Ige reassembles COVID-19 team, sets Oct. 15 tourism reopening date; VA 'tiger team' moves in after 15 veteran deaths; Hawaii Island beach closures extended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of Health Director Libby Char

 

Gov. David Ige announces Oct. 15 as the start of the state’s pre-arrivals testing program. Gov. David Ige has set Oct. 15 as the new date to launch a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Ige: Hawaii Will Launch Pre-Travel Testing Program Oct. 15. The long-awaited program to let travelers bypass quarantine is set for next month, but state leaders did not have all the details ironed out on how it will work. Civil Beat.

Pre-travel COVID-19 testing program for trans-Pacific visitors to begin Oct. 15. Ige on Wednesday announced the start of the often-delayed program, which will allow airline passengers to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine if they test negative for the coronavirus within 72 hours of arriving in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Facing mounting economic woes, Hawaii to launch pre-travel testing program Oct. 15. After being delayed for months, a much-touted pre-travel testing program that authorities say is a key step in rebooting the tourism industry will be launched Oct. 15, allowing trans-Pacific visitors to forgo a 14-day quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige sets mainland tourism to reopen Oct. 15. Governor David Ige has set a new date for reopening tourism to mainland travelers, pushing it back to Oct. 15. This will be the third time it has been delayed. KHON2.

Pre-Travel Testing Program Scheduled to Start Oct. 15. Hawai‘i’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program will launch on Oct. 15, Gov. David Ige announced in a press conference this afternoon. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing Program to Start Oct. 15. Governor David Ige this afternoon confirmed that the state’s pre-travel testing program will launch on Oct. 15, enabling travelers to get a COVID-19 test no earlier than 72 hours prior to their flight arrival in Hawai‘i to avoid the 14-day mandatory quarantine if the test comes back negative for the virus. Maui Now.

Ige: Pre-travel testing Oct. 15. Gov. David Ige has pushed back Hawai‘i’s pre-travel testing program to Oct. 15, and announced a new leadership team to realign the state’s COVID-19 efforts. Garden Island.

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Gov. David Ige assembles new COVID response team. After months of ambiguity in public policy to reopen the economy, Gov. David Ige announced a new leadership team Wednesday with the specific focus on restoring the state’s most important economic engine. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Ige announces new leadership team and realignment of COVID-19 efforts. The Governor hopes the pre-travel testing program can provide a much needed boost to the economy, but people need to be tested before boarding an airplane. KITV4.

New DOH director sets priorities for COVID-19 response. It was the first day on the job for Dr. Libby Char, the new Director of the Hawaii State Department of Health. KHON2.

Experts: New testing methods could speed up tourism’s reopening. New COVID-19 testing methods and better access to tests could make it safer for tourism to ramp up, experts say. Doctors still call the polymerise chain reaction, or PCR test, the gold standard. That will be the test the state requires under the pre-travel testing program set to launch Oct. 15. Hawaii News Now.

How accurate is the test for the pre-travel testing program and where can you get one? Only  a certain COVID-19 test will be accepted, which is the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). KHON2.

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Hawaii Has Spent Only A Small Fraction Of CARES Act Money. The state and neighbor island counties are required to expend nearly $863 million by the end of the year — or they will lose it. Civil Beat.

Senator Hirono calling for more transparency on how CARES Act money is spent. Hawai'i U.S. Senator, Mazie Hirono is calling for more transparency on how federal CARES Act money is being used. KITV4.

Hawaii Supreme Court denies Kokua Council’s request to intervene in DOH contact tracing. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Monday denied Kokua Council for Senior Citizens’ petition to compel the Department of Health to increase the number of COVID-19 contact tracers in Hawaii and to require that the agency improve translation services. Star-Advertiser.

New Directors Named For Hawaii’s Labor Department. Scott Murakami left the pandemic-beleaguered agency earlier this year. Civil Beat.

Gov. David Ige appoints Anne Perreira-Eustaquio to head the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Gov. David Ige today announced the appointment of Anne E. Perreira-Eustaquio as director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She has been serving as acting director since last month. Star-Advertiser.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 16: 102 New COVID-19 Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. On Wednesday, 102 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed by state health officials, along with three COVID-19 associated deaths on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Leaders of the hospitality industry say that hotels will be ready when tourism restarts. Waikiki currently has 5,000 rooms ready to go, with more expected to come online before tourism returns to Hawaii on October 15. KHON2.

Dr. Jim Ireland named new chief of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services. Ireland is no stranger to the city. Back in 2010, he was director of the Emergency Services Department, overseeing both EMS and ocean safety. KITV4.

Honolulu Police Are Issuing An ‘Unprecedented’ Number Of Pandemic Tickets. Many are being dismissed. But the court system is struggling to keep up as thousands of violators are forced to appear before a judge anyway. Civil Beat.

Leahi Hospital Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19. No residents at the elderly care facility have tested positive for COVID-19 to date. Civil Beat.

Elections officials remind Hawaii voters they don’t need to request ballots. Honolulu elections officials said Wednesday voters don’t need to request ballots to be mailed to them after the U.S. Postal Service sent postcards to residents across the country warning them to ask for mail-in ballots at least 15 days before Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

Council seeks provisions for Hanauma Bay park’s protection. Two measures — one that’s going through the Honolulu City Council and another that’s already been approved — could promote the recovery of Hanauma Bay’s marine ecosystem even once visitors are allowed back in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Veteran Affairs infection specialists head to Hilo veterans home. A federal team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs specializing in infection control and safety will arrive today at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo to put an end to a major COVID-19 outbreak resulting in 15 deaths. Star-Advertiser.

Federal 'Tiger Team' Heads To Hilo Veterans Home As Death Roll Rises To 14. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is sending a larger COVID-19 team to the Big Island Thursday to help contain the coronavirus outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaii Public Radio.

Team from Veterans Affairs set to arrive today; Another COVID-19 death reported at Hilo vets home. With 15 COVID-19 deaths now associated with Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, a team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will review “almost everything” about the facility’s management of the outbreak. Tribune-Herald.

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Hawaiʻi Island Beach Parks Closed For Two More Weeks. The closure of all County and State Beach Parks on Hawai‘i island will be extended for two additional weeks, and will reopen at 7 a.m. on October 1. Big Island Video News.

Mayor Kim Extends Big Island Beach Closures Until Oct. 1. All county and state beach parks on the Big Island will remain closed through the end of the month, Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim announced on Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Target Hilo sees “multiple” COVID-19 employee cases. Multiple people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Target store in Hilo, which is located on Makaala Street. KHON2.

