PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. --- KAUMUALII HIGHWAY (ROUTE 50) --- 1) HANAPEPE (24-HOUR CLOSURE) The Hanapepe River Bridge on Kaumualii Highway (Route 50) between Puolo Road and Iona Road will be closed, and traffic will be shifted to the adjacent temporary bridge over a 24-hour period, 7 days a week. Speed limit is reduced to 25 mph. --- KUHIO HIGHWAY (ROUTES 56/560) --- 1) HANALEI Single lane closure on Kuhio Highway (Route 560) at mile marker 1 (the hill approaching Hanalei bridge), seven days a week starting Friday, Jan. 3. The single lane closure, with Hanalei-bound and Princeville-bound traffic alternating in the remaining open lane, will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. See details here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/23/single-lane-closure-on-kuhio-highway-at-hanalei-hill-for-slope-stabilization-begins-jan-3-2020/ 2) WAIKOKO TO WAINIHA (NIGHT WORK) Full closure of Kuhio Highway (Route 560) between Kumu Road and Waikoko Bridge, on Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9 from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., for bridge work. When night work happens, there is no vehicular access to Kuhio Highway past Kumu Road. See details here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/20/nightly-full-closures-of-kuhio-highway-for-bridge-work-scheduled-starting-jan-5/ --- KAPAA BYPASS ROAD (ROUTE 5600) --- 1) KAPAA Closure of single lane at a time on Temporary Kapaa Bypass Road (Route 5600) in both directions in the vicinity of the Kapaa Town Park Circle Rotary on Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for vegetation control and roadside maintenance. Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/HIDOT/bulletins/2746919 #Kauai #HIDOT #Transportation #RoadClosures #JadeButay #CommunityMessage #OneHawaii #Hawaii2020

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. --- HANA HIGHWAY (ROUTES 36/360) --- 1) WAILUA VALLEY (24-HOUR WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway (Route 360) in the northbound direction in the vicinity of the Wailua Valley State Wayside on Saturday, Jan. 4, through Friday, Jan. 10, over a 24-hour period, for soil nail installation. 2) HAIKU (24-HOUR WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway (Route 360) in the northbound direction in the vicinity of Papaaea Road on Saturday, Jan. 4, through Friday, Jan. 10, over a 24-hour period, for retaining wall work. 3) PAIA Shoulder closure on Hana Highway (Route 36) in the westbound direction between Alawai Road and Ulupua Place on Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 10, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for construction of bike path and bridge work. --- HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 30) --- 1) MAALAEA Lane shifts on Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) towards Haleakala in the southbound direction between Olo Place and Kuihelani Hwy on Monday, Jan. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and tree removal work. 2) LAHAINA Right lane closure on Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) in both directions between Lahainaluna Road and Aholo Road on Tuesday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscape maintenance. --- KAAHUMANU AVENUE --- 1) KAHULUI Lane closure on Kaahumanu Avenue in both directions, at different times, between Hana Highway and Naniloa Drive Overpass on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and tree removal work. --- PUUNENE AVENUE --- 1) KAHULUI Lane closure on Puunene Avenue in the northbound direction between Dairy Road and Kaahumanu Avenue on Friday, Jan. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and tree removal work. Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/HIDOT/bulletins/2746b65 #Maui #HIDOT #Transportation #RoadClosures #JadeButay #CommunityMessage #OneHawaii #Hawaii2020

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. --- H-1 FREEWAY --- 1) AIRPORT VIADUCT (NIGHT WORK) Nightly closures of up to three lanes of the H-1 Freeway in both directions between the Pearl Harbor Hickam Offramp and the Dillingham Boulevard/Middle Street Offramp (Exit 18B) for bridge inspections Tuesday, Jan. 7 through Friday, Jan. 10 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Onramps and Offramps within the closure area may be impacted. See https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/31/night-work-on-the-airport-viaduct-for-bridge-inspection-scheduled-jan-7-9/ 2) AIRPORT VIADUCT (HART WORK) Closure of the far-right lane of the eastbound H-1 Freeway between the vicinity of Elliott Street and Aolele Street from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Jan. 6 – 10. This work has been coordinated with our nightly closure for bridge inspections (see No. 1 above). 3) AIRPORT (HART WORK) Closure of the Aolele Street/Paiea Street Offramp from the eastbound H-1 Freeway from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Jan. 6 – 10. 