Hawaii to get fleet of MQ-9 Reaper drones, Honolulu Police officers investigated in hit-and-run, lifeguard shortage could close towers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

MQ-9 Reaper drone (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

 In a first, Air Force flies 2 big MQ-9 Reaper drones from mainland to Hawaii as part of new maritime emphasis. The Air Force flew two big MQ-9 Reaper drones for the first time from the continental United States to Hawaii to demonstrate the unmanned aircraft’s “untapped potential in a maritime environment” and to participate in Exercise ACE Reaper at Marine Corps Base Hawaii — which will eventually have six of the aircraft based there. Star-Advertiser.

Vaccination mandate for Hawaii public school students not planned, officials say. The head of the Hawaii Department of Education said Thursday there have been no discussions yet with state health officials about a possible vaccination mandate for public school students age 12 and up. Star-Advertiser.

Despite some kinks in the system, state’s SMART Health Card reaches over 100K uploads. The state Office of Enterprise Technology Services said while a majority were able to successfully upload their information, 25% of people were not able to. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii jobless rate sinks to 17-month low of 7%. Hawaii’s unemployment rate dropped in August to a 17-month low of 7% — its seventh consecutive monthly decline — while job growth stalled due to a larger-than-typical summertime release of workers in the Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Workers In Hawaii Face New Job Losses — This Time Without A Safety Net. Hawaii still lags behind other states in how quickly the state processes initial unemployment payments. Civil Beat.

Report: Combining outbreak racial data could obscure disparities. Breaking down the data showed that Pacific Islanders, who account for 5% of Hawaii’s population, represented 22% of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and had the highest incidence rate of 7,070 cases per 100,000, according to the report. Tribune-Herald.

2 COVID clusters at schools on Kauai, Maui led to roughly 70 infections. Hawaii State Health Department report highlights COVID clusters at 2 neighbor island schools. The report focuses on two clusters that took place at schools last month —one at an independent school on Kauai and the other at a public elementary school on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID-19 hospitalization rates drops 25% since surge early September. The numbers are trending down but people in the healthcare industry say it's not time to relax. KITV4.

Hawaii records 8 new coronavirus-related deaths, 588 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 388 new cases on Oahu, 53 on Maui, 96 on Hawaii island, 38 on Kauai, four on Molokai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Criminal probe launched into 3 HPD officers suspected of causing, fleeing scene of near-fatal crash. Three Honolulu police officers are under criminal investigation ― suspected of causing and then fleeing the scene of a near-fatal crash early Sunday in West Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Staffing shortage could force temporary closure of lifeguard towers on Oahu. Honolulu Ocean Safety said it may have to temporarily shut down lifeguard towers due to a current staffing shortage. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Cruise ship to arrive at Honolulu Harbor on Sept. 18 to refuel. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced the Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship will arrive at Honolulu Harbor to refuel and get provisions on Saturday, Sept. 18. According to officials, the cruise ship will depart on Monday, Sept. 20. KHON2.

Honolulu Rental and Utility Relief Program reopens for new applications. The city program, which helps households struggling to pay their rent, utility, or both due to COVID-19, was put on a temporary pause Aug. 24 to process thousands of applications. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Micro-housing for kupuna ready to rise. A new high-rise in Downtown Honolulu is set for construction that turns a small parking lot into a tower filled with micro- sized rental apartments for seniors with low incomes. Star-Advertiser.

One Miske Defendant Gets Out On Bail, Another Ordered To Remain Behind Bars. New developments this week in the complex criminal case against what’s alleged to be a large criminal enterprise operating in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

7 Halawa inmates transported to ER due to illness; COVID-19 not suspected. The Department of Public Safety said seven Halawa Correctional Facility inmates were hospitalized this morning because they appeared to be suffering from an unknown medical condition. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Education approves renaming Central Middle School in honor of Hawaiian princess. The Central Middle School community is celebrating the state Board of Education’s approval today of a request to rename the historic downtown campus after Princess Ruth Ke‘elikolani,  the Hawaiian alii who once owned the property. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Trial set for ex-cop accused of stealing cocaine from evidence locker. Brian Miller, a retired Hilo vice detective,  is scheduled to face trial for allegedly stealing cocaine from an evidence locker in the Hilo Police Station and intimidating a witness. Tribune-Herald.

Unpermitted gym gets more time to prove it's safe. A gym that’s been operating without permits in an agricultural shed for almost two years got a reprieve Thursday on an after-the-fact permit after the Leeward Planning Commission asked for inspections. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Public Encouraged to Participate in South Maui Virtual Community Design Workshop. The Maui County Planning Department will be gathering input virtually on areas that the community thinks should change and those that should stay the same in South Maui. The community input will guide the land use plan, policies and actions in the draft South Maui Community Plan update. Maui Now.

