Hawaii Business Magazine Newsletters

Governor-elect Josh Green heads to Japan to promote Hawaii tourism.

Views expressed in this Hawaii State News summary are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 14 November 2022, 2016 UTC.

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11.14.2022

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Gov.-elect Josh Green heads to Japan to promote Hawai‘i tourism
Japan fully reopened for travel on Oct. 11, but the annual visitor count to Hawai‘i is less than 10% of pre-pandemic years. Tourism officials say Japanese visitors are key to improving the state’s economy because they spend more than mainland tourists. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island delivered the largest percentage of votes to Green, at 65.2%
The statewide average was 62.3% for Josh Green. Kaua‘i was 57.5% and O‘ahu was 61.6%, both under the state average. On Maui, 64.7% of voters preferred Green. West Hawaii Today.

Lawmakers honored federal lobbyist despite her conviction in a foreign lobbying scandal
Honolulu businesswoman Nickie Lum Davis pleaded guilty in August 2020 of secretly lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of Chinese and Malaysian interests. But that didn’t stop the state Senate from issuing an honorary certificate. Civil Beat.

National $22.5 million grant awarded to help Hawaiʻi researchers study health disparities
Researchers from UH and the John A. Burns School of Medicine received funding from the National Institutes of Health to study health disparities impacting Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Permits are now required to use lay nets
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to eliminate the requirement that lay net fishers register each net with the department. Instead, it will require one permit to use lay nets in general. Big Island Video News.

Scientists are still unlocking the mysteries of Hawai‘i’s humpback whales
Humpback whales have been arriving and leaving the Islands’ waters earlier than normal in recent years, according to a trend documented by scientists. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Hawai‘i’s Most Charitable Companies 2022
These 78 companies and nonprofits gave more than $217.3 million and 78,692 volunteer hours. The dollar figure is more than double the previous year’s, thanks to the inclusion of the state’s largest philanthropic organizations… read more.

OʻAHU

O‘ahu needs more affordable housing, but voters said no to more money
The charter amendment rejected last week would have increased the percentage of real property tax money sent to the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. The reasons behind the measure’s failure are complicated, but experts point to “economic NIMBYism” as a culprit. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council to take up restricting guns in “sensitive places”
The council is scheduled to hold a special meeting Nov. 29 to hear a bill that would restrict weapons from being carried in schools and other public places. Civil Beat.

At least 274 problem properties owe $130 million in fines to city
The largest amount for a single property — $15.8 million — has been levied on a vacant lot in Kalihi Valley, mainly for overgrown weeds. A property in Kahuku racked up $1.6 million in fines largely due to being an illegal short-term rental. Star-Advertiser.

Plans move forward for $100 million renovation of “antiquated” Honolulu Hale
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is proposing to relocate city government to a high rise to make way for the renovation. Hawaii News Now.

Felons violating probation threaten Hawai‘i’s public safety, says Alm
Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said felons are violating probation without any penalties because a program designed to keep high-risk probationers from committing new crimes isn’t being run properly. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns over leadership at St. Louis School prompt resignations, investigation
In the last six months, the principal, dean of students, VP of operations and athletic director have resigned in frustration with the president, Glenn Medeiros. According to the summary of an investigation, staff members felt that he takes “actions based on revenge.” Civil Beat.

Waikiki beach In Hawaii | Photo: courtesy of G70

SPONSORED BY G70

Critical Planning for Sea Level Rise in Waikīkī and Shoreline Resort Properties | G70 & Sea Engineering

It is essential for Waikīkī and shoreline resort properties to prepare critical adaptation plans. As sea levels rise now and into the future, coastal natural hazard exposure, such as passive flooding, wave inundation, coastal erosion, and storm surge, is predicted to increase for properties close to the shoreline….. read more.

HAWAIʻI ISLAND

County bills would reduce requirements for director positions
Hawai‘i County’s hiring criteria for directors of the departments of Public Works and Environmental Management could be loosened by a pair of bills to be discussed at County Council committee meetings this week. Tribune-Herald.

State officials, Hawaiian activists voice concern over Army’s Pōhakuloa training site
As the Army’s 65-year lease on the site nears expiration, state lawmakers and others responded to its draft environmental impact statement with scathing assessments, accusing the Army of data gaps regarding its effects on endangered species, ordnance cleanup plans and other concerns. Star-Advertiser.

County hires security for Waipi‘o Valley Lookout
Citing concerns about rockfalls, Mayor Mitch Roth closed Waipi‘o Valley Road by emergency proclamation on Feb. 25 to all but a handful of people, including valley residents and farmers. Tribune-Herald.

Final application phase for county’s Kīlauea disaster recovery program closes
More than 800 residents affected by the 2018 eruption are hoping Hawai‘i County will buy their properties. Tribune-Herald.

HAWAII BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Seeking Nominations for 20 for the Next 20 – Hawai‘i’s People to Watch
Hawaii Business Magazine is seeking nominations for the 2023 cohort of 20 for the Next 20 – Hawai‘i’s People to Watch. We are looking for people with a record of achievement in Hawai‘i and the potential to do much more over the next two decades.... read more.

MAUI COUNTY

In open council races, candidates overcame criticism of campaign donations
Nohe U‘u-Hodgins and Tom Cook, who won the County Council’s only open seats, survived criticism over heavy campaign spending and challenges by progressive candidates. Maui News.

Kulahaven Farms to close by year’s end
Hawaiʻi’s only rainbow trout aquaponics farm is ending operations, another blow to local food production. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Experts warn people to watch out for whales after record entanglements last season
As Maui heads into whale season, researchers and conservationists say they will be on the lookout for whales in distress. Maui News.

KAUAʻI

Lane closures scheduled in Kapa‘a
Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Mailihuna, Hau‘a‘ala and Kawaihau roads will prompt additional lane closures and detours this week. Kauai Now.

OCTOBER ISSUE