Legislature wants to shield hula from exploitation, Honolulu mulls more regulation over vacation rentals, Har cleared of misuse of office during DUI arrest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers support resolution to protect hula amid ‘exploitation’ concerns. Many of the world’s finest hula dancers are gathered in Hilo this week for the 59th annual Merrie Monarch Festival. But hula also took centerstage at the state Capitol on Thursday, where lawmakers are considering a resolution to protect its integrity. Hawaii News Now.

How The Decline In Lab Testing Is Complicating Efforts To Track Covid. As the pandemic enters its third year, more people are taking at-home tests or none at all. But coronavirus cases are still rising. Civil Beat.

BOE OKs requests to reduce class time: More than 200 noninstructional days authorized statewide. The state Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to approve more than 200 requests from schools for noninstructional days, decreasing the number of hours students will spend in the classroom for the 2022-2023 school year. Tribune-Herald.

Free summer school to help students bounce back. The DOE universal screener testing revealed that in the fall and winter of the 2021-2022 school year, almost a fourth of all elementary students were failing English. Though things improved slightly in English in the second quarter, more of them failed math. KHON2.

Isabella Kalua’s Death Has Yet To Trigger A Clear Plan To Bolster Child Protection. The end of this year’s legislative session is just days away, and lawmakers say they still haven’t seen a clear plan for improving Hawaii’s child welfare system. Civil Beat.

Biden Nominates Ex-KPD Officer To Lead US Marshals Office In Hawaii. President Joe Biden announced Friday that he is nominating Michael Contrades, a former deputy police chief in Kauai, to lead the U.S. Marshals Office in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmaker will not face additional punishment following DUI acquittal. State Rep. Sharon Har will not face additional charges for her conduct during an arrest on suspicion of drunk driving. A House Special Committee said it found no evidence that the Makakilo lawmaker misused her office during her arrest. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council Budget Committee advances new tax classification for short-term rentals. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee has given initial approval to a measure that would adjust the property tax rate for legal short-term rentals, which in its current form could mean relief for some owners and a hike for others. Star-Advertiser.

Permitting overhaul may mean faster build times for homeowners. The city's Permitting Director - Dean Uchida - said today during a Honolulu City Council Committee Meeting that it's in the process of revamping the entire permitting system, which has been notoriously slow. KITV4.

FBI warning about threat to Honolulu’s mayor prompted additional officers at city hall. A witness against suspected crime boss Mike Miske was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly making social media threats to a DLNR official and his family. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu ranked in top 25 cleanest cities for air pollution. Honolulu is ranked #3 in the top 25 cleanest cities in the country, and officials at the American Lung Association credit both the success to the island's trade winds and the increase of residents switching over to electric cars. KITV4.

Navy says it has cut irrigation use by 50% amid water shortage. The Navy says it is doing its part to conserve water on Oʻahu in response to a request from the Board of Water Supply. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu North Shore property owner says he will fight $92K fine. State conservation officials are seeking to impose a $92,000 fine against a North Shore property owner for violating state laws by moving large amounts of sand in front of his two beachfront homes to shield them from coastal erosion and refusing to remove broken sandbags, rocks, concrete rubble and other debris that they say he stacked along the public beach. Star-Advertiser.

As housing prices on Oahu hit record highs, families grapple with rising rents. Prices for single-family homes on Oahu hit a new record high last month and are up more than 21% from last year, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu Nonprofits To Get $4.5M To Address Housing And Financial Woes. The 17 organizations will work together to help solve critical problems facing the island’s working families. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Plans for bridge work unveiled: Weight limit on Kolekole could be lifted in June. Kolekole Bridge is on track to reopen to heavy truck traffic by June, state officials said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Planning Commission Defers Extension Request for Subdivision Proposal off Ali‘i Drive. The commission voted 6-0 on Thursday, April 21, to have Hawai‘i One first meet with the Cultural Resource Commission to ensure there aren’t any historical, burial or cultural concerns by that body or neighbors. Big Island Now.

Funds sought for demolition of Uncle Billy’s. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Land Division is seeking money from the Legislature to demolish the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel building. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

‘Ration Your Water’: A Plantation-Era Water System On Maui is Maxed Out. Families who rely on a Maui stream as their only source of running water found their supply suddenly dry. Civil Beat.

