? Some Oahu Homeless Have Been Ticketed Dozens Of Times During The Pandemic. A Civil Beat analysis of court data on HPD’s pandemic enforcement shows homeless people account for nearly 25% of pandemic violations despite making up less than 1% of the population. Civil Beat.

Leadership qualities, rail and COVID-19 dominated mayor’s race. Tuesday’s general election will determine who takes over the third-floor corner office at Honolulu Hale when Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s second term ends Jan. 2. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry slowly reopening. Waikiki wasn’t exactly raining visitors Sunday, but there were some signs that the launch of the state’s pre-arrival testing plan has brought some green shoots. Star-Advertiser.

Bars frustrated at paying liquor license when they've been closed much of the year. They can't use it now, but some bars say it's harder to renew a lapsed liquor license, so they keep paying for a license they can't currently use. KITV4.

With construction tying up coveted spaces, weekend parking at popular park is a bear. Weekend parking has always been a scarce commodity at Ala Moana Regional Paark. But ongoing construction has made it’s even more of a headache. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Three lawsuits filed against PGV. A trio of lawsuits have been filed in Hilo Circuit Court, requesting an environmental review be completed before Puna Geothermal Venture, which was partially destroyed by lava two years ago, is allowed to produce electricity. Tribune-Herald.

Building code won’t meet deadline. Hawaii County is not going to meet a state-imposed deadline to revamp its building code and two county council members are prevailing upon Gov. David Ige to allow an extension. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Asks Governor To Suspend New Building Code Deadline. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Council Requests Extension to Update Building Code. Big Island Now.

Election deadline nears: Host of federal, state and local races to be decided Tuesday. It’s not even Election Day and Hawaii County voters have already surpassed the voter turnout of the last presidential election. West Hawaii Today.

Puna roundabouts could face delays due to pandemic. State legislators had allocated $30 million in capital improvement funding earlier this year to widen Keaau-Pahoa Road, or Highway 130, from two lanes to four lanes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Guzman cites ongoing friction with Victorino. Mayor seeking to remove prosecutor; council to decideMaui County Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking to remove Prosecuting Attorney Don Guzman because he allegedly raised his voice during a meeting to reprimand a deputy prosecutor, amid a backdrop of disagreements between Guzman and Victorino in recent months, Guzman said Friday. Maui News.

State retirement fund abandons plan for Maui golf course redevelopment. The owner of the Royal Kaanapali and Kaanapali Kai golf courses, an investment fund for Hawaii public-­sector worker entitlements, recently notified another state entity that it is no longer pursuing a conceptual plan to add a hotel, about 150 to 250 condominiums and other amenities around reconfigured golf operations. Star-Advertiser.

Retail, restaurants see a sales bump with visitors back. But crowds add to business challenges with pandemic-era rules, safety concerns. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai sees low percentage of mainland visitors participating in post-arrival testing. Post-arrival COVID-19 testing has been taking place at state and county levels for the past two weeks. KHON2.

Kauai Bets Big With CARES Money To Boost Local Beef Industry. Kauai County has committed nearly $4 million of its allocation of $28.7 million in state money under the CARES Act to try to rejuvenate Kauai’s agriculture industry by helping some of the largest operations on the island and some of the smallest. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Rise Initiative gets federal funds. The Trump administration recently announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $966,540 in three projects in the state, including the county Office of Economic Development’s Kaua‘i Rise Initiative. Garden Island.

Still time to register, vote. It requires a trip to the Voter Service Center in Lihu‘e, proper photo identification and a few other requirements, but there is still time to register and vote in Tuesday’s general election. Garden Island.

Lanai

Nearly 400 COVID-19 Tests Administered on Lāna‘i During Mass Testing on Saturday. Well over 3,000 tests have been administered on Lānaʻi since the beginning of the outbreak. There were no positive cases reported today on the island. Maui Now.

Hundreds turn out for Lana'i mass testing event. Nearly 400 COVID-19 tests were administered to Lanai residents on Saturday during a six-hour mass testing event aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. KITV4.

Inmates to get $1200 stimulus, Honolulu maintains existing COVID-19 restrictions, coffee leaf rust hits two islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii jail dorm ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Inmates Can Now File For $1200 Federal Stimulus Checks. A federal court in California has ruled that prison and jail inmates are eligible to receive federal stimulus payments under the $2.2 trillion federal CARES Act, and Hawaii corrections officials are now distributing forms for prisoners to use to file for the payments. Civil Beat.

CARES Act Funding Lifted Hawaii Residents’ Incomes. The state Council on Revenues projects total personal income will actually increase by 5% this year but decline by 4% next year. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court Rejects Suit Seeking Prompt Payments For Hawaii’s Jobless. The Hawaii Supreme Court has rejected a class-action lawsuit that tried to spur faster action from the state’s labor department on thousands of outstanding unemployment claims. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Lawmaker Spent Years Obstructing Vaping Regulation While Receiving Thousands From Big Tobacco. As youth vaping rates surged, powerful state lawmaker Sylvia Luke repeatedly held up anti-vaping laws while accepting nearly $20,000 in campaign contributions from tobacco companies and lobbyists. Hawaii Public Radio.

