Bitter winter storms across much of the mainland this week so far have delayed shipment of 37,450 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Hawaii, with only 10,250 doses successfully delivered, the Department of Health reported Wednesday. Read more
So far this week the state had received only 9,750 Pfizer doses and 500 of the Moderna vaccine, and health officials said it is unclear whether further shipments will be delayed. Read more
State health officials reported no new coronavirus-related deaths as the statewide death toll remains at 426. Read more
The Department of Health said 10 trays containing 9,750 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived today as scheduled but delivery of 14,200 doses of the Moderna vaccine did not make it. Read more
Lifestyle and socioeconomic factors are often associated with the higher prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Native Hawaiians, but new research has found that Polynesian genetic ancestry also elevates the risk for certain chronic ailments. Read more
HPD data presented to the commission last week showed Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders were involved in 34.5% of the total force incidents and accounted for 38% of arrests in 2019, even though they make up 23% of the population on Oahu, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Read more
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With more and more Hawaii residents getting vaccinated against COVID-19 each day, is it time to send students back to classrooms, lift restrictions on gatherings and businesses, and revise the state’s travel rules for those who have received the required two doses? Read more
Stricken by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaii tourism entered 2021 in critical condition with visitor arrivals down 74% from the previous year, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Read more
The attempted reopening of tourism in the last quarter of 2020 through the state’s Safe Travels prearrival testing program didn’t do much to boost the industry’s vital signs. Read more
A summary of the survey that was released Wednesday said “anecdotal evidence suggests that vaccine acceptance has increased since and will continue to increase over time.” Read more
An estimated 109,808 vaccinations had been administered statewide as of Monday, according to preliminary data from the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division. Read more
An estimated 94,003 people had received COVID-19 vaccinations in Hawaii as of Thursday, according to a preliminary count provided by the state Department of Health. Read more
The Polynesian Cultural Center, a cornerstone of Laie and an economic magnet for the North Shore community, is set to reopen Monday following a 10-month-long closure — one of that last major attractions on Oahu to welcome back visitors after Hawaii tourism was shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
State plans to build a $30 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge across Ala Moana Boulevard in Kakaako near the site of a horrific crash that killed three pedestrians and seriously injured four other victims is drawing criticism from some community members who say the costly project will largely benefit the upscale Ward Village development. Read more
MauiWine’s vineyards were planted in 1974 at the 1,800-foot elevation, producing six grape varietals on 23 acres. Read more
Tourism is back — somewhat — but it’s going take months before the state parks system is able to enjoy any windfall from an increase in fees that went into effect Oct. 9. Read more
Petitions seeking to add anxiety, depression and insomnia to the list of “debilitating medical conditions” that qualify Hawaii patients for medical cannabis use will undergo a public hearing Thursday. Read more
The Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday renewed a revocable permit issued to the Kahala Hotel & Resort for a small beachfront parcel, with further conditions to install more visible declarations that the grassy area is open to the public despite the presence of hotel lounge chairs. Read more
Airline travel to Hawaii remained strong Friday, with 7,853 trans-Pacific passengers arriving one day after the reopening of tourism under the state’s new pre-travel testing program. Read more
Change is a constant at Kilauea Volcano, and the 2018 eruption and summit collapse that took out major visitor and scientific facilities at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is providing an opportunity for further change in the form of a disaster recovery project. Read more
The state has tentatively agreed to accept the Doris Duke Foundation of Islamic Art’s offer of up to $1 million to underwrite the cost of dismantling a breakwater that protects a popular swimming cove at the late heiress’ former Black Point estate, but it’s unclear whether the controversial project will happen. Read more
