In-person voting begins today, Navy to start draining Red Hill tanks, health experts urge bivalent COVID booster, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voter Service Center on Election Night 2020 ©2022 All Hawaii News

Voter service centers to open for in-person voting Tuesday. Hawaiʻi voters should have received their mail in ballots last week. For those who prefer to vote in-person, voter service centers open Tuesday, Oct. 25. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ranked choice elections coming to Hawaii. Although the process will not be used in this year’s general election here at home, starting next year when Hawai’i has a special federal election or special election of vacant county council seats the process will be used. KHON2.

Bank of Hawaii posts strong loan growth, but profit falls. Bank of Hawaii posts strong loan growth, but profit falls. Bank of Hawaii Corp. showed strong loan growth in the third quarter but saw its stock price tumble to a 52-week low Monday after reporting a 14.9% decline in net income primarily due to some one-time items. Star-Advertiser.

With fentanyl driving up Hawaii overdoses, drug agents are urging caution for trick-or-treaters. Hawaii drug agents are urging extra caution this Halloween, advising trick-or-treaters (and their parents) to only accept candy from trusted family and friends. Hawaii News Now.

Expert: Protection from early COVID vaccines ‘pretty much totally gone’. As new COVID-19 variants spread throughout the community, protection from previous infections and prior vaccinations is waning. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii health officials urge kupuna to get bivalent boosters as soon as possible. For some kupuna, getting the updated bivalent booster for COVID-19 was top priority once it became available over Labor Day weekend in Hawaii. For others there seems to be no particular rush. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

‘Unpacking’ of Red Hill fuel pipelines begins today. Joint Task Force Red Hill, the military group tasked with draining the tanks at the Navy’s underground fuel storage facility, is slated today to begin “unpacking” 1 million gallons from pipelines that connect the tanks to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

OCCC is obsolete and overcrowded. What’s next for this jail is up for debate. Between calls for tougher treatment of criminals and movements for bail and prison reform, Oahu Community Correctional Center remains in limbo. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Proposed City Council resolution looking to improve officer retention and police coverage. A new resolution is making its way through Honolulu City Council as concerns mount about police coverage on the West Side of Oahu. But it may have far reaching affects going well beyond that area. KITV4.

Politics Afoot? A Long-Sought Civic Center In Wahiawa Has Been Stalled For Nearly A Year. Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz’s signature project for Wahiawa has been on Gov. David Ige’s desk since January. Ige’s not saying why he won’t sign off. Civil Beat.

Few short-term rental owners register upon launch. The mad rush for short-term rental owners in resort districts to register under the city’s new short-term rental law, Ordinance 22-7 (Bill 41), didn’t happen Monday, the first day that the city made the online process available. Star-Advertiser.

City moves forward with project to install ‘bus only’ lanes on busy Waikiki thoroughfare. The city says the new street plan for Kuhio Avenue is designed to make the road safer, but residents believe it will do the exact opposite. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State high court to determine burden of proof in Maunakea rules case. A legal challenge against the University of Hawaii’s rules for managing Maunakea cannot proceed until the Hawaii Supreme Court settles a question of legal procedure. Tribune-Herald.

SHOPO: Detectives, officers put investigations on hold to provide security at 2-day Ironman event. The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers says it’s investigating how security was handled for the IRONMAN World Championship event in Kona earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

Plans Detail New Hilo Medical Center Building. Hilo Medical Center is proposing a new 2-story, 18,750 square foot Medical Office Building, which would occupy space on its existing campus on Waianuenue Avenue. Big Island Video News.

County to unveil repair plans for dangerous Waipiʻo Valley Road at public meeting Oct. 26. Over the past year, the narrow, steep Waipiʻo Valley Road has been the focus of a geotechnical engineering evaluation, an emergency closure, a lawsuit, a partial reversal of the emergency closure, community meetings and protests. Big Island Now.

Unexploded ordnance meeting slated today in Waikoloa. Members of the public are invited to a meeting today to learn about efforts to remove unexploded military ordnance from the former Waikoloa Maneuver Area. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Charter Question Recommends Reforms For Maui Boards And Commissions. The ballot measure features a series of questions about the recruitment process for county boards and commissions, as well as some staff positions. Civil Beat.

Applicants sought for Maui County Boards and Commissions. Applicants are being sought from residents willing to provide public service on various Maui County boards, commissions, councils and committees. Citizen volunteer responsibilities include attending meetings, receiving public testimony, and reviewing policies and standards. Maui Now.

Maui affordable housing project triggers land dispute. The family claims the parcel in Waiehu is “kuleana land,” which was land that was granted to Native Hawaiian farmers back in the 1800s. MEO says the property in question is actually a royal patent grant, which is an outright purchase of government land. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Community group lays out vision for Coco Palms. As the plan to develop the ruins of Coco Palms into a 350-room hotel slowly creeps forward, a community group has proposed an alternative vision for the site. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi County launches online road resurfacing and bridge status map. The County of Kaua‘i has launched an online Road Resurfacing and Bridge Status map, which enables the public to easily track the location of past, current and upcoming road projects. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court applicants to be made public, Democrats hold grand rally in Hilo, developers seek subsidies for midpriced housing, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii Supreme Court applicants to be made public. For the first time, the names of applicants to sit on the Hawaii Supreme Court will be made public when the Judicial Selection Commission considers who will replace retiring Associate Justice Michael D. Wilson. Star-Advertiser.

