Hawaii opens its gates to travelers, Health Department whistleblower sues state, Kauai water rights case heads to Supreme Court, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Safe Travels Special Projects Administrator Sherilyn Kajiwara

Fully Vaccinated US Travelers Can Bypass Quarantine, Testing Requirements. Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and its territories can bypass quarantine and COVID-19 testing if they possess one of three federally recognized vaccination documents. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Tribune-Herald.

State leaders question need to market Hawaii as vaccination exemption adds to a travel surge. The leaders of the state House and Senate are saying that tourism marketing is no longer needed given the summer surge, and invited the Hawaii Tourism Authority to figure out what role it should play in managing tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Travel Rules Are Ending But Restrictions On Other Businesses Linger. Although the hospitality business has opened fully and bounced back substantially, driven by a daily average of more than 32,000 passenger arrivals per day so far this month, some industries remain hamstrung by restrictions limiting things like the size of gatherings and social distancing requirements. Civil Beat.

Whistleblower sues state after being fired by Hawaii Health Department. A former Hawaii Department of Health epidemiologist who exposed deficiencies within the department’s COVID-19 contact tracing program last year is suing the state alleging that she was fired in late May in retaliation for speaking out. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More detailed school COVID reports mandated. A bill that requires the state Department of Education to publish a weekly report enumerating COVID-19 cases on school campuses is now law despite Gov. David Ige’s veto of the measure. Tribune-Herald.

Come January 1, it will be legal for private citizens in Hawaii to own a Taser. On January 1, it will be legal for private citizens in Hawaii to own a Taser. It’s one of the laws that emerged from the legislative session and repeals Hawaii’s ban on electric guns for the public ― allowing them for self-defense, defending another person or protecting property. Hawaii News Now.

Case Draws Most Of His Campaign Cash From Special Interests. Lobbyists and business interests continue to pump money into Hawaii Congressman Ed Case’s political campaign, according to his latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. Civil Beat.

Ige picks former Hawaiian Homes Commissioner to serve on Board of Land and Natural Resources. Gov. David Ige has nominated Doreen “Pua” Canto, who has served on a number of local boards and commissions, including the Hawaiian Homes Commission and the Maui Police Commission, to fill a vacant seat on the state’s Board of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Oahu

24 apply to be Honolulu Police Department chief, but names not made public. Twenty-four people applied to serve as Honolulu’s 12th police chief but the process is delayed by 30 days because not enough people applied to serve as the consultant to assist the Honolulu Police Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayers May Foot The Bill For Lawyers For Officers Charged In Sykap Shooting. Honolulu taxpayers could end up paying for the legal defense of three officers charged in an April shooting incident that ended with the death of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City cites homeless project for lacking building permit. The Department of Planning and Permitting issued a notice of violation against a church-backed foundation helping house the homeless by erecting 50 plastic storage sheds on a 4-acre Waianae farm. Star-Advertiser.

Council narrowly approves first steps for a new Chinatown fire station. In a 5-4 vote, the Council on Wednesday authorized the Honolulu Fire Department to adjust the Public Infrastructure Map adopted in 2017 by adding a fire symbol that is required for the Council to appropriate any funds for construction. Star-Advertiser.

Developers propose building a 15-story hotel in Chinatown. Developers are proposing to build a 15-story hotel in a Chinatown parking lot located on 120 Nimitz Highway. KHON2.

Measure introduced to remove Haiku Stairs. A measure introduced at the Honolulu City Council is calling for the removal of Haiku Stairs, which has been hotly debated for years over neighborhood disturbances and trespassing by hikers seeking to complete the illegal Stairway to Heaven hike. Star-Advertiser.

In big step for Aloha Stadium, Hawaii agency takes lead to develop ‘entertainment district’. Gov. David Ige signed House Bill 1348, making the Aloha Stadium Authority Board the lead agency for development of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District — or NASED — project. Hawaii News Now.

State board rules against homeowners in Kakaako tower dispute. A state board has rejected a petition from owners of a moderate-priced Kakaako condominium tower to hold the developer of the 2-year-old building accountable for grossly underestimated maintenance fees. Star-Advertiser.


Hawaii Island

Roth, others mulling options after passage of TAT bill. HB 862 abolishes the allocation of statewide TAT revenues to the individual counties and instead allows them to establish their own taxes on accommodations at a rate of up to 3%. Tribune-Herald.

$25.5M for ADA compliance: County Council advances bond float. Required improvements at 10 county parks will likely continue, with a $25.5 million bond issue forwarded Wednesday by the County Council on an 8-0 vote. West Hawaii Today.

‘It’s disgusting’: Lawsuit alleges DOE, BOE and principal failed to protect female student. A Kona school principal, the state Department of Education and Board of Education are being sued for failing to protect a female student from repeated sex assault on a public school campus. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui County Gymnasiums Preparing to Reopen. The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation is preparing to reopen gymnasium facilities that have been closed for recreational use since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Proposed Amendments To Kahului Harbor Fisheries Area & Maui ‘Oama Rules. A statewide online public hearing will be held on proposed amendments of Hawai’i Administrative Rules relating to the Kahului Harbor Fisheries Management Area and rules regulating the take and possession of ‘oama on the island of Maui. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

State seeks information on vandalism of Maui petroglyphs estimated to be over 300 years old. Conservation officers are seeking information on those responsible for defacing a collection of petroglyphs on the face of a cliff in Olowalu Valley on Maui with a paintball gun, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Dispute over public water rights on Kauai heads to state Supreme Court. The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case over public water rights on Kauai. The case is over a dispute of a new 18-inch pipe proposed by the Kauai Department of Water, which would tap into the East Wailua Watershed. Hawaii News Now.

