Senate Majority Leader Kalani English stepping down following COVID-19 complications, Legislature passes hotel tax surcharge, car rental fee increases, automatic voter registration passes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sen. Kalani English

Hawaii state Sen. Kalani English stepping down due to long-term COVID-19 symptoms. Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English announced Tuesday that he is stepping down from his Senate seat on May 1, citing lingering symptoms from a COVID-19 infection. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KITV4.

Lawmakers pass budget and suspend pay raises. In one of their last days to make or amend state law, state legislators passed a budget they say avoided catastrophic cuts to the most needy, killed a bill aimed at restricting police no-knock warrants and suspended raises for themselves and other key state officials. Star-Advertiser.

New County Hotel Tax Is Approved In Final Vote. The Hawaii Legislature also approved a hefty rental car surcharge increase to squeeze more money out of tourists. Lawmakers gave final approval Tuesday to a package of bills that will wring more cash out of the rapidly recovering tourism industry while simultaneously scaling back on the sums the state spends each year to market Hawaii to visitors. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

State House kills bill curtailing emergency powers. The state House on Tuesday killed a bill that would have curtailed the governor’s emergency powers, a measure that was introduced after the coronavirus pandemic prompted Gov. David Ige to issue 19 emergency proclamations to suspend laws, impose travel quarantines and take other steps to address the public health crisis. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii House quashes bill eliminating no-knock warrants. The Hawaii House on Tuesday quashed a bill that would have eliminated no-knock warrants, a centerpiece of police reform legislation proposed in the wake of high-profile killings by police across the nation. Associated Press.

Lawmakers pass automatic voter registration bill. State lawmakers Tuesday passed a measure that would make Hawaii the latest state to implement automatic voter registration. West Hawaii Today.

State lease extension measure clears state Legislature. A bill that cleared the Legislature on Tuesday would allow the state to extend leases on state lands by 40 years, a measure applauded by developers such as those for Prince Kuhio Plaza, but that would apparently not apply to federal leases such as held by the U.S. Army at Pohakuloa Training Area. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Close to Honoring Juneteenth, Leaving 1 State Holdout. Hawaii was poised to become the 49th state to recognize Juneteenth after the House and Senate passed legislation Tuesday designating June 19 as a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Associated Press.

Most UH students will likely remain at a distance until Spring 2022. UH Provost Michael Bruno said Tuesday the university system likely won’t resume normal campus procedures until Spring of 2022. Hawaii News Now.

Matson Inc. earns huge profit on heels of China growth. Matson Inc. earned a monster first-quarter profit that even it underestimated less than two weeks ago. Star-Advertiser.

As Tourists Return, Hawaii Is Looking At New Ways To Keep Them Safe In The Ocean. Ocean safety officials are relying on mobile response units, extended hours and data to protect visitors, some of whom are drawn to remote locations without lifeguards. Civil Beat.

Hawaii restaurants struggling to find employees despite nearly 60K unemployed residents. Many people remain out of work due to conditions outside of their control, including child care and health concerns, among others. KHON2.

Local reactions to new CDC rules on mask-wearing are mixed. Some celebrated, while others remained wary of, new federal guidelines saying fully vaccinated Americans do not need to wear a mask outdoors — unless at large, crowded events. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. KHON2.

Health Department reports 1st COVID-19 death of child with underlying conditions. Health officials said the boy experienced COVID-19 symptoms shortly after arriving in the islands, and was taken to a hospital, where he died. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

April 27, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 54 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Tuesday, including 37 on O‘ahu, seven on Maui, five on Hawai‘i Island, two on Kaua‘i, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

City again takes first steps to relocate landfill. For the third time, the city has started evaluating sites to replace the island’s only municipal landfill, Waimanalo Gulch, on the West side of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutors Have Long Been Stymied When Investigating Police Killings. That’s About To Change. The city largely leaves it to the police to investigate themselves when a civilian is killed. The new prosecuting attorney has plans for reform. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Roundabout eyed for busy Hilo intersection. The state Department of Transportation is working through the process to plan and fund improvements at the intersection of Waianuenue Avenue, Bayfront Highway and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

6 of 14 North Kona wells remain offline. Nearly half of the water wells servicing the North Kona community remain offline, the Department of Water Supply said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Lawsuit: Former Maui Prosecutor Says The Mayor Was Wrong To Fire Him. Don Guzman says his struggles with diabetes caused him to behave irrationally at times but that he warned the mayor that might happen. Civil Beat.

Most public schools to offer in-person summer programs. As Maui County public schools prepare to offer in-person summer programs, other popular child care programs like Summer PALS are still mulling their plans during the pandemic. Maui News.

Kauai

Hideaways access cut off; county seeks easement. Posts went up Tuesday blocking the entrance of a trailhead that leads to Kenomene Bay, or Hideaway Beach, in Princeville. Garden Island.

Public input sought on Kalaheo water project. The county Department of Water is expecting to build a new Clearwell tank on a portion of state land, replacing the existing Clearwell tank in Kalaheo later this year. Garden Island.

Hawaii population inches up, younger residents account for most new COVID-19 infections, Honolulu to take over EMS from state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Moana food court pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii population grows but at slower pace, census finds. Hawaii’s population grew by 7% over the past decade, and the state maintained its ranking as the 40th largest among the 50 states, according to the 2020 census, released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Despite opposition, bill that would allow 99-year leases of public lands poised for approval. Despite strong opposition from the Native Hawaiian community, a measure that opens the door to century-long leases of public lands is poised for passage in the state Legislature. The full state House and Senate are set to vote on the proposal Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii tobacco trust fund targeted by lawmakers. Should Hawaii's tobacco settlement money be used to help balance the state budget? Lawmakers will decide on a bill, that would eventually wipe out Hawaii's tobacco trust fund. KITV4.