Applicants sought for Maui County Boards and Commissions. The County of Maui is seeking applicants to fill multiple vacancies on county boards, commissions, councils and committees. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIUC fields questions on Westside project. The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and AES Corp., the entities behind the project, are encouraging questions regarding the renewable-energy and irrigation system slated for the Mana Plain. Garden Island.

Humane society at capacity again, hosting free adoptions. Less than three weeks after evacuating nearly 200 animals to Seattle, the Kaua‘i Humane Society is at capacity again. Garden Island.

Those over 65 could get less health care in COVID triage plans, Kauai council passes 3% local hotel tax, Ventura tapped as Maui fire chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elders stay active in Hawaii ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii’s Pandemic Crisis Care Plan Raises Legal And Ethical Concerns. Hawaii stood by its decision to use age as a tiebreaker if needed in treatment decisions, according to the latest version of its plan for allocating resources if the pandemic overwhelms the state’s health care system, despite criticism that the plan may discriminate against older patients. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Audit Finds That Young Brothers Failed To Offset Rising Labor Costs. The report calls for no more shipping rate increases until at least 2023 and for a third party observer to help oversee one of Hawaii’s oldest companies. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige’s request to halt nonessential travel impacts Hawaii hotel bookings, prices. The rebound of tourism over the summer months came to a screeching halt. People in the hotel industry said travel typically slows down during the fall, but rising COVID cases and the governor’s message to tourists to not come magnified the slow season. KHON2.

COVID-19 screening ramps up in Hawaii’s public schools. After a slow start, state officials are ramping up COVID-19 testing throughout Hawaii’s public schools, part of an overall strategy to help contain the spread of the coronavirus at school facilities where close to 3,000 cases have been reported since the start of the school year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 11 new coronavirus-related deaths, 493 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 314 new cases on Oahu, 62 on Maui, 89 on Hawaii island, 19 on Kauai, three on Molokai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Despite complaints and lawsuits, high-ranking ‘bully’ commander at HPD keeps getting promoted. A battle is brewing within the Honolulu Police Department as members of the rank-and-file push back against one of their leaders, Assistant Chief Stephen Gerona, accusing him of retaliation, sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Hawaii News Now.

COVID-19 sidelines 22 Honolulu Police Department officers. Twenty-two Honolulu police officers were isolated or quarantined Wednesday after testing positive or being exposed to the COVID-19 virus, but the absences are not hindering department operations, interim Chief Rade K. Vanic told Honolulu police commissioners. Star-Advertiser.

No violations found of Honolulu’s new vaccination, COVID-19 testing rules. Honolulu police have found no violations while spot checking Oahu restaurants — particularly in Chinatown and Kakaako — for compliance with new COVID-19 vaccination and testing rules for employees and customers that went into effect on Monday. Star-Advertiser.

DOH issues Honolulu restaurant second red ‘closed’ placard; Failed to pay $3k fine. Doner Shack, a local restaurant in Honolulu, received its second red “closed ” placard and a cease-and-desist order from the Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Still no whistle-blower hot-line: Four years later, audit recommendation yet to be implemented. The Human Resources Department has been scrutinizing interview packets before county departments vet candidates for employment, one of several practices instituted after a scathing 2017 audit found favoritism in county hiring. West Hawaii Today.

Decisions Made On Puna Roads, Water Service Following 2018 Kīlauea Eruption. The County of Hawai‘i provided an update on Wednesday regarding restoration of infrastructure in Puna following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Big Island Video News.

Hele-On Announces More Routes, Later Service For Hawaiʻi Island. The Hele-On bus is adding more routes on Hawaiʻi island, and offering later service, according to officials. Big Island Video News.

COVID cases trend downward, but HMC still over capacity. Altogether, there are 49 patients, or 35% of the hospital’s total patient count, affected by the virus, 11 of whom are on ventilators, the hospital said. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Brad Ventura chosen as Maui Fire Department’s new chief. Brad Ventura, 19-year veteran of the Maui Fire Department, will become the department’s new chief starting Oct. 1.  Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Maui Commission Debates Whether To Hire Next Police Chief In Private. The commission’s attorney argued Wednesday that discussions should take place in public. Civil Beat.

Conservation groups notify Maui resort of intent to sue for lights that harm endangered seabirds. Conservation groups today filed a notice of intent to sue the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui for violations of the Endangered Species Act if it does not fix lights that it says are harming and killing endangered seabirds. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to enter Maui County restaurants, bars, gyms under new rules. Maui County’s new set of Safer Outside emergency rules in response to the COVID-19 surge went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

Council passes county’s own 3% TAT. A 3% transient accommodation tax levied by the county will soon be applied throughout the tourism industry. Garden Island.

Island enters shearwater fallout season. Seabird fallout season, when fledglings risk potentially-fatal disorientation caused by artificial lights, began Sept. 15, and will run through Dec. 15. Garden Island.

