Hawaii government workers face twice-monthly furloughs, Maui surfer dies from shark attack, ethics board dings Kim on Mauna Kea access, quarantined travelers swamp Honolulu PD, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige announces furloughs PC: Governor's Office

More than 10,000 state employees face furloughs in January. An estimated 10,160 state employees will face twice-a-month furloughs beginning Jan. 1 and the number will be even higher when Department of Education and University of Hawaii employees are included, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday as he struggles to balance the state’s budget and plug a projected $1.4 billion shortfall over each of the next four years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor To Furlough State Workers Beginning In January. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday he is imposing two-day-per-month furloughs for unionized state workers starting Jan. 1 to balance the budget, which amounts to a pay cut of slightly more than 9%. Civil Beat.

Under governor’s furlough plan, most state workers will see a 9% pay cut in 2021. Gov. David Ige announced the furlough plan Wednesday, saying it’s expected to save the state approximately $300 million a year and will be coupled with a host of other budget cuts to programs. Hawaii News Now.

State worker furloughs to start January 1. Thousands of state workers will be furloughed two days per month starting in January. KHON2.

Most state employees to be furloughed starting Jan. 1. Governor David Ige made the announcement Wednesday, noting that the state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for the next four years. KITV4.

Ige announces furloughs: State’s largest unions push back against cutbacks slated for Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 1, about 10,160 state executive branch employees will be subject to furloughs for two days out of every month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii State Employees To Be Furloughed Starting January 1. Thousands of state employees, including public school teachers, will be furloughed when the new year begins. Big Island Video News.

Most Hawai‘i State Workers To Face Furlough in January. Most state government employees will face furloughs beginning in 2021, as Hawai‘i faces massive budget shortfalls in the coming years. Big Island Now.

State to furlough 10K employees. The Department of Education and the University of Hawai‘i are on the list of state agencies that will be implementing furloughs effective January 1, 2021. Garden Island.

Furloughs for state employees to start Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that state employees will be furloughed two days a month starting Jan. 1 to offset an expected $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four years. Maui News.

Most State Workers to be Furloughed Two Days Per Month Starting in New Year. The state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four fiscal years. Maui Now.

Full news release on how furloughs is here.

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Poll: Fewer than half of Hawaii residents plan to be vaccinated. Fewer than half of Hawaii residents currently plan to take a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to a University of Hawaii poll released this week. Tribune-Herald.

Survey: Many Hawaii residents remain uneasy about getting COVID-19 vaccine. Just 44% of the 616 people surveyed said they planned to take the vaccine when it’s available. Hawaii News Now.

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The Safe Travels Program is working but some want to add mandatory post testing. Lt. Gov. Dr. Josh Green said the State’s Safe Travels Program is working and that he reported his findings to the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday, Dec. 9. KHON2.

Senate hears mayors’ Safe Travels perspectives. County mayors made their case to the state’s Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 calling for modifications to the state’s Safe Travels program on Wednesday. Garden Island.

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DLNR Has Transferred More Than 19,000 Acres To Use For Agriculture. A program to make more state agricultural lands available for farming and ranching has made progress in the last decade, according to the head of the state agency in charge of those land transfers. Civil Beat.

UH and Hawaiian Electric Collaborate on ‘Green Tariff’ To Benefit Campuses and Community. The University of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Electric have collaborated on an innovative renewable energy initiative to help the university achieve its net-zero energy goal and bring online more cost-effective, renewable energy resources to benefit the entire state. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 9: 80 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii and 4 Deaths. Health officials reported 80 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 45 on Oahu, 12 on the Big Island, 15 on Maui and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Authorities overwhelmed with 20,000 in quarantine. Roughly 20,000 people are in travel-related quarantine on Oahu and authorities are unable to keep up with enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

City Council passes ‘surf equity’ bill for permits. Introduced in February by Council member Kym Pine, Bill 10 requires gender equity in the issuance of permits for sports activities by the Honolulu City and County Department of Parks and Recreation, in order to ensure the fair allocation of park facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Pipeline Masters Kicks Off Amid Virus Concerns. Hawaii’s biggest surfing competition of the year is underway on the North Shore. While the surf is up, so are concerns about Covid-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facing economic hardship, restaurants urge city to ease plastic utensils ban. In the final meeting for most of the current Honolulu City Council members, they urged the mayor and legislature to pay more attention to small businesses who are still struggling amid the ongoing pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Army Hospital Will Be One Of The Military’s First COVID-19 Vaccination Sites. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Tripler Army Medical Center will be one of military’s initial vaccination sites. Civil Beat.

Tripler Army Medical Center on O'ahu among first group of DOD locations to administer COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Defense will have just under 44,000 doses of the vaccine in its initial rollout. KITV4.

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3 finalists to build, design new Aloha Stadium announced. Three developer-led teams, all of which list some Hawaii-based elements, are finalists to present proposals for the building of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, according to a post on nased.hawaii.gov today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board rules Kim violated law in Maunakea case. Former Mayor Harry Kim violated the county code against unfair treatment when he allowed protesters to close the Maunakea access road to some people but not others, the Board of Ethics said Wednesday in a unanimous vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County ethics board rules against Kim in TMT case. The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday found former Mayor Harry Kim guilty of violating the county’s ethics code when he didn’t enforce the law evenly during the 2019 Thirty Meter Telescope protests. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Mayor Kim Violated Ethics Code On Mauna Kea, Board Says. Harry Kim allowed for unequal treatment on the Mauna Kea Access Road, where he used county funds to lay gravel for the kūpuna opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Ethics Board says. Big Island Video News.

Fire commission gets budget update. The Hawaii Fire Department is on track to meet its 2020-21 budget, Deputy and acting Fire Chief Robert Perreira said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Honolua shark attack victim dies. A 56-year-old Lahaina man died Wednesday after he was attacked by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday morning, according to a hospital official. Maui News.