State to subsidize midpriced rental housing projects. Developers have blitzed a state agency to tap a special $150 million legislative appropriation for funding new rental housing aimed largely at middle-income Hawaii households. Seven developers submitted applications for 11 projects with a combined 1,416 rental homes, of which between 600 and 800 can probably be financed with the available $150 million. Of the 11 proposed projects, seven are on Oahu, two are on Kauai and one each is on Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Large exercise will be noisy, Army leaders say. Army leaders want people on Oahu and Hawaii Island to be prepared for increased traffic and noise as the Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division prepares for a large exercise at training sites across the two islands for an exercise involving 6,350 soldiers between Oct. 31 and Nov. 9. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s public school math, reading scores relatively stable as national results suffer pandemic drop. While a coronavirus pandemic drop-off in nationwide reading and math scores on “The Nation’s Report Card” is being called “appalling” by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Hawaii’s public-school scores surprised local officials by holding relatively steady in three out of four categories, declining significantly only in eighth grade math. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Charter School Oversight Is Still A Source of Contention In Hawaii. Hawaii’s only charter school authorizer is charting a path to progress, but some school leaders remain skeptical about the commission’s ability to both regulate and support the schools. Civil Beat.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary advocates blast $600 million spending plan. Two advocacy groups for existing and future Hawaiian homesteaders are challenging a tentative state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plan to spend a recently appropriated historic $600 million helping beneficiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii football star accused of conspiring to sell methamphetamine. A former star University of Hawaii linebacker and high school football coach will plead guilty to federal drug charges for his alleged role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring that operated for three years on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Man Who Promoted Erotic Maternity Photos Is Suing The Women Who Called Him ‘Creepy’. Danny Gallagher’s lawyer acknowledges he advised women on how to sell nude photos and videos on line but says he never coerced or groomed anyone, as defendants say. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Short-term rental law could hurt Oahu’s economy. Economist Paul Brewbaker estimates if not for the pandemic, vacation rentals on Oahu could have been worth as much as $500 million in Hawaii’s recent economy. Without those tourism receipts, Brewbaker said, job losses and loss of income for many on Oahu are inevitable, especially when tourism spending adjusted for inflation is still running behind 1989 levels. Star-Advertiser.

Complications expected for registration of Oahu short-term rentals. Enforcement of city Ordinance 22-7, a controversial bill to regulate short-term rentals, is supposed to start today. Star-Advertiser.

Efforts To Reform Honolulu’s Troubled Permitting Office Face An Uphill Battle. Here’s Why. Contractors and property owners describe bureaucratic hurdles and delays in the application process that sometimes last years. Civil Beat.

New project is aimed at making the state’s no. 1 tourist destination more pedestrian-friendly. The state is kicking off a new pilot project to increase pedestrian safety in Waikiki. Ala Moana Boulevard and Hobron Lane along with Ena and Kalia Road were turned into all-pedestrian crossings on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Housing and infrastructure dominate District 2 City Council race. Housing and infrastructure are key issues in Honolulu City Council District 2 — an area that covers Royal Kunia, Wahiawa, along the North Shore to Kahaluu. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor Elementary School Water Sample Tests Positive For Coliform Bacteria. No illnesses have been reported, according to the Department of Education. Civil Beat.

Punaluu homeowners face high risk of shoreline enforcement. A growing number of coastal homeowners have been selling properties with expired sandbags and other illegal shoreline hardening structures as DLNR tries to increase enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

Emergency crews respond to a mock derailment and mass casualty drill in Kapolei. Honolulu police, firefighters and city and private paramedics responded to a mock train derailment in East Kapolei on Saturday that led to hypothetical mass casualties. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Democrats Hold General Election Grand Rally In Hilo. Speakers included former Governor Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, candidate for governor Lt. Gov. Josh Green, candidate for lieutenant governor Sylvia Luke, candidate for US Representative Jill Tokuda, and others seeking to represent the Big Island in the State House or State Senate. Big Island Video News.

County election office’s mistake sends voters scrambling: Clerical error tells voters their ballots were received before they were sent. Erroneous text messages Thursday afternoon confused and alarmed some Big Island voters who were told their ballot had been “received, validated and accepted for counting,” even though many had not even received their mailed ballot when the notice went out. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Loa meeting draws concerns. Hundreds of citizens packed into the Ocean View Community Center on Saturday to hear a presentation about the likelihood and contingencies for an eruption of the volcano, following weeks of elevated seismic activity, including a magnitude-5.0 earthquake near Pahala on Oct. 14. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Search for Big Island’s next top cop narrows to 21; identities of applicants remain secret. Commission hopes to find new police chief by end of year. “The Police Commission still does not know the names of the individual applicants,” said John Bertsch, the commission’s chairman. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Extension of lease for mall in question: Legal issue clouds long-term future of Prince Kuhio Plaza. A 40-year lease extension sought by Prince Kuhio Plaza is in a legal quagmire between the state and federal governments, and most who testified last week at the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s monthly meeting opposed extending the lease for almost 39 acres of homestead land. Tribune-Herald.

Public frustrated by ban on trailers at transfer stations; department says new rules could be in place next year. County officials are once again hopeful that trailers could be allowed at certain county transfer stations by early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Maui law caps rent for subsidized units to one-third of a tenant's income. County-subsidized housing on Maui will soon follow new pricing guidelines. It's the county’s attempt to define affordable housing. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui County Voters Asked To Boost Transparency Between The Police Chief And Commission. There is no requirement at present for the chief to tell the commission when he or she disagrees with its findings. Civil Beat.

‘Oiwi department proposal is in voters’ hands. Some say it would bring more Native Hawaiian input in planning, others question need for new department. Maui News.

UH-MC enrollment down 9.3%. University of Hawaii Maui College’s enrollment dropped 9.3 percent this year compared to last year for the largest drop in the UH system, according to information released this week by the university. Maui News.

