Ige issues emergency proclamation

Cruise ship linked to new coronavirus death stopped in Hawaiʻi
A cruise ship that was carrying two passengers later confirmed to have coronavirus stopped in Hawaiʻi after those patients disembarked in California, officials said. And now California Gov. Gavin Newsom says as many as 11 passengers and 10 crew members on the ship ― being held at sea off San Francisco ― are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Big Island Video News.

Gov. Ige names Lt. Gov. Green coronavirus healthcare liaison
The lieutenant governor, a medical doctor, is “uniquely positioned” for the job, says the governor. Civil Beat. KITV4.

State to receive millions in federal funding to support coronavirus response
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced it will provide $2.75 million in initial funding to support Hawaiʻi’s response to the new coronavirus. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

United, Korean Air reducing Hawaiʻi service as virus worries mount
News that United Airlines, Hawaiʻi’s largest domestic carrier, plans to temporarily cut service to the islands was the latest coronavirus-related blow to the state’s tourism economy. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
The state is preparing for possible economic effects of coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Defense secretary notes site delays in stalled $1.9B radar
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono pressed Defense Secretary Mark Esper Wednesday on the future of a powerful $1.9 billion radar planned for the defense of Hawaiʻi, with Esper saying the radar hasn’t been ruled out, but “for many years now we’ve had a problem with state and local authorities giving us permission to get onto that site.” The Defense Department zeroed out funding in its fiscal 2021 budget request for the Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Judge halts Gabbard’s lawsuit against Google
A federal judge on Wednesday tossed Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard’s lawsuit against Google, “dismissing the Hawaiʻi congresswoman’s allegations that the tech giant censored her free speech rights by briefly suspending her presidential campaign ads.” Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch suggests Haiku Stairs be moved, if they must come down
Kualoa Ranch President John Morgan submitted an idea to the city on the long-debated future of the Haiku Stairs. “If they come down, how about put them up some place else and if that is a viable option, we’d like to consider putting them up here at Kualoa Ranch,” he said. Hawaii News Now.

New DMV self-service kiosk opens in Waipahu
Another self-service kiosk to renew motor vehicle registrations is now available inside the Foodland Super Market at Waipio Shopping Center, city officials announced Wednesday. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Settlement reached in deadly 2016 fall at Ala Moana Center
The owners of Ala Moana Center have settled a lawsuit over a 2016 railing collapse that led to the death of a young man. Ala Moana Center had no immediate comment, but management has replaced many of the center’s defective railings at a cost of about $4 million. Other details of the settlement were not made public. Hawaii News Now.