County deeds Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center to HHSC. The title of the land where the Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center is has been formally offered to the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation by the county. Garden Island.

Waimea man opens home to Salt Pond residents. This week, Buna and wife Marcia Leialoha have taken in several families who were recently evicted from Salt Pond Beach Park with the closure of the county’s Shelter-In-Place program that allowed the houseless to set up camps during the pandemic. But this set-up may not last, either. Garden Island.

Legislature overrides Ige vetoes, cuts tourist funding, counties' TAT share, 98% of COVID infections in unvaccinated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii House chambers

Lawmakers override Gov. David Ige, cut tourism funding. State legislators took out their frustrations about over-tourism by overriding Gov. David Ige’s veto of a bill that puts the fate of the Hawaii Tourism Authority in jeopardy. Lawmakers overrode five of the governor’s vetoes on Tuesday, including a bill that will require disclosure of COVID-19 cases in public schools. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Key senator, Lorraine Inouye, wants a woman to serve on state Land Board. Aside from Suzanne Case, who chairs the BLNR and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the board consists entirely of men, and state Sen. Lorraine Inouye (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea-North Hilo) said she wants a woman to fill one of the seats. Star-Advertiser.

Bankrupt Honolulu Charter Operator Faces Allegations Of Multimillion Dollar Fraud. Wing Spirit had donated $1 million in flights to support interisland travel for medical care during the pandemic, but filed for bankruptcy six months later. Civil Beat.

Metered parking no longer free for handicap placard holders. As of July 1, drivers who have the temporary red or long-term blue placards, as well as special license plates, will now have to pay the normal rate in metered street stalls. This is a result of a change in the Hawai’i Revised Statutes approved in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Almost all of those contracting COVID in Hawaii now have one thing in common: They’re unvaccinated. According to Hilton Raethel, head of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, 98% of people diagnosed with COVID statewide over the past couple months haven’t gotten a COVID vaccine. Hawaii News Now.

New Federal Vaccination Data Boosts Hawai‘i Percentages. The addition of detailed information from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program increases the percentage of residents who have initiated their vaccinations from 62.7% to 64.7%, a gain of 2%. It also drops slightly the number of residents who have completed their vaccinations from 58.3% to 58%, a loss of 0.3% Big Island Now. Maui Now.

39 new COVID cases reported; no additional fatalities. The confirmed cases included: 27 on O‘ahu (+1 probable); three on Maui; two on Hawai‘i Island; one on Kaua‘i; and five in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Boom in Oahu’s housing market continued in June. The Honolulu Board of Realtors said in report released Tuesday that the median sale price for single-family homes surged 27% to a rec­ord $979,000 last month, compared with $770,000 a year earlier. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Officers’ attorneys seek dismissal of charges in fatal shooting of teen. Attorneys representing three Honolulu police officers charged in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old Micronesian teenager who led police on a high-speed pursuit after a two-day crime spree are seeking to have the allegations dismissed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Complaints Lead To Ouster Of Big Island Animal Control Contractor. Hawaii Rainbow Rangers will be replaced by county officials after numerous allegations of mismanagement circulated on the island. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

4 HCCC Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19. Four out of 44 inmates at Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center recently tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, one out of 16 HCCC staff results was positive for COVID. Big Island Now.
 
Maui

Maui County looking at banning certain bodyboards. Councilmember Tamara Paltin, who introduced the legislation, is looking to ban cheaply made polystyrene made bodyboards from being sold or rented. KHON2.

Mayor: Additional Water Allocation to be Reserved for Development of Affordable Rentals, Attainable Workforce Housing. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino today announced his decision to reserve the balance of available water recently allocated to the County’s Department of Water by the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management to develop affordable rental units and attainable workforce homes for residents in Central and South Maui. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui shuttle service aims to move tourists around while reducing cars on the road. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau and Polynesian Adventure Tours have launched a shuttle service for tourists from the Kahului Airport to big resort areas like Kaanapali and Wailea. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Island to move to Tier 5, resort bubble program ends. As of Thursday, Tier 5 will allow gatherings of up to 75 people outdoors or 25 indoors. Restaurants, gyms, buses and attractions will be able to operate at 75% capacity. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Group: No hotel at Coco Palms site. Kaua‘i community residents have mobilized to protect the land of Coco Palms Resort against development as the property heads to auction later this month. Garden Island.

KPD, DLNR cite, eject remaining houseless. The Salt Pond Beach Park closed last Wednesday, June 30, signaling the end of the county’s Shelter-In-Place program that allowed the houseless community to live on county-owned beach properties throughout the coronavirus pandemic and have access to running water and electricity. Garden Island.

Hawaii Tourism Authority cuts jobs in reorganization, veto override session begins today, Native Hawaiians protest land rights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Beachgoers view Diamond Head from Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Tourism Authority reorganizes as politicians consider its fate. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has eliminated two high-profile positions under a reorganization that emphasizes destination management at a time when politics is about to decide the fate of the beleaguered agency. Star-Advertiser.

