Ige proclamation makes 10-day quarantine official, Kapolei casino plan spurs backlash, Kahele resigns state seat to enter Congress, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kupuna hula in Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Report: Hula, Other Cultural Programs Can Improve Hawaiian Health. Hula and other culturally based programs should be used to address longstanding health inequities affecting Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in Hawaii, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Civil Beat.

UH Report: Hawaiian Culture is Just What the Doctor Ordered. A new report by the University of Hawaiʻi medical school found structural inequities and historical events are partly to blame for continued health disparities among Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

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Gov. David Ige reduces Hawaii’s travel quarantine to 10 days to match health guidelines. Starting Thursday passengers entering the state of Hawaii and traveling between counties will only have to quarantine for 10 days instead of 14 days if they don’t have an exemption from the state’s travel entry requirements. Star-Advertiser.

State issues new COVID-19 rules, shortening quarantine and extending eviction protections. Governor David Ige issued a new COVID-19 emergency proclamation early Wednesday evening, reducing the length of the state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers and extending a moratorium on evictions into next year. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Ige reduces mandatory self-quarantine to 10 days for Hawaii travelers.  Gov. David Ige signed a 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation on Dec. 16 that reduces the state’s mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers from 14 to 10 days, starting on Thursday, Dec. 17. KHON2.

Governor Ige reduces state's mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers to 10 days. The proclamation specifies the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent is extended until Feb. 21, 2021. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Travel Quarantine Period Shortened From 14 To 10 Days. Governor Ige issued his 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation on Wednesday, reducing the quarantine period for travelers into and within Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

Self-Quarantine for Inter-Island Travelers Reduced to 10 Days. The state’s mandatory self-quarantine for travelers entering the state and traveling between counties has been reduced from 14 days to 10. Big Island Now.

Gov. Ige Signs 17th COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation, Reducing Quarantine From 14 to 10 Days. Governor David Ige signed a 17th COVID-19 emergency proclamation reducing the state’s mandatory self-quarantine period for travelers entering the state and traveling between counties from 14 to 10 days. Maui Now.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's 17th Emergency Proclamation can be found here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Skepticism Grows In Hawaii. Public health agencies have been slow to launch campaigns to counter vaccine skepticism, a trend in Hawaii that could thwart efforts to achieve herd immunity. Civil Beat.

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As more vaccines arrive, urgency grows to educate the public . According to a survey, health officials say less than half of the general public are willing to take the vaccine. The goal is to get 70% of the population vaccinated to get herd immunity. KHON2.

Elections Officials Want To Tweak Hawaii’s Mail-Voting Law Next Year. The Legislature may consider adjustments to in-person voting sites among other proposals after the state’s first foray into all mail-voting. Civil Beat.

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Kahele Resigns State Senate Seat, Opening Call For Replacement Candidates. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has formally resigned as State Senator for District 1, allowing Hawaiʻi County Democrats to initiate the process to find three prospective appointees to the fill the seat. Big Island Video News.

Kai Kahele Resigns From Hawaii State Senate. Less than three weeks before he will be sworn in as a U.S. representative, Kai Kahele on Wednesday stepped down from his state Senate seat. Civil Beat.

Kahele resigns from state Senate. U.S. Congressman-elect Kai Kahele has officially resigned from his state Senate seat. Tribune-Herald.

Congressman-elect Kai Kahele announces resignation from Hawaii State Senate. Congressman-elect and State Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele has officially announced his resignation from the Hawaii State Senate. KHON2.

Democratic Party to Begin Process to Fill Kahele’s Senate District 1 Vacancy. Congressman-elect and current State Senator Kaialiʻi Kahele (District 1 – Hilo) officially announced today his resignation from the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 16: 110 New COVID-19 Cases And 4 Deaths In Hawaii. Among the cases recorded Wednesday were 85 on Oahu, 14 on Maui, five on the Big Island and six Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bar owners ask court to let them open. A federal judge may rule Friday on whether bars on Oahu can reopen after they have been closed all but a few weeks since COVID-19 hit Hawaii in March. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief Ballard ‘still on the fence’ about getting COVID vaccine. In a meeting with the Honolulu Police Commission Wednesday, Chief Susan Ballard said she’s among those that will likely pass on getting the shot — at least for now. Hawaii News Now.

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Proposed Home Lands casino would allow golf course, theme parks, sporting events. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants a lone exception to Hawaii’s ban on all forms of gambling to create a destination resort in Kapolei that would allow 24/7 gambling, liquor, a golf course and even aquariums, theme parks and sporting events. Star-Advertiser.

Plan to build casino on Hawaiian Home Lands in Kapolei a big gamble, critics say. A proposal to build a stand-alone casino resort on property owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing heavy opposition from community leaders and lawmakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Homes Commission to consider casino proposal. An agenda item for next week’s Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting, the idea of building a casino on Department of Hawaiian Homes trust land in Kapolei, Oahu, is raising eyebrows statewide, especially among trust beneficiaries. Tribune-Herald.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands pushes proposal for a casino in Kapolei. Could Hawaii get its first casino? If a controversial proposal by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) passes next week, the state would be one step closer to that reality. KHON2.

Honolulu police seize more than a dozen gaming devices in Kapahulu raid. Police arrested a 54-year-old woman on suspicion of promoting gambling and possession of gambling devices. Star-Advertiser.

Conditions at Halawa Correctional Facility unsafe due to outbreak, union says. With the state’s largest prison currently battling an outbreak of COVID-19, the union representing more than 300 employees at Halawa Correctional Facility says the state isn’t doing enough to improve hazardous conditions there. Star-Advertiser.

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Caldwell says last mass food distribution event to take place Friday. The city is offering one more mass distribution of food on Oahu — the last large one for the year — at Aloha Stadium this coming Friday. Star-Advertiser. 

City to hold final food distribution event of the year on Friday. With the economy still flat and the tourism industry still struggling, city officials said Wednesday that it was no secret that food insecurity was still a top-of-mind issue for thousands of Oahu families. Hawaii News Now.

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What Did HPD Do To Prevent Another Kealoha Scandal? Not Much, Chief Says. City Councilman Tommy Waters identified holes that remain in the department’s handling of misconduct, especially when it involves the chief. Civil Beat.

City Council reviews audits on HPD, prosecuting attorney’s office. After reviewing two recently published audits, a Honolulu City Council committee explored options for greater oversight of the Honolulu Police Department while criticizing the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney for its utter lack of leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu doctors relieved to get the vaccine. Dr. Melanie Kim, a hospitalist at Straub Medical Center, has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects COVID-19 has had on her patients, some of whom at the end of their lives have had to die alone. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Partnership ensures post-arrival COVID testing will continue through mid-January. Mayor Mitch Roth on Wednesday announced a partnership between Hawaii County and a private philanthropist that will ensure trans-Pacific post-arrival COVID-19 testing for those arriving on the Big Island will continue through Jan. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Green: Vaccine roll out ‘going well’. Kona Community Hospital anticipates it will begin immunizing staff for COVID-19 on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Big Isle hospitals prep to receive, administer COVID-19 vaccines. As the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out in other parts of the state, Big Island hospitals are still waiting to receive their first doses. Tribune-Herald.

