Ige extends pandemic restrictions to Nov. 30, Maui mayor defies Ige's order and allows spectators at sporting events, Kaiser health workers to vote on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Hawaii’s tourism industry anticipates a gradual return of visitors from Japan. As Japan officials ease COVID restrictions across the nation, Hawaii’s tourism industry can expect a rebound. But industry leaders anticipate the return of Japanese travelers will be a gradual one, and it will be some time before Hawaii’s economy sees the positive impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Governor extends mask rules, travel regulations for another 60 days, through Nov. 30. Gov. David Ige said Friday he would extend emergency orders requiring masks and regulating travel amid ongoing concerns about high numbers of COVID-19 infections. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Full text of Gov. David Ige's latest emergency proclamation can be found here.

State health department to end daily breakdown of Hawaii’s COVID-related deaths. Sunday’s email with the breakdown of deaths was the final one from the DOH for the foreseeable future, according to DOH spokesperson Brooks Baehr. Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser health care workers to vote on strike following failed contract negotiations. After months of failed contract negotiations, nearly 2,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente are set to vote on whether to authorize a strike. Hawaii News Now.

Saving Hawaii’s Banana Industry ‘One Good Banana’ At A Time Gabriel Sachter-Smith is on a mission to find the perfect banana for Hawaii. He’s already got 200 varieties in the works. Civil Beat.

State bankruptcies plummet 31% to 15-year low. Around the state, bankruptcies were mixed in the four major counties last month. Honolulu County filings dropped to 65 from 91, Maui County filings declined to nine from 23, Hawaii County filings remained at seven and Kauai County filings ticked up to five from four. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii businesses concerned, affected by COVID restrictions, survey finds. An anonymous Chamber of Commerce Hawaii survey of 217 members — conducted Sept. 10 of mostly Oahu businesses before Safe Access O‘ahu rules went into affect — found that 53% of respondents were still experiencing a workforce shortage, compared with 86% from a similar survey conducted in May. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 7 new coronavirus-related deaths, 277 additional infections. The  new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 161 new cases on Oahu, 21 on Maui, 65 on Hawaii island, 29 on Kauai and one Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

As COVID crisis eases, mayor to propose that Oahu bars be allowed to serve alcohol until midnight. Honolulu’s mayor says he soon hopes to make changes to the city’s rules for bars, allowing them to serve alcohol until midnight rather than halting service at 10 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

City says at-home rapid tests can be used for entry to restaurants, gyms. At-home rapid COVID tests ― like the ones the city is giving away ― can be used for patrons or workers at restaurants, gyms and other businesses. But they’re not allowed for other government mandates. Hawaii News Now.

Embattled HPD commander reassigned after another officer files complaint against him. HPD Major Stephen Gerona has been the subject of multiple Hawaii News Now reports after four veteran officers came forward, accusing him of bullying, retaliation, harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Hawaii News Now.

Health officials join in chorus calling for Gov. Ige to allow fans at UH football. UH remains the lone FBS college football team without in-person fans. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Convention Center rooftop terrace needs repair. The Hawaii Tourism Authority plans to ask Gov. David Ige to add $64 million to the state’s capital improvements budget so that it can finally fix a leaky rooftop deck at the Hawai’i Convention Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Virtual public forum on new Maunakea Master Plan set. The University of Hawaii will host a virtual forum Wednesday evening during which the public can ask questions via email about the draft of a new Maunakea Master Plan. West Hawaii Today.

Lava from Kilauea volcano remains contained. Lava continues to erupt from multiple vents along the floor and western wall of Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Maui Now.

Bay Clinic, West Hawaii Community Health Center announce merger. Bay Clinic and West Hawaii Community Health Center will consolidate operations next year to form a new health care organization serving patients islandwide. Tribune-Herald.

New Deputy Director Of Department of Research and Development Named. Robert “Bob” Agres, who recently served as the Manager for Disaster Recovery Community Engagement and Collaboration under the Planning Department and was familiar to the residents of Puna who were impacted by the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea, will fill the position. Agres succeeds Sulma Gandhi. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County visitor lodging tax set to roll out next month. Maui leaders will charge full 3% in wake of state call to pull county TATs. With more time needed to prepare, especially for smaller accommodations, the Maui County Council on Friday passed a new visitor lodging tax but put off enacting it until Nov. 1. Maui News.

Fans allowed to go back to some games, Victorino says. Mayor Michael Victorino bucked the governor’s denial of his proposed rule changes, moving ahead Friday with looser restrictions that will allow spectators to attend certain youth sporting events. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Six aging structures along the historic Hana Highway on Maui are chosen for major improvements. Many of the one-lane bridges were built more than a century ago and are obsolete by modern traffic safety and load standards.  Star-Advertiser.

Maui officials are seeking proposals on how to manage the county's overwhelming deer population. A county survey estimated there are currently 50,000 deer on the Valley Isle, and predicts the population could reach 210,000 in the next decade. KITV4.

Kauai

Future of Eastside water system uncertain. Nearly two years after management of the East Kaua‘i Irrigation System passed to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, no solution has been successfully implemented to prevent the system’s decommissioning. Garden Island.

HTA touts plans to cultivate ‘mindful visitors’. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is promising a transition to a new direction, one aimed toward greater environmental sustainability and appreciation of local culture. Garden Island.

Lanai

Lanai Council Considers Resident-Only Beach Park Access. Crowds at the popular beach park fronting Lanai’s crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay have sparked tensions between local residents and tourists. Civil Beat.

First humpback whale of the season spotted, crowds expected as Kilauea volcano puts on a show, officials mull biomass for state's only coal-fired plant , more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback whale migration NOAA

First humpback whale of the season spotted off of Maui. Every winter, humpback whales travel nearly three thousand miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm breeding grounds of the Hawaiian Islands. This year, the first reported sighting is officially on the books. KITV4.

