Hospitals given liability immunity to ration health care, Maui to implement health pass at restaurants, coronavirus spreading in schools, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Triage tent constructed Aug. 21, 2021, outside Queen's Hospital West PC:Lt. Gov. Josh Green

Hawaii medical facilities given immunity in COVID surge. The strain of surging COVID-19 cases has reached the point where Gov. David Ige has signed an executive order giving health care institutions immunity from liability if they ration care. Star-Advertiser.

Interim Schools Superintendent on Rising COVID Cases on Campus. More than 2,100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Hawai‘i's public schools since July 1. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Bureau of Investigation records 120 hate crimes over past 5 years in Hawaii. There have been more than 100 hate crimes in Hawaii over the past five years, and statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation last week reveal that whites were targeted more than any other group. Star-Advertiser.

Evictions not yet spiking in Hawaii despite moratorium’s end. It’s been nearly two weeks since a federal eviction moratorium protecting renters was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the ruling doesn’t appear to have triggered a wave of eviction notices in Hawaii — yet. Star-Advertiser.

CDC data: Overall, Hawaii’s COVID cases, fatalities are lowest in nation. When it comes to COVID cases, the CDC says Hawaii has had the lowest infection rate in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic. But the current trajectory Hawaii is on is concerning to health officials. Hawaii News Now.

Delta variant, lack of restrictions will bring isle hospitals to brink soon, expert says. The Hawaii Department of Health on Monday reported two new coronavirus-related deaths and 756 new infections statewide. The new probable and confirmed cases include 473 on Oahu, 85 on Maui, 119 on Hawaii Island, 65 on Kauai and 14 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

2 Defendants In Miske Case Want The Court To Let Them Out On Bail. Hearings are set this week on motions to reconsider the judge’s prior decision favoring continued detention. Civil Beat.

City pans Kahuku affordable-housing plan. A planned affordable- housing project on agricultural land in Kahuku has run into opposition from city planners and a majority of Honolulu City Council members. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu County Planning Commission hearing on vacation rental rules Wednesday. Changes could be coming to Oahu’s vacation rental rules. The Honolulu County Planning Commission is weighing whether to limit permits to just a handful of resort areas, and to change the definition of short-term rental from under 30 days to under 180 days. KHON2.

How Do You Build A Community From Scratch? This Homeless Advocate Is Trying. The homeless community that has long occupied space next to the Waianae Boat Harbor has big plans to move to permanent homes at a new site. Civil Beat.

Navy fortifies Red Hill fuel safety plan. The Navy has reinforced a proposal to reduce the risk of its massive World War II-era Red Hill underground fuel storage complex polluting Oahu’s drinking water aquifer after safety regulators rejected the plan almost a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Restaurant owners brace for vaccine requirement. Among all of the economic concerns confronting the islands, Oahu restaurants face extra uncertainty over how their employees will react when they are required to get at least one COVID-19 vaccination or provide weekly proof of negative tests starting Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Acute care module set up outside Queen’s West Oahu as Hawaii’s hospitals brace for surge. According to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii the acute care module is slated to open Tuesday and will be used to expand the hospital’s emergency room capabilities. Hawaii News Now.

Union says COVID surge, nurse shortage forcing Queen's ICU to compromise safety. Managers are required to exhaust all alternatives like offering overtime to staff and bringing in nurses from the mainland, before changing staffing and the nurse to patient ratio. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Advocates concerned inmates’ rights are being violated under current virus mandates. Hawaii Community Correctional Center is in its fourth month of a COVID-19 lockdown which includes a halt to transportation of inmates for court hearings. Tribune-Herald.

First hydrogen vehicle lands on the Big Island. The 2017 Toyota Mirai arrived recently at the Puu Waawaa energy ranch, an off-grid laboratory devoted to testing and developing renewable energy systems. West Hawaii Today.

Board to vote on design of new teaching telescope. The board of the Office of Maunakea Management will decide today whether to approve a design for a new teaching telescope to be installed at Halepohaku. Tribune-Herald.

Police towing fewer cars under ‘Aliyah’s Law’: Author of 2012 ordinance questions implementation; mayor wants law ‘applied more’ for DUIs. The author of Aliyah’s Law, a Hawaii County ordinance enacted in 2012 that allows police to order a vehicle towed at the driver’s expense, is questioning the implementation of the law named after Aliyah Braden, a 17-month-old toddler killed in fatal 2009 drunken driving crash. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui to Implement Health Pass on Sept. 15. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said a modified health pass will be implemented at Maui County restaurants beginning on Sept. 15, that is similar to, but less restrictive than the Safe Access O‘ahu program that begins in just 10 days.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Nisei veterans center breaks ground on new pavilion. Facility will help expand visitor space, capacity for research. Maui News.

Kauai

County’s homebuyer program list expands with Kapa‘a property. The county’s Homebuyer Program is looking to add more inventory with a purchase of property in Kapa‘a. With the Molo Street buy, the county will effectively be adding to the dwindling affordable housing market. Garden Island.

