Secretary of Defense orders Red Hill fuel tank closure, Blangiardi proposes 14% budget hike, retired judge to run for Maui mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fuels director, LCDR Shannon Bencs walks a portion of the 7 miles of tunnels of the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility. PC: Daniel Mayberry, U.S. Navy

Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility’s permanent closure is ordered. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility to be drained and permanently shut down, saying in a statement Monday that it’s “the right thing to do” to advance the nation’s strategic interests and ensure the military is being a good steward of the land it occupies around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Capital Gains Tax Increase And A New Carbon Tax May Not Make The Cut. With all 76 members of the Legislature up for reelection, lawmakers are expected to shy away from those potentially controversial tax measures this year. Civil Beat.

Reapportionment Commission preps to defend against lawsuit. The state Reapportionment Commission on Monday created a special committee to help the attorney general defend it from a lawsuit filed by a citizen coalition challenging maps featuring new political boundaries for the state Legislature and U.S. House. West Hawaii Today.

Capitol reopens to the public. For the first time in a long time, people other than politicians were back at the big square building on South Beretania Street. Monday was the first day of in-person access at the state Capitol building since COVID concerns closed it to the public two years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Legislature considers measure to help landowners with aging dams. Last Thursday, a joint state Senate committee hearing discussed Senate Bill 3225. The measure proposes creating loan and grant programs for private landowners with a plantation era dam or reservoir — in order to improve structural deficiencies. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii bill would prohibit pat-downs of women by male guards. A bill to prohibit male correctional officers from conducting pat-downs of female inmates across Hawaii’s jail and prison systems passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bill to add LGBTQ information to sex education advances. A bill is advancing at the state Legislature to require Hawaii public schools to include “positive and accurate representations” of LGBTQ+ people, people of color and disabled people in sex education curriculum, but some people are protesting that it will legitimize explicit information they feel is inappropriate for schools. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii Already Has Problem Gamblers, But It Has Few Resources To Help Them. Fears of increased addiction and crime are frequently cited as reasons not to legalize gambling in the Aloha State. Civil Beat.

Frustration over unused $160M facility at State Hospital. The Hawaii State Hospital has a $160 million state-of-the-art facility that was completed in May. But officials say it’s still not being used due to construction defects and other issues. KHON2. KITV4.

Health officials report 92 new Covid cases statewide. Today’s reported cases include 53 on O‘ahu, 17 on Hawai‘i Island, 9 on Maui, 8 on Kaua‘i and 5 residents diagnosed outside the state. Over the last 14 days, the state reported 2,516 infections. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor’s Budget Proposal Includes No Tax Rate Or Fee Hikes. The administration proposed increasing the city’s operating budget by 14% to $3.35 billion while reducing the capital improvement budget by 43% to $801.6 million. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Assaults on police to result in swift charges. Reversing a policy in place for decades, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm is amending criteria tied to imposing charges so that anyone who allegedly assaults a law enforcement officer will be charged quickly. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

National Teacher of The Year Finalist Whitney Aragaki Shares What Recognition Has Brought. Since being named a finalist for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year Award, it’s been a whirlwind for Waiākea High School educator Whitney Aragaki. Big Island Now.

Maui

Retired Judge Richard Bissen pulls papers in bid for Maui Mayor. Former 2nd Circuit Court Judge, Richard Bissen, announced he is pulling his official candidacy papers for Maui County Mayor, following an earlier announcement in January of his intent to run.  Maui Now.

East Maui kalo farmers rejoice over Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. The court ruled the state should not have allowed the diversion of millions of gallons of water a day from East Maui streams. Hawaii News Now.

Dogs sniff out COVID in students, staff at Seabury Hall. The research team found the dogs were able to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and common cold or flu viruses. Hawaii Public Radio.

165-unit Kahului Lani senior living complete. Nonprofit now moves on to 178-unit affordable project proposed near Kahului Post Office. Maui News.

Kauai

Namahana School submits application to state Charter School Commission. Namahana School, planned as a free public charter middle and high school to serve North Shore students from Anahola to Ha‘ena, submitted its application in early February to the State Public Charter School Commission. Garden Island.

Food safety audits to resume, candidate qualifying begins for some, Honolulu business district may never be the same, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Safe food handling at Hilo Farmers Market ©2022 All Hawaii News

Food Safety Audits Could Hamper Hawaii’s Efforts Toward More Food Production. As the pandemic eases, the Food and Drug Administration is resuming its audits of farms nationwide. Hawaii is unprepared, experts say. Civil Beat.

More Hawaii visitors expected as state’s Safe Travels program comes to a close. The ending of Hawaii’s Safe Travels program for dom­estic travelers later this month is expected to create more opportunities for Hawaii to recover visitor arrivals, which at year’s end were still down nearly 35% from pre-pandemic 2019. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. forces in Hawaii watch China as world keeps eye on Ukraine. Thousands of American troops have deployed to NATO countries in Eastern Europe as the Russian military marches on Ukraine. But U.S. troops in Hawaii and the Pacific are continuing their missions in the region and aren’t expected to join the fray. Star-Advertiser.

$100 rebates to Hawaii taxpayers imperiled at Legislature. Two bills in the Legislature that would authorize delivery of Ige’s envisioned $100 rebates or credits to every local taxpayer and each of their dependents haven’t gone anywhere, and prospects of enactment appear dim if not dead. Star-Advertiser.

Why It Costs So Much To Own A Car In Hawaii. High gas prices and registration fees make it expensive to own a car in Hawaii and that makes it even harder to afford to live here. Civil Beat.