Hawaii working on plan to invite back visitors. A lack of international visitors to Hawaii combined with a COVID-19 surge and Ige’s plea for travelers to avoid nonessential trips to the state contributed to a 22% drop in August visitor arrivals from pre-pandemic times. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Corrections Commission Is Poised to Hire Staff After Two Years Of Delay. More than two years after lawmakers created the Hawaii Correctional Systems Oversight Commission to act as an independent state watchdog, the commission has finally been cleared to hire a full-time coordinator to investigate conditions in state prisons and jails. Civil Beat.

Governor Says Hawaiʻi Prisons Don't Have the Capacity to Fully Implement COVID Protocols. Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige talks about COVID-19 in prisons and jails, criticism from the tourism industry amid the Delta variant surge, and vaccinating our keiki. Hawaii Public Radio.

No rush in Hawaii for COVID booster shots as vaccination rates continue to climb. It’s been a week since federal agencies greenlighted booster shots for millions of Americans who were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and while there were initial concerns that demand could quickly outstrip supply, there are no signs locally of a mad rush to get the shots. Star-Advertiser.

‘These are not statistics’: Deadliest month of the pandemic in Hawaii comes to a close with 193 fatalities. From Sept. 1 through Thursday, the state reported 193 COVID fatalities. That means 1 in 4 COVID deaths in Hawaii since the pandemic’s start in March 2020 were reported this month. Hawaii News Now.

2 COVID outbreaks at workplaces on Oahu, Maui led to nearly 40 infections. As Hawaii reports COVID outbreaks at workplaces, the state Department of Health urged companies to offer paid sick days to employees who need to quarantine. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 332 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 220 new cases on Oahu, 56 on Hawaii Island, 30 on Maui, 19 on Kauai, two on Molokai, and five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaiʻi's Only Coal-Fired Power Plant Should Consider Biomass Energy, Researchers Say. The head of the Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute told state lawmakers Wednesday that AES Hawaii, which operates the state’s only coal-fired power plant, should consider using biomass to produce energy. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Judge Orders Release Of All Body Camera Footage In Sykap Shooting Case. A state judge has ordered the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office to release all the police body camera footage connected to the shooting death of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap earlier this year. Civil Beat.

Proposed aquaculture farm sparks controversy. A proposed fish farm off the shores of Ewa Beach is riling Hawaiian environmental activists. KITV4.

House speaker asks for limited number of fans for University of Hawaii game. House speaker asks for limited number of fans for University of Hawaii game. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Man Mistakenly Locked Up In State Mental Hospital Had Been Correctly ID’d By Police Before. Newly obtained police reports reveal new details about the institutional failures that landed Joshua Spriestersbach in the Hawaii State Hospital for more than two years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Crowds expected at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as Kilauea Volcano erupts again. Thousands of visitors flocked to the park in the hours that followed the surfacing of lava and at the break of dawn Thursday to capture a glimpse of the glow within the volcano’s Halemaumau Crater. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

HVO scientist says Kilauea lava ‘effusion rate’ comparable to 2018 flows. The latest eruption of Kilauea is producing almost as much lava as the 2018 eruption, although it is so far entirely confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Plans unveiled to unsnarl traffic near two Hilo schools. State and county leaders have joined together to address congestion on Puainako Street caused as more families drop off and pick up students at nearby public schools. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Tax bill will help longtime Maui families keep land. The council is considering a bill that would help longtime local families who have owned property for generations from being taxed out of ownership. The “Aina Kupuna Lands” bill introduced by Committee Chairwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez will allow those who qualify to instead pay the minimum tax, which is currently $350 a year. Real property owners will also need to dedicate their land as “aina kupuna.” Maui News.

Testimony: New Maui Police Chief Should Come From Outside The Department. The Maui Police Commission plans to publicly interview the five finalists on Friday and take a vote on Tuesday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Badge Pinning Ceremony Held for New Maui Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. A badge-pinning ceremony was held Thursday at the Kahului Fire Station for Maui’s new Fire Chief Brad Ventura and Deputy Fire Chief Gavin Fujioka. Maui Now.

Kauai

Clinics expand to meet demand for booster shots. To accommodate an increase in demand for COVID-19 vaccines, Wilcox Medical Center announced expanded COVID-19 vaccine clinic hours that took effect on Thursday when it offered shots from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in addition to its regular Wednesday vaccine clinic, and Thursday through Saturday mobile clinics that are a collaborative effort between Wilcox Health, County of Kaua‘i and the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Kaua‘i Region. Garden Island.

Kilauea erupts again, Oahu commission approves residential vacation rental restrictions, Maui mayor seeks to relax pandemic rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea eruption USGS photo taken by M. Patrick on September 29, 2021

Lava returns to Kilauea Volcano’s Halemaumau Crater. Kilauea Volcano has started erupting again — just four months after the last eruption ended. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii public schools gear up for COVID-19 testing program. At least 165 schools across the state have registered for training to join Operation Expanded Testing, and 67 of those schools are already actively testing with more schools signing up every day, officials said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Spending Less On Public Infrastructure Than In Recent Years. The latest round of state spending for capital improvement projects is about half what it’s been the last few years. Civil Beat.

State auditor-House panel battle continues. Auditor Les Kondo wrote a blistering, six-page letter to the eight members of the special House Investigative Committee on Tuesday, calling its investigation of him and his office illegitimate, inappropriate, outside of the committee’s scope and a continuation of “the Speaker’s (Scott Saiki’s) attack against me and my office.” Star-Advertiser.