More than 138,000 people arrived in Hawaii over holiday weekend. According to the state’s Safe Travels data, more than 138,000 people flew into the islands from July 1 to July 4. Of that total, more than 102,000 were here to vacation. KHON2.

Diamond Head, like many other sites, is slammed with tourists. So what can the state do? According to data provided by the state, more than 100,000 people flew to Hawaii over the July 4 holiday weekend. The state is now trying to figure out how to handle it all. Hawaii News Now.

State lawmakers to discuss possible overrides of governor’s vetoes. The governor opposes a bill to let the counties impose their own hotel room tax, but the senate president supports the bill, and thinks he might have the override votes. Hawaii News Now.

July 4 protest at state airport brings to light Native Hawaiian struggles over land rights. Traffic at the already congested state airports this July 4th slowed to a crawl Sunday due to a protest by native Hawaiians and advocates. Organizers said hundreds took part in a drive-by convoys at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and other airports around the state today. Hawaii News Now.

New Laws Protect Hawaiʻi Homes from Sea Level Rise. HB 243 requires state agencies to identify facilities that are susceptible to sea level rise and flooding. The second bill, SB 474, requires anyone selling a home to disclose if the property lies in a sea level rise exposure area. Hawaii Public Radio.

GoFarm Hawaii program helps people start careers in agriculture. GoFarm Hawaii is a statewide program working to enhance Hawaii’s food security and economy by increasing the number of sustainable ag producers. Tribune-Herald.

Activist, retired University of Hawaii professor Haunani-Kay Trask fought for Hawaiian rights, causes. Haunani-Kay Trask, a Hawaiian leader and sovereignty activist with a distinguished career as an academic at the University of Hawaii, died Saturday at age 71. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 48 new COVID cases and no new deaths. Of the new cases Monday, 34 were on Oahu, six on Hawaii Island, one on Maui, one on Kauai and six out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

State is increasing fees and not issuing new permits for Ala Wai harbor and the Keehi Lagoon Harbor. Now they fear that their live-aboard lifestyle could soon end, not just for them and their harbor neighbors, but for others, too. The state has allowed people to live on boats in only two state harbors — the Ala Wai harbor and the Keehi Lagoon Harbor — for the past 30 years. Star-Advertiser.

How Local Opposition Is Derailing Efforts To Develop Homeless And Housing Facilities. Projects aiming to provide housing or services to low-income residents are meeting resistance from communities that don’t want them in their neighborhoods. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Firm sued for alleged COVID-19 safety retaliation. A former employee of an Oahu dolphin tour company says she was fired in retaliation for urging the company to comply with COVID safety laws and protocols and is now suing the company and its owner, Richard Holland. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Resident pushes for popular beach entry to be opened to public. Kaalawai Place, a city public street — was barred by a locked gate. Residents of the block said the path was privately owned, with an easement for their exclusive use. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Energov a go: Officials confident in July 26 go-live date for paperless permits. The $2.5 million Energov program will integrate data from property records, zoning, critical habitat, infrastructure like sewer, contractor licenses, building and parcel designs and much more into a single cloud-based system that will allow inspectors from multiple departments to work on a permit application simultaneously, rather than shuffling paper from one desk to another. West Hawaii Today.

PISCES left in the lurch: Hilo-based program pau unless lawmakers save it. Lawmakers are scrambling to restore funding for a state-run aerospace center after a clerical error left it out of the state budget. Tribune-Herald.

Rent relief program off to slow start: Only 423 applications approved, despite looming end of eviction moratorium. The program has $21.5 million available, which should be more than enough to meet the county’s unmet rent needs. Tribune-Herald.

Kaloko Heights sewer project back before County Council. Developers of the 1,300-unit master-planned Kaloko Heights are choosing a less onerous pathway to finance a $22 million sewer line project, but taxpayers are still protected in the change from an improvement district to a facilities district, county officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kahului airport over capacity, officials working to build new gate. Officials say the airport is designed to handle around 7,000 to 8,000 incoming passengers a day.The DOT is working to build another gate at the airport to accommodate the record number of visitors. KITV4.

From beaches to businesses, crowds abound on Maui this holiday weekend. Whether you were at the beach, at your favorite small business, or just cruising on the road, crowds seemed to be a common sight across the island. Hawaii News News.

University of Hawaii Maui College receives $2.4 million grant for Native Hawaiian culture-based STEM learning. The University of Hawaii Maui College will receive $2.4 million over two years to launch a learning project aimed at connecting Native Hawaiian youth and their families to STEM by “channeling their cultural relationship to the environment.” Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Lānaʻi Gym Building Improvements Underway. The Department of Parks and Recreation reports that the project includes roof replacement, wood repairs, lead paint abatement, and painting. Maui Now.

Kauai

Veteran Real Estate Broker Charts Kaua‘i's Housing Endgame, One Way Out. The average price of a home on Kaua‘i has gone up more than 40% in the past year. That’s according to Locations Hawaii who also says the average selling price in May was nearly $2.4 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaua‘i visitor numbers jumped over 1,000% since last year. In May 2020, Kaua‘i only had 571 visitors. In May 2021, there were 73,018, according to a Hawai‘i Tourism Authority report. Garden Island.

