Suspected COVID-19 tests negative

Coronavirus concerns prompt more event cancellations … and economic concerns
The cancellation of the Honolulu Festival and the postponement of the Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture is prompting growing concerns about the potential economic impact of the coronavirus. Economist Paul Brewbaker said the economic fallout on tourism likely will be more severe than than the SARS scare of early 2003. Hawaii News Now. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.
UH law school postpones 30th anniversary celebration for its environmental law program. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Hawaiʻi saw a $23M drop in visitor spending last month, prompting special COVID-19 State House committee. Hawaii News Now.

Legislative updates
Minimum wage increase and tax credits approved. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Priority bills on housing, education and wages advance. Civil Beat.
Senate passes cannabidiol regulation bill. Big Island Video News.

Japan suspends annual funding for TMT, citing stalemate over construction
Japan is not completely pulling out of participation in the TMT project, an official told the Associated Press. An international consortium wants to build the telescope atop the state’s highest mountain on the Big Island. Japan supplies components for the telescope. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

American Samoa gives Gabbard her first primary delegate
Tulsi Gabbard has picked up her first delegate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination ― thanks to American Samoa. Hawaii News Now.

City agrees to post financial disclosures online following Civil Beat report
The Honolulu City Clerk’s office said it would post financial disclosure records on its website after the city ethics commission received blowback for removing that information from its site. Civil Beat.

Electric scooter company waits to operate until state laws change
It weighs just under 60 pounds, is battery operated, and can go as fast as 18 miles per hour. The plan is to use them only in bike lanes, not on the sidewalk. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi’s largest private college is fighting for its future
Hawaiʻi Pacific University has experienced plunging enrollment, steep operating losses and large debt. Now it’s planning for an ambitious turnaround at a time when many small colleges are in trouble. Civil Beat.

Oʻahu hiking trail closed after Rapid Ohia Death fungus found in another tree
The Department of Land and Natural Resources has temporarily closed the Poamoho Trail in Central Oʻahu after the discovery of another tree with Rapid Ohia Death. Hawaii News Now.