Push is on to vaccinate younger Hawaii residents, which now make up majority of new COVID-19 cases. On Monday, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said that 70% of all new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii are now made up of residents under age 50. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige wants to step up Hawaii coronavirus vaccine campaign. More vaccine campaigns targeting those who are hesitant, inter-island travel getting easier and making tourism better for locals by reserving areas for residents on the weekends. KHON2.

Green: Possible herd immunity in 8 weeks. Lt. Gov. Josh Green says herd immunity against COVID-19 in Hawaii could be reached in about eight weeks, provided the rate of vaccinations continues at its current pace. Tribune-Herald.

April 26, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 70 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Monday, including 42 on O‘ahu, nine on Maui, three on Hawai‘i Island, 14 on Kaua‘i, and two in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

Blangiardi Administration And State Lawmakers Come To Agreement On EMS Transfer. A proposal to transfer the responsibility of Oʻahu's emergency services system from the state to the city is moving forward at the Legislature. Although city offiicals were surprised at first, the Blangiardi administration believes it will improve ambulance services on the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA sues bankrupt Oahu Sugar Co. over pesticide dumping in Waipio. In a federal court lawsuit filed last week, the EPA alleged that Oahu Sugar ― which shut down in 1995 and filed for bankruptcy in 2005 ― operated a pesticide mixing plant on the Waipio penninsula for decades that spilled toxic chemicals into the land. Hawaii News Now.

Bulk of $63,000 from sale of Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s east Honolulu home goes to uncle. The bulk of the money from the foreclosure sale of a house owned by a former Honolulu police chief and his estranged wife convicted of conspiracy must go to the relatives they bilked, a U.S. judge ruled today. Associated Press.

Alleged Crime Boss Says He’s Being Thwarted From Preparing A Defense. Attorneys representing alleged racketeering kingpin Michael John Miske Jr., say their client has been held in solitary confinement in the Federal Detention Center for over 200 days, and has been told this will continue indefinitely, all without a hearing and without apparent concern for his procedural and constitutional rights. Civil Beat.

Families left scrambling after state orders shutdown of Hauula assisted living facility. The State Department of Health announced it’s immediately revoking the license and closing Dignity Senior Living at Oceanside Hawaii, an assisted living facility on Kamehameha Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Online reservations for Hanauma Bay now up and running. An eagerly anticipated online reservation system for timed admission to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is up and running, the office of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the city Department of Parks and Recreation and Design and Construction announced Monday, the day the system launched. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kailua Beach Park boat ramp repairs set to begin. Repairs to the boat ramp at Kailua Beach Park were scheduled to begin today and will take about two weeks to finish, depending on weather and ocean conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HMC ending mass vaccination PODs. Hilo Medical Center is winding down its mass vaccination efforts as demand for COVID-19 vaccines begins to wane. Tribune-Herald.

Changing of the guard: New PTA commander to oversee lease retention. When Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin takes over as garrison commander of Pohakuloa Training Area in June, his tenure will include overseeing an environmental impact statement and negotiations for the Army to retain its lease of nearly 23,000 acres of state land in the saddle between Maunakea and Mauna Loa. West Hawaii Today.

Officers crack down at Kehena beach. Law enforcement agencies have issued more than 100 citations to people at Kehena Black Sand Beach since the beginning of April, but some nearby residents are unsure whether it will solve longstanding problems in the area. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

North Kona Sewer Pump Station project moving forward. The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management is moving forward with plans to construct a sewer pump station that’ll provide county sewer service to properties north of the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant in North Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

'It's not what we need right now': plan for dozens of luxury condos in South Maui spurs backlash. The price tag for each of the 57 units is expected to reach $3.6 million. KITV4.

New problems arise at popular West Maui beach park closed to protect iwi kupuna. A popular beach park in West Maui has been closed indefinitely because of erosion and to protect exposed Hawaiian burials. However, since the park’s closure in January, residents say homeless people have moved in — causing a new set of problems. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Is No Longer Safe For Hawaii’s Endangered Birds, Biologists Say. New refuges are sought as scientists battle disease-carrying mosquitoes in the face of a changing climate. Civil Beat.

Funds sought to repair Kwock Hing Society Temple. Historical temple hosts important Chinese cultural celebrations. A 114-year-old Keokea temple that’s hosted Chinese cultural celebrations for generations is in dire need of repair. Maui News.

Kauai

State has $223M for Kaua‘i projects. A total of over $223 million in capital-improvement-project funds have been allocated to Kaua‘i in the final version of the state budget that passed out of the Senate and House conference committee on April 19. Garden Island.

Vehicle registration offered at Princeville Foodland. County officials, in partnership with Foodland and Intellectual Technology Inc., recently launched the island’s fourth self-service kiosk for motor-vehicle registrations, at Foodland in Princeville. Garden Island.

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

Hawaii farmers market pre-COVID ©2021 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

 

Magic island sunset on Oahu ©2021 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

A hospital in Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

Hawaiian Airlines flight at HNL ©2021 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 20, 2021 COVID-19 Update: The state Department of Health reports that there were 48 additional COVID-19 cases reported in Hawai‘i on Tuesday, including 26 on O‘ahu, 14 on Maui, one on Hawai‘i Island, and seven in Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state. Maui Now.

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

 

Hawaii Supreme Court ©2021 All Hawaii News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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