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Gov. Green Announce Tentative Contract with HSTA

Hawaii teachers represented by the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA) are set to receive a 14.5% pay increase over the next four years, according to a tentative contract settlement announced by Governor Josh Green, M.D., DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi, and HSTA President Osa Tui Jr. The proposed contract also includes average annual pay raises of 3.4%, which will help to stabilize Hawaii’s public education workforce, and an increase in pay for instructors working toward licensure, which will aid teacher recruitment. Bonuses for experienced teachers will also be provided to increase retention. The proposed contract also includes improvements to health and safety in the work environment, and the creation of work groups to address student needs. The contract will be voted on in-person on April 26 at various locations throughout the state.

Rep. Ed Case: Introduce Regulation on the Air Tour Industry

Hawai‘i's Congressional delegation has introduced two bills aimed at "improving safety standards for air tours and reducing noise for local residents". The Air Tour and Skydiving Safety Improvement Act, initially introduced in 2020 by Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, would implement new safety standards to protect passengers on air tours and enhance the safety of skydiving flights across the country. The Hawai‘i Air Tour Management Act would require the Federal Aviation Administration to collaborate with the State of Hawai‘i to develop a new management plan that minimizes the noise generated by these tours.

These bills were prompted by a significant number of accidents and safety concerns relating to air tours in Hawai‘i according to a press release from Congressman Case; where at least 85 individuals have died in air tour crashes. Part 91 commercial air tour operators are subject to less stringent safety standards than Part 135, which applies to most commercial air tours and charter flight operators. The Air Tour and Skydiving Safety Improvement Act would close this loophole and increase safety standards for small aircraft tour operators. The Hawai‘i Air Tour Management Act would enhance the management of Hawaiʻi’s airspace and natural resources.

Senator Schatz and Senator Hirono believe that the bills would increase safety standards and reduce noise pollution for the benefit of both residents and tourists. The proposed legislation is supported by organizations such as Helicopter Association International and the National Business Aviation Association.

Wālua Trail Temporarily Closed

The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation has announced the temporary closure of Wālua Trail in Kailua-Kona from April 24 to May 5, 2023, as the Department of Public Works performs repaving and improvement work. Trail users are advised to seek alternative routes during the closure and the Department thanks them for their understanding and patience as repairs are made to the trail. For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Administration office at 961-8311.

Police Request Assistance Searching for missing teen

Hawaiʻi Island police are seeking the public's help in finding 16-year-old Daniel Soares, who was reported as a runaway. Soares was last seen on Sunday, April 16, 2023, in Volcano, wearing black jeans, a black jacket, and white shoes. He is described as having a light complexion, standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The police department urges anyone with information about Soares' whereabouts to contact Officer Spencer Thomas of Puna Patrol at (808) 965-2716 or call the department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Hawaiian Electric Announce Road Closure in Hamakua

Hawaiian Electric has announced a partial closure of Highway 19 between mile markers 37 and 38 in Paauilo on April 19-21, in preparation for infrastructure upgrades to build resilience on the Hamakua Coast. The upgrades will include the removal and replacement of 14 transmission poles, and crews will transport and prepare the poles which will require one lane to be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Utility trucks will be staged in the Hilo-bound lane, with traffic contraflowed in the Honokaa-bound lane. Flagmen will provide traffic control. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the work area and anticipate traffic delays.

The work is part of Hawaiian Electric's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and increase the resilience of the power grid. The utility company encourages the public to be aware of the partial closure and to plan their travels accordingly.

For any questions or concerns, the public can call (808) 969-6666.

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 15 – APRIL 21

PLEASE NOTE:

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.

— KANOELEHUA AVENUE (ROUTE 11) —

1) HILO

Single lane closure on Kanoelehua Avenue (Route 11) will shift over either direction between mile markers 1.7 and 2, between Makaala Street and E. Puainako Street, on Monday, April 17, though Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for installation of traffic signal loop detectors.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 49 and 51, in the vicinity of Ka‘Ala‘Ala Gulch on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 57 and 59, in the vicinity of Kuhua Bay and Kawa Bay on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 89 and 90, near Papalani Road on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree cutting and mulching.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane close on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) in either direction at mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) NINOLE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 16 and 19, in the vicinity of Kauniho Road and Old Mamalahoa Highway, on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, between Middle Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.

3) PAAUILO

Single left lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in either direction between mile markers 37 and 38, in the vicinity of Hauola Road and Kalopa Road, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Hawaiian Electric Company replacing poles and restringing overhead lines.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 52 and 54, between Puumanu Place and Kekehau Street, on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) PAHOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 11, near Ka Ohuwalu Drive on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 11, between Ka Ohuwalu Drive and Kahakai Boulevard on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 9.5 and 10.5, in the vicinity of Kahakai Boulevard and Pahoa Village on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for concrete work in the median.

— PAHOA KALAPANA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Pahoa Kalapana Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 18, in the vicinity of Kaluahine Street on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAILUA-KONA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 30 and 32, in the vicinity Makalei Drive, on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 30 and 32, in the vicinity of Makalei Drive on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, in the vicinity of Puu Lani Drive on Monday April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder extension.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 12, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for shoulder work and tree trimming.

2) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 12, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reconstructing and resurfacing shoulder work.

3) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Puuhue Road on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shoulder work and tree trimming.

4) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Puuhue Road on Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reconstructing and resurfacing shoulder work.