$25M initiative to restore coral health, monk seal pup found dead on North Shore, Big Island to quit spraying glyphosate on county roadsides, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$25M initiative to restore health of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Arizona State University on Monday announced the creation of a new $25 million initiative that aims to preserve and restore the vitality to Hawaii’s declining coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Monk Seal Pup Found Dead On Oahu’s North Shore. The discovery comes after officials disclosed another young seal was most likely killed intentionally on the island in March. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

State school board shake-up raises questions. No one who knows why Gov. Josh Green removed Bruce Voss as chair of the state Board of Education is talking openly about the reasons.  Star-Advertiser.

Inflation is stabilizing, but Hawaii food costs high. Honolulu’s inflation rate is easing, but prices for some items are still higher than they were last year, according to federal data. Star-Advertiser.

Hotels offer applicants perks amid staffing shortages. More than 80% of hoteliers across the nation are reporting staffing shortages, and Hawaii is no exception with this year’s projection for state hotel jobs expected to be nearly 12% below pre-pandemic levels. Hawaii’s projected hotel job decline is tied for 20th worst along with Arizona and Minnesota.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii On The Hill: Hirono Talks K-Pop, Cats And Carrying On At DC Event. The U.S. senator from Hawaii talked about a wide range of issues during the 7th Annual Hawaii on the Hill event in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ex-Council chair pleads not guilty to abuse charge. Former Honolulu City Council member Ikaika Anderson has pleaded not guilty to allegations of domestic abuse levied by his 34-year-old girlfriend. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

New HPD Budget Adds Potential Hiring Bonuses, Boosts Chinatown And Community Policing. Recruiting incentives for new officers and civilian hires are under discussion. Civil Beat.

Portal for City’s rent, utility relief program closes after surge in applications. Due to extraordinary demand from Oahu renters, the City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) application portal closed again Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

The patient numbers at Red Hill's clinic are low. Why are civilians seeking care elsewhere? Earlier this year, the military opened the Red Hill Clinic to provide treatment to those facing long-term health effects from the November 2021 jet fuel water crisis. Hawaii Public Radio.

City to start major improvement project on Kalākaua Avenue. Honolulu's Department of Design and Construction announced that they will be renovating the roads and curbs for the next nine months. The project also includes adjusting manhole covers and utility boxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vandals Nearly Destroyed This Central Oahu Cemetery. Now The Community Is Standing Up For The Dead. The state has stepped in to untangle legal issues and create a long-term plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island
 
County announces changes for own pesticide use. The County of Hawaii Public Works Department announced Tuesday plans to end the use of glyphosate-based herbicides on County roadsides, drainage structures, rights-of-ways, and easements by July 1. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Charges against two women — cited in a dispute over nene conservation— were dropped by a judge Tuesday. “It’s a win for the cats.” That was the reaction by Nancy Charles-Parker after misdemeanor charges of the taking of endangered and threatened species against her and fellow Waikoloa resident Ferol Kolons were dismissed without prejudice Tuesday by South Kohala District Judge Jill Hasegawa. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to learn about Wailuku hydroelectric project on Big Island. The public is invited to a meeting this week to learn more about a project that has provided clean, renewable electricity for more than 30 years on the Big Island and plans for its continued operation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Mayor, Ex-Mahi Pono Exec Now Want To Steer East Maui’s New Water Board. The council is considering the additional applicants as DHHL scraps its initial recommendation of Jonathan Likeke Scheuer. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green moves to increase healthcare opportunities.  Governor Josh Green, M.D. announced that he has signed legislation that will expand access to healthcare on Maui. KHON2.

Wailuku parking structure to open in September. The four-story, 393-stall parking structure that aims to clear up street parking in Wailuku town is set to open Sept. 1, according to Maui County and construction officials. Maui News.

USPS seeks to fill 47 job openings at four Maui post offices; Job Fair Blitz on June 15. The US Postal Service is hosting job fairs on June 15 at the Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina and Wailuku Post Offices.  Maui Now.

Maui parents want more mental health help for woman who allegedly tried to take child. A Maui woman accused of trying to kidnap a child last month is now facing a new charge. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Owning pepper spray on Kauaʻi may get easier with new law. Unlike other counties in the state, to legally own pepper spray on Kauaʻi, a resident needs a permit. A new bill at the Kauaʻi County Council seeks to change that. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapa‘a Swimming Pool estimated to reopen August. With renovations to the pool beginning in August 2022, the project’s scope of work includes replacing and upgrading the pool filtration, recirculation and chlorination systems. Kauai Now.

Green sets 100% green energy goal, tourists less likely to come back, hanged man tied to Miske crime syndicate investigation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green wants new ideas to expand Hawaii’s future.  Gov. Josh Green on Monday provided the keynote address for a three-day conference on sustainability at Chaminade University and pledged to generate billions of dollars from philanthropy and outside investment to make Hawaii the first state to become fully reliant on clean energy, among other initiatives to make life in Hawaii easier. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii losing appeal for repeat visitors. While overall satisfaction among Hawaii visitors is high, fewer visitors from North America say they’re “very likely” to return in the next five years, according to the results of a state-commissioned survey. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Fleet commander tapped as the Navy’s top officer. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has recommended the Oahu-based commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, Adm. Samuel Paparo, to serve as the Navy’s top officer, according to senior Pentagon officials.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City tries novel approach to crack down on illegal game rooms: Going after landlords. Neighbors said they hope the threat of losing their properties will force some landowners to be more selective about who they rent to. Hawaii News Now.