Many Say a Rule Change Would Persuade More People to Volunteer. Members of key state boards must disclose their finances to the public. If a new law is passed, they would still need to disclose the sources of income and debts and what they own, but not the amounts and values.  Hawaii Business magazine.

Survey shows strong support for a state system of child care, early education, family support. A survey commissioned by a Hawaii nonprofit initiative suggests that an unusually strong three-fourths of voters here back the creation of a state system of community-based child care, early learning and family-support programs — and a majority are willing to pay more taxes for it. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Department of Health official retires after career marked by public health crises. Although her name and face are not widely known to the general public, reporters covering everything from dengue fever to President Barack Obama’s birth certificate had Janice Okubo on speed dial as the point person for the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency to stop updating COVID dashboard on weekends, holidays. The HI-EMA dashboard — officially referred to as the COVID-19 Information Hub — includes testing and positivity rates, daily case counts and seven-day averages, and total deaths from COVID. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Hawaii reports 196 new COVID-19 cases, 1 additional death. Oahu: 124. Hawaii Island: 17. Maui: 21. Kauai: 13 Molokai: 0 Lanai: 2. There were 19 new cases reported from Hawaii residents who were diagnosed out-of-state.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Many stick with working from home, even as COVID cases, restrictions wane. The busy Honolulu business district has been less bustling since the COVID pandemic began — and it may remain that way, even when the pandemic ends. Hawaii News Now.

While Safe Access Oahu ends, some businesses plan to keep rules in place. After nearly six months, Safe Access Oahu has come to an end. This means restaurants, bars, gyms, theatres, and arcades no longer are required to ask for a COVID vaccination card or a negative test taken within 48 hours. Hawaii News Now.

6 city ambulances out of service awaiting repairs, putting stress on emergency fleet. The ambulances represent about a third of the city’s ambulance fleet. Hawaii News Now.

Only in Hawai‘i: You Own the Home But Not the Land. About 1 in 8 condos for sale on O‘ahu are leasehold. Many, including some prestigious properties, are declining in value as the end of their land leases near. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaii Island

County borrowing could hit debt ceiling: Council to consider $139.5M bond authorization. Mayor Mitch Roth is asking the County Council to approve a $139.5 million bond authorization that will take the county smack up against the recommended debt ceiling for sound financial management. West Hawaii Today.

They’re off! Candidates begin lining up for local races. Big Island politics becomes a game of musical chairs during election years, and, with the first week of candidate qualifying begun in a process that is not yet open to state legislative and U.S. House seats, 2022 is turning out to be no exception. West Hawaii Today.

Bill toughens penalties for owners of aggressive dogs. Owners of aggressive dogs could face tougher penalties under a bill that will be discussed this week by a County Council committee. Tribune-Herald.

Council meetings to remain closed to public this month. The Hawaii County Council plans to continue keeping council chambers closed to the public until at least April, despite Mayor Mitch Roth lifting all crowd restrictions for the county, and state legislative leaders announcing the state Capitol will be open to the public starting Monday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii lawmakers stir debate over controversial wood-fueled energy project. An effort to burn a regenerative supply of trees to produce electricity on Hawaii Island has fueled a pitched five-year battle at the state Public Utilities Commission, in court and, more recently, on a third, relatively indirect front. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui County Council races may prove a crowded field. Some old and new faces have emerged early in the election season, signaling they would like to take a seat on the Maui County Council. Maui News.

Public comment sought on budget priorities for new Maui Department of Agriculture. A virtual community meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2022, to gather public input on the new Department of Agriculture’s fiscal year 2023 budget. Maui Now.

More Maui homes bought by offshore buyers last year than in recent times. Mainland and international residents purchased 1,124 homes in Maui County last year, compared with 689 units in 2020 and 760 units in 2019, a recent fourth quarter report from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism showed. Maui Now.

Haiku residents sue zip line after years of complaints. Operator calls it ‘a surprise,’ saying it has been working on a course remodel. Maui News.

Kauai

Plans Stalled For Kauai’s Vacant Residential Drug Facility. The county initiated a title transfer eight months ago but until it goes through a new effort to open Kauai’s underutilized drug treatment facility remains on hold. Civil Beat.

Overcrowding at Kaua‘i Community Correctional Facility continues to make distancing “impossible”. The Kaua‘i Community Correction Center currently houses 137 inmates — 107% of its operational capacity of 128. Garden Island.

Pain at the pump as Hawaii halts purchases of Russian crude oil, Native Hawaiians have uneasy relationship with military, new Marine regiment activates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii gas station ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii drivers brace for higher gas prices. According to AAA, gas prices in Honolulu hit an all-time high on Thursday, and a state energy expert said prices are only expected to climb as the global energy markets remain uncertain due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. KHON2.

Hawaii oil refinery suspends buying Russian crude oil. The owner of Hawaii’s oil refinery said Thursday that island consumers should not expect oil supply disruptions or significant price increases as a result of its decision to suspend purchases of Russian crude oil in response to the war in Ukraine. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Fuel in water deepens Native Hawaiians’ distrust of military. Using 2019 Census data, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs estimates that 3,439 Native Hawaiians across the United States serve in the armed forces, which is 0.8% of the total Native Hawaiian adult population in the U.S. Associated Press.

