Only 11% of Hawaii residents have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, in-person schools, youth sports restarting, humpback whales giving birth and training calves, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale with calf in Hawaii PC:NOAA

NOAA warns boaters about humpbacks in Hawaii waters. Wildlife officials are warning boaters to watch out for an abundance of mother and calf humpback whale pairs in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and nearby waters. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More public school students in Hawaii head back to campus. Slightly more than half of all public school teachers in Hawaii have received a coronavirus vaccination so far, according to a survey last week by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Star-Advertiser.

DOH releases guidelines to resume youth sports. The guidance lists wearing masks as a requirement and say if a sport cannot be played while wearing them, the sport should not be played until mask mandates are lifted in respective counties. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green says large gatherings may be possible by summertime. Hawaii is on track to resume graduations, weddings and other major milestones by the summer with schools being able to reopen in May. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

State working on system to allow vaccinated travelers to skip quarantine. Seeking to jump-start Hawaii’s travel industry and ease some restrictions, the state is reportedly nearing a system for vaccinated individuals to travel to and within Hawaii, quarantine-free. Hawaii News Now.

Lt. Gov. hopes to start vaccinating folks in phase 1C in about two weeks. The Health Department tells us as of last week, about 47% of those who are 75 and older have been given at least one shot. Looking at the bigger picture, about 11% of the total population has gotten at least one dose. KHON2.

Life after the Vaccine -- When Will Things Return to Normal? "2021 will still be a COVID year," said Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group Hawaii. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Green vows to remain doctor despite House bill banning second jobs. Currently Lt. Gov. Josh Green works two 48-hour shifts a month as an emergency room doctor on the Big Island. KHON2.

Hawaii lawmakers eye stiffer penalties for illegal fireworks. Hawaii lawmakers are considering ramping up fines for illegal fireworks and making it easier for law enforcement to adjudicate violations in an attempt to clamp down on the illegal activity. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would require report on impacts when gender identity care is denied. A bill requiring an assessment by the state auditor of the social and financial impacts that occur when health insurance companies deny coverage for certain types of health care to individuals based on gender identity is advancing in the state House. Tribune-Herald.

Judge rules Bristol-Myers, Sanofi must pay Hawaii $834M over Plavix. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi were ordered to pay the state of Hawaii more than $834 million for illegally marketing their blockbuster blood-thinning drug Plavix in a manner that put some users’ lives at risk, especially those of Asian or Pacific-Island decent. Bloomberg News. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

US Spike In Deaths Surpassed Official COVID-19 Counts, But Not In Hawaii. Hawaii’s COVID deaths appear to have been offset by reductions in tourist deaths, traffic and flu fatalities and even suicides. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Receives $87M To Open Coronavirus Vaccination Sites. The grants will help expedite a vaccination process that has been slower than anticipated in states across the country, including Hawaii. Associated Press.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 15: 35 New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii health officials reported 35 new COVID-19 infections statewide on Monday, including 25 on Oahu, seven on Maui, one on Molokai and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Land Board approves Ala Moana beach nourishment plan. The City of Honolulu’s application to add sand to the beach at Ala Moana Regional Park was approved Friday by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources after a public hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Court Orders Sale Of Miske-Owned Tuna Longliner. The alleged crime boss had owned the fishing vessel for years but transferred it to a company controlled by the widow of his dead son as federal investigators closed in. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Soldiers spruce up Makaeo. Active duty soldiers with the Oahu-based U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division preparing for training at Pohakuloa Training Area descended upon the path at Old Kona Airport Park on Friday and Saturday to give back to the Big Island community by providing some much-needed muscle and care to the site’s main anchialine pond. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hawaiian Electric in Maui County Reached 50% Renewable Energy for 2020. Hawaiian Electric announced Maui County for the first time hit the 50 percent mark in its renewable portfolio standard, at 50.8 percent, with a mix of solar, wind and biofuels. Maui Now.

Wai‘anapanapa State Park access requires a pass starting March 1. Reservations launching online today are now required for visitor and commercial operator access starting March 1. Maui News.

New hotel has April opening set in Wailea. The AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea was scheduled to open this month, but was delayed to allow more time to adjust to COVID-19 protocols, said General Manager Kaleo Kenui. Maui News.

Kauai

Court’s second attempt at jury trial starts today. The Kaua’i County Fifth Circuit Court’s first jury trial in almost a year is scheduled to commence today. Garden Island.

Comments wanted for $50K economic diversification grants. A vertical high-density environment controlled farming facility, mental health training and a land-based coral nursery are all projects currently up for public discourse in the hopes of landing $50,000 in funding. Garden Island.

In Hawaii, agricultural land doesn't translate to food, Legislature seeks to trim governor's emergency powers, state pension fund up 15%, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Has A Lot Of Agricultural Land. Very Little Of It Is Used For Growing Food. The amount of land used for farming in Hawaii has shrunk dramatically since the 1930s. Civil Beat.

These 2 Companies Are Putting Big Money Into Hawaii’s Agricultural Future. Will Their Bets Pay Off?. A pair of companies backed by a billionaire and a pension fund are trying to revitalize fallow farmland in the state. Civil Beat.

Embattled Agribusiness Corporation Has Powerful Friends. With the future of a state agency in charge of transforming Hawaii’s old plantation lands into working farms in the balance, battle lines formed Friday between Gov. David Ige’s administration and big agricultural organizations on one side and lawmakers who say the agency has failed in its mission and should be dissolved on the other. Civil Beat.