Recent film activity on Kaua‘i includes ‘Red Notice’. The movies are returning to Kaua‘i after the island’s film industry was cut in half this past fiscal year. Garden Island.

Officials plead, but take no further action to prevent Labor Day gatherings, COVID counting system falters again, hundreds testify against vaccines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Why Are Data Glitches Continually Skewing Hawaii’s Covid-19 Numbers? The state’s tracking system is like a complex information highway, moving data from many labs to a central reporting point. But some say there are too many traffic jams. Civil Beat.

Governor pleads with residents to avoid Labor Day gatherings, crowds. The governor is pleading with residents to avoid gatherings over the Labor Day weekend, saying Hawaii is facing a “worst-case scenario” because of the COVID surge. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Big Island Now.

Coast Guard and NOAA targeting illegal boat charters. The Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement are targeting illegal boat charters in Hawaii through September. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Couple allegedly falsifies vaccine cards to travel to Hawaii. A Georgia couple is the latest case of visitors who attempted to circumvent Hawaii’s Safe Travels program by allegedly using falsified COVID-19 vaccination cards to travel to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Crowded Prisons And Poorly Ventilated Restaurant Kitchens Fuel Hawaii’s Pandemic. The state’s latest cluster report describes one instance in which seven of 12 fully vaccinated people who went to karaoke without wearing masks caught Covid. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

State reports increase in COVID cases among the vaccinated as overall infections soar. The state Health Department says it’s seeing an increase in the number of COVID cases among vaccinated people because of widespread community transmission. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,068 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 724 new cases on Oahu, 128 on Maui, 169 on Hawaii Island, 39 on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

In impassioned address to City Council, Honolulu’s mayor warns hospitals are near ‘breaking point’. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told the City Council on Thursday that government is doing everything possible ― short of a lockdown ― to address an ongoing surge in COVID cases, but warned hospitals and the health care system are nearing a “breaking point.” He also said that those refusing to get vaccinated are a vocal minority. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hundreds testify on COVID-19 vaccine programs. The testimony largely became a critique of the city’s new Safe Access O‘ahu program, which would require patrons at establishments such as restaurants, movie theaters and gyms to have a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours or show proof of a vaccination starting Sept. 13. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The illegal vacation rental industry is now one of the biggest targets of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration. But his proposed crackdown is also part of a strategy that could help reduce overtourism as well as freeing up housing for residents. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Postal Service supplier plans to close in Manoa. The closure means the Manoa area will be without a post office or location offering USPS services, and it was an issue brought up at a Wednesday night neighborhood board meeting in Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH-Hilo faculty given option to use hybrid model. Faculty at the University of Hawaii at Hilo last month were given the option to temporarily move from in-person classes to a hybrid model due to the surge of COVID-19 cases. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Invasive Species Committee May Have To Cut 'Critical' Programs. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee faces a budget shortfall of about $220,000 for 2022. Hawaii Public Radio.

DUI arrests on the rise: Despite ongoing pandemic, numbers are just shy of 2019. According to a Wednesday statement from the Hawaii Police Department, there have been 727 DUI arrests for the year. That’s up 18.2% from the 615 DUI arrests at this time in 2020. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawai‘i Land Trust Receives Donation from Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos. Amazon founder and Executive Chair, Jeff Bezos has made two more personal donations to nonprofits on Maui, bringing the growing list of philanthropy on Maui for the e-commerce executive to four.  Today’s announcements include monetary donations of unspecified amounts to the Hawaiʻi Land Trust and the Mālama Family Recovery Center. Earlier this week, Bezos contributed personal donations to the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center and The Maui Farm. Maui Now.

Kauai

$2M to help low-income renters. In the last two years, the County Housing Agency’s Housing Choice Voucher program has been able to grow from a monthly average of around 650 to 870 households. Garden Island.

Final Waimea 400 plan meeting is Sept. 9. A final community meeting for the Waimea 400 conceptual community master plan will be held virtually online on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii military seeks public comments on noise pollution, two named to Department of Interior, Honolulu council mulls caps on short-term rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

©2021 All Hawaii News

The Military Wants Ideas On How To Turn Down The Volume In Hawaii’s Noisy Skies. The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is seeking comments from community members through Oct. 3 as part of a noise mitigation initiative for areas experiencing noise levels of 65 decibels or more from nearby military training and operations. Civil Beat.

Two Native Hawaiians, Keone Nakoa and Summer Lee Haunani Sylva, appointed to the U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Two Native Hawaiians were appointed to the U.S. Department of the Interior Wednesday, garnering praise from local leaders who say their experiences and backgrounds will strengthen the Biden-Harris administration’s pledge to better serve and support indigenous communities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

How The Hawaii Supreme Court Has Shaped Policing In The State. Recent rulings have built on decades of precedent in Hawaii that protects individuals from unreasonable government intrusions. Civil Beat.