Shoppers flock to new Safeway store in Kailua-Kona. Wednesday marked the grand opening of Kailua-Kona’s new Safeway location in the Niumalu Marketplace. The 63,000-square-foot supermarket — 25% larger than the previous location in the Kona Crossroads Shopping Center — is the first shop to open in the marketplace between Lanihau Shopping Center and Henry Street. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

AlohaSafe Alert app officially launches for use in Maui County. The AlohaSafe Alert app officially launched on Wednesday in Maui County, the first County in the State of Hawaii to have this resource available to curb the spread of COVID-19. KITV4.

UH-MC donates freezer to store Pfizer vaccine. Doses expected to arrive on Maui by the end of the week. The University of Hawaii-Maui College has donated a freezer large enough to house thousands of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to arrive on island by the end of the week, Maui Health CEO Mike Rembis said Monday night. Maui News.

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DOCARE officers cite Maui man for selling undersized ahi. State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officers following up on an anonymous tip on Tuesday afternoon cited Crispin B. Santos, 37, of Kahului, after finding him at a roadside stand in possession of 15 ahi weighing between two and two-and-a-half pounds. Star-Advertiser.

Kahului man cited, accused of selling undersized ahi. DOCARE officers cited Crispin Santos Tuesday afternoon after they say he was found with 15 ahi, weighing between two and two and a half pounds. Hawaii News Now.

Kahului man cited for selling undersized ahi. Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) cited a Kahului resident for suspicion of selling undersized ahi on Tuesday, Dec. 15. KHON2.

Kahului Man Cited for Selling Undersized Ahi. A 37-year-old Kahului resident was cited on suspicion of selling undersized ahi. Maui Now.

Kauai

7.6% of CARES Act funds left on Kaua‘i. Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds are set to expire at the end of this month, and the county’s $28 million slice has a remaining balance of $2,190,512, or about 7.6%, to be spent in December. Garden Island.

Kaua'i set to reduce its mandatory quarantine time period to mirror the state. Anyone traveling to Kaua'i must still quarantine regardless of a pre-travel test. KITV4.

KPD honors 93rd Police Recruit Class graduates. The Kaua‘i Police Department held a small, socially distanced ceremony on Tuesday for its 93rd Police Recruit Class graduates. Garden Island.

EPA fines Kauai tour company $45K for illegal cesspool. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a helicopter tour company on Kauai to close an illegal cesspool and pay $45,000 in fines. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian agency seeks to build casino on Oahu, first COVID-19 vaccines administered, Diamond Head to reopen Thursday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Diamond Head State Monument ©2020 All Hawaii News

Diamond Head State Monument to reopen Thursday. The Diamond Head State Monument is slated to reopen to the public Thursday after a nine-month closure with significant changes that include occupancy limits on the popular hiking trail. Star-Advertiser.

Diamond Head Monument To Reopen To Visitors. The popular state attraction has been closed for nine months due to COVID-19. Civil Beat.

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On ‘momentous’ day, state’s first COVID-19 vaccines administered to local healthcare workers. A doctor who’s witnessed firsthand the pain COVID-19 has inflicted on hundreds of Hawaii families was given a dose of hope Tuesday: the first coronavirus vaccine administered in the state. Hawaii News Now.

Health Care Workers Get Hawaii’s First COVID-19 Shots. After months of working with coronavirus patients, health workers at the Queen’s Medical System said they were grateful for what will be a new layer of protection against the infectious respiratory disease. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 unit doctor is first to receive coronavirus vaccine in Hawaii. Five people with the Queen's Medical Center were the first in Hawaii to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday. KITV4.

Queen’s doctor becomes first person in Hawaii to get Pfizer vaccine since approval for emergency use. After months of endless infections, mounting deaths and economic collapse, Hawaii residents may finally see the light at the end of an agonizing tunnel. Star-Advertiser.

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Director of state's Office of Early Learning expects to have all its pre-K schools reopen to in person learning. On Tuesday the Director of the state's office of early learning said it expects to have all of their pre-K schools reopen to in person learning starting next month. KITV4.

Public preschool options in Hawaii vary during pandemic. About 85% of the public preschool classrooms overseen by the Executive Office on Early Learning are offering in-person instruction, but Head Start preschool programs and charter school ones are still largely remote. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers discuss future of child care, early childhood education. Administrators of the state’s early childhood education and subsidized child care programs told lawmakers Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic has forced them to scale back services for the time being. Tribune-Herald.

Pandemic alters students’ early-learning. On Tuesday, the state House held a virtual meeting to discuss how early-learning programs in Hawai’i have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Island.

Schools Provide A Critical Safety Net For Kids. Can They Do That Via Zoom? Youth advocates and school staff worry students are not getting the proper counseling or basic social services available in a regular school setting. Civil Beat.

Public school educators are fighting to block the state’s furlough plan. The Board of Education has a meeting on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

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Time Almost Out For Hawaii To Spend Federal Pandemic Relief Funds. Hawaii likely has just a few remaining days to make use of emergency pandemic relief funds awarded to Hawaii by the federal government in March when Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH Researchers: Hawaii Renters Will Need Help Throughout 2021. Researchers at the University of Hawaii estimate several thousand more renters will be paying over 30% of their income on rent next year. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 15: 57 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 57 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 35 on Oahu, 10 on the Big Island, eight on Maui, and four Hawaii residents who were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

DHHL considers proposal to build casino in Kapolei. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands dropped a bombshell on its website late Tuesday, floating the idea of building a casino on trust land in Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

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Louis Kealoha ordered to repay $250K settlement, though city unlikely to ever see it. A circuit court judge has ordered former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to repay the $250,000 the Honolulu Police Commission gave him to retire in 2017, before he was indicted on federal corruption charges. Hawaii News Now.

Louis Kealoha Ordered To Pay Back His $250,000 Retirement Settlement. In addition to restitution, Louis Kealoha will have to pay the city back for his severance. Civil Beat.

Former HPD chief Louis Kealoha ordered to pay back severance. Former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha is headed to federal prison next spring, and he has to pay $250,000 to the city. KHON2.

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Rail project faces new leadership Thursday. The city’s troubled rail project is pivoting to an uncertain “Plan B” to complete the final 4.16-mile push to Ala Moana while looking at the possibility of new leadership Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku football coach Maui Kahalepuna, 43, dies after battling COVID-19. The Kahuku community is mourning the death of an assistant football coach, and beloved community member. KHON2.

