TENDING A WORLD-FAMOUS  BEACH – KŪHIO EROSION CONTROL PROJECT Sandbag Groin Achieving Desired Result (Honolulu) –World-famous Waikīkī Beach is Hawaiʻi’s primary draw for tourists and the chief economic driver of Hawaiʻi’s economy. It has a fascinating history. Beginning in the 1930’s and continuing into the 1960’s one of the world’s most iconic beaches was built with stone and sand imported from different parts of the state. Sam Lemmo knows beaches as the Administrator of the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL). When it comes to protecting and enhancing Waikīkī he puts it this way, “We rely on Waikīkī Beach, and we need to maintain it the same way you would with any public infrastructure.” The latest beach improvement, the Kūhio Erosion Control Project, is performing well — so much so that, as Lemmo says, “we’re very, very happy.” The new, short groin, running perpendicular to one of Waikīkī’s most popular beaches, is made up of eighty-three, 10,000-pound bags of sand. The groin stabilizes that part of the beach so that the old Waikīkī Tavern foundation is now buried allowing for safe pedestrian access to the water. The ebb and flow of sand is a natural process, accelerated in recent history by sea level rise. Lemmo explains, “The ocean around Hawaiʻi has risen 9-10 inches over the past century.  It has a profound impact on the viability of our beaches. We’re trying to get everyone comfortable with the notion that these beach restoration projects are critical in areas where beaches provide significant visitor and resident benefits  If we are to maintain the viability of this tremendous asset in the face of climate change, we must continue to invest ourselves into its upkeep.” But Lemmo adds that many natural beaches undergoing long term retreat due to rising seas will not be able to be repaired with modern engineering.  The dynamics of intact natural coastal systems are very complex, and it would be unwise to initiate a beach engineering effort when it would be wiser to allow the shoreline to erode.  His office and many other public and private interests are pursuing other options for natural beach resiliency, including encouraging development and people to move away from eroding shorelines. This allows a beach to recess inland like it would naturally in the absence of development. Back at Kūhio Beach Lemmo points out, that as the state’s tourism center, Waikīkī accounts for close to half of the hotel rooms in Hawai‘i and generates more than one-third of the state’s gross domestic product. “Waikiki is a very important place for us,” he said. “We’re just doing our part, trying to maintain one of the most famous beaches in the world. People come to Hawai‘i to visit our beaches and to enjoy our water, our coral reefs, and our mountains. This is just one component of an overall strategy to make sure we give our guests what they pay for…safe enjoyment of our resources and enjoyment of our Aloha.” #KuhioBeach #WaikikiBeach #OCCL #KuhioErosionControl #SamLemmo #DLNR #HawaiiState

Senator Gil Riviere issued the following statement today: "I am very disappointed with the statement made by Senator Brian Schatz calling for the closure of Dillingham Airfield. It is irresponsible to make such a definitive statement about the accident and the airfield before any facts of the matter have been established. "The two pilots who lost their lives today were highly qualified aviators, devoted to the love of flight. They were very well liked and respected, trained countless new pilots, and eagerly shared their passion for aviation. These men absolutely loved to fly at Dillingham Airfield, so a call to shut down the airport within hours of their loss is truly insensitive and misinformed. God bless these good men, their loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure to know them." Senator Gil Riviere represents Hawaii Senate District 23. He lives in Waialua, just a few miles of Dillingham Airfield. -END- #DillinghamAirfield #Transportation #HawaiiSenate #GilRiviere

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Senator Brian T. Taniguchi (Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, and Papakolea) will hold legislative town hall meetings over two days in February. The first will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Noelani Elementary School library, 2655 Woodlawn Drive. The second will be at the Makiki District Park Administration Building, 1527 Ke‘eaumoku Street, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. State Representative Dale Kobayashi (Manoa, Punahou, University, and Mo‘ili‘ili) and City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi will join the senator at the Noelani Elementary meeting, and State Representative Della Au Belatti (Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawa‘a, and Manoa) will be at the Makiki District Park meeting. #LegislativeUpdates #TownHallMeeting #HawaiiSenate #HILeg2020 #HawaiiSenate #BrianTaniguchi