4) KAPOLEI (NIGHT WORK) Nightly full closure of eastbound H-1 Freeway between the Campbell Industrial Park/Barbers Point Harbor Offramp (Exit 1A) and the Wakea Street Onramp Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for the Kapolei Interchange Project. Details at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/01/03/nightly-closures-of-the-h-1-freeway-at-the-kapolei-interchange-monday-jan-6-through-friday-jan-10/ --- H-2 FREEWAY --- 1) WAHIAWA Right lane closure on southbound H-2 Freeway between Wilikina Drive and the Leileihua Golf Course Monday, Jan. 6 to Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for installation of an impact attenuator to guardrail. 2) WAIPIO Right lane closure on southbound H-2 Freeway in the vicinity of Lumipolu Street in Waikele to the H-1/H-2 Merge Monday, Jan. 6 to Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for installation of an impact attenuator to guardrail. Lane on offramp to the H-1 may be shifted. --- H-3 FREEWAY --- 1) HALAWA TO KANEOHE Moving shoulder closure in both directions on the H-3 Freeway between the Kahuapaani Street Underpass and the end of the H-3 Freeway in Kaneohe on Monday, Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for street sweeping and debris removal. 2) HALAWA Right lane closed in the Halawa-bound direction on the H-3 Freeway from the Harano Tunnels to the Kahuapaani Street Underpass in Halawa Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. for maintenance. --- H-201 MOANALUA FREEWAY --- 1) AIEA (NIGHT WORK) Two left lanes closed on eastbound H-201 Moanalua Freeway between the Aiea Access Road Onramp and the offramp to H-3 from 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 to 3 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10 for permit work. 2) FORT SHAFTER (24 HOURS) The left storage lane on the H-201 Moanalua Freeway leading to the Fort Shafter Exit has been shortened in preparation for drainage/pothole repairs. 3) MOANALUA TO MIDDLE STREET Right lane and shoulder closures in both directions of the H-201 Moanalua Freeway between the Kikowaena Street Overpass (ramp from Kaua Street to Kikowaena Street) and the Middle Street Overpass from Monday, Jan. 7 to Friday, Jan. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lighting improvements. 4) MOANALUA TO MIDDLE STREET (NIGHT WORK) Right lane and shoulder closure on eastbound H-201 Moanalua Freeway between the Kikowaena Street Overpass (ramp from Kaua Street to Kikowaena Street) and the Middle Street Overpass from Monday, Jan. 7 to Friday, Jan. 10, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. for lighting improvements. --- FARRINGTON HIGHWAY (ROUTE 93) --- 1) MAILI Right lane closure on Farrington Highway in the Honolulu-bound direction near the intersection with Maipalaoa Road from Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for bridge work. 2) MAKAHA Shoulder closure on Farrington Highway in both directions between Kili Drive and Kaena Point/Satellite Tracking Station Road from Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for shoulder work and landscaping. --- FARRINGTON HIGHWAY (ROUTE 7101) --- 1) WAIPAHU TO PEARL CITY (HART JURISDICTION) Farrington Highway (Route 7101) between Kahi Mohala and Waipahu High School is City Maintained State Highway. Right lane closures on Farrington Highway (Route 7101) between Acacia Road and Waiawa Road from Monday, Jan. 5 to Friday, Jan. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for rail work. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. --- KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 83) --- 1) HAUULA Single lane closure in the southbound direction of Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) between Hulahula Place and Sacred Falls on Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for HECO work. 2) HAUULA Single lane closure in the southbound direction of Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) between the connections to Kaipapau Loop on Monday, Jan. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for HECO work. 3) KAWELA BAY Single lane closure with alternating traffic control on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) between Honokawela Drive and Marconi Road Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for bridge work. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic. --- KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 99) --- 1) WAHIAWA Single lane closure in the southbound direction of Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) for approximately one mile from Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for HECO work. 2) WAIPIO Shoulder closure on the northbound side of Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) between Kipapa Gulch and Lanikuhana Avenue Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for maintenance. 3) HALAWA TO PEARL CITY (HART JURISDICTION) Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) between Aloha Stadium and the vicinity of Sam’s Club by Acacia Road is City Maintained State Highway. Full closure of the eastbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway between Waihona Street and Kuala Street Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Eastbound motorists will be detoured via Kuala Street. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 4) HALAWA TO JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM (HART JURISDICTION) Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) between Aloha Stadium and Center Drive is City Maintained State Highway. Single lane closures in both directions between Salt Lake Boulevard and Ford Island Boulevard Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Lanes closed on Kamehameha Highway eastbound between Center Drive and the onramp to H-1/Nimitz Highway Sunday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 9 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Onramp will be closed. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. --- KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 7401) --- 1) HONOLULU Left lane closed in both directions on Kamehameha Highway between Middle Street and Puuhale Street Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for rail work. --- LIKELIKE HIGHWAY/KALIHI STREET (ROUTE 63) --- 1) KALIHI (NIGHT WORK) Moving closure of both lanes on Kalihi Street in the northbound direction between Dillingham Boulevard and North School Street on Monday, Jan. 6 to Thursday, Jan. 9 from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for permanent striping. --- NIMITZ HIGHWAY (ROUTE 92) --- 1) AIRPORT (HART WORK) Right lane closed on eastbound Nimitz Highway (Route 92) between Elliot Street and Aolele Street starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 and ending at 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6 for rail work. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 2) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Right lane closed on eastbound Nimitz Highway (Route 92) in the vicinity of Valkenburgh Street starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 and ending at 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6 for rail work. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 3) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Lanes closed on eastbound Nimitz Highway (Route 92) from the vicinity of the Kamehameha Highway Onramp to the H-1 Viaduct Onramp starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 and ending at 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6 for rail work. Closure includes the mauka frontage ramp between Sand Island Access Road and Lagoon Drive. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. 4) HONOLULU (HART JURISDICTION) Nimitz Highway (Route 92) between Richards Street and Awa Street is City Maintained State Highway. Lanes closed in both directions between River Street and Richards Street from Sunday, Jan. 5 to Saturday, Jan. 11. See HART website (https://www.honolulutransit.org/inform/traffic) for additional information or call the rail hotline (808) 566-2299. --- PALI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 61) --- 1) NUUANU (DAY + NIGHT WORK) Single lane closure on Pali Highway (Route 61) in the Kailua-bound direction between Vineyard Boulevard and Coelho Way Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 for median and electrical work. Day work to take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Night work to take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 2) NUUANU (DAY + NIGHT WORK) Single lane closure on Pali Highway (Route 61) in the Honolulu-bound direction between Coelho Way and Vineyard Boulevard Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 for median and electrical work. Day work to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night work to take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 3) NUUANU – CITY’S DOWSETT HIGHLANDS SEWER PROJECT Closure of two lanes of Pali Highway (Route 61) in the Honolulu-bound direction between Wylie Street and Dowsett Avenue on Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for the Dowsett Highlands Sewer Relief project. Detours will be in place for side streets such as Dowsett Avenue, Ahi Place, and Country Club Road. See http://palisewer.org/schedule-updates/ for details. 4) NUUANU – CITY’S DOWSETT HIGHLANDS SEWER PROJECT Closure of two lanes of Pali Highway (Route 61) in the Kailua-bound direction between Wylie Street and Dowsett Avenue on Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the Dowsett Highlands Sewer Relief project. Detours will be in place for side streets such as Dowsett Avenue, Ahi Place, and Country Club Road. See http://palisewer.org/schedule-updates/ for details. 5) NUUANU TO MAUNAWILI (DAY + NIGHT WORK) Single lane closure on Pali Highway (Route 61) in the Kailua-bound direction between Vineyard Boulevard and Kamehameha Highway Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 for median, electrical, rock shed, and striping work. Day work to take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Night work to take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 6) MAUNAWILI TO NUUANU (DAY + NIGHT WORK) Single lane closure on Pali Highway (Route 61) in the Honolulu-bound direction between Vineyard Boulevard and Kamehameha Highway Monday, Jan. 6 to Friday, Jan. 10 for median, electrical, rock shed, and striping work. Day work to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night work to take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Source: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/HIDOT/bulletins/2746dc9 #HIDOT #Transportation #RoadClosures #JadeButay #CommunityMessage #OneHawaii #Hawaii2020