Water to be restored to five Molokai streams. Flow standards set for the waterways that were often dry for almost a century. Water will be restored to five streams on Molokai that for more than a century were almost fully diverted and often dry, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui News.

After outcry, Maui’s Baldwin High reverses ban on lei-giving at graduation. A significant reversal for graduating seniors who have endured years of pandemic restrictions, Baldwin High School recently repealed its ban on lei-giving at this year’s graduation ceremony. Maui Now.

Kauai

Weekly COVID cases rising on Kaua’i. COVID-19 cases are rising on-island, statewide and nationally, the County of Kaua‘i reported Thursday. Garden Island.

Honolulu police reforms proposed, Kealoha doctor brother convicted on 38 counts of opioid distribution, school reverses lei ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Ballot Proposals Would Reshape Police Oversight. The charter amendments need support from six of nine City Council members to be added to the November ballot. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Sharon Har skirts question about why she went out during COVID-19. State Rep. Sharon Har has yet to explain to a special House committee why she was out at night during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 while taking prescription medication for a respiratory ailment, drank alcohol and was subsequently arrested — and later acquitted — of drunken driving. Star-Advertiser.

Positive COVID-19 tests on the rise as Hawaii’s free testing program comes to an end. On Wednesday, the state’s weekly average positivity rate rose to 7.1% — up from 4.9% the previous week and 4.0% the week prior to that, according to the state Department of Health.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i reports 17 new deaths, 1,736 Covid-19 infections in past week. There are 1,212 coronavirus cases on O‘ahu, 150 on the Big Island, 88 on Kaua‘i, three on Lana‘i, 206 on Maui, seven on Moloka‘i, and 70 diagnosed out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Commission Recommends Prosecution In Falsified Campaign Donations Case. Developer Timothy Lee allegedly reimbursed his employees for thousands of dollars they gave to candidates in 2020. The executive of a company leading development in the Ala Moana area could be facing criminal penalties over allegations that he made illegal donations to Honolulu mayoral candidates in 2020. Civil Beat.

World champ big wave surfer Makua Rothman files papers to run for City Council. Rothman is making a bid for the seat held by Heidi Tsuneyoshi, who is now running for governor as a Republican. Hawaii News Now.

HFD says new $12M helicopter will make rescues safer. The Honolulu Fire Department is asking the City Council for funds to purchase a new helicopter. KHON2.

Wahiawa Nursing Home Will Close Its Doors In July. The staff of the Wahiawa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will help about 60 residents find new homes, officials said. Civil Beat.

Leilehua High School reverses ban on lei giving at graduation ceremony. The school was under fire for banning lei, saying the decision was based on COVID restrictions. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Despite uptick in COVID cases, some parents say it’s time to move beyond masks in classrooms. Dozens of parents and children signs in front of the state office building in Wailuku on Wednesday morning. They want the state Department of Education to remove its mask mandate for public school classrooms. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Gas tax cut stalls at council. The final measure of a tax-trimming trifecta — a move to cut the gas tax by 10 cents a gallon — stalled Wednesday in the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Army study won’t recommend altering Hilo breakwater. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated a second study in 2021 to determine whether opening a breach in the breakwater would demonstrably improve the bay’s water quality. That study, however, determined that it would not. Tribune-Herald.

Katherine Kealoha’s Brother Convicted Of Running Prescription Drug Ring. Dr. Rudolph B. Puana, 50, of Waimea was found guilty in federal court Wednesday of 38 counts of distributing and dispensing oxycodone, one count of distributing or dispensing fentanyl “outside the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose,” and conspiracy to distribute or dispense the drugs. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

As wastewater soils ocean, Māʻalaea injection wells fuel debate over who’s liable. Wastewater is leaking from archaic Māʻalaea condominiums injection wells, damaging ocean reef and other natural habitats.  Maui Now.

Maui Judge Tells Irrigation Company To Temporarily Restore Water. A Maui County judge on Tuesday told Launiupoko Irrigation Co. that it needs to restore running water to families in Kauaula Valley after the private water company cut it off before the Easter weekend without notice. Civil Beat.

Cleanup underway to remove 175 abandoned vehicles from remote Kanaio area of Maui. Approximately 175 abandoned derelict cars and trucks are being removed from a remote area of Kanaio on Maui over the next three weeks, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now. KITV4.