Pop-up Hanapepe skatepark coming behind fire station. County officials and the Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana finalized plans for the installation of a new “pop-up” skatepark that will sit behind the Hanapepe Fire Station at the Hanapepe Town Park. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lānaʻi Gym Building Improvements Underway. The Department of Parks and Recreation reports that the project includes roof replacement, wood repairs, lead paint abatement, and painting. Maui Now.

Hawaii governor defends most restrictive COVID regulations in the nation, gas tops $4 a gallon, firearms bills signed into law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea volcano ©2021 All Hawaii News

Gov. David Ige defends most restrictive COVID regulations in U.S. Gov. David Ige on Thursday defended Hawaii’s COVID-19 rules, the most restrictive in the nation, saying that the Delta variant continues to spread among those who are not vaccinated and that he worries about a repeat of a Fourth of July 2020 spike in COVID-19 cases. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Gas Prices Climb Over $4 Per Gallon Heading into July 4th Holiday Weekend. Leading up to the July 4th holiday weekend, the average price for regular gas in Hawaiʻi climbed above $4 per gallon — the highest July 4th holiday gas prices since 2014, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. Maui Now.

Firearm, kupuna safety bills become law. Two bills aimed at gun violence and a third that increases penalties for crimes against senior citizens became law Thursday with Gov. David Ige’s signature. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Public Utilities Commission approves Microgrid tariff for Hawaii. The state Public Utilities Commission has approved a microgrid services tariff, offering Hawaiian Electric more ways to power its grid during an emergency. The approval was part of a two-year process following the state Legislature’s passage of a bill in 2018 that became Act 200, which directed the development of microgrids in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i to Receive Millions to Build Electric Bus Fleet. Millions of dollars in new federal money is heading to Hawai‘i’s neighbor islands to build up a cleaner system of public transportation. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Owners have reaped record prices for Hawaii oceanfront property in peril of being sucked into the sea. Property owners selling homes, hotels, condos and businesses along Hawaii’s coastlines must disclose whether the properties are susceptible to damage from sea level rise under legislation that’s set to take effect in May. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: Congress Needs To Stop ‘Ignoring The Needs Of Native People’. The Hawaii senator says Democrats have a unique opportunity to address centuries of racism, in part through funneling more resources to Indigenous communities. Civil Beat.

State investigates COVID clusters linked to places of worship in all but one county. Between Oahu, Maui and Kauai counties, there were 31 cases total linked to a place of worship. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii cluster report highlights COVID-19 transmission in home-based child care settings. The Hawaii Department of Health’s COVID-19 cluster report this week focuses on outbreaks found in child care settings, particularly home-based ones. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports an additional COVID fatality, 49 new cases. Of the new cases, 35 were on Oahu, seven were on Kauai, and two were on Hawaii Island. There were also five residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

OIP To Investigate HART For Possible Sunshine Law Violations. The state’s Office of Information Practices says it will investigate whether local officials overseeing Honolulu’s rail project violated the Sunshine Law when they discussed possibly hiring former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa as a consultant in private emails. Civil Beat.

Honolulu police officer who fatally shot Lindani Myeni faced drunk-driving, other charges in 2016. The Honolulu police officer who shot 29-year-old Lindani Myeni three times before activating his body-worn camera was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and fleeing the scene of an accident in 2016, charges that were later dismissed when witnesses did not show up in court to testify against him. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Plans To Increase Police Patrols To Improve Safety In Chinatown. The plan is to provide around-the-clock police coverage in the downtown district, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration gave few details. Civil Beat.

Thousands Of New Rooftop Solar Systems Could Be Going Up On Oahu. Regulators hope new incentives for rooftop solar and battery storage systems will help prevent a future energy shortage. Civil Beat.

TheBus Transitions to 'HOLO' Electronic Card System. As of Thursday, paper passes for Oʻahu’s public bus system are no longer available as TheBus transitions to the HOLO electronic fare card system. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Cargo plane crashes in Pacific Ocean off Hawaii; 2 rescued. A cargo plane made an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii on Friday morning and both crew members on board have been rescued. KHON2.

Take two: Hawaii officials once again solicit bids to dispose of the historic Falls of Clyde. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has once again put out a bid for the removal of the 142-year-old Falls of Clyde ship from Honolulu Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

No virus cases reported among HCCC inmates. All inmates at Hawaii Community Correctional Center are free of COVID-19, the state Department of Public Safety announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

DOT investigates what caused 2 planes to collide at Kona Airport. The state Department of Transportation is investigating the cause of a collision involving two private jets on the Kona Airport tarmac Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Miss Aloha Hula competition kicks off return of Merrie Monarch Festival. The world’s biggest hula event was postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic for the first time in its history. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Five Democrats Vie For Hawaii House Seat Vacancy. The Democratic Party of Hawaii said Thursday it has received five completed applications from interested members who have met all qualifications to fill the vacant Hawaii House of Representatives District 13 seat. Civil Beat.

Proposals Seek Stronger Oversight Of Police On Maui. The Maui Charter Commission and the Maui Police Commission are both looking at ways to provide better accountability for police on the island. Civil Beat.

Shuttles help stranded visitors as summer tourism heats up. This weekend, visitors to Maui will be able to use a new shuttle service from Kahului Airport to West Maui and Wailea called the Maui Aloha Shuttle. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

New Reservation System at Haleakalā Cabins “Booked Solid” Within Minutes. Outdoor enthusiasts hoping to reserve a wilderness cabin at Haleakalā National Park, found many slots were filled before the much anticipated reservation window was slated to open at 7 a.m. HST today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms auction July 26. The historic Coco Palms Resort will be up for auction at a foreclosure sale later this month in “as-is” condition. Garden Island.

