Woman escapes fine in monk seal encounter, big raises for veteran teachers, new charges in affordable housing credit scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Swimmer attacked by monk seal won’t be fined. State officials Monday said they will not fine a woman whose close encounter with an endangered Hawaiian monk seal mother left her with injuries Sunday morning in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Feds ask judge to dismiss lawsuit questioning validity of dolphin swim ban. Federal officials have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit contesting the validity of a rule banning swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins. West Hawaii Today.

High inflation is top issue for Hawaii voters. More than two-thirds of Hawaii voters have altered their household spending due to high inflation, and half want a state gas tax suspension, new Hawaii Poll results suggest. Star-Advertiser.

Majority of Hawaii voters think homelessness has increased. A majority of Hawaii voters participating in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll indicate they have seen no improvement in homelessness in the islands, with 67% saying the problem has gotten worse over the past 12 months. Star-Advertiser.

Diversifying The Economy: Governor Contenders Would Boost Ag, Small Business. Vicky Cayetano wants a permanent 50% excise tax cut for small businesses, while Josh Green is proposing new government subsidies to support Hawaii agriculture. Civil Beat.

Top candidates for governor differ on specifics, but agree housing crisis must be addressed. The leading Democratic candidates for governor agree the housing crisis — with its low inventory and burdensome regulations — isn’t solvable overnight. But they do support some immediate measures and all support some form of a housing emergency declaration. Hawaii News Now.

Newcomers Are Leading In Campaign Donations For OHA Elections. Will It Matter? A prominent Thirty Meter Telescope supporter and attorney emerged as the leader in the field in campaign donations for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees race. But political observers say incumbents have the advantage of name recognition so traditionally have not needed to raise as much. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Teacher salary change in Hawaii sparks ‘unretirements’. Salaries are being raised by $7,700 to $26,000 for those thousands of educators for whom salary “step movements” occasionally have been held back by the state in economically lean years.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

UH receives record $505M in extramural funding. The University of Hawaii has topped half a billion dollars in outside funding for the first time in its history, officials announced Thursday. The 10-campus system hit a record $505 million in fiscal year 2022, which ended June 30. Hawaii News Now.

Ige travels to Idaho to attend governors’ conference, lead roundtable discussion. Issues such as land use, rural healthcare, wildfire events, cyber security, transportation and droughts will be discussed at the event. Hawaii News Now.

Ige’s about-face on air tour bill creates challenges for industry. The measure, which became law as Act 311 upon Ige’s signature July 12, also establishes the Air, Noise and Safety Task Force. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Will Create A New Office Dealing With Trauma. The Office of Wellness and Resiliency will be temporarily housed in the governor’s office. A new state agency tasked with helping people who deal with childhood trauma and other mental health issues will soon be up and running. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaii Department of Health to begin taking vaccine appointments for those at high risk of catching monkeypox. The Hawaii Department of Health today announced monkeypox vaccination appointments will be available starting Wednesday for adult residents at higher risk of monkeypox infection or severe illness. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Rail project satisfies audit recommendations. The current administration overseeing the city’s troubled rail project satisfactorily addressed nine recommendations made by the city auditor dating back to 2019 to control cost overruns, delays and other issues, according to a report released Monday. Star-Advertiser.

To help reduce backlog, Ala Moana Satellite City Hall to offer passport services. For the first time, passport applications can be processed at Ala Moana Satellite City Hall. It’s part of a pilot program to help reduce application backlog. The new service will begin in August and will only be available by appointment-only. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Housing case broadens: Two Hilo attorneys, Pahoa businessman charged. Federal court documents outlining charges against two Hilo attorneys and a Pahoa businessman claim the trio, and a county official who has already pleaded to wrongdoing, fraudulently obtained almost $11 million in land and affordable housing credits over a six-year-plus period — without building any affordable housing. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Inaba seeks audit of housing credits at issue in federal probe. Amid a growing corruption scandal, North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba believes the county’s use of affordable housing credits deserves a deeper look, and he’s sponsored a resolution asking the county auditor to do just that. West Hawaii Today.

Land board OK’s updates to Maunakea plan. A Hawaiian activist on Friday said she plans to seek a contested case hearing after the Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to approve updates to the University of Hawaii’s Maunakea management plan. Tribune-Herald.

NELHA Innovation Center, Visitor Center Posts Final EA. A new Innovation Center for NELHA, and Hale Wawaloli Visitor Center for the Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology Park, are planned for the Kona shoreline. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Negotiations begin with new developer of Lānaʻi Solar project. Hawaiian Electric has selected a new developer, DG Development & Acquisition, LLC, to build and maintain Lānaʻi Solar, the largest utility-scale renewable energy project on Lāna‘i and the island’s first to offer the shared solar program. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

With ballot boxes set up, Kaua‘i voters can make their primary election decisions. With ballots mailed out Friday and drop boxes set up throughout the island Monday, Kaua‘i residents can now make election choices that will shape policy on the most-important issues of the day, from housing to COVID-19. Garden Island.

Input sought on Mahelona new master plan. Last Thursday, a crowd of approximately 50 people who live in the surrounding area attended a special meeting organized by state Rep. Nadine Nakamura at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital’s auditorium to discuss the new master plan for the 34-acre Mahelona campus. Garden Island.

Green strong in gubernatorial race, voters favor legal marijuana, split on legalizing gambling, mama monk seal attacks swimmer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Approvals still high for Josh Green in Hawaii governor’s race. Registered Democratic voters continue to give Lt. Gov. Josh Green high approval ratings and overwhelmingly said they will vote for him in his run to become Hawaii’s next governor. Green would receive 55% of Democratic Primary votes if the election were held “today,” according to the results of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lieutenant governor’s race deadlocked. State House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke led the poll with 21%, followed by 19% for former mayoral candidate Keith Amemiya and 18% for former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson. Sherry Menor-McNamara, CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, trailed with only 4%. Star-Advertiser.