Under mandate, Hawaii inmates will have to be vaccinated before they’re paroled. Hawaii inmates will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID before they are released on parole, under a new mandate that goes into effect Thursday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Enrollment at Hawaii’s public schools declines for second year in a row. The state Department of Education announced Wednesday that over 3,000 fewer students enrolled in the statewide public school system this year over the start of last year — a decline of 1.7%. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Combating COVID as a state brought on many challenges. Misinformation isn’t helping. Public health experts and government officials say they’re being hobbled in their efforts to right the spread of COVID by opponents spreading misinformation. Hawaii News Now.

State officials issue warning over illegal gatherings. State officials Wednesday said they have a stern message for anyone planning to defy gathering restrictions on public lands. Law enforcement will be out in full force and on the lookout for illegal, superspreader events this Labor Day weekend. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii records 13 new coronavirus-related deaths, 455 additional infections in partial count. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 291 new cases on Oahu, 51 on Maui, 64 on Hawaii Island, 37 on Kauai, three on Molokai, one on Lanai, and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Short-term rental bill gets first public hearing. A measure that would change the restriction of a short-term rental to 180 days, from less than 30 days, attracted over 350 virtual attendees with mixed opinions during a five-hour meeting Wednesday in a public hearing held by the Honolulu Planning Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu vaccine enforcement will be complaint-driven. The City and County of Honolulu will require patrons and employees of certain businesses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in less than two weeks. KHON2.

Honolulu’s strict vaccine mandate could sideline hundreds of first responders who refuse to get shot. Of the 2,500 total Honolulu Police Department workers, about 270 officers and civilians have requested exemptions and around two dozen didn’t fill out the vaccine status form altogether. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi clashes with anti-vax demonstrators. The scene outside Honolulu Hale turned hostile as anti-vaccination and anti-mask protesters demanded a meeting with Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State-owned firm delinquent on Kakaako housing fees. The delinquency stems from financial shortfalls operating 150 state-owned affordable rental apartments in the Honuakaha complex, which also includes 93 condos and the historic Royal Brewery building at 545 and 547 Queen St. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

COVID closes transfer stations: Diminished staff rotating around the island. COVID, not costs, is driving the closure of county garbage transfer stations, officials said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

KCH Cancels Elective Surgeries as Oxygen Needs Increase. Kona Community Hospital has canceled all elective surgeries until further notice as the facility continues to grapple with overwhelming patient counts due to COVID-19 and increased demand for oxygen. Big Island Now.

Public input sought: Hearing set for proposed Kahalu‘u surf school regulations. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation will hold the hearing via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sept. 8 on the proposed amendments of Hawaii Administrative Rules. West Hawaii Today.

Hilo Veterans Home Slowly Getting Back to Normal After Deadly Outbreak Last Year. It’s been a year since a deadly COVID-19 outbreak surged through the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, killing 27 residents and infecting more than 100 residents and staff. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Councilmember Sugimura Announces Formation of Axis Deer Task Force. Councilmember Yuki lei Sugimura, in partnership with Mayor Michael Victorino, announced the formation of a Maui Axis Deer Task Force to address the growing impacts of feral deer across the island. Maui Now.

Amala Place Clean-Up to Begin This Month. The County of Maui and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources announced plans for a comprehensive clean-up of public lands surrounding the Kanahā Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Treatment Plant. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hulopoʻe Beach Park Council Explores Limiting Visitor Access. A public Hulopoʻe Beach Park Council meeting was held in July to discuss limiting nonresidents at the beach park — the first hearing brought to the community. The area is unique because while the beach is managed by the state, the beach park is owned and maintained by Pūlama Lānaʻi, Larry Ellison's land and resource management company. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council defers rental car tax class bill. After strong opposition from major rental car companies, the county administration has asked for a deferral of a bill that would create a real property tax classification for rental car operations. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor asks residents to cooperate with contact tracers, avoid traveling and gathering. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami is asking Garden Island residents to help avoid a shutdown due to the coronavirus by avoiding unnecessary travel and large gatherings — and cooperating with contact tracers. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital beds, oxygen, nurses in short supply, hotels start feeling the hit of governor's stay-away request, state and county workers vaccine mandate stands for now, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Photo by Javier Matheu on Unsplash

Medical facilities struggling to find beds and enough staff to care for new COVID-19 patients. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 jumped to 437 on Tuesday, a nearly 5% increase from the previous day, further straining the resources of Hawaii’s hospitals, which have had to set up overflow tents and bring in nurses and other medical staff from the mainland to help care for the influx of patients. This week, hospitals also have had to begin conserving oxygen supplies. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii hotels are beginning to see mounting cancellations as COVID surge continues. About a week after Gov. David Ige asked tourists to stay home, and as COVID cases continue to surge in the islands, Hawaii hotels are seeing an increase in cancellations. Hawaii News Now.