U.S. says 8 Hawaii birds among nearly two dozen extinct species. Death’s come knocking a last time for the Kauai ‘o‘o and 22 more birds, fish and other species: The U.S. government on Wednesday declared them extinct. Associated Press. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Coffee, Macadamia Protections Sought By Hawaii’s DC Reps. The federal legislation would enable research funding to be used to address current and emerging threats to the crops. Civil Beat.

Senators Reintroduce Bill to Adjust Medicare Payments for Hawai’i, Alaska Nursing Homes. The bipartisan Equitable Payments for Nursing Facilities Act will authorize a cost-of-living adjustment at skilled nursing facilities in those states to take into account the higher costs of delivering care. Maui Now.

In a worrisome measure of need, half of Hawaii’s keiki are now on Medicaid. Since March 2020, when the pandemic began, more than 100,000 people have signed up for coverage. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records highest COVID death toll in September since start of pandemic. The Hawaii State Department of Health recorded 181 COVID-related deaths in September — it’s the highest death toll connected to the virus since the onset of the pandemic. KHON2.

Hawaii reports 13 new coronavirus-related deaths, 230 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 144 new cases on Oahu, 37 on Hawaii island, 18 on Maui, 13 on Kauai, two on Molokai, and 16 Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning commission proposes new short-term rental rules for residential areas only. The Honolulu Planning Commission voted Wednesday to recommend the new short-term rental rules proposed by the city Department of Planning and Permitting to the Honolulu City Council, but only for residential areas. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Nearly 100 city bus drivers remain unvaccinated, union working on deal to grant exemptions. The union says the unvaccinated drivers are standing firm on their stance to not get vaccinated. KITV4.

West Oahu Residents Are Wary Of Possible Marine Corps Expansion. As the Marine Corps moves forward with an ambitious restructuring of its entire force and repositioning of forces around the Pacific, military leaders are scouting locations in the Ewa Plains and other areas in West Oahu for new training grounds and potential housing for troops and their families. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

New University of Hawaii Astronomy Director Seeks Balance On Mauna Kea. Doug Simons is taking over the Institute for Astronomy at a critical time for the agency and for astronomy in the state. Civil Beat.

Department mourns loss of two Big Island firefighters. The Hawaii Fire Department is mourning the loss of two firefighters who died within two months of each other. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Proposes Changes to Relax Maui’s “Safer Outside” Rules. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has sent a request to Governor David Ige to relax Maui’s Safer Outside Emergency Health Rules, which went into effect on Sept. 15, 2021. Maui Now.

Panel at odds over proposed visitor lodging moratorium. Members vote to recommend denial and back different version. After many hours of public testimony, panel discussion and a split vote, the Maui Planning Commission moved Tuesday on a highly debated proposal to pause new visitor transient accommodations in an effort to curb overtourism. Maui News.

Here’s How Maui Police Chief Candidates Answered Exam Questions. The Maui Police Commission is expected to select the Maui Police Department’s next police chief Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Maui police detective breaks code of silence, claiming corruption and abuses of power at MPD. A Maui police detective is breaking the code of silence to expose what he says is corruption and abuse of power in the Maui Police Department. The allegations include the kidnapping of a patrolman for interrogation by other officers. Hawaii News Now.

Managing deer, sustainable food is mission of business. Maui Nui Venison to receive funding to help move processing on-island. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Board of Water Supply appoints Tait as new chief engineer. The Kaua’i Board of Water Supply has appointed Joseph Tait to the position of Manager and Chief Engineer at the Department of Water. Garden Island.

2 Los Angeles travelers arrested on Kauai for falsified travel documents. Two travelers from Los Angeles were arrested around noon Tuesday for uploading falsified documents into the Hawaii Safe Travels portal in an attempt to avoid the state’s travel quarantine requirements. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Critically Endangered Fern Rediscovered On Kauai. Scientists had not seen the imperiled native fern in the wild for years, leading some to believe it could be extinct. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Connors nominated as U.S. attorney, swimming with spinner dolphins banned, coronavirus delta variant proves deadly, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors

Biden nominates Hawaii Attorney General Clare Connors to serve as U.S. attorney. State Attorney General Clare Connors was one of nine nominees announced Tuesday by Biden’s White House. Connors, who has served as attorney general since 2019, now starts the U.S. Senate confirmation process. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. KITV4.

US Bans Swimming With Hawaiʻi's Nocturnal Spinner Dolphins. U.S. regulators on Tuesday banned swimming with Hawaii's spinner dolphins to protect the nocturnal animals from people seeking close encounters with the playful species. Associated Press. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

The Counties Are in Different Stages of Creating Their Own Hotel Room Tax Increases. Hawaiʻi's four counties are in different stages of approving their increases to the transient accommodations tax to make up for lost revenue after the state stopped allocating its statewide tax. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hirono Lobbies For Missile Defense Radar During Hearing On Afghanistan. Sen. Mazie Hirono grilled military leaders Tuesday about what the Defense Department will do with money and troops freed up by the end of America’s longest war, asking specifically about a $1.9 billion missile defense radar that has been planned for Hawaii. Civil Beat.

State embracing ‘shared solar’ energy farms on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands land. Hawaiian Electric, the largest utility in Hawaii, is trying to add 235 megawatts of community solar projects on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii island under a plan awaiting state Public Utilities Commission consideration, following approval for 8 megawatts. Star-Advertiser.

COVID-19 delta variant proves deadly in Hawaii. About half of all the COVID-19 cases reported in Hawaii have occurred since early July, when the delta variant, which now accounts for nearly all cases, began to take hold.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sees 240 new coronavirus cases, surpasses 2M vaccine doses administered. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 193 new cases on Oahu, 12 on Maui, 24 on Hawaii island, 8 on Kauai and three Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Over 160 Oahu businesses violate new COVID-19 mandates. As Safe Access O‘ahu mandates stretch into their third week, over 160 Oahu business operators have been cited, warned or been arrested for alleged violations of new COVID-19 requirements that include proof of tests or vaccinations for both employees and customers. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu restaurants seeing drop in sales after proof of vaccination mandate. Hawaii Restaurant Association Executive Director Sheryl Matsuoka said she has heard from members who are seeing revenue cut in half compared to 2019. KHON2.