First Day Hikes, in all 50 states started nine years ago as one way to encourage people to get out into nature by enjoying the enormous variety of state parks. Hawai‘i’s version of the First Day Hike, held on New Year’s Day, is unique for a number of reasons. It’s among the best attended, with as many as 700 people making the one-mile hike to the Makapu‘u overlook at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on O‘ahu’s east side. “This is likely the only hike in a state park that includes performances recognizing three different cultures,” explained DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell. Hawaiian culture is marked right at sunrise with the blowing of a pu (conch shell), this year, by Lahela Hekekia. Then Halau Mele, led by Kumu Sam Gon greeted the crowd with an oli. As in the past, the Asian culture, was represented by the young drummers of the Taiko Center of the Pacific. And finally, the European culture was represented by four bagpipers.  All three performances were warmly received by the hikers, some who make the trek an annual affair and many others who made the hike for the first time. While the hike to the overview is short, paved, and relatively easy, the First Day Hike does expose people to the beauty of Hawai‘i, the benefits of an active lifestyle, and the preciousness of our state’s natural and cultural resources. Cottrell feels it’s become so popular not only for the spectacular views and heart-stopping performances, but also because while much of the rest of the country is in “shiver-mode,” at sunrise today the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees.  He’s already thinking about 2021, the 10th anniversary of the First Day Hike program. In addition to the multi-cultural flavor of the hike, he’d like to do something special and even more unusual next New Year’s Day. Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/01/02/nr20-001/ #DLNR #HawaiiState #FirstDayHike #OneHawaii #TaikoPacific #CurtCottrell #Makapuu

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, coordinated with the test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 11:45 a.m. During this monthly test, all Statewide Outdoor Warning Sirens will sound a one-minute Attention Alert Signal (Steady Tone). A simultaneous test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System is conducted with the monthly siren sounding, in cooperation with Hawai'i’s broadcast industry. There will be no exercise or drill accompanying the test. The all-hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of Hawai'i’s Statewide Alert & Warning System used to notify the public during emergencies. If you hear this siren tone in circumstances other than a test, follow emergency information and instructions provided by official government channels. This may be in the form of a local radio, television station broadcast, and/or cellular Wireless Emergency Alert. Wireless Emergency Alert delivers sound-and-text warnings to compatible mobile cellular phones. The Emergency Alert System & Wireless Emergency Alert’s notifications are managed by FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure. Oahu residents in areas surrounding Campbell Industrial Park may also hear a “whooping” tone following the siren test. These areas include portions of Kalaeloa, Makakilo, Nanakuli, Kapolei, and Ewa Beach. The “whooping” tone is a test of the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) siren warning group that will be activated in the event of an actual HAZMAT incident requiring emergency notification of businesses, schools and residents within the vicinity of Campbell Industrial Park. Contact the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management at (808) 723-8960 for more information on the HAZMAT warning group siren test. Emergency management and disaster preparedness information is located at the front section of telephone directories in all counties. The public may contact emergency management and county civil defense agencies to report siren operation issues: City and County of Honolulu (808) 723-8960 Maui County (808) 270-7285 Kaua'i County (808) 241-1800 Hawai'i County (808) 935-0031 #SirenTest #EmergencyAlertSystem #HIEMA #HawaiiState #MonthlyAlertSystem #FEMA

(Honolulu) – A recent land acquisition by federal, state and private-sector partners has ensured the protection of an entire watershed and nearly the entire ahupua‘a, from the Koʻolau summit to Waimea Bay. This native forest provides habitat for native plants and animals, many of them rare and endangered. The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and The Trust for Public Land (TPL) have completed the purchase of 3,716 acres – the upper Waimea watershed – from Dole Food Company. With lower Waimea Valley protected in 2006, and Waimea Beach Park at the makai or shoreline boundary, this acquisition completes decades of efforts to protect Waimea from the summit to the sea. DOFAW intends to add property to the Forest Reserve System, specifically as the Waimea Section of the Pūpūkea-Paumalu Forest Reserve. DOFAW will develop a management plan that will include public access for recreation while also improving the watershed and native species habitat for viability into the future. The protection and management of the Waimea Native Forest will provide substantial community benefits. The majority of O‘ahu’s North Shore is privately