Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, miss out on vaccine; Kakaako Makai condos die; Honolulu trains have defective wheels, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian family man ©2021 All Hawaii News

Only 8.8% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have received COVID vaccine, DOH says. Three months into Hawaii’s vaccination campaign, only 8.8% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have received immunizations though they represent more than 40% of COVID-19 cases in the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Bill that would bar suspension of public records requests during emergency advances. A state Senate bill that would bar the governor or county mayors from suspending requests for public records or vital statistics during a declared state of emergency passed its first committee hurdle in the House. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers look to claw back felons’ pensions. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha is set to begin a seven-year prison sentence next month for felony convictions relating to his use of police officers to help frame his wife’s uncle. But that won’t stop his $9,700 monthly pension payments that come with having served 33 years on the police force. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii police chiefs defend themselves on video, but won’t take reporters’ questions. Communicating with the public is becoming a one-sided, scripted event for three of Hawaii’s police chiefs. They’ve refused multiple media requests for interviews on the challenges facing their departments ― and criticism of them personally ― instead using department-produced video statements to make their case. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i National Guard to Deploy 80 Members to Washington D.C. The Hawaiʻi National Guard is set to deploy about 80 of its members to Washington, D.C. to support US Capitol Police until early May. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Unemployed Must Clear Up Earlier Benefit Snafus Before Getting Federal Dollars. Minor mistakes that led to overpayments of a few hundred dollars can hold up much more substantial relief for struggling families. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Telcom Brought Fast Broadband to 10,740 Locations in 2020. Last year Hawaiian Telcom enabled broadband service with speeds up to 940 megabits per second download and 300 Mbps upload to more than 10,740 locations in Hawai‘i, according to a news release. Maui Now.

March 16, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 48 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Tuesday, including 30 on O‘ahu, seven on Maui, eight on Hawai‘i Island, one on Kaua‘i, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Proposal for condo towers in Kakaako Makai dies. Kicking off a Save Our Kakaako Coalition rally Tuesday morning on the steps of the state Capitol, state House Speaker Scott Saiki announced the death of a bill seeking to change existing law to allow the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs to build housing in Kakaako Makai. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Proposal to Rename McKinley High School Introduced at Legislature. House Resolution 148 and House Concurrent Resolution 179 seek to acknowledge President William McKinley's role in the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by returning McKinley High School's name to Honolulu High School. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

HART: Defective Train Wheels Are A ‘Major’ Problem And Possible Safety Issue. The latest defect, revealed after a tense exchange at a City Council hearing, could delay the system’s interim opening another year. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

As Oahu Karaoke bars struggle during the pandemic, owners ask mayor to modify reopening order. Under Honolulu’s rules, anyone singing needs to be at least 10 feet from any other person and a physical barrier must separate the person singing from others. Hawaii News Now.

Medical teams hit the street to vaccinate Hawaii’s most vulnerable homeless people. The initiative launched a little over a week ago. Hawaii’s Department of Health says since then, more than 500 homeless people have been immunized. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Stadium replacement plan includes maintenance risk shift. Long-term maintenance expenses for a new stadium on Oahu would be preset under the state’s plan to replace Aloha Stadium using a private partner. Star-Advertiser.

Hanauma Bay will be closed due to a sewage pump failure. The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will be closed Wednesday after the city discovered a sewage pump failure. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Controversial statue will be moved. A statue recently erected in Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo will be moved after the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday rejected the donation of the sculpture. Tribune-Herald.

Panel votes to repeal ‘non-speculative residential use’ tax exemption program. A County Council committee voted in favor of a bill to abolish a 30-year-old property tax exemption program. Tribune-Herald.

Hundreds get Johnson & Johnson vaccine at Hilo POD. Hundreds of people were vaccinated after waiting in line at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. Tribune-Herald.

A Hele-On hub for Kona. Eleven Kailua-Kona locations are in the running for a centralized Hele-On bus hub, and the county wants to hear which one the public likes best, or if other sites would be better. West Hawaii Today.

County’s 1st hydrogen bus should be on the island within 6 weeks. After long delays, the county’s first hydrogen bus could be driving on Kailua-Kona’s streets by May. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mobile unit brings counseling, medical care to homeless. Homeless residents will be able to seek mental health counseling, noncritical medical care and other services in one location when the Maui Police Department launches its Mobile Medical Educational Unit. Maui News.

Hawaii task force sting nets 7 men suspected of online enticement of minors. A sting operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Hawaii has resulted in charges against seven men who are accused of soliciting who they believed to be minors for sex and arranging to meet up with them on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.


Kauai

State commission rules to end diversion of a Kauai stream. A ruling from Commission on Water Resource Management on Tuesday means the Lawai stream can no longer be fully diverted, like it has been for nearly a century. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency lane open on highway near Hanalei. A single lane is now open on Kuhio Highway by above the Hanalei Bridge, and concrete barriers have been placed along the side of the single emergency-only lane. Garden Island.

Council talks path erosion. Coastal erosion has already gone beneath the multi-purpose Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path at Wailua Beach, and the county knew that might happen. Garden Island.

Sea-level rise affects everyone. University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor Charles “Chip” Fletcher of the Department of Earth Sciences in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology believes Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are going to be most affected by the glaciers melting and experience more sea-level rise and coastal erosion in the near future. Garden Island.

