Insurance policy to help repair reefs after storms, Ige leaves state with $2.6B budget surplus, Kauai issues open carry gun permit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cauliflower coral ©2022 All Hawaii News

Insurance policy unveiled for Hawaii reef repair. The Nature Conservancy is expected to announce today the purchase of a novel insurance policy that will cover up to $2 million in repairs to Hawaii’s coral reefs in 2023 following damage from a hurricane or powerful tropical storm. Star-Advertiser.

Ige Closes Out His Tenure With A Record-Setting Surplus Of More Than $2.6 Billion. The surplus for fiscal year 2022 is double the previous year, and leaves Josh Green’s incoming administration with ample funding to pursue his initiatives. Civil Beat.

Hawaii police union seeks 25% COVID-19 hazard pay differential. The union for police officers in Hawaii has filed four separate grievances challenging the denial of hazard pay amounting to a 25% pay differential for the peak years of the COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and March of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Judges Were Trained To Run Better Child Welfare Hearings. Their Performance Plummeted. Since 2012, the Hawaii Judiciary has been working with a national council to improve the quality of hearings in family court, where proceedings can lead to momentous decisions such as whether parents lose custody of their children forever. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaiʻi 6-Year Strategic Plan Approved. The University says the UH System Strategic Plan 2023–2029 – Hawaiʻi’s University for Today and Tomorrow “will guide the state’s only public higher education system and includes vision and mission statements, foundational principles and four imperatives with metrics to measure success.” Big Island Video News.

Topic of housing solution conference: Lessons Hawaii can learn from Finland. A conference hosted by Partners in Care, Bridging the Gap, and Hawaii Housing Affordability Coalition takes a different approach to tackling housing in Hawaii. Organizers said the Saturday event includes various forums and workshops on how Hawaii can adopt a “Housing First” approach to provide housing for all. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Navy a no-show at Red Hill remediation roundtable so far. The Navy has yet to sign on to a roundtable convened by state and federal environmental regulators to share information and chart an action plan for remediating fuel contamination caused by the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Star-Advertiser.

Marines look to pull water out of the air to support operations. At Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, the newly formed 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment is experimenting with new technologies to keep troops hydrated as they operate across far-flung islands and coastlines. Star-Advertiser.

The Miske Files: The FBI Is Investigating One Of Its Own. An FBI investigator was targeted by two search warrants as part of an ongoing criminal probe linked to the federal criminal charges against former Honolulu business owner Michael J. Miske Jr., who prosecutors allege controlled and directed a sprawling racketeering organization for most of the past two decades. Civil Beat.

City’s work to remove Haiku Stairs delayed. The fate of a long-closed metal staircase up a mountain ridge in Kaneohe that attracts trespassers to the spectacular, and at one time legally accessible, Stairway to Heaven hike remains uncertain more than a year after Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Honolulu City Council committed to its removal. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore project gets OK to be built on stilts. A mile up the North Shore from where a house fell into the ocean in February, a new oceanfront development just received special approval from the county government. Star-Advertiser.

State rejects temporary barrier for North Shore homeowner. The state agency tasked with protecting Hawaii’s public beaches and coastal ecosystems says it can’t support a request from a Sunset Beach homeowner who dumped concrete onto the public beach to now install a temporary barrier, such as a so-called burrito, to protect his homes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food banks struggle to provide for growing need. With the holidays approaching, Hawaii food banks are still scrambling to meet the needs of families as household budgets take a hit from inflation. Star-Advertiser.

Update on Straub nurses contract negotiations. Nurses at Straub Hospital plans to picket on Tuesday. As they continue to head into work at Straub Medical Center, they head into what some may call a not so ideal scenario. The nurses have been working without a contract since November 1st. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Pool of police chief candidates narrowed down to 21. The Hawaii County Police Commission met Thursday to address the selection of a new chief, but the panel isn’t any closer to choosing the new head of the island’s law enforcement following Paul Ferriera’s retirement on Sept. 1. West Hawaii Today.

HPD officers undergo Crisis Intervention Team training. About 20 Hawaii Police Department officers underwent a 40-hour training program in Hilo this past week aimed at de-escalating the potential for danger in encounters with people experiencing mental health or addiction problems. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to briefing about proposed update to vacation rental regulations. The proposed update will be introduced in January 2023 by Hawai‘i County Council members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Heather Kimball, who will host the Nov. 21 meeting via Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. To participate, community members must register for a unique Zoom login. Big Island Now.

Hilo mall lease extension in limbo. The extension, which if granted to the mall, a subsidiary of Brookfield Properties, would extend the lease of 39 acres of Hawaiian homes land in Hilo from its current end date of Sept. 30, 2042, to Sept. 30, 2082. Tribune-Herald.

Kuakini subdivision pits Hawaiian families against each other. One family’s attempt to subdivide a 5.29-acre parcel off Kuakini Highway has escalated into a battle with longtime Native Hawaiian inhabitants of the area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Reports shed light on complaints against MPD chief. Police Chief John Pelletier likely violated the Maui County Violence in the Workplace policy by “yelling and swearing” during a meeting with a Maui Police Department business administrator, who left in tears, according to an investigation into allegations that Pelletier and others violated county policies. Maui News.

Legality of large Maui homeless sweep to be decided by high state court. Several residents of the Pu’uhonua O Kanaha encampment near Kanaha Beach Park sued Maui county, claiming they were denied due process and their constitutional rights were violated when officials seized and destroyed their property. Hawaii News Now.