Report: Family-Owned Farms Account for 93% of Hawaiʻi Farms. The US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released its 2017 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report on Jan. 22, 2021, classifying Hawaiʻi’s farms to better evaluate the state’s agriculture. Garden Island.

State to rule on protecting prime farmland on Oahu. The state Land Use Commission is preparing to hold public hearings starting Feb. 24 to carry out its responsibility under a 2005 state law aiming to protect high-value farmland statewide by essentially locking up such land for agricultural use in perpetuity. Star-Advertiser.

Sharing emergency powers: House bill would temper governor’s power. A bill moving through the state House would try to balance the almost unilateral power granted the executive branch — governor and island mayors — during declared emergencies to allow legislative input into the duration and specific powers wielded. West Hawaii Today.

It’s No Surprise That CEOs Make More Than Other Employees. But How Much Is Too Much? New legislation would make Hawaii the first state to tax executive pay gaps, but the proposal may be dead on arrival. Civil Beat.

Air tour noise bill shelved despite support from Case, others. A bill that aims to address tour helicopter noise and safety was deferred Thursday by the state Senate Transportation Committee. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers scrap bill exempting counties from Sunshine Law. State lawmakers shelved a bill that would allow the county councils on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island to debate in secret before casting votes on proposed legislation. Star-Advertiser.

State pension fund up 15%. Fueled by a 9% investment increase in the October-December quarter, the state Employees’ Retirement System fund reached the midpoint of its 2021 fiscal year with a 14.8% gain, according to a new report presented to ERS trustees by investment adviser Meketa Investment Group. Star-Advertiser.

Pandemic Turbo-Charges Hawaii State Government's Use Of Tech. Across Hawaii's state government, the need to prevent the spread of disease has similarly turbo-charged the use of technology. It's a big change for an acknowledged tech laggard. Associated Press.

90,000 people applied for the ‘Movers and Shakas’ program; first 50 selected. The first group of professionals have been chosen for a controversial program that would bring people from across the nation to Hawaii to work remotely. Hawaii News Now.

State building remote-work force. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations through the Workforce Development Council, along with Hawai‘i’s four county Workforce Development Boards, announced Remote Ready Hawai‘i’, a remote-work project powered by MadSkills, dba, Instant Teams. Garden Island.

HIEMA Director Ken Hara wants DOH guidance before allowing vaccine travel exemption. Major General Hara is eyeing March 1st to launch the first phase with critical infrastructure workers and expand the program in one-month increments. Governor David Ige is allowing fully-vaccinated people to bypass Hawaii's 10-day travel quarantine without negative COVID-19 test results -- starting with critical infrastructure workers doing intercounty travel. KITV4.

Hawaii setting up "Health Pass" system to verify a person's COVID-19 test results, vaccinations. The state is setting up a "Health Pass" system that uses technology to verify your negative COVID-19 test results and vaccination doses, so you can travel and keep your information private. KITV4.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 14: 48 New COVID-19 Cases And 1 Death. The cases included 38 on Oahu, four on Maui, three on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Extends Driver's License Renewal Deadline To April. City officials in Honolulu have extended the deadline to renew driver's licenses, state identification cards and permits to mid-April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press.

$12 million plan for a luxury ‘fixed-base operation’ and fuel farm at Kalaeloa Airport questioned. A mainland aircraft services partnership with deep pockets plans to spend $12 million for a luxury “fixed-base operation” and fuel farm at Kalaeloa Airport that is many times larger than the locally run operation that’s there now. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Transportation moved by pedestrian deaths to install speed tables on Farrington Highway. Area lawmakers are applauding the state Department of Transportation for installing two new raised crosswalks on Farrington Highway at the entrance of Nanakuli to increase pedestrian safety. Star-Advertiser.

Condo Complex’s Plan To Uproot Trees Has Residents Worried About Kaneohe Bay. The plan is really about clearing views for residents, according to a former Puu Alii board member. Civil Beat.

What’s open and closed in Honolulu on Presidents Day. The City and County of Honolulu offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 15. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Bridging the digital divide: Kimball promotes broadband infrastructure. A resolution urging the county get on the broadband-wagon will be considered Wednesday by the County Council as the coronavirus pandemic demonstrates to state and local officials how important digital connectivity is when face-to-face just isn’t possible. West Hawaii Today.

Funding for lifeguards at Hapuna and Kua Bay in peril. Time is ticking to secure a funding source for lifeguard services at two popular but perilous state beach parks in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County, State Sign New COVID Emergency Proclamations. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth signed a Sixth Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on Friday, as Governer David Ige signed his 18th emergency proclamation for COVID-19. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui attorneys confirmed as 2nd Circuit judges. Chris Dunn, Jim Rouse to serve six-year terms. Maui News.

New reservations system starts March 1 at Waianapanapa State Park in Hana. All visitors and commercial operators will need to make reservations to enter the park, with out-of-state visitors paying $10 for parking; walk-in, bike-in or drop-off entry costing $5 per person; and commercial vehicles charged $25 for one to seven passengers and $50 for eight to 25 passengers. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Food distribution doesn’t skip a beat.  North Shore Food Pantry board member Elena Stipanovic said the group had to get 15 cases of diapers for the food distribution held Saturday at the Anaina Hou Community Park. Garden Island.

Extended jobless benefits ready for rollout, gambling, guns, Sunshine Law debated in Legislature, study finds pandemic depressing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Turtles Face Grim Future, UH Researcher Says. Sea turtles in Hawaiʻi, as well as all turtles worldwide, face a “daunting future” due to climate change and other factors, a University of Hawaiʻi researchers says. Big Island Video News.