Public access: Legislation in the works to allow more online participation in government. If a global pandemic can even have a silver lining, it’s this: Public access to state and local government meetings has never been easier, especially for neighbor island residents. West Hawaii Today.

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7 out of 10 patients in Hawaii hospitalized with COVID-19 are being treated with a drug called Remdesivir. Remdesivir is the same drug that was used help fight the Ebola virus between 2014 and 2016. KITV4.

Hawaii tourism struggles to gain momentum. In the second week of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program, visitor arrivals fell 25% compared with the first week.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii resorts plan for more visitors, fewer jobs. Hawaii hotels are slowly reopening, but they are also converting some temporary furloughs into permanent layoffs. Hawaii News Now.

Lessons learned from first two weeks of the state's Safe Travels platform. Since Hawaii's pre-travel testing program started two weeks ago, data from the state's Office of Enterprise Technology Services shows more than 110,000 people have come to the islands. KITV4.

More than 83,000 flew to Hawaii since Oct. 15. Since the state reopened to tourism on Oct. 15, the number of trans-Pacific air arrivals has more than quadrupled the total for all of September. Tribune-Herald.

Post-arrival surveillance testing finds a handful of Hawaii travelers with COVID-19. A handful of trans-Pacific travelers have tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in the islands, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 data analyst projects spike from Halloween could come around Nov. 15. Experts say coronavirus case averages have been consistent over the past few weeks, but all it takes is one event without masks or social distancing for cases to spike. KHON2.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 29: 77 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases include 60 on Oahu, eight on Hawaii island, one on Kauai and two on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Despite encouraging trend, Oahu won’t see any loosening of COVID-19 restrictions for weeks. In recent weeks Honolulu’s coronavirus numbers have been slowly declining even as the pandemic has started to rage on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor announces requirements for O'ahu to possibly move into Tier Three in third week of November. Oahu's recovery plan could potentially move into Tier Three in the third week of November if the average number of COVID-19 cases per day remain low. KITV4.

Decision on Malaekahana housing plan again postponed. The community has for years been heatedly divided on language in the proposed revised plan that would allow for up to 200 residential units on 50 acres of undeveloped land that straddles Laie and Malaekahana. Star-Advertiser.

State says Kaaawa homeowner who chopped down trees fronting shoreline had no permit; neighbors are outraged. Conflict is brewing on Oahu’s North Shore after a homeowner illegally chopped down multiple trees along the coastline in Kaaawa, creating concerns among residents about erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Coffee leaf rust hits Hawaii Island. A sample of a rust fungus collected at a residence in Hilo has been tentatively identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Hilo as coffee leaf rust. West Hawaii Today.

Data-Collecting Vehicle Sensors Installed On East Hawaii Highways. The connected vehicle sensors anonymously collect data from Bluetooth-enabled devices in passing vehicles, and calculate travel times between units in order to optimize traffic signal timing, HDOT says. Big Island Video News.

Fairmont Orchid to Reopen in Mid-November. The reopening includes guest services as well as food and beverage venues, including Brown’s Beach House, Hale Kai, Brown’s Deli, and Spa Without Walls. Big Island Now.

Maui

Single Positive COVID-19 Result Out of 700 Participants in Maui Post-Arrival Voluntary Test. More than 700 participants have taken COVID-19 tests as part of the County of Maui’s free voluntary post-arrival testing program, which started Oct. 17. Maui Now.

Coffee leaf rust threatens Hawaii’s coffee industry. A notorious new pest has landed on Maui, and coffee growers across the islands fear the plant disease could devastate — and maybe even transform — the $54 million industry in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

State alleges company violated stream-flow levels. Wailuku Water Co., which owns a water delivery system used for Maui County drinking water, was given notice recently for failing to meet state standards for in-stream flows on three Na Wai ‘Eha waterways in the West Maui Mountains. Maui News.

Ka‘ahumanu Avenue Community Corridor Project Announced. Maui County residents are invited to participate in a study to create a new vision for the roadway corridor along Ka‘ahumanu Avenue and Main Street in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kollar: All must obey virus rules. Eight of the 14 people arrested on Kaua’i for allegedly violating the 14-day mandatory quarantine since the state’s reopening were out-of-state visitors. Garden Island.

Hawaii mulls medical marijuana for anxiety, insomnia; gun sales surge; Caldwell holds gubernatorial fundraiser, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Medical marijuana sign in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

 

Petitions would add 3 conditions to medical pot list. Petitions seeking to add anxiety, depression and insomnia to the list of “debilitating medical conditions” that qualify Hawaii patients for medical cannabis use will undergo a public hearing Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Gun sales surge, creating a backlog to process permits. Gun sales have taken off like a shot, leaving some counties struggling to keep up with the surge in permits and registrations. KITV4.

A week out from Election Day, more than half of all registered voters in Hawaii have cast their ballots, following a trend seen across the U.S. Statewide voter turnout on Tuesday was about 51.9%, according to data provided by the county clerks’ offices. Civil Beat.

Virtual fundraiser supporting Caldwell’s bid for governor raises eyebrows. A fundraiser hosted by Kirk Caldwell on Wednesday afternoon is raising eyebrows. That’s because proceeds from the virtual event go to his run for governor in 2022. Hawaii News Now.