Voters give Ige and Biden approval boost, Hawaii Poll shows. Ige received a 41% approval rating in January compared with 44% this month, according to the results of the latest Honolulu Star-Advertiser Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Majority in Hawaii oppose people packing firearms in public, poll finds. Most Hawaii residents disagree with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that supports the right to carry a gun in public, while 25% say the state needs stricter firearm regulations, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters support legalizing recreational cannabis, but split on legalizing gambling. A majority of Hawaii residents favor legalizing recreational cannabis to increase tax revenue for the state but are split about legalizing gambling for the same reason, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s latest Hawaii Poll. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Housing: Top Democrats See ‘Emergency’ But Differ On How To Build Faster. Vicky Cayetano wants to work with the Legislature to declare a state of emergency in housing, while Josh Green wants to push ahead with 42,000 stalled units. Civil Beat.

Cost Of Living: Here’s How Top Democratic Candidates Say They Could Help. Lt. Gov. Josh Green wants to eliminate the state excise tax on food and medicine and impose a new fee on tourists to shift some of the state tax burden to visitors. Vicky Cayetano is ready to entertain the idea of capping rent increases as a way to provide relief to residents who are struggling with the sky-high cost of living. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency SNAP benefits extended in Hawaii. Gov. David Ige has extended a COVID-19-­related emergency period for additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Hawaii, citing a still-­significant need to address food insecurity in the state. Star-Advertiser.

More Help Is Coming For Hawaii’s Homeless Youth. Act 130, recently signed into law, establishes the Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Program under the Department of Human Services. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi to get $20M in additional federal funds to keep keiki fed. The funding, some of which was authorized in the Keeping Kids Fed Act that Senator Hirono helped pass in both the House and Senate before it was signed into law last month, is meant to help Hawaiʻi address supply chain issues and food inflation in its school meal programs. Maui Now.

Hawaii Will Soon Have A Women’s Court In An Effort To Reduce Recidivism. Advocates hope the three-year pilot program will prevent more women from being incarcerated and re-entering the criminal justice system. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Woman is injured while swimming near nursing monk seal. The incident occurred near a roped-off section of beach that the seal, known as Rocky, has been occupying with the pup since giving birth two weeks ago.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Can The Dems Finally Take Ewa Beach Away From The GOP? With their incumbent vacating his seat to run for U.S. Senate, voters in Ewa Beach and Iroquois Point–-- one of only four Republican House districts in Hawaii – will decide this November whether to keep District 40 Republican or to vote in a Democrat for the first time in a decade. Civil Beat.

Housing and crime dominate Honolulu City Council District 6 election. District 6 covers Downtown through Nuuanu and Kalihi Valley, and the seat is currently held by Council member Carol Fukunaga, who has reached her term limit and is running for a state Senate seat in District 11. Star-Advertiser.

Case pending before Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to look at Kealoha legal fees. The City and County of Honolulu continues to fight a 2019 decision by the Honolulu Police Commission to pay for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha's criminal defense. Hawaii Public Radio.

Engineers give the public a chance to comment on proposals to manage Ala Wai Canal. The latest effort to prevent a Waikiki flooding disaster linked to the Ala Wai Canal is set to advance this week as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gives the public a chance to comment on its preliminary work. Star-Advertiser.

Misdemeanor probe into Honolulu police union leadership forwarded to state Attorney General. Honolulu police have forwarded the findings of a misdemeanor extortion investigation to the state Department of the Attorney General, which will decide whether to charge the president and vice president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. Star-Advertiser.

Your drone is interfering with Hawaii emergencies. In April 2020, the Honolulu Fire Department used drones to enforce then Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s COVID-19 stay-at-home and work-at-home order at beaches around Oahu. The drones played an audio message telling people not to gather or sit on the beach. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island lawmakers react to campaign fundraiser ban. Coronavirus pandemic protocols, a bribery scandal and debate over a bill to make fundraisers illegal during the legislative session all combined this year to keep Big Island lawmakers from holding the Honolulu fundraisers that historically added big boosts to their reelection campaigns. West Hawaii Today.

No fares till 2025: Hele-On to remain free for an additional two years under bill. Some $1.87 million in American Rescue Plan funding has been allocated to the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency for operations and lost passenger fares through Dec. 31, 2025, agency administrator John Andoh told the county Finance Committee Tuesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Tiny houses at NAS Pool being relocated, repurposed. More than a year after serving as an emergency shelter for the homeless during the coronavirus epidemic, 31 of 32 micro-housing units once dubbed Hale Hanakahi are being moved from the parking lot at the NAS Pool in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

ADA improvements ready to begin at NAS Swimming Pool. t appears that long-awaited construction on court-ordered Americans With Disabilities Act improvements at the NAS Swimming Pool near Hilo International Airport is set to begin. Tribune-Herald.

Vision For New Puna Learning Center Campus Pictured In EA. The Final Environmental Assessment illustrates the proposed construction of six new buildings over four phases at the Pāhoa campus. Big Island Video News.

Keauhou development on hold for cultural review. Developers of a planned 65-lot single home project on 11 acres in Kapalaalaea were given an extra assignment Thursday, as the Leeward Planning Commission deferred the oft-delayed project until an updated cultural impact assessment could be produced. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Eight candidates battle for mayor in the most crowded county race. The Maui News is featuring the profiles and platforms of candidates in the lead-up to the Aug. 13 primary election. Maui News.

Kauai

Improvements to homeless shelter will accommodate more people. The improvements project, headed by Keith Suga and Michael Rita of Pacific Concrete Coring and Cutting, eliminated six independent, aging and problematic septic systems and connects the KEO facility to the municipal wastewater system, reducing future maintenance costs and protecting groundwater integrity. Garden Island.

Alternative wastewater treatment system workshop Thursday in Hanalei. Ridge to Reefs and Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations are hosting a workshop on a nature-based wastewater treatment system Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei. Garden Island.

Tourism group seeks mandatory culture training for workers, hospitals ask for emergency proclamation to import staff, candidates for governor, lieutenant showcased in debates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pounding poi ©2022 All Hawaii News

Charting A New Course For Tourism In Hawaii. Among other changes, the head of a leading Hawaii tourism association is calling for mandatory certification in Native Hawaiian culture for all hospitality industry employees. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s jobless rate ticks up amid rebound in tourism. More would-be workers poured into Hawaii’s labor market in June — so much so that they pushed up the state unemployment rate for the first time in 21 months amid a recovering local economy. Star-Advertiser.

