News from February 2021
Hawaii visitors 'satisfied' with trip despite COVID-19 restrictions, survey finds
By Christopher Mobley | Feb 7, 2021
Most mainland visitors are satisfied with their recent trips to Hawaii despite COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, according to a Hawaii Tourism Authority survey, which was conducted by Anthology, the Star Advertiser reported.
Requirements to show negative COVID-19 status could harm Hawaii's tourism, business owners say
By April Bamburg | Feb 7, 2021
New rules aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may have an impact on the recovery of Hawaii’s tourism industry, some say, according to a KITV 4 report.
Double Up Food Bucks program helps Hawaii residents, farmers
By April Bamburg | Feb 7, 2021
Hawaii’s “Double Up Food Bucks” program has been helping farmers and families since 2015, when it launched as a pilot program on Hawaii Island, according to Honolulu Civil Beat.
Hawaii DLNR to expand wetland reservation project
By Christopher Mobley | Feb 7, 2021
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the expansion of the state’s first wetland restoration project on Kaua‘i, the Kawai‘ele Waterbird Sanctuary.
Two new COVID-19 variants found in Hawaii
By Christopher Mobley | Feb 7, 2021
The Hawaii Department of Health recently issued a press release stating that additional new variants of the COVID-19 virus have made it to Hawaii.
Half of Hawaiians on board with vaccination, survey finds
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 7, 2021
Approximately half of respondents to a recent survey by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) are on board with getting vaccinated against COVID-19, with around a quarter responding that they are “still deciding.”
Hawaii Tourism Authority: 94% of visitors 'satisfied' with Hawaii trips amid pandemic
By Christopher Mobley | Feb 7, 2021
On Monday, Feb. 1, the results of a survey commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority were made public.
OHA makes grants available for iwi kūpuna, Ahahui
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 7, 2021
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is accepting applications for its Iwi Kupuna Repatriation and Reinterment grants and Ahahui grants programs, with approximately $344,000 available between the two programs.
State leaders recognize importance of boosting broadband in Hawaii
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 7, 2021
In line with the State of the State Address recently given by Gov. David Ige, there has been a push from the state to improve infrastructure in order to accommodate economic diversification so that the state’s economy is not as vulnerable due to such heavy reliance on tourism.
Ige demands more COVID-19 vaccines
By Christina Heath | Feb 7, 2021
Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he is demanding more COVID-19 vaccinations from the federal government and is unlikely to support further efforts of loosening Oahu's tiered reopening system.
Hawaii businesses have a long road to recovery due to pandemic
By Christina Heath | Feb 7, 2021
More than two-thirds of Hawaii businesses continue to see a downturn in terms of its revenue, according to a Hawaii News Now report.
Hawaii residents left to navigate unemployment labyrinth
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 7, 2021
Issues with unemployment compensation have been thrown into stark relief by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many residents reporting confusion and even difficult gaps between the expiration of one set of benefits and the commencement of the next.
Hawaii Legislature introduces multiple bills to counter ethics committee gift prohibition
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 7, 2021
Hawaii lawmakers are pushing back against recent rules enacted by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission that limit the gifts they can receive, seeking to once again be able to accept small food gifts, known as “gifts of aloha.”
Oahu, Hawaii Island sustain biggest drop in short-term vacation rentals
By Karen Kidd | Feb 7, 2021
Oahu and Hawaii Island sustained the biggest drop in the number of properties listed as short-term vacation rentals, which has declined by as much as half in all the islands compared to pre-COVID days, according to a recent Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) news report.
Economists report 2020 worst year since 1946, 2021 outlook unclear
By Andy Nghiem | Feb 7, 2021
The COVID-19 health pandemic battered the U.S. economy for most of 2020, causing the largest economic shortfall in nearly 75 years.
UHERO report backs up state's critical audit of Agribusiness Development Corp.
By Andy Nghiem | Feb 7, 2021
University of Hawaii economists recently released a report supporting a scathing state audit that shows Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. (ADC) is failing to deliver on its mission to transform the Hawaii agriculture industry.
Hawaii citizens struggle to get help due to delays in jobless benefits
By Caleb Lombardo | Feb 7, 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has been deeply damaging and has presented a difficult situation for millions of people around the world, and that is no different for the citizens and business owners in Hawaii.
Jet air ambulance speeds up response times for Hawaii
By Christina Heath | Feb 7, 2021
Hawaii's new air ambulance jets will help further the speed of emergency responses for all on the Hawaiian Islands.
Stations with the cheapest midgrade gas in Kailua Kona for the week of January 25-31
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2021
The Hele at 74-5590 Palani Road, Suite 30 is selling the cheapest midgrade gasoline in Kailua Kona for the week of January 25-31, according to GasBuddy.com.
Stations with the cheapest diesel gas in Kailua-Kona for the week of January 25-31
By Big Island Times | Feb 7, 2021
The Big Island Energy at 74-574 Honokohau St. is selling the cheapest diesel gasoline in Kailua-Kona for the week of January 25-31, according to GasBuddy.com.