Marines activate first littoral regiment. The Marine Corps has officially activated its first Marine Littoral Regiment as part of an ambitious restructuring of the service that’s starting in Hawaii. The new unit is set to be the blueprint for what Marine fighting units will look like in the future, with the emphasis on operations in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

$600 million investment plan for Hawaiian homesteads advances. Pivotal Hawaii lawmakers have pushed ahead a monumental pledge by leaders in the Legislature to invest $600 million in the development of several thousand homesteads for Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Bill To Make Police Shooting Review Board Permanent Advances. The Law Enforcement Officer Independent Review Board will end in July if House Bill 1329 is not passed this legislative session. Civil Beat.

Board of Education Will Start Accepting Applications for School Superintendent. The appointed board approved a revised job description on Thursday after lengthy debate over whether to require a master’s degree for eligibility. Civil Beat.

Bill Would Allow Government Agencies To Reduce Their Newspaper Advertising. The measure would allow state and county governments to publish certain public notices on their web sites. Civil Beat.

March 3, 2022 COVID-19 update: 3 deaths, 314 new infections in Hawaiʻi. The confirmed cases included: 161 on O‘ahu (+37 probable); 14 on Hawai‘i Island (+10 probable); 29 on Maui (+13 probable); 21 on Kaua‘i (+2 probable); three on Molokaʻi; two on Lānaʻi; and 17 Hawai‘i residents diagnosed while out of state (+5 probable). Maui Now.

Oahu

Hawaii officials lift ‘do not drink’ water order for 3 more areas on Oahu. The Hawaii Department of Health today lifted its “no not drink” advisory for three more zones on the Navy’s water system, which includes McGrew, Halawa, Camp Smith and a portion of Aliamanu Military Reservation. The area includes more than 1,100 homes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

With some schools still unable to use their tap water, BOE takes stand on Red Hill tanks. The Board of Education voted unanimously to support defueling the Red Hill tanks. Hawaii News Now.

City officials address spike in Oahu traffic fatalities. Oahu is now on pace for 82 traffic fatalities this year, which would exceed its 48 fatalities last year, 54 in 2020 and 51 in 2019, and would be the most in the City and County of Honolulu since a reported 88 fatalities in 2006, according to the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Outdoor masking rule divides Kailua community. Confusion and division in the community over whether masks still should be worn outdoors at Hawaii public schools has led some parents at Mokapu Elementary School to launch a petition drive to end the requirement at their campus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kona Bay Hotel purchased for $21M. A West Coast-based private equity firm recently purchased the iconic Kona Bay Hotel in the heart of Kailua Village. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Air National Guard Training At Hilo Airport. Training exercise involving F-22 jets, C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft, will run from March 3 to 6. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui condos hit record high $730,500; median for homes at $1.1M. Maui condominium sales spiked to a new record of $730,500 last month — and almost half sold above list price, recent reports show.  Maui Now.

Final community meeting regarding possible use of Pioneer Mill Office. The final community use planning meeting to discuss future possible uses of the Pioneer Mill office building will be held via zoom at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10.  Maui Now.

Kauai

DeCosta spearheads bills to streamline agricultural land-designation process. Councilmember Billy DeCosta introduced three bills last week that would sunset certain agricultural tax-relief programs, which he claims are outdated and potentially disadvantageous to Kaua‘i food farmers. Garden Island.

State Capitol to reopen to public, jury trials resume, Caldwell joins gubernatorial race, Mauna Kea management plan advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Hawaii House opening day 2022 PC:House GOP

State Capitol to reopen to public Monday. Visitors to the state Capitol will have to provide photo identification and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours to get inside the Capitol when it’s scheduled to reopen to the public on Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Jury trials resume after long pause due to COVID. A spokesperson for the Hawaii State Judiciary said although there was a pause, there have been about 100 jury trials during the pandemic. However, legal experts have said those were mostly less serious cases. KHON2.

Bill to replace University of Hawaii stewardship of Mauna Kea advances. Three state House committees advanced a bill Wednesday that would create a new entity to oversee the state-managed lands of Mauna Kea, including the world-class observatories on Hawaii’s tallest mountain. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Lawmakers to hear public testimony on proposed $600M for Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaiʻi lawmakers will hear public testimony Thursday on a proposal to invest $600 million into long-term affordable housing for Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Kirk Caldwell joins gubernatorial race. Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced his candidacy for governor this week with a series of ads in daily newspapers across the islands that included the headline, “Even if some don’t think I can win.” Star-Advertiser.

Bill Requiring More Info On Police Arrests And Use Of Force Dies In Hawaii Senate. Senate Bill 2318 is dead after four committees failed to hold a hearing on the bill supporters say would improve police transparency. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmakers Advance Measures To Fund The Police Standards Board. But the bills also require new standards to apply only to officers hired after 2024. Civil Beat.

DOH Revises Interim Administrative Rules for Medical Cannabis Dispensary Licensing Program. The Hawaii State Department of Health revised interim administrative rules for the medical cannabis licensing program went into effect on Feb. 24. Big Island Now.

University of Hawaii unveils public portal for information on climate. The Hawaii Climate Data Portal — set to go live today — is an open-source platform with easy public access to reams of climate data and information along with data products, climate tools, links and more. Star-Advertiser.

Connors: COVID fraud crackdown a priority. The top federal law enforcer in Hawaii said Wednesday that President Joe Biden’s announced crackdown on those responsible for stealing billions in coronavirus relief funds is a priority for her as well. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii reports 166 new COVID infections, 7 additional fatalities. The statewide test positivity rate is 2.7%. -- the positivity rate in Honolulu County is 2.5%; on the Big Island it's 3.5%; in Maui County it's 3.2%; and on Kauai it is 5.1%. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 236,435 total infections to date. KITV4.