Maui parents, students rally against DOE mask rules. Saying that masks should be a choice, about 50 to 75 people rallied in Wailuku this morning against the state Department of Education’s indoor mask mandate. Maui Now.

Kauai

Most-polluted test site in April is Moloa‘a Stream. The Blue Water Task Force has released its April test results. Garden Island.

Protesters want to ‘let children breathe’. An anticipated group of more than three dozen people was expected at a sign-waving rally decrying the required wearing of face masks by school students in an indoor setting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Shikada confirmed as attorney general, feds may allow shortened train route, COVID cases ticking up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Holly Shikada confirmed as top law enforcement officer. A 33-year veteran of the state Department of the Attorney General was confirmed by Hawaii senators Tuesday to stay on as the agency’s leader and top state law enforcement officer. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii COVID cases see upward trend 5 weeks in a row. For the past five weeks Hawaii has seen a steady increase in 7-day average daily case counts which is causing some Hawaii residents to continue wearing their masks despite the lifted mandate. KHON2.

Hawaii Tourism Plan Focuses On Marketing, Not Management. The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s $35 million tourism marketing and management contract will guide how the state presents itself to U.S. travelers. Civil Beat.

Pandemic continues to hurt Hawaii public school students’ grades, attendance. Pandemic gaps in academic grades worsened slightly in multiple areas during the second quarter of the school year, while problems with learning and attendance persisted, according to new state Department of Education data. Star-Advertiser.

Senate accused of ‘punitive’ funding plan for University of Hawaii. The state Senate’s budget proposal to give the University of Hawaii a $275 million funding increase comes with strings attached, including a $100,000 pay cut for the UH West Oahu chancellor and eliminating the positions of communications director and director of the Office of Equal Employment. Star-Advertiser.

Conservative Group Targets Kahele Over Possible Ethics Violations. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust says the congressman was clearly attending political events in Hawaii instead of casting votes in person in D.C. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART head: Federal authorities appear receptive to ending rail project in Kakaako. A plan to pause rail construction at South Street rather than building to Ala Moana Center could be gaining traction with the federal government. Lori Kahikina, CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, said she received a letter in December from Federal Transit Administration officials saying they were open to amending the Full Funding Grant Agreement, which calls for the rail to build 21 stations and 20 miles of guideway. Hawaii News Now.

The ‘Lost Tower’: Why Howard Hughes Has A Love-Hate Relationship With Rail. The city has spent several years and millions of dollars fighting the developer in court over land for rail. Now, the transit system might not reach the Hughes Kakaako properties. Civil Beat.

As part of long-term monitoring program, DOH reviews Navy water samples. In the wake of the Navy’s tainted water crisis, the state Department of Health is now reviewing water samples from the first month of a long-term monitoring program at Pearl Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

UH Manoa looks to upgrade security cameras. University of Hawaii at Manoa officials are looking to up security on campus which includes possibly installing a centralized security camera system for its Department of Public Safety. KHON2.

Honolulu tops national list for solar energy generation. For a third consecutive year, Honolulu tops a national survey for solar energy production per person. That’s according to the eighth annual Shining Cities report, released Tuesday from the advocacy group Environment America. Hawaii Public Radio.

City expands free COVID testing for Oahu residents amid continued demand. Honolulu airport COVID-19 testing site again open on Wednesdays. The City and County of Honolulu announced today it is reopening Wednesdays at its free COVID-19 testing program for all Oahu residents at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Tax breaks postponed: Council wants more information before voting on tax credit, assessment cap. With the specter of California’s Proposition 13 hanging over the room, the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday postponed a measure that would have capped increases in property values for most commercial classes. West Hawaii Today.

Fire chief ‘generally agrees’ with critiques of audit. After a less than glowing county audit of the Hawaii Fire Department last month, Fire Chief Kazuo Todd hopes to turn the department around over the next several years. Tribune-Herald.

A treasured gym’s looming demolition puts a rural Big Island community on edge. A rural Big Island community is rallying to save a treasured piece of its history. The Papaaloa gym is set to be demolished soon. Hawaii News Now.

Expert: Night is Becoming Less Dark, And That’s Not a Good Thing. Members of the Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday, April 19, heard about a valuable economic and cultural resource that is slowly disappearing on the Big Island — the darkness of night. Big Island Now.

