Lawmakers focus on farmers, counties struggle with vacation rental laws, Mauna Kea working group comes together as TMT gets nod for runoff permit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii farmers market pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

Bill would require 10% of Hawaii-bought produce to be local. The legislation, if approved by Ige, would mandate that a minimum of 10% of produce purchased by state departments be grown locally by 2025. That percentage requirement would increase every five years to 50% by 2050. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s Food Hubs Find Strength In Numbers. A group of food hubs came together to support legislation that would win them new access to grant money. The bill failed, but the networking is paying off. Food hubs are distribution networks that buy, market and sell local ingredients to grocers, schools, food banks, small businesses and families, while allowing local farmers to concentrate on farming. Civil Beat.

First HUD 184 Mortgage Loan Prequalification Issued to a Farmer on Hawaiian Home Lands. The first loan prequalification has been issued to a native Hawaiian farm lessee under the HUD 184a mortgage program specifically enacted by Congress 20 years ago for Hawaiian Home Land properties, according to the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations. Maui Now.

Lawmakers plan to use half of federal relief funds to bail out Hawaii businesses. After weeks of saying the newest round of federal relief funds can’t be used to cover tax breaks of any kind, including relief for low-income workers and the unemployed, state lawmakers are now poised to use nearly half of the $1.6 billion allocated to the state under the American Rescue Plan Act to provide tax relief to Hawaii businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii legislators look ahead to a more ambitious 2022 session. With the 31st Hawaii State Legislature scheduled to adjourn Thursday, some lawmakers are already looking to the 2022 session to push ahead on issues that appear stalled this year, including raising the minimum wage, doing more on climate change and affordable housing, expanding broadband service, diversifying the isle economy and perhaps legalizing recreational marijuana. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers advance bill permitting traditional Hawaiian burial practices. State lawmakers have advanced a bill to the brink of potential passage in an effort to allow burials that are consistent with the Hawaiian cultural tradition of interring only the bones of the dearly departed. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Banning Balloon Releases Sent to Governor's Desk. A bill prohibiting intentional balloon releases passed through the state Legislature last week and has been sent to Governor David Ige's desk. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.

Campaign Finance Records Suggest An Easy Reelection Bid For Brian Schatz. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz recently announced his 2022 reelection campaign. He already has more than $3 million in the bank for it. Civil Beat.

Reserved areas for residents-only: HTA asks communities to consider new ideas for tourism. Reserving areas for residents-only on the weekends. It’s an idea brought up by the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. HTA says it has been talking to residents in every county as part of its community-based tourism program. KHON2.

Hawaii’s prekindergarten classes lauded for quality not quantity. Hawaii’s public prekindergarten program got top marks for quality in a new national report, one of only six states to do so, but ranked near the bottom for how many 4-year-olds it reaches. Star-Advertiser.

Marine Corps rotation to Australia continues amid COVID concerns. Hawaii is sending more Marines to Australia this year as part of an annual rotational deployment intended to increase combat capability west of the international date line as a counter to China and while the Corps tries to keep a lid on COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser.

Some Pacific Islanders Hit Hardest By COVID-19 Can’t Get Federal Aid For Burials. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said she is working to extend the help to citizens of nations in compacts with the U.S., some of whom face crippling costs for burials. Civil Beat.

Hawaii To Resume Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Safety Review. Federal health officials said the one-shot vaccine was “safe and effective” in preventing COVID-19 despite the rare risk of blood clots. Civil Beat. Maui News.

April 25, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 122 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 98 on O‘ahu, 12 on Maui, six on Hawai‘i Island, three on Kaua‘i, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu puts vacation rental registration program on hold. The City and County of Honolulu has pressed pause on the start of a registration process for vacation rentals on Oahu following concerns raised at a public hearing on the process earlier this month. Pacific Business News.

City Council considers measure that would create a progressive residential property tax. A proposal before the City Council would expand the tiers for property taxes on investment properties to allow for five different property tax rates to be applied as a property’s value increases. Star-Advertiser.

Change in use of force policy preceded two fatal Honolulu police shootings. The Honolulu Police Department’s revised use of force policy that went into effect this month is being tested by separate investigations into two fatal shootings of unarmed suspects by police officers that have renewed calls for transparency, led to a wrongful death lawsuit and pushed Honolulu further into the national debate over how far police officers may go to keep the community safe. Star-Advertiser.

The ‘Mauka Shift’ Could Solve Rail’s Utility Woes. Why Did It Happen So Late? HART’s inability to relocate utilities along Dillingham is central to rail’s latest staggering cost spikes. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers approve funds needed for red light enforcement camera program to move ahead. A legislative conference committee has approved an additional $2 million for a program aimed at catching motorists who run red lights at intersections. Hawaii News Now.

New Aloha Stadium Development May Finally Move Forward. The state is gathering ideas for development surrounding the stadium as lawmakers move ahead with giving the Stadium Authority more powers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Formation of Mauna Kea working group on target despite boycott. The nomination deadline will come Monday for Native Hawaiians who want to serve on a volunteer panel newly created by the state House of Representative to propose a new governance and management structure for Mauna Kea. Star-Advertiser.

