Agents foil cyberattack against undersea cable, vacation rental rules up for Honolulu council vote, Hirono tours Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Homeland Security agents stop cyberattack targeting Hawaii undersea communications cable. A cyberattack targeting an underwater cable that could have shut down telephone services, financial transactions, internet and cable connectivity in Hawaii was foiled last week by federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Illegal fishing surfaces as a top threat to maritime, food security. Last week, while en route to a major conference set to begin today in Palau — where President Joe Biden’s climate czar, John Kerry, will meet with regional leaders to discuss ocean policy — U.S. State Department officials touched down in Hawaii to meet with military officials to discuss efforts to curb illegal and unreported fishing. Star-Advertiser.

Local Fishermen and women are on the hook for high costs as seafood prices continue to rise. People may have noticed the price of poke and seafood is on the rise. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric’s 2021-22 sustainability report details renewable energy progress. Hawaiian Electric said it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22% last year compared to 2005 baseline levels. Maui Now.

Donations tied to figure in bribe cases handed off. So far about one-third of donations affiliated with Milton Choy have been returned. KHON2.

Questions Raised Over Kai Kahele’s Job With Hawaiian Airlines. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele’s nearly four-month absence from the nation’s capital is now raising questions about whether he has violated House ethics rules regarding his employment as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. Civil Beat.

In victory for anti-vaping advocates, Hawaii is on the verge of banning flavored vape products. After more than seven years of the trying, the state is on the verge of banning flavored vaping products. But vape shop operators say the ban will put hundreds of small retailers out of business. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Fight to lower legal limit for drunk driving in Hawaii hits roadblock. A proposal to lower the blood alcohol content level officially died this legislative session. However, advocates for the change say they are not giving up and will be back next year. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Short-term rental rules up for final vote at City Council. The proposed rules, which were introduced at the request of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, notably would increase the required minimum stay at short-term rentals to three months from the current 30 days. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Sen. Hirono, Senate Armed Services Committee chair tour Red Hill. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee were to have toured the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility Tuesday. The visit comes as the Navy prepares to permanently shut down operations at the site. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Army to conduct controlled burn to reduce wildfire threat. The Army announced Tuesday that it will conduct a controlled burn next week at the Schofield Barracks training range complex to reduce the risk of summer wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Police Misconduct Records Lawsuit Costs Honolulu Taxpayers Another $83,000. The city and Honolulu Police Department have been ordered to pay attorney’s fees and costs totaling more than $83,000 in the latest round of legal sparring over whether police misconduct records should be available for public scrutiny. Civil Beat.

Third Lawsuit Filed Against City Alleging Honolulu Police Caused Crash. The Honolulu prosecutor’s office also has opened an independent investigation into the crash. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council digs into budget: Unknown if property tax relief is on the horizon. It remains to be seen whether Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration will be able to provide property tax relief while still balancing its budget, officials told the County Council on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Queen's hospital nurses on Hawai'i Island paid nearly 20% less than Oʻahu counterparts. The Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea has been struggling to employ nurses even before the pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava recovery update given: Dozens turn out for Puna meeting; boat ramp could reopen next year. Construction on the Pohoiki Boat Ramp could begin by mid-2023, if all goes well. Tribune-Herald.

Millions In State CIP Funds Released For Big Island Projects. Governor David Ige on Tuesday announced the release of $276,557,732 for CIPs that will be administered by various state departments. Big Island Video News.

Katherine Kealoha won’t be taking the witness stand to testify against her brother after all. Katherine Kealoha will not be called to testify against her brother in a federal drug trial, despite being transferred back to Hawaii from a prison in California to take the stand. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Deer woes return for local farmers as Maui County drought intensifies. For the third straight month, Maui County rain gauges were below half of what’s average, and some local farmers are seeing the impacts. Maui Now.

$6M in funds released for Maui CIP projects in February and March. Governor David Ige announced the release of $276,557,732 for Capital Improvement Projects that will be administered by various state departments. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi voters will get new election notification postcards after some got the wrong ones. Kauaʻi voters received postcards last week which were supposed to contain information about the upcoming primary and general midterm elections. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai deputy police chief stopped at airport after issued firearm found in carry-on bag. Kauai Police Department Deputy Police Chief Stan Olsen was stopped at Lihue Airport after his department-issued firearm that he “failed to remove” was found in his carry-on bag. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Help wanted in tourist industry, no COVID-19 cases in ICU as Hawaii hits milestone, Honolulu mayor and council spar over stimulus funding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Royal Kona Resort ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii sees labor crisis in visitor industry. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is now launching an industry survey to determine the type of job skills and training that are needed in the visitor industry. KHON2.

Ige supports rebate plan: Proposal would give back $300 to most taxpayers. Gov. David Ige on Monday said an agreement by lawmakers to triple his original rebate proposal to the state’s taxpayers and their dependents is “a great move for our community.” Tribune-Herald.

Ige doesn’t anticipate return of mask mandate. Gov. David Ige said Monday he is not currently considering reinstating a mask requirement for public indoor spaces. Hawaii was the last state in the nation to lift its indoor mask mandate at the end of March. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii reaches pandemic milestone -- no COVID-19 cases in the ICU for the first time. Monday marks the first time in almost two years there are zero COVID-19 patients in intensive care units statewide. KITV4.