Victim of shark attack in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies from his injuries. The 56-year-old Lahaina man who was bitten by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay died of his injuries today, according to a spokeswoman for the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Shark Bite Victim on Maui Succumbs to Injuries. It happened hours before the Maui Pro surf competition was set to get underway for professional women surfers. The event was subsequently suspended and beaches were closed for a mile in either direction from DT Fleming to Punalau “Windmills” Beach. Maui Now.

Surfer bit by a shark in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies after his condition deteriorates. The victim, a man in his fifties, was initially reported to be in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday. He underwent surgery but his condition quickly deteriorated leading to his death. Hawaii News Now.

56-year-old man dead following shark attack at Honolua Bay. Maui Memorial Medical Center has confirmed that a 56-year-old man who was surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday has died. KITV4.

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Maui Seeks Two Week Closure of Bars Amid Rise in COVID-19 Cases. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks, or until Dec. 26, 2020, to stem the recent double-digit increases in COVID-19 cases. Maui Now.

Maui mayor requests approval to close bars for 2 weeks. Mayor Victorino announced Wednesday that he’s awaiting approval from Gov. Ige to shutdown all bars starting this Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County seeking bar closures amid rising COVID cases.  Maui County is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants to limit the spread of COVID-19 until Dec. 26. KHON2.

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Court to decide how injection wells decision impacts county. A federal court in Hawaii will decide in the spring how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in a lawsuit over injection wells in West Maui will apply to Maui County, an attorney in the case said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Behind the scenes of the Kaua‘i District Health Office. The Kaua‘i District Health Office was one of the first to provide translated educational COVID-19 materials. Garden Island.

Ige honors The Cliffs at Princeville, Department of Water. Gov. David Ige honored 20 businesses, venues, and events for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices in the Hawai‘i Green Business Program, which is apart of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, and two honorees are from Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Travel quarantines to be reduced to 10 days, state preps for COVID-19 vaccine, Hawaiian Airlines plans new U.S. routes, state certifies Biden win, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flying to Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Will Reduce Traveler Quarantine To 10 Days. Gov. David Ige is expected to issue an order with the lowered quarantine requirement next week but it’s unclear when it will take effect. Civil Beat.

Arriving air passengers in Hawaii without COVID-19 test to face 10-day quarantine. With Hawaii leading the nation in fewest new COVID-19 cases, Gov. David Ige plans to reduce the number of days that arriving passengers with no test results will have to remain in mandatory quarantine, to 10 days from the current 14. Star-Advertiser.

Officials: Quarantines will be reduced to 10 days. The mandatory quarantine for trans-Pacific travelers to Hawaii who arrive without a negative COVID-19 test will be reduced to 10 days in the near future, state officials said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

State officials confirm Governor Ige preparing to reduce quarantine restrictions for travelers. State officials confirmed Governor David Ige is preparing to reduce quarantine restrictions for travelers from 14 days to 10 days. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Airlines to debut 3 new routes next year. The state’s largest carrier, which like all airlines has had to reduce service due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tuesday it will launch nonstop service next year to Orlando, Fla.; Ontario, Calif.; and Austin, Texas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines makes strategic decisions for 2021 with new non-stop routes. Hoping business is better next spring, Hawaiian Airlines plans to serve three new destinations across the U.S. mainland. On March 11, the airline will begin twice-weekly service between Honolulu and Orlando, Florida. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines expands routes, what this could mean for 2021 air travel. Starting in March, Hawaiian Airlines will begin service from Honolulu to Orlando, Florida and Ontario, California. Then in April, the company will launch flights between Honolulu and Austin, Texas. There will also be a non-stop flight added from Maui to Long Beach, California. KHON2.

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Vaccines could come to Hawaii as soon as mid-December, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says the first people that will be offered the vaccine in Hawaii will be health care workers and kupuna, who live in long term care facilities and seem to have the highest mortality rate locally. KHON2.

Hawaii Preparing to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Next Monday. Healthcare Association of Hawaii President and CEO Hilton Raethel tells KITV4 the state is preparing to receive shipments of the Pfizer vaccine next Monday. KITV4.

State expects to receive 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month. Hawaii is expecting to receive 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month for health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i hospitals prepare for COVID-19 vaccine. Hawai‘i’s hospitals and health-care systems, in coordination with the state Department of Health, are gearing up to ensure that they are prepared for the arrival and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Garden Island.

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33 Hawaiʻi Nursing Homes Receiving $600,000 in Federal Funding for COVID-19 Protection. Thirty-three nursing homes across Hawai‘i will divide $582,015 in new federal funding as part of an incentive program to reward nursing homes for maintaining COVID-19 infection and mortality rates that were lower than the communities they served. Maui Now.

Changes To Hawaii’s Sunshine Law Could Improve Access To Public Meetings. The new proposal from the state Office of Information Practices gives boards more options, including ways to meet remotely. Civil Beat.

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Biden Presidential Win In Hawaii Officially Certified. Biden, the former vice president, defeated President Donald Trump, a Republican, 63% to 34%. Civil Beat.

Hawaii certifies Biden’s win of state’s presidential vote. President-elect Joe Biden won 63.1% of Hawaii’s vote, compared to President Donald Trump’s 34%, according to the final summary report from the state Office of Elections. Hawaii has four electors in the Electoral College, which is due to meet Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii's election office has officially certified 2020 presidential election results. KITV4.

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First-quarter grades reveal Hawaii public school students’ struggles in adapting to learning during the pandemic. A first look at how Hawaii’s public school students are faring academically during the pandemic shows roughly 1 in 10 secondary students received a failing grade in English or math during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Why 1 In 6 Hawaii Residents Struggle To Read. The state rolled out a new plan to address literacy in Hawaii schools and among Hawaii adults last month that’s full of broad recommendations. Civil Beat.

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State Puts New Limits On Aquarium Fishing, But Existing Licenses Valid Until They Expire. The new terms and conditions reflect a court ruling in state environmental court last month. Civil Beat.

DLNR adds new court ordered requirements for commercial fishing licenses. The update is part of a First Circuit Court ruling made on Nov. 27 which bans commercial aquarium fishing pending a final environmental review. KHON2.

