Hawaii hospitals near capacity as coronavirus rages, voters get ballots in early, renters fear evictions, counties pursue resort bubbles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hospital scene PC:Javier Matheu on Unsplash

Hawaii’s hospitals could hit capacity in a week, health care leader warns. If the three-digit surge in novel coronavirus cases over the past week continues for the next seven to 10 days, Hawaii’s existing hospital capacity will be at risk of being overwhelmed, as happened in New York, Ray Vara, CEO and president of Hawaii Pacific Health, said Tuesday, when 144 new cases were announced by the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital CEO Warns Hawaii On Track To Exceed Health System Capacity. After a record-breaking 207 new cases of coronavirus logged by the Department of Health on Monday, the head of a local hospital group warns that Hawaii is on track to outstrip its hospital capacity. Hawaii Public Radio.

The number of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized in Hawaii jumped significantly Tuesday to 138. That’s up from 75 over the last week. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said a surge in new COVID-19 cases are starting to fill up hospitals. Hawaii News Now.

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Lt. Governor Josh Green says another lockdown is imminent. “We’re within ten days of having to have a shutdown,” the Lieutenant Governor said. KITV4.

Officials warn of dire consequences if state cannot get outbreak under control. Lt. Gov. Josh Green suggested Tuesday that Gov. David Ige is likely to push back the loosening of out-of-state travel restrictions as the state buckles under an ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases. Tribune-Herald.

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Illegal eviction threats on rise in Hawaii, groups say. Legal advocates are stepping up efforts against landlords who violate Hawaii’s moratorium on residential renter evictions over unpaid bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Renters being told to pay up or move out during pandemic could get legal aid. Advocacy groups say more landlords are violating the emergency eviction ban that's meant to keep people housed and safe during this public health crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Eviction Moratorium Isn’t Saving These Tenants. Nonprofits say they are being overwhelmed with calls from desperate renters and worry about a public housing rule that mandates social distancing, with the threat of eviction. Civil Beat.

Landlords, tenants clash despite eviction moratorium. A group of tenants’ rights organizations is warning Hawaii landlords they might face legal consequences for attempting to evict tenants during the state of emergency. Tribune-Herald.

Tenant Advocates Raise Concerns Over Violation of Eviction Moratorium. Families statewide continue to be under threat of losing their homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic despite the governor’s moratorium on evictions. Big Island Now.

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Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Hawaii Voters Don’t Like School, Tourism Reopen Plans. Most think travel and other restrictions have worked. Meanwhile, Biden is far more popular than Trump, in part because of their very different views on COVID-19. Civil Beat.

Fundraising On Hold During Pandemic For Gubernatorial Contenders. The leading candidates took in a lot of money last year, but have essentially paused fundraising for the governor’s race, records show. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Human Services Director Stepping Down. The governor announced that Cathy Betts will lead the Department of Human Services. Civil Beat.

Director delayed exit to help with pandemic, in latest state helm change. The head of one of the state’s largest departments — Human Services — is stepping down, this after both the labor and tax departments recently had turnover at the top. KHON2.

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Hawaiian Electric sets goal to expedite fleet vehicle electrification. Hawaiian Electric set an ambitious goal to electrify its fleet of more than 400 passenger vehicles across five islands by 2035. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii’s military COVID-19 case count still a mystery. Amid worsening COVID-19 and ongoing concerns about social distancing, the state Health Department continues to follow the lead of the Pentagon in not releasing statewide coronavirus statistics for the military. Star-Advertiser.

Stricter rules implemented for Hawaii public housing to prevent spread of COVID-19. It's a response to 20 people at ten of its sites on O'ahu receiving positive test results and a cluster at Kuhio Park Terrace Towers. KITV4.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 4: 144 New Cases And 1 Death Reported. The death of a Honolulu man brought the state’s coronavirus-related death toll to 27. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 27th coronavirus fatality, another triple-digit jump in COVID-19 infections. Hawaii reported its 27th coronavirus-related fatality on Tuesday as it also grappled with a worsening surge of new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: 1 Death, 144 Cases; State's Shift On Contact Tracing; City Cracks Down On Big Gatherings. The state Department of Health reported Hawaii's 27th death and 144 new COVID-19 cases today. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Updates For August 4th: 144 New Cases, 1 New Death. The State of Hawaiʻi announced another triple digit day of newly reported COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, as well as the 27th death in Hawaiʻi associated with the coronavirus since the pandemic began. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii records 27th coronavirus-related death and another triple-digit increase in cases. The state Department of Health today announced Hawaii’s 27th coronavirus-related death, a Honolulu man between 40 and 59-years-old who had underlying medical conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell warns of more coronavirus restrictions. With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations climbing dramatically, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday warned that he might have to take further action to close down certain activities and businesses to keep the situation from getting worse. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor pleads with Honolulu residents to lower community spread. An eighth Honolulu firefighter tested positive for COVID-19, while Mayor Kirk Caldwell pleaded with Oahu residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines as the number of cases keeps jumping. KHON2.

Honolulu first responders stretched thin due to COVID-19. With questions arising recently about enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions across the City and County of Honolulu, SHOPO and Mayor Kirk Caldwell say that HPD is going to enforce as many of the mandates as possible. KHON2.

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Caldwell: Top City Official Who’s Subject Of An FBI Investigation Will Remain On The Job. The mayor said Managing Director Roy Amemiya is needed now more than ever. Civil Beat.

Oahu Voters Have Already Cast More Ballots Than In 2016 Primary. Statewide turnout is ahead of early voting in past years as Hawaii conducts its first all-mail election. Civil Beat.

Oahu voter turnout surpasses 2016 total with 4 days to spare. The number of Oahu voters who have turned in their primary election ballots has exceeded the total number of votes cast in the 2016 primary, according to numbers released by the city Elections Division late Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

What To Do If You Haven’t Received Your Mail-In Ballot Yet. Civil Beat.

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Construction Helps Drive the Local Economy in Tourism’s Absence. Projects big and small, public and private, keep construction as the major economic sector with the fewest layoffs. Hawaii Business magazine

Processing of residential building permits on Oahu is expected to be easier under changes that have been put into place by the city Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

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Vlogger arrested for violating Hawaii's quarantine rule ordered to make social media PSA. As part of Mika Salamanca's deferred guilty plea, the court ordered her to do a public service announcement on her social media accounts that Hawaii officials must approve. KITV4.

Kapi'olani Community College reports a student tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last on campus on July 30th. KITV4.