Some worry state will botch rollout of program that extends unemployment benefits.  For those who have used up their 26 weeks of unemployment and the 13 weeks of federal pandemic emergency unemployment compensation, there is another option. Hawaii News Now.

HTA consultant: Canadians eager to fly back to Hawaii ahead of harsh winter. With tourists from the mainland flooding into Hawaii, and a pre-travel testing plan starting for Japan, residents in other countries are eagerly awaiting their turn to be allowed to travel to the islands with a negative COVID test. Hawaii News Now.

Dark Days: Hawaiian Airlines’ Struggles Reflect The Pain Of The Tourism Industry. The state’s largest private employer before COVID-19 struck, Hawaiian Airlines business took a nosedive in the third quarter of 2020. Civil Beat.

Retired state official to pay $5,000 fine for accepting $650 in meals at Honolulu restaurants. The former chief examiner of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Insurance Division will pay a $5,000 fine after accepting over $650 worth of meals from a vendor he oversaw, including dinner for himself and his wife at upscale Nobu Honolulu restaurant, the state Ethics Commission said today. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 28: 62 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases include 41 on Oahu, five on Hawaii island, two on Maui, one on Kauai and seven on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu vote tally topples record. The Honolulu Elections Division had tallied 313,320 ballots as of the end of day today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayoral candidate Rick Blangiardi now outraising, outspending Keith Amemiya. For the first time this election season, Honolulu mayoral candidate Rick Blangiardi’s campaign is outpacing opponent Keith Amemiya’s team in both collections and expenditures. Star-Advertiser.

Latest spending figures released in Honolulu mayoral race. They show former television executive Rick Blangiardi outspending attorney Keith Amemiya in the final leg of the campaign trail. Blangiardi spent about $170,000 more than Amemiya during the last month. Hawaii News Now. 

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Hawaii Opens Section 8 Waitlist For Oahu Renters. Current Oahu renters can sign up online between Thursday and Monday to try to get on the waitlist. Civil Beat.

Hawaii opens Section 8 housing waitlist. The federal housing money is being directed at needy Oahu families who are struggling to keep their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

For the first time in four years, state is opening Section 8 housing voucher applications. When the state starts accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher program or Section 8 on Thursday, the executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority expects about 20,000 people on Oahu to sign-up. KITV4.

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City reports another Honolulu city bus driver has tested positive for COVID-19. Another TheBus driver has tested positive for COVID-19, city officials confirmed today, the second one to be reported, so far, this week. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police officers will be out on Halloween to enforce COVID-19 rules. Mayor Kirk Caldwell once again urged Oahu visitors and residents not to let down their guard, hold large gatherings or cluster in Waikiki on Halloween this Saturday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

How SHOPO Keeps Trying To Hide Police Misconduct Despite New Disclosure Law. The statewide police union doesn’t want the public to have access to the arbitration decision that gave alleged abuser Darren Cachola his badge back. Civil Beat.

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NTSB: Pilot in deadly 2019 skydiving plane crash often did risky maneuvers. More than 16 months after a deadly skydiving plane crash at Dillingham Airfield, the final NTSB report highlights mechanical problems with the aircraft, as well as concerns about the pilot. Hawaii News Now.

NTSB releases details from skydiving plane crash that killed 11 at Dillingham Airfield. Federal officials released documents today that provide details about one of the deadliest U.S. civil aviation accidents of the past decade, including testimony from people who had varying accounts of the crash pilot’s flight habits. Star-Advertiser.

NTSB releases final report on deadly Mokuleia skydiving crash. Sixteen months after a horrific skydiving crash in Mokuleia that killed 11 people, the National Transportation Safety Board released its final report. KHON2.

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Gambling machines, cash and drugs seized from illegal game room in McCullyTwenty gambling machines, cash, and drugs were seized from an illegal game room in the McCully area on Tuesday night. KITV4.

Olive Garden to open Thursday at Ala Moana Center. Hawaii’s first Olive Garden is scheduled to open Thursday, just as plans for a second location in Kapolei have been announced. Star-Advertiser.

Olive Garden set to open first location at Ala Moana Center Thursday. In a year filled with devastating news about the restaurant industry, here’s a bright spot: Olive Garden’s first Hawaii location will open on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Ala Moana Center. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Compost facility on hold: Green waste, food scrap shortage could spell doom to $10.5M plant. A $10.5 million facility intended to take green waste and mix it with other materials to make compost is on hold after officials discovered they’re missing a critical ingredient — food waste to make the material cook to the high temperature needed in the composting process. West Hawaii Today.

PUC, others respond to Honua Ola’s high court request. The state Public Utilities Commission has asked that a petition filed last month by Honua Ola Bioenergy — which seeks to vacate the commission’s July 9 decision that nullified an amended power purchase agreement between the nearly completed Pepeekeo power plant and Hawaiian Electric Co. — be denied in its entirety. Tribune-Herald.