Brother of murdered man connected to crime boss case found dead in sinkhole. A bizarre death investigation has a Kapolei woman wondering if her family was victimized again because of their connection to the high-profile federal prosecution of  Michael Miske. Hawaii News Now.

Navy claims success in removing fuel contamination around Red Hill tank farm.  The Navy says it has made dramatic progress cleaning out its contaminated well at Red Hill and is cutting back on the millions of gallons of water being dumped down Halawa Stream. Hawaii News Now.

City to accept first 2,000 new applications for rent, utility relief program. A key COVID-19 relief program for Oahu renters will temporarily reopen for applications on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

City reviewing bid to remove Haiku Stairs on Oahu.  Honolulu is evaluating a local contractor’s bid to use helicopters to hoist and remove all of the once-legally accessible steel steps of the Haiku Stairs from a sheer ridgeline high above Kaneohe and the H-3 freeway. Star-Advertiser.

Condo Sales Start This Year for Latest Office-to-Residence Conversion. The transformation of the Davies Pacific Center will create mostly one-bed apartments, while leaving a few floors of offices. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaii Island

Questions persist in Maunakea handover.  Authority over Maunakea will begin shifting from the University of Hawaii to a state agency in less than a month, but what that necessarily means is unclear. Tribune-Herald.

Green releases $15 million for Hilo harbor project, road widening.  The Department of Transportation's Harbors Division is working to acquire almost 10 acres of privately owned land near the harbor entrance with the aim of “creating more space in our cargo terminals and alleviating congestion on Kalanianaole Avenue. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Roth to hold second Hawaiʻi County town hall meeting June 13 in North Kona. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth will hold a town hall Tuesday night at Old Kona Airport Beach Park Pavilion to answer questions and concerns from residents — and to provide updates on county business and projects. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor signs $1.07 billion budget into law; includes funds for affordable housing.  Mayor Richard Bissen signed into law a $1.07 billion Fiscal Year 2024 budget that provides for a decrease in tax rates for owner-occupied homes assessed at $3 million or less, increased funding for affordable housing and $184 million in capital projects and infrastructure for Maui County. Maui Now.

Businesses feel crunch as Hawai‘i Gas talks continue.  Maui businesses and local residents who rely on gasoline utilities are starting to feel the impacts as Hawai’i Gas Co. workers continue to strike across the state.  Maui News.

Kauai

Climate Action Forum set for Wednesday, June 14. The Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum will present an update on solid waste management on Wednesday, June 14, at 6 p.m. Garden Island.

Hawaii scores low in Kids Count report, ag grants go looking for farmers, Teamsters strike closing restaurants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is 44th in nation for keiki economic well-being. Hawaii’s astronomical costs for child care and preschool are a major reason the economic well-being of keiki here has worsened comparatively, pushing the state down from 35th place to a dismal 44th among the 50 states on that measure in the latest annual Kids Count Data Book report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Farmers Could Use Some Help Landing Grants That Would Boost Farm Operations. Nonprofits have stepped in to help with grant writing but the state agriculture department has been slow to take advantage of available pots of money. Civil Beat.

Green signs bill to improve aid-in-dying law.  As of June 1, it is easier for terminally ill patients to obtain prescription medication to end their suffering.  Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Has Been ‘Sweeping’ Homeless From Public Lands For More Than 100 Years. The term "homeless sweep" doesn't appear in Hawaii newspapers until the early 2000s, but officials have been ordering large-scale homeless enforcements since at least 1901. Civil Beat.

Hawaii unemployment fund experiencing ‘painful’ growth. Hawaii’s unemployment insurance fund is more than two-thirds of the way back up to adequacy after depletion during COVID-19’s economic shock in 2020, but the recovery is causing pain at an inopportune time for businesses paying into the fund. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii insurers could face more scrutiny over executive pay.  State lawmakers say they may seek a legislative fix to ensure the state’s nonprofit health insurers, which enjoy generous tax breaks, disclose the compensation of their top executives and board members following a decision by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in April that effectively allows some insurers to keep the information secret. Star-Advertiser.

Talks resume in Hawaii Gas Teamsters strike, but no deal reached. Contract negotiations between Hawaii Gas and unionized employees on strike have resumed, but the two sides don’t appear any closer to reaching an agreement. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

$2 million insurance coverage added for island coral reefs. With the Central Pacific hurricane season underway, an insurance policy covering up to $2 million in damage to Hawaii’s coral reefs is now in effect. Star-Advertiser.

Cleaning Up: The Aftermath Of A Honolulu Union’s Embezzlement Scandal. Members of IBEW 1260 had to pick up the pieces after former business manager Brian Ahakuelo and his wife were convicted. Civil Beat.

Oahu

4 Honolulu councilmembers plan to vote against pay raises.  On July 1, the new Honolulu city council budget will go into effect. Including, a 64% pay raise for council members, unless eight of them vote no to the pay raises.  KHON2.