Federal case against Big Island doctor goes to jury. A jury is deliberating the fate of Hawaii island doctor and brother of jailed former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, accused of writing opioid prescriptions for pills that were sold or traded for cocaine. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Maui

Maui County launched online planning and permitting system; no more paper applications. On April 18, Maui County launched MAPPS — Maui’s Automated Planning and Permitting System, a new web-based software designed to support planning and permit processing. Maui Now.

Community input sought on Lānaʻi Skate Park preliminary designs. The Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting community input on preliminary Lānaʻi Skate Park conceptual designs. These designs come from community input in an online survey in October 2021.  Maui Now.

Some gun enthusiasts fear new homes could threaten Maui’s only shooting range. Some Maui gun owners fear the development of new homes could threaten the island’s only shooting range. Ukumehame Firing Range is the only legal public shooting range on the Valley Isle. Hawaii News Now.

County seeks input on resiliency hubs for disaster response. The Maui County Office of Climate Change, Resiliency and Sustainability will hold four community talk story sessions to discuss the formation of resiliency hubs aimed at responding to disasters in Maui County. Maui News.

Former Maui police officer enters guilty plea to attempted child enticement. A former Maui police officer pleaded guilty in federal court today to trying to lure a 13-year-old girl into a sexual relationship with promises of money and shopping trips. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kauai

The Beach House restaurant expansion sees opposition. The proposed expansion of The Beach House restaurant became the subject of debate at last week’s Planning Commission meeting, with many neighbors voicing their opposition to the idea. Garden Island.

Hurricane hardening happening at Kapa‘a school. Structures at Kapa‘a Middle School are months away from becoming community hurricane shelters. Garden Island.

Masks now optional at airports, airlines, public transportation, still required at public schools, Blangiardi to sign short-term vacation rental limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu airport pre-COVID ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Airports, Airlines And Public Transportation Drop Mask Mandates. Masks will no longer be required at Hawaii’s airports and on public transportation after a federal judge struck down a national mandate that had been extended through May 3.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Indoor masking to continue in Hawaii public schools through end of school year. Indoor masking to protect against COVID-19 will continue to be required at all Hawaii public schools through the end of the school year, state schools interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi has confirmed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Local COVID modeling group projects new variant will not cause hospitalization surge. The Hawaiʻi Pandemic Applied Modeling Group, or HiPAM, is projecting that a new subvariant of COVID will not produce a surge in hospitalizations like other strains before it. A COVID-19 omicron variant hybrid called XE has been detected in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Working class tax credit still alive. After taking a long, winding path through the Legislature, a bill making the Earned Income Tax Credit permanent and refundable has made it through both the House and the Senate, though disagreements over amendments mean that the bill will now go before a conference committee. Garden Island.

Bill to ban use of drones for fishing moves forward. Senate Bill 2065, which would prohibit the use of the “unmanned aerial vehicles” on, in or near state waters to take aquatic life, passed out of the House of Representatives on April 8 and will be discussed in conference hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials pursue stronger deterrents for illegal game rooms. A proposal before state lawmakers would elevate misdemeanor gambling offenses associated with game room activity to felonies. Star-Advertiser.

No One Is Raising Money Yet To Run Against Kahele, Case Or Schatz. Contributions to Kahele fell off in the first quarter of 2022 while Case saw more donations to his campaign and Schatz continued to bring in significant sums. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters Eyes Run For Congress. He has pulled papers for the 2nd Congressional District seat in case it becomes open. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi to sign short-term rental bill, return to work after recovering from COVID-19. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he plans to sign a measure that would tighten rules for short-term rentals on Oahu as he announced he would return to Honolulu Hale today after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

No salary increase this year for Council members, mayor and department heads. The mayor and City Council members will not get salary increases this year after a unanimous vote Monday by the Honolulu Salary Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopters to drop citric acid solution over remote Waimanalo area to eradicate coqui frogs. Helicopters will spray a citric acid solution over a remote mountain area of Waimanalo on Wednesday in an attempt to eradicate invasive coqui frogs, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council to talk taxes: Breaks for drivers, homeowners and businesses on agenda this week. Resolutions lowering gas taxes by a dime a gallon and granting homeowners a $250 credit on their property taxes, as well a bill capping property values for other classes of property, will all be considered by the council today and Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on Phase 2 of Bayfront Trails begins. Work on the second phase of the Hilo Bayfront Trails project began Monday after years of delay. The first phase of the project was completed in 2016, and connected Mooheau Park, Pauahi Street, the Bayfront canoe hale, and the Bayfront soccer fields. Tribune-Herald.