New Requirements Added To Hawaiʻi Commercial Marine Licenses. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources has added court-ordered requirements to reflect a full statewide ban on commercial aquarium fishing. Big Island Video News.

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Despite pandemic shutdown, Hawaii’s film industry execs optimistic about future.  COVID-19 restrictions sidelined 89% of the industry’s technical workforce. Despite the grim numbers, the industry remains positive as the state will always be an ideal film location and it’s projected the state will see an increase in local productions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Funding Extended, What Comes Next? On average, about 800 national guard members work each day throughout the state, assisting with tasks from contact tracing to the safe travels program to COVID-19 testing. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 8: 53 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 53 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 39 on Oahu, three on Molokai, six on Maui and five on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 Honolulu officers face criminal probe linked to COVID-19 enforcement overtime. Four Honolulu Police officers are being investigated for suspected theft and other crimes linked to an overtime probe. The department alleges that the officers got paid for overtime hours that they did not work. Hawaii News Now.

HPD commanders ask for investigation into spending of CARES Act money. In an anonymous letter, a group of Honolulu Police Department commanders asked the Honolulu Police Commission to investigate mismanaged CARES Act funding and planning by Police Chief Susan Ballard’s office during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief defends department following accusations of ‘fiscal misconduct’. Police Chief Susan Ballard took to social media Tuesday to respond to accusations the department mismanaged millions of dollars of federal CARES funds. Hawaii News Now.

In scathing report, city auditor rips Honolulu Department of Prosecuting Attorney for its lack of controls. Few steps have been made to improve policies, procedures and controls at the Honolulu Department of Prosecuting Attorney despite the recent, high-profile controversy that led to the conviction of one of its top lawyers. That’s the conclusion of a scathing 50-page report issued by the Office of the City Auditor over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

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City says it's still awaiting approval on an alternative to state's mandatory quarantine for those who did not receive a negative test result pre-travel. Tier Three allows more businesses to reopen, but it requires a seven-day average positivity of 2.5% for at least two weeks and a seven-day average case count of below 50. KITV4.

Defense Bill Calls For Red Hill Safety Reviews Every Five Years. The 2021 iteration of the National Defense Appropriations Act requires the Navy to conduct regular reviews of technology to contain potential leaks. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo’s former front entrance in Waikiki to undergo $2M in renovations. A $2 million restoration of the former entrance to the Honolulu Zoo will get underway in the coming weeks, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Star-Advertiser.

2nd Olive Garden set to open at Ka Makana Ali‘i, Ala Moana location begins take-out orders. A second Olive Garden restaurant is making its way to Ka Makana Ali’i Mall. The eatery is expected to open to the public in the summer of 2021 next to the AT&T and Macy’s stores. KHON2.

The 2021 Sony Open in Hawaii tees off the week of Jan. 11, and will be the first Sony played under pandemic protocols. No spectators will be allowed at Waialae Country Club. Hawaii News Now.

Star-Advertiser joining Report for America effort. Report for America places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities, and is an initiative of the nonprofit media organization, The GroundTruth Project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HMC ready for vaccine: Hospital could begin vaccinations as early as next week. Hilo Medical Center could begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to some front-line employees as early as next week, should emergency use of the immunization be approved. Tribune-Herald.

Where the money went: Council members disburse $900,000 in CARES funds. Hawaii County Council members focused on food and social and educational programs in divvying up $100,000 in coronavirus relief funds each of the nine members received last summer for projects in their communities. West Hawaii Today.

More than $6.5 million spent at Big Island eateries, thanks to restaurant cards. The state’s restaurant card program comes to an end next week, after residents used it to spend more than $6.5 million at Big Island restaurants alone over two months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hospital to hold vaccine drill. Maui Memorial Medical Center will hold a drill Thursday to prepare for the process of distributing and managing the COVID-19 vaccine once it arrives in Hawaii’s hospitals, a spokeswoman for Maui Health said Monday. Maui News.

Sexual assault medical exam room remodeled.  A remodeled medical examination room will offer a more peaceful setting for children and adults, as a program moves forward with more nurses trained to do forensic examinations of sexual assault victims, officials say. Maui News.

Florida Man with No Lodging or Pre-Flight COVID Test Arrested for Quarantine Violation on Maui. A Florida man was arrested and charged with a Rules and Orders violation related to quarantine after arriving on Maui without a valid place of lodging or a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test, police said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kouchi announces release of CIP funds. State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi recently announced the release of $4,775,000 in funding for capital improvement projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

State Gives Nearly $5M For Kauai School, Bridge Repairs. Nearly $5 million in state funding is headed to Kauai for repairs and improvements to the Wailua River Bridge, Kapaa High School, Kilauea Elementary School and the road to Kokee State Park. Civil Beat.

Asbestos treatment at Kapa‘a, Lihu‘e fire stations. Portions of the floors of the Kapa‘a fire station were being held together by duct tape, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Steven Goble reported to the Fire Commission Monday afternoon. Garden Island.

Pearl Harbor anniversary commemorated virtually, Hawaii County swears in new mayor, secrecy surrounds Honolulu rail partnership plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Navy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. John Aquilino speaks during a ceremony Monday to mark the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

79th Pearl Harbor attack observance marked by COVID-19 caution. At 7:55 a.m. Monday, the approximate time when Japanese warplanes dropped out of the sky in a shocking attack on Oahu, a moment of silence was held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in a coronavirus-reduced 79th anniversary of the moment that launched America into World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Virtual ceremony held in recognition of 79th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor. Traditionally, a big ceremony is held at the site in recognition of those who served. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials opted for a smaller and more private event this year, which was shared online. KHON2.

As pandemic rages, virtual ceremony honors those lost in 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. On the solemn anniversary of the ‘date which will live in infamy’ ― where more than 2,000 American lives were lost during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor ― hundreds of people would typically gather for a memorial service on the harbor’s shores. Hawaii News Now.

Video: 79th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration. DMA Pacific official video.