A key tax credit for working class families is about to expire. Some lawmakers want it extended. The Hawaii Earned Income Tax Credit is set to expire at the end of the year. A new bill proposes to extend the credit for another six years. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi is spending $417 less on services per child compared to 2005, report says. Over the course of nearly two decades, the state is spending about $400 less per child than in 2005, according to a new report from advocacy groups Hawaii Budget and Policy Center and Hawaii Children's Action Network. Hawaii Public Radio.

2022 could be a big year for Native Hawaiian issues at the Capitol. Here are the measures to know. With just four weeks remaining in this year’s legislative session, 2022 is potentially shaping up to be a big year for Native Hawaiian issues at the Capitol. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Review Board Recommends No Charges Against Police In 4 Deaths. The Law Enforcement Officer Independent Review Board said the officers were justified in their actions. The Hawaii Law Enforcement Officer Independent Review Board urged prosecutors on Oahu and the Big Island not to file charges against police involved in the deaths of four people, including a parolee who was fatally shot. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s spending of COVID-19 relief funds questioned. City officials are still trying to decide how to spend much of $386 million awarded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Complicating the matter is a disagreement between Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration and City Council members over who gets to make spending decisions, which, in turn, is giving rise to questions about transparency and public oversight. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. David Ige pushes Board of Water Supply to repair wells to boost water supply. Oahu residents are facing mandatory restrictions on their water use, and developers could have to grapple with a moratorium on new construction as the hot, dry summer months approach — consequences of a reduction in water capacity due to 2021’s Red Hill emergency. Star-Advertiser.

State investigating after North Shore homeowner moves tons of sand in bid to protect property. The state is investigating after a North Shore homeowner used an excavator to move tons of sand in what he says was a bid to protect his and his neighbors’ homes. Homeowner Todd Dunphy acknowledged he took the action amid worsening erosion at Rocky Point Beach. Hawaii News Now.

Violent attack raises concern about crime in Waikiki. Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association President and CEO Mufi Hannemann said he plans to gather Waikiki stakeholders and law enforcement and criminal justice officials for a public safety coalition meeting the first week of May to address the crimes that have been occurring since Waikiki’s economy reopened and visitors have come back. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Honey production down, but beekeeping on Big Island remains popular. Honey production across the U.S. and Hawaii dropped in 2021, however, the beekeeping industry and craft remains popular on the Big Island. West Hawaii Today.

Four busted for planting ‘kanaka garden’ on state land in Hilo. A longtime Hawaiian sovereignty activist and three others were cited Sunday by Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers for their third attempt to plant what they call a “kanaka garden” at Wailoa State Recreation Area in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Kawauchi seeks legal fees in police case. Former Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi, now a private practice attorney, went public last week with her case against the county as she tried to clear the name of retired police captain Chadwick Fukui, whose charges in a 2017 case were dismissed by a judge. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Voters Set To Vote On 11 Changes To County Government. If approved in the general election this fall, the reforms would restructure county agencies, improve government ethics, promote Hawaiian culture and more. Civil Beat.

Nonprofits awarded $700K to help support farming, food security. Six nonprofits have been awarded grants to help support farmers and food security as well as youth and workforce development, Maui County announced this week. Maui News.

South Maui residents invited to online Growth Alternatives workshop. The workshop aims to gather input on growth alternatives, the type of development, and the desired density for South Maui in the next 20 years. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai group protest controversial south shore condo development. Some Kauai residents are trying to stop a 25-acre project that includes 279 luxury units on the south shore, saying it’s too close to the Koloa Heritage Trail, also known as the Hapa Trail. Hawaii News Now.

Grants fund rental help, housing. Several anticipated grants will fuel more emergency rental assistance, affordable housing units and other community projects on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Legislators tackle climate change. The county’s four state lawmakers will tackle climate legislation and questions from their constituents at this Wednesday’s virtual Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum at 6 p.m. Garden Island.

Congressman Kahele shuns Washington for Hawaii, House-Senate Mauna Kea showdown looms, Maui officials get 5% raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Rep Kai Kahele ©2022 All Hawaii News

Has US Rep. Kai Kahele Given Up On Washington? The Hawaii congressman, who hasn’t been to the nation’s capital since January, has been having other members cast his votes for months. Civil Beat.

Working in Legislature gives Sylvia Luke a leg up in lieutenant governor’s race. State Rep. Sylvia Luke has a clear advantage over the four other candidates running for lieutenant governor as the only one currently serving in elected office and, especially, as chairwoman of the powerful House Finance Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Big state budget proposal moves forward with anticipated record surplus. The state Senate is ready to vote on a draft budget that increases spending — thanks to higher than expected revenues that have resulted in a big surplus. Lawmakers said a lot of the anticipated record surplus will go toward restoring critical programs and services, many of which were stalled during the COVID lockdown. But some watchdog groups are cautioning against boosting the budget too quickly. Hawaii News Now.

State budget proposal has significant allocations for child welfare programs. The state Senate Ways and Means Committee approved a version of Gov. David Ige’s proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 operating budget on Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Patients Are Dying Before They Can Get Help To Kill Themselves. Advocates hope House Bill 1823 will lower barriers to medically assisted suicide by making it easier for  doctors to prescribe medications and lowering wait times. Civil Beat.

