State agricultural land may be transferred, Legislature mulls limiting governor's emergency powers, two counties gain, two lose population in census, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cattle in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

 As Covid-19 Emergency Ends, Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Limits On Executive Power. Two measures that would give lawmakers the authority to end the governor’s emergency proclamations have advanced to their final committees in the House and Senate. Civil Beat.

Effort To Transfer State Agricultural Land Survives Latest Hurdle. Long-standing plans to transfer agricultural land from Hawaii’s land and resources agency to the Department of Agriculture encountered new difficulties this week in the Legislature. Civil Beat.

U.S. Census data shows losses and gains for Hawaii. The Census Bureau estimated Oahu’s population at 1,000,890 as of July 1, down 1.2%, from the year-earlier figure. Hawaii County, the second most populous in the state, had an estimated 202,906 residents, an increase of 2,160, or 1.1%, according to Census data. Maui County’s population also declined over the 12- month period, by 434 residents to 164,221, down 0.3%. Kauai County saw its population grow by 253 residents to 73,454, an increase of 0.3%. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige extends COVID-19 food assistance spending. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed an emergency proclamation allowing federal funds to continue to flow to food assistance recipients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic national public health emergency, his office said Thursday. The proclamation allows $18 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits to go to recipients each month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s COVID mandates set to end tonight. The face masks are coming off after 11:59 p.m. today, when Hawaii lifts its indoor mask mandate — but not everywhere. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge Rejects Amemiya Effort To Dismiss Conspiracy Charge. Former Honolulu managing director Roy Amemiya’s attempt to dismiss his federal conspiracy charge was denied by U.S District Court Judge Leslie Kobayashi on Thursday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Masks will still be required on TheBus, TheHandi-Van after Friday. Riders will still need to wear masks at all times while onboard TheBus as well as TheHandi-Van after Friday under federal rules, according to the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Debate Over Who Should And Shouldn’t Be In Jail Is Tripping Up Plans For A New Oahu Facility. A leading Democrat is withholding funding for a new jail in Halawa, arguing officials won’t really know how large the jail should be until the bail reform debate is resolved. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health moves to long-term phase of remediating Red Hill water shaft. It’s been about a week since the Department of Health gave the all-clear for homes and businesses on the military’s water system. Experts are now dealing with the long-term phase of remediating the Red Hill water shaft. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Roth recounts challenges, accomplishments during first state of the county address. It was a trial by fire for Mayor Mitch Roth and his new administration in late 2020 when he took office during the midst of a global pandemic and uncertain economic times. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Audit of fire department identifies weaknesses. A county audit of the Hawaii Fire Department reveals it’s beleaguered by a shortage of workers and resources.Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Mayor Outlines Plan For $1 Billion County Budget. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino on Thursday released his proposed $1 billion budget for the next year, outlining how he plans to run Maui County and invest in new projects like repaving roads, boosting beach parking options for local residents and shoring up water systems to protect against natural disasters. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed agreement with Waikapu project earns committee’s support. A Maui County Council committee on Wednesday threw its support behind a proposed public-private partnership between the county and developers of Waikapu Country Town that would add more affordable housing in exchange for the developer’s required contribution toward a wastewater treatment plant and other traffic improvements. Maui News.

Hawaii cannabis industry expands with additional Maui dispensary, new edibles options. Maui Grown Therapies on Friday will open its third medical cannabis dispensary, this one in Pukalani. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui County to resume in-vehicle road testing Monday, DMVL says. In-vehicle road testing will resume starting this Monday for learner’s permit holders seeking driver’s licenses for passenger vehicles, according to a county Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing announcement Wednesday. Maui Now. Maui News.

Kauai

Judge Rejects Plea Deal For Former Kauai Councilman Who Led Meth Ring. Arthur Brun changed his plea to guilty as part of an agreement with prosecutors. But a judge rejected the deal, opening up the possibility of a trial. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Council begins FY23 budget discussions. The Kaua‘i County Council is poring over Kawakami’s March submittal which seeks a $260.2 million operating budget and $48.9 million capital improvement projects budget. Garden Island.

Altered Mauna Kea management plan advances, Case pushes for Jones Act waiver, Legionnaires’ disease pops up in Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea visitors ©2022 All Hawaii News

Bill seeking new management for Mauna Kea advances in Senate. A bill that would establish a new authority to oversee the stewardship of Mauna Kea’s summit advanced in the state Senate on Wednesday with changes intended to provide a more gradual transition away from the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Case urges Jones Act waiver, calls out Matson, Pasha. U.S. Rep. Ed Case on Wednesday criticized the two main ocean cargo companies shipping goods between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii — Matson Navigation Co. and Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines — for opposing his request to President Joe Biden to exempt Hawaii from the Jones Act for the duration of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Tribune-Herald.

Legislative Bill calls for audit of State's Agricultural Parks. The House Agricultural Committee voted on Wednesday to advance two resolutions calling for an audit of the state's 10 agricultural parks. KITV4.