Schatz to serve as chairperson of Indian Affairs committee. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, will serve as chairperson. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, will be vice chairperson. Hawaii News Now.

Extended jobless benefits rollout starts Tuesday in Hawaii. The 11-week extension of the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program will begin rolling out Tuesday for about 68,000 potential claims in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  

The Fight Between Hawaii’s State Auditor And House Speaker Is Heating Up. State Auditor Les Kondo wants House Speaker Scott Saiki to suspend his review of his office’s operations. Civil Beat.

Senate Bills Reignite Gun Control Debate. Senate Bill 301, scheduled for a public hearing Friday morning would ban magazines that carry more than ten bullets at a time. KITV4.

Hawaiian Home Lands Commission might have 5 years to rule on gambling. The Hawaiian Home Lands Commission would have until Dec. 31, 2026 — more than five years — to figure out whether gambling is the best way to generate badly needed funds to clear the backlog of more than 28,000 Native Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries, under a revised bill scheduled to go back before the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

House Bill To Provide Relief to Struggling Hawaiʻi Businesses Moves Forward in State Legislature. The Hawai‘i State House of Representatives unanimously passed on its third reading House Bill 1278 HD1 and sent the bill, which provides relief to businesses, to the Senate for consideration and action. Maui Now.

Proposed ‘Sunshine Law’ exemption has hasty demise. A bill that would have all-but-exempted county councils from the state’s open meetings law, also known as the “Sunshine Law,” is essentially dead for this legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

How Hawaii Schools Are Teaching Kindness And Empathy In A Volatile World. The need for teaching kindness and civility became especially acute during ex-President Donald Trump’s turbulent term in the White House, say educators. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 pandemic harming mental health of Hawaii residents, especially young and lower-income people, survey reveals. The coronavirus is taking a toll on mental health — particularly for Hawaii’s young adults and lower-income residents with household earnings of less than $50,000. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 Tracking App Picks Up Speed. After another push, many more Hawaii residents have adopted smartphone technology that will notify them if they were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 11: 95 New COVID-19 Cases And 1 Death. Hawaii health officials reported 95 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, including 63 on Oahu, 19 on Maui, three on the Big Island, one on Molokai, and nine residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Koa Ridge medical complex plans clarified by developer. The developers of a planned medical complex at Koa Ridge said a hospital with 24-hour emergency care will be part of the project. Star-Advertiser.

EPA fines Kapolei refinery nearly $220K for chemical safety, hazardous waste violations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today that Par Hawaii Refining LLC has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $219,638 for violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act at its oil refining facilities in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has hired Tim Sakahara as his communications director, the city announced in a news release on Thursday. Sakahara, who begins work on Feb. 16, will be leaving his current job as communications director for the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Measure would help Aloha Stadium pay its bills to keep it open. Without a $1.5 million emergency appropriation from the legislature this session, Aloha Stadium might have to cease operations, lawmakers have been told. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Attorney continues seeking sanctions against council members. Although Charles Heaukulani was unsuccessful getting a court to stop the County Council’s Feb. 3 confirmation vote of Planning Director Zendo Kern, the Hilo attorney is pursuing his lawsuit alleging Sunshine Law violations by the council during committee-level deliberations. West Hawaii Today.

Highway bills pass Senate committee: $30 million proposed to widen Queen Kaahumanu, Kuakini Highways. A proposal to widen two stretches of highway in West Hawaii moved forward Thursday in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Water Treatment Operator Sues County Over Whistleblower Retaliation. The man says he lost his job after pointing out that a cleaning solution had spilled into the water supply in May. Civil Beat.

Panel defers affordable housing rule changes. Following the advice to wait until an upcoming affordable housing plan is considered, the Maui County Council Affordable Housing Committee put the brakes on a proposal that would have amended the county’s affordable housing rules. Maui News.

Unexploded Ordnance Found During Excavation in Wailea. As a precaution, surrounding residences were evacuated, and Hoʻomua Drive was temporarily closed. Maui Now.

COVID-19 Cluster at Maui Jail Now Includes 20 Inmates. The Maui Community Correctional Center now has 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases among inmates at the Wailuku facility.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Super support shown for Alekoko “Menehune” Fishpond. Thursday, the county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission moved in support of the acquisition of the fishpond with overwhelming support from residents and community stakeholders. Garden Island.

County announces holiday closures. In observance of Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 15, County of Kaua‘i offices will be closed, along with the Kekaha Landfill, all refuse transfer stations, the Puhi Metals Recycling Center, all HI-5 redemption centers, and all the neighborhood centers. Garden Island.

U.S. Attorney Kenji Price leaving post, Legislature tackles gambling, lottery bills, Sunshine Law under attack, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Attorney Kenji Price PC:Wikipedia

Biden official asks Hawaii’s U.S. attorney Kenji Price to resign. Kenji Price, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, has been asked to resign by the Biden administration, according to a spokeswoman. It is routine for U.S. attorneys to step down when a new president takes office. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii gambling bills stall, lottery hopes pushed back. The odds of Hawaii allowing any form of legal gambling anytime soon grew longer on Wednesday when three more gaming bills stalled in the House, including one that would allow a casino atop the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

State Lottery To Fund Public Education Moves Forward. Winning final passage may be a long shot, but the Senate Education Committee tentatively approved a plan Wednesday to create a commission to stand up a state lottery to help fund public education in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Panel Moves To End Suspension Of Public Records Law. Hawaii lawmakers are a step closer to lifting Gov. David Ige’s nearly year-long suspension of laws meant to provide transparency to the government. Civil Beat.