Unexpected Delay in Honolulu’s “City Card" Program. The $500 cards are valid from 12/7-12/27 but were not sent out last week due to an "unexpected delay," according to a spokesperson with the City's Office of Economic Revitalization.  KITV4.

Hilton Hawaiian Village reopens as isle tourism slowly recovers. The reopening of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the state’s largest hotel property, and the start of COVID­­-19 vaccinations in Hawaii are major milestones on the still long and winding road to tourism recovery. Star-Advertiser.

These parklets will be taking over some street parking stalls in Kaimuki. There will be a few less spaces to street park in Kaimuki in an effort to help boost business for area shops and restaurants. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Spike in auto thefts, burglaries during pandemic. While some businesses have shuttered and others have suffered downturns during the coronavirus pandemic, the old adage “crime never takes a holiday” is holding true. Tribune-Herald.

‘Heroes and Helpers’; Gift distribution event serves more than 60 keiki. This year’s focus was primarily keiki and youth from the Ka‘u District and was based on COVID-19 affected needs. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Judge dismisses Bank of America suit against county. County mulls legal action over lender’s decades-old $150M home loan promise. A federal judge on Monday dismissed a Bank of America lawsuit against the County of Maui, paving the way for the county to pursue possible claims against the banking giant over a decades-old $150 million home loan promise to Native Hawaiians and others that allegedly went unmet. Maui News.

Business ‘getting better’ for some Paia merchants. Local shops and eateries in Paia town that were shuttered for weeks to months at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to show some promise, with a few managers staying positive with the recent boost in tourism. Maui News.

Oregon Man Arrested on Maui for Alleged Quarantine Violation. Police say they were investigating a separate incident, when they found the man had left his listed residence, in violation of his quarantine. Maui Now.

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Live Skunk Found and Captured at Kahului Pier on Maui. The skunk was spotted roaming around in the container yard early in the morning and was reported to harbor security by a biologist surveying for stranded sea bird fledglings. Maui Now.

Live skunk found roaming at Kahului pier. A live skunk was found in a maritime container at a Kahului pier today, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture reported. Star-Advertiser.

Live Skunk Found in Maui. A live skunk was found and captured this morning at a maritime container yard at Pier 1 in Kahului, Maui. Big Island Now.

Kauai

Skate park renovations expected done next week. With two weeks to go, Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center’s executive director and Kaua‘i Skatepark Foundation’s lead advocate are confident that the Kapa‘a skate park’s resurfacing project will be done earlier than the expected deadline. Garden Island.

Kalalau opens to hikers, volunteers work to keep trail clear. The Friends of Kalalau trail, a group of volunteers, made their repairs and maintenance on the first two miles of Kalalau trail, which starts at the Ha‘ena State Park. Garden Island.

Teacher furlough schedule set, vaccines arrive, electors meet, Larry Ellison makes Lanai official residence, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii electors, courtesy Democratic Party of Hawaii

Hawaii electors cast votes for Joe Biden. As the last state to cast its electoral votes, Hawaii put the finishing touch on electing Joe Biden with its four votes. KITV4.

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Senate president Ron Kouchi doubts furlough will begin Jan. 1. Court challenges will likely mean that planned furloughs of thousands of state workers will not happen beginning Jan. 1, state Senate President Ron Kouchi said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

State Senate president talks upcoming legislative session, COVID mitigation efforts at Capitol, budget and economy. State legislators are preparing for a new legislative session that likely will look different from any before. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Legislature Preparing Capitol Building For January Return. Lawmakers have plans to allow the public back to the State Capitol building, but lawmakers are also getting ready to conduct business entirely remotely. Civil Beat.

DOE announces furlough schedule for teachers, employees starting Jan. 4. The Hawaii Department of Education sent an email to public school teachers Monday night with a list of dates the furloughs will take place. Hawaii News Now.

DOE outlines furlough plan to employees. Starting January employees will take furlough days which means there will be no work and no pay for that day. KHON2.

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Vaccines arrive, thousands more on the way. Hawaii received its first delivery of COVID-19 vaccines Monday, in what hopefully will mark a turning point in the state’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has sickened nearly 20,000 people and left 274 dead. Star-Advertiser.

First COVID-19 Vaccine Shipment Arrives In Hawaii. A pharmacy team inspected the thermo-insulated container housing 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine before transferring the doses to an ultra-cold freezer for storage. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s mass vaccination effort set to begin, marking a turning point in the pandemic. The hospital received the state’s first shipment of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine just before 8 a.m. Monday. It came inside a thermo-insulated container packed in dry ice. Hawaii News Now.

COVID Vaccines Arriving In Hawaii. The State says the first to receive the vaccine will be health care workers at high risk of exposure, and residents of long-term care facilities. Big Island Video News.

COVID-19 Vaccine Shipment Arrive at Queen’s Medical Center. On Monday, a shipment of 975 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived at Queen’s Medical Center. Big Island Now.

Initial 975 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Arrive in Hawai‘i.  State officials say this initial delivery of 975 does of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine marks an important milestone in the ongoing effort to combat COVID-19 and return life to normal. Maui Now.

Amid prison outbreaks, state vaccine plan has inmates in priority. Inmates and correctional facility staff are placed in stage two alongside groups like teachers and critical risk workers. KHON2.

Surveillance Test Study Shows Few COVID-19 Positives During Safe Travels. But visitor education and pre-screening process should be improved, author says. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID-19 Hospitalizations Vary Widely By Race And Ethnicity. The state Department of Health posted COVID-19 hospitalization data by race on its website Monday for the first time since the pandemic began. Civil Beat.

Prison Officials Won’t Say If COVID-19 Killed Halawa Inmate Who Died Sunday. So far 169 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus at the state’s largest prison. Civil Beat.

Hālawa Prison Infections Rise. A COVID-19 outbreak at the Hālawa Correctional Facility has grown to infect more than 160 inmates and nearly 30 staff. The prison is currently in lockdown with all inmate movement including transfer to and from the facility have been suspended for the next two weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 14: 190 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 190 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, including 158 on Oahu, 15 on the Big Island and 15 on Maui. Two Hawaii residents were diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell reverses course, moves to keep COVID-infected inmates out of Oahu reopening metrics. Weeks after explaining to the public why COVID-19 cases reported in large prison outbreaks needed to be reported in Honolulu’s daily counts ― potentially preventing the county from moving into the next tier of its recovery framework ― Mayor Caldwell said Monday that he had asked Gov. Ige for permission to begin removing those cases from the county’s daily counts. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu reveals first battery electric bus. The City and County of Honolulu has unveiled a new electric bus, the first of 17 such buses expected to be shipped here over the next year, kicking off what officials hope is a complete transformation of TheBus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Star-Advertiser.