Council endorses voluntary contact tracing apps. A nonbinding resolution urging the mayor to support a voluntary contact tracing app cleared the County Council by an 8-1 vote Wednesday after it was changed to allow more than one specific vendor. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly $1M in HUD funds earmarked for 4 virus relief projects. A Hawaii County Council committee voted in favor of allocating nearly a million dollars in federal funds to a quartet of COVID-19 recovery projects throughout the county. Tribune-Herald.

$3.7 Million Granted For Various Eruption Recovery Efforts. Money will go toward private road restoration, assisting impacted farms, building affordable homes for displaced residents, and helping Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School. Big Island Video News.

18 nonprofits receive lava recovery grants. The Hawaii County Kilauea Recovery Team awarded $3.7 million in grants to 18 nonprofits to assist in eruption recovery efforts in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald.

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Man Charged in ‘Bizarre’ Case of Illegal Aquarium Fishing. Authorities have arrested a man on several charges involving illegal aquarium fishing in West Hawai‘i waters, after what the state Department of Land and Natural Resources described as a “bizarre series of events” that ended with a search and rescue operation for two women apparently abandoned at sea. Big Island Now.

Illegal aquarium fishing arrest prompts search and rescue mission. Another arrest has been made for illegal aquarium fishing in West Hawaii waters. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Some products will soon get pricier with shipping rate increase. Businesses brace for Young Brothers invoices in already challenging times. Residents soon will see prices increase on certain products in the wake of the 46 percent emergency rate hike approved by the state Public Utilities Commission for interisland shipper Young Brothers that took effect this month. Maui News.

Red Placard Issued to Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant in Kīhei, Maui. According to the DOH, the restaurant’s kitchen was allegedly infested with roaches among many other food safety violations and health hazards. Maui Now.

Ali‘i Kula Lavender Open Two More Weekends Before Temporary Closure. Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm in Kula on Maui announced it will be open for two more weekends before it transitions to a temporary closure starting on Oct. 1, 2020.  Starting next month, the farm will be closed to visitors until further notice. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kupa‘a Kaua‘i food distribution program to begin Sept. 22. The County of Kaua‘i is partnering with the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Branch and the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank to provide food packages to individuals and families who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

All water sites test high in September water results. The Kaua‘i Chapter of Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force has completed water quality sampling for September 2020, with a limited set of data due to the pandemic. Garden Island.

Hawaii most restrictive state in COVID-19 era, hotel industry pushes Ige for reopening, statewide prison testing to begin, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hanauma Bay ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hanauma Bay is recovering. Some want to limit crowds in the long run to further protect it. Users of Hanauma Bay are pushing for an online reservation system to reduce the number of visitors and protect the bay’s ecosystem. Hawaii News Now.

New study ranks Hawaii as state with most COVID-19 restrictions. A new study by finance website WalletHub ranks Hawaii as the state with the most COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Most states have mask requirements but the analyst involved in the study points out that the tough rules on gatherings, beaches, and trails puts Hawaii "over the top." KITV4.

Hotel industry pushes Gov. Ige to relaunch trans-Pacific travel no later than mid-October. In a letter to Gov. Ige, the HLTA, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation said that if the state can’t lift the 14-day quarantine for transpacific travel on Oct. 1, it favors reopening in stages, with mass travel resuming Oct. 15. Hawaii News Now.

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Ige Signs Domestic Violence Bills, Vetoes 5 Others. The governor also signed several measures put forward by the women’s legislative caucus. A bill that supporters hope could speed domestic violence cases through the court system is among 66 others that are set to become law. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige releases final veto list. Governor Ige has notified House and Senate leaders of his final veto list, which includes five of the six measures that were on the Intent to Veto list submitted to lawmakers on Aug. 31. KITV4.

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Mass COVID Testing to Take Place at Jails, Prisons Statewide. The Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety Health Care Division is working with the Hawai‘i Department of Health to conduct mass testing for COVID-19 at all correctional facilities statewide. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor develops COVID-19 symptoms but is still working. Lt. Gov. Josh Green has developed symptoms of the new coronavirus but is continuing to lead the state’s response to stop the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov Josh Green feeling a little bit more worn out due to coronavirus. He says he’s feeling a little worse than on Monday. KHON2.

Hawaii has lost half of its recovery since June, analyst says. As restrictive measures were eased, a gradual recovery to Hawaii’s economy began in May, and by late June through the middle of July, the state had regained about 35% of economic activity that had been lost since the April low point, according to UHERO’s gauge. However, in the wake of spiking COVID-19 cases that triggered a second round of business restrictions and a partial interisland travel quarantine, economic activity has backslid to where the recovery as of Sept. 5 was only 19% of what was lost since the April low, UHERO’s latest pulse readout said. Star-Advertiser.

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Health Department Has New Contact Tracing Plan, But Will It Be Enough? The state Department of Health has redesigned its contact tracing program with a new leader to adapt to the surge in COVID-19 cases. It's too soon to tell if the changes will be enough to contain the virus but the program will be closely watched. Hawaii Public Radio.

Is DOH Epidemiologist Jennifer Smith Legally Protected As A Whistleblower? Putting a worker on paid leave soon after she blew the whistle can be enough to establish a case under Hawaii’s law. But legal elements can be hard to prove. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii State Hospital member tests positive for COVID-19. The Department of Health has reported a Hawaii State Hospital staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 15: 66 New Cases And 2 Deaths In Hawaii. The health department is waiting for medical records to confirm 25 coronavirus-related deaths. Civil  Beat.

DOH Reports 66 New Cases, as Death Toll Hits 100. The statewide total of cases reported is now 10,844 since the pandemic began. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Managing Director explains ‘tier plan’ for reopening. As the Honolulu health crisis begins to come under control, city leaders are sparring over past mistakes and the plan for the future. Hawaii News Now.

Officials defend the emergency orders as frustration mounts over Oahu’s reopening plan. City Council members Tuesday called on Mayor Kirk Caldwell to reopen the economy more quickly and allow families to be together on beaches and in parks. Star-Advertiser.

65% of Hawaii restaurants expect to close in six months, HRA meets with Mayor Caldwell. The HRA chair met with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell Tuesday evening. KHON2.

CARES-Funded Lab Hitting Delays In Delivering Coronavirus Tests. The University of Hawaii’s lab is a key part of the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Oahu’s ‘People’s Open Markets’ to resume normal schedule this weekend. Oahu residents will once again have the option to shop at a popular open air market starting this weekend. Hawaii News Now.