Oahu

Native Hawaiians waited years for homes on their ancestral land. Then the problems began. Given questions about the department’s responsibilities to Hawaiians and its approach to construction oversight, the Star-Advertiser and ProPublica undertook to find out how satisfied beneficiary homeowners were. The news organizations canvassed the two most recent homesteading subdivisions in Kapolei, a region of former sugar cane land where much of Oahu’s single-family housing has been built the past several decades. Star-Advertiser.

Judge In Conspiracy Case OKs Deposition Of Terminally Ill Ex-Budget Director. Three former Honolulu officials facing federal indictment believe Nelson Koyanagi can provide information that helps their defense. Civil Beat.

Blangiardi appoints Arthur Tolentino to HART Board of Directors. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has appointed Arthur Tolentino to the Board of Directors of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the overseeing authority for Honolulu’s rail transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Climate Change Lawsuit Against Oil Companies Will Proceed, Judge Rules. The case is the first of its kind to reach the discovery phase in which oil companies will have to share documents, the city said. Civil Beat.

Amid staffing shortages, HPD eyes 12-hour shifts for patrol officers. Honolulu’s interim police chief and the SHOPO union have met three times in recent weeks to address staffing shortages in patrol divisions. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi considering contract allowing media access to first-responder radio. City attorneys are reviewing the legality of restoring public access to first ­responder radio traffic after Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed interest in a contractual agreement with Honolulu media outlets permitting them to listen in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kahele tours Kona: Congressman visits multiple sites, gets update on airport plans. Plans and visions for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole were presented Tuesday to U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele during his multi-day tour of West Hawaii sites. West Hawaii Today.

Kona teacher on unpaid leave after criminal charges filed. A Konawaena Middle School teacher facing three counts of sexual assault against a minor has been placed on leave. West Hawaii Today.

Russian, Belarusian athletes banned from upcoming Ironman eventsThe Ironman Group is banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from all upcoming events this year, including May’s world championship in Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

This Company Wants To Sell You A Second Home On Maui — Or At Least A Piece Of One. A startup that buys luxury houses and sells shares in them to buyers interested in owning second homes has started operating on Maui, alarming some local residents who are tired of wealthy investors buying up property on the island. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Despite criticism from former commanders, MPD chief stands by changes to training, staffing. Eleven weeks into his new position, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is defending a host of changes that have prompted some of his commanders to leave. Hawaii News Now.

Kīpahulu Campground reopens with new online reservation system, March 16. Campsites now can only be reserved using the new online reservation system, which is required for all campsites in the campground. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i OPA requests funds for drug, domestic violence cases. County Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like requested Kaua‘i County Council approval last week to receive federal grant funds to aid in the county’s ongoing efforts to prosecute drug crimes and domestic violence. Garden Island.

KIUC board of directors election ballots go out. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members who are receiving ballots for the 2022 Board of Directors election are alerted to a contractor error on the “Instruction to Voters” section of the ballot. Garden Island.

Hawaii Safe Travels to end, mask mandate remains; Roth proposes 13.1% budget hike, Maui plastic foodware ban begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Ige to end Safe Travels but remains firm on indoor mask mandate. Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday that the Safe Travels Hawai‘i program and other COVID-19 restrictions will end when the current pandemic-related emergency proclamation expires March 25. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Economy Is Rebounding Faster Than Expected. Mainland visitor arrivals in 2021 came close to meeting Hawaii’s banner year in 2019, when the state hosted more than 10 million visitors. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

‘Stand for Hawaii’: Hawaii GOP rallies to kick off 2022 election season. Members of Hawaii’s Republican Party gathered at the State Capitol Tuesday morning to rally and kickoff the 2022 election year. New and returning candidates shared their beliefs and hopes for the republican party in Hawaii, which is a deep blue state. Hawaii News Now.

Plan To Commit $600 Million To Hawaiian Home Lands Development Advances. After receiving hundreds of testimonies in favor of the measure, a key lawmaker says she will review possible  amendments and act on the bill on Thursday. Civil Beat.

Bill Calls For Direct Aid To Families For Learning Expenses. Many families could use financial assistance to help defray the cost of extra educational support during the pandemic, according to a local nonprofit. Civil Beat.

Bill aims to combat feral chicken nuisance. A bill to establish a five-year pilot program to combat feral chickens throughout the islands is moving through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

‘Grab And Go’: How Officials Seized A Fifth Grader To Live With A Father She Barely Knew. The case provides a rare glimpse of Hawaii officials’ immense power to remove children from their households, even without a court order. Civil Beat.

Public Libraries to Reopen Wednesdays. The Hawai‘i State Public Library System announced in a news release that public library branches will reopen on Wednesdays beginning March 2. The Wednesday closures were instituted in August 2021 because of the high infection rates of the Delta and Omicron variants. Big Island Now.

Honolulu biotech firm gets emergency clearance for COVID-19 tests. FDA approves emergency use for first rapid COVID-19 test developed in Hawaiʻi. Patrick Sullivan, president and CEO of Oceanit, says the company began working on a saliva spit test but switched to a shallow nasal swab for easier use. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4.

Hawaii reports 118 COVID cases. The Hawaii Department of Health reports 118 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, March 1. There are 74 coronavirus cases on Oahu, 15 on the Big Island, nine on Kauai, 19 on Maui and one diagnosed out of state. KHON2.

Oahu

Hundreds of misdemeanor cases are dismissed due to Hawaii Supreme Court ruling.  Hundreds of misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor cases on Oahu have been dismissed or thrown out since December due to a Hawaii Supreme Court decision. Now, the Office of the Public Defender is asking the Court to dismiss the case in which a teenager reported being sexually assaulted at Ala Moana Center. KITV4.