Leading Democratic, GOP candidates for governor spar in HNN Super Debate. With time running out to change voters’ minds before the primary election, leading candidates for governor and lieutenant governor duked it out in the HNN Super Debate on Thursday as they laid out their plans for tackling big issues facing the state, from the cost of living to climate change. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

On crowded debate stage, LG candidates looked for opportunities to shine. The leading Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor Thursday were hoping their debate stage performances translated into name recognition ― and votes in the primary election. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii scores a record total of research funding. The University of Hawaii amassed $505 million in research funding in fiscal year 2022, topping the half-billion-dollar mark for the first time in its history. Star-Advertiser.

Hospitals ask for emergency proclamation. Officials say the staffing shortage at hospitals and nursing homes has reached a critical point. The industry has asked the governor to declare an emergency proclamation to bring in mainland workers as soon as possible. KHON2.

Omicron subvariants BA.4, BA.5 now make up 47% of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, DOH says. Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 together now make up 47% of the COVID-19 variants circulating in Hawaii, according to the state Health Department’s latest variant report. Star-Advertiser.

‘You Don’t Need To Suffer’: Doctors Predict More Use Of Covid Treatments In Hawaii. The two approved oral antiviral treatments for Covid must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Oahu

Oʻahu takes a closer look at its energy usage with new law. Honolulu City Council Bill 22 will require property owners to report their total energy and water consumption every year. Mayor Blangiardi signed it into law Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oʻahu homeowners have 2 more months to apply for a property tax exemption. Taxpayers must own and occupy the property as their primary residence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Panel discussion on Red Hill water crisis offers new questions ― but few answers.  In a panel discussion Thursday in Waikiki, key stakeholders in the Red Hill fuel spill crisis raised new questions about the extent of the contamination and whether Oahu’s drinking water has been irreparably harmed. Hawaii News Now.

How The Story Of The ‘Army’ That Illegally Took Over A Kunia Property Is Playing On Social Media. Arrested earlier this month, members of the group claim they own the land as heirs of Native Hawaiians who got land grants during the Great Mahele in 1848. Civil Beat.

Former manager of Chinatown apartment files racial discrimination lawsuit. The former resident manager of Winston Hale in Honolulu’s Chinatown is suing Hawaiʻi Affordable Properties Incorporated for racial discrimination. Hawaii Public Radio.

Local 5 members approve 2-year agreement with Hilton. Union negotiates with other major hotels. 1,800 union members employed by the Hilton Hawaiian Village have a new two-year contract after 99% of members approved the hotel's proposal on Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH West Oahu’s accreditation is affirmed for 8 more years. The University of Hawaii West Oahu has been granted another eight years of accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. But while the college was applauded by the panel for promoting Hawaiian culture and serving the unique needs of the Leeward Oahu community, it also is being required to produce stronger plans for growth. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Seeks Applicants To Serve On New Mauna Kea Governing Authority. New panel members would oversee the astronomy district on Mauna Kea’s summit. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

County gets more time, EPA solicits comments on Pahala, Naalehu wastewater treatment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday it is accepting comments on a proposed revision to the consent order requiring Hawaii County to close five decades-old gang cesspools in Pahala and Naalehu. Tribune-Herald.

Leeward Planning Commission gives Bolton neighbors legal standing. A group of owners of condos surrounding a North Kona rock-crushing operation now have standing in a future contested case hearing over whether the work being done there exceeds what was allowed by a permit application that was subsequently withdrawn by the applicant. West Hawaii Today.

Developer of Proposed Ali‘i Drive Subdivision Asked to do More Diligence Before Commission Can Sign off. The Leeward Planning Commission deferred on Thursday, July 21, voting on Hawai‘i One Investors LLC’s proposal until the developer can update the property’s cultural impact assessment to ensure the land’s history isn’t destroyed and neighbors and decedents of the area are satisfied on that front. Big Island Now.

Country Club lessee to surrender permit. The former Country Club Condominium Hotel could fall under new management this year after the Board of Land and Natural Resources decides whether to open requests for new lessees for the property. Tribune-Herald.

Wildfire scorches estimated 600 acres within Pohakuloa Training Area. A wildfire that broke out Thursday morning within Pohakuloa Training Area has scorched hundreds of acres. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Who’s Bankrolling The Campaigns In The Race For Maui Mayor. Since the start of this year, political donors have poured almost $600,000 into the campaigns of candidates vying to become Maui County’s next mayor. Civil Beat.

Project aims to restore gulch, buffer runoff. Work to reestablish the riparian corridor — the natural flora and fauna along waterways — in Keokea Gulch within Hapapa watershed is underway to buffer runoff into streams and the North Kihei coastline. Maui News.

US Department of Labor recovers $290,000 for 95 food truck workers on Maui. The US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found violations by a single enterprise consisting of five corporations: Da Nani Pirates LLC, Da Nani Pirates Lahaina LLC, Maui Poke LLC, Maui Burgers LLC and Aloha Thai Fusion LLC. Maui Now.

Maui County’s unemployment rate up to 4.9% in June. Maui County’s unemployment rate in June of 2022 was 4.9%, up from 4.2% in May, and down from 8.3% at the same time last year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Rice Street Business Association gets AARP grant. Three organizations across the state — including the Rice Street Business Association — are recipients of 2022 AARP Community Challenge grants totaling $49,500, part of $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i COVID case counts rising. COVID-19 case counts were on the rise last week. And it’s not just here, but across the state, Managing Director Mike Dahilig said during the county’s weekly update on the COVID-19 situation on Thursday. Garden Island.

Case gains popularity, COVID-19 strains Hawaii workforce, feral pig contraceptive controversial, state imports hundreds of baby birds for hunting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How US Rep. Ed Case Went From Political Outcast To Perennial Frontrunner. The Hawaii congressman was on the outs with the Democratic Party establishment, but now he appears set to win a third consecutive term in Congress. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Senators Collected Big Bucks From Energy Interests At June Fundraiser. The event was hosted by the chief lobbyist for Big Island energy company Hu Honua, Hawaii Gas and other energy clients. Civil Beat.