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Keith Amemiya Endorsed By Four More Honolulu City Council Members. Five of the nine current council members are supporting Amemiya over former TV executive Rick Blangiardi. Civil Beat.

4 Honolulu City Council members endorse Keith Amemiya for mayor. Four Honolulu City Council members representing much of Central, Windward and East Oahu today endorsed Keith Amemiya for mayor. Star-Advertiser.

Mayoral candidate seeks campaign watchdog action on PAC allegations. Honolulu mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya says his campaign officials found allegedly illegal false name donations to a super-PAC called Aloha Aina Oia’i’o. KHON2.

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Navy Seeks Public Comments On New Submarine Dry Dock. All public outreach will be online due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

The Future of Local News Isn’t What it Used to Be. Some organizations have cut reporters while others have added staff. And everyone is looking for innovative ways to tell the news. Hawaii Business magazine.

University of Hawaii at Manoa mulls possible cuts in programs, degrees. The proposals include eliminating the Public Policy Center and the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and phasing out bachelor degrees in religion, journalism, dance and German along with some advanced degrees that attract few students. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County pushes forward on COVID-19 spending: Finance Department outlines $21.8M in expenditures. After spending just $4.4 million of its $80 million federal coronavirus relief allotment from March through July, Hawaii County has stepped up its game and in August reported $21.8 million in expenditures. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses lawsuit over quarantines. A lawsuit by a Waikoloa couple alleging Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim overstepped and overextended their emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been dismissed. Tribune-Herald.

Jumping right into it: MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program opens in Kona. A new school in Kona opened its doors Tuesday to 17 students aspiring to become the latest medical professionals in a field that is facing critical shortages in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

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State investigating alleged illegal dumping in Ookala. Investigators are probing a report of illegal and unauthorized dumping of waste, including animal carcasses and military munitions, in Ookala, the state Department of Health confirmed Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Military grade items found at an illegal dump site on Hawaii Island. The dumpsite is located near Ookala on the island’s Hamakua Coast. Hawaii News Now.

Apparent Illegal Dumping Found Near O‘okala. Military munition storage and shipping containers were among items discovered at an apparent illegal dumping site on the Hāmākua Coast, near the town of O‘okala on Monday. Big Island Now.

Maui

Two Residents of Roselani Place Die, Awaiting Coroner’s Report on Cause of Death. Two residents of the Roselani Place assisted living community on Maui who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 have since died. Maui Now.

3 Maui County schools in top 5 enrollment statewide. Maui High, Maui Waena, Kihei Charter among biggest across the islands. There were more than 21,388 students enrolled in 33 public and charter schools in Maui County. Maui News.

New wastewater facility proposed at Pulehunui. Plans also call for expanding existing treatment plantValley Isle Pumping is seeking the green light for a $1.5 million project to construct a new wastewater pretreatment facility and improve an existing wastewater treatment plant, along with related upgrades, on private land in Pulehunui Industrial Park. Maui News.

Proposed Kā‘anapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement Project. The DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands hosts an informational meeting regarding a sand replenishment project at Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach. Maui Now.

Kauai

Governor approves ‘resort bubbles’ for quarantining visitors on Kauai. Kauai is the first island to take a step toward relaunching its tourism sector by giving visitors a little freedom during their 14-day quarantine in “resort bubbles.” Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige approves Kawakami’s ‘Resort Bubble’. Mayor Derek Kawakami has penned a new emergency rule which establishes an enhanced-movement quarantine, or “resort bubble” program. Garden Island.

Kauai gets OK to use resort bubbles for a limited reopening of tourism. Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami announced Tuesday that Gov. David Ige has signed Kauai’s Emergency Rule 16, which would permit visitors at participating resorts to leave their hotel rooms to utilize the resort’s property, including pools and on-site restaurants, during their mandatory quarantine period. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai County moves forward with ‘Resort Bubble’; what it could look like. Kauai county announced Tuesday that Gov. David Ige authorized Emergency Rule 16, which allows for the Enhanced Movement Quarantine, also known as the “Resort Bubble” program. KHON2.

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Mayor Kawakami signs bill to ban polystyrene. Mayor Derek Kawakami Tuesday signed Bill No. 2775 into law, restricting the use and sale of polystyrene foam food-service containers. Garden Island.

Hawaii's on-again-off-again reopening plans are off again, Honolulu mayor to loosen restrictions, Kauai to open resort bubbles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii sunset with airplane ©2020 All Hawaii News

Gov. Ige says pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism probably won’t begin Oct. 1. Gov. David Ige today said that he’s likely to delay for the third time the start of a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Pre-travel testing program likely to be delayed beyond Oct. 1. It’s likely that the 14-day mandatory quarantine for all passengers arriving to Hawaii will remain in place beyond Oct. 1, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Pacific Business News.

Ige says loosening of restrictions on travel unlikely by end of this month. State restrictions on travel to Hawaii are unlikely to be loosened by Oct. 1, Gov. David Ige said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Out-of-State Travel Quarantine Likely to be Extended. Out-of-state travelers will likely remain subject to quarantine restrictions beyond Oct. 1. Big Island Now.

Governor Ige says tourism’s return October 1 is unlikely, pilot programs could come first. Governor David Ige said Monday that it is unlikely that trans-Pacific travel will reopen without the state’s mandatory 14-day travel quarantine before the tentatively scheduled date of Oct. 1. KHON2.

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State adding 25 more contact tracers this week to help track COVID-19 cases. There are currently 256 contact tracers on-the-job in Hawaii. KITV4.

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Can Military Spending Prop Up Hawaii’s Faltering Economy? As tourism crumbles and tensions escalate between the U.S. and China, the military’s economic role in the islands could become more prominent. Civil Beat.

Jobless claims increasing. Initial unemployment claims are again on the rise statewide, a University of Hawaii economist told the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness. Tribune-Herald.

Economic woes widen as governor prepares to delay Hawaii’s reopening again. Gov. David Ige said Monday that he’s likely to delay for the third time the start of a pre-arrivals testing program to reopen tourism in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Economist: Hawaii’s Economic Fall Will Be Worse Than Predicted. Researchers are starting to get more data on just how the extended closure of Hawaii’s tourism industry has impacted the economy. Civil Beat.

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2 Senate Staffers Test Positive For COVID-19. The Senate president says social distancing and other protocols were observed and the risk of spread remains low. Civil Beat.

DOH Names Care Homes Affected by COVID-19. A new list doesn’t include case numbers and is not as comprehensive as advocates would like. Civil Beat.

More than 6,000 have applied for rent relief. A new state program providing $100 million of rental assistance to struggling tenants has been wildly popular since being established last week. Tribune-Herald.