Spike in COVID cases worries DOH. Health officials are unsure if a spike in cases on Kaua‘i is linked to the delta variant of the coronavirus. Garden Island.

Hawaii only state not fully reopened, Honolulu prosecutor says police shooting of Black man justified, Earthjustice to sue over Maui lights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Prosecutor Steven Alm PC:Hawaii News Now

Honolulu Police Department officers’ actions justified in fatal shooting of Lindani Myeni, city prosecutor Steven Alm says. The police officers who fatally shot an unarmed, 29-year-old Black man who attacked them were justified in using deadly force and will not face criminal charges, Prosecuting Attorney Steven Alm announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii stands alone as more states reopen. As other states relax their pandemic restrictions, Hawaii has maintained its limits pending an increase in the number of residents who are fully vaccinated. Associated Press.

What pandemic? A huge influx in visitors has some considering ways to rein tourism in. On Tuesday, roughly 32,000 people arrived in the islands, which is at pre-pandemic tourism levels. Hawaii News Now.

This Secretive Task Force Is Guiding Energy Policy Behind Closed Doors. Gov. David Ige’s Powering Past Coal Task Force has a broad mandate to look at statewide energy projects as Hawaii’s winds down a major coal plant. Civil Beat.

New laws take effect July 1. Dozens of new laws take effect July 1. Some amend current laws, while other create new commissions, funds or even goals for the state. KITV4.

Hawaii legislators to meet Tuesday to consider veto overrides. All members of the state House and Senate have been summoned to meet at noon Tuesday to consider overriding or amending any number of 28 bills that Gov. David Ige plans to veto, but exactly which bills remains uncertain. Star-Advertiser.

New Vessel Titling Changes Take Effect. Vessel titling supersedes the previous registered owner system in Hawaiʻi, state DLNR officials say. Big Island Video News.

More than 98% of recent COVID cases are in people who have not been inoculated against the coronavirus. Among the small percentage of “breakthrough” cases in people who were vaccinated, none have died and only five have had to be hospitalized since January, according to acting State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii reports 56 new COVID infections; one additional fatality. Of the new cases, 34 were on Oahu, nine on Hawaii Island and four on Maui. There were also nine residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-Olelo official, Hanalei Aipoalani, and former CARES Act administrator sentenced in embezzlement. Hanalei Aipoalani, a former Olelo TV executive and city CARES Act administrator was sentenced Wednesday to three years and 10 months in prison for taking federal funds for needy communities and using the money to buy “a life of luxury” for himself and his wife. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu City Council Adopts Resolution To Improve Race Data Collection. The resolution urges city and state agencies to the data to better guide policies and improve outreach. Civil Beat.

North Shore development receives two-year permit extension. The developer of the North Shore Rural Community Commercial Center that is to be built across from Shark’s Cove has received a two-year extension to obtain its development permits by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu  taxicab companies in need of more drivers to meet demand. More tourism is driving up demand but some taxi companies said their main priority is getting more drivers to meet all of the calls for service. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Rainbow Rangers removed: Hawaii County assumes responsibility for animal control contract. The Hawaii Police Department, in coordination with Hawaii County’s Mayor Mitch Roth’s office, elected not to extend the animal control contract with Hawaii Rainbow Rangers (HRR) beyond June 30. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Lava tube, other HVNP areas to temporarily close. Thurston Lava Tube and other locations within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be closed temporarily during the next few weeks. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Earthjustice files intent to sue over harbor, airport lights harming imperiled seabirds on Maui, Lanai. Conservation groups today filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the state if it does not take immediate steps to prevent bright lights at airports and harbors from killing imperiled seabirds on Maui and Lanai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Napili home under fire from council. After residents alleged that a monster vacation rental is disguised as a single-family home to skirt permitting rules and public scrutiny, Maui County Council and Planning Department officials on Tuesday vowed to research “all options” for what can be done with the Napili property. Maui News.

Maui Fire Chief Says Last Day on the Job is “Bittersweet”. Maui Fire Chief David Thyne spends his last day on the job today after a 33-year career. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County officials weigh out additional options to charge visitors. Hawaii travel numbers are exceeding pre-pandemic days and Garden Isle residents are feeling the heat. KHON2.

‘As-is’ ag lots to be offered to DHHL beneficiaries in Anahola. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands published its final environmental assessment with a finding of no significant impact for the Anahola Homestead Settlement Plan. Garden Island.

‘No aloha; no welcome’. At noon Wednesday, county park rangers put up signs on trees and pavilions and stuck stakes into the ground notifying all those at Salt Pond Beach Park the facility is closed until further notice and all those found at the park would be “subject to arrest for criminal trespassing.” Garden Island.

Legislature to convene next week for veto override session, ex-Honolulu official to be sentenced in embezzling case today, job vacancies go unfilled despite high unemployment rate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii state Capitol ©2021 All Hawaii News

House Speaker: Lawmakers Will Return To The Capitol July 6. Scott Saiki says he’s unsure if there will be any veto overrides, but Hawaii legislators need to make some technical budget fixes. Civil Beat.