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Hawaii landlords rejecting $8M in overdue rent. Some island landlords have rejected about $8 million in direct payments to cover the rents they’re owed because they do not have general excise tax licenses and are not paying taxes on their rental income. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economic Recovery May Be Slowing. After Hawaii saw a bump-up in positive economic indicators in November, things appear to be slowing down again. During a virtual meeting of a House Committee on Monday, Carl Bonham, the Executive Director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, delivered this update. Big Island Video News.

Economic Gains, Travel-Related Cases: Unpacking Safe Travels Data. Travel-related cases made up just a small portion of statewide totals — 14% in November — but Kauai, Maui and Hawaii counties saw double-digit spikes that were largely blamed on travel-related cases. Civil Beat.

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House committee: No changes needed to Safe Travels program. Despite updated federal COVID recommendations, state officials do not believe the Safe Travels Hawaii program requires significant changes. Tribune-Herald.

Incoming mayors want looser Safe Travels restrictions. Hawaii’s two incoming mayors want changes to the Safe Travels Program, and allow passengers to be released from the 14-day quarantine if they get a negative COVID result after arrival. It’s a proposal some lawmakers and health experts want the governor to consider. KHON2.

Lawmakers, medical experts express concern about confusion in traveler testing program. Lawmakers and medical community leaders want the governor to streamline the traveler testing program and do away with island-specific rules. Currently, there are different rules for different islands and various groups have competing proposals. Hawaii News Now.

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2 Local Surveys Ask About Today and Tomorrow. The research division of the Anthology Marketing Group conducted two statewide polls for Hawaii Business Magazine in October and November: The BOSS Survey of 413 local business owners and senior executives, and the 808 Poll of 502 members of the general public. Here’s what we learned. Hawaii Business magazine.

The Army Is Spending Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars On Pigs In Hawaii. Since 2016, the Army has spent approximately $65,400 on contracts for “live animals, not raised for food.” The locally grown Hawaii hogs are for medical research and training health care providers at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 7: 81 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 81 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 58 on Oahu, 12 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, one on Kauai, and three Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART Reveals P3 Bidders For Honolulu Rail — But Not Their Prices. One of the bidding teams “expressed concern” about the cost going public, leaving it uncertain when the information will be released. Civil Beat.

City Council asks Mayor to revise tier system to help small businesses. The Honolulu City Council is asking Mayor Kirk Caldwell to revise his tier system so that small businesses can increase their capacity. KHON2.

Haiku Stairs access plan advances but is still being debated. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to have a private vendor provide a “managed access” hiking tour operation at Kane­ohe’s iconic Haiku Stairs won tentative approval Monday from the City Council Economic Assistance and Revitalization Committee. Star-Advertiser.

City council moves closer to restoring the Haiku Stairs, but opposition remains.  Plans to restore and reopen the illegal but popular Haiku Stairs were advanced Monday by the city council. But community opposition remains on the divisive topic. Hawaii News Now.

90% of Waiawa’s inmate population has tested positive for COVID in recent months. The COVID outbreak at the Waiawa Correctional Facility is more widespread than previous thought. 90% of the prison’s population has either gotten sick or have recovered from the virus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

New mayor, prosecutor, council inaugurated. Mayor Mitch Roth has repeatedly stated the goal of his administration is to help people thrive and succeed, and on Monday, less than an hour after reaffirming that pledge during his inauguration speech, he detailed several examples of emergency rules he plans to implement to help schools and businesses better cope with COVID-19 restrictions. West Hawaii Today.

Will travelers to Big Island undergo second, post-arrival testing? New Mayor explains. The Big Island officially has a new mayor. Former Prosecutor Mitch Roth was sworn in on Monday. KHON2.

Longtime prosecutor Mitch Roth sworn in as Hawaii County mayor. Former Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth is now mayor. He became the first to be inaugurated in Kona during a virtual event. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai'i Island says 'aloha' to new Mayor Mitch Roth. Mitch Roth said he hopes to create a government that's more open to the community. He also wants to work on a bolder plan to rebuild Hawaii Island's economy. KITV4.

Maui

County of Maui Set to Purchase Hawaiian Telcom Building in Wailuku for $3.8 Million. The County of Maui is set to close as early as the end of this month on the purchase the Hawaiian Telcom Building in Wailuku Town to provide more space for Maui Emergency Management Agency operations and for information technology workers. Maui Now.

Quarantine breaker returns to Colorado. A 23-year-old man chose to return to Colorado after he was arrested Saturday for violating the mandatory 14-day travelers quarantine after arriving on Maui, according to police. Maui News.

Kauai

Polihale reopens after five-month closure. When the park was shut down in July, the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks blamed overuse and abuse of the beach and camping area citing a weekend where over 1,000 people camped illegally. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Complex Area revising distance learning plans. For the upcoming second semester of school, the Kaua‘i Complex Area and Department of Education are revising distance learning models through the third quarter. Garden Island.

Surf's up! Obama spotted golfing on Oahu, state orders COVID-19 vaccine, Maui prosecutor removed from office, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kohl Christensen dropping in on a giant messy wave at Pipeline on the north shore of Oahu. File photo via Facebook PC:@michaelclarkphoto

Warning-level surf expected into Monday. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai and the north-facing shores of Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Pipe Masters could get green light Tuesday. A high surf warning is in effect for most of the state’s north and west facing shores through Monday evening. Surf heights are expected to reach 30 feet on north-facing shores and 20-feet on west-facing shores. KHON2.

Surf's up! The National Weather Service issued a high-surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of all the islands through 6 p.m. today. The northwest swell that arrived Sunday was expected to produce rapidly-rising surf along most north- and west-facing shorelines. Garden Island.

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Former President Barack Obama spotted golfing on Oahu. He was spotted Sunday afternoon at the Mid-Pacific Country Club in Kailua. KHON2.

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Hawaii DOH places its first order for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. State health officials say the order was for 4,875 doses, and is only a small percentage of the total number of vaccines the state expects to later request if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives the vaccine its stamp of approval. Hawaii News Now.

How This Doctor Is Influencing Hawaii’s Response To COVID-19. A Honolulu doctor critical of the state’s pre-travel testing program is gaining traction with policymakers. Civil Beat.