Kauai

Repaving project to resume at Lihu‘e Airport. The second phase of a repaving project at Lihu‘e Airport is scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 24, the state Department of Transportation Airports Division said in a statement. Garden Island.

County median home price falls in September. A steep drop in sales of single-family homes, likely brought on by rising mortgage interest rates, helped keep the median price of home under $1 million in the County of Kaua‘i last month. Garden Island.

Flat tax rate of $40,000 a year for Ni‘ihau proposed. The 47,605-acre island was purchased in 1864 by Elizabeth Sinclair from the kingdom of Hawai‘i for $10,000, equal to about $170,000 in 2021. Garden Island.

Hawaii election workers, volunteers, face threats, Blangiardi vows to enforce short-term rental limits despite court order, AG urges cooperation on Aloha Stadium, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Threats escalate against Hawaii’s election volunteers. Hawaii’s electoral process, the officials who oversee it and even the volunteers who keep island elections running across the state are facing unprecedented hostility and even threats as the Nov. 8 general election approaches. Star-Advertiser.

Doctors And Lawyers: Who’s Donating To Whom In The Race For Hawaii Governor. Campaign contributors have rewarded dozens of candidates with significant financial support this election season but the top race — for governor — has drawn the most money. Civil Beat.

University Of Hawaii Proposes Tuition Hike Amid Inflation Worries. University of Hawaii administrators recommended a phased plan that would start with a 2% increase for students at the law school in 2024. Civil Beat.

Television, movie productions bring millions to Hawaii. Hawaii’s film and television production industry is booming, at least half a dozen large productions are currently filming in the state, bringing revenue to the state and opening up opportunities for local talent. KHON2.

Oahu

Enforcement of new law for Oahu short-term rentals begins Monday. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says the city will fight a court challenge to having a 90-day minimum stay for Oahu vacation rentals that are outside of resort districts, and starting Monday will begin aggressively enforcing all other provisions of its new short-term rental law. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Suit accuses prolific monster home developers of shoddy construction. Several Diamond Head homeowners are suing one of the the state’s most prolific monster home developers for a rash of alleged construction defects. Hawaii News Now.

Navy reschedules defueling of Red Hill pipes. The defueling of Red Hill was rescheduled to begin Tuesday, the Red Hill Joint Task Force announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Attorney general urges cooperation on stadium issue. Two state agencies at odds must cooperate to build a new Aloha Stadium, according to the attorney general in an emailed letter made public at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Stadium Authority board. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

BOE discusses fiscal plans, considers buying Saint Francis School campus. The state Board of Education said it is considering buying the Saint Francis School campus in Manoa. The private school shut down in 2019. Hawaii News Now.

10 gambling machines, drugs, cash seized in raid of illegal game room in Aiea. Officers of the Narcotics/Vice Division executed a search warrant at 99-125 Puakala St. Star-Advertiser.

Boulders above Moanalua homes unsafe. Boulders sitting on a hillside in Moanalua Valley have residents feeling unsafe. The hillside is U.S. Army property and residents said the military refuses to do anything about it. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Planning commission OKs zoning time extension bill. The Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday agreed with a bill requiring County Council authorization of time extensions to zoning ordinances, a measure that would replace the current practice of administrative time extensions approved by the Planning Department. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Council approves proposals and priorities for 2023 State Legislature. Council members on Wednesday approved Resolution 583, which lays out the Council’s four legislative priorities. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council considers bill to prohibit concealed weapons in 'sensitive places'. The Hawaiʻi County Council is working on a bill that will prohibit concealed weapons in sensitive spaces. This comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a New York law requiring people to show a need to carry a firearm in public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Judge orders preschool to shut down amid contentious dispute with state. Kalamapii Play School is a bustling and bright new preschool near downtown Hilo. Some 44 pre-K students are enrolled and more are on a waiting list. Hawaii News Now.

EPA Orders Closure Of Three Illegal Cesspools On Hawaiʻi. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says SKS Management and Wailuku Plaza will close cesspools and pay a combined $71,780 penalty. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Judge Rejects Couple’s Request For Extended TRO Against Deputy Prosecutor. Big Island Deputy Prosecutor Randall Winston Albright succeeded in having a judge toss out a temporary restraining order against him and his wife for alleged harassment of their neighbors. Civil Beat.

Maui

The Tourism Industry Is Trying To Unseat Maui Council Members Who Want To Limit Hotels. In a heated election year, the county’s moratorium on visitor lodgings has become a rallying point for those across its political spectrum. Civil Beat.

Maui County residents to decide if they want community water authorities. Should Maui County establish community water authorities? That is what residents will decide this election. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization announces new Executive Director. The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board has unanimously approved the hiring of Pamela Eaton as the agency’s new Executive Director. She will begin on Nov. 7. Maui Now. Maui News.

Haleakalā National Park issues call for Guided Astronomy and Hiking Tour applications. Haleakalā National Park is now accepting applications for commercial guided astronomy and hiking tours to be conducted in the park under Commercial Use Authorizations. Maui Now.

Another Death At The Maui Jail Is Apparently A Suicide. The death would be the sixth suicide at the facility in five years. Experts say staffing and a lack of mental health professionals on staff is a major concern. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kawakami signs sea level rise bill into law. A groundbreaking plan aimed at regulating construction based on future sea level rise projections will now dictate the way in which the building industry moves forward on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi County launches online road resurfacing and bridge status map. The County of Kaua‘i has launched an online Road Resurfacing and Bridge Status map, which enables the public to easily track the location of past, current and upcoming road projects. Garden Island.