Maui marine protection and research center proposed. The nonprofit associated with the Maui Ocean Center is proposing the construction of a four-story, $12 million building that would house a sea turtle hospital, coral nursery, research laboratories and classrooms on the aquarium’s property in Maalaea. Star-Advertiser.

UH Maui College Offers Free CNA Trainings across Maui County. The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is offering free training for individuals residing on Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Maui (including Hāna in East Maui) to become Certified Nurse Aides during the spring 2023 semester. Classes run from Jan. 9 to May 12, and involve both online and in-person instruction. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Police Department issues open carry permit under new guidelines. After they revised their permitting process in response to the landmark Supreme Court ruling in State of New York v. Bruen, the Kaua‘i Police Department has begun issuing new open carry permits. Garden Island.

$90K in grants aim to make a 'big impact' for Kauaʻi farming education and longevity. Mālama Kauaʻi has partnered with the county's Office of Economic Development to distribute $90,000 in grants to support and expand locally produced food. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian men guilty of hate crime in attack on white Maui man, Supreme Court allows violent offenders jailed before indictment, disease spread by cats endangers spinner dolphins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii receives 'B' grade in 2022 State Of The Beach report. A new "State of the Beach" report shows how each state is maintaining its coastlines. According to the report, Hawaii is earning a "B" grade, which means the state is doing a good job of protecting coastal resources, but also has room for improvement. KITV4.

Hawaii spinner dolphins at risk of disease, study finds. Toxoplasmosis, the disease that originates from the feces of cats, has been known in recent years to have killed at least 15 Hawaiian monk seals, as well as endangered birds and other wildlife in the islands. Now new research has discovered the deadly disease in two spinner dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s high court OKs 60-day hold on those uncharged. The Hawaii Supreme Court issued an opinion Thursday in Deangelo v. Souza, which allows courts to continue to order the jailing of people without charges in what are loosely known as “Obrero” cases, but appears to discourage the 90-day maximum hold in favor of 60 days. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

1,300 ballots arrived too late to count, so far. More than 1,300 ballots have come in too late to be counted in the general election. So far the Honolulu County clerk’s office has received 716 mailed ballots after the election-day cutoff, 400 in Maui County and Hawaii County got 213 late so far. KHON2.

Help Wanted: Retailers Redouble Calls For Holiday Workers. As Hawaii’s economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s an abundance of job openings for seasonal employees. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige extends SNAP emergency benefits through the holidays until Jan. 16. Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige signed a fifth emergency proclamation today that extends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits. Big Island Now.

Local branding firm receives renewal to lead HTA's Japan market. The Hawaii Tourism Authority renewed its contract with a local firm to handle its branding and marketing for Japan. The integrative consulting firm a.link LLC will once again lead HTA’s Visitor Education and Destination Brand Marketing and Management Services for the Japan market. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii BOE Seeks More Community Input For Its Strategic Plan. The Board of Education will allow stakeholders to have another say on a new plan that will direct public education in Hawaii for the next several years. Civil Beat.

'It's cartoon pornography'. Some demand teen novel be pulled from Hawaii library. Controversy is brewing over a teen cartoon novel found in a state library that some criticize for displaying graphic and inappropriate images. KITV4.

Oahu

City issues dozens of violation notices amid crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. Since the ordinance went into effect Oct. 23, the city has issued 63 notices of violation. Hawaii News Now.

Parking at Honolulu airport to tighten, cost more. The state Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it plans to raise the daily parking rate at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and also charge more to park for over six hours but under eight hours, effective Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Crime down in Waikiki, police tell safety summit. Crime in Waikiki is down in every category but theft so far this year as hotels, businesses, police, social service providers and government partner to ensure a mix of enforcement and programs help to ensure public safety. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu Police Chief Tries To Rebuild Community Trust One Group At A Time. Business professionals question the chief on homelessness, police staffing and how they can support the department. Civil Beat.

In suit, family of 9th grader raped at gunpoint on campus says attack could have been prevented. The state Department of Education is being sued over the violent rape of a ninth grade girl at McKinley High School last year. Hawaii News Now.

City knew for years about lead concerns at shooting range, but did little to warn workers of danger. Gun owners on Oahu are still without a public range as a probe into possible lead contamination at Koko Head Shooting Complex continues ― and new details emerge about what the city knew. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi nature preserve heals thousands of people, earns national award. The nature preserve is part of the nonprofit Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services. In 2005, the nonprofit was granted a lease from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to care for the land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Kona hospital’s cancer clinics resume accepting new patients. Kona Community Hospital announced Thursday that its Medical Oncology and Infusion Clinics will soon begin accepting new patients again. Both clinics had temporarily paused accepting new patient referrals in early October due to staffing shortages. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Radiologic Associates reopens after apparent cyber attack. Hawaiʻi Radiologic Associates reopened this week after a reported cyber attack took their system offline last month, leading to canceled appointments and delays in patients getting test results. Big Island Now.

Hilo MEGA Lab Helps Surfing Scientists Research Reefs. The Hilo-based consortium of scientists, athletes, and artists is making headlines for an effort to create a 3D map of Earth's "premier surf breaks to help better protect reefs around the world." Big Island Video News.

Maui

2 Native Hawaiian men found guilty of hate crime. A jury Thursday found two Native Hawaiian men guilty of a federal hate crime, eight years after they beat up a white man who bought a house in their remote village on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui Now.