Several days after Kauai opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program, Mayor Derek Kawakami says leaders of each county are calling on Gov. Ige for more required testing. In a county update Friday, he said the proposal is now before the governor. Hawaii News Now.

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Two More Hawaii Inmates Who Died At Saguaro Prison Had COVID-19, New Details Show. More than half of the 1,079 Hawaii prisoners at Saguaro have tested positive for COVID-19. Three have died from the disease. Civil Beat.

Public Safety faces calls to pause moving Hawaii inmates to an Arizona prison. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 6: 105 New COVID-19 Cases And One Death In Hawaii. Health officials reported 105 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Sunday, including 87 on Oahu, six on Maui, five on the Big Island and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi open to idea of using federal aid to help commercial landlords. Business coalition spearheading commercial rent survey to estimate how great the need is for financial help. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Haiku Stairs management plan goes before the City Council. A private vendor would be allowed to shuttle up to about 150 people daily to the Haiku Stairs for guided hiking tours under a plan proposed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s bikeshare program is costing the city hundreds of thousands in lost revenue. In the report, Honolulu’s Acting City Auditor Troy Shimasaki said a lack of transparency and accountability in the city’s bikeshare program is costing the city $460,000 a year in lost revenue while the nonprofit Biki is generating more than $2.7 million in annual sales. Hawaii News Now.

'Why Is There So Much Red Tape': Honolulu's Relief Fund Creates Anxiety And Confusion For Some. Honolulu is still trying to spend down federal CARES Act funds by December 30 to help households impacted by the pandemic. But city relief hasn't come for months, with little to no explanation for some who applied. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Prosecutor-elect Alm looks to rebuild office as it continues to take heat. Despite the embarrassing corruption scandal uncovered during former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha’s trial, conviction, and last week’s sentencing, the City’s auditor has found that policies, procedures and controls have not changed significantly and more needs to be done. KHON2.

Kealoha Scandal Hasn’t Led To Major Reforms At Prosecutor’s Office, Audit Finds. The audit suggests that a Katherine Kealoha-type situation could very well happen again. Civil Beat.

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How famous surfers and wealthy homeowners are endangering Hawaii’s beaches. For decades, homeowners in Punalu‘u watched from large picture windows as locals sunned on the beach and dove for octopus amid the coral reefs of northeast Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu home sales stay strong as buyers bid up prices. Strong demand by buyers bidding above asking price helped push up the median resale price of single-family homes on Oahu to $872,500 in November, the second highest ever. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Aloha, Harry: Hawaii Island mayor leaves office after decades of public service. 81-year-old Mayor Harry Kim is arguably the most significant political figure in Hawaii Island history, having served two terms as mayor from 2000-2008 and another from 2016 until Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Harry Kim ends third term as ‘voice of authority’. Kim’s term was to end by noon today. He served 36 years in public service — 24 years as a civil defense administrator and 12 years as mayor. Star-Advertiser.

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Lava recovery plans released: Council members say action is needed now. Three long-awaited documents that aim to guide Hawaii County’s recovery from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano — a recovery and resilience plan, an economic recovery plan, and a volcanic risk assessment — have been released. Tribune-Herald.

County Releases Kīlauea Recovery Plan. The plan is a strategic document that will continue to guide recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, along with two supporting documents – an islandwide Volcanic Risk Assessment and an Economic Recovery Plan. Big Island Now.

Kilauea Recovery Effort Continues With More Funding, Plans Finalized. Along with the Kīlauea Recovery and Resilience Plan, an islandwide Volcanic Risk Assessment and an Economic Recovery Plan have also been released. Big Island Video News.

Succession of events led to 2018 Kilauea eruption. The volcanic pressure that preceded the 2018 Big Island eruption was building for years, but it was a relatively rapid and cascading succession of minor geologic processes that led to one of Hawaii’s most destructive events in 200 years, a new study has found. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Prosecuting attorney removed from office. Don Guzman to challenge decision. The Maui County Council voted unanimously on Friday to remove Prosecuting Attorney Don Guzman over violence in the workplace claims, affirming a council committee decision about a month ago. Maui News.

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DOE staffer with COVID-19 visited 3 Maui schools; no closures planned. A Department of Education employee who visited three elementary schools on Maui has tested positive for COVID-19, but no cases have been identified on the campuses and the schools remain open. Star-Advertiser.

Three Maui Elementary Schools Connected to Positive COVID Case Involving HIDOE Employee. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education reports that it was made aware of a COVID-19 case involving an employee who visited three Maui campuses — Pu‘u Kukui, Pōmaika‘i and Kula Elementary schools — between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Maui Now.

3 elementary schools connected to positive COVID case involving Maui HIDOE employee. The Hawaii Department of Education confirmed Saturday, an employee who visited three Maui campuses, tested positive for COVID-19.  KITV4.

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Maui County Temporarily Shuts Down Lava Rock Bar & Grill for Physical Distancing Violations. The County of Maui Department of Liquor Control shut down the Lava Rock Bar & Grill in Kīhei for a 24-hour period this weekend after physical distancing violations were observed during an enforcement operation conducted in conjunction with the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Maui County is expected to get 16,000 doses of COVID vaccine. Maui County is expected to receive about 16,000 doses when the COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Hawaii, with the first doses administered to health care and emergency workers, Mayor Michael Victorino said on Friday. Maui News.

Lee Imada reflects on 40 years with The Maui News. Long before he became an award-winning journalist for his hometown paper, Lee Imada wanted to be an astronaut. Maui News.

Kauai

Hanapepe bridge rehab coming. Construction and rehabilitation of the 1911 Hanapepe Road bridge over the Hanapepe River won’t be able to start until the makai bridge on Kaumuali‘i Highway is completed, but the process has already begun. Garden Island.

Families move into Kealaula on Pua Loke. The first several families have moved into Kaua‘i’s first transit-ready communities project, Kealaula on Pua Loke Supportive Housing Development, in late November. Garden Island.