Hawaii State Hospital continues to bar visitors. As COVID-19 vaccines became widely available through the first half of 2021, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and jails throughout the country began reopening their facilities to in-person visitation, helping ease the isolation and loneliness that had gripped many since the start of the pandemic. But the Hawaii State Hospital, which houses mentally ill patients referred by the courts, has continued to bar visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Local Habitat for Humanity branches receive $9.25M from unexpected national gift. Habitat for Humanity Maui and Kauaʻi Habitat, organizations that build and renovate homes for low-income residents, are among 82 Habitat affiliates gifted $436 million by Scott. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii to suspend COVID-19 vaccine, testing requirements. Starting Saturday, the University of Hawaii 10-campus system will suspend its mandatory vaccination rule for students and employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Foodland to close its 7 pharmacies, transfer all prescriptions to Longs Drugs. Foodland Super Market, Ltd. today announced it will be transferring all prescriptions from its Foodland Pharmacies to Longs Drugs, and closing all seven of its pharmacy locations by mid-April. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Indoor Mask Mandate Is Finally Ending. The two-year requirement will expire at midnight Friday, leaving a perplexing patchwork of mask choices and policies for locals and tourists to navigate. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 827 Covid-19 cases, 5 additional deaths in past week. The statewide test positivity rate is 2.9%. -- the positivity rate in Honolulu County is 3.6%; on the Big Island it's 1.5%; in Maui County it's 2.3%; and on Kauai it is 2.8%. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 239,591 total infections to date. KITV4.

Oahu

New parking rules, restrictions proposed for short-term rentals. New rules prohibiting on-street parking for vacation rentals in communities zoned as rural, residential or apartment use will be considered before the City Council as soon as next month. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu corporation counsel Donna Leong did not lie to the FBI, attorney says. The city’s former corporation counsel entered a not guilty plea today to new charges that she made false statements to agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation about who she spoke with and how she organized a $250,000 separation settlement with former Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

State Investigation: Hawaii Investment Firm CEO Falsified Campaign Donations. JL Capital CEO Timothy Lee is accused of eight counts of illegal contributions to Keith Amemiya and Kym Pine in the 2020 Honolulu mayoral election. Civil Beat.

City prosecutor clears 2 HPD officers in fatal shooting of machete-wielding man. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said during a news conference this morning that the use of deadly force resulting in the death of Elia S. Laeli, 41, was justified, and no charges will be filed against the two officers. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers request prioritization of affordable housing if water shortage affects building projects. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says it will consider a request by state lawmakers to prioritize affordable housing if new development projects are curtailed because of water shortages. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Health Department investigating 2 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Waikiki. The Hawaii Department of Health today said it is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests who stayed at The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

County to halt COVID-19 testing beginning Saturday. County-sponsored testing began on March 23, 2020, and administered 90,310 PCR tests islandwide throughout the two-year period. West Hawaii Today

Bus’n out with buses: Electric, hydrogen and fossil fuel buses forming new Hele-On fleet. Hawaii County is planning to jump into electric buses in a big way with 10 new buses planned as early as next year and an East Hawaii charging network as a pilot project. West Hawaii Today.

Are rising energy costs an emergency? Council members receive update from Hawaiian Electric. During a Tuesday meeting of the County Council Committee on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management, council members heard an update from Hawaiian Electric about the rising energy costs on the island stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands breaks ground on project in Kealakehe. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands broke ground Wednesday on a 125-lot project in Kealakehe. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Police: Excavators unearth grenade in Keaukaha. Police say that an excavation company uncovered what appeared to be an old, unexploded military-style hand grenade last week while digging a hole for a utility pole. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Committee wants Ethics Board to look into Napili home’s approval process. Construction resumes on controversial structure after stop-work order lifted. Maui News.

Mama’s Fish House owner, Maui County reach agreement over shoreline violation. Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday heard a settlement agreement that proposed the landowner pay a lesser fine of $25,000 in exchange for committing to a costlier, five-year beach nourishment project fronting the restaurant. Maui News.

Piʻilani Highway roundabout at Kūlanihākoʻi to proceed. The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is developing the proposed intersection improvements to provide access to the new high school and slow higher speed traffic along Piʻilani Highway. Maui Now.

New emergency proclamation signed for Maui County’s axis deer problem related to drought. Last year, large numbers of axis deer started migrating into agricultural and developed areas, seeking food and water during a period of drought in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

County required to update plumbing code. A bill making the necessary changes was introduced to the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday, with letters of support from the Plumbing &Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawai‘i and Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 675. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi taro farmers champion measure that could change water lease process across Hawaiʻi.  Kauaʻi taro farmers champion measure that could change water lease process across Hawaiʻi. In Waiʻoli Valley on Kauaʻi’s north shore, one group of taro farmers is pushing for legislation that could be a game changer for taro farmers across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Minimum wage battle continues in Legislature, illegal campaign contributions investigated in Honolulu mayoral race, Maui loses a round in homeless sweeps court case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Pool workers at Hilton Waikoloa Resort ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii lawmakers tussle over 1 minimum wage bill. A clash of wills and philosophies among state lawmakers over how to raise Hawaii’s minimum wage now appears centered on one bill at the Legislature instead of two. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

State funding for Hawaii Tourism Authority up for debate. The state House of Representatives is allotting the Hawaii Tourism Authority a dollar to pay for its operations, and has eliminated all money for staffing in the version of the state budget that it transmitted to the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Kids Could Lose Access To Free Meals At School With End Of Federal Funding. Public school students have been eligible for free breakfast and lunch during the pandemic through a program that is set to expire in June. Civil Beat.