Taxpayers funded millions in contracts for troubled engineering firm at center of federal probe. Mitsunaga and associates was paid millions in taxpayer dollars for government contracts that were awarded even after the firm was the target of a federal investigation. Hawaii News Now.

Glitches in state’s victims notification network leaves rape survivor in the dark. The Department of Public Safety apologized for the problem. It said it recently migrated its victim’s notification database to a new technology platform, resulting in glitches which are now being addressed. Hawaii News Now.

Public input sought for new University of Hawaii strategic plan. All Hawaii residents are invited to participate in a short online survey that will help the University of Hawaii set priorities as it builds a new strategic plan for 2023 to 2029. The survey is available online until 11:59 p.m. Friday and takes about five minutes to complete. Star-Advertiser.

High levels of COVID-19 continue to strain the workforce. Thousands of employers are facing a harsh reality -- a ton of workers calling in sick every few months as more and more people abandon COVID-19 precautions. KITV4.

Hawaii COVID-19 trends reverse upward ahead of possible rise to come due to BA.5. The state’s average positivity rate increased to 15.1%, up from 13.8% reported the previous week — the first increase following five weeks of decreases, matching the positivity rate on July 6. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 13 additional COVID deaths, over 4,000 new cases in past week. The state’s COVID figures don’t include positive from at-home tests, so the real number is likely far higher. But health officials did say they’re watching the trends ― and they’re worried about where cases are headed. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police are investigating a series of 55 smash and grab burglaries on Oahu since March. Honolulu police are investigating a series of 55 smash-and-grab burglaries on Oahu since March — working to learn how many of the crimes are attributed to a loosely organized group of individuals, several of whom have been arrested recently. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

The state just shipped in hundreds of baby birds to be hunted. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the chukars and pheasants aren’t likely to survive at the Kuaokala Game Management Area so the chicks are brought to a brooder house before heading to state-managed flight pens. Hawaii News Now.

‘Death Trap’: Here’s What Happened When A Diamond Head Mom Bought A Street. The City and County of Honolulu is preparing to take over Leahi Avenue after a two-year tug of war that left neighbors fuming. Civil Beat.

Honolulu high-rises guzzle electricity. A new law is aimed at changing that. In a significant step to attack climate change, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed a measure into law Wednesday that’s aimed at making high-rises more accountable. Under the Better Buildings Benchmarking program, buildings larger than 100,000-square feet will need to track and report their consumption of energy, water and gas starting next year. Hawaii News Now.

Makiki man, 39, sentenced to 40 years in prison for sex trafficking underage girls. An Oahu Circuit Court judge sentenced today a 39-year-old Makiki man, convicted of sex trafficking two teenage girls in 2013 and sexually assaulting one of them, to 40 years in prison. Star-Advertiser.

Ballot for state House seat includes familiar Cullen name. The race for state House District 39 — which covers West Loch, some of Waipahu and Royal Kunia where Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen held office for more than a decade until he resigned in February after being charged with bribery — includes five candidates, one of which is Cullen’s sister-in-law Jamaica “Mai” Cullen, who worked for the former lawmaker as a committee clerk during the past four legislative sessions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Game Commission seeks to stop HogStop: Public takes a dim view of contraceptive for boar hogs. A new contraceptive to control feral pig populations is raising the hackles of hunters and cultural practitioners, who’re demanding the product HogStop be banned in the islands until more is known about it. West Hawaii Today.

Another water bottling plant proposed for parcel in Hilo. A few years after an attempt to develop a water bottling facility in Hilo was shot down, a similar proposal is being made for the same location. Tribune-Herald.

Finance Committee Gives Favorable Recommendation to Extension of Free Bus Fares. It looks like a bus ride on the Big Island will continue to be free of charge for at least another two and a half years. Big Island Now.

Fledgling pilot training program at UH-Hilo poised to ascend. Students enrolled in the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Aeronautical Science Program are ready to take off inside new virtual flight simulators that arrived on campus this year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

UH-Maui College receives accreditation for next eight years. The University of Hawai’i Maui College has received accreditation for the next eight years from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Maui News.

$10,000 grant to provide 175 kūpuna with coupons for fresh produce on Maui. The grant extends benefits from the annual Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides $50 coupons to qualifying seniors. The grant will provide coupons to the 25 seniors on the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program wait list as well as new applicants. Maui Now.

Kauai

Streamlined permit process helps Alakoko. The Alakoko Fishpond, also known as the Menehune Fishpond, is a loko i‘a on the Hule‘ia River, approximately 3,280 feet upstream from the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. Garden Island.

Swimming with wild dolphins banned, lawmakers grill Navy over Red Hill, NSF begins environmental review of Thirty Meter Telescope, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Spinner dolphins and swimmers in Hawaii PC:NOAA

NOAA administrator ratifies dolphin swim ban. As litigation over the validity of a rule banning swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins continues, NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad recently ratified the final rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service last fall. West Hawaii Today.

Climate change could cost Hawaii billions in infrastructure. Projects that cost tens of billions of dollars. That could be the price tag of hardening and updating Hawaii’s critical infrastructure to combat the impacts of climate change. KHON2.

Environmental nonprofit hopes to find safe solutions to Hawaii's 88,0000 cesspools. More than 88,000 cesspools discharge over 53 million gallons of raw sewage into Hawaii waters each day. KITV4.

How Much Should Hawaii Discount Electric Rates For High-Tech Farmers? A 2019 law aspired to help farmers grow large amounts of food indoors or in greenhouses by providing savings on electricity. But critics say the current proposal falls short. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmakers Took $500k In Campaign Cash This Session Despite Pleas To Ban Campaign Cash During Session. Top brass at the Legislature have bolstered their reelection campaigns with money raised from lobbyists, labor unions and other groups while they make decisions on state policy. Civil Beat.