Feds offering up to $20K for info on 2 seal deaths on Kauai. Federal wildlife officials are offering up to $20,000 for information regarding the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals that occurred within two months of each other. Associated Press.

Hawaii National Guard COVID-19 response funding extended, Board of Education approves deep budget cuts, Honolulu theBus driver dies from coronavirus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii National Guard moves PPE in April file photo

Feds Extend Funding For Hawaii National Guard’s COVID-19 Response. The federal government will continue to compensate the Hawaii National Guard’s COVID-19 response in the islands through March 31, the White House announced Thursday. Civil Beat.

Trump extends funding for National Guard coronavirus duty in Hawaii and most other states. President Donald Trump today approved funding requests from Hawaii and most other states to continue National Guard assistance with COVID-19 through March 31. Star-Advertiser.

Trump approves funding extension for COVID-19 assistance from Hawaii National Guard. The Trump administration has approved a funding extension that will allow the Hawaii National Guard to continue assisting the state with COVID-19 response efforts, including contact tracing, testing and, eventually, vaccine distribution. Hawaii News Now.

President approves Gov. Ige’s request to extend federal funding for Hawai‘i National Guard COVID-19 assistance. The federal government has approved Gov. David Ige’s request for an extension of funding that will allow the Hawai‘i National Guard to continue with COVID-19 assistance across the state through March 31, 2021. KITV4.

Trump approves Ige’s request to extend federal funding for Hawaii National Guard COVID-19 assistance. The federal government has approved Gov. David Ige’s request for an extension of funding that will allow the Hawaii National Guard to continue with COVID-19 assistance across the state through March 31, 2021. West Hawaii Today.

Ige’s Request to Extend Federal Funding for Hawai‘i National Guard COVID-19 Assistance Approved. The federal government has approved Governor David Ige’s request for an extension of funding that will allow the Hawai‘i National Guard to continue with COVID-19 assistance across the state through March 31, 2021. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i National Guard to Remain Active Through March Via Federal Funding. The Hawai‘i National Guard’s citizen-soldiers and airmen are performing critical missions such as contact tracing, working on mobile swab teams, health education for at-risk populations, screening, food and medical supply distribution, and several others. Big Island Now.

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Worker layoffs, furloughs still on the table, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige is continuing to give strong indications this week that layoffs and/or furloughs may be in the future for state workers. Star-Advertiser.

With ‘A Very Reluctant Aye,’ Board Of Education Approves DOE Budget Despite Deep Cuts. Many board members expressed consternation at proposed cuts that will largely be absorbed by schools in order to plug a minimum $165 million pandemic-related shortfall. Civil Beat.

BOE approves state’s hefty budget cut proposal. The latest operating budget proposal is layered on top of an existing $100 million reduction, so the total amount comes out to $264 million for each of the next two years. The details of how the individual schools will be affected are not outlined yet. KHON2.

BOE approves proposed $1.5B budget. The state Board of Education on Thursday approved a proposed $1.5 billion operating budget that will drastically reduce the state Department of Education’s spending in the upcoming fiscal biennium as Hawaii faces significant revenue losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Special Education among the possible cuts labeled high impact by the DOE in proposal. The Department of Education's proposal of more than $264 million in budget cuts was approved on Thursday by the Board of Education. KITV4.

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As deadline approaches, worries grow about programs funded by CARES Act. As the deadline approaches for use of federal CARES Act money, concerns grow over what happens when the state loses access to funds. According to the Hawaii Data Collaborative, a group tracking the money, 48% of the $1.25 billion in aid to the state has been expended. Hawaii News Now.

Without Money, Hawaii’s Police Standards Board Is ‘Dead In The Water’. A state board has finally started work developing basic training and decertification standards for law enforcement in Hawaii — more than a year after that panel of police chiefs and state agency heads were required to do so. Civil Beat.

Workers rally for in-person unemployment assistance. Still frustrated by the lack of accessibility to the unemployment office and unresolved claims, roughly a dozen workers rallied Thursday in front of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations headquarters downtown. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation will improve emergency alert system; Schatz says goal is to avoid mishaps such as false missile scare. Federal legislation moving through Congress will ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions and radios. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Coast Guard warns Hawaii boaters about ‘hundreds’ of overboard shipping containers. Hawaii mariners as a precautionary measure after hundreds of shipping containers reportedly fell into the ocean from a vessel hundreds of miles away from the islands after the ship encountered severe weather conditions while enroute to California from China. Star-Advertiser.
 

State: 23 COVID-19 clusters linked to food production and distribution industry. The state has identified nearly two dozen COVID-19 clusters linked to the food production and distribution industry in the last four months. In its weekly report issued Thursday, the state Department of Health said the size of the clusters varied, but at least one of them involved 26 cases. Hawaii News Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 3: 144 New COVID-19 Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. Health officials reported 144 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Thursday, including 118 on Oahu, 14 on Maui, seven on the Big Island, two on Kauai and three residents diagnosed out-of-state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Driver For TheBus Dies Due To COVID-19. That driver, MacArthur (Art) Nieto, a 20-year veteran of TheBus, died Nov. 23, which was about a month after he had tested positive for the virus, according to OTS President and General Manager Roger Morton. Nieto is the only reported transit driver death in Hawaii due to COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Some businesses on rail line suspect passing trains linked to recent power outages. Some shop owners say they’ve had their power knocked out completely. Others describe brownout conditions, saying their lights will dim or flicker. Many of those impacted believe power fluctuations are caused by the passing trains, and both rail officials and engineers from Hawaiian Electric are investigating that claim. Hawaii News Now.

Wife of prominent Honolulu attorney returns home after 90-day battle with COVID. Honolulu attorney Michael Green was able to celebrate Thursday night, but it wasn’t for a victory in court. Instead, the high-profile lawyer was grateful that his wife, Estelita, was finally able to return home after being hospitalized for three months due to COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

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City moves to get $250K back from Louis Kealoha. More bad news for disgraced former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha: The city wants its $250,000 retirement settlement package back. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Taxpayers Will Foot The Bill For HPD Overtime Abuse. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the city will pay for inappropriate OT costs and federal relief money will be used for other programs. Civil Beat.