Judge delays hearing on suit against vaccine mandate for state and county workers. A federal judge has delayed indefinitely a hearing on a lawsuit against the vaccinate-or-test mandate for state and county workers. The hearing on whether to block the requirements was scheduled for Sept. 8. Hawaii News Now.

State Worker Salaries Have Climbed In The Past Decade. The number of state employees has stayed remarkably consistent since 2011, but their salaries kept going up. Civil Beat.

Expired driver’s license, permit or ID? You’ll want to renew it by Oct. 4. The governor’s waiver for the expired documents ends on Oct. 4. After that date, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you won’t be able to renew it. Instead you’ll have to re-take and pass the written exam and road tests. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii traffic-related fatalities continue to surpass those from 2020. The state has tallied 60 traffic-related fatalities in the first eight months of this year, surpassing numbers from the same time in 2020 as an upward trend continues. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 553 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 63,502. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 430 new cases on Oahu, 37 on Maui, 65 on Hawaii island, 13 on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Here’s How Honolulu Plans To Spend $386 Million In Federal Covid Relief Funds. The blueprint includes $15 million for expanded coronavirus testing and other services and $10 million for vaccine incentives. Civil Beat.

Council members urge officals to use more resources to stop COVID-19 spread, including reinstating pre-travel testing. Members of the Honolulu City Council are pushing for more city resources to combat the spread of COVID-19, including more testing sites, isolation facilities and reinstating the pre-traveling testing program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Authority tourism plan for Oahu focuses on reducing visitors. The Destination Management Action Pla also focuses on several other key actions that the community, visitor industry and other sectors deem necessary over a three-year period. Establishing a regenerative tourism fee, creating reservation systems for natural and cultural sites, managing visitors’ use of cars and expanding and supporting “Buy Local” programs also were key actions. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

‘Moderna’ misspelled on Illinois visitor’s alleged fake vaccination card. State investigators said they received a tip that 24-year-old Chloe Mrozak of Oak Lawn, Illinois may have uploaded the false documents under the state’s Safe Travels Program to bypass traveler quarantine rules. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Developers propose timeshares for Waikoloa Kings’ Course. The popularity of the game of golf is waning, leading a Waikoloa developer to request permission to repurpose half of one of its two golf courses into single-family home lots and timeshare units. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Solid Waste Facilities Announce Closures Due to COVID-19. Closures will affect solid waste facilities in Hilo, Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Hāwī and Keauhou. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Ventura, Lonokailua-Hewett in running for fire chief. Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ventura and retired Battalion Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett are vying for the position of fire chief. Maui News.

Maui Hospital Prepares Now to Mitigate Oxygen Needs, Potential Rise in COVID Care. Maui Health administrators say research has shown that about 10% of positive cases will likely need hospitalization within 10-14 days of virus onset.  That could translate to 46 additional hospitalizations within the next two weeks. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Chief Sued By Cop Who Complained Of Discrimination. A Kauai police captain is suing Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck alleging he was passed over for a promotion because of his race and then retaliated against for filing a discrimination complaint last year. Civil Beat.

State safeguarding native birds, plants in Honopu watershed. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is building a fence enclosing nearly 240-acres in the Honopu Valley to protect native flora and fauna from invasive species. Garden Island.

Honolulu mayor requires vaccine passes, governor mulls Labor Day crowd restrictions, hospitals run low on oxygen, morgue overflows, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki trolley ©2021 All Hawaii News

Coronavirus-free proof to be required for Oahu establishments. People on Oahu will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours to enter restaurants, bars, indoor gym facilities, entertainment and recreational settings beginning Sept. 13. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Daily visitor spending may be up, but economists say overall revenue is still down. Hawaii visitors are spending more per day now than in days before the pandemic, according to new data from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hawaii News Now.

Matson releases statement regarding service rumors. Matson issued a statement on Sunday in response to persistent unfounded rumors circulating in Hawaii about service disruption All Matson operations continue uninterrupted. KITV4.

Quarantine largely unchecked, COVID surge rages, as 1 in 10 local resident travelers opt not to show vax card or do pre-test. Almost 83,000 people just since June 1 had to quarantine when arriving in Hawaii, not providing a vaccine card nor getting a valid pre-travel negative COVID test. KHON2.

Vicky Cayetano launches Democratic gubernatorial campaign. Former first lady Vicky Cayetano, a business executive, entrepreneur and first-time candidate for any office, kicked off her campaign for governor Monday while launching her campaign website, vickyfor governor.com. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Public defender seeks release of certain inmates to curb COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 infections in Hawaii prompted the Public Defender’s Office to again call for the release of certain classifications of inmates to alleviate overcrowded correctional facilities where short-staffed teams of workers are doing what they can to stop outbreaks inside the facility from spreading to the community. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 delays drunken driving trial of state Rep. Sharon Har. Six months after her arrest on a drunken driving charge, state Rep. Sharon Har’s trial that had been scheduled to start Monday has been rescheduled for October because of COVID- 19 court restrictions — two days before Har likely will challenge a separate preliminary ruling to suspend her driver’s license for two years. Star-Advertiser.