A group of chemicals found in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam could soon be banned from some products in Hawaii as a growing body of research shows they’re polluting the environment and suspected of causing health problems, including cancer. Hawaii House Bill 1644 would prohibit the manufacture and sale of certain items that contain PFAS: wraps and liners, plates, food boats and pizza boxes. Civil Beat.

For the first time in more than two years, The Pride of America Cruise ship has relaunched their inter-island sailings. Hawaii DOT officials say for the initial trips, the Norwegian Cruise liner will only be at 50% capacity, which is just over 1,000 passengers and crewmembers aboard. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hot, dry summer could bring mandatory water restrictions on Oahu. If conditions continue to trend drier going into the hotter summer months, water customers from the Aiea-Halawa area to Hawaii Kai could face mandatory water restrictions and the potential for periods of low water pressure and water outages due to the problems linked to the Red Hill crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirms pledge to defuel Red Hill. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated Thursday the Defense Department’s pledge to defuel the Red Hill fuel storage facility, but did not give a timeline for doing so. Hawaii Public Radio.

Students, staff at schools affected by Red Hill fuel leak remain wary of tap water. The caution tape finally has been stripped off nearly all the sink faucets and drinking fountains at Red Hill Elementary School, now that the fuel contamination warnings have been lifted. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu developers face fallout from the Navy’s Red Hill water crisis. The potential water shortage facing urban Honolulu is already threatening to hold up hundreds of units of affordable housing, new residential and commercial projects in Kakaako and a major environmental upgrade to a sewage treatment plant, among other planned developments — a predicament that could have far-reaching effects on the island’s economy. Star-Advertiser.

Upstart company wants to establish garbage-to-energy power plant to rival Oahu’s power facility. An upstart Hawaii company aims to establish a second garbage-to-energy power plant on Oahu using technology proclaimed as superior to the city’s long-running H-POWER facility. Star-Advertiser.

City: New modular complex could be model for future affordable housing projects. The complex is made out of modular units built in Canada. Two years ago, the City Council urged leaders to consider this kind of construction to speed up the process. Hawaii News Now.

Why More Apartment Buildings May Not Be The Answer To Oahu’s High Housing Costs. A Canadian asset management company is stepping into a void with more than 1,000 apartments built or planned for Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Sticker shock: Businesses beg for property tax relief. Hawaii Island business groups, facing steep increases in property values, are clamoring for relief from taxes set forth in a record high $689.9 million budget proposed by Mayor Mitch Roth. West Hawaii Today.

State House and Senate on a collision course over future of astronomy on Mauna Kea. Change to Maunakea bill gives joint authority to UH, new state entity. After a Friday meeting of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, House Bill 2024, which is intended to transfer authority of the Maunakea summit lands to a newly formed state entity, passed with additional amendments that allow the University of Hawaii to retain control of astronomy on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Army seeks input on PTA lease. The U.S. Army is requesting public feedback on a draft environmental impact statement that will determine whether part of the Pohakuloa Training Area will remain under Army management. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Waipio Valley Road Closure Prompts Community Organizing, Legal Action. The road closure, which took many by surprise, has provoked emotional divisions among diverse groups of people who use the valley. Civil Beat.

Maui

Panel awards pay raises to mayor, council. Five percent salary increase to take effect July 1. Reversing a decision four months ago to defer pay raises for the mayor and County Council, the Maui County Salary Commission voted Friday to give 5 percent salary increases to the elected officials. Maui News.

Two longtime West Maui politicians aim to change course. Cochran shifts from county to state politics, McKelvey pulls papers for state Senate. Two longtime West Maui politicians are looking to head in a new direction, with one venturing from county to state politics and the other hoping to move from the state House to the state Senate. Maui News.

Hula advocates urge full support for Maui’s proposed Hālau of ʻOiwi Art. Many of the more than 50 people who testified during a budget committee meeting on Friday voiced support for funding of Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, a center dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘ōiwi arts connected to hula. Maui Now.

Maui County seeking applications for Recycling Grant Program. The Maui County Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division is soliciting grant applications for the recycling grant program for fiscal year 2023. Maui Now.

Health officials shut down Lahaina restaurant after seeing cockroaches, a cat and a rat. The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a red “closed” placard and shut down a restaurant in Lahaina due to pests, food debris, grease accumulation and more. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Slight bump in homelessness. The Point-in-Time Count, conducted by Bridging the Gap, a coalition of agencies working to end homelessness on the neighbor islands, showed that there were 444 homeless individuals on island — a 5% increase over the 424 in 2020. Garden Island.

Kamokila future is up in the air as eviction looms. With an eviction deadline approaching, the future of the Kamokila Hawaiian Village in Wailua is hanging in the balance. Garden Island.

Tourism management bill advances, Captain Cook name change clears House, Bezos tours Maui food bank, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kailua-Kona pool party pre-COVID ©2022 All Hawaii News

State tourism management bill advances. Anticipating resident backlash against over-tourism as the industry rebounds, state lawmakers today advanced a bill that would set money aside to study and implement tourism management. Maui Now.