Navy says detections of carcinogen in Oahu water were result of lab error. A dozen samples collected from the Navy’s drinking water system in January that detected BCEE, a chemical that can increase the risk of cancer, were reported in error by a lab, according to the Navy, which said the results have now been reclassified as non-detects. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

State rejects Navy’s way to evaluate Red Hill. The state Department of Health on Monday said the Navy is not in compliance with its Dec. 6 emergency order requiring it to empty its Red Hill fuel facility after determining the contractor hired by the Navy to do an assessment of the work was not in a “position to act independently.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Department lifts ‘do not drink’ water advisory for Ford Island, Hale Moku and Hokulani. Residents of Ford Island, Hale Moku and Hokulani can resume drinking and cooking with their tap water, according to the Hawaii Department of Health, which lifted its drinking water advisory for those zones on the Navy’s water system Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

‘Waste of taxpayer money’: Some lawmakers oppose protecting coastal properties. Following the collapse of a beachfront property into the ocean on the North Shore, some lawmakers said the state should not protect the homes, but rather have them removed from the beach. Hawaii News Now.

Bill addresses concerns over visitor impacts at Sharks Cove and Pupukea tidepools. A bill arising from concerns about surging numbers of visitors to the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District on Oahu’s North Shore will be heard today by the state Senate Ways and Means Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth proposes $689.9M spending plan, a 13.1% increase. Buoyed by rising property values from a robust real estate market, the annual budget proposed Tuesday by Mayor Mitch Roth comes in at $689.9 million, a 13.1% increase over the previous year. West Hawaii Today.


Big Island Power Plant Is Under Scrutiny By Hawaii Utilities Regulators. The Hu Honua Bioenergy plant has bogged down in complex regulatory and legal fights over the electricity costs and environmental concerns. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii County to hold hearing to discuss closure of Waipio Valley Access Road. A virtual meeting will be open to the public on March 9 between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Getting back to ‘normal’: With COVID restrictions lifted, some East Hawaii businesses move quickly to restore capacity. With gathering sizes no longer limited on the Big Island, businesses are eager to return to normalcy but still face staffing woes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mauiʻs plastic disposable foodware ban is now in effect. The ban was supposed to take effect in the new year, but implementation was postponed for two months amid COVID-related supply chain delays. Maui Now. KHON2.

Hale Makua moves forward with plans for rehab center. Latest details for proposed $64.2M, 76,200-square-foot facility in Kahului have been released. Maui News.

Kauai

Kawakami Announces Kauai Mayoral Reelection Bid. The county’s voters will elect a mayor in November following the nonpartisan August primary. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Hanalei River Bridge to see multi-million dollar repair. A project to repair and improve the Hanalei River bridge is set to be put out to bid in fall 2022 at an estimated cost of between $5 million and $10 million. Garden Island.

All islands drop local COVID restrictions, statewide mask mandate remains, crumbling beachfront takes down North Shore house, candidate filing begins for most, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

North Shore house collapses PC:DLNR

All Hawaii counties drop COVID restrictions; statewide mask mandate still in place. Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii counties on Monday joined Maui County in repealing their last remaining COVID-19 restrictions, which ranged from limiting gathering sizes to requiring proof of vaccination or negative test result to enter certain establishments. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Candidates For Legislature, US House Can’t Pull Papers Yet. A legal dispute has put those races on hold. But candidates seeking other statewide as well as county offices may start filing nomination papers March 1. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

CPAC Speech Could Lead To Gabbard’s Expulsion From Hawaii Democrats. The party’s Oahu chapter is asked to investigate the former congresswoman, who is accused of helping to raise cash for the GOP. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi lawmakers consider establishing a pilot stipend program to retain child care workers. State lawmakers are considering several measures to improve early education in the islands. Two bills could help address an ongoing shortage of early educators. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would remove redundant regulations for state’s hemp farmers. Hawaii hemp farmers hope a bill moving through the state Senate will finally allow them to affordably sell products here. Tribune-Herald.

2 more museums agree to return iwi kupuna after European repatriation trip. A group of cultural practitioners returned from Germany and Austria earlier this month bringing back 58 iwi kupuna that were stolen from their burial places and then stored in European collections. Burial expert Edward Halealoha Ayau says spreading awareness of their trip in Europe led two more organizations to agree to repatriation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to get $73M from opioid settlement. Hawaii will receive about $73 million as its share of a landmark settlement with the manufacturer and distributors of opioids for their roles in a national addiction crisis, according to the state attorney general. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 142 COVID cases. There are 65 coronavirus cases on Oahu, 29 on the Big Island, 30 on Kauai, 17 on Maui, and one diagnosed out of state. KHON2.

Oahu

Home collapses on Oahu’s North Shore. For years, homes along Oahu’s legendary North Shore have teetered atop sand berms as waves tear away at their foundations, lanai and front yards. But in the dark hours of Monday morning, a loud cracking sound from one of those homes pierced the air, waking neighbors as the modest structure slid down onto the beach amid frothy waves. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Navy Already In Violation Of Red Hill Emergency Order, DOH Says. The Navy has too much influence over its own supposedly independent contractor, according to DOH. Civil Beat.