State recommends renewal of stormwater runoff permit for TMT construction site. On April 8, the DEpartment of Health Clean Water Branch issued a recommendation that the department’s director renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory Site on Maunakea, which was originally issued in 2014. Tribune-Herald.

Vacation rentals take a hit: County looks to revise rules. The Big Island’s vacation rental industry took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving county government unsure how it would pay for the extra staffers hired to process permits in the department. West Hawaii Today.

Residents voice concerns over Ka‘u land purchase. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday approved a $1.5 million grant to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association to buy nearly 2,000 acres in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Budget panel cuts Visitors Bureau funding. Saying they want to see more tourism management and “not more promotion” of the island, Maui County Council members are transferring county funding from the Maui Visitors Bureau and putting some of the money toward tourism management grants. Maui News.

Green visits hospital as variant cases rise on Maui. Maui Memorial Medical Center announced Friday that it will be open to walk-ins ages 16 and older beginning Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai gets alternative fuel corridor status. The Federal Highway Administration has approved the Kauai Alternative Fuel Corridor, a move that will give the island streamlined access to potential funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Smith’s Fern Grotto tour reopens. Businesses, resorts and tours are reopening on Kaua‘i as visitor numbers increase, and Smith’s Tropical Paradise is one of them. Garden Island.

Hawaii tax hikes target tourists, second homes; Oahu permitting chief to curb bribery schemes; widow sues police over shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Magic island sunset on Oahu ©2021 All Hawaii News

New Taxes, Tourism Funding Cuts Among Bills Pushed Through As Legislature Winds Down. House and Senate lawmakers gave preliminary approval Thursday to a measure that would allow the counties to levy their own tax of up to 3% on hotel rooms and vacation rental units, a move that one lawmaker said would “incentivize” the counties to crack down on illegal vacation rentals. Lawmakers also tentatively agreed Thursday to a significant boost in the state conveyance tax that would be imposed on sales of the most expensive non-owner occupied homes in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Budget cuts slated for Hawaii Tourism Authority as lawmakers look to reorganize department. After much back and forth, lawmakers agreed on a bill that would cut HTA’s budget from $79 million to $60 million. KHON2.

Cruise ship industry poised for comeback, but are they safe? A year after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control shut down cruise ships because of COVID, officials say the industry is ready to resume with strict guidelines to control the virus. Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental occupancy in March tops hotels again. Vacation rental occupancy statewide topped Hawaii hotels in March, continuing a six-month trend that emerged in October after Safe Travels Hawaii allowed some visitors to bypass the state’s COVID-­related travel quarantine. Star-Advertiser.

How Hawaii Squandered Its Food Security — And What It Will Take To Get It Back. Hawaii’s reliance on food imports began in the 1960s. To achieve self-sufficiency again, experts say it will take old values and new tools. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers prepare for when Hawaii eviction moratorium ends. An eviction moratorium is in place that is stopping landlords from evicting tenants for not paying rent during the pandemic. It ends on Tuesday, June 8, unless it is extended. KHON2.

April 22, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 101 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 76 on O‘ahu, nine on Maui, nine on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i, and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting takes steps to curb corruption. The Department of Planning and Permitting is taking steps to reckon with the conditions within the department that led to federal charges against five former and current employees for accepting bribes to perform city services. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

With Its New Climate Plan, The City Aims To Curb Oahu’s Growing Carbon Pollution. Cars and trucks are the main culprit driving more greenhouse gas emissions on Oahu in recent years, the new plan states. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Widow of man shot dead by Honolulu police in Nuuanu files lawsuit. The widow of Lindani Myeni, who was shot and killed by police at a home in Nuuanu on April 14 during an alleged burglary, has filed a lawsuit against the city and three police officers for the wrongful death of her husband. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu Island Burial Council claims Ige is retaliating against its longtime leader. The group claimed Ige did not grant Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu another term because she spoke out publicly in January about alleged mismanagement at the State Historic Preservation Division. Hawaii News Now.

Waikīkī Beach Undergoes Sand Replenishment for Second Time in a Decade. A planned beach maintenance and sand replenishment project at Waikīkī Beach enters its final stage in the heart of Hawai‘i’s major tourism district. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

City hopes to buy neglected property near Pearl Harbor bike path and turn it into a park. The city hopes to transform a private property along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path into a new park, but the owner said they’re not offering what the lot is worth. Hawaii News Now.

A pier, staircase on public land trigger dispute with private homeowners. Two wealthy Oahu homeowners face fines for doing unauthorized construction work on oceanfront state land to improve long-standing amenities for their residences. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council hires auditor: Spokane auditor Tyler Benner chosen to lead county office. The Hawaii County Council has chosen as its next county auditor an admitted introvert who owns property on the Big Island over a retiree with 30 years of experience. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court hears arguments in Honua Ola’s appeal of PUC ruling. The state Supreme Court on Thursday heard arguments in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s appeal requesting the high court order the Public Utilities Commission to vacate its July 9, 2020, decision that nullified an amended power-purchase agreement the Pepeekeo power plant had with Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

Island Naturals plans new flagship store near Wailoa park. Island Naturals founder Russell Ruderman said Thursday he wants to build a retail center that will be at least 67,000-square-feet near Wailoa State Recreation Area that will include a new store location, space for several other businesses, and possibly office space. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

4-year college degree won’t be required for next chief. While the Maui Police Commission will seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree or other higher education in selecting the next police chief, a four-year college degree won’t be a requirement to apply for the job. Maui News.