State mulls Labor Day weekend mandates. The state will decide whether to prohibit large gatherings over Labor Day weekend by Wednesday, said Lt. Gov. Josh Green Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii app that warns of COVID exposure experiences spike in activations. The app uses bluetooth technology to anonymously alert users if they have been exposed to the coronavirus to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hospitals face possible oxygen shortage amid rise in COVID-19 patients. Top health care officials are scrambling to bring in oxygen from the mainland after realizing that Hawaii’s hospitals could run short amid a surge in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Health Care System 'Really Being Stretched' as COVID-19 Cases Increase. With a record number of COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend, health officials are trying to manage the growing number of hospitalized patients while preparing to scale up facilities to address an overflow situation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sees 720 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 62,949. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 468 new cases on Oahu, 73 on Maui, 139 on Hawaii island, 34 on Kauai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu morgue is over capacity, using an emergency trailer parked outdoors for overflow. Honolulu’s morgue is over capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic, and is now using one of three trailers reserved for emergencies. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Airbnbs Shut Down When The Pandemic Began. The Mayor Wants To Keep It That Way. The mayor sees the crackdown on vacation rentals as a tourism control measure. Civil Beat.

Oahu school requires COVID-19 vaccine or testing for parents entering campus. Jarrett Middle School Principal Reid Kuba is trying to keep COVID-19 out of his small school in Palolo at all costs. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County test positivity highest in state. As of Monday, Hawaii County boasted the highest test positivity rate in the state at 9.4%, compared to an 8% positivity rate statewide. Tribune-Herald.

‘We cannot divert patients’: Hilo Medical Center operating over capacity. Hilo Medical Center is operating well beyond capacity as the number of COVID-19 patients there continues a steady climb upward. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL Breaks Ground On New Panaʻewa Subsistence Ag Lots. The $2.49 million capital improvement project will subdivide an existing 10-acre lot into 16 half-acre Subsistence Agricultural lots. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Pahoa man accused of trying to steal airplane. A 24-year-old Pahoa man is accused of a brazen daylight attempt to steal an air ambulance from the Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Maui

Kaiser Permanente Postponing Elective Procedures and Surgeries on Maui. Kaiser Permanente is making changes at Moanalua Medical Center and on Maui to ensure there are enough resources needed to take care of COVID-19 patients. Maui Now.

Some Maui schools report worsening teacher shortage due to COVID19 testing mandate. Staff claim a lack of testing is exacerbating a substitute teacher shortage and leaving some classrooms of students unsupervised. KITV4.

Visitor Arrested for Alleged Quarantine Violation, Assault Against a Maui Police Officer. A 22-year-old California man was arrested on Maui on Thursday for alleged violation of rules and orders relating to the state’s travel quarantine. Maui Now.

‘That Is Not Aloha’: Dr. Lorrin Pang Is Pushing Back Against His Critics. The Maui state health officer explains why he believes it’s important for doctors to explore all possible treatments for the rapidly spreading Covid-19. Civil Beat.

Maui Ordnance to Prevent Underage Drinking Goes Into Effect Sept. 1.  The Social Host Liability Ordinance holds adults on the island of Maui accountable for illegal underage drinking on their property. Maui Now.

Kauai

KDHO: 19 new infections Monday. In the last week, the county has confirmed 263 new COVID-19 infections, Lauren Guest of the Kaua‘i District Health Office reported Monday. Garden Island.

Pandemic rules flouted as COVID cases spike, experts advise but Ige holds fast against lockdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaiwi party broken up by DLNR PC:DLNR

Hawaii officials consider stay-at-home order over Labor Day weekend as COVID-19 cases soar. Hawaii had its highest COVID- 19 count ever reported in one day on Sunday, and if the trajectory continues, officials warn that it could lead to a 72-hour stay-at-home order over the Labor Day holiday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

How close is a lockdown? At least one doctor says it’s time. Medical experts say despite major event cancellations and new gathering limits, Hawaii’s COVID crisis is about to get much worse. Hawaii News Now.

Ige takes to social media to refute lockdown rumors: ‘No plans to shut down’. Gov. David Ige on Sunday night dismissed “rumors circulating” about a shutdown in Hawaii amid an ongoing surge in COVID infections. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Visitor industry discounts abound, even as Gov. David Ige asks travelers to stay away. You wouldn’t know that Hawaii tourism is supposed to be shut down by all the specials in the market, including great kamaaina deals, which have been absent for most of the summer travel surge. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Confirms Sonja McCullen To Intermediate Court Of Appeals. A Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney will be the first Native Hawaiian appointed to a Hawaii appellate court in decades. Civil Beat.

Hawaii distance-learning students might get their instruction from teachers out of state. The state Department of Education may be moving to loosen the requirement that teachers reside in Hawaii after members of the state Board of Education last week urged administrators to look at changing the residence qualification to help meet the growing demand for remote learning. Star-Advertiser.