Hawaii police union endorses Aiona for governor. After planning to remain neutral in the governor’s race, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers union instead on Tuesday endorsed Republican candidate James “Duke” Aiona — a former two-term lieutenant governor, Honolulu deputy prosecutor and Circuit Court judge — for governor. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii lawmakers grill top Navy officials on Red Hill defueling. Hawaii lawmakers Tuesday vented their frustration at top Navy officials for not submitting an adequate plan to state regulators for draining their Red Hill fuel facility and questioned the Navy’s lengthy, 2-1/2-year time frame for completing the defueling operation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu primary election ballots mailed out today. Honolulu elections officials say they plan to start mailing primary election ballots on Wednesday, about six days earlier than initially anticipated. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Army investigating potential ‘unauthorized political event’ on military property. While officials did not disclose who was involved, public records show that three Leeward Oahu candidates held events there that night — District 21 incumbent state Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, District 44 incumbent state Rep. Cedric Gates and District 44 challenger Darius Kila. Hawaii News Now.

Landowner accuses Hawaii paramilitary group of forcing him off his land. A controversial Hawaiian paramilitary group is being accused of squatting on another parcel of land in Kahaluu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

National Science Foundation launches environmental review of TMT. The National Science Foundation said Tuesday that it is launching a full environmental review of the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope project, a two-year process that could land hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the TMT. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Council wants details on homeless program. A skeptical council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced a no-bid $10 a year lease for a homeless shelter in Kona’s Old Industrial Area after officials with the county Housing Office and the nonprofit holding the contract assured council members they would provide more details about the program at the final reading of the measure Aug. 3. West Hawaii Today.

Ookala Post Office to close: Users of the plantation-era site will have to get their mail in Paauilo. The Ookala Post Office is closing at the end of business on July 31, and dozens of seniors who live in the former plantation town on the Hamakua Coast will now have to go to Paauilo to get their mail. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Maui Council Wants To Create A Safe Space For People Who Live In Their Cars. Several communities across the U.S. have designated parking areas for people to sleep in their vehicles. Maui’s current mayor isn’t so sure about the idea. Civil Beat.

Council to send water authority proposal to ballot. A charter amendment which proponents hope will give residents and the county more of a say and control over water and its resources is headed for the general election ballot in November.  Maui News.

Plans to switch outdoor lighting to help Maui seabirds get shuttered for now. Bill 21 was designed to protect native seabirds from lighting fixtures that could disorient them and even lead to deaths. Maui Now.

State Greenlights New Dialysis Center In Kahului. The Hawaii Department of Health has approved a certificate of need for a new dialysis center in central Maui. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige participates in ceremonies for two Maui affordable housing projects with state funding. On Tuesday, Gov. David Ige participated in ceremonies marking milestones for two Maui affordable housing projects – the dedication of the recently completed Kahului Lani senior affordable project in Kahului and the ground blessing for the family-oriented affordable Kaiāulu o Kūku’ia complex in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kauai

Suit filed to clean up Kikiaola Harbor. Last week, Na Kia‘i Kai and Surfrider Foundation, represented by Earthjustice, filed a federal lawsuit against the County of Kaua‘i and director of the state Department of Health for failing to abide by a prior federal court order requiring a federal Clean Water Act permit to discharge polluted water into Kikiaola Harbor and the nearby ocean. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi residents want on-island substance abuse treatment options for their keiki. On Kauaʻi, there is no on-island option for substance abuse treatment for children. Oftentimes, that means kids and young adults have to travel elsewhere for help — and are split up from their loved ones. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Ige recognizes Restoration Day, Honolulu to hold arrestees until court, housing official pleads guilty to $2M in kickbacks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Restoration Day bill celebration PC:House Majority

La Ho‘iho‘i Ea festivities recognize Restoration Day. July 31 will officially be recognized as La Ho‘iho‘i Ea under a measure passed by the Legislature this year that became law Monday. La Ho‘iho‘i Ea was the first Native Hawaiian holiday created as a result of King Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III’s diplomatic reclamation of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1843. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Trend continues of non-competitive legislative races. Ten state legislators are running unopposed and will automatically be reelected in November, while another 15 candidates face no internal party challengers and will automatically go on to the November general election. Star-Advertiser.

Tokuda, Branco Take On Guns In Their Bid For Congress. Both candidates say they want to pass stricter gun control measures. The question is can they do it? Civil Beat.

State representative pleads not guilty to drunk driving. State Representative Matt LoPresti’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf in court on Monday, July 18. KHON2.

Why Hawaii Schools Are Doubling Down On Vocational Training. A growing number of schools are trying to figure out how students can make a living wage in Hawaii after graduation. Civil Beat.

Land and amphibious training return to RIMPAC. Though the exercise focuses mostly on operations at sea, U.S. Marines are hosting land forces to practice operations in coastal settings to fight on land and make amphibious landings. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians look to traditional knowledge, practice to inform climate change solutions. Native Hawaiian communities across the island chain are looking to traditional knowledge to inform climate change solutions. This can start with a simple Hawaiian cultural practice known as “kilo” – meaning to observe. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

New policy cracks down on release of arrestees. Those who are arrested for low-level crimes and cannot make bail will no longer be able to be released by a judge on their own recognizance and given a future court date, but will be held overnight by the Honolulu Police Department and appear in court the following morning. Star-Advertiser.

Group Wants Ideas On Diversifying Oahu’s Economy. The Oahu Economic Development Board will submit its final plan to federal officials overseeing grants to create jobs and diversify the economy. Civil Beat.

5 pairs of ‘enhanced’ night vision goggles stolen from Hawaii Army base. The Army is offering up to $10,000 for information on whoever stole “enhanced” night vision goggles from Schofield Barracks. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Former Big Island Housing Official Admits To Accepting $2 Million In Bribes. A former Hawaii County housing official pleaded guilty in Honolulu on Monday to using his government position to accept nearly $2 million in bribes and kickbacks from developers of affordable housing. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Cyclists Plead for Bike Lanes as Part of Waiānuenue Avenue Project. The Hawai‘i County Council Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit is expected to get an update Tuesday, July 19, regarding the rehabilitation project for Waiānuenue Avenue in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Youth LGBTQ+ event cancelled after violent comments and death threats made online. A planned fundraising event for LGBTQ+ youth on the Big Island was shut down over the weekend after a slew of violent threats online. The Family Drag Show was supposed to take place Saturday -- at the Keauhou Shopping Center's "Spin Luv Play" -- to help raise funds for the West Hawaii Children's Center. KITV4.