12 more east Maui streams gain instream flow standards. A dozen additional east Maui streams and tributaries are the beneficiaries of amended interim instream flow standards, or IIFS, which are meant keep water in the streams and enhance the downstream habitat and upstream connectivity for native stream biota. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Agricultural park expansion could put emphasis on organic crops. Bill under consideration to limit pesticides and prioritize local food in Kula park. Maui News.

Fire chief given highest marks in evaluation. First-year Maui County Fire Chief Bradford Ventura excelled in his evaluation by the Fire and Public Safety Commission on Thursday, with the panel giving him the highest marks in each of six performance categories. Maui News.

Kauai

Brun associates Kai and Huihui sentenced for roles in drug trafficking conspiracy. With the recent sentencing of two players in former County Council Member Arthur Brun’s illegal drug trafficking operation, the case against the Kaua‘i drug ring is nearly closed. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi short 43 full-time doctors; new UH medical school program will help. There is no endocrinologist on the Garden Isle. No out-patient neurologist. No oncologist. No psychologist or ophthalmologist that is accepting new patients. Specialists in rheumatology and gerontology also are nonexistent. Kauai Now.

Land Donor Takes Back Kauai’s Unopened Youth Drug Treatment Center. New private ownership could prove more nimble than government. But old business model troubles persist. Kauai’s $7 million adolescent treatment facility, never opened to help the drug-dependent youth it was built to serve. But it has a new name, a new owner and a new goal to open by next August. Civil Beat.

Housing bill on Kauaʻi aims to provide a 'regular flow' of revenue for infrastructure improvements. The Council passed the measure at its meeting Wednesday. It would require at least 2% of real property tax revenues to go into the Housing Development Fund annually. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

Biden makes quick refueling stop in Hawaii, Hawaii County council passes list where guns banned, jury clears warden in prison rape case, jailed ex-police chief Kealoha starts paying restitution, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Biden lands in Hawaii, meets Iges after global tour. President Joe Biden used Gov. David Ige’s cell phone to take a selfie with Ige and First Lady Dawn Ige during a refueling stop today at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Iges reflect on their accomplishments and contemplate a future run for office. Ige declared a state of emergency 41 times-- each of them played out in the unforgiving eye of social media criticism often directed at Ige, famous for his methodical thinking and low-key, measured responses. Star-Advertiser.

Kouchi back as state Senate president. The state Senate announced Wednesday that Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8 – Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau) will remain Senate president next session, a position he has held since 2015. Garden Island.

Backlog delays food stamps for hundreds of families. Food stamps also known as SNAP benefits are usually received at the beginning of the month. But there are many who are still waiting. KHON2.

Longs Drugs pharmacists now prescribing Paxlovid. CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, which operates Longs Drugs in Hawaii, said pharmacists at more than 9,000 locations can now prescribe Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials push bivalent boosters ahead of Thanksgiving. While the daily average of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii has become less of a concern, health officials are now keeping an eye on the rise of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections approaching winter. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1,049 new COVID-19 cases, 6 more deaths. The number of cases per 100,000 in the state was at 10.0 compared with 10.9 the previous week. The state’s average positivity rate also declined to 5.1% compared with 5.3% the previous week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

After recount of ballots, Democratic incumbent wins razor-thin state Senate race. In a razor-thin victory, Democratic incumbent Maile Shimabukuro won the state Senate race for District 22 after a recount of ballots. After the ballots were cured Wednesday, the results show Shimabukuro as the winner with just 40 votes over Republican Samantha Decorte.  Hawaii News Now.

The average wait for a residential permit is 10 months. The city hopes ‘bots’ will slash that to weeks. Improvements are in the works for Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, which is grappling with a backlog of 6,000 residential permit applications. Hawaii News Now.

Jury finds state not liable for alleged women’s prison sex assaults. A federal jury on Wednesday returned a verdict finding that the state and a former warden of the women’s prison in Kailua are not liable for alleged sexual assaults committed by guards against six inmates between 2013 and 2016. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Navy stands up information sharing group to discuss Red Hill defueling. The Navy’s Joint Task Force Red Hill has named several elected officials and community members to a Defueling Information Sharing Forum group. Hawaii Public Radio.

VA researching jet fuel, Red Hill effects. Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs told lawmakers Wednesday that they anticipate following the long-term effects of the Red Hill water crisis for many years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

A bill that would impact theBus and Handi-van services is advancing at Honolulu Hale. The bill over bus fares has one more stop to make before becoming law. KITV4.

Imprisoned Ex-Honolulu Police Chief Kealoha Begins Paying Restitution. Honolulu’s ex-police chief Louis Kealoha has begun paying restitution more than three years after he was convicted in one of Hawaii’s most notorious corruption scandals. Civil Beat.

HPD chief: Officers were chasing motorcyclist moments before critical crash. Plainclothes police officers were chasing a motorcyclist moments before a crash last week that left the man critically injured, the Honolulu Police Department revealed Wednesday. The incident happened Nov. 10 in Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

Parents asked for more pedestrian safety efforts at Oahu’s North Shore — and they got it. The Department of Transportation is responding to parents pleas on Oahu’s North Shore for more action to address pedestrian safety. This week the DOT is installing two raised pedestrian crosswalks to act as speed bumps to reduce speeding in areas of concern. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County Council passes legislation barring firearms in ‘sensitive places’. Bill 220, which defines a list of “sensitive places” on the island where carrying concealed and unconcealed firearms is prohibited, was introduced in late September and has finally been approved after three drafts and dozens of amendments. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Police Report: Mom Says Big Island Prosecutor Threatened To Shoot Her Son. A number of neighbors have had issues with the deputy prosecutor, Winston Albright, but he has kept his job as the cases get dismissed or resolved behind closed doors. Civil Beat.