Proposed bill would erode public’s ‘right to know’. A bill that would all-but-exempt county councils from the state’s open meetings law, also known as the “Sunshine Law,” is set to receive a hearing today. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers again seek disclosure about inmate deaths. Hawaii lawmakers are once again trying to bring greater transparency to incidents of inmates dying in Hawaii’s jails and prisons after a past effort to force Hawaii’s Department of Public Safety to release such information largely failed. Star-Advertiser.

Bill: Don’t Card People If Old Enough To Buy Booze Or Smoke. Senate Bill 1398, which has a hearing Thursday, would prohibit a business that sells age-restricted goods from asking customers for the date of birth if it is clear that the individual has attained the age required to make a purchase. Civil Beat.

Bill to Require State Departments to Increase Purchase of Locally Grown Produce Advances. The bill requires all state departments to ensure that a certain percentage of the produce they purchase are locally grown, gradually increasing the annual percentage amount. Maui Now.

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$2M made available through HECO assistance program runs dry after 31 hours. About 2,700 households were able to receive a portion of the nearly $2 million fund, which is now depleted. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now. KHON2.

State figures: Thousands in Hawaii are overdue for second dose of vaccine. Statistics posted Wednesday show 153,000 people in Hawaii have gotten the first shot of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine since they were first available. Only 48,500 have received a second shot.  Hawaii News Now.

Survey finds majority of Hawaii residents plan to get COVID-19 vaccine. Hawaii residents are becoming more accepting of the COVID-19 vaccine, with a recent survey indicating a shift in attitudes since mid-December. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

This is how the Health Department determines which essential workers get vaccinated. Organizations with frontline essential workers are urged to fill out a form on the state’s website to begin the process. Employers will be asked to identify those most at risk. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 10: 56 New COVID-19 Cases And 5 Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 56 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including 42 on Oahu, nine on Maui, two on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Land board to vet Waikiki sea wall and Ala Moana sand nourishment projects. Two projects proposed by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Design and Construction, aiming to mitigate shoreline erosion at Queen’s Surf in Waikiki and Ala Moana Regional Park, will be considered by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Homeless Program Failed After Prosecutors And Police Wouldn’t Play Ball. A state-funded program intended to steer homeless people from the criminal justice system and into housing, addiction treatment and mental health care failed to meet its core mission after a two-year pilot in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Aloha Stadium officials say facility needs overdue repairs to host fans. Without a significant amount of investment in repair and maintenance, the operation of the current Aloha Stadium will be without fans in the stands, officials acknowledged to lawmakers on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Construction Industry Is Still Going Strong In Hawaii. It May Get Even Stronger. Government projects and demand for housing have kept the construction industry going during the pandemic. Honolulu’s new planning department director hopes to give it an even bigger boost. Civil Beat.

Use of self-service DMV kiosks on Oahu skyrockets during COVID-19 shutdown. City officials say the use of its Hawaii DMV NOW self-service kiosks has grown nearly fourfold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Some employees at Alohilani Resort could lose their jobs come mid-April. More than 80 employees at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach could lose their jobs come mid-April. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea management to be outlined before BLNR. With management of the Mauna Kea summit coming under mounting criticism, the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday will hear the results of a report that gave the University of Hawaii mixed reviews for its oversight of the mountain. Star-Advertiser.

New canopy taking shape at farmers market. The foundation is in place, the framework is being erected, and a new produce market canopy at Hilo Farmers Market is taking shape. Tribune-Herald.

‘Great demand’ for vaccines: Older kupuna, essential workers continue to be priority. Big Island COVID-19 vaccination efforts remain focused on kupuna 75 and older — and likely will be for the next several weeks. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Charter Commission nominees make first cut. A diverse slate of nine residents was recommended by a Maui County Council committee on Tuesday to sit on a commission tasked with updating Maui County’s main guiding document. Maui News.

The Nominated Nine. This year, the council will nominate nine members of the Charter Commission, while the mayor will nominate two. Maui News.

COVID-19 Cluster at Maui Jail Now Totals 12 Inmates. The number of COVID-19 positive cases at the Maui Community Correctional Center now stands at 12 after four more inmates tested positive as part of a mass testing effort being conducted by the state.  Maui Now.

All-time high for single-family homes set. Maui County single-family home median sales prices in January reached an all-time high of $980,000, according to Realtors Association of Maui data that goes back to 1993. Maui News.

Kauai

COVID-19 vaccinations come to Longs Drugs. Beginning Thursday, CVS will begin accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible populations at Longs Drugs locations, including the store in Kapa‘a. Garden Island.

400 families get USDA food boxes. Four hundred families on Kaua‘i received Farmers to Families food boxes through the efforts of a single-day distribution coordinated by the Liliuokalani Trust on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Ige extends eviction moratorium, discusses furloughs, budget cuts as economy slumps, Green urges vaccinations for 65+ starting March 1, fireworks bills advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Grocery checkout workers in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

One In Five Hawaii Workers Are Unemployed, Underemployed, Or Have Quit Looking. Using the  broad assessment of the labor market called the U6 unemployment rate, almost 20% of Hawaii workers are not fully employed. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Saying ‘Labor Savings’ Are Still Needed, Ige Proposes Cuts To Pay, Benefits. The governor’s latest financial plan calls for $285 million in cuts to public employee costs over 2 years. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige says state worker furloughs still possible this year. The governor says Hawaii’s economy is showing signs of improvement. But, he’s once again bringing up the possibility of state worker furloughs as early as July. KHON2.

More optimistic budget revealed, furloughs still possible. Hawaii's financial future looks a little brighter. But the state still faces massive budget shortfalls, which may take until the end of 2024 for the island's economy to fully recover. KITV4.