Oahu police staffed at dangerously low level, says SHOPO. A shortage of police patrol officers is creating dangerous conditions on Oahu by leaving areas of the island unguarded on occasion while available units scramble to respond to 911 calls, the president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Public asked to sound off on tour flights over HVNP. The spokesman for a local citizens’ group that successfully sued to have the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service brought into compliance with the Air Tour Management Act of 2000 expressed disappointment Monday that the agencies released a document seeking comments on possible air tour management plans for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Maui’s Haleakala National Park. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Traffic signals or roundabout in Waikoloa? Study lays out pros and cons. Consultants hired by the county to evaluate the best alternative for the intersection of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Avenue seem to be leaning toward a roundabout rather than traffic signals. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Kalani English’s Fall From Grace Leaves Former Constituents Feeling Betrayed. For nearly two decades, the Maui legislator was secure in his Hawaii Senate seat. Then came his sudden retirement, followed by a bribery scandal. Civil Beat.

‘Every Scream Is Heard And Felt’: Neighbors Sue Haiku Zip Line Operator. The fight over the zip line — and whether it should be operating in the first place — has gone on for years. Civil Beat.

Maui Memorial Medical Center reinstates allowance of regular visitors. Hospital spokesperson Tracy Dallarda said the reinstatement of regular visitors comes as Maui Health continues to review hospital processes and protocols “to ensure they remain aligned with patient and family needs, and in consideration of the sustained reduction in COVID-19 positivity rates throughout Maui County.” Maui Now.

Restoring Kahoolawe is their top priority, but securing funding is a challenge. Decades ago, $400 million was authorized for ordnance removal, but many unexploded bombs remain. Approximately 25% of the island has not been cleared. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

CC&R bill stalls with councilmembers’ tie vote. The fate of legislation sponsors say is crucial to fixing the island’s housing crisis has been delayed after councilmembers’ prolonged debate resulted in a tied vote last week. Garden Island.

A Struggle Over Water: Lawmakers Push To Protect Kalo Cultivation. For years, a group of farmers on Kauai have struggled to grow their kalo. University of Hawaii Student Stories project badgeThat group, the Waiʻoli Valley Taro Hui, has been navigating the complex process of obtaining a water lease from the state. Civil Beat.

Navy secretary visits Oahu, Maui mayor repeals COVID emergency rules, Kauai elects Like prosecutor, Merrie Monarch hula fest is a go, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula dancers at 2019 Merrie Monarch festival ©2022 All Hawaii News

Plan to ‘reimagine’ University of Hawaii is considered. First steps toward “reimagining” the whole 10- campus University of Hawaii system are underway, with a proposed new focus on luring and training more local residents to the fields in which the state most urgently needs workers, such as health care, education and technology. Star-Advertiser.

Senior Hawaii Teachers Inch Closer To Receiving Pay Raises. Lawmakers are debating whether to fund pay increases for veteran teachers and hard-to-staff positions. Civil Beat.

Money piling up behind candidates in Hawaii gubernatorial race. Who becomes Hawaii’s next governor will be up to 300,000 to 400,000 or so voters later this year, but several hundred people and organizations really want to influence the decision. Star-Advertiser.

Two virtual currency bills pass final committee hearings. A pair of bills that would provide state regulatory support for “virtual currencies” successfully passed their final committee hearings in their respective chambers last week. Tribune-Herald.

Bill for Duke Kahanamoku license plate advances. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, renowned as the father of modern surfing and Hawaii’s first Olympic swimming gold medalist, has been commemorated by a statue in Waikiki since 1990, the 100th anniversary of his birth. Star-Advertiser.

Dr. Richard Kelley, a significant figure in Hawaii’s tourism industry, dies at 88. Dr. Richard Roy Kelley, who headed Outrigger Hotels and Resorts for decades and served as a significant figure in Hawaii’s tourism industry, has died at age 88. Hawaii News Now.

Military personnel, aircraft training starts. The U.S. Air Force’s 15th Wing and Hawaii Air National Guard are scheduled to conduct an exercise starting today and running through March 11 that is likely to attract public attention. Star-Advertiser.

Releases From Hawaii Prisons Slowed During Pandemic Despite Supreme Court Orders. U.S. Department of Justice statistics show the state prison system released 30% fewer inmates in 2020 than the year before, the biggest decrease among the states. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency marks 2 years of COVID operations. Even before Hawaii officially documented its first case of the coronavirus on March 7, 2020, the state’s emergency response specialists had been tapped to follow news of the emerging pandemic and try to stay a step ahead of the virus. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 229 new coronavirus infections, 4 additional deaths. The new cases include 133 on Oahu,  33 on Hawaii Island, 27 on Maui, 24 on Kauai, 3 on Lanai and o on Molokai, wioth 9 new cases of Hawaii residents out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro visits Oahu to discuss water contamination crisis. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro will wrap up his visit to Hawaii Monday as the service continues to work to resolve the months-long contamination of its water system that serves 93,000 people on Oahu, including military families, schools, businesses and civilians living in former military housing areas. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Scores A Win Against Big Oil In Climate Change Lawsuit. Out of over a dozen climate change cases filed nationwide, Honolulu’s case is leading the pack, attorneys say. Civil Beat.

More Problems Mount Along Honolulu Rail Track Crossings. The latest snafu, involving track gauge, raises questions about the crossings’ design as HART struggles to make their components fit together. Civil Beat.

HPD main station cellblock reopens after $4.2M renovation completed. The Honolulu Police Department opened its newly renovated cellblock Friday at its headquarters on Beretania Street. Hawaii News Now.

After lengthy inquiry, former principal of Hawaii School for Deaf and Blind to be reinstated. In 2019, the state Department of Education complex superintendent recommended that Angel Ramos, who was principal at the time, be demoted. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Green light for hula fest: Merrie Monarch competition set to return to pre-COVID glory. With COVID-19 case counts on the decline, the 59th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival will return to its customary schedule starting April 17. Tribune-Herald.