Lawmakers grill state over low-cost leases of public land, Honolulu mayor approves removal of Stairway to Heaven, Ige holds firm on no fans in stands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Government owned land in Hawaii, Statewide GIS Program. 2017

Lawmakers grill state Land Board over below-market rents for state properties. The director of the state Land Board was asked tough questions Tuesday about whether the department is wasting money by charging below-market rents. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say audit veered from original scope. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources were prepared to talk about contracts related to leased state lands but soon realized that state Auditor Les Kondo intended to go beyond what they thought the Legislature wanted from Kondo’s 2019 audit, DLNR officials Tuesday told a special House Investigative Committee that’s investigating Kondo and his office. Star-Advertiser.

State Ethics Commission Looking For New Executive Director. The state Ethics Commission is looking for a new executive director after Dan Gluck, the current head of the agency, announced his resignation. Gluck was appointed director of the Ethics Commission in 2016 after the Legislature selected the previous director, Les Kondo, to be the state auditor. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian education programs are awarded $28 million in federal funds. The grant money, part of the American Rescue Plan and the Native Hawaiian Education Program, will support 35 programs that offer Hawaiian-language services, professional development. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Whistleblower Lawsuit Claims Hawaiian Airlines Covered Up Sexual Assaults, Security Failures. A Hawaiian Airlines spokesman called the allegations “stunningly inaccurate.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 423 new coronavirus cases as hospitalizations drop to 357. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 338 new cases on Oahu, 23 on Maui, 41 on Hawaii island, 14 on Kauai, five on Molokai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Gives The Go-Ahead To Remove ‘Stairway To Heaven’. The City Council included $1 million for the project in its budget this year, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi had to agree to release the funds. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige stands firm on no-spectators policy for University of Hawaii sports. Gov. David Ige said today there is no change in the no-spectators policy for University of Hawaii sports, including for Saturday’s home football game at the on-campus Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Teachers rally for more COVID safety measures at Leeward Oahu schools. Members of the teacher’s union, concerned parents, and community members picketed Tuesday afternoon outside the Kapolei State Office building. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Rides for vaccinations: County, Uber partner to provide transportation for shot-seekers. Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency is partnering with Uber to provide access to rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments in as part of the county’s Hele-On Get Your Shot! campaign. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

State senator: Plan to designate Maunakea occupiers as ‘homeless individuals’ is unacceptable. Two Oahu legislators have asked the state Department of Hawaiian Homelands to halt any plans to forcefully remove protesters who remain on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Ethics Board retracts Van Pernis vote. Now that Mark Van Pernis is no longer a commissioner on the Leeward Planning Commission, the Board of Ethics on Monday retracted a prior finding that he violated the ethics code. West Hawaii Today.

Charter school project back before land panel. The Windward Planning Commission is set to decide whether to grant a special permit for Connections New Century Public Charter School to build a new campus on about 70 acres of state land in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission to Consider Proposing Ranked-Choice Voting. The Charter Commission is evaluating substantial changes to our county’s Charter, and at its last meeting voted to propose a Charter amendment to create three voter districts within the County. Maui Now.
 
Amazon Founder Donates Stock Valued at More Than $500,000 to Feed My Sheep. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos has donated stock valued at over $500,000 to Feed My Sheep, a mobile food pantry serving Maui island-wide. Maui Now.

Businesses wrestle with vaccine mandate. Maui businesses are wrestling with the new upcoming county vaccine mandate as establishments say it will put a burden on them to turn the unvaccinated away. Maui News.

Sub-Actions Underway to Fulfill Molokaʻi Destination Management Action Plan. Fourteen “sub-actions” are underway to fulfill the Moloka‘i Destination Management Action Plan approved in December 2020 that aims to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism over a three-year period, according to an update by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Controversial Kauai Glamping Resort Hits Stumbling Block. A bill that would foil the planned luxury campground on a Princeville golf course got the green light from county planning commissioners. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a school bus routes affected by driver shortage. Kapa‘a Middle and Kapa‘a High School parents were notified that beginning on Tuesday, three bus routes would be suspended, affecting 155 students. The two drivers on these routes have chosen not to drive due to a new state mandate that requires government contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test weekly. Garden Island.

Vaccination passport requirements kick in, state auditor grilled under subpoena, BYU defies gathering laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Auditor Les Kondo

State auditor Les Kondo and office are subjects of House investigation. For the first time in his five-year tenure, state Auditor Les Kondo was subpoenaed to appear before a special state House Investigative Committee on Monday and testified under oath about separate audits that found two state entities bungled economic opportunities to better manage state lands. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Legislator Joins Board of Education on Interim Basis. Lyla Berg, who owns a leadership consulting company, will serve at least through June. Civil Beat.

No shutdown planned for Hawaii, Gov. David Ige says. Gov. David Ige said Monday that there won’t be another full-scale shutdown in Hawaii, despite the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the islands that have strained the resources of hospitals and prompted the governor earlier this month to sign an executive order shielding health care facilities from liability if they have to ration critical care. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Monday marks day one of the new vaccination mandate for all state contractors and visitors at many state facilities. Under the new rules, private employees working on state property need to be vaccinated or provided weekly negative COVID tests. Hawaii News Now.