Former DLIR Director Scott Murakami takes job at DBEDT. The former head of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, who resigned from his post in August after being on paid leave for two months, has resurfaced at another state agency. Star-Advertiser.

‘Equity Specialists’ Are Reviewing Hawaii DOE’s Problematic Online Learning Program. The state Board of Education is scheduled to take up the issue at its meeting Thursday as parents’ complaints over culturally insensitive content continue. Civil Beat.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 14: 80 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Since March, 635 people with the virus have been hospitalized. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials report 80 new coronavirus infections statewide. Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported 80 new infections statewide, bringing the state’s totals since the beginning of the pandemic to 10,779 COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor pledges to ease restrictions on retailers, gatherings starting next week.  Facing criticism of his stay-at-home order as COVID-19 infections drop on Oahu, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Monday said he’s hoping to relax some rules next week. Hawaii News Now.

It’s been about three weeks since Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a second stay-at-home order for Oahu. Since then there has been confusion over what businesses are considered essential and can stay open versus the non-essential stores that must stay shuttered. KHON2.

Oahu retailers get ready to reopen. Honolulu’s mayor said Monday if the drop in cases continue, the lock down won’t be extended. Hawaii News Now.

HPD issues thousands of citations over the weekend. Honolulu Police officers issued approximately 2,700 citations over the weekend for emergency order violations. KHON2.

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Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says Oahu surge testing successful; more than 60K tested in 2 weeks. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell declared Oahu’s mass surge testing effort a success, with more than 60,000 people tested for COVID-19 over the past 14 days. Star-Advertiser.

Surge Testing Program Is Showing How To Control The Coronavirus On Oahu. Preliminary results of a federal coronavirus surge testing drive on Oahu indicate that the infection’s spread is concentrated in certain communities. Civil Beat.

Positive rates likely to rise with fewer COVID-19 tests. Now that COVID-19 surge testing on Oahu is finished after a nearly three-week run, one key metric to monitoring the severity of the pandemic in Hawaii might get worse. Star-Advertiser.

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Homeless shelter reopens following COVID-19 outbreak, but with fewer beds. One of Oahu’s largest homeless shelters is back open after a COVID-19 outbreak prompted health officials to shut it down last month and use it as a quarantine facility. Hawaii News Now.

Plan to upgrade, expand West Loch munitions annex has neighbors on edge. A draft environmental assessment describes a new Army munitions storage complex at the Navy’s West Loch Annex within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser.

Park Service seeks to replace Pearl Harbor shore-side floating dock. The National Park Serv­ice is seeking public comment on a proposed project to replace the deteriorating shore-side floating dock and anchoring system at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Visitor Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kim: VA team to investigate Hilo veterans home. Mayor Harry Kim said a team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will arrive later this week to investigate the situation at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and make changes to better manage a deadly COVID-19 outbreak there. Tribune-Herald.

13th coronavirus fatality reported at Hilo veterans home as more federal aid pledged. A Hilo veterans home scrambling to contain a COVID-19 outbreak saw its 13th coronavirus fatality Monday. Hawaii News Now.

HOPE Services returns no positive tests. All 98 HOPE Services shelter residents and staff tested last week for COVID-19 have received negative results, the organization announced Monday. West Hawaii Today.

These Big Island Residents Are Trying To Keep Remote Beaches Safe And Sanitary. Illegal campers are flocking to beaches that have no county police to enforce shutdown orders. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County Council approves 2 affordable housing projects. Two affordable housing projects slated for South Maui got the green light from the Maui County Council on Friday afternoon. Maui News.

Hawaiian Language Keyboard Developed by UH Maui Professor is Released by Google. University of Hawai‘i Maui College Assistant Professor Dr. Keola Donaghy has developed and Google has just released a Hawaiian language keyboard extension for users of the Chome OS operating system. Maui Now.

Mayor Interview: Team to Meet with Poi By The Pound. Mayor Victorino’s team is meeting with the Poi By The Pound restaurant today.  Earlier this month, the local eatery had announced its planned closure on Sept. 11, amid the ongoing pandemic. Maui Now.

Condo listings, prices jump in August. Single-family home inventory and costs decline from 2019. New listings for condominium units on Maui last month skyrocketed 97 percent in year-over-year data, according to the latest Realtors Association of Maui report. Maui News.

Kauai

State to approve Kaua‘i resort bubble. Gov. David Ige is set to approve a voluntary “Resort Bubble” program on Kaua‘i in the hopes to bring tourism revenue back to the county this week. Garden Island.

Council discusses additional agriculture usages. Noting the impacts of the on-going coronavirus pandemic on farmers and ranchers, the Kaua‘i County Council is looking at a number of additional revenue options residents can utilize on agricultural land. Garden Island.

Molokai

Search intensifies for quarantine sites on Molokai as number of active cases grows to 13. There are now 13 active cases of COVID-19 on Molokai. And that has state and county leaders scrambling to find a quarantine location. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. Green describes how he and his security detail contracted coronavirus, new contact tracing head moves fast to quell virus, flaws in response cause COVID-19 to spread, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

An apparently exhausted Lt. Gov. Green in July from Facebook Live

Lt. Gov. Josh Green: "I guess I had to get COVID to make my point". Lt. Gov. Green explains how one doctor's call not to test a person for COVID-19 potentially exposed dozens of people, and underscores need for more testing and contact tracing. KITV4.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green says he’s asymptomatic during home quarantine despite testing positive for coronavirus. Green, head of Hawaii’s COVID-19 efforts, announced Friday that he had tested positive and was quarantining at his Honolulu condominium. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green: ‘I Don’t Feel Differently At All’. The state’s vocal COVID-19 medical liaison was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday. Civil Beat.

Lt. gov. provides update on his condition, another member of his security detail tests COVID-positive. The lieutenant governor is working from home and says that Sunday’s numbers show that Hawaii is at a turning point. KHON2.

Second member of Lt. Gov. Green’s security detail tests positive for COVID. According to the Department of Public Safety, a second deputy sheriff assigned to Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s security detail has tested positive for COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

2nd Deputy Sheriff Assigned To Hawaii Lt. Gov. Has COVID-19. Lt. Gov. Josh Green has been in isolation since Friday. Civil Beat.

Second Member of Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s Security Detail Tests Positive for COVID-19. A second deputy sheriff assigned to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green’s security detail has tested positive for COVID-19. The deputy last worked on Sept. 10, 2020. As of Sunday, Sept. 13, the two deputy sheriffs and Lt. Gov. Green are the only confirmed positive cases in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. Maui Now.

