Hawaii-Japan travel bubble on the horizon, schools may delay reopening, Honolulu may close bars amid COVID-19 outbreak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki street scene pre-COVID ©2019 All Hawaii News

Travel Bubble With Japan Inches Closer To Reality. Hawaii is among a dozen destinations that received the green light for travel by Japan’s government, but no date is set. Civil Beat.

Hawaii is included on Japan’s list of travel sites. Hawaii officials have been working for months on forming a “travel bubble” with Japan that allows for relaxed travel restrictions between the two destinations as a way to help tourism safely start rebounding from the 98.9% plunge that it took in May. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii makes list of destinations Japan considers opening up international travel with. Hawaii is among the international destinations Japan is considering allowing travel to and from in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i is on Japan's list of safe destinations for international travel. The country is working on a new program that includes pre-travel testing and an examination of travelers upon entry to Japan. KITV4.

Japan Considers Hawaii For List Of 12 Destinations To Resume Travel. Hawai‘i officials say they are honored to be considered by Japan to be on the list of global destinations to resume safe international travel in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Included on Japan’s list of 12 Global Destinations to Resume International Travel. Hawaiʻi is included on an exclusive list of a dozen countries and regions identified by leaders of Japan as areas they are looking at to resume safe international travel. Maui Now.

Hawaii included in list of 12 possible travel partners for Japan. Hawaii is among just 12 destinations that Japan has identified as possible international travel partners. Pacific Business News.

Travel to Japan could resume. Hawai‘i has been included on an exclusive list of 12 countries and regions to resume safe international travel to Japan. Garden Island.

Mayor Kim, others optimistic about restarting Japan-Hawaii travel. Mayor Harry Kim said an announcement by Japanese officials that Hawaii is on a list of 12 countries and regions being considered as safe destinations for international travel is very good news for both the Big Island and the state. Tribune-Herald.

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HSTA, DOE Strike Deal To Push Back Start Of New School Year. The Hawaii State Teachers Association, joined by other school-affiliated labor unions, struck a provisional deal with the Department of Education on Monday to push back students’ return to school to Aug. 17. Star-Advertiser.

Dept. of Education agrees to ask school board to delay return of students until Aug. 17. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto has agreed to ask the members of the state Board of Education to delay the time frame in which students would return to Hawaii’s public school campuses. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Education to vote on start date for Hawaii public schools. The Board of Education is holding a special meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday to consider postponing the start of the new academic year for public school students and allow staff more time to prepare. Star-Advertiser.

DOE Will Ask Education Board to Delay Start of School for Nearly 2 Weeks. The Hawai‘i Department of Education will ask the state Board of Education to delay the start of in-person instruction at public schools this fall semester until Aug. 17, 2020. Big Island Now.

Department of Education agrees to push back the reopening of public schools. The Department of Education is submitting the recommendation to the Board of Education. KHON2.

Status of schools uncertain, Hawaii families explore homeschool options during pandemic. With plans for reopening public schools still up in the air, more Hawaii families are considering homeschooling their children. Hawaii News Now.

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Bar closures and the 14-day interisland quarantine could return as virus cases continue to spread. The recent surge in coronavirus cases in Hawaii has prompted officials to consider reinstating the 14-day interisland travel quarantine, prohibiting gym classes, closing bars and restricting gatherings to 10 people on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

‘Modified’ lockdown sought for WWII event. Planners of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the end of World War II are seeking a “modified quarantine” and travel bubble for World War II veterans, dignitaries, warbird pilots and crew and media arriving in Hawaii from the mainland or other countries. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 27: 28 New COVID-19 Cases; Bar Clusters Emerge. State officials said the drop in new cases is likely because fewer tests were conducted over the weekend amidst a hurricane threat. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 28 new cases of coronavirus; health officials advise patrons of 2 Oahu bars to get tested. The number of new cases dropped todaybecause the Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division was closed Sunday due to Hurricane Douglas and private labs also did not conduct all of their coronavirus testing, the DOH said. Star-Advertiser.

The Latest: 28 New Cases, Bar Patrons Alerted; Douglas Now History, Ige Looks To Lessons Learned. Health officials say the surge in cases that the state has been seeing recently are threatening the state's reopening. There are calls for rollbacks to restrictions that had been imposed when daily cases were even lower than where they are now. Hawaii Public Radio.

28 New COVID-19 Cases on O‘ahu; Health Investigators Search for Bar Patrons for Contact Tracing. Maui Now.

Oahu

After COVID-19 Clusters, Caldwell Asks Ige To Close Oahu Bars Again. Oahu has taken several steps toward reopening, but a step back is necessary, the mayor said. Civil Beat.

Amid COVID-19 surge, Mayor Caldwell considers rolling back bar reopenings. The state is asking anyone who recently patronized two Honolulu bars linked to clusters of COVID-19 to contact their physicians. The state is also investigating a cluster of at least 36 cases associated with recent funerals. Hawaii News Now.

Caldwell plans to close bars again amid COVID-19 spread. The state Department of Health wants to monitor possible COVID-19 symptoms of customers who visited Brix and Bones and Arena 808 between July 16 to July 26, this announcement comes as a dozen cases were linked to the bars. KHON2.

Foodland employee tests positive for COVID-19, closing School Street store. Foodland closed the store at 1:30 p.m. after notifying its 50 employees of the COVID-19 case and hired a professional sanitization service for thorough cleaning and sanitation, the company said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Foodland confirms employee at School Street store tested positive for COVID-19. The store let its 50 employees know that one of their coworkers tested positive, then it closed the store at 1:30 p.m. July 27. KHON2.

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New Super PACs Pour Money Into Honolulu Races. The independent expenditure committees are taking out ads for mayoral and council candidates as voters cast their mail-in ballots. Civil Beat.

