Honolulu Bars won’t reopen

Health Department report shows small gatherings can still cause outbreaks
Data from the past two weeks shows no clusters on Kaua‘i; one cluster tied to a restaurant on the Big Island; clusters tied to bars, nightclubs, restaurants and social gatherings on Maui; and clusters tied to correctional facilities, schools, restaurants, places of worship, gyms and an athletic competition on O‘ahu. Hawaii News Now.

Up to 40% of vaccine shipments to Hawai‘i will be delayed, feds say
The federal government said that COVID-19 vaccine orders are experiencing production delays. The state is still expecting to receive more than 81,000 doses by year’s end. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Renters applying for financial relief exposed tax evaders, state says
In all, more than 18,000 people applied for relief ― and many of them inadvertently exposed landlords who didn’t have general excise tax licenses and had likely not paid taxes on rent revenue. Not only did that discovery disqualify renters from receiving assistance, it now has the state’s tax office on alert. Hawaii News Now.

BOE opposes furloughing teachers, school staff
Hawai‘i Board of Education members are pushing back against Gov. David Ige’s plan to furlough public school employees, saying the move would be too damaging and federal funds might bridge the budget gap. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. KHON2. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

UH system anticipates financial challenges
The 10-campus University of Hawai‘i system is looking at some rocky financial years ahead, university officials told lawmakers Thursday. UH has already enacted a freeze on expenditures and is now working on a retirement incentive program for faculty and a furlough program. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

USS Daniel Inouye begins sea trials
The missile destroyer, named for Hawai‘i’s late senator, set sail Wednesday after production delays. Civil Beat.

Corrections Commission wants to pause planning on new O‘ahu jail
A panel formed to oversee the state correctional system voted Thursday to ask for a delay in the planning and design of a proposed new $525 million O‘ahu jail. The group wants the state to reconsider how large the facility should be. Civil Beat.

Budget and maintenance problems force Aloha Stadium to halt new events
After 45 years, Aloha Stadium is shutting down at least three years before a replacement stadium will be built, leaving UH football without a home field. But in a statement released yesterday afternoon, the Aloha Stadium Authority noted that it would “entertain events,” and licensees would face additional expenses. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Report says homeless numbers have dropped in past four years
According to an Office of Housing report released Thursday, Honolulu’s total homeless population decreased 10% during Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s second term. KITV4.

Diamond Head State Monument has a quiet reopening day 
On Thursday morning, hikers could be spotted at the crater’s peak after the state park reopened to the public at 6 a.m., following a nine-month closure. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Got subcontractors? Phil Ogata of First Insurance Co. of Hawaii outlines what you need to know about contractual risk transfer… read more.

New facility will provide space for expanded cancer treatment, other services in Hilo
Health care leaders and legislators gathered Thursday morning for a blessing and groundbreaking of the East Hawai‘i Health Clinic expansion project. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i’s first certified arson dog dies at 13
Kaimi, who retired at the end of 2019, died Saturday at the home of his handler, Fire Chief Robert Perreira. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

EMS still waiting on budget cut decisions
Emergency Medical Service officials await budget decisions that could close multiple stations on Maui. In July and August, the state Department of Health entered talks with all four county EMS providers in preparation for up to 20% cuts. Maui News.

Mayor supports using War Memorial Stadium for UH football games
Maui Mayor Michael Victorino said he supports hosting football games or other events at the venue in light of the temporary moratorium placed on new events at Aloha Stadium. Maui Now.

New COVID-19 case is a local child
The Kaua‘i District Health Office reported one new infection on Thursday, a child who resides on the island. Garden Island.