Audit finds Honolulu Police Department not preventing police misconduct. The Honolulu Police Department does a good job of tracking and investigating police misconduct and complaints, but it does little to prevent them, according to a report by the city auditor. Star-Advertiser.

Audit: HPD Could Do More To Prevent Officer Misconduct. In the wake of the criminal conspiracy that landed Honolulu’s former police chief and his estranged wife behind bars, the Honolulu Police Department needs to do more to prevent misconduct in its ranks, the city auditor said in a report released on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Audit praises HPD for cracking down on officer misconduct but criticizes ability to prevent it. Hawaii News Now.

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Honolulu plans to keep 130 COVID-19 contact tracers through June. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city plans to keep 130 coronavirus contact tracers in place at least through the end of the fiscal year in June, despite the state’s plan to reduce the program. Star-Advertiser.

Median price for single-family home on Oahu increased 11% in November. Locations, a real estate firm, said that the median price for a single-family home on Oahu in November was $877,500. That’s up 11% from a year ago. The median condo price was up 2% to $425,000. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of pounds of fireworks seized from Makiki home. Two people have been arrested after police seized hundreds of pounds of fireworks at a Makiki home. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Roth announces more cabinet selections. Doug Adams​, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and current Vice-chairman and Director of W.H. Shipman, Ltd., has been tapped to head the County of Hawaii’s Department of Research and Development. Tribune-Herald.

Third Round Of Roth Cabinet Positions Announced. Doug Adams will serve as the head of the Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development, a Thursday news release reported. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island’s three-term Mayor Harry Kim says aloha. Two photos of Harry Kim represent the bookends of his career as Mayor of Hawaii County; his first day on the job after winning the election in 2000 and this week as he prepares to say goodbye to a job that he says he never truly aspired to have. KHON2.

Before he took the mayor’s seat, Harry Kim was well-known as the voice of calm in disasters. Anyone who grew up on the Big Island remembers Harry Kim’s deep voice on the radio, informing residents of natural disasters. While he’s leaving his seat as Hawaii County Mayor on Monday, it was his time as civil defense chief that made him a local legend. Hawaii News Now.

Rhonda Loh To Be Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent. Loh, already serving as the acting park superintendent since April 2019, will be in the position on a permanent basis starting December 20th. Big Island Video News.

Movie madness: New Ocean View drive-in theater reveals giant demand. Tonight, the drive-in will host its first showing, projecting the “Nightmare Before Christmas” on the 12- by 16-foot screen as audio is transmitted via FM radio into the viewers’ vehicles. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

First jury trial in state since COVID completed. Process took months of planning so jurors could gather safely. Before 12 jurors and an alternate were seated last week for the first jury trial in the state since the COVID-19 pandemic, 2nd Circuit Court judges, staff and attorneys spent months of planning, reconfigured a courtroom and precisely measured spaces so jurors were positioned at least 6 feet apart. Maui News.

Nominees Announced for 2020 Annual Mayor’s Small Business Awards. The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for the 2020 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. Nominees and winners will be honored during a virtual event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Maui Now.

Kauai

HoKua Place stalled again. Wednesday, the state’s Land Use Commission granted a petition to intervene in the proceeding of rezoning lands for a 96-acre residential subdivision next to Kapa‘a Middle School that has been in the planning stages for nearly a decade. Garden Island.

This Kauai Nonprofit Is Trying To Change How People Buy Their Food. Food hubs provide a way for farmers to sell their crops outside of grocery stores. Civil Beat.

KIUC Anahola Service Center boosts economy. The benefit of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic adds to the list of benefits that will come with the construction of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative Anahola Service Center adjacent to the KIUC solar farm in Anahola. Garden Island.

Hanauma Bay reopens, schools face deep budget cuts, Health Department to scale back contact tracing, Maui dogs sniff out COVID-19, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay snorkeling spot ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hanauma Bay Is Reopening — But Capacity Will Be Limited. The county nature park is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist attractions, but fewer visitors will be allowed in, face masks will be mandatory and nonresidents will pay more in fees. Civil Beat.

Hanauma Bay Reopening Today Under City Guidelines. Prior to the shutdown, as many as 3,000 residents and tourists entered the marine sanctuary daily. Hawaii Public Radio.

City reopens Hanauma Bay with new restrictions and higher fees. The city reopened Hanauma Bay on Wednesday, but announced new restrictions aimed at ensuring the environmental gains the preserve made while it was shut down aren’t lost when residents and visitors return. Hawaii News Now.

Hanauma Bay reopens to the public, new measures aim to protect nature preserve. Hanauma Bay, which has been closed since March, reopened to the public on Wednesday for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. KHON2.

Visitors welcomed back to Hanauma Bay with new fees and restrictions.  A new limit of 720 daily visitors has been set for the reopening in a pilot program seeking to balance conservation with recreation, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the preserve. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii plans to shrink contact-tracing team next year. While health experts are predicting a third wave of infections fueled by the holidays, Hawaii’s contact tracers that track COVID-19-positive residents are set to be reduced after the new year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOH Plans Cuts In Contact Tracing Team Despite Continued COVID-19 Worries. Even as more cases are anticipated, Hawaii is “doing pretty well” a state health official said. Civil Beat.

State's contact tracing team has reached out to more than 66% of individuals who may have come in contact with an infected person. The state's COVID-19 contact tracing team has reached out to more than 66% of all people who may have come in contact with an infected person. KITV4.

Lack of interest in quarantine may be a barrier in contact tracing efforts. The State Department of Health (DOH) has released more results of its contact tracing efforts, including the percentage of cases being reached. KHON2.

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State Education Board Holding Two Virtual Meetings Dec. 3 on Proposed Budget Cuts. The Hawaii State Board of Education will hold two meetings Thursday, Dec. 3, to vote on the proposed Department of Education budget for the 2021-23 fiscal biennium. Due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the proposed budget includes a 10-percent cut for public school operations and positions and consideration of a 9-percent cut to special education. Maui Now.