Ige reduces budget cut for public schools. Gov. David Ige said Tuesday that coronavirus relief aid from the U.S. government and better-than-expected tax revenues have prompted him to reduce the size of budget cuts he has proposed for public schools. Associated Press.

Projected Budget Shortfall Reduced: Furloughs, Pay cuts Remain on Horizon. More money is flowing into Hawai‘i from federal coffers and a moderately buoyed tourism industry, which Governor David Ige said will lessen both the extent and sting of budget cuts his administration proposed in December. Big Island Now.

Governor Ige Updates Hawaii Financial Future. Governor David Ige on Tuesday held a news conference to talk about the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19 in the state. Big Island Video News.

Stabilizing Or Stalling? State Officials Explain Why Hawaii’s Recovery Plan Will Take 2 Years. The governor’s economic development leaders say they want to carefully craft a plan that will hold up for the long term. But legislative leaders aren’t convinced. Civil Beat.

Governor announces $200M program for housing, utility assistance. Gov. David Ige said the state will expand its rental assistance program for families hard hit by the pandemic by another $200 million. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige to extend eviction moratorium 2 more months. The statewide moratorium on residential evictions would be extended for another two months in a COVID-19 emergency proclamation that Gov. David Ige plans to issue this week. Star-Advertiser.

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Bill Would Ban Side Gigs For Hawaii Lieutenant Governors. Last year, lawmakers passed a similar ban on outside employment for county mayors and the governor. Civil Beat.

Bill seeks to lower blood-alcohol content to 0.05. A senate bill introduced by the Committee of Transportation seeks to lower the threshold for drunken driving from the legal limit for a blood-alcohol level of .08 to .05. This would put Hawaii as the second state to do so--after Utah did in 2018. KITV4.

Three fireworks bills clear committee. The state House Consumer Protection Committee on Tuesday unanimously passed three of four fireworks-related bills. Tribune-Herald. KHON2. KITV4.

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Vaccinate 65 and older, Lt. Gov. Josh Green urges. Green is recommending Gov. David Ige make the policy change to speed up immunizations for the lower-priority group as the federal government considers approving a single-dose vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, which could ease vaccine shortages across the nation. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 9: 37 New COVID-19 Infections. Hawaii health officials reported 37 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, including 24 on Oahu, seven on Maui, three on the Big Island and three residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu Police Commission Is At A Crossroads. Almost a year after national protests demanded increased accountability for police, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has an important decision to make: his first appointment to the Honolulu Police Commission. Civil Beat.

How About A Casino In Waikiki? There’s A Bill For That. A proposal similar to ones introduced in past legislative sessions — but which always perish — again has life at the Hawaii Legislature: a casino in Waikiki. Civil Beat.

Bill would place historical markers at 9 sites to honor Barack Obama. State Sen. Stanley Chang is seeking once again to honor significant sites in the life of Hawaii-born President Barack Obama with historical markers. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige casts doubt on new Aloha Stadium with comments. Governor David Ige declared Tuesday at his press conference that he’d prefer the state put money into the upkeep of the current stadium. KHON2.

Makaha Valley resort developer is headed for liquidation. A company that has been trying to turn Makaha Valley into a resort with help from golf legend Tiger Woods has filed for bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

New clinic ensures Pacific Islander community has access to COVID vaccine. The organization “We Are Oceania” teamed up with Kalihi-Palama Health Center to launch a COVID vaccination clinic at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Interest among the community surpassed anticipated demand. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Keck Observatory astronomers win prestigious science prize. A historic feat — successfully zeroing in on the precise location of a non-repeating fast radio burst — has earned the highest recognition from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui’s vaccination clinics to begin first doses again. Maui’s main COVID-19 vaccination sites will once again administer first doses, with Maui Memorial Medical Center set to begin this week and the state Department of Health site at the University of Hawaii Maui College starting next week. Maui News.

Maui County Council urging Legislature to legalize, regulate, tax cannabis. The Maui County Council announced on Tuesday, Feb. 9, it is urging the Hawaii State Legislature to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis for responsible adult-use due to the economic and social benefits that the process would bring. KHON2.

Ho‘olehua Post Office Reopens Today. The facility had been temporarily closed since last Wednesday due to structural concerns. It was cleared for operational use after a thorough assessment by a structural engineer. Maui Now.

REALTORS® Association of Maui’s January 2021 Report Shows Strong Housing Market. Median Sales Price increased 26 percent to $980,000 for Single Family homes but decreased 0.4 percent to $560,000 for Condominium homes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Proposal To Scrap Kauai’s Two-Test Protocol For Arriving Travelers Advances. Measure introduced by House Speaker Scott Saiki would prevent Kauai from requiring the extra test. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hanapepe bridge closed until further notice. According to consultants, the closure is required pending repair to the bridge’s structural support system. Garden Island.

Destruction of Kauai state park raises concerns from state, Native Hawaiians. Sand dunes at Kauai’s Polihale State Park have been destroyed by vehicles, raising concern for safety, state officials said. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Curbside recycling topic of Zoom presentation today. The 2021 Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum presents “The Case for Curbside Recycling on Kaua‘i” via Zoom, today at 6 p.m. Garden Island.

Coronavirus vaccine shortage hits Hawaii, lawmakers mull lottery, cigarette tax hike, $12 minimum wage, Oahu restaurant inspections suspended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Josh Green administers coronavirus vaccine in this Dec. 29, 2020, courtesy photo

 Lack of supply slows coronavirus vaccinations in Hawaii. Hawaii’s mass COVID-19 immunization sites are putting the brakes on new appointments, at least for the next few weeks, as vaccine supplies remain limited across the country. Star-Advertiser.