Despite pause in efforts, conservation groups press on. While a pause in human activity during the pandemic gave the environment some relief, it also took a toll on local conservation groups who halted projects and scaled back volunteers as the virus spread across the world last year. Maui News.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green Tours Maui Hospital Vaccination Clinic. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green toured the Maui Memorial Medical Center today as part of an island visit that also included discussion with Intensive Care Unit nurses who care for COVID patients, and a visit with Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now.

DOH: California variant is the ‘predominant strain’ on Maui. Epidemiologist says 85% of samples analyzed in March were variants. Maui News.

Kauai

Council urges broadband equity. Wednesday, the County Council made a commitment, through a resolution, urging the development of broadband infrastructure in support of closing the digital divide during the COVID-19 recovery period. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i has 2nd COVID-19-related fatality. Thursday, the county announced its second COVID-19-related fatality, claiming the life of an elderly female Kaua‘i resident who was hospitalized on O‘ahu, according to the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office. Garden Island.

Construction today at Kalena Park. The scope of the work includes installation of signs and concrete barriers and removal of fencing, by contractor KickAss Concrete. Garden Island.

Hospitals could mandate coronavirus vaccinations for employees, state has lowest COVID-19 rate in nation, DOD expected to deny funding for Hawaii missile defense, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A hospital in Hawaii

Hawaii's Hospitals Could Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine for Employees. Hilton Raethel, President and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii says he was "disappointed" that more than thirty percent of hospital employees did not want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine according to an internal survey they conducted earlier this year.  KITV4.

Hawaii has nation’s lowest COVID-19 case rate, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. The state’s rate of new cases over the past seven days — 39.1 cases per 100,000 population — edged California’s at 40.4 and was far lower than the nationwide rate of 135.3. Michigan fared the worst at 483 cases per 100,000 residents, the CDC data showed. Star-Advertiser.

Economists: Hawaii could reach herd immunity by July. Hawaii could approach herd immunity from COVID-19 by early July if the rate of vaccinations remains consistent, economists with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization predict. Tribune-Herald.

As state prepares to roll out inter-island vaccine passport, some learn they won’t qualify. The state said that’s because their system can only verify vaccinations given in Hawaii ― at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

Travel demand for Hawaii is continuing to rise among U.S. visitors. Occupancy at Hawaii hotels rose to 43% in March, up from about 31% in February and 23% in January, according to data from Nashville-based STR released Wednesday. It was Hawaii’s highest statewide occupancy in the last 11 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Why are visitors cruising around in U-Hauls? Blame the pandemic. Another pandemic ripple effect is the high cost of rental cars. As the state reopens and many tourists come back — there are not enough rental cars to meet the demand. Hawaii News Now.

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House Speaker Expects Pay Raises For Lawmakers Will Be Deferred. But the House and Senate haven’t yet reached a formal agreement to delay raises for judges, cabinet members and the Legislature. Civil Beat.

The Minimum Wage Bill Still Alive At The Hawaii Legislature. Senate Bill 793 would repeal the exemption of individuals with disabilities from minimum wage requirements. Civil Beat.

Automatic Voter Registration Bill Nears Final Approval. A measure that advocates say will make it easier than ever to register to vote in Hawaii cleared a key hurdle Wednesday at the state Legislature. Civil Beat.

Bail Reform Stalls In Hawaii Legislature. But lawmakers reached agreement Wednesday on a bill to limit the governor’s emergency powers. Civil Beat.

Tougher penalties could be on the way for extreme DUI convictions. Although the measure to lower blood alcohol content to 0.05 stalled, another bill to crack down on extremely intoxicated drivers is still alive. Hawaii News Now.

Pentagon expected to deny funding for Hawaii radar. For the second year in a row, the Defense Department is reportedly planning to zero out funding for the $1.9 billion Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii — a move that could represent a death knell for the costly radar that’s now seen as less of a priority among evolving missile threats and competing demands. Star-Advertiser.

April 21, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 73 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 45 on O‘ahu, 15 on Maui, six on Hawai‘i Island, three on Kaua‘i, one on Moloka‘i, and three in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Commissioners unsatisfied with Honolulu Police Department refusal to release shooting video. Two Honolulu police commissioners — including one who was state attorney general — are dissatisfied with the Honolulu Police Department’s refusal to release body camera footage from a fatal confrontation with Iremamber Sykap, 16, who was shot and killed this month following a series of alleged crimes that involved a police pursuit and a car careening into a canal. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu's vehicle 'recon' inspection program close to shutting down. Starting next year, more lifted trucks, dropped cars, and other modified vehicles could be back on Oahu's roads. KITV4.

City Council Considering Handi-Van Fare Increase. The City Council’s budget committee passed Bill 87 (2020) Wednesday with some modifications. It proposes raising the fare by 25 cents to $2.25 starting next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Health Department Orders Hauula Assisted Living Facility To Close. The state Department of Health has revoked the license of a Hauula assisted living facility, informing the facility that it must shut down by the end of the month — a move that left the fate of dozens of residents in limbo. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Now hiring: Employers struggle to find new workers. Job advertisements aren’t hard to find on the Big Island. Tougher to find, as businesses are discovering with the rebound of tourism, are workers to fill the plethora of available positions. West Hawaii Today.