HONOLULU, HI – With the Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture or FESTPAC less than four-months out, event commissioners held a news conference today announcing numerous preparations underway. FESTPAC will run from June 10-21, 2020 with events being held throughout Honolulu and Waikīkī. It will be the first time that Hawaiʻi will serve as FESTPAC host. Thousands of Pacific Islanders and visitors are expected to attend FESTPAC. This yearʻs theme is: E kū i ka hoe uli (Take hold of the steering paddle). “Our theme serves as a reminder to every Pacific Islander, that we are leading global discussions on climate change and its effect on the very identity of our island cultures,” said Senator English, who serves as FESTPAC Hawaiʻi Chairman. “It is a reminder to our young leaders to heed the call of our elders - to perpetuate and carry on our stories and practice our culture and ancestral knowledge.” FESTPAC is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different Oceania country. It was started by the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture at each festival. The first South Pacific Arts Festival was held in Fiji in 1972. In 1980, the event became the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture. Delegates from more than twenty oceanic nations are expected to participate in this year’s event. Throughout the 11 days there will be a Festival Village, cultural exchange and discussions, performances and exhibits. Opening ceremonies are slated to occur at ʻIolani Palace; and, closing ceremonies will take place at Kapiʻolani Park. Health, housing, security, and other precautionary measures are all part of FESTPAC planning.  FESTPAC Commissioners acknowledged that the event could not take place without the strong support of the Legislature, State agencies, Honolulu County and numerous sponsors. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) is among the key sponsors of FESTPAC.  HTA President and CEO Chris Tatum announced an allocation of $500,000 for the festival. “Our investment in this historic event is to ensure that all who come to FESTPAC Hawaiʻi will experience the beauty of our state and learn about our unique history that guides our values today,” said Tatum. FESTPAC Commissioners have worked with other sponsor partners including Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi to assist in housing Pacific Island delegates. A Hawaiʻi delegation has participated in every FESTPAC since 1976.  FESTPAC Commissioner and Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento is among the former delegates who represented Hawaiʻi at past festivals. She called the experiences, “eye opening.” “It’s important for Hawaiʻi to host FESTPAC, so we can remember who we are - that we come from a really rich legacy, because I think a lot of people have relegated in their minds that Hawaiians only exist in certain venues,” said Bento. Today’s FESTPAC announcement was held during the month’s end of honoring ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi. For more information about FESTPAC Hawaiʻi 2020, including a list planned events and venues, visit www.festpachawaii.org. #FESTPAC #FESTPACHawaii #FESTPAC2020 #Hawaii #PolynesianCulture #PacificIslanders

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – State Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona) will be holding a legislative update meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2020, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Waimea Elementary School cafeteria, 67-1225 Hawaii Belt Road. Updates on bills that are being worked on in the Senate will be the focus of this meeting. Discussion of other issues of concern to the district and community will also be on the table. State Representative David Tarnas (North Kona, North Kohala, and South Kohala) and Hawai‘i County Councilman Tim Richards (North Kohala and South Kohala) will also be participating. #LegislativeUpdate #LorraineInouye #HawaiiIsland #CommunityMeeting #HawaiiSenate

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is seeking comments on overall goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in HDOT’s transportation contracts. DBEs are for-profit small businesses whose primary owner and management are considered socially and economically disadvantaged. Federal funding requirements call for state and local transportation agencies to set overall goals for the participation of DBEs in U.S. Department of Transportation-funded contracts. HDOT is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to current DBE and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program goals, new DBE and ACDBE goals for coming years, and methods HDOT will use to meet those goals. The public can participate through a meeting Monday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meeting locations by island are listed below: HONOLULU (OAHU) HDOT, 869 Punchbowl Street, 5th Floor Conference Room, Honolulu, HI 96813 KAHULUI (MAUI) VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE Highways Division Maui District Office, 650 Palapala Drive, Kahului, HI 96732 LIHUE (KAUAI) VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE Highways Division Kauai District Office, 1720 Haleukana Street, Lihue, HI 96766 HILO (HAWAII ISLAND) VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE Highways Division Hawaii District Office, 50 Makaala Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Comments can also be made online through March 11, 2020 via https://www.keenindependent.com/hdotdisparitystudy2019or through email to HDOTdisparitystudy2019@keenindependent.com If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Daniel Williams, Acting DBE Program Supervisor, at (808) 831-7914 or daniel.k.williams@hawaii.gov as soon as possible. Please make requests as early as possible to allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. DBE/ ACDBE Background As part of its implementation of the Federal DBE Program, HDOT conducted an Availability and Disparity Study to provide information about HDOT’s overall goals for DBE participation over the coming years and ways to achieve those goals. To view the draft study and learn more about HDOT’s DBE program, visit http://hidot.hawaii.gov/administration/ocr/dbe/ HDOT also operates the Federal Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program at many of its airports. It also develops goals for ACDBE participation in airport concessions and chooses methods to achieve those goals. HDOT is seeking public comment on the following overall DBE goals and its methods of meeting those goals for federal fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022 for: Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts. Federal Aviation Administration-funded contracts at Honolulu International Airport and Kahului Airport. HDOT is asking for public comment on proposed new overall DBE goals for federal fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 and methods of meeting those goals for: FAA-funded contracts for small hub primary airports (Kona, Hilo and Lihue). Federal Transit Administration-funded contracts. HDOT is also seeking public comment on ACDBE goals and its methods of meeting those goals for federal fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 for: Airport concessions for Honolulu International Airport and Kahului Airport. The draft study and other documents related to HDOT’s proposed DBE goals will also be made available during business hours (7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) at the HDOT Office of Civil Rights. The address for this office is: 200 Rodgers Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819. #Transportation #HDOT #Contracts #DisadvantagedBusinessEnterprises #DBE #FAA #FederalTransitAdministration #FederalAirportConcessions #FederalDBEProgram