About one-third of ballots on Oahu for primary vote may have been submitted. An estimated one-third or more of those casting votes in this year’s first-ever all-mail primary election may have already voted, Honolulu City Clerk Glen Takahashi said. Star-Advertiser.

Getting A Ballot In The Mail For Your Dead Relative Is Not As Weird As It Seems. Elections officials are reluctant to purge voter rolls. But cases of people actually voting on someone else’s behalf almost never happen. Civil Beat.

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A majority of Oahu residents believe that the Honolulu Police Department should get the same amount of funding it has been receiving — no more and no less, according to the results of the Hawaii Poll taken last week. *Star-Advertiser.

Oahu homelessness has gotten ‘worse’ in past year, poll finds. The official annual homeless census, known as the nationwide Point in Time Count, does not match the dramatic response that was measured in The Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

64% polled say Chinatown still feels safe. Honolulu’s original neighborhood — the 52.2-acre parcel of land known as Chinatown — still feels “safe” to 64% of registered voters despite complaints about homelessness, crime and concerns early this year that it could be the source of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Off-Roaders Could Soon Be Blocked From This East Honolulu Beach. Illegal vehicles at Wawamalu Beach are threatening monk seals and endanger native plants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Concerns raised about quarantine enforcement as number of mainland travelers to Hawaii increases. Hawaii’s traveler quarantine has been touted repeatedly as a significant reason the state has contained the coronavirus more effectively than any others in the nation. West Hawaii Today.

Results Negative for 499 KCH Employees Retested for COVID-19. The third and final round of facility-wide testing for COVID-19 at Kona Community Hospital yielded all negative results, officials announced Monday afternoon. Big Island Now.

County seeks applicants for PONC lands stewardship grants. The county Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking applicants for a stewardship grant program to maintain and preserve key lands around the island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Humane society over capacity with cats. Kitten season and the COVID-19 pandemic have put the cat population at Maui Humane Society at a “critically high level beyond shelter capacity,” the organization said. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County limits the size of social gatherings again as statewide cases rise. Mayor Derek Kawakami said Gov. Ige approved his orders to re-limit the size of indoor gatherings like parties, and other social events. Hawaii News Now.

Opening Kai Bar, pandemic or not. The opening of Kai Bar in Kilauea has been a long process, beginning about seven years ago when the Garcias chose the Kilauea Lighthouse Village for their new location. Garden Island.

Lanai

New focus put on indoor farm venture on Lanai. The billionaire owner of Lanai and a business partner announced changes to their indoor farm venture on the island Thursday, including a new leader and severance from resort operations. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Douglas dodges Hawaii, Maui mayor calls for inter-island quarantine as Oahu COVID-19 cases spike, polls kind to Ige, Caldwell, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

C-17 aircraft delivers FEMA supplies to Maui Saturday night ahead of Hurricane Douglas. PC: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Hawaii avoids direct hit from Douglas. Star-Advertiser.

Douglas quickly moving away from state as stubborn Cat 1 hurricane. All hurricane and tropical storm warnings and watches for the Hawaiian Islands have been dropped as Douglas moves away, sparing the islands of any major damage. Hawaii News Now.

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Gov. David Ige, Mayor Kirk Caldwell beat Trump in handling pandemic, poll finds. While nearly 70% of Honolulu residents disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, they mostly approve of the job by state and county officials. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu opens ballot dropoffs early, neighbor islands protest. Voters on Oahu have greater access to the polls than those on the neighbor islands, as the City and County of Honolulu has already opened its ballot dropoff boxes to the public while neighbor island counties are using the Aug. 3 date set in state law. West Hawaii Today.

Poll shows slice of optimism about Hawaii’s economy. Local economists informed Hawaii residents in May that the state economy won’t likely recover from COVID-19 impacts for more than two years, but a lot of Oahu residents disagree. Star-Advertiser.

Results of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll show that 52% of the 625 Oahu registered voters surveyed had not shopped at a mall since they reopened in May. Star-Advertiser.

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Some Hawaii Teachers Will Still Get An Extra Pay Boost Despite Looming Budget Cuts. Salary increases for teachers in certain hard-to-staff positions that kicked in early this year will remain in place for the upcoming school year. Civil Beat.

DLNR opposes regional fishery council’s request to allow commercial fishing in Papahanaumokuakea. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has sent a letter to President Donald Trump opposing a request by a regional fishery council to allow commercial fishing in the Papahanaumokuakea and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monuments. Star-Advertiser.

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VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 26: 64 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. State officials are discussing whether to return to previous restrictions on activities. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 64 more COVID-19 cases on Sunday. The Department of Health recorded 64 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide number of infections since the start of the outbreak to 1,683. On Saturday there were 73 new cases — the third consecutive day of record cases in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 64 new COVID-19 cases; statewide total swells to 1,683. The surge of new COVID-19 infections in Hawaii continued Sunday, with 64 new COVID-19 cases reported. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The Feds Are Back In Hawaii As Corruption Probe Picks Up Steam Again. COVID-19 shut things down for a bit. But prosecutors are back in town and recently called former police commissioner Max Sword before the grand jury. Civil Beat.

Rick Blangiardi, Colleen Hanabusa lead Honolulu mayoral field, poll finds. Blangiardi and Hana­busa are running neck-and-neck atop the poll, with former insurance executive Keith Ame­miya, former Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Honolulu City Councilwoman Kym Pine clustered in a second grouping. Star-Advertiser.

Steve Alm out front in Honolulu prosecutor race, poll finds. Steve Alm, a former U.S. Attorney and Circuit Court judge, is the preferred choice to be Honolulu’s next prosecutor, with support from 24% of registered voters participating in the Honolulu Star- Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates In District 7 Race Tout Community Ties To Kalihi. All three candidates to replace Councilman Joey Manahan have experience in government. Civil Beat.

