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Locally Owned, Locally Committed Since 1955
02.28.2020
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Testing for coronavirus to begin soon in Hawaiʻi; 80 are ‘self-monitoring’ statewide
The CDC has given the green light to the state’s laboratory to start testing for coronavirus. State health officials said Hawaiʻi could have the capacity to begin testing as early as next week. Hawaii News Now.Hawaiʻi Public Radio.Tribune-Herald.Big Island Now.KHON2.
Virus funding request grows to $10.5M as authorities weigh proactive measures to take
Key state senators Thursday added to Gov. David Ige’s $7.2 million funding request to prepare Hawaiʻi for a potential outbreak of the new coronavirus, bringing the total amount to $10.6 million. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.Big Island Video News.
State officials are deliberating when to pull the trigger on “social distancing measures” such as canceling public gatherings, closing schools and working remotely in case of a coronavirus outbreak. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Visitor industry making plans to mitigate coronavirus risks. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.Hawaii News Now.
Kauaʻi councilman indicted for drug trafficking
A federal indictment unsealed Thursday alleges Kauaʻi County Councilman Arthur Brun is the leader of a drug trafficking ring tied to a gang that operates in and out of the state prison system. Police and federal agents arrested Brun and 11 others, who are “part of a major drug trafficking organization that has been supplying a significant amount of methamphetamine throughout the community,” Kauaʻi Police Chief Todd Raybuck said. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.Garden Island.Hawaiʻi Public Radio.Hawaii News Now.KHON2.KITV4.
The best of startup paradise
The 2020 Hawaii Venture Capital Association’s Awards celebrate the accomplishments of 25 winners and finalists. From the entrepreneurs behind companies to senators who champion a healthy startup ecosystem in Hawaiʻi, HVCA awards recognize their hard work. Hawaii Business Magazine.
Legislature updates
Lawmakers pass ban on large-capacity rifle magazines. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Lawmakers consider lengthy extension to statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse. Hawaii News Now.
Lawmakers to take pay cut if minimum wage isn’t $15. Civil Beat.
Hawaiʻi to get ICBM interceptors
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency said Hawaiʻi is on track within about a year to receive interceptor missiles for North Korean threats — a declaration that marks a dramatic change in the state’s defensive posture. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
President of national flight attendants union arrives for Hawaiian Airlines contract talks
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA sent its union president to Hawaiʻi Thursday to intervene in protracted bargaining between Hawaiian Airlines management and flight attendants. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
HAWAII BUSINESS 20 for the Next 20: Nathan Peters,
Par Pacific Holdings
“When you have people who are working for you and they’re happy and they like their job, they do much better work, high quality work, and so I’m really focused on how do I keep people happy, how do I create an environment that they want to come to every day,”… read more.
OʻAHU
City Council committee moves out Energy Code bill
Oʻahu builders will have to make a certain number of parking stalls ready for electric vehicle charging and install solar hot water heaters in new residences under a major energy conservation bill poised for a final vote of the Honolulu City Council next month. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Commission seeks feedback on rail, bus fares
The Honolulu Rate Commission is requesting input and testimony from members of the public on the future policies and rates for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project once the system begins operations. KITV4.
Waikīkī blaze under investigation
An arson investigation is now underway after a two-alarm blaze destroyed a surfboard rack and dozens of surfboards and damaged a nearby hotel late Thursday, Honolulu police said. Hawaii News Now.Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
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