No legislation after months of Hawaii land management hearings. Six months of special House investigative hearings — ostensibly over mismanagement of state agricultural lands — have failed to produce any legislation addressing problems identified in two state audits that were amplified during the hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Sheriffs Training Chief Arrested On Charges Of Falsifying Records. J. Marte Martinez, who oversees training for the state Department of Public Safety, also is accused of perjury and lying to authorities. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Homeless Survey Reveals Pandemic Effects On Neighbor Islands. The 2022 point-in-time count shows a decrease in homelessness on Maui, while the Big Island and Kauai saw an uptick in people living on the streets or in shelters. Civil Beat.

Order of political parties on ballot announced. The state Office of Elections has announced the order in which political parties will appear on the 2022 primary ballot. The order was determined at random in a drawing on Wednesday. Maui News.

Candidate familiarity overshadows policy details in race for Hawaii governor. The three Democratic Party candidates for governor agree on some key challenges facing Hawaii and provide differing levels of specifics in an election that will ultimately come down to favorability over details, according to longtime political observers. Star-Advertiser.

Bill commemorates 1843 restoration of Hawaiian kingdom. A bill at the state Legislature would declare July 31 an official state day of observance commemorating King Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III’s accomplishments in restoring the Hawaiian kingdom after a British navy captain seized control in 1843. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ige considers emergency water order as conflicting statements cloud contamination issue. Both the Navy and state Health Department have said there’s no indication that the Navy’s fuel contamination at Red Hill is spreading. But at a meeting last month of the state Commission of Water Resource Management, Navy engineers revealed data shows there is a possibility. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Senate Budget Proposal Puts $350M Toward New Stadium. The Legislature is looking to speed up development of the new Aloha Stadium. Civil Beat.

DOT proposes plan for roundabout at a busy Kahaluu highway intersection. The state Department of Transportation has announced plans to build a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Kahekili and Kamehameha highways in Kahaluu. Hawaii News Now.

Laniakea parking reopens, but some residents say long-term solution needed. For decades, North Shore residents and visitors have complained about a traffic bottleneck at popular Lania­kea Beach, where beach­goers darted haphazardly across two-lane Kameha­meha Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Captain Cook Name Change Adopted By Hawaiʻi State House. The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives voted on Thursday to adopt a resolution, HCR27 HD1,  which requests “the United States Census Bureau to re-designate the census-designated place known as Captain Cook on the island of Hawaii as Ka‘awaloa.” Big Island Video News.

Prosecution calls law enforcement witnesses on Day 3 of drug trial for Big Island doctor. The prosecution in the federal drug trafficking trial of Dr. Rudy Puana, the brother of former Honolulu deputy prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, called several members of law enforcement to the stand on Thursday. KITV4. Civil Beat.

Coast Guard identifies victim of fatal boating incident; nearly $29K raised to support victim’s family. Theresa “Reesa” Butts, a crew member aboard the vessel 40-foot Uhane Nui o Naia, which is operated by Sunlight on Water, died in an accident reported about 6 p.m. in waters about 10 minutes out of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, U.S. Coast Guard officials said Thursday morning. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos tours Maui Food Bank. Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos was spotted earlier this week at the Maui Food Bank, one of the many organizations he made personal donations to in the second half of 2021. Maui Now.

Maui Resort, Earthjustice Look To Resolve Lawsuit Over Lights Injuring Seabirds. Jay Penniman, who manages Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, is advocating for the creation of an islandwide seabird habitat conservation plan like Kauai has. Civil Beat.

Kīhei roundabout sparks Maui residents’ traffic, project concerns. Construction on the Kīhei roundabout — the first multilane roundabout on a state highway — is sparking several concerns among area residents. Maui Now.

Traffic Is A Mess In South Maui. Residents Say These 2 Projects Could Help. With the new Kihei high school set to open its doors next year, community members worry things will only get worse if nothing is done. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Brun associate, Haidee Sueyasu, pleads guilty. The final associate named in the federal indictment against former Kaua‘i County Councilman Arthur Brun pled guilty to a drug charge Wednesday. Garden Island.

Homeowner assistance programs expand on Kauaʻi. Island homeowners in financial hardship can apply to an expanded assistance program. Garden Island.

Income tax rebate back on the table, Big Island dangerous dog penalties increased, Maui tackles record $1B budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Money in hand  PC:Alexander Mils via Unsplash

Lawmakers revive, enlarge tax rebate plan for Hawaii taxpayers. Hawaii taxpayers may still yet get tax rebates this year, and the amount for many could be $300 instead of the $100 that Gov. David Ige proposed in January. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighters get pay raise. Pay raises are coming for Hawaii firefighters, after an arbitration ruling. Police  officers will likely get a similar deal when their contract is renewed. KHON2.

‘Homesick’ Navy Officer Files Lawsuit After Being Denied Hawaii Gun Permit. Two attorneys are hoping to change a Hawaii gun law after a Navy officer was forced to give up his personal firearms because he had sought psychological counseling after feeling depressed and homesick. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  Associated Press.