Homelessness, Housing Are Top Issues In District 3 Council Race. The diverse pool of candidates includes those with backgrounds in management, education, government, construction and activism. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 claims 900 Honolulu businesses, survey finds. Nearly 900 businesses in Honolulu have shut down either temporarily or permanently since the beginning of March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State Land Use Commission takes up Hawaii County’s STVR law. The question of whether Hawaii County can prohibit short-term vacation rentals on land classified as agriculture is now in the hands of the state Land Use Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Ready, set, vote! Several options for casting your ballot. Ballots have arrived in Hawaii voters’ mailboxes. Now it’s decision time. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County prosecutor candidate: Jared “Kamaka” Auna. Currently a private defense attorney, Auna has been a deputy prosecutor on Hawaii Island, as well as Maui and Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County prosecutor candidate: Christopher Bridges. The 48-year-old Bridges, who’s been a lawyer for two-plus decades, graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law and has worked as a public defender in San Diego and a deputy prosecutor on Kauai and the Big Island before starting his own private practice as a defense attorney in Hilo in 2011. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County prosecutor candidate: Kelden Waltjen. Asked why he’s running to succeed mayoral candidate Mitch Roth as Hawaii County prosecutor, Deputy Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen emphasized he has spent his eight years as a practicing lawyer in the Hawaii County prosecutor’s office. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor seeks renewed interisland travel quarantine. Calling recent Oahu COVID-19 numbers “extremely dangerous,” Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday that he asked the governor to reinstate the 14-day interisland travel quarantine. Maui News.

Maui mayor asks Gov. Ige to restore quarantine restrictions on inter-island travelers. After two consecutive record-setting days when it comes to new coronavirus cases in Hawaii, the mayor of Maui County is asking Gov. David Ige to re-instate a mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone who travels on an inter-island flight. Hawaii News Now.

Farmer takes on veteran Upcountry House member. Voters in the district will have to decide between Makawao resident Simon Russell, a second-generation farmer who advocates for sustainable agriculture and water systems, or Kyle Yamashita, who has held the House of Representatives District 12 seat since 2004. Maui News.

Program helps homeless people get rides, do their laundry. Share Your Mana, MEO offer services to people without transportation. Maui News.

Kauai

County returns to 5-day work week. The county’s implementation of a four-day, 10-hour work week always had temporary intentions. Garden Island.

Island crime down 35%. Crime on the island is down about 35% compared to last year, according to Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck. Garden Island.

Residents frustrated at boating-rule enforcement. Thus far this year, no citations have been issued at Hanalei Bay for breaking boating rules. Garden Island.

Hurricane Douglas advances on Hawaii, state hits record 55 COVID-19 cases, one new death, Board of Education reconsiders Aug. 4 reopening, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige issues emergency proclamation in advance of Hurricane Douglas. Gov. David Ige issued a “pre-landfall emergency proclamation” today as Hawaii prepares for possible impacts from Hurricane Douglas, which is nearing the Central Pacific on a path toward the islands this weekend. Star-Advertiser.

Douglas weakens slightly, but remains a major hurricane in the Central Pacific. At 5 a.m. Friday, Douglas was located about 895 miles east-southeast of Hilo, or 1,100 miles east-southeast of Honolulu and packing maximum sustained winds near 120 mph with higher gusts. Hawaii News Now.

Major Hurricane Douglas crosses into central Pacific, weakens slightly. Hurricane Douglas crossed over into the Central Pacific overnight, weakening slightly. However, it remained a major Category 3 storm. Star-Advertiser.

Major Hurricane Douglas continues to track toward the Hawaiian Islands. Maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. KITV4.

Major Hurricane Douglas Continues Track Toward Hawaiian Islands (5 a.m. Update). Douglas experienced slight weakening overnight, but remains a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph with higher gusts. Maui Now.

‘Prepare for hurricane-force conditions’: Forecast calls for Douglas to near Big Island as Category 1 storm. Gov. David Ige Thursday issued an emergency disaster declaration ahead of the anticipated arrival this weekend of Hurricane Douglas. West Hawaii Today.

Douglas Barreling Toward Hawai‘i as Category 4 Hurricane. Douglas is now barreling toward the Hawaiian Islands as a Category 4 hurricane, weather reports indicate Thursday afternoon. Big Island Now.

Lashed by the economic crisis, some Hawaii families find preparedness is out of reach. Hawaii officials are urging residents to have 14 days worth of food, water and other supplies on hand as Hurricane Douglas nears. But for tens of thousands in Hawaii struggling to make ends meet, that’s a virtual impossibility. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Reports Record 55 COVID-19 Cases In One Day. Fifty-five new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by state health officials on Thursday, along with another COVID-19 related fatality. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees highest number of new coronavirus cases and 26th death since pandemic’s start. Hawaii recorded its highest daily number of coronavirus cases as Hurricane Douglas threatens to pummel the island chain. Star-Advertiser.

55 New Cases, Highest One-Day COVID-19 Count in Hawaii Since Beginning of Pandemic. The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Health is reporting 55 new COVID-19 cases in Hawaiʻi today–that’s the highest single-day count for the state since the start of the pandemic. Maui Now.

Hawaii Updates: Record 55 Cases, 1 Death. Hawaii has seen its highest daily case count yet today with 55 cases, the state Department of Health reports. The death toll also rose by one to 26. Fifty of the new cases are on Oahu, 3 are on Hawaii Island and 2 are on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Health Officials Mum on Coronavirus Trigger Points Following Single Day Case Record. Hawai‘i Department of Health officials continue to avoid identifying coronavirus trigger points at which the state would close schools and its borders to non-quarantined travelers. Big Island Now.

Friends and family clusters continue driving-up COVID-19 cases. State officials from the Department of Health said there are many clusters of COVID-19 cases in the state, these could be made-up by two people or more who spread the virus by doing simple activities such as catching-up with loved ones. KHON2.