Oahu Commission Approves Three Maps. Now The Public Gets A Say. The public will soon be able to provide input on what Honolulu’s political boundaries should look like after the Oahu Reapportionment Commission on Tuesday approved three district maps for consideration. Civil Beat.

Years Before Indictments, Honolulu Permitting Department Was Warned About Corrupt Culture. A city watchdog had raised red flags for years about potential corruption in Honolulu’s planning and permitting department. In the decade before federal investigators charged five permitting employees for bribery, the Honolulu Ethics Commission warned the Department of Planning and Permitting about questionable behavior by staff and lax oversight that could lead to abuses of power. Civil Beat.

State senator calls for investigation of Honolulu Police Department Major Stephen Gerona. A state senator called Tuesday for the removal of the Honolulu police officer in charge of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division, alleging that Maj. Stephen Gerona continues to bully and harass subordinates despite repeated complaints, disciplinary actions and his role in lawsuits costing the city more than $1.6 million. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Faced With Unwieldy Voting Rules, Honolulu Rail Board Simply Scrapped Them. For four years, after the Legislature added seats, the rail board required eight ‘yes’ votes to pass measures, but recently decided it needs only six. Civil Beat.

Large wildfire reveals toxic junkyard on state land that was supposed to be used for farming. A large wildfire in Central Oahu on Monday exposed the illegal activities Pat Mackin and others have been warning state and law enforcement officials about for years. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A public meeting about the decommissioning of a Maunakea telescope went quietly on Tuesday. Jim Hayes, president of Planning Solutions Inc., which was consultant for the environmental assessment, said Caltech will hire an archaeological and cultural monitor, vetted by the state Historic Preservation Division, to observe the process and ensure that no cultural sites are disturbed throughout the project. Tribune-Herald.

EA supports Pahoa library: All three potential sites for a public facility found suitable. The final environmental assessment was published last week for a public library in Pahoa. The document has a finding of no significant impact to the environment regardless of which site among the top three identified in the document is chosen for construction of the facility. Tribune-Herald.

The next venture: Construction begins on Matsuyama Commercial Center. The Matsuyama Commercial Center project is being built on a 1.36-acre parcel off Kaiminani Drive, near the northern entrance to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority on the makai side of Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Fire Chief Ventura and Deputy Chief Fujioka Sworn In. Brad Ventura was sworn into office as the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety’s new Chief, and Gavin Fujioka was sworn in a as Deputy Chief today during a ceremony hosted by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino today. Maui Now.

100% affordable rental project pitched for Waiehu. $33.5M Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua would develop 120 units on MEO land. The $33.5 million project, called Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Affordable Housing Community, would be developed with Hale Mahaolu and units would be rented to adults of all ages who earn 60 percent or less of the area median income. Maui News.

Kauai

6 years later, Coco Palms permits still alive. While concerns for traffic, climate change and shoreline setbacks were brought up in regards to the Coco Palms property during Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting, there was little commissioners could do as representatives gave their annual status update on the demolition and progress of the ill-fated resort. Garden Island.

Teachers plead for safer conditions. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School teachers lined the sidewalk outside of their Puhi campus Tuesday morning 6 feet apart, wearing masks, modeling a safety precaution that is all-but-impossible inside their full classrooms. Garden Island.

Maui mayor gets low marks in survey, Ige reluctant to ease COVID rules, Honolulu seeks new landfill site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aquaculture in Hawaii PC:Jeff Milisen via Kampachi Farms LLC/NELHA

 Hawaii aquaculture sales total $66.4M. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Friday said the value of farm-raised marine animals sold by producers statewide slipped 15% last year to $66.4 million from $78.5 million the year before. West Hawaii Today.

Violent and property crimes fell in Hawaii last year, new FBI statistics show. The FBI’s annual report on crime shows Hawaii continues to be safer than the rest of the country, with a violent crime rate per capita two thirds of the US as a whole. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Attorney General backs up county suits against fossil fuel companies for costs of climate change. Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors is supporting county claims that several major fossil fuel companies should be held accountable for deceptive trade practices and other violations of state law. Star-Advertiser.

Air Force drones fly high in Hawaii. The Air Force for the first time recently flew a pair of its big MQ-9 Reaper drones — better known for their missile-firing role in the Middle East — from the mainland to Hawaii, extending the reach of the unmanned aircraft and with an eye to aiding the Navy and Marine Corps in island-hopping operations in the Western Pacific. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Homesteaders Are First To Get Pandemic Relief Funds To Help Pay The Mortgage. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has begun accepting applications for $5 million in federal funds to help people on Hawaiian Homelands who have fallen behind on their mortgages because of the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Potential COVID surge could bring tighter rules, Hawaii governor David Ige says. The original idea in June was to reach a target of a 60% vaccination rate by July 8 that would increase the size of gatherings — then eliminate all restrictions when eventually reaching a 70% vaccination rate. As of Monday the state’s fully vaccinated rate was 67.7%. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

60% of all state COVID cases were in people 39 and under. Keiki 12-17 and young adults 18-29 have the lowest vaccination rates against COVID-19 in Hawaii and are among the age groups that account for the most coronavirus cases, according to data from the state Department of Health. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii sees 255 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 78,404. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 162 new cases on Oahu, 17 on Maui, 32 on Hawaii island, 33 on Kauai, four on Molokai and seven Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Forms Committee To Choose New Landfill Location. The Landfill Advisory Committee is made up of nine members with backgrounds in government, engineering and contracting, among other fields, who will rank potential landfill locations. Civil Beat.

