Hawaii State News

Hawaii gas prices are second highest in the nation.

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Today's Hawaii News - Hawaii Business Magazine

5.13.2021

TOP STORIES

Gas prices in Hawai‘i are second highest amid Mainland disruption
The good news: Hawai‘i’s geographic isolation protected consumers from gasoline shortages experienced in many southeastern states after a ransomware attack shut down a major pipeline. The bad: That isolation helped Hawai‘i maintain its usual rank for gas prices. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Now that inter-island vaccine passports are up, state shifts attention to trans-Pacific travel
Currently, vaccine cards have to be checked individually by screeners. Gov. David Ige hopes to introduce a more streamlined process by June 1, potentially opening up vaccine passports for Mainland visitors. Hawaii News Now.

State announces $4 million in grants for schools
Gov. David Ige said the grants are aimed to fund initiatives that help students, families and educators who have been impacted by the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

CEO of Martin Defense Group pleads not guilty to loan fraud
Authorities say Martin Kao of Martin Defense Group, formerly known as Navatek, defrauded banks of more than $12.8 million through the Paycheck Protection Program. He also transferred more than $2 million into his personal accounts, according to an indictment. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i rated “mostly closed” in national analysis of police misconduct record laws
The rankings were based on an analysis of statutes and court opinions, as well as interviews with experts. Legal experts say transparency of police misconduct records is one of the keys to police reform. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

“Golden Week” comes and goes as visitors from Japan face daunting travel hurdles
Japan tops the list of international visitors to the Islands, but this year is proving to be too expensive and difficult for most. Among the challenges are the country’s low vaccination rate of just 3%, pre-travel tests that cost $300, and mandatory quarantine for anyone returning to Japan. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines more than doubles its summer trans-Pacific service to Hawai‘i
The Dallas-based carrier currently operates 16 round trips daily between Hawai‘i and the Mainland. Its summer schedule increases the offerings to 37 round trips, including direct flights between Las Vegas and four major islands. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

School-based vaccine clinics step up outreach to kids 12 and older
At Nānākuli High and Intermediate School, about 40 people arrived and rolled up their sleeves yesterday. The school is one of several around the state serving as community vaccine clinics. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
The Future of Hawai‘i Health Care Is Now
COVID-19 is accelerating many changes in health care beyond telemedicine, including how doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are trained; new rules on vaccinations and testing; and how we handle future pandemics… read more.

OʻAHU

Problems piling up for the Honolulu rail project
Lori Kahikina, HART’s interim CEO, said that once the problem of too-narrow train wheels is resolved, the next critical challenge will be to get trains quickly running to Aloha Stadium or face a new series of costs and delays. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
She also says ridership projections have dropped but believes public interest in train travel is still high. Civil Beat.

Police arrest suspect in alleged arson at Supreme Court building
A homeless man was arrested in connection with Monday’s fire at Ali‘iōlani Hale, which houses the Hawai‘i Supreme Court in downtown Honolulu. Hawaii News Now. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Bill proposes funding the removal of Ha‘ikū stairs
The Honolulu City Council advanced a bill that would fund $1 million to the Division of Urban Forestry to remove the stairs, commonly known as “Stairway to Heaven.” Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Ambassador wants public disclosure in shooting of Lindani Myeni
South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. called on city officials and police departments across the country to be more transparent about police shootings and how race relations affect law enforcement practices. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Kealoha “mailbox case” co-conspirator asks to remain free while he pursues appeal
Just weeks before the June 1 date to report to an Oregon federal prison, former Honolulu police lieutenant Derek Hahn’s attorney filed a motion yesterday asking that Hahn remain free until his appeal is complete. Hawaii News Now.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE

2020 CEO of the Year Micah Kāne

Kāne ensures the foundation focuses on both the long-term quality of life statewide and the immediate needs of people who might otherwise be forgotten… read more.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND

Hawaii Rainbow Rangers steps up its animal control services
Nine months after being awarded the contract, the nonprofit has finally transitioned into conducting full animal control services in Hawai‘i County. West Hawaii Today.

5-story condominium proposed on Ali‘i Drive
A landowner wants to construct a six-unit condo on a vacant lot about a quarter-mile north of the thoroughfare’s intersection with Royal Poinciana Dr. in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
How to Deal with Anger, Sadness or Fear at Work
Feel like you’re on a roller coaster emotionally? You’re not alone. Here’s how to keep it together while working during a pandemic.... read more.

MAUI COUNTY

A proposal to save West Maui coastal properties gets pushback from the community
Nine condos and one single-family parcel in Kahana are at risk because of severe coastal erosion, according to an environmental impact statement. The plan calls for stabilizing the beach with offshore sand and new rock structures, but some local residents question the long-term impacts. Hawaii News Now.

Panel OKs next step for Wailea luxury condo plans
Despite community testimony calling for a more in-depth study, the Maui Planning Commission voted Tuesday to accept the final environmental assessment for the 57-unit project. Maui News.

April’s median price for a single family home on Maui jumped to $983,500
That figure is a 30% increase from a year ago. The median price for condos rose to $695,000, a 15.4% increase from April 2020. Maui Now.

KAUAʻI

Iwi discovered during cesspool conversion in Hanalei
The bones were discovered when homeowners on Weke Road were switching to a septic tank system last week. Cultural practitioners say they want assurances that the iwi are not being removed from the area or separated. Garden Island.

MAY 2021 ISSUE