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BOE votes to schedule emergency meeting to discuss possible change in new school year. At the end of its July 23 meeting, the Hawaii State Board of Education said it plans to hold a special public meeting next week to consider possible adjustments to the 2020-21 school calendar. KITV4.

While school board deliberates date, more educators express anxiety over reopening. Public school teachers and staff are set to return to the classroom next week, but the Board of Education authorities are still deliberating a delay in students heading back to school. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii educators plead for more prep time before students return to school. Plans to reopen public schools Aug. 4 are up in the air after fervent pleas for a delay dominated a Board of Education online meeting, which attracted an unprecedented 1,000-plus listeners and thousands of pages of testimony. Star-Advertiser.

BOE receives record number of testimony to delay students return to campus. Push-back the August 4 return of public school students to campuses. That is the overwhelming testimony presented to the Board of Education in their monthly meeting Thursday. KHON2.

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Hawaii hotels prepare to return to life in a COVID-19 world. Visiting Hawaii hotels isn’t a footloose and fancy-free experience anymore. At virtually every property, masked guests must now follow social distancing stickers before they’re allowed to check in. Star-Advertiser.

More cesspools targeted for closure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set closure dates and doled out fines for three more cesspools in Hawai‘i, a continuation of a campaign to replace all of the state’s cesspools by 2050. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu officials and shelters prepare for Hurricane Douglas. Get ready, Hawaii. That’s the overarching message from state and county officials as Hurricane Douglas, which became a major Category 4 storm Thursday, continued strengthening on its path toward the Hawaiian Islands overnight. Star-Advertiser.

Work underway to protect infrastructure, construction sites from storm damage. In preparation for Hurricane Douglas, the city and state are checking drainage systems along roads, highways and streams to prevent flooding. Hawaii News Now.

HART: COVID-19 Could Cost Rail $450 Million. “Conservative” projections show the pandemic may trigger a steep drop in the excise and hotel room taxes that finance the project. Civil Beat.

Ballot drop boxes available for voters. Mayor Caldwell discussed on Tuesday the new ballot drop boxes which are now available for voters. KHON2.

Race For Open Leeward Council Seat Focuses On Cost Of Living, City Services. Former state Rep. Andria Tupola has a huge financial advantage over a trio of first-time council candidates running to disrupt politics-as-usual in District 1. Civil Beat.

Modular housing project breaks ground in Ewa. City officials broke ground Thursday for a three-story, 58-unit modular housing project in the West Loch section of Ewa for lower-income individuals and couples. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council moves new construction code forward: No building permit needed for window AC. Window air conditioners will no longer need a building permit, and stricter standards will be applied to factory-built homes under amendments to the building code considered Wednesday by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Buyouts For Properties Impacted By 2018 Eruption Supported In New Plan. The use of $83 million in federal grants for housing recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption is detailed in a new Hawai‘i County draft Action Plan, which is online and ready for public comment. Big Island Video News.

Waipi‘o Valley Public Access Closed Starting Saturday. In anticipation of Hurricane Douglas, the Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works announced Thursday that public access to Waipi‘o Valley will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 25 until further notice. Big Island Now.

Hulihee Palace announces limited reopening. During the month of August, Hulihee will be open on Saturdays with guided tours at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More than 6,700 ballots mailed in. More than 6,700 Maui County residents have already cast their ballots through the new all-mail voting system, according to the County Clerk’s Office.  Maui News.

Hawaii is voting entirely by mail this year, but there are still several options for returning your ballot. You’ve filled out your ballot . . . Now what. Maui News.

S. Maui House, Lanai council hopefuls at forum. Water quality, Kihei high school, treatment of wastewater topics at Kihei association. Maui News.

Maui Planning Commission Public Hearing Goes Virtual. The location has changed for a Maui Planning Commission public hearing set for July 28, 2020. The public hearing will take place only via the BlueJeans videoconferencing platform from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Pondering community agriculture plots. The county is considering the idea of sub-parceling land on the Westside that has farming potential to residents. Garden Island.

Relief lags for unemployed residents. Kauai reported an unemployment rate of 20.2% for the month of June 2020, compared to 3.1% unemployment in June of last year. Garden Island.

Federal judge strikes down challenge to Hawaii quarantine law, Category 3 Hurricane Douglas approaches islands, Hawaiian airlines flight attendant dies of COVID-19, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Federal courthouse in Honolulu ©2020 All Hawaii News

U.S. District Court judge rules against visitor’s challenge to Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine. U.S. District Court Judge Jill Otake has ruled against a South Carolina visitor whose family is challenging Gov. David Ige’s 14-day travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

South Carolina man’s legal challenge to Hawaii’s traveler quarantine is denied. For a second time, a federal judge has rejected arguments against the state’s mandatory traveler quarantine. Judge Jill Otake denied the motion from a South Carolina man who flew to Hawaii with his family. Hawaii News Now.

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Flight attendant linked to cluster at Hawaiian Airlines training program dies after testing positive for COVID-19. A Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant who participated in a Honolulu training program that resulted in a COVID-19 outbreak died Tuesday night after testing positive in California. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant Dies of COVID-19. A long-time Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant is dead after contracting COVID-19, the company confirmed Wednesday afternoon. Big Island Now.

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Lawmaker Worries Ige Is Moving Too Slowly On COVID Relief Plans. The House money committee chair says the governor told state departments to hold off on spending. Civil Beat.

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2 more unions join teachers in calling for delay in reopening public school campuses. In a significant development Wednesday, two more unions joined the Hawaii State Teachers Association in calling for a delay in reopening public school campuses for the fall term. Hawaii News Now.

HGEA, UPW join teachers’ union in call to delay public school reopening. The state’s two largest government-worker unions are joining the Hawaii State Teachers Association in calling for the state to delay its reopening of the state’s public schools. Star-Advertiser.