Maui

Maui county stops affordable housing development. On Monday the council voted down a 100% affordable housing development in Kihei called Hale Waipuilani. The 28 units were proposed to be for sale to qualified households earning between 80% and 140% of the area median income. KHON2.

Pedestrian crossing study launched for new Kīhei high school. A study has been launched to evaluate alternatives for a grade-separated pedestrian crossing at Pi‘ilani Highway to serve the new high school being built in Kīhei. Maui Now.

Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi dedicating affordable rental development for seniors. The project at 65 School Street features 165 rental units and a 7,500-square-foot multipurpose facility with social services provided by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i real estate update: Home prices rise, fewer homes sold. According to data published by Hawai‘i Realtors, the median price of a single-family home on Kaua‘i through June 30 increased by 11.52% compared to that time frame last year — from $1.08 million to $1.2 million. Garden Island.

Huge south swell batters Hawaii, SECNAV in Hawaii to observe RIMPAC, permit lag stymies Honolulu solar installation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Like a tsunami’: Huge south swell sends waves crashing into homes, businesses. Oceanfront communities around the state started clean-up efforts Sunday, a day after a huge south swell sent waves crashing into homes, businesses and roadways. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Maui Now. KHON2.

Navy secretary in Hawaii to observe RIMPAC. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro is in Hawaii this week to observe Rim of the Pacific exercises as the first step of a multinational tour of the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

RIMPAC sinking exercise: live fire sinks decommissioned vessel north of Kauaʻi. Live fire from Rim of the Pacific 2022 partner nation ships and aircraft sank the decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) July 12, in waters 15,000 feet deep, 50 nautical miles north of Kauaʻi. Maui Now. Garden Island.

2 sailors injured in engine fire aboard Peruvian ship participating in RIMPAC. Two Peruvian sailors suffered burns during RIMPAC exercises Sunday and were airlifted to a hospital on Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Star-Advertiser.

Candidates For Governor Describe Hawaii’s Correctional System As ‘Deplorable’. Both Kai Kahele and Vicky Cayetano said they would explore new opportunities for using the governor’s clemency powers if elected. Civil Beat.

The Top Hawaii LG Candidates Have Spent $2 Million Telling Voters Who They Are. Keith Amemiya was the top fundraiser through the first six months of 2022, but was outspent by state Rep. Sylvia Luke. Civil Beat.

Tourism, homelessness up for discussion at Native Hawaiian convention. More than 150 guests and 1,500 attendees are expected at this week’s Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s 21st annual Native Hawaiian Convention, where wide-ranging discussions are planned for everything from sustainable tourism to homelessness. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

New law hikes fines for cellphone use while driving. The measure raised the fine for the use of a cellphone or mobile electronic device while driving from $250 to $300. In addition, if the infraction takes place while driving in a school zone or construction area, the penalty is hiked from $300 to $400. Tribune-Herald.

988 suicide hotline launches: Hawaii joins nation with 3-digit number for mental health, substance use crises. The new phone number will help increase access to Hawaii CARES, a free mental health and substance use call center that links experts in the field to those in need. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

Number of long-COVID cases continues growing, potentially affecting Hawaii workforce. An estimated 10% to 30% of people who contract the coronavirus will develop long COVID, according to Dr. Dominic Chow, a physician with Queen’s Post COVID Recovery and Care Clinic. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has Plenty Of Pregnancy Resource Centers That Offer Alternatives To Abortion. But some doctors are concerned that the efforts will confuse and mislead women as they navigate a post-Roe world. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Nonprofit pulls out of Waikiki pavilion amid rise criminal activity. Mounting crime and increased homelessness in Waikiki have prompted the nonprofit Pacific Island Beach Boys to pull out of a concession at one of the four Kuhio Beach pavilions, which the city has used for the past several years as a tool to increase safety in the district. Star-Advertiser.

Companies pull back on solar installations for townhouses. Many Oahu solar companies have stopped taking on townhouse clients due to the long wait for building permit approval from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Star-Advertiser.

‘No Parking’: Lanikai Residents Take Traffic Woes Into Their Own Hands. The Honolulu City Council asked the transportation department for a plan to mitigate the parking problems in the popular beachside neighborhood. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Lava buyouts begin: Five first phase applicants close deals with county. The Voluntary Housing Buyout Program allows owners of properties that were isolated, damaged or destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption to sell their land to the county, which purchases the parcels using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Tribune-Herald.

Council seeks answers about homeless program. The county Housing Office and representatives of an island nonprofit are being asked to justify programs at a Kailua-Kona homeless shelter after several West Hawaii council members balked at extending a lease arrangement for up to five more years. West Hawaii Today.

Two libraries slated for Puna: New Pahoa facility likely will be located at proposed transit hub. Attached to this year’s state budget, roughly $2 million was allocated to build a new library in Keaau. Another state library, for the lower Puna area, is being considered alongside a county transit hub as part of a co-location for both facilities. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Spending report: Bissen, Victorino lead mayoral candidates in campaign funds. Maui County mayoral candidate Richard Bissen Jr. raised nearly $252,000 in the last two months, about four times as much as his nearest competitor, incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino, who brought in $62,153.12 in contributions during the same period from April 26 to June 30. Maui News.

Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force reports high bacteria levels at five Maui sites. Five locations on Maui have high levels of enterococcus bacteria, according to samples taken on July 13, as part of a citizen scientist program conducted monthly by the Surfrider Foundation. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Rarely Elect Women To County Council. Will That Change This Election? Unlike other counties, Kauai’s council has never had a female majority. Experts say voter bias isn’t to blame. Civil Beat.

Swell smashes South Shore. County and state officials are urging the public to stay away from the shorelines along Po‘ipu and other areas on the South Shore and west-facing beaches because significant wave run-ups on roadways and into properties near shore have been reported. Garden Island.

