Hurricane Dora passing well south of Hawaii, another Honolulu architect charged with attempting to bribe city permitting staff, back-to-school bolstered with teachers from Philippines, preschool classrooms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Red flag, high wind warnings issued for all islands as Hurricane Dora passes south of state. The National Weather Service has issued severe weather alerts Monday morning as Hurricane Dora passes south of the state, bringing damaging winds with gusts up to 65 mph and critical fire conditions. Hawaii News Now.

Green condemns Alaska mayor’s plan to give homeless people tickets to warmer cities. There’s growing pushback among Hawaii’s elected leaders to an Alaska mayor’s plan to ship homeless people to warmer cities — including, conceivably, in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

FAA proposes new safeguards for Hawaii air tours. The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing new procedures that aim to prevent Hawaii air tour operators from flying too low and into bad weather.  Star-Advertiser.

Troubling Trajectory Of Hawaii Newspapers Has ‘Deep Implications’ For Democracy. Ongoing cutbacks at local publications mean there are fewer watchdogs for the public's interest. Civil Beat.

Union balks over ‘hazard pay’ survey distributed to thousands of government employees. Thousands of state government union members have received a survey seeking information about their hours from 2020 to 2022 — the height of the pandemic. The survey, sent to roughly 8,300 Hawaii Government Employees Association members, seeks to garner information on “temporary hazard pay.” Hawaii News Now.

Emergency declaration prohibits price gouging, lawyer says. Gov. Josh Green’s recent declaration of a statewide housing emergency might have an unintended consequence of making things other than housing cheaper for Hawaii consumers, according to a Maui attorney who contends that the governor’s July 17 proclamation automatically made it illegal to raise retail and wholesale prices on any commodity, including groceries and gas. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel investment tops $2B since 2019. Hawaii hotels statewide have completed more than $2 billion in improvements since 2019, with at least another half-billion in renovations and from-the-ground-up new hotel builds in the pipeline. Star-Advertiser.

First 11 preschool classrooms launch Ready Keiki initiative. It's taken mor than two decades for the state to finally make major progress on its universal preschool access, with classrooms opening this week: seven on Oahu, two on Maui and one each on Hawaii island and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Former health director tapped to lead state CPR initiative at public schools. Former Hawai‘i health director Dr. Elizabeth "Libby" Char may return to the state government. But this time, as an outside consultant tasked with developing a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) program at public high schools. Hawaii Public Radio.

As generative AI booms, students dive in and educators lag behind.  No sweeping bans on AI are being considered by the state Department of Education or the University of Hawaii, as the islands’ public schools resume classes starting Monday, and UH and most private schools follow suit this month. Instead, both state agencies as well as many of Hawaii’s leading private schools are favoring finding ways to teach about and work with AI. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Architect, 89, Charged With Attempted Bribery Of Permitting Worker. The case is the first of its kind to be filed since 2021 when the feds busted six people in a yearslong bribery scheme at DPP.  Civil Beat.

Veterans have until Aug. 9 to file for retroactive benefits for toxin exposure-related conditions. Veteran Affairs’ Hawaii Division is hosting a face-to-face event to help veterans register and answer questions today at the Garden Lanai Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki residents rally for passage of law banning early trash pickups. Some Waikiki residents who are fed up with the loud sounds generated by early-­morning garbage trucks in their neighborhood made some noise for their own cause Sunday at a rally to end pickups before 6 a.m. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii affordable housing demand is sky high, but not at one tower. At the Sky Ala Moana towers rising in Oahu’s urban core, market-priced condominiums are sold out at prices from $568,800 to $1.3 million, yet only 14 of 84 units priced from about $270,000 to $515,000 under a city affordable-housing program have sold over the past nine months. Star-Advertiser.

State, HPU stalled in dispute over Aloha Tower Marketplace repairs.  A dispute between the state and Hawaii Pacific University remains unresolved over several million dollars in repairs to piers around Aloha Tower Marketplace, which HPU owns and where it houses and teaches some of its students. Star-Advertiser.

Feral Pigs Are Increasingly Running Wild In Some Oahu Neighborhoods. Pig hunters are becoming the de facto first responders for residents who feel threatened by growing herds. Civil Beat.

Paalaa Kai Bakery in Waialua shut down for health violations. The state State Department of Health has issued a red “closed” placard to Paalaa Kai Bakery, immediately shutting down the Waialua eatery. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State takes first steps toward demolition of Uncle Billy’s.  Initial work began Friday in an effort to demolish the dilapidated and unsafe former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel. Tribune-Herald.

Council: Expand mail delivery in Puna. In a nonbinding resolution discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the council, Puna Councilman Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder urged the U.S. Postal Service to improve its facilities throughout Puna, which he said currently has woefully insufficient access to mail services. Tribune-Herald.

‘Higher-risk’ runaways found: FBI sweep locates 5 keiki; police say they were not victims of sex trafficking. Five runaway children on Hawaii Island were recovered as part of Operation Cross Country, a nationwide FBI-led sweep targeting sex traffickers and missing children. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State hopes historic building won’t delay Kahului Civic Center. Lawmakers push agencies to iron out historic preservation, get started on building 300 housing units. Maui News.

Kahului business closed due to rodents. Port Town Texaco in Kahului has been shut down after the Hawai’i Department of Health’s Maui Food Safety Branch ordered it to close after a rodent infestation was found during a complaint inspection on Thursday, the DOH said Friday afternoon.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i schools welcome 11 new teachers from the Philippines. Students in the Department of Education public schools report to class starting Monday.  Garden Island.

Kaua‘i’s craft breweries to double from 2 to 4 in 2023 – with a fifth in the works. The number of Kaua‘i-based craft breweries will double this year, with the recent opening of Nā Pali Brewing Company in Wailuā and the planned opening in November of Mucho Aloha in Kōloa.Another brewery – Hawai‘i Standard Time – is also in the works on Kress Street in Līhu‘e, although its owners have yet to name an opening date.  Kauai Now.

