Incentives on the way for Hawaii vaccinations, Oahu battles for ag land, opponents renew Thirty Meter Telescope fight, bedbugs, maggots and roaches close establishments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Gov. David Ige gets vaccinated in this Feb. 22, 2021 courtesy photo

Hawaii poised to join a growing list of states offering incentives for people to get vaccinated. To help Hawaii get there, the state and local businesses are set to offer up prizes in an effort to motivate people to roll up their sleeves. Specific details are still in the works. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Mayor Victorino offers sneak peak of Governor Ige’s Tuesday press conference. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino recommends Maui County residents watch Governor David Ige’s press conference at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, May 25 to learn about imminent changes to state emergency rules related to youth ocean sports and mask-wearing. KITV4.

HTA Hopes New Tourism Action Plans Will Address Resident Concerns. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is in the final phase of developing and implementing its new plan for tourism management in the state. The hope is that it will not only make the industry more sustainable, but also address community concerns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal warnings discourage traveling to Japan, make it harder for Hawaii to recoup arrivals. Hawaii’s dreams of cashing in on the first Olympic surfing competition and seeing a quicker Japan tourism rebound were “blown out” again Monday when U.S. health officials and the State Department warned Americans against travel to Japan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii unemployment assistance call center remains closed. The call center has been closed since Thursday after bedbugs were found in certain areas of the third floor of the convention center in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Asks Delinquent Customers To Set Up Payment Plans. The company says thousands of customers who don’t volunteer may have their outstanding balances automatically rolled into plans. Civil Beat.

Lifting the eviction moratorium too early would ‘overwhelm’ the courts, advocates say. The statewide moratorium on evictions, which has protected renters hard hit by the pandemic for more than a year, is set to expire on June 8. And Gov. David Ige has not yet decided if he’ll offer an extension. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines hiring more than 400 workers. The state’s largest carrier, which said it saw a rebound in demand during the first quarter, has been rebuilding its network and workforce to accommodate an increase in travel. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii has prime view for celestial combo. The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years coincides with a supermoon this week for quite a cosmic show. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

‘Studying all of our options’: Lassner talks looming budget cuts for UH. Although looming budget cuts will pose challenges for the University of Hawaii, President David Lassner said Monday that UH is considering its options and ways to handle the reductions. Tribune-Herald.

How Biden And Hawaii Could Address COVID-19 Disparities Among Pacific Islanders. Federal agencies should actively reach out to Pacific Islander communities who have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii and elsewhere, according to the Hawaii advisory group to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 34 new coronavirus cases as the statewide tally climbs to 35,901. There were 23 new infection cases on Oahu, five on Hawaii Island and six on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Fight Over Hawaii’s ‘Important Agricultural Lands’. Many Oahu property owners are angry and worried their lives could be suddenly upended by a major land use proposal that has been in the works for decades. Civil Beat.

Memorial Day ceremony at Punchbowl goes hybrid. About 38,000 small U.S. flags will be placed on graves at the Veterans Affairs cemetery, also known as Punchbowl, for Monday’s commemoration. Star-Advertiser.

Long-shuttered Paradise Park site in Manoa Valley is up for sale. A plan to turn Manoa Valley’s long-shuttered Paradise Park botanical and zoological garden into a new visitor attraction appears relinquished seven years after being announced. Star-Advertiser.

Union Says Ongoing Closure Of Health Clinic In Nanakuli Is ‘Equity Issue’. Kaiser patients on the Waianae Coast are being redirected to facilities in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Waikiki publication racks are a ‘source of trash and trouble,’ but getting rid of them isn’t easy. Publication racks in Waikiki have become a high-maintenance blight. And despite being wrecked and often filled with garbage, the city says they are almost impossible to remove. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

TMT foes challenge declaration that work has begun. The same folks who challenged the Thirty Meter Telescope in a lengthy contested case hearing in 2016 and 2017 are now following a new line of attack in questioning the recent determination that construction of the $2.4 billion project has already begun. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island renewable energy plant wins appeal. The Hawaii Supreme Court, giving new life to Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC’s nearly completed biomass plant on Hawaii island, ruled unanimously Monday in favor of the company’s appeal and sent back the case to the state Public Utilities Commission with clear instructions on how to proceed. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Voyaging canoes stop in Kona to receive master navigator’s ashes. Hokule‘a made a stop outside Keauhou Bay Sunday to receive the ashes of the late Chad Kalepa Baybayan to join the crew on its first major training voyage since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. West Hawaii Today.

HCCC back in quarantine after inmates test positive for COVID-19. Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo has been placed in quarantine after two recently admitted inmates tested positive for COVID-19. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Maui

Pizza in Paradise restaurant in Kahului shut down by Hawaii Department of Health. The Kahului restaurant known as Pizza in Paradise has been shut down by the state Department of Health because it was considered an imminent health hazard. Maggots, roaches and risks for cross contamination were among the hazards found that prompted health inspectors to shut down Pizza in Paradise on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

New program aims to find sustainable solutions for Maui. A new local initiative is seeking a “complete change” in traditional methods of thinking in order to achieve true sustainability in Maui County by 2040. Maui News.

Maui man says he was punched at eatery after reminding a Florida family to wear masks. A West Maui man says he was punched in the face over the weekend after reminding visitors to wear their masks. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua‘i restructuring tier system for fewer restrictions. The county is working on restructuring the tier system again, Mayor Derek Kawakami said Monday, and vaccination rate may soon become a trigger for a not-yet-established Tier 5. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

$500K distributed through Kaua‘i rental, utility assistance program. At the end of week two of Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program, officials reported that 800 households have applied, and $520,000 in rental assistance has been deployed. Garden Island.