HONOLULU – The Judicial Selection Commission has submitted the names of four nominees for the judicial vacancy in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Hawai‘i Island). The position has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Greg K. Nakamura in November 2019. The commission has investigated the backgrounds and qualifications of the applicants and submitted the list of nominees to Gov. David Ige on Friday, Feb. 14. The nominees are: Jeffrey A. Hawk currently serves as an attorney and per diem judge of Family Court, Third Circuit. He earned his law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and is the recipient of the 1996 Bernard Levinson Award for Best Constitutional Law Paper. He also has a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley. William B. Heflin is a partner and attorney at the law firm of Alcain Naniole & Heflin. He is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He has an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Honolulu Community College and a B.A. in History from Sopha University in Japan, where he also earned a 1st degree black belt in Aikido. Peter K. Kubota is an attorney in private practice with his own firm – Peter K. Kubota, Attorney at Law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He also attended the University of Oregon and earned a B.B.A in Finance at the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa College of Business. Jeffrey W.S. Ng is a senior trial deputy public defender with the State of Hawai‘i. He has a Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan. Governor Ige will interview each nominee and is seeking public comment on the governor’s website at governor.hawaii.gov – Contact the Governor. The governor has 30 calendar days or until Mar. 15 to make his appointment, which is subject to Senate confirmation. #HawaiiJudiciary #HawaiiSenate #JeffreyNg #PeterKubota #WilliamHeflin #JeffreyHawk

DOH: The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) was notified today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that an adult male who traveled to Maui from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 and to Oahu from Feb. 3-7 has been confirmed for COVID-19. The individual is a Japanese national who developed severe symptoms, sought medical care, and was diagnosed and tested after leaving Hawaii and returning home to Japan. The Department of Health was informed that the individual had no symptoms while traveling on Maui and developed cold-like symptoms with no fever while staying on Oahu. The department has begun an investigation and is working closely with state, federal and county officials. A medical advisory was sent out today to alert the healthcare community in Hawaii to be vigilant about possible cases. “The Department of Health has been expecting and preparing for identifying a travel-related case in Hawaii because of the widespread outbreak in China and other areas of the world. The state is more than ready with aggressive control and prevention measures as we work closely with our medical community and response partners,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We are committed to keeping the public fully informed and will continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds.” “The individual had no symptoms while on Maui and was not contagious,” said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist. “There is no increased risk on Maui from possible exposure. On Oahu, the individual had cold-like symptoms with no fever. I have alerted physicians that it’s possible that cases may surface sometime before Feb. 21 because the onset of illness is generally within 14 days.” While traveling on Oahu, the individual stayed with his wife at a timeshare at the Grand Wakikian by Hilton Grand Vacations. The individual did not seek medical care in Hawaii and may have worn a mask during parts of his travel. DOH was informed that the individual wore a mask during his flight back to Japan. Using an mask when you are ill can protect others from becoming infected. The Department of Health is committed to sharing information as it becomes available.  People are urged not spread misinformation or inaccurate statements that are not confirmed, and keep updated and informed on the situation. Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay home when you are sick.Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Get your flu shot. With current seasonal influenza activity, it is likely there will be confusion as persons with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough. We strongly recommend residents 6 months and older protect themselves against flu by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination. For information on the 2019-nCoV outbreak, including information for clinicians and public health professionals, visit the following websites. health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019 www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china https://hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/ Call Aloha United Way’s 211 hotline for information by phone, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDF: DOH notified of confirmed COVID-19 case who traveled to Maui and Oahu