FBI rescues 11 potentially trafficked children in Hawaii, Mauna Kea telescope suspends operations after cyberattack, Hurricane Dora now a Category 4, no AC for many Hawaii classrooms as school year begins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FBI recovers 11 missing children in Hawaiʻi, rescues 200 victims of sex trafficking nationwide. The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently announced the results of "Operation Cross Country," a nationwide sweep targeting sex traffickers. The effort involved local police departments, non-profit groups and more. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Hawaii BOE Chairman Brings Corporate Expertise To The Table. Veteran businessman Warren Haruki says he accepted the position to help students in the public school system. Civil Beat.

Thousands of Hawaii classrooms still need air conditioning. As students get ready for the new school year, the state’s Department of Education facilities staff are busy making updates to campuses across the state; but the DOE is still ways away from reaching its goal of installing air conditioning units in the majority of public school classrooms. KHON2.

Increase in Hawaii COVID cases points to late-summer wave. The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported a seven-day daily average of 115 new cases, reaching triple digits for the first time since mid-May. The average positivity rate was about 12% statewide, roughly double what it was in mid-May. Star-Advertiser.

Dora strengthens to Category 4 hurricane. Dora, located about 2,050 miles east of the Big Island, is moving west at 18 mph and this general motion is expected to continue during the next several days. Dora’s winds have decreased to near 130 mph with higher gusts. Star-Advertiser.

Enhanced security screening at the Hawaii State Capitol has been delayed again due to electrical and installation requirements, the state announced Wednesday.  Maui News.

Hawaiian Airlines announces route suspensions amid recalled engine inspections.  Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday it will be altering its flight schedule for the next couple months after some of its engines have been recalled for inspections. Hawaii News Now.

Second Pasha ship powered by natural gas now serving Hawaii. Hawaii is now being regularly supplied with goods delivered on two cargo ships powered by natural gas instead of higher­-emissions fuel. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Fundraising For Mayor’s 2024 Campaign Is Off To A Slow Start. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has close to $600,000 in his war chest with just over a year to go until the next election, according to his most recent disclosure to the state Campaign Spending Commission.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail Is Still Waiting For The Feds To Release Large Chunks of Money. HART had hoped $125 million would quickly be released last year to help fund the $10 billion project but now expects that money won't arrive until December. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Liquor Commission Selects New Administrator. The Honolulu Liquor Commission voted in Sal Petilos as its new administrator Thursday. Petilos had originally been nominated to join the commission itself, but the nomination was deferred because he did not meet the state requirement that county liquor commissioners must have lived in the county for the last three years. Civil Beat.

Waikiki Community Center matching savings to help residents.  The Waikiki Community Center over the next three years will provide a dollar-for-­dollar savings account match for low-income kupuna and financially struggling working families who earn too much to qualify for traditional aid programs like food stamps. Star-Advertiser.

No longer hidden from view, homeless encampment in Kalihi draws concern. DeCorte Neighborhood Park is hidden in the Kalihi Valley neighborhood, which means a homeless encampment there has been allowed to grow. At a meeting at the park Thursday evening, residents aired their concerns and frustrations about that encampment — and the people it has attracted. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea telescope suspends operations following attempted cyber attack. A Mauna Kea telescope has paused operations after an attempted cyber attack threatened its computer systems on Wednesday. The telescope — known as the Gemini North — had its system immediately shut down following the attempted attack, The National Science Foundation said. Hawaii News Now.

Long-awaited draft EA puts county one step closer to reopening Puna roads cut off by lava.  Nearly five years after the end of the 2018 Kilauea eruption, a long-delayed environmental report about the reopening of Pohoiki Road and other lower Puna roads inundated by lava finally was published Thursday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Kohala Swimming Pool to reopen this month after being closed nearly 2 years.  After being closed for almost 2 years because of numerous system failures in the pump room, the Kohala Swimming Pool at Kamehameha Park in Kapaʻau will reopen Aug. 12. Big Island Now.

Honokohau Harbor drainage project begins.  Work began Monday at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on the boat wash down area to improve drainage. West Hawaii Today.

Food Basket clears part of Hilo site that will house ag campus.  The Hawaii Island Food Basket has started clearing a portion of its 24.5 acres of land meant for an agricultural innovation campus in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

1st phase of Liloa extension could be ready in 2027. County recently received $25M in federal funding for project. Maui County officials anticipate that by 2027, the first phase of a north segment of the long-awaited Liloa Drive extension — which aims to provide an alternative to busy Piilani Highway and South Kihei Road — will be operational in Kihei.  Maui News.

Senate WAM Committee delves into priorities during recent site visit to Maui and Molokaʻi.  The schedule featured vigorous discussions that gave Senators an opportunity to convene Cabinet members and private sector leaders to learn more about the status of critical and urgent statewide and regional initiatives, according to a Hawaiʻi State Senate recap.  Maui Now.

Kauai

June home sales highest of year on Kaua‘i. Single-family home sales on Kaua‘i hit the highest level of the year in June, marking a rare bright spot for a housing market struggling to rightsize itself in the post-pandemic era. Garden Island.

Disaster relief effort aims to help Philippines.  Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and other county employees joined leaders of the Filipino community, including the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center, in soliciting relief funds to help the Filipino people that were impacted when Super Typhoon Egay impacted Northern Luzon on July 23. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall auditorium closed through first week of September.  The Department of Parks and Recreation is announcing that the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall auditorium is estimated to be closed through the first week of September due to construction. Kauai Now.

Costly TSA line-skipping service coming to Hawaii, more legislative power plays exposed, nude 'Zoom-bomb' forces meeting cancellations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Airport security line-skipping service coming to Hawaii airports, but some urge caution. The high-tech security company called “CLEAR” has made a deal with the state Department of Transportation to serve Honolulu and Maui airports. At 53 airports across the country, CLEAR representatives — called “ambassadors” — approach travelers facing long security lines and offer to help them jump the line. They pitch a 60-day free trial followed by an automatic $189 annual charge to travelers’ credit cards. Hawaii News Now.