Spring breakers hit Hawaii beaches, Blangiardi highlights housing, 65k vaccines for 400k people in Phase 1C, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitors crowd Waikiki over the weekend PC:Hawaii News Now

Hawaii logs its highest three days of tourist arrivals in a year. Some 21,433 trans-Pacific travelers and 4,968 interisland travelers were screened by Safe Travels Hawaii on Saturday, Hawaii’s highest single day since coronavirus-related fears and government restrictions caused travel to plummet. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s Rush To Vaccinate Has Led To A Patchwork System With Little Policing. The state acknowledges that the hospitals and clinics that vaccinate people have sometimes bent the rules to the breaking point, by inoculating someone outside the current phase, for instance, but say they have little recourse. Civil Beat.

Hawaii health officials prioritizing certain people over others in Phase 1C for COVID-19 vaccine. Hawaii health officials decided over the weekend to prioritize hotel, restaurant and bar workers for COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to those with specific high-risk medical conditions and residents 65 and older. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Looking for a COVID vaccine appointment? Persistence (and patience) recommended. The state expanded vaccine eligibility to roughly 400,000 more residents on Monday, but getting an appointment for a jab make take persistence ― and patience. Hawaii News Now.

State House resolution opposes $1.9B Hawaii radar. A resolution introduced in the state Legislature calls for the Missile Defense Agency to “resist” siting a $1.9 billion defensive radar in Hawaii because it is a “prime example of wasteful Pentagon spending” during a time of unprecedented need for public services in health, education and welfare.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Adopts Most Extreme Open Records Limits Amid Pandemic. Hawaii has the lowest COVID-19 infection rate of any state in the nation. It's also a pandemic standout for a more dubious reason: instituting the most extreme restrictions on the public's access to official records. Associated Press.

Education and union leaders agree to bring more kids back to Hawaii public schools. Education, health and union leaders announced today they have signed off on guidelines to bring more students back to campus at Hawaii’s public schools, especially at the elementary level. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

The economic hardships of the pandemic in Hawaii haven’t been equally distributed. While Hawaii’s economic recovery seems to be beginning, a financial comeback will take much longer for the state’s lower wage and service workers, experts say. Hawaii News Now.

Unemployment call center understaffed, overwhelmed. The state’s understaffed unemployment insurance call center that’s designed to handle 2,000 calls a day at the Hawai‘i Convention Center was getting more than 200,000 calls every day just two weeks ago but is still overwhelmed by 40,000 calls each day. Star-Advertiser.

Federal stimulus act bolsters Hawaii unemployment benefits. Anne Perreira-Eustaquio, director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, said Monday that the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 signed Thursday by President Joe Biden will extend the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs for an additional 25 weeks, until Sept. 4 and Sept. 6, respectively. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Bill would expand DA BUX food program. A state Senate bill that would eliminate a daily cap on a dollar-for-dollar match for supplemental nutrition assistance program beneficiaries under DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program has cleared its first House hurdle. Tribune-Herald.

Isle jobless rate 10.2%, nation’s worst, in January. Hawaii’s unemployment rate climbed back into double digits in January to retain the dubious honor of having the highest figure in the country. Star-Advertiser.

Flags will fly at half-staff across Hawaii on Tuesday to honor the life of the late politician and community servant William Bains-Jordan. Through his career in politics, he served as the first state representative of ʻAiea. Hawaii News Now.

March 15, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 46 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 22 on O‘ahu, 15 on Maui, seven on Hawai‘i Island, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi highlights affordable housing, homelessness crisis in State of the City address. The city’s Office of Housing has been changed to reflect that focus, and is now the Office of Housing and Homelessness. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Budget Realities Undermine Blangiardi’s Vision For Honolulu. The mayor presented his agenda in his State of the City address Monday. City Council members have raised concerns about a lack of funding for essential services. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Restaurant Association among other organizations to submit application to City for 2 year extension to plastic ban. The City and County of Honolulu will begin enforcing the ban in two weeks. KHON2.

Kakaako Makai tower opponents to rally again. In 2006 the state Legislature prohibited all housing development there, and in 2012 the state gave 30 acres to the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs in exchange for $200 million in ceded-land back revenue the state owed Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Press Club announces annual Torch of Light, Lava Tube awards for 2020. The Big Island Press Club awards its annual meritorious Torch of Light Award for 2020 to James Hustace and the Waimea Community Association and the Lava Tube dishonor award to Hawaii Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

$500K Releases For Kohala Hospital Improvements. Governor David Ige on Monday released State Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds totaling $500,000 to finance the construction of centralized administrative offices at Kohala Hospital on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

University of the Nations Kona looking to expand: Updated master plan proposes 62-acre addition. The University of the Nations Kona may soon be more than doubling in size. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Inventory hits new low for Maui homes. Meanwhile, median sales prices for single-family homes remained high at $895,000 — a 19.8 percent spike year over year.  Maui News.

Pacific Whale Foundation Retrieves Ghost Nets in Maui Waters. Ghost nets — fishing nets or gear that have been abandoned, lost or discarded by fishing vessels — are an increasingly serious threat to whales and dolphins around the globe. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami gives State of the County address. Mayor Derek Kawakami, reflecting on over a year of the pandemic, highlighted the county’s efforts to embrace adversity, Monday, in his third State of the County address. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

‘My Words Have Caused People Pain’: Kauai Police Chief Apologizes For Anti-Asian Remarks. Chief Todd Raybuck has done a good job by most accounts and some local leaders say losing him would be a setback for the island. But others including the police union see it differently. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Crowds expected for Coronavirus vaccination plan Phase 1C, Blangiardi's first state of the city address today, beleaguered Maui police chief Faaumu to retire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Double rainbow over Kauai ©2021 All Hawaii News

UH scientist makes a case for why Hawaii is the rainbow capital of the world. Rainbows are a common phenomenon in Hawaii, but have you ever wondered why? In a new publication by an University of Hawaii scientist and professor, Steven Businger laid out all the reasons why Hawaii is the best place on Earth to experience the wonder of rainbows. Hawaii News Now.