Third Member of Lt. Gov. Green’s Office Positive For Coronavirus. A second deputy sheriff assigned to Lt. Gov. Josh Green’s office has tested positive for COVID-19. Big Island Now.

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Emily Roberson, Hawaii’s new head of contact tracing, moves quickly to revamp the program. Hawaii is at a critical crossroads in reining in the coronavirus that has killed nearly 100 and sickened more than 10,500 statewide, wreaking havoc on the economy and leaving thousands of residents jobless. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard’s New Leadership PAC. Political experts say the Hawaii congresswoman’s new PAC signals she’s not done with politics even after she leaves office at the end of her term. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Public School Enrollment Down 2.6% This Year. The total student count across public schools is now 174,704. Civil Beat.

Thousands inquire about state’s rental relief program, some have been helped. It’s been less than a week since the state launched a program that will help residents with rent. KHON2.

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Hawaii Demand Slumps For Energy Providers. Utilities and alternative energy providers have felt the economic effects of the COVID-19 shutdowns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pandemic Changes Hawai‘i’s Energy Consumption: Who, When and How Much. The pandemic and resulting recession has transformed the way Hawai‘i uses energy: who consumes it, when and how much, says Scott Glenn, the state’s chief energy officer. Hawaii Business magazine.

Sustainability bill to become law Sept. 15. A state House bill to strengthen statewide sustainability coordination and update the roles and responsibilities of the state Office of Planning will become law Tuesday, Sept. 15, after the measure was not included on Gov. David Ige’s intent-to-veto list. Garden Island.

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Oahu-based contact tracing phone app waiting to launch. Nonprofit develops voluntary self-reporting software that keeps location data secure. An Oahu-based nonprofit with the help of a Maui surgeon has been developing an app to be used as an anonymous, voluntary self-reporting tool for residents and visitors during the pandemic. Maui News.

Hawaii officials report 2 coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu and 114 new infections statewide. Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported two more coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu and 114 new infections statewide, bringing the state’s totals since the beginning of the pandemic to 99 fatalities and 10,700 COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

114 New COVID-19 Cases (96 O‘ahu, 2 Maui, 16 Hawai‘i Island), 2 Deaths. Maui Now.

The Latest: 2 Deaths, 114 New Cases; One Death At Hilo Medical; Green In Quarantine Says He's Fine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu has allocated about 60% of CARES Act funds, but December deadline looms. It’s use it or lose it when it comes to federal CARES Act funds, but so far Honolulu has only spent about $72 million of its $387 million distribution. Star-Advertiser.

This Is How Honolulu Is Spending $387 Million In CARES Act Money. The clock is ticking. The federal money has a “use it or lose it” provision. Civil Beat.

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Honolulu Council Chair Ikaika Anderson Already On Payroll Of Local Union. Anderson said Wednesday he would resign from the council before his term ends to care for his grandparents. He started work for Local 630 Sept. 1. Civil Beat.

UH Manoa May Cut Theater, Journalism, Social Welfare Programs. Degrees in languages, dance and other subjects are also among those on a preliminary chopping block to balance the budget. Civil Beat.

The struggle of North Shore’s largest employers reaches deep into the tourism-dependent community. Oahu’s North Shore, where most residents and businesses rely on tourism for economic survival, has been among the communities hardest-hit by the tourism collapse. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 survivors see flaws in system: Mayor thinks central command post will improve response. It started with a little tickle at the back of her throat. When she lost her sense of smell, this Hawaii Island woman had no doubt. She had COVID-19. West Hawaii Today.

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Hilo veterans home outbreak prompts more scrutiny. Two more coronavirus deaths related to an outbreak at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home were reported Sunday by Avalon Healthcare, whose infection control practices are under federal review. Star-Advertiser.

2 more deaths reported at a Hilo veterans home as Mayor Kim calls for changes. On Saturday, Mayor Kim held a rare news conference to call for the the suspension and replacement of administrative staff at the home, saying their failed response has led to the worsening outbreak and alarming number of deaths. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Kim Holds Press Conference On Veterans Home Outbreak. Mayor Harry Kim called a news conference in Hilo on Saturday, speaking out on the worsening situation at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, where an outbreak of COVID-19 has contributed to the deaths of ten veterans. Big Island Video News.

2 more have died of COVID-19 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home on Sept. 13. The COVID-related death toll rose by two at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, Avalon Healthcare officials reported on Sunday, Sept. 13. KHON2.

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Charter amendment price tags: Most of the 16 proposed amendments will have minimal financial impact, county says. West Hawaii Today.

Site blessed for homeless village; Kukiola construction to take about eight months. In a very small and low-key ceremony Thursday, Hawaii County blessed the site of the future KukuiOla, a homeless village to be located at the corner of Kealakehe Parkway and Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today

Maui

County of Maui Successfully Prices $74.42 Million in General Obligation Bonds. The proceeds of the General Obligation Bonds will be used for capital improvement projects in the County of Maui and to refinance outstanding bonds issued by the County of Maui at lower interest rates. Maui Now.

South Maui housing projects get green light. Liloa Hale would offer 117 units for seniors, Hale Kaiola 40 units. Maui News.


Kauai

Hearing-impaired students to get special masks. The East Kaua‘i Lions Club Foundation awarded Paleka Zirzow an award of $1,440 Saturday to purchase special face masks for students and those who work with students on Kaua‘i who are deaf or hard of hearing. Garden Island.

A place to bring the fish to. Located at 3083 Peleke Street, Lawai‘a offers not only a variety of fresh catch, but a lot of other things fish, including lures, line, gift items, and stuff growing in the backyard like pumpkins, avocado and more. Garden Island.

Molokai
 
Molokai leaders anticipate an increase in COVID cases this week. Molokai has reported 11 cases of COVID-19 in the last two weeks. KHON2.

Four new virus cases reported on Molokai. Island’s COVID-19 count now up to 13. Health officials are investigating four new cases of COVID-19 on Molokai, with two possibly related to a recent string of travel- and family-related reports earlier this week. Maui News.

Moloka‘i Grab-And-Go Meal Service Modified After COVID-19 Case Involving High School Employee. Grab-and-go Meal Service on Molokaʻi is being modified as a precaution after confirmation of a positive COVID-19 case involving a Molokaʻi High School employee. Maui Now.

Coronavirus infections trending downward in Hawaii, Oahu opens hotels to COVID-19 quarantiners, Health Department whistleblower speaks out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coronavirus epi curve as of Sept 10, 2020 Hawaii Department of Health

DOH Reports Overall Decline in COVID-19 Cases Statewide. Hawai‘i is beginning to regain control of the spread of COVID-19 after nearly six weeks of elevated case numbers throughout the state. Big Island Now.