Death Of Hawaii Tech Agency Funding Is A Blow For Diversification. Gov. Josh Green stopped senators from axing a tech agency board member; now small businesses must pay the price.  Business accelerators, small manufacturers and firms researching and developing new technologies are assessing a potentially rocky path over the next year after a bill to provide grant funds for economic development died following a fractious legislative session. Civil Beat.

Second OHA trustee supervises daughter in violation of new nepotism law. A second Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee who supervises her daughter has been looking for a new position for her to comply with Hawaii’s new anti-nepotism law that applies to all state employees except the state Legislature and Judiciary. OHA Trustee Luana Alapa, who was elected in 2020 to represent Molokai, supervises her daughter, who works as an aide. Star-Advertiser.

More permit requirements coming for gun users in Hawaii starting in '24. Gun advocates are calling it another roadblock to legal gun ownership. In order to buy a handgun in Hawaii you'll need to get a permit by either taking a handgun safety class or a hunter's ed class. KITV4.

‘Zoom-bomb’ forces cancellation of 2 public meetings.  Full nudity during an online public meeting is what caused the Hawaii School Facilities Authority to cancel an agenda meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The executive director called the incident a “Zoom-bomb.” KHON2.

Gov. Green, Department of Human services appoint new DHS 2nd Deputy Director. Governor Josh Green and the Department of Human Services have appointed Trista Speer to serve as the 2nd Deputy Director for the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services, where she joins Director Cathy Betts, and Deputy Director Joseph Campos II in their respective leadership roles. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Hansen’s disease cases remain steady. Hawaii still records new cases of Hansen’s disease every year, but the numbers have remained steady, according to health officials. Star-Advertiser.

3 Hawaiʻi leaders selected for Obama Foundation program. Whitney Aragaki is a teacher leader at the state Department of Education. Aragaki was named the 2022 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. Ashley Mariko Johnson is the founder of Mohala Eyewear. The inclusive eyewear brand also sends girls to school by donating to Room to Read. Scott Nishimoto is the executive director of Ceeds of Peace, a non-profit with a mission to raise peacebuilding leaders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HPD approves 409 concealed-carry licenses, making headway on backlog.  The Honolulu Police Department approved 409 concealed-carry weapon licenses for 599 firearms through Wednesday, and officers hope to clear the current list of applicants by August, according to Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Chief’s Decision On Cops In Makaha Pursuit Case Remains A Mystery. Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan has decided what discipline to mete out to the four officers charged with felonies for their alleged role in a 2021 pursuit in Makaha that injured six people, but he has yet to make it public. Civil Beat.

Council amends planning department permit backlog bill. A measure meant to temporarily increase the use of outside professionals at the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting and reduce the months-long backlog of building permit applications was amended to focus on tenant improvements, small solar projects and affordable rental housing developments. Star-Advertiser.

Future looks brighter for two Waikiki commerical landmarks. Two Waikiki commercial landmarks, T-Galleria by DFS and the Kyo-ya Restaurant site, are in various stages of reopening and poised for further development. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Is Hu Honua’s Energy Future Tied To Hydrogen? Newly reissued county permits and the mayor's recent remarks have left Big Island community members wondering what's next. The idled tree-burning power plant, also known as Honua Ola Bioenergy, has been coming back into compliance with more than dozen county permits even after the state Supreme Court rejected its proposal to sell power to Hawaiian Electric. Civil Beat.

Tokuda visits Hilo, talks story with curious residents. What began as an event to help East Hawaii residents file federal paperwork became an impromptu town hall with a U.S. congresswoman Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Queen’s Health System acquires land in N. Kona. The Queen’s Health System and Lanihau Properties, LLC jointly announced Tuesday that Queen’s has acquired a 31.15-acre parcel of land at Honokohau Nui (West Hawai‘i Business Park) in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

‘An especially cruel twist of fate’: Daughter of fatal dog attack victim called father ‘an animal lover’.  Shannon Matson, daughter of Bob Northrop, said Wednesday on Facebook that her father was walking to a friend’s house when the fatal attack occurred on the Outrigger Drive roadway. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County tightens regulations for air and replica guns. A new ordinance tightening up regulations on air and replica guns in Maui County will go into effect on Nov. 1. KHON2.

Maui County buys Trask building for $3.8 million. Maui County has completed the $3.8 million purchase of the David K. Trask Jr. building next to the county’s Kalana O Maui building in Wailuku, as part of ongoing efforts to cut millions of dollars it pays each year for rent, the county said Tuesday.  Maui News.

Molokaʻi residents encouraged to attend meeting on Destination Management. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, and Moloka‘i task force are encouraging the public to attend its upcoming community meeting on Aug. 15, at the Mitchell Pauʻole Community Center in Kaunakakai from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Maui Now.

New broiler chicken program brings Molokaʻi closer to sustainability goals.  The eggs came before the chickens for Sustʻāinable Molokaʻi’s education and food sovereignty programs.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development accepting proposals for Innovation Grants. The intent of this grant program is to deploy innovation on island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management and product development.  Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Humane Society at risk of losing no-kill status.  The shelter is able to accommodate about 150 animals, but currently has more than 400.  To keep its no-kill status, the humane society needs to maintain a 90% positive outcome rate over a calendar year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tunnels Beach on Kaua‘i ranks on ‘Best Beaches in the World’ list. Big 7 Travel put Tunnels, also known as Makua, at No. 21 on its list, describing Tunnels as the “ultimate snorkeling spot, with the picturesque backdrop of Mount Makana and lush jungles.” Kauai Now.