Honolulu Council treads lightly on salary, outside employment talks. The Honolulu City Council will continue discussions on whether members can hold outside employment after killing a bill this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

In the governor’s backyard, 8 homeless patients settle in at medical respite tiny village. Pulama Ola village opened on May 31st, and is now home to eight homeless patients who were recently discharged from local hospitals. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Chinatown Lions Club collaborates with Mayor Blangiardi to beautify downtown parks. Dozens of people, including Mayor Rick Blangiardi and city administrators, joined Honolulu-Chinatown Lions Club in cleaning up Smith-Beretania Park and Doctor Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden considers limiting visitors and charging fees.  Nestled beneath the Koʻolau mountain range on Oʻahu, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden was a once-hidden gem. But social media has heightened awareness about the garden’s natural wonders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Community Development Authority tasked with slew of projects. The Hawaii Community Development Authority was created nearly 50 years ago with a broad-purpose name despite having a singular initial focus: improving one community, Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Former mayor documents COVID-era frustrations, alliances in book. Interviews with 25 Hawaii leaders reveal early concerns that the islands could become overrun with COVID-19 while others hoped the Pacific Ocean would provide a natural “border” to keep the virus out, according to a new book by former Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his longtime deputy managing director Georgette Takushi Deemer. Star-Advertiser.

Water disruption forces closure of popular Diamond Head State Monument on Oʻahu.  The popular Diamond Head State Monument on O‘ahu was cleared at mid-day Sunday after the park’s water system had to be shut down.  Maui Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Planning commissions talk shoreline setbacks.  A joint meeting of the Windward and Leeward Planning commissions on June 2 concluded their discussion of several proposed revisions to the county’s planning rules, which would, among other things, require that all new developments be located at least 40 feet inland from a shoreline, twice as far as is currently permitted. Tribune-Herald.

Council members debate establishment of sustainability office.  Formation of a proposed new Hawaii County agency has stalled following lengthy debates among members of the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Land board action paves way for conservation of 642 acres in N. Kohala. Hundreds of acres of land in North Kohala have been re-dedicated to conservation by a nonprofit that purchased the land last year. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

As tourists flock to eruption, agencies urge respect. Even as lava fountains from the erupting Kilauea Volcano continue reaching heights of up to 30 feet, Hawaii tourism officials urged visitors to be respectful when flocking to Hawaii island to get a glimpse of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Tax could fund projects, but some worry about cost. Maui County could have seen around $283 million in added income if it had followed other counties four years ago in adding its own surcharge to the state’s general excise tax, according to tax officials’ estimates.  Maui News.

Maui County finance director to serve on national AI committee. Maui County Finance Director Scott Teruya has been appointed to a national exploratory committee that will look into how artificial intelligence could potentially help local government.  Maui News.

Maui Residents Fight To Save Kihei’s Last Wetlands. County officials continue to approve new building permits close to shore despite rising seas. Civil Beat.

Damaged Lahaina playground closes. The Lahaina Recreation Center playground has been closed until further notice due to safety concerns over the damaged playground surface, the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced Friday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kawakami leads Kaua‘i delegation in visit to Philippines. A Kaua‘i delegation’s weeklong venture to the Philippines was deemed a success on both the business development and diplomatic fronts, as the group reforged its partnership with the country. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i visitors spent heavily in April. A robust tourism industry is on pace to surpass $2 billion in visitor spending this year, in large part to a stellar start to the 2023 season on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

 

Luke exceeds budget with staff raises, Green aids 3rd medical victim in less than a month, tax break for Oahu homeowners, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Has Already Overspent Her Budget — On Staff Raises. The overage comes as Luke, the former longtime House Finance chair, is poised to more than double her office budget to more than $2.3 million for the next fiscal year. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green comes to aid of passenger ejected from pickup bed.  Gov. Josh Green, a medical doctor, treated another victim of a traffic accident today when a 25-year-old Kauai man was ejected from the back of a pick-up truck and suffered an apparent concussion while traveling in front of Green’s vehicle.  It was the third time the governor has come to a victim's aid since May. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a first for the state. The transportation department’s “Freeway Service Patrol” is now sponsored by GEICO. It’s a first for the state. The transportation department’s “Freeway Service Patrol” is now sponsored by GEICO. KHON2.

Luke: Despite progress, domestic violence survivors still grapple with stigma, lack of support. Hawaii has made progress in addressing domestic violence and broadening support to survivors, but there’s most work to be done, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told advocates Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gas strike forcing several businesses to close. The ongoing Hawaii Gas strike is beginning to take its toll on local businesses that are being forced to close because of interrupted service. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Officials warn of Hawaii wildfire risks with extended drought. Drought conditions are expected to kick in later this summer and last longer than usual, extending the high fire risk, according to National Weather Service forecaster Derek Wroe. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council approves $350 rebate for owner-occupants and say they’re just getting started. The $3.4 billion budget passed by the Honolulu Council on Wednesday night included a $54 million tax break for owner-occupant property owners. Hawaii News Now.

Electronic filings of building permits to be required. Beginning July 1, the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting will require all building permits needing plans and all building permit applications for commercial projects to be submitted only through its electronic plan review system. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail: Trains, Tracks And Base Yard To Be Officially Turned Over To The City. The transfer of billions of dollars in assets clears the way for the Department of Transportation Services to open the Honolulu rail system to the public on June 30.  Civil Beat. KITV4.