DOH: COVID-19 case numbers appear to be declining. After weeks of increased COVID-19 cases, the state Department of Health said Thursday that Hawaii is beginning to turn the corner and regain control of the spread of the disease on all islands. Tribune-Herald.


Relief for nurses through federal support and lower COVID-19 cases. The Hawaii State Department of Health said COVID-19 cases are beginning to decline after a six-week surge in new cases, and 169 new cases were reported on Thursday and the decline in numbers is also being reflected at hospitals. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Health Department Received Millions In COVID-19 Grants. Where Is It Going? Competition for equipment and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down spending meant to boost the state’s pandemic response. Civil Beat.

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Whistleblower says Hawaii Department of Health’s ‘toxic’ culture of fear impeded investigators’ work. State Department of Health whistleblower Jennifer Smith, the epidemiologist who was suspended with pay Friday after speaking out about the understaffing of COVID-19 contact tracers, says the DOH fostered a “toxic” culture of fear that impeded the work of investigators trying to stop the spread of disease. Star-Advertiser.

Health Dept Whistleblower Speaks Out About ‘Toxic Management Culture’. Jennifer Smith was placed on paid leave weeks after her revelations about the Department of Health led to the director and the state epidemiologist being replaced. Civil Beat.

'I’m not a threat’: DOH whistleblower responds to alleged smear campaign against her. The Health Department whistleblower who exposed the state’s woefully inadequate COVID-19 contact tracing efforts vigorously denied allegations she made violent threats against her colleagues and says she has endured “character attacks” after speaking out. Hawaii News Now.

State Health Department whistleblower speaks out. In her first on-camera interview since being suspended with pay Health Department whistleblower Dr. Jennifer Smith claims management facilitated a culture of bullying, shame, and blame within the department. KITV4.

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Money for $300 unemployment boost to run out after 6 weeks. The temporary $300-a-week unemployment insurance boost implemented by President Donald Trump is about to end, with no extension in sight. Associated Press.

Thousands of Local Jobs Available, Chamber Says. The overall Hawai‘i economy may be stalled, but some organizations are hiring – and not just in health care and home deliveries. Hawaii Business magazine.

$3 Billion in Unemployment Benefits Issued Since March 1. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced updated unemployment insurance claims information, including paying $3,081,193,375 and 3,155,245 weeks claimed since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic on March 1. Big Island Now.

Hawaii has nation’s highest ‘insured unemployment rate’. Unlike the more frequently reported seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, the insured unemployment rate represents the number of people receiving unemployment insurance as a percentage of the labor force. Star-Advertiser.

47 Hawaii restaurants have permanently closed since pandemic began. The effect of the coronavirus pandemic on Hawaii’s restaurant industry hits home most strongly when reading through the names of establishments that have closed. Star-Advertiser.


Those eligible for additional jobless benefits will be allowed to enroll starting Saturday. The state will launch a new online feature Saturday to allow those eligible for $300 in additional weekly jobless benefits to enroll. Hawaii News Now.

$10M Federal COVID-19 Grant Focuses On Teacher Training. An initial report lays out how Hawaii education leaders plan to use the CARES Act money. Civil Beat.

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Gov. David Ige signs bill to protect Hawaii musicians. With live musical performances effectively silenced by the pandemic, the state of Hawaii gave a boost to local musicians Thursday with the signing of a bill designed to protect them from having someone else fraudulently use their identity to promote a performance. Star-Advertiser.

Governor signs measure aimed at preserving ‘integrity’ of musicians' original works. The governor signed a measure into law Thursday that protects musicians against cover bands and imposters making money off their name. Hawaii News Now.

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VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 10: 169 New Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. The average number of daily cases has dropped from a peak of 250 in August to 156 last week. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 3 coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu and 169 new cases statewide. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported 169 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, along with three COVID-related deaths. The statewide total of cases is now 10,292. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Federal Medical Team Deployed to Honolulu to Help with COVID-19 Surge Support. A federal medical team from the US Department of Health and Human Services began providing temporary medical surge support Thursday at the Queen’s Medical Center at Hale Pulama Mau and the Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu. Maui Now.

HPD Is Getting Millions To Enforce The Shutdown While Aid For Struggling Residents Lags. Honolulu City Councilman Tommy Waters says the city’s priorities are backwards, pointing to money for police overtime and training, new ATVs and “paddy wagons,” among other items. Civil Beat.

Frustration builds for businesses that complied with CDC guidelines but still forced to close . Calls to reopen more businesses on Oahu continue. Business owners said they are frustrated because they have done everything required by the CDC but are forced to remain closed. KHON2.

City Council adopts resolution offering grants to commercial property owners. Honolulu City Council members have approved a resolution aiming to provide rent relief to businesses through a grant program for landlords. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green asks for loosening of latest Oahu stay-at-home order. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is asking city and state officials to change Oahu’s latest stay-at-home order to allow residents living in the same household to engage in outdoor activities together. Star-Advertiser.

How Oahu’s COVID-19 Park And Beach Restrictions Are Hurting Families. Parents say they are struggling to keep their children — and themselves — sane and healthy without regular access to outdoor spaces. Civil Beat.

Local COVID-19 survivor says she didn't take restrictions seriously. Sarah Bolles says she was going to social gatherings, putting herself at risk, and eventually ended up with a fever of over 104 degrees in the hospital. KITV4.

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Nearly 300 hotel rooms islandwide available for those who can’t quarantine at home. The Hawaii Department of Health is working with the city to isolate COVID-19 patients at a number of hotels. Hawaii News Now.

These Hotels Are Stepping Up To Help Hawaii’s Virus Control Effort. Some Hawaii hotels have repurposed rooms for people who need to be isolated or quarantined while they recover from COVID-19 or wait for a test result. Civil Beat.

Pearl Hotel Waikiki among four lodges assisting those in need of COVID-19 isolation. The Department of Health says it now has the capacity to offer enough bed space on Oahu to accommodate anyone who has nowhere else to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Four hotels on Oahu are stepping up to help people with COVID-19. If you tested positive for COVID-19 or are waiting for test results but can't safely quarantine at home, you may qualify to stay at an isolation location. KITV4.

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Dole School in Kalihi mourns death of staff member in home quarantine. A Dole Middle School employee who worked in the school’s office died Wednesday after being quarantined at home because of COVID-19 cases among staff members. Star-Advertiser.

A staff member at Dole Middle School has died after quarantining at home for COVID-19 following an outbreak at the school, according to the Hawaii State Teachers Association. KITV4.