Latest testing backlog a result of systems being ‘pushed to their limits,’ DOH says. The health department says as always, trends are more important than single day counts and right now Hawaii continues to trend in the wrong direction. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 2 new coronavirus-related deaths, 1,678 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 1,239 new cases on Oahu, 147 on Maui, 214 on Hawaii island, 55 on Kauai, one on Molokai, two on Lanai, and 20 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Enforcement Officers say Large Party at Kaiwi was “Outrageous and Irresponsible”. Four people were cited and as many as 300-400 others were cleared from Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department officers late Saturday afternoon. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Homeless Sweeps Or Sanitation Activities? Advocates Say There’s No Difference. Honolulu’s mayor promised to end sweeps of homeless encampments, but his administration says it still needs to clear the “sidewalks, streets and parks.” Civil Beat.

Two Honolulu Police Officers Are Under Investigation For Assault Of Prisoner. Two Honolulu police officers could face criminal charges for allegedly injuring a prisoner in January. Civil Beat.

COVID ‘crisis’ in Leeward Oahu as area leads island with case counts. The Leeward coast of Oahu is in crisis mode, with some of the highest coronavirus case counts on the island, which continue rising and spreading like wildfire among household members. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi Seeks To Avoid ‘Lockdown’ As Hawaii Logs Record Number Of Covid Cases. Honolulu mayor also says city is considering a “vaccine passport” program for restaurants. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County COVID rules approved; parks to remain open with restrictions. The new rule also limits social gathering sizes to 10 people, both indoors and out. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Big changes likely for council districts: Population growth not equal for West, East Hawaii. Population shifts across the island could mean big changes to County Council districts next year, with West Hawaii population increases likely to outweigh population changes in most of East Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

County: NAS pool upgrades to begin soon. Hawaii County officials are hoping construction can begin soon on court-ordered Americans With Disabilities improvements at the NAS Swimming Pool near the Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Work on senior housing facility to begin in 2022. Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Inc. has secured funding to build a 92-unit housing facility — located on Kawili Street across from the lower end of the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus — in early 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Board files complaints against Maui health officer, physician. The Hawaii Medical Board has filed complaints against Maui’s top health official and a Valley Isle physician following reports that they backed COVID-19 treatments that state and federal health agencies advise against. Maui News.

Maui’s 21 Day Lockdown is Voluntary, Stricter Rules Still on the Table. While a health pass or vaccine passport for certain restaurants and gyms surfaced for discussion as a potential mitigation measure during the Mayor’s last press briefing, the program concept is still under review. Maui Now.

Affordable housing on Lanai aimed at mid-income households. A planned affordable rental housing project on Lanai won’t be quite as affordable as previously envisioned by the island’s management company owned by billionaire Larry Ellison. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Face mask litter on rise, Surfrider says. A growing number of face masks are littering Kaua‘i, leading to pollution of island waters, according to a local nonprofit. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Humane Society flies nearly 200 animals to Seattle. An EvoJets private charter departed from Lihu‘e Airport early Sunday morning with a very special passenger manifest. Garden Island.

Native Hawaiians wary of pandemic surge, feds OK CARES money for Honolulu robotic dogs, shift of legislative seats unlikely as Reapportionment Commission beings work, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiians kayaking ©2021 All Hawaii News

Native Hawaiian leaders urge the lahui to help stop COVID-19 surge. Dr. Gerard Akaka joined more than 20 Native Hawaiian leaders — kumu hula, educators, health care professionals, public officials and politicians — at a news conference Thursday at the state Capitol to urge their lahui (nation) to help stop the surge of COVID-19 cases by wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing and getting vaccinated. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Afghanistan bombings weigh on Vice President Kamala Harris’ stop in Hawaii. Air Force Two touched down at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at 2:40 p.m. Thursday and taxied up to the historic operations building at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam just before 3 p.m. after Harris visited Singapore and Vietnam. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

More Hawaii residents are leaving the islands for the mainland, and experts predict the situation will only worsen as a result of COVID-19′s economic fallout. The U.S. Census Bureau says more than 8,600 people left the islands last year alone. Hawaii News Now.

State set to roll out vaccine passport for gyms, bars, and other businesses. The state is poised to roll out a COVID vaccine passport to get into gyms, bars, and restaurants. The governor says he hopes to have it up and running by Labor Day. KHON2.

Governor says ‘extreme measures’ possible if COVID surge worsens. As hospitalizations mount, mayors and the governor are eyeing the possibility of more restrictions. Hawaii News Now.

Green warns ‘life-preserving restrictions’ looming. With no signs of Hawaii’s COVID surge slowing, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said Thursday he plans to call for “life-preserving restrictions” if the number of people hospitalized with COVID reaches 500. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees spike in pediatric COVID cases, increase in infant hospitalizations. Doctors said they are seeing an increase of young children testing positive for COVID and some of those cases are ending up in the hospital. KHON2.