With teachers back on campus, staff member at Iliahi Elementary tests positive for covid. A confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported in a staff member at Iliahi Elementary School in Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ballots pouring in: Elections Division machines sort, count ballots. Deep in the basement of the county building in Hilo, a mammoth machine whizzes through up to 18,000 ballot envelopes an hour, slices them open, time- and date-stamps them, checks the thickness to ensure they contain ballots, verifies signatures and sorts them by precinct. West Hawaii Today.

Conversations on Geofence, Resort Bubbles Move Forward. Conversations between Hawai‘i County and Big Island resort concerns are moving forward on the concept of a resort bubble that could allow tourists to return safely to the island, but questions around the proposal continue to outnumber answers. Big Island Now.

Honua Ola and Life of the Land square off again. Motions are filed with the Public Utilities Commission on both sides in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s continued legal battle to get the almost-completed 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant in Pepeekeo online. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 case tied to Hilo dialysis center confirmed; Waimea courthouse employee also tests positive. A case of COVID-19 associated with Liberty Dialysis in Hilo was confirmed, although officials on Tuesday would not say whether the case was in a patient or staff member. Tribune-Herald.

COVID-19 Hits Kaʻu Coffee Farmers With No Federal Aid In Sight. Harvest season is just around the corner for Hawaiʻi’s coffee farmers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out much of the market to sell what local coffee growers are producing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Visitor officials looking at ‘resort bubbles’. Industry official says it’s the ‘best Plan B’. The visitor industry on Maui is looking at creating “resort bubbles” or “geo-fencing” with visitor arrivals down 99 percent in June and the Sept. 1 lifting of the quarantine requirement for trans-Pacific travelers looking dimmer as new COVID-19 cases statewide hit triple digits daily. Maui News.

Ten of the 23 shelters at Waiale park are occupied. 64-square-foot units holds 2 beds, power and air conditioning. The units, built in May in the park between Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center and Hale Makana O Waiale apartments, are meant to house individuals, couples or families who were displaced as a result of COVID-19. Maui News.

Federal Agent Honored During Final Sendoff at Kahului Airport. A final sendoff was held at Kahului Airport today for Special Agent John Bost III, who died a week ago today in what officials have deemed an accidental death in the line of duty, while serving at the Kihei Police Station in South Maui. Maui Now.

ATF agent killed in accidental shooting honored with final salute on Maui. Members of Maui’s law enforcement community paused Tuesday to remember Special Agent John Bost III. Hawaii News Now.

Public Invited to Review Maui Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. The public is invited to review and comment on the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s update to the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to address threats such as wildfires, beach erosion and highway rockslides. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua'i County creates Mahalo Green Card Placard program to differentiate between travelers and those subject to quarantine. Mayor Derek Kawakami told KITV4 that it is very difficult to differentiate between interisland travelers and those subject to quarantine. So Kaua'i County created the Mahalo Green Card Placard Program. KITV.

Potential resort bubble idea has governor support. The county is currently forging away on a “Plan B” resort bubble that would confine visitors to a property to quarantine. Garden Island.

How are mail-in ballots counted? Eight volunteers sit about six feet apart at desks with stacks of envelopes in front of them on Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i National Guard troops head home. The evidence of going home was electric in the gathering of Hawai‘i National Guard troops at a nondescript gate at the Lihu‘e Airport, Tuesday morning. Garden Island.

Bad behavior, spiraling COVID-19 cases, has Hawaii officials clamping down, rethinking lifting quarantine, may close parks and beaches again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Kai on Sunday. PC:JW Facebook post

Large weekend gatherings cause concern over enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions. Several large gatherings across the state are drawing criticism. KITV4.

A surge in COVID-19 cases causes state officials to consider tighter restrictions. Ige also said he might delay the state’s plan to waive on Sept. 1 the 14-day quarantine for transpacific visitors who test negative for the coronavirus. State officials said Monday they’re aiming to step up enforcement of COVID-19 rules against social gathering — especially at the beaches — following what Gov. David Ige called a tough week of more than 500 cases, including a single-day record of 207 announced on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept.: Hawaii residents acting ‘like there isn’t a pandemic we are dealing with’. With another record-setting number of new cases reported in Hawaii this week, coronavirus is now ‘entrenched in our community,’ state officials said Monday ― and Hawaii residents, they claim, are letting down their guard at the worst possible time. Hawaii News Now.

As state plans reopening, Health Director says COVID-19 ‘endemic’. Gov. David Ige indicated Monday the Sept. 1 date to allow trans-Pacific air travel without a 14-day quarantine for visitors who get a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding a Hawaii-bound plane isn’t written in stone. Tribune-Herald.

State Health Director Warns Coronavirus Is Widespread On Oahu. The governor says more needs to be done to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii, but did not announce any new actions on Monday. Civil Beat.

Quarantine loopholes continue as more visitors, residents enter the state. Despite the state’s ongoing mandatory quarantine, there was a big jump in visitor numbers over the weekend. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 1,701 visitors arrived in the state between Aug. 1-2, 2020. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Health Director on COVID-19: “Weak Link is Prevention”. The governor pointed out it is a result of community spread and that people have been relaxing and letting their guard down. Maui Now.

Gatherings On Oahu Limited To 10 Or Fewer. People who gather in groups larger than 10 risk a $5,000 fine or up to a year in jail. Civil Beat.

DOH director meets with Honolulu officials, beach closures could be next. As tens of thousands of tourists would be doing in any other given year, Hawaii Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson set his sights on beaches Monday. KHON2.

COVID-19 hospitalizations increasing across Oahu. After multiple days of COVID-19 numbers in the hundreds, major hospitals in Oahu like Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii all say they have seen a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past few weeks. KHON2.

Officials threaten to close more state parks if people continue large gatherings. State officials are threatening more enforcement on Hawaii’s beaches and at state parks after seeing large gatherings on shorelines over the weekend.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i counted 207 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, shattering the statewide record for daily coronavirus figures, but it won’t change day-to-day life on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

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Members of State House of Representatives and state economist say public should know 'where' and 'how' people are contracting COVID-19. On Monday members of the State House of Representatives COVID-19 team stated publicly that they want the Department of Health to release more information about where and how people are getting sick with the coronavirus in Hawai'i. KITV4.

House COVID-19 Committee: We Need More Info From Health Department. House Speaker Scott Saiki says he is concerned that the state Department of Health is refusing to release the kind of information people need to make good decisions. Civil Beat.

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Governor Ige Questioned On Pandemic Restrictions. Representatives of various Hawaiʻi business associations on Monday had the chance to directly question Governor David Ige on some of the State's COVID-19 policies. Big Island Video News.