City unveils first ever electric bus on Monday. According to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell the city expects to have 17 zero emission buses on island by the end of next year. KITV4.

Honolulu Director Back To Work While Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit Continues. Enterprise Services Director Guy Kaulukukui stepped away from his job in April after he was sued by a Kamehameha Schools graduate who said he groomed her into having sexual relations while he was her teacher. Civil Beat.

In effort to curb Laniakea Beach problems, city to install a fence this week. Mayor Caldwell says the structure will improve traffic and pedestrian safety along the highway. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island hospitals expect to receive first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine next week. Hawaii Island hospitals could begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week, officials said Monday afternoon, hours after the arrival of the first doses on Oahu. West Hawaii Today.

Kona Community Hospital plans to get its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine next week. The hospital is unsure how many doses will come in that first batch, however the hospital held what it calls a successful vaccine clinic trial run last week. KITV4.

Uptick in COVID cases follows Thanksgiving holiday. The state and the Big Island have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the weeks following Thanksgiving. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Courthouse Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. An employee at the Hale Kaulike Courthouse in Hilo has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary announced today. Big Island Now.

Betty Jane Pa, beloved Hawaii Island hula, Tahitian dancer dies at 83. Legendary Big Island dancer Betty Jane Pa has died. Known affectionately as “Aunty BJ,” she was Hilo’s first professional Tahitian dancer learning from Kaui Brandt in the 1950s. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Family Life Center awarded $1.25M grant. Family Life Center, a nonprofit organization serving the homeless population in Maui and Kauai Counties, announced last week that it has been selected to receive a $1.25 million grant from the Day 1 Families Fund. Maui News.

Hospitals and clinics across Maui County eager for arrival of COVID-19 vaccine. Maui Memorial Medical Center is expecting 975 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with shots in arms administered sometime next week. It hopes to inoculate 100 health care workers per day over 2 weeks. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

County awards Small Business Boost Grants. The County of Kaua‘i announced it will provide grant funding to approximately 180 Kaua‘i businesses that remain on its application waitlist for the Small Business Boost Grant Program, which originally opened in August. Garden Island.

Kauai Businesses: ‘We Can’t Survive’ Without Travel. With tourism effectively canceled for the 2020 holiday season, a number of Kauai resorts and businesses are closing again — some for good. Civil Beat.

Lanai

Billionaire Larry Ellison moves his primary residence to Lanai, fleeing California. Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison said he has moved his primary residence to Hawaii, becoming the latest Silicon Valley executive to depart the state where they built their fortunes. Bloomberg News.

Billionaire Larry Ellison takes up full time residence on Lanai. Reports say Billionaire Larry Ellison has made Hawaii his official residence. Ellison reportedly moved to the island of Lanai recently, informing his employees about the change of primary residence in a letter. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 infections spike at Hawaii's largest prison, taxpayers on the hook for convicted ex-Police Chief's legal fees, tourist quarantine hasn't stopped Kauai coronavirus cases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii prison ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hālawa Correctional Facility COVID-19 Infections Rise to 167 Inmates and 28 Staff. The new results include positive results for 99 inmates and seven staff, according to an update provided by the state Department of Public Safety. Maui Now.

Outbreak at Halawa Correctional Facility grows. The Department of Public Safety reported Sunday an additional 99 inmates and seven staff have tested positive for COVID-19. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Largest Prison Hit With A Major COVID-19 Outbreak. Civil Beat.

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Gov. Ige Says He Doesn’t See How State Government Can Avoid Layoffs. He also warns that nonprofits face deep cuts as state tax revenues dwindle due to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Fears grow of furlough-driven teacher exodus. Public school teachers say they still have not recovered from the “Furlough Fridays” education cuts of 2009 and 2010 — and now worry a new round of furloughs will force some teachers to leave the islands. Star-Advertiser.

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Even Hawaii’s Smallest Businesses Have Been Helped By Federal CARES Act Loans. Despite examples of corporate greed, the Paycheck Protection Program has steered $2.5 billion in relief to 25,000 small businesses in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Here’s What The Defense Spending Bill Means For Hawaii And The Pacific. The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. Senate on Friday includes more than $300 million in construction projects for military bases in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Rollout of thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccine vials marks a major milestone in the battle against the virus. Thousands of doses of freezer-packed COVID-19 vaccine vials are slated to arrive in Hawaii today, with the first of the two shot series expected to be given to health care workers as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Traveling fixes urged during economic travails. The state is not likely to make more pre-arrival testing changes to Safe Travels Hawaii until next year, despite urging from Hawaii’s visitor industry and community advocacy groups that recent modifications have had negative economic consequences. Star-Advertiser.

Many students choose in-person classes at Hawaii’s Catholic schools. Hawaii’s Catholic schools were among the first to open their doors to students for in-person classes in August, and the verdict as the semester draws to a close is so far, so good. Star-Advertiser.

How Lending Practices Restrict Hawaiian Homesteaders’ Borrowing Power. Native Hawaiians cannot take out second mortgages or home equity lines of credit on their homesteads — but not everyone understood that was part of the deal. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 13: 90 New COVID-19 Cases And 3 Deaths In Hawaii. The cases included 58 people on Oahu, eight on Maui, four on Kauai, 10 on Hawaii Island and 10 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside of the state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu must pay Ex-Honolulu police chief, Louis Kealoha, legal fees. A ruling by a state judge earlier this month leaves Honolulu taxpayers on the hook for paying former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha’s legal fees — and possibly millions more. Star-Advertiser.

Legal Battles Loom With Developer Whether Rail Gets Finished Or Not. The complex situation with Howard Hughes is just one issue to deal with in the project’s uncertain future. Civil Beat.

The overall assessed value of Oahu’s taxable properties failed to go up and has gone flat for the first time in more than a decade, according to numbers released by the city’s Real Property Assessment Division. Star-Advertiser.

Pedestrian bridge connecting Wahiawa and Whitmore Village sparks controversy. While a pedestrian bridge in Central Oahu offers another way for people to get to and from Wahiawa and Whitmore Village, the project has been a divisive issue. Hawaii News Now.

DLNR: Illegal Camps on Public Lands Exacting Toll on Resources. Though they had been given notice last week, when clean-up teams arrived at a half dozen illegal camps on Oʻahu Thursday, state officials report that the occupants of three camps strung together seemed surprised they had to move. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

New mayor meets with business leaders. After taking office last week, newly inaugurated Mayor Mitch Roth has plans to improve the county’s COVID-19 protocols. Tribune-Herald.

County spent 80% of $80 million CARES funds. With just a month remaining to spend it or send it back, Hawaii County government had used about 80% of the $80 million in federal coronavirus relief funds it received in March, according to the November update the county sent to the state Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Pololū Valley Plans Move Forward. A proposed Parcel Consolidation and Resubdivision could lead to improved parking for the popular Pololū Valley trail. Big Island Video News.