New light snarls traffic: DOT says timing will undergo adjustments. A new traffic light located at the intersection of Highway 11 and Kipimana Street — the entrance to Shipman Business Park — began normal operation on Monday morning, but traffic was snarled along the highway that afternoon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Free COVID-19 testing available across island. Maui County is offering free COVID-19 testing in West, South and Central Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai visitor tests positive for COVID-19 after twice testing negative. Kauai health officials today reported a new positive case of COVID-19 from an adult, female visitor who has been placed in isolation. Star-Advertiser.

DOH: New active case has negative pre and post-travel tests. The Kaua‘i District Health Office reported a new positive case of COVID-19 among an adult female visitor yesterday. Garden Island.

Over 600 cats and dogs make their way to Mainland. Wednesday afternoon, 302 furry friends jetted off Kaua‘i toward their new furry futures on the Mainland. Garden Island.

Target to open at Kukui Grove Center. The planned store will cover approximately 122,000 square feet following a renovation to the existing space at the Kukui Marketplace. Garden Island.

Molokai

Mayor Victorino announces free COVID-19 community testing will be offered Thursday. Maui County Michael Victorino announced on Wednesday that free, COVID-19 community testing will be offered on Thursday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center on Moloka'i. KITV4.

Lanai

Lāna‘i COVID-19 Cases Now 94: Mayor Expects Leveling Off and Steady Decline in Next Week. So far, an estimated 87% of the island population on Lānaʻi has been tested with 2,747 tests administered since an outbreak was first reported early last week.  That brings the island’s positivity rate to 3.13 percent. Maui Now.

Victorino upbeat about Lanai’s COVID-19 status. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is confident that the COVID-19 outbreak on Lanai is under control after the issuing of a stay-at-home order Tuesday and encouraging results from recent surge testing. Maui News.

Hawaii opening to travelers from Japan, 20k apply for rent relief, HART board fails to kill rail partnership, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

House Speaker Scott Saiki and Gov. David Ige at Honolulu airport (Governor's Office video grab)

Hawaii to welcome Japanese travelers next month through the state’s pre-arrival testing program. The number of Japanese visitors willing to come to Hawaii during the pandemic will be limited in part because of a requirement from the Japanese government that Japanese nationals traveling abroad complete a 14-day quarantine upon returning to Japan. Also, the Japanese government still has the U.S. listed under a “level three” travel restriction, which advises Japanese citizens to “reconsider travel” to the U.S. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-Travel Flights From Japan To Start Nov. 6. Starting Nov. 6, travelers from Japan who can produce a negative COVID-19 test result 72 hours before arrival in Hawaii will be allowed to skip the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to welcome Japanese visitors back in November with pre-travel testing. Japanese visitors will be able to take advantage of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program starting next month, the governor announced Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Japanese visitors could start arriving as early as Nov. 6 under state’s pre-travel testing plan. When visitors from Japan are allowed to travel to Hawaii without being quarantined — which could happen as soon as Nov. 6 — officials aren’t expecting the demand seen when the state reopened for mainland U.S. tourist arrivals on Oct. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Pre-travel Testing Program Expands To Japan. During a news conference that was livestreamed on Tuesday, state officials announced 21 trusted testing partners in Japan.  Big Island Video News.

Quarantine-Exempt Travel Opens to Japan in November. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that beginning Nov. 6, travelers from Japan may bypass Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they pass a trusted coronavirus test within 72 hours of departure and receive a negative result. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi expands Safe Travels program to Japan. The state is expanding its pre-travel testing program with the addition of Japan, marking the first state-county tourism partnership program. Garden Island.

Travel from Japan to Hawai‘i Begins Nov. 6 with Pre-Travel Testing Program. Starting Friday, Nov. 6, travelers from Japan may bypass the State of Hawaiʻi’s mandatory 14-day quarantine if they take a COVID-19 test from a trusted testing partner in Japan. Maui Now.

Japan added to state’s pre-travel testing program, but Japan still has its own restrictions. The governor says All Nippon Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Japan Airlines will have planes from Japan touching down as early as Nov. 6, and we can expect to see a total of 10 fights to Hawaii next month. KHON2.

Hawai‘i expands pre-travel testing program to Japan. On Tuesday Governor David Ige said the largest group of inbound international travelers to our state are returning to the islands as soon as November 6th. KITV4.

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Overdue-rent cases are expected to clog Hawaii’s courts. Hawaii’s courts are expected to be filled with “thousands and thousands” of legal disputes between landlords and their tenants who are delinquent on rent once the current ban on evictions expires at the end of the year, the head of the state Office of Consumer Protection said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Relief program keeping Hawaii’s rental market together. The struggle continues for thousands of local families trying to make rent. KHON2.

More Rental Subsidies In 2021? House Lawmakers Say It’s An Open Question. There’s still overwhelming demand for rental assistance in the last quarter of 2020. Civil Beat.

State's COVID-19 rent relief program ramps up to pay out $78 million by end of year. Of the $87.5 million in CARES Act money meant for struggling renters and homeowners -- only about $10 million has been paid out. KITV4.