No-trailers policy at transfer stations draws criticism. Trailers will continue to be banned at county transfer stations for safety reasons, despite complaints from residents and county officials. Tribune-Herald.

Community support propels PONC purchases. An hour and a half of impassioned testimony extolling the importance of saving West Hawaii shoreline and preserving Hawaiian culture ended Tuesday with the County Council Finance Committee unanimously forwarding four prospective land purchases to the council for a final vote. West Hawaii Today.

Resolution passes lava zone insurance matter to state commissioner. A County Council resolution seeks the aid of the state insurance commissioner to reduce home insurance costs in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Improper stacking from a Young Brothers barge led to loss of shipping containers in waters off Hilo Bay. Twenty-one shipping containers were improperly stacked when they toppled into the ocean from a Young Brothers barge near Hilo Bay on June 22, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a recently released report. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Three People Arrested on Maui in Separate Incidents for Alleged Violations of COVID-19 Rules.  The incidents involved: a Pennsylvania man who allegedly refused to wear a face mask; an Oʻahu man who did not have a negative pre-travel test or secured lodging in which to complete the state’s mandatory 10-day travel quarantine; and a California man with an outstanding warrant who is accused of violating the state’s rules and orders related to quarantine. Maui Now.

Mayor vetoes affordable housing bill. Saying a new affordable housing bill will only intensify housing scarcity for Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino vetoed the measure on Monday. Maui News.

Kauai

Council approves Waipouli land condemnation. Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council decided to move forward with the condemnation of land between the Island on the Beach Resort and ocean, ensuring another section of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae shared-use coastal path can be completed in Waipouli. Garden Island.

Hawaii officials say Lehua Island, a state bird sanctuary, is rat-free. State officials today declared Lehua Island rat-free following years of eradication efforts. The rats, an invasive species, wreaked havoc on the state seabird sanctuary for decades by preying on the eggs and chicks of native birds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Garden Island.

California variant on Kaua‘i. The COVID-19 variant known as the “California variant” was confirmed on the island Wednesday by the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office. Garden Island. Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii vaccine passport program to start May 11, HPD refuses to release video of alleged police shooting of 16-year-old, licenses expire during huge DMV backlog, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines flight at HNL ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii to begin vaccine passport program. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that Hawaii will begin accepting a vaccination exemption on May 11 for interisland travelers who received their vaccination in Hawaii and have completed the required 14-day waiting period. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Neighbor islands look to gain on vaccine passports, but how much tourism is too much? Industry experts believe inter-island travel will provide another big boost, especially on the neighbor islands. KHON2.

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Legislative Negotiators Agree To End Payday Loans In Hawaii By 2022. The bill would replace the high-interest loans with installment loans that have lower fees. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers agree on budget that includes federal aid. Key Senate and House members agreed on a $31.2 billion state budget Tuesday over the next two fiscal years that relies on $1.35 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds and a resurging tourism economy to help avoid massive cuts, furloughs and even layoffs of state employees. Star-Advertiser.

Why It’s So Hard To Pass A Minimum Wage Increase In Hawaii. Ripple effects and unintended consequences, especially in a down economy, have become driving factors in the debate over a minimum wage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Asset Forfeiture Reform Appears Dead This Year. An effort to make it harder for law enforcement agencies to seize property used in alleged crimes has stalled this legislative session after House and Senate lawmakers failed to reach agreement on the reform measure. Civil Beat.

Search begins for interim superintendent for Hawaii public schools. Hawaii’s Board of Education is looking for a temporary replacement to take over in August for Superintendent Christina Kishimoto while it conducts a broader search for her permanent replacement. Star-Advertiser.

April 20, 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 26 on O‘ahu, 14 on Maui, one on Hawai‘i Island, and seven in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

City officials work to find a solution as DMVs wade through COVID backlog. If you’ve had trouble booking an appointment with the Honolulu Department of Motor Vehicles, you are not alone. The city is facing a backlog of thousands that stretches back a year. Hawaii News Now.

Blangiardi Nominates Former Mainland Officer To Honolulu Police Commission. The mayor says he wants someone on the commission who has empathy for law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

HPD Says It Won’t Release Video Of Officers Fatally Shooting 16-Year-Old. Police departments elsewhere release video that is edited to cover faces. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Protesters demand transparency, accountability from HPD following 2 deadly Oahu shootings. Outside Honolulu Police Department’s headquarters Tuesday, about two dozen protestors held signs calling for more transparency and accountability from the department. Hawaii News Now.

City Council committee advocates for funding for local farmers. A City Council committee wants Mayor Rick Blangiardi to use funds for a grant program to support local agriculture growers who may have been overlooked by federal help. Star-Advertiser.

Remote workers helping to fuel luxury real estate sales on Oahu, experts say. According to data released by Coldwell Banker Realty, the first quarter of 2021 saw a 106% increase in luxury home sales compared to the same time in 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Shovel-ready: Three road paving projects on deck for federal funds. Hawaii County is preparing three major road resurfacing projects to meet the “shovel-ready” requirement of the American Jobs Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Official: Estimated completion of project to reopen Pohoiki Boat Ramp is by mid-2023. Work to reopen the blocked Pohoiki Boat Ramp could begin at the end of 2022 — at the earliest. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Michael Victorino nixes higher bar for affordable-housing incentives on Maui. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has vetoed a highly contentious bill that would have applied stiffer rules to a state program offering developers incentives to build affordable housing. Star-Advertiser.