Wetter than normal rainy season predicted, Hawaii signs agreement to share tech with Israel, commission favors ban on campaign contributions during legislative sessions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Forecasters predict above-average rain for Hawaii this winter. Above-average rainfall is being predicted for Hawaii’s wet season — good news for a state locked in a prolonged drought. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii, Israel to share technology on range of shared issues. Hawaii and Israel on Wednesday forged a “historic” agreement to share technology that could help Hawaii with desalinization, creating water out of “thin air,” cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Star-Advertiser.

Ban On In-Session Campaign Donations Gets Thumbs Up From Hawaii Standards Commission. Currently, state lawmakers are banned from holding fundraising events while the Legislature is in session but can still accept donations to their campaigns. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige appoints new leaders at DAGS, announces resignation of PUC commissioner. Gov. David Ige today announced the appointment of Audrey Hidano as the state’s new comptroller, and the departure of Jennifer “Jennie” Potter from the Public Utilities Commission. Maui Now.

Here's what your 2022 county ballot amendment questions mean. Every county does it a little differently, but for the most part, charter amendments can be proposed through a combination of council members, the mayor’s office, or other boards and commissions. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii enrollment dips as graduation rates rise. Student enrollment across the University of Hawaii’s 10-campus system continues to fall, though not as dramatically as at colleges nationwide, while “on time” graduation rates for seven UH campuses have swelled to record highs — trends caused in part by the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

New Research Shows Tuna Stocks Benefit From Expansion Of Papahanaumokuakea Monument. The spillover effect created outside the marine protected area seems to have benefited Hawaii’s commercial fishermen as well. Civil Beat.

Booster options grow as subvariants keep evolving. As winter approaches, health officials are watching troublesome new subvariants — all of them evolving simultaneously from omicron. Among them are BQ.1 and its descendant, BQ.1.1, which are both offshoots of BA.5 and rising quickly in the United States and Europe. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1,700 with 3 new deaths; 2,211 infections reported for week. The state’s average positivity rate remained about the same, at 5.8% compared with 5.6% reported the previous week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Navy wraps up main break repairs; boil-water advisory still in place. The Navy has finished repairing the first water main that broke Friday, Capt. Mark Sohaney, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam commander, said Wednesday at a news conference on the base. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Board of Water Supply supplies emergency connection to Navy water system. On Tuesday, the Navy established an emergency connection to bring 1 million gallons of water a day from the Board of Water Supply to the Radford Terrace neighborhood, where pressure had been low for residents. Hawaii News Now.

Pu‘uhonua O Waianae Houseless community receives $250K donation. The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation said it will donate $250,000 to Pu‘uhonua O Waianae, an organized houseless community near the Waianae Small Boat Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New fire code on hold. A bill updating the county fire code was temporarily set aside Wednesday to allow officials time to figure out a way to make an important component of the code compatible with the county’s online EPIC building permit system. West Hawaii Today.

Mauna Loa Meeting Set For Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. On Saturday, officials will provide an update and background information on Mauna Loa to the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates community. Big Island Video News.

Hilo mall at heart of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands dispute. The federal government is clashing with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands over a move by DHHL to use a controversial year-old Hawaii law enabling long extensions of state commercial land leases. Star-Advertiser.

Police ordered to turn over records to slain Boy Scout’s family. The Hawaii Police Department has been ordered to turn over records of its investigation into the accidental fatal shooting of an 11-year-old Boy Scout on Aug. 28 to the parents of the slain boy. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

King endorses Bissen in the mayor’s race; Victorino is ‘not surprised’. Maui County mayoral candidate Richard Bissen. Jr. was endorsed Tuesday by his former opponent and current Maui County Council Member Kelly King. Maui News.

Maui Charter Proposal Would Let Some County Employees Work From Home. The measure is geared toward helping the environment, but studies have questioned how much teleworking actually helps. Civil Beat.

FEMA approves $1.5M for COVID-19 protection measures by Maui Emergency Management Agency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized the release of more than $1.5 million to the County of Maui to reimburse the public funds it spent to test people for COVID-19 from October 2020 through September 2021. Maui Now.

Kauai

Over opposition, Kaua‘i County Council approves American Rescue Plan Act funding. After debate on Wednesday, the Kaua‘i County Council approved a plan which would spend the bulk of the latest round of American Rescue Plan Act funding on the renovation of the former Big Save space at the Lihu‘e Civic Center Pi‘ikoi Building in Lihu‘e into a child care and youth center. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i restaurant Tahiti Nui fined for labor violations. North Shore restaurant Tahiti Nui was ordered to pay more than $37,000 in back wages, damages and penalties after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation found they failed to pay overtime wages and violated youth labor laws. Garden Island.

Interior Department creates Hawaiian consultation process, keeping an eye on North Korea, Hilo loses only direct mainland flight, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Albert Kahiwahiwaokalani Haa Jr. speaks at 2014 Department of the Interior listening session  ©2022 All Hawaii News

Feds’ consultation process will put Native Hawaiians on par with Indian tribes. The Department of the Interior announced Tuesday it will require a process of formal consultation with the Native Hawaiian community on any actions it proposes that have a substantial direct effect on the community. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News Maui Now.  Civil Beat.

$1M in federal funding secured for cultural education for visitors. Seven local organizations will split $1 million in federal funding to continue cultural education programs for tourists. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ige ‘racing to the finish’ with to-do list for final weeks in office. Gov. David Ige says he’s got a sense of urgency as he’s trying to finish last-minute business in his final 48 days in office. Hawaii News Now.

Historic year of North Korean missile tests raises Pacific tensions. In just the past two months, North Korea has fired more than a dozen missiles. The most recent flurry of missile tests coincides with fears of further escalation in the war in Ukraine and increased tension between China and Taiwan.  Star-Advertiser.

