Nurses at Kapiolani Medical Center vote to strike

What happens next, if nurses walk off the job during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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1.11.2021

TOP STORIES

After failed negotiations, nurses of Kapi‘olani Medical Center vote to strike
Nurses voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, after about six months into bargaining for a new contract, the Hawai’i Nurses Association said Sunday. The move forces the big question: What happens next, and how will this impact the community during a pandemic? Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Over 35,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered statewide, say health officials
As of Friday, 91,700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been received in Hawai‘i, and over 35,000 vaccinations administered. Teachers on Kaua‘i are scheduled to begin vaccinations today, while the state Department of Health says it expects the vaccine will be available to all residents by the end of summer. Hawaii News Now. Maui News. Civil Beat.

Skyrocketing infections in California could depress Hawai‘i’s recovery
As Hawai‘i tries to claw its way out of the worst economic decline in decades, California is essential for its tourism revival. But rising cases mean fewer travelers will make their way to the Islands. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Lawyer for arrested Proud Boys Hawaii founder anticipates his release
Nicolas Ochs is scheduled to appear virtually in federal court today, after being arrested by the FBI for his alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot. His lawyer said he expects his client will be released from jail this week. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Civil Beat. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Federal Labor Department to investigate Hawai‘i’s unemployment insurance system
Two investigations are being opened. One centers on a Legal Aid allegation of discrimination because of nationality or citizenship, while the other is part of a nationwide investigation of fraud and verification procedures. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i businesses fear unemployment tax increases will ruin them
Local businesses are bracing for at least a tripling of their unemployment taxes, which without legislative intervention they say would disrupt any statewide economic recovery. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Bankruptcies fell in 2020 despite pandemic
The number of bankruptcy cases in the state dropped 8.6% to 1,524, according to data released last week from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawai‘i. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

UHERO: Defense spending “incredibly important” for Hawai‘i during pandemic
Estimated at $5 billion annually in payroll and $2 billion-plus in contracts, defense spending has been “an incredibly important stabilizing force,” says Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
What Does it Mean to be a CDFI and a Credit Union?
Two local CDFI-certified credit unions say the certification gives them access to additional funding and resources from the U.S. Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund. Hawaii Federal Credit Union, which was already offering products and services to residents who needed second chances… read more.

OʻAHU

O‘ahu to stay in Tier 2, despite rise in infections
Despite triple-digit case spikes, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the island will remain in Tier 2 for now. O‘ahu’s current 7-day average is 124 daily cases, with 4.4 percent of tests returning positive. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu police spent $150,000 in CARES funds on a robot dog
The robot was paid for with the approximately $40 million that former Mayor Kirk Caldwell allocated to the department. The allotment exceeded the city’s $25 million Household Relief Fund, which aimed to bail out individuals and families in need. Civil Beat.

Longtime rail officials ousted as new CEO joins HART
Bill Brennan and Joyce Oliveira were two of the longest-serving employees at a tumultuous agency that has seen heavy turnover. Civil Beat.

Legislators step into conflict between UH and Aloha Stadium
Some legislators say the Stadium Authority might still be able to find a pathway for the University of Hawai‘i football team to play at the crumbling Aloha Stadium, and they are urging the parties to find common ground. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa solar farm divides community over food vs. fuel
A developer is proposing a solar farm that could reduce electricity bills for 1,100 area households, but the project site on prime farmland has drawn community opposition. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE

E-Wisdom for Hawai‘i’s E-Commerce Newbies

Here’s some good advice from digitally savvy entrepreneurs for those who want to increase their online sales. First piece of good news: You no longer need to write code or have web development skills to build an online store… read more.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND

Hawai‘i Island Mayor Mitch Roth is hospitalized with chest pains
Roth, 56, went to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and was later transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he had a stent implanted, according to a county news release. While Roth is being evaluated by doctors, Managing Director Lee Lord has taken over as acting mayor. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2. Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Pandemic does little to slow home sales
According to data from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, sales of single-family homes on the Big Island rose 6.2% between 2019 and November 2020. That translated into about 2,286 homes sold. West Hawaii Today.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Our Schools Need Your Help Now
If you want to support public education in Hawai‘i, the time is now, during this education crisis caused by the pandemic. And if you wonder how to help, one valuable way is through the ClimbHI Bridge... read more.

MAUI COUNTY

Harbor Lights cluster reaches 92 COVID cases
The COVID-19 cluster at the Harbor Lights condominium complex is now up to 92 cases, with more testing to continue, a county official and a Harbor Lights representative said. Maui News.

King, panel to discuss COVID-19 rise on Maui
Kelly King, a Maui County Council member, will host a virtual town hall from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to discuss the recent surge of cases and the county’s response. Maui News. Maui Now.

KAUAʻI

Kaua‘i utility, AES propose dual-energy project
Kaua‘i’s nonprofit electric utility cooperative anticipates boosting its renewable-energy production by 25% with a proposed hydro and solar electricity project. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

DECEMBER ISSUE