$9 million needed for county flood repairs. It will take about $9 million to repair nine County of Maui roads, bridges and other structures hit by catastrophic flooding last month, though none of them are downstream of Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku, according to a county Public Works Department report. Maui News.

Governor Ige Releases $21.9 M for Capital Improvement Projects in Maui County. The allocation includes $21.9 million for projects on Maui with the biggest allocation of $10.4 million going to finance design and construction for field improvements to the baseball and softball fields at King Kekaulike High School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i selected for federal energy transitions program. U.S. Department of Energy has announced that Honolulu and Kaua‘i have been selected as part of the agency’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project and statewide electric vehicle group leaders are applauding the actions of Senator Brian Schatz, who has helped forward the initiative. Garden Island.

County spends $90K on campground clean-up. The county is estimating about $90,000 in repairs and clean-up for ‘Anini and Anahola beach parks after a year of consistent use. Garden Island.

Legislature reaches budget agreement, Hirono's role-model mother dies at 96, state attorney general fights fake vaccine passports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki’s High-Profile Agenda Is Raising Questions. Saiki has empowered the House to be a much-needed political player this year. But concerns about his methods and his ultimate goal are growing. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Reach Agreement On A New Two-Year State Budget. House and Senate negotiators say they have used federal funds to cancel out most of Gov. Ige’s budget cuts. Civil Beat.

State board members violating law, Office of Hawaiian Affairs says. Hawaii lawmakers are poised to pass legislation that would mandate the removal of members of some of the state’s most powerful boards and commissions if they fail to complete a training course in Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights and public­-trust responsibilities required by law. Star-Advertiser.

Fate of remaining broadband-related bills to be decided by conference committee. Only two bills seeking to improve broadband coverage in Hawaii remain alive in the state Legislature, despite increased awareness of the issue during the pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

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Mazie Hirono’s Mother, A Prominent Role Model For Her, Has Died. The U.S. senator often talks about how her mother, who fled an abusive relationship in Japan, helped shape her own identity. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

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Vaccine passport program could be announced today. Gov. David Ige hinted that an official announcement would be made today concerning when interisland travelers with proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be allowed to bypass testing and quarantine restrictions. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Hawaii Attorney General joins coalition to stop sales of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors has joined a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general to call on OfferUp, an online mobile marketplace, to act immediately to prevent fraudulent or blank COVID-19 vaccine cards from being sold on its platform. KHON2.

As eligibility expands, demand for COVID-19 vaccine starts to dwindle on Neighbor Islands. On the Neighbor Islands, everyone over the age of 16 has been eligible for the COVID vaccine since early April. Officials say demand there is beginning to taper off. Hawaii News Now.

April 19, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 65 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 52 on O‘ahu, 10 on Maui, two on Hawai‘i Island, and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Family of drowned 5-year-old boy settles case against Mid-Pacific Institute for $7.2 million. The family of a 5-year-old boy who drowned on a Mid-Pacific Institute field trip has reached a settlement with the school for $7.26 million, an amount that attorneys believe sets a record. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Search for next Honolulu police chief begins behind closed doors. The Honolulu Police Commission went into executive session Monday in taking the first steps to naming an interim successor to Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard while beginning a nationwide search for Ballard’s replacement. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Further review sought for 2 fatal Honolulu Police Department shootings. The shootings of two allegedly unarmed suspects this month were unjustified and racially motivated, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and attorneys representing one of the victims said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State Awarded Money To A Bidder That Blew The Deadline, Then Took It Back. The Department of Health says “crossed wires” led it to initially award $2 million to Sand Island Treatment Center, relied on by judges for addiction treatment. Civil Beat.

Input sought for development around Aloha Stadium. State officials want some help determining how 78 acres around Aloha Stadium can best become a new mixed-use community produced in partnership with a private developer. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents 16 and up get their turn for vaccines. At long last, COVID-19 vaccination eligibility on Monday opened up to all Oahu residents age 16 and up, bringing the island to Phase 2 of its rollout and up to speed with Kauai, Maui and Hawaii counties. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Oral arguments this week in Honua Ola case. The state Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Thursday in Honua Ola Bioenergy’s appeal requesting the high court order the Public Utilities Commission to vacate its July 9, 2020, decision that nullified an amended power-purchase agreement the Pepeekeo power plant had with Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

UH-Hilo Examines Sugarcane For Jet Fuel. UH is looking at varieties of sugarcane to convert into high-performance jet fuel at the UH-Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management. Big Island Video News.

TMT construction still on hold, but production of telescope’s components move ahead. TMT officials had hoped to resume work on Mauna Kea this Spring, however they say pandemic-related travel and safety challenges are stalling work. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Fire chief to retire July 1. After rising through the ranks at the Maui Fire Department during a more than 33-year career, Fire Chief David Thyne is retiring. Maui News.

Another beach party on Maui sparks outrage; organizers say they don’t see the problem. The event’s promoter said about 150 people attended and claims it was respectful and safe. He didn’t see the issue with the mass gathering. Hawaii News Now.