Kanalani street extension to open soon. Just in time for holiday shopping, the extension of Kanalani Street providing access to the Kaloko Light Industrial Area could be opened as early as next week, thanks to action Wednesday by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Nearly 2,000-acres In Kaʻū Transferred To Trail Association. Ownership and stewardship of Kiolakaʻa has been transferred from the Trust for Public Land to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Deputy Chief Wade Maeda sworn-in as the Maui Police Department’s second in command. Maeda was promoted to fill the spot vacated by former Deputy Chief Charles Hank III, who announced his retirement in October after 10 months on the job.  Maui Now.

The State Just Cracked Down On This West Maui Water Company. Olowalu Water Co. was accused of taking more water than it was allowed from a stream, a rule that’s aimed at protecting fragile natural ecosystems. Civil Beat.

Lahainaluna farming program for boarders revives orchard. Project, which allows students to grow crops and sell products, gets help from Mahi Pono. Maui News.

Kauai

Council approves affordable housing funding commitment. In a move to set a floor for affordable housing funding, the Kaua‘i County Council unanimously approved a measure on Wednesday that would allocate 2 percent of real property tax revenue each year to a housing development fund. Garden Island.

Connecting with the homeless. The House Connect outreach event presented by the County Housing Agency in partnership with community agencies and groups continues on Thursday at The Salvation Army Lihu‘e Corps, starting at 10 a.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii tackles nursing shortage, Kahele must return $48k in campaign contributions, Honolulu rail delayed again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s shortage of health care workers worsens. The shortage of health care workers has dramatically worsened over the past three years, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, with job vacancies jumping 76% — from 2,200 job openings in 2019 to 3,873 this year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

FEC says Kahele congressional campaign must return $48K. The Federal Election Commission says U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele’s congressional committee must refund more than $48,000 to its political donors. That’s because the contributors donated for the November 2022 general election, which Kahele didn’t run in. Hawaii News Now.

Tokuda Says She’s Ready To Take On A Divided Washington. The newly elected Hawaii congresswoman will be in the minority party for the first time in her career. Civil Beat.

Interest Rates are Up, So Number of New Mortgages is Down. The total of home loans issued in Hawai‘i through the end of October dropped 38% from the same period last year. Hawaii Business Magazine.

State sees spike in road fatalities compared to last year. All four counties in Hawaii have seen an increase in fatal road accidents compared to the same time last year, according to state transportation officials, who are warning of a spike in traffic deaths heading into November. Maui News.

Oahu

‘Hammerhead’ crack fixes in limbo, delaying Oahu’s rail service. Eight of 21 cracked rail “hammerheads” along the city’s rail route appear to require more extensive — but undetermined — repairs, likely delaying Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation’s transfer of the transit system to the city for paid passenger service deeper into 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Change underway to tackle Oahu building permit backlog. An initial overhaul stage is underway to reduce a chronic building permit application backlog on Oahu at the city’s troubled Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

Riders say the Handi-Van is failing them. And the city agrees. The Handi-Van is a federally-required service for the disabled citizens who can’t ride traditional buses. Hawaii News Now.

Researchers use drones to understand how waves are shifting Waikiki beach. One study, based on weekly drone surveys between 2018 to 2020, found the sand appears to move from one end of the beach to the other — not to and from offshore, as previously believed.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bill to help reduce backlog of building permit applications deferred. A bill that would temporarily suspend the requirement that the Department of Public Works review plans submitted for building permit applications was met with mixed reactions Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Water Department contingency plans cleared by auditor. The Department of Water Supply has successfully addressed three issues identified in a 2020 audit that found the department lacked sufficient contingency plans to ensure the public had dependable access to water when equipment breaks down, the county auditor told the County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: Hawaii County, cops culpable in shooting death. Trial has been set in a civil lawsuit brought against Hawaii County, two Hawaii Police Department officers, and the man who allegedly shot and killed a 59-year-old Volcano resident in 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Grant Helps Hawaiʻi Island Fruit Producers, Food Basket. USDA funds will help the Olohana Foundation collaborate with local fruit producers to create new products, which will be dispersed into the local food system via The Food Basket. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Zoning change for Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute’s proposed marine conservation center. The Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee will discuss a proposed resolution and bill for a zoning change for construction of a marine conservation and research center by the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute in Mā‘alaea, Maui. Maui Now.

Mauka-to-makai efforts aim to protect critical Maui reef. Groups work to carry out restoration projects in along the coastline. Maui News. KITV4.

Maui summer update of destination management action plan now available. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority published the Maui Summer 2022 progress report that provides updates on the progress toward fulfilling the Maui Destination Management Action Plan that is part of the Maui Nui action plan. Maui Now.

At a Maui school, a tradition revived offers new opportunities for the future. Lahainaluna High School is reviving its agriculture program to help grow Maui’s next generation of farmers. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Recount confirms County Council outcome. An automatically triggered recount conducted Thursday evening confirmed the previously reported results of the Kaua‘i County Council race. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor gears up for second-term priorities after re-election. Mayor Derek Kawakami has been Kauai’s mayor for four years and just won another four with last week’s re-election. KHON2.