Honolulu Conspiracy Trial Pushed To October 2024. Ex-city attorney Donna Long, former managing director Roy Amemiya and former Honolulu Police Commission chair Max Sword stand accused of improperly executing a retirement payout to disgraced police chief Louis Kealoha in 2017.  Civil Beat.

After nearly 5 years of repairs, Pearl City public pool finally reopens. The Pearl City District Park pool reopened for public use Thursday after being closed for nearly five years due to numerous improvements. Hawaii News Now.

King Kamehameha Day celebrations kick off today. The holiday celebrates the legacy of King Kameha­meha I, who is known for unifying the Hawaiian Islands under a single governance in 1810. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now

Hawaii Island

State judge rules officer accused of harassment can’t carry firearms. A state judge has ruled that a Hawaii County police officer who pulled a gun on a Big Island man in a police station parking lot cannot carry firearms. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea advisories lowered as eruption resumes, wind vortex forms. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists lowered Kilauea’s alert level from warning to watch and aviation advisory code from red to orange. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Kona Community Hospital moves forward on supplemental wastewater treatment facility. According to the DEA, KCH is proposing a redundant wastewater treatment system with a capacity of 50,000 gallons-per-day (gpd) to supplement its existing 50,000-gpd system, which requires a shutdown to perform critical repair and maintenance.  West Hawaii Today.

Weekend events in Hilo, Kona to honor King Kamehameha I. The event will start with the ceremonial ho‘okupu and lei draping beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday at the statue on Kamehameha Avenue. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Committee to discuss general excise tax and Central Maui’s wastewater facilities. Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development committee will meet June 9 at 9 a.m. to discuss the county’s new authority on general excise tax. Maui Now.

Shoreline advocates block machines at Kā’anapali Beach, seek community input on dune restoration. The groups want the state to issue a stop work order, expressing concern saying cumulative impacts of multiple resorts “stockpiling sand” in front of hotels covers up encroaching dirt fill and vegetation that they say is causing the steep erosion scarp.  Maui Now.

Maui County Is Trying To Bring Relief To Farmers And Ranchers During Times Of Drought. Amid forecasts of less available water, officials want to ensure food producers have enough for their crops and livestock. Civil Beat.

Long-awaited farmland on horizon for lessees. More than 30 years ago, 58 native Hawaiian beneficiaries were selected by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for leases on Molokai and have been waiting to occupy their agricultural lots ever since. Maui News.

Maui County waitlist reopening for Section 8 rent subsidy program. The County of Maui is reopening its waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program that provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households with federal funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Maui Now.

Kauai

Green signs law for community-based concessions in state parks. This Revamped State Park On Kauai Is A Case Study For Beating Overtourism, Officials Say. New crowd control and parking enforcement measures at Haena could help bring special places back into balance statewide. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Hawaii News Now.

Road closures for King Kamehameha Day Parade on June 10. The King Kamehameha Day Parade will be held in downtown Lihu‘e on Saturday. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m.  Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Kilauea volcano erupts after 3-month pause, Honolulu council pay raise still in play, second homeless sweep in Kailua-Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea erupts and spurs an onslaught of visitors. Kilauea Volcano has started erupting within Halemaumau Crater, U.S. Geological Survey officials said, and droves of people are already making their way to see the lava flow. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4

Hawaii Ranks Highest in Debt To Income Ratio. For every single dollar of income, Hawaii household have an average of 2.26 cents worth of debt. KITV4.

USS Daniel Inouye warship prepares for first deployment.  The USS Daniel Inouye, the Pearl Harbor-­based warship named for the late Hawaii senator and war hero, is gearing up for its first deployment amid a tide of geopolitical tensions and uncertainty. For the ship’s crew of 320 sailors, it’s about more than just sailing a ship through the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Gift from University of Hawai‘i Regents Chair seeds Hawai‘i Sustainability Fund. According to UH, it will help students develop skills and knowledge to tackle climate change and resource issues in the islands and beyond. Hawaii Public Radio. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Pay Increases For Honolulu City Council Members Remain On Track After Marathon Session. A bill that would prohibit council members from external employment was removed at a hearing Wednesday. Correction: This story originally reported that salary raises for council members and city officials were passed as part of the city’s overall operating budget. That is incorrect. The measure was not voted on Wednesday. Only the legislative budget was passed after a council vote.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council approves $3.41B budget. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the city’s $3.41 billion operating budget and a $1.34 billion capital improvement plan for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Council unanimously advances Narcan bill. The Honolulu City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to advance legislation that would require bars, nightclubs and other high-risk venues to carry nasal sprays of naloxone, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu traffic deaths rise in first 5 months. For Oahu, the numbers increased to 27 fatalities compared with 23 at the same time last year, with double the number of motorcycle-related deaths — 12 compared with six at the same time last year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu rental, utility relief program reopens next week. The City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program will temporarily reopen for new applications next week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

The ‘out-of-the-box’ solution to HPD’s recruiting woes: 3-day workweeks for all patrol officers. In addition, when the schedules shift every few months, they’ll get two weeks with five days off. Hawaii News Now.

City parking meter upgrades aimed to fix nearly $5M loss. There are about 4,000 on-street parking meters stretched across Oahu. Customers’ money goes in, but the City isn’t seeing a complete return in revenue. KHON2.