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center Struggles Along as Foreclosure Case Is Litigated. Next year, the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului should be celebrating its 50th anniversary, but no one knows if there will be any reason to commemorate the milestone. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Suspended 5 Days Without Pay for Mocking Asians. The Kauai Police Department said in a statement Friday that Chief Todd Raybuck will be suspended from April 26 to 30 for violating county policy. He will also be required to complete Equal Employment Opportunity anti-discrimination training and cultural sensitivity training. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i waiting for state’s lead on vaccine passport. The County of Kaua‘i is working on a vaccine passport in coordination with the state. Garden Island.

Kauai Greenlights Retail Shops On Farmland. The county amended its zoning rules last week to allow farmers to set up retail stores on agricultural land without a permit. Garden Island.

Supreme Court ends pandemic prison release program, Oahu opens vaccinations to age 16+, Legislature approves fines for COVID rule breakers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii Supreme Court ©2021 All Hawaii News

State Supreme Court concludes COVID-19 inmate release case. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday terminated a case which led to an order requiring the state’s correctional facilities to release certain inmates because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele Eyes Overdue Hawaii Projects For Biden’s Jobs Plan. Kahele, like other Democrats, has been stumping for Biden’s American Jobs Plan, which aims to upgrade the nation’s ports, railways and bridges while investing in green energy. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers OK Fines For Pandemic Rule Violators. Law enforcement in Hawaii may soon be able to write up tickets for individuals caught breaking emergency rules set by Gov. David Ige and the four county mayors. Civil Beat.

As state hopes to implement vaccine passports, some raise concerns over privacy. Lt. Gov. Josh Green hopes to roll out a pilot program for vaccine passports for inter-island travel by May 1, but not everyone is on board with the idea. Hawaii News Now.

‘We Keep Trying’: Hawaii Sees Spike In School Absenteeism Due To The Pandemic. The challenge of this year is reflected in new statewide data showing 20% of Hawaii’s students are at “high risk” for chronic absenteeism. Civil Beat.

Advocates warn of underreported child abuse. here has been a significant drop in reports of child abuse statewide during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii’s SNAP program 1 of 6 states to receive national grant.  Hawaii is getting extra funds from a national program to expand efforts to reduce childhood hunger across the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Heightened Financial Challenges for Neighbor Island Nonprofits. Neighbor Island nonprofits have been in a tough spot through the COVID-19 economy. Their services are needed more than ever, but their funding has been harder to come by. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Host is accused of false advertising for mainland-made treats. Two law firms filed a lawsuit in California late last year alleging a Hawaii company that claims to be the original producer of chocolate-covered mac nuts misled mainland customers about where many products were made. Civil Beat.

April 18, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 111 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Sunday, including 93 on O‘ahu, six on Maui, 10 on Hawai‘i Island, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

COVID-19 vaccinations open to those 16 and older today on Oahu. President Joe Biden announced April 6 that he was setting today as the day when all states were required to make the vaccine available to those 16 and older. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Commission under scrutiny with chief Susan Ballard’s exit. It’s been a trying year for the Honolulu Police Department, which has found itself time and time again in the spotlight, whether it be for its poor financial decisions, disparities in arrests and use of force, flawed internal policies or lack of transparency. Star-Advertiser.

Police Killing Of Micronesian Teen In Hawaii Prompts Grief And Questions. Nearly two weeks after the shooting, Honolulu police still haven’t explained why the teenager was shot or released officers’ body camera footage. Civil Beat.

'We feel betrayed': dozens of Kaiser Permanente workers protest proposed job cuts. Tensions are escalating over Kaiser Permanente's proposal to outsource nearly five dozen financial services positions on O'ahu to California. KITV4.

Hawaii’s ‘million-dollar reefs’ need more funding to protect us, study finds. The study, published Thursday in the journal Nature Sustainability, estimates the Diamond Head, Waikiki and Kakaako reef on Oahu saves an estimated $154.3 million in damage a year, while another half-dozen Hawaii reefs each block more than $50 million in flood damage. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State floats temporary night closure of Kailua Pier to address homelessness, illegal activities. A temporary closure of the Kailua Pier is being floated as a means to address homelessness and illegal activities taking place at the public facility. West Hawaii Today.

PONC purchases planned: Council Finance Committee set to discuss four Kona land buys. Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas is trying to get the ball rolling on purchases from the $18.4 million sitting in the county’s dedicated open space fund and she’s sponsored four resolutions to be considered Tuesday by the council Finance Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Doug Simons to lead University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. Simons, executive director of the Canada-France- Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea, will bring his passion to the University of Hawaii as the next director of the Institute for Astronomy. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL Offers Rent-With-Option-To-Purchase In Kona. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands initiated the project with sixty homes within the Villages of Laʻi ʻŌpua. Big Island Video News.

12 new efficiency studios to be available by early fall in Pahoa for homeless kupuna. HOPE Services Hawaii plans to have 12 small modular units — efficiency studios that have a full kitchen and bathroom — available for homeless kupuna 62 and older by early fall. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hotel moratorium garners early support. A proposal to place a moratorium on hotel building permits is garnering early support from residents who say it will help balance an unfettered industry that reached record numbers before the pandemic. Maui News.