After Embezzling To Fund ‘Luxurious Lifestyle,’ Former Nonprofit Exec Begs For Leniency. Prosecutors are asking a federal judge to send Hanalei Aipoalani to prison. Aipoalani is hoping for home confinement. Civil Beat.

Text messages implicate Higa in federal embezzlement case. Text messages between Stacy Higa and a former associate who pleaded guilty to a scheme to embezzle $600,000 in federal coronavirus relief funds show Higa allegedly offering to teach the associate how to “launder money” and “funnel cash.” The text messages were filed by federal prosecutors Friday in U.S. District Court in anticipation of sentencing scheduled today for Hanalei Aipoalani, 42, former City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services grant administrator for coronavirus relief funding. West Hawaii Today.

Children 5 to 11 not eligible for July 8 vaccine exemption. Hawaii next week will lift travel restrictions for domestic travelers who have been vaccinated on the mainland, but keiki under 12 must still test negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s Board Of Education Is In Limbo As Ige Stays Mum On Vacancies. New faces are expected to join the Hawaii Board of Education soon to replace three members whose terms expire Wednesday, but it’s not clear who will be filling at least one of those vacancies. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers fight for teacher bonuses, funding for Hawaii’s education system. A bill that would give $2,200 bonuses to Hawaii public school teachers is now on Gov. Ige’s intent to veto list. KHON2.

Hawaii Has Millions In Rental Assistance To Hand Out But Not Enough Takers. County officials are trying to get the word out that rent help is available and process applications as the end of the eviction moratorium looms. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to offer cash prizes, extend COVID vaccination campaign into August. As Hawaii’s pace of vaccination against the coronavirus continues to fall, the state is extending its incentive campaign to persuade more Hawaii residents to get vaccinated, this time adding cash to the list of prizes that have included trips to Las Vegas, HawaiianMiles and Zippy’s meals for a year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Ige expresses concern about pockets of COVID cases among unvaccinated. Hawaii’s COVID cases have been relatively stable over the last three weeks, averaging about 40 a day. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii reports 33 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths. Of the new cases, 19 were on Oahu, three on Hawaii Island, and eight on Maui. There were also three residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

New Study: Oahu Freeways Deliver The Roughest Rides In The Country. But the state’s DOT deputy director says the new report from a D.C.-based research group doesn’t tell the whole story. Civil Beat.

Honolulu building-inspection mandate back in spotlight after being waylaid by fire priority. The collapse of a condo building in Florida shines a spotlight on high-rise building safety in the islands. KHON2.

Oahu condo owners struggle to comply with fire safety ordinance. The vast majority of Oahu condominiums are failing a safety evaluation required when no automatic sprinkler system is in place, prompting condo owners and associations to urge the Honolulu City Council to amend a mandate they say could cause bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser.

Fees for nonresidents at Hanauma Bay will more than double. Starting Thursday, the entrance fee to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will more than double for nonlocal visitors, rising to $25 from $12 per person age 13 and above, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has announced. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Task force underway to address safety concerns, management for Ewa Beach roadway. The state and city are working to create a task force to figure out how to manage and police a busy roadway in Ewa Beach that’s raising illegal dumping and safety concerns. Hawaii News Now.

EPA: Pearl Harbor water plant “exceeds discharge limits” under Clean Water Act. The US Environmental Protection Agency announced a Federal Facility Compliance Agreement with the US Navy to complete major upgrades to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Wastewater Treatment Plant today.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

State to close Maunawili Falls Trail for improvements, preservation of cultural sites. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will be closing Maunawili Falls Trail in an effort to preserve historic cultural sites along the hike. The Windward Oahu trail will be closed beginning in mid-July. Hawaii News Now.

Despite Hawaii’s hot housing market, average sales prices plunge at Trump Tower Waikiki. During the 2019 tourism boom, condominiums at the Trump International Tower in Waikiki sold for an average of about $1.7 million. Since then, average sales prices in the tower have fallen below $650,000 ― despite the hot housing market in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii County

‘Amazing’ hula ready for prime time. The dancing is pau at the 2021 Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition, and all that’s left is the delayed broadcast of the event Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

Next phase of Bayfront Trails pushed back. The Hilo Bayfront Trails is a decade-long plan to build nearly six miles of public pedestrian trails connecting the Hilo Bayfront to Hilo Harbor and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

West Hawaiʻi State Parks To Close Early On July 4th. The DLNR Division of State Parks will close several Kona and Kohala parks at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 4th. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Short-Term Rental Home Caps Scheduled for Discussion in Committee. A bill that seeks to lower the cap on short-term rental home permits on Maui from 328 to 259 and to establish a cap of 19 on Lānaʻi will be considered by the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee on Thursday at 9 a.m. Maui Now.

After more than 30 years of service, Maui fire chief to retire. After a more than 30-year career at the Maui Fire Department, Chief David Thyne will be retiring. Hawaii News Now.

Issues, possible remedies discussed for Hana Highway. Establishing a parking enforcement task force, addressing social media influencers and towing illegally parked vehicles were some of the simpler possible remedies mentioned Monday to deal with the “health and safety crisis” on the congested Hana Highway. Maui News.

Battle might not be pau over Maui stream water. A day after the state Commission on Water Resource Management issued a historic decision in the long-running dispute over Maui stream water, the groups who started the legal action 17 years ago were expressing concern about a document they said is flawed. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Tourism industry needs more workers. Kaua‘i’s tourism industry can’t find people to work. According to a state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations report, the county had an 11.3% unemployment rate in May, the highest in the state. The statewide rate in May was 7.5%. Garden Island.