DPR announces city park gymnasiums to re-open. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced Monday gymnasiums are scheduled to reopen for permitted use next month, along with active use of smaller indoor facilities in November. KITV4.

Nearly sold-out condo, the Azure Ala Moana tower, opens in Honolulu. Azure represents the first residential high-rise in the Ala Moana area completed under city transit-oriented development rules that allow buildings to be taller and denser than standard zoning regulations permit because they are within convenient walking distance of a planned, yet long-delayed, city rail station. Star-Advertiser.

Despite a high vaccination rate, a skilled nursing facility in Nuuanu has seen 93 COVID infections this month. The good news: The Care Center of Honolulu on Bachelot Street says the overwhelming majority of those who tested positive have recovered. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

DOT provides update on Kolekole Bridge. The state Department of Transportation said Monday intermediate repairs to Kolekole Bridge on Highway 19 north of Hilo “will be completed within three to four months and will restore normal operations on the bridge.” West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

BIISC focusing on eradication of devil weed. Hawaii County residents are urged to be on the lookout for an highly invasive plant found on the island this year that could devastate the cattle industry. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Commission Meets Sept. 30 about Ethics & Boards/Commissions. The Maui Charter Commission will meet Thursday, Sept. 30 at 9 am to receive public testimony about 25 proposals related to ethics and board/commissions as part of its year-long review of proposed amendments to the County Charter, Maui County’s governing document. Maui Now.

Nearly $70 million will go toward Maui County projects. Public facilities and nature conservation work are among the projects that will receive funding after the state released a total of $69,762,356 to fund capital improvement projects in Maui County. Maui News.

Maui Now Survey: Community Divided on Coronavirus Concerns, Majority Very Concerned About Economy. The majority of public opinion shows disapproval of Maui County Mayor Victorino's handling of the coronavirus pandemic - with 80% of survey participants saying they disapprove and 19% saying they approve of his handling of the pandemic.  Maui Now.

Kauai

‘Aina Ho‘okupu O Kilauea brings food to the community. ‘Aina Ho‘okupu O Kilauea is a nonprofit whose goal is to facilitate solutions to economic, social, agricultural and food security challenges on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

High-tech farming aims to fill food gap, Waikiki businesses pay for police protection, redistricting commission mulls counting inmates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sensei Farms

Can High-Tech Farming Solve Hawaii’s Food Crisis? High-tech farming is costly and limited in what it can grow, but techniques could help Hawaii with its dependency on food imports. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Joins Worldwide Pledge to Conserve, Restore, or Grow 100 Million Trees by 2030. 1t.org is part of the World Economic Forum’s efforts to accelerate nature-based solutions and was set up to support the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed international COVID rules bring hope to Hawaii tourism. An announcement from the Biden administration that it will adopt new international travel policies as soon as Novem­ber won’t immediately fix Hawaii’s global travel slump, which is still down 97% from pre-pandemic times. Star-Advertiser.

State-Run Hospitals And Clinics Pay Some Of Hawaii’s Highest Public Wages. But counterparts in the private sector still make far more than doctors and administrators on the state payroll. Civil Beat.

Senior advocates call on Governor to replace DOH crisis triage policy. Hawaii's "Crisis Standards of Care: Triage Allocation Framework" is sparking concerns among senior advocacy group that its scoring system discriminates against kupuna. KITV4.

Hawaii COVID expert optimistic as booster shots roll out. The Department of Health said booster shots will be prioritized for those aged 65 and up, adults with underlying medical conditions and adults at high risk due to their occupation. KHON2. KITV4.

COVID deaths mount in Hawaii as daily cases, hospitalizations trend downward. With 10 new deaths reported by the state Sunday, Hawaii has seen some 175 COVID fatalities in the past 30 days. This is despite a downward trend in daily cases reported and hospitalizations. Lt. Josh Green believes the fatalities will also drop, but not until mid-October. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 10 new coronavirus-related deaths, 372 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 240 new cases on Oahu, 40 on Maui, 54 on Hawaii island, 32 on Kauai, one on Molokai and five Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Public shoreline access issue stirring in Wailupe. For nearly 75 years, a fairly secluded aquatic recreation area has existed around much of an East Oahu community where an ancient fishpond once stood. Star-Advertiser.

Protection For A Price: Waikiki Businesses Pay Extra For Police. The Waikiki business association has paid Honolulu police at least $2 million in the past 15 years for additional services. Critics say that’s not fair to other areas. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Counting inmates where they live: Redistricting Commission ponders jail and prison populations. Should inmates in Big Island correctional facilities be counted at the facility itself or where they usually live when they’re not incarcerated? That’s a question the county Redistricting Commission is mulling over as it strives to draw boundary lines for County Council districts for the next decade. West Hawaii Today.

BLNR postpones action on redevelopment proposals. The Board of Land and Natural Resources postponed action on a series of redevelopment proposals for a pair of sites on Banyan Drive after a lawsuit demanded that two of those proposals be withdrawn. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Food Distribution Company Sued for Racial Harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing a Big Island food company after a Black employee says he was harassed and later fired in retaliation. Suisan Company is a wholesale food distributing company located in Hilo. Hawaii Public Radio.

Saddle Road alternatives: Paniolo Avenue resurfacing to commence Oct. 1, intersection study underway. Progress is continuing on alternative roadways in Kohala, with schedules even more important since the state’s announcement earlier this month that the $80 million West Hawaii extension of Daniel K. Inouye Highway has been put on hold. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Study approved but water lease is not guaranteed. Board accepts final environmental study for area covering 33K acres in East Maui. Echoing that the decision doesn’t guarantee a water lease, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday accepted a highly debated environmental study for a proposed long-term East Maui water permit for Alexander & Baldwin and its water delivery system subsidiary, East Maui Irrigation Co. Maui News.