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Rail Board Confronts Project’s Deepening Financial, Contract Concerns. HART members raised more questions about whether a public-private partnership is still in play and what a “plan B” might look like. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Nearly All Residents at Hilo Veterans Home Test Positive for COVID-19. Nearly all the residents at the veterans home in Hilo have tested positive for COVID-19.  Additionally, no deaths were reported on the Big Island Thursday. Big Island Now.

Review of veterans home COVID outbreak underway. A review is still underway into the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home COVID-19 outbreak response. Tribune-Herald.

A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs is expected on site at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. According to the Department of Health it's a two-day unannounced review that started on Friday on whether the facility is following state regulations. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Health Department Addresses Discrepancy in Hilo COVID-19 Deaths. The state Department of Health reports that it is aware of six additional deaths associated with COVID-19 at the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home in Hilo; however, it is awaiting medical records from the facility as part of its official confirmation and documentation process. Maui Now.

Puna Geothermal Officials Take Questions Online. During a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, Sierra Club member Cory Harden had a lot of questions for PGV reps Mike Kaleikini and plant manager Jordan Hara. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Budget committee seeks public input. The Maui County Council’s Economic Development and Budget Committee will be discussing the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, rules, the CARES Act and other related issues. Maui News.

Kula land to become recreation site. Public hiking trails, picnic spots and forest excursions are in the works for more than 3,000 acres of Upcountry forestland recently acquired by the state. Maui News.

Kauai

First coffee berry borer beetle detected on Kauai. The first coffee berry borer, a beetle that feeds on coffee berries and reduces both the yield of quality of coffee, has been found on Kauai, the state Department of Agriculture reported today. Star-Advertiser.

HDOA: Coffee berry borer confirmed on Kaua‘i. Yesterday, the state’s Department of Agriculture confirmed coffee berry borer, a devastating pest of coffee plants, has been detected on Kaua‘i, the first detection on the island. Garden Island.

Keahua bridge repairs with temporary blocked access. Heavy rains in March caused severe damage to Keahua Bridge at the entrance of the Lihu‘e-Koloa Forest Reserve. Due to structural damage, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) blocked vehicular traffic until repairs are completed. Garden Island.

State pushes for Oct. 1 trans-Pacific travel amid gloomy economic forecast, Honolulu City Council chairman resigns, Kauai bans polystyrene, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii airport screening from Department of Transportation video

State's pre-travel testing program for transpacific travel scheduled to start October 1. Governor David Ige spoke to the four county mayors on Wednesday about using interisland travel as a pilot for the state's pre-travel testing program. KITV4.

Green says state should be ready to reopen to travelers on Oct. 1. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that he does not see any reason the state could not reopen to trans-Pacific travelers on Oct. 1. Tribune-Herald.

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State Tax Collections Forecast To Drop $200 Million Next Year. The Council on Revenues predicts Hawaii tourism will be doing a very modest business by November, but will recover slowly. Civil Beat.

Forecast calls for Hawaii tax revenue to drop 11%. Hawaii tax revenue — severely depleted because of the coronavirus pandemic — will likely decline 11% this fiscal year if tourists begin to return to the islands by mid-November, an advisory panel for the governor and lawmakers said Wednesday. Associated Press.

With latest gloomy economic outlook, lawmakers prepare for a long road to recovery. The Hawaii Council on Revenues said tax revenues for the 2021 fiscal year will be down 11% — or about $770 million. The board also revised its outlook for the 2022 fiscal year, saying the economy will grow by 8%. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii’s Health Department Has Gotten Millions In COVID-19 Grants. Where Is It Going?. Competition for equipment and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down spending meant to boost the state’s pandemic response. Civil Beat.

New COVID-19 cases are declining, but hospitals continue to grapple with nursing shortage. Despite a recent decline in the number of new coronavirus cases, hospitals continue to struggle to meet current needs because of a shortage of local nurses. Healthcare experts say Hawaii’s hospitals remain at 100% staffed bed capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Why Hawaiʻi's Marshallese Are Taking COVID-19 Matters Into Their Own Hands. Pacific Islanders in Hawaii are being disproportionately hit by the pandemic. The state has struggled to bring that number down, prompting at least one Pacific Islander community to take matters into their own hands. Hawaii Public Radio.

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COVID Pau project launches with goal of ‘fulfilling unmet need for public health data’. A group of local businesses and nonprofit organizations are providing Hawaii residents with real-time data to stop the spread of COVID-19 so that the economy reopens sooner and if it must close that only parts of it must shut down. Star-Advertiser.

Initiative aimed at providing tools to stop spread of coronavirus. COVID Pau is an effort of the Hawaii COVID Collaborative — itself a hui of private health care systems, businesses and nonprofit organizations organized by a subcommittee of the House Select Committee on COVID-19. Tribune-Herald.

‘COVID Pau’ initiative aims to improve access to information to stop spread of virus. A new initiative has been launched Wednesday, aiming to increase transparency and improve access to information to ultimately stop the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State posts antigen data showing dozens of probable COVID cases. Recently the state has made strides to make more of the data on COVID-19 in the islands more accessible. KHON2.

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Union shares hotel safety inspection results. Unite Here Local 5, which started conducting hotel inspections in June, had sought state legislation to require hotels to publish and enforce their health and safety procedures prior to reopening to outside tourism. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Tourism Authority hires leader John De Fries amid budget cuts, tourism collapse. Tourism industry veteran John De Fries is slated to start Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

John De Fries Is New Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority President, CEO. The former head of the Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development, and president and CEO of Hokulia, now leads the HTA. Big Island Video News.

VIRUS TRACKER — Sept. 9: 100 New Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. Three fatalities took the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 91. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 3 coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu and 100 new cases statewide. State Department of Health officials said the latest three coronavirus-related deaths on Oahu were all men with underlying medical conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ikaika Anderson resigning from Honolulu City Council. Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson, who has represented the windward side of Oahu since 2009, unexpectedly announced his resignation Wednesday, effective following the Sept. 23 council meeting. Star-Advertiser.

Ikaika Anderson Resigns From Honolulu City Council. The council chair cited family reasons for his decision to step down, effective Sept. 23, just a few months before his final term ends. Civil Beat.

City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson resigns, citing family reasons. City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson surprised observers Wednesday by announcing he will resign from the council effective Sept. 23. Hawaii News Now.