Green leads campaign money race, Honolulu extends rent relief, former Hawaii County employee heads to court in affordable housing scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Vicky Cayetano Turns To Self-Funding For Her Gubernatorial Campaign. Lt. Gov. Josh Green raised $1.47 million in the first six months of this year, vastly outpacing his opponents including U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Scott Saiki Rakes In Money From Well-Known Donors In House District 25 Race. In the most recent reporting period, which covers campaign activity from Jan. 1 through June 30, Saiki raised $118,126, bringing his total raised for this election cycle to $255,718. Iwamoto’s  fundraising fell far short of her opponent’s, bringing in about $36,000 this reporting period. Civil Beat.

Medical aid in dying gaining more acceptance in Hawaii, report finds. A growing number of patients and physicians are participating in Hawaii’s medical-aid-in-dying program, but delays in the eligibility process continue to present challenges for terminally ill patients in their final days, according to the state Department of Health. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Education approves superintendent’s $240,000 annual contract. The formal contract officially making Keith Hayashi the next state superintendent of Hawaii’s massive public school system was approved Thursday by the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has $200 Million To Spend on Pre-K. Who Gets The Money? Final language in the new law leaves an open question about whether private as well as public facilities are eligible for the funding. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hospitals participate in RIMPAC disaster drills. As part of this year’s iteration of the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific, local hospitals are teaming up with the military to practice responding to a large-scale humanitarian disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Darby weakens, expected to pass south of islands. As of 5 a.m. Friday, Darby was located about 610 miles east-southeast of Hilo or 810 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. It was moving west near 16 mph. As Hurricane Darby continues to be monitored, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is taking precautions to provide support for counties. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Rental and Utility Relief to be extended by $31 million. The city is extending the Rental and Utility Relief Program by using $31 million of federal COVID-19 relief funds in hopes of providing more assistance to Oahu renters. Star-Advertiser.

Cracks In Concrete Columns Could Be Honolulu Rail’s Next Big Problem, HART Says. City contractors have advised that no passengers be allowed on seven station platforms until they have a better grasp of the issue, rail officials said. Civil Beat.

Live-work-shop? The city wants to make it easier to build condos at shopping malls. The city’s Department of Planning and Permitting wants to make it easier for malls to do that and is proposing a change to the city’s Land Use Ordinance. Hawaii News Now.

HOLO card registration urged after defective cards issued, Honolulu DTS says. Honolulu transportation officials are asking HOLO card users to register their cards online in order to suss out less than 100 defective cards that were recently issued. KITV4.

City looks to replace vendor for Waikiki pavilion plagued by homelessness. In December, city crews cleared the pavilions along the shoreline to lease them out to vendors. However, all but one are up and running today. KITV4.

Heads up, gamers! Your library card will soon get you into the state’s first public esports hub. Your library card will soon get you access to the state’s first public esports hub. The lab was unveiled at the Waipahu Public Library on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Former county employee charged in affordable housing credit scheme. A former employee of the county Office of Housing and Community Development is set to enter a plea Monday in federal court on charges he took almost $2 million in bribes and kickbacks to influence affordable housing projects in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

Police jurisdiction challenge rejected again. A lawsuit claiming that the chiefs of police for the Big Island, Maui and Honolulu violated the law during the 2019 Thirty Meter Telescope protests has been dismissed once again, this time by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Tribune-Herald.

Survey IDs deficiencies in Big Isle health care. Psychiatry and mental health counseling are the Big Island’s two most needed types of health care, according to an islandwide survey completed in March by Community First Hawaii, a nonprofit with a goal of improving access to health care throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

900 acres of ʻōhiʻa were cut down in 1985. Here's how the trees are making a comeback in Kalapana. Nearly 40 years ago, a tract of pristine ʻōhiʻa forest in Kalapana on Hawaiʻi Island was cut down. The trees were reduced to wood chips for a proposed biomass energy project. Now the trees are making a comeback — and battling it out for dominance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona-grown seaweed helping reduce cattle methane emissions. An agricultural technology company located at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority is growing seaweed in an effort to reduce cattle methane emissions around the world. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Here’s Who’s Pulling In The Most Cash In The Maui Mayor’s Race. So far, most of that money is still pouring into the campaign of former Judge Richard Bissen, who is among six others trying to oust Mayor Michael Victorino, according to the latest campaign spending reports filed Thursday. Bissen raised almost $272,000 in the period spanning from April 26 to June 30, topping the other contenders by tens of thousands of dollars. Victorino raised $91,000 in his bid to serve a second four-year term. Civil Beat.

Council to consider homeowner exemption bills for principal home, long-term rental. Bills proposing homeowner exemptions from real property tax are up for first reading at the Maui County Council’s meeting at 9 a.m. Friday, Council Vice Chairwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez announced. Maui News.

Committee backs probe of two county departments. Maui County Council members moved one step further on Wednesday in greenlighting a formal investigation into two county departments over approvals for a large controversial home in Napili that has angered community members and spurred calls for an investigation. Maui News.

AEI Housing Center: “Maui’s sky-high home prices are a self-inflicted wound”. Maui’s record home prices and the impacts that have resulted in displaced residents, are not unique, but there are potential solutions, according to a researcher from a public policy think tank on the mainland. Maui Now.

New shuttle takes Maui residents to Wailuku performance venues. Maui residents can catch a free ride to performance art Wailuku venues starting Thursday, July 14. Da Artsy Bee shuttle service begins in the Maui Lani Safeway parking lot and drops off guests in front of the theater. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Kauai

DOT Backpedals On Kauai Airport Expansion Following Public Outrage. State transportation officials have decided to abandon a proposal to add three new gates at Lihue Airport after considering community pushback and the ongoing effort by other government agencies to rein in Kauai’s staggering tourism growth. Civil Beat.

Environmentalists file suit over pollution concerns at busy Kauai harbor. Earthjustice, a non-profit environmental law organization, filed the federal Clean Water Act lawsuit on behalf of the Surfrider Foundation and Na Kiai Kai. Hawaii News Now.

Civil Support Team exercise at Kaua‘i Community College. Reports of gunshots broke a quiet Thursday morning at the Kaua‘i Community College. That was the scenario of the full-scale weapons of mass destruction exercise that pretty much shut down the Puhi campus as county, state agencies, and other emergency response partners took over the situation with the Hawai‘i National Guard 93rd Civil Support Team. Garden Island.