Cruise ships not set to return to Hawaii soon, Senate bill makes it harder to scrutinize government bids, Kauai loosens gathering rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cruise ship off Hawaii pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

 When will cruises return? Several cruise lines announced their intentions last week to resume vacation cruises this summer to ports in Alaska, Florida or Texas — but it doesn’t appear Hawaii will be on any port of call itineraries anytime soon. Tribune-Herald.

University of Hawaii budget cuts to reverberate throughout local economy. An economic impact study released today suggests the $90 million cut in state general funds for UH over the next two fiscal years, made by lawmakers under pressure to reduce state spending due to coronavirus impacts, could sap around $650 million from the local economy. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

No Bid, No Problem? Hawaiian Telcom Lands A $25 Million State Broadband Contract. Gov. David Ige says he wasn’t involved in the deal with a major campaign donor. But it’s raising questions about whether the contract should have been competitively bid. Civil Beat.

Senate Bill Would Make It Harder To Scrutinize Government Contract Awards, Critics Say. State officials say the measure would speed up the cumbersome procurement process, but others worry it would make legitimate bid appeals unaffordable. Civil Beat.

Foreclosure, utility moratoriums ending soon. Time is running out for those who need to pay their rent, utilities or mortgage, and the time to take action is now, according to a nonprofit advisory group. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food prices continue to rise. The cost of food continues to soar — for some items prices increased by as a much as 50%. KITV4.

Hawaii Governor's ban on surf events holds up permits for keiki competitions. Event organizers spent weeks lobbying to reverse the restriction implemented after a COVID19 outbreak tied to a professional World Surf League event last December. KITV4.

Pentagon wants to disinter 94 ‘unknown’ remains from Punchbowl, entomb them in USS Arizona. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said it has talked with the Navy about disinterring 94 sailors from the famed battleship USS Arizona who are buried as “unknowns” at Punchbowl cemetery in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii is the only state requiring and spending millions on COVID-19 testing. The state is spending about $38 million to fund one year of its Safe Travels airport screening program and is making plans to spend another $22 million on top of that even though most U.S. destinations have dropped nearly all of their travel restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Green hopeful normal summer returns as coronavirus vaccinations increase. There are fewer than 1,000 active cases statewide for the first time in months, and all the neighbor islands have single-digit case numbers. KHON2.

May 23, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 48 Cases; 2 Deaths on O‘ahu. The confirmed cases included: 32 on O‘ahu; two on Maui, eight on Hawai‘i Island, and four in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Don’t Always Turn On Their Body Cams. That Needs To Change, Commissioners Say. Officers in dicey situations may be incentivized to keep their cameras off. There’s growing calls for police to make sure that doesn’t happen. Civil Beat.

Family of teen fatally shot by police files wrongful death lawsuit. The family of a teen shot and killed by police last month has filed a wrongful death suit against the Honolulu Police Department and the city. Iremamber Sykap, 16, was fatally shot by officers on April 5. Hawaii News Now.

First weekend spectators allowed to watch outdoor sporting events on Oahu. Spectators, including parents, were not allowed near the court or field to watch their children play ball for more than a month. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Inaba wants to cut tourism promotion. Should the county continue pumping money into tourism promotion when tourists seem to come here anyway? That was a topic the County Council tackled Thursday as it looked for loose change in a tight $609.1 million budget. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii County Likely to Increase Social Gathering Size. Currently in Hawai'i County, gatherings of up to 10 people indoors, 25 outdoors, are permitted. KITV4.

Behind schedule, over budget: Change orders irk council members. A Hilo road repaving project that’s ballooned from $7.4 million to $12 million had the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday asking the Department of Public Works to get a better grip on estimating the cost of roadwork. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo High football has new rep: State legislator Chris Todd named Vikings head coach. Vikings athletic director Kaeo Drummondo on Sunday announced Todd’s hiring as head coach. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

$842.6M budget on verge of approval. At about $13 million more than Mayor Michael Victorino’s proposed $829 million budget, the council’s version includes an operational budget of $683.2 million and a capital improvements project budget of $159.4 million, compared to the mayor’s proposed $669.6 million for operations and $159.3 million in CIP funding. Maui Now.

Complaints spur bill for zipline permits. Hoping to increase oversight for the operations, the Maui County Council is considering a bill that would require a conditional permit for canopy tour, zipline and bungee jumping operations as well as bar waterfall rappelling in county agricultural districts. Maui News.

Maui Police Commission: Former Chief Had ‘Room For Improvement’. Former Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu’s performance evaluation was the subject of an executive session. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Return to Tier 4 today. Tier 4 is the least-restrictive on Kaua‘i’s COVID-19 tier chart for Business and Recreational Guidelines. It allows gatherings of up to 25 outdoors and 10 indoors, with restrictions and safety guidelines. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Plan pleases taro farmers. Last week, the state’s Commission on Water Resource Management, part of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, approved a measurable in-stream flow standard of 4 million gallons per day. Garden Island.

Ha‘ena DLNR projects get recognition. Two programs and projects taken on by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks on Kaua‘i were recognized with Preservation Honor Awards by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation Friday during the 47th annual Preservation Honor Awards. Garden Island.