owned. Purchasing, protecting, and opening this forest area will increase opportunities for public access for hunting, hiking, cultural activities, and environmental education. In addition, DOFAW is planning to improve habitat for native species by controlling invasive species. Effective management of invasives will help recharge North Shore aquifers fed by Kamananui and ʻElehaha streams, securing clean drinking water for generations to come. This watershed feeds directly into Waimea Falls, Waimea Valley, and ultimately Waimea Bay, which is part of the Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary and the Pūpukea-Waimea Marine Life Conservation District. DOFAW’s management of the upper ahupuaʻa will help reduce erosion and soil runoff into the bay, which will, in turn improve an important calving area for humpback whales in and around the bay and resting habitat for spinner dolphins that frequent the area. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case commented, “The State’s Legacy Land Program is an important and vital method of preserving some of Hawai‘i’s most treasured mountain lands and coastlines in perpetuity. The program, with tremendous support from the Hawai‘i State Legislature, has helped fund 35 acquisitions since 2006, with a total Legacy Land contribution of $33.1 million. The Waimea Native Forest acquisition is the most acreage conserved in a single transaction involving the program’s financial support.” Permanently protecting this property will also preserve existing quality habitat for the elusive, endangered ʻŌpeʻapeʻa, or Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the official state land mammal. While management and reforestation efforts will create more feeding and roosting opportunities for bats, along with improved habitat for endangered birds, snails, insects and plants known to live on or near the property. “Kawailoa Wind is glad to partner with the Trust for Public Land and the State of Hawai‘i on another conservation partnership designed to protect important habitat for native species including the Hawaiian hoary bat,” said Bryan Martin, CEO & Founder of D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, owner and operator of Kawailoa Wind, LLC. “We continue to be committed to furthering Hawaii’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and are pleased our work is contributing toward habitat conservation, research, and protection.” “This is an incredible step forward in our ability to protect the whole community of species that rely on safe and healthy watershed habitats,” said Katherine Mullett, Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “The Waimea Forest project fits perfectly into the Acres for America program, which Walmart and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) launched to conserve our nation’s diverse landscapes and increase public access to nature,” said Jeff Trandahl, CEO and Executive Director of NFWF. “This landscape-scale project will not only protect 3,700 acres of important wildlife habitat. Enhancing habitat on those acres will help protect the entire North Shore ecosystem, from the top of the ridges to the waters of Waimea Bay.” “The Trust for Public Land would like to thank Chairman David Murdock of Dole Food Company, his Hawaiʻi team Dan Nellis and Harry Saunders, and Dole’s CBRE broker Andy Albano for their patience and commitment to Hawai’i’s natural resources in working through the many challenges in this and other agricultural and conservation transactions Dole has participated in. This culminated in the protection of the Waimea Native Forest watershed vital to the health of the North Shore and Waimea Bay. To date, Dole has worked with TPL and the State to conserve nearly 7,000 acres on O’ahu, the State’s most populated island,” said TPL’s State Director, Lea Hong. The Trust for Public Land negotiated the purchase, partnering with DOFAW to raise the $3,716,000 needed to purchase the property through an incredible partnership, including contributions by federal, state and private partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat Recovery Land Acquisition ($2,070,875)The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through Walmart’s Acres for America Program ($600,000)State of Hawai‘i Legacy Land Conservation Program ($416,125)Kawailoa Wind, LLC ($354,000)Sidney E. Frank Foundation ($275,000) # # # RESOURCES (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) HD video –  aerials of Waimea Native Forest: https://vimeo.com/381669146 Photographs – aerials of Waimea Native Forest and Map: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rs0dw6nkhtvj78w/AACFIKW6va-wi-78G-l30f_ea?dl=0 #Waimea #DLNR #HawaiiState #WaimeaNativeForest #Conservation #SuzanneCase

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Donovan M. Dela Cruz and House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke announced that qualified nonprofit and other organizations can now apply for State Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for the 2020 Legislative Session. The deadline to submit grant applications is 4:30 p.m. January 17, 2020. Last year, the Legislature awarded nearly $30 million in grants to non-profit organizations across the state for various public purposes recognized as priorities and seen as complimentary to state government functions, including health, educational, workforce development, social services and cultural and historical activities. Information on the GIA process and the application is available on the Legislature’s website and may be found here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/GIA/GIA.aspx #GIA #GrantInAid #HawaiiState #Senate #House #WaysAndMeans #Finance