Money flows to lawmakers during legislative session, Honolulu mayor rejects Alaska homeless, COVID-19 sends Maui council back to remote meeting, another Big Isle death from dog packs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ban On Fundraisers? Hawaii Legislators Continued To Rake In Campaign Cash During Session. Many found ways to raise big donations even though a new law was intended to limit the influence of special interest money. Civil Beat.

Alaska mayor’s plan to send homeless to warmer cities gets pushback in Hawaii. The mayor of Alaska’s largest city says he’s planning to send some of the state’s homeless to warmer cities, citing a lack of shelter space as winter approaches. The program is already getting pushback, including from Honolulu’s mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE Has Changed Up Its Teacher Recruitment And Early Results Are Promising. The department has made 690 local and 277 out-of-state hires to start the school year.  There are around 300 vacant positions in the system now, compared to over 1,000 vacancies at the start of the last school year. Civil Beat.

US Department of Energy funding to support state renewable energy network.  The U.S. Department of Energy named 67 winners for its Energizing Rural Communities Prize. One of them is Shake Energy Collaborative in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands struggling to fill dozens of vacancies. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is positioned to build thousands of homes, but it's the positions behind the desk that first need to be filled. KITV4.

UH sets new record in extramural funding with $515.9 million. For a second year in a row, the University of Hawaii has set a record in extramural funding, pulling in $515.9 million for fiscal year 2023 and surpassing its prior peak by $10.9 million, UH officials announced. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors spent $2B in June, mostly on Maui and Oahu. Neighbor Island visitor spending through first half of 2023 outpacing 2019. Visitors to Hawaii spent $2 billion in June — more than any other month during the record-breaking year before the pandemic — with nearly three-quarters of that total coming from tourists on Maui and Oahu.  Maui News.

Ambitious public housing plan focuses on creating thousands of new units — quickly.  The state’s public housing authority plans to build more than 10,000 affordable units over a decade. Past projects may have failed to build enough housing, but the executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority told Hawaii News Now the $6.6 billion plan is different. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

New city traffic study finds 7 in 10 drivers failed at yield for pedestrians at busy intersection. Hawaii Kai residents are calling for safer crosswalks. The plea comes following a new city traffic study conducted at nine areas with high traffic incidents. Researchers found 71% of drivers failed to yield for pedestrians at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kaumakani Street in east Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Audit finds improvements in city hiring shortfalls. An audit into the city’s 2,458 job vacancies is revealing an outdated system and lengthy hiring process. As a result, the city is making improvements to the system. KHON2.

King Tide Leads To New Release Of Partially Treated Wastewater Near Pearl Harbor. The military said water in the area remained safe to use but warned another discharge may occur as ocean conditions persist. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Spectrum News.

Invasive Species Are Rampant On Oahu And Stakeholders Are Calling Out DOA. The department said it is taking an "all-hands-on-deck approach" to the issue. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi could see a big hurricane season, but most homes aren't ready.  Two-thirds of the single-family homes on Oʻahu, an island of 1 million people that's home to Honolulu, have no hurricane protections. Associated Press.

Powering O‘ahu 24/7 for 60 Years. Behind the scenes at the Kahe Power Plant, which opened in 1963 and still generates firm power to supplement solar- and wind-generated electricity. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaii Island

Police: Ocean View man killed by dogs in ‘horrific attack’.  Hawaii island police are investigating the death of a man who was reportedly attacked by four dogs in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision Monday morning. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  KHON2. KITV4.

Look South of Hilo for Affordable Homes in Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i Island’s overall median price has been relatively steady this year, but the lowest priced deals – including many inexpensive vacant lots – can often be found in Puna. Hawaii Business magazine.

DHHL awards 15 subsistence-ag lots in Panaewa.  Fifteen Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries became the first to be awarded subsistence-agricultural lots Saturday at the Keaukaha Elementary School gymnasium. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council meeting to be held remotely Friday due to COVID-19 cases.  Due to several cases of COVID-19 within the Legislative Branch, Council Chair Alice L. Lee determined that Friday’s council meeting will be held remotely via Bluejeans. Maui Now.

NOAA announces $17M for infrastructure improvements at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will invest $17 million from the Inflation Reduction Act in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to improve the climate resilience of the Kīhei, Maui visitor and community center.  Maui Now.

Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina to reopen after inspection.  The state Department of Health Food Safety Branch has allowed Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina to reopen after closing it last week due to a cockroach infestation. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

State suspends bus services at four Kaua‘i schools amid driver shortage.  Kapa‘a High School, Kapa‘a Middle School, Kapa‘a Elementary School and Hanalei Elementary School will see canceled services on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Waimea middle school principal removed from position. The principal of Waimea Canyon Middle School has been removed from her position in the midst of increasing complaints from parents, teachers and students. Garden Island.

Ige critiques new leadership, hotel prices highest in the nation, HPD officer with 30 TROs released by judge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former governor offers rare opinions in online interview. Six months into private citizenship after being Hawaii’s chief executive for eight years and an elected official for almost four decades, former Gov. David Ige was uncharacteristically frank during an online interview Monday while discussing political changes that have occurred since he left office. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser.

Green Appoints Hannemann To Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green made a flurry of Friday afternoon appointments, including naming a prominent figure to a controversial agency. Mufi Hannemann, a former Honolulu City Council member and mayor who several times ran unsuccessfully for higher office, has been named a board member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

State probe finds unauthorized access of governor’s information.  A Maui defense attorney was not authorized to access and acquire the personal information from four parking tickets paid for by Gov. Josh Green that were accessed through a system used by about 1,500 criminal justice personnel, a state investigation found. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii hotel prices top nation during first half of 2023.  Hawaii hotels led U.S. markets with the nation’s highest average daily room rate of $380 and revenue per available room, or RevPAR, of $285 in the first six months of this year, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report recently published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Star-Advertiser.

More electric car chargers needed to meet demand. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure state plan said a minimum of 2,200 public charging ports are needed to meet charging demand by 2045. The state currently has more than 800. KHON2.