Red Hill crisis could be a pivotal moment for discussions on the U.S. military's future in Hawaiʻi. Native Hawaiians have long had a contentious relationship with the federal government — and the military in particular — over its land use, from the bombing of Kahoʻolawe to water contamination at Red Hill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Burning Wood For Power? It’s A Question Utilities Commission Nominee Will Face. A key state senator is pushing for adding “firm renewables” to Hawaii’s mix of electricity sources, including two controversial projects. Civil Beat.

Careless Mistakes’ And Other Problems Are Keeping The Hawaii State Hospital Closed. The $160 million new hospital building has remained empty for more than a year as the state resolves personnel issues, construction problems and design flaws. Civil Beat.

State Wants $1 Million To Accredit Conservation Officers. A joint panel of House lawmakers Tuesday morning voted unanimously to advance Senate Bill 3019, which would require the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to get accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Civil Beat.

Longtime BOE member Herb Watanabe dies at 93. Herbert S. Watanabe, former elected member and chairman of the state Board of Education, died Feb. 21 in Honolulu. He was 93. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Billionaire-backed developer under investigation for illegal political donations. The state Campaign Spending Commission is investigating a local developer for alleged campaign finance abuses. In a complaint made public Tuesday, the commission alleges that Timothy Lee, CEO of JL Capital, improperly reimbursed three employees and a former worker after they gave $12,000 to the political campaigns of former Honolulu mayoral candidates Kym Pine and Keith Amemiya in 2020. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Health Department says Red Hill response has cost it $1.5 million. The state Department of Health is seeking $1.5 million in emergency funds to cover its ongoing costs from responding to the Navy’s Red Hill water crisis. Star-Advertiser.

City extends downtown preschool lease for six months. Plans for a major overhaul to the city’s Civic Center underground parking structure are forcing a large preschool sitting atop it to vacate the premises, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday announced a six-month lease extension and admitted to miscommunication with school officials. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply says restrictions may be necessary amid dry weather and fuel contamination. Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau told state lawmakers that rising salt levels have been detected in its Beretania Well in Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea stewardship bill runs into opposition at Senate hearing. A bill that would establish a new authority to oversee the stewardship of Mauna Kea’s summit ran into a volley of opposition Tuesday in a hearing before a state Senate committee. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Bill to select site for new Kona hospital awaits final committee hearing. House Bill 1638 was passed 4-0 by the Senate Committee on Health, Human Services and Homelessness following a hearing Friday afternoon. West Hawaii Today.

Ige: No to Roth’s Energy Emergency Request. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth is so concerned about how much higher energy costs could increase, he asked Gov. David Ige last week to declare an energy emergency, which could expedite decisions by the state Public Utilities Commission on renewable energy projects. Big Island Now.


Maui

Lawsuit over “houseless sweeps” at Kanahā advances, County of Maui plans to appeal. A Maui judge rejected the County of Maui’s request to dismiss a lawsuit filed against it by residents of a “houseless encampment” at Kanahā during “sweeps” conducted late last year. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

King steps down from council, leaves door open for state run. She endorses Robin Knox, who’s set to face King’s 2020 challenger Tom Cook. Three-term Maui County Council Member Kelly Takaya King is stepping down from her South Maui seat, though she left the door open for a possible run at state office. Maui News. Maui Now.

Mayor Victorino to present FY 2023 proposed budget. Mayor Michael Victorino will present his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023 at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 24, in the Council Chamber on the 8th floor of the Kalana O Maui Building, 200 S. High Street in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

State House resolution urging Waimea park renaming. A state House committee moved forward a resolution to formally rename Waimea’s Russian Fort Elisabeth State Historical Park to Pa‘ula‘ula. Garden Island.

State, county celebrate completion of Lihu‘e Airport Ticket Lobby Improvements. The state Department of Transportation hosted the blessing for the recent improvements to the ticket lobby. Useable area was increased by relocating the the U.S. Department of Agriculture baggage-screening equipment and filling in four garden areas. Garden Island. KHON2.

Slow travel trend seeks cultural experiences, Kauai Civil Air Patrol crash leaves two dead, omicron subvariant BA.2 spreads statewide, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hula lessons ©2022 All Hawaii News

New 'slow travel' trend counters the fast-paced social media motivated visitor. A relatively new travel trend is countering the fast-paced, excitement-driven marketing of destinations. A local research firm says Hawaiʻi could benefit from this concept — called “slow travel.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hotel occupancy starts soft, but momentum is building. Hawaii hotels kicked off the year with a softer start than expected, but this week’s endpoint for the state’s Safe Travels program is expected to help the industry slide into a more robust summer. Star-Advertiser.