Job-search requirement reinstated for unemployment recipients, Honolulu to crack down on monster houses, COVID-sniffing dogs begin their work, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Anne Perreira-Eustaquio, director of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Job-search requirement reinstated for unemployment benefits in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that the change will begin May 30 in a move to help boost employment as the state emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s unemployment rate plunged to 8.5% in April. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate plunged six-tenths of a percentage point to 8.5% in April as the state added 10,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, according to data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

UH scrambles to replace funding as it faces $80M in budget cuts. Executives at the University of Hawaii said they are scrambling to fill $80 million in budget cuts after the state Legislature reduced funding from their two-year budget. The UH Board of Regents was briefed on the cuts Thursday, which amounts to about 9% of the overall UH budget. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s hotel occupancy at 51% in April. Hotels in Hawaii were only about half full in April even with the spring break rush, but performance is expected to heat up this summer as many U.S. travelers take leisure trips. Star-Advertiser.

The Great Hawaii Rental Car Crisis: Is It Ever Going To End?. Some island leaders say it’s time to implement smarter visitor management strategies that don’t involve large fleets of rental cars. Civil Beat.

New fungicide approved for use in Hawaii’s battle against coffee leaf rust. The Environmental Protection Agency says it’s okay for coffee growers to use a specific fungicide to prevent the growth of the coffee leaf rust pathogen. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Green hopes study that links COVID to male impotence boosts vaccinations. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is hoping a new study that links COVID-19 to male impotence encourages more men to get vaccinated. In a report in the World Journal of Men’s Health, researchers said coronavirus not only attacks blood vessels in organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys but it also can damage blood vessels in the penis. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 Sniffing Dogs Show Promise With Patients In Hawaii. Together, the four dogs trained by Assistance Dogs of Hawaii have accurately identified nearly 100% of positive samples. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

May 20, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 80 Cases (59 Confirmed, 21 Probable). The confirmed cases included: 50 on O‘ahu, five on Maui, three on Hawai‘i Island, and one in a Hawai‘i resident diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Council chair considers action to force HPD to release bodycam videos in fatal teen shooting. Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters said he plans to discuss the possibility of legislation or a resolution aimed at pushing the Honolulu Police Department to release bodycam videos from the fatal April 5 police shooting of a teen. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Planning and Permitting considering new ways to crack down on “monster homes”. The city Department of Planning and Permitting is looking into different ways to better enforce against “monster homes,” new large structures in older neighborhoods that often illegally rent out rooms for both short- and long-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Navy’s responses to leak at Red Hill fuel frustration. The Navy on Thursday assured members of a committee created by the Legislature to monitor underground fuel tanks that a release of approximately 1,000 gallons of jet fuel at its Red Hill fuel farm earlier this month had been “captured and fully contained” and that there was no evidence of environmental harm or risk to an underground aquifer that supplies drinking water. Star-Advertiser.

Marines Scrap Hawaii-Based Attack Helicopters After Just Three Years. But don’t expect empty skies around Kaneohe. The Marines will still be flying their “tilt-rotor” Ospreys and drones. Civil Beat.

Hawaii summer programs having trouble finding applicants. Summer camps and programs across Oahu are having trouble finding applicants. City officials say they want to avoid closing a Summer Fun program site over a worker shortage. KHON2.

Kailua residents demand Wendy’s build a wall as concerns rise over customer disturbances. Oahu’s 11th Wendy’s restaurant is about to open in Kailua in a few weeks, but surrounding residents believe it would be better to build a wall between them and their new neighbor. Hawaii News Now.

‘Beyond Van Gogh’ to open in Honolulu on July 2. A new immersive exhibit is coming to Honolulu. “Beyond Van Gogh” opens on Friday, July 2, at the Hawaii Convention Center. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Court hears oral arguments on attorney general’s subpoena of anti-TMT group. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the purpose and nature of a state subpoena meant to look into the financial records of a nonprofit that has opposed the Thirty Meter Telescope. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Council advances budget after adding contingency funds. Stark philosophical differences among County Council members, coupled with limited funds and a lot of funding requests, led to some tense moments Thursday that threatened to blow up a special session on the budget but ultimately culminated in compromise. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui mayor seeking to acquire lands in Wailuku for historic cultural preserve. Maui Mayor Mike Victorino announced on Thursday, May 20, that he is seeking to acquire about 545 acres in the Waiale area of Wailuku for a historic cultural preserve. KHON2.

Maui County’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 11.5% in April 2021. It is drastically lower than the 32.9% rate a year ago when the pandemic shutdown much of the island’s economy, and slightly lower than the 12.3% unemployment rate in March 2021, according to information from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. Maui Now.

COVID cancels Maui Fair for second straight year. Worried over the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak even as more people get the vaccine, organizers announced that the 98th Maui Fair will be canceled for a second year in a row and rescheduled for 2022. Maui News. Maui Now.

After canceled plans, Maui mayor OKs a celebration dinner for high school seniors. The school’s Parent Teacher Student Association arranged for a special dinner for the graduates and surprise performances by Ekolu, Maoli and Josh Tatofi. Hawaii News Now.

Surfers Rally for Resumption of Keiki Competitions. The return of youth surfing competitions is being discussed at the county and state level, but for some in the local surfing community, the current restriction has gone on long enough. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council passes cat and dog microchipping bills. A one-time, $20 microchipping cost will replace biennial licensing fees for cats and dogs on Kaua‘i, per two Kaua‘i County Council-approved measures, bills 2820 and 2821, on Wednesday. Garden Island.