State to enter Phase 1C of vaccination plan, expanding eligibility to those 65 and over. Starting Monday, the state will enter Phase 1C of its COVID vaccination plan, expanding eligibility those those 65 and over, residents who have some high-risk medical conditions and remaining essential workers. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Vaccines could lead to lifting of travel restrictions. The state might loosen interisland travel restrictions as early as next month, with similar adjustments under consideration for trans-­Pacific travel, if vaccine distribution supports the plan. Star-Advertiser.

The Hike In State Income Taxes On Top Earners Is As Good As Dead. The federal COVID-19 bailout and strong objections from constituents are helping to sink the bill. Civil Beat.

Funding Fight Slows Action On Police, Prison Reform. The fate of two state boards tasked with standardizing police practices and reforming the jail system depends on agreement between the Legislature and Gov. David Ige. Civil Beat.

State BOE to begin search for new superintendent. The state’s Board of Education is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Thursday, marking the start of a search for the Hawaii’s new superintendent. KHON2.

Hawaii women earn 85 cents to a man’s dollar. Women in Hawaii earned 85.1% of what a man made in 2019; however, they fared better than the national average. Star-Advertiser.

‘Fake Farms’ Are Squeezing Out Serious Agriculture Potential In Hawaii. Some developers have turned acreage earmarked for farming into high-end luxury homes with high prices and restrictions on what the land can be used for. Civil Beat.

Survey: Nearly Half of Hawaii Businesses Did Not Pay Full Rent Last Year. Despite federal aid and grant programs, the number of local businesses that have missed rent continues to climb, according to the Third Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey from Island Business Management. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents live in areas vulnerable to dam failure. With climate change threatening to bring more extreme rainfall events, such evacuations could become more common in the coming years, especially con­sidering the state’s aging network of dams, which are in need of hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

Public-private partnerships have a troubled history in Hawaii. Many state leaders view so-called P3 arrangements as attractive for having the private sector bear the risk and expense of major real estate projects with public purposes in return for rights to develop public land for an expected profit. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation Proposed to Protect Hawaiʻi's Cultural Icons From Being Exploited After Passing. What the bill does is recognize this thing called post-mortem rights to publicity and there’s technological language that has to be used to make it clear that it is the legislature’s intent that the bill apply to people who died prior to the Act. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would repeal state tobacco prevention fund. A measure that would repeal the Hawaii tobacco prevention and control trust fund has passed through the state House and is now before the state Senate for consideration. Tribune-Herald.

Three Hawaii Residents Contract COVID-19 Despite Getting Vaccinations. Health officials stressed that a few “breakthrough” cases are expected because the vaccines, though potent, are not 100% effective. Civil Beat. KITV4.

March 14, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 51 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 28 on O‘ahu, 18 on Maui, four on Hawai‘i Island, and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Here’s how to watch Mayor Blangiardi’s first State of the City address. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi will present his first State of the City address on Monday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

HART to seek another bailout for financially troubled rail system. Despite the financial toll of the pandemic on Hawaii taxpayers and the state budget, the rail authority said it will likely seek another bail out from the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Bars busy in first reopening since 2020. Hundreds of people hit the bars this weekend for the first time since 2020. KHON2.

Illegal campsites creating problems at Diamond Head Beach Park. City Council Chairman Tommy Waters has sponsored a resolution shortening the parks’ opening hours — currently 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The measure will be considered for adoption by the full Council on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

To Get Leftover Vaccines In Hawaii, It Helps To Be Related To A Hospital Employee. In the absence of official guidance on how to distribute extra COVID-19 vaccines, two Hawaii hospitals are prioritizing employees’ families. Civil Beat.

‘It’s definitely a relief’: Around 4,000 inoculated at mass vaccination event. With help from more than 200 volunteers, Hilo Medical Center hosted its second mass vaccination clinic — a closed POD, or point of dispensing — which serviced 4,000 people from Hawaii County who qualified for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Tribune-Herald.

Approval isn’t automatic when department misses deadline: Board of Appeals rejects argument in short term vacation rental case. County code that allows automatic approval of certain permits if the Planning Department misses its deadline garnered a lot of opposition at the County Council earlier this month. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island auto sales suppressed by pandemic. Sales of new automobiles were down nearly 18% on the Big Island in 2020 compared to the year prior. Tribune-Herald.

Road to the Sea talk story sessions set for Saturday. Ocean View residents are being asked to weigh in on the future of the Road to the Sea at a series of community meetings later this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police chief set to retire in May. Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu said he will retire May 1, ending a police career of more than 35 years in a decision he said was unrelated to a minor motor vehicle collision in November. Maui News.

Tourism plan focuses on quality, not quantity. A recently released plan says that it’s not possible to control the number of visitors, focusing instead on how to manage tourism before and after the visitors arrive.  Maui News.