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued Notices and Findings of Violation and Orders (NOVOs) against six companies. All those responsible have or had the option to request a hearing to contest their alleged violations and penalties. Edwin DeLuz Trucking & Gravel, LLC in Waimea on Hawai’i Island was cited for operational, maintenance of equipment and late submittal of reports. The violations were discovered from an inspection and review of their records. The company was fined $6,300 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Hawai‘i Electric Light Company, Inc. in Kailua-Kona on Hawai’i Island was cited for exceeding their visible emission limit on the Keahole combustion turbine generator, CT-4. The violation was determined from a review of their records. The company was fined $11,200 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, Kapaia Power Station on Kaua‘i was cited for nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide exceedances. The violations were self-reported, and the company was fined $22,800. The company is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Lanai Resorts, LLC, dba Pūlama Lāna‘i in Lanai City, Lānaʻi was cited for not conducting their annual source performance tests on its asphalt concrete batch plant and diesel engine generator. The violations were determined from an inspection and record reviews. The company has paid a fine of $31,300. Maui Electric Company, Ltd. in Kahului on Maui was cited for exceeding the visible emission limits on their combustion turbine generator, units M14 and M17, diesel engine generator unit M14 at the Maalaea generating station. The violations were determined during a routine review of their records. The company was fined $19,900 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. Water Resources International, Inc., in Honolulu on O‘ahu was cited for late submittal of annual fees and semi-annual reports. The violations were discovered during a review of their records. The company was fined $7,200 and is currently negotiating a settlement with the DOH. The Notices and Findings of Violation and Orders are posted at: http://health.hawaii.gov/cab/clean-air-branch/notice-and-finding-of-violation-downloads-pdf/ In general, fines are assessed to remove any economic benefit a company may have gained by not complying with their permit requirements. All fines are paid into a revolving fund that helps prevent or minimize damage to the environment. The Clean Air Branch (CAB) protects the people and environment of Hawai‘i by monitoring air quality and regulating businesses that release pollutants into the air. The CAB reviews and approves air permits, evaluates and enforces state and federal air standards, conducts inspections, and investigates reported incidents related to outdoor air quality. Through the air permit process, the DOH ensures companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public. PDF: DOH’s Clean Air Branch cites six companies for air permit violations Source: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/hawaii-department-of-healths-clean-air-branch-cites-six-companies-for-air-permit-violations/ #HawaiiDepartmentOfHealth #CleanAir #PermitViolations #HawaiiState

(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed a portion of Public Hunting Unit H in the Pu‘u ka Pele Forest Reserve on the west side of Kauaʻ i until further notice. The closed portion of the hunting unit is bounded by Makaha Ridge Rd., Kokee Rd., Nualolo Trail and the coastline. Please note that Miloliʻ i Road and Nuʻ alolo trail within this area are both closed.  This is due to continuing search and recovery efforts associated with a helicopter crash in the Koke‘e area. DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers will be stationed at entry points to inform hunters and others. Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/27/nr19-213/ #HawaiiState #DLNR #Kauai #DOCARE #Wildlife #Forestry

National Park Service Has Lifted Division Status as a “High Risk” Recipient Of Federal Funds (Kapolei) – The Hawai‘i State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) has been formally re-evaluated by the National Park Service (NPS) and moved from high-risk to a medium-risk recipient of federal funds due to improvements in SHPD’s systems and processes. NPS, which administers federal funds to SHPD, designated SHPD a high-risk recipient in 2009 Under that designation, NPS exercised a very high level of oversight of SHPD’s operations and performance. SHPD’s federal funds were required to be reviewed by the State’s auditing firm each year from 2009-2017. SHPD Director Dr. Alan Downer explained, “Under the high-risk designation the Park Service imposed two “Corrective Action Plans” on the division. One of these plans included 43 required improvements to SHPD systems and processes. We have systematically chipped away at this list and are certainly pleased with this recognition of progress.” SHPD’s substantial progress on the required corrective actions and the reduction of risk status removes the possibility that SHPD will be decertified as a State Historic Preservation Office, which are certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. It eliminates the risk that SHPD will lose federal funding made available by Congress to support these offices. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “The risk improvement is due to the tireless work of SHPD leadership and staff. We acknowledge we still have a significant backlog at SHPD, which we are working to reduce through staffing increases, rules updates, and procedural improvements to become more efficient and more responsive.” The last outstanding requirement under the Corrective Action Plan is a digital data management system. “Thanks to appropriations supported by the Governor and the State Legislature, the division has made substantial progress on developing an integrated digital data management system,” Downer said. “The new Hawai‘i Cultural Resource Information System (HICRIS) is expected to be up and running by next summer for testing, evaluation, and validation. We expect to have a fully operational system by Spring of 2021.” The HICRIS will integrate SHPD’s various data bases, records and geographic information into a single platform, making it much easier, less time-consuming, and less labor intensive to do data searches. The system will automate many processes involving handling of documents, freeing up staff to concentrate on higher value activities. Case added: “This archaeology and historic preservation work is so important and so interesting, so to folks interested in a career in it, come check SHPD out.” Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/12/24/nr19-210/ #DLNR #HawaiiState #NationalParkService #NPS #StateHistoricPreservationDivision

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Josh Green recaps the medical mission to Samoa to address its deadly measles outbreak. FILE -- In this photo taken Wednesday, May 15, 2019, a dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is displayed. ELAINE THOMPSON/AP Listen here: http://bit.ly/38I26gy (Hawai'i Public Radio) #Samoa #MeaslesOutbreak #Hawaii #DepartmentOfHealth #JoshGreen #HawaiiPublicRadio #HPR #HawaiiState

HONOLULU – Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.33 billion in November 2019, an increase of 3.4 percent compared to November 2018, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). Visitor spending includes lodging, interisland airfare, shopping, food, car rental and other expenses while in Hawaii. Tourism dollars from the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) helped to fund a number of community events statewide during November, including the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Kauai Old Time Gathering, and the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Tourism dollars also helped to fund a series of symposiums statewide in partnership with Hoola Na Pua, aimed at educating Hawaii’s visitor industry about how to recognize and report sex trafficking. In November, visitor spending rose from U.S. West (+5.3% to $563.7 million), U.S. East (+4.9% to $305.0 million) and Japan (+5.7% to $181.2 million) but declined from Canada (-2.6% to $98.6 million) and All Other International Markets (-4.6% to $173.4 million) compared to a year ago. On a statewide level, average daily visitor spending increased (+3.3% to $197 per person) compared to November 2018. Daily spending by visitors from Japan (+3.1% to $253 per person), U.S. East (+2.0% to $222 per person), U.S. West (+2.9% to $178 per person), Canada (+4.3% to $165 per person) and All Other International Markets (+7.2% to $214) were higher than last year. Total visitor arrivals rose 4.2 percent to 811,382 visitors in November, supported by growth in arrivals from air service (+3.7% to 794,841) and arrivals by cruise ships (+39.6% to 16,541). However, a shorter average length of stay (-4.0% to 8.31 days) by visitor from most markets resulted in no growth in total visitor days1 (+0.1%). The average daily census2, or the number of visitors on any given day in November 2019 was 224,758 (+0.1%). Visitor arrivals by air service increased in November from U.S. West (+4.7% to 376,997), U.S. East (+4.5% to 148,717), Japan (+3.4% to 126,961) and All Other International Markets (+4.4% to 91,457) but declined from Canada (-5.9% to 50,709) compared to November 2018. Among the four larger islands, Oahu recorded increased visitor spending (+3.4% to $628.8 million) in November, boosted by growth in visitor arrivals (+4.6% to 470,404) and higher daily spending (+4.6%). Maui saw increases in visitor spending (+4.5% to $381.0 million), daily spending (+5.5%) and visitor arrivals (+3.0% to 233,631), as did the island of Hawaii with growth in visitor spending (+6.9% to $162.1 million), visitor arrivals (+7.8% to 132,814) and daily spending (+1.3%). Kauai recorded a decline in visitor spending (-3.7% to $137.6 million) due to lower daily spending (-2.1%) while visitor arrivals (+0.1% to 104,517) were comparable to a year ago. A total of 1,073,083 trans-Pacific