Maui

State’s first 4-lane roundabout to be built. The state of Hawaii’s first four-lane roundabout will be built at the Piilani Highway intersection that services the new Kihei high school in response to a long-running dispute over a safe crossing for future students. Maui News.

State workers, educators brace for furloughs. Government workers, educators and Maui college employees are bracing for an expected round of furloughs Jan. 1 that their unions have heavily criticized with the holidays fast approaching. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai continues to see community spread COVID-19 cases after opt-out. It’s been nearly two weeks since Kauai temporarily opted out of the state’s pre-travel testing program and started requiring all incoming travelers to quarantine upon arrival. KHON2.

West Kaua‘i plan approved. After two years of meetings, discussions and outreaches, the West Kaua‘i Community Plan was passed with several amendments in November and signed into law by Mayor Derek Kawakami earlier this month. Garden Island.

Life at Lydgate Park. Michael Texeira has lived at Lydgate Park, one of the county’s five beach-park houseless encampments, since the beginning of the pandemic, with his disabled wife, whom he takes care of. Garden Island.

Coronavirus vaccine may be in Hawaii next week, Maui closes bars, unions may sue to stop furloughs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

CDC lab worker developing vaccine PC:CDC

 Vaccines offer the key to speed of Hawaii’s economic recovery. The state’s recovery is not expected to pick up in earnest until the middle of next year, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization’s annual Hawaii forecast due out today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Economists Predict Slow, Perilous Path To Recovery. Hawaii’s economy is among the hardest hit in the country, a new report confirms. Civil Beat.

Ige: Coronavirus Vaccines May Land In Hawaii As Early As Next Week. Hawaii health officials say they expect to receive more than 81,000 vaccine doses from Pfizer and Moderna during the month of December. Civil Beat.

‘A hopeful moment’: Hawaii preparing to receive first COVID-19 vaccine doses soon. The state’s plan to acquire and distribute a coronavirus vaccine ‘may be the largest immunization campaign in the history of our state,’ Governor David Ige said Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Ige: More than 81K doses of vaccines from two companies slated for Hawaii this month. Gov. David Ige said during a news conference Thursday that the first round of vaccines could arrive as early as next week. Tribune-Herald.

DOH says general population could get vaccinated by summer. Officials say the state is expecting to receive nearly 82,000 doses, and that’s just for the first dose, by the end of the month. These doses will go to people in phase one which is divided into groups: essential healthcare workers, staff and residents in long term care facilities, first responders and essential workers. KHON2.

DOH Director has plan for who will receive COVID-19 vaccine first, Lt. Gov. says he has faith in the vaccine. Director of the Department of Health, Libby Char confirms her top priority will be essential healthcare workers and kupuna in long-term care facilities. KITV4.

State announces COVID-19 vaccines coming. The rollout of a vaccine for COVID-19 inches closer, with a possible shipment to the state coming as early as next week. Garden Island.

Gov Holds Press Conference On COVID Vaccine Distribution. With FDA approval of an Emergency Use Authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, the State of Hawaiʻi is moving forward with a plan to vaccinate 81,000 individuals in December. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii health-care workers could get shots in the arm as early as Tuesday. The state expects 81,000 thousand people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by the end of the month, including health care workers, staff and patients in long-term care facilities, and first responders. Hawaii News Now.

Health-care workers won’t be required to take vaccine until FDA’s full approval. Health Director Libby Char said the state is expecting 45,825 initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 36,000 initial doses of the Moderna product, which federal authorities will consider next week for emergency use authorization. Star-Advertiser.

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Furlough fight likely to wind up in court unless lawmakers step in. With unions set to challenge the governor’s proposal to furlough state workers, experts say it could ultimately be up to the courts to decide. But the legislature can also step in and provide a solution. KHON2.

DOE Reveals Furlough Plan For Teachers, Other Employees. Hawaii’s 13,000 teachers and other Department of Education employees will have to take six to 10 days of unpaid leave next year, the superintendent said Thursday after the governor ordered statewide furloughs in a bid to balance the budget. Civil Beat.

Public Worker Unions Urge Ige To Halt Furlough Plan, Cite Confusion In State Departments. State department heads were given a “very short window” to determine which employees will be furloughed and which will be exempt, and department heads are unsure how the program should be executed, according to the statement from the unions, which included United Public Workers and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Civil Beat.

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$22 million left on Hawaii Restaurant Cards need to be spent by Tuesday. Millions of dollars on Hawaii Restaurant Cards need to be used by next week or it will go away. With just days left before the deadline, restaurant owners are begging people to come eat. Hawaii News Now.

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs names Carmen Hulu Lindsey chairwoman. Lindsey, who has represented Maui on the board for eight years, replaces former chair and veteran OHA trustee Colette Machado, who lost her reelection after 23 years on the board. Star-Advertiser.

Carmen Hulu Lindsey To Chair OHA Board Of Trustees. Lindsey is taking over the board’s top leadership position from former chair and OHA trustee Colette Machado, who lost her bid for reelection in November after serving at OHA for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey Voted OHA Chair. The Maui trustee and award-winning recording artist said Thursday marked the dawning of a new era at OHA. Big Island Video News.

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How Hawaii Became A Training Ground For The Indonesian Military. Hawaii politicians and military commanders have pushed for strong defense ties with Jakarta for two decades, but Indonesia’s bloody history in the Pacific casts a shadow. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 10: 123 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 123 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Thursday, including 79 on Oahu, 24 on the Big Island, 11 on Maui and two on Kauai. Seven Hawaii residents were diagnosed with COVID-19 out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Tommy Waters likely to become chairman of Honolulu City Council. Veteran lawmaker Tommy Waters will lead the Honolulu City Council as its chairman when a new lineup meets for the first time Jan. 2, under a resolution made public Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council May Be Headed By Waters, Kiaaina And Tupola. The new council will have several political veterans and a couple of newcomers. Civil Beat.

Mayor Caldwell says City and County of Honolulu won't furlough workers. But he does caution if things don't improve the new mayor could have to consider furloughs as a last resort further down the road. KITV4.

Oahu restaurants get 90-day delay of ban on plastic utensils. Restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets and other businesses that serve prepared food on Oahu are getting an extra three months to use up their plastic or other fossil fuel-based forks, spoons, knives and other utensils. Star-Advertiser.

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Oahu’s move to tier 3 on Christmas unlikely unless numbers decrease. In a press conference Thursday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell said Honolulu could move to tier 3 by Christmas but it will take a lot of hard work. KHON2.