State Appears Lax In Reviewing The Cases Of People Sitting In Jail Awaiting Trial. But prison officials say they already comply with a 2019 law that requires reviews of all pretrial detainees every three months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 461 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 72,352. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 311 new cases on Oahu, 32 on Maui, 82 on Hawaii island, 27 on Kauai, two on Molokai and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s homelessness strategy for Honolulu falls flat. The foundation of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s homelessness strategy was built on two promises: He assured the public that he would end sweeps of encampments and replace police with social workers to address nonviolent 911 calls. Now nine months into his term, neither promise has been fully realized. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu over halfway to reaching housing goal. The city is a little over halfway to its goal of establishing 300 households by the end of the year through the Oahu Housing Now program. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu restaurants adapt to new COVID-19 rules. Restaurants are adjusting to new dine-in requirements for patrons who must now present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to be seated. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Fitness members take new COVID-19 rules in stride. Monday was the first day of the Safe Access O‘ahu program where all patrons must show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result to enter bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and recreational settings such as bowling alleys, arcades and archery ranges. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Anonymous tip leads police to illegal ‘block party’ on BYU campus. An anonymous tip led Honolulu police to a party with hundreds of people in Laie over the weekend. It happened Friday night on the campus of BYU Hawaii, violating the city’s gathering restrictions. And it appears school officials gave the event the go-ahead. Hawaii News Now.

OCCC is fighting outbreak of more than 100 infections. More than 100 inmates and an employee at the Oahu Community Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19, a cluster of infections that the state Department of Public Safety is working quickly to contain before it spreads into the community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Tours to USS Arizona Memorial on hold as repairs to shoreside dock continue. Boat rides to the memorial are still suspended. Operations were stopped at the beginning of the month when crews noticed a safety issue with one of the shoreside docks at the visitor center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State ponders Roth’s request to publicize list of those in quarantine; Ige says ‘it’s a balancing act’. The state is evaluating a proposal from Mayor Mitch Roth to publicly identify individuals who opt to quarantine after arriving on the island, Gov. David Ige said. Tribune-Herald.

Ethics board clears council members. The Board of Ethics unanimously cleared five County Council members of wrongdoing Monday following two complaints on unrelated issues. West Hawaii Today.

A family with ties to the Big Island hopes to support sustainable agriculture with a new dairy operation in Ookala. Chad and Stephanie Buck of Oahu recently purchased the assets of the former Big Island Dairy, which had been owned by Steve and Derek Whitesides since 2011 and was located on land leased from the state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Visitor Industry Prepares for Proof of Vaccination Requirements. On Wednesday, Maui launches the similar "Safer Outside" program, though there will not be a COVID-19 testing option for patrons as there is on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

County’s Solid Waste Division audited, morale in question. Ineffective leadership and unfair practices were noted as two causes of low morale in the county’s Department of Public Work’s Solid Waste Division, a new audit confirmed. Garden Island.

DMV to close early on Sept. 16. The Motor Vehicle Registration division of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be closing at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, to accommodate a staff training. Garden Island.


 

Public input sought on new Mauna Kea master plan, judge approves prison lawsuit settlement, hospital rationing could lessen care for those over 65, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourist view Mauna Kea ©2021 All Hawaii News

University of Hawaii welcomes public comments on new Maunakea Master Plan. There is a draft of the new Maunakea Master Plan that the University of Hawaii would like public input on. KHON2. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

TMT project manager makes presentation. While construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea has yet to begin, work on the project continues around the world. Tribune-Herald.

A U.S. judge has given preliminary approval to a settlement in a lawsuit by Hawaiʻi inmates who allege state officials mishandled the pandemic and failed to protect them from COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and jails. Both sides agreed last week to the settlement, which establishes a five-person panel to oversee public health in correctional facilities and other measures to improve sanitation, hygiene and medical monitoring. Associated Press.

Older patients could be denied treatment under Hawaii’s ‘crisis standards of care’ plan if COVID-19 cases continue to surge. Hawaii is not yet rationing health care, but patients 65 and older could be denied medical assistance under certain provisions of the state’s “crisis standards of care” plan if the current COVID-19 surge escalates. Star-Advertiser.

Over Decades, Hawaii Cut Acute Care Hospital Beds. Then Came The Pandemic. Health and government officials argued that advances in medicine and patient preference reduced the need for the beds, but now, there aren’t enough. Civil Beat.

Same as it ever was: Reapportionment Commission holds fast to 2011 allocation of state legislative seats. There will be no canoe districts and all basic island units will keep the same number of state senators and state representatives they have now, the Reapportionment Commission agreed in unanimous votes Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Kindergarten Enrollment Has Dropped Sharply Since The Pandemic Began. While the latest DOE enrollment report shows a slight increase, the enrollment count for kindergarten is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. Civil Beat.