Major unions combine to ask for delay in schools re-opening. Just 13 days before Hawaii’s public schools reopen their doors to in-person learning on August 4th, the Hawaii Government Employees Association and United Public Workers unions joined the Hawaii State Teachers Association in asking that opening of school buildings to students be delayed. KHON2.

Faced with COVID uncertainties, some teachers are calling it quits. The Board of Education is scheduled to decide Thursday on the DOE’s plan to reopen schools. As of Wednesday night, four thousand pages of written testimony had been submitted. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii teachers leave classrooms because of COVID-19. As the public school year gets ready to begin, there are concerns the COVID crisis will make Hawaii's teacher shortage even worse. KITV4.

How to register for Thursday's BOE meeting. KITV4.

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How New, Agile Networks of People Are Helping Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i dodged the worst of the pandemic, and we haven’t yet had any riots, but the situation is dire. Massive unemployment, sinkholes in the state budget and crippling uncertainty. Hawaii Business magazine.

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Douglas remains powerful Cat 3 hurricane moving toward Hawaii. Hurricane Douglas remains a powerful Category 3 hurricane Thursday as it churned toward the island chain, bringing the threat of drenching rains and damaging winds. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Douglas Continues To Strengthen, Could Become Major Hurricane. The National Hurricane Center says Douglas is expected to move near or over portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend. Big Island Video News.

Douglas approaching: County prepares for possible strike from tropical cyclone amid pandemic. ecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami say it’s possible Hurricane Douglas could reach Hawaii Island at hurricane strength by Sunday, although forecasts predict it will arrive as a tropical storm. Tribune-Herald.

Hurricane Douglas maintains strength overnight, could grow stronger today. Douglas remained maintained its strength overnight as a Category 3 hurricane and could possibly get even stronger today. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For July 22nd: 17 New Cases, 1 New Death Reported. All of the new cases reported today by the Hawaiʻi health department were identified on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Reports its 25th COVID-19 Death, 17 New Cases on O‘ahu. Maui Now.

Oahu man becomes Hawaii’s 25th coronavirus-related death; 17 new cases also reported. State Department of Health officials reported that the latest coronavirus death was an Oahu man between 40-59 years old. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Union Labor Now Required On Big Honolulu Public Works Jobs. The community workforce agreement is a first of its kind in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

City signs a new agreement with construction unions. Honolulu’s Mayor and Hawaii’s construction unions have signed a new agreement that would give union workers priority for all city projects over $2 million. Hawaii News Now.

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Mayor Caldwell says city is working on finding more shelter space during hurricane season. On Wednesday Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city is still working on the challenge of finding more shelter space during hurricane season. KITV4.

Masks now required at all times in Oahu gyms. Masks are now mandatory at all times in Honolulu fitness facilities, according to a statement from the City and County of Honolulu after Mayor Kirk Caldwell amended a recently approved emergency order related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell: Face coverings now mandatory inside gyms, even while working out. Gov. David Ige has approved a request to mandate the wearing of face coverings while inside gyms on Oahu, even while members are working out, city officials said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

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Where Honolulu’s Prosecutor Candidates Stand On Criminal Justice Reform. The acting prosecutor and his three opponents are pitching very different solutions. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Chief Denies Racial Disparities Are Proof Of Profiling. Ballard says it’s “unfair, unfounded and just plain wrong” to say HPD targets people based on their ethnicity. Civil Beat.

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University of Hawaii at Manoa shares COVID-19 protocols for fall semester. Hawaii’s relatively low rate of COVID-19 cases and stringent emergency rules to prevent the disease’s spread are providing comfort and reassurance to parents of students planning to register for the fall semester at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii at Manoa announces COVID-19 protocols. With classes set to begin in about one month at University of Hawaii at Manoa, the school disclosed how it would handle the situation if a student tests positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii Pacific University ready to welcome students back for fall semester with safety modifications. With classes slated to start Aug. 24 at Hawaii Pacific University — and in-person instruction for the first time since learning went online due to the pandemic shutdown in March — staff members were ready, confident and excited to welcome students back with redesigned facilities and protocols aimed at neutralizing the novel coronavirus, said HPU President John Gotanda on a media tour of the university’s hub campus at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

HPU prepares to welcome back students with new health and safety measure. Hawaii Pacific University implemented new safety measures and technology so local and out-of-state students feel confident as they return to classes this fall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Kim Issues New COVID-19 Rule On Face Coverings. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim recently signed the COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 10, which clarifies the mandatory requirements for wearing face coverings while in public settings. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Clarifies Mask Wearing Requirements. Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim issued his 10th Emergency Rule on Coronavirus Wednesday, clarifying mask-wearing requirements on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Council exercises caution in regard to 5G development. The Hawaii County Council resolved Wednesday to forestall any development of 5G infrastructure on the Big Island until the controversial technology is proven to be safe. Tribune-Herald.

Life of the Land opposing Honua Ola Bioenergy’s bid for reversal. Life of the Land, whose 2017 appeal to the state Supreme Court led to the state Public Utilities Commission rejecting Honua Ola Bioenergy’s power purchase agreement with Hawaii Electric Light Co., filed a motion Wednesday with the PUC saying that Honua does not meet the standard for reconsideration. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island Candies may extend temporary layoffs for more than 100 employees. Big Island Candies has plans to possibly extend temporary layoffs for 111 employees in Hilo due to Hawaii's consistent lull in tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related travel quarantines instated by government officials. Pacific Business News.

Maui

Mayor Victorino announces $3 million Recovery and Relief Fund to support Maui County small businesses. Mayor Michael Victorino announced a partnership on Wednesday with federal credit unions to launch of a $3 million recovery and relief fund for local small businesses. KITV4.