Honolulu mayor hopeful Oahu can move into Tier 3 by Christmas. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said it would be very difficult, but that there is still hope that Oahu could get to Tier 3 by Christmas in about two weeks. Star-Advertiser.

Despite millions in federal funds, HPD’s tent city at Keehi Lagoon sits mostly underutilized. The Honolulu Police Department’s large tent city at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park is a highly-visible symbol of the twin battles being raged against COVID-19 and homelessness. But the rising cost of the emergency shelter is raising red flags amongst members of the Honolulu City Council and within the community. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Replacing Kahele: Local Democrats prepare to fill Hilo Senate seat. The Big Island could be short a state senator when the regular legislative session begins Jan. 20, as the process of filling Sen. Kai Kahele’s greater Hilo District 1 seat can’t begin until he resigns. West Hawaii Today.

The solar photovoltaic system was given Hawaiian Electric approval to operate on September 30, Keck officials say. The W. M. Keck Observatory announced on Thursday that it has successfully installed a solar photovoltaic system on the rooftop of its telescope facility on the summit of Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

Keahuolu Courthouse Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. An employee at the Keahuolu Courthouse tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary announced Thursday. Big Island Now.

Kona Judiciary Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19. The employee was last at work on December 8, does not work in a courtroom, and did not have close or frequent contact with coworkers or court users. Big Island Video News.

Maui

APPROVED: Mayor’s Request for Two Week Bar Closure on Maui. Governor David Ige has approved Maui County’s request to close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks from Dec. 12 to 26, 2020. Maui Now.

County seeks to stop bar service for two-week stint. Mayor hopes that temporary closure will stop uptick in cases. Maui County is seeking to close down bars and bar service areas for two weeks to try and stop the uptick in COVID-19 cases that officials say are coming from “bar-like” behavior. Maui News.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RULES, AMENDED DECEMBER8, 2020 can be found here.

Maui’s Family Life Center Receives $1.25 Million Bezos Grant to End Homelessness. Family Life Center, a nonprofit organization serving the homeless in Maui and Kauaʻi Counties, was selected to receive a $1.25 million grant from the Day 1 Families Fund created by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. Maui Now.

Maui authorities identify surfer who died following Honolua Bay shark attack. Authorities initially said 56-year-old Robin Warren of Napili was in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday. He underwent surgery, but his condition quickly deteriorated and he died on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

KPD recruit commencement postponed. The graduation ceremony scheduled to take place on the lawn of KPD was called off in the final minutes leading to the start of the protocol. Garden Island.

Hawaii government workers face twice-monthly furloughs, Maui surfer dies from shark attack, ethics board dings Kim on Mauna Kea access, quarantined travelers swamp Honolulu PD, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige announces furloughs PC: Governor's Office

More than 10,000 state employees face furloughs in January. An estimated 10,160 state employees will face twice-a-month furloughs beginning Jan. 1 and the number will be even higher when Department of Education and University of Hawaii employees are included, Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday as he struggles to balance the state’s budget and plug a projected $1.4 billion shortfall over each of the next four years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor To Furlough State Workers Beginning In January. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday he is imposing two-day-per-month furloughs for unionized state workers starting Jan. 1 to balance the budget, which amounts to a pay cut of slightly more than 9%. Civil Beat.

Under governor’s furlough plan, most state workers will see a 9% pay cut in 2021. Gov. David Ige announced the furlough plan Wednesday, saying it’s expected to save the state approximately $300 million a year and will be coupled with a host of other budget cuts to programs. Hawaii News Now.

State worker furloughs to start January 1. Thousands of state workers will be furloughed two days per month starting in January. KHON2.

Most state employees to be furloughed starting Jan. 1. Governor David Ige made the announcement Wednesday, noting that the state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for the next four years. KITV4.

Ige announces furloughs: State’s largest unions push back against cutbacks slated for Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 1, about 10,160 state executive branch employees will be subject to furloughs for two days out of every month. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii State Employees To Be Furloughed Starting January 1. Thousands of state employees, including public school teachers, will be furloughed when the new year begins. Big Island Video News.

Most Hawai‘i State Workers To Face Furlough in January. Most state government employees will face furloughs beginning in 2021, as Hawai‘i faces massive budget shortfalls in the coming years. Big Island Now.

State to furlough 10K employees. The Department of Education and the University of Hawai‘i are on the list of state agencies that will be implementing furloughs effective January 1, 2021. Garden Island.

Furloughs for state employees to start Jan. 1. Gov. David Ige announced Wednesday that state employees will be furloughed two days a month starting Jan. 1 to offset an expected $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four years. Maui News.

Most State Workers to be Furloughed Two Days Per Month Starting in New Year. The state is projecting a $1.4 billion budget shortfall in the general fund for each of the next four fiscal years. Maui Now.

Full news release on how furloughs is here.

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Poll: Fewer than half of Hawaii residents plan to be vaccinated. Fewer than half of Hawaii residents currently plan to take a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available, according to a University of Hawaii poll released this week. Tribune-Herald.

Survey: Many Hawaii residents remain uneasy about getting COVID-19 vaccine. Just 44% of the 616 people surveyed said they planned to take the vaccine when it’s available. Hawaii News Now.

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The Safe Travels Program is working but some want to add mandatory post testing. Lt. Gov. Dr. Josh Green said the State’s Safe Travels Program is working and that he reported his findings to the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 on Wednesday, Dec. 9. KHON2.

Senate hears mayors’ Safe Travels perspectives. County mayors made their case to the state’s Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 calling for modifications to the state’s Safe Travels program on Wednesday. Garden Island.

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DLNR Has Transferred More Than 19,000 Acres To Use For Agriculture. A program to make more state agricultural lands available for farming and ranching has made progress in the last decade, according to the head of the state agency in charge of those land transfers. Civil Beat.

UH and Hawaiian Electric Collaborate on ‘Green Tariff’ To Benefit Campuses and Community. The University of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Electric have collaborated on an innovative renewable energy initiative to help the university achieve its net-zero energy goal and bring online more cost-effective, renewable energy resources to benefit the entire state. Maui Now.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 9: 80 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii and 4 Deaths. Health officials reported 80 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Wednesday, including 45 on Oahu, 12 on the Big Island, 15 on Maui and one on Kauai. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Authorities overwhelmed with 20,000 in quarantine. Roughly 20,000 people are in travel-related quarantine on Oahu and authorities are unable to keep up with enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

City Council passes ‘surf equity’ bill for permits. Introduced in February by Council member Kym Pine, Bill 10 requires gender equity in the issuance of permits for sports activities by the Honolulu City and County Department of Parks and Recreation, in order to ensure the fair allocation of park facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Pipeline Masters Kicks Off Amid Virus Concerns. Hawaii’s biggest surfing competition of the year is underway on the North Shore. While the surf is up, so are concerns about Covid-19. Hawaii Public Radio.