Second vaccine shots for large group of seniors could limit distribution of first doses. Hawaii seniors 75 and older who got COVID vaccines at large distribution sites in Hawaii will soon get their second doses and that’s putting a squeeze on supplies. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige in no rush to grant vaccinated travelers easy entry. Gov. David Ige said he’s cautious about loosening air travel restrictions for people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, noting that the science is still unclear as to whether the vaccine hampers transmission of the virus. Star-Advertiser.

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Stabilizing Or Stalling? State Officials Explain Why Hawaii’s Recovery Plan Will Take 2 Years. The governor’s economic development leaders say they want to carefully craft a plan that will hold up for the long term. But legislative leaders aren’t convinced. Civil Beat.

Outlook brightens for Hawaii economy. The prospect of more vaccinated tourists visiting the state, perhaps under a corona­virus vaccine passport program, could mean Hawaii visitor arrivals will bounce back to around half their record 2019 level, or more, by summer and continue rising in the second half of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Economists hope new federal funds will further boost Hawaii’s economic recovery. Any boost in funding from the federal government is likely to speed up Hawaii’s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

A State Lottery For Hawaii? Lawmakers Are Thinking About It. A hearing is set this week on a bill that proposes using revenue for public education. Civil Beat.

Proposed Cigarette Tax Increase Advances At Legislature. Lawmakers consider a bill to increase the state tax from 16 cents per cigarette to 21 cents. Civil Beat.

Hawaii legislators could boost minimum wage to $12 next year. A bill to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage to $12 in July 2022 passed unanimously out of its first committee Monday, with more than 180 individuals and groups testifying in favor, most saying it should be much higher. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate Proposes $12 Minimum Wage By 2022. Hawaii lawmakers on Monday took a preliminary step toward increasing the minimum wage to $12 by July 2022. Civil Beat.

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It Will Take 18 Months To Overhaul Hawaii’s Outdated Unemployment System. The state labor department made a deal to replace an antiquated mainframe but it won’t help with the current wave of claims. Civil Beat.

State Unemployment System Flounders As Thousands Await Late Payments. Although Congress extended jobless benefits in late December, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ out-of-date computer system has created delays in processing certain claims. As a result, thousands of Hawaii residents have gone more than a month without unemployment benefits. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Should Hawaii governors pick their LG? Hawaii is one of only a few states where instead of the nominee for Governor picking their runningmate, both Governor and Lt. Governor are elected in separate primaries, and are then forced together on the same ticket in the November general election. State Rep. Patrick Branco (D-Kailua) has introduce legislation to change that. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate Advances Asset Forfeiture Reform Measure. Gov. David Ige vetoed a similar proposal in 2019 over worries that it would hinder law enforcement operations. Civil Beat.

FAA to install weather cameras in Hawaii to help guide pilots. A project to install 23 weather cameras throughout Hawaii is underway. KHON2.

Hawaii Wants To Form A Defense Industry ‘Alliance’ For Local Businesses. Hawaii officials want to form a new organization to get more local businesses in on lucrative defense contracts — and to find ways to use military money to grow other sectors of the state’s economy. Civil Beat.

Feds Consider Paintballs And Sponge Grenades To Thwart Endangered Monk Seals. Federal officials are weighing whether fishers should be allowed to shoot paintballs and fire sponge grenades at critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals to stop them from damaging their fishing gear, stealing their catch or compromising safety. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 8: 33 New COVID-19 Infections. Hawaii health officials reported 33 new COVID-19 cases on Monday including 21 on Oahu, three on the Big Island, seven on Maui, and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi happy with low case counts but warns residents to stay vigilant. The Hawai'i State Department of Health has reported 33 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the statewide total to 26,500. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige believes Aloha Stadium still usable. Gov. David Ige questioned the wisdom of spending $350 million for a successor to Aloha Stadium and suggested the state invest further in the repair and maintenance of the deteriorating facility to keep it usable for the University (of Hawaii) for many, many years to come. Star-Advertiser.

DOH Food Safety Branch suspends in-person inspections until staff is vaccinated. The Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch manager on Oahu decided to halt in-person food establishment inspections and complaints until his 21 staff members are vaccinated. KHON2.

Finances grim for Chinese developer who owns much of Makaha Valley. The Chinese developer that acquired the Makaha Valley Country Club and hundreds of acres of land in the valley nine years ago has filed for bankruptcy protection. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown businesses see sales rise even as public Chinese New Year celebrations cancelled. Chinese New Year is on Friday, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents will be ushering in the year of the ox without many celebrations. However, even without the big parade or the street festival this year, Chinatown businesses are seeing some good fortune in the days leading up to Chinese New Year. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth returns to work after heart attack. Hawaii County’s newly elected mayor returned to work today after making a recovery from a Jan. 9 heart attack in Kona. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kohala coastline tops PONC priority list. Seven of the top 10 priority land preservation purchases recommended by a county board are in North Kohala, according to a report the administration has submitted to the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

The president and CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce took issue Monday with House Speaker Scott Saiki’s statement a week ago that the University of Hawaii should no longer manage Maunakea, and it should cease its work to extend the master lease. Tribune-Herald.