Hawaii sees 831 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 58,578. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 511 new cases on Oahu, 102 on Maui, 176 on Hawaii Island, 32 on Kauai, two on Molokai, one on Lanai and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City narrows down new landfill sites to 4 locations. The city has narrowed down the list to four locations from 12. Two of the remaining sites are near the North Shore, one is between Makakilo and Waipahu and one is near Wheeler Army Airfield. Star-Advertiser.

HPD’s Use Of CARES Act Money On Robot Dog, ATVs And Overtime Was Legit, Feds Say. The city submitted documentation stating every purchase was necessary because of the coronavirus pandemic. Civil Beat.

Empty-home tax gains momentum on Oahu amid affordable housing shortage. Empty homes and condos blanket the island while locals struggle to keep up with Honolulu’s cost of living; nearly 40,000 units are vacant at any given time, according to a UCLA study the City commissioned in 2020. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council Nixes Plan To Build Affordable Housing On Kahuku Farmland. The unanimous decision came after the Department of Planning and Permitting recommended against the project amid community opposition. Civil Beat.

Waianae Coast public schools get state office support. With the Waianae Coast surging with COVID-19 infections, some of its public schools are experiencing staff shortages so great that Department of Education staffers from state offices were brought in to help. Star-Advertiser.

Navy detonates unexploded ordnance at Kaneohe Bay. U.S. Navy experts detonated one unexploded ordnance underwater at Kaneohe Bay this morning, and disposed of the other one, which is unarmed, at another site. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

The Miske Case: Death Penalty Is Off The Table. Mike Miske, the former Honolulu business owner who is awaiting trial on federal charges stemming from his alleged control of a violent racketeering organization in Honolulu over two decades, will not face a possible death sentence if convicted. Civil Beat.

Mayor offers condolences to family of city employee who died of COVID. The city has confirmed one of its employees has died of COVID-19. Information on the person’s age, gender and job title was not released. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

8th House seat unlikely. Recently released census data does not support an eighth seat in the state House for Hawaii Island, the state Reapportionment Commission was told Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court to decide whether police chiefs broke law during TMT protests. The ability of county police departments to rapidly deploy resources to other counties in the state is in the hands of the Hawaii Supreme Court, which on Thursday heard oral arguments in a case challenging the presence of Honolulu and Maui police officers on Mauna Kea during telescope protests in 2019. Tribune-Herald. Civil Beat.

Eruption watch canceled for Kilauea Volcano. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory announced Thursday morning that earthquake activity and ground deformation beneath the southern part of Kilauea’s summit have subsided over 24 hours, which led HVO to lower an alert level that it raised Tuesday following a swarm of earthquakes. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Keauhou Resort Now Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. The Outrigger Hospitality Group takes over the former Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Sen. Roz Baker calls on state to fire Maui district health officer for promoting dangerous COVID-19 treatments. A growing number of leaders in the Legislature are calling on the state to fire Dr. Lorrin Pang, the Maui district health officer for the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. KITV4.

New police chief expected to be picked in October. The Maui Police Commission expects to deliberate on and select a new police chief in October, following a written examination and interviews of five finalists for the job. Maui News.

EPA Appoints Maui County Councilmember King to Local Government Advisory Committee. US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan has appointed Councilmember Kelly Takaya King to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee. She is the only person chosen from Hawaiʻi for the 39-member committee. Maui Now.

Think Tank Report: Kahului Airport Could Generate $935 Million with Private Lease. A new report by Reason Foundation, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to free markets, found Hawaiʻi’s two largest airports could be worth up to $3.6 billion combined via a long-term lease to private airport companies and investors. Maui Now.

Kauai

No new COVID rules yet. In a public-service announcement Thursday, Mayor Derek Kawakami, alongside health-care providers and community leaders, called on residents to reduce travel and gatherings in the face of the most-recent spike in COVID cases, to avoid a more-severe shutdown. Garden Island.

Proposed KPD facility draws mixed response. A handful of residents voiced opposition to the Kaua‘i Police Department’s proposed Kawaihau substation during an informational meeting held online Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii reaches 76% vaccinated against COVID, Green targeted by anti-Semitic hate group, Maui council passes pesticide bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

87.6% of Hawaii state workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As of last week, 87.6% of state workers were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 92.4% had received at least one shot. The vaccination rates are significantly higher than Hawaii’s overall population, in which 76% of adults are fully vaccinated. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green target of hate campaign. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green was the target of an anti-Semitic campaign by an unknown group aligned with protesters demonstrating outside of his condominium in opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii governor considering more restrictions, says COVID surge was ‘preventable’. Gov. David Ige said he is frustrated because he believes Hawaii’s surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations could have been avoided. KHON2. KITV4.