Former Hawaii AG Earl Anzai Dies At 81. Anzai, whose roles included a clerk in the 1976 State Constitutional Convention, the chief clerk of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, a staff attorney at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the director of finance and state attorney general, died Sunday. He was 81. Civil Beat.

Returned ring of 442nd hero from Hawaii unites 2 families.  When Sebastien Roure found an old mud-caked ring near his village in France two years ago, he couldn’t have guessed it would lead to a Hawaii family being reunited with a lost family heirloom or that he would forge an international friendship that would bring him and his own family to the islands. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
Oahu

Here's how Joint Task Force Red Hill patrollers train for defueling.  When defueling of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility begins, a two-person team will patrol around the facility looking out for fires, leaks and other emergencies. Hawaii Public Radio.

Government seeks mental exams of young plaintiffs suing over tainted water illnesses. The families claim long-term illnesses from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel spills in 2021, which tainted the tap water and sickened thousands of people. Hawaii News Now.

Partially Treated Wastewater Discharged Near Pearl Harbor. The wastewater treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam released approximately 9,500 gallons of partially treated wastewater into Mamala Bay after a failure in the four-step treatment process, the military said Monday. Civil Beat.

Judge releases HPD officer after multiple TRO violations. A judge released Honolulu police officer Ernest-Siosi Aliksa on his own recognizance on Monday after he appeared in court for more than thirty TRO violations in four separate cases. KITV4.

Fentanyl Users Are Becoming First Responders As ODs Surge.  Since October 2022, the harm reduction center has equipped the public and emergency agencies with 14,963 Narcan kits containing two 4-milligram nasal sprays — essentially 29,926 naloxone doses.  Civil Beat.

City unveils new online parks map.  The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has launched its latest online map showing the location of the city’s outdoor and indoor recreational and exercise facilities across 402 designated locations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Why A Disabled Man Who Asked For Help Fixing The Sidewalk Instead Got A Violation. A wheelchair user who called on the city to fix a sidewalk outside his house was surprised when the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting instead issued him a notice of violation for his driveway.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Member Augie Tulba: A 64% Pay Raise Is Absurd, And That’s No Joke. The City Council member who also works as a radio personality and stand-up comedian talks about balancing all those gigs.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County council proposes larger property tax break for older kupuna. Kohala Councilwoman Cindy Evans will introduce at today’s County Council Finance Committee a measure that would expand the county’s homeowner tax exemption for homeowners 80 years old and over. Tribune-Herald.

‘The opposite of aloha’: Family of tourists claims attack on Hawaii Island was racially motivated. A Georgia family in Hawaii to fulfill a loved one’s dying wish says their dream vacation ended with an assault they claim was racially motivated.  Hawaii News Now.

Vacation rental prices soar. Vacation rental prices on the Big Island have increased by nearly 50% since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic despite a decline in occupancy rates. Tribune-Herald.

Fresh Water Has Still Not Been Restored At A Popular Big Island Beach.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources had targeted a short-term solution for Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area by Monday, but that didn’t happen. Now, due to design changes among other issues, the work is not expected to start until the end of September. Civil Beat.

Maui

60,000 juror questionnaires to be mailed to residents in Maui County. An estimated 60,000 juror questionnaires will soon be mailed to individuals in Maui County who have a Hawaiʻi state driver’s license and/or are registered to vote in Hawaiʻi.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaii middle school principal ousted after mounting complaints over leadership. Dozens of parents, teachers and students rallied Monday morning outside Waimea Canyon Middle School to demand Principal Melissa Speetjens be removed ahead of the start of the school year. Hawaii News Now.

Wilcox Medical Center announces addition state-of-the-art CT scanner.  Wilcox Medical Center announced on Wednesday the addition of a new, state-of-the-art CT scanner that will provide quick and comprehensive imaging scans to more patients, including children. Kauai Now.

Big plans to save Waikiki from ocean waves, Ethics Commission: OHA trustee's daughter can't work for him anymore, Honolulu rethinking condo sprinkler law, yacht owners fined $117k for Maui grounding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Local Orchid Farmers Grateful to Those Buying Local. Hilo's Orchid Show has been a local fixture since before World War II. The Hilo Orchid Society says there's been breaks for wartime, also COVID, and lots has changed in the last century. KITV4.

OHA trustee denied exemption from anti-nepotism law.  The first request for an exemption from the state’s new anti-nepotism law — submitted by Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Brickwood Galuteria, who supervises his daughter — has been denied by the Hawaii Ethics Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public schools’ safety vulnerabilities outlined by DOE.  Vulnerability assessments at Hawaii’s public schools have progressed at a slow pace, with only 140 of the state’s 258 regular public school campuses formally evaluated since 2017 for problems that could make them more vulnerable to a potential active shooter. Star-Advertiser.

Access to Hawaii public school campus assessments impeded. Periodic requests over the past year by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser to accompany Hawaii public school officials on “campus vulnerability assessments” have all been denied, and requests to view documents from the campus assessments already conducted remain at an impasse. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii housing emergency order to ‘unstick’ local government projects.  One reason Gov. Josh Green enacted an emergency proclamation to speed up residential development in Hawaii was the historically slow pace of state and county affordable-­housing projects. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority names new board chair, vice chair.  The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board of Directors selected airline industry veteran Blaine Miyasato as its new chair and educator and social entrepreneur Mahina Paishon Duarte as its new vice chair.  Maui Now.

Hawaii Tourism Authority to focus on destination stewardship. The Hawaii Tourism Authority board, which has increasingly come under pressure from the community and state lawmakers to manage tourism, voted Thursday to support a reorganization that creates a Destination Stewardship Branch, elevates the agency’s finance and planning departments, and expands personnel. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds gather to mark the 180th anniversary of Sovereignty Restoration Day.  Hundreds gathered at Thomas Square on Sunday to celebrate La Hoihoi Ea — Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day — with the official holiday taking place on Monday.  The holiday marks King Kamehameha III finally regaining control of the Hawaiian Kingdom after the British illegally took control of the islands for five months. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Oahu

Major plans for Waikiki aim to save it from waves, flooding.  The Waikiki shoreline stretches from Duke Kaha­namoku Beach to Kaimana Beach, a stretch of about two miles, or 10,260 feet of coastline.  Star-Advertiser.