Sexual abuse suits against former Big Island priest settled. The Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii has settled four civil lawsuits alleging a defrocked Big Island priest sexually molested teenage boys decades ago, according to court records. Tribune-Herald.

Work begins on HCCC expansion. Construction began last month on a long-planned and controversial new housing module at the Hilo jail. Tribune-Herald.

Waipiʻo Valley Road Closed To Visitors Under New Emergency Rule. As of Friday, February 25, the road is closed to visitors "as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate the road’s conditions", officials say. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Maui

Mayor repealing Maui County Public Health Emergency Rules, effective March 1, 2022. All of Maui County’s Public Health Emergency Rules are being repealed, effective March 1, 2022, according to an announcement by Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. Maui Now. Maui News.

County looks to flip the switch on light pollution. Bill would update rules on lighting to help protect wildlife. A Maui County Council committee is considering a bill that would revise and update the county’s existing light ordinance. Maui News.

Cameron Center Installs Electric Charging Stations to Combat Climate Change. The new stations replace earlier versions installed and operated by the Hitachi Corporation in a pilot project on Maui to expand charging station availability. Maui Now.

Kauai

Like Prevails Over Iseri In Kauai Prosecutor Race. A political newcomer, Like is stepping into office at a time when the island is dealing with a rise in fentanyl abuse, a suicide problem and a longstanding lack of mental health and drug addiction resources. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Contentious cat feeding, abandoning bill heads to second reading. A bill prohibiting the feeding of feral cats on County of Kaua‘i-owned property passed out of committee last week, and will appear before the County Council for a final reading in two weeks’ time.  Garden Island.

Council discusses Hideaways access improvements. Two Kaua‘i County Council bills that passed first readings last Wednesday may appropriate up to $1.5 million to improve access to Hideaways, or Kaumumene Beach, in Princeville. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court halts candidate filing after reapportionment lawsuit, EPA launches investigation into Red Hill, Maui police employee dies chasing purse snatcher, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court ©2022 All Hawaii News

Supreme Court issues injunction temporarily stopping candidate filing after petition filed to declare legislative maps invalid. The Hawaii Supreme Court late Thursday issued an injunction temporarily stopping candidate filing that was to start Tuesday until it can consider a petition filed by 11 residents from three islands questioning the process by which the state Reapportionment Commission drew legislative boundary maps. West Hawaii Today. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Bills on excessive police force, hike in fireworks fines advance. Bills that would require law enforcement officers to intervene and report colleagues using excessive force and increase fines for fireworks violations passed out of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Moving forward: Coffee labeling bill clears House committees. A bill that would set tighter limits on using Hawaii location names to sell coffee cleared its last state House committee Wednesday, sending it back for a vote on the full house floor before crossing over to the Senate for further consideration. West Hawaii Today.

Testimony mostly positive as retirement bill passes committees. A bill that would help state residents plan for their retirements has passed its committees in the State Senate with broad support. Tribune-Herald.

Mililani Trask named new OHA trustee for Hawaii Island. Native Hawaiian rights activist and lawyer Mililani Trask has been voted to become Hawaii Island’s trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Hawaii holds onto mask mandate as loosened U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance looms. As daily coronavirus cases in Hawaii and nationwide continue to trend down, the debate over mask mandates has become a hot- button issue, particularly in the Aloha State, the last holdout with a statewide indoor mask mandate in place and no announcements on when it will end. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

289 new COVID cases reported statewide; 8 deaths. Hawaii reported 289 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, pushing the statewide total to 235,124. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Environmental Protection Agency launching investigation into Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility. The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that he’s launching an investigation into the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility, telling reporters gathered in downtown Honolulu that it’s important the agency plays “its strong, independent role” in upholding environmental laws and regulations. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Regulators Were Watching The Navy’s Red Hill Fuel Facility. What Went Wrong?  A monitoring agreement signed in 2015 failed to prevent a catastrophe six years later. Civil Beat.

Property raided over illegal dumping allegations. Pressure is mounting for a Hauula property owner who has been accused of illegal dumping on his land, as law enforcement raided his property early Thursday. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Kapiolani Community College Is Struggling With Lingering Irrigation Issues. Broken pumps and electrical issues are causing native plants to die, which has impacted student learning, school officials said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County scales back COVID-19 testing. Beginning next week, the county will scale back its COVID testing sites as new daily case totals continue to decline. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Waipi‘o Valley Road to Close to Pedestrians; Open for Valley Resident Vehicle Traffic Only as Plan to Fix Route Begins. Hawai‘i County will shut down Waipi‘o Valley Road to pedestrians for safety reasons after the results of a geotechnical study on the steep, crumbling roadway was made public Thursday night. Big Island Now.

Maui

Residents, industry reps debate plan to cap Maui visitor units. Some residents backed a plan to cap Maui’s transient accommodations, while industry testifiers questioned whether a ceiling would have unintended legal and financial consequences during a Maui County Council committee meeting Wednesday. Maui Now. Maui News.

Kihei Wants Long-Term Solutions To Chronic Flooding. The community has been prodding the county to take action on a report it commissioned more than a year ago that’s filled with cost-effective and environmentally friendly ideas. Civil Beat.