State needs additional contact tracers, critics say. As Hawaii’s COVID-19 counts surge — there were more than 500 new cases over the past week, including 207 on Monday alone — frustrations are mounting that the state doesn’t have enough contact tracers to prevent officials from reverting to lockdowns to contain the spread. Star-Advertiser.

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State has another record reporting day. The highest, single-day record of new positive COVID-19 cases is being reported by the Dept. of Health today, at 207. Garden Island.

VIRUS TRACKER — Aug. 3: 207 New Cases, More Than Half From Delayed Results. Nearly all the cases are on Oahu, where there have now been 2,083 cases identified since March. Civil Beat.

The Latest: 207 Cases; 9 First-Responders COVID-19 Positive; Lag In Tests Impacting Contact Tracing. Hawaii Public Radio.

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30,000 isle workers may have opted out of job market in July. With COVID-19 cases surging and Hawaii’s economy struggling, as many as 30,000 workers could have taken themselves out of the state’s labor market last month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines possible layoffs revealed. Employees could be laid off as early as October. Employees from Daniel k. Inouye, Hilo, Kahului, Kailua-Kona and Lihu'e airport are expected to be affected along with employees from the corporate headquarters in Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii students create a youth-oriented voter guide. A hui of college and secondary school students known as Ho‘ohuli have created an online voter guide geared toward their generation and the mission embodied in their name, which means to turn, to change or to reform. Star-Advertiser.

Vintage warbirds populate Navy flattop for 75th anniversary end-of-WWII events in Hawaii. Fourteen vintage warbirds, including a polished aluminum 1944 B-25 bomber, are headed to Hawaii courtesy of U.S. Navy lift on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex for aerial flyovers commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Blangiardi Holds Double-Digit Lead In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. But Hanabusa and Amemiya are tied for second and will likely force a runoff in November. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Steve Alm Still Ahead In Race For Honolulu Prosecutor. Building on a lead that was clear in May, former judge, prosecutor and U.S. attorney Steve Alm is well ahead of his five main competitors for Honolulu prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Andria Tupola, Calvin Say lead Council candidates in campaign spending. Two candidates for Honolulu City Council who have extensive political track records are the ones collecting and spending the most, according to financial reports filed with the state Campaign Spending Commission last week. Star-Advertiser.

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Sacred Hearts Academy confirms student tested positive for COVID-19. Sacred Hearts Academy revealed a student tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 2. KHON2.

Some worry ‘there’s no contingency plan’ for COVID at Hawaii’s public housing. An employee at Mayor Wright Public Housing has tested positive for COVID-19 and some are concerned about how the Hawaii Public Housing Authority is handling the situation. Hawaii News Now.

Ward Village condo sales still rising despite COVID-19. Honolulu’s biggest condominium tower producer is selling more new homes despite the coronavirus pandemic that has sapped much of Hawaii’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

South Kohala Court Closes After Employee Tests COVID-19 Positive. The courthouse, located in the Waimea Civic Center complex, will be closed on Tuesday, after the first confirmed case of a Judiciary employee statewide. Big Island Video News.

South Kohala District Court Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. A South Kohala District Court employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawaii State Judiciary announced today. This is the only confirmed case of any Judiciary employee statewide. Big Island Now.

Responsible tourism: County lays out five-year plan for visitors, residents. Hawaii County last week released its five-year strategic tourism plan, a guiding document to help ensure responsible tourism that respects the Big Island’s communities and natural and cultural resources. Tribune-Herald.

Site of former homeless camp draws just one bid at auction. A lot in downtown Hilo that was the site of a troublesome homeless camp received only one extremely low bid at auction last month, but that sale will likely be blocked, a county official said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Interview: “We Need a Few Good Weeks to Get Us Back On Track”. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino continued to express frustrations over large gatherings and drum circle activity as the state continues to record new COVID-19 activity.  His comments come on the heels of new rules that went into effect in Maui County on Friday that limit indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people, and prohibit the use of large structures that may attract gatherings, such as tents and pavilions at parks and beaches. Maui Now.

Lanai sees boost in census response. Greater participation is needed in East Maui, on Molokai. Maui News.

Kauai

Sustainability search. The agriculture and tourism industries were two of the hardest hit and are prominent local industries that have a significant economic impact on Kaua‘i’s economy. Garden Island.

Superintendent Paul Zina gets busy with official duties. It’s been a month since Paul Zina started his official duties as the new Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, and he has already given back to the community through various events and faced COVID-19 issues head-on when it came to reopening public schools on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

KHS, COK still negotiating details for FY2021. Kaua‘i Humane Society is currently operating on a short-term contract with the County of Kaua‘i that is extending the Fiscal Year 2020 services through August, and is providing more time for the two entities to negotiate their contract for the FY 2021. Garden Island.

Hawaii workers, unemployed, hope for federal relief, Green warns COVID-19 uptick could lead to shutdown, candidates gear up for final week before primary election, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Shopping in the COVID era ©2020 All Hawaii News

Workers balance the need for a paycheck with the risk of contracting COVID-19. This push and pull is playing out throughout Hawaii, but perhaps nowhere near as poignantly as among Hawaii’s school and hotel workers, who have sought to delay reopenings until they are assured that workers can return to their jobs safely. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of Hawaii residents wait on federal COVID relief package decision. The federal government is still discussing whether they will extend the $600 plus up or lower the weekly amount for those who remain unemployed. KHON2.

Hawaii To Lose More Than $400M Per Month Without Extension of Unemployment Supplement. In Hawaii, there are more than 173,000 valid claims for unemployment benefits, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. That roughly works out to an extra $416 million injected into the local economy every month by the federal government. Hawaii Public Radio.

Benefits for Hawaii’s unemployed cut by more than half after Congress fails to act. The extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits from the federal government ends Friday, and negotiations will continue through the weekend. Hawaii News Now.

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With cases increasing at a distressing rate, Lt. Gov. Josh Green says a statewide lockdown might be the only way out. Hawaii’s positive COVID-19 cases went back to triple digits Sunday, adding another data point to a surge that is bringing the state closer to another widespread lockdown and garnering national attention. Star-Advertiser.

Local COVID-19 saliva test could help turn pandemic’s tide, doctors say. Local COVID-19 saliva test could help turn pandemic’s tide, doctors say. Star-Advertiser.