Manpower added to process applications for rental assistance programs. More than 20,000 people applied for aid up to $2,000 a month on Oahu, and $1,500 a month on the neighbor islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Candidate Fined $100 For Filming Campaign Spot At State Capitol. State House candidate Diamond Garcia has been fined $100 by the state Ethics Commission after he made a campaign video of himself for Facebook that used an upper-level lanai at the State Capitol as the backdrop. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 27: 66 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. The new cases documented Tuesday include 50 on Oahu, three on Hawaii island, two on Maui and nine on Lana. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail’s Pricey P3 Procurement Continues After Board Fails To End It. City leaders and most HART board members want to cancel the public-private partnership process and start over. Civil Beat.

HART board’s 7-2 vote fails to halt P3 process. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation voted 7-2 Tuesday to direct CEO and Executive Director Andrew Robbins to halt a two-year effort to secure a private partner to complete the $10 billion-plus rail project and to instead proceed with a Plan B. Star-Advertiser.

After HART vote, talks for rail public-private partnership will continue (for now). Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s full-court press to stop a proposed public-private partnership for Oahu’s troubled rail project has fallen short ― for now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Construction Union Spent Nearly $1 Million On Oahu Races. The state’s largest super PAC and business executives invested heavily in helping Rick Blangiardi beat Keith Amemiya to be Honolulu mayor. Civil Beat.

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State and EPA reject key Navy plans for Red Hill fuel storage tank fix. State and federal regulators have rejected key provisions of the Navy’s plan to improve the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility following a 27,000-gallon leak in 2014 — saying the proposal for the World War II-built tank farm “lacks detail, clarity, rationale and justification.” Star-Advertiser.

Navy’s Red Hill Fuel Tank Plan Rejected By EPA, Health Department. State and federal officials said the military didn’t clearly identify how it would “minimize risk and impact to the drinking water resource.” Civil Beat.

Navy’s plan for Red Hill fuel tanks rejected by EPA, DOH. The state health department and the Environmental Protection Agency have rejected the Navy’s plan for the Red Hill fuel tanks. They say the plan isn’t enough to protect the aquifer. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Navy’s fuel tank proposal rejected over concerns regarding Oahu’s drinking water. Officials rejected the U.S. Navy’s plan to safeguard Oahu’s drinking water near Red Hill from possible contamination from underground fuel tanks used in World War II. KHON2.

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Trans-Pacific passenger learns of positive COVID-19 test after landing in Honolulu. The CDC and state health officials were alerted Tuesday after a passenger learned of a positive COVID-19 test result shortly after landing in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now.

DOH confirms traveler tested positive for COVID-19 coming into Honolulu. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Oct. 27 that a traveler received a positive COVID-19 test result upon arrival in Honolulu. KHON2.

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Chinatown Rising: Businesses Are Finding Cool New Homes Amidst The Pandemic. Despite restrictions that have hindered business and a growing homeless population, businesses are moving into Honolulu’s arts and entertainment district. Civil Beat.

Helicopter makes emergency landing in Nuuanu; no injuries reported. A Hughes 369D helicopter doing utility work for Hawaiian Electric made an emergency landing in the mountains above Nuuanu after its engine failed late this morning, but no one was seriously hurt. Star-Advertiser.

Chopper makes hard landing in Nuuanu after reporting engine failure. A helicopter made a hard landing in Nuuanu on Tuesday, prompting an emergency response. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Water Board approves rate hike. Big Island households will see a water rate increase beginning Jan. 1, but the approximately 8% hike in the basic rate is expected to be tempered by a decrease in the power cost charge in the near future. West Hawaii Today.

Mobile COVID-19 testing vans to roll out soon. A mobile COVID-19 testing system is expected to be operational within the next two weeks, Mayor Harry Kim confirmed Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Actively Hunts COVID to Prevent Clusters. Targeted community testing continues to be Hawai‘i County’s approach in identifying clusters of the virus, with the assistance of Premier Medical Group. Big Island Now.

Maui

Layne Silva Named Director of Maui Department of Liquor Control. The Liquor Control Commission selected Layne Silva today as director of the Department of Liquor Control. He succeeds Glenn Mukai, who has retired. Maui Now.

Liquor director selection reportedly down to two. The search for a new Maui County Liquor Control director appears to have been narrowed to two candidates, including a current liquor control officer who is the son of a former liquor control director. Maui News.

Some East Maui residents want the road to Hana closed to visitors – again. Some residents say they have seen an influx in traffic and trash along the road to Hana since the relaunch of Hawaii’s tourism industry on October 15th and they’re asking the mayor to close the road to non-residents again. Hawaii News Now.

County: Follow Best Practices When Handling Solid Waste During COVID-19 Pandemic. These best practices include: double-bagging waste that was used to care for sick people at home; and maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet from solid waste personnel. Maui Now.

Kauai

Residents take advantage of in-person balloting. With less than a week to the general election, Office of the County Clerk Elections Division Elections Administrator Lyndon Yoshioka said voting has been “really, really good.” Garden Island.

DOH: ‘Ele‘ele School’s case likely community transmission. The employee was on campus from Monday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 23, before testing positive. Garden Island.

Confusion around Safe Travels leads to arrest. While it may have been the correct test and within the time frame, the state is requiring tests be through the state’s Safe Travels program, which gives officials access to validate tests. Garden Island.

Molokai

How Kalawao County on Molokai managed to stay COVID-19 free. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has steadily risen across the Hawaiian Islands since the start of the pandemic, but one county has the distinction of zero cases — Kalawao County, on the island of Molokai. KHON2.