Proof of vaccine, negative test now required to enter public libraries. Effective today, Monday, Sept. 13, all public libraries and offices for the Hawai‘i State Public Library System will implement and enforce proof-of-vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours to enter. Garden Island.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 735 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 484 new cases on Oahu, 111 on Hawaii island, 57 on Maui, 56 on Kauai, five on Molokai, and 22 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Marines eye land for ‘future force’ at former Barbers Point base. A space-crunched Marine Corps is looking for additional locations to house and train its “future force” in Hawaii, and one consideration may be hundreds of acres of undeveloped land on the east side of the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point. Star-Advertiser.

HART Sheds More Staff, Including Its Latest Chief Financial Officer. The changes come amid the HART board’s private discussions on future leadership at the agency. Civil Beat.

Honolulu first responders account for half of city workers seeking COVID-19 vaccine mandate exemptions. In Honolulu as of Tuesday, 255 police officers, 101 firefighters, 80 water safety workers and 23 emergency medical technicians and mobile emergency care specialists claimed that religion or a medical issue prevent them from accepting a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the city Department of Human Resources. Star-Advertiser.

With new COVID mandates on the way, more line up to get vaccinated. Some residents said they weren’t planning on getting the vaccine at all but chose to get the shot to keep their jobs. Hawaii News Now.

City to open new mass testing site at Blaisdell Arena. It is a drive-thru testing site only, which means the participant will need to register in advance online. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

COVID testing sites on Oahu see uptick as new rules set to kick in. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s plan requires most Honolulu-area entertainment, recreational and food service establishments to require that workers and patrons provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu businesses face challenges as new COVID mandate begins. New uncertainty begins today for a long list of Oahu businesses when new COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandates kick in for 60 days with the goal of reducing the spread of the virus. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Stands likely to remain empty as University of Hawaii spectators still not allowed. The University of Hawaii football team is the only one of more than 100 major college programs across the nation that has not been allowed to have spectators at its home games this season. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Former Na Leo TV exec charged with embezzlement and bribery. Former Na Leo TV CEO Stacy Higa is pleading guilty to federal charges of federal programs embezzlement and bribery. Higa, a former Hawaii County councilman and 2020 mayoral candidate, entered into a plea agreement Aug. 19 with the federal government, although no documents have yet been filed, according to his lawyer, William Harrison. Star-Advertiser.

Low-income apartments approved for Kealakehe. A 111-unit subsidized rental apartment project is slated to be constructed on 5.4 acres near the intersection of Kealakaa and Uluaoa streets in Kealakehe, following unanimous approval last week by the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Mayor, police and fire chiefs talk employee vaccinations. A decision by the City and County of Honolulu to fire a 24-year police officer for refusing to be vaccinated could have implications on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Antibody clinic on way: HMC hopes to have COVID-19 treatment center running this month. The clinic, which will be located on the ground floor of the hospital, will be funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and staffed by FEMA-funded personnel. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Arrivals are Near Pre-Pandemic Levels, but Concerns Rise Over Cancellations. While arrivals on Maui are close to pre-pandemic levels for now, room cancellations for current and upcoming trips are starting to add up. Maui Now.

Maui businesses brace for ‘Safer Outside’ program. As the delta variant continues to spread in Hawaii and the summer travel boom begins to slow, many Maui businesses are on edge. KHON2.

Kauai

Mask rules vary at private schools. In a survey by The Garden Island, most private schools on Kaua‘i met the state’s requirements, while others required stricter masking or went the other direction, not enforcing the mandate at all. Garden Island.

29 new COVID-19 cases in Kaua‘i schools last week. The state Department of Education reported 426 COVID-19 cases between Sept. 3 and Sept. 9. Twenty-nine of those cases were on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Health pass rules tighten to include visitors to state facilities, school buses and other basic services break down due to COVID absenteeism, another Honolulu rail cost overrun, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol PC:Charles Freedman

Gov. David Ige says contractors, visitors to state facilities must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result. Ige’s order says the requirements are necessary to ensure the “safety of the government workforce during this ongoing escalation in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths resulting from the delta variant.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii ACLU pushes state Supreme Court to release inmates to mitigate COVID spread. The Hawaii ACLU filed a motion Thursday for the state Supreme Court to restart the program of releasing some inmates to ease overcrowding in jails and prisons. Hawaii News Now.

Severe shortage in bus drivers cancels routes, leaving students to find their own way to school. State education officials say the pandemic is leading to a severe shortage of school bus drivers on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, and across the country. Hawaii News Now.