Recovered COVID-19 patients are being urged to donate their blood plasma. With COVID cases and hospitalizations on the rise, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is renewing their call for convalescent plasma donations from people who have beat the virus. It’s a special treatment being used to help severely ill COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Chamber To Ige, Caldwell: Reconsider Bar Closure, No More Delays. Chamber of Commerce Hawaii on Saturday called on Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to roll back the rollback on Oahu bars, which have been shut down for three weeks in the wake of COVID-19 clusters at two establishments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suffering Hawaii Businesses Speak Out During Online Rally. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi held a “SOS Biz Rally” via online videoconference on Saturday, in order to raise awareness on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted local business in the islands.  Big Island Video News.

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Only 1 major candidate running to succeed Tulsi Gabbard. Kai Kahele, a Democrat, is so far ahead of everyone else that he has been spending the final four months before this week’s primary on active duty helping the Hawaii National Guard respond to the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning. Associated Press.

Voters consider OHA candidates' stances on native Hawaiian issues. Political analyst Sue Hanglund says the growing support for native Hawaiian advocates will help decide this year's elections. KITV4.

Why Does Hawaii Have Such Low Voter Turnout? Here’s What The Data Says. Despite the pandemic, this could be the year that election participation starts to improve. Civil Beat.

How Hawaii’s New Voting System Could Help Disabled Voters. Voters with disabilities have better access to ballots than in most other states, including the ability to vote electronically. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii Wanted To Save Insurance Money. People Died. A new study shows the impacts of a 2015 decision to cut health insurance for some of the state’s poorest and sickest residents. Civil Beat.

Many Hawaii private schools gearing up for in-person instruction. Many private schools in Hawaii will start the new academic year with in-person classes, and some small campuses are ready to get rolling as soon as this week. Star-Advertiser.

State must limit plastic pollution near beaches, EPA says. Two of Hawaii’s water bodies — at Kamilo Beach on the Big Island and Tern Island at French Frigate Shoals — are “impaired” by plastic pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and in violation of the federal Clean Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

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Missing Data Pushes COVID-19 Counts Artificially Low. COVID-19 cases registered in the double-digits across all islands Sunday, with 45 confirmed statewide. However, the state Department of Health acknowledged Sunday that both numbers are likely low. Big Island Now.

Reporting delays impact virus numbers. The daily reporting of positive COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i has been temporarily affected by missing data on Saturday and again Sunday from Clinical Laboratories of Hawai‘i, a major private laboratory conducting most of tests in the state. Garden Island.

The Latest: 45 New Cases, But Lag In Tests Impacts Numbers; 7 HFD, 2 EMS Workers Now Positive. The state Department of Health reported 45 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, but a lag in test results is both providing an incomplete and inaccurate count of the infections and slowing contact tracing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Managing Director ‘Subject’ Of Federal Investigation. Unlike other city officials under investigation by the feds, Amemiya will not be going on leave, city officials say. Civil Beat.

Bar owners feel regulations they face are ‘overwhelming’ as closures begin. It’s the first weekend since Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued his order to temporarily shut down bars, but the decision to do so still leaves many with questions. Hawaii News Now.

9 first responders test positive for COVID-19 within a week.  More workers who provide emergency services like firefighters and emergency service workers are testing positive for COVID-19. KHON2.

Second EMS worker tests positive for COVID-19. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services now says two of their employees have contracted COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Police Reform, Pandemic Top Issues For Candidates In City Council Race. District 9 includes Kapolei, where local leaders have long tried to create a “second city” alternative to Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kim’s friends, employees chip in, Roth maintains strong money lead as election draws nigh. Mayor Harry Kim’s reelection campaign is getting by with a little help from his friends. And his employees. West Hawaii Today.

Only the names have changed: Honolulu super PAC resurfaces in West Hawaii race. In a replay of a 2014 West Hawaii council race, a powerful Honolulu pro-construction political action committee has targeted a sitting councilwoman by standing up a well-financed challenger in an attempt to unseat her. West Hawaii Today.

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Plaintiffs seek judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state over its management of land around the Maunakea Access Road are seeking partial summary judgment in the case. West Hawaii Today.

Inside the operation: HPM touts modular housing as controversial bill comes up for final reading. The old carpenters’ adage, “measure twice, cut once” is taken to a new level at HPM Building Supply’s Keaau factory, where computers do the measuring and lasers show where to make the cuts and attach the hardware. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Farmers Market upgrade plagued by more delays. Oft-delayed improvements at Hilo Farmers Market have hit yet another wall — literally. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Under the updated rules issued on July 31, 2020, no TVR may be designated as a quarantine location; however, new or intended residents may use a long-term rental for their 14-day mandatory quarantine. A long-term rental unit can be used only once as a quarantine location in any six-month period. Maui Now.

Groups call for better access for rural and displaced voters. Nonprofit and civil rights groups are calling for more voter service centers in Maui County to help registered voters who live in remote areas or are homeless and lack traditional mail services. Maui News.

PPP loans keep Maui businesses afloat, but future is uncertain. Some see revenue, clients return, while others waiting. Multimillion-dollar loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program have helped keep many Maui businesses and nonprofits afloat, but some are worried that another surge in cases and the delayed return of tourism could set them back again. Maui News.

Kauai

KPD joins interisland bomb squad. The Kaua‘i Police Department has joined the Hawai‘i Police Department and Maui Police Department in forming the first-ever Hawai‘i Interisland Bomb Squad. Garden Island.

This Kauai Talk Show Is One Facebook Livestream You Don’t Want To Miss. Some of the state’s most prominent figures drop by regularly to discuss island issues and the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison to build 5 unusual luxury homes on Lanai. The fifth-richest person in the world, who already owns most of the homes on Hawaii’s sixth-largest island, plans to build an unusual group of new residences on Lanai. *Star-Advertiser.

Ige vetoes unemployment payments from CARES bill, COVID-19 cases hit another record 124, BOE delays schools opening to Aug. 17, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige removes mask at July 28 press conference. Facebook video.

Gov. David Ige vetoes additional unemployment insurance, hoping Congress acts. Gov. David Ige vetoed a spending plan that would have added $100 in state weekly unemployment benefits in the era of COVID-19, hoping that an embattled Congress will continue supplementing state benefits at something close to the current, weekly level of $600 in additional federal aid. Star-Advertiser.

Ige uses line-item veto on virus relief bill. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he would exercise his line-item veto on a bill appropriating federal coronavirus relief funds. The governor’s move eliminates $230 million set aside for a $100 additional weekly payment to unemployed individuals. Associated Press.