County awards $500,000 for rental assistance. The Kaua‘i Police Department, in partnership with the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, awarded Women In Need a grant of $500,000 to provide housing support to houseless individuals and families. Garden Island.

More services needed for domestic violence victims. There are not enough services on Kaua‘i for victims of domestic violence, according to concerned program leaders. Garden Island.

Fewer storms predicted this hurricane season, Honolulu cuts down Portlock gate and opens beach access, Kaimuki church tried to cover up COVID-19 outbreak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical cyclones over the years PC:NOAA

Fewer storms predicted for Hawaii’s 2021 hurricane season. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Wednesday predicted that the region will see two to five tropical cyclones during the hurricane season that starts June 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii poised to change unemployment rules to get more people back to work. Among the changes is requiring the unemployed to look for work in order to keep getting benefits.  KHON2.

Federal Bureau of Investigation taps Steven B. Merrill to lead Honolulu office.  Prior to arriving in Hawaii, Merrill most recently served as a financial crimes section chief in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he led the FBI’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19, including pandemic-related scams, vaccine fraud and other offenses. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Looking To Fill Seats On State Land Board. Hawaii Gov. David Ige is recruiting “qualified and dedicated people” interested in serving on the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Civil Beat.

This New Federal Program Is Expected To Help Hundreds Of Thousands Of Hawaii Kids. Hawaii’s high cost of living means many families need the money, but it won’t go as far here as in many other states, advocates say. Civil Beat.

Retailers deal with mask-mandate confusion. Hawaii’s statewide mask mandate requires customers — fully vaccinated or not — to continue wearing masks when in public settings, including retail stores. Outdoors, Hawaii’s law requires people to wear masks if 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained from a person outside of one’s household. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Coronavirus Count Rises As State Adds ‘Probable Cases’ To Its Total. Epidemiologists say including the unconfirmed cases will provide a better picture of how the coronavirus is spreading in the islands. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii sees 73 total coronavirus cases as state health officials begin including probable infections to counts. State health officials reported 58 new confirmed and 15 probable cases today. By island, Oahu had 50 new cases, Hawaii Island had nine, Maui had seven, Molokai had four, Kauai had one, and there were five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City cuts down gate blocking beach access in Portlock. A new beach right of way on Portlock Road in Hawaii Kai was officially opened to the public Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

COVID-19 cluster at Unified Hawaii church in Kaimuki covered up by congregation, text messages show. ext messages were provided to the newspaper showing lengthy exchanges between church leaders and members who discussed the growing COVID-19 case count among the congregation and their success at evading the state Department of Health’s contact tracers. Star-Advertiser.

Special Series: Will The $12B Honolulu Rail Project Make It To Ala Moana? The Honolulu rail, planned to stretch from Kapolei to Ala Moana, is projected to cost $12.4 billion--more than double the original estimate of about $5 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police crack down on illegal gambling houses. Honolulu police are shutting down illegal gambling houses at the fastest pace in four years, seizing firearms, drugs, and digital gaming machines in neighborhoods from Waikiki to Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

ACLU Accuses HPD Officer Of Bias In Favor Of Business Partner. In a letter sent to HPD on Wednesday, the ACLU says its client Robin Hall was assaulted by her boss in June 2019 and that an HPD officer who responded failed to arrest him because the officer is a friend and business partner of the alleged suspect. Civil Beat.

Honoulu Police Department takes steps to form Micronesian alliances. Honolulu police began a series of meetings recently with officials and Hawaii residents from the Federated States of Micronesia after allegations of racial profiling and protests following the fatal police shooting of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Dry times ahead: Drought forecast to worsen over leeward areas. Drought conditions are forecast to worsen over leeward areas of the Big Island as the state heads into the dry season. West Hawaii Today. Tribune-Herald.

Landfill lawyers’ money approved: Council OKs another $200k for contract negotiations. Contract negotiations with Waste Management Inc. have already resulted in some savings, a county official told the County Council on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo faces budget cuts. The state budget, currently before Ige for consideration, calls for UH-Hilo’s operating budget to be reduced by $2.28 million in each year of the coming biennium. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee supports zoning amendment for Hilo Iron Works building. A Hawaii County Council committee voted in support of a zoning amendment that aims to make the historic Hilo Iron Works more attractive to investors. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The cost to visit Maui could go up as mayor eyes new taxes, fees for tourists. As the Valley Isle sees an influx of travelers, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino eyes new taxes and fees directed at visitors. On Tuesday alone, nearly 5,000 visitors arrived on the island. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Commission split over allowing ex-chief to retire in ‘good standing’. The Maui Police Commission reviewed an investigation into former Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu’s conduct in a traffic accident last year, but there’s disagreement over what to do. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Police Department to Continue Mask Mandate Enforcement. The Maui Police Department today issued a statement saying that officers will continue enforcement of the mandatory mask mandate throughout the county as outlined in Maui Mayor Michael Victorino’s Public Health Emergency Rules. Maui Now.

Local businesses already see mask mandate pushback. Some local businesses have already experienced mask pushback after the federal government last week relaxed guidelines on facial coverings for vaccinated people. Maui News.

Kauai

Rental Cars are booked until early August. A car rental manager from Honolulu on Wednesday, who requested anonymity because of his company’s protocols, said 70% of his rental cars had to be sent back to their mainland warehouse because they were getting charged $8 a day for each car. Garden Island.

Repairs completed, Loop Road reopens. Earlier this week, Loop Road reopened after three years since its initial closure and damage from the April 2018 floods. Garden Island.