Omicron subvariant BA.2 now present in all major Hawaii counties. The omicron subvariant, BA.2, now makes up approximately 13% of the variants circulating in Hawaii, according to the latest report from the state Department of Health State Laboratories Division. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature Passes Bill To Clear Up ‘Chaotic Situation’ In State Courts. A Hawaii Supreme Court ruling in December led to the dismissal of dozens of cases as well as confusion among judges over how to interpret it. Civil Beat.

Legislature advances bill giving counties more power to take private property. A bill giving counties the power to take private property where civil fines have accrued and sell it to clear up the debt has passed the state House and its first Senate committee. West Hawaii Today.

Coffee labeling bill headed to final Senate hearing. The measure would require coffee blend labels to disclose geographic and regional origins and percentage by weight of the blended coffees. It would also prohibit using geographic origins of coffee in labeling or advertising for roasted or instant coffee that contains less than a certain percentage of coffee by weight from that geographic origin, phased in to a minimum of 51%. West Hawaii Today.

Senate Panel Approves Governor’s Land Board Nominees. The new members will be dealing with a number of hot-button issues, including Mauna Kea management, military leases and  aquarium fishing. Civil Beat.

EPA offers 10 new low-emission school buses to Hawaiʻi public schools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is granting Robert's Hawaiʻi School Bus $200,000 to replace 10 buses running on diesel fuel. The models from 2005 will be replaced with 2022 diesel buses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

New rail route is just ‘first phase,’ Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says. The latest idea to end rail construction at Halekauwila and South streets would cost $9.8 billion and, if approved, assure three years of federal funding that would save about $100 million in financing costs, Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

HART CEO Says She Won’t Accept Potential $25,000 Bonus. The executive director leading Honolulu’s struggling rail project now says that she will not accept a $25,000 bonus for her first year on the job, days before the board that oversees her was slated to vote on that award. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers considering regulatory shake-up of Aloha Stadium project. Hawaii senators are pushing to shake up control of an effort in progress to replace Aloha Stadium and redevelop 73 acres of state land around a new facility in Halawa. Star-Advertiser.

To slow ‘monster home’ construction, city revokes permit for Pacific Heights property. The city last year issued to permit to the owners of the home at 2761 Pacific Heights Road, but pulled it because the planned development apparently exceeded the square footage limits. Hawaii News Now.

The Navy Water Crisis Could Halt New Construction On Oahu. If the water system can’t take on new users, it would be “catastrophic,” a construction industry lobbyist said. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Mayor hopes HPD can fill hundreds of vacancies to increase police presence. Right now there are over 320 vacancies in the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii News Now.

Former Hawaii News Now Director Is Blangiardi’s New Spokesman. The mayor said the city did poorly last year “controlling the narrative.” He hopes a new communications director will change that. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Stewardship measure could imperil astronomy on Mauna Kea, University of Hawaii says. A controversial measure that would remove the University of Hawaii from its role as manager of the Mauna Kea summit will be heard in a public hearing this afternoon before a state Senate committee.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

County officials provide update on Puna roads cut off by 2018 eruption. Work to fully restore Pohoiki Road is now not expected to be completed until late 2025. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Save Maui trip money by camping in a rental? Council may put brakes on the growing practice. Rental vehicles with camping accessories can’t be used as visitor accommodations under a new proposal being considered by county lawmakers.  Maui Now.

State to pay $550K to family of inmate who hanged herself at Maui jail. The state has agreed to pay more than half a million dollars to the family of a Maui inmate. The lawsuit claims guards did nothing to prevent the mother of four from committing suicide back in 2017. Hawaii News Now.

Food hub grows beyond expectations. Nonprofit Maui Food Hub expanded operations and services after securing a new facility with warehouse partner SunFresh Hawaii LLC in Kahului last month. Organizers say this space doubles their previous capacity. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

2 volunteer pilots killed in Civil Air Patrol crash. Two volunteers with the Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol were killed when their plane crashed Sunday afternoon a few thousand feet below the Kalalau Lookout on Kauai during a training exercise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Rebecca Like swears in as Prosecuting Attorney. County of Kaua‘i Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca “Becky” Like was sworn into her position by Judge Randal Valenciano during a private ceremony in the Fifth Circuit Court. Garden Island.

Incumbents sweep KIUC board election. The makeup of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board of directors will remain the same for another year, following KIUC’s annual board election concluded Saturday. Garden Island.

Omicron variant detected in wastewater. The state Department of Health recently added testing wastewater samples on Kaua‘i to its various methods of monitoring variants, state DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office Deputy Director Lauren Guest said Monday. Garden Island.

Senate mulls excise tax cut on family necessities, commercial real estate rebounds, Oahu lawmaker misused state money, Maui council advances charter amendments, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Golf course in Waikoloa ©2022 All Hawaii News

As inflation pushes up prices, lawmakers consider slashing state tax on some necessities.  A state Senate committee Friday advanced a measure to make family necessities cheaper. House Bill 2414 would eliminate the general excise tax from diapers, certain foods and medicine. Hawaii News Now.