Governor Ige Modifies Budget, COVID-19 Relief Bill. Governor Ige repeated that Hawaiʻi is facing enormous budget challenges as a result of COVID-19, and that difficult decisions will have to be made. Big Island Video News.

Ige Shelves $230 Million in State Unemployment Aid, Vetoes Other Items in State Budget Bill. Governor David Ige will sign the state’s budget bill into law, with some notable omissions. Big Island Now.

Ige vetoes portions of CARES funding bill. Governor David Ige has signed Senate Bill 126, expending CARES Act funding before it expires at the end of the year, with eight line-item vetoes. Garden Island.

Governor Ige making modifications to budget, coronavirus relief bill with line-item vetoes. The state's budget is a big concern for Governor David Ige and there's even more concern about another record day of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii with 124. KITV4.

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States, Including Hawaii, Slow To Spend COVID-19 Relief Aid. State and local governments received $150 billion through a federal coronavirus relief program, but a new report shows they have yet to spend much of the money. Civil Beat.

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Tourism free fall: June arrivals down 98%. Hawaii tourism plummeted again in June — the third month in a row that visitor arrivals fell more than 98% from the same month last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Visitor Arrivals Dropped 98% In June. The Hawaii Tourism Authority says COVID-19 “severely impacted” the state’s tourism industry. Civil Beat.

Visitor numbers on upward trend despite pandemic. Nearly twice as many visitors arrived in the state in June than in May, despite the ongoing ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.


Experts Predict ‘Shocking’ Income Drop For Hawaii Residents As Tourism Shutdown Continues. More businesses will close in the weeks ahead unless tourism resumes soon, financial forecasters say. Total personal income for Hawaii residents will decline by 7% this calendar year and will remain flat in 2021 because of more anticipated fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and the tourism shutdown, according to a panel of experts that projects overall income data and tax collections for the state. Civil Beat.

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State looking at solutions to speed up Pandemic Unemployment Assistance identification process. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it will be making an announcement soon on a solution that will speed up the process for many. However, for now, it remains slow. KHON2.

Amid rampant unemployment, some employers on hiring binge. Unemployment in Hawaii is through the roof due to the new coronavirus, yet some companies are in major hiring mode. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Board of Education Approves Delay To New School Year. The modified start follows a strong union-led push to provide more time for more teacher training and preparation. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public schools set to start Aug. 17. The state Board of Education voted to push back the start of the academic year to Aug. 17 for public school students as cases of COVID-19 surged to a new high in Hawaii on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai'i public schools to start August 17, Board of Education rules. The meeting was scheduled to go from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. but more than two and a half hours of public testimony resulted in the Board of Education ruling that public schools will start on August 17. KITV4.

BOE approves delay to start date; students now will return Aug. 17. Hawaii’s students will return to school nearly two weeks later than initially planned after the state Board of Education approved a recommendation to delay their start to Aug. 17. Tribune-Herald.

Board of Education Approves Postponement of 2020-21 School Year to Aug. 17. The Hawai‘i Board of Education voted Thursday to delay the start of school until Aug. 17 days before classes were scheduled to begin this Tuesday. Big Island Now.

BOE votes to delay reopening of public schools until Aug. 17. The extra time is designed to give teachers, principals, and other staff members time to prepare for the return of students to campuses and train on distance learning tools. Hawaii News Now.

Schools to open Aug. 17. The state Board of Education has approved the delay of welcoming students back to public-school campuses to Monday, Aug. 17. Garden Island.

Hawaiʻi School Board Votes to Approve Delayed Start of School by Two Weeks. The Hawaiʻi Board of Education today voted to postpone the start of the school year by two weeks to Aug. 17, 2020. Maui Now.

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Labor Unions Spend Heavily Trying To Sway Hawaii Elections. Political action committees are giving money to a suite of candidates running in state and local races. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Avoided Large Outbreaks At Care Homes. Can We Keep It That Way? Owners of small care homes say existing guidance is confusing, resources are scarce and they are not trained to deal with outbreaks of this nature. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 124 new coronavirus cases in a single day, another record high. It’s the second consecutive day that Hawaii has reported a triple-digit increase in new COVID-19 infections ― and the fifth record high in seven days. Hawaii News Now.

The Latest: 124 New Cases; Rollbacks Possible As New Cases Surge. Hawaii had another record-setting day today with 124 new cases of COVID-19, the state Department of Health reported. That overtakes yesterday's record of 109 new COVID-19 cases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Mayor Kirk Caldwell announces three-week closure of Oahu bars amid record-high coronavirus-related cases in Hawaii. Several bars have been cited for violating social distancing and mask-wearing rules. Two Honolulu bars were found to be associated with as many as 12 cases of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Bars To Close For Three Weeks Starting Friday. After closing down two Chinatown bars for violations, the city is ordering the shutdown of all bars. Civil Beat.

City closes bars for 3 weeks amid growing spread of COVID-19. Under a city order approved by the governor, bars on Oahu will be closed for “at least” three weeks as authorities try to rein in a surge in COVID-19 infections. The shutdown goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Business owners unsure if bar closure applies to them. The Honolulu mayor said the spike in COVID-19 cases is behind his decision to close down bars starting Friday, but for owners of taprooms that also serve food, it could become confusing to know how exactly the mandate applies to them. KHON2.

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Two Honolulu Firefighters Test Positive For COVID-19. Everyone who works at the Hawaii Kai fire station has been ordered to quarantine for two weeks. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa, Esser Surge In Campaign Cash In Race For Mayor, Prosecutor. Keith Amemiya and Steve Alm have raised and spent the most overall but their challengers gained momentum in the month leading up to the primary. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Candidate Dwight Nadamoto: 'Mr. Kaneshiro Isn't Running For Office, I'm Running'. Dwight Nadamoto is the acting prosecutnig attorney for Honolulu. He was appointed to the position after current prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro took paid leave shortly after receiving a target letter from a federal grand jury. Hawaii Public Radio.

Isle voter turnout surging in first-ever all-mail election. The number of primary election ballots collected by the Honolulu Elections Division to date is eclipsing the number of absentee votes cast in the 2016 primary election — with 10 days to spare before the official Aug. 8 Election Day. Star-Advertiser.

As Kalihi coronavirus clusters form, so do longer lines at testing centers. As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increase on Oahu, Kalihi has been identified as one of the areas where clusters are popping up ― and on Thursday at the Kalihi Kai Urgent Care, there was a crowd of people outside waiting to get tested. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

TMT Proposes NSF Process To Move Forward. University of California Regents on Thursday discussed UC involvement with the Thirty Meter Telescope, and were given an update on the TMT request to the National Science Foundation to help bolster the project. Big Island Video News.