Closing arguments to begin in trial of prominent doctor accused of drug crimes. Closing arguments are set to begin Tuesday morning in the federal drug trial against prominent Big Island physician Rudy Puana. Puana’s attorneys will get one last chance to convince jurors he was not illegally dealing drugs. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Plans for warehouse in Maui Business Park move forward. Despite concerns over drainage and runoff, a 20,000-square-foot warehouse to be located near Costco in Kahului received approval of a special management area use permit on Tuesday. The Maui Planning Commission granted West Maui Construction Holdings LLC the permit to develop the warehouse building and conduct improvements on approximately 4.7 acres in the Maui Business Park at 72 Lauo Loop. Maui News.

Cat colony at the Grand Wailea resort may be eradicated amid lawsuit. The nonprofit Earthjustice recently filed a lawsuit against the resort, sighting lighting problems for endangered seabirds at the Grand Wailea. KITV4.

Kauai

Driver licensing, motor vehicle registration offices close early this week. The county Finance Department’s divisions of motor vehicle registration and driver licensing are closing at 3 p.m. all this week to accommodate staff training for a planned integration project. The integration project involves the combination of both the drivers licensing and motor vehicle registration divisions into one, full-service Department of Motor Vehicles. Garden Island.

Prices rise, workers quit, food stamps increase in Hawaii economy, COVID-19 wastewater monitoring to start this summer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Shoppers and strollers in Waikiki ©2022 All Hawaii News

Why Businesses Are Passing Their Rising Costs On To Consumers. The price of groceries rose almost 12% in March compared with the same month a year ago, while gasoline prices increased almost 40%. Civil Beat.

A Record Number of Hawai‘i Workers Quit Their Jobs in 2021. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data shows that 222,000 local employees had voluntarily resigned. In September alone, about 38,000 people quit – 6.6% of the local workforce and the highest rate for that month in the nation. Hawaii Business Magazine.

Amid growing need, extra food stamp benefits extended to end of May. According to the Department of Human Services, nearly 200,000 people in Hawaii rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. State officials say it is a 36% increase from prior to the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Bill would expedite farmland transfers. While two state agencies continue to vie over management of about 100,000 acres of state land set aside for agriculture, lawmakers are pushing a bill to expedite the transfer of those lands to support local farming and ranching. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers still practicing gut-and-replace surgery on bills. The Hawaii Supreme Court laid down a precedent-setting November ruling that invalidated a 2018 law stemming from a gut-and-replace maneuver, designating certain aspects of the practice as unconstitutional. Yet at least two examples of bills that could easily be considered an affront to the court’s decision popped up recently at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Tourism Authority is operating on an extremely tight deadline to award its largest contract to supply destination management services and promote Hawaii to the U.S. market, the state’s most important visitor source market. Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau has always had HTA’s top contract and is expected to bid for the next one. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs might get more of what it’s owed from the state of Hawaii. A bill that the House of Representatives approved unanimously Tuesday would raise an annual sum the state pays OHA to $21.5 million, up from $15.1 million, as another interim effort to satisfy a state obligation rooted in Hawaii’s Constitution. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public schools could soon offer free menstrual products. State legislators are close to passing Senate Bill 2821, which would appropriate about $1 million to the Department of Education to provide menstrual pads and tampons because many students can’t afford them. Hawaii News Now.

Bills target abandoned cars: ‘Big penalty’ sought for those who leave the vehicles. House Bills 1411 through 1414 propose harsher penalties for owners of derelict vehicles that could generate millions of dollars for the state per year. Tribune-Herald.

Monitoring for COVID-19 in Hawaii wastewater expected to start this summer. A growing number of studies show the value of wastewater monitoring not only as an early detection system for trends in coronavirus cases in a community, but for the presence of variants such as BA.2. and other potential mutations on the horizon. Star-Advertiser.

COVID cases likely three times more than reported. During a livestream on Friday, infectious disease expert and Senior Fellow in the Research Program at East-West Center on Oahu Dr. Tim Brown speculated cases could be underreported “by about a factor of three.” Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Ikaika Anderson’s Honolulu City Council resignation raises questions in lieutenant governor race. Ikaika Anderson is prepared to explain to voters why he resigned his Windward City Council seat in 2020 saying he wanted to focus on caring for his Waimanalo grandparents who raised him, but ended up working for a mason’s union job that he left after nine months. Star-Advertiser.