Report: Hawaiʻi has highest hotel revenue per business in the US. According to the data, Hawaiʻi hotel businesses make up .55% of the total businesses in the state. Hawaiʻi hotel businesses also employ 40,067 people, an average of 4,067 per company. Maui Now.

Supporters of breadfruit want more government help to cultivate agriculture industry. Farmers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across the Pacific gathered to discuss the benefits of crops like bread fruit that could help address food security and sustainability concerns. The National Tropic Breadfruit Institute co-hosted the 2022 Global Breadfruit Summit at the Hawaii Convention Center on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council committee postpones audit of planning department. The Honolulu City Council postponed considering initiating a comprehensive city audit on the Department of Planning and Permitting to give the agency two months to solve some of its issues, such as delayed permits. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Navy says it’s legally barred from paying state’s $8.7M fine for wastewater violations. The Navy is contesting an $8.7 million fine for Clean Water Act violations and alleged deficiencies at its Pearl Harbor-­Hickam wastewater treatment system, arguing that the penalty levied by the state Department of Health is legally prohibited because the state is barred from seeking punitive fines. Star-Advertiser.

2 water mains repaired, more work underway, Navy says. The Navy has repaired two of four water mains that broke since Friday, though the first and largest one to crack remains unfixed. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Panel Report: Start Over On Plan For A New Oahu Jail. A newly formed panel of prison and jail reformers that includes state Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael Wilson is wading into the controversy over plans for an expensive new jail at Halawa, and is urging corrections officials to start the entire planning process over. Civil Beat.

Former University of Hawaii employee charged after alleged death threats. Claire R. Chun worked at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Information Technology Services Department since 2011 and resigned Sept. 19, according to the university. Star-Advertiser.

Haiku Stairs hikers require rescues. The Honolulu Fire Department has rescued 118 people on Haiku Stairs in the last 12 years. The popular trail, also known as Stairway to Heaven, has been a point of contention in the windward community for years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hilo is about to lose its last direct flight to the mainland. United Airlines to end direct flights from Hilo to L.A. United Airlines is set to end Hilo International Airport’s only direct route to the mainland. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Panel pans tax cap for nonresidential properties. Bill 156, introduced by Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy proposed the cap for apartment, hotel and resort, commercial, industrial, agricultural or native forests and conservation assessments. West Hawaii Today.

Meeting finds no quick fix for animal control concerns. No immediate solutions were forthcoming after a Tuesday discussion about the woes facing Hawaii County’s animal control operations. Tribune-Herald.

Few residents turn out for Puna wastewater meeting. A scoping meeting last week at Keaau High School about the future of wastewater treatment services for Puna residents drew fewer audience members than government officials and consultants. Tribune-Herald.

Volcano Golf Course clubhouse to be razed. The fire-gutted Volcano Golf Course clubhouse is being demolished after three years of disuse. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Victorino signs Bill 107 to change the formula used to price affordable homes. Councilmember Gabe Johnson introduced the bill after years of hearing community concerns that even “affordable homes” were too expensive for Maui County’s working families to become homeowners. Maui Now.

Should Cost Of Maui Charter Amendments Be Made Public Before Election Day? Voters will decide on a proposal that would require the county auditor to calculate cost estimates of proposed charter amendments before they go on the ballot. Civil Beat.

Delay in Maui County program that allows homeless to sleep in cars overnight stirs concern. It’s been more than a month since Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino eagerly announced that homeless individuals would be allowed to sleep in their cars and vans in the parking lot of the Cameron Center in Wailuku. Hawaii News Now.

Airline agreement to streamline flight purchases for passengers. A new agreement between Hawaiian Airlines and Southern Airways, which owns Mokulele Airlines, will help streamline bookings and connections for passengers who often have to make multiple purchases when flying out of state from airports like Molokai and Lanai. Maui News

West Maui Hospital developer seeks $7M to help cover costs. Years in the making, hospital has support but has run into financing problems. Maui News.

Why This Hawaiian Island Has To Outsource Psychiatric Care. For the first time since 1990, the state agency that provides care to adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness has no staff on Lanai. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Plans For Sea Level Rise With New Building Standards. The county became the state’s first municipality to regulate construction based on flood projections spurred by sea level rise. Civil Beat. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Recovered shearwaters released back into the wild. A pair of fledgling ‘a‘o, or Newell’s shearwaters, were honored guests poised to leave the annual Ho‘opomaika‘i ‘ia na Manu ‘A‘o Tuesday with students from Island School participating with Kumu Sabra Kauka, and invited guests including Capt. Brett Stevenson of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands and other selected individuals from PMRF, members of the Kaua‘i County Council and the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Garden Island.

Homeless spike averted during pandemic, former Honolulu building official pleads guilty to taking bribes, Navy tackles 4th water main break, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless in Honolulu ©2022 All Hawaii News

Planning averts spike in COVID-era homelessness in Hawaii. Fears of a large-scale surge in homelessness in Hawaii triggered by COVID-19 job losses failed to materialize thanks to state funding and the work of service providers, the state homeless coordinator said Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s high court is asked to strike down 90-day hold rule. The Public Defender’s Office filed a petition Sunday with the Hawaii Supreme Court questioning the power of state court judges to keep defendants jailed for up to 90 days without bail after charges against them have been dismissed in the wake of the court’s ruling that a grand jury indictment is necessary to bring charges in serious felony crimes. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats Face Little GOP Opposition. But They’re Still Raising Money. Jill Tokuda, the frontrunner for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, raised another $331,000 for her campaign in the last quarter, more than any other federal candidate from the state. Civil Beat.