Hawaii Health Department confirms 3rd case of Legionnaires’ disease in Waikiki. The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed an additional case of Legionnaires’ disease in a guest who stayed at The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Japan Association of Travel Agents Surge of Japanese visitors expected. The arrival of a delegation from the Japan Association of Travel Agents in Hawaii this week is a positive sign that the recovery of tourism from Japan, the state’s top international market, is finally on an accelerated timeline. Star-Advertiser.

March 31-April 6, 2022 COVID-19 update: 3 deaths, 1,194 new infections in Hawaiʻi. The latest weekly count includes 109 cases on Maui, 107 on Hawaiʻi Island, 37 on Kauaʻi, three on Molokaʻi, -1 on Lānaʻi, and 56 out of state.  There are 883 new COVID-19 cases on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Oahu

Murder suspect, son of Honolulu police officers, did not receive special treatment, Chief Rade Vanic says. There is no indication that a 19-year-old murder suspect, who is the son and stepson of Honolulu police officers, received special treatment after he allegedly shot and killed an 18-year-old man on Round Top Drive during a failed robbery March 18, interim Police Chief Rade Vanic told the Honolulu Police Commission on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Commission Says Honolulu Should Fund Defense For Cops In Lindani Myeni Killing. Police officers Garrick Orosco and Brent Sylvester are named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed the week after Myeni was killed. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

‘Nobody Knows What’s Going On’: Kalihi Is Transforming Despite Uncertainty About Rail. Commercial property values have spiked along the rail line since the tax to build the project went into effect. But rail didn’t create that new value, local analysts say. Civil Beat.

Lead contamination detected at school, home at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Navy and state Department of Health are working to validate the detection of lead contamination at a school and a house at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The clock is ticking on the Waimanalo landfill in West Oʻahu. Here are the city's options. The main garbage dump for the island is supposed to close by March 2028 and the city has to decide on a new site by the end of 2022, as ordered by the state Land Use Commission. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s first tiny home project addressing homelessness welcomes first residents. A ceremony to officially welcome new residents to Kama‘oku Kauhale, a tiny-home village for people experiencing homelessness, was held Wednesday in Kalaeloa. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Median price of single-family home on Oahu soars to new record high: $1.15M. The median price of a single-family home on Oahu soared to a new record high of $1,150,000 in March — a 21.1% increase from last year. Hawaii News Now.

Move to 4-day workweek allows Oahu’s most elite lifeguards to expand their reach. A team of Honolulu’s most elite lifeguards are part of a growing trend happening at workplaces across the country: They’re shifting to a four-day week. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

‘The details are frightening’: Results of Access to Care survey presented to council. Doctors on the Big Island can’t afford to take patients who have Medicare and Medicaid due to low reimbursement rates. West Hawaii Today.

Council approves harsher penalties for owners of dangerous dogs. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday passed a bill that would impose steeper penalties on owners of dangerous dogs. Tribune-Herald.

Commission authorizes amended power agreement for PGV, Hawaiian Electric. Amendments to a power purchase agreement between Puna Geothermal Venture and Hawaiian Electric have been approved by the state, with some conditions. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa timeshare project wins council approval. Some 900 new timeshares are expected to be popping up at the Waikoloa Resort starting within five years, following County Council votes Wednesday approving rezoning that will do away with nine holes of golf and add affordable housing for workers. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Council begins review of billion-dollar budget. The committee on Tuesday morning began its review of county departments under Mayor Michael Victorino’s record-setting $1.045 billion proposed fiscal year 2023 budget. Maui News.

Maui Councilmember King proposes funding for wastewater solution in Māʻalaea. If approved, the proposed funding of up to $9.5 million will be used to construct a wastewater treatment facility for the Māʻalaea community that  currently relies on 24 outdated injection wells. Maui Now.

Maui Police Department achieves CALCEA re-accreditation. The Maui Police Department announced its re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. On April 2, 2022, CALEA awarded accreditation status to the department for the ninth time. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIUC touts lowest rate increase, at forefront of renewables. For the third straight year, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative leads the state in renewables, reporting 69.5% of electricity production coming from renewable sources in its annual filing for 2021. Garden Island.

Everything’s On The Table As Kauai Writes Its First Climate Change Action Plan. Kauai County planners say public input will guide the process of drafting an islandwide climate change mitigation strategy. Civil Beat.

Minimum wage bill heads to Senate floor, Blangiardi signs commercial beach activity ban, Big Island council pans gas tax cut, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikiki restaurant worker ©2022 All Hawaii News

Minimum wage bill heads to full Senate for final vote. The state Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday passed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $18. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Proposed $30 million tax revenue shift aims to help protect Hawaii aina, waters. Some Hawaii lawmakers want to channel $30 million annually from state visitor accommodation taxes to benefit local natural resources including parks, beaches and marine habitat. A joint House of Representatives committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill that would do this through a proposed new commission, led by the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO, by distributing the money via grants to nonprofit organizations and county and state agencies. Star-Advertiser.

Bill would allow police to arrest those who refuse to provide identification during a traffic stop. A bill moving through the Legislature would elevate the offense to a petty misdemeanor, giving police the power to arrest someone who refuses to provide his or her name, address, and proof thereof during a traffic stop. KITV4.

Are Lawmakers ‘Testing The Boundaries’ Of The Ban On Gut And Replace? Some wonder if a rewritten bill to fund Hawaii Tourism Authority and distribute $30 million in grants has run afoul of last year’s Supreme Court ruling. Civil Beat.