Public weighs in on Ala Wai flood-control proposals. Under consideration is dredging the canal, adding raised walls along its banks and adding earthen/silt berms to divert floodwaters into Ala Wai Park, the golf course and neighboring school grounds, partially restoring the area’s former wetlands and kalo paddies. Star-Advertiser.

Coming back from a crime at nonprofit ʻŌlelo Community Media. Roger McKeaugue joined ʻŌlelo Community Media in April 2021 as head of the nonprofit at a delicate time. In the previous month, a former vice president had pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling money from the organization, including CARES Act funding. Hanalei Apioalani was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Hawaii Public Radio.

Developer of Hawaii Ocean Plaza gives update on project. The city of Honolulu has cited a development project for not taking care of its build site along Kapiolani Boulevard. The complaint involves the homeless visiting a two story building on the property, overgrown weeds and a broken fence. This comes as the developer missed key deadlines for permits. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Bugs still being worked out of EPIC: Some building permits still stuck in the system. Hawaii County continues to work the bugs out of its online building permit system, but some testifiers to the county Cost of Government Commission aren’t convinced it’s happening fast enough. West Hawaii Today.

Council to view presentation on ‘dark sky’ initiatives. Hawaii County could save money and attract tourists by reducing light pollution, according to a presentation by a Big Island activist to be heard this week by the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Ige releases $1.5M for Puako sewer plans. A long-anticipated project to improve water quality and protect the coral reef by replacing cesspools at Puako with a sewer system is finally moving forward with the announcement Friday that Gov. David Ige has released $1.5 million to get the design work started. West Hawaii Today.

Honokaa cockfight draws hundreds: Alleged organizer arrested; 21 chickens killed. According to a Tribune-Herald search of previous stories and media releases by the Hawaii Police Department, the last time a cockfighting arrest ended up with criminal charges on the Big Island was on March 30, 2019, also in Honokaa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Months after social host law took effect, no citations issued. Questions surround enforcement of law, which police chief calls ‘unconstitutional’. No citations have been issued under a county law holding adult hosts accountable for underage drinking at house parties on Maui, more than six months since the measure was implemented. Maui News.

Kama plans two changes to county’s Taser rules, slated to be heard Friday. Council Member Tasha Kama in a news release said that the planned changes include consolidating the county’s administrative responsibilities for electric gun dealer licensing and clarifying the business insurance requirements for electric gun sellers. Maui Now.

Cleaning This Polluted Maui Harbor Requires Money, Land And Oysters. The County Council will vote on whether to approve $9.5 million for a state-of-the art wastewater treatment plant in Maalaea. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Maui airport sees faster processing, fewer disorderlies in wake of Safe Travels. The leader of Maui district airports said Kahului Airport processing times and disorderly traveler incidents have subsided since Hawaiʻi’s Safe Travels program was lifted three weeks ago.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i legislators return donations tied to bribery figure. Following a February bribery scandal, some Kaua‘i lawmakers have made moves to distance themselves from money tied to the central figure in the case. Garden Island.

Owner reunited with stolen canoe on Kauai after weeks-long search. A canoe stolen on Kauai in early April has been found and returned to its rightful owner. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii honeycreepers in peril, lei banned at some graduations, Hawaiian Airlines cancels more flights, omicron XE reaches the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Ākohekohe crested honeycreeper PC:DLNR Jacob Drucker

Some Hawaiian Songbirds May Vanish In Less Than Two Years, Report Warns. Scientists and wildlife officials said urgent action is needed to save the honeycreepers from disease-ridden mosquitoes. Four species of the Hawaiian honeycreeper could disappear in the next few years, with conservation officials and scientists warning that disease and climate change are driving the palm-sized songbirds to extinction. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