Kahele faces House ethics probe over bills he co-sponsored that benefited airlines. The inquiry comes after a nonprofit political watchdog group — the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust — filed a complaint against Kahele in April, alleging that he co-sponsored four bills that benefited the airline industry and his employer Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaii News Now.

Matson Inc. income drops on trans-Pacific slowdown. Matson Inc. said a 15.1% drop in demand from its China service and easing port congestion in Southern California led to an expected decline in net income in the third quarter, according to preliminary results that the company issued Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former top city building plans examiner admits to taking bribes to expedite permits. A former building plans examiner at the city Department of Planning and Permitting entered a plea of guilty Monday to accepting nearly $100,000 in bribes to pre-screen plans and expedite approval of permits for contractors and an architect. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Fourth rupture in Navy’s water system means more delays for 93,000 users. The Navy announced it would further delay removing fuel from its three pipelines at Red Hill after a fourth main in its water system was reported to have broken Monday morning, reducing water access for some 93,000 people connected to the system. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

What Happens Now That A Judge Has Blocked Honolulu’s New Short-Term Rental Law? City officials could appeal to a higher court or find some way to compromise with property owners who rent their places for fewer than 90 days. Civil Beat.

Two off-leash dog parks in the works on Oahu. Kolowalu Park in Kakaako and an 8-acre parcel along Hamakua Drive in Kailua will be upgraded for dog parks. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Changes loom for zoning and development laws. Hawaii County this week is kicking off a 19-month process to update zoning and subdivision codes with community engagement sessions in Kona and Hilo. West Hawaii Today.

Parking Fee For Kahaluʻu Beach Visitors Starts In December. Income from the pilot project will be used to support ongoing protection, stewardship, and restoration of the natural and cultural resources held at Kahaluʻu Beach Park. Big Island Video News.

FEMA to reimburse county $886K for Mana Road fire. Federal funding is headed to Hawaii County to help offset expenses incurred last summer battling the Big Island’s largest wildfire in history. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.

Maui

Next community budget meeting for FY 2024 scheduled for Oct. 18 in Pukalani. The next community budget meeting for Fiscal Year 2024, hosted by Mayor Michael Victorino and his administration, will be held Upcountry at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, starting at 5:30 p.m. Maui Now.

Mayoral candidates clash on housing, water, budget. Incumbent Mayor Michael Victorino and opponent Richard “Rick” Bissen went head-to-head during a mayoral debate on Saturday night at Seabury Hall, responding to hot topic questions on proposed water authorities, axis deer as an industry, affordable housing, managed retreat and the budget. Maui News.

How to solve the axis deer problem? Maui mayoral candidates take starkly different stances. Axis deer continue to have devastating impacts to Maui County farmers and ranchers — and the two candidates for mayor have differing views on how to solve the problem. Hawaii News Now.

Maui hospital coming as Hawaii battles nursing shortage. A hospital in West Maui has been in the works for years, but we’re three years past its targeted opening date, and construction of the facility has yet to begin. KHON2.

Real Estate Report: Third quarter Maui home median sales price jumps, number of sales drop. The median sales price for residential homes on Maui increased 15% to $1,150,000 in the third quarter compared to $998,500 in 2021. However, the number of sales declined from 1,042 to 813 sales this year – a 22% decrease compared to the same timeframe last year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Free COVID-19 tests available at Kauaʻi County neighborhood centers Oct. 19-21. Approximately 6,000 COVID-19 home test kits will be given out, with a limit of five tests per individual or household, on a first-come, first-served basis, until supplies run out. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank holiday food drive kicks off in November. The food bank hopes to raise $50,000 and 50,000 pounds of food to help those who struggle to make ends meet, wondering from where their next meal will come. Kauai Now.

Grim forecast for coral reefs, congressional ethics office calls for Kahele investigation, attorney general seeks to stop auction of Queen Liliuokalani articles, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii coral reef ©2022 All Hawaii News

Half of all coral reefs could face permanent effects of climate change. Half of the world’s coral reefs could no longer be suitable for marine life by 2035. That’s according to the latest University of Hawaiʻi research looking into the worst-case scenarios of climate change on reef ecosystems. Hawaii Public Radio.Kauai Now.

Congressional Ethics Watchdog Calls For Ethics Investigation Into Kahele. No details were released about the allegations the Hawaii congressman might be facing, but his proxy voting record and ties to Hawaiian Airlines have drawn scrutiny. The Office of Congressional Ethics, the independent watchdog charged with investigating allegations of misconduct against House members and their staff, has called for an official inquiry into U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele. Civil Beat.

Governor Candidates On The Environment: Sharp Contrasts And A Little Overlap. Republican Duke Aiona emphasizes lower energy costs, while Democrat Josh Green stresses renewable and sustainable sources. Civil Beat.

Jill Tokuda Looks Like A Shoo-In For Congress. What Would She Do? The question is whether the former state senator, a Democrat, can be effective, especially as a first-term lawmaker in a House that’s expected to be in GOP control. Civil Beat.

State moves to block auction of items related to overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani. The state Department of the Attorney General has put the British auction house Bonhams on notice. At issue are items dating back to the Hawaiian monarchy overthrow that the state maintains belong to Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Hawaii’s Language Access Office Is Having Trouble ‘Fulfilling Its Mission’ The state auditor says OLA “remains a partially formed organization” some 16 years after its establishment. Advocates say that’s keeping non-English speakers from getting much-needed services. Civil Beat.

Menstrual product distribution still uneven in Hawaii schools. Full statewide implementation of the “menstrual equity” state legislation is turning out to be a more complex and delicate undertaking than even some lawmakers and education officials expected. Star-Advertiser.