Longtime Activist Walter Ritte Challenges Rep. Lynn DeCoite For House Seat. Ritte warns tourism must be controlled, while DeCoite sees a need for jobs. Civil Beat.

Maui Now’s Wendy Osher interviews Governor David Ige on Hawai’i ‘s Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Response. Maui Now News Director Wendy Osher provides a special update focused on the state’s ongoing COVID-19 response effort.  She is joined by  Governor David Ige who just last week issued a 10th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation related to the pandemic. Maui Now.

Two Maui residents hospitalized for COVID-19. Maui Memorial hadn’t seen a coronavirus patient since early June. Maui News.

Haleakala National Park reopened the Kipahulu District from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays starting today. The Pipiwai and Kuloa Point trails will be accessible as well. Maui News.

Kauai

Housing policy targets resort requirements. An amendment establishing a base-percentage of affordable housing units resort developers will need to offer than currently required in the county’s housing policy, which is currently being tweaked by the Kaua‘i County Council, was introduced yesterday. Garden Island.

Forthcoming small business grant program. The county has allocated $5 million in grants for small businesses that will be distributed by local credit unions next month. Garden Island.

Swimmers and fishers asked to share aloha. Following the lifting of certain restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people returned to Hawai‘i’s ocean waters, states a DLNR release from DAR. Akin to “playing well with others in the sandbox,” the DLNR DAR is encouraging swimmers and fishers to share aloha when in the water. Garden Island.

Douglas strengthens to first hurricane of Pacific season, no Hawaii tsunami threat from 7.8 Alaska quake, teachers union calls halt to Aug. 4 reopening, 90 Honolulu police on leave after COVID-19 case, Ironman canceled, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii ballot testing ©2020 All Hawaii News

Is Hawaii Ready To Vote By Mail? As ballots go out, concerns linger over the potential for disenfranchisement but officials say they have adopted lessons from other states and will learn from the primary election. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials hope mail-in vote means fewer glitches. With just about everything different in Hawaii’s 2020 primary, state election officials anticipate that glitches, if any, on Aug. 8 could come from the eight real- time, old-school “voter service centers” in the new era of statewide, mail-in voting. Star-Advertiser.

A look at many options to cast a 2020 vote, and how it’s counted. The 2020 elections are under way and they’ll look a lot different in Hawaii due to the shift to mostly mail-in system. KHON2.

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Hawaii officials urge residents to prepare for hurricane season. Gov. David Ige reminded Hawaii residents to be prepared as the peak of hurricane season arrives and as Tropical Storm Douglas, which was expected to strengthen into a hurricane by today, heads toward Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Officials urge hurricane preparedness amid ongoing pandemic; Tropical Storm Douglas expected to impact island sales. With Tropical Storm Douglas strengthening in the Eastern Pacific as the cyclone marched toward Hawaii Tuesday, state officials took to social media to emphasize the importance of being prepared for a hurricane amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Rules are being rewritten as Hawaii prepares for a hurricane amid a pandemic. Tropical Storm Douglas is the first named storm of the season to come near Hawaii – and the first ever during a pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 presents new challenges for storm preparations. Emergency officials say the COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges in preparing for a storm. So planning ahead is even more critical than ever. KHON2.

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Douglas strengthens, becoming first hurricane of Eastern Pacific season. As of the 5 a.m. Wednesday update, Douglas was about 1,785 miles east-southeast of Hilo or 1,500 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Hawaii News Now.

Tropical storm Douglas strengthens to a category 1 hurricane. This is the first hurricane of the 2020 eastern Pacific season, with wind speeds up to 75 mph. KHON2.

Douglas Five-Day Track Updated, Becomes First Hurricane of 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Hurricane preparedness is top of mind this week as Douglas strengthened to Hurricane status today and is now considered the first hurricane of the 2020 Eastern Pacific Season. Maui Now.

Tropical Storm strengthening. Newly formed Tropical Storm Douglas was strengthening over the open Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, and forecasters projected it would grow into the region’s first hurricane of the season. Garden Island.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forecast Tracks Towards Hawaii. Tropical Storm Douglas is moving due west with no change in strength, the National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday, adding that the system is expected to become a hurricane soon. Big Island Video News.

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7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Alaska; No tsunami threat to Hawaii. A tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake. KHON2.

PTWC clears Hawaii, no threat from strong 7.8 mag earthquake off Alaska. Officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a strong earthquake off the Alaskan Coast Tuesday night no longer poses a threat to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii teachers union calls for delay in students’ return to school. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is urging the Board of Education to postpone the return of students to public school campuses, saying educators need more time to prepare to work in the COVID-19 era. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers Union Wants School Reopening Postponed. The teachers union is calling for an indefinite delay to the Aug. 4 start date. Civil Beat.

Teachers union says it has ‘no confidence’ that public schools can reopen safely Aug. 4. The teachers union said Tuesday it has “no confidence” that school campuses can reopen safely in two weeks and urged the state to delay a plan to bring students back for in-person instruction until more is done to allay concerns from teachers and parents. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers union pushes back against state’s plan for reopening schools. The Hawaii State Teachers Association on Tuesday urged state leaders to delay students’ Aug. 4 return to school. Tribune-Herald.

Public school teachers' union wants state to delay bringing back students to campus. The Hawaii State Teachers Association says teachers need more time to prepare their classrooms and help ensure the safety of the students. KITV4.

HSTA Wants A Delay In Reopening Hawaiʻi School Campuses. The Hawaii State Teachers Association today said it has no confidence that classrooms will be able to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 by August 4. Big Island Video News.

Teachers Union Says School Openings Should be Delayed. Hawai‘i public schools will reopen classroom doors on Aug. 4, but the Hawai‘i State Teacher’s Association (HSTA) says that’s not enough time to make schools safe for the return of its members or their students. Big Island Now.