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Two dozen mainland nurses to assist front-line workers at Queen’s Medical Center.  The federal government is deploying about two dozen mainland nurses to Oahu this week to help front-line workers with the surge of COVID-19 patients at the Queen’s Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green asks for loosening of latest Oahu stay-at-home order. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is asking city and state officials to change Oahu’s latest stay-at-home order to allow residents living in the same household to engage in outdoor activities together. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green To Caldwell: Let Families Go To The Beach. The lieutenant governor is voicing the same concerns many families on Oahu have expressed. Civil Beat.

With beaches, parks open for solo activity, some say that could mean more problems. Oahu parks, beaches and hiking trails reopen Thursday, but for individual activities only. Many who are eager to do outdoor activities again say the new rules don’t make sense. Hawaii News Now.

Public safety concerns over Honolulu’s one-person emergency order. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green said members from one household should be able to go to the beach, trails and parks, and that the latest Honolulu emergency order should be amended to allow two people to go to outdoor public spaces. KHON2.

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City Council passes a resolution that would give businesses rent relief. The Honolulu City Council is urging the Mayor to set aside $100 million in federal funding to help cover the rents for local businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution that could provide rental assistance for businesses passes Honolulu City Council. Businesses are one step closer to getting aid with rental payments. KHON2.

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Kokua Council to host online debate between Honolulu mayoral candidates Keith Amemiya, Rick Blangiardi. The Kokua Council will livestream a debate on Monday between Honolulu mayoral candidates Keith Amemiya and Rick Blangiardi. Star-Advertiser.

Commission: Amemiya’s Midweek Ad Didn’t Break The Law. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission also levied over $4,400 worth of fines against other candidates. Civil Beat.

Keith Amemiya seeks action on alleged ‘felonies’ by super PAC. Mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya hopes the state Campaign Spending Commission resolves a complaint his campaign filed about a political action committee before ballots go out next month and another round of anti-Amemiya allegations can be made. Star-Advertiser.

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Honolulu City Council approves resolution to name Manana park after late Sen. Breene Harimoto. onolulu City Council today approved a resolution that would rename Manana Community Park the Breene Harimoto Manana Community Park. Star-Advertiser.


Manana Park to be renamed in honor of a beloved state senator. Honolulu’s City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to rename the Manana Community Park in Aiea. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shakedown search for contraband led to riot at Hawaii Community Correctional Center. The riot at Hawaii Community Correctional Center on Tuesday afternoon occurred after a shakedown search for contraband was conducted in a housing unit, the Department of Public Safety announced today. Star-Advertiser.

Jail Disturbance Was Triggered By Search For Contraband. Inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center set fire to mattresses, plastic chairs and books. Civil Beat.

DPS: HCCC inmate disturbance in response to contraband sweep. The Department of Public Safety said Wednesday that the preliminary results of its investigation into a Tuesday disturbance in a housing unit at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo indicate inmates were rebelling against a shakedown search for contraband. Tribune-Herald.

HCCC Riot Was Triggered By Shakedown For Contraband, State Says. There is no indication that overcrowding contributed to the cause, the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety claims. Big Island Video News.

PSD reveals more details about fire that broke out at HCCC. The State Public Safety Department said on Wednesday that the riot and fire that broke out at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center on the Big Island on Tuesday happened during a shakedown search for contraband. KITV4.

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PUC won’t exempt Honua Ola from competitive bidding. The president of Honua Ola Bioenergy said Wednesday that he was “not feeling so good” after the state Public Utilities Commission denied his company’s motion to reconsider a waiver of the competitive bidding process for the company’s nearly completed 21.5-megawatt biomass power plant. Tribune-Herald.

State inspection taking place at Hilo veterans home with COVID cluster. On the Big Island, a 10th death has been reported at a Veterans Home in Hilo. While federal aid has not come, we learned the State is stepping in. KHON2.

Whose jurisdiction? County Ethics Board continues Maunakea debate. Who should enforce the law when protesters block the access road to Maunakea and continue to have unpermitted structures there remained in question Wednesday as the county Board of Ethics struggled with a board resolution and a citizen petition that’s been pending since January. West Hawaii Today.

County Seeks Partner To Develop Multi-Family Rentals In Waikoloa. The County is seeking a partner to develop an independent workforce housing rental project on County-owned land in the Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing subdivision in Waikoloa. Big Island Video News.

County Seeks Partner to Build Multi-Family Increment at Kamakoa Nui. The County of Hawai‘i is seeking proposals from qualified firms or partnerships to enter into a real estate development agreement for the design, financing, construction, and management of an independent workforce housing rental project on county-owned land in the Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing subdivision in Waikoloa. Big Island Now.

Maui

Vacation rental bills up for first reading Friday. Measures would place hold on new permits on Lanai and prevent vacation rentals in some districts. Maui News.

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3,433 Acres at Kamehamenui on Maui Acquired for Conservation. A recent land acquisition protects the Kula water aquifer, habitat for endangered species, and community-based forest restoration opportunities. Maui Now.

More than 3,400 acres of a Maui forest to be preserved. Through federal and state funding, the Trust for Public Land purchased the forest for $9.8 million to protect the land and convey it to the community. Hawaii News Now.

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Non-Resident User Fees at ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve Start Oct. 1. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve will charge non-Hawai‘i residents a user-fee of $5 per vehicle. Maui Now.

Baldwin Beach Park Pavillion is slip sliding away. The annual loss of sand at the beach has been gradually eating away at the amenities year after year, with each year seeming to claw farther inland. Maui News.

Kauai

Styrofoam food container ban effective January 2022. Kaua‘i County, the last county in the state to pass a bill that would prohibit the sale and use of styrofoam foodservice containers, will join the others with it’s own ban in 2022. Garden Island.

Kauai is last Hawaii county to pass ban on foam containers. The Kauai County Council today passed a bill banning the use and sale of polystyrene food and drink containers starting in January 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua'i County Council passes ban on styrofoam food containers. The Kaua'i County Council on Wednesday passed a ban on styrofoam food containers. KITV4.

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Kawakami’s Rule 17 clarifies quarantine locations. Yesterday, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced a new Emergency Rule 17 that clarifies quarantine periods for those traveling under critical infrastructure allowances. Garden Island.

Mayor Kawakami announces Emergency Rule 17 confirming critical infrastructure workers must quarantine in hotel or motel. The County of Kaua‘i announced on Wednesday Mayor’s Emergency Rule 17 which clarifies that all persons performing critical infrastructure functions must designate a hotel or motel as a quarantine location. KITV4.

County opens Rise to Work program for residents. Workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic can look for opportunities through the Rise to Work program that was established by the County of Kaua‘i’s Kupa‘a Kaua‘i. Garden Island.