Governor says Hawaii’s digital ‘vaccine pass’ could be ready by Labor Day. Gov. David Ige said Wednesday that he hopes to have a “vaccine pass” system up and running for entrance to restaurants, bars, gyms and other venues by Labor Day. But he added that he has no immediate plans to mandate vaccinations for entry to businesses. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senate Committee Considers A New Nominee For Appeals Court. Sonja McCullen, a Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney, sailed smoothly through a Senate hearing on her appointment to the Intermediate Court of Appeals on Wednesday. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Final EIS published for dolphin swimming ban. Approaching and swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins is one step closer to being prohibited in Hawaii’s coastal waters. West Hawaii Today.

Lowen to continue pushing producer responsibility. State Rep. Nicole Lowen said she’ll continue pursuing increased producer responsibility for the waste their products produce, despite the failure to get her colleagues’ support of a bill she sponsored this year. West Hawaii Today.

Health officials look to field hospitals as potential relief amid surging COVID hospitalizations. COVID-19 hospitalizations hit another record high in Hawaii on Wednesday, Aug. 25, with 413 patients admitted to facilities statewide. KHON2.

Ventilators from Hawaii’s emergency stockpile now in use as more relief nurses are on their way. COVID hospitalizations in Hawaii hit another all-time high Wednesday with 413 patients admitted to facilities across the state. Records shows 87% are unvaccinated. Hawaii News Now.

COVID deaths are rising in Hawaii, and history shows it’s likely to get worse. Health officials said that the current death toll is the highest it has been since vaccines have become widely available, with more than 19 deaths over the past seven days. Hawaii News Now.

Char: COVID surge hasn’t peaked. Hawaii’s COVID-19 case numbers have not yet reached their peak, Hawaii Health Director Libby Char said Wednesday. Despite 625 new COVID cases being reported statewide Wednesday, with 100 on the Big Island, Char said during a livestreamed interview that case numbers are continuing to rise while hospitals’ resources are being strained to the breaking point. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii records 8 new coronavirus-related deaths, 625 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 376 new cases on Oahu, 96 on Maui, 100 on Hawaii Island, 39 on Kauai, two on Molokai, two on Lanai and 10 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Fire Commission Still Stalled On Hiring New Chief. The two finalists were scheduled to address the panel but instead commissioners went into executive session. Civil Beat. KITV4.

$270 million Honolulu airport concourse set to open. The opening of the new $270 million Mauka Concourse at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Friday marks the first gate expansion in nearly three decades. Star-Advertiser.

Newly reopened Waialua bridge needs replacement within 10 years, city says. Bridge 605 that crosses over Kiikii Stream at Waialua Beach Road must be replaced in the next five to seven years due to extensive damage in its 69 years of use, the Honolulu Department of Design and Construction said in a recent news release. Star-Advertiser.

Covid-19 Is Surging Again At Hawaii Prisons. The Oahu Jail Is Especially Hard Hit. The Oahu Community Correctional Center is once again the epicenter of Covid-19 cases within state correctional facilities, and some staff at the jail complain the Department of Public Safety has done little since the last major outbreak there to modify its procedures to prevent the new surge now underway. Civil Beat.

Punahou school and former students settle sex abuse lawsuit. Punahou School and former students who filed lawsuits against the school and a former coach alleging sexual assault and abuse jointly announced Wednesday that all the cases have been settled. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Parents sue Hawaii County after police kill their son in shooting. The parents of a 31-year-old man, shot multiple times and killed by police inside a vacant Hilo house, sued the County of Hawaii Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Mandate for HMC: Vaccinations or testing for Hawaii Health Systems Corp. facility employees. Employees at Hilo Medical Center and other Hawaii Health Systems Corp. facilities in East Hawaii have until early September to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face weekly testing. Tribune-Herald.

Record number of COVID patients in HMC. Three dozen COVID-positive patients were hospitalized as of Wednesday at Hilo Medical Center, an all-time high. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Pesticides and fertilizers to be reduced and managed. A bill that would reduce and manage pesticides and fertilizers used on county property, including parks used for youth sports, was approved on second and final reading Tuesday by the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Maui Senator: The County’s State Health Director Should Be Fired. Dr. Lorrin Pang is being widely criticized for acknowledging that he has promoted controversial alternative drugs to treat Covid-19. Civil Beat.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino condemns off-label use of drugs to treat COVID-19. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino strongly condemned the off-label use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the veterinary dewormer ivermectin as treatments for COVID-19 on Wednesday, following a story in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that reported a local doctor and health official had been promoting their use. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Forecast models predict COVID-19 case surge will hit Maui County next. Based on the latest forecast model issued Sunday, the number of daily new infections on Maui County is expected to grow by more than 30% in the next seven days, and peak at 175 cases on Sept. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

County to draw $475K for rare special election. The county is moving to allocate $475,000 for a special election prompted by the retirement of Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. Garden Island.

Councilmembers hear concerns from For Our Rights members. It’s been nearly a year and a half since the Kaua‘i County Council held meetings open to the physical public, but following Wednesday’s special council meeting, around 60 residents met representatives outside. Garden Island.