Schools reopening face opposition. Hawaii State Teachers Association voiced concerns on Tuesday about bringing students back to classrooms, citing a lack of preparation and insufficient pandemic training. Garden Island.

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Ige: State not at point to require roll back of recovery plans. Gov. David Ige thinks his plan to allow trans-Pacific travelers to skip the two-week quarantine requirement will be able to go forward in September, despite reservations from the state’s mayors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s hotel occupancy improved slightly in June, but further shocks are expected. Occupancy at isle hotels about doubled in June to 15.7% from a coronavirus-related low of 8.4% in April. Star-Advertiser.

‘Geofence’ could help tourists roam: County explores allowing ‘resort bubbles’ to allow quarantiners out of hotel rooms. Hawaii Island is joining Maui and Kauai in exploring a new concept in gradually reopening their doors to tourists — a “resort bubble” where quarantining visitors would be allowed freedom to roam within the confines of a geofence. West Hawaii Today.

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Why Ige Vetoed Two Bills And Allowed Three More To Become Law. Newly released messages show the Hawaii governor’s thinking behind actions he took on five major bills approved by lawmakers in May. In an unusual move, Gov. David Ige found technical defects in all five bills state lawmakers passed in May to try to cope with the state budget shortfall and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to notices recently released by the Legislature. Civil Beat.

International Ships On Their Way To Hawaii For RIMPAC. But you won’t be seeing Japanese or Australian sailors in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Kai Kahele Says He Wants Police Reform, But His Vote Says Otherwise. The presumptive Democratic nominee for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District has a clear path to Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

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In search for hidden COVID-19 cases, state program tracks surge of virus in Hawaii. A state program designed to search for hidden cases of coronavirus has revealed an alarming new surge of virus in the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii counts 25 new coronavirus cases as statewide total rises to 1,418. Hawaii health officials reported 25 new confirmed coronavirus cases today, bringing the statewide total number of infections since the start of the outbreak to 1,418. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 21: 25 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,418 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nearly 90 police officers, recruits on leave after a single COVID-19 case at HPD. Nearly 90 Honolulu police officers and recruits will be tested for the coronavirus on Wednesday after a former recruit tested positive over the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

How Kym Pine Is Using the ‘Power Of Incumbency’ In Mayor’s Race. The term-limited Honolulu councilwoman is making use of her city platform as she seeks higher office. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

California couple arrested after being accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. Investigators with the Attorney General's office arrested a couple from California on Tuesday accused of breaking the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine. KITV4.

Second COVID-19 Lockdown Could Make Homeless Vulnerable To Arrest, Legal Spiral. Among those who received citations the most for violating the stay-at-home order in the spring were the homeless.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Nearly 900 businesses in Honolulu closed March - July. New data finds nearly 900 businesses closed - both temporary and permanent - amid the pandemic. The closures were between March 1st and July 10th in Honolulu. KITV4.

Kalihi residents say they weren’t consulted on a proposed homeless prevention center. Kalihi residents are protesting a proposed facility aimed at providing homeless prevention services. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship canceled for first time in race history. The 2020 edition of the annual 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run was originally postponed from its Oct. 10 date to Feb. 6, 2021. However, because of health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of the future of international travel, The Ironman Group announced Tuesday the 2020 race will not take place. West Hawaii Today.

IRONMAN Cancels 2020 World Championship in Kona. The 2020 version of the Big Island’s premier sporting event will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Out-of-state students coming to UH-Hilo next month required to quarantine for 14 days. Out-of-state students returning to the University of Hawaii at Hilo next month will still be required to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in Hawaii, although UH last week announced modified quarantine procedures for such students attending universities on Oahu and Kauai. Tribune-Herald.

County explores joining lawsuit against fossil fuel companies. Hawaii County might join the City and County of Honolulu in a lawsuit seeking financial reparations from more than a dozen fossil fuel companies for their role in causing climate change and rising sea levels. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Reported crimes in 2019 at 44-year low. Violent crimes ticked up from 2018 while property crimes fell. After Maui County recorded a record-low crime rate in 2018, crime reported in the county declined again last year to its lowest level in more than 40 years, according to a state report. Maui News.

Maui Lani roundabout set to open July 30 or even earlier. Victorino urges to remain vigilant even with no new COVID cases in 8 days. Maui News.

Kauai

After 2 months of a 4-day work week, Kauai county offices to shift back. County offices and employees are returning back to their normal 5-day work week. The county said starting next week Monday, most county offices will once again open Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

An emotional mayor’s luncheon. Mayor Derek Kawakami addressed members of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday in an emotional, virtual mayor’s luncheon that touched on the plan to bring students back to public schools and the hardships COVID-19 has brought to the community. Garden Island.

Deployed at home. Stationed in Kapa‘a, the Hawai‘i National Guard has assisted the county in pandemic response. Garden Island.

Back to school Aug. 4, Tropical Storm Douglas expected to strengthen, quarantine cheaters fly to neighbor islands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Governor: Reopening Hawaii’s public schools is safe and necessary. The governor on Monday sought to reassure parents and teachers about the state’s plan to reopen public schools Aug. 4, saying health and safety are the top priority for the Education Department and that protective measures are in place to keep people safe. Hawaii News Now.

Starting school before tourists return will set up students for success, officials say. With tourists not expected to return in force until after Sept. 1, officials believe Aug. 4 is a safe time to open public schools in Hawaii so teachers and students can get rolling on the new academic year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Confirms Public School Reopening Plan. Gov. David Ige and state school officials say appropriate precautions have been taken to reopen schools safely. Civil Beat.

Ige, education leaders stress importance of reopening schools Aug. 4. State leaders are continuing to work toward reopening schools Aug. 4 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Return to In-Person Instruction at Public Schools Vital on Several Levels, Officials Say. Hawai‘i is heading back to school in two weeks, and the classrooms are going to look, feel, and operate differently than they ever have before. Big Island Now.