Lihu‘e runway project gets Kaua‘i planning commission approval. The Lihu‘e Airport runway has been out of compliance with federal law since 2006. Garden Island.

Meth runner for ex-Kauai Council member gets 3-year term. A 41-year-old Kauai man who agreed to run drugs and collect money for a drug trafficking organization headed by a former Kauai County Council member and supplied by Samoan gang members, was sentenced Tuesday to three years in federal prison. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi putting together reentry transition packs for those leaving prison. The transition back into everyday life after being incarcerated can be difficult. For some, finding a place to stay or a ride to meet with a probation officer can be a barrier to successful reintegration. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tokuda transitioning to Congress, Matsumoto named House minority leader, Hilo ballot counter foils tampering attempt, 900 Maui ballots deficient, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tokuda transitioning to life, work in D.C. U.S. Rep.-elect Jill Tokuda flew to chilly Washington, D.C., on Saturday for a weeklong orientation even as the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives remained uncertain. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard signs on as a contributor to Fox News. One month after leaving the Democratic Party, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii is joining Fox News as a paid contributor. Los Angeles Times.

Gov. Ige has advice for next leader, looks ahead to sustainability after office. Gov. David Ige has just a few more weeks in office but still has a very full plate. KHON2.

Lauren Cheape Matsumoto New Hawaii House Minority Leader. Kurt Fevella remains minority leader in the Senate, where the caucus has doubled in size. Civil Beat.

Candidates in very tight races take to social media to ensure every vote is counted. An election deadline has candidates in tight race scrambling for votes. Voters with ballot discrepancies have until Wednesday afternoon to fix their signatures and be counted. Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser lowballing mental health counselor salaries, workers say. The proposed starting pay for many Kaiser mental health therapists in Hawaii is about 20% less than their counterparts in Northern California, according to salary data released by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, whose members in Hawaii are fighting for higher pay and benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Thanksgiving spreads in Hawaii expected to be pricier this season. Next week, Hawaii consumers cooking up a Thanksgiving feast might want to give thanks that food prices haven’t been going up recently as much as they have nationally. Star-Advertiser.

USDA Improves Insurance Programs For Farmers, Ranchers. Virtual workshops are being held for stakeholders to learn more about the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm options. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Sexual Assault Victims At Oahu Women’s Prison Seek More Than $8M In Damages. The former and current Women’s Community Correctional Center inmates were assaulted by guards, and their lawyer alleged the warden failed to protect them. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Redevelopment begins at King Kalakaua Plaza. After years of King Kalakaua Plaza sitting vacant, following the closures of Nike Town and other retailers more than a decade ago, the property is finally set for a major redevelopment. KHON2.

‘There were throngs of people’: Huge party on Oahu draws enforcement, safety concerns. A Waimanalo community watch group says a Veterans Day beach party was anything but family-friendly. Residents say they warned officials days before about the huge party being planned near Sherwoods Beach, but nothing was done to shut it down sooner. Hawaii News Now.

Kailua High resource center is a 'one-stop shop' for family and student needs. There's a room at Kailua High School where families and students can get help, and learn how to navigate today's education system. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hilo election machine foils ballot tampering attempt. An apparent attempt to tamper with Hawaii’s election was foiled last week when a machine in the state’s Hilo counting center rejected 11 ballots bearing the same bar code, indicating they had probably been photocopied. West Hawaii Today.

Council to vote on legislative priorities. Changes to special management area permit exemptions, county control over tobacco products and a younger retirement age for police are among nine priorities Hawaii’s four counties plan to present to the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Radiologic Associates reopens after cyberattack. After experiencing a cyberattack on Oct. 20, Hawaii Radiologic Associates announced on Monday it is officially open with limited imaging services at its three Big Island locations. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County reports about 900 ballots with deficiencies. Voters have until Wednesday to contact county and fix issues. About 900 general election ballots have issues that voters will need to fix by the close of business on Wednesday, Maui County Clerk Kathy Kaohu said Sunday. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Victorino Is The Latest Maui Mayor To Not Win A Second Term. After 1998, three consecutive mayors failed to win re-election. Political analysts say a combination of factors led to Richard Bissen’s huge win last week. Civil Beat.

Maui’s Common Ground Collective receives $437,668 federal award to strengthen local food system. The US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded nearly $1.3 million total to four projects in Hawaiʻi to expand and strengthen local food systems, and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. Maui Now.

West Maui fire 80% contained after spreading over 2,000 acres. The Maui Fire Department is reporting progress on the Lahaina area fire that broke out on Tuesday, November 8.  KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Community College dedicates PV system. Officials from the Kaua‘i Community College, Kaua‘i county government and the state gathered Monday morning to bless and dedicate the solar system on the Puhi campus. Garden Island.

More Hawaii precincts favor GOP, affordable housing funding rejected by Honolulu voters, new permit requirement for lay nets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Precinct map showing GOP gubernatorial victories ©2022 All Hawaii News

Precinct analysis: Big Islanders loyal to the Democrat, despite minor Republican renaissance. The Big Island was the best island for Gov.-elect Josh Green, delivering the largest percentage of its votes and helping propel the former Kona Democrat to the state’s highest office with a solid victory over his Republican opponent, James “Duke” Aiona. West Hawaii Today.