Masks are mandatory in Hawaii, but state sends mixed signals, Lanai under shutdown as COVID-19 cases surge, parents sue Honolulu Police Department over arrest of 15-year-old schoolmate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Masks are worn at a Hawaii farmers market ©2020 All Hawaii News

 Confusion about rules on mask wearing is widespread across counties for residents and tourists. Better communication is needed to inform tourists and residents that wearing masks is “mandatory,” said Gov. David Ige, who on Monday encouraged “everyone (to) continually remind people that masks are required in Hawaii.” Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige admits state needs to do a better job on mask wearing rules. Governor David Ige admits that the state needs to send a stronger message about wearing masks. This, after some expressed frustration that there’s no clear communication sent out to the public. KHON2.

Japanese travel plan nearly set. Gov. David Ige said Monday his administration is “very close” to being able to announce plans for the return of Japanese visitors to the state. Tribune-Herald.

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The state is sitting on $90M for housing aid and time is running out to distribute it. A program to help struggling families stay in their homes is sitting on more than 90% of the $100 million it’s supposed to distribute. The Ige administration announced the program in early September. Eligible applicants can get up to $2,000 a month through the end of the year ― paid directly to their landlord. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii unemployment benefits get a new 13-week extension. As Hawaii’s unemployment plight nears the nine-month mark, state officials are activating a second extension of jobless benefits for out-of-work residents. Star-Advertiser.

Rent Falls Sharply in Large Cities, Hold Steady In Hawaii. The trend on the Mainland U.S. appears to be driven by an exodus of workers fleeing high-density neighborhoods in large cities, for suburbs and smaller towns; where they're now working remotely. University of Hawaii economist Carl Bonham says that while there is not great data on Hawaii's rental market, there so far does not appear to be a major change in local rents. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Molokai, Lanai air service gets reprieve from ‘Ohana by Hawaiian. Hawaiian Airlines said today it will continue ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger service between Honolulu and both Molokai and Lanai through at least mid-January. Star-Advertiser.

'Ohana by Hawaiian service to stick around through mid-Jan. 2021. In a statement, Hawaiian said they were alerted by the U.S. Department of Transportation that they are contractually obligated to provide service to Molokai and Lanai because it is essential. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to maintain 'Ohana by Hawaiian service to Moloka‘i and Lana‘i. A lifeline between Moloka'i and Lana'i will not be disrupted. KITV4.

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Mass Testing To Begin In Arizona Prison After 7 Hawaii Inmates Are Hospitalized. The COVID-19 outbreak at a privately run prison is the second largest cluster among Hawaii inmates. Civil Beat.

Number of Hawaii inmates at Arizona prison with active COVID-19 cases swells to 52. There are 1,082 Hawaii inmates at Saguaro in Eloy, Ariz. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 26: 38 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 statewide Monday, including 26 on Oahu, nine on Hawaii island and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell again calls for HART to nix P3 process. Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday again called on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to nix its two-year quest to find a private partner to help build the final leg of the $10 billion East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana line and focus on other ways of ensuring that $250 million in promised federal funding won’t lapse by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

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Lawsuit accuses isle police of abusing power. A federal lawsuit was filed Monday against the City and County of Honolulu and its police department alleging abuse of power stemming from an incident two years ago in which an officer arrested a 15-year-old boy who had been fighting with the officer’s son. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit: Honolulu officer arrested teen as vengeance for son. The officer had the boy arrested in violation of his civil rights because the teen and the officer’s son were at odds and had fought after school, said the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Honolulu. Associated Press.

Lawsuit alleges HPD officer abused power by arresting son’s school-aged ‘enemy’. The parents of a 15-year-old boy who was arrested by a Honolulu police officer after getting into a fight with the officer’s son filed a lawsuit Monday, alleging that the officer acted in a retaliatory fashion and abused his police powers for personal gain. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu family files civil liberties lawsuit against City and HPD. An abuse of power complaint filed by Jennifer and Jorge Rivera claims that their son, J.R., was bullied by an HPD officer’s son. KHON2.

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Hawaii Law Enforcement Rescues 5 Kids From Sex Trafficking. A task force made up of the FBI, AG’s office, the Honolulu Police Department and other federal, state and county agencies found the minors during an operation that started Friday that centered around Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Mayor urges residents to celebrate Halloween safely to prevent COVID-19′s spread. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is urging residents to celebrate Halloween safely, avoiding gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Four Seasons Oahu sold to Hong Kong company. Ko Olina master developer Jeff Stone’s company, The Resort Group, announced Monday that it has sold its interest in the Four Seasons Resort Oahu to its partner, Hong Kong-based Henderson Land Group. Star-Advertiser.

State master plan for E. Kapolei would add retail, industrial space, 1,000 new rentals. The board voted at its Friday meeting to approve a draft plan by R.M. Towill Corp. for the project, and to procure an environmental impact statement for the East Kapolei project, which is envisioned to be developed in phases over the next 20 or more years. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

County coffers contain an extra $40M. Hawaii County ended the last fiscal year with $40 million left over to be applied to the current budget, according to an Oct. 15 report to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island’s aggressive testing leading to high case count. The governor says Mayor Harry Kim has developed an aggressive testing schedule and identified the communities where they had anticipated there would be clusters of cases. KHON2.