Mayor offers Kalana Pakui Building to council. The Kalana Pakui Building was offered as an olive branch to the Maui County Council on Friday in a monthslong negotiation between the council and the administration over expansion of office space. Maui News.

To help with COVID backlog, Maui DMV to open on Saturdays.  Maui County announced that the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing will be opening on two Saturdays each month to help clear the backlog from COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor: Tourism industry clusters due to employees gathering outside work. COVID-19 clusters in the tourism industry on Maui are due to employees gathering outside of work and others coming back to their jobs too early after getting sick, Mayor Michael Victorino said Friday. Maui News.

Oahu man arrested after arriving on Maui with no COVID-19 pre-test and no lodging for quarantine. Maui police arrested on Friday a 43-year-old Oahu man who flew to Maui without a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test from an approved facility. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Resort now refuses to sell path parcel. On Thursday, the board of directors of Islander on the Beach resort rescinded approval of a plan to sell a parcel fronting the Waipouli property to the county. Garden Island.

The county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs is seeing a 6.9% proposed cut next fiscal year, for a $1.37 million budget, which primarily is due to dollar-funding the Aging Program Planner, according to AEA’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Operations Synopsis, which Kaua‘i County Council members and citizens have expressed concern to lose. Garden Island.

Hawaii vaccine passport delayed, University of Hawaii mulls requiring vaccinations, coral reef threatened by climate change, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coral reef in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Global Warming's Extreme Rains Threaten Hawaii's Coral Reefs. Extreme rain events predicted to become more common with human-caused global warming not only wreak havoc on land — the runoff from these increasingly severe storms also threatens Hawaii's coral reefs. Associated Press.

Hawaii Safe Travels coronavirus vaccine passport timeline pushed back. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said it is now looking like mid-May could be the date vaccinated travelers can bypass a quarantine and pre-test to fly inter-island, and mid- to late-June for mainland travel. KHON2.

UH considers COVID vaccination mandate for students and employees. The University of Hawaii is weighing the possibility of requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for its community -- except for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to health reasons. UH President David Lassner told the Board of Regents Thursday morning that at least 50 American colleges and universities plan to require coronavirus vaccines by the Fall semester. Hawaii News Now.

Suspension of pay raises now moves to conference committee. All Democratic and Republican members of the state House voted Thursday to defer pay raises of 10% for themselves that would go into effect on July 1, moving the issue to conference committee with their Senate counterparts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Board of Education Approves Pay Boosts For Complex Area Leaders. The issue drew heated discussion from some board members over the “optics” of leadership pay raises in the current economic climate. Civil Beat.

After pause, UH willed body program is once again accepting donations. After being forced to shut down because of the pandemic, the University of Hawaii’s medical school is once again accepting donations to its willed body program. Hawaii News Now.

Matson projects big profit on heels of China growth. Matson Inc. is heralding what it expects to be a giant first-quarter profit. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hits million-mark milestone in administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Four months to the day since Hawaii’s first COVID-19 vaccinations were given to health care workers at The Queen’s Medical Center, the state hit 1 million doses administered across the islands, according to the Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

38 fully vaccinated in Hawaii still got coronavirus, slightly above national rate. A total of 38 people in Hawaii have come down with COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. That number of “breakthrough” cases slightly outpaces national numbers. KHON2.

April 15, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 98 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Thursday, including 59 on O‘ahu, 24 on Maui, 14 on Hawai‘i Island, and one on Moloka‘i. Maui Now.

Oahu

Office of Hawaiian Affairs plows ahead with waterfront development plans despite opposition. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is forging ahead with its pledge to develop 30 acres of underutilized and largely waterfront land in Kakaako despite head winds in the community, the state Legislature and a law that prevents residential development. Star-Advertiser.

City expands free COVID-19 testing to hotel industry workers. In an agreement with the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii Consortium, the city will provide COVID testing kits at the Honolulu airport and at the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Polynesian Cultural Center launches new packages, prepares for full reopening. The Polynesian Cultural Center announced the introduction of new guest packages as it prepares to fully reopen its island villages on Monday, April 26. KHON2.

Free summer fun program returns to Honolulu parks. Honolulu's popular Summer Fun program is returning to city parks and for the second year in a row, it's free. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Airport COVID-19 testers ousted. Hawaii County ousted Premier Medical Group from its COVID-19 testing program at the island’s three major airports, uprooting more than 100 workers with less than a week’s notice, and brought in another vendor on an emergency two-week, $508,200 contract. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island allowing vaccinated travelers to skip post-arrivals COVID test, plans to stop second tests May 1. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KITV4.

New Fire Chief Kazuo Todd Sworn In. Kazuo Todd, Hawaiʻi County’s newest Fire Chief, was sworn in by Mayor Mitch Roth on Thursday morning. Big Island Video News.

Nonprofits working together to offer rent, utility assistance to those affected by COVID. Seven local nonprofits are partnering to allocate $21 million in rent and utility assistance to individuals affected by COVID-19, and a series of upcoming meetings will detail how those funds will be deployed by the end of the year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Moratorium on hotel building permits proposed. A Maui County Council bill is proposing to halt building permits for West and South Maui hotel development until community plans for both areas are updated. Maui News.