GET medical exemption sought: Group says move would make state ‘a more attractive place for doctors’. In an effort to make health care more affordable and alleviate the state’s physician shortage, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii launched a petition urging the Hawaii Legislature to exempt medical services from the state’s general excise tax, or GET. Tribune-Herald.

As RSV cases rise, more people are hospitalized compared to COVID surges. Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus — also known as RSV — are increasing in Hawaiʻi and 32 other states. There are other respiratory illnesses spreading as well, including rhinovirus and coronavirus. Hawaii Public Radio.

A deficit of mental health: Pandemic isn’t solely to blame, experts say; politics also a factor. Some  health care providers in Hawaii think the reason for the increase isn’t just the pandemic, citing a variety of symptoms such as stress, political conflict, work staffing shortages, insurance issues and because there’s less of a stigma for those who seek mental health services. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Robberies, weapon crimes rise on Oahu as other major categories fall. Weapon violations, robberies and assaults are on the rise in Honolulu while other major crime categories have fallen off, compared with 2021, according to Hono­lulu police statistics obtained by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Star-Advertiser.

Power struggle festers over Aloha Stadium redevelopment. Mike McCartney, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, claims that his agency is now in charge of redeveloping Aloha Stadium following more than a decade of work by the Stadium Authority, private consultants, state lawmakers and the state Department of Accounting and General Services. Star-Advertiser.

State wants to drop permit rules for employees of Waikiki ocean activity companies. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is looking to repeal rules that require surf instructors, outrigger canoe captains and other individuals who operate in Waikiki waters to obtain a state permit certifying they have the necessary skills and training, citing liability concerns and lack of “resources or expertise to continue conducting the testing and approval process.” Star-Advertiser.

Oahu voters to decide how to use city land conservation fund. Proposed City Charter amendment No. 3 on the general election ballot asks if 5% of the fund should be expended to operate and maintain those acquired lands. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Ballot Proposal Would Make City Council Services Office A Permanent Agency. The office that performs many legislative duties for the council, including researching and drafting bills and resolutions, may finally get equal status with other agencies. Civil Beat.

Lawyer For Mitsunaga Firm Pleads Not Guilty To Bribing Kaneshiro. A lawyer for an engineering firm whose CEO is accused of bribing Honolulu’s prosecuting attorney pleaded not guilty on Friday to participating in the alleged scheme. Civil Beat.

Navy officials said repairs to a broken 36-inch water main at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam are still at least a week out. Iroquois Point Elementary to remain closed as repairs continue to military water system. Main breaks to the Navy’s water system Friday has left about 90,000 customers under a boil water advisory. Some customers have low water pressure while others have no water at all. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Plan to house the homeless living outside Waianae Boat Harbor. The Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae Farm Village is continuing their fight to end homelessness on Oahu. Village leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on a project for the dozens of houseless people who called the Waianae Boat Harbor home for years. They will rehome approximately 250 people living in tents – many who are kupuna, and working families with children. KITV4.

Homelessness on public recreation land on Oʻahu an ongoing problem with few solutions. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources say there’s a long list of challenges and few solutions when it comes to homeless individuals who have taken up residence at O‘ahu’s Sand Island State Recreation Area. Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Garden Island.

LGBTQ+ tourism is thriving in Hawaii. The National Gay Flag Football League’s Gay Bowl XXII Hawaii 2022 Flag Football Tournament, the largest LGBTQ+ event ever held in Honolulu, helped this year’s Honolulu Pride parade surpass the 2019 event, which was the state’s largest parade that year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Issues Message On Mauna Loa Activity. The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense said it is closely monitoring the situation, in coordination with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Estate, family seek answers in killing of Boy Scout. Court documents filed on behalf of the estate of the 11-year-old Boy Scout who was killed Aug. 28 when a firearm accidentally was discharged said the gun was an “AK-47 semi-automatic assault rifle.” Tribune-Herald.

Ready, set, vote! Ballots are expected to be mailed Wednesday and arrive in Big Island mailboxes shortly after that as the nation counts down to the Nov. 8 general election. West Hawaii Today.
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2022/10/15/hawaii-news/ready-set-vote/

‘The Most Important Decision’: Hawaii Police Commission Ponders Criteria For New Chief. With the hiring process set to begin Oct. 24, the police union is urging the commission to use the opportunity to pursue more ambitious goals. Civil Beat.

Bill would increase solar water heater tax credit. A bill increasing the tax credit for eligible homeowners who install a solar water heater will be heard Tuesday by the County Council Finance Committee. Bill 227 would increase the tax credit from $300 to $400 for owners of single-family dwellings, ohanas, farm dwellings and duplexes. West Hawaii Today.

Hāpuna Beach Park And Cabins Closed. A major water break has been reported at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, and the park & cabin area are closed. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Sparks fly in contentious debate as Maui mayoral candidates vie for votes. In a debate Saturday night organized by Akaku Maui Community Media, incumbent Mayor Mike Victorino defended his record while retired Judge Richard Bissen accused Victorino of being a passive mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Bissen gets Carpenter’s Union endorsement; Victorino endorsed by HSTA; Kama Talk Story. Campaign updates from Maui County. Maui Now.

County to launch energy cost-savings program. Project to install more efficient lighting, sinks and other equipment. Maui County is embarking on a multimillion-dollar project with an international company in hopes of realizing $73 million in energy and water conservation cost during the first phase. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Dockless vehicles and parking ambassador program to be discussed in committee. The Maui Council’s Infrastructure and Transportation Committee on Monday will discuss a bill prohibiting a commercial system of short-term rentals of dockless vehicles, and a separate bill authorizing the implementation of a parking ambassador program.  Maui Now.