California university might review support for TMT project. The planned Thirty Meter Telescope landed on the meeting agenda of the University of California Board of Regents on Thursday as invited Native Hawaiian speakers on both sides of the hot topic argued their cases before a key TMT partner institution. Star-Advertiser.

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Kona Community Hospital names new CEO. James “Jim” Lee will assume the position on Aug. 10, filling a role that interim CEO Jay Kreuzer has held since April after coming out of retirement after his replacement, Anna Chiotti, went on leave just two months into the job. West Hawaii Today.

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Over 12 Acres In Kona Purchased For Preservation. The purchased lands will preserve numerous pre-historic and historic cultural sites and structures on the property, including a burial complex and the Kauakaiakaola Heiau. Big Island Video News.

County purchases Puapuaa acreage in Kona. The Puapuaa properties located makai of Alii Drive will now officially belong to the people of Hawaii County following the purchase of more than 12 acres in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

New vendor taking over animal control contract. Starting Saturday, Hawaii Rainbow Rangers — a branch of Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary — will be taking over the animal control responsibilities previously conducted by the Hawaii Island Humane Society. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

New Maui Rules Limit Social Gatherings to 10 People Max, Starting Friday July 31. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino announced today updated Public Health Emergency Rules that limit indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people. Maui Now.

Mayor Michael Victorino to limit indoor and outdoor gatherings to 10 for Maui County. Victorino has sent his update to the county’s Public Health Emergency Rules, which applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings, to Gov. David Ige for approval. Star-Advertiser.

Commission, CPAC chairs face conflict allegations. Developer ties, Pulelehua pact payments questioned. The Maui Planning Commission began its review of the draft West Maui Community Plan on Tuesday night amid questions about possible separate conflict of interest claims involving the heads of the commission and the West Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee. Maui News.

Kauai

Workweek hearing continues. The case wades into whether the county willfully and intentionally violated collective-bargaining laws in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 89, by modifying employee work conditions and failing to work toward a mutual-consent agreement before switching to a four-day, 10-hour workweek. Garden Island.

Community asks to clean up Polihale. Some community members on Kaua‘i are hoping they’ll be allowed to help clean up Polihale State Park, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking people to hold off on entering the park so that the place can rest. Garden Island.

Record 109 COVID-19 cases has Hawaii officials revisiting restrictions, closing bars, tents, umbrellas may be banned from beaches, House Speaker Saiki faces election challenge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Green displays infection numbers at July 29, 2020, press conference. Facebook Live.

Hawaii sees record 109 new coronavirus cases; active infections total 624 statewide. Hawaii recorded 109 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, marking the highest daily count since the pandemic emerged in the islands in February. Star-Advertiser.

After 109 new cases in a single day, state considers reinstating some COVID-19 mandates. Hawaii reported a jaw-dropping 109 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, in a record single-day high that’s prompting the state to consider imposing new restrictions on bars or closing them entirely and limiting the size of gatherings. Hawaii News Now.

109 new COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday, setting new single-day record. Wednesday, another single-day record for COVID-19 cases in Hawaii has been set,  which had been anticipated due to lab closures from Hurricane Douglas Saturday through Monday. KITV4.

Gov. Ige to reinstate COVID-19 restrictions. Gov. David Ige said today he will take action to “reinstate some of the measures we’ve relaxed over the last few weeks” in the fight against COVID-19 in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Officials Weigh New Restrictions As Virus Count Spikes On Oahu. State and county officials are discussing what possible measures to put in place as the state monitors more than 580 active infections and continues to see record numbers of new daily cases. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i’s Triple Digit Case Count Has Officials Considering Reinstatement of Measures. Governor David Ige this afternoon discussed the state’s triple-digit case count today, calling for limits on social gatherings, a look at the potential closure of bars (which has already been requested by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell), and considering limitations on gatherings at beaches and parks. Maui Now.

Ige in Talks With Mayors About Reinstating Gathering Restrictions. Gov. David Ige is looking at reinstating some restrictions due to the spike in COVID-19 cases statewide. Big Island Now.

Counties ask residents to rethink leisure travel as conversations continue on reinstating inter-island quarantine. There is a little more than a month left before Hawaii Governor David Ige plans to reopen Hawaii to trans-Pacific travel. KHON2.

Mayors consider bringing back restrictions as COVID-19 infections rise. The recent spike in coronavirus cases in Hawaii has county mayors asking the governor to roll back re-openings and reinstate restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

109 New Cases. Hawaii Gov. David Ige says he is very concerned about today's record 109 COVID-19 cases, even though the spike was anticipated given the July 4th gatherings and other summer get-togethers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lieutenant Governor Green says hospital systems can handle the medical demand right now. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green says never before have we been in a circumstance where what we do affects our neighbors as much. KITV4.

Ige wants tighter rules after surge in COVID-19 cases. Because of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, Gov. David Ige during a news conference Wednesday said he is proposing Hawaii’s four counties reinstate measures — initially implemented to curb the spread of the virus — that have been relaxed in recent weeks. Tribune-Herald.

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Centrist House speaker faces primary challenge from progressive community organizer. House Speaker Scott Saiki is facing a primary election challenge from progressive community organizer Kim Coco Iwamoto. Hawaii News Now.

 Alleged Oahu Crime Boss’ Nightclub Was A Popular Place For Political Fundraisers. M Nightclub had a reputation as a rough place but political office-seekers didn’t seem to mind. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii income forecast coming amid troubled economy. The Council on Revenues’ latest projection for Hawaii’s total personal income for the year is scheduled to come out this afternoon amid a precarious economy, in which a $600 weekly federal lifeline for unemployed workers across the country is set to expire this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines may have to cut more than 2,000 jobs. Hawaiian Airlines, the state’s largest carrier, gave a 60-day notice to its labor unions today that it might have to furlough more than 2,000 union workers in departments across the company. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell reiterates proposal to close bars, wants to ban tents in parks to discourage gatherings. Gov. David Ige said he agrees with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell that Oahu bars should be shut down for three weeks to stem the spread of COVID-19 as Hawaii recorded its highest number of COVID-19 infections to date. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu looks to outlaw large tents at beaches and parks. With Governor David Ige and Hawaii’s county mayors uniting to outlaw large gatherings to no more than groups of 10, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says he has a plan to stop those from happening on Oahu’s beaches: no large tents. KHON2.