Purchases of Hawai‘i Commercial Real Estate Rebounded in 2021. Resort/golf course sales and vacant land sales each totaled almost a billion dollars, according to a year-end report from Colliers Hawaii. About half of the purchase volume was made by Hawai‘i-based investors. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaii’s unemployment fund needs replenishing in wake of federal bailout. Hawaii’s capacity to pay unemployment benefits is forecast to drop this year after two years of federal bailouts, prompting legislation to use state taxpayer revenue to shore up the safety net typically supported by businesses. Star-Advertiser.

Report outlines broad areas of investment for Hawaii hospitals seeking to help their communities. A new report conducted on behalf of Hawaii’s nonprofit, acute-care hospitals lays out broad areas in need of investment to help improve the overall health of the community, including improving housing and financial security, increasing access to mental health serv­ices and ensuring access to healthy food. Star-Advertiser.

All gambling bills dead; most EV measures stay alive. Scores of prospective bills are now dead after the current session of the state Legislature has passed its halfway point. Tribune-Herald.

Bills diminishing neighbor island political clout die in House. Two Senate measures that would have concentrated more legislative power on Oahu at the expense of the neighbor islands were shut down last week in their first House committee. West Hawaii Today.

Visitors from Japan and South Korea expected to hit pre-pandemic levels this fall. The lifting of coronavirus restrictions today in Japan won’t dramatically increase Japanese visitors to Hawaii, but the timing bodes well for a fall recovery of the state’s top international market. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Windward legislator Jarrett Keohokalole misused state money. A state ethics investigation has led to state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole admitting that he deposited state money for work expense reimbursements into his personal bank account in what the lawmaker called inadvertent mistakes. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Takashi Ohno Announces He Will Not Run For Reelection. Ohno, a Democrat who is now chairman of the House Committee on Corrections, Military and Veterans, represents House District 27, including Nuuanu, Liliha, Puunui, and Alewa Heights. He was first elected to that seat in 2012. Civil Beat.

Restitution payments low, slow in federal cases. Katherine and Louis Kealoha are behind bars after their federal convictions, while people they owe money to are waiting for checks. According to federal court records, early on some funds from assets and liquidation were recovered for the grandmother’s estate but more than $227,000 is still owed. KHON2.

Sidewalk dining is still very popular. But with no emergency order, it’s no longer allowed. Former Mayor Kirk Caldwell introduced the temporary sidewalk dining program in Summer 2020. Under the city’s emergency order, the program remained in place until the proclamation ended March 5. Hawaii News Now.

Shorter rail route could avert a Kakaako land dispute. A new plan to stop rail construction two stations short of Ala Moana Center would eliminate the need to build a 20th station on less than 2 acres of disputed land in Kakaako projected to cost taxpayers as much as $200 million to acquire. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Human Trafficking Task Force: 40 Investigations But No Convictions And Few Arrests. The group was created with a $700,000 federal grant three years ago. Civil Beat.

Hawaii officials alarmed by surge in fatal shootings. Saturday’s fatal shooting in the heart of Waikiki was the third in six days on Oahu, leaving shattered families and a community looking for ways to stop the surge in gun violence. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials say the water is safe to drink in all Pearl Harbor homes. The state Department of Health says the water in all zones of the Navy’s water distribution system at Pearl Harbor is safe to drink. Health officials have given the green light to the last four of the Navy’s 19 water zones on Friday. Associated Press.

A Plan For Affordable Housing In Manoa Runs Into Opposition From Residents. The project would help pay for maintenance at the Manoa Chinese Cemetery, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, its owners say. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Amid rising fuel costs, Hawaii County mayor calls on governor to declare energy emergency. Mayor Mitch Roth believes the state should take swift action to head off rising fuel costs and make Hawaii more self-sufficient. Hawaii News Now.

Rent relief program to continue: Federal money will allow county to help low-income renters for three more years. A program providing rental relief to those affected by the pandemic could continue into mid-2025. Tribune-Herald.

Beneath the surface: $1.29M grant funding study of lava tube ecosystems. University of Hawaii researchers have received more than a million dollars from the federal government to study the ecosystems within the Big Island’s lava tubes. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

North Kohala food truck lot plan postponed. A small parcel at the northeast corner of the Hoea Road/Akoni Pule Highway intersection is raising big concerns from those worried about a rezoning request for a food truck lot that some fear will cause increased traffic at the gateway to the historic North Kohala village of Ka‘auhuhu. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Proposal would keep council election as-is. Members pass their version of charter amendments for the November ballot. Elections for the Maui County Council — nine members who are chosen by voters across the county — will stay as they are if the council’s version of charter amendments makes it to the ballot in November. Maui News.

Maui Needs To Do ‘Something Extraordinary’ To Diversify Its Economy. But What?. Maui has been trying to diversify its economy for decades. But in 2019, half of all employees relied on the visitor industry. Civil Beat.

Maui Police officer vacancies persist, recruitment expands to mainland. With more than a quarter of authorized officer positions vacant in Maui County, the Maui Police Department is deploying the use of QR codes and pursuing mainland recruitment in an effort to help. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i council, boards, commissions return to in-person meetings March 28. The decision comes on the heels of Gov. David Ige’s announcement that his statewide emergency proclamation related to COVID-19 will expire at 11:59 p.m. this Friday, March 25. Garden Island.