This new UH shuttle bus isn’t just electric. It will (almost) drive itself. There’s a new member of UH-Manoa’s Rainbow Shuttle service. And this bus isn’t just electric, it will also mostly drive itself. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona Police Remove Homeless Camps From County Aquatic Center. The number of homeless residents outside the county-owned athletic facility had swelled in recent weeks. But for the past several days outreach workers have been telling those living there that the police were coming, so many had already cleared out before Wednesday. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

EPA fines Big Island business $130K for illegal cesspool. The EPA has also ordered Kaloko Storage 188 LLC and Extra Space Management Inc., the respective owner and operator of Extra Space Storage at Kanalani Street in Kailua-Kona, to close its large-capacity cesspool to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Council gives final approval to $1.07 billion budget. The Maui County Council passed its $1.07 billion version of the fiscal year 2024 county budget on second and final reading on Tuesday. Maui News.

Community meetings on Alelele rockfall project in East Maui draw 100+ residents. More than 100 people attended community meetings held over the weekend in Kīpahulu, Hāna and Kaupō, to hear updates on the Alelele Point rockfall project. Maui Now.

Native Hawaiians clash with West Maui resort over erosion mitigation efforts.  Resort officials in West Maui want to restore the disappearing shoreline in front of their hotel. However, Native Hawaiian activists say they are doing it the wrong way. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Coco Palms developer reaffirms commitment. Attorney Mauna Kea Trask, representing the Coco Palms developer RP21 Coco Palms LLC, said that his client was committed to restoring Coco Palms during the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Kaua‘i Island Community meeting on the evening of June 7, 2023 at Kaua‘i Community College in Puhi. Garden Island.

Green waste closed at Līhu‘e refuse transfer station until further notice. Green waste at Līhu‘e is estimated to be closed through next week, as State officials and invasive species crews are on site and responding. Kauai Now.

Hawaii bans unlicensed vaping imports, reward offered for identification of monk seal killer, Oahu median home price again tops $1M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii law bans import of e-cigarettes, e-liquids. It is now illegal to import electronic smoking devices and e-liquids into the islands after Gov. Josh Green signed a bill into law Tuesday as part of a years-long and continuing effort to prevent children from becoming addicted to nicotine.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now

Hawaii lawmakers take steps to prevent fentanyl deaths. The deaths of two men from Hawaii following a suspected fentanyl overdose involving five people in a Waikiki hotel room over the weekend has spurred Hawaii lawmakers, including Gov. Josh Green, to move forward on measures designed to prevent deaths from the potent synthetic opioid. Civil Beat.  KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Attorney General prevails in federal challenge to hemp regulations. The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi entered judgment in favor of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Director of Health in a lawsuit challenging the Department’s regulations prohibiting the sale of Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC products processed from hemp. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.

Gov. Green signs 22 bills into state law. The bills cover a myriad of issues, including raising salaries and pay for benefits of Hawaiʻi’s public employees. Big Island Now.

NOAA offers reward to help find Hawaiian monk seal killer. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to a successful prosecution of those responsible. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Report: High levels of bacteria detected at multiple Hawaii beaches. The Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force released its latest clean water report that identified three Hawaii waterways as priority beaches with high bacteria rates. Hawaii News Now.

State’s Embattled Ag Corporation Has Chance For A Reset As It Seeks New Leadership. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is taking steps to fill the leadership vacuum left by the sudden death of executive director James Nakatani in April. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council to review mayor’s proposed $3.41B budget.  The Honolulu City Council is expected today to review and consider approval of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed $3.41 billion executive operating budget and a nearly $1.1 billion capital improvement plan for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Amid outrage over proposed 64% raise, council to consider measure that would ban outside income. The controversial 64% raise for City Council members is still slated to take effect without a vote in about three weeks. But a related plan ― to ban outside income ― is on the agenda at Wednesday’s council meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Computer Glitches Are Causing Concerns Over The Integrity Of Oahu’s Neighborhood Board Elections. Questions are flying about the results of the recent Honolulu Neighborhood Board elections, with some people complaining they were unable to vote online because of computer glitches amid surprisingly low voter participation in areas known for high levels of civic engagement. Civil Beat.

Environmental risks will persist after Red Hill tanks are drained. Ever since thousands of gallons of jet fuel spewed from a pipeline at Red Hill in November 2021 and made its way into the Navy’s drinking water system, sickening military families, environmentalists and water officials have had their sights set on ensuring that the fuel in the facility’s massive underground tanks that sit just 100 feet above an aquifer is permanently removed. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu median home price tops $1M again amid high rates. Single-family resales fetched $1,109,000 in May, up 10.9% from $999,995 in April and down just 3.9% from the record $1,153,500 in the year-earlier period, according to data released Tuesday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island EV charging plan withdrawn after criticism. A proposal to require some Big Island gas stations to install electric vehicle charging stations was roundly rejected Tuesday after criticism from gas station owners. Tribune-Herald.

Managing director defends sweep of homeless at Kona park. Hawaii County on Tuesday responded to the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii regarding concerns raised in a letter that demanded the county stop evicting people from homeless encampments without first providing adequate shelter. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Group to sue over Kailua-Kona sewage discharges.  A group of citizens intends to file a civil suit against Hawaii County over the discharge of sewage into a popular local harbor in Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Sheriff recruitment open on Maui. Deputy sheriff recruitment is now open through June 12 on Maui and Oahu, the state Department of Law Enforcement announced Monday.  Maui News.