13 traveling nurses assigned to Life Care Center of Hilo. As part of a $17 million allocation of federal coronavirus relief funding, about 50 out-of-state health care workers recently arrived to help Hawaii respond to the pandemic, including 13 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who will be headed to Life Care Center. Tribune-Herald.

Bids for Bayfront Trails come in too high. The second phase of the Hilo Bayfront Trails will be rebid after initial bids for the project came in over budget. Tribune-Herald.

It’s only October, but the snow is already falling atop Mauna Kea. A light dusting was captured by cameras at the Mauna Kea Weather Center on Monday around 4 p.m.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Mayor Victorino announces launch of free COVID-19 community testing program for residents. Mayor Michael Victorino announced the launch of a free COVID-19 community testing program sponsored by Maui County. KITV4.

Vehicle demonstration at airport for enhanced COVID-19 measures. About 10 vehicles circled through Kahului Airport on Saturday in a call for the implementation of a four-point COVID-19 prevention plan — including the forming of a pandemic task force and distribution of a voluntary smartphone contact tracing app — to safely reopen to tourism and prevent a future shutdown. Maui News.

Kapalua Homeowners Distribute Food Boxes to 1000 Families in Need. Homeowners of the Kapalua residential communities held a Community Giveback on Oct. 17 and raised more than $100,000 to help more than 1,000 families in need. Maui Now.

Volunteers sought to deliver essential items to kupuna. A nonprofit that helps kupuna stay safe at home during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering food and other essential items directly to their doors needs more volunteers. Maui News.

Maui’s Surfing Goat Dairy Reopening Thanks to Successful Adopt a Goat Fundraiser. The Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula will reopen thanks to a successful “GOat Fund Me” campaign in which 50 of its 100 goats, including Chili Chicken, Maybelline and Edelweiss, were adopted. Maui Now.

Kauai

‘A‘o release goes virtual. The COVID-19 pandemic put restrictions on the annual E Ho‘opoomaika‘i ‘ia Manu ‘A‘o, or A Cultural Release of the Native Newell’s Shearwater, when the annual event attended by school children was relegated to the digital virtual platform, states a release from the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. Garden Island.

Virus impacting Halloween events island-wide. Halloween is Saturday, but several groups kicked off their Halloween festivals ahead of time in order to be compliant with COVID-19 safety measures. Garden Island.

Lanai

Anatomy Of An Outbreak: Once Unleashed, The Coronavirus Moved Swiftly On Lanai. The virus-free community had relaxed after months of no cases. Now, health officials worry the island could prove to be the ultimate petri dish. Civil Beat.

Lanai stay-at-home order begins today as officials try to contain outbreak. Gov. David Ige on Monday morning approved a stay-at-home order for the island of Lanai, effective today, in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the tight-knit, but vulnerable community. Star-Advertiser.

Stay-at-home order goes into effect for Lanai amid large COVID-19 outbreak. A stay-at-home order is now in effect for Lanai as the island scrambles to bring a large COVID-19 outbreak under control. Gov. David Ige signed the order on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai set for mandatory Stay-At-Home order, starting 12:01 a.m. Governor Ige signed an emergency order approving Lanai’s “Stay at Home” order, which is set to go in effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. KHON2.

Lāna‘i to Lockdown Amid COVID Outbreak. Lāna‘i is headed for a lockdown that will last at least two weeks. Big Island Now.

Lana'i approaching three-digit COVID-19 cases. Lanai Community Health Center and Straub Clinic conducted a mass testing for residents. KITV4.

41% of Hawaii voters already voted, Lanai voter center closed amid COVID-19 surge, Eddins appointed to state Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii Voter Turnout Already At 41%. Officials ask that voters mail ballots by Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Hawaii elections office begins processing ballots. The state has already received nearly 365,000 ballots by mail. KHON2.

Ballots pouring in: 41% of Hawaii County voters have already voted. Some 41% of Hawaii County’s more than 127,000 registered voters had already voted by Friday, with 11 days to go before the Nov. 3 general election. West Hawaii Today.

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Wrong Tests, Weird Exemptions – What The Data Tells Us About Hawaii’s Reopening. In the first full week of Hawaii’s pre-arrival testing program, 86% of the nearly 67,000 people traveling from out of state bypassed quarantine one way or another, but only 63% of arriving travelers had a negative COVID-19 test. Civil Beat.

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To reclaim ancestral land, all Native Hawaiians need is a $300,000 mortgage and to wait in line for decades. A 100-year-old program created to provide Native Hawaiians — especially poor ones — land to live on after the U.S. annexed the islands is failing. Thousands have died waiting in line and even more can’t afford the mortgages they’d need. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Home Lands Announces $1 Million in Grant Availability. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has announced the availability of $1 million in grants as part of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan. Big Island Now.

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Another Federal Grand Jury In Hawaii? This Time It’s About United Public Workers Union. The U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service have subpoenaed stacks of records from one of the state’s largest unions. Civil Beat.