Washed-out roads trap residents. Residents living off Awalau Road have been stuck for four days on the other side of a streambed that washed out a portion of the street during flash flooding in Haiku on Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai tourism set to reopen despite vast flooding. Before last week’s flooding, Kauai was preparing to reopen to tourism on April 5 — a step that would aid the continued recovery of the state’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Medical flights land on North Shore. Hawai‘i Life Flight and American Medical Response have placed into service a medical helicopter, now stationed at Lihu‘e Airport. Garden Island.

North Shore residents band together for ferry system. As of Saturday, the state Department of Transportation reported new findings of a large mass of unstable material on Kuhio Highway, and a newly-discovered fissure. Garden Island.

Vaccinations to begin for 65+, Honolulu bars to reopen, Ige cancels furloughs after federal stimulus, mudslide isolates Kauai's north shore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID vaccination PC: Steven Cornfield on Unsplash

Hawaii residents 65 and older, those in 1C category can get COVID-19 vaccine starting next week. The state is opening coronavirus vaccine eligibility to Hawaii residents 65 and older and those in the phase 1C category starting Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Gov. Ige says furloughs, layoffs of state workers no longer needed thanks to federal stimulus funds. Gov. David Ige said Thursday that furloughs and layoffs of state workers are no longer necessary now that President Joe Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan, which includes $1.6 billion in assistance for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island.

House is asked to investigate state Rep. Sharon Har’s DUI ‘incident’. The state House will consider a request to investigate last month’s arrest of state Rep. Sharon Har on suspicion of drunken driving and citations for driving in the wrong direction on one-way South Beretania Street and for driving without insurance shortly after 10 on a Monday night. Star-Advertiser.

Unemployment aid coalition targets Hawai‘i Convention Center. The Hawai‘i Convention Center attracted a small but resolved group of demonstrators Thursday advocating for faster fixes to the state’s chronically backlogged unemployment system. Star-Advertiser.

DOH identifies case of COVID-19 in a fully vaccinated healthcare worker. Results were received after the travelers arrived back in Hawai’i; both individuals tested positive. KITV4.

March 11, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 60 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 30 on O‘ahu, 18 on Maui, eight on Hawai‘i Island, and four in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Modifications to Oahu Tier 3 allows bars to reopen. Bars will be allowed to reopen under the same conditions as restaurants, funerals will no longer have restrictions on the number of attendees and businesses will be allowed to serve alcohol until midnight. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

3 visitors to Hawaii arrested for quarantine violations. A couple from Ohio and a man from Montana were arrested for allegedly COVID-19 quarantine violations last week, the state Department of the Attorney General reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

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HART to spend $1M for lobbyist and local government consultant. A time when it is slashing its budget and laying off longtime employees, the rail authority is looking to award lucrative lobbying and consultant contracts. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

HART: Expect Honolulu’s Full Rail Line To Be Done In 2031. That’s a couple of years earlier than a recent city estimate but also several years later than a recent HART estimate. Civil Beat.

Rail boss offers apology for not telling board of $3B deficit. The rail project’s interim boss apologized to several board members Thursday for not alerting them that the $11 billion project’s deficit has ballooned to $3 billion, but promised more details ahead of next week’s full board meeting. Star-Advertiser.

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Some Hauula residents say illegal dumping contributed to severe flooding. Residents along a stretch of Kamehameha Highway between Kahikole and Ahinalu places say that illegal stockpiles of asphalt and construction material elevated the land beneath a construction baseyard across the street, causing stormwater to flow over the highway onto their properties. Hawaii News Now.

Pali Lanes Bowling Alley Closing For Good June 30. In a joint announcement Thursday from Pali Lanes and Alexander & Baldwin, the two said bowling operations at the beloved Kailua bowling alley will cease June 30. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Schatz to brief County Council on federal aid: County to get $36M in direct American Rescue Plan Act funds. Hawaii County will get $36 million to prop up a budget diminished by the coronavirus pandemic, and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is scheduled Wednesday to brief the County Council about how it can be spent. West Hawaii Today.

Bill would end ‘non-speculative residential use’ property tax exemption program. A handful of Big Island homeowners could face higher property taxes under a county bill that will repeal a 30-year-old county tax ordinance. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Retiring While Under Commission Scrutiny For Hit-And-Run. No one was injured in the accident, but questions have been raised about whether the chief was held accountable for fleeing the scene. Civil Beat.

Baldwin seniors back on campus. Baldwin High School Principal Keoni Wilhelm was “flying high” Thursday as he welcomed more of the school’s senior class back to campus, including some who have not attended since last year. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai’s north shore cut off by mudslide. A massive landslide in Hanalei, blocking the only access for vehicular traffic in and out of Kauai’s north shore, topped the myriad problems resulting from thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flooding that have stretched across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Boats shuttling supplies to Hanalei after landslide. Milk was one of the last items to arrive Tuesday morning before the closure of the Hanalei Bridge and subsequent landslides that have occurred, closing Kuhio Highway cutting off Hanalei and beyond from the rest of the island by car. Garden Island.

SHOPO calls for Raybuck resignation. The State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers is calling for the immediate resignation of Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck following The Garden Island’s report citing an investigation led by the Kaua‘i Police Commission sustaining allegations of violating policies against discrimination and creating a hostile work environment for an officer based on race. Garden Island.

KIUC board election ends on Saturday. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s 2021 board of directors’ election deadline is this Saturday at noon, and there are three nominated candidates, all incumbents, on the ballot for the three available seats. Garden Island.