New Report On Reestablishing ʻŌhiʻa In Hawaiʻi. The study, which highlights the value of ʻōhiʻa in capturing carbon, provides support for recovery of the native tree, officials say. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Health Department confirms omicron variant XE detected in Hawaii. The recombinant COVID-19 omicron variant XE, first identified in the United Kingdom, has been detected in Hawaii, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaiian Airlines to cancel 32 more flights amid pilot recertification delays. In place of the canceled flights, Hawaiian is planning to substitute their smaller aircraft with larger planes to rebook passengers and ensure travelers get to their destinations. They do plan to complete 119 flights around the state Friday. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Documents Show US Rep. Kai Kahele Has A Special Deal With Hawaiian Airlines. Just before Kahele took office, the airline and national pilots union agreed to a new provision in the union contract granting a special leave for pilots who are also elected officials. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Department of Public Safety official pleads not guilty to perjury, other charges. The head of training at the state Department of Public Safety pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges accusing her of lying about her educational background. Public Training Officer J. Marte Martinez pleaded not guilty to perjury, tampering with a government record and unsworn falsification to authorities. Associated Press.

State may loosen restrictions for ‘Made in Hawaii’. The Made in Hawaii brand is synonymous with many local products. But after sales dipped during the pandemic, the state is looking at ways to revitalize the Made in Hawaii brand. KHON2.

Oahu

Experts: As more suits are filed, cost to taxpayers for crash involving officers could top $10M. Legal claims are mounting in a near-fatal crash last year in which officers allegedly chased a car without their emergency lights on and then didn’t stop to render aid. All six people in the Honda sedan involved in the September crash in Makaha are now suing the city. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu North Shore homeowners defy state laws as they try to save their properties. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s investigating after a beachfront property owner rented an excavator and moved large amounts of sand in front of his homes at Rocky Point on Oahu’s North Shore to protect them from erosion. Star-Advertiser.

More Lead Detected In Water Of Pearl Harbor Schools, Home. Lead has again been detected in water samples taken from three Pearl Harbor area locations, including schools for young children, the Navy announced on Thursday. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii gets funding for weather research. The University of Hawaii at Manoa has been named to a consortium of institutions that will share $360 million over the next three years to conduct research that will help weather authorities better forecast episodes of flooding in rivers and streams, among other things. Star-Advertiser.

Good Friday and Easter weekend 2022: List of what’s open and closed on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Senate Calls For Lava Evacuation Plans On Big Island. Lawmakers want the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to pick up the pace in drafting evacuation plans. Civil Beat.

New site planned for abandoned vehicles: Facility would be on state land near Hilo landfill. Hawaii County officials within the next two years want to construct a building in Hilo to store abandoned vehicles. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Community College gets EV charging station that is first of its kind on isle. Hawaii Community College gets EV charging station that is first of its kind on isle. The solar charger follows the installation of eight new EV charging stations at the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus in 2020. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

As Hawaii lifts the mandatory mask mandate and Safe Travels Program, hospitals on the Big Island are generally seeing fewer COVID-19 patients, including Kona Community Hospital, which recently saw a six- day period during which no COVID-19 patients were admitted. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Tourists May Have To Start Paying To Park At Popular Maui Beaches. In response to growing calls from residents who want their government leaders to better manage crowds of tourists who’ve clogged parking lots and dissuaded locals from going to some beaches in their own backyards, Maui County is planning to roll out a new paid parking system that would charge visitors and set aside free spaces for residents at some of the island’s busiest destinations. Civil Beat.

Paia temple takes steps to curb shoreline erosion. State approves plans to put in temporary barrier while long-term solutions sought. Maui News.

Lei-giving ban at high school graduation? Maui students question new restriction. Long a Hawai’i tradition, lei-giving at high school graduation has been banned — at least temporarily — at Baldwin High School.  Maui Now.

Maui County had a 4.3% unemployment rate in March. Maui County’s unemployment rate in March was 4.3%, down from the 4.7% reported in February, and the 8% rate from March of 2021. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua’i politicians and climate activists push, pull on policy. Local state representatives met with advocates on Wednesday, to discuss climate bills still alive near the end of the Hawai‘i State Legislature’s 2022 session. Garden Island.

Kahele hears from students. For U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele, Wednesday was his turn to take on the role of teacher as he addressed the Island School staff and the school’s high school population at the Wilcox Gymnasium on the school’s Puhi campus. Garden Island.

