Federal Funds For Online Learning

Hawaii schools to get $72M in federal funding for online learning.

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Accessed on 15 March 2022, 0143 UTC.

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3.14.2022

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Hawai‘i schools to receive $72M in federal funds for online learning
Federal Covid-19 assistance funds have been awarded to state public schools, as well as a handful of charter and private schools, to help close the “digital equity” gap that results from students not having access to the internet. Star-Advertiser.

Federal agency planning to protect 50 of Hawai‘i’s endangered and threatened species
The Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office has published a draft recovery plan for 50 endangered species within the Hawaiian archipelago. Protection would extend to 35 plants, 13 invertebrates and 2 birds. KITV4.

Hawaiian corals show surprising resilience to warming oceans, new report finds
A study that included UH researchers is painting a more optimistic picture of how Hawaiian corals are faring in warmer, more acidic oceans. Big Island Now.

Congress OKs a record $22M for Hawaiian Home Lands
U.S. senators gave final approval to a bill that would allocate $22.3 million — the most ever delivered at once — to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The measure was sent to Pres. Biden for his anticipated signature. Star-Advertiser. Hawai‘i Public Radio. Maui Now.

Wide range of bills advance, stall at mid-point of state legislative session
State lawmakers, now halfway through the 60-day session, are poised to grant raises to public worker union members and release millions of dollars to help Native Hawaiians afford homes on ancestral lands. Star-Advertiser.

These 5 bills could be game changers for residents struggling to afford a place to live
Hawai‘i lawmakers have proposed more than two dozen bills that would steer hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars toward housing solutions, from supporting tiny home villages to funding rental housing. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i seemed poised to adopt a vape flavor ban. Then came the amendments.
Health committee chair Rep. Ryan Yamane denied trying to kill the bill, saying the changes were necessary to increase the viability and scope of the ban. Civil Beat.

Ige appoints utilities lawyer to Public Utilities Commission
Naomi Kuwaye’s experience includes representing a $16 billion energy company in a major case before the commission that she will oversee if confirmed. Civil Beat.

Delay expected for air tour plans in Hawai‘i’s national parks
Proposals to cap tour flights over Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā national parks — or ban them altogether — are among the options that two federal agencies are considering as they draft long-overdue management plans. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Here’s Where You Can Often Buy Single-Family Homes on O‘ahu for Under $1 Million
These homes priced under $1 million are getting harder to find: Only six of the island’s 21 regions have a median price below that threshold. And prices are soaring even in those “bargain” neighborhoods… read more.

OʻAHU

Public workshops scheduled for Ala Wai flood risk abatement
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City and County of Honolulu are inviting the public to participate in a series of virtual “mini-workshops” next month concerning flood risk plans for the Ala Wai canal. Star-Advertiser.

After community uproar, a Kaka‘ako crosswalk will be restored
House Speaker Scott Saiki announced over the weekend that a busy crosswalk between Queen and Waimanu streets will be repainted, and a pedestrian refuge center will be installed. Hawaii News Now.

Upgrades, limits planned for popular Lanikai Pillbox Trail
A newly released 987-page draft environmental assessment describes proposed trail improvements and a management plan that includes capping the number of hikers through a permit or reservation system. Star-Advertiser.

Some Mānoa residents raise concerns over construction of kūpuna housing project
The Lin Yee Chung Association wants to build 288 affordable rentals on preservation land to pay for maintenance at the 170-year-old Manoa Chinese Cemetery. Hawaii News Now.

SPONSORED BY HAWAIʻI COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Maui Financial Opportunity Center Puts Affordable Housing Within Reach

With income limited by the local job market, childcare expenses and other costs, and debt like car payment and student loans, many local families assume they’ll never be able to buy a house. In partnership with Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and the County of Maui, The Maui Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) is working to change that… read more.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND

County auditor says new controls should curb favoritism in county hiring
It took more than four years, but the county has finally opened a whistleblower hotline, one of the recommendations of a scathing 2017 audit that found questionable hiring practices in county government. West Hawaii Today.

Kūkuiola and Village 9 will benefit from a new federal appropriation, officials say
The $10 million in federal funding earmarked for Hawai‘i County will be used to build affordable housing and shelter for the homeless in West Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Next phase of Hilo trails project is slated to be finished this year
The plan was to build nearly six miles of pedestrian trails connecting the Hilo Bayfront to Hilo Harbor. But after the first phase was completed in 2016, the second one had stalled. Tribune-Herald.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Honolulu Rail Columns Tell Stories
Each station’s 12-panel embossing is based on storylines, legends or other elements unique to the particular area. The engravings appear in three rows: The top reflects elements of the sky and heavens, the middle reflects life of plants and animals, and the bottom reflects elements of... read more.

MAUI COUNTY

County directors, deputies to get 5% raises
The Maui County Salary Commission voted Friday to grant the pay raises, starting July 1. Maui News.

Helicopter, air operations tied to noise and livestock disruptions
Two Maui County Council draft resolutions are asking the federal government to better manage aircraft operations in the county. Maui Now.

Retiring officers fear changes are lowering police standards
Three officers said changes such as shortening the recruit academy to five and a half months will jeopardize the safety of both police and the public. Maui News.

KAUAʻI

Alleged Russian operative tried to lure elected Hawai‘i officials to Russia
A woman accused of working as a foreign operative in America used a Kaua‘i County Council member and a nonprofit organization to try to lure government and military officials to meetings with high-ranking members of the Russian Federation. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: $8.5M secured for Westside affordable senior housing
The new community center and affordable senior housing at the Lima Ola Community in ‘Ele‘ele will house more than 500 families. Garden Island.

Erosion-mitigation project for Wailua Beach receives funding
A state Department of Transportation plan to rebuild the Wailua Beach shoreline using patented technology has gotten a boost from capital improvement project funding. Garden Island.