Rare turtles rescued in Ka‘u. A rare nest of olive ridley sea turtles was discovered last week in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Sears closing after 36 years in Hilo mall. Prince Kuhio Plaza might seek a new tenant after Sears, one of the mall’s oldest stores, closes later this year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii Officially Gets Its First Space Force Guardians. The six officers were sworn in during a ceremony last week on Maui. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Senate Judiciary Votes to Recommend Consent to Two Maui Judicial Appointments. The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to recommend that the Senate consent to the judicial appointments of Christopher Dunn to the District Court of the Second Circuit and James Rouse to the District Family Court of the Second Circuit. Maui Now.

Kauai

Open Space Commission to discuss Menehune Fishpond. The county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission will meet for the first time in almost a year on Thursday to discuss the potential acquisition of the Alakoko “Menehune” Fishpond. Garden Island.

American AgCredit pledges $2 million to support GoFarm Hawai‘i. The American AgCredit pledge of $2 million over a five-year period is good for Hawai‘i as a state, said Eric Hanson, the GoFarm Hawai‘i Kaua‘i program coordinator. Garden Island.

Hawaii important to China military missions, Green seeks to lower age for vaccinations, bankruptcies plunge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Troop transport at Pohakuloa Training Area ©2021 All Hawaii News

 
 Hawaii is used to train island-hopping military. Hawaii isn’t an island chain in the Western or South Pacific, but it is being used to replicate one for multiservice military training as the Army and Marines prepare to become a 21st-century island-hopping force to counter China. Star-Advertiser.

‘Golf ball’ radar helps plug gap in Pacific. The giant Sea-Based X-Band Radar has come and gone from Hawaii again as it embarks on another lengthy defense-of-the-homeland and missile defense testing mission. Star-Advertiser.

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Lt. Gov. wants to push up vaccination of 65 and older as COVID-19 variants spread across mainland. Green says the state could potentially see a surge in cases among younger people who party or gather and that he worries they could bring the highly transmissible strain into their home and spread it to parents or kupuna. KHON2.

Other States Have Opened Vaccinations To Those As Young As 65. Why Not Hawaii?. Some argue the state should prioritize the most vulnerable before vaccinating a long list of essential workers. Civil Beat.

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Hawaii House Panel Strikes Down DHHL Casino Proposal. A companion measure is still alive in the Senate, though the gambling bills face opposition from some legislative leaders and the governor. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Bills aim to save Hawaii’s beaches. Hawaii lawmakers are considering bills this legislative session that could force oceanfront property owners to remove sandbags and draped heavy tarps that can significantly contribute to coastal erosion. Star-Advertiser.

Wage hike bills draw concern. The minimum wage in Hawaii could rise as high as $17 an hour under several new bills in the state Legislature, which has some businesses worried about their future. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers consider moratorium on commercial business evictions. Commercial landlords would be prohibited from evicting tenants under a bill Hawaii lawmakers took up last week to try to assist businesses reeling from the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Lawmakers Advance New Tax On Alcoholic Drinks. The new state tax of 10 cents a drink would be in effect for the next three years, and raise about $62 million a year. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

House’s proposal ends contested case land use hearings, sending them directly to court. In a supposed effort to streamline the state’s contested case hearing process, a controversial new bill in the state Legislature would end those hearings over land use issues entirely. Tribune-Herald.

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State bankruptcies plunged nearly 25% in January. The number of cases in January plunged 24.8% on the strength of financial aid as well as signs that the vaccine rollout is providing hope that Hawaii’s economy can recover in the second half of the year. Star-Advertiser.

Data shows some Hawaii public school students struggling amid coronavirus. Elementary school students are having trouble keeping up with coursework during the pandemic, with 21% “well below” proficiency in English and 15% falling short in math in the first semester, new public school data shows. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii to receive $2 million in opioid epidemic settlement. The state is set to receive nearly $2 million as part of its share in a multistate opioid epidemic settlement.  KHON2.

Micronesians Wait Their Turn As Other Pacific Islanders Head Home. Hundreds of people from Pacific islands and territories have been stranded abroad for months after their homelands closed borders early in the pandemic. Civil Beat.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 7: 75 New COVID-19 Infections And Two Deaths. Hawaii health officials reported 75 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday including 51 on Oahu, 15 on Maui, seven on the Big Island and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission questions disparities in use of force. The disproportionate involvement of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Blacks in police arrests and “use of force” incidents caught the attention of Hono­lulu Police Commission members in their ongoing re-examination of Honolulu Police Department policies — an effort that sprung from recent police shootings on the mainland and calls for law enforcement reforms nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

Deadline for public input on new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is Feb. 8. State officials released a drafted environmental impact statement detailing the project’s impacts on the surrounding environment on Dec. 23 and encouraged Hawaii residents to comment on the proposal. KHON2.

COVID-19 created a new problem for recently released inmates, prison reform advocates say. United Self-Help’s executive director said more and more of these maxed-out prisoners are being turned away from the shelters, forcing them to live on the streets. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Feds Fine Hilo Veterans Home $500,000 Over Deadly COVID-19 Outbreak. State health officials said it was the largest fine they could recall for a longterm care facility. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

‘Funky,’ ‘goofy’ and postponed: Waikoloa project withdrawn. A rezoning and application for a Waikoloa affordable housing project with a past that a planning consultant called “funky” and a councilman called “goofy” were withdrawn Tuesday from the County Council Planning Committee for a redo. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hosts liable for underage drinking. Maui County Council unanimously approved a bill that will make the host of a Maui gathering at home or another private residence liable for illegal underage drinking. Maui News.

Mahi Pono farmers pivot amid pandemic. New crops go to market; 3,500 acres of plantings slated this year. Maui News.

New Maui Commission on Healing Solutions for Homelessness Accepting Applications. The Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee is seeking applications for the new Commission on Healing Solutions for Homelessness, Chair Mike Molina announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Public hearing on property-tax exemptions slated for today. The County of Kaua‘i Department of Finance will hold a public hearing today on proposed amendments to rules and regulations relating to real-property-tax home and related exemptions. Garden Island.

Survey: Princeville residents overwhelmingly dislike ‘glamping’ plan. A stunning 94% of Princeville residents and property owners believe that preserving open space in Hawai‘i’s first planned community is critical as it ponders its options in resisting a proposed luxury-camping resort. Garden Island.

40% of KCC students are food-insecure. Some 40% of Kaua‘i Community College students reported they are food-insecure, Chancellor Joe Daisy said last week. Garden Island.

Legislature takes up gambling, marijuana bills as businesses struggle, Hawaii football a drain on university finances, coffee farm hit with COVID-19 cluster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coffee beans drying in the Hawaii sun ©2021 All Hawaii News

Short Term Rental Operators Are Exiting The Market Amid Recession And Legal Restrictions. The number of properties listed as short term vacation rentals has declined by as much as half compared to pre-pandemic levels, but the numbers may be deceiving. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii businesses continue to suffer amid pandemic and fear recovery is a long way off. A new “Pulse of Business Survey” by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and Omnitrak shows island companies face a long road to recovery that they expect will extend into April 2022. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Lawmakers Kill Bill To Improve Care At Veterans And Nursing Homes. Healthcare administrators argued the bill, drafted in response to the deadly outbreak last year at a Hilo facility, could make healthcare slower. Civil Beat.

Hearings set for gambling bills: Casino legislation still alive; lotteries also proposed for Hawaii. In a year where an economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has the government scrambling for revenue, a pair of gambling-related bills — usually a nonstarter in the state Legislature — are scheduled for hearings. Tribune-Herald.

Interisland medical cannabis transport bill back. A measure authorizing qualifying patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for personal use that was passed by the 2019 Legislature and subsequently vetoed by Gov. David Ige is back before lawmakers. West Hawaii Today.

‘Stand Your Ground’ proposal stirs debate at state Legislature. There’s considerable debate at the state Legislature this session on whether to pursue passage of a so-called “Stand Your Ground” law in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

State Auditor: Protect The Agency’s Independence. State Auditor Les Kondo is questioning the authority of a task force created by House Speaker Scott Saiki to obtain confidential personnel and other records from the auditor’s office. Star-Advertiser.

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State’s outdated unemployment computer system to get a $10M overhaul.  The state plans to replace its dated and overwhelmed unemployment computer system, which has been blamed on payment delays amid the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment tax shocks hit claimants; employers next unless fixes pass at Capitol. Some recipients of unemployment payments are facing sticker shock as they realize they now owe taxes on that money, and in some cases, they owe money back to the State. KHON2.

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Hawaii’s COVID-19 Tracking App Is Falling Short. Only 80,000 users have downloaded AlohaSafe Alert, about half the amount developers say is needed to be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Civil Beat.

State now has 30 sites distributing COVID vaccine to kupuna, essential workers. While there’s been lots of press about two mass vaccination sites on Oahu, you’ve probably heard a lot less about smaller vaccination clinics in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Infections and hospitalizations are dropping in Hawaii as more people get inoculated. Hawaii has distributed more than 180,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and that appears to be slowing infections, according to the head of the hospital association. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Feb. 4: 107 New COVID-19 Infections And 2 Deaths. The cases included 80 on Oahu, six on Hawaii island, 16 on Maui and five residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bills aim to clarify Honolulu rail vote confusion. Questions over voting issues that loom over the rail project’s governing board — which have affected at least two recent, high-profile votes and brought the board to inaction over other issues — are intended to be resolved under various bills moving through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Joey Manahan Joins HART. He’ll oversee a public relations program whose costs he sought to reduce as the council’s budget chairman. Civil Beat.

Health Department hears case over Red Hill fuel tanks. The Hawaii Department of Health is near completing a five-day contested case hearing that challenges the Navy’s permit application to operate its Red Hill fuel storage facility. KHON2.

University of Hawaii football games in Manoa seen costing $400K annually. That’s the estimate of expenses exceeding revenues for temporarily shifting Rainbow Warrior football games to the University of Hawaii’s flagship campus from longtime home Aloha Stadium. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

COVID-19 Cluster Identified at Coffee Farm in Kona. Out of about 100 employees, 18 workers were diagnosed with the coronavirus, Steve Bader, executive assistant from the Mayor’s Office, told Hawai‘i County Council’s Governmental Operations, Relations and Economic Development Committee. Big Island Now. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

‘Fight COVID With COVID’ Blood Drive Coming to Kona. The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i has planned a Big Island blood drive this month to replenish its stores of blood and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma. Big Island Now.

Maui

County cites rent savings in possible building purchase. Maui News parcel would provide office space as well as equity for county. Maui News.

MCCC dealing with first case of COVID-19. Thirteen Maui Community Correctional Center inmates have been placed in medical isolation and 90 inmates are on quarantine status while undergoing precautionary COVID-19 testing, after one inmate tested positive for COVID-19 at the Wailuku jail, the state Department of Public Safety reported Wednesday. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Haleakala National Park reopens after winter storm brings snow to Maui summit. Haleakala National Park announced it has reopened its summit district following a temporary closure at 4 p.m. Wednesday due to wintry conditions. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

State bill addresses irrigation management. The East Kaua‘i irrigation system can serve more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land from Lihu‘e to Kapa‘a, about 300 of which are in active crop production by local farmers. Garden Island.