Hawaii mops up after storms, only 11% of state vaccinated, 16 year olds get military vaccinations, Legislature welcomes federal bailout, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lifeguards ©2021 All Hawaii News

Some Hawaii Beaches May Lose Lifeguards As State Runs Short Of Cash. Beachgoers at five state beach parks in Hawaii could be swimming at their own risk more often this summer as the pandemic’s financial toll on the Division of State Parks has left the agency unable to cover the costs of lifeguards. Civil Beat.

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New Federal Relief Bill Will Help Hawaii. But It’s Still Not Enough For A Full Recovery. At the end of the day, vaccinations are what will help get tourists back to the islands, economists say, although it will likely take several years before the economy looks like it did before the pandemic. Civil Beat.

State expected to receive at least $6.1B as part of relief package. Hawaii is expected to receive at least $6.1 billion in federal funding as part of a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed Wednesday by Congress. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Money Chairs Share Their Thoughts On Taxes And The Budget. An estimated $1.6 billion federal relief package may not be enough to cover all of Hawaii’s financial obligations due in the next several years. Civil Beat.

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Senate passes bill lowering DUI threshold to 0.05. A measure that would make Hawaii the second state in nation to lower its blood-alcohol threshold for drunken driving to 0.05 is headed to the state House for consideration. West Hawaii Today. Tribune-Herald.

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Military in Hawaii starts to vaccinate 16 and up. The military in Hawaii has started to vaccinate all eligible defense personnel 16 and up and created a drive-thru vaccination center at Wheeler Army Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 Is Airborne. So Why Doesn’t Hawaii Have Pandemic Air Quality Standards? Public health agencies haven’t adequately warned the public about the dangers of sharing air during the pandemic, experts say. Civil Beat.

Critics Say More Data Needed To Avoid Racial Inequity in Hawaii’s Vaccine Rollout. Hawaii is one of only nine states that still hasn’t shared any data about how many people have been vaccinated by race and ethnicity, raising city council members’ concerns that communities with high rates of COVID-19 aren’t getting adequate access to the shots. Civil Beat.

Younger kupuna frustrated about inability to get vaccine, AARP survey finds. A new AARP Hawaii survey showed significant concern among at-risk seniors who are still waiting for the state to open vaccinations to them. Star-Advertiser.

About 68 percent of Hawaii's seniors age 75+ received at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine. The American Association of Retired Persons or AARP lists convenience as one of the top reasons seniors are more open to receiving a shot. KITV4.

March 10, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 48 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 29 on O‘ahu, nine on Maui, five on Hawai‘i Island, and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu rail project faces $3 billion budget shortfall. The city’s $11 billion rail project has a budget shortfall of $3 billion and the new interim CEO sees no clear path to plugging the deficit. Star-Advertiser.

HART: Expect Honolulu’s Full Rail Line To Be Done In 2031. That’s a couple of years earlier than a recent city estimate but also several years later than a recent HART estimate. Civil Beat.

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City assesses damages from the flood to qualify for federal relief. Star Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu businesses, residents clean up from flood as the downpour continues. The day after heavy flooding on Oahu’s North Shore, residents and businesses began cleaning the caked-on mud and debris from their properties, while trying to salvage their belongings — all before rain struck the island again. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City makes online form available to report flooding damage. The purpose of this form is to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage that occurred and impacts on the community. Hawaii News Now.

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Driver in fatal Kakaako crash will receive 30-year sentence. The pickup truck driver who killed three pedestrians and injured four others in 2019 in Kakaako while fleeing from police took a plea deal Wednesday that ensures he will be sentenced to 30 years in prison. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Over 8% of Big Island fully vaccinated for COVID-19. An estimated 17.6% of the state’s population has received at least one dose and 11% have received two doses. On the Big Island, 16.5% of the population has received at least one dose and 8.4% two doses, according to the Department of Health. West Hawaii Today.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine available to Big Island kupuna March 16. On the Big Island, the single-dose inoculation will be offered to kupuna 70 and older Tuesday, March 16, at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo, the state Department of Health announced Wednesday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

DOT proposing roundabout for Waimea intersection. The state Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to improve safety and relieve congestion within Waimea. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Mayor: ‘People are our greatest strength’ in pandemic. Calling the people of Maui County “our greatest strength” over a year of health and economic challenges, Mayor Michael Victorino highlighted the organizations who stepped up to help and the community leaders definining the “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui News.

Director hopes more inmates take vaccine amid MCCC outbreak. 83 inmates have tested positive; overcrowding is not helping. Maui News.

Amid Heavy Rains, Maui County Gets Federal Aid For Drought. Federal officials have approved Hawaii Gov. David Ige's request to declare a disaster for Maui County amid drought conditions that have persisted for two years. Associated Press.

Officials visit Kaupakalua Dam. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case and DLNR Dam Safety officials conducted a site survey at the Kaupakalua Dam and Reservoir Tuesday afternoon, immediately after Monday’s flooding. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Long Beach-Maui Service. Hawaiian Airlines Wednesday began nonstop service between Long Beach and Kahului, Maui, welcoming Southern California travelers onboard with the convenience of a second daily flight to Hawai‘i. Maui Now.

Kauai

KPD quiet on allegations against Chief. The Kaua‘i Police Department and the Kaua‘i Police Commission remained mum Wednesday after sustained allegations of Chief Todd Raybuck violating the county’s discrimination codes from a commission-led investigation were made public. Garden Island.

County setting up mobile labs funded by Chan-Zuckerberg fund. With over $300,000 in funds derived from a Hawai‘i Community Foundation fund seeded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the county will be getting three mobile labs capable of expanding the county’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs. Garden Island.