Facing economic hardship, restaurants urge city to ease plastic utensils ban. In the final meeting for most of the current Honolulu City Council members, they urged the mayor and legislature to pay more attention to small businesses who are still struggling amid the ongoing pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

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Hawaii Army Hospital Will Be One Of The Military’s First COVID-19 Vaccination Sites. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Tripler Army Medical Center will be one of military’s initial vaccination sites. Civil Beat.

Tripler Army Medical Center on O'ahu among first group of DOD locations to administer COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Defense will have just under 44,000 doses of the vaccine in its initial rollout. KITV4.

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3 finalists to build, design new Aloha Stadium announced. Three developer-led teams, all of which list some Hawaii-based elements, are finalists to present proposals for the building of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, according to a post on nased.hawaii.gov today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ethics Board rules Kim violated law in Maunakea case. Former Mayor Harry Kim violated the county code against unfair treatment when he allowed protesters to close the Maunakea access road to some people but not others, the Board of Ethics said Wednesday in a unanimous vote. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County ethics board rules against Kim in TMT case. The Hawaii County Board of Ethics on Wednesday found former Mayor Harry Kim guilty of violating the county’s ethics code when he didn’t enforce the law evenly during the 2019 Thirty Meter Telescope protests. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Mayor Kim Violated Ethics Code On Mauna Kea, Board Says. Harry Kim allowed for unequal treatment on the Mauna Kea Access Road, where he used county funds to lay gravel for the kūpuna opposed to the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Ethics Board says. Big Island Video News.

Fire commission gets budget update. The Hawaii Fire Department is on track to meet its 2020-21 budget, Deputy and acting Fire Chief Robert Perreira said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Honolua shark attack victim dies. A 56-year-old Lahaina man died Wednesday after he was attacked by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday morning, according to a hospital official. Maui News.

Victim of shark attack in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies from his injuries. The 56-year-old Lahaina man who was bitten by a shark while surfing at Honolua Bay died of his injuries today, according to a spokeswoman for the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Shark Bite Victim on Maui Succumbs to Injuries. It happened hours before the Maui Pro surf competition was set to get underway for professional women surfers. The event was subsequently suspended and beaches were closed for a mile in either direction from DT Fleming to Punalau “Windmills” Beach. Maui Now.

Surfer bit by a shark in Maui’s Honolua Bay dies after his condition deteriorates. The victim, a man in his fifties, was initially reported to be in stable condition when he was hospitalized on Tuesday. He underwent surgery but his condition quickly deteriorated leading to his death. Hawaii News Now.

56-year-old man dead following shark attack at Honolua Bay. Maui Memorial Medical Center has confirmed that a 56-year-old man who was surfing at Honolua Bay on Tuesday has died. KITV4.

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Maui Seeks Two Week Closure of Bars Amid Rise in COVID-19 Cases. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants for two weeks, or until Dec. 26, 2020, to stem the recent double-digit increases in COVID-19 cases. Maui Now.

Maui mayor requests approval to close bars for 2 weeks. Mayor Victorino announced Wednesday that he’s awaiting approval from Gov. Ige to shutdown all bars starting this Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County seeking bar closures amid rising COVID cases.  Maui County is seeking approval from Gov. David Ige to temporarily close bars and bar areas within restaurants to limit the spread of COVID-19 until Dec. 26. KHON2.

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Court to decide how injection wells decision impacts county. A federal court in Hawaii will decide in the spring how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in a lawsuit over injection wells in West Maui will apply to Maui County, an attorney in the case said Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

Behind the scenes of the Kaua‘i District Health Office. The Kaua‘i District Health Office was one of the first to provide translated educational COVID-19 materials. Garden Island.

Ige honors The Cliffs at Princeville, Department of Water. Gov. David Ige honored 20 businesses, venues, and events for their energy efficiency and sustainable business practices in the Hawai‘i Green Business Program, which is apart of the Hawai‘i State Energy Office, and two honorees are from Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Travel quarantines to be reduced to 10 days, state preps for COVID-19 vaccine, Hawaiian Airlines plans new U.S. routes, state certifies Biden win, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flying to Hawaii ©2020 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Will Reduce Traveler Quarantine To 10 Days. Gov. David Ige is expected to issue an order with the lowered quarantine requirement next week but it’s unclear when it will take effect. Civil Beat.

Arriving air passengers in Hawaii without COVID-19 test to face 10-day quarantine. With Hawaii leading the nation in fewest new COVID-19 cases, Gov. David Ige plans to reduce the number of days that arriving passengers with no test results will have to remain in mandatory quarantine, to 10 days from the current 14. Star-Advertiser.

Officials: Quarantines will be reduced to 10 days. The mandatory quarantine for trans-Pacific travelers to Hawaii who arrive without a negative COVID-19 test will be reduced to 10 days in the near future, state officials said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

State officials confirm Governor Ige preparing to reduce quarantine restrictions for travelers. State officials confirmed Governor David Ige is preparing to reduce quarantine restrictions for travelers from 14 days to 10 days. KITV4.

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Hawaiian Airlines to debut 3 new routes next year. The state’s largest carrier, which like all airlines has had to reduce service due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tuesday it will launch nonstop service next year to Orlando, Fla.; Ontario, Calif.; and Austin, Texas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines makes strategic decisions for 2021 with new non-stop routes. Hoping business is better next spring, Hawaiian Airlines plans to serve three new destinations across the U.S. mainland. On March 11, the airline will begin twice-weekly service between Honolulu and Orlando, Florida. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines expands routes, what this could mean for 2021 air travel. Starting in March, Hawaiian Airlines will begin service from Honolulu to Orlando, Florida and Ontario, California. Then in April, the company will launch flights between Honolulu and Austin, Texas. There will also be a non-stop flight added from Maui to Long Beach, California. KHON2.

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Vaccines could come to Hawaii as soon as mid-December, says Lt. Gov. Josh Green. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says the first people that will be offered the vaccine in Hawaii will be health care workers and kupuna, who live in long term care facilities and seem to have the highest mortality rate locally. KHON2.

Hawaii Preparing to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Next Monday. Healthcare Association of Hawaii President and CEO Hilton Raethel tells KITV4 the state is preparing to receive shipments of the Pfizer vaccine next Monday. KITV4.

State expects to receive 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month. Hawaii is expecting to receive 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this month for health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i hospitals prepare for COVID-19 vaccine. Hawai‘i’s hospitals and health-care systems, in coordination with the state Department of Health, are gearing up to ensure that they are prepared for the arrival and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Garden Island.

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33 Hawaiʻi Nursing Homes Receiving $600,000 in Federal Funding for COVID-19 Protection. Thirty-three nursing homes across Hawai‘i will divide $582,015 in new federal funding as part of an incentive program to reward nursing homes for maintaining COVID-19 infection and mortality rates that were lower than the communities they served. Maui Now.