Council chair pressured to rescind costly condo fire sprinkler law.  Condominium associations are lobbying Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters to repeal a law that requires high-rise condos to install costly fire sprinkler systems, prompting Waters to seek input from the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates see gains in efforts to reclaim Makua Valley from Army.  The valley is one of the most controversial of the military’s training grounds in the islands, and holds particular significance for Hawaiian cultural practitioners. In Hawaiian, “makua” means “parent,” and the valley is considered the place where human life was first created, according to oral tradition. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Changed Bus Routes To Accommodate The Rail. But Many Passengers Say No Thanks. City transportation officials say the goal is "one integrated system." But the changes have made commutes more difficult in some cases. Civil Beat.

A month into operation, here’s how many people are riding Honolulu’s rail line daily.  After one month of operation for Oahu’s Skyline, daily ridership numbers have fallen substantially since its opening weekend. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Zoo ticket prices increase to meet growing costs.  For the first time in over a decade, the Honolulu Zoo has increased its admission fees.  Tickets for general admission adults are now $21, while general admission for children age 3 to 12 is $13.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Why Some Hawaiian Homesteaders Pay 6 Times More Than County Users For Water. DHHL hopes to use some of the $600 million appropriated for homelands last year to improve infrastructure, including water access. Civil Beat.

County receives new copter courtesy of the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation. Thanks to a donation from the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, through generous benefactors, Hawaii County will become a safer place with a new fire department helicopter. West Hawaii Today.

Keawe Street business owners lament loss of sales during daytime road work.  Construction on Keawe Street in downtown Hilo will be ongoing until April 2024. Hawaii County crews are upgrading the gas, sewer and water infrastructure along Keawe, and the work is requiring the closure of parking spaces and traffic lanes from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Trust fined $117K in Maui yacht grounding, owner could face further penalty. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has voted to accept a $117,000 fine against the trust that was involved in the yacht grounding incident on Maui, but said that it wants to continue deliberating on a penalty against the operator of the yacht and his luxury yacht charter service. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now.

Lanai Ferry Seeks Higher Ticket Fare For The First Time In 15 Years. The public can weigh in next month on whether state regulators should approve the proposed 37% increase. Civil Beat.

Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina closes due to roach infestation.  Several other critical violations were observed, so a yellow “conditional pass” placard was posted.  Maui News.

Kauai

Waimea Public Library reopens after 18-month renovation project.  Waimea Public Library is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., then again from 5 to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and then from 1 to 4 p.m., and Friday hours are from noon to 4 p.m. The library is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Garden Island.

First installment of real property taxes due Aug. 21.  Payments can be made online at https://kauairpt.ehawaii.gov, by mail, in person or at the drop box located outside the Kapulē Building at the Līhu‘e Civic Center.  Kauai Now.

Judge to consider guns on beaches, insurance company to leave Hawaii, light sentence for Honolulu architect who helped FBI expose corrupt building inspectors, Ellison's Lanai explored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Judge to consider whether Hawaii can ban firearms on its beaches.  The state’s latest gun control measure landed in court because of a lawsuit by three Maui residents who want to carry guns on beaches and other places deemed sensitive by the law, which took effect this month and involves a misdemeanor offense. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Feds To Boost State Efforts To Take On Affordable Housing Shortfall. State officials say the State plans to take advantage of a new $85 million funding opportunity under HUD that will help communities "address restrictive zoning, land use, and regulatory policies." Big Island Video News. Tribune-Herald.

Quiet on set: Hollywood strikes leave Hawaii crew members behind. The Hollywood strike that has united writers and actors for the first time in 60 years also has left hundreds of crew members in Hawaii without paychecks as work on Hawaii-based television shows and movies has been suspended. Star-Advertiser.

Universal Homeowners Insurance Company Is Pulling Out Of Hawaii. Roughly 1,500 polices will be affected by Universal Property & Casualty’s departure from the homeowners, condominium and renters insurance market in Hawaii, according to a state news release Thursday. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Thousands enrolled in HECO pilot that institutes different rates for peak, non-peak hours. The “Shift and Save Rate” pilot program will enroll about 15000 residential homes and 1,700 business customers on Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island who were selected at random. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

New classrooms opening this fall seen as big step toward achieving universal preschool. The state plans to open 11 new free public preschool classrooms this fall as part of the Ready Keiki initiative. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii-Japan summit rebuilds relationships, forges new ones. Gov. Josh Green and Hawaii’s four county mayors attended the event, where they welcomed governors and mayors of six prefectures and 16 cities and towns from Japan with state and city sister relationships. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Visitor arrivals in June continue recovery. Some 889,274 visitors came to Hawaii in June, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Architect who helped FBI build case against corrupt building inspectors gets leniency in federal court. An architect who gave tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to workers at the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting was sentenced on Thursday to one year and a day in prison and a $5,000 fine. In the face of painful permitting delays, Bill Wong said he gave in to the pressure to "pay to play." Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City awarded $25M toward Ala Wai pedestrian bridge. The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services has been awarded $25 million in federal funding toward construction of the planned Ala Wai pedestrian bridge, the city announced Thursday. The June arrivals were a 5.5% increase from the June 2022 total. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

 Red Hill’s Fuel Director Raised An Alarm Before Pipes Leaked. The Navy Removed Her. Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Bencs reported problems with Red Hill’s infrastructure and leadership culture just months before fuel leaks contaminated the drinking water. Civil Beat.