Judge Todd Eddins Appointed To Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Governor David Ige on Friday announced the appointment of First Circuit Judge Todd W. Eddins to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Big Island Video News.

Why Some Hawaii Parents Now Want Their Kids In Private School. One Catholic school principal said the calls have been nonstop, mostly from families who are tired of doing remote learning as part of the state public school system. Civil Beat.

Big Island coronavirus cases hit 1-day peak and surpass Oahu. The number of COVID-19 cases reported Sunday on the Big Island reached 51, the isle’s largest one-day tally since the start of the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Oct. 25: 121 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Hawaii health officials reported 121 new cases of COVID-19 statewide Sunday with 49 on Oahu, 51 on Hawaii island and 18 in Maui County, where there is an outbreak on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Deadline looming for HART’s rail plan. It’s been a rocky couple of months for the folks at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the agency tasked with building the city’s embattled $10 billion-plus East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki residents fear Halloween night could turn into COVID-19 super spreader event. Honolulu police and other officials are pleading with residents and visitors to follow COVID-19 restrictions, especially those pertaining to social gatherings and face coverings, as Oahu enters the holiday season, starting with Halloween on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

State plans $1.8 billion housing and commercial development for East Kapolei. A thousand affordable rental homes could rise on state land in East Kapolei as part of a new long-range development plan also featuring a hotel, retail, offices and warehouses.  Star-Advertiser.

Haseko plans 1,850 new homes at Royal Kunia in Central Oahu. A third attempt is underway in as many decades to produce roughly 2,000 homes in Central Oahu at the long-stalled second phase of Royal Kunia. Star-Advertiser.

City agrees to a tentative $320,000 settlement over HPD domestic violence case. The suit alleged that officer Darren Cachola choked his wife in 2017 then pushed her against a wall and terrorized two years later after she filed for divorce. The city is on the hook because the suit alleges that HPD officers did not investigate her injuries and tried to talk her out of filing charges. Hawaii News Now.

Tony Roma's Waikiki closing. After 45 years sitting on Kalakaua Avenue, the Tony Roma's Waikiki restaurant is closing up shop. The restaurant, known for it finger-licking baby back ribs, will serve the final customers until Wednesday, October 28. KITV4.

Vintage aircraft face chopping block. A Kalaeloa Airport naval air museum whose vintage aircraft could be auctioned off or chopped up is scrambling to remove some of its collection ahead of the Saturday deadline to vacate the premises. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for a stronger, uniform statewide mask mandate on Sunday as Hawaii Island reported its highest single-day jump in new COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for a stronger, uniform statewide mask mandate on Sunday as Hawaii Island reported its highest single-day jump in new COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Spike in Big Island cases described as an ‘islandwide problem’. The spread of COVID-19 on Hawaii Island is no longer limited to one cluster or one part of the county, and it’s mostly blamed on social or family gatherings. Hawaii News Now.

TMT opponents oppose small teaching telescope at Halepohaku. The public comment period for the proposed relocation of the University of Hawaii’s teaching telescope to a site on Maunakea will end Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Date set for management transition at veterans home. The East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. is preparing to take over the management of Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home Jan. 1, 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor seeks Guzman’s removal as prosecutor. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking the removal of Don Guzman as prosecuting attorney in a resolution submitted to the Maui County Council. Maui News.

County Officials Defend Use of Kamaʻāina Program as Incentive to Visitors who Take Post-Arrival Test. But the extension of offers to visitors via the program’s new Mahalo Card, has prompted criticism from some who say the program was established and intended for residents. Maui Now.

Astronomers Say Cluster of Mysterious Lights in Maui Sky was an Old Rocket Booster. The mysterious lights in the night sky over Maui on Saturday still has many perplexed as to their origin, but astronomers say the believe the lights “in all likelihood” were associated with the reentry of a used up rocket booster from a launch in 2008. Maui Now.

Kauai

14 arrested on Kauai for allegedly breaking quarantine requirements since state’s reopening. Kauai police have arrested 14 people for allegedly violating the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine since the state’s pre-arrivals testing program began on Oct. 15. Star-Advertiser.

Resident tests positive. A Kaua‘i resident has tested positive for COVID-19 following a voluntary post-travel test from the County of Kaua‘i, the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announced Sunday. Garden Island.

County receives $15.5M for water systems, capital improvements. The state allocated the county $15.5 million for a breadth of projects across the island, including capital improvements and water systems. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai voter service center closed due to outbreak. With the outbreak of COVID-19 on Lanai now reaching 95 cases and counting, it isn't just impacting public health on the small island, it's also impacting the election. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Green worries COVID-19 infections could hit triple digits on Lanai. As of last night, the governor had not signed Maui Mayor Mike Victorino’s request for a Stay At Home Order that would start on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Lanai COVID-19 total tops 60 cases. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino is expecting to implement a stay-at-home order and travel restrictions for Lanai beginning Tuesday as the island’s COVID-19 case count ballooned to 65 Friday. Maui News.

As Cases Spike On Lanai, School Moves To Distance Learning. Lanai High and Elementary School has switched to distance learning as the COVID-19 outbreak on the island grows and Maui County officials await approval to impose a stay-at-home order on the island starting Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.