Schools superintendent Kishimoto calls it quits, some jumping the vaccination line, governor declares state of emergency over flooding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto

Hawaii schools superintendent Christina Kishimoto stepping down in July when contract ends. Superintendent Christina Kishimoto announced Tuesday she will step down on July 30 after four years at the helm of Hawaii’s public schools, rather than seek to extend her contract. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Some vaccine recipients finding ways to jump line. The state Department of Health said it relies on employers to identify who in their companies are front-line essential workers eligible for the shot, and also on vaccinators to verify the people getting inoculated. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige declares an emergency as heavy rain wreaks havoc across the state. Gov. David Ige on Tuesday signed an emergency declaration that will free up state funds to help those across the state hit by the heavy rainfall and flooding. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Senate approves nation’s highest income tax. A bill that would increase Hawaii’s income tax to the highest in the nation for the state’s top earners passed the full Senate on Tuesday by a near-unanimous vote. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

LGBTQ Parents May Get Help When Having A Baby In Hawaii. The House passed a bill Tuesday to establish a task force to try to make it easier for queer parents to establish parentage at birth. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Senate Votes To Legalize Marijuana, Raise Minimum Wage. While both proposals appear dead on arrival in the House, lawmakers will still consider scores of other measures related to abortions, taxes and housing development. Civil Beat.

Bill would prohibit sale of sunscreen products containing avobenzone and octocrylene. Sunscreens containing two harmful petrochemicals, avobenzone and octocrylene, would be banned from sale in Hawaii under a bill passed Tuesday by the state Senate. West Hawaii Today. Garden Island.

Help Wanted For Ethics, Campaign Spending Commissions. Vacancies on both are appointed by the governor from nominees submitted by the Judicial Council. Civil Beat.

From The Philippines To Lanai: State Hopes New Teaching Recruits Will Fill A Gap. The new program is aimed at bringing to Hawaii highly qualified teachers from the Philippines to fill the teaching gaps, particularly in areas like math, science and special education. Civil Beat.

U.S.-Chinese force imbalance is growing in western Pacific. Adm. Phil Davidson, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Oahu, recently delivered to Congress a $27.3 billion request for extra funding through 2027 called the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Star-Advertiser.

State reports 42 new COVID cases. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

10,000 gallons of wastewater have spilled from Kahuku treatment plant in ongoing discharge. The  state Department of Health has issued an advisory warning the public to stay out of coastal waters fronting the plant. Star-Advertiser.

HFD continues search for person in Waihona Stream on Oahu. The Honolulu Fire Department will continue the search for a person reported to be in the Waiawa Stream in Pearl City in the morning on Wednesday, March 10. KHON2.

City lifts evacuation order for Haleiwa as flooding threat subsides. An evacuation order for scores of Haleiwa town residents was lifted late Tuesday as the threat of “catastrophic flooding” from torrential rains subsided. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Wastewater Discharge Reported At Papaikou Treatment Plant. The public is advised to remain out of waters fronting the Papaikou Wastewater Treatment Plant due to a wastewater discharge. Big Island Video News.

Rain On Lava Creates Poor Visibility On Puna Highway. Hawaiʻi County emergency officials are urging motorists to use caution on Highway 132 in Puna, due to poor visibility caused by steam in the area. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea residents reflect on life during the coronavirus pandemic. Many furloughed Big Island hospitality workers have gone nearly a year without work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Health workers ratify new contract. Maui Health System workers voted overwhelmingly to approve a new four-year contract over the weekend, bringing eight months of negotiations and disputes over worker pay to a close, the union said. Maui News.

16.63 Inches of Rain Fell in 24 Hours in East Maui — Beats 40 State Rainfall Records But Not Hawaiʻi’s. The storm that dumped buckets of rain on East Maui Monday, causing flooding, evacuations and the Kaupakalua Dam to overflow, was called a “run-of-the-mill low-pressure system for the Hawaiian islands” by an AccuWeather meteorologist. Maui Now.

Kaupakalua Farm House on Maui Swept Away by Flood. Five people are among those displaced after a torrent of water and mud swept away a five-bedroom farm house and heavily damaged another shed dwelling on the same Maui property Monday afternoon. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

State says century-old Kaupakalua Dam slated for removal this summer. Heavy rains on Monday caused the aging reservoir to swell, and overtop the earthen dam in the Haiku region, resulting in the emergency evacuation of some 150 downstream homes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kauai

KPD Chief Raybuck faces discrimination charges. Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck violated policies against discrimination and created a hostile work environment for an officer based on race, as found by a Kaua‘i Police Commission investigation. Garden Island.

Rise to Work program accepting applications. The County of Kauai is now accepting applications for the Rise to Work program, which helps Kaua‘i residents who lost their job connect to temporary job opportunities with local employers. Garden Island.

Heavy rains close Hanalei Bridge, produce flash floods warnings. Heavy rains triggered a flash-flood warning for Kaua‘i on Tuesday night and the closure of Kuhio Highway in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge at about 5 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii poised to become state with highest income tax, highly infectious COVID-19 variant detected, flood over-tops Maui dam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino at video press conference

Hawaii lawmakers consider nation’s highest income tax. Hawaii is considering overtaking California as the state with the highest income tax rate in the nation, under legislation slated for a vote this week. Associated Press.

Hawaii Could Lose Access To Next Generation Broadband Internet. Technological advances allow the next generation of undersea fiber optic cables to traverse the Pacific without stopping in Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio.