School Funds, Special Education Programs Face Cuts In DOE Budget Proposal. Hawaii State Teachers Association warns that proposed cuts could mean a loss of 1,000 teacher positions. Civil Beat.

HSTA says DOE budget cuts could result in loss of 1,000 teachers. The Hawaii State Teachers Association this morning expressed grave concerns about proposed budget cuts that would result in the loss of 1,000 teachers, including special education teachers. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed state education budget cuts concern HSTA. The Hawaii State Teachers Association is taking aim at budget reductions proposed by the state Department of Education the union says will undoubtedly affect Hawaii’s students. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi DOE Proposes Budget Cuts, HSTA Responds. The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association says the proposed, deep budget cuts will have "damaging impacts" on schools. Big Island Video News.

HIDOE Proposed Budget Cuts Could Impact Student Programs, Special Education, HSTA Says. The Hawai‘i Student Teacher Association fears the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s proposed cuts could result in lost jobs and student programs. Big Island Now. Big Island Now.

Budget crisis won’t spare schools and that has educators worried about the future. With the pandemic squeezing state budgets, public schools are facing as much as $264 million in budget cuts over the next two years. And that’s got the teachers union asking which programs could be slashed. Hawaii News Now.

Teachers union says budget cuts could eliminate jobs and school programs. The Department of Education (DOE) is faced with making more than 200 million in budget cuts thanks to COVID-19. The teacher’s union knows cuts are needed but said they come at the expense of students and teachers. KHON2.

Teachers Union President: Education Budget Cuts Could Cost 1,000 Jobs. Hawaii State Teachers Association President Corey Rosenlee said Wednesday that 1,000 teaching positions could be lost if the Department of Education's budget cuts are not reworked. KITV4.

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Subsea connectivity in Pacific, Hawaii expanded. Hawaiki Submarine Cable LP said Wednesday it has signed an agreement with Hawaiian Telcom to secure significant international capacity on the Southeast Asia-United States trans-Pacific fiber cable system from Guam to Los Angeles. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 2: 78 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 78 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 63 on Oahu, one on the Big Island, one on Kauai, four on Maui. Nine residents were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Police Commissioner: People Want Answers On HPD’s Low Crime-Solving Rate. Chief Susan Ballard says the FBI data on HPD’s clearance rates is wrong, but her department shared data with a city councilman that reveals similarly troubling numbers. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Department switching to new data-reporting system. The Honolulu Police Department will switch to a new, data-rich system for reporting crimes at the start of the new year. Star-Advertiser.

HPD investigation into COVID-19 overtime violations will take months, chief says. It will be months before the Honolulu Police Department can publicly report on the apparent overtime violations within the department’s COVID enforcement teams, according to HPD Chief Susan Ballard. Star-Advertiser.

Some residents have problems with a proposed 30-story tower at Ala Moana Center. The 400-foot Ala Moana Plaza would feature 583 rental units with 20% set aside as affordable. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Monsanto: Roundup did not cause cancer in Big Island men. The men, who range in age from 60 to 77, claim exposure to glyphosate — a herbicide marketed by Monsanto as Roundup — and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, manufactured and marketed by Monsanto in the U.S. until banned in 1979, caused their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tribune-Herald.

Virtual Meeting On Helicopter Noise Set For Dec. 3. The Hawaii Air Noise and Safety Task Force will hold a virtual meeting about the Hilo and Kona regions on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Funding For Airport COVID Testing in Jeopardy; Mayor-Elect Details Possible Changes. A new mayor will take the helm in Hawai‘i County on Monday. Likely accompanying his arrival will be substantial changes to COVID testing policies at Big Island airports, though those adjustments will be more a result of timing than political philosophy. Big Island Now.

You haven’t heard the last of Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim. While Kim’s time in office is coming to an end, the 81-year-old says he’s not preparing to retire. Instead, he’s preparing for his next act. Hawaii News Now.

Group seeks transparency from DOH after virus outbreak at Hilo veterans home. A Hawaii seniors advocacy group has called on the state Department of Health to release more information about nursing home inspections after a coronavirus outbreak at a veterans home caused at least 27 deaths earlier this year. Hawaii News Now.

Life Care Center of Kona employee tests positive for COVID-19. A Life Care Center of Kona employee remains in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. The staff member last worked at the Keauhou care facility on Nov. 11 and remained in isolation, according to the early Tuesday update posted to the center’s website. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

How Maui Dogs Are Learning How To Sniff Out Coronavirus Infections. Perspiration samples from Hawaii residents recently diagnosed with COVID-19 are key to a study of whether dogs can sniff out the virus. Civil Beat.

Meetings Seek Feedback on Maui’s 5,000-Unit Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. Maui nonprofits, Hawaiian Community Assets hosts a series of community meetings from December 2020 through February 2021 to gather feedback from local residents on the development the County’s 5,000-unit Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan. Maui Now.

DLNR: Kahakapao Recreation Area on Maui is a “Hot-Spot” for Illegal Trails. A series of legal, planned, and engineered trails at Kahakapao Recreational Area on Maui provide thrills and fun for mountain bikers, as well as for hiking and horseback riding. But illegal trails have become a concern with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources identifying 21 such paths crossing the popular Pineapple Express mountain bike trail alone. Maui Now.

Citizens’ Patrol back on road after COVID delays. Program credited with deterring car break-ins at popular beach parks. Maui News.

Maui home prices reach new highs. Median for single-family units hits $867,500 in October. Maui News.

Kauai

CDC tipped Kauai police about COVID-positive fliers arrested after landing. A tip from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led to the arrest of a Kauai couple on Nov. 29 when they landed on the Garden Isle after boarding a plane in San Francisco knowing they were COVID positive. They had been told by airport quarantine station officials to stay in San Francisco. KHON2.

Protesting COVID restrictions. About 25 people protested the state’s mask mandate and the county’s temporary Safe Travels shutdown yesterday afternoon. Garden Island.

Businesses struggle to stay open. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort &Spa will be closing temporarily on Dec. 7 in a move to further protect its staff. Garden Island.