Some neighbor island home sale prices lost steam in August. Data from real estate agent trade associations showed that the number of single-family home and condominium sales last month on Kauai, in Maui County and on Hawaii island rose between 9% and 216% while median sale prices mostly were higher but slipped in a few instances when compared with a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s hospitality industry offer free staycations to eligible Hawaii health care workers. The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association announced Thursday that it will soon begin “Hotels for Healthcare Heroes” in partnership with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Laulima Data Alliance. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Global infectious disease expert: 'Hawaii forgot what was making Hawaii safe'. A global infectious disease expert believes the best way for Hawaii to get a handle on Delta and other variants of the coronavirus is to restore pre-travel testing and implement post-travel testing for everyone entering the state – regardless of vaccination status. KITV4.

Doctors, health officials say children still at risk as COVID cases rise among Hawaii’s youth. The state Health Department reported that COVID cases among children 17 and under made up 17% of all infections in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 429 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 273 new cases on Oahu, 63 on Maui, 52 on Hawaii island, 33 on Kauai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kahuku subdivision plan rejected by City Council. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday unanimously voted down a plan from a developer seeking to create a 91-home Kahuku subdivision largely as affordable housing on agricultural land. Star-Advertiser.

HART, HECO At Odds Over Who Caused A $34 Million Change Order To Rail. HART says HECO’s new safety standards were the problem. The utility, meanwhile, blames shoddy and delayed design work by a rail contractor. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Project works to house those in need in Waimanalo . A blessing was held Thursday morning to commemorate the construction of eight new residences for houseless individuals and families in Waimanalo. The houses are part of the Hui Mahiai Aina Project, which works to create housing for those in need in the east Oahu community and to improve their quality of life. Hawaii News Now.

‘When We’re Full, We’re Full’: Oahu Homeless Shelters Struggle With High Demand. Shelters have reduced capacity and implemented Covid-19 vaccine or testing mandates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Who’s Behind This Increasingly Vocal Hawaii Group Opposing Covid-19 Mandates? The grassroots Aloha Freedom Coalition says it is not affiliated with any political or religious views, but only wants to stand up for liberty. The Aloha Freedom Coalition was formed in September 2020 by supporters of Bud Stonebraker, a former Republican state legislator who ran unsuccessfully for the nonpartisan office of mayor of Honolulu last year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Massive backlog at DMV: More than 14K driver’s licenses have expired and await renewal. Residents needing to renew their driver’s license face months of waiting due to a backlog of appointments at the county Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division. Tribune-Herald.

Redistricting Commission gets to work: County Council districts expected to shrink, grow under new census numbers. The numbers are in, and the county Redistricting Commission is beginning its work redrawing County Council district lines to accommodate population growth reported by the 2020 census. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Candidates for fire chief draw public praise. Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ventura and retired Battalion Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett were both described as “excellent” choices to head the Maui Fire Department during public testimony Wednesday on the selection of a new fire chief. Maui News.

Oregon Man Arrested on Maui for Alleged Violation of Travel Quarantine. Maui Police say that upon arrival from Los Angeles, 40-year-old Christopher Chapman did not have a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test from an approved facility, and did not have approved lodging in which to complete the mandatory 10-day travel quarantine. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

COVID-19 surge in new cases forecast for Kauai County. Kauai County, whose record against COVID-19 has been the best in the state, hit a record number of cases Thursday and is projected to see a further spike in the coming weeks. Star-Advertiser.

KDHO: 55 new cases Thursday. Kaua‘i officials are monitoring just how effective vaccination passes on neighboring islands prove to be before committing to additional requirements here. Garden Island.

Native Seabirds Keep Turning Up Dead On A Popular Kauai Walking Trail. Feral cats and off-leash dogs are killing wedge-tailed shearwaters at Kauai’s Makahuena Point. Efforts to stop the carnage so far haven’t worked. Civil Beat.

Ige announces vaccine passport, Honolulu morgue 83% over capacity, Hawaiian Airlines resumes American Samoa flights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State launches Hawaii SMART Health Card program as businesses prepare to implement new requirements. Fully vaccinated people in Hawaii will soon be able to show digital proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status on mobile phones before entering businesses and other venues that require it. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Highgate mandates COVID-19 vaccinations at its Waikiki hotels. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach and Highgate’s Hawaii collection of seven hotels announced Wednesday that they soon will require full COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees, guests and patrons. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to Resume American Samoa Service After 17 Month Pause. Hawaiian Airlines is reconnecting Honolulu and American Samoa by resuming nonstop flights to the location next week. Maui Now. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Former HSTA President May Seek State Senate Seat. Corey Rosenlee is looking to run for the office currently held by Mike Gabbard. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Landlords Can Now Evict Their Tenants. But Not Many Cases Are Being Filed — Yet. The Biden administration has called on states to enact eviction moratoriums, but Gov. David Ige doesn’t plan to revive Hawaii’s. Civil Beat.