Senate Requests Study On Cost Of Mental Health Examinations. A resolution up for a vote Wednesday asks the state auditor to study the benefits of mandating health coverage for mental health examinations. Civil Beat.

Commentary: A Line Forms To Replace Kai Kahele In Congress. If the congressman runs for Hawaii governor as expected, there are candidates eager to take his place in D.C. Civil Beat.

DOE announces high school commencement ceremony schedules. Following two years of virtual and hybrid ceremonies, this will be the first time all graduation events will be in person. Everyone attending must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi signs commercial activity ban for Waimanalo beaches. Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday signed into a law a measure that bans all commercial activities, except those involving the film industry, on city-managed beach parks from Waimanalo to Makapuu. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Planning and Permitting Director recuses himself from working on short-term rental bill. Department of Planning and Permitting Director Dean Uchida recused himself from working on the controversial short-term rental bill after guidance from the Honolulu Ethics Commission advised against his involvement, although they found it unlikely that he violated any of the city’s ethics laws. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Rail May Not Make It To Ala Moana, But Developers Have Already Cashed In. Landowners got lucrative zoning perks and fast-track approvals to build luxury towers in the busy neighborhood all based on rail. Since 2016, city leaders have granted special fast-track permits to a handful of major developers to help build denser, more walkable communities, assuming that Ala Moana Center would soon host a busy rail station with some 17,300 passenger boardings a day. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Female High School Athletes May Pursue Class-Action Case, Court Says. The case stems from a lawsuit filed on behalf of the students by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii in late 2018 alleging gender inequities at Campbell High School on Oahu. It named the state Department of Education and the Oahu Scholastics Association as defendants. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now. KHON2.

Navy removes officer over handling of latest Red Hill spill. The Navy officer who oversaw operations at the Red Hill fuel storage facility was relieved of duty Monday after another fuel leak. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council committee pans gas tax cut. Measure proceeds to public hearing despite negative vote.  The County Council is likely to stomp on the brakes on a resolution cutting the county gas tax 10 cents a gallon to help alleviate drivers’ pain at the pump. West Hawaii Today.

New trial date set for ex-cop in missing drug evidence case. It will be another 19 months before a former Hawaii Police Department officer will stand trial on charges stemming from a May 2019 indictment for allegedly stealing cocaine in 2014 from a police evidence locker in Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Ige: Mauna Kea stewardship bill would ’end astronomy’ on Hawaii Island. The governor says he’s worried a much-debated Mauna Kea stewardship bill could end the $100 million astronomy industry on Hawaii Island and with it, the stalled TMT project. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui council moves to settle lawsuit by visitor injured on Haleakalā bike tour. Maui County Council voted recently to settle a lawsuit that claims the county was negligent in allowing an unguided, unpermitted Haleakalā bike tour that left a visitor paralyzed from the waist down. Maui Now.

Maui County Is Seeking Its First Director Of Agriculture. The voter-created Maui County Department of Agriculture needs leaders. And the mayor is hiring. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Rep. Wildberger says she will not run for re-election or seek further political office in 2022. State House District 11 Representative, Tina Wildberger announced that she will not be running for re-election, and will not seek further political office for the 2022 election cycle. Maui Now.

Report: Maui home, condo median sales prices set new highs in March. Single-family home median sales price rose 19.5% year over year to $1,177,500. The previous record was set in January at $1.16 million. Maui Now.

Kauai

Federal agents, police target fugitives and sex offenders in joint operation on Kauai. A joint operation between U.S. Marshals and Kaua‘i Police Department yielded three fugitive arrests last week. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Potential futures for COVID-19 on Kaua‘i told. State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman was unequivocal when asked to forecast the future of COVID-19 on Kaua‘i during a Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce webinar Tuesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii in search of statewide schools superintendent, Honolulu landfill committee rejects all proposed sites, state hospital may soon open, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii student in class PC:Hawaii Department of Education

Deadline extended to apply for schools superintendent post. The application period has been extended in the search for Hawaii’s next permanent superintendent of public schools because only a little over a dozen candidates have applied, and only two are from Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Interim School Chief Wants The Job Permanently. Is He Up To It? Keith Hayashi has been running the statewide school system for nearly a year, dealing with a pandemic, staffing shortages and other problems. Civil Beat.

New Hawaii State Hospital to open after lengthy delay. Officials overseeing the Hawaii State Hospital told state lawmakers Monday that their new 144-bed psychiatric facility is expected to open its doors to patients in about two weeks after more than a year of delays caused by a lack of policies and procedures, difficulty recruiting staff and flaws in shower floors, door handles and hinges. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Hawaii Lawmakers Propose Raising OHA’s Share Of Ceded Land Revenue. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is poised to get more money generated by the use of lands once held by the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

Nearly half of isle keiki in financially insecure households, report finds. Nearly half of all children in Hawaii lived in financially struggling households three years ago, before the COVID- 19 pandemic surfaced, according to Aloha United Way. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

State spent $37-million on Safe Travels Hawai'i program. While the final cost of the Safe Travels Hawai'i program is still being tallied, MG Kenneth Hara estimates the total cost will be about $37-million. KITV4.