Waimea 400 plan shows paths forward. The Waimea 400 Conceptual Master Plan, a community-driven document that will guide the development of 417 county-owned acres between Kekaha and Waimea, is complete. Garden Island.

Gas passes $5 a gallon, UH to keep classroom mask mandate, PETA seeks criminal charges against Kauai slaughterhouse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki beach girl ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Tourism Authority awaits procurement for contract to promote Hawaii. The Hawaii Tourism Authority contract to supply destination management services and promote Hawaii to the U.S. market, the islands’ largest visitor source, is still up in the air at a time when travel spots across the world are competing to tap into rebounding travel demand. Star-Advertiser.

Japanese are eager to visit Hawaii: Lifting of restrictions there removes major barrier to travel. With Japan dropping its emergency COVID-19 restrictions next week, visitors from the country could start to return to Hawaii en masse as soon as next month. Tribune-Herald.

Across Hawaii, gas is over $5 a gallon, enticing some to electric vehicles. Soaring gas prices are leading some motorists to rethink how they get around. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

House sends budget proposal to Senate for further consideration. A state budget proposal is crossing over from the House to the Senate for further consideration. The measure will distribute more than $25 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill to support public high school surf teams advances. A measure to provide funding to support surfing as an interscholastic sport in Hawaii remains alive this legislative session. West Hawaii Today.

Committee passes bill aimed at reducing Hawaii's female prison population. House Bill 2312 proposes to establish the women's corrections implementation commission in the judiciary. The commission would develop a plan so that women who commit non-violent crimes, especially women with underage children, could participate in a rehab program instead of going to jail. KITV4.

University of Hawaiʻi Updates COVID-19 Guidelines, Face Mask Rules. Face mask requirements will be relaxed but will still be mandated for certain indoor activities on campus. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Popular Deaf School Principal Gets His Job Back. The Hawaii Department of Education acted in an “arbitrary and capricious” manner when it demoted and reassigned the principal of the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind to a lower-level position at a different school three years ago, an arbitrator hearing a grievance in the case concluded late last month. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bill to extend time for condominium owners to comply with fire safety codes passes. The Honolulu City Council voted to pass a measure that gives condominium owners more time to comply with a law that requires them to install fire sprinklers or pass a safety evaluation. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu City Council eyes HART budget amid proposal to stop short of Ala Moana. The Honolulu City Council gave initial approval Wednesday for next year’s budget for the agency overseeing the rail transit project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal attorneys file additional counts against former corporation counsel Donna Leong. The first superseding indictment was filed in U.S. District Court on Thursday afternoon, in the case against Leong, former city managing director Roy Amemiya, and former Honolulu Police Commission chair Max Sword. In the documents filed, five counts were added on, specifically against Leong, accusing her of making false statements to the FBI. KITV4.

U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele calls for return of Makua Valley land. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele has introduced legislation requiring the cleanup, restoration and return of 782 leased acres of Oahu’s Makua Military Reservation used for live-fire training from 1942 to 2004 to the state of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

U.S. House approves heritage designation for Kaena Point. Kaena Point, the remote westernmost tip of Oahu, could become Hawaii’s first National Heritage Area under a bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

Closures Planned for Helicopter Operations at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. The reason for the closures is to provide public safety during the removal of invasive, non-native vegetation using a helicopter. Big Island Now.

Underground cable work on Kalanianaole Avenue. The Hawaii Department of Transportation said Thursday there will be work install underground cable between Monday and April 22 on Kalanianaole Avenue in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald.

Kona restaurant issued yellow placard. Kai Eats and Drinks was inspected after a complaint was made to the Food Safety Branch by a customer who became ill after consuming a salad. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Condo Owners Want To Tax Themselves To Save Their Homes From Rising Seas. Are Community Facilities Districts a win-win? Property owners pay to protect their condos, and the public gets to enjoy improved beaches and infrastructure. Civil Beat.

Councilmember King to host community town hall on affordable housing, March 22. Councilmember Kelly Takaya King hosts an in-person town hall on March 22 at 6 p.m. at the Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., to discuss affordable housing and address residents’ questions on affordable housing. Maui Now.

Kauai

Native Hawaiian homestead nonprofit buys Kauai affordable rental property. A Native Hawaiian homestead nonprofit recently purchased an affordable rental property on Kauai, advancing a first-of-its-kind project. The nonprofit’s leaders say the initiative is an effort to keep more rentals at affordable rates, particularly during the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

PETA seeks criminal charges against Wailua slaughterhouse. International animal-welfare organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants the Kaua‘i county prosecutor to investigate a local slaughterhouse. Garden Island.

Feds: Paco’s Tacos withheld over $62K in overtime, tips. Federal investigators have recovered nearly $63,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 42 employees of Paco’s Tacos Cantina, a restaurant with four locations on Kaua‘i and one on O‘ahu. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court rejects redistricting challenge, candidate filing begins for legislative seats, $300M proposed for low-income housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court ©2022 All Hawaii News

Candidate filing opens after court rejects challenge to redistricting. Candidate filing for congressional and state House of Representatives and Senate seats is now open, after the Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a legal challenge to the new map for state legislative districts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today. Maui Now.