City cites lack of funding for delay in building Makakilo bypass.  Those in favor of the city constructing the Makakilo Bypass Road claim it’s a matter of safety. But the city said the reason it isn’t happening boils down to funding. KHON2.

Half A Million Dollars Buys 6 Months Of Security Guards For Waikiki. While crime on the tourist strip is trending down the city says more resources are still needed. Civil Beat.

Kaneohe care homes must pay $287K for overtime violations.  The owners and operators of two residential care homes in Kaneohe must pay $287,279 in overtime wages and damages to 23 caregivers after a federal court ruling, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island’s New Climate Change Office Will ‘Create A Unified Front’. The office will work toward reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy and efficiency, and fortifying infrastructure against climate change impacts. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Why were oral arguments challenging permit of Thirty Meter Telescope deferred? Nobody will say.  The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, which announced the postponement on July 21, provided no reason why the arguments would not be heard at the July 28 regular Land Board meeting. It also would not say how long the arguments will be stalled. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui's 900-acre Olowalu Reef to receive slice of large federal funding.  Over $180,000 will go toward restoring the over 900-acre Olowalu Reef, which has been identified as one of the most essential reefs around Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Housing to benefit from proposed wastewater project. A proposed wastewater facility in Central Maui is set to benefit a number of current and future housing projects, including the Waikapu Country Town development of more than 1,500 units and the master-planned Kehalani community. Maui News.

A look inside life on an island owned by Larry Ellison, the fourth richest person in the world. Imagine trying to make ends meet while living on an island owned by one of the richest people in the world. That’s the reality for some residents on Lānaʻi, who say the power dynamics of land control can get… complicated.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Brewing Company in Lahaina reopens after health inspection. The state Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has allowed Maui Brewing Company to reopen in Lahaina after shuting it down due to a cockroach and rodent infestation. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Liquor Department offers free Narcan kits to licensees.  The Kaua‘i Department of Liquor Control is offering free Naloxone, also known as Narcan, to all of its liquor licensees. Kauai Now.

Play Streets coming to Laukona Park. The Play Streets Kaua‘i planning team announced the arrival of and accessibility to the popular Play Streets free program at Laukona Park in Hanama‘ulu on Aug. 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. Garden Island.

ACLU sues over Honolulu homeless sweeps, Gov. Green bails out Lt. Gov. Luke's budget overruns, feds probe for money laundering in state real estate transactions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawsuit claims Honolulu’s homeless policies are unconstitutional.  Honolulu’s homeless sweeps and other “anti-houseless” laws should be ruled illegal and unconstitutional because they violate Hawaii’s state constitutional prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Oahu Circuit Court by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii LG Sylvia Luke Needed Bailout From Governor, Documents Show. Just before the close of the fiscal year, Gov. Josh Green stepped in with a $49,000 solution to a budget problem that threatened to expose Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to possible liability and removal from office. Civil Beat.

Feds Closely Watching Local Property Deals For Signs Of Money Laundering. Real estate purchases by anonymous shell companies can distort appraisals and tax assessments. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has begun requiring title companies on Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai to report the identities of the true owners for all-cash purchases of residential real estate exceeding $300,000.  Civil Beat.

Businesses, residents demand more clarity on how new ocean recreation fee will be used. The state is preparing to collect a new $1 fee from every customer of commercial vessels, watercraft and water sports equipment operators. Hawaii News Now.

Law Enforcement Standards Board Inches Toward Hiring Key Staff. The board charged with overseeing police statewide still can’t develop standards, leaving Hawaii the only state unable to certify its law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

Angelo named as Hawaii’s Consumer Advocate.  The state has named Michael S. Angelo executive director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Division of Consumer Advocacy. Angelo assumed the position on July 17. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Defense Contractors Likely To Get Probation For Campaign Violations. Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee, formerly of Navatek LLC, were indicted along with their boss, Martin Kao, after making illegal donations to a senator's reelection efforts. Civil Beat.

Oahu

EPA hosting public meeting to create new community group for Red Hill defueling.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a community meeting Thursday night in Salt Lake, joined by Navy officials, to share more information about the formation of the “Community Representation Initiative.” Hawaii News Now.

HPD’s newly converted fleet of pickups taken off patrols after safety concerns surface.  In June, Honolulu police converted 10 Chevy Colorados into the department’s newest patrol vehicles. The trucks were purchased during the pandemic using COVID relief funds. Hawaii News Now.

Planners OK more mixed-use development in Halawa.  The Honolulu Planning Commission voted Wednesday to recommend rezoning 227 acres around Skyline’s Halawa station to allow for more development of mixed-use business, residential and affordable housing sites near the state’s planned New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. Star-Advertiser.

Former site of Stadium Bowl-o-Drome will be new home for DHHL’s first rental project. The 23-story building in Moiliili will include 278 affordable apartments exclusively for beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Home Lands program. Hawaii News Now.

Developer renews plan for homes below Koko Crater.  A developer has revived plans to extend a subdivision of million-dollar homes in Hawaii Kai onto land zoned for preservation after making similar efforts twice before in recent decades. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly 300 tsunami hazard road signs installed across Oahu. The city says this is part of phase 2 of its project to alert people where the danger zone begins and ends. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council votes to change process for ag land tax assessments.  An effort to offer Big Island commercial farmers a better break on their taxes took a new form Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

UH reaches agreement with hackers in Hawaii Community College ransomware attack.  The University of Hawaii has reached an agreement with those responsible for a ransomware attack on the Hawaii Community College network. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Board hearing over TMT construction is postponed.  Land Board Chair Dawn Chang has formally declared she can be fair and unbiased in the matter despite having previously worked for the University of Hawaii and the Department of Land and Natural Resources in matters related to the Mauna Kea summit and its astronomy uses. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Roadway along rural Alelele Point reopens 3 months after rockfall.  Maui County’s roadway along rural Alelele Point in East Maui reopened Tuesday, nearly three months after a rockfall forced emergency work to remove rock debris and stabilize the cliffside.  Maui News.

