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Hawai'i County Flood Watch

Residents of Hawaii have been warned to take precautions against heavy rain and flooding that is expected to hit the state in the coming days. According to the Hawaii National Weather Service, a cold front will bring the threat of heavy rain and flooding to Kauai last night, Oahu late last night and early Wednesday, and Maui County and Hawaii Island Wednesday through Thursday. Thunderstorms are also possible.

Hawaii County Civil Defense has issued a Flood Watch for the state from now through Wednesday, with the heaviest showers expected in Ka'u and Puna. A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding caused by high rainfall. Residents are advised not to cross fast-flowing water in their vehicles or on foot. The agency has also warned that significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages, and landslides may occur in areas with steep terrain. The agency will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to residents as needed to ensure their safety.

Council to Consider Veto Override on Zoning

The Hawai'i County Council will be considering whether or not to override Mayor Mitch Roth's veto of Bill 194 introduced by Councilmember Holeka Inaba. The Bill, which proposes to remove the Planning Commission’s, Council’s, and Department’s authority to grant and/or add administrative time extensions for the performance of conditions within rezoning ordinances, has been a topic of debate for some time.

Mayor Roth vetoed the Bill citing concerns over its potential impact on the County’s ability to condition rezoning ordinances, provide affordable housing, and facilitate development projects. The Mayor noted that the Bill would add expense, uncertainty, and difficulty to the rezoning process, limiting the County’s flexibility to condition rezoning ordinances appropriately.

Furthermore, the Mayor stated that the Bill would impede the County’s ability to provide residents with housing and facilities like hospitals, schools, and job centers, ultimately punishing unsophisticated applicants and adding unnecessary costs to the development process.

The Mayor’s recommendation is not to pass Bill 194 in any form and allow the existing process to remain in place. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to providing housing for residents and noted that the Bill would impede the County’s ability to achieve that goal.

The decision to veto the Bill comes after careful consideration of its potential impact on the County’s planning and zoning processes. Mayor Roth hopes that the Council will work collaboratively with his administration to find alternative solutions to address the issues the Bill aimed to resolve.

The Bill would provide the Council “exclusive authority to grant an initial time extension for the performance of conditions within a change of zone ordinance.” It also increases the filing fee from $250 to $500 for any request for a time extension, change, or alteration of conditions within a change of zone ordinance.

In Early March, Council Members Evans, Villegas, Inaba, Kagiwada, Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder, and Chair Kimball voted yes, while the opposition came from Council members Lee Loy, Kierkiewicz, and Galimba who voted no.

The County Council will meet today to consider whether to override Mayor Roth's veto of Bill 194.

Senator Schatz Resolution to Preserve Local News

A group of 14 senators, led by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), introduced a resolution designating April 2023 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month.” The resolution recognizes the importance of local news as a public good that serves an essential function in the democracy of the United States. The resolution affirms the significance of local news in increasing civic engagement and strengthening democratic norms and practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced over 100 local newsrooms to close, with 30 percent of local television stations reporting budget cuts and staff reductions. The resolution acknowledges the valuable contributions of local journalism toward the maintenance of healthy and vibrant communities. The resolution is co-sponsored by several other senators and has been endorsed by various organizations, including PEN America, Free Press Action, and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Senator Schatz has previously introduced legislation to support local journalism, and this resolution highlights the importance of preserving and protecting local news as a vital aspect of American democracy. As local news continues to face challenges, such as newsroom closures and budget cuts, it is critical that support is provided to ensure the continued provision of this essential public service.

National Take Back Initiative

The National Take Back Initiative is an important event that occurs twice a year in order to keep unused or expired prescription drugs off the streets and out of the wrong hands. On April 22, 2023, the Hawaii Police Department's Kona Station and the Ka Waena Lapa`au Medical Complex in Hilo will be designated as collection sites for anyone who wishes to dispose of their expired or unused prescription medications.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an anonymous service that is free to the public, and no questions are asked. Everything can be kept in its original container, and no labels need to be removed. Tablets, capsules, liquids, and other forms of medication will be accepted. Vaping devices will also be accepted, but batteries must be removed. However, new or used syringes will not be accepted.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Attorney General is partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement Division, and other law enforcement agencies to coordinate prescription drug take-back events across the state. The purpose of this initiative is to safely and securely dispose of unwanted medications, which can help keep our homes and communities safe.

It is important to properly dispose of unused or expired medicine, as it may lose its effectiveness after the expiration date. Improper use of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drug use. Having unused or expired medicine in your home increases the risk of accidental poisoning, especially in homes where children or the elderly live. People may mistake one type of medicine for another, or children may mistake medicine for candy.

Medicine should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet, as this can lead to prescription drugs entering the human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life. Instead, medicine should be properly disposed of when it is no longer needed for which it was prescribed.

If you are unable to participate in the National Take Back Initiative on April 22, a list of drug take back drop box locations is available at hawaiiopioid.org. By properly disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs, you can help keep our communities safe and prevent potential harm to people and the environment.

Incentives Announced For Landlords

The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) has launched an incentive program to encourage landlords to participate in select housing assistance programs. As part of the program, landlords who partner with the OHCD may receive a one-time $3,000 incentive payment when renting with a one-year lease to Emergency Housing, Veteran, Non-Elderly and Disabled, or Foster Young Adult voucher holders. Property owners with multiple open units could receive $3,000 per unit. The aim is to increase the number of landlords on Hawaiʻi Island participating in the program to provide more housing opportunities for participants holding vouchers.

The shortage of affordable rental housing units makes it difficult for voucher recipients to find or keep an affordable housing rental unit in Hawai’i County. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in 2021, Hawaiʻi had just 89 affordable and available homes per 100 renter households earning at or below 100% Area Median Income (AMI). For low-income renter households, those earning at or below 80% AMI, there were just 74 units per 100 households. The figure drops to 34 units per 100 households at or below 30% AMI. The Landlord Incentive Program will end upon the depletion of available federal funding. Interested landlords are encouraged to sign up for the OHCD’s next New Landlord Orientation set for May 24 in Hilo.

FAA Halts Southwest Airlines

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a halt order on Southwest Airlines on Tuesday morning following an internal computer system issue. This came after an operational breakdown in December 2022, which led to almost 17,000 passenger cancellations, and the airline has been working on overhauling their computer issues. The FAA tweeted about the issue and Southwest's departures were paused until the issue was resolved. The halt affected the airline's service to Hawai'i Island airport and caused cancellations and reschedules. The pause was lifted, and service resumed later on Tuesday morning.

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.

Congresswoman Tokuda Announce Kona Town hall

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.