Pulelehua developer to prioritize affordable units in first phase of West Maui project. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today that the Maui County Council is in receipt of Bill 152, that will help to subsidize shovel-ready development of 100 affordable units in Pulelehua, planned for West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i mayoral candidates answer questions on drug treatment center, housing, evictions. The Garden Island spoke to mayoral candidates Derek Kawakami and Michael Roven Poai last week on some of the major issues facing the county. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i council candidates make their closing statements. The Garden Island asked the 14 County Council candidates to submit closing statements ahead of the mailing of ballots on Oct. 19. Twelve responded. Garden Island.

What are the Kaua‘i county ballot proposals? Along with picking their elected representatives, voters will have the chance to decide on the fate of four ballot proposals this election season. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Hawaiian sea cucumbers being cultivated for export and fishpond restoration on Kauaʻi. Kaua‘i Sea Farm, a commercial aquaculture business at the ancient Nomilo fishpond in Kalāheo. has partnered with the O‘ahu nonprofit Pacific American Foundation to cultivate loli as a high-value export product. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.

Hawaii to train more nurses, judge halts Oahu's 90-day vacation rental limit, ballots coming to mailboxes soon, more news from all the Hawaian Islands

Graduating nurses PC:University of Hawaii - Manoa

University of Hawaii nursing programs receive $1.75 million boost. Gov. David Ige said Thursday he is allocating $1.75 million to hire instructors for the University of Hawaii’s nursing schools in an attempt to fill 1,000 nursing vacancies in the state. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Rule changes for Hawaii oceanfront property owners questioned. Proposed state rules governing emergency permits for sandbags and so-called burrito systems installed by property owners to protect their homes and hotels are getting a mixed reception, with some environmental law attorneys saying the changes would do little to safeguard shorelines threatened by mounds of heavy sandbags and tarps. Star-Advertiser.

Gubernatorial candidates Duke Aiona and Josh Green want to tame overtourism, but they don’t agree on how to do it. While both candidates support user fees for access to popular sites, Green goes further with a $50 fee on every visitor, exempting only toddlers and residents. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees spike in child respiratory illnesses. Hawaii health officials are contending with a spike in the count of children in the islands contracting respiratory illness not related to COVID-19, following a nationwide trend. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Judge halts Honolulu’s 90-day short-term rental law. A U.S. District Court judge has granted a preliminary injunction ordering the city not to enforce the provisions in a new Oahu law that pertains to increasing the minimum allowable stay for Oahu rentals outside of resort districts to 90 days from 30 days. Star-Advertiser.

City gears up to mail out ballots for general election. The city said mailout on Oahu begins next Monday and ballot drop boxes will open the following day. Hawaii News Now.

The Race To Represent Mililani In The House Pits A Republican Incumbent Against A Democrat. State Rep. Lauren Cheape Matsumoto and former Rep. Marilyn Lee are vying to represent the central Oahu district of Mililani in the House, setting up a race between one of the Legislature’s few current Republican members and the Democrat who served for years before her. Civil Beat.

State board OKs Moiliili tower. A state board has endorsed a developer’s plan to build a 1,005-unit residential tower in Moiliili mainly for households with moderate and high-moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Kuhio Avenue likely to see bus-only lanes installed. The City is looking at Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki as the next location to introduce bus-only lanes, officials said it will mean a quicker commute for bus riders, but some who live and work in the area question the proposal. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Updated fire code proposed. A revamp of the county fire code is in the works, with Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz proposing updates in both the requirements and permit fees to prepare the county for compliance with the latest state requirements. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County to begin updating zoning codes. Hawaiʻi County is modernizing its zoning and subdivision codes and beginning a round of community engagement event. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hu Honua Says It Can’t Afford To Ride ‘Merry-Go-Round’ Any Longer. The embattled bioenergy plant on Hawaii island’s windward side is back before the state Supreme Court asking for relief. Attorneys for the proposed Hu Honua tree-burning plant on the Big Island have filed their opening brief in their appeal of state utility regulator’s denial of a power purchase agreement that would have allowed the plant to fire up. Civil Beat.

More firebreaks sought to protect palila habitat on Maunakea. A proposed project by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources would expand firebreaks on Maunakea in order to protect an endangered bird. Tribune-Herald.

Prices to go up for Merrie Monarch tickets. Tickets for the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival will go on sale Dec. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

This Is How The Candidates For Maui Mayor Want To Tackle The Housing Crisis. The Maui mayoral race has been defined by candidates’ sweeping promises to boost the availability of housing that local residents can afford and stop the exodus of longtime families who’ve been priced out. Civil Beat.

Less commercial, more housing in project plans. Downtown Kihei project to have 223 affordable rentals in response to community requests. Maui News.

Pay to park: Maui officials will discuss bill to rollout program. Maui’s paid parking system is shaping up to being next year. The Maui County Council is taking steps to finalize the rollout. KHON2.

Maui welcomes 6 hybrid electric buses. The County of Maui Department of Transportation's buses are powered by diesel fuel and a rooftop battery system. The battery charges from the energy produced when braking and coasting. Hawaii Public Radio.

Survey teams conduct mosquito field studies on Maui in an effort to control avian malaria. Several times each week, staff from the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project check mosquito traps in the rural residential areas along Maui’s north shore. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County to hand out thousands of free COVID home test kits. The county, in partnership with the state Health Department, is offering about 6,000 COVID tests kits on a first-come, first-served basis, starting Wednesday. There will be a limit of five tests per individual or household. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State scrambles to contain little fire ant infestation on Kauai covering at least 13 acres. Invasive species experts on Kauai are working to get a handle on an emerging threat as an infestation of little fire ants has been found at the Wailua River State Park. Hawaii News Now.