‘We’re a houseless community’. Today, Salt Pond Beach Park will close for maintenance, shutting down the county’s pandemic-era Shelter-In-Place permitted camping program for the houseless. Garden Island.

Distance learning discontinued for Hawaii schoolchildren, Maui mayor seeks fewer tourists, Amazon buys Oahu property, harbor tax increase will hit consumers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto

Limited distance-learning options next fall for public school students. There will be no full distance-learning option for Hawaii public school students when classes begin Aug. 3, although schools may be able to accommodate requests from high-risk families on an individual case basis. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Outgoing DOE Superintendent Plans To Stay In Hawaii. Christina Kishimoto, the outgoing superintendent of Hawaii Department of Education schools, is exploring career avenues outside of educational administration and has no immediate plans to leave the Aloha State after her contract is up July 30, she said Monday. Civil Beat.

Survey: 84% of staff at long-term care facilities in Hawaii are fully vaccinated. There are nearly 50 long-term care facilities across the state, and experts say they’re setting the tone in the fight against COVID-19. Hawaii News Now.

State harbor user fee going up, what does that mean for consumers? The state says the scheduled 3% tariff increase or “user fee” for activities such as port entry and vessel dockage goes into effect on July 1. KHON2.

Hawaii offshore wind farm development in doldrums. Hawaii has long been a national leader in solar energy production, but the state is lagging in a quest to reach a renewable-energy frontier that appeared to be on the horizon several years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Broadband expansion programs advance. Several programs aimed at improving broadband access statewide are steadily taking shape, a state official said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. government opens comment period for proposed recategorizing of endangered Hawaiian bird. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the public comment period for the proposed downlisting of the Hawaiian stilt, or ae‘o, from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Star-Advertiser.

James Campbell Co. retains new CEO, Donald E. Huffner Jr. Huffner, who will start Aug. 1, most recently headed a real estate investment and development firm in Florida. Star-Advertiser.

Some healthcare professionals in Hawaii are concerned about COVID-19 hospitalization numbers. Healthcare professionals are seeing a disturbing trend in the continued battle against COVID-19. 33 people have been admitted to healthcare facilities so far this month. KITV4.

Hawaii reports 22 new COVID cases; vaccination rate ticks up to 57.6%. Of the new cases, 13 were on Oahu, two on Hawaii Island, and two on Maui. There were also five residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Amazon purchases land on Oahu for Hawaii’s first distribution center. Amazon now owns the 14-acre stretch of land on Auiki Street, and it’s worth more than $76 million. The company says this investment will help with future network needs. KHON2.

HART's Lori Kahikina Talks Rail Progress, Calls Dillingham Utilities a 'Spaghetti Noodle Mess' e Honolulu rail project, planned to stretch from Kapolei to Ala Moana, is moving toward the critical final leg through Honolulu's urban core. Hawaii Public Radio.

City conducts surveys for feedback about Storm Water Master Plan. The City and County of Honolulu is now collecting input from the public as it develops a Storm Water Master Plan, designed to guide management, programs and investments for the next 50 years. Star-Advertiser.

Harsher penalties wanted for landlords, renters who house illegal gambling rooms. HPD says it's monitoring anywhere between 60 to 80 active game rooms, but the actual number is believed to be much higher. KITV4.

How Hawaii Schools Are Weaving Connections With Pacific Islander Students. A new arts pilot program at two Honolulu-area middle schools demonstrates how cultural programming can foster better ties. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Search to begin for new HR chief. Hawaii County is in search of a new Human Resources director after the resignation of Bill Brilhante, who leaves his post Thursday to work in his family’s business. West Hawaii Today.

VA audit finds upkeep at Hilo’s veterans cemeteries lacking, seeks review of all in state. In Hawaii County, Hilo’s two veterans cemeteries and West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery are maintained by the county Department of Parks and Recreation. Tribune-Herald.

Manao sought on mooring plans for manta viewing sites. Public comment is being sought by the state on plans to install day-use mooring bouys at two popular manta ray diving sites off the Kona Coast. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui mayor’s appeal to airlines: At least for now, please bring us fewer visitors. To combat overtourism and congestion at the airports, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is asking airline officials to reduce passenger capacity to the island. Hawaii News Now.

In historic decision, commission fundamentally changes water distribution system in West Maui. In a historic decision and ruling over water rights in West Maui, the distribution system that was controlled by sugar plantations for decades is finally changing. The Hawaii Commission on Water Resources Management came up with the plan to manage the Waihe’e River, Waiehu Stream, Wailuku River and Waikapu Stream. Hawaii News Now.

Retired Judge Rhonda Loo Installs MEO Board of Directors for 2021-22. At the first in-person, socially distanced board meeting since the pandemic began in late March 2020, the slate of officers was approved by the 21-member board. The officers for the upcoming fiscal year are: Bard Peterson, president; Carol Reimann, vice president; Adele Rugg, secretary; and Cliff Alakai, treasurer. Maui Now.

Supreme Court Decision Came Too Late For Maui Residents Fighting Housing Development. The ruling could have statewide implications, as it narrows the limits of what planning and zoning exemptions are permissible for a fast-track affordable housing development. Civil Beat.