Half of jail guard recruits test positive for coronavirus, Ige's emergency powers questioned, Honolulu resists releasing police body cam footage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Corrections officer at Hawaii jail ©2021 All Hawaii News

Half of Hawaii’s jail and prison guard recruits test positive for COVID. Half of the state’s new recruits to serve as correctional officers at Hawaii’s jails and prisons have tested positive for the coronavirus after the vast majority of the class declined to get vaccinated. Star-Advertiser.

Questions raised on how much longer Hawaii Gov. Ige can invoke emergency powers. State lawmakers tried to limit the governor’s powers during the session but could not agree. They could also do it with a special session, but they say coming to an agreement is just too difficult. KHON2.

With more people getting vaccinated, demand from domestic and inter-island travel soar. The pent-up demand Hawaii economists have been predicting is coming to fruition with long lines at TSA and Safe Travels screening upon arrival. Hawaii News Now.

Legislature Directs Federal Funds To Patch Up Hawaii’s Shaky Broadband System. Federal pandemic relief funding is slated to help pay for badly needed connectivity improvements, especially in rural areas of the state. Civil Beat.

State Gets Another $20 Million In Lawsuit Over Software Failure. Insurers for a Colorado company that years ago botched a software project for the state Department of Transportation have agreed to pay more than $20.7 million to settle a lawsuit over the failed system. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

FBI probes ex-Hawaii CEO’s campaign donations to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican. The FBI is investigating whether Martin Kao, former chief executive officer for Hawaii-based defense contractor Martin Defense Group, illegally donated money to the senator’s campaign, according to a search warrant application filed in federal court in April. Bloomberg. Civil Beat.

Probable cases will raise Hawaii’s COVID case count by 1,600. Hawaii will see a one-time jump in its total count of coronavirus cases today after the state Department of Health adds in about 1,600 probable cases that it’s kept track of since the start of the pandemic. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Vaccine can come with side effects, but those fully vaccinated have no regrets. With more than 1.4 million COVID-19 doses administered in the state so far, there are now plenty of Hawaii residents who have experiences to share about their side effects. Star-Advertiser.

May 18, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 56 Cases (49 O‘ahu, 3 Kaua‘i, 1 Maui, 1 Moloka‘i, 2 Out-of-State). Maui Now.

Oahu

Prosecutor: Body cam footage in fatal police shootings to be withheld for at least 30 days. After taxpayers spent millions to provide the Honolulu Police Department with body cameras, city Prosecutor Steven Alm now says video in two fatal police shootings will be withheld from the public for 30 to 60 days. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council looking to support COVID-impacted workers in effort to diversify economy. A measure to create a Job Corps program between the city and the University of Hawaii to address unemployment created through the COVID-19 pandemic advanced Tuesday through a City Council committee. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Blangiardi Wants Aggressive, Smart Reopening Amid Increasing Vaccination Rates. Oahu has been in Tier 3 of its reopening plan since February, but with the current seven-day average case count at 62, the city should be in the more restrictive Tier 2. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Mayor asks Governor to lift restrictions on youth water sports this week. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the Governor signed off on allowing spectators for youth sports yesterday, but held off on lifting restrictions on water sports like surfing and canoeing. KITV4.

Honolulu Councilwoman Wants More Race Data Collected. The Legislature passed a resolution last month that specifically called for detailed race data from county police departments and certain state agencies. Civil Beat.

Proposal would split Honolulu Ocean Safety, Emergency Medical Services. A proposal at the Honolulu City Council wants to make the Ocean Safety Division, which includes lifeguards, separate from Emergency Medical Services. KHON2.

For second summer, COVID concerns force cancellation of Junior Lifeguards Program. Barring more setbacks, it will be back next summer and better than ever. Hawaii News Now.

Architectural renderings allow Hawaii football team to visualize its new home for the next few years. On Tuesday, UH officials released architectural renderings of the retrofitted Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex that will be used for the Rainbow Warriors’ six home games this season. Star-Advertiser.

Kahuku family receives $1 million in eviction case. A nonprofit association managing former sugar plantation camp housing on city land in Kahuku has agreed to pay $1 million to a family it evicted two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County to end COVID-19 district testing. Hawaii County will end its COVID-19 district testing program this week after about 14 months of screening Big Islanders for the novel coronavirus. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Native Hawaiian consent needed for TMT, Canadian group says. The organization that represents the astronomy community in Canada — one of the Thirty Meter Telescope’s international partners — has declared it cannot support the TMT unless it has the consent of Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser.

BLNR denies petition for contested case hearing challenging acquisition of land by Ala Kahakai Trail Association. The association intends to purchase a 1,841-acre parcel south of Naalehu called Kiolaka‘a using a $1.5 million grant awarded by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources in April, despite opposition by some Ka‘u residents. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pineapple workers to receive $4.8M for abuse, horrible living conditions on Maui farm. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission collected the money with the help of federal departments to settle a national origin and race discrim­ination lawsuit against Maui Pineapple, which closed in 2009. Hawaii News Now. Associated Press.

Winds Delay Start of Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia Training Voyage to Doldrums. Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia did not depart Lahaina, Maui on Tuesday because the winds in the Alenuihaha Channel have continued to create dangerous conditions for the voyaging canoes and the crew. Maui Now.

Mortgage Help Available for Residents Impacted by COVID-19. Mortgage help is available for Maui County residents impacted by COVID-19 through the Community Development Block Grant Mortgage Assistance Program, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity. Maui Now.