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TV personality Tiny Tadani arrested for breaking 14-day COVID-19 quarantine. The state’s Department of the Attorney General arrested television producer Tiny Tadani today for violating Hawaii’s 14-day mandatory coronavirus travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

Local Celebrity, Tiny Tadani Arrested for Alleged Quarantine Violation. Maui Now.

Tiny Tadani arrested for violating 14-day quarantine. Special Agents from the Investigations Division of the Dept. of the Attorney General arrested 57-year-old Tiny Nitro Tadani at a vendor booth on Ward Avenue this morning. KITV4.

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Now on hold, Topgolf won’t be coming to Oahu anytime soon. Global sports entertainment chain Topgolf has temporarily paused their plans to come to Hawaii. Topgolf says the $50 million dollar development project at the Ala Wai golf course is on hold due to the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Cachola, Ganaden Have Rematch To Represent Kalihi District In Hawaii House. A seasoned politician squares off against a political newcomer who almost unseated him two years ago. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim wants residents to remain vigilant, has no plans for changes to COVID-19 policies. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim urged residents Wednesday afternoon to keep practicing physical distancing and to wear their masks in light of the recent surge in new coronavirus cases announced earlier in the day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii State, County Officials Hold News Conferences After Record COVID Count. Hawaiʻi County did not identify any new cases of COVID-19 today. However, the threat of the spread of the coronavirus continues to impact life on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Stands Pat as State Mulls Re-Implementing Coronavirus Restrictions. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday he’s in discussions with mayors from all major Hawaiian Islands about re-implementing some social restrictions following the state’s worst virus spike yet. Big Island Now.

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PUC decision holds Hawaii Island electric rates steady. The Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday rejected Hawaiian Electric’s request for a rate increase for customers on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today.

Start of TMT construction may be delayed 3 years. Construction of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope could face considerable delay — perhaps as much as three or more years — if new federal regulatory hurdles are placed in front of the $2.4 billion astronomy project planned for Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser.

Waikoloa couple sues Ige, Kim over quarantine. A married Waikoloa couple is suing the state, Gov. David Ige and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, alleging Ige and Kim overextended and overstepped their emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic — including telling the husband he couldn’t sleep with his wife for 14 days because of the quarantine on travelers arriving from out of state. Tribune-Herald.

Woman who stole thousands from a lava-ravaged charter school is sentenced. A former financial officer of a Hawaii Island charter school has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $629,000. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly all restaurants, stores at Hilo mall are now reopened. Almost all stores and restaurants in Prince Kuhio Plaza have reopened since closing during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Recommending Reduction in Gatherings and No Tents or Umbrellas at Beaches. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will be making several recommendations amid a record triple-digit single day increase today in new COVID-19 cases. Maui Now.

57-unit luxury condo project proposed in Wailea. Homes geared mostly toward part-time residents. Maui News.

Maui Lani roundabout opens today. Kamehameha Avenue-Maui Lani Parkway intersection was closed for six weeks. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i confirms two more COVID-19 cases. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami announced the two new cases in a public social media address on Wednesday, saying it is a good reminder that any off-island travel poses risks, especially as the cases across the state and nation continue to rise. Travel only if you must. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery offers learning kits. The Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery center is still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but free Grab-&-Go Ocean Learning kits will be distributed to students and families, Friday from noon to 2 p.m. outside of the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery center at the Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

Molokai

Mayor Victorino Celebrates Blessing of New $7.7 Million Moloka‘i Baseyard. Mayor Michael Victorino celebrated the blessing and dedication ceremony Tuesday of the new $7.7 million Molokaʻi Baseyard in Hoʻolehua. Maui Now.

Honolulu grocers hit by COVID-19, Young Brothers threatens to stop interisland shipping without 47% rate hike, Kauai park shut down after bad behavior, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coconut climber at Polynesian Cultural Center ©2020 All Hawaii News

COVID-19 leads to layoffs at The Polynesian Cultural Center. Approximately 30% of the 260 full-time employee workforce may be reduced by September 26, 2020. KITV4.

Shipper asks for ruling on rates by Aug. 17. Young Brothers says it may be forced to discontinue interisland services and furlough employees if the state Public Utilities Commission does not approve its emergency request for a 47 percent rate hike by Aug. 17. Maui News.

Gov. Ige weighs in on Hawaii CARES Act spending. Governor Ige is still deciding whether to sign or veto a bill that outlines how lawmakers want the state’s $635 million in CARES Act money to be spent. KHON2.

Economy: The First ‘Cliff’ Is Almost Here And A Second One Is Looming. Billions in federal relief dollars run out this week while community and political leaders work to soften a second possibly worse blow at the end of the year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Huge Stake In Negotiations Over Federal COVID-19 Aid. Uncertainty surrounds the $600-per-week unemployment payments, virus testing and even public worker furloughs. Civil Beat.


Green talks tourism as virus cases continue uptick. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday there’s “good news, bad news” about the possibility of reopening Hawaii to tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii residents urged to take precautions as clusters of coronavirus cases proliferate. Dozens of COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized following numerous coronavirus outbreaks, including one in Kalihi among Pacific islanders living in large multigenerational households. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric points to financial assistance options as disconnections to resume Sept. 1. Hawaiian Electric is pointing customers to several financial assistance options for those having trouble paying bills during the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Workplace Drug Tests Show Less Use of Some Types of Drugs. Workplace drug tests taken in Hawai‘i during the pandemic show a decrease in the use of amphetamines, cocaine and opiates, while marijuana use has been on the rise. Hawaii Business magazine.

Coalition to consider legal action if state does not increase number of polling places. Three voting rights groups have given the state and counties a Friday deadline to commit to increasing the number of voter service centers or face legal action. West Hawaii Today.

Super PAC Spends $188K To Get Kahele To Congress. The nonpartisan With Honor Fund has ties to Jeff Bezos of Amazon and other billionaires. Civil Beat.

Education Spending Drives Races For Hawaii Legislature. The pandemic is spurring candidates to focus on how the Legislature and DOE will use limited funding for safety measures and access to distance learning. Civil Beat.

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Hawaiian Airlines plans to shrink 15% to 25%. Hawaiian Airlines is moving to raise cash and reduce staffing after reporting a significant second-quarter loss that continued the financial harm that emerged earlier this year from COVID-19 fears and containment policies. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines to cut workforce. During the company’s second quarter earnings call, CEO Peter Ingram said the recently completed quarter was incredibly challenging citing the 14-day quarantine as well as the recent cluster within the company. KHON2.