air seats serviced the Hawaiian Islands in November, an increase of 3.6 percent from November 2018. Growth in air seats from U.S. East (+9.3%), U.S. West (+8.2%) and Other Asia (+5.6%) offset decreases from Oceania (-14.3%), Canada (-12.3%) and Japan (-4.1%). Year-to-Date 2019 Year-to-date through November, total visitor spending of $16.0 billion (+0.5%) was up slightly from a year ago. Visitor spending increased from U.S. West (+5.3% to $6.28 billion), U.S. East (+2.5% to $4.21 billion) and Japan (+0.9% to $1.98 billion), but declined from Canada (-2.8% to $945.5 million) and All Other International Markets (-11.8% to $2.54 billion). Year-to-date statewide average daily spending by visitors decreased to $195 per person (-2.2%). Visitors from U.S. East (+1.4% to $213) and Canada (+0.3% to $167) spent more per day, while visitors from Japan (-1.3% to $238), U.S. West (-0.8% to $174) and All Other International Markets (-9.7% to $217) spent less. Year-to-date, total visitor arrivals increased (+5.4% to 9,470,706) versus last year, with growth in arrivals by air service (+5.2% to 9,339,191) and cruise ships (+18.8% to 131,515). Visitor arrivals by air grew from U.S. West (+9.8% to 4,194,891), U.S. East (+3.7% to 2,049,703) and Japan (+3.4% to 1,408,808), offsetting fewer visitors from Canada (-1.7% to 470,914) and All Other International Markets (-2.0% to 1,214,874). Total visitor days rose 2.7 percent compared to the first 11 months of 2018. Oahu recorded year-to-date increases in visitor spending (+2.4% to $7.42 billion) and visitor arrivals (+5.5% to 5,634,042), but daily spending declined (-1.9%) compared to the first 11 months of 2018. Visitor spending on Maui also increased (+1.1% to $4.61 billion) as growth in visitor arrivals (+5.1% to 2,795,637) offset lower daily spending (-1.6%). The island of Hawaii reported declines in visitor spending (-2.8% to $2.06 billion) and daily spending (-3.5%), but visitor arrivals increased (+3.2% to 1,600,091). Kauai saw decreases in visitor spending (-5.8% to $1.73 billion), daily spending (-2.9%) and visitor arrivals (-1.5% to 1,250,458). Other Highlights: U.S. West: In November, visitor arrivals from the Mountain region increased 7.5 percent year-over-year, with growth in visitors from Nevada (+12.6%), Colorado (+7.9%), Utah (+6.3%) and Arizona (+5.9%). Arrivals from the Pacific region rose 5.1 percent with more visitors from California (+7.9%) and Oregon (+3.3%) offsetting fewer visitors from Washington (-2.9%). Year-to-date through November, visitor arrivals rose from the Mountain (+10.6%) and Pacific (+10.4%) regions compared to the same period last year. Daily visitor spending dropped slightly to $174 per person (-0.8%) as a result of decreases in transportation, food and beverage, and entertainment and recreation, while spending on lodging and shopping was similar to last year. U.S. East: In November, visitor arrivals increased from the New England (+11.8%), Mid Atlantic (+8.6%), East North Central (+7.6%), West North Central (+6.5%), West South Central (+4.8%) and South Atlantic (+4.8%) regions, but declined from the East South Central (-1.9%) region compared to a year ago. Year-to-date through November, visitor arrivals increased from every region. Daily visitor spending rose to $213 per person (+1.4%). Lodging and food and beverage expenses increased, while transportation expenses declined compared to last year. Japan: In November, more visitors went to multiple islands (+17.1%) year-over-year, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth in multiple-island visitation compared to the same time last year. Year-to-date through November, stays in timeshares (+14.7%), with friends and relatives (+5.5%), in hotels (+3.0%) and in condominiums (+1.0%) increased compared to a year ago. Average daily visitor spending decreased to $238 per person (-1.3%), primarily due to lower lodging and shopping expenses. Canada: In November, fewer visitors went to multiple islands (-4.4%) compared to a year ago. Fewer visitors purchased package trips (-3.6%) or made their own travel arrangements (-6.5%). Year-to-date through November, fewer visitors stayed in condominiums (-6.7%), timeshares (-2.7%) and hotels (-2.2%), while more visitors stayed with friends and relatives (+8.8%) compared to a year ago. Daily visitor spending of $167 per person (+0.3%) was up slightly from last year. Spending on food and beverage increased, but lodging and shopping expenses declined. -- [1] Aggregate number of days stayed by all visitors. [2] Average daily census is the average number of visitors present on a single day. View Full Release About the Hawaii Tourism Authority The Hawaii Tourism Authority is the State of Hawaii agency responsible for strategically managing its support of the tourism industry. Established in 1998 to support Hawaii’s leading industry and largest employer, HTA continually strives to help ensure tourism’s sustainability and the benefits it brings to residents and communities statewide. For more information about HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org. Follow updates about HTA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@HawaiiHTA) and its YouTube Channel. #Hawaii #HawaiiTourism #VisitorReport #HawaiiState #HTA #HawaiiTourismAuthority