Kauai

SpaceX flight proposes landing off Kaua‘i. Originating from Starbase, Texas, the SpaceX Starship Orbital is targeting a landing about 62 miles off the northwestern coast of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Loop Road reopens in Wailua. Closed no more, the reopening of Loop Road was a welcome sight Tuesday afternoon after three years since its initial closure and damage. Garden Island.

Facial recognition instituted at Hawaii airports, UH to require vaccinations, schools to fully reopen Aug. 3, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport screening, courtesy Hawaii DOT

Flying To Hawaii? Prepare For Long Lines At The Airport. Some passengers report waiting an hour and a half to exit the airport even with a negative COVID-19 test. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Completes Phase III Of Airport Thermal Screening Project with facial recognition. The Hawaii Department of Transportation says the facial imaging equipment is now operational at the state's major airports. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. KHON2.

University of Hawaii to require students to get COVID-19 vaccine. Students enrolled in the University of Hawaii System in the fall will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend in-person classes or be on any of the system’s 10 campuses, the university announced Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii public schools will reopen Aug. 3 with clubs, bands and athletics resuming. Hawaii’s public schools will open for daily, in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year as community infection rates decrease and vaccinations increase. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Ige Says Slew Of Pandemic Rule Changes In The Works. The governor said state health officials are working on integrating Hawaii’s rate of vaccinations into the tiered reopening system already in use by the counties. Civil Beat.

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Redrawing Of Hawaii’s Political Boundaries Could Stretch Into Early 2022. Advocates have also raised concerns over closed door meetings of the Reapportionment Commission. Civil Beat.

Hawaii GOP Elects New Party Chair, Other Officials. The focus now is on the 2022 elections and getting more Republicans in office. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Meetings, Conventions Will Take Longer To Recover As State Sees Signs Of Tourism Returning. While leisure travel is making a comeback, conferences and meetings will take longer to recover. Hawaii Public Radio.

Business Groups Ask Ige To Veto Bill Cutting Tourism Ad Spending. More than 30 business associations and chambers of commerce have asked the governor to kill a measure cutting the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s budget. Civil Beat.

Hawaii's office space could hit record vacancy rates. As Hawaii's economy recovers from the pandemic, its effects could leave a lasting impact on Hawaii's traditional office space. KITV4.

Military Relaxes Mask Guidelines On Hawaii Bases But Not Outside The Gates. New policy only applies to people who are fully vaccinated. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Despite Hawaii’s high vaccination rate, daily COVID case counts aren’t dropping as expected. Hawaii’s vaccination campaign continues to outperform other states, but the number of people being diagnosed with the virus isn’t on the decline. And that’s causing concern for public health officials. Hawaii News Now.

May 17, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 83 Cases (62 O‘ahu, 8 Maui, 7 Hawai‘i Island, 6 Out-of-State). Maui Now.

Oahu

Rail bond deal has financial ties to HART chair, but ethics body finds no wrongdoing. Ethics watchdogs are raising questions about a rail bond deal involving the firm of the rail authority’s board chairman. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board Chairman Toby Martyn is also a vice president and Honolulu general manager for Stifel Financial Corp. Hawaii News Now.

Spectators now allowed at Oahu outdoor sporting events. Spectators will once again be allowed on the sidelines to watch their family and friends play outdoor sports, a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions on Oahu that is sure to please parents who have been relegated to their cars as they try to catch glimpses of their kids playing sports like soccer and baseball. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

COVID-19 Cluster at Public Safety Training and Staff Development Section on O‘ahu Totals 20. The state Department of Public Safety confirmed six more employees currently assigned to the Training and Staff Development section have confirmed positive COVID-19 test results. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu ambulances set to expand service in Ewa Beach and Makiki starting July 4. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services is expanding to include the Makiki and Ewa Beach ambulances in its 24-hour coverage beginning July 4. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Hawaii officials ask for bids to dispose of historic Falls of Clyde. State officials have put out a bid for the disposal of the historic Falls of Clyde ship, with an upcoming deadline of Friday, to the objection of supporters still trying to save it. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Contingency plans: Council members seek to increase discretionary funding. County Council members are once again casting around to find money for their individual contingency accounts that were zeroed out in the mayor’s budget. West Hawaii Today.

No temporary night closure of Kailua Pier, yet. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation continues to assess the proposed closure of the pier from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, a spokesperson confirmed Friday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui official: Brazil variant cases up. The variant first detected in Brazil is beginning to take the place of California variants that had dominated portions of Hawaii, and Maui County residents should take heed, a Maui-based state Department of Health official said. Maui News.

‘The Situation Is Critical’: Saving This Maui Beach Won’t Be Easy Or Cheap. Government agencies, scientists, property owners and beachgoers have banded together to find a solution to chronic erosion at Maui’s Kahana Bay. Civil Beat.

460 Acres Entitled for 1,900 New Housing Units in Central Maui Hub for Sale. Cushman & Wakefield announced today the firm has been hired to sell two residential and commercial sites totaling approximately 458 acres within the Maui Lani master planned community in Kahului on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Council amends Mayor’s FY22 budget. Wastewater solutions and police department recruitment were the Kaua‘i County Council’s focus of a decision-making session on the fiscal year 2022 budget on Friday. Garden Island.

