Maui News
Four Vessels to Support Neighbor Island Emergency Operations
The Security and Disaster Recovery vessels will be ported at Hilo, Kawaihae, Nāwiliwili, and Kahului Harbors and can support emergency operations at Port Allen, Kaunakakai, and Kaumalapau Harbors.
18 New COVID-19 Cases: Hawai‘i Total Now 762
There are 18 new COVID-19 case reported in Hawaiʻi today–all on Oʻahu–pushing the statewide count to 762 cases in Hawaiʻi over the course of the pandemic.
18 More COVID-19 Cases on O‘ahu, Spike Mostly Community-Associated
The Hawai‘i Dept. of Health is reporting an additional 18 cases of COVID-19 today, all of which were diagnosed in Honolulu. 15 of these new cases are in Hawai‘i residents and the residency of the other three remains under investigation.
Lāna‘i Brush Fire Scorches Small Area of Kaiolohia “Shipwreck” Beach
Maui fire crews douse a 900-square foot brush fire this morning in the Kaiolohia “Shipwreck Beach” area on the island of Lānaʻi.
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Now Open
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens reopened to the public on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. New business hours are Tuesdays through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
US Senate Passes Public Lands Legislation to Bring More Federal Dollars to Hawai‘i
Sen. Schatz, who serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee said the bill would help to address a $165 million maintenance backlog in Hawai‘i and help to protect public lands for future generations.
US Supreme Court Rejects Attempt to Terminate DACA
The US Supreme Court today voted 5-4 in favor of rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program or DACA. An estimated 4,000 Dreamers live in Hawai‘i. Over 800 Hawaiʻi residents have been granted DACA status over the past 5 years.
Study Finds Return of Fish Populations and Larger Predators at Molokini During COVID-19 Restrictions
The study, led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi, found greater fish populations and the return of ulua, omilu and reef sharks. Researchers say it’s sign of a healthy ecosystem, but say the increases are likely temporary and will probably disappear once visitors return to Molokini.
Expeditions Lāna‘i Ferry Resumes Operations Today
The current schedule is for Monday, Wednesday and Friday with two round trips each day, departing from: Lahaina at 6:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.; and Mānele at 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Haleakalā National Park Restarts Sunrise Reservations
Beginning Saturday, June 20, 2020 the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park will reopen for sunrise viewing through the sunrise reservation system on Recreation.gov. Sunrise reservations allow access to the Summit District from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. and can only be used for the day specified on the reservation itself.
Schatz-Hirono Bill Aims to Improve Air Tour, Skydiving Safety
The new legislation also seeks to implement the recommendations made by the NTSB on skydiving flights following an investigation into the skydiving plane crash that tragically killed 11 people in Hawai‘i last year. The bill will standardize maintenance and pilot training programs to meet the unique needs of skydiving operations.
5 New COVID-19 Cases: Hawai‘i Total Now 744
There are 5 new COVID-19 case reported in Hawaiʻi today–4 on Oʻahu, and 1 on Hawaiʻi Island–pushing the statewide count to 740 cases in Hawaiʻi over the course of the pandemic. As a result of updated testing information, one case has since been removed from the counts on Oʻahu. To date, 639 people (87.8%) have recovered including 113 in Maui County. There are currently 88 active cases.
Public Input Sought on Decommissioning of Hōkū Keʻa Telescope Atop Maunakea
Hōkū Keʻa is one of the first two telescopes set to be decommissioned on UH-managed Maunakea lands. The decommissioning of Hōkū Keʻa is anticipated to be completed in mid-to-late 2023.
Hawai‘i Democrats Elect National Convention Delegates
A 33 member National Delegation has been elected by the Democratic Party of Hawai’i to represent the state at the Democratic National Convention.
Three GoAkamai Cameras Added in Central Maui
The new cameras are installed at the intersections of: Kūihelani Highway/Airport Access Road and Puʻunēnē Avenue/Maui Veterans Highway; Airport Access Road and Dairy Road/Pakaula Street; and, Hāna Highway and Dairy Road.
Maui Lani Roundabout Construction Results in Closure of Central Maui Regional Sports Complex
County officials say the closure will help to address safety concerns and limit traffic in the surrounding area. The roundabout project located at the Maui Lani Parkway-Kamehameha Avenue intersection is scheduled to be completed before the start of school.
Interisland Travel Resumes; Rental Companies Begin Sending Cars Back to Mainland
“Most of the car rental companies are starting to send cars back to the mainland. We’ve had quite a reduction–although it doesn’t look like it–but we’ve had a reduction in vehicles that we house here at the airport,” said Moniz.
Three Incidents in Three Days Prompts Reminder Not to Disturb Hawaiian Monk Seals
The state is reminding the public not to disturb endangered Hawaiian monk seals after learning of three incidents in as many days.
Mandatory Quarantine for Interisland Travelers Ends
The mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for interisland travelers was lifted today. The state Department of Transportation reports that the transition has gone smoothly so far.
$459,743 Raised for Charity at 2020 Sentry Tournament of Champions Event on Maui
More than a dozen Maui non-profit organizations benefitted from the 2020 Sentry Tournament of Champions, totaling more than $450,000 in total generated funds.