Changes To Hawaii’s Sunshine Law Could Improve Access To Public Meetings. The new proposal from the state Office of Information Practices gives boards more options, including ways to meet remotely. Civil Beat.

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Biden Presidential Win In Hawaii Officially Certified. Biden, the former vice president, defeated President Donald Trump, a Republican, 63% to 34%. Civil Beat.

Hawaii certifies Biden’s win of state’s presidential vote. President-elect Joe Biden won 63.1% of Hawaii’s vote, compared to President Donald Trump’s 34%, according to the final summary report from the state Office of Elections. Hawaii has four electors in the Electoral College, which is due to meet Monday. Associated Press.

Hawaii's election office has officially certified 2020 presidential election results. KITV4.

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First-quarter grades reveal Hawaii public school students’ struggles in adapting to learning during the pandemic. A first look at how Hawaii’s public school students are faring academically during the pandemic shows roughly 1 in 10 secondary students received a failing grade in English or math during the first quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Why 1 In 6 Hawaii Residents Struggle To Read. The state rolled out a new plan to address literacy in Hawaii schools and among Hawaii adults last month that’s full of broad recommendations. Civil Beat.

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State Puts New Limits On Aquarium Fishing, But Existing Licenses Valid Until They Expire. The new terms and conditions reflect a court ruling in state environmental court last month. Civil Beat.

DLNR adds new court ordered requirements for commercial fishing licenses. The update is part of a First Circuit Court ruling made on Nov. 27 which bans commercial aquarium fishing pending a final environmental review. KHON2.

New Requirements Added To Hawaiʻi Commercial Marine Licenses. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources has added court-ordered requirements to reflect a full statewide ban on commercial aquarium fishing. Big Island Video News.

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Despite pandemic shutdown, Hawaii’s film industry execs optimistic about future.  COVID-19 restrictions sidelined 89% of the industry’s technical workforce. Despite the grim numbers, the industry remains positive as the state will always be an ideal film location and it’s projected the state will see an increase in local productions. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii National Guard's COVID-19 Funding Extended, What Comes Next? On average, about 800 national guard members work each day throughout the state, assisting with tasks from contact tracing to the safe travels program to COVID-19 testing. Hawaii Public Radio.

VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 8: 53 New COVID-19 Cases In Hawaii. Health officials reported 53 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday, including 39 on Oahu, three on Molokai, six on Maui and five on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 Honolulu officers face criminal probe linked to COVID-19 enforcement overtime. Four Honolulu Police officers are being investigated for suspected theft and other crimes linked to an overtime probe. The department alleges that the officers got paid for overtime hours that they did not work. Hawaii News Now.

HPD commanders ask for investigation into spending of CARES Act money. In an anonymous letter, a group of Honolulu Police Department commanders asked the Honolulu Police Commission to investigate mismanaged CARES Act funding and planning by Police Chief Susan Ballard’s office during the COVID-19 outbreak. Star-Advertiser.

HPD chief defends department following accusations of ‘fiscal misconduct’. Police Chief Susan Ballard took to social media Tuesday to respond to accusations the department mismanaged millions of dollars of federal CARES funds. Hawaii News Now.

In scathing report, city auditor rips Honolulu Department of Prosecuting Attorney for its lack of controls. Few steps have been made to improve policies, procedures and controls at the Honolulu Department of Prosecuting Attorney despite the recent, high-profile controversy that led to the conviction of one of its top lawyers. That’s the conclusion of a scathing 50-page report issued by the Office of the City Auditor over the weekend. Star-Advertiser.

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City says it's still awaiting approval on an alternative to state's mandatory quarantine for those who did not receive a negative test result pre-travel. Tier Three allows more businesses to reopen, but it requires a seven-day average positivity of 2.5% for at least two weeks and a seven-day average case count of below 50. KITV4.

Defense Bill Calls For Red Hill Safety Reviews Every Five Years. The 2021 iteration of the National Defense Appropriations Act requires the Navy to conduct regular reviews of technology to contain potential leaks. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Zoo’s former front entrance in Waikiki to undergo $2M in renovations. A $2 million restoration of the former entrance to the Honolulu Zoo will get underway in the coming weeks, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said today. Star-Advertiser.

2nd Olive Garden set to open at Ka Makana Ali‘i, Ala Moana location begins take-out orders. A second Olive Garden restaurant is making its way to Ka Makana Ali’i Mall. The eatery is expected to open to the public in the summer of 2021 next to the AT&T and Macy’s stores. KHON2.

The 2021 Sony Open in Hawaii tees off the week of Jan. 11, and will be the first Sony played under pandemic protocols. No spectators will be allowed at Waialae Country Club. Hawaii News Now.

Star-Advertiser joining Report for America effort. Report for America places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities, and is an initiative of the nonprofit media organization, The GroundTruth Project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HMC ready for vaccine: Hospital could begin vaccinations as early as next week. Hilo Medical Center could begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to some front-line employees as early as next week, should emergency use of the immunization be approved. Tribune-Herald.

Where the money went: Council members disburse $900,000 in CARES funds. Hawaii County Council members focused on food and social and educational programs in divvying up $100,000 in coronavirus relief funds each of the nine members received last summer for projects in their communities. West Hawaii Today.

More than $6.5 million spent at Big Island eateries, thanks to restaurant cards. The state’s restaurant card program comes to an end next week, after residents used it to spend more than $6.5 million at Big Island restaurants alone over two months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hospital to hold vaccine drill. Maui Memorial Medical Center will hold a drill Thursday to prepare for the process of distributing and managing the COVID-19 vaccine once it arrives in Hawaii’s hospitals, a spokeswoman for Maui Health said Monday. Maui News.

Sexual assault medical exam room remodeled.  A remodeled medical examination room will offer a more peaceful setting for children and adults, as a program moves forward with more nurses trained to do forensic examinations of sexual assault victims, officials say. Maui News.

Florida Man with No Lodging or Pre-Flight COVID Test Arrested for Quarantine Violation on Maui. A Florida man was arrested and charged with a Rules and Orders violation related to quarantine after arriving on Maui without a valid place of lodging or a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test, police said. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kouchi announces release of CIP funds. State Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi recently announced the release of $4,775,000 in funding for capital improvement projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

State Gives Nearly $5M For Kauai School, Bridge Repairs. Nearly $5 million in state funding is headed to Kauai for repairs and improvements to the Wailua River Bridge, Kapaa High School, Kilauea Elementary School and the road to Kokee State Park. Civil Beat.

Asbestos treatment at Kapa‘a, Lihu‘e fire stations. Portions of the floors of the Kapa‘a fire station were being held together by duct tape, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Steven Goble reported to the Fire Commission Monday afternoon. Garden Island.