Advocates for Unsheltered Houseless Residents Speak Out Against Amala “Sweep”. The county led cleanup effort of ‘Āmala Place in Kahului resulted in the removal of 58 tons of solid waste and 54 derelict vehicles this week, but not all are happy with the process and its impact on the unsheltered homeless individuals who were living in area encampments. Maui Now.

Kauai

Road to business recovery takes a turn for the better. Earlier this month, Kuhio Highway near Hanalei reopened to two-lane traffic, which was a step in a positive direction for many local businesses beyond the Hanalei bridge. Garden Island.

In effort to save the seabirds volunteers remove invasive plants. In honor of Public Lands Day, the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex hosted a morning of invasive-species removal at Kahili Beach (Rock Quarry’s), where the Kilauea Stream meets the ocean. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court requires anti-TMT nonprofit bank records turned over to Attorney General, 2 Hawaiian Airlines flights turned back when passengers act out, Ironman takes a year in Utah, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian oli on Mauna Kea ©2021 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court partially approves subpoena into bank records of group opposing TMT on Mauna Kea. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a subpoena to access the bank records of a nonprofit organization that has opposed the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, but the ruling also further limits the scope of the subpoena. Star-Advertiser.

2 separate Hawaiian Airlines flights return to Honolulu Airport after two unruly passenger cases. One incident involved an alleged unprovoked attack against a flight attendant on an interisland flight bound for Hilo, while the other involved a passenger who allegedly defied the federal face mask mandate on a flight to Seattle. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii officials seek workers statewide for Safe Travels program. The state is seeking to hire 100 people to help verify Safe Travels program documents at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, the Hilo and Kona International Airports on Hawaii Island, Kahului Airport on Maui, and Lihue Airport on Kauai. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s economy is expected to resume recovery in November. According to a new report by University of Hawaii economists, the Nov. 25 Thanksgiving holiday is likely to be around when the main driver of the local economy — tourism — starts to make a significant recovery after a big tumble tied to the towering delta wave of COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s High Cost Of Living Just Keeps Getting Higher. Rising gasoline and housing prices are driving up living costs for isle families, offsetting wage gains that had appeared to offer a bright spot in a tepid economic recovery. Civil Beat.

Vacation rental supply only two-thirds back to pre-COVID days. Vacation rental occupancy across the state was down about a third in August, while hotel supply was almost at the pre­-pandemic level that it was two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hospital rewrites the rules so loved ones can say goodbye at COVID patients’ bedsides. Partnership between Adventist Heath Castle and Bristol Hospice is allowing exceptions so family members can be at the bedside during those final moments. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 445 additional infections. new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 267 new cases on Oahu, 52 on Maui, 81 on Hawaii Island, 30 on Kauai, seven on Molokai and eight Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

US House Passes Bill With Enhanced Standards For Red Hill Fuel Tanks. The bill passed ahead of a highly anticipated decision by the Hawaii health director on the World War II-era tanks, which have leaked into the area’s groundwater. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Commission Seeks Public’s Help In Search For New Police Chief. The Honolulu Police Commission is urging the community to send in presentations and testimony regarding the search for the new police chief. Civil  Beat.

With city vaccine exemptions pending approval, councilwoman proposes alternatives to firing. Andria Tupola has introduced a resolution calling for alternatives to firing and is asking city officials to be clearer about the exemption policies. Hawaii News Now.

Iwilei homeless shelter scrambled to identify and isolate COVID-19 cases. The outbreak affected twenty-six residents and a dozen of its 28 staff, forcing the remaining workers to jump into action. KITV4.

Police Officer Falsely Accused Former State Senator Of Being At Massage Parlor Raid. Officer Chester Desiderio faced an undisclosed administrative action for Facebook comments he made about former Sen. Will Espero. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Ironman World Championship moving to Utah, officials plan Kona return in October 2022. The Ironman World Championship will be held outside of Hawaii for the first time in its 40-plus history, race officials announced Thursday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Collaboration allows students to use Hele-On pass to get to school. Hawaii County has formed a partnership with the state Department of Education to help alleviate student transportation issues on Hawaii Island caused by a shortage of school bus drivers and routes. Star-Advertiser.

Water reservior project moves foward: Final EA released for 10 million gallon tank in Kohala. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply proposes to build the 36-foot-tall prestressed concrete water tank on property currently owned by Parker Ranch. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island COVID patient's family wants court to force hospital to give him Ivermectin. The fight to give Ivermectin to coronavirus patients now goes before a state judge. A Big Island man is is "on death's doorstep," according to his family. Now they hope to force the hospital to give him an experimental drug. KITV4.

Maui

Big changes to Wailuku town development rules proposed. Saying they’re up against a wall, Maui County Council members on Wednesday recommended approval for sweeping changes to nearly 70 acres of downtown Wailuku in a step to evade long-term litigation. Maui News.

6th Hawaiian monk seal found dead on Molokai. Wildlife officials reported the death of another Hawaiian monk seal on Molokai, the isle’s sixth so far this year, which they said is unprecedented. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

'It's very devastating': activists decry removal of Maui's largest homeless encampment. The sweep made way for the Department of Transportation to restore a nearby wildlife sanctuary. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i to move away from tier system. The County of Kaua‘i will be moving away from its six-tiered system, Mayor Derek Kawakami announced Thursday, but will continue to enforce strict COVID-19 safety measures. Garden Island.