Maui Police Department ‘matriarch’ dies in Pukalani crash while chasing purse snatcher. A 55-year-old Maui Police Department employee died in a motor vehicle collision on Maui this morning as she was chasing someone who had reportedly stolen her purse. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

State Agrees To Pay $550,000 To Settle Lawsuit Over Inmate Suicide At Maui Jail. The 26-year-old female prisoner warned jail staff she was contemplating suicide, but the facility did not place her on suicide watch. Civil Beat.

Options to control wave energy explored as beach loss continues at “Sugar Cove” near Pāʻia. Sugar Cove, a pocket beach near Pā’ia, is home to a privately funded beach restoration effort that’s been ongoing for nearly three decades. Maui Now.

Kauai

Like, Iseri make final push for Prosecuting Attorney Special General Election. There are only two days left to cast ballots for the Prosecuting Attorney Special General Election between Acting Prosecutor Rebecca Like and former Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri. Garden Island.

Legislature mulls rental car impact fee, opposes putting $1B in rainy day fund, Kauai military crash victims identified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Driving in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

Climate change impact fee on rental cars proposed. A plan to charge tourists a special rental car fee to offset their effect on climate change has been met with technical and philosophical pushback, along with support to have visitors pay more to help the environment. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers rain on Gov. David Ige’s plan for $1 billion ‘rainy day’ fund. Hawaii lawmakers this week zeroed out the proposed $1 billion emergency savings account appropriation in a Senate bill introduced on behalf of Ige, and deferred an identical House companion bill. Star-Advertiser.

Restorative Justice Group Calls For Sweeping Reform Of Women’s Prison System. A group of prominent women is pushing for a complete overhaul of Hawaii’s women’s prison system through a slew of bills under consideration by the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Bills Would Limit Rental Application Fees. Only one member of a household may be charged a $25 fee under measures moving through the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Measure that would settle OHA's share of public land trust revenue heads to final Senate vote. Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering a bill to settle unresolved issues over exactly how much public land trust revenue the state must direct toward the betterment of Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Constitutional Changes And Legal Challenges Loom As Redistricting Commission Wraps Up Work. State lawmakers want to change the way the commission counts military personnel and college students. Civil Beat.

3 former Hawaii defense contractors plead not guilty in illegal campaign scheme. Martin Kao, 48, Clifford Chen, 48, and Lawrence “Kahele” Lum Kee, 52, of Martin Defense Group LLC, formerly known as Navatek LLC, are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make conduit and government contractor contributions, and making government contractor contributions to support U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) who ran for reelection in 2020 and won. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

Former OHA trustee Oswald ‘Oz’ Stender remembered for his dedication to the Native Hawaiian community, dies at 90. Oswald “Oz” Stender, who rose above the turmoil of the Bishop Estate’s “Broken Trust” scandal and went on to serve 14 years as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee, died Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

DOE sets rules for Hawaii graduation ceremonies. The state Department of Education has released its gathering rules for this year’s graduation and transition ceremonies. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Feb. 23, 2022 COVID-19 update: 134 new infections in Hawaiʻi. The  count includes two cases on Maui, 12 on Hawaiʻi Island, 10 on Kauaʻi, one on Molokaʻi, 0 on Lānaʻi, and 18 out of state.  There are 91 new COVID-19 cases on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Oahu

Council unanimously passes bill mandating permits for large underground storage tanks, in response to Red Hill. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday unanimously backed a measure that requires a city permit to operate an underground storage tank system that can hold more than 100,000 gallons of any regulated substance. It also requires the permit seeker to secure approval from the state health director. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers want the state to take over Lake Wilson, but it would come at a steep price. Some state lawmakers want the state to take over Wahiawa’s Lake Wilson and the surrounding irrigation system. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Settles Four Law Enforcement Lawsuits. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved legal payouts totaling millions of dollars to settle lawsuits filed against the Honolulu Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kenneth Silva Appointed To Honolulu Police Commission. Former fire chief will fill the lone vacancy on the seven-member police commission. Civil Beat.

City: Efforts to tackle crime in Chinatown are working, but there’s more work to do. The city administration says efforts such as cracking down on criminal activity has improved Chinatown during the past year. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council advances homeless funding bill. Hilo Councilman Aaron Chung, jogging Wednesday morning prior to the County Council meeting, came upon a large “Aloha, Welcome to Kona” sign. West Hawaii Today.

Council members question funding requests for waste management equipment. Requests for hundreds of thousands of dollars for equipment for the county Department of Environmental Management led to frustration at Wednesday’s County Council meeting. Tribune-Herald.

County’s Honuʻapo Lands in Kaʻū to Reopen. Because the area is cooling and new safety measures put in place, Hawaiʻi County will reopen some of its public lands in Kaʻū that have been closed since October. Big Island Now.

Maui

1,150-unit Honua‘ula project heads to mediation. The Honua’ula master-planned community of more than 1,000 housing units and mixed-use development faces yet another challenge as it heads into mediation and may end up in a contested case hearing. Maui News.

Maui Is Getting Ready To Move Part Of A Major Highway Due To Climate Change. The Honoapiilani Highway is the main artery in and out of West Maui and keeping it open is considered crucial for public safety, commerce, tourism and other transportation needs. Civil Beat.

Temporary closure of Lahainaluna boy’s dorm comes amid investigation into misconduct allegations. A temporary closure of the boys’ dormitory at Lahainaluna High School went into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 22, and will continue for nearly a month through March 20, 2022, the state Department of Education has confirmed. Maui Now.

Kauai

Victims of Kauai helicopter crash identified. Matthew Haider, 43, Erika Tevez-Valdez, 42, Daniel Maurice, 64, and Patrick Rader, 55, were killed in Tuesday’s deadly helicopter crash on Kauai. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.