Developers face lawsuit over lack of accessibility features at Maui, O'ahu housing properties. On Monday, the Department of Justice added eight new defendants to an existing lawsuit that alleges developers built five condo and apartment complexes without proper accessibility features. KITV4.

Oahu

Landfill Advisory Committee rejects proposed sites for new Oahu landfill. The city’s Landfill Advisory Committee voted Monday not to recommend any of the six proposed locations to replace the island’s only municipal landfill at Waimanalo Gulch on the West side of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Three Honolulu Homeless Shelters Are Closing, Leaving Clients With Uncertainty. The service providers are vacating their current locations in Chinatown and Kakaako without a plan for where to go next.  Civil Beat.

Navy Captain Fired After Latest Red Hill Fuel Leak. The Navy admiral who relieved the captain touted “accountability for safety” in a staff email on Monday. Civil Beat.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria In The Ala Wai Canal May Triple Due To Climate Change. UH researchers said infections are rare, but officials and residents should start now trying to mitigate contamination in the canal to keep it that way. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

E-waste program suspended due to lack of funds. A county program to recycle electronic waste has been discontinued until at least July. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

DHHL to break ground on Honomu ag project Friday. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will break ground this week on a new subsistence agriculture project in Honomu. Tribune-Herald.

Candidate filing for House seats gains momentum after a late start. Hawaii Island’s newly redefined and open District 6 seat in the state House of Representatives has so far attracted two Republican candidates seeking to represent the Kona district. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

State clears top Maui health official who faced widespread backlash over his COVID statements. Dr. Lorrin Pang, the state Department of Health’s Maui district health officer, faced major backlash last year for his support for controversial COVID-19 treatments. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Now Survey: 70% very concerned with the increase of out-of-state Maui homebuyers, 83% think Maui County should cap transient accommodations. Maui Now received 544 verified responses with 90% identifying as Maui County residents and 10% identifying as non-residents. A total of 86% of respondents identified as registered voters and 14% as non-registered voters. Maui Now.

Winners announced for small business awards. A baker, a farmer and the head of an equipment rental company were among the business owners honored at the 2021 Mayor’s Small Business Awards on Wednesday. Maui News.

Kauai

County, state set fair housing webinars. April is National Fair Housing Month, and the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, along with other state and county agencies, is providing free training opportunities for landlords and tenants to learn about current federal and state fair housing laws. Garden Island.

Kona coffee brand protections fail, Ala Wai decontamination advances, lawsuit filed against stun gun restrictions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Red coffee cherry in Kailua-Kona ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii coffee labeling bill gets relabeled. Hawaii coffee farmers may have to wait until 2024 to know whether it makes good economic sense for the state to require more locally grown beans in coffee blends branded with Hawaii geographic names. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii leaders review future of Safe Travels Hawaii program. State leaders have begun convening to determine the next generation of Safe Travels, Hawaii’s $37 million-plus pandemic-era travel policy, which ended March 25. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators consider allowing foreclosure on problem properties without court proceedings. HB 1434 passed second reading in the Senate in March after crossing over from the House of Representatives. It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary and Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to control feral chicken population advances. A bill to manage the feral chicken population is moving through the legislative session, but the departments that would be tasked with coming up with the solution said the proposal should not fall under their purview. KHON2.

Hawaii's FEMA nurses leave the state as federal funds dry up. Hospitals are scrambling to contract more workers as the union representing nurses sounds the alarm about dangerous staffing shortages. KITV4.

Oahu

Hawaii lawmakers look at preventing investor schemes on Affordable housing projects. An ostensible $80 million financial shakedown at an Oahu public housing project has led to a legislative effort to prevent similar schemes, which are spreading on the mainland, from happening in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of ‘genki balls’ dropped into Ala Wai. More than 200 people threw balls of mud and helpful bacteria into the Ala Wai Canal Saturday morning to help clean up sludge in the water. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Wai watershed flood risk study invites public input. The public is getting another chance to weigh in on work being done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a flood control project for Honolulu’s Ala Wai Canal. The Army Corps of Engineers is revising a study looking at what the community can do to improve resilience in the case of intense rain and extensive flooding. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fuel And Water Spilled From Facility Pipeline, Navy Says. The leak is the first to be reported at the World War II-era fuel complex since the water contamination crisis began. A mixture of fuel and water spilled from a maintenance line at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility on Friday afternoon, the Navy announced on Friday evening. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Where Is The Red Hill Contamination Moving? Experts Are ‘Working Blind’ The contamination crisis exposed how little regulators know about how groundwater – and fuel pollution – flow under the Red Hill facility. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council to consider 10 cent gas tax reduction: Decrease from 23 cents to 13 cents on Tuesday Finance Committee agenda. A County Council panel is poised to consider a resolution aimed at taking some of the sting out of rising gas prices. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Water costs rising: High oil prices spur 16% increase in water power charge. Increases in oil costs that raised the cost of electricity are in turn having a big impact on the county Department of Water Supply, which is proposing a 16% increase in the power cost adjustment on local water bills. West Hawaii Today.