Woman sent to prison for embezzling $59K to feed addiction. A Wailuku woman who embezzled at least $59,000 from her former employer to support her opioid addiction was sentenced in federal court on Oahu last week to one year and one day in prison. Maui News.

 
/Kauai

Solid Waste Division leaders to provide Kekaha Landfill update. Local environmental groups will tackle Kaua‘i’s ongoing landfill crisis with guest speakers from the Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division on June 14, at this month’s Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. Kauai Now.

Domestic arrivals dropping. The number of people getting off domestic flights at Lihu‘e Airport dropped 7.5 percent in May, as passenger counts fell further behind the record-setting pace of 2022. Garden Island.

Military releases video of Pearl Harbor-based destroyer’s close call with Chinese warship, older SNAP beneficiaries may be required to work, ACLU threatens lawsuit in Big Island homeless sweeps, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Video shows Pearl Harbor-based destroyer’s close call with Chinese warship. The United States military released video Monday of what it called an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, in which a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the U.S. vessel to slow to avoid a collision. Associated Press.

West Coast port trouble raises Hawaii shipping concerns. Dockworker labor difficulties flared up over the past few days at West Coast ports, but after largely settling down Monday, no major disruptions are expected for Hawaii ocean cargo deliveries. Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaii residents see changes in SNAP requirements?...maybe. Thousands more Hawaii residents could be returning to jobs, as the federal government raises the work requirement for SNAP beneficiaries from age 49 to age 54. KITV4.

Oahu

Oahu homeowners might get $350 tax credit. The Honolulu City Council’s pending approval Wednesday of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed $3.41 billion operating budget for next fiscal year might include a $300 one-time tax credit the administration seeks to give to nearly 152,000 qualifying homeowners, a city official said. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s Why The Salary Commission Thinks Big Raises For The Honolulu Council Are Warranted. Commission members say the pay for elected officials should reflect the jobs they do. Civil Beat.

New Red Hill Defueling Deal With EPA Provides Little Accountability. Residents will get to talk with the military about emptying the tanks but are unlikely to see anyone punished for previous violations. Civil Beat.

People with disabilities give feedback about the accessibility of the Honolulu rail. The city is set to take control of the first segment of Honolulu’s rail system on Friday. Honolulu transportation officials hosted a couple dozen members of the disabled community last week to get feedback about accessibility on the train and its stations. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

‘Startling’ number of officer vacancies at HPD spur public safety concerns. The Honolulu Police Department is scrambling to hire hundreds of police officers, a critical shortage that a former deputy chief says could be impacting the agency’s ability to respond to crime. Hawaii News Now.

City to replace viewing platform atop Koko Crater Stairs. City officials today announced that a project to replace the dilapidated viewing platform at the summit of the popular Koko Crater Stairs hike begins this week. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Central Oahu Regional Park closure for maintenance planned. One of the largest city parks on the island will see closures this summer for the upkeep of its baseball and softball fields, the city announced recently. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

ACLU criticizes county, threatens legal action over homeless sweeps. The ACLU has issued a letter to Hawaii County demanding that it stop evicting homeless encampments without providing adequate shelter space — or face legal action. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Almost 4 of 5 fire dispatch recruits wash out. In the five-year period between 2018 and 2022, almost 80% — 14 of 18 — of the Hawaii Fire Department’s new dispatcher hires washed out, according to statistics provided by HFD. Tribune-Herald.

Relocation of Waikoloa cats ‘going well so far’: Rescue effort finds homes for dozens. Last month, volunteers with local rescue agencies Aloha Animal Oasis and Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance teamed up May 19 to May 22 to capture 64 cats from the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Condo Owners Are Trying To Buy Time In The Fight Against Rising Seas. A lengthy hearing Monday left County Council members with unanswered questions about using a new financing tool to replenish the beach. Civil Beat.

County close to buying Wailuku building as it aims to cut rent costs. Trask building latest in county’s efforts to rent less, own moreMaui County is close to purchasing another building in Wailuku town that it hopes will help cut down on the rent it pays for office space. Maui News.

MPD takes lead providing services to growing homeless camp. It started as an idea by Maui police officers. The Department of Transportation donated a decommissioned bus, and MPD used COVID funding to retrofit it to make it possible. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles Make Landfall On Kauai. The invasive insect has decimated the Pacific's coconut palm populations. Now it's been found on Kauai. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i’s Nawiliwili Stream ranked nation’s most frequently polluted beach. Kalapaki Bay’s Nawiliwili Stream is the most consistently overpolluted beach tested by national environmental group Surfrider Foundation, according to the group’s annual report on water quality. Garden Island.

Affordable housing advocates want state to purchase Waipouli apartments. Affordable housing advocates are asking state and county lawmakers to purchase the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments and make a 60-year commitment to securing all 82 units as affordable housing. Garden Island.

Kapaʻa residents urge state to award low-income tax credits. Property owners are requesting funding through the HHFDC’s low-income housing tax credit application. The state agency has financed more than 200 units across four projects on Kauaʻi since last year, including 66 units on Rice Street, the 96-unit Uahi Ridge project, and two ʻEleʻele developments, including the 48-unit Kai Olino project and the Lima Ola project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Green names business leader to head Board of Education, Honolulu council members mum on their huge pay hikes, Kauai tour operators irked by boat limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Selects Business Leader To Head BOE.  Gov. Josh Green has named Warren Haruki, a former CEO of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., as the next chair of the state Board of Education.  Civil Beat.