Project seeks to boost local egg production. Farmers have an opportunity to add fresh eggs to their list of wares next year, with tools provided by nonprofit Malama Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

South Korea President Moon Jae-In honors war dead in Hawaii ceremony, pre-travel testing misses many infected, GOP leader Carroll dies at 91, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Service members render honors during a joint repatriation ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 22, 2021. PC: Tech. Sgt. Rusty Frank Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

South Korea President Moon Jae-In and First Lady Kim Jung-Sook pay respects to the war dead at an Oahu ceremony. The first joint U.S.-South Korea repatriation held in Hawaii saw remains of South Korean soldiers from the 1950-53 Korean War that had been in the possession of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency solemnly placed aboard a white Korean government 747 at Hickam. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. UPI.

New research raises questions about efficacy of Hawaii’s pre-traveler testing rules. New research shows Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program is likely only catching a fraction of infected travelers. Simulations imulations show Hawaii’s pre-testing protocol may be detecting only 20% of infected travelers. Hawaii News Now.

Supreme Court hears arguments on early prisoner release. The Hawaii Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday over the third petition calling for the early release of certain incarcerated people to help ease crowded conditions that lead to outbreaks of COVID- 19 in the state’s jails and prisons. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

John Carroll, longtime Hawaii Republican leader, dies at 91. Carroll was most-known for his service as a state representative followed by a term as state senator from 1971 to 1981. He also served as the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii says COVID-19 vaccinations required for spring 2022. UH began the fall semester this year offering unvaccinated students the option of undergoing a mandatory, weekly COVID-19 test to be on any of its 10 campuses. That option, however, will no longer be available starting Jan. 3, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Public high school athletes poised to play — but only if they’re vaccinated. The state Department of Education is moving ahead with plans to allow public high school athletics to resume practices and workouts on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

New daily COVID infections are dropping, but some hospitals are still dangerously full. On Wednesday, 282 COVID patients were hospitalized statewide. That’s down nearly 40% from the peak three weeks ago ― when that number stood at 448. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii records 12 new coronavirus-related deaths, 330 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 216 new cases on Oahu, 43 on Maui, 38 on Hawaii island, 29 on Kauai, two on Molokai and two Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Advocates Raise Transparency Concerns Over Oahu’s Redistricting. A nine-member panel responsible for the once-in-a-decade task of redrawing Oahu’s political boundaries based on census data has faced criticism from democracy advocates that the process so far lacks transparency and “meaningful public input.” Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Community Services Director Resigns. Deputy Director Joy Barua will serve as acting director of the department. Civil Beat.

Rep. Case: Manoa Post Office To Remain Open. A post office that has served Manoa Valley residents for decades will not be shuttered at the end of this month, as was expected. Civil Beat.

COVID-19 outbreak hits Nuuanu nursing facility. A COVID-19 outbreak at a skilled nursing facility in Nuuanu that has infected 54 patients and more than two dozen employees is straining the nursing staff and creating unsafe conditions for both nurses and patients, according to the Hawai‘i Nurses’ Association. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Requests for COVID-19 test kits for Oahu residents on pause due to overwhelming response, will resume Thursday.  Hawaii Department of Health today said the “Say Yes! COVID Test” at-home testing challenge is currently on pause due to high demand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Olson Trust lawsuit alleges Tower Development execs violated noncompete agreement. The Edmund C. Olson Trust has filed a lawsuit against two corporate officers of Tower Development Inc. for pursuing redevelopment projects on Banyan Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Legal challenge could cast shadow over land board meeting. A lawsuit demanding that two proposed redevelopment projects on Banyan Drive be halted could disrupt a Friday meeting of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Ige releases $55M in CIP funds for Big Island projects. The state has released more than $55 million in capital improvement project funds for a variety of Big Island projects, including $15 million to Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the construction of a new campus. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

HTA: Progress on 2021 sustainable tourism goals. A tourism management plan for Hawaii Island is gradually being implemented, with the Hawaii Tourism Authority reporting steady progress on goals for 2021. West Hawaii Today.

Big Island Police Killings Often Involve Troubled Victims And Guns — And The Number Has Spiked. Compared to Honolulu, people who died in police shootings were often armed with guns themselves. Civil Beat.

'Post-COVID' Patients May Soon Outnumber Recently Infected Patients at Hilo Medical Center. Case counts are going down — average daily new cases have dropped by 35% over the past two weeks, but Hawaiʻi's health care infrastructure is still overburdened. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

State Releases $69.8 Million for Capital Improvement Projects for Maui County. The State of Hawaiʻi released $602 million for Capital Improvement Projects in 2021, including critical public infrastructure projects across the state and $69.8 million for Maui County projects. Maui Now.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Now Offered at Maui Lani Medical Office. Monoclonal antibody treatment is approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in positive individuals at risk for developing severe disease. Maui Now.

58 Tons of Solid Waste, 54 Derelict Vehicles Removed in Amala Place Clean-up. On Wednesday, County employees and contractors removed 13 remaining derelict vehicles and 8 more tons of solid waste from the area. That’s in addition to the removal of 41 derelict vehicles and 50 tons of solid waste from the area on Tuesday. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

DOH Allows Eateries to Resume Operations After Pest Treatment at Food Court. Inspectors had issued red placards to Nikki’s Pizza on Aug. 31 for a “pest infestation,” and Joey’s Kitchen on Sept. 17 for a “roach infestation.” Nikki’s was approved to reopen on Sept. 17, and Joey’s Kitchen at Whaler’s Village was allowed to resume operations yesterday, according to online health inspection reports. Maui Now.

Kauai

Survey says Kaua‘i business divided on vaccine mandates. The 121 businesses that completed the survey, conducted by the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, represent a wide variety of industries from across the island. Garden Island.

South Korea president to attend Hawaii repatriation ceremony today, hospitals resume elective surgeries, Iolani Palace getting roof repairs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Iolani Palace ©2021 All Hawaii News

South Korea president to visit Hawaii to honor service members in repatriation ceremony. South Korean President Moon Jae-In will be visiting the islands on Wednesday to honor America’s military. He will be part of a repatriation ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as the United States accepts remains of service members killed during the Korean War. Hawaii News Now.