Outrigger finalizes acquisition of Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel; welcomes Maui Brewing Co. restaurant this summer. Outrigger Resorts & Hotels finalized its acquisition of the iconic Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel on Wednesday. The 11-acre, 432-room property is now rebranded as Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort.  Maui Now.

School bus routes modified to handle driver shortage. Some Maui public school students will head to campus on modified or consolidated routes, similar to last school year, as the island deals with a shortage of 29 bus drivers, the state Department of Education said.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Bus to offer free passes to high school students this upcoming school year.  With ongoing staffing shortages for school bus drivers, the state will partner with counties for the second year in a row to provide transportation for students attending Hawai‘i public schools. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Community College begins chancellor search.  Margaret Sanchez was appointed interim chancellor on Jan. 3, 2023 after the previous chancellor, Joseph Daisy, retired in December 2022. Kauai Now.

Tour companies host free sightseeing event at Kikialoa Small Boat Harbor.  Tour companies at Kikialoa Small Boat Harbor gave free Napali Coast sightseeing tours to more than 200 Kaua‘i residents on Wednesday, July 26, launching what organizers say will be an annual event for locals. Garden Island.

Green's housing plan scrutinized, school bus driver shortage impacts 4 islands, Hilo vet home fined again for infractions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green’s emergency order is under scrutiny.  The sweeping set of new rules largely waives or modifies parts of several state and county regulatory procedures in an effort to produce more housing at lower prices without significant negative impact. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii school bus driver shortage interrupts service. A worsening shortage of school bus drivers is leading to the partial or complete suspension of bus services at 14 public schools on Oahu and Kauai for the new school year, adding to transportation woes already long plaguing public schools on Hawaii island and Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Native Hawaiian Contractors Take A Back Seat To Alaskans And Tribes For Lucrative Jobs. Hawaii's congressional delegation is hoping to make it easier for Native Hawaiian-owned businesses to compete with other Indigenous contractors. Civil Beat.

EVs will be first to join pilot program for road usage charges. A pilot program to charge motorists based on their mileage is about to kick off. Electric vehicle owners will be part of the first test run. Ed Sniffen, director of the state Department of Transportation, said the program is part of an effort to move away from a gas tax in order to fund highways. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Did Misconduct Allegations Spur State’s $2M Settlement In Case Already Won? A federal court judge announced in May she would probe allegations of misconduct by state lawyers in a lawsuit over sex assaults of inmates by staff at the Hawaii women’s prison. Weeks later, the state Attorney General’s Office announced it had agreed to pay $2 million to settle the case. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines posts $12.3M loss.  Hawaiian Holdings Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, on Tuesday reported a $12.33 million loss in the second quarter but still surpassed Wall Street expectations, as strengthening from Japan added to robust leisure travel demand. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considers demolition of ‘monster homes’ as possible penalty.  A bill meant to prohibit giving false statements to city planners as a means of cracking down on “monster homes” might see more penalties given to violators beyond potential monetary fines and imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

City Council eyes big tax break for homeowners who have a landfill for a neighbor. While the Honolulu City Council is looking for ways to soften the bite of a property tax spike for homeowners, it’s also considering a tax break for another reason: To make amends for those who have to live with a landfill as their neighbor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs bill requiring bars, nightclubs to carry life-saving overdose treatment. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 28 Tuesday, which will require the overdose antidote, Narcan, to be available in Oahu bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4

4 major crashes a year required to change traffic signal: City. Kailua residents have been asking for a left turn arrow at an intersection they claim is notoriously dangerous for years. But the city said the intersection does not warrant the change. KHON2.

Kapolei wholesaler must pay $73K for overtime pay violations. The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a Hawaii food wholesaler to pay $73,000 in back wages and penalties for denying overtime pay to 11 warehouse employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Abandoned boat from California drifts onto Oahu beach.  A boat that washed ashore in Punaluu last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo veterans home fined again for failing to meet standards. Staffing shortages and health and safety problems have continued to plague the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo, two years after the state took over the nursing facility and fined the company that was managing it over $510,000 for numerous violations following a COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 80% of residents, killing 27. Star-Advertiser.

County finance committee tackles housing crisis. Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced to full council the acceptance of $10 million in federal funds for the vertical construction of Kukuiola emergency shelter in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Council calls on U.S. Postmaster to improve Puna postal service. The Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the United States Postal Service to expand or rebuild the Pāhoa Post Office in Puna on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Report: Single WWII relic recovered from area in Waimea.  A single piece of military hardware has been recovered from an 11,000-acre area in Waimea over the last 17 years, according to a report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Threatens Crackdown On Controversial Monster House In Napili. Permitted as a single-family residence, Greg Brown's home has been advertised as a vacation rental for up to $20,000 per night. Civil Beat.

Senate Ways and Means Committee to tour Maui and Molokaʻi facilities. The Senate Ways and Means Committee will visit Maui on Wednesday into Thursday, July 26-27, and Molokaʻi on Thursday and Friday, July 27-28, 2023. Maui Now.

Hotel data reflect slower summer start than last year. Room revenue, hotel occupancy in Maui County lag behind last summer. Maui News.

Kauai

Parents call for ouster of Waimea Canyon Middle School principal. Representatives from the state Department of Education heard parents and teachers call for the immediate removal of Waimea Canyon Middle School Principal Melissa Speetjens at a meeting at Hanapepe Neighborhood Center on Monday evening, where Speetjens was accused of multiple forms of negligence and creating a toxic school environment for students and staff. Garden Island.

School bus driver shortage to impact four schools, 250 students on Kauaʻi.  The continuing shortage of qualified school bus drivers in Hawaiʻi will completely or partially suspend bus transportation services at four schools on Kauaʻi and 10 of Oʻahu’s 24 high schools when the new school year begins for students on Aug. 7.  Kauai Now.