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige is heading to Japan on Saturday for a series of meetings to promote and expand travel to Hawai‘i, and make access easier through pre-clearance flights from Japan to Hawai‘i and the U.S. Approximately 1.5 million visitors come to Hawai‘i annually, spending about $2.5 billion a year. While in Japan, the governor will also meet with key stakeholders of the Thirty Meter Telescope to provide updates on the project. Gov. Ige leaves Honolulu on Saturday, Feb. 15. Lt. Gov. Joshua Green will serve as acting governor until Gov. Ige returns on Tuesday, Feb. 18. #DavidIge #HawaiiState #GovernorHawaii #Japan #Tourism #Transportation

Beach Goers & Ocean Users Advised to Exercise Caution During Salvage Operations To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/391348640 (Honolulu) – Salvage teams from Parker Marine will be working today and possibly tomorrow in another attempt to free sailing vessel Prelude from shallow waters off Kaimana Beach on O‘ahu’s south shore. The boat grounded on a reef, about 300 feet off-shore, on Sunday.  An earlier attempt to free it wasn’t successful due to strong winds, the water depth, and the position of the boat on the reef. The City and County of Honolulu’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation has issued a right-of-entry to the salvage company to access the boat from Kaimana Beach both Thursday and Friday. Mike Parker, the owner of the salvage company, said they hope to free the boat today but have Friday set aside as a backup. The company will be using an excavator to lift the boat out of the water once it’s moved close enough to shore. Anyone in the area, on the beach, or in the ocean is being cautioned to give the salvage operation wide berth. #PreludeBoat #KaimanaBeach #DLNR #ParkerMarine #HawaiiState

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs Oahu motorists of a right lane closure (eastbound direction) and lane shifts for the Farrington Highway Maipalaoa Bridge Replacement project in Maili. Work will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to install delineators and temporary striping that will allow HDOT to maintain three travel lanes (reduced from four lanes) during the replacement project. The closure and lane shift will also go into effect Tuesday. One eastbound (Honolulu bound) lane and two westbound lanes will be set up throughout the week, and to facilitate the afternoon commute. The middle lane will be contraflowed to provide two eastbound lanes for the morning commute, between the hours of 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. the following day, Monday through Friday. HDOT will monitor the contraflow and make any timing adjustments as needed. Motorists are advised to expect delays, use caution in the area and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of the workers. All roadwork is weather permitting. Follow HDOT on Twitter and Facebook for updates regarding this and other projects and lane closures. https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ You can also view a statewide list of roadwork and lane closures by visiting the following link at the HDOT website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/ Mahalo for your patience as we work to improve the condition and increase the safety of our bridges and roadways. More information here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/02/14/closure-and-lane-shift-on-farrington-highway-for-maipalaoa-bridge-replacement-to-begin-tues-feb-18/ #MaipalaoaBridge #FarringtonHighway #HDOT #Transportation #HawaiiState

HONOLULU – A new pest of avocado has been confirmed by Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) entomologists with the help of the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – Cooperative Extension Service (CTAHR-CES). The pest, avocado lace bug (Pseudacysta perseae), was first detected in Pearl City, O`ahu, in December 2019 and was subsequently identified on Hawai`i Island and from plants in retail outlets on Maui that were destroyed or treated. The avocado lace bug feeds on the leaves of avocado plants and extracts nutrients from foliage, causing gradual destruction of the leaves. The lace bug does not feed on the fruit itself but causes green to yellowish blotches on the leaves. Heavily damaged leaves become dry, may curl, drop prematurely and may cause reduction in fruit yields.  It is also known to feed on red bay and camphor on the U.S. Mainland. Adult lace bugs are about 2 millimeters long with black heads and mostly black bodies with a black stripe across the width of their lacy wings. (See photos) Immature avocado lace bugs can range in color from reddish to dark brown to black, depending on life stage. The eggs are black and look like specks of excrement and may be found in clusters on the undersides of the leaves. CTAHR-CES extension agents are currently working to determine effective treatment plans for various levels of infestations in Hawai`i. The avocado lace bug was described in Florida in the early 1900’s and has spread through the southeastern U.S. and into California. It is also found in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Portugal. It has not been determined how the lace bug was introduced in Hawai`i. Possible infestations should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at: hdoa.ppc@hawaii.gov Photos of the damage to avocado plants would also be helpful in identifying the cause. To view the Avocado Lace Bug flyer and field guide, go to: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/ppc/new-pest-advisories/ #Avocado #HDOA #AvocadoLaceBug #PestControl #Agriculture