As he prepares for inauguration, Green heads to Japan in bid to promote Hawaii tourism. Gov.-elect Josh Green is headed to Japan to meet with government officials and travel industry executives in hopes of promoting Hawaii’s tourism industry. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Honored Federal Lobbyist Despite Her Conviction In A Foreign Lobbying Scandal. The legislative action for Nickie Lum Davis recently surfaced in sentencing documents. It illustrates the sometimes loose practice around honorary certificates. Civil Beat.

National $22.5M grant to help Hawaiʻi researchers study health disparities. Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi and the John A. Burns School of Medicine hope to make an impact by studying health disparities impacting Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups. Hawaii Public Radio.

Permits Now Required For Lay Net Use In Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi land board voted to eliminate the requirement that lay net fishers register each lay net with the department, and require one permit to use lay nets in general. Big Island Video News.

Scientists still unlocking mysteries of Hawaii’s humpback whales. Humpback whales, the winter stars of Hawaii’s marine environment, have been arriving and leaving island waters earlier than normal in recent years, according to a trend documented by scientists. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Concerns about flexibility helped sink affordable housing amendment. The failed amendment would have raised the amount of real property tax directed to the Affordable Housing Fund from 0.5% to 1%, or from about $8 million to $16 million. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council elections retain political leanings. The incoming Honolulu City Council had the potential to take a hard right turn in this year’s election but instead will retain its political balance when three new Councilmembers are sworn in Jan. 3. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council To Take Up Restricting Guns In ‘Sensitive Places’. The City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting Nov. 29 to hear a bill that would restrict weapons from being carried in schools and other public places. Civil Beat.

Oahu problem properties owe $130 million in building fines to city. The city is owed over $130 million for building violations involving Oahu properties with outstanding fines over $100,000, according to Department of Planning and Permitting data. Star-Advertiser.

Plans move forward for $100M renovation of ‘antiquated’ Honolulu Hale. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is proposing relocating city government to a high rise to make room for a $100 million renovation of Honolulu Hale. Hawaii News Now.

New Aloha Stadium plan proponents put hopes in Gov.-elect Green. Leaders of surrounding communities and state officials, including Stadium Authority board members, say they are optimistic that Gov.-elect Josh Green will allow resumption of work on requests for proposals for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District when he takes office in December. Star-Advertiser.

Felons violating probation threaten Hawaii’s public safety. Public safety in Honolulu is being threatened by convicted felons violating probation without any penalties because a program designed to keep high-risk probationers from committing new crimes by imposing immediate sanctions isn’t being run right, Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said. Star-Advertiser.

Koko Crater Stables: Gunfight At The Not-So-OK Corral. After a four-year contest between battling horsewomen, the city has awarded the contract for the Koko Crater Stables to a new bidder. Civil Beat.

Concerns Over Leadership At St. Louis School Prompt Resignations, Investigation. Board members said they’ve taken steps to improve the situation, but not before a slew of departures.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County bills would reduce requirements for director positions. Hawaii County’s hiring criteria for directors of the departments of Public Works and Environmental Management could be loosened by a pair of bills to be discussed at County Council committee meetings this week. Tribune-Herald.

State officials, Hawaiian activists voice concern over Army’s Pohakuloa training site. The Army is hoping to maintain the Pohakuloa Training Area as its 65-year lease on a parcel of state land that makes up a key part of the range nears expiration. Star-Advertiser.

County hires security for Waipi‘o Valley Lookout. Citing concerns about rockfalls, Roth closed Waipi‘o Valley Road by emergency proclamation on Feb. 25 to all but a handful of people, including valley residents and farmers. Tribune-Herald.

820 seek lava buyouts: Final application phase for county’s Kilauea disaster recovery program closes. More than 800 victims of the 2018 Kilauea eruption are hoping Hawaii County will buy their properties after the final application phase for the Voluntary Housing Buyout Program ended last month. Tribune-Herald.

Laupahoehoe ramp restoration a county priority. The ramp is the only point for boats to access the ocean between Hilo and Kawaihae, and was closed by Hawaii County in 2009 because of extensive wear from the surf. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In open council races, candidates overcame criticism of campaign donations. Some of this year’s top fundraising candidates will take council seats. Nohe U’u-Hodgins and Tom Cook, the two candidates who won the Maui County Council’s only open seats, survived criticism over their large amount of campaign donations and challenges by progressive candidates who banded together to campaign. Maui News.

Kulahaven Farms, rainbow trout aquaponics farm to close at year’s end. Kulahaven Farms LLC, Hawaiʻi’s first, and only, rainbow trout aquaponics farm will be closing operations by the end of this year, the business announced. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Experts: Watch out for the whales with season underway. Last migration season saw record entanglements. As Maui heads into whale season, researchers and conservationists will be on the lookout for whales in distress after a record season of responding to entanglements. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua’i police celebrate its five forensic nurses. Kaua‘i police held a special ceremony Thursday to celebrate the department’s five forensic nurses during Forensic Nurses Week. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Additional lane closures scheduled as Kapa‘a roundabout construction continues. Additional lane closures and detours are scheduled this week in Kapa‘a as construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Mailihuna Road, Hau‘a‘ala Road and Kawaihau Road continues. Kauai Now.

Hawaii businesses offer freebies for vets, audit slams Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 100 more join lawsuit against military over Red Hill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

These Hawaii spots offering freebies for veterans. Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day and many businesses across the country are offering free items or nice discounts for veterans, active duty and retired military people. KHON2.