American Civil Liberties Union joins call for early release of certain prisoners. The ACLU of Hawaii is joining the state Public Defender’s call for the early release of certain classifications of prisoners and is urging the Hawaii Department of Public Safety to vaccinate more of its employees as two of several steps needed to stop the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus among the state’s incarcerated population. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Education Department Says 89% Of Employees Have Been Fully Or Partially Vaccinated. The department released the figures after Gov. David Ige required all state and county workers to get vaccinated or submit to weekly Covid tests. Civil Beat. Maui Now. KITV4.

While DOE reports hundreds of COVID cases, leaders insist clusters not linked to public schools. In its most recent cluster report, the state Health Department said four clusters were in educational settings on Oahu and 10 on Maui. However, state officials said these recent clusters were not in DOE schools. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees 380 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 69,144. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 203 new cases on Oahu, 54 on Maui, 95 on Hawaii island, 19 on Kauai and nine Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning Commission closes public testimony on short-term rental bill. After listening to over 200 testifiers, largely against the measure, the commissioners decided to close public testimony, but not make a decision until a Sept. 29 meeting. Star-Advertiser.

City Council Urges Blangiardi Administration to Remove Haʻikū Stairs. The Honolulu City Council has passed a measure urging the city to dismantle the steps at a popular and closed hiking trail known as Stairway to Heaven. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

With morgue full and COVID surge continuing, city moves in 2 more mortuary trailers. As the state continues to grapple with rising COVID hospitalizations and deaths, the city Medical Examiner’s Office is reporting that it’s now 83% over capacity. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu records 2nd coronavirus-related death of City and County of Honolulu employee. A second Honolulu city employee died this week from complications related to COVID-19 , two weeks after the city recorded its first coronavirus-related fatality. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police officer is facing termination for refusing vaccination. A 24-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department must accept a COVID-19 vaccine or lose his career in law enforcement after he was served with termination papers Tuesday for declining to comply with the city’s employee vaccine mandate. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Leaders push state, city to open more COVID testing sites amid growing demand. Currently, there are about nine free testing sites on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Weed and Seed program sees 74 arrests in Chinatown area. In the two months since the city brought back Weed and Seed, a once-federal program meant to target crime in a specific area and then bolster community initiatives, at least 74 people have been arrested for mostly drug-related crimes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Land board to consider proposals for Uncle Billy’s, Country Club sites. Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel and the Country Club Condo Hotel could be replaced by Hilton franchises under redevelopment proposals submitted to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

State: Removal of two Maunakea telescopes won’t harm environment. The removal of two Maunakea telescopes will have no significant impacts on the environment, according to reports by the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Environmental Assessment Required For Pohoiki Road Restoration. FEMA says the additional assessment will take about six months for it to complete, County officials say. Big Island Video News.

Sister City program survives pandemic. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put pause to the customary travel among sister cities, but Hawaii County and local organizations have found workarounds to keep the relationships alive until officials can return to the skies. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

On-Site Oxygen Generator Installed and Tested on Maui, to Supplement Supply. Maui received an on-site Oxygen Generator last week and was able to install and test the unit successfully this week, according to Maui Health. Maui Now.

Miyake-HPM Building Supply Completes Renovation of 4 Rebranded Maui Stores. A year after HPM Building Supply and Miyake Concrete Accessories merged on Maui, the newly combined Miyake – HPM Building Supply has completed the rebranding and renovation of its four stores in Lahaina, Kīhei, Makawao and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

County starts appointment system for COVID-19 testing. Due to high demand for COVID-19 testing, the county’s free testing site at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e is implementing a ticketing system to avoid long wait times. Garden Island.

Groundbreaking Tuesday for Princeville’s Kaua‘i Kupuna Park. The Kaua‘i FitLot, described as the first phase of the Kaua‘i Kupuna Park, is a 42-foot circular platform featuring low-impact equipment designed for kupuna. Garden Island.

Tax revenue forecast brightens, teachers union files grievances over COVID protocols, Oahu median home price tops $1M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii dawn ©2021 All Hawaii News

New Hawaii climate technology fund to be unveiled. Hawaii-founded Elemental Excelerator plans to unveil a $60 million early-stage venture capital fund today called Earthshot Ventures that will be the first climate technology fund with roots in the state. The fund, which will invest in both hardware and software companies, is being launched to support entrepreneurs tackling climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii panel boosts general fund tax revenue forecast. The Council on Revenues on Tuesday raised its forecast for Hawaii’s general fund tax revenues, saying it now expects revenues to increase by 6.3% during the current fiscal year instead of 3%. Associated Press.

Here’s How Native Hawaiian Groups Are Using $38 Million In Federal Funds. Native Hawaiians have been hit hard by the latest surge in the coronavirus and still have among the lowest vaccination rates. Civil Beat.