Honolulu council limits vacation rentals, Blangiardi tests positive for COVID as cases rise statewide, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Condos along the Ala Wai ©2022 All Hawaii News

Honolulu Council Votes To Rein In Short-Term Rentals. The bill, which passed 8-1, would raise the minimum booking period from 30 to 90 days. After hours of testimony and extensive discussion, the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday passed a controversial measure aimed at curbing short-term rentals on Oahu. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Land-Use Regulations Are Helping Drive Up Housing Prices. It’s a long-standing complaint among homebuilders in Hawaii: land-use regulations contribute enormously to building costs, they say, driving up the price of housing. Now, researchers at the University of Hawaii have attempted to measure that impact. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Despite DUI acquittal, state lawmaker could still face disciplinary action. Despite her acquittal on drunk driving charges, state Rep. Sharon Har could still face disciplinary actions from her fellow lawmakers. Complaints filed by more than a dozen of the Makakilo lawmaker’s constituents say Har violated the House’s code of conduct when she made public statements about her arrest that conflicted with police body camera video of the incident. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Senate Committee Recommends Kuwaye’s Appointment To The PUC. Naomi Kuwaye, a utilities lawyer, is one step closer to gaining a seat on a state commission in charge of regulating public utilities in the islands. Civil Beat.

Majority of Hawaii’s COVID cases are highly contagious ‘stealth’ Omicron. According to health officials, stealth Omicron is 30% more transmissible than the original and could be to blame for a slight uptick in cases that the Department of Health is watching closely. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i reports 1,327 Covid cases, 8 new deaths in the last week. There are 941 reported coronavirus cases on O‘ahu, 160 on the Big Island, 55 on Kaua‘i, nine on Lāna‘i, 130 on Maui, five on Moloka‘i, and 27 diagnosed out of state. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi Tests Positive For Covid. The mayor’s office is working to notify people who have had close contact with the mayor in recent days. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Rail repairs made from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. Welding repairs that were made to correct flaws in the Honolulu rail tracks have been completed. KHON2.

127-unit affordable housing project in ‘Ewa is moving forward. 127-unit affordable housing project in ‘Ewa is moving forward. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Bill To Finance A New Waste-To-Energy Plant On Oahu Raises Questions. Lawmakers are advancing a bill to help a company raise up to $50 million to develop a new waste-to-energy operation on Oahu even as the city pays hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties each year because it can’t provide enough trash to feed the existing H-POWER garbage-to-energy plant. Civil Beat.

Amid rising costs to remove Haiku Stairs, advocates renew push to keep trail. The Honolulu City Council has given preliminary approval for money to dismantle the Haiku Stairs in Windward Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County R&D budget to get big bump. It takes money to make money, the maxim goes, and the county Department of Research and Development is taking that to heart. West Hawaii Today.

Ordnance removal enters next phase: Following 9 months of scanning near Waimea, Army personnel will begin digging for munitions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since 2002 has removed more than 2,700 unexploded munitions from the area around the former Waikoloa Maneuver Area, a 185,000-acre area which was used for live-fire exercises during World War II. Tribune-Herald.

Tourism official: Japan-Kona flights to return late this year. Direct flights between Japan and Hawaii Island are expected to resume late this year, and there’s talk of a third operator entering the market with service to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Plans change for Kihei park’s future playing fields, community space. Original plans for the South Maui Community Park’s next phases have changed to consolidate future playing fields while adding more open park space for community events, a playground and a picnic area. Maui News.

Climate change, resiliency and sustainability grants available in Maui County. The County of Maui Office of Climate Change, Resiliency, and Sustainability is soliciting grant proposals for the fiscal year 2023-24 funding cycle. Maui Now.

Hooked juvenile monk seal found on Maui, recovering after rescue. A juvenile monk seal is recovering after surgery to remove a large hook that the animal had ingested and which was lodged in his esophagus. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lihu‘e Airport runway relocation gets $3.9M boost. Lihu‘e Airport is the only airport in the United States without a standard runway safety area required by the Federal Aviation Administration. Garden Island. KHON2.

Lawmakers may urge the state to rename Russian Fort Elizabeth on Kauaʻi to Pāʻulaʻula. Senate Concurrent Resolution 119 asks the Board of Land and Natural Resources to rename the park to Pāʻulaʻula, the traditional name given to the fort by the Native Hawaiians who built it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Condo opponents keep vigil near Koloa development site. Elizabeth Takenaka and the Save Koloa nonprofit have been maintaining a vigil 0n Kiahuna Plantation Drive for the past several days after signs of construction, including the installation of dust screens, became apparent. Garden Island.

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.