School officials announce Aug. 4 reopening date. Hawai‘i officials Monday announced plans to reopen schools to students on Aug. 4. Teachers are set to return July 29. Garden Island.

State Moves Forward with Reopening of Public Schools on Aug. 4. Ige cited the state’s decision to push back the pre-travel testing program to Sept. 1 as one of the reasons to move forward with HIDOE’s reopening date. Maui Now.

‘Our teachers are scared': Union, parents cast doubt on school’s plan to reopen. Two weeks before the fall semester, the Department of Education said it will hire more nurses and will buy thousands of digital devices for needy students who may end up stuck at home. But some teachers and parents are questioning the DOE’s plan to keep everyone safe. Hawaii News Now.

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Investigator: Visitors are skipping out on quarantine rules by going inter-island. Visitors are trying to skirt Hawaii quarantine rules by hopping on inter-island flights, an investigator with the Kauai County Prosecutor’s Office said. Rapozo says owners of residential vacation rentals are also skirting the law to rent to visitors. Hawaii News Now.

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Financial aid to come from lawmakers and counties after unemployment bonus expires. Next week marks the end of the month, and the extra $600 the federal government has been providing to those on unemployment is set to expire. A push to extend the payout is still being debated on Capitol Hill. KHON2.

DOH Receives $3.3 Million For Infectious Disease Response. The funds will help bolster testing, contact tracing and COVID-19 surveillance. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hotels battling for jobs. Hawaii’s organized hotel union workers don't support some of the details championed by the American Hotel &Lodging Association last week as part of its “Stay Safe” guest checklist, which union workers say ultimately could cost jobs. Star-Advertiser.

National Guard members start conducting temp, health checks at state courthouses. National Guard members are now conducting temperature checks and basic health screenings at eight state courthouses. The measures come as courtrooms begin reopening to the public. Hawaii News Now.

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Tropical Storm Douglas to become hurricane before entering Central Pacific, forecasters say. Tropical Storm Douglas in the eastern Pacific continued to strengthen Monday night and is expected to be a hurricane by Wednesday as it heads toward the Central Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Tropical Storm Douglas Forms, Expected To Strengthen. Tropical Storm Douglas is expected to become a hurricane in a couple of days, as it heads into the Central Pacific. Big Island Video News.

Tropical Storm Douglas, Tropical Depression 7-E churning in eastern North Pacific. Two tropical cyclones have formed in the eastern North Pacific, far to the east of the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Updates: 12 New Cases; Health Director: Returning Residents Bringing Back Virus. Hawaii's top health officials are advising residents to not travel to other states unless it’s necessary. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — JULY 20: 12 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,393 people in Hawaii have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Replaces Head Of COVID Recovery Agency Hired Just Weeks Ago. Rick Keene was hired in early June to lead a new office. Now he’s out. Civil Beat.

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Vacation rental permits could be delayed. The city’s plan to issue roughly 1,700 short-term vacation rental permits will be postponed under a bill moving through the City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Vacation rental owners urge Honolulu mayor to allow reopening. An attorney representing some 60 property management companies and 1,500 legal vacation rentals in Hawaii is asking Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to allow legal vacation rentals on Oahu to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic, just as they are allowed to operate in Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties. Pacific Business News.

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5,500 Soldiers Complete War Games On Oahu Amid Pandemic Concerns. For the past two weeks, the hills above Oahu’s famous North Shore have echoed with the sound of rotor blades and automatic gunfire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s Next Mayor Will Face Major Obstacles On Rail. Most of the top contenders say they would hit the brakes on the $9 billion project if financial hurdles can’t be overcome. Civil Beat.

UH’s Leeward Oahu campus reaches ‘Net-Zero’ energy efficiency. The University of Hawaii’s Leeward Community College is one of the first virtually net-zero energy campuses in the country, according to the school. That means the campus is generating the same amount of energy as it uses.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Honua Ola asks PUC to reconsider decision. Honua Ola Bioenergy has filed a motion requesting that the Public Utilities Commission reconsider an order that could potentially halt its long-delayed power plant project for good. Tribune-Herald.

Energy company amped to save plant, jobs. Honua Ola Bioenergy held a rally Monday morning with about 100 employees and supporters on the Big Island to protest the potential loss of jobs, and later in the day filed a motion for reconsideration with the state Public Utilities Commission after the agency struck down an amended power purchase agreement to build a biomass plant in Pepeekeo. Star-Advertiser.

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Court orders mental examination for Home Depot blockade suspect. A Big Island mayoral candidate facing criminal charges for a July 7 blockade of the Hilo Home Depot store parking lot will receive a court-ordered mental examination. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Memorial Medical Center chief nursing officer to retire. Spokeswoman says Kienbaum’s decision unrelated to petition calling for his ouster. Maui News.

To keep Hana residents safe, locals set up their own highway checkpoint. Just days after the state reopened Hana Highway to non-residents, locals are taking precautions into their own hands. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Lani Roundabout to Open Earlier Than Planned, Ahead of School. The Maui Lani Roundabout will open earlier than planned, by July 30, if not sooner, according to Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, Director of the Maui Department of Public Works who spoke at an afternoon press briefing on Monday. Maui Now.

Marine Institute receives $15K to recycle fishing nets. Nonprofit will collect the nets and ship them to Oahu to be converted to energy. Maui News.

Kauai

Local projects receive CARES Act green-light. At least 36 projects have been selected by the county to receive federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help the community bounce back during the coronavirus pandemic. Garden Island.

First day opening. Robin Wong, a teacher at Kaua‘i High School, said shopping was made more challenging, Monday because she had no idea of how the classroom is going to be like when school starts, her first day in the classroom being Aug. 3, according to the state Department of Education academic calendar. Garden Island.