County Joins Police in Removing 41 Vehicles Abandoned Near Kanahā in Kahului, Maui. The Maui Police Department and Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division have joined forces to remove 41 abandoned vehicles from Amala Place roadsides near Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary and the County’s Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility in Kahului. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

DOH investigates 2 clusters. In the last two weeks, the state Department of Health has identified two active COVID-19 clusters on Kaua‘i, one associated with a restaurant and another a place of worship. Garden Island.

Hui to assume management of Ha‘ena State Park. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a one-year, revocable permit for the nonprofit Hui Maka‘ainana o Makana to oversee and manage a park-reservation system, including collecting both parking and entry fees as well as an integrated shuttle system that will reduce the number of cars that enter the park each day. Garden Island.

Hawaii businesses struggle to accommodate tourism wave, Tui to head teachers' union, 3 vie for Maui House seat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki at night ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii businesses, tourists struggle with pandemic-induced changes. Overall visitor satisfaction during the pandemic is trending downward as more arrive in the islands, according to the Visitor COVID-19 study, an online survey conducted in June for the Hawaii Tourism Authority by Anthology Group. Star-Advertiser.

Osa Tui Jr., the new head of Hawaii teachers’ union, has different approach. Corey Rosenlee, the outgoing president of the teachers’ union, has been an outspoken, assertive and activist leader, eager to take a stand and do battle on behalf of his members. His successor, Osa Tui Jr., is equally passionate about the Hawaii State Teachers Association, but he is cut from a different cloth. Star-Advertiser.

VA Wants A Review Of Hawaii’s Veterans Cemeteries After Finding Two In Rough Shape. VA inspectors found “critical deficiencies” at veterans cemeteries on the Big Island and Maui. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i DOH: “Delta” Variant Expected to Become Dominant Strain in a Month. The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is expected to double every two weeks, and will likely become the dominant variant in the islands in about a month or so, according to Hawai‘i Department of Health State Laboratories Division Administrator Dr. Edward Desmond. Maui Now.  KHON2.

With vaccination rate at just over 57%, Hawaii sees 51 new COVID cases. Of the new cases, 23 were on Oahu, 13 on Hawaii Island, seven on Maui, three on Kauai and five were out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Uncertainty remains for rail project, board chairman. State Sen. Kurt Fevella today plans to follow up with federal and state officials on his request that they investigate the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on various issues while the troubled rail project continues to face uncertainty and a $3 billion budget deficit. Star-Advertiser.

Another Questionable Million-Dollar Honolulu Rail Contract? Documents suggest a contract for federal lobbying services was already a done deal before it was put out to bid. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Officers Charged In Police Shooting Appear In Court. Hundreds of police union members and other supporters gathered at an early morning rally outside the downtown courthouse. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Why Oahu Neighborhoods Have Such Sharp Differences In Vaccination Rates. The North Shore and West Oahu lag significantly behind other parts of the island in terms of COVID-19 vaccination rates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii cruises to resume. After 15 months in dry dock because of the coronavirus pandemic, the passenger cruise industry is gearing up to make Hawaii port calls before the end of the year. Tribune-Herald.

County decades behind on ADA compliance at parks. Almost a quarter-century after Big Island resident Alexa Russell sued Hawaii County to enforce Americans With Disabilities Act mandates in county parks, only six of the 16 facilities the county agreed to upgrade have been done, and the County Council will be asked to float $25.5 million in bonds to pay for the rest. West Hawaii Today.

Accepted by default: BLNR’s tie vote opens the door for aquarium fishing EIS. A revised final environmental impact statement proposing the reopening of West Hawaii’s coastal waters to aquarium fishing is poised to gain acceptance from the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. West Hawaii Today.

Public Works in talks with contractor to finish Kalanianaole Avenue work. Hawaii County Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst said Friday that his department has been negotiating with contractor Goodfellow Bros. for the past several months to get the project — which was once scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018 — back on track. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Three names emerge for DeCoite’s former seat. A former Maui County Council member, a Hana activist and a former Peace Corps member are among those interested in filling former state Rep. Lynn DeCoite’s House District 13 seat. Maui News.

Ongoing Complaints Along Maui’s Scenic Hāna Highway Lead to 387 Parking Citations. The Maui Police Department issued 387 parking citations and 83 warnings to violators on Hāna Highway between Haʻikū and Hāna town over a three week period from June 1 and June 23. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Committee to Discuss Hāna Traffic Management and South Maui Wastewater. The Infrastructure and Transportation Committee will meet Monday at 9 a.m. to receive presentations on nature-based wastewater solutions for South Maui and challenges related to traffic management on the Road to Hāna. Maui Now.

Recording devices to be used in study of spinner dolphins. Scientists have dropped listening devices into the water at some of Hawaii’s best sheltered bays for a study that aims to better understand spinner dolphins and how humans might be affecting them. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Haena State Park to be managed by community-based nonprofits. After 20 years of private management, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a community-based management structure to oversee Haena State Park on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Crowded beach parks studied. The county has allocated funding to perform a parking study at Po‘ipu, Lydgate and Hanalei’s Black Pot beach parks. Garden Island.

Appointments still needed for motor-vehicle, licensing services. The county Department of Finance reminds customers of current procedures when visiting the Lihu‘e Civic Center Kapule Building for drivers licenses and motor-vehicle services. Garden Island.