OHA Vows Accountability After Audit Finds Evidence Of ‘Fraud, Waste And Abuse’. A financial investigation released Thursday found 22 instances of questionable spending worth more than $7.3 million made by former top officials at the Office of Hawaiians Affairs. The findings were a follow-up to a 2019 report that initially flagged 38 transactions made from 2012 to 2016. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

County Ethics Watchdogs Need More Money To Do The Job Right, State Panel Says. The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct says the grants will beef up bare-bones budgets that now exist in all counties except Honolulu, which spends more on its ethics board. Civil Beat.

Green’s proposed visitor fee might be popular with residents, but lawmakers appear cool on the idea. One of the marquee elements of Gov.-KITV4.Josh Green’s agenda is a flat fee on all visitors to generate hundreds of millions of dollars for everything from erosion to parks. But it could already be in trouble at the Legislature ― a challenge that could be a test of his lobbying skills. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. David Ige reflects on wins and losses as his final inning comes to a close. Gov. David Ige is rounding third base and heading toward home as his last day in office approaches. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Voter Turnout For Hawaii General Election Plateaus At 48%. It’s the lowest general election turnout in the state’s history. Civil Beat.

On Election Day, this new tool helped speed up Hawaii’s delivery of voting results. New technology used on Election Day helped deliver voting results from more remote areas within minutes. The state Elections Office launched the Remote Rally system for the first time Tuesday and said it worked. Hawaii News Now.

Adult Learners Thought This Program Was A Path To College. They Were Wrong. Hawaii schools continued to operate a popular alternative diploma program from 2014 to 2019, despite it not meeting federal standards. Now some of those graduates are unable to access financial aid. Civil Beat.

The state Board of Education is appointed. It used to be elected. Is one way better? The governor nominates members, and the state Senate either confirms or rejects them. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii agency picks 4 planned mid-income affordable-housing projects to subsidize. Four planned affordable-housing projects received state financing help Thursday under a new program to produce rental apartments for middle-income residents. Star-Advertiser.

New state funding will help expand nursing classes, but it’s a fraction of what’s needed. At a news conference last month, Gov. David Ige released $1.75 million to combat a severe faculty shortage at nursing schools across the state. Hawaii News Now.

In effort to expand healthcare services, VA opens first telehealth station in Hawaii. There are more than 55,000 registered veterans living in Hawaii but not all of them live near a VA clinic. This can make getting access to healthcare challenging but a new program by the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System is designed to bring healthcare services directly to vets. Hawaii News Now.

State Health Department warns of early rise of RSV rates. Health officials are warning of an early rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza in Hawaii, similar to trends observed across the U.S. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Kauai Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Over 100 new plaintiffs join Red Hill lawsuit against federal government. More than 100 military family members and civilians who were on the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam drinking water system when it was contaminated with jet fuel in 2021 have joined a lawsuit suing the federal government, alleging military officials provided inadequate medical care in the days and months following the emergency. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Former TV anchor defeats incumbent in state Senate race. Former TV news anchor Brenton Awa pulled off a come-from-behind win in the race for the state Senate seat that represents Kunia, the North Shore and parts of Windward Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore property owner offers to take down concrete barrier poured on Sunset Beach. A North Shore property owner who poured concrete on the berm behind his Ke Nui Road home has been granted more time by the city to remove the barrier. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State clears the way for Meadow Gold expansion. An expansion of the state’s only dairy processing facility could be completed within two years. Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii is seeking to double the size of its premises in Hilo, a move that could enable more dairy producers in the state. Tribune-Herald.

New Rules For Kahaluʻu Bay Surf Schools. The Hawaiʻi BLNR on Thursday voted to limit the number of companies and students participating in surf instruction in a specific area of Kahaluʻu Bay. Big Island Video News.

There when you need it: Waikoloa Loan Closet provides medical equipment for the community. Realtor Phyllis Klicker had closed on a home sale in Waikoloa Village and discovered the previous owner had left behind a cache of medical equipment. Not wanting to take it to the landfill, she decided to open the Waikoloa Loan Closet, making the equipment available free of charge to anyone in need.West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Temporary Wednesday closures implemented to address permit backlog. The Plans Review Section of the Zoning Administration and Enforcement Division will be closed to the public temporarily on Wednesdays beginning Nov. 16, 2022. Maui Now.

Maui police chief explains new tactics. Joining KHON2 from the Valley Isle is Maui Police Dept. Chief John Pelletier, covering the island’s approach to concealed-carry permits, and the evolution of 21-century policing for Maui County. KHON2.

Man testifies about Maui beating he says was hate crime. A white man who says he was a victim of a hate crime when two Native Hawaiian men assaulted him while he was fixing up a home he purchased in their remote Maui village testified Wednesday that his attackers were racially motivated, even though he conceded that no racist comments can be heard in video taken during the 2014 beating. Associated Press.

Day 3: West Maui fire scorches 2,100 acres, burns mauka brush between Kahoma & Launiupoko. Firefighters continue efforts to contain a stubborn fire in West Maui has burned 2,100 acres since it was first reported on Tuesday. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i county council race shifts; Cowden and DeCosta in, Kagawa out. Late voting favored incumbent council members Felicia Cowden and Billy DeCosta, who passed former council member Ross Kagawa to slot into the sixth and seventh spots, respectively. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Community College names Margaret Sanchez as interim chancellor. Under Sanchez’s leadership, Kauaʻi CC received more than $3.5 million in grants in support of its mission, including enabling the college to be a Native Hawaiian Indigenous-serving institution. Kauai Now.