Record funding proposed for Hawaii low-income rental housing. Members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee have proposed giving $300 million to a state agency that helps developers produce affordable homes. Star-Advertiser.

Budget bill allocates $1.7M to mitigate rapid ohia death. Among proposed appropriations outlined in a state House budget bill is nearly $2 million to help combat rapid ohia death throughout Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Two years of persistent catalytic converter thefts prompt legislative bills. Bills before state legislators aimed at cracking down on catalytic converter thefts would require anyone selling one to provide a receipt as proof of ownership. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Regents seek public’s input on University of Hawaii’s future. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents at a special meeting Friday will weigh how the university should grow in its various roles: Indigenous-serving institution, provider of online education, supplier of the state’s workforce, and more. Star-Advertiser.

State To Pay $250,000 To Cover Lawyers’ Fees In Lawsuit Over Covid-19 In Hawaii Prisons. A federal judge ruled the corrections system failed to follow its own protocols for coping with the pandemic, which has now been blamed for 10 inmate deaths. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi National Guard concludes COVID-19 support mission. The Hawai‘i National Guard’s Joint Task Force has transitioned its remaining COVID-19 responsibilities such as vaccinations, testing, COVID-19 mapping, and unemployment office temperature screenings back to the state as of March 15, 2022. Maui Now.

Health risks, ‘mask shaming’ feared when Hawaii public schools drop indoor mask requirement. Now that Gov. David Ige has declared the sunset of the general statewide indoor mask mandate at 11:59 p.m. March 25, how and when the public schools will follow suit is a topic of vigorous discussion in parts of social media and some advocacy and parent groups. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Community Health Centers To Split $23 Million In Federal Funding. The newest round of funding follows over $40 million in federal dollars distributed to Hawaii’s 14 health centers during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 1,092 Covid cases, 14 new deaths over the last week. In its weekly update, the state Department of Health reported that there were 608 coronavirus cases on O‘ahu, 107 on the Big Island, 160 on Kaua‘i, 122 on Maui, one on Lāna‘i, three on Moloka‘i, and 91 diagnosed out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Prosecutor Opens Independent Probe Into Police Involvement In Makaha Crash. The three officers accused of causing the crash are facing felony charges, the interim HPD chief said. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Plan to stop rail construction at South Street puts several Kakaako properties in limbo. The rail system paid about $12 million for properties it condemned near Kona and Pensacola streets ― land which they now may not need. Hawaii News Now.

Head of Honolulu transportation services on ending rail short of Ala Moana. City Transportation Services Director and HART Board Member Roger Morton says they’ve tested and modeled the plan, which calls for buses to continue service to major destinations in the area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill regulating Oahu commercial activity passes. The Honolulu City Council approved a proposal to regulate commercial activities at beach parks on the east side of Oahu on Wednesday, March 16. Bill 38 will go to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi for signature. KHON2.

Lawmakers call for more clarity on Navy’s timeline for emptying Red Hill tanks. Some lawmakers are expressing concern that the Navy won’t begin draining fuel from the Red Hill tanks before possible mandatory water restrictions this summer. Hawaii News Now.

City halfway to green goal of planting trees. The City and County of Honolulu is half way toward its ambitious goal of planting 100,000 more trees. Four years ago, the city embarked on a plan to plant those trees by 2025. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

South Kona town could be renamed. The town name Captain Cook could be no more under a resolution being considered by state lawmakers. House Concurrent Resolution 27 requests the U.S. Census Bureau re-designate the Census-designated place known as Captain Cook on Hawaii Island as Ka‘awaloa. It further requests the County of Hawaii remove all references to Captain Cook as a place name. West Hawaii Today.

Kanuha receives Press Club’s ‘Torch of Light’ award; San Buenaventura, others, get ‘Lava Tube’ dishonor. The Big Island Press Club awards its annual meritorious Torch of Light Award to state Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha, a Democrat representing Kona and Ka‘u, and the Lava Tube dishonor award to a group of 10 state senators, including Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, a Democrat representing Puna and Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Victorino Outlines Priorities of Safety, Economy, Housing, Green Infrastructure in State of the County Address. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino delivered his State of the County address in hybrid fashion Wednesday evening from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. His address included a mix of video and live remarks. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Court upholds approval of Paeahu Solar agreement. Finding that the state Public Utilities Commission properly evaluated a Maui community group’s allegations of harm, the state Supreme Court has upheld the commission’s approval of a power purchase agreement between Maui Electric Co. and Paeahu Solar. Maui News.

Mexican Consulate returns to MEO in Wailuku to process documents. After two years of postponement due to the pandemic, the Mexican Consulate will return to Maui Economic Opportunity to process documents, such as passports and birth certificates, by appointment from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 26 and 27 in Wailuku. Maui Now.

The Deer Population Is Devastating Maui. Hunters Want To Help. For decades, axis deer have threatened everything from ranching to watersheds. Hunters can limit the destruction while feeding their families but accessing the land has proven difficult. Civil Beat.