New vision for Ala Wai boat harbor, public corruption concerns prosecutors, Hurricane Darby enters Central Pacific, expected to weaken, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ala Wai boat harbor ©2022 All Hawaii News

State releases new vision plan for Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor on Oahu. State officials have been looking at new development at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor for more than a decade, and the vision plan spells out several major changes, especially for those who aren’t boaters. They include a promenade and elevated boardwalk near the Hawaii Prince Hotel. A surf center in the Kaiser’s parking lot would include lockers for boards and canoes. And a parking area near the current harbormaster’s office would be turned into a park with several gathering areas. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Prosecutors Want Enhanced Punishment For Public Corruption. Calls for harsher mandatory sentences for state and county officials follow a string of high-profile corruption cases prosecuted by the federal government. The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, a group tasked with beefing up government standards and ethics, on Wednesday heard from FBI agents, former state attorneys general and county prosecutors during an hours-long forum to generate more ideas to crack down on public corruption in Hawaii. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Hawaii midterm elections voter registration up. Approximately 850,000 people have registered to vote, compared to 832,466 in 2020, of which 69.6% turned out to vote. KHON2.

Permits to carry guns in public will not be automatically granted. Permits to carry concealed or openly displayed firearms will not be automatically granted in Hawaii following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling as county police departments craft policies for processing applications from gun owners following an opinion by the state Department of the Attorney General. Star-Advertiser.

Philippines’ participation in RIMPAC highlights Hawaii ties. The Philippine navy’s newest ship is participating in the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific off Hawaii. The guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna, commissioned in March 2021, departed Pearl Harbor Tuesday as one of the 38 ships participating this year in the world’s largest recurring naval war game. Star-Advertiser.

$600M for Hawaiian Home Lands: What we know about how this money could soon be spent. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will soon receive a lump-sum appropriation of $600 million to deliver homesteading opportunities to qualified Native Hawaiians. So where will this money go? Hawaii Public Radio.

Hurricane Darby enters the Central Pacific, rapid weakening anticipated. Darby is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph (26 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue over the next 24 hours, followed by a turn to the west thereafter. On the forecast track, Darby will pass a few hundred miles south of the main Hawaiian islands this weekend. KITV4.

DOH: Statewide, just 3% of keiki under 5 have been vaccinated. State Department of Health data released Wednesday shows only 3% of those under 5 statewide have received a vaccination, somewhere between 2,500 and 2,800 children.  Tribune-Herald.

BA.5 variant growing swiftly in Hawaii, U.S. Hawaii’s downward trend in COVID-19 cases appears to continue, with lower average counts and positivity rates than the previous week, but omicron subvariant BA.5 is now a national and global concern. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Health Department reports 4,464 new coronavirus infections; 11 more deaths. The state’s average positivity rate also declined to 13.8% from 15.1% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between July 5 to 11. It was the fifth weekly decline in a row. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii Governor Says Navy Must Do More To Restore Trust. Gov. David Ige said the state government’s relationship with the Navy has improved in the months following a fuel spill in Red Hill that poisoned military families and threatened the water supply for much of urban Oahu. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council District 8 Candidates Weigh In On Housing And Infrastructure. Honolulu Hale will have a new council member representing central Oahu as five candidates with varying levels of experience are hoping to succeed Brandon Elefante, promising to tackle housing concerns, crumbling infrastructure, public safety and more. Civil Beat.

Rep. Matthew LoPresti charged for alleged drunk driving. A complaint was filed today against LoPresti following his arrest on the night of June 16, when Honolulu Police Department officers saw his vehicle parked on the shoulder lane of Fort Weaver Road. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Study: Honolulu ranks as one of the cities with the worst drivers. Overall, Honolulu drivers ranked 23 as one of the cities with the worst drivers.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Former Hawaii County housing worker charged with taking bribes. His job was to help create more affordable housing for Big Island residents. But instead, federal prosecutors said Alan Scott Rudo used his position to take bribes and kickbacks of nearly $2 million. KHON2.

Bayfront Trails Phase 2 split into stages. The trails project, which aims to build pedestrian trails connecting downtown Hilo with the Wailoa River State Recreation Area and beyond, completed its first phase in 2016, and broke ground on its second phase earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Long-delayed development back before Leeward Planning Commission. The Planning Department is recommending the county approve a five-year extension for a rezoning and special management area permit for a 65-lot single-family home development on 11 acres in Kapalaalaea, North Kona, that expired in February 2019. West Hawaii Today.

UH-Hilo Receives Six Year Reaccreditation. A review team visited the UH Hilo campus in April for an Accreditation Visit, and recommended to grant the university accreditation through 2028. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Council panel votes to settle lawsuits tied to disgraced ex-MPD officer Brandon Saffeels. A Maui County Council committee on Tuesday unanimously recommended settlements in two lawsuits that allege the County of Maui failed to train and supervise a former Maui police officer who was fired, and convicted in one case, for attempting to trade police help for sexual favors. Maui Now.

‘It’s an overkill’: Maui residents blast new proposal that would ban outdoor lighting. Bill 21, if approved, would regulate all outdoor lighting fixtures on Maui to protect Native Hawaiian seabirds from becoming disoriented. Hawaii News Now.

Rural Maui County Rematch: DeCoite Is Fighting To Keep Her Senate Seat Against Ritte. Sen. Lynn DeCoite, longtime Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte and political newcomer Leo Caires are vying for the Democratic nomination. Civil Beat.

Regenerative Tourism at Hāʻena sparks national interest. Last summer, national television travel host, Peter Greenberg spent several days on Kaua‘i producing an episode of The Travel Detective: Hidden Gems, which airs on public television stations around the country. Maui Now.

Kauai

Back to School Bash ready to fly. The Eighth annual Back to School Bash is ready to launch Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kukui Grove Center. The bash returns to an in-person format this year, with families and students being treated as VIPs by the offering of student talent, activities, family resources and giveaways in addition to the school supplies backpacks. Garden Island.