Department of Health vaccine appointments going unfilled on Maui. For about a week now, appointments have gone unfilled at state Department of Health vaccine clinics in Kahului, mere months after people once waited hours in line to get a shot and were sometimes turned away as demand overwhelmed the clinic. Maui News.

21 COVID-19 Clusters Identified in Maui County. There are 21 COVID-19 clusters identified in Maui County, according to an updated report issued today by the state Department of Health. This includes: seven in the travel/lodging/tourism sector, six at educational settings, two at a food suppliers, two at restaurants, two in occupational settings, one cluster at a correctional facility, and one at a place of worship. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Apartments on Maui will welcome homeless families. The first tenants of Maui County’s Huliau Apartments, designed for families who have fallen into homelessness, are expected to move in later this month once renovations at the former University of Hawaii Maui College dormitory complex are complete. Star-Advertiser.

How Scientists Are Pivoting In Their Quest To Save Hawaii’s Crows. Conservationists are looking to Maui as a possible short-term solution for reestablishing alala in the wild. Civil Beat.

Kauai

St. Catherine School principal out. Mary Ann Bode has stepped down from her role as interim principal at St. Catherine School in Kapa‘a following allegations of abuse and unethical behavior targeted toward teachers. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Police Department honors dispatchers. The Kaua‘i Police Department honored dispatchers during a ceremony Tuesday, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Garden Island.

Legislature seeks to curb governor's emergency powers, state could be without a schools superintendent for a year, Kaiser seeks takers for vaccinations on Oahu, more news from all he Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

Bill to limit governor’s emergency orders moves ahead as many want a return to normalcy. The measure would give lawmakers the authority to review the governor’s emergency orders after 60 days. It would also require the governor to justify any laws that are suspended by emergency orders. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige’s board picks grilled on how they would change tourism. A Senate committee on Wednesday advanced Gov. David Ige’s five nominees to the fill the board of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, but not before grilling them about how they planned to change the nature of tourism in Hawaii as residents express dread at the return of visitors to pre-pandemic levels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sees ‘Startling’ Increase In Number Of Children Facing Hunger. Even as benefits programs expand and school meal programs shift, food insecurity is expected to continue to grow in the islands. Civil Beat.

State income tax filing deadline is Tuesday. Hawaii is the only wage-taxing state not to copy the Internal Revenue Service and extend the due date. Star-Advertiser.

Reallocating money for tobacco cessation. A bill that will disassemble the state’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Trust Fund has passed through the Hawai‘i Legislature and is now headed to the desk of Gov. David Ige for a signature. Garden Island.

Program that helps visitors following trauma and tragedy faces deep cuts. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii says it won’t survive past the summer if proposed legislative cuts become a reality. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Legislative bill leads to tussle over federal money for Hawaii public schools. A bill to require the Department of Education to use federal pandemic relief funds to prevent furloughs or layoffs of unionized classroom staff for two years is moving forward with backing from the teachers’ union. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Search For A New School Superintendent Could Take Nearly A Year. The state Board of Education’s transition committee proposed filling the role on a temporary basis to allow more time to search for a permanent hire. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Department of Transportation begins electrification with Tesla delivery. The Hawaii Department of Transportation picked up its first electric vehicle — a white Tesla — on Tuesday as the result of an innovative service contract that is expected to help electrify its entire light duty fleet. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

April 14, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 72 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Wednesday, including 35 on O‘ahu, 17 on Maui, 16 on Hawai‘i Island, and four in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Kaiser has nearly 2,000 open coronavirus vaccine appointments through Saturday in Kapolei. Kaiser Permanente announced that its location at the Kapolei Consolidated Theatre has close to 2,000 available COVID-19 vaccinations appointments from Thursday, April 15, through Saturday, April 17. KHON2.

Red light camera pilot program is moving forward on Oahu. Motorists who run a red light on Oahu might be caught on camera beginning late this summer under a new pilot program that will run for a minimum of two years, according to the Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Council OKs audit of HPD overtime costs amid ongoing scrutiny. The City Council has approved an audit of HPD’s overtime costs and why they continue to climb. Hawaii News Now.

In a turnabout for the city, mayor seeks $1M to remove Haiku Stairs. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed budget, which is nearing approval in the City Council, includes $1 million to dismantle the stairway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Commissioners redo fire chief vote: Kazuo Todd again selected to lead Hawaii Fire Department. The Hawaii County Fire Commission Wednesday set aside its March 10 selection of the Big Island’s next fire chief, opting to redo the vote in open session after questions were raised about how the vote was initially cast. West Hawaii Today.

‘Perfect storm’ of collective bargaining: County unsure of impact on 65% of budget. About 65% of the county’s $590.8 million operating budget goes for salary and wages, a figure that could increase as government negotiators undertake what Human Resources Director William Brilhante calls “the perfect storm” of collective bargaining, with contracts for all 10 of the county’s bargaining units ending June 30. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui’s March home prices tie record of $980,000. Maui County single-family home median sales prices in March tied the all-time high of $980,000 set in January, according to the latest report from the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

It’s a balancing act for Maui businesses as the island adapts to an influx in visitors. Businesses are back open and Maui’s West Side is bustling once again. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief’s Rising Star Began To Fall Last Year, Job Reviews Show. Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck spent the last two years building community goodwill and fixing problems within his department. Civil Beat.