Patriot missiles fired from Hawaii for first time. With little fanfare, the U.S. Army earlier this month fired from Hawaii for the first time two Patriot missiles — the kind used by 15 nations for defense — knocking out two simulated cruise missile threats at a range of about 20 miles. Star-Advertiser.

Major Hawaii hospitals resume elective surgeries. Major Hawaii hospitals have begun resuming elective surgeries and procedures amid a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations and a stabilization of the state’s oxygen supply, a sign that the state has avoided some of the worst-case health care scenarios that were feared as coronavirus cases began to soar in early July. Star-Advertiser.

Two powerful senior advocacy groups want age deleted from state’s triage plan. Two powerful senior advocacy groups are seeking to remedy the state’s health care rationing plan, which uses age as a tiebreaker to deny care under certain conditions. Star-Advertiser.

Experts eye more Hawaii travel testing to contain COVID. Hawaii officials are facing pressure to increase COVID-19 testing for travelers as the islands deal with a record surge of new infections, hospitalization and deaths. The calls come as federal guidelines change to require negative virus tests from both vaccinated and unvaccinated people coming to the U.S. Associated Press.

Hawaii government workers, contractors rushed to get vaccinated as mandates went into effect. The number of state and county employees who got the COVID-19 vaccine jumped in recent weeks after mandates were announced and went into effect. Hawaii News Now.

Tensions continue during investigation of state auditor. There were more tense moments during Tuesday’s House committee investigation of the state auditor and his office over unspecified concerns regarding audits of two agencies that oversee Hawaii land. Star-Advertiser.

Menor-McNamara May Run For Hawaii Lieutenant Governor. The president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii has filed organizational paperwork. Civil Beat.

Hawaii sees 280 new coronavirus cases, bringing statewide total to 76,191. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 197 new cases on Oahu, 21 on Maui, 39 on Hawaii Island, 16 on Kauai, one on Molokai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu police officer suspended for declining COVID-19 vaccine back on duty and inoculated. HPD Cpl. Mark Kutsy, who came to Honolulu as a United States Marine and joined HPD two weeks after finishing his USMC commitment, evaluated the risks of serious illness or death resulting from the vaccine, which were low, versus ending his HPD career a year or so shy of when he planned to retire. Star-Advertiser.

Family Of Paralyzed Teen Sues Police, Alleging Injuries Resulted From High-Speed Chase. Dayten Gouveia was left paralyzed after police allegedly ran a car he was in off the road, causing a severe crash. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOT restores Dillingham Airfield term end date to 2024. Tenants at Dillingham Airfield can stay for a few more years — the State Department of Transportation restored its term end date with the U.S. Army to July 5, 2024. KHON2.

Two Louisiana men serving jail terms at OCCC after violating emergency orders. Two visitors have been charged for allegedly violating Hawaii’s travel rules after they failed to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result and a location to quarantine upon their arrival in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Leilehua High School to implement ‘zero-tolerance’ mask rule on campus. Principal Jason Nakamoto said in a letter to parents and guardians on Tuesday, Sept. 21, “This is now the eighth week of school and we continue to have students that do not understand the importance of proper mask wearing on campus.” KHON2.

City Council recommends purchase of Waikiki road amid safety hazards. The Honolulu City Council voted Tuesday to recommend the city buy a street in Waikiki where residents say the private owner is putting drivers and children in danger. Hawaii News Now.

ʻIolani Palace Will Receive Nearly $500K to Repair the Roof. The palace’s roof will replace approximately 9,000 square feet of slate roofing and remove rust damage. Roof accessories and skylights also will be repaired. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Lots of money, lots of need: Council gets an update on federal rescue funds. Hawaii County’s $39 million federal American Rescue stimulus package has increased to almost $60 million, all of which must be spent by the end of 2024, members of the County Council Finance Committee learned Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Official: ‘Political will’ needed to fix solid waste problems. Hawaii County should impose new fees for Big island residents to dispose of waste in the future, suggested a county official Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

New Hotels Proposed To Replace Uncle Billy’s, Country Club Apartments. Big changes could be coming to the Banyan Drive area of Hilo, where the Country Club Apartments and the former Uncle Billy’s will be replaced by new hotel accommodations, if the Hawaiʻi land board approves two proposals at a Friday meeting. Big Island Video News.

Deadline nears for HVNP’s air tours plan. That’s 21 years after the Air Tour Management Act of 2000 went into effect and a year after a federal judge ruled in favor of a suit by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and Hawaii Island Coalition Malama Pono, or HICoP, which petitioned the court to compel the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service to enforce the law. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Day 2 of Major Clean-Up Underway at Kanahā Wildlife Sanctuary and Amala Place. Supported by a large team from contractor HTM, clean-up crews moved from the road into the Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Refuge, which state officials say “has been severely impacted by the large presence of people living on Amala Place.” Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Maui Educators Picket for Improved Safety and Well-Being Amid Ongoing Pandemic. Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association members who work on the island of Maui were joined by State Representative Troy Hashimoto for informational picketing at Maui Waena Intermediate School and Maui High School on Tuesday morning. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Molokai Has An Electricity Problem. This Co-Op Wants To Change That. A new co-op plans to reclaim some of its electricity ownership by bidding on a community-based renewable energy project. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i 8.9% jobless rate tops state. According to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, the jobless rate for the state was 6.6% in August. On Kaua‘i, it was 8.9%. Garden Island.

World Peace Kannon decorated until Sunday in Hanapepe. As the morning swallowed up the remaining notes of the Kaua‘i Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji gongs on Peace Day, Mark Jeffers of The Storybook Theatre of Hawai‘i approached the World Peace Kannon statue Tuesday. Garden Island.