Kauai Animal Shelter Buys 10 Acres With Plans To Grow. The Kauai Humane Society now owns the Lihue parcel where it has operated for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Many new faces in Hawaii Legislature, Gov.-elect Green seeks staff, Cabinet, inaugural Hawaii Honor Flight lands in D.C., more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Capitol balconies ©2022 All Hawaii News

Low voter turnout on Election Day translates into big turnover at state Legislature. The biggest change is in the state House, which will have 16 new faces out of its 51 seats ― the highest number of newcomers in two decades. The 25-member state Senate could see up to five new faces. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Gains in Hawaii Legislature small, but encouraging for Republican Party. As far as waves being sized up in Hawaii, a “red wave” of winning Republican candidates joining the state Legislature later this year is closer to knee-high than head-high or overhead. Star-Advertiser.

Gov.-elect Josh Green considering new ways to address old problems in Hawaii. Gov.-elect Josh Green won office on Tuesday by the largest vote percentage in state history and with the greatest margin of victory, according to his office, and plans to translate that momentum and support into an early and big vision for the state and its residents even before he’s inaugurated Dec. 5. Star-Advertiser.

Green, Luke say they’re ready to ‘hit the ground running’ to tackle top issues. Following a big win on election night, Gov.-Elect Josh Green and Lt. Gov.-Elect Sylvia Luke told HNN they’re already working hard to prepare for their new positions ― and priorities. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Governor-Elect Josh Green Is Hiring For New Administration. Governor-elect Josh Green launched his transition website Wednesday morning announcing more than 100 position openings for the new administration that’s set to be sworn in Dec. 5. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Ballot trends push back on early voting. Voter turnout patterns showed a bit of pushback against early voting, with more than 10,000 people casting their ballots in person on Election Day. KHON2.

Worker shortage, costs among barriers to adding more Election Day polling places. Hawaii implemented an all mail-in ballot system three years ago, but thousands of people still chose to vote in person on Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii May Soon Have More Tools To Prosecute Public Corruption. A statewide standards commission recommended new felonies dealing with fraud, false claims and statements that may allow state and county prosecutors to bring charges against public officials similar to those brought by federal prosecutors in a string of public corruption cases this year. Civil Beat.

Inaugural Hawaii Honor Flight lands in D.C.. The first ever Hawaii Honor Flight landed on the National Mall Wednesday where a group of veterans from Hawaii visited the memorials built in their honor. Hawaii News Now.

Omicron subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 gain ground in Hawaii. The evolution of the virus driving the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with the latest chapter being the rise of omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1. The two, described as among the most immune-evasive variants yet, are gaining ground in Hawaii as well as nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1,288 new COVID-19 cases, 5 more deaths. The state’s average positivity rate also declined to 5.3% compared with 5.5% the previous week. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Mother-son political duo prepares to make Hawaii history. Donna Mercado Kim and Micah Po'okela Kim Aiu will become the first mother-son duo to serve in the Hawaii Legislature at the same time. KITV4.

HPD stands by its scanner access ban, but launches new online system with dispatch details. City declines to restore public access to the radio traffic of first responders. Public access to non-tactical radio traffic of Honolulu police, firefighters, emergency medical services workers and ocean safety personnel will remain restricted for at least the next 90 days as Honolulu Hale has opted not to enter into an agreement with Hawaii media to restore access. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Gov-elect Green asks Ige to pause Aloha Stadium redirection. The future of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is still uncertain as many await details from Governor David Ige, but his successor said he’s going to push fast ahead to get it done. KHON2.

Revival of Red Hill fueling operations feared. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply’s top official expressed concern Wednesday that the Navy might try to revive its underground Red Hill storage tanks at some point in the future for fuel use, despite the Department of Defense’s assurances to the contrary. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds Of Red Hill Families Still Sick A Year Later, Survey Finds. Impacted families are asking the Navy for help with their medical care. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island Is Getting New Federal Funds To Tackle Health Care Shortages. Is It Enough?. Gov.-elect Josh Green also has pledged to address problems with accessing care, especially in rural areas. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian clinic plans relocation, expansion. A Native Hawaiian health clinic in Waimea has plans to move out of the rented commercial space it currently occupies and build a new facility on two acres of homestead land. Tribune-Herald.

Puna park renamed in former Mayor Billy Kenoi’s memory. Family, friends and county and state officials gathered to rename Pahoa District Park after the former Hawaii County mayor, who served from 2008 to 2016. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Bissen thanks community, talks about the road ahead & visions of Kamaʻāina Prosperity. Before going to sleep last night, the retired judge had garnered nearly 58% of the vote and was leading incumbent Michael Victorino by nearly 6,500 votes.  This morning, his mission was to thank the public with plans to establish a team to help with his administration. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

West Maui Fire Day 2: “Fire on the move” in mountain ridges above Launiupoko. Evacuation is possible for residents in the upper portion of the Launiupoko subdivision, according to a County of Maui update issued on Wednesday afternoon. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua‘i election: Final results still not out. Election Administrator Lyndon Yoshioka reported his team had been working through Tuesday night handling 6,000 drop box ballots that arrived on Election Day. In addition, Yoshioka said there were 800 in-person voters, as lines stretched to the steps of the historic county building on Tuesday night. Garden Island.

Farming company to conduct controlled agriculture burn Nov. 10 on Kauaʻi. A controlled agriculture burn will be conducted by a local farming company near the Kaumakani makai area on Nov. 10, from 7 a.m. to noon, weather permitting, according to the Kaua‘i Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau. Kauai Now.