‘This is crazy’: Analysis finds billions in schools construction money unspent. More than $2 billion in school construction is going unspent and nearly half of that money is set to lapse next year. Hawaii News Now.

State senator calls for audit of Hawaii Film Office. The director of the state Department of Economic Development, Business and Tourism said he is looking into Sen. Kurt Fevella's accusations of the state’s film office. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green signs laws limiting places to carry guns; mandating active shooting training at schools.  On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed laws that prohibit firearms at a variety of places — including hospitals, beaches, stadiums, movie theaters and bars that serve alcohol — and mandates active shooting training at all public and charter schools in the state. Kauai Now.

'House the Hawaiians': DHHL leader's plan to buy land with $600M budget. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands says it's on track to use one-third of its $600 million budget by the end of this fiscal year. That could provide housing opportunities for 2,000 beneficiaries. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii gas and union workers resume contract negotiations amid strike. Progress has been made in contract negotiations with Hawaii Gas for hundreds of union workers. Hawaii News Now.

2020 census data details Hawaii households. With high housing costs and a strong sense of ohana, Hawaii once again leads the nation in multigenerational households, with 9% of the state’s 490,267 households comprising three or more generations, according to the census data released May 25. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Only 3 of 9 Council members comment on pay hikes.  Less than a month remains before the Honolulu City Council sees a more than 64% pay boost and Mayor Rick Blangiardi and top city executives receive a nearly 12.6% salary increase. Star-Advertiser.

Louis Kealoha Asks Judge For ‘Mercy’ In Letter From Prison. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha says he is throwing himself “at the mercy” of a judge who will decide whether he’s on the hook to pay $500,000 in a civil lawsuit. Civil Beat.

$50M state budget item at center of transparency debate. An effort to fund initial construction of an elaborate state, county and federal first-­responder agency campus on Oahu survived a contentious and somewhat opaque legislative budgetary practice this year. Star-Advertiser.

TSA deploys new technology at Honolulu airport. The Transportation Security Administration has been investing in new technology to screen travelers and their personal property in the security checkpoints at Hawaii airports with the goal of enhancing security and improving screening efficiency, which comes in handy as the traditional summer rush of travelers begins. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC selects new warden. The state Department of Public Safety has announced the selection of John Schell as the new warden for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

‘Plan is to fix what’s there,’ says Dillingham Ranch’s new owner. Historic Dillingham Ranch, the Mokuleia property where local business tycoon Walter F. Dillingham established his home more than a century ago, was sold this spring for $36.5 million to the Nolan family, which has ties to Hawaii and intends to keep it in agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

‘Bait And Switch’? These West Oahu Residents Say They’re Victims Of A Big Developer. A lawsuit filed by Hoopili residents says power lines that were supposed to be buried are now towering above the subdivision. Civil Beat.

Solving Honolulu’s Bike Commute, One Sketchy Intersection At A Time. From "leading intervals" to "bike boxes," the city's avid cyclists have plenty of ideas to make the streets more accessible. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tempers flare at PGV meeting. Decades of frustration boiled over Thursday during a public meeting about a planned expansion of Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

16 New Treatment Beds Opened For Substance Recovery. Big Island Substance Abuse Council announced two separate homes, with eight treatment beds each, have opened on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Dismantling of CSO mirror to ease move; decommissioning to be complete by end of summer. The decommissioning of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory on Maunakea will no longer require several road closures. Tribune-Herald.

This ‘Retired’ Big Island Attorney Is Still A Fierce Advocate For The Little Guy. Will Rosdil came out of retirement to take on the case of a man who lost his home to foreclosure. He's still at it. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County’s $1.07 billion budget will be up for second and final reading before the Maui County Council at its meeting Tuesday, Council Chairwoman Alice Lee announced.  Maui News.

Sand replenishment project for Kaanapali Beach in limbo. Hotels and condos along Maui’s famous Kaanapali Beach are divided over whether to move forward with a controversial $10 million beach restoration project nearly three months after the board that oversees the state Department of Land and Natural Resources pulled its support for shouldering half its costs. Star-Advertiser.

County breaks ground on new water source project in West Maui.  The Maui County Department of Water Supply project will develop the Kahana Well, which is currently an exploratory well, and other improvements, such as constructing a well pump, control tank, chlorination system housing, electrical upgrades, access road and other work. Maui News.

Kauai

Tour Boat Companies Say Bill To Beat Overtourism Would Sink Their Business. Roughly 25 sightseeing boat tour companies have permits to operate out of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, the gateway to the 17-mile Na Pali Coast.  Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project fights to save the aikikiki from extinction. The birds are quickly vanishing, likely due to avian malaria. And if not taken out by malaria, Aikikiki are prey to rats. Hawaii News Now.

Abercrombie appointed to UH Board of Regents, more state Senate shenanigans, federal judge skeptical of defense arguments in Honolulu conspiracy case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former Gov. Abercrombie among interim UH regent appointees. The inclusion of outspoken former Gov. Neil Abercrombie among three people appointed to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents is seen by observers as bearing potential to cause at least some shift in the measured culture of the board, and in the university’s fractured relationship with some state senators. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Now.