State Teachers Union Files Actions Over Covid Test Mandate, Safety Protocols. The union representing Hawaii’s 13,500 public school teachers has filed a pair of grievances against the Department of Education over the implementation of the state’s Covid-19 testing mandate and “unsafe and changing working conditions” in classrooms, according to a release issued on Tuesday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

New vaccine-or-test rules at Hawaii workplaces, including state and county offices, are making it harder for people to get tested if they actually feel sick. But they also seem to be increasing the state’s vaccination rate. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii health official warns of more COVID-19 deaths in coming weeks. Acting state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble says there is a lag between identifying cases and seeing hospitalizations and deaths. KITV4.

Mu variant detected in Hawaii, but threat is low now. The mu variant of the coronavirus, which may be better at evading protections offered by the available vaccines, has been found in nearly every state, including Hawaii, where its prevalence is second only to Alaska, according to data from Scripps Research. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KHON2.

New COVID case averages dropping. The state’s average daily number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped to 706 over the past seven days, according to the state Department of Health. Garden Island.

Hawaii sees 499 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 68,764. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 364 new cases on Oahu, 38 on Maui, 50 on Hawaii island, 45 on Kauai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu’s median home sale price tops $1 million for the first time. For the first time ever, a monthly median sale price for single-family homes on the island breached the million-dollar mark — hitting $1,050,000 in August, according to Honolulu Board of Realtors data released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu prepares for ‘Safe Access Oahu’ rollout. Starting on Monday, Sept. 13, workers and customers at gyms, restaurants and movie theaters will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test. KHON2.

COVID surge strains Oahu’s EMS service, forcing some patients to wait for an ambulance. Prior to the pandemic, Honolulu EMS would respond to an average of 250 calls a day. Over the past month, call volume has jumped 32%. That means EMS crews are being dispatched to an additional 80 calls every day. Hawaii News Now.

Months After Delivery, Portable Cells Sit Unused At Oahu Correctional Center. Two containers that are supposed to be used as medical isolation cells at the state’s largest jail are sitting unused more than eight months after they were delivered because prison officials discovered the jail’s aging electrical system cannot accommodate the extra load of the new cells. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Prosecutor Argues Against Further Inmate Releases. The prosecutor and corrections officials say the releases aren’t needed to reduce the spread of Covid-19 because inmates now have access to vaccines. Civil Beat.

Increased police enforcement leads to calmer Labor Day weekend. For the first time in five years no one died or was critically injured on Oahu in a Labor Day weekend car crash following islandwide efforts by Honolulu police to curtail impaired driving and encourage compliance with COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Warns Of Service Delays Due To COVID Surge. Officials say affected divisions include Building, Solid Waste, Vehicle Registration and Licensing, Traffic, and Parks Maintenance. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Saddle Road extension shelved. Construction of the road was put “on hold” in fall 2020 after state funding sources dried up and the extension effort was not awarded a federal grant. The state had hoped to draw money from the rental car surcharge fund for the project, but without tourism, the account has seen little revenue. West Hawaii Today.

County Council targets financial literacy. Council members voted Tuesday during a meeting of the Government Operations, Relations, and Economic Development Committee in favor of a nonbinding resolution urging the state Legislature to encourage the state Department of Education to develop a public school curriculum focused on better preparing keiki for the financial realities of adult life. Tribune-Herald.

HPD to retain authority over animal control. The Hawaii Police Department likely will retain responsibility for animal control throughout the county for at least the next year, Police Chief Paul Ferreira said. Tribune-Herald.

Police: Victim of dog attack in HPP dies. Police say the 85-year-old woman bitten by multiple dogs on Aug. 14 in Hawaiian Paradise Park died Sunday at Hilo Medical Care Intensive Care Unit, where she had been since the dog attack. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui “Safer Outside” Rules Includes Vaccine Guidelines at Eateries. County officials are calling Maui’s new set of rules “Safer Outside.” It includes the previously announced vaccine guidelines for eateries, and newly announced reduction in capacity for commercial recreational boating, ground transportation, and commercial tour operators. There will also be no spectators at indoor or outdoor sporting events. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

While some residents support Maui County’s vaccine order for businesses, some say it’s unfair. With Maui County to require vaccine cards to be inside of certain establishments, some businesses find the mandate unfair while some residents said it makes them feel safer. Hawaii News Now.

Online platform to help farmers sell locally. Maui homesteader tapped to operate ‘Amazon-style’ distribution system. Maui News.

Health Department issues red placard to Maui pizza restaurant. Officials said the restaurant would have to remain closed until it complies with requirements, including more frequent professional pest control treatments, along with a monitoring and treatment plan for both cockroaches and rodents, and thorough cleaning of all areas underneath and on top of kitchen equipment. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Special December Election Set To Replace Kauai’s Prosecutor. Kauai Prosecutor Justin Kollar, who steered the county’s criminal legal system away from mass incarceration, is retiring later this month. Civil Beat.

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.

Only one COVID citation issued during Labor Day weekend. Department of Parks &Recreation officials responded to gatherings at beach parks, where they issued warnings, county officials said. Garden Island.