Vacation rental tax crackdown brings millions to state coffers, Congress mulls Pearl Harbor modernization money, Maui sets property tax rates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kayaks on the Ala Wai ©2021 All Hawaii News

State tax crackdown garners millions in unpaid vacation rental taxes. The state Department of Taxation already has collected $4.1 million this year from vacation rental owners who owed back taxes, and through continued stepped- up enforcement expects to easily hit $12 million by year’s end. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO Forecast: Visitors Could Reach 6.4M in 2021, 8.8M in 2022. A new forecast from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization finds that, for 2021, Hawaii is bouncing back a bit faster than expected but that full recovery is still several years away. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii monthly bankruptcies rise for first time in year. Statewide bankruptcies rose for the first time this year as filings in April jumped 19.3% even as the state continued to show encouraging signs of an economic recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii commercial fishers’ catch down 15% in 2020. Hawaii’s commercial fishers caught 6 million pounds fewer pelagic species of fish and brought in $27 million less in revenue in 2020 — a product of the coronavirus pandemic, which crushed demand for fish. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Fishermen Are Worried About China’s Fleet. So Is The Military. The U.S. military increasingly sees illegal fishing as a national security threat and has China’s vast government-subsidized fleet in its sights. Civil Beat.

The state and several nonprofit organizations are partnering up to develop a program to increase mental health services for keiki of Hawaii. The Integrated Infant and Early Childhood Behavioral Health Plan aims to improve access to service providers for families with children five years-old or younger, eliminate gaps in service and remove the stigma for families seeking help. Hawaii News Now.

Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds could come in June, rural areas remain concern for Hawaii. Another increase into triple-digit COVID-19 cases across the state was reported on Sunday, May 16. KHON2.

May 16, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 127 Cases (103 O‘ahu, 10 Maui, 3 Moloka‘i, 3 Hawai‘i Island, 8 Out-of-State); 1 Death. Maui Now.

Oahu

$25 billion bill in Congress seeks to speed up modernization of Pearl Harbor. A bipartisan bill seeks $25 billion to upgrade the Navy’s four shipyards — Pearl Harbor included — sooner rather than later, as well as to make improvements to private yards in the face of rapid Chinese military expansion. Star-Advertiser.

Search continues to fix Oahu rail’s too-narrow wheels and too-wide tracks. Officials with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation are working with Hitachi Rail to find a solution — whether to replace 32 wheels on all 20 trains or have new track crossings manufactured and shipped in. Rail and Hitachi officials met in person in Honolulu on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

A plan to clear hundreds of DUI cases amid the COVID-19 court closures has resulted in 1,116 plea deals in Honolulu. The offers were not allowed ahead of the pandemic, but when the courts shut down last year the backlog ballooned to 900. Hawaii News Now.

Drug deaths in Honolulu hit 5-year high in 2020. Drug-related deaths in Honolulu hit a five-year high last year, fueled by methamphetamine overdoses that have law enforcement focused on keeping more illegal drugs out of the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Clinics see high turnout as COVID vaccine eligibility expands to 12 to 15-year-olds. The Queen’s Health System held its first high school clinic Saturday since the COVID vaccine became available for children as young as 12 years old. Hawaii News Now.

Jack and Kim Johnson’s Kokua Learning Farm in Haleiwa gets help from new solar e-tractor. Kokua Learning Farm in Haleiwa town recently debuted Hawaii’s first solar-powered electric tractor, which definitely makes it easier being green, according to Jack Johnson, the musician and co-founder, with his wife, Kim, of the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which launched the farm and community center in December 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More money for lawyers: Council to vote on $200k more for landfill contract renegotiations. Two years into negotiations with garbage giant Waste Management Inc., county attorneys say they’re running out of money for outside legal counsel, and they’re coming to the County Council to ask for more. West Hawaii Today.

County plans to reopen all of Highway 137; work set for 2022. Ikaika Rodenhurst, director of the county Department of Public Works, confirmed that plans are being drafted to reopen all of the highway — from the “Four Corners” intersection to Pohoiki Road, and another stretch at the MacKenzie State Recreation Area — after it was buried under lava by the Kilauea eruption, but the expansion of the project has led to a few months of delays. Tribune-Herald.

Man Fined $633k For Poisoning North Hilo Stream. The largest Hawaiʻi land board fine ever for an aquatic resource violation in the state was handed down on Friday. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island Aquaculture Gets Boost With Big Grant. The Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii in Kailua-Kona has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to continue a fruitful aquaculture accelerator program aimed at supporting business retention and growth initiatives at a sustainable technology park. Civil Beat.

Maui

County to take in extra $7.8M from property taxes. The Maui County Council on Friday set property tax rates that will net about $7.8 million more in county revenues than the prior fiscal year. The county is forecast to raise $383.2 million in fiscal 2022 from real property taxes, its largest income generator. Maui News.

Maui Democrats Narrow English Successor To Three Candidates. Members of the Maui County Democratic Party’s Senate District 7 selection body chose three names on Saturday to send to Gov. David Ige for his consideration to fill the vacancy created by the recent retirement of Senator J. Kalani English. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

The Investigation Into The Ex-Maui Police Chief’s Hit And Run Is In. The former Maui police chief involved in a hit-and-run accident last year was properly investigated by his own officers who appropriately concluded the accident was a civil matter, not a criminal case, a new report on the incident concludes. Civil Beat.

Kauai

County mulls new tax ability. The county administration is still analyzing its position on a bill sitting on Gov. David Ige’s desk that includes a provision that would allow county governments to enact their own sort of transient accommodations tax. Garden Island.

Preparing for a Kekaha cleanup. The county has received $300,000 to start first steps in cleaning up hazardous-waste sites at the former Kekaha Sugar Company mill, revitalize the historic site and advance economic development in the area. Garden Island.