How A Few Hawaii Senators Conspired To Get Rid Of An Agency Board Member Who Was In The Way. Vassilis Syrmos’ position as a director of the quasi-independent Hawaii Technology Development Corp. was supposed to be free from politics. But that didn’t stop a clique of lawmakers led by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz from mounting a secretive, 11th-hour campaign to get rid of Syrmos, a University of Hawaii vice president who has openly questioned a project in Dela Cruz’s district. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Is Clamping Down On Unlicensed Care Homes. State officials have grown increasingly concerned about the facilities, with 89 investigations already underway. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker calls for audit of Hawaii film office amid local hiring feud. A state senator is calling for an audit of the Hawaii State Film Office in a feud over whether the office is doing enough to promote the hiring of local workers in film and television productions. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Free summer meals for keiki offered at 86 public schools. Eighty-six public schools across the state will offer free meals during part of the summer to children ages 18 years and younger, regardless of their public school enrollment status, the state Department of Education has announced. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Current cesspool conversion program still not enough to wipe out waste problem. The current pilot program only had $5 million available to homeowners. If the state were to expand it so that 3,000 cesspools could be upgraded each year, it would cost Hawaii $61 million every year for the next 27 years - or a total of more than $1.6 Billion for cesspool conversions. KITV4.

Teamsters to strike Hawaii Gas over contract impasse. Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996, which represents 217 members across the state, said in a letter that a strike would begin at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and continue until an agreement between both parties is reached. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Arguments To Dismiss Honolulu Conspiracy Case Met With Skepticism.  On Wednesday, lawyers for three former Honolulu officials tried to convince the judge the federal conspiracy charges against their clients should be dismissed.  Former Honolulu attorney Donna Leong, former Honolulu Police Commission chair Max Sword and former managing director Roy Amemiya are accused of setting up ex-police chief Louis Kealoha’s $250,000 severance agreement without Honolulu City Council approval and trying to keep the deal quiet.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu rail system is ‘ready to go’ June 30.  Rail trains are running, cracked “hammerhead” station supports are fixed and reinforced and passenger service is scheduled to begin June 30, including a four-hour window on that Friday when anyone can ride and experience the country’s first fully automated rail system for free. Star-Advertiser.

Navy wants to remove 3 pipelines at Red Hill fuel facility.  The Navy announced Wednesday it wants to dismantle the pipelines connecting the massive fuel tanks at its underground Red Hill facility to Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Bed bugs at Honolulu’s airport trigger deep cleaning, gate closures. Deep cleaning is underway at several Honolulu airport gates after bed bugs were reported. State Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said his agency got reports of the bugs in one of the E Gates in Terminal 2 on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Public outcry over crime heard in Maili meeting. A public meeting to address illegal game rooms and cockfighting on Oahu’s west side on Wednesday was marked by emotional public input, allegations of public corruption and pleas to end the proliferation of guns in the community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

DLNR: 50 to 60 coral colonies damaged by cinder blocks used for canoe regatta. Sixty-pound cinder blocks placed in the ocean for a Hawaii Island canoe regatta last weekend caused damage to approximately 50 to 60 coral colonies in Kailua Bay, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Setbacks for ramp, seawall: Funding pulled for Laupahoehoe project. Shifting funding priorities and the harrows of nature have pushed repairs for the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp and seawall further into the future. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Roth’s town hall series begins in West Hawai’i; issues include vacation rentals, homelessness, feral cats, pickleball. On Tuesday evening in South Kona, Hawai’i County Mayor Mitch Roth heard an earful during his first town hall in a new series of community meetings across the island aimed at providing updates and fostering engagement with residents. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Council to inventory unused funds from construction projects. Budget committee members are looking at an inventory of projects with lapse dates of 2018 or older. That amounts to about $28 million in past funding. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Lauded Summer Food Program Has Restarted But Rural Kids Could Miss Out Due To USDA Rules. Demographic shifts mean that all of Maui County is excluded from a federal program meant to benefit kids in rural communities. Civil Beat.

Another potential roadblock for decade-long effort to safely open a new Kihei high school. Kulanihakoi High School in Kihei hopes to welcome its first students this fall – if it can get through all the red tape. Hawaii News Now.

Resident input sought on county parks and recreation facilities. Starting Thursday, Maui County households will be randomly offered an invitation to complete a survey, which will help guide the Department of Parks and Recreation in managing and developing parks, facilities and recreation programs, the county said.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai residents seek state’s help to preserve affordable housing. Residents at a Kauai housing project are asking for the state’s help to keep their apartments affordable. They say the owner of the Courtyards at Waipouli Apartments plans to sell the 82-unit Kapaa complex to a private developer, and they’re asking the state for funding to keep rents at affordable levels. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i County Council passes resolution supporting public access of Coco Palms lands. The Kaua‘i County Council approved in a 4-2 vote on Wednesday a resolution urging the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize public access for disputed land surrounding the derelict Coco Palms Resort after nearly failing to come to a decision for the second time in two weeks. Garden Island.

Youth football equipment shed burns down in Kauai, causes $200K in damage. Kauai police are investigating after a storage shed containing youth football equipment went up in flames early Wednesday morning in Kapa’a. Hawaii News Now.