After dismal earnings report, Hawaiian Airlines expected to move ahead with layoffs. The company says it must move forward with layoffs after losing more than $100 million in its 2nd quarter earnings report. Hawaii News Now.

Mysterious unsolicited seed packets from China received by Hawaii residents. If you get an unsolicited packet of seeds from China, don’t open it. That’s the message from agriculture officials after multiple people received the mysterious packages. Hawaii News Now.

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Eight Thai Soldiers Test Positive For COVID-19 After Training In Hawaii. They were participating in the Army’s first large-scale exercise in Hawaii since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

8 Thai soldiers have virus following training in Hawaii. Asian media reported that eight out of 150 Thai army soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus days after returning to Thailand from participation in a big Schofield Barracks field training exercise on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii sees 47 new coronavirus-related cases as statewide total grows to 1,757. The new cases included 46 on Oahu and one in Maui County, according to the state Department of Health’s daily tally. Star-Advertiser.

DOH reports 28 new COVID-19 cases, pushing statewide total to 1,711. All of the cases were on Oahu, according to the COVID-19 Joint Information Center. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Mayor proposes 3-week shutdown of bars, mandatory mask wearing outside. In a bid to tamp down a worsening surge in new COVID-19 cases on Oahu, Honolulu’s mayor is proposing to shut down all bars on Oahu for three weeks, require mask wearing outdoors at all times, and limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Wants Bar, Mask Crackdown. A recent rash of COVID-19 cases on Oahu has Mayor Kirk Caldwell asking the governor’s permission to close bars and impose more strict mask requirements. Civil Beat.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell seeks 3-week closure of Oahu bars. Oahu bars would be forced to shut down for three weeks to allow the city time to “recalibrate” and come up with tighter regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 under a revised guideline that Mayor Kirk Caldwell is seeking from Gov. David Ige. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Caldwell asks DOH to be upfront with COVID-19 cases linked to businesses. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in a press conference Tuesday morning that he wants the Hawaii Department of Health to be more upfront with COVID-19 cases. KHON2.

Some call mayor’s proposed expansion of mask mandate government overreach. Hawaii News Now.

City employee in Dept. of Design and Construction tests positive for COVID-19.  City officials confirmed Tuesday that an employee who works in the Frank Fasi Municipal Building has tested positive for coronavirus. Hawaii News Now.

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3 Hawaii Costco employees contract coronavirus. Three Costco workers have tested positive for the coronavirus — two in Hawaii Kai and one in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

3 Costco employees at 2 Oahu locations test positive for COVID-19. Internal memos confirmed that at least three employees tested positive — one in Iwilei and two others in Hawaii Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Another Foodland employee tests positive for coronavirus. Another Foodland employee has tested positive for the coronavirus, this time at Foodland Farms Pearl City. Star-Advertiser.

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Father, son with COVID-19 forced into facility after breaking quarantine. A father and son who have tested positive for COVID-19 were ordered into quarantine at a facility on Tuesday after being detained at a strip mall in McCully. The state Health Department relied on a rarely-used authority to detain the two. Hawaii News Now.

McCully Shopping Center shuts down after father and son with COVID-19 were arrested in the parking lot. A busy shopping center put on lockdown on Tuesday after a father and son with COVID-19 were arrested for violating quarantine. KITV4.

Oahu businesses want $100M in city grants to pay for rent. A Hawaii business coalition is seeking $100 million in federal coronavirus aid from the city to benefit commercial property landlords and tenants. Star-Advertiser.

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.

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City buys McCully walk-up for low-income rentals. The city recently purchased a McCully Street apartment building that it will rent out to lower-income families, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Buys 10-Unit Building For Affordable Housing. As of 2019, Oahu needed over 22,000 new housing units by 2025, according to the state. Civil Beat.

City offers affordable housing with McCully Street property. The city unveiled a new affordable housing project on Tuesday. KHON2.

State Legislature sides with Nanakuli landfill opponents. State lawmakers recently passed a highly contested bill that would stop a planned expansion of a landfill in Nanakuli operated by PVT Land Co. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Hundreds who lost homes in 2018 eruption could be eligible for up to $230K. Former Puna residents whose homes were destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption can choose to sell their properties to the county through a nearly $80 million recovery program. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Physician Assistant Program Campus Approved. The new Kona campus of the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington "will be a game changer" for Hawaiʻi, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Big Island Video News.

A whale of a summer: research project continues in Hawaiian waters despite COVID. A unique partnership between marine biologist Dr. Robin Baird at Cascadia Research Collective and Colin Cornforth – the owner of Kona tour company Captain Zodiac – has ensured their summer field project has had a fruitful 21st year. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor is asking residents to limit interisland travel. As COVID-19 cases set daily records on Oahu along with an uptick on Maui, Mayor Michael Victorino is advising Maui County residents to postpone interisland leisure travel at this time and only fly between islands for essential business. Maui News.

Man Dies After Taser Struggle with Maui Police, Cause of Death is Undetermined. A 30 year-old Massachusetts man is dead following a taser struggle with Maui police in which he allegedly disarmed an officer of a Taser and proceeded to use the device on three different officers. Maui Now.

Stolen Oysters on Maui are Unfit for Human Consumption. Oysters that were destined for a research project on Maui were stolen last week and may have subsequently been sold at below-market prices on island. Maui Now.

Kauai

HLRB hears temporary workweek trial. County of Kaua‘i Managing Director Michael Dahilig testified that the temporary four-day, 10-hour work schedule was an operational decision necessary to reduce movement and the spread of coronavirus yesterday in a Hawai‘i Labor Relations Board hearing on merits via Zoom. Garden Island.

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Large gatherings, trucks driving over Hawaiian burial sites, widespread defecation force closure of Polihale State Park on Kauai. The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced it will close Kauai’s Polihale State Park indefinitely, citing bad behavior of residents, with abuse, illegal gatherings and camping. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai State Park Closed Indefinitely. State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said more state parks could face closure as the agency struggles to enforce park rules during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

State closes Kauai’s Polihate State Park, blaming ‘bad behavior’ of locals. The state is closing Kauai’s famous Polihale State Park indefinitely. Hawaii News Now.

Polihale State Park on Kauai closed due to people’s bad behavior. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s impossible to enforce park rules because of its size and isolated location. KHON2.

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Getting the vote out. The Voter Service Center was scheduled to open Monday, but that opening was delayed by the passage of Hurricane Douglas close to Kaua‘i late Sunday night, and into the early hours of Monday morning. Tuesday, the VSC opened to the public starting at 8 a.m. Garden Island.