County Council reopens its doors: Public allowed back in after two-year pandemic pause. The council committees, meeting Tuesday and the council, meeting Wednesday, will offer the public a range of ways to monitor the meetings and provide testimony. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses remaining cases involving kupuna arrested during TMT protests. The remaining cases involving kupuna arrested in July 2019 for obstructing the Mauna Kea Access Road during Thirty Meter Telescope protests were dismissed Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Consumer Advocate Opposes Bioenergy Power Plant On Big Island. Critics say there are too many outstanding questions for the Public Utilities Commission to approve the Hu Honua project. Civil Beat.

Buyouts will begin soon: 289 homeowners in first phase of Kilauea eruption recovery program await funds. To date, the county’s Voluntary Housing Buyout Program — which allows property owners to have their eruption-damaged properties bought out by the county for up to $230,000 — has received 467 applications over the course of two phases. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Molina approved as new county public works director. Jordan Molina’s appointment as the new director of the Public Works Department was approved by the Maui County Council on Friday, even as community members called for his disapproval amid frustrations over a large home being built in Napili. Maui News.

Mokulele to expand fleet for Molokai, Lanai. Mokulele Airlines hopes to bring in two 30-passenger planes by the middle or end of May that will help transport high school athletic teams, wheelchair-bound residents and passengers of size from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu. Maui News.

Suit claims proposed restrictions on stun guns in Maui County violate 2nd Amendment. A new lawsuit claims Maui County is trying to violate their Second Amendment rights by making it harder for businesses to sell stun guns. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Saving Kauai’s Kalihiwai Reservoir Is An Expensive Problem. In a last-ditch effort, some farmers and wildlife enthusiasts are trying to raise funds to save this relic of the plantation era. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i DMV to close early every other week beginning April 4. The County of Kaua‘i Department of Finance Driver License Division and Motor Vehicle Division in the Lihu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building closes early daily, at 3 p.m., every other week, beginning today. Garden Island.

14 bills offered in quest for honest government, Chinatown soup kitchen leaves area after neighbor complaints, fireworks bills fizzle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii House opening day 2022 PC:House Republicans

Hawaii legislative report calls for ‘better, honest’ government. A recently formed commission is recommending passage of 14 bills at the Legislature largely aimed at combating public corruption, improving government transparency and changing fundraising and campaign spending rules. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press.

Hawaii state Legislature bills to combat illegal fireworks fizzle out. Bills aimed at cracking down on illegal fireworks in Hawaii have essentially died this legislative session. Star-Advertiser.

Senate Set To Vote On Making State Police Shooting Board Permanent. A bill that would make the Law Enforcement Officer Independent Review Board a permanent state fixture cleared its final committee vote on Thursday, setting it up for a full Senate vote. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive $3.6M to help working families lower energy costs. The state of Hawaii is slated to receive more than $3.6 million in federal funding to help lower-income households increase energy efficiency in their homes, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced, thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism Is Rebounding But Japan Remains A Barrier. Japan, which is Hawaii’s third-largest market, has eased most restrictions on travel, raising hopes a significant return of tourists may be near. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu rail project gets estimated time arrival. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has three months to submit its revised plans for the rail to federal officials for funding. KHON2.

River of Life serves up final meal at longtime Chinatown site. River of Life Mission, which has been offering free meals to homeless and other needy people for some 35 years, on Thursday served up its last dishes at its Chinatown location. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

DOH investigates after piles of construction material are dumped at property. The Department of Health said it is actively investigating a property on 20th Avenue in Kaimuki after neighbors raised concerns about piles of construction material. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Katherine Kealoha to be a witness in case targeting her brother. The trial of a Hawaii Island doctor accused of writing opioid prescriptions for his friends to sell or trade to fuel their cocaine consumption opened Thursday with federal prosecutors labeling him a drug dealer and the defense arguing he was an addict legally treating people in pain. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Tsunami museum reopens in Hilo: Today marks anniversary of devastating 1946 wave. Just in time for Tsunami Awareness Month, the Pacific Tsunami Museum has reopened after being shuttered for two years because of the pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

Lightning likely ignited brush fires in South Kohala. Hawaii Fire Department personnel and volunteers responded about 3 p.m. Wednesday to two separate brush fires about 1.5 miles west mile marker 3 on Highway 190, also known as Mamalahoa Highway.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui

DOE plans to open Kihei high school with ‘hybrid model’. DOT ‘hopeful’ roundabout can help open school; LUC says pedestrian crossing condition remains. The state Department of Education plans to open the new Kihei high school through a “temporary hybrid model” that will allow incoming freshmen to use space at Lokelani Intermediate this fall before transitioning to the high school’s new campus in January. Maui News.

Maui visitors in February more than double from same month last year. February’s visitor arrivals jumped nearly 109% year over year: There were 193,232 visitors last month compared to 92,608 visitors in February 2021, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s preliminary visitor statistics report released today. Maui Now. Maui News.

Arrests made in connection with theft that preceded deadly crash involving MPD employee. Maui police arrested two suspects in connection with a theft, that preceded a deadly crash which claimed the life of the Chief’s Executive Secretary Terry Jones last month. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Creative Technology Center granted $650K. The Kaua‘i Creative Technology Center, a long-planned facility to build a local creative industry, is projected to break ground sometime next year. Garden Island.