Ige maintains mask mandate despite CDC guidance, Musk plans rocket reentry off Kauai, workers hard to find despite high unemployment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige

Gov. David Ige keeps Hawaii mask rules unchanged despite change by CDC. As President Joe Biden and federal health officials gave the OK for Americans who have been vaccinated to go maskless in most situations and discard social distancing, Gov. David Ige signaled that the time to loosen such restrictions wasn’t right for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Lt. Governor Wants to Give Vaccinated Hawaii Residents More Travel Options. The state rolled out its vaccine passport system this week, making inter-island travel easier for people who were vaccinated in Hawaii. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green says he'd soon like to use the system for vaccinated residents returning to the islands from the mainland. Hawaii Public Radio.

HiEMA announces change in requirement for intercounty travelers to bypass quarantine. Interisland travelers now need to show proof of just one vaccine dose in Hawaii, as opposed to two, to qualify for the state's vaccination exception program. That's for anyone who received Pfizer or Moderna's two-dose COVID vaccine. KITV4.

State epidemiologist says Hawaii is ‘close’ to reaching herd immunity. The state’s epidemiologist says Hawaii is getting close to herd immunity, but stressed that vaccinations must continue to actually achieve it. Hawaii News Now.

“Follow the Science:" Restaurant Owners Want Governor to Relax Mask, Distance Restrictions. Greg Maples, Chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, wants Governor David Ige to relax mask and distancing restrictions as consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. KITV4.

Schatz Urges Ige to Lift Restrictions on Youth Sports, Permitting Surf and Regatta Competitions. US Sen. Brian Schatz has called on Gov. David Ige to lift restrictions on youth sporting events, including allowing parents and guardians to cheer on their athletes in person and permitting surf competitions and regattas to resume while adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Has A Lot Of Unemployed People. But Companies Still Can’t Find Help. The labor force has been reduced by workers leaving the state and staying home to supervise children and avoid potential exposure to the virus. Civil Beat.

Bypassing the Bitcoin Blockade. How one state worker helped open the door to Cryptocurrency in Hawai‘i. Hawaii Business magazine.

Taxpayers On The Hook For $2.3M To Settle Legal Claims Against The State. A state settlement over a deadly motorcycle crash on the Likelike Highway accounted for nearly half of taxpayers’ legal bills — totaling about $2.3 million — approved by lawmakers this year. Civil Beat.

May 13, 2021 COVID-19 Update: 76 Cases (49 O‘ahu, 17 Maui, 1 Moloka‘i, 7 Hawai‘i Island, 2 Out-of-State). Maui Now.

Oahu

Officials embark on a study to lower costs of $651 million Ala Wai project. Another study is in store for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ over-budget Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Coral damage near Honolulu Harbor entrance prompts state probe. State officials Thursday said they are investigating the circumstances that led to significant coral damage near the entrance channel to Honolulu Harbor after dredging work done by a contractor. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City requests gag order in Lindani Myeni case. The city's Deputy Corporation Counsel Thursday filed a motion for a protective order against the disclosure of details surrounding the death of 29-year-old Lindani Myeni. KITV4.

Honolulu opens short-term homeless shelter in Wahiawa. The project, HONU (Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons), uses inflatable tents to offer services to unsheltered individuals and families 24 hours a day. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Public comment sought on county budget. Tuesday is your chance to speak out, as the County Council holds its annual public hearing on the county budget. West Hawaii Today.

Spreading the word: Vaccination outreach effort hits Kona neighborhoods. A dedicated group of individuals led by the Department of Health has been spreading the word about an upcoming vaccination clinic in Kona by pounding the pavement and knocking on doors. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui COVID-19 Clusters are Down in Latest Weekly Report. While construction was not identified in this week’s report, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Wednesday confirmed that there is a a cluster at a construction company that contributed to today’s double-digit count of new cases in Maui County. Maui Now.

DOH confirms 12 COVID-19 cases linked to contractor who worked at Molokai General Hospital. The Queen’s Health Systems on Thursday reported that a Maui-based contractor working at Molokai General Hospital tested positive for COVID-19. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Southern Airways to Bring Larger Turboprop Aircraft to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. Southern Airways, the parent company of Mokulele Airlines, announced today that it is bringing a larger cabin-class aircraft to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi with weekday service to begin in the fall.  Maui Now.

Kauai

For upcoming space mission, Elon Musk eyes waters off Hawaii to land rocket. A spacecraft may be splashing down off the coast of Hawaii as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk plans to launch an orbital flight test for his newest rocket. In filings to the Federal Communications Commission, Musk said he plans to make a soft ocean landing about 62 miles off the northwest coast of Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Facebook founder, wife spent years building relationships before 2nd Kauai land buy. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, recently purchased an additional 600 acres of land on Kauai. They now own more than 1,300 acres on the island. Hawaii News Now.

600 households have applied for rental assistance. Since opening for applications in the first week of May, 600 households have applied for the coronavirus rental and utility assistance program on Kaua‘i, and there’s still funding available. Garden Island.

DOH: No new cases Thursday, clusters under control. Identified clusters from two weeks ago are under control, Dr. Janet Berreman, Kaua‘i District Health Officer, said Thursday, and case counts across the island have trended downward. Garden Island.

Olympic Cafe shut down for mask violations. The state Department of Health announced the cafe was closed Monday, after a Department of Health Food Safety Branch inspector responded to complaints about the establishment’s violations of mask use requirements. Garden Island.