Kauai

$10M Chan, Zuckerberg donation for Kaua‘i medical program. Using a $10 million commitment gift from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine will fund a new Kaua‘i Medical Training Track. Garden Island.

Honolulu rail could stop short of Ala Moana Center, Hawaii Supreme Court mulls redistricting process, interim HPD chief withdraws candidacy, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Current rail route PC:Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

New rail plan would end construction shy of Ala Moana Center. The new plan for the city’s troubled rail project would stop construction two stations short near the Circuit Court at South and Halekauwila streets in Kakaako and still receive the federal government’s final share of $1.55 billion in funding, or $744 million. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Supreme Court mulls reapportionment process. How much discretion the state Reapportionment Commission has in drawing political maps was a central theme Tuesday, when Hawaii Supreme Court justices grilled attorneys for the state and a citizen coalition challenging the maps. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers resistant to $1B for rainy day fund, but Ige remains ‘hopeful’ the money will be allocated. A $1 billion allocation to the state’s emergency fund proposed by Gov. David Ige might end up smaller than he hoped as it faces resistance in the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Senate committee advances distracted driving bill. A bill that would increase the fine for using a mobile device while driving cleared its first Senate committee Tuesday after crossing over from the House. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Community Health Centers To Split $23 Million In Federal Funding. The newest round of funding follows over $40 million in federal dollars distributed to Hawaii’s 14 health centers during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Drugs In Hawaii Prisons: ‘We Are Swimming In Spice, And Nobody Cares’ Inmates and staff say use of synthetic cannabinoids in the state’s largest prison is rampant. The drugs have caused two deaths. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s longline community scrambles to outfish false killer whales. Those at the forefront of managing Hawaii’s deep-sea fishing industry are meeting this week in hopes of figuring out how to deal with their catch being seized off their lines. It’s one of the issues facing the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which oversees Hawaii’s longline vessels that bring in the ahi supply for the state and parts of the U.S. mainland. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Affordable housing, transportation and public safety at the forefront for Honolulu mayor. Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday ranked affordable housing, public safety and transportation among top priorities in his State of the City address. Star-Advertiser.

HPD’s interim chief withdraws from list of candidates for permanent job. Interim Honolulu Police Chief Rade Vanic has asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration for HPD’s next chief. Vanic reportedly told his five assistant chiefs Tuesday morning that he was not seeking the job permanently anymore and cited personal reasons. Hawaii News Now.

Navy orders ‘supplemental investigation’ of Red Hill. Commanders at the Pentagon determined that an investigation by the Hawaii­-based U.S. Pacific Fleet into contamination of the Navy’s water supply on Oahu “did not include a sufficient review” of previous spills from the Red Hill fuel farm — ordering a “supplemental investigation.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council measure would require permit, license for commercial drones at parks. The Honolulu City Council is introducing a bill that would create a process for television and film production crews to use drones at city parks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Laniakea parking might reopen this week, officials say. The parking area across the highway from the North Shore’s popular “Turtle Beach” might finally reopen following work scheduled for today through Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Owners of Former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Hotel Seeking State Money to Knock Burned Structure Down. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources told Big Island Now on Tuesday, March 15 that it will cost around $13.5 million to knock the structure down and it will make a request this session from the Legislature to fund the work. Big Island Now.

Hundreds turn out for Ho‘ike tickets: All 2,000 were snatched up by noon on Tuesday. Tickets for the 2022 Ho‘ike at the Merrie Monarch Festival sold out Tuesday in about four hours. Hundreds of people lined up at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in the morning to buy tickets for the Ho‘ike, a noncompetition exhibition of hula and dance from around the Pacific Rim. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui council urged to raise tax on second homes, short-term rentals to raise money for affordables. Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan outlines ways to create 5,000 affordable homes for residents below 120% over the next five years. Portions of the plan continue to be discussed in the Affordable Housing Committee. Maui Now.

Shortage of homes on Maui amplifies demand, spurs bidding wars, report says. Median price for homes over $1M in February, over $730K for condos. A shortage of homes available on the market continues to amplify the demand for Maui real estate, with economists saying that bidding wars are common even as home prices continue to rise. Maui News.

BlackSand Capital makes three-year commitment to affordable housing on Maui. BlackSand Capital has entered into a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui, a Hawaiʻi Community Foundation initiative working to create a sustainable housing market for local families on Maui. Maui Now.

Maui business shares how it plans to help reduce the axis deer population. Lawmakers and community leaders continue to look for solutions to the axis deer overpopulation problem on Maui. One business that harvests and sells axis deer meat, Maui Nui Venison, released step three of its four-step plan for growth this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Erosion-mitigation project for Wailua Beach gets CIP funding. The state Department of Transportation plan to rebuild the Wailua Beach shoreline using patented technology have gotten a shot in the arm. Garden Island.

Multi-agency effort may save Kaua‘i endemic plant from extinction. A years-long project that may save an endangered Kaua‘i plant from extinction is about to take its next step, when recently collected DNA samples are sent to China for analysis. Garden Island.