House Speaker Seeks Hawaiian Nominees For Mauna Kea Group. The 15-member working group has until December to come up with a new management structure for Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive over $6.1B in federal funds. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed Saturday by the Senate and poised for imminent passage in the House will provide over $6.1 billion in estimated funding for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Convention Center charges state millions for unemployment call center. Hawaii lawmakers are looking to expand the governor’s powers to assume control over any state facility during an emergency and not have to worry about paying rent to the agency that controls it. Star-Advertiser.

South Africa COVID-19 Variant Detected On Oahu. A new COVID-19 strain originating in South Africa that is both highly contagious and able to evade antibodies was detected in an Oahu resident, state health officials announced Monday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: ‘Vaccine passport’ program unlikely until May. Vaccinated travelers could be exempt from COVID-19 travel restrictions by May, said Gov. David Ige on Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Resolutions urge Ige to ease travel quarantine on vaccinated persons. A pair of resolutions will be introduced today by state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, an Oahu Democrat, that would ease travel restrictions in Hawaii for vaccinated individuals. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Hawaii plans brand-specific vaccination sites to allow people to pick their shot. People getting vaccinated could soon have the option to pick which brand of COVID shot they want. Hawaii News Now.

March 8, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 45 additional COVID-45 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 21 on O‘ahu, 11 on Maui, 10 on Hawai‘i Island, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Feds Examining Honolulu Police CARES Spending On ATVs, Robot Dog. The Honolulu Police Department is facing questions from the federal government about its spending of millions of dollars of pandemic relief funds on ATVs, pickup trucks and a robot dog. Civil Beat.

Free COVID-19 tests offered for Oahu restaurant workers. Honolulu’s restaurant workers will be able to take a free COVID-19 test starting today. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

There Are 10 Community Gardens On Oahu. None Of Them Are On The Westside. Unequal access to community gardens has some people calling for a revamp of the decades-old program. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Governor approves Roth’s emergency rule amendments. Gov. David Ige approved COVID-19 emergency rule amendments for the Big Island signed into effect Monday by Mayor Mitch Roth, which ease certain restrictions. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Ahu‘aila‘au proposed for county land buy: Neighbors seek purchase of ’Fissure 8’ with PONC funds. Neighbors of Puna’s internationally famous “Fissure 8” want the still smoldering volcanic vent preserved for future generations, and they’re asking a county land-buying commission to purchase it using taxpayer money. West Hawaii Today.

Another push for a new hospital in North Kona. Legislators are pushing forward the conversation about constructing a new hospital in North Kona with a pair of resolutions requesting the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation conduct a feasibility study. West Hawaii Today.

Three Finalists For Hawaiʻi County Seat On UH Board Of Regents. Wayne S. Higaki, Peter S. Hoffmann, and Eric S. Takamura are the names of the candidates, one of whom will fill the five-year appointment beginning on July 1. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Flash flood warning expires for heavily-soaked Maui, but threat of torrential rain continues.  Evacuation orders stretched into the night for Haiku residents who fled the life-threatening flooding downstream of the Kaupakalua Dam. Hawaii News Now.

Overtopping dam spurs evacuation in Maui’s Haiku area. Nearly 14 inches of rain Monday led to the overtopping of the Kaupakalua Reservoir and Dam, forcing the evacuation of some 150 downstream homes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

State issued notice of deficiency to Kaupakalua Dam last year. The Kaupakalua Dam is one of the oldest agricultural dams and was built more than a hundred years ago. KHON2.

Hana Highway reopens though extreme caution still urged. The heaviest of showers are slowly subsiding on Maui, though some emergency closures and operations are still in place. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Outreach at ‘Anini; community faces ouster. Thinking about where to go once the ‘Anini Beach Park closes to the houseless community in less than a month has been stressful for Ceci Lindsey. Garden Island.

DOE announces 4th quarter school schedules. The Kaua‘i Complex Area Department of Education Office announced the Kaua‘i revisions of school learning models will cover the fourth quarter that runs from March 22 through May 28. Garden Island.

Bills live, die as Legislature reaches midpoint, missile defense radar still in limbo, athletic workouts, larger groups to be allowed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pounding taro root into poi ©2021 All Hawaii News

Fewer Farmers Are Growing Hawaii’s ‘Miracle Food’ Taro Despite Growing Demand. Growing, cultivating and cooking the starchy root vegetable, which is used to make poi, is hard work that’s not always profitable. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers End Efforts To Revamp Oversight Of Watchdog Agencies. House leaders have decided against pursuing most measures aimed at controlling the state auditor although investigation into that office continues. Civil Beat.

What’s Dead And Alive At The Hawaii Legislature. As the Legislature heads to a deadline Thursday for all bills to clear their originating chamber, scores of measures have already been killed or failed to gain traction. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers advance bill to allow abortions by nurses. The decision on Thursday by the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee will advance the legislation to the full state House for consideration. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii missile defense radar is still in limbo. The Missile Defense Agency is back seeking public comment on two possible locations for a powerful ballistic missile defense radar on either the North Shore of Oahu or the west side of Kauai — both looking toward North Korea — with Congress most recently pumping $133 million into the plan. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO Forecast 'Sort Of More Optimistic,' But Is Based On Several Factors. The state's economy will be determined by two things this year: more federal relief and the vaccine rollout. That's according to the latest report from the University of Hawaii's Economic Research Organization, or UHERO, forecasting the year ahead. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii bankruptcy cases plunge again despite COVID-19. Statewide bankruptcies in February fell below 100 for the second month in a row and plunged 32.4% from the same time a year ago, according to new data released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

DOE guidelines allow athletic workouts, practices. Student athletic program workouts and practices can start as early as today according to state Department of Education guidelines for safely restarting released Friday. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Head of Hawaii's Roman Catholic Church says J&J vaccine morally acceptable if Pfizer, Moderna not available. Church leaders believe Johnson & Johnson's version is "morally compromised" because it is produced using a cell line derived from an aborted fetus. KITV4.

COVID-19 testing expert advises Hawaii to stay vigilant as more states lift mask mandates. Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group urges Hawaii residents to keep up their vigilance and not let their guards down. KITV4.

Low COVID-19 counts key to restoring tourism. Continued low COVID-19 case counts in Hawaii and acceleration in distribution of COVID-19 vaccines are expected to play a key role in recovering Hawaii tourism. Star-Advertiser.

70 to 74 group to start vaccinations Monday, younger ages soon to follow. There are just over 60,000 people in the state between the ages of 70 and 74, which is set to begin vaccinations. KHON2.

March 7, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 53 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 25 on O‘ahu, 12 on Maui, eight on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i and six in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed outside of the state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Settlement reached in lawsuit against an HPD officer accused of abusing his power. The city has settled a lawsuit accusing a Honolulu Police officer of improperly arresting a Kaneohe teenager who got into a fight with his son. Hawaii News Now.

Federal authorities zero in on Kaneshiro campaign donors in next phase of corruption probe. A parade of Keith Kaneshiro’s campaign donors testified last week before the federal grand jury hearing evidence against the former city prosecutor. Hawaii News Now.

Rail Board Believed HART’s Former Director Misled On Costs, Records Show. Dan Grabauskas, who resigned as director in 2016, says the assertions that he misrepresented the numbers are flatly incorrect. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s housing director has new plans to tackle homelessness. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s point person on the intractable homeless problem is Office of Housing Director Anton Krucky, whose first inclination is an approach that moves away from routine police involvement. Star-Advertiser.

As rising seas invade Waikiki resorts, the state proposes adding more groins. A draft environmental impact statement is being prepared for a $12 million Waikiki Beach Improvement and Maintenance Program, proposed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in partnership with the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association, that envisions constructing structures makai of the waterline, dredging sand and placing it on the shore. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Wai Canal bridge project moving forward. A pedestrian and bicycle bridge planned for the Ala Wai Canal will be discussed Tuesday at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting, which comes two weeks before the project’s draft environmental assessment is slated for release. Star-Advertiser.

Puzzled residents want to know why a 150-seat luau is allowed but weddings are limited to 10. Confused Oahu residents are looking for clarification on the city’s tiered system of COVID restrictions after news that a luau with 150 guests was allowed to happen on Friday but weddings are still limited to no more than 10 people. Hawaii News Now.

In an effort to protect their future, youth activists call for a ban in menthol cigarettes. Hawaii youth activists gathered at the state capitol Sunday for a March Against Menthol. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Roth eases outdoor gathering rule. Mayor Mitch Roth has amended his COVID-19 emergency rule to increase the size of outdoor social gatherings from 10 people to 25, subject to approval by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

$1.8M for travel: Federal grants prop up county travel budgets. Some county departments plan to dramatically increase their travel budgets for the new fiscal year that starts July 1, after an austere period that saw Zoom teleconferences replace the traditional off-island conventions previously attended by government officials and staff. West Hawaii Today.

Handling the gun surge: $545,760 grant to help HPD process firearms permits. Concerns about the coronavirus pandemic coupled with political turmoil could have contributed to an almost doubling in firearms permits and registration on Hawaii Island last year compared to 2019, leading to a waiting list at the Police Department of up to three months. West Hawaii Today.

Commissioner expects increase in film, TV spending. The Big Island’s film commissioner is optimistic there’ll be an uptick in spending this year from film, television and video and print advertising productions seeking county permits. Tribune-Herald.

Mamaki under attack: Ramie moth confirmed on Big Island. Another Big Island crop is under attack by an invasive species prompting the Department of Agriculture to issue a pest alert. West Hawaii Today.

New statue raises eyebrows: Bronze sculpture was erected in Liliuokalani Park last month. Hilo artist Henry Bianchini created and donated a bronze statue called Ho‘omalule ‘Upena Kiloi, or Metamorphosis of a Net Fisherman. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Growing COVID-19 Outbreak At Maui Jail Has Inmates, Families Worried. Cases at the correctional center are rising and the state health department has identified the situation as a cluster. Civil Beat.

One Area of Maui’s Pandemic Economy Is Surprisingly Booming: Real Estate. And, it’s not just real estate in Kīhei or West Maui that is flourishing. All areas of the island have experienced high levels of sales activity this year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Zuckerberg, Chan to fund relaunch of program that finds jobs for Kauai residents. A program aimed at getting residents back to work on Kaua’i is starting up once again. In 2020, Kaua’i’s Rise to Work program found jobs for 280 workers who previously lost their jobs because of the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Adolescent center on next council agenda. The integrated treatment and healing center was a priority for the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste and then-mayor Carvalho’s administration. Garden Island.

Students call for amending SB1147. Kaua‘i students joined a statewide effort against tobacco